How Do I Even Start...?

Happy Tuesday All,

Normally I'd have this up and running in the beginning of the day, but I got behind.

In my adventures as a writer, I come across people who say "I want to write, but I don't know how to get started." The really simplistic answer to that is "Just write." That really is a key part of writing is actually writing. But sometimes they want more information, or ideas of hints and help, etc. So here's a basic, general breakdown:

1. You have to write. What are you interested in? What story do you have to tell? Do NOT worry if it seems stupid or whatever to you. Just get started. You can always edit later.

2. Check out your favorite authors. A lot of authors have websites and/or blogs, etc. Some are on social media. Check them out. See what they say about the writing process and getting published. Find out what worked for them and see if it's something that'll work for you.

3.  Find a writer's group. Very helpful and you won't feel so alone. Some groups even offer workshops and classes. As a member of Romance Writer's of America, I've got access to all kinds of material off the RWA website, monthly magazine, online workshops, email newsletter, and chapters. A ton of information.

4. Read. Read things like Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, publisher websites/blogs, agent websites and blogs. Check out their social media. Do research.

5. Write some more...in fact, between all this, KEEP writing.

6. Edit! Edit, edit, edit. And edit again. You will go through several drafts. You will get rid of pages and scenes and stuff that just doesn't work. It's okay...you want to put out the best and most polished manuscript you can. If you need help, check out freelance editors.  Jennifer Bray-Weber and Carla Rossi offer editing services (they're experienced writers/editors, and I know them personally. Very professional and helpful). There are others, of course. Those names are just off the top of my head.

7. Remember that oftentimes the first manuscript isn't the one you published. In fact, my first completed (that is, written beginning to end, not counting any editing to do) has never been published. I'd have to do some serious editing for it to be even CLOSE to publishing. In fact, other manuscripts weren't even completed. So, no, my first completed manuscript wasn't my first published work. (This isn't to say that someone's first manuscript can't get published, it's to say that in general it doesn't happen. There are, of course, exceptions, but this is in case you realize your first completed work isn't what you want to publish...don't lose hope or get defeated, you aren't alone).

So there you have it. 7 general steps that should help you get started. Remember, everybody's process is different, but you won't get started writing until you actual sit down and write. So go for it!

Have A Terrifically Tip-Top Tuesday!

It's That Time Again...

Happy Wednesday Everybody!

I'm one tired chica. For the last 4 nights either dizziness (due to allergies) or Youngest Offspring has made sure I don't get a full-night's sleep. In fact, I don't think I've slept from 11 p.m. to 8 or 9 a.m. in over a year. I imagine it's part and parcel of the whole Mommy-gig. But since I know things could be much worse, I suppose I should thank the Lord this is all I'm up against in terms of being a mom at the moment.

The NWHRWA has opened up registration for the annual Fall Conference--the Lone Star Writer's Conference, which is happening Saturday, October 1st. This conference is open to ALL writers, NOT just Romance novelist. So you Thriller, Suspense, Horror, and such, you can come, too. YA and NA writers, you come, too. It's open to ALL writers.

The fabulous NY Times Best Seller, Kerrelyn Sparks, will be

Me, KERRELYN SPARKS, and author Christie Craig

talking about world building and all of that fun stuff. We have another speaker for the afternoon--someone I've never heard before, but she sounds great, too. Her name is Jennifer Fusco, and she'll be speaking on promotion.

More details can be found on the website, which if you click right here, it'll take you straight to the information on the conference.

Trust me, you do NOT want to miss. We have a lot of fun. There are raffle baskets (great stuff are in those, believe me--I plan on bringing at least one for the raffle, so don't you want to come and see what I'm giving away?) I have to double-check, but I believe lunch is included, and we usually have something out for breakfast. This is southern hospitality, folks, and we don't skimp on the welcoming.

As of the writing of this blog post, they're waiting on the reservation code for hotel rooms, but I'm told that will be available soon. We especially encourage any Lone Star Writer's Contest finalists to come because we do a whole announcement for that.

I've already turned in my registration...have you?

Have A Wonderfully Whimsical Wednesday!

It's All About The GMC...

Happy Thursday All,

Smokey Mountains in
Gaitlinburg, TN, 2013

In writing, editing, critiquing, and being a judge (yes, I've done a little judging for a contest) there's a few things about writing that are true all the way across the board--no matter what genre, no matter if you're a newbie, or best seller, or somewhere in between. Or if you're a "pantser" or a "plotter". And that's organizing your story.

Every writer is different and every writer does this differently. I call myself a "half-in-half" writer because I do a little plotting and I do a little pantsering. But the main things every writer needs whether they do it before they write the first draft, or in the editing process are for every important/main character(s) in one's novel:

Me, at the NWHRWA
Lone Star Conference, 2014

Goal, motivation, conflict.

