Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 126

Take a Breath

We’re in the midst of the holidays and songs are playing, people are humming, children are laughing and chestnuts are roasting… and wouldn’t it be nice if that was the complete story? Instead, we’ll still come across the occasionally story about retail madness and Grinch-like attitude. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With my recent move back to the east coast, I’ve been ambitious in making the decision to host a good portion of my family at our house for a week over the holidays. Logically think about food and the fact that we will most likely go through two dozen eggs a day simply for breakfast has now made this seem a bit daunting. And I could sit and dwell on this thought which might make it seem overwhelming, but I choose not to. The holidays can be crazy and they can be stressful but they should be a time of togetherness and fun. I’m not saying everything else just goes out the window, but I am saying that we can control how we view a situation.

Weddings are another perfect example of a joyous event that turns into a stressful situation. I have rarely met a bride or groom who is not excited for the wedding and all the planning that came with it to finally be over. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why take out the joy of fun events?

I’m not sure completely how to fix this but I’m happy to share what I’m going to do over the next couple weeks. I’m going to plan as best as I can. I’m going to take a deep break and I’m going to go with the flow beyond anything I can control. Everything (except death I guess) has a solution.

Best of luck to you all if you are in the same situation. Enjoy and embrace it and if you have the time, happy writing!

 

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly

Posting Romance Ebooks to Apps by Mandy Rosko

In my never ending quest to find more ways of earning an income and building an audience, something else pretty fun that I’ve discovered lately has been Tapas.

 

Like Radish, it’s another app, similar to Wattpad, where I can post my stories, build an audience, interact with them, and hopefully, one day, earn a fairly decent income from it.

 

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and I’ve noted the differences in each platform below

Frantic Zombie Shopping Paranormal-Scope

It’s about a week before Christmas and nearing the end of Hanukkah and all through the house, we’re frantically wrapping and still venturing out for that elusive gift.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Zombies don’t like being pulled in two directions. They decide on a direction and go forth. How they decide is a mystery!

Taurus:

No matter how busy a zombie is, brains are their first priority. What or who is most important to you?

Gemini:

Zombies put their noses to the grindstone to get their work done. They don’t lose focus on what’s important. Then they play.

Cancer:

Zombies love being creative. Mostly they “trudge paint” as in walking through wet paint. But your opportunities right now are astounding.

Leo:

Deck the halls and run from zombies. Decorating is part of spreading joy. Running is healthy if your doctor advises it.

Virgo:

Thinking time for a zombie is going through all the memories from the brains they eat. It’s their way of chilling. Take time to go over your favorite memories.

Libra:

A zombie reunion is not without some grumbles and laughs. Aren’t all families like that though?

Scorpio:

Zombies don’t understand money. If you are having the same problem understanding your finances, get professional help. Be careful in spending this week. Don’t Frantic Shop!

Sagittarius:

Instead of shuffling along in life like a zombie, it’s time to make a dream of yours come true.

Capricorn:

Zombies remember love and usually head faster in that direction. Spend more time with those you love.

Aquarius:

Zombies are busy hunting brains, but it’s time to reschedule to include those you care about. Give your dear ones more hugs.

Pisces:

Running in different directions and attending too many social events, can unstable the most focused zombie. Don’t do that to yourself. Be where you want to be.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

 

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

Show Me Your Hallmark by Ripley Proserpina

You ever have a picture of yourself in your head and then one thing happens, and suddenly it’s all blown to dust? Before this December, I’d probably describe myself as a bit jaded and snarky. Nothing surprises me. Wednesday Addams is my spirit animal. I like the Grinch before his heart grows, and I prefer Gene Hackman’s Lex Luther to Christopher Reeve’s Superman.

But Hallmark got me.

Turns out, if Netflix adds a bevy of Hallmark-type, feel-good, happy-ending romances I’m in heaven. I chose the cheesiest, happiest-endingest Christmas movie I could find, and it was worth the hour and twenty minutes I lost.

And the subsequent eight that followed…

I love the bad guys who are purely bad, and I mean, we’re talking zero redeeming abilities. And the spunky, misunderstood heroines? Totally relatable. Except for the part where their scarves are perfectly wrapped and their makeup is on point. (Sometimes, the heroine will start a scene wearing a beautiful green coat, the camera will cut away to the love interest, and when it returns to the heroine, her coat is suddenly blue. And I don’t even care.)

