Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 19
May 27, 2019
I can't wait, It's Almost National Paperclip Day!
National Paperclip Day is observed each year on May 29. Yes, even the paperclip has its own day of honor. It is about that well-known piece of curved wire that keeps our papers together and helps keep us organized.
The Gem paperclip, which was most likely in production in Britain in the early 1870s by The Gem Manufacturing Company, was never patented. It is the most common type of wire paper clip and is still in use today. It was introduced to the United States around 1892 and in 1904, Cushman & Denison registered a trademark for the “Gem” name in connection with paper clips. Paperclips are still sometimes called “Gem clips.”
Today, paperclips come in various sizes, shapes and colors and can make your paperwork look more fun and lively.
As you know, multi-colored paper clips, mini-clamps, and pens in bright-gel colors are my current favorite item(s)--along with calendars. Yes, my love affair with calendars continue.
Remember: There is still time to log on to RomanceGems Blog for our May Contest!
June will begin a new contest with more prizes!
Happy Reading,
Connie Vines
Novels with a Purpose by Connie Vines
Thank you Rhobin for a timely topic for this month.
What would I like to tell my readers about my novels and their purpose?
My stories, novels, novellas, and short stories reflect life. My theme usually revolves around a social issue or a past the hero/heroine must overcome.
My first romance, Lynx (HOLT Medallion, Orange Rose, Award of Excellence, and Golden Chance) dealt with emotional abandonment and physical neglect. Rachel Scott, my heroine, traveled the rodeo circuit with her parents during her childhood. Her father, a famous bronc rider, was also an alcoholic; her mother was self-absorbed and ignored her daughter.
Everyone has challenges is life. However, emotional abandonment is (in my opinion) is more damaging, long-term, than physical neglect.
As a teenager Rachel was left in her paternal grandmother’s care. Living in a small rural town, Rachel had a sense of belonging. However, after her grandmother’s death, Rachel was left, once again, on her own. She had friends, a job, and for the first time in her life, she was happy.
Enter, the last man-on-earth, she’d ever wish to fall in love with: Lynx Maddox, champion bull-rider, self-assured, and handsome.
Rachel found comfort n the small-town clannishness of Running Springs. It was why she’d stayed on instead of moving to Missoula, were she’d gone to college. It seemed the most reasonable thing to do, even after her grandmother’s death the year before. After all, the town and her small circle of friends provided the only emotional ties she’d ever known during her lifetime. Rachel couldn’t imagine ever wanting to leave.
Charlene patted Rachel’s hand then turned and tossed her purse on a vacant section of the splintery white bench. She tugged on Rachel’s sleeve then pointed to the arena. “Look, honey, there’s Lynx!”
The rodeo was well underway by then and Rachel scanned the circle of cowboys by the catch pens. She spied Lynx, off to one side away from the others. Her heart thumped against her ribs. She might as well admit it; she wanted to see Lynx again. She like looking at him. Watching him. But from a distance where it was safe.
He moved with confidence, a sureness just this side of arrogance. His walk was a cowboy’s deliberate, rolling gait as he headed toward the chute. In spite of her best intentions, Rachel couldn’t tear her gaze off of him.
***
Lynx felt a kick of surprise as he watched Rachel climb the bleachers. She stood perfectly sill for a moment, scanning the area. He studied her, letting his gaze scrutinize her in considerable detail. Her black hair gleamed in a single braid, dangling over her shirt and the swell of her breasts. Her tight blue jeans outlined the sweet sway of her hips.
The noise of the arena faded.
Lynx swallowed past the dryness in his throat. . .
I believe for a hero and heroine to fall and love and develop a lasting relationship, they must work together to overcome challenges together. They must also help each other become stronger and over-come past fears and insecurities.
This is how I achieve a Happy Every After ending in my stories.
Be sure and see what the other authors participating in this month’s blog have to say!
Happy Reading,
Connie
https://books2read.com/Lynx
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/connie-vines
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1BC
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
What would I like to tell my readers about my novels and their purpose?
My stories, novels, novellas, and short stories reflect life. My theme usually revolves around a social issue or a past the hero/heroine must overcome.
My first romance, Lynx (HOLT Medallion, Orange Rose, Award of Excellence, and Golden Chance) dealt with emotional abandonment and physical neglect. Rachel Scott, my heroine, traveled the rodeo circuit with her parents during her childhood. Her father, a famous bronc rider, was also an alcoholic; her mother was self-absorbed and ignored her daughter.
