Danica Winters's Blog, page 11

Paranormal Romance Book Giveaway, hosted by paranormal romance author Danica Winters and Chris Karlsen

This week as a special Thank You to my readers, I have joined with fellow paranormal romance author Chris Karlsen and we have created a book giveaway!  To take part, please leave us your favorite line from a book, including title, and author in the comment box below.  The best line wins a copy of Chris Karlsen’s e-book, Golden Chariot. 

*Contest ends 4/29/12.  Multiple submissions accepted. 

Please have fun, be creative, and enjoy!  And once again, thank you!

-Danica Winters and Chris Karlsen

 

Writing with Tension, by Guest Blogger Paranormal Romance author Chris Karlsen

Tension is one of the best means to hold a reader’s attention and keep them from putting your book down. It is also a feeling that isn’t always clearly defined.

If you ask for an example of what adds tension to a story, the first response you often hear is actually an action scene. The problem with that answer is: action isn’t necessarily tension. The car chase through Paris in the movie “Ronin,” is fantastic action. However, the movie’s tension isn’t the high speed pursuit and crash at the end, but comes from the conflict within the group of mercenaries gathered together to obtain a valuable suitcase. Some are trustworthy, others are not. The viewer is on the edge of their seat throughout the movie, wondering if Jean Reno, or Robert De Niro, or Stellan Skarsgard is a traitor.

In any genre there are different ways to inject the story with tension. In a scene from my novel Golden Chariot, Charlotte Dashiell, my heroine, believes that the characters from The Iliad, by Homer, may not have been only fictional. She engages in a heated discussion with Atakan Vadim, the hero. For every point she makes, he presents a challenging counterpoint and thus creates tension. I will paraphrase the dialogue from the scene.

Charlotte: “The story of Troy and the war was retold through the centuries. I’m saying it wasn’t a mere war story. It had to be more.”

Atakan: “No. The bones of the story were given to him (Homer)…a tale which happened to include a few accurate details. Like many bards, he filled it with people from his imagination.”

Charlotte: “Something made the story unique. I say it’s the people.”

Atakan: “He took bits of old tales, injects the legends with heroes and villains for entertainment purposes. Why do you dispute the logical?”

This is a small section of dialogue. Atakan’s disbelief, his doubt and the fact he forces her to defend her beliefs drives the tension between them.

Combining tension with action can be especially fun to write as we as paranormal romance authors can vicariously live experience with our characters. In the following, Charlotte, who’s a nautical archaeologist and part of a shipwreck recovery team, is out swimming in the sea near the team’s campsite. Unbeknownst to her, there’s been an undersea earthquake, which has triggered dangerous tides. What was a relaxing swim becomes deadly dangerous for her.

Like all the team, she was a strong swimmer and tried to power through the swells and turn back. Fighting the tide, she wasn’t making any progress. The current was sweeping her the opposite direction and toward the open water. She kicked harder as the waves surged over her head, pushing against her strokes, the salt irritating her eyes. Every time she opened her mouth to take a gulp of air after the first set, the whitecaps smacked her in the face, sending seawater into her lungs than air.

She caught glimpses of the increasingly distant beach. If she screamed for help no one would hear.

Tension doesn’t always have to be big. We can connect with readers by giving our characters moments of tension that we all experience in our daily lives. Your protagonist absolutely must make a particular flight. But as paranormal romance writers, we are compelled to make things difficult. We torment him in all kinds of ways: He can’t find his car keys. The drawbridge he must cross to get to the airport is up and what seems to be the slowest boat in the world is passing through. He misses the shuttle bus at the long term parking by seconds. The TSA officer chooses the protagonist to pull out of line and perform a thorough and lengthy search of. Haven’t we all had days like this?

As you write, I suggest to look for a way to ramp up the tension in every scene, whether in a small or big way–it will keep your readers wanting to turn the page.

 
 

Paranormal Romance Author Danica Winters Presents Romance Author Sue Lyndon and Surviving the Erotic Romance Stigma

Thank you for visiting Danica Winters’ blog.  I would like to present to you my friend and fellow author Sue Lyndon.  Sue Lyndon writes steamy bdsm romance. She’s currently published by Books to Go  Now, Etopia Press, Blushing Books, and Discipline and Desire.  She enjoys a good book in any genre, loves Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, and runs on coffee and chocolate.  Please feel free to visit her blog, see her other work on Amazon, or order her book Valentine Submission, or Mountian Devil and show your support! 

Surviving the Erotic Romance Stigma
by Sue Lyndon 

Hi there.  My name is Sue and I’m an erotic romance author.  I’ve always been an avid reader too, and I enjoy a good story in pretty much any genre.  I’ve participated in book clubs, chatted books with folks on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and other places, and even before I became an erotic romance author I was aware of the stigma against erotic romance readers and authors.  Before I began writing in this genre, I didn’t advertise the fact that I read these books either.  I was afraid my bookish friends would think I was a pervert, especially since I preferred bdsm romances to any other subgenre of erotic romance.  Talk about a double whammy.

I suppose whether or not I’m a pervert is a matter of opinion, but I can tell you I’m pretty darn normal.  I’m a wife and mother.  I have a real job and I pay taxes.  I vote.  I go to church on occasion.  Oh, and I drive a minivan and live in the suburbs too.  That paints a pretty normal, soccer mom-like picture, right?

Despite my love of reading erotic romance, I started my writing career by writing science fiction and fantasy.  If my characters in these stories had to have sex, it was glossed over in a sentence or two.  After all, my mother, relatives, and friends were reading these stories.  I sure didn’t want them to think I was sick and needed counseling.  I firmly believe that reading erotic romance is just as healthy as reading any other genre, but I understand not everyone shares this view.  Some readers and authors look down their noses at erotic romance and don’t take it seriously.  It’s seen as a lesser genre, and unfortunately it doesn’t get the respect it deserves.  It’s been called names like trashy, smutty, and lowbrow, to name a few.

At first I was hesitant to tell anyone my pen name, but that’s all changed during this past year.  If someone asks what I’ve been up to lately, I usually divulge my naughty writing activities.  After all, it’s a big part of my life, so why should I walk around pretending it doesn’t exist?   I’m aware of the stigma and I know there will always be those who blast the erotic romance genre, but I’ve developed a devil-may-care attitude and it feels great.  If erotic romance is not your cup of tea, don’t read it and don’t ridicule it, because chances are you don’t understand it.

Criticism cuts deep, but I think life is too short to worry about other people’s opinions.  If you enjoy reading erotic romance, then read it.  It’s a perfectly healthy form of escapism no different than reading science fiction, fantasy, young adult, or any other genre out there.  And if you enjoy writing it, then write it and hold your head high.

Writing Paranormal Romance: Goals

There are as many types of paranormal romance writers as there are people.  There are writers who write everyday, with a cup of coffee, a pencil stuffed in the hair, and a notepad next to their computer.  There are writers who only write when they  have their work completely planned out.  And there are writers who are dictated by the schedule of their lives–they may not write for a month and then write everyday for a week.  In my humble opinion, all of these styles are completely acceptable, as the person is given the opportunity to be creative, to build a world outside of their own, a world that one day they may share with others.  Some would consider the simple action of writing a success, but for type-A people (like me) success only comes with completion of a project (and for professional paranormal romance writers–publication). 

Completion can be a formidable adversary.  No matter what style of writer you are, you are going to be barraged by the everyday grind of life–the furnace goes out, the kids are out of school, or family is staying.  There is always something that comes between the paranormal romance writer and the ability to sit down and create. 

How does one overcome these everyday challenges in order to be successful and finish a paranormal romance short story/novel? 

Set yourself a goal.  

When you look at the act of writing a novel as a whole, the challenge can seem insurmountable.  There are always reasons that stop a person from following their dream of writing the (paranormal romance) novel that lives inside of them.   I don’t have enough time… I’m not that creative… And, who in their right mind can sit down and type a 70,000 word manuscript? 

Writing a novel isn’t easy.   Just like in life, if you concentrate on the challenge of the future goal, you will likely never act.  The way around this is to break the unachievable goal down into smaller more attainable actions. 

I started out writing when I had time–which happened to be in the evenings when everyone else was asleep.  It was a small action I knew I could accomplish.  This small change in my life, this small goal, launched me into a new and amazing direction.  I learned who I was, what I really wanted, and what I needed to do to become successful (and finish the novel). 

After I accomplished the first goal of writing every night, soon my larger goal of completing the novel was fulfilled.  It took many late nights, but I was empowered.  I could accomplish it again. My goals changed as my ability and desire for publication increased.  I grew along with my writing. 

Writing a  (paranormal romance) novel is a process.  Don’t become bogged down with excuses, instead change your perception.  Realize your inner-strength and resolve. 

If you have a dream, regardless of what it is (from writing to engineering), make a goal that moves you in the direction of your goal.  You can do it.  You can Become empowered. 

 

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from Paranormal Romance Author Danica Winters

I have a love of learning odd facts.  As such, I would love to wish you a Happy Easter by sharing the top ten odd facts (shared via Tip TopTens.com  and Everything Easter) about this special holiday! 

10. The most common thing to eat first from a chocolate bunny is the ears (at a rate of 76%).

9. Peeps are the most popular candy, selling more than 700 million on Easter.

8. Milk chocolate is preferred to dark at a ratio of 65% to 27%.

7.  Germany made the first chocolate egg in the 19th century.

6.  Easter comes in second as the biggest candy consuming holiday, right behind Halloween.

5.  Even at the White House the are Easter events.  Since 1878 (President Hayes), there has been an annual tradition of rolling Easter eggs across the lawn.

