Diary of a Mad Romance Writer

I Should Be...

2012-01-25T10:04:00.001-06:00

If you can't tell by the picture on the left, the rest of the title of this blog post should be the word "writing." I'm hearing strains of the BeeGee's song from Saturday Night Fever, You Should Be Dancing, in my head, only it isn't "you" and "dancing" that I'm hearing. It's I and writing. I don't want to look at that writing progress meter down there on the right. It's one more reminder that I've accomplished nothing in the writing department for almost two weeks. Or maybe it's been over two weeks. I've lost track.

In case you just dropped in out of curiosity, the members of my local writers' group are working together on a new project. We're trying to reach word count goals we've set individually and collectively. At present, our group goal for 2012 is 1,639,700. Yes, that's right. Over a million and a half words. There are fourteen of us involved. I'm not the only one who hasn't had my nose to the grindstone...uh, fingers to the keyboard. Life has intruded for most of us.

But that's okay, because we know that catching up now on our individual goals will be much easier than if we wait until, oh, December 31. All I know is that I need to get in gear and get writing. Just as soon as I do some tweaking on the new website of a friend. And do some updates on another website. And get that contract revision letter thingy signed and in the mail. And convince myself that it does not matter that the IRS's Where's My Refund is not working online and wondering if that means refunds are not being sent. YIKES! Oh, just a gazillion other little things that I allow to intrude.

So here's the deal. I'll get all those intrusions out of the way this morning, and use this afternoon for the writing side of the writing business. If the creativity gods are willing, of course. It's obviously time to start setting a daily schedule. Ha! Like that's going to work.

A little inspiration. To dance, at least. I'm not promising anything for writing.

And if you can stay in your chair while this is playing, there's a problem.

The only way to learn to write is to write. - Peggy Teeters

The Yin and the Yang

2012-01-23T09:40:00.000-06:00

People who know me are aware of my title, Queen of Procrastination. While it's a lofty position, I'm starting to rethink it and wondering if maybe it's time to abdicate my throne. Or at least share my crown with others who could give me some competition if I was willing to give them the chance. But that takes actually doing something, and why would I do that? Counter-productive? Isn't that what procrastination is all about?

Still with me? You see, I know procrastination has its yang. Or is that yin? Whatever, I need some motivation. And just how did I come to this earth shattering realization? This morning I crawled out of bed with the idea that I would be happier today than yesterday. That means I have to be productive in some way. Crawling out of bed was the first step.

The next step is motivation. Make that MOTIVATION. To be productive means I must do things, and being the Queen of Procrastin-- Well, you get the picture. My Yin and Yang are definitely battling. I decided to google the word motivation and see what I could find that might motivate me. I stumbled upon a whole section at Psychology Today. But I didn't stop there. No, the Q of P must continue to hunt down every lead, no matter where it takes her--or how much time is sucked up in the process. What did I find? Why, an integral part of me: PROCRASTINATION. A whole blog devoted to it, written by a PhD in Canada at Psychology Today. Wow! I could spend days just reading about these things!

What's a Queen to do? Then I noticed this within the article:

"It has been associated with depression, guilt, low exam grades, anxiety, neuroticism, irrational thinking, cheating and low self-esteem. ...It can be an extremely disabling psychological condition."

Not very queenly, is it? And as far as Yin Yang is concerned, procrastination is the dark side, and too much of one is not good. It's time for some light. So let's get motivated and move away from the procrastination.

As the Queen of Procrastination, I hereby decree that Mondays will now be known as MOTIVATION MONDAYS. Let's get this done!

Begin to be now what you will be hereafter. - William James

In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-16T14:31:00.000-06:00

While school children and others enjoy this day off, we should all remember how selflessly Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked so others could have a better and safer life. I hope everyone takes a moment today to honor the man and his accomplishments.

I've read The Help and remember the 1960s well. I grew up during the latter years of segregation, but really didn't understand what it was, until people like MLK stood up for their rights. After taking a trip downtown with my dad when I was quite young, I remember asking him why the colored people (the term used at that time) sat in the back of the bus. His answer was that some people believed other people shouldn't get to do things with the rest of us because of the color of their skin. That was a little confusing to me, but I was too young to understand. In 1954, the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka (Kansas) was a landmark case, and the Supreme Court's decision changed the course of this country for many. But it didn't mean everything was to be integrated. In 1958 the Dockum Drugstore sit-in "was one of the first organized lunch-counter sit-ins for the purpose of integrating segregated establishments in the United States." Wichita, Kansas was instrumental in making us aware of segregation, and having been a Wichita girl, I'm very proud of that.

I'm very lucky to have lived to see the changes I've seen in this country and in this world. Freedom is a word we tend to take too lightly, too often. Thank you to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others who have given their time and their lives to make this country a better place.

"The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage." - Thucydides 460-404bc

One Down and a Gazillion to Go

2012-01-12T15:32:00.000-06:00

In spite of my phobia of making New Year's Resolutions, I still have things to do. Goals to be decided on, lists to make, and the usual daily chores that can only be pushed aside for so long.

I've now come to the place where I've reached the goal--finish a new 2-book proposal--I've been working on pretty much exclusively for the past month or so and realize that I still don't get to sleep in or watch TV ad nauseum or any of those things that would be fun but not productive. While working on that goal, there were too many times that I said, "I'll get to it as soon as I get this finished and sent." Yeah, well, that time is here and the dishes are still waiting, while the Christmas decorations packed in boxes need to be hauled to the attic. Oh, and let's not forget the laundry that I've begun tripping on as it's begun to spill out of the basket. Yes, real life has returned, and it's as real as it always has been. Ah, what a glamorous life!

One goal may have been reached, but there are plenty waiting in the background. Yes, that bookcase I wanted to put back together for the living is still waiting in the corner of my bedroom. I did manage to get my office re-arranged, but not everything has been put away in a proper place. I did manage on Christmas Day to get my kitchen in shape, but with those dishes waiting...

Goals aren't always a one-time-mark-it-off-and-forget-it thing. Living takes a lot of time, and daily goals continue to reappear like clockwork. And maybe that's a good thing, because otherwise I might revert to reading all day and watching TV all night. And now that I think of it....

"People with goals succeed because they know where they're going." - Earl Nightingale

Wichita Area Romance Authors are blogging about goals this month. Come visit!

How Busy Was It?

2012-01-09T18:15:00.000-06:00

After getting the upper hand on a cold that had me wanting to crawl back into bed early last week, somehow I managed to actually finish the week with some accomplishments. Lucky for me, the momentum followed me into today.

It started on Wednesday evening, when I joined the other three members of our critque group for the first time since before the holiday hustle and bustle hit hard in December. I couldn't have felt better when I left that evening. My contribution of a reading of the first two scenes from my current WIP was very well received. To put it simply, they liked it! There's no way to describe how much that helped my id. By Thursday, I was raring to start addressing the few changes they suggested and get on with the writing---and revising---process. (Thank you Pat, Theresa, and Deborah! You three are the greatest!)

Sometimes all it takes is a few positive comments from others to chase away that feeling that you're swimming through mud. Creative beings tend to be their own worst critics...and enemies. We're so tuned into looking for what needs to be changed and improved that we sometimes forget to look for what's good. Kathie D and I call it Forest for the Trees Syndrome. Yes, you guessed it. We get so close to our work, picking and trimming and changing, that we lose the ability to see the whole picture---or in a writer's case, the whole story. Sure, the leaves on a tree are especially beautiful in the autumn, but it's the whole tree of leaves that takes our breath away.

Yesterday I finally finished rewriting the last of the three chapters that I soon plan to send to my editor. Well, once the synopsis is revised to fit those new scenes that cried out to be written. I'd planned to do a final read-through and polish today, but I worked on a updates for several websites, instead. That's probably a good thing. It gives it a chance to cool and me a chance to step away, if only for a little while. My eyes (and brain!) will be a little fresher for it.

Yes, it's been a busy week, but it's been a week that I can look back on and say I accomplished a lot. And that doesn't happen all that often.

"It is not time that we need to manage, but our attitude towards it - we all have the same amount, it is just how we use it that differs. Keep busy and keep getting results."
-- Anton Guinea

Happy 2012!

2012-01-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm late. Not the best way to start the new year. But sometimes we don't have control over what happens or at least we can use some of those happenings we do have control over to procrastinate.

As June Carter Cash sang in the song Time's A Wastin', ♪ ♫ "A cake's no good if you don't mix the batter and bake it." ♫ ♪

While I'm not much for making New Year's Resolutions that are quickly broken, I do sometimes make goals for the year. This year I didn't. My goals haven't really changed, but I am looking at them in a different way. I know what it takes to reach them. The problem comes when it's time to take that action. Sometimes there are things that come along to keep us from working on our goals. That's what happened to me this past week.

Early on Friday morning, two guys arrived to put the new siding on my house. Not long ago, we had a new roof put on, so I knew it wouldn't be a normal time while they were working. What I didn't realize was how long it would take or how intrusive it would be. I tried writing on Friday, because my goal had been to finish the proposals I was working on and send them to my agent. But the pounding and hammering on the walls (especially thin ones with no insulation) was a whole lot louder than I'd expected. Concentration--at least the kind needed for writing--was almost nil. They were there until after dark. The same thing happened on Saturday. Very little writing and revising got done, and because it was New Year's Eve, we had plans to go to my oldest daughter's for the evening. We were a tad late, but well before the magic hour of midnight. With the thought in mind that the next day was not only a Sunday, but a holiday, as well, we planned to sleep in late, after staying up into the wee hours of the morning.

We were WRONG. At 8:15 in the morning on Sunday, I was awakened by what sounded like a sledgehammer on the wall next to my bed. They're baaaaack! I was not a happy camper, but there was very little I could do about it. I managed a few paragraphs. Yesterday (Monday) the siding was finally in place, and the workers left in mid-afternoon. Hooray!

The result of the past few days is a super looking house...and the fact that I'm four days behind. I no longer have time to play and must make up for lost time. Somehow.

Is being behind schedule only three days into the new year a bad omen? I hope not! I'm determined to make this the best year yet, no matter what comes along to try to mess up my plans.

For me, 2012 starts today!

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

- Oprah Winfrey

No Fish Story

2011-12-19T13:51:00.000-06:00

There are things that happen that we'd rather not share, oftentimes because it might put us in a bad light. Maybe it's a little embarrassing and not something we're not proud to tell others.

So why a picture of Flounder today? Because floundering was what I was doing for a few days last week. I'll be honest and not be embarrassed. On Thursday I received a double rejection from my editor at Harlequin American. After seven books for HAR, I fell in the hole.

It's been that kind of year. I should have seen it coming, but I was holding out hope. I've been trying since June to hit on the right story. Apparently my aim was bad.

It took me less than two days to get over it. Okay, those two days were BAD, but by late Friday I'd moved beyond and dragged out a couple of stories from under the bed. No, not really from under the bed, just not something I'd looked at closely in the past few years. A phone convo with one of my brainstorming buddies helped me make that final few steps to get over the Hill of Despair. (I think I own a house there.) I've already begun working on them and hope to have them ready by the first of January.

So where does the floundering come in? It happens when revisions are requested and when submissions/proposals are rejected. It happens to everyone at some time, not just writers. It's that time--no matter how short or long--when a person doesn't know what direction to take. Should I do this this? Or should I do that? And more than likely, nothing is done.

Rejections, passes, Rs, whatever anyone wants to call them, happen in the writing business. A lot. They hurt. They hurt even when we tell ourselves it isn't personal. But because our creations, our books, our stories, are pieces of our selves, it feels personal and can be painful. Many people give up when they don't make the progress they'd envisioned. It takes a thick skin to keep writing or creating when no one seems to care but us.

And, yes, rejections happen to everyone, at one time or another. The key is learning how to handle them and how quickly to put an end to the floundering, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and return to forward movement, having learned something--again--the hard way.

Is it worth it? I think so. :)

Every rejection is incremental payment on your dues that in some way will be translated back into your work. - James Lee Burke

Traditions

2011-12-14T12:23:00.000-06:00

(from dictionary.com)

noun

1. the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs,information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice: a story that has come down to us by popular tradition.
2. something that is handed down: the traditions of the Eskimos.
3. a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting: The rebellious students wanted to break with tradition.
4. a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.
5. a customary or characteristic method or manner: The winner took a victory lap in the usual track tradition.

There are probably as many traditions as there are people. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors, reasons, times, seasons, and anything else you can think of. We like traditions because the make us feel safe. Once made, we know what needs doing, making decisions much easier.

We're most familiar with traditions around the holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah and other religious/faith-based holidays at the end of the year often have the most traditions attached to them. But we all manage to create more of our own, just for us.

Sometimes we have to adjust traditions to fit something new in our lives. A marriage can dictate the melding of traditions. A new baby may mean a change in timing. As a family continues to grow, new traditions--Santa Claus, the Christmas story from the Bible--are introduced for the children.

And sometimes we make new traditions. Children grow into adults who have their own children. Jobs can often mean a distant move. Divorce or the passing of a loved one are two of the saddest of reasons for the need to create new traditions. But somehow, within all the changes, we adjust and find solace and peace in traditions, whether old or new.

If you have a favorite tradition, I'd love it if you'd share it, either here on the blog, through Twitter (@roxdelaney), on Facebook or my author Facebook Page. Who knows? We may find something that will make the perfect new tradition.

To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery, but a ritual of reassurance. - Philip Andrew Adams

Roadblocks and Re-assesing

2011-12-12T13:01:00.000-06:00

A week ago I blogged about the need--especially mine--to make a habit of writing each and every day. Except maybe weekends. Today I'm here to say that my determination to begin to make that habit came to a screeching halt.

Something didn't feel right, but I went ahead and started working on the synopsis for a proposal I want to submit--before the official holidays begin and no one is around to receive submissions. I hoped that maybe if I pushed ahead, that feeling--caused by my own lack of belief in myself--would either go away, or the simple act of forward movement would take care of things naturally.

Wrong. On both. As I worked on the synopsis, seeing scenes in my mind, I hit a roadblock. There it was, smack in the middle of my plot. It was probably there all the time, but I didn't want to see it. Fortunately (or unfortunately), writing a synopsis is good at revealing what we refuse to acknowledge. This time the problem centered around the heroine and what had happened in her past to make her feel and react a certain way. I thought I had it worked out. I didn't. It took several days, but I finally found what she (and I) needed. I was almost ready to move forward again with real writing, when I talked to a published friend, who recently received revision notes on a book in the same sub-genre as mine.

Uh-oh. I had another problem. Was the story too dark? Had I put my characters through too much, especially before the opening of the story? Did I need to lighten up a little and give at least one character a little slack?

I still don't have the answer to that, but I'm going to beg for a few minutes of my friend's time, give her a quick overview of my problem, and see what she thinks. Any other time, I might have busted through the roadblocks without too much thought, but this time I'm treading on new ground. New sub-genre and a new line, meaning new "rules" that have not yet become familiar to me.

Hopefully tomorrow will find me back at writing the synopsis and still able to have it done in time to send before the holiday break. The one good thing about all of this is that I've come to know my characters even better, and that's sometimes something that doesn't always happen until almost too late.

Keep tuned in. Updates on the re-invention and expansion of my writing coming later.

First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him! - Ray Bradbury

It's Here!

2011-12-07T10:58:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's really here! It comes once every week, and it's what sometimes---make that often---gets me through to Friday and that TGIF we all adore. If you haven't guessed what this is about, you aren't paying attention.

It's Hump Day!

I know, I know. It only means we're at the middle of the week, not the end, and the weekend is two (and a half) days away. But once midday on Wednesday hits, it's all downhill with Fab Friday only a quick slide away.

The trick is knowing how to psych yourself into the joy of Hump Day and to know how to use it to your best advantage. So here's some things to think about as you make your way through this week's---and every week's---Wednesday.

Did you make a goal for this week? It doesn't matter what the goal was or what it involved...from cleaning to exercise to writing to shopping to reading to resting to-- You get the picture. ☺ If you did make a goal, this is a great time to assess how it's going. If you've made progress--any progress--congratulate yourself and keep going. If you haven't, then what are you waiting for? There are still 2+ more days to work toward it.
If you've already accomplished what you'd hoped to this week, you deserve a break! Take a little time to do something that makes you feel good. Give yourself a reward! It doesn't have to involve money (although it can!), but it must be something you enjoy. Indulge yourself, if only for a few minutes before life calls you back again. After all, it isn't the weekend yet, just the halfway point.
Ask yourself what else you need to do before Friday ends the official work week. More than likely, even if you reached your goals, there'll be other things waiting in the wings that need doing. This is the perfect time to decide how to spend the rest of the week, so you'll have time to enjoy the weekend. Because isn't that what weekends are all about?

For those who don't work a regular Monday thru Friday week, simply adjust to fit your schedule. If your days off are split, decide whether to use the first one or the second one when judging progress. (Hint: Using the first may give you a little more time to work on whatever it is you need to do.)

Why, in the middle of the most stressful season of the year, with Christmas and New Year's sneaking up quickly, am I suggesting a focus on goals? Because getting things done without going crazy is hard work. Why not make time work for us? If we become so mired in what to do, instead of what's been accomplished, we start to lose steam. Wednesdays are the perfect time for taking a breath to look at what's been done and what yet needs to be done. Remember, bite-size pieces make anything easier. If nothing has been accomplished so far this week, from this point on, a little focus and work will go a long way to being able to enjoy the weekend. So get busy, and then slide on down that hump to TGIF!

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

- Beverly Sills

Creating Good Writing Habits

2011-12-05T11:34:00.000-06:00

It would be hard not to notice that Christmas is fast approaching. Weren't we just Trick-or-Treating on Halloween? The next thing you know, not only will Christmas be over, but New Year's will be almost gone.

If you're a traditional New Year's-ist, this would be a perfect time to start thinking about those Resolutions. After all, even if the rumors of 2012 being the end of life as we know are true and aren't simply a marketing thing, there's a lot of time to live between January 1 and December. Why not get a head start now, instead of waiting until the last minute of 2011 to decide on what to improve?

Right now, instead of focusing on those every-year self-improvement resolutions (weight loss, exercise, and the rest), I want to focus on writing resolutions. Why? Because I'm in desperate need of creating some new habits and sticking to them, and if I start now, I can make some headway.

The #1 writing habit I need to make and stick to is writing every day. While it's true that I do some kind of writing each day, whether it's emails, blogs, or the real stuff of putting stories to paper, it's the latter that I need to focus on the most. It simply isn't something I've managed to make a priority. This isn't something new. I've been grappling with this for several years, so it's become something I'd really like to conquer.

So here's my Resolution/Goal for 2012: I will write every day, Monday thru Friday. At least a page. Three pages would be even better. More than that would be a miracle on an everyday basis. If possible and life allows, I'll write on the weekends, too.

Anyone with me on this? Are you like me and have trouble carving out time to do what really should be done when it comes to writing? Then take your pick of whatever writing habit you need to create, and let's start it today. I'll check back in next Monday to post if I've had any progress, and so can anyone who's joining me.

