Terry Spear's Blog, page 448

Allure of the Wolf is Off!

If you didn't get your copy of Allure of the Wolf last night, just email me and I'll send a copy! And if you just started receiving copies of it and need earlier parts, just email me and I'll send the earlier sections!

I've been scolded numerous times by good-natured fans about leaving them at a cliff hanger. Ah, but what would be the fun in a story if I left you all at a boring sleep scene? Or something else that was equally boring?

Leah Hultenschmidt, Senior Editor, Sourcebooks mentioned this:
Overdone openings to avoid:
waking up--unless there's something supremely unusual about the processWhich is the same for endings. Going to sleep. How many books have you read where a chapter ends with the characters going to sleep? No suspenseful outlook? Nothing scaring them awake?

Granted, our characters must sleep so they can do all the exciting things they must do before the day ends and they must sleep again. My daughter was reading one of my YAs and said, "Mom, they never slept. For 3 days!"

Oh, yeah. Sleep is boring. Yet necessary! In one of the Role Playing Computer Games I played, sleep was required. The problem was when the people slept, sometimes something really bad disturbed their sleep. So sleeping wasn't always a quiet, rejuvenating time. It always made me anxious. If you got caught sleeping...the bad guys get in the first strike. Of course.

So no sleepy endings. Got to leave cliff hangers as best we can. Because you know what happens if we leave sleepy endings? You go to sleep! At least that's what I do. I read late before I go to sleep and I keep reading until I get to a stopping point. A sleepy ending is the perfect stopping point. So I'm cruel. I try not to have perfect stopping points. :)

Truthfully, you don't want them. :) Really! When I can't put a book down because I'm enjoying it so much, I love it! So see, it's really for your own good.

Now, I'm off to work on The Highland Wolf in Paradise! Hoping to get half of the story done. :)And keep writing all those unsleepy endings. :)

Hope you all have a terrific Saturday! :)
Terry"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."www.terryspear.com

Do You Ever Wish ...

by Terry Spear
Do you ever wish you could do everything super well???

I was looking at some professionally done websites yesterday, and thinking, I wish I could do that. Not that I want anyone else to do it. I want to do it.
And I wish I could create photographs that were truly outstanding.
And I wish I could write beautifully (hand-writing, that is) like a calligrapher.
And...well, there are tons and tons of things I wish I could do. I'm sure if I had time, I could learn do all of them. But, that's the problem. I don't.
So my major problem right now is trying to upload Office 2010. When my laptop crashed, I lost the Word I had. And I ordered the Word Office Home and Student 2010. But I get an error message when I try to install the disk. So I called Tech Sppt for MicroSoft. Got a foreigner who said my product key code was not valid. Which was putting it crudely, BS. It came to me all sealed from Amazon. He didn't know how to help me, so he didn't and said I had to go back to Amazon.
I told Amazon what had happened. They were so nice to send me a new copy, and guess what? I'm having the same trouble.
I wish I could just upload it so I could use my laptop to work on my stories. But I can't. It's such an easy task. And yet, there's the message...
Setup is unable to proceed due to the following error (s)... And it has to do with the operating system.
So I tried to put it on my desktop computer, and it gives the same message. One is Vista (laptop), and one is XP. Sooo, why am I having all this trouble?
Anyway, I'm frustrated to the max, and I really, really wish I could do stuff without having someone else try to figure it out for me. Because the last time trying to get someone to help didn't work.
Do you remember when I said that working with other writers is the only way to go? It helps with issues like this too. I put out the distress call, and one of the writers told me to install Vista Service Pack 1. Now, why couldn't a paid tech sppt employee of Microsoft tell me that? Instead of lying and saying that my keycode wasn't valid? If I had any say about it, I'd fire his butt. :)
Anyway, it'll take a couple of hours to download and I'm off to work, so I'm hoping that I'll finally get my Word up and working so I can write!!! :)
What about you? Ever feel that way???
Terry"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."www.terryspear.com