Yes,  GMC that leads to the actual plot.

Whether you're writing the hero, heroine, villain, whatever character, you have to know their GMC.

I'm not the first author to talk about this, and I doubt I'll be the last. I won't say my way is the only way to do things, it's just one idea of how you can organize your characters' GMC and a method that has worked for me.

Me, holding paperback copy of
ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & LION
(I believe this was 2014).

In my files I have what I call my GMC Worksheet and I make this up for every main character I write. (Side note: I didn't use one when I wrote All's Fair In Love & Lion), in my writing it became apparent I needed something to refer to so that I didn't write myself into a corner, so here's what I do:

I have the title of the new novel--usually a working title or something that says what the novel will be, if I don't know the title. Like say I write something about a magic coat, but I don't know the title, yet. I'll put "Magic Coat Story"

Below that I have the following information:

GENRE:

Name:

Type of being:

Hair:

Eyes:

Physique (height/weight):

Goal:

Motivation:

Conflict:

I have these categories outlined for every character, and then at the very bottom I put in a basic plot line--I write out a draft of what the story will be about. (By the way, I have "type of being" because I write Fantasy and Paranormal, so not every character is strictly human--although, I do have some fully human characters).

And this is how I organize my work. This is how I know what each story is going to be about. If I can't sit down and start the story right away, I have the worksheet on file and can refer back to it whenever I want. These worksheets help me figure out what direction my story will take, where I am going and what I'm doing. I didn't do a detailed one for each of the Immortal Dreams books because I had a basic idea of what was going on after Book One. But I played with some ideas. But I do use this worksheet for every other novel I haven't written or finished yet. It gives me a chance to hash out ideas.

If you're someone who has trouble getting that first draft written, I

Me at the Botanical Gardens in Arkansas
2013

really recommend doing something like this. It'll help you get started. Whether you're a pantser or a plotter, sometimes playing around with ideas without the pressure of actually being within the manuscript itself can make the difference between writing yourself into a corner and knowing where you're going. I've been on both sides of the fence and I can tell you I do a lot less writing myself into a corner since I started thinking in terms of GMC than I used to do.

But, every writer is different and whatever way you write, you have

to know your strengths and weaknesses and what helps you and what doesn't. No writer is perfect. Trust me. I run across best selling authors who tell me such-and-such thing is their Achilles' heel. It happens. But if a writer learns from his or her mistakes and keeps working, he/she will get better. You don't get better if you don't work on your short-comings and sharpen your strengths.

Hope you all are having a great week! I've been getting a much needed break while waiting for my proofreader to finish with Immortal Love. That doesn't mean I'm not doing anything. I've done some writing and I'm doing some reading and stuff with the family. Also sleeping. Pregnancy is tiring at times.

Have A Totally Tantalizing Thursday!

Learning Unforgettable Writing Techniques...

Happy Tuesday All,

I promise, I didn't do it on purpose. Really.

The NWHRWA Lone Star Conference came around and I...

Forgot my camera!

However, I did, in fact, go, and there are a ton of witnesses who will attest to the fact I was there. For all I know, RM Brand might have gotten a photo of me during the time I was down in the

Conference room helping them set up before it started. 


Donald Maass was unable at the last minute to come. His family had an emergency, so he had to back out. However, he was nice enough to do his best to help us get someone. In the end, James Scott Bell, who came last year, rescued us and returned with a brand-new topic. (I give Raven Raye, our 1st V.P. a lot of credit for dealing with this unforeseen situation, she worked so hard and deserves a standing ovation).

Friday night, I attended (by invitation) the Meet & Greet. I got to sit down and chat with agent Kevan Lyon, who is authors Jennifer L. Armentrout and Katie McGarry's agent. We had a delightful conversation, and I learned some awesome things about Armentrout's New Adult books. Ms. Lyon also spoke very excitedly about a McGarry novel (not yet available--and a title she didn't divulge), so that was fun.

Saturday dawned bright and early (especially since at first I woke up at 4 a.m. and went back to sleep, then woke at 6:15 a.m. when my alarm went off). I got ready, and headed downstairs. Since I was so early, the conference room wasn't completely set up, so I helped the 1st Vice President of my chapter set up.

The coffee service finally arrived, and we all made a beeline for that (some chose tea). People began trickling in, registering, and getting their name tags. 

NWHRWA current President, Susan Muller (author of The Secrets of Forest Bend, and The Witch On Twisted Oak), welcomed everybody, and then 1st Vice President, Raven Raye (author of Broken Prophecy) introduced keynote speaker James Scott Bell who started us off by announcing that he thought he'd figured out the greatest secret to writing unforgettable fiction. However, we had to wait until the end of the conference to find out what that was.


