Jessica Nelson's Blog, page 13
January 25, 2012
Adios Estados Unidos, Bienvenidos Costa Rica!
As you read this, I might be soaking up the southern hemisphere rays, or traipsing through an exotic jungle, or eating sushi...nope, I don't eat sushi. :-)
I'm in Costa Rica blogger friends!!! Will be back next week. Have an awesome end of January everyone.
What's the most exotic place you've ever traveled to? The strangest food you've eaten?
(btw, the chocolate in Costa Rica is absolutely delicious)
I'm in Costa Rica blogger friends!!! Will be back next week. Have an awesome end of January everyone.
What's the most exotic place you've ever traveled to? The strangest food you've eaten?
(btw, the chocolate in Costa Rica is absolutely delicious)
January 18, 2012
Same Bait, Different Hook
I used to watch NCIS...until I realized Ziva and DiNozzo weren't going to hook up.
Turns out my real interest lay in the tension between these characters, and when their attraction seemed to take a backseat, so did my attention. I still like the show, but it no longer hooks me.
Sometimes what one person loves in a story is completely different than what someone else loves. Same story, different draws.
This is why it's so important that we have more than one hook in our books. Every plot has more going on than just action, or just romance. My husband's favorite movie is Braveheart. He loves the action. That's his hook. Mine is the lost love, but also the new love with the queen.
What is your fave book of all time? Why? What is it about that story that hooks you? Do you have more than one hook in your WIP?
Turns out my real interest lay in the tension between these characters, and when their attraction seemed to take a backseat, so did my attention. I still like the show, but it no longer hooks me.
Sometimes what one person loves in a story is completely different than what someone else loves. Same story, different draws.
This is why it's so important that we have more than one hook in our books. Every plot has more going on than just action, or just romance. My husband's favorite movie is Braveheart. He loves the action. That's his hook. Mine is the lost love, but also the new love with the queen.
What is your fave book of all time? Why? What is it about that story that hooks you? Do you have more than one hook in your WIP?
January 11, 2012
What I've Been Reading
I had the privilege of meeting debut author Henry McLaughlin at the 2011 ACFW Conference. He's such a nice, interesting man that I had to pick up his book. I'm glad I did. While there's a romantic thread to this story, ultimately it was the writing and the wonderful Old West feel to the book that grabbed me and kept me. Check out his first line: The crowd was small for a hanging. I definitely recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction.
I really enjoyed this read by Noelle Marchand. This is her first book and she sold it at a super young age (I think 16?). Sometimes category romances get a little formulaic but this one felt very fresh to me with vivid characters and an interesting premise.
If you didn't know it, this book has become popular posthumously. The author, Stieg Larsson, passed shortly after handing in the third manuscript. I enjoyed the writing in the book. It was different than my norm. While the pacing felt off, ultimately I liked the main character enough to start the second book.
I'd heard of this book for over a year but didn't get around to reading it until I saw the movie trailer and realized there was romance involved. I really enjoyed the writing and story. The premise/setting was really intriguing, the characters (most of them) were well-rounded and the way Sara Gruen set up the story was interesting. Now I'm ready to watch the movie!
What have you been reading? Any recommendations for 2012?
January 4, 2012
Put Your Character in a Box
The irony of characters, in my opinion, is that in order to make them real, we have to make them unreal.
What I mean is, no real person can be put in a box and labeled. But to write a character that stands out, we must give that character overarching qualities (labels, even) in order to make that character real and memorable.
When I was in middle school I went on a retreat and we did an intriguing exercise. On the outside of a paper bag we wrote words that described how others thought of us (or how we feel we appear to others). On the inside of the bag we wrote words to describe how we felt on the inside.
I think this is a great exercise to do with our characters. For example, I'm reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo right now. One main character, Blomkvist, doesn't stand out to me at all. He's okay but he doesn't capture my interest. The other character, though, is Lisbeth Sanders. She's intriguing.
This is how I think the author made her intriguing.
On the outside of Lisbeth's box (other characters' perspectives or her outward actions) is written Aloof, Cold, Difficult, Smart.
But on the inside is Tender (evidenced by the scene with her mother), Fragile, and Persistent.
What makes a character intriguing is when the outside words juxtapose with the inside words. When they're opposites or don't seem to match.
Which word is on the outside of your character's box? What is on the inside that surprises the reader? Does this theory fit for your favorite character in a movie or book?
What I mean is, no real person can be put in a box and labeled. But to write a character that stands out, we must give that character overarching qualities (labels, even) in order to make that character real and memorable.
When I was in middle school I went on a retreat and we did an intriguing exercise. On the outside of a paper bag we wrote words that described how others thought of us (or how we feel we appear to others). On the inside of the bag we wrote words to describe how we felt on the inside.
I think this is a great exercise to do with our characters. For example, I'm reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo right now. One main character, Blomkvist, doesn't stand out to me at all. He's okay but he doesn't capture my interest. The other character, though, is Lisbeth Sanders. She's intriguing.
This is how I think the author made her intriguing.
On the outside of Lisbeth's box (other characters' perspectives or her outward actions) is written Aloof, Cold, Difficult, Smart.
But on the inside is Tender (evidenced by the scene with her mother), Fragile, and Persistent.
What makes a character intriguing is when the outside words juxtapose with the inside words. When they're opposites or don't seem to match.
Which word is on the outside of your character's box? What is on the inside that surprises the reader? Does this theory fit for your favorite character in a movie or book?
December 21, 2011
Merry Christmas to All My Peeps
Merry Christmas Blogger Friends!! As we head into Christmas and the New Year, I hope you all are blessed and at peace. Maybe next year will bring new contracts, new agents, new friends. I know I have proposals at several publishers so 2012 should be interesting.
Here's a song if you're in the mood.
What things do you think might happen in 2012 for you?
I'm outtie (for a few weeks). See you next year!
Here's a song if you're in the mood.
What things do you think might happen in 2012 for you?
I'm outtie (for a few weeks). See you next year!
December 14, 2011
Interview with Debut Author Camille Eide (and winners!)
Camille Eide graciously answered some questions I had for her. If you hadn't heard, her debut novella just released and is available in Kindle format.
1. Me: So Camille, what's your favorite part about writing romance? Probably the moment the hero knows he's got it bad for the heroine. :-) I like writing emotionally wrenching scenes and tingly moments. To dig a little deeper, I like to read, watch AND write about how a person finds himself drawn to something far beyond outer attraction, something that speaks to a deep need in him, that thing she completes in him. :-) Oooh! Romantic!
2. Me: When did you start writing? I started writing with the intent of publishing nearly 5 yrs ago. The first novel took a while to polish, but eventually attracted my agent and made it to a pub house board (where it sits to this day...) My second in the series will be shopping for a publishing home soon. This Christmas novella is my first book to be published, but not my first. So even though it only took a month (it's short & sweet), there was a lot of craft development that went before, and I think what helped me write it so quickly.
3. Me: Any advice for unpublished writers? Depends on where the unpub is at in the pursuit of your craft. If you KNOW you have a love of story and a knack for words, put a sticky note above your computer screen that says, "You have a God-given gift. If you need help with it, just ask." If you love to write and haven't reached Pub Heaven, please don't give up. Some seasons just feel like they go on and on (like Oregon winters that last 10 months) but hang in there. The only writers certain to fail are the ones who quit. None of us ever "arrive," no matter where we are in the process. Give yourself permission to be where you are, and keep at it.
4. Me: What's your favorite kind of chocolate? I LOVE LINDOR WHITE CHOCOLATE BALLS AND I'M NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE THEM. Thanks for asking, though. Sorry I yelled. I quit sugar a while back and I get a little cranky sometimes. (You all see how sweet and happy Jessica looks, right? Do you know she believes chocolate is one of the 4 food groups?) Wait, isn't it???
Thank you so much, Camille, for taking the time to answer my nosy questions. You can check out Camille's book HERE and she also has a book trailer.
Now for winners. Last week I posted about Camille and Linda's debut novellas. The winners of those are Jeanette Levellie and Linda Kage!! Congrats, ladies. ;-)
1. Me: So Camille, what's your favorite part about writing romance? Probably the moment the hero knows he's got it bad for the heroine. :-) I like writing emotionally wrenching scenes and tingly moments. To dig a little deeper, I like to read, watch AND write about how a person finds himself drawn to something far beyond outer attraction, something that speaks to a deep need in him, that thing she completes in him. :-) Oooh! Romantic!
2. Me: When did you start writing? I started writing with the intent of publishing nearly 5 yrs ago. The first novel took a while to polish, but eventually attracted my agent and made it to a pub house board (where it sits to this day...) My second in the series will be shopping for a publishing home soon. This Christmas novella is my first book to be published, but not my first. So even though it only took a month (it's short & sweet), there was a lot of craft development that went before, and I think what helped me write it so quickly.
