C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 156

Could You Weave a Different Tale Every Night if Your Llife Depended on it? by Gerri Brousseau

The Arabian Desert can be a romantic and mysterious place full of hidden treasures for the taking. Once there lived a king by the name of Shahryar. King Shahryar was saddened to discover that his brother’s wife had cheated on him, but when he found his own wife to have done the same, he was angered and had her put to death.

After a time he decided to marry again. He had his vizier find him a virgin to become his wife. The morning after his wedding night with his bride, his fear that his new wife would be unfaithful to him took over, and so he had her put to death. He continued along this path having the vizier find him virgins to become his bride. Finally, there were no virgins to be found, so the vizier’s daughter stepped up and volunteered to become the next virgin bride.  

But, the vizier’s daughter was smart. On her wedding night she began to tell a story to the King, but did not finish the tale. The next morning, the King, wanting to know how the story ended, and so he kept her alive. The following evening she finished the tale, but begin another. She held the King’s interest by weaving tales within tales and not ending the story until she had begun another. This went on for 1001 nights. Her name was Scheherazade. As the story goes, after seeing the faces of his children born to him by the vizier’s daughter, he decided to spare her. Some other versions of the tale say that the King became distracted, and others offer different excuses, yet the bottom line is that Scheherazade’s life was spared. Thanks to these tales spun by a very crafty woman, we still have some wonderful stories such as Aladdin, Alai Baba and the Forty Thieves, and Sinbad.  

I write one blog article per week for Nights of Passion, and some weeks, I admit, I sit here looking at a blank page wondering what the heck I’m going to write about. I’m also thinking about beginning a new novel, and ideas stew around in my mind for weeks before I put one word on paper. I wonder if I could come up with a different story every night for a week, let alone 1001 nights. Even if my life depended on it, I think I would be hard pressed. Could you weave a different tale every night if your life depended on it?

Filed under: romance

Motivation

For those of you who’ve read some of my previous blogs, you may or may not know that I have a day job. My day job is nothing like my night job of writing. Not a whole lot of creative license (although I work it in when I can), simply a lot of numbers and a lot of strategic thinking. Still, both jobs have one very important necessity in common: motivation.

My day job requires a couple different types of motivation. Not only do I need to motivate myself, but I also need to keep my direct reports engaged and motivated to work. My night job, however, seems to have motivation in abundance. From the moment my little one goes to sleep, I am ready to crank out several paragraphs, pages, or just whatever comes to mind. But what’s behind this you ask? I write because I simply love to tell stories. Even if I weren’t publishing my works, I’d probably still write to share with my family or just to have for myself. As with many writers, I’ll also admit that writing is something I need to do. If you’ve ever joined writer’s loop or group, you’ll often here writers say that they “hear” characters all the time. This is completely true. If I don’t write, my mind fills up with stories, scene shots and characters voices.

Motivation is not to be confused with inspiration. You can be motivated but uninspired or vice versa. So why is motivation necessary? Quite simply, if you’re not motivated to write or work, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. This of course is easier said than done because many times the work we do that doesn’t motivate us is work we can’t afford to avoid.

What about you all, what motivates you? And why?

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: Writer's Life

What Not to do at a Christmas Party by Leia Shaw

Christmas parties can be some of the best moments of the season. Seeing family you may not have all year, dressing up, eating lots of yummy food…it’s exciting and full of fun. It can also be the worst time of year. Dealing with nosy in-laws, feuding families, drunk co-workers acting inappropriate can make for some awkward moments.

In case it’s unclear what isn’t acceptable behavior at a holiday party, I’ve compiled a list from my own experience of what NOT to do at a Christmas party.

1. Do not hit on any family member’s significant other, especially if you’re married and especially if she’s over twenty years younger than you. And definitely do not make a comment about her big breasts. Having had a few beers is not an acceptable excuse.

2. Parents – do not get drunk on Mimosas then leave your children unattended in the basement where they kick the shit out of each other with their uncle’s martial arts equipment.

3. Do not make ethnic jokes, period (this is a general rule but warrants special attention), but especially not in front of someone who has kids of the ethnicity you’re joking about. You may think this is obvious but, believe me, it needs to be said.

4. Do not blame a child’s medical condition on the parents, especially not on the mother’s choice not to breastfeed. Actually, it’s best just to stay away from breastfeeding all together. Breasts too for that matter (see rule #1).

