Debbie Vaughan's Blog, page 9
November 12, 2011
What Readers Want?
As most of you know, I'm a writer. Well, I hope you know that! Some life changes have slowed the process down to a crawl, but at the end of the day plots are still twisting through my mind.
As happens far too many times with us creative types, several ideas emerge at the same time. Currently my choices of plot bunnies to chase include a futuristic, post apocalyptic space fantasy, a remake of an old fairy-tale, a contemporary fantasy about a virginal angel trying to get laid and book #4 of my Legacy Series which is about a different sort of vampire...or more exactly the human in the midst of them.
Yes, I can hear you saying, "vampires have been done to death." I have reinvented the myth. And mine don't rust, bust, collect dust OR sparkle in the sunshine. So there!
All of these are works in progress. I need to buckle down and finish one. Which would you like to read first?
As happens far too many times with us creative types, several ideas emerge at the same time. Currently my choices of plot bunnies to chase include a futuristic, post apocalyptic space fantasy, a remake of an old fairy-tale, a contemporary fantasy about a virginal angel trying to get laid and book #4 of my Legacy Series which is about a different sort of vampire...or more exactly the human in the midst of them.
Yes, I can hear you saying, "vampires have been done to death." I have reinvented the myth. And mine don't rust, bust, collect dust OR sparkle in the sunshine. So there!
All of these are works in progress. I need to buckle down and finish one. Which would you like to read first?
November 6, 2011
The horror!
Many writers used statistic calculators to gather information on visitors to our websites. I am among them. It is incredible to think someone in India, the Ukraine or any other part of the world might be checking out my books. But, it can be a little creepy as well.
The site that calculates my hits shows the links followed to find me. Cool? You bet'cha! But some of the phrases "people" use to find me are...gross! Seriously twisted!
My characters don't say/do those things! How in tarnation did I end up being the 635th mention of such a thing on that search engine???
Never mind...don't tell me!
Oh, I almost forgot! I submitted the first book of my vampire series, Midnight Sun, to another publisher. The wait begins...again. Wish me luck!
The site that calculates my hits shows the links followed to find me. Cool? You bet'cha! But some of the phrases "people" use to find me are...gross! Seriously twisted!
My characters don't say/do those things! How in tarnation did I end up being the 635th mention of such a thing on that search engine???
Never mind...don't tell me!
Oh, I almost forgot! I submitted the first book of my vampire series, Midnight Sun, to another publisher. The wait begins...again. Wish me luck!
October 30, 2011
Relationships versus Romance
I read not long ago that statistically speaking, romance writers, specifically erotic romance writers, have a very high divorce rate.This gave me pause, not because I was worried about my marriage...I was already divorced...but because I wondered...WHY?
Wouldn't you think with all our passion and imagination, we writers would have magic between the sheets? Apparently not.
Call me naive, but I recently got a glimpse into what might be at least part of the issue.
I think we've all had people ask us where our inspiration comes from, who our characters were modeled after, were they based on people we know? And the honest answer to that is, from everything we see and do, yes, including people we know. Writers are sponges, absorbing bits and pieces of the world around them. These things become fodder for our imaginations. Emphasis on IMAGINATION.
Recently I began to date a guy who was an avid reader. It was one of the common threads that brought us together. To my delight, he read my books. Liked my books! Could it get better?
At one point he mentioned he was unsure if he could live up to my expectations.
Expectations? Me?
Naturally I asked for an explanation. His answer floored me!
He was afraid he wouldn't measure up to my heroes!
After I picked my teeth up off the floor, I assured him no one could and shouldn't be expected to. They were fantasies, like Superman or the Easter Bunny.
Our relationship continued on for several months and then rather abruptly ended. Maybe it wasn't just him worrying about his end of the fantasy. Maybe I didn't live up to my heroines either. Had he hoped that I would? Oh dear, oh dear! Since he never said, I can only guess.
More food for thought...fodder for our imaginations? Who does this sort of research anyway?
Wouldn't you think with all our passion and imagination, we writers would have magic between the sheets? Apparently not.
Call me naive, but I recently got a glimpse into what might be at least part of the issue.
I think we've all had people ask us where our inspiration comes from, who our characters were modeled after, were they based on people we know? And the honest answer to that is, from everything we see and do, yes, including people we know. Writers are sponges, absorbing bits and pieces of the world around them. These things become fodder for our imaginations. Emphasis on IMAGINATION.
