Zena Wynn's Blog, page 6
January 16, 2012
Today We Celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday
I have to confess, unlike a lot of folks, I don't get teary eyed and sentimental when it comes to the Civil Rights Movement and the contributions of great men and women during that time like Martin Luther King. Why? Because I was born in 1969. By the time I was old enough to become aware of what the movement was all about, it was history.
I can however listen and learn from my mother, and grandmother, of what segregation was like and be grateful for how far God has brought us. I can be grateful that God blessed me to be born in a country where it's illegal to be judged by the color of my skin, discriminated against or somehow be thought of as less because of its dark color. Does this mean that discrimination and prejudice no longer happen in America? No.
Why? Because for some folks, it's human nature to put others down in order to make themselves feel higher, more elevated. But for the majority of us, we've learned to live and let live, judge a person by their actions, and their ability to succeed by their willingness to work for what they have.
So to everyone, be you famous or forgotten, I thank you for helping to make America and it's laws governing Civil Rights what it is today. May God Bless each and every one of you.
January 7, 2012
What's in a Good Book?
I know the answer is different for each person questioned, but here's what I consider a good, even great book.
1. Romance - first it has to be a romance book. Why? Because only in the genre of romance am I guaranteed a happy ending. Life is too serious, too uncertain. When I read I want a pick me up. The author can take their characters through hell and back, as long as the book ends on a positive note where good triumphs over evil and love conquers all.
2. Action - Yes, I'm an action junkie, both in my books and movies. I need my books to be page turners. I need to be compelled by the plot to discover what will happen next.
3. Engaging - I need the book to engage me, all of me, and my emotions. It should make me think, make me wonder what I'd do if I were the heroine.
4. All holes filled - unless it's part of a series, a good book will answer all my questions as the story plays out. I dislike getting to the end of a story and realizing, "What, you didn't answer this?" Unless, of course, as mentioned before, it's part of a series and the answer to the question can be obtained in the next book.
I like suspense. I also love a good paranormal romance filled with otherworldly creatures as different as the author's imagination. AS LONG AS the author sticks to the rules of their particular subgenre, and there are rules for each of them. Just as romance has rules, so does suspense, mystery, paranormal, science fiction, futuristic, and fantasy. Authors who can be creative and imaginative while coloring inside their particular genre/sub-genres' rules will find a loyal reader in me.
1. Romance - first it has to be a romance book. Why? Because only in the genre of romance am I guaranteed a happy ending. Life is too serious, too uncertain. When I read I want a pick me up. The author can take their characters through hell and back, as long as the book ends on a positive note where good triumphs over evil and love conquers all.
2. Action - Yes, I'm an action junkie, both in my books and movies. I need my books to be page turners. I need to be compelled by the plot to discover what will happen next.
3. Engaging - I need the book to engage me, all of me, and my emotions. It should make me think, make me wonder what I'd do if I were the heroine.
4. All holes filled - unless it's part of a series, a good book will answer all my questions as the story plays out. I dislike getting to the end of a story and realizing, "What, you didn't answer this?" Unless, of course, as mentioned before, it's part of a series and the answer to the question can be obtained in the next book.
I like suspense. I also love a good paranormal romance filled with otherworldly creatures as different as the author's imagination. AS LONG AS the author sticks to the rules of their particular subgenre, and there are rules for each of them. Just as romance has rules, so does suspense, mystery, paranormal, science fiction, futuristic, and fantasy. Authors who can be creative and imaginative while coloring inside their particular genre/sub-genres' rules will find a loyal reader in me.
January 5, 2012
Want a Sneak Peak at Claiming Shayla?
Give a donation to Morning Doves Center for Teenage Girls, Inc. of any amount and receive the first chapter of Claiming Shayla as a Thank You Gift.
The Morning Dove Center for Teen Girls, Inc. is a non-profit group dedicated to helping inner city girls rise above their social and economic environment. Their goal is to reduce teen pregnancy, school dropout, abuse, neglect, and teen violence. All of the members are volunteers, so a hundred percent of your donation goes to help the girls and not pay salaries. For more information on MDC, go to:
http://www.morningdovecenter4teens.org/
To give...
•Go to the MDC site
•Click on the Donate tab
•Click on PayPal link and make your donation. Please make sure to use the Personal Gift option. Otherwise Paypal deducts a portion of your donation from the organization.
•Forward a copy of the your email receipt from service@paypal.com tozenawynn@yahoo.com to claim your gift.
January 2, 2012
True Mates: Claiming Shayla
If you've been following my website or are a member of my yahoo group, you know this story is finally finished. The final word count makes this my longest story ever, coming in at a little over 92k. That's about 240 pages, or 165 pages single spaced. Definitely a full novel length.
