Frances Pauli's Blog, page 24
September 4, 2011
The Smoking Gun
Shit.
My plot was thin, and I knew it. The problem was, I didn't want to add a big, super villain and crime for solving this time. This is book three in a series, and I've already done something like that in books one and two.
My super genius plan was to NOT do that, and I stand by that choice, but what I forgot to do was fill the gap with something else.
Thankfully, my subconscious instincts know what makes a good story. (I mean, one of us should, right?) And, all this time that I've been wasting, banging my head on the desk and rambling about pointless, irrelevant garbage, was in fact, a message from my own brain.
Last week, as I stared at the single sentence I'd produced for the day, it occured to me that I've been going on and on about this one thing that had NOTHING to do with my plot arc. Okay, I'd noticed before, but what I got (finally) was that is SHOULD have to do with my plot. You see, it was the key situation that could flesh out and add a new sub-story to my very thin excuse for a novel.
I read once that an author (possibly Steven King?) advised: if you bring out a gun on page 1, it better go off by page three...or something terribly paraphrased along that line. Well, what I'd done in this WIP was hint around about a proposed danger (the gun) and hinted and hinted and etc. and I had NO INTENTION of using it.
I know, I know. It just didn't really fit into my original plan for the story line. But, considering that I already knew that story needed something else, something big and conflicted...well the pieces all came nicely together for me at last.
And I only wasted around three months figuring that out.
So maybe I don't get a medal for being the sharpest cookie around. Still, problem solved and back to work, this time, with a lot more potential for success.
I hope. Cross your fingers for me and the bloody book.
I don't have any more months to waste.
~ Frances
August 23, 2011
The Ugly Duckling
I think the criticisms have been fair, often spot on, and always incredibly helpful both from readers and from reviewers and critiquers. Then again, I've never been opposed to critique, as I've stated on more than one occasion.
But there's this one book, it seems, that no one really adores but me. You know how it goes, right? Shoot your darlings? But I love this book. I'm not going to lie. It's also the only thing I've ever written that got an outright poor review. Readers' responses have been lukewarm at best.
So I think about it a lot, this book of mine, because oddly enough, I still adore it.
I know, I know...I probably missed at least one beta reader's advice that I should have taken. I probably forgot a crucial element, made a wrong decision, rushed.
I can't see it clearly, I'm too close to it, etc. etc. etc.
Except I've put it aside, waited. I've achieved distance and such, and I still love it.
How the heck did that happen?
Well, as far as I can tell, in this case, it just did. Taste comes into play, I'm sure. But I'm just as sure that I made mistakes with it.
I also know that I made some decisions while writing this particular tale that I still stand by completely. They aren't popular choices, but they still mean something to me. I wouldn't make them any differently now--even with the hindsight--and that makes me scratch my head a little.
Don't take me wrong here, I still believe wholeheartedly in feedback and critique and being wide open to accept input and make the appropriate changes. Actually listening and responding to critique is something akin to a religion in my world. It's important. Vital.
But every once in awhile, that artist I've buried deep beneath the surface rears her head and puts her foot down. She says, nope. This one, you do your way. You have a reason, and it doesn't matter if anyone else gets it. This one is for me.
This one is for me.
Every once in awhile, I think that's just fine.
~Frances
August 15, 2011
Expanding Conventions
Enjoy.
This was my third Spocon, but my first as an "attending pro." I had five panels, and my first happened to be with the guest of honor. Sounds stressful? Thank heavens the author in question, as I've mentioned before, is kind, friendly and professional. Of all the panels I had, this one scared me the most, and yet, after the initial terror wore off, I think was possibly the most enjoyable one. It certainly broke through that nervousness and prepared me for the rest.
Those were a mixed bag ranging from an awful one where none of us had a clue what the panel was about, (the one person who suggested and invented the topic chose not to show up) to a fantastic, fun Nanowrimo discussion. How can you go wrong with Nano on deck?
The other authors ranged a bit as well. I got a few "who the heck are you and what business do you have at this table" looks. Then again, due to a snafu at registration, I was sporting a members at large badge instead of a pretty, yellow "I'm rightfully here" one, so I can't entirely blame them. (though, hardly nice, was it?) But for the most part that was not the norm.
