C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 207

Does it Matter Which Word I Choose?

Let's have a raise of hands for all you writers out there who never use a Thesaurus. I bet you if I were to walk into a RWA conference or

any writers' conference for that matter, and mention the previous statement, very few hands— if any—would go up. Why do you think that is?

The more I write, the more I understand why writers become increasingly meticulous about the words they choose to put in their works. And

going through pre-edits—let's just say I wish I had come to this understanding before I started writing. Then again, that's not the way it works.

This past week, I heard one of my favorite bands, Maná, on the radio singing Lluvia al Corazon. Now I'm not a native

Spanish speaker, but when I learned Spanish in school, Maná became a long lost friend. Not only are their songs catchy but many

times they are meaningful, tackling such topics as abortion, political struggles, social and environmental issues and love. The Mexican group has been around from the mid to late eighties and they are still going strong.

In my opinion, Lluvia al Corazon, translated literally as rain to the heart, is a song about not giving up and having hope, even in the most difficult of times.  As I listen to the poetic lyrics, I can't help but wonder if song lyrics are so different from our novels or novellas. Sure they're shorter but each word only counts that much more. Quite simply, its efficient writing and it makes me want to put that much more effort into my

works. But then, I'm sure even Maná took a few go rounds before they came up with the perfect words and songs for their first album.

Have a listen to one of their latest songs, Lluvia al Corazon, and happy writing this week!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

I Just Want To Find My Balance: Lessons from the Writing Yogi by Debralee Mede

Lately, I've been thinking about the issues that seem to get in the way of my

Balance Pose by lobster 20 at freedigitalphotos.net

writing life, and rest assured, there are many: the neighbors, the landlord, the job or lack thereof, and life in general. All these issues seem to want the front seat of my mind! Then I think to myself (sometimes out loud): "What will allow me to accomplish what I need and want to do in my life, especially when it comes to writing?"

Suddenly, a fuse is flicked on and an old cartoon light bulb appears over my head. "An idea is born!" and oddly enough while standing in the "tree pose", during yoga class, balancing my check book and juggling six buzzing chainsaws. "How is it that I can feel self aware, with my mind focused on one basic task, without all the confines of my stressful life, and only when I do yoga? Answer: My five basic rules of yoga: 1Trust; 2. Maintain a steady gaze and stand firm; 3. Gain stamina ; 4. If you fall, get up; 5. Keep the courage; 6. Keep it moving.

I recalled my Yoga instructor, Sherry, who had been through some difficult times in her life and found that Yoga was the one thing she could say actually helped her to achieve the balance, wholeness and peace that she desired. In our discussions we found that it may be very helpful to my writing life if I started to apply some of the principles of balancing in Yoga.

To accomplish any type of balancing one must accept that there may be modifications to the pose, at first. I couldn't start out with the balance needed to just do a perfect "tree pose" immediately. Like many other things in my life I found that more practice was necessary to finally accomplish balance. I also needed to continue practicing without self-judgment and comparison so that I could ultimately balance without any added baggage.

The most widely used pose in Yoga for balance is the "tree pose" where the practitioner stands on one leg and holds his hands together in a prayer position next to his heart. A famous Indian Yogi, Yoga Madiram, says that this pose is "supposed to motivate the individual to work toward their goal even if there are many obstacles in the way. The point is to make a dedicated effort to one's practice," he says. "It makes us strong, it enhances our willpower, and we achieve amazing benefits." So here are six steps that work for attaining the tree pose and for finding balance in your writing life.

1. Make it an act of trust:

First, take a risk because any kind of balancing requires trust and a leap of faith. As it is with Yoga you need to leap forward and trust your dreams. Be willing to write and take a chance on your dreams.

2. Keep your eyes on the prize or maintain a steady gaze and stand firm:

Keep and maintain a steady focus by keeping your eyes on the object that you desire. This should minimize distractions and keep you fixed on your goal

3. Gain writing stamina by strengthening writing muscles

It is in the tiny movements of daily or regular writing practice approached with steadfastness that will allow the words to flow. This lesson is about giving up some control of all circumstances you face. Understand that things come up; control your reactions and minimized distractions and stay the course.

4. Okay, so you fell or you're in a full tilt, so get up, life happens only to the living.

Give yourself a break! Falling is easy, recognize your effort thus far, pick yourself up and start again by accepting where you are in that moment and move forward.

