Mary E. Thompson's Blog, page 16
August 13, 2017
Writing Tips: Make Friends
A few weeks ago, I was at the Romance Writers of America national conference. Every summer, about 2000 romance novelists and industry professionals get together for workshops, networking, and awards. It’s a whirlwind of four days that always leaves me inspired and ready for more. I love it!
One of my absolute favorite parts about nationals is seeing friends I don’t live near. One of my good friends lives in California, so we see each other once a year. We roomed together this year and it was so nice to have someone to digest the workshops with, go to dinner with, hang out with.
Which brings me to my point.
Find friends!
Writing is a very solitary endeavor. You write your stories. You come up with all the ideas. You do the marketing and the planning and all the work. Sure, you might hire people eventually, but the day-to-day is all on you.
And it gets damn lonely!
I joined RWA (Romance Writers of America) so I could meet other romance authors. I joined my local chapter in Western New York to I could meet romance authors near me. My friend in California (ironically, also named Mary) became my friend at one of the conferences, which I went to to meet more authors.
Having friends who are writers means you’ll have someone to text when you hit your goal for the day. And someone to call when you get nominated for an award or publish a book. And someone to commiserate with when things don’t go as planned.
I meet my writer friends for lunch to work out plot issues. We read each other’s manuscripts to see what works and what doesn’t. We trade texts to stay up to date on progress.
Yes, other friends are great, but writers understand each other. It’s a world unlike many others. And having people who get it is so very important.
So get out there! Find some people. You can never have too many friends!
If you have a question, about writing or anything else, send me an email (mary (at) maryethompson (dot) com) with Q&A in the subject, or post it in the comments below, and I’ll answer your question right here on the blog!
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August 11, 2017
#FiveOnFriday with Linda O’Connor
I’m often asked about what inspires me to write. I thought I’d share 5 sources of inspiration for my stories:
1. The reaction from people when they find out I’m a doctor – It makes me chuckle when people are surprised that I’m a family doctor, and it’s very interesting to see how their attitude changes. Flattering, but honestly, I think there’s more heart and soul (and worry) that goes into being a stay-at-home mom. The fact that my character is “secretly” a doctor has shown up in a couple of the Perfectly stories.
2. Helping out in an emergency – I’ve attended the delivery a baby, washed sand out of a child’s eyes at the beach, and provided care on an airplane. Medicine is rarely nine to five, and my characters are jumping in to help out whenever they’re needed.
3. How I want to weave medicine into my stories – There’s something medical thrown into every story. It may be subtle information like the fact that an eye infection, conjunctivitis, and pink eye are all the same thing or acknowledging how difficult a pregnancy can be, but one of my goals is to empower readers to learn something – and laugh along the way!
4. Snippets of conversation I hear – In the grocery store one day, two teenagers were stocking the shelves and talking about the differences in their friends. I overheard one say, “We’re all different . . . not by much, just enough.” I’ve used that philosophy, if not that line, in my stories. 
August 8, 2017
Everything She Never Wanted, meet Cynthia
When I first thought about creating this series, Everything She Never Wanted was one of the books I was so excited to write. That sounds bad since the book deals with loss, but I knew it was going to be emotional and powerful. And I knew I was going to love Cynthia.
Cynthia is scared. She’s been scared her whole life. She’s been hurt and she’s dealt with pain forever. She’s the perfect person to help Henry through the loss his family suffered (no, I’m still not telling who they lose).
If you read the other books in the series, you might not like Cynthia. I get that. You’ll find out who she really is, and hopefully by the end you’ll be cheering for her to get Everything She Never Wanted!
Excerpt from Everything She Never Wanted
“Hey,” she said.
“Hey,” he answered, stepping closer to her.
“Do you feel any better?”
It took him a minute to realize she was talking about his panic attack, or whatever it was, when she got there. He nodded and pulled her in for a hug, resisting the desire to kiss her again. She was there for him the entire night. She didn’t shy away like so many others did. She let him be angry. She let him be irritated. She let him be whatever he needed to be.
Hell, she even let him kiss her and then not talk about it.
“That was one heck of a kiss earlier,” she whispered against his chest.
