Friday Fun Facts: A Royal Wedding!

OK, who got up early today to watch the royal wedding? And who remembers getting up early to watch Diana marry Charles, all those years ago?

There's something so captivating about a wedding in the first place, two people pledging love and loyalty to each other, all nerves and emotion. Then add in a true fairytale story of a "commoner" who meets and marries her prince, and I think even the hardest hearts might have a tough time not tuning in.

I'm watching as I'm writing, and it's about 15 minutes before start-time. Can't wait to see Kate's dress, the ceremony, the guests, the pomp and circumstance of it all. Romance lives on!

Writers' Wednesday: Know the "Rules" of your Genre and your Readers

A few months ago, I was revising Entwined and trying to work through a major plot point: the fact that my hero initially has a girlfriend and baby but leaves them when he goes to do research a few states away. The relationship is a strained and unhappy one, but it's still a relationship. While away from home, he falls for the heroine. I wanted some feedback on how palatable this hero would be to readers, so I posted my dilemma on a writers' forum I frequent.

The response was interesting, to say the least, and still draws comments every few days. Far and away, most people said they'd be turned off by such a guy. Romance readers don't want a hero who cheats. Beyond that, the traditional romance genre doesn't allow for a hero to be a cheater; the story would be unpublishable. Of course, I don't write traditional romance for a traditional publisher, but it's still something to keep in mind.

Others said that if it was more along the lines of women's fiction, they'd be more open to characters who don't follow the typical/predictable mold. They still wanted a clear break between the hero and his girlfriend, though. Quite a few said that because so many women have been cheated on in real life, they wouldn't want to read about a guy who did it in a novel. There could be allowances for emotional growth, but the character would have to be well explained for readers to buy into his change of heart.

A few other commenters (definitely in the minority) said they wouldn't mind/judge a hero like that automatically because relationships ARE complicated, and because it isn't realistic to think that infidelity doesn't occur in matters of the heart.

Overall, it was interesting to see the range of responses, but it did reinforce an important notion: KNOW WHO YOU ARE WRITING FOR. Know the rules and expectations of your genre, know if you can break them or how far you can bend them, and keep your reader in mind.

Always good points to remember. Happy writing!

Monday Mentionables: The Books I Read on Vacation

Yes, yes, I know: I badly neglected my blog last week. But the sun and the 90 degrees were calling my name, so I'm sure you understand.

I did have a chance to catch up on my reading, and here's what I covered (for the most part, as you'll understand in a minute). And let me observe again how eclectic my reading tastes are, when it gets right down to it...

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - This one's a YA novel that's been stolen from my bookshelf at school not once but TWICE. I'd get angry except that I just can't, when it's kids stealing BOOKS to presumably READ. Anyway, I finally borrowed a friend's, and I was happily surprised that I really enjoyed it. The writing is strong and appealing, the characters are real, and the plotlines weave together well. In a nutshell, it's about a teen who spends a summer trying to deal with her father's death AND her mother's controlling nature AND her "perfect" boyfriend who wants to take a "break" AND her new job with a catering company working with people who are messy and not perfect and far from anything she's ever dealt with before. Beautifully written, really.

Much More Than Blood by Kate Hill - An erotic romance, I read this one for a review site I help out occasionally. It's a paranormal story about a female vampire who wants to turn a mortal into a vampire mate for herself. While I thought it had too much narrative and backstory, the characters themselves are strong and really likable. It's available from Ellora's Cave, if paranormal romance is your thing, and it's a novella, so it's a quick & easy read.

Velocity by Dean Koontz - A few of my students read this thriller and enjoyed it, so I thought I'd give it a try. And I do like a good murder mystery, but this one was too much for me to stomach. Killing is fine, but when the whole book is about murder after murder and how creative the killer can be (and when it's 9:00 at night), I couldn't find enough to keep me going with it. Put it down halfway through and have no intention of finishing it. Oh, well.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett - I know a lot of you have probably already read this one, as it's been getting a lot of buzz for a while now, but I finally got around to it - AND I LOVE IT! It's a terrific piece of fiction written by a debut Southern writer (OK, I admit to feeling more than a little jealous, but hey, good for her) about the black maids serving the white families in the South in the 1960s. The voices of all the characters are really what grabbed me, along with a setting I know very little about. It's captivating, really. I'm about halfway through and hate having to put it down.

So there you have it! Happy reading all, and if you have any other "must reads," let me know!

Monday Mentionables: Getting Away From It All

It's amazing how a change of scenery can recharge you, in so many different ways! We're vacationing this week in Florida, and let me just say that the sunshine and warmth are such a welcome change from the long, cold, wet winter and spring we've had in the northeast. I deliberately didn't bring any writing with me, just a few books I've been wanting to catch up on, though the ideas are already churning away. Think when I get back I'll work on a major revision of a novella I did over the winter. May also think about another "One Night" book (I have a few ideas for plotlines still in the works). Meanwhile, though, think I'll soak up some sun. Relaxation definitely lets the creative ideas flow...

Writers'; Wednesday: A One-Day Conference

Heads-up for anyone around the NYC area in late June: a one-day Women's Fiction Conference!

The RWA-WF Board is thrilled to announce that on Tuesday, June 28th, RWA-Womens Fiction Online Chapter will hold the First Annual RWA-Womens Fiction Day. Our line up begins at 1 pm with a two hour presentation by the fantastic Michael Hauge. Michael is considered a genius with story structure.

A highly sought after speaker he travels the globe educating both authors and screenplay writers on three act structure. Michael has created a unique presentation for RWA-WF. At 3:15 we will also host a panel of Womens Fiction Editors and Agents. This diverse and talented group of publishing professional will discuss Women's Fiction in the marketplace as well as answer questions with regards to this exciting genre in which we write. Confirmed members for this panel are Kristin Nelson or Nelson Literary Agency, Meg Ruley at Jane Rotrosen Agency, Andrea Cirillo at Jane Rotrosen Agency, and Shauna Summers Senior Editor at Random House.

Then at 4:15 we will have a panel of Authors dedicated to Womens Fiction. From Newbies to Veterans our pubbed authors will speak on Womens Fiction. They will answer questions about the genre as well as their personal experiences with writing. Our panel will include Megan Crane, Jane Porter, Barbara O'Neal, Therese Walsh, and Marilyn Brandt.

After our break for the RWA Literacy Signing we will reconvene at 8 pm for the RWA-WF annual meeting. Our guest speaker for the evening event will be internationally best-selling Juliet Marillier. We are thrilled that Ms Marillier will speak with our group while visiting the US. She is truly a remarkable writer. We will conclude the day with a cocktail reception.

The cost for this amazing day will be 55.00 for RWA-WF members and 80.00 for non-members.

Here's the link - check it out!

Monday's Mentionables: A Blog Post and a Finished Story!

Happy Monday!

If you didn't have a chance to stop by my guest blog over at The Long and the Short of It over the weekend, please do! I'm blogging about first lines and how important they are.

Finished my novella "Tequila Sunrise" over the weekend - 23K words. I really liked the way it turned out; my only concern is that it's tough to develop a whole story in a short word count and not feel as though it's either rushed or under-developed. Since I'm used to writing longer works, this was definitely a different challenge. My beta readers will let me know the verdict, I'm sure!

Just for kicks, the final lines of my story...enjoy :)

“Of course I’m sure.” Amy smoothed Lou’s hair and nudged her out the door. “We’re going to that show with the singing dolphins. Then the ice cream bar at ten. You’ve been attached to Trina all day. You don’t need to spend the night with her too.”

Long, dangly earrings brushed Lou’s neck. “But what if – ”

“Get out of here. Go meet your guy.”

