The Writers Vineyard

Don't Forget Your Travel Agent

2008-07-24T14:13:00.005-04:00

A writer should not forget that people like to travel. From chilling snow-powdered peaks to humid rain forests, a good adventure story shouldn’t ignore one of the best supporting characters they have – the world the story takes place in. Or worlds as in my case. In Blade Dancer I allow the story to meander over wooded hills, broad plains, and rugged escarpments. As best as I can, I fill my reader’s head with breathtaking vistas…or the less attractive smell of a city dump. An overland adventure gets drenched in spring rains.

Stories should take place on a living breathing world, and the setting and weather should remain oblivious to the characters and their stories. No, my weather doesn’t perform on command to compliment the drama. It simply happens. That said, I do try and show the best my worlds have to offer, adding to the reader’s desire to be transported elsewhere for a time. Sunrises are just as beautiful on alien worlds, and the inspiring lift of granite crags shouldn’t be any less awesome even if the sky overhead is seen through other than human eyes.

In my upcoming novel, Waiting Weapon, I continue to practice what I preach, taking the reader from snowy highlands to muggy lowland forests. My characters are forced to dress for the occasion, and deal with the environments accordingly. This lends an added realism to the story – a background theme that further cements in reader entertainment. When the environment turns deadly, as it does a few times in this novel, the setting becomes part of the story in ways that challenge the characters and sharpen the plot. The trick, of course, is not to overwhelm. I have to keep my reader focused on the fact that my characters are in this dangerous place for a reason, and not let the situation become the story instead. Like the characters, the reader should be looking around in concern, but not stop heading toward their goal.

Kerry
Blade Dancer - Available now from Champagne Books
Waiting Weapon - Available soon from Champagne Books

Going Green?

2008-07-22T12:49:00.004-04:00

After reading Rose’s post, I felt the need to further explore this issue. And, congratulations, Rose—there is nothing like holding that baby in your hands.

Like every author, I read a great number of books, most in paperback because hardbacks are too expensive. Some books I read once and they go in a pile to donate, take to the second hand bookstore, or give away to family and friends. But, there are some I want to keep on my bookshelf. Because I don’t have a lot of shelf space, I have to be very selective and from time to time have to do additional weeding. I’m tempted to borrow a friend’s example. She has additional chests and dressers just for book storage.

I have an Ebookwise Reader and it’s from this device that I now do most of my reading. If I run out of memory, I can buy another card. But, I do have difficulty downloading some formats, so that is a problem. My husband reads from his Palm Pilot, so when a format doesn’t allow us both to download, that’s frustrating. Fortunately Fictionwise will allow you to pay for the book and then download in multiple formats, a concept I hope publishers will someday adopt.

Many of my family and friends haven’t bought into the ebook format yet and some, due to age, never will. They want a print copy and I have to admit, it is what I prefer. No matter how green we go, I think there will always be a place for print books. Trees are replanted to replace those cut down. Many paper goods are recycled. This is only a guess on my part, but I’d venture to say books are just a minor blip when it comes to the use of paper. Yes, in some areas, forests are being destroyed irresponsibly. These actions need to be stopped. And if we’re going to cut back, in my opinion there are a vast number of ways to deter the amount of paper used in schools and businesses. With the use of computers, and the possibility of textbooks being in eformat, we can save a lot. I think we have a lot more to worry about with the plastics being pushed into landfills.

That said, I believe ebooks are here to stay and serve a purpose in today’s fast paced life. To be able to download 50 or so books on your ebook reader and board a plane without an extra suitcase filled with reading material is a great thing. But when I get home, it’s nice to be able to curl up with a paperback.

I wonder what the future holds for us. Will we always have ready access to electricity or will there come a day when we can’t get into our ebooks and wish we had a good old paperback.

TO E OR NOT TO E

2008-07-21T03:18:00.002-04:00

Two days ago I had no idea what my blog was going to be about. Then, a few hours later, I received an email from my publisher that solved the problem. I'm thrilled to share her news with you.

My 2nd historical romance, Flower of Passion, is now available in paperback.

Maybe I shouldn't be so thrilled. After all, trees were sacrificed to print it. Logically I know ebooks are better for the ecology. But I like the feel of the paperback in my hands even though I understand some companies are making ereaders the size of an average paperback. Ebooks save space since some ereaders can store up to a couple hundred books. But then I wonder what I would put on my book shelves. Without books they'd just be... shelves, for knick-knacks. I hate to dust.

And ebooks are cheaper. Hmm, which means I could buy more books.

Which do you prefer, paperbacks or ebooks? Why? I'd love to hear your reasons.

Rose Lerma
www.roselerma.com

The New Lens

2008-07-18T00:04:00.001-04:00

Michael W. Davis

Davisstories.com

Author of: Tainted Hero (Champagne books, 1/08), Forgotten Children (Champagne books, 7/08), The Treasure (Golden Acorn Publishing, 12/07)

Before I started writing fiction, I viewed life events with a low-resolution lens. Yes, the trees in the fall were nice. Of course the two young lovers sitting on the park bench were cute. But it wasn’t the same as the way I examine and absorb things now. When I walk the woods in autumn, the scenery is breathtaking. The multitude of colors is a momentary gift from God. When I witness the soon to be mother and father strolling hand and hand, I consume every detail. I analyze the warmth in her face, the glow in her eyes. I empathize with the love in the male’s smile for his beautiful wife and the child she carries inside, the life that burgeoned from the special bond that only a man and woman can share. Everything is different, richer.

But how can that be? I’m still the big alpha male I’ve always been, right? Not quite. I now try to view each setting, each vignette I encounter to the same degree I must use to convey the images in my mind to words in a story. Words that will translate the pictures I see to the story world each reader must create in their mind.. Is this a good thing? I think so. It helps me explore and take in the wonderful glimpses that pass each of us by in our day-to-day life. I also now have a limitless avenue of scenes to weave into my characters, their take on life, and a realness to merge into the story that helps the reader reach out and taste what’s happening inside the pages. Was it there the first time I took pen in hand to try and write fiction? I don’t think so. I’ve gone back and reread some of my original passages and they’re not as rich in realism as what I pour into my writing now, at least not to me.

