Patty Lesser, Author
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Moving?

10/18/2021

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Are you hoping to buy a house? Is the real estate market crazy where you are? You’ll probably answer, “Yes!” Houses are highly over-priced, and it seems like everyone is moving. Places are getting 20 or more offers, and the seller just chooses who he likes best.
 
I moved to Brantford 5 years ago, even though I had never been here before. I didn’t know anyone who lived here or where anything was located. I chose to rent because I didn’t know where would be the best place in the city to live. Now, I know where I want to live. I want to stay in this neighbourhood, so this is where I’m trying to buy a house.
 
Last March, my landlady’s daughter-in-law called me and threatened to evict me because they were selling. I immediately contacted a lawyer and learned they can’t evict me if they are selling. The new owner can evict me, but only if he or his family moves in. If he plans to rent, he must rent it to me.
 
But that was last March, and I haven’t heard a whisper from the landlady or her family. I had a short conversation with my neighbour who seems confident that she won’t be selling these townhouses, but I don’t trust her or my landlady, so I have to look for a house. If I get evicted, I have nowhere to go.
 
This move will be my LAST. I sat down one day and tried to figure out how many places I’ve lived in since I left my parents’ home at 19. When I reached 50 homes, I stopped counting. I’m so tired of moving; it’s so much work. One last time.
 
The biggest problem is I’m looking for a house that everyone else wants as well: a 2-3 bedroom bungalow with a garage or carport and a backyard. That’s my perfect house, and many are like that in my neighbourhood, but I haven’t found one for sale yet. Saw one last Thursday, but it was old and needed to be gutted to start all over. I want a house I can move into after just some painting and cleaning. I don’t have the money to pay for major repairs.
 
Are you having the same problem? Tell me about it.
 
Have a great day,
Patty

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3 Ebook Box Set

9/12/2021

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How’s it going? Covid fatigue setting in? Still working from home?

Maybe you should sit down and read the Coma Kids series. A 3 ebook set has been published.

www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMBYYMW


“During the night of their thirteenth birthday, ten children from all over the USA and Canada fell into a deep coma. When each child awakened three days later, they could hear people’s thoughts, so they reached into the darkness to discover if anyone else was telepathic. With no clue why they were granted with this gift, the kids form deep bonds and soon realize their differences are unique pieces of a much larger puzzle. 

To protect themselves, the kids work to enhance their skills and create a new society, but an arrogant doctor seeks to unmask their secret talents. While they hide from the world, an advanced alien race makes contact to explain why they are telepathic.

In Book 2, the ten Coma Kids are rescued by the Thorans who fly them to a moon orbiting their planet in a faraway galaxy. Here they meet five other species from various planets with whom they work to develop their telepathic powers and to face fighting off the Yarm, overcoming a life-threatening illness, and escaping from aliens who attempt to enslave them. But through their various trials, the kids do amazing things with their minds.

When one of the Coma Kids disappears at the beginning of Book 3, the rest fear the worst until they realize she walked through the Sphere and returned to Earth. Deciding to follow her, the teens pass through the Sphere and return to their parents’ homes.

But back on Earth, there are many challenges like new jobs, pregnancy complications, romantic breakups, tragic accidents, and terminal diseases. The evil forces that caused the group to escape Earth in the first place still threatens their lives as the teens are put to the test.

The novels weave together stories of friendship, teamwork, growing up, new relationships, extraordinary abilities, and uniting in the face of danger.”

Interested? Please check it out on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMBYYMW

Have a great day,
Patty​​

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Coaching 101

7/4/2021

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Would you like to write a novel, but you can’t get started or got stuck somewhere? Do you have lots of ideas, but don’t know how to organize them? Are you enthusiastic about writing a book?

I had an epiphany. Since I’m having so much success at helping some people improve their writing, I thought, Why don’t I become a writing coach?

Christa wrote after she received my notes about her short story, “Thanks for the advice, Patty. I love what you did with the beginning. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. You're right about the names too. I'll work on that.”

When people show me their work, I have great ideas about how to improve it because I have years of experience writing and learning from the editor’s comments. Every novel I’ve published has been edited by a developmental editor, a copy editor and a proofreader. Each time, I read through my book making the corrections, and finding a few more errors of my own.

I know how to start a story and to perfect that important first chapter. I know how to get to the next chapter and on to the end. I’m willing to work with you to get that novel finally out of your head and onto a computer screen.

I won’t be charging the usual high rates because, of course, I’m just starting out coaching, so we can work out the hourly rate. I have a degree in English Literature, ten years writing 9 novels and 2 non-fiction, and I promise to give the singular attention you need to help you achieve your goal.