Everyone has challenges is life. However, emotional abandonment is (in my opinion) is more damaging, long-term, than physical neglect.
As a teenager Rachel was left in her paternal grandmother’s care. Living in a small rural town, Rachel had a sense of belonging. However, after her grandmother’s death, Rachel was left, once again, on her own. She had friends, a job, and for the first time in her life, she was happy.
Enter, the last man-on-earth, she’d ever wish to fall in love with: Lynx Maddox, champion bull-rider, self-assured, and handsome.
Rachel found comfort n the small-town clannishness of Running Springs. It was why she’d stayed on instead of moving to Missoula, were she’d gone to college. It seemed the most reasonable thing to do, even after her grandmother’s death the year before. After all, the town and her small circle of friends provided the only emotional ties she’d ever known during her lifetime. Rachel couldn’t imagine ever wanting to leave.
Charlene patted Rachel’s hand then turned and tossed her purse on a vacant section of the splintery white bench. She tugged on Rachel’s sleeve then pointed to the arena. “Look, honey, there’s Lynx!”
The rodeo was well underway by then and Rachel scanned the circle of cowboys by the catch pens. She spied Lynx, off to one side away from the others. Her heart thumped against her ribs. She might as well admit it; she wanted to see Lynx again. She like looking at him. Watching him. But from a distance where it was safe.
He moved with confidence, a sureness just this side of arrogance. His walk was a cowboy’s deliberate, rolling gait as he headed toward the chute. In spite of her best intentions, Rachel couldn’t tear her gaze off of him.
***
Lynx felt a kick of surprise as he watched Rachel climb the bleachers. She stood perfectly sill for a moment, scanning the area. He studied her, letting his gaze scrutinize her in considerable detail. Her black hair gleamed in a single braid, dangling over her shirt and the swell of her breasts. Her tight blue jeans outlined the sweet sway of her hips.
The noise of the arena faded.
Lynx swallowed past the dryness in his throat. . .
I believe for a hero and heroine to fall and love and develop a lasting relationship, they must work together to overcome challenges together. They must also help each other become stronger and over-come past fears and insecurities.
This is how I achieve a Happy Every After ending in my stories.
Be sure and see what the other authors participating in this month’s blog have to say!
Happy Reading,
Connie
https://books2read.com/Lynx
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/connie-vines
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1BC
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
May 13, 2019
I'm Blogging at Romance Gems Today!
High Tea or Afternoon Tea? Will this American Writer Abandon her Mug of Coffee? By Connie Vines
Join in the Fun! There is a chance to win prizes, too!
Romance Gems
Join in the Fun! There is a chance to win prizes, too!
Romance Gems
April 27, 2019
Does the Season Play a Part in Your Story? By Connie Vines
This month’s Round Robin Topic:
Does the season ever play a part in your setting?
How do you think seasons affect setting & plot either physically or metaphorically?
Winter Despair and Hope. References to winter in literature may refer to death, old age, pain, loneliness, despair or an end. Spring Joy and Love. Themes of rebirth and renewal often use symbols from the spring season. Summer Searches and Reflection. Autumn Bounty and Changes.
These are the classic examples of seasonal symbolism. While I often rely on seasons to affect my plot or play a major part in my novel, I try to be less…well, symbolic.
In my YA Historical novel, Tanayia—Whisper upon the Water , my prologue and chapter openings gave the readers an emotional touch-stone into the life and emotions of my main character.
Prologue, 1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries.
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remained where sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into the silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. My people and I call ourselves “Nde” means “The People”. The white man calls us Apache.
The seasons were: Swimming Ducks, Gathering Corn, Red Grass.
However, if my main character had been Anna Thunder, a member of a nomadic tribe (Comanche) the seasons would have reflected her reality.
Settings and Plot
I find my settings and plots usually reflect the seasons because the seasonal changes are an occurrence in our life.
I have an anthology set in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a part of the culture and my story has the season woven throughout the story line.
And, of course, my ranching/westerns have the seasons woven throughout the plot.
