Aspiring Author Grows Wings

It's All In A Title

2011-11-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

Who knew? I had an idea on a Cinderella Series (I believe I’ve mentioned it before), that has been in the works for nigh on six years now. Yes! I said six years. In all that time, I’ve been stuck on the fact that the story of Cinderella revolves around a shoe. But, alas, my contemporaries (experienced, contemporaries, I want to stress) insist that having “Shoe” (or in my case, “Foot”) in the title should be avoided at all costs.

One friend’s direct quote states: “But it does sound like you’re stretching to make the shoe fit, so to speak. Brainstorm again.”
But, six years! I tell myself. This is a long time to be attached to a silly title. So I’ve been racking my poor feeble brain the last three days to break that “foot” thinking. I am happy to report that I may have just accomplished my goal.
Stay tuned.

Next Step....Breathe

2011-11-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

So, I’m new to the pre-publishing world. My emails consist of author bio, back cover blur, 1 to 2 line hook for posting to social media and cover page info. Wow! I haven’t even seen edits yet. Overwhelming? Yes, but I’ll enjoy the journey. It’s what I’ve signed up for.

In the meantime, I’ll continue the edit process on the second in my Cinderella series, Pricilla. She’s a pistol, keeping Sir Arnald on his toes and managing her evil mamá’s shenanigans.

And, manage the weekend retreat in Bentonville, Arkansas with my Jodi-Thomas Pioneers’ writing buddies.

I just have to remember to breathe…

Let's talk specifics...

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, now I’ve signed the contracts for Nose Job and Quotable, what do I do in the meantime….hmmm? Well, as it turns out, I have several other irons in the fire. One project, dear to my heart, and which I’d love to share (before edits start blindsiding me), is my current three book series, I’ve been working on for…uh…six years…

Writing in general is difficult, but if you ever find yourself standing in the bookstore, whether it is Barnes and Noble or Half-Priced books, consider this: How do they possibly decide what sub-category a story belongs in. Which brings me to the dilemma of “story placement.” Sometimes a book just does not fit in any one spot. Do I throw away all my hard work? Of course, not (by that I meant “hell no.”)

Remember that first manuscript I mentioned yesterday? The one that I completed that was thirteen thousand words? Yes, that’s the one. ’Twas my first book! Set in the latter portion of the 1700’s is The Shoe the Other Foot Fit. (By the by, ’tis now at fifty-five thousand words)

Oui, the title is odd (try saying it really fast three times), but, alas, I’ve called it that for so long, that my tongue no longer trips over the words.

My hope is to engage enough interest to drive a person to distraction. That distraction is in a three book Cinderella series that is fun, heartwarming, a teeny bit sensual and a whole lot of sweet. Don’t get me wrong—remember the evil stepmother? (in this case, the stepmamá)

Have I whet your l'appétit?

My Writing Journey's Conversion

2011-11-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

Six years ago this month began my journey writing romance. Yes, six years! To date, I have eight completed manuscripts. My very first story (I didn’t call it a book), was thirteen thousand words. And I knew nothing about writing. Nothing about POV….in fact, I didn’t know what POV was (FYI: Point of view). I knew nothing about characterization.

Regardless, I set my ass in the chair (or on the floor) every night and wrote. I am very good at tuning any and everything out. Soon, I’d completed my first “story”. I was elated. What did I do? I started the second one (one which will never see the light of day, in this lifetime). I could bore you with every detail, but I’ll try to refrain.

The process continued until, viola, (fast forward six years) and I now have eight. Did I ever enter contests (yes)? Or submit (yes)? Did I get rejects (a bunch)? But why am I telling you this? Because, most importantly, I finished what I started when I began this journey. And now, six years later, I am pleased to say I have signed contracts with two different publishers for two different books. My efforts are coming to fruition.

I will leave you with this—whatever your heart might desire, albeit writing fiction, memoirs, or music, the sense of accomplishment is akin to euphoric drugs (okay, I don’t know what that means, because I’ve never done drugs). But, to finish something is so incredible. And to have someone (read, buy, review????) validate one’s hard work, that took literally years, is insanely over-the-top, unbelievably cool.

Oh, and I’ll leave you with this, too: Nose Job from Wild Rose Press, thank you Nan Swanson (no release date yet—I’ll keep you posted). And, Quotable from Soul Mate Publishing (also, no release date, but not to worry…)

Good luck in your endeavors. Al Wheeler says, “The time is going to go by anyway. You might as well make it work in your favor.” (Thank you, honey.)

New Jersey Anyone?