Love Me to Death

In the old days when I first began writing historical romance in Poteau, Oklahoma, I wrote in a void. I had tons of books on writing, but I didn't know about Romance Writers of America, or about chapters, or about critique partners, or review sites. I didn't know about other writers. I knew they were out there, but figured everyone was like me, writing in solitude.
I definitely wrote in a vacuum. But you see, I wasn't a writer yet. And belonging to RWA cost money ($75 was a lot of money for the year for a no account writer). I figured until I was a published author, I shouldn't be wasting money I wasn't making. Even though many were unpublished just like me.
But then I went to a local "critique" group--one multi-published romance author, Modean Moon, and another who had a published children's book out. I was working on my very first historical romance. I was encouraged to join RWA, so I did.
Again, I felt as though I had a looong way to go before I really could contribute or was far enough along to be part of such an illustrious organization. So for about 4 years or so, I didn't belong. I continued to send in manuscripts (at the time, you could send them in and you didn't have to go through agents, or just send query letters), and I kept getting rejections.
I'd also moved to Waco, Texas and they had a local chapter of RWA--yes, they were HOT ladies, uhm, for the Heart of Texas.
But I still didn't feel part of that group. So I didn't bother joining. I eventually did join RWA, which you have to join to be part of smaller chapters. And I became members of some online chapters. That's when I found where I belonged. I did eventually join the local chapter but with working full time, I don't have time to attend any of the meetings, so my online chapters are my oasis.
I did sell two young adult books only a year after I joined RWA. Although the publisher did away with their YA line a year after I sold to them, one month before the first book was due to come out. So I went from published to unpublished in one fell swoop.
But belonging to RWA taught me something. Opportunities were out there--for critiques, reviews, friendships, a myriad of possibilities. Even pitches to editors, contests, and pitches to agents through many of the chapters. Which is how I learned of the requests for submissions on the YA line with the one publisher. And about many, many other opportunities, including Sourcebooks, which was my foot in the door with my wolf series, and Vintage Romance Publishing, which was the same for my historicals. And Samhain, who have my vampire stories.
I can't say how much belonging to the world of writers has meant to me--because it's given me the opportunity to write better and be able to share my stories with the world.
One of the fun connections I've made is with the NY Times best selling author, Allison Brennan, who actually acknowledged me in her new release LOVE ME TO DEATH , and of course, I've got my copy proudly displayed with my other keeper books... Although I don't have time to read it yet what with judging the Ritas, but right afterward, it's my first book to read.
This came about because of Romvets... a romance veteran's group I belong to. I want to thank Romvets for passing along Allison's request to ask questions about the military, and Allison for so graciously acknowledging me in her new book.
I have to say that the first audio book I'd chanced to listen to, was one of Allison's. I had to paint a bedroom, and thought listening to a book might be a good way to make the time pass more quickly. I finished the room and was still listening rabidly to the story and was ready to paint the rest of the house. Since the idea of moving tons of furniture and not having enough paint seemed to overwhelming, instead, I just enjoyed the rest of the book, barely able to shut it off until the end. And I was both hooked on Allison's stories and audio books after that!
Not only was Allison's acknowledgement something I will always cherish, but some other really wonderful best selling authors: Cathy Clamp, Joy Nash, Patti O'Shea, Sandy Blair, and Nicole North, were willing to read my first wolf book, Heart of the Wolf, and give nice endorsements. I have to say that for a new author just coming out, to get such wonderful feedback from authors I greatly admire was more than a dream come true.
When I had queried them to see if they would even consider reading and writing a blurb, all of them were super nice about it and said yes! Dummy me didn't even realize half of them were best selling authors. They were chapter mates and I had loved their books, which is why I had queried them! But if I had known how far up the totem pole they were, I might have been too shy to ask them if they could read my new book, and probably would have thought they would have said they didn't have the time!!
So I will always cherish their generosity.
When I was at my first ever book signing for the literacy signing at RWA National Conference, I was so honored to sit beside Kerrelyn Sparks. Spear comes right after that--it's all alphabetical. And she's another best selling author. Maybe someday all this greatness will rub off on me. :)
But it will only truly happen if lots and lots of readers love my books to death. :) Which means, I need to get back to writing them!!!
Oh, and if you're a writer, here's an opportunity for you:
Leah Hultenschmidt, Senior Editor, Sourcebooks is taking pitches today!
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/2011/01/critique-your-best-beginning.html
Check to see what she's looking for! She's wonderful, as well as is Deb Werksman, so if you have something that might fit the bill, be sure and pitch today!
And also, I need three really super famous people to read my latest Heart of the Highland Wolf ARC. It's the first time I've ever received ARCs for my books. So the reviewers have to be really super famous. Hey, I can dream on, right??? :)
*sigh*
Until then, have a super wolfishly wonderful Thursday!
Terry"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."www.terryspear.com

I Love Fan Mail!

