Have you ever read about an author stating something about their characters not cooperating and thought, what?? I mean, I read that once, pre-writer days, and couldn't understand the meaning. Hello. You're the author, you control the characters. Right?
Not really.
I've learned even though we set out with great intentions of getting characters from point A to point B and have a defined, outlined, path, things happen. A comment is made. A move it made. An ax murdered jumps out of nowhere derailing the MC from their journey. And even though the author has the control, they really don't. Our characters can take on a life of their own. The author becomes the character, lives in their head, wears their clothes, and sleeps in their bed. And once this happens, the character is alive. They have different thoughts and emotions. They cause chaos with our story lines because even though you want them to go to the left, they feel going to the right would be a better story.
And they may be right. Or left. *shrugs*
I'm running into this same scenerio. I've been working on my latest YA and even though I now what I want to happen, my characters are not cooperating and letting me get there with an appropriate amount of words. They want to snuggle and make out while I just want the ax murderer to reveal themselves.
What do I do when this happens?
I step back, maybe start on something new and then when I get a nagging feeling in the back of my head telling me I need to finish and this is how, I let my fingers do the walking. Creative juices take some time to ferment, unfortunately. But I'm a writer. I've got all the time I need.
Thanks. Share below some thoughts you have about your characters or even what you've done in a similar situation.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Book Nibbles
Today's tasty treat is The Most Intimate Wish by F.L. Bicknell.
Blurb:
All she wants is a husband and family. All they need is for her to believe.
When Dinah and Jeff move in to be the Wheillercarts’ companions, their lives change for the better and the worse. Dinah loves Jeff, but after five years together, he still refuses to marry her, and Dinah’s dreams of starting a family begin to crumble. Regardless of their hot lovemaking sessions, she fears Jeff is cheating on her. Dinah will do anything to keep Jeff, even if it means sharing him with another woman.
However, strange occurrences and a seemingly psychic landlady keep Dinah guessing about her life and relationship with Jeff. And what about the bizarre statue in their landlady’s atrium? Little does Dinah know it holds the key to her most intimate wish.
Blurb:
All she wants is a husband and family. All they need is for her to believe.
When Dinah and Jeff move in to be the Wheillercarts’ companions, their lives change for the better and the worse. Dinah loves Jeff, but after five years together, he still refuses to marry her, and Dinah’s dreams of starting a family begin to crumble. Regardless of their hot lovemaking sessions, she fears Jeff is cheating on her. Dinah will do anything to keep Jeff, even if it means sharing him with another woman.
However, strange occurrences and a seemingly psychic landlady keep Dinah guessing about her life and relationship with Jeff. And what about the bizarre statue in their landlady’s atrium? Little does Dinah know it holds the key to her most intimate wish.
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Most-Intimate-Wish-ebook/dp/B0046LVAG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327494727&sr=1-1
About the Author: F.L. Bicknell's work has appeared in a wide range of genres and publications such as: Would That It Were, Touch, GC, and Ohio Writer magazines as well as with publications in Canada and Turkey. Under her pseudonym, Molly Diamond, she was a regular contributor to Gent and Ruthie's Club and has had fiction published in Hustler's Busty Beauties, Penthouse Variations, and Twenty 1 Lashes. Published under alternate pen names, Ms. Bicknell is the author of several e-book and print titles, has served as co-editor and managing editor for three different publishing houses, and is the founder and writing instructor at Avoid Writers Hell, an online writer's workshop. She is represented by TriadaUS Literary Agency.
My 2 cents:
I have not read this book yet. But if your looking for something a little spicy and really hot, check out The Most Intimate Wish. While this is an erotic free site, I'm here to support a fellow author.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Pay it Forward
I'm not talking about just buying a fellow authors book but the advice and steps authors offer to those of use starting out. Share what you've done that has been successful with others.
And that's what I'd like to do today.
When I started out, I was lost, completely, utterly lost. I knew I needed to write but then what. And at that time I purchased a book about book publishing and I think it was out of date because it mostly talked about snail mailing copies of your manuscript.
WHAT! Did they have any idea how much that would cost me? Where they crazy?
