IN THE WORKS

IN THE WORKS

 

 

 

      It's been a while since I blogged. Life has a habit of getting in the way. But now that I'm back (so to speak) I thought I'd give a quick update as to what has been going on with me writing wise.

 

 

      My second round of revisions for my upcoming paranormal mermaid fantasy romance are in the hands of my agent. Currently waiting to see if another round is required before the big submission process to publishers. I'm on pins and needles.

 

 

    I'm hard at work on the second urban fantasy romance novel in my Demi-God Daughters series, GODDESS BY CHANCE. I'm about 15 chapters in and currently wondering if this book will be longer than the previous Demi-God Daughter book as I have not yet reached the first major arc of the story. I'll keep writing and see what happens.

 

 

     And also I'm working on another story and (drum roll please) I'm actually writing it on my laptop. Shocking yes. If you've read any of my previous blog posts you know that I predominately write in longhand using journals. So me creating a story on my laptop is completely out of the norm and quite surprising to me. The new story is tentatively titled DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS and it is not in the fantasy romance realm from which I usually write.

 

      After starting to read some romantic suspense novels, I decided I'd like to try and do something different than the genres I usually write in. The start of the novel was born from one simple sentence replaying over and over in my mind: "Last time I checked, it was my name on the door." Yep that pretty much started it. I don't know how the story will end up as I do not even have any of my usual few small planning tools I use per novel. This one will really come from the seat of my pants.

 

 

    So far I'm about 10K into DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS and I'm really enjoying writing it. Again, no idea how long it will be or what will ultimately happen at the end but I'm excited to see where it goes and even more excited my muse is speaking to me as I stare at the computer screen. I will share with you the current tagline I'm trying to keep in mind: Ava Nicole Hill's carefully ordered world is about to be turned upside down and she is powerless to stop it.

 

 

    In addition to trying to balance two novels at once, I also have purchased three writing resources I'm trying to find time to read: Showing & Telling; Bullies, Bastards & Bitches; and The Writer's Guide to Character Traits. I don't know about you but I believe a writer should never stop learning or trying to improve their craft. Do you have any resources you can't live without? Are you working on one or more projects? Drop me a line. I'd love to know.



WRITING IS THERAPY

WRITING IS THERAPY

 

   It's been a while since I've written a new post, but life has a habit of getting in the way. After a few extremely tense weeks filled with running around for job interviews, a car accident, and preparing to move again I hope things are getting ready to settle down for a while. Meanwhile in the midst of all this craziness I've continued writing and I've discovered something all too terrible, while at the same time wonderful...writing is therapy.

   Yes I know you may think it's cliché or a bit weird but it's true. I'm currently working on my fourth novel and it has started to dawn on me that there are some recurring things that I'm starting to see. No I'm not talking about that fact I write happily Ever Afters in an effort to cope with a less than stellar love life. I'm talking about something deeper. Something I really didn't realize until I'd finished my third book a few months ago. But yeah. It's there. Staring back at me from past written pages and slowly forming new ones.

   To protect the innocent I won't tell you what the theme is outright, but I will say it's all about relationships and not the romantic type. I've been writing seriously since February 2012 and with each finished book I confront another issue that I've either locked away or didn't realize was bothering me. So to sum it all up, discovering the written word has been therapeutic for me. I'm able to express all my frustrations. All my fears. And all my hope and dreams in the confines of a world I'm in charge of.

    I'm glad that I decided to start writing. It has allowed me to confront some things and hopefully reach the point of being able to let go. So the next time you sit down with your laptop or pull out your trusty journal and write, just think for a moment. What are you really saying with every new sentence? And are you prepared to accept what you uncover?



WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHARACTER CHANGES YOUR PLANS

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHARACTER CHANGES YOUR PLANS

 

 

    As some of you may know I have been working hard on the second book on my Demi-God Daughters series, GODDESS BY CHANCE. From the inception of this book I devised a great female lead who has a past that will make the reader root for her. I also came up with a villain who is pretty despicable. The hero of this story was supposed to be Hephaestus, the Greek God of Blacksmiths. If you know anything about Greek mythology then you know that Hephaestus has had a pretty bad go of it. His father Zeus cast him from Olympus as a baby and his wife Aphrodite routinely cheated on him. So I felt that if there was another Greek god that deserved real love, then Hephaestus was it. But even the best laid plans fall apart.

    I'd written about fourteen chapters into GODDESS BY CHANCE when it became all too apparent that something was wrong. My heroine, Arienne had better chemistry with the villain than she did with her leading man Hephaestus. I couldn't believe it. At first I was in denial. No way am I going to have my heroine with this pretty despicable villain. Besides, what about poor Hephaestus. So I went around and around in my head about it. I vented on Twitter. I received suggestions from some of my followers. I put the story down and mulled over things, but I was only prolonging the inevitable. In my heart of hearts I knew that I had no choice. I was going to have to change the story and start over.

