Romance Magicians

So You Think You Can Dan...er, Write

2009-11-14T16:12:00.007-06:00

I was watching So You Think You Can Dance last night (yes, I can't live without my DVR--I never watch live TV anymore), and something the judges kept saying caught my attention.

The gist was that if the dancers got "into character" and put the appropriate emotion in the performance, they could get away with a few technical errors. But, the opposite was not true. A flawless technical performance lacking emotion or story was not enough to cut it.

I think the same could be applied to writing. Grammatical problems or minor plot issues can be overcome with a great voice and style. It's more about the execution of the story, than its mechanics.

As I was flipping through The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman at BAM today, I was happy to see that he agreed. He basically said that execution was more important than plot for catching an editor's or agent's eye. If they don't get past the execution, they'll never read enough to get the plot anyway.

Not that we can afford to discount grammar or other technical issues--after all, we need to put our best foot forward--but we shouldn't forget that in the end, the story and how we tell it is what will grab the reader.

I guess I'd say, "Always improve your craft, but don't forget your voice."

---

The Daily Squirrel: soap (what's this?)

The scent of gardenias filled the steamy shower as she worked up a lather on the bar of soap. A familiar peace settled over her as her slick hands washed away the sweat and the lingering odor of cigarettes. Some day soon, she'd finish her degree, and she'd never have to work in a smoky bar again.

A New Publishing Wave is Building

2009-11-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

This week a lot of excitement has abounded on the various writing loops. Why? HQN has a new baby sister, CARINA PRESS, and she's all E-Qute. At last a major publishing house is jumping into the digital age and giving new authors another way to attain their goal of publication.

According to the website, it's an opportunity to give those authors who don't fit the traditional genres a place for their stories. Wow, that's great!! At first glance, I was itchy to jump in and send off my query. Hey, although this publisher is independent from HQN, it might give me an opportunity to get noticed by the big sister. Lord knows I've been trying to get her attention a long time. I even got a request from my dream category this year and had high hopes.

But I was rejected because my book, while well-written and compelling, didn't fit the line I targeted (and had been encouraged to target). It read like a romantic comedy. Huh? I thought for sure it was pretty darned sexy. And who says we can't laugh on the way to the bedroom? My CPs and writing friends quickly assured me there was a market for my book(s), but a lot of the published sexy romantic funny stories are SINGLE TITLE. I don't have that many words, so I've queried agencies in the hope that one will take a nibble and, eventually, I hope to land one who could help me find a home for my book(s).

My goals are simple. Keep writing, find an agent who can cut through the forest undergrowth for me, and keep writing.

Then this little temptation came along. And I am tempted. A lot. And a lot of other people, with recent rejections for being not quite a fit are getting pumped up. Why not zip off a query and an MS? What would be the harm? E has been very good to many of my writing friends (you know who you are my darlings!) and I have considered entering that publishing pool with queries before, so why not give Carina Press a whirl? Or any other E publisher with an established record.

However, I stopped myself from taking the plunge. Oh, my toes are curled around the edges of the pool, and my muscles are poised to spring. But nope. I'm reeling back my impulse. The old Christine would not have stopped herself. Trust me. I am usually a very decisive, quick action kinda gal and if I make a mistake, heck, I can fix it.

But this is my career. My dream. I need to evaluate my next move very carefully. I sat on my hands after I read all the news and submission guidelines (well, not really, I worked on my GH entry #2 and made phone calls and roamed the web loops for information) and analyzed the situation (Gwen would be so very proud of me).

First I asked trusted friends who are in E-publishing houses what the experience is like for them. Many positives. A few negatives. That's good to know. If I choose to go this route, it could lead to a nice writing career (hey I am assuming everyone will say yes to my brilliant prose). Second, I asked my CPs and my Chapter mates what they thought about this idea. Third, I waited for the Southern Magic Chapter Prez, Laura Hayden, to weigh in with her wise counsel. Fourth, I chewed on the information. Fifth, I reread the website and the blog posts. Sixth, I slept on it.

