Terry Odell's Blog, page 323

Friday Feature - The Netherlands

Welcome to the first of "Friday Features." While this blog has an underlying writing theme, it's certainly not restricted to that audience. Everyone is welcome. I thought it would be fun to take some field trips. To that end (at least that's the plan), on Fridays I'll be sharing photos from some of my trips, and will also be welcoming guests to share their journeys in pictures. I have a terrible

Writing In the Moment

What I'm reading: Deeper Than the Dead, by Tami HoagWhen I read, I want to be immersed in the story. I want to see what the characters see, worry with them, rejoice with them, and follow them from Chapter 1 to The End. Too many characters, too many switches and the emotional connections get diluted.For me, the key word is "follow." I'm a fan of deep Point of View, although if an author switches

The Sounds of Inspiration

What I'm reading: Snow Blind, by PJ TracyAnd, thanks, Terry, for your great post. Wonderful bears!Every writer has "ideal" writing conditions. Some like crowded, busy venues, others sequester themselves in closet-sized rooms. Some want to be outdoors. Some write in the early morning hours; others can't create until well after the sun goes down. Some like a cup of coffee, while others might prefer

Wilde & Woolly Bears Make the Headlines

Today, join me in welcoming author Terry Spear to Terry's Place. Yeah, I know it'll get complicated in the comments, but we'll figure it out! Terry creates not only award-winning paranormal romances and medieval historical romances, but award-winning teddy bears also, so learn what happens when a hobby becomes something more! Have you ever loved creating a hobby so much, you've inundated family

Serving on Juries

What I'm reading: Dead Run, by P.J. TracyOriginally, I was scheduled for Jury Duty today. However, our system has all potential jurors check in the night before to see if their randomly assigned number will have to report. Mine wasn't on the list. I'm disappointed. Unlike most, who will do whatever it takes to avoid jury duty, including not registering to vote (although now they use drivers'

Happy New Year 2010

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's Eve, and wish everyone the best for the new year. Thank all of you for your visits, and your comments. I'm humbled to see so many regulars here, and to watch my followers grow. Thank you.One piece of news I haven't shared yet - Finding Sarah and Hidden Fire are now available for the Kindle.Now, kick back and enjoy the first day of 2010. It seems

Reflections on Blogging

At the start of the year, I opened my blog to once-a-week guests, and, looking back, as we are wont to do at this time of year, I've learned a few things I think are worth sharing, and things I'll try to do better in 2010.Suggestions for being a good guest1. Know what you're getting into. Spend a little time reading the blog where you've requested a guest slot so you know if it's going to serve

Another Year

What I'm reading: U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton.Thanks, Tory, for sharing your adventurous life. If you haven't read or commented on her post, you should--she's giving away one of her books. Scroll down and comment there. The winner will be announced next week at Romance With An Attitude.Hard to believe another year has slipped away. Aside from an early dinner at our local favorite Italian

Adventurous?

Today my guest is author Tory Richards, who discovered a sense of adventure. She's offering one of her books to a commenter. Contest runs all week, so you can leave a comment even if you get here "late." Before I begin I'd just like to thank Terry for giving me this opportunity to talk about myself. Not my favorite subject but I'll give it a try. It might be a case of once I get started, watch

Holmes. Sherlock Holmes

What I'm reading: Fatally Flaky, by Diane Mott DavidsonHope everyone had a great holiday. And congrats to Betina Krahn's winners. Please make sure you email her so you can get your prizes.I'm a guest at Writers on Writing, talking about my writing process. Hope you'll drop by there, too. I was unplugged for a lot of the weekend. Not by choice, but there was trouble with Twitter feeds, and more