Sandra Madera's Blog, page 9
April 2, 2013
Q/A: What Is In a Name?
Q:
How do you come up for the names of your characters? Is there a special meaning behind them?
A: Yes. This is actually not uncommon. Have you ever looked up your name to see what it means or its origins? It is not uncommon for expecting mothers to pick up a book of baby names and choose based on popularity, meaning or general like of a name. There are even some online baby name indexes.
For example, Nalin really does mean "lotus flower"and the lotus really does stand for peace. Alexis, as in the main character of Sangre Falls, is another form of Alexander/Alexandra like my name, Sandra, and it means "helper of mankind." All the characters of overboard have either a first or last name that has something to do with water, whether sea, pond or ocean.
Some authors choose a name because a publisher tells them that is a good name for a character. Other authors choose a name because they like it or have some connection with it in their day to day lives. I like to choose names I like, but they need to have meaning within the story, too. It adds dimension to the characters. If a character is considered a villain, I want them to have a name that is strong. It can mean strong or dark or black. Brenna's, a character in Overboard, name means "raven or dark-haired."
However, some names I choose for personal meaning and not public ones. I chose most of the characters names in the Weeping Willow series based on nature. Everyone knows the willow tree and how it appears to be drooping as if in sadness. My uncle, who is no longer with us, lived in a house next to a willow tree, and it was alive with the sound of animals. When the breeze moved its leaves, it actually sounded like it was weeping. This fit with the character of Willow since she was always in predicaments that would keep her from attaining happiness.
So, next time you pick up a book, think about whether the character's name means something about their personality or position within a story. Sometimes you may be able to spot the villain without having to read or unlock a secret that can only be confirmed at the end.
A: Yes. This is actually not uncommon. Have you ever looked up your name to see what it means or its origins? It is not uncommon for expecting mothers to pick up a book of baby names and choose based on popularity, meaning or general like of a name. There are even some online baby name indexes.
For example, Nalin really does mean "lotus flower"and the lotus really does stand for peace. Alexis, as in the main character of Sangre Falls, is another form of Alexander/Alexandra like my name, Sandra, and it means "helper of mankind." All the characters of overboard have either a first or last name that has something to do with water, whether sea, pond or ocean.
Some authors choose a name because a publisher tells them that is a good name for a character. Other authors choose a name because they like it or have some connection with it in their day to day lives. I like to choose names I like, but they need to have meaning within the story, too. It adds dimension to the characters. If a character is considered a villain, I want them to have a name that is strong. It can mean strong or dark or black. Brenna's, a character in Overboard, name means "raven or dark-haired."
However, some names I choose for personal meaning and not public ones. I chose most of the characters names in the Weeping Willow series based on nature. Everyone knows the willow tree and how it appears to be drooping as if in sadness. My uncle, who is no longer with us, lived in a house next to a willow tree, and it was alive with the sound of animals. When the breeze moved its leaves, it actually sounded like it was weeping. This fit with the character of Willow since she was always in predicaments that would keep her from attaining happiness.
So, next time you pick up a book, think about whether the character's name means something about their personality or position within a story. Sometimes you may be able to spot the villain without having to read or unlock a secret that can only be confirmed at the end.
March 15, 2013
Update: 3/15/13
Hello, everyone!
I just wanted to fill everyone in on what is going on. I, like most Catholics around the world, have been glued to my television, watching the Conclave. So, work on Shattered has been slightly delayed. I am working on finishing it up. I am on the final few scenes. Then I will send it for editing.
I have the first five chapters of Malcontent , and when I am done with Shattered , Malcontent will be my priority. I hope to finish it in May, but it could be later in that, depending on any delays that may pop up.
From then on my focus will be on writing Wicked Love and another manuscript I hope to send to publishers. Wicked Love will be out on Ebook and Paperback formats. I haven't determined a release date but it will be out by the end of the year...maybe a few months earlier. I am eager to write the follow up to Wicked Magic . I think this one will be filled with more action and revelations...and, hopefully, a happy ending. Maybe a wedding or maybe another cliffhanger, but I hope to make it better than the first.
I just wanted to fill everyone in on what is going on. I, like most Catholics around the world, have been glued to my television, watching the Conclave. So, work on Shattered has been slightly delayed. I am working on finishing it up. I am on the final few scenes. Then I will send it for editing.
