Although I come from a family of teachers, I never saw myself as one.
My mother taught art in junior high school and, later, ceramics and other college courses to art students. My mother-in-law is a retired teacher, and my younger son is studying to be a high school biology teacher.
But me? Sure, I’ve enjoyed giving the occasional critique to fellow writers, but I’m impatient with people who aren’t seriously interested in learning a subject. Besides, the only thing I really know about is writing.
I had a lot of writing teachers. We can start with Mrs. Tyler and Mrs. Hitchcock in high school, and then there were some distinguished instructors in college, including Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Howard Nemerov and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright William Gibson (The Miracle Worker).
Later, while working as a journalist in Southern California, I took a few writing classes here and there, and joined a critique group that I’ve participated in for more than 30 years. Many members have come and gone – including Elizabeth George and T. Jefferson Parker.
I learned from my editors (don’t ask me how many – after 87 novels, I’ve lost count) and some of my agents (there’ve been three or four, but only two that count). I also learned from my editors at a daily newspaper and The Associated Press.
Along the way, I accumulated a lot of knowledge and skills. It seemed almost a shame to have gained so much insight when, let’s face it, I’m hardly Shakespeare or even J.K. Rowling.
A couple of years ago, a fellow writer tipped me off to a college-accredited distance-learning institute called Long Ridge Writers Group, for which she was teaching. I applied, was thoroughly evaluated and trained in their curriculum of short story & article writing and an advanced course on novel writing, and set loose on an assortment of students from all over the world.
During the last couple of years, I’ve learned something: that I’m a teacher. I doubt I could stand in front of a classroom and deal with bored adolescents or disciplinary problems, but I love working one-on-one with motivated writers from their teens to their eighties. The payoff is seeing many of my students make tremendous progress, and hearing back from them how much the experience has meant to them.
I’ve written an article called “Ten Things a Novelist Learned From Teaching Writing” and posted it at http://www.jacquelinediamond.com/WritingTeacherTips. If you get a chance, I hope you’ll take a look.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Where are the emperor's clothes?
Maybe I’m the only kid watching the emperor strut down the road naked. After all, I haven’t read the reviews or checked to see what my Facebook friends are saying or listened to anyone’s Tweets. So, maybe I’m the only one who didn’t “get it.” But I felt cheated by the series finale of one of my fav shows this week.
For years I, along with countless others, tuned in weekly to get a dose of mystery and romance. I looked forward to seeing which flawed, but loveable, hero the heroine chose. I wished a supporting character would escape from under her father’s controlling thumb. Fingers crossed, I fretted over pregnancies. I smiled at babies, cried as beloved “friends” died off, and hoped for an end to one character’s run of incredibly bad luck.
Turns out, I’d have been better off reading (and would have enjoyed it more). Because, after the last show of the last season, my take-away message was, “Ha! Ha! You’re joking, right?” To me, that ending re-affirmed the importance of the promise every author of romance makes to their readers: We will deliver happily-ever-after. Not only that, we’ll deliver it neatly wrapped with a satisfyingly emotional ending. With no room for sappy sentimentality.
So, are you fan of series television? Ever wish the writers and producers were required to deliver the way romance authors do?
Leigh Duncan
The Officer's Girl- April 2010
Catch of a Lifetime-2011
www.leighduncan.com
For years I, along with countless others, tuned in weekly to get a dose of mystery and romance. I looked forward to seeing which flawed, but loveable, hero the heroine chose. I wished a supporting character would escape from under her father’s controlling thumb. Fingers crossed, I fretted over pregnancies. I smiled at babies, cried as beloved “friends” died off, and hoped for an end to one character’s run of incredibly bad luck.
Turns out, I’d have been better off reading (and would have enjoyed it more). Because, after the last show of the last season, my take-away message was, “Ha! Ha! You’re joking, right?” To me, that ending re-affirmed the importance of the promise every author of romance makes to their readers: We will deliver happily-ever-after. Not only that, we’ll deliver it neatly wrapped with a satisfyingly emotional ending. With no room for sappy sentimentality.
So, are you fan of series television? Ever wish the writers and producers were required to deliver the way romance authors do?
Leigh Duncan
The Officer's Girl- April 2010
Catch of a Lifetime-2011
www.leighduncan.com
Friday, 28 May 2010
Finding Love Again
Finding Love Again
I am amazed it has been a full month since I last blogged…. Where does time go? I find that most of my time is eaten up with cooking, cleaning, writing, writing, sports, playing with the kids and trying to find time to sleep.
For those of you readers out there that found the love of your life early on, count your blessings. Many of us either found love and it just didn’t work or we just haven’t found that special person that makes our heart sing. I used to fall into the category of love come and gone, until I met a man last year who runs marathons like me. I like to joke, “We fell in love because we run the same pace.”
