R.W. Richard's Blog, page 35
November 9, 2014
A More Perfect Union
THE WINNER IS
I chose to take the best of both covers and created this one.
I need your help. This fine story is not selling much. Any Goodread or Amazon honest plug you can do would be so appreciated.
Funny thing is. My first story (you know - before I learned how to write) Neanderthals and the Garden of Eden is still selling and has crossed the 5000 uunits sold mark.
A More Perfect Union, supposedly my best, has sold 10 units (so far).
I chose to take the best of both covers and created this one.I need your help. This fine story is not selling much. Any Goodread or Amazon honest plug you can do would be so appreciated.
Funny thing is. My first story (you know - before I learned how to write) Neanderthals and the Garden of Eden is still selling and has crossed the 5000 uunits sold mark.
A More Perfect Union, supposedly my best, has sold 10 units (so far).
November 5, 2014
Double Happiness
For the first time, I have used Amazon's/KDP pre-order feature. It is forcing me to focus on final edits for
Double Happiness
rather than do a million other tasks. Ever been there?
Which cover is better?
I have recently published A More Perfect Union and my critique group critiqued the bleep out of one of these covers. Please let me know which one you like best and why. Anybody who comments will get a free copy or if you already have one, an initialed (by me) Italian Crystal rose. The Amazon link is:
A More Perfect Union
Or
Or
November 2, 2014
Immature love
Previously, I had written about movement of any kind, including using expressions or body language as (much) more attractive than static beauty. The same goes for love. It may be fine for some to carry a torch, love from afar, have a crush, obsess. But it’s much too easy and comforting to the one doing it. Perhaps because it gives the person a cause or something to think about, and don’t we all at times (think and not do)? Dare ask this person to change things. It takes far less energy to sit and stew than stand and brew.
A mature love (and plot) is all about give and take. No energy into a relationship equals no relationship. This is one reason some long time married couples drift apart. They’re far too comfortable, sometimes comfortable in their misery.
Work at it.
Oops, male POV. Yes, yes, the theme of the blog. Okay, what’s the difference between a man and a boy? A man accepts and revels in responsibility. A boy hides behind his fears. I’m not saying a hero who is anywhere from nerd or geek to stalker is not writable. He needs an arc which should include internal and external change, a big arc.
Here's the trailer for the 1988 movie, Big, with Tom Hanks.
I have forgotten how this movie resolved the romantic conflict. Anybody?
A mature love (and plot) is all about give and take. No energy into a relationship equals no relationship. This is one reason some long time married couples drift apart. They’re far too comfortable, sometimes comfortable in their misery.
Work at it.
Oops, male POV. Yes, yes, the theme of the blog. Okay, what’s the difference between a man and a boy? A man accepts and revels in responsibility. A boy hides behind his fears. I’m not saying a hero who is anywhere from nerd or geek to stalker is not writable. He needs an arc which should include internal and external change, a big arc.
Here's the trailer for the 1988 movie, Big, with Tom Hanks.
I have forgotten how this movie resolved the romantic conflict. Anybody?
October 26, 2014
All About That Jazz
A couple weeks ago, I showed the video All About That Bass. Someone wrote to me about how she couldn’t get into pop music (or America’s Top 40). This reminded me of the disparate styles we see in our writing industry. My point is, we may not be writing literary novels but something can be learned from all styles or genres. This in turn could freshen up—you might be worried—a tired manuscript. Clichés come in short and long form. Avoid them if you can. A guy might write more story and less interior monologue, a gal the reverse. This doesn’t mean that we can’t mix it up. Our own Morgan H Macdonald took on serial killers (romantic thrillers) to great success. Jump out of your female or male skin and breathe and then get back into that skin because I like you just the way you are.
Here’s a jazz version of All About That Bass. It’s not only good, it may make my point. Analogy alert: Jazz is to Pop as Literary is to Genre fiction. True or false?
Bassist Kate Davis sings (Sept 2014)
Extra ridiculous credit: Parody is also a writng style. Here's to all those overworked moms out there:
I Just Need Some Space by MyLifeSuckers. There no end to this song. They even played it at the World Series, All About That Base (that is).
Okay, I promise, no more of this Bass stuff. It's All About The Words.
Here’s a jazz version of All About That Bass. It’s not only good, it may make my point. Analogy alert: Jazz is to Pop as Literary is to Genre fiction. True or false?
Bassist Kate Davis sings (Sept 2014)
Extra ridiculous credit: Parody is also a writng style. Here's to all those overworked moms out there:
I Just Need Some Space by MyLifeSuckers. There no end to this song. They even played it at the World Series, All About That Base (that is).
Okay, I promise, no more of this Bass stuff. It's All About The Words.
October 19, 2014
THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE IS NOT HATE
"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” Elie Wiesel
Lately, I’ve been writing about how activity (by the opposite sex) is much more attractive than static (museum worthy) beauty. Even hate has passion and might be understood but certainly not condoned. Story: He had narrowed the field of women he was interested in to two maybe three. He liked Christal best. They clicked, had great conversations. They shared similar interests, jobs in science, athletics and intellect. And oh yes, she was beautiful, perhaps not the most beautiful of the three, but what did that matter? At her car, they embraced. “I kissed your ear.” Dizzy with the closeness, he overshot her cheek. Her ear was tasty, so he didn’t mind at all. “That’s okay.” Christal said this with breathy enthusiasm, as if to say she wanted more. He was certain of this. That was the last time she spoke to him. Every time they met she pretended not to know him. She wouldn’t return his increasingly meek hellos. She’d walk away. She'd hide. Was this hate or indifference? The problem he had with her was not knowing what she felt. He had done nothing wrong. Doesn’t every human being deserve an explanation? He decided that the problem did not lie within him, because she knew him and he had not changed. But he was willing to grow. He was still that caring human being who believed in the golden rule. Apparently she didn’t. Therefore she was no longer worthy of consideration as his possible mate. Still, he was not heartless. There was still a strong curiosity and a willingness to forgive. Love knows no boundaries. They may not end up together, but if she could grow (in love)… She needed to become and stay a mensch. What was her problem? ONE LESS PROBLEM WITHOUT YA, Ariana Grande, 2014
Lately, I’ve been writing about how activity (by the opposite sex) is much more attractive than static (museum worthy) beauty. Even hate has passion and might be understood but certainly not condoned. Story: He had narrowed the field of women he was interested in to two maybe three. He liked Christal best. They clicked, had great conversations. They shared similar interests, jobs in science, athletics and intellect. And oh yes, she was beautiful, perhaps not the most beautiful of the three, but what did that matter? At her car, they embraced. “I kissed your ear.” Dizzy with the closeness, he overshot her cheek. Her ear was tasty, so he didn’t mind at all. “That’s okay.” Christal said this with breathy enthusiasm, as if to say she wanted more. He was certain of this. That was the last time she spoke to him. Every time they met she pretended not to know him. She wouldn’t return his increasingly meek hellos. She’d walk away. She'd hide. Was this hate or indifference? The problem he had with her was not knowing what she felt. He had done nothing wrong. Doesn’t every human being deserve an explanation? He decided that the problem did not lie within him, because she knew him and he had not changed. But he was willing to grow. He was still that caring human being who believed in the golden rule. Apparently she didn’t. Therefore she was no longer worthy of consideration as his possible mate. Still, he was not heartless. There was still a strong curiosity and a willingness to forgive. Love knows no boundaries. They may not end up together, but if she could grow (in love)… She needed to become and stay a mensch. What was her problem? ONE LESS PROBLEM WITHOUT YA, Ariana Grande, 2014
October 12, 2014
DEVOTION
DEVOTION
He takes her in. Age has stolen many of her charms but he only sees beauty. He's overwhelmed with love. His heart is full of memories of their life together. Even if she cannot fully participate with him he fills in the gaps and cares for her with every ounce of his energy.
Last week I wrote about how activity of any kind (I didn’t elaborate, so let’s specify movement, attitude and conversation) fully trump static beauty. Next week I'll cover the one exception.
THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks shows us a great example of this devotion to a life of love and more, much more. Here’s the trailer for the 2004 movie. In this movie ask yourself what intrigued the boy's initial interest in the girl? Was it her pretty face or was it her beauty and the way she acted?
You may be interested in Sparks' upcoming film, THE BEST OF ME. The film graces familiar ground when a young couple meets resistance from parents, but a brilliant romance writer has an irresistable way of showing his/her story. [Besides, hasn't every tale been told in one way or another when you consider the basics? We supply the fresh take/twist(s)/depth etc.].
Shameless plugs (GIVE ME YOURS TOO in comments below): In a couple weeks my rip off (LOL) of Shakespeare's DOUBLE HAPPINESS will be out. I give it a complete make-over. I mean, what did Billy boy know anyway? In my recently released A MORE PERFECT UNION to quote a reviewer, RW Richard "...has done what no other author has before, made a hero and heroine running for the office of United States President fall in love with one another..."
Well the idea of odd bedfellows is an age old tale as well, but that didn't stop me from trying this twist.
He takes her in. Age has stolen many of her charms but he only sees beauty. He's overwhelmed with love. His heart is full of memories of their life together. Even if she cannot fully participate with him he fills in the gaps and cares for her with every ounce of his energy.
Last week I wrote about how activity of any kind (I didn’t elaborate, so let’s specify movement, attitude and conversation) fully trump static beauty. Next week I'll cover the one exception.
THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks shows us a great example of this devotion to a life of love and more, much more. Here’s the trailer for the 2004 movie. In this movie ask yourself what intrigued the boy's initial interest in the girl? Was it her pretty face or was it her beauty and the way she acted?
You may be interested in Sparks' upcoming film, THE BEST OF ME. The film graces familiar ground when a young couple meets resistance from parents, but a brilliant romance writer has an irresistable way of showing his/her story. [Besides, hasn't every tale been told in one way or another when you consider the basics? We supply the fresh take/twist(s)/depth etc.].
Shameless plugs (GIVE ME YOURS TOO in comments below): In a couple weeks my rip off (LOL) of Shakespeare's DOUBLE HAPPINESS will be out. I give it a complete make-over. I mean, what did Billy boy know anyway? In my recently released A MORE PERFECT UNION to quote a reviewer, RW Richard "...has done what no other author has before, made a hero and heroine running for the office of United States President fall in love with one another..."
Well the idea of odd bedfellows is an age old tale as well, but that didn't stop me from trying this twist.
October 5, 2014
The visual man revealed
It is said, "guys are visual." But what does that really mean? Well, I'm a guy and I'll let you in on a guy secret. Guys are attracted to motion. He's standing before a dance floor. He spots three attractive women. He decides which one he prefers. Then a dance starts and only one is animated, not the prettiest, but he asks her to dance. He's in an art gallery. Three beautiful girls are studying the relative merits of three paintings by different artists. One girl begins to show emotion thru facial expressions for artist number one. The guy also likes the art and buys the painting. No silly, he strikes up a conversation with the enthusiastic girl. Nature is not static. Procreation or its drive revolves around the consumation of movement. This guy, me, is severely attracted to Tahitian women doing the fast dance or Hawaiians doing the Hula. I love their (help me with this description - I'm serious) very long fluffed curled to wavy hair as it sways to the beat of the rhythm of life. A guy might appreciate the 'looks' of a woman, but he knows nothing until that woman moves. This includes all her ways of communicating. What you'll see below may be more interesting for a guy than a girl, but who doesn't appreciate this form of artistic expression. Polynesian dance compilations. This presentation has little to do with me being in Hawaii right now, I swear.
Extra credit: Poetry In Motion, 1960, Johnny Tillotson
Extra credit: Poetry In Motion, 1960, Johnny Tillotson
September 28, 2014
Does your hero have horse sense?
I'm getting ready for a trip, so I'll make this week's blog short.
Is your guy or hero sensitive to the finer points in life? Does he love dogs? Can he appreciate art or music? I Many know this; t's a fine counterpoint to show a softer side to an alpha hero. Give him more complexity.
I know, I never return to a video and I won't today. But last week's IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BASS drew a lot of attention. So today I'm featuring a horse in sync with the tune. What if you hero valiantly stated that horses or other animals appreciated music and he wanted to find some way of proving it. Until science catches up with this issue, you either believe that animals yearn for or cultivate a richer life or you don't. But what of your characters? Does your alpha hero have horse sense? I've got to run out now and hug a macadamia tree.
It's All About The Bass is rising fast on American Top 40 (presented by Ryan Seacrest on iHeartRadio). It's now #2. It was obvious to me, the first time I heard this song that it would be a hit. Make your story a hit, by getting that same feeling while writing it. And give it a chance by doing everything you can to showcase the beauty of your story.
Is your guy or hero sensitive to the finer points in life? Does he love dogs? Can he appreciate art or music? I Many know this; t's a fine counterpoint to show a softer side to an alpha hero. Give him more complexity.
