Monday, May 21, 2007

So, you want to be in a romance novel?

People always ask how writers create their characters. I get mine the old fashioned way -- I advertise for them. This is what happened when I was casting my novel, Finding Sarah.

"Thanks," I say, my face aching from the polite smiles I've been forcing since nine this morning. "I'll be in touch." The woman struts out on her stilettos, her derriere swaying like a sailboat in rough seas.

I pick up the last yellow file folder and scan the first page of the enclosed resume. Sarah Tucker. Thirty-one. A little old for what I have in mind. Her picture appears younger, and I wonder how long ago it was taken. Might as well get it over with. I lean across my desk and push the intercom button. "All right, Jess. Send in the next applicant."

The door opens, and a perfect girl-next-door stands there. Wearing a navy-blue suit with a blouse buttoned above her collarbone. A refreshing change from the silicone I've been staring at all day. She even has freckles across her nose and cheeks. No problem casting her in her twenties.

"Come in," I say, my smile a little less forced. "Have a seat."

She steps into the room. Pumps. She's wearing pumps. A little worn in the sensible-height heels, but polished. It's as if she's read my synopsis—which is impossible because I haven't written it yet.

She sits in the seat across from my desk, clutching her purse—which matches her shoes, for God's sake--on her lap. "Thanks. I'm Sarah Tucker. I'm here for the job interview. For the romance novel heroine."

"Yes, I have your resume. Tell me why you want a job in a romance novel." I brace myself, waiting for the canned, I want to bring happiness into the lives of poor, bored housewives speech. But she doesn't say anything for a minute. She fusses with the hem of her skirt. (Mental note: good nervous gesture)

"I have to be honest. My business—I have a small gift shop—hasn't been doing well, and I need a little extra cash. My neighbor—Maggie, she's the mother hen type—well, she saw your ad and talked me into coming in for an interview."

"Any experience?"

"Experience with what? I've never been in a novel before, if that's what you mean. But I've read a few."

"More with the romance part. Your resume says you're single."

Her face clouds. "Actually, I'm a widow. My husband died in a car accident about a year ago. I guess I'm lonely, too—which is probably why I let Maggie talk me into trying out. You know, to ease back into the world again, but with kind of a safety net. I mean, it's fiction, right? I'd be pretending to fall in love, but it wouldn't be like I was betraying the memory of my husband." She looks around, as if she's afraid someone else might be watching. Lowers her voice as if she's afraid to be overheard. "David and I—well, we had a…um…healthy relationship. It's been a long time. I thought maybe…"

"Very good." No problems trying to explain a twenty-eight year old innocent. I go down my notes. "How do you feel about tall men?"

"Not a problem."

"Cops?"

"Never really thought about it. Are you telling me the hero is a tall cop?"

"I haven't cast him yet, but that's the plan."

"I'm fine with that. Nothing like a man with a badge. Or a big gun." Her cheeks turn pink and she lowers her gaze. "It is fiction, after all."

Excellent. I think for a moment, jot another note. What if she's more experienced than my hero? Might make a nice twist. But subtle. No way a thirty-something year old cop would be that inexperienced. But it could be a fun first-encounter scene.

I consult my list again. "Your hair—would you cut it?"

She looks at me as if I'm nuts. Maybe I am, but if we're going to be working together, she's got to be willing to look the part.

"Um…sure." She runs her fingers through her shoulder length hair. "Why not? It'll grow back."

"What about cats? Can you work with them?"

She chews her lower lip. I make another note. "I'm allergic," she says.

"Hmm." I think about the three cats and their pivotal roles in the plot.

Her expression shifts, and I can tell she's into the fantasy now. She wants the job.

"Oh, but I can handle it—I can take pills or get shots, or whatever."

Her eyes brighten to a shade of blue that matches the stone—sodalite—in the pendant one of my critique partners gave me. It's supposed to enhance creativity, and I've been wearing it day and night for the last three months. Her excitement is contagious. "I don't think that will be necessary. I can minimize your scenes with the cats."

"You'd change the book for me?" She sounds incredulous.

"Let me explain. I'm what the industry calls a "pantser."

Her eyebrows lift.

"I write by the seat of my pants, so to speak. I'm not always sure where the plot will take me, and I rely on character input. How do you feel about that? You won't just come in and recite the words on the page. I might ask for your suggestions."

"That sounds like fun. I studied art, not writing, but there's an underlying aspect of creativity in both areas, don't you think?"