I have the first five chapters of Malcontent , and when I am done with Shattered , Malcontent will be my priority. I hope to finish it in May, but it could be later in that, depending on any delays that may pop up.
From then on my focus will be on writing Wicked Love and another manuscript I hope to send to publishers. Wicked Love will be out on Ebook and Paperback formats. I haven't determined a release date but it will be out by the end of the year...maybe a few months earlier. I am eager to write the follow up to Wicked Magic . I think this one will be filled with more action and revelations...and, hopefully, a happy ending. Maybe a wedding or maybe another cliffhanger, but I hope to make it better than the first.
February 14, 2013
Q/A: Thinking Outside of the Box
Q: How do I make a book people want to read?A: Think outside of the box, duh! Readers had seen and heard everything. Even though you may be writing in a genre that they are well read in, add a new element that they weren't expecting.
I, like most of you out there, have a nook and look for freebies. I use the free books or short stories to judge whether I want to continue reading the author's work. Since the shift to ebooks, I tend to read more indie authors like myself. While I love authors that appreciate grammar, I am not the grammar police because I know how hard it is to spot a mistake in a sea of words. Indie authors don't have a publisher telling them to play it safe. I like indie books, because I find they are more willing to take risks in plot and character. It is safe to say that the story means the most to me. I read to escape from reality. I want to be the main character. I want to live in another world, and I want the book I read to take me there.
I have had people read my stories and tell me they are just too weird for them. They didn't like them. They didn't get where I was going with the plot. However, I rather be weird and try something new than stick to the same formula that is safe. It has been done. How many books out there follow the same Twilight recipe? Let me answer that...hundreds. It is time to unleash your imagination. I have read some pretty interesting indie books that are in keeping with the think outside of the box attitude.
Example #1: Elemental by Alexandra MayOverall, I found this book quite entertaining. I liked the feel of it. An old large manor.... A grandmother who is mysterious.... An abandoned main character.... Two interesting love interests. It all made for an interesting read. The main character, Rose, is human but harbors something otherworldly within. It is a premise I haven't read a hundred times. The author also makes the unique plot believable. The love interest, Aidan, was character fasinated me because he struggled between what was expected of him and his own wants which is something we all can relate to on some level. I would have liked to see more of a struggle between his good and bad side, but part two is on the way so the author may explore that a bit more.
Example #2: Insight by Jamie MageeWhile I did enjoy the book, I just felt like there were a lot of confusing plot concepts. However, I enjoyed the dynamic between Willow, Landen, and Drake. I found it intriguing how she was drawn to Drake, and I loved the romance between Willow and Landen. It was a little redundant with the picking up and dropping off of Willow's friends. The plot could have been more subtle, but the overdramatic elements were enjoyable. This book can be information overload, but overall, it is a book worth reading.
Example #3: Grey Eyes by Brandon Alston This ebook is definitely out of the box. I liked the portrayals of the characters. They were realistic and relatable. However, I thought the plot could be a little more subtle. There were a lot of concepts. There was magic, angels, vampires, royal gatherings, Russian history, etc. I think only one or two of these was necessary. The love triangle was interesting at first, but when the main character made her choice, she couldn't stick with her choice. She was back and forth even to the end. It was just to much, and after a while, it just dragged on. Overall, an interesting read.
Each of these stories made me want to read more. The characters, although complicated, were realistic in so many ways. How can a witch or alien be realistic? It is all in the way you write them up. Anything can be believable in a book. If you have the power to suck readers into a story, then you have the ability to convince them that this world you created is real and they can join you. I may not have liked each story equally, but they gave me something to think about as I read them which is the biggest reward.
I, like most of you out there, have a nook and look for freebies. I use the free books or short stories to judge whether I want to continue reading the author's work. Since the shift to ebooks, I tend to read more indie authors like myself. While I love authors that appreciate grammar, I am not the grammar police because I know how hard it is to spot a mistake in a sea of words. Indie authors don't have a publisher telling them to play it safe. I like indie books, because I find they are more willing to take risks in plot and character. It is safe to say that the story means the most to me. I read to escape from reality. I want to be the main character. I want to live in another world, and I want the book I read to take me there.
I have had people read my stories and tell me they are just too weird for them. They didn't like them. They didn't get where I was going with the plot. However, I rather be weird and try something new than stick to the same formula that is safe. It has been done. How many books out there follow the same Twilight recipe? Let me answer that...hundreds. It is time to unleash your imagination. I have read some pretty interesting indie books that are in keeping with the think outside of the box attitude.
Example #1: Elemental by Alexandra MayOverall, I found this book quite entertaining. I liked the feel of it. An old large manor.... A grandmother who is mysterious.... An abandoned main character.... Two interesting love interests. It all made for an interesting read. The main character, Rose, is human but harbors something otherworldly within. It is a premise I haven't read a hundred times. The author also makes the unique plot believable. The love interest, Aidan, was character fasinated me because he struggled between what was expected of him and his own wants which is something we all can relate to on some level. I would have liked to see more of a struggle between his good and bad side, but part two is on the way so the author may explore that a bit more.
Example #2: Insight by Jamie MageeWhile I did enjoy the book, I just felt like there were a lot of confusing plot concepts. However, I enjoyed the dynamic between Willow, Landen, and Drake. I found it intriguing how she was drawn to Drake, and I loved the romance between Willow and Landen. It was a little redundant with the picking up and dropping off of Willow's friends. The plot could have been more subtle, but the overdramatic elements were enjoyable. This book can be information overload, but overall, it is a book worth reading.
Example #3: Grey Eyes by Brandon Alston This ebook is definitely out of the box. I liked the portrayals of the characters. They were realistic and relatable. However, I thought the plot could be a little more subtle. There were a lot of concepts. There was magic, angels, vampires, royal gatherings, Russian history, etc. I think only one or two of these was necessary. The love triangle was interesting at first, but when the main character made her choice, she couldn't stick with her choice. She was back and forth even to the end. It was just to much, and after a while, it just dragged on. Overall, an interesting read.
Each of these stories made me want to read more. The characters, although complicated, were realistic in so many ways. How can a witch or alien be realistic? It is all in the way you write them up. Anything can be believable in a book. If you have the power to suck readers into a story, then you have the ability to convince them that this world you created is real and they can join you. I may not have liked each story equally, but they gave me something to think about as I read them which is the biggest reward.
January 30, 2013
Shattered
Hi, everyone.
I just wanted to give everyone an update. I have finished Scattered and sent it off to my editor. Hopefully, the story is cohesive enough for magazine submissions. If not, I am in for some rewrites. So, while one manuscript is being edited, I have begun another. I have started writing Shattered which is my new short that will be released to the public for FREE via all major online bookstores. It feels really good to write new characters and to put these ideas, which have been floating in my head for quite some time, onto paper. So, to tease you a bit of what is to come. I posted the first scene below as well as the books blurb.
Thanks and continue to leave those awesome reviews!
Identical twins, Miranda and Nastasia Moralez, couldn’t be more different. Being the head of the cheerleading team, Natasia is the most popular girl in the school. Miranda is not, taking photographs in her spare time for the school paper. Life is normal until a tragic accident takes the life of one twin. Miranda quickly realizes that the car crash that took her sister’s life was no accident. It was planned. Now, Miranda has to find out who wanted her sister dead before she succumbs to the same fate.
(Book Trailer Coming Soon!)
Story Excerpt (Unedited):
The impact was enough to throw my body up against the steering wheel, knocking the breath out of my lungs with a single blunt force. The sound of my ribs cracking echoed through my ears like the sound of branches breaking in a silent forest. Opening my mouth to scream, both in pain and panic, my voice was silenced by my own fear, blocking my airway like an obstruction.
Without warning, there was a turning and a sound of metal being crushed like a tin can under a great weight. Within an instant, my world spun around as if I was in a blender, cracking all the glass windows. Then the splintered windshield shattered. Small pieces of glass rained on me like drops of water suspended in air. Each shard was as sharp as a dagger, stabbing me all over my body.
My head and shoulder hit the roof of the car as it slammed into the asphalt. Whimpering, I fought to regain control of my body, but when the car turned a final time, my forehead crashed into the steering wheel. The force was so great my head ricocheted off, causing the back of my head to hit the car seat. With my body beaten and broken, I could not move to shelter myself from the blows.
