Rebecca E. Neely's Blog, page 34
June 29, 2015
Freelance to Fiction - Pacing, Push & Pull
Welcome to another Freelance to Fiction post! In the past weeks, I've talked about how freelancing helped me to learn how to be an author, and how it's helped me to interview my characters. This week I’m sharing my experiences about writing to a word count as a freelancer, and how it’s helped me with pacing in fiction.
As a freelancer, word count was the driver for many of my projects.Therefore, I developed a very good sense of what I’d need to get me to a certain word count. Conversely, I also developed a good sense for trimming the ‘fat.’ Time, as we all know, is a writer’s best friend, or her worst enemy. When you’ve got several projects that are all due around the same time, you’ve got to prioritize and work smart. Same goes for writing fiction.
Scrivener has a great built in tool that tracks your word count, and allows you to set targets. As I begin work on my third book, I’m developing a feel for trimming the ‘fat.’ Any backstory that brings the story to a crashing halt. Descriptions, as lovely as they may be, must be edited ruthlessly. Also, forcing myself to stay in the present moment. In the almighty words of Dwight Swain, author of
Techniques of the Selling Writer
, "What’s going on" means precisely that - "What’s happening right now?” Pacing, in simplest terms, can be described as the speed at which the story unfolds. Not only do these techniques improve the pacing of my story, they enable me to work smarter.
I’m also learning how to focus my valuable time on some of the key elements that drive my story. Specifically, I’m focusing more and more on getting into the nitty-gritty with my
characters, especially at the beginning of the process, via an outline. Intuitively, I’ve known that character and plot are tightly interwoven elements; character drives plot, and plot drives character. But as I improve my craft, I’m finding out how to make this work for me. What are the conflicts this character will be a part of? Conversely, what are the character traits that will best lend themselves to these conflicts? It’s a lovely, intricate and fascinating balance of push and pull that adds amazing depth to a story.
As an author, I’m now writing to a deadline, which I faced often as a freelancer. By focusing on these crucial elements of story, I’m working smarter, and directly contributing to the pacing of my story – I know what is motivating my characters, and I’m able to spend my time productively, make each scene count, and move the story forward.
Of course, this is just one aspect of pacing. And that’s not to say I won’t have missteps along the way. That’s when I reach out to critique partners, my editor, my trusty set of craft books. Even then, I accept the missteps as part of my continually evolving journey as a writer. Again, to quote Swain, you have to be "willing to be wrong.”
Let me hear from you - how do you control pacing in your story? Trim the fat? Move your story forward?
Sign up for my newsletter and stay in the know on new posts, book releases, sales & more! I'll never share your email and that's a promise.
As a freelancer, word count was the driver for many of my projects.Therefore, I developed a very good sense of what I’d need to get me to a certain word count. Conversely, I also developed a good sense for trimming the ‘fat.’ Time, as we all know, is a writer’s best friend, or her worst enemy. When you’ve got several projects that are all due around the same time, you’ve got to prioritize and work smart. Same goes for writing fiction.
Scrivener has a great built in tool that tracks your word count, and allows you to set targets. As I begin work on my third book, I’m developing a feel for trimming the ‘fat.’ Any backstory that brings the story to a crashing halt. Descriptions, as lovely as they may be, must be edited ruthlessly. Also, forcing myself to stay in the present moment. In the almighty words of Dwight Swain, author of
Techniques of the Selling Writer
, "What’s going on" means precisely that - "What’s happening right now?” Pacing, in simplest terms, can be described as the speed at which the story unfolds. Not only do these techniques improve the pacing of my story, they enable me to work smarter. I’m also learning how to focus my valuable time on some of the key elements that drive my story. Specifically, I’m focusing more and more on getting into the nitty-gritty with my
characters, especially at the beginning of the process, via an outline. Intuitively, I’ve known that character and plot are tightly interwoven elements; character drives plot, and plot drives character. But as I improve my craft, I’m finding out how to make this work for me. What are the conflicts this character will be a part of? Conversely, what are the character traits that will best lend themselves to these conflicts? It’s a lovely, intricate and fascinating balance of push and pull that adds amazing depth to a story. As an author, I’m now writing to a deadline, which I faced often as a freelancer. By focusing on these crucial elements of story, I’m working smarter, and directly contributing to the pacing of my story – I know what is motivating my characters, and I’m able to spend my time productively, make each scene count, and move the story forward.
Of course, this is just one aspect of pacing. And that’s not to say I won’t have missteps along the way. That’s when I reach out to critique partners, my editor, my trusty set of craft books. Even then, I accept the missteps as part of my continually evolving journey as a writer. Again, to quote Swain, you have to be "willing to be wrong.”
Let me hear from you - how do you control pacing in your story? Trim the fat? Move your story forward?
Sign up for my newsletter and stay in the know on new posts, book releases, sales & more! I'll never share your email and that's a promise.
June 24, 2015
Paranormal Romance Author D.R. Grady Talks Scrivener & Dragons
Please make welcome debut author D.R. Grady. Today, she’s sharing more about her favorite organizational writing tool, Scrivener, and some more about her paranormal romance, The Dragon Chronicles: Learning.
D.R., please tell us more about the unique ways you use Scrivener.
Scrivener is a fabulous program that makes writing the story easier, because the program caters to various types of writers. If you’re a plotter, you have the ability to plot the entire manuscript in the program, before you ever start writing. There are index cards for the corkboard or the ability to write an extensive outline. If you’re a panster, just start writing. You can fill in information as you need.
Scrivener offers a typewriter mode, which means the page moves as you type so you can keep writing rather than having to take the time to scroll to see what you’re writing. You can enter Full Screen mode, in which you focus solely on the content you’re creating.
After you finish the first draft, there comes that next phase in the writing journey—edits. Scrivener makes edits a little easier as well. If you need to move a scene, it’s not difficult in Scrivener. Each scene has a label, so when it comes time to edit there’s no trouble finding scenes and moving them around. You can add them to an entirely different chapter or create a new one.
Switching the location of that scene is as easy as dragging and dropping it into the new location within the manuscript. In addition, if you take the time to fill out all the index cards (a synopsis of each scene) within the program, you can view them on a corkboard within Scrivener. This enables you to move the index cards around to determine the story flow, and the scenes consequently move within the manuscript. (Additional bonus: these cards also provide you with a rough synopsis when that time comes.)
To complete the editing process within Scrivener, there are options to find and replace, and check for overused words. A notepad allows you to jot down notes as you go so you can remember things you need for both the scene and the entire project. There is the option to check word definitions, and synonyms, as well as Wikipedia, dictionary, and thesaurus links. Sadly, Scrivener does not show fragments and grammatical errors at the moment, but it appears this feature is coming.
Scrivener is terrific for both writing and editing a novel. However, with self-publishing so prevalent in the publishing world, Scrivener has proven an invaluable tool for that as well. Scrivener makes formatting your manuscript for multiple sites possible. The most common self-publishing formats are pdf, epub, rtf, and html. Scrivener will produce a professional epub format for your manuscript. (Writer Tip: If you’re struggling with the final edits, turn it into an epub and edit on your phone or tablet. It’s a great way to see how the book will look to your readers and makes spotting mistakes easier.)
I’ve also used Scrivener to keep track of which editors and agents I’ve sent submissions to. I compose the letter within Scrivener and then can copy and paste the letter so I have the exact copy of the letter I sent to each editor or agent. I list all the items they want within the index card, and any additional information I need at a glance within the notepad to the side. (The first three chapters, query letter, synopsis, etc) I add the date when I sent the query, and how I sent it—via snail mail, email, or through their query process.
I change the date when I hear from them, and if they want additional information, I add what they asked for and when I sent it. I can keep track of all those necessary details for quick reference. Then I know where I stand with each submission. I monitor time frames, so if I haven’t heard, I can re-query within their guidelines.
Other writers organize their blogs within Scrivener. Many of us add to an on-going WIPs file with various ideas for upcoming projects. Some maintain an idea log. I also, using the Scratchpad option within the program, keep track of my hero and heroine characteristics, secondary character details, setting, and all those other things you need to know but might not remember. I also produce a cuts file—all the scenes I cut out—are contained within a Scratchpad file for each book.
As a writing tool, Scrivener is the one I use the most. There are plenty more benefits I didn’t touch on. In short, Scrivener is a tool to make our lives a little easier. It’s not perfect and there are blips from time to time, but it’s aided me in that ever present problem of staying organized. Happy writing!
THE DRAGON CHRONICLES: LEARNING
Peace has reigned for so long, most beings believe dragons are mere myths, including elf professor Dr. Lindy Veles. After meeting attractive Dr. Alex von Schreider—a surly professor from a bear shifter family who possesses plenty of paranormal power, yet can't shift—things start to spiral downward. Especially when he catches Lindy's strong shifter scent. Elves don’t normally shift. Alex finds the compelling elf’s denials suspicious. Lindy thinks he’s crazy to believe she’s a shifter.
As they delve into the ancient Dragon Chronicles, tomes about dragons, it quickly becomes clear their efforts are no mere academic exercise. Dragons are suddenly becoming all too real. When Lindy shifts into one, Alex discovers he’s meant to control her dragon—the most powerful creature on earth. The pair is caught in the middle of two raging battles . . . their own personal emotional war and the war to save their world.
With the clock ticking, Lindy and Alex must surrender their misconceptions about themselves and dragons, and unite to begin the fight for their very existence.
Get it on Amazon
EXCERPT“From her squeaky voice, I take it Lindy hasn’t accepted her new role in life?” Amusement and sympathy lit Keely’s eyes.“Neither of them, in fact.”“I’m struggling with being a dragon, but I’ve got being an elf down,” Lindy huffed.Alex turned amused eyes on Keely. “This is Lindy Veles, my dragon and my mate. She’s in denial.”Mate? Her mind jammed into neutral. Lindy choked on the tea she just sipped. Alex bolted upright and tapped her back until she coughed the liquid out of her lungs. “Mate?” she choked out. This was way too soon.He scooped her up and settled her on his lap. And therefore sheltered and protected her within his warmth. “Mate.”No way. This was not possible.Hugh leaned forward and sniffed in the freaky way shifters do. “Mates for sure.”“You can smell it?” Ewain’s eyes were as wide as hers.“Of course I can. I’m a shifter.”“Because I can’t shift, it took me a lot longer to figure it out. I’d decided, like Keely, I wouldn’t be blessed with a mate.” Alex squeezed Lindy’s hip.When had the world turned upside down?“Your DNA is still there, Alex.” Hugh frowned. “Besides, it’s probably better you can’t shift.”“Why?” Alex demanded. Beneath her, she felt him tense.“You have way too much power for an ordinary shifter to control. In fact, you’re the most powerful being I’ve ever scented. With the exception of Lindy.” Hugh waved a hand toward her.Someone—anyone—was welcome to all her ‘power.’ She’d gladly give the miserable creature away. And while I’m wishing, can someone please turn the world right-side-up again? I’d like to get off.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D.R. Grady lives with her husband near Hershey, PA. She adores chocolate, laughing, collecting bags, books, and shoes, and adores writing stories that resonate with others.