As I write my romances for all you, I’ve been living my own. I never thought I could find love, real love again. Let me tell you I was proven wrong. This month we were married and had a magical wedding, the kind that comes out of romance novels. Our children all stood up with us as my three year old walked down the aisle with my father and me, holding her blanket. I think after writing, “A Daughter’s Discovery,” I fell in love with the idea of wildflowers and had that theme for my wedding.
My dear and amazing mother-in-law brought me to tears as she gave me a set of pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet for me to have and wear for the wedding. She too got the idea from the same book.
The next day we were whisked off to Kauai, Hawaii, for a romantic honeymoon. It was heaven to be alone with no kids, no responsibility and the ability to just love each other for ten days. Kauai is the garden isle full of lush forests and secret beaches. We scuba dived and spent hours on the beach snorkeling and talking of nothing. The sunsets, air and flowers, cast a glow of splendor and enchantment creating romance wherever we rent.
I write this to you all, telling you to cherish the one whom you love, or never give up the idea that can’t find you. It found me again. My next book, “The Firefighter’s Heiress,” is about two people who believe that love will never come to them. They are in for a big surprise.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Dominique
If you want to see some fun action you can go to:
http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=D8956EA66830DA3F
We recorded ourselves zip lining and touring the NaPali Coast on video.
I am amazed it has been a full month since I last blogged…. Where does time go? I find that most of my time is eaten up with cooking, cleaning, writing, writing, sports, playing with the kids and trying to find time to sleep.
For those of you readers out there that found the love of your life early on, count your blessings. Many of us either found love and it just didn’t work or we just haven’t found that special person that makes our heart sing. I used to fall into the category of love come and gone, until I met a man last year who runs marathons like me. I like to joke, “We fell in love because we run the same pace.”
As I write my romances for all you, I’ve been living my own. I never thought I could find love, real love again. Let me tell you I was proven wrong. This month we were married and had a magical wedding, the kind that comes out of romance novels. Our children all stood up with us as my three year old walked down the aisle with my father and me, holding her blanket. I think after writing, “A Daughter’s Discovery,” I fell in love with the idea of wildflowers and had that theme for my wedding.
My dear and amazing mother-in-law brought me to tears as she gave me a set of pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet for me to have and wear for the wedding. She too got the idea from the same book.
The next day we were whisked off to Kauai, Hawaii, for a romantic honeymoon. It was heaven to be alone with no kids, no responsibility and the ability to just love each other for ten days. Kauai is the garden isle full of lush forests and secret beaches. We scuba dived and spent hours on the beach snorkeling and talking of nothing. The sunsets, air and flowers, cast a glow of splendor and enchantment creating romance wherever we rent.
I write this to you all, telling you to cherish the one whom you love, or never give up the idea that can’t find you. It found me again. My next book, “The Firefighter’s Heiress,” is about two people who believe that love will never come to them. They are in for a big surprise.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Dominique
If you want to see some fun action you can go to:
http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=D8956EA66830DA3F
We recorded ourselves zip lining and touring the NaPali Coast on video.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Summer is the Season
Tourist season has just barely begun here in Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love,” but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the hordes of people jamming the sidewalks. With cameras glued to their faces (and earbuds blocking any outside noises), the gawkers are oblivious to those of us who live here. We edge around the posed photo-ops, trying to avoid being part of anyone’s ‘what I did on my summer vacation.’ We cross streets to avoid being sucked into the massive amoeba-like student groups. We plan our route so that we pass the minimal number of historic sites possible on the way to and from our destinations.
It never occurred to me, when we chose to live in this part of town, that the historic district also meant the tourist district. I just liked it because it’s vibrant with lots of shops and restaurants and many old warehouses renovated into condos. It’s within walking distant of the Reading Terminal Market and a couple of decent grocery stores. The subway is convenient to get to more far-flung parts of town. From my front door, I can walk in four directions and find interesting things to see in safe neighborhoods. Now, though, as summer begins, I’m beginning to rethink my decision.
Once upon a very long time ago, I visited Philadelphia with my parents. I saw Independence Hall and felt the crack in the Liberty Bell. I had lox and bagels at the Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen. I liked the city then, though it was much grittier than it is now. That vibe I mentioned earlier? I could feel it, then, too, even as a teenager. Maybe that’s what drew me back here all these years later. Maybe Philadelphia has been calling to me all along. It’s my place; I just didn’t know it until now. But the tourists are going to drive me crazy!
So, what am I going to do about it? I’m not going to beat them, that’s for sure. Trust me, there are waaay too many of them to battle. Instead, I’ve decided I’m going to join them. I’m going to take back a piece of my new city for me. I will gawk and stare and appreciate all the historic landmarks alongside the most dedicated tourist. Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin, look out: here I come.
Hey, what are you doing this summer?
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Facing the Big 4-0
I'm only a few days away from -- gulp -- turning 40. I don't feel 40, at least on most days. :) Maybe it's because I'm not a mom and I don't have visible proof in the form of teenagers that I'm old enough to be a mom to a teenager. It got me to thinking about ways we can make ourselves feel young, even as we grow older.
