Poor neglected blog!

Yeah, I know, I neglect this poor blog entirely too much. To my defense, though, I've been crazy writing three different books, one being book 3 in the Hunters series. Not to mention my kids are home for summer vacation and my house turns into a circus this time of year!


So, the reason I'm here today - The Darkest War, the second book in Tenna's story, will be released....September 10, 2014!!! Rebel Ink Press will be releasing this one as well.
WOOOOHOOOOOO! I haven't received the cover yet, but I promise to do a reveal when it's in my grubby little hands!


In other news, I'm currently working on a paranormal romance, which may or may not turn into a short series, as well as a Supernatural Thriller. I haven't decided if that will be a stand alone or not. I don't tend to start writing with a series in mind. Sometimes there's just too much story to tell in just one book.


So, anyway, not a whole lot of super cool news on this front. I'll post any news I have on The Darkest War when I know anything.


See y'all on the flip side!

They don't sparkle, but they sure do have a libido...

I love vampires, I love everything about them. I love the movies where the vampires are terrifying, ugly, sparkly, brooding, it doesn't matter. I just LOVE them. (Yes, that includes Twilight. I thought I told y'all I'm an unapologetic Twihard!) While working on my newest book I got to thinking about them. Well, I got to thinking about the folk lore surrounding them through the years.

Here's my take on them:
Vampires do not sparkle in the sun; they will fry, burn, become toast, a pile of ashes. The older vamps can survive short periods of sun, but the only sparkling you will see is from the flames shooting from their burning bodies.

Vampires don't sparkle in my world. They burn and turn into ash. Poor Claudia...even though she was a bit psychotic at times.

They might be brooding, but that only depends on their personalities before they were turned. If they were wangsty before, they will be wangsty after.

Louis was the epitome of brooding and wangst. Damn, his eyes were amazing in this movie!

They can be born, but most of the population was turned by a true born, or a stronger and talented member of the race.

Vampires have an insatiable sexual appetite. Their libido is strong; they need sex almost as much as blood and food to survive. They're rarely truly satisfied, therefore they end up with multiple partners, and some are bisexual.

Even Nosferatu went for a little feelsky when he fed!

And speaking of blood and sustenance, they do eat. While blood is necessary, they have to eat food as well, but only untainted by chemicals. Because of the way their bodies digest they can't tolerate the poisons from processed foods and pesticides in their system. It would be no different than a human trying to survive on cardboard.

They each have talents, some strong and cool, others useless. It is not uncommon for a vampire to be telepathic, empathic, as well as able to manipulate the human mind into seeing or feeling a certain way, and doing what the vampire wants.

~I just searched the web for pictures of vampires doing cool things but other weird crap popped up, like screen shots of video games and such. *sigh* If you're a vamp fiend like me you're fully aware of them flying, mind reading, enchanting humans, etc.~

This is the consolation since I couldn't find any pics. I freaking LOVE Interview With A Vampire!

The speed. Oh, and the strength. Vampires are blessed with crazy ass strength and speed, but not quite the goofy fast forward warp speed you see on True Blood or Twilight. When a vampire moves at full speed you're lucky if you catch a glimpse of their clothing.

Have I missed something you were wondering about? How about your favorite type of vampire? Do you like them tortured and romantic or scary and deadly? Do they sparkle in your fantasies or burst into flames in the sun?

5 Characters in Supernatural/Post Apocalyptic Movies and TV shows you love (or love to hate)

It's no secret that I am an EXTREME Walking Dead fan. Hell, as I write this I'm sipping out of my Walking Dead Darryl and Crossbow coffee mug, while surrounded by my TWD toys, posters, and calendar. Oh, there's even a Darryl mask hanging on my wall. The show is off until October, but that doesn't mean we can't ponder on why we love these characters, and who we love the most.

