Clarissa Draper

Describe with Dialogue

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:37:00 +0000

As part of the I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest, we are introducing characters through dialogue.

Can it be done? Can we use dialogue to describe? To show instead of tell? Let's see.

"Sharon--Sharon. It's me, Richard."

"Yes. I know who you are, Richard. I have a restraining order against you. How did you find me? "

"I--I live around here."

"No you don't, Richard, you can't."

"No, well, no I don't, that’s true. But I was just walking down the street and here you were."

"And I think you'd better turn round and walk the other way."

"No, no I understand. Look, I just wanted to say I--I like your new great coat."

"It's not new, I've had it for ages."

"But, I saw you buy it yesterday at the Vintage Shop. You do have the best taste in clothing. I especially love how your hat matches your curls and glasses… Look, don’t ring the police. I missed you, that’s all. I miss our chats.”

“We don’t have chats. We’ve never had chats."

"You said thank you."

"I thanked you for taking my shopping trolley. One time. Over a year ago."

"Yes, but I still remember."

"Richard, you—you killed my dog!”

“That wasn’t my fault, Sharon. It bit me and I started to bleed.”

“It bloody bit you because you were standing in my bloody garden, looking through my bloody window. I’m not talking to you anymore. I can't believe it, I have to move again!”

“Whatever you do, please don’t dye your beautiful red hair black again.”

“How did you—”

Flesh Out Your Characters

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:37:00 +0000

As part of the I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest, we are getting to know our characters. This is something that is difficult to do especially when we write everyday. We always figure we will figure it out later.

So, today, I'm going to interview my toughest character. Her name is Crystal and she's an incredibly smart coder, however, people view her as a second class citizen because she's deaf.

Clarissa: What is your biggest vulnerability?

Crystal: I'm not sure I want to say. Doesn't that make me more vulnerable?

Clarissa: Well, who would know? Only the people who read this blog...and really, no one reads it.

Crystal: (eyes her suspiciously)

Clarissa: All right then, what do people believe about you that is false?

Crystal: That one's easy, it's that I'm stupid because I'm deaf. The truth is, I'm a great programer. In fact, I'm hacking into your iPad as we speak...

Clarissa: You are?

Crystal: No, of course not. You don't even own an iPad.

Clarissa: Oh, that's true. What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw?

Crystal: Sophia? I guess she would say I fall for the wrong men.

Clarissa: Why?

Crystal: Because I do. Really, any man who pays any attention to me, I'm there's. Well, in the past I was, not anymore.

Clarissa: What would the same friend say is your one redeeming quality?

Crystal: I will do anything to help out anyone, even if it means breaking the law.

Clarissa: Oh, I suppose that's a good thing. What do you want most?

Crystal: What do I want most? I want recognition. Not just for me but for all the deaf out there that work hard and get abused because of the fact we're deaf. I want people to realise that we're not stupid.

This Stupid Pineapple is...

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:47:00 +0000

Now a stupid NYAN-PINEAPPLE!

(I want to apologize to all for having to experience the NyanCat again!)

This has been a post for the Thinking The Lions blogfest. Check it out!

I need a few days to catch up on my blog reading. I'll see everyone around.

4 Benefits to Writing Every Day

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”
― Jane Yolen

So, now I'm day thirty into my challenge--100K in 100 days--and I have written more than 29, 000 words. Today I will write another thousand to make the 30, 000 words.

In all honesty, I thought I would have quit before this mark but I think because I really wanted to make a success of it, I have carried on.

What I've learned so far:

(1) For me to be a successful writer, I have to write everyday. I thought about holidays and sick days. What happens then? Do I have to write at those times? The answer is yes. But, I've decided that if it's even only 100 words on those days, I've exercised my writing muscle.

(2) Writing everyday has helped me find my voice. Because I don't spend so much time anymore thinking about word count (because the words come easier to me), I can think about voice and other things. Finding my rhythm is easier.

