M.A. Parker

Welcome, fellow wordsmiths and aspiring storytellers! Today, I’m throwing open the lid of my writer’s toolbox, revealing the essential tools and apps that have become my trusted companions on this literary journey. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just embarking on your first manuscript, these resources are sure to add a sprinkle of magic to your creative process.

1. Scrivener: The Architect’s Blueprint
   At the foundation of my writing process stands Scrivener, a versatile writing software that allows me to organize my thoughts, characters, and scenes with ease. Its corkboard feature is particularly invaluable, providing a visual storyboard for my plotlines.
2. TikTok: The Unexpected Muse
   Who knew a platform famous for short dances could be a boon for writers? TikTok has become my unexpected muse, offering a creative outlet for bite-sized storytelling. I share glimpses into my writing process, engage with fellow authors, and even find inspiration in unexpected places.
3. Reddit: The Writer’s Haven
   Reddit’s writing communities are a treasure trove of advice, critique, and camaraderie. Whether seeking feedback on a plot twist or participating in writing prompts, Reddit is a supportive space that has broadened my perspective and sharpened my skills.
4. Instagram: The Visual Storyboard
   Instagram isn’t just for showcasing the glamorous side of life; it’s also a powerful tool for building a writer’s brand. I share snippets of my writing routine, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and connect with readers and fellow authors, creating a visual storyboard of my literary journey.
5. ProWritingAid: The Silent Editor
   Enter ProWritingAid, my silent editor that scrutinizes my work for grammar, style, and readability. This tool goes beyond basic spell-check, providing in-depth insights that have become an integral part of my editing process.
6. NaNoWriMo: The Writing Sprint
   National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is my annual writing sprint, a month-long challenge that pushes me to set aside perfectionism and focus on word count. It’s a fantastic motivator and a great way to kickstart a new project.
7. Pinterest: The Mood Board Maven
   Pinterest is my digital mood board, where I collect visual inspirations for settings, characters, and themes. It’s a fantastic resource for translating the images in my mind into tangible descriptions on the page.
8. Notebooks: A Writer’s Must Have
   Pinterest is my digital mood board, where I collect visual inspirations for settings, characters, and themes. It’s a fantastic resource for translating the images in my mind into tangible descriptions on the page.

Effectively using these tools has transformed my writing process from a solitary endeavor into a dynamic and engaging experience. Each tool plays a unique role in shaping my stories, and I encourage you to explore and adapt them to suit your own creative journey. Here’s to a well-stocked writer’s toolbox and the endless possibilities it unlocks! Happy writing!

One year ago I made my yearly goals. My main goal was to get my book published. As I listed all the steps needed to reach that goal, it seemed over-whelming and impossible to complete in one year.

You see, I had sent my manuscript off to an editor a week before, and wasn’t going to get it back for another month. I knew nothing about self-publishing, converting files for publishing, creating websites, making cover art, getting isbns, or really anything connected to getting a book into the hands of readers.

Little by little, I completed each step. Though, getting revisions done from the editor was probably the most challenging. I picked a release date in December to make sure I had enough time to get everything done. Even then, it was a close call. I didn’t get my manuscript done until a few days before Thanksgiving. I had to give up work on Bischoff Black book 2 during NaNoWriMo to make my deadline.

Though, what I didn’t expect to be the most challenging part of the whole process would be uploading to KDP. It took a week to get it uploaded and accepted. Of all the videos I watched on how to do it, nothing worked until I used Kindle Create. The only downside, I couldn’t use the font I wanted, it had to be Amazon’s Kindle font. Though, I’ll have to redo it one day to the style I envisioned, but for now, I’m so thrilled have my book out and ready to be read.

I’m going into 2024 with a new optimism and hope the goals I’ve set will come to amazing completion like 2023.

I read a statistic today that said that out of every 1000 people who start writing, only 30 finish their manuscript. Today, I join those few who have made it to the end of a long journey. I’m full of excitement, relief, anxiety, and wonder at what lies ahead on this literary journey.

I can’t see what the future holds, but I have completed this dream that has been at the heart of my life forever. I must thank my husband for his role in this journey. Never once did he doubt it would happen, while I second guessed every step. He encouraged me when I was at my lowest, and even today, as my book goes out into the world, he believes in it. I, on the other hand, feel I could have done so much more, dragged on the process a few more years, but as many flaws as I see, it is time to release it.

I’m excited to get the creativity going by continuing the story with the next book in the hunt for Manheim’s treasure. I’m humbled to have made it this far and look forward to growing and improving with new manuscripts.

I have many stories to share, and I hope you follow along the journey as I try to bring them to life! For now, if you feel inclined, click here to start the adventure of Bischoff Black!

I’m full of gratitude, excitement, and nerves. What ever happens, I’m so proud and happy to have made it to this point. I have dreamed of this moment for so long, that it didn’t seem possible.

While it’s terrifying to put something you’ve dedicated years to creating into the world, I would do it again. I’m preparing myself for the worst, but that is natural for me with anything in my life. However, it will not stop me from going forward, regardless of what happens.