Here's my list of characters from Supernatual/Preternatual/Post-Apocolyptic movies and shows:

5. All four girls from The Craft!

In the beginning of the movie you can't help but sympathize with these girls. They are the outcasts of their private school, shunned by pretty much every kid there. BUT, as the story unfolds you begin to feel...different. Bonnie becomes a stuck up, narcissistic bitch, Rochelle becomes petty and vengeful, and Nancy...that bitch is just crazy! The only redeemable character in the end is Sarah, and the actress's acting is only subpar compared to the other three. However, you can't help but cheer for the girls, up until the point where they knock poor Chris (Skeet Ulrich) from the window simply for denying Crazy Ass Nancy!

Like I said, crazier than a bat in a shit house!

4. Dean Winchester - Supernatual

It took me a while before I finally caught any of these shows and it's usually reruns. However, I wish I'd caught it from the beginning. I really think both brothers are fine and awesome, but there's just something about Dean. He's witty, sarcastic, strong, brave, intelligent, and has the most kissable lips! Plus, have you seen the video of him doing the Harlem Shake yet?

Momma loves a man who isn't too serious about himself!

3. Eric Draven - The Crow

We've all seen it, and more than likely, if you're a fan you watched this in your teens. You love it or hate it. Even if you love it you have to admit it is as cheesy as the music Eric Draven writes! With names like Fun Boy and Tin Tin you really can't expect a Shakespeare play.

Regardless of whether you hated it you HAVE to admit it has THE BEST soundtrack ever!!!!

2. The entire cast of Zombieland!!!

This movie is technically a comedy, but being as there's zombies in it, I think it qualifies for this blog! All four of them - Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock - have all redeemable qualities and all four add to the movie without being distracting. And you have to admit Woody Harrelson and Emma Stone are pretty damn easy on the eyes. Also, if you've watched this movie as many times as I have and memorized the rules you have a much better chance of survival when the Zombie Apocalypse comes!

1. Daryl Dixon - The Walking Dead

Ah, Daryl Dixon. You can NOT help but cheer for this man!

He's kick ass, loyal, and so freaking gentle! You can't tell me you didn't sigh when he fed "Lil AssKicker"!

The man hasn't bathed in two years yet women every where want to rip his clothes off. It doesn't hurt that the actor, Norman Reedus, is extremely approachable and sweet. And who can forget this...

Forgive the quality, but it's the only clip of this scene I could find

You know every woman watching wished they were the one to comfort him! Even if he did smell like road kill wrapped in ass!

So there's my list of faves! Of course there are so many more I could list, but this is my top five! Do you have a list? Did any of them make this list?

Creepy Dolls, Animal Skulls, and Eevie Jeevies....

I have no idea if Eevie Jeevies is a real phrase, but I'm using it, dammit! Not too long ago I pushed a desk into a back corner of the basement, and set up my laptop with an ergonomic keyboard. My wrists were giving me fits, as were my neck and back. Cool. So I have my own little writing cave. Well, this corner has morphed slowly yet surely. First, I made sure to have candles, mainly for the scent and ambiance. My muse decided she liked that so I'm now up to eight candles of varying sizes and smells. Little by little more things, odd things made their way into my cave. Like this...

That seems mild, right? I mean, who doesn't love Daryl, and of course I framed the cover of my first published book. The wolf painting below was something my baby sister painted for me years ago.

So I bet you're wondering why I said creepy dolls, skulls, and eevie jeevies. Well, here's what's been added over the past few months....

On the left is a doll my mom gave me to watch over me while I write. She's over fifty years old and has never looked any better than this. At least I put some clothes on her. On the right is a disembodied doll head I found at a flea market and an animal skull my son found for me. He found it in a creek called Skullbone Creek, oddly enough.

As things made their way over to my writing cave I became more creative, and more uneasy. There's been more than one occasion when I've been home alone, yet I've felt someone standing behind me. Even the dogs would circle around to stand behind me and stare off into space. Quite creepy, hence the feeling of eevie jeevies!

Here's the full picture of where I write...

The space itself doesn't really lend to stuff of horror movies, but I'm wondering if something didn't come along with the doll head or skull.

Do you have a writing cave or specific area just for penning your bestsellers? I would love to see a pic!