1. Keep up with new music. You might even like it. I still love to dance to whatever the latest club music is even though I don't go to clubs. But watch out, Harlequin party! :)
2. I read lots of YA/teen novels. There's just a part of me that I think will always be a teenager and connect with teen stories.
3. Same with younger-targeted shows and movies. I'm anxiously awaiting Eclipse just like a lot of girls half my age. Have you seen the trailer!?
4. Take care of ourselves. Since I don't have kids, I need to take care of myself because when hubby and I get old, there won't be grown children there to take care of us. My parents have a wealth of health problems, many that could have been prevented with different life choices. Last summer, I started trying to lose weight and become more active. I started a blog, Healthy Writer, targeted at helping writers (and anyone with a sedentary career) get up and get moving and make better eating choices. Having lost only 10 pounds since last July, I upped my game today by joining the YMCA and went to my first Zumba class. Did I feel like I was going to die 15 minutes into the hour-long class? Yes. Did I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when I made it through the class upright and without passing out? Yes. I'm hoping that by the time I (along with Tawny Weber and Michelle Butler) give our Healthy Writer class at National in July, I'll be down at least another 10 pounds. I'm still about 30 pounds from my goal weight.
5. Try new things. I love taking trips to places I've never been, reading authors I've never read, challenging myself to accomplish things I doubted I could. Sometime in the next few months, I'm going to tackle one of my phobias by taking some swimming lessons. If I can learn to swim, that will provide one more way to help me exercise and take care of myself.
6. Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep ages us. I don't want to look older than I am, thanks.
What are your favorite ways to keep yourself feeling and looking young?
1. Keep up with new music. You might even like it. I still love to dance to whatever the latest club music is even though I don't go to clubs. But watch out, Harlequin party! :)
2. I read lots of YA/teen novels. There's just a part of me that I think will always be a teenager and connect with teen stories.
3. Same with younger-targeted shows and movies. I'm anxiously awaiting Eclipse just like a lot of girls half my age. Have you seen the trailer!?
4. Take care of ourselves. Since I don't have kids, I need to take care of myself because when hubby and I get old, there won't be grown children there to take care of us. My parents have a wealth of health problems, many that could have been prevented with different life choices. Last summer, I started trying to lose weight and become more active. I started a blog, Healthy Writer, targeted at helping writers (and anyone with a sedentary career) get up and get moving and make better eating choices. Having lost only 10 pounds since last July, I upped my game today by joining the YMCA and went to my first Zumba class. Did I feel like I was going to die 15 minutes into the hour-long class? Yes. Did I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when I made it through the class upright and without passing out? Yes. I'm hoping that by the time I (along with Tawny Weber and Michelle Butler) give our Healthy Writer class at National in July, I'll be down at least another 10 pounds. I'm still about 30 pounds from my goal weight.
5. Try new things. I love taking trips to places I've never been, reading authors I've never read, challenging myself to accomplish things I doubted I could. Sometime in the next few months, I'm going to tackle one of my phobias by taking some swimming lessons. If I can learn to swim, that will provide one more way to help me exercise and take care of myself.
6. Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep ages us. I don't want to look older than I am, thanks.
What are your favorite ways to keep yourself feeling and looking young?
Monday, 24 May 2010
Eagle Watch
Last month I blogged about the Hornby Island Eagle Cam, a live web cam that’s giving us a bird’s eye view of life in the nest of a pair of bald eagles. In April, we were watching Mom and Dad take turns brooding their two eggs.
Early on April 29th, one of the eggs hatched and just after sunrise (PDT) web cam viewers around the world welcomed baby Phoenix to the world.
Sadly, it seems the second wasn’t fertilized and has not hatched, but watching Mom and Dad raise Phoenix has more than made up for that disappointment. It’s especially incredible to see how amazingly gentle these parents are, in spite of their fierce beaks and deadly talons.
Even more astounding is the growth rate of a baby bald eagle. Phoenix will fledge and leave the nest when s/he is about 80 days old, with a wing span of 80 inches!
Here's Phoenix at three weeks old, with the unhatched egg for scale. I love the little dinosaur face, rubber chicken body and that pair of I’ll-grow-into-them-someday feet. So adorable.
Hornby Eagles also have a Facebook page where you’ll find lots more information and many more photographs. It the link doesn’t work, a Facebook search for Hornby Eagles will take you there.
Happy eagle watching!
Until next time,
Lee
Firefighter Daddy (July 2010)
Early on April 29th, one of the eggs hatched and just after sunrise (PDT) web cam viewers around the world welcomed baby Phoenix to the world.
Sadly, it seems the second wasn’t fertilized and has not hatched, but watching Mom and Dad raise Phoenix has more than made up for that disappointment. It’s especially incredible to see how amazingly gentle these parents are, in spite of their fierce beaks and deadly talons.