After a good night's sleep, I woke up and decided to wait a little longer before diving in. Not that I don't think this might be a great option for me as a writer, but because I want to see where all this is heading. What does RWA say about it? What will the contracts be like? Will this lead to print (unlike other E/digital publishers, print is currently not an option with Carina)? When I read the CARINA PRESS blogs, I loved the idea of finding a home for my book on an e shelf. This is a reputable company with the muscle behind it to power it to success. And there's a good chance that this company might lead to print options at the right time if authors demonstrate a huge marketability.

It's a win-win IF my book is accepted and I utilize all the information they'll teach me to promote my writing. If my book (again, dreaming here but I live in an ongoing delusional world) hits a unique niche and takes off that's a cool thing. Woohoo! The possibilities are endless. But for now this idea is new and I'm not sure if I am ready for all the work of self-promotion.

Again, the simple goal of writing screams for my attention.

I'm tempted. But I don't have business skills (I am not good with grids, ask Carla LOL), and I hate admin work. That's why I am hunting for an agent to represent me. I want to focus on WRITING. Thus, I am sticking to my original course. I can always reevaluate this opportunity later when I have another book completed, learned more about the e-world, sharpened my craft, and I have time to build my marketing network.

I don't know how this particular venture will impact the publishing industry as a whole. I'm not that smart. But I am smart enough to bully my impetuous side down and settle back before I make a big decision that could impact my future writing career.

Any thoughts out there about the latest E-Qutie? E-Pub vs Print Pub? Pros? Cons? Words of Wisdom?

Book Report

2009-11-10T12:55:00.002-06:00

If you don't already have it, buy this book. Now.

I know the title's lame. And it's part of a how-to-write series. I don't care. James Scott Bell has written one of the best books for aspiring writers that's out there.

Even though you think you're getting just tips on plot and structure, you're getting so much more. He gives great characterization tips. He gives great "writing life" tips. He gives great storytelling tips. He talks about genres, dialogue, and tension.

Seriously. I would marry this guy if he were single. Well, and if I were single.

It's all Relative, Darn it !

2009-11-08T13:47:00.002-06:00

I have two brothers. They're really great guys and very supportive of my writing aspirations. I wish they were as supportive of my need for repairs to my plumbing and having my roof cool-sealed, but that's another story. They're hard-working, terrified of our Mom (who isn't)and are good to their spouses, kids and animals. So, I think I'll keep them. Besides, they give great Christmas gifts.

We all have relatives we'd rather not talk about or at least rather not have at the family reunion. I've noticed that in many romance stories the hero and heroine either have no family at all or have a family that makes the Addams family look normal. It got me thinking.

Some secondary characters are a necessary part of the story, to keep it moving. We can write them in and out of the story at will. When it comes to relatives it's a little bit harder. Have you ever made a hero or heroine an orphan only child because you just don't want to fool with the relatives? Have you ever added and eccentric relative only to have them take over the story and run with it? Do you ever think your writing about relatives is born of your own familial experience or do you try to keep your family out of it? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Inquiring minds want to know.

Those of us who were born and raised in the South or at least by a Southern Mama (that would be me) know that in the South you don't ask if there is insanity in the family. You just ask which side it's on. I love Jeff Foxworthy's take on it when he says you get into the car after the family reunion, look at each other and say "What is wrong with those people?" In my family we invite "those people" to the reunion just for the entertainment factor. (Don't tell my Mom. She thinks we're being nice.) And don't even get me started on my Yankee cousins.

So, how about it. Would your relatives recognize themselves if they read your novel? Do you use relatives to spice up your story or as comic relief or are they just too much trouble? What's the best use of relatives in a story you've ever read? or written?

2009 Reader's Luncheon Tomorrow!

2009-11-06T04:00:00.001-06:00

Each year Southern Magic hosts a Romance Reader's Luncheon. This year's event will take place tomorrow at the Homewood Public Library.