Meanwhile, I headed out about an hour later to where I was going to go help time pitch sessions for Harlequin Editor, Rachel Burkot. Ms. Burkot was extremely gracious, and I enjoyed talking to her about the industry, and her role at Harlequin. 

During lunch, 2nd Vice President, Jaye Garland (author of The 25th Hour) announced the final placement of the Lone Star Contest winners. Excerpts of the 1st place winners were read (so many good ones, by the way). She gave a great presentation. A couple of the winners were there, so it was nice to get to say hello to them, and also congratulate them.

After lunch, I went ahead and sat in to hear the rest of the Conference. Mr. Bell was going through the movie, The Fugitive to describe different ways of drawing out tension, and livening up your novels (whether your write Romance, Thrillers, or other genre).  It was very interesting, and a great way to illustrate his points.

At the end of the Conference Mr. Bell gave us the secret to the greatest secret of writing unforgettable fiction. Which, I can't share. You'll just have to attend James Scott Bell's Don't Let 'Em Put The Book Down workshop for yourself to find out. 

I'm sad Conference time is over, but feeling blessed I got to go. If you're a writer, please do consider coming down next year. Our Lone Star Conference is generally held in October.

Have A Terrifically Thrilling Tuesday!

Countdown!

Happy Wednesday All,

(No matter what the date tab says, this post is meant for Wednesday).

I can hardly believe it...not counting today, there are TWO days left until the Lone Star Conference. This is my third year going, and I'll be entering my fourth year as a member of the NWHRWA.

This group is an incredible group of men and women. I'm very lucky and blessed to be a member and to be amid so many talented writers.

I know travel can be a pain (especially if you live out of state, or even out of the country) but folks, these people are so hospitable and kind. If you're a writer, I cannot stress enough how important that is. It's also why I invite my fellow authors to this Conference every year.

Now that I've gotten the sentimentality out and told you how truly awesome the NWHRWA & the Lone Star Conference is, let me move on to what's kept me from the blog...

I have been reading like a mad fool, my dear readers. My cousin got me interested in an author I hadn't heard of named Elizabeth Hunter. Specifically got me engrossed in the Elemental Mysteries. I finished up A Hidden Fire and have gotten my hands on The Same Earth (and started it). I like the way she writes vampires...the idea that they all can control one of the natural elements (earth, wind, fire, water) is really intriguing and different (at least to me).

I also recently received another book for a November official blog review that I need to get a move on...plus some other books from other authors that I should get going on.

Not to mention the fact that I went haywire happy over Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series and eagerly await Opal's release in December.

I've also been writing. Yep, I truly have. I've got two projects going. One is a story that I think will be a series (we'll see if that's still true at the end of the story) and another is something I started as a challenge to myself (if this story continues to take off, my critique partner is going to make me eat crow, I don't care how nice she is, I will be eating crow LOL).

As you can see, I've been a busy bee of a woman, and I am going to be prepping this week for the Conference on Saturday (so excited!)

So, please pardon the silence on here. I'm pretty regular on Twitter and Facebook, so look me up on there. (Twitter--@WriteByBethany Facebook is under Bethany Averie).

What's everyone got planned for this week and weekend?

Have A Wondrous Wednesday!

The Perfect Sound

Happy Thursday All,

I missed posting Wednesday, but don't worry, I'm okay--just busy!

There's a new release! Author of Nocturne, Syrie James, has teamed up with her son, Ryan M. James, to put together a Paranormal YA novel entitled, Forbidden. And, it looks intriguing! It's available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle, as well as Barnes & Noble and Barnes & Noble Nook.

I'm currently reading a novel by an author I hadn't ever read before. The premises really interested me because it's pulled from Shakespeare. I'm not very far into it, but I'm already curious as to what this novel will bring. So we'll see what happens.

On and off I've mentioned music on here. Especially music that sets a tone/mood for one's writing--or inspires. For me, it can be anything from AH-HA's Take On Me to Spin Doctors' Two Princes.  I like a lot of different songs, but those two came to mind because Two Princes always makes me want to dance, and Take On Me is one of my "happy place" songs.

There's a few collaboration songs I like...one such song is the collaboration done by John Waite and Alison Krauss, I Ain't Missing You. This was originally sung only by John Waite, but I think it came out lovely.