"The way to write is to throw your body at the mark when your arrows are spent."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes You Just Have to Dream

2011-11-30T11:36:00.000-06:00

Winter is doing its best to push aside warmer weather. Although the sun is shining today, I've heard there's a chance of snow later this week. Not my idea of perfection. But it does offer a reason to dream.

When I say "dream," I'm not referring to that thing we do when we sleep. The kind of dream we need to be doing to open our heart and soul to possibilities is done when we're wide awake. I remember spending time with an old crush on a night filled with snow and ice and cold. We were trying to think of ways to stay warm--beyond the obvious ☺--and we came up with thinking about summer things. Things like a warming sun and the feel of a sidewalk under our bare feet on a summer day. I thought of an ice cream cone, and the spell was broken.

Dreaming is what gives writers ideas and characters and stories. It gives painters colors and visions and brushstrokes. For composers it's rhythm and tone and music. But one doesn't need to be a writer or painter or composer, or even a dancer or actor or anything involved in being creative and artistic. Each one of us can gain by letting ourselves dream.

So what if what we dream might not be possible to actually attain? Anything is possible, if we begin by dreaming. If we shut ourselves off from possibilities beyond what we believe to be attainable, how can we ever grow and change? Without those who dreamed of going to the moon, our space program never would have happened. Without those who dreamed of everyone being able to read and write, how many of us would be reading books and newspaper, and writing?

We're in that tension-building time of the run-up to Christmas. Thanksgiving is behind us, and we're focused intently on the next holiday. That tension can quickly morph into stress, and that's something we really don't need. Not now. Not at any time. Just for the next few weeks, lets give ourselves a chance to unwind, relax, and dream, if only for a short time. Instead of checking Done times off of our mental To Do lists, use part of that time to dream. And before you know it, you'll be more relaxed and have a smile on your face. And who knows? Maybe your wish--or something close to it--will come true.

A dream is a wish your heart makes.

Walt Disney, Sleeping Beauty

'Twas the Day Before Thanksgiving...

2011-11-23T16:35:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know it's a sketch of a desk, but stick with me for a minute. It is the day before Thanksgiving, and my turkey is thawing in the refrigerator. Not for fixing tomorrow. We'll be doing that on Saturday. As I've explained before, with three daughters who have "in-law" families, I try to make it easier on them by planning our own family holidays on different day. After all, it's only a date on the calendar.

While many of you are spending this Thanksgiving Eve cleaning and cooking, I'm gearing up to spend mine cleaning and moving furniture. What can I say? I'm a Gemini, and although there are aspects of my current arrangement that are great, thanks to working on it for almost a year, I need a change. I've thought it through and used a scale model on paper to move things around, until everything not only suits me, but fits the room. That's the hardest of all, of course. Because today is the beginning of three straight days of freedom, then one day of holiday dinner, and then a final free day for finishing up, it's the perfect time. Or at least I'm hoping that's the way it works out.

While I'm lifting and shoving and scooching and moving, my mind will be on other things. I'm working on a new story for a possible new line. The plot is pretty much set, with only a few changes and tweaks yet to do, but I've made some changes since I first began. The heroine's GMC has changed from the original idea with relative ease (thank goodness!), and now I'm trying to mold the hero to a new and different backstory, strengthening (I hope) his GMC. This is the perfect time to do it, because I'll be working on my goal of office re-arranging and re-arranging a story, too.

I'll also be thinking of all the things I'm thankful for. There's no doubt I'll have a long list by the time we celebrate Thanksgiving. Hope yours is, too. Happy Thanksgiving!

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many--not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."

~~Charles Dickens~~

Writing Through the Holidays

2011-11-21T13:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, you can find a way to write through the holidays! The question is do you need to or even want to? If the answer is yes, then it probably will take some pre-planning and the patience of a saint.

'Tis the Season! But then it quite often is, because holidays come throughout the year. Not only holidays but things like the beginning of school, summer vacation, bad weather, you name it. This season, from just after Halloween until after the first of the year, is still usually the busiest and manages to claim the most time.

Learning to manage holidays and our writing isn't easy. Add NaNoWriMo into the equation, and I'm amazed that writers come of out this with their minds still intact. I applaud those who are involved this year and any year. It takes a lot of fortitude and old-fashioned stubbornness, coupled with a strong desire and the best of intentions to attempt it. Anyone who gets involved is a winner! But writing during the busiest of times really can be done.

While it might be a little late for Thanksgiving planning for those doing NaNo, the next 1+ month promises to be as hectic as always. It's time to put our heads together and look for solutions and shortcuts that will net us even a few extra minutes. Here's my list of suggestions. Feel free to add your own!

Set aside a specific time to write and just do it. While it might be hard to wrap your mind around your plot and your characters, after rushing around to buy last minute food or gifts, it can be a relief to simply sit down, take a deep breath, and let your creative mind take over.
Get family and friends to help by requesting that you not be disturbed during that specified time. I'll always remember being told early on in my writing "career" that telling your children not to bother you at all, unless there's blood, smoke, or flames, is acceptable. Bribing always works well, too.
If you're NaNo-ing and find your time being usurped by traditions that can't be escaped, check out the NaNoWriMo forum. You probably aren't alone, and others will be happy to share their secrets and encouragement.
Keep in mind at all times, that we all deserve "Me Time," especially during the holidays. If your family isn't yet trained to this, it's past time to do it. If it means a trip to the library for peace and quiet (and some undisturbed writing time) or a visit to Starbucks with whatever-mocho in hand, then go for it. Just remember that you really do have to go home again, sooner or later.
If you haven't already cut down on those things that aren't top priority, then stop and take a look at your list of things to do. Try to trim it to 3/4, then 1/2. Don't scratch off anything that is an absolute must, but do pare down whatever you can. Doing so will not only give you more time, but definitely can be a big stressbuster.
When it comes to food and the Big Meal, Family Style, share the joy by having others bring their favorite dishes, already prepared, if possible. Many families enjoying getting together to make the meal. If that's your family tradition, enjoy it!
If you'll be away from home, take your laptop or a pad of paper. While the men are snoozing in front of the parade of football games, and the ladies have collapsed in the kitchen, find a quiet spot where you can do ten or fifteen minutes of writing. More if possible! But don't let it keep you away from family, and put it aside when your time is up.

Happy Holiday Writing!

A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.
John B. Priestly

Just Another Manic Monday

2011-11-14T10:57:00.000-06:00

It wasn't my intention to let a week go by without sharing even a quick hello, but life sometimes gets in the way of the best intentions.

Let's face it, it was a busy week, and it didn't let up over the weekend. Now that Monday is here again, the feeling of a hamster on a wheel is beginning to set in. Yes, definitely a little on the manic side already.

That doesn't mean there weren't enjoyable moments to the mania. Saturday evenings are often spent at my oldest daughter's. This time of year it's the watching of favorite football teams, followed by Saturday Night Live. I've been watching SNL since the very beginning and have to say that, overall and so far this season, it's had more good than bad.

Yesterday was my local writers' group meeting, which is always fun and informative. It's sometimes my only in-person touch with others besides family...except for those occasional visits to the store for groceries or needed items. I always enjoy spending time with the ladies at WARA. You can visit the WARA blog, Bits & Bytes: Romance the Writers Way to see why.

But it's Monday again, so back to work. This week I hope to devote a large block of time to sorting through my office. I might even have time to move the furniture to make sure to take advantage of warmer spots during winter. That all remains to be seen, if I don't finish this up and get busy. ☺

So here's the YouTube of the inspiration for today's blog title. Although I was married with kids when the Bangles were in their prime, I still enjoyed their music. Hope you do, too!

If you have other things in your life -- family, friends, good productive day work -- these can interact with your writing and the sum will be all the richer.

- David Brin

Another Rainy Monday

2011-11-07T14:20:00.000-06:00

While it really isn't raining cats and dogs, I couldn't resist the clipart image on the left. It made me laugh, and because Monday's aren't generally all that funny, it was too tempting to pass up. I hope it at least brings a smile to anyone who sees it.

To all those who are NaNo-ing this month, here's hoping you've found the writing groove and getting words on paper more easily. I chose not to participate, after all, but I'm cheering for those who are. When there's been time to do some reading and editing, I discovered that the 1675 words I wrote on Nov. 1 weren't half as bad as I'd expected they might be. This WIP is not a romance, but a YA with paranormal elements. I started this as a panster with no idea of plot and only a couple of characters. I have no idea what's going to happen and I'm almost enjoying that. There's also no date that it needs to be done, so I get to write at my own pace...if I ever figure out what the pace is for this one.

Writing constantly toward publication or under contract can, after long periods of time, become a little tedious or chip away a tiny bit at creativity. Taking a short break when possible promotes a clearer mind. Some people are lucky enough to get away physically, others fill their break with reading--often out of their usual genre. For others creating something different, whether in the same medium (as in writing) or something else (as in drawing) can be refreshing.

Long ago when I wrote for Silhouette Romance, I found I had big chunks of empty time that needed filled. I like to create, but I can't draw to save my soul, and at some point I became interested in website design and later in graphic design. While it's still creative, it must use a different part of my brain, because I often find that when I've been working on websites for a while, unable to get to putting words on paper, that's when I yearn to write or have some of the best ideas.

So if you're having a rainy day...or even if you aren't...try doing something different for just one day. If it works, use it again whenever something else begins to feel stale. Writing something in a completely different genre you've never tried make open new doors in more ways than one.

Books want to be born: I never make them. They come to me and insist on being written, and on being such and such. ~Samuel Butler

It's a Wrap

2011-11-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

That Halloween pumpkin isn't toast, it's pie.☺ Yes, it's all over but packing away costumes and making sure the candy is well hidden to avoid tummy aches. And Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so if you didn't get enough candy while sifting through the trick-or-treat bags on the sly or finishing off anything that might have been left of the pass-out candy, have no fear. The season of POP (Putting On Pounds) is now in full swing.

It's also the season for spending more time inside. We had our first good freeze last night, and the trees that have been losing their colorful leaves are definitely looking a lot less leafy now. Our house got a new roof last week, so we're hoping that by the time the really cold weather sets in, the heating bills will be just a little less than last year. Green tea and hot cocoa are beginning to be the beverages of choice as the weather cools. Summer is officially over, and I'm wondering where it went. Fall will soon slip into winter, a little at a time. With snow and cold in Denver, CO, we know we'll be getting our share in KS.

Cold weather means more reading time for me, and I've added several new books to my Kindle. Although reading time isn't always easy to find, I enjoyed reading more than I'd realized over the summer.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett was a step back in time for me, as I'm sure it was for many who read it or saw the movie. My growing up years occurred during the civil rights movement, so, as a child, I'd seem similar things and had asked why.
Hawks Mountain by Elizabeth Sinclair was a joy to read, and not because the author is a friend, but because it was a beautiful story with a twist I didn't expect. I'm looking forward to the other three Hawks Mtn. books.
The Year She Fell by Alicia Rasley also had twists and turns. Each time I thought I had everything figured out, I discovered I didn't. Great writing, as always, and a story that kept me turning pages.
Sweetie by Kathryn Magendie was an interesting story of a young girl, who's world is opened up to new wonders and new truths by another girl, who leads a much different life.
Hate List by Jennifer Brown lived up to my expectations. The story of the girlfriend of a school shooter gave insight to the troubles today's teens deal with.
Ascension: A Dark Breed Novel by Sable Grace was a different type of read for me. I don't tumble into the paranormal, but this one was a super read. Again, the author(s) are friends, but the story hooked me, and I'm anxiously waiting for the next.
Cybill Disobedience by Cybill Shepherd and Aimee Lee Ball is Cybill's eye-opening autobiography. My oldest daughter suggested I get it and read it, and I'm glad she did, because it was well worth the time spent reading.

There are a few more, but I'll save them for another time and hope there'll be even more time to enjoy new ones.

With Halloween over for another year, it's time to add another family photo to the mix. My grandkids are growing so big! Even Payton, who was mentioned here on my blog several times when she was born with a heart defect, was big enough to really enjoy trick-or-treat this year.

(back, l to r) Alexandria (as Barbie), Scarlett (as a zombie fairy), and Gavin (as a Ninja).

(front, l to r) Payton (as a little devil), Jaxon (as a giraffe)

Hope your Halloween was as happy as theirs!

The wastebasket is a writer's best friend. ~Isaac Bashevis Singer

Ghosts and Goblins and Ghoulies, Oh My!

2011-10-31T10:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's time for my favorite holiday! No, you won't see me dressed in Halloween garb nor will I have carved or uncarved pumpkins lining my porch. But I do have my office decorated for this special time.

There are those who collect Santa Clauses and Christmas villages. I collect bats and witches and trick-or-treating children. Well, not real bats or real children. That would be wrong. My big witch hangs from the ceiling, and my black, feathered witch hat hangs on my wall. And just like Christmas shoppers, my youngest daughter and I visit Walgreens several times every year before Halloween for collectible goodies, and tomorrow we'll haunt Walmart for the clearance sale so we'll have a start on next year.

Plans for the night? We don't get many trick-or-treaters on our street, so my custom has become to turn out the lights and turn on the TV, while I watch TAPS investigating some spooky place or maybe the history of Halloween on the History Channel. But more than likely it'll be a Halloween-y movie. Here's a short list to choose from:

The entire Buffy the Vampire series
Casper
The Crucible (How scary to have been named a witch in those days!)
Ghostbusters 1 & 2
Jeepers Creepers (not my style at all)
Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4 (I watched the first one Saturday night, just for a warm-up.)
Little Shop of Horrors
Rocky Horror Picture Show (Nothing like a little Time Warp to get the ball rolling.)

This year I think I'll choose Hocus Pocus, followed by Practical Magic, my favorite witchy movies. I mean, who can resist Aiden Quinn as a sheriff with one blue eye and one brown eye? Can we say HERO? It'll be a great Halloween! And if, as the veil between this life and beyond lifts, there's a message, I'll be sure to pay attention. Well, if I'm not too focused on Aiden, not to mention Goran Visnjic, that is.

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and howlet's wing,--
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble."
Macbeth (IV, i, 14-15), William Shakespeare

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

To Nano Or Not To Nano

2011-10-26T22:17:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when, if you know any writers, you're sure to have heard the word NaNoWriMo. Yeah, whatever that means, right? But even those of us who've never participated in the national event--yes, national--are familiar with it and know that it stands for National Novel Writing Month. And November is just around the corner.

Before the question comes up, yes, it's possible to write a novel in a month. WRITE a novel in a month, not have a finished, clean, and ready manuscript for an agent, editor, or even print. That isn't the goal of NaNoWriMo. But the 50,000 words that are the goal certainly can lead to the chance of having that novel ready to submit.

NaNoWriMo began in July 1999, the dream child of Chris Baty, with 21 participants. The following year, the project was moved to November to take advantage of weather that begged for more indoor activity than outdoor. NaNoWriMo took root and grew. And grew! By last year (2010), 200,000 participants wrote 2,872,682,109 words. That's right, almost 3 billion words!

But I haven't yet made the leap to saying, yes, I'm ready to sign on the dotted line and pledge myself to 30 days of intense writing. (That's 1666.6666 words or approximately 7 pages per day and very doable.) I have other irons in the fire that would have to be put aside for later, and I'm not sure if I should do that. On the other hand, it would be very nice to have something written and ready to edit, weeks before Christmas craziness sets in. I even have a choice of what I'd like to work on. I have several plotted but not written stories that are begging for attention. And there's that YA (possibly a paranormal?) that my brain was plotting as I finished a nap today. That's definitely a sign that it's ready for my attention. But if I choose it, I only have 5 days to plot it, and I'm not sure my brain is up to it, after having just finished plotting another book this past week.

A final decision will be made on Monday. If I choose to sign up, I may be the last one to do it! If I choose not to, there's always next year. :) Stay tuned!

Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand. ~George Orwell, "Why I Write," 1947

Living, Breathing Characters

2011-10-24T13:42:00.000-05:00

I'm sure Angela and Becky won't mind a little promo for their exceptional blog. Now that I've found it, I don't know how I lived without it. Okay, I don't know how I wrote without it, but you get the drift.

So what's the big deal about The Bookshelf Muse? These wonderful ladies have created the most fantastic thesauruses (thesaurusi?) for a writer's toolbox. Need a way to describe what a character is doing/how a character is looking while feeling a certain way? Just a couple of suggestions for "annoyed" would be a clenched jaw or tapping fingers on the table top. Yes, fellow writers, this is where that Show Don't Tell comes in, and we can all use a little help with it now and then. But emotions aren't everything, so there's more!

Emotion Thesaurus
Character Trait Thesaurus
Settings Thesaurus
Weather & Earthly Phenomena Thesaurus
Color, Textures & Shapes Thesaurus
Symbolism Thesaurus

And if those aren't enough to keep you busy giving more punch to your writing, their blog posts are just as great! So get thee to The Bookshelf Muse where, as they say, you'll find "Writing Tools & Musings on Reading, Writing and Other Randomness." Become one of their more than 2500 stalkers. You'll be glad you did!

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow

The Merry-Go-Round Isn't Always Merry

2011-10-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Roxann, and I'm a plotter. (Please hold your gasps.)

As I've mentioned before, I wasn't always a plotter. I began, as most do, as a panster, and then evolved. Or devolved, as some might believe. Now I'm to the point where I MUST plot. If I don't know where the story is going, I panic.

In the column on the right is the progress meter I used to keep track of my writing. My goal was to finish the first three chapters of a book I intend to propose to my editor, along with another story. The meter shows I reached my goal of 14080 words, even surpassing it. When all was said and done, the final total was 15,510 words that came in at 48 pages

The next step in the process for me is writing the synopsis. The story was plotted...or at least I thought it was...but I had a feeling something wasn't quite right. The story was "off" and I feared it could easily come in too short. Not a good thing. Or wouldn't be smooth. An even worse thing. I wanted to be able to hand in a proposal I felt was solid, so it was back to the drawing board to find what went wrong where.

I again pulled out my plotting boards (new ones that can be seen below), along with an overview of the story and characters that I'd previously sent to my editor. I was right. There was a small difference, and that made a much bigger difference in how the story would play out to the end. Once I realized it yesterday morning, I spent the rest of the day shuffling scenes around, until they flowed from a solid opening to a hook that I hoped would grab a reader's attention (the first three chapters), then go on through conflicts to be solved and finally coming to a satisfying HEA. Making the changes also involved new writing of half of a scene and moving another to later in the timeline. But they worked.

Writing sometimes is easy, but more often involves staving off panic that can be caused by one, very small slip-up. If plotting and correcting things in the early days of writing helps keep my heart from hammering in my chest and my fingers from fumbling on the keyboard, while my brain calls out for help, then it's what I have to do. It works. At least for the time being.