    So with many apologies I said goodbye to Hephaestus and promised him a book later. Then I ripped out all fourteen chapters from my journal and prepared to start over. In the trash went my flashcards with information and plot points about the original story. Out came fresh flash cards for me to jot down some ideas about my villain and how I was going to redeem him and have him and Arienne fall for each other. Despite the fact that starting completely over was going to mess with the timetable I'd set for myself to finish this story, I found myself getting excited. I've never written anything with such a complicated male lead before. A male lead that is out to get the heroine and not for romantic reasons. But it is a challenge I'm happy about.

    At present I'm working on Chapter 4 of GODDESS BY CHANCE. I'm excited every time I pick up my journal and start to work on this story. Having to start over brought some things into perspective for me. Most important of all was the power every character has. Though I had a different destiny in mind for my heroine, she soon made it evident to me that she had other plans in mind. There are some who say that when you write that is the only place where you are in total control. I've discovered that is not true.

    Regardless of the fact that you are the writer, every character has their own voice. As you create a story your characters will start to speak to you. Though sometimes what they say will be in line with your plans, sometimes your characters will change your plans. It is up to you listen to them. Though you may balk at first like I did, in the end you will feel more satisfied if you listen. Many times the suggestions your characters impart will make the story better than what your original vision for the story ever was.

    So what do you do when your character changes your plans? Simple. You go with it. You listen to your characters and revise the story to their suggestions. If you listen to your character you'll be happy you did and so will they.



WHAT'S WRONG WITH A LITTLE SUPPORT?

WHAT'S WRONG WITH A LITTLE SUPPORT?

 

 

  Ever since I started my journey into the wonderful world of writing, I've been amazed at the some of the wonderful people I've met along the way. When I decided that I wanted to be serious about pursuing a writing career, it was the first time in my life that I seemed to actually meet likeminded people like myself. It was amazing to discover that I am not alone in the universe like I sometimes tend to think I am. I've even made some new friends. But with every rose, there are thorns. One of the things I'm noticing is that many times support in the writing world is not reciprocated.

   Maybe about a month or two ago I decided that I was going to tweet the links to books that were out or coming out by other authors I follow. Many of them are indie authors. So I thought a tweet doesn't hurt anyone. So I spent about half an hour finding the links to their books on Amazon and individually tagging the authors and tweeting their links. So a few said thank you. I appreciate that, but the only authors who returned the favor were authors I've already built a pretty good relationship with. I admit. I was a little pissed off.

    I feel like this, if I take the time out of my day to show support for your novel which many times I haven't even read yet, as a courtesy you should be willing to do the same for me. I re-tweet things all the time on Twitter. Much of the time it is other author's stuff. I have no problem showing support. It's much needed, especially because sometimes this writing journey can be a lonely one. So don't be stingy with the re-tweets. Even though you may not be a particular fan of another's work, maybe some of your followers will be. By a simple re-tweet you possibly could've helped a fellow author get a sell they may not have gotten.

   I have discovered some really great authors, just from someone else re-tweeting the links for their books. Among them @Eden_byNite @PerriForrest @KseniaAnske @EllisRomance. A re-tweet never hurt anyone. I firmly believe that if I'm not willing to embrace those that are out here on this path with me and help in anyway I know how I might not be so blessed with my own works, but that's just me.

   I know some will say that it's not their job to support another author. They have their own stuff to do. They're right. It's not your "job" to support another writer. But if you're strolling down your timeline and see something it's not going to kill you to re-tweet it. After all you're going to want someone else to show you that same courtesy. (Use discretion though. Nothing is more annoying than a stream of constant of re-tweets though.)

   So I hope I've given you something to ponder the next time you're scrolling through your timeline. Just remember The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.



LIFE

LIFE

 

 

 

   While you know that I'm a novelist, not many know that I am also an amateur poet and lyric writer, so I decided that in addition to my journey through the world as a novelist, why not share some of my poetry as well. So here it goes. This one is called Life.

 

 

Tear me down

Destroy my happiness

How did my life get to be such a mess?

 

Break my spirit

Shatter it all apart

Stop the very beating of my heart

 

Bring the rain

Let it flow

Flood my very soul

 

I can’t fight

What I can’t see

But the strength is in me

 

Somewhere there

Down deep inside

Is a fragile seed gasping for life

 

Will it grow?

Can it breathe?

Will it succeed?

 

That’s to be determined

Right now I don’t know

Just pray for my growth



DREAM ACHIEVED, NOW WHAT?

DREAM ACHIEVED, NOW WHAT?

 

 

    Ever since I decided to listen to the calling in my heart to write, I have been pushing myