C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 221

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope

As you know, I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. I do however; have practical advice for those of you that might encounter paranormal of some sort.

The week ahead for:

Aries

You don't know if it should be a stake and combat boots or heels and sword, but when you decide others will fall.

Taurus

Unlike Yin and Yang, you have inner conflict going on.

Gemini

A wizard will help you on your quest.

Cancer

You are finally coming up for H20, but it's in short supply on mars.

Leo

A trip to another dimension changes some long-standing beliefs.

Virgo

You are in the paranormal zone.

Libra

Incubus or Succubus on the brain.

Scorpio

You feel like you got jumped by vamps and you're getting roughed up and not in a good way.

Sagittarius

It's the paranormal petting zoo this week and you are the main attraction.

Capricorn

From your warm alive hands. Just let them try come and to take something from you. You'll show them.

Aquarius

You need to keep your third eye on things.

Pisces

Your being treated like magic mushroom and kept in the dark.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope

Bedtime Story

I am off enjoying the beauties of Rome, so you'll have to bear with me and instead settle for my video self, reading from my forthcoming Noble Nibble fairytale, "Dragger Ella," and wearing my Authors After Dark tiara Here's hoping I come back with some new inspiration!

Filed under: Authors After Dark, C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, erotic romance, Kit Marlowe, Noble Romance, romance, Romantic Places, Settings, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

A Writing Sirloin Tip: Chapter Endings

One of the exciting and fun things I learned about writing chapters is how to end them.  For a long time, I made the mistake of thinking of a chapter as a completed story within itself.  Oh, no.

When ending a chapter, leave it in heat of emotion. For example, if the hero walks out in anger, she is left there trembling with her hand on the doorknob, uncertain whether or not to follow him.   Now if you leave a story like that the reader just needs to know what happens next.

Every once in a while, I will post a handy writing tip.  I called them sirloin because they are juicy and perfect on the tongue when done well. 

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: A Writing Sirloin Tip, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writing Topics

Dear Vampire David: Wedding Advice

This a column purely for your entertainment.  I make no pretense to psychological, medical, or therapeutic skills.  I use the common sense I've acquired over the hundred years of my existence.  If you have a question you'd like to ask me, just email onlyladyknight(at)yahoo(dot)com and put "Dear David" in the subject line.  Now for today's letter.

Dear David,

This isn't really a paranormal question.  You see, my daughter is getting married and we're making the arrangements.  She seems distraught all the time.   Next Saturday is her wedding day, and I'm afraid I don't know how to be more helpful as the mother of the bride.  Do you have any advice for me–something I could say to her that will help her on her day?

Shaking Simone

Dear Simone,

I'm sure you're doing the best you can.  I've been to a lot of weddings, and it seems to me that the bride is emotionally vulnerable on that special day.  I know that the most important thing you can say is to tell her how beautiful she is and that you love her.  Your words will mean the world to her.

I wish you a glorious day filled with fun and love.

David

–Vampire David Hilliard

Susan Hanniford Crowley

 

Filed under: Dear David, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires

Fun Day Friday: Sensational Brainstorming

Okay, so we are going to try something new on Fridays for a bit. I don't know about you, but occasionally I need to exercise my mind and get the juices flowing in order to keep my thoughts fresh.

We'll start with a word… how about sensational?

Let's try a couple of exercises. For the first one, I want you to try writing a beginning sentence with the word sensational.  Remember, this is the first sentence of your book (or at least we are pretending so for this exercise) therefore you want to hook your reader and bring as much impact as possible into the mix. These are supposed to be quick exercises, so don't spend too much time on them. With time you will get faster and better at them. So for my first example and attempt:

Lila Sinclair felt sensational as she gripped the steering wheel of her corvette and closed her eyes, letting the wind rustle through her hair.

Okay, now for a dissection. The sentence is definitely telling at the beginning (which is not always bad) but the fact that she closes her eyes while she is driving is a bit shocking and may grab the reader's attention. Now you give it a try. How would you rate your sentence? Feel free to share too.