On the other hand, maybe it’s just the fact that after five decades, I’m more aware of the limited number of days I have left to partake of so many little details in my world. Perhaps it’s a combination of both. Whatever the reason, I think that awakening to what’s really there, just for the taking, if we’ll examine the world with a high-resolution lens, does lead to enriching the environment we create in our stories. Course, that’s just my hokie take on things. I have a tendency to over think every facet of our existence, as my wife loves to remind me.

See ya again in a month.

Big Mike
Davisstories.com

I Write Crazy People

2008-07-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've come to the conclusion that I'm best at writing novels with slightly crazy heroines or heroes. I've tried to write normal. Anne in Breach Of Trust is a fairly normal girl. Sure, she is tech inept and burns water but that in my books (literally) is pretty darn normal. I like Anne, she is a girl I'd like to have as a friend, a buddy, a co-worker.

Maeve, my heroine from Invisible (out in Feb 2009), scares me. She is a nice person, I think. I don't know that much about her. She doesn't talk about herself (that in itself is scary). She suffers from nightmares. I'm not even sure Maeve is her real name. She is slightly off base and…

I LOVE her.

Seriously. Invisible was the most challenging book to end because I didn't want to let Maeve go. She is such a complicated character that I could explore her brain for years and never get tired.

Now, I'm working on the sequel with two as messed up characters. Tavos is a knife wielding vigilante. Grace seems like a victim. Seems being the operative word. She isn't. I love these two also. They're damaged (as most of us are). They hug the gray space between right and wrong.

The two story concepts I have in for test both feature slightly off base heroines. One lies to get a job. The other has panic attacks (and deals with them in a very unique way). I can't wait to tell their stories.

$
Kimber Chin's first novel Breach Of Trust is now available from Champagne Books.

Vacation’s almost here!

2008-07-15T12:11:00.000-04:00

Hi! Yeah, I’m counting the days until I leave for a week of fun and relaxation.

But I’ve been trying to get work done before I take off. I’ve had three releases this year—two of which I won’t promote here as they were from another publisher, under a different pen name. Then I have a fourth in October.

And if, by some slim miracle, I got my latest submission in AND it sells, I may have a short holiday novella released in December—BUT I’m not pinning my hopes on it. I didn’t get it ready in time.

To try and keep busy and my mind off the dragging passage of time I’ve been trying to write. I can’t get myself to focus on any one of the six full length novels I NEED to write so I’ve been working on another short story. This one also has a holiday theme but I’ll be finishing it and keeping it in my files holding it until there is the holiday call next year.

This story was inspired by a true tale I heard and it’s been haunting my mind ever since. It’s a lovely story of loss, treasure and reunion with the one you love. The story brings tears to my eyes and I’m hoping to do it justice when I get my novella done.

I’ve also decided to do something I never do. I’m taking my notebook computer and a diskette with me on my trip. My best friend and her son need a bit of time alone so I’m going to let them have a bit out on the ATVs riding and spending some time exploring the woods and fields together. To occupy my time while they’re gone I’m going to work on some writing. They don’t know what I’ve got planned but I know they’ll enjoy it.

Well, despite the fact I’ve had my suitcase packed for the last three weeks, I have a little bit more washing and packing to do. A swimsuit, a few towels and other incidentals. Plus the typical house keeping things.

I’ll see you all later!
Hugz
Donica

CRITIQUING THE CRITIQUE GROUP

2008-07-14T07:00:00.002-04:00

I’m a multi-published author who would never consider sending a manuscript to a publisher without it first having been seen through the fresh eyes of other writers. That being said, the critique group allowed exposure to any author’s precious work must be selected with care.

Friends and family obviously don’t have the author’s same vision, goals, or spirit, but if other writers can be lassoed and are willing to keep within the bounds of good taste with constructive suggestions, then their value to the author is monumental.

I’ve had the privilege of belonging to a group called wePublish for many years. I can count on their honesty, their creative suggestions and, more than anything, I can count on their heartfelt friendship. Most members in the small group don't write romance, but good writing is just that and the strength of their critiquing lies in their unique skills and willingness to share.

The past two years I’ve also belonged to a women’s group called The Women’s Fiction Writers Exchange. This group, though not primarily romance writers either, offer a woman’s slant to the stories I put forth. I dearly appreciate their efforts.
Look amongst your author acquaintances for a group that is generous, honest, doesn’t belittle, and above all, strengthens your resolve and encourages your imagination. There is no finer gift to an author. Carol McPhee

A Summertime Puck Drop

2008-07-10T07:00:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to announce that my romantic suspense Bad Ice is now available in e-format from Champagne Books. On Canada Day (release day) I hosted a Canadian Trivia Contest and a fellow blogger won a copy. I also received word of one sale due to a recommendation by a fellow blogger. A Canadian fellow living in Iceland bought a copy and told me he liked it; even if it was a 'sappy romance' he felt less alone. I'll call that a positive comment.

You can have a chance to win an e-copy by visiting Book Roast, a blog that promotes books both big and small on the last week of each month. It's a fun week of kooky questions, wacky answers and a bit of roasting on the grill. Bad Ice will be featured on Thursday, July 24th. Drop by for some fun and a chance to win!

A brief blurb (okay, not so brief) about Bad Ice:

When hockey fan Christina Mackey prevents a murder attempt aimed at her idol Jason Petersen, the hockey scene she'd always worshiped from the outside suddenly surrounds her.

Jason had entertained a succession of beautiful women since his rookie year, but none were a substitute for his first relationship, which had ended in tragedy. When he meets his saviour, Christina's gentle spirit reawakens him, and her daughter Mishayla reminds him of the child he could have had.

