N.M. Silber's Blog, page 9

Short Scene from Winning Appeal (Mark and Beth)

So you don’t think I’ve forgotten Mark and Beth, here’s a short scene from Winning Appeal (probably still coming out in Sept. LOL) 

Tuesday, I was in the law library again. This time I was helping Bruce. He had gotten a couple of new computers and we were setting them up. 
“The black wire doesn’t fit anywhere,” Bruce said from under the desk next me.
“According to the diagram, it’s supposed to plug in the back under the hole for the printer cable, but I can’t get it in,” I told him. I was down on my hands and knees trying in vain to insert part J into part K.
“I have to run to the little law librarian’s room. I’ll help you in a second,” he said getting up and leaving. A couple of minutes later, I heard the door open and figured Bruce was back.
“I think if you put it in from behind it will fit.”
“I’m sure we could make it fit lots of ways,” Mark said. “But from behind works for me.” I sat up quickly and slammed my head on the desk.
“Ouch!” 
“Are you okay?” he asked, coming over and dropping down next to me. 
“I’m fine. Come over here and help me plug this wire in.” I showed him the wire and where it was supposed to go. He crawled under the desk next to me and did his best to get it in while I tried to concentrate even though I was becoming highly distracted by the smell of guy soap, aftershave and delicious Markness in the close quarters. 
“Here, hold the wire up this way while I try to get it in the port,” he instructed. I grabbed on like he showed me and tried to help. After another minute of struggling I got impatient. 
“Push harder,” I told him.
“If I push harder I might damage it.”
“If you don’t push hard you’ll never get it in the hole. It’s a really tight fit.”
“You’re pulling on it too hard,” he admonished.
“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to help you get it in.”
“Wait, I think …” he grunted
“Yes! It’s in! Thank you!”
“What are you doing with my sister?” Braden’s voice boomed out suddenly. This time both of us sat up too quickly and banged our heads into the desk, momentarily stunning ourselves.
“I’m assuming that this is probably not what it sounds like,” Adam said from somewhere behind us. “But if it is, then for Christ’s sake, Mark, be a gentleman and give it to her however she wants it.”
“What’s going on now?” I heard Evelyn say.
“Beth and Mark are on the floor together again and she wants him to push harder but he’s afraid he might damage her hole,” Adam answered. Both of us crawled out quickly and stood up.
“I see,” Evelyn replied. “Anybody want coffee?”
“I was helping her set up a computer!” Mark explained quickly.
“He was! That’s all,” I confirmed.
“Sorry.” Braden laughed. “It sounded … well, you know what it sounded like.”
Mark and I both breathed a sigh of relief. Even though I hadn’t given up on the idea, it sunk in then, that if we were ever going to get together, we really would have to be discreet.

Thinking about “changing it up” a little

I’m considering doing something and I hope nobody gets annoyed. (I haven’t “officially” decided yet.) I’ve been writing Winning Appeal, (Mark and Beth’s book), which I had planned to release in September. I was planning to release Power of Attorney, (Jacob and Abby’s book), in December. Lately, though, ideas about POA have been flooding my brain. I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night and scribbling down scenes and jotting down ideas everywhere. I have their entire story plotted and character analysis done. (That’s unusual for me, as I’m usually a hybrid outliner/pantser.) I’ve even begun researching computer crime as that plays a role. This book is similar to my other books in that there will be humor, romance and steam, but Jacob and Abby are outside of my core group of characters. They are also a couple of years older; they practice in federal court and their story has a stronger element of suspense.  My other plots (even with the mystery subplots) have been strongly character-driven, and this one would be too, but it would be faster-moving, more like a thriller in some ways. Anyway, I was thinking about reversing the publishing order of those two books and putting POA out first. Like I said, though, I haven’t decided “officially” yet. I hope you’ll bear with me. I’m one of those flighty creative-types and I can’t always control when or how inspiration strikes.