I have handled the registration for the last two years and I am happy to report that many of the people registered this year attended last year's event. Obviously they enjoyed themselves last time.

What's not to like? For the cost of admission you will get a great lunch, sit with an author at a table they host, where you will find a goodie bag awaiting you filled with several books and promotional material from well-known authors. Top that off with our keynote speaker, Anne Stuart, and you have a day guaranteed to please. Did I mention that there will also be a book signing by the authors in attendance?

You're out of luck this year if you don't already have a ticket. This year's event is sold out. Start watching for next year's event on our website during the summer of 2010. You wouldn't want to miss it again.

Hurts So Good

2009-11-04T21:54:00.003-06:00

This year has been one of several “firsts” for me. My first request for a full manuscript. My first contract. My first book release. And my first negative review.

Ouch. The reader didn’t like my characters and isn’t sure she will read anything else by me. After wondering if maybe I had stolen her lunchbox on the playground when we were younger, I quickly did what any person would do…I became defensive. And then I started doubting my writing ability and questioning how I could have made the characters and the story better. Regardless that three other people had reviewed and really liked the book, I allowed the one negative comment to kick my confidence and joy of writing out from under me.

Now this self-doubt only lasted a few moments, but I was reminded of something that stayed with me much longer. Count it all joy. Everything—the good, the bad and the ugly—has purpose. The positive and the negative comments make me a stronger and more prolific writer. Both sharpen me—one just feels better than the other! But the negative accomplishes something the positive cannot. It reveals where I am. The bible cautions beware if all men speak well of you. I’ve always viewed that verse in a certain way. Now, as I’m experiencing these “firsts”, my eyes are opened to another aspect of it. If men only spoke good of us, how would we know we are strong enough to handle criticism? Would we be shipwrecked on the shores of self-doubt never able to find the courage or esteem to set sail once more? How would we discover whether our identity and joy is based on something more than our jobs? How would we find out that in the face of adversity we have the fortitude and strength to press forward? Yes, accolades uplift us, but it’s the disappointments that challenge us to rise in the first place.

Relevancy

2009-11-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

“I’m not reading any more young adult paranormals,” announced my mother recently.

“Why?” I was aghast, I write paranormals and YA.

She gave a sniff of disdain, “because in the last book I read, it was obvious that the writer doesn’t have children.”

Curious, I asked “really? Give me more specifics.”

She proceeded to tell me about a book she’d read, where the heroine was in her very early teens having the freedom to go out late at night (My mother didn’t allow me, did yours?). Then came the worst thing in her opinion, the characters “had no reaction when they killed others.”

I pondered on what she said, and found it made sense.

As writers, we create worlds, light and dark, which we have to make relevant to the reader. We also have to justify the actions of all of our characters in this world. For example, if the heroine from the story my mother read had a severely dysfunctional family life, than most readers would have accepted the late night wanderings. As for killing, if there had been a reason that those who killed had no reaction, whether it was compartmentalization, revenge, sociopathic tendencies, etc, than the reader could understand (maybe not accept, but they’d go with it).

Imagine if you will, writing about a police officer. Perhaps he comes upon a deadly motor vehicle accident, what do you think he would do? Is this is first one? Or twentieth? Do you think he’d joke around, act nonchalant? Would you? If he does, how would you, as a writer, justify his behavior? This applies to every character and situation. I know when I give my manuscripts to my critique partners; I request that they tell me where the story stops them or where it doesn’t make sense. My greatest fear is to lose the reader, or to turn them away because they don’t believe my reality that I have created.

What do you think? Have you found a story where you could not identify nor believe what was going on? Did it ruin the story for you?

As for me, I am going to continue to write my genres, but now, I wonder, will my mother read it?

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T23:59:00.001-05:00

CHECKING IN

2009-10-29T07:00:00.005-05:00

Sometimes we get so busy with our writing, work, and family that we forget how much is going on around us, especially when we’re waiting for that special email or phone call. We're so focused on that one thing that each day can seem like forever. In fact, some days (like TODAY) it feels as though time has stopped.