CONNECT WITH D.R.
Website | Twitter | Amazon Author | Facebook | Google+
D.R., please tell us more about the unique ways you use Scrivener.
Scrivener is a fabulous program that makes writing the story easier, because the program caters to various types of writers. If you’re a plotter, you have the ability to plot the entire manuscript in the program, before you ever start writing. There are index cards for the corkboard or the ability to write an extensive outline. If you’re a panster, just start writing. You can fill in information as you need.
Scrivener offers a typewriter mode, which means the page moves as you type so you can keep writing rather than having to take the time to scroll to see what you’re writing. You can enter Full Screen mode, in which you focus solely on the content you’re creating.
After you finish the first draft, there comes that next phase in the writing journey—edits. Scrivener makes edits a little easier as well. If you need to move a scene, it’s not difficult in Scrivener. Each scene has a label, so when it comes time to edit there’s no trouble finding scenes and moving them around. You can add them to an entirely different chapter or create a new one.
Switching the location of that scene is as easy as dragging and dropping it into the new location within the manuscript. In addition, if you take the time to fill out all the index cards (a synopsis of each scene) within the program, you can view them on a corkboard within Scrivener. This enables you to move the index cards around to determine the story flow, and the scenes consequently move within the manuscript. (Additional bonus: these cards also provide you with a rough synopsis when that time comes.)
To complete the editing process within Scrivener, there are options to find and replace, and check for overused words. A notepad allows you to jot down notes as you go so you can remember things you need for both the scene and the entire project. There is the option to check word definitions, and synonyms, as well as Wikipedia, dictionary, and thesaurus links. Sadly, Scrivener does not show fragments and grammatical errors at the moment, but it appears this feature is coming.
Scrivener is terrific for both writing and editing a novel. However, with self-publishing so prevalent in the publishing world, Scrivener has proven an invaluable tool for that as well. Scrivener makes formatting your manuscript for multiple sites possible. The most common self-publishing formats are pdf, epub, rtf, and html. Scrivener will produce a professional epub format for your manuscript. (Writer Tip: If you’re struggling with the final edits, turn it into an epub and edit on your phone or tablet. It’s a great way to see how the book will look to your readers and makes spotting mistakes easier.)
I’ve also used Scrivener to keep track of which editors and agents I’ve sent submissions to. I compose the letter within Scrivener and then can copy and paste the letter so I have the exact copy of the letter I sent to each editor or agent. I list all the items they want within the index card, and any additional information I need at a glance within the notepad to the side. (The first three chapters, query letter, synopsis, etc) I add the date when I sent the query, and how I sent it—via snail mail, email, or through their query process.
I change the date when I hear from them, and if they want additional information, I add what they asked for and when I sent it. I can keep track of all those necessary details for quick reference. Then I know where I stand with each submission. I monitor time frames, so if I haven’t heard, I can re-query within their guidelines.
Other writers organize their blogs within Scrivener. Many of us add to an on-going WIPs file with various ideas for upcoming projects. Some maintain an idea log. I also, using the Scratchpad option within the program, keep track of my hero and heroine characteristics, secondary character details, setting, and all those other things you need to know but might not remember. I also produce a cuts file—all the scenes I cut out—are contained within a Scratchpad file for each book.
As a writing tool, Scrivener is the one I use the most. There are plenty more benefits I didn’t touch on. In short, Scrivener is a tool to make our lives a little easier. It’s not perfect and there are blips from time to time, but it’s aided me in that ever present problem of staying organized. Happy writing!
THE DRAGON CHRONICLES: LEARNING
Peace has reigned for so long, most beings believe dragons are mere myths, including elf professor Dr. Lindy Veles. After meeting attractive Dr. Alex von Schreider—a surly professor from a bear shifter family who possesses plenty of paranormal power, yet can't shift—things start to spiral downward. Especially when he catches Lindy's strong shifter scent. Elves don’t normally shift. Alex finds the compelling elf’s denials suspicious. Lindy thinks he’s crazy to believe she’s a shifter.As they delve into the ancient Dragon Chronicles, tomes about dragons, it quickly becomes clear their efforts are no mere academic exercise. Dragons are suddenly becoming all too real. When Lindy shifts into one, Alex discovers he’s meant to control her dragon—the most powerful creature on earth. The pair is caught in the middle of two raging battles . . . their own personal emotional war and the war to save their world.
With the clock ticking, Lindy and Alex must surrender their misconceptions about themselves and dragons, and unite to begin the fight for their very existence.
Get it on Amazon
EXCERPT“From her squeaky voice, I take it Lindy hasn’t accepted her new role in life?” Amusement and sympathy lit Keely’s eyes.“Neither of them, in fact.”“I’m struggling with being a dragon, but I’ve got being an elf down,” Lindy huffed.Alex turned amused eyes on Keely. “This is Lindy Veles, my dragon and my mate. She’s in denial.”Mate? Her mind jammed into neutral. Lindy choked on the tea she just sipped. Alex bolted upright and tapped her back until she coughed the liquid out of her lungs. “Mate?” she choked out. This was way too soon.He scooped her up and settled her on his lap. And therefore sheltered and protected her within his warmth. “Mate.”No way. This was not possible.Hugh leaned forward and sniffed in the freaky way shifters do. “Mates for sure.”“You can smell it?” Ewain’s eyes were as wide as hers.“Of course I can. I’m a shifter.”“Because I can’t shift, it took me a lot longer to figure it out. I’d decided, like Keely, I wouldn’t be blessed with a mate.” Alex squeezed Lindy’s hip.When had the world turned upside down?“Your DNA is still there, Alex.” Hugh frowned. “Besides, it’s probably better you can’t shift.”“Why?” Alex demanded. Beneath her, she felt him tense.“You have way too much power for an ordinary shifter to control. In fact, you’re the most powerful being I’ve ever scented. With the exception of Lindy.” Hugh waved a hand toward her.Someone—anyone—was welcome to all her ‘power.’ She’d gladly give the miserable creature away. And while I’m wishing, can someone please turn the world right-side-up again? I’d like to get off.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D.R. Grady lives with her husband near Hershey, PA. She adores chocolate, laughing, collecting bags, books, and shoes, and adores writing stories that resonate with others.
CONNECT WITH D.R.Website | Twitter | Amazon Author | Facebook | Google+
June 22, 2015
Freelance to Fiction - Interviewing Characters
Welcome to another Freelance to Fiction post. Last week, I shared my experiences in freelancing and fiction, and how it’s helped me learn to be an author, which I believe is a continual WIP. <grin>
In fifteen plus years as a freelancer, I’ve interviewed dozens of people in person and over the phone. Today, I’d like to share the techniques I used before, during and after the interview, and how it helps me flesh out my fictional characters.
BEFORE
Research & Formulation of Questions
One of the people I interviewed was a man who harvested cedar. The article was going in a newsletter for a specialty wood products company. Since I knew nothing about the process (fascinating by the way) I read numerous articles online about it so I could not only formulate questions that were pertinent, I could converse at least somewhat intelligently.
So it goes with my characters. For example, say one of my characters is a carpenter. I’ll read some general articles about the subject, and talk to a contractor friend of mine to get an idea for the who, what, where, when why and how.
In addition, some excellent resources for formulating questions specifically tailored to ferreting out the whole of a character:
Outlining Your Novel – Map Your Way to Success by K.M. Weiland, and
The Positive Trait Thesaurus, and The Negative Trait Thesaurus, both by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
Additionally, Weiland includes a section in her Outlining Your Novel book about asking questions. She recommends asking not only what is expected, but what is not expected. A great jumping off point.
DURINGInterviewing is an art, and listening is what unlocks the magic. Ask your question, and shut up. <another grin>
Knowing what questions to ask
In my research, I’ll come up with a lot of information, far more than I can and will use in the space of time I have for an interview. Therefore, I have to ask selective, key questions – the ones I feel will yield the most interesting, appealing or important answers or information. Always, I’m thinking about my reader – what will he or she be interested in? Not the mechanics of how to install trim, but how about a story the person shares about the time his grandfather taught him to run a radial arm saw?
What did I do if the person wasn’t feeling chatty? Again, knowing what questions to ask helped. Sometimes, it took a bit of doing, but once I hit on the right question, often it opened a floodgate.
The same process applies to character development. Listening to them, and letting them talk can often yield amazing results, and flesh out a formerly reserved or uncooperative character, or add richness and depth to another. There are tons of character interview question checklists that exist that are pages long. In my humble opinion, answering all of the questions isn’t practical or a good use of my time. Instead, using the questions, again, as a jumping off point seems to make better sense. Some questions will apply more to one character versus another, and so on.
Let ‘em talk. Lots of times, if an interview was going well, the person would digress into areas, or share stories that strayed from the original question. Though it’s important to manage your time and stay on track, it was in these discussions I often found the gold that took a good article and made it great. Same with my characters. Sometimes, just a few questions will get the creative juices flowing and yield pages of fascinating material. Brainstorm. Let it fly!
AFTER
I always found transcribing my notes immediately after the interview was key. Often, I’d be taking down notes and forming impressions I couldn’t capture on paper – and they fade surprisingly fast. When I started typing them up, I’d be able to expound on my notes and capture those all-important impressions and thoughts.
With my characters, I’ve found in this phase of brainstorming I work well in short uninterrupted bursts. Again, I get to my laptop, and transcribe my notes in Scrivener. This allows me to capture all my impressions. If I don't, I often find even hours later, I'm unable to read my own handwriting!
As an aside, I often write in Notehand – a type of phonetic shorthand I learned in high school. Who knew I’d be using it all these years later? Thanks Mrs. D’Augostino.
What techniques do you use to interview and create characters? I’d love to hear from you!
