Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 252

Adding Humor to Deepen Your Story

As a paranormal and erotic romance author, you may think I don’t use humor much in my books. But actually, the contrary is true. The darker the story, the more essential the humor. Adding humor to books is something I’m passionate about. Why? Because humor serves many functions in our lives, so it should in our character’s lives, as well.  Your first thought might be, what can humor do other than make you laugh once in a while? Good question. This is something I’ve taken time to study.

Humor serves many purposes. From a physiological standpoint, it releases endorphins and gives us a sort of high, which relieves stress and makes us more relaxed. It’s like a natural happy pill. Many times when I’m feeling down, I’ll say to my husband, “I need a good laugh, do something funny.” To which he blankly stares. Then I roll my eyes and call my best friend.

Did you also know that laughter can boost your immune system? A good dose of laughter can actually increase your immune cells and disease-fighting antibodies. So when they say laughter is the best medicine, they’re not kidding! 

But how can humor fit into your story? And how does it give fiction more depth? Just like in real life, humor has many purposes. For instance, people use humor to diffuse tension in a high intensity situation. Have you ever witnessed an argument where the participants descend into awkward silence until one brave soul breaks the ice with a joke? Depending on the joke, it can either make a tense situation worse or it could give everyone a good chuckle and move the conversation forward.

People use humor to deal with difficult emotions as well. In the movie 50/50, the main character Adam, finds out he has brain cancer and has a 50/50 shot of beating it. Instead of getting depressed, he makes jokes about it. It’s morbid in a way but it’s how he deals with the fear. This really resonates with me because I use humor for the same purpose. If I can’t change an unpleasant circumstance in my life, then I make fun of it. It makes the problem not so scary and intimidating. This is sometimes called dark humor.

Every person is born with a sense of humor. Even the most stuck-up, stick-in-the-mud, serious people find certain things funny. And there are different styles of humor that appeal to different kinds of people. When I first start forming my characters, I think through what style of humor would appeal to them. Some people really love slapstick humor – slipping and falling on a banana peel is the most obvious example. The Three Stooges is classic slapstick humor. Another form of humor is sarcasm. Some people say it’s the lowest form of wit, and those people are no doubt high-brow sense of humor types. High-brow is intellectually based, so a character who’s a bookworm or highly educated might like this style. Think of the show Big Bang Theory. Though there’s a lot of silliness there as well. And of course, you should be careful of stereotypes too. There’s no reason a science geek can’t also like kids hitting adults in the nuts with a baseball bat.

One of my favorite types of humor that’s often underused is irony. You may have heard the ‘90s song, Ironic, by Alanis Morissette – “ten thousands spoons when all you need is a knife.” Or an anti-teen drinking ad right next to a beer ad on the side of the highway.

When it comes to adding humor to your story, think about the character first, then think about what you find funny or what you find easiest to write. Most people have trouble with physical comedy. It’s one of my favorites but it can be difficult to interpret correctly in a book. The best example for physical comedy is the type of roles Jim Carey would play. Clumsy caricatures with silly over-the-top antics. But if that’s what you find funny, then go for it. Find what humor is comfortable for you to write and fits your character. Then just experiment.

Humor in a book serves the same purpose as it does in real life. It can diffuse tension, lift your mood, relax the body, and help characters form a bond. It also tells us something about a character. Someone who can face fear and make a sarcastic comment about it shows bravery (or stupidity, depending on how you look at it). Witty banter between characters shows a connection, especially if there’s a give and take. Or trading insults, playfully (or sometimes harshly) tells us how the characters feel about each other.

Another way humor adds to novels is by helping to move the story along. Readers are picky. We live in a fast-moving society. If they hit a dull spot in a book, they might put it down. There are plenty of other books to choose from – free ones even. If a reader puts down a book, they often don’t pick it back up. So when I have to inundate a reader with a long description or a back story, I make it funny. That way it entertains the reader as well as gives all the necessary information without hitting a lull in the pacing. This works with transitions too. Some of the most difficult writing, I find, comes in having to explain the character(s) getting from point A to point B. Inserting some appropriate humor can make this more interesting for you, which in turn, makes it more interesting for the reader.

Remember, if you’re bored writing it, the reader is probably bored reading it.

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

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:

A vampire will guard your best interests.  Have a new fun nightlife.

Taurus:

Shapeshifters are playful.  It’s time to spend time with family and friends.  Toss that Frisbee.

Gemini:

Dragons love cookies.  Get a cookie cookbook.  You will receive unexpected company.

Cancer:

Vampires think you’re a great dancer and invite you to a party.  Time to get out that little black dress.

Leo:

Elves are loads of fun.  They love the summer sun.  A picnic is in your future.

Virgo:

Pixies whisper about a mystery that will be revealed to you.

Libra:

Dragons love soaring to new places.  Travel to someplace new.

Scorpio:

Faeries are fashion conscious.  Spiff up your wardrobe.

Sagittarius:

Owls know the secrets in the dark.  Some things are best left alone.

Capricorn:

Hobbits love making changes in the home.  Go along with it.

Aquarius:

Pegasus offers you a ride to new wonders.  Follow your bliss and change your life.

Pisces:

Gnomes are frugal in their travel budgets.  Start planning how much you will need to take a trip.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

New release: Vampire King of New York now in print at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Also in ebooks.

P.S. Come to Pi-Con, June 27-29 in Enfield, CT at the Holiday Inn   http://pi-con.org/a

 

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

Going to 8 Pi-Con! Now Where’s My Pirate Hat?

I started out in science fiction and fantasy and it shows in my stories. I’m a world builder and my characters have family and friends that usually appear in later books creating a series. I love the costuming and the fun panels and the time to talk to friends I’ve known a long time. Even though I will know several people there, I will make new friends too. If you find yourself compelled to have fun. Drop in at 8 Pi-Con http://pi-con.org/ June 27-29, 2014.

Not only will I be in Dealer’s Row with Broad Universe, where I will be selling my books including Vampire King of New York, I’m also on the program.

Friday:

3 pm I plan on attending the Tea Tasting

6 pm I will be on How to Be A Good Panelist

8 pm I’m doing a reading with Grant Carrington in the Suffield Room

Saturday:

1 pm I will be on the panel The Undead and the People Who Love Them

3 pm The Steampunk Tea with hostesses Debi Chowdhury and Susan Hanniford Crowley. Your presence is graciously requested on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. for the Steampunk Tea! You will need to RSVP…er, pre-register at the One Desk. There is a fee of $20.00 per person to cover the food and beverages. It’s a chance to strut out your toniest finery—gowns, hats, gloves, frou-frou, frippery and formal wear all welcome! Don’t forget—the pinkie stays up and the saucer stays down. There will be gift bags and surprises!

6 pm I will be on the panel discussing Scary Movies We Love!  

8 pm I will be on the panel Vampires Past, Present, and Future: Are They Morphing?

Sunday

11 am I will be on the panel So You Want to Write A Series

It’s going to be loads of fun. There is so much I want to do. I will have to miss out on the belly dancing this year as I have a panel at the same time.

So come on down and meet me! Have fun. It will be at the Holiday Inn, in Enfield, CT.   Found my steampunk pirate hat!  Now to find the rest of my outfit.  See you there!

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

P.S.  Next Saturday I hope to be sharing photos from 8 Pi-Con.  The following Saturday, I will be returning to my discussion of social media.

Filed under: Arnhem Knights of New York, Business, Characters, Emotions, fantasy, fantasy romance, films, knights, media vampires, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, party, pirates, Readers Conference, romance, shapeshifters, Social Media, steampunk romance, 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, Writer Workshops, Writer's Life, Writing Topics, writing workshop, ZOMBIE

Summer reading

What are you reading this week? I’m reading Catherine Coulter’s Bombshell.

 

Remember when summer used to be those long, lazy days where you sat under a tree or on the beach hiding those sexy covers as you devoured the words inside. How about now? Do you make time to just relax, open a book, or let your thoughts wonder? This week I did just that and found it freed my mine of so much. It put life back into prospective. Who knew I’d lost it. :)

 

In fact, the story I’m reading this week is one of my favorite series. Talk about energized.  I’ve loaded up my Nook and my bookshelves and can’t wait read through all of these treasures. During the winter  I had put away everything to concentrate on work and writing. And guess what? It stifled my creativity. Weird right? I’ve found it’s all about balance. Life needs equal parts of work, play and love. Happy days are back. The words, ‘they are a flowing’ as my fingers fly across the keys at an amazing rate.

