Cardeno C.'s Blog, page 47
March 19, 2017
New Release: An Officer's Submission by Christa Tomlinson
An Officer’s Submission is now live! That’s right, it released this past Thursday. So if you haven’t snagged your copy yet, head on over to your favorite online bookseller and snap it up! Today is the last day that it’s on sale for .99. Still need to read the first three books in the series? Don’t fret, they’re on sale for .99 too.
Of course, I’m already hard at work on the next (and last?) in the series. But I can’t mention who it’s about just yet, because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Once a few weeks have passed I’ll share that with you. I’m excited to write this guy’s story.
When I first published The Sergeant, I had plans for what I wanted to do with the series. Those plans changed and I abandoned that original idea. I was going to end the Cuffs, Collars and Love series with An Officer’s Submission. But then as I wrote the last few chapters of The Detective’s Pleasure, I looked at one of my characters and realized he needed his own story. So far I’m 21,000 words in and really like where it’s going. So hurry up and read An Officer’s Submission so I can tell you all about it!
An Officer’s Submission is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo. It’s is .99 this weekend only. Buy links are below. Be sure to let me know what you think once you’ve read part two of Logan and Clay’s story.
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/j8o49hu
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/hakngru
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/zk6ptrz
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Christa
www.ChristaTomlinson.com
Follow me around the internet! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub
View my titles on Amazon
March 17, 2017
Letting Go by Felice Stevens
I've finished a new book, entitled The Shape of You, and handed it into my editor and so now the waiting begins. What will she say? Will she like the characters, the plot....what if it sucks???
But sometimes you get a connection with characters and you find yourself unable to let go and move on. This is what I'm feeling now. The story was one that popped into my head and I needed to write it before any of the others on my list. And it was wonderful. I knew these guys, their hopes and dreams and it all just happened. I'm thinking it will be okay.
Then there are the books that you anguish over. You know what you want to say, but they DO NOT want to talk to you. AT ALL.
That's what I had writing One Call Away, which is in final edits now and will be released the end of April.
One Call Away took me a year to write. One year. That's unheard of for me, because I write fast. But Noah, one of the MCs, would not reveal himself and I tried to push him and he laughed in my face and was all "Nope." So I left him and Oren hanging and went on the write other books, but always in the back of my mind, I had them sitting there, him and Oren, just staring at me with their woeful eyes until one day....it happened. Their story became such an emotional journey for me, I was at a loss when I finished their book. I sat around, wondering what story to write next and nothing interested me because I was still thinking of Noah and Oren and what they were doing.....okay. Deep breath.
In case you haven't realized it yet, I have relationships with fictional characters.
So there you have it. I have a hard time letting go of my guys from one book to the next. But those are the next two books after next week's release of Embrace the Fire. I can't wait for you to read Brandon and Tash's story and the epilogue to all the guys.
And in case you missed it, Rescued is now out in audiobook, narrated by Charlie David! Here is the link: RESCUED. And A Walk Through Fire is in KU and on sale for 99c and the audiobook is only $1.99. You can pick that up here: A WALK THROUGH FIRE
Have a great weekend and happy reading and listening!!
But sometimes you get a connection with characters and you find yourself unable to let go and move on. This is what I'm feeling now. The story was one that popped into my head and I needed to write it before any of the others on my list. And it was wonderful. I knew these guys, their hopes and dreams and it all just happened. I'm thinking it will be okay.
Then there are the books that you anguish over. You know what you want to say, but they DO NOT want to talk to you. AT ALL.
That's what I had writing One Call Away, which is in final edits now and will be released the end of April.
One Call Away took me a year to write. One year. That's unheard of for me, because I write fast. But Noah, one of the MCs, would not reveal himself and I tried to push him and he laughed in my face and was all "Nope." So I left him and Oren hanging and went on the write other books, but always in the back of my mind, I had them sitting there, him and Oren, just staring at me with their woeful eyes until one day....it happened. Their story became such an emotional journey for me, I was at a loss when I finished their book. I sat around, wondering what story to write next and nothing interested me because I was still thinking of Noah and Oren and what they were doing.....okay. Deep breath.
