Hey y'all, I published a new book over the holiday weekend. Grab your copy now 😄📢📚🖋️🏹.

)0( NEW RELEASE! )0(

Title:
Nocturnal Musings, Volume 2 – Ponderings, Essays, & Meditations

Author: Bev Walton-Porter

ISBN: 9781370954018

Price: 99 cents – e-book version (print version pending)

Short description:

In the second volume of Nocturnal Musings, author Bev Walton-Porter offers up another helping of ponderings and essays examining everything from the mundane to the spiritual aspects of everyday life.

Whether it's finding humor in a freak hair vs. seat belt accident or contemplating one's value and worth in this fast and raw world of ours, Walton-Porter reminds us to find the humor where we can, contemplate and/or meditate when possible, and ride the waves of life's challenges one overwhelming arc at a time.

Categories: Personal Memoirs
Body, Mind & Spirit
Inspiration & Personal Growth

Available via many outlets, including Apple iBooks, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Scribd, and more. To download your copy today, visit one of these distributors:

Apple iTunes store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1278683958

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075CQH2DB

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nocturnal-musings-volume-2-selected-essays-ponderings-and-meditations

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/3J0DoJ

Gumroad: https://gum.co/zIPm

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/746194

inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/6d7988b6-bbdc-4373-be47-d891884e6fa0

scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/357864658/Nocturnal-Musings-Volume-2-Selected-Essays-Ponderings-and-Meditations

Playster: https://play.playster.com/books/10009781386195665/nocturnal-musings-volume-2-selected-essays-ponderings-and-meditations-bev-walton-porter?utm_expid=94568054-165.TzQrblFJROWCY_VO8tvBKw.0

Coming June 10, 2017: Lippy Legs & All – My Life with Lipedema

Scheduled for June 10, 2017 release.
You can pre-order your copy from the publisher here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/710509

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For years, I watched as my calves legs grew larger, bruised easily, and became more painful. Even bumping against a chair or the corner of a wall would send shockwaves of pain through my calves and leave me with huge bluish-purple bruises.

I knew something was wrong, but what could it be? I thought it was a simple case of edema or general swelling, but keeping my legs elevated and taking diuretic pills had no effect. In fact, they only became worse.

In 2014, after several attempts to locate a physician who would help me figure out what was wrong, I was lucky enough to get a diagnosis. I had Lipedema, a genetic disease I'd never heard of before. It's a mystery disease with no known cure thus far.

Not widely discussed, Lipedema is rare and only affects about 11% of women. Few doctors are able to recognize the symptoms, nor have they been exposed to information about the condition and how it relates to the all-important lymphatic system.

LIPPY LEGS & ALL is the story of my life (thus far) with Lipedema. I'll discuss, in detail, what I've learned about the disease, how it's permanently changed me both physically and mentally, and why I'm determined to bring awareness to this condition so women who may suffer from Lipedema can get the essential diagnosis and treatment they deserve.

Without proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, a Lipedema sufferer can face a bleak future of wheelchair-bound immobility or, worse yet, amputation of their limbs. No woman deserves either of those things; if I can cast a wider spotlight on Lipedema through the publication of this book, I will.

Only 99 cents through November: Marked for the Beast by Lilith Braun. Grab your copy today!

Grab your copy now for only 99 cents through November. 
Horror/paranormal/erotica—Adults only! 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0173TUH9E/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_DePowb1ZPM7YM

[Shared post] Writing a 750-page novel? Don’t.

[Want more like this? Subscribe to The Writer's Dominatrix] 

Thinking of writing a book over 500 pages? How about 700? Or even 900 pages?

Do yourself—and your readers—a favor. DON’T.

Yes, some books are huge, like Stephen King’s tome, The Stand. But most of us are not Stephen King. What’s more, if you’re a new writer, most readers aren’t going to stick with your book much past 300 pages. That’s right, reader engagement often drops after that length. So tighten that shit up, folks. Hack, slash, and edit until your book manuscript is as close to the magic page or word count as you can get it.