5. Keep the courage and get on with it:

When you fall, don't quit just keep going. Let go of how you think you should be to seeing yourself to seeing yourself where you are now. You will improve with practice but you have to be determined enough to "Stick to it."

6. Keep it moving:

Lastly and this has to do with another activity and to quote Albert Einstein: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." So keep moving and keep writing.

My question to you is: What do you do to keep your life balanced and keep on writing?

Debralee Mede

7/26/2011

Filed under: Debralee Mede, romance, Writer's Life

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

I have inherited the Paranormal-Scope from Mason.  I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. But I am linked into the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries
Large spiders are spinning webs nearby.  Look out for a sticky situation.

Taurus
A vampire will bring you gifts.  Can you look past his dark side?

Gemini
Elves have invited you to a party and you've been asked to bring something.  Don't forget.

Cancer
Your favorite werewolf has fleas.  Ouch.

Leo
Someone is trying to put the bite on you.  If that person is cute and human, you might let them.

Virgo
A harpy has been tormenting you with her screeching.  Go to the movies.  Even a harpy is a sucker for popcorn.

Libra
A tiger shifter agrees with your opinions.  You're very lucky.  Bond with your friend over cream.

Scorpio
Three blind mice.  Watch where you step.

Sagittarius
Bring a treat for the sea monster and don't rock the boat.

Capricorn
Love is in the air, and it's not a ghoul.  Take advantage of this opportunity.

Aquarius
The heat has brought more dragons.  Don't worry this too will pass.

–Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

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

The Costs of Writing

"My fingers kill me as I play my guitar / 'cause I've been chewing down at my nails…"

Pete Townshend, New Song

Apart from revealing my old school rock-n-roll roots, I chose to start with these lines and this striking Annie Leibovitz photo because it has a great resonance for me. Not just because I, er, wanted to be Pete Townshend when I was a teenager (yes, this included dressing like him based on photos mostly taken by Leibovitz for Rolling Stone), because I did adore his lyrics. But there was another picture I've looked for in vain which demonstrated quite clearly that these lyrics were based on Townshend's own experiences as a nail-biter. His chewed nubs show the agonising process behind the writing.

Here's the secret: You can always tell how my writing's going by looking at my nails.

I have a friend who always hides this kind of information: "They must know nothing of our methods!" But I've been all about the demystifying of late. I think we can get a bit too precious about it. I used to have a "writing hat" — when the idea of a hat to try to get me into the right state of mind seemed like a good idea. Then there was the "Lisa the Simpson" episode of The Simpsons, where Homer asks Marge for "your address book, four beers, and my conversation hat." Then I felt a bit silly — no, I lie. I felt silly a long time before that. Oddly enough, it was before I moved from wannabe to an actual writer. That transition comes when you drop all the folderol and just do the work.

But we try all kinds of things to keep us in that productive state of mind. Anything, everything. When the writing is going well, I always find that I have managed to chew my nails down to not very much. If I am writing but not well, it's more of a struggle.

"The faster I write the better my output. If I'm going slow, I'm in trouble. It means I'm pushing the words instead of being pulled by them." ~ Raymond Chandler

When I'm pushing the words, my nails are down to bloody stumps. At present, I'm relieved to say they're not quite that bad, but they are a bit short. Last week, when I was at Readercon, I had that rarity: a little bit of white on my nails. They never grow much. My nails are thin and easily split into layers. But if I'm not writing (which only means not writing on my computer: I'm never not writing altogether. I always have a travel journal if nothing else) I'm less likely to be biting my nails. The illusion is that this is somehow "healthier" — trust me, it's not. The chewed down nails mean the words are flowing. As long as we don't get down to blood, it's all right. And even if we do, better blood than silence, surely.

That's the way it goes. Yeah, writing is a madness. What did you expect?

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, Readers Conference, Readers Conferences, romance, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writers Conferences, Writing Topics

Inspiration

I love the written word. I love books, the smell of them and the feel of them in my hand as I curl up and bend them into a comfortable position in my hand.  I have always been an avid reader but when I took a job requiring a four hour a day train ride, I began to read at least a book per week.  My inspiration came from a few sources, dissatisfaction with my career and financial situation, Stephanie Meyer "Twilight" series and JK Rowling and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

I know it sounds crazy, but please allow me to explain.  It all began with my deep dissatisfaction with my career and my life in general.  I wanted to make a change, but having worked in the legal field my entire life, I didn't know what else to do.  And being a single woman I was really struggling financially and wanted to make a better life for myself.  Still not really knowing what direction to take I mulled things over and over in my mind.   I felt stagnant.  Little did I know, the wheels began to turn when I picked up "Twilight."  I read the entire four books in the series in one week!  Then, the wheel turned again when I happened to read an interview of Stephanie Meyer who said "Twilight" came to her in a vivid dream.

