☆~☆~ Martha Ramirez ~☆~☆ Writer Unleashed

Literary Rambles Giveaway

2012-01-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Casey McCormick and Natalie Aguirre are hosting an awesome giveaway on their blog Literary Rambles.

They're celebrating their 2000 follower milestone. Come celebrate for a chance to win!

Congrats Casey and Natalie! No doubt they'll be thousands more.

2011 Reads

2012-01-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years everyone!

Hope you all had an awesome holiday. It's that time of year again. Time to share books read the year prior.

Last year (2011) I read 28 books.

The year before last (2010) it was 44.

In 2009 it was 32.

In 2008 a total of 30.

And so on...

I think what happened this year, why I had less novels on my list was I read more of my critique partners' manuscripts.

Awesome mss btw! Can't wait to see them in print!

Anyway, all the books I've read are also listed on my Goodreads profile.

Drop by and come connect with me on GOODREADS.

Also you can check out my reviews on my site HERE

KIDNAP & RANSOM by Michelle Gagnon

WICKED LOVELY by Melissa Marr

DOUBLE MINDS by Terri Blackstock

SAVE THE CAT 2 by Blake Snyder

THE DRAWING BREAKTHROUGH BOOK by John Hastings

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE by Vicky Dreiling

SHIMMER by Alyson Noël

THE BREAKOUT NOVELIST by Donald Maass

WRITING THE PARANORMAL NOVEL by Steven Harper

IN THE ARMS OF STONE ANGELS by Jordan Dane

KISS AND BLOG by Alyson Noël

HOOKED by Les Edgerton

FORSAKEN by Leanna Ellis

EVERLASTING by Alyson Noël

MY LIFE UNDECIDED by Jessica Brody

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins

CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare

AIRHEAD by Meg Cabot

FICTION FIRST AID by Raymond Obstfeld

LIAR SOCIETY by Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker

SAVING ZOE by Alyson Noël

RIPTIDE by Cherry Adair

Polishing the PUGS by Kathy Ide

DREAMLAND by Alyson Noël

LAGUNA COVE by Alyson Noël

EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert

SILENCE by Becca Fitzpatrick

Which books have you read?

Which do you recommend?

If you had to pick your absolute fave book in 2010, which would it be?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter.

Hope you all have a fabulous one!!

If you have a few minutes, here's a fabulous video shared by Rachelle Gardner.

Very awesome! Now go enjoy quality time with your loved ones:)

A few good writing links

2011-12-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

I came across a few great links I thought to share.

First I'll start off with the When Do I Give Up link over at Word Serve Water Cooler.

Ever heard of the English novelist John Creasy? After 753 rejections he didn't give up and…. well, click on the When Do I Give up link to find out more.

Also if you are in need of some encouragement or just need a pick-me-up, come visit my encouragement page on my site HERE

"Regardless of what you do or don’t decide to do, giving up is not an option. It’s never an option. Never." ~Joanne Kraft

Author Rick Daley is guest blogging on Nathan Bransford's blog about SEO aka Search Engine Optimization. Some great info there!

What You Need to Know About SEO

Last but not least, ever wonder what the difference is between Romance and Romance suspense? Susan Sleeman does a great breakdown HERE

Have a great weekend!!

Word Count Mania

2011-11-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

I came across an excellent article (see below) that I thought is worth sharing. In this article author, Rachel Aaron, shares how she went from writing 2k words a day to 10k.

One word: WOW!

Wouldn't you like to know how she did it? I know I was intrigued the second I found the blog post. (You rock, Rachel!)

Anyway, with NaNo in action, it made for excellent timing.

One of the most important things you can do is eliminate distractions. Yes, it's hard but just like a mother with a whiny child, stick to your guns. Consistency (and effort) is key.

Okay, so here it is, the awesome article by Rachel Aaron: How I Went FromWriting 2,000 Words a Day to 10,000 Words a Day

Also see below for a video on great tips How To Focus and Get More Writing Done

Happy Black Friday!!

What things have you noticed helped get your word count up?

THANK YOU!!

2011-11-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

There is so much for be thankful for.

Family.

Friends.

Life.

Passion.

Health.

The Internet .

God's blessings.

Gratitude.

Chocolate.

A good book.

And for you vampire enthusiasts: Vampire Diaries.

Thank you for your readership and comments. I appreciate every single one of you. May your holiday be special in every way. Rich in love, peace, and happiness.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

How will you be spending your thankful day?

Are you one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers?

Scroll down for a beautiful day. ☼

X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X♥X

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice."

~Meister Eckhart

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." ~William Arthur Ward

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action."

~W.J. Cameron

"Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

~Aesop

Muse it up

2011-11-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

Can't find your muse?

Maybe this can help.

So I'm doing Nano this year, or attempting to, and as I'm about to dive in for another round of writing adventure, I get this sudden urge to look up some music, you, know, to keep the muse going.

Anyway. Here you go. Hope it gets the creative juices flowing.

Hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

I am forever grateful for YOU.

P.S. NY best selling author Jessica Brody shares a great track to use WHILE you are writing. Click HERE to read.

How about you? What kind of music gets your creative juices flowing?

P.S. For those of you who are suffering from a little writer's block Click HERE

Interview with Phannary Pen ~ NPC Figure competitor

2011-11-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Phannary Pen

Let me introduce my husband's co-instructor at the valley's premier cardio kickboxing studio at The Fit Factory.

She is also one of the area's top contenders of Fitness and Figure competitions who recently placed 2nd at the NPC (National Physique Committee) USA Championships.

Her latest super feature in Muscle & Fitness Hers (Nov/Dec 2011 issue) has definitely put Modesto on the competitive F&F map.

Don't forget to get your copy today. Lots of great tips!

Hi P!
Would you mind sharing a little bit about yourself, and how you got in to training?

--I've always had an interest in sports and fitness as early as 12 years old.

My main focus being basketball at the time, but injuries and surgeries over the course of a 3 years has brought my focus to where I am now: Figure competitions. I needed something more controlled, yet still having a lot skill and training involved.

Preparing for a show takes a whole lot of discipline and dedication.

Are there any tips you'd like to share that have helped you stay focused? How are you preparing for your next show in Florida?

--Things start getting overwhelming when I start thinking about all the things I need to do and get done. So I start breaking down from months, to weeks, to days.

Puts things in a different perspective and focus. My goals are to stay focused each week versus where I need to be in 16 weeks.

It's worked for me so far, and helps to know that my routine shouldn't vary too much 1 week after the other, and I start finding the rhythm of what days to prepare meals, what time to go to bed, and what makes life just a little easier.

Right now, I'm at my 2 week mark before I head out to FL. Again, breaking it up by the week to days...

I notate the meals I eat, the way I feel about certain foods, (gives me energy, makes me feel more full, etc) and I stay focused on the week that lies ahead. If I know I did what I should've done this week, that's another step closer to what I can control.

What is a typical day for you? Any favorite exercises?

5 am- up and out of bed. Cardio time and then heading to The Fit Factory for weight training Mon, Wed, Friday by 6 am.

Eat breakfast (already prepped from night before) Get dressed and ready for work at Stanislaus County 8 am. Then it's off from work after my 8 hours or so, and to Fit Factory again. I live, eat, breathe this stuff... it's what I love.

I love working on shoulders. Especially when you see the separation of muscles and striations. It's fun stuff.. :)

Any advice to fitness enthusiasts or for those who want to get into (stay in) shape?

You always want to be presentable! You don't necessarily need to be at your ideal weight 365 days out of the year, but vary only a couple up or down. Be conscious of training consistently but don't overwork yourself.

Be patient when it comes to results.

Remember, if you want this to last for the rest of your life, then it's going to take time. What's easy to come, is easy to go.

Sticking to a demanding workout schedule and eating right is hard work. What does your diet consist of and how do you stay on track?

It's only more tough when you overthink it. Keep it simple and basic. White meat, Complex carbs, and fiber that will keep you feeling full and not just some processed junk that makes you hungry in less than an hour.

Simplicity is bliss and if you can just develop that mentality, you'll be able to do it.

Most the time, we are able to distinguish what we can or cannot, should or should not have, we don't need a dietitian to tell us. But if you just know you can't have it, then don't. Simple.

Any favorite supplements?

I get all my supplements from the Fit Factory, and they have a great variety.

It's really trial and error when it comes to flavor, but Optimum Nutrition Whey Standard Oreo Cookie and Cream is good, Isoflex Peanut butter, chocolate chip, Nectar any of those for fruity flavors are excellent just to name a few.

Where can we find out more about you?

Follow my fanpage on FB, and make sure you like it! I greatly appreciate all the support and love that its continuing to grow.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it means a lot to this small town girl. I also have a website that is almost ready but still under construction... www.phannarypen.com Stay in touch!

Thank you, for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us! Wishing you lots and lots of success. Keep up the good work!

Mannerisms/Habits for Characters

2011-10-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

So how many of you are doing Nano this year?

Good for you!

I see a lot of show of hands.

Needless to say, November is going to be a really, really crazy busy month for lots of us writers.

For all you Nano writers out there. I've got four words for you:

YOU CAN DO IT!
Just write, write, write and don't look back.

With the help of some awesome cps, I have finished putting my Save the Cat beat sheet together (love you Blake!) and started on my character and setting charts.

As I'm fleshing out my characters, I discover that I can't seem to find my handy mannerisms/habits chart. I had one put away for when I started my next project.

Of course, it's nowhere to be found.

So I decided to compile my own list. It's not much, but thought to share what I have so far and hopefully it can spark some ideas for you.

Feel free to add some more examples in the comments section and I'll be happy to add them to the list.

Think deep.

What does your best friend do when she gets nervous? Does she scratch her nose or maybe blink way too much?

How about your other half? Does he/she have a really annoying habit you have to constantly remind them to stop practicing?

Observe your surroundings. Watch how people react. (You can do this even by watching the actors in movies or cartoons. i.e. Caillou is a champ at whining.) It's actually pretty fun adding quirks and bad habits to characters. Knock yourself out.

What comes to mind when you think of mannerisms? Who do you see and what are they doing?