Chances are, you can tell your story in fewer pages. Big-ass books by inexperienced authors usually mean there’s a lot of editing needed. Unless your book is outstanding or special in some way, readers won’t finish your tome. I don’t care how much you think it’s the next Great American Novel.

Writing a manuscript that’s over 500 pages—much less 900 pages—will get your masterpiece put back on the shelf or unpublished in the first place (if you go the traditional publishing route, that is).

You can do one of two things:

1. Rein in your ego, write tighter, and increase your chances of selling lots of books.

2. Ignore my advice, struggle to engage readers, and fail miserably at selling copies of your bloated tome.

Are there exceptions? Of course! There are exceptions to everything, you silly wabbit.

For instance, if you’re writing a literary novel, your word count will be markedly different than that of a picture book or YA novel. Use common sense. Do your research and hit the so-called sweet spot on your word/page count.

It’s up to you to decide whether you want to gamble on being the exception to the rule. You feelin’ lucky, punk or punkette?

[Author recommendation] Rebecca Forster

This is my longtime friend and colleague, Rebecca Forster. She has been an author for a LONG time (decades!) and she is amazing!

Please stop by her author page and give her some love, if you would. Then grab some of her books on Amazon. You won't be disappointed! She's been one of my mentors since the early 90s! Such a wonderful human being, too. Love her!

Need an editor or proofreader? Hire me!

I’ve been a professional writer and editor for nearly two decades. If you have a book manuscript that needs polishing, I can assist you. You’ll get a professional copy edit or proofread at a reasonable price. Plus, I tell great jokes if you catch me on the right day. ;-) I may also share virtual coffee, tea, and chocolate, depending on your preferences.

But seriously, if you’ve written something for publication and you need a professional edit or proofread without a lot of hassle and without busting your budget, I’m your best choice.

Not sure if you need copy editing or proofreading? Here’s a link that will help you make that determination: http://thewriteoneblog.com/substantive-editing-copy-editing-proofreading/

Once you’re clear on what you need, here’s what I charge for the services I provide:

Copy editing – $2 per double-spaced page (must adhere to standard ms. format)

Proofreading – $1.50 per double-spaced page (must adhere to standard ms. format)

Coaching sessions for writers (Skype or telephone) – $20 per half-hour session

Professional writing courses – $20 per week and up. Go here for more info: https://www.facebook.com/Abraxas.Writing.Courses

* I DO NOT provide developmental editing services.

* I DO NOT provide ghostwriting services.

* I am NOT a literary agent.

Anything else I might agree to do for you – $25 per hour
(Hint: paying a flat fee is easier on your wallet).

Before you contact me, please note:

* I’m an editor and proofreader, not a ghostwriter. I will NOT rewrite or write your manuscript.

* I’m not your therapist. I will edit or proofread your manuscript.

* If I don’t know you well or you’re not a close friend, please do not friend me on Facebook.

* I do not work for free or for a promised share of royalties.

* A deposit of half my editing or proofreading fee is expected upfront.

* You are paying for my time as well as my knowledge and expertise.

* I work during the week, but not on weekends.

* Rush jobs are not welcome. I don’t do rush jobs. I often work with more than one client at a time and I won’t cut corners for existing clients to satisfy rush jobs.

* I’m a nice, patient person under most circumstances. Do not take advantage of my jocular nature ;-)


If you have other questions, drop me a line.

If you think we’ll make a good fit, proceed to the info below.

Ready to get started? E-mail me at nocturnaleditor (at) gmail.com. I’ll need no fewer than five pages of your work to determine if I will agree to edit or proofread it. Unfortunately for some people, but fortunately for me, I have minimum standards for manuscripts I will edit or proofread. To get a clue what those standards might be, see this post: https://writersdominatrix.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/this-shouldnt-even-be-a-thing-and-yet-it-is/

I look forward to hearing from you.

