Teaser Tuesday

August 31, 2010 | Teaser Tuesday

Here’s the short blurb for Camille’s Capture

Camille, a sweet-natured breeder, was designed for a single function–to produce the next generation of disciples. All her life, she’s followed the rules and accepted the Goddess’s will as explained by the elders. After artificial insemination fails, she gathers her courage, traveling to distant New Eden to endure in-person breeding. But her matches fail to appear. Pushed beyond her limits, she’s done with obedience. She’s leaving this Goddess forsaken world behind as fast as the next ship headed for Earth ship can make the jump to subspace.

Alas, Cami’s plan fails I hope you will get to read what does happen soon.

Music Monday

August 30, 2010 | Music Monday

Sunday funnies

August 29, 2010 | Sunday funnies

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Six-pack Saturday

August 28, 2010 | Six-Pack Saturday

Six things I want in a story and try to include in the stories I write.

1) A special story world, unfolding as the adventure progresses

2) Surprises, there is comfort in the predictable tale, but a few unexpected twists keep me riveted

3) Characters I care about, at least one. Strangely, perfect story people are the quickest way to lose my attention

4) Trouble, complications, problems to solve–conflict is the story engine

5) An element of risk, this is easiest to insert when I’ve connected with one or more of the characters

6) Excellent writing, which usually means an invisible author voice

What makes a great story for you?

Fan Girl Friday

August 27, 2010 | Fan Girl Friday

Zero at the Bone is most everything I want in book. Here’s the link to the author site. I just hope she’s working on a sequel.

Real life

August 26, 2010 | Real life

This month has seen some major shakeups in the publishing industry.

Barnes and Noble announced they were considering selling.

Dorchester decided to offer only e-books.

This is just the start of a revolution.

Will there be new print titles available next year, next decade? My guess is yes. We still have AM and FM radio despite the easy access of television and the internet. Mass market publishers should note radio scrambled to find a niche television didn’t fill.

Another factor the paper and ink set should consider, the market for e-books is different from the traditional titles offered between hard and soft covers.

Are you willing to pay a premium to read your favorite authors in print?

E-readers are still evolving. What features would make you consider switching to digital editions?

WIP Wednesday

August 25, 2010 | WIP Wednesday

Every story I write goes through predictable stages: concept, pre-writing, plotting, first draft, second draft, and final draft. If a gracious editor acquires the title, add two more passes: smoothing and line edits.

And yet, perfection eludes me.

Back to the current state of the story, this month I’m working on the final draft of Camille’s Capture adding tension, enriching the interaction, deepening the characters–all good stuff.

Now comes the tricky part, I’m also working with a new editor on A Taste of Scarlet, to smooth the last of the book’s rough edges. Meanwhile, A Scarlet Past burbles on, forcing me to jot notes as the characters’ exchanges heat.

My brain may explode.

Teaser Tuesday

August 24, 2010 | Teaser Tuesday

Offering a bargain Kindle title directly has been rattling around in the back of my mind for awhile. One of the barriers–aside from the small matter of writing it –was a cover. My little Scotch heart balked at the idea of paying a graphic designer mega bucks for what I’d like to give away.

Sadly, Amazon’s Digital Publishing platform doesn’t allow an individual to offer a free title, but cheap is still okay.

My friend Stella Price came to the rescue with a reasonably priced brilliant cover. What do you all think?

Music Monday

August 23, 2010 | Music Monday

Love duwop

Sunday funnies

August 22, 2010 | Sunday funnies

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