Anne Patrick's Blog, page 16
September 10, 2011
Remembering September 11, 2001
When I was told, "Terrorists are attacking America," my first thought was that another American Embassy had been bombed. "No. An airliner was crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City."
No way!
I walked into the living room where the TV was turned to CNN. On the screen were the twin towers. Black smoke billowing out of the top of tower one. Within minutes, a large jumbo jet came into view...then a ball of fire ripped through the second tower, followed by huge mushroom clouds of smoke, which rolled upwards into the sky.
I sat numb, horrified, mesmerized by the unbelievable sight. This can't be happening. Not in America! The most powerful and secure nation in the world. Yes, they've bombed our embassy's, shot down or hijacked our planes, and have killed innocent Americans abroad. Never had they reached American soil though. Then I recalled the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the Oklahoma City bombing. How could I have forgotten the innocent lives lost in those horrific events?
I had a feeling this day I would never forget. That today, the images playing on millions of televisions across the world, would be forever embedded in our minds and our hearts.
As the hour unfolded, I watched again in horror and disbelief as NYC's two largest sky-scrappers crumbled to the ground. Burning in it's rubble were thousands upon thousands of innocent victims, including police, firefighters, and emergency personnel who unselfishly rushed into the buildings to help save lives, rescuing those lucky enough to survive the blasts and following infernos.
Minutes crept by. The horror wasn't over. Another plane had crashed into the Pentagon in Washington DC. Then yet another plane crashes, this one, however, hadn't made it to it's target. It crashed in a secluded area in Pennsylvania. Later we learned of the brave souls aboard who took their fate into their own hands and sacrificed their lives for others.
For me, September 11, 2001 will be remembered as the day America lost her innocence, no longer fearless and untouchable. Perhaps smug and naive in our freedom we were taught a hard lesson in reality, that others around the world had lived with for years. Millions watched as the second plane crashed into the second tower of the World Trade Center, leaving them numb with disbelief. A total of 2977 people perished that day and America mourned like we never have before. Momentarily stunned by fear and despair.
Out of the ashes came a renewed strength as three firemen raised our country's symbol, the American flag. It brought forth a patriotism that veiled our country in red, white and blue, reunited in part because of the countless stories of bravery during the darkest day in the history of America. From the tales of brave police and fire fighters who rushed into the towers to save lives, to a hand full of brave souls on Flight 93, we were inspired to stand tall and draw together as a nation of brothers and sisters.
On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, I pray for that continued unity and patriotism. I pray for the surviving family members of those who died and give thanks for all those brave souls who risked their lives to save others, and to the men and women serving in our military in the hopes that we never have such another day.
Anne
September 9, 2011
A Familiar Evil in COTT's Tournament of Champions
In August A Familiar Evil won Clash of the Titles and it will soon go up against sixteen previous COTT champs in eight different mini-Clashes over a four week period. Only ONE will take home The Laurel Award. The first annual Tournament of Champions will take place October 10-November 4, 2011. I can't tell you when my excerpt will be posted during the tournament because I don't know. It's top secret! So be sure to visit every Monday and Wednesday during the tournament to vote for the best excerpt. There will be games and prizes throughout the tournament with all sorts of prizes. The Grand Prize will be 17 Novels! For complete details and a list of the prizes please visit here:
In other news -
I got a sneak peak at my cover for Renegade Hearts and it's going to be awesome! What's so special about this one you may be wondering. Well...because of the handsome dark-haired model chosen to portray my hero. I'm sure you will probably recognize him even with his shirt on if you've read very many romance novels :). No it's not Fabio. It's Jimmy Thomas! That's right, Mr. Romance himself, the man who has graced countless covers posed as everything from a spy to a knight and IMHO just as good, if not better, than Fabio. I've been wanting a Jimmy Thomas cover forever and now, thanks to Jenifer Ranieri and Desert Breeze Publishing, I'm getting one. I will be posting the masterpiece as soon as I receive the final version, which will be very soon I hope. In the meantime feast your eyes on the cover of his calendar.
http://www.jimmythomas.com/portfolio.html
September 7, 2011
Janet Lane Walters' Henge Betrayed Series
My latest release is The Henge Betrayed -- Quests. This is the third book in the Henge Betrayed series.
Though the now nine friends have found a refuge, as they begin to learn how to use their talents, they realize there are other things needed before they can confront the evil in their land.
The nine divide into three groups.
The first group sets out to find more of the gems that enhance their affinities for the elements. The three must face fears from the past and evade the dom's minions.
The second group sets out to find the remaining talismans and are led to the buried henge in Soutren. They must find a way into the structure beneath the desert sands and fight the vermin they find there.
The third group set out to find the remaining young adults with affinities to complete four quartets. During the search, they discover three of the heirs of the princedoms and stage rescues.
Will they succeed in their quests or will they fall prey to the evil Dom Senet and He Who Walks With Evil?
Since this is the third book of the series I'll tell you a little bit about the other books in the series.
Flight is the first and introduces some of the main characters who are based on my grandchildren in part.
"We've been betrayed." Those words spoken by the Dom and Doma of the Wesren henge awaken their four children—two sets of male-female twins.
Each child has an affinity for one of the four elements—earth, air, fire and earth. In secret, the young teens flee their home to seek a place of safety and teachers to hone their control. They use their emerging talents in ways they never imagined.
Will their quest succeed or will they become pawns of He Who Walks In Darkness?
Refuge is the second book.
The adventure begun in Flight continues. Ash, Bran, Ky, and Jay, led by the mysterious birds they believe are their parents, find refuge with a doma while they await the arrival of their friend, Zand.
The doma plans to take them to safety in the highlands but news of the capture of two friends by "He who walks with evil" sends them on a rescue mission.
They soon realize their powers are not strong enough to defeat the evil dom, but they must find a way to succeed, or risk seeing their friends corrupted forever.
There will be a fourth book in the future called Confrontations.
Though the now nine friends have found a refuge, as they begin to learn how to use their talents, they realize there are other things needed before they can confront the evil in their land.
The nine divide into three groups.
The first group sets out to find more of the gems that enhance their affinities for the elements. The three must face fears from the past and evade the dom's minions.
The second group sets out to find the remaining talismans and are led to the buried henge in Soutren. They must find a way into the structure beneath the desert sands and fight the vermin they find there.
The third group set out to find the remaining young adults with affinities to complete four quartets. During the search, they discover three of the heirs of the princedoms and stage rescues.
Will they succeed in their quests or will they fall prey to the evil Dom Senet and He Who Walks With Evil?
Since this is the third book of the series I'll tell you a little bit about the other books in the series.
Flight is the first and introduces some of the main characters who are based on my grandchildren in part.
"We've been betrayed." Those words spoken by the Dom and Doma of the Wesren henge awaken their four children—two sets of male-female twins.
