Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 71
May 13, 2013
Characters
So you have your work area. You’re ready to start writing. But what do you do next? What I do is start with my characters. To me, these are the most important thing in your novel. If they are strong and well defined, the plot will come from them.
When I start writing, I know what type of book I want to write. Yes, it’s usually medieval romance. But I need to know a little bit more then that. Is it a book about redemption? Is it a book about family? About loyalty? This is called theme. I’ll talk about this more in another post.
I like to jump right in and begin writing. That’s because I’m a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. For me, writing this way allows me to explore the plot and characters and sometimes, it even holds a surprise for me.
In order to do this, I need to know a little bit about my characters. Their name, what they look like, a little bit about their background. Not everything, just enough for me to be able to relate to them, to sympathize with them. I don’t need this information for all of the characters, not yet anyway. Just for my hero and heroine. For names, their are numerous sites on the web where you can find first names. (Below is a small sample)
Medieval Names -
Top 100 Medieval Boy Names -
Behind the Name: Medieval Names -
Also places to find surnames. (Below is a small sample)
Medieval English Surnames -
History Learning Site – Medieval Surnames -
Surnames Meanings and Origins - http://www.lisagenealogy.com/Surmean/surintro.html
What the characters look like is totally up to your imagination. Background, again, is up to your imagination. Below are some helpful links about medieval life that you might find helpful.
Medieval Life - http://www.historyonthenet.com/Medieval_Life/medievallifemain.htm
Medieval Life and Times - http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-life/
Life in a Medieval Castle - http://www.castlewales.com/life.html
At this point, I know just enough to begin the story. As I write, more comes out, more ideas, more background. More story. This is were I begin writing. Remember, characters not only come from your mind, but they are born from your heart as well.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 12, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #19 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” – Louisa May Alcott
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 11, 2013
The Bride and the Brute featured on Kobo BookHub
The Bride and the Brute is featured on the Kobo BookHub!
It’s a great place to find free books for your Kobo reader and other featured ebooks.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 9, 2013
First Kiss Friday – Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas) by Nikki Barrett
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Nikki Lynn Barrett, author of contemporary romance Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas). Welcome Nikki! Here’s the first kiss between Avery Callimer and Lucas Bennett.
“Wow. This is a nice kitchen,” Lucas said, closing the door behind him.
Avery faced him. “You like to cook?”
“Oh yeah. I learned at a young age that I had to take care of myself, so I taught myself to cook. Now it’s something I enjoy.”
“Are you good at it?”
“I’m good at a lot of things, Avery.” Lucas closed the gap between them.
Too close, too close!
She couldn’t back up anymore, though. Behind her was the counter. Her back was already pressed up against it. Lucas looked at her like he wanted to devour her.
“Lucas…”
“I know I need to stay away from you, Avery. All I want is one kiss. I’ve got to taste you. Tell me no, right now, and I’ll back away.”
Lucas pressed his body to hers. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. His face, only inches from hers, lowered. “Tell me now, Avery. Because if you don’t, I’m going to kiss you.”
Don ’ t! No! Yes! Do it! No!
She couldn’t get the words out. All she could think about were Lucas’s lips, mere inches from hers, sexy, tempting, inviting. Avery opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.
“I’m not supposed to be so attracted to you, Avery,” Lucas whispered, then his lips crashed down on hers.
He cupped her face, pulling her into his kiss. She didn’t even have time to decipher what that comment meant. Avery tilted her head upward, responding to his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders as her fingers dug into them. Holy hell, this man could kiss. The deep urgency of his kisses drove her mad.
“Lucas,” she muttered against his lips. His touch was lethal. It wasn’t supposed to feel this good. Or amazing. Or sensational. Avery wasn’t supposed to react to him this way. She didn’t even know this man! Oh, but she knew his gaze, so intent on her, and she was fixated on him.
“Yes, Avery?”
He trailed kisses along her neck now. Desire burned within, igniting quickly. His lips were back on hers now. He darted his tongue out, touching the corners of Avery’s lips, pushing his way in gently. Avery opened for him, needing another taste. Lucas’s erection pressed into her, only making her want him more. She lost all senses, other than to kiss him. Lucas hoisted her up, still pressing her against the counter. Avery squealed and wrapped her legs around him. More fiery kisses came next. His tongue was gentle, daring, inquiring. “Avery.” He moaned against her lips, nipping lightly. “I want to take you to-”
They broke apart as the sound of loud voices neared. Lucas put her down quickly and backed away from her.
