A good friend of mine, Macie Carter is here today telling us a little bit about her writing life. Let’s here what this fabulous TWRP author has to say about the way she works through the writing process.
Thank you for joining me today for my Wednesday Writer’s Write series!
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
As a matter of fact, I’ve just been doing that – brainstorming for NaNo. I think of an idea and then “roll “ it around in my brain. I do a lot of “thinking” and imagining scenes and “what-if’s” even before I start to write. But sometimes a scene (usually an opening scene) comes to me and I write it without knowing where the story’s going. I did that with a short story that was part of the Deadly Ink 2008 collection. I knew I wanted two detectives and I knew I wanted to use an idea from an “X-File” episode then I suddenly found myself combining it with an Amish quilting bee. The story just wrote itself.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I work at my day-job from 7:30 until 5 or 5:30, run errands if I have to and then collapse when I get home. I’m the Vice President of Nursing for a company that manages nursing homes in Pennsylvania, so the job can be intense. If I have the energy (I AM sixty-two years old, too), I will try to take some time to write after work. I watch little TV at night, usually recording anything interesting for the weekend because I would rather read after work. The weekends seem to be my prime time to write. I write in the morning and read or go to the movies in the afternoon.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
There really was no “decision”. Well, maybe after I read the pivotal scene in Du Maurier’s Rebecca, ( I had to read it several times, I was so shocked by it), that I felt I wanted to be able to do that – to lead a reader down one path and then drop the over a cliff – figuratively, of course. I was writing seriously at twelve when I got my first rejection. I wrote through high school. Even in nursing school, I would write short stories and plays instead of taking notes. My nursing career, marriage, motherhood and then being a single mother interfered with my writing for a while. But losing the man I loved at forty-two made me realize that we all need to follow our dreams before it’s too late. After his death I decided to go back to writing seriously – for publication.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Read, read, read, write, read and read some more. Read out of your genre. Write out of your genre. That’s how I got a contract with The Wild Rose Press – I wrote an erotic romance. I usually write mystery, paranormal or a combination of both. Don’t be afraid to stretch and to test yourself.
One book that I consider necessary for every aspiring writer is Stephen King’s On Writing. I have the audio version and I listen to it at least yearly. I love hearing his story in his own voice. And it’s good, solid advice for writers working in any and every genre.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
Write now I’m doing the final edits on my erotic romance, Teasing the Muse I’m working on a second erotic novella for them. I’m also rewriting an Arthurian time travel. I have too many projects at times and have to set priorities – which is hard when you’re interested in everything.
I will be doing National Novel Writing Month – NaNo – and working on a vampire paranormal set in the Civil War or maybe a coming of age story (an older woman’s coming of age), or maybe…I better quit while I’m ahead.
That’s fabulous, Macie! So looking forward to ‘Teasing the Muse!’ For those of you who want to know more about Macie’s book and her release date, check out her website here. Thanks for joining us on WonW!
Archive for October, 2009
Writers on Writing: Macie Carter
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Writers on Writing: Nancy Sweetland
Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Please welcome author Nancy Sweetland today to tell us a little bit about her writing style. Welcome, Nancy! Let’s get started…
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
I can’t say I’m really organized, since plotting is the hardest part for me. I usually start with an idea, such as ‘is anybody who we really think they are?’ and then jot down anything and everything that could possibly be part of the story. Characters first – who is it about? The heroine is of course the main character. I don’t go down a long list of characteristics for each person at this point. That comes later as I get to know them better. (However, I already know that the hero has to be outstandingly something special!) Setting is most important – it has to ring true in whatever time frame the story takes place. And most important, I need to know who would care about this story and why would anyone want to read it?
Can you explain your typical work week day?
Not sure I have a ‘typical’ day. I try to get to the computer about 8 a.m. (unless it’s a golf day!) I also teach for the Institute of children’s Literature so if I have student lessons, they come first. I work until a lunch break. ‘Work’ includes marketing, e-mails, and whatever else has to be done before getting to my WIP.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
It was always just there. I got my first rejection when I was 13, for an essay I sent to Women’s Day. I’m sure they realized it was from a kid, but I do remember getting a ‘nice’ rejection letter. Of course that was a looooong time ago, and that probably wouldn’t happen now.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Just the same old, same old: persistence is more important than anything else, except putting that seat on the chair and getting the words down. And of course, not stopping there; getting the material to an agent or editor. Attend conferences, even the online ones – some of them are awesome!