Your guy. She wasn’t sure Toby was, not yet or maybe not forever, but she damn well was going to make the most of seeing him again. Almost without touching the ground, she made her way to The Grotto, one of two adult-only bars on the ship. Dim light made her squint and lose her bearings as soon as she walked in.

“Table?” the waitress asked.

“I’ll sit at the bar, thanks.” She found a stool at one end and studied the enormous aquarium of fish behind the bottles and glasses.

“What can I get you?” The bartender, a cute Spanish guy with an even cuter accent, tossed a cocktail napkin in front of her.

“Tequila sunrise.” The voice came from behind her, before she could speak. The arm slipped around her waist a moment later. “Hope that’s still what you drink.”

“Ah, yeah. That’s still my favorite.” She leaned into him, loving the solidness of his chest against her shoulder. I could spend forever right here.

“Good,” he said into her ear. His breath feathered the skin just below her lobe, and she shivered. All the way to her toes. “Because sunrises in general are still my favorite. And I have it on good authority that tomorrow's is supposed to be gorgeous."

She turned and cocked one brow. “Hope you have someone to watch it with, then.”

His lips touched her temple, then her cheek. Then her mouth. At his next words she fell all over again. “I hope so too.”

Friday Fun Facts: The First Meeting

End of the week - finally! Thought I'd share my "first meeting" of hero and heroine in my novella, Tequila Sunrise. I'm about 3/4 of the way through the first draft, and while I'm sure I'll change a zillion things, I still like the opening scenes, which take place on a singles' cruise. Here you go:

“Okay, where are they?” Lou spilled half her drink down her arm as an overweight man in a red flowered shirt elbowed his way to the buffet. “These super-hot guys I’m supposed to hook up with?”

“I’m still looking. Hang on.” Cassidy sipped her wine and narrowed her eyes. “Try the tiki bar. By the pool.”

“Already did. It’s a bunch of teenagers doing shots behind their parents’ backs.” She leaned against the railing and sighed. C’mon. One guy. One incredibly hot guy – okay, even mediumly hot would do – to take her mind off her life. That’s all she asked. It was a singles’ cruise, after all. Shouldn’t the place be crawling with eligible men?

Apparently not. Apparently a singles’ cruise that departed from Miami, Florida meant families who didn’t know how to entertain their teens, middle-aged men with comb-overs, and more than a few tourists in their thirties and forties trying their best to hide the tan lines around their left ring fingers and blend into the crowd.

“I’m starving.” Cassidy announced. “Want some appetizers? I saw a cutie circling with a tray a few minutes ago.”

“Go ahead.” Lou was half-afraid the crowd would swallow her up if she did move, and she’d end up somehow shimmied up and over the rail to the ocean below. Not a bad way to go, all things considered. At least that way Terrell wouldn’t be entitled to alimony. She sighed and turned around. The sun was making its way to the edge of the ocean, where blue met orange and seared together in a sexy black line that made her want to fly away, just go to the ends of the earth and never look back.

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Someone squeezed into the space to her right. A tanned elbow touched hers.

Lou turned. And bit her bottom lip. And tried to remember how to breathe. Well there you are.

Chocolate brown eyes caught and held hers. A smile, framed on one side by a deep dimple, sent something sinfully wonderful squiggling straight down to the pit of her stomach. Lower, actually, to a spot below her stomach that hadn’t felt anything at all in months.

“I’m Toby.” He reached for her hand, and for a long ten seconds, Lou promptly forgot her name. He held on as her mouth moved, trying to think of something to say to the muscled creature standing beside her. “Ah, hello? You okay?”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” She dropped his hand and shook her head to clear away the X-rated thoughts that had come out of nowhere. “Lou. Short for Louise.” She made the standard face that went along with her introduction. “Family name. Not crazy about it.”

“Louise. Lou.” He cocked his head and smiled again. “I like it. It’s unusual.”

She swallowed what was left of her drink. “One way to put it, I guess.”

He folded his arms on the railing and looked back out at the sun, a fraction closer to the water. “Beautiful night. Love sunsets.”

She nodded before it occurred to her that he wasn’t facing her and couldn’t see her stupid, silent response. “Yes.”

“I prefer sunrises, but this’ll do too.”

“You must be a pretty early riser.”

He turned again as the crowd pushed them closer together. Now she could smell his cologne, just a touch, under the coconut sunscreen everyone around her wore. Spicy. Masculine. One hundred percent driving her crazy.

“I work in construction. Jobs usually start at dawn.”

Construction. So that explained the monster arms, the thick neck and shoulders, the creases at the corners of his eyes that deepened when he smiled at her. They met almost shoulder to shoulder, which put him at five-ten, at the most. For a crazy moment Lou wondered how they’d measure up not vertically but horizontally. Terrell, at six-four to her five-nine, had always towered above her. She’d grown used to the crook in her neck that came with looking up at him. But this – this vantage point put her mouth at a lovely angle with Toby’s. If he were to kiss her, that is. Which he probably wasn’t going to, because what guy in his right mind walked up to a woman he’d just met and reached for her lips?

Oh this one. Please let this one do just that.

Writers' Wednesday: Newsletter Coming Soon!

Just a quickie today, folks: if you aren't on my e-newsletter mailing list and would like to be, there's a sign-up link over on the right sidebar. I've been a little delinquent (whoops) but will be sending out a springtime one later this week, so make sure you're on the list to receive it! Also, just another reminder that Saturday, April 9th, my guest blog post will be up at The Long and the Short of It. Make sure to visit and comment for a chance to win a Nook or a Kindle!

Monday Mentionables: What Women (Don't) Want

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

In various conversations over the weekend, I discovered some interesting facts about women. Well, certain women anyway. I have a friend who's 40, owns her own business, has 3 beautiful children, a great marriage, is in shape, and used to model. We were talking about upoming vacations, and she said how she wished she had the courage to travel somewhere by herself.

?!

Now, I might *prefer* to have someone with me when I travel, especially when I fly, since I get nervous at takeoff and landing, but I would never think twice about going someone alone, if I really wanted to. Actually, 2 weeks ago I flew to Alabama to visit a girlfriend there. Alone.

Another day, a women at the gym complimented my hairstyle and said, "I would have loved the courage to cut my hair short, but...I don't know. Men always tell you they like it long."

?!?!

I had a hair appointment yesterday, and when I told my stylist, she said, "Oh, you wouldn't believe the things I hear from women, about how they won't/can't change their hairstyle, because their husband/boyfriend/family won't like it. I always say, well, what would YOU like?"

And it was all just very interesting for me because I was raised to be my own person and have my own thoughts and opinions and not be afraid to do or say things (thanks, Mom!). I mean, we all have fears. I just never realized that so many women (a) feared traveling alone and (b) feared making changes to their appearance because of a man's reaction. I was going to start this blog post by saying that it had nothing to do with writing...but life always does, doesn't it? Maybe I just found inspiration for a new character or two.......

Happy Monday!

Friday Fun Facts: Win a Nook or a Kindle!

Happy first day of April! Whether you have any "fools" planned for today, Mother Nature already played one on those of us in the northeast. We were predicted to be walloped by a storm, up to 1 foot snow by this morning! But in my corner of the woods, all we ended up with was a little dusting. My daffodils are awfully happy!

In other exciting news, The Long and the Short of It is holding a "Spring is Busting Out All Over!" giveaway - every day this month, you can comment on their guest blogs for a chance to win a Nook, a Kindle, OR a $150 gift certificate to Amazon or Barnes and Noble! And mark your calendars: my guest blog will appear Sunday, April 9th. Happy Spring!

Monday Mentionables: A New Story!