“Oh shit.” Avery giggled, heart thundering in her chest, and blood roaring in her ears. That was close. Had anyone come in to see them, especially her parents … she’d never live it down. Need pooled within her, but the distraction was probably a good thing, otherwise she didn’t know what would have happened next. She could almost picture what they might have- No, no. She wouldn’t have let things go that far, not here!
The fact that she had to convince herself of that meant that she very well might have given herself to Lucas, right then and there. What was wrong with her? She never lost that much sense, not for anything or anyone.
Emotions heightened, she fidgeted with her hair, smoothing it back and straightening her clothes as if nothing happened. Lucas still stared at her, that look of lust in his eyes, and smiled. “Well, that was fun,” he teased. If he was trying to ease the tension, it worked. Avery laughed out loud. Inside, she wasn’t. How could she lose control like that?
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 5, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #18 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “There are two kinds of writers: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.” – Brian Aldiss
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 2, 2013
First Kiss Friday – Three Hearts, One Town by Sarah Jae Foster
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Sarah Jae Foster, author of Christian Western romance Three Hearts, One Town. Welcome back Sarah Jae! Here’s the first kiss between Cameron Engel and Jake Collins.
Cameron noticed the vacant tables around them and saw Liam stacking dirty dishes onto the counter. “I hope we didn’t keep you.”
Liam peeled off his apron. “You two stay here any longer and I’ll put you to work washing up all these here dishes!”
That was it. They rushed out laughing heartily, the heavy mood lifting, which she was grateful for. They stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Cameron placed her finger to her lips and whispered, “Shhh.” The last thing she needed was for Lacey to get upset with her for waking up the guests.
Jake lifted her finger and placed her hand to his cheek. He closed his eyes as if to savor her touch. She stood there, stock still, for what seemed like eternity. When he opened his eyes, he gently pulled her close until their foreheads touched. She knew what he was doing—he was wrestling between letting her go, and keeping her with him. Waiting with suspense, she afraid to move. He lifted his face to search hers. If she didn’t let him know what she wanted, he’d walk out the door. Cameron stood up on her tiptoes to get herself kissed.
Without further hesitation he did kiss her, firmly, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her steady yet protective of her wound. He eased her back into the stair rail while she bravely pulled herself into him, sliding her arms up and around his strong neck, feeling his muscled shoulders. Jake’s breathing increased, then suddenly he broke away.
“You don’t want this, Cameron.” He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as if he could blow out the flames of her burning passion.
“Please don’t tell me what I want. Everyone tells me what I want. Mama told me that I wanted to come here. My brother tells me that I don’t want him or to be a part of his life, and now you. I do want you, Jake.” She would help him decide. “Please,” she appealed.
He shut his eyes, deliberating, wrestling, weighing. He knew if he searched her face, the act would wash away the last of his integrity, and worse, steal her purity. Cameron must have taken his silence as rejection because she roughly pushed him away and ran up the stairs. He placed his hand on the rail where her warmth still remained. It took him three seconds to decide to go up after her. Taking the steps in twos, he reached her door just as she did. He pulled her into him and kissed her mouth over and over, all the while fumbling with the door handle. When he got it open, he paused to give her one more chance to stop him. Cameron held his anxious gaze with her welcoming one and backed slowly into the room. He followed and clicked the door shut.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 30, 2013
The Perfect Work Area
Most writers have a spot where they feel comfortable writing their stories. For each writer it’s different. I’m going to tell you about the spot I write in. For me, the ideal spot would be on the beach somewhere. I think that would be the most inspirational place for me. But, since I don’t live near the beach, let alone any body of water, I write inside in the air conditioner (or heat in the winter).
Upstairs in my bedroom there is a fairly large desk. It holds copies of each book I have ever written.
I have beautiful angel statues on my desk. I like to think the angels guide me in my writing.
I have a plaque on my desk that reads “Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take, but by the moments that take your breath away”. I try to put these moments in each of my stories.
