C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 172

What does Carpentry and Writing have in Common? By Marian Lanouette

I stopped at the job site where my husband was working on an addition to an existing home the other day and it hit me. Our jobs have a lot in common. I know, I know. How you ask?

First writers start with an idea; the carpenter with a set of plans.

Whether it is a novel or a house you need to prepare the site. In carpentry that would require ground work. In writing it would be the idea or inspiration for your story (see, story ideas come from everywhere, this post proves it).

The foundation is next. The house requires a good sturdy base, normally poured concrete. Writing also requires a good sturdy foundation. Researching one’s subject is essential to a good story. Knowledge is power.

After the foundation is poured then comes the framing. A house couldn’t stand or last without a good solid frame. The same holds true for your story. Outlining your story whether in your head or on paper is necessary for your work to flow, so you can pull your reader deeper into the tale with you.

Once the frame work is complete, the house would be ready for the mechanicals (such as plumbing, heating, electrical, etc.). In the case of story constructions your mechanicals are the plot and sub-story lines (sometimes referred to as the B story).

As you write the story it flows from your mind to your hand and before you know it, you have your first draft. You are now ready for the finished work. Yes, in writing that is revisions and editing and review by our critique partners; in carpentry it’s the trim work.

Before a carpenter brings in the inspectors for the CO (certificate of occupancy) he reviews his punch list and corrects or adds items necessary to make the house perfect. We as writers have punch list, only we call it editing. The final edit occurs before we feel it is ready to submit to agents, editors or publishers.

Now pat yourself on the back, because you have built/completed a novel and only one in ten thousand people who start writing one finish it.

Remember, writing and carpentry take talent, pride and time to get it right. When it is finished both are works of art. Happy writing!

And yes, I did thank my husband for today’s blog idea. I hope my writing is as beautiful and as well constructed as his work.

Filed under: romance

Gearing Up For Release by Gerri Brousseau

My first novel (A Pirate’s Ransom) (I know I’m shameless) is being released on August 22nd.  Yikes!  I better get my rear in gear and start promoting my book.  What to do first?  Your guess is as good as mine.  So, I re-read “Market or Die” by Jennifer Fusco AND I read “The Tricked Out Toolbox” by Tonya Kappes & Melissa Bourbon Ramierez.  For starters, I’m going to create a “Fan” page on Facebook (Gerri Brousseau Writer) where I can ask all my family and friends to “like” me.  Once that has happened, that is the page that will promote my releases.  Yes, I will still have my old FB, but the new one will be where all the action is.

The next thing I plan to do is tweet more.  For me, tweeting is like the neglected middle child.  I simply forget I am on Twitter and do not tweet enough.  My new mantra is “I must tweet … I must tweet” as I am told twitter is a great source for book sales.  We’ll see.  (I must tweet)

I actually tried a new thing … I’m in the process of making a book trailer.  Do they sell books? who knows … but what I do know is it couldn’t hurt.  I’m using Movie Maker (it is free) and it was user friendly and not that difficult, so far.  I’m waiting for my music to arrive so I’ll let you know how difficult it is getting the music on and in sync.  Then I wonder how difficult it is to post on You Tube … but I guess I will find out.  Oh man!  I’m learning how to do so much cool stuff! (Maybe I should tweet about this)

After this is done, I have to set up a “Street Team” which consists of friends who will promote my book on their social network pages.  (Please email me or private message me on FB if you are willing to be part of the team) … (I must tweet)

Next, set up a blog tour … easier said than done.  I have done a lot of interviews on Nights of Passion for book releases for author friends, and I hope they will now do the same for me (hint … hint … hint and thanks if you have already asked me).