An author in his book must be like God in the universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere. ~Gustave Flaubert

Refilling the Well

2011-10-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

There comes a time--or several times--in a writer's life where she (or he) feels empty and unable to produce anything with substance. Some aren't able to produce anything at all. These are the times when it's almost physically painful to try to string coherent words together to make a story.

Some people call this inability to create a writer's block, when in fact it isn't something that only writers experience. Anyone who is creative can and usually does experience this phenomenon once in a while.

What? You're not a writer? Not an artist? Wrong. Everyone is creative in some way.

Filling -- or more accurately 'refilling' -- the well is what we do when we find that we're unable to create or have lost the love of creating. The reasons for not being able to create are many and can include:

Being on a long run of deadlines with no or very short breaks
Experiencing a string of rejections or even the first rejection
Life changes, which can include a new baby, a marriage or divorce, a move, or anything that disrupts a normal pattern
Being overwhelmed by day to day life
Fear of failure
Fear of success

But like the reasons for being unable to create, refilling the well of creativity can take many forms. Some writers choose to refill their well by reading, often outside of their own genre. Some turn to other types of "art," such as drawing, photography, music, sewing and handcrafts, woodworking, even redecorating. Whatever we do, each of us much choose our own way of refilling. Need an idea? Check out how one author at Jaunty Quills does it.

When there isn't a lot of time to turn to something different, there's an alternative. In the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, the author suggests scheduling an "Artist's Date" at selected intervals. Whether it's sipping a cup of yummy coffee at Starbucks, checking out a local flea market, or taking a walk around the block, just getting away from the grind for a new and different experience can give an artist/writer the chance to regain a new perspective aka refilling the well. There's more on the "Artist's Date" at Live to Write - Write to Live blog. Picking up a copy of The Artist's Way is a great idea, too. It's also available as an ebook, I hear.

Take the time to refill your creative well whenever possible. It doesn't have to take a lot of time, and the benefits can't be matched.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking

2011-10-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

It was a busy weekend here. Too busy, which is evidenced by the fact that my total word count for Saturday and Sunday was 171, and that was done late last night. It also shows that, in spite of good intentions, we don't always get words on paper as planned.

That low word count does set me back a little, but because I had a few days when I managed more words than my 640, I'm not that far behind. The key is to keep writing past that daily word count on the days when the words flow from your fingertips--or at least you have the time to push yourself for more--and not beat yourself up when life gets in the way. At present, I'm 354 words behind, but that's less than two pages. I know I can catch up in a day and maybe even gain a little extra ground.

So what kept me from reaching my daily goals this weekend? Saturday we attended Woofstock and had a wonderful time. (I'll blog about it over at scribbles tomorrow.) Saturday evening was family night, so I never get any writing done then. Yesterday I met with a friend and attended an event for a couple of hours, then did some catching up on other things at home that had been shoved aside to make more time for writing.

The other thing that kept me from adding to my word count was that I wasn't quite sure where I was going. I'd finished the first chapter on Friday night with a total of 1675 for the day--an example of how some days the writing goes well--but I was feeling iffy about how the next scene would play out. I'd done some storyboarding to write the overview of the story for my editor to look at, but an overview only contains the highlights and turning points of the story. I had a lot of holes to fill to get from point A to B and Y to Z. I still don't have it finished, but I have ideas and will do some work on it today.

If you're wondering about storyboards, what they are or how to go about making and using one, check out Harlequin Romance author Susan Meiers' blog on Using a Storyboard. You can also check out my blog, Who, Me? Plot?, for more and a photo of my (old) plotting board. It's old because I have a new one!

Sometimes we can't control the interruptions in our plans. When that happens, even if it's because the interruption is planned by us, the best thing to do is take a step back and reassess what needs to be done to catch up. Keep in mind that catching up doesn't have to happen in one day, but can be spread over several. Like a football team working a few yards at a time to reach the goal line and score posts, we don't give up simply because we didn't make the word count needed to advance. We'll get another chance again the next day, and maybe then we'll make a long run for the goal posts.

On Your Mark, Get Set, GOAL!

2011-09-29T10:29:00.000-05:00

Setting a goal is easy. It's the working on and reaching the goal that are the hard parts. I'm as guilty as anyone else about giving up or just not trying hard enough. That isn't always our fault. There are stumbling blocks that, in our zest to achieve something, we overlook. So let's take a look at how to set goals and how to be successful at reaching those goals.

First, ask yourself some questions.

Is your goal realistic?
For writers, this is one of the biggest blocks that can keep them from reaching their goal. For instance, if your goal is to become a published author, setting a goal to be published in a year or any other specified amount of time, isn't realistic. You have no way to control whether an editor/publisher will buy your manuscript. Once you've written your book, researched the right publishers to submit to, and slipped your baby into the mail or an email, the control is in another court. Outside of writing is the same. You can't control what another person will do. Make certain your goal is something you can control. You should also give yourself the time needed to reach your goal and add a little wiggle room. Realize that life can sometimes throw curves and be prepared.

How badly do you want it?
It takes wanting something enough not to give up at the first sign of problems to keep working on a goal. Don't quit too soon. In fact, if you've set a specific time period in which to reach your goal, see it through. Why? Because even if you don't reach your goal, you've made progress. Celebrate it. You can always try for that brass ring again. If you decide to do that, you're already a step ahead, because you've seen some of the things that can trip you up, and you can adjust your plan in accordance.

There are all kinds of goals, not only for writing, but for making life easier, healthier, and more fun. Whether it's getting more exercise, losing weight, organizing your home or life, or taking a vacation, setting goals can help you be a success. You can find some great tips online to help you along the way, from planning and the process of working on goals to reaching them. Here are just a few:

WebMD's How to Reach Your Goals has some great advice on goal setting to help you make reaching your goal a success.
Not sure you're ready to set a goal? Do you see too many obstacles? Susan B. Wilson, Facililitator and Coach has tips on how to remove those obstacles.
Are you in need of long term goals for living, not just short term goals for specific projects? Mind Tools - Personal Goal Setting can help you along the way.
The title pretty much says it all. Dr. Phil's Seven Steps to Reaching Your Goals.

We're only a little more than 3 months from the end of 2011 and the biggest goal setting day of each year: New Year's Day. Why not try setting some small, short term goals to get in some practice before the holidays hit? Remember, it takes 21 days to make a habit.

What's your goal for the next month?

Goal Setting: Searching For What Works Best

2011-09-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

In spite of good intentions, my desire to actually put words to paper has been at an all time low since earlier this year. Yeah, I know. I've mentioned it before. Add to it that it was a rough summer. While I've written through some of the worst times (a divorce, four moves in two years, and the deaths of family and friends), I just haven't been able to find the desire needed to get back into writing mode.

As a writer, I should be writing. I need to be writing. It wasn't happening. And then I kept seeing Facebook posts by author friend Susan Gable about how her writing progress was going. I decided it was time to follow her example.

Susan's goal is to write 500 words per day. That really isn't a lot for writers who are accustomed to writing as much as ten pages or more a day. There have been times, when on deadline and in the middle of writing a book, that I've written twenty pages, but those times aren't the norm. I can do what's needed in a pinch, but it's the day-to-day putting words on paper that's currently a problem for me.

I'd stumbled upon a little progress meter and wanted to use it, but until I was ready and willing to make the commitment, I had to wait. Now that I'm ready and willing, I've included it here on my blog. ==== >

But I didn't stop there. I searched until I found a nifty Excel spreadsheet someone created for NaNoWriMo and downloaded it, then adjusted it to fit my goal. Because I know just enough about Excel to get myself in trouble, it wasn't too difficult. If that hadn't worked, I could have set up my own spreadsheet. If you aren't familiar with Excel, keeping track in a notebook or sheet of paper works just as well.

I set my daily for for 500 words and wrote 523 the first day! (Saturday) On Sunday (yesterday) I realized that if I wanted to write all of the three chapters needed for a proposal, I was going to have to bump up the daily word count.

I'll be the first to admit that math is absolutely NOT my best subject, but I manage to find a way to get what I need. Here's what I did:

Word count need for complete manuscript=55,000
My books usually have 12 chapters, so 55,000 :/: 12=4583.3333333
An average words for 3 chapters would then =2@4583words and 1@4584words.
4583 + 4583 + 4584 = 13,750.

For a little extra wiggle room, I added an extra 250 words (approximately 1 page)

I chose the date to reach my goal 22 days later (for reasons I won't go into), so:

14000 :/: 22 = 636.363636363....
Rounded off to 640, making that my daily goal.

That's Less than a page more than 500 words, so it should be doable. Maybe even better than that. Yesterday I added the extra needed to the 523, plus 640 for the day, I wrote 1002 words. My running total, had I written 640 words each day, would have been 1280, but my real running total for the two days is 1525.

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is in November. I've always been in the middle of a deadline of some kind in the past, but I'm marking it on my calendar and have decided to find a way to participate this year. I know I'll be in good company! If you aren't familiar with NaNoWriMo, or if you're like me and are ready to try to make daily writing a habit, or you just feel you need a push and something to keep you on track, click on the links. Or maybe you can join me by commenting on this post, and we'll work toward a goal together.

Until later....

Happy Writing!!

Character Creation

2011-09-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

I'd planned to blog about characters on Wednesday, but as it turned out, I was working on finding and getting to know my own. That may be a good thing, because I've just gone through the process and it's fresh in my mind. Almost too fresh. ☺

There's no reason to mention that for a romance there's a need for two main characters. Without someone to love, there's no romance, so choose characters you can relate to and readers will love.

But how does a writer choose the best characters that will work well for each particular story? It's a process, and sometimes it can be a long one. For me, the characters often come first, and when they do, it starts with one character, who often has a built in conflict. That conflict may not be the one I stick with, but it's a starting place and can morph into something bigger and better. Sometimes a character comes with only a character description: single mom, rodeo cowboy, girl from the wrong side of the tracks, etc., just to name a few. Even that small bit is a good start.

How to choose that second character? It seems no one knows who to attribute this quote to, but someone once said that if your hero is a firefighter, your heroine better be an arsonist. Can you hear the scream of conflict in that? Yes, opposite types are going to be in conflict with each other. Without conflict, a story has no teeth. In fact, without it, it's boring. Just make sure there's some quality for each of them that the other can admire, otherwise their romance isn't going to last to the middle of the book.

While searching for the author of the firefighter/arsonist quote, I found a great article online that might help when creating characters. Opposites attract, but can it last? begins with a quote from best-selling, award-winner author Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whose books I refuse to miss. In fact, I often use her newest one as a reward after reaching a big goal.

Some writers use character profile sheets to help create their characters. In most of them, there are lists of things to fill in, such as age, hair color, favorite books, birth order, and other things that help writers get to know their characters better. Once upon a time, long, long ago, I used character profile sheets, but I discovered I spent more time filling them out than getting to know my characters. Sometimes I'm so focused and engrossed that I forget the main reason for doing something. This doesn't mean profile worksheets are bad. If the sheets help or you think they might, use them! We need all the help we can get. There are countless profile sheets online that can be saved and/or printed. To find them, simple do a search for character profile worksheet, try out a few, and choose the one that best helps you. If you find that none of several you try don't fit, take the best aspects and create your own.

I'll be revisiting the topic of characters again soon, because there's more to share. After all, without characters, there's really no story, even if those characters are thinking and talking trees and plants. :0

So what kind of characters did I come up with? A single mom of a 12-year-old girl and a cowboy with a horse ranch. I'll share more about them later. ;)

Plotting Tips

2011-09-19T06:14:00.001-05:00

It's time to get back to work, and since I'm getting ready to do some plotting on what possibly might become two new Desperation books, plotting seems like a good topic to discuss.

A simple definition of plotting is that it's a road map of your story. You start at one point--the beginning--and then write your way along a highway of scenes to finally come to the final point--the end. Many things can happen between that beginning and ending, depending on your characters and where you want to take them. In romance, we take them from a "first meet" to that "HEA" (happily ever after) that each romance must have.

That "first meet" between the hero and heroine of a romance can be between strangers, adversaries, acquaintances or friends. Keep in mind that the first sentence and the following paragraphs are what will grab the reader. The last thing the reader wants to know is either character's life history, so don't worry about telling that now. Those first few words need to hook the reader into the moment. It may only be a moment experienced by one character (hero or heroine), so don't be afraid to wait to introduce the other character a few paragraphs or even a couple of pages later. Just don't let it go on too long. Those first few pages--that first scene--should contain an "OH, NO!" response between the characters or even within the reader, who sees that there's going to be some trouble up ahead.

My story ideas usually start with one character, then my mind searches for the other character, whose goals will be in direct opposition to him or her. Somewhere along the line in there, an idea of where the story will start and what the main conflict between those characters may be starts to take root. It may not remain the same, as ideas start to grow. Changes sometimes need to be made and will be if needed.

Knowing your characters before starting to plot can be a big help. When you know them well enough, you'll know how they'll react to each other and situations that might arise. There are many different ways of getting to know your characters, so stop back in later this week for more. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Not a Week to Repeat

2011-09-16T22:59:00.000-05:00

I didn't intend to be MIA this week, but last weekend was busy with no time to write a blog in advance. Monday morning I woke up with what quickly proved to be a full blown, down and dirty cold. I have a routine for that kind of thing that includes particular cold medicines for day and night, and my ever faithful echinacea to help my immune system to fight off the nasties. Still, I don't remember feeling quite so tired, just because of a cold, so time was spent sleeping whenever possible, if even for an hour at a stretch.

Tuesday I learned my aunt (my mother's brother's wife) had passed away. We lost my uncle in May, and many of us hadn't yet completely come to terms with it. It's tough to deal with new grief while still grappling with another, but it's something many people have to do. I'll miss my aunt, just as I miss my uncle, even though I hadn't seen them often. They were the last of my mother's family. What's left now are cousins of all ages. First cousins, second cousins, third cousins and others. New, little cousins I hadn't seen until today at the funeral. Life does go on, even as we have to say goodbye to another.

I'll be back to normal on Monday and plan to share some new thoughts on writing. I'm happy to say that my cold is pretty much gone, and I'm feeling a little more normal every day.

Enjoy the weekend!

In the Mood for Writing

2011-09-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

Being in the mood to write, whether it's starting something new or working on a current wip, isn't always easy, nor does it happen when needed. Life, with all its ups and downs, good times and bad times, can get in the way of the ability to be create. Whether it's family needing our emotional attention or we're in a negative place about our writing, there are times when the words just won't come.

We all go through it. I'm currently in that 'can't write' place and am struggling to get out of it and get something positive going. It's not that I haven't written anything. I just haven't been able to write the things I should be working on. It happens to all of us.

So what's a writer to do when creativity has taken a holiday? Here are a few suggestions that might trip the creative wire.

Take a walk--While this wasn't possible for me even last week, thanks to record-breaking high temps, it definitely is this week. Once upon a time a walk quite often did the trick. It's definitely worth a try, especially before winter makes an appearance.
Put on some favorite music--I did this the other day while cleaning and sorting and washing dishes. It helped the time spent on mundane chores go quickly. Before I knew it, I was working with a smile. And if that doesn't help get you in the mood...
Create a playlist--Whether it's for your current or next WIP, music can spark ideas and characters without breaking a sweat.
Brainstorm--This is usually one of my favorites. In fact, I've discovered that brainstorming another writer's story is more beneficial than brainstorming my own.
Read--Just for the pleasure of reading and without thoughts of learning from it, enjoy the enfolding of a favorite book written by a favorite writer. Lose yourself in the words and the story and forget about your own.
Experiment with a new genre--Don't worry about whether it's good or bad, just take the spark of an idea and go with it. Don't even think about submitting it, because this story is for you and no one else.
Meditate--Give your mind a little time to rest, with no thoughts of story or character or writing. Or anything. Don't know how? Do an internet search for *meditation* and learn!
Exercise--Sometimes the brain just needs fresh blood. Writers lead a sedentary and cerebral life, and we need to get up and move. If aerobics or calisthenics aren't your thing and make you think of torture, put on some music and dance!
Understand that you're not alone--Inspiration can hit a wall. When you think you've done everything you can, do a search for *writing when you're not in the mood*.
Take a break--If, after trying all of the above, you still find writing difficult, it may be time to put it aside for a short time. But don't let it go on and on. Set a specific time to mentally get away from writing--a week, a month, three months--and then stick to it. When the time is up, spend a day or two (no more) about what you want or need to write, and then start writing.

Now it's my turn to take my own advice.

"Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." E.L. Doctorow

Laboring Away on Labor Day

2011-09-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

Sounds like a catchy song, doesn't it? If it was, I'd be playing it, because that's what I'm doing. However, Santana singing Black Magic Woman will have to do.

What I'm doing isn't back breaking labor or even labor I'm being paid to do. I'm working on making my office work for me. That includes cleaning and sorting papers and things--especially things that don't belong--in my office. I have several boxes of paper ready to be taken to the recycle center and wonder if there'll ever be an end to it. There are a couple of boxes that I'll shred here later, and then take to the center. Books need to be shelved, surfaces need to be cleared, and the floor needs a quick vacuuming. Instead of storing things I haven't looked at or used in a while, I'm trying to throw away more. If this works well, there are other areas of my home that can stand to be streamlined.

One would think a writer with a computer wouldn't have boxes and piles of papers. As the 7-Up Un-Deer said in the '70s, WRONG-O! A computer and printer can mean even more paper than a typewriter did. It's so much easier to simply print a research article on the Web than it is to make notes. It's so much easier to spot mistakes in a manuscript for someone like me who has been reading the printed word for--well, let's say over 40 years, but has only been watching a computer screen for maybe 20 at the most.

Hey, I'm a creature of habit, and my habit tends to being a bit shy about throwing things away. I'm working on changing that habit. (A weekly dose of Hoarders helps.) If that means working on Labor Day, then so be it. After the office, the next thing on my list is to rebuild a bookcase for the living room, and then dive into a bedroom-sort. By then it may be time to start dragging out those cooler weather aka fall/winter clothes and put away the shorts. Frankly, after a summer of record-breaking heat, I can't wait!

Hope you're enjoying your Labor Day this year! And remember, Christmas is less than 4 months away. ;)

That Little Extra

2011-08-29T14:55:00.001-05:00

Mothers use it with their children; teachers use it with their students; credit card companies use it with their cardholders; banks and stores use it with their customers: businesses use it with their employees.

What is it?

This month over at Bits & Bytes, the WARA members have been blogging about the struggles they have with writing. The list is varied and includes distractions, poor time management, and poor self-discipline. Also mentioned were writing obstacles that include family, employment and health. Plain old procrastination is a biggie, too. Strange, but finding ideas hasn't been mentioned. It seems we don't have any big problems with that. Our imaginations seem to be working just fine, so it isn't that we aren't inspired. It's just that we don't or can't do it...for all of the reasons listed and more.

What is it that all those people and entities listed up at the top do? They use REWARDS. They use INCENTIVES. And that's something that writers don't always think of using.

