Princesses of the Pen

Sob

2011-02-13T18:07:00.001-05:00

Ugh. Just looked over the first-twenty-nine pages of my latest work in progress…at some point, I must have been so hopped up on caffeine and sugar that I created another language, because I can’t read half of what I wrote.

Join Me

2011-02-07T23:34:00.001-05:00

on Breakfast Television tomorrow, from 7-8 a.m.

Plots I Hate

2011-02-05T07:45:00.001-05:00

Seriously, if I have to see one more “boy leaves girl because she had a relationship with his brother years before she met him,” I’m going to vomit.

So not kidding.

Who writes this crap? I mean, really, she DIDN’T know the hero years ago—how the heck was she supposed to know she was dating his brother?!

This kind of premise always has a faintly misogynistic feel to me. When’s the last time you saw a man being dumped by the girl because he dated her sister five years ago? Oh, right, NEVER.

What’s a woman to do? Say, “Oh, Brad, I’d love to date you, but could I meet all of your family right now, just in case you have a brother/cousin/uncle that I might find more attractive than you, or that I may date in five years. I’d hate to ruin that relationship by seeing you.”

*Grumble*

What kind of insecure twat puts a woman on the cross for decisions she made (in the name of love and happiness, no less!) years ago? Or months ago?

I could see the guy walking away if she was dating him and his brother at the same time, but really, when she didn’t know about the Hero? Give me a break.

This just has too many shades of subtle repression, of woman as objects and not persons unto themselves for me to do anything but sneer in contempt.

You May Need to Call it a Day

2011-01-26T17:00:00.001-05:00

…when you dial a number then forget who the heck you’re calling after three rings…

On Breakfast Television

2011-01-19T20:12:00.001-05:00

Find me on Breakfast Television tomorrow, from 8:15-8:20, as I talk about dreams and their meaning.

I Think…

2011-01-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

my trip to the library would have been faster if I hadn’t tried using my Shopper’s Drugstore card to check out at the self-service kiosk…

Why Do…

2011-01-10T13:14:00.001-05:00

Why do my cats wait until my tea is hot and my food is ready, to throw up a hairball—right in front of me?

Why do my dogs choose the precise moment I’m falling asleep to hop on the bed and use me as a trampoline?

Why does a pharmaceutical company hawking their lasted medication (by using phrases like, “Now, they see me as a champion,” but never actually tell the viewer—1) What the medication is 2) What it does 3) What it's side-effects are) totally creep me out?

Why doesn’t the city call a snow day when the drifts on people’s lawns are higher than the people?

Why is it, in almost every cop show, it’ll be bright daylight, but as soon as they have to go an arrest the subject, it suddenly turns to night?

And why do they never turn on the lights but just use flashlights? I mean, doesn’t that totally make them a target?

Why can four cops take down fourteen bad guys (in these shows) and never have a fatality or a wound, but all the bad guys are dead?

Why does Jessica Fletcher never suffer from writer’s block, and why has no one really wondered about her being the common denominator in every murder?

Why does my Wii tell me my ideal weight is 3 kg heavier, then berate me when I gain weight?

And finally, why oh why, won’t this latest manuscript just write itself?

On Vacation!

2009-03-16T09:15:00.005-04:00

Note: All images courtesy of glitter-graphics.com

It's March break and time for some princesses to go from this:

to this:

In fact, things are so busy at the castle, that we princesses have decided to take an extended break, take some time sharpen chain saws, kick back in the royal gardens, get naughty with a prince in the stables (and dining room, and living room, and ball room, and...wait, where was I?).
We're going to keep this blog up so readers can stop by and visit, read old posts, and never fear, the princesses will be back in full force in a little while.
Until then, you can visit us at our individual castles.
Thank you to all our readers, from:
Stacy:

Jo:

Danielle:

Jane:

Bronwyn:

See everyone on the beach--last one in to the water has to give the evil stepmother a pedicure!!

Happy Thursday

2009-03-12T19:24:00.003-04:00

Ah, Thursday, sweet Thursday. One day away from Friday.

Not much writing this week--though I did get some done, and that should count for something, right? Same hangups, been trying to figure out a clever and interesting way to plot out certain incidents/characters. I'm working through and holding out hope because of vanilla ice-cream (note: the story claims to be GM, but who knows, really? It's just a great story):

A complaint received by the Pontiac Division of General Motors:
"This is the second time I have written you, and I don't blame you for not answering me, because I kind of sound crazy, but it is a fact that we have a tradition in our family of ice cream for dessert after dinner each night. The kind of ice cream varies so every night after we have eaten, the whole family votes on which kind of ice cream we should have and I drive down to the store to get it. It is also a fact that I recently purchased a new Pontiac and since then my trips to the store have created a problem.
You see, every time I buy vanilla ice cream, when I start back from the store my car wont start. If I get any other kind of ice cream, the car starts just fine. I want you to know I'm serious about this question, no matter how silly it sounds: " What is there about a Pontiac that makes it not start when I get vanilla ice cream, and easy to start whenever I get any other kind? "
The Pontiac President was understandably skeptical about the letter, but sent an engineer to check it out anyway. The latter was surprised to be greeted by a successful, obviously well-educated man in a fine neighborhood. The engineer had arranged to meet the man just after dinner time, so the two hopped into the car and drove to the ice cream store. It was vanilla ice cream that night, and sure enough, after they came back to the car, it wouldn't start.
The engineer returned for three more nights. The first night, the man got chocolate, the car started. The second night, he got strawberry, the car started. The third night he ordered vanilla, the car failed to start. Now the engineer being a logical man refused to believe that this man's car was allergic to vanilla ice cream. He arranged therefore to continue his visits for as long as it took to solve the problem. And towards this end he began to take notes: he jotted down all sorts of data, time of day, type of gas used, time to drive back and forth, etc.
In a short time he had a clue: the man took less time to buy vanilla than any other flavor. Why? The answer was in the layout of the store. Vanilla, being the most popular flavor, was in a separate case at the front of the store for quick pickup. All the other flavors were kept in the back of the store at a different counter where it took considerably longer to find the flavor and get checked out.
Now the question for the engineer was why the car wouldn't start when it took less time. Once time became the problem - - not the vanilla ice cream the engineer quickly came up with the answer: vapor lock. It was happening every night, but the extra time taken to get the other flavors allowed the engine to cool down sufficiently to start. When the man got vanilla, the engine was still too hot for the vapor lock to dissipate.
All models then had their gas systems changed. The guy got a new car and also had his car repaired (now it likes vanilla flavor). General Motors disseminated an internal official statement, demanding employees to take seriously any claims, even if it sounded bizarre, " because maybe a great innovation is hidden after a vanilla ice cream."

So-o-o bright

2009-03-09T07:51:00.002-04:00

The light....it hurts...

Yes, the wicked stepmother locked me up in the revision cave again. I wish I could say I lost weight but the only good thing about being down there is she gives us cupcakes and chocolate--I think to fatten us up so no prince charming will want us and we'll be her slaves forever.

Crawling out of the cave and seeing that much has piled up since. **Sigh** guess it's time to clean up my portion of the castle.

Anyone have a cupcake--I'm having sugar withdrawl

Stalking or Research?

2009-03-06T12:46:00.002-05:00

I don't know how you do it, but when I'm writing a story I like to have visual of my characters. So I search the Internet for pictures of people I think would fit my characters. I've found several heros in the JC Penney flyers as well. Anyhoo...during lunch one day I was pulling up pictures of one actor I use frequently in my writing. A friend/coworker stumbled into me working and saw the pictures. He accused me of stalking the actor.

Ok, let me be the first to admit, that if I bumped into this particular actor I would probably turn into a babbling, drooling moron. And there is a possibility that I might, ya know, tie him up and throw him in my car to take home. I swear he'd love living with me. :)

I know I'm not alone in using celebs as visual inspiration, but until recently I didn't realize that I wasn't the only who actually kept a photo database on said inspiration. Trish Wylie (Harlequin author) has a hero and heroine database on her blog that she uses for her stories. Granted her blog only shows one photo of the person, and my database is pages of photos that I've collected over the past few years. Mayhap she has that type of file as well.

I got tons of grief about being a stalker when I used to carry around my binder full of photos. I no longer carry the binder, but I do keep it in my writing space for reference.

My question to you is, what do you use for character inspiration?

Thursday Already?

2009-03-05T11:14:00.003-05:00

Wait a minute, where did the week go?
It was Sunday, I was gearing up for a productive week. I blinked and suddenly, it's Thursday and I've only been productive if eating out a box of chocolates counts.
How does that happen? A week well-planned hits the skids and suddenly, you're free falling over the cliff, wondering how the days got by you. I mean, Monday I was at a seminar...Tuesday's a little blurry--I think I was recovering from information overload, but heck? Wednesday too? How much recovery time does one woman need?
On the bright side, I did get a few character tweaks done, and that mitigates some of my guilt...still, I have a writing goal to meet this month and hazing out of my week won't get it done.

I Guess...

2009-02-27T15:46:00.004-05:00

I guess she didn't get the joke:

Was out walking Oodles and Doodles (Milo and Murphy) when we came upon an older couple with a large dog. The dog goes nuts, shoves her snout up my jacket, starts sniffing around. Her mother says, "You must have treats."

I say, "Yes, I do." Then I add in, "Yep, I'm the most popular girl in the dog park."

The woman gives me a look like I've completely lost my mind and says in a 'what could you possibly be thinking, how could you consider yourself popular,' voice, "Well, if your pocket is full of treats, I'd say so."

Yeah.

Thanks for clarifying that one, lady.

And here I was thinking it was my winning personality...

Territorial much?

2009-02-27T15:35:00.002-05:00

So today I'm at the day job (like always...sigh), and I'm working away in my 8x10 cubicle. I've got my iPod on, my earphones in and I'm minding my own business. Suddenly, a troll bursts through my privacy screen and starts shrieking at me. About what? No idea! I'm instantly on the defensive, grab my sword and assume the jousting position. What do you want? Get out of my space! Leave me! LEAVE ME!!!

The troll wanted nothing more than to get the car keys so he could annoy others in our friendly forest...er, city. Word of warning. When the princess is in her "zone" it is best to not sneak up on her or burst rudely in. Do yourself a favor and simply knock, and say "ehem, your Highness, I wish to beg your attention." :)

It's Friday and it's been a long day so far. Weird vibes are buzzing the offices, like a wizard has cast a spell turning everyone into nervous, twittering zombies. If you've ever seen a zombie twitter you know how scary it can be.

I'm sitting in a good place right now, I feel. I've got two stories submitting to two separate publishing houses; I've got one story on its way to being sent to my lovely editor; and, I was assaulted with two new story ideas over the past few days. One which gave me an epiphany about someone I knew many many years ago and an actor I swear I would stalk if my husband would just let me travel to Los Angeles for a few weeks. (He refuses to bail me out of jail though, so that plan is nixed.) An ex-coworker of mine is incredibly attractive, and very nice. I haven't worked with him for almost 7 years. Anyway, I found this sexy actor and just knew he'd make the perfect romance hero. So after drooling over him for the past two years, I finally realized yesterday that this actor and my ex-coworker are incredibly similar in looks. And of course that struck a new story idea. So eventually I'll put that idea to paper.

I've rambled enough to put the entire kingdom to sleep, so I will be off. Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy writing!

Barbara Hall Said it Best...