Jason discovers his girlfriend Sheila is behind the attempt on his life. He breaks off their relationship but Sheila won't let go. Her devotion to drugs and alcohol are second only to her obsession with Jason and his lifestyle. She uses lies, threats and manipulation in trying to get him back.

As Jason's feelings grow toward the widow who saved him, his past threatens not only their happiness, but Christina's innocent daughter as well.

Here is an excerpt:

Jason glanced at the nurse and shifted from one foot to the other. He mumbled something Christina couldn’t quite catch.

She raised her eyebrows. “Excuse me?”

He tried again. “Could I take you out for coffee or lunch or something after you get out of here?” His stage whisper was clearly intended to escape Phil's attention, but the nurse only chuckled and hummed louder.

Christina thought about the phone call. She silently argued with herself, but eventually, curiosity overcame caution. She leaned back on her pillow and said, “Hmmm.” What the hell, I’m all grown up. I can take whatever comes my way. It’s only coffee...or lunch...or something. "Of course, I'd be delighted."

Jason’s blue eyes lit up. “Great! I’ll give you my number. Or you give me yours. No, you won’t be home yet. I’ll give...” He patted his pockets, searching for something to write on.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere for a while.” His flustered behavior amused and surprised her. Not your typical super jock. “Just drop by again in a few days. We’ll probably have something written down by then.”

He sketched a brief salute and pushed at the door. It didn’t move.

“I think you’re supposed to pull it,” she said, hiding her smile behind her hand. He looked at her with a shy, embarrassed grin and violently yanked the door open to rejoin his friend.

She glanced across the room at Phil. He raised his eyes innocently to the ceiling and sauntered from the room. Off-key strains of “Love is In the Air” drifted from the hallway before the door closed with a soft clunk.

Hockey. Jealousy. Passion.
A Hat Trick that could lead to danger.

--Sandra Cormier

Description -- Moving the Story or Boring the Reader?

2008-07-07T11:09:00.003-04:00

As a writer, one of my greatest strengths, or so I’ve been told, is description. I do love for the reader to see the countryside as I see it. And to write an engaging account, the author needs to intimately know the landscape. If you’re writing about an area where you’ve lived and love, it’s easy. Otherwise, unless you visit the area or do a great deal of research, it may sound stilted or flat.

But how much description should you include in your story and when does it become too much? Good question and one I’ve faced many times. Because I love it, I write it and then have to reduce it by 3/4ths.

My first novel had pages of beautiful descriptive passages of west Texas, the flora and fauna, the mesas, the land ruined by oil derricks, and the offensive smell of gas. My sister had never been to the area and loved it. An editor said it read like a travelogue. Oh, it was painful to cut out that beautiful description from my manuscript, but when it was finished, I had a much better story.

Description should enhance the characters and have a direct affect on the plot of your story. In my first novel, When the Ocotillo Bloom, the hero compares the heroine to the ocotillo plant. It is bare and ugly in the winter, but when it rains in the spring, tiny green leaves adorn the stems and cover its thorns. At the top of each long spike blooms a beautiful reddish-gold flower. The heroine is prickly with an attitude, but as the layers of her discontent peel away, her beauty is exposed.

Our readers need to know what our character’s environments are like, but they don’t need a detailed description of the floor plan or furniture. It’s nice if they know the style of the house because in many ways it reflects the hero/heroine’s personality and lifestyle. The u-shaped hacienda blended with the raw landscape of distant mesas and purple sunsets. The cactus that grew beside the front walk merged with the adobe giving the impression it was an extension of the house itself.

If we describe the house inside, we want the description to be part of the action. She plopped down on the horrid orange sofa she’d bought at a salvage house. It clashed nicely with the stuffed red chair she’d found by the dumpster outside her apartment. Yep, her place added a new dimension to shabby chic.

How do you handle description in your stories? Is writing it a pleasure or a pain?

Linda LaRoque
www.lindalaroque.com

Writerly Identity

2008-07-06T06:56:00.002-04:00

“Oh, you’re the history writer.”

“That’s me.” I smile and nod.

I get this all the time. People, especially around my neck of the woods, know me for my love of history. Probably because I spend summers combing historical landmarks and attending Rev War and French & Indian War reenactments. I sometimes wonder if they know I write romances. They seldom recognize me for my paranormal romance novels.

I was recently asked if I’d be interested in becoming the local town historian. I was flattered, but I had to decline. I don’t have time what with working full time and writing part time. She told me I could give up writing.

Give up writing?

Um….no. Not in a million years. Writing is more than putting words on paper or computer screen. Writing is my identity in so many ways. I seldom introduce myself to anyone without slipping them one of my author business cards. Hi, I’m Nancy, and I write historical and paranormal romance. It’s just who I am. Even if I never had another book published I couldn’t give it up.

So my question to you is, how do you as writers or readers, identify yourselves? Are you the pages you write or the novels you read?

~ Nancy

http://www.nancyhenderson.com
http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com

The Future of Bookstores?

2008-07-01T23:22:00.003-04:00

I read an interesting article today on bookseller.com. Here's the opening paragraph by Alison Flood: Only half of young people aged 18-24 years old think people will still be using bookshops in 20 years' time. That was one of the statistics revealed at The Bookseller's Reading The Future conference on Thursday, which presented new consumer research into the reading and buying habits of 1,000 adults across the country.

Okay, so this got me to thinking. What will be the future of bookstores? I don't see them disappearing, but I do see them changing to accomodate new technology and reader needs.

Here's the thing; The next time adoptions come up (yes, I teach in addition to writing), instead of adopting the new text book, I'll be adopting the new e-book program from educational publishers. Davis Publishing demonstrated the book and it's wonderful. So, if within the next five years, all school subjects do away with regular textbooks and adopt the online supported programs (Granted, this is all supposition. I have no facts to support that this will be the case), what will that teach our children about reading?