I'm busy crafting characters for my new Crossing Realms paranormal romance series. To get a sneak peek at The Keeper, the first book in the series, click here.
In fifteen plus years as a freelancer, I’ve interviewed dozens of people in person and over the phone. Today, I’d like to share the techniques I used before, during and after the interview, and how it helps me flesh out my fictional characters.BEFORE
Research & Formulation of Questions
One of the people I interviewed was a man who harvested cedar. The article was going in a newsletter for a specialty wood products company. Since I knew nothing about the process (fascinating by the way) I read numerous articles online about it so I could not only formulate questions that were pertinent, I could converse at least somewhat intelligently.
So it goes with my characters. For example, say one of my characters is a carpenter. I’ll read some general articles about the subject, and talk to a contractor friend of mine to get an idea for the who, what, where, when why and how.
In addition, some excellent resources for formulating questions specifically tailored to ferreting out the whole of a character:
Outlining Your Novel – Map Your Way to Success by K.M. Weiland, and
The Positive Trait Thesaurus, and The Negative Trait Thesaurus, both by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
Additionally, Weiland includes a section in her Outlining Your Novel book about asking questions. She recommends asking not only what is expected, but what is not expected. A great jumping off point.
DURINGInterviewing is an art, and listening is what unlocks the magic. Ask your question, and shut up. <another grin>
Knowing what questions to ask
In my research, I’ll come up with a lot of information, far more than I can and will use in the space of time I have for an interview. Therefore, I have to ask selective, key questions – the ones I feel will yield the most interesting, appealing or important answers or information. Always, I’m thinking about my reader – what will he or she be interested in? Not the mechanics of how to install trim, but how about a story the person shares about the time his grandfather taught him to run a radial arm saw?
What did I do if the person wasn’t feeling chatty? Again, knowing what questions to ask helped. Sometimes, it took a bit of doing, but once I hit on the right question, often it opened a floodgate.
The same process applies to character development. Listening to them, and letting them talk can often yield amazing results, and flesh out a formerly reserved or uncooperative character, or add richness and depth to another. There are tons of character interview question checklists that exist that are pages long. In my humble opinion, answering all of the questions isn’t practical or a good use of my time. Instead, using the questions, again, as a jumping off point seems to make better sense. Some questions will apply more to one character versus another, and so on.
Let ‘em talk. Lots of times, if an interview was going well, the person would digress into areas, or share stories that strayed from the original question. Though it’s important to manage your time and stay on track, it was in these discussions I often found the gold that took a good article and made it great. Same with my characters. Sometimes, just a few questions will get the creative juices flowing and yield pages of fascinating material. Brainstorm. Let it fly! AFTER
I always found transcribing my notes immediately after the interview was key. Often, I’d be taking down notes and forming impressions I couldn’t capture on paper – and they fade surprisingly fast. When I started typing them up, I’d be able to expound on my notes and capture those all-important impressions and thoughts.
With my characters, I’ve found in this phase of brainstorming I work well in short uninterrupted bursts. Again, I get to my laptop, and transcribe my notes in Scrivener. This allows me to capture all my impressions. If I don't, I often find even hours later, I'm unable to read my own handwriting!
As an aside, I often write in Notehand – a type of phonetic shorthand I learned in high school. Who knew I’d be using it all these years later? Thanks Mrs. D’Augostino.
What techniques do you use to interview and create characters? I’d love to hear from you!
I'm busy crafting characters for my new Crossing Realms paranormal romance series. To get a sneak peek at The Keeper, the first book in the series, click here.
June 19, 2015
Judging a Book (or a broken hand) by Its Cover - Please welcome Author Anne B. Cole
It's my pleasure to welcome author of romance, Anne B. Cole. Her debut novel
Souls Entwined
, is available at Amazon, and the second book, Souls Estranged, is due to release late this summer.
Win it before you can buy it! Anne is offering two random commenters at today's blog post a chance to win an e-copy of Souls Entwined. In addition, the e-book edition will be on sale for $.99 from June 23 through June 29th through Souls Entwined
">Amazon.com.
Watch the trailer for Souls Entwined
Anne, tell us more about your recent hand injury, and the insight the experience has given you into 'judging books by their cover.'
Thank you, Rebecca for having me here today!
Gotta say to all of your PA readers, I’m a HUGE Steeler fan and cannot wait for the season to begin! This summer I can completely relate to football players and boxers. Check out what I did to my hand.
Everyone (and I mean everyone) I see (friend or stranger) asks me, “What did you do?” Admitting that I tripped over a curb during my morning run is embarrassing. After about the one hundredth time explaining how I was jogging across a median and tripped, now I reply, “I tried to pick up Thor’s Hammer.” Sometimes I vary it with,“I arm wrestled Thor, and lost.”
I get smiles from those who watched the latest Avengers movie and blank stares from those who haven’t. People are curious and persistent so they ask me what I really did and I tell them how I fractured my fifth metacarpal. It is amazing how many people have broken the same bone by hitting things, punching things, or by playing football or boxing. Initially, I was to be in a removable splint for three weeks. AWESOME! I could take it off and shower or scratch my fingers or just to let my hand breathe! I even got a couple runs in since I could take it off when it became all sweaty and wash my hand. Two weeks later when the swelling went down, I noticed my pinky was turning in an odd direction when I closed my fingers. When I saw the doctor, he told me I needed surgery. Long story short, I had out-patient surgery the day before my daughter graduated from high school.
Everything went well and the doctor ended up being able to manipulate the bone back into place without pins while I was peacefully under anesthesia. I woke with another splint wrapped tight around my throbbing hand.
The doctor told me I was not to get it wet or remove it. UGH! After a week I returned to see him and I thought for sure he would unwrap it so my hand could breathe. Nope! X-ray machines take great pictures right through the splint. The doctor told me, “Two more week in the same splint and wrap, no water on it and DON’T TAKE IT OFF or the bone may slide back out of place and we will have to go back to surgery and pin it in place.”
My jaw hit the floor. What? Seriously? Put my hand in a removable splint and then tell me I can’t take it off or get it?
I told the nurse that I had to host my daughter’s graduation party in 4 days with THIS---I held up the ugly, already dirty, one week old splint. She took pity on me and wrapped the dirty parts with clean, tan colored, self-sticking, coban tape.
She also told me that I could buy more of this kind of tape at drug stores and wrap it very loosely around my splint to ‘freshen’ it up. She added that it comes in different colors. Relief spread throughout me. It is embarrassing enough having an ugly splint without it being all gross and dirty. I drove straight to three different pharmacies and found COLORS!
The day of the party I had my daughter wrap black tape around my cast to match my black dress. When that got dirty two days later, I changed color to purple.
I plan to be in bright blue before I go back to see the doctor. I don’t hate my cast as much as before because it looks clean and colorful.
So…what does this all have to do with writing???
Being an avid reader, I admit… I judge a book by its cover. I sometimes don’t even pick up a book because of its cover. I ALWAYS read the back cover and sometimes toss the book aside because of what is actually in it, BUT sometimes I impulsively buy the book just because of the cover!
People tend to judge many things in life by first impressions. (I didn’t want over 75 parents and teen age girls seeing my yucky, dirty, two week old cast--- so I covered it.)
As authors we have one shot to get readers’ attention and that is our cover. My Writing Tip is for authors who are looking for ideas for cover art for their books.Go to your library and hit the shelf of you genre. Pick out 20 books. Place them on a table and quickly select 10 just by the cover.Narrow it down to 5.Do this quickly so it is simply a first impression.Study the five you selected. Now, take your time!
What grabbed your attention? The art? Title placement? The color? The Title itself? The font? Focus on what and why you made your selections and then apply those things to your cover.
I did this at my library with my sequel to Souls Entwined and I’m excited to show the world the cover of Souls Estranged Book Two of The Souls Trilogy.
Let me know what you think of the cover! Two random commenters will receive e-copies of my first book, Souls Entwined.
Souls Estranged is tentatively set to release later this summer. I’m excited to announce my first book, Souls Entwined">Souls Entwined is available in paperback and e-book through Amazon. The e-book edition will be on sale for $.99 from June 23 through June 29th through Souls Entwined">Amazon.com.
Thanks, Rebecca for hosting me and I hope everyone has a fun and injury free summer!---Anne B. Cole
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Souls Entwined is Anne B. Cole’s debut release combining sweet romantic suspense, time travel, and paranormal elements in a novel attractive to a wide range of readers.
In addition to writing, Anne teaches preschool and is raising three very active teenagers with her husband of twenty-three years.
With an Education degree from Penn State University, Anne began her teaching career in elementary schools. A move to Indiana and becoming a mom of three kids in three and a half years sparked her interest in teaching preschool where she has been for the last eleven years.
Anne began writing in 2010 when she realized she didn't have a book to read during her kids’ swim meet. With over ten hours of sitting in the stands, she decided to make the best of it and flipped over the heat sheet. Ideas for a book were jotted down and the outline of Souls Entwined was born. Anne's writing hobby turned into an addiction!
The Souls Trilogy continues this summer with Souls Estranged. Anne is currently writing the final book in the trilogy, Souls Endure with a tentative release date of 2016.
Connecting preschool teaching with her writing, Anne has written a Children's Picture book and is in the process of possible publication. Check out her blog at www.annebcole.com for preschool activities, new author interviews, and updates on her writing. Anne loves to hear from her readers so feel free to comment on her website or write a short review of Souls Entwined on Amazon.com.
CONNECT WITH ANNE
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author page
Win it before you can buy it! Anne is offering two random commenters at today's blog post a chance to win an e-copy of Souls Entwined. In addition, the e-book edition will be on sale for $.99 from June 23 through June 29th through Souls Entwined
">Amazon.com.Watch the trailer for Souls Entwined
Anne, tell us more about your recent hand injury, and the insight the experience has given you into 'judging books by their cover.'
Thank you, Rebecca for having me here today!
Gotta say to all of your PA readers, I’m a HUGE Steeler fan and cannot wait for the season to begin! This summer I can completely relate to football players and boxers. Check out what I did to my hand.