So much for not talking about it.
Henry sucked in a breath. “I thought so, too.”
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t the best kiss of my life.”
He pulled back from her and spun away. He could take kindness. He could handle sympathy. He could even swallow pity. But lying was not on the menu for the evening.
“You don’t have to bullshit me, Cynthia. I’m almost thirty-four years old. I’ve kissed enough women to have picked up a few things. This isn’t high school where you have to lie to me about how much I mean to you.”
Hurt flashed in her brown eyes, bringing out the green. She nodded once, then leveled him with a look that said exactly what she thought of his accusation.
“First of all, I never lied to you in high school. You were my best friend. I adored you. I had no idea you liked me the way you did, or I wouldn’t have turned to you. I was never close to any of the girls I knew, but with you, I could be myself. So screw you for saying I lied about what you meant to me. Second, that was the best kiss of my life. Maybe you didn’t feel the same, or maybe you did, but don’t ever tell me that what I’m feeling isn’t true.”
Henry didn’t know whether to be shocked or impressed by what she said. He’d never known her to have such a quick temper, but things had changed about both of them over the years.
One thing that didn’t change was how much he wanted her. And damn if he could stop himself from kissing her again after seeing that spark in her eyes and hearing his was the best kiss of her life.
Henry didn’t give her a chance to back away. He didn’t go slow. He didn’t ask first. He just took, again, what he wanted, but this time, he wasn’t holding back.
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August 6, 2017
Writing Tips: Books To Read
We’re back again, looking at some things it takes to make it as an author. Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet that will make you successful, but writing good books will help.
There are a ton of books out there about writing. My recommendations are simply that, my recommendations. This is not a slight on all the other books out there, or saying they aren’t as good. It’s simply my short list of books I’ve read that helped me along the way.
Ready?
Goal, Motivation, Conflict by Debra Dixon – I liked this book because it gave me a good view of how GMC works in a book. She uses examples from popular stories (like The Wizard of Oz) to detail exactly what she’s talking about. I’d read a lot about GMC before picking up this book, but it broke it down in a way that made sense for me. I loved it!
Write. Publish. Repeat. by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant – a great example of a book that will convince you not to give up. These guys are not romance authors, but they are very successful authors who gave writing their all. Their motivation to make it work was an inspiration to me, as well as a kick in the pants to keep me striving forward.
The Positive / Negative Trait and Emotion Thesauruses by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi – three books that are valuable resources to authors. If you’re looking to understand your character, or trying to find an opposite for one, these books are great! Divided up by trait, the thesauruses help you navigate personalities well!
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – if you’re looking for inspiration, read this book! It’s a great resource when you’re feeling out of sorts. Plus, creatives sometimes feel alone. You’ll never feel alone again after reading this book!
The Naked Truth About Self-Publishing by Jana DeLeon and Tina Folsom – an in depth look at self-publishing from some veterans. If you’re considering going at things your own way instead of finding a traditional publishing house, you’ll want the advice of people who’ve been there, done that. Read this book!
On Writing by Stephen King – I was reluctant to read this one because his work is way too gory for me, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. He’s a master, and no one can deny that. Don’t miss out!
As I said, I know there are more. I have many more on my bookshelf, but until I’ve read them, I struggle to recommend them. The most important thing is to get started. Read some, write some, find what works for you!
What writing books have you found most helpful?
If you have a question, about writing or anything else, send me an email (mary (at) maryethompson (dot) com) with Q&A in the subject, or post it in the comments below, and I’ll answer your question right here on the blog!
The post Writing Tips: Books To Read appeared first on Mary E Thompson.
August 4, 2017
#FiveOnFriday with Kryssie Fortune
But first… a few questions!
When did you first think about writing a book? Did you write it then, or put it off for a few years?
Apparently, I told a friend I’d write a romance book while in my teens. It didn’t happen. Two kids later and disaster struck. My heart valve collapsed. I spent six weeks in hospital getting fit enough to survive the operation to replace it.
Ever since, I’ve been chasing my dreams. Each time a publisher accepts one of my books, I’m over the moon.
