Trish Jackson's Blog, page 10
August 14, 2012
Guest Post: Historical Fantasy Romance by author Kelley Heckart
My inspiration for writing historical fantasy romance
I was kind of a strange kid, especially for a girl. I didn’t
dream of being a princess getting rescued by a prince. I wanted to be able to
take care of myself. My favorite things weren’t dolls or frilly dresses, but
swords and forests filled with supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves
and shapeshifting faeries and gods. When I
I was kind of a strange kid, especially for a girl. I didn’t
dream of being a princess getting rescued by a prince. I wanted to be able to
take care of myself. My favorite things weren’t dolls or frilly dresses, but
swords and forests filled with supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves
and shapeshifting faeries and gods. When I
August 4, 2012
What to Read?
As a romantic suspense author, reading is like homework for me.
I read as many best selling suspense and romantic suspense novels as I possibly can, and work hard to learn something from each and every one.
My most favorite author of all time is Wilbur Smith. He writes what I can only define as exxxtreme romantic suspense, although actually, his books cannot formally fit into the romance genre,
I read as many best selling suspense and romantic suspense novels as I possibly can, and work hard to learn something from each and every one.
My most favorite author of all time is Wilbur Smith. He writes what I can only define as exxxtreme romantic suspense, although actually, his books cannot formally fit into the romance genre,
August 3, 2012
Writers--Plotters or Pantsers
I am a pantser--I sit at my computer and "write by the seat of my pants" and a story comes out.
Plotters, on the other hand, plan their story before they start writing.
This often depends upon whether they are right or left brain dominant. Most of us have seen this dancing woman who spins.
If she spins clockwise, you are using your right brain, and if she spins in an anti-clockwise direction you're using your left brain.
If you're quite evenly right and left brained, you should be able to change the direction she is spinning while you stare at the moving image.
Plotters are usually predominately left-brained. They use the left side of their brain more than the right side. The left side of your brain is the one that controls logic and order. If you are predominantly left brained you probably like your life to be orderly, are good at math, regularly make and follow to-do lists, are punctual to appointments. You get the picture. Left brained people are more likely to create a detailed plot plan before writing, whether it is fiction or not. They are also more likely to write plot driven stories, where the action dictates what happens to the characters.
Pantsers write by "the seat of their pants". They are more right-brained. They are creative, passionate, emotional, and can be messy and disorganized. They are more in touch with their senses, and their writing includes touch, taste, and feel. Pantsers keep their stories in their heads and sit down and type them without planning. They may even rebel against writing down the plot and creating a plan. Pantsers are more likely to write character-driven stories, where the emotions of the characters determine what happens.
Plotters, on the other hand, plan their story before they start writing.
This often depends upon whether they are right or left brain dominant. Most of us have seen this dancing woman who spins.
If she spins clockwise, you are using your right brain, and if she spins in an anti-clockwise direction you're using your left brain.
If you're quite evenly right and left brained, you should be able to change the direction she is spinning while you stare at the moving image.
Plotters are usually predominately left-brained. They use the left side of their brain more than the right side. The left side of your brain is the one that controls logic and order. If you are predominantly left brained you probably like your life to be orderly, are good at math, regularly make and follow to-do lists, are punctual to appointments. You get the picture. Left brained people are more likely to create a detailed plot plan before writing, whether it is fiction or not. They are also more likely to write plot driven stories, where the action dictates what happens to the characters.
Pantsers write by "the seat of their pants". They are more right-brained. They are creative, passionate, emotional, and can be messy and disorganized. They are more in touch with their senses, and their writing includes touch, taste, and feel. Pantsers keep their stories in their heads and sit down and type them without planning. They may even rebel against writing down the plot and creating a plan. Pantsers are more likely to write character-driven stories, where the emotions of the characters determine what happens.
August 1, 2012
Writing Romantic Mysteries by Guest Author Sharon Evans
The Mystery in Romance
Can a teenaged girl find happiness solving
crimes and driving older men crazy? Find
the answer to this and other thought provoking questions in The War This Side
of Heaven, a trilogy and continuing series by Sharon Evans.