Everyone (and I mean everyone) I see (friend or stranger) asks me, “What did you do?” Admitting that I tripped over a curb during my morning run is embarrassing. After about the one hundredth time explaining how I was jogging across a median and tripped, now I reply, “I tried to pick up Thor’s Hammer.” Sometimes I vary it with,“I arm wrestled Thor, and lost.”I get smiles from those who watched the latest Avengers movie and blank stares from those who haven’t. People are curious and persistent so they ask me what I really did and I tell them how I fractured my fifth metacarpal. It is amazing how many people have broken the same bone by hitting things, punching things, or by playing football or boxing. Initially, I was to be in a removable splint for three weeks. AWESOME! I could take it off and shower or scratch my fingers or just to let my hand breathe! I even got a couple runs in since I could take it off when it became all sweaty and wash my hand. Two weeks later when the swelling went down, I noticed my pinky was turning in an odd direction when I closed my fingers. When I saw the doctor, he told me I needed surgery. Long story short, I had out-patient surgery the day before my daughter graduated from high school.
Everything went well and the doctor ended up being able to manipulate the bone back into place without pins while I was peacefully under anesthesia. I woke with another splint wrapped tight around my throbbing hand.The doctor told me I was not to get it wet or remove it. UGH! After a week I returned to see him and I thought for sure he would unwrap it so my hand could breathe. Nope! X-ray machines take great pictures right through the splint. The doctor told me, “Two more week in the same splint and wrap, no water on it and DON’T TAKE IT OFF or the bone may slide back out of place and we will have to go back to surgery and pin it in place.”
My jaw hit the floor. What? Seriously? Put my hand in a removable splint and then tell me I can’t take it off or get it?
I told the nurse that I had to host my daughter’s graduation party in 4 days with THIS---I held up the ugly, already dirty, one week old splint. She took pity on me and wrapped the dirty parts with clean, tan colored, self-sticking, coban tape.
She also told me that I could buy more of this kind of tape at drug stores and wrap it very loosely around my splint to ‘freshen’ it up. She added that it comes in different colors. Relief spread throughout me. It is embarrassing enough having an ugly splint without it being all gross and dirty. I drove straight to three different pharmacies and found COLORS!
The day of the party I had my daughter wrap black tape around my cast to match my black dress. When that got dirty two days later, I changed color to purple. 
I plan to be in bright blue before I go back to see the doctor. I don’t hate my cast as much as before because it looks clean and colorful.So…what does this all have to do with writing???
Being an avid reader, I admit… I judge a book by its cover. I sometimes don’t even pick up a book because of its cover. I ALWAYS read the back cover and sometimes toss the book aside because of what is actually in it, BUT sometimes I impulsively buy the book just because of the cover!
People tend to judge many things in life by first impressions. (I didn’t want over 75 parents and teen age girls seeing my yucky, dirty, two week old cast--- so I covered it.)
As authors we have one shot to get readers’ attention and that is our cover. My Writing Tip is for authors who are looking for ideas for cover art for their books.Go to your library and hit the shelf of you genre. Pick out 20 books. Place them on a table and quickly select 10 just by the cover.Narrow it down to 5.Do this quickly so it is simply a first impression.Study the five you selected. Now, take your time!
What grabbed your attention? The art? Title placement? The color? The Title itself? The font? Focus on what and why you made your selections and then apply those things to your cover.
I did this at my library with my sequel to Souls Entwined and I’m excited to show the world the cover of Souls Estranged Book Two of The Souls Trilogy.
Let me know what you think of the cover! Two random commenters will receive e-copies of my first book, Souls Entwined.Souls Estranged is tentatively set to release later this summer. I’m excited to announce my first book, Souls Entwined
">Souls Entwined is available in paperback and e-book through Amazon. The e-book edition will be on sale for $.99 from June 23 through June 29th through Souls Entwined">Amazon.com.Thanks, Rebecca for hosting me and I hope everyone has a fun and injury free summer!---Anne B. Cole
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Souls Entwined is Anne B. Cole’s debut release combining sweet romantic suspense, time travel, and paranormal elements in a novel attractive to a wide range of readers.
In addition to writing, Anne teaches preschool and is raising three very active teenagers with her husband of twenty-three years.
With an Education degree from Penn State University, Anne began her teaching career in elementary schools. A move to Indiana and becoming a mom of three kids in three and a half years sparked her interest in teaching preschool where she has been for the last eleven years.
Anne began writing in 2010 when she realized she didn't have a book to read during her kids’ swim meet. With over ten hours of sitting in the stands, she decided to make the best of it and flipped over the heat sheet. Ideas for a book were jotted down and the outline of Souls Entwined was born. Anne's writing hobby turned into an addiction!
The Souls Trilogy continues this summer with Souls Estranged. Anne is currently writing the final book in the trilogy, Souls Endure with a tentative release date of 2016.
Connecting preschool teaching with her writing, Anne has written a Children's Picture book and is in the process of possible publication. Check out her blog at www.annebcole.com for preschool activities, new author interviews, and updates on her writing. Anne loves to hear from her readers so feel free to comment on her website or write a short review of Souls Entwined on Amazon.com.
CONNECT WITH ANNE
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author page
June 15, 2015
Freelance to Fiction - Learning to be an Author
I started freelance writing over fifteen years ago, when I wrote my first article – for free – for a local magazine, Small Town Life. I'm still grateful to the editor, Jessica, for giving me that chance. I went on to write a few more articles, also for free, and several months later, armed with my clips, I signed up for a membership on a freelancing website, determined to take the next step.For weeks, I bid on jobs I felt aligned with my skill set, based on my decade plus of experience in accounting and expertise with business related writing. Again and again, other freelancers won out. In fact, I bid on nearly 100 jobs with not even a nibble.
Then, one day, I came across a job I knew I was up my alley: a marketing firm needed articles written for a magazine that would be distributed to people with ulcerative colitis. I was diagnosed with UC when I was pregnant and struggled for months before the doctors were able to get it under control with medication. How ironic, and how serendipitous, at that moment, that UC, something that changed my life, could yield something so positive, and change my life – yet again.
Yes. I got the job. And it opened doors. I went on to write for a variety of local magazines, and have been blessed to work with dozens of clients in businesses of every description all over the country, writing all kinds of things, including blogs, articles, corporate profiles, newsletters and manuals.
So what’ve I learned from freelancing for 15+ years?
Persistence pays. I could’ve given up after bidding on the twentieth job, or the fiftieth job, but I kept looking, kept trying. And came across the writing job that was the perfect fit. The point is, I was in the right place at the right time when opportunity came knocking because I was, and continue to be, persistent. Don’t give up.
The devil’s in the details. During the time I was bidding on jobs, and beyond, I tweaked my proposals, my resume, and learned all I could about what other freelancers were doing, how they were doing it and read numerous books on the subject. After each job, I analyzed what went well and what didn’t, how I could be more organized, more proactive, more knowledgeable.
Listen. Yeah, there’s a lot of listening that happens as a freelancer. To your client. To yourself. And to your gut. When a piece is done, it’s done. During an interview you ask a question, then shut up. When a job doesn’t feel right, don’t take it. Don’t take a job just to take a job. It’s not worth it. Everyone will be disappointed.
“I do what I say I’m going to do.” Delivering results, for the client, for an editor, and mostly for myself, by never missing a deadline, and providing quality work, built my reputation – the basis for my business. After I’d worked with several editors and clients, and heard horror stories of freelancers who were no shows, or delivered work that needed to be heavily edited, or that missed the mark entirely, I developed this motto, which I included in my proposals. That’s always the kind of person I’ve been, but I’d never imagined it would serve me so well in business. For me, it became a very personal way of connecting with my client right up front, and delivering results before I’d ever written a word.
I’m still freelancing, but not nearly as much these days, as I’ve turned my attention to writing romantic suspense novels. Don’t get me wrong - I still love freelancing, and the opportunity it’s given me to meet and interview so many fascinating people, but I longed to write stories of my own.
So, how did I do it?
Once again, persistence, dissecting details and following through won the day. I quickly realized that fiction was a completely different animal from non-fiction. To try and tame the beast, I joined romance writing groups. I attended conferences, met and learned from writers and other folks in the industry. I read (and continue to read) blogs and ‘how to’ books – at least two shelves of them.
My most cherished volume is Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Dwight Swain. I also read novels of all kinds, which wasn’t hard to do because I love to read. But now, I was reading them with a discerning eye, absorbing details, structure, word choice, beginnings, endings.Oh, and I wrote. Two, really, really bad manuscripts I still have under my bed. I entered contests, received dreadful feedback. I worked with critique partners. And kept writing.
I listened – to my fellow writers, to advice I received, to my gut, to my heart, writing the kinds of stories that were me, as I found my voice – something that’s still a work in progress.
Along with persistence, details and listening, I did what I said I was going to do – I finished my first manuscript and pitched it. And got an astounding four offers, something which still humbles me.
In addition, I feel I must add that desire, loving to write, and the ability to keep an open mind, can, in my opinion, move mountains. You have to want it. There’s a lot of setbacks, disappointments, unknowns and missteps along the way. You can’t take things personally. You have to keep an open mind, so you can embrace and accept change, new ways of doing things, and make room for knowledge, and possibilities.
I like to think my father inspired me, and continues to inspire me, to keep an open mind. A true entrepreneur, my father left teaching to start his own restaurant, which my family ran until I was about sixteen. At that time, my family chose to sell the business for numerous reasons, and he went back to teaching. A humbling experience for him, more humbling than I could possibly know as a teenager. He was fifty, and to become permanently certified to teach, he had to go back to school, and learn how to use a computer – something he’d never done in his life. He could have shrunken away from technology, as I see so many people do, because they don’t understand it and don’t want to understand it. Instead, he embraced the opportunity and ended up showing me something new with the word processing software a few months later.
Thanks Dad.
In the end, for me, writing both non-fiction and fiction continues to be an unpredictable, exhilarating, eye-opening, frustrating, tear-jerking, thrilling and crazy adventure. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
P.S. There’s more I’ve learned, and much more I want and need and hope to learn about freelancing and writing fiction that I’d like to discuss, but that’s a post for another blog. Until then...
Are you an author? A freelancer? A reader? Or maybe all three? I'd love to hear from you! What have you learned along your journey you'd like to share?
June 10, 2015
Author of romance Samanthya Wyatt Shares Her Time Saving Writing Tips
Please welcome author of historical and contemporary romance, Samanthya Wyatt. Today, she's sharing how she uses a calendar as a tool to organize her writing, and make her more productive, as well as more about her book, Something More.
Tell us about a typical day in your 'writer's' life, and how you use a calendar to help you get organized.
Good morning Rebecca, and thank you for inviting me to your blog site.
