Danica Winters's Blog, page 6
April 10, 2013
Authors In Bloom Blog Hop
Spring is upon us and the showers are here–which means the blooms are coming. What is the best way to spend a warm, wet Spring day? For me, it’s spending time with a great book and good food (oh, and don’t forget the people I like and love). Even better than just any book is a book about love! If you are interested in a great read I wholeheartedly recommend The Nymph’s Labyrinth the first book in the Nymph Series. The second book Montana Mustangs will be released May 6th, but is available for pre-order now! These books have been well received by critics and have been featured in USA Today! I would love to have your support in reading my books. You keep me writing 
Okay, as for the food…. (Mmmmm…) One of my favorite recipes this time of year is a
Chocolate Strawberry Torte:
Ingredients
5 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups water
STRAWBERRY FILLING:
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
GLAZE:
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions
In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Cool. Transfer to a large bowl; beating sugar until blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture alternately with water beating well after each addition.
Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients; set aside. For glaze, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, water and vanilla until smooth. Cool slightly.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half of the whipped topping; drizzle with half of the glaze. Top with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 10-12 servings.
Recipe thanks to Taste of Home.
NOW THE BEST PART!! To take part in my Giveaway (for a $20 Amazon Gift Card and Book Swag) please take part in the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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April 9, 2013
Montana Mustangs–Now Available for Pre-Order! (Let’s Party!)
Montana MustangsThe Nymph Series Book 2
Available for PreOrder on Amazon!
Available for Pre-order April 20, 2013
I’m so pleased to announce that Montana Mustangs (the second book in the Nymph Series after The Nymph’s Labyrinth) is now available for pre-order. I would love for you to check it out. Early reviews are starting to come in and as of today all are 5 star reviews!! (This is almost unheard of!) I can’t wait for you to get your hands on this book. You will love it!
Book Description:
A Nymph. A woman with the ability to seduce at will, shift to protect, but cursed with the fate to have the man she falls in love with die a tragic death. As one of the ill-fated nymphs, Aura Montgarten has spent her lifetime drifting from one place to another hiding from love. Until she meets Dane.
When a body washes up on the shore of a rural Montana lake, police officer Dane Burke is faced with the task of finding the killer—even if it means he will be forced to put his life and heart at risk by working with a drifter. As the truth of Aura’s Mustang-shifting Nymph ways are revealed, Dane learns exactly the amount of danger he and Aura are in, but can’t force himself to leave a case unsolved when the truth is right outside of his grasp.
When the killer decides he needs to take another victim—Dane—Aura must choose between their forbidden love and her immortal life… Can there be life without love, or is death her only choice?
Book Excerpt:
Chapter One
The waves of the lake crashed next to Dane Burke like greedy reporters descending onto a crime scene. Dane picked up the severed hand, careful to touch it only with the tips of his gloved fingers, all in an attempt to save what little evidence remained.
The fingers were wrinkled and pale, the color of rotting fish. The skin of the palm flapped back, exposing the white lines of the tendons and the bloated pink muscles of the victim’s hand. He pushed back the skin, covering the hand’s viscera. The flesh was rubbed raw in several places, but whether it was from the time in the water or something else Dane couldn’t be sure.
Behind him, the secondary officer, Grant, talked with the woman who’d phoned in the find. The woman was blonde, thin, and uncomfortably beautiful.
“So, Aura, are you in Montana for business or pleasure?” Officer Grant asked, with just a little too much glee in his voice.
Dane tried to ignore the amateurish come-ons the officer threw at the blonde with the large blue eyes and plump lips that pulsed with the pink hues of life.
He turned the gruesome hand over in his. The fingernails of the victim were painted a vivid red, now brighter than the blood that had settled in the person’s flesh. He snickered quietly as he thought about the stark difference between the woman behind him who was the embodiment of life and the macabre sloughing object of death he stared upon.
Maybe the kid wasn’t so wrong for focusing on the woman. If he’d been just a few years younger, maybe he would have been acting that way too—focusing on the beauty of the woman instead of the gore of the job. But he’d long since given up on the things in life that only brought bitterness—death was easier to handle…
About Danica Winters
Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. When she’s not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing). She always believe the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.
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April 8, 2013
Writing Rules: Five Minutes Can Change Your Life
Five minutes can change a life. In five minutes, you can have a cup of coffee, open an email, or post on social media sites. I like to think of my life in five minute segments. I almost see it as a challenge. What can I do in five minutes that can change my life?
For me, my life revolves around two things: my family and my writing. Most recently it has been the book Montana Mustangs, the second book in the Nymph Series. This entire book was written in what always started as five minutes stretches. Once I started looking for five free minutes in my day I started finding them: while I waited for my kids to get out of school I made use of those few free minutes, while I waited for a meeting, or while I waited for dinner to cook. Sometimes I would start with those five minutes and they would stretch into hours. Sometimes all it was were those precious minutes. Yet, in just a few short months I had Montana Mustangs completed.