In case you haven't realized it yet, I have relationships with fictional characters.
So there you have it. I have a hard time letting go of my guys from one book to the next. But those are the next two books after next week's release of Embrace the Fire. I can't wait for you to read Brandon and Tash's story and the epilogue to all the guys.
And in case you missed it, Rescued is now out in audiobook, narrated by Charlie David! Here is the link: RESCUED. And A Walk Through Fire is in KU and on sale for 99c and the audiobook is only $1.99. You can pick that up here: A WALK THROUGH FIRE
Have a great weekend and happy reading and listening!!
March 15, 2017
Writing with Riley: Collaborations
This week I'm going to talk about collaborations. I've co-authored books with three other authors, between the two names I write under. For me, the process has always been pretty similar, though I have to say that all authors do it differently. I've heard from authors who write at the same time in Google documents, authors who go by word count--two thousand words at a time, and I also used to be friends with a couple of ladies who were roommates and writing partners. They took certain parts of the book, like one would write all the sexy times and the other would write all the...family time or whatever. LOL.
Every book that I've co-written has been a two character point of view book, and each of us has taken a different character. But, what you have to understand about that is even though one character is "mine" and the other is my co-authors, we are both still heavily involved with each character. We alternate chapters so even if it's a chapter in my character's point of view, I'm still the person who writes all the dialogue and action for the other character. That being said, we each have ultimate control over our character, so if I write some dialogue and my writing partner doesn't think that's how their character would say something, they change it.
When Christina Lee and I decided to write a book together, for personal reasons, we knew we wanted to write about mental illness, so the topic came first. From there we came up with specifics--boys who knew each other online when they were little and lost contact. I created my character's backstory, and she created her character's backstory. We have to discuss it, of course, because it has to fit with the story and we have to have a way for our characters to connect. When I wrote Weight of the World with Devon McCormack, he had a list of different book ideas that he shared with me. One of them jumped out at me instantly--a man who plans to commit suicide, meets another man on the roof, who talks him out of it and he later discovers the man jumped when he left. Filled with guilt, he searches out the man's brother but doesn't tell him their connection. I knew that's what I wanted to write and I knew I had to be the brother. Tommy's backstory came to me instantly. I knew that guilt of letting a loved one down. I understood the need to take care of those you love, and luckily, Devon really wanted to be the man on the roof. Everything fell into place from there. The difference here was there was a third character's POV, and we shared that. Some Rob chapters were Devon, and some were me.
Luckily, we all have a similar writing process so while we know our character's goals, motivation, and conflict, we don't plot out the whole book before we start writing. We have some key scenes, but then we just...begin. There's often those conversations where we're like, "Help! I don't know where to go next!" or "Wait...I think we should do this instead..." If we don't think something works, we talk about it, and I've never had a situation where we couldn't come to a conclusion we both agree with. There are also times we have to talk because we just don't understand something the other character did or we haven't fully grasped exactly who their character is, and of course, we just talk about it until we're on the same page. I couldn't write a book with someone I didn't know well or get along with well.
If you have any questions about collaborating, feel free to post them in the comments.
Every book that I've co-written has been a two character point of view book, and each of us has taken a different character. But, what you have to understand about that is even though one character is "mine" and the other is my co-authors, we are both still heavily involved with each character. We alternate chapters so even if it's a chapter in my character's point of view, I'm still the person who writes all the dialogue and action for the other character. That being said, we each have ultimate control over our character, so if I write some dialogue and my writing partner doesn't think that's how their character would say something, they change it.
