C.L. Parks's Blog, page 2

Writing Tip by Rhonda Grace

I seriously wish I could take credit for this brilliance, but I can not. If you're not familiar with Rhonda Grace, now is the time to check out the talent of this incredible woman.

Writing Tip Courtesy of Rhonda Grace:

Writing Tip:

Sit in a cafe or bar and observe people. Turn off your phone or other distractions. As you look at the faces around you, imagine what they might be feeling or thinking. What might their lives be like? What have they experienced in the past? Let your imagination run free.


Think about that - every single person who crosses your path has a story, a history, a secret. As an paranormal author, my mind always wanders to the extreme, so for me anyone of these faces could belong to a hungry Shifter, or maybe a demon possessed human. The possibilities are endless!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Interview with Author Sandra Love

Joining us today is Sandra Love. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.
When did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?
SL - I started to write this past year! I was reading Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry and was like, hey I want to do this. Many authors had inspired me to write. Genevieve Scholl was one of the authors who would talk me through it every day!! She is also my editor, publisher and cover designer.
What do you write?
SL - Right now I write YA Supernatural. I do want to write a Romance novel one day! I have started one, but right now I want to work on my Broken Wings series.
Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?
SL - The story just came to me one day! I wanted to bring it to life on paper. I really want to work with special needs children.
On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
SL - I wake up, have some coffee, and start to write. My cats decide that’s the time to start playing.
How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?
SL - Well with the new year I plan on writing for 2 or 3 hours a day, and 5 days a week. I do have book two coming out April 18th. So excited about that!
Are you a plotter or pantser?
SL - A plotter.
How do you handle distractions during your writing time?
SL - I am good at shutting things out. I usually put my phone on silent and unplug the internet. *laughs* so I don’t get tempted.
What made you decide to self-publish?
SL - For the time being I think self-publish will be great for me, so I don’t have to have that added stress.
Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes andself-publishes?
SL - I think right now I just want to self-publish. I want to wait and see how people react to my first book.
How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?
SL - Well my first book was just released on December 22nd 2013, so I haven’t had any income yet. I’ve sold plenty of books but amazon hasn’t paid me *laughs*.
Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?
SL - Just follow your heart and never give up. J
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!You can find Sandra Love's books on Amazon here and here.

Or follow Ms. Love on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter.
  Want to know a little more? Here's a blurb to Broken:Broken by Sandra Love Cordelia Rose has a horrible life. She gets bullied by students at school, beaten by her father, practically abandoned by her mother, and wants to end her life and suffering. But when some strange things start to happen, she questions whether or not she has a purpose in this life.

Then she meets a brother and sister that means more to her than she realizes. They are her protectors, and her kindred spirits. Just like her, they are bruised and broken, though for different reasons.

When she finally discovers the truth of her existence, her mind is jumbled with everything She has to take in; not to mention the battle she has to fight inside and out.

A little about Sandra Love 
          My name is Sandra Love, I live in Olivet Michigan and I am 33 years old. I live with my boyfriend Brad and my son Charlie. Charlie is 11 years old and he battles with Autism and ADHD. He is my world. I did attend college, where I studied Accounting and Ancient History. I am very fascinated with Mythology. Norse Mythology is my all-time favorite. I love learning about the Gods and Goddesses.         I am a big time cat lover, I swear I will end up being the crazy cat lady. I have 3 cats Stubby, Odin and Thor. I do take care of a stray as well his name is Louie. I want to save all the cats in the world.  J           In my spear time, I love to read. My favorite genre of books are YA Supernatural, but I read anywhere from Erotica to Fantasy to Romance. I love to read and review for authors. I am a BIG supporter of ALL authors. They have inspired me to write.
          Speaking of writing my first book is YA Supernatural. It is book 1 of 3, with a Prequel. I really enjoy writing, it allows me to escape reality for a while. I hope you all enjoy my first book.
          I am really a boring person; I rather stay in and hang out with my cats and my family then to go out.


 
 
 

Writing Music and Moods

I know some of you can only write in pure silence. I am not one of those people. I need noise of some sort, but preferably music. I'm not into having a play list specifically for each book, rather play lists of certain moods. After all, our entire book isn't non stop violence, non stop sensuality, or non stop adventure. Therefore, shouldn't our play list be just as varied.