So.

I’m in the moooood again to generate a bit of momentum among the Southern Magic Bloggers. Consider this another shout-out asking all of you to share what you’re doing with your writing career. This is the time of year the publishing houses and agencies get into full swing. Let’s jump in and take advantage. Get that book done. Get those submissions out.

Me? I’m writing and waiting. My two favorite things. Obviously writing is something I love, but you may be questioning my sanity on the waiting. Simply put, I think of waiting the same as I do rejection letters. I’m putting myself out there and I’m submitting. Which is better than doing nothing.

I’m writing at least 5,000 words a week (and will be finished with this current book by Thanksgiving). I’m waiting to hear results on two contests (maybe you’ve heard of The Linda Howard AoE? Of course you have). I still have to send two entries into the Golden Heart. I have full manuscripts with two agents and two editors. I have a partial with another. So when I’m not writing, I’m waiting. And waiting.

And waiting.

Waiting is a good thing.

It is.

No, really.

BUUUUUT, on days like today when waiting feels like slogging through life in slow motion, I need a little help from my writing friends. So I’m counting on my writing peeps today to give me updates. Fuel the blog fire! Let me know what you’re doing!

I want EVERY morsel. Contest hopes. Agent submissions. Editor requests. Conference plans. Reeeaaders Luncheon???

(SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: Southern Magic Readers Luncheon / November 7, 2009 at the Homewood Library / Please see http://southernmagic.org/luncheon.html for further details.)

Okay, let’s have it. I want details!

I’ll wait.

LOOKING FOR A HERO

2009-10-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

I watched a movie the other day with some of my peeps. No, this is not a movie review, but this particular movie got me thinking about writing. What a surprise, right? The movie was a romantic comedy remake of Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol." It was cute, but unremarkable. Now I am usually pretty easily amused, but this movie left me feeling dissatisfied and grumpy. Why? I wondered. And then it hit me, and this is where the writing part comes in. I realized I did not like the ‘hero,’ not at the beginning of the movie or at the end. The guy was attractive, but a real jerk, a play-yah hound dog male hoor. He started out that way and, to my way of thinking, he stayed that way. Oh, sure, the screenwriter tried to redeem him in the last five minutes of the movie. But, it was too little too late, and so the love story did not work for me.

Now, I know what you’re saying. But, Scrooge doesn’t repent until the end of the story, so what’s the diff? I will tell you. The difference is "A Christmas Carol" is not a romance. For a romance to work, you have to believe in the love story, and at the end of this movie I remained unconvinced. Bottom line, the hero was not sufficiently redeemed and/or redeemed too late to invest me in the love story. He was a jerk at the beginning of the movie, and he was still pretty much a jerk at the end of the movie, in my humble opinion.

In Mary Balogh’s historical romance "At Last Comes Love," you are led to believe that Duncan, the hero, is a libertine and a scoundrel of the worst order. Now, having read all of Ms. Balogh’s delightful books, I was introduced to Margaret, the heroine, in two previous romances. Having faith in one of my favorite writers, I knew all could not be as it seemed. I kept moving forward, even though Duncan lacked much to be desired as a hero. Sure enough, midway through the book, the reader learns not only is Duncan not the scoundrel he has been painted, he is a noble, self-sacrificing knight in shining armor, a hero of heroes and an-all-round-swell guy. He is totally redeemed, the love story makes you sigh with envy, both as a woman married to a mere mortal and as a writer, and you completely, absolutely and without a doubt believe in the love story.

So, do our heroes and heroines have to be Pollyanna perfect? Of course not, that would be boring. I love flawed characters. They are interesting. But, at the end of the day, I believe they have to be lovable in order for the reader to become invested in the romance, to believe in their happily-ever-after.

Do You Have What It Takes?

2009-10-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

And The Speaker Is...