Exactly.

Basically, it means that the last group to ever hold a textbook in their hands may conceivably graduate in 2030. (Yep, that's about 20 years from now) At that point, reading habits will probably change for our young. Sure, mothers will still place their toddlers in their laps and read them a bedtime story with pictures but will it be from an e-book reader or ....? Hmm. So if we have an average life span of 80 and babies born now get weaned on digital delivery of the written word, then will all bound books and paperbacks be obsolete by the year 2088? Will they be worth money as antiques? How will libraries handle checking out e-books without fear of folks copying them for nefarious purposes?

I, for one, am glad I grew up in an age that enjoyed the look and feel of a good, bound book. There's something comforting about curling up with a favorite story and hearing the pages crinkle with each turn.

On that note, I'm going to insert a wee bit of promo. Yesterday, I found out that four of my historical western romances are now in PRINT! So browse through the list below and head to www.champagnebooks.com to purchase your copy.

Once Jilted
Sarah's Brass Token
Eliza's Copper Penny
Julia's Golden Eagle

Can't Write - Promote

2008-07-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

What’s a writer to do when they can’t?

Recently, I ended up in the hospital. No details, except to say I certainly didn’t feel like writing, or even thinking about my characters and their problems.

So, what’s a writer to do, when they can’t write?

I certainly didn’t want to waste time lying in a stiff hospital bed feeling sorry for myself. If I couldn’t write, I could still talk about writing. It wasn’t long before the nurses, aides, and others attached to the floor were asking about my books. I signed a number of bookmarks, and asked my husband to bring brochures, post cards and one book to the hospital for the nurses to share. Hummmmm….. Wonder if they’ll start the book and then order their own copy to finish it! Fingers crossed.

Okay, I didn’t get to put anything on paper, and I won’t know if I gained any new readers, but I made some friends, people who perhaps will recognize my Pen Name.

One of my visitors was a coordinator of volunteers, a delighted woman with a daughter who wrote children’s books. She took my information to give to her daughter who appears to have book store connections.

The point of all of this!

Never let a promotional opportunity pass you by. I’ll never know if my hospital stay had an effect on my writing, but I do know that, although I couldn’t put anything on paper, my restricted activity enabled me to meet some new readers and talk about the second love of my life, writing romances with happy endings.

Of course, the first love of my life is my wonderful husband. (grin) After all, he brought the book, the brochures and the post cards to the hospital for me.

Blast Into The Future

2008-06-27T15:21:00.004-04:00

When you have to go forward into the future, your foothold is often the cutting edge of the present. Right now, I'm dealing with where our military will be - say an easy couple hundred years from now assuming we haven't blown ourselves apart. Factor in the costs related to shipping people and parts across vast distances, and it will be far cheaper to invest in machines over soldiers.

Today, my jump-off point is the advent of unmanned aerial vehicles that are already in service in Iraq. I have to come to grips with the natural progression into the future - semi-autonomous scouts and such that can carry the battle to the enemy. So, my characters must face not just soldiers - but machines as well.

As a writer, this means I have to inject this sort of technology into my story whether I want to or not. Credibility in the worlds I create will otherwise suffer. My scenes must now take into account the speed, accuracy, and lethality of an enemy you can not hide from. One that is a crack shot, as patient as its power supply tolerates, and can act at a blurring speed you can not hope to match. Science Fiction is very much a cause/effect sort of thing. Very little room is afforded literary convenience.

So, I will use remotes in my sequel to Blade Dancer whether I want to or not - because the dictates of future speculation states that they must be there. My plot and scene construction will bend accordingly. Sure, I could fashion some techno-speak reason to not have such inconveniences in my story. Or I can meet them head on.

Bring it.

Kerry

Blade Dancer - available in electronic or paperback from Champagne Books

Blast from the Past

2008-06-26T14:01:00.031-04:00

Since many of us write about events in the past, and many of us (myself, namely) are old enough to remember a time when this sort of stuff was common, I thought it might be fun to take these old advertisements and add some modern commentary.

Cigarette Ads
If you’re as old as I am, you may remember a time when it was not only acceptable, it was expected, that you smoked. You did so for pleasure, often during dinner parties and cocktail hour (always offering one to your guests), while you were out shopping, on an airplane, or even when you visited the hospital. That’s right – you used to be able to smoke right there in the room next to patients in oxygen tents and connected to IVs. There were ashtrays in the grocery store. Work in an office? Go ahead, light one up! Can you remember a time when the ashtrays in airplane seats were actually used for more than the disposal of old gum? The dire health reports regarding the effect of smoking on one’s health had yet to be distributed across the country in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Look at this first ad – Marcus Welby, M.D., is the spokesman for Camel cigarettes. Yes, four out of five doctors agree: Camel is the best choice! Take the 30-test day and try it yourself in your “T-Zone” – T for throat and taste. Just look at the blonde bombshell in the lower right corner – she’s got quite a T-Zone on her, doesn’t she? Of course, after 30 days of smoking non-filtered Camels, would you really have any taste left? And I don’t know about you, but I think my throat would be burning. Quite a testament to its health benefits, eh?

Who wouldn’t want to see a brightly colored box of Chesterfield
cigarettes under the tree at Christmas?

Santa’s already wrapped this thoughtful gift for you (oxygen tent not included). Apparently Santa doesn’t get enough smoke jumping down chimneys with fires going, he’s got to really blacken his lungs with Chesterfields (and from the looks of Santa’s rosy red cheeks, he’s hitting the bourbon pretty hard, too).

And then there’s Tipalet. C’mon gals, you know this message is true.

Don’t you love it as much as the brunette Nancy Sinatra there when a man blows smoke in your face? Of course you’ll follow him – right out the door. And then kick it closed behind him. And then spray with Lysol - oh yeah, that ad is coming up and it's got a totally different use advertised.