So I started a new story last week! I'm planning it to be a novella, aiming for about 18K - 20K words. I don't have anything published that length, but I know there's a market for it especially in the e-book venue, so I'm going to give it a try. It's a different sort of challenge, because you don't have the luxury of a full-length novel to develop your characters and your subplots. You have to get right to it!

However, I have to say that so far, I'm chugging right along and enjoying the process. I'm about 12K words in after this weekend (started mid-last week). Hero and heroine have met on a cruise ship, enjoyed a torrid affair (she's getting over a divorce, he was on a bachelor party - not his own haha), and are now back to the regular lives about 1000 miles away. I have a decent sense of where I'd like the story to go, plot-wise, and so far it's behaving itself pretty well! It's a contemporary romance, the genre I feel most comfortable writing in, with a sensual heat level.

I am coming to realize, from talking to writers, that what you market and deliver is what they will expect. My most recent release, Summer's Song, had a higher heat level than my earlier ones, and more than a couple readers commented on that. Not negatively per se, but they were surprised to see it there. So live and learn and write on!

Now back to my draft......tentatively titled "Tequila Sunrise."

Writers;' Wednesday: Some Reviews for You

OK, as I promised, reviews of the books I had a chance to read over the weekend, thanks to flights and long layovers:

I Know It's Over (C.K. Kelly Martin) - Fantastic YA about a teen pregnancy - told from the first person POV of the 16 year old boyfriend. It's beautifully written, heartbreaking in places, and a great, true look at teen romance from an unconventional standpoint. You rarely see the unexpected teen pregnancy told from this perspective. Highly recommended!

Colters' Woman (Maya Banks) - Menage romance (and 1st in the Colters' Legacy series) by a super-successful Samhain/NY author. I hadn't read anything by Maya and wanted to, so I'm glad I picked this one up. I'm going to admit that I found it a little hard to get into - young, blonde, beautiful virgin becomes the love partner to 3 brothers with little to no adjustment to her new lifestyle. Hmm. However, Maya's works are hugely popular, esp. this series, so if you're an erotic romance lover and haven't read any of the Colters' Legacy series, start here.

The Help (Kathryn Stockett) - OK, this isn't a review (yet) because I only read the 30-page free sample I downloaded to my Nook, but I do think I'll go ahead and buy the whole thing. The voice of the servant really hooked me from the opening pages, and I've heard a lot of good things about this historical fiction piece set in the 1960s south.

So there you have it. A pretty eclectic collection, I know, but I have pretty varied tastes. Happy reading!

Monday Mentionables: Some Good Reads

Hi everyone! I've been away for a few days, which means a little neglect of my blog...sorry. BUT I did have a chance to do some good reading on my recent flights, and I'll be back later on to share those with you. Until then, happy reading and writing!

Writers' Wednesday: A Word of Caution about Online Courtesy

I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but it bears repeating: be kind and civil in cyberspace. Please. As more and more of us socialize, do business, and conduct a lot of our lives online, the habits and the courtesies you do (and don't) extend to others will definitely follow your name and online presence.

Why am I talking about this? Recently, on a loop I belong to, one member repeatedly called out other members for not participating, not carrying their weight, etc. In a snarky tone. To me, this is simply uncalled for. People participate in online social networking in a variety of ways and to a variety of extents. What one member can contribute may not come close to what another can. Yet the negative attitude is uncalled for, regardless. There is no faster way to turn off people in your social group/work group/etc. than to convey a nasty tone online. And remember that because people can't see your face or hear your tone of voice, they can't tell if (or whether) you're being sarcastic.

Many (most) of you out there are Internet savvy when it comes to communicating with others, I know. And 95% of the social interaction I see is positive and wholly supportive, especially in my various author groups and loops. But every once in a while, temper or attitude creeps in, and then all too soon the conversation takes a turn for the worse.

Please, please, please don't be that person. Consider your words carefully before you post them online for all to see. It's too hard to take them back after you hit "Send."

Monday Mentionables: The Winner!

Congrats to Harlie Reader, who won last week's drawing to receive one of my ebooks. One Night in Memphis will be coming your way!

Happy Monday, everyone. Prayers to all those affected by the earthquake in Japan - such a terrible tragedy that always makes you realize how much we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and this planet.

Writing for the Ebook Market

In honor of Read an Ebook Week, it's worth mentioning again that ebooks and ereaders have made their way into the mainstream these last couple of years, which is great news for writers as well as for readers. The latest issue of Romance Writers Report, in fact, had a couple of great, informative articles on just that area.

"Put On Your Shorts" talks about how to write a novella and then how to choose a publisher for one. (Tips I found most helpful: simplify the premise; keep secondary characters to a minimum; consider giving the hero & heroine history, so they'll already know each other; write short chapters; tie every event to ONE main problem.)

"Deciding on a Digital Publisher" gives some great advice as well, about sorting through the myriad digital presses out there and choosing one that fits your needs, background, and genre.

Finally, I found the article "Is It Time to Hire a Virtual Assistant?" really interesting. I didn't even know what a virtual assistant was (someone who can help you with your organization/communication/social networking/etc) basically online, from anywhere. While they don't come cheap, it's something to think about if you're strapped for time and still trying to write and publish and market on a regular basis. The website of the International Virtual Assistants Association looks like a good place to start.

Happy writing! Remember that I'll be choosing (at random) one winner from this week's comments to receive his/her choice of one of my ebooks ~ I'll be announcing that on Monday!

E-Readers Abound!

So we have a new security guard at work. I teach in a satellite building, away from the main school campus, and we have a whole two floors and about 15 teachers. Quiet, to say the least. So Jim, the guard, spends most of his time...reading on his Kindle.

The secretary in the building, who loves all things technological (and gets a new cell phone about once a year) spends her down time/lunch break...reading on her Nook.

One of my fellow writers and beta readers recently gave me feedback on my latest novel draft...after reading the file on her Kindle.

Recently, I flew to Florida for a little sunshine and to visit my mom. Brought along 5 books to read...on my Nook.

And the local librarian, who has a regular column in the local paper, wrote a lengthy piece last week...about her Nook.

Yes, you guessed it: in honor of Read an Ebook Week, I'm mentioning e-readers and their growing popularity. I was in the waiting room of a spa last month and saw a young teen, maybe 14 years old, reading on a Kindle while she waited for her mother to come out. At least 3 of my students have an e-reader, and all of them have read at least one of my books on them. The younger generation, is easier to win over; they're used to reading things on screens. The older generation, most of them anyway, prefers their hands on paper (I do too, I'll admit it).

But there's no denying the fact that e-readers have found their way into the mainstream, and I don't think there's any looking back now. Question: do you own one? If so, how much do you use it/like it? If not, would you ever consider getting one?

(**Don't forget that you can also win your choice of my ebooks this week by leaving a comment on any blog, telling me which you'd like to have and why)

Monday Mentionables: Win an Ebook Week!

Hey everyone, it's Read an Ebook Week! That's right, there's an actual week devoted to ebooks - and in case you didn't realize it, the first ebook was actually created 40 years ago! For more cool info about ebooks, click here.

And to help celebrate this week, I'll be giving away a free ebook to one person who leaves a comment between now (Monday) and Friday at midnight. All you have to do is tell me which of my ebooks you'd like to win, and why! If you're not sure, they're all linked over there on the right sidebar...take a few minutes and then let me know.

I'll also be chatting on the Samhain Cafe Tuesday night and giving away one of my ebooks - hope to see you there!

Writers' Wednesday: First Lines

The February issue of Writer's Digest was (as always) chock-full of good articles on craft, success stories, interviews, etc. But the one I found the most helpful was the one on first lines. We agonize over them, revise them, abandon them, pretend they don't matter as much as they do. Bu ultimately, the first line of anything we write is the hook that will (or won't) pull the reader to the next sentence, and the next page, and...well, you get the idea.