Each child has an affinity for one of the four elements—earth, air, fire and earth. In secret, the young teens flee their home to seek a place of safety and teachers to hone their control. They use their emerging talents in ways they never imagined.
Will their quest succeed or will they become pawns of He Who Walks In Darkness?
Refuge is the second book.
The adventure begun in Flight continues. Ash, Bran, Ky, and Jay, led by the mysterious birds they believe are their parents, find refuge with a doma while they await the arrival of their friend, Zand.
The doma plans to take them to safety in the highlands but news of the capture of two friends by "He who walks with evil" sends them on a rescue mission.
They soon realize their powers are not strong enough to defeat the evil dom, but they must find a way to succeed, or risk seeing their friends corrupted forever.
There will be a fourth book in the future called Confrontations.
August 31, 2011
Meet Author of the Month Janet Lane Walters
Thanks for joining me this month, Janet. I hope you enjoy the experience. We look forward to learning more about you and your works. Let's begin with Janet's Q&A, followed by her Bio.
[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Janet] As a child I was a early reader and soon went through the children's section of the library. The first book that made an impression on me was Anna Karenina. I read this in third grade and still have problems with wanting to change the ending. Her death was so senseless.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Janet] Problem is that I have too many favorite authors. I enjoy Dick Francis, Tony Hillerman, Jane Austin, Jo Beverly, Mary Jo Putney, Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton, Marian Zimmer Bradley, Jane Toombs, Ann McCaffrey, James Rollins and those are just a few.
[Anne] Out of all the books you've read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Janet] Someone asked the same question the other day and it was The Rake by Mary Jo Putney. Couldn't pick a particular scene because in the number of times I've re-read this book, it's sort of become a gestalt.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Janet] Because four of my grandchildren live in Palm Beach, Fl. this is my favorite place to vacation. Don't see them often enough. If it was a dream trip it would be Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Janet] A custom kitchen. I enjoy cooking, especially baking.
[Anne] It's Saturday afternoon and you're home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Janet] Saturday and the clothes are much like every other day. Slacks and a tee shirt, socks and no shoes. Except in the winter when it's a sweatshirt and slippers.
[Anne] What's your favorite dish?
[Janet] Depends on the season as to what I enjoy but I'd say chicken fajitas most of the time along with a nice salad.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Janet] Spending time with my grandchildren, now have seven, reading and listening to classical music.
[Anne] You've just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you've collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Janet] None of the above I'll stick to my Prius not into cars that tear up the roads or the environment.
[Anne] What's your favorite television show? Movie?
[Janet] Not a movie person. The last one I saw was the last segment of The Lord of the Rings. Now television is another matter. Love all the crime shows and watch for about 2 hours every night. Maybe this year Covert Affairs was preferred for summer. Love Criminal Minds in the winter.
[Anne] You've won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Janet] At my age I wouldn't be doing much in the talent area but years ago a friend and I were a dance team in high school and performed for several years.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Janet] I think I would rather fly since then I could go the places I want to go with little trouble and not have to worry about my new knees setting off the alarms and being patted down.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Janet] Learning to stretch my imagination and being able to write things I never thought I could. Sweet nurse romances were my beginning but I soon learned how to move into other genres.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Janet] Most of my research has been from reading books and using the internet. I would imagine the most interesting was talking to a forensic psychiatrist while writing "Obsession." He kept me on target with the villain.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Janet] Finding inspiration isn't hard. All I need is paper, pen and my recliner and I'm good to go.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Janet] Quirks, not really but I must have a fine line pen and college ruled paper. Guess that might be considered strange by those who compose on the computer.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Janet] For me a good story must have both a plot and the characters that fit the story. I also like the background, any information and descriptions woven in bit by bit rather than huge lumps.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Janet] At present, I'm working on a story called The Chosen of Horu, part of a trilogy using an alternate ancient Egypt. The Warrior of Bast was the first and there will be a third one of these days. I really love exploring Egypt and deciding what to change about the culture. One was giving three gods Bast, Horu and Toth, rather than the plethora found there. Another was getting camels there thousands of years before they appeared.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Janet] Probably one of the most interesting was at a book signing when a woman asked me for the titles of every book I'd written with nurses in them. She was a nurse and collected novels about nurses. She brought several of mine written in the 1970s to be autographed. This was in 1996.
Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
he gasped and fell at my feet. I knelt and saw the blood. Who had done this? I looked around to see if anyone approached. Carefully I examined the wounds and did what I could to stop the bleeding. "Let me call for help."
"No. Help me." With those words he fell into unconsciousness.
I struggled to get him into my car. As I drove away I wondered who he was and what danger I had stepped into.
Janet's Bio-
From the publication of her first short story in 1968, Janet Lane Walter was bitten by the writing bug. Then one day one of her short stories was returned with a note from the editor. "This sounds like the synopsis for a novel." She set out to learn the rudiments of novel writing. Thirty five or so novels later, she's still as her granddaughter once said " Grandma's making words." Janet took some time out to pursue her alternate career -- Nursing and worked until her four children finished their education. Also during those hectic years she earned a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. She's the proud grandmother of seven ranging in age from 3 to 23. She lives in the scenic Hudson River Valley with her husband of 52 years. He's a psychiatrist and refuses to cure her obsession with writing. Janet's reading and writing habits are eclectic. She's published in romance, from sweet to sensual, from contemporary to fantasy and alternate world stories. She's also written cozy mysteries, suspense and fantasy for YA and adults. Several non-fiction books are on her shelf, one an EPIC aware winner written with her friend Jane Toombs. She's a member of EPIC, Broad Universe and RWA.
Don't really have a web site. Usually send the curious to Jewels of the Quill, Dame Amber but I do have an active blog. http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com/
[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Janet] As a child I was a early reader and soon went through the children's section of the library. The first book that made an impression on me was Anna Karenina. I read this in third grade and still have problems with wanting to change the ending. Her death was so senseless.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Janet] Problem is that I have too many favorite authors. I enjoy Dick Francis, Tony Hillerman, Jane Austin, Jo Beverly, Mary Jo Putney, Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton, Marian Zimmer Bradley, Jane Toombs, Ann McCaffrey, James Rollins and those are just a few.
[Anne] Out of all the books you've read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Janet] Someone asked the same question the other day and it was The Rake by Mary Jo Putney. Couldn't pick a particular scene because in the number of times I've re-read this book, it's sort of become a gestalt.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Janet] Because four of my grandchildren live in Palm Beach, Fl. this is my favorite place to vacation. Don't see them often enough. If it was a dream trip it would be Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Janet] A custom kitchen. I enjoy cooking, especially baking.