I know, I never return to a video and I won't today. But last week's IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BASS drew a lot of attention. So today I'm featuring a horse in sync with the tune. What if you hero valiantly stated that horses or other animals appreciated music and he wanted to find some way of proving it. Until science catches up with this issue, you either believe that animals yearn for or cultivate a richer life or you don't. But what of your characters? Does your alpha hero have horse sense? I've got to run out now and hug a macadamia tree.
It's All About The Bass is rising fast on American Top 40 (presented by Ryan Seacrest on iHeartRadio). It's now #2. It was obvious to me, the first time I heard this song that it would be a hit. Make your story a hit, by getting that same feeling while writing it. And give it a chance by doing everything you can to showcase the beauty of your story.
September 21, 2014
ALL ABOUT THAT BASS (no treble)
Alpha heroes love their bodies (or nobody else will).
In order to maintain a body often associated with or seen on covers of alpha heroes, one must be dedicated to good health, healthy food and exercise. Toss in a little vanity and the awareness of sexual attraction and you may have a character you weren’t looking to write. Picture someone who weighs themselves every morning, goes to the gym (is regimented) and counterbalance that against the image of an action hero who is always on the ready. On the one hand, you may have someone who is focused on maintaining health and on the other hand someone who is ready to jump in front of a train to protect the heroine.
Herein lies an excellent opportunity to paint your hero as conflicted. Anything less might end up coming off comic book hero-esk. I'm not saying he has to interrupt saving the heroine to go to the gym, or am I? Do you think the subject of food might come up, if the guy has a six pack and it ain't in the refrigerator?
For today's video I picked a cute and for some infectious song that’s rising in the charts, which is a bit of a counterpoint to my argument, but maybe not. The song basically says, be comfortable with yourself. It pleads the case for a curvy woman. I personally prefer the stick figure girl derided in the song, but to each his own.
Body types. I’m a bit ectomorph with an athletic regiment past and present. I’m not saying necessarily that ectomorphs go for ectomorphs. My wife just discovered after all these years that I have “skinny” legs. She inspired me to compare and notice that her legs are that of a farm girt. Did we screw up? Well she hasn’t thrown me out, and neither will I give her the boot with my skinny legs.
ALL ABOUT THAT BASS by Meghan Trainer, 2014. (Notice the use of colors throughout this video.)
P.s. Cassi Carver was absolutely beautiful in her photo shoot Saturday. That girl needs no touching up, but it will be fun to see how the artist manipulates the shots.
Kudos to Tameri Etherton as well.
Also, I disagree with the song about touching up photos when it comes to professional book covers, because it’s not about the cover, it’s about making the cover a window to the book.
In order to maintain a body often associated with or seen on covers of alpha heroes, one must be dedicated to good health, healthy food and exercise. Toss in a little vanity and the awareness of sexual attraction and you may have a character you weren’t looking to write. Picture someone who weighs themselves every morning, goes to the gym (is regimented) and counterbalance that against the image of an action hero who is always on the ready. On the one hand, you may have someone who is focused on maintaining health and on the other hand someone who is ready to jump in front of a train to protect the heroine.
Herein lies an excellent opportunity to paint your hero as conflicted. Anything less might end up coming off comic book hero-esk. I'm not saying he has to interrupt saving the heroine to go to the gym, or am I? Do you think the subject of food might come up, if the guy has a six pack and it ain't in the refrigerator?
For today's video I picked a cute and for some infectious song that’s rising in the charts, which is a bit of a counterpoint to my argument, but maybe not. The song basically says, be comfortable with yourself. It pleads the case for a curvy woman. I personally prefer the stick figure girl derided in the song, but to each his own.
Body types. I’m a bit ectomorph with an athletic regiment past and present. I’m not saying necessarily that ectomorphs go for ectomorphs. My wife just discovered after all these years that I have “skinny” legs. She inspired me to compare and notice that her legs are that of a farm girt. Did we screw up? Well she hasn’t thrown me out, and neither will I give her the boot with my skinny legs.
ALL ABOUT THAT BASS by Meghan Trainer, 2014. (Notice the use of colors throughout this video.)
P.s. Cassi Carver was absolutely beautiful in her photo shoot Saturday. That girl needs no touching up, but it will be fun to see how the artist manipulates the shots.
Kudos to Tameri Etherton as well.
Also, I disagree with the song about touching up photos when it comes to professional book covers, because it’s not about the cover, it’s about making the cover a window to the book.