The writing of a novel spans quite a lot of time, from the first tiny glimmer of an idea to the finished product. There are characters to be created, research to be done, plotting, writing, revising, polishing, and finger crossing when the final product--our baby--is sent off to an editor, agent, or contest. The act itself should be rewarding enough, right? Well, not necessarily.

We've learned that setting goals can sometimes work well in getting us motivated and moving. And while reaching those goals brings satisfaction, there's usually still a long road ahead. We often choose publication as the reward for all of our hard work. But at the end of the road there may or may not be publication. That's something we can't control.

So what's a writer to do? Reward ourselves along the way. Rewards don't have to be big things. Small things work great! So you wrote for 10 minutes today? Super! Give yourself a treat. An ice cream cone or some yummy yogurt you've been wanting to try would be perfect. You finished a chapter? Congratulations! Reward yourself with a long bubble bath or an evening with a friend. That novel is finished and has been sent to an editor or agent? Fantastic! Pull out that book you've been dying to read and enjoy it or spend a day or several days doing what you want to do, such as a mini vacation, if it fits in the budget!

Rewards don't have to cost money. Just calling a friend and sharing the news that you've reached a goal can be rewarding. And that friend may give you the incentive you need to keep going. A quiet evening watching a movie makes a good reward and can often offer inspiration or new ideas for your story, too.

My reward for reaching the goal of a finished manuscript used to be to read the latest Susan Elizabeth Phillips book. I've forgotten to do that and am behind at least two reward books. Maybe, if I write fast enough, I can get caught up soon! Now that's my kind of reward!!

Any suggestions or ideas for rewards and incentives? We can all use some fresh ones to keep us going on the road to reaching our goals, so feel free to share what works for you.

That Old Sticktoitiveness

2011-08-24T14:07:00.000-05:00

You've heard of it before. Stick-to-it-ive-ness. Hopefully everyone has experienced it least once in their lives. It's the determination that keeps you going and going and...yeah, like the bunny...going until you get what you want. Or need.

It's something anyone who decides to write must have. Oh, you may not have been born with it. Most of us weren't. But writing takes determination and a will to go on trying, even in the face of stinky comments from friends and relatives or downright rejection of industry professionals aka agents and editors.

Learning the hard truth is just that--hard. Why? Because it's best learned by experience, and experience can hurt. That experience is usually gained through two things. Writing (finishing) several books and...the R word. Rejections. I wrote several complete novels before I ever submitted to a publisher or agent. I've also never counted how many rejections I received before I sold my first book, but I admit that each one left an impression. At times I wanted to quit. Other times a rejection made me more determined to write a better book. I'll even admit that there are still some days when throwing in the towel would be easier, especially when the ideas and the words just won't come easily. But I didn't quit. I kept persevering. (Isn't that a nifty word?)

If rejections are getting the better of you or even the thought of them are, here are some tidbits that might help a little.

Margaret Mitchell received 38 publisher rejections on Gone With the Wind.
The Diary of Anne Frank was rejected by 15 publishers.
Stephen King's Carrie received dozens of rejections, although he was writing stories for magazines at the time, so he could obviously write.
John Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill, received a dozen rejections from publishers and 16 from agents.
Madeline L'Engle received 26 rejections on A Wrinkle in Time.
William Golding's Lord of the Flies was rejected by 20 publishers.
J.K. Rowling didn't give up after her young boy-turned wizard in a world of magic got a thumbs down from dozens of publishers. It wasn't until after it was published by a much smaller publishing company and readers had Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in hand, begging for more, that those mega publishers were clamoring for it.

And if that isn't quite enough, here's the latest best-seller addition to the previously-rejected list:

The Help, Kathryn Stockett's current blockbuster novel-turned-movie, was rejected 60 times by agents. Read her interview with Katie Couric.

I've been ready to give up many times, and if it hadn't been for two things, I might have, very early on. The first of those things was a few very special writing friends who were determined that I wouldn't quit and throw in the towel. The second one was a thought that stayed in my mind and would never be silenced completely. What if tomorrow would have been the day an editor liked my book, but I quit before I ever sent it?

If you're a writer fighting thoughts of quitting--or someone who isn't a writer but is having thoughts of giving up on anything--stop. You'll never have what you want or be able to reach your dream if you've left it behind. If you've recently been rejected, pick yourself up and dust yourself off, then take a closer look at whatever it was that didn't make the cut, and then do your best to fix it and go on.

Remember, no one was born published.

Reach for the moon and land among the stars!

Rainy Days and Mondays

2011-08-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

It isn't really raining. The streets and sidewalks aren't wet, just showing occasional big drops. It's barely enough to have to turn on the windshield wipers even less than the lowest intermittent setting.

But the sky is cloudy and gloomy, keeping the sun from brightening the room...and me. It was a blah weekend, while I searched for a project I could sink my teeth into...or put my heart into...or just get into. I'd think I found it, only to discover after settling at the computer that my interest had already waned.

So it isn't really the rain or the cloudy skies. Sometimes it just happens.

I read The Help this weekend. Although I found it slow going at first, due to written dialect, which always give me a little trouble, once I got the hang of it and attached it to the character, the story and all the characters grabbed my attention. By 5 a.m. on Sunday, after reading all Saturday evening and night, I forced myself to put the book away so I could get some sleep, with a promise to finish the book later.

The ending holds promise for people of all color. Segregation ended--or was supposed to have ended--several decades ago. But I remember it, and although things have changed, I still see remnants of it. I expect there will always be some, at least in my lifetime. Even on this cloudy, raining, and gloomy Monday, there's hope.

Here's wishing all a happy and productive week, no matter what your weather or even your current mood. :)

The End of an Era

2011-08-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

Although I've only read the first book, my youngest daughter has read them all--at least once. She's also made sure I went to see the movies. And we certainly wouldn't miss having all of the DVDs, except this last one. Of course it will join the other seven on our DVD shelf as soon as it's released.

Thinking we were going to see HP 7.2 on the nation's largest IMAX screen in 2D last week (3D gives me a headache), we discovered we'd read the online theater schedule wrong and had to see it in a regular, non-IMAX theater. Even so, I still forked over $17 for tickets. (Lucky me. I got a discount.) No popcorn, drinks or goodies. Yes, I'm cheap. I go to the theater to see a movie twice in a good year, and usually after it's played out at the more expensive theaters. Being the first in town (or even my family) to see a movie is not my main goal in life.

After sitting through the trailers of the coming soons and the first fifteen mnutes of HP, I was eternally grateful we weren't able to see it in IMAX in any kind of D. It was by far real enough on a regular screen.

Was it good? Oh, my, yes!! Even for someone who has only read that first book. Although I have to mention that Brits tend to mumble, so I have to listen extra closely. Or maybe my hearing is going with the rest of me...downhill.

Anyway, I won't give any spoilers, but for someone who didn't know how it was going to turn out, as readers of the books did, it had me in tears more than once. I'm waiting to see it again in the cheap seats theater ($3 tickets) with my oldest granddaughter, who was disappointed we didn't take her along with us. And we'll have the DVD later, so we can look forward to haveing a complete Harry Potter marathon. I can't wait!

J.K. Rowland did a super job of storytelling! My only question to her would be to know if what showed on the screen in the movies--the cinematography and special effects--were what she saw in her mind as she wrote.

In one word: FANTASTIC

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

2011-08-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

After blogging about goals on Monday, I started thinking about how we determine what goals we choose and in what order we might do them, especially when life things are happening all around us. Of course I'm talking about priorities.

If life was as easy as we dream of it being, there'd be no reason to prioritize. Everything would just fall into place. Some things are easy and don't take much thought. We have a meal before we do dishes. We get dressed before going to work or shopping. But when it comes to other things that are equally if not more important, it can become much more difficult.

Finding the time to write can seem impossible sometimes. Women especially battle this more than men. While that may be changing, we women are still the multi-taskers who watch over everything and try to keep disaster from happening. For decades women were taught to put everyone else before them. Not so much anymore.

Still, trying to find time to write or do anything related to writing can seem impossible at times. Writers often have jobs, spouses, families, and those families can include parents, children, and grandchildren. Writers with children often postpone their writing and their writing dreams until the children are older. Others search for and find ways to squeeze in some writing time on a regular basis.

Don't beat yourself up, whether you choose to take some time for yourself or devote your time to your family or other things that are important to you. If you find you want to shift your priorities and make some changes, do it. Just don't let others tell you what and how. If you're determined to write, but others don't see it as important as you do, sometimes a talk with family and friends can help make the changes needed.

If your schedule is mind-bogglingly overcrowded, but you're determined to write, don't forget that even a few minutes, here and there, is enough. It's all forward motion, whether you're writing pages a day or only paragraphs.

So shake off the guilt and the worry. If this is your time to do something for yourself--something like writing that book of your heart--you'll find a way to do it, if you just keep looking and trying.

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-08-15T13:19:00.000-05:00

I may be back in the saddle, but what it really means is that life is back to normal. I spent ten days dealing with a pulled muscle in my lower back and practically wearing a heating pad 24/7, while revising two proposals that eventually involved some major replotting. (It happens, folks, to all of us, even the best of us which I am not.) By Friday I was more or less pain free. Well, except the pain of plotting and revising and rewriting and... After all the blood, sweat and tears, both proposals were emailed this morning just after 1:30.

That done, it's time to turn my attention to doing what had to wait while making that deadline. That involves setting goals. I'm good at setting goals. What I'm not good at is reaching those goals. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on goals--the writing kind.

I'm perfectly aware that the key to reaching goals is to set ones that are doable. If it isn't within your control, find a goal that is.

Big goals are fine, but if you don't have a plan to reach them, you've set yourself up for failure. Break your large goals down into bite-size pieces. Is your goal to be published? Study your craft, read the works of others, discover what your strengths and weakness are so you can use and improve. Network with other authors, both published and not yet published. Research the market, who's buying and what they're buying, what agents and publishing houses are a good fit for your work.

And write. Even if it's half a page a day because your life is full of family, work, responsibilities. And I'll be the first to admit that I need to take my own advice.

Set a reachable goal as to when you want to have your project finished, and when it is, don't sit on it. For one thing, markets change. For another, fear must eventually be faced if you want to succeed. That means it's time to SUBMIT. And when you've done that, instead of sitting around, while waiting probably months and months for a response on that book of your heart, start the writing process all over again and create a new book of your heart.

And good luck! Because luck has a lot to do with it. Even the most talented are overlooked because the story doesn't fit the market or the publisher has just bought five books with the same general theme. Don't let it get you down. Pull up your big girl panties (or your big boy briefs) and keep going. Your goal--your dream--is still there, ready to be reached if you keep working at it.

Happy Monday, and have a terrific week!

It's Deadline Time

2011-08-11T19:35:00.000-05:00

White Rabbit Syndrome

2011-08-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

"Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!"

I like to think my continued tardiness throughout life is because I was born late. But because I'm adopted, I have no idea how close I was born to my "due date," so the excuse doesn't really work. Nevertheless, that isn't going to stop me from using it, nor will I suddenly change to one of those people who would be on time, even if their house caught fire as they were leaving and their car broke down on the way. (God forbid that would happen to anyone!)

It's not that I'm late for everything. And I do have an excuse today for being late. Or several excuses, if that works better.

I was up late last night trying to plot a new story that apparently doesn't want to be plotted.
My daughter decided to organize the hall closet that contains everything from shampoo and cotton swabs to furniture polish and hair color. She did a great job, but after showing me how good it looked, she announced my office needed organizing. Oh, no!! I had to physically restrain her from opening the drawers in my desk, and then I physically restrained myself as she searched my bookcase for a book to read. My parting goodnight included, "Just turn off the light when you leave the room."
I've already written one blog post today (topic: writing struggles) and was late with it, too.

I can plan and schedule all I want, but something will always come along and throw a monkey wrench into the works. Just what is a monkey wrench, anyway?
Case in point: Saturday nights are usually spent at my oldest daughter's house, where we enjoy dinner cooked by said daughter and a lot of chit-chatting about everything from the weather to politics to soap operas. (I quit watching soaps long, long ago.) But this past Saturday, she and her daugher had a baby shower to attend, so I planned to finish that plotting I mentioned earlier.

(Time out to show how crazy life is here at Rancho Delaney)
Mid-day and knowing we'd be spending the evening in, my youngest announced, "There's nothing on!" as she scrolled through the menu of cable offerings. I revised her statement to, "There's nothing that I want to watch," and reminded her that in addition to the hundreds of cable channels, there's also On Demand, Netflix, and our 400 or so DVDs, including her entire collection of Harry Potter and Buffy. Some people just can't be pleased.

(Back to the monkey wrench...)
About seven p.m., our usual time to go to oldest's for dinner, granddaughter called and said they were on their way home from the shower and we could come over. I should've stayed and continued the plotting, but to tell the truth, my eyes were beginning to cross as I juggled scenes on my storyboard. Besides, I always enjoy time with family.

In a nutshell, I was able to amend my usual schedule of Saturdays with family, and instead planned to work on current WIP. Schedule fixed. However, new plan was interrupted and changed again when granddaughter called to say, "Come on over!"

To quote Rosanna Roseannadanna, "It's always something."

And that's what really causes White Rabbit Syndrome. That and being born late. ;)

Better Late Than Never

2011-08-02T12:26:00.001-05:00

To understand why I didn't get a blog written yesterday, take a look at my writers group's new blog and website. By the time I was finished, after working on them most of the day, my eyes were crossed, and I never wanted to look at a computer screen again.

Of course that has passed now. I watched a little TV, went to bed, couldn't sleep, got up and wrote some notes on current WIP, and finally drifted off to dreamland. Typical night, except that I don't watch a lot of TV, especially in the summer. I'm not a couch potato in the fall, either. That's a habit I broke, long ago, and don't plan to return to. One bad habit down, a gazillion to go.

I should be writing. I have two proposals that need to be reworked, and I've actually dabbled at doing that. But dabbling is all. I seem to be frozen and unable to do what needs to be done. I've brainstormed with the two Ks, and we have another session planned for tomorrow via 3-way phone call. All I can do is hope that something inside me clicks. And soon.

This is the first time in over fifteen years that I haven't been doing at least something with a WIP. There have been times in the past when I've needed to write--desperately needed to get it down on paper/computer--but couldn't because of other things going on. This is one of the few times in all those years that my time is pretty much my own.

I should be churning out words by the pageful. Blame must be put somewhere, other than on my normal duties as Queen of Procratination, so I've decided to blame it on the heat. It's noon here, and the temp is 109. That's expected to rise to at least 112 at some point. We've had over a month of 100+ temps, so it must be the weather.

It isn't.

Help and advice are needed, before LATE becomes NEVER.

"What's in a Name?"

2011-07-29T19:59:00.000-05:00

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.

~William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

The act of naming a character has its pros and cons, much like everything else in life and especially in writing. It's been known to bring on as much angst as naming a new baby. Both of the two names I suggested for my first daughter were names that were immediately vetoed by her dad. One he just didn't like, the other was the name of someone he knew and just didn't like. Three days after she was born, we finally agreed on a name (and a middle name!). With luck, I don't think I've ever heard her say she hated it, but there was a time she liked her middle name better. BTW, She was not named after a TV witch, the sister of a TV witch or a comic book witch that later appeared on TV, as everyone has often thought, but after a heroine in a romance novel. Was that a sign?

And so it goes. Some names remind us of people we know, while others just don't work for us. We don't like the sound, or names that start with B or any hundred of other reasons. So imagine what it's like to name a book full of characters. And not only first names, but last names, as well!

Some people like old fashioned names for their characters. Some people name their characters the names they didn't (or weren't allowed!) to name their children. Sometimes, after naming a character, we learn that the name won't work for the editor. That's happened to me with three heroines. It wasn't easy at first to adjust, but eventually, after writing fifty-five thousand words where the name is used hundreds of times, the new name settles in and becomes the character.

But what if you just can't come up with a name? Websites with nothing but baby names are available, sometimes dividing the names into origins. Behind the Name is one I like when looking for something a little more ethnic. Or what if you write historicals and want to use a name more fitting to a specific time period? I've heard some people check genealogy records or even cemetaries. I don't write historicals, but when I have an older or even younger character, I use the Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names site, where names are broken down into popularity by each year from 1880 to the present. (My government at work for me!)

Maybe you think the name of secondary characters isn't important. Not necessarily. When I needed a heroine for a new Desperation book, I looked at my list of minor characters who had appeared in one or more books and found one who had never been described by her age. While the name wouldn't have been my first choice for a heroine, it's grown on me and fits this particular heroine to a T.

When the naming gets tough, don't give up. Popularity of names changes with the wind. What might have been popular decades ago, isn't today, but it may have prompted a new one that is.

Do you know from what name the currently second most popular name Emma derives? You might be surprised!

It's Not the Heat, It's the...

2011-07-27T22:26:00.000-05:00

My mother would've ended the saying, "It's not the heat, it's the..." with "humidity," but our humidity here in the middle of the country hasn't been as high as others are dealing with. Still, our official high today was 110 degrees. As far as I'm concerned, humidity or no humidity, that's just too hot.

Whether it was the high temps or just one of those things, my internet was down for a while today. When that happens, my whole schedule--even if it was blank--is screwed. Because of it, I'm writing this blog at 10 p.m. instead of a.m. or even last night. Oh, wait. Downed internet today didn't affect last night. Hey, I'll try any excuse if I think it might work. ;)

The lack of one communication device affected my phone, since I'm a VOIP user. And it happened right in the middle of some very serious brainstorming. I'm very lucky and thankful that my brainstorming buddies took time away from their writing time to give me some help. If I had my choice, I'd rather been on the end of the giving, not the receiving, especially because this time it was a very needed receiving. My editor wasn't all that crazy about my most recent submissions and wanted me to give them a punch, here and there.

So that's what we did. Or they--those buddies--did today. I simply listened and scribbled notes. And since we weren't able to finish, we'll be at it again tomorrow, at least for a while. The time will come when the tables will be turned, and I'll be on the giving end. Until then, I can't say enough how much I appreciate my buddies.

Defining Romance

2011-07-25T12:09:00.000-05:00

"There wasn't enough romance."

Romance is all about love. But what is it that shows or represents the romance? Do each of us as writers or readers have our own expectations, completely different than those of others? Are there general things that characters do or say that tells us there is a romantic link between these two people or are those things specific to each of us?

As romance writers and readers, we should be able to easily define romance or give examples. So speak up and share your thoughts on romance.

As a reader, what, for you, shows romance in the making between two characters?

As a writer, how do you show romance between two characters who are in conflict with each other?

Read, Read, Read

2011-07-20T06:00:00.013-05:00

We're writers. We read.

Sometimes too much writing can exhaust our creativity. The well just seems to dry up and writing becomes difficult. Even painful. The best thing a writer can do to refill that well of creativity is to read. It doesn't matter what's read. In fact, reading outside of a writer's chosen genre or something completely different such as non-fiction or even poetry does the trick for many writers.