Many, many people have talked about what a first line should do. This article, "Better Starts for Better Stories", touched on a lot of the standbys, many of which are worth mentioning again:

*Resist the urge to start too early (one of the best pieces of advice).
*Small hooks catch more fish than big ones (or, hook 'em and then pull like crazy in the opposite direction).
*Start with a mystery.
*Keep talk to a minimum (interesting, since many people will tell you to begin with dialogue. but be careful - you don't want to lose your readers either, and they won't have a clue who's talking from the get-go).
*Introduce your voice.
*Establish a mood.
*Go with a classic (yes, like "Once upon a time" or a close variation)

Some "classics" they quoted, again worth quoting here:

"Call me Ishmael." (Moby Dick)
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." (Pride and Prejudice)
"I am an invisible man." (Invisble Man)
"Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful." (Gone With the Wind)
"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins." (Lolita)
"It was a pleasure to burn." (Fahrenheit 451)
"It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York. (The Bell Jar)

And if you want to read more, here's a Top 100 website that's kind of fun to peruse...

I've both agonized over first lines and, fortunately, had a couple that sprang to me fully formed and never changed. Of the 5 books I've written, these 2 have my favorite first lines - and interestingly, they really never changed from the moment I wrote them.

"Get out!" shouted Dakota James as she threw Sean McCabe's jeans - her favorite pair, she noted bitterly, faded in all the right places - across the room. (from One Night in Memphis) - I think this one works because it immediately sets up the conflict that drives most of the plot: a breakup, fiery and laced with reluctance.

Grant Walker knew it was going to be a long day when he woke up and couldn't remember the name of the woman lying next to him. (from One Night in Napa) - I think this one works because Grant's playboy personality (and how it both gets him in trouble and ultimately changes) is a major focus of the plot.

So...what are your favorite first lines, either ones you've written or ones you've read - and why do you think they work so well?

Monday Mentionables: My Week of Reading, in Review

Back from a week's vacation! Since I spent some time last week flying to Florida (and waiting in airports), I loaded up my Nook and treated myself to some good reads. Among those I enjoyed:

All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins - As I may have mentioned before, I've had the good fortune to meet Kristan a couple of times. Not only is she a talented writer (she's won the RITA twice), but she's a super-nice, funny, warm person as well. But! On to the book...

If you're a writer and unsure of how to create or connect story arcs, look no further than anything by this author. Kristan Higgins is superb at winding together major and minor plotlines and characters. All I Ever Wanted is no exception, with a funny, self-deprecating, slightly overweight heroine who'll do anything to win back the man of her dreams (until, she realizes, that he really isn't, and that good-looking but disdainful guy at the DMV actually is). Funny, touching, and with some great minor characters, I HIGHLY recommend this read.

The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball (apparently it was a "Krista/in" sort of month for me...) - This one's a memoir by a Harvard grad who's living a "Sex in the City" sort of single life until she interviews a farming entrepreneur from Pennsylvania and falls in love with both him and the farming life. They marry and move to (way) upstate NY, where they start a farm that eventually becomes a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) now serving 100+ community members. She's a talented writer and spends A LOT of time describing both the food they grow and cook (my mom actually made 2 of her recipes, they're that specific) and the labor involved in running a farm, even a so-called "small" one. Really an interesting and inspiring read.

Finally, I read a few short stories for LASR as a reviewer (nope, keeping those anonymous) and came to this conclusion: I'm not crazy about stories where the hero and heroine fall into bed because they simply can't resist each other and then, a few pages later, fall in life-long love for apparently the same reason. Folks, even if it's a short story, there has to be a believable reason 2 people are drawn together and STAY together for the long run, besides the fact that the sex is incredibly hot. Just saying.

So...anyone have any good book recommendations for me?

Friday Fun Facts: From a Man's Perspective

“Women still remember the first kiss after men have forgotten the last” ~Remy de Gourmont

The nice thing about having male friends is that occasionally you can call on them to give you the man's perspective in relationships. Yes, I do often ask my husband for that POV, but believe it or not, not all men are created the same, and they do think and act differently. Plus I think my male friends can be a little more honest because, you know, they don't have to live in the same house with me!

Anyway, I asked one of my friends what a guy thinks about (besides the obvious) when he's first getting to know a woman. This was his response:

He replays every thing he has said in his mind, wondering if he might have said anything "wrong". He thinks about what he should have said to make himself sound more (the things she likes) intelligent, more or less aggressive, more in tune to her. He thinks about the things she has done, said, worn, and smiled at and imagines future situations where he can recall them, knowing these things are pleasing to her in such a way to generate a smile. He wonders if it is real? He thinks about the things in his past that have generated pain in other relationships and does his best to avoid them. He thinks about her flaws and imagines whether or not they are big enough to prevent going further. He wonders if he should wait to call her or if she will call him. he thinks about what it is he can do to impress her, but not in a way to seem too forward. He thinks about his flaws and wonders if she will like him once she is made aware....

Kind of poetic, huh? And lots of information there for a writer to draw upon, too. Seriously, talk to your friends when you're carving out relationships: male, female, young, old, straight, gay...there's such a wealth of experience and advice out there you can draw upon!

Writers' Wednesday: The Brenda Novak Auction!

It's almost time for the annual Brenda Novak Auction! This is a fantastic event organized by a NY Times best-selling author to raise money for juvenile diabetes research. Every year there are some amazing items up for auction, for readers and writers alike. My local RWA chapter is putting together a basket of signed books/author critiques, and I'll make sure to post the link when it's up. The auction runs from May 1st through May 31st, so you definitely have time to think about donating an item. Writers, if you haven't donated, consider doing so this year. The auction supports a great cause AND allows you a terrific promo opportunity as well.

You can find out more information here.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

All Hallmark commercialism aside, today is a perfect day to tell your loved ones how much you care about them. I know, we should do this every day, but we forget, don't we? So take the opportunity today and under the guise of Valentine's Day, spread some love to your friends and family.

And maybe buy a romance novel or two while you're at it! There are some great ones out there...

I love this song, and it's perfect for today. Have a wonderful Valentine's Monday!

Writers' Wednesday: Some Random Thoughts and a Helpful Blog Post

Some random thoughts today:

I really like the covers over at Carina Press (Harlequin's new ebook imprint). Check them out - really lovely.

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At my last book signing, a woman brought in her Kindle for Cat Johnson, one of my fellow romance authors, to sign. Times, they are a-changin', huh?

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And finally, for all your writers out there (or readers interested in one of the painful parts of seeing a book to its final stage, copyediting), here's a great blog post by fellow Absolute Write author Stacia Kane. She talks in detail about copyediting and includes a number of her own edited pages, scanned in FYI. Thanks Stacia!

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Happy reading and writing, everyone!

Monday Mentionables: Finished!

Finally finished (the 5th draft of) Entwined, the contemporary romance I've been working on for about 18 months now. Hoping this will be the last big push, because if not, it's getting put away for a long time. Maybe forever! This latest version is 12,000 words shorter than earlier ones and has one less sub-plot and one less minor character. When I think back about where this story started, it's been through so many changes! You definitely learn as a writer every time you tackle a new story, and some are definitely easier to write than others.

Anyway, one of the conventions I kept throughout every draft of this book was the idea of poetry - the poems are central to the story and to some of the characters' identities. Wrote the last one last night and thought I'd share it with you. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out :)


It is you, finally, that I have
Found to make me strong, to make me whole, and on
This night even the stars sing down and make me want
To draw my life with you in a thousand different colors. It is now,
I find, I cannot live in this world alone. My existence means nothing if I
Cannot share it with you. You are the other part of me, the part I lost when the sun
First rose, when the universe shattered and separated all souls. I have spent a lifetime
Searching for the one who completes me. No more. You are here, we are one, my love – entwined .