5. Grandmas and Grandpas – now is not the time to plan your funeral. Grown children of said grandparents – the holidays is no time to fight over the piano and china set you’ve been eying for years. Save it for another day.

Hopefully, this is obvious information but just remember, the same rules apply when you’re drunk. If you can’t remember them, don’t drink!

How about you? Any rules you’d like to add to this list? Leave them in the comments below.

bonus sexiness!

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I’m not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.  In many ways, so are you.  I know something weird is going on.  On Friday night, I posted for Saturday and all that came out was one line.  Hmm, the whole post and the photo of snow in my yard gone.   When I double checked it, it was all there.  Keep your eyes open this week.  The feeling started on the weekend and is carrying over.

The week ahead for:

Aries

One hobbit changed the course of Middle Earth.  You are one with a huge potential.  Others will see it this week.

Taurus

Winds blow, and an eagle carry you to a higher view of life.  New opportunities are spotted.

Gemini

A werewolf can sniff out lost articles.  You find something you thought lost and gone.

Cancer

Fairies are fashion divas.  You need to add some flair and sparkle to your wardrobe.

Leo

A temple cat will keep you warm and safe.

Virgo

Pixies are good with details.  Pay attention to details this week and be rewarded.

Libra

Shapeshifters like to hug and play games–video, board, whatever you have.  Look into expanding your entertainment.

Scorpio

Winter is filled with surprises for you. The Yeti brings you a gift.

Sagittarius

Hobbits are great cooks.  It’s time to gather with family or friends and plan a feast.

Capricorn

An elf wants to show you a good time.  Enjoy!

Aquarius

Werewolves are loyal.  Depend on your pack this week for comfort and fun.

Pieces

Leprechauns love you this week but not enough for a pot of gold.  Still lot of good fortune is yours.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Make Your Characters Suffer

Only 99¢ – includes my story ‘On the Eurostar’

by C. Margery Kempe

My brother and I have been watching a lot of Austen and Dickens. He’s been especially happy to see the era of furniture he’s been buying for our 1810 house (which is slowly coming together: endless paperwork and unexpected folderol). Seriously: in Sense & Sensibility (the BBC miniseries version from a couple of years ago, which he insists on calling Sense and Sensible Shoes) there was a dresser exactly like the one he bought at auction a couple weeks ago.

Day made for him!

For me, I’ve been thinking about why I love these 19th century novels (and miniseries) and I’ve decided that it’s the suffering. The characters go through so many reversals and terrible things and unfortunate mishaps that when the end comes — for those who survive! — the pay off is that much sweeter.

Think about it: poor Elinor! Not only does she have to put up with her mother’s and sister’s histrionics and impracticalities, the death of her beloved father and the poky little cottage in Devon with the chimney that smokes — but she also has to put up with the insufferably asinine Miss Lucy Steele who flaunts her secret engagement with Edward Ferrars, the man with whom Elinor felt an instant connection. Surrounded by people who injure her genteel sensibilities (the book is so much more vicious about their neighbours and relatives), it’s a struggle to keep finding the will to live.

And worst of all, she is not appreciated! Everyone dismisses her: the only one who recognises her worth is the similarly suffering Colonel Brandon, hopelessly in love with her sister. When they both finally get happiness, it’s almost more a relief than a joy. Their suffering is over!

Likewise most Dickens’ characters. Poor Nicholas Nicholby — that horrible school! The horrible uncle (played with real smug cruelty by Christopher Plummer in the recent version) who torments his entire family and the poor, similarly suffering Madeline Bray. His life has ups and downs: no sooner does he win a respite than he is thrust once more into horror. You know by the end he will come out all right, but this is Dickens, so not everyone will make it there with him (sob! Poor Smike!).

There’s something engaging about putting your characters through the wringer. I need to make mine suffer more . Do you like to see characters face a lot of heartache before getting their happy outcome?

My publisher Tirgearr is having a special week of holiday-themed releases, including a recipe book! Be sure to join in the fun.

Monday – 3 Dec – Christmas Present by Isabo Kelly

Tuesday – 4 Dec – Dulcet by Dellani Oakes

Wednesday – 5 Dec – The Trouble with Mistletoe by Kristi Ahlers

Thursday – 6 Dec – The Power of Love by me

Friday – 7 Dec – Just Desserts by Tirgearr Authors & Staff

 

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, Kit Marlowe

Season of Snow

Tomorrow we’re expecting more.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Settings, Writer's Life

Words to Eliminate from Your Writing by Marian Lanouette

I’m dedicating this post to my nephew Paul who lost his battle with MD on Thanksgiving. Paul met his disease head on with courage, strenght and humor. He’s one of my real life heroes and will be greatly missed.