When the car came to a complete stop, it was on its side. The hideous shrieking of metal rubbing on asphalt evaporated into the air, and I was left in utter silence. Struggling to breathe, I managed to cry out for help before I lost consciousness and drifted off into nothingness....
I just wanted to give everyone an update. I have finished Scattered and sent it off to my editor. Hopefully, the story is cohesive enough for magazine submissions. If not, I am in for some rewrites. So, while one manuscript is being edited, I have begun another. I have started writing Shattered which is my new short that will be released to the public for FREE via all major online bookstores. It feels really good to write new characters and to put these ideas, which have been floating in my head for quite some time, onto paper. So, to tease you a bit of what is to come. I posted the first scene below as well as the books blurb.
Thanks and continue to leave those awesome reviews!
Identical twins, Miranda and Nastasia Moralez, couldn’t be more different. Being the head of the cheerleading team, Natasia is the most popular girl in the school. Miranda is not, taking photographs in her spare time for the school paper. Life is normal until a tragic accident takes the life of one twin. Miranda quickly realizes that the car crash that took her sister’s life was no accident. It was planned. Now, Miranda has to find out who wanted her sister dead before she succumbs to the same fate.(Book Trailer Coming Soon!)
Story Excerpt (Unedited):
The impact was enough to throw my body up against the steering wheel, knocking the breath out of my lungs with a single blunt force. The sound of my ribs cracking echoed through my ears like the sound of branches breaking in a silent forest. Opening my mouth to scream, both in pain and panic, my voice was silenced by my own fear, blocking my airway like an obstruction.
Without warning, there was a turning and a sound of metal being crushed like a tin can under a great weight. Within an instant, my world spun around as if I was in a blender, cracking all the glass windows. Then the splintered windshield shattered. Small pieces of glass rained on me like drops of water suspended in air. Each shard was as sharp as a dagger, stabbing me all over my body.
My head and shoulder hit the roof of the car as it slammed into the asphalt. Whimpering, I fought to regain control of my body, but when the car turned a final time, my forehead crashed into the steering wheel. The force was so great my head ricocheted off, causing the back of my head to hit the car seat. With my body beaten and broken, I could not move to shelter myself from the blows.
When the car came to a complete stop, it was on its side. The hideous shrieking of metal rubbing on asphalt evaporated into the air, and I was left in utter silence. Struggling to breathe, I managed to cry out for help before I lost consciousness and drifted off into nothingness....
January 14, 2013
Updated Website
Hi, everyone!
I updated the short stories tab of my website. I added cover art and blurbs for The Collector, Scattered, and Shattered. I finished writing The Collector , but I submitted it to a literary magazine for consideration, and one of the stipulations is that it must be previously unpublished. So, I cannot release it to the public as of yet. I am currently writing Scattered which I will also submit for consideration for another literary magazine.
Shattered is the next short I am going to write, and that one will be released to the public as a free download. I don't have an exact release date. It really depends on how fast I can write. These are not the only shorts I have in mind, but these are the first ones I am writing.
I have to also make video trailers, because it is something I like to do for all of my works. They may not be added to the website for another month or so, because my focus will be on my shorts and Malcontent. I am going to try to get more done this year than last year. That should have been my New Year's Resolution!
Remember to leave reviews for all the works you have read, and join me on facebook and twitter!
I updated the short stories tab of my website. I added cover art and blurbs for The Collector, Scattered, and Shattered. I finished writing The Collector , but I submitted it to a literary magazine for consideration, and one of the stipulations is that it must be previously unpublished. So, I cannot release it to the public as of yet. I am currently writing Scattered which I will also submit for consideration for another literary magazine.
Shattered is the next short I am going to write, and that one will be released to the public as a free download. I don't have an exact release date. It really depends on how fast I can write. These are not the only shorts I have in mind, but these are the first ones I am writing.
I have to also make video trailers, because it is something I like to do for all of my works. They may not be added to the website for another month or so, because my focus will be on my shorts and Malcontent. I am going to try to get more done this year than last year. That should have been my New Year's Resolution!
Remember to leave reviews for all the works you have read, and join me on facebook and twitter!
January 2, 2013
New Year, New Hopes
Hello, everyone!