Now that I've said that here's where a problem comes in, at least a problem for me. I've always been told we creative types tend to be more emotional and more susceptible to others' energies and moods. I can be plugging along on a storyline and a song comes on and totally changes my mode of thinking. Here's an example:


If I'm in the middle of, say, a fight scene and this song comes on my brain suddenly switches into romance mode. Oh, and not just romance mode, but heart broken, want to cry mode. I can picture my character in emotional pain, suffering the loss of an unrequited love, or maybe a terrible break up with the love of their life!

 Now on the opposite end of the spectrum, I can not write anything but violence when this song pops on. There's just something so dark and mean about it that a fight must ensue on the screen the second he starts counting down.
Even as I've been writing this blog I've had to repeatedly change the music selection. I just can't focus on anything real when I've got Rumpshaker, Boys II Men 'I'll Make Love to You', or Doris Day's Que Sera, Sera playing in my ear.

Perhaps it's time to find a specific play list for each book, but I honestly don't think it'll help. As the song changes, so will my mood.

Affected by Books?

It's no secret that I'm a complete Twihard. Hey, there's no shame in admitting it (unless you ask my husband) From the moment I first read Twilight I was hooked. Every time I would close the book I had to get another immediately. (Luckily for me, I started late and didn't have to wait for each book to be published) When I wasn't reading the books I was thinking about the characters, dreaming about the characters.



 I was so infatuated with Edward, mesmerized by Jacob, and highly respected Charlie. These characters were real to me. This kind of fictional reality doesn't happen often for me. There are only two other authors who have roped me in so intensely that I had remind myself the books weren't autobiographies, and the characters were never going to cross my path. Rachel Vincent was one such author who sucked me in so much I had to take a couple days away from the books or I would have been committed into a nut house (joking, of course). If you haven't yet, definitely check out her Shifters series.   The world of Faythe, Marc, and Jace was addictive, sexy, dangerous, and did I say addictive? Yeah, I did but seriously worth repeating! The third author to suck me into their fictional world is Stephanie Rowe. Holy cow! Her Calydons are beyond hot in the Order of the Blade books! She's what is referred to as a hybrid author as she is both Indie and traditionally published. I'll admit I have a major crush on Calydon Gideon!!!!   I can't be the only reader who gets so engrossed in a book they forget about reality for a time. Who is the author who changed the way you read? What book have you been obsessed over? I can tell you when I hear certain songs, specifically songs from the Twilight soundtracks, I feel the same way I did while reading the books. That is a fabulous feeling if you ask me. So tell me, I want to hear your naughty little confession! 

Writing and the Holidays

Okay, I know I neglect this blog way more than I should, but honestly, do you really want to hear from me every single day?

I was thinking about my choice of career and the holidays today. There's both a novella and the second book in the Hunters series in the works as we speak, yet I've been unable to write in weeks. Because the holidays are in full swing I'm currently working a part-time job. This job is extremely exhausting, to the point where I could fall asleep the moment I get home. Unfortunately, between the physical exhaustion, the family obligations, and regular housework, I've had no time to write.

Oh wow. I can see some of you shaking your heads and making faces at me. I'm fully aware there are a lot of writers out there who work full-time jobs and still have time to write. Well, I commend you. I've never been one who had the energy to stay up all night to complete a book, then get up after only a few hours of sleep to start the day again. My brain doesn't function fully without rest. Never has. On top of the constant fatigue, I've been fighting with a stupid cold (my first in 3-4 years), plus trying to care for my special needs kids.

With the holidays being so busy, one has to wonder how anyone has time to breathe, let alone finish a book. I have so much respect for people who are able to finish 3 to 4 books a year while holding down a regular job, caring for their families, and keeping up their house. Where do you people find the energy? Is it something the rest of us can bottle? Any secrets?

Wow, this post really turned into nothing more than a rambling, incoherent thought. But, I'm sure most of you know me well enough by now to follow my thought process.

Have a great week, y'all!

Where do the readers hang out?

Oh, this poor neglected blog. I always have the best of intentions to write at least three times a week. Instead, I'm working on once a month. *sigh* Well, I'm here today. And boy, oh boy, do I have something to talk about.

I read a blog post today about writers and readers. The point was made that the writing industry isolates the readers. It got me thinking about all of my favorite blog stops and websites. The blog in question posted a quote from JA Konrath:

"Here’s the deal: Readers are my customers, not writers. Readers don’t even know who the Big 6 are. They don’t care.

I’m mentioned a lot in the publishing community, which is small, closed, and uninteresting to anyone who isn’t in it. But because we’re in it, and we care about it, we incorrectly assume that because writers know who I am, readers must as well." (Emphasis by the original blogger. Read the full article here.)  