Writers have always been readers first, beginning with picture books in childhood, then stepping up to simple words on a page, followed by short chapter books and finally to those real books that have no pictures, just page after page of story. Once we've moved on to the next tier, we forget how exciting it was to take that step up. Think back to the books you read as a child. If possible, take it one step farther and get a copy, maybe from the library or one you can keep for yourself. Try a book you read later in grade school, one of those short chapter books. Remember again the joy of reading that led to wanting to create something that others might enjoy as much as we enjoyed those books from our past.

Refill that well. Try a new author. There are new ones popping up every day. It only takes a short trip to Amazon or Barnes & Noble or any online bookstore to find someone or something that might fit the bill. Or try a trip to the library. If you're not sure exactly what it is you're looking for or nothing catches your fancy, try the new book of a favorite author, or even re-read an older story.

Too often when we write we forget that we were once readers. I know I don't read as much as I'd like to or even as much as I did a few years ago. Lucky for me, one of my favorite authors comes out with a new book about every year. That new book becomes the carrot on the stick, keeping me on target and tempting me to make my goals or even to meet a contract deadline. Reading that book is my reward. And often that one book will lead me to another. I'll try a new author and discover more magic.

We're writers, we read. What are you reading?

Just Write

2011-07-18T22:19:00.000-05:00

Although I have a Twitter account and tweet now and then, what I've found that I like best about it is the links that are posted by people, entities and groups I follow. Or re-treeted links by people I follow that were originally tweeted by people I don't follow. Do you follow me on that? ☺

Today was a goldmine that hit me right between the eyes. Oh, I've been thinking about this, but kept skirting around the edges of the topic and have finally broken it down into two words: JUST WRITE.

First, here's the link to M. Molly Backes' blog post on How To Write. She said so much in her blog post that's rarely said by writers who are asked how to write. She got down to the nitty gritty and explained those two words. JUST WRITE.

As writers, we tend to overthink things and to complicate the simple things. Why not? Words are our business, our career, our love. We use them, and sometimes we even abuse them. But the one thing we don't do is run out of them. According to The Global Language Monitor, there are 1009753 words in the English language. Yes, that's 1 billion and counting. And we have the pleasure of using and re-using all 1b+. So why is it that we too often say that we can't think of anything to write? Kind of silly, isn't it?

As M. Molly Backes points out in her delightfully insightful answer to a mother's question, writers need to write. It doesn't matter what we write, we just write. Remember diaries? If you had one--or two or twenty--think back about what you wrote in those. Little things, right? More than likely, you wrote about something that happened and how you felt about it. You wrote about people you met. You wrote observations on all sorts of things. Try it again. If you don't enjoy journaling, simply look out your window and describe what you see.

When should you write? The best answer would be always, but of course that isn't possible. The next best answer is to set aside a particular time to write and do it each and every day. Again, write what comes to mind, even if it's gibberish and makes no sense. The simple act of doing that may slide right into writing something that makes perfect sense.

Once you're writing regularly again, don't forget to READ. There's nothing like reading that can kickstart your own itch to write. And who of us can say no to that?

Writers must write. ;)

P.S. Last Friday I posted that I'd made no forward movement with my writing goal for the week. By the end of the day, I'd caught up the two days I was behind and also made Friday's goal. It goes to show that persistence and downright stubborness can eventually produce results. Now to catch up on today's goal...

If At First You Don't Succeed...

2011-07-15T06:16:00.001-05:00

'Tis a lesson you should heed,
Try, try again.
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again. - Thomas H. Palmer (1782 - 1861) Teacher's Manual (1840)

Like everyone else, I'm more familiar with the trying than the succeeding. But without the trying, there wouldn't be any succeeding, so if I want to experience SUCCESS, I have to pay my dues.

I've been feeling lower than complacent lately and unable to concentrate on the things I need to be doing. Okay, not just concentrate, but even give a damn. So a couple of days ago, I convinced myself that this inability to make any progress that I've been having is bad, and I proceeded to give myself a quick, hard kick in the you know what to get me going. I needed motivation. It helped. At least a little. I haven't found all the motivation I need, but I'm slowly getting there.

It appeared that I was on the right track. However, it would be easier if I was able to at least give some time to the small goals I set. That doesn't seem to be happening. Story of my life.

That calendar I created with Word to keep me on the straight and narrow and also so allow me to track my progress looks exactly the same as it did two days ago. Nothing has been done that was scheduled, nothing has been marked off as Finis.

There are times when we feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. Must of those times are because we've fallen off the ladder of success and maybe have lost sight of where we were headed in the first place. Or at least it seems we have. A good hard shake of our 'selves' will probably put us back on the road, if not a foot up on the rungs of that ladder, and we can give moving forward or up a try again.

If at first you don't succeed...

So in spite of the fact that I'm already two days behind on my first goal--I make them small and then chop them up into even smaller mini-goals--that doesn't mean I should throw in the towel and forget about it all. No, that's not the way to succeed. Success can only happen at this point by taking a deep breath and the steps necessary to to move forward, if only an inch. One step at a time. And if that means spending time over the weekend that I hadn't scheduled for anything except vegging out--something I don't do a whole lot of--then so be it.

Success can be measured by attaining a life goal. It can also be measured by those small, almost infintesimal things that we tend to ignore. While it's true that we shouldn't sweat the small stuff (like my two unproductive-toward-my-goal days) we should celebrate the small movement we make in a foward direction toward our goals. Or any other accomplishment, even when not goal-related.

Success, no matter how small it is...celebrate It!

Know Your Species

2011-07-13T06:58:00.002-05:00

Most of us started out writing without knowing much about the world of publishing, and that's okay. I started writing romance because I thought it would be fun. One led to two, three, and more, and then came wondering about whether it just might be possible to actually send it to an editor with the idea of getting it publish. That moment when we think about having our work published is very defining. At that point, we become serious about writing.

If someone had asked me during those early days what kind of romance I was writing, my answer might very well have been, "HUH?" Of course I knew that within romance there were long books, short books, shorter books combined with others. I also knew there were contemporary books and historical books, and even otherwordly books. But I wasn't yet familiar with sub-genres.

If you're like I was and you've begun writing, whether for the fun of it or with an eye on selling to a publisher, becoming familiar with the types of books within the romance genre known as sub-genres should be at the top of your list of things to do. When the time comes to send your baby off to an editor, you don't want to waste time by sending it to the wrong place.

A quick list of the major sub-genres of romance would include:

Contemporary
Historical
Paranormal
Young Adult

Those four contain numerous sub-categories, such as Romantic Suspense, Inspirational, and others, which are sometimes combined with and included as sub-genres. Sub-categories can also be mixed together for cross-genres. To make things even more complicated, more sub-categories are popping up every day. Simplify at first by focusing on where you feel your writing reflects and belongs. For more information on sub-genres, do a search (Google works well) for romance sub genres.

Knowing where your writing fits will make it easier when you've decided it's time to start submitting to publishers. And if you've been doing your homework and keeping current on what kind of books are being published by which company, you're ahead of the game. It's all about the market, what's selling, whose buying, and how to get your book in on it, too.

Say What?

2011-07-11T00:42:00.002-05:00

Writers, like any other group of people who share a profession or a passion, have their own language. An non-writer can often have that glazed-eye look about them when caught in a group of writers. We do tend to let those words and acronymns roll off our tongues without thinking about who might be wondering what in the world we're talking about. Even new writers who are learning the jargon still sometimes have to swallow their pride and ask what something means. There's no reason to be embarrassed. We were all new to it at one time, and have all felt totally lost at times.

Instead of trying to list some of the more common terms, it might be better to tackle them a few at a time. Let's start with three of the more common acronyms: GMC, POV, and WIP.

GMC
No, it has nothing to do with General Motors. In the world of stringing words together to build a story, it stands for Goal, Motivation, and Conflict. It's been made famous in our little world by writer, publisher, speaker (and more), Debra Dixon. GMC is what we (try) to use when creating our characters and planning/plotting a book that will make readers never want to put it down. If you can have only one book in your writing library, this needs to be it. Because GMC is crucial when writing, we'll take a closer look at it down the road.

POV
Heaven forbid that we would say something, instead of condensing it into something smaller that really isn't shorter when said. POV simply stands for Point Of View. Every reader understands POV, they just don't know what it's called or how it's used. POV can be described as being in the mind of a character. Hearing, feeling, touching, tasting, smelling, thinking, speaking, moving as that one fictional person. It's definitely important and, again, we'll delve deeper later.

WIP
This is an easy one and is pretty much self-explanatory. Work In Progress. It's what a writer is currently working on. It can be put aside while another piece of work becomes the WIP, and then can be brought out again, to take center stage in the writer's writing life.

Not bad for a start. The three bits of jargon are among some of the most often used, so if you're a new writer, find a way to work them into a conversation with other writer friends to show that you're one of them. Or even better, use them (sparingly) while talking to non-writer friends. Will they ask what these new words mean? Will they stare, befuddled, while you continue to talk? Whatever you do, start learning all you can about GMC and POV, while working on your WIP. You'll be glad you did!

Get Educated About Writing

2011-07-08T17:36:00.000-05:00

Two things happened recently that have caused me to think about the issue of whether a writer needs to attend college classes on writing and literature or even take writing courses. The answer is...maybe.

An English degree isn't a guaranteed book deal nor is a certificate for finishing an online course. In fact, there are people with degrees who have trouble stringing words together to make a coherent sentence. On the other hand, there are people who have been teachers and later become some of the most beloved authors. As for me, I'm horrible at math. Anything beyond simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and I'm totally lost. I admit it. But I don't work at anything that requires it.

Below are a few questions a people interested in writing might ask themselves.

Are your spelling, grammar and punctuation skills fairly good? If you're planning to write, they should be. But there's always online help for grammar, not to mention dictionaries. (More on this at some point in the future.)
Do you understand the basic structure of a good story? Even when my youngest was in third grade she understood that a story has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Do you have an idea of what type of stories you want to write? What genres and/or sub-genres?
Have you read a lot of books, meaning all kinds of books, but especially those in the genre in which you'd like or do write?
Are you willing to take the time to learn the craft of writing? Publication doesn't necessarily come easy or instantaneously. It often takes years.
Are you willing to learn how to keep current on trends and marketing? Both are changing at lightning speed.
Have you grown a thick skin? Comments from other people and rejections from editors can be hard to take. Growing a thick skin and understanding that it isn't personal, just part of the business, will keep you from the doldrums of writing.

The first two can be learned in school. The rest are learned more by doing than anything else.

While there are basics that everyone interested in writing should know and have, some things that need to be learned aren't taught in a college course or even in an online course. Traditional education channels might very well point you in the right direction and at least let you know where and how to find the information you'll need, but they won't create the story idea, and they sure won't write it for you.

None of this means that a person shouldn't take college classes, get a degree, or take an online course. Just don't expect any of those things to be the magic key to publishing a book.

What can you do to help you with your writing and the chance to be published?

Write. Then write some more.
Read, and keep reading.
Find a group of like-minded people who share your goal.
The internet is a gift. Learn to use it to your advantage.
Don't give up.

Be knowledgable about writing. Seek answers to your questions, not just from one person, but from many.

There is no magic key. Only hard work, the desire to create a story and the opportunity to share it with others is what's needed.

So You Want to Be a Writer

2011-07-06T06:03:00.001-05:00

Just a few days ago, an acquaintance and reader told me she wants to be a writer. Not only does she want to, but she's working toward that goal.

It isn't surprising that both men and women aspire to write. Many people who enjoy reading would like to share their own stories with others. I say, Hooray!

And then I'm asked for advice.

Who? Me?! Who I am to be giving advice? While it's true that I've been writing for more than fifteen years, I still have a lot to learn. A lot. But I'm happy to share what I've learned and what I'm learning. If it hadn't been for the hundreds, even thousands of writers who have guided me along through those early years and continue to do so as both friends an fellow writers, I would've given up, long ago.

Writing can be a lonely endeavor. In fact, writers and other artists are at a high risk for things like depression. But it doesn't have to be lonely when there are others out there to share. The Internet has given us the opportunity to break out of what used to be isolation and meet others who share our dream. So join me on the writing journey and let's see where it takes us.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

As Ellen DeGeneres put it so well on Twitter, "Happy 4th of July! Today we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, which commemorates the day Will Smith saved our planet from aliens." Perfectly said, Ellen. :)

Yes, it's the mid-summer holiday we celebrate by re-enacting the sights sounds of war. (Think about it.) I've been spending my day working on a client's website, breaking down old, used, empty cardboard boxes that are taking up room in my kitchen, and fighting the ants that have invaded my living space. Later I'll be wishing this day and the next was over, thanks to the neighborhood fireworks noise that went on until after midnight last night. Okay, I get the message.

It wasn't the fireworks that kept me up. It was Sunday night, the night Mallory and I watch Buffy on the Chiller network, beginning at 11 pm and lasting until I can't keep my eyes open any longer. We have the complete series on DVD, so it's a bit nutso to stay up until the wee hours. Chiller runs 6 shows on Sunday nights. I often make it through the first 3. Mallory has watch the DVDs so many times that she's a walking, talking Buffy Encyclopedia. She knows what happened in each season (there were 7), and all the little tidbits there are to know about the characters and the actors who play them. I consider myself doing well to remember my name in the morning. We even have my oldest daughter hooked on re-watching.

My favorite characters are Giles (Anthony Head, who I loved from the old Taster's Choice coffee commercials), Spike (James Marsters, the best vampire ever), and Glory (Clare Kramer, because she made evil fun). That's just the top of the list. It's been great to see Nicholas Brendon on Criminal Minds, and we're always able to recognize Marc Blucas (Captain Cardboard/Riley Finn) when we see him acting in something. It wouldn't be fair to leave out Seth Green. Or David Boreanaz (of Bones, which I've been watching with Mallory on Netflix). Wow, what a cast, and that's only scratching the surface.

Mallory is the Buffy aficinado. I'm just a fan. Am I the only one? Anyone else want to share about Buffy? I could do a whole month. ☺

Have a happy, fun and safe 4th!

Taking the Heat

2011-07-01T11:49:00.001-05:00

We're having a heat wave... A tropical heat wave... (Marilyn Monroe did it best!)

So what does a writer do when July hits with hot, hot, hot temps? It's the perfect time to stay inside and make some progress. Whether it's working on a current WIP or just making the writing life a little neater and easier, this is the perfect time to do it.

Yesterday I worked on an old story that didn't fit the parameters of a specific line, so it's never seen "print." It's always been one of my favorites, so I'm hoping I can do something with it. There are others to follow, and I'm currently trying to work out a system of how best to keep track of what I want to do with them, how I'll do that, and then actually getting them ready to share.

Today I'm purging my office of paper to be taken to the recycle center tomorrow, along with getting ready to shred old bills and other things I'd rather do myself, and just doing an overall getting-it-together sorting and shifting. It's an ongoing battle. Paper seems to breed around here, no matter how much I recycle, shred, or simply throw away. Just looking at the boxes of paper to recycle makes me cringe. There's no denying that I've killed a lot of trees in my lifetime. I try not to. I've been teaching myself to edit on screen. It's getting better, but I still need a hardcopy on paper for a lot of things. Having a Kindle for book reading at least makes me feel a little better. None of those books will end up in a landfill somewhere.

Because summer Fridays are library days with the grandkids, I'll take three of them to return last week's books and get new. I'm a sucker for books, so I'll check out one for myself, too. I'm hoping Inkheart will have been returned (it's due back today). If so, I'll check it out and set aside some time to read.

Even though tomorrow begins a three-day weekend, it's still working time for me. Because I'm between contracts, I need to take a look at what I want and need to do to make the best use of this time. Thanks to experience, I'm learning that I need to keep writing. Now to decide what to write! ☺

It may be hot out there and forecasted to stay this way far into next week, but life and writing goes on.

Have a fantabulous Independence Day weekend!

Is It Safe?

2011-06-29T11:31:00.000-05:00

Some days it isn't safe to come out. I hope today isn't one of them, but lately they all have been.

Serioiusly, life sometimes throws a wrench into the works. Just when we think we're beginning to get it all together, something happens to bring everything to a halt. It happens to everyone.

So what should we do when that curve ball from life has hit us between the eyes and may have even knocked us out for a while?

Maybe it's time to step back and re-evaluate things in our lives. Not necessarily everything, but discovering what brought about the event that's caused the shake-up is a good place to start. Determine if something done--or not done--tipped the scales enough to kickstart the upset. In my life, nine times out of ten it comes back to me. Not necessarily something I've done--or not done--on purpose, but an action or inaction of my own is often at the root. Once identified, some thought can lead to the changes needed to correct whatever it was that happened.

Our lives are busy enough without things going wrong, and there are times that we had nothing to do with it. If that curve ball was completely from left field and had nothing to do with something we did or didn't do, then it's time to deal with whatever it brought and then move on. No sense in wringing our hands over something we can't control.

It's been three weeks since I last blogged here, and that was far from what I'd planned. Things happened. Much of those things had been screaming for my attention, and then finally reached a point where they could no longer be ignored. I'm working on that. ☺ I hope to be back here on Friday to report that life is moving along as it should. It's definitely feeling safer already.

Creative Space

2011-06-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

What does your office look like? Is it large? Small? Dark or sunshiny? Do you have a large or small desk? A comfy chair to sit in? Music playing in the background or through earphones?

When I think back over the past fifteen or so years, I'm amazed at the different writing spaces I've had. At one time I sat at the edge of an old floor furnace in a drafty old farm house and wrote by hand on large, lined pads of paper. In the summers when I helped haul wheat to the elevator, I wrote on those same pads in the cab of the dump truck between loads of wheat.

There was the freezing-in-the-winter and melting-in-the-summer half-finished attic where I shared the computer with my then-husband, followed by porch which had been enclosed years before.
When the marriage ended and my daughters and I moved to an apartment, the computer and I shared the floor of the small laundry room. Later, I unfolded myself and moved upstairs. I shared my mother's dining room where she had her computer and large desk for a few months, then settled into another laundry room in a different place, but at least with a new desk and chair. Finally in one place for more than a few months, I have the converted garage, and although the view isn't of a lovely wooded area or the ocean, there's plenty of room for my bookcases, shelves, desk and file cabinet.

I work on a desktop computer and have never had a laptop. Maybe someday I will, but only if I'm so mobile that I'll need one. Until then, there's always that big pad of paper, and even though it's getting more difficult to decipher my own handwriting, it works well. Sometimes it works even better than when at the computer.

Not everyone has the luxury of having a special place to write, but that shouldn't keep anyone from writing. Outdoors in parks and even the backyard in the spring and fall can be ideal, depending on the weather and where you live. In cold or bad weather, there are bookstores, coffee shops and libraries. Even grabbing a few minutes while waiting in the car will bring you that much closer to typing THE END.

How important is the place where you write? Is having a space all your own where you can go to write in solitude important to you? Would not having that space keep you from writing?

If someone gave you a magic wand and told you that all you had to do was wish for the writing room you dream of having, what would it be like?

Don't let the lack of the perfect writing space keep you from creating. Learn to create anywhere at anytime, and you'll never have no-place-to-write as an excuse.