I haven’t seen much of these actors and actresses since their sitcoms or family dramas were cancelled, so it’s like revisiting old friends when I watch these shows. Well dressed, perfectly coifed old friends with perfect teeth.

So for the next 9 days until Christmas, I’ve found something to keep me occupied through wrapping presents. After that, though? It’s back to gothic romances and vampires.

Filed under: Ripley Proserpina

How to Write A Fiction Novel, Part 4 – How To Avoid the Squishy Middle?

No, we’re not talking about diets. We are talking about the most fatal part of a book, the part where if it’s not interesting anymore, the reader closes it for another day. I was talking to a book reviewer about this topic and was told that’s where they put down the book and they’re done. You don’t want this to happen to your novel. We’re going to go over a some options to prevent this.

In my book Vampire in the Basement, I was working with two couples and a series of helping or hurting characters (good guys and villains). My goal was simple: reunite lovers and save lives. The challenge was how to defeat the enemy, while keep it interesting, revving up the action, surprising readers with unexpected twists and turns, and still have fun in the story. Certain characters in this book are madcap. Why? Because I couldn’t help myself.

To make it easier to explain, I made a Character Growth Line Showing Plot Points in a Fiction Novel. You begin with a problem to solve, in most cases the character or characters are in the middle of something important that changes their lives. This chart is only a sample. Your chart may have more ups, downs, plateaus, back tilts and holes.

Your character may think they are doing well but things are getting harder and confusing. [image error]

 

2. Things you didn’t depend on happen. Your character gets divorce papers, their house burns down, company shows up, a crime happens, etc. It’s a setback.

3. The lines going straight up means events are happening faster.

4. Plateaus or straight across lines mean a moment of peace, rest, hiding safely, loving someone, but you only get a moment. Every event along the way teaches the main character something they will need at the end.

5. Here your character falls in a hole (literally or metaphorically) and they may think you’re doomed. They manage to get out of the trouble temporarily then they’re running. The climb is straight up into the unknown.

6. Here is the Whoa moment. Your character maybe a little deluded here, thinking they’re in the clear. But every move forward is harder and may even be dangerous. They may even think they’re moving backwards.

7. Sacrifices are made. Something or someone they counted on is out of the picture. They’re on your own.

8. A moment where every second is precious. It’s like making love to someone who has their heart for the last time. At least they think it’s for the last time.

9. This is the setup. Your character thinks they have it all together and they can beat the big bad.

10. FALL IN BIG HOLE. This is also called the climax. It’s the do or die time. Make it exciting. Make it unpredictable. Make your hero or heroine heroic!

11. Make your ending memorable. Come up with a great ending quote.

Now your plot line may have different bumps and twists. Remember it’s all reaction and action throughout the book. Play on your main character’s fears. Make them bigger. Make them grow.

Here’s an excerpt from the beginning of Vampire in the Basement. It’s the sequel to When Love Survives.

*

Waking up with Gregor’s strong naked body against hers was a hundred times delicious, so delicious, that it was easy to forget they were sharing a makeshift bed of an open sleeping bag and blankets in a cave somewhere in Maine. His great, strong arms embraced her securely, not so tightly as to impede breathing, but enough to make Regina feel worshipped and adored and aware that he was still worried about her. The raw energy of the forest beyond the cave flowed into her, increasing her strength and making her glad to finally realize her half elf, half leprechaun heritage. The horrible feeling of having her life sucked out was almost gone.

The man holding onto her so tightly saved her life and sanity. A part of Regina questioned if she loved Gregor because of that. She closed her eyes and thought back to that time climbing through the rubble of the towers, listening to the screams in her head, as she tried to locate survivors. Regina could still see the face of the dying man. All she did was send a spark through him like she’d done thousands of times before to recharge batteries. But this time it was enough to save a life. Sighing, she hugged Gregor and he responded by squeezing her a little tighter. Gazing at his handsome sleeping face framed by thick dark hair made her heart finally peaceful. Gregor was her refuge, her champion, and everything she needed love to be. My big, brave bear of a man.