In a romance novel, there must be
trouble in paradise. With conflict being
a necessity, tension is heightened and romance becomes even more
Can a teenaged girl find happiness solving
crimes and driving older men crazy? Find
the answer to this and other thought provoking questions in The War This Side
of Heaven, a trilogy and continuing series by Sharon Evans.
In a romance novel, there must be
trouble in paradise. With conflict being
a necessity, tension is heightened and romance becomes even more
July 27, 2012
Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?
If you're a
writer, you're probably either a plotter or a pantser.
Huh?
Plotters are
usually predominately left-brained. This means they use the left side of their
brain more than the right side. The left side of your brain is the one that
controls logic and order. If you are predominantly left brained you probably
like your life to be orderly, are good at math, regularly make and
writer, you're probably either a plotter or a pantser.
Huh?
Plotters are
usually predominately left-brained. This means they use the left side of their
brain more than the right side. The left side of your brain is the one that
controls logic and order. If you are predominantly left brained you probably
like your life to be orderly, are good at math, regularly make and
July 26, 2012
WIN A PRINT COPY OF WAY OUT OF LINE
I'm happy to announce I'm giving away two print copies of WAY OUT OF LINE on Goodreads.
Two kids from Texas--a sizzling romance--one stupid mistake. Intrigue, terror and undying love culminate in the vast African wilderness.
Trent lied about her age. Hal was convicted of statutory rape. Two lives, ruined. Despite a brutal existence in prison, a desperate escape and a chance for a new
Two kids from Texas--a sizzling romance--one stupid mistake. Intrigue, terror and undying love culminate in the vast African wilderness.
Trent lied about her age. Hal was convicted of statutory rape. Two lives, ruined. Despite a brutal existence in prison, a desperate escape and a chance for a new
July 24, 2012
Kickassitude -- First Edit
I recently started working on the first edit from my publisher, Uncial Press, on my upcoming sequel to Redneck P.I. which (I think) is very aptly called Kickassitude.
During the writing process, I edited it and re-edited it a gazillion times, but this is different. It is now filled with red ink from my editor, Jude. She is a wonderful person and an excellent editor, and I've learned more than I could ever have imagined from her.
The good news for me is--she said it was delightful all the way to the end, and there was a lot less red ink than there was in either of my previous books.
I loved writing this book. Twila is such a wonderful character. She appears to be simple, with her devil may care attitude, but is actually very complex. The more I write about her, the more I learn about her deepest fears and desires.
When I got to the soppy part, I cried, again. I always figure if I can make myself cry, with something I have read so many times, then I've done my job as a romance writer.
But... I decided I didn't like the ending. So, I set about changing it, and I am really jazzed at the way it turned out. I am what is referred to as a "pantser". I write by the seat of my pants rather than sitting down and planning the story before actually writing it. The new ending just flowed beautifully out of my head. It was all there.
I can't publish it here--there's such a huge surprise in it I could never give it away. It even surprised me!! I know my readers will enjoy it.
Here's a little excerpt about the dog who adopts Twila:
"I can't say I have ever seen this little guy before. Looks like a Cairn Terrier. Spunky little critters. If you're gonna keep him you should buy a collar and a leash so you can control him better."
"Keep him? No, I can't have a dog," I said.
"I guess you'll have to take him to the pound in Grover then. Maybe they'll be able to find him a home before his ninety days are up."
I know I looked blank.
"You don't know, do you? If they haven't found a home after ninety days they're euthanized."
I gasped and looked at the little critter, who was being held tightly by Jared. He dropped his ears down and showed the whites of his eyes. He looked sadder than I could imagine any dog could look. How did he know what we were talking about?
"They wouldn't really do that, would they?"
Doc. Zerelda wore a sad expression as she cocked her head. "I'm afraid they do. They can't keep them indefinitely He looks like he'd be a handful--people don't usually take to aggressive dogs like him."
I didn't have to deliberate for long. "Okay, I guess I'll have to keep him, then. Where's that collar and leash?" I couldn't believe what I was saying.
She led me to the board that displayed an assortment of webbing and leather dog gear. I chose a black leather collar with silver studs and a matching black leather leash. If he was gonna ride around on a Harley he should look the part. They helped me put it on.