Carving Out Time

2011-06-06T17:45:00.000-05:00

Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, finding the time to write can be similar to shaving your legs in the dark. Both are difficult and one can be dangerous. The demands on our time come from everywhere. Whether it's spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, other family members, neighbors, friends, (taking a breath) or from jobs, bosses, or employees, women are constantly at the mercy of someone or something. With apologies to Mick and the rest of the Stones, time is not always in our side.

I chuckle and moan at the stereotype of writers--mostly depicted as male--sitting at their typewriter/computer, pipe at the ready, brow furrowed as their minds spin the tales. No one bothers them. Once inside the inner sanctum of their writing space, they are oblivious to the world outside. Children, if present in the home, are shushed by a wife, who dubiously eyes the closed door, knowing Writer cannot be distrubed. Whether Writer spends all day in his private space or whether it occurs after regular working hours, he has no worry that someone would dare to invade his time for creating. If depicted as female, the writer stretches supine in a fluttery negligee on a velvet sofa, eating bonbons and dictating words to a prim, proper, and bespectacled assistant. Oh, my! Honestly, I don't think I'd enjoy even trying that one. ☺

Those of us who actually do write know the above description isn't only silly, it's downright criminal and untrue. But the fact is that because we are women (mostly, at least in the romance category), we're clever enough to beat the odds. No matter what it is we need, we'll find a way to find it, even if it means a little less sleep.

So how does one carve out even a small wedge of time? The tried and true include getting up an hour or more early, which works for morning people. Staying up a little later at night works for nightowls. Writing during the kids' soccer or dance or swimming practice rewards us with time. I've been known to have some of my best ideas while sitting in the car waiting for school to be out for the grandkids, and I've definitely taken advantage of it...even in the backs of receipts.

We're a flexible lot, even though I have no doubt I couldn't touch my toes if I was offered a RITA for doing it. We find time here, there, and anywhere, even if it's only ten or fifteen minutes. Sometimes I'm amazed at how much I can do in those small spaces of time

Sometimes it can all come down to one simple thing. How much are you willing to give up? Are you willing to give up one TV show a week? What about two TV shows? Think hard. Is there something you do that you might give up even a little to have that extra time to write? It might be worth it to give it a try. After all, if it doesn't, you can always go back to the way things were and try something else.

Anything is possible if you believe in it, so believe in yourself. Remember, if we want to do something strongly enough, we'll find a way. We are WOMEN!

Who, Me? Plot?

2011-06-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

Having been a writer who never wanted to plot a book before actually writing it, I can relate to those who are reading this and nodding at the title of this blog. Strange, but I've come almost full circle since those days and am no longer a panster. In fact, the mere thought of writing a book or synopsis without first knowing where the story is going, turns my blood cold. Yes, it terrifies me. And that is so weird.

I did not go from panster to plotter in a day, a week, or a month. It took me a few years to find what worked for me. Would I like to go back to the days when I sat down with that glimmer and wrote until THE END? Uh, no. Not even if I could do away with the cold blood thing.

The key to plotting is that each writer must find what works best for her/him. Trying to use the exact method of another writer will probably result in huge frustration. Instead, pick from several ideas and use what works for you. If being a panster works for you and you're either selling books or at the least getting requests for full manuscripts if not yet published, then far be it from me to tell you that you must plot. Not hardly.

But if you've had submissions rejected because of a sagging middle* or you begin to struggle halfway or somewhere else during the writing of your book, giving some thought to doing a smidgen of plotting could be helpful. And there are as many ways to plot as there are writers. You may already be plotting in your head and haven't realized it.

Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself:

Do you have a fairly solid idea of where your story will start?
Do you know your main characters, especially their GMCs (Goal, Motivation, Conflict)? Yes, for the hero and the heroine.
Do you have an idea--at least an inkling--of what event the H/H is keeping them apart and what (sacrifice? truth-telling? compromise?) will bring the together in the end? (This would be the Black Moment and the Resolution aka the HEA.)
Most importantly, do you have a main turning point? A scene about midway through the story where something will happen that changes everything and ups the ante for both characters? knowing this will save you from that sagging middle problem.

I'm hearing groans. I'm hearing deep, heart-wrenching sighs. I'm hearing voices raising in argument. I'm also seeing blank looks and eyebrows drawn together in confusion. So that's plotting? Well, yes, for some it is. For me, it's the beginning of plotting. But you aren't me. (Lucky devil!)

There's a plethora of information out there that can help with plotting. The best way to find what will help is to do a search for *book plotting* or similar search strings, read a few articles and suggestions, and then give it a try. (There are also tons of books available on the subject, if you want to dig deeper.) Don't try to force yourself into something that isn't comfortable, but look for some small things that, with a personal twist that suits you, could be helpful. Need suggestions to get you going? Okay!

Learn the Elements of a Novel - Structure and Plot
I discovered this one not long ago when I was tweaking my own plotting. It works off the 3-Act principle, making it easier for some to understand. And there are many other parts of this site that are connected to plotting, so if it grabs your interest, even a little, check out more of it.

Alicia Rasley's Writer's Corner
This is one of my all-time favorites. Look for the Archived Articles of the Month link in the column on the left. Alicia and fiction editor Theresa Stevens also have Edittorrent, a blog about editing. Definitely a must visit!

Hopefully you'll find more resources on your own and maybe one or more will be exactly what you need to shed some light on plotting. Just so you know that I really, truly do plot, here's a photo of my plotting board. It's just one way--my way--of plotting. I hope you can find yours!

Scary, huh?

*Sagging Middle
No, not that kind of sagging middle. I haven't found a way to overcome that kind.
In writing, a sagging middle is where a book loses steam...and interest. This often happens in the middle of the story. Good conflict and a change (turning point) can go a long way in beginning to help fix the problem.

Plotter vs. Panster

2011-06-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

There's been a war brewing between writers for a long time about which is best, plotting (being a 'plotter') or writing by the seat of your pants (the act of being a 'panster'). The truth is that whatever way you write is right for you. But sometimes you can't always get away with your choice, and that's where compromise comes in.

When I first began writing in hopes of publishing, I sat down at the keyboard with two main characters in mind, maybe another one or two minor characters, an opening, and a glimmer of an idea of what the story was about. I wrote, and then wrote more, trying to stay one step ahead of myself. Did it work? In many ways it did. I entered writing contests in which I didn't do too shabby, and all the while my critique partners were telling me that I might want to try plotting. Just in case I sold. After all, the day might come when I would be submitting proposals that contained not only the first few chapters, but a complete synopsis, too.

And then it happened. I sold my first book. Once again, my cp's reminded me that learning to plot and writing a synopsis would be good for me. But let's face it. I'd never written a synopsis for a book that wasn't completely written. Never. By the third book, my editor decided I could submit a proposal, instead of a complete manuscript, and asked for three chapters...and a full synopsis. Suddenly, I had to learn to plot.

I panicked. But I also learned how to plot in advance.

But plotting means different things to many people. Even pansters have learned to do a little plotting so they have a vague idea of where there story is going. If you're like I was and believe that if you plot a book and know what's going to happen all the fun and joy would vanish, don't be afraid. There are many degrees of plotting, and we'll take a look at them tomorrow.

A Memorial Day Late

2011-05-31T09:57:00.001-05:00

May has been an extremely busy month for me, evidenced by the lack of posts here. Pretty obvious, huh? Even the Memorial Day weekend was spent working, although my youngest and I did take advantage of a few sales on Saturday to kick off the weekend. But working meant not focusing on the holiday, and for that I feel bad. So here is my short tribute to family and friends who served our country in times of war and have passed on.

My uncle served in Korea. The only time I heard him speak of his experience there was well after I was grown, while visiting him and my aunt when they lived near Branson, Mo. His comment was that the wooded area nearby reminded him of being in Korea. He didn't like it, but he did love living near Table Rock Lake and spent much of his time boating and fishing, when not traveling or working on wood projects.

Uncle Duane passed away just over a week ago on May 22. He was 81 years old.

Pat McCullough gave his life in Vietnam in 1969. He was one of those guys who loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Pat wasn't the only one who gave his life for our country in Vietnam. Two other young men from my high school are also among the 58,267 names on The Wall in Washington, DC.

Visit the Virtual Wall

BEING A WRITER: Brainstorming

2011-05-09T11:02:00.000-05:00

Brainstorming is nothing more than playing the What If game with someone in addition to yourself.

I love to brainstorm! Whether it's brainstorming other writers' ideas and stories or my own, there's nothing quite like it to jazz up the desire to write.

Finding the best fellow brainstormers is the key to success. Not everyone is a good candidate. It's like a critique partner. Or marriage. Sometimes people fit together well. Sometimes they don't.

Friends or relatives might be the first ones that come to mind when looking for brainstorming partners, especially those who are voracious readers. Problems can arise at times because even the most constant readers don't always understand that some themes aren't as acceptable as others. This is especially true in category writing, when each line has it's own parameters and expectations or in historical writing, where small nuances of the period can make a big difference. It takes someone who knows what's required to have a place high on the list of helpers, so be particular when choosing readers for your regular brainstorming buddies. If you find the majority of suggestions offered won't work for what you write, keep the friend, but look for someone else for brainstorming.

Let's face it, in most instances, fellow writers make the best people for brainstorming. The closer to your own targeted genre and sub-genre, the better. If you're lucky enough to have a critique partner or are part of a critique group, you may have already done some brainstorming during critiquing.

How many people do you need for brainstorming? The number isn't set in stone. Sometimes it's nice to have one or two fellow writers you can use as sounding boards. A larger group can give the advantage of more ideas to choose from. My local writers' group has begun scheduling two plotting/brainstorming get-togethers a year, in addition to doing some brainstorming during our annual retreat. Both ways have their advantages, so try them on for size, if possible, and decide what works best for you. Or do both!

A good brainstorming session doesn't always net you the perfect ideas and answers for your story, but a successful session can give you things to think about that will lead you in the right direction. Take notes, if you need to. When it's over, discard what you know won't work, keep what will, and remember that making small changes to suggestions will often help them fit your story.

The extra perk of brainstorming is that when you're helping someone else, you often discover things that will help with your own writing, too. Whether it's sparking an idea for a new story or bringing understanding to a character whose had you struggling, everyone is a winner.

Brainstorming can be done in many ways. In person, in small groups or large, via computer chats, and by telephone. They can be done at any point in your writing, whether you need help with the overall theme of your story, if a specific character has begun giving you trouble later on, or you need suggestions for the black moment and resolution. Brainstorming sessions can be scheduled in advance or done in a pinch.

Remember while brainstorming to keep your mind open. Even when you think you haven't come away with exactly what you need, in time, you may find that a small nugget is the answer to the question you needed help with.

No matter how you do your brainstorming or who you do it with, enjoy it! You'll always be a winner.

Tribute to Mothers

2011-05-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

All mothers are working mothers. ~Author Unknown

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. ~Jewish Proverb

A mother understands what a child does not say. ~Author Unknown

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

Most mothers are instinctive philosophers. ~Harriet Beecher Stowe

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

All quotes from The Quote Garden

BEING A WRITER: Illuminating Those Ideas

2011-05-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

Not every idea becomes a full-blown story. I wish they did. I'm not giving up on the ones that haven't. I keep hoping that one day that idea will take shape and glow brighter and brighter.

I suspect every writer has her/his own way of making something of those original ideas. That means that there's never a right or wrong way, just what works best for each. That's great news! Well, at least as long as the idea grows.

Let's make life (and creativity!) interesting and work on a list of ways to grow ideas. I'll start with some of my own--yes, I have more than one--and go from there.

Go to bed thinking of my idea...which sometimes leads to never getting to sleep. Obviously not the best of the lot.
Do mundane chores...cooking works well...to get thoughts away from the idea with the hope that some epiphany will occur.
Interview characters. This works if one or more character is involved in the original idea. Characters have been born, just for this purpose.
Take a shower or bath. There's something about all that water...
Meditation. This is because while meditating, one should empty her/his mind. This could also be labeled as reverse psychology and sometimes (rarely) works on small children.
Cry
Scream
Sleep all day
Decide it was a dumb idea, after all.

I'll be honest. The thing that works best for me is to let the idea simmer in the back of my mind, while my subconcious works on it. If that fails--and it has, many times--I call Kristi and Kathie, my brainstorming buddies and ask for help. Plead for help. Cry for help. They've never failed me yet.

More on brainstorming next week.

BEING A WRITER: The Idea Place

2011-05-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a special place where a writer (or anyone!) could go for ideas? Someplace quiet, like a library, with rows of shelves labeled with topics, conflicts, types of characters, and all the other things needed to create a story from start to finish. Everywhere you look you’d see Tortured Heroes, Moms on the Run, Sheiks, Firemen, Cops, Cowboys, Pregnant CEOs, Small Towns, Big Cities, Villains… The list would go on and on, with nothing left out, nothing forgotten. Getting an idea would require nothing more than walking down those long aisles and grabbing whatever caught your attention, then filling in with all the other required information for a blockbuster book.

Instead of an idea store, we have imaginations that provide us with all the things possible—and impossible—that make up a story. Having to work for it makes it more worthwhile. Frustrating sometimes, yes, but definitely worth it.

“Where do you get your ideas?” is probably the most asked question of writers. The answer is as varied as there are people who write. But whether your idea came from a news article that started the creative juices flowing or a character or setting wandering into your head, it’s only the beginning of what could be a story.

The first step of the journey has been taken with nothing more than a glimmer of an idea. Being a writer means taking that idea and building on it, and then putting it on paper to shape and twist, until the idea is complete.

Be a writer today. Visit your own Idea Place and start the journey.

The Organized Writer

2011-05-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

I'd planned to blog about how being organized can make your writing life easier. And then I looked at my desk. It would be hypocritical of me to write about it, when, with a quick look at my own desk, it's obvious that organization isn't one of my better skills. Right? Well, maybe not, since experience, both good and bad, is the best teacher. And my desk isn't really as bad as it might be. The pic on the right is probably as bad as any desk could be. Luckily I've never been there, but I sure have felt like that poor woman looks.

We've all seen the sign that reads, 'a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind', quickly rebutted with 'a cluttered desk is the sign of genius'. Or even better:

If a cluttered desk signs a cluttered mind, Of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?

-- Albert Einstein

But, really, the condition of the top of the desk shouldn't matter to anyone but the user of the desk. For some people, having anything out of place is the sign of needing an all-day cleaning. Others work better surrounded by the things they need or at least within reaching distance. For a few, it's a visual thing. An 'I know it isn't lost if I can see it' thing. However, if you begin to feel overwhelmed, can't find what you just put down five minutes ago, and/or have to move your keyboard to your lap to be able to use it, you might want to think about doing a quick clearing. Put it all in a box, basket, or whatever will hold the absolute non-essentials (computer, keyboard, mouse, phone, etc.), then schedule a time to sort it all and put it where it belongs, whether the trash, a file cabinet, a drawer or the bathroom medicine cabinet. Just make sure you do go through it and put things away, otherwise you'll be adding more boxes/baskets and soon be overwhelmed by the amount of things that must be sorted and in need of a new home.

For a quick read that doesn't require running out to buy a how-to book on organizing, check out About.com's take on organizing: What's Wrong with a Messy Desk? It includes suggestions on how to make being less messy a little easier.

Where do you fit in when it comes to organizing?

Your desk
Your office
Your home
Your life

What do you think would make it easier? As a disorganized organized person, I'm always open for suggestions!

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T18:37:00.000-05:00

No, you didn't take a wrong turn. This is still Diary of a Mad Romance Writer, but there's been some remodeling. I've thrown away some furniture and scrubbed everything until is shines, both here and at my website. It may only be a transitional thing, but for now it's my blog home.

Along with the change in design, there'll be a few more new things going on. I'll be adding a new author page on Facebook in the next few days and will be giving away some copies of The Maverick's Reward, which will be available in stores in June.

I'll also be blogging about new things, including writing tips for new writers, the latest book news and discussion on books, life as a writer and other topics. So check back often and don't be shy about saying hi or sharing your thoughts.

Until later, have a wonderful rest-of-the-day!

Cloudy with a Chance of...

2011-04-20T14:59:00.000-05:00

No, not rain, though it might. No, not meatballs, whatever that means.

The answer is...Ducks!

Yes, it's obviously mating season for ducks. Mr. and Ms. Mallard Duck visited this morning and feasted on bread, since that's all I had in a pinch, and were wandering the yard when I left to go visit the school that three of my g-kids attend. This isn't the first year we've had a pair of ducks visiting. Last year they stayed around the neighborhood for at least a week, wading in the then-full gutters of water. But this year has been extremely dry, and there's very little wading water--or any other, for that matter--to be found. Still, they've returned, and it's always a joy when they visit.

But that isn't the end of today's duck story. When I was at the elementary school earlier this morning. There's a small courtyard with stone tables and benches in the center of the school, and as we passed by it, my two granddaughters pointed out the newest addition to the school: A Mallard hen and her tiny ducklings. Scarlett said that eleven ducklings had hatched, but it was hard to see much more than a ball of shades of brown from where I stood. They did all get up to move around, but the photo I took with my phone didn't do them justice, so I returned to the school later on another errand--and took my camera!

Mama Duck and Ducklings

The green wading pool and another, complete with steps and a ramp, were added by the school librarian. The library is located to the left of the photos.

I guess it would be fair to say that it's been a ducky day! ☺

Green, Green, It's Green They Say

2011-04-06T15:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's part of an old, old song, but it popped into my mind as I drove down our street on an errand run and saw all the green grass in the yards. The Bradford Pear trees that have been blooming for the past couple of weeks are now half and half--half white flowers, half green leaves. It's as if the world is waking up all at once. Too bad that also includes the dandelions. There was way too much yellow in the green yards already. The greening of spring is one of the good things about the season.

Add the weather to the spring list, except it's more on the maybe good and maybe bad list. A week ago, we set new records with 80 degree temps that changed to 40 degrees the next day. Then a warming trend, of course, which again went south. And by south, I don't mean the direction. I mean the temps. The temp is slowly climbing into the 70s again, but with spring, it's a toss up as to how to dress in the morning, and usually means a change by midday.

And then there are the storms. My heart goes out to those in the southeast part of the country who dealt with tornadoes early this week. Having grown up keeping an eye to the sky and a clear path to the basement, I know the devastation they wreak. L. Frank Baum knew what he was doing when he chose Kansas for the setting of the beginning of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But it seems the big baddies are spreading their badness around more. I think Tornado Alley has grown over the years and encompasses an even broader area than it did back then.

With the violent weather getting in full swing this spring, let's hope it's only the grass that's getting green, and not the sky. Be careful out there. And that means everyone!