A book, some pink rollers, and a dryer bonnet

For those of you who don't know, I'm a bit of a junkie when it comes to anything and everything from the 1940s and 1950s. On a shopping trip with my mom yesterday I found and purchased a hair bonnet dryer from the fifties. As I write this, my hair is rolled up in pink sponge rollers and wrapped with the bonnet.

She Who Hunts came out on March 3, 2014. I have since writing the second book to the series (probably going to be a trilogy) and am in the process of editing and revising. In the meantime, I'm also working on a paranormal romance. Ever since starting on this romance I've had so many questions about what is normal, what is okay, and what is acceptable in romance. For instance, is it okay for the heroine to say f*ck?

                                                                                         

Like any normal modern woman I posted many of these questions on Facebook. (Don't judge!) I received such a slew of various answers. One person hates the use of the F bomb, while another said she expects it in most of her paranormal books. When I asked about using all caps to symbolize a man bellowing a statement I was met with yet even more varying answers. One said it was lazy writing, while another said there are no such things as rules and "Strunk was an idiot."

This got me thinking - at this point in time, especially when it comes to things like urban fantasy and paranormal romance where we make up our own worlds and make up rules to go with them, are there rules to the writing anymore? I'm not asking if we still have to use proper punctuation or sentence structure, more is there such a thing as writing etiquette, and what should and shouldn't be used when story telling.

I've scoured sites and blogs looking for the answer, but I find myself reaching the same conclusion as when I searched for the meaning of life.

Finally! Excerpt from She Who Hunts!

I finally received the go ahead from my editor to release an excerpt from my upcoming release, She Who Hunts. Here you go! Hope you enjoy and I'd love to hear from you.


I tried to paste a pic of the cover here, but apparently Blogger had other ideas.

Tenna whirled to find Jason inches from her, his chest heaving up and down with angry breaths. “What’s wrong with you?” She asked, straining her neck to look up into his face. He seemed fine at the restaurant.

“What’s wrong with me?! Are you serious?!” His voice was a deep growl and by the trembling in his arms and hands he looked on the verge of shifting.

“If you’re going to morph could you at least back up?” She kept her head high and her chin jutted out, but her voice was shaky. She was a little scared. Just because she knew what he was didn’t mean she wanted to be shredded to pieces by his canines.

He took a step back. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I’m trying to find out who killed that girl. I’m trying to find the bad guys, just like you.”

He shook his head from side to side, the motion slow almost like it was painful. “No, you’re putting a giant bull’s eye right between your eyes.”

Her mouth popped open with a gasp. It took her a couple of heartbeats to understand what he had said. A bull’s eye. She was advertising what she was doing. Even if Curtis was nothing more than a cop, no connection to Hunters, there was bound to be someone on the force who’d been possessed. Someone would notice the research he was doing. He was an honest cop; he’d tell any of his friends on the force whom he’d talked to tonight.

The fact she was a demon Hunter was bad enough. She was Tennalucci, she was the Huntress. As a child she was told by a soothsayer she was to fulfill a prophecy, she would be a major arm in the war against those who rise from Hell. Of course, as a child it scared the shit out of her. She would lie awake at night jumping at every sound positive they were coming for her. Then as an adolescent she thought it was a load of bull. After all, if she was destined to be a great Hunter what the hell was she doing in foster care?

Jason was right. Tenna had just advertised to all interested parties not only was she here, but that she was actively Hunting. Whether she believed in destiny or not wasn’t the question. The question was did all the Legions believe it? Would they now be gunning for her?

 

Have I Invited Demons Into My House?

While writing She Who Hunts I had an idea in my head, one of those 'what if' moments. I remember watching the news and after a murder had happened the news anchor interviewed a neighbor of the suspect. "He was such a nice guy," the neighbor said. It always seems that after someone commits some heinous crime there is someone in their lives who declare this person was such a wonderful person, the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. But, how the hell did the person just snap and become a serial killer? My first thought-maybe they became possessed.

Now, as I'm working on the second book, I've become almost obsessed with the idea of demon possessions, and evil walking among us. I have to admit there are times when it feels like someone is in the room with me, and not just the characters who are busily chatting it up in my head. Sometimes, when the house is really quiet, and I'm really into a scene, it seriously feels like there's someone standing behind me. I whip around, ready to yell at whatever kid snuck in and was now reading over my shoulder to find an empty room.

Have I possibly brought the demons from She Who Hunts into my own life? Or has the story just become so alive to me that I keep waiting for those things which go bump in the night to tap me on the shoulder? How about you? Ever get so creeped out by something you wrote or read that you checked under your bed before climbing in?

Interview with Genevieve Scholl

Joining us today is Genevieve Scholl. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.

When/why did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?

   GS - I started writing when I was a Junior in High School, because I was being bullied. It was a way for me to escape the world and the people that were making my life hell. I would write all of my feelings and eventually the feelings would turn into stories of revenge and more. Now, I just love to write. I’m not really sure where my inspiration comes from, but I’m glad for it every day, because if I didn’t write I think I would go insane.

What do you write?

  GS -  I write mostly Romance, but I am venturing out in other genres as well. I am mostly known for my Naughty North Pole Novels.

Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

  GS - Writing just sort of snuck up on me. I’d be a full time photographer if I could.

On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

  GS - I don’t think I have a typical writing day. I write when the mood strikes, I get inspiration, etc. I usually have to have my coffee and my rings on (why I have no clue), but everything else changes depending on the day.

How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?

  GS - It varies. Ideally, I’d like to write every day, but it never happens that way; even if I have the time.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

  GS - I start out as a plotter, but things usually turn out way different than expected.

How do you handle distractions during your writing time?

  GS - Just take it one moment at a time. I usually always have paper of some kind on me, and if I don’t  I find the nearest thing that can be written on; which happens to usually be my hand or a wrapper lol

Self-publishing – What made you decide to self-publish?

  GS - I can’t really remember to be honest. I hadn’t even heard of self-publishing before I published Love Claus. It’s strange that I don’t remember, but I don’t regret it one single day.

Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes and self-publishes?

  GS - No. The community alone is enough to keep me as an Indie.

How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?

  GS - I haven’t really. I mean, I’ve done okay on some of the books, but I’ve never been able to live on it. I have a feeling I never will be able to, and that’s ok, because I have enough of everything else to occupy me and bring in an income. Besides, I'm not in for the money.

Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?

  GS - Write!!!!!!!! Don’t second guess, don’t worry, don’t edit… Just write. Like my favorite image on Facebook says: “Write drunk, edit sober.”

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!

You can find Genevieve on Facebook. She's always full of great tips, and a lot of fun!

You can find her books, like the infamous Naughty North Pole Novels, on Amazon.

 

Note: Portions of the proceeds from ALL of Genevieve's books and short stories are donated to charities. Currently, those charities include The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Toys for Tots, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Breast Cancer. More will be added soon.

 

demon
noun ; 1. an evil spirit or devil, esp. one thought to possess a person or act as a tormenter of Hell.
          2. a cruel, evil, or destructive person or thing.

That is the official definition of a demon. Now, what would you do if someone you loved was possessed by a demon? I'm sure most of you said perform an exorcism. What if I told you there was no such thing? What if I told you the only way to release someone's soul from a demon was to kill them? Could you do it? Could you kill the person you loved most to release them from a demon's grasp?

She Who Hunts

Coming March 3, 2014

"Tenna Massey's past is about to catch up with her. For eighteen years she’s carefully crafted a normal life. When an assassination attempt shatters that illusion, she’s forced to accept her true identity. As the prophesied demon huntress, she may be the only one powerful enough to stop a recent string of murders.

Tenna has two choices--kill or be killed. She must conjure the courage to kill someone she’s loved for so long to save thousands of innocent humans.

Will Tenna choose to embrace her fate as The Huntress or condemn humanity to an eternity of Hell on Earth?"

Writing Tip by Rhonda Grace

I seriously wish I could take credit for this brilliance, but I can not. If you're not familiar with Rhonda Grace, now is the time to check out the talent of this incredible woman.

Writing Tip Courtesy of Rhonda Grace:

Writing Tip:

Sit in a cafe or bar and observe people. Turn off your phone or other distractions. As you look at the faces around you, imagine what they might be feeling or thinking. What might their lives be like? What have they experienced in the past? Let your imagination run free.

Think about that - every single person who crosses your path has a story, a history, a secret. As an paranormal author, my mind always wanders to the extreme, so for me anyone of these faces could belong to a hungry Shifter, or maybe a demon possessed human. The possibilities are endless!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Interview with Author Sandra Love

Joining us today is Sandra Love. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.

When did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?

SL - I started to write this past year! I was reading Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry and was like, hey I want to do this. Many authors had inspired me to write. Genevieve Scholl was one of the authors who would talk me through it every day!! She is also my editor, publisher and cover designer.

What do you write?

SL - Right now I write YA Supernatural. I do want to write a Romance novel one day! I have started one, but right now I want to work on my Broken Wings series.

Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

SL - The story just came to me one day! I wanted to bring it to life on paper. I really want to work with special needs children.

On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

SL - I wake up, have some coffee, and start to write. My cats decide that’s the time to start playing.

How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?

SL - Well with the new year I plan on writing for 2 or 3 hours a day, and 5 days a week. I do have book two coming out April 18^th. So excited about that!

Are you a plotter or pantser?

SL - A plotter.

How do you handle distractions during your writing time?

SL - I am good at shutting things out. I usually put my phone on silent and unplug the internet. *laughs* so I don’t get tempted.

What made you decide to self-publish?

SL - For the time being I think self-publish will be great for me, so I don’t have to have that added stress.

Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes and self-publishes?

SL - I think right now I just want to self-publish. I want to wait and see how people react to my first book.

How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?

SL - Well my first book was just released on December 22^nd 2013, so I haven’t had any income yet. I’ve sold plenty of books but amazon hasn’t paid me *laughs*.

Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?

SL - Just follow your heart and never give up. J

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!

You can find Sandra Love's books on Amazon here and here.

Or follow Ms. Love on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter.

 

 

Want to know a little more? Here's a blurb to Broken:

Broken by Sandra Love

Cordelia Rose has a horrible life. She gets bullied by students at school, beaten by her father, practically abandoned by her mother, and wants to end her life and suffering. But when some strange things start to happen, she questions whether or not she has a purpose in this life.

Then she meets a brother and sister that means more to her than she realizes. They are her protectors, and her kindred spirits. Just like her, they are bruised and broken, though for different reasons.

When she finally discovers the truth of her existence, her mind is jumbled with everything She has to take in; not to mention the battle she has to fight inside and out.

A little about Sandra Love

 

          My name is Sandra Love, I live in Olivet Michigan and I am 33 years old. I live with my boyfriend Brad and my son Charlie. Charlie is 11 years old and he battles with Autism and ADHD. He is my world. I did attend college, where I studied Accounting and Ancient History. I am very fascinated with Mythology. Norse Mythology is my all-time favorite. I love learning about the Gods and Goddesses.

         I am a big time cat lover, I swear I will end up being the crazy cat lady. I have 3 cats Stubby, Odin and Thor. I do take care of a stray as well his name is Louie. I want to save all the cats in the world.  J

          In my spear time, I love to read. My favorite genre of books are YA Supernatural, but I read anywhere from Erotica to Fantasy to Romance. I love to read and review for authors. I am a BIG supporter of ALL authors. They have inspired me to write.
          Speaking of writing my first book is YA Supernatural. It is book 1 of 3, with a Prequel. I really enjoy writing, it allows me to escape reality for a while. I hope you all enjoy my first book.
          I am really a boring person; I rather stay in and hang out with my cats and my family then to go out.

 

 

 

Writing Music and Moods

I know some of you can only write in pure silence. I am not one of those people. I need noise of some sort, but preferably music. I'm not into having a play list specifically for each book, rather play lists of certain moods. After all, our entire book isn't non stop violence, non stop sensuality, or non stop adventure. Therefore, shouldn't our play list be just as varied.

Now that I've said that here's where a problem comes in, at least a problem for me. I've always been told we creative types tend to be more emotional and more susceptible to others' energies and moods. I can be plugging along on a storyline and a song comes on and totally changes my mode of thinking. Here's an example:

If I'm in the middle of, say, a fight scene and this song comes on my brain suddenly switches into romance mode. Oh, and not just romance mode, but heart broken, want to cry mode. I can picture my character in emotional pain, suffering the loss of an unrequited love, or maybe a terrible break up with the love of their life!

 

Now on the opposite end of the spectrum, I can not write anything but violence when this song pops on. There's just something so dark and mean about it that a fight must ensue on the screen the second he starts counting down.

Even as I've been writing this blog I've had to repeatedly change the music selection. I just can't focus on anything real when I've got Rumpshaker, Boys II Men 'I'll Make Love to You', or Doris Day's Que Sera, Sera playing in my ear.

Perhaps it's time to find a specific play list for each book, but I honestly don't think it'll help. As the song changes, so will my mood.

Affected by Books?

It's no secret that I'm a complete Twihard. Hey, there's no shame in admitting it (unless you ask my husband) From the moment I first read Twilight I was hooked. Every time I would close the book I had to get another immediately. (Luckily for me, I started late and didn't have to wait for each book to be published) When I wasn't reading the books I was thinking about the characters, dreaming about the characters.

 

I was so infatuated with Edward, mesmerized by Jacob, and highly respected Charlie. These characters were real to me.

 

This kind of fictional reality doesn't happen often for me. There are only two other authors who have roped me in so intensely that I had remind myself the books weren't autobiographies, and the characters were never going to cross my path.

 

Rachel Vincent was one such author who sucked me in so much I had to take a couple days away from the books or I would have been committed into a nut house (joking, of course). If you haven't yet, definitely check out her Shifters series.

 

 

The world of Faythe, Marc, and Jace was addictive, sexy, dangerous, and did I say addictive? Yeah, I did but seriously worth repeating!

 

The third author to suck me into their fictional world is Stephanie Rowe. Holy cow! Her Calydons are beyond hot in the Order of the Blade books! She's what is referred to as a hybrid author as she is both Indie and traditionally published. I'll admit I have a major crush on Calydon Gideon!!!!

 

 

I can't be the only reader who gets so engrossed in a book they forget about reality for a time. Who is the author who changed the way you read? What book have you been obsessed over? I can tell you when I hear certain songs, specifically songs from the Twilight soundtracks, I feel the same way I did while reading the books. That is a fabulous feeling if you ask me. So tell me, I want to hear your naughty little confession!

 



Writing and the Holidays

Okay, I know I neglect this blog way more than I should, but honestly, do you really want to hear from me every single day?

I was thinking about my choice of career and the holidays today. There's both a novella and the second book in the Hunters series in the works as we speak, yet I've been unable to write in weeks. Because the holidays are in full swing I'm currently working a part-time job. This job is extremely exhausting, to the point where I could fall asleep the moment I get home. Unfortunately, between the physical exhaustion, the family obligations, and regular housework, I've had no time to write.

Oh wow. I can see some of you shaking your heads and making faces at me. I'm fully aware there are a lot of writers out there who work full-time jobs and still have time to write. Well, I commend you. I've never been one who had the energy to stay up all night to complete a book, then get up after only a few hours of sleep to start the day again. My brain doesn't function fully without rest. Never has. On top of the constant fatigue, I've been fighting with a stupid cold (my first in 3-4 years), plus trying to care for my special needs kids.

With the holidays being so busy, one has to wonder how anyone has time to breathe, let alone finish a book. I have so much respect for people who are able to finish 3 to 4 books a year while holding down a regular job, caring for their families, and keeping up their house. Where do you people find the energy? Is it something the rest of us can bottle? Any secrets?

Wow, this post really turned into nothing more than a rambling, incoherent thought. But, I'm sure most of you know me well enough by now to follow my thought process.

Have a great week, y'all!

Where do the readers hang out?

Oh, this poor neglected blog. I always have the best of intentions to write at least three times a week. Instead, I'm working on once a month. *sigh* Well, I'm here today. And boy, oh boy, do I have something to talk about.

I read a blog post today about writers and readers. The point was made that the writing industry isolates the readers. It got me thinking about all of my favorite blog stops and websites. The blog in question posted a quote from JA Konrath:

"Here’s the deal: Readers are my customers, not writers. Readers don’t even know who the Big 6 are. They don’t care.

I’m mentioned a lot in the publishing community, which is small, closed, and uninteresting to anyone who isn’t in it. But because we’re in it, and we care about it, we incorrectly assume that because writers know who I am, readers must as well." (Emphasis by the original blogger. Read the full article here.)  

Now, it's only 7:33am, and I've only had one and  a half cups of coffee so bear with me this morning. I'm sure this entire post will be riddled with mistakes and I may rattle on. If we're insulating our readers, how the hell does a newbie like myself reach these lovely people?   We're told, as writers, to have accounts on any and every site out there: Facebook, Myspace, LinkdIn, Goodreads, Google+, Wattpad...the list goes on and on. I've forgotten half of my passwords for these accounts. But are the readers on these sites, or are they only good for networking. Of course, most writers are readers, but a majority of readers aren't writers.

A voracious reader would have no reason to check out my LinkdIn profile. Why would they? Nor would they head over to She Writes to see what I'm up to. Notice I'm not linking these pages to my personal profile. I guess it would be smart to, but other than fellow writers, no one cares.   I have enjoyed getting to know so many people on Facebook, and get the opportunity to chat with authors whom I greatly respect. But, other than hardcore fans, readers aren't going to scour the social network for a new book. They're going to ask their friends for suggestions. They'll go to Amazon and scroll through the first few pages for a good read.   There is so much on the Internet about how to find readers, how to find your particular market. But these sites are almost always geared toward the writers, not the actual readers. Where are these people? Where are they hanging out? And, if you're not Stephen King, or JR Ward, how do the lowly newcomers get the people to come. If you write it, they will come? Nope. Doesn't work that way.    

                                                      If you build it, they will come.

  We spend countless hours researching, traveling to conferences, attending online classes, improving our craft, reading EVERY SINGLE BOOK out there about writing and marketing....they don't help. Okay, they help with our writing, but they don't help us find the people whom would buy our books.   Does anyone know the answer to these questions? Have you found the secret room where the urban fantasy fans, or the paranormal lovers are hanging out? Are they peeking through the windows laughing at us? And, do they care if we're on the radio, or are interviewed on the morning news? Could they care less if we're highlighted on someone's blog? Sure, review blogs are helpful, but how many readers go to them? Are they, too, geared toward the writing world?   Please, if you have an answer to any of these questions, feel free to point the rest of us in the right direction.

Please, give me an idea!!

A good friend whom I met on Facebook recently asked me how I came up with ideas. She was thinking about trying her hand at paranormal writing - a genre she loves to read, but doesn't usually write. She even joked about could I help her come up with an idea. This got me thinking throughout the weekend- How do we come up with our ideas?

I've seen parody videos, I've heard other writer's accounts, but I can only speak on my own behalf. So, please, do not take this as gospel. Here's how it usually works for me:

During a nap, or at night, something will sometimes come to me in a dream. In these instances, I usually dwell on the idea that popped in. One idea I had was so good I shot straight up in bed - which sucked for my equilibrium, as I was still asleep - and grabbed the closest piece of paper and pen. I started to write the book, but decided to focus on the Hunters series for now.

Okay, so how did I come up with the Hunters series? Have you ever watched a news cast about someone who killed a friend or family member? It's always the same thing - "They were such a good person. They loved their family and would do anything for anyone. I just don't know what happened." Well, the husband and I were watching just such a story and I sarcastically replied, "Yeah, great guy. I'm sure he's possessed." That's when the bells chimed in my head. What if?

Think about it - What if someone you loved dearly was suddenly possessed by a demon? What if the only way to save their soul was by terminating their life? Could you do it? Could you thrust a sword into their body to release the demon's hold?

A majority of ideas that come to me are from dreams or what-if moments. My sister, friends, family members, etc have called or emailed me with great ideas. Problem with those is I can't "see" the characters in my head since they didn't represent themselves to me.

There's another issue: You can have a great idea, but there has to be characters to play out the scenes, as well as some great conflict and plot loops! Just because a story sounds good doesn't mean the characters want to act it out for you.

Do you write? Where do your ideas come from? Maybe you pull from the news, or maybe your own life.

My Laptop and I Have Been Displaced

I'm a classic housewife/stay at home mom. I write full time. Yes, I know how very lucky I am. During the week, after the last kid heads to the bus stop, I prop my laptop on the dining room table, open the blinds and curtains in the dining room, and start pecking away. Well, this week, my husband's on vacation.

What does that have to do with anything? I've been starting out my days in our downstairs living room, stretched out on the couch with my laptop on my lap. I don't want to wake him up at six am; my husband works up to twelve hours a day during the week, so he deserves to sleep in.

Are you wondering what any of this has to do with writing? Or maybe why the hell I'm even bringing it up? Being stretched out on the couch is causing some discomfort. My legs are tight and sore by the end of the day - that's even after constantly getting up to do laundry, vacuum, and do laundry. It got me wondering about other writers' writing habits. You see, there's a place called The Writers Cave on Paige Cuccaro's site. I have spent hours going through the pictures of other authors' writing spaces.

Paige Cuccaro's "Cave"

At one time, when we first moved into this house, I had started hanging posters and arranging things in a certain area that I had designated as my writing space. Well, just like any other home with kids, a television and game system made their way into that space and it became yet another space for the kids. So, I'm currently writing homeless.

Laurell K Hamilton's "Cave"

I'd love to see pics of other writing spaces? Do you actually have an office? Or do you sprawl out wherever you can? Maybe you're like me and just plop your laptop down in the place that looks good for the day. Want to share pics of your writing spaces?

Show Vs Tell - The neverending discussion

Anyone who has ever written a book and had it reviewed by someone other than their dog has been told at one point or the other to show, not tell. For the last few days I was reading a book in the paranormal romance genre. Now, it usually only takes me a day or two to read a novel (depending on what is going on at night, as that's the only time I have to read), but I was constantly pulled from the story. Why? Because instead of showing me what was going on, the author constantly told me.

Ex. "I felt the grass beneath me."
     "I saw him do x, y, z."
     "I heard x, y, z."

How does one show instead of tell?

Let's take the first example above.

"I felt the grass beneath me."

The author has told us what the character felt. But, if the character were allowed to show us what she was feeling, it may look a little like this:

"As I woke, something tickled against my bare skin, the ground was soft beneath me. I opened my eyes to see the stars bright above me."

Sure, that last sentence used a lot more words, and may not have been the best example, but you get the point, right? Let's try another one.

"Tenna was angry." (For those of you who have read She Who Hunts know Tenna can get pissy sometimes)

How does this look?

"Tenna jumped to her feet, stomped across the room, and slammed the door shut behind Jason."

Does the latter say the same as the former? Is it more interesting?

One of my problems with the show/tell thing is when an author "tells" me how a character feels, or sees, or whatever they don't trust me enough to come to the correct conclusion by what is going on in the story. If you tell me a character swipes their hands down their jeans before turning a doorknob, I will conclude that her nerves have caused her hands to sweat. You don't need to tell me "Jane was nervous. Her hands were sweating."

Here are five techniques you can use to avoid telling a reader:

1. Write from POV (point of view)
2. Dialogue is a fabulous way to show me what is going on
3. Use action verbs and picture nouns
4. Be sure to use all your senses. You know, smell, sight, sound, touch, taste (yes, even taste)
5. Write in scenes

Marta V Snyder has a great blog post going further into the five techniques. If you want to read further, feel free to head over and check her post out.

Do you have problems with telling instead of showing? Have you been drug out of a story because the author had a problem telling you everything?