I'm posting here just to be writing. No excuses. I get caught up in the everyday and forget (an excuse, I know) that I NEED to be writing. I read other blogs, read, email, Skype and do all the things other writers tell you not to do when you sit down at the computer. Bad, bad!!
I re-read all the Kat Martin books I have in my library, lots of Harlequin American Romances (a line I'd love to write for), Superromances, Molly O'Keefe, Lori Wilde, Maggie Shayne (Texas and OK Brands), and a lot of non-fiction. And, just when I get tired enough of reading and think I could write this stuff, I find a new author whose voice I like. So, I HAVE to read all their books! Vicious circle (another excuse).
I am so blessed to have the perfect writing life. My sig/other only needs me to fix his 3 meals a day, and then I'm on my own. All I have is time! Why can't I sit and write, you ask? Got me. It's the $64,000 question in my mind. I can't promise myself I'm going to sit down one day and just write. There's always something else I can do. ADHD? I admit my concentration and attention span isn't what it used to be, but I say I've always been like this. (Another excuse)
Of course, this isn't to say that I haven't started on a manuscript. I have. It's a trilogy and I have the first book somewhat mapped out, and the next two are coming together as I figure out the first. I know I'm a plotter and not a pantser. I can do 1K stories from off the top of my head, but longer stories, no.
That being said...here are three things that have NOT happened in my life recently:
1. Tom Selleck has not returned my call from 20 years ago.
2. Waiting for my 5-pounds thinner girdle to work.
3. Publisher's Clearing House to come to my door.
I'm just saying...
Monday, November 17, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Been Reading and Writing...
Since July I've been a caregiver to my SO, but I've still been able to accomplish a few projects between the PT visits, baths, trips to the doctor, and general life chores. I won second place in a writing challenge, read several books, and managed to get some writing time in. Not as much as I'd like to, but at least it's something down on paper.
Hopefully, at the end of the PT, I can finally be able to sit for a few hours without the interruption of getting up to go somewhere. Then, there's the eating part...my S/O insists on an eating schedule! 8-12-5...how boring! Especially since I don't seem to be hungry at those times! So, what has happened is that I feed him on his schedule, and I eat when I'm good and ready. Works for me. I'm a vegan, he's old school. I do eat at the dinner hour with him as I feel it is the one part of the day we can talk about the other schedules in our life. That works for me, too.
Mid-September we will be driving back to Montana to visit the burned out property, visit friends and keep doctors appointments. It will be a sad and bittersweet time for me. Two years since the fire...I've gotten through it, but will never be over it. A piece of my life was lost that fiery evening, and I can't get it back. My loss, my grief.
I did mention reading...Kat Martin, Lori Wilde, K.M. Weiland (non-fiction), GMC by Debra Dixon, Maisey Yates, several Harlequin Desires, Bella Andre and Melissa Cutler. I also managed to read several writing publications in magazine form. Yes, I'm a voracious reader...so much, that in fact, sometimes/most times, I'd rather read than write. I could say they are all reference books as they do help me see some of the writing process. Point of View, characters, character arcs, setting, GMC, it's all there. Wonderful tools.
I also mentioned second place. The Writer's Challenge on the Harlequin website is also a wonderful tool to develop your skills. I've entered several and second place is the highest so far. But, I don't worry about placement, it's the critiques, and getting my story out there. It's overcoming the fear of pushing the "post" button. It's like undressing in front of God and everybody! Of course, God already knows what I look like naked/nude/bare, and he loves me anyway!
If you'd like to read it, here it is:
Song lyrics from Take My Breath Away by Berlin
Working Overtime
by emlee
996 words
“I’m here about your ad.”
Robert Sinclair looked up. Blinked. Janie had buzzed him right as she got ready to leave for the night and informed him she’d scheduled a last minute interview before the office closed. He was glad she did. The blond was stunning. A natural. Ice blue eyes surrounded by long black lashes, a small tip-up at the end of her nose, and full lips he knew would be able to speak words even the deaf would have no problem hearing.
His eyes followed her hips as she walked toward his desk. The confident sway told him that she knew she had the job.