Friday Fun Facts: It's February!!

In the coldest February, as in every other month in every other year, the best thing to hold on to in this world is each other. ~Linda Ellerbee

Five fun facts about February, just because:

1. February is, of course, the shortest month of the year, with 28 days until Julius Caesar gave it 29, and 30 days every four years. According to tradition, Augustus, the Roman emperor, took one day off to add one day to August, the month named after him. We now have February with 28 days, and 29 on leap years.

2. As a result of being only 28 days long (usually) it's the only month that can pass without having a single full moon.

3. The Supreme Court of the United States met for the first time on February 1, 1790.

4. The flower of this month is a violet or sometimes a primrose and the birthstone is amethyst (which represents sincerity).

5. My sister turns 37 this month!! Happy birthday sis!!

Writers' Wednesday: A Massive Storm and a Contest...Both of Which Inspire!

So tell me: how is this massive storm affecting YOU? Unbelievable, the range and volume of it. Here, we're onto our second snow day. Yesterday it snowed until early afternoon, with probably about 8" total accumulation. Then, around 9:00 at night, the lightnsleet began. Sometime overnight that must have gotten worse, because it woke me up, against the house. Today we're supposed to get ice and snow all day.

I have a friend who was supposed to fly out to Hawaii yesterday morning - she made it, barely! And now she is drinking mai tais in Maui, lucky thing.

Here's a contest for both Readers and Writers. You can submit your manuscript starting now, and each week beginning in March readers can vote on excerpts from their favorites. Sort of like an "American Idol" type advancement process, I think, through June. Winning manuscripts will receive editor critiques from Carina Press, and readers can win ebooks every week! Sounds like fun, right? Here's the link.

Now I have to go check the fire and assess the food situation in the fridge (I'm blaming outr Norwegian exchange student, by the way - she spent most of December wishing for snow :) After that, I'll hunker down and write...now I have 2 good reasons to do so!

Writers' Wednesday: ROOM by Emma Donoghue

Just a quick post today, to share the latest book I'm reading, one that I highly recommend, though I'm only 1/3 of the way through: ROOM by Emma Donoghue. The voice of the main character, 5-year old Jack, is terrific. If you haven't read it yet, you should - and if you HAVE read it, what did you think?

To five-year-old-Jack, Room is the world....

It's where he was born, it's where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. There are endless wonders that let loose Jack's imagination-the snake under Bed that he constructs out of eggshells, the imaginary world projected through the TV, the coziness of Wardrobe beneath Ma's clothes, where she tucks him in safely at night, in case Old Nick comes.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it's the prison where she's been held since she was nineteen-for seven long years. Through her fierce love for her son, she has created a life for him in that eleven-by-eleven-foot space. But Jack's curiosity is building alongside her own desperation—and she knows that Room cannot contain either indefinitely....

Told in the inventive, funny, and poignant voice of Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience-and a powerful story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible

“Donoghue’s Jack is precocious but entirely believable; his passage out of cloistered innocence more universal than you might think….As for Ma, parents everywhere will relate.”
—People Magazine, 3 ½ out of 4 stars, “People’s Pick”

“Though the story's chilling circumstances reflect the horrors endured by tabloid-famous abductees, Donoghue avoids all sensationalism. Instead, she gracefully distills what it means to be a mother — and what it's like for a child whose entire world measures just 11 x 11.”
—Entertainment Weekly, grade A-

“… Seen entirely through Jack's eyes and childlike perceptions, the developments in this novel--there are enough plot twists to provide a dramatic arc of breathtaking suspense--are astonishing… And while Donoghue…brilliantly portrays the psyche of a child raised in captivity, the story's intensity cranks up dramatically when, halfway through the novel and after a nail-biting escape attempt, Jack is introduced to the outside world. While there have been several true-life stories of women and children held captive, little has been written about the pain of re-entry, and Donoghue's bravado in investigating that potentially terrifying transformation grants the novel a frightening resonance that will keep readers rapt.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred)

Monday Mentionables: Upcoming Author Appearances

Happy Monday everyone! I have a few upcoming appearances to share:

For my local friends, I'll be signing books with a few other romance authors at the Borders in the Galleria Mall on Saturday, January 29th, from 2-4 pm.

I'll also be on a Sweet Romance panel at the Authors After Dark Conference in Philadelphia in August - more details to follow.

And finally, I've just signed up for the Brooklyn Book Festival in September! I'll be at a table with other romance authors - more details to follow.

As always, I keep my appearances listed over on the right sidebar - please stop and say hi if you're ever in the same place I am!

Writers' Wednesday: Be Persistent, Always

"Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with, it is a toy and an amusement; then it becomes a mistress, and then it becomes a master, and then a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster, and fling him out to the public." ~Winston Churchill


If there is one piece of advice I give new writers, it's this one: be persistent, and develop a thick skin. That second bit is especially important when it comes to hearing the words "No" from an editor, agent, or even reviewer, but it's also important when that voice comes from inside your own head.

What I mean is that it's really important to keep going, keep trying, and if necessary, write and rewrite no matter how many times it takes to get the story right. Most of you know I've been working on my contemporary romance novel Entwined for about a year now. It's messy because it has a few different plot lines and a twist that can't be revealed until precisely the right momet - and I've been having a really tough time putting it all together.

This weekend I got about 3/4 of the way through my 4th draft when I realized, yet again, that certain elements weren't working.

So I stopped. Opened a new draft. Eliminated a huge plot point that I think has been getting in the way, and now I'm on draft #5. Yes, true. Sigh. It's been frustrating for me, I won't lie. And this may end up being a story that doesn't ever find publication. There are some like that. Still, I'm not ready to give up on it just yet. I think Summer's Song ended up with about as many drafts, and it was about 8 years from first draft to final print publication.

So, new writers, stay strong when your manuscript takes a turn (or many turns) for the worse. Be patient with your characters. Call on your beta readers to help you. And hang in there.

Monday Mentionables: A Day of Remembrance

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, here's his great "I Have a Dream" speech. It's definitely worth watching/listening to. Enjoy & be inspired :)

Friday Fun Facts: A New Zodiac?

Did you see the latest article about the zodiac signs changing? According to the change in the Earth's rotation, I would apparently no longer be a Sagittarius (what??!) but now an Ophiuchus:

According to astrological principles, the Sun travels from the constellation Scorpius and goes directly into the sign of Sagittarius, but due to the constant motion of the cosmos, the Sun enters, for a few days of the year, the star constellation 'Ophiuchus' before entering Sagittarius from Scorpius, thus creating astrologically the birth of a thirteenth sign of the Zodiac, which is named as Ophiuchus the Serpent Holder.

The constellation of Ophiuchus is the only sign of the Zodiac which is linked to a real man. This man lived in ancient Egypt around the 27th century BC, and his name was Imhotep. The attributes of Imhotep can also be found in the Biblical Hebrew man Joseph, son of Jacob.. Imhotep is credited with many accomplishments including the knowledge and use of medicine. It is said of Imhotep that he brought the art of healing to mankind.The symbol of a serpent, which is still widely used today to represent the medical profession, was used to represent Imhotep. Imhotep was also known as 'Aesclepius' to the ancient Greeks.

I'm not sure what to make of this news. You?

Writers' Wednesday: Staying Warm and Watching the Snow

Snow day! That means another day of writing for me (well, in addition to finally taking down the rest of the holiday decorations and doing a little cleaning as well).



Making progress on Entwined, which includes adding a brand new character. I kind of hate doing that, only because it requires going back to the start, but I realized I really think my heroine needs a friend/confidante, so she's getting one.