 

One of the things that worked for me was a writing prompt group I belong to. On days when my fingers were frozen over the keys, I’d jump over to Scribbler’s Ink Writing Group developed by Roberta Lerman on Facebook and do an exercise. Knowing there was no pressures, no deadlines, got my thoughts and words flowing. From these prompts I wrote paragraph after paragraph. As s I wrote a wonderful thing happened. I developed so many great stories for the future. Check them out., it’s a closed group, but open to all writer of all levels just.  Visit the page and ask to join the group. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Here’s the address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scribblersink2013/

 

Enjoy the weekend.

 

Filed under: romance

Times Are Changing by Gerri Brousseau

I usually spend every Sunday with my Grand-Daughter. She is 22 months old, walking (more like running), climbing, and talking. She comes out with some phrases that make me really laugh out loud. She’s completely adorable. This past Sunday she took a fall in the driveway and has quite a bruise. She has a shiner and for a few days it was swollen. So, on Sunday after she fell, she was not her usual energetic self. She climbed up on my lap and wanted to just snuggle there and watch her favorite cartoon shows. I sat with her nestled in my arms and we watched things like, Peppa Pig, Sophia the First, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates (my personal favorite). Then the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse came on, and it was all cartoons. What happened to the Mousketeers? Remember when they were actual children? This got me to thinking about the cartoons I grew up watching. When did Bugs Bunny become obsolete? I remember watching Tweedy and Sylvester, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, and the Roadrunner and the Coyote. Yes, we watched Tom and Jerry, which they say were too violent, but I don’t think I grew up any the worse for watching it.

I agree that some of the new cartoon shows are wonderful for teaching young minds to do things like count, but don’t you remember The Count from Sesame Street? Today programs such as Dora and Handy Manny teach children different words in Spanish. My Grand-Daughter also watches a cute little cartoon show called “Lisa and Gaspard” which takes place in Paris and teaches a few words in French. I did see her watching something that featured classical music, and I’m highly in favor of such programs. We didn’t have these programs when I was a kid, and who is to say if we would have been better for having them. But for the most part, we baby-boomers turned out OK.

We didn’t play video games. We played outside. If it was spring or summer, we were playing softball or riding our bikes. If it was autumn, we were jumping in piles of leaves, playing hide and seek, or riding our bikes. If it was winter, we were skating, sledding, or having snowball fights. I remember having to come in when the streetlights came on. In summer we chased fireflies. Last night I was outside walking my dog. I have woods behind me and I was actually looking for fireflies, but there were none. I wonder where they have gone. Do kids today play outside? Do they catch butterflies or fireflies or do they capture enemies in video games? It was a simpler life when I was a kid, way back when, but we didn’t have problems with childhood obesity. Come to think of it, I can’t recall any of my classmates in grade school being overweight or dubbed “the fat kid.”

We have progressed into a tech savvy society, which is great, but at what cost? I remember when I was a kid (and I’m dating myself here) we only had 3 channels on our TV. We didn’t have a remote. We had to get up, walk to the TV and manually change the channel. Today, we collapse in our easy chair and never get up. We have hundreds of channels and we flip through them with our remote. We also have everything on our cell phones, only a tap away. Technology is wonderful, but when do we get up and move? I recently sat in a room with several pre-teen/teens and not a word was spoken. They sat in the chairs texting each other on their phones. I couldn’t help but think that the art of conversation is going to soon be lost. Yes, times sure have changed, but I think some of the old things are still worth doing.

I think this weekend, I’m going take my Grand-Daughter outside to look for fireflies. What are some of your favorite childhood memories?

Filed under: romance

How Are We Wired?