My morning usually starts with a cup of Java. If I’m lucky, hubby gets up first and brings me a cup of coffee in bed. Mmmm. What a way to greet the day!
Then I usually get on Facebook. I like to tell everyone Hello, have a great day or paste a hunky picture. I so love eye candy. And my friends have come to expect and appreciate my drool worthy photos. But if I’m not careful, I’ll be on the computer for hours reading what’s happening with everyone else in the world. I answer posts, carry on conversations, and have a ball interacting with other friends.
It’s difficult to keep to a schedule. Especially now that I’m retired. I thought I’d have all this extra time to write. But my family thinks I have nothing to do. I spend time with my mom, my kids think I should baby sit the little ones, and of course there is housekeeping. But who has time to clean house when you want to write?
Ever since I can remember, I have loved curling up with a book. I had a dream to see a book of my own published. With so many ideas running through my head, I decided to pursue my dream. Now I have three books published and a contract with Soul Mate Publishing for more.
It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure. I don’t need to tell any writer how difficult it is to find time to put words to paper, let alone create them in your mind. Sometimes, I have so many ideas I can’t get them on paper fast enough. I’ve spent a lot of late night hours on the weekends. When hubby worked the night shift, that was the perfect time to create. Alone, no one to bother me, and who else is up at two in the morning?
Hubby is retired now, which makes it even more difficult to find time to write. But at night, when I go to bed and finally have a chance to unwind from the day’s activities, my mind races. I get most of my ideas while lying in bed at night. I never remember those thoughts the next morning, so I keep pen and paper in my top drawer for when those ideas hit. Hubby thinks I’m nuts when I sit up turn on the light and start writing notes. But it has paid off.
I’ve learned to keep a calendar just for my writing. I schedule blog appearances and highlight the first Tuesday of each month for guest author spots on my Teaser Newsletter. That calendar has saved my life.
With a few tidbits here and there in the paragraphs above, the main writing tip is to discipline yourself. Time is the one thing that can get away and there is no getting it back. Schedule some time every day for your writing. Whether you compose ten words or a hundred, make an effort to write something every day. If not every day, as often as possible.
Using a calendar is a valuable. You can record the number of words written today. Using daily, weekly, or monthly monitoring is colossal in showing how much time has gone by since you last put words to paper. Set a goal to reach by a certain time period. A calendar will show your progress and may even prompt you to reach your goal.
Although my main love is historical, I also write contemporary romance. One day I was playing around to get my mind off edits on my historical series and I wrote a scene with two women on a cruise ship, bantering back and forth. The words seemed to flow and I had a ball. I typed and laughed. Afterwards, I really felt good. So I ended up writing my first contemporary.
SOMETHING MORE
A determined man, a headstrong woman, and a battle of wills.
Matthew longs for a woman to share his life, not his bank account. He owns a prestigious company that he rules with an iron fist. On his way to an important meeting, a light flirtation turns into more than he expects. He meets a woman with more confidence and strength than most men. Long legs get his attention, but Carrie attracts his interest. The alluring beauty does not need his money, and makes it clear she does not need him. He accepts the unspoken challenge.
Carrie trusts no man. An executive partner, she possesses a confidence that makes her assertive and her aggressiveness toward the male gender is somewhat intimidating. Until a pair of mischievous eyes melts her defenses, and has her second guessing her convictions. The day he shoved her into that cab he must have chiseled a chink in her armor. Matthew charges into her well organized life, cracks the stone wall she’s built and instills an emotion she swore never to allow.
Infatuation and excitement spark a journey of passion and forbidden emotion where two people must overcome their earlier convictions to find an everlasting love. CONNECT WITH SAMANTHYA Creating characters and bringing two people together in a romantic tale gives me great pleasure. I strive to make my intimate scenes beyond just doing the deed. My characters have depth, emotional investments, life-threatening challenges. The reader wants to be in the moment. Feel what the characters feel—emotionally. I try to give this to my readers. Website www.samanthyawyatt.com
You can also find Samanthya Wyatt on Soul Mate Publishing, Hearts Through History, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Night Owl Romance Reviews. Other titles by Samanthya Wyatt include The Right One, and The True One Read an EXCERPT from SOMETHING MORE
Carrie nearly swallowed her tongue. Black curls sprinkled over a perfectly muscled chest – demanding her attention – sending her into a state of awe. Blood rushed through her brain increasing her already heightened senses. Hot. Naked planes and angles called on every female hormone in her body. The desire to touch – to run her fingers through those springy curls arrowing down to a bronze button. Teasing her, beckoning her to secrets hidden under low-slung jeans. She must be going mad, for no man – no man’s body – had ever created such longing within her.
She closed her eyes and found to her horror, the image was sharper. More real in her mind. She imagined her hands splayed across that chest, caressing . . . A dark shadow fell over her face, alerting her of his presence. Her lids flew open. Compelling blue eyes stared back at her.
Matthew pulled the bottle from her fingers and placed it on the patio table. Without uttering a sound, he pulled her into his arms. When his gaze drifted to her mouth, a surge of sensations engulfed her woman’s core. Then his mouth touched hers. She latched onto him like a starving woman.
He slid his tongue across the seam of her lips and she gladly opened to him. Slowly he teased his way into her mouth. Advance, retreat, until finally the sizzling contact of his tongue with hers sent shockwaves throughout her body. The moan she heard sent her deeper into the kiss before she realized it was her own. She moved closer and tightened her hold on him, absorbing his kiss with every ounce of her being.
Matthew’s breathing was rugged as he pulled away. Holding her head against his bare chest, his fingers caressed her nape. “That needed doing.”
With her cheek nestled against his soft blanket of fur and her lips a hair’s breath away from his nipple, the urge to kiss and lick threatened to take what little sanity remained. She knew his kiss would be heaven. She didn’t think it would rob her of her senses once again.
Cool air hit her face the moment he pulled away. Matthew drained half of his beer and stood looking across the lawn. For the first time in her life, Carrie was at a loss for words. She wished she could read his mind.
Why did he stop? What is he thinking?
After several moments, Matthew donned his shirt as if nothing happened. He spoke of a plan to finish the kitchen. She saw his mouth move and heard the words being said, but her mind kept reliving the kiss they’d just shared.
His bottle empty, he asked, “Are you ready?”
Am I ever. And I’m not thinking about painting the kitchen.
They went back inside and he once again took his place on the ladder.
“At the rate I was going, it would have taken me a week.” Her voice came out as a breathless gasp. His body went still. Little tremors of warmth danced in her belly.
“Thank you, Matthew. I’m glad you’re here.” Hearing her own words made her realize how much she meant them.
“The pleasure is mine.” His gruff voice made her wonder at the reason behind it.
“Matthew. Look at me.”
When he did, his jaw was tight and his eyes had a strained look. They stared at each other for long moments.
“Why did you stop?”
“Stop what?”
He knew exactly what she meant.
“The kiss . . . on the patio.”
“Ah, to hell with this.” He slammed the brush down on the pan and jumped the two steps off the ladder. “Come here.” He groaned and pulled her into his arms.
He kissed her with a hunger so fierce her mind reeled from the intensity. Right now, at this moment, the only thing she wanted was to be in Matthew’s arms. She kissed him back with everything she had, drowning in the pleasure of him.
Passion flared between them and the more they kissed, the higher the fire burned.
His hands molded her breasts while his mouth moved to the pulse at her neck. His teeth nipped and his wet tongue laved and soothed and twirled making her crazy.
“You would pick now when I’m all hot and sweaty.”
“I like hot,” he breathed. “Besides, I’m sweaty too.”
“Sweaty on you is sexy. But I need a shower.”
His mouth slid down her jaw to the vein just below her ear. His lips sent wonderful vibrations on her sensitive flesh. “How about we take one together.”
I invite you to lay the worries of the world off your shoulders and get lost in the pages of a romance, where you embark on a journey with the hero and heroine, become involved in a dream, plunge into a world of fantasy, and live an adventure your heart can share.
Tell us about a typical day in your 'writer's' life, and how you use a calendar to help you get organized.
Good morning Rebecca, and thank you for inviting me to your blog site.
My morning usually starts with a cup of Java. If I’m lucky, hubby gets up first and brings me a cup of coffee in bed. Mmmm. What a way to greet the day!
Then I usually get on Facebook. I like to tell everyone Hello, have a great day or paste a hunky picture. I so love eye candy. And my friends have come to expect and appreciate my drool worthy photos. But if I’m not careful, I’ll be on the computer for hours reading what’s happening with everyone else in the world. I answer posts, carry on conversations, and have a ball interacting with other friends.
It’s difficult to keep to a schedule. Especially now that I’m retired. I thought I’d have all this extra time to write. But my family thinks I have nothing to do. I spend time with my mom, my kids think I should baby sit the little ones, and of course there is housekeeping. But who has time to clean house when you want to write?
Ever since I can remember, I have loved curling up with a book. I had a dream to see a book of my own published. With so many ideas running through my head, I decided to pursue my dream. Now I have three books published and a contract with Soul Mate Publishing for more.
It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure. I don’t need to tell any writer how difficult it is to find time to put words to paper, let alone create them in your mind. Sometimes, I have so many ideas I can’t get them on paper fast enough. I’ve spent a lot of late night hours on the weekends. When hubby worked the night shift, that was the perfect time to create. Alone, no one to bother me, and who else is up at two in the morning?
Hubby is retired now, which makes it even more difficult to find time to write. But at night, when I go to bed and finally have a chance to unwind from the day’s activities, my mind races. I get most of my ideas while lying in bed at night. I never remember those thoughts the next morning, so I keep pen and paper in my top drawer for when those ideas hit. Hubby thinks I’m nuts when I sit up turn on the light and start writing notes. But it has paid off.
I’ve learned to keep a calendar just for my writing. I schedule blog appearances and highlight the first Tuesday of each month for guest author spots on my Teaser Newsletter. That calendar has saved my life.
With a few tidbits here and there in the paragraphs above, the main writing tip is to discipline yourself. Time is the one thing that can get away and there is no getting it back. Schedule some time every day for your writing. Whether you compose ten words or a hundred, make an effort to write something every day. If not every day, as often as possible.
Using a calendar is a valuable. You can record the number of words written today. Using daily, weekly, or monthly monitoring is colossal in showing how much time has gone by since you last put words to paper. Set a goal to reach by a certain time period. A calendar will show your progress and may even prompt you to reach your goal.