(3) Writing everyday means less editing later. On average I write about 80 sentences a day. That's a lot of practice writing sentences. And like anything you practice--piano or crochet--you perfect the craft over time. I figure if I write enough sentences, I'll know when I've written a good one and when I come across one I want to discard. That's the theory anyways.

(4) I need to not write more than my set number of words. Even though I'm in the groove, I stop at my 1000 words. I write copious notes about where I want to start the next day and walk away. It doesn't take long to get the groove back again and if I stop while the excitement is still high, I can carry that into the next day. It's actually easier to start the next day.

Have you ever written daily? What did you learn?

Above Suspicion: Silent Scream

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0000

So last night I watched the conclusion of series four of Above Suspicion. This episode was entitled Silent Scream based on Lynda la Plante's novel of the same name. It was fantastic.

A famous actress (pictured above) is stabbed multiple times in her posh flat and the suspect list is mighty long.

There were her parents, who seem keen on keeping secrets. There were her old friends (pictured above), from before she was famous, who resent her and her money. Then there were the lovers. And oh so many of them.

Anna Travis (above) and the team, especially her boss Detective Chief Superintendent James Langton (below), have to sort through all the suspects and find the truth.

For those of you have seen series one to three of this show, you know the main draw are the two main characters. The chemistry between them are great. Also, the politicking in the police force are realistic and add tension. I recommend this show.

You can read the book here on Kindle and on paperback here. Have you seen this series? What do you think?

Paracosm and the Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:12:00 +0000

I have an imaginary friend. I admit it. In fact, I have many. They live in a world outside the real world in which we live, a world I know doesn't really exist, but it's terribly real.

This is known as PARACOSM.

What is Paracosm?

a prolonged fantasy world invented by children; can have a definite geography and language and history -- from dictionary.com

"Yes, Clarissa, but you're a writer. Of course you imagine these worlds. You need to in order to write about them."

True, but I don't write about this particular imaginary world. It's different. And I'm not crazy and I'm not the only writer who has created paracosms. Have you? That's the reason I had you fill out the five questions on my sidebar. Most people have created imaginary worlds as children with places and characters very real to them. And, as adult writers we have also created imaginary worlds in order to write fiction.

So, what is the difference between a fantasy world used in a work of fiction and paracosm?

That is what I'm trying to research. You see, it's not been well-researched--paracosm is a term coined in 1976 by a self-proclaimed paracosmist. Why? Probably because most adults won't admit to having imaginary friends or worlds. It's considered odd to talk to yourself or anyone that you can't see (this doesn't include prayer--many people talk to a deity they can't see on a regular basis).

So, I want to do my own research project with the people most likely to create worlds--writers and artistic types that read my blog.

So, now I ask you (and feel free to leave your comment as anonymous if you don't want to disclose your identity):

Have you ever 'lived in' or created a fantasy world? (If you answer no to this question, disregard the rest.)
How long have you had this imaginary world--since childhood or has the new world developed in adulthood?
Do you just watch the characters or are you in fact one of the characters?
Do you believe the world is real or are you aware that it's only in your mind?
Is the world completely made up--with its own language, laws, names--or is it based on the real world?
Do you escape into this imaginary world when faced with emotional trauma?
How often do you spend in that imaginary world? Do you talk to your characters while washing dishes or taking a shower or does it interfere with your life (This may fall into another category called Maladaptive Daydreaming)?

You are not alone. Many writers have created such worlds: Agatha Christie, the Bronte sisters, CS Lewis, and many others. Over the next few weeks, we will discuss this topic in further detail and I will discuss the paracosms of other famous writers.

Sources:
Worldplay and the Writer
Impact of playing with imaginary worlds on adult creativity Paracosm-Childhood Fantasy World
Wikipedia
Maladaptive Daydreaming

Clarissa Reads Two Mysteries

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:55:00 +0000

(1) At Risk by Stella Rimington

What is it about? The first woman director general of Britain's MI5, Rimington speaks smartly about workplace issues while ratcheting the tension high in her authoritative debut thriller. Enter Liz Carlyle, an agent-runner with a taste for vintage clothes; her married lover, Mark Callendar, whom she doesn't love; and an appealing head of section, Charles Wetherby. The Islamic Terror Syndicate (ITS) may be about to deploy an "invisible"—"an ethnic native of the target country"—and only Liz can pull together all the threads.

What did I think? I bought this novel because it was written by a director general of MI5. How cool! If there was anyone who knew about the inner workings of the spy game, she would be the one. And probably she is. However, in some parts, it was hard to read. I just couldn't get into it. At some point in the future I might re-read it but maybe not. However, I might be willing to pick up another book she's written instead. Debuts are sometimes not as good as subsequent books.

Buy it here for $6.99

(2) The Hanging Wood by Martin Edwards

What is it about? Twenty years ago, a teenage boy, Callum Hinds, went missing in England’s Lake District. His uncle was suspected of having done the boy harm and interviewed by the police. When he committed suicide close to his cottage in the Hanging Wood, everyone assumed it was a sign of guilt. But the body of the boy was never found. Now his sister, Orla Payne, who never believed in their uncle’s guilt, has returned to the Lakes, and takes up a job in an atmospheric residential library, close to her father’s farm, the upmarket caravan park where her step-father works, and the Hanging Wood. She wants to find the truth about Callum’s disappearance, and—at the prompting of Daniel Kind—and, in a drunken call, tries to interest DCI Hannah Scarlett, head of Cumbria’s Cold Case Review Team, in the case. Hannah is reluctant, leading Orla to demand whether she cares about justice. Hannah does care, and when Orla dies in strange and shocking circumstances, she determines to find the truth about what happened to Callum—and to Orla. Hannah’s investigation brings her back into contact with Daniel, while she tries to resolve her troubled relationship with bookseller Marc Amos. But their personal lives have to be put on hold when another death occurs, and Hannah finds herself racing against time to prevent a shocking murder as the past casts long shadows on the sunlit landscape of the Lakes.

What did I think? This was another book that was okay for me--but not great. I'm one of those mystery readers that (a) likes a murders that leaves an impression and (b) that forwards the lives of the two main characters. For me, the death, although strange and shocking, didn't help me turn the pages and the two main characters Hannah and Daniel seem to be moving backwards in their working/personal relationship. This is another book I might pick up again in the future and perhaps fine fascinating. I really recommend Martin Edward's books, they, for the most part, are wonderful. Give his book The Cipher Garden a go.

Buy it here for $5.80

Climb Up With the Celery Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:26:00 +0000

We all know her-- Karen Jones Gowen over at Coming Down The Mountain has a new venture.

CELERY TREE

Here's what Karen has to say about it:

Celerytree.com came about because I know how hard it is to market and sell books. One day in 2010, this idea came to me: Why not build a website where authors support one another by agreeing to buy a modest amount of books from other authors each year.

If enough people join up, it can grow geometrically and make a real difference. 100 members buying 6 books a year is 600 books purchased from those 100 members. 1000 members buying 6 books a year is 6000 books purchased from 1000 members. 10,000 members is 60,000 books purchased from 10,000 members. You get the idea, right?

The more members we get the more books our members will sell, yet each member only has to ever buy 6 books a year, although most will buy more than 6. The more members sign on, the larger the pool of books and book buyers will be.

Why should we care about this new venture?
This is a wonderful way to support our fellow writers and also publicize our own works. Together, we can make a difference for other writers and ourselves.

Check out these other cool links:
Celery Tree blog, Celery Tree Facebook Page, Twitter account, and of course, the website itself which is celerytree.com. And to get the Celery Tree button to display please go here.

Karen Gowen will be available at karen@celerytree.com to answer your questions about Celerytree.com during the Big Blog Tour. Feel free to email Karen about any questions you may have at this time on joining, registering, buying books, submitting books or any other issues.

Can you help me with research?