When Christina Lee and I decided to write a book together, for personal reasons, we knew we wanted to write about mental illness, so the topic came first. From there we came up with specifics--boys who knew each other online when they were little and lost contact. I created my character's backstory, and she created her character's backstory. We have to discuss it, of course, because it has to fit with the story and we have to have a way for our characters to connect. When I wrote Weight of the World with Devon McCormack, he had a list of different book ideas that he shared with me. One of them jumped out at me instantly--a man who plans to commit suicide, meets another man on the roof, who talks him out of it and he later discovers the man jumped when he left. Filled with guilt, he searches out the man's brother but doesn't tell him their connection. I knew that's what I wanted to write and I knew I had to be the brother. Tommy's backstory came to me instantly. I knew that guilt of letting a loved one down. I understood the need to take care of those you love, and luckily, Devon really wanted to be the man on the roof. Everything fell into place from there. The difference here was there was a third character's POV, and we shared that. Some Rob chapters were Devon, and some were me.
Luckily, we all have a similar writing process so while we know our character's goals, motivation, and conflict, we don't plot out the whole book before we start writing. We have some key scenes, but then we just...begin. There's often those conversations where we're like, "Help! I don't know where to go next!" or "Wait...I think we should do this instead..." If we don't think something works, we talk about it, and I've never had a situation where we couldn't come to a conclusion we both agree with. There are also times we have to talk because we just don't understand something the other character did or we haven't fully grasped exactly who their character is, and of course, we just talk about it until we're on the same page. I couldn't write a book with someone I didn't know well or get along with well.
If you have any questions about collaborating, feel free to post them in the comments.
Ask Andrew - Have a question?
Hey everyone. I hope you are all doing well. This is the spot where I normally bring you the Ask Andrew segment, but I don't have any questions. So please forward them to me, the juicier the better, and I'll return to answering them next week!!!!
Ask Andrew is your chance to ask questions of a gay romance author. The questions can be about the writing process in general, writing sex scenes, gay men, sex, characters in romance, characters having sex... okay you probably get the picture. I promise to answer your questions as frankly and with as much humor as I possibly can.
So if you have a question, please send it to andrewgreybooks@comcast.net. This is different from my usual email so your questions don't get lost. I will answer one question a week.
Please remember this is meant to be all in fun. (I was going to say good, clean fun, but who wants that.) So send me your questions and let's see what mischief we can get into.
Visit Andrew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewgreybooks and you can join Andrew's fan group All The Way With Andrew Grey.
Follow him on Twitter: @andrewgreybooks
Ask Andrew is your chance to ask questions of a gay romance author. The questions can be about the writing process in general, writing sex scenes, gay men, sex, characters in romance, characters having sex... okay you probably get the picture. I promise to answer your questions as frankly and with as much humor as I possibly can.
So if you have a question, please send it to andrewgreybooks@comcast.net. This is different from my usual email so your questions don't get lost. I will answer one question a week.
Please remember this is meant to be all in fun. (I was going to say good, clean fun, but who wants that.) So send me your questions and let's see what mischief we can get into.
Visit Andrew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewgreybooks and you can join Andrew's fan group All The Way With Andrew Grey.
Follow him on Twitter: @andrewgreybooks
March 14, 2017
New and noteworthy by BA, Julia, Sean and Kiernan
Hey y'all!
Since I was totally unprepared for this week, I decided to do news and new releases, LOL.
Sean Michael has put out Brush and Whip and Pack and Mate, two orphans from the EC meltdown! They're such amazing books!
The Kennel Klub takes pride in matching dominant shifters with the perfect mate. Theo Brundy is looking for just that: someone to pleasure, to love, to take care of. Having lived most of his life forced into his were form by the cruel man who killed his parents, Theo uses his human form as a shield, both physically and emotionally. No one can hurt him if he’s human.
Drew hasn’t shifted in more than a year. After spending his life serving a cruel alpha, he was cast aside when the alpha married another. Drew has found that it’s easier to protect himself if he’s a wolf. A sub at heart, Drew is both apprehensive and desirous of the idea of losing control.
Can these two men find what they need in each other, both in bed and out of it?
Previously released by another publisher.
New to the city, Finn never dreamed he’d have a mate of his own, especially not one found at the Kennel Klub, where spankings are optional.