• Biting fingernails
• Jiggling leg up and down
• Tapping foot
• Twirling hair
• Running fingers through hair
• Smacking gum

• Whistling
• Slurping

• Burping

• Yawning

• Glancing at watch

• Talking with a full mouth

• Potty mouth

• Eye-rolling

• Constantly apologizing

• Snapping fingers

• Cracking knuckles (cliche)

• Humming

• Stuttering

• Licking lips

• Sniffing
• Squinting

• Applying Chap Stick to lips

• Picking at nail polish

• Raising eyebrows as they speak

• Winking

• Pulling at bottom lip

• Pinching skin

• Rubbing hands together

• Pointing
• Rubbing eyes/chin
• Twirling a ring around finger

• Picking at facial hair—eyebrows/eye lashes/moustache

• Excessive eye blinking

• Shifts in their seat when nervous

• Cross/uncross legs

• Clicking or tapping teeth with a nail

• Shrugging

• Slapping people on the back

• Jaw clenching/jaw muscle jerking (mainly a male attribute)

• Gesturing a lot when speaking

• Slouching

• Putting their feet on a desk or table

• Toying with objects before them

• Chewing on their pencil

• Chewing bottom lip

• Speech patterns

• Nervous cough

• Picking at teeth

• Saluting

• Constantly touching up makeup using a compact mirror

• Constantly checking cell phone for messages (text or voice)

• High pitch/low raspy voice depending on mood

• Sliding the tip of one's index fingernail up and down along the side of the thumb beside it

• Playing with their glasses (spectacles) either pushing them up their nose or taking them off and twirling then by one of the arms.

Creating Settings in Novels

2011-10-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

There are a million places to visit and yet we get stuck on settings when writing. Well, at least some of us do.

For those of you who need help with setting, I hope this blog post sparks an idea.

First of all, I'd like to give a shout-out to Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. THANK YOU for creating the Bookshelf Muse. I use it every day and I'm sure those of you who know about it do too. I can't live without it!

A setting thesaurus along with many other useful thesauruses are listed on their home page for your convenience. Don't miss out!

After reading Donald Maass's writing books, one thing that sticks in my head is: Do NOT set a scene in the kitchen.

It's very easy to have your characters eating around the table, sipping coffee, and not moving the scene forward. Which is a great reminder.

Keep the scene active.

Always.

It's also important to make readers feel they are there. Don't forget to show how character's respond to their surroundings.

What does she hear?
Smell?
See?
Taste?
Feel?

Sensory details can make a scene come to life.

Over the years, I've compiled a list of potential settings. It's a short one so please feel free to leave a comment and add to the list.

Aquarium
Golf course
Farmers market
Subway/Train
Plane
Fair/Carnival
Local park or a National Park
School/college
Museum
Movies
Zoo
Cemetery
Beach
Pool
River
Art theatre
Store
Restaurant
Bowling/pool
Doctors office
Amusement park (Disneyland/Funworks)
Skiing/snowboarding
Bakery
Clubs
Concert
Roadside Diner
Barn
Carriages
Ballroom
Gardens
Terraces
Coffee shop
Cruise ship
Mall
Bus
A firefighter/police ride along

And we musn't forget about Google Earth. Lots of great info.

Last but not least, here are a few great articles that are very useful:

Brandilyn Collins on Description and Setting

How to Master settings in novels

Seekerville touches base on the importance of setting HERE

Creative settings pictures that cold possiblly spark ideas

How about you, how do you come up with settings? Any other places come to mind to add to the list?

Tips For Brainstorming

2011-09-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am applying revisions, taking two classes (which BTW are awesome! How to Hook Readers and Wheel Them In by Lynnette Labelle
--Microsoft Word for Writers by Catherine Chant ) and trying to balance every day life.

I have also recently brainstormed for my next YA project. As I am doing this, I remember how awful I am at brainstorming alone.

So I rely on my awesome cps for help.

THANK YOU GUYS!!

Whoever said writing was easy was either in denial or simply didn't put in the effort that is required.

Writing is work. Lots of work.

But loads of fun. Don't get me wrong.

So back to brainstorming. I think I can consider brainstorming (alone) is my least favorite thing to do. HOWEVER, brainstorming with buddies is a whole different story.

So my question to you is: What's your favorite part about writing and why?

And: What's your least favorite and how do you overcome it?

In the meantime here are some links to brainstorming tips.

Blake Snyder: Tips for Brainstorming — or Why I Don’t Believe in Writer’s Block

Techniques to Help You Create New Fiction Story Ideas

5 Brainstorming Tips to Banish Writer’s Block

5 Brainstorming Tips for Manuscripts

How To Be a Better Person

2011-09-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Take time out of your busy schedule to lend a helping hand. Sometimes little help goes a long way.

Actions are louder than words—If a person reaches out to you, send a quick "thank you" just to let them know you appreciate the gesture. It's true, time escapes us fairly quickly, but it only takes a second to type in two words.

Be there—Make time for family and friends. It's hard to read between the lines and sometimes silence can be a cry for help. If someone nudges you, send a quick hello back.

Listen—It's common courtesy to be a good listener, even if you disagree. Give them your full attention. Besides, isn't it nice when someone takes the time to listen to what you have to say?

The Golden Rule—Treat others as you would like to be treated. If everyone in the world went by this rule, there would be less anger and violence and lots more peace and love.

Seek the good in the bad—the faster you rid negative thoughts, the sooner you'll attract positive interactions. It's true what they say, Misery loves company.

Be polite and respectful—watch your words carefully, especially on the Internet. Just 'cause you've hit the Delete button doesn't necessarily mean it has vanished forever.

Your words, one day will be your legacy. Wouldn't you like to be remembered as a kind and thoughtful person?

Life is too short. No regrets!

What about you? What are some special qualities you admire from others?

Interview with NY bestselling author Jessica Brody

2011-08-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to introduce my next guest star: JESSICA BRODY. Welcome Jess!

Let's get started *rubs hands together in excitement*

What is the first thing you did when planning to write My Life Undecided?

The first thing I do with every book is “beat it out.” That sounds kind of violent, but I promise you it’s not. I use a special storytelling structure technique from a writing book called SAVE THE CAT. The structure is called the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet (Blake is the author of the book and a master storyteller!) “Beating it out” simply means sitting down to figure out what the 15 essential beats (or plot points) of the story will be. It’s very similar to an outline.

LOVE STC!! I think it was you who introduced it to Alyson Noel and her to me. So thankful you did! I refuse to write another book without it.

How did the idea for My Life Undecided come about?

This book was definitely one of those “aha!” moments that I hear writers talk about. My husband and I were watching TV, an ad for a reality show came on and I said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if there was a reality show where you could vote on what the characters did. As in, “who they went out with?” or “Whether or not they forgave their backstabbing best friend.”

Like American Idol meets The Hills. We both agreed although it would be cool, it wouldn’t be practical from a production standpoint since they shoot those reality shows months before they air. I was not deterred though. I said, “Fine, I’ll write it as a book,” and then marched up the stairs and in ten short minutes, wrote a page-long synopsis for what would become MY LIFE UNDECIDED and sent it to my editor. She wrote back right away saying that she loved it and the book was born!

How long did it take you to write it?

The first draft only took about three months to write, which is pretty normal for me. Then my editor gave me some notes for a second draft which took a few weeks to implement. Then there’s about 2-3 months of really intense editing where the editor goes line by line and marks up your book with red pen. It always makes me feel like I’m back in elementary school!

Any writing tips? Writing rituals that helped you get going?

Yes! I always have to write in the same place, drinking the same coffee and eating the same pastry. Something about the repetition gets me in to writing mode. I actually did a whole blog post about it “How To Trick Your Brain into Writing”. You can read it here: http://jessicabrody.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-trick-your-brain-into-writing.html

How long was your road to publication? And how did you deal with rejection?

The road was very long. And it was paved with rejection letters. At least a hundred. It took me five years to sell my first book. Actually my “first” book was never published. It’s still sitting on the proverbial shelf! I tried for three years to get an agent for that book and eventually started a new book. Then two years after that, I finally landed my first agent and she sold my book in only 10 days! So I like to say my “overnight success” story took five years.

Where can we learn more about you?

Well, you have lots of options! Visit my website: www.jessicabrody.com or follow me on Twitter @jessicabrody. I also have a Facebook fan page that I update all the time: www.facebook.com/jessicabrodyfans

Thanks for such a fun interview! Fabulous questions!

No. No THANK YOU, Jessica! Awesome answers.
Okay guys, if you haven't already gotten to know Jessica, please check out her site. Awesome, awesome person and lots of talent.

You Know You're a Writer When...

2011-08-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thought we could have some fun today. It's Friday!

Okay, so I'll go first...

You Know You're a Writer When/if_____________

when your charcters in your head won't stop yapping.

when your pen runs out of ink--every day.

you can't stop ordering $25 worth of books from Amazon.
(25$=free shipping. Whoo hoo!)

the bookstore manager knows you by your first name.

you're in the middle of a shower and you have to get out to jot down an idea before you forget.

you hear a unique name and have the need to scribble it down.

the letters on your PC are worn off.

non-writers look at you weird.

Now it's your turn:

You Know You're a Writer When/if_____________

Have a great weekend everyone!
BTW sometime next week NY bestselling YA author Jessica Brody will be a guest star on my blog. Stay tuned!

Movies Based on Writers

2011-08-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Any movie enthusiasts in the house?

Ever since I read Blake Snyder's Save the Cat, I have never looked at a movie the same way again. For those of you who are not familiar with Save the Cat and Blake Snyder, Blake was an amazing writing mentor in the film industry, for both novelists and screen writers.

He died unexpectedly on August 4th, 2009 but I can tell you one thing. His spirit definitely lives on. Such a genuine and beautiful soul. You can learn more about him and STC HERE and HERE

So today let's talk a little bit about movies. What do screenwriters and novelists have in common? Anybody know?

Yep. You got it. Screenwriters and novelists have one thing in common. They both strive to share an incredible story. That and most of their letters on their keyboard are worn off.