"Definitely. One more question. Writing is all about rewriting. How would you feel if you spent three chapters covering a series of plot points, and then I changed my mind, threw them out, and we'd start over?"

"I think it sounds exciting. So this is a collaborative effort?"

"Very much so. Can you handle it?"

"Does this mean you're offering me the job?"

I look at the file folders in my reject stack, and at the empty "to be interviewed" basket. "Well, we have a few things to iron out. Liability insurance for one thing. Romantic suspense can get dangerous." I wait for her to change her mind, the way the only other candidate to reach this point had. Instead, she smiles.

"But I'm not going to die or anything? The heroine has to live, right? It's fiction. It's not like this stuff is happening to me for real, is it? Just to my character. Nothing really bad will happen, will it?"

I don't tell her about the last five chapters. And, she's right. Kind of. Bad stuff happens, but I guess it boils down to everyone's individual definition of really bad. I smile and drop my gaze to her resume. Her every thought is telegraphed on her face, and I'm not sure how well I'm doing at hiding mine.

"There's one last thing," I say. "The contract is contingent upon a compatibility with the hero. Once I narrow down the choices, I'll call you back."

"I understand. But I'm sure there won't be any problems."

"From what I've seen today, I'm inclined to agree. Thank you for coming in."

She stands, smiles and offers her hand. I walk her through the outer office and hold the door for her. When she's gone, I turn to Jess.

"Get Randy Detweiler on the phone. See if he's free at four."

Labels: Finding Sarah. Romance novel characters

Posted by Terry Odell :: Link :: 5:50 AM :: 6 Comments

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Not as much fun as Hawaii, but ...

Sounds like you had a great trip, Frances. I haven't been to Hawaii yet, but it's my list of things to do. Someday. The problem is that I only get so much vacation from the day job, and between conferences and other "must do" things, long vacations get put on hold.

I do get away for a week in October with my DH and we go Up North (here in Minnesota, that means "almost to Canada") where we rent a cabin for a week. We get to the cabin via boat and pack in all our food. It's a great spot (I'll post pictures someday), fully modernized but still rustic. The nearest town has 200 people, so there's not a lot of distraction. I look forward to it every year. I get caught up on all my magazines, laze around and feed the ducks, and generally just relax completely. It's a great vacation.

My book releases at the end of June, so I think it's a bit too early to be posting excerpts. I'll just say that it's a Romantic Suspense and stars Jude Brenner, Hannah Paxton, and Sponge Bob SquarePants, who saves the day.

Here's my blurb:

Murder has found feisty Hannah Paxton twice—once as a teenaged witness and now as a juror in a high profile trial. Wounded cop Jude Brenner, facing forced retirement, is assigned to protect her but he doesn't know Hannah has two stalkers. When the stalkers intersect, Hannah is in the cross-fire. Hannah's past and present collide, putting Jude's life at risk. In the end it's up to Hannah—and Sponge Bob—to rescue them both.

I'll post more excerpts as we get closer to release day, but that's it for now.

I hope everybody enjoys the upcoming holiday weekend here in the States. I plan to get away on a retreat with writer friends for 2 days of brainstorming and gambling -- what a combination!

J L Wilson

Posted by J L :: Link :: 9:47 AM :: 0 Comments

Friday, May 18, 2007

Back from Hawaii and ready to blog!

Hello everyone! It's great to be here today and have the opportunity to tell you a little about my book, Seductive Persuasion. But more on that in a bit. The last time I posted, I'd mentioned that my husband and I were getting ready to take a vacation in Maui, Hawaii. Let me just say that Maui was everything we'd hoped it would be. It was romantic, warm, but not overly warm, breezy, sunny, smelled of sweet, tropical sunshine, flowers, and saltwater, and it was a lot of fun!

One of the things we were able to do was rent a car and drive the road to Hana. I've blogged about Hana on my personal blog, and I've written it as part of the president's column for my local RWA chapter newsletter. The road to Hana is this twisting, turning, curving, climbing thirty mile stretch of road that takes at least five hours of drive time. The speed limit is 15 mph, and you really cannot push that limit unless you're a local. Well, actually the speed limit is a huge plus! Because the road demands attention, drivers stop frequently to take in the spectacular views, jutting volcanic rocks, ice blue surf crashing into bolders and cliffs, and an amazing rock and valley formation that became the opening scene in Jurasic Park. Looking out over that scenic view, I could imagine dinosours lifting their heads and munching on lush green vegetation. Sometimes life is a bit like the road to Hana, oftentimes writing and publishing are a great deal like the road to Hana. Because of the dips, turns, climbs, and one-lane bridges, the spectatular views, taro farms, and scrumptious banana bread stands are worth the long, hard journey. Because of edits, revisions, reviews, and critique partners, CP authors and books are awesome, and it is a true pleasure to be a new author with Cerridwen Press.