Recently I began to date a guy who was an avid reader. It was one of the common threads that brought us together. To my delight, he read my books. Liked my books! Could it get better?
At one point he mentioned he was unsure if he could live up to my expectations.
Expectations? Me?
Naturally I asked for an explanation. His answer floored me!
He was afraid he wouldn't measure up to my heroes!
After I picked my teeth up off the floor, I assured him no one could and shouldn't be expected to. They were fantasies, like Superman or the Easter Bunny.
Our relationship continued on for several months and then rather abruptly ended. Maybe it wasn't just him worrying about his end of the fantasy. Maybe I didn't live up to my heroines either. Had he hoped that I would? Oh dear, oh dear! Since he never said, I can only guess.
More food for thought...fodder for our imaginations? Who does this sort of research anyway?
October 27, 2011
STRIVING FOR BALANCE
Is such a thing even possible? I'm beginning to wonder.I certainly understand now why some writers only produce a book every year or so...LIFE.
It seems impossible for me to sit at the keyboard and type, much less think of plot points after being on my feet for 9 hours at work, preceded and followed by farm chores. I have three novels under construction and haven't touched any of them in months. That sucks!
My personal life? Yeah, I have a guy...I think...maybe not. Our schedules don't exactly mesh. I work weekends and he's off. Working until 6:00 (or later) then hurrying home to feed and clean up, I'm lucky if I get to his place by 8:00. By 10:00, my eyes won't stay open. ( I drove off the shoulder twice on my way home last time.) I get to bed about midnight and then have to be up at 5:00 to repeat the routine.
Exhausted, who me?
People have suggested getting up an hour earlier to write. Hello! What part of 5 hours sleep don't they get? Maybe I should write about zombies, I certainly feel the part!
So dear friends, I'm open to suggestions if you have any. Use my comments button. How do you manage? What do you let slide? What caffeinated beverage keeps you humming along?
Seriously. HOW DO YOU MAKE IT WORK?
It seems impossible for me to sit at the keyboard and type, much less think of plot points after being on my feet for 9 hours at work, preceded and followed by farm chores. I have three novels under construction and haven't touched any of them in months. That sucks!
My personal life? Yeah, I have a guy...I think...maybe not. Our schedules don't exactly mesh. I work weekends and he's off. Working until 6:00 (or later) then hurrying home to feed and clean up, I'm lucky if I get to his place by 8:00. By 10:00, my eyes won't stay open. ( I drove off the shoulder twice on my way home last time.) I get to bed about midnight and then have to be up at 5:00 to repeat the routine.
Exhausted, who me?
People have suggested getting up an hour earlier to write. Hello! What part of 5 hours sleep don't they get? Maybe I should write about zombies, I certainly feel the part!
So dear friends, I'm open to suggestions if you have any. Use my comments button. How do you manage? What do you let slide? What caffeinated beverage keeps you humming along?
Seriously. HOW DO YOU MAKE IT WORK?
October 10, 2011
Life Interferes With Art...AGAIN
Alas, dear readers, it has happened yet again. The grind of day to day existence is interfering with my creativity. No--it's not writers block. I have plenty of stories in my head:
Reds Suns Rising, a post apocalyptic space fantasy.
Angel in a Red Dress, the story of a young virginal girl who dies on prom night. She sneaks away from Heaven to get laid.
Ruby and the Wolf, a remake of the Red Riding Hood tale.
No, I HAVE ideas galore, what I don't have is time to write them! I have a new job, one I really like. It gets me off my butt and out meeting all sorts of interesting people--and eats up
40 + hours of my time. (You will note it has been a long while since I posted to this blog.)
I also have my little homestead to take care of, 5 acres, 2 horses, 10 dogs. (Yes, The Funny Farm.) That requires more hours and energy.
Then, there is my love life. Don't be shocked, I'm allowed! Supposedly. He's a very considerate guy and worries that I overdo. He's right, I do. It's just me and I'm stretched pretty thin most of the time. But honey, if you're reading this, there are two things I always have time for--YOU and CASTLE.
Once I settle into a routine and know for sure what time is my own. I'll not be so frantic, my muse will steal me away and the prose will flow. Until that wonderful day, say a little prayer for me.
Hugs!
Reds Suns Rising, a post apocalyptic space fantasy.
Angel in a Red Dress, the story of a young virginal girl who dies on prom night. She sneaks away from Heaven to get laid.
Ruby and the Wolf, a remake of the Red Riding Hood tale.
No, I HAVE ideas galore, what I don't have is time to write them! I have a new job, one I really like. It gets me off my butt and out meeting all sorts of interesting people--and eats up
40 + hours of my time. (You will note it has been a long while since I posted to this blog.)
I also have my little homestead to take care of, 5 acres, 2 horses, 10 dogs. (Yes, The Funny Farm.) That requires more hours and energy.
Then, there is my love life. Don't be shocked, I'm allowed! Supposedly. He's a very considerate guy and worries that I overdo. He's right, I do. It's just me and I'm stretched pretty thin most of the time. But honey, if you're reading this, there are two things I always have time for--YOU and CASTLE.
Once I settle into a routine and know for sure what time is my own. I'll not be so frantic, my muse will steal me away and the prose will flow. Until that wonderful day, say a little prayer for me.
Hugs!
September 22, 2011
hmmmmmmm?
In a writer's life you come to expect rejections, they are part of the process. An author must develop a thick skin in order to survive.Patience is also a necessary virtue and something I sorely lack. Yes, that is correct, I am an impatient person. Sue me!
I recently had a manuscript rejected...well not really...they asked for a Rewrite and Resubmit, known as an R&R in the trade. Why? I had written the piece in first person through the eyes of my heroine. It IS her story. They want me to change it to third person. She didthus and so as opposed to I did. ~sigh~ Their reasoning? First doesn't sell.
Really?
While I agree some people don't like to read 1st person, I also know some people DO. Myself for instance. Every single author in my hardback library writes in first and every single author is a multi bestseller. Sure I read other styles, but I connect best with first person. I become the lead.
I realize everyone has different tastes and that is what makes the world go round. My point is, to lump all readers into the same category is a huge mistake, IMO.
But hey, what do I know? I'm just a writer.
What do you read? Do you even care? Let me hear from you!
I recently had a manuscript rejected...well not really...they asked for a Rewrite and Resubmit, known as an R&R in the trade. Why? I had written the piece in first person through the eyes of my heroine. It IS her story. They want me to change it to third person. She didthus and so as opposed to I did. ~sigh~ Their reasoning? First doesn't sell.
Really?
While I agree some people don't like to read 1st person, I also know some people DO. Myself for instance. Every single author in my hardback library writes in first and every single author is a multi bestseller. Sure I read other styles, but I connect best with first person. I become the lead.
I realize everyone has different tastes and that is what makes the world go round. My point is, to lump all readers into the same category is a huge mistake, IMO.
But hey, what do I know? I'm just a writer.
What do you read? Do you even care? Let me hear from you!
September 18, 2011
Dreams?
Have you ever had one of those really weird dreams that leaves you wondering,,what the hell?
Me too.
Last night I dreamt of rattlesnakes in my bed! I can see them perfectly even now and still can't decide if they are Pygmy or merely babies. Does that matter? Hello. RATTLESNAKES!
As I am neither Freud nor Jung--for which I am eternally grateful--I sought the internet for answers and found...Freud and Jung. ~sigh~
If I were a child I would be fulfilling a wish conceived during my waking hours--according to Freud. As I am an adult, wish fulfillment isn't an option. Good to know since I have never, EVER wished for snakes of any sort in my bed.
Snakes have been interpreted to mean many things throughout history and as with Freud and Jung, often opposites sides of the same coin. A two headed snake for instance, can represent being pulled in two directions at once and your inability to make a decision.
To see a snake or be bitten by one in your dream, signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced.
It can also mean you want to have children.
I'll go with the first one.
Snakes are also a phallic symbol. Imagine that! So, as an erotic romance writer I tend to think I may be on to something. But rattlesnakes? That can't be good.
The snake may symbolize temptation, dangerous and forbidden sexuality. In particular, to see a snake on your bed, suggests that you are feeling sexually overpowered or sexually threatened.
See? I told you it couldn't be good! Me, threatened by sex? Moving right along...
But then again, as a positive symbol, snakes represent healing, transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and positive change.
I'll take what's behind door number 2.
So boys and girls, how do you interpret your dreams?
Me too.
Last night I dreamt of rattlesnakes in my bed! I can see them perfectly even now and still can't decide if they are Pygmy or merely babies. Does that matter? Hello. RATTLESNAKES!
As I am neither Freud nor Jung--for which I am eternally grateful--I sought the internet for answers and found...Freud and Jung. ~sigh~
If I were a child I would be fulfilling a wish conceived during my waking hours--according to Freud. As I am an adult, wish fulfillment isn't an option. Good to know since I have never, EVER wished for snakes of any sort in my bed.
Snakes have been interpreted to mean many things throughout history and as with Freud and Jung, often opposites sides of the same coin. A two headed snake for instance, can represent being pulled in two directions at once and your inability to make a decision.
To see a snake or be bitten by one in your dream, signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced.
It can also mean you want to have children.
I'll go with the first one.
Snakes are also a phallic symbol. Imagine that! So, as an erotic romance writer I tend to think I may be on to something. But rattlesnakes? That can't be good.
The snake may symbolize temptation, dangerous and forbidden sexuality. In particular, to see a snake on your bed, suggests that you are feeling sexually overpowered or sexually threatened.
See? I told you it couldn't be good! Me, threatened by sex? Moving right along...
But then again, as a positive symbol, snakes represent healing, transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and positive change.
I'll take what's behind door number 2.
So boys and girls, how do you interpret your dreams?
September 11, 2011
Submission
No, this is about SMBD. What's wrong with you people?
The game is the same, only the title and genre have changed. I'm writing about what comes next. You wrote your novel, polished it until it gleamed, submitted it about a thousand times--until some wise editor thought it was brilliant and offered contract.
Can I get an amen?
Then...you did it again.
Halleluiah!
And now--drum roll please-- you sit waiting to hear back on manuscript #3, or in my case, #1.
The first novel I ever wrote sits on an editor's desk awaiting a decision. It's the first in my Legacy Series and very dear to my heart. (I put an extra coat of wax on my armor...just in case.) This same book spent two years in New York awaiting decision. Two years!
I thought I had trouble making up my mind.
Hopefully the e-publishers will be speedier with their decisions. And...will make the one I want.
Oh, and on the whole getting published thingy...read my blog for Savvy Authors. I'm up today!
As we go about our daily lives and spend this Sunday with friends and family, please take a moment to remember those families who lost loved ones that horrible day ten years ago. As your thoughts and prayers go up for them, don't forget the ones for our troops who are still fighting the fight to keep us safe and free and all those who gave their lives in that cause. They are our bravest and our finest.
The game is the same, only the title and genre have changed. I'm writing about what comes next. You wrote your novel, polished it until it gleamed, submitted it about a thousand times--until some wise editor thought it was brilliant and offered contract.
Can I get an amen?
Then...you did it again.
Halleluiah!
And now--drum roll please-- you sit waiting to hear back on manuscript #3, or in my case, #1.
The first novel I ever wrote sits on an editor's desk awaiting a decision. It's the first in my Legacy Series and very dear to my heart. (I put an extra coat of wax on my armor...just in case.) This same book spent two years in New York awaiting decision. Two years!
I thought I had trouble making up my mind.
Hopefully the e-publishers will be speedier with their decisions. And...will make the one I want.
Oh, and on the whole getting published thingy...read my blog for Savvy Authors. I'm up today!
As we go about our daily lives and spend this Sunday with friends and family, please take a moment to remember those families who lost loved ones that horrible day ten years ago. As your thoughts and prayers go up for them, don't forget the ones for our troops who are still fighting the fight to keep us safe and free and all those who gave their lives in that cause. They are our bravest and our finest.
September 5, 2011
AND THE WINNER IS...
Jennifer LaBelle!
Jennifer wins e-copies of both Dare to Dream and Mr. Fix-it in the format of her choice.
Enjoy the read Jennifer and thank you so much for playing along!
Jennifer wins e-copies of both Dare to Dream and Mr. Fix-it in the format of her choice.
Enjoy the read Jennifer and thank you so much for playing along!
September 4, 2011
Last Day to Enter!
Well folks, sales have been great for Mr. Fix-it so far! Thank you! A couple of you even took the time to review. I really appreciate that.
For those who have yet to read my work, today it the last chance to enter to win an e-copy in the format of your choice, of both Dare to Dream and Mr. Fix-it. I will choose the winner at random tomorrow, Labor Day, and notify them. Just click the books and contests link for all the details.
Good luck!
For those who have yet to read my work, today it the last chance to enter to win an e-copy in the format of your choice, of both Dare to Dream and Mr. Fix-it. I will choose the winner at random tomorrow, Labor Day, and notify them. Just click the books and contests link for all the details.
Good luck!