2009-10-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Some years ago, I sat on a committee that oversaw extra activities for the company’s employees. My special activity was the Toastmasters meetings. I didn’t join in the meeting itself, but mainly attended a few times, making myself available for questions or complaints from the members.

I found so much of what they did fascinating. At each meeting, two or three members would stand up and give a speech about anything. It could be about the best method of mowing their grass to the last time they went deer hunting. After the speech the others members would give critiques, such as whether the speaker used “ahs” or stared down at a sheet of paper or read from notes or slouched, etc. Of course, they also mentioned positives like speaking clearly and at the right tone, smiling (unless it’s a sad or negative subject) and using moderate hands movements.

You know me and lists. Something to keep in mind.
1) Be prepared and know the subject. Practice your speech.
2) Show enthusiasm for what you’re talking about. Smile. You will be surprised how it will relax you. The crowd will be attentive as they want to know what has gotten you so excited.
3) Stand up straight. Not scared stiff, but more of "I’m so proud to be standing in front of you."
4) Don’t play with your notes. The audience will watch your hands instead of your face. That’s not good.
5) Pretend you’re talking with a roomful of friends. They want to hear what you have to say so they can learn something.

You’re asking, why am I telling you all this? I believe as writers, there may come a time someone will ask you to stand up and talk about your book or your special way to plot or whatever strength you possess. You better be prepared. I recommend either joining the Toastmasters or purchasing a book about the subject.

To promote your books, you want to present yourself in the best light. If a speaker rambles on, tells you nothing and varies from high to low tones with lots of ahs, would you wonder about her writing? I would.

Just warning you...LOL!

Side note about practicing your speech: My lunch buddies at work have heard a few of my speeches and they probably know more about writing now than they ever dreamed of.

Giving Up

2009-10-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

I used to spend a lot of time listening to other people talk (no, really). Leonard Lopate (my absolute favorite), Dr. Oz, Jean Chatzky, NPR, and BBC filled my non-reading, solitary time. I had a whole spate of podcasts on everything from lean manufacturing to grammar. I listened while I walked the dog, drove the car, mowed the lawn, painted a room, worked out, got ready in the morning…you name it.

Then one day, I decided to try writing again, and suddenly all of that listening material got in the way. If someone else was talking, I couldn’t hear myself think about my story and my characters. I dropped all of my podcasts and radio shows in favor of using that precious solitary time to think about my writing.

The downside is that I’m no longer exposed to the thoughts and ideas that actually might provide more fodder for my books. And, I miss the interviews with authors, curators, politicians, performers, lexicographers, grammarians, chefs, financial gurus, scientists, and heroes.

Hmm.

Maybe it’s time to stop listening only to myself and start listening to more interesting people again.

Maybe a fantastic story idea is actually lurking in the next podcast.

Maybe I can find a way to catch my favorite topics without consuming all of my spare time.

Hmm.

“Honey! What’s that iTunes password again?”

---

What have you given up for your writing, and could you find a way to get at least part of it back?

Moving Past the "NO"

2009-10-18T08:31:00.004-05:00

I've had a busy week. As you know, I've been rejected. Well, not in a bad way. But after the lovely letter was dissected, and I had properly thrown myself an amazing personal pity party involving copious amounts of wine and 80s music, I had to get back on track before the weekend arrived.

Getting past a "no" isn't easy, even if it is a very positive "no."

"No" just plain sucks.

But in order to write, one must get past it. How do I get past a "no?" Here are my techniques (not in particular order, except for the first two):

1-I call my CPs and dissect the letter. They counsel me and say they're sorry, but then admonish me to send out more queries and hook an agent with this book.

2-I throw a wonderful Personal Pity Party. Wine, songs and FB comments are flowing all night.

3-I get up the next day and force myself to start again. A to-do list is a wonderful thing for me.