Sweet beta werewolf Finn is at a party for his cousin’s collaring when he first meets Cort. It’s just too bad Finn has to leave with his twin brother and packmates before the two can really connect.
Cort, Alpha male all the way, is immediately drawn to Finn and knows the sweet pup is his mate and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to find Finn again. Once he does, is he going to be able to convince Finn that they belong together? Or will Finn’s family commitments keep them apart?
Previously released by another publisher.
It's also on Evil Plot Bunny here.
BA Tortuga has a new release tomorrow!
Two Cowboys and a Baby!
A little bundle of joy means big changes.
Hoss McMasters has a working ranch, a bull riding career, a nosy momma, and a best friend he’s been in love with since he can remember. He’s a busy, happy cowboy, living the good life.
Then one morning he discovers a baby on his doorstep.
Well, Hoss does what any reasonable man would do—he calls his momma and his buddy, Sheriff Pooter, and they head to the clinic to see if Doc knows of any suddenly not-so-pregnant girls.
In the meantime, Hoss and his best friend, Bradley, have their hands full trying to care for an infant, run a ranch, and deal with the sudden confession that Bradley doesn’t hate Hoss for coming out to him in high school. In fact, Bradley’s been trying to catch Hoss’s attention for damn near a decade.
It's here at Dreamspinner for preorder or order tomorrow!
Julia Talbot has her Catching Heir out in audio book now!
Is he in love with an old hotel - or its new owner?
Professional snowboarder Cullen Patrick is successful and kinda famous. So when he inherits an old Colorado hotel from an unknown relative, he really should leave well enough alone.
Matt Nathanson has been managing the Treeline Estates since college. He loved the elderly former owner, and he stands to inherit the place if no one claims it in the next week. Of course, Cullen shows up, and Matt thinks it's time to move on. He doesn't want to like Cullen, no matter how engaging the guy is, or how hunky.
Cullen has grand ideas for the Treeline, but he doesn't want to implement them without Matt, and he's not sure he's ready to give up snowboarding. Can Matt convince Cullen that putting down roots is worth it...and maybe catch his heir at the same time?
Kiernan will update later with hers!
XXOO
Julia http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com
Julia’s is http://www.juliatalbot.com
BA’s is http://www.batortuga.com
Kiernan's is www.KiernanKelly.com
Facebook:
Sean -- https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelW...
Julia -- https://www.facebook.com/juliatalbota...
BA -- https://www.facebook.com/batortuga
Kiernan -- https://www.facebook.com/kiernan.kelly
March 13, 2017
apogee by Julio Alexi Genao
Today I'm sharing a powerful poem with permission from the author Julio Alexi Genao.
apogee by Julio Alexi Genao
together on adventure
we climbed a foreign sky
in a clever starship
opposing foreign tides
and as we rendered gravity
another thing denied
you said you'd never felt so good
as there, right by my side
but as another sunlight
warmed our faces from the side
as we arrived at apogee
i chose to close my eyes
i didn't say i love you
and i didn't say goodbye
i knew that i was dreaming
and i knew the words were lies
at the moment of our freedom
aloft in other skies
i turned my face away from you
and waited there to die
to awaken back on terra
with nobody around
up from golden apogee,
down back on the ground.
You can find Julio on Twitter and Facebook.
Have a great week.
CC
www.cardenoc.com
apogee by Julio Alexi Genao
together on adventure
we climbed a foreign sky
in a clever starship
opposing foreign tides
and as we rendered gravity
another thing denied
you said you'd never felt so good
as there, right by my side
but as another sunlight
warmed our faces from the side
as we arrived at apogee
i chose to close my eyes
i didn't say i love you
and i didn't say goodbye
i knew that i was dreaming
and i knew the words were lies
at the moment of our freedom
aloft in other skies
i turned my face away from you
and waited there to die
to awaken back on terra
with nobody around
up from golden apogee,
down back on the ground.
You can find Julio on Twitter and Facebook.
Have a great week.
