Thursday, November 19, 2015

TWO MEN AND A MEMOIR....

Hi, All,

Today gives me GREAT pleasure to FEATURE, my BLOGGER pal,  MARK Koopmans and his newly published memoir, REVIVAL- The Donald Braswell Story

Mark is here today to talk about a very important subject...something all authors need as much as their computers... 




Take it away, Mark~~~~~

Aloha,

Today is one of my favorite stops on the REVIVAL – The Donald Braswell story Tour because I can publicly say “thank you” to Michael, who helped fix a long-standing issue with REVIVAL.

Michael, thanks also for having me here today—and I very much appreciate all your advice and help when I needed a Critique Partner.

And, that’s today’s topic: The importance of a great CP.

When I put out the call for assistance, I’d just finished what felt like the 1,583rd draft, but something was still “missing.”

Several people were kind enough to read and crit the sample chapters, but Michael rolled up his sleeves and asked for the full ms.

Several weeks went by, and then Michael sent an email that literally changed the direction of the book, which was at the time written third person, past tense.

“Change it to first person, present tense,” Michael said. “Makes it much more personal and allows readers to follow Donald through each struggle and success.”

To emphasize his point, Michael spent even more time and sent me his suggested changes. As the emails came in, it was obvious he’d figured what the missing something was, and REVIVAL began to flow the way I’d always hoped.

Though I now had the daunting task of essentially rewriting the entire ms, I knew the Point of View change was exactly what the Di Gesu ordered!

My point is great CPs are few and far between. When you find one, hold on tight, listen to the constructive criticism and, at the very least, consider acting on the offered suggestions.
###
Thanks again, Michael, for today, and the many, many days prior to this one.


Tomorrow, it’s Annalisa Crawford, who wants to know how and where in time do you start a memoir?

Mark, it was my GREAT pleasure to host you today and especially to help you on your amazing memoir! And, I couldn't agree more about how VALUABLE a good CP is... I am honored and humbled by your gratitude. Sometimes it just takes an extra set of keen eyes to figure out what is missing. We've all BEEN there... Banging our heads against our desks trying to figure out what's missing... I adore my CP's and would be completely lost without them.

Here is more about REVIVAL...and THE TOUR...


Five years removed from his 1990 Juilliard graduation, Donald Braswell is set to be “the next Pavarotti.” Braswell’s successful career ends, however, not with a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall, but alone, lying in a dirty ditch.


Following the hit-and-run accident that steals his voice and future, the “Texas Tenor” struggles with depression and despairuntil the night his daughter, Aria, is born. Understanding this new and immediate life change, Braswell fights to relearn how to speak, singand share this gift of second chances with others.
Working as a plasterer, a car salesman, and many jobs in-between, it takes thirteen yearsand a musical miraclefor Braswell to battle back and sing on a professional stage. His dreams and ambitions collide with a tired and angry crowd when he auditions for America’s Got Talent. For his family, his faith and his entire future, can the Rocky Balboa of the operatic world find the courage and strength to win just one more fight?
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CLICK HERE TO READ A FREE CHAPTER. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 
PURCHASE LINKS: (Paperbacks)
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Tour Information

Mark's Tour Page

Mark's Newsletter

Twitter

Mark is also hosting a giveaway! So please Jump on board, now!


  • ●  GRAND PRIZE (2 winners): Donald Braswell to sing (Happy Birthday/Anniversary) via Skype or phone call. (A unique gift idea!)
  • ●  1ST PLACE PRIZE: Signed Donald Braswell CD/REVIVAL book combo
  • ●  2nd, 3rd and 4th PLACE PRIZES: Signed copies of REVIVAL (by Donald and Mark)
  • ●  5th, 6th and 7th PLACE PRIZES: Signed copies of Donald Braswell CDs
  • ●  8th, 9th, and 10th PLACE PRIZES: Signed Donald Braswell 8x10 picture 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANKS for stopping by today, Mark! ALL the best with you MEMOIR and TOUR

40 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You suggested the change of course the story needed to come to life, Michael. Well done!
Critique partners are very important. I've had one with me since the beginning and I even bounce outlines off him. Makes all the difference in the world.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael and Mark - now we know why it was so important you got Donald's voice right ... congratulations - also so good for us to read about and take in ... as Alex confirms ...

Cheers Hilary

Mark Koopmans said...

@Michael: I've said it above, so here's a virtual hug and I hope you're well:)

Mark Koopmans said...

I couldn't agree more. I've very grateful to Michael - and very lucky he had the time :)

Mark Koopmans said...

Oh, the story would have been told - but not in the "right" POV. Thanks for dropping by, Hilary:)

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you Michael. I loved Revival, and you are so right. First person is MUCH more powerful and immediate.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

A good CP is very important. I think I've finally got one.

