Jynnipher Olbert's Blog

Write What You Know

I remember when I delved into the writing craft, trying to learn as much as I could, one piece of advice surfaced repeatedly.

Write what you know.

I looked back to my first book I wrote, as well as the next two and realized a couple of things. First and foremost, my vampires got shafted. The only difference between my vampires and humans was the fact I called them vampires. Vampires who don’t drink blood? What’s up with that!

The second thing, it takes place in Boston, a city I enjoy visiting. But I have never lived there.

Write what you know. Well, I know Memphis. So I am rewriting the series and including some overhaul of my vampires as well as embodying all that Memphis has to offer.

Any thoughts?

Pantser to Plotter: How did that happen?

When I began writing back in November of 2010, I wrote by the seat of my pants, or pantser as I learned later on. Somewhere along the way I think I have changed to a plotter. It is as if when I am writing, I am on a journey from my hometown of Millington, Tennessee to see my bestie in Milford, New Hampshire. Along the way these forks in the road advertise exciting adventures and lure me from the route I am on. I get to the ‘new destination’ and realize it isn’t really where I want to be.

This morning I was discussing with my best friend how my muse had abandoned me. I haven’t been able to write much of anything for the past six months. While I was texting her, I thought about my last few projects that I have worked on, wondering why I was unable to produce new material. Then it hit me…I have been sabatoging myself and confusing my muse…no wonder she left!

The first example of this that came to mind was book three of my original series, Vision of Souls. If you remember, I just posted a blog entry a few weeks back about a new beginning. It seems as if when I get these new beginnings that when I go to start writing on the new beginning, things turn south and nothing comes of it.  The second example is the project I worked on for NaNoWriMo ’12. I was about two-thirds through the book and thought of another great beginning to the book. A week later, all I had was a great new beginning, but nothing more.

I can’t explain why this knowledge has sparked the writer’s light in me, but it has…and I guess that is what is most important. I am eager to get home and see if I can put this new knowledge to good use.

What about you? Have you ever realized something about yourself that turns the writer’s light back on?

~Jynn

(Re)Vision of Souls?

I recently rediscovered the ‘new beginning’ to the third book in my Visions series and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I like the feel of the new start and wonder what roads it may lead me down with the characters. But…I have a dilemma.

Borrowed from: http://www.screened.com/profile/bigheart711

Imagine this: Two miniature desks on each of my shoulders, each with a muse staring at me over their tiny laptop.

The one on the left is eagerly bopping up and down in her thimble-sized chair, just begging me to rewrite using the new beginning and see where it takes us.

The one on the right is holding up a sign with the number 114,145 on it, reminding me how far into this project we are.

The question I ask you is, which one do you listen to?

Six Sentence Sunday #20

I has been a while since I last participated in the wonderful world of SSS. I figured with NaNoWriMo beginning I could start back with SSS. This is from my NaNo WIP, and tentatively has the title, Secret Legacy.

Eight o’clock. It was time to open the curtains and allow the sun to wake the sleeping wretch. The antique knob creaked as she turned it slowly. She opened the door and strode noiselessly inside. As she walked toward the window, she glanced toward the bed, hoping not to see the rise and fall of expanding lungs under the duvet.

She stopped moving, all the blood running from her face as she looked at the lifeless body of the woman she wanted dead.

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It’s November B$&%#$’s!

Yesterday was the beginning of a 30-day journey to 50,000 words. How did I do?

Miserably!

Today is a new day and I have made progress. Over to the left you can monitor my progress as the month goes by and see just how fast (or slow) I am rolling through the word count.

Contrary to what a manager at my work believes, 50,000 words is not an easy task!

Let the NaNo’g begin!

Jynn

A new beginning

It’s been a while since I have posted anything new. Below is a new beginning that came to me for the third book in my series. I appreciate any feedback!

~Jynn

PS. Sorry for the length!

“Viv,” Tory Zelko turned when she heard the name she started using when working at Absinthe. Destiny, a fellow server, stood behind her, looking between her and the bar. The brunette’s deep red lips whispered, “What’d you do? There is some haughty, three-piece suit asking for you over at the bar.” Tory turned to the bar and saw the outsider talking to a bartender she hadn’t seen before.

“Me?” Tory cried quietly. She made it a point not to stand out, but to blend into the crowd. She turned to face Destiny, “You think that new bartender will give me away?”