Although my main love is historical, I also write contemporary romance. One day I was playing around to get my mind off edits on my historical series and I wrote a scene with two women on a cruise ship, bantering back and forth. The words seemed to flow and I had a ball. I typed and laughed. Afterwards, I really felt good. So I ended up writing my first contemporary.
SOMETHING MORE
A determined man, a headstrong woman, and a battle of wills.
Matthew longs for a woman to share his life, not his bank account. He owns a prestigious company that he rules with an iron fist. On his way to an important meeting, a light flirtation turns into more than he expects. He meets a woman with more confidence and strength than most men. Long legs get his attention, but Carrie attracts his interest. The alluring beauty does not need his money, and makes it clear she does not need him. He accepts the unspoken challenge.
Carrie trusts no man. An executive partner, she possesses a confidence that makes her assertive and her aggressiveness toward the male gender is somewhat intimidating. Until a pair of mischievous eyes melts her defenses, and has her second guessing her convictions. The day he shoved her into that cab he must have chiseled a chink in her armor. Matthew charges into her well organized life, cracks the stone wall she’s built and instills an emotion she swore never to allow.
Infatuation and excitement spark a journey of passion and forbidden emotion where two people must overcome their earlier convictions to find an everlasting love. CONNECT WITH SAMANTHYA Creating characters and bringing two people together in a romantic tale gives me great pleasure. I strive to make my intimate scenes beyond just doing the deed. My characters have depth, emotional investments, life-threatening challenges. The reader wants to be in the moment. Feel what the characters feel—emotionally. I try to give this to my readers. Website www.samanthyawyatt.com
You can also find Samanthya Wyatt on Soul Mate Publishing, Hearts Through History, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Night Owl Romance Reviews. Other titles by Samanthya Wyatt include The Right One, and The True One Read an EXCERPT from SOMETHING MORE
Carrie nearly swallowed her tongue. Black curls sprinkled over a perfectly muscled chest – demanding her attention – sending her into a state of awe. Blood rushed through her brain increasing her already heightened senses. Hot. Naked planes and angles called on every female hormone in her body. The desire to touch – to run her fingers through those springy curls arrowing down to a bronze button. Teasing her, beckoning her to secrets hidden under low-slung jeans. She must be going mad, for no man – no man’s body – had ever created such longing within her.
She closed her eyes and found to her horror, the image was sharper. More real in her mind. She imagined her hands splayed across that chest, caressing . . . A dark shadow fell over her face, alerting her of his presence. Her lids flew open. Compelling blue eyes stared back at her.
Matthew pulled the bottle from her fingers and placed it on the patio table. Without uttering a sound, he pulled her into his arms. When his gaze drifted to her mouth, a surge of sensations engulfed her woman’s core. Then his mouth touched hers. She latched onto him like a starving woman.
He slid his tongue across the seam of her lips and she gladly opened to him. Slowly he teased his way into her mouth. Advance, retreat, until finally the sizzling contact of his tongue with hers sent shockwaves throughout her body. The moan she heard sent her deeper into the kiss before she realized it was her own. She moved closer and tightened her hold on him, absorbing his kiss with every ounce of her being.
Matthew’s breathing was rugged as he pulled away. Holding her head against his bare chest, his fingers caressed her nape. “That needed doing.”
With her cheek nestled against his soft blanket of fur and her lips a hair’s breath away from his nipple, the urge to kiss and lick threatened to take what little sanity remained. She knew his kiss would be heaven. She didn’t think it would rob her of her senses once again.
Cool air hit her face the moment he pulled away. Matthew drained half of his beer and stood looking across the lawn. For the first time in her life, Carrie was at a loss for words. She wished she could read his mind.
Why did he stop? What is he thinking?
After several moments, Matthew donned his shirt as if nothing happened. He spoke of a plan to finish the kitchen. She saw his mouth move and heard the words being said, but her mind kept reliving the kiss they’d just shared.
His bottle empty, he asked, “Are you ready?”
Am I ever. And I’m not thinking about painting the kitchen.
They went back inside and he once again took his place on the ladder.
“At the rate I was going, it would have taken me a week.” Her voice came out as a breathless gasp. His body went still. Little tremors of warmth danced in her belly.
“Thank you, Matthew. I’m glad you’re here.” Hearing her own words made her realize how much she meant them.
“The pleasure is mine.” His gruff voice made her wonder at the reason behind it.
“Matthew. Look at me.”
When he did, his jaw was tight and his eyes had a strained look. They stared at each other for long moments.
“Why did you stop?”
“Stop what?”
He knew exactly what she meant.
“The kiss . . . on the patio.”
“Ah, to hell with this.” He slammed the brush down on the pan and jumped the two steps off the ladder. “Come here.” He groaned and pulled her into his arms.
He kissed her with a hunger so fierce her mind reeled from the intensity. Right now, at this moment, the only thing she wanted was to be in Matthew’s arms. She kissed him back with everything she had, drowning in the pleasure of him.
Passion flared between them and the more they kissed, the higher the fire burned.
His hands molded her breasts while his mouth moved to the pulse at her neck. His teeth nipped and his wet tongue laved and soothed and twirled making her crazy.
“You would pick now when I’m all hot and sweaty.”
“I like hot,” he breathed. “Besides, I’m sweaty too.”
“Sweaty on you is sexy. But I need a shower.”
His mouth slid down her jaw to the vein just below her ear. His lips sent wonderful vibrations on her sensitive flesh. “How about we take one together.”
I invite you to lay the worries of the world off your shoulders and get lost in the pages of a romance, where you embark on a journey with the hero and heroine, become involved in a dream, plunge into a world of fantasy, and live an adventure your heart can share.
June 3, 2015
Multi-talented Author Gay Yellen Talks About Her 'Organized Chaos'
It’s a pleasure to welcome the multi-talented Gay Yellen, author of
The Body Business
, a 2015 RONE Award Finalist.
Today, she’s sharing more about her approach to writing, which she cheerfully describes as ‘organized chaos’, and more about her book, The Body Business .
Gay, please tell us more about your ‘organized chaos.’
You’ve probably heard of the Infinite Monkey Theory, which posits that a monkey hitting random letters on a keyboard for an infinite amount of time could produce a real work of literature, like Shakespeare. That pretty much sums up my approach to organizing when I write.
Prioritize? I make lists. I have a stack of them on my desk right now. Well, it began as a stack; now it’s more of a blanket, spread eight or nine lists thick over all the available desk space not occupied by bills to pay, events to add to my calendar, invitations to accept, and to-do lists for the non-writing part of my life.
Outline? I was the kind of student who, when required to turn in an outline with a written report, wrote the report first, then backfilled the outline. I never knew what I was going to write until I wrote it. Outlines weren’t guides for me; they were synopses after the writing was finished.
I’ve thrived on what I’d call organized chaos since my magazine days. I worked for monthlies as managing editor, which included, among other duties, chief deadline wrangler. Writers, photographers, illustrators of varying aptitudes for turning in their work on time were the cats I herded. I also had to do my own writing each month, and often produced last minute fill-ins for writers who didn’t make deadline.
In short, I learned to write in quick spurts of creative energy. That technique worked at the magazines, but novel writing uses different muscles that, alas, I’m still developing.
Here’s what I do know about how to get work done, whether you write from detailed outlines or tiny scraps of paper strewn all over the place: Make writing a priority. Set your goal for tomorrow’s work the night before.Make it the last thing you think about before you fall asleep, so your brain can work on it overnight. Write every day, even if it’s only a sentence, or a rewrite you’re making stronger.When you can’t work on it, think on it.Read helpful blogs. Make lists, character boards, outlines or whatever works for you. Learn what other authors do to get better at it. I’m planning to be better at organizing, as soon as I finish the book I’m writing now. Until then, I’m still that monkey, typing away.
Here’s a little bit about Book #1 in The Samantha Newman Series. Enjoy!
THE BODY BUSINESS
With a great job and a fantastic boyfriend, Samantha Newman thinks she has it all.But when her best friend vanishes, doubt creeps in.Is there some ugly reality behind her firm's success?
When she asks the FBI for help, they send a man with secrets of his own.How can she find her friend without getting caught in the web of deceit?
Carter Chapman is on a mission.
But it wasn't supposed to include a beautiful corporate executive with her own set of problems, until a terrible event puts them on the same path to discovery, and they each have to decide if some secrets are worth the price.
GET THE BODY BUSINESS ON AMAZON
MORE ABOUT GAY
Gay Yellen began her working life as an actress in theatre, film and television commercials, then moved behind the camera to become the Assistant to the Director of Production at The American Film Institute. She is a former magazine editor and national journalism award winner, and was the contributing book editor for Five Minutes to Midnight(Delacorte Press), an international thriller.
The Body Business is Book #1 in her Samantha Newman Series, and is a 2015 RONE Award finalist. Watch for Book #2, The Body Next Door, later this year.
CONNECT WITH GAY
Website: www.gayyellen.comFacebook: Gay Yellen, AuthorTwitter: @GayYellenAmazon Author page: Amazon.com/author/gayyellenGoodreads: https://goodreads.com/book/show/22231810-the-body-business
Today, she’s sharing more about her approach to writing, which she cheerfully describes as ‘organized chaos’, and more about her book, The Body Business .
Gay, please tell us more about your ‘organized chaos.’
You’ve probably heard of the Infinite Monkey Theory, which posits that a monkey hitting random letters on a keyboard for an infinite amount of time could produce a real work of literature, like Shakespeare. That pretty much sums up my approach to organizing when I write.
Prioritize? I make lists. I have a stack of them on my desk right now. Well, it began as a stack; now it’s more of a blanket, spread eight or nine lists thick over all the available desk space not occupied by bills to pay, events to add to my calendar, invitations to accept, and to-do lists for the non-writing part of my life.
Outline? I was the kind of student who, when required to turn in an outline with a written report, wrote the report first, then backfilled the outline. I never knew what I was going to write until I wrote it. Outlines weren’t guides for me; they were synopses after the writing was finished.
I’ve thrived on what I’d call organized chaos since my magazine days. I worked for monthlies as managing editor, which included, among other duties, chief deadline wrangler. Writers, photographers, illustrators of varying aptitudes for turning in their work on time were the cats I herded. I also had to do my own writing each month, and often produced last minute fill-ins for writers who didn’t make deadline.
In short, I learned to write in quick spurts of creative energy. That technique worked at the magazines, but novel writing uses different muscles that, alas, I’m still developing.