[Anne] It's Saturday afternoon and you're home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Janet] Saturday and the clothes are much like every other day. Slacks and a tee shirt, socks and no shoes. Except in the winter when it's a sweatshirt and slippers.
[Anne] What's your favorite dish?
[Janet] Depends on the season as to what I enjoy but I'd say chicken fajitas most of the time along with a nice salad.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Janet] Spending time with my grandchildren, now have seven, reading and listening to classical music.
[Anne] You've just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you've collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Janet] None of the above I'll stick to my Prius not into cars that tear up the roads or the environment.
[Anne] What's your favorite television show? Movie?
[Janet] Not a movie person. The last one I saw was the last segment of The Lord of the Rings. Now television is another matter. Love all the crime shows and watch for about 2 hours every night. Maybe this year Covert Affairs was preferred for summer. Love Criminal Minds in the winter.
[Anne] You've won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Janet] At my age I wouldn't be doing much in the talent area but years ago a friend and I were a dance team in high school and performed for several years.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Janet] I think I would rather fly since then I could go the places I want to go with little trouble and not have to worry about my new knees setting off the alarms and being patted down.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Janet] Learning to stretch my imagination and being able to write things I never thought I could. Sweet nurse romances were my beginning but I soon learned how to move into other genres.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Janet] Most of my research has been from reading books and using the internet. I would imagine the most interesting was talking to a forensic psychiatrist while writing "Obsession." He kept me on target with the villain.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Janet] Finding inspiration isn't hard. All I need is paper, pen and my recliner and I'm good to go.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Janet] Quirks, not really but I must have a fine line pen and college ruled paper. Guess that might be considered strange by those who compose on the computer.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Janet] For me a good story must have both a plot and the characters that fit the story. I also like the background, any information and descriptions woven in bit by bit rather than huge lumps.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Janet] At present, I'm working on a story called The Chosen of Horu, part of a trilogy using an alternate ancient Egypt. The Warrior of Bast was the first and there will be a third one of these days. I really love exploring Egypt and deciding what to change about the culture. One was giving three gods Bast, Horu and Toth, rather than the plethora found there. Another was getting camels there thousands of years before they appeared.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Janet] Probably one of the most interesting was at a book signing when a woman asked me for the titles of every book I'd written with nurses in them. She was a nurse and collected novels about nurses. She brought several of mine written in the 1970s to be autographed. This was in 1996.
Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
he gasped and fell at my feet. I knelt and saw the blood. Who had done this? I looked around to see if anyone approached. Carefully I examined the wounds and did what I could to stop the bleeding. "Let me call for help."
"No. Help me." With those words he fell into unconsciousness.
I struggled to get him into my car. As I drove away I wondered who he was and what danger I had stepped into.
Janet's Bio-
From the publication of her first short story in 1968, Janet Lane Walter was bitten by the writing bug. Then one day one of her short stories was returned with a note from the editor. "This sounds like the synopsis for a novel." She set out to learn the rudiments of novel writing. Thirty five or so novels later, she's still as her granddaughter once said " Grandma's making words." Janet took some time out to pursue her alternate career -- Nursing and worked until her four children finished their education. Also during those hectic years she earned a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. She's the proud grandmother of seven ranging in age from 3 to 23. She lives in the scenic Hudson River Valley with her husband of 52 years. He's a psychiatrist and refuses to cure her obsession with writing. Janet's reading and writing habits are eclectic. She's published in romance, from sweet to sensual, from contemporary to fantasy and alternate world stories. She's also written cozy mysteries, suspense and fantasy for YA and adults. Several non-fiction books are on her shelf, one an EPIC aware winner written with her friend Jane Toombs. She's a member of EPIC, Broad Universe and RWA.
Don't really have a web site. Usually send the curious to Jewels of the Quill, Dame Amber but I do have an active blog. http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com/
Winner of Karen's book is....
Mary Foster! Congratulations, Mary. I'm sure you'll enjoy Glass Angels. Karen's an awesome author!
September's author is another fellow Jewel of the Quill, Janet Lane Walters. Janet is a multi-published and award-winning author I'm sure you're gonna want to add to your reading list.
Be sure to mark your calendar, on Sept 14th I'm having a release party for my first contemporary western romance Renegade Hearts at The Sweetest Romance Author's Blog . During the two-hour party I'll be having half hour drawings. Prizes includes: a PDF copy of Renegade Hearts, a hat, and tee shirt. The final grand prize drawing will include a copy of Renegade Hearts, a $10 gift cert from Amazon, & a PDF copy of my award-winning/best-selling Fire and Ash (or choice of one of my other ebooks). Hope you can join me.
September's author is another fellow Jewel of the Quill, Janet Lane Walters. Janet is a multi-published and award-winning author I'm sure you're gonna want to add to your reading list.
Be sure to mark your calendar, on Sept 14th I'm having a release party for my first contemporary western romance Renegade Hearts at The Sweetest Romance Author's Blog . During the two-hour party I'll be having half hour drawings. Prizes includes: a PDF copy of Renegade Hearts, a hat, and tee shirt. The final grand prize drawing will include a copy of Renegade Hearts, a $10 gift cert from Amazon, & a PDF copy of my award-winning/best-selling Fire and Ash (or choice of one of my other ebooks). Hope you can join me.
August 28, 2011
Karen Wiesner Shares Her Writing Process & Writing Tips
Today Karen will share her writing process and some writing tips with us.
Let's begin with plotting. Take it away, Karen!
Both of my Writer's Digest books, First Draft in 30 Days and From First Draft to Finished Novel {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building} work together perfectly, and those who have read and used both methods say the same. Used together, they really are like a well-oiled machine focused on productivity, high-quality and unending momentum. One thing From First Draft to Finished Novel really targets is the importance of working in stages. I can't stress how crucial this is for all authors. Let me explain.
In an ideal situation, a writer goes through the following nine stages to get a finished novel:
• Brainstorming
• Researching
• Outlining
• Setting aside the project
• Writing the first draft
• Setting aside the project
• Revising the first draft
• Setting aside the project
• Editing and polishing
A word about why "setting aside the project" so many times is so important: I believe a book is best if you give it time to "breathe" between these stages. Whatever fears you had about whether the story is working will dissolve after you've set the project aside for a good amount of time because it's as if you're coming into the work brand new. Allowing your projects to sit for a couple of weeks—or even months—will provide you with a fresh perspective. You'll be able to evaluate if the story is really as solid as you believed it was when you finished it. All writers get too close to their outlines or manuscripts to really see them objectively. Distance gives you that objectivity and the ability to read your own work like you've never seen it before, so you can progress further with it.