“He’s not new. Vince just doesn’t get to work a lot with his other job and he won’t rat you out. Wait ‘til the douche leaves, then go see what he wanted. Just so you know, Vince hates snoops, he may cop a ‘tude with you for bringing your personal life here. Watch your back.” Destiny sauntered away and Tory returned her attention to the bar. She saw the suit shake Vince’s hand, pass him a business card and then turn toward the exit. The gentleman wove through the crowd and as soon as the man passed by the bouncer, she looked back to the bar. Vince crossed his muscular arms over his wide chest and motioned for her to come over with the jerk of his head. She grabbed a few empty bottles from one of her tables and made her way to the bar.

“I’m Vince Langford, I don’t think we’ve officially met,” he handed her the business card. “Do I want to know what you are up to?”

“Vivian. I am sorry for that, whatever that was. I do wish I knew what I was apologizing for,” Tory said as she examined the card.

“You don’t have to apologize,” said Vince.

She smiled, “Destiny told me you didn’t like personal mixing with business.”

“Good. I’m glad she still sees me that way. It keeps her personal drama out of here.”

Tory felt the raised letters of SBW & Co. caress her fingertips and she flipped the card over. “Do you know what SBW & Co. is?”

As he nodded his head, she saw him flash a smile that reached his beautiful ice blue eyes. “What’s the back say?”

“We have urgent business to discuss. Please call my assistant.” She scoffed, “Well that isn’t any help.” She flipped the card back over and read the small print. “So what is SBW & Co.?”

“Can’t tell you, or I’d have to kill you. But I do take my nana there once a month.”

Tory quirked her eyebrow at the guy, “You take your what?”

“Oh piss off,” he winked at her. “Don’t let the costume fool you. I was raised right and I am not ashamed.”

She smiled at him, “I knew you couldn’t be the bad ass you were trying to portray with the leather pants and shit-kickers.”

He leaned across the bar and whispered, “All kidding aside Tory, you better make that call first thing in the morning.”

She looked around them, ensuring no eavesdroppers. “How long have you known my real name?”

“I have my ways,” he grinned as he stroked his chin. “I figured if you wanted people to know, you would tell them. Now, promise me that you will call promptly at nine tomorrow morning. The business that man has with you must be important for him to track you down here. This isn’t his local watering hole. Hell, this is isn’t even his zip code.”

She eyed Vince, “You know him?”

He winked and said, “I’d have to kill you and it would be tragic to lose someone so nice.”

She heard him laugh as he walked to the other side of the bar to a waiting customer. She read the business card once more, hoping something would give her a hint about SBW&Co. She tucked the business card away and went back to taking care of her tables. She wondered if her best friend, Shiloh Ashford, knew anything about the mysterious company. Shiloh kept her daughter, Emily, for her on the nights she worked at Absinthe and during the school year when she had classes.

“Last call folks.” Tory sighed in relief as she heard her favorite words called out to the remaining patrons. Tuesday nights usually weren’t exceptionally busy, but there was a concert nearby that ended about an hour ago. Tory liked the band, but the cost would be more than just the price of the ticket; she’d lose a nights work too.

She hustled to the recently emptied tables and cleared the glasses, gathering the large tips left by the inebriated patrons. She saw Destiny chatting up with one the customers and then realized it was her boyfriend. He came in every night she worked and waited for her shift to end. Tory didn’t understand how he could sit there and watch Destiny work her tables as she did, playfully flirting with all of the guys.

“Hey Viv,” called Vince from the bar.

Tory walked over with the last of her empties. “What’s up?”

“I just want to make sure you still have that card and that you promise to call them in the morning.”

Tory pulled the card from her bustier, “Still safe. Why does it matter to you?” Tory saw Vince squirm. She said, “Oh never mind. I get it. You’d have to kill me. I promise I will call. I’ll tell you what, you give me your number and I will call you the minute I hang up with them.”

Vince smirked, “If you wanted my number all you had to do was ask.”

Tory scoffed, “Please, if you weren’t being such an ass about this, I wouldn’t be asking. I don’t have time for guys right now; not with a three-year-old at home waiting on me.” She watched his face change from flirty to serious in two seconds.

“You’re a mother and you work here?” asked Vince.