When I was writing Montana Mustangs those minutes were reserved exclusively for writing—not daydreaming or thinking about the next plot point. Suddenly, when I was driving to pick up my children I had great book ideas (How I wish I had a marker I could write on windows with!). As a result, my characters were like my friends, visiting me during the day and telling me how the story should move ahead. It was amazing how I conditioned myself to plan ahead during moments of downtime so when I reached for my computer I was ready.
In addition to writing Montana Mustangs (and then the next book in the series), I have had the fabulous opportunity of teaching courses on writing to published and yet-to-be-published authors. The most common excuse I hear as to why a person couldn’t finish a book was/is: “I don’t have the time.”
I immediately think of my five minute challenge. Everyone has five minutes at some point in their day that isn’t occupied by crying kids, phone calls, cooking, or working at a nine-to-five job. The hard part is utilizing them.
If you have a passion and you really want to change your life I recommend you start with my rule. It doesn’t have to be writing. Maybe you want to lose weight? Start knitting? Find those spare moments in your day and before long you will have attained a goal in which you had never thought possible. When you achieve your goal you will become empowered.
March 24, 2013
How Writing Saved my Marriage
A few years ago, I was a brand new mom hell bent on doing the best job I could to raise my children—which to me meant I would stay home and raise my children while my husband went to work. We never meant it as a statement on gender roles or my mental aptitude for success, no. He and I met young and he was in a stable industry which promised us a secure income (not bathing in hundred dollar bills, mind you). When I finished college we made a choice that instead of heading off to a nine to five job we would start a family and as soon as our children were in school we could readdress the issue of my job-seeking.
At the t
ime, I thought this was a fantastic idea and to this day I still agree with my initial decision. It made little sense for me (a trained Archeologist by day and a Telemetry Tech by night) to go after a job that would keep me traveling or force us to move and thus make him give up his secure job.
After our first child I decided that I wanted to do something for my child and I decided to write a children’s book in honor of their entrance into the world. Amazingly enough, though I knew virtually nothing about publishing, the book was picked up by a publishing house and my journey as an author began.
During this time, I tried to promote my book (though these were the days before the Facebook and Twitter booms). I reached out to all the people I knew and pocket sold a fair amount of books. I loved that in some small way I could contribute financially to our growing family.
Soon we had a two-year-old and another on the way. And just as soon as I found out I was pregnant with the second child I soon found out that we were having a miscarriage. I blamed myself. I blamed my life. I blamed the world. In hind sight I know that it was just one of those things which happens to many women—it was unstoppable. Against our doctor’s orders we went ahead and got pregnant again—and six months into the pregnancy I was told I would have to be on bed rest for the next four months. The time was maddening.
While confined to a bed I considered writing another children’s books, but after having gone through the marketing and distribution of the first book I made a choice—writing children’s books just wasn’t the direction I wanted to go. I needed more of a mental challenge. I wanted to write full length fiction—and more than that I wanted to write romance—the genre that I had always wanted to write, but had previously been scared to admit to my friends and family.
Before I could begin my first romance novel, my second child was born—only a few weeks early and relatively healthy. The days and nights flew by and soon my husband was back to work and taking care of our family’s financial needs. I found that I was by myself with two small children all day (he worked nights) while he slept and then was by myself when he went to work and the kids went to bed. I kept thinking about writing the romance novel of my dreams, but each time I thought “I’m not creative enough…”
Each time I started to pick up the pen I made another excuse as to why I couldn’t do what I wanted. I began feeling the strains of being a new mom, of being lonely (I didn’t want to be a mom that watched the clock and waited for the exact minute my husband was supposed to be home), of not financially contributing to our family, and I still held wounds from losing our second baby.
In an effort to follow my heart and to begin the healing process, I started writing short stories and pieces for parenting magazines—it was a comfortable move from children’s fiction to family-centered non-fiction. I loved writing the pieces and before long found I had a small cult following. I then won a writing contest in which I talked about the emotional rollercoaster which followed the loss of a pregnancy.
That win pushed me. Someone…well not just someone, but many…loved what I wrote. That day I sat down and started writing my first novel.
I had never written a full length novel. I’d never written creative fiction—not even in college. But I knew it was what I wanted. I wanted to create a work of fiction and contribute intellectually to the world. I wanted to show those who thought I was just a stay at home mom who was strapped to the kitchen stove—I could do more (during this time someone—not my husband—told me that they would never have married a woman like me as I had no earning potential). Nothing drives me more than being put down. I always cheer for the underdog.
