Isabelle Drake's Blog, page 9
May 4, 2022
Brown Book Series: Chicago Spring Fling Interview
Last month, I had a great time in Chicago at Spring Fling 2022, I had the absolute treat of sitting down with Shay Baby from Brown Book Series.
We talked about books, what the world was like when I first started writing, and my advice to my 15-year-old self.
April 8, 2022
April 4, 2022
a promise of postcards
A few weeks ago, I attended the Association of Writing Programs conference in Philadelphia, PA. For me, the conference was a mix of attending sessions (on poetry! on writing reviews for graphic novels! on new approaches to workshopping!), visiting tables at the book fair, doing work on the room, and walks.
I took most of my walking photos on my last day. The center photo in the collection above was my personal favorite. I was walking through the arch surrounding City Hall, snapped the guy walking with his bike, just because I liked the contrast and the colors, and then when we continued through the hall, we came upon the bridal party waiting to be photographed. Like a little story, right?
Of course, I took a selfie as well. If I look a tad worn out, or serious, no surprises there. LOL. It was the last day of an academic conference. You can see the collection of postcards I'd made. I picked them up at the conference book fair and sent them to everyone who'd asked for one. If you follow me on social media, you already know I often send postcards while traveling. If you'd like a postcard, follow me on Instagram or Facebook and watch for travel posts.
Later this month I'll be headed to Chicago for Spring Fling. I'll be happy to send postcards to everyone who requests one.Follow me on Facebook
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March 4, 2022
green beer, green cocktail, and getting silly at the bar🍀
hit here for the March newsletter
As a writer, I know lots of other writers and book industry people, so I often forget that being an erotic romance writer is a bit unusual. I wouldn’t say people are shocked when they find out what I write but they are often curious. Do they ask questions? Sure, all kinds. Serious questions, How do you handle your taxes? Flirty questions, Do you need help with research? Naughty questions, Are the stories based on your life? Inspirational questions, How did you get started?
How I got started can be broken up into two parts. How I got started writing and how I got started writing erotic romance.
I started writing because I love stories. I know that isn’t a flashy answer but it’s the truth. I bought a book on how to write and wrote my first short story. I decided to start with a short story because the thought of writing an entire novel was intimidating. A 7,000 word story sounded manageable. I used what I learned in the book, wrote a story and sent it in. I received the contract about a month later. I was hooked.
Read the rest in the newsletter.
February 18, 2022
February 4, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 7, 2022
cowboy ropes and bondage ropes: happy new year 🐎
hit here for the January newsletter
Thinking about buying some bondage rope? If you are, you won’t be alone this weekend.
First time thinking about buying rope? Again, you won’t be alone this weekend.
Headed to the hardware store because you want that rope - in - a - hurry?
Sounds good. But you may want to think about what’s going to work best for you ahead of time. You know, to avoid that awkward moment when the helpful salesperson asks you what type you want then, in attempt to assist you better, asks you what you want it for. See what I mean?
There are three things to consider: hit here, the rest is in the January newsletter.
January 2, 2022
Workshop Questions - for the author and reader
Questions for the author, answer prior to workshop
Answer these questions in general:
How do you make yourself want to write?How do you create authentic characters instead of generic ones?How do you keep readers reading? Answer these specifically in regard to the workshop manuscript:What are you looking for feedback/help on?What story/message/etc are you trying to tell?What are you hoping the reader gets from your piece?Who do you think your audience would be?
Questions for the reader, discuss during workshop
Overall story experience:
How does the title contribute to the story experience?Does the movement of the story feel organic?How does the transformation depict the 5 story elements?Is the story being told or revealed?How does the setting contribute to the overall experience?Character:
What do the characters in this story want?Does the story have life such as a transformation in the life of the character?What makes the characters relatable? If not relatable, how does that impact the story?Was there anything that seemed out of place/character?What does the character learn/change? If not, why not?Plot:
Where does the story tension come from?Is story pacing intention? Effective?Consider the end. What about it satisfying? Is anything missing?Why does the story matter?December 17, 2021
sassy in Santa hats and Christmas martinis 🎄
Hit here for the December newsletter
Christmas Martini
Make a pitcher for the whole crowd!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup vodka
1 cup 100% cranberry juice
½ cup Cointreau
½ cup fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons simple syrup
DIRECTIONS
Poor the ingredients into a pitcher.
Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold.
Pour into glasses and serve.
GARNISH
Fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