2009-02-19T14:05:00.005-05:00

The writing is going...not well, but going. In every page, I find where I went right, I find where I went wrong. This week it's been more wrong than right and that wrongness has necessitated a sixty-page trashing of writing and starting back at square one.
Disheartening?
Yes.
Invigorating?
Yep (but I'm waiting for the rush of endorphins to kick in).
A call for chocolate and wine?
Most definitely!
At times like this, I remember Barabara and Northern Exposure. She said it about life in general, but it's a great quote to remember about writing, too:
The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.

My Newest Release -- shameless promo

2009-02-18T12:27:00.004-05:00

Blurb

Lindsey Carter thought she’d found her Prince Charming in Brandon Thompson. When he pulls a vanishing act after their first date, her prince becomes a frog. However, Fate steps in. At a weekend conference, she gets a second chance to find out if Brandon’s a shining knight or a real croaker. Will playing hard to get earn her a victory in love, or will she be left seeing green?

Excerpt

They’d shared only one date, one dinner, and one kiss. One knock-your-socks-off kiss she couldn’t forget.

Lindsey pushed the button for diet soda, bent over and retrieved the cold can. So far, so good. She turned on her heel and strode back toward her friends. Brandon, she tried not to notice, was now standing, his back facing her pathway. She had a glorious view of his jean-clad tight rear. Longing coursed through her veins, but she ignored it and sneaked a peak at the back of his head.

Still turned away. Her heart dipped in disappointment. He hadn’t even noticed her.
Steeling her determination, Lindsey pressed on. She blew on the top of the can, puffing away dust and focusing on something other than the gorgeous specimen now standing just to her right. Her hand dropped to her side, just as he took a half step back.

His fingers bumped into her pinkie, briefly curling around the digit in the gentlest of caresses. The shock of the connection seared up her arm like a bolt of lightning. Lindsey fought not to react, to keep walking at a normal pace, despite every nerve ending begging to stay, to pull closer to Brandon. Her gaze shot up to gauge his reaction, but all she saw was his profile—firm jaw, straight nose and high cheekbones.

Had he tried to grab her attention? Lindsey bit back a snort of disbelief. He probably didn’t realize she was behind him. Nope, the touch was definitely unintentional.

Finally back with Tara and Shelly, she released a pent-up breath and her shoulders sagged. “I did it. I walked past him, and didn’t jump him. I did good.”

Welcome Friday!!

2009-02-13T16:00:00.002-05:00

Oh, thank God, it's Friday. This week has just felt like the love child of cocaine, a traffic jam, and snow: crazy, chaotic, cold, plodding (of COURSE with the writing),
and completely insane.
Today is my day off, whereby I don't write, but I do fret and worry about the writing without actually doing anything becuase, you see, it's time off.
Actually, thought I'd take the day and do some office organization...it's now 2.04 pm and I've yet to actually organize myself, let alone organize an entire office. Oh, well, it's supposed to be a day off, right?

This Damsel is Distressed

2009-02-07T14:07:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm not really distressed, but I had a thought. Yes, I know. Scary.

I'm working diligently on promotional items, to get my promoing butt in gear, and it hit me. Why is it always the Princess that has to be rescued by the Prince? After all she's been through, evil step-mothers, dragons, singing forest creatures...she survives. That takes strength if you ask me.

Just once I'd love to see a Disney movie where the Princess rides in on the white horse to save the Prince. There is Beauty and the Beast, where Belle saves him by kissing him. Seriously, though, lock the man in the dungeon, the Princess slays the dragon, and breaks the Prince out of jail.

It's 2009, women are strong. Women can be anything they want. So jump on those horses ladies, and hunt down your Prince. My Prince is on the golf course caught in a downpour...in Las Vegas...yeah, weird. He's plodding home on his white...er, blue...stead with his cousin so I'll rescue them both with a hot cup of tea and big lunch. I'm off to rescue.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to lock up a Prince in a future novel. Mwahahahaha....just don't tell my mother. :)

Happy writing!

Progress Sweet Progress!

2009-02-05T18:41:00.005-05:00

YEE-HA!!!!

Actually got some writing done. Progress is raising its beautiful head and I'm lovin' it! I can't say I've got loads of pages or the writing is rushing ahead like a waterfall, but heck, at least I got some flow going.

How did this blissful state of being come about?

I sat at the computer, day after day, staring at the screen and writing the pages, even though I knew they weren't what I completely wanted to say. But I figured if I kept at it, eventually, I would figure out what I wanted to say and viola, a book would evolve.

And I was right.

God, I love being right.

One afternoon, I'm plucking along and suddenly, suddenly, the thought comes into my head--the wonderful, blinding epiphany for the protagonist from which the plot and incidents will evolve.

Wow.

Yes.

Thank God.

So, two things. There is much to be said for sitting there, staring at a computer and I'll have to watch and see if in my upcoming novels it takes the same length of time (2 months...although the book was first draft completed, so perhaps it's more like 30 months--yikes) for me to get to this place.

Thank you to the Princesses for letting me whine to them, and to the Dame for saying it best: "There was a moment when I changed from an amateur to a professional. I assumed the burden of a profession, which is to write even when you don't want to, don't much like what you're writing and aren't writing particularly well." ~ Agatha Christie

Which Came First?

2009-01-29T19:57:00.005-05:00

Which came first, the plot or the character? Food for thought (along with all the baked goods I seem to be devouring at the rate of a soon-to-be hibernating bear...tried telling my stomach that it was a little late for winter, but it's not listening).
Usually, my stories start with a "what if." What if a woman was turned into a dog (The Genie's Curse). After that, well, hence the question. Because I do need the plot, but at the same time the plot is dependent on the character. And sadly, the character is dependent on the plot.
Chase (Ethan's Chase) would have been dismal character in Shoe-In for Love. That story demanded a heroine who wasn't sure about her job. Chase, well, Chase owned her own company. I figure she had job security--but then, for the plot of Ethan's Chase to work, Chase had to own her own company. There wouldn't have been enough tension, enough at stake if she had "just" been an employee.
Why am I rambling about all of this? Well, such is my life when I'm in stages 1-3 of my drafts (or 1-7, depending on how you count a version). And I'm most definitely in the early stages of my manuscripts. Hence the incoherent post.
I'm writing, but at the same time, trying to iron out the personality of each character, but I need to know the plot to I can determine the character...but I need the character to know the plot (Nessie was just the personality that would end up stuck in a fresh air vent. That would never have happened to Aggie. Nope, she was the kind who would find a cursed magical lamp)...confused? Me too.
Maybe I'll find the answer in another freshly baked bun...or five...

New Release for a singing princess!

2009-01-26T14:29:00.001-05:00

Okay, you don't actually want to hear me sing but my heroine is a really good singer at least LOL.

Karaoke Cowgirl

How far would you go to attract the man of your dreams?
Ally Standish re-invents herself every Saturday night to sing for her cowboy. But when they come face to face in the light of a normal day—and he discovers the real Ally—will he let her sing him more love songs or will the music die for good.

Available now from The Wild Rose Press

REVIEWS:

Stacy Dawn’s Karaoke Cowgirl brings to you a tale of accepting yourself for who you are. I really enjoyed this short story, it was well written, the characters likeable and the plot interesting. For me it had an underling message of be who you are and not what you think others want you to be.
~Reviewed by Sandie, WRDF Review
http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2009/01/25/wrdf-review-of-karaoke-cowgirl-by-stacy-dawn.aspx

Opening the file cabinet

2009-01-23T10:53:00.003-05:00

Admit it, we've all got 'em. Those stories we started, were so passionate about. And then the passion fizzled and we were forced to put those stories on the back burner, tucked away in a binder/notebook/drawer/closet, never to be worked on again.

I am notorious for doing this. As I've said many times before, I've probably got 30 stories waiting to be finished. Recently I pulled out two short stories from that dusty filing cabinet, and actually revamped them to work for publication (as long as I suck up the fear and write the synopsis to get the story submitted). One story needed to be edited, the other needed a stronger ending. Done! Now what? Again, I have to write the synposis and actually submit it. I've got two publishers targeted. If the first one rejects, I'll go to the backup. Evenutally I'll hit the 10 contract mark--only four more to go.

So, how do you get from the filing cabinet to publishable ready? The key is finding out what made you lose the fire for the story. I have found that if I read the manuscript after so many months/years/centuries away, I remember why I fell in love with the story in the first place. With fresh eyes, I'm able to see the problem areas. Where's my conflict? Oh, wait, this story didn't have a conflict. Bingo! There's the first problem. Or maybe the story had a saggy middle. WHy is the middle sagging? Probably because I didn't bother to plan those chapters out, and just relied on pantsing. So I start at the beginning and figure out where the characters start and how they end. And then I try to outline how they get there. If I find my middle is still saggy, I whine to my crit partners and they point out what I can't see. Ok, so that's kind of cheating, but if it works...

If you 've got a closet full of "never finished," just remember you aren't alone. And I strongly urge you not to give up on those stories you once loved. With a little elbow grease, you can fall in love all over again.

Happy writing!

Justifying Myself

2009-01-22T13:26:00.004-05:00

When you select 'justify' on your writing program, it spaces everything out so it looks equal, ordered into lovely little rectangles and squares...justified (hence it's name, I'm guessing)...been thinking about justifying myself lately, seeking equilibrium (even if it should come at the cost of being 'square.'
It's so easy to feel tossed about--veering from one set of thoughts to another, swayed by this expert's writing advice then that expert's writing advice. Truly, life is a journey on which we are taking individual paths. I get it, but at the same time, too few (or too many) maps leads to lots of confusion.
Especially on my part. I'm easily confused.
I'm working on my book diligently (well, sort of, taking aside time off for illness), but at the same time, I don't want to be too much of a workaholic...but when I try to take "real" time off, I find myself feeling guilty, thinking I should be writing...then when I'm writing, I'm feeling guilty, thinking "today was supposed to be a day off."
I saw an interview with David Foster where he said that of all the artists he'd known and worked with, none of them knew how to find balance. This just isn't artists. I know business and parents who are the same way...I guess what I'm grappling with is this question of equilibrium, the happy medium, and not justifying myself (in the rationalization aspect as opposed to what I said at the start of this conversation) for the decisions I make, be it taking time off or working through the night.
I'll let you know how this adventure in finding balance goes...like the man said, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Do you ever...

2009-01-16T12:07:00.002-05:00

scare yourself out of doing something you know needs (or should be) done? Yeah, me too. I've got a short story written, had my beautiful crit princesses work their magic. All I need to do to submit that story is work on the edits. So what am I doing? I'm fretting, and shaking, and biting my nails. What if the publisher I submit to doesn't like the story? What if they reject me?

Suck it up woman! Rejection is part of the writing business. Yes it sucks, but wouldn't I rather have a rejection than to sit here wondering, never knowing if they could have liked it? Not subbing the story isn't going to get me anywhere. Right?

Fine. I get it. But I'm still doubting. Who the heck isn't doubting their writing? Why is it we authors are such a sensitive lot? After years of rejections are skin should be so thick you can use it for a parachute!

I'm taking advantage of the day job being closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day to work on the edits for said story. And (shhh...don't tell the Princesses!) I'm going to submit it to the publisher. Gulp! Oh, gulp again! I've got to write a synopsis for it. Ok, maybe you can tell the Princesses. They're going to have to crit the synop for me.

It takes 10 - 12 weeks to get a response from the publisher, but I'll keep you guys posted on the progress. Keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed for me, k?

Happy Writing!

Here We Go

2009-01-15T09:41:00.003-05:00

Well, we safely into the new year. The trees are down, the lights put away for another season. I've separated the cats from the gift wrapping, convinced the puppies that the stockings are not edible or disposable. And now, in the quiet lull of January, amidst snow storms, grey skies, and freezing temperatures, I'm finding a warm place, a soft place. A place where I can fall and be safe, write without the internal editor, pursue the dreams I hold.
This week, being sick and all, has forced me to take stock. When I can't write, the sense of loss proves this is my calling. I'm grouchy, irritable, itching to get to the screen and in the midst of all this, I realize there's a certain kind of pleasure at staring at the computer screen, wondering why all thought has forsaken me.
Now, now, I'm no masochist, but I think what I've realized that writing at its worst is still preferable to anything else I could be doing. I love writing, love everything about. It's like a giant, mental puzzle. Take all these unrelated pieces, these snatches of conversation, character description, and roll it into a picture. A bit of mental telepathy. Do you see what I see? No, let me go back to the drawing board, re-write until we see the same thing.
I'm stepping out of my comfort zone this year, putting away the romances (except for the Fairy Tale Anthology) and attempting a new genre. No idea what the genre will be. I have a few ideas from fantasy to children's to chick lit and mystery, so I'm going to play, see which story most demands to be told. My ultimate goal is to have a draft finished by June, and another book finished by December.
Who knows what the future holds? Only time will tell. So here we go, ladies. Wish me well as I head into my first adventure of 2009!

Technology doesn't belong in the Castle

2009-01-12T21:15:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I think we would have been better off staying in the medival ages. Okay, maybe not. I do like my hot showers and toilets inside.

Still, is technology really worth the time?? I've been annoyed by the lack of information technology gives you yet it's expectation that everyone is exactly the same. You can check out my personal princess bedroom at http://www.stacydawn.blogspot.com/ if you really want to know what I'm talking about.

Alas, like days of old, my prince came in and saved the day yet again. I don't let him do it very often because, well, they get a big head if they think you need help and most of the time it's just easier and quicker to do it myself LOL

I think I can, I think I can...

2009-01-09T11:18:00.002-05:00

Choo Choo!!

That's right ladies and gentlmen. I am channelling the Little Engine That Could. I am chugging up that mountain, puffing out steam, straining with every muscle to reachthe crest so I can coast down the other side to full length publication.

I've got a million ideas for stories (ok, so it's more like 30), but the only full length I've completed really isn't fit for publication. And I think to get it to the publishable point would be more work than I want to touch right now. Cop out? Probably. Fear? Most likely. :)

My goal for this month is to write the first draft of my short story Love and A Diner (working title 'cause I can't think of anything appropriate at this moment). For the year, I want this story subbed, and I would really like to get the first draft finished for one full length novel. Whether that full length is a romance or a paranormal/thriller, I'm not sure yet.

How do you keep track of your goals for the year? I try to mark my dayplanner with the date I want to complete something, and then put the actual progress right next to the goal.

Do you have goals for the year, either writing or personal? Keep checking back. We'll be posting our progress throughout the months.

Happy Writing!!

Non-Existant Words

2009-01-08T10:30:00.005-05:00

When I was seven, I had this teacher (from hell. I think Satan sent her earthwards because he needed a break) who used to say, "There's no such word as 'can't.'" I don't suppose anyone ever told her that abstract reasoning isn't a high point with most grade two children. But there I was, for months, trying to fathom how, if there was no such word as 'can't' so many people ran around using it. For God's sake, it was in the bleedin' dictionary! So, yes, weeks and weeks later, with no help from any of the adults around me (they'd all just nod when I said, "the teacher says there's no such word as 'can't'.'"), I finally figured out what she meant was that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to...which is all well and good, but then there's the inevitable guilt when you don't accomplish what you put your mind to. Many's an author who spent years being rejected. Did they not focus enough, try hard?
No, of course not. Somethings--most things--are out of our realm of control. We don't like to think that, though, do we? Which leads me to another word: should.
My husband (the zen master and honorary member of POTP), when we're having discussions about how far I have yet to go in writing, always says, "Don't should on yourself." The play of words aside, and existential point taken, he's right (of course. He's always right, damn him).
We do a lot of shoulding on ourselves. I should have written more. I should have lost weight. I shouldn't have eaten that entire wedding cake.
But you know, should is a terrible word. What it is, is born from experience. We look back and see the path we should have taken, or the path we should have avoided. Is this even remotely fair?
I mean, you never see a two year old mourning that he should have figured out how to put one foot in front of the other, balance on the balls of his toes and learn to walk faster. Two year olds are just damn happy to be walking and there's a lesson in that.
The princesses and I didn't accomplish everything we'd wanted to in 2008. We look back and see the places we could have/should have changed, but y'know, it's easy to do that with all the puzzle pieces in places. It's a little harder when everything is scattered around you and you're trying to make that picture work.
So, 2008 is done and we're into 2009.
Let's set those writing goals, stick to them as best we can, and like the man said, "Let's not should on ourselves."
Bx.

PS
In a way cool way to start the new year, Shoe-In got an amazing review from Fallen Angels (called the book a dinner burner!), and Ethan's Chase has been nominated for a Cupid Award.

Cow Patties

2009-01-05T03:27:00.000-05:00

Stuck in the mud just didn't seem adequate in my household LOL.

Okay, start of a new year and the focus on writing is strong. We've discussed things here at the castle and the general concensus is to break things down into monthly increments.

So, this month I need to finish a novella. I need to keep things moving across the field to reach the other side. I expect long grass, patches of sun, some wildflowers along the way and yes, the proverbial cow patties that slow me down. But the goal is to be the cow that doesn't follow the herd but instead gets to the bright, full appletree awaiting on the other side of the field.

So, here we go, a one, and a two and a moo moo moo....

Welcome to 2009!

2009-01-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T00:39:00.002-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T05:39:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-19T13:45:00.003-05:00

Today is the start of a week long vacation (at home) and I can't be more excited. No, I take that back. I was ecstatic on Monday and Wednesday when Las Vegas had two blizzards. Snow in the desert is beautiful and rare, so it's cherished. I was like a little kid playing in the snow.

I love Christmas, the times with family, giving of gifts, making memories...the time of year when even the grinchiest, grouchiest people can be friendly. But for me it's almost bittersweet December marks the birthdays of my brother, Matt (12/12), and my dad (12/21). My brother would have been 38 this year, and my dad would be 66. But gathered by the tree with my family, I know Matt and Dad are gathered with us. This year, I promise to save a few sugar cookies for two.

I wish you all the happiest of Christmases, or whatever holiday you are celebrating.

And if you get a chance, pop over to Princess Stacy's blog to check out the festivities. You might win a prize!

I Wonder as I Wandered...

2008-12-19T00:27:00.005-05:00

It's been a cold and bitter winter--we're talking temperatures of -25 with wind chills which make it seem more like -45 (and the other day it was -29, then the wind chill). In Edmonton, it's not unusual to have combined temperatures of -50 or -60--and it's even more common to hear Edmontonians wailing and gnashing teeth.
Tonight was the Christmas dinner with some fellow writers. As I made my way to pick up C, I started thinking about how much traffic can mirror life...and I had a lot of time to think. Because of the traffic, weather, accident on the road, detour, slow driving, too many bleedin' stop lights, the twenty minute drive to her house took an hour and fifteen (then we had to get to the restaurant, which was understaffed so dinner took extra long...good thing there was the company of good friends)...
First off, there's the people who go wwaaayyy too slow for the weather. Dude, I'm all for safety, truly, but if you're so freaked by a skiff of snow that you're doing 30km under the speed limit, Get Off the Road. Really, on the faster roads, it's just asinine. Those streets see so much traffic and traffic from heavy vehicles that they're almost safer to drive on than the residentials because all the cars are worn a dry path on the road.
Then of course, there are the people who drive like it's summer conditions. Yeah, a four wheel drive may help you when accelerating (I have two vehicles, so I know this), but it's not going to help you when stopping. Like the man said, they can make safer cars, but not safer drivers.
What also caught me was pace, or momentum. When the weather is bad, if you go too slow, then every divot or rut can throw your vehicle off its course. But if you go too fast, you risk the same thing.
It just got me wondering about the momentum of everyday life. We need to go fast enough so we don't feel every bump, but not so fast as to risk losing control of our life--or miss the scenery...got me thinking about the writing, too...you need momentum in your writing, a pace where the bumps and ruts of rejections or writing-blocks can't derail you, but at the same time, you still want to enjoy the journey of writing, the way the letters look as they pop up on your screen, the sweet melody made when your fingers hit the keys.
Focus too much on destination and you lose the scenery, the simple joy of being alone in your study with only your characters to keep you company.
Food for thought...or perhaps, thoughts for driving...but consider it the next time you slide behind the wheel. How are you cruising?
Keep your hands at the 10 & 2 position people.
Till next time,
Bron.

ROAD TRIP!

2008-12-05T12:07:00.002-05:00

Yeehaw! I'm headed on a road trip! Ok, so it's only 8 hours driving from Reno to Las Vegas, but I'm so excited. I've been craving a road trip for a very long time, and when the opportunity presented itself to do a road trip for work I jumped at the chance. Hubby and I are flying to Reno to pick up a vehicle for work and we're driving it down.

We'll be driving through snow, ghost towns, really old, small towns.

When I was younger, my family couldn't afford for us to fly anywhere, so if we were going to visit my grandparents in Florida, or to church camp in Indiana we would drive. All five of us would bundle in our Ford Tempo or grocery-getter station wagon (and sometimes we'd have as many as 8 people travelling) and we'd make the trek to central Florida. The trip would take between 2 and 3 days. Yes we'd squabble over music, until my parents started listening to books on tape to end that fight (I think I've heard the Bible on tape twice!). Then we learned to bring books to entertain ourselves. Have you ever tried reading by headlight? We'd hold the books over our heads to read by the headlights behind us.

Those car trips are some of the best memories that I have. It was quality time spent with my parents and brothers. Time I wish I could go back to. But while I'm driving through the lovely state of Nevada I will reflect upon happy times of my childhood.

Do you have a past time that always reminds you of your childhood?

Am I the Only One?

2008-12-02T09:10:00.004-05:00

Okay, so do you ever despair in the writing because you feel like it's all been said before?
I'm working on two WIP, one for adults, the other for children and I'm hitting wall after wall (and when there are no walls, I'm building them, apparently)...
The truth is, I LOVE these stories, they won't let go and I can see the climax, the resolution...but I'm terrified that readers will open them and sneer, "Hello. Didn't anyone tell her this story's already been written?"
And to add more lunacy to it, it's not like these stories even REMIND me of any other--well, the kid's one is Sherlock-esque, but only in the barest way...still...sigh...I just want to write good stories, stories people will enjoy...I love the feeling a good book gives me when I read it, and I want to return that feeling as a writer...I just don't know if I can...which is insanity, considering the review I got for Shoe-In.
That should give me the confidence I need, and it does...for Shoe-In...I know I succeeded in that story (okay, okay, and based on reviews on every other book I've written), but that was all in the past...can I recreate it? Or do I only have so many great books and I've hit quota?
What about you? Do you ever worry about stuff like this?