What inspired you to write this book?
One of my heroes was a Spartan Warrior before he became a vampire. A few years back, I visited Greece a few years ago. The legend of Sparta fascinated me, but not as much as the Philip of Macedon – the father of Alexander the great.
Since one of my heroes was Spartan, I decided to make the other one of Philip’s ancestors – although it’s never mentioned in the book.
Obviously, that made the story a ménage, but I didn’t want my heroes to get along. Making them brothers bound in up a family feud seemed like the next step.
Which of your characters is the most like you and how? Who’s most unlike you?
Viola, in To Seduce an Omega. She’s studied herb law, and I’m fascinated by the things plants can do for us. Also, she has a badly injured knee. I have little or no cartilage left in my knee, so I feel her pain.
The most unlike me is harder. Maybe Meena in Curse of the Fae King. She’s tough and resilient, willing to fight for what she believes in. Me? I’m a wimp. Although Meena does have her very own dragon. I just had an imaginary one when I was a kid.
Why is it set where it is? What’s special about this place?
Claimed by the Vampire, Seduced by the Werewolf takes place in and around York, England. It’s one of my favorite cities, and my first ever published article told its history from Celts, through Romans, Vikings and Tudor times.
I love to visit and always discover something new. One of my fellow authors and regular lunch partners, Jen Davies, lives there.
What aspect of writing gives you the most trouble?
Sex Scenes. The anatomy’s pretty basic even though the position varies. Although my books are explicit I try to engage the readers emotions. Sometimes I get it right. One of my reviewers called my writing downright sensual.
BlurbAfter seven centuries, Elias, a former Spartan turned vampire, finds his eternal bride. Seth, Elias’s werewolf half-brother, scents his mate.
Vampire and werewolf loathe each other. The only thing they agree on is that Tempest is their mate–and they’re not sharing.
A prophecy will force Tempest, a twenty-first-century witch, to choose between them. As the half-brothers vie to win her heart, they teach her about spanking, the way pain heightens pleasure, and the ecstasy of multiple orgasms.
A vampire can’t survive without his fated bride. A werewolf dies if he loses his mate. Their future rests in Tempest’s hands. Which one will she choose?
Note: While loosely linked to the Scattered Siblings series, this book may be read as a standalone story.
Buy Links
Amazon – http://amzn.to/2pLmmK4
Kobo – http://bit.ly/2qBMdl5
B&N – http://bit.ly/2q36rI5
Loose id – http://bit.ly/2pFyQ5Z
Excerpt
In the deserted street outside Tempest’s workplace, a golden werewolf threw back his head and howled. The faint scent of his mate tickled his nostrils, sweet and floral with a hint of spice. Seth breathed deeply, drawing it into his lungs. He couldn’t stay here, since a mythological creature walking York’s streets would cause a panic. People would run from his eight-foot werewolf form. Some might have an adrenaline rush and attack him. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass Hades by injuring humans or ending up in the newspapers.
Seth shifted to human and pulled on the black jeans and leather jacket Hades had left him. As Hades had promised, he found the key to his hotel suite in his pocket. A little luxury wouldn’t go amiss after the endless bland days in the Elysian Fields. Being dead wasn’t all Seth expected it to be. He’d lacked purpose or goals. Having a mission made him feel truly alive, even if it had meant turning werewolf to accept it.
Back in the underworld, his cheeks had ached from the constant smiling, and he’d found the endless joy galling. His riding skills had been the pride of his human existence, but the horses in the Elysian Fields behaved more like oversized puppies than wild stallions. Bored, he’d meandered through the afterlife, grinning like a loon and hating every moment.
Finally, Hades had taken pity on him. Now Seth had a task to fulfill and a mate to claim. It wouldn’t take long to drag the traitor Elias back to his cell in Tartarus. The selfish bastard deserved every torment he suffered after almost plunging the ancient Macedonian kingdom into civil war.