There are lots of “methods” out there about how to write a novel, and I have read them all, but I think every author is unique and needs individual attention. Each author has their own writing style and each needs specific advice.

For free, you can send me your outline, first chapter, whatever you’ve written, and I will evaluate it for you. After you’ve reviewed my suggestions, we can discuss working together.

And if I coach you, you will have access to a developmental editor, copy editor, proofreader, formatter and cover designer. All these people are professionals with years of experience, and they are the best in their fields.

If you’re interested, write me at patty@pattylesser.com

The third book in the Coma Kids series (Through the Sphere) will be published soon, and then a 3-ebook-box-set will be available. Anyone fascinated?

Have a great day,
Patty

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Questions?

5/16/2021

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Are you a writer looking for a writing group?
Why don’t you try Writer’s Mastermind? You can join for free for a month to give you the opportunity to see what it’s like. We have weekly Zoom meetings and guest speakers in all areas in the writing sphere. Check it out here:
letsgetpublished.com/online-writing-group/

Have you written a short story and would like to enter it in a contest?
Check out this short story contest: letsgetpublished.com/short-story-contest/

Which do you prefer: Coke or Pepsi?
I’ve always wondered which I’d prefer, so I bought a can of each and drank from both alternating between the two until I had a winner. It took until half a can to realize I preferred Pepsi over Coke.

How do you feel about manners?
Since Covid, I’ve realized people appreciate the “please” and “thank you” much more. I’ve always been someone who said please and thank you to whomever does me a service, even if it just the person at the intercom of a drive-thru.

Do you get bags at the grocery store or bring your own?
I like getting bags from the grocery store from time to time so I have something in which to throw out my garbage, but usually I take material bags to the store with me, putting anything from grocery to pet food. We’re supposed to be getting rid of plastic.

Any travel plans after Covid restrictions are over?
I’ve booked 10 days in Jamaica, near Montego Bay, at a resort from January 7th to 17th, 2022. I’m hoping we’ll be stable Covid wise by then. I’m sure the airline and resort will ask for proof of the vaccine which isn’t a problem, but I hope I don’t have to get a Covid test by then. But, if I have to, I will. Nothing is going to stop me from going to Jamaica because I’ll be celebrating my 60th birthday there.

Do you press on the accelerator while driving when a song you like comes on the radio?
Always when Adele comes on the radio, I go faster. Then I realize I’m going above the speed limit and slow down. My favourite driving song is “So What?” performed by Pink. She has some enthusiastic songs.
As a quick update, Devouring Time, a murder mystery, is with the formatter. It will be published by the end of May.

The third book in my Coma Kids sci fi series, Through the Sphere, is with the proofreader. That hopefully will be published by the beginning of July, and then a 3 box set will be available. Anybody interested?

If you have a moment, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

Have fun and stay safe,
Patty
​
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Remember the Sphere?

3/16/2021

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Have I got lots of news for you!

I have finished the third book in the Coma Kids sci fi series. It’s with the copy editor right now. I’ll get it back at the end of the month. Once I make the corrections, it goes to the proofreader. After she finishes with it, and after I complete the edits, the novel gets formatted. When she finishes that, it will be ready to publish.

The Coma Kids are 16 years old now and return to Earth where they struggle because they are telepathic and very advanced now. There are many challenges to survive.
So, you can see a bit of a process until I get it out to you, but I wanted to let you know that the third book is finished. You can approximate the time when it will be published.

​And the title is: Through the Sphere.

Subtitle: A Science Fiction Adventure about Superhuman Teens Battling Evil as They Return to Earth

But I have more news.
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For four days starting on Monday, April 12th, the Sister Innocent ebook will be free on Amazon.

​Here’s the Amazon link if you’d like to check it out:
​
www.amazon.com/dp/B0855M2G6W

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And, for four days starting Monday, April 19th, The Devil, Angels, and Demons ebook will be free on Amazon. You can check it out on Amazon:
​
www.amazon.com/dp/B08YM9YVVJ

The former title of this novel was Locker Rooms which is, of course, a terrible title. Howard my publicist/marketer/advisor/mentor advised me to change it, which we did to The Devil, Angels, and Demons (better eh?) and I got a new cover. Also had it edited again.

The story The Devils, Angels, and Demons came to me in a dream. I woke up one morning (20 years ago) with it in my head and wrote 12 hours a day for 4 months until the book was finished. I sent the manuscript in paper form to an editor who did a terrible job. But there were enough mistakes that proved the novel won’t be a bestseller. That depressed me and I threw the book in a drawer for 15 years.

This novel has something for everyone. There’s love and death, Biblical characters and quotes, mental illness, Canadian history, and more.