“I have to pay the bills somehow. While this isn’t my dream job, the pay is better anything else I can get working at night. I just have to get my degree and I’ll be out of here.” She smiled, “Now can I get that number?”

Vince laughed, “You are definitely spunky.” He grabbed the business card and jotted a number on the back. “This way I know you won’t lose my number.”

Tory tucked the card back into her bustier. “Well that’s the last of my tables cleared. Time to head home to my sweet angel,” she smiled. “I’ll call you as soon as I press end with the mysterious SBW & Co., I promise.” She waved as she walked to the back, stopping by her locker to grab her street clothes before she headed to the restroom. She never came or left in the costumes mandated by the club; the idea of walking down the street with a black bustier and leather skirt wasn’t her idea of safe.

When Tory came out of the restroom, Destiny asked, “Hey, do you need a ride home?”

Tory smiled, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m just a few blocks from here.” Her apartment was close enough that by the time they got to their vehicle, she would be home. She waved to the remaining staff as she left the bar. The crisp, clean air blasted her senses and she closed her eyes as she drew in a deep breath to replace the stale air of the club.

“Miss Victoria Zelko,” said a deep voice. Tory turned and saw large, black-suited man standing just a few feet from her.

She fished in her bag, looking for the mace she kept since she walked home at night. Once she had her hand around the can, she said, “Yes, may I help you?”

“I assure you, there is no need for the pepper spray you are holding.”

Tory scoffed, “Yeah right. How did you know my name?”

“I have orders to take you to meet my employer. We can do this one of two ways. I hope you will comply and allow me to drive you willingly to meet with him.”

She said, “And I refuse?”

“Are you refusing?”

“Why does your employer want to meet me?”

“I am not privy to that information. I will assure you that no harm will come to you.”

Tory laughed, “I don’t know you well enough to know if I can trust your word.”

“Hank, would it be alright if I accompanied Miss Zelko,” asked a familiar voice. Tory turned to see Vince standing a little behind her. He looked different, more professional with no leather anywhere she could see.

“I see no problem with that Mr. Langford. However, we do need to be going soon as you know Mr. Smith does not like to be kept waiting.”

Tory stared at Vince. “So I take you two know each other? Care to let me in on the secret?”

Vince shook his head, “I can’t tell you and unfortunately neither can Hank. You’ll just have to trust me and get into the car.”

“What about my daughter?”

Hank said, “Miss Zelko, the longer we stand here and discuss this, the longer until you can be home with young Emily.” A chill ran through her, they knew her daughter’s name. If

Vince said, “Please Tory, I promise you will be home before the sun rises. If you want, once we are in the car you can call your babysitter to let them know you will be home just a little later.”

Tory said, “If I refuse?”

Hank said, “Please don’t make me go there Miss Zelko. I don’t like violence.”

She felt a tug on her hand and Vince leaned down, “Tory, I promise that you are in no danger. I couldn’t tell you earlier, but the gentleman earlier told me that there would be a car waiting for you.”

Tory said, “Why can’t I just call them tomorrow morning?”

Hank cleared his throat and said, “Mr. Smith does not keep normal banking hours.” Tory watched as Vince walked to the open door and then looked back at her. She didn’t like this, not one bit. Shiloh knew what time she should be home and always worried when she was just a few minutes late. She looked between Vince and Hank, weighing her options. She was a decent runner, but from the muscles the two men were sporting, she guessed she wouldn’t make it very far.

She sighed. She didn’t see a way out of this. She looked at Vince, “If anything happens to me, I will personally come back to haunt you for the rest of your life and I will tell everyone at the bar that you are a nana’s boy.”

Vince grinned, “Deal. Now, come and get in because I know Hank has a schedule to follow.”

Tory shuffled over to the car and climbed in beside Vince. She pulled her phone from her bag and pressed the number for Shiloh.

“Hey you, everything okay?”

Tory said, “Yes and no. I am fine, but I am not coming home right away.”

“Oh,” Shiloh asked. “Did you finally meet someone?”

Tory sighed. Her friend kept trying to get her to get out and meet new people, but she just didn’t see guys that way. She didn’t understand it at all. She said, “Not exactly. I will be home as soon as I can.”

“Okay, well call if you need me.”

“Thanks gal. How is Em?”

“Finally went to sleep about an hour ago. She really wanted to see you when you came home, but exhaustion won.”

“Thanks for taking such good care of her. I’ll see you later.”