Brede, Rodeo Romance Book 2
Several hours later, she clung to the soothing tone of Brede’s voice as she cleared away the dishes and filled the sink with soapy water. She trusted him to keep his promise. Brede was the only constant in her life. She only hoped when she discovered where she belonged it would be a world as safe as this one.
After nestling the last piece of silverware into the draining board, she reached for the saucepan and glanced out the rain-streaked window. Thunder clapped overhead just before a jolt rattled the dishes in the cupboard. Lightening stabbed the earth just beyond the kitchen window, bathing the room in a sharp flash of surreal brightness.
The flash of light was so unexpected, that it took her a moment to realize the electricity had gone out.
The saucepan slipped from her fingertips and clattered to the floor.
She tried to tell herself that it was only the storm and the lights would come back on in a matter of minutes. Still, terror that was icy cold and merciless grabbed her by the throat and crushed what little courage she possessed when the cloudy, moonless night turned the room to inky black.
She remembered the darkness, the terror, and the unrelenting sound of the rain.
She was alone.
Alone in the darkness.
A mindless whimper left her lips as her mind threw her back into a pit of terror.
I find the seasons a way to influence my plot-lines, and add depth to my settings and characterization.
Remember to visit the other members of Round Robin Blog.
Happy Reading,
Connie
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
> Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
> Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
> Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
> Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
> Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
> Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1yE
Visit my Amazon Author site
Or my website: www.novelsbyconnievines.com
Does the season ever play a part in your setting?
How do you think seasons affect setting & plot either physically or metaphorically?
Winter Despair and Hope. References to winter in literature may refer to death, old age, pain, loneliness, despair or an end. Spring Joy and Love. Themes of rebirth and renewal often use symbols from the spring season. Summer Searches and Reflection. Autumn Bounty and Changes.
These are the classic examples of seasonal symbolism. While I often rely on seasons to affect my plot or play a major part in my novel, I try to be less…well, symbolic.
In my YA Historical novel, Tanayia—Whisper upon the Water , my prologue and chapter openings gave the readers an emotional touch-stone into the life and emotions of my main character.
Prologue, 1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries.
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remained where sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into the silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. My people and I call ourselves “Nde” means “The People”. The white man calls us Apache.
The seasons were: Swimming Ducks, Gathering Corn, Red Grass.
However, if my main character had been Anna Thunder, a member of a nomadic tribe (Comanche) the seasons would have reflected her reality.
Settings and Plot
I find my settings and plots usually reflect the seasons because the seasonal changes are an occurrence in our life.
I have an anthology set in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a part of the culture and my story has the season woven throughout the story line.
And, of course, my ranching/westerns have the seasons woven throughout the plot.
Brede, Rodeo Romance Book 2
Several hours later, she clung to the soothing tone of Brede’s voice as she cleared away the dishes and filled the sink with soapy water. She trusted him to keep his promise. Brede was the only constant in her life. She only hoped when she discovered where she belonged it would be a world as safe as this one.
After nestling the last piece of silverware into the draining board, she reached for the saucepan and glanced out the rain-streaked window. Thunder clapped overhead just before a jolt rattled the dishes in the cupboard. Lightening stabbed the earth just beyond the kitchen window, bathing the room in a sharp flash of surreal brightness.
The flash of light was so unexpected, that it took her a moment to realize the electricity had gone out.
The saucepan slipped from her fingertips and clattered to the floor.
She tried to tell herself that it was only the storm and the lights would come back on in a matter of minutes. Still, terror that was icy cold and merciless grabbed her by the throat and crushed what little courage she possessed when the cloudy, moonless night turned the room to inky black.
She remembered the darkness, the terror, and the unrelenting sound of the rain.
She was alone.
Alone in the darkness.
A mindless whimper left her lips as her mind threw her back into a pit of terror.
I find the seasons a way to influence my plot-lines, and add depth to my settings and characterization.
Remember to visit the other members of Round Robin Blog.
Happy Reading,
Connie
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
> Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
> Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
> Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
> Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
> Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
> Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1yE
Visit my Amazon Author site
Or my website: www.novelsbyconnievines.com
March 25, 2019
Happy National Puppy Day!
NATIONAL PUPPY DAY!
I love puppies
March 23, 2019
Self-Editing (minus the primeval scream) by Connie Vines
This month's Round Robin Topic: How do I self-edit my books before submitting or publishing?
Self-editing is painful. Every writer I know fights the urge to 'self-edit' while creating the first draft of his/her novel. Remember the cartoons you watched as a child (or perhaps still watch. I'm not judgmental) where the hero has a devil sitting on one shoulder and the angel on his other? Both were whispering in his ear. Your hero is overcome with confusion and self-doubt, uncertain of what to do next.
Well, that is a large part of the writing process--learning to ignore the self-editing instructions that are always at the back of your mind.
When a I type THE END, I breath a sigh of relief.
For a few minutes, perhaps even several hours, I'm thinking about my next project.
Then reality sets in (hence the mention of a primeval shout) how many times did I write the word 'that'? I read a book once where every chapter started with a description of the weather. I didn't tie-up that loose-end.
I believe I must self-edit before sending my novel to a beta reader.
If you’re ready to self-edit your book, consider these 10 tips:
1. Rest your manuscript
When you’ve finished typing the last word of your masterpiece, set it aside for a few days. In On Writing, Stephen King relates that he places his finished drafts in a drawer for at least six weeks before looking at them again.
Why rest your manuscript? When you do come back to self-edit, the book almost seems as if someone else wrote it.
2. Listen to your manuscript
Hearing your words spoken makes mistakes glaringly obvious.
If you’re a Mac user, click the Apple logo at the top left of your screen, select System Preferences, click Accessibility, then click Speech. Choose a System Voice and Speaking Rate you can tolerate, then select “Speak selected text when the key is pressed.”
Once you’ve enabled your preferred shortcut key, simply highlight any text (within any program) that you want to hear read aloud. Then hit your shortcut keys and follow your words on-screen as your computer reads them aloud.
For PC users, make use of Narrator, part of the system’s Ease of Access Center. Press “Windows+U” and click “Start Narrator.” Since the program is intended for blind users, it will automatically begin to read any text your mouse encounters. To turn this off, hit “Control.” To have Narrator read a paragraph, place your cursor at its beginning and type “Caps Lock + I.” To have Narrator read an entire page, press “Caps Lock + U.”
Or make use of a recording app on your iPhone. I think in chapters of three when writing. So, I will read my novel three chapter at a time. Often, I catch the mistakes when reading. Pause, make a note, and then go on reading.
3. Search for troubling words
I am a fan of Grammar Girl podcasts.
To help you consider what your troubling words might be, here’s a good starting list, excerpted from the first chapter of Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing:
a lot/alot
affect/effect
can/may
further/farther
good/well
i.e./e.g.
into/in to
it’s/its
lay/lie
less/fewer
that/who
their/they’re/there
then/than
who/whom
your/you’re
4. Remove or replace your crutch words
Outside of necessary articles and prepositions, you may be surprised at what words you tend to use over and over.
5. Remove all double spaces at the end of sentences
If tapping two spaces following your sentences is an age-old habit ingrained into you.
Conduct a find-and-replace search after you’re done writing. In Word, type two spaces in “find” and one space in “replace” and hit enter. Voila!
6. Run spell check or use an automated editing program
8. Purchase The Chicago Manual of Style.
You can subscribe to the online version for $35 a year. I prefer the the hardbound copy.
9. Set aside an hour or two to go through this list with your manuscript, but be careful about over-editing.
10. Send it off to your beta reader/plotting partner. Remember to reward your reader with a gift card.
Happy Reading and Writing,
Connie
Stop by and see what the other Round Robin members have to say about the "torments" of self-editing:
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_seaDiane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1yEVictoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.comHelena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blogJudith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
See my website for this giveaway
My Motto
Self-editing is painful. Every writer I know fights the urge to 'self-edit' while creating the first draft of his/her novel. Remember the cartoons you watched as a child (or perhaps still watch. I'm not judgmental) where the hero has a devil sitting on one shoulder and the angel on his other? Both were whispering in his ear. Your hero is overcome with confusion and self-doubt, uncertain of what to do next.
Well, that is a large part of the writing process--learning to ignore the self-editing instructions that are always at the back of your mind.
When a I type THE END, I breath a sigh of relief.
For a few minutes, perhaps even several hours, I'm thinking about my next project.
Then reality sets in (hence the mention of a primeval shout) how many times did I write the word 'that'? I read a book once where every chapter started with a description of the weather. I didn't tie-up that loose-end.
I believe I must self-edit before sending my novel to a beta reader.