Speaking of music and collaborations, I've collaborated with one of my brothers before. He's a music composer and musician. When I was in high school he approached me and said, "Hey, Bethany, I think this piece needs lyrics. I can write music, but lyrics aren't really my thing, and I know you've written some, would you mind working on it?" I said, sure. Unfortunately my lyrics were definitely not on par with how beautiful the piece was, but I tried my best. We'd sometimes do our own version of Heart & Soul on the piano (he is far and away a better musician than me, but I never had the passion for playing instruments that he did). Then when I got married I had a set of lyrics that was a duet. I begged my brother to put the lyrics to music. He was going to play at my wedding, and I had a soprano from the church choir and my brother-in-law who's a tenor. Eventually he got the lyrics arranged and it was gorgeous.

Something music composers and novel writers have in common is the emotion they have for their work. I know my brother spends a lot of time working on his compositions so it sounds just how he wants it to turn out. When I sit down and work at a story I'm asking myself a series of questions, and going over each sentence to make sure it comes out just right--that it is what the character would say. I've sat and talked with my brother about this and I said, "It seems composers and authors have a lot in common in that respect." He said, "Oh definitely." He agreed that like novel writers, composers get attached to their work. They want others to enjoy it and fall in love with the piece as much as they did.

Novel writers are the same. They fall in love with their characters. They giggle over the jokes, agonize over the pivotal scenes, and contemplate whether or not the dialogue works. In music, they have to go over each phrase. Contemplating the key signature, tempo, what instruments would play it and what emotion it would invoke--what the purpose of the piece will be, not to mention a series of other concerns they have about what they're composing.

It's amazing what composers and writers have in common. I may not be able to play Liszt or dazzle with a piano concerto, but put me in with paper and ink and I'll be off on this idea or that idea. Either way...emotions, hopes, dreams, fears, joy, and sorrow all play a part regardless of whether it's Beethoven or if it's Shakespeare.

So, what music makes you happy?

Have A Top-Notch Thursday!

What's Your POV?

Happy Monday Everyone,

This past weekend the illustrious Christie Craig gave a special workshop to the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America, which, I'm proud to say I'm a member of this awesome group. The workshop was called "High Tea & POV" although, I don't know how many people actually consumed tea (I had water), but we sure listened in rapt attention as Christie talked about getting into your character's heads.

In fact...that's precisely what POV is. POV--point of view. Which character is telling the story? Is it your heroine? Then you see, feel, hear, smell, taste, experience intuition and thoughts of that character.

These are things that I've talked about with my C.P. but I'm not always consciously aware of them while I'm writing. When I'm writing I'm imaging how the character reacts based on what I know about the character. I'm reacting and visualizing. When I go back and edit I'm looking at the dialogue and thoughts and saying to myself, "Now would so-and-so really say it that way? Is that really their character?"

Christie made POV accessible. I had no trouble understanding what she had to say. I don't know if it's because my CP and I have talked about POV or if because I subconsciously knew some of what she had to say (or both). Either way, she made POV something you could grasp and understand. She made it make sense.

By the way...tomorrow Kerrelyn Sparks' Sexiest Vampire Alive comes out! I've been waiting and waiting for this novel. I love Gregori--he's my favorite character out of her Love At Stake series.

Another thing to note about this week:  I am going to be doing another giveaway! I have a SIGNED copy of Christie Craig's Don't Mess With Texas. I don't know which day I'm giving it away, yet, so don't be a stranger.

So, what about you? Is POV something you grasp or something you're still trying to understand?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

Conference Time!

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

There's a lot of people gearing up for Conferences. Romance Writers Of America (RWA)--the writers' group I'm a member of, is hosting it's annual conference in New York City this year. Unfortunately, I will have to miss it, but I know several people from my chapter are going, many of the authors I've mentioned here (I don't know all who are going, I don't have the final count, but several of them are).

My friend and fabulous author, Jane Heller was talking about on her blog, Mainly Jane about a conference she's attending, the Santa Barbara Writers Conference.

In the Fall, I plan to attend the annual NWHRWA Lone Star Conference (October 15, 2011).

So are you attending a writer's conference? If so, which one?

Alicia Rasley, The Weekend, & Information For You

Happy Monday All,

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I did...it was incredibly busy, which would account for the fact that I'm not yet mentally fully awake (the right amount of coffee will remedy that).

On Saturday, the NWHRWA hosted Alicia Rasley, who gave a wonderful all-day workshop on how to improve and vamp up your writing (it's no wonder she's so popular!) She was interesting, funny, fun and very informative. A bunch of us (myself included) have been raving about her ever since. (If you click on her name it'll take you to her website. She has a lot of information on her website, as well).

But an all-day workshop means I was wiped out.

Sunday I was still tired, but it was library day, which means I got to go see Valerie and Anthony (two librarians I've gotten to know, whom are both awesome). It was great to see them again and to chitchat.

Sunday I got together with a few members from NWHRWA to sit and talk about pitching in conjunction with the fabulous Pitch University. (If you're a writer and working on pitches and querying, check it out, it's really great and has a wealth of information; plus the lady who runs it is incredibly helpful). This week at Pitch U there's a chance to pitch to Christine Whittholn of Book Cents Literary Agency, LLC. Whom I got to hear at the NWHRWA's conference last year, and she's very informative and helpful. I didn't pitch to her then, but I know others who did and said they had a wonderful experience talking with her.

Romance Writers Of America (RWA), the National organization, is having its annual Conference. This year it's in New York City (in case you haven't already heard). I'm unable to go, but it looks like it's going to be an incredibly good conference. If you haven't already booked your reservation and hotel, you better hurry up. I hear it's filling up fast!

NWHRWA has a ton of things coming up. In March, we're going to have the absolutely awesome Christie Craig speaking. She's such a great public speaker and always has a ton of information (plus she's incredibly funny). NWHRWA already has its information up about the fall Conference (the conferences are always a fabulous experience). And, pretty soon, it'll be time for entries into the NWHRWA's annual Lone Star Contest.

Friday I have an author interview to post on here. I'm not going to reveal who, yet (that's a surprise), but believe me, you won't want to miss it. The author is wonderful!

On a side note, if you didn't get to read the weekend post about Friday's winner and everything, please do so. The Write By Bethany 25+ Followers Celebration Contest Event was a success, and I owe it to all the followers, the particpants, those who commented, and the donors--so again, THANK YOU!! You rock!

Anyway, this are going to be a bit slower this week, but I will be regularly posting and, I have several ideas for upcoming events, please stay tuned!

Have A Merry Monday!

To Resolve Or Not To Resolve--Do You?

Happy Thursday All,

I didn't post on Wednesday. We had stormy weather and I had other things to do, so I had to skip Wednesday.

New Year's is just around the corner and a lot of people make Resolutions. I don't. However, I do know there are a few things I can keep doing in the new year. Keep writing and growing as an author. Keep working on my manuscripts and story ideas. Keep working at putting myself out there.

So, what about you? Do you make New Year's Resolutions? If so, do you mind sharing them?

Have A Thoughtful Thursday!

It's Right Around The Corner

Happy Monday All,

Just 5 more days until Christmas. Can you believe it? If you're in denial about how close it is, I'd recommend not looking at the countdown in the margin of this blog. LOL

This time of year, with New Year's the week after Christmas, it's been a "look back on the year" season for a lot of things--everything from the Internet to television.

 For me, the previous year had it's bright spots, but it also had its rough spots.

 Two of my uncles died, as well as two friends. One of the friends that died was someone I graduated high school with and I'm still in shock about it. It's hard to imagine such a thing happening.

 On the bright side, I managed to finish editing (and start the query process on) a manuscript. As well as go into a pitch session for the first time, which is even more further along than I was a year ago. I like the idea of progressing forward--learning and growing and improving.

 There was also a birth of a new nephew, and a wedding and seeing family. Many wonderful things to be happy about.

So, what about you? What memories of 2010 come back to you amid the bustle of the season?

Have A Merry Monday!

Hey It's On It's Way!

Happy Monday All,

I just looked my calendar and realized counting this week, 3 weeks left of 2010. Weird, huh? I think this year went by faster than I expected.

I'm plotting some of the things for the blog for next year. Already have one author in mind to ask for an email interview, and 3 others I'd love to ask. (One I already have asked, but I think either my email got lost or she was very busy and didn't get to it). (By the way, don't hesitate to comment or email me if there's some author you're really hoping I'd look into asking for an interview!)

I'm also planning to get query letters for a manuscript started out very soon (hopefully THIS week--gotta do a couple of things first). So positive thoughts/prayers/crossing fingers all of that is much appreciated.

I haven't made any New Year's Resolutions for 2011, but I think some of them are a lot of the same of what I'd say for this year. Work on writing, work on improving the craft and all of that. What are yours?

As we continue counting down to Christmas and New Year's, tell me what's up in your life!

Happy Writing :-)

Have A Merry Monday!

Go For It!

Happy Monday,


In every email interview I've done with a published author there's one question I always ask:  What piece of advice do you find helpful? (or most helpful).

 With every interview, there's been different answers, but I think in a lot of ways it boils down to:  don't give up.

 Now that doesn't mean authors never get nervous about putting their name out there. It doesn't mean they never fear it won't work. What it means is that they've stopped letting the fear get in the way.
 So...what makes you keep goinging for it?

 One way you can "go for it" is in 2 weeks and 5 days the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference will happen (October 16, 2010). I don't know how much room they have, but you won't know if you don't "go for it".  Please click here and check it out.

 Have A Merry Monday!

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Happy Friday Everyone,

If you have NOT signed up for the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference, you need to hurry and do so!

Why?

Because...

Randy Ingranmanson of the Snow Flake method is going to be there. (He's the keynote speaker). http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/

Christine Witthohn (Luncheon Speaker) of Book Cents Literary Agency is going to be there. http://www.bookcentsliteraryagency.com/

Naomi Hackenberg of Elaine P. English, PLLC is going to be there.
http://www.elaineenglish.com/

Amy Boggs of Donald Maass Literary Agency is going to be there. http://www.maassagency.com/

I was told Katy Budget Books was going to be there.  http://www.katybooks.com/

Several writers both published and unpublished just like you are going to be there.

So, don't wait another second...get over to the NWHRWA's website and register now:  http://www.nwhrwa.com/conference.htm

There's only 4 weeks and 1 day left until October 16, 2010 when the Conference is happening. Don't be left out!

Have A Fantastic Friday!

Updates, Etc...

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Here's the scoop:

Progress is being made on the "polishing" of Surreal. Ideas are popping up like daisies for this other story I'm working on, which, will cover a being completely different than that of Surreal or Conjure A Man. CAM's been on hold while I've been prepping Surreal.  This other story came to me and I had to get it out and we'll see where it takes me. The mermaid story is still being fleshed out. There's some details that aren't quite coming to me, yet.

I've ordered my business cards and I am hoping to get them before the Conference (info on the Conference can be found below). Life got a bit chaotic when my son got sick, so I had to play "catch up" for a bit.

A few notes on some release dates:

Debut author (and someone I know), Robin Badillo, has her first book (I believe an e-book title) coming out next month. Check out Retribution here.  Looks good :-)

I'm totally into Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & The Olympians books. I have the last one yet to read. Sad that a series has to end, but he has other series started that I'm interested in. And don't let the fact that they're geared toward mid-grade fool you. There's plenty of action and everything else in there to keep even an adult interested (otherwise I wouldn't read them and neither would my husband!) Check them out for yourself here.

I've also been reading Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song. Fun tidbit that I found out on his website is that he wrote the screenplay for this story first before he wrote the book. The movie was good and the book is pretty good, too. I think it's on the same level as A Walk To Remember (which I loved the book and the movie). My top favorites of Sparks' books are as follows:  Number 1 A Walk To Remember (book and movie), Number 2 The Notebook (the book) and Number 3 The Last Song (book and movie).  I'd have to watch The Notebook movie again to see if it can join ranks with the book.

Oh, and if you haven't signed up for the NWHRWA's Lone Star Conference, I think there's still time. Remember, it's on October 16, 2010. Click here for further information.

Anyway, what's everyone else up to?

Have A Terrific Tuesday!

Extensive Road Mapping

Happy Monday Everyone,

Recently a found out my son's God-brother (who is in his late teens) is looking into the writing world. He says he has several ideas and he told me one of them, asking if I'd have a look at it.

He's got quite an imagination and I'm interested to see where it'll take him.

The conversation has me pulling together some materials to give to him to help him research the craft of writing and understand the business better.

So now, I'm turning the question over to you...what would you include in resources for writing and publishing to someone?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

EXTRA EXTRA: OPPORTUNITY!

Happy Monday Everybody,

Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was fun. :-)

I'm reading the 2nd book in Shanna Swendson's series that started with Enchanted, Inc. The 2nd one is Once Upon Stilettos and it's good so far. Chick lit meets fantasy is how I'd describe the series thus far.

Now...onto the reason why I have the blog title I do:

October 16th the NWHRWA is going to have it's annual conference. These are the sort of opportunities authors look/need. So, if you're available, I suggest you go.  The Conference will feature Randy Ingermanson, as well as three agents: 

Naomi Hackenberg from Elaine P. English, PLLC

Amy Boggs from Donald Maass Literary Agency 

Christine Witthohn from Book Cents Literary Agency

I don't have all the details, yet, but it looks like it's shaping up to be a good conference. But once I do, I will be sure to give them.

Anyway, just wanted to alert everyone.

Have A Meritorious Monday!

The Million Dollar Question

Happy Wednesday All,

The other day I was at the library talking to someone. The subject was first on books, then turned to the fact that I'm a writer and member of a writers' group and just took off from there. The person said, "I've always wanted to write, but I don't know how to start."

Okay...this is the over-simplistic answer, but it's where to start: When writing you just sit down and write.

That's it.

You write what you feel, you write what crosses your mind, you might even write about that crazy alley cat that jumps into your garbage and turns into a plastic eating tiger with an affinity for coffee grounds.

Until you start writing, you don't know what you have in you. I often forget this when I'm sitting there staring at a blank screen thinking, "Come on, I had this idea 5 minutes ago!" But if I wrote the way I write blog posts, I probably wouldn't have that writer's block or that fear of the empty screen...I'd just write. Which, is essentially what we're doing. Book authors aren't doing anything that much different from what poets, songwriters and essay writers do. Essentially, we're all just sitting down and writing.

We book authors take an idea that popped into our heads and transfer it to paper. Sometimes it's as smooth as melted chocolate over a strawberry and sometimes it's as rough as walking on hot black top in the middle of summer.

Some of us start with outlines. What kind of character is my hero/heroine? What's their attributes? What's the high concept? What are the internal/external struggles? Then flesh it out in the story.

The point is, you're not a writer until you write.

The more ambitious you are--that is, the more you want to publish, the more you have to polish your craft, but if all you want to do is write just because you have some things floating around in your head, then, just sit down and write.

For a number of years I kept journals (yeah some of those entries I like better than others) but that's one way I just sat down and wrote.

Another way is to write poetry and song lyrics. Other ways are short stories and essays.

The more you do it, the more it will come to you. The more you research it, the more you learn. The two go hand in hand.

So yeah, just sit down, write. What you write may not always be something you plan to show the general public, but it will exercise your mind and get you into the "groove" of things.

Have A Wondrous Wednesday!

The Next Big Thing

I know I'm late posting this for Friday, but it's just NOW I had this idea, so here we go...

Hi Everybody,

I was emailing with a fellow author and the topic of something being the next big thing came up. In my reply to her I said that because readers are all different (and of course, the publishing world often changes) for all we know "French speaking Leprechauns who dance ballet could make readers nuts" over the story.

A lot of big name authors say in interviews "I never expected this to happen." How could they? You write a story and get into it, you fix it up. Sometimes people get excited, sometimes they don't. You just never know.

I mean it could happen that purple aliens who wear high-top shoes (or rather, chucks) and parachute pants would make people rush out and buy every single book in the series.

Or maybe it would be a cop who does miming in the park on Saturdays.

The wonderful thing about books and writing is that as long as you tell a good story that draws a reader in, there's all kinds of ideas a person can play with and write about.

The fact of the matter is, you won't know if you don't try. This is something I've said to myself (more than once). If you don't try to be professional and work at this and actually put yourself out there you won't ever know for sure.

True, you might not make it; you might have to use a different story, and even if you're not the next BIG thing, you could be the next good-enough-for-sales-and-a-good-amount-of-readers-love-your-story thing.

Like so many authors have already said:  don't give up.

Keep honing your skill, keep learning, keep growing.

Have A Great Weekend!

Spotlight On Author: MaryJanice Davidson And Anthony Alongi

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

I'm excited to announce I have another email author interview for you all. (To be honest, I get excited about each one of these interveiws I do. There's some really great information in each interview, plus many of them have fabulous senses of humor, so it's just a joy to interview them). 

Today, we have authors, MaryJanice Davidson and her husband, Anthony Alongi. These two talented writers have made a hit with their YA series, Jennifer Scales Novels. Their new one, Rise Of The Poison Moon has been released.

MaryJanice Davidson is also well-know for her Undead series, as well as a one featuring the mermaid, Fred (3 book series) and ones centered on the idea of if Alaska never became part of the USA and stayed under a king's rule.

Special thanks goes to MaryJanice Davidson's assistant, Tracy Fritze, who has been incredibly kind and very helpful in getting this interview to happen.

The interview will center mostly on the Jennifer Scales Novels due to the newest release. 

So, without further ado, I give you MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi...

Me: In light up the upcoming release of Rise Of The Poison Moon (the next book in the Jennifer Scales series), what got you two to collaborate on a series, and do you all intend to do another series together?



AA: WE HAD TALKED ABOUT DOING THIS FOR YEARS - SINCE OUR HONEYMOON, IN FACT. WE DIDN'T GET THE SPECIFIC IDEA FOR JENNIFER SCALES UNTIL YEARS LATER. A YOUNG FEMALE PROTAGONIST WHO HAD TO DEAL WITH (INVOLUNTARY) CHANGES TO HER BODY FELT LIKE A NEAT TOPIC. IT CAUGHT FIRE FROM THERE.


MJD: Also, at about this time I was getting fan mail for the Betsy books from 11 year old girls. "Me and my BFF just loooove Betsy because like she's the coolest grrrll evah!" Um, can I talk to your mom, please? Not only was I interested in writing about a teenage protagonist, I was happy to be able to write back, "Thanks, but have you tried the Jennifer Scales books?"


AA: RIGHT NOW, WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER SERIES TOGETHER IN MIND. THE JENNIFER SCALES UNIVERSE (WHICH MAY INCLUDE BOOKS WHERE JENNIFER HERSELF PLAYS A MINOR ROLE) HAS TONS TO OFFER.

MJD: Yup, and our agent is even more psyched than we are (which is a good trick). I frankly don't see an end point to the JS series right now.


Me: What's you all's favorite part of writing and publishing?


AA: FOR WRITING, IT'S GETTING CAUGHT UP IN AN INTENSE SCENE AND LOOKING UP MANY PAGES AND HOURS LATER. WRITING A GOOD BOOK FEELS LIKE READING A GOOD BOOK.

MJD: What he said. Times a zillion.


Me: What advice can you give to aspiring writers?


AA: EAT FROM ALL FOUR FOOD GROUPS. EXERCISE. FIND SOMEONE YOU LOVE. LIVE LIFE.


MJD: For writers, doofus, not aspiring Olympic athletes. Submit, submit, submit. When you get a rejection slip, get something else out into the mail that very day. I got rejection slips for over a decade before I sold my first story. If I'd given up in my twenties, I'd still be slogging through SDJs (Stupid Day Jobs).


Me: For fun: What's one of your favorite movies and why?


AA: I ENJOY MOVIES WITH STRONG SCRIPTS, FROM JUST ABOUT ANY GENRE. MOST RECENT FAVORITES: DISTRICT 9, THE HURT LOCKER, TOY STORY 3. LOOKING FORWARD TO INCEPTION THIS WEEKEND!

MJD: Inception! (My husband answered your questions before I did) I also love disaster movies like 2012, Armageddon, Deep Impact. And, of course, zombie movies: the Dawn of the Dead remake (fast zombies! arrggh!), 28 Days, etc.

Me: This question is probably one you get a lot, but since people are inspired by different things, what inspires you all to write?


AA: THE VOICES IN MY HEAD. THAT'S LESS DISTURBING THAN IT SOUNDS. CHARACTERS STICK AROUND AND PUSH FOR THEIR STORY TO BE TOLD. THE MORE YOU PUT ON THE PAGE, THE MORE THEY WANT TO COME OUT.


MJD: What he said. Sorry, there's just no way to make that not scary.


Me: Are you all members of any writers' groups, and if so, which ones? (I plug writers' groups a lot being a member of RWA and NWHRWA).


AA: I AM NOT.


MJD: Ditto. We're not against them, we've just never used them. Writing is solitary, so I can definitely see their appeal! My husband has been my writing group. ;-)


Me: MaryJanice has had great success with the Undead series, but she's also written about royalty, werewolves and mermaids. Any other paranormal creatures on the rise?


AA: WHAT, HERE IN THE HOUSE? WELL, OUR DOGS ARE A BIT WEIRD. THEY MAY BE MAGICAL.

MJD: I've got an anthology out next year where I'll introduce my super hero with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. And I'm hoping to write more Alaskan books, as well as a zombie novel.


Me: Who are you all's favorite character(s)?


AA: IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO REALIZE THIS, BUT BOROMIR IN LORD OF THE RINGS WAS A TERRIFIC CHARACTER, EVEN THOUGH MOST PEOPLE THINK OF HIM AS THE JERK WHO TRIED TO STEAL FRODO'S RING. GOLLUM WAS AN EARLIER LITERARY LOVE OF MINE, BECAUSE OF HIS MORE OBVIOUS "DUAL" NATURE. CHARACTERS THAT AREN'T COMPLETELY "GOOD" OR "BAD" ARE THE MOST INTERESTING.


MJD: For my part, I love the bad guy who is convinced he's a good guy. They're the most terrifiying villains because they truly think what they're doing is RIGHT. Think General McClintock from OUTBREAK, the smarmy gvt. employee from Mission Imposible 3 ("It's complicated."), the creepy scientist from PLANET TERROR.


Me: Where's your favorite place to write?


AA: AT LAKE HOUSE, ON LAPTOP.


MJD: In living room, on laptop.




Me:  Feel free to add anything else you'd like to say.


AA: I REALLY APPRECIATE THE TIME YOU'VE PUT INTO THIS INTERVIEW - THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO CONNECT WITH FANS!


MJD: Yes yes! Betsy tends to get most of the attention, so we're always thrilled to talk about Jennifer and her gang.




Thank you so much, MaryJanice and Anthony for doing this interview! I really enjoyed reading the answers and having a "peek" into the creative process!

Visitors and followers to this blog, feel free to leave comments. :-)

Have A Witty Wednesday!