The weekend had some fantastic bonuses as well. I met the amazing Lilith Saintcrow and was awed by both her intelligence and her friendliness which, as you can imagine, I appreciated a great deal. I also encountered a fellow Devine Destinies author, Courtney Breazile, who is both stunningly beautiful and kind.
I also discovered the gaming room, a place I'd nervously avoided at previous cons. To my surprise the esoteric workings at those packed tables are not so difficult to join. The gaming room staff were amazing about sharing information and their time with a group of lost con-goers eager to give something new a try. I intend to spend a little time in the gaming room whenever possible at future cons.
And of course there were the usual convention perks. Good times with great friends. Late night Potter Puppet Pal giggle fests in the hotel room. Early morning showing of Rent...(it should be illegal to cry before 8am) and the costumes, events and wonders that make up a three day fan-fest.
Spocon is still my favorite. They put on amazing opening ceremonies every year. They are sharp, organized, and sincerely out to do the best they can for fandom and for their members. The staff is polite--even when under stress, and for the most part, tolerant of a sometimes romance writing pseudo-pro in their midst.
I hope I can keep attending, and as usual, I miss the fun already.
Good times.
~ Frances
August 10, 2011
Book Two: Release Day
Frances Pauli
978-1-60659-260-1
EBook$4.99
63,700 words
978-1-60659-261-8
Trade Paperback$12.95
Something's rotten in the Fey lands. While Marcus Bramble tracks the lunatic who started it all, Elizabeth and the crew at the Embassy sort through the evidence he left behind. With Lockland back, and the revels behind her, Liz's world is slowly returning to normal. But on both sides of the borders, shadow creatures spring out of nowhere, and the dark legends surrounding the fey take on a whole new meaning.
Now time is against them. On the mortal side of things, protesters rally to close the borders, politicians descend on the Embassy, and something that shouldn't exist stalks Elizabeth through the city. In his world, Marcus faces a madman with answers he doesn't want to hear. The Fey rulers turn a blind eye on forests teeming with imaginary monsters, and the Sidhe tower stands silent amidst the chaos.
Will the race to uncover its secrets solve the mystery of the elves' past or unleash even more horrors on them all?
Book 2 of the Changeling Race series
August 9, 2011
Double Dose of Speculative Fiction
~*~
For authors, particularly those writing science fiction and fantasy, effective world creation becomes the foundation for establishing a believable backdrop to set your characters in. However, once that's complete, the characters, beings, and creatures that are created fit seamlessly into the fabric of the story. With Jaz's and Stacey's novels, our storylines and characters are immersed into the fabric of a present-day planet that readers actually operate in. Therefore, world creation becomes "world simulation." Our vampires and demons need to be drawn into reality in a manner that seems both plausible and engaging. Therein lies our challenge!
(Jaz) My Sunset Vampire Series is based in the United States, primarily focused in and around Atlanta, Georgia. However, in the first novel, Sunrise at Sunset, I not only had to be intimately familiar with Atlanta, but with remote regions in parts of Pennsylvania, as well. I have driven through Atlanta, so I already had a sense of the feel of the place. I also have acquaintances from there, both past and present, so I was able to leverage knowledge from them, as well. As for Pennsylvania and the unfamiliar parts of Atlanta, I had a treasure trove of information available to me...most via the Internet. Everything from online road and topographical maps to official and personal photographs of cityscapes and tourist destinations. Finally, you can learn a lot about an area by perusing detailed information from regional historic sites and tourist attractions, as well as blogs that specialize in describing regional travel experiences in the areas I was writing about. All-in-all, I was able to competently and intimately describe the areas that my characters were operating within.
(Stacey) I had it easy when it came to world building in Whatnots & Doodads because the world had already been established. This story is part of the Strange Hollow line with Liquid Silver Books.
Strange Hollow is located at the base of Mount Mitchell in North Carolina and was established by a fairy, Jacinda Fergus on April 11, 1900. She welcomes the strange and unusual into her town.