Spring Break

2011-03-24T09:24:00.005-05:00

This year the one-week break for kids and teachers has netted me a driver's side window that won't roll up, a driver's seat that won't move back, and laryngitis. It could be worse, and because it isn't over yet, I'm not holding my breath that it won't get worse. I believe in the old saying, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

We've had some beautiful days this year to kick off spring, but it's Kansas, so the weathermen are predicting a little snow to greet those kids and teachers as they go back to school on Monday. If nothing else, the weather here isn't boring, and it's that time of year to have winter clothes for cold days, while dragging out some of the more summery things for other days. It keeps life interesting. ☺

I wish I could say I've accomplished something over this past week, but so far that hasn't happened. The book proposal I should be working on is sitting silently next to the keyboard on which I'm typing, still not done, but beginning to call very loudly. (Yes, it's true. Inanimate objects do have a voice!) I'm ignoring it, but will have to do something about it later. There's always the weekend, I tell myself, but I know that's nothing more than a procrastination tool. I am so-o-o-o-o good at those. Too bad I'm not good at doing the things that need to be done.

So Happy Spring Break to those who are lucky enough to be able to enjoy it! And for the rest of us? Life will get back to normal in just a few days, so hang in there!

New Cover

2011-03-07T18:10:00.004-06:00

THE MAVERICK'S REWARD
Men of the West

Harlequin American Romance®

June 2011

It's been almost twenty years since Tucker O'Brien left the Rocking O Ranch at the age of fifteen, and the only reason he's returned, physically and emotionally scarred, is to get to know the son he never knew he had. But once Shawn graduates from high school, Tucker plans to leave...until he meets Paige Miles, Desperation's new doctor, who forces him to take an honest look at himself and makes him want to risk becoming the man he's always wanted to be.

Ah, Saturdays

2011-02-26T11:28:00.002-06:00

It's a cold rainy day, with the temp hovering right at freezing. I'm glad to be inside and know that by tomorrow, it'll be back up to near spring weather...hopefully without the rain. Okay, we need the rain. It's been a dry winter, except for those crazy snowstorms that dumped on us and shut down school for more days than I can remember.

I love Saturdays, rain or shine. There are no screams of small children trying to murder each other, no lemon juice poured in my cable box (as happened this week), and I can usually do pretty much whatever I want to do. My oldest granddaughter is here on weekends, while her mom is at work and has two weekdays off. It's like the Rolling Stones said in their song. You can't always get what you want. But this particular g-kid is the more quiet one. Being an only child as I was, she manages to keep herself busy watching TV, playing with the cats--or trying to--or getting on the computer to play games. It's not a problem.

So what do I have on my to-do list today? Tons of things, but only a few will get my attention. There's a website client who needs some updates done, a book proposal that needs more work, dishes to wash, house to clean, and other jobs clamoring for attention. A typical Saturday. Hope you enjoy yours!

Hump Day

2011-02-23T11:56:00.003-06:00

Yes, it is! I look forward to it every week, believe me!

But this isn't going to be about the fact that it's Wednesday or what it means to me or anyone else. It's just going to be a mishmash. Why? Since Jan. 31, when I received revision notes from my editor, I've been on a deadline to get them done...by Feb. 21, two days ago. They're done, and I've had a little rest. The pressure is off--well, most of it. Fingers are crossed that the changes made to BACHELOR DAD (September 2011, Harlequin American) are what was needed.

And then there's the Oscars or Academy Awards, whichever you prefer, coming up on Sunday night. I'll admit that I haven't seen any of the nominated movies. I'm not much of a moviegoer. I did go to the movie theater three times last year, and all were Sandra Bullock movies. And Mallory (the youngest) and I had kind of planned to go see the most recent Harry Potter this year. (Sorry, I haven't read all the books and don't remember the titles, much less in what order.) But because the last time we forked over the money for HP, we had to deal with kids kicking the back of our seat and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Mallory decided to opt out and buy it when it comes out on DVD. Since we do that anyway, I figure we just saved money and nearly three hours of stress. So no movies this time, and there was really only one that looked even promising to me. I will watch the Oscars Sunday night, if only to see who presents, what the women are wearing on the red carpet, and that all important moment when they show who is no longer with us.

And that's the last three weeks in a nutshell. :)

Twins, Clones, or Are We All Going Mad?

2011-02-03T17:33:00.004-06:00

It was bound to happen. There are two Diary of a Mad Romance Writer blogs. There's this .blogspot one...

and there's a .wordpress one that belongs to Harlequin Superromance author Kara Lennox.

Weird, huh? Two Harlequin authors, two blogs with the same name.

It was a fluke that I discovered this. At first I was speechless. TWO of us? How could that be? I considered dropping my blog's name and going with something else...again...but since that can be a real royal pain, I've been dragging my feet on doing it. But now the whole idea of two of us has grown on me and makes me chuckle when I think of it. I hope Kara has a good laugh, too, when she discovers we're both mad!

If you have some time, click on over to Kara's blog. Lots of fun stuff to read there. I love that she and her hubby are remodeling a Victorian house!

Snow and Ice and Blizzards, Oh My!

2011-02-02T11:05:00.005-06:00

If you live in the 2/3 of the U.S. that isn't experiencing the enormous winter storm that's creating havoc in the other 1/3, count yourself lucky. After reading comments on Facebook by those getting hit the hardest, I've decided not to whine.

It's strange that less than 10 days ago, my daughters and I were talking about the time we and several of our neighbors were caught in a blizzard 2 miles from home. Home at that time was a farm, where the nearest neighbor was 1/4 mile away.

The snow had begun while I was still at work, and for once the company owner gave permission for those of us worried about getting home safely the choice to leave. I left, drove the 10 miles to pick up my three girls--ranging in age from 3 to 7--from the baby-sitter, then started for home. We were halfway there when the station wagon I was driving decided to do a complete 360 in the middle of the road. Shaken, I made it slowly to a small gas 'n go, where we met up with my husband. We followed him the 2 miles north to our road, then turned west, but hadn't gone half a mile when we learned that the snowplow was stuck on the road...and blocking it. We and 6 of our neighbors who used that road to get home were stranded. The closest house was over half a mile away, and it was blizzarding. Not ideal conditions for small children who weren't dressed for walking around in that kind of weather. But then neither were most of the adults!

A neighbor who lived farther away heard about the trouble and drove his 4-wheel drive tractor to our line of stranded cars. A few at a time, he took us to the nearest house, where those neighbors had made coffee, hot cocoa, and sandwiches. By now we'd been stranded for over 4 hours. My brother-in-law showed up sometime later in a second 4wd tractor and took us home. Believe me, 2 adults and 3 kids in a tractor cab is a crunch! He drove across snow-buried wheat fields that were like washboards, causing us to hit our heads on the top of the cab several times during the 2 mile journey. Finally coming to a stop across the road from our house, he let us out. We tromped through a deep ditch full of snow that wasn't recognizable as ditch, crossed the road, then another ditch, and were finally home. By the time we were inside the house, it was after 10 p.m. Our 6+ hour adventure was finally over!

Times like these don't happen very often in our part of the state, so we're usually caught off guard when they do. I won't lie and say we had a fun time during that long ago blizzard, but we certainly did have an adventure we'd always remember.

Kindle and Me pt. 3

2011-02-01T11:45:00.003-06:00

My Kindle is currently resting while I read my new paperback copy of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Fancy Pants. Her latest, Call Me Irresistable, waits on my Kindle to be read. Why? It's complicated.

I haven't even come close to reading all the thirty-some books I've downloaded, and I'm itching to buy more. Such as?

1. The next two books in Amanda Hocking's Tryle Trilogy.
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
3. Room by Emma Donahue
4. After by Amy Efaw
5. Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Those last two are YA books. Since discovering and reading Sarah Dessen's YA's, I'm drawn to them again. When I first started writing (as an adult), they were the kind I read and wanted to write. Instead, I ended up in romance, because I love the HEAs!! Still, I enjoy reading in other genres and discovered some fantastic YA and Middle Reader books available that by far surpass anything related to Twilight or The Clique series. Someday I'll compile a list of my favorite books and authors. Someday.

But no reading today, even though it's snowing outside, the temp is currently 5 degrees, and the windchill is all the way up to -17. Instead, as soon as I hit PUBLISH, I'll be making lunch for the four grandkids who are here for the day, because school is closed, thanks to that lovely windchill.

If you're in the area being hit by this huge winter storm, make use of it. Curl up with your favorite blanket, a hot drink, and a great story, whether in hardcover, paperback, ebook, or audio, and enjoy!

Kindle and Me pt. 2

2011-01-26T10:28:00.002-06:00

I've been reading more. That's what getting my Kindle has done for me. Will it last? Well, if the list of books I want to get is any indication, and if I actually read the majority of them, I'd say yes. Time will tell.

So what books have I downloaded? I started with the free classics before Christmas, meaning pre-gift cards, which included all of Jane Austen's books and many of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Greene Gable books. I love the free books and the discounted ones, too. Romance novels number high in the freebies, so that's not a disappointment. I'm trying not to overwhelm myself, so in the past month or so, I've downloaded 21 books.

Which books have I read?

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen It was wonderful to read it again. I haven't read it since high school, which is amazing, because I didn't know P&P was written in the Stone Age. :) It took me a while to adjust to the language, since I haven't read any of the English classics lately, but it was well worth it.

2. Switched (Book 1, Trylle Trilogy) by YA author Amanda Hocking I've never read any of this author's books, but I liked this one, in spite of some negative reviews. Another I downloaded by a different author was one I should've tried a sample of first or at least read the reviews, because I was sadly disappointed and didn't get much farther than the first chapter. I won't give the title or author, but I will say that it's probably worth getting the opinion of someone you know or to download a sample of a new-to-you author's work before buying. Switch is a paranormal, so I was susprised I liked it so much.

3. The Year She Fell by Alicia Rasley I've not only known who Alicia is for many years, but have had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with her. Alicia knows writing, and her website, The Writer's Corner, is one of my favorites for writing advice and help. The Year She Fell was a fabulous book, full of twists and turns. At one point, I thought I had it figured out, only to discover I was only close. It's definitely worth another read in the future.

4. Sweetie by Kathryn Magendie I didn't have a clue what this book might be like, but once into it, I enjoyed it. Set in the mountains of North Carolina, a young girl meets a mountain girl, who teaches her about a different way of life. Descriptions in this book are wonderful. The story is a slow, winding journey through one summer of the lives of Melissa (Lissa) and Sweetie, and well written enough to bring tears to my eyes several times.

Considering I was still on deadline for part of that reading time and that I've started on the proposal for a new book, not to mention those g-kids who require attention throughout the day, I'm thinking four books in just over a month isn't bad, although in the olden days (Stone Age), I might've read those four in a week.

There are stil more to read! Susan Wiggs, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Deborah Smith, and more. Check back again and see what else is on my TBR epile!

Kindle and Me

2011-01-24T11:13:00.004-06:00

Yes, I admit it. I finally succumbed to the digital age. To be honest, I surprised myself. Me? read electronic books? I love books. Real books. I like to see them lined up on my bookshelves; I like to hold them in my hands. I've loved books since I was old enough to open them and discover the magic inside. Better than a wrapped present, a book has always had the power to take me to another world somewhere outside of myself--or somewhere deep inside myself. So why did I think a digital copy of a book wouldn't do the same thing?

Books are my friends. I can't even name a favorite. There are way too many to choose from. I tried to pass that love and friendship on to my daughters, and I think I succeeded. They're all readers. I also try to instill the same in my grandkids. It's a little harder. After discovering not long ago that my hardcover copy of Stephen King's uncut version of The Stand had pages torn and scribbled on, we had a little talk. They're getting better, not only with the care of my books, but with reading. Books for the two older girls make great Christmas presents, and even Gavin, in first grade, has discovered the magic between the covers and is already a good reader.

Going digital began with toe-in-the-water sampling, first downloading some of Harlequin's free books to my netbook, then adding both the B&N and Amazon apps to the same, along with several free books, mostly classics. And then I kept seeing the Kindle ads when I stopped in at Amazon to check out DVDs. Or Mp3 downloads. Or to get the latest number on my book sales. Of course I didn't want one of those ereaders! I read BOOKS.

But my bookshelves are overflowing and there are even more books in storage, waiting to be added. I've been purging as much as possible, but the shelves are still maxed out. No, there's no more room for bookshelves. Between my youngest and I, we have six. So I began considering the slim possibility of getting an ereader, but my head, not my heart was all that was in it.

It was author Leigh Riker who finally pushed me over the fence. In an email, she mentioned one of the perks she'd discovered with her Kindle. She could use her treadmill and read at the same time, something that was more difficult when using a real book. And she loved it! What's this? A two-for one?

I decided to take the plunge, saved up my pennies, and gifted myself with a Kindle just before Christmas. Because I'd announced to my family that I'd made the decision to go digital, they took the hint and gave me Amazon and Kindle cards as Christmas gifts. I've spent one and have plans for the other. So what books did I get?

I'll tell you all about it in the next installment of Kindle and Me. ☺

Happy 1st TGIF of 2011

2011-01-07T14:20:00.004-06:00

Yes, I'm almost a week late with New Year's greetings, graphics, and all the rest, not to mention Christmas was here and gone before I knew it. I have excuses!!

First excuse: Grandkids were out of school from Dec. 22 to Jan. 3. I had them the eight weekdays during that time. 5 kids, ranging from age 9 to 16 months. 9+ hours each day. I don't live in a mansion.

Second excuse: I was on a deadline, working to finish my sixth Harlequin American set in Desperation, OK. For those familiar with the stories and characters, this is Garrett Miles's story and will be available in September. Tucker's story, THE MAVERICK'S REWARD, will be available in June. Writing the books is not the only work that's done. Authors also fill out a questionaire for the art department about the cover, do revisions requested by our editors, work on copy edits and AAs/Author Alterations/Galleys, all which came due for one book or another in the months and weeks leading up to the holidays. I'll remember to factor in holidays--and weekends off-- the next time I set deadlines

Third excuse: I design websites for authors and a few other businesses, and as the new year approached, many of my clients wanted their websites updated. They come first. My website and blog come last. 'Tis life. :)

Yes, I've been busy and still have several things that must be done, as I know everyone else does. Life doesn't stop just because it's Christmas, vacation, or we managed to succumb to the latest round of whatever flu is hitting the whole country. (Yes, me, too. Twice.)

When it comes to blogging, I could sit here and say that I'll do better in the future, but there's a strong chance I would fail, so I won't. No New Year's Resolutions for me, and I haven't even begun to work on Goals for the year, whether writing or personal. There's been no time. I have excuses!!

I hope everyone's holidays were happy and gifted with wonderous things! May 2011 be a fabulous year for all!

We Are the Universe

2010-12-20T08:37:00.002-06:00

Tucker's Story

2010-10-19T12:27:00.004-05:00

Several readers have asked me if there'll be a story about Tucker O'Brien, the brother of Tanner O'Brien, the hero in THE RODEO RIDER. Tucker ran off when he was fifteen to ride the rodeo circuit and never returned to the Rocking O Ranch...until 2011.

There's a glimpse of Tucker in THE RELUCTANT WRANGLER, when he briefly appears in the epilogue. But in June 2011, readers can discover what Tucker has been doing for the past 20 years in his own book, THE MAVERICK'S REWARD.

Ghosties and Ghoulies

2010-10-16T12:31:00.004-05:00

A week ago, my youngest daughter and I went on a ghost tour in an area of the city that has a reputation dating back to over 100 years ago. Delano was a rootin' tootin' prairie town on the west side of the Arkansas river, across from the larger town of Wichita on the east, where cowboys who'd traveled the Chisholm trail could relax and enjoy the gambling, drinking, and ladies of the evening. Later, Delano became a part of Wichita, but the area has lately become well-known for the tales of ghosts haunting some of the businesses in the area.

We began our tour at Lawrence-Dumont baseball stadium, where ghostly sounds and visions have been the norm for years. I've been to L-D several times in my life, but I never knew about the hauntings. It's probably a good thing. I grew up half a mile from the baseball stadium AND Delano. After hearing the tales of the stadium, we traveled on to visit four buildings open especially for the evening, where owners and employees told stories of strange happenings. Most of the buildings had been built before 1890 and had housed regular businesses on the ground floor, but also included brothels on the upper floor. In fact, according to a brochure provided for the event, the "900 block seems to be the most haunted block in Delano, with reports from residents as well as business owners. Half of the buildings on this block are from 1890 or before."

The next day, I returned to one of the stores with my next oldest daughter Chelsea, who needed to purchase something. I mentioned to the owner that I'd been on the ghost tour the night before, and she asked if I'd visited a specific building. I hadn't, and she insisted that we visit it that day, so we did. We were a little nervous about asking for the story of the happenings during business hours, but the young woman took us to the back where she was helping customers and told us the tale of "Red" Beard, the ghost who haunts the building. Verrrrrrry interesting! And "Red" doesn't keep to that one building. He's been seen in many of the buildings in the area.

If you're interested in the ghosts or history of Delano, be sure to visit the Historic Delano website for more. And for more paranormal information, visit Wichita Paranormal Research Society, a part of TAPS.

Have a Happily Haunted Halloween!

A Big Day

2010-09-22T09:56:00.004-05:00

Yesterday began with finding this news in my email:

Lisa Childs is not only a wonderful writer, but a very good friend and one of the Ditzy Chix, so being listed with her is an honor, along with the huge surprise of seeing my title and name on the list!

Then news came that Tucker O'Brien's book has a new title! Look for THE MAVERICK'S REWARD in June 2011.

The next surprise was a review for THE RELUCTANT WRANGLER (October 2010) by Harriet Klausner. Read the full review at The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews. Pat Cooper at Romantic Times gave THE RELUCTANT WRANGLER 4 1/2 stars.

Days like yesterday don't come along often, but they definitely make even the dullest days shine. :)

Book News!

2010-09-17T12:33:00.003-05:00

Trying to blog has been about as easy as getting an audience with the Queen, thanks to all the things that pop up whenever I think I've found a few minutes. What with updating websites and designing new ones to working on two new books (more about that later), there never seems to be a quiet minute that hasn't been filled. My fingers are crossed that minute has arrived.

I'm happy to announce that Pat Cooper at Romantic Times Magazine reviewed THE RELUCTANT WRANGLER and gave it 4 1/2 Stars! Available in October, it's the fourth book set in Desperation, Oklahoma, and revisits many of the characters from the four previous books. (Thanks for not giving away Nikki's secret, Pat!)

For those readers who have asked if Tucker will have his own story, the answer is YES! Tucker's story will be released in June 2011. We should have the official title sometime next week, so check back later.

Garrett Miles, City Attorney for Desperation, who was introduced in THE LAWMAN'S LITTLE SURPRISE, will have his own story in the near future. More about that at a later date, as information comes in.

For more on the Desperation books, there's a website page dedicated to the Hearts of Desperation mini-series.

I'll be blogging on the Harlequin American Romance Authors blog tomorrow (September 18), so stop in and leave a comment for a chance to win free HAR books! And you can find me blogging on the 8th and 30th each month at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way, where we talk about writing romance.

This is AMAZING!