Then did I hear someone say the words “Press Kit”?  For me this is the worse part because I have to get my picture taken, and I hate that.  (I must tweet)

Now comes the fun part … a virtual release party … God I love a good party.  Oh, there won’t be wine?  No margaritas?  Oh, yes … the virtual kind (well that’s just no fun) … but, that is not to say I can’t go over to our local wine bar and host my virtual party there.  (Claudia, are you reading this?)  (Must remember to tweet)

The general reading public imagines an author writes a book, it gets published and presto … a career is born.  They do not realize there is painstaking journey to finding an agent/editor/publisher; dealing with contracts, hours of long suffering in editing; frantic promotional efforts; and all this before the book even hits the Kindle, Nook, or book shelf.  There is so much more work to writing a book than just writing the book.  But you know what, I can’t wait for the release party, even if it’s only a virtual one.

Are you on FB or Twitter?  If you are, friend me or follow me @gmbfictionwriter (and I will follow you).  What am I forgetting to do???? Oh yeah, order swag for my giveaway bags (any suggestions on what you would like to see go in it?) … and I must remember to tweet!

Filed under: romance

The Days of Summer

Summer is officially here (well at least in my part of the world) and with it comes scorching hot weather, kids out for vacation and a slight case of restlessness. I live in the desert so when I say scorching hot, I really mean it. Perhaps the heat and wildfires littering my state only compound the restlessness. After all, it’s not like I’m going to go hiking in 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

Still, summer brings with it a ton of great memories, books and movies. Not only the books and movies that hit theatres in the summer but even the ones based in summer. Ever heard of Dirty Dancing, Dazed and Confused, The Sandlot, Stand By Me or Come September? Those a just a few great movies set in the summer. What about books? Have you heard of The Great Gatsby, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or Breaking Dawn?

When I think of common summer characteristics or themes that run through these movies and books, I think of humid summer nights, lazy days and socializing. There is a sort of mischief and freedom to the atmosphere that tempts us to rebel against formality and structure.

 

As writers, we can use the summer for inspiration, not only for the plots of our works, but also for the personalities of our characters or the settings of our stories. Sure we have a gazillion other things going on (jobs, kids, obligations, etc.). That’s life. Still it’s important to let your mind go at times and come up with fresh alternatives.

Happy writing to you all. As you read this blog, I myself will be deep into the mindset of vacation, letting a beautiful beach setting inspire my next work.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Rock of Ages Review by Leia Shaw

 

Another ill-informed, half-assed but hopefully entertaining review. This time about the movie version of the Broadway musical, Rock of Ages.

The Plot: Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world… Barbie lookalike Sherry (played by some chick who looks vaguely familiar) travels from Oklahoma to LA reeking of wide-eyed innocence with dreams of stardom. She sings like an angel and smiles and trots down the strip until real life comes ripping through the pretty ballad and steals her suitcase.

Rocker wannabe Drew (played by someone I don’t know) spots Sherry getting mugged and gets her a job working at Bourbons – a grungy bar and popular rock-and-roll spot. The quirky cast of characters is introduced via song – this is a musical if you don’t know that already. But the good thing about it being all 80’s rock is that you don’t really have to be a good singer. As evidenced by Alec Baldwin, the club’s owner Dennis. He’s assisted in running the business and vocally carried by Lonny (played by Russell Brand).

Drew has a great boy-next-door-with-overgrown-hair-trying-to-be-bad-ass vibe going on that makes me just want to pinch his little cheeks. And you can really believe he’s been lured into the city by fame and fortune and promises of chicks with big hair. Like most musical romances, he and Sherry fall in love by scene three.

So Bourbons is broke and shutting down, with no help from the mayor’s wife (played by Catherine Zeta Jones) who clearly has a vendetta against rock-and-roll. She’s looking all MILF in her snazzy pencil skirts, gathering church ladies to sing and dance about how rock-and-roll is raping our children’s ears and turning them into delinquents who don’t wash their hair or kiss their mothers anymore. The horror! And let me tell you – their dance ain’t so G-rated. Meanwhile her hubby, the mayor and clearly just the face of the partnership because it’s obvious who wears the pantsuits in this relationship, is literally getting spanked in the church office.