Afterward, Seth would enjoy some serious loving with the woman who smelled of wildflowers and freedom. Before he set out, Hades had given him her name—Tempest—and sworn she wouldn’t be able to resist Seth’s charms. Their connection would seethe with intensity and need. Thinking about it left him aching inside. Once he found her, he’d woo her with expensive gifts and pretty words. Afterward, he’d strip her and screw her while he sank his fangs into her neck and claimed her as his. Although, maybe he’d spank her pretty ass first.
* * * *
Elias battled the dark hunger inside him. Tempest’s well-being mattered more than his unnatural thirst. While he wanted to claim her, he’d treat her with the respect she deserved.
Boom. An explosion echoed through his skull, so loud it almost deafened him. Boom. It sounded again. Boom. His muscles tensed, and he scanned the room for danger. Boom. Realization dawned. Tempest made him whole and set his heart beating for the first time in centuries. Bride. She’s my bride. The Tuchulcha demons will hurt her to hurt me.
Werewolves had fated mates, but vampires had brides—the one woman who made their heart beat. Tempest was his, and he’d never willingly leave her side. The depth of his emotions scared him more than the Persian hordes, but humans married, not mated. What if she didn’t feel the same?
His heart pounded in a series of explosions. Heat flowed through him, warming his blood and delighting his soul. His pulse beat like a war drum in his wrist. The longer he stayed with her, the steadier his heart’s rhythm became. Each rise and fall of his chest, each bomb blast of his pulse rocked his world.
Warmth suffused his body. His thoughts seemed sharper, and his pain faded into insignificance beside his need to love and protect his bride. He’d heard legends of how vampires’ brides brought new life to their soul mates, but he’d never expected to find a bride of his own. The idea both terrified and delighted him.
After so many centuries of suffering, he barely remembered how it felt to be human, but his timing sucked. He’d never wanted a woman the way he did Tempest, but figuring out how to claim her… Well, he’d climb that mountain once he’d dealt with the demons he knew would come after him.
Her wildflower essence mingled with the soft swish of her blood, tempting him like nothing ever had before. The sweet sound of it pulsing through her veins had him running his tongue over his dry lips. The need to taste her hardened into an obsession. His mouth watered, and his retractable fangs dropped.
Unaware of her danger, she stormed out the room. “You don’t want a doctor? It’s your funeral, but I’m still going to wash all the blood and grime off your body.”
A funeral? Something else he’d never had. In Sparta, unless you died in battle or childbirth, nobody gave a damn. No funeral. No headstone. Just a lifeless body festering in a dank pit.
His Spartan wife—the woman who’d murdered him while he slept—would have slit his throat for the “or else” he’d thrown at his angel earlier. Then again, Cynisca had done that anyway. Elias hadn’t loved her, but he hadn’t expected her to condemn him for being born Macedonian. Besides, after living in Sparta for twenty-five years, he remembered little about his birth land. Staying behind while his fellow warriors fought at Thermopylae had been humiliating.
“Guarding our homes and watching our backs,” King Leonidas had called it.
Elias had known better. Considering the things he’d endured in the afterlife, it seemed unimportant now. He hadn’t expected to survive, let alone thrive under the Spartan regime. He’d been too damn angry to die for his family’s satisfaction. As the eldest son of the Macedonian king, he should have enjoyed a pampered upbringing. Instead, he’d endured the worst things Spartan culture could throw at him. No way would he stand aside and let one of his half-brothers take the Macedonian throne.
Author BioKryssie Fortune writes the sort of hot sexy books she loves to read. If she can sneak a dragon into her paranormal books she will. Her paranormal heroes are muscular werewolves, arrogant Fae, or BDSM loving dragons.
Kryssie likes her contemporary heroes ex-military and dominant. Her heroines are kick ass females who can hold their own against whatever life – or Kryssie – throws at them.
Kryssie’s pet hates are unhappy endings, and a series that end on a cliff hanger.
Her books are all stand alone even when part of series. Plot always comes before sex, but when her heroines and heroes get together, the sex is explosive and explicit. One review called it downright sensual.