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:18:00 +0000

While I was doing research for one of my novels, I came across some information that intrigued me. Because I don't want to go into the research and skew the answers, I am working on a series of articles that will discuss the topic further when the voting is complete.

I would love it if you took a minute to answer five easy questions.

The five multiple choice questions are sitting in my sidebar there =======>

Clarissa Reviews True Colors and Smart Budgets

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

(1) True Colors and Other Short Stories by Michelle Davidson

What is it about? In this short story collection, Michelle Davidson Argyle shares sixteen of her literary pieces written during 1999 - 2011. In the title story, "True Colors," the main character fights her vibrant personality against the true darkness lurking within her. The story builds until a row of six dead birds stop her in her tracks. In the opening story, "Thread," (also published in the 2011 collection, Stories for Sendai), a married couple's reaction to the Sendai earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, 2011 reveals their own earth-shattering issues and what must be done to solve them. The lizard on the cover represents the story, "The Threshold," about a young boy with an intense physical attraction to a girl he's not supposed to touch. True Colors is a collection of quiet stories exploring the hidden, but often overlooked colors we try to hide every day. Sometimes they shouldn't be hidden at all.

What did I think? This is a wonderful collection of short stories, each with a unique theme. There will be a story in this book that really hits you. There are also poems in her book, but because I'm not really a poetry person, I didn't enjoy them as much as the stories. My favorite story is Clover.

Buy it here for $1.99

(2) Smart Budgets for Busy People by Maria Zannini

What is it about? The Frugal Way is a series of books that will put you on the path to solvency and smart living. The first book, "Smart Budgets for Busy People" sets the stage on which to build your super-easy frugal empire.

What did I think? I really enjoyed this book. Even though currently I'm not using a budget, the advice in the book is realistic and practical. First of all, she discusses the most important thing when trying to save money: mindset. How it's not just a one person decision, the whole family needs to get involved. I like the $50 Dollar Rule where spouses agree to discuss purchases that go over a set amount.

There are also many useful tips, such as, asking doctors for samples instead of buying prescriptions at full price, and planning portion control when you go to a restaurant by making the meal (which are very large in the US) last for two days.

Included in the book are links to sites where you can find great deals on products and also free products. And budget worksheets.

For the price, it's worth the investment.

Buy it here for $0.99

Have you read these books? What did you think of them?

Imagine writing four books a year...

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:22:00 +0000

So, I'm day nine into my challenge--100K in 100 days--and I have written more than 8000 words. Today I will write another thousand to make the 9000 words.

I have to admit, it was difficult at first to write those thousand words a day--it took me all day. But now, I can finish in about an hour and a half, leaving me plenty of time to update the notes that go along with my recently written words.

Before I started this challenge, I thought about adding editing to the mix--write a thousand words a day and then spend some time editing other stuff--and it seemed daunting. However, now I think it could actually be doable.

What I've learned so far:

(1) The key to this challenge for me is writing daily. Writing daily makes writing easier.

“Inspiration usually comes during work, not before it.” – Madeleine L’Engle

It's so true. I may have a brief idea of where I'm going with the scene but as I start to write, it words begin to flow. But, you have to start writing first. I NEVER wait for the muse to hit me. I hit first.

“If you wait for inspiration to write; you’re not a writer, you’re a waiter.” – Dan Poynter

(2) It's possible to finish four or more books a year (based on a 90,000 word novel which is my average). FOUR OR MORE! Imagine. In a ten year writing career, you can have forty books to your name.

Clarissa Reviews Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:35:00 +0000

Date: January 1929
Paperback: Buy here!
Audible: Buy here!
Detectives: Superintendent Battle
Preceded by: The Mystery of the Blue Train
Followed by: Partners in Crime (Short Stories)

Trivia: Unusually for a full-length crime novel, Christie did not write a dedication for this book.