This past weekend, my two-year-old and I were watching Toy Story 3. Spoiler alert: For those of you who haven’t seen this movie, there is a portion near the end where the toys are all put in danger and end up on their way to an incinerator in a city trash dump. I can honestly say I have never seen my toddler so distraught over a cartoon movie (he doesn’t watch that many) as he repeatedly voiced his concern that the little toys were going to burn. Fortunately, as I expected, the toys were saved and both my son and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Still, the incident got me thinking about how we are all wired and how sensitized or desensitized we become to certain situations. My toddler, not having seen much of this world, was definitely not desensitized to Toy Story 3 and the possible loss of toys he had come to care for in watching parts of this movie. I, however, while not worried about the mass threat to the toys, did cry at the end of the movie as Andy realizes just how much he is going to miss his toys and most especially Woody (my toddler was running around distracted by then).

While this experience wasn’t at all extraordinary, it certainly made me give thought to our audience as we write. I am by no means an expert in psychology, but as a writer, we aim to create emotions within our readers and the truth of the matter is that unless we make it big enough to communicate with our readers on a vaster scale, we never truly know how they are affected or whether we met our goal so to speak. This is one of many reasons why it is great to get beta readers or work with others who are willing to critique our work.

Now I’ll pose a few questions and would love some answers as this area remains very elusive to me and I know I probably don’t always elicit the emotions I aim to. First off, how do you other authors out there handle this? As for readers, do you all ever reach out to the authors to provide feedback or even reviews? If you don’t, I’d say we are probably more receptive to it than you’d think and would love to hear from you (at least I speak for myself).

Happy Writing this week and here is a homework task: write a scene (real or fake just for the exercise) and write down the emotions you want your reader to feel while reading it. Then test it out on one of your friends/family, etc. Success?

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Five for Five and Cover Reveal by Leia Shaw

There’s a hashtag going around called #Fiveforfive. I was tagged on Facebook and thought it would make a fun blog post too. So, in honor of my new release coming up, June 30th, I have a cover reveal and FIVE things about the book.

This is about My Scottish Keeper. A novella in the anthology Kept that I lengthened and plan to release soon.

1. My Scottish Keeper is an alien Highlander story. Never thought those two would go together? Well, think again. BAM! Sexy Scottish alien fighter romance novel hero!

2. The heroine is named Maggie after one of my favorite characters on Walking Dead. She’s not as kickass as that Maggie but she has a good heart and well-grounded personality.

3. It’s written in first person from Maggie’s point of view. Something a little different from me but I really liked it.

4. It’s a little kinky. Not as much as my Badass Brats series but Baen is definitely a Dom in his own right. There’s also a very special but humble collar involved.

5. It’s set mostly in Scotland. I’ve never been there but I found this website that has the most beautiful pictures of the country and now I’m putting it on my destination list.

 

 

 

And now for the cover reveal!!!!

I wanted something mysterious but pretty and with a Scottish feel. LOVE the way it turned out. Thanks to Fiona Jayde Media for the hard work!

 

Filed under: romance

Happy Father’s Day Paranormal-Scope

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:

Father Dragons like s’mores. It’s so easy for them to make. Make some treats.

Taurus:

Father Elves have the toughest time with their children.  They fly very fast and need more hugs.

Gemini:

Vampire Dads have it easy. Everything they tell their kids, they believe until they reach the age of 118 and then all bets are off.

Cancer:

Vampire Dads are romantic.  Don’t discount a single dad with kids.

Leo:

Hell hounds are devoted to their pups and love to play. Play is good at any age.

Virgo:

Mermen fathers make sure their kids can swim and no bringing home the stray shark.  Kids need rules.

Libra:

Shapeshifter Dads like to change things up to make life more interesting.  Go ahead change your look.

Scorpio:

Werewolf Dads don’t enjoy bad weather.  Carry emergency gear in your car.

Sagittarius:

Vampire Kings make excellent dads.  They listen to their children even when far away.  Be sure to call.

Capricorn

Leprechaun Dads are generous with their gold.  This is a good time to learn budgeting before the gold vanishes.

Aquarius:

Winged stallions teach their colts to soar.  Get a better view of your life to consider your next step.

Pieces:

Dragon Dads like to cuddle with Dragon Moms.  Put more focus on your relationships.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

New release: Vampire King of New York now in print at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Also in ebooks.

P.S. Come to Pi-Con, June 27-29 in Enfield, CT at the Holiday Inn   http://pi-con.org/

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s to all Dads, Grandfathers, Great-Grandfathers, and prospective fathers!  This is the day we will demonstrate, with sometimes silly, useless, but wonderful gifts,  just how much we love you!