CC
www.cardenoc.com
March 12, 2017
Book Series by Christa Tomlinson
Hello and Happy Sunday! If you’re anywhere in the US, I’m sure you’re dealing with some chilly weather. I’m in Houston and it’s a rare cold day in March. I’m not pleased, I prefer it when it’s warm. Okay, enough about the weather. I wanted to do a small post on book series today. I thought it appropriate since I’m about to publish book 4 in a series (and the nerves are starting to hit!) and because the Romance Writers Chat Topic this week is book series. If you’re on Twitter, follow @RWChat and the #RWChat hashtag Sundays at 6 pm CST. It’s a lot of fun, you’ll get great tips and connect with other writers.First things first. Series. Why do readers like them? I can’t speak for all readers, but for me, I love them because I enjoy getting to be in a world for more than one book. It’s nice to finish a story and know that I get to revisit characters and further explore settings in following books. Some series focus on one couple, like Kate Aaron’s Free Men, while others stay in the same world but tell the stories of different couples. I like both formats. Annabeth Albert’s Perfect Harmony series is one that I enjoyed that has different couples in each book.
As a writer, they’re great for several reasons. First, when we come up with story ideas we often end up with ideas for secondary characters. Writing additional books in the series gives us a chance to set all those ideas free. Sometimes we have a secondary character that gets really loud in our head, or one that needs to be redeemed, like Ryan in The Detective’s Pleasure, and they won’t shut it until they get their own book.
Another reason writers love series is because it can be easier for us to write them. We already know the world and have some background on the characters, so the research and creation part can go a little faster. And of course, writers love series because we already have a built-in audience. If a reader enjoys book one in the series, she’s probably going to want to come back for books two and beyond. There is some danger in that however.
I’ve experienced series fatigue with a couple of authors. It gets to the point where I’m just ready to move on and try something new. Or in series where there is an overarching series plot, it can take too long for the author to get to the point. I’ve had to tap out on a couple of series like this. I do love series where the author gets in, writes four or five amazing books, then gets out, leaving me with nothing but good thoughts for the world they created.
Writing series can definitely be awesome for authors. So if you’re thinking of writing a series, or you’re smackdab in the middle of one, here are a few tips for you.
1. Start a series bible. Do this immediately. Do not pass Go and do not move on to the second book without a series bible. Record character’s names, physical descriptions and backgrounds. This is super helpful. You’ll think you remembered correctly that Mike has brown eyes, only to get an email from a reader asking what happened to his gray eyes. Record those facts, a summary of each book and other important details so that you can easily find them. You can create an Excel spreadsheet, a table in Word or go old school and have a binder full of info like me.
2. Have book covers that relate to each other. Your book covers don’t have to be identical. But they should definitely be similar. So if book one is painted art with a purple and gold background with a red dragon on the front, book two shouldn’t be slick black and white photography of a guy in jeans. Try to stick with a similar theme, style or color scheme. It will help your readers identify the books, and they’ll look super pretty when they’re all lined up together. Kate Aaron’s Free Men series has lovely coordinating covers.
3. Have the same general tone to each story in the series. Every couple is different and has a different story to tell. But if books one through three are about happy-go-lucky couples who fall in love after a meet cute, book four shouldn’t be a tragic love story where h and h are reunited after one goes to prison for ten years. That switch is jarring for the reader, and they’ll wonder what the heck happened to their beloved bubbly couples.
4. Don’t let characters take over stories that aren’t theirs. Readers want couples and characters from book one to make cameos in book two, etc. It’s like saying hi to old friends. But when a new book in the series becomes more about the characters from previous stories, it’s a problem. Some characters are loud and full of life on the page. It’s the writer’s responsibility to keep ahold of them and make sure they don’t steal page time from characters who are trying to find their own love story.