Plot Summary: When Gerald Wade died, apparently from an overdose of sleeping draught, seven clocks appeared on the mantelpiece. Who put them there and had they any connection with the Night Club in Seven Dials? That is the mystery that Bill Eversleigh and Bundle and two other young people set out to investigate. Their investigations lead them into some queer places and more than once into considerable danger. Not till the very end of the book is the identity of the mysterious Seven o’clock revealed.

Murder One -
Victim: Gerald "Gerry" Wade
Means of Execution: Poison

Murder Two-
Victim: Ronny Devereux
Means of Execution: Shot

My Thoughts: I finished this novel by audiobook so it took me forever to get through; mostly because I kept falling asleep--audiobooks do that to me. However, I did get through it and I enjoyed it. There is no Jane Marple or Poirot in this one but I found myself amused by the narrator, Bundle. I mean, just her name cracked me up.

Also, the opening was clever. A few friend get together and create an elaborate plan to waken their habitually late-to-wake friend named Gerry. They buy clocks--8 of them--and when he goes to sleep, places them close to his bed. However, it backfires when Gerry doesn't get up because he was murdered.

Although it's not my favourite Christie, I did like it and liked the characters.

Clarissa Reads Two Mysteries

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:22:00 +0000

(1) Still Life by Louise Penny
Challenge: Global Reading Challenge

What is it about? When the body of Jane Neal, a middle-aged artist, is found near a woodland trail used by deer hunters outside the village of Three Pines, it appears she's the victim of a hunting accident. Summoned to the scene, Gamache, an appealingly competent senior homicide investigator, soon determines that the woman was most likely murdered. Like a virtuoso, Penny plays a complex variation on the theme of the clue hidden in plain sight. She deftly uses the bilingual, bicultural aspect of Quebecois life as well as arcane aspects of archery and art to deepen her narrative.

What did I think? This was an amazing book. I can't believe I haven't read this fellow Canadian before. Poor, poor me. The mystery was unique, the setting real and wacky. You really get a sense of Quebec. The only thing I wished in reading this novel was that there were pictures of the artwork talked about in the book. The victim drew art and, although it's described well, I wish I could have seen it. Pick it up, it's cheap.

Buy it here for $2.99

(2) The Merchant's House by Kate Ellis

What is it about? An exciting blend of historical and present-day police procedural, this first novel stars Wesley Peterson, a black British detective who majored in archaeology. Newly transferred to Tradmouth, Peterson chances upon a university buddy whose excavations at a building site have yielded a victim of Elizabethan murder. Up in the hills, meanwhile, the discovery of a grisly murder sends police off in the wrong direction until the supposed victim turns up alive. And elsewhere a little boy has disappeared. Peterson's skill and intuition make this is an involving, adventurous, nicely detailed work for all collections.

What did I think? There are two mysteries in this book. One that happens in present day and one that happened in the past. I found both interesting. There are journal entries at each chapter that were exciting and intriguing. The opening starts with a kidnapped boy. If that doesn't draw you in, nothing will. However, I found myself wondering if they were going to get back to the missing boy because after the first chapter they didn't talk about the boy again until the end. Also, you knew the past mystery fit in somewhere but you just didn't know how or where. If you like a great mystery with lots of layers, read this book.

Buy it here for $8.66

Read, read, read...but not your own stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:41:00 +0000

I have to admit something: I'm not the perfect writer. I know...surprising, isn't it? There are days I re-read my work and believe it's crap.

They--other famous writers like Steven King--say you need to read lots of books if you're a writer. Well, I find that when I compare the writing of others with mine, it really gets me down. These books are written far better than mine. Look at their realistic dialogue! Their description is fantastic!

But, I forget something. They have also been edited. My work is still in the if-you-read-it-while-you're-writing-it-you'll-hate-it stage. So my advice to you. Write your manuscript with out comparing it to polished novels. Don't look back at your work at all. Just write. Read and write. Leave editing for later.

Happy writing, everyone!

Writing Never Bores Me

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Yesterday began my 1000 words a day for 100 days. And I completed my first set. Yay! Only 99 more days to go. And perhaps after that, I'll write a 1000 words everyday.

