Ang Shaef Writes

My first book signing at Four Lemons brought current friends, old friends and new friends to be.  Four three hours, people came and went and I was non-stop meeting and greeting and basking in goodness of others. Shelly Coleman, the cover artist for The Things They Didn't See was there with a live demonstration of her raindrop technique. In fact, it's because of Shelly and our collaboration that my book is being sold in Four Lemons, which is an art gallery.  They represent Shelly and thought it would be a fun promotion of all our work. It was!! How wonderful to be reminded of how many cheerleaders we all have-- and how much their each other's love and support matters. The first person in the door was the older sister of a friend from junior high. I haven't spoken to her since high school, and yet, she wanted a signed  copy of my book! In fact it was so important to her, because she lives far away, she asked her sister to come for her. My best elementary school through hi...

Albert Flynn DeSilver is teaching a four week online writing course: "How to Finish Your Book" beginning Saturday, September 13.  I love his workshops and mentoring style --  if you're looking for coaching or motivation, follow this link for more information:  Albert Flynn DeSilver at writingworkshops.com As I was finishing a second or third draft of  The Things They Didn't See (before the first developmental edit), I found DeSilver's writing workshops which gave me a nudge to write consistently, and was so fun to meet regularly with other writers. This workshop was different from the above advertised, with a focus on free writing. We met every Friday over Zoom and were given a writing prompt,  then ten or fifteen minutes to free write. A couple minute break, then another prompt playing off the first. At the end of the session, if you were brave enough, you could share favorite lines with the group. Albert offered a free coaching session and in our one-on-one ...

Have I mentioned WorD here on the blog? My dearest writing friends whom I've never actually met in person. We met in an online creative writing class through UCLA Extension. Novel 2, with teacher, Chris Terry. In Novel 1, we wrote a first chapter. In Novel 2, we added 50 more pages.  Each week for 12 weeks we submitted scenes for workshopping. Giving and receiving constructive critique and feedback from both classmates and our teacher. One of our "assignments" was to find a writing group. So, I reached out to three ladies who gave helpful feedback and had compelling stories  and asked if they'd like to be in a writing group together. For the next few years we met twice a month via Zoom. We alternated two of us submitting work at the first of the week and met to discuss, then later sent written notes. They have known my story back when it had a verrrrry messy beginning, too many opening characters, repetitive scenes, flat character arcs and excessively wordy. But , the...

Debbie and I originated our book club around 2006 when we were both  relatively new to our neighborhood. We were all busy young moms and our group of eight to ten didn't always discuss the books in detail. (Most months there were always a few who hadn't read: "You didn't have time to read?  We don't want to spoil it for you. It was soooo good!")  And we ended up spending the evening talking about everything else happening in life. Highs and lows, concerns and triumphs, advice and listening ears. And that was really what I wanted from a monthly group -- friends who I could share anything with. We took our book selection seriously, bringing recommendations and Goodreads reviews, to our September meeting always outdoors on someone's backyard patio on a beautiful fall evening. Some other fun traditions were: *Meeting at Lindseys house in November because she had her Christmas decorations up early. *December chats at Porcupine Grill *Once a year reading a book ...

Yesterday I had my  first guest author book club visit!!  Oh, it was soooo fun!  Last year (on a Croatian cruise!) I finally got to know one of my sister's best friends, Emily. For twenty years, my sister has said we'd hit it off because we both love to read. (One of my favorite questions to ask new friends is what they're currently reading.  I feel like I get to know so much about them, just from learning what books they love!) I asked Emily to be an ARC reader in May, and after she read and loved it,  she recommended my book to her book club and asked me to join them!  It was a dream come true to discuss my characters with ladies who now knew them!  These ladies have been meeting to discuss books for twenty years and their bond was evident. I loved the format of eating and visiting for the first hour, then book club discussion for the next. Emily had prepped some questions and each lady selected one to discuss in turn. I found myself not only wanting...

 The Virtual Book Tour through ireads has been so much fun! Every day I'm tagged in at least one or two, sometimes three,  instagram or blog posts reviewing  The Things They Didn't See. The pictures featuring the book have been so creative,  the reviews exceptionally detailed and well-written, and most have also left reviews on Goodreads or Amazon. This daily bit of good news is so validating! Most reviewers have emphasized how relatable the characters are, that the book is an emotional journey, but also hopeful with a satisfying ending. Are you following along on Instagram  @angshaefwrites or reading the Goodreads reviews?  It's addicting!  

In   The Things They Didn’t See , Jill and her family love boating until an accident robs them of their passion and turns it into a tragedy they each recover from in different ways. Their shared experiences and interests move in new directions to challenge not only individual concerns, but the schedules and pleasures the family has looked forward to all their lives.   The novel opens with the hope of revised attitudes and experience as Jill endeavors to move her persona into a more carefree milieu:   ...today, brimming with optimism and the endless possibilities that summer promised, she committed to rediscovering her fun-mom side. She’d revive Old Jill. The easygoing, smiling, funny woman she was when she and Matt first married. The mom she imagined she’d be before the busyness of having three children made her disappointingly serious. Of course, she’d always be type A because that’s how you got things done. But she’d also tease and laugh and not worry so much.   Ho...