So it’s snooty church ladies against the stick-it-to-the-man, in-your-face youth of the 80’s in this lively and fun film. Hey, that’s almost sounded professional, didn’t it?

In scene four, we meet Stacee Jaxx, the classic drunk-on-your-ass, always shirtless rock god, covered in women, pimped out with rockstar bling – and one notable crotch, um, piece that was quite interesting. Anyway, he’s supposed to be the guy we all love to hate cause he’s an ass. And he is. But I didn’t hate him. By the end of the movie, I was straight up in love with him. And not because of the gratuitous nipple shots either. He’s the bad boy turned good and I’ll let you find out why.

A journalist from Rolling Stones (played by Malin something-or-other) does an interview with Stacee looking all naughty librarian with her big glasses and buttoned up collared shirt. She’s all like “Dude, you used to be a visionary but now you’re a washed up, drunk, womanizer rehashing old material cause you’re too goddamn lazy to write new shit!” Or something like that. You can tell she’s the first one ever to challenge him based on the pained expression on his face and the introspective song that comes next. When the end of the song nears, naughty journalist and Stacee have wild sex on a pool table and you can tell by the lyrics “I Wanna Know What Love Is” that Stacee really wants to know what love is. Can naughty journalist help him find true love? Can Stacee find himself again by singing a variety of emotional 80’s rock ballads with a surprisingly decent voice?

So, then a bunch of stuff happens – mainly a small miscommunication – that splits up Drew and Sherry, who also both quit working at Bourbon. Mary J Blige enters the scene as owner of a strip club where Sherry gets a job as a waitress. But the real money is in dancing. Should Sherry sell her body even if it is attached to a catchy rock song that makes me wanna strip down and grab the nearest pole?

And should Drew – who gets picked up by Stacee’s sleazy agent – sell his soul for money by giving up rock-and-roll and joining a boy band instead?

Acting: Russell Brand plays the same character he does in every movie – funny British guy who dresses weird. He and Dennis are friends with a twist toward the end that was so unbelievable I thought it was a joke for the entire song about it and I’m still half-expecting Russell Brand to pop out and say “nah, we was just shittin’ you.” But he made me laugh, and as you may know, that is the key to my heart.

Love-struck couple Drew and Sherry were predictably good. Yes, I know I glazed over that like honey on a ham but I don’t really care about either of them and it’s my review and I wanna talk about TC instead.

Tom Cruise. I admit it. My faith in TC wavered before seeing this. I thought, what dumbass cast this movie? On a personal level, like most good actors, he’s completely unbalanced. But as a professional actor, the man can do no wrong. And Rock of Ages is another example of Tom Cruise brilliance. The cocky bad boy thing started out a little over the top but by scene six, stage left, we started seeing his vulnerable side and I just wanted to give that poor, misunderstood man a hug! With my tongue. In his mouth.

Mary J Blige was awesome just cause she’s Mary J Blige and I love her.  Catherine Zeta Jones managed to be sexy and uptight at the same time.

TC’s nipples were, I believe, played by themselves. They were very good. Firm and erect.

And the Swedish chick who played the journalist was awesome! Just the right amount of sexy and awkward and funny.

Bottom line: If spontaneous dancing makes you roll your eyes and you think Rent is what you’re late paying every month, maybe this movie isn’t for you. But if you air guitar to 80’s rock and you’re a certifiable Gleek, you’ll love this movie!

As for me, I LOVED it! Had a great time! Wish I could go again!

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. Change is coming our way. In many ways, so are you.

The week ahead for:

Aries

A demon’s heat is going to enliven your life.  Make ice tea with lots of ice and enjoy it.

Taurus

A gypsy will give you good news.  Savor the moment.

Gemini

On fairy wings you will soar and accomplish new things.  People will view you as an expert.  Let them.