Now, here’s an even better reason for smoking – you could get hit
by a bus tomorrow. So why not light up in the meantime? Of course, in today’s world, this ad might not be talking about a cigarette. Maybe the real message is: Come out of the closet – since tomorrow you may be dead and old Ernie there on the right will never have known you existed.

Family Health

What typical American family wouldn’t be happy when eating lard? Just look how slim and trim it makes you look. Of course, they’re not showing the “after” picture of Dick and Jane, who died of hardened arteries at the age of 30 or little

Johnny there who grows into adulthood and becomes the 600-pound man who
has to get lifted out of his bed with a crane. This message is brought to you by the Lard Information Council. Huh? What does anyone need to know about lard that they don’t already know? Hmm, let’s see, it’s a fat, and it’s rendered
from animals. Nuff said.

This next one is a great follow-up to the lard advertisement. Have you happily been eating lard all your life? Have you turned into a 600-pound, bedridden individual? Well, we’ve got the answer for you here – take one of these tasty, six-foot long tapeworms, conveniently packed in a jar. Easy to swallow! No ill effects! No diet, no exercise! This ad brought to you by “Friends for a fair worm”. Those tapeworms sure get a bad rap, nowadays, don’t they? Where’s PETA when you need them?

Personal Problems

Is this from an Alfred Hitchcock movie? Or is Sandra Dee there just trying to add a little excitement to whoopee time with Dean Martin by injecting Lysol disinfectant in her play pretty? Maybe she figures it’ll clean him right up, too. Can’t have nasty germs getting in the way of fun! ‘Course you might not be able to feel anything after putting all those chemicals inside – either that or it’ll start glowing green; the jury’s still out on that one and I’m not willing to do the research.

Now here’s an ad which is still relevant today.

“Hey Sailor – know what your girlfriend’s been doing while you were out at sea?” Apparently she’s been visiting Tom, Dick, and even Harry. But why ruin a good relationship? After all, what's a little VD between friends? Just use a prophylactic: problem solved.

Beer

Husband: “Holy Schlitz, woman! What’s taking you so long to get
my damn beer?”

Wife: “But darling, I can’t get the can opener inserted into this tough, hard lid. Oh, drat! This is so frustrating!”

Husband: “Just shut up! If you

don’t get my beer out here now, I’m going to kick you clear across tomorrow!”

Whatever is an obedient wife to do?

Oh, I’ve got it – buy Schlitz in the new, easy open softtop can! Yeah, there’s a real timesaver. Don’t want to keep hubby in his recliner away from enjoying real gusto – real easy!

My thanks to www.strangecosmos.com and www.strangepersons.com for these little glimpses into our best forgotten past.

Never Boring

2008-06-23T03:09:00.003-04:00

Throughout the years, I've met a lot of people who complained about having boring jobs. A plumber said if you see one back-up, you've seen them all. An office worker said she knew exactly what to expect from day to day, sometimes minute to minute, which meant she was constantly watching the clock for breaks, lunch, and quitting time. A librarian said the best perk of her job was reading the books she puts on the shelves. But if you're lucky enough to have written that book, whatever else your life is like, your job is never going to be boring.

Anticipation is part of an author's job description. Research can produce an interesting fact that you just can't wait to weave into your story. Even though I plot before writing, I'm always thrilled when my characters lead me down a different path so that I'm as excited as the reader to find out what's around the next corner. Editing has its own rewards; there's the joy of finding a more perfect word, or rearranging an awkward sentence so that it's crystal clear.

I expect my editor to find mistakes that I missed, but I just love it when she adds little tidbits like "lol" or "made me cry".

Then the book's out there, EGADS, in a reviewer's hands. Nail biting time. They could love it and recommend it, or they could hate it and trash it. I received the notice. The first review for Flower of Passion had been posted on The Romance Studio. I click on the website and drum my fingers on the desk in a stupid attempt to force my computer to move faster. Alas, it has 2 speeds, slow and slower.

Sandra gave it the best you can get, 5 hearts!!! She recommends it; I quote, "... passion, love, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat action." Now I can hardly wait for fan mail!

See the full review at www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/flowerofpassionlerma.htm

Rose Lerma
www.roselerma.com

Funny thing happened on the way to a book signing

2008-06-20T01:00:00.002-04:00

Michael W. Davis

Davisstories.com

Author of: Tainted Hero (Champagne books, 1/08), Forgotten Children (Champagne books, 7/08),
Blind Consent (Champagnebooks, 4/09)
The Treasure (Golden Acorn Publishing, 12/07)

I finally got the email I’d been waiting for, “Mr. Davis – we love your book and hope you will consider participating in a multi-author multi-genre book signing.” Hot dog. Eight authors in different genres. Wonder what other fiction categories will be there; romance, western, mystery, SCIFI, doesn’t matter. It will be great to be with so many talented fiction authors.

I had picked a really moving passage to read, with a little romance, but nothing adults couldn’t handle. I ran it by my wife. “That’s a good one, babe. I’m sure all the ladies will love it.”

I counted off the weeks, and then the evening of my first signing at B&N arrived. I walked up to the table of authors and saw my nameplate and the beautiful poster of my book they had placed in front of my seat. All my surroundings blurred out as I focused on the excitement. I went down the line and began greeting the other eight authors. What nice people, what …wait a minute. Three of these authors are pushing children’s books. How can that be, it said . . . Oh no I misinterpreted the email. Multi genre meant anything, including Kids books !!!!

I turned around and scanned all the children with there parents. OMG. What was I to do? I can’t read that passage, no no. Quick Mike, find that real funny scene with the little boy. They all would enjoy that one.

As I tried to search, my big fingers stumbled across the pages. Oh no, the second guy just got up in his bug costume. I’m next.. I can’t find it !!! Where the …

“Mr. Davis, it’s your turn. What have you selected to read for us this evening?”