Now it's submitted and I'm waiting to hear from Loose Id on whether they want to published. I figure it will be the end of Feb before I know for sure who's going to publish Claiming Shayla. Then it could be another year before it's released, all depending upon the publisher's release schedule.
I'll keep everyone up to date with what's going on. In the meantime, I'm debating offering a preview of the first chapter of CS for a small donation to Morning Doves Center for Teenage Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps inner City girls that I support.
If you're interested, let me know.
Now it's submitted and I'm waiting to hear from Loose Id on whether they want to published. I figure it will be the end of Feb before I know for sure who's going to publish Claiming Shayla. Then it could be another year before it's released, all depending upon the publisher's release schedule.
I'll keep everyone up to date with what's going on. In the meantime, I'm debating offering a preview of the first chapter of CS for a small donation to Morning Doves Center for Teenage Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps inner City girls that I support.
If you're interested, let me know.
January 1, 2012
The Year in Review - 2011
Sometimes, before looking forward to a new year, it's good to look back on the old and see what was accomplished, and what still needs to be done. As I look back over 2011, all I can say is, "To God be the glory." With God's help, I traveled so much and got so much accomplished that I literally forgot a lot of it until I started thinking things through.
· In January, my children and I took a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas.
· In March, I flew to Williamsburg, VA with a good friend and attended my first writing conference - EPICon.
· In May, the children, my mother and I drove down to south Florida and spent Memorial day weekend with my sister to celebrate my nephew's last weekend at home before leaving for Air Force boot camp. For the occasion, I rented a car and booked a hotel room so my mother wouldn't have to climb up and down the stairs at my sister's home, even though she had more than enough room for us all and wanted us to stay with her. God graciously provided the money for me to be a blessing to my mom.
· In June my daughter graduated from both high school and our local community college with her AA. I threw a big, catered party for her at a nearby community center and a lot of family and friends were invited. We also drove to Gatlinburg, TN for a family reunion/vacation. I was only able to stay the weekend. Everyone else stayed a week.
· I wrote and published Seduced by a Wolf, and finally finished Claiming Shayla.
· Got both my and my daughter's cars repaired - totaling over $2,000.
· In August we packed my daughter up and took her to Gainesville for her first semester at University of Florida. She was blessed with enough scholarship and grant money that her four-year education is free.
· In September, by the grace of God, I survived the unexpected layoff/termination of over 200 City employees, 8 of whom were in my department.
· In October, my mom retired from her job with the Federal government. Afterwards, I was able to entertain my aunt, uncles, sister, and mom's cousin who surprised her by coming into town for her retirement luncheon.
· In November, for Thanksgiving we spent the 4-day weekend in Hilton Head, SC. Even managed to get in some Black Friday Christmas shopping, later that morning. No way was I staying up late shopping.
Now it's 2012, and I ended the year with all my monthly bills paid, both cars repaired, and minimal debt on my credit card, looking forward to what God has in store for me this year. Praise be to God. He's an awesome God.
· In January, my children and I took a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas.
· In March, I flew to Williamsburg, VA with a good friend and attended my first writing conference - EPICon.
· In May, the children, my mother and I drove down to south Florida and spent Memorial day weekend with my sister to celebrate my nephew's last weekend at home before leaving for Air Force boot camp. For the occasion, I rented a car and booked a hotel room so my mother wouldn't have to climb up and down the stairs at my sister's home, even though she had more than enough room for us all and wanted us to stay with her. God graciously provided the money for me to be a blessing to my mom.
· In June my daughter graduated from both high school and our local community college with her AA. I threw a big, catered party for her at a nearby community center and a lot of family and friends were invited. We also drove to Gatlinburg, TN for a family reunion/vacation. I was only able to stay the weekend. Everyone else stayed a week.
· I wrote and published Seduced by a Wolf, and finally finished Claiming Shayla.
· Got both my and my daughter's cars repaired - totaling over $2,000.
· In August we packed my daughter up and took her to Gainesville for her first semester at University of Florida. She was blessed with enough scholarship and grant money that her four-year education is free.
· In September, by the grace of God, I survived the unexpected layoff/termination of over 200 City employees, 8 of whom were in my department.
· In October, my mom retired from her job with the Federal government. Afterwards, I was able to entertain my aunt, uncles, sister, and mom's cousin who surprised her by coming into town for her retirement luncheon.
· In November, for Thanksgiving we spent the 4-day weekend in Hilton Head, SC. Even managed to get in some Black Friday Christmas shopping, later that morning. No way was I staying up late shopping.