As to Cerridwen Press, I thought I'd take a quick moment to talk about my book, Seductive Persuasion. While I do not have a release date yet, you can be sure I'll let you all know as soon as I have it, but let me give you a brief synopsis of the hero's side of the story and I hope you will return to find out more!

As an Elder of a diminishing race, Garrick Forrester, Earl of Danford has lived through wars, plagues, and two arranged marriages. Nothing he's experienced, however, has prepared him for the discovery of his mate living in the nearby village, or for her resistance. Aisley Stevenson has the ability to speak with him mind-to-mind, identifying her as the woman meant to be his. To keep her safe from an unimaginable enemy, he must persuade her to become his willing countess, and to trust her heart to a man who is far more than human.

Again, that was just a glimpse and I'm currently doing some edits, but I truly believe you will enjoy Seductive Persuasion and will return soon to give you a glimpse into healer, Aisley Stevenson's reasons for resisting such a powerful, mesmerizing man.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a little about the road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, and for learning a little about Garrick Forrester. He is a bit gruff at times, but he is strong, capable, a warrior, and regal all at the same time. May you all have a terrific weekend, write well, read often, and explore the world of your imagination through Cerridwen Press books!

Respectfully Submitted,
Frances Stockton
Seductive Persuasion, coming from Cerridwen Press
www.francesstockton.com

Posted by Frances Stockton :: Link :: 6:20 AM :: 0 Comments

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Night Visions Cover Won Book Of The Month!

I'm happy to announce that Night Visions Won Book Cover Of The Month at Erin Aislinn's website. Thank you to everyone who voted! Syneca did a fabulous job designing the cover. Night Visions is the first Cerridwen Press cover to be featured and to win this award.

I love Erin's description of the cover. She said: Howling winds. Branches whipping against window panes in the dead of night. All of nature in such a fury that you wish you could wrap your arms around everyone and everything you care about. Syneca's cover art for Ariana Dupré's Night Visions reminds me of such nights. The eerie stillness of the house just begs for a vision of embraced lovers, who are beautifully rendered below yet we can't be sure they're really there because we seem to be looking at them through the shutters. Is it a dream or not?

If you like to vote for more Book Covers Of The Month please visit Erin's site at http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheMonth.htm and vote for your favorites!

Smiles,

Melissa Alvarez w/a Ariana Dupré
Night Visions, Now Available from Cerridwen Press
Websites: MelissaA.com, APsychicHaven.com

Posted by Melissa Alvarez :: Link :: 9:29 AM :: 1 Comments

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Reading for Research

I thought I'd share this here as well. Currently I'm trying to get a feel for real-life war scenes, since I write romantic action/adventure featuring military heroes. But I ran into an interesting book the other day and passed it up the first few times. But then, having cracked it open, decided I needed to read it. It's called "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier", by Ishmael Beah. It's his story. True and turbulent. Here's a story about an honest boy forced by circumstances into hell. It's real. That's what gets me the most. And more frightening than any horror flick. I haven't finished it yet but found it engaging. I've posted the piece from the front below. And you can check out this link for more: http://www.alongwaygone.com/long_way_gone.html.

New York City, 1998
My high school friends have begun to suspect I haven’t told them the full story of my life.“Why did you leave Sierra Leone?”
“Because there is a war.”
“Did you witness some of the fighting?”
“Everyone in the country did.”
“You mean you saw people running around with guns and shooting each other?”
“Yes, all the time.”
“Cool.”
I smile a little.
“You should tell us about it sometime.”
“Yes, sometime.”

Many blessings,~ Lise

How much danger would you face for the perfect romance?

Lise Fuller, www.lisefuller.com, www.myspace.com/lisefuller, ROMANTIC TIMES REVIEWERS CHOICE NOMINEE, 2006; Pikes Peak Romance Writers 2006 Author of the Year
~On Danger's Edge, print-03/07, available in e-book, Cerridwen Press, www.cerridwenpress.com, 4 1/2 Stars from Romantic Timesz
~Intimate Deceptions, available in e-book, Cerridwen Press, www.cerridwenpress.com, RECOMMENDED READS from Coffee Time Romance and Joyfully Reviewedz
~Cutting Loose, print-04/07, available in e-book, Cerridwen Press, www.cerridwenpress.com

Posted by Lise Fuller :: Link :: 12:16 PM :: 1 Comments

Monday, May 14, 2007

Manuscripts are children, too.