Another reason for setting projects aside between stages is that writers always reach a point where their motivation runs out, and they may simply want to get away from the story as fast as they can. Who wants to write a book you've just spent weeks or even months outlining? Who would want to revise a book you've spent weeks or months writing? With every single book, I get to rock bottom and I'm convinced that if I ever see the manuscript again, I'll tear it to shreds. Setting it aside between the various stages the project goes through really gives me back my motivation for it. I'm always amazed at how much better I can face the project again when I haven't seen it for a couple weeks or even a month or more. I fall in love with it again. The next stage in the process becomes easier, too, and that helps my writing to be much better.
Also, the more books I have contracted, the more I seem to need these breaks in-between stages. I need breaks even when I feel a project is working beautifully. If I put it on a back burner for an extended period of time (as long as I can possibly allow and still meet my deadlines), amazing things happen over the low flame. By the time I return to it, I find myself bursting with new ways to fix any problems I couldn't resolve when I was too close to, and sick of, the project, and this also allows me to see more of those connections that make a story infinitely cohesive in terms of knitting your characters seamlessly to the plot and setting.
Another reason for working in stages is that I'm able to start brainstorming on upcoming projects sometimes years in advance. When it's time to work on that project, I'm just raring to go. I have a ton of ideas and the motivation to get them all down will carry me through the outlining like a breeze. Because I've always got multiple books going at one time, each one in a different stage of the process, I'm constantly brainstorming on the projects in the back of my mind, analyzing them for any weaknesses and coming up with ways to improve them. That's so crucial to the overall strength of your stories.
The most important reason for working in stages is because each of those steps is a layer that is added to the book, a layer that makes it stronger, richer, and—I have to say it—more cohesive.
The only way to stay on track with your writing career is by working in stages and allowing yourself to come into each of them completely fresh and eager to add another layer to the project. On my website, you'll find a page that includes my annual works in progress and accomplishments:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/WIP.html
I encourage listeners to visit this page because you'll really see how well these methods work.
In an average year, I outline, write and revise about 10 novels and novellas, and I follow the annual goals you'll see on my Work in Progress page. All of these are done in the stages I mentioned before. Right now, I'm working on eight separate projects, each one in a different stage in the process. Later this year, I'll be folding five more projects into these current eight, so I'll be juggling thirteen projects at once (with the greatest of ease!). I love that I'm never doing the same thing in terms of outlining, writing and revising projects. I move from outlining one book, to revising a different one, to writing something altogether, layering and building and developing each book into something wonderful that I could never get if I wasn't working in stages.
Using my own writing methods, everything in my career is planned well in advance, and I keep tweaking my schedule to make it as productive as it possibly can be. Most people think that I must work 24 hours a day based on my productivity. That's the really amazing part of this whole method. I don't have to. Working in stages, using an outline and goals, I work from eight o'clock to noon on weekdays and I can take off every weekend and most of the summer and yet I'm constantly moving forward. At this time, I'm working about a year ahead of my releases. In other words, I've already completed all of my 2011 releases and I've already got a good start on my 2012 contracts.
How do you avoid writers block, Karen?
Brainstorming is what turns an average story into an extraordinary one. It's the magical element every writer marvels about in the process of completing a book. Brainstorm day and night, whatever you do, wherever you are, whenever you possibly can. Something every author covets is the ability to sit down to a blank screen or page and begin to work immediately. The secret to doing that is brainstorming! When you brainstorm constantly and productively during both the outlining and writing processes, you'll always be fully prepared to begin writing without agonizing over the starting sentences or paragraph.
Notice I specified that you should brainstorm productively if you want the writing process to go smoothly and quickly. That's where your outline comes in. The brainstorming process will have allowed you to do all the hard work of plotting, characterization, etc. while creating your outline and so you won't face writer's block when you sit down to write each day. Once you have an outline, you'll know every single day what you'll be writing about in the book. You won't have to decide where the story is going as you write, because you'll have done all that in the outlining stage. The day or week before you begin writing a certain scene, start brainstorming on it. Also, working in stages keeps your writing so fresh, you don't have to worrying about writer's block or burn-out.
Do you have any other writing tips for aspiring writers?
In January 2011, I began a regular monthly guest column, called "From One Author to Another" on Savvy and the column will run for about a year. Topics will be of interest to writers-published and pre-published—and will vary each month. To check out my introduction and overview of my column and to read my first few articles visit:
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php?737-from-one-writer-to-another-with-karen-wiesner
Wow! You truly are amazing, Karen! Folks, remember to leave a comment/contact info to be entered in Karen's drawing!
Let's begin with plotting. Take it away, Karen!
Both of my Writer's Digest books, First Draft in 30 Days and From First Draft to Finished Novel {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building} work together perfectly, and those who have read and used both methods say the same. Used together, they really are like a well-oiled machine focused on productivity, high-quality and unending momentum. One thing From First Draft to Finished Novel really targets is the importance of working in stages. I can't stress how crucial this is for all authors. Let me explain.
In an ideal situation, a writer goes through the following nine stages to get a finished novel:
• Brainstorming
• Researching
• Outlining
• Setting aside the project
• Writing the first draft
• Setting aside the project
• Revising the first draft
• Setting aside the project
• Editing and polishing
A word about why "setting aside the project" so many times is so important: I believe a book is best if you give it time to "breathe" between these stages. Whatever fears you had about whether the story is working will dissolve after you've set the project aside for a good amount of time because it's as if you're coming into the work brand new. Allowing your projects to sit for a couple of weeks—or even months—will provide you with a fresh perspective. You'll be able to evaluate if the story is really as solid as you believed it was when you finished it. All writers get too close to their outlines or manuscripts to really see them objectively. Distance gives you that objectivity and the ability to read your own work like you've never seen it before, so you can progress further with it.
Another reason for setting projects aside between stages is that writers always reach a point where their motivation runs out, and they may simply want to get away from the story as fast as they can. Who wants to write a book you've just spent weeks or even months outlining? Who would want to revise a book you've spent weeks or months writing? With every single book, I get to rock bottom and I'm convinced that if I ever see the manuscript again, I'll tear it to shreds. Setting it aside between the various stages the project goes through really gives me back my motivation for it. I'm always amazed at how much better I can face the project again when I haven't seen it for a couple weeks or even a month or more. I fall in love with it again. The next stage in the process becomes easier, too, and that helps my writing to be much better.
Also, the more books I have contracted, the more I seem to need these breaks in-between stages. I need breaks even when I feel a project is working beautifully. If I put it on a back burner for an extended period of time (as long as I can possibly allow and still meet my deadlines), amazing things happen over the low flame. By the time I return to it, I find myself bursting with new ways to fix any problems I couldn't resolve when I was too close to, and sick of, the project, and this also allows me to see more of those connections that make a story infinitely cohesive in terms of knitting your characters seamlessly to the plot and setting.