Cancer

Dragons will heat things up for you.  Be watchful for a new opportunity.

Leo

Elves are mischievous.  The find fun in the strangest of places.  You will too.

Virgo

Dust off some old memories.  The past will haunt you but in a nice way.

Libra

Shapeshifters enjoy dancing.  Changing a view is as easy as swirling around.  Life is a dance.

Scorpio

You aren’t alone.  A dragon is protecting you and will teach you to roar.

Sagittarius

The wizarding room of requirement changes according to need.  Explore your needs this week and go after them.

Capricorn

An elf surrounds you with love and protection.  Smile more.

Aquarius

Nessie loves beach balls.  It’s time to take to nature.

Pieces

Werewolves love to scratch an itch.  What are you itching for?

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

 

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

What Romance?

Yeats’ Tower

by C. Margery Kempe

I have a guest spot over at Cathie Dunn’s blog today, talking about the mad city, Manchester, site of my story Man City. I may also be featured in the Irish version of The Sun newspaper — er, tabloid. Not too sure if it will be there (many stories get spiked) and not sure I will be quoted accurately (people seldom are) but I figure in this market any publicity could be useful.

This will test that theory! >_<

Of course it’s on the heels of the success of 50 Shades of Grey. I’m not going to slag her off as so many do. Not only because I haven’t read it (which hasn’t stopped many) but also because I get so tired of the smallness of mind that causes people to make fun of other genres. I write in a lot of fields, so I see it a lot. SF folk make fun of fantasy; horror makes fun of SF,  crime makes fun of lit — and everybody makes fun of romance. You’d think that romance would therefore be kind to others, but some just make fun of sub genres (especially inspirational and erotic).

Romance, in the Middle Ages, meant adventure. Now it’s a genre. And genre can be a box you get thrown into and ignored.

We all feel the pressure to conform to the ideals society imposes upon us: men are taught to desire power but most have far less than they are led to expect (patriarchy, meet capitalism). Crime fiction tends to sell well to male readers because it gives them a vicarious experience of that wild power. Women are taught to desire love, hence the popularity of ‘romance’ the genre. However, even if you have been lucky enough to find wonderful love, someone’s got to clean the toilets and unless you did manage to become a millionaire or fall in love with one, it’s going to be one of you.

In the blurb I wrote, I spoke a bit about the cyclical rediscovery that — gasp! — women like sex. How puritanical the modern age: in medieval times it was assumed that women were always gagging for it. Look at the Wife of Bath, married five times and “welcome the sixth when he may come along.”

It’s my last week in Ireland — sob! Next Saturday I am on my way to Dundee, which I won’t complain about as my sweetie awaits me. But I am so sad to leave my city by the bay.

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Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, erotic romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, Marketing, medieval, romance, Romance News, Settings, Twilight, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Welcome to Marian and Exploring New Depths

Nights of Passion is thrilled having Marian Lanouette join our passionate crew.  Every time we grow and expand, our readers benefit.  Enjoy!

With a summer storm beating back the fierce heat, it is time to explore new depths in our writing and in our selves.   Stretch your writing by joining a Tai Chi class, learn Salsa dancing, or join a choir.

 

Not ready for the limelight, well, you better start practing now.  Take a business course so you can hand your finances or public relations.  Or just take a course for the fun or it like day trip tours.

Why and I suggesting you do all this? Stretch your imagination. Enjoy life. Both will add interesting flavors and fun to your writing. You’re not a writer. Then just enjoy life. You deserve.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Helping Other Writers, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What A Writer Needs, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Introducing Marian Lanouette

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Gerri and Susan for inviting me to blog here on Fridays.  Once a month on the third Friday you’ll be invited to post your first paragraph from any chapter of your WIP or recently finished book.  On the fourth Friday, I’ll pick a page number and ask you to post maybe your first sentence or paragraph on that page. Sound like fun, doesn’t it? This is a great way to draw readers into your story. I got this idea from Kristina Knight’s blog. It was so much fun and all the entries were so good my TBR (To Be Read) pile grew.