Tick, tock, tick, tock

2008-11-21T13:58:00.003-05:00

Oh somebody save me from work weeks that drag on and on!!

My coworker buddy and I have been in and out of each other's work space all week trying to keep each other awake. It's been rough. We were busy the first part of the week, but these last few days work has been slow.

But, I've been progressively working on my current wip, writing approximately 400 words a day, just writing (literally hand writing) the story in a spiral notebook. I get goosebumpy when I think about finishing this story and submitting it. Of course it's just the bones of a story, and I've got to flesh out the characters. Right now they are a bit cardboard-y.

I've still got a bit of work to do, but it's coming along.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Your are royally invited to....

2008-11-16T19:12:00.002-05:00

Starting December 1st on Princess Stacy's blog at www.stacydawn.blogspot.com!

Fun, friends, and gifts to giveaway!

May We Never Forget

2008-11-11T14:29:00.002-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

Is there a wrong motivation?

2008-11-07T11:51:00.003-05:00

We all have motivation for writing.

But are we allowing the wrong things to motivate our writing? Take me for instance. I started writing because it's what I love to do, and it has a calming affect.

Someone showed me the "Show Me The Money" list on karenafox.com (and I think the author of the list is Brenda Hiatt--sorry if I get her name wrong). I saw the advance figures some of these publishers are giving out and I was like I've got to write for them! Then I found out a specific genre pays out quite well, and I'm like I've got to write that genre.

Somewhere I've lost the real reason I write. I stopped writing for the joy of it, and started concentrating solely on the financial aspect--not what it costs to promote and mail and such, but on how much I could make it I did it like everyone else.

I started a short story roughly two weeks ago, and after 7 pages, I realized the voice in that story wasn't really me. After some soul searching I figured out the problem with the story, and fixed it, so now I feel comfortable with it. And, yes, when I first started writing this story I was doing it with the money in mind. But it's not about the money with this story anymore. Now it's about proving to myself I can start something I'm not 100% in love with and following through to the finish line.

Maybe this story will never get published, and that's ok. The point is, I've changed my negative motivation (money--well negative for me) into a positive one (just writing).

If you never again made a penny from your writing, would you still do it?

An Eventful Week

2008-11-06T20:59:00.005-05:00

This week, we saw America welcome its first Black President, and the same day, the world said goodbye to Michael Crichton. I've never been in the position of seeing a favorite author pass away. The ones I read are either still alive or, like the Dame and Sir Arthur, have been dead for years...and so I feel...at a loss...
The first time I came across Mr. Crichton, I was 15 and my brother handed me a book and said, "You have to read this."
It was Congo and he was right. That book had me from the first page, and from that moment, I was a devotee of Michael Crichton's work...
As a person, I respected the immense talent and intelligence behind his work. As a reader, as soon as I saw his name on a book, I bought it--never had to look at the cover art, read the blurb, because it was Michael, and I knew it would be worth the purchase. As a writer, I strive to achieve in my writing what he did in his: to transfix and seduce a reader, to pull them into a story, make them believe those characters are real, that the plot can happen, and keep them breathless in anticipation to the very last page.
Michael Crichton made me love medical/technological fiction and for that, I'm eternally grateful.

Stepping Outside Your Writing Comfort Zone

2008-10-31T11:23:00.003-04:00

Most of know exactly what genre we are most comfortable in. Some of us are only romance writers, others like comedy or cozy mystery. But have you ever tried to write outside your comfort level? I'm not talking writing a novel in a genre you've always wanted to write in. I'm talking about that genre that you never in a million years thought you could write.

I actually have two genres that scare me silly: Historical romance and erotica.

Now, I absolutely love reading Historicals, especially Regency romance. But I've always been really bad at history, and the idea of researching to write a Regency scares me to death. What if I write a Regency and my heroine is to 21st Century? Or what if instead of mentioning Napoleon my characters talk about Elvis? And is Napoleon even in the Regency era?

Erotica. Ok, so erotica is one of the hottest sells right now, and it's really where you make the money. But not everyone can write erotica. How do you write sexual encounters without sounding too clinical, or step by step? One of the dear princesses told me it should be a bit earthy. Which means don't make it so pretty--at least I think that's what she was trying to tell me. Of course with my literal mind I first thought she was telling me it should be dirty. You know, throw the characters in a mud pit, or sand trap.

Maybe someday my muse will hold my hand through a sensual Regency, or toss me off the cliff into the sea of erotica. But for now, I'm hiding in my comfy cave of chainsaws and sweet romance.

How about you? What's out of your comfort zone? And, are you ever going to step outside that zone?

Release Day!

2008-10-29T20:08:00.003-04:00

Out now, Shoe-In for Love: Buy Here!
For shoe designer Nessie Helph, 1984 is another year in the struggle to keep herself safe from her malicious supervisor, Grace Hart. Nessie’s problems worsen when she finds out the company, Victor & Victoria, has been sold to Leo Schumacher.
Known as “The Lumberjack,” Leo’s reputation for cutting costs and hacking jobs is legendary, but Nessie’s prepared for any contingency…except the effect he has on her heart. She may not be able to get her hair to feather like Heather Locklear’s, but surely she has the skills to win both her dream job and her dream man.
Is Nessie a shoe-in—er, shoo-in—for love, or will her efforts leave her heart sinking into the soles of her jelly sandals?

Excerpt:
“I want to know why Archie was crying.”
Leo leaned back in his chair, his long legs grazing hers as a small smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. “I presume he was overcome by emotion.”
“But what kind of emotion?”
He shrugged. “I’m in no position to guess.”
“Of course you are.” His blasé response replaced her timidity with confidence. “You were in the office with him—surely you can take a guess at what made him cry.” The conviction of her words made her bend towards him.
Much to her surprise, he turned to face her, and leaned in until their faces were just a few inches apart. The indescribable scent of masculinity and power curled in sensual ribbons around her, binding her to the spot and holding her captive to Leo’s penetrating, sizzling gaze.
“When it comes to certain people,” he said, and his deep voice vibrated through her bones and made her atoms quiver, “I’m in no position to judge their emotions. I find these people endlessly fascinating. They arouse my—” His warm gaze drifted to her mouth, lingering there and sending a coil of heat spreading through her. “Curiosity.”

When All Else Fails...

2008-10-23T14:48:00.004-04:00

Research.

The writing isn't going. It's at a dead stop...I have ideas, and basic plot lines, but I can't seem to get started. I think it's because I'm stepping out of my genre (romance). This all feels very new, very exciting, and very Alfred Hitchcock scary. I don't know anything about writing in these new genres--nothing except I like to read 'em (suspense, YA)...

So, I thought, when it doubt, research. Go and find books on writing, re-read the books on writing that I love, and then sit down and try again...

Sounds like a plan. Hope I can follow through. I don't want to be a year into this and still have nothing. That would drive me crazy...er, crazier...

So, reading and reading--the old standbys are: James N. Frey's "Damn Good" writing series, the Weekend Novelist series, Stephen King's "On Writing."

I just finished Janet Evanovich's "How I Write" which I found very interesting, and I'm currently working my way through "Advanced Screenwriting" by Dr. Linda Seger...

NaNoWriMo

2008-10-21T12:10:00.003-04:00

Yay, it's NaNo time again. Starting November 1st, thousands of writers around the world will glue themselves to their chairs and try to pound out 50,000 words in 31 days. What's the reward, the prize? Well, you get a cool icon to put on your website to announce to the world that you 'won' NaNo but more importantly you get the immense satisfaction of knowing you accomplished something amazing.

NaNoWriMo- which stands for National Novel Writing Month- is really all about motivating writers to write. Do you need some motivation? Go to www.nanowrimo.org and sign up!

Castle needs a new Electrician

2008-10-20T13:07:00.003-04:00

Must be hunky, sexy, and work shirtless...oh, and know how to run a d*#! computer!!

We need to put into the evil-stepmother for a new internet provider--high speed, high hottie, and highly attentive. That might be the only way to fix anything--or at least keep us so distracted we don't care LOL.

Frustration, thy name is Princess Stacy.

Okay, he can have the job!

Recovering From a Bad Review

2008-10-17T11:40:00.002-04:00

This morning I discovered I received my very first bad review. But as bad reviews go, this one wasn't as bad as it could have been. She did say the story started out interesting, but by the time she was settled into the story, it was over. Her overall gripe was the story wasn't long enough to develop plot or characters. If that's the worst review I ever get, I am one lucky princess.

Now in my defenses, I wrote about 95% of the story while under the influence of a concussion. Yep, fell off a horse during my first time bare back riding, and knock my hard head against a harder clump of ground.

But hey, I really like the story. So maybe I need to make it a lot longer if I ever attempt to re-release it, but I think I'll wait and see how sales go the first time around before I worry about revamping it.

How do you recover from a bad review? Do you take a few days to reflect, maybe indulge in yummy chocolate and wine? Me? I plot the death of another character, scare myself with twisted ideas, and then I settle down to write a scene for a romance. Yes, I can plot the deaths, doesn't mean I've written a full one yet.

Guest Blogging...

2008-10-14T09:39:00.002-04:00

Over at Dayana Knight.

Here's a little excerpt...

I think every writer is asked the question, “Why do you write?” or “What made you get into writing?” Answers are long and varied, and usually prompt other questions such as “How much do you make?” “Can I be a character?” and “Please stop talking to me. All I wanted was combo number seven with cola. Am I going to have to call your manager?”

So. Why do I write? The usual reasons. I wanted to work in a creative profession, I had stories to tell, and I felt the writing industry was severely understaffed with highly-neurotic, over-achieving perfectionists who are convinced their latest book would be their last. But I also had another, more pressing reason for writing.

I suffer from TNTLS, a debilitating disease that affects over 80% of the population. 80%. That’s a huge number, but true. This statistic is based on years of scientific research, thousands of case studies, and the fact that 75% of all statistics are made up.

TNTLS, otherwise known as Talk First Think Later Syndrome has plagued me all my life. It was an early onset disease—y’know, like from the moment I could speak. I blame genetics (not naming any names here, but let’s all pause and glance at the parent with the double-X chromosomes). As I’ve gotten older, it’s worsened—so much so that it’s a little like Russian roulette when I go out.

Oh, bother!

2008-10-10T19:54:00.005-04:00

So, granted, Princess Jo's ideas for thrillers and suspense are frightening (made even more so when she asks us to help her "act them out,"), but at least she's getting some writing done.

I do have ideas for stories, but nothing's working...am I over thinking, under thinking, making it too complicated--too simple?

I can't get a bead on the theme, voice or characters, so...yeah...I have an idea. It's kinda like having an awesome dress for the prom, only...there's no prom to go to...blech. I hate writing blocks.

First Class Citizen, Psycho Killer?

2008-10-06T17:42:00.002-04:00

I've posted before about the new show I've been watching called Snapped, and it's aired on the Oxygen channel. I am also hooked on the show 48 Hour Mystery. It's no secret that I'm desparately wanting to become an established writer in the suspense/thriller genre.

But something occurred to me as I was watching Snapped last night. The women this show portrays are typically beautiful, rich, mothers and married. They have the world in their hands, and yet it still isn't enough. And we aren't talking a couple thousand dollars. No, these women are married to millionaires--men who give them everything they need, love them, shower them with gifts. And those women decide that divorce and receiving only half or a fraction of the money along with their freedom is not good enough.