Now it's 2012, and I ended the year with all my monthly bills paid, both cars repaired, and minimal debt on my credit card, looking forward to what God has in store for me this year. Praise be to God. He's an awesome God.
September 15, 2011
Recommended Reads: Beta's Challenge & Samaritan
Okay, I'm not one of those folks who trash books and other authors. Nor do I necessarily promote them, unless I think they did a bang up job on their story and I think it's something other readers will enjoy. I'd like to introduce to you two author teams who did just that. Not, in the matter of total disclosure, I will tell you that I edited both of these books, which is how I got to be so familiar with these great stories.
This first book was submitted to me by a reader who loves my True Mates series and expressed a desire to become published, but was hesitant to submit her work. I told her I'd be happy to take a look at it for her. She sent it to me and I was impressed at what she and her writing partner accomplished on a first attempt. You know I'm a fan of paranormals -- especially shifter stories -- so this was right up my alley. Add a hint of action and a dose of humor and I was hooked. Anyone can write, but it takes talent and gifting to tell a story that others want to read. I think these ladies have both.
Feeling as if love is a thing for those whom have no drive for success, Attorney Tara Friedland, one of the three most fearsome black female attorneys in Montana, has given up all hope of a 'happily ever after.'
Having been stonewalled and ousted by his former pack for disagreeing with his alpha's new mandates for pack growth, Gabriel Young sets out to find what he has always wanted and never thought could have: his Prima, the one and only female destined just for him.
Little do they know, the alpha of Gabriel's former pack seeks revenge on Gabriel for the dissention caused in the pack by Gabriel's abrupt departure. Will their love be strong enough stand the trials they must face to be together or will this be one challenge a Beta can't win?
This next book is book one of a new paranormal series that I've got to admit, already has me impatient for book two. It's got a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, action, suspense, and an ending that makes me anxious to see what happens next.
The hit and run driver that nearly killed her sister changed Mina's life forever. Editing the trendy Philly Chic magazine did not prepare Mina for a life of crazy-eyed assailants trying to kill her and her niece. The handsome Samaritan whose unusual techniques prevented her sister from bleeding to death on the street introduced her to a world, hidden from most, where only her quick wits and instincts could keep her alive.
Would this mysterious Samaritan prove to be part of the solution or the ultimate root of her problems?
I believe if you give these authors a chance, you won't be disappointed.
This first book was submitted to me by a reader who loves my True Mates series and expressed a desire to become published, but was hesitant to submit her work. I told her I'd be happy to take a look at it for her. She sent it to me and I was impressed at what she and her writing partner accomplished on a first attempt. You know I'm a fan of paranormals -- especially shifter stories -- so this was right up my alley. Add a hint of action and a dose of humor and I was hooked. Anyone can write, but it takes talent and gifting to tell a story that others want to read. I think these ladies have both.
Feeling as if love is a thing for those whom have no drive for success, Attorney Tara Friedland, one of the three most fearsome black female attorneys in Montana, has given up all hope of a 'happily ever after.'Having been stonewalled and ousted by his former pack for disagreeing with his alpha's new mandates for pack growth, Gabriel Young sets out to find what he has always wanted and never thought could have: his Prima, the one and only female destined just for him.
Little do they know, the alpha of Gabriel's former pack seeks revenge on Gabriel for the dissention caused in the pack by Gabriel's abrupt departure. Will their love be strong enough stand the trials they must face to be together or will this be one challenge a Beta can't win?
This next book is book one of a new paranormal series that I've got to admit, already has me impatient for book two. It's got a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, action, suspense, and an ending that makes me anxious to see what happens next.
The hit and run driver that nearly killed her sister changed Mina's life forever. Editing the trendy Philly Chic magazine did not prepare Mina for a life of crazy-eyed assailants trying to kill her and her niece. The handsome Samaritan whose unusual techniques prevented her sister from bleeding to death on the street introduced her to a world, hidden from most, where only her quick wits and instincts could keep her alive.Would this mysterious Samaritan prove to be part of the solution or the ultimate root of her problems?
I believe if you give these authors a chance, you won't be disappointed.
September 12, 2011
Subtle Influences
As a writer who's also an avid reader, sometimes it's difficult to make sure my voice remains my voice. If you're a writer, you understand exactly what that means. For others, let me see if I can explain.
During the time when I was writing True Mates, I was deeply immersed in LKH's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. I like all of the characters she created. So there I am writing my book, and while I didn't know who or rather what Conor was, I knew he was powerful. When he came to Kiesha in her dream, he kept speaking with a French accent. Why? I'd been reading too much of Anita's vampire Jean Claude. His 'voice' was stuck in my mind. Later I went back and changed it, making sure Conor's voice was his own, and not a imitation of Jean Claude.