I think a little introduction might be called for here. Hi, I’m Marian Lanouette author of the Jake Carrington Series. I am an author. I do love saying that. How about you? My first book If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery will be released in September 2012 from MuseItUp Publishing; the second book in the series Burn in Hell, A Jake Carrington Mystery will be released in January 2013, also from MuseItUp Publishing.

This is an exciting time to be an author, with so many groups and blogs to provide encouragement and information.  I would not be on my way to being published if it weren’t for the generosity of other authors and groups I belong to.

My post today is from my current 1st draft of the third book in the series, Mated for Life, A Jake Carrington Mystery. Post your first paragraph below.

Chapter One

“Well, if I don’t say so myself. That was the best sex on or off this planet a girl could have asked for first thing in the morning.” Mia rolled off of Jake as his phone rang.

Jake looked at his cell, cursed, then answered his phone. There went his day off. Sitting up he grabbed the pen and notebook he kept on his nightstand and started writing as he listened intently to the caller.

I look forward to your posts and comments.

Filed under: romance

Justin Bieber by Gerri Brousseau

I’m sitting here tonight watching a TV program about Justin Bieber.  Yes, I’m old enough to be his grandmother, but I’m intrigued by this young man.  He is 18 years old, and has been on the music scene since he was 16 (I think).  The program is following him “All Around The World” and watching this really amazes me.  In one segment it shows Justin traveling in London with his younger sister (who appears to be around 10).

This young man is a dedicated artist who works 16-18 hour days.  This young entertainer has his head screwed on right.  He takes time out to visit hospitals, is involved in charities (not only by support of money, but also by support of time), he is kind to all his fans and, honestly, I was totally amazed by this kid.

He started his career by posting a video on You Tube.  He took his career to the place where it is by using Social Media.  He tweets to his fans, and responds to their tweets.  This is not to say he is not a talented artist, but this guy has taken his career to the level of frenzy of The Beatles or Michael Jackson.  I believe he would have had a great career, but he has taken it to an even more fantastic level by using Social Media.

Now, what does this have to do with writing?  Well … if Justin Bieber could make his career soar to the heights it has by adding in the use of Social Media, why couldn’t you, as an author, do the same thing?

Another thing this intelligent young man did when he first started out was to hook up with his mentor, Usher.  Wow … could this also be done by an author to help them become better at their craft?  You bet.

Of course, he has talent, but this young man knows how to get himself out there.  Do you think self promotion by Social Media could expand your career?  What other avenues would you use to promote your career?

Filed under: romance

Purposeful Words

Each individual writer writes with a purpose, whether they realize it or not. Some may write with the sole purpose of relieving their minds from the incessant chatter of characters. Others write to raise money or make others aware of something they’ve learned through background and experience. Either way, the power that writer or speaker has with the words they wield, is limitless.

Think back in history to greats like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchhill, Nelson Mandela… this list could go on and on. Some of them definitely made great impacts through their actions but many of them inspired through their words as well. They had a purpose behind their words. Just to share a few quotes:

A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.

– Mahatma Gandhi

It isn’t sufficient just to want – you’ve got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want.

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

– Martin Luther King Jr.

Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.

– Winston Churchill

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

– Nelson Mandela

Do some of these quotes not inspire you? Or make clear the purpose of these great writers and/or orators? Considering the current state of our nation, some of these quotes hold a bit of irony and truth. Others, I’d easily apply to the plight of many writers to make a difference or become a published author.

As you sit down this week to write, think of your purpose and what you are aiming to do. Whether it is a fictional novel you are writing or an article/blog meant to persuade others, what do you want readers to walk away with? What do you want them to feel? Just asking ourselves these questions and being more self-aware will help us get across the purpose in our writing. Happy writing this week!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writing Topics