Author Links
Website http://kryssiefortune.wixsite.com/kryssie
Blog http://kryssiefortune.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter https://twitter.com/KryssieFortune
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KryssiesFortune
Pinterest http://bit.ly/1OGFnjc
Goodreads http://bit.ly/2kxqabJ
Amazon Author Page http://amzn.to/2hA0ZVO
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August 1, 2017
Introducing Ample & Alluring
I can’t believe we’re almost to the end of this series. It’s very bittersweet for me. The sweet side is I can’t wait for you to read this last book, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next. The bitter side is I don’t want to say goodbye!
But today is a day to celebrate! Ample & Alluring will be here before we know it! You’ve probably already seen the cover, but just in case you haven’t…
What do you think? I love it! I’ve never written a Christmas book before and am so excited to write my first to end the Big & Beautiful series. Are you ready for it?
Ample & Alluring
His determination is as ample as the snow. Her beauty is as alluring as Christmas.
Peyton Prescott has always turned to her work. It’s her happy place, where she’s most comfortable and knows exactly what to do. She helps couples get pregnant, and she’s damn good at it.
But it’s not everything.
Mayor Wyatt Ramsey is a friend. A friend of a friend really. But when he finds out Peyton has always hated Christmas, he decides it’s his job to make her see the beauty of the season that only brings loneliness for Peyton.
As the two of them get to know each other, neither can deny their attraction. What starts as an innocent friendship quickly becomes something Peyton doesn’t want to walk away from. But what happens if she becomes exactly what she never wanted to be?
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July 30, 2017
Writing Tips: Plotting or Pantsing
One of the first things most writers want to know about each other is if you’re a plotter or a pantser. Why do we ask? We’re wondering if there’s a kindred spirit inside you. But what does that mean?
A plotter is someone who plots out their work. Someone who creates a layout or a plan for their work. It could be an outline or a detailed guide, but a plotter is someone who puts a lot of thoughts into what they are going to write before they start writing.
A pantser, on the other hand, is someone who flies by the seat of their pants. Someone who sits down to a blank page and writes, letting the manuscript take them where it wants to go.
Which one is right?
That’s the fun part. There is no right or wrong! It all depends on what works for you. Each side swears by their process. I’ve found many people are actually somewhere in between. It really doesn’t matter which side you fall on. What matters is that you write.
How do you know who you are?
I’m a plotter, but I have pantser tendencies. I like to create an outline of each book. I go through my own process with each book, getting to know my main characters and figuring out what they want and how they plan to go about getting it.
But when I write, I let the story take me where it should go. I know what scenes I want to write. I know where the story will go, but not every detail about it. I love finding surprises in my story, but not so many that the story carries me away and loses me.
If you’re a pantser, you don’t plan out anything in advance. You just sit and write. I’ve done it, and I was fortunate enough that it worked, but it doesn’t always. For me. Some authors swear by it, and I am constantly amazed by them!
Which side you fall on doesn’t matter. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter how you write, just that you do. But trust me when I tell you that you’ll save yourself a lot of grief if you know before you start to write what will work best for you.
And yeah, it’s okay to try one way and change to the other!
What appeals to you more – plotting or pantsing?
If you have a question, about writing or anything else, send me an email (mary (at) maryethompson (dot) com) with Q&A in the subject, or post it in the comments below, and I’ll answer your question right here on the blog!
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July 28, 2017
#FiveOnFriday with Valerie Ullmer
Xander (A Dark Assassins Novel Book Three)
By Valerie Ullmer
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Five on Friday (5 Fun Facts about Xander)
This is the first book where the protagonists have a child, albeit an immortal child that grows differently than a regular child. I wrote Xander’s child as an intelligent baby who can communicate telepathically with those around him.
Before Xander met his mate, Frost, he believed that he would live the rest of his existence alone.
When he met Frost, she was with a group of mercenaries who had been sent to kill Xander and his friends. She was trying to lead them away or find help when Xander and his friends heard them and intervened.
Frost is a half shifter/half human.
Frost is the first immortal who is able to become pregnant.
Half-human, half-shifter.
Xander has secretly yearned for a mate for most of his immortal existence, and yet after three of his friends found exactly what he’s always wanted, he’d come to believe that he’d missed his chance at happiness.
Until he heard her voice.
Frost is a wildlife biologist and tracker and she has been assigned, despite her adamant protests, to lead mercenaries into the mountains of Snowfall, Colorado for the sole purpose of killing immortal shifters. In order to protect those who have no idea the kind of danger they are in, she agrees. As she leads the armed men on a wild chase around the snow-covered pines, she could sense that she was running out of time.
Until she heard his voice.
Xander understands exactly who Frost is the moment he hears her thoughts. With the help of Kane and Gunnar, they eliminate those in her group as they try to keep her safe. But during the fight, she is hurt and all of his protective instincts flare to life. As Xander learns more about her, he realizes that Frost might be the key to the creation of the immortals, both vampire and shifter.
But when she becomes a target from those who want to destroy the Dark Company and Xander’s family, how far will he go to save her?
Buy Links
Excerpt
Xander froze when he heard a feminine voice carry over to him, she sounded closer than she had been even a few moments before. He should have sensed her coming closer. But the only question on his mind was why the fuck she was tagging along with a group of mercenaries. He heard the voice again, a tinny version of her voice, and for a long moment he couldn’t understand the words. Until she stepped forward.
No, no. Not that way. Not that way.
Something warmed his chest as he heard her in his head as clearly as they were speaking aloud. A familiarity washed over him and he felt connected to this woman in an elemental way. A feeling a peace settled over him. He knew this was the first time he’d ever heard her voice. He was so stunned and happy that he didn’t even question how they were able to mind link.
Can either of you hear the woman’s thoughts?
Woman? Gunnar sounded confused.
Kane’s reply was quick and clipped. No.
Hello?
Hello?
Xander tried to get her attention. Can you hear me?
He held his breath when he heard her distinct gasp, knowing that their mind link worked. His chest filled with dread at the thought that she gave herself away, until he heard her next words.
“I spotted a grizzly bear in the trees to the west. Sorry, I startled him and he ran off.”
For long seconds, the men in the clearing stared at the woman before they were ordered to keep searching.
Xander stood close enough that he could see her curves underneath the heavy white parka. And having the worst timing in the world, Xander felt himself harden. He took a deep, cleansing breath of sharp mountain air that instantly cooled his overheated body.
Yes, I can hear you. These men, seven in total, are looking for immortals. They have been contracted by my boss at U.S. Fish and Wildlife to kill them. Apparently the immortals are supposed to become animals. Can you help me without hurting yourself? They are heavily armed.
Xander was taken completely by surprise. She didn’t question their connection but instead relayed vital information that he would need. He could also start to feel her emotions. She wasn’t scared, just determined. He could hear her heart beating at a fast rate and her breathing strained from either the hike up the mountain or the tension in the air. He watched as she subtly shifted her head around as she searched for him, unable to spot him in the trees.
We can help. I’m going to communicate with my team and we’ll take out the men. Are you okay with that?
Yes, I know they are paid mercenaries and I’m pissed that they killed a wolf two days ago for no other reason than they wanted to shoot something.
What’s your name?
Frost.
Frost, I’m Xander. When I tell you to run, run south. Okay?
Yes, I understand.
Xander relayed the conversation he had with Frost. We are going to have to kill them, there’s no other way around it. They couldn’t have a threat looming over them, especially if one escaped and brought in a stronger, more trained group of mercenaries. Although they could easily defeat any group of fighters, keeping their existence a secret was crucial. The more humans that knew about them, the bigger the danger it posed.
Working as a team, they closed in on the unsuspecting mercenaries. At first, they quietly removed those men who were stationed on the outer perimeter, using knives to subdue them, or in Xander’s case, using his bare hands and quickly snapping their necks. He didn’t want Frost to see blood on him. The only sound he could hear detect was the grunts of the men who were dispatched. By the time Gunnar, Kane, and he closed in on their ranks, there were only three mercenaries remaining.
The older man spotted movement in Gunnar’s direction and without hesitation raised his weapon and started firing. The wolf easily dodged the shots before melting farther into the trees. Silence descended upon the area as the man searched for Gunnar.
Frost, run south, keep as low as you can and use the trees as cover.