The next day, the wheel turned a bit further when one of the television stations ran a Harry Potter marathon.  I like Harry Potter, I thought, so I decided to watch it.  It was the movie version of the fourth book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."  In this story, Harry has to complete a series of tasks.  The first one is to retrieve a golden egg which contains the clue to his next task in the quest.  The problem … the egg is guarded by a fierce fire-breathing dragon.  In the story, Harry's professor talks with him about the task.  He tells Harry that to have a chance he has to play to his strengths.  The camera pans in and the old battered professor, looking right into the camera, asks, "What are your strengths?"  Suddenly it seemed as if Old Professor Moody were asking me that question.  Harry replies, "Well, I'm a pretty fair flyer."  And I replied, "I'm a pretty fair writer."  "Better than fair the way I hear it," old Moody replies.  Maybe I am better than fair, I thought.  Would I have what it takes to be a writer?   The wheel turned another notch.

The following night I was flipping channels and landed on an interview with JK Rowling.  She described having been in the same financial situation as me and she said she the idea for the series came to her while she napped on the train.  The wheel was now really turning.  The seed of inspiration was planted in my mind, heart and spirit.  That night before I went to bed I prayed for a dream, one I would remember and could write into a novel.  But that night I had no dream.  Still, I was excited about the new road I was about to travel.  The following night, again I asked for a dream and lo and behold, I had one!  I started writing on a pad of paper, working in the four hours every day on the train and it seemed as if the story poured out of my pen.  I wrote a woman possessed.  Now stories burn to get out of me and seem as if they are only satisfied when they are written.  Although not yet published, but I know in my heart it is only a matter of time.

This past weekend the final installment in the Harry Potter movies opened with record breaking ticket sales and Monday a made for TV movie about the life of JK Rowling aired.  Since she is my inspiration, I had to watch.  I was amazed at the similarities in our situations but particularly by the fact that she, like me, believes in "signs."  With no job and being "on the dole," JK is out walking, pushing her infant daughter in a stroller, when she comes upon a cafe called, "Potter's Way."  In the movie she says, "Now, there's a sign."  All the while JK is hand-writing her first novel on notebook paper.

It was encouraging and uplifting for me to see this short movie.  It came at a time I doubt whether I should continue to pursue a writing career.  Dare I say, "Now, there's a sign?"

If you are discouraged and dreaming of a change in your life, I encourage you to look in the mirror and imagine Old Battered Professor Moody asking you what your strengths are and then, have the courage of a young wizard and follow the professor's advise by playing to your strengths, accomplishing your task, and changing your life.

Gerri Brousseau

Filed under: romance

Enjoy Life! Enjoy Nights of Passion Blog!

It's been hot.  I hope you've been taking care of yourself.  If you're in the heat zone, take cover, keep cool, and drink water.   You could also read books and go to the movies or get one to sit in and watch it in the dark.  Spend some time enjoying life.

We have a lot of great things coming up on Nights of Passion.  I'm so excited.

On Saturday, July 30th, we're going to be interviewing our favorite evil mastermind and urban fantasy author with sizzling hot love scenes a.c. Mason about her newest book Night Reins. Of course, they'll be a contest.  So put it on your calendar.  You won't want to miss this.

Next week on Tuesday, I'm hoping for another surprise.  So definitely drop in and say hi.

August 11-14, there will be strangeness on the blog, as C Margery Kempe,  a.c. Mason, and I will be at the Authors After Dark convention.  There will be blogging and photos from the event in Philadelphia.

Oct. 24-31, Nights of Passion will be celebrating Halloween with mischief (Tricks ) and contests (Treats).  Be sure to join us.

What am I up to now?  My vampires are calling, and I'm 3000 words away from completing a brand new vampire/supernatural adventure romance.

I'm ecstatic.

