WIP Wednesday

March 31, 2010 | WIP Wednesday

Beginnings are delicate, fragile things, fraught with traps for the hapless author. Middles are messy, needing a firm hand and taut pacing. Endings are snarly knots with myriad unresolved details requiring skill, discipline, and inspiration. In short, writing has no easy parts.

And yet millions (well, everyone I meet), wants to write.

Each of us has a story. The urge to share our personal adventure is part of being human. The tale doesn’t have to be the great American novel to have value. It doesn’t even have to be written or published. Oral histories, video logs, and journals offer alternative formats for the story teller.

So why write? Jayne Anne Krentz talked about this a while back. Paraphrasing, she said, “If you have any choice in the matter, pick a different career path.” Having worked at writing for a few years, I understand her advice better than I did when I first read it. Writing isn’t a practical career choice. But, practicality isn’t everything, if your heart tells you to write–go for it.

If you have babies to feed and bills to pay, keep your day job.

Teaser Tuesday

March 30, 2010 | Teaser Tuesday

While looking for current reviews, I ran across a four and half heart one for Dangerous Rescue, from The Romance Studio.

Oh my :mrgreen: It’s one of my favorite stories. Makes me think about writing another romantic suspense, Wicked Desires has been waiting patiently for ages….

Music Monday

March 29, 2010 | Music Monday

Mood music

Sunday Funnies

March 28, 2010 | Sunday funnies

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Six-pack Saturday

March 27, 2010 | Six-Pack Saturday

Six personal treats–

1) A day off

2) A spa day

3) Sleeping in

4) A movie

5) A good book

6) A trip

Share the love, how do you reward yourself?

Fan Girl Friday

March 26, 2010 | Fan Girl Friday

Recently, one of those blogs I cruise had a post where the author was earnestly urging aspiring authors to read the genre they want to write. It’s not new advice. I understand the thinking, knowing the market and becoming familiar with the tone of whatever house or line you’re targeting are good things that should help the struggling author.

I read in the markets I write for too, just not while I’m writing.

Earlier this year. when I wrote a paranormal romance, I read a couple of futuristic stories. There were a couple of assumptions about the future that were eerily close to those I made in the Enyo Chronicles. This might not bother anyone else, but it bothers me. If I’d been in the process of writing a futuristic I would’ve spent a lot of effort changing details that don’t really impact the story. Sometimes, a coincidence is just a coincidence.

Real life

March 25, 2010 | Real life

Another writer was discussing a competitor–a woman who writes in the same sub-genre as my friend. The word competitor sent my mind spinning. Naturally, I said nothing. This is one of the reasons I write. I get all the time necessary to come up with a coherent response to provocative remarks.

A few weeks later, here’s what I think about the idea of other writers releasing titles in the same category being identified as competitors–nah.

There are those who restrict their leisure reading to a particular genre. I’ve done a little binge reading myself from time to time. Enthusiastic readers of Ms. Wobbly knees gothic/urban fantasy romances may be the new author’s dream audience. Diehard fans of a particular sub-genre are exactly the market segment the emerging author wants.

I don’t know anyone who reads just one author and no one else. Like most readers, I have favorite authors. My most beloved writers are the kind of slackers who only put out a book a year. Obviously, a single title a year, no matter how riveting is not going to keep me amused. I need three or four good books a week. I’m constantly searching for new-to-me writers.

Don’t be discouraged if your target audience is reading other authors. Eager readers need lots of writers to keep them entertained. Keep writing great stories and readers will buy them.

WIP Wednesday

March 24, 2010 | WIP Wednesday

The bright and shiny new story is a constant menace threatening to pull me away from the WIP. I’ve fallen for the siren call of the better idea too many times to count.

Currently, I’m resisting the lure of a new tale although the current story is in a painful stage. The characters (usually the male characters) refuse to disclose their deepest secrets. Bastards. How do they expect me to tell their story if they wont cooperate? It’s very simple, they don’t want their story told. At this point they’ve already met the woman of their dreams and they’re ready to leave my head forever.

I hold them hostage via an impossible conflict and they get bitter and clam up. I keep prodding them, from a safe distance–they are dangerous guys. Sooner or later, I’ll win because I have the woman they need more than they need to keep breathing.

And those new smoldering hunks taunting me from the edge of mind? They’ll be every bit as difficult once they’ve met their match. Or so I tell myself…. :roll:

Teaser Tuesday

March 23, 2010 | Teaser Tuesday

Did I mention Coffee Time Romance reviewed Ranin Seven? No? How remiss of me. :oops:

They said nice things too: :mrgreen:

Wickedly handsome demons, and one not-so-fragile-as-she-seems woman, light up the moon in this action packed and seriously sexy read. They are all very exciting characters and have plenty of spice to keep things interesting. The twists and turns of the plot, and all of the hidden powers of the players are at times confusing, but this may all come to light in upcoming books. It is a fun read with just enough scorching sex to keep you sizzling.

You can read the whole review here

Music Monday

March 22, 2010 | Music Monday

More mood music