Anyways, I've recently rented a flick named LIMITLESS. Catchy title huh? It's about a writer who discovers a secret drug that allows him to have extraordinary powers. He's able to write a complete novel in a matter of days and that's just the beginning.

I'm a nut for movies based on writers. My absolute favorite is FINDING FORRESTER. If you're a writer, you HAVE to watch it. It's very inspiring and one of my favorite all-time quotes is by Forrester himself (paraphrasing here) when he brings an underprivileged kid under his wing:

You're first draft you must think with your heart. You're second draft, think with your head.

Meaning, spill your words first, then edit and revise. Words from the wise. Excellent film!

Don't you just love a great movie?

For your entertaining pleasure I've compiled a few trailers especially for you. Previews of movies that feature writers. So go and pop some popcorn, grab a box of Sugar Babies or Junior Mints (I vote for Gummy Bears), crank up the volume, and sit back and enjoy.

Question: How about you? Any favorite movies? Any based on writers?

FINDING FORRESTER
Find your Passion. Find your courage.

LIMITLESS

THE PROPOSAL

MISERY

1408

Guest star: Literary agent/author

2011-08-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

LUCIENNE DIVER

Welcome! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule! Let's get started.

Before becoming a literary agent and an author, what line of work did you do?

Before becoming a literary agent eighteen years ago, I was a literary assistant at Spectrum Literary Agency, where I started my career. Before that I was a college student majoring in English/writing and anthropology with enough credits to minor in drama (though they told me that was too much to put on one degree).

In college, I did various things, including edit the Collegiate Anthropologist (the student anthropology magazine), tutor students, proctor tests, and assist a blind economics professor.

Bad Blood is now available in digital format. Hooray! Congrats! (Readers stay tuned. It will also be available in paperback 2012). And super congrats on all the rave reviews. What inspired your protagonist Tori Karacis and her journey?

Thanks so much!

It’s funny, Tori started out a lot grittier than she is now. Originally, her nickname was “the Nose,” probably because for a year or two in school before I grew into mine, that was my nickname. Something in me wanted to make this a positive for Tori, almost a super power, a legendary sense of smell. But Tori, like most of my protagonists, has a mind of her own, and it turns out that rather than a super sniffer, she’s got the ability to stop men in their tracks…literally. It’s a little side effect of a bloodline that traces back to a drunken liaison between the god Pan and one of the gorgons.

Where do you prefer to write?

By the pool, on the dock, anywhere near water and sunshine.

You've got a pretty hectic life. So it seems. What's your secret to balancing?

Once you give up on the idea of sanity, anything’s possible . Seriously, though, I have a running schedule in my head (symptom of a Type A personality). I wake up around 5:30 or 6:00 to write every day during the week and start at about 8:00 a.m. on weekends. I need to write a minimum of two pages every single day to stay on track. Usually, this isn’t a problem.

Often, if I’ve missed a day due to travel or illness, I can make up my page count on the weekends. On the weekdays, after writing for an hour or so, I’ll often go back to sleep for a bit, then wake up, have copious amounts of caffeine, and ‘lo, my agent brain has perked right up.

During business hours, while I might answer the occasional query from my editor or agent, I’m completely focused on my clients and on their work. Yes, I have an agent who isn’t me to handle the business end of my writing. I think it’s important in negotiations to be at a bit of a remove. As an author, I know myself, and I’d be much quicker to sign on the dotted line before a publishing house comes to its senses than as an agent where I can look at things dispassionately and fight more strongly for anything that needs to be fought for.

In the evenings, I type in what I wrote that morning and spend a few hours every night reading client and query submissions. It doesn’t leave much time for a life, but I’ve never had much use for downtime anyway.

Any favorite writing advice or writing rituals you've found helpful?

The writing advice I’ve found most helpful is essentially the same advice kids are given for studying: if you do it at the same time and in the same place every day, your brain will become accustomed to settling into the grove when you sit down to work. A regular writing schedule has been invaluable to me.

Last, but not least, where can we learn more about you and your work?

Thanks so much for asking! I’ve got a website here: http://www.luciennediver.com/. My blog is at: http://luciennediverauthor.wordpress.com/. (Moved over from http://varkat.livejournal.com.) Also, for DragonCon, I have a page that’s kind of a one-stop shopping site for my works that will be linked to from a QR code in ads, and that’s here:
http://luciennediver.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/welcome/

Fangtastic (A sequel to Vamped) will be available in paperback January 8th, 2012. Keep your eyes out.

Again, thanks! I’m very excited about Fangtastic. I’m currently writing the fourth book in the Vamped series, Fang-tabulous, so be on the look out for yet another new adventure some time in 2013!

It was so great to have you, Lucienne! Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. Best of luck on all your projects.

Buy Bad Blood on Amazon HERE

QR code for the DragonCon webpage

About BAD BLOOD

Tori Karacis is a little more than your average private eye. Among other things, her family line may or may not trace back to a drunken liaison between the god Pan and one of the immortal gorgons. It may be just coincidence that her glance can literally stop men in their tracks, or that her family sports enough irregularities to keep the Rialto Bros. Circus in business. Then again, maybe not.

Tori’s debilitating fear of heights has kept her out of the family acrobatic troupe, but her extreme nosiness fits right in with her Uncle Christos’ private investigation business, where she was apprenticing when he disappeared on an Odyssean journey to find himself. Muddling through on her own, she’s reduced to hunting (not stalking, as that would just be weird), brass-bra’d Hollywood agent Circe Holland in order to deliver her a message…only to witness her murder by something that looks like the creature from the black lagoon.

Suddenly, all of her family’s tall tales seem a bit more believable, especially when Apollo—the Apollo out of myth and legend, though now hiding out among humans as a star of stage and screen—appears in her office, looking to hire her. She knows the stories and that tangling with gods never works out well for their human lovers, but she’s drawn to Apollo in a way she can’t resist, even given her feelings for one very hot and hardened cop.

How To Hook 'Em

2011-07-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

So what's the secret? How do you get readers to care?

You know the feeling. It's 1 a.m. and you're curled up in bed and can't turn the pages fast enough. Or maybe it's twenty minutes until your hair appointment and the heroine is about to find out the answer you've been waiting for. So you decide to cancel your appointment. (Please DO NOT do this to your stylist—unless of course it's my book you're readingJ.)

Here are some things to think about when creating your hook:

· Pique curiosity. Raise questions. Make them turn the pages to find out the why. I don't know about you but when questions are raised I find myself leaning in, wanting to read more. I have to know the answer. Before I know it, I'm a quarter into the book. Pique curiosity but don't forget to deliver.

Curiosity plays a big part and so does suspense. Not knowing what will happen next will keep your readers wanting to know more. Think back to all your favorite books and analyze them. Write down why you feel they hooked you. You'll be surprised at what you can learn.

· Rework that opening line until it sparkles. The world of wonder is a wonderful thing. Make them question your opening sentence. Here's a good example from Becca Fitzgerald's Hush Hush:

I walked into biology and my jaw fell open.

Now doesn't that make you wonder why her jaw fell open? There are a ton of great first liners. Feel free to share them in the comments section.

· Give your character a unique voice and a unique name (but don't go overboard) and don't forget the flaws. Readers can relate to characters who have flaws. We all have them.

· The inciting incident must be present. Did you catch that? Let's say that again:You MUST include an inciting incident. What's an inciting incident? It's the moment something happens. Something that makes your MC (main character) react. It's what gets the story going. The goal. A good goal makes for a good hook.

· Nothing worthwhile comes easy. Make it tough for your characters. Really tough. Go ahead be cruel. Make them suffer. I give you permission. And don't forget urgency and stress are always a great combo. Keep raising the stakes. Which leads me to…

· How high are the risks? Now, I'm not talking about a little threat. The stakes must be vital. It has to be something worthwhile. Something that forces your character into wanting (or not wanting it) so bad he'd/she'd do anything to either get it or get rid of it.

If it's not that important to the character then why should we care? After all, we are going through their journey in their POV.

· White space makes for a faster paced read. Eyes travel down the page faster. Don't be afraid to add white space in there. Editors and readers love white space. So once you hook 'em, it's easier for them to stay hooked when the author makes for an easy read.

· Always prompt your story forward. What's happening now? Backstory is b-o-r-i-n-g in large amounts. Sprinkle it in. Only a dab will do. Large info dumps will put your readers to sleep. Unless it's a How to Beat Insomnia self-help book, then you definitely do not want to invite a siesta.

Think about all those wonderful stories that grabbed you by the throat and didn't let go. I'd bet most of them were written in a way that showed the story in the "now."

· Give them a secret. Why not? Everyone has a secret or two. Besides, it'll pique curiosity and have readers wondering what he/she is hiding.

· Rewrite a cliché. Be creative with metaphors but don't get too happy. I am learning that creative clichés and original metaphors really hook me. I don't know what it is about reading artistic similes, but they keep me wanting more.

As I'm reading, it makes me wonder what else will the writer come up with. A good example is: Leanna Ellis's Forsaken (Coming to print this August 2011).

· Be sure to NOT introduce too many characters at one time. This can distract your reader rather than hooking them. Think of it this way.

If you are in a room full of a dozen people, it will be harder for you to get to know every single person at the same time. We want to create empathy for the main character. It's hard to do that if you introduce too many people at one time.

· Ending lines. Always end at a place where the reader will wonder what will happen next. Again. Raise questions and pique curiosity. Add a tense situation/conflict/suspense. Don't you just love cliffhangers? Sure you do. It's what keeps you turning the pages.

Does the last line of chapter one hook you? If not, why not? Reshape it so the reader will want to know more. Think about news commercials and/or movie trailers. They always seem to know how to hook you. Why is that?

Because they make you wonder what will happen next. They are withholding valuable information hoping you tune in to find out. If you already know, then there is no suspense. Why even bother to read on?

What are some books that hooked you and wheeled you in and why?

BTW In Sept I'll be taking Lynnette Labelle's Hook, Line, and Sinker class. If you care to join me check it out HERE

Five Quick Tips on Creating Characters

2011-07-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a fantastic 4th of July!