The first book I wrote took me a year to write. I sent it out with the blind hope that someone else would love what I had to write.
The book failed.
It failed big.
One editor told me I should go back to college (oh, how I wish I was kidding). I cried in my husband’s arms and hated that I had given up a year to write the book. I hated the thought that I had spent time which I could have given to my children in order to follow my dream. I felt selfish and stupid. I pitied myself and cursed my dream. I fell back into the loneliness of being a stay at home mom with a husband who worked nights.
And then one day my husband asked me what I wanted to do. As much as the wounds of failing hurt, I told him I still wanted to be a writer. I didn’t care if I ever made money, but I wanted to see my name on the cover of a book in print. Just as before, he promised his love and support. And in that moment I realized what a wonderful man I had married. Here he was accepting that I may never get published, that I may never contribute anything to the family, and yet he knew I was going to require many hours in which he would need to take the kids and keep the household in order so that I could write and focus on my dream. He promised that we would work together and he would support me in whatever I wanted to do—regardless of the outcome.
Again I was barraged with insults from strangers and family alike—why would I keep on doing this if I had failed? Why didn’t I just stick to children’s fiction? The best—That I didn’t care about my family because I was selfishly going after my own foolish desires (talk about pouring salt on a wound). I drove on. I joined professional organizations for romance authors. I joined critique groups. I spent our money on going to conferences so that I could take more classes and talk to authors. I gave my dream everything I had.
I wrote another book. I submitted. I waited for the rejection letters/hate mail. Because this isn’t fiction I have to admit the letters started coming and I was faced with the possibility that once again I may have failed. But then I received an offer… and another…and another…and another…
Fast-forward a couple of years to today. As I sit here and write this I am proud to say that my family is stronger than it has ever been. My husband still works night, but in a funny turn of events I know look forward to his going so I can focus on writing. I have a book out in print and several more as e-books. I have made the bestsellers list on different occasions. I have signed a multiple book contract with Crimson Romance for The Nymph Series (the second book comes out May 6 entitled Montana Mustangs). I have met several amazing editors in person who I thought I would never meet. I have met several famous authors and been absolutely star-struck. I have won more awards for my writing. I have taken a job at a publishing house. I have started to teach classes to new authors. I’ve been featured in The Independent, the Missoulian, several other newspapers/magazines, and USA Today. I’m succeeding at following my dream.
I have to admit that I have more dreams. I think once you take one step you must take another or you will only stand still. My biggest dream? One day I hope that I will make the USA Today and New York Times Bestsellers lists.
Yet, if this dream is not fulfilled I’m okay. I have the knowledge that I have had the courage to stand up against neigh Sayers and the fortitude to survive heartbreak. And most of all I have the most amazing husband in the world and I know that if I wouldn’t have had him and his support I would have never had the strength to follow my dreams. So to him—Thank you, you are incredible.
March 19, 2013
The Beauty of Writing
This winter has been busy, filled with the harsh beauty of a Montana snow-capped landscape. I, like so many of my readers, have found that I’m ready for spring to be upon us–complete with the frolicking of the birds, the buzz of insects, and the budding of the first flowers at our home, the glacier lilies. I find the lovely little blossoms like to come up just after the last bit of snow melts from the ground, leaving behind the fresh, fertile ground of the forest floor. I have to admit I’m always a little heartsick when I see them as I know their beauty, like so many things in life, is fleeting. Yet I know that they will soon be replaced by the beauty of another of my Montana favorites–the Alpine Lupines. As a child I remember playing with the soft seed pods, twisting them in my fingers like they were nature’s gift to a precocious child.
I find myself this spring busier then I have ever been in my writing career. It feels like I’m not only stepping into the spring season, but also in the promising spring of what I hope to be a long career as an author. As of late, I have been teaching classes to new writers (you can see the slide-shows here: http://www.slideshare.net/authordanicawinters) and, as part of my job with Books To Go Now, I have been helping authors learn new and creative ways to expand themselves in social media. It has been so much fun.
As for my books, I have been diligently working away behind the scenes on the third book in the Nymph Series and have plans to write more within the series. My second book in the Nymph Series, Montana Mustangs, will be coming out for pre-sale in the next month! I am thrilled beyond words for this book (I know–hard for an author) to appear on the e-book shelf. As some of you may know, all of the Nymph Series books will also be not only making their way onto e-book shelves, but eventually they will all be available in paperback as well.
I love talking with my followers and I would love to hear about your plans this spring. Are you going to be digging around in your garden soon? Hiking? Reading your favorite books?