Robert watched her take the seat in front of his desk. The dress she wore settled to just above her knee as she crossed her legs. The subtle scent of lavender and vanilla wafted toward him. A personal favorite. His blood hummed Take My Breath Away, as it flowed south. He knew he wouldn’t be able to get up to greet her without embarrassing himself.
“Thank you for seeing me at the last minute. Your secretary assured me it wouldn’t be a problem.” The movement of her lips as she formed the words made it impossible for him not to want her to use them on him.
Watchin' every motion...
Robert knew he need to say something. What? You're perfect, I love everything about you, I love you, marry me, have my babies? He’d spoken those very words only once before, but, in this case, he wouldn’t have any compunction saying them again.
He needed to handle his questioning carefully. Any sign of nervousness on his part could blow this interview out of the water.
“What makes you think you’re qualified for this position?”
As you turn to me and say...
“Just look at me. I have several.” She didn’t mince words and he was looking.
“Besides the obvious, what else can you offer that no one else has?” That should shake her confidence up a bit.
Nope.
“I’m good with my hands. I take direction well, and I’m a whiz at taming the beast in any kind of situation.”
He could feel the vibrations emanating from her as she seemed to enjoy putting her own spin to his line of questioning. His own heart was sending this-must-be-love signals as he continued staring at the wonder of her translucent beauty.
Watchin', I keep waiting, still anticipating love...
Robert took several deep breaths as she got up and walked to the side of his desk.
Waiting.
He had already loosened his tie in anticipation of going home when Janie had buzzed him, and he congratulated himself on that move as it looked like he was going to get lucky.
Watchin' every motion in this foolish lover's game...
He didn’t have to wait long. He watched as she came further around the desk until she was beside his chair. Swiveling the chair toward her, Robert took the initiative and pulled her into his arms. It wasn’t every day he did something this totally off the wall, but he figured the occasion call for it. The small kisses she was planting up and down his neck confirmed he had made the right decision.
####################
Debra had purposely waited until she knew it was almost time for the office to close. It was imperative that she make a good impression. She was prepared to do anything to make it happen.
Walking into his office she noticed he’d already loosened his tie. Hair the color of ripe wheat, brushed the collar of his work rumpled shirt. Golden lashes framed the greenest eyes, and his straight nose perched above lips that looked like they could do delicious things to her already heated body. Robert Sinclair was one fine looking man. And if Debra got her wish she’d be one happy girl tonight.
Taking the chair directly in front of him, Debra crossed her legs. She could tell he was interested as he followed her every move. From the lifting of her right knee to the swing of her upper leg to cover her left knee. She had worn what she thought was a killer dress; a sleeveless blue floral with rows of the same fabric sewn into rows of lace cascading down the front of it. Her shoes were a creamy colored leather with four inch heels. Yeah, she looked good.
Debra made sure she looked directly into those green eyes as he questioned her. She didn’t want him to get the wrong impression when she answered them in a highly provocative way. She wanted him turned on, and wanting her.
Never hesitatin' to become the fated ones...
Debra was so in to making him want her she barely caught his last question.
“Do you have any references?”
This was the question Debra had been waiting for. She rose and walked to the side of his desk.
Waiting.
If only for today, I am unafraid...
She didn’t wait long. She knew if she hesitated all would be lost. She watched as Robert took that decision from her, swiveled his chair, and took her in his arms. She planted small kisses up and down his neck. The heat level went from zero to sixty in nanoseconds.
“Baby, you feel so good. You’re making me crazy.” The feeling was mutual.
Debra heard her zipper, and then felt the cool air on her breasts. She pulled back and watched as his hand covered one and his mouth feasted on the other. She’d never before experienced anything this wanton. Wanting to give as good as she got, she reached for his zipper…
Take my breath away...
“Debra, Debra, you’re hired.” Sweet words.
She could feel Robert pulling away. “I do have one more question.”
Had she gone too far, been too aggressive? “Yes?”
“Did you call the kids and tell them we’d be a little late tonight?”
Debra smiled at her husband.
My love, take my breath away...
The End
If only the time I just spent writing this post could be added to my manuscript I'd feel as though I'd accomplished something good today...
Hope you get to write today.