In other news, check out this website for motivation from fellow authors about staying healthy: The Healthy Writer.



And I wanted to give a shout out to fellow HVRWA member Wendy Marcus, whose debut novel When One Night Isn't Enough... (a medical romance to Harlequin Mills and Boon) is featured in the "First Sales" column of the Romance Writers' Report. Congrats Wendy!!

Monday Mentionables: Write for the One-Inch Picture Frame

Another really good piece of advice from Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, a great little writing book I'm reading now:

The moment you feel overwhelmed by writing a scene or a chapter or - good lord - an entire book, tell yourself that all you have to write at that moment is enough words to view through a one-inch picture frame. This is probably equivalent to the first moment we meet a character, opening a door and walking through it, or a few lines of dialogue between a man and a woman thinking about breaking up, or a lonely dog looking in the windows on a cold night. You get the idea. It's a snippet. A step. That's all you have to do, just enough to fill a one-inch frame.

Lamott writes, "You don't have to see where you're going, you don't have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you. This is right up there with the best advice about writing, or life, I have ever heard."

So soldier on, and keep this in mind when you're feeling overwhelmed at that keyboard. One inch at a time. That's all. Happy writing!

Friday Fun Facts

The best fun fact of the day is that we're enjoying our first snow day! Would have had one last week with the big storm, but we were already on Christmas break. Having it on a Friday, making for a 3-day weekend, is a little sweeter.

That also means, since school just started up again, I don't have any paperwork or grading to do, so I can devote myself to writing for much of the day. Hooray!

And just because I love Joshua Radin and this new song of his...Enjoy :)

Writers' Wednesday: Dedicating Novels

Dedications - they're always a fun part of putting the finishing touches on a novel for me. I have 5 books in print, and my 5 dedications have been, in order to the following:

1. My parents & my 5th grade teacher
2. My husband
3. My sister and my best friend
4. My father (after he passed away)
5. Two of my oldest and best friends from childhood/college

My mom emailed to ask me about that last one, after she'd finished Summer's Song. She wondered if I'd told my one friend it was dedicated to her. I hadn't, partly, because by the time a book makes it to print, I've sometimes forgotten about the dedication. And partly, I'm not in close touch with that friend anymore. But it did get me to thinking - since I thought enough of our friendship back then to name her in the opening pages of a book, I probably should let her know, hm?

Fellow authors, what about you? How do you choose your book dedications - and do you always let the person know when you've chosen them?

Monday Mentionables: The Pressure of Publication

"To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift." ~Franklin Roosevelt

For the first time in 4 years, I'm looking at a new year that doesn't have a book scheduled to come out. That is not really a good thing. True, I spent much of 2010 working on a Young Adult and promoting my two other romance releases, but I still can't believe I let a year+ slip away without signing a contract for another book.

It's tough, especially when you are juggling a full-time job along with writing, but here's the thing to be aware of: if you are a new or aspiring author, it's really important to look at your career and build a steady backlist of books. Your name grows with every new release (as do your sales and royalties). Readers grow to wait for your next book, and if it doesn't come, well...

In a very practical sense, I also heard recently from a fellow author that she'd been "fired" by her small press since she hadn't signed a contract with them in 2 years. Now, this doesn't mean a whole lot except that if she chooses to resubmit to them, she can no longer submit to the editor she worked with before. She has to submit through the slush pile along with everyone else. Maybe not as terrible as having rights revoked or being blacklisted from the publishing company, but it's still a step backwards. And that's a step I don't want to find myself taking in a few months!

So my goal is to finish (yes, really finish) Entwined and submit it by the end of January. I'd also like to rework a novella that's about 22K right now and submit that as well, by the end of March. Those are my two goals for the first half of the year...in the spring I'll reassess.

What about your goals, writing or otherwise?

Happy New Year!

“For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” ~T.S. Eliot

Wow, here we are, another New Year's Eve. What are your plans? Something out and extravagant? Or something quiet and at home? Will you stay up to see the ball drop or raise a glass earlier and go to bed long before the stroke of midnight?

There's something about a new year that inspires us to change, to reach, to set goals or perhaps reflect on those we set one year ago. It's like a Monday. Or the first day of summer break. Or the day you wake up after a loss and realize this really is the first day of a whole new existence.

I'm not sure what I'd like to accomplish in 2011. I'd like to continue to enjoy my health - that's probably my #1 goal. I'd like to sign another publishing contract - that's a close #2. I'd like to travel someplace I've never been before and I'd like to meet someone new.

I think that's enough for today. Mostly, I'd like to remember to take advantage of every day, to appreciate the little things and always keep a positive outlook. And you? My wish for all you blog readers is that you have a safe, warm, wonderful 2011 - and that whatever your dreams and goals are, they come true!

Writers' Wednesday: Words from Writer's Digest

Time for my round-up of the January 2011 Writer's Digest - there are always so many good nuggets of information, it's tough to pull out my favorites. But here you go!

One author featured in the Debut Writers section talked about finding his first agent. He rewrote the entire structure of his book, which took several months, and then ultimately the agent who requested that change declined representation. In the end, though, he found an agent based on that revision. Talk about believing in yourself even after rejection!

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"8 Ways to Write a 5-Star Chapter Chapter One" has terrific advice for tackling that challenging part of a novel. My favorite piece of advice: agents are editors are looking for "honest, original, and brave" writing - not perfect or careful. Free yourself to be daring & different, and that's what can grab them. Among two "great chapter ones" mentioned: Jane Eyre and Little House in the Big Woods.

"Hooked on a Feeling" talks about emotion-driven ways to develop characters. Among the advice I really liked: make a list of people from your life (include a few physical details & their effect on you) that could include the following: a family member you're close to a family member you dislike, your first love, your greatest love, the person from childhood who annoyed you most, the person from adulthood who annoys you most, your favorite co-worker, an older person who inspires you, a person you deal with on a daily basis...There are more, but that gets you started thinking how many real-life characters you can draw from when you write.

And "What to do When Your Novel Stalls" was great for me because I am STILL struggling through a 3rd? 4th? revision of Entwined. The article compares fixing your novel to diagnosing and repairing a car and has some good advice for jump-starting problem areas or dealing with your own insecurites and doubts: "Expecting too much from an early draft will result in frustration and disappointment. You write a first draft in order to have something to revise. It will be a failure. Writers are the ones who don't let failure stop them."

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There are also great articles on finding a mentor, saving face after email gaffes, and other secrets to great story-telling.

OK, venture forth and create! Happy writing :)

Monday Mentionables: Regrouping After the Holiday

Well, we didn't get a white Christmas after all - but the snow arrived last night, about 6" worth. Depending on where you are, you probably got more than we did!

Hope everyone had a nice holiday - ours was busy but filled with friends and family, all the most important things we need :) I actually blogged over at Samhain on December 25th - if you didn't have a chance to see it, please stop by and check it out :) The post was inspired by a conversation hubby and I had a couple days before the holiday, all about shopping for people and how we decide what to buy.

And here are some pictures from our Christmas!

Stockings (sans mantle)

Smooch helping to open gifts, of course

Hanna, our exchange student, making traditional Norwegian Christmas porridge

Yum!

The Little Things

So...last Sunday night, I got up around 1 am to feed my cats who were wandering around making noise. Put them in the basement, turned around to go back upstairs, and tripped on the very first step (thanks in part to the fuzzy socks I was wearing). I landed HARD, really hard, and caught myself on my right ankle and left hand.

Wowowow....the pain in my ankle was incredible. All I could think was "Hope I didn't break it." Made it upstairs, found some ice, lay down on the couch, and hoped it was OK.