March 11, 2013
What I Learned From Having a Literary Agent by Scott D. Southard
Recently I was researching the changes in the publishing world (as I often do) and I found a fabulous article by award-winning author Scott D. Southard about his experiences with his literary agent. I begged him to allow me to share it with my regular readers. He has kindly obliged. So please help in giving Scott a warm welcome! Thank you for stopping by!
-Danica Winters
What I Learned From Having a Literary Agent
Scott D. Southard
This editorial originally appeared on “The Musings & Artful Blunders of Scott D. Southard.” Scott is the author of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, coming from Madison Street Publishing this April. You can learn more about the book here.
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For five years, my books were represented by a big agency out of New York City. While I don’t want to name any names, I think I can safely say that this agency has a long history and has been associated with such writers as Harper Lee, John Steinbeck, and John Irving. (Yeah, I have two degrees of separation between my books and Scout!) Their clients are a who’s who of writing over the last one hundred years and as a writer and literature buff I could not have been more thrilled.
Thrilled? No, let me correct that.
I bragged! I gloated! I patted myself on the back every chance I got! I was big man on literary campus and it was only a matter of time before everyone knew my name. Start preparing the Booker prize trophy now… Wait, do they do a trophy? Or is it a medal? I have no idea (if it’s just a certificate that would be lame).
There is this wonderful Hollywood dream for artists that when someone of importance finds their work that suddenly everything is going to be streets of gold from then on and all the hard work is over. (Remember “The Standard Rich and Famous” contract in The Muppet Movie?) Well, I fell for that dream hook, line and sinker; and over the five years I was signed with this agency my career was stagnant.
Those five years are never going to come back.
Trust… but do it in moderation
See, the fact is while we both (the agent and me) signed the contracts, it did not mean I was going to be on their front burner at all times (or even some of the times).
I had no idea what the agent did every day; heck, no writer could know that! (But wouldn’t it be awesome if we could? They could have those monitoring cameras like some day cares have and we writers could log in online and see what our agent is doing now. Oh, look! They’re taking a lunch!)
See, there is a level of trust that is created there out of a shared hope that your book could find success, but how much you want to trust is the question. And let me admit this, I was an idiot for quite a few of the years that I was with the agency.
Why?
Because I allowed myself to believe, to dream, that they were fighting for my books every hour; I had to be their 9-to-5, right? Naive. Naive. And even more naive, I allowed myself to imagine that I was just as important to them as their New York Times bestselling authors. The ones with the million dollar book deals and screaming fan bases. Yeah, I’ll say it again, I was an idiot.
It’s still your career
That is not to say I recommend not signing with an agency. That would be idiotic too! If an established agency (And I wrote here about what to look for with an agency because not all agencies are equal) wants to represent your book you should always jump onboard, that’s not a question. Heck, if an agency was to contact me I would sign as well again, even with this experience behind me. I just wouldn’t be as innocent as I was the last time.
See, the big mistake I made is I turned off the marketing part of my brain and just focused on my writing for five years.
What is that cliché about “assume?” Yeah, that was me.
I didn’t enter writing contests, I didn’t start my blog (and, hello, thanks for reading!), etc. I didn’t do any of the things that I should have done. So when that day came and my agent and I parted ways (think of it as that beginning scene in Grease when Danny and Sandy go their separate ways after the summer… without the singing), I was back to square one.
Wait! I was not just back at square one, I was negative five at least, because all of my contacts and the name recognition I was building in the writing community was gone.
The fact is your writing career is always your writing career. Don’t ever forget that. It will never be another’s, never. It is only yours. Even if you have a big agent or publisher supporting you, it is still your career. At the heart of it is still you alone at a keyboard or with a notepad in your hand, don’t lose sight of that.
In other words, don’t assume that anyone out there cares as much as you do for your work and your future. They don’t.
Frankly, your agent is not your mother.
Communication is key
No one wants to be a nuisance. No one wants to be that kid after class each day bothering the teacher. Begging the mailman each does not make a package arrive any faster, and the same goes for agents.
However, and I have said this before, we writers usually are introverts, and the idea of bothering anyone (especially someone that promised to make us rich and famous), is just too nerve-racking an idea to consider.
What if I said something that ruined everything? What if I make them change their minds? Our creative minds will reel with horror possibilities that could all occur because of one simple phone call or e-mail.
Take a breath.
The fact is it is one simple phone call. That’s it… Or better yet, an e-mail. And agents are busy people. To keep the money rolling in they have numerous books in the wings to support and sell, so in a way opening that avenue of communication may actually help your book! Reminding them you are there and are waiting.
So consider this, make yourself a calendar, (don’t share it with your agent!). How about e-mailing once every month to two months or so? Maybe even consider a phone call every three to four months?