I hope everyone had a joyful holiday season.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have finished writing my new short The Collector . It has not been released to the public, because I hope to submit it to literary magazines this month. The feedback process can take months, but if it is rejected, then I will release it for all to read. The blurb for it is on my website.
I am working on another short entitled Scattered right now and hoping to really get the ball rolling with Malcontent . I have been eager to put an end to the Restraint Trilogy and get started with Wicked Love , but Willow fans will have to wait until later in the year for news on that project. I hope to have a short available to you for free before the release of Malcontent so you guys wouldn't have to wait so long for new material. Maybe it will be a Willow short. I can definitely write about the small sliver of time after the stories ended and the novel began. We'll see.
I wish all of you continued health and happiness for 2013!
I hope everyone had a joyful holiday season.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have finished writing my new short The Collector . It has not been released to the public, because I hope to submit it to literary magazines this month. The feedback process can take months, but if it is rejected, then I will release it for all to read. The blurb for it is on my website.
I am working on another short entitled Scattered right now and hoping to really get the ball rolling with Malcontent . I have been eager to put an end to the Restraint Trilogy and get started with Wicked Love , but Willow fans will have to wait until later in the year for news on that project. I hope to have a short available to you for free before the release of Malcontent so you guys wouldn't have to wait so long for new material. Maybe it will be a Willow short. I can definitely write about the small sliver of time after the stories ended and the novel began. We'll see.
I wish all of you continued health and happiness for 2013!
December 3, 2012
Submitting Shorts
Hi, everybody!
I know I have a lot of short story lovers out there that are looking forward to more. I had planned to write a free short every year. I still want to do that, but I am looking into submitting stories to literary magazines. This could help me to reach a much larger audience later on. However, most magazines want stories that have a small word count and have never been published before. So, I cannot submit the stories I have already written. That means I have to write some more and submit them without publishing them.
I have collected a list of magazines that seem right up my alley. I am currently writing a short that is based on a dream I had. It is based on a Scottish castle and has to do with the legend of the Green Lady. Right now, the project is entitled The Collector , but that title can be subject to change. I plan to submit that story. If it were to get rejected, then I would release it to the public around the time I release Malcontent . However, release date will vary because response time for a magazine submission can take weeks or months.
Update everyone soon.
I know I have a lot of short story lovers out there that are looking forward to more. I had planned to write a free short every year. I still want to do that, but I am looking into submitting stories to literary magazines. This could help me to reach a much larger audience later on. However, most magazines want stories that have a small word count and have never been published before. So, I cannot submit the stories I have already written. That means I have to write some more and submit them without publishing them.
I have collected a list of magazines that seem right up my alley. I am currently writing a short that is based on a dream I had. It is based on a Scottish castle and has to do with the legend of the Green Lady. Right now, the project is entitled The Collector , but that title can be subject to change. I plan to submit that story. If it were to get rejected, then I would release it to the public around the time I release Malcontent . However, release date will vary because response time for a magazine submission can take weeks or months.
Update everyone soon.
Malcontent Preview
Hi, everyone.
I just posted a three chapter preview of, my upcoming novel, Malcontent . The preview is free. As I understand it, there is no need to make an account with Feedbooks if you don't want to. You can just download the pdf.
I am very early on in the writing process, but I was eager to share with everyone what I have written. The preview is located on Feedbooks.com (see the link below).
For those who do not know what Malcontent is about, it is the story of Louise May Reynolds before she elopes with William Carter. I hope that this book will have horror, suspense, and more romance overall.
Feedbooks: http://www.feedbooks.com/userbook/29064/malcontent-a-restraint-novel-preview
MALCONTENT BLURB:
Raised in a world where the first born are often sacrificed, Louise May Reynolds believes it is her destiny to appease her family by entering into an arranged marriage. However, Louise May struggles as she finds marrying Bryan Froster, a powerful and ruthless vampire prince, revolting. In her discontent, she tries to devise a way out of the union, fearing the only way to truly be free of Bryan Froster is death. Scared of turning her back on her family and the clan, Louise May struggles inwardly between what others expect of her and what she wants for herself. Until, she rebels against everything she has been raised to believe. Secretly vowing to escape a life of servitude, she risks disturbing the balance between vampire and servant which can cost her more than she can even imagine. Can Louise May turn her back on her family in order to follow her heart?