We appreciate our readers.  We love your comments.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, contest, Interview, Readers Conference, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

Borders is Closing: A Writer's Take On Life

Well, I'm sad.  I will miss my nearby Borders. They were lovely in providing a place for book signings.  Their staff was friendly, always knowing where everything was.  They were handy so I could indulge my need for print books.

I had a Borders gift card that I hadn't used.  So I went to Borders and bought some journals, because I love writing longhand first.  I bought some Christine Feehan, Lynsay Sands, Bianca D'Arc, and Charlaine Harris.  I also bought the Harry Potter Cookbook.  Who knows I might cook!  Okay, don't laugh.  Those that know me will laugh.  My husband is the chef of the family.

I talked to one of the workers there saying I would miss them and they were my favorite bookstore.  They said they would miss it too.

According to the news, Borders is starting their Going Out of Business Sale on Friday.

The world is changing.  You either change with it or …  I am an infernal optimist.  Not an eternal optimist.  Infernal meaning irritating.  It's irritating how I always believe things will get better.  I believe the wonderful bookstore workers of my favorite Borders store will find a better way of life.  Turmoil and dark times make us strong and give conflict to the story of our life.  Yes, Borders is closing but I wonder what will happen next! I can't wait for the sequel.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Bianca D'Arc, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

Reality vs. Fiction

Went to another wedding this weekend and I have to say this groom and bride appeared so in love. Not that most newlyweds don't, but really you could see in their eyes how much they love each other and quite frankly, it was completely romantic and utterly refreshing.

Now you must be asking yourself what kind of weddings I go to if I'm seeing people who aren't in love. That's not quite the case. I've been to plenty of weddings and I'd say the majority of them appear in love or at least one side of the matrimony does. But overall, I believe our society is in love with weddings and many think the happily ever after will of course follow, right? Wrong.

As those of you who are married or even in a very committed relationship will attest to, the happily ever after takes a lot of work in real life. Perhaps that's why the romance genre holds such a large share of the market out there. Because no matter how many obstacles we authors throw out there, somehow our heroes and heroines seem to make true love appear flawless and easy. Or is that really the case? Is fiction really so much easier?

Sometimes it really is. Sometimes our heroes are beyond perfect or our heroines flawlessly patient. And other times I believe that fiction is the only way to truly have a "quick" happily ever after.  I'm not saying that reality doesn't have them, but life itself is so much longer and more complex than what can be put on an average of three-hundred pages.  I consider my marriage a happily ever after right now but one can never predict the future nor say what ups and downs life will bring. For that reason, I take pride in writing happily ever afters, using my own reality and the realities of

others as inspiration. And if only for a few moments, I hope my readers can get

a taste of that fictional fairytale ending which keeps us coming back for more.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Random Act of Love–One Cup At A Time

Today do something kind for someone else.  Don't think about it just do it.  The world appears to be in trouble, and when people are in trouble they are anxious and frightened.  They scope down their world to an immediate few or even to themselves alone.

Others live in the world too, and when push comes to push, we need each other.

In 2005, I went to WorldCon, the World Science Fiction Convention in Glasgow, Scotland.  This was weeks after the explosions in London in the underground train stations and on a bus.   I remember seeing the scenes on television.  Smoke pouring out of one of the stations.  People streaming out. Some confused.  Some hurt.  A woman from one of the houses brought a little table out to the sidewalk and she started giving out cups of tea.  She walked up to people handing them tea.

What a wonderfully unique soul to see people in trouble and to know that even her gentle act of a cup of tea was a help.

So I ask you.  Today, please, do one act of kindness and in that single act give love to the world.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

I have inherited the Paranormal-Scope from Mason.  I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. But I am linked into the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries

The werewolves have circled your house.  Know you are protected.

Taurus

A sea monster keeps bringing you fish.  I hope you like fish.

Gemini

A tall dark vampire is coming your way.

Cancer

Ghoul hunting has become a popular sport.  The equipment is expensive.  Your choice:  Will you join the crowd?

Leo

A cool breeze portents well.  Your ancestors are happy.

Virgo

A were panther followed you home.  How cute.

Libra

There's a griffon in your parking spot.  Let the griffon have his way.

Scorpio

Mirror, mirror, on the wall.  Hey, you're looking great.  The wardrobe could use a life.

Sagittarius

A shapeshifter has invited you to  an intimate dinner.

Capricorn

Leprechauns favor you this week.  Be sure to say thank you.

Aquarius

Dragons fill the sky and they are hungry.  Keep under cover.

 

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope