Here’s a great writing resource which has links to tons of helpful and insightful articles regarding writing.

 Gabrielle Luthy.com/forwriters.htm

Tags: Advice, Articles, Craft of Writing, Links, Resources // Add Comment »

I’m  looking for a critique partner. Someone who can help me catch the things that I miss in tweaking and polishing my books. Things like - grammar, spelling, run-on sentences, fragments, nonsensical phrasing, head hopping. Generally the techniques and mechanics of writing.

So in my quest, I’ve also started learning more about editing and how to spot these things on my own. I know nothing is perfect, but I want it as perfect as I can get it. So I don’t get an “R” on something like grammar or mechanics of writing.

So here is one of my techniques:

When the draft is completed, I use Microsoft Word. So Edit - Find - Check “Highlight all items found in:” box - More button - Check “Find whole words only” box.

I search for the following list of words. Now that’s not to say that all intenses where I find these words are bad or wrong. But I want to eliminate the unnessecary use of them so I can make my writing tighter and hopefully better. These are what some would call “pet” or “crutch” words.

• and - but
• that
• causing (forms of cause)
• just
• like
• as
• very
• nearly - almost
• really
• seem - appear
• felt - feel
• begin - began
• began to
• started to
• would have - could have - should have
• quite
• making (forms of make)
• few
• rather
• thing
• stuff
• anyway
• because
• “ly” adverbs
• excessive adverb use
• so
• then
• and then
• even
• only
• down - up (as in sit down, stand up - can be redundant)
• got - get
• it - is
• am
• are
• was
• were
• wore
• wearing
• which
• when
• went
• put
• has
• had
• have
• been
• to be
• there is
• there are
• there was
• there were

I know it’s a long list. It’s something I’ve compiled over the past year or so from reading craft of writing and punctuation/grammar books. Or from online classes and other resources.

Tags: Articles, Craft of Writing, Editing, My Writing, Pet Words, Red Flags // Add Comment »

Here’s an interesting quote:

There are three rules to writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
– W. Somerset Maugham ~ Of Human Bondage

And it got me to thinking. If I could name three rules for writing a novel, assuming I wanted to, what would they be.

1. Study your craft.

2. Write everyday.

3. Forge a good writing support group/network.

Those three are what have helped me. I could go into developing characters, outlining and plotting, reading in your genre and outside of it (note: may explore those topics at a later date), grammar and sentence structure (admittedly not my strongest suit), or a whole other host of topics.

I’ve talked about Romance Divas before. Possibly one of the best, if not the best, IMHO, writers forums and websites there is.

And yes, I probably did use too many commas in the previous sentence.

Should the rule be “There is no rules”?

Everyone who has written, wants to be an author has heard of the “writing rules”. But we all know there is no secret code or forumal for writing or becoming published or a success - except for keep writing and submitting.

So if you had to name only three novel writing rules what would they be?

Tags: Advice, Quotes, Romance Divas, writing rules // 2 Comments »

MASTERS OF ILLUSION

Blurb:

Illusion. A word shaded with nuance, making the men who practice it — the masters — enigmas. Particularly when they magically materialize from the shadows of a woman’s dark past.

It’s been fifteen years. No longer the tormented young men Blair knew and loved so long ago, Damon and Trey still know how to touch her heart, how to draw out her secrets, and how to bring her to the edge of ecstasy.

Blair has two weeks to unravel the mystery of the ruby and decide if the magic her seductive masters are wielding is real or illusion. The answers to her questions are hidden within the facets of the ruby gifts she receives each night, the mysteries veiled by their illusions…and the dark desires burning in her body.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes with same-gender sex, and references to child abuse.

A semi-work-safe excerpt:

“Hello? Damon? Trey?” She stepped into a silent reception area. To the left stood one of those reception counters. No one was posted there. The overhead fluorescent lights were off, and the deeper she walked inside, the darker it grew, the heavier the shadows became, and the edgier she felt.

She smoothed her hands down her legs, flattening her skirt against her thighs. Her pumps made little tap-tapping noises on the tile as she ventured to the back of the reception area. There were three wooden doors spaced evenly along one wall. One was marked with a sign, a bathroom. The second opened to a small office. Empty. The third opened to the cavernous warehouse. “Trey? Damon? Hello? It’s me.”

Creepy.

She almost turned around, called it a total wash and headed home, but then she heard her name, whispered, and she instantly recognized the voice.

She stopped, held her breath, searching the deep shadows. Where were they hiding? “Damon, you dork. Are you two trying to scare me? Quit playing.”

There. She heard something moving. She rushed forward, eager to touch her old friends, to give them a hug and thank them for the wonderful gift. But she stopped midstride, a scream shooting up her throat, when one of the enormous black cats from their show, wearing a sparkling red collar, stalked from the shadows, its glittering eyes fixed on her.

Absolutely terrified, she froze in place. “D-Damon, I think one of your pets is loose,” she whispered, afraid to speak louder. Oh God, that animal was huge. Those paws. Those teeth!

And then the cat stood up on its hind legs and the scream she’d been swallowing flew from her mouth. She whirled around and slammed into one hard male body. “Trey! Ohthankgod! Help me!”

Trey smiled as he eased her around.

The panther was gone. Damon stood in its place, dressed head to toe in black. The top two buttons of his crisp shirt were unfastened, revealing a vee of suntanned skin and a silver charm hanging from a thick chain. The panther’s glittering red collar lay in his outstretched hand.

Blair let loose with a huge sigh. She accepted the proffered jewelry, which up close looked more like a choker and less like an animal collar. “Thank you. But you just about scared me to death.”

“May I?” Damon asked, pointing at the jewelry.

“Sure.” She dropped it in his hand.

Damon’s eyes glittered with smoldering heat as he stepped closer to fasten the choker around Blair’s neck. It felt cold and heavy against her skin, even with the little flares of heat erupting beneath the surface. “Welcome, Blair.”

“I’m so glad to see you two. I have so many questions, like how you–”

Damon pressed his index finger against her lips, silencing her. “Later.” His gaze meandered down her body then slowly climbed back up. The corners of his mouth lifted into a naughty, predatory smile. “You look beautiful. You’ve always been beautiful, but you’ve changed. In a very good way.”

Her cheeks had to be as red as the fiery stones in her new choker. She nervously fingered the jewels as she met his gaze. “Thanks. But I think most of the changes haven’t been for the better. You, on the other hand, both look amazing. You really…er, filled out.” That was an understatement.

Damon looked very pleased by her compliment. “Thank you.” He motioned toward the far corner of the warehouse, which was completely cloaked in thick black shadows. “This way.”

“I’m not sure if I’m liking the magic thing or not. Gotta admit, it’s a little strange. Scary, even.”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Trey said behind her, gently coaxing her forward with a hand pressed to the small of her back.

Little prickles danced up her spine. She would have shivered but she stopped herself. Somehow.

A small part of her felt like bait being coaxed into a trap for a big, hungry feline. But a bigger part knew better. These two guys had been her soul mates. And even though it had been years since they’d last seen each other, she knew they wouldn’t hurt her.

Damon flicked his hand and poof, a dozen candles or so lit instantaneously, illuminating a table draped in white and set for three. She had to give it to them, these guys had the magic thing down pat. Another flick of the hand and the warehouse was filled with the low, sultry sounds of jazz.

And it looked as if they’d learned a thing or two about romance since she’d last seen them too.

Ellora’s Cave

Tags: Ellora's Cave, Promo, Romance Divas, Tawny Taylor // Add Comment »

The Romance Divas annual Not Going to Conference Conference will make you feel a bit less deprived! Amazing workshops, a star-studded guest list and awesome giveaways, all on the Diva forum! Don’t miss it!

Coordinated by Seeley deBorn!

Here’s a bit of a schedule update for the Q&As and Workshops…

Wednesday, July 30

Paula Guran, Editor, Juno Books
Q&A on Creating Kick a** Heroines

Laurie Rauch, Editor, Samhain Publishing
Workshop on What Happens After the Contract (aka Editors are People Too!)*

Thursday July 31

Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary
Q&A on Inspirational Romance Stories and the Inspy Market

Sandra Schwab, Historical Romance Author
Workshop on Historical Accuracy and Anachronisms

Friday, August 1

Yolanda Sfetsos, Author of Guarded by Stone
Q&A on Paranormal and Urban Fantasy World Building

Katie MacIver, KatieDidDesign
Workshop on Website Design and Color Selection

Saturday, August 2

Joey W. Hill, Erotica Author
Workshop on Plotting Erotica and Erotic Romance

Rhonda Stapleton, Editor and Author
Workshop on Style and Voice

How about if I list some door prizes?

• What Gwen said” mug donated by Gwen Hayes
• 3-chapter critique of a YA by Simon Pulse author Rhonda Stapleton
• 3-chapter critique of a YA, chick lit, or rom com by Golden Heart Finalist Amanda Brice
• An ebook of your choice from Nell Dixon’s backlist
• An ebook of either Second Sight (paranormal romance) or Dragons’ Choice (fantasy romance - dragon-shifters) from Debbie Mumford
• Ten dollar Amazon gift certificate from Jodi Henley
• Lush stuff from Seeley deBorne
• e-book copy of Chasing Shadows from Erin Richards
• Paperback copy of Iron Horse Rider OR Smiling Eyes from Adelle Laudan
• Book thongs from Angeleque Ford
• 3 chapter critique from Sela Carsen
• winner’s choice of ebook copy of “Not Quite Dead” or “Heart of the Sea” by Sela Carson
• e-book copy of HEATWAVE by Eden Bradley
• e-book copy of BREAKING SKYE by Eden Bradley
• a box of goodies, trade and paperbacks, bath products candles, etc… All for a fun and relaxing home spa day treat. courtesy of The Midnight Moon Cafe
• 1 download each of Natasha Moore’s Samhain books, The Ride of Her LIfe and The Passion-Minded Professor
• a copy of “Painted Soul” by Mary Quast
• e-book copy of HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
• e-book copy of PAR FOR THE COURSE by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
• e-book copy of FOUND by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Wild Rose Press
• e-book copy of NIGHT OF INSPIRATION by Jenna Allen - Phaze
• e-book copy of ON AGAIN by Jenna Allen - Phaze
• $10 gc to Amazon from Kendal Corbitt
• ebook Vampire Oracle: Harmony by MG Braden

Plus a lovely bar of wonderful Chagrin Valley hand made soap, Caramel Pralines jar candle, handmade jewelry, Tarot readings, a Lush box for European Divas/Dudes, a $10 fictionwise gc and much more!

Tags: Nationals, Not Going to Conference Conference, Promo, Romance Divas // Add Comment »

I have two distinctive sets of friends -  Writer and Non-Writers.

The writer friends are either published (NY, Print or Epubbed), seeking publication, editors or reviewers. Now my non-writer friends most don’t know I write and if they do they don’t know my pen name or what I write.  So they don’t necessarily understand when I say I can’t or won’t go to the newest club or some party because I have things to do, other plans or have to write.

I could explain the reasons why, why it’s so important to me, why I keep doing it though it seems like I’m getting nowhere, why I love it even though I get frustrated, why I’ve tried to quit and keep going back. But it seems like more hassle than it’s worth sometimes. They don’t and may never get it.

The ones who know I write and know about my last release think I should be sitting on stacks and treating them to lunch, dinner, shopping or whatever.

I tried explaining the publishing industry and that it’s very competitive and slow but that just brings out the bored blank stare. And as a recent topic on RD said, sometimes having to explain news - however insignificant - takes some of the shine off of it.

So I don’t talk about my writing with them. That’s what my writer friends are for.

They understand the joy, love and frustrations of writing. I can vent about characters or plot or the words not flowing and they get it. They understand getting a request for a partial or a full from an editor or an agent. They undersand (though may be frustrated and what to share/celebrate with you) when you have good news, great news but don’t want to say to much cause you don’t want to jump the gun or jinx anything (Hint Hint). And writer’s (some of us) can be a bit superstitious.

Which is wonderful to have someone who knows, has been there and understands. They also hold me accountable and make sure I write.  They understand the hard work, sweat and even tears but also  celebrate word counts, requests and sales. Offer hugs and cyber chocolate on rejections and not so good reviews.

But I still need non-writer friends because one they do get me to take a break and clear my head - even if they don’t realize it.

Tags: Articles, Confessions, Friends, Writing Life // 10 Comments »

Jennifer Crusie has been quoted as saying:

Don’t look down.

Which essentially means to just write the story and don’t over edit yourself when you’re writing the first draft. It can be taken as a variation of BICHOK - Butt In Chair, Hands on Keyboard (for the non-writers reading this).

Nora Roberts has been quoted as saying:

You can’t edit a blank page.

These quotes may be  two of the more famous writing quotes. And are often used for inspiration and motivation.

Recently on RD Bria started the accountability corner. My writing time goal this week is 4 hours a day. And I am happy to say that I’ve met my goals so far this week. I don’t know if it’s the accountability aspect or what but I’m not going to question it to hard. And it has been 4 straight hours of writing. Monday I did 2 hours and 2 hours. Tuesday it was more in chunks - 1 hr, 2 hrs, 30 minutes, 30 minutes. The accountability corner for me is like Sweatin with Sven, Fast Draft and BIAW/BIAM (Book in a Week/Month) or Nano.

It helps me to shut down the internal editor and doubt demons and just focus on the words and write. Sometimes more successfully meeting my page count than others but the key for me is to write. Even if it’s in little blocks of time - 15, 20 or 30 minutes here and there - at least I’m writing.

Since I’ve began writing seriously, taking my writing seriously, I’ve learned a few things about making time and being productive. I try to write despite pain, mood or fear in my attempt to be a more dedicated and professional writer. Yes it’s difficult to write when I have a migraine (and I’ll admit not a lot gets done and some of it is pure crap). But I think it’s about discipline.

I’ve written at the doctor’s office, in the car (not while driving), on breaks and lunch at the day job. I write around my daily life - helping/taking care of mom, family drama, the day job, my own health concerns and a social life (even though it’s/I’m not as active now as I once was). I carry a tape recorder with me so when I don’t have pen and paper or my alphasmart then I can still “write”.

There are sacrifices I make such as not going out as much, not reading as much (though I do read for reviewing purposes and crafting but not so much for pure personal pleasure), TIVOing instead of watching live - just to name a few.

I won’t get into the doubts that creep in because that’s a topic for another blog post. 

So I’ll leave you with a question - for writers and non-writers too - how do you make time to write? Or make time for your career/goals/dreams or whatever is a priority to you around the realities of life? And if you write around a day job or family I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on balancing it all (sounds like another great blog topic)?

Tags: Articles, Commentary, Making Time, Writing Life // Add Comment »

Angeleque will have to write:

I will stop calling random people to ask if their refrigerator is running

‘What will you have to write on the chalk board?’ at QuizGalaxy.com

 ~*~

Your Gemstone Says…

You are a person of high morals and ethics. You have a lot of personal integrity, and you are very loyal. You are a very charitable person, and you have faith in others. Almost everyone is very impressed with you.

The Gemstone Test

Tags: Frivolity, randomness // Add Comment »

Thirteen Things My Non-Writer Friends no longer find strange… 1. Staring at a blank computer screen for long stretches and muttering to myself 2. Muttering strange words and phrases about things normal people shouldn’t think about. Hmm… I wonder how long this poison would take to act. Or such things as… how many ways are there to kill a vampire? is it possible for a human to have sex with a shapeshifter? if your best friend/boyfriend turned out to be a demon what would your reaction be? 3. Asking strange questions out of the blue about width, girth, length and position 4. Staring at the computer screen and arguing with my characters. 5. Yelling about my characters because they want to go one way and I want to go another. 6. Completely changing the subject or blurting things out of the blue that has nothing to do with the conversation or topic at hand 7. Laughing out loud to no one and nothing in particular 8. Yelling, that’s it, she/he should….. 9. Carrying around a notebook and writing and walking at the the same time while shopping or doing something else to get the idea down or the scene that was bothering me, not working down so I won’t forget it. 10. Talking to myself (not necessarily writer related) 11. Asking strange questions like - if someone were stalking you, why would they stalk you and how would you handle it? 12. Asking even stranger questions like - do you think that if three people were involved in a menage a trois that this position would work? 13. Do you think this position is humanly possible without spraining anything? Bonus: 14. Me saying… I heard such and such a store has some new toys in. Wanna go with me to/Let’s go check them out… 15. Did I mention talking to myself? I think that one bares repeating.

Tags: Frivolity, Thursday Meme, Thursday Thirteen, Writing Life // 10 Comments »

I’ve been thinking a lot about genre’s and why I started writing, want to write, what’s my motivation and other such topics.

Lately I’ve been struggling with my writing. Don’t get me wrong. I love to write. I’ve tried giving up (okay so it’s really quitting) but I just can’t. It’s apart of me, in my blood, part of my soul. I’ve even been thinking of leaving RD.

And I have gotten some very good word counts lately. Yet it still seems like I’m spinning my wheels getting nowhere. I have 3 half finished novellas - well they’re in pieces - parts of a whole. I have 2 full lengths in various stages. 2 Short Stories and 2 completed novellas. And a turn of ideas running around in my head. I know about lifetus interruptus. I try to write around life, pain and the day job.

Maybe I’m too hard on myself. Maybe I need to forgive myself for not being prolific as some other writers. I know I can write. I’ve been told I have talent.

So the question is what’s holding me back? Besides myself? Timing? Motivation? Luck?

Maybe it’s lack of focus - this blog topic was supposed to be about something else entirely. But sometimes, like in writing, you just have to go with the flow.

Tags: Commentary, My Writing, Writing Life // Add Comment »