Here’s what I do know about how to get work done, whether you write from detailed outlines or tiny scraps of paper strewn all over the place: Make writing a priority. Set your goal for tomorrow’s work the night before.Make it the last thing you think about before you fall asleep, so your brain can work on it overnight. Write every day, even if it’s only a sentence, or a rewrite you’re making stronger.When you can’t work on it, think on it.Read helpful blogs. Make lists, character boards, outlines or whatever works for you. Learn what other authors do to get better at it. I’m planning to be better at organizing, as soon as I finish the book I’m writing now. Until then, I’m still that monkey, typing away.
Here’s a little bit about Book #1 in The Samantha Newman Series. Enjoy!
THE BODY BUSINESSWith a great job and a fantastic boyfriend, Samantha Newman thinks she has it all.But when her best friend vanishes, doubt creeps in.Is there some ugly reality behind her firm's success?
When she asks the FBI for help, they send a man with secrets of his own.How can she find her friend without getting caught in the web of deceit?
Carter Chapman is on a mission.
But it wasn't supposed to include a beautiful corporate executive with her own set of problems, until a terrible event puts them on the same path to discovery, and they each have to decide if some secrets are worth the price.
GET THE BODY BUSINESS ON AMAZON
MORE ABOUT GAYGay Yellen began her working life as an actress in theatre, film and television commercials, then moved behind the camera to become the Assistant to the Director of Production at The American Film Institute. She is a former magazine editor and national journalism award winner, and was the contributing book editor for Five Minutes to Midnight(Delacorte Press), an international thriller.
The Body Business is Book #1 in her Samantha Newman Series, and is a 2015 RONE Award finalist. Watch for Book #2, The Body Next Door, later this year.
CONNECT WITH GAY
Website: www.gayyellen.comFacebook: Gay Yellen, AuthorTwitter: @GayYellenAmazon Author page: Amazon.com/author/gayyellenGoodreads: https://goodreads.com/book/show/22231810-the-body-business
May 28, 2015
Author of Romance Lauren Linwood, a.k.a. List Maker, Talks About Guest Blogging
Please welcome author of romance Lauren Linwood, a.k.a. list maker - a quality I admire because I'm a list maker too! Today, she's sharing some more about staying organized while doing a blog tour, and some more about her upcoming releases, Leave Yesterday Behind - available for pre-order now, and releasing on June 3rd. Congratulations Lauren!
As many authors know, a virtual book tour can be hectic. Lauren, how do you stay organized?
The last time I stopped by Rebecca’s blog, I shared a time-saving tip about lists. I’ve always been a list-maker. I probably came out of the womb with a list that included:
Eat Sleep Check out my new wardrobe Eat some more Sleep a whole bunch more Get to know these people who are hovering over me all the time
I told you previously that I save time by keeping a list of every character in my novel and a brief description of them. That way, no name is repeated, and I avoid using similar names that might confuse a reader. I also keep a bullet point summary of what happens in each chapter and what the reader learns about the hero & heroine. It saves me time from hunting through, scrolling madly, trying to locate when a certain event occurred. I swear by both of these lists.
[image error] Today I’m sharing a different organizational practice that has to do more with the marketing side of books. Writers prefer spending time in their own worlds, creating characters and writing scenes where those people interact. Still, we have to venture out and try to get people to read our books!
One way an author connects with new readers is to write a guest blog on a fellow author’s site or a blogger’s site where book reviews are spotlighted. Sometimes authors will book a VBT—virtual book tour—and hit 10, 20, even 50 sites over several weeks and months.
That can add to a lot of craziness! (Unless you stay organized, that is.)
To help me keep things straight when I’m in the midst of a new release, I go to my trusty Blog folder. Within that folder, I create a sub-folder with the title of my new release. Nestled in that folder, I store all of my guest posts. Each post should be a little different, tailored to site it’s featured on. It should also include a blurb and buy link and sometimes an excerpt, as well as my author bio and social media contacts.
For this guest appearance on Rebecca’s blog, I stored the post in my Leave Yesterday Behind sub-folder, using Rebecca’s name and the date the post will appear to save it (And yes, I save to my hard drive and the cloud). This romance is my June 3rd release, which is now up for pre-order. I’m excited because after publishing 6 historical romances, it is my 1st published romantic suspense. My professional goal is to alternate historical with suspense. I’ve already sold another medieval (A Knight for Kallen – November 2015) and a 2nd suspense (Illusions of Death – March 2016), so the plan is working so far!
Some authors might want to save their guest blogs by tours they do, using the company’s name and the date of the tour. Others might group them my months and/or years that the guest blog was published. However you choose to organize, folders & sub-folders can make for easy reference and save you time and worry.
For example, I guested on Rebecca’s blog back in February. She asks that a guest author write about an organizational tip that might prove helpful to others. I easily found that post, thanks to my system, and saw what hint I had written about. It helped me from repeating info in an earlier post—and you from having to read the same tip!
My job as the Folder Queen is now done, so I’d like to share the blurb for my upcoming release with you—enjoy!
LEAVE YESTERDAY BEHIND
Callie Chennault vaulted to fame on the nighttime soap Sumner Falls, but after a decade of playing the same role, she is ready for a new acting challenge. When Callie is attacked by a stalker on the streets of New York, she takes a leave of absence from the show and returns to her roots in Aurora, Louisiana, to heal both physically and emotionally and determine her next career move.
Former professional baseball pitcher Nick La Chappelle has also come to Aurora to lick his own wounds after a messy divorce. A Cy Young winner and one-time ESPN broadcaster, Nick longs for the quiet of a small town in order to write murder mysteries under a pen name. Sparks fly when Callie believes Nick is taking advantage of her great-aunt’s hospitality, but they resolve their differences—and surprise themselves by falling in love. Their bond is tested when both Nick and Callie become the focus of a serial killer nicknamed Lipstick Larry. Can they outwit a murderer bent on seeing them dead and survive to build a lasting relationship? GET LEAVE YESTERDAY BEHIND ON AMAZON
MORE ABOUT LAUREN Lauren Linwood became a teacher who wrote on the side to maintain her sanity in a sea of teenage hormones. Her historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.
A native Texan, Lauren lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate. CONNECT WITH LAUREN Website Facebook Twitter Blog Amazon Author Page Goodreads Author Page About Me
As many authors know, a virtual book tour can be hectic. Lauren, how do you stay organized?
The last time I stopped by Rebecca’s blog, I shared a time-saving tip about lists. I’ve always been a list-maker. I probably came out of the womb with a list that included:
Eat Sleep Check out my new wardrobe Eat some more Sleep a whole bunch more Get to know these people who are hovering over me all the time
I told you previously that I save time by keeping a list of every character in my novel and a brief description of them. That way, no name is repeated, and I avoid using similar names that might confuse a reader. I also keep a bullet point summary of what happens in each chapter and what the reader learns about the hero & heroine. It saves me time from hunting through, scrolling madly, trying to locate when a certain event occurred. I swear by both of these lists.
[image error] Today I’m sharing a different organizational practice that has to do more with the marketing side of books. Writers prefer spending time in their own worlds, creating characters and writing scenes where those people interact. Still, we have to venture out and try to get people to read our books!
One way an author connects with new readers is to write a guest blog on a fellow author’s site or a blogger’s site where book reviews are spotlighted. Sometimes authors will book a VBT—virtual book tour—and hit 10, 20, even 50 sites over several weeks and months.
That can add to a lot of craziness! (Unless you stay organized, that is.)
To help me keep things straight when I’m in the midst of a new release, I go to my trusty Blog folder. Within that folder, I create a sub-folder with the title of my new release. Nestled in that folder, I store all of my guest posts. Each post should be a little different, tailored to site it’s featured on. It should also include a blurb and buy link and sometimes an excerpt, as well as my author bio and social media contacts.
For this guest appearance on Rebecca’s blog, I stored the post in my Leave Yesterday Behind sub-folder, using Rebecca’s name and the date the post will appear to save it (And yes, I save to my hard drive and the cloud). This romance is my June 3rd release, which is now up for pre-order. I’m excited because after publishing 6 historical romances, it is my 1st published romantic suspense. My professional goal is to alternate historical with suspense. I’ve already sold another medieval (A Knight for Kallen – November 2015) and a 2nd suspense (Illusions of Death – March 2016), so the plan is working so far!
Some authors might want to save their guest blogs by tours they do, using the company’s name and the date of the tour. Others might group them my months and/or years that the guest blog was published. However you choose to organize, folders & sub-folders can make for easy reference and save you time and worry.
For example, I guested on Rebecca’s blog back in February. She asks that a guest author write about an organizational tip that might prove helpful to others. I easily found that post, thanks to my system, and saw what hint I had written about. It helped me from repeating info in an earlier post—and you from having to read the same tip!
My job as the Folder Queen is now done, so I’d like to share the blurb for my upcoming release with you—enjoy!
LEAVE YESTERDAY BEHINDCallie Chennault vaulted to fame on the nighttime soap Sumner Falls, but after a decade of playing the same role, she is ready for a new acting challenge. When Callie is attacked by a stalker on the streets of New York, she takes a leave of absence from the show and returns to her roots in Aurora, Louisiana, to heal both physically and emotionally and determine her next career move.
Former professional baseball pitcher Nick La Chappelle has also come to Aurora to lick his own wounds after a messy divorce. A Cy Young winner and one-time ESPN broadcaster, Nick longs for the quiet of a small town in order to write murder mysteries under a pen name. Sparks fly when Callie believes Nick is taking advantage of her great-aunt’s hospitality, but they resolve their differences—and surprise themselves by falling in love. Their bond is tested when both Nick and Callie become the focus of a serial killer nicknamed Lipstick Larry. Can they outwit a murderer bent on seeing them dead and survive to build a lasting relationship? GET LEAVE YESTERDAY BEHIND ON AMAZON
MORE ABOUT LAUREN Lauren Linwood became a teacher who wrote on the side to maintain her sanity in a sea of teenage hormones. Her historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.
A native Texan, Lauren lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate. CONNECT WITH LAUREN Website Facebook Twitter Blog Amazon Author Page Goodreads Author Page About Me
May 20, 2015
Busy Author Rachel Sharpe Shares Her Advice for Keeping Her Writing on Track
It's my pleasure to welcome author Rachel Sharpe today. She's sharing her advice for keeping her writing on track in today's busy world, and some more about her novels in the
Jordan James, PI
series.