Mothers Day took on a whole new meaning this year.

I met my self-imposed deadline and typed "the end" on my current WIP on Saturday night, virtually giving birth to a new creation. So, I had a new child on Sunday.

Now, I face that post-partum depression. The manuscript is only in in draft state, and there's a lot of work to be done, inserting bits where I need to do more research, or to deal with my lack of a sense of spatial relationships, so I'll go over some of my scenes to make sure I've got the terrain right, the buildings in the right place, the right lighting for being outside at night, and those details. My crit partners haven't seen the final 5 chapters yet, so there will be first-round tweaking on those, as well.

But it's done. When I start a book, I know how it starts and generally how it will end. So now I'm there. I've wandered around the house, looking at everything I'd set aside while I was writing the last 5000 words, and don't really feel motivated to do anything. The book needs to rest for a while so I can see it more objectively. I can/should plot the skeleton of my next one (or at least decide if I'm writing a sequel to Finding Sarah or my August release, Starting Over. Or do I want to try something totally new?

For now, my newborn sleeps, but soon enough, it will be crying for attention.

Posted by Terry Odell :: Link :: 10:01 AM :: 0 Comments

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Back from Costa Rica

Well, I made it back home safe and sound from my vacation in Costa Rica and the Romantic Times Convention in Houston. I had a blast in both places.

Costa Rica was as beautiful as I had heard. We were right by the ocean and woke each morning to the magnificent view of the bay at Playa Hermosa. Liberia, the area I stayed in was a little bit more remote than the Southern cities visited by other people I know. But the pristine beauty of its forests and beaches took my breath away. Some mornings I was woken by the sound of Howler monkeys just outside my window. More often than not, they were searching for left over mangoes in the mango tree right in front of the location of my room. Other times I spotted iguanas sunning on a tree or slowly making their way along a sidewalk. But probably the most surprising animal to visit me was a White Nosed Coati. See a picture of these animals here: http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/wildlife/index.html. The Coati has the coloring and size of a raccoon, but the snout of an ant eater. Quite the scavenger, this critter was bold enough to walk onto the balcony and into my room scrounging for food. Some mornings, he would even steal toast out of the turning toaster at the nearby patio restaurant overlooking the sea. The locals didn't seem to mind though, as I often saw them throwing bread and fruit the animal's way whenever they saw it out and about.
Other than the animal life, the people of Costa Rica were warm and welcoming. A majority of the folks spoke English, which helped with my limited Spanish. Though hot and humid, the weather agreed with me as I went snorkeling along the coral reefs across from the beautiful coast of Nicaragua and Zip Lining on the "Congo Trail" in the forests not to far from the resort where I stayed.

Overall it was a fantastic experience I'm glad I got to partake of.

Next time, I'll fill you in on my experience at the fantastic RT convention in Houston and hopefully even have some pictures to share.

Until we chat again on May 22nd and June 12th, I wish you and yours well.

Pura Vida!

Best,
Eden Robins
www.edenrobins.com

Posted by Eden Robins :: Link :: 9:46 PM :: 2 Comments

It's like a gift

It's like a present I don't expect, like a sunny mild day after continuous
hard chilly days, or a new episode of a show I particularly like (anyone else
get a kick out of Robin Hood?). That's what being able to log onto Blogger from
my own machine, and be able to SEE it, is like. Which is sad.

I note that the last time I did this was quite a while ago. But today--today,
when the sun is out and the spring is here (and my sneezing gives proof to
that), I managed to get on Blogger from my very own machine. After only a few
months!

What's happened in six months? Since last December, my first book, THE
SLEEPER AWAKES, has been released (last month, thank you), with favorable reviews.
My next, FESTIVAL OF STARS, is scheduled for release this coming week. No
reviews yet, but I'm hopeful. The website myromancestory.com accepted my script for
"30-Day Guarantee," so I'll be able to see that story, in a form I never
expected, in print as a graphic novella sometime in the coming months.

Spring can be good!

Eilis Flynn
www.eilisflynn.com, eilisflynn.livejournal.com
THE SLEEPER AWAKES, on sale now at cerridwenpress.com
FESTIVAL OF STARS, available May 10, 2007

Labels: Update

Posted by EilisFlynn :: Link :: 6:33 PM :: 1 Comments

Monday, May 07, 2007

Who says characters aren't alive for writers

Two of the characters from What's in a Name? came by this morning and posted for me. I've forgiven them for sneaking in behind my back -- hope you read their messages below this one.