4-I polish my first GH entry and get it ready to send off to the RWA Offices

5-I force myself to research agents on line via the RWA website and their websites. I write a blog about how much I despise this type of work. At last, you all know my achilles heel: I loathe administrative work and I am horrible about worrying about the formatting and so forth of each query letter and submission. Blah--

6-After I yank the nails out of my eyeballs, I go to Kinkos and copy my MS for the GH entry. I also run boring errands. They remind me that I'd like to be super wealthy one day and hire someone to do all this stuff (another thing I loathe to do is waiting in lines).

7-I query the agents via email and record them in my PRO binder query grid.

8-I make a writing plan for my next GH revision.

9-I clean the house top to bottom, warn the family I will be writing A LOT during the next 6 weeks, and I allow myself to breath and enjoy this final writing free weekend.

10-I tell myself I am glad I got the rejection. It was a good one, and it solidified for me that I have a strong voice. I need time to hone this voice of mine, time to keep writing at my pace, and time to build my back list so when I get that elusive call from an agent/publisher, I am ready to roll.

After all this, I am ready to return to my writing cave. I am eager to start my revision. I am anxious to get the work done. And I can't wait to start!

I love being a writer.

How do you move past the "no?"

Viva la romance!

2009-10-17T08:05:00.003-05:00

This blog post isn't about writing, but it is about falling in love.

Once upon a time, a Committed-to-Being-Single Young Woman was introduced to a Single Young Man. She thought he was cute and seemed nice, so she agreed to go on a date with him. On a Sunday afternoon, they went to a movie at the local art museum. The small theater was almost filled when they arrived, but two seats on the aisle were vacant. "Do you mind if I sit on the end?" he said with a smile. "I'm a bit claustrophobic." She nodded and scooted into the inside seat.

They chatted for a few minutes as they waited for the movie to start, discovering each other's likes and dislikes. But soon the woman became distracted by a little girl who was running up and down the aisle, laughing loudly. Her feet made a persistent ear-ringing clack every time her shoes hit the uncarpeted floor. The annoyed woman huffed out a breath. Where are her parents? she thought with a frown. And why aren't they controlling her?

Suddenly the little girl stopped right beside the Single Young Man. Silent, she gazed at him. The woman waited to see what he would do. Would he fuss at her? Tell her to be quiet and sit down? She hoped so because she was tired of listening to the unruly child.

The man simply reached out and caressed the little girl's cheek. Just one gentle, lovely touch -- and she was gone, back down the aisle and into her seat beside her parents.

The Committed-to-Being-Single Woman's heart melted and a feeling washed over her that she had never felt before. She gave a little gasp and stole a glance at the man. He gave her the most beautiful smile, and she knew.

First date, and she knew.

On October 17, 1981--28 years ago today--they got married.

Happy anniversary to my husband. Seems like yesterday, doesn't it?

Happy Halloween Early

2009-10-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

Accept or Reject?

2009-10-13T16:37:00.003-05:00

Recently, I've been watching the new fall tv shows that have made their debut. I'd like to say that I give them a fair chance before either accepting or rejecting them, but I don't. If they don't catch my interest by the end of the first show--they're doomed. I don't give them as long as the network who hopes they will build an audience. In the words of the Donald, You're fired!

I have found many correlations between these rejected shows and books that I haven't enjoyed. Most of the time they both have a plot that is either boring, too slow paced or unbelievable. Sometimes marginal shows/books are rescued by the charm of their characters but that is a heavy burden to place on even the most gifted actor/actress or hero/heroine.

Engaging writing, whether it be in a book or prime time viewing, is wonderful. Why else would we watch a show about teenage dweebs in a glee club? Well, if you have great stories, funny lines and likable talented individuals, you're bound to find an audience. So count me in for Glee.

The same applies to books. Give your readers a solid story, engaging characters and stories that show more than tell, and you'll have a hit. As I continue to work to become published I look everywhere for examples of writing that works.

What makes you reject or accept books or shows for reading/viewing? Do you agree with my reasons or do you have other things that matter more to you?

Sweet Ultimatum

2009-10-11T20:23:00.000-05:00

Caitlin Madison has returned home after a self-imposed exile. Haunted by the erotic memories of the man she once loved and abandoned, Caitlin is unprepared to come face-to-face with Selig Richardson and the hunger resurrected under his golden gaze. Even as her body craves his touch, she denies him, realizing her reasons for terminating their relationship so long ago are as valid now as they were then.

Six years have passed since Selig Richardson left New Eden, WA disillusioned and bitter after Caitlin Madison’s cold denial of him and his love. Now he’s returned, demanding retribution for her cruel rejection. The payment: her body.

Unknown to Selig, Caitlin has harbored a deadly secret all these years. And as love awakens with each passionate encounter, so does the danger that has simmered for almost a decade. Once again, Caitlin is forced to make a choice between a future with the man she's never stopped loving or crush his heart...and save his life.

Sweet Ultimatum by Naima Simone

Coming October 23, 2009 from Ellora's Cave Publishing, http://www.jasminejade.com/

INSANITY

2009-10-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

As writers, we are crazy.

Really.

What? You say, not me. Oh yes you are.

I see your face, brows lowering, eyes narrowing and your mouth opening in preparation to argue with me.

Think about it, we create our own worlds. Mine tend to be dark. I have a friend who makes a much lighter, amusing world. Still…they are our own creation. We “create our own reality”. Usually this may get you sent to see a psychologist.

Still don’t agree?

The next thing we do is create characters, we give them personalities, likes, dislikes, we know what they look like and how they will act. Then we give them a voice—this is where we step off to the deep end. We let them talk to us.

Now, don’t tell me you don’t listen. For me, this is when they tell me their names, and how they will respond to any situation I put them in. Sometimes I talk back.

I know you talk back, we all do! How many times have you been stuck in the scene, and in a fit of frustration do another task, such as the dishes. There, as we do a mundane physical task, we talk to ourselves. We mutter, and murmur and before you know it a conversation unfolds. It was this sort of self talk that revealed to me that my main character was a real jerk (but that’s another story).

How about when you write the scenes with your characters? Ever had angst about what you were putting them through? You didn’t want to push them to the limit, did you? Ok, well there are those of us who enjoy doing that. Writers become attached to the characters we create, and when they suffer, we suffer.

Truthfully by now, you no longer need a psychologist, but a psychiatrist for medication. I mean really, we are hearing voices and seeing people who don’t exist...except for us.

Before you start picking up the phone and contacting your nearest psych doc, don’t. Our therapy is the written page. We get it all out in the story, because once it’s on paper than its ok. We are sharing it, showing our story.

Do you think Writers are crazy?

Note: I’d like to thank Vonda Frampton, member of the El Paso Writer’s Association for inspiration on this blog. I recently read her article, about “stirring the pot of craziness”, and her take on how we as writers like to dredge up those dark and varied emotions in our writing is delightfully witty.

Post Conference

2009-10-07T08:14:00.004-05:00

Well I returned home on Sunday from a wonderful weekend. We left Thursday to attend the 2009 M & M Conference in Georgia. It was GREAT!! I shared pictures and talked about what we did on our group blog, you can find it here.

Today, lets talk about post conference things. You know what I'm talking about. When you get home you are on this wonderful cloud, you can't wait to tell your friends, family, spouse about your trip and what you learned. I did this. I talked to him every night before I tossed and turned. Telling him details of what we'd done during the day and everything else in between. My hubby is very supportive and loves hearing it all. When I actually returned home I was talking 90 to nothing. He laughed with me and talked with me and wanted to know this and that. I was wonderful.

I have even managed to keep up my post conference cloud, with thoughts in my minds and things that need to be done. Monday wasn't very productive, for we had dentist appointments and soccer, but hey that is life. I did what I could and the rest waited. Yesterday, I dove in and man did it feel good last night when I was able to tell my hubby everything I had done. The thing is he doesn't just do that with me. He does it with my writing friends as well. He really is wonderful and all mine. :P Sorry, ladies! HAHA!