They plot out the murder of the person they vowed to honor, love and cherish. They kill this person. And what do they get out of it? They get a prison sentence, or death sentence. They are forced to leave behind the millions of dollars, the fancy cars, houses and clothes for a 10x8 concrete cell.

Is it worth it? Honestly? Your man is gone. You can only see your children through double-plated plexiglass windows. You now live in a tiny cell with surly roommate who plots your death as you sleep.

Is it worth it?

Of course I don't know everything that the women go through, or what is in their head. But I have to say, I would much rather go through a divorce, take half the money and be free to start my life over again.

None of these women walked away. And no matter how perfect a crime you think you've committed, it's always gonna come back and bite you in the butt. They always get caught.

I'm sure jail food and health care are lovely, but I'd much rather have my freedom.

but of course, I find the subject fascinating, and I couldn't help but jot down notes for a new story. :D

Words Mean Everything

2008-10-02T22:12:00.005-04:00

I've been watching the American debate over presidency and the Wall Street fiasco, and it absolutely underscored for me how important words are.

Words are everything--you can chain someone down or free them with words...but the other that struck me was how much people use words to say nothing at all. No wonder the adage is "it's not what you say, but what you do that matters."

As a writer, words are everything to me. I love words, I love listening to people who use them well. And you know where you really see it? Song lyrics.

Kenny Chesney, There Goes My Life. One lyric that if you hear the entire song has completely different meanings, yet the words remain the same: There goes my life.There goes my future, my everything. At the beginning of the song, when it's the character talking about getting his girlfriend pregnant and having to leave behind his dreams to do the right thing, the lyrics make you want to cry. When, in the second verse, the baby is a toddler and he's talking about how much he loves his little girl, believe me, you don't want to cry, you are crying.

Finger Eleven, Paralyzed. The lyric is If your body matches what your eyes can do, you’ll probably move right through me on my way to you. It's shivery sexy, that lyric.

Also shivery sexy:

Adams Parsons Project, Eye in the Sky. I am the eye in the sky, looking at you, oh, I can read your mind.

Leonard Cohen, Dance Me to the End of Love. Dance me to the children who are asking to be born, Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn, Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn Dance me to the end of love.

Of course, Leonard is a poet first, singer second, so it's no wonder his songs have the ability to touch the soul:

Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah. Love is not a victory march, it's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah.

Or what about the old chestnut, when grammar teachers ask students to puncutate the following: women wihout her man is nothing.

Think about the difference in meaning between:

Woman, without her man, is nothing.

and

Woman. Without her, man is nothing.

Crazy, hey?

Learning Curve

2008-09-29T14:43:00.003-04:00

I realized today that each writing effort is a learning curve. I know you learn more as you write but even when you think they are simple and what you've been doing all along, they could hold some small insight that you take into the next story with you.

Others, on the other hand, are HUGE, slap-in-the-face type learning curves that, though blind for most of it, you do finally get that Ahhhh-hahhhh moment that makes all your trial, tortures and tribulations make sense.

My mermaid story is one of those. I went through not less than Seven story ideas, each one I was excited about and each one I was convinced would work--only the last one did. What did I learn....each story needs to be written when it's ready. I (I say I because every writer is vastly different in their styles and finding their own patterns to work) can't force a story just because I want to write something about a mermaid.

The mermaid doesn't make the story, the story makes the mermaid.

Thus, I've learned not to fret so much and get frustrated at myself but simply keep plugging away because the final destination isn't what counts, it's discovering the path that gets you there.

(taking off my robes now because that is about as indepth/prophetic as I can get today LOL)

World Traveler...

2008-09-26T15:49:00.002-04:00

I am not. Actually my travels last week took me to Reno, and I get to revisit the town Sunday night. My boss has graciously allowed me to go up there to our construction site for training and to help pack up our construction trailer.

What does this have to do with writing? Well, I have a total of 2 hours in the air of which can be used for writing. And I've got at least two nights in the hotel room where I can either write or watch the Snapped marathon on the Oxygen channel.

What's that? Oh, the screams in the background? That's just the other princesses freaking out because I, the chainsaw lugging princess, have found a really interesting show that spotlights women who snap and kill a loved one, then they pretend they didn't do it. Ok, so I might have told them I was getting good ideas for my own thriller novel. And yes, they are afraid of my mentally twisted evil twin. But a writer has to find writing ideas from a variety of places...it just so happens the ideas I get are more gruesome and freakish then say...Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th.

Sure I'm supposed to be a romance writer. But what's more romantic than curling up in the closet with the man you love while an axe weilding ex-wife stalks you?

...
...
...

Wow! Even the crickets stopped chirping for that one.

Like The Lady Said...

2008-09-25T21:35:00.005-04:00

...be realistic with your goals...SO much easier said than done, but Marie's right. Don't give yourself contracting goals.

If you've ever had renovations or work done in your house, you know what I mean. About 5 years or so, we decided to update our house. I did as much as I could, but at some point, we had to call in the professionals...and I tossed a few of them out of my house. But that's another story.

What really cheesed me out, though was that they'd call me and say, "Oh, we'll be at your house tomorrow at 8 am, and finish off the job. Like I said, it'd only take a few days."

Well, you know what happened next, don't you? They'd show up late, or never show up at all, and suddenly, the job that should have taken five days is suddenly taking eight or nine. Piss. Me. Off.

Had they just been honest and said, "Look, unless all the planets align and Zeus himself comes down here, we're not going to get to your house for another week, and expect the job to take about seven days."

That I could handle, because it's the truth. That's the best they can do. But when they give me the Best-Case-If-Nothing-Goes-Wrong-Politician-Type-Of-Promise, that just ticked me off. You can't do it in that amount of time. Be honest.

Same with your writing. You know if life is demanding so much out of you that a sentence would be a great leap in progress. If that's the case, instead of berating yourself for what you're NOT doing, celebrate what you ARE doing. And believe me, I'm right there with you.

Between the puppies, the kitties, the sick relatives, the visiting relatives, the upgrading of the house, the errand running, the care taking, the day job, the night job...I haven't met my goal for September. Not even close. But you know, at least I did something and that should count.

Now, before my anal-retentive, over-achieving, perfectionist nature gets a hold of me, I'm going to celebrate all the things I achieved this month!

Isn't This The Truth...

2008-09-24T13:08:00.006-04:00

I was surfing the web today- I know I was supposed to post here yesterday but I was too busy actually WRITING- looking for word progress meters when I came upon this little cartoon that I thought I'd share with all you writers out there. So here it is:

~~~

How fitting is this? We start out with such high expectations of ourselves, 2500 words a day, and we're so pumped up and motivated. We might actually reach that goal for a few days...

~~~

But then life starts demanding our attention and pretty soon we're lucky if we get to turn on the computer at all and log in 10 words.

