Julie Kenner's Blog, page 97
February 1, 2013
Concept is Everything – Please Welcome guest blogger Kathryn Dahlstrom!
I’m happy to have Kathryn Dahlstrom guest blogging today! Kathryn is a talented author who writes across multiple formats. We met through a screenwriting workshop of which we are both alumni — and which helped Kathryn with the book & screenplay she’s blogging about! Check it out!
Julie, thanks a mil for inviting me to muse. We’re members of Producer Hal Croasmun’s Screenwriting U Pro Series Alumni. Hal deals in movie scripts, but his lessons apply to novels in everything but word count. For me, those lessons resulted in both—a screenplay and the novel Children of Angels!
In the course, the main focus is on story concept. If the story idea is fresh and interesting for its genre, it could rise to a bestseller. If the story idea is overused and dull, it could sink. Since I write for tweens (10 to14-year-olds) and love fantasy, I churned out a dozen concepts—from cats that fight dragons to kids who change into eagles. And nothing was strong enough to take through the full journey to screenplay or book.
When the lessons moved on to plotting and I still didn’t have my concept I brainstormed, balloon-charted, stewed, fought, and prayed…. I latched onto angels as fantasy beings who had not been overused. (Really! I respect the zeal vampire-romance fans have for their demigods, and the passion magic-lovers have for schools of wizardry, but I knew I’d have little chance as a Johnny-come-lately with either concept.) But what could I do with angels? I needed a human kid for my main character. How could a kid have angel powers?
My prayers were answered with two words: the Nephilim! As soon as the idea hit, I dropped to my knees because I was too excited to stand straight and anyhow, I had some thanking to do! They’re described in a handful of mysterious verses in Genesis, Chapter 6, which says that for a short time before the Flood, angels made women their wives and their children were the Nephilim – “…famous heroes and warriors.” Cowabunga! I had it: what if the genes of the Nephilim resurfaced in a teen of today and he developed angel powers?
I took the idea through the Pro Series course, finished it as a screenplay…and had Hal blast it into a debris field with rubble all over and hardly a character left standing. He was right, too: the first “superhero-type” plot that I developed from the concept was a cliché. He made me dig deep to find the story’s unique core, which is this: “A young teen, shocked to learn he’s part angel, must battle demonic forces out to destroy him for proving that heaven is real.” When I recited that story line to Hal in a phone chat, there was a long-drawn pause while I waited on him, seeing stars because I was hyperventilating.
Then he said “I think this story will be a hit and I think you’re the one to write it.”
I hung up and went to my knees all over again.
So what if I had to start the story over! This time, I was building it on a plot-from-idea foundation that was strong enough for Hollywood. Children of Angels has already won over a family-fantasy producer, though it’s a long, risky road from novel to film. Never mind! My readers love it and right now, that’s all I care about.
Kathryn Dahlstrom has been writing professionally for 21 years. She began as a magazine short story writer and columnist and is the author of the Good News Club Series, a six-book fiction series for tweens and teens published by CEF Press As a screenwriter, Kathryn was named a quarter-finalist in the American Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest and has had two scripts optioned by film companies. She’s a member of the Screenwriting U Pro Series Alumni, the Minnesota Christian Writers Guild, the Screenwriter’s Network Worldwide, and the American Screenwriters Association.
Thanks so much, Kathryn, for being here today! I think Nephalim are fascinating (even mentioned them in California Demon … but no spoilers!).
Readers, are you a writer? What’s your process for finding the core concept of your story?
P.S. - my current book -- Release Me -- is still on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Color me psyched! Have you got your copy yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
January 31, 2013
Introducing Red Door Reads … and a celebratory price reduction!
I’m thrilled to announce the launching of Red Door Reads. We’re a group of authors who have banded together to highlight some of our books for readers!
I’ll be featuring my indie-pubbed books at the site (backlist and new indie releases), and it’s a great place to go to see on one easy page what I have available … and also to discover new-to-you authors and books!