Statues of knight figurines and a 13th century key (it’s cool because it is from the medieval era) line my desk. They are there just for inspiration.
All kinds of journals are stacked on a shelf to the side of my desk. I like to have these when I go out. I bring a journal in case inspiration strikes.
Near my feet on a shelf is a row of books that I occasionally use when I write – from baby name books to Heroes and Heroines by Tami Cowden, Caro LaFever, and Sue Viders.
Prominently displayed on top of my desk is the computer screen and keyboard (the computer itself is tucked away below the desk).
That is where I write. A few inspirational items. A few fun items, but mostly it is for creating. Now, if I had to, I could write anywhere. I’d rather do that then not write at all. I am, after all, a writer.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 28, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #17 of 2103
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” – Ninon de L’Enclos
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
5 Stars for Angel’s Assassin!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 25, 2013
First Kiss Friday – The Seduction of Lady Phoebe by Ella Quinn
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Ella Quinn, author of historical romance The Seduction of Lady Phoebe. Welcome Ella! Here’s the first kiss between Lady Phoebe Stanhope and Lord Marcus Finley.
THE MARRIAGE GAME
THE SEDUCTION OF LADY PHOEBE ~ September, 19, 2013
LADY PHOEBE STANHOPE, famous for her quick wits, fast horses, and punishing right hook, is afraid of nothing but falling in love. Fleeing a matchmaking attempt with the only man she despises, Phoebe meets a handsome blue-eyed stranger who sends her senses skittering. By the time Phoebe discovers the seductive stranger is the same arrogant troll she sent packing eight years ago, she is halfway to falling in love with him.
LORD MARCUS FINLEY last saw Phoebe striding regally away, as he lay on the floor with a bruised jaw and a rapidly swelling eye. Recently returned from the West Indies, Marcus is determined to earn Phoebe’s love, preferably before she discovers who he is. Determined to have Phoebe for his own, Marcus begins his campaign to gain her forgiveness and seduce her into marriage.
Can Phoebe learn to trust her own heart and Marcus? Or is she destined to remain alone?
~Lady Phoebe is a heroine Georgette Heyer would adore–plucky, pretty, and well worth the devotion of the dashing Lord Marcus. A marvelous find for Regency romance readers.~
~NYT Bestseller Grace Burrowes ~
Ella Quinn’s The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is a passionate tale full of humor, romance, and poignancy. Quinn writes classic Regency romance at its best!”
~Shana Galen~
Excerpt
She searched his face. Barely a foot separated them. If only he would reach out to her. “You were in Littleton for the fight last week.”
“Yes, I attended with a friend,” he replied, his tone, intimate.
Phoebe tried to steady her thudding heart. “I remember your voice. You rescued me from the young man pounding on my chamber door and spent the night guarding me.”
She drew a ragged breath. Why was it so hard to breathe? “You didn’t want to be thanked. You have now saved me twice from importuning young men.”
His gaze seemed to focus even more intently on her. “Yes, I took him from your door. I thought, at the time, I didn’t need to be thanked.” His lips curled into a provocative smile. “I may have been mistaken. You may thank me, if you wish.”
Phoebe had no idea what she was doing. She’d never before been affected like this. His eyes and his body willed her closer. She ignored the small voice urging caution. Her pulse thrilled and there was no more space between them.
Tilting her head up, she put one hand on his face, resting her fingers lightly on his cheek. “Yes, I would like to thank you.”
He bent his head and lightly, very lightly, touched his lips to hers. They were warm and firm and so enticing.
Phoebe lips tingled just as her hand had when he’d touched it, but that was through gloves. This was a great deal better. “I have never been kissed before. I don’t know what to do.”
A flame lit in her knight’s eyes. “I’ll teach you.”
Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/10kE1aI
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/175Kkho
Amazon Germany: http://amzn.to/XIAMG3
B&N: http://bit.ly/XIAT4A
Kensington: http://bit.ly/Z5XEAi
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Laurel O'Donnell's Blog
“What do you want from me?”
Perhaps it was ridiculous, Ryen thought. Men never seemed to have a problem with taking what, ...more
- Laurel O'Donnell's profile
- 243 followers