Another reason for working in stages is that I'm able to start brainstorming on upcoming projects sometimes years in advance. When it's time to work on that project, I'm just raring to go. I have a ton of ideas and the motivation to get them all down will carry me through the outlining like a breeze. Because I've always got multiple books going at one time, each one in a different stage of the process, I'm constantly brainstorming on the projects in the back of my mind, analyzing them for any weaknesses and coming up with ways to improve them. That's so crucial to the overall strength of your stories.
The most important reason for working in stages is because each of those steps is a layer that is added to the book, a layer that makes it stronger, richer, and—I have to say it—more cohesive.
The only way to stay on track with your writing career is by working in stages and allowing yourself to come into each of them completely fresh and eager to add another layer to the project. On my website, you'll find a page that includes my annual works in progress and accomplishments:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/WIP.html
I encourage listeners to visit this page because you'll really see how well these methods work.
In an average year, I outline, write and revise about 10 novels and novellas, and I follow the annual goals you'll see on my Work in Progress page. All of these are done in the stages I mentioned before. Right now, I'm working on eight separate projects, each one in a different stage in the process. Later this year, I'll be folding five more projects into these current eight, so I'll be juggling thirteen projects at once (with the greatest of ease!). I love that I'm never doing the same thing in terms of outlining, writing and revising projects. I move from outlining one book, to revising a different one, to writing something altogether, layering and building and developing each book into something wonderful that I could never get if I wasn't working in stages.
Using my own writing methods, everything in my career is planned well in advance, and I keep tweaking my schedule to make it as productive as it possibly can be. Most people think that I must work 24 hours a day based on my productivity. That's the really amazing part of this whole method. I don't have to. Working in stages, using an outline and goals, I work from eight o'clock to noon on weekdays and I can take off every weekend and most of the summer and yet I'm constantly moving forward. At this time, I'm working about a year ahead of my releases. In other words, I've already completed all of my 2011 releases and I've already got a good start on my 2012 contracts.
How do you avoid writers block, Karen?
Brainstorming is what turns an average story into an extraordinary one. It's the magical element every writer marvels about in the process of completing a book. Brainstorm day and night, whatever you do, wherever you are, whenever you possibly can. Something every author covets is the ability to sit down to a blank screen or page and begin to work immediately. The secret to doing that is brainstorming! When you brainstorm constantly and productively during both the outlining and writing processes, you'll always be fully prepared to begin writing without agonizing over the starting sentences or paragraph.
Notice I specified that you should brainstorm productively if you want the writing process to go smoothly and quickly. That's where your outline comes in. The brainstorming process will have allowed you to do all the hard work of plotting, characterization, etc. while creating your outline and so you won't face writer's block when you sit down to write each day. Once you have an outline, you'll know every single day what you'll be writing about in the book. You won't have to decide where the story is going as you write, because you'll have done all that in the outlining stage. The day or week before you begin writing a certain scene, start brainstorming on it. Also, working in stages keeps your writing so fresh, you don't have to worrying about writer's block or burn-out.
Do you have any other writing tips for aspiring writers?
In January 2011, I began a regular monthly guest column, called "From One Author to Another" on Savvy and the column will run for about a year. Topics will be of interest to writers-published and pre-published—and will vary each month. To check out my introduction and overview of my column and to read my first few articles visit:
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php?737-from-one-writer-to-another-with-karen-wiesner
Wow! You truly are amazing, Karen! Folks, remember to leave a comment/contact info to be entered in Karen's drawing!
August 25, 2011
Author Interview with Marlayne Giron
[Anne] Good morning, Marlayne, and welcome to my blog. Please tell the readers a little about yourself.
[Marlayne] I'm a wife, mother and Messianic Jew who loves Jesus.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite book you read as a child?
[Marlayne] I have several! Heidi, The Secret Language, Black Beauty and all of the Fairytales.
[Anne] I'm sure you've read a ton of books. Is there one you've read you wish you had wrote? If so why?
[Marlayne] Oh I wish that I had written Lord of the Rings. It is an absolute masterpiece and the "gold standard" in fantasy fiction. I read The Hobbit and the entire LOTR trilogy in a single weekend when I was 14 and wept, laughed and endured the pain along with all the characters. It is probably one of the most majestic and profound books ever written.
[Anne] Please share your favorite line or passage from a book.
[Marlayne] It is actually from the Appendix when Aragorn is ready to give up his life and Arwen is pleading with him to stay longer: "Lady Undomiel," said Aragorn, "the hour is indeed hard, yet it was made even in that day when we met under the white birches in the garden of Elrond where none now walk. An on the hill of Cerin Amroth when we forsook both the Shadow and the Twilight this doom we accepted. Take counsel with yourself, beloved, and ask whether you would indeed have me wait until I withr and fall from my high seat unmanned and witless. Nay, lady, I am the last of the Numenoreans and the latest King of the Elder Days; and to me has been given not only a span thrice that of Men of Middle-earth, but also the grace to go at my will, and give back the gift. Now, therefore, I will sleep. I speak no comfort to you for there is no comfort for such pain within the circles of the world. The uttermost chose is before you: to repent and go to the Havens and bear away into the West the memory of our days together that shall there be evergreen but never more than a memory; or else to abide the Doom of Men."
[Anne] When did you first decide you wanted to write a book?
[Marlayne] I was inspired to write my first book, "The Victor" 30 years ago while listening to an Amy Grant by the name of Fairytale. The verse in the song was: "two princes wage the battle for eternity but the victor has been known from the start". After hundreds of rewrites and dozens of rejections I finally got to see the fulfillment of my dream when The Victor was released Holy Week of 2009. The rest of my books took considerably less time, with my latest, "In Plain Sight" being written in just four months. The idea came from attending a writer's conference workshop in which the editor of Marcher Lord Press was talking about the "buggy and bonnet" books (Amish) and how he would really love to see someone do a paranormal Amish fiction.
[Anne] What has been the highlight of your publishing career so far?
[Marlayne] All the new friends I have made all over the country and the world. I'm not just passing acquaintances with a lot of these people. I pray for them, share my life and struggles with them and visa versa.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Marlayne] For The Victor it was discovering that when a knight was "knighted" by his Lord, he was whacked really hard with the flat of the sword instead of tapped. The object was not to be bowled over by the stroke.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Marlayne] The emotional journey is everything. If a book will make me cry, giggle and empathize with the plight of the characters as they go through the challenges of the plot then it is a book well worth reading.
[Anne] I heard you have a new release. Please tell us about it.
[Marlayne] "In Plain Sight" is Amish fiction with a very unique twist. I'm different from most Amish authors in that I do not live near an Amish or Mennonite community nor have relatives who are. It's a "what if" story and the inspiration came from several sources, the writer's workshop mentioned previously and C.S. Lewis' sci-fi book "Out of the Silent Planet". It is mainly a love-story but also combines suspense with a very inspirational surprise at the end.