Vince said, “Everything good at home?”

“Yeah,” Tory put her phone back into her purse and checked to make sure her pepper spray was still within reach too.

“How old is your daughter?”

Tory smiled, “Three going on ten. I swear she’s so much more mature than others are. She fits in better with the six-year-olds, physically and intellectually.” She saw the vague illumination of the street lights fade as she felt the car descend. “Anyone care to tell me where we are going?”

Vince said, “Underground.”

She folded her arms across her chest, “Are you always such a smart ass?”

Vince said, “Happy to be of service.”

The car came to a stop and she pulled on the handle. She whipped around and stared at Vince, “Why isn’t this door opening? Am I a prisoner now?”

The door opened and Hank said, “No, Miss Zelko you are not. In fact, let me apologize for my threats earlier. Please understand I don’t usually have clientele as nice as you.”

Tory stormed out of the back seat, glared up at him and growled, “Maybe you should get a different job.” She stared a moment more and then said, “Now, I believe you said this Mr. Smith has a schedule to keep. Shouldn’t we get going?”

“Unfortunately, this is as far as Vince can go.” He looked at Vince, “You understand, right man?”

Tory shook her head, “I’m not going in there by myself. Either he goes in with me, or you can just turn this boat around and take me home.”

Vince said, “Tory, you’ll be fine. I promise—“

“No. Either you come or we go.”

Hank pulled a cell phone out and made a quick call. Tory didn’t hear the conversation, but he put the phone back in his pocket and shut the door. “Mr. Smith agrees that Vince may come in with you. He understands that you are in the dark about why you are here.”

The Four-Letter Word

Not that four letter word…or that one.

The four-letter word I am thinking of is….Read. Over the past few years since I began writing, I have spent time soaking up what I can about the craft. In everything I took in, the most recommended piece of advice? Read.

I learned the importance of a writer reading this week. When I first started writing I didn’t want to read other books because I wanted the ideas I came up with  to be original. That is what I thought would happen and boy was I wrong. The several books I have read or listened to have opened my imagination up to way I can improve on my writing.

So here is to finding a balance between writing and reading.

Six Sentence Sunday #20

This is my WIP, currently called Vision of Souls. I started this last summer and put it on hold for NaNoWriMo. It took me a while to get back to it, but I am flying through the remaining chapters. You can read the first few SSS of this story here.

“…Besides, I would want you conscious the next time we are together like that. Especially considering our first time neither one of us remembers and our only proof of it is upstairs watching cartoons.”

Tory murmured, “Next time…right, like you are going to want to be with me after getting fangs and an affinity mark last night. It’s just another sign of my freakishness,” she heard him move and felt him come up behind her.

He brought her new mark up to his lips and kissed it. He gazed at it, “This truly is an exquisite mark with all the colors like most spirit users, but the silver weaving throughout the design makes it stand out.”

 

 

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Six Sentence Sunday #19

This is my WIP, currently called Vision of Souls. I started this last summer and put it on hold for NaNoWriMo. It took me a while to get back to it, but I am flying through the remaining chapters. You can read the first few SSS of this story here.

She turned and scowled at him. "Did you stay all night?"

He grinned sheepishly, "Isla and Calum suggested I stick around in case you needed someone to talk to. I was upstairs on the couch, but felt you reaching to me through our bond. You must have needed the comfort, because as soon as I was on the bed you turned into me."

She raised an eyebrow, "On…not in?"

"I wouldn't presume anything Tory…"

Tune in next week to see what else Jared tells Tory.

Be sure to head over to Six Sunday to check out the other participants or to sign up for yourself!

Six Sentence Sunday #18

This is my WIP, currently called Vision of Souls. I started this last summer and put it on hold for NaNoWriMo. It took me a while to get back to it, but I am flying through the remaining chapters. You can read the first few SSS of this story here.

Tory turned over and her hand hit something hard.

"Ouch," said a deep male voice.

She jumped out of bed, turned on the light and giggled at the handsome fully-clothed lump on her bed, "I'm tho thorry." She groaned as the night before flooded back into her mind. She was hoping she had just had a nightmare and none of it was real, well except for the great date and hot kiss.

Jared rubbed his forehead with one hand and patted the bed with the other, "Come back to bed my fine-fanged friend."

Be sure to head over to Six Sunday to check out the other participants or to sign up for yourself!