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I’m working on a mystery ‘with romantic elements’ (not quite sure how much romance needs to be there, but I do know my Deputy is a hunk!). It takes place in the north woods, with a heroine who is a writer and needs a quiet place to plan her next novel. Of course there’s a dead body and she becomes the prime suspect. That’s all I know for now but I’m writing to find out what comes next. I’m also working on a middle-grade novel and another romance, all in various stages.
Sounds great, Nancy! We look forward to reading more from you! For those of you who are interested in finding about more about Nancy and her books, check out her blog here for more information.
Writing ever since getting her first rejection from Woman’s Day at age 13, Nancy has been published in photojournalism, articles, juvenile poetry, stories, picture and chapter books. She’s published over 80 mystery and mainstream short stories and has won over 50 regional and national awards in short stories and poetry. She’s presently marketing two adult mysteries, two novellas, three mainstream novels and two historical novels for the middle-reader age group. THE DOOR TO LOVE , set in Sister Bay, is her first romance novel. (Wild Rose Press)
Writers on Writing: Jana Richards
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Today we have author Jana Richards telling us a little bit about her writing life. I hope you enjoy her knowledge and humor as much as I did!
Welcome Jana!
Thanks for inviting me. I’m glad to be here.
Let’s get started. What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
I usually start with a situation or a question like, what if an old man is given the opportunity to go back in time to find his lost love? I’ll catch a snippet of conversation, or perhaps I’ll read a story the newspaper that sparks an idea. Then I think about the kind of people who will inhabit my story and what motivates them. I do what I call a “synopsis” that lays down the plot, although it’s nothing I’d ever show to an editor! It’s more me telling myself the story, getting down key scenes, and even bits of dialogue. And of course, I’ll run ideas past writing friends for their input.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
Well, once I walk my dog, I lock myself in my writing cave (aka the spare bedroom) and work till about noon. I take a short break for lunch and then go back at it until about three. After that I check emails and maybe participate in chats or do some promotion-type work. Of course, there are very few “typical” days. I work part-time about three days a weeks and then there’s always things like going to the gym and laundry that I have to fit in somewhere. I do so like clean underwear!
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
I’m not sure it was actually a conscious decision. I read some romance novels and they really spoke to me. I thought “I could write that”. Famous last words. The best writers make it look easy, but it’s anything but. Writing just sort of took over my life after that and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Don’t do it! No, just kidding. But seriously, unless you feel really strongly about writing and you can’t not write, think about another profession, because this is not an easy one. If you really want, no, need to write, take the time to learn your craft by taking classes, joining writing groups and reading books on the subject. And write everyday. You learn to write by writing.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
In the near future my novella “Burning Love” will be released from The Wild Rose Press. Here’s a blurb:
After causing three cooking fires in her apartment, Iris Jensen finds herself homeless. She lands on Riley Benson’s doorstep, looking to rent a room in the beautiful old home he’s restoring. It’s
only for six weeks until Iris leaves Portland, Oregon for her new job on a cruise ship. Firefighter Riley knows exactly what a bad tenant she can be. But he needs money to finish the work on the house he loves. And something about Iris pulls at his heart…
Meanwhile, in Heaven, two angels watch over the young lovers. Angelica and Hildegard work in Heaven’s Relationship Division, where angels match mortals with their soul mates. The angels believe so strongly in Iris and Riley’s love that they break Heaven’s rules to help them. Can the the angels convince them their love will last a lifetime before time runs out?
At the moment I’m hard at work on the further adventures of Angelica the angel. Student Angel Angelica’s class project is to give a mortal a second chance at love. She chooses Frank Brennen, a survivor of World War II, who, through misunderstandings and jealousy, lost Claire, the love of his life in England in 1944. Angelica takes him back more than sixty years to uncover the secrets that tore them apart.
Great answers, Jana! Thank you again for being a part of my blog! For those of you who want to know more about Jana and her work, as well as where you can pick up a copy of her books, check out http://www.janarichards.net
http://www.myspace.com/jana_richards
http://prairiechickswriteromance.blogspot.com
TV Land: What did you watch this week?