I guess the point of my post is this: Be realistic with your goals. Don't set yourself up to fail because you're expecting too much from yourself.

~~~

Take stock of the things in your life that take priority over your writing- children, school, day job, etc- and figure out how much time those things are going to leave you for writing at the end of the day. If you set your goals low- say 500 words a day- and you actually find the time to do more, then it's a bonus and you feel good about yourself instead of always falling short of an expectation that's completely unreasonable.

Under Water

2008-09-22T16:46:00.002-04:00

Sometimes life can get so busy that you feel like you are underwater, struggling to get to the surface of the pile of dirty dishes, manuscripts, laundry, edits, files etc.

My poor Mermaid is suffering the consequences and though I'm making headway, I'm not as far into the story as I wanted to be by now. Guess all I can do is keep doing the breast-stroke and kicking my feet to reach that goal.

How do you keep your head above water?

Oh, to be a cat...

2008-09-19T22:32:00.006-04:00

I wish I were a cat. Seriously. How hard is their life? My spoiled calico leads a wonderful life. During the day she sleeps and reads. Here she's criticizing my lack of reading materials...sorry, kitty, I had to clean up the shelves somewhat.

When I or my hubby get home, she goes outside for a bit (has to be supervised because her sense of direction sucks and she'd get lost between the housing. Seriously!) See this bush? She will sit/lay in front of it for hours if we'd let her, just sniffing the same leaves over and over.

Then in the evenings and weekends, she critiques my writing. See the green? Yep that's the section she thinks should be deleted...permanently.

Yep, this is the life I wish I led. To have someone feed me, clean my bathroom, pet me every time I demand, let me out to smell the flowers/leaves, and be my constant slave.

I have to tell you though. I've come up with some good characters because of Susie's personality. But I wouldn't ask for a better writing companion.

I can't be the only who uses their pets for inspiration, can I? I know of a certain Princess who owes a tiny dog for two hours of writing. ;)

Where Does the Time Go?

2008-09-18T13:04:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy week, relatives visiting, others in hospital, puppies who are still in the midst of potty training, kitties who need love and attention--not to mention a husband who needs the same!

Then there's the galleys for Shoe-In, the mystery waiting to be written, the fantasy also waiting to be written...time flies and each night I'm left having done what I needed to survive, but not done what I needed to thrive.

What to do? Writing is my job, but how do I find the happy medium between honoring myself and my work, and not being so career-focused, I forget about having a life and living it?

Today, I'm prioritizing: the laundry (before the pile tips over and buries us all), the galley, and time willing, the pages for my story...

Dunking....

2008-09-15T15:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, short post, apologies but I have an unbeknownst mermaid being offered Laker tickets (floor seats!) by a hottie in a suit. Now she's there and feels like a fish out of water when his seat is empty.

glitter-graphics.com

Gotta go through her a line LOL

Wait...what day is it?

2008-09-12T12:57:00.002-04:00

Ugh. Logged in yesterday to do my post, saw Marie & Stacy's posts, read them, FORGOT I WAS SUPPOSED TO POST, and went to bed.

Some days I don't have the sense God gave to a dodo.

This week has been mad. So many things going on--not the least of which is my computer trying to (re) install the same damn update for the past two weeks. Princess Jo says I need a new computer. I say, "hello? Talking to the Queen of I Don't Like Change Kingdom." So I'll contact my service guys and see what I can do...

As for the writing, almost met my goal of edits for the Princess & the Pea story, and need to finish so next week I can restart my fantasy or mystery story...though, at this point, the fantasy is writing and the mystery is where my times goes...

Kicking Procrastination's Bootie

2008-09-12T11:56:00.002-04:00

I've got to tell you guys, when it comes to procrastinating, I can hang with the best of them. Given a choice between writing/editing and watching a rerun of Charmed, I'm so plopping down in front of the television to watch my three favorite witches kick a little demon tail.

Sadly enough, no matter how many times I watch the series, yes I said series, in completion, I still have writing and editing to do. Just because Piper can blow things up with her hands, or freeze anything that breathes (which is a really cool trick by the way), and all three Halliwell sisters can cast spells for every little whim, doesn't mean I can. So no matter how badly I want to cast a spell to have a writing fairy appear and type out 70,000 words in the blink of an eye, it ain't happening. Sigh...

So, I made the conscious decision to take every day and write or edit. The past few days I've been working on edits because if I don't have edits to do, I've got that much more time to focus on my writing. With a 9/30 deadline looming closer every minute, I need all the extra time I can grab.

I have to say, the decision to stay focused has seen it's rewards. I've finished edits on two manuscripts, wrote 3000 words split between two stories, and I've managed to keep on posting track for this blog. And to top it all off, I recieved a fortune cookie yesterday with a fortune that read: "If you want it, you have to work for it."

Well said!!

Under The Gun

2008-09-10T00:19:00.003-04:00

I'm gonna talk a bit about motivation in today's post. This coming from the queen of procrastination might not be well received but believe me, it's not easy to write it either.

October 10-12 is the Emerald City Writer's Conference here in Seattle and I'm supposed to show up with a completed manuscript to pitch to an agent/editor. The problem with that is...I don't have one. A completed manuscript, I mean. I have one month to finish this book I'm working on. Sure, I'm at the 45,000 word mark so it really shouldn't take me all the much longer to pound out another 15,000 words, right?

Well, go back up to the first paragraph and make a note of my nickname...yeah, that's a problem for me. A huge problem. I procrastinate until the very last second to get things done. I hate that I do that, I really do, but I can't seem to help myself. So, now I'm under the gun...again, and I have a month to get this book done. Can I do it?

Yes, I can do it because my motivation is the chance to show an editor what I'm capable of. I want this person to see that I'm able and that I deserve a chance. That is my motivation...What's yours? What keeps you writing? What keeps your fingers flying across the keyboard when what you want to do is surf and play solitaire and take a nap?

Not A-Mused

2008-09-08T10:44:00.006-04:00

I happen to be one of those people who like a normal day shift--9-5 is best but anything from 6am to 10pm is fine....in other words, I am not, nor ever have been a night owl.

Unfortunately, my Muse is.

She prefers 2am to 6am. Doesn't matter that I am resting comfortably and in sweet dreams....oh no, if she's ready to work, it has to be on her time.

The problem is, as much as I want to, I can't get angry with her--annoyed yes, but angry no. She's good--that's the problem, she knows she's good.

The other night, I think she let me sleep unil 3:30 am before knocking on my head saying, "Here's your story, are you ready" and then promptly brainstorming with me for the next three hours (in amongst my attempts to go back to sleep). By the time my eyes were arid and I crawled from beneath my blankets, a story that I had been fighting with for a year was laid out for me from start to finish with all the high and low points, all the transitions in between, black moment, kisses, romance, you name it....boom, voila!, there it is.

How can you get angry at someone who gives you a gift that huge!

She may only work once a month (if that) and work the most awful hours but man, she knows what she's doing--and gives me plenty to write until her next early morning visit LOL.

Does your muse have annoying habits?

It's Friday, It's Friday!

2008-09-05T10:50:00.003-04:00

I'm so happy it's Friday. I get to leave the day job this afternoon to go home, curl up in my office chair (which really needs a new cushion) and write and do school work, all while dear hubby is sprawled at his desk playing pool on pogo.com.

This is great for me, because we Princesses have a 9/30 deadline I still have to meet. I have the story plotted, have been making fairly good progress, but I feel like I'm still so far behind. Sadly enough our word count is 20k, and my actually word count to date is only half that. If I continue with the progress I've been making I can finish in ten days, but I'm slipping back into procrastination mode, and it's scary. I'm afraid I'll find so many other things that need to be finished that I won't work on the story.

Quick, Stacy, unleash the Rhino!

Here I Am!

2008-09-04T11:13:00.004-04:00

Happy Thursday, everyone!

As Princess Jo said, I've been busy the past couple of weeks. Two Thursdays ago, I was dealing with the loss of my beloved Kaleb, trying to integrate the introduction of my sweet little Milo & Murphy.

Last Thursday, I was off on the Popular Print festival where, I'm happy to say, my talks went well and other than spilling food on my pants, there were no true disasters. And I learned (or more precisely) got a refresher on a really important writing tip:

The presenters of the conference were allowed to park for free in on of the lots on the U of A campus. First day, no troubles. Second day, I pull up and ask the booth person, "Do I re-use my coupon from yesterday or do I need a new one?"

They say, "You need a new one."

"Fine. I'm Bronwyn and I'm on the list."

The person then proceeds to lecture me on how many people pass their booth, they don't know faces, can't be expected to remember people...and the whole time, I (I'm ashamed to admit) was totally annoyed and thinking, "Good grief, just give me the bloody coupon. I didn't ask for a dissertation on the nature of your discontent."

But it was a good lesson.

As writers, we have a story to tell, a place and a path to lead our readers. Don't frustrate readers by giving them information they don't need, don't want, could care less about.

And keep on topic.

If you're writing about the corpse in your mystery, then stay on topic. Don't digress into something totally off the subject. You'll just annoy them and then be the subject of their rant on their blog.............oh, wait......am I the only one who does that?

Vacationing Princess

2008-09-01T12:45:00.003-04:00

Yes, I've been on vacation and have been very neglectful of our castle and blogging in general. So, here I am back and ready to write. Of course being ready doesn't mean I actually did any yet so here's a picture of Princess Stacy on holidays to tide you over until next week when I have some progress and interesting things to say.

Although I will say one thing...vacations are great for clearing the mind and re-organizing priorities...I'd suggest vacations for EVERYONE...go on, you have my permission LOL (wouldn't it be so nice if it was that easy LOL)

The Bell Has Sounded

2008-08-29T11:08:00.002-04:00

And millions of children/youth/adults are groaning. Yes, it is that time of year again. School started this week . And I am one of the many students who walked back into the classroom this semester...Ok, so it was a cyberclassroom, but darn it I am going back to school. This semester I feel a bit like I'm cheating. My classes are Microsoft Office for Offices and Word Processing 1. Can you get any easier than that? Honestly, if I don't ace these classes, I should lose both my day job and my editing job. (But I won't tell my boss if you don't!)

This week has been a bit off for me. I missed work Monday and most of Wednesday due to nasty migraines (regular and sinus migraines), and it hasn't been pretty. My boss kicked me out of the office Wednesday, so I went home and even took work with me. I sat on my overstuffed comfy couch, turned on the television, had my work on my lap...and I woke up three hours later with the Cartoon Network on. I haven't watch CN for a very very long time, and I have no recollection of how the TV stopped on that particular channel. I think the cat stole the remote while I was sleeping.

How's the writing going for you all? I'm making some progress. I finished two synopsiseseseses (sure that's how you spell it! Don't argue with me, I'll send Her Evilness after you!) for two stories. I, of course, thought they were sheer genius, but then the other princesses did crits and reminded me that I'm delusional, and I need to rewrite/revise both synopsises (yeah, you can spell it like that too in Johannaland) before I even think of submitting them to a publisher.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Party of One...

2008-08-22T18:52:00.003-04:00

Do you ever feel like you talk and talk, and no one's listening? The past few weeks my crit partners have all been incredibly busy, laughing as I'm stuck in the day job. They are off playing with puppies, or scampering in the surf on Pretty Exotic Island (what do you mean that's not the right name for PEI?), while I'm glued to a chair, answering phones, breaking up fights--verbals anyway--and falling asleep listening to coworkers argue over politcs and stocks.

And even emails to my family have gone unanswered until just today. Sigh. So as my husband is watching yet another pre-season football game, or NASCAR or golf tournament, who do I talk to? Susie. Susie is my lovely 12-yr-old calico, owner of our home, queen of her castle. See the distain on her face? This is the look I get while trying to carry on conversation with her. She's basically thinking, "My god woman, are you STILL talking?"

I guess I'm off to pester Her Evil Highness. Wonder if she'll let me play with the chemicals in her evil lab... Oooh, pretty fire!

Progress is being made...

2008-08-15T12:55:00.003-04:00

Well, sort of. I do have my rest of the year goals set. I have four wips I'm alternating, with the goal of subbing one of them by no later than the end of the year.

After making a HUGE snafu by sending a premature email to an agent, I was able to pull myself together, detach my nails from the ceiling, and refocus. Yes, it was a mistake...a really stupid mistake...but it won't be the end of my writing career. That particular agent will most likely never take my submissions seriously, but she'll never forget me either. :D

So, with a goal of writing a minimum of two pages a day on any given story--and with the first draft of one story, and two others halfway written--I believe subbing by the end of the year is a realistic goal.

I'm off to lock myself in the highest tower for uninterrupted writing time. Oh, and Princess Bronwyn...I'm taking my birthday present with me. mwahahahaha

Erk.

2008-08-14T22:31:00.003-04:00

Renovations, ah, renovations.