If you’re ready to self-edit your book, consider these 10 tips:
1. Rest your manuscript
When you’ve finished typing the last word of your masterpiece, set it aside for a few days. In On Writing, Stephen King relates that he places his finished drafts in a drawer for at least six weeks before looking at them again.
Why rest your manuscript? When you do come back to self-edit, the book almost seems as if someone else wrote it.
2. Listen to your manuscript
Hearing your words spoken makes mistakes glaringly obvious.
If you’re a Mac user, click the Apple logo at the top left of your screen, select System Preferences, click Accessibility, then click Speech. Choose a System Voice and Speaking Rate you can tolerate, then select “Speak selected text when the key is pressed.”
Once you’ve enabled your preferred shortcut key, simply highlight any text (within any program) that you want to hear read aloud. Then hit your shortcut keys and follow your words on-screen as your computer reads them aloud.
For PC users, make use of Narrator, part of the system’s Ease of Access Center. Press “Windows+U” and click “Start Narrator.” Since the program is intended for blind users, it will automatically begin to read any text your mouse encounters. To turn this off, hit “Control.” To have Narrator read a paragraph, place your cursor at its beginning and type “Caps Lock + I.” To have Narrator read an entire page, press “Caps Lock + U.”
Or make use of a recording app on your iPhone. I think in chapters of three when writing. So, I will read my novel three chapter at a time. Often, I catch the mistakes when reading. Pause, make a note, and then go on reading.
3. Search for troubling words
I am a fan of Grammar Girl podcasts.
To help you consider what your troubling words might be, here’s a good starting list, excerpted from the first chapter of Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing:
a lot/alot
affect/effect
can/may
further/farther
good/well
i.e./e.g.
into/in to
it’s/its
lay/lie
less/fewer
that/who
their/they’re/there
then/than
who/whom
your/you’re
4. Remove or replace your crutch words
Outside of necessary articles and prepositions, you may be surprised at what words you tend to use over and over.
5. Remove all double spaces at the end of sentences
If tapping two spaces following your sentences is an age-old habit ingrained into you.
Conduct a find-and-replace search after you’re done writing. In Word, type two spaces in “find” and one space in “replace” and hit enter. Voila!
6. Run spell check or use an automated editing program
8. Purchase The Chicago Manual of Style.
You can subscribe to the online version for $35 a year. I prefer the the hardbound copy.
9. Set aside an hour or two to go through this list with your manuscript, but be careful about over-editing.
10. Send it off to your beta reader/plotting partner. Remember to reward your reader with a gift card.
Happy Reading and Writing,
Connie
Stop by and see what the other Round Robin members have to say about the "torments" of self-editing:
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_seaDiane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1yEVictoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.comHelena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blogJudith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
See my website for this giveaway
My MottoMarch 4, 2019
March Contest and Giveaways!
The winter chill is in the air but I have great way for you to fill those hours until the Spring thaw!
Win great prizes with #RomanceGems LUCK O' THE IRISH March #Giveaway. COMMENT & WIN has $5.00 AMZ Gift Card up for grabs every week. FRIENDS TELL FRIENDS, new giveaway, open now. Enter for chance to win a Romance Reader's T-shirt or Audiobook. Rafflecopter, awesome prizes, opens Mar. 4. Details here: https://romancegems.blogspot.com/2019...
Share the Love and follow these Participating RomanceGems Authors: Bonnie Edwards * Cheryl Bolen * Connie Vines * Author Elsa Kurt * Jan Scarbrough * Joan Reeves Writes * Karen Kelley * Kathleen Lawless * Lucinda Race * Nancy Fraser * Nora LeDuc * Peggy Jaeger, Author * Satin Russell
Congratulations to Debby from FLA who was one of the winners in our Grand Opening Contest.
I'm also a member of Charmed Writers!
We are having a Flash Fiction give-a-away. (Remember to logon to our Charmed Connection for Readers and Writers on Facebook).
Free flash fiction by Charmed Writers.
bookfunnel link
Join us at Charmed Connections for Readers and Writers!
Here is another one of my solutions for surviving the extended winter days and nights. . . you must remember I reside in the Quirky Suburbs of SoCal where winter seldom falls below 65 degrees.