The month of June at my house has always been a month of celebration.  My father was born on June 19 and he and my mother’s anniversary was June 15. Add Father’s day into the mix and from the time I went to work at a pizza parlor, I was always broke in June because of all the presents. :)  But finding something that made my dad smile was worth it all.  Even now, June is a busy month. Mine and my husband’s anniversary is June 21 (the summer solstice!) and our daughter was born on June 16, which happened to be Father’s Day that year. We’re celebrating all of this at Disney this year, so we are REALLY celebrating!

But however you celebrate the love and respect you have for your fathers or other male members of your family, take a minute to think about all the wonderful things Dads do and show them your appreciation. The memories you make today will remain with you throughout your life.  I remember the special Father’s Days with my father even though he’s been gone for nine years, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything in this world.

So Happy Father’s Day again, Fathers!  You deserve it!

Filed under: Holidays, Jenna Jaxon

Social Media and A Grand Birthday

Hi everyone, Waves!

If you’ve seen me do that before, then you’ve seen me on Facebook or Twitter or both.  Some people have told me that they are uncomfortable with certain social media.  One friend told me she doesn’t like Twitter.  Another one uses Twitter in a different way.  She likes long conversations that Twitter does not accommodate. That doesn’t daunt her in the least.  She puts two sentences in each tweet.  To know the whole conversation, you have to read each of them.  (Giggles and falls down.  I’m up.)  I love Twitter, but it does make you work to make your few words memorable.  This particular Twitter symbol goes to my Twitter.

More people are comfortable on Facebook.  Though Twitter now lets you share photos, you’ve always been able to do that on Facebook.  You can make your Facebook private (for family and friends only) or public (so the world can see it).  Members of my family have made their Facebook private as there’s a lot of family photo sharing going on, family news and so forth.  My profile is public and originally started as my author’s platform.  Publishers usually request that author’s have some form of social media platform and a website and/or a blog.  When you use your profile page on Facebook, you have a limit of 5,000.  For authors, the 5,000 limit isn’t good enough, so they usually get the Page sometime referred to by some as the business Page, and used to be called the Fan Page.  I’ve added the Page and since I don’t want anyone to feel left out, I usually have the same things on both pages.  I also love groups on Facebook.  I belong to about 30 different groups.  On some I will spend extra time to chat.  You never know who you’ll meet there.  This one is also set to my Facebook Page.  Since my profile is close to 5,000 friends, we might as well populate the other page.

Another social media which is thoroughly enjoyable is Pinterest.  It’s sort of like an online scrapbook.  You even have the option for secret pins.  I haven’t made any but I’ve seen the option.  If you’re an author, you will want your book covers there with one link where they can buy them.  If you are a shop owner, you will want to photograph your featured inventory.  One item each photo and add the link.  Always add a description.  It’s also great for sharing photos with the world.  Remember if you share a photo on Pinterest, people may use it and not necessary credit you.  Always add your link.  Some people put their copyright on their photos and do not want you to use them on your blog or website without emailed/written permission from them.  Always examine a photo closely for those copyrights or if they have the name of a company or person on them.  Always get permission. If it’s for sale, it’s up to you.  If you can’t get permission, pass it by. In the meantime, just have fun.  Make Pinterest friends, by repining and loving or hearting their pins.  The Pinterest symbol here will send you to my Pinterest.

I’m going to choose another time to talk about Google+, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Goodreads.   I do want to thank Carrie Loves for her free social media icons.  http://www.carrieloves.com/2012/12/free-social-media-icons-updated/

Now for the Grand Birthday!  My dad is 85 years old today, and we’re having a party.  Anyone who would like to send greetings, feel free to use the comment box.  Just say “Happy Birthday, Grandpa!”  He’ll love it.  He is a dad, a grandpa and a great grandpa.  Until we talk again, have a fun Saturday and be safe.

- Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

P.S. Buy Vampire King of New York!  It’s vampire fun and romance and a hot time tonight!  Giggles. It’s available at Amazon in print and Kindle, Barnes and Noble in print and Nook, and at Kobo.

 

 

Filed under: Promotion, romance, Social Media, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Vampire King of New York, Writer's Life