We did a big overhaul on our house five years ago. I still twitch at the sight of a paintbrush. This year, it was shingles, doors, and the like. Been trapped in the bedroom with 3 very unimpressed animals for a total of 5 days, going on what feels like 8 years.

Though I've done my best to surround them with toys, food, treats, litter box (or the occasional jaunt outside for Kaleb), they remain, I'm afraid to say, most unhappy with this turn of events. I'd think a day spent catching up with Jessica Fletcher or the brave teams of Stargate & Stargate Atlantis would entertain them--heck, you'd think having me as their captive petter would have them rolling in furry ecstasy, exposing soft underbellies and demanding cuddles, but nope. That only satisfies them for the first 6 hours, then damn it, I better have something better to offer.

Meanwhile, my 6 pages a day has gone down the drain--oh, I manage the compulsory 2 pages (save yesterday, which was a complete write-off, ha ha), but I'm itching to finish this 1st draft, so I can make my way on to the final draft...hopefully tomorrow will be better...

We'll See if This Works

2008-08-08T23:44:00.002-04:00

In an effort to keep myself writing, I've put all my working titles on their individual sticky notes and stuck them on my fridge & the lamps that border my computer screen. I've also printed off my goals and stuck them in the wall in front of me...I hate clutter, I'm not a sticky note kind of person, and I'm hoping that the crawling, static-ky irritation of seeing all this "stuff" in front of me propels me to write, and keep writing until the job is done.

I'm also alternating. Six weeks with one story, six with another. By doing this, I hope to keep my energy up, the writing tight, and the pacing proper.

And while I'm here:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRINCESS JO!!

Treat yourself to some breakfast in bed:

glitter-graphics.com

I Disagree

2008-07-31T18:31:00.004-04:00

I read an article last night which detailed common mistakes writers make in their writing. In the story, the author said that "her face turned red with embarrasment," was a Point of View error if the reader was in the 'her' point of view.

I've heard this argument before, and the usual rational is that the heroine can't see her face, so how does she know she's turning red?

To which I answer, "what other shade could she possibly turn?" Embarrassment has only one color: red, though it does possess a myriad of shades (from pink to scarlet).

I understand that POV is important in writing, but sometimes I feel writers can get so nit picky and anal about it, that the freshness of a story, the common sense of logic, goes out the window.
I mean, the woman is embarrassed, of course, she's going to turn red. She can feel the hot, flushing sensation and again, what other color could it be?

We are always describing emotions in terms of colors. You feel blue with sadness, green with envy (or illness), red with embarrassment (or anger). Just because you can't SEE yourself doesn't mean you don't have a sense of your appearance and how you're looking to other people...

Like I said, I read the article, but I don't agree with it. I think people can very well know they're turning red.

So...

2008-07-24T21:27:00.003-04:00

A week later and I'm....................a whopping seven pages into my WIP.

Now, in my defence, if I'd actually gone according to plan and just wrote rather than re-writing, I'd be much farther along.

On the bright side, got through the first round of edits for Shoe-In for Love, and am on top of all my work in the day-job.

Yeah, that sounds dismal, even for me.

Computer Problems

2008-07-21T14:21:00.000-04:00

I think the wicked Step-mother did something to my computer...Of course, this only happens when you have deadlines.

And it's not just work that I'm missing....

glitter-graphics.com

Pass the Fish

2008-07-17T06:41:00.003-04:00

I too need a good, hard, slap.

I have SO MUCH to do--5 books waiting to be written, with plot/characters/first chapters/black moment all plotted. One of those books is due at the end of September (though the plot isn't quite there), but still...damn it! I have work to do.

And what am I doing?

Fretting over the final draft when the first draft isn't even done yet.. What the hell is wrong with me? I NEVER, NEVER like my first drafts. Never. I don't even like the third ones. It's only towards the fifth to seventh draft that I feel like the story may actually work and I won't be hunted down by an editor and have my computer taken away in the interest of humanity...of course, by the time I have to submit, I'm afraid the story won't work for the editor and usually the princesses have to threaten me to make me let go of the story, but that's another story...

So, yes, Princess Jo, pass the fish and the band-aids. I need a whack upside the head, then I need to start writing...

Curse of the Muse...

2008-07-05T13:13:00.002-04:00

Yes, I did. I pulled out the blue sparkly fish of fear. Why? Well, because I need to be slapped upside the head. No, I didn't submit a query to a publisher without finishing a story (for once!). I'm just struggling big time, and I figure the fish slap would help in that aspect.

This morning, I kicked my husband out of my office so I could work/write for a few hours uninterrupted (forgot to tell him to take the cat with him). I opened my current wip and read the last paragraph written in order to refresh my brain as to what I need to write next. Well, I still like the story, but my muse decided not to work with me. She's off lounging by a sparkly pool somewhere, a cabana boy fanning her with giant palm fronds, and sipping sparkling wine. And she didn't bother to invite me!

How is it you can be totally on fire for a story one minute, and then the next it's like a bucket of ice water was dumped over your head? I just don't get it. For two weeks I was fired up, able to stick with my 500 words a night goal, and now...nothing.

I made a list of all the wips I started, and that are waiting for me to finish them. 20! That's right. I have 20 full length novels waiting for me to open them and write them. I have one that is actually finished, if I want to sub to an e-pub as a short story, but if I want it to actually go to print (e-pub or "traditional") I need to add like 42,000 words. Sigh...

Well, I'm not getting any writing done whining, am I? I can do it, I can do it...I think I can, I think I can...see the puffs of smoke coming from the ears?

Happy Almost 4th of July!

2008-07-03T09:56:00.000-04:00

glitter-graphics.com

When Words Fail

2008-06-26T23:18:00.003-04:00

Words are such a funny thing...they can say so much and yet, say so little.

As some of you already know, my darling Buddy passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 15...I sent out the mass emails to friends, but I had the worst time...what do I say?

Buddy died. Well, not according to my personal beliefs. My philosophy says his body stopped working, but his soul and spirit lives on (and frankly, anyone who knew him and his undying affection for food & walks knows there's no way he'd stop ticking. There's too much earth and universe to stop now).

I couldn't say, "we lost him" because he's not a set of keys I misplaced. I know where he went.

He's gone. Erk. Do the ones you love, ever leave you?

In the end, I just kind of avoided the whole thing. I said it was his time, then I jumped to how much I was going to miss his furry face (and his hot breath, and his smile)...it's not often I envy God, but when He calls my guys home, boy of boy, do I ever envy Him...

No-No Words

2008-06-24T16:07:00.003-04:00

Has anyone ever told you that you repeat yourself too much in your writing? Do you read through your work and see one or more words popping up more often than they should?

I can answer yes to both of those questions so I sat down and made a list of words that I use too often in my work. When I finish my first draft, I pull out that list and do a word search with each and every word on the list and force myself to find other ways of saying what I want to say without using those dreaded No-No words. What are those words, you ask? Well, I'll list a few of them here, the more common ones, because I've been told by other writers that this is something that most writers have to make themselves conscious of.

just
would
could
should
seem, seems, seemed
that
was
wondered
thought
as
and

These are some of the words I struggle with. They're words that are so easy to use but if I let myself, I use them way to often. So, now that I've pointed this out, what are your no-no words?

I'm Here! I'm Here!

2008-06-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Crazy past couple of days: Genie was released, had writer's meeting, promotional errands, not to mention 2 kittens who have decided that 4am is the time to wake up.

So...no writing...this is going onto its 3rd week and I'm really starting to worry...it's not that I don't know the story, or where it's going, it's just a matter of..............................erk. Pulling my head out of a$$ and actually writing it...but when I try, it's just NOT WORKING! The lines don't go properly, the characters come off wrong, it's a massacre...

However, my husband (being both cheerleader, confessor and co-conspirator with the Princesses) has said this weekend is my work weekend and I don't have a choice but to write.

The curse of conflict

2008-06-20T10:33:00.002-04:00

I struggle with my writing. I know all the elements of a good story, but the one thing I struggle with the most is conflict. Why do I have to have a specific conflict for a character? Isn't life enough of a conflict, why do we have to come up with something else? Goal? Well, the character's goal is to get through life one day at a day. What other goal does she/he need?

In my current story, I thought I had everything figured out. So why, when I tell someone out loud what the story is about, does it sound like it's lacking? What's the hero's conflict? Um, he wants to sleep with the heroine but she doesn't want to get involved because they work together, yet she's wildly attracted and drawn to him.

Do you ever have a story that when you start writing, it is the best idea you've ever had? Only to turn around days later and wonder what the heck you were thinking when you came up with the idea? **raising hand** oh, yeah, I've been there, done that, and am there again!

Hopefully my muse will wake up this weekend and allow me to get some productive writing done.

Emerald City Writer's Conference

2008-06-17T12:04:00.002-04:00

Through a blessing of mass proportions, I've been given the opportunity to attend the Emerald City Writer's Conference in October. It's a three day event that will be held at the Bellevue Hilton Hotel- snazzy!- and will be attended by writers from all over. Needless to say, I'm super excited about it. With everything that's happened this Spring/Summer around here, this conference will be a nice, much needed break from what has become an exhausting norm in my life. If anyone is interested in attending or just wants more information about the conference, here's the link: http://www.gsrwa.org/conferenceregistration.php

If you're a writer and need some encouragement from other writers, I would definitely recommend finding a conference in your area or if you have the $ to travel, find one that fits your needs and go to it. I've attended one and I have to say that it left me inspired and rejuvinated in a way that nothing else could have.

That Sound You Hear...

2008-06-12T17:01:00.002-04:00

...is the sound of my head smashing into a wall. I'm trying to get a bead on these two new characters of mine, without any luck. I think most protagonists can be lumped into the following characteristics: They're kind, loyal, resourceful, determined, passionate...etc., etc., but it's how those characteristics manifest that differentiate one hero/heroine from another.

Hence my issue...well, one of my issues among many.

Anyway, will keep on keeping on. Should I have any luck, I'll let you know.

Mortality Bites

2008-06-05T14:23:00.003-04:00

A vampire with sinus & allergy problems who falls for a.....florist. And of course, it's a florist who loves animals and has a dog & a cat!

Now we just have to figure out who's who. Is the vampire the hero or heroine...I like the idea of it being a guy, but then a guy florist holds all sorts of possibilities...

And it'll have to take place somewhere rocky, where the vampire's house can sit atop a cliff...maybe looking down on the ideallyic village where the florist lives...

Mortality...

2008-06-01T15:19:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live forever. I would see every change, growth, destruction, wars. Would that mean I'd also have to suffer through every disease too? But quite honestly, I can't imagine living beyond 100. I would only want to live longer if there were things left undone...like if I haven't conquered my fear of heights and frigid temperatures to scale Mount Everst; or my fear of open water to swim with sharks. Yeah, ok, that won't happen ever! Not even if I were a contestant on The Bachelor and that was the only way I'd win his heart. I'd have to pass him to the next contestant.

Also, if I live to be 1,000 years old, that means I have another 968 years to deal with migraines and sinus infections--as if the past 15 years with them haven't been bad enough.

Hmm...there's a story in there somewhere. A vampire cursed with migraines and sinus infections...ok, well, I've got 968 years to figure that plot out.

Expanding on What Marie Said...

2008-05-29T17:51:00.004-04:00

Having had my own experience with life and death situations, the fear of losing someone I love, the relief in seeing them heal and thrive...

What it's done for me is force me to understand the fleeting nature of life, the preciousness of it all. Which sounds so After School Special, but there you have it...I've made changes in my life, and continue to make them...stuff like:

-Getting rid of toxic people. Life's too bloody short.

-Not excusing or rationalizing someone's bad behavior--theirs or mine.

-Making sure those close to me know how loved and valued they are.

-Pursuing my dreams.

I'm not really Zen material, not even close to it. I'm so Type A it's hard to shut off the inner critic, inner beans counter, the voice that says, "why are you not working?" "why does this book suck?" "It's about the destination, not the journey."

But I figure, with the friends and family I have, the love and support that surrounds me, Zen is just a thought away.

No, Princess Marie has not fallen off the face of the earth

2008-05-26T21:51:00.004-04:00

Yep, I'm still kicking, although there have been times during the past couple of weeks when I wondered how it was possible that I was still breathing. I've cried so many tears that I thought for sure I had none left but just this morning I surprised myself once more when the tears were falling with a force that rivaled Niagra Falls. Let me just give a quick overview of the last few days and then I can tell you all what I've learned from it all.