Let's talk characters. Here are some fun and quick tips on how to create believable personalities.

1) Let your characters' personalities shine. Don't hold back. Use dialogue to reveal who they really are.

2) GMC—No not General Motors Company. In fiction GMC stands for: Goal-Motivation-Conflict. Make sure you make these clear. This is VERY important.

Goal-A passion he/she wants or wants to avoid.

Motivation-the sole reason why his/her goal is important to him/her.

Conflict-What's standing in the way of his/her goal?

3) If you have the opportunity to show another character connecting with your protagonist, go for it. Empathy creates emotion and if readers see that others care about your lead character, then they will too.

4) Don't be afraid to show your characters' flaws. We all have them. Readers can relate with emotions and flaws.

5) Choose a unique, yet not complicated name. You've heard it all before. To avoid confusion, don't name two characters with the same letter (yes, I admit, I'm guilty of this).

Same goes for names that rhyme. You don't want a Mary and a Fairy. Okay, bad example, but you get the idea J

6) Last, but not least, have fun. Get to know your characters as you would a friend. Interview them. Get under their skin. Add unique (or familiar) quirks and mannerisms.

Favorite mottos can help distinguish when the character is speaking without having to look at a speaker tag. Maybe he or she likes to call her friends: lovie. Be creative, but don't add it to every line.
Great reminder from D'Ann: Careful not to overdo it.

What tips have you found helpful when creating characters?

Villains and Protagonists--We Love To Hate Them

2011-06-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting aspects of literature are its villains and antagonists. Today Nike Chillemi is here with me to discuss this very intriguing topic. Now on to the discussion…

Mart: I've got this fascinating villain, let's call him The Opposer. He's tall, slender with a really annoying habit of looking smug and satisfied with himself. But that's not important. The important part is that he's in my main character's way. And she needs to get away from him.

A lot of his motives/personality traits resulted from his childhood past. His father abused and neglected him as a kid and his peers ridiculed him. He became a guy who had no conscience to speak out until his father died.

Nike: That makes me think of my antagonist, Milo MacTavish, the richest man in the tiny fictitious village of Sanctuary Point on the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY. Milo's father and grandfather had a magnificent sailboat they painted completely black and they ran whiskey in it during prohibition. If they turned its lights off at night the Coast Guard couldn't see them.

Naturally that was a very dangerous thing to do that put themselves and their crew at risk. But those two old salts felt they could do anything they wanted. Milo picked up this trait. He thinks he's entitled to whatever he desires and he feels he is an unstoppable force.

Does the Opposer feel he should be able to take whatever he wants? Would he crush anyone who got in his way and lose no sleep whatsoever?

Mart: Milo and the Opposer sound a lot alike! Yes, the Opposer will crush anyone who gets in his way. With the help of his loyal minions, he is more likely to get what he wants—and trampling on others is no problem. But not if my MC can help it. She's more stubborn than a herd of mules.

Nike: I'm glad you mentioned your heroine. I really enjoyed writing my heroine. She's youthful, was sheltered by loving parents who doted on her, but they brought her up to think for herself. She's got a real independent streak that sometimes gets her in trouble.

The novel is set on the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY at the close of WWII (1946). My heroine loves to go around her tiny village in a very new thing in fashion…lady's pants. And she's stirred up some gossip about herself.

What is your heroine like? What was her family life like? Has she done anything that caused a stir?

Mart: Nike, your heroine has quite the personality. My heroine is a very strong-willed individual. Growing up she was the center of all attention but not in a way she would have liked. She was different than the rest of her peers. Some might say odd. Others considered her mysterious. The Opposer imprisoned her shortly after her fifth birthday so she didn't have much of a family life. And yep, she has done plenty to cause a stir.

Well that wraps up our discussion of villains and antagonists and the impact they have upon our main characters. If anyone wants more information about Nike's debut novel Burning Hearts, go to the links provided below.

Don't forget to stop by next week. I'll be posting some tips on creating believable characters.

How about you? What's your protagonist and villain like?

Also Nike's latest release is now available!

BURNING HEARTS can be purchased here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

You can also learn more about her HERE

Speed Reading

2011-06-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

The other day, my fabulous cp (Daryl Ouellette) shared with me how she once read a nine-hundred page book in college in one day. 900 pages—in ONE DAY! *Bowing down*

Wouldn't that be nice?

That would be like reading three books/manuscripts a day! Amazing.

So I decided to do a little research on how to gain some speed to my reading because after all, the faster I read, the faster I can get things done and, well, time is a precious gift we all could use more of. Wouldn't you say?

Here are a few quick tips:

1. Use your finger or the tip of a pen to guide your eyes as you read. A book mark will work too. This allows you to scan more than one word at a time. You perceive it as a whole sentence rather than word by word. Thus, allowing for a more faster read.

2. Do not read aloud. Did you catch that? I repeat: Do NOT read aloud. Okay, let me make this clear. I am talking about reading fiction works for enjoyment—not our own work to spot problem areas. It is very much recommended to read work aloud when editing our own work. But for other reading pleasures, allow your eyes to do the work.

Every time you whisper or move your lips as you read, it slows you down. Make it a habit to shush yourself when reading. The person next to you at the library may appreciate the gesture. *wink wink*

3. Distractions/interruptions can slower your pace. Sorry, no Facebook or Twitter. Not now anyway. Not if you want to speed read. Find a nice, cozy quiet area and immerse yourself in somebody else's world. You'll be surprised how time flies when you're submerged in drama.

Below are a few videos I hope you find helpful. It was extremely interesting to learn when reading on the computer, if the background is black and the letters are white, it is easier to read faster. You'll see what I mean if you watch the short flick.

I'll have to warn you though. It does make your eyes go a little on the weird side. I probably wouldn't recommend long passages.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Excuse me for a moment while I get back to reading :)

How about you? Are you a fast reader? What tips have you found that has helped you up the pace?

How to add email notifications

2011-04-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Blogspot has added an awesome feature. In case you haven't noticed, you can now sign up to read my blog via email. (See upper right hand corner.)

Want to know how to add it to your blog? Below are simple instructions.

Click on DESIGN

Click on ADD a GADGET (for sidebar)

FOLLOW ME BY EMAIL

Bucket List

2011-04-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

How many of you have already made a bucket list? You know things to do before you kick the bucket.

For those of you who've already seen the movie Bucket List, you know exactly what I'm talking about. For those of you who haven't, go out and rent it. It's an unforgettable heart-warming story.

Over the years I have compiled a list mentally, but I thought it was time to jot it all down and see what I've missed.

I can't always depend on my memory and besides it's always fun to compare notes. Right? So here it goes in no particular order:

 I would love to learn how to sing—but that's definitely not going to happen. Reaching for my red pen and crossing that one off.

 Songwriting would be an absolute blast. I've always wanted to write songs. If I can't sing them, might as well write them. Which leads me to...

 Dee-jaying. Call me crazy but ever since high school I always wanted to be a dee-jay. Who knows maybe I'll be spinning beats as an 80 year old. {G}

 Learn how to paint. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Claude Monet, Rembrandt—need I say more?

 Discover how to play an electric guitar. How hard can it be? Okay, so it's not that easy, but I find it intriguing to be able to create music by a stroke of a string. I've always wanted to rock out in a band. Remember the movie High School Rock? Yeah, like that!

 Go up in a hot-air balloon? Maybe. I'd have to REALLY check out who is conducting it first. But I would love to see what the world looks like from way high and since I am too chicken to go sky diving, it's the next best thing. (I know someone who isn't chicken though! Come check out my good buddyToni Kelly's sky diving experience HERE)

 Graphic/Web design. There's just something compelling about designing Web sites and creating incredible images. Fun, fun, fun!

 I absolutely would LOVE to visit Italy. But then again who wouldn't? Ah, to climb the Tower of Pisa. To float down the Grand Canal in a gondola on a moonlit night.

To savor a slice of pizza in Naples. Maybe even ride a bicycle through Tuscany. And let's not forget about the Vatican. Must see Michelangelo's breathtaking work at the Sistine Chapel. Ciao!

Cake decorating. I have always been eager to learn how to decorate cakes. Maybe one day...

 Last but not least, I would love to write material for comedians, but then again that may mean career suicide for the comedian. But hey, you never know.

P.S. And before you ask where my good deeds list is, don't worry I have one of those as well. It's not all fun and games. ☺
Oh, and of course hitting the NY bestselling list would be nice, wouldn't it D'Ann?

So what about you? What's on your bucket list?

A special treat for you!!!!

2011-04-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

I've got a really special treat for you all! By accident I came across a link that Donald has up on Writer's Digest. It's an amazing PDF. Extremely useful. It gives you a taste of what the book is all about. But most importantly, it will help you become that breakout novelist you always dreamed to be.

To learn more, click HERE I just posted a review on his latest writing book. The Breakout Novelist: Craft and Strategies for Career Fiction Writers

Awesome stuff!

~NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE~

2011-02-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

How many times have you seen the word impossible?

Lots, right?

And how many times have you noticed the word actually consists of two words with meaning?

Probably never.

Leave up to the beautiful Audrey Hepburn to spell it out:

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'M POSSIBLE." ~ Audrey Hepburn

The next time you feel something is impossible, try changing your perspective. Analyze all angles.

Need more encouragement?

This video ought to do it. I have to admit, watching it made me teary eyed and I am certain it will touch you in a very special way too. But most importantly it will inspire you. It truly shows that NOTHING is impossible—absolutely NADA.

There simply are no words for this incredible person. Life without limbs and yet nothing is impossible for Nick Vujicic. Here's a short clip of inspiration beyond words:

Q: What are YOUR thoughts?

To visit Nick Vujicic's website
For more encouraging quotes click HERE

Everything is possible for him who believes." Hebrews 11:1

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

Katy Perry's Firework

2011-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Katy Perry's new song FIREWORK will not, cannot get out of my head. It's one of those catchy tunes that just linger in your memory. You know the ones. You hear it once and then the beat swarms its way deep, deep down and you can't get it out of your mind.