Hopefully, at the end of the PT, I can finally be able to sit for a few hours without the interruption of getting up to go somewhere. Then, there's the eating part...my S/O insists on an eating schedule! 8-12-5...how boring! Especially since I don't seem to be hungry at those times! So, what has happened is that I feed him on his schedule, and I eat when I'm good and ready. Works for me. I'm a vegan, he's old school. I do eat at the dinner hour with him as I feel it is the one part of the day we can talk about the other schedules in our life. That works for me, too.
Mid-September we will be driving back to Montana to visit the burned out property, visit friends and keep doctors appointments. It will be a sad and bittersweet time for me. Two years since the fire...I've gotten through it, but will never be over it. A piece of my life was lost that fiery evening, and I can't get it back. My loss, my grief.
I did mention reading...Kat Martin, Lori Wilde, K.M. Weiland (non-fiction), GMC by Debra Dixon, Maisey Yates, several Harlequin Desires, Bella Andre and Melissa Cutler. I also managed to read several writing publications in magazine form. Yes, I'm a voracious reader...so much, that in fact, sometimes/most times, I'd rather read than write. I could say they are all reference books as they do help me see some of the writing process. Point of View, characters, character arcs, setting, GMC, it's all there. Wonderful tools.
I also mentioned second place. The Writer's Challenge on the Harlequin website is also a wonderful tool to develop your skills. I've entered several and second place is the highest so far. But, I don't worry about placement, it's the critiques, and getting my story out there. It's overcoming the fear of pushing the "post" button. It's like undressing in front of God and everybody! Of course, God already knows what I look like naked/nude/bare, and he loves me anyway!
If you'd like to read it, here it is:
Song lyrics from Take My Breath Away by Berlin
Working Overtime
by emlee
996 words
“I’m here about your ad.”
Robert Sinclair looked up. Blinked. Janie had buzzed him right as she got ready to leave for the night and informed him she’d scheduled a last minute interview before the office closed. He was glad she did. The blond was stunning. A natural. Ice blue eyes surrounded by long black lashes, a small tip-up at the end of her nose, and full lips he knew would be able to speak words even the deaf would have no problem hearing.
His eyes followed her hips as she walked toward his desk. The confident sway told him that she knew she had the job.
Robert watched her take the seat in front of his desk. The dress she wore settled to just above her knee as she crossed her legs. The subtle scent of lavender and vanilla wafted toward him. A personal favorite. His blood hummed Take My Breath Away, as it flowed south. He knew he wouldn’t be able to get up to greet her without embarrassing himself.
“Thank you for seeing me at the last minute. Your secretary assured me it wouldn’t be a problem.” The movement of her lips as she formed the words made it impossible for him not to want her to use them on him.
Watchin' every motion...
Robert knew he need to say something. What? You're perfect, I love everything about you, I love you, marry me, have my babies? He’d spoken those very words only once before, but, in this case, he wouldn’t have any compunction saying them again.
He needed to handle his questioning carefully. Any sign of nervousness on his part could blow this interview out of the water.
“What makes you think you’re qualified for this position?”
As you turn to me and say...
“Just look at me. I have several.” She didn’t mince words and he was looking.
“Besides the obvious, what else can you offer that no one else has?” That should shake her confidence up a bit.
Nope.
“I’m good with my hands. I take direction well, and I’m a whiz at taming the beast in any kind of situation.”
He could feel the vibrations emanating from her as she seemed to enjoy putting her own spin to his line of questioning. His own heart was sending this-must-be-love signals as he continued staring at the wonder of her translucent beauty.
Watchin', I keep waiting, still anticipating love...
Robert took several deep breaths as she got up and walked to the side of his desk.
Waiting.
He had already loosened his tie in anticipation of going home when Janie had buzzed him, and he congratulated himself on that move as it looked like he was going to get lucky.
Watchin' every motion in this foolish lover's game...
He didn’t have to wait long. He watched as she came further around the desk until she was beside his chair. Swiveling the chair toward her, Robert took the initiative and pulled her into his arms. It wasn’t every day he did something this totally off the wall, but he figured the occasion call for it. The small kisses she was planting up and down his neck confirmed he had made the right decision.
####################
Debra had purposely waited until she knew it was almost time for the office to close. It was imperative that she make a good impression. She was prepared to do anything to make it happen.