About Author
Valerie writes paranormal and contemporary romances with strong alpha males and brilliant, beautiful heroines. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her wonderfully supportive husband and their funny and wise black lab. She’s addicted to coffee, crime shows, and reading and writing character driven romances.
Social Media
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July 25, 2017
Stocky & Sumptuous review
You guys are awesome. Seriously, just amazing. When Krista emailed me, I told her that I’m always shocked when someone loves what I write. It’s the truth. I always feel like the words I put on the page are going to fall flat. Then I read something like what she wrote, and I feel so much better!
Krista said…
I know I’ve said it more than once but it still holds true… Each book is better than the last!! Just when I think I’ve found my favorite couple, another book is released and bam, I’ve got a new favorite!
It’s scary how much I can actually relate to Vicki and to read, what are essentially my thought, in a book, it’s a little freaky. As always though, Mary E Thompson has done a great job of writing relatable characters and situations, so the freak-out is kept to a minimum. I continue to love how she makes you feel as if you’re in the middle of what’s going on. I still don’t know of many who can actually do this.
I just finished this book and I’m so ready for the next one. I never want this series to end, though all good things must.
Definitely suggest you get into the Big & Beautiful world that Mary E Thompson has created, if you haven’t already. If you haven’t, you just do NOT know what you’ve been missing!!!
It doesn’t get any better than that for me! Thank you Krista!
If you haven’t picked up Stocky & Sumptuous yet, it’s not going anywhere! Grab your copy today!
Ebook on Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | B&N | Smashwords
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July 23, 2017
All New: Writing Tips
Well, I’ve been doing Q&A Sunday for a little over a year. I had tons of questions! But they’ve kind of fallen off. So, I decided to start on something new. If you have a question, I’ll still answer it here, but when I don’t have questions, which is more often than not, I wanted to offer something to aspiring writers.
The romance community is simply amazing. The number of people willing to share their knowledge and expertise always astounds me. In 2018, I’m going to start offering workshops for authors, and it only makes sense, for me, to start writing about writing!
I’ve answered a few reader questions about writing, but when I started out, I had more questions than people I could ask. Some of these posts will go deeper than others. Some will be more general. Some will make you think, and some will give you ‘homework.’ Overall though, I want to help you, the aspiring author, to make you you, the published author!
Ready?
The first thing I think every author needs is a healthy love of reading. I’m not talking you read a couple books a year, or you pick one up every once in a while. I’m talking you should be so anxious to start reading a new book that you twitch! Well, maybe not that bad, but you have to love it. It should be almost like an addiction.
I have a Pinterest board called I Dream of Books. There’s a reason for that. I really do! When I was battling cancer, I had a horrible time sleeping. I was always a poor sleeper, but it was even worse during that time. I would use that time to read. I was awake anyway, and reading a book helped to calm my mind and alleviate some of my worries. Or at least forget about them. When I would read at night, I’d frequently dream of the book I was reading!
I still read at night, although not usually as late as I used to. I still dream about books I’ve read, and books I’m writing.
I think you need that if you want to be a writer. You have to love books. You have to have a list of authors you love so long that you could spend your entire paycheck on them. Of course, you don’t, but you could.
Now, does what you read have to be what you write?
No!
But they should be related.
What I mean by that is if you absolutely love reading fantasy, you might not write Inspirational YA as well. If you love contemporary romance, writing historical paranormal might not work out so well. If you love both, then yeah, go for it. But if you don’t enjoy reading it, you’re probably not going to love writing it. Let’s face it, you can read a book in a day. It takes a month, or sometimes many months, to write a book. If the topic isn’t one you love, you’re going to hate your job. And that’s no fun.
If you’ve thought about writing a book, ask yourself if you love what you want to write about. If not, think about writing something else. I have friends who read paranormal for their guilty pleasure, but write (and read) romantic suspense or contemporary. I’ve started reading some historical, but all the research that goes into it is too much for me. You have to figure out what works for you. But make sure you love what you write!
If you were going to write a book, what genre would you choose?
If you have a question, either about writing or about anything else, send me an email (mary (at) maryethompson (dot) com) with Q&A in the subject, or post it in the comments below, and I’ll answer your question right here on the blog!
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