Gregor growled in his sleep, and she couldn’t help kissing the stubble of beard on his cheek. How does he always manage to look so ‘drink me up sexy’? A part of her couldn’t help but be annoyed, but the other part of her enjoyed looking at him too much. Then he moved onto his back, and she couldn’t resist crawling on top of him and brushing her lips ever so gently on his.

In one swift movement, he had her on her back. His blue Maine summer day eyes sparkled with mischief. He kissed her, peering down at her. “What were you up to when I was asleep?” His low rumbling laugh made her body shiver.

“Gree, I was thinking that I feel well enough to go back to New York.”

“Sweetheart, there aren’t anymore survivors to find.” He stroked the side of her face, his fingers lingering in her hair.” I had to get you out of there. You were dying.” As his mouth pressed against her lips, his tongue pushed them apart and caressed the inside of her mouth until she gasped. “I love you, Reggie. How would I live without you?” With his lips, he worshipped her eyes, her nose, and finally her mouth again.

“Still we should have stayed.  There might have been something else we could have done.”

“No. There wasn’t.” His eyes narrowed.” You’re afraid to meet my family.”

“No,” she stammered. “It’s not that at all.”

He chuckled. “Yes, it is, Regina.” He bit her lower lip playfully. Then he brushed a lock of hair tenderly out of her face. “Listen, I’d be nervous if we were in Alaska meeting your parents.”

Regina couldn’t help the trepidation she felt. As far as she knew, they were only minutes from his house. “What if they don’t like me?”

*

Here’s the blurb for the book.

Regina and Gregor

They survived one of New York City’s greatest disasters, and on their wedding day in Maine walk into another. Gregor aims to destroy the intruder who claims his bride. Regina must save the man she loves from a deadly curse with her magic. But she doesn’t know magic.

Lorraine and Theo

Everything about Lorraine is broken. She shapeshifts and forgets her clothes. She’s divorced and doesn’t believe in love anymore. Tall, blond, and handsome, Theo, vampire and Arnhem Knight, desires Lorraine, but is it more than lust? Would he give up the Arnhem Knights for her?

Love, furry handcuffs, and a pine tree.

*

Vampire in the Basement is a great example of a book that keep moving and is unpredictable but fun.  It’s currently available only in Kindle.  https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Basement-Vampires-Manhattan-Book-ebook/dp/B019978SIK

If you have been following along, be sure to look at the actions and reactions of your “people” as you write. Dialogue is included in reactions.

If you have missed the other lessons in “How to Write a Fiction Novel,” here they are:

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/02/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-2/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-1/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/09/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-3-do-your-characters-breathe/

Happy Writing. Next week we will talk about the “Climax.” If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write them in the comments box.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

 

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, How to Write A Fiction Novel, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Part 1, Part 3 - Do Your Characters Breathe?, Part 4 - How To Avoid the Squishy Middle?, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Writer Workshops, Writer's Life, writer's inspiration, Writing Advice, Writing Craft, writing life, writing workshop, Yule

Ryan Jo Summer’s Wild Whispers by Stacy Hoff

[image error] Hello Passionate Readers! Today on Nights of Passion I have author Ryan Jo Summers writing about horses, racing, and romance. This is a story right up my alley. Ever since I wrote JOCKEYING FOR YOU, I’ve got horse racing heroes perpetually on my mind! Here’s Ryan Jo to tell us about her new novel, Wild Whispers.

[image error]

It was around the age of nine or ten that I discovered The Black Stallion books by Walter Farley. I remember, my mother, brother, and I had made our quarterly trek down to Saginaw to go shopping at the Fashion Square Mall. It was where we went shopping for school clothes in the late summer, Christmas gifts in the winter, etc… And there was a Walden Books store that I loved. I really did not clothes shopping, so I’d beg mom to drop me off at Waldens and come get me later–much later. I saved my baby sitting cash for those trips to… buy books!

One such trip,.I was browsing the rows, and two paperbacks with horses on the cover caught my eye. Of course they did, I was mad for horses even then. I am no better today, I just search Amazon now. I immediately purchased both novels, eager to dive in. I had no idea there was a whole series to come, and even movies in the future. Incidentally, I still have those movies in cassette. I also still have the entire paperback series, plus a few other non-Black Stallion/ Island Stallion books.