Win great prizes with #RomanceGems LUCK O' THE IRISH March #Giveaway. COMMENT & WIN has $5.00 AMZ Gift Card up for grabs every week. FRIENDS TELL FRIENDS, new giveaway, open now. Enter for chance to win a Romance Reader's T-shirt or Audiobook. Rafflecopter, awesome prizes, opens Mar. 4. Details here: https://romancegems.blogspot.com/2019...
Share the Love and follow these Participating RomanceGems Authors: Bonnie Edwards * Cheryl Bolen * Connie Vines * Author Elsa Kurt * Jan Scarbrough * Joan Reeves Writes * Karen Kelley * Kathleen Lawless * Lucinda Race * Nancy Fraser * Nora LeDuc * Peggy Jaeger, Author * Satin Russell
Congratulations to Debby from FLA who was one of the winners in our Grand Opening Contest.
I'm also a member of Charmed Writers!
We are having a Flash Fiction give-a-away. (Remember to logon to our Charmed Connection for Readers and Writers on Facebook).
Free flash fiction by Charmed Writers.bookfunnel link
Join us at Charmed Connections for Readers and Writers!
Here is another one of my solutions for surviving the extended winter days and nights. . . you must remember I reside in the Quirky Suburbs of SoCal where winter seldom falls below 65 degrees.
February 1, 2019
Introducing Romance Gems by Connie Vines
On February 1, 2019, Friday, 23 popular authors including NY Times and USA Today bestselling authors, open the doors on ROMANCE GEMS, a wonderful new group blog where the focus is on Readers. Look for conversations about Life, Love, Books, Romance, Sex, Kids, and all the other really important things in your world. Some chuckles and some good times await you so drop by and check out ROMANCE GEMS at http://RomanceGems.blogspot.com.
Be sure and enter the Rafflecopter (A Chance to Win Books, Kindle Fire, and ebook Gift Bundles/) for a Kindle Fire and ebook Gift Bundles. Every week, there will be a "Comment & Win" Random Draw for an Amazon Gift Card. Read and comment with your email address written out on the daily posts. The more comments you make; the greater your chance of winning. Enter the Rafflecopter and the "Comment & Win" Random Draw as often as you wish. The more you enter, the greater your chances of winning.
If you've been looking for a Gem of an Author and/or a Gem of a Romance, look no further. You'll find both at ROMANCE GEMS.
Be sure and enter the Rafflecopter (A Chance to Win Books, Kindle Fire, and ebook Gift Bundles/) for a Kindle Fire and ebook Gift Bundles. Every week, there will be a "Comment & Win" Random Draw for an Amazon Gift Card. Read and comment with your email address written out on the daily posts. The more comments you make; the greater your chance of winning. Enter the Rafflecopter and the "Comment & Win" Random Draw as often as you wish. The more you enter, the greater your chances of winning.
If you've been looking for a Gem of an Author and/or a Gem of a Romance, look no further. You'll find both at ROMANCE GEMS.
January 19, 2019
Character Development—Personalities and Break-Out Secondary Characters by Connie Vines #RR68
This month’s Round Robin Topic: How do you develop different personalities in your characters? Break-out secondary characters—the making of a new story.
The ‘How’ of the writing is always interesting for me to analyze.
While I have detailed plot lines before I write a story or novel, I am instinctive when creating my characters.
As I’ve blogged before, I begin with a sense of time and place. When the story in bubbling in my subconscious, I heard snippets of conversations, a song playing in my head (you know that annoying song simply leave you alone), or a impulse to cook a certain regional food.
A few examples: When writing ‘Lynx” Rodeo Romance book 1, “Amarillo by Morning” kept playing in my mind. I located by paternal grandfather’s Tex-Mex chili recipe and made chili once a week. And then a brassy woman speaking with a Texas-twang and popping her chewing-gum would pop into my head (ala 'Flo’ in an old TV sitcom).
We all know a novelist always falls in love with her ‘first hero’. My first romantic hero was Lynx Maddox. While his younger sister was only mentioned in the first book of my Rodeo Romance Series, she became by break-out character in the second book, “Brede”. Whereas Rachel Scott and Lynx Maddox were the stars of my contemporary romance; Brede Kristensen and Amberlylnn Maddox stars shine in my romantic suspense novel, “Brede” Rodeo Romance book 2.