I will not be available this week so  I’m reposting an article close to my heart. Words to use sparingly in your work.

What are they you ask? Check them out below.  All words are good though some words need to be used sparingly. Editing and revising seem daunting when you first start out, but eventually you’ll come to like the process. My publisher, MuseItUp, gave me a list of words to for and eliminate if I could before their full edit ever began. Words I’ve found, I use in my speech and peppered throughout my writing.

As you look at the list below, I want to remind you not to go overboard in deleting all of them, like I did on my first book. The editor had to add some back. I can’t stress this enough, there are times these words are the only words that will work in a sentence. If you can reword the sentence and it still makes sense, do it.

What did the list teach me? Before I submit a manuscript, I now comb through it thoroughly and hunt out these culprits. After I find them, I restructure the sentences for a tighter, more precise delivery. What also amazed me by doing this exercise was the results. It improved the story making my voice more active.

Here’s the list:

Will be
As if
As though
‘ly’ endings


That
Had
But
And


Then
About
Was
as


Very
Were
Has been
Had been


began or began to
Use toward NOT towards
Use backward NOT backwards
Use forward NOT forwards

 

My motto when in doubt, remove the word.

In the editing process, I discovered something amazing. I like editing. I’m always in awe when the restructured sentence comes alive, putting the reader in the action. It can be the difference between showing and telling.

Other items you should track down are the ‘he said/she said’ dialog tags or the overuse of tags. The dialog should be real and express the character’s feelings or mood at the time without you telling the reader how they should feel.  A strongly stuctured sentence with an active verb will let the read know your intent. Again there are times that tags, action tags and tags that distinguish the speakers are needed. It’s a judgment call and the longer you write the more comfortable you’ll be in their proper usage. Remember nothing’s ever written in stone.

It’s your book, but it’s always wise to listen to your editor. You write for a living, they edit! They are your partners in the production of your book, not your enemy.  A good editor is worth their weight in gold.

Next, especially as a new writer you need to examine your manuscript for frequent point of view (POV) changes. This is called head hopping and can pull a reader from a scene, thus your book, faster than a burning house. The rule of thumb that I’ve seen is one scene, one point of view (POV). I personally love head hopping, but only the most revered authors get away with it. I once said how I loved such and such an author, and the editor told me when I became her, I could get away with whatever I wanted. Lesson learned.

Lastly, examine you manuscript for repeated words within a sentence or paragraph. They are distracting and boring. Use a thesaurus to keep your readers engaged in the story.

A writer can get lost in the many ideas, rules and opinions on how a story should be written. I still say follow your heart and imagination. Along with a good editor your story will be readable, if not memorable. Remember to enjoy the process of writing and learning.

 

Filed under: romance

Wish List by Gerri Brousseau

Here we are on November 29th, and it’s holiday time again. Yes, you know it’s officially the Holiday season when they light the Christmas tree in Rockerfeller Center. This year I’m excited to be able to totally spoil my new granddaughter. She is at the age where she loves lights, so it is delightful to watch her gaze at the Christmas tree. She will only be 4-months old at Christmas, so she is going to be getting a few age appropriate learning things as well as some things she needs. Of course, I will be adding to her library. She has quite a few children’s books, but I will add one or two Christmas stories and I’m looking for a children’s book about Hanukkah for her too.

Would you imagine that an author would not encourage the love of books to young readers? I think that would be the greatest gift I could ever impart upon any child, let alone my granddauhter. I recently heard of a young mother of a five-year old child who does not read to her child. The child has those books that are read by the pen as it passes across the words. Where is the bonding? Where is the stretching of a child’s imagination by asking questions? Where is the planting of the seed of the love for reading?

I have a Christmas Wish List to make it easier for family so they now what I would like to receive for gifts this year, and you can rest assured there is at least one book on there.

Do you have books on your Christmas or Holiday Wish List? Will you be giving a book as a gift this year?

Filed under: romance

The Paranormal Hypothesis

I wrote a book about vampires, even after I swore to myself that I wouldn’t do it because in a way I guess I didn’t want to jump on the vampire bandwagon. Still, vampires are so dark and sexy and different that I believe they’ll always have an appeal. Blood is essentially liquid life so a species that lives and feeds off of this is completely fascinating to a great many people.