Scotland, one of the lovely stone walls and the green moss growing on the stone walkway.
When I get home from work, I have to work. I have to write, answer emails, try to prewrite a blog so in the morning before work I can write, answer emails, and post some more blogs.

And I'm tired. But last night I had a fun conversation with a fan. She wanted to know if I was going to write about another of the Highland brothers.

Of course. It just wouldn't be fair if I wrote Malcolm's story, than his older brother James's, and didn't write about Dougald, who is a rogue with the ladies, and I really am wanting to write his story. And then there is Angus, the younger brother. And in The Accidental Highland Hero, a cousin also. And...well, I can't help myself. I LOVE Highlanders!

And of course I'm thrilled readers love them too!!! So yes, there will be more.

I've been listening to an audio book,that I've been enjoying for the Highlander brogues, although disappointed that it is abridged so it's shortened it quite a bit and I know I'm missing out on some of the book. But the family has 17 brothers. A little too much, I'm thinking.!!!

But well, just think if you had 17 brothers (different mothers of course because in those days can you imagine a woman living through all that?)...but you could have 17 lassies and what a whole bunch of tales that would be.

I'm off to work and I don't truly know how it happened, but it is already Wednesday, hump day, and I have 8,000 words to write if I'm to make the halfway point this weekend. :)
Have a super day!!!
Terry"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."www.terryspear.com

Making Far Out Goals

Normally, I say if you're going to make a goal, make it attainable. But sometimes, we need to push ourselves. And so I've got a way out far out goal to accomplish by this weekend. I have to work the weekend after next, so this is it.

I want to reach the halfway point over the weekend on The Highland Wolf in Paradise.

I finished a third of the book by last weekend.

Is making it to the halfway point on the book by this weekend doable? Sure, if I write a 1,000 words a day and write 5,000 this weekend. I can do it. Can I write a 1,000 words a day when I have to work also? Sometimes.

I have 10,000 words to write this week. I wrote 10,000 the last two weeks, which is why I'm way ahead of schedule, and this book isn't due until Dec, I believe. Or maybe earlier. I can't remember. But I'm ahead of schedule anyway. But before I was thinking of a weekly word count goal, I was thinking I'd have the book done by the end of March. Not so. It wouldn't be finished until April.

And that's why I began making far out goals. I want it done by March. I have it in my head it's going to be done by March.

Will it be done by then?

Only time will tell.

Do you ever set impossible goals for yourself and attain them?

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Wolf Cub Food

Donna sent this to me and I had to share it with everyone.

What do wolf cubs eat? Kibbles and Bits?

At the wolf reserve that I visited, they were feeding the wolves and wolf dogs chicken bones. Raw chicken bones. No meat at all. Poor wolves. I asked about the bones, knowing that we're not supposed to feed dogs bones because they splinter.

The woman said that, "Yes, cooked chicken bones can splinter. We only feed raw chicken bones to them."

So that's what's in these bags of kibbles and bits. Raw chicken bones.

Werewolves eat much better.

Off to work. It's Monday, and you know what that means. It's Monday. The bad part is when Tuesday's a Monday also.

Terry, who excitedly got 3,ooo words Sunday night for this week's word count. It all had to do with speedos, and the like.

"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Mitchell and McHenry are Done!

Irvin Clan Bear is too, but I've already posted his picture earlier. Were they having a cup of tea, do you think?
Maybe with a brace o' whiskey.
The problem with weekends is they are way too short. :)
Hope you have a great one!!!
Off to write! :)
Terry"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."www.terryspear.com

Working on Ritas and Bears!

This wolf has her hands, uhm paws and teeth full of bounding wolf pups to take care of for now. :)

The Scottish plaid came in, so I'm working on Mitchell, McHenry and Irvin Bears--finishing their sashes and bonnets. :) Hope to ship them on Monday. :)

But I'm also enjoying the Rita Contest, at least the first book I'm reading. Can't say which I'm judging, but the first is a winner in my book!

Back to work on the bears! Hoping to get 5500 words written this weekend also on Highland Wolf in Paradise, which will make it 1/3 of the way done!!

And, woohoo--I have a release date for A Ghost of a Chance at Love--December! So it'll come out the same time as Dreaming of the Wolf. :)

Have a super Saturday! Got to finish sewing up bonnets!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

I'm Inheriting a Million Trillion Dollars!!!

First off, before you tell me you're a long lost relative who loves me dearly, or a friend who has finally relocated me after years of searching, hear my story out...

After taxes, I'm sure there'll be barely enough to go around...And the truth is...I'm turning it down!!!