3. Me: Any advice for unpublished writers? Depends on where the unpub is at in the pursuit of your craft. If you KNOW you have a love of story and a knack for words, put a sticky note above your computer screen that says, "You have a God-given gift. If you need help with it, just ask." If you love to write and haven't reached Pub Heaven, please don't give up. Some seasons just feel like they go on and on (like Oregon winters that last 10 months) but hang in there. The only writers certain to fail are the ones who quit. None of us ever "arrive," no matter where we are in the process. Give yourself permission to be where you are, and keep at it.
4. Me: What's your favorite kind of chocolate? I LOVE LINDOR WHITE CHOCOLATE BALLS AND I'M NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE THEM. Thanks for asking, though. Sorry I yelled. I quit sugar a while back and I get a little cranky sometimes. (You all see how sweet and happy Jessica looks, right? Do you know she believes chocolate is one of the 4 food groups?) Wait, isn't it???
Thank you so much, Camille, for taking the time to answer my nosy questions. You can check out Camille's book HERE and she also has a book trailer.
Now for winners. Last week I posted about Camille and Linda's debut novellas. The winners of those are Jeanette Levellie and Linda Kage!! Congrats, ladies. ;-)
December 7, 2011
Christmas is for Kissing! (book giveaways)
Actually, mistletoe is for kissing, but I really do enjoy Christmas romances. You might've seen my posts on Facebook, but two of my critique partners have Christmas romance novellas that just released. These ladies are fabulous writers and I'm so excited for them!
Introducing....
Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz
Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband's death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.
Brice doesn't understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.
Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn't one to accept no.
Linda Glaz:
I'm a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I've been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I'm surprised I wasn't invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.
Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide
When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will the dream that once divided them get in the way?
Just before Christmas, Savanna Holt returns to the ski lodge where she once worked hoping to deliver her goddaughter to the child's grandparents and flee the mountain resort before memories of one special Christmas there reminds her how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life.
But Savanna is stunned to discover Luke, the man whose heart she broke three years ago, now manages the resort. Seeing him reminds her of what she lost, but Luke wants no reminders of his hurt. He's changed, but so has she.
When a blizzard traps her at the lodge over Christmas, she sees the forced proximity as a gift from God and is determined to win Luke back. Can she convince Luke she has changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?
Camille Eide writes contemporary romantic women's fiction and was a 2009 Zondervan First Novel Competition finalist and a 2011 Genesis winner. She lives in the evergreen Cascade foothills near Portland, Oregon with her hero of 28 years and is mom to three brilliant college-age kids. She's a church secretary, a bassist, and a passably devoted fan of classic rock, Harleys, sappy flicks, muscle cars, and Jane Austen.
A cynic saved by grace, Camille sometimes remembers to turn that amazing grace around and use it on others. And either because of or in spite of that grace, she holds a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way.
Camille is a member of the Oregon Christian Writers, The American Christian Fiction Writers and the Portland Chapter ACFW where she serves on the board as Treasurer. She has attended Mount Hermon, ACFW, and local OCW writing conferences. She belongs to Randy Ingermanson's Columbia River Christian Writers and other Christian writing communities that cultivate literary excellence.
When she's not pounding the keyboard, they let her play bass guitar and sing in the worship band. Camille knows how to do a bunch of random things like baking four dozen cinnamon rolls in a flash for a crowd of drooling young adults.
Now for the GIVEAWAY!
Tell me your fave Christmas movie/book of all time. For a second entry, tell me your favorite Christmas romance. I will draw two winners of both novellas. :-)
(oh, and these are e-books but downloading the Kindle app on your computer is SO easy)
Introducing....
Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz
Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband's death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life. Brice doesn't understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.
Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn't one to accept no.
Linda Glaz:I'm a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I've been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I'm surprised I wasn't invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.
Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide
When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will the dream that once divided them get in the way?Just before Christmas, Savanna Holt returns to the ski lodge where she once worked hoping to deliver her goddaughter to the child's grandparents and flee the mountain resort before memories of one special Christmas there reminds her how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life.
But Savanna is stunned to discover Luke, the man whose heart she broke three years ago, now manages the resort. Seeing him reminds her of what she lost, but Luke wants no reminders of his hurt. He's changed, but so has she.
When a blizzard traps her at the lodge over Christmas, she sees the forced proximity as a gift from God and is determined to win Luke back. Can she convince Luke she has changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?
Camille Eide writes contemporary romantic women's fiction and was a 2009 Zondervan First Novel Competition finalist and a 2011 Genesis winner. She lives in the evergreen Cascade foothills near Portland, Oregon with her hero of 28 years and is mom to three brilliant college-age kids. She's a church secretary, a bassist, and a passably devoted fan of classic rock, Harleys, sappy flicks, muscle cars, and Jane Austen.A cynic saved by grace, Camille sometimes remembers to turn that amazing grace around and use it on others. And either because of or in spite of that grace, she holds a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way.