If you are here to follow my author journey, thank you. Really, thank you! I appreciate the trust and support you are showing in a nobody who wrote a book. I hope overtime, we continue to grow the trust as Bischoff’s story continues.

Thank you again! And welcome to the world of Bischoff Black!

In the realm of creativity, dreams are the unsung architects of fantastical tales, and today, I’m inviting you behind the curtain to explore the dream that sparked the magic of my upcoming book, “Bischoff Black and the Curse of Skull Island.” It was a midnight reverie, a whispered tale from the recesses of my subconscious, that sparked the idea of pirates, curses, and the enigmatic Ghost of Skull Island.

In the hidden landscapes of my dreams, the ocean was an ink-black canvas, and the stars, celestial breadcrumbs guiding the way to buried treasure. I found myself aboard a creaking ship, surrounded by a motley crew with eyes gleaming like mischievous constellations. A mysterious island beckoned, shrouded in mist and echoing with the haunting moans of a ghost with secrets of ages past. As the dream unfolded, the excitement grew as pirates rowed me to the mysterious, but dangerous island. Facing a menacing ghost and told of a cursed treasure and I was the only one trusted enough to find it. It was a moment of inspiration so vivid, I awoke with a determination to capture that elusive magic on paper, setting sail on the journey that became my debut novel.

I wish that was my dream was, unfortunately, it was far less exciting. In fact, the dream itself is but a blur now. All I remember is I was leaving a dentist office. As I was exiting the parking lot, painted on the ground as I drove away, was the word BISCHOFF with a cutlass in the middle. I thought it was odd, and that little moment in that dream because the catalyst for this book. I then spent the next 18 years working on Bischoff’s story and his amazing world.

Stay tuned as I navigate the waters of storytelling, sharing the captivating tale that appeared as a name in the silent hours of the night. The countdown to the release of “Bischoff Black and the Ghost of Skull Island” has begun, and I can’t wait to invite you aboard this literary adventure. Join me as we turn dreams into reality, one word at a time.

It has been a crazy, stressful week trying to get Bischoff Black and the Ghost of Skull Island ready for publishing. Opening all the KDP account was the easiest part, while trying to actually get the manuscript uploaded and accepted was insanely difficult. The first pdf was accepted find, but the world map image was not.

After following KDPs instructions I tried again, and from there all I got was errors. It was several days of frustration until I found Kindle Create. I have not heard anyone mention this program on any social sites, but I’m so glad I found it. It formats the manuscript for every type of publication on Amazon. It formatted text and images and showed me a preview. It was so fast, and it uploaded with no issues.

The only downside, I couldn’t use my own fonts. It was a small price to pay right now. I can always change it later when I figure out how to get KDP to accept PDFs correctly. For my first ever publication, I’ll take the simplicity. But, hopefully, as the next books come out I’ll figure out how to get it to look how I see it in my head.

Anyhow, now on December 20th, you can order any format Amazon offered: Kindle, Paperback, and Hardback. I’m now focusing on other platforms that offer books: Google, Apple, B&N, and eventually right from this website!

How do you like the cover?

I made it myself. It was kind of necessary as I didn’t plan enough time to find a cover artist. Though, I have to admit, I love it! It took a lot of effort in learning Canva and playing around with placement of images. I’m so excited to finally release my story into the world. It has been so long in working on it, that it’s hard to believe it is finally here.

I will receive my proof copy in a few days. I can’t wait to hold it in my hands! I still get misty eyed every time I see it Amazon. It seems silly to get emotional, but I’m taking a moment to appreciate what a huge accomplishment it is. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.

Only 16 days to go. Pre-orders for Kindle opened this morning if you prefer digital. If not, only a few short weeks and you can own a copy for yourself!

Ahoy, fellow adventurers and book reading enthusiasts! Welcome to my website, where tales come to life, and dreams in my crazy imagination come to life! I’m thrilled to have you join me on this exhilarating journey as I embark on a new chapter – literally.

I’m beyond excited to announce the upcoming release of my debut book, “Bischoff Black and the Ghost of Skull Island”! Picture a world where adventure meets fantasy, where pirates roam the seas, and a sprinkle of magic adds a touch of the extraordinary. I can hardly contain my excitement at sharing this swashbuckling tale with you.

Now, here’s the thrilling part – the countdown is set for the grand release! As we navigate these uncharted waters together, I invite you to keep a weathered eye on the horizon, where the ticking of the clock brings us closer to the big day in December. The sails are set, and the anticipation is building – trust me, you won’t want to miss this exciting adventure!

If I’ve captured your interest, even a little, join me on this new adventure by signing up for my newsletter, your exclusive map to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, sneak peeks, and perhaps even a hidden treasure or two. Joining my pirate crew on this literary ship, you’ll be the first to know about all things related with Bischoff Black and beyond.

Any burning questions or curiosities about the book or the writing process? Let’s share in the excitement together. Your thoughts and questions are appreciated, so drop a line or two in the comments below.

Thank you for stepping aboard this literary road with me. The journey promises to be epic, and I can’t wait to share every thrilling twist and turn with you. Until then, may the wind always fill your sails! Happy reading!

All the best!

M.A, Parker