Why do I think it hooked me?

First off, it has such an energetic beat that it literally makes me wanna "ignite the light and let it shine." (This is part of the lyrics. Please do not get it confused with anything else.)

Secondly, have you listened to the lyrics? WOW! Talk about deep. I don't care what profession you are in or striving for or what's going on in your life. Everyone can find meaning in this song. Everyone.

Apparently, I am not the only one who is inspired. YA author Elana Johnson wrote up an awesome post about FIREWORK here. What We Can Learn From Katy Perry

The next time you feel like "wasted space" or itching to give up, turn up the volume and REALLY listen to this song. YOU ARE A FIREWORK. No doubt. (See below for lyrics and official video.)

To all my writer buddies trying to get their foot in the door, this song's for you! This is your year to shine. Let the show begin. "'Cause baby you're a firework, come on show 'em what you're worth…"

To all my writer buddies already in the hallway…keep 'em coming! Keep shining.

As for me, I'm gonna do my best to shoot across the sky. Care to join me?

To Katy Perry—you rock! Thanks for such an amazing song.

Q: How about you? Are you hooked too?

Save the Cat! Part 2

2011-01-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!
Welcome to Save the Cat! blog post #2.

So did you all come up with a killer title for your ms? *crowd yells yes with enthusiasm* Good, that's what I like to hear.

If you've already read the book then you know that it includes eight chapters of non-stop answers to successful story building. If you haven't read it yet, here are some fun things you'll learn

• Save the Cat

• The Pope in the Pool

• Laying Pipe

They mean nothing to you now but once you read it you'll understand how clever you can become when creating your next storyline.

Let's talk about building the perfect beast as Blake likes to put it. "The Board" is one of the most important tools for a screenwriter. Corkboards, chalkboards, if you see one in a writers' home you'll now understand why it's there. It's becoming more and more popular for novelists as well.

Let's face it writers are writers whether it be a novelist or screenwriter. We all strive for one thing: to tell a compelling story.

* I would like to note that even if you decide you don't want to use a corkboard as Blake suggests, you'll still benefit from reading the book, but if you are as serious as I am on learning Blake's technique I would recommend the following:

• A big corkboard

• Index cards

• Box of push pins

These tools will allow you to break down your story step by step. It's really very helpful. Here is a picture of my very first corkboard I put together last year. As you can see there was plenty room toward the ending.

Young Adult Author Elana Johnson shares hers here along with some more talk about STC.

Don't let the beast frighten you. Play with it and see how structure can help you plan a story. Like I said I am a SOTP (Seat of the Pants) writer and I found it to be very helpful. All you have to do is start out with four columns: Act One-- 2 columns of Act Two--Act Three.

Once you get the book, you'll understand how easy it is to set this up. And like I said before if you decide not to structure your story, he provides invaluable information.

Still a little unsure about Blake's beat sheet and how to use it? I find examples come in handy.

Here is one on a student of his blogging about how he used Nora Robert's Born in Fire to illustrate his 15 Beats of story structure. You can find the post here: Story Structure from Blake Snyder

If that isn't enough, NY bestselling author Jessica Brody breaks down her book The Karma Club HERE

Seekerville also wrote up a tribute to Blake along with a great example of his 15 beats broken down.

But if you're like me and would like to hear it straight from the source, here is a great article where Blake talks about his 15 Point Beat Sheet.

Hope this is helpful to some of you. I have the next two books in the series ordered and am anxious to read them! In Blake's twenty year career as a screenwriter and producer, he has sold dozens of scripts, including co-writing Blank Check, which became a hit for Disney, and Nuclear Family for Steven Spielberg — both million-dollar sales. That's gotta say something!

How about you? Have you read the whole series? Do you have a corkboard up? Have you applied Blake's techniques?

Thank you so much for stopping by! Appreciate it.

If you missed Part 1 to this series you can find it HERE

In Loving Memory

Blake Snyder

1957-2010

SAVE THE CAT! Part 1

2011-01-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have to say that this blog post is loooooong overdue! I read Blake Snyder's Save the Cat! (book #1) last year and I can't believe I hadn't heard about it years ago.

SAVE THE CAT! is one of my top picks for recommended books for writers. I have to give a huge shout out to Alyson Noël. Thank you Alyson for introducing me to Save the Cat!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Seriously I can't thank you enough!! It's no wonder you dedicated one of your books to Blake. He truly is amazing.

I cannot emphasis how fabulous Save the Cat! is. I don't want to sound like an annoying parakeet but it's really THAT good. So what makes it so dang good?

Good question. What make a book a great read?

Let's see, there's the hook—the pacing—characters you can relate to—originality—and most importantly a voice you can't turn away from.

I think what makes Save the Cat! so fabulous is that Blake has a likable voice and when reading it, it doesn't feel like you're studying. You're actually absorbing and understanding what Blake has to say.

In his final interview (it saddens me deeply that he is no longer here) he talks about how and why structure is important. He points out that you are misleading yourself if you are shying away from structure because it’s formulaic or hampers your creativity.

I've always been a SOTP (Seat of the Pants) writer but after reading this book I found that not only did it spark ideas, but it gave me structure and guidance. As a SOTP writer, I like having the option of being able to change things around spontaneously and even though Blake shows you how to structure your story it really doesn't have to be set in stone.

So what is the first thing Blake suggests to do?

He stresses on the importance of creating a one to two sentence logline for your story. It must have irony and an adjective. And although Blake's beat sheet (The BS2) is well structured, I still feel I have the opportunity to change things around but yet it guides me just like a business plan does.

Next, you must think up a title for your story. Not just any title but a killer title that resonates. One that yells, "Hey, look at me!" Try it out on friends and strangers. Feel their reactions.

Did their eyes light up with excitement?

Did the title do its job?

Did they want to know more?

Are they hooked?

Make note of their reactions. If it didn't excite them as you hoped, maybe it's time to think up a few more titles.

Blake shares a ton more—but I'll shut up now so you can hear it all from the master himself. (Reading Save the Cat! is well worth it!)

So why the cat you say? Why not save the earth or save the giraffe? Well, I'm not one to give up spoilers so you'll have to read the book to find out. However, I can confidently say one thing though, you'll be thanking me later and you'll be glad that you've been introduced to Blake and his fabulous how-to guide.

Are you now anxious in finding out what Save the Cat! Is all about? You should be! With so much to cover, I've decided to break up the post into two parts. Tomorrow we'll talk about the Perfect Beast aka The Board. For now I will leave you with some great links you can learn from.

So your homework for today is to come up with a killer title and a killer hook. BTW in case you haven’t noticed Save the Cat! Is the first book in a three book series. I am anxious to read the other two and I can't wait to blog about them.

How about you? Have you read Save the Cat!? Have you heard about it? Please let me know if you are a STC fan and would be interested in future blog posts regarding STC.

NY best-selling author Jessica Brody raves about Save the Cat! After I heard about it from Alyson, I found that Jess loved it just as much and I was sold!

Author Vicky Dreiling shares an awesome post (mentioning Save the cat!) HERE Pitch Begins With Premise.

To Blake Snyder—such an inspiration to all writers.

You will be greatly missed! R.I.P

Blake Snyder

1957-2010

To view Save the Cat part 2 click HERE

2010 Reads

2010-12-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

I've read a total of 44 books this year ~{2010}~

It seems as though I have been been gaining several books per year. Maybe I'm picking up the pace. Perhaps I've discovered some awesome books and go through them faster. Whatever the case, I definitely had the opportunity to read some pretty well-written and intriguing stories.

All the books I've read are also listed on my Goodreads profile. Drop by and come connect with me on GOODREADS.

My buddies Charli and Robin have also a list of books read for 2010 as well. Come check them out.

Now let's take a look at my 2010 list of books. I'll start first with the writing books and then finish off with memoirs and fiction. In no particular order:

SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder
STORY by Robert McKee
THE FIRE IN FICTION by Donald Masss
DYNAMIC CHARACTERS by Nancy Kress
PUTTING PASSION INTO PRINT by Arielle Eckstut & David Sterry
THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE by Pamela Jaye Smith
WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK by Donald Maass
GETTING INTO CHARACTER by Brandilyn Collins
WRITING AND SELLING THE YOUNG ADULT NOVEL by KL Going
GREAT BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS by Regina Brooks
BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott

Fiction Books

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell
THE KARMA CLUB by Jessica Brody
FARRADAY ROAD by Ace Collins
SWOPE'S RIDGE by Ace Collins
PRESUMED GUILTY by James Scott Bell
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Leanna Ellis
TRY DYING by James Scott Bell
DEADLY EXPOSURE by Cara Putman
TRIAL BY FIRE by Cara Putman
WINGS by Aprilynne Pike
THICKER THAN BLOOD by C.J. Darlington
THE DARK DIVINE by Bree Despain
DARK FLAME by Alyson Noel
GLASS HOUSES by Rachel Caine
HUSH HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick
SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater
SPELLS by Aprilynne Pike
CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins
KISSES FROM HELL by Krsitin Cast, Richelle Mead, Kelley Armstrong, Alyson Noel, Francesca Lia Block
REVAMPED by Lucienne Diver
RADIANCE by Alyson Noel
NIGHT STAR by Alyson Noel
MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins
FANGS FOR THE MAMARIES Edited by Esther Friesner featuring Lucienne Diver
FORMULA FOR DANGER by Camy Tang
CRESCENDO by Becca Fitzpatrick
CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare
THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER by Stephenie Meyer
THE JNL FITNESS DIET by Jennifer Nicole Lee
JEN & THE FROSTED FRIENDS by Kerry Sparks

MEMOIRS:

THIN PLACES: A memoir by Mary E. DeMuth
ME, MYSELF & BOB by Phil Visher
BLUE LIKE PLAY DOUGH by Tricia Goyer
A MILLION MILES IN A THOUSAND YEARS by Donald Miller
Currently reading: KIDNAP & RANSOM by Michelle Gagnon

So tell me, which ones of these have you read? What did you think about them?
You can also find some reviews on my review blog HERE
Feel free to add to the list. HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the very best this holiday season.