2011-02-04T06:35:00.001-08:00

If you are ever in the need for a Romance Writer Conference, let me recommend the New Jersey’s Put Your Heart in a Book Conference held in Iselin, New Jersey.

The parade of speakers presented was a star-studded list for the romance world that left me breathless.

Imagine, my dear romance writing friend, you are seated at the bar chatting to other fellow attendees when suddenly you find yourself surrounded by the likes of Julie Ann Long, Julianne MacLean, Miranda Neville, Madeline Hunter, keynote speaker- Sharon Sala. I thought I’d died and gone to Romance Writing Heaven. The romance writing adventures and advice from such seasoned professionals flowed around me like the winds of a southern plains storm. So much to revel in. So much to learn!

Questions poured though my soul....Will I ever make it their level? Time will only tell.

Yet, what did I learn? To persevere.

I will not give up….I will not give up….I will not give up…

RWA Orlando - A hit

2010-08-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Orlando was Hot!

Hot as in Great! Authors, agents, editors. But most especially—old and new friends. Yes, we know we go to Nationals to perfect our craft. And, yes, we know we go to network, and get away from our daily grind. But the biggest benefit is in seeing old friends, and making with new ones.

As I travel throughout the year, (I got to two to three conferences per year) I am happy to report that all people I’ve met in Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Amarillo, and even the city in which I reside (Oklahoma City), Ii find I’m able to spend more time with friends from home when I encounter them at Nationals.

And, I hope this never changes.

So You Think You Have It Covered? Goal Motivation Conflict

2009-05-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Deb Dixon's Goal Motivation and Conflict one day workshop is fabulous. When I first arrived at 7:30a on Saturday morning for breakfast, I was greeted by several members of the Greater Georgia Romance Writer's chapter. I felt somewhat concerned when I observed that only two rows of the at the front of the room, laid out in classroom style were occupied.
When Deb started the workshop and I stepped out for a “ladies room” moment, imagine my surprise when almost every table, another ten rows of twelve chairs, were filled to capacity. For the entire day.
She was terrific. I love her disclaimer: “If I talk to fast, feel free to try to slow me down. Well, you can try.”
She talked ninety miles an hour. The disclaimer was a good idea, but it didn't work. I had writer's cramp from all my notes. But, that's okay. I'm a writer, after all.
Anyway, I'm getting off-track.
Deb is publisher of Belle Books (http://bellebooks.com/).
Her thorough approach to the complete story is incredible. What I grasped from her fast talk is that each character in your story needs their own story. A complete circle, if you will.
Based on the book, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, each CHARACTER has their own views, agenda's and learning curves in twelve easy steps (did I say easy? I was kidding).
Giving the story depth and believability.
She also lays out a handy little chart for each character outlining their Internal and External Goals, Motivations and Conflicts.
I think the underlying theme here is each character.
The best place to find Deb's book is http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com/ for $19.95.
Her url: http://www.DebraDixon.com

On another note regarding my time in Atlanta: What a fabulous city. The natives and not-natives are very friendly and helpful. I stayed at a small hotel next door to the CNN Tower. The Glenn Hotel. While they were under construction, the staff was very friendly from the valet to the bartenders to the maid who cleaned my room.
I hope I have the opportunity to go back someday.
The Georgia Aquarium has a fantastic Beluga Whale exhibit. Next year they will have Dolphins. The Margaret Mitchell Museum is an interesting tour. She wrote Gone with the Wind. **sigh** Other things, I should probably keep to myself.....
Until next time.....arrivederci!

On adding a little romance: For Men

2009-04-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Romance writing is not just about romance. It’s about adventure, whether action or emotional. The only guarantee women have when they read romance is the happy ending.
You want to know what a woman desires, craves, excites for….Just ask any woman who reads romance regardless of the cover of their book. Yes, men, just ask any woman who reads. That, my dear sir, is called Action!
This is my advice to you. If you feel your woman is not responding to what you consider your best efforts, then pick up a romance novel and read in plain English what she might really like. This does not include Penthouse forum. Though I guess it could if she is drunk.
Actually, it was not my intention to say this, it just sort of popped out. A little helpful advice if you will.
So the question is: Do you know where to kiss her? The place that causes her knees to collapse beneath her? It’s probably not where you think. Try her neck, or the inside of her wrist. It’s a start of course.
My plan on this blog is to Blog my writing adventures of travel to the different romance writing workshops and conferences. I’ll start with Atlanta, Deb Dixon’s Goal Motivation and Conflict next week.
In the meantime….keep reading romance. It makes life fun.

2009-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Writing romance is like living your dreams your way! You choose how you want the ending. No one can take it away from you.