So, you can see, I have plenty happening in my life. Only a few days left until spring and I’m happy. We’ve had some wonderful blue skies, sunny days, and my heart is full of hope for the future.

Thank you in advance for your support.
​
Have fun,
Patty

p.s. If you’re looking for a writing group, no matter where you are in the writing process, try this one and tell Christa Patty sent you:

members.letsgetpublished.com/PattyLesser/free-trial-landing


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The Wait is Over

12/5/2020

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​​I’ve got some big news, but first I want to talk about Tim Horton’s.

​Tim’s is the Canadian version of Star-bucks, but much cheaper. (A large coffee is $2.)

​ I live in a city of 100,000 and there are 18!! Tim’s restaurants all over the city. You can go anywhere and run into a Tim’s.

I go almost every day for my latte and iced capp, and sometimes Timbits (donut holes). We all wait in the long line at the drive-thru for sometimes 15 minutes. The drivers are congenial and respectful of other drivers, and we all wait in line patiently.

One time, I was behind someone and all the guy got was a small cup of coffee. When I got to the window, I asked, “Did he wait in line for 15 minutes for a small coffee?” And she said, “Yes,” which I find amazing.

I saw someone else hand over a $50 bill for a $2 coffee.

But last April, as I waited in line, a guy on a bicycle was ahead of me. I saw him check every pocket but couldn’t find anything to pay for the coffee. He moved off and I asked the cashier if he had paid for his coffee. When she said, “No,” I called to the guy and told the cashier to put it on my bill. He was obviously homeless so I’m sure that coffee meant a lot.

Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton (1930-1974) was an NHL hockey player who played defence for a few teams over 24 years. With a friend, he started the chain, and the first Tim’s restaurant opened in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, where I grew up. We had a Tim’s at the head of our street, and Dad used to pick up donuts for breakfast.

Okay, deep breath. Sister Innocent has been re-published and is now available on Amazon:
​

www.amazon.com/Sister-Innocent-Mystery-Revenge-Killing/dp/107067012X

I had previously published that novel back in February, so I’ve been improving it for 8 months. It has gone through a copy editor and a proofreader, and I made my way through the novel after each editor.

To my reviewers, I’d like to ask you to read the novel again. I don’t want to see any more reviews commenting on the editing. I’m 100% sure you’ll see how much this corrected version has advanced. Even the story has changed in a few places. I know you’re busy reading lots of books, but I’m really proud of this final version. It’s a much better read.

If you’d trade me for a review, I’d be happy to send you a pdf or epub version of my novel. Email me at patty@pattylesser.com.

Thank you so much for your anticipated response. 

Have fun,
Patty

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Great Expectations

9/26/2020

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Hello everyone,

I spent the last week listening to webinars hosted by Brian Berni and the Fiction Marketing Academy. There were around 30 different specialists in all areas of marketing from perfecting an email list to creating and running Amazon ads. Brian did a great job rounding up these specialists, who provided many great lessons.

I discovered a great deal, but mostly these experts validated what I’m doing to market my books. My problem is that I write various genres so it’s hard to market me. If I stuck with one genre, it would be easier to build a platform. I can’t help it, I get an idea in my head, roll it around and develop it, and then decide the genre.

But I’ve learned my lesson and will stick with the genres I already have books. I do have ideas for another murder mystery and a science fiction story.

To keep you updated with the status of Sister Innocent, the proofreader has it now. She will get it back to me by October 9th. It will take me 7-9 days to read over the novel and make any corrections. Then it goes the formatter. My proofreader and I will then go through the novel again to make sure there are no formatting issues.

To all those people who said my novel was poorly edited, I want you to read my book again. It’s been through the copy writer twice then me twice and then proofreader will read it twice and I will go over again twice.

I’d like to bet you that if you find a mistake, I’ll send you a hard copy of the book, but I don’t want you looking for mistakes. I want you to enjoy the improved story, and I’m hoping all the errors have been found.

I think Sister Innocent has improved 100%. The copy editor gave me lots of suggestions and made comments about things I had to change. It’s the same story but I’ve changed a few things.

For some strange reason, no one liked Rebecca’s laundry room affair. I thought you guys wanted sex? So I put in a sex scene, and no one liked it. I thought that was hilarious. I have completed changed the scene. She still does her laundry, but she meets two sisters.

I also added more to the ending so it’s not as abrupt. Hopefully, I’ve explained a few things.

But the biggest change in the book is Rebecca. I’ve developed the character completely. I took to heart your reviews and realized I could easily adapt your thoughts into the character. I think you’ll find her enhanced.