Now, it's only 7:33am, and I've only had one and  a half cups of coffee so bear with me this morning. I'm sure this entire post will be riddled with mistakes and I may rattle on. If we're insulating our readers, how the hell does a newbie like myself reach these lovely people?   We're told, as writers, to have accounts on any and every site out there: Facebook, Myspace, LinkdIn, Goodreads, Google+, Wattpad...the list goes on and on. I've forgotten half of my passwords for these accounts. But are the readers on these sites, or are they only good for networking. Of course, most writers are readers, but a majority of readers aren't writers.

A voracious reader would have no reason to check out my LinkdIn profile. Why would they? Nor would they head over to She Writes to see what I'm up to. Notice I'm not linking these pages to my personal profile. I guess it would be smart to, but other than fellow writers, no one cares.   I have enjoyed getting to know so many people on Facebook, and get the opportunity to chat with authors whom I greatly respect. But, other than hardcore fans, readers aren't going to scour the social network for a new book. They're going to ask their friends for suggestions. They'll go to Amazon and scroll through the first few pages for a good read.   There is so much on the Internet about how to find readers, how to find your particular market. But these sites are almost always geared toward the writers, not the actual readers. Where are these people? Where are they hanging out? And, if you're not Stephen King, or JR Ward, how do the lowly newcomers get the people to come. If you write it, they will come? Nope. Doesn't work that way.    
                                                      If you build it, they will come.

  We spend countless hours researching, traveling to conferences, attending online classes, improving our craft, reading EVERY SINGLE BOOK out there about writing and marketing....they don't help. Okay, they help with our writing, but they don't help us find the people whom would buy our books.   Does anyone know the answer to these questions? Have you found the secret room where the urban fantasy fans, or the paranormal lovers are hanging out? Are they peeking through the windows laughing at us? And, do they care if we're on the radio, or are interviewed on the morning news? Could they care less if we're highlighted on someone's blog? Sure, review blogs are helpful, but how many readers go to them? Are they, too, geared toward the writing world?   Please, if you have an answer to any of these questions, feel free to point the rest of us in the right direction.

Please, give me an idea!!

A good friend whom I met on Facebook recently asked me how I came up with ideas. She was thinking about trying her hand at paranormal writing - a genre she loves to read, but doesn't usually write. She even joked about could I help her come up with an idea. This got me thinking throughout the weekend- How do we come up with our ideas?



I've seen parody videos, I've heard other writer's accounts, but I can only speak on my own behalf. So, please, do not take this as gospel. Here's how it usually works for me:

During a nap, or at night, something will sometimes come to me in a dream. In these instances, I usually dwell on the idea that popped in. One idea I had was so good I shot straight up in bed - which sucked for my equilibrium, as I was still asleep - and grabbed the closest piece of paper and pen. I started to write the book, but decided to focus on the Hunters series for now.

Okay, so how did I come up with the Hunters series? Have you ever watched a news cast about someone who killed a friend or family member? It's always the same thing - "They were such a good person. They loved their family and would do anything for anyone. I just don't know what happened." Well, the husband and I were watching just such a story and I sarcastically replied, "Yeah, great guy. I'm sure he's possessed." That's when the bells chimed in my head. What if?

Think about it - What if someone you loved dearly was suddenly possessed by a demon? What if the only way to save their soul was by terminating their life? Could you do it? Could you thrust a sword into their body to release the demon's hold?

A majority of ideas that come to me are from dreams or what-if moments. My sister, friends, family members, etc have called or emailed me with great ideas. Problem with those is I can't "see" the characters in my head since they didn't represent themselves to me.

There's another issue: You can have a great idea, but there has to be characters to play out the scenes, as well as some great conflict and plot loops! Just because a story sounds good doesn't mean the characters want to act it out for you.



Do you write? Where do your ideas come from? Maybe you pull from the news, or maybe your own life.

Please, give me an book idea!!

A good friend whom I met on Facebook recently asked me how I came up with ideas. She was thinking about trying her hand at paranormal writing - a genre she loves to read, but doesn't usually write. She even joked about could I help her come up with an idea. This got me thinking throughout the weekend- How do we come up with our ideas?



I've seen parody videos, I've heard other writer's accounts, but I can only speak on my own behalf. So, please, do not take this as gospel. Here's how it usually works for me:

During a nap, or at night, something will sometimes come to me in a dream. In these instances, I usually dwell on the idea that popped in. One idea I had was so good I shot straight up in bed - which sucked for my equilibrium, as I was still asleep - and grabbed the closest piece of paper and pen. I started to write the book, but decided to focus on the Hunters series for now.