And when you do contact them, don’t be afraid to ask for an update. Ask for copies of responses or to hear what editors/publishers think. That paperwork, if they send it to you or share it with you, can be a helpful insight not only to what publishers/editors think of your work but also on how your agent it actually describing your work to publishers… But be prepared, if you do learn how your agent is describing your work don’t be surprised if you are shocked.
(Example: I had my first agent when I was a teenager and that agent told publishers my collection of short stories was like a Judy Blume for the next generation… Yes, I said Judy Blume. Now I liked Judy Blume growing up! Who doesn’t, but when you are a 17-year old writer who is thinking that they are breaking some kind of literary ground with a collection of shorts stories about relationships and fantasy/science fiction, the last thing you want on your shoulders is Judy Blume!)
It’s a relationship
Writing a book, in my opinion, is only 10 percent of this gig. The rest is marketing or PR. It’s what we do to get an agent or a publisher, it’s what we do afterwards in trying to get people to buy our books (Hey, did you know about my new experimental book A Jane Austen Daydream? You see what I mean!). It’s all part of the job, and it is not usually something you learn about in creative writing courses.
While agents are, and will always be, the gatekeepers to the big publishing houses; remember, they are only human too. They can forget, they can get things wrong and they can even break your heart.
It’s a relationship and like all good relationships it is one you will have to work on. The second you sign with an agent, that agency begins to lose money. And they will continue to lose money until your book is sold.
Take comfort in that fact that someone believes in you that much to take the risk, but remember, you are still part of the fight. Build that relationship, listen to their comments, make the changes that they may request in your work (if it makes sense, of course), but give-and-take throughout it. Just like dating you will know if something isn’t working, and you will also know when it does.
For me?
I still dream of Pulitzer and Booker, but I will always miss those five years.
About Scott D. Southard:
Scott D. Southard, the author of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM (coming in April 2013 from Madison Street Publishing), swears he is not obsessed with Jane Austen. He is, however, also the author of the award-winning novels, MY PROBLEM WITH DOORS and MEGAN. Scott can be found on the internet via his writing blog “The Musings & Artful Blunders of Scott D. Southard” where he writes on topics ranging from writing, art, books, TV, writing, parenting, life, movies, and writing.
February 28, 2013
Shaping the West by MK McClintock
Shaping the West: Montana
Montana is steeped in rich history and fascinating stories. It was built by settlers who saw what the land could give, what they could bring to it, and what they could take away. Cattle and Mining were two of the most significant shapers of Montana history, and it so happens, both make an appearance in my Gallagher series. One of the most enjoyable, and time-consuming, steps of writing is the research. Not all research makes it into the story, but it does help us write the story.
Cattle
“The range cattle industry has seen its inception, zenith, and partial extinction all within a half-century. The changes of the past have been many; those of the future may be of more revolutionary character.” – Conrad Kohrs
In a land of soaring mountain peaks, lush forests and abundant wildlife prevails a history rich in trappers, miners and nomads, each with their own remarkable story. The history of cattle ranching in Montana is not as old as others, but it was a beginning for what would become a long-lasting way of life for many people choosing to carve out a life in this rugged land. What was once home to millions of bison and the native peoples, became a land taken over by ranchers and farmers.
The railroad into Montana, still a territory at this time, completed in the early 1880’s which made it possible to market the cattle and the roundups began, but not without serious challenges. Because of the challenges, Stockgrowers Associations were formed, the first in 1881. They discussed the Indians, predators, diseases, legislation and outlaws. The Indians were starving and often stole cattle; the white man had killed all their bison. Wolves were destructive predators, hunting in packs and killing cows, calves and many sheep and lambs.2
Conrad Kohrs, one of Montana’s first cattle barons and greatest pioneers, passed away in Helena, Montana in 1920.
Did you Know?
“Range Wars” between cattlemen and sheep growers didn’t happen in Montana. For a time, Montana cattlemen found it profitable to raise sheep. Then, when cattle became profitable again, they switched back to cattle. Montana ranges support a wide variety of grazing animals, both wild and domestic. (http://www.nps.gov/grko/historycultur...)
Source:
2 (http://montanakids.com/agriculture_and_business/farm_animals/History_of_Cattle.htm)
Mining
By the late 1880′s, Helena had more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the world. (1) Not bad for a lessor-populated area of the west. However, the richest and most well-known mining history in Montana surrounds Butte, where the states great legacy was built on copper mines. In fact, it became known as “The Richest Hill on Earth” because of the rich ore veins. I recently watched Ken Burns’ The West, a great documentary presented by Stephen Ives. In the eighth episode titled ‘Ghost Dance’ they discussed the great mining town of Butte, Montana and how it affected Montana. In 1882, when Butte’s mining boom began, they weren’t considering the consequences of what they were taking from the earth, with no thought to reclamation, but that was due primarily to limited technology of the time and poor decision-making. A century of mining left scars that have become the Nation’s largest Superfund site, with the huge Berkeley Pit lake as the centerpiece.(2)
The result is an area left barren of trees, and a huge pit remaining in the earth.