In celebration of the launch, I’ve set up a price reduction for all my indie titles to 99 cents for Kindle and Nook! The following titles are only 99 cents through this weekend. Enjoy!
P.S. - my current book -- Release Me -- is still on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Color me psyched! Have you got your copy yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
Absolutely #starknaked today! Celebrating the UK onsale date of Release Me with some Twitter fun!
It’s finally January 31, and that means that the paperback edition of Release Me is on sale in the U.K. today! Headline and Eternal Romance got the celebration started this morning on Twitter with an absolutely awesome hashtag: #starknaked
Love it … and why didn’t I think of that? (In case you don’t know, Damien Stark is the sexy, mysterious hero of Release Me. Have you seen the Damien Stark Pinterest Board?)
Come on and join the fun! I’m also celebrating the news that the original U.S. edition of Release Me is back on the New York Times bestseller list and is now going into it’s fourth week on the USA Today list! Yay!!!
January 30, 2013
Hump Day Books: New or Notable Reads (January 30 edition)
Looking for a good book to read to beat t he mid-week doldrums?
Why not check out these nine new or notable books (this week, there’s a bonus classic!)! There’s something here for everyone!
Gone with the Wind
This may not be a new book, but it is most definitely notable! I just finished (re)reading Gone With The Wind, and if you haven’t had the pleasure, run–don’t walk–and get yourself a copy. It’s epic, it’s romantic, it’s tragic, it’s fascinating. I love this book. And despite the fact that half the time I want to smack her, I love Scarlett. Watching the movie in a few weeks! Can’t wait!
Water From the Moon (Futures & Securities)
New in Digital!
Learn more at http://www.tereseramin.com
How to Misbehave (Novella)
HEAVEN’S THUNDER — A Colorado Saga
a Colorado Saga – with an emphasis on Colorado’s silent film industry (cameos by Tom Mix, DW Griffith, Mary Pickford, Will Rogers and lots more)
Learn more at www.maryellendennis.com
Chey’s Cowboy (Bridleton)
Just released! A brand new contemporary western romance!
Learn more at http://www.BeckyBarker.com
An Affair to Dismember (Matchmaker)
A Taste of Reality
feature screenplay novelized!
Learn more here
Snoops in the City (A Romantic Comedy)
Now free at all etailers!
Learn more at http://darlenegardner.com/
Crazy Thing Called Love
P.S. Did you see that I have a Bargain Books section now? Check the Navigation bar or the side bar on the right.
(And OMG, my current book -- Release Me -- hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Color me psyched! Have you got your copy yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
January 29, 2013
Damien Stark on Pinterest–counting down to the U.K. release of Release Me!
I have had such a great time talking with readers about how they imagine Damien Stark from Release Me … but I think it’s an equal thrill seeing how much fun my publishers are having with him as well.
I love what Headline/Eternal Romance has done in anticipation of the January 31 on-sale date of Release Me in the U.K. — they’ve created a board on Pinterest specifically for Damien Stark!
And I am absolutely in with love some of the images they’ve selected so far.
How fun! Be sure to check it out and follow the board!
P.S. Did you see that I have a Bargain Books section now? Check the Navigation bar or the side bar on the right.
(And OMG, my current book -- Release Me -- hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Color me psyched! Have you got your copy yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
January 28, 2013
Movie Mania
I’m over at the Whine Sisters today chatting on about the movies I saw this weekend.
Come on by and share the last movie you saw, or what you want to see!
January 25, 2013
Mom’s Meat Sauce-the best spaghetti sauce in the history of the world
It’s Food Friday! And I must really love you guys because I am about to share one of the things that makes me the happiest in all the world. As a kid, I gorged on this stuff. As an adult, I eat a lot of it, too (although I don’t eat wheat anymore, so I either use gluten free pasta or use zucchini that has been turned into “pasta”).
Truly, y’all should bow at my mother’s feet, this recipe is so good. Try it. I bet you’ll love it!