My characters also ‘drive my story’—often in a different direct, thus destroying months of detail research. “Nooo! Not again.” Yes, this is my first reaction. And, of course, I rebel at the very thought of shoving my months of detailed research back into my file overflowing file cabinet. I’ve learned I am not able to force my characters to act against his or her nature. Painful though it may be, I listen and I shift my story-line.
When did this happen?
The first time I experienced this ‘traumatic’ writing experience, I was plotting, “Tanayia—Whisper upon the Water” my sweet historical romance.
Tanayia was to be a member of the Paiute tribe of Native Americans. She was being groomed for the ‘taking of the shawl” (becoming a medicine woman). I was involved in Native American Education Programs, served on a PAC Committee (parent advisory council), and participated in powwows. I interview tribal elders and traveled to historical sites, etc. I’d plotted by novel down to a puppy’s freckle, so to speak.
While Tanayia allowed me to keep the historical event which formed the opening event of my 1st chapter, I learned she younger. She was also a member of the “Nde” Apache tribe. Tanayia was also strong-willed and determined.
My novel was not set in a different tribal area, difference climate, different customs, beliefs. . .well, you know what that meant. Yes, more research. I live within driving distance of Sherman Indian School in Riverside, CA. In fact, I attended powwows where the Apache (Fire) dancers from the White Mountain Reservation danced each year.
In the end, Tanayia was correct. My story was her story. It was her life, her experience—it was history, accurate, painful. It was the personal growth of a young woman, torn between two-worlds. I must, in the end, thank Tanayia for the awards this novel was awarded: The Independent e-Book Award for YA Historical Fiction, The Dream Realm Award, and a National Book Award Nomination.
Are more break-out characters evolving in my novels?
Yes, there are a few nudging me now.
I also have a new hero, or two, with a foot hold in my plotting-world right now, too.
Watch for my flash fiction story in anthology available February, 12, 2019. Cover reveal and more info will be posted soon on my blog (here) and at my website very soon.
Happy Reading and Writing,
Connie
Remember to visit the blog sites of these wonderful Round Robin authors:
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
> Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
> Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
> Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
> A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
> Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
>> Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
> Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1qI
> Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
> Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com
December 15, 2018
The Sprint of the Season by Connie Vines #RR, #Christmas
Thank you, Rhobin for our Round Robin topic, for this month.
To me the spirit of the season is about love, and often about sacrifice. This sacrifice can take many forms: be it a military man servicing overseas, overseeing a meal for the needy, and many other ways. “How much are you willing to sacrifice for someone you love?”
My Christmas teaser is taken from “Brede,” Rodeo Romance, Book 2.
“You are welcome to stay on the ranch.” She placed her fingertips over his lips. “I can’t.” The words trembled from her mouth in much the same manner her fingertips trembled against his firm lips. “If someone’s trying to kill me, I’m putting you and everyone else on the ranch in danger.” “That’s the very reason you should stay.” She shook her head. The sweetness of his words, his generous offer of help, brought tears to her eyes. It would be so easy for her to stay, but that didn’t make it right. “if you’re worried about the kiss…” “No.” She denied it much too quickly. She was worried about how much she’d enjoyed his kiss, and how easy it would be to kiss him again. He gave her one of his rare, heart-stopping smiles, and Kate wanted to clutch his shoulders for support. Instead, she pulled back to get a good look at him. “I’m a grown man,” he reminded her. “I can take care of myself and so can my men. No one’s going to hurt any of us.” She smiled back. He did look big, strong, and invincible but fear clung to the edges of her mind. Whoever had hurt her didn’t play by the rules, Brede might not like to admit it but the remoteness of the ranch would work in her attacker’s favor. He had stalked her. Thant meant he could be outside watching them now, and waiting for an opportunity to strike again. She bit her lower lip. His face was only inches from hers, so close she could see the heavy stubble of his beard. She had an urge to run her fingers over that dark shadow but she didn’t.She knew if she touched his face, he’d kiss her, and things would get out of hand, just like that other time they were alone in the kitchen. That’s why it was better that she leave, better that he believed someone had filed a report and wanted her back. He’d done enough to help her, she owed him piece of mind, if nothing else. She was attracted to him beyond reason. She had no business feeling this way about him. After tomorrow, they might never see each other again.
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. Please visit the other wonderful authors participating in this month’s blog tour.
Best Holiday Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses,
Connie
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1qI
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com