Next morning: a little swollen, more than a little black and blue, but definitely not broken. I showed my husband my battle scars, which also included a swollen & bruised left ring finger - it had definitely hurt the night before, but not nearly as much as the ankle. So I ignored it.

Live and learn. By the end of the day Monday, my finger was discolored and even more swollen. By the time I woke up on Tuesday, it had gotten worse. Yesterday afternoon, I decided I'd better have it looked at - and since I work with a group of nurses, they recommended I have a jeweler cut off the rings rather than whatever type of hacksaw they use in the ER.

So I did. The woman who did it was lovely, though she kept apologizing because yeah, it hurt, and I'm sure I was flinching. The worst part by far, though, was knowing she was cutting off my engagement and wedding rings - straight through the "ETERNAL LOVE" inscription. Sigh.

Went to the ER, got an x-ray, found out I have a teeny tiny fracture in the finger, and came home with a funky looking splint. So small. Barely visible on the film. Yet it swelled up my finger to twice its normal size.

I know they're just rings. But I didn't expect to be so upset to lose them that way. Yes, the jeweler can fix them. But it's funny how a symbol like that can grow to mean so much over the years...

Monday's Mentionables: Racing with the Clock

Working like a maniac to finish grading all students' papers for the fall semester...see you back here later this week!

Turning the Big 4-0

"We don't understand life any better at forty than at twenty, but we know it and admit it." ~ Jules Renard

So it's come and gone...my 40th birthday.

This past Wednesday, I officially hit the big 4-0. I figured I would blog today about something profound that comes with turning 40. I Googled "good things about turning 40" and found a zillion (well, a lot anyway) websites, including one called turning40.net. So if you're approaching a milestone birthday, I guess you can find comfort and humor by turning to the Internet,

But I wanted to think of my own profound statements to make. I thought I might have some kind of wisdom. I thought I might feel differently. But really? I don't, not much. In fact, the only thing I really feel is pretty damn pleased. When I look at my life -- my career, my relationships, my health -- I can't ask for more. I'm satisfied -- really, completely satisfied. This is not to say that there aren't things I still dream of (that six-figure book advance would be nice), but I have to say that every day I wake up happy and healthy and full of energy and surrounded by good friends and excited students and family who love me.

Can't really ask for more than that, can I? 40 is just a number. I figure I've earned my wrinkles, my heartache, and my accomplishments, every one of them. So yeah, I'm gonna celebrate and keep on living just the way I am. Here's to the next 40!

Monday's Mentionables: A Day in NYC!

Spent this past Saturday in New York City as part of an exchange student day trip (which, by the way, I don't ever recommend...NYC in December, that is). While we did luck out on the weather (4o and mild), the crowds were CRAZY, especially in mid-town Manhattan. Having said that, though, we enjoyed some nice sights....AND had a terrific surprise at the end of the day (scroll down to the last pic to see what it was!)

The tree in Rockefeller Center, with all the skaters below


Enjoying the view on South Street Seaport (and a gang of drunken Santas, behind us)


We headed uptown at the end of the evening, to Columbus Circle and the mall there...


Where we went into Borders and found my latest release on the shelves in the romance section!!! I almost fell over in disbelief! No better Christmas present for my writing career :)

Friday's Fun Facts: Party Pics!

Note for any locals:

I'll be at the Barnes and Noble in Newburgh, New York this Sunday from 3-5 pm as part of a weekend-long Book Fair sponsored by one of our local public high schools. A perecentage of any sales go to the school's library, and there'll be features from student activity groups (and local authors like me) both days. Stop by if you're around - great time to holiday shop!

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And some pictures from my 40th birthday party, last weekend. Lots of fun!

Some of the girls from the gym

My oldest friend from grade school, who came in from Boston to help celebrate

Hubby!

The family: my husband, Mom, sister, and brother-in-law

Monday Mentionables: Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Whew, what a weekend! We had family and friends in town to celebrate an early Christmas AND my (a little early) 40th birthday! Pictures to follow later this week, so make sure you check back.

The Christmas spirit is definitely in the air, though, and not just because we exchanged stockings and gifts here Saturday morning. Lights are strung outside, wreaths are hung, stores are filled with decorations, and carols and TV specials fill the airwaves. Last night we watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" with Hanna (our Norwegian exchange student). I hadn't watched either of them in years, so it was fun to see them again. True classics, that's for sure. We also talked about our favorite Christmas movies of all time. Mine: "It's a Wonderful Life." Hers: "Love, Actually" (I didn't even know it was a Christmas movie, but OK). Hubby's: "A Christmas Story."

What are your favorites?

Writers' Wednesday: Buy Yourself a Blog

Heads up, fellow writers: here's an opportunity you might be interested in looking into...

Lynda Coker is holding an auction to transfer ownership of her blog, Between the Lines. This seems to be a pretty well-established blog, with supposedly 800+ followers (though blog comments don't necessarily indicate a high level of involvement). Still, if you're looking to blog or maybe do some new promo and want a built-in audience of this kind, her auction might be worth looking into. She'll post the current bid amount at the top of her blog. Bidding runs through December, and ownership will transfer in February 2011.

It's an interesting concept. Time magazine this week has a feature on the changes from 2000 - 2010, and one of those is that the number of established blogs went from 3 million in 2004 to 130 million in 2010. Do people read them? Absolutely. Do they affect book sales, if we're talking specifically about authors? Hard to tell. I do think readers enjoy getting to know the authors they love in a blog sort of format. But does a blog exponentially increase sales? I'm reserved on that one. Other types of promo do more, I think. Regardless, blogs are a FREE way to interact with readers, so the chance to "buy" one that's already established is definitely an interesting concept to consder.

Good luck bidding!

Happy Post-Thanksgiving!

Well, did everyone enjoy a nice Thankgiving holiday and weekend? We certainly did. Here are some pictures from the day:

In preparation for the big dinner, Smooch waits patiently in his chosen spot

Friends and family enjoy the company and good food!

We also braved the crowds and the stores for Black Friday early morning shopping - anyone else that crazy? We've done it every year for the past 4 or 5, so now it's become a bit of a crazy tradition. We don't go SUPER early, but we were out of the house by 4:30 and scored a Canon digital camera, a SONY digital camera, ski clothes, a step stool and some other household items, all for really great prices. After a well-earned breakfast, we were home by 9:00 am - not bad!

I wanted to give a mention to my writing friend Diane Craver, who has 2 Christmas stories out in time for the holidays. Stop by her blog to find out more about them! Perfect gift for someone who's tough to buy for...

Happy (Early) Thanksgiving!

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

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


Wishing everyone a very (early) blessed Thanksgiving Day! I'm so thankful for much in my life: my family, friends, health, job, students, books, and lifestyle that allows me to wake up every day safe, warm, and not having to worry about how to pay my bills or put food on the table.

I hope you are equally able to celebrate all the riches in your life - enjoy!

Monday's Mentionables: Author Promotion at AAD 2011

OK, fellow authors, here's the deal: next August, I'll be attending the Authors After Dark Conference in Philadelphia. This is a conference where readers can mingle with authors - talk to their favorites and find new ones as well. For authors, there are a plethora of promotional opportunities, among them the chance to host a table in the hospitality rooms, food breaks during the conference, happy hours, etc. If authors go in together in sponsoring one of the events, obviously, it costs less per person.

So...I'm interested in knowing if any authors out there are interested in co-sponsoring an event at the AAD Conference. Doesn't mean you have to attend, obviously - it will still be a chance for you to get your name and your books out there in front of readers.

If you'd like to know more about the options available, and the various prices involved, send me an email at allieb@allieboniface.com and we can chat!

Happy Monday...

