Hyperlinks

Hyperlink per Wikipedia has many different meanings. The one that I plan on discussing today is 

• A hyperlink has an anchor, which is the location within a document from which the hyperlink can be followed; the document containing a hyperlink is known as its source document. (from Wikipedia - second paragraph first sentence)

My intent is to help fellow writers to use this tool in their blog posts, e-mails, or even in their writing programs. I'm not gifted with all the technical knowledge but I can put in a Hyperlink with a little help from some icons. 

 In Word Press: 

·     Type post as normal, using the words you like.

Example:

Lynn Hallbrooks, co-author of Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) 

Now suppose you want to put the U.S. Amazon Kindle link to Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning)

• ·         Go to the URL that you want to use:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004INHK2G
• ·         Copy that link
• ·         Highlight Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) 
• ·         When you do that you’ll see the icon that looks like a chain link pop out from being grayed out.
• ·         Click on the Chain link icon
• ·         It brings up a box where you can insert the selected URL for  Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) 
• ·         Paste link into the appropriate line
• ·         Click Add Link
• ·         This will make the hyperlink (it will turn a different color and have a line under it). 

• End result should look something like this:   

Lynn Hallbrooks, co-author of Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) 

In a word document

• ·         Type out the words you would like to say:

David McKoy is the author of Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning)

• ·         Get the link you want 

http://www.amazon.com/David-McKoy/e/B0051LMR54/

• ·         Highlight the words you want for the link out:  David McKoy 
• ·         Right click
• ·         Scroll down to Hyperlink
• ·         Insert Hyperlink box will appear
• ·         Inside box is a blank line...paste link in there
• See Results:

David McKoy is the author of Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning)

So you see, you are basically looking for an icon that will link the key word with the URL that you wish people to look at. Once you can do that in a word document then you can send that document via e-mail to someone who is doing your author interview. 

I think we have all seen the links for books that look like this: 

U.S. Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004INHK2G

Instead it can be clean like this:

U.S. Amazon Kindle 

This is a pretty basic run down of what little bit that I know and can share.  I hope it will help my viewing audience out a bit. Remember look for words or icons that say link or hyperlink. Then follow along as it takes you through the process. 

Hope you all have a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Inspired by Dee Henderson

When I grow up, I want to be like Dee Henderson.  

Okay, let me back up a moment and explain how I came to read her works. Those who have been following me all along, will know that I live with friends. One of whom is more of a bookworm than I am.  She suggested that I might like Ms. Henderson's work and to start with the Uncommon Heroes series. After reading the first few paragraphs of True Devotion, I was hooked. I read and reviewed each book that my friend had in her library, as quickly as possible. 

For those that don't know, I love mystery and action books. I've never been big on Romance books. I am at heart a Christian and of course I'm prior military. Until, I read True Devotion, I didn't know that an author could intermix all of these elements into one book without a few curse words. 

Here are a few key elements, that I've observed about Ms. Henderson's work. Her characters never drink anything stronger than Root Beer or Coffee. Curse words are never seen. The lead characters are as a rule, very determined professional people. The professions vary depending on the story line. You throw in some dramatic hurdles, a dash of mystery, a smidge of suspense, along with belief in God and his son, Jesus and you have the basic recipe for her books. On top of all of that, you get so wrapped up in the story that you really don't want to leave the world she created. 

Recently, I was blessed with an opportunity to receive an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of Full Disclosure. The main requirement was to provide a review. Which I was only too happy to do:

ARC Review of Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

When Ann Silver picked up Paul Falcon on her radar, it was simply part of her job.  Paul willingly accepted the information that Ann presented to him, the lead to a an allusive serial killer.  Neither of them expected what happened next.

Throughout, Paul learns that he and Ann have common connections both professionally and personally.  It is through them that Paul learns more about Ann and vice-versa.  As events unfold, dormant secrets are revealed at great risk.

Ms. Henderson’s ability to weave busy professionals, romance, mystery, God, and Jesus together in one story is why I love reading her books.  In this case, I’d say, she has outdone herself.   The way she brings back characters from previous bodies of work and meshing them throughout the story is brilliant. The plot twists and turns keep you guessing until the final reveal. 