For the last exercise, we are going to try writing a blurb with the word sensational. Here goes…

Lila Sinclair's life was sensational. Nominated for a Golden Globe, dating one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors and next in line as America's sweetheart, she couldn't ask for more—except maybe to win the Golden Globe. Even the crazed fan letters she begins to receive can't shake her confidence. But when her date is nearly murdered on a boating expedition, Lila's bubble of happiness begins to burst. Like much of America, Jax Dawson is falling hard for Hollywood up-and-comer, Lila Sinclair. She's beautiful, sweet and one of the most talented actresses he knows. Her recent fan mail threats don't surprise him as he's had his share of run ins with crazed fans, however, he doesn't appreciate the fact that someone is trying to scare Lila and push him out of the picture. Jax is not one to run and he's determined to show Lila and this crazed fan that he's here to stay.

Okay, so the blurb's a bit corny but the point is to have fun and get better. When I think of the word sensational, I just happen to think of Hollywood superstars so that is what I wrote about.  Now you, what comes to mind? Write your first sentence and a blurb. Do you like what you came up with?  If yes, there's your next book. If not, you're warmed up to write and you'll have better luck next time.  Now back to work!

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

Girls' Night Out, Part 1

One of the things I really enjoy is getting together with my close girl friends. We've been friends for 25+ years. One or two of them closer to 3O+ years. One of the things we like to do is cook together. I'm not the best of cooks. My husband cooks. When I go into the kitchen I usually burn myself. So they have me chop vegetables. Tonight I going share the main course of my favorite lunch. Baked Chicken with vegetables.

We usually cook, then sit down and eat while watching a movie. Sometimes we just talk a lot. They're not offended when I pull out my netbook and work on my book at the same time.

Here's the sort of receipe. I cook by touch and feel.

Girls' Night Out Chicken

1. Chicken 4 pounds

2. Vegetables — this varies, I like small potatoes, brocoli, cauliflower, apples, mushrooms, carrots–put the kind of veggies you enjoy.

3. Canola Oil

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Farenheit.

I use a rectangular glass caserole dish and lightly spray the bottom. Then after chopping up all the veggies and the apple, I layer them across the bottom. The chicken will be on top.

Then after I clean the chicken and take out the innards, I oil the chicken and place it on top. You can add herbs, garlic, and seasoning if you like.

When the oven indicates that it has reached the right temp, put it in the oven. It will take almost two houses. Check it after an hours and a half. Again at quarter of. Is the skin cripsy? If you cut into the breast is it white? If not, if it looks pinky, put it back in for another fifteen.

What is so wonderful about this dish is how the vegetables under the chicken taste. Hmmm. Yum.  The side dish was extra vegetables that were oiled and seasoned and put in next to the chickens. Yes, we made two chickens.  The receipe above was one I used for the family when we only used one, but I think it gives you the idea.  It's so delicious.

Oh, by the way, I clean and cook the separated innards and choppedthem up (except the neck–which can be used to make soup) and give them to my dog Pete. He loves livers and giblets and the heart.

Next week, I'll tell you more about Girl's Night Out.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Girls Night Out, Recipes, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

The Birth and Rebirth of a Writer

I saw my first and only niece for the first time this week, and simply put, she is the most beautiful, tiny darling. At four weeks old, she gives me the sweetest, silliest expressions and they melt my heart.  She doesn't really know much, nor does she have high expectations of anyone.  She just knows when she wants to eat, sleep or be changed. But most of all, like many newborns, even a slight smile from her has a great impact.

Makes me think of how lost we are as "newborn" writers, completely and utterly dependent on our critique partners, beta readers and the internet (or library/bookstores) for improvement and craft-building resources. We have the basic tools but we lack the knowledge of how to best hone them and put them to use. We don't know much, but we do know we love to write and writing makes us happy.

For that reason, I think it very important we remember why we write. Even through the rejections, the wins, the harsh criticism or praises and most importantly, through the endless days of writing. We need to keep our passion.  For some of you out there, this may require a rebirth.

As we grow in our writing, we begin to expect too much too fast.  We are honing our abilities but we continually criticize ourselves. The simple "I love to write" suddenly becomes full of complexities. Only a conscious effort on our part to start over or keep our passion fresh, will allow us to improve and have more of an impact.

As a writer, you don't want to blend or write the standard. You want to stand out, you want to have impact just like that newborn's smile. So my parting thoughts… start each day fresh, keep your passion and aim to inspire your readers.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope.

Aries

You maybe the chosen one but this week someone else needs to feel like they are.

Taurus

A key warrior within your faction needs you to give it to them straight.