During the writing process, I edited it and re-edited it a gazillion times, but this is different. It is now filled with red ink from my editor, Jude. She is a wonderful person and an excellent editor, and I've learned more than I could ever have imagined from her.
The good news for me is--she said it was delightful all the way to the end, and there was a lot less red ink than there was in either of my previous books.
I loved writing this book. Twila is such a wonderful character. She appears to be simple, with her devil may care attitude, but is actually very complex. The more I write about her, the more I learn about her deepest fears and desires.
When I got to the soppy part, I cried, again. I always figure if I can make myself cry, with something I have read so many times, then I've done my job as a romance writer.
But... I decided I didn't like the ending. So, I set about changing it, and I am really jazzed at the way it turned out. I am what is referred to as a "pantser". I write by the seat of my pants rather than sitting down and planning the story before actually writing it. The new ending just flowed beautifully out of my head. It was all there.
I can't publish it here--there's such a huge surprise in it I could never give it away. It even surprised me!! I know my readers will enjoy it.
Here's a little excerpt about the dog who adopts Twila:
"I can't say I have ever seen this little guy before. Looks like a Cairn Terrier. Spunky little critters. If you're gonna keep him you should buy a collar and a leash so you can control him better."
"Keep him? No, I can't have a dog," I said.
"I guess you'll have to take him to the pound in Grover then. Maybe they'll be able to find him a home before his ninety days are up."
I know I looked blank.
"You don't know, do you? If they haven't found a home after ninety days they're euthanized."
I gasped and looked at the little critter, who was being held tightly by Jared. He dropped his ears down and showed the whites of his eyes. He looked sadder than I could imagine any dog could look. How did he know what we were talking about?
"They wouldn't really do that, would they?"
Doc. Zerelda wore a sad expression as she cocked her head. "I'm afraid they do. They can't keep them indefinitely He looks like he'd be a handful--people don't usually take to aggressive dogs like him."
I didn't have to deliberate for long. "Okay, I guess I'll have to keep him, then. Where's that collar and leash?" I couldn't believe what I was saying.
She led me to the board that displayed an assortment of webbing and leather dog gear. I chose a black leather collar with silver studs and a matching black leather leash. If he was gonna ride around on a Harley he should look the part. They helped me put it on.
Kickassitude - First Edit and Twila Gets a Dog
I recently started working on the first edit from my publisher, Uncial Press, on my upcoming sequel to Redneck P.I. which (I think) is very aptly called Kickassitude.
During the writing process, I edited it and re-edited it a gazillion times, but this is different. It is now filled with red ink from my editor, Jude. She is a wonderful person and an excellent editor, and I've learned more than I
During the writing process, I edited it and re-edited it a gazillion times, but this is different. It is now filled with red ink from my editor, Jude. She is a wonderful person and an excellent editor, and I've learned more than I
July 21, 2012
The Aurora Shootings
I know everyone who reads this will, like me, want to send loving thoughts or prayers, and condolences to the victims of the horrific attack in Aurora Colorado last night.
I cannot begin to imagine the shock and pain of the wounded, and the families of all the victims.
If only there were some sort of magic spell we could cast on all of society so bad and crazy people would all change their ways
I cannot begin to imagine the shock and pain of the wounded, and the families of all the victims.
If only there were some sort of magic spell we could cast on all of society so bad and crazy people would all change their ways
July 19, 2012
Guest Blogger Michelle Miles -- Paranormal and Fantasy Romance Author
Why I Write Paranormal and Fantasy Romance
by Michelle Miles
I have a confession to make. I didn’t become a voracious
reader until I was in my early twenties.
Okay, that’s not exactly true either. I don’t think I was
ever a voracious reader.
I chose books that grab me from the first page and don’t let
go until the last. I prefer to read series because I like visiting with the
by Michelle Miles
I have a confession to make. I didn’t become a voracious
reader until I was in my early twenties.
Okay, that’s not exactly true either. I don’t think I was
ever a voracious reader.
I chose books that grab me from the first page and don’t let
go until the last. I prefer to read series because I like visiting with the