5. Know when to cut bait. There will come a time when you have to let a series go. Maybe you’re burned out on that world. If you are and don’t have any fresh ideas to share, let it go. Readers will pick up on it if you’re phoning it in. Or, maybe the readers just aren’t there for a series anymore. If you notice sales and readers for a series have dwindled to nothing, put that baby to bed. There’s not much sense spending the time, money and effort on something that you won’t see a return on. You can always revisit it later if interest is renewed.
There’s lots more information out there on writing series. If you have any tips or thoughts to share, feel free to post them in the comments. I’d love to know what both readers and writers think about book series.
P.S. Don’t forget, An Officer’s Submission, Book 4 in the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series, releases Thursday, March 16th. If you’d like a sneak peek, you can stop by my site to read Chapter One HERE.
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Christa
www.ChristaTomlinson.com
Follow me around the internet! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub
View my titles on Amazon
March 11, 2017
Why Do I Listen To My Doubts? By S.C. Wynne
Good Morning all you little Cafe Risquers!
If things didn't fall apart, I should be in Catalina right now. I'm nervous about the trip. Not because I hate traveling, although I do hate living out of a suitcase. But it's more that many of the people I'll meet in Catalina are people I only know online.
I've always felt that I do best online or when there's a small distance between me and the other people. I'm basically shy. I've felt this way since I was a kid. Like if people get to know me too well they'll find out I'm a fraud. Not as clever as they might think. Or not as pretty as they might think. Or not as INSERT INSECURITY HERE as they might think.
I don't suppose I'm the only person who has these feelings. But maybe I am? Do you have the same kinds of thoughts? I was tempted to not go on the trip because I'd always rather put things off and do them when I'm either thinner, or I've been exercising or my skin is better or ... I guess when I feel more perfect? As if that is anything I would ever even achieve. Waiting for that perfect moment will simply make you avoid and miss many wonderful opportunities in life.
So unless something huge happens to interfere, I should be in Catalina when you read this. I wonder if I'm having a nervous meltdown or enjoying the moment? I certainly hope it's the latter since, let's face it, it's all in my hands anyway. I'm the master of my ship. And you're the master of yours.
S.C.
www.sc-wynne.com
If things didn't fall apart, I should be in Catalina right now. I'm nervous about the trip. Not because I hate traveling, although I do hate living out of a suitcase. But it's more that many of the people I'll meet in Catalina are people I only know online.
I've always felt that I do best online or when there's a small distance between me and the other people. I'm basically shy. I've felt this way since I was a kid. Like if people get to know me too well they'll find out I'm a fraud. Not as clever as they might think. Or not as pretty as they might think. Or not as INSERT INSECURITY HERE as they might think.
I don't suppose I'm the only person who has these feelings. But maybe I am? Do you have the same kinds of thoughts? I was tempted to not go on the trip because I'd always rather put things off and do them when I'm either thinner, or I've been exercising or my skin is better or ... I guess when I feel more perfect? As if that is anything I would ever even achieve. Waiting for that perfect moment will simply make you avoid and miss many wonderful opportunities in life.
So unless something huge happens to interfere, I should be in Catalina when you read this. I wonder if I'm having a nervous meltdown or enjoying the moment? I certainly hope it's the latter since, let's face it, it's all in my hands anyway. I'm the master of my ship. And you're the master of yours.
S.C.
www.sc-wynne.com
March 9, 2017
Audiobooks by Felice Stevens
It's always so surreal to me to put out a new book. Lately I've been re-releasing my books that I got back from my publisher, but the feeling is no less exciting. Only one of my books had ever been in print and none had ever been in audio.
At the end of the month I'll be re-releasing the last book and I'll be back to putting out all new books with all new characters. In the meantime, I've been busy (well not me, my narrators) getting the books out in audio. First up is A Walk Through Fire, narrated by Kale Williams.
You can find it on Audible here: http://adbl.co/2mGOpJe.
I hope you enjoy listening to Ash, Drew and all the guys!
At the end of the month I'll be re-releasing the last book and I'll be back to putting out all new books with all new characters. In the meantime, I've been busy (well not me, my narrators) getting the books out in audio. First up is A Walk Through Fire, narrated by Kale Williams.
