Apr 7, 2009 | Books, Heroes, Hunks, Inspiration, Writing |
I'm working on Book 3, getting deep into character and motivation, and generally having fun exploring the relationship between these two volatile people. And when I ran across this picture, the light bulb went off — this is my hero. Cristiano is strong, sexy, and tortured by the past. And he's absolutely determined to get what he wants from the heroine — and to leave her with nothing when he's done.
Oh be still my heart! Wounded heroes are so sexy to write.
Yeah, I love this job. 🙂
In other news, the website is inching closer to reveal day! I'm so excited about it, and can't wait to share it with you all! There will be a new website, blog, and newsletter. And when it goes live, I'll give away some goodies. 🙂
One last thing — my book is up for pre-order on Amazon, but now it has a cover — and that makes me delighted to share the link with you!
Apr 6, 2009 | Blogging
Today's post is at Romance Magicians. We're talking about creative breaks. Please come by and say hi!
Apr 3, 2009 | General, Life, Oddities |
1. Is there a rule that says once you hit a certain age, you must cut your hair short? Because I attended a function the other day where every single woman there, with the exception of me and one other lady, was upwards of 50. And they ALL had short hair. Short. Gray, white, brown and blonde — didn't matter, every lady had short hair. Nearly gave me a panic, I tell you. I've already made the switch from long to layered, but I'm holding the line on that above-the-shoulder stuff. If it looked good on me, I wouldn't be so worried. But it doesn't. Trust me.
2. I am a horrible, horrible gadget-loving person! It's all my hubby's fault! I want a new MacBook Pro. I love my 13.3″ white MacBook, but I want a bigger screen. I've fallen in love with the sleek look of the new Macs.
3. By the same token, I want a new iPod shuffle. Why? Heck if I know! I already have an iPhone and a 32 GB Touch. I also have a first generation 4 GB Nano that I never use anymore. So why would I need a shuffle? Don't know, but it's so cool and little! And it talks!
4. I have already mentioned the Kindle. Still want.
5. Hubby is a shoe ho. He rivals me, though he swears he does not. The man made an *impulse* shoe buy the other day that rather surprised me. I am still recovering from the sticker shock. I could have bought a Kindle! (Well, I'd have needed to add some money, but still!) The man is insane.
6. We're having bad weather. Tornadoes possible. I really hate this time of year. 🙁
7. I *love* the person who copy-edited my last book. My voice is intact, and she barely touched my words. Love that!!
8. Love the ideas I brainstormed with my editor for book 3. Need to get busy rewriting and moving forward.
9. Taxes. Holy cow, it's time!
10. Dinner out with parents tonight! Dinner with friends tomorrow! Diet on Sunday!
What's up with you?
Apr 1, 2009 | Writing |
I'm working on Book 3 and I could tell something was missing. As much as I loved the characters, and the situation I'd gotten them into (oh it is delicious, but I cannot tell you!), there was some niggling little thing bugging me. Something wasn't right.
Fortunately, my editor saw it too. And after a conversation with her yesterday, I now have new direction. What I was missing, apparently, was some deeper angst. In a short category novel, those backgrounds are key. What happened to these people in the past to make them who they are now? What about their pasts prevents them from being together or from seeing they are right for each other? What must they help each other to realize before they can live happily ever after?
It seems straightforward enough, but it rarely is. My characters are real to me, and until I know what their problems truly are, it's impossible to just make a bunch of stuff up that doesn't fit. Seriously. I guess that sounds silly, but it's true.
My editor hit on something perfect that fit the hero so well I wondered how I hadn't realized it about him before. Combine that with some other things I learned about him, and with the heroine's background, and we've got one dark book. But I'm up for the challenge! I'm looking forward to the revisions to the first three chapters, and what will happen as I move forward from there. I'm excited about it again, and not worried that something is missing. It's a great feeling.
And, once again, there's a deadline staring me in the face. So time to get busy!
How do you know when you have all your elements in place? Do character backgrounds take you a while to learn? Or do you know everything right away?
Mar 30, 2009 | Writing |
I'll be wrestling the characters of the newest book this week, so may not be around too much. I've got them in a pickle, but the trouble is they are still hiding information from me so I don't quite know what they're going to do. This situation cannot continue. I, as the writer, MUST know what's what. Until I do, they aren't getting out of the difficult place I've stuck them in. I'm pretty sure I'm going to win, though not sure how long it'll take….
I'm working on Book 3, getting deep into character and motivation, and generally having fun exploring the relationship between these two volatile people. And when I ran across this picture, the light bulb went off — this is my hero. Cristiano is strong, sexy, and tortured by the past. And he's absolutely determined to get what he wants from the heroine — and to leave her with nothing when he's done.