I love it when I write. I'm a completely different person--I'm on a high. Ideas come at me from all directions. I fight to write them down so I don't forget. Probably because my characters realize it's their chance, they come to me while they believe they have a listening ear. Also, I talk to myself a great deal more when writing: while I'm doing dishes, mopping the floor, ... dressing. (My house is immaculate.)

My family, however, they're ignored completely. And I think they're much happier now. (~~The wicked witch~~... I mean, the crazy lady is locked in her room!)

I'm one of those people who drops projects when bored with it. I've mastered crochet. All right, I'm done. (Never mind the piles of yarn sitting in the corner.) I've mastered Sign Language. All right, on to Chinese. The point is, if a hobby bores me or I think I've learned everything about it, I drop it.

Writing however--and not that I consider it a hobby, really--is one that will never bore me. There is just so much you can do with it. (There are only so many afghans one can knit, you know. (And here come the knitting club with their sharp needles ready to stab me in the neck...)) The ideas are endless.

Well, enough blogging, I must get on with writing.

But, before you leave, answer me this: Will writing ever bore you?

Goals for 2012 - 100K in 100 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:00:00 +0000

I signed up for this challenge because I want 2012 to be a year of writing. If this goes well, I hope to write 1000 words all 365 days. However, I'm getting ahead of myself. To join me for this wonderful challenge: click here.

I have a great idea for this year. Not only will I get to post every day of the month, I'm hoping to get a publishable book out of it. More information to come. Join the challenge!

I also plan to read more in 2012 (not that the 53 books I read in 2011 are anything to laugh at) but along with all my fellow blogger's upcoming novels, I want to broaden my reading horizons. To join the challenge, click here.

Editing Matters!

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:34:00 +0000

It's easy to self-publish, anyone can do it. And because of that, reaching an audience is more difficult; there is so much competition. I shop for all my reading material on Amazon.com and I'm very picky about the books I spend money on. How do I choose?

Well, if my blogging buddy has written a book, I'll buy it.

However, if I don't know a writer, I go by reviews. And I think I'm not alone on this.

That's why editing matters. I won't buy a book if the comments are like this:

Or like this:

And don't think all these reviews are from self-published authors. Some of these are well known authors.

What do you think? Does editing matter to you? If you don't know the author personally, do you buy based on reviews?

Writing a Series by Leigh Russell

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:37:00 +0000

(I'm pleased to have Leigh Russell on my blog. I've read all of her books and can't wait for the next in her series.)

Leigh Russell writes the popular bestselling UK crime series featuring Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel. Leigh’s new book Death Bed is on Kindle on amazon.co.uk, and out in print 2012. Details of all Leigh’s books can be found on http://leighrussell.co.uk

Also, her book is available on amazon.com for Kindle.

The chances of a writer finding a publisher are slim. Consider the odds. Publishers receive many thousands of MSs every year. From these one or two might be selected for the publisher to spend considerable sums of money on before the book is even ready to sell. At best it’s a costly investment and publishers are becoming increasingly cautious about speculating on new authors.

Having written a story, I had no plans to show it to anyone and only submitted it to a publisher on a sudden whim. After all, I’d written the book and had nothing to lose by sending it out. I couldn’t have been more surprised when the publisher called me two weeks later to express interest in my writing, and subsequently offer me a three book deal. I accepted straight away. Why not? Suddenly I was writing a series!

Most authors plan in advance when writing a series, thinking particularly about the development of their protagonist through the books. I had barely planned what would happen to my detective in my debut novel, let alone her life through a whole series of books.

In its first year, Cut Short was shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association New Blood Dagger Award for Best First Novel. It attracted some great reviews and before long was officially a bestseller. Suddenly I had fans waiting to read the next story in my series.

It’s hardly a spoiler if I tell you that the killer in Cut Short does not appear in the subsequent books, and my detective has a huge following wanting to know what is going to happen in her life. With three bestsellers to my name, I was thrilled when my publisher offered me a further three book deal. I accepted straight away. Why not?