May you be blessed with much health and great wealth. Here's to a happy new year!!

Adding Character to your Characters

2010-12-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

First of all I'd like to apologize for not posting as much lately. Revisions have taken a big chunk of my time. Hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! Been REALLY eager to post about writing—so here we go….

Shaping originality and charm into your characters can be a lot of work but it can also be a ton of fun. What makes your characters unique? Exciting? Appealing? Do they lack charisma? Beauty? Goals?

Maybe your characters end up becoming the opposite: Grumpy, unkempt, and hideous.

Think about the special people in your life or perhaps those who fill the entertainment business. In which ways have they succeeded or failed? What makes them who they are? What personality traits set them apart from everybody else?

Give your characters a unique habit. Maybe add a quirky word or two in their dialogue. Make them stand out. You should be able to read a passage of dialogue and know who is speaking without having to read any speaker tags.

Present them with more than one flaw/trait. This will give them some character and it will open the door to creating a three-dimensional personality.

Remember, let's stay away from clichés. If you heard it once before, then that's a cliché. Strain your brain and work your creativity. This is your chance to let your originality shine through. Yes, it takes some effort on your part, but in the end it will be well worth the labor.

And don’t forget to show don't tell. If he/she is the stubborn type. Don't say it— show it through his or her actions. Actions speak louder than words (excuse the cliché ☺).

Below are some awesome links that will help breathe some life into your characters.

Enjoy and happy writing!

PDF Creating Three Dimensional Characters By Susan Williams Beckhorn

MUST bookmark this page.
A fabulous list on How to Describe a Fascinating Character by Jacqui Murray

Creating Characters

3D Characters

Three Dimensional Characters

How Do I Make My Villain 3 Dimensional? by Joanna Penn

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Just wanted to drop a note letting you all know how much I appreciate you.

Here's wishing you a happy day to you and your family.

Thank you so much for following my blog!

So much to give thanks for, what are you thankful for?

Writing Links

2010-10-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

How many of you attended the Muse Conference this year?
What an awesome turnout! For those of you who've never heard about it, it's an awesome FREE writers' conference that the fabulous Lea Schizas puts on every year in October. Did I mention it's free?

A HUGE thank you/shout out to, Lea. Once gain. Click HERE to learn more about the Muse Conference.

Anyhow, it's time to share some great writing links below:)

Here is a link to Earl Staggs' Writing Tight Archives, some great tips on how to write tight. By the way, Earl critted my first page of my WIP at the conference, and he is fabulous!
Jo Linsdell shares Tweeting your way to success. It is available HERE to download free of charge.

If you need some proposal help, here are some excellent tips:

Terry Whalin

Chip MacGregor

Literary agent/writer, Lucienne Diver writes a great article here:
Things Every Author Should Know about Promotion

Last but not least, any NaNo writers out there? Here's one just for you: A Little Help for NaNoWrMo Writers

HAPPY WRITING!!!

Contest giveaway~ Revamped

2010-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Lucienne Diver is having a fun contest you don't want to miss:

Launch party & iPod giveaway for Revamped is live!

Click HERE for details.

Come join us.

Interview with Lucienne Diver

2010-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

A BIG welcome to literary agent and author, Lucienne Diver!

It is such an honor to have you here today. Let's get started, there's so much we want to know about you.

Revamped is a quirky and engaging read! Where did the story idea come from?
Thanks so much! Actually, originally Gina’s second story was going to go in a completely different direction. Then, once I got the plot on track, I decided that every third chapter was going to be from Bobby’s point of view. (Gina was actually going to give him some facetime…now that’s love!) But both turned out to be false starts.

One of my authors once said that she writes twice as much on each novel as is ever published, and I think that’s true for me as well. I throw out as much as I keep…sometimes more. Just like life, fiction doesn’t come with a road map. Oh, okay, some writers use these funky things called outlines, but I can’t seem to work like that. My stories are very character-driven, and characters, like people, are unpredictable. I always have a general idea where I’m going, but if I find that any specifics more than three or four chapters ahead are irrelevant by the time I get there.

Any obstacles during the writing process?

Noise! Coming from New York City, where the walls are fairly thick to tune out the neighbors, I was totally unprepared for what I swear are paper thin walls in Florida. I love my son and my puppy, but neither are exactly quiet, and it often isn’t cool enough here for me to go write on the dock, which is one of my favorite spots to sit.

The need to beat my household and my inner editor/critic awake are what prompt me to rise between 5:30 and 6 a.m. (depending on how late I was up the night before) to write.

What aspect of writing has been the most difficult for you?

Endings. I have a very bad habit of racing to the finish line once it’s in sight. Because of that, my endings generally suck the first time through and take several revisions or complete rewrites before they’re ready for prime time.

What is the first thing you like to do when planning a new project?

If it’s part of an on-going series, I usually have two or three completely divergent ideas about what I want to do. I sort of let both percolate and research in the various directions until one solidifies in my head and says, “This is it!”

How long did it take you to write Revamped?

Six months all told.

Any bites yet on movie rights?

I wish! There’s so much vampire material out there already that Hollywood’s pretty much said, “Enough!” It would be wonderful, though, if someone out there would fall for my characters the way I have. I mean, what would be cooler than a fanged Cher (Clueless) or Elle Woods (Legally Blond)?

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t give up your dreams! I started writing when I was eleven. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I started selling. Some people are clearly quicker on the uptake, but the point is that writing, like any art, takes talent but then also refinement. Men and women aren’t born knowing how to work metal or fire glass or any other old thing. They might be self-taught or instructed, but either way there will be failed efforts, learning experiences, marked improvements and lots and lots of practice before success.

Any advice for writers seeking representation?

I won’t sugar-coat it, there’s a lot of competition out there. The days, if they ever existed, when agents or editors had time to nurture diamonds in the rough are long gone, which is why I always emphasize honing your craft. Once you’ve done that, it’s a good idea to do your research to find the right, reputable agents for your work. Whatever you write, there will be a writers organization that can help you, like:

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA)

The Mystery Writers of America (MWA)

Romance Writers of America (RWA)

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

And many others. These groups will likely have a list of agents they’ve vetted, who’ve made legitimate sales within the fields. Two other great reference sites are Preditors & Editors and SFWA’s Writer Beware site. Both give alerts and information for what to watch out for. For who’s selling what to whom or for interviews with publishing professionals, there are Publishers Marketplace (full subscription will cost) and Media Bistro (which won’t). The latter is comprised of many blogs; signing up will get you a daily summary of links and headlines.

How do you balance the time between agenting and writing?

I spent a lot of time on seesaws as a child, practicing for later life. Oh, seriously? Writing is a compulsion and agenting is a calling. I couldn’t give up either one. To stay sane, I only wear one hat at a time (see Author hat here). I write in the mornings before I’ve offered my agent-self enough caffeine to make an appearance. Then I have an agent who is not me to handle my work during business hours and to keep submissions et al at enough of a remove that I won’t obsess and can focus on my clients’ careers.

Where can we learn more about you?

Thanks for asking! Here’s my link soup:

To sign up for my newsletter: http://www.luciennediver.com/newsletter.html

Author blog: http://varkat.livejournal.com/

Character blog: http://ginasgems.livejournal.com/

Website: http://www.luciennediver.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LucienneDiver

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lucienne.diver

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kitdaniels/

Whew! I’m tired just looking at all these links. Wouldn’t swear I’m interesting enough to maintain them all!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule. You rock!! And so does Gina! Any film agents out there reading this? Pleeeease, Gina would make for an awesome movie star!! She really would.

My pleasure. Thanks for having me here and for rocking so hard yourself!

The power of Pitch

2010-09-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Since the Online Muse Conference is coming up, I thought it would be appropriate to do a post on pitching. If you haven't already enrolled for the conference click HERE for more info.

It's an awesome conference put together by the fabulous Lea Schizas. You don't want to miss it!! I can't wait!

Okay, so why must the word PITCH send shivers down our spine? One word.

Rejection.

One ugly, simple word.

So how do you vanish that nervous pang from your gut?

The more you know, the more you'll feel comfortable at pitching. And of course the more you prepare yourself, the more confident you're going to become.

I am not going to lie to you. Those butterflies will still be there. But there's nothing to fear as long as you know you tried your best.

Below are some links to help guide you through pitching. I know, I know, my cps call me the Queen of Links. What can I say? There's a lot of great info out there. I have to share what I find useful. :)

Literary agent, Rachelle Gardner reveals Secrets of a Great pitch HERE

Tips on coming up with a one-sentence hook can be found HERE

As always Camy Tang shares invaluable information on how to get the job done.

Literary agent, Nathan Bransford also shares some awesome tips on one-sentence hooks HERE

Attending a conference soon?

Check out Chuck Sambuchino's blog. Excellent tips on how to pitch at a conference.

Happy pitching and good luck!

Remember, take a deep breath in and give 'em all you got.

Which Tag to Use

2010-07-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten about you guys--not at all! I've just been buried in revisions and a long list of other things. Story of a writer's life:)

Charli Mac...this one's for you:)

Instead of using dialogue tags, how about showing readers what is happening instead?

Let's try to replace some dialogue tags with action tags.

For instance rather than telling the reader "she barked" how about using a visual instead?

Aka action tag. i.e Her nostrils flared and her eyebrows drew together. OR she threw the glass at the door.

Show some character.

And please, PLEASE try to avoid using adverbs in dialogue tags. Often times you will just be repeating exactly what you showed in between the quotes.

Again instead of saying "angrily" how about showing what that person looked like. One of my absolute fave sites that I use EVERY day is THE BOOKSHELF MUSE. Angela does a superb job at listing endless ways of how to show readers what emotion and visuals can do.

Also, here is an excellent post on How to Avoid Creative Dialogue Tag Syndrome

Another awesome post I recommend reading is at Writing world:

The Use and Abuse of Dialogue Tags

And last, but not least HERE is a AWESOME site on everything about writing. Hundreds of useful articles sure to help every writer through their journey.

(Shout out to my wonderful cp, Mika Temple for urging me to share the link with you on my blog.)