So, what are some of the post conference things that go through your mind? What do you do when you get home? Do you dive in and hit the door running? When does it fade away and life take over again?

I hit the door running and I'm not slowing up. The house work can wait. I'm doing what I can with help from everyone in the house and it feels great! Off to work I go. :)

Deadlines

2009-10-05T19:59:00.002-05:00

I'm swamped with other volunteer work with the chapter and have given no thought to my blog today. What does it say that I'm posting this at 8:00 pm? Hello?

So here's just a quick question. What's the latest deadline you've given yourself and what's getting in the way?

Mine? I need to finish my current book by the end of October. What's getting in the way? The luncheon. The contest. Animal rescues (which are endless). Work. It's just one of those days when I feel overwhelmed.

Tomorrow will be another day and I'm sure everything will seem better. I hope. Meanwhile, tell me what you're doing.

HEADING TOWARD THE FINISH LINE.

2009-10-03T08:42:00.001-05:00

I have been working on my current manuscript for close to a year now. Things have been relatively easy, the words flowing, the ideas coming, my characters behaving. I have LOVED writing this book!

Until recently, that is.

I have been in the death throes of this novel since July, writing ‘the last two chapters’ for what seems like a small eternity. The darn thing has been like taffy, stretching and stretching with no end in sight.

At long last, I have reached the last two chapters. No, really. This time I mean it. Halfway through the penultimate chapter, I have growing confidence that I will finish this book before it finishes me.

What has been the problem? Fear of finishing? Fear of failure? Sun spots? Life, the universe and everything? I do not know. I only know that it has been a struggle, my usual 1500 words a day dwindling to 250, sometimes less. No, it’s not that I don’t know where the story is going or what is supposed to happen in the last two chapters. It is something else. I won’t call it writer’s block, more like writer’s paralysis. I am past it now, thank goodness. But, it has made me wonder if any of you have faced a similar crisis in your writing. Been working on a sweet little darling of a manuscript only to have it morph into an unruly, out-of-control teenager complete with an attitude, raging hormones and growing pains?

So, I ask the same question Gwen did a few days ago. How do you get yourself unstuck? My answer came when I realized I was worrying too much about the mechanics of the action that takes place in Chapter 34 instead of concentrating on the emotions of the characters. Once I had that Eureka! moment, I was able to break free of the ice that surrounded me on all sides.

She said bravely from the middle of Chapter 34.

Interviews with Natashya Wilson, Senior Editor, Harlequin Teen

2009-10-02T20:51:00.002-05:00

Harlequin has started a new line, Harlequin Teen. Southern Magic is lucky to have the senior editor as the final judge in the Young Adult category in the Linda Howard Award of Excellence. To find out more about her and what she's looking for, click on the following links.

http://librarillyblonde.blogspot.com/2009/08/guest-post-natashya-wilson-of-harlequin.html

http://inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com/2009/08/guest-post-and-contest-from-harlequin.html

http://www.ninc.com/blog/index.php/archives/meet-senior-editor-natashya-wilson

Click here for a podcast.

Interviews with Megan McKeever, Associate Editor, Pocket Book

2009-10-02T18:34:00.003-05:00

For ten years, Megan McKeever has worked in publishing and the last six at Pocket. Her interest is eclectic (romance, urban fantasy, young adult and pop culture).

Click here to read a previous interview.

Click here to hear a podcast.

Click here to read an article.

Podcast: Tina James, Senior Editor, Steeple Hill

2009-10-02T18:32:00.003-05:00

Christine Glover is partying in Atlanta at the Moonlight and Magnolia conference and she asked me to post this for her. :-)

The following podcast is with the Final Judge for the Inspiration Category for the Linda Howard Award of Excellence. Tina James is the Senior Editor for Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical at Steeple Hill.

http://www.eharlequin.com/images/splash/podcasts/MelissaEndlichTinaColombo.html