Friday, May 16th, I received a phone call from a police officer- yeah, that's never good- telling me that my husband, James, had been in an accident and was being transported to the hospital by ambulance. My husband rides a motorcycle to work so I knew this wasn't going to be good and instantly I was hysterical, in a full out panic because my husband is my best friend in all the world and I can't imagine what my life would be like without him.

Well, as it turns out, the wreck was pretty serious- an elderly gent ran a red light and plowed right into James- but after a few months of surgeries and rehab, he should be okay. His left foot is crushed and will require at least one more surgery, possibly more, and his T12 vertebrae is fractured. He's in pain but he's alive.

So as I've dealt with all of this as well as hiring an attorney, dealing with insurance adjusters, trying to get the motorcycle out of impound, making doctor's appointments and trying to be a wife and mom too, I received a message today from my other best friend in Kentucky telling me that her father had passed away this morning. Once more the tears fell as my heart broke for her and this man I've spent weeks praying for a miracle for. It seems like life kind of kicks you when you're down and heartache just piles up.

So, what have I learned from all of this? Well, I've learned that life as we know it can be, and sometimes is, snatched away and turned upside down in the blink of an eye. I kissed my husband goodbye when he left for work Friday morning and Friday afternoon his life was in danger. It happened so quickly.

From a writer's point of view, I've learned some valuable emotions that I can draw on when I'm writing. Overwhelming fear, sadness, grief, uncertainty, tremendous relief. I learned some interesting medical things, I saw unimaginable things in the E.R. Things I hope to never see again; but these are all things I can use, it's an experience I can put in my box of experiences and when one of my characters has to spend an evening in the E.R. for some reason, I can pull out those memories and give them to my heroine...and they'll be real because I really experienced them. I think it makes a story richer, more flavorful, when it's clear that the author is pulling things, feelings, experiences from down deep. It's more real.

WHAT?!

2008-05-22T22:10:00.003-04:00

How can it already be Thursday? It was Friday, and then I woke up on Saturday...now, suddenly, it's almost the end of the week...which would be okay, but with the shoulder injury (or neck injury, depending on which part of me is hurting), I haven't gotten as much done as I wanted...so, now what?

There's a huge part of me (HHHUUUGGEEE) that wants to freak out, pull an all-nighter and catch up...there's also a saner part of me (slightly saner) that says to honor the injury and take it easy...

Not sure who will win...off to find chocolate and eat until the answer comes to me...

Ah, my lovelies!

2008-05-16T11:12:00.004-04:00

Hello World! I bet you're all wondering why I invited Sparkly Fish to the meeting today. Well, once upon a time in the early days of our princess cult...er, group...we used this beautiful fish to slap the silliness out of our over eager brains.

Today, I am fish slapping myself. WHAP!! Princess Stacy, that hurt! I said I was slapping myself!

As I said, I'm slapping myself because I started rewriting a synopsis today and thought, well, the synopsis is written so lets submit it! Who cares if I've only got an incredibly rough draft of the story written. Who cares that the synopsis hasn't been run by the other Princesses. I'm a writer, blast it, and I know I am a creative genius.

You get my point? Oh, so you're all lining up now to whap me with the fish aren't you? Never fear, sanity (as much as I could muster from this nasty ol' dungeon) took over, and I've put the envelope and synopsis away until the story is at least in third draft.

Oh, come on! Like I'm the only one who has ever wanted to, or actually did, submit a query/synopsis without the story being finished. Right! And monkeys wear polka dots and sing Opera.

I'll bet Stepmother can tell stories of the many submissions where the author has only completed the first three chapters. Why, just the other day she told me of an author who submitted a synopsis and query, and when she requested the story was told it was only in handwritten draft form--400 pages of handwritten first draft!

And you were going to whap me. Sheesh!

WHHOOOO HOOO

2008-05-15T09:44:00.003-04:00

Ethan's Chase is out tomorrow! Yeehaa. Man, that book was forever in the making, and I'm so happy to let it go to the winds.

I've got some writing done and starting a new project always feels good.

Was going to do some vehicle shopping today, but hubby can't make it. And the fresh car scent just isn't the same without someone to share it with...

So instead, I'm doing some spring shopping and celebrating a week well-done.

Must Be Something in the Distilled Water

2008-05-13T07:49:00.002-04:00

Not only am I down for the count, but so is Princess Stacy...

Oh, and I also got you this:

If he doesn't make you feel better...

(Thanks to Colleen for the "doll" graphic. Both images courtesy of Glitter Graphics).

Worth The Wait...

2008-05-08T23:17:00.003-04:00

Husband was to arrive home at 10.45 pm last night...with delays at O'Hare, he didn't arrive until 2am...coupled with the kittens & puppies who'd gotten me up at 4.30 in the morning, it was almost 24 hours without sleep...but SSSOOOO worth the wait.

Today, after a LONG nap, deluged him with all the ideas and thoughts for my next book--a cozy mystery set in a fictional town in Saskatchewan (hey, someone has to love SK!). He's excited for me, I'm excited to have my chef and cheerleader back. It's almost enough for me to forget this throbbing pain in my shoulder/neck/head.

Almost.

Princess Down

2008-04-28T11:39:00.001-04:00

Our poor Princess Bronwyn has been feeling up to partying in the Castle lately. Just wanted to let her know that we are all here and the male massuesse will be in this afternoon!

To Post, To Post

2008-04-24T07:41:00.002-04:00

I have no clue what to write about today...I'm on the other side of the country visiting family and trying to grapple with time change & withdrawal from my furry creatures (hubby included).

I brought some work and while the family continues to sleep, I'm going to try and get something accomplished before they wake up and my day turns to having fun and harassing those around me (sigh. Some things never change).

Anyway, just wanted to wish everyone a great day, and say that Princess Jo is correct. We all have voices in our heads, whether we're writers or not, and the important thing is to watch who you're listening to...too often, we allow people who never had our best interests at heart, to dictate/influence our actions.

Dang Crickets!

2008-04-23T10:42:00.004-04:00

I've been MIA lately. To put it simply, time just got away from me. Friday mornings I'd wake up and know I wanted to post, and the next thing I knew it was Wednesday.

Most of us writers have our muse--that glorious creature that wakes us at 2:00 in the morning with inspiration for a scene. Some of don't claim a muse we say we hear voices. I'll claim both--I've got a muse with really bad timing most of the time, and I hear voices constantly.

Of course some of those voices are from people in my past who've done a number on my confidence as a writer. I've been told I only know how to write cliches, my sex scenes are too porno-ish (my sex scenes are actually make out sessions as of yet), and I project weight issues to my heroines. These comments have stilted me in my creativity and haunt me.

In a conversation with Princess Bronwyn, I voiced my fears of the inability to write due to these comments, and my doubts. Channeling Jiminy Cricket as she does so well, she so sagely said to me, "Stop it!" And she's absolutely right (but please don't tell her that!). I need to stop worrying so much about what people from the past have told me. I have four stories published, with two more contracted, so I must be doing something right. Not to mention, I have four of the most amazing crit partners a Princess could ask for.

So with Jiminy Cricket singing in my head until the wee hours of the morning (damn cricket!), I actually brought back the original idea for one of my stories.

And while I will never be runway model thin, I'm happy with me, and am not projecting weight issues on the heroines. If Prince Charming loves every extra inch of cuddly ol' me, who am I to complain? There's just more of me to love.

Release Dates & Writing

2008-04-17T10:04:00.007-04:00

As the Princesses know, I've strained my eyes and have been off the computer...it's been a liberating and frustrating experience all at once. Frustrating because I've had to slow down and can't get as much done as I'd like. But it's been freeing b/c in the slowing down, I've found...well, fun.

When I'm just typing, frantically trying to get a scene written, there's only work & progress. But as I've slowed down, suddenly, I can hear the sound of the keyboard, the feel of the key against my finger...I have time to really listen to what I'm writing, and that quality an enormous gift...even if it does come at the cost of quantify.

As for release dates, The Genie's Curse comes out June 18, 2008 & Ethan's Chase will be May 16, 2008. Here's the trailer for Genie:

To Agent...

2008-04-11T09:32:00.002-04:00

First all, sorry for the late posting. My internet/email's been up and down, and when it's up, it's just not up for long enough (insert naughty punchline here).

Agents...Stephen King said that when you need an agent, you'll know. I say, yep, but it doesn't hurt to do some homework...

Like Marie said, if you're hoping for a big house, then you need an agent. You may also need an agent if your story is non-traditional.

How does one go about finding an agent? I'd wager the same way you found a publishing house: research, hard work, and professionalism.

Do you homework, is the agent legitimate (network with other authors, find out what the agent's rep is in the industry); check Predators & Editors.

When you find an agent, go to their website, see how they want you to query. THEN FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS TO THE LETTER!!!!

To Agent or Not To Agent

2008-04-08T11:39:00.004-04:00

I thought it might be a good idea to bring up the subject of agents since they play a major role in publishing today. Some writers go their entire career without ever having an agent and others have one from day one. I think, for the most part, it's all a matter of preference and how much work you want to do yourself.

Many publishing houses won't even look at your work unless it's submitted through and agent so you have to decide what houses you're aiming for and adjust your goals accordingly. If you want to be published by a major house that requires agented submissions, then you need to work on getting an agent.

What does an agent do?

Well, an agent is responsible for keeping abreast of all the changes in the publishing marketplace. They need to know which houses are buying what kind of stories and what kind of stories are selling.

They send your manuscripts to publishing houses they think will want it.

They also negotiate your contracts for you. Your agent is on your side, they want (generally speaking) what's best for you so they'll go over the contracts and request changes that will be in your best interest.

They negotiate the rights for your book, movie rights, audio rights, foreign rights so your book can be made into a movie or translated into another language to be sold to the masses worldwide.

So, you have to decide if all of those things are things you'll be able to handle on your own or if you want someone to do the work on your behalf.

That's all I'm gonna say about agents for now. Hopefully one of the other princesses will tell us how to find an agent, how to spot a good legitimate agent, how to switch agents if you need to, etc.

I'm off to get some more writing done...and see if I can find some bon-bons :)

Oh Princesses!!

2008-04-07T12:42:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I am the one doing this but it's about time to come out of our towers and give a little roll call on what you are working on and what needs to be done and what help you need if any. Ugh, I'll start

I've got some ASAP edits to do which is backing me up like crazy this month yet I have Birds of a Feather that needs to be written by the end of the month and barely begun--MAJOR help needed with a good kick etc. I figure if I steal an hour a day for myself, hopefully something will happen with it. My other list includes Karaeoke Cowgirl due beg of June, Mermaid in Manhatten due end of June, Lost in Wayback and Ride that I still want to write.

So, I guess, Birds of a Feather top my list--20K by April 30 AND in a coherent version....crap.

Time is not on my side this month LOL.

glitter-graphics.com

Bloody Hell

2008-04-03T18:56:00.003-04:00

Well, what can I say?

Another week, another seven days smashing my head against the castle walls. I thought that once I knew my routine and writing rhythm I could surf waves of inpsiration and perspiration...no such luck...I'm as freaked out as I was when I was unpublished...

Had a meeting of the minds with one of the princesses, who said that my Middle of the Book Woes were unnecessary...everything is falling into place, and I thought, well of course it sounds sane when I'm EXPLAINING it to you...what will it READ like?

And, indeed, this question seems to abound: What will it read like? Will I like it? Will the Editors? And what of the Readers--and gulp! The Princesses?

I'm not sure if chocolate can save me...luckily, I'm totally into eating MOUNDS of it and seeing if it will help...

Princesses of the Pen

**Sob**

Join Me

Plots I Hate

You May Need to Call it a Day

On Breakfast Television

I Think…

Why Do…

On Vacation!

Happy Thursday

So-o-o bright

Stalking or Research?

Thursday Already?

I Guess...

Territorial much?

Barbara Hall Said it Best...

My Newest Release -- shameless promo

Welcome Friday!!

This Damsel is Distressed

Progress Sweet Progress!

Which Came First?

New Release for a singing princess!

Opening the file cabinet

Justifying Myself

Do you ever...

Here We Go

Technology doesn't belong in the Castle

I think I can, I think I can...

Non-Existant Words

Cow Patties

Welcome to 2009!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!

I Wonder as I Wandered...

ROAD TRIP!

Am I the Only One?

Tick, tock, tick, tock

Your are royally invited to....

May We Never Forget

Is there a wrong motivation?

An Eventful Week

Stepping Outside Your Writing Comfort Zone

Release Day!

When All Else Fails...

NaNoWriMo

Castle needs a new Electrician

Recovering From a Bad Review

Guest Blogging...

Oh, bother!

First Class Citizen, Psycho Killer?

Words Mean Everything

Learning Curve

World Traveler...

Like The Lady Said...

Isn't This The Truth...

Under Water

Oh, to be a cat...

Where Does the Time Go?

Dunking....

Wait...what day is it?

Kicking Procrastination's Bootie

Under The Gun

Not A-Mused

It's Friday, It's Friday!

Here I Am!

Vacationing Princess

The Bell Has Sounded

Party of One...

Progress is being made...

Erk.

We'll See if This Works

I Disagree

So...

Computer Problems

Pass the Fish

Curse of the Muse...

Happy Almost 4th of July!

When Words Fail

No-No Words

Sob