So I asked a HS friend who had mentioned something about getting a literary agent. *light bulb on* And here is what she offered (plus some of my own input):
1. Write everyday. Starting a blog helps. Keeps the mojo moving.
2. Get connected. Start a twitter account and start following people. Follow authors you like. Follow newbie authors.
3. Research agents. There are tons of list out there. I started with Agent Query. Once you have some names, look at the agents' individual sites. Follow them on twitter, Google+, stalk them.
4. Keep writing and finish your manuscript. Authors don't want a partial. When you start the query process, they want a finished product.
5. Stay educated. Take an online query course. I took CJ Redwine's query and synopsis writing course. Both were short and convenient. And the feedback was golden.
I don't have an agent but like I've said before, I'm not sure I want one. However, I still follow a few just keep up on the info. Agents can offer a lot of valuable information even if they aren't representing you.
Good luck and hit me up with some questions and I'll see if I can help.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Book Nibbles
Today on Book Nibbles, please welcome Secrets by Jan Scarbrough
Blurb:
How was she going to keep her secret? It had been with her like a living thing for twenty-one years.
With her daughter all grown up and married, single mom Kelly Baron can start her new life, responsible only for herself. But first she must help her mother by returning to the small Indiana town she’d fled years ago.
Newly divorced lawyer, Rob Scott, seeks solace in his small-town roots. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship—until he runs into Kelly, and the secret she’s been keeping.
With her daughter all grown up and married, single mom Kelly Baron can start her new life, responsible only for herself. But first she must help her mother by returning to the small Indiana town she’d fled years ago.
Newly divorced lawyer, Rob Scott, seeks solace in his small-town roots. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship—until he runs into Kelly, and the secret she’s been keeping.
Interested? Check it out on Amazon.
At only 138 pages, how could I not pick this up. I really enjoy Jan's other works and I have to say the idea of long lost love harboring a secret makes me wanna buy this novella now. It looks to be a good, quick read and all the ratings I've seen have been at least 4 1/2 stars. That's pretty good in my book.
The book was re-released with a new title and cover. But the reviews from the first run are wonderful. When you check out the Amazon link, scroll down and you can read a review from Carole @ The Romance Reviews.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Change can be good....right?
By day, I work as a medical biller. I didn't attend school to learn the trade instead I stumbled on the job and liked the flexibility the hours offered. Plus, it seemed like it didn't use many brain cells and at the time I needed those to manage a family and start my writing career. I started in fall of 2008. Yeah, I know!
Lat week I was told I needed to cut my hours and work part-time. Now, I knew this was coming and after several days of freaking out and crying my eyes out, I relaxed and my hubs and I said we'd figure it out. The plus side, I now had more time to write and do my TMP PR work.
What bothered me was being forced into part-time. I've wanted to reduce my hours for a few years but knew financially I couldn't. Plus, if I voluntarily went part-time, that meant my writing had picked up and I was making money at it and my part time work had increased.
I will survive and live to write another day. I may be wearing a pair of second shoes (*gasps*) but I'll still be here.
Tell me. Have you been dealt a change that wanted to flip your world up side down but didn't let it?
Monday, January 16, 2012
Have you heard of this phenom hitting the social networking sites? I have and man am I addicted.
The gist is you have bulletin boards and "pin" stuff from around the web that you like. Most of my friends use it for recipes and craft ideas. Me, I like to pretend I'm shopping with unlimited income. Although the recipes are good too. I've done 2 so far with great results.
Which brings me to my point. I have a friend who has decided to join the blogging world (yeah!) *throws confetti* and blog about her Pinterest recipe experience. Although, she has a different take on the project. Her two oldest children are picky eaters. A fact she will not deny nor try to cover up. To remedy the situation she is trying a new recipe everyday and then blogging about the experience. Now she's not trying to feed her children creamed spinach and liver. No, these are common items, yummy dishes and wonderful treats. The best part is she's incorporated a points system with her kids if they try, eat and finish their food. In the end they win a prize. Easy enough.
Wrong.