Even more astounding is the growth rate of a baby bald eagle. Phoenix will fledge and leave the nest when s/he is about 80 days old, with a wing span of 80 inches!Here's Phoenix at three weeks old, with the unhatched egg for scale. I love the little dinosaur face, rubber chicken body and that pair of I’ll-grow-into-them-someday feet. So adorable.
Hornby Eagles also have a Facebook page where you’ll find lots more information and many more photographs. It the link doesn’t work, a Facebook search for Hornby Eagles will take you there.Happy eagle watching!
Until next time,
Lee
Firefighter Daddy (July 2010)
Friday, 21 May 2010
Reading and Writing a Series
I'm working on my 22nd novel, which will be the 6th book in the Brody's Crossing series for Harlequin American Romance. I love writing this series but I have gotten some feedback from several readers that concerns me.
These readers wait for all the books in a series to come out, then they read them. Since I don't know how many books I might write for this series, I can't tell them when they should start reading. I don't want to upset my readers but I don't have an answer for them.
Does anyone else have this dilemma as either a reader or a writer? If so, can you suggest how to respond to these loyal series readers?
Series are a funny thing, especially when you didn't expect to write one. My very first book for Harlequin American was what I thought was a stand-alone book, but the editor at the time really liked that town (Ranger Springs) and asked me to write more set there. I never had a true "Ranger Springs" series but they were a continuous story of the heroes and heroines, secondary characters and big events of the fictional town.
I've found when I write books set in Brody's Crossing that I'm always thinking about how t
o add friends, co-workers, relatives and newcomers who might have their own book. I don't have a big master plan for the town, but I did give it vacant buildings to grow into and some businesses that were missing or could be expanded. Now I'm adding a new ranch that I haven't mentioned before, but I think that's okay because I never said the Rocking C was the only ranch in Brody's Crossing! (The image to the right is an USGS aerial photo near the area where my fictional town is located.)
o add friends, co-workers, relatives and newcomers who might have their own book. I don't have a big master plan for the town, but I did give it vacant buildings to grow into and some businesses that were missing or could be expanded. Now I'm adding a new ranch that I haven't mentioned before, but I think that's okay because I never said the Rocking C was the only ranch in Brody's Crossing! (The image to the right is an USGS aerial photo near the area where my fictional town is located.)One of the main things I learned about ten books ago was to give characters some siblings or cousins that I could introduce as possible heroes and heroines. Sometimes I can't because it doesn't work out with the backstory or conflict, but I do try. Right now I have three more potential main characters for future books. I don't know if I'll get to write them, but I'm setting up the characters so they might deserve their own book one day.
I'm trying to soak up more small town life by observing people and listening to their stories. Tonight I stopped by the Mineola Country Club and heard some very lively tales told by some older gentlemen at the bar. I'm not sure how accurate they were, but they sounded real good as background material. Whoever mentioned pelting someone's car with golf balls, please be assured I'm going to use that in a book real soon!
I'll continue to develop Brody''s Crossing and add new characters who might someday fall in love, and I would love your ideas on what to tell avid series readers who email me about when the series will be over. Thanks, and have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day. When you get back from your long weekend, please remember to check out the recipes I'll post on June 4th. Happy reading!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Media Blitz Contest Coming June 2010!
Dear Readers:
June kicks off the debut of Harlequin American Romance's first-ever six-book continuity The Codys: First Family of Rodeo. In honor of this exciting occasion we're running 6 one-day-a-month Social Media Blitz Contests at www.harauthors.blogspot.com
Contest Scoop
Beginning next month in June, an author in the continuity will post a blog at www.harauthors.blogspot.com and discuss her contribution to the The Codys: First Family of Rodeo series. After reading the author's blog, post the link www.harauthors.blogspot.com, the title of the book and the author's name to your Facebook, MySpace and or Twitter pages as well as your favorite blogs. The more places you link to and mention the author and her book, the more chances you have to win.
You can earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites and blogs. Be sure to return to www.harauthors.blogspot.com and tell us where you're spreading the word by posting the information in the comment section of the blog--that way we can keep a tally of your activity. Remember, it's One Day Only Each Month June-November 2010!
Authors will be giving away prizes to several lucky winners. Your name will be entered into a drawing for each social media site you promote The Codys: First Family of Rodeo and for each friend you contact who in turn spreads the word through their favorite networks. You have twenty-four hours to link to us and win! The author will post the winners in the comment section of her blog the next day--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners.
On June 5th Senior Editor for American Romance, Kathleen Scheibling will introduce The Codys: First Family of Rodeo to readers and the following day on June 6th Rebecca Winters kicks off the Social Media Blitz Contest with the first book in the series-- Walker: The Rodeo Legend!