Over the next few years, I bought the next few books in the series at each trip down to Saginaw, and eagerly devoured them. And apparently parts stuck with me. When I wrote Wild Whispers, I made the racehorse big, black, and fiery tempered. Humm, sounds very much like Farley’s The Black. Except this is a love story, not a young boy story, so I created a heroine just as fiery and confident and capable. Well… she’s…um….unique. And that allows her to be so capable–and a successful racehorse trainer. And lastly, we needed a hero to match both the woman and the horse.

[image error]

“Wild Whispers” is every bit a love story, with two driven, independent, and successful people who end up needing each other–him more than her actually. And it’s also a story rooted in those Black Stallion tales, with thrilling races and training. And for variety, we even have a rodeo bucking horse called Widow Maker, and someone out to destroy it all.

Book blurb:

Set against the exciting backdrop in the chase for the Triple Crown and filled with

mystical surprises. Season is not a witch, but she can make a horse run and Ty’s

heart race.

Season Moriarty is part fey and part druid. She can see the future and alter it. She

welds control over the natural elements of earth, wind, fire and water as well as

manipulating life and death. And she is an accomplished racehorse trainer, able to

get any horse to run like the wind. Now Season has landed the dream job that will

test all of her skills and abilities.

Ty Masters runs his horse racing business with an iron fist. No one dares to question

him. He hires Season based on her reputation. Then they meet. Immediately, she

questions him, challenges him, infuriates him, intrigues him, captivates him, and

even intimidates him a little. Then she spellbinds him. But can she make a Triple

Crown winner out of his willful colt?

Mysterious threats to Ty’s racehorses bring him and Season together in another kind of race against the clock. As the stakes for the Triple Crown rises and the identity of who

wants to destroy Ty, so does the undeniable interest and fiery sparks between them.

Buy Link: Wild Whispers https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Whispers-...

Media Links:

WEBSITE: http://www.ryanjosummers.com/

BLOG: https://www:summersrye.wordpress.com

FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryan-Jo-Summers-author-page

TWITTER: @RyanJoSummers

Ryan Jo’s Bio:

Ryan Jo Summers writes mashed romances. Sweet love stories that include any combination of contemporary theme: Christian, humor, mystery, paranormal, shape shifting, suspense, or time travel. She writes non-fiction pieces for various magazines. In addition to a full time job, and a full time writing career, she also has a pet sitting business. She comes from a family of wordsmiths, with members who have been song writers and poets.

In her limited free time, she likes to read, escape to the wilderness and rivers, visit with friends and family, or just hang with her pets. She enjoys chess, crafts, painting, poetry, and word find puzzles. She lives in a century-old mountain cottage in North Carolina with a menagerie of rescued animals and way too many house plants.

[image error]

SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/bG0HZD

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

[image error]

HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN – In the Caribbean, the secrets, sex, and scandals are hotter!

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/2xW3WtJ

[image error]

BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1)

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT: https://www.amazon.com/Betting-Love-Vegas-Stacy-Hoff/dp/1682913422/

Kindle version: http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK

[image error]  [image error]

JOCKEYING FOR YOU print version http://amzn.to/2eanq2o

JOCKEYING FOR YOU Kindle version http://amzn.to/2c8Hi5t

[image error]  [image error]

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC print version http://amzn.to/2cubwCf

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC kindle version http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

[image error]

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES print version http://amzn.to/2dXO1zV

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES Kindle version http://amzn.to/1YEseie

[image error]

LAWFULLY YOURS print version http://amzn.to/2e6Ug8k

LAWFULLY YOURS Kindle version http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Filed under: Sports romance, Stacy Hoff

A Lot in Preparation

There is a lot in preparation, especially at this time of year. This year I was overly ambitious and decided to invite quite a bit of my family for the holidays. I realize there may be arguments, tense moments, fun times, tears and laughter. I may regret my decision momentarily but at the end of the day, I know I’ll be happy to see my family—at least this is what I’m hoping! In summary, I’m saying the preparation will be with the rewards I’ll reap.