Rachel, how do you stay focused, and stay productive with your writing?
[image error] It's easy in today's fast-paced world to get overloaded. When this happens, writing is often pushed to the side. For me, I look at writing like exercising. It's a love/hate relationship. You don't always want to do it, but it's important to keep up with it. The way I do this is incorporating it into my routine.
Before kids, I could take time to write at least 1,500 words a day. Now, with family obligations on top of work, I find I don't have as much time. Still, I make it a point to keep it in my daily routine. I can't write 1500 words a day like I used to, but early in the morning or at night I can usually fit in at least 500. While it does mean it takes longer to complete a novel, at least it's being completed. My best advice is to find a way to write a little every day because a little bit can go a long way.
COLD AMBITION
"It was my life-long dream to become a private eye. Little did I know that with my very first case, that dream would become a life-threatening nightmare..."
When Jordan James decided to embark on a career as a private investigator, she never could have imagined that a chance encounter would lead to her staring down the barrel of a gun on the roof’s edge of a high-rise building. As she begins to investigate her first case, the puzzling murder of a prominent businessman that has left Boston’s finest mystified for more than two decades, she finds herself suddenly immersed in a treacherous underworld brimming with betrayal, raw greed, and political subterfuge of international proportions. In the midst of this, she discovers she is falling for her mysterious client despite the hints of his dark past. Can this feisty Southern girl with a penchant for trouble solve this baffling case or is she doomed to become another tragic chapter in an international conspiracy?
LOST DISTINCTION
“It all started with a favor…”
When private investigator Jordan James agreed to search for the missing son of a U.S. Ambassador, she didn’t realize she was walking into a case one hundred years in the making. The deeper she delves into this unusual assignment, the more shocking, and the more dangerous, it becomes. With time running out and lives at stake, Jordan must race to identify the culprit of an elaborate plot while also uncovering a far more personal truth too intimate to ignore...
RETRIBUTION
What happens when Jordan joins her best friend on location in Colorado for filming an episode of America's favorite primetime series?
"RETRIBUTION," Coming Soon from Soul Mate Publishing!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Sharpe is the author of Cold Ambition and Lost Distinction, the first novels in the Jordan James, PI series. Although born and raised in the South, "Yankee" relatives first led Rachel to historic New England, which she has come to consider her second home and is the setting for the series.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English, Rachel began dedicating her free time to her childhood passion, writing, and in the fall of 2013, she signed with Soul Mate Publishing. An active member of Sisters In Crime, Rachel currently resides with her husband in the Greater New Orleans area.
CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads
Rachel, how do you stay focused, and stay productive with your writing?
[image error] It's easy in today's fast-paced world to get overloaded. When this happens, writing is often pushed to the side. For me, I look at writing like exercising. It's a love/hate relationship. You don't always want to do it, but it's important to keep up with it. The way I do this is incorporating it into my routine.
Before kids, I could take time to write at least 1,500 words a day. Now, with family obligations on top of work, I find I don't have as much time. Still, I make it a point to keep it in my daily routine. I can't write 1500 words a day like I used to, but early in the morning or at night I can usually fit in at least 500. While it does mean it takes longer to complete a novel, at least it's being completed. My best advice is to find a way to write a little every day because a little bit can go a long way.
COLD AMBITION
"It was my life-long dream to become a private eye. Little did I know that with my very first case, that dream would become a life-threatening nightmare..."
When Jordan James decided to embark on a career as a private investigator, she never could have imagined that a chance encounter would lead to her staring down the barrel of a gun on the roof’s edge of a high-rise building. As she begins to investigate her first case, the puzzling murder of a prominent businessman that has left Boston’s finest mystified for more than two decades, she finds herself suddenly immersed in a treacherous underworld brimming with betrayal, raw greed, and political subterfuge of international proportions. In the midst of this, she discovers she is falling for her mysterious client despite the hints of his dark past. Can this feisty Southern girl with a penchant for trouble solve this baffling case or is she doomed to become another tragic chapter in an international conspiracy?
LOST DISTINCTION
“It all started with a favor…”
When private investigator Jordan James agreed to search for the missing son of a U.S. Ambassador, she didn’t realize she was walking into a case one hundred years in the making. The deeper she delves into this unusual assignment, the more shocking, and the more dangerous, it becomes. With time running out and lives at stake, Jordan must race to identify the culprit of an elaborate plot while also uncovering a far more personal truth too intimate to ignore...
RETRIBUTION
What happens when Jordan joins her best friend on location in Colorado for filming an episode of America's favorite primetime series?
"RETRIBUTION," Coming Soon from Soul Mate Publishing!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHORRachel Sharpe is the author of Cold Ambition and Lost Distinction, the first novels in the Jordan James, PI series. Although born and raised in the South, "Yankee" relatives first led Rachel to historic New England, which she has come to consider her second home and is the setting for the series.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English, Rachel began dedicating her free time to her childhood passion, writing, and in the fall of 2013, she signed with Soul Mate Publishing. An active member of Sisters In Crime, Rachel currently resides with her husband in the Greater New Orleans area.
CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads
May 13, 2015
Best Selling Author of 'Timeless Romance with Sass' Becky Lower Shares her Insights on the Synopsis
Today, it's my pleasure to welcome award winning and Amazon best-selling author of 'timeless romance with sass', Becky Lower. She's sharing time saving tips regarding the synopsis, and some more about her book, An Unconventional Courtship, coming soon.
Becky, what insights can you share about writing a synopsis? How does it save you time in your writing process?
In order to assure that all nine of the books in the Cotillion Ball Series would be published by Crimson Romance, I was forced at the Book five mark to write a synopsis for each of the remaining books. After overcoming my initial panic (How can I write a synopsis for a book I haven’t even written yet?), I put together four synopses in a matter of days. And learned a valuable lesson in the process.
My books are part of a long series about the same family, but each book features a different sibling. By doing this planning of the series before I wrote it, I was able to foreshadow events that were yet to come. My best example is with the youngest son, Valerian, who got his shining moment in book seven with Expressly Yours, Samantha. In the books leading up to this, I was able to interject his love for horses and his lack of love for book learning, which helped pave the way for his defection from his parents’ wishes for his future and made his decision to join up with the Pony Express one that made sense.
[image error] From the moment I realized what a valuable tool this was, it changed my way of doing business. I now write the synopsis first for every story. This helps me determine if there’s enough story for a full-length book, or perhaps I should make it a novella. It also helps me get from the start to the finish without a lot of writing myself into a corner. Especially if you’re planning a series, and in my case, a historic series, it pays to look ahead in your timeline, search out those historical events that can become part of your story, and plan your series around those events.
Does my final version of the story mirror the synopsis I created a year ago? The general story line follows the synopsis, but sometimes events get shifted around. What pre-planning does is give you the outline for your story. A jumping off point. The rest is up to you and those pesky characters you create who insist on telling the story their own way.
AN UNCONVENTIONAL COURTSHIP
The Fitzpatrick family saga didn’t begin with The Reluctant Debutante.
Charlotte Ashcroft and George Fitzpatrick were two young strangers in New York City until Charlotte took matters into her own hands. Confronted by a busybody who would surely inform her mother she was where she shouldn’t be, and alone, she forced the man in the jaunty blue hat who had caught her eye to act as her escort.
By going along with the ruse, George Fitzpatrick sealed his fate with Charlotte. He would become her husband. Now she just had to convince him he couldn’t live without her.
Coming soon, along with the box set of Books 1, 2 & 3 in the Cotillion Ball Series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the country looking for great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love, amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it on a covered wagon headed west or in present day small town America. Historical and contemporary romances are her specialty. Becky is a PAN member of RWA and is a member of the Historic and Contemporary RWA chapters. She has a degree in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State University, and lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary.
She loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com
CONNECT WITH BECKY
Website: www.beckylowerauthor.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/becky.lower
Twitter: http://twitter.com@BeckyLower1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorbeckyl/
Blog: http://beckylowerauthor.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6159227.Becky_Lower
Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1FOy3Sd
Becky, what insights can you share about writing a synopsis? How does it save you time in your writing process?
In order to assure that all nine of the books in the Cotillion Ball Series would be published by Crimson Romance, I was forced at the Book five mark to write a synopsis for each of the remaining books. After overcoming my initial panic (How can I write a synopsis for a book I haven’t even written yet?), I put together four synopses in a matter of days. And learned a valuable lesson in the process.
My books are part of a long series about the same family, but each book features a different sibling. By doing this planning of the series before I wrote it, I was able to foreshadow events that were yet to come. My best example is with the youngest son, Valerian, who got his shining moment in book seven with Expressly Yours, Samantha. In the books leading up to this, I was able to interject his love for horses and his lack of love for book learning, which helped pave the way for his defection from his parents’ wishes for his future and made his decision to join up with the Pony Express one that made sense.
[image error] From the moment I realized what a valuable tool this was, it changed my way of doing business. I now write the synopsis first for every story. This helps me determine if there’s enough story for a full-length book, or perhaps I should make it a novella. It also helps me get from the start to the finish without a lot of writing myself into a corner. Especially if you’re planning a series, and in my case, a historic series, it pays to look ahead in your timeline, search out those historical events that can become part of your story, and plan your series around those events.
Does my final version of the story mirror the synopsis I created a year ago? The general story line follows the synopsis, but sometimes events get shifted around. What pre-planning does is give you the outline for your story. A jumping off point. The rest is up to you and those pesky characters you create who insist on telling the story their own way.
AN UNCONVENTIONAL COURTSHIPThe Fitzpatrick family saga didn’t begin with The Reluctant Debutante.
Charlotte Ashcroft and George Fitzpatrick were two young strangers in New York City until Charlotte took matters into her own hands. Confronted by a busybody who would surely inform her mother she was where she shouldn’t be, and alone, she forced the man in the jaunty blue hat who had caught her eye to act as her escort.
By going along with the ruse, George Fitzpatrick sealed his fate with Charlotte. He would become her husband. Now she just had to convince him he couldn’t live without her.
Coming soon, along with the box set of Books 1, 2 & 3 in the Cotillion Ball Series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the country looking for great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love, amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it on a covered wagon headed west or in present day small town America. Historical and contemporary romances are her specialty. Becky is a PAN member of RWA and is a member of the Historic and Contemporary RWA chapters. She has a degree in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State University, and lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary.
She loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com
CONNECT WITH BECKY
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Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1FOy3Sd