Saturday, October 10th, 2009
*WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
So I admit it. I can’t stop watching Glee. Well, skimming through it, really. I just like watching it for the music. The problem I’m having with it is all the side drama is too…not interesting. Yes, the wife is a bitch. Yes, the cheerleading coach is also a bitch. And yes, poor Ken is pathetic and wants to marry the OCD guidance counselor who wants to sleep with Mr. Shu who’s wife is the bitch. We have established all of this in episode One. The only new development is Quinn’s pregnancy which is now also old news. Please give us something more, Glee! I will continue to skim through your show and only watch the songs if you don’t stop giving us bland entertainment!
I love NCIS. Did I mention that? I feel like I have. This week, the mystery was new, it was unpredictable, and most importantly, we have character development…something the writers of Glee need to study up on. I can’t tell you what I liked about the show because I don’t want to give the whole thing away, but I have to say, McGee’s little crush thingy was really cute. It showed his sex appeal which sometimes is shadowed by Tony’s testosterone displays. Cannot wait until next episode!! Ziva is going to shed some light on her mysterious months away.
NCIS: Los Angeles has gotten fractionally better. The case was a smudge more interesting but I feel like the writers are still testing out their sea legs. Hullo! We need to be able to see how you come to the conclusion you come to! The result can’t pop up out of the blue! Yes, I knew the one guy was bad, but I had no idea the extent of badness and I didn’t believe it, either. Besides, inserting the Middle Eastern dude three quarters of the way through to trigger the team into thinking about who it may have been is CHEATING! If none of that makes sense, check out the episode on CBS just so you know what NOT to do when writing a series. Great learning material. I have hope, though. Chris O’Donnell is carrying the show but I think LL Cool J is going to step it up.
Bones never disappoints. Again, another character development display of mastery. *SPOILER ALERT!!!!*We find out that the Middle Eastern dude doesn’t have an accent. Something that small totally changed my views of the guy. Not to mention, for some reason, dropping the accent makes him look soooo much hotter. And Parker is growing up, looking as cool as ever. He’s totally going to be a trigger getting Bones and Booth together in the future. I feel it. I just wish the baby subject would come back up!!! COME ON, DR. BRENNAN!!! Have Booth’s baby!!!
And that does it for my TV update! Until next week!
Writers on Writing: Autumn Jordon
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Today we have a really good friend of mine joining us, Autumn Jordon! Let’s listen to what she has to say about writing. I promise you, she’s inspirational!
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
First, Tess. Thank you for inviting me to your place.
My, process is totally whack! It’s totally different than anyone else’s, as far as I know. Honestly, I tend to come up with first lines. I get all excited over that first line, I’m like a kid standing in front of the candy wall at Wegman’s. My mind reels with possibilities for the hook and I get this picture of who has had the thought or made the statement. Then I play what if, developing the basic GMC of that character and soon I have a first scene.
Next, I’ll free write maybe two or three chapters where I’ll flesh out a few other characters. Then, I’ll stop and write a synopsis. I know I need a HEA since I write romantic suspense so I’ll plot out points which will lead the story through twists and turns finally ending with a heroine and hero triumphing over evil and in love.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I do work fifty plus hours a week at a fulltime position but since we’re talking writing, I write every day. Monday through Friday, my day begins at six. After, sending husband out the door, I write for an hour and then I’m off to work. Saturday and Sundays, I’ll write at different times depending on my family’s schedule. During the evenings, I’ll work on editing and the business side of my writing career. Since my actual writing time is limited to about fifteen hours a week, I try to stay focus on putting crap on paper. Remember I edit at night so I fix the crap then.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
No decision there. Being a novelist is who I am and have always been for as long as I can remember. I penned my first novel in 3rd grade and sold two copies; one to my best friend and the other to my mother. The work was a best seller on the East Penn Elementary list.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Believe in yourself. This business is harshly fickle and can rock the most prolific author’s confidence. However, if you trust your talent, study and work every day, you will succeed.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I’m so excited. I have two books coming out from The Wild Rose Press in early 2010. One was a 2009 Golden Heart Finalist— a romantic suspense titled Evil’s Witness . Think 24’s Jack meets girl next door. I love this story. Here’s a blurb:
Witnessing a blood bath crashes Stephanie Boyd’s world. To escape the wrath of the Russian Mafia, she has to help the FBI uncover the mafia’s mole inside the U.S. Treasury. While on the run with the handsome agent who is willing to die for her, Stephanie learns the meaning of love.