Why does  this matter and what does this have to do with writing? Great question. The truth is that as I reflected on the season and all the preparation time I’m putting in, I couldn’t help but draw the parallels to other parts of my life. Writing is a lot of work and being the impatient person that I am, I’d much rather skip the preparation and jump right in. But there is a lot to be said for taking the time to research and plan before you write. Even in reading my own early works I wish I had planned out my “world” to a greater degree. You ever read a book that skips a round or seems to have gaping holes in the plot? Not fun, huh?

Moral of this blog? Yes preparation requires some extra effort but it just may be worth it. The next few weeks will be time I treasure with family and friends. Their happiness will make me happy. The same is true for writing. We all want readers to love our characters and worlds as much as we do. That take preparation for most of us.

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly

Whispers of Snow Paranormal-Scope

Lately, every time the weather analysts say, “Snow,” it doesn’t manifest. But this time may be different.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Werewolves howl with excitement when a new project blooms. A new opportunity is coming your way. When some extra cash comes your way, save instead of spending it.

Taurus:

Gnomes love the holidays and getting together with loved ones. Passion is in your future. Passion for a person or a pursuit.

Gemini:

Shapeshifters do not run themselves into the ground and neither should you. Don’t overdo anything right now. Your health is very important.

Cancer:

Pixies are all about surprises and your week will be full of them. Expect the unexpected. Doors will open.

Leo:

Bear shifters are usually loners but this week is an exception. Socialize, meet new people, and network.

Virgo:

Faeries know that relationships are built over time. Invest time in those you love.

Libra:

Gremlins always asks experts before they take a toaster apart. Ask questions and don’t make quick decisions.

Scorpio:

Elves love luxury but now is not the time to indulge. Budget your expenses. Also talk to a loved one that feels left unnoticed.

Sagittarius:

Dragons love to party. Make plans with those close to you. New opportunities in your work are on the way.

Capricorn:

Vampires know balance only because they’ve lived so long. Doing too much could hurt your health. Choose those events most important to you, and graciously decline the others.

Aquarius:

Mermaids know where all the treasure is kept. How? They are organized. It’s time to organize everything about your life. Start making a list.

Pisces:

Hobbits knew the mean of financial security. Get expert advice on planning for your future.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

 

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

You Aren’t What You Eat…Or Write…By Ripley Proserpina

Sometimes, when I do author takeovers on social media, I’ll get asked the question, “Which one of your characters is most like you?” It’s not an easy question to answer, because the truth is—I’m not my characters and they aren’t me. I haven’t written myself into my books.

My favorite part about my characters is getting in their heads, and maybe they like the same things I like. For example, Briar in the series Midnight’s Crown, wanted to go to Boston College her whole life.  That’s me.

Betha, in The Ice Bride, is a photojournalist. That was my original plan for my life. And it was a degree I’d get at Boston College. So yeah. That little bit is also me.

But, those are facets of my personality or past. Not-a-one of my characters is wholly drawn from real life.

I think this helps me when I get reviews that say things like, “This character is too stupid/smart/perfect/ugly/easy/virginal.” I don’t own it. I don’t take the reviews to heart and read them as a criticism of who I am as a person.

I might love the characters like my children, but even the most loving parent can recognize when their kid is being… well… a jerk. This isn’t to say that when my characters aren’t liked I don’t think to myself in a voice reminiscent of my five year-old self, “But whyyyyyy?”  

All told though, I’m okay if people don’t like what I write. None of us can be liked all the time by everyone. I’m going to write characters who aren’t perfect or universally relatable. Some of them may be a little like me. Some of them may even have mothers who are a lot like mine. Some are going to be aliens on a planet in a far off universe who can turn into mist. Readers aren’t going to like all of them. And that’s fine.

Filed under: Ripley Proserpina

How to Write A Fiction Novel, Part 3 – Do Your Characters Breathe?

Is it the story or the characters that captures the hearts of [image error]readers? In talking to people, whenever they talk about a book or movie, they immediately mention the characters by name. The problem in the book may be important to them, but it seems characters can live forever in the hearts of readers.

How do you write great characters? Don’t think of them that way. Think about writing the stories of people.  It’s more than writing a physical description of them. Instead of the word “character”, think friend or relative. But remember to spare hurt feelings, change name, sex, and some physical attributes, especially hair color.