Carol Riggs said...

I need to read this! Sounds like a fascinating story, and I've seen it on other blogs too. Congrats, Mark! And CPs are definitely crucial; how great that Michael was able to pinpoint the key thing that needed to change!

Mark Koopmans said...

You took the words out of my mouth :)

Mark Koopmans said...

If that's the case, congrats :)

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks for the kind words, Carol. Donald's story, and his journey, really are so inspiring:)

S.P. Bowers said...

CPs are the best! I don't know how anyone would survive this process without them.

Mark Koopmans said...

Amen - and preach it Sister Sara!!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Mark!

Sorry I've been a bit scarce,.... I moved on Monday and have been scrambling like crazy trying to put the loft together, I just put a dent in it ... On top of that I left for Florida and have been on the road for two days... Just got here. I will be bopping around the blogosphere within the next few days visiting,,,, that will bring more blogger pals to visit me and read your post. You know how life can be!

Wish you all the best, buddy! I am just thrilled that I could help lead you to there right path and you RAN with it and created your masterpiece!

Jo said...

Not being a writer, I have never realized what a difference a CP can make. I can see that Michael would be good as he seems to be able to grasp the essential qualities of people's books all the time. I am glad he was able to help you Mork. Extra thanks on behalf of a good friend Michael.

Robin said...

A good CP can make all the difference. Great job, fellas, on working so well together to bring this story to life!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

The RIGHT cp ,makes all the difference, Michael. And bravo to you for being that person. Mark, I wish you the highest sales! :-)

Unknown said...

It's great that Michael could help so much! Yes, changing POV and tense is daunting, but I know writers who changed back and forth several times to try to improve their work. You have to do what's necessary and hope for the best. Congrats on releasing it! I wish you loads of success!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

One little change can make all the difference.

Ella said...

I am so happy Michael helped you make the voice even more authentic! Mark, I am so happy you had a CP-who helped you figure out the best way to bring your talent and Donald's to the forefront~ Thanks, for sharing Michael's ability and Donald's voice!! I can't wait to read it!

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks, Ella :) And, trust me, I'm happy, too, that Michael stepped forward to be my CP on this project.

Mark Koopmans said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Finding a CP who will completely honest can be challenging. Everyone wants to be kind. The secret is being honest while still kind and I'm sure Michael is that kind of person. Kudos for doing so many rewrites until you got it right, Mark.

Denise Covey said...

What a lovely post for Mark, Michael. It's great that you've been able to help Mark as well!

Yolanda Renée said...

Michael is a writers secret angel! Always ready, willing, a no matter what's going on in his own life, so helpful! He's amazing, you're amazing Michael! A good CP is key to success!

Stephanie Faris said...

Critique partners can be crucial...they can make the difference between getting published someday and not. It's so hard to find a good one, too!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congrats to Mark!!! I've been seeing Revival all over the place!!!

Hi, Michael. Hope all is well.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

So fabulous that Michael was such an amazing CP for you, Mark. But honestly, it doesn't surprise me. Michael is a wonderful supporter and his encouraging enthusiasm is infectious. I, too, am forever indebted to my CPs. They are amazing people. All the best to you now and always...

Nick Wilford said...

Congrats to Mark and Donald! Sounds like you were a fantastic help, Michael. I love my CPs - they've made so many great suggestions. Sometimes, what was probably meant as an offhand comment from them has changed everything.

Cherdo said...

Great post and congrats to Mark and Donald.

Happy Thanksgiving, by the way! Be safe and blessed, my friend.

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks Cherdo, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too :)

Mark Koopmans said...

Absolutely Nick! It was as if, and I paraphrase:) I was (Writerly) blocked and now I could see:)

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks SA. Appreciate the very kind words and I was so lucky that Michael had the time - and you're right, he definitely has the talent!

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks!!

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks Denise:)

Mark Koopmans said...

Now you know why it became a labor of love :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

How wonderful that you were such a great adviser for Mark, Michael! I've never had a CP, but have heard inspiring stories about them over the years. Your book sounds really interesting, Mark. Good luck with everything.

David Powers King said...

CPs are truly wonderful. I'd be lost without my group. Congrats to Mark and Donald! :)

Deniz Bevan said...

Wow, that's awesome! I love hearing stories of authors coming together with just the right CPs to make their stories sing! Sorry, unintended pun -- though it's kind of apt :-)

Cherdo said...

It's my end of the year post to all the bloggers I know and love! Thanks for your hard work, great posts, and bloggy friendship. Wishing you all the best in 2016 from "the Flipside."