If it’s rare to find a publisher these days, it must be even rarer to achieve significant and lasting success with a first book. It can take time to establish a name as an author, gaining a reputation and establishing a loyal fan base, the success of each book building on the one that preceded it. But the main advantage of writing a series is that as each book comes out, I barely have time to worry about how it will be received by critics and my all-important readers, because I’m already busy plotting and writing the next title in the series.

Leigh Russell
CUT SHORT, ROAD CLOSED, DEAD END, DEATH BEDpublished by NO EXIT PRESS
'a brilliant talent' - JEFFERY DEAVER
'psychologically acute' - THE TIMES
Shortlisted CWA New Blood Dagger
amazon kindle's Top 50 Bestseller list
Lovereading's Great Crime Sleuths list
http://www.leighrussell.co.uk

Clarissa's Agatha Christie Page

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:48:00 +0000

I have joined the Agatha Christie Carnival because... well, the woman's a genius and I want to read all her books. Again.

So, I'm posting reviews as I read the books.

However, I want to keep the book review separately so I've created a new blog just for the reviews. It's at Clarissa's Agatha Christie Page.

There you will find my review of Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie.

High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set On Sale for Kindle

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:49:00 +0000

Just a heads up, if you like the High Heels Mysteries, they are on sale today only for $1.99. There are five in this boxed set.

Buy it here. (amazon.com only)

A Free Kindle Book and Some Cool Kindle Covers

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:20:00 +0000

(1) Inspirational Quotes for Writers by Deborah Carney

What is it about? My son Daniel was a writer who passed away. His fiction will be published over the next couple of years as I get the manuscripts edited.

Daniel kept a file of all the quotes that inspired him. I have paired the quotes with some of my photography and art in the hopes that between them we can help writers get over writer’s block or even just give people a place to read and relax.

While the quotes included are aimed at writers, anyone can enjoy the photographs and art that are included, and the thought provoking quotes that are paired with the images.

The quotes and images included are not only inspirational; some are here to make you think. They are here to evoke emotion, whether it is relaxation, anger, agreement or debate.

Buy it here for FREE!

Buy it here for $19.99

Buy it here for $44.99

Buy it here for $39.99

Buy it here for $69.00

Show vs. Telling -- Why So Important?

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Welcome to the Deja-vu blogfest! The hosts are DL Hammons, Katie Mills, Lydia Kang, and Nicole Ducleroir. The idea is to search and find a blogpost you think deserves a second look. Here is one I wrote over 400 posts ago--one of my firsts.

Currently, I'm halfway through a critique for a writer friend. This morning, the writer, after correcting some suggested changes, wanted to know what I thought of the characters. I guess I had said the book wasn't drawing me in like it should - I didn't relate to the characters. The next question was, of course - why?

I sat pondering the question awhile before it hit me. I believe it was the way he told the story. He did more telling and less showing and that ruined it for me.

You may be asking, why does that make a difference? Well, consider how we communicate, we often decide whether we like or trust someone by tone of voice and body language. In fact, up to 80% of our communication is done this way. That's why were often lost as to the emotional meaning behind text messages, email and IM. Don't write your book as if your emailing.

If the writer only tells the reader how the characters feels, the reader may not trust what the narrator or character's say until they see the words backed up by actions. (Sadly even internal dialog can be lies the character tells him or herself.) If a writer constantly tells the reader things rather than shows it, it pushes the reader away. It's almost like the writer knows an 'inside' joke and hasn't let the reader in on it.

It's not that we shouldn't TELL at all but I believe the writer will make a deeper impression by showing a character loving someone (perhaps rescuing them from a burning building or something less heroic) rather than just uttering the words.

Show how a character is lost without someone rather than have the writer say it. A writer should not forget the other part of communication.

Why do you think SHOWING is so important? Do you think it's important?

Hardware and Good Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:47:00 +0000

I'm having difficulties putting photos into my post today, every time I click the photo icon and try to put a picture through, it freezes and I have to restart the browser. Maybe, it's just me. Or has it happened to you?