[Anne] What made you decide to write a book about the Amish?
[Marlayne] I honestly just wanted to see if I could do it. It took me four months and until I got to the halfway mark it was like pulling teeth. After that it began to write itself and inspirational went into high gear!
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Marlayne] I just finished a novella for Love Inspired called Plain & Simple. The premise is 30-something SoCal widow with teen, purchases Amish farmhouse for purposes of turning it into an Amish B&B and meets 30-something Amish widower who lost wife and children in buggy accident. Despite their different backgrounds and cultures, they are drawn to one another first by their mutually shared pain and then love begins to grow.
[Anne] Thanks so much for joining us today, Marlayne. It's been fun getting to know more about you. In closing please give us a short excerpt of your new book and let us know where we can buy it.
Excerpt:
Seth and Silas stood up and went onstage to display her quilt to the remaining bidders. The auctioneer began the bidding at $300. One or two hands went up and the price slowly climbed $20 at a time. Then the bidding began to peter out. If others didn't bid the auctioneer would have to call it sold at a horribly low price. As Rebecca scanned the seats, Katie Zook and her entourage entered the tent. They walked up the center aisle and took the empty seats in the first row. The better to ogle the brothers from, Rebecca guessed. She turned her attention back to the stage to find Seth staring at her; a ghost of a smile playing about his lips.
Watch this! Came the words inside her head as the auctioneer yelled out: "GOING ONCE…!" his gavel poised to declare the bidding concluded.
Suddenly arms shot up all over the tent and the bidding began anew; this time in earnest. The price began zooming up by the hundreds and in moments was well over the $2,000 mark with no end of bidding in sight. Rebecca could feel the eyes of her mother, father and Katie Zook upon her but she dared not meet their gaze. She kept her eyes fastened firmly upon the auctioneer who was now mopping his florid face with a handkerchief; desperately trying to keep up with the bids. Once or twice she stole a glance at Seth who stood stone-faced by the quilt except for the mischievous twinkle in his silver eyes.
"Five thousand dollars for the Esh Shadow Star quilt…do I hear five thousand and a hundred?"
Word quickly spread through the fairgrounds that an incredible bidding war had broken out in the auction tent. The news that a quilt was breaking all records for price emptied the booths and had everyone who was left running for the tent to watch. Every vacant seat was quickly filled and soon there was standing room only but the bidding showed no sign of abating.
"Six thousand, five hundred! Do I hear seven thousand?" The auctioneer was becoming hoarse and sweating profusely. Hands shot up again all over the tent. Now there were more than 100 people bidding on her mother's quilt. Rebecca caught Seth's eye. There was no doubt in her mind that the brothers were entirely responsible for the bidding war on the quilt; she just couldn't figure out how they were doing it.
"Eight thousand!" screamed the auctioneer. The crowd let out an enormous cheer. The bidding had become "the" show and everyone was curious to see how high it would go and who would end up with the quilt.
Rebecca looked over to see her daed and mamm exchange alarmed glances. They had obviously drawn the same conclusion as she and were not pleased. They didn't want to be responsible for taking advantage of people. Leroy stood up and stared down the brothers; making his meaning clear. Silas nodded and the bidding slowed down to two remaining bidders who seemed determined to win what was arguably the most famous quilt auction in all of Lancaster County.
PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON MY BLOG: http://marlaynegiron.blogspot.com/201...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
Twitter: @thevictorbook
[Marlayne] I'm a wife, mother and Messianic Jew who loves Jesus.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite book you read as a child?
[Marlayne] I have several! Heidi, The Secret Language, Black Beauty and all of the Fairytales.
[Anne] I'm sure you've read a ton of books. Is there one you've read you wish you had wrote? If so why?
[Marlayne] Oh I wish that I had written Lord of the Rings. It is an absolute masterpiece and the "gold standard" in fantasy fiction. I read The Hobbit and the entire LOTR trilogy in a single weekend when I was 14 and wept, laughed and endured the pain along with all the characters. It is probably one of the most majestic and profound books ever written.
[Anne] Please share your favorite line or passage from a book.
[Marlayne] It is actually from the Appendix when Aragorn is ready to give up his life and Arwen is pleading with him to stay longer: "Lady Undomiel," said Aragorn, "the hour is indeed hard, yet it was made even in that day when we met under the white birches in the garden of Elrond where none now walk. An on the hill of Cerin Amroth when we forsook both the Shadow and the Twilight this doom we accepted. Take counsel with yourself, beloved, and ask whether you would indeed have me wait until I withr and fall from my high seat unmanned and witless. Nay, lady, I am the last of the Numenoreans and the latest King of the Elder Days; and to me has been given not only a span thrice that of Men of Middle-earth, but also the grace to go at my will, and give back the gift. Now, therefore, I will sleep. I speak no comfort to you for there is no comfort for such pain within the circles of the world. The uttermost chose is before you: to repent and go to the Havens and bear away into the West the memory of our days together that shall there be evergreen but never more than a memory; or else to abide the Doom of Men."
[Anne] When did you first decide you wanted to write a book?
[Marlayne] I was inspired to write my first book, "The Victor" 30 years ago while listening to an Amy Grant by the name of Fairytale. The verse in the song was: "two princes wage the battle for eternity but the victor has been known from the start". After hundreds of rewrites and dozens of rejections I finally got to see the fulfillment of my dream when The Victor was released Holy Week of 2009. The rest of my books took considerably less time, with my latest, "In Plain Sight" being written in just four months. The idea came from attending a writer's conference workshop in which the editor of Marcher Lord Press was talking about the "buggy and bonnet" books (Amish) and how he would really love to see someone do a paranormal Amish fiction.
[Anne] What has been the highlight of your publishing career so far?
[Marlayne] All the new friends I have made all over the country and the world. I'm not just passing acquaintances with a lot of these people. I pray for them, share my life and struggles with them and visa versa.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Marlayne] For The Victor it was discovering that when a knight was "knighted" by his Lord, he was whacked really hard with the flat of the sword instead of tapped. The object was not to be bowled over by the stroke.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Marlayne] The emotional journey is everything. If a book will make me cry, giggle and empathize with the plight of the characters as they go through the challenges of the plot then it is a book well worth reading.
[Anne] I heard you have a new release. Please tell us about it.
[Marlayne] "In Plain Sight" is Amish fiction with a very unique twist. I'm different from most Amish authors in that I do not live near an Amish or Mennonite community nor have relatives who are. It's a "what if" story and the inspiration came from several sources, the writer's workshop mentioned previously and C.S. Lewis' sci-fi book "Out of the Silent Planet". It is mainly a love-story but also combines suspense with a very inspirational surprise at the end.
[Anne] What made you decide to write a book about the Amish?