In 1882 the district produced nine million pounds of copper. In 1883 production leaped over 250%. By 1884 there were four large smelters operating and Daly was building what would become the world’s largest metallurgical plant at Anaconda, thirty miles to the west. (2)
WWII made the mining kings of the area wealthy, but it wasn’t to stop there. At one time there were over 3,600 mines in Montana. Today there are fewer than 100.
Sources and further reading:
(1) http://www.westernmininghistory.com/state/montana/
(2) http://www.mininghistoryassociation.org/ButteHistory.htm
What the readers are saying about Gallagher’s Pride . . .
McClintock does a masterful job of sucking the reader in, making them hang in there and keep turning those pages. I could not put this book down. It is a riveting book, from beginning to the end. The book is filled with adventure and big surprises. Read more . . . -Kelly from Kelly’s Thoughts on Things Ms.McClintock chisels out characters that root themselves deep in your heart, where they’ll stay forever more. It’s rich in historic detail and keeps you captivated til the last page. Read more . . . -Molly at Reviews by Molly
Gallagher’s Pride Links
About the Gallaghers | Amazon Link | Amazon Kindle Link| Amazon.co.uk
What the readers are saying about Gallagher’s Hope. . .
MK has written a book that grabs the reader’s attention and refuses to let go. Read more . . . -Suzie at The Bunny’s Review A good story can have a little bit of romance, a little bit of adventure, and a little bit of mystery all rolled up into one. Ms. McClintock’s Gallagher’s Hope delivers all that and more. Read more . . .Rebecca at A Book Lover’s Library
Gallagher’s Hope Links
About the Gallaghers | Amazon Link | Amazon Kindle Link | Amazon.co.uk
What the readers are saying about Alaina Claiborne. . .
This one is a winner. It broke my heart several times, the poignant moments she describes are so real. Read more . . .
-Deborah from The Bookish Dame Reviews
This is a rare read that captures you from beginning to ending! Great plot and characters with no stone left uncovered! Enjoyable, exciting, enthralling and captivating! Read more . . .
-Pris@lovesromance from Amazon review
This book has action, mystery and romance. Read more . . .
-Lisa at Bookworm Lisa
Alaina Claiborne Links Amazon Link | Amazon Kindle Link | Amazon.co.uk
About the Author
MK McClintock published her first novel, Gallagher’s Pride, in July 2012, and followed one month later with the release of her second book in the same series, Gallagher’s Hope. Her third novel, Alaina Claiborne, was published in January 2013. Gallagher’s Choice, the third book in her Gallagher Series, is scheduled for release in 2013.
McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West.
Connect with the author!
Website | Blog | Facebook | Amazon
February 24, 2013
Passing on the Passion: Goal, Motivation and Conflict
Writing with Passion
Last week, I had the distinguished honor of teaching a class on Plotting Your Novel at the Missoula Public Library. It was an incredible success and I would like to share some of the points I was teaching for those of you who are interested in becoming authors.
Before you begin work on your novel you need to have a plan in place for your book and your characters.
The first step in plotting your novel is knowing three things about the book: The Goal, The Motivation and The Conflict
What is a Goal?
Goal is the “What” of your book.
�“A goal is a desired result, a purpose or an objective. A goal is the prize or reward that your character wants to obtain or achieve. Everybody likes a winner, and readers are no exception to the rule.”
�Debra Dixon (GMC Goal Motivation Conflict, 1996)
�
Your character’s goal must be urgent.
�Examples:
�They need to:
�Find the cure for cancer before their husband passes away.
�Rescue their long lost sister from a band of pirates.
�Give an injured jockey the ride he’s been waiting his whole life to attain, but must prove to the world he can ride again.
�Give a work driven maniac a chance at a job that will risk his family, but give him the job satisfaction he’s always wanted.
�Remember* We don’t always achieve our goals and neither should our characters.
What is Motivation?
Motivation is the “Why” of your book. Why do your character’s want to achieve their goal?
�“Motivation is what drives your character to obtain or achieve his goal… Keep it simple. Keep it strong. Keep it focused.”
� Debra Dixon (GMC Goal Motivation Conflict, 1996)
What is Conflict?
Conflict is the “Why not?” of your book. Why can’t they achieve their goal? What/Who is standing in their way? Why?
�“Conflict is the reason your character can’t have what he wants. If you character could have what he wanted, then you have no book! Conflict is the obstacle or impediment your character must face in obtaining or achieving his goal. Conflict is not an optional element.”