With the help of our faithful readers we're hoping that on June 6th the web is buzzing with chatter about The Codys: First Family of Rodeo!
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
June kicks off the debut of Harlequin American Romance's first-ever six-book continuity The Codys: First Family of Rodeo. In honor of this exciting occasion we're running 6 one-day-a-month Social Media Blitz Contests at www.harauthors.blogspot.com
Contest Scoop
Beginning next month in June, an author in the continuity will post a blog at www.harauthors.blogspot.com and discuss her contribution to the The Codys: First Family of Rodeo series. After reading the author's blog, post the link www.harauthors.blogspot.com, the title of the book and the author's name to your Facebook, MySpace and or Twitter pages as well as your favorite blogs. The more places you link to and mention the author and her book, the more chances you have to win.
You can earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites and blogs. Be sure to return to www.harauthors.blogspot.com and tell us where you're spreading the word by posting the information in the comment section of the blog--that way we can keep a tally of your activity. Remember, it's One Day Only Each Month June-November 2010!
Authors will be giving away prizes to several lucky winners. Your name will be entered into a drawing for each social media site you promote The Codys: First Family of Rodeo and for each friend you contact who in turn spreads the word through their favorite networks. You have twenty-four hours to link to us and win! The author will post the winners in the comment section of her blog the next day--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners.
On June 5th Senior Editor for American Romance, Kathleen Scheibling will introduce The Codys: First Family of Rodeo to readers and the following day on June 6th Rebecca Winters kicks off the Social Media Blitz Contest with the first book in the series-- Walker: The Rodeo Legend!
With the help of our faithful readers we're hoping that on June 6th the web is buzzing with chatter about The Codys: First Family of Rodeo!
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Monday, 17 May 2010
Counting down...and looking ahead
This time of year gets me very excited, as I work for a school district. We’re now in single digits in the countdown for the last day of school. That’s probably enough on that subject, right? You don’t need to read another word to understand why I’m nearly bouncing off the walls, just like the kids.
I’m also in the countdown to turn in my latest manuscript for Harlequin American Romance, a book that--fingers crossed!--will be out sometime next year.
And I’m looking forward to summer.
For months, I’ve been making plans, writing to-do lists, and toying with an idea or two for stories I’d like to start writing next. The way things worked out this year, we don’t have any major trips lined up this summer, which will give me plenty of time to get everything done that I want to accomplish....
Well...it sounds good, anyway, doesn’t it?
Since I’m going to be a stay-at-home writer this summer, I’d love to hear what plans you have for vacation, whether you’re keeping close to home, too, or seeking adventures far and wide.
Talking about your trip in advance will prolong the pleasure and make you even more excited about it--just as counting down to the last day of school is doing for me!
All my best to you,
Barbara
~~~~~~
Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
I’m also in the countdown to turn in my latest manuscript for Harlequin American Romance, a book that--fingers crossed!--will be out sometime next year.
And I’m looking forward to summer.
For months, I’ve been making plans, writing to-do lists, and toying with an idea or two for stories I’d like to start writing next. The way things worked out this year, we don’t have any major trips lined up this summer, which will give me plenty of time to get everything done that I want to accomplish....
Well...it sounds good, anyway, doesn’t it?
Since I’m going to be a stay-at-home writer this summer, I’d love to hear what plans you have for vacation, whether you’re keeping close to home, too, or seeking adventures far and wide.
Talking about your trip in advance will prolong the pleasure and make you even more excited about it--just as counting down to the last day of school is doing for me!
All my best to you,
Barbara
~~~~~~
Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Brenda Novak Silent Auction
Just a quick note for today's blog: I want to remind our readers that this month (May) author Brenda Novak is holding her annual silent auction to raise money for diabetes research. I'm sure most of you know at least one person who struggles with this disease. Brenda has done an incredible job raising awareness of the disease within the writing community.
"Last year, we raised nearly $280,000. I'm hoping to break that record this year. If we can come anywhere close, our grand total will reach over $1 million dollars--so this is a special year in many respects."-- Brenda Novak
Check out her auction at http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/
Plug the name of your favorite author into the search box and see what items they're donating.
I'm offering a Cowboy Gift Bag--(above photo) two autographed books, a cowboy candle, spur paperweight, cowboy picture frame and a collection of Texas recipes (Item # 1717867).
If you're an aspiring writer be sure to review the list of publishers and their items up for bid--there's something for everyone.
If you're able, please support this worthy cause and help Brenda reach the million-dollar mark!
Marin
Dexter: Honorable Cowboy (July 2010)
Book #2 in The Cody's: First Family of Rodeo
Friday, 14 May 2010
Time for Yourself
Today I'm headed to California for a much needed vacation. Yes, I'm packing my laptop and yes, I will work on my revisions. But still, it's a vacation from my real life. A girl's week. Visiting two different, but very special friends. One in Palm Springs and the other in Bakersfield. In Palm Springs, we plan to eat out, sit by the pool, and catch up on each other's lives since I was last there almost two years ago. I can't wait. Even her dogs are excited. LOL
Then I leave and meet my second friend for a couple days on the beach. Crank the sunroof open. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Sit for as long as we want and just listen to the sounds of the ocean, smell the salty air, absorb the breathtaking coastline. The beach helps me wind down and reprioritize more than any other thing I've found.
Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist's Way that many years ago, helped me reconnect with myself. Helped me learn to make time to replenish the well, even when life is spinning around me. To get in touch with my creative side. Trust me, it's long overdue.
I'm curious what helps others relax. What does it for you when you're stressed to the max? What do you do for yourself? I know CC Coburn talked about a spa day. Any other thoughts?
Then I leave and meet my second friend for a couple days on the beach. Crank the sunroof open. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Sit for as long as we want and just listen to the sounds of the ocean, smell the salty air, absorb the breathtaking coastline. The beach helps me wind down and reprioritize more than any other thing I've found.
Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist's Way that many years ago, helped me reconnect with myself. Helped me learn to make time to replenish the well, even when life is spinning around me. To get in touch with my creative side. Trust me, it's long overdue.
I'm curious what helps others relax. What does it for you when you're stressed to the max? What do you do for yourself? I know CC Coburn talked about a spa day. Any other thoughts?
Monday, 10 May 2010
I Hate Revisions!
Phew! I feel better now that I’ve got that off my chest.
Feeling rather grumpy at the moment, hiding deep within my revision cave. Revisions on Book #3, Colorado Cowboy - about the oldest of the O’Malley brothers, Luke, the rancher - are due next Monday and the closer that day draws, the grumpier I get.
The grumpiness is entirely my own fault. I’m a procrastinator who will find any excuse not to sit at my computer and work through the detailed revision notes my lovely editor, Paula Eykelhof, has taken a great deal of time and pains over.
The procrastination stems from the fact that I’m over this story and want to move on to the next. Suddenly, the study needs tidying, the garden is overgrown and needs urgent attention, the house could probably do with being repainted (and while I’m at it, I might just completely renovate the bathroom as well). I haven’t seen friends for lunch in ages (so let’s go out to lunch every day for two weeks to avoid sitting at that keyboard). And don’t get me on the distraction of Solitaire’s Spider 4 Decks. Trying to maintain a perfect 100% score while attempting to complete this beastly game in under nineteen minutes, is the biggest timewaster ever!
It’s pathetic but true, I will do anything to avoid doing Revisions!
As the deadline draws ever nearer, I become more and more frustrated with myself and my inability to apply myself to this most important part of the publication process, instead of allowing myself to be distracted by minutiae .
It’s a classic Catch 22, I want to be done with this book, but in order to do that, I have to refine it, tidy it, fine-tune it to my editor’s satisfaction. But I’m a Sagittarian, easily bored, looking constantly for new adventures (ie. delving into the lives of my last two O’Malley brothers, Jack, the ex-priest and Adam the Fireman).
I resent the revision process with a vengeance bordering on downright loathing because it’s keeping me from exploring these two hunks and the women who tame them.
Plus, there’s that Jane Austen time travel story that’s demanding I write it, my Masters research paper to be completed, and several single title romantic comedies that I’m dying to finish writing. But, alas! Duty calls. And her name is, Discipline!
I love writing, love the creative process, love being lost within the story and bringing it to life. I could easily write a book in 2 weeks, so absorbed am I in getting it from brain to fingertips to keyboard. And when that’s done, I’m ready to move on to the next story.
In an ideal world, I’d be so mega rich that I could employ an anally retentive person to take care of what I consider to be all the boring bits about writing, while I was left to lie around on my pink sofa, swathed in a pink feather boa, clasping my dear little pink poodle to my pink bosom… (sound of stylus scraping across record).
Sorry, getting carried away with someone else’s fantasy there, but I think you get my point. The problem with this idealized vision is that the changes to the story my editor requires would be someone else’s changes and I, sequestered in my Writing Tower, would neither notice nor care that the story was no longer mine.
Which rather defeats the purpose of creating the story in the first place.
So, with another fantasy dashed by cold reality, I shall gird my loins, put nose to grindstone, grit my teeth, shoulder my responsibilities and finish those detested revisions!
Writing used to be so much more fun before I was published.
How do you feel about revisions and would you like to be my slave er… Revisionista!
(just kidding, sort of…)
I’m giving away a copy of Book #2 in The O’Malley men series, The Sheriff and the Baby, to anyone who comes up with a feasible plan to keep me chained to my keyboard until these revisions are finished.
Til next time, when I hope I’m in a better mood.
CC
Feeling rather grumpy at the moment, hiding deep within my revision cave. Revisions on Book #3, Colorado Cowboy - about the oldest of the O’Malley brothers, Luke, the rancher - are due next Monday and the closer that day draws, the grumpier I get.