Legally Wed Teaser

Hitting Publish or My New Approach to Book Marketing

I’ve been focusing on writing more than marketing lately and I’ve discovered a few things. First of all, I’m happier. Secondly, my writing is getting better. Third, I’m able to write more, and finally, my readers haven’t abandoned me. So, I’m not going to be dropping hundreds of bucks on blog tours, book blitzes, parties and giveaways anymore. Instead, I’m going to give my readers something more valuable than an Amazon gift card – more books that are better written. I wanted to let you know that just because I’m not hitting the indie promotion circuit as much, that doesn’t mean I’ve left. It just means that I’m very busy being an author.

 

Monica and Chandler and Mark and Beth

http://www.buzzfeed.com/oliviaroat/why-youll-never-really-get-over-monica-and-chandl-ehzv

I saw this today and it made me smile a big happy smile, even before my first dose of caffeine. (The line at the clinic/Dunkin’ Donuts was long.) I loved Monica and Chandler. They are the kind of couple I would like to read about, and thus, they are the kind of couple I write. Were they less, funny, sexy, interesting, or entertaining just because they genuinely loved each other and treated each other well? I don’t think so.

Chandler may have once unintentionally hit some of Monica’s weight issue buttons, but he never emotionally abused her. They may have hidden their relationship at first (in a hilarious and romantic way) but there was no cheating or malicious deception between them or surrounding their story. A couple can be emotionally well-grounded, mature and respectful and still be funny, sexy and interesting.

My books are always full of “odes” to my favorite pop culture and literary icons and many readers have told me they enjoy searching for them. I’m going to make this one very easy. Winning Appeal is coming out in September and in some ways, (not derivative or plagiaristic ones LOL) Mark and Beth’s relationship is an ode to Monica and Chandler. 

Here’s the tally: Gabrielle and Braden – an ode to Lucy and Ricky, Adam and Lily – an ode to Ralph and Alice, Beth and Mark – an ode to Monica and Chandler. ;)

For those who dream of being authors …

I saw this picture today and it really made me think. One thing I’m proud of is that, even when people said I was crazy, I’ve always followed my dreams. Less than a year ago, I decided that after a lifetime of making up funny stories in my head and being a compulsive reader, I wanted to write my own book – my own way. Less than a year later, I own my own publishing company and I’m about to release my fourth book. Best of all, my writing is really developing.

I frequently have people share with me that they dream about becoming authors too. So here’s my advice to other dreamers – do it. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t or limit you in any way. Dream big and don’t limit yourself either. Do it your way. Be an original and be brave enough not to follow the pack.

Even though I haven’t been doing this very long, I also have some general advice. Don’t get caught up with meaningless, superficial things. People will forget the best seller du jour but they will remember a good book. Talk to your readers and really listen to them. Don’t just market to them. Don’t get caught up in petty drama. It’s a waste of time and energy and it will destroy your creativity and your soul. Don’t see other authors as competition; see them as colleagues. Don’t waste time having a chip on your shoulder. Some readers will always assume that “indie” means low quality. They are naive and it’s their loss. Some authors will always assume that “being published” is what every author should aspire to. They’re naive too – every book and every author is unique. Don’t focus on the the 3 R’s – Ratings, Rankings and Royalties. Focus on becoming the best writer you can be. Be patient, stay grounded and keep everything in perspective. Don’t read bad reviews – in fact – only read the good ones people ask you to read.

Most of all, though, stay true to yourself. Write the book you want to write – the book that only you can write. You have nothing to lose in trying to learn how to write a book if you want to, and you have everything to gain. I have helped many authors just starting out. Don’t be afraid to approach me and ask me anything you want about the writing or the self-publishing process. I’m willing to help if I can.

Chapter One - Exclusively at SubClub

Chapter One of the Lawyers in Love novella, Legally Wed, coming 6/24. Intended for readers over the age of 18 only.

http://thesubclubbooks.com/?p=22836

UPDATE: Exciting News! I can't release the deets yet, but ... Adam and Lily will be getting a Honeymoon short story and it will be included in an anthology of funny/sexy shorts with 9 other authors who you are very likely already familiar with. I'm honored.

Here it is! Chapter One!

Here it is! Chapter One!

Legally Wed Chapter One – 5 PM EST

Legally Wed Chapter One