Are you ready for NaNoWriMo?

Join me for NaNoWriMo 2015!

Find me under the nickname 'elementalmuse' over at nanowrimo.org and add me as a writing buddy. I'll be delighted to add you back. Let's write together the entire month of November 2015.

[Infographic] Global Literacy is Everyone's Concern

Infographic courtesy of Grammarly.

Stop by and 'like' my author page. Have your own page or group? I'll return the favor!

Below is the link to my author page on FB. I often post things on there that you won't see here. Posts are usually about writing, editing, reading, creativity, and positivity.

If you haven't liked my page yet, please do. Much gratitude for your support ;-)

Have a page or group of your own? Post your link in the comment section below and I will return the favor.

http://www.facebook.com/Bev.Walton.Porter

FREE through August 7th -- Sun Signs for Writers

GRAB YOUR COPY FOR *FREE* AT AMAZON ~ AUG. 3-7!

SUN SIGNS FOR WRITERS (originally released in print by Writer's Digest Books) is also available in eBook format at Amazon.

Download from Amazon here: http://amzn.com/B005HA0OA4

Download from Amazon UK here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005HA0OA4

SUN SIGNS FOR WRITERS blends the subjects of writing and astrology in an unusual way that intrigues, motivates, and inspires readers not only to know themselves better in an astrological way, but as creative persons as well.

Writers learn the general characteristics they possess based on the inclinations of their zodiacal sun sign. This information touches on areas of their sun sign that may make them stronger writers as well as cautioning them about sun sign traits that may hinder their progress. End-of-chapter writing exercises will urge each writer-sign type to stretch personal boundaries, break writer’s block, and hone their innate talents/abilities.

Finally, writers will discover a new tool for developing characters based on each sun sign's physical/mental/emotional makeup.

There are many techniques for mastering characterization found in countless books on writing, but this book provides a unique and creative way of building characters using the zodiac to develop the perfect character to suit your story needs.

SUN SIGNS FOR WRITERS will help you connect with your inner writer in ways you've never imagined before!

==================

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

==================

++ Midwest Book Review calls SUN SIGNS FOR WRITERS "A unique, revealing guide."

++ C. Hope Clark, author and editor of Funds for Writers, says: "Bev Walton-Porter has created a genuinely fun book in Sun Signs for Writers. I read it in one sitting, a rarity in my busy and hectic world."

++ Author Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D.: "Sun Signs for Writers is one of the most helpful books you'll ever find. Buy it, read it, and set it on your shelf beside The Elements of Style, The Transitive Vampire, and the Chicago Manual of Style."

++ Ginnie Bivona, Director of Atriad Press: "...this is more than just another astrology book; I intend to suggest this book to every aspiring writer I come in contact with, it's got more useful suggestions, and concise information about how to make it in this industry than I have read anywhere else in a very long time. It's inspiring and informative, and personally I think it belongs on the shelf of every writer. It's that good."

++ Jenna Glatzer, author of The Street-Smart Writer and Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer"What an entertaining gift for a writer who's interested in astrology. It's a quick read filled with practical tips about writing and submitting, and ideas bound to spark your creativity. In addition to using the book to analyze yourself, you can use it as a quirky way to shape your characters."

Grab your copy of HIDDEN FIRE, now available at my online Etsy shop!

The ebook version of Hidden Fire, a contemporary romance I wrote under my pen name Star Ferris, is now available in my online Etsy shop, Nocturnal Divination.

Originally published by Whiskey Creek Press (WCP) in 2009, I now own the rights and it's been republished under the )0( Triple Crow Publishing )0( imprint.

Hidden Fire was a finalist in the Fiction from the Heartland contest at the Mid-America Romance Authors (MARA) conference in Kansas City, MO. It went on to sell to a traditional publisher and was released in June 2009.

Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this book is full of suspense, intrigue, family secrets, and old-fashioned romance. There's a headstrong heroine and a hunky hero -- and sizzling sex, too! ;-)

To purchase a copy (only $1.99) and immediately download the ebook at my Etsy shop, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/NocturnalDivination

[Vlog] Film, books, pipes, Northern European ancestry, and the ignorance of racism

Excerpt from my new book, Nocturnal Musings: Collected Ponderings, Essays, and Stories

Here is an excerpt from my new book, "Nocturnal Musings: Collected Ponderings, Essays, and Stories." It's now available on Amazon, Smashwords, and my Etsy store. The introductory price is only .99 cents. Soon it will go up to the regular price of $1.99. Please consider purchasing a copy at my Etsy store or at Amazon. Thanks!

"Any action by man, according to the Tao Te Ching, disrupts the already existent, harmonious ebb-flow of the Universe. Is it possible for man to never exert his will, or to never take action in life and in the Universe? It is not possible. Even being born is an action. How you act and what action you take, however, depends upon the circumstances of the situation and the people involved. What is the prevailing atmosphere? How do you fit in that atmosphere...and what is the 'right' action at the 'right' time? The answer is not static and depends upon each and every situation that presents itself. And every action causes a reaction as well.

Taoism is a philosophical belief system I admire. It is one that proves fascinating and provides more questions than answers in many respects—especially for those of us caught in the dualistic Western mode of thinking. On occasion, something clicks and I understand...but then the more I think I understand, the more I realize it is nebulous and formless; The Way, and the understanding of it, cannot be boxed, labeled, separated out, or explained in words. By doing so, the essence of The Way is lost. And thus is a paradox for us human beings, who use words—both verbal and written—to communicate and understand ideas and concepts."

NocturnalDivination.com is LIVE!

Tada! I now have a dedicated website for Nocturnal Divination Magick & Miscellanea.

Please visit my new site & grab a reading from $1 and up. I offer tarot readings, oracle card readings, various astrology charts/reports, rune readings, & handwriting analysis.

A few of my books are available for sale, too. I'll be listing more items in the near future, including art and handmade crocheted/knit items, so be sure to bookmark the site and visit regularly.

Yes, I will still have my Etsy shop, but this site is in addition to that: http://www.nocturnaldivination.com/

Witches, vampires and daemons doing yoga together? Really?!

I’m reading A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. I’m enjoying the story and the writing, but when I got to the part about witches, vampires and daemons doing yoga together…well, I had a hard time getting past that.

Folks, can we remember that vampires and daemons are not supposed to be mundane beings doing mundane things? I long for the days when vampires and daemons were terrifying (and rightfully so). I want magick and mystery when it comes to supernatural beings, not banality and the commonplace.

I like the author’s writing and I will finish the book and begin the next one…but a yoga session with witches, vampires and daemons? I can’t go for that. As Paul said, “Let’s take something extraordinary and terrifying and make it mundane (insert sarcasm here).” Exactly. Just…let’s not, okay? Please?

New ebook formats for Secrets of the Professional Freelancer & Shadows of the Soul

Hi everyone,

I'm working on converting the rest of my books to various ebook formats. Secrets of the Professional Freelancer and Shadows of the Soul are both now available. Use the coupon below to get 10 percent off Secrets till May 1st!:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/49033

Get Secrets of the Professional Freelancer, the book I wrote based on my long-running online course, for $2.69, or 10% off the regular price, until May 1st. Use this coupon code when placing your order: AX72R. Enter the code prior to checkout. If you've wanted to become a freelance writer, but weren't sure how to begin, my book can help you achieve your goal.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/48849

Shadows of the Soul is a collection of poems that explores the ebb and flow of human life with all its joys, sorrows, surprises and triumphs. Written during a dark and transformative period of Bev Walton-Porter's life, just prior to and after the death of her first husband, this collection addresses the raw and exposed core of existence that pulses beneath the surface of every human being.