World building can be tough so the fact that this element was removed made writing the story fun! I had the chance to take a world that someone else created but apply it how I envisioned the town. I had a "bible" to follow, which had maps, rules and just about everything I needed to create Whatnots & Doodads. And boy-oh-boy did I enjoy writing in the dark, old, little town. It felt like every time I wrote a word I expected the Leaky Cauldron to show up.
(Jaz) The plausible manner that vampires can exist in the world today is via striving to maintain their anonymity by maintaining a low social profile and changing their geographic locations and identity to elude those who may notice their lack of aging. This is reflected a couple of times in Sunrise at Sunset as follows:
"Amber owned Columbus Mortgage, a small mortgage processing company that she didn't run directly, though she maintained the power of strategic decision making. She found that the more humans she involved herself with, the more questions were asked about her over time. Keeping a low profile with humanity was a necessary part of a vampire's continued survival. It was part of the reason being a vampire could be a lonely existence. The implied glamour from the numerous Hollywood films involving vampires was altogether wrong."
"Finally, Amber had to disappear, and a new identity needed to be forged. She sold her company to Bob Fletcher, whom she had been carefully grooming for the role."
Here we see how vampires are constantly needing to look ahead to future events in planning their continued existence:
"The here and now is always easier for people to indulge in carelessly. But I have to consider the future at all times prior to my actions. The future is always just around the corner for me," she explained. "The concept of eternity demands careful planning at most levels. Small decisions today take on larger impact and meaning tomorrow."
(Stacey) Strange Hollow is home to all supernatural creatures who are a little different. I wanted to make the characters, Zeke, a demon gone good, and Bryanna, a witch with unruly magic, believable and sympathetic. How did I do that? Well, I added humor and a big wallop of emotions into the steamy romance.
In a world where they are considered flawed it was necessary to lighten the mood a little and give them both a journey that didn't involve action or dangerous moments. But took them on the journey of self-discovery to find the one thing that we all want—our very own happily ever after! Below you'll see how Zeke, a demon who could very well steal your soul is in fact anything but that.
"Just because you're born as something doesn't mean you have to live by those
rules."
It surprised him that the statement made her laugh. "Seriously? You just what,
woke up one day and said, 'Hmm, nope, I'm done with this whole soul eatin' bit'."
"That's exactly right."
Her eyes shifted from bewilderment to amazement. He could only wonder what
she saw on his face that made her believe him so quickly. "Why … and how?"
"It's quite a simple story." But it wasn't a simple act that brought him to the
decision that forever altered his path. It was a memory he held close. Yet, for the oddest of reasons, he wanted her to know. "I grew tired of it all—tired of creating fear and causing death."
She examined him a moment, her expression showing nothing of what she was
thinking. Her stare so penetrating, he wondered if she liked what she'd heard or didn't.
"So, just like that you up and quit."
He laughed at the simple way she put it. If only it'd been so easy. "It's not really
something you just up and quit."
Jaz's Bio:
Jaz Primo is an author, history aficionado, "pun-master", and all-around fan of things vampire and urban fantasy. Fueled by an active imagination, cold Coca-Cola, and chocolate, he strives to bring a new voice to today's array of vampire fiction. He's an avid book worm, resulting in the constant tug-of-war between reading and writing his next novel. When not pouring over a keyboard or Kindle, Jaz can be found tending a veggie garden or casting a variety of colorful lures into bodies of water as he urges the bass to bite, often using his best fish puns. He has enjoyed a fulfilling background and career in higher education, including his passionate hobby of teaching U.S. History classes during evenings. He is a native of Oklahoma where he lives with his wife and a talkative, long-lived cat. Visit his website at www.jazprimo.com and his blog is at primovampires.blogspot.com.
Sunrise at Sunset Buy Links - Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Sunset- -Vampire-Book-ebook/dp/B0043M4SKY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312599111&sr=8-2
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sunrise-at-sunset-jaz-primo/1100226524
Stacey's Bio:
Stacey Kennedy's novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you'll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn't plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she's got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.