What follows is the recipe that she gave me when I went away to college. I eyeball the ingredients now, which just goes to show you that this recipe is idiot-proof. You can tweak the ingredients and it’s still a major yum-fest.
Without further ado …
Mom’s Italian Meat Sauce
2 T. Olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 lb ground beef
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 lb mushroom, diced (I always use more)
1 T chopped fresh parsley or 1 t dried
1 #3 can Italian Style tomatoes (to this day, I do not know what a #3 can is. Go with the normal sized can, about 15 oz)
1 8 oz can tomato sauce (or thereabouts)
1 4 oz can tomato paste (or thereabouts)
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/8 t red pepper
1/4 t allspice
1/2 t oregano
1 t basil
1 bay leaf
1 t sugar (I never use)
(Note, I tend to use more of the spices, and I almost always double or triple the entire recipe)
In a 5-6 qt heavy pan, heat oil and saute onions and garlic lightly. Add meat. Brown meat, stirring to break up pieces.
Add green pepper/mushrooms. Cook 2 minutes.
Stir in other ingredients.
Cover and cook 2 hours over low heat.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serves 4-6 (enough for about 1lb of spaghetti).
Let me know what you think! Got any recipes you’d like to share?
P.S. Did you see that I have a Bargain Books section now? Check the Navigation bar or the side bar on the right.
(And OMG, my current book -- Release Me -- hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Color me psyched! Have you got your copy yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
January 24, 2013
Release Me is in its third week on the USA Today list! Saying thank you with an eReader!
I’m so incredibly thrilled that Release Me has hit both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists … and is still on the USA Today list for the third week … and at an even better placement than last week!! Woot!!
I so appreciate all the great reviews and word of mouth for Release Me …
and to show my appreciation, I’m giving away the winner’s choice of a Kindle Paperwhite 3G or a Nook HD! Just enter via the Rafflecopter below! There’s lots of ways to enter, and to help spread the word even more!
I’m guest blogging today about writing in multiple genres! Come by, say hi, and you may snag a signed copy of Release Me and a gift card!
I’m guest blogging today over at Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies. Oh My! and today I’m talking about writing across multiple genres.
Do you have a favorite genre or to you genre-hop? Come by, say hi, and enter to win a signed copy of Release Me along with a $15 Amazon gift card!
P.S. Did you see that I have a Bargain Books section now? Check the Navigation bar or the side bar on the right.
(And OMG, my current book -- Release Me -- hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Color me psyched! Have you got your copy yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
January 23, 2013
Hump Day Books: New or Notable Reads (January 23 edition)
Looking for a good book to read to beat t he mid-week doldrums?
Why not check out these eight new or notable books! There’s something here for everyone!
The Human Division #1: The B-Team
I just adore John Scalzi (even sat next to him once at a booksigning!) and I was so excited when I saw the note about this serialized story in my inbox. Haven’t read it yet, but I can’t wait!
Set the Night on Fire
Learn more at Libby Hellmann’s site
$.99 cents through January 21; $2.99 through Jan. 28!
A Lily on the Heath (The Medieval Herb Garden Series)
Learn more at colleengleason.com
New Release!
Demon’s Curse (Imnada Brotherhood)
Learn more here!
Book #1 in the Imnada Brotherhood series. Sample now at Pocket After Dark!!
Roses For Chloe
A haunting romance at a Southern plantation.
Learn more at elainegrant.com
A Lover’s Gift
Lynn’s lateset release from Samhain Retro Romance!
Go to Lynn’s site
Sweet Dream Lover (Live-Love-Laugh)
Sex, love, and chocolate–what more could you ask for?
Learn more at www.karensandler.net
Children of Angels: Book One of the New Nephilim Series
“A boy gets angel powers! An ‘oh-wow!’ fantasy for readers 10 & up.”
Learn more at www.kathryndahlstrom.com/
See the YouTube Video!