She has shared on her blog some gut splitting stories about fighting with her son about trying new things. And honestly, as a parent, if you are one, don't you feel the same sometimes. Like you're beating your head against a wall and the little mini me just doesn't get it or won't play along.
I love this blog. Not only because she's a friend but she's trying to do something good and real and sharing true emotions with us. She gets frustrated and often questions her methods because she's doing something she doesn't normally do. Stepping from her comfort zone. She expresses what most of us feel at any time. Parenting is hard and we can learn from each other.
After all, doesn't it take a village to raise a child.
Thanks Jenni for blogging. You're doing a great job!
Here's her link. Check her out. Subscribe. Do it!
The gist is you have bulletin boards and "pin" stuff from around the web that you like. Most of my friends use it for recipes and craft ideas. Me, I like to pretend I'm shopping with unlimited income. Although the recipes are good too. I've done 2 so far with great results.
Which brings me to my point. I have a friend who has decided to join the blogging world (yeah!) *throws confetti* and blog about her Pinterest recipe experience. Although, she has a different take on the project. Her two oldest children are picky eaters. A fact she will not deny nor try to cover up. To remedy the situation she is trying a new recipe everyday and then blogging about the experience. Now she's not trying to feed her children creamed spinach and liver. No, these are common items, yummy dishes and wonderful treats. The best part is she's incorporated a points system with her kids if they try, eat and finish their food. In the end they win a prize. Easy enough.
Wrong.
She has shared on her blog some gut splitting stories about fighting with her son about trying new things. And honestly, as a parent, if you are one, don't you feel the same sometimes. Like you're beating your head against a wall and the little mini me just doesn't get it or won't play along.
I love this blog. Not only because she's a friend but she's trying to do something good and real and sharing true emotions with us. She gets frustrated and often questions her methods because she's doing something she doesn't normally do. Stepping from her comfort zone. She expresses what most of us feel at any time. Parenting is hard and we can learn from each other.
After all, doesn't it take a village to raise a child.
Thanks Jenni for blogging. You're doing a great job!
Here's her link. Check her out. Subscribe. Do it!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Book Nibbles
Our tasty try up today is....
Late Harvest by Suzanne Barrett
Here's the Amazon buy link.
Here's the blurb:
Kurt von Daniken wants only one thing from Glenna Ryan: The key to making Eiswein - Ice Wine. Five years ago, while working at his family's California winery, she'd begun developing the method to simulate wine made from grapes gathered after a freeze. Now, when the winery desperately needs it, the only person who might be able to duplicate Glenna's process, Kurt's tyrannical Uncle Otto, lies paralyzed by a stroke and near death. Glenna wants only one thing from the von Danikens: To be left in peace to raise her son, Robbie, who suffers from a birth defect and needs an expensive surgery to repair it.
When Kurt suddenly appears at her home, demanding she return to Cresthaven and complete the process, Glenna knows the money she'll earn by doing so will provide Robbie the treatment he needs. She also knows she'll risk having her heart broken, again, by Kurt, the only man she's ever loved. But, what if he discovers the real reason she left Cresthaven?
And if that doesn't spark some interest, here's what some reviewers thought:
"Suzanne Barrett crams a wealth of emotion, hard work, and social interaction into this short novel. The descriptions, introspections, and humor (ex. the claws of the kitten making a prick that lets out "pompous hot air") grabs the attention and keeps one reading. Best of all is getting to vicariously experience long-suffering love being rewarded with a magnificent acknowledgement and a promised happy-ever-after."
--Long and Short Reviews
"Romance, tears, arguments, tension - both sexual and as a result of conflict, and a happy ending to boot. The story flowed effortlessly.... I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading other books by Suzanne Barrett."
--Romancing the Book
My thoughts:
I recently read Barrett's Sierra Bride and really enjoyed her writing and storytelling. I will be adding this book to my TBR simply because of the blurb above. The dun, dun, dun cliffhanger tease. Why did she really leave? Will she return? If she does, will they fall in love again. IDNK but I can't wait to find out.
Plus, Late Harvest is on $1.99 on Amazon for Kindle. That's a steal!
If you'd like to learn more about the author, here is where you can find her:
www.bellerustique.comwww.suzannebarrett.com
Happy Reading!