I scanned all the little munchkins squirreling in their seats. What can I do? Oh well, I’m nothing if not adaptive.

I put the book down and admitted. “Funny thing happened on the way here tonight. I see unexpected bright young minds just waiting to hear what this big man that writes romance has to say. That was unexpected, and I realize now I need to adjust my plans. So instead of reading to you, I’m going to tell you how this wonderful story came about.”

I looked at my wife, we both smiled, and I marched forward. All my years working for the military had taught me to adjust tactics under fire.

I still had a good time, but I learned a good scout is prepared for all contingencies. Next time I’ll have alternative passages for just such surprises. We really did enjoy the event. Just chalked it up to one of a thousand lessons I’ve learned over the past three years writing fiction.

See ya next month.

Big Mike

Davisstories.com - “Stories that touch the heart and mind"

Writing The Sequel

2008-06-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

I loved Candace's post on writing her sequel (and it not working). I'm writing a sequel myself. Every test reader having read Invisible (my novel out February 2009) has asked me for Tavos' story. Every single one. You know what that means. I don't have much of a choice about the sequel. I have to write it.

Tavos Santos is a knife wielding vigilante with a mouth that would make a trucker blush (most truckers I know are quite polite so I don't exactly know where that phrase came from). His favorite English word is the F bomb (note to self: never write secondary characters I wouldn't want to write an entire book around).

I was honestly intimidated by this character. So intimidated that I wrote a novel and novella after the request. I couldn't find a heroine strong enough to hold her own against Tavos without coming across as a total beyotch. After I finally 'met' her, I caved under the pressure of expectations.

The other issue I had was consistency. I dislike it when a character changes significantly between their secondary character role and their main character role. I was determined not to do that with my own sequel. That meant using the same words, mannerisms, etc. It also meant having an anti-hero. Tavos is a bad man. He kills people. There's no getting around it.

All this makes a sequel more challenging than a fresh book. Yeah, I know. I thought it would be easier too. Nope. More challenging.

I've written the first draft. There is a lot of work left to do on it but I'm happy with it. I don't yet know if my test readers will be. That I'll find out in the fall (after two more drafts). 'Til then I'm biting my nails and eating Nutella straight out of the jar.

$
Kimber Chin's first novel Breach Of Trust is now available from Champagne Books. She isn't planning on writing a sequel based on this novel, though more stories about Anne, Stanley, and Nancy can be found on her website.

Get ready…Get set…EDIT!

2008-06-18T12:49:00.000-04:00

Ah editing. Both the bane and joy of my writerly existence. Editing gives you a chance to make sure your little baby is cleaned, pressed and fresh for releasing into the big (and sometimes bad) world of Readerland

Editing helps you to see the manuscript with fresh eyes. You can see the places where you could write something better, make it more descriptive, expand on the emotion of the characters. When it comes to my series books, editing one can give me the boost I need to work on the next book. (Because trust me, I need boosts. I get into ruts and have a heck of a time focusing my mind).

The first round, even the second can bring such joy. By the third, I’m not so energetic. By the fourth, I’m a little frustrated. By the fifth round I don’t care if I ever see that book again. True I don’t always get more than three rounds of edits themselves. But proofing galleys (that’s to say reading the book before release jut to make sure there are no mistakes and you’re happy with it) counts as an edit. It’s also, usually, the final nail in the book’s coffin.

I have a confession to make: I have never read a single one of my books since it was published. I’ve read the final galleys. I know exactly what it will look like when it’s released. But to sit down and read the book as a reader? No. By the time the book is released I want a change of scenery. I’m ready for a new book, sometimes even a new author (LOL)

Truthfully, the real problem is my schedule. When I’m not editing or proofing, I’m writing a new book, or I’m promoting a current release. Right now I have three WIPS in progress: I’ve a man dangling from a cliff in one; a volcano mid-eruption in a second and an angel waiting for her demon tempter in a third. I barely have time to read a cereal box much less a book.

One day, when I’m old and gray I’ll pull out my books and show my grandkids what I spent most of my life working on and ask them to be read to me. I’ll probably be ready and have time for them by then…

Hugz
Donica

PLOTTING DETAILS VS WRITING BY THE SEAT OF THE PANTS

2008-06-16T04:05:00.007-04:00

Both methods in the title can work well and I’ve used one or the other in my novels. Lucky is the writer whose story comes to her/him in one large swoop complete with not only the beginning, but the middle and end. Outlines can be filled in and a certain peace reigns over the story’s progression.
Writing a story by the seat of the pants builds a certain excitement that I thoroughly enjoy. As the reader unfolds the story, so goes the author in the writing of it. In each new development, the writer experiences everything as it happens. In this manner of writing I think I’m more open to new ideas striking where they may because I have no preconception for argument. Fresh notions that come while out for a bike ride or a walk can easily be transferred to the manuscript notes and worked in at leisure. This is the method I used for Undercover Trouble, a Champagne Books release. I never knew what I was going to type until I sat down at the keyboard in the morning. The story is about a social worker who discovers her insolent neighbor is a member of the gang that has a price on her head. I took it one step at a time, putting myself in the heroine’s shoes. The story wrote itself and I was entertained all the way.
A Spirited Liaison, also with Champagne Books, was a rewrite of an old manuscript that suddenly came to life when I added a Kenny Rogers-type privateer acting as a ghostly liaison between the hero and heroine’s unfavorable relationship. No matter what technique works best for you, relax and enjoy the process. Carol McPhee

Strong, smart, sensuous heroines; heroes to die for.
Carol McPhee: http://www.geocities.com/carolmcphee2003

My love of reading began when... by Angela Ashton

2008-06-13T19:01:00.016-04:00

My fist grade teacher read 'Charlotte's Web' to the class. I remember sitting in a circle and being thoroughly engrossed in the tale. A bookworm in the making, I read everything I could get my hands on and even won a prize in 3rd grade for having done the most book reports, lol. I was addicted to the written word.