Walking into his office she noticed he’d already loosened his tie. Hair the color of ripe wheat, brushed the collar of his work rumpled shirt. Golden lashes framed the greenest eyes, and his straight nose perched above lips that looked like they could do delicious things to her already heated body. Robert Sinclair was one fine looking man. And if Debra got her wish she’d be one happy girl tonight.
Taking the chair directly in front of him, Debra crossed her legs. She could tell he was interested as he followed her every move. From the lifting of her right knee to the swing of her upper leg to cover her left knee. She had worn what she thought was a killer dress; a sleeveless blue floral with rows of the same fabric sewn into rows of lace cascading down the front of it. Her shoes were a creamy colored leather with four inch heels. Yeah, she looked good.
Debra made sure she looked directly into those green eyes as he questioned her. She didn’t want him to get the wrong impression when she answered them in a highly provocative way. She wanted him turned on, and wanting her.
Never hesitatin' to become the fated ones...
Debra was so in to making him want her she barely caught his last question.
“Do you have any references?”
This was the question Debra had been waiting for. She rose and walked to the side of his desk.
Waiting.
If only for today, I am unafraid...
She didn’t wait long. She knew if she hesitated all would be lost. She watched as Robert took that decision from her, swiveled his chair, and took her in his arms. She planted small kisses up and down his neck. The heat level went from zero to sixty in nanoseconds.
“Baby, you feel so good. You’re making me crazy.” The feeling was mutual.
Debra heard her zipper, and then felt the cool air on her breasts. She pulled back and watched as his hand covered one and his mouth feasted on the other. She’d never before experienced anything this wanton. Wanting to give as good as she got, she reached for his zipper…
Take my breath away...
“Debra, Debra, you’re hired.” Sweet words.
She could feel Robert pulling away. “I do have one more question.”
Had she gone too far, been too aggressive? “Yes?”
“Did you call the kids and tell them we’d be a little late tonight?”
Debra smiled at her husband.
My love, take my breath away...
The End
If only the time I just spent writing this post could be added to my manuscript I'd feel as though I'd accomplished something good today...
Hope you get to write today.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Books I've Been Reading...
As a beginning again writer I've been reading a lot of books about the craft of writing. My favorite so far is author B. J. Daniel's, Write Your Damn Book. I've read her well written romances for years and when I saw the title, how could I not buy it? Just the title evokes her voice telling me: "What's the problem, and what are you waiting for? Your book ain't gonna write itself!" Pure unadulterated fear! Like she's looking over my shoulder and cheering me on. That's what I need. Support. She almost makes it look easy, just add blood, sweat and tears. I reviewed her book on Amazon which I will copy and paste here as I'm not savvy enough to put the link in:
By Marcia L. Scott
By Marcia L. Scott
Those are the last words written in this most informative and lesson-filled book by B.J. Daniels. The lessons aren't hard, and simple enough just to get you writing, which is what this book is all about. My favorite chapter is #6 which is on how to start your story. We all have to start somewhere, it might as well be the beginning. B.J. gives us a different view whether it be setting, conflict, dialogue, character, or narration, it's a start. You can't go wrong by following chapter by chapter as she guides you through your journey to finish your book. Every chapter is filled with examples, insights and ways to improve your writing.
B.J's own writing journey is peppered throughout the book which makes it more personal than lecture. She makes us realize that although you may be a 'famous writer' it begins with the same struggle we, as new writers, are going to experience.
I've read this book three times...It's inspiring, uplifting, and gives me the hope that I can and will finish my book! It's a book I will refer to time after time as I complete my journey into writing.
Another quote: "There isn't a writing book in the world that can teach you to write. Writing is a journey of learning how to put words together, how to put yourself onto the paper." Well said, B.J!!
p.s. I've read most all of B.J.'s fiction books...if you want to see how she practices what she preaches...read them! Can't wait for Cardwell Cousins coming in June of 2014!!
B.J's own writing journey is peppered throughout the book which makes it more personal than lecture. She makes us realize that although you may be a 'famous writer' it begins with the same struggle we, as new writers, are going to experience.
I've read this book three times...It's inspiring, uplifting, and gives me the hope that I can and will finish my book! It's a book I will refer to time after time as I complete my journey into writing.