I just posted a three chapter preview of, my upcoming novel, Malcontent . The preview is free. As I understand it, there is no need to make an account with Feedbooks if you don't want to. You can just download the pdf.
I am very early on in the writing process, but I was eager to share with everyone what I have written. The preview is located on Feedbooks.com (see the link below).
For those who do not know what Malcontent is about, it is the story of Louise May Reynolds before she elopes with William Carter. I hope that this book will have horror, suspense, and more romance overall.
Feedbooks: http://www.feedbooks.com/userbook/29064/malcontent-a-restraint-novel-preview
MALCONTENT BLURB:
Raised in a world where the first born are often sacrificed, Louise May Reynolds believes it is her destiny to appease her family by entering into an arranged marriage. However, Louise May struggles as she finds marrying Bryan Froster, a powerful and ruthless vampire prince, revolting. In her discontent, she tries to devise a way out of the union, fearing the only way to truly be free of Bryan Froster is death. Scared of turning her back on her family and the clan, Louise May struggles inwardly between what others expect of her and what she wants for herself. Until, she rebels against everything she has been raised to believe. Secretly vowing to escape a life of servitude, she risks disturbing the balance between vampire and servant which can cost her more than she can even imagine. Can Louise May turn her back on her family in order to follow her heart?
November 17, 2012
Malcontent Update
Hi, everyone.
So, I wrote five chapters of Malcontent and passed them onto my editor. I like to edit as I go and get her feed back. She loved it so far which is great. If she didn't love it, she would definitely tell me. She has been looking forward to Malcontent for a while.
Once corrections are made, I will post a preview of the book on Feedbooks.com. Just put my name in the search and it should come up after I post it. I like to publish the first chapters to tease my audience, but also so readers can decide if it is for them.
Look for the Malcontent Preview on Feedbooks.com soon. The Restraint and Lament Previews are already up if you haven't already read those.
So, I wrote five chapters of Malcontent and passed them onto my editor. I like to edit as I go and get her feed back. She loved it so far which is great. If she didn't love it, she would definitely tell me. She has been looking forward to Malcontent for a while.
Once corrections are made, I will post a preview of the book on Feedbooks.com. Just put my name in the search and it should come up after I post it. I like to publish the first chapters to tease my audience, but also so readers can decide if it is for them.
Look for the Malcontent Preview on Feedbooks.com soon. The Restraint and Lament Previews are already up if you haven't already read those.
November 13, 2012
Update
Hi, everyone.
I just wanted to update everyone on what I have been up to. I have started to write Malcontent. I am about five chapters into the projected thirty. I hope to really get the ball rolling on it this month, because I would like to have it out by January. I am really eager to end the Restraint Trilogy. I have been imagining these characters in my head for years, and I am ready to move onto some of the other ideas I have.
I have also written some of Wicked Chemistry. This is a Weeping Willow short that will only be available in paperback form with the two original stories. Although I haven't established a projected publishing date, I am eager to get a new short story out there. I have a lot of ideas for shorts, and I want to try something different. However, I don't think I will get started on that until I am finished with Malcontent.
Remember that your feedback is valuable. I do read your reviews so don't forget to leave them! I love all of the great reviews for Weeping Willow, but if you have read the other shorts or novels, please leave a review. You might encourage someone else to read the work or write a review. Thanks!
I just wanted to update everyone on what I have been up to. I have started to write Malcontent. I am about five chapters into the projected thirty. I hope to really get the ball rolling on it this month, because I would like to have it out by January. I am really eager to end the Restraint Trilogy. I have been imagining these characters in my head for years, and I am ready to move onto some of the other ideas I have.
I have also written some of Wicked Chemistry. This is a Weeping Willow short that will only be available in paperback form with the two original stories. Although I haven't established a projected publishing date, I am eager to get a new short story out there. I have a lot of ideas for shorts, and I want to try something different. However, I don't think I will get started on that until I am finished with Malcontent.
Remember that your feedback is valuable. I do read your reviews so don't forget to leave them! I love all of the great reviews for Weeping Willow, but if you have read the other shorts or novels, please leave a review. You might encourage someone else to read the work or write a review. Thanks!