You can find it on Audible here: http://adbl.co/2mGOpJe.
I hope you enjoy listening to Ash, Drew and all the guys!
March 8, 2017
Writing with Riley: Characters
Hello!
I know it's been a few weeks. I'm the worst blogger ever. I came up with an idea though! LOL. I took questions in my Facebook group, Riley's Rebels--mostly writing related--and I figured I'd discuss them each week. This week, I'm talking characters.
I've always considered myself a character writer. Most of my books, if not all of my books, are very character-driven. When I start writing, I don't always know exactly what will happen each step of the way, but I always know my people. Sure, I learn things about them along the way. Every writer does. Sometimes I see it coming and others it throws me for a loop, but when I'm originally coming up with an idea for a book, I nearly always start with my people. From there, I always try to dig into who they are. What they feel. What they need. Try to peel back all those layers to try and figure out what makes them tick. Why they do the things they do?
I almost always know what's going to connect my heroes on a deeper level. It doesn't aways have to be huge, but there needs to be a reason. Does one hero like to feed the homeless and the other has been on the streets? Do they both know what it's like to have their heart broken or to be hurt by a parent or to feel lost in their lives and not know what they're supposed to do or where they're supposed to go? There has to be that one thing that makes them stand out, that makes them different, other than reasons like, "he's funny! or he's hot!" and it has to make sense with who each of the men are.
Sometimes my characters decisions and choices frustrate me. Sometimes I don't understand them...why won't he just admit how he feels? Why does this affect him so much? Why can't he move on? The answer might be so incredibly obvious to me...but what I remind myself is, I'm not him. I haven't lived his life, his experiences. I haven't lived inside his skin, so my choices will be different from his. His actions don't have to make sense to me as in what I would do, but they have to make sense to him and his life and his conflict.
I've always been a people person. Human nature fascinates me. Why do we do the things we do? What makes us feel the things we feel? I always try to explore that with my characters--good, bad, and everything in between. It's one of my favorite things about writing.
Are you drawn to character-driven stories? Have any questions for me? ask in the comments and I'll come back and answer them.
I know it's been a few weeks. I'm the worst blogger ever. I came up with an idea though! LOL. I took questions in my Facebook group, Riley's Rebels--mostly writing related--and I figured I'd discuss them each week. This week, I'm talking characters.
I've always considered myself a character writer. Most of my books, if not all of my books, are very character-driven. When I start writing, I don't always know exactly what will happen each step of the way, but I always know my people. Sure, I learn things about them along the way. Every writer does. Sometimes I see it coming and others it throws me for a loop, but when I'm originally coming up with an idea for a book, I nearly always start with my people. From there, I always try to dig into who they are. What they feel. What they need. Try to peel back all those layers to try and figure out what makes them tick. Why they do the things they do?
I almost always know what's going to connect my heroes on a deeper level. It doesn't aways have to be huge, but there needs to be a reason. Does one hero like to feed the homeless and the other has been on the streets? Do they both know what it's like to have their heart broken or to be hurt by a parent or to feel lost in their lives and not know what they're supposed to do or where they're supposed to go? There has to be that one thing that makes them stand out, that makes them different, other than reasons like, "he's funny! or he's hot!" and it has to make sense with who each of the men are.
Sometimes my characters decisions and choices frustrate me. Sometimes I don't understand them...why won't he just admit how he feels? Why does this affect him so much? Why can't he move on? The answer might be so incredibly obvious to me...but what I remind myself is, I'm not him. I haven't lived his life, his experiences. I haven't lived inside his skin, so my choices will be different from his. His actions don't have to make sense to me as in what I would do, but they have to make sense to him and his life and his conflict.
I've always been a people person. Human nature fascinates me. Why do we do the things we do? What makes us feel the things we feel? I always try to explore that with my characters--good, bad, and everything in between. It's one of my favorite things about writing.
Are you drawn to character-driven stories? Have any questions for me? ask in the comments and I'll come back and answer them.