Another quote: "There isn't a writing book in the world that can teach you to write. Writing is a journey of learning how to put words together, how to put yourself onto the paper." Well said, B.J!!
p.s. I've read most all of B.J.'s fiction books...if you want to see how she practices what she preaches...read them! Can't wait for Cardwell Cousins coming in June of 2014!!
######################################
B. J.'s book is the only writing book I've finished and re-read. Why? Simply put, it was easier for my small brain to digest and understand the rudiments of writing. Read the review...it says it all.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Apologies...
I told myself when I started this new blog that I would try and post at least once a week or more. My bad. Here it's already been over a month or more. I've got an excuse if you'd like to hear it. Hopefully, you'll stick it out with me to the end.
I left my home in NV to fly to OH on May 25th. Rented a car, drove to my hometown to pick up my daughter and young grandson. We were leaving the next day for Our Most Excellent Road Adventure...driving to Florida to see my daughter's twin sons graduate from high school. Armed with a GPS, maps, daily journal, two cases of water, a cooler loaded with sodas, snacks, etc., camera, knapsack full of WWE men, and with excitement in our hearts, took to the road. Crossing the border into Kentucky I get a frantic phone call from my sweet neighbor saying there's an ambulance and fire truck parked outside my home...what's going on? I say, I don't know, I'm in KY!! Tried to call my S/O (significant other), but he's not answering. Who do I call next? Seconds away from the answer, I get a call from my S/O. Don't be mad, he says...I was up on the ladder, and coming down my foot caught and I fell and broke my hip. Egads! Immediately, I want to fly home. No, he says, there's nothing you can do, I'm in the hospital and they have a handle on it. Long story short...I continued on with my vacation, threatening to fly home every day, it was his femur that was shattered, and he was in the hospital for almost a month. I flew back to NV (Vegas, baby, Vegas), on the 15th of June, and brought him home on the 20th. He is doing quite well, thank you, and we are looking at PT three times a week, plus I'm the caregiver at home. I'll be sure to post updates as we embark upon this new adventure!
Back to writing...obviously, I got nothing! I'm reading a lot, which is good, right? But, I WANT to be writing! So, I make the promises to myself (and my somewhat small public) to continue on with the daily/weekly blog. And maybe, just maybe, a paragraph or two of actual progress on my manuscript/writing. No excuses!
I left my home in NV to fly to OH on May 25th. Rented a car, drove to my hometown to pick up my daughter and young grandson. We were leaving the next day for Our Most Excellent Road Adventure...driving to Florida to see my daughter's twin sons graduate from high school. Armed with a GPS, maps, daily journal, two cases of water, a cooler loaded with sodas, snacks, etc., camera, knapsack full of WWE men, and with excitement in our hearts, took to the road. Crossing the border into Kentucky I get a frantic phone call from my sweet neighbor saying there's an ambulance and fire truck parked outside my home...what's going on? I say, I don't know, I'm in KY!! Tried to call my S/O (significant other), but he's not answering. Who do I call next? Seconds away from the answer, I get a call from my S/O. Don't be mad, he says...I was up on the ladder, and coming down my foot caught and I fell and broke my hip. Egads! Immediately, I want to fly home. No, he says, there's nothing you can do, I'm in the hospital and they have a handle on it. Long story short...I continued on with my vacation, threatening to fly home every day, it was his femur that was shattered, and he was in the hospital for almost a month. I flew back to NV (Vegas, baby, Vegas), on the 15th of June, and brought him home on the 20th. He is doing quite well, thank you, and we are looking at PT three times a week, plus I'm the caregiver at home. I'll be sure to post updates as we embark upon this new adventure!
Back to writing...obviously, I got nothing! I'm reading a lot, which is good, right? But, I WANT to be writing! So, I make the promises to myself (and my somewhat small public) to continue on with the daily/weekly blog. And maybe, just maybe, a paragraph or two of actual progress on my manuscript/writing. No excuses!
