Causing Conflict

As writer’s we hear pretty much from day one that our stories must have strong conflict. The better the conflict the more engaging the story will be, and so on.

I read a thought provoking post a few days ago in a newsletter I received from Holly Lisle about pissing people off. Many of you are probably familiar with her, if not, you are missing out.

It was about conflict, and it really made me stop and think about my writing. I didn't quote it here because I'm guessing she wouldn't appreciate me spouting something she sent in a newsletter. That being said, we all still need conflict. Don't we?

Having great conflict in your story is one thing, but what about creating conflict with your story. Are you willing to go that far?

We all have things we believe in or don’t. Sometimes passionately. Usually there are as many people who believe the same things you do, as there are people who believe just the opposite and swear you’re the fool.

This is a new avenue for me, because I've always very carefully avoided expressing my opinions about certain issues. And I still believe people aren't that interested in what I think personally. BUT. That being said, if you felt passionately about something, and you let a little of that show through in your story, wouldn't it rock? Or would you rather not alienate anyone and take the safer route.

This is one of those times where I'm not sure there's a right or wrong answer. Would you dare to let this show through in your stories? Are you afraid of the conflict, or do you invite it?

Life with Lucy #3

Greetings, everyone. Fridays are wonderful things. Today Lucy took her last antibiotic pill so that struggle is over. She’s feeling much better, hardly a cough in sight. Or hearing. Why don’t I just let her tell you herself.

Hello, it’s me, Lucy. Its ve-r-r-ry cold here. Is it cold where you are? I don’t have much hair to cover me, and I shiver when I go outside. So Mom makes me wear a coat. It keeps me very warm. My daddy says it’s a girlie coat. I tried to tell him it’s a doggie coat, but he says since I’m a girlie doggie, its okay.

Mom laughs when Dad takes me outside because he’s a very big guy, walking a little girl dog with a pink leash and a pink coat. What, I ask you is wrong with pink? He says he must love me very much. Of course he does. What’s not to love? I’m a dog. Dogs are lovable.

This morning we had a wonderful surprise when we went outside. Something Mom called freezing rain. It made everything shiny and beautiful. It felt cold on my tongue. I wanted to sniff and lick everything. The rocks, the dirt, even the asphalt was icy cold and I thought I could take a bite. Mom told me, no. The grass was crunchy under my feet. The leaves were like little ice cubes. Mom wouldn’t let me eat those either.

Mom didn’t seem very happy about the beautiful rain. She slipped because she doesn’t have claws like me. She didn’t fall though. I think that’s good. Mom says I shouldn’t hope you get freezing rain too, because it’s dangerous. I’m not sure about that. I think it’s lovely and I want to stay outside in my warm coat and watch it fall.

Probably like a lot of you, for many years I've seen freezing rain as nothing but evil. It's slippery, and unsafe. It gets in the way of progress. Taking kids to school, getting to work, or walking the dog. But today, just for moment, watching Lucy react to it, I saw something very different. She was delighted. And it made me see it differently, if only for a moment. The moment just before I slipped, but still. I'm thankful, because she made me pause, and take another look. Right now, Lucy is barking at me to take her outside again. Duty calls. Be safe and have a happy weekend, everyone!

A Blog Award!

I've been given a blog award!

Thanks to Debora Dennis for the honor of nominating my blog for the Reality Award.

Now, according to the rules of the award, I need to share 7 facts you might not know about me... (and probably don't care to know, but rules are rules)

1. I don’t like to go barefoot. I feel naked.

2. I love cheese. Just between you and me, there I days when I choose cheese over chocolate.

3. I still work on stories writing longhand sometimes.

4. I love action movies. If it’s blowing up, burning, or there’s a car chase, I’m there.

5. I really don’t like it when people casually use the word “hate”. To me it’s serious; it’s powerful, and should be saved for special occasions.

6. I drink as much black/green tea as I do coffee. I believe in equal opportunity caffeinating.

7. I don’t like horror movies, but have no trouble reading paranormal/horror stories. Go figure.

And now the rules say I must nominate other worthy bloggers because they inspire me with their ideas, their creativity and their positive words!


Chelle Sandell at http://chellesandell.blogspot.com/

Tina Vaughn at http://tinaevaughn.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Rose at http://authorrebeccarose.blogspot.com/

Autumn Piper at http://piperpatter.blogspot.com/

Kate Reedwood at http://katereedwood.blogspot.com/


And because every award comes with a few rules, here's the rules of the Reality Award:

1. Thank the blogger who gave you the award.

2. Post the award on your blog.

3. Share 7 little-known facts about you.

4. Nominate 5 bloggers to bestow the award upon.

5. Contact them and let them know to come pick up their award at your blog!

Life with Lucy #2

One of the first things on the agenda after adopting a shelter dog is to take it to the vet for a check-up. So that’s what we did first thing on Thursday. And then on Monday, we went back again in a hurry. But I’ll let Lucy tell you the rest.

 Hi All,

It’s me, Lucy. Mom says I’m supposed to tell you what happened this week. For some reason she thinks you might be interested in my life. That’s good, cuz it’s a dog’s life.

Mom took me to the vet. The car ride was very exciting. I had the whole back seat to myself. I got to smudge up all the windows with my nose, and roll around. Now it smells like me, and I feel more at home.

The vet’s office was even better. A whole buffet of smells waited just inside the door! Waiting for the vet got really boring so I decided a little nap would be a good thing. Then the vet came in and I liked him until he got close to me and I smelled him. Then I didn’t like him so much. I barked and told him to stay away. It didn’t matter. I must have been a bad dog cuz he gave me a shot in the butt.

Monday I woke up with a really bad cough. Mom told me she thought I might hack something up I might need later, so we should visit the vet again. I did my best to be a good dog, and I didn’t bark at him this time. And again I got a shot in the butt! I’m not liking this place so much. He told me I can’t play this week. No balls or toys. I have to rest and take these icky pills.

Mom thought she could fool me by wrapping the pills in roast beef, or cheese, or even once a hot dog. It didn’t work. I spit them out every time cuz they taste awful. That was only after I ate the meat though. Who spits out meat?

I have to go take a nap. No balls until I quit coughing. But I only cough when I do stuff. Like walk. It’s not so bad right? Bye, now.

That’s my Lucy. Yes, she did have a case of kennel cough, but the vet said if she rests and takes all her meds she’ll be fine. See you next week!

Cover Reveal

It's Monday, so time for some writing news. Just so you're certain I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, thought I'd share a little bit of what I've been working on behind the scenes. Pretty sure you remember my first book release, Lion Tamers.

It's been retitled, as has the entire series, it's being re-edited, and will be available again very soon.

In the mean time, take a peek at Morgan's shiny new title, and cover.

Whaddya think?

Life with Lucy - #1

Welcome to the new Friday Feature here on Fox Tales. There have been some big happenings around the Fox household! Apparently just having two calm and serene cats for several years got boring. Who knew that would happen? And after giving it some thought, and discussion, we realized we had room to help another disadvantaged pet.

After searching online over several weeks, a sweet black face caught my eye. When I called to find out about her, she just happened to be out for viewing at a farm store. So dropping everything, off we went to meet her. She turned out to be just as sweet as she looks.

Now it’s your turn. May I introduce the newest member of our family, Lucy.

For those of you who are old enough to remember, yes, it’s true. When I get home I want to be able to holler, “Luuucccyyy!! I’m home!” Without the Cuban accent, and the good looks, I’m hoping it’ll still work. At this point, she comes running, wagging her whole body. I can work with that.