I’m going to send Amazon an email when the novel is published instructing them to send everyone who had downloaded the book the updated version.

If you are one of those, you’ll be getting the new book directly. If you would like the ebook version (in exchange for a review), I’d be happy to send it to you.

Email me at patty@pattylesser.com and let me know if you’d like an ebook or pdf version. I will send it to you as soon as it’s published around beginning of November.

By the way, what do you think of my new banner? All of my 10 books are there. 

​Stay safe and have fun,
Patty
 
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Many Changes

7/11/2020

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I’ve been thinking about how much school has changed since I was a kid. I don’t think I could survive it today.

While in school, my greatest love was sports. I belonged to many sports teams like volleyball, baseball, waterpolo, badminton, etc. We had practices, games and tournaments. It was so much fun going to other schools and meeting other students. I made many friends from participating in school sports.

And before the virus, teachers were striking. Teachers never striked when I was in school. I’m not picking sides, but I don’t think it’s fair to the kids when teachers strike or work to rule. During those times, the kids don’t have after school programs which were important to me.

University was something I was expected to attend, but, if it weren’t for a sergeant in the Israeli army, I wouldn’t have gone. I was 22 years old and living in Israel. I had spent 6 months on a kibbutz and a year working in Haifa, but I wanted to find a way to meet Israelis my age, so I thought I’d join the army.

I met with a really nice sergeant. He was sympathetic but said, since I had no family in the country, I would be considered a security risk, and therefore I wouldn’t be able to get a good job in the military. When he learned my reason, he suggested I finish my university degree.

I’ll tell you one funny story about my university days. I studied English Literature, and, for my classmates, English was a second language. 

I usually read the assigned books before my classmates. While reading, I would eat a bowl of popcorn. If it was an easy book to read, I only needed one bowl of popcorn. But Portrait of a Lady by James Joyce took me 5 bowls of popcorn!

My classmates would ask me, “How many bowls of popcorn did it take to read the book?” Then they’d know how difficult it was.

​But university/college has changed with the virus. It’s done online now. Not an environment I could survive in.

I miss smiling at people. Nowadays everyone wears a mask. You can’t see anyone smile.

But how does covid-19 change our books? Do I write about situations before or after covid-19? Do my characters wear masks and keep a 6-foot distance?

What do you think?

Have fun,
Patty

p.s. I’ve parted ways with my developmental editor and proofreader. The proofreader edited another book of mine and did a terrible job. I would expect a novel to be ready for publishing after it’s been edited. Obviously these editors did not fulfill that objective.
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I'm Sorry

5/14/2020

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Hello everyone,

I’m so embarrassed. I’m so upset. It feels like a punch in the gut.

What I’m talking about is my murder mystery Sister Innocent. I had it professionally edited a few times. I thought it was a clean manuscript. I thought I didn’t have to worry about editing.

BUT I received a few reviews that wrote “good but editing” which shocked me. I was given the name of another proofreading editor and she edited the first two pages and there were problems, which upset me.

So, I’m going to have Sister Innocent edited again by someone new. I’m told she’ll do an excellent job. It’s very frustrating to have this done again, but no choice. I want you to judge my book on the story, not the editing. 

Once the editing is completed, I will be re-publishing.

Please delete your copies of Sister Innocent.

When it’s ready, I will write and happily send everyone who downloaded a copy, a free epub or pdf version of the novel. Hopefully Amazon can send the new copy to everyone who had downloaded through them.

My heart is broken. I always thought I could pride myself on the editing. I’ve read through these books hundreds of times, but obviously my editor and I didn’t do a good job. 

I’m so sorry. I should have had it edited better before I published.

Thanks for listening,
Patty
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Giveaway

5/4/2020

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Hello everyone,
​
Starting today for two weeks, I’m doing a two-week giveaway promotion with Amazon and you can download Sister Innocent for free.

https://www.amazon.com/Sister-Innocent-Mystery-Revenge-Killing-ebook/dp/B0855M2G6W/ref

The murder mystery story takes place in a Toronto law firm, but it deals with the legal assistants, not the lawyers.

I worked in a number of law firms off and on for 9 years, and I always had trouble with the other secretaries. They made my life miserable because I wouldn’t gossip and sit in the lunchroom with them every day divulging everything about my life. (I went for a walk at lunchtime to clear my head and smoke a cigarette.)

So what does an author do when she doesn’t like someone? She brutally stabs them to death. Hence the plot line for the book.

You can download it here:
https://www.amazon.com/Sister-Innocent-Mystery-Revenge-Killing-ebook/dp/B0855M2G6W/ref

I thank you in advance.

Happy reading,
Patty

p.s. I’d appreciate a review.




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