Gemini

Your perception of the space-time continuum is about to be tossed on its head.

Cancer

You need to figure out a balance between polar or seemingly contrary forces.

Leo

Stick an eyeball in it. No one is in the mood for off the cuff remarks.

Virgo

You're high from victory and enjoying the spoils.

Libra

The strategy is good. Stay on target and you'll conquer the big bad.

Scorpio

Someone's keeping an eye on you. You could get what you wish for.

Sagittarius

You might need a break from the big bad scary world. It's okay to take a break.

Capricorn

It's looking a brighter out there you just need to see it too. Look with your heart and not with your mind.

Aquarius

The world is ending and you want to put a stop to it but you've got to keep putting one foot in front of the other or you'll derail too.

Pisces

You one of the key to restoring balance between good and evil.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope, romance

Bedtime Story: Kit Marlowe

Nothing like a little story to ease you off into dreamland. When do we get too old for a tale at bedtime? I don't think ever, but maybe I'm in a minority. I love to hear a story even when it's not bedtime. When I'm sick, that's the biggest luxury, forced into bed and not allowed to do any work, I revel in the chance to have a story read to me. Like most people, for me that means a book on iTunes or CD, though I'd welcome someone actually reading from a book to me — any takers? Ah well, I thought not.

One of the things too many writers fail to take into account is just how good an editing job you can do by reading aloud. Every awkwardness will become plain. Any dropped word will announce its lack. The flow becomes manifest; you can feel its ups and downs, see where it goes and where the pace needs to change. Words you stumble over probably need to be changed. Timing can be adjusted because you'll recognize where the slackness comes in.

I know some writers refuse to read their work aloud (well, maybe they do it in private, but I bet not). I'm not sure why they feel that way. Maybe they're not as big of a ham as I am. But I find it useful not only for the editing issues I've already mentioned, but because it's fun. I enjoy performing for an audience — as long as I don't have to memorize the words (ask me sometime about my only appearance on stage in a play ). Writing is such a solitary pursuit; it's great to have the interaction with your readers — or at least listeners, in this case. Where do they laugh? Where do they seem to get bored? What else can their reactions tell you about what's going well and what still needs work? It's a wonderful luxury to have that kind of lively feedback.

I'm reading here from my Tease novel, The Mangrove Legacy. I had fun playing with the humorous aspects of the story and trying to convey a slightly different voice for each of the characters. I hope you enjoy this wildly sprawling Gothic romance with a little bit of humour.

– Kit Marlowe

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, fantasy romance, Gothic, Kit Marlowe, mystery romance, paranormal, paranormal romance, Recommended Books, romance, romance novels, Romance suspense, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Is Your Book Done? Ready to Pitch to a Publisher or Agent?

I think most authors would agree with me that the scariest thing in life isn't writing the book.  It's what to do with it when you're done.  When I say done, I mean it's been through the critique groups, over it with a critique partner, perhaps even sent to a contest or two.  But finally it's been fixed, reworked, and you've polished it until it shines and you hurt all over. 

Now to get it out.  You will go through lists of possible editors and agents, weeding out by preferences you see.  Then something really amazing is about to happen.  There's a conference in your area which features Pitch Sessions or Pitching.  Sign up fast, as those conference usually sell out fast.

What is Pitching?  It is the rare opportunity to talk for a few minutes to a publisher or agent about your book.   Sign up and begin training for it.  Find everything about pitching you can.  The CTRWA's April Meeting will have pitching practice to train its member how to pitch their book.  Remember this is a finished book.  If you're in or near Connecticut and want to attent, go to http://www.ctrwa.org

CTRWA is has a one day conference every year called Fiction Fest.  It is famous for its pitch sessions.  Last year over 60 aspiring authors had the opportunity to pitch.  Some authors were asked to submit partials or fulls.  A pitch could begin a career.  It you are in Connecticut on  May 14, register now.  Check the box saying you want an agent/editor appointment.  That's to have the opportunity to pitch.  If you're ready, go here: http://toniandrews.com/FictionFest.htm

Fiction Fest is not just for romance authors.  It is a day conference chocked full with an excellent and practical author's education.  So see you there.  I will be at the booksigning.  And good luck pitching.  Remember, relax and tell that editor or agent why your book is so exciting.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: romance, romance novels, RWA, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writers Conferences, Writing Topics