I Don't Care What You Think

Gotcha! Did you expect something juicy? As writers, we all worry to a certain degree about what people think of our work. Do you?

I'm over at Through Heart-Shaped Glasses talking about it. If you've dealt with this, come tell us about it.

Don't Argue for Your Darlings

One of the blogs I subscribe to has a great post today, so I thought I'd share it. If you are a writer and don't follow this blog, you might want to consider it.

Writer Unboxed

The post is longish, but the points are so true and worth reading. Because it's almost a knee jerk reaction to defend our work, especially those darlings that we've slaved over for hours on end. Keith Cronin does a fabulous job of explaining why as writers we might not want to do that.

Okay, I confess. I may have done it a time or two. My CP's have always kindly and respectfully put me in my place. They are priceless. Truly.

Finding the Right Title

Not so very long ago, writer’s came up with a working title for their novel knowing that the publisher would likely change whatever they decided on. Those days are over for quite a few. With the advent of small presses and self-publishing, titles are more important than ever.

They are also very busy. Here are a few things a title should do:

· Identify your story

· Set the tone or mood of your work

· Attract attention

· Create interest

 How do you find the right title? Well, first off, you need to identify your market. Remember, all books don’t appeal to all people. So think about it. Mull it over. Once you’ve come up with what you feel fits, give it a rest. Let it go for a few days, or weeks. Then come back to it. Does it still resonate? When you think about it, does it still do all the things you thought it would in the beginning? Do you love it? If your answers are yes, yes, and YES! It’s time to send it out into the world.

Tell a few people that you trust about it, and ask their opinions. If one of them doesn’t care for it, but most do, you’re good to go. If they all comment on the same thing, you might want to rethink your title. I know, believe me, I know it’s easier said than done. It’s tough to encapsulate months of work into just a few words. But it’s very important. It’s what we do. And we’re going to live with it a very long time.

Do you have any tricks or tips for coming up with a great title?

The First Line

It's Sunday! Woo-hoo, I love me some weekend. I'm over at Throught Heart-Shaped Glasses talking about first lines in books.

Why don't you come join me, and tell me, what's your favorite first line?

The Nuance of Emotion

Lately, I’ve been studying ways to make my books richer, deeper, and hopefully connect better with readers. One of the things I’ve been working at is showing varied emotion.

When you write a story, especially in a romance, everything leads you to the drama of the black moment. The point about three-quarters of the way through when all seems lost for the heroine. It’s as if she’ll never reach her goal now. We know more often than not, she’ll find a way to get through this moment and ultimately to the HEA. If it sounds formulaic, it is. We romance readers not only know this, we expect it.

But what helps your heroine or hero move through all of those chapters leading up to the black moment? And why does the reader care? It sounds simple. It’s just emotion. The reader empathizes with the characters. Yes, I hear you about the plot, but bear with me. We’re talking delicate tree leaves here, not a redwood trunk.

It’s easy to hit the high notes of emotion. Anger, passion, jealousy, love. But using too many of these too often, can actually make a reader really not like your story. Okay, for what it’s worth, it’ll make me not like your story. If you’ve read for any length of time, you’ve probably come across a book where every time something doesn’t go the heroine’s way, she gets mad. Or jealous. She’s not usually a teenager, so as a reader, I’m not buying into it. Nor am I wasting my precious time to finish it.

I don’t know about you, but in real life, I don’t always have the energy to get mad. Or the situation doesn’t really warrant all that emotion. I get irritated, embarrassed, disappointed, or frustrated. Those feelings are way different than when someone’s got a good mad on. And how they appear to the reader is very different as well. There are both verbal and non-verbal ways to show (notice, I didn’t say tell) these emotions. Dialogue usually comes to mind first, then character action or reaction. But don’t forget things like body language. As humans we give subtle hints or make unconscious movements, and possibly go through physical changes when we feel certain emotions. Think about them. Feel them. Live them.

Put them on the page. Share them with your reader. You’ll both be glad you did.

Every Villain Deserves Attention

Villains are on my mind this week. Probably because I just watched Skyfall last night, and the villain was quite conflicted which didn’t make him more attractive to me, but it did make the story more interesting and compelling. He had a backstory that could have made him just as much a hero, or just as much a villain. As writer’s that’s the point of it, right? To craft a compelling story that makes readers enjoy it so much they want to come back for more.

I struggle with this because I don’t like villains much. In my current WIP it actually stalled me for a while because my villain wants to kill someone. And he’s killed before. When I came face to face with the idea that in order to give depth to the story I needed not only to give my villain motivation, I needed to understand it. Basically I fought against knowing the bad guy as well as I knew the heroine and her love interest. The desire to look deep into the thoughts of someone who killed wasn’t there for me.

What got me through it ultimately is that I wanted to tell this story. I can’t thank my readers enough for still asking for this story, and wanting to read it. In the end, I’d made more of an emotional blockage than a craft one. Once I finally made the decision to give the villain the history, life experience, and baggage that every other major character in the story had, it came together like clockwork.

Even if the villain is snarky ex-girlfriend, she too, deserves to be treated like the character she is, if she’s playing a major role.

What about you? Do you feel squeamish about villains, or are they just another day at the office?

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?

Writing Contest

The First Annual Lyrical Press How Lyrical is Your Romance? Contest opens on Monday, January 16^th. This contest is open to both published and unpublished authors.Entries must be complete works, ranging in word count between 15,000-100,000 words, any heat level, and fit into one of the following subgenre categories:

• Contemporary romance
• Historical romance
• Paranormal or urban fantasy romance
• Romantic steampunk
• Romantic Suspense

Prizes:

1^st Place: $200 advance and digital publishing contract (advance payable as $100 upon finalized contract and $100 upon publication).

2^nd Place: $100 advance and digital publishing contract (advance payable as $50 upon finalized contract and $50 upon publication).

3^rd Place: Top-scoring contestant in each genre category will receive an acquiring editor’s critique of synopsis and first 50 pages of manuscript.

Guidelines:

File type: .rtf, .doc, or .docx only

12pt black font (Times New Roman, Cambria, Courier or Georgia preferred)

Line spacing: 1.5

Margins: 1" all

Page-breaks between chapters

Please include a title page listing the following information:

Legal name

Pen name

Email address

Contact phone

Working title (include series name and details if applicable)

Word count

Genre/category

Entries will be accepted from January 16, 2012 through February 5, 2012, and must be emailed to contest@lyricalpress.com. Entries sent to an email other than the aforementioned will be ignored. Please include book title and contest in subject line thusly: Booktitle – How Lyrical Is Your Romance?. Attach full manuscript, and 2-5 page synopsis in .rtf, .doc, or .docx format (Booktitle_MS and Booktitle_SYN as file names--your book title replaces “Booktitle”). After February 5, the contest will close, but we’ll still be accepting submissions as always at our submissions@lyricalpress.comaddress.

No entry fee required. Judges reserve the right to Decline to Judge any entry if it does not fit our lines, level of writing is not acceptable, or submission guidelines are not followed.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria: Hook, Pacing/Plot, Characterization, Dialogue, Mechanics, and Author Voice.

Winners will be announced on March 12, 2012 via our blog http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com/and direct emails to winners.

Novel Work – Excuse Me, Do I Know You?

In honor of this being NaNo month and all (no, I’m not doing it this year, but keep it between us, okay?) I thought a little novel work would be appropriate for all the editing that will be done next month. And what good is a great plot without awesome characters.  

Don’t you just love great characters? When I read a story with brilliantly written characters, it’s like I’m part of their world, swept away for a few moments from my own. Their problems become fascinating, their pain grips me, and their happiness lightens my heart. I remember them long after I’ve finished reading. Long enough in fact, to buy the next book that very same author writes.

As an author, wouldn’t you like to be able to write characters that are able to capture readers with seemingly little or no effort? Me too. So much so in fact, I find myself constantly reading books on the subject. And here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Know Your Characters

This is number one because to me, it’s the most important. This sounds simple doesn’t it? Everyone gets to know their characters in different ways. Whether you use a character bio, astrological charts, or a check list, you as the author, need to know your characters past. While this may not transfer in so many words to the reader, it will show in the way your character responds to other characters, events, stressful circumstances, and sexual situations.

If you think about the lives of real people, everyone has faced challenges that shape who they are, and who they become. It’s no different for your imaginary people.

2. Know Their Place in the Story

What I mean by this is that each character has a role to play. Whether its hero, heroine, villain, secondary, or just a walk on, you must understand how they will interact with other characters. This will serve as a guide to how well you must know them, and enable you bring forth certain aspects of their personality that will not only move the story forward, but will also resonate with readers.

3. Understand Their Motivation

What do your characters want? Again, this is for you the author. You must have a clear idea what your characters goal is, in order to get it across to your reader in an entertaining manner. This is where you can really get into the deep point-of-view of your character, and pull the reader into the story. This is where reader empathy for characters begins. If the goal is not clear, your character could end up wandering around lost in the desert, and your reader will be lost. So lost in fact, that they try another author the next time.

4. Conflict, Conflict, Conflict

If you know your characters personalities well enough, and their motivation is clear enough, you’ll see immediately if your conflict is believable. If it’s not, don’t try to fake it. Readers won’t buy it. And to coin a phrase used a lot these days, let’s be clear: A Misunderstanding Is Not Conflict. Can a misunderstanding add depth to an already established conflict? Sure, if handled carefully. It can also add humor, and entertainment value. But by itself, it is boring. Totally.

One of the biggest mistakes an author can make, IMO, is to not know their characters. As your story progresses, if you find you are having trouble with your story being slow to start, sagging in the middle, or perhaps not having the emotional black moment that you’d hoped for, take a good long look at your characters. Review who they are, their place in the story, their goals, and the conflict. If you are willing to be honest with yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pinpoint the issue.

Happy Writing!

Fall Favorites

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The temperate days, the cool nights. The transformation of the leaves to from green to brilliant crimson, orange, or yellow. We’re lucky we have some that change to a deep red that looks more purple than any other color. I spend a lot of time on the deck this time of year. Just watching the leaves change.

A couple of the neighbors have these pumpkin displays that come in rows with all different sorts of faces on them. And they’re always lit from dusk to dawn. You can’t help but smile when you see them. Bales of straw with mums and stacks of real pumpkins are my absolute favorite.

I go out of my way to find odd looking gourds to put in a dish on the table. Tables remind me of baking. It’s time to think about what to give out for Halloween, and what to serve for Thanksgiving dinner. In between now and then, I’ll be practicing my recipes to ensure they’ll taste good on the big day.

Another thing I feel compelled to do starting in the fall and over the winter is either take writing classes, and or read books on craft. Just to keep the saw sharp, as it were. Maybe it’s because we’re indoors more. Who knows?

I’ve signed up for an online class with the Northeast Ohio chapter of RWA, entitled Fast Draft: A Book In Two Weeks. It sounds like something that could really help my productivity. I’ll keep you posted.

Another recent purchase is The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass. The front of the book reads - passion, purpose, and techniques to make your novel great. Hey, who am I to argue? I’m looking forward to reading it. There’s always lots of room for improvement.

Do you like the fall? Or would you rather it be summer all year round?

Format Change

Looking for your next favorite author? This just might be the place you’ll find them. Starting this Friday, a new format is coming to Fox Tales. And it’s not the ‘sporadic or no posts at all’ version you’ve grown used to.

Monday Mii – Yes, I have a little red-headed mii. At this time she lives in Chicago on my niece’s Wii, but I love her just the same. This’ll be all that behind the scenes stuff people always wonder about writers. In other words, just the boring details about my personal life. I promise not to post what I had for lunch. Unless it involves me cooking it, which sometimes is quite humorous.

Writer Wednesday – All the writer-ly stuff you can imagine. I’ll continue posts from Writer Biz, Novel Work, and throw in any other writing related goodies that pique my interest.

Fan Friday – Here’s the biggie. Although I write romance, I’m an eclectic reader. I love lots of different genres. So Fridays will be devoted to other author’s guest posts. That way you don’t have to read about me, ad nauseam. And you can add more books to your TBR list.

Stay tuned!

Do Multiple Genres Equal Multiple Pen Names?

This discussion goes on and on. I’ve seen it for years. And in the way of human beings, now it’s affecting me, so I’m requesting input.

I understand the difference between having a pen name for standard romance versus erotic romance, but I have to wonder, is that line blurring? Everybody knows who J.D. Robb is. And no, La Nora doesn't write erotica, but Eve can be quite the spicy character. J.R. Ward followers know she also writes under Jessica Bird and both names are on her website. Let’s not forget the fantabulous Sylvia Day, aka Livia Dare and S.J. Day.

Granted, I have nowhere near the following that these awesome authors have, for me it’s more a question of getting started on the right foot.

Now that I’ve been writing for a while, I find myself wanting to try my hand at other genres. But do I really need to have a selection of names, one for each?

If so, can I put them all on one web page? If a standard romance reader discovers I write erotica under another name or fantasy, paranormal or whatever, will they be put off?

I know some of my writer friends have more than one pen name. If you had it to do over again, would you still use more than one name?

Ultimately this will be my decision, but terrific people that you are, you’ve never steered me wrong yet. So speak up. Tell me what you think.

The Next Big Thing

Just in case you're wondering what the next hot genre in romance publishing is going to be, my friend Piper Denna has written a great post about it. It's awesome. And perfect for a Friday. Go check it out, here's the link:

Piper Patter

Have a great weekend everyone!

Novel Work #2 – Setting

Working out of town usually gives me time to catch up on movie going, since there’s not much to do once the job site is closed for the day. And depending on what time of day or night that happens, I’m pretty much mentally trashed. So actually it’s become kind of a special treat. Especially since movies have gotten so frickin’ expensive!

Thinking about some of the movies I’ve seen recently, made me very aware of how much of a part setting plays in the story line. I struggle with this sometimes in my own stories. The important things that usually drive a story are plot line, characters, and macguffins. But what’s holding all this up? The setting.

Some days I find I’ve written several pages, and being tied up with characters have not added in any detail beyond the rudimentary about where these people are and how it affects the outcome of their schemes. Then I have to go back and layer in specific things which will enhance the story, making it richer and hopefully more captivating.

My recent viewings have included the last Harry Potter, Captain America, and Cars 2. I mean really, given my line of work, how could I not go see Cars? Each movie is distinctive in its setting. Imagine for a moment how awful it would be if you didn’t have the eloquence of the background detail as the supporting cast.

Where would Harry be without the fabulous world of Hogwarts? And Captain America without the war? So not happening. Not to mention a world where everything revolves around cars that talk.

If you are searching for a way to make your story stand out, don’t overlook the obvious. Don’t just gloss over the setting, assuming that readers will ‘get it’ because it’s set in a world we all know. Take the time to add the details that make it special. Not only will readers thank you for it, but it will make your story shine.

Novel Work #1 – Start at the Beginning

Wow. That sounds simple, doesn’t it. But where exactly is the beginning?

This is a question I have to work through every time I start a new story. Over time I’ve learned that there are a few things I need to know before I can answer this question. Please remember, I’m a die-hard plotter. So if you’re a pantser, or just not as anal as I am, your mileage may vary.

The first thing I need to know is my characters. I need to know who they are. Their goals and their motivation for reaching said goals. I also need to know what the major conflicts are. I say conflicts because personally, I like an angst-y story so I want both internal and external conflict. And I’m talking skeletons at this point for plot because everything is subject to refinement, but it helps to have an idea where you’re headed so you can find your way.

During the process of critiquing and judging writing, I’ve noticed this is something new writers struggle with. They feel the need to get everything ‘set up’ before the story starts. That way the reader will understand completely when the action starts in chapter five.

Imagine meeting someone for the first time, and right after you’ve been introduced the person starts telling you their life story, from birth up until the moment you meet. Kudos to you if you can last through the whole thing. It’s an exaggeration to be sure, but you get the point. It’s boring! Isn’t it more fun to learn about people a bit at a time? The thrill of discovery makes things more exciting.

Not only that, but its way easier as a writer to just ‘set up’ everything. It takes work and creativity to delicately weave in the back story, setting details, and personality traits. But it also gives you, and most importantly the reader, a better reading experience.

The ideal place to start your story, IMO, is when the hero/heroine gets the call to action. In other words, at the point where their life changes forever. It can be good, or bad, and the character may recognize it immediately or not, but as a writer, you need to. You need to understand that after this particular moment, be it a choice made, a disaster unfolding, or circumvented, from here on out, they will be different. Change is the catalyst that drives the opening.

And the reader shouldn’t have to wait for it.

How you portray that change will be up to you. After all, it is your story.

Eight Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Writers Conference/Convention

For most of us, money is always an issue. These days, even more so. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned, scrimped and saved cash to attend a conference you’ll want to get all the bang your buck can hold. Here’s hoping these tips will help.

1. Know why you are attending – Be selective. What can the conference offer you? As writers oftentimes we attend to sell books. But that’s not enough anymore. Are there business/craft/educational opportunities available? Not things you’ve already done, but new fresh subjects that pique your interest, and spark your creativity. Are there editor/agent appointments available? Are they representing publishers you are interested in working with?

Find out beforehand how well the conference is attended. Some people prefer larger conferences while some are more at ease with a smaller group.

2. Address your fears before you go – Don’t let fear keep you from achieving your goals. Crowds make some people very nervous. Talking to total strangers makes other people ill. Have an action plan in place so when you find yourself in what may have been an uncomfortable situation in the past, this time you’ll be able to work through it, or at the very least, make positive steps toward your objectives. Remember, these people aren’t your enemies. More often than not, it’s your own fears that make them seem so. Most of them are here for the same reasons you are, and are dealing with similar issues.

3. Have a plan – Familiarize yourself with the schedule, so you’ll always be on the way to an event, or coming from an event. Have a destination in mind. That way you don’t find yourself aimlessly wandering, not knowing where to go, or what to do with yourself. This is when those monster fears find a foothold. If you run across friends, plans can always be changed.

4. Dress appropriately – Business casual is always a good bet. Even the most bohemian of us need to make a good impression. Yes, you are a creative person at heart. We know you don’t want to be one of those awful, greedy, corporate types. Still, this is business. If you don’t play the game, you can’t win. I’m not saying don’t wear what you are comfortable with, I’m saying just make sure it represents the best of who you are, not who you are when you’re doing laundry. Dress with care, and self-respect. You are worth it.

5. Be prepared to network –We all know writing is solitary. Conferences are about people! Old friends, new friends, acquaintances, and people we’d like to meet. Be sure to have business cards, bookmarks, postcards, something to give people so they will either remember you, or be able to contact you after the conference is over. Not everyone will contact you, but those who want to do business with you will.

6. Volunteer –this is a great way to meet people and make lifelong friends. It’s a safe way to get you out of your comfort zone. You can share an activity with others, and help at the same time.

7. Smile – This sounds crazy, true? But it works. If you’re waiting in line to register for something, smile at the people around you. Be brave, make eye contact. This will make you feel better, and will put them at ease also. And one of you will speak. It will happen. Viola! Instant networking. Even if you’re nervous, or insecure, it will make people think you are enjoying yourself, and they will want some of what you are having. Even if it’s only airspace.

And here’s the last, and what I feel is the most important tip.

Share your passion.

We attend these events because of books. We love them. We are passionate about genres, stories, characters, and authors, all of it. We each have that in common. It’s what gets us out in the first place. And that’s a lot of ground to cover.

Now. Go enjoy yourself. Fill the well. So you can come home and write.

Anyone Can Write A Hot Mess

Very few can actually write an entire, entertaining, elegantly crafted novel.

If you are one of those people who think anyone can write a book, I'd agree with you. But writing a good book, that's something different entirely. Are you mulling over the idea of writing a book to cash in on the current self-publishing ebook craze?

Before you do, read this article. It could save you  a lot of time and effort. It's some of the best advice I've heard in along time from my good friend Piper Denna.

          Piper Patter

And for those of you who think we may be trying to discourage you because we feel threatened by your talent, come on in. The water is just fine...

Plot Bunnies Gone Awry

Help! My plot bunnies are loose.

I picture a brilliant green swath of grass at dusk. The lawn is surrounded by wondrous landscaping. Trees, shrubs and hedges of every shape and size wait patiently, the perfect escape route for wary bunnies.

The cottontails meander to and fro, three, four, and now five! Nibbling delicately on the luscious feast before them.

The moment I step onto the grass, they dart out of my reach. A few more steps forward and poof! They disappear completely. Out of reach and into the waiting camouflage.

The reality is more like this. Usually I’m doing something I can’t stop at the moment, like driving. And into my head pops the best plot thread, either for my current work or lately it’s been some totally brand new ones. This is accompanied by a great deal of frustration later because try as I might, once I‘ve parked the car, I can’t seem to remember them as clearly as they came to me. Some even escape entirely. Drats.

I’m guessing this happens to other writers too. How do you handle it?

Call For Submissions

Hey all you fantabulous writers out there, feel like trying your hand at a bit of Irish hotness? This call came through one of my publishers, so I thought I'd pass it along.

Lyrical Press is actively seeking submissions for our 2nd annual set of Irish-themed novels/novellas, to release March 2012. We want romantic, sexy stories either set in Ireland or including an Irish hero/heroine. Any subgenre of romance/erotica is welcome (we’d love to see what someone can do with an Irishman in a steampunk).

Books will benefit from group promotion—our authors in this year’s set have worked together and are doing some fantastic co-marketing.

Word counts can range between 15,000-90,000 words. Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2011.

Please include a 1-2 pages synopsis and your full manuscript, attached (in either .doc format, or .rtf). Enter “Irish 2012” in subject line and email directly to mary_murray@lyricalpress.com OR piper@lyricalpress.com

You've got time to plan. I'll look forward to reading what all of you have cooked up!

One of the Best Ever

This is one of the best posts about dialogue I've read in a very long time.

Dialogue by Tony Noland

Enjoy! And maybe learn something, totally by accident. Or if you're driven, then totally on purpose.

If you're determined to succeed at this writing gig, then you might want to read some of Ziggy's other guest posts. They are really good. Actually, good enough, why don't you just follow The Feckless Goblin and see for yourself.