Whatnots & Doodads buy link - http://www.staceykennedy.com/whatnots-doodads/
August 4, 2011
Releases and Sales
Aspect Ratio is now available in trade paperback from Mundania Press, and book two in the Changeling Race trilogy, The Fly in Paradise is due out next week. :)
Just in time, Mundania is running an anniversary sale. The house is celebrating its ninth year in business by offering a 29% discount to anyone who uses the code NINE at check out.
Great deal and perfect timing. I love it.
So for now, that's the news that's fit to print. I am off to Spocon next weekend, so, I'm sure I will have a great deal more to talk about soon.
Wish me luck,
~Frances
July 19, 2011
Teamwork
You see, I'm going through edits again...
That probably says enough, but as usual, I'm going to choose to ramble instead.
Did you ever do that thing in grade school where you break out into groups? Okay, maybe everyone did. I think they keep doing that to you up through higher grades as well. Whatever. The point is, I loved those sessions. Weren't expecting that, were you?
Okay, maybe you were. Still, why, right? Well, there is something very appealing about putting more than one mind to a task. Creative minds, in particular, tend to play well off one another. Simple ideas can blossom and manifest in wholly different, often better ways. A group brainstorming session, a group project, can take a simple good idea and transform it into something greater.
That's all well and good for schoolwork, but it doesn't apply to my novel, you say. My novel, is mine. I created it. I slaved over it. It's "my baby." And that is exactly why it applies. Oh it applies so well. Your baby is far too precious to you, no matter how objective and open minded and self-critical you are. Novels, like school projects, need multiple minds.
But, I have good news. This group project thing can be a lot of fun. Seriously, it's really enjoyable to knuckle down with a partner and scrub away at your manuscript with the assistance of their fresh perspective. If, that is, you come at it from the teamwork spirit/perspective. If, on the other hand, you aproach the editing process from an adversarial angle, ready to argue and confront every suggestion. Editing can be excruciating.
Just imagine when your novel is turned into a movie. (oh, I KNOW you already have--we all do) You'll be asked to get directly involved, of course, (Its a fantasy after all) but you'll have to work with directors, producers, art directors, set designers, costumers, casting directors.....you get the idea. NOW, tell me that idea doesn't give you shivers of delight? It does. I know it does.
Of course for the teamwork thing to work well, you'll need an editor that you trust and respect....another post in itself, and one I'll leave to someone else.
But I will say, I've been very lucky so far. :)
Happy collaboration! Go forth with a smile.
~Frances
July 8, 2011
Martin Sharlow - Shades of Blood
Please join me in welcoming author, Martin Sharlow, as today's guest blogger. :)I am thrilled to have him stop by and visit. He is also giving away an ebook copy of his recent book, Shades of Blood. Leave him a comment to participate.
***
I want to thank you for having me here.
One of the things I like to do in a lot of what I write, is mix reality with fantasy. Now I know most books and movies attempt to do that, and some succeed. Yet, how many scary movies do we see people do things that no one in their right mind would ever do if they had ever watched any horror. Too many times, it just seems the people in the show or book really aren't in the real world. So with my books I try to think of how someone would actually react in any situation. I think I'm a pretty good judge of people, and so I try to give the personalities of people I know to my characters. They're not always 100% correct, but they're close enough for me to recognize.
The same goes for locations. My current series is based in Hazel Dell Washington. It's kind of like a suburb or unincorporated town just outside Vancouver Washington. Every landmark I give in the series actually exists. As an example, the park that a lot of crazy stuff happens at is here in Hazel Dell. I chose it specifically because it's supposed to be haunted in real life. I went there myself, and sure enough the place just didn't feel right. We even had a couple of amateur ghost hunters stakeout the place and get some pretty weird pictures and sounds. So, it may very well actually be haunted.
That's why I chose that park. I actually had in mind that maybe one day someone may actually go to some of these places because of my books. I thought it would be cool if they could actually see where all the events took place. Even the restaurant where Melissa works is there. I actually can't think of any place in the book that does not really exist. So I hope some of the fans of the series will appreciate that someday. It really helps with the visualization for writing purposes. I would suggest any writer if you're having difficulty coming up with scenes for your book, find some place you know, even in your past, and use it. It does wonders, I mean look at Lord of the Rings. The film looked around the world for a place that was as close to Middle Earth as they could find.
At least with me it helps, and I also find it actually makes writing more fun for me. It's funny, how whenever I drive through the area in town that Melissa lives and works at, I now feel like I'm passing through her section of town. I almost feel like I could just walk up to her door and knock, and she would be there. It's a real weird feeling. I'm sure my family is sick of me pointing out, "hey look, we're in Melissa's neighborhood."
I hope that gives your readers a little inside peek into my life and my writing habits. But I really would suggest converting real world places that you've been into your book, if you're having difficulties coming up with scenes. I want to thank you again for having me here, I really appreciate it.
Shades of Blood
"Melissa, Michael and Debbie's evening of celebration and victory ends with a chilling realization: something out there is still taking people off of the quiet streets of Hazel Dell. While searching for answers, Melissa's other friend, Sarah, is dragged into the mess with them. and soon Melissa must divide her time between solving the mystery of the disappearances, figuring out what it means to have a vampire boyfriend, and finding a way to protect both of her friends from the new and unknown dangers of Portland's nightlife. But even if Melissa can muster the strength and resolve to try, can she really protect the people she cares about from vampires and the monsters that still lurk in Hazel Dell Park, when even Michael is keeping dangerous secrets from her? What do Melissa's dreams mean? Who are the robed men that slink through the shadows of Hazel Dell? And just what isn't Michael telling her about vampire blood? Melissa must discover the answers to all of these questions herself, or even her vampire protector might not be able to save her and her friends from the dangers that stalk through the shadows of Hazel Dell. Shades of Blood is book two of Shades of Twilight. "
July 4, 2011
The art of the No-Show
They're few and far between on this side, but I catch them when I can.
The art form fascinates me. We Americans tend to lump it into children's entertainment, but in truth it has a much loftier, and often bawdier, history.
For me, the illusion was the hook. I attended my first show and within moments of the lights dimming, the stage grew to gigantic proportions, the sets were life-sized, the puppets living, breathing individuals. Afterwards, when they allow you to approach and examine them, the tiny size was such a shock. I'd experienced something magic, and I fell in love with it.
They say actors usually don't care for puppetry, and I can understand that. The puppeteer is anonymous, his face unimportant. It's the illusion that matters.
I also believe, to an extent, the world looks for the same thing from its authors.
I think a lot about the hostility aimed at authors who over-promote. Granted, most of them are rude and/or downright stupid about it. But the strength of the venom from readers who are just plain sick of hearing authors speak--of seeing their faces--seems exaggerated in proportion. maybe not, some of these folks behave pretty badly,
but I have another theory too.
I think by speaking up too loudly the author is breaking the illusion. I suspect, the ability for the reader to immerse in the story, to believe in the world and the characters as real, living creatures is endangered by too much author input.
How can I suspend my disbelief, and dive fully into a book, when someone keeps reminding me they made it all up?
Is the illusion shattered by knowing the person who created it? Maybe not, but what if they repeatedly pop up to remind you about it? Is it like seeing that wizened old man working the controls behind the curtain?
There has to be a balance. I mean, people love Stephen King, the adore J.K. Rowling...but not as much as they love Harry. Most of them, I suspect, would rather think Harry told his own story. Hell, even I like to think, somewhere in the quiet, childlike places of my mind, that Daigon Alley really hides in a London back alley.
I mean, talk about shopping fantasy.
Okay, obviously the hard sell, used car salesman approach is annoying no matter what, but I'm curious what you all think about the rest of it. Can you keep the illusion if the author is too present? Or do you like to know about the process and the person behind the story?
Is there a line that shouldn't be crossed?
And just for me, who's your favorite puppet?I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. :)
~ Frances
June 25, 2011
Reviews and News
and the review is here: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
I have delved into book trailer land again, this time for Roarke.
:)
and if you're a SPACE SLUGS fan, hop over here: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com
and grab your free goodies before July 1
Thanks everyone!
~ Frances