I enjoy reading established romance writers with series skills. I believe reading, and studying how they write, the way they turn a phrase, helps me improve my own writing. But the trick is not to let their voice bleed over into my own, or that of my characters.
More recently I've hooked myself on JD Robb's Death series. I love the characters, all of them, and what woman wouldn't love Roarke? The problem is, I'm writing Claiming Shayla, and Rory is of Irish descent. American-Irish to be exact. So guess who's voice keeps popping up in my head when I writing? You guessed right, Roarke's.
Some of it's good. I'd already been researching Irish phrases and speech patterns before ever picking up a JD Robb book, so the Aye's and Arses were already a part of Rory's speech. Now, when I'm finished with Claiming Shayla and have had a chance to let it sit, I'll go back through with fresh eyes and make sure that Rory is really Rory, and Shayla is who she's always been, and I'm me, not JD Robb. LOL!
During the time when I was writing True Mates, I was deeply immersed in LKH's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. I like all of the characters she created. So there I am writing my book, and while I didn't know who or rather what Conor was, I knew he was powerful. When he came to Kiesha in her dream, he kept speaking with a French accent. Why? I'd been reading too much of Anita's vampire Jean Claude. His 'voice' was stuck in my mind. Later I went back and changed it, making sure Conor's voice was his own, and not a imitation of Jean Claude.
I enjoy reading established romance writers with series skills. I believe reading, and studying how they write, the way they turn a phrase, helps me improve my own writing. But the trick is not to let their voice bleed over into my own, or that of my characters.
More recently I've hooked myself on JD Robb's Death series. I love the characters, all of them, and what woman wouldn't love Roarke? The problem is, I'm writing Claiming Shayla, and Rory is of Irish descent. American-Irish to be exact. So guess who's voice keeps popping up in my head when I writing? You guessed right, Roarke's.
Some of it's good. I'd already been researching Irish phrases and speech patterns before ever picking up a JD Robb book, so the Aye's and Arses were already a part of Rory's speech. Now, when I'm finished with Claiming Shayla and have had a chance to let it sit, I'll go back through with fresh eyes and make sure that Rory is really Rory, and Shayla is who she's always been, and I'm me, not JD Robb. LOL!
August 28, 2011
Pigeon Holes and Labels
I have never liked labels, at least when applied to myself. I like variety. I like options. I've never been a fan of stereotypes. That being said, I am not an interracial romance writer. I'm am not a paranormal romance writer. I am not an erotic romance writer. What I am, is a romance writer who happens to write in multiple genres and heat level. What's important to me is not the race or the amount of sex in my books, but the quality of the characters and stories I create.
A high percentage of my stories are interracial because I'm a black female and it's easier to write about women who live in my skin. A high percentage of my stories are erotic, or at the very least, steamy because hey, I enjoy a good romance with steamy sex.
I write what I like to read. I love reading shape-shifter and vampire paranormals. I also enjoy stories about psychics. I'm very devout about my faith so occasionally I'll write inspirationals. But mostly, my stories will always be about the passionate, eternal love between a man and a woman.
A high percentage of my stories are interracial because I'm a black female and it's easier to write about women who live in my skin. A high percentage of my stories are erotic, or at the very least, steamy because hey, I enjoy a good romance with steamy sex.
I write what I like to read. I love reading shape-shifter and vampire paranormals. I also enjoy stories about psychics. I'm very devout about my faith so occasionally I'll write inspirationals. But mostly, my stories will always be about the passionate, eternal love between a man and a woman.
August 24, 2011
Finding Balance
In today's world of multi-tasking, I am a queen. The problem with being the queen of multi-tasking is that I tend to take on more than I can feasibly do. For example, in addition to being a writer, I edit for two publishing houses. In no way do I edit for the money. (snort) I do it because I enjoy helping other authors get their work published and making their work shine. In addition, editing helps sharpen my own writing skills.
I'm told I'm a good editor. I'm definitely dedicated, and tend to be a bit of a workaholic. Sounds like a good thing, right? We're encouraged in today's society to stay busy, be productive. But too much of anything isn't good. I, as I stated earlier, tend to have a problem saying no. This means at times I get backlogged. I spend all my time working and stressing myself out.
I know it's bad when I wake in the morning thinking of what I need to accomplish during the day, and go to bed and night lamenting what I didn't get done. Writing? Who has time? Exercising, taking time to smell the roses? Ditto. It's ridiculous.
But I plan to do something about it. One, with the help of God I'm going to stop stressing myself out. I'm one person and can only do so much a day. I'll work steadily, but when I need a break, I'll take one. If I want to read a book instead of writing or editing, I'll read one. If I want to spend time with my family on Saturday instead of spending the whole day editing and running errands, I will. Without guilt and without berating myself for all I could have accomplished had I worked instead.
Life is short. I want to enjoy my life. Yes, I enjoy editing and writing, but not the pressure I was putting upon myself to produce. So, I'll rest when I need to. Make time to exercise and eat right. Get a good night's sleep, and as soon as I knock some of these editing jobs out of the way, I'll slow down.
Maybe. LOL!
I'm told I'm a good editor. I'm definitely dedicated, and tend to be a bit of a workaholic. Sounds like a good thing, right? We're encouraged in today's society to stay busy, be productive. But too much of anything isn't good. I, as I stated earlier, tend to have a problem saying no. This means at times I get backlogged. I spend all my time working and stressing myself out.
I know it's bad when I wake in the morning thinking of what I need to accomplish during the day, and go to bed and night lamenting what I didn't get done. Writing? Who has time? Exercising, taking time to smell the roses? Ditto. It's ridiculous.
But I plan to do something about it. One, with the help of God I'm going to stop stressing myself out. I'm one person and can only do so much a day. I'll work steadily, but when I need a break, I'll take one. If I want to read a book instead of writing or editing, I'll read one. If I want to spend time with my family on Saturday instead of spending the whole day editing and running errands, I will. Without guilt and without berating myself for all I could have accomplished had I worked instead.
Life is short. I want to enjoy my life. Yes, I enjoy editing and writing, but not the pressure I was putting upon myself to produce. So, I'll rest when I need to. Make time to exercise and eat right. Get a good night's sleep, and as soon as I knock some of these editing jobs out of the way, I'll slow down.
Maybe. LOL!
July 2, 2011
Claiming Shayla Update
So, I've finally gotten into a groove with this story. Right now I'm on page 134 (1" margins, 1.5 spacing) and a little under 57k in word count. The story begins with Shay gone, her return for Kiesha's wedding, and then the somewhat rocky start of her and Rory's life together. I just finished the scene where she's introduced to Rory's pack. Now that I have the couple firmly together, there's the barest hint of suspense that I'm working out. I figure another three to four chapters (at 13 pages each) and I'll be ready to wind down to the ending.
As to why it's taking me so long, please remember that both of these characters have very intense, very strong personalities. Also, I had to create a whole new pack, new support characters, and new settings. All of that takes time. When I'm finished with the rough draft, I'll let it sit for a bit and work on something new. Or maybe it will be time to do edits for Seduced by a Wolf. When enough time has passed, I'll come back to CS with fresh eyes and see if I can add another layer of depth to the story.
Once CS is ready to go, I'll start on Rome's story. I already have it plotted out in my mind. Just have to get it on paper. Then there's NeeCee and Bull, and another story that CS sparked within the Sparrowhawk pack. How many True Mates will there be? As many as my imagination allows me to write. Do, however, expect the TM books to start releasing further apart.
I have other projects, other commitments that I need to keep and/or finish as well. Like my book, Seduced by a Wolf. It's book one of a new four book Lycan series, releasing from Phaze. Then there's my Fantasy Island Series from Red Rose Publishing. It's time for another release in that series. I also committed to writing another book for Red Rose as part of a multi-author series project which I'm spearheading. Not to mention the many unfinished projects that I'd like to complete.
So as you can see, I have more than enough to keep me writing for the next several years.
As to why it's taking me so long, please remember that both of these characters have very intense, very strong personalities. Also, I had to create a whole new pack, new support characters, and new settings. All of that takes time. When I'm finished with the rough draft, I'll let it sit for a bit and work on something new. Or maybe it will be time to do edits for Seduced by a Wolf. When enough time has passed, I'll come back to CS with fresh eyes and see if I can add another layer of depth to the story.
Once CS is ready to go, I'll start on Rome's story. I already have it plotted out in my mind. Just have to get it on paper. Then there's NeeCee and Bull, and another story that CS sparked within the Sparrowhawk pack. How many True Mates will there be? As many as my imagination allows me to write. Do, however, expect the TM books to start releasing further apart.
I have other projects, other commitments that I need to keep and/or finish as well. Like my book, Seduced by a Wolf. It's book one of a new four book Lycan series, releasing from Phaze. Then there's my Fantasy Island Series from Red Rose Publishing. It's time for another release in that series. I also committed to writing another book for Red Rose as part of a multi-author series project which I'm spearheading. Not to mention the many unfinished projects that I'd like to complete.
So as you can see, I have more than enough to keep me writing for the next several years.