Okay, so how did I come up with the Hunters series? Have you ever watched a news cast about someone who killed a friend or family member? It's always the same thing - "They were such a good person. They loved their family and would do anything for anyone. I just don't know what happened." Well, the husband and I were watching just such a story and I sarcastically replied, "Yeah, great guy. I'm sure he's possessed." That's when the bells chimed in my head. What if?

Think about it - What if someone you loved dearly was suddenly possessed by a demon? What if the only way to save their soul was by terminating their life? Could you do it? Could you thrust a sword into their body to release the demon's hold?

A majority of ideas that come to me are from dreams or what-if moments. My sister, friends, family members, etc have called or emailed me with great ideas. Problem with those is I can't "see" the characters in my head since they didn't represent themselves to me.

There's another issue: You can have a great idea, but there has to be characters to play out the scenes, as well as some great conflict and plot loops! Just because a story sounds good doesn't mean the characters want to act it out for you.



Do you write? Where do your ideas come from? Maybe you pull from the news, or maybe your own life.

My Laptop and I Have Been Displaced

I'm a classic housewife/stay at home mom. I write full time. Yes, I know how very lucky I am. During the week, after the last kid heads to the bus stop, I prop my laptop on the dining room table, open the blinds and curtains in the dining room, and start pecking away. Well, this week, my husband's on vacation.

What does that have to do with anything? I've been starting out my days in our downstairs living room, stretched out on the couch with my laptop on my lap. I don't want to wake him up at six am; my husband works up to twelve hours a day during the week, so he deserves to sleep in.

Are you wondering what any of this has to do with writing? Or maybe why the hell I'm even bringing it up? Being stretched out on the couch is causing some discomfort. My legs are tight and sore by the end of the day - that's even after constantly getting up to do laundry, vacuum, and do laundry. It got me wondering about other writers' writing habits. You see, there's a place called The Writers Cave on Paige Cuccaro's site. I have spent hours going through the pictures of other authors' writing spaces.


Paige Cuccaro's "Cave"


At one time, when we first moved into this house, I had started hanging posters and arranging things in a certain area that I had designated as my writing space. Well, just like any other home with kids, a television and game system made their way into that space and it became yet another space for the kids. So, I'm currently writing homeless.


Laurell K Hamilton's "Cave"
I'd love to see pics of other writing spaces? Do you actually have an office? Or do you sprawl out wherever you can? Maybe you're like me and just plop your laptop down in the place that looks good for the day. Want to share pics of your writing spaces?

Show Vs Tell - The neverending discussion

Anyone who has ever written a book and had it reviewed by someone other than their dog has been told at one point or the other to show, not tell. For the last few days I was reading a book in the paranormal romance genre. Now, it usually only takes me a day or two to read a novel (depending on what is going on at night, as that's the only time I have to read), but I was constantly pulled from the story. Why? Because instead of showing me what was going on, the author constantly told me.

Ex. "I felt the grass beneath me."
     "I saw him do x, y, z."
     "I heard x, y, z."

How does one show instead of tell?

Let's take the first example above.

"I felt the grass beneath me."

The author has told us what the character felt. But, if the character were allowed to show us what she was feeling, it may look a little like this:

"As I woke, something tickled against my bare skin, the ground was soft beneath me. I opened my eyes to see the stars bright above me."

Sure, that last sentence used a lot more words, and may not have been the best example, but you get the point, right? Let's try another one.

"Tenna was angry." (For those of you who have read She Who Hunts know Tenna can get pissy sometimes)

How does this look?

"Tenna jumped to her feet, stomped across the room, and slammed the door shut behind Jason."

Does the latter say the same as the former? Is it more interesting?

One of my problems with the show/tell thing is when an author "tells" me how a character feels, or sees, or whatever they don't trust me enough to come to the correct conclusion by what is going on in the story. If you tell me a character swipes their hands down their jeans before turning a doorknob, I will conclude that her nerves have caused her hands to sweat. You don't need to tell me "Jane was nervous. Her hands were sweating."

Here are five techniques you can use to avoid telling a reader:

1. Write from POV (point of view)
2. Dialogue is a fabulous way to show me what is going on
3. Use action verbs and picture nouns
4. Be sure to use all your senses. You know, smell, sight, sound, touch, taste (yes, even taste)
5. Write in scenes

Marta V Snyder has a great blog post going further into the five techniques. If you want to read further, feel free to head over and check her post out.

Do you have problems with telling instead of showing? Have you been drug out of a story because the author had a problem telling you everything?