[Marlayne] I honestly just wanted to see if I could do it. It took me four months and until I got to the halfway mark it was like pulling teeth. After that it began to write itself and inspirational went into high gear!
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Marlayne] I just finished a novella for Love Inspired called Plain & Simple. The premise is 30-something SoCal widow with teen, purchases Amish farmhouse for purposes of turning it into an Amish B&B and meets 30-something Amish widower who lost wife and children in buggy accident. Despite their different backgrounds and cultures, they are drawn to one another first by their mutually shared pain and then love begins to grow.
[Anne] Thanks so much for joining us today, Marlayne. It's been fun getting to know more about you. In closing please give us a short excerpt of your new book and let us know where we can buy it.
Excerpt:
Seth and Silas stood up and went onstage to display her quilt to the remaining bidders. The auctioneer began the bidding at $300. One or two hands went up and the price slowly climbed $20 at a time. Then the bidding began to peter out. If others didn't bid the auctioneer would have to call it sold at a horribly low price. As Rebecca scanned the seats, Katie Zook and her entourage entered the tent. They walked up the center aisle and took the empty seats in the first row. The better to ogle the brothers from, Rebecca guessed. She turned her attention back to the stage to find Seth staring at her; a ghost of a smile playing about his lips.
Watch this! Came the words inside her head as the auctioneer yelled out: "GOING ONCE…!" his gavel poised to declare the bidding concluded.
Suddenly arms shot up all over the tent and the bidding began anew; this time in earnest. The price began zooming up by the hundreds and in moments was well over the $2,000 mark with no end of bidding in sight. Rebecca could feel the eyes of her mother, father and Katie Zook upon her but she dared not meet their gaze. She kept her eyes fastened firmly upon the auctioneer who was now mopping his florid face with a handkerchief; desperately trying to keep up with the bids. Once or twice she stole a glance at Seth who stood stone-faced by the quilt except for the mischievous twinkle in his silver eyes.
"Five thousand dollars for the Esh Shadow Star quilt…do I hear five thousand and a hundred?"
Word quickly spread through the fairgrounds that an incredible bidding war had broken out in the auction tent. The news that a quilt was breaking all records for price emptied the booths and had everyone who was left running for the tent to watch. Every vacant seat was quickly filled and soon there was standing room only but the bidding showed no sign of abating.
"Six thousand, five hundred! Do I hear seven thousand?" The auctioneer was becoming hoarse and sweating profusely. Hands shot up again all over the tent. Now there were more than 100 people bidding on her mother's quilt. Rebecca caught Seth's eye. There was no doubt in her mind that the brothers were entirely responsible for the bidding war on the quilt; she just couldn't figure out how they were doing it.
"Eight thousand!" screamed the auctioneer. The crowd let out an enormous cheer. The bidding had become "the" show and everyone was curious to see how high it would go and who would end up with the quilt.
Rebecca looked over to see her daed and mamm exchange alarmed glances. They had obviously drawn the same conclusion as she and were not pleased. They didn't want to be responsible for taking advantage of people. Leroy stood up and stared down the brothers; making his meaning clear. Silas nodded and the bidding slowed down to two remaining bidders who seemed determined to win what was arguably the most famous quilt auction in all of Lancaster County.
PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON MY BLOG: http://marlaynegiron.blogspot.com/201...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
Twitter: @thevictorbook
Journey to Redemption book trailer - check it out!
Purchase eBook or print at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Whimsical Publications (where the ebook is half off during the month of August).
August 21, 2011
Karen's Journey to Publication & What Inspires Her
Please share with us, Karen, your journey to publication.
I wrote my first book when I was ten years old. That was the summer my family was in Oklahoma (for my father's job), and we discovered this abandoned old trailer with photographs all over the trashed floor. Both my sister (author Linda Derkez http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswie...) and I got a ton of ideas from looking at these pictures, speculating about who had lived there, what happened that they left all these photos behind. That was the summer I knew I was destined to be a writer. All those daydreams were about to pay off. I started brainstorming romances, thrillers, and mysteries in my head. By the time I was sixteen, I'd written almost a dozen books, short stories, and countless poems. Unofficially, I had my own fan club in high school and had a dozen publishing credits to my name (all poems).
Getting my fiction published was the hard part, and, ironically, I got so tired of the whole rejection thing, I'd just made the decision to quit writing for anyone but myself. I don't remember whether it was a day or week after I made this decision that I received my first contract. Talk about turning a corner and coming face-to-face with a dream! In any case, my first novel (a romance) was finished published in June 1998 (I was 32). I've been on a roll since then.
My journey to publication with the Family Heirlooms Series started when Baby, Baby, Book 1, Shadow Boxing, Book 2, and Foolish Games, Book 3 were previously published by Samhain Publishing. When things didn't work out the way I was hoping there, I took the whole series to Whiskey Creek Press, who bought all six books at once. Because my fans were waiting so long for Book 4, we decided to release Glass Angels first, then quickly re-issue the first three Books in the series in short order afterward. Book 1 was released in April 2011, Book 2 May 2011, and Book 3 July 2011. The final two books in the series, Shards of Ashley and Worlds Collide, will be released September 2011 and March 2012. Also look for the spin-off to my Family Heirlooms Series, the Friendship Heirlooms Series, with Clumsy Girl's Guide to Falling in Love, Book 1 (inspirational romantic comedy/Chick-lit) and Michael's Angel, Book 2 (inspirational romantic suspense).
What inspires you, Karen?
I'm a life-long learner. Every experience in my life—whether happy, painful, sad or horrible—leads me to the question of what I'll learn from it. But I'm not an adventurer. I'm not an explorer. I prefer to live vicariously through my characters. Too much excitement makes me completely insane, and I have to come home and plug in there or I run down. I really was designed to be a writer for those reasons. In my writing, many things inspire me. People watching. Listening to people talk. Faces—not necessarily beautiful or perfect. Unusual stories. An alternate idea not explored in a novel or movie. Headlines. I was in church a few years ago, and a family had gone on a missionary trip for a week to help build a house for a needy family in Mexico. They shared their experiences, and I was instantly captivated. A story I'd had in mind took shape quickly based on this show-and-tell, and the outcome was Shadow Boxing, Book 2 of my Family Heirlooms Series (which was reissued in May 2011). Inspiration is everywhere—plucking it out, refining and "brewing" it in my mind for a long period of time is the easiest and most incredible part of being an author.
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/fiction9a.html
I just want to say I have a very healthy respect for you, Karen and all you've accomplished. You're a wonderful writer and a great inspiration! I wish you continued success! Friends, don't forget to comment for a chance to win one of Karen's books.