My manuscript has recently been contracted so I’ll have more to come on that in the next few months, but today I want to concentrate on the paranormal hypothesis.  What makes the paranormal so fascinating?  Admittedly I don’t know the answer to this question so my ideas are pure hypothesis.

I personally believe that there is something incredible about the inexplicable.  How is it that vampires have super speed or can read minds? Isn’t it amazing that ghosts can walk through walls or witches can throw fireballs? Stick a human in one of these stories and give him/her these abilities and they’d immediately be termed a “freak”, but not vampires, witches, spirits or fae.  We pretty much accept these creatures at face value, knowing that they will be different. In fact, we whole-heartedly welcome these creatures into our minds due to their differences.

Earlier this month (Nov. 8th to be exact), we celebrated Bram Stoker’s birthday. He is often credited with making vampires ever so popular and I can see why when watching the movie or reading his book , Dracula. What makes Dracula so hypnotic as a character is that while he is evil and damned, he is also a tortured soul, losing all he loved and held dear. We readers can understand his anger and obsession. In short, he is a bad guy we feel for. Could it be a clear case of the bad boy appeal? Maybe. Maybe it’s the bad boy and the inexplicable. What about you all? What are your thoughts on the paranormal?

Filed under: Characters, Toni Kelly, vampires

Rise of the Guardians Adventure with my Kids by Leia Shaw

Sunday afternoon I took a risk and did something bordering on insane. I brought my 3.5 year old and 6 year old to the movies.

We’ve tried bringing my son to the movie theater several times in the last few years but he could never sit through even half of it. Then I leave pissed off that I wasted the money on tickets to sit with a fidgety kid in the dark for half an hour. So I gave up. Since my daughter is almost 3 years younger, I figured it was a safe bet that she wouldn’t sit well through one either. So all the best kids movies came and went – Brave, Madagascar 3, The Lorax — and we waited until they came to DVD.

But I love Christmas. I mean, really LOVE Christmas. And one of my favorite traditions since I was a child is watching Christmas movies. From the classics – the Nutcracker and White Christmas – to the comedies – Home Alone and The Grinch. I love them all.

So when Rise of the Guardians released I just HAD to see it. Going by myself to a kids movie when I have kids just seems…wrong. So I said, screw it, I’m dragging my kids and hoping for the best. On the way to the theater I told them very sternly, “leaving the movie is not an option. I don’t care if you’re bored, or you hate the movie, or you’d rather be pretending the games work without money in the arcade, we are not leaving the theater until the credits roll!” Inside I was thinking, please last through at least half, please last through at least half! I had my hundred dollar bill (cause you know that’s how much the average movie trip costs nowadays, right?) and I was ready for candy/popcorn/soda refills, as many times as needed in that two hour span. I was going to see the end of the movie damn it. Even if it meant I bribed them with overpriced candy.

A quarter of the way in, my 6 year old was playing his DS and my daughter was running up and down the aisle, her light up Dora sneakers a beacon to her location.

I was loving the movie but worried they wouldn’t make it. We hadn’t even reached the conflict yet and already the kids were bored. How much longer would they last?

Well, the movie got to a slow start (for the attention span of a squirrel on crack anyway) but when the action picked up, both kids sat, and almost paid attention, through the whole movie. Not only was it a great movie and a fun family experience, but I was thrilled that they actually did it! With only two potty break, a cup of lemonade and a bag of popcorn each.

If you’re looking for a movie review of Rise of the Guardians, I don’t really have a snarky one. My reviews are only funny if I have something to make fun of – like Tom Cruise’s nipples, or Kristin Stewart’s corpse-like acting ability. But Rise of the Guardians was such a pleasant combination of comedy, adventure, and heart, that I left the theater teary-eyed, grinning, and texting all my friends to see it.

It’s a wonderful holiday outing for families of all ages and I highly recommend it.

On the way home, my son reminded me how similar children’s movies are to the books I write. He said, “I didn’t like the bad guy.” I answered him as a writer. “No one likes the bad guy and that’s the point. If there wasn’t a bad guy, you’d lose interest in the story. Trust me. It’s my job to know this stuff.”

Did anyone else see Rise of the Guardians this weekend?

 

Filed under: romance