Late Harvest by Suzanne Barrett
Here's the Amazon buy link.
Here's the blurb:
Kurt von Daniken wants only one thing from Glenna Ryan: The key to making Eiswein - Ice Wine. Five years ago, while working at his family's California winery, she'd begun developing the method to simulate wine made from grapes gathered after a freeze. Now, when the winery desperately needs it, the only person who might be able to duplicate Glenna's process, Kurt's tyrannical Uncle Otto, lies paralyzed by a stroke and near death. Glenna wants only one thing from the von Danikens: To be left in peace to raise her son, Robbie, who suffers from a birth defect and needs an expensive surgery to repair it.
When Kurt suddenly appears at her home, demanding she return to Cresthaven and complete the process, Glenna knows the money she'll earn by doing so will provide Robbie the treatment he needs. She also knows she'll risk having her heart broken, again, by Kurt, the only man she's ever loved. But, what if he discovers the real reason she left Cresthaven?
And if that doesn't spark some interest, here's what some reviewers thought:
"Suzanne Barrett crams a wealth of emotion, hard work, and social interaction into this short novel. The descriptions, introspections, and humor (ex. the claws of the kitten making a prick that lets out "pompous hot air") grabs the attention and keeps one reading. Best of all is getting to vicariously experience long-suffering love being rewarded with a magnificent acknowledgement and a promised happy-ever-after."
--Long and Short Reviews
"Romance, tears, arguments, tension - both sexual and as a result of conflict, and a happy ending to boot. The story flowed effortlessly.... I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading other books by Suzanne Barrett."
--Romancing the Book
My thoughts:
I recently read Barrett's Sierra Bride and really enjoyed her writing and storytelling. I will be adding this book to my TBR simply because of the blurb above. The dun, dun, dun cliffhanger tease. Why did she really leave? Will she return? If she does, will they fall in love again. IDNK but I can't wait to find out.
Plus, Late Harvest is on $1.99 on Amazon for Kindle. That's a steal!
If you'd like to learn more about the author, here is where you can find her:
www.bellerustique.comwww.suzannebarrett.com
Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Still Truckin' Along
Have you ever read the message below the title of my blog? I have, of course, and when I started this blog, it was true. And to think, I only just started this little project almost a year ago. Since the first day, my life has taken me in a different direction.
2011 brought on a ton of writing, 3 books and one short story contracted, hundreds of hours of editing and several attempts at finding an agent. And this is where my initial goal has changed.
I'm not sure I want an agent. Right now.
When I started out, it was write write write, edit edit edit, query query query and land an agent that will make all my dreams come true. It's not about the money but the benefit of staying at home and doing what I love. And the bottom line is still the same.
I have friends who are agented and I get mixed info. And I get it. Each agent is different as well as the writers they represent. Yet I can't help wonder if I want the headaches they face.
And this may be my answer. I will keep on writing and submitting to my current publisher until she doesn't want me anymore but still keep one eye on the search for the "dream agent". Because the truth is, I'm over-the-moon happy with my publisher and writers friends I've made there and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience. Still, a small part of me wonders if I can land an agent but I'm not going to settle for anyone and neither should you if you are a writer. Make sure the agent is what you want in a person that will represent you and your writing.
I won't change my message yet becuase for the most part, it's still true. But incase you were wondering how my journey has been, I've answered it for you. To be honest, I haven't submitted to many agents last year. Mostly because I was inbetween projects and then discovered Honey Creek Books and my writing took off in an un-agented direction.
Thanks for listening and I'd love to hear about your thoughts. Agent or No Agent? That is the questions!!
2011 brought on a ton of writing, 3 books and one short story contracted, hundreds of hours of editing and several attempts at finding an agent. And this is where my initial goal has changed.
I'm not sure I want an agent. Right now.
When I started out, it was write write write, edit edit edit, query query query and land an agent that will make all my dreams come true. It's not about the money but the benefit of staying at home and doing what I love. And the bottom line is still the same.
I have friends who are agented and I get mixed info. And I get it. Each agent is different as well as the writers they represent. Yet I can't help wonder if I want the headaches they face.