Usually, when writing dialogue tags, the best and easiest words to use is "said." It may sound boring, but they say eyes skim these words allowing readers to flow with the story and not stalling.

How about you, any tips that has helped you with writing tags?

Happy writing everyone!!

Interview with bestselling author Jessica Brody!

2010-06-19T10:32:00.001-07:00

WELCOME
Jessica Brody!!

Thanks so much for allowing me to interview you, Jessica! Let's get started...

The Karma Club is a funny and engaging read! I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Where did the story idea come from?

This was definitely one of those ideas that just “came” to me. A friend of mine had told me some horrendous story about how a boy dumped her (I don’t even remember the story, I just remember it was infuriating!) and the entire time she was talking, I kept thinking, “Someone needs to do that right back to him. He can’t just get away with that. He needs a taste of Karma!” And then boom, the idea came to me. A secret society of girls who help each other out, dosing out Karma to those who deserve it when the universe is slow to do it on its own. And thus THE KARMA CLUB was born. Of course, as soon as the idea came to me, I also knew that my characters would never be able to get away with it. Karma is a tricky thing. And you definitely don’t want to meddle with the universe!

Is The Karma Club part of a series? (Please say yes!)

LOL. Not as of yet. But I wouldn’t rule it out. I do have an idea on how to turn it into a series but we’ll have to wait and see how the first book does. Plus, I have so many other cool ideas I want to write too so I’ll have to prioritize!

Any obstacles during the writing process?

Aren’t there always!? For this particular book I remember how challenging it was to actually come up with good revenge schemes for the girls. When I first started writing, I thought that’d be the best (and most fun!) part, but it was actually the hardest. Let’s just say the revenge schemes changed a lot throughout the course of writing this book.

What aspect of writing has been the most difficult for you?

Act 2! Or the dreaded “middle.” Act 1 is my favorite. It’s the set-up. Everything is fresh, the character is new and fun and novel. You get to lay the groundwork for the story, build suspense, layer in complex plot points that will be resolved later. And then comes the Act 2. The heart of the story. Also known as “my nemesis.” The character is now totally grating my nerves, everything I set up in Act 1 absolutely sucks, I have no idea why I’m even a writer to begin with, I have the vocabulary of a five year old, all the “complex plot points” I thought I was setting up now actually have to be dealt with (yikes!) and I become nearly impossible to live with (my husband will second that.) And yet, somehow, incredibly, magically (as if little elves snuck in my house in the middle of the night and fixed everything that was wrong with my story), I finally arrive at act 3, the conclusion and then I’m like, “That wasn’t so bad. I don’t know why I was so freaked out!”

And then I start the next book and the cycle begins all over again!

What is the first thing you like to do when planning a new project?

I love coming up with opening sentences for my books. It’s my favorite thing to do with a new concept. Sitting down and brainstorming what the absolute PERFECT opening line for this book would be. I think opening lines in books are so important and I always appreciate a good one when I read it. I like to try and tie mine into the theme or title of the book somehow. For example, in The Karma Club the opening line is, “I can tell you right now, it’s all Karma’s fault.” I like how it kind of sets the tone for the book right off the bat.

You mentioned for every book you start, you use Blake's book Save the Cat. (BTW this is an awesome book, LOVE it! One of my faves.) Did you find it pretty easy/difficult to structure The Karma Club?

Isn’t STC the best??? Structuring books is always easy for me. Sticking to that structure is the hard part. And Karma Club was no exception!

How long did it take you to write The Karma Club?

The Karma Club, as with all of my YA novels, was pretty quick for me. I think I wrote the first draft in about three and a half months. My agent had a few edits before we submitted and then once we sold it I spent about 2-3 weeks revising per my editor’s suggestions and that was that! It always feels so much longer when you’re writing it, though, doesn’t it?

Rejection is usually a big part of a writer's journey. Did you face several rejections before selling your first book?

ABSOLUTELY! About four years’ worth! And technically I didn’t even sell my “first” book, I sold my second one! My first book, which shall remain nameless, was like my trial run. I started writing it about seven years ago and tried to sell it for two years and it never sold. Although I was fortunate enough to get tons of constructive criticism and feedback from my rejection letters. And most of them said, “too much voice, not enough story” so when I got an idea for another book, The Fidelity Files, I made sure there was TONS of story packed in there to avoid getting the same letters.

I wish the story ended there, but unfortunately, my life has never been that easy. I spent two more years writing and rewriting that book, trying to incorporate critiques and feedback from all the new rejection letters I was racking up, until I finally found an agent who wanted to sign me. Once I got the manuscript in the right place, my agent sold it pretty quickly. But it definitely didn’t happen overnight!

Your book trailer is so awesome! Rumor has it you were in the movie industry. Could you share a little bit about your background?

Thanks so much! I’m so glad you liked it! I was in the movie industry. I worked for MGM Studios for three years but I was on the business side of it. I was more of a numbers gal. I ran analyses and complicated spreadsheets to determine which movies the studio should acquire and how much they should pay for them. It was a really cool job that I enjoyed tremendously but my heart was always in writing so I left to pursue that. I still use my spreadsheet skills from time to time. For instance, I outline all my novels in Excel and use it to compute my daily word count quotas! Most writers think I’m crazy!

It's a given that The Karma Club will be a movie one day. It has to be! Any bites yet?

I’d love to see it as a film! We’ve had a few bites, some more promising than others. My agent is handling all that as we speak! Fingers crossed!

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Regardless if you’re a bestselling author with twenty books under your belt or you’re just starting out, writing is a craft that needs to be constantly honed. Try to write every day. Even if the stuff that’s coming out reads like a third grade book report. Sometimes you have to get the crap out in order to get to the good stuff. And sometimes, writing just to write is the only way to get a book done. Even if it means having to go back later and delete it all!
Where can we learn more about you?

Everything you want to know (and maybe even some things you don’t) can be found on my website: www.jessicabrody.com

I appreciate you giving us the opportunity to get to know you better!! Thanks so much, Jessica for taking time out of your busy schedule. You rock!! And so does The Karma Club!

Thank YOU! I’m so glad you liked the book! And thanks for the fun interview!

Ways to Enjoy the Ride

2010-06-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Writing can be a roller coaster ride. One day it's praise, the next day it's criticism.

Sort of like a new mother. Let me give you a scenario.

An exhausted mother gives birth to a new baby (a manuscript) and the people around her (cps/readers/friends with eagle eyes) gives her feedback. Some will take the time out and think carefully about how to put the whirlwind of thoughts into kind words.

And some, instead of praising the beauty of her newborn, are more than ready to point out all the flaws— crooked mouth, odd head shape, webbed toes etc. without carefully thinking about how the words flow out.

Sure, it's gonna hurt. A lot.
No doubt about it.

I have to say, I've been pretty fortunate. I have some really AWESOME cps and they have all been there to lend a helping hand.

But rejection, no matter how minor it is can still hurt. So how do you cope through it and get back on the thrill of the ride?

Here are some tips:

· Take a breather.
First of all, after the tears dry out, look at the person's comments with an open heart. Chances are that all you needed to do is take a day or so away and come back, analyzing it with fresh eyes. You'll be surprised on how much your ms can be improved just by taking a breather.

· You're in good company.
EVERY writer experiences this at one time or another. And every writer will ALWAYS have to go through it. The trick is learning how to deal with it and never giving up. Just remember, it happens to EVERYONE.

· Get more than one opinion.
But don't make yourself go crazy with too much feedback! Three at the most, should help you decide what needs to be done.

· Is it an opinion or fact that this person is pointing out?

Make certain the comments are craft worthy and not just a mere opinion. Ask specific details. Don't be scared to ask their feedback on how to fix what they assume is broken.

· Let it sink in.
Don't rush to take every suggestion to heart. Think about it. Carefully. Make a list of things that can solve the inconsistencies or problems. Make a list of pros and cons. And don't forget to ask a few other trusted friends for their opinions.

· Remember, it's your baby and none else's.
You are the creator. Follow your heart. If it doesn't feel right, it may not be. You know your story more than anyone else. And please don't forget to take a breather! Even roller coaster enthusiasts have to take breathers.

Happy writing, and remember, the sting of criticism only lasts a short while. Trust me!!

How do YOU deal with the bumps in writing?

Interview with award winning author C.J. Darlington!

2010-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome C.J! Thanks for taking the time out to chat with us.

Thicker than Blood is a unique imaginative story about sisterhood, betrayal, and addiction. It was a fascinating read! I couldn’t put it down. Where did the story idea come from?

When I first started writing Thicker than Blood, I wanted to write about two sisters who hadn’t seen each other for 15 years. They would be leading different lives---one of them would be a believer, the other would be a troubled soul in need of forgiveness.

Over the years the plot developed, and bit by bit I added things like the rare bookstore setting, and Christy’s abusive ex-boyfriend. It was a novel that grew and developed over a long period.

I hear it took fifteen years to complete. Wow, what a book! Any obstacles during the writing process? Publication process?

The biggest obstacle was not growing discouraged. I had to determine that no matter how long it took, I wouldn’t give up. But even so, after multiple rejections I almost did. I was just weeks away from putting the book in a drawer and beginning the process of submitting my second book to publishers. Thankfully, the Lord didn’t let me do that. He prompted me to enter the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest which allowed the book to be published by Tyndale House.

I also heard your mom titled it. Great title! How supportive has your family been in your writing career?

Yep! Mom came up with that great title. I like it too. J My family is the biggest reason why I didn’t give up. I don’t think they would’ve let me. I really don’t know how writers who don’t have supportive families do it. I couldn’t without mine. They’re my first readers, first editors, cheerleaders, and the ones who’ll say things like, “So… shouldn’t you be writing?”

Is Thicker than Blood part of a series?

Yes! My second novel Bound by Guilt (coming in 2011 from Tyndale House) is a sequel to Thicker in that some of the main characters from Thicker (Christy, Hunter, etc.) become minor characters in Bound. But there are plenty of new characters, too. Rare books play a big part, and so does the town of Elk Valley. There are definitely similarities and they have the same flavor, but the themes are different.