Writers' Wednesday: Two Newsletters Worth Checking Out

Two quick but really good links for writers today:

WOW - Women on Writing's Ezine - it's all about freelance work as a writer this month.

and

The Knight Agency's Newsletter - you can sign up for a free subscription just by visiting their site. Great updates about what's going on with their agency and in the industry overall.

Happy writing!

Monday Mentionables: A Good Week for Writing :)

One of the nicest things about attending a writers' group meeting is being inspired to write again. This past Saturday, I went to my local HVRWA meeting, featuring a visit by editor Trish Owens from The Wild Rose Press. While a lot of what she spoke about focused on erotice romance, since that's the line she edits for TWRP, she had some helpful tips for all writers. Plus it was just nice to be around other writers who are busy pecking away and sending out work for publication. It inspired me enough to spend a lot of Sunday working on a short story that's been on my back burner for a while.

I also had a Borders signing Saturday afternoon, and I sold a respectable 16 books - about half to people I didn't know, always a good thing! I mean, I love my friends who show up to support me, but it's also nice to have strangers either discover you or deliberately seek out your books because they know your writing already.

One more appearance for the year, Barnes and Noble next month - just 2 weeks before Christmas, so I'm hoping that will be a good day as well.

How was your weekend?

Friday Fun Facts

Two events this Saturday: my local HVRWA meeting, featuring an editor from The Wild Rose Press.

And then a book signing from 2-4 PM at the Borders in Middletown, New York - the first time Summer's Song will be available in print for sale and signing!

In honor of Veteran's Day yesterday, I thought this was a fitting video tribute:

Writers' Wednesday: To Blog or Not to Blog?

I am a bad blogger.

I mean, about a year ago I switched from writing every day to writing 3 days a week. I know I lost a few followers, but what's a girl with a full-time job to do?

And I rarely have the time to visit and comment on other people's blogs. I know that's poor blog etiquette, and believe me, I'd really like to have the time to do that...I just don't. If it comes down to 30 minutes when I could write or I could read blogs and comment on them, I'd probably write.

I know that authors' online presences are crucial. I know readers look for blogs, Facebook accounts, Twitter updates, and all that good stuff. Sigh. I just don't have the time to keep up. I read an article the other day about a romance author who's been writing for 20+ years and doesn't even have a website. She doesn't feel left out. Of course, she has a solid following and probably doesn't have to worry about luring new readers with daily blog posts or giveaway contests or witty Tweets.

I'd like to be that kind of author. Unfortunately, in today's technology age, those of us who are just starting to build a reader base need to tap into all the avenues we can, and online, free contact with readers is an easy way to do that.

Which brings me back to square one. I like to do it. I'd like to do more of it. And I'd like to devote a little bit of time each day to connecting with other authors online as well. But the brutal truth is that from September to June, it's awfully hard to do that. So as long as I have this full-time day job, I'll do what I can and save the rest of my time for writing.

Thanks for hanging around and humoring me. When I become a best-selling author, maybe I'll quit my day job and update my Facebook page/Tweet twenty times a day. Until then, well, I'll see you around when I can lol.........

Monday Mentionables: News from the Agent Front

Well, in case you haven't heard, the big news in the agenting world is that Nathan Bransford is leaving agenting to work in the tech industry, as of sometime mid-last week, apparently. I think it came as a shock to everyone - he's a very popular agent who ran/runs a very popular blog. I did submit my YA to him and got back this response late last week:

Thank you for your note. I am no longer an agent with Curtis Brown Ltd. and will now be working in the tech industry. If you'd like to submit to another agent at Curtis Brown Ltd., please visit our website for a list of agents and our submission guidelines:

http://www.curtisbrown.com

Interesting to know that he's leaving the world of agenting...wonder why? Anyone hear any scuttlebutt?

In other (semi-related) news, I currently have my full YA manuscript out with 3 agents, two of whom requested the full from the initial query, and one who requested a partial and synopsis and then (within a day) requested the full. Times back will vary from 1 to 3 months, so I have to settle down and not expect anything soon. Will keep you posted!

Friday Fun Facts: Summer's Song Releases in Print!

In all the excitement of my reading at Lady Jane's Salon this week, I forgot to mention that Summer's Song released in print on Tuesday! I love this book (the cover too - yummy!) and am thrilled to have it out in the print world.

For locals, I have 2 upcoming appearances where this book will be available - both are listed on the sidebar to the right. Hope to see some of you there!

And to remind you what this story is about, here's the trailer. Have a great weekend!

Writers' Wednesday: Lady Jane's Salon is the Place to Be!

Ah, Lady Jane's Salon! What a wonderful night of reading and mingling in Greenwich Village! Though I was terribly nervous (I know, I know - I talk in front of people all the time. but this was different), I survived and even managed to enjoy myself a little bit, mostly about halfway through my reading when I realized I wasn't going to pass out from nerves.

The place itself is a narrow little bar with a separate room upstairs decorated entirely in red, with cushy couches and ottomans everywhere. About 10 of my own friends joined me, some who live in the city and some who came down from my hometown about 60 miles north. I'd say there were maybe 50 people attending in all. Four authors read (I chose to go first, to get it over with and so I wouldn't have to follow anyone), and the nice thing is that we all write in different genres of romance.

I was also pleasantly surprised that at the end of the night, one of the Salon founders asked me to write a blog post for their blog, reflecting on the night. They always ask one of of the four readers...I'm flattered to be the chosen one this month!

If you're ever in NYC on the first Monday of a month, and you're a romance fan, I highly recommend stopping by Madame X at 94 West Houston Street between 7 and 9 pm. At the very least, you can't beat the $5 cocktails!

Here are a few pictures to sum up the night:


Reading on the stage...thank goodness for bright lights, so I couldn't see much beyond my book!



With my husband and a signature "Madame X" cocktail after my reading

Joined by a girlfriend from college who now lives and works in the city!

Monday Mentionables: An Evening in NYC

Reading/signing at Lady Jane's Salon in NYC tonight! From 7-9 pm I'll be joining Stella Price, Terence Taylor and Sarah MacLean for a wonderful evening for romance readers and writers alike. Join me back here on Wednesday for a full recap + pictures!

Friday Fun Facts: From Halloween to December

Ooh, almost Halloween! Everyone have their costumes ready? Not sure what our plans are for the big day, though we'll be taking our exchange student to a parrt Saturday night. She's dressing up as a nun, with a few friends from school. They decided since most teenage girls take Halloween as an opportunity to wear the skimpiest outfit they possibly can, this group would go as far as they could in the opposite direction. I love it!





And I've added another appearance to my schedule, December 12th at 3:00 pm in the Newburgh, NY, Barnes & Noble. Actually, it's through one of my student's community service clubs. They're having a few different activities throughout the weekend, and one includes "book talks" by local authors. I'm thrilled and think it will be a great chance to target some different readers than I normally do in this area.

So if you're around, mark your calendars and stop by!

Monday Mentionables: Piers Anthony and Brenda Hiatt

There's been a discussion on one of my author loops recently about Piers Anthony's site. For those of you who don't know, he posts information regarding ebook publishers and updates the entries (fairly) regularly based on author feedback. I read his site often in my early days of looking for publishers, and though I don't check in that often anymore, every once in a while it's interesting to see what he has to say.

Other authors on my loop, though, have issued MAJOR caveats about his site, claiming that he often posts only one side of an author altercation and can make a publisher sound worse than it actually is. As with anything else on line, folks, it's surfer beware. Take advice with a grain of salt and do your research in more than one place if you can.

Speaking of online sources, though, here's a link to Brenda Hiatt's "Show Me the Money" site, listing romance publishers and their average advances/payouts for authors. Always interesting to peruse (and thanks Wendy for the updated link!)