Agent John Dolton’s break in solving the case that cost him everything is a couple of kids and a beautiful widow. But keeping them safe seems impossible when their every move is foreseen by their enemy. Stephanie and her children soften the loner’s heart and John vows not to fail to protect the family he loves.
The second, Obsessed By Wildfire, is a fun, sexy contemporary western, with suspense elements of course. I had a ball writing it. Below is the blurb for Obsessed By Wildfire.
Isabelle Trinidad is her own woman. No man was going to rope her to a humdrum life of housewife and take away her dreams of becoming the National Barrel Champion like her father had done to her mother. Her mind is set, until a handsome Yankee comes to town and upsets everything she has believed.
Arson brings State Fire Marshal Warner Keyson to Wayback, but a wildfire of a woman stops him in his tracks. Intrigued by Issy’s fire, he contrives ways to keep her close while conducting his investigation. What they create, which neither of them bargained for, is the blaze of a lifetime.
A trailer can be viewed and a exempts can be read at my website www.autumnjordon.com I hope you stop over.
Presently, I’m polishing my next romantic suspense and hope to submit it soon. To keep up with me, your readers can sign up for my quarterly newsletter also through my website www.autumnjordon.com or visit my blog weekly at www.autumnjordonsnotes.blogspot.com
I’m so excited to hear about all the new stuff that’s coming out and all the great things that are happening for you, Autumn! For readers interested in knowing more, Check out AJ’s Notes (her blog) for up to date information on her books. For a fun bio and interview about Autumn, check out her website also listed above. Thanks again for joining me, Autumn!
TV Guide: Have you been watching?
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
I admit it. I’ve given up on the vampire diaries after two episodes. I dont know why the drama doesn’t appeal to me anymore. After the first episode, I was so excited. After episode two, I was like “YOU’RE SO STUPID!!! THE FOG IS SO SYMBOLIC IT’S SLAPPING YOU IN THE FACE!!”
I have officially declared Vampire Diaries a Netflix show which I shall only watch after an entire season is complete
Bones is more entertaining, however, the fact that the writers dropped the whole baby subplot from last season made me a little pissy. Why can’t Bones and Booth just get it on? Just once? That would make me feel a bit better. The layers added to their relationship from the mishap last season keep me thoroughly intrigued, though. I’m content.
NCIS is AMAZING. It just gets better and better. Ziva is scarred, Gibbs is more humanized, and Abby had a pissy moment. McGee is more of a man and Tony is more serious. How can I not love it? Amaaaazingness! This is the crazy obsessive show that I will be continuously blogging about.
NCIS: Los Angeles, despite all the hype, has not really captured my attention thus far. I think the producers did a good job at putting it right after NCIS, but the actual cases have thus far been predictable and stupid. The woman who is supposed to be the NCIS: LA version of Ducky is annoying while LL Cool J looks like he’s been poppin one too many steriod pills. We’ll see how this holds up, I guess.
Glee has also disappointed me a bit. Now the chastity club president is preggo? Exactly when Mr. Shu’s wife needs to adopt a baby? Mhm. I wonder where this is going. The good news is, the singing is fabulous and keeps getting better. Keep singing, Glee cast! That’s why all of us are watching!
So to conclude, I think NCIS and Bones are the shows I’m really going to stick with throughout the semester, but Glee is a Hulu.com show which I can watch when I have absolutely nothing else to do, while Vamp Diaries is for Netflix. NCIS: LA is an eh show that I will watch only if it’s on and I have nothing better to do.
So that’s my TV round up! More to come soon!
<3Tess
Recipe: Oregano Potato Wedges
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
I tried this out a few days ago and it was fabulous. Here we go…
Ingredients
Two red potatos cut in wedges
1 Table spoon oregano
1 Table spoon salt
2 Table spoons butter
2 Pinches pepper
1 Crock Pot
Directions
Heat butter in a bowl until melted.
Put potato wedges in crockpot and add salt, oregano, and pepper.
Pour butter over potatoes and mix potatoes thoroughly.
Cover and put Crock Pot on low for four hours.
I mix the potatoes about two hours in and then again before serving. This is such an easy recipe but the wedges are so fabulous! You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese over it after you put it in a serving dish but I love the Oregano taste by itself.
Hope you enjoy!