4. 16 billion jelly beans are made in preparation from Easter.  That is enough to fill a 9 story plastic egg. 

3. The most famous decorated Easter eggs were those made  by the well-known goldsmith, Peter Carl Faberge. In 1883 the  Russian Czar, Alexander, commissioned Faberge to make a special  Easter gift for his wife, the Empress Marie.

2. Americans spend 2 billion dollars on Easter goodies, and eat  7.1 billion pounds of Easter goodies each year! With 60 million  chocolate bunnies being sold each Easter.

1. In 1953, it took 27 hours to create a Marshmallow Peep. Today  it takes six minutes.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, spent with people you love. Have a wonderful Easter!

-Danica Winters

The Devil’s Angel, A Paranormal Romance Short Story

This week I have the honor of announcing that my short story, The Devil’s Angel, has been published by Silver Publishing.  I love this story.  It is different than anything I’ve read or written before.  I hope you love it! 

Because you are such wonderful fans, I have pasted an excerpt from the story below!  Please feel free to let me know what you think. 

And again, thank you for your support.  Without your support my dreams would never come true. 

Excerpt from The Devil’s Angel:

Sarah was no angel, but for the first time in her adult life, she found herself holding wire wings covered with what looked like an old pair of white nylons as she fidgeted with her ill-fitting saint mask.

She hated Halloween, and this year was no exception, the day just another excuse for her idiotic co-workers to get drunk and fondle each other.

Maybe what upset her the most was the fact she didn’t have anyone to fondle her. Regardless, her solo status was only made worse by being at her boss’s house, which was just then filled with a bunch of drunken ass-grabbers wearing the only attire allowed—their company’s line of Halloween themed lingerie.

She slammed her car door shut. Her high heels clicked on the walkway as she tugged at the laced edges of the white satin corset that had ridden up her side. She tried to calm her racing heart as she readjusted her tilted halo.

The thumping noise of the party greeted her as she made her way up the concrete steps that led to her boss’s front door.

“Are you alone, little angel?” a man asked.

She looked up at him as he leaned against the bricks of the arched entryway. His face and body were the same shade of red as the front door of the house and he had black, cow-like horns extending above his ears.

“Who’s asking?”

“The Devil.” He laughed wickedly. “Or, as I would prefer—your Devil.”

She slid her arms into the holes of the lop-sided wings and stepped closer to the mysterious black-haired man.

“How ’bout this, Devil. Let’s stick together and make a pass around the idiot circuit, and then we can see where things take us?” She looped her arm around his and reached up to stroke his muscular chest.

She was acting like a tramp, but wearing the mask made her feel protected by the anonymity the thin plastic offered. She could say what she wanted, to whomever she wanted. The effect was exhilarating and unexpectedly empowering. Usually, she was the quiet underling, but tonight she could be the fallen angel. And if he was lucky, she could be his fallen angel….(The Devil’s Angel, Released March 31st, 2012)

 

Failure or Success in the World of Paranormal Romance

You open your email and you are met with the paranormal romance editor’s name.

Your heart races. Your hands are sweaty. You roll your eyes and cross your fingers. Then you click.

We’re sorry but…

And you stop reading. You have a decision—slam your computer shut and cuss, or cuss and go to Facebook/Twitter.*

*Warning: Facebooking angry is never a great idea. It’s like a drunk dial to your entire friends (paranormal romance writers or not) list that will be constantly accessible.

Whether you are conscious of it or not, this moment will define you. Are you a paranormal romance writer who will spend the rest of the day licking your wounds and then spring back to your project limping, but stronger? Or are you a person who lets the rejection crush you? Does the fear of another rejection letter keep you from submitting your paranormal romance again? Or, from checking your email for days?

Fear of failure is a constant enemy…Telling someone that you have fallen short of your goal is one of the most humbling experiences a person can have, yet for a paranormal romance writer it is important.

Why?

It keeps you grounded and it makes you stronger.

Every paranormal romance writer in the world is (as author Bob Mayer likes to say) ‘on the wrong side of the bell curve.’ ‘We are not normal.’  In every author, there is some part of them that tells them they are special and deserving of publication. This drive is called Ego (thank you Freud).

Ego is not bad.  In fact, it is the driving force behind most successful people.

I’m not saying that writers are egomaniacal narcissists…In fact, quite the opposite.

Most paranormal romance writers are rejected and beaten so many times that when they become successful, it’s amazing that they can do book signings without shirking from peoples’ touch. 

Ego is the drive that keeps us from stopping, from letting other’s opinions and judgement keep us from reaching our goal.  Our egos keep us working. 

We take a lot of beatings and we face constant ‘failure.’ But to comfort our bruised egos we must remember that though we will be rejected this is not tantamount to failure. We have already met some level of success—we have had the courage to follow our dreams.