After submitting this review to the Facebook fan page for Full Disclosure, I was asked if I had a blog where I could help spread the word. Naturally, this was a resounding yes.  So after seeking permission to add a few of my own thoughts on Ms. Henderson, I created this post.  I hope you enjoy it.  If you'd like to learn more about Full Disclosure or see more ARC reviews about it, please visit the Full Disclosure website.

I'm grateful to my friend for introducing me to Dee Henderson's world. I am very honored that Ms. Henderson allowed me this opportunity to share a little bit of how I feel about her. In my eyes, she is truly inspirational. 

Until next time, I hope everyone has a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Author Interview: Tracy James Jones

Tracy James Jones was kind enough to do an author interview for us, yesterday. She was kind enough to allow me a chance to return the favor.

Tracy James Jones

Howdy and welcome Tracy!  Could you please share a little bit about your past before becoming an author?

Hello, Lynn.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.  So okay, I was born in Waxahachie, Texas, about 30 miles south of Dallas.  For most of my life I have lived back and forth between the two cities, and to this day I consider both as my home.  At Navarro College, I majored in Journalism with a minor in Mass Communication. Before college, I worked as an actor with the local Community Theater, and as an extra/stand-in for feature films. As a freelance writer/novelist, I have written several college introductory letters, other contract writing projects, newspaper articles, and three published novels. My writing also includes a screenplay adaptation of my first original fiction novel, Searching For Eden. To date, my entertainment portfolio is twenty-four pages long.  I have been in the Communication/Entertainment industry for a very long time and I am not done yet.

It is a pleasure to have a fellow Texas author here. I'd say you've taken an intriguing path on your life journey. Along the way, have you read any authors that have become your personal favorite?  If so, who might they be?

Over the years I have a long list of writers that I’ve loved.  In college I remember a story by Shirley Jackson called “The Lottery” that was one of the most amazing things I had ever read.  My all-time favorite writers have been Stephen King, Anne Rice and Dean Koontz.  Today, with Indie authors taking a big leap forward and showcasing some fantastic written works, I have to choose from a very long list.

After reading all of these authors, was there a defining moment that you said, “I’m ready to be a published author”? Or was it more of a gradual thing?

After the first book I wrote, I was immediately drawn into writing. I had stories of my own dancing in my head for a long time.  I actually wrote my first romantic novel thereafter, but I didn’t believe in myself enough at the time to try to publish.  The publishing world was different then.  I did publish the next book I wrote in 2003, but I didn’t publish anything else until Secrets & Lies in August of 2011.  

Do you have a writing schedule or is it haphazard?

Usually, if I have a story idea in mind, I will simply write day and night until it is complete.  No set schedule.  The problem now is finding time to write at all. 

I understand that sentiment.  I know you have several books out right now.  Which one is your personal favorite and why?

It would be difficult to choose a favorite.  I love all the stories and characters because they are all a part of me.  Choosing one, gosh, for now that is something I just cannot do.

That is a diplomatic answer to be sure. Can you share with the audience a little bit about your current release?

Newest release

Secrets & Lies 2 – A Family Affair is a book that I did not even known I was going to write.  After the first book, I had several requests from friends and fans. I finally discovered a fresh link into the families involved, a way to continue their amazing story.  ‘Secrets 2’ brings the story even closer to home with revelations of deeper family secrets and more sweet little lies.

Do you have a central location where all your books and their respective locations can be found?

For now, all of my books and short stories can be found on my Amazon author page.  I also have a lot of information listed on Facebook  or on my blog.

What plans do you have in mind for your writing in the future?

My future plans for my books is to have a few of them adapted for film.  Having spent a lot of time working on stage and film projects in the past, I see my writing is inspired by that form of story-telling.  It would be my greatest dream to return to the movie business, only now behind the cameras instead in front of them.

That is an admirable goal, one I hope that you achieve. Before we sign off, I have one more question for you...just for fun.

There are three doors...behind each one is all the veggies, chocolate, or meat that you would eat for a year. Which room would you choose and how filled up would it be?

I would definitely choose the door with all the chocolate for the year.  The room would be filled so far up to the top, it would not be a good idea to attempt to turn on the light.  :o)

Thanks Tracy for being such a good sport and letting me interview you. I hope the audience will take a moment to share any comments or questions they have.