I wrote my first book when I was ten years old. That was the summer my family was in Oklahoma (for my father's job), and we discovered this abandoned old trailer with photographs all over the trashed floor. Both my sister (author Linda Derkez http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswie...) and I got a ton of ideas from looking at these pictures, speculating about who had lived there, what happened that they left all these photos behind. That was the summer I knew I was destined to be a writer. All those daydreams were about to pay off. I started brainstorming romances, thrillers, and mysteries in my head. By the time I was sixteen, I'd written almost a dozen books, short stories, and countless poems. Unofficially, I had my own fan club in high school and had a dozen publishing credits to my name (all poems).
Getting my fiction published was the hard part, and, ironically, I got so tired of the whole rejection thing, I'd just made the decision to quit writing for anyone but myself. I don't remember whether it was a day or week after I made this decision that I received my first contract. Talk about turning a corner and coming face-to-face with a dream! In any case, my first novel (a romance) was finished published in June 1998 (I was 32). I've been on a roll since then.
My journey to publication with the Family Heirlooms Series started when Baby, Baby, Book 1, Shadow Boxing, Book 2, and Foolish Games, Book 3 were previously published by Samhain Publishing. When things didn't work out the way I was hoping there, I took the whole series to Whiskey Creek Press, who bought all six books at once. Because my fans were waiting so long for Book 4, we decided to release Glass Angels first, then quickly re-issue the first three Books in the series in short order afterward. Book 1 was released in April 2011, Book 2 May 2011, and Book 3 July 2011. The final two books in the series, Shards of Ashley and Worlds Collide, will be released September 2011 and March 2012. Also look for the spin-off to my Family Heirlooms Series, the Friendship Heirlooms Series, with Clumsy Girl's Guide to Falling in Love, Book 1 (inspirational romantic comedy/Chick-lit) and Michael's Angel, Book 2 (inspirational romantic suspense).
What inspires you, Karen?
I'm a life-long learner. Every experience in my life—whether happy, painful, sad or horrible—leads me to the question of what I'll learn from it. But I'm not an adventurer. I'm not an explorer. I prefer to live vicariously through my characters. Too much excitement makes me completely insane, and I have to come home and plug in there or I run down. I really was designed to be a writer for those reasons. In my writing, many things inspire me. People watching. Listening to people talk. Faces—not necessarily beautiful or perfect. Unusual stories. An alternate idea not explored in a novel or movie. Headlines. I was in church a few years ago, and a family had gone on a missionary trip for a week to help build a house for a needy family in Mexico. They shared their experiences, and I was instantly captivated. A story I'd had in mind took shape quickly based on this show-and-tell, and the outcome was Shadow Boxing, Book 2 of my Family Heirlooms Series (which was reissued in May 2011). Inspiration is everywhere—plucking it out, refining and "brewing" it in my mind for a long period of time is the easiest and most incredible part of being an author.
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/fiction9a.html
I just want to say I have a very healthy respect for you, Karen and all you've accomplished. You're a wonderful writer and a great inspiration! I wish you continued success! Friends, don't forget to comment for a chance to win one of Karen's books.
August 19, 2011
Sweet Saturday Sample - Fire and Ash
Inspirational Romantic SuspenseBlurb:
Fire Investigator Sadie McGregor is called to her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri to investigate a suspicious fire which claimed the life of a local college student. By appearance, the fire looks accidental. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community and may cost one of them their life.
Awards & Special Recognition for Fire and Ash -
'Best Book' & Five Star review from LASR; 'Top Pick' & Five Star review from Night Owl Reviews; LASR 'Best Book 2010' Nominee; TRR 'Best Inspirational 2010'; LRC 'Best Suspense/Thriller 2010'; #1 Bestselling Suspense eBook at Christianbook.com.
Excerpt:
"Excuse me, sir. Are you supposed to be in here?"
The fireman turned. Quinn's eyes widened. Even with soot covering a good portion of the face, he could tell it was a woman from the brilliant smile she tossed at him. "It's miss, and I reckon I am if you wanna know the cause of this fire."
"You're with the State Fire Marshal's Office?" he guessed. Emerald Point's Fire Chief had told Quinn earlier that he suspected arson.
She stuck her clipboard underneath her arm, reached for the badge pinned to her turnout coat and flipped it around for him to view. "Sadie McGregor, Fire Investigator."
Interesting. She shared the same last name as the Fire Chief. That couldn't be a coincidence. "I had an officer posted here. Do you know where he went?"
"I sent him on an errand. Hope you don't mind." She stepped forward. Underneath her helmet, short strands of caramel colored hair framed a pretty face with freckles marching across both her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. Haunting emerald eyes held his gaze as she offered her hand.
"Guess not." He shook the small latex covered hand, surprised by the strength of her grip. "Sorry for mistaking you for a guy."
She chuckled, turned, and walked into a room off to the right.
He followed. "I thought you were awfully small for a firefighter. I'm Police Chief Quinn Harrington by the way."
"I gathered that from your badge," she said with a smile. "Joe said you were on the scene during suppression, did anyone videotape it by chance? Or take pictures?"
"There were reporters on the scene so footage is probably available. Are you kin to Joe?"
"I'm his niece." She knelt along the baseboard. It was several seconds before she moved anything other than her head, which tilted from side to side as if in deep concentration. A few minutes later she balanced the clipboard on one knee, reached down and picked up what looked to be a framed photograph. "Must be her parents," she said, holding the frame up for his viewing.
"Mike and Donna Ingram. Larissa was their only child."
"Too bad. What do we know about her?"
"She was a senior over at the college, good kid, has never been in any trouble that I know of. The parents are away on vacation, so we think she was house sitting for them."
"Did you know her?"
"Not well. I've only been on the job a few months."
She laid the photograph on the buffet table, scribbled something on her clipboard and continued her examination of the room.
"I believe the point of origin is her bedroom, upstairs, first door on your right," Quinn volunteered.
"I've already been there," she said before exiting the room.
He followed her down the hall, into the kitchen. "How long have you been here?"
"Since dawn."
Just about the time he'd gone home to get a couple hours of much needed sleep.
Sadie pried opened the door of the soot-covered refrigerator and surveyed the contents. "Looks like our girl had herself a party."
"What makes you think that?"
"The refrigerator is almost empty and there are two barrels on the back porch with enough beer cans to pay for both our lunches."
"Preliminary findings of the coroner suggest she died from smoke inhalation."
"She also had a skull fracture."
"You've seen the body?" he asked.
"Yup."
"Well she could have received the head injury when she woke up disoriented. She was found next to the bed. She could have tripped and struck her head on the corner post."
"That's one possibility."
Buy links for Fire and Ash –
Desert Breeze Publishing
Christianbook.com
Amazon.com
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I'll have a drawing for a PDF copy of Fire and Ash Sunday evening so be sure to leave your contact info if you'd like to be entered.