�Debra Dixon (GMC Goal Motivation Conflict, 1996)
Within each of these catagories each can be subdivided into:
Internal (non-tangible) and
External (tangible). IE The External Goal: (Example) The man wants to discover the cure for cancer. Internal Goal: He needs to save his wife.
This is all from Debra Dixon’s book GMC Which can be found here: http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com/?page=shop/flypage&wt=1.00&product_id=23&CLSN_1737=13269462991737ddf021dc4c07cbcf4d
Within your book, the GMC should be involved in the overall concept and, additionally, in every chapter. This should also be used in developing each of your characters, including your antagonist–very few people are entirely ‘bad’ instead they have a motivation that we may not agree with or understand. Using GMC you can help create three-dimensional characters who are relatable and understandable–thus making your story stronger.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate in asking!
February 11, 2013
Guest Post by author Winter Austin!
Detective Remy LeBeau and Cody Lewis
With a little help from a friend, I decided to corner my main characters and grill them. I think Remy wasn’t too happy being on the opposite end of the questioning.
##
This first question is for Cody. You’re a professional barrel racer?
C: Yeah.
How many times have you been thrown from a horse and did you ever break a bone doing it?
C: I have to count? Wow, um, I think I’ve been thrown at least thirty times in my life, and that’s just the horse tossing me. The joys of breaking colts. The number of times my horse has gone down with me onboard, ten or so. I’ve broken a few bones, who doesn’t when working with horses? You eventually learn how to loosen up before hitting the ground. Reduces the risk of breaking.
Good to know. Okay, Detective LeBeau’s turn. What was your favorite part of growing up in the swamps of Louisiana?
R: Not just swamps, cher, I spent a lot of time on the bayous too. (wink)
C: Did you just wink at her?
R: Cher, please. My favorite part, well, hard to say. There’s lots to do. Fishin’, boatin’, diggin’ for mudbugs.
C: What are mudbugs?
R: Crawdads.
C: Eww.
R: Says the woman who eats ‘calf fries’.
All right. Cody, your barrel horse’s name is S’mores Chocolate Graham. Is there a story to go with this very unique and cool name?
C: Not really. Her momma’s name is Chocolate Graham. I just added the S’mores. ’Course, if you ask my daddy, he’d say I picked those names because I went through a chocolate and graham cracker addiction in my teens. (laugh)
(Laughing) Cool. So, Detective, why did you become a cop?
R: Why not? It’s a good profession. You try to make a difference.
C: (mutters) And you get to carry a gun and badge so you can throw your weight around.
R: Didn’t affect you.
Moving along. Cody, what was your favorite thing about growing up on a Texas ranch?
C: Freedom. There’s miles of nothing but land between you and the nearest town. I live close to Fort Worth, but in a small ranching community way outside of city limits. You can sit outside at night and see the stars and listen to nothing but the occasional sound of an animal. It’s peaceful. After a long haul on the road, I love coming back.
Wow, that would be great. Last one, Detective, I hear from a reliable source you once tangled with a mama gator. Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?
R: Where did you hear that?
C: (chuckling) You did what?
R: I have no idea what she’s talking about. Tangled with a mama gator. Who are these reliable sources? This is what I get for talking to the press. This interview is over. I’m out of here.
C: (laughing) That was rich.
Guess that concludes this interview. You can read more about Cody and Remy in their first book, Relentless, available at the following places:
Crimson Romance: http://www.crimsonromance.com/upcoming-releases-romance-ebook/relentless
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relentless-winter-austin/1114192565?ean=9781440564444
BOOK INFO: Relentless (Crimson Romance)
Dallas homicide detective Remy LeBeau trusts no one. He hides from a past that could kill him and anyone involved with him. What he’s not prepared for is the return of an elusive serial killer . . . and an unwanted desire to protect a witness at all costs.
Professional barrel racer Cody Lewis’s dream of being top in the nation is within reach until she discovers a murdered woman in her horse trailer. The event pulls her into the sickening world of the Rodeo Sweethearts serial killer—a madman who terrorized Dallas’s rodeo circuit five years prior and is now back for more. But what’s worse is that Cody fits the profile of the Rodeo Sweetheart victims. . . .
As Remy dives into the investigation, he uncovers secrets of a botched investigation and a tight-lipped boss, while attracting unwanted attention from the killer. Battling his partner, his attraction to Cody, and the demons of his past, catching the killer could cost Remy everything. Even Cody’s life.
January 9, 2013
Black Lion Book Tours Presents The Nymph’s Labyrinth! #Giveaway!
We’re featuring 15 authors, all with book giveaways AND you’ll have a chance to enter at each stop for the $100 Grand prize Giveaway!