2010-09-03T11:28:00.002-05:00

Summer Days

2010-06-28T09:31:00.000-05:00

Over the past week or so, the g-kids and I have been trying to make a trip to the nearby playground a daily ritual. Even with no sidewalks for three blocks and the fact that we have to watch out for crazy drivers, we enjoy the four block trip. In fact, when I offer to drive, they all loudly refuse. They like to walk.

(Gavin swinging)

On our first trip, the kids were enjoying the equipment (2 sets of swings, a lopsided merry-go-round, 3 types of bars, and a slide), when I looked at the sky and saw that dark clouds had formed in the southwest, a sure sign of rain coming. We quickly gathered our things and started for home. We were half a block from my house when huge drops of rain started falling from the sky, accompanied by tiny pieces of hail. Jaxon and I walked faster, while Scarlett, Ally, and Gavin ran on to the house. Just as we stepped up on the porch, the sky opened up, then a loud crash of thunder made us all jump when we ducked inside.

(Scarlett with Jaxon on the basketball court)

I thought they might not be as eager to go the next day, so I didn't mention it. They did! Our second trip was even more enjoyable without the rain. And they'd still rather walk.

(Payton swinging)

The Five Days of June

2010-06-27T08:56:00.002-05:00

Each year during the week after Father's Day, my daughter Lyndsay and her hubby go on a canoe trip in Oklahoma with his family and a few family friends. They leave on Wednesday and return on Sunday. Sabrina and her hubby, Chelsea and her guy have all joined them at one time or another. I'm the designated baby-sitter, with Mallory's help. I call this time of year The Five Days of June.

I've never gone on the canoe trip. I don't plan to. From personal experience, a camping trip means at least one very stormy night. At my age, rain, wind, lightning and hail are better experienced in a sturdy building, not in a tent.

Today is Sunday, the last day. Gavin, Jaxon, and Payton will soon be going home with what I expect will be exhausted parents. I'm eager to hear what Ally, who went on the trip this year, thinks of the trip. I suspect it might not have been as great as she'd hoped, but I could be wrong. Will know more in a few hours.

The bright spot in all this is that it'll be another year before we do this again. I'll have my bed back, instead of sharing it with Jaxon's feet in my back. I'll sleep the night through, not being awakened once by Payton's crying from the playpen next to my bed. And Gavin, well, thank goodness he sleeps like a log on the sofa. But we had some good times, and those are what we'll remember...until next year's Five Days of June rolls around again. :)

A Tribute to Dads

2010-06-20T18:32:00.000-05:00

Still Moving at Warp Speed

2010-04-10T14:11:00.004-05:00

In spite of my good intentions, my last post was three weeks ago. My excuse? The release date of the fourth of my books set in Desperation, OK--The Reluctant Wrangler--was moved up from January next year to October of this year. The book was written and in the hands of my editor, but there were changes that needed to be made, in addition to getting the information for the cover, new title suggestions and other small but important details to her. Now that all of that is done, I have a couple of days of breathing space. Not much, because copy edits are here and are due back in a few days.

The cover for The Reluctant Wrangler will probably be available about the time The Lawman's Little Surprise (Trish and Morgan's story, if you've been following the series) hits bookshelves in July. The Desperation books, dubbed by me as Hearts of Desperation, have been a joy to write. Will The Reluctant Wrangler be the last? I hope not! But there's no word on others, as yet. When I know, you'll know!

I'm blogging on the 8th and 29th of each month at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way, and also blogging on the Harlequin American authors blog on the 18th of each month. At Bits & Bytes, we focus on writing topics, with some reading favorites thrown in, so if you're an aspiring romance author, we'd love to have you visit at any time! And, of course, the HAR authors would love a visit from readers. With a huge array of topics, there's something for everyone there. Hope you can visit both soon!

It's back to work time...those copy edits await. As soon as my energy level gets back up to normal, I'll post more! Until then, enjoy spring!

Happy First Day of Spring

2010-03-20T15:51:00.003-05:00

Ahhhhh, Spring! Yes, it's the Spring Equinox on this side of the world. Autumn Equinox downunder. Winter, here in Kansas, where overnight, after a beautiful 60+ degree day yesterday, a storm dumped 2 or more inches over much of the state. Typical.

Today is cold. It's 30 degrees at mid-afternoon, but the forecast says the temp will be in the 40's tomorrow and quickly climbing back into the 60's the rest of the week. I can accept that, but I'm really, really hoping this was the final blast of winter until much, much later this year. We've had more snow days than I can remember, and that's a long time.

I know there are a lot of people out there who pooh-pooh Global Warming and Climate Change, but I've been saying for the past 20 years that the weather as part of the climate has been changing. It's been slow, but it's been happening. I don't want to debate GW or CC. I'm not a scientist. But I have experienced the weather for many decades and have a fairly good memory of, at least, the past.

When I was a young girl, we had seasons. I remember Spring, especially in high school, and experienced many days of Spring Fever. I loved Fall and still do. It's my favorite of all the seasons. But the change in seasons, at least where I live and have always lived, has been slowly changing. Now the coming of Spring means a slow back and forth between days and days of bitter cold, interrupted by a day of warming. That back and forth continues as the bitter cold warms a few degrees for less days and the warming lasts for more days, until cold runs out, and it's hot summer. The opposite is true between summer and winter. Disagree, if you will, but I'll stick by my experiences. And I just don't like losing my 4 seasons.

So I'll stay inside today and avoid the snow as much as possible. At least the roads are clear, but wet, and driving isn't dangerous. There's plenty to keep me busy, and by the time I'm done with all that, the temps will be hovering 80 degrees. Deadline hell has arrived.

The Appliance Saga

2010-03-15T20:35:00.004-05:00

A week ago today, my 20-year-old refrigerator gave it's last blast of cold air...and that only in the freezer. After nursing it along through ill-health for close to a year, it was almost a relief to unplug it and put it out of its misery. And mine. I'd been checking craigslist for something promising, but had come up empty-handed. I think that fridge knew it and decided I was procrastinating. Being the Queen of Procrastination, I guess that was only fair.

By Wednesday evening, I'd found a terrific prospect, and the owner and I began to exchange emails on a time to see and pick it up the side-by-side fridge the next day. Details of who had a pickup and could do the hauling were decided on, and all looked good. I began moving things out of the way, in preparation for the homecoming.

Thursday morning brought a call from my editor that threw a small monkey wrench into the pick-up plans, but more about that in a later blog. Fridge owner and I agreed on a good time, and off we (youngest daughter Mallory and I) went to start the process. Before it was over, we'd involved the friend with the pickup, Chelsea's (#3 daughter) SO, and one son-in-law, but it was exciting to know I'd have cold food again and not have to dig in two small coolers for the few things we managed to save. Getting the fridge into the house proved possible only after the guys removed the front door. But, hey, as long as they put it back, all was well. We left the appliance in the living room, along with the boxes waiting for content sorting from my office and the still unpacked treadmill I bought a year ago.

Too tired (and busy!) that night to even think about getting the fridge into the kitchen, I left it for the next day. By the time Friday evening came around, I finally had the time and energy to try moving it. Mallory, however, had other plans and left the moving to me. The oak coffee table was put into the only empty space left in the living room, and then I scooted the fridge toward the kitchen doorway, remembering to open the freezer door and angle it in.

Didn't work. And the fridge now blocked the doorway into the kitchen. I slept in Mallory's bed (off doing her own thing again), where the bathroom was closer, just in case. Saturday brought much the same results, but by now I was becoming an expert at walking across the coffee table and especially climbing the "black mountain" aka the big fridge. With one of the coolers stacked on a foot high table, I was able to boost myself to the top of the fridge, where I pivoted around, and then slowly lowered myself, feet first, to a tall, upholstered, bar chair on the other side. After many trips back and forth that way, I was thinking of applying for a job with the Flying Wallendas, but I didn't have a splangled costume. :(

Sunday was busy again, but by evening, I had time to remove both doors and hinges. Thankfully, the fridge now fit through the doorway, but neither Mallory (now home again) nor I nor even together could push it into the kitchen. An SOS to my son-in-law brought him over, and he managed to shove it through the doorway and into the kitchen.

I now have a wonderful, working, black, side-by-side refrigerator that's only 3 years old and didn't cost me a fortune! I also have sore ribs from all the boosting over the top of it and am eternally grateful that I'm not any bustier than I am. If I had been, I'd probably still be stuck between the top of the fridge and top of the doorway.

Sorry, no photos of the death defying trick, even though Mallory threatened.

Thanks go to Brandon, Dan, and double to Aaron for all the help! Such manly men!

In Like a Lion...

2010-03-04T10:41:00.002-06:00

March is here! The month of wind, not to mention rain, has arrived. I entered this month of promises (in like a lion, out like a lamb) with a roar. I decided to take the plunge and move the furniture in my office and bedroom, and then start purging the boxes and bins of definitely unneeded items. Now it's my body that's roaring.

Part of that roar is caused by sleeping on a loveseat in the living room, while my bed was loaded with papers, files, record albums (yeah, vinyl), and boxes. Believe me, when it comes to sleeping on a space that's not quite a foot too short is more than one night is too much--even for this not-tall person. But my bed is cleared and I enjoyed the stretching out as I drifted off to sleep last night.

So why the sudden need to rearrange my personal space(s)? Desperation, mostly. I picked up my packrat tendencies from my mother, the hoarder, and am surrounded by things I probably don't need. It's the sorting that may be my undoing, but I've begun tackling it today. Papers first. The Government-issue, 5-drawer steel file cabinet still has to be moved, along with the 5-shelf bookcase that holds treasures, but until the aches in my body ease, I won't be tackling that for a couple of days.

Oh, and did I mention that my 9-year-old desk finally bit the dust? All that's left are pieces, including a broken-in-half side that I'd reinforced once. Or was it twice? There's the still-very-good hutch that I've decided not to use. (Craigslist, maybe?) It was beginning to make me claustrophobic, no matter how much I like having things within reach. And because the desktop is still reasonably good, I've built a "new" desk, using it and two stacked 15"X15" wood cubes on each, one with 3-drawers for pencils and "stuff" to hold the desktop. Just recycling what I have, so there's been no expense. And except for the desk now being much taller than it was, it's working well. Moral of the story: A compressed wood desk can only take so many moves and nailing-togethers before it crumbles into a pile. Next time, I'll spend the extra $$ and buy real wood! But now I don't need one, so I've saved $$.

I'm hoping that by the end of March, everything will have a place that's out of the way (mainly the trash bin), and that there'll be more lambiness in my life. Time will tell. :)

TCM's 31 Days of Oscar Moodboard

2010-02-16T15:14:00.001-06:00

Olympics: Freestyle Ice Skating

2010-02-15T14:53:00.005-06:00

Okay, it was only our family, and only part of the family, at that.

The photos in the post below were taken by my oldest daughter, Sabrina, who invited us to go ice skating during the Christmas holiday break. Her 8-year-old daughter Scarlett (below and in blue in the slideshow) is taking skating lessons at the local ice center and appeared in the ice show a few weeks earlier.

Mallory, my youngest, and I were accompanied by Allie, 7 and in pink, and Gavin, 5, who both belong to my second oldest daughter. Neither of them has skated, but they did a good job!

2010-02-15T14:53:00.001-06:00

We Are the World: 25 for Haiti

2010-02-14T14:51:00.003-06:00

Settling In

2010-02-09T16:33:00.002-06:00

Now that 2010 has a good start--a snowy start for many of us--I've made some progress. Believe me, that in itself is progress.

A couple of weeks ago, I had this great idea to clean. You know, that deep clean kind of thing. After working at it for two days, I was tired and haven't gotten back to it yet. Instead, the AAs (author alterations aka galleys) for THE LAWMAN'S LITTLE SURPRISE arrived, so I focused on those. The deadline I was facing on February 1 for a book due out later this year or early next year was met, so I have time on my hands. Not a lot, but enough to do some smaller jobs that had been set aside.

My old blog (delaney.blog/roxdelaney) has been integrated with this one so all the posts are rolled into one blog. And if you haven't noticed, I redecorated both this blog (new color!) and my website. Amazingly, it took less than two days to put it all together. Sometimes I amaze myself. Too bad it didn't work that well with the cleaning. :(

With a little luck, I now have things under control and am settling in for the rest of the winter, meaning I just might find some time to blog. Wouldn't that be new?

Hope everyone had a wonderful start to the new year, and let's make 2010 the best we can!

The Return of...

2010-01-18T15:56:00.002-06:00

Is it safe to come out? If so, this is the return of ME.

My youngest daughter informed me last night that I hadn't blogged for a looooong time. It wasn't news to me. Throughout November, December, the holidays, weekends, nights, I've been working to finish a book due Feb. 1. No time to blog, and barely enough time to use the whip to get some characters in line. I'm still not sure that they've been whipped well, but since I don't have two years or even six months to put them away in a closet, it'll have to do.

Has anyone noticed a difference yet between 2009 and 2010? Anything other than that the picture on the calendar has changed or that there are no phone numbers in the new pocket calendar that we females must carry with us, should we not be able to push the buttons on our cell phones because our sculptured nails are too long. (Note: I don't have sculptured nails, but those buttons are tiny!) But from where I sit, so far this year is the same as 2008 and 2009, running together in my mind, along with the past 9 or 10 years. Why is it that I can remember details of everyday things from high school and even as far back as when I was three years old, but I can't remember what I got for my birthday last year? Oh, wait! I quit having birthdays!

Because I've been blogging lately about goals at Bits & Bytes and on the Harlequin American blog (links are on the right), I'll close with a few hints I've learned along the way. Goals are not resolutions. They are something we work on, little by little, until we reach them, only to discover another goal is waiting. Only make a goal that we can control and doesn't depend on the actions or thoughts or opinions of others. This is my life, your life. Let's work hard to set good goals and work even harder to attain them so we can make life the best!

New Year Goals and Resolutions

2010-01-02T10:37:00.003-06:00

Watching the ball drop in Times Square is over. The ringing out of the old year and the ringing in of the new is done. We've entered not only a new year, but a new decade. Boy, did that 10 years go by fast! The big question now is are we going to call this year two thousand ten, or will it be twenty ten?

Along with the new year and the new decade and what to call it, there's that R word. No, this time R isn't for Rejection (that's a whisper, because we don't like to say it too loudly), it's for Resolution. Just the thought gives me shivers. Typing it makes me queasy. In fact, I so abhor the word that I haven't made one of those R things for at least fifteen years. And even though the last resolution I made was kept and carried through, I don't intend to do it again.

Instead, I set goals. Maybe they don't feel as rigid as resolutions, or maybe I don't feel quite so disappointed when I don't reach them, but I think most of all it's because it involves more thinking and planning. And then comes the doing. I freely admit that I'm about as far from being a structered person who follows a set schedule as, well, as Pluto is from the Earth. Sometimes I wish I was, but I've accepted that I'm not and do my best to work with that in mind.

When it comes to Goals, there are four kinds of people:
1. Those who set goals and work hard to meet them, often succeeding
2. Those who never set goals
3. Those who set goals but don't know how to meet them
4. Those who don't know how to set goals

Those who fall into the #1 group can go play now. Those who fall in #'s 2, 3, and 4? Pay attention.

There's a key to setting goals that's taken me many years to learn. That key is to neither over or underestimate what can be done. It takes paying attention to discover your comfort zone, and then set the goal. With some goals, it's good to set them just a little higher than comfortable. Don't set a goal that is not within your control. Goals can't rely on others, only self.

With a goal set, the next step is to decide how to reach it. Bite-sized pieces is best. For instance, if I have a book to complete, I know that if I write 3 pages a day, I can finish it in 2 months. I also know that if something happens and I can't write a day or two now and then, I can make up those missed pages easily. In 2009, I wrote as many as 20 pages in one day. In 2008, I wrote 27 pages in a day. But that, I know, isn't the norm. 3 pages a day will get me within the one-chapter-written-per-week realm. Do I quit at 3 pages? No. Why? Experience has taught me that there will be days when not even a page will be written because of things I can't control. Those "things" cannot include I don't feel like it. In fact, it's often those I-don't-feel-like-it days that I end up writing the most, because once I place my backside in the chair and my hands on the keyboard, then force myself to write, I discover that I suddenly do feel like it. It may not start out as my best writing, but it's writing and it can be fixed.

The last step is the easiest and the hardest. You see, Nike is my friend. Just Do It. No excuses, no whining, just doing.

With all that in mind, I have to take my own advice. It's time to work on the three proposals I want to have ready to go in *gulp* just over two weeks.

Happy New Year! And the very best of luck on your goals for 2010! (You do have goals, right? No? Then get busy and set some!)

2010 Greetings

2010-01-02T10:31:00.000-06:00

May 2010 be a year of

Happiness, Love, and Prosperity for all!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:05:00.002-06:00

Straight No Chaser

Aren't they GREAT?!

See the real, non-animated verson!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T11:52:00.000-06:00

Holiday Madness

2009-12-15T14:43:00.004-06:00

It's ten days before Christmas and I haven't done any shopping, decorating, baking, or anything Christmasy. What I have done is write, so it isn't as if I'm lolling on a beach somewhere in Barbados, although that would be my wish, with the temps well below freezing here.

So far, one book finished, one in the process of being completed, and copy edits on that first. Not all will be finished before Christmas, but it's definitely time to take a break. I had a wonderful time at the Wichita Area Romance Authors Christmas party on Sunday with the super ladies of WARA, so at least a bit of Christmas is creeping slowly into my little space.

But it's only the beginning of the holiday season, right? No? Well, I'm just beginning! Tomorrow night will really set things in motion, and you're all invited!

Would you like to chat with some of your favorite authors? Have a chance to win free books? Then the place to be on the evening of December 16 is at Harlequin's Holiday Open House chat! This is an annual event, and this year there will be nearly 100 authors attending the festivities. The fun starts at 7 p.m. EST at eHarlequin and will encompass 3 hours of chat, followed by Post Parties on the message boards.

I'll be joining many of the Home and Hearth authors during the first hour (7-8 p.m. EST) and giving away 3 copies each of THE RODEO RIDER and BACHELOR COWBOY, the first two of my series set in the fictional town of Desperation, Oklahoma.

Come celebrate the holiday season with us (and help kick off mine!)

at Harlequin's Holiday Open House!

Harlequin's Holiday Open House

2009-12-15T14:18:00.000-06:00

Would you like to chat with some of your favorite authors? Have a chance to win free books? Then the place to be on the evening of December 16 is at Harlequin's Holiday Open House chat! Nearly 100 authors will be attending the festivities. The fun starts at 7 p.m. EST at eHarlequin and will encompass 3 hours of chat, followed by Post Parties on the message boards.

I'll be chatting with the Home and Hearth authors during the first hour (7-8 p.m. EST) and giving away 3 copies each of THE RODEO RIDER (Harlequin American Romance, August 2009) and BACHELOR COWBOY (Harlequin American Romance, January 2010), the first two of my series set in the fictional town of Desperation, Oklahoma.

Come celebrate the holiday season with us!