I am currently in the midst of a third book (uncontracted so far) which has ties to both books.

Can you fill us in on the award you won? Also who was the first person you shared the news with?

Every year the Christian Writers Guild (owned by Jerry B. Jenkins) runs a contest called Operation First Novel in which unpublished writers can submit their complete novels. It’s an awesome opportunity. The winner receives a cash prize and publication by Tyndale House. Thicker than Blood won in 2008.

Mom was with me when they announced the winner from the stage at the Guild’s annual Writing for the Soul conference. I attended, knowing only that I was one of four finalists, so it was a huge surprise to me! Moments after I stepped off the stage Mom and I ducked into a hallway and called my Dad and sister who were waiting by the phone to find out if I’d won. We were all in shock!

Would you mind sharing THE CALL with us? You know, that special call every aspiring writer dreams about.

Well, my experience was a little different from some. I essentially got “the call” from that writing conference stage when Jerry Jenkins announced Thicker than Blood as the winner of Operation First Novel. We actually got it on video, and I really don’t think it fully hit me what happened until later that night in my hotel room! Another amazingly cool aspect of the contest was that I got to see a poster of the book cover that very night. Usually you don’t see your book cover until months into the publication process.

Did you ever experience any self-doubts? If so, how do you overcome them?

Here’s what I’m learning---every writer experiences self-doubts. It’s almost as if it comes with the territory. What enables us to write well, feeling deeply, also makes us prone to beating ourselves ragged with self-doubts. Recognizing this is the first step to overcoming the problem. We have to learn how to turn off that internal editor until we get the words out. I won’t say this is easy, but it’s essential if we’re to stay healthy emotionally as writers.

I have had many times when I’ve been discouraged and doubted my calling as a writer. Sometimes it takes a friend, family member, or fellow writer who’s on the outside to help us through these funks. They have a perspective we don’t. I’ve asked for advice from author friends more than once!

What aspect of writing was the most difficult for you?

Persistence. I wrote this novel over a period of years, and I had to learn to be patient with myself and with the market. Even when I received rejections I had to remember perseverance and dedication would eventually pay off. And they did!

Craft-wise, dialogue and action scenes have always been difficult. But the more I write the less difficult they become.

Any favorite resources for finding story ideas?

Story ideas come from everywhere for me. Sometimes a snippet of a news story, or a “what if” thought while out walking in my back yard.

Which marketing tool have you found the most helpful?

Social networking is hugely helpful if you can manage it wisely. I still struggle with balancing the time spent versus the return. But it’s really about building relationships any way you can.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Finish your novel. That’s a big hurdle right there. Then, and this is huge---write your second book. I can’t tell you how thankful I am that I had a second novel nearly complete when I got my first contract. I didn’t have to stress about coming up with a new idea while trying to market my first book.

Second, don’t give up! It can take time. It took me fifteen years. You might not have to wait that long, but if you’re prepared to, anything less will be a bonus.

Where can we learn more about you?

My website probably has more than you need to know about me: http://www.cjdarlington.com/

Wishing you much success and many blessings, C.J.!
Thanks for taking time out for us!!

Verbs and Dialogue

2010-05-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for that write word?

Deanna Carlyle has an awesome page on her site: 1000 Verbs to Write By

I set this baby in my tool bar. It comes in handy!

Thank you, Deanna!

Or are you having difficulties on writing Dialogue? Or simply want to understand it better.

Punctuation, tags, and varying the structure of dialogue can get confusing. Especially if you are new at the game.

Click HERE for a VERY helpful 13 page PDF. It gets the confusion on dialogue set straight. I wish I had this years ago when I first started writing!

HAPPY WRITING!!!!

THE BOOKSHELF MUSE/THESAURUS

2010-04-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ever struggle to find the right word or perhaps the right imagery for a certain setting?

Or maybe you can't think of the right description. Sensory plays an important role. Sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound are all ways to breathe life into characters and setting.

Descriptive word choices sometimes don't come easy. I stumbled across a site I would like to share with you. I guarantee it can help.

Angela Ackerman is a writer of Chapter Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books and she has an AWESOME blog that includes a gold mine.

THE BOOKSHELF MUSE is filled with extraordinary info. It has an emotional thesaurus, setting description, a color, texture, and a shape thesaurus— even a symbolism thesaurus!

I HIGHLY recommend this site.

Links to the thesaurus are to the right of the page. Don't forget to bookmark it.

Thank you, Angela for sharing!

Interview with Leanna Ellis

2010-03-17T11:22:00.001-07:00

Welcome LEANNA ELLIS!!

Your newest release: Once in a Blue Moon is a unique story about a stubborn journalist who risks everything to uncover the secret behind her mother's death. I really enjoyed reading it!

Thanks so much, Martha! I’m delighted you enjoyed the story!

Where did the inspiration to write Once in a Blue Moon come from?

I was reading about an obituary writer and thought, “What if…” which is where a lot of my stories come from. About the same time, I was also thinking about those events in our history where you say, “Where were you when…” The two ideas merged and developed from there.

How long did it take you to write it.? Any obstacles during the writing process?

Once in a Blue Moon was written over about nine months, but the idea had been in my head much longer. The biggest obstacle to writing this story was that the three months before I turned the book in my father was in and out of the hospital and was starting to go downhill in his cancer battle.

There were about three weeks when I spent about five hours in the car every day taking the kids to school, then driving to the hospital, picking up the kids, driving home, then back to the hospital, then home again. Long, long days. If you’ve ever sat in a hospital room, then you know it’s never quiet and it’s very difficult to get work done.

But God helped me finish that book and turn it in a week early. Right after that, my father went in the hospital for the last time so I was able to spend that last week with him and the rest of my family.

What steps do you take when beginning a new book?

new book?

In a way, I’m a bit like Bryn (my main character in Once in a Blue Moon) as I often jump into the story without knowing too much. But I like discovering things about my characters and letting the story take me where it’s supposed to go. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts more with that. But I also have a lot of experience at this stage of my career since I’ve been writing since 1991.

How supportive has your family been in your writing career? How did they react to the long hours of writing?

I have an incredibly supportive family. My husband is the best! My husband and I met way back in 1994 when I was still an unpublished author and was spending many, many hours a day writing. So he knew from the beginning what to expect.

Would you mind sharing THE CALL with us? You know, that special call every aspiring writers dreams about.

The Call came for me way back in the spring of 1995. I was sitting at my desk where I was a receptionist for a company and an editor called to tell me she wanted to buy my book, Strong, Silent Cowboy. I was of course thrilled and shed a few tears. Then my husband, well, he was my fiancé then, took me to dinner that night.

Any favorite resources for finding story ideas?

I can’t think of any one place I go to for story ideas. They tend to be all around us and my brain just latches onto something and won’t let go. I don’t usually write ideas down. If they’re good they stick around. If they’re not so good, then I forget about them after a while. Ideas sit in my brain usually for a long time before I have time to work on them.

Writers often experience self-doubts regarding their own work. Do you still experience this? If so, how do you overcome it?

Oh, sure. I think writers are often insecure. I give a chapter to my critique buddy and I am nervous to find out if she liked it or not. Then when I turn it into my agent and editor, I chew my nails until I’ve heard if they like it. Then I worry and sweat my way through line edits. I hold my breath while waiting for those first reviews. And then I really am eager to hear what my readers think. I treasure every letter and email and Facebook post. Truly, what readers think is so valuable and important!

What aspect of writing was the most difficult for you? How did you conquer it?

All of writing is difficult at one time or another. I might overcome one aspect but then struggle with a different one. Then for the next book, my struggles might switch. Every book is so different. I don’t usually struggle with writer’s block but I did after my dad passed away. I was under deadline and really needed to get writing after a month or so. But some days I’d only write, “chapter five.” That was it. And I would feel myself start to panic over it but I would just breathe deep and pray. I just needed to give myself time to find the words. And they eventually came.

Could you share any successful marketing ideas that you found helpful

The thing with marketing is that you never really know what works or what doesn’t. Mix that with you have to figure out what you’re comfortable doing too. One author might feel comfortable meeting all the booksellers in their area. But another author might rather dig ditches than do that. How you feel about a marketing gimmick will impact its success.Best advice you ever gotten.Sit down and write. That’s what it takes. Day in and out. You have to put your bottom in the chair and write. No huge platform will get those words on paper for you. On good days and bad, you just simply have to write.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Oops, thought that’s what the last question was, so I guess the answer applies to both questions. No excuses, just write.

Where can we learn more about you?

Lately, I’ve been on a lot of blogs but my home-sweet-home is http://www.leannaellis.com/. I have a blog there at www.leannaellis.com/news/.

I’m also on Facebook where I most often post, especially on my fan page.

Thank you, Leanna for taking the time to be interviewed. I enjoyed getting to know you better. As always, looking forward to reading more of your work!

Thank you, Martha! It was fun! I so appreciate you taking the time to read Once in a Blue Moon and review it. I hope it will bless your readers too.

Back up your work/Keyboard Glossary

2010-03-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Emily A. Akin shows us some great tips on how to back up your work HERE.

If I might add, it's always a great idea to have a trusted friend or relative make a folder for your work--If you can find such a kind person.

Email him/her your updated material that way you have no worries whether a fire or burglary crosses your path you always know your precious friend has a copy of your prized possessions.

As you email a copy and pasted version of your work, add your friend's name to the TO: line.
This will allow you to send it to both yourself and a trusted friend.

Also a keyboard symbols glossary can be a helpful reference tool.

Here is a link

More Writing Tips

2010-03-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

What can I say, Camy Tang has some great info. That is why you may see lots of links on my blog directing you to her site. On this post she shares a great step by step reminder on how to set up your manuscript.

Visit her site HERE

Rachelle Gardner writes an excellent post on how to title your book.

Learn more about it HERE

Personal dos and don'ts

Ten Rules For Writing Fiction

What's a voice journal? How can you create one?
James Scott Bell teaches you 7 awesome Responses to The writer’s toolkit: A voice journal for character development.

HAPPY WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!!