Spent many a summer day hoofing up the hill to the library. One of my fav books was a collection of works by Alfred Hitchcock. I was facinated by his imagination and spine-tingling plot twist. One of my fav summers was spent earning money with my best friend, Amy, doing odd jobs like painting porches or yardwork, etc. in the neighborhood by day, reading Hitchcock and Agatha Christie by night. She loved it as I'd recount the tales to her while we worked the next day! "So what happened next...?!" she'd say.

Then, one day my mother introduced me to a 'clean' (no steamy sex scenes *grin*) romance. I was so fascinated by the way the author brought 2 completely different people together in such a beautiful place (Scotland) only to rip them apart...and throw them back together again for a heart warming ending that the romance novel, especially Historicals--and if 'tis a Scottish Historical, all the better!--quickly topped my favorites list.

And while I still like to read most genres, mysteries and horror among the top 3, I own more romance than anything else. And it's that the 'what happens next' factor that keeps me hooked and challenges me to step up my game in the writing department!

When did your love for reading begin? Can you recall the name of the first book you ever read?

Until next time, happy reading!

Angie

http://www.angelaashtonbooks.com/

Amulet of Fate

Once A Rebel (Book 1 in the Orphan Train series)

Corsair Cove...available August '08

Critique vs. Criticism

2008-06-12T07:00:00.005-04:00

Look up 'critique' and you'll see such words as evaluation and assessment. Look up 'criticism' and you'll see disparagement and disapproval. As new writers, we eventually find it necessary to offer up our work for critique. This isn't the same thing as asking friends and family to read your book. Your family will love it no matter what.

Your friends may like it. If they don't, they'll merely tell you they were too busy to read it. Maybe they were indeed too busy. Howver, you suspect they couldn't choke it down because your writing wasn't up to par.

You may not be getting an honest critique of your work if you don't enlist the help of other writers. If your mom says it's great and you jump the gun and start querying and sending partials willy-nilly into the publishing world, there's a good chance you'll be disappointed by the results. Rejections will likely pour in with the regularity of an electric bill. Maybe you'll give up, convinced that you suck.

Or maybe you'll realize that there are people out there who can really help. So, you join a writers' group or forum. You get tips on making your work better. You discover flaws like passive voice, showing not telling, info dump and wooden dialogue.

Some critique groups can be particularly harsh, and you might take their negative feedback personally. Perhaps you lash back, telling everybody you know that the critiquer is mean. If that's the case, you have a lot to learn about the critiquing process. Resist the urge to diss the critiquer. Don't flounce off in a huff because your brilliant prose didn't blow the socks off everyone who read it. Some people who think they're helping you are not necessarily professionals, and not all of them know how to assess another writer's work with an objective eye.

Take each comment, positive or negative, and store them in a safe place. Take some time to cool off and look at the comments again.

Some will be inconsequential, like: "I thought that joke was in poor taste and I don't think you should use it." So what if the reader didn't like the joke? A thousand others will. Disregard.

Some will sting: "Using excessive 'there was' is the sign of an amateur". Okay, that could have been worded differently, so take it in its intended context -- omit excessive 'there was'.

Some will be extremely unhelpful: "This sucks. You can't write." Or: "I didn't like the plot." Ignore these people and move on.

Most suggestions will be helpful, and eventually their advice will percolate into your psyche. If you see the same observations over and over again, there might be some validity in their opinions.

Above all, whether you agree or disagree, take the time to thank your critiquer. I love the people in my writers' group -- they all helped me hone my rudimentary writing skills until I was eventually published. Now they are helping me in my quest to obtain an agent. They are the sweetest, most generous and kind ladies I'd ever met online. Together, we help each other learn, we lean on each others' shoulders when tragedy strikes, and we laugh together on a regular basis. I don't regret joining the group, and I wish it could be open to the whole writing world, but it can't. They can't accept everyone, just like a dedicated couple can't adopt a whole orphanage.

Take advatage of the expertise of writers' advocate sites like Absolute Write, Writer Beware and Preditors & Editors. They carefully research any claims against agents, publishers and writers' groups, offering both sides of the story if available.

You might read complaints about blogs and forums who may have rejected a writer's work. A random blog has every right to complain about individuals in the industry, but it may backfire on the owner if they don't back up their claims with facts.

There are great critique groups out there, too. Run your first pages through Elektra's Crapometer and you'll get honest and helpful opinions. Give your query letter or opening paragraphs a shot at Evil Editor's blog and you'll laugh your ass off while he picks apart your pitch in a most hilarious fashion, followed by a revised letter that will likely be 300% better. Join in the office party at the Absolute Write water cooler and you'll get lost in a whirlwind of opinions, jokes, critiques, writing exercises and just plain fun (and a little flouncing).

Hopefully, you'll fit in some writing, too.
On another note, the cover for my Champagne Books romantic suspense Bad Ice is ready. The e-book will be released in July.

--Sandra Cormier

Summer Writing

2008-06-08T19:10:00.002-04:00

I don’t know why I expect to be more productive in the summer. Nothing really changes for me. Nothing gets easier. I mean, I don’t have children, so I don’t have a lifestyle change with kids home come summer, and I’m not a teacher so I don’t have summers off. I work the same full time hours year round. So there’s really nothing different. Summer brings no more hours in the day than any other holiday.

So why do I expect to get more writing done come summer? Summertime brings warm weather, a rarity living in New York state, believe me. With the warm weather, I want to read more. If I’m writing a book set in Colonial New York, such as I’m doing now, I want to travel, visit the places I’m writing about, get lost in our state’s rich Colonial history. This takes time from writing. I also like to garden. I could spend hours pulling weeds, and I usually do. It’s one of the most relaxing things for me. Plus this year, my mom and I have decided to start canning and making homemade jelly together. More time from writing.