Camille is a member of the Oregon Christian Writers, The American Christian Fiction Writers and the Portland Chapter ACFW where she serves on the board as Treasurer. She has attended Mount Hermon, ACFW, and local OCW writing conferences. She belongs to Randy Ingermanson's Columbia River Christian Writers and other Christian writing communities that cultivate literary excellence.
When she's not pounding the keyboard, they let her play bass guitar and sing in the worship band. Camille knows how to do a bunch of random things like baking four dozen cinnamon rolls in a flash for a crowd of drooling young adults.
Now for the GIVEAWAY!
Tell me your fave Christmas movie/book of all time. For a second entry, tell me your favorite Christmas romance. I will draw two winners of both novellas. :-)
(oh, and these are e-books but downloading the Kindle app on your computer is SO easy)
November 30, 2011
To Pick a Scabbing Wound
After my involvement in that accident, my grandma suggested I write out what happened as a healing exercise. I used to write in a diary all the time, but since getting married, that has fallen to the side. Even when I did it though, the words were subdued for fear that someone
like me
might walk into the room.
To write about something that hurts to think about seems to me rather like picking at a scabbing wound. But I think for some writing out their hurts aides in the healing process.
How do you release emotion? Do you think writing about a painful event is healthy or counterproductive? And do you journal? If so, what about?
To write about something that hurts to think about seems to me rather like picking at a scabbing wound. But I think for some writing out their hurts aides in the healing process.
How do you release emotion? Do you think writing about a painful event is healthy or counterproductive? And do you journal? If so, what about?
November 23, 2011
When Thanksgiving Doesn't Feel Right
Last weekend I was involved in a horrific accident. I walked away physically unscathed. The other person did not. Right now a young man is in ICU in serious condition.
I'm very thankful for my family, my friends, my health, but I can't help but wonder how this young man's family is feeling this Thanksgiving.
If you would, please pray for my emotions and for this young man (Larry), that he'd fully recover.
For those of you on a mountain peak, may your Thanksgiving be wonderful and merry and full of good food. And to those of you in the valley right now, I feel you and hope you'll see a sunny spot where you can rest awhile. Perhaps finding a blessing to hold close until your journey brings you back to the mountain top.
Where are you right now? Have you ever been in a dark spot on a holiday? How did you end up leaving that place?
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm very thankful for my family, my friends, my health, but I can't help but wonder how this young man's family is feeling this Thanksgiving.
If you would, please pray for my emotions and for this young man (Larry), that he'd fully recover.
For those of you on a mountain peak, may your Thanksgiving be wonderful and merry and full of good food. And to those of you in the valley right now, I feel you and hope you'll see a sunny spot where you can rest awhile. Perhaps finding a blessing to hold close until your journey brings you back to the mountain top.
Where are you right now? Have you ever been in a dark spot on a holiday? How did you end up leaving that place?
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 16, 2011
Welcome Debut Author Lisa Jordan!
Lakeside Reunion: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won't run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he's still able to stir up Lindsey's old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he'll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion Today I'd like to welcome debut Love Inspired author Lisa Jordan! Below is a short interview with this lovely author.
Why did you choose to be a writer?
When I was 16, I read The Promise by Danielle Steele. The happily ever after ending made my heart sigh. At that moment, I knew I wanted to create the same heart-sighing promise of hope and happily ever after for my readers.
Where is the worst place you've ever been stuck waiting?
A local regional airport for 15 hours!! I was flying to Florida in February 2009 for a My Book Therapy retreat. The airport is on a hilltop, and at that elevation, it was snowing so hard the runway was too icy for planes to land. My flight kept getting delayed. Finally, via cell phone, Hubby convinced me to talk sternly to them to drive me to a larger airport and pay for my flights to Florida. I had arrived at 5:00 a.m. for my original flight and finally left at 9:00 p.m. to be driven to another airport. The small regional airport lacked vending machines or a restaurant.
What is the most common compliment people give you?
I don't look my age. Many people can't believe I have an 18-year-old and a 21-year-old.
What's one thing you would rather pay someone to do than do yourself?
Grocery shop and cook my meals. I used to love to cook, but now I'd rather spend that time writing.
What do you think is the secret to a happy marriage?
Shared faith, unconditional love, an abundance of grace, communication, supporting one another, and saying "I'm sorry."
~*~
I'm holding a scavenger hunt to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.
The token for this blog is a squirrel.
Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired, followed by her second novel, Lakeside Family, in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for twenty-two years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn't writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.