Okay, so how many of you get the: "I'm princess so and so from some other nation and I've written to you about how my father, the king, died and left me all this money from diamonds and emeralds and gold, oh my, and I need to get the cash from selling all this expensive stuff out of the country because my country is revolting. Well, maybe not that my country is revolting, but my people are revolting. Well, since I'm a princess, they're really no longer my people because daddy was the king and I can't rule in his place.
So I've got all this money and if you will give me your address, date of birth, social security number, bank account, and name of your first and last born, I will trust you when I send you a million trillion dollars and you can have ten percent, which amounts to a lot. And that's just because you are a good Christian and will be honest and take care of it for me because my father the king, well, deceased, would want it that way.
I have written before, but didn't get a response. Please, I'm in fear of my life and must leave right away, so contact me as soon as possible so I can transfer the million trillion dollars.
Your friend in this life and the next, Princess Lei."
Of course there are a million trillion versions of the poor princess's flight. Kind of like a writer's million trillion versions of the same story.
But this morning, of all things, I got one on Facebook. Yep, a personal message sent to me from a princess. No, not a princess. But someone else who is desperate to send me a million trillion dollars to my safekeeping.
And of course, the million trillion dollars is on its way by federal express.
In truth, the bears and books for the Australian Romance Readers Silent Auction for flood victims are on their way to Australia, and the book for the Brenda Novak diabetes auction is also.

I can't afford to take in a million trillion dollars. The IRS would want it all in taxes. And someone might accuse me of sending in a hit team to do away with the king so that I could get my 10 percent of his million trillion dollars as soon as his poor little princess daughter was left all alone in the world. So, no, it would not do to give in to greed.
:)
But if you need some extra cash, I'll send the princess your way!

Of course, if anyone wants to send me a sexy wolf, I might be more amenable. This is not Duncan MacNeill on the beach before he shifts into a wolf in the Grand Cayman Islands, however. How do I know? The Highland warrior does not sport a tattoo. Which means the guy can't be a wolf. It's a shame. He does look like he could have been a wolf!




After not being able to go back to sleep at 4 AM, I'm up for the day--last day of work this week, and hope to have 1/3 of The Highland Wolf in Paradise written by this weekend. :) Hopefully. The way I feel right now, I'd be lucky to write one word. I think it's because I'm still thinking of giving away the million trillion dollars.
That's a sacrifice I know I have to make, however. *sigh*

Terry

"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."

www.terryspear.com

Wolves in the Grand Cayman Islands

I'm soaring with the clouds, on Cloud 9, thrilled beyond measure--my editor, Deb Werksman at Sourcebooks mentioned me!! :) In a good way too!
When I'm writing my werewolf books, I have to think of the dating game, werewolf style. So now, what would a pair of alphas want to do on a date?
Depends on the couple! Just like with us, no two are the same. So we can't stereotype them just like we can't be stereotyped.
And it depends on the setting! That's why I'm enjoying setting the wolves in different locations. It helps to see how they can adapt in different settings. Wolves did live nearly everywhere in the world at one time.

This time, the wolves are in the Grand Cayman Islands. Although, that's because they're werewolves and they can go anywhere, even places that wolves never populated.

Wouldn't you just love to swim with the rays in the islands about now??? Get away from all this snow and cold and ice? We have a thin sheen of ice on the roadways here today, and the wind is making the wind chill much too cold for human types to venture out at all.

But when I think of swimming with a wolf in waters such as these...I'm on Cloud 9 again.


How about a dinner sunset cruise? Three course gourmet dinner? And a late night swim afterward?



Normally wolves wouldn't bother with all this human interaction, but there's a reason they end up doing more than they normally would while they're in the islands. There's a problem to solve, of course, and hiding away at a villa on a secluded beach won't get the MacNeill's money back from the crook, Silverman.
Duncan McNeill of all the Highland brothers from Argent Castle is a warrior through and through and he's bound to force Silverman to cough up the money or else.
But still, in doing so, there's fun to be had--all to do with a female wolf who's sharing her villa with the Highlander.

Faced with scurvy pirates on the Jolly Rogers pirate cruise, can you imagine what Duncan would like to do? Now, since the wolves are so long lived and he's kept up his swordsman's skills, even a tough looking crew like this might not be enough to keep him in line. What do you think? He just wished he had brought his claymore to show off his skills a bit...



So even if none of us can go to the islands--when the book comes out, we can all pretend!

Have a super wonderful Thursday!!!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com