Meet featured authors and learn more about them and their books on the dates below. You may also enter their giveaways at any time on the kick-off post! Scroll down for glimpses of the books!
The Nympth’s Labyrinth
A
world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be
exposed.Shape-shifting nymph, Ariadne Papadakis, is tasked with keeping the truth of
the group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of the
American archeologist, Beau Morris and his troublemaking son, Kaden. When
forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced make a
choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the
sisterhood, or follow her heart and put Beau and Kaden’s lives in danger.Can she have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of her past
keep her from her heart’s desire?
Their quest to find each other across a treacherous wilderness will test the
limits of courage and endurance, guided only by their dreams–and by the belief
in the true love they share.
Amazon Kindle
Chapter One Present Day
Shoveling dirt in a dark, forbidding hole was
the last place Ariadne Papadakis wanted to be. She used the trowel in her hand
as a weapon to scrape the clay away. A drop of sweat trickled down the ancient
black tattooed snake on her arm, past her elbow, over the serpent’s weaving
body, and stopped at the base of her wrist as if it was afraid to enter her
palm where the head of the snake was poised for attack.
The city of Gournai sat at the base of a Cretan
hill, a blister of light in the callous night. Ariadne could remember when the
town had been nothing but a few villas and a market, perfectly rural—a great
location for a secret. Now it bustled with modern life and somewhere within the
public maze, sat an archeologist who wanted to expose the Labyrinth she and her
sisterhood of nymphs had kept hidden for so long.
How had Beau Morris found their secret…a secret
that had been hidden for thousands of years? She couldn’t know for sure, but
now she had been ordered to deal with the consequences of his action.
Earlier that day, while Ariadne had been working
at the museum in Heraklion, a braying couple from Alabama had been amongst the
handful of visitors. They had laughed at the bare breasts of the statue of
Epione, the snake goddess. They had snickered and made jokes of the serpents
that graced her arms and her ample breasts. They never paused to consider what
the woman had once meant to so many and still meant to Ariadne’s sisters and
all nymphs. They had just laughed and gawked at the oddity before them. Stupid
Americans.
Did no one revere what is sacred anymore? Had
culture changed that much?
Ariadne pushed the thoughts from her mind. There
were some things about the modern world that she just didn’t understand, and
Dr. Morris’ ardent desire to destroy the nymph culture by exposing the secrets
of the Labyrinth was at the top of her list.
Couldn’t he just leave some things alone?
If he found the Labyrinth, the artifacts would
sit in the museum, and like the statue of Epione, be pointed at and mocked—or
they would be misused. The sacred Labyrinth needed to stay exactly as it was,
hidden from science, from prying eyes, mocking laughs, and greedy hands.
She jabbed the trowel into the hard earth.
The trowel-marked square walls around her seemed
to move in a little closer as Ariadne worked. She swallowed back her fear as
she looked up at the night sky. When she was done, she could get out of this
place and never come back.
Her gaze fell to the exposed light gray column
at her right. For a moment she stared at the moonlit carved stone, it reminded
her of the thousands of years that had passed since she had been born. Each
year brought a new challenge, a new set of problems. She ran her finger against
the arid dirt and brought her fingers to her nose to smell the burnt sage, the
citric aroma of oranges, and a hint of olive.
To have an archaeologist sticking his nose where
it didn’t belong was an invasion tantamount to war. Subterfuge was the game and
nymphs had thousands of years of practice.
The Author
Danica
Winters is a best-selling author who is known for writing award-winning books
that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and
often a touch of magic. When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds
of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of
various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing). She always
believes the cup is neither half-full nor half-empty, but it better be filled
with wine.
Connect wit h Danica!
http://www.DanicaWinters.net
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also enter for a chance to win the grand prize!
Giveaways last through 1/14/2012
a Rafflecopter giveaway
**Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Participating Blogs
Jan 7th – Black Lion Tours Blog
Jan 7th – MK McClintock Blog
Jan 7th – Laurie’s Non-Paranormal Thoughts & Reviews
Jan 8th – Melissa’s Midnight Musings
Jan 8th – I am a Reader, Not a Writer
Jan 8th – My Escape
Jan 8th – Journey with Books
Jan 9th – A Writer’s Life
Jan 9th – Deal Sharing Aunt
Jan 9th – My Syreniti
Jan 9th – Open the Page
Jan 10th – My Devotional Thoughts
Jan 10th – Romance Meets Life
Jan 11th – I Know that Book
Jan 11th – Oh Chrys!
Jan 11th - Bookworm Lisa
Jan 11th – The Bunny’s Review
Jan 12th – Books, Books, the Magical Fruit
Jan 12th – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf
Jan 13th – Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Jan 14th – Kimberly Lewis Novels
Jan 14th - MK McClintock Blog