And this may be my answer. I will keep on writing and submitting to my current publisher until she doesn't want me anymore but still keep one eye on the search for the "dream agent". Because the truth is, I'm over-the-moon happy with my publisher and writers friends I've made there and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience. Still, a small part of me wonders if I can land an agent but I'm not going to settle for anyone and neither should you if you are a writer. Make sure the agent is what you want in a person that will represent you and your writing.
I won't change my message yet becuase for the most part, it's still true. But incase you were wondering how my journey has been, I've answered it for you. To be honest, I haven't submitted to many agents last year. Mostly because I was inbetween projects and then discovered Honey Creek Books and my writing took off in an un-agented direction.
Thanks for listening and I'd love to hear about your thoughts. Agent or No Agent? That is the questions!!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Book Nibbles
This week's Book Nibbles....
Published by Turquoise Morning Presswww.turquoisemorningpress.com
Release: September, 2010
Category: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Sweet (no sex)
Length: @70,000 words
Price: $14.99 print; $4.99 digital
Heat Level: Sweet (no sex)
Length: @70,000 words
Price: $14.99 print; $4.99 digital
Blurb:
Sitting in front of her parents’ house in a U-Haul truck at midnight, Amy Mann decides it’s time to break it to them that she’s divorced from her husband and moving back home with her seven-year-old son, Toby. As Amy settles into her hometown, she has a plan to get out of debt, get her college degree, and put her life together.
Enter Captain Riley Pennimon, local firefighter and superhero to Amy’s son. Riley is kind, brave, and civic-minded. The captain does not fit into Amy’s putting-her-life-together plan, and yet he is way too good looking without a shirt. Much to Amy’s chagrin, Toby decides that Riley is just what they need for a happily-ever-after.
But, can Amy make peace with the demons of her mistakes and let the captain rescue her? And…can Riley let go of the pain of his past and grab onto the family he’s always wanted?
Click here to purchase on Amazon.
This sweet romance is on my TBR list. The only reason I haven't read it yet is becuase my computer is down and along with it my Nook files. #boo But as soon as I do, you can catch my review over at Goodreads as well as a small snippet here. I love this author and am a fan of her work!!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Resolutions
You've probably already read your share of posts on the new year and resolutions. Well, I don't plan on making any resolutions this year. More like goals. Writing goals.
I can start off by saying I resolve to lose weight. We both know that won't happen and all I'll do is let myself down. But this isn't about me. This is about my writing.
Over the past several years, I've learned so much about writing that I'm scared to pull out one of my earlier works and review it. Yikes! It's like in a scary movie when the girl sneaks up on the closed door and, knowing she shouldn't look but the erie music is making her. Until she pushes open the door and lets out a blood curdling scream. Yeah, that's what it would be like.
So, like last year, I will take another writing class or do something to increase my knowledge on becoming a better writer. Honing my craft, if you will.
Next, I will write everyday. Blog posts (I'm on two so far), chapters or even idea plotting. Anything to keep me going.
My thoughts are to set attainable goals. Why make all these grand gestures and fail and then feel like crap? Honestly, the publishing industry is hard enough.
I'm curious to find out what you're plans are for the new year. Resolutions?
I can start off by saying I resolve to lose weight. We both know that won't happen and all I'll do is let myself down. But this isn't about me. This is about my writing.
Over the past several years, I've learned so much about writing that I'm scared to pull out one of my earlier works and review it. Yikes! It's like in a scary movie when the girl sneaks up on the closed door and, knowing she shouldn't look but the erie music is making her. Until she pushes open the door and lets out a blood curdling scream. Yeah, that's what it would be like.
So, like last year, I will take another writing class or do something to increase my knowledge on becoming a better writer. Honing my craft, if you will.
Next, I will write everyday. Blog posts (I'm on two so far), chapters or even idea plotting. Anything to keep me going.
My thoughts are to set attainable goals. Why make all these grand gestures and fail and then feel like crap? Honestly, the publishing industry is hard enough.
I'm curious to find out what you're plans are for the new year. Resolutions?
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