In my book, A Vampire for Christmas, you learn about Georgia by what happens to her and how she reacts in different situations. You also learn about her from others.

Here is an example of characterization using reactions and actions.

*

“No,” Georgia whimpered at the hand reaching into the window display, yanking out the coat she’d stared at every day for three weeks–the thick brown and black, faux fur coat with the black hood. None of the other coats compared to that one with its elegant lines and obvious warmth. Georgia’s own coat was shabby. She shivered.

If only her credit cards weren’t maxed out. A tear streamed down her cheek before freezing on her face.

Then she saw the reflection. Every time she stopped at this window, his reflection would be there staring back. He stood about two feet behind her, so the image was shadowed. At first, she reasoned that perhaps he lived in the neighborhood and it was a coincidence. Maybe he was looking at coats for his mother or girlfriend. Maybe he was a stalker. She turned to leave.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder. Georgia gripped her bag strap and turned, then looked up. He was tall, broad shouldered, and compassion made his face kind. Bright green eyes gazed into hers. His warm brown hair was cut conservatively, which matched the new, dark brown coat.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. I’m fine. Thank you.”

“You’re not fine. Please, let me help you.”

Instantly, she burst into a run and didn’t stop until she reached the donut shop across from her apartment. Sitting at a table, Georgia peeked through the window. He hadn’t followed her. Snowflakes floated down obscuring her vision. Maybe she overreacted. Maybe not. You couldn’t be too careful in New York. She got up and went to the counter to order coffee and donuts to go.

*

You see Georgia’s habit of stopping by that window, the type of coat she wanted, and the state of her own coat. It gives you information about a man that’s been watching her and how she feels about him.

Don’t write everything at once. Share information about your “person” where it naturally flows. Trust that as you write, your people will reveal more and more about themselves though actions and interactions.

Here is a scene with Trevor and Georgia meeting for the first time.

*

It wasn’t the job Georgia longed for, but it was something. As she stepped out of the coffee shop a few minutes after eleven, a passerby grabbed her purse.

“No,” she shouted, clutching the leather strap. He pulled so hard, she toppled over. But Georgia remembered her lessons at the dojo and struck at the robber with her feet. He tripped sideways.

Then he pulled a knife. In a blur, the strange man from the store window had one foot on her attacker’s hand and the other on his throat.

Georgia scrambled to her feet and in a fit of rage yanked her purse free then punched her rescuer in the jaw.

He swayed a bit but remained steadfast on her attacker. Shocked, Georgia rubbed her knuckles. She’d broken boards with that fist, so it should have had more impact.

A siren later and the police arrived.

*

Every time I think of Georgia and Trevor, I can’t help but laugh.  I hope you noticed that you have now learned more about their “characters”.

Here is a blurb about A Vampire for Christmas for those that want to know more about them and the link.

*

Georgia doesn’t know she’s a Harmony. Jobless and about to be homeless, her heart sinks when a hand snatches the coat of her dreams from the storefront window. Then she sees him staring at her reflection . . . the stalker.

Trevor Stenwood, a vampire and Arnhem Knight, is handsome, sophisticated, and tongue-tied every time he sees her. Sworn to protect the supernaturals of the city, he’s fallen for a woman marked for death by demons. How can he save her when she’s afraid of him?

At Christmas time in New York City, will love bloom in the snow?

*

Currently it’s available only in Kindle but I’m working on that. https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Christmas-Vampires-Manhattan-Book-ebook/dp/B00H92ENUU

If you have been following along, be sure to look at the actions and reactions of your “people” as you write. Dialogue is included in reactions.

If you have missed the other lessons in “How to Write a Fiction Novel,” here they are:

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/02/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-2/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-1/

Happy Writing. Next week we will talk about the “Squishy Middle.” No, I’m not talking about a diet. I’m talking about the middle of novels. (laughs) If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write them in the comments box.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

 

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, How to Write A Fiction Novel, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Part 1, Part 3 - Do Your Characters Breathe?, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Writer Workshops, Writer's Life, writer's inspiration, Writing Advice, Writing Craft, writing life, writing workshop, Yule