Anyway, on to the book review...

Hardware by Jayda McTyson

What is it about? Camille Moyston has managed to put the nightmare of a violent attack behind her. Having forged a safe, predictable life, the last thing she needs is a cliché, oversexed Jamaican male expressing interest. For Quinn Mayhew, life is too good to waste time chasing a haughty, irritable woman who is too cautious to accept him for the man he is, but somehow she symbolizes everything he desires in his future.
When Camille's inner fortress finally starts to crumble, Quinn is arrested for murder and everything changes...

What did I think? Jayda (also known to many as JL Campbell from The Character Depot) writes great stories that take place in Jamaica. It's why I love her stories so much. You really get a glimpse into another culture. A country where women are not always treated properly. Where the views are a lot different than they are in Canada or the US. I read this book on my way to Jamaica and found it so interesting; not only do we look into the life of Camille but of her family and friends in Jamaica.

Here are some examples:

Camille, the main character, makes a lot of stereotypical assumptions about Quinn based on culture: (a) "She assumed him incapable of speaking a sentence of English." or (b) "He's probably spawned several children with different women."

Camille's friend, Penny, gets pregnant by a married man and immediately wants to abort it. Camille, however, when discussing her situation raises an interesting statistic: "Fifty percent of women in Jamaica are raising their children alone." Wow, that just blew me away.

Also, this tidbit (this seems to be a Mexican tradition as well): "Island tradition dictated that major housecleaning took place each weekend."

I also liked the references to various island delicacies such as: Red Stripe Beer and Blue Mountain Coffee. Both of which I tried while in the country.

Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a reference book about Jamaica. This book has not only a love story but a lot of action. Pick it up today!!

Buy it here for $6.99

Also, I'm at Maria Zannini's blog today. A while ago she started collecting unique recipes and ideas from around the globe. I gave her a recipe for a popular Mexican Soup--Pozole. Check it out!

Blogger Plus Google+ Equals...

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Soon our blogger profiles will be changing. I'm not sure yet if it's for the better. I think I might be spending more time on social media because of it. But, here's the rub.

When I make a comment and you click on my profile name, it will take you here:

To find my blog, or anyone's blog, the link will be in the right column, where the red arrow is pointing. I understand why google is doing this but it will be hard for writers to not get distracted.

What do you think of the new changes?

Cheap Kindle Textbooks for Mystery Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Clarissa Draper) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:09:00 +0000

(1) FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics

What is it about? The authoritative guide to navigating crime scenes—for professionals and for anyone fascinated by the world of CSI.

Buy it here for $0.99

(2) Criminal Profiling from Crime Scene Analysis by Various

What is it about? This seminal publication in the history of FBI profiling as part of the information on serial killers. Topics addressed include: The history of criminal profiling, The profiling of murderers, The criminal-profile-generating process, Homicide type and style

Buy it here for $4.99

(3) Forensics 101 by Robert Jones

What is it about? Writers, especially fiction writers, are frequently unfamiliar with the forensic documents and have no time or desire to get familiar with many of them. In view of this, writers would most likely find concise, easily read, explanatory documents of assistance. Fortunately, you will not have to mount much of a search to find such a document. If you are reading this, you have it effectively in hand.

Buy it here for $2.99

(4) Coroner's Journal by Louis Cataldie MD

What is it about? A look at the day-to-day life of someone whose profession is death. The author, a coroner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has had a hand in some famous cases. A detailed picture of what a coroner does and how the job affects his or her private life.

Buy it here for $12.99

(5) A Matter of Life and Death by Sue Armstrong

What is it about? A Matter of Life and Death tells fascinating stories of mysterious illnesses and miraculous scientific breakthroughs. But it is also crammed full of extraordinary characters – from the forensic anthropologist with his own Body Farm in Tennessee to the doctor who had a heart-and-lung transplant and ended up using her own lungs for research.

Buy it here for $9.99