Monday, May 19, 2014
BATON BLOG HOP
The Baton has been passed on to me for the Baton Blog Hop from contemporary romance author Carrie Nichols. Now, a bit about her:
Carrie Nichols has always loved writing. She worked as a freelance journalist in her hometown in Western Massachusetts, specializing in human interest stories. When her husband's job meant a move to East Tennessee, she gave up writing for a while. A year ago when her youngest son graduated college and moved out, she turned his old bedroom into her home office. She turned to her first love, writing romance, to help fill the void of an empty nest. She entered Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write 2013 Contest and the first chapter of her romantic suspense, Heroes and Heartache, was a top 50 finalist. She entered Tempted To Write sponsored by Mills and Boon and won day five of the short story contest. The editors called her winning entry "fun, fab and sexy". Carrie is also very active in the Writer's Circle Forum on eHarlequin and enjoys the 1k Writer's Challenges. Five of her six entries have won first place and a sixth one coming in at second place. Carrie is currently at work on two contemporary category romances, Rescuing Riley and The Sheriff's Little Matchmaker. Both feature characters created during those 1k challenges. Carrie is a member of RWA and Georgia Romance Writers and a founding member of Chattanooga Women Writers.
Link: www.carrienichols.com
Carrie says inquiring minds want to know a bit about me, too, so here are the long awaited answers! :-)
What Are You Working On?? I'm working on a series of western romances geared toward the Harlequin Desire line. The stories are set in a fictional town amidst the rugged beauty of Montana. The first book features an independent veterinarian and a confirmed bachelor rancher. I think some sparks will be flying.
How Does Your Work Differ From Other Author's Work In The Same Genre? I'm hoping my in-depth characters, sexual tension and dialogue set my voice apart from other authors. Of course, it's something we all have to work at daily, and I want to do that work so I can claim my voice.
Why Do You Write In Your Genre? First, I'm a die-hard romantic. I still blush at all things sexual, and love to read and see the unfolding love building between characters in fiction and real life!
How Does My Writing Process Work? I started out being neither a pantser or a plotter! I just wrote! Then I go back and see if there's a theme there. Online classes have helped me put it all together to make believable characters and stories from all the gobbledygook I write! I credit Laurie Schnebly Campbell, a great critique partner and encouragement from other writers for keeping me on track to accomplish my daily goals and dreams.
So, there you have it. If you want to participate in any of the contests mentioned here, or would like to participate in the Baton Blog hop, let me know. I've got the answers.
Carrie Nichols has always loved writing. She worked as a freelance journalist in her hometown in Western Massachusetts, specializing in human interest stories. When her husband's job meant a move to East Tennessee, she gave up writing for a while. A year ago when her youngest son graduated college and moved out, she turned his old bedroom into her home office. She turned to her first love, writing romance, to help fill the void of an empty nest. She entered Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write 2013 Contest and the first chapter of her romantic suspense, Heroes and Heartache, was a top 50 finalist. She entered Tempted To Write sponsored by Mills and Boon and won day five of the short story contest. The editors called her winning entry "fun, fab and sexy". Carrie is also very active in the Writer's Circle Forum on eHarlequin and enjoys the 1k Writer's Challenges. Five of her six entries have won first place and a sixth one coming in at second place. Carrie is currently at work on two contemporary category romances, Rescuing Riley and The Sheriff's Little Matchmaker. Both feature characters created during those 1k challenges. Carrie is a member of RWA and Georgia Romance Writers and a founding member of Chattanooga Women Writers.
Link: www.carrienichols.com
Carrie says inquiring minds want to know a bit about me, too, so here are the long awaited answers! :-)
What Are You Working On?? I'm working on a series of western romances geared toward the Harlequin Desire line. The stories are set in a fictional town amidst the rugged beauty of Montana. The first book features an independent veterinarian and a confirmed bachelor rancher. I think some sparks will be flying.
How Does Your Work Differ From Other Author's Work In The Same Genre? I'm hoping my in-depth characters, sexual tension and dialogue set my voice apart from other authors. Of course, it's something we all have to work at daily, and I want to do that work so I can claim my voice.
Why Do You Write In Your Genre? First, I'm a die-hard romantic. I still blush at all things sexual, and love to read and see the unfolding love building between characters in fiction and real life!
How Does My Writing Process Work? I started out being neither a pantser or a plotter! I just wrote! Then I go back and see if there's a theme there. Online classes have helped me put it all together to make believable characters and stories from all the gobbledygook I write! I credit Laurie Schnebly Campbell, a great critique partner and encouragement from other writers for keeping me on track to accomplish my daily goals and dreams.