Writers on Writing: Kathleen Coddington
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
This week on Writers on Writing, we have author Kathy Coddington! Let’s see what Kathy has to say about her writing life.
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
Initially most of my planning starts in my head. After a few days of mulling over the story concept and characters, I grab a notepad and start jotting things down. I make a page of possible names, other pages for character sketches, and plot ideas. I set up a 3-ring binder for each of my books, as well as a file on my computer. The note book is reserved for my research—maps, setting information and photographs, a collage of my characters, clothing, architecture, mores and manners of the time if it’s a historical. I keep a list of characters and a working synopsis on the computer. For my current work in progress, a futuristic novel, I also have a page of all the alien cities, planets, flora and fauna I’ve developed for my world. While I’m doing all of this, I’m also brainstorming with my critique partners, and just about anyone else who will listen. If the timing is right, I attend my local chapter’s writer’s retreat or annual plot party to help me fill in any holes or find ways to strengthen motivation and conflict. It’s pretty much an ongoing process. Even with all this preparation I try to remain flexible. Everything is open to change.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I try to write each day. That doesn’t always happen, but I try to keep to my schedule whenever I can. I keep a calendar on my desk and jot down the times I wrote everyday and what I worked on—new scene, revision of older scene, number of pages, etc. Usually I do my email and promotion stuff (like answering questions for this interview) in the morning, along with any revisions I’m working on. I spend two hours each afternoon working on my current book. Now I’ve added a blog to the mix. I work on that in short spurts once I decide what to write. At the moment I’m also working on an article on motifs in Victorian jewelry for a Civil War magazine and have just completed the first issue of my new newsletter which I’m planning to coincide with the release of my third book, Threads of Love, which is coming out in print in October.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
Like many authors, I’ve been writing on and off since I was in elementary school. I still have the notebooks with some of my poetry, plays, short stories and the opening of my first novel. Marriage, a child and working full time as a school librarian side-tracked me for many years. I’d like to say that I experienced some deep meaningful epiphany that finally spurred me into action. Actually, my first book was done as a lark. One summer day about 15 years ago, after reading a romance that had been given to me by a friend who worked with the author I announced that I could do as well. As a voracious reader and middle school librarian I knew about books, so I reasoned how hard could it be to write a romance and get it published? The next day, fortified with a few glasses of wine and with input from several good friends as we floated around my pool, the outline of my book took shape.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
I teach a novel writing course at our local community college. The one thing I always try to impress on my students is persistence. Keep plugging away. Never give up. Attend conferences, read and write everyday, continue to learn the craft and the business. There are many talented authors out there most of them far more talented than I am, but I succeeded because I persisted where as most of them threw up their hands after the first rejection or the realization that becoming a serious writer is hard work. Writing takes time so something else has to give. If you’re not willing to make the sacrifices, then a writing career probably isn’t for you.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
As I write this I just finished the first draft of my erotic futuristic romance, Palace of Dreams. It’s set in a dream palace in Gemmax City on Cereus Prime, a planet renowned for its pleasure domes. Inari Rau, my main character is about to retire after 27 years as the most sought after guide at the Celestial Crystal. She is looking forward to retiring to a house by the sea and to embarking on her new career as a dream designer for other dream domes. Her replacement, thirty year old Kastel Fane’s first task is to give Inari a special dream on her last night. Both of them discover that dreams aren’t nearly as satisfying as reality. Their lives are complicated when their ability to link without the usual means, leads to the possibility of forced psi testing. This is my first attempt at writing erotic romance. Being a Cerridwen Press author (the mainstream line for JasmineJade) I’ve met many authors who write for the Elloras Cave line and read their books. When my dream palace story popped into my head, I realized it was perfect for that line, so decided to give it a try. Fortunately I have an experienced erotic romance author in my critique group to guide me.
Great answers, Kathy! Can’t wait to read more! For those of you who want to read more about Kathleen Coddington’s books, check out her website and blog below. Stay tuned until next week’s Writers on Writing!
Kathleen Coddington writes paranormal and historical romance for Cerridwen Press. She is a member of the Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers and Greater Lehigh Valley Writer’s Group. She teaches a novel writing course at Northampton Area Community College. In addition to writing, she is also a Civil War Living Historian. To find out more about her please visit her website at www.kathleencoddington.com or visit her blog at www.kathleencoddington.wordpress.com