And check out my website for my May contest.
Terry

Labels: Characters, Terry Odell, What's In A Name?

Posted by Terry Odell :: Link :: 4:04 PM :: 2 Comments

Sorry to bother you.

Would you happen to have a Band-Aid? Blisters. I can't believe I agreed to this stupid job. My name's Blake Windsor. I'm usually wearing Armani or Hugo Boss—not these jeans and work boots. It's been decades since I've picked up a hammer or strapped on a toolbelt. But when my boss said there would be a handsome bonus if I'd pretend to be a handyman for a few days, I figured, what the heck? After all, I was brought up by a builder and know the business. Which is why my boss sent me.

I'd rather be in Cancun, but he showed me a picture of the woman he wanted me to check on, and she was a looker, you know. So I show up at this Camp Getaway project and this … frump ... opens the door. She nearly hit the ceiling when I told her I was supposed to be fixing the cabin. Seems my boss is a bit nuts—no way this Kelli can be the Casey he wanted me to find.

But then, there was something about her. The way this project means so much to her, and after a day, I knew I had to stick around until it was done, no matter who she really is. And there's something mysterious about her, too. Kind of intriguing. I wonder if she'll loosen up a little. Hope so. A week in the clean mountain air should be a relaxing break. Nothing ever happens out here, she said, except for the occasional raccoon or deer, although I've heard a few motorcycles driving by the main road.

Thanks again for the first aid. I don't suppose you have some sunscreen? No matter—I'll just keep my shirt on.

What's in a Name?, available now from Cerridwen Press
Terry Odell
www.terryodell.com

Labels: Character introduction, Terry Odell, What's In A Name?

Posted by Terry Odell :: Link :: 6:04 AM :: 0 Comments

Hijacking the blog

Oh! You surprised me. I'm a little jumpy. My name is Kelli. For now. I used to be Casey, but after a misunderstanding down in Mexico, I had to change it. Changed a lot, actually. But, after all, what's in a name? Deep down, I'm still me.

Let me explain Camp Getaway. It's going to be great. Once it's open, Camp Getaway will be a place where inner city kids can spend a little time getting away from all the concrete, drugs, and drive-by shootings. Give them a chance to breathe some fresh air, see what else the world has to offer. It's really dear to my heart.

Who? Oh, of course. The man on the roof down the road. That's Blake Windsor. My boss sent him to repair the dorm cabin so we can open on time. Normally, I would have been out of here before he arrived, but there were some delays. He's got his shirt off again, doesn't he? The man's going to get one nasty sunburn. But he is one darn good piece of eye candy. I wasn't sure about him when he showed up out of the blue—but my boss vouched for him, and he's respected my privacy. I just wish I could put my finger on why he makes the hair on the back of my neck prickle sometimes. Ah, well. He's doing a good job, and should be out of here in less than a week, so I can get my own life back.



What's in a Name?, available now from Cerridwen Press



Terry Odell

www.terryodell.com

Labels: Character introduction, Terry Odell, What's In A Name?

Posted by Terry Odell :: Link :: 4:01 AM :: 0 Comments

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Sneaking in to introduce myself!

Hello everyone. I'm Frances Stockton and I just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. I am completely new to blogging overall, so I ask for patience. I write paranormal historical romances (shapeshifters/were-panthers) set in my favorite time periods through history. Admittedly, I've spent time as a veterinary technician, worked many years behind the scenes at a local community theater in Harford County Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Secondary Education, and teaching at the Secondary Education level, I was always reading and writing romances.

Five years ago, I joined RWA and the New England Chapter of RWA and because of the talented authors and members of NEC, I learned alot about writing, craft, and allowing my imagination to soar. Now, I am pleased to be a Cerridwen Press author with my first book, Seductive Persuasion. I am looking forward to posting again soon with a release date and further information. In the meantime, I am packing my bags for a week long vacation to Hawaii (Maui) with my wonderfully supportive husband, and we're pleased that my 4 year old daughter will be staying home with her Mimi and PopPop.

It is a pleasure to be among Cerridwen authors, and I appreciate the time you all have taken to read this post. Until I post again, I will be vacationing and writing my next book.

Posted by Frances Stockton

Posted by Frances Stockton :: Link :: 2:42 PM :: 1 Comments

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