But the warm weather comes and goes so fast. Before you know it, I’ll be wrapped down in goose down with the laptop by the fire. Then I’ll get more writing done. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Nancy

http://www.nancyhenderson.com/

http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com/

Research on the Internet vs Being There

2008-06-05T22:33:00.004-04:00

On Memorial Day Weekend my husband had three days off in a row so we decided to take a short trip. I’m working on a book that takes place in the oil fields of East Texas and wanted to visit the site, the museums, and take the scenic drives. But, as the cost of gas was $3.85 a gallon, I hedged. I’d obtained good information off the internet but seeing dioramas of the town during the oil boom would be priceless in actually experiencing what times were like back then. It’s only 170 miles away and my car gets 29 to 30 miles per gallon on the road. Plus the drive is a beautiful one. So I ask myself, “why not go?” Well, I had to figure out what to do with the dog. She’s not a great traveler and my son’s apartment complex has big dogs that would eat her like a snack. He could spend the night here, but I didn't want to impose. I had this summer cold, allergies, or something where I hacked all the time. Of course, I thought the pollen might be better there and I could get some relief.

As it turned out, our son volunteered to stay here with the dog. Sunday morning we set out and arrived in Kilgore in time for lunch, checked into our motel and were at the museum when it opened at 2:00. It was a step back in time and well worth the trip. The movie with footage taken back in the 1930's was informative as was the elevator ride down into a well. Here are a few pictures.

Though I learned a lot on the Internet, I'm glad we made the drive. There is nothing like experiencing the setting yourself to make your writing richer. The Indian blankets and other wild flowers were in bloom. The pollen was as bad or worse but that's to be expected. We had a nice relaxing time.

Linda

My Hero

2008-06-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the first Wednesday of the month and for Champagne authors, that means a chance to promote our work on Love Romances Cafe Loop. As part of the day, Dawn, our hostess, asks a series of questions. The one that got me thinking was: "We all like to dream of that one movie star that we would love to think would fall in love with us on site What celebrity would you love to get to know better?"

The thing is, I don't fall in love with actors, not since my very one-sided torrid affair with David Cassidy. Okay, so there was no real affair. I was 12 and he was 17 or 18, but oh my, I was in love. Ah the follies of youth, but then Hollywood had a product to sell and they did a bang-up job selling it. All of America was in love with the teen idol then. I actually got to see him perform live and the teen screaming would have rivaled that at an Elvis Presley concert. Be still my heart.

No - I fall in love and deeply, I might add, with the characters these actors portray. My answer to the above question was; I would love to meet Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein from A Knight's Tale and yes, I was very sad to see Heath Ledger die. That's one of my favorite movies, but I would also love to meet Balian from a Kingdom of Heaven or Maximus from Gladiator. I have a long list of heroes I'd love to meet, but these three popped into my head first.

Why? Why do these characters remain with us for years to come? It's the same with heroes from books we adore. The author or actor managed to tap a well of emotion, to give the target audience a performance to remember. What characteristics make up a great hero?

Hmmm, well I'm sure others would answer differently, but here's the list I came up with based on these roles.

1. often a tragic past, or a past that allows them to reach for a better future
2. a strong sense of moral obligation to themselves or a cause
3. a fierce and driving need to succeed
4. a soft, vulnerable spot that is tested during the course of the journey
5. a weakness that makes them human
6. Confidence

Well, sure, there's probably more, but I think these are the attributes that stand out for me. My only hope is that I can produce a hero that will make an impact on a reader as certain characters have made an impact on me. But more important are the true heroes, the soldiers who fight for justice, the policemen/women who keep us safe, the firefighters that protect us, the teachers who give us wisdom and knowledge, the spiritual leaders who give us guidance, the doctors and nurses who keep us well. Gotta love our heroes no matter who they are.

Sequels - Good or Bad?

2008-05-30T12:36:00.006-04:00

Every good story deserves a follow-up, right?

Just look at Hollywood. The aging Harrison Ford is back in the latest installment of Indiana Jones, Sylvester Stallone reprised his Rambo role last year, and news has been released that Eddie Murphy signed on for “Beverly Hills Cop 4”.

Obviously all of these original movies were big hits and of course Hollywood wants to capitalize on past success. It is often the same in the publishing world. One great book just begs to be written into a second, a third, maybe even a fourth. But is it always a good idea?

Back in the old days, I remember reading my first romance novels by Rosemary Rogers. Sweet Savage Love was one of my favorites (and I still love it today). The tale of Steve and Ginny was timeless and oh-so romantic. Of course I wanted more. I bought every Rosemary Rogers book I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, the sequels of Steve and Ginny’s romance just weren’t as good as the first book. I didn’t want to read about their marriage and their children – that stuff was too realistic. I wanted to be swept away again into the passion and excitement when two people first meet and sparks fly.

And therein lies the crux of the matter. Sequels are only worthwhile, in my opinion, when they bring something new to the table. Much as I loved the “Sex and the City” series I don’t have any real strong desire to see the movie after reading reviews which state it is really just one long (two and a half hours) episode which continues where the television show left off.

I started a sequel to Golden Enchantment after writing that first book using Kent McCabe, a secondary character who was just so charming and exciting that he nearly begged me to be written. I was almost finished with it when I re-read my efforts and decided it just wasn’t working for me. I hated the characters, I hated the way they acted, I just hated the whole idea. Now, maybe someday I’ll go back and rewrite that sequel and make it better, but honestly, I don’t have any motivation to do so right now. I’d rather move on to other, more interesting concepts.

And sometimes that’s just the way it should be.

And for the record, I don’t want to see an AARP-eligible Michael J. Fox reprise his role as a high school kid in “Back to the Future 4” or geriatric versions of Mel Gibson’s and Danny Glover’s characters bringing down bad guys with walkers in the latest installment of the “Lethal Weapon” series. Let it go, people, let it go.