The grumpiness is entirely my own fault. I’m a procrastinator who will find any excuse not to sit at my computer and work through the detailed revision notes my lovely editor, Paula Eykelhof, has taken a great deal of time and pains over.
The procrastination stems from the fact that I’m over this story and want to move on to the next. Suddenly, the study needs tidying, the garden is overgrown and needs urgent attention, the house could probably do with being repainted (and while I’m at it, I might just completely renovate the bathroom as well). I haven’t seen friends for lunch in ages (so let’s go out to lunch every day for two weeks to avoid sitting at that keyboard). And don’t get me on the distraction of Solitaire’s Spider 4 Decks. Trying to maintain a perfect 100% score while attempting to complete this beastly game in under nineteen minutes, is the biggest timewaster ever!
It’s pathetic but true, I will do anything to avoid doing Revisions!
As the deadline draws ever nearer, I become more and more frustrated with myself and my inability to apply myself to this most important part of the publication process, instead of allowing myself to be distracted by minutiae .
It’s a classic Catch 22, I want to be done with this book, but in order to do that, I have to refine it, tidy it, fine-tune it to my editor’s satisfaction. But I’m a Sagittarian, easily bored, looking constantly for new adventures (ie. delving into the lives of my last two O’Malley brothers, Jack, the ex-priest and Adam the Fireman).
I resent the revision process with a vengeance bordering on downright loathing because it’s keeping me from exploring these two hunks and the women who tame them.
Plus, there’s that Jane Austen time travel story that’s demanding I write it, my Masters research paper to be completed, and several single title romantic comedies that I’m dying to finish writing. But, alas! Duty calls. And her name is, Discipline!
I love writing, love the creative process, love being lost within the story and bringing it to life. I could easily write a book in 2 weeks, so absorbed am I in getting it from brain to fingertips to keyboard. And when that’s done, I’m ready to move on to the next story.
In an ideal world, I’d be so mega rich that I could employ an anally retentive person to take care of what I consider to be all the boring bits about writing, while I was left to lie around on my pink sofa, swathed in a pink feather boa, clasping my dear little pink poodle to my pink bosom… (sound of stylus scraping across record).
Sorry, getting carried away with someone else’s fantasy there, but I think you get my point. The problem with this idealized vision is that the changes to the story my editor requires would be someone else’s changes and I, sequestered in my Writing Tower, would neither notice nor care that the story was no longer mine.
Which rather defeats the purpose of creating the story in the first place.
So, with another fantasy dashed by cold reality, I shall gird my loins, put nose to grindstone, grit my teeth, shoulder my responsibilities and finish those detested revisions!
Writing used to be so much more fun before I was published.
How do you feel about revisions and would you like to be my slave er… Revisionista!
(just kidding, sort of…)
I’m giving away a copy of Book #2 in The O’Malley men series, The Sheriff and the Baby, to anyone who comes up with a feasible plan to keep me chained to my keyboard until these revisions are finished.
Til next time, when I hope I’m in a better mood.
CC
Friday, 7 May 2010
He's Just Like... by Megan
Do you enjoy reading a book where the narrator describes a character by comparing him (or her) to someone famous? Or does that take you out of the story?
I'm participating in an online class in character development. (Okay, I'm on deadline and taking care of my mom on my days off the paying job, so I'm really just lurking.) The lesson for the past days was to name your main characters then find pictures of what they look like.
Now, I'm not a visual person. I don't do crafts, I can't see the hidden potential in a rock that will reveal a statue--to me, it's just a rock, a lump of clay, a bunch of paints and canvas. When it comes to writing, everything is in my head. This class with historical writer and good friend, Kimberly Killion, is a great exercise to expand my abilities with description, at which I su...suffer.
Problem is, when I look at early pictures of Brad Pitt, all I can think of is him now and the tabloid headlines. When someone recalls Rock Hudson being a heartthrob in the 50s and 60s, I just feel sad because he was gay and had to hide it and was probably a very unhappy person. And the list goes on. About the only handsome actor whose personal life or personality doesn't interfere is the late Paul Newman, who I understand to have been an excellent person.
This isn't what Kim is telling us to do, by the way, as she writes medievals and there were no TV or movie heros. I've just read this often, seen it being used as shorthand.
So...does name-dropping for comparison throw you? Does it take you out of the story to hear the hero looked like Mel Gibson or George Clooney? Or does it give you an instant visual, which is the intention?
Just curious, as I'll be starting a new story next month, and it'll be time to describe my people again.
Megan
Megan Kelly
www.megankellybooks.com
I'm participating in an online class in character development. (Okay, I'm on deadline and taking care of my mom on my days off the paying job, so I'm really just lurking.) The lesson for the past days was to name your main characters then find pictures of what they look like.
Now, I'm not a visual person. I don't do crafts, I can't see the hidden potential in a rock that will reveal a statue--to me, it's just a rock, a lump of clay, a bunch of paints and canvas. When it comes to writing, everything is in my head. This class with historical writer and good friend, Kimberly Killion, is a great exercise to expand my abilities with description, at which I su...suffer.
Problem is, when I look at early pictures of Brad Pitt, all I can think of is him now and the tabloid headlines. When someone recalls Rock Hudson being a heartthrob in the 50s and 60s, I just feel sad because he was gay and had to hide it and was probably a very unhappy person. And the list goes on. About the only handsome actor whose personal life or personality doesn't interfere is the late Paul Newman, who I understand to have been an excellent person.
This isn't what Kim is telling us to do, by the way, as she writes medievals and there were no TV or movie heros. I've just read this often, seen it being used as shorthand.
So...does name-dropping for comparison throw you? Does it take you out of the story to hear the hero looked like Mel Gibson or George Clooney? Or does it give you an instant visual, which is the intention?
Just curious, as I'll be starting a new story next month, and it'll be time to describe my people again.
Megan
Megan Kelly
www.megankellybooks.com
Monday, 3 May 2010
Two More Blast from the Past Recipes
Do recipes make you hungry? Sometimes they make me want to cook and other times, just eat. But I don't think I've ever been as hungry as these two Mockingbird babies. The nice, tall man installing our new gutters at the lake house in Mineola, TX discovered them in the arbor (in the photo I posted before, covered in coral and yellow trumpet flowers.) Aren't they the cutest little things? Kara Lennox also has a baby Mockingbird just outside her window.
Okay, but enough about baby birds. They don't need recipes and they'll eat just about anything wiggly presented to them by their parents. We tend to be a little more discriminating. Here are two more recipes I mentioned in the next Brody's Crossing book, tentatively titled Texan in Her Heart, which will be out in 2011.
Sausage Pinwheels
As told to Victoria Chancellor at a party in the 1980s
1 package crescent dinner rolls (makes 8 crescent rolls) Use regular or reduced fat, or generic.
1 package pork sausage (about 10 or 12 ounces) I use Jimmy Dean Reduced Fat Pork Sausage.
Preheat oven to temperature indicated on the crescent rolls. On a cutting board or clean flat surface, unroll the crescent roll dough trianges. Put two triangles together to form a rectangle. Push and work the seam so that it doesn't separate. You will eventually create four rectangles.
Separate pork sausage into four equal parts. Carefully pat and thin the sausage onto the dough rectangle. Leave a little room at the edges so the pinwheel can be rolled and joined together. Roll the rectangle so you have a long column that will create your pinwheels. Cover in waxed paper or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from freezer. Using a sharp knife, cut the column into about 1/4 inch slices and place them on a sprayed cookie sheet. (I cover my cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray that for easy clean up.) Place in preheated oven and bake for 10 -15 minutes, or per the directions on the package. The pinwheels should be crisp and browned but not overcooked and burnt. You just want to make sure the sausage has cooked all the way through. Serve warm or at room temperature. You will not have any leftovers!
Note: You can use other things to make pinwheels, such as ham slices, bacon, etc. It just needs to roll nicely. If using bacon, make sure your knife is really sharp and you've kept the pinwheel dough in the freezer until it's firm. Cheese does NOT work well in these.
Fudge Oatmeal Refrigerator Cookies
From Southern Living Best Recipes
2 cups sugar (Note: You can use less sugar, but they need some to be fudge-like.)
1/2 cup evaporated milk (NOT condensed milk)
2 T. cocoa
1 stick butter
1/2 t. vanilla
2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
Combine first four ingredients in a saucepan. Heat and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until heated and bubbly but not boiling. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and stir. Add oatmeal and mix thoroughly. Drop by teaspoonsful onto waxed paper on cookie sheets or other flat surfaces. Refrigerate. Ready to eat as soon as they don't burn your tongue! They will taste more like fudge if they are refrigerated until cool. Will keep in a container for days in the refrigerator.
I hope you enjoy the "Blast from the Past" recipes. I also hope they all stay in the finished version of the book! Happy reading, baking, and eating.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
April Contest Winner
Congratulations to Gillian Layne--the winner of our April drawing!
Gillian, please contact Lisa Ruff and Lisa Childs to claim your prizes.
And don't forget--each month one or more Harlequin American authors gives away a book to a lucky winner. To be eligible to win all you have to do is post a comment on our blog. Your name will be entered into our monthly drawing and the winner is posted on the 2nd of the following month.
Happy Reading!
Marin
Gillian, please contact Lisa Ruff and Lisa Childs to claim your prizes.
And don't forget--each month one or more Harlequin American authors gives away a book to a lucky winner. To be eligible to win all you have to do is post a comment on our blog. Your name will be entered into our monthly drawing and the winner is posted on the 2nd of the following month.
Happy Reading!
Marin
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