So, there you have it. If you want to participate in any of the contests mentioned here, or would like to participate in the Baton Blog hop, let me know. I've got the answers.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Curiosity
One of my favorite blogs is Writers in the Storm. Once again, I'm not sure how to post that link, but I can copy and paste the link on the post I want to comment on: http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/becoming-an-engaged-writer
The article, by Fae Rowen, translates to me that in order to keep our readers interested we need to be more observant to what goes on around us in order to create in-depth characters that our readers won't find boring. Everyday life is a story, and we need to be aware of how it affects us as writers. Be curious. Observe. Open up your mind to the whys?, how comes? and let our creative minds run away with it. I left the comment about my fear of the answers to those questions stifling my writing. Fear shouldn't even be in our vocabulary unless we're writing horror or mystery. I write neither.
So how do I overcome this fear? How can I be more observant to be able to create the memorable characters I want my readers to remember, and ask for more of their story? The answer for me is to take off my blinders. Look sideways, up, down, and really listen to what is going on around me. Overcome the fear of getting too close. That's where the stories are. I shouldn't be afraid of using the people, places and things I observe as characters, settings and themes/plots. I'm a writer, I can twist and turn them so no one recognizes them as the real thing.
Get out there. Observe. Be Curious. Use all of your senses to absorb what is going on around you. Don't be afraid to really look. And stare. Now, take those observances and write something about them. Rewrite if necessary. Good Job!
Now, I need to send this memo to myself.
The article, by Fae Rowen, translates to me that in order to keep our readers interested we need to be more observant to what goes on around us in order to create in-depth characters that our readers won't find boring. Everyday life is a story, and we need to be aware of how it affects us as writers. Be curious. Observe. Open up your mind to the whys?, how comes? and let our creative minds run away with it. I left the comment about my fear of the answers to those questions stifling my writing. Fear shouldn't even be in our vocabulary unless we're writing horror or mystery. I write neither.
So how do I overcome this fear? How can I be more observant to be able to create the memorable characters I want my readers to remember, and ask for more of their story? The answer for me is to take off my blinders. Look sideways, up, down, and really listen to what is going on around me. Overcome the fear of getting too close. That's where the stories are. I shouldn't be afraid of using the people, places and things I observe as characters, settings and themes/plots. I'm a writer, I can twist and turn them so no one recognizes them as the real thing.
Get out there. Observe. Be Curious. Use all of your senses to absorb what is going on around you. Don't be afraid to really look. And stare. Now, take those observances and write something about them. Rewrite if necessary. Good Job!
Now, I need to send this memo to myself.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Writer, here
Well, I've worked on this blog all day, and it's a testament to my expertise of technology and the inability to understand all the jargon. Which means I know nothing, nada, zip, zilch about what I'm doing. I know all my faults, and admit every one. Besides being directionally challenged, I stink at computer stuff. "Nuff said. I'll get to my other numerous faults later.
The real reason for this blog is to record my daily thoughts, words and life happenings. I'm attempting to complete a series of romance books for the Harlequin Desire line, and on these pages you'll witness my struggles and triumphs. I'm putting it out there for all to see. Pull up a chair and enjoy the show.
First of all, a bit about my life-long yearning to write. I started when my only child, a daughter, was very young. Fast forward about thirty-five years, and here I am...beginning again. As I said to a fellow writer, I'm at the back door of my life, but the passion is there, and that's what I'm counting on. Not to mention, lots of reading, my critique partner, encouraging emails from other authors and classes.
Maybe as I try to post something everyday this blog will get better looking. I also know as I write everyday I'll get better at that, too.
The real reason for this blog is to record my daily thoughts, words and life happenings. I'm attempting to complete a series of romance books for the Harlequin Desire line, and on these pages you'll witness my struggles and triumphs. I'm putting it out there for all to see. Pull up a chair and enjoy the show.
First of all, a bit about my life-long yearning to write. I started when my only child, a daughter, was very young. Fast forward about thirty-five years, and here I am...beginning again. As I said to a fellow writer, I'm at the back door of my life, but the passion is there, and that's what I'm counting on. Not to mention, lots of reading, my critique partner, encouraging emails from other authors and classes.
Maybe as I try to post something everyday this blog will get better looking. I also know as I write everyday I'll get better at that, too.
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