Sydell Voeller's Blog

Star-gazing and how it connects to my writing

Several years ago when I struck up an interest in amateur astronomy, my passion for that soon became mirrored in some of my books. In the beginning, I took a basic “backyard astronomy” class at a local community college and used my dad’s old binoculars, which weren’t too bad, in terms of their clarity. (I even identified a few of the closer galaxies in them—a thrill for a beginner!) Soon my basic education wasn’t enough to satisfy me, and I joined the Rose City Astronomers here in Portland, Oregon. I purchased“giant” binoculars, specifically intended for stargazing—the kind sold in catalogues for telescopes. And I chose the binoculars instead of a telescope because I loved the flexibility in being able to sweep the skies, as opposed to staying “stuck” in one part of it.


I also bought astronomy manuals, star charts, and the red-lighted flashlights for reading the charts. (White light interferes with one’s night vision.) In time, I earned the Messier Binocular Deep Sky award for having identified 100 deep sky objects. What a thrill! For several years, every summer, my husband and I attended the Star Parties in the high desert of Central Oregon, miles away from the closest town. The night skies there were breathtaking, especially the Milky Way with its myriad of glittering star clusters.The event, attended by several hundred other astronomy enthusiasts, also gave me the opportunity to schmooze with others who shared my passion.

Well, I could go on, but the point is: I wanted to share my love for astronomy in my books as well, hopefully give my readers a taste of what it’s all about. And so in Her Sister’s Keeper, my most recent book with Books We Love, I’ve created a romantic scene where my heroine Logan R.N. and the sexy pediatrician whom she works with, are camped out together on a mountain hillside while they watch a breathtaking meteor shower. There, far away from city lights—plus the other campers--they ooh and aah at the trails of fiery light streaking through the dark skies. They also share kisses every bit as breathtaking.

After Her Sister’s Keeper, additional books with astronomy scenes followed, plus articles published in national magazines . And I will continue to portray the splendor of the night skies in my writing—a celestial treasure trove, really—whenever the project seems right for that.

So, if you’re planning on a writing venture in the near future, take stock of your passions and “write what you know”—even better, write what you love. Your readers will be glad you did—and so will you!

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Sisters-Kee...

Her Sister's Keeper

Good morning, everyone!

It's time to start thinking ahead to summertime and summer reading! Here in western Oregon this past March, we had the highest recorded rainfall for the past fifty-some years! It is indeed time for sunshine and warmer weather...

My latest reissued e-book, Her Sister's Keeper, published by Books We Love Ltd. went live on Amazon Kindle this morning. So if you're dreaming of summertime in the country, gazing at meteor shows on crisp dark nights, horseback riding in the hills, and camping under the stars, please take a moment to check it out this delightful summer romance:

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Sisters-Kee...



Her Sister's Keeper

Where Do I Find Ideas for My Books? (Part 2)

After Merry Christmas, Marcie was published, a spin-off evolved--Summer Magic. Now an older Marcie has emerged (I changed her name to Lisa), plus the central conflict has taken on on a slightly different twist. Lisa, now a certified veterinarian assistant, accepts a job to work for the circus vet whom we met in the first story. Although she realizes the earlier assistants had lasted only a short time because the vet was so difficult to please, Lisa is willing to take on the challenge. She needs money to pay off medical bills following a serious snowboarding accident. Soon, however, Lisa questions her ability to pass her probation, especially as one calamity with the circus animals follows another. Even Michael, the dashing trapeze artist whom she’s strongly attracted to, expresses his doubts, which disheartens her further. Still worse, Michael will not follow her if she leaves. Recently, he’d given up circus life to work on "the outside" and was totally miserable. He knew he had to get back to the circus, no matter what. Again a barrier looms between Lisa and Michael: she, the “townie” who will always most likely end up on the outside again, and he, the devoted circus performer who will always stay.

Where Do I Find Ideas for My Books? (Part 1)

Readers ask me where I get ideas for stories. Ideas come from everywhere, and often at times when I least expect them--from newspaper and magazine articles, dreams, personal experiences, books, and movies--and so forth. Yet from that germ of an idea my characters have sprung to life, fought their “dragons,” and won the battle!

Okay, now for an example. One day back when I first started writing, I read a magazine article about a circus family who performed as trapeze artists. The son who’d been interviewed for the article said he was always careful not to make friends with teens “on the outside” because soon the circus would move on and he might never see that friend again. What a perfect conflict between an everyday teen gal and a guy who is committed to travel and perform with the circus! I decided. I told my critique group, “I think I can do this!” So I started researching the realities of circus life, trapeze artists, and circus veterinary medicine. Then I began writing and rewriting. Several months later Merry Christmas, Marcie was born. Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from Silhouette’s YA editor only three days after I’d submitted the manuscript. I nearly jumped for joy when she offered me a contract!

Free Download at Amazon Kindle

For those experiencing a very long winter (yes, we got more snow again today!), I'd recommend a little "summer reading" to pick up your spirits. After all, summer is just around the corner, right?. My YA romance, Sandcastles of Love, will be available at Amazon Kindle as a free download Friday, March 23. This offer will apply to Friday only, and it won't be available again until several weeks from now. So again, if you're in the mood for a light beach read to blot out the winter dreariness, then get out your sun screen and make sure you don't miss out on this offer! (Actually, the first day of spring was last Tuesday, wasn't it?) Why does winter keep holding on?

http://www.amazon.com/Sandcastles-of-...

Summer Magic

Synopsis: When her fiance' calls off their engagement, veterinarian assistant Lisa Prentice joins the circus in hopes of escaping the everyday grind. But life under the big top isn't quite what she expected. None of the veterinarian's former assistants managed to please their short-tempered boss, and Lisa fears that her days are numbered, too.

Reviews for SUMMER MAGIC

"This breezy romance follows Lisa Prentice, a veterinarian assistant, as she begins her new job traveling with the Jessell and Stern Circus. She is interested in continuing the care of an Arabian horse named Ebony that she helped to save while the circus was on a layover in New York. Of course, she has other reasons for "running away with the circus". Her fiance', a prominent lawyer, has recently dumped her for another attorney. Lisa wants to heal by concentrating on her career. Enter Michael Figaro, the star aerialist with the circus and the son of the circus owner. Immediately, there are sparks between the two. However, Michael also has a jealous twin, a trapeze artist named Claudette, and Rita, the pretty aerialist who would like his attention. When Claudette begins to fall in the ring, Michael begins to spend more time with Rita, training her for Claudette's position. Will romance blossom between the two, or will his love for Lisa prevail?

This book is an example of the perfect romance. I enjoyed Ms. Voeller's ability to switch between the point of views of Lisa and Michael. I felt I knew all the characters very well. There were a few side plots beyond Lisa and Michael's romance, and I found that they only enhanced the feeling of the story. This is a great story to read in one sitting and spend a few hours swept away in the magic of the circus."
When her fiance' calls off their engagement, veterinarian assistant Lisa Prentice joins the circus in hopes of escaping the everyday grind. But life under the big top isn't quite what she expected. None of the veterinarian's former assistants managed to please their short-tempered boss, and Lisa fears that her days are numbered, too.

image: butterflyReviews for SUMMER MAGIC

"This breezy romance follows Lisa Prentice, a veterinarian assistant, as she begins her new job traveling with the Jessell and Stern Circus. She is interested in continuing the care of an Arabian horse named Ebony that she helped to save while the circus was on a layover in New York. Of course, she has other reasons for "running away with the circus". Her fiance', a prominent lawyer, has recently dumped her for another attorney. Lisa wants to heal by concentrating on her career. Enter Michael Figaro, the star aerialist with the circus and the son of the circus owner. Immediately, there are sparks between the two. However, Michael also has a jealous twin, a trapeze artist named Claudette, and Rita, the pretty aerialist who would like his attention. When Claudette begins to fall in the ring, Michael begins to spend more time with Rita, training her for Claudette's position. Will romance blossom between the two, or will his love for Lisa prevail?

This book is an example of the perfect romance. I enjoyed Ms. Voeller's ability to switch between the point of views of Lisa and Michael. I felt I knew all the characters very well. There were a few side plots beyond Lisa and Michael's romance, and I found that they only enhanced the feeling of the story. This is a great story to read in one sitting and spend a few hours swept away in the magic of the circus."

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Magic-eb...

The Fisherman's Daughter

I'm pleased to announce that my romantic suspense e-book, The Fisherman's Daughter, has been released today by a new publisher, BWL Ltd. It's available on Amazon Kindle! Follow the link to
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fishermans-...

Interview with YA author Ann Herrick, Part 2

1. Do you have an inspirational picture, photo or saying that you look to when you are depressed or have a terminal case of ‘writer’s block’?
Yes. It's that any day when you can make someone smile is a good day. Of course, I hope that my writing will make people smile (and laugh, cry, think), but in every-day life giving (and receiving) smiles is a great reward.

2. What gets your creative juices flowing?
Daydreaming. My first YA novel, Practice Makes Perfect, was a result of daydreaming about what I would have *liked* my summers to have been when I was a teenager. After that, it's sitting at the computer and getting at least two sentences written. Once I've done that, I'm on my way.

3. What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Interruptions and/or knowing there something else besides writing that really needs to be done. That's one reason I like to write in the afternoon. I try to get everything else out of the way in the morning, so I don't have it hanging over my head when I sit down to write.

4. If you could be anything other than a writer, what would your second choice be?
My second choice would be to own a racing stable and have a horse that would win the Triple Crown. That was my first childhood dream, and it's still a pretty good one--though not exactly practical. ;)

5. If you could be anything other than a human, what would you be and why?
I'd have to say a cat (in a good home with an owner such as myself who believes in totally spoiling her cats). Purring seems like such a cool thing to be able to do.

6. Imagine your fairy godmother were to wave her magic wand and bestow a million dollars in your bank account. What would you do with the money?
I think I'd set up a fund for people in Eugene who have endured some unexpected hardship. There are several charities to which I'd donate. I'd help my daughter and son-in-law with some expenses. And then I'd probably get the Home & Garden TV Curb Appeal crew to work on my house's curb appeal!

7. If you were, for some reason, to lose the ability to write, what would you do with all the creative instincts you could no longer use?
I'd love to learn to draw (even though there's no reason to believe I'd be very good at it!) or study landscape architecture.

8. Who would you love most to meet “in person” and why?
Hillary Clinton. She's been a First Lady, a senator, run for president and is now Secretary of State. I think it would be fascinating to talk to her.

9. Finally, name the one thing in life you do not at this moment possess, but wish to have with all your heart.
An organized house? A tidy yard? Um, wow, I can't really think of any things I need/want terribly much right now, but I'd love to have all my books hit the best-seller list. :)

Ann Herrick’s website is http://annherrickauthor.com. She’d love to have you stop by, look it over, and check out her books. Her most recent novel, a young adult romance, is How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), published by bwlpp.com

Welcome Letter Part 2

(Continued from Welcome Letter Part 1)



It wasn't long until I even began dreaming about getting parts of my journal published, so I sent the manuscript off to Redbook. Months later it came limping back to me with one of those notoriously "wonderful" form rejection notes.

Meanwhile, I'd been perusing writers' magazines and had come across an article about how to write teenage romances. Immediately I thought about my high school journal and realized I had in it a treasure trove of ideas.

The following summer, with my pink Smith Corona typewriter propped on the kitchen table, I crafted my first young adult romance (while my two sons popped in and out of the kitchen for any number of reasons). What an exercise in concentration!

Later, I joined a critique group and worked harder than ever. I can't begin to tell you how much I learned from the members there, most of whom were already published.

After I'd revised that first manuscript several times and began sending it out to publishing houses, I started work on my second and third. Imagine my excitement a couple of years later when I got a call from the editor at Silhouette's young adult line, offering me a contract on the first manuscript! The following December, Merry Christmas, Marcie was released--the best holiday gift I'd ever received.

How I Became a Writer (Part 1)

Here in western Oregon, we've finally awakened to a sunny day with cloudless, blue skies! Maybe that one little orange tomato growing on one of our few tomato plants might even decide to ripen. Cheers to summer in the NW--late in coming, but hopefully here for a few weeks, at least! Next week we plan to go camping on the coast, so it's even more important to me that the climate stays pleasant. Whenever I pack, though, I always take clothing for both summer and winter!

If you've been following my blog so far, you've probably discovered that it's a hodgepodge of writer's tips, author interviews, and excerpts from my latest book, plus the cover. Now I'd like to throw into the mix a little more about myself, extra info that you won't read on the bio page of my website. I'm extracting part of the material from the "Welcome Letter" I send to my students at the Long Ridge Writer's Group, so if you happen to be one of them, you've probably read this at an earlier time: At any rate, because each blog entry only allows me limited space, I'll probably just barely get started this time, but please bare with me. Parts 2, 3, and maybe 4 will soon follow.

Excerpt from my Welcome Letter

You probably have lots of questions about me as a writer--and a person. I'll attempt to anticipate those questions and answer them now.

I grew up in Washigton state, an only child, so I had plenty of time to spin stories in my head and get them down on paper. After I entered high school, I became the assistant editor of the school newspaper and editor of the creative writing magazine. I also kept a journal, which I still have and treasure.

My childhood dream, however, was to become a nurse, so writing professionally never crossed my mind. The following years, I attended a nursing school, affiliated with a nearby university, about 50 miles from my home. Sadly, though, I believed I was too busy then to keep up with my journal, so I let it go. Yet every year, when it came time to publish the nursing school annual, there I was, penning prose for the opening pages. Obviously, I just couldn't stop writing. And believe it or not, writing term papers rated high on my list of favorite assignments!

Later I married and moved to Oregon, where my husband and I've remained. We raised two wonderful sons, and in order to be home with them as much as possible, I cut back on my nursing to volunteer as a school and camp nurse. I also worked part-time at the Student Health Center at our local university, for the county public health department, and at a local family practice clinic--not all at the same time!

When our second son had barely turned 3, we discovered he had acquired a rare degenerative hip disease. The days that followed were filled with medical work-ups, hospitalizations, traction, and two major surgeries. Because I spent most of my time in the hospital with my son, I had ample opportunity to contemplate my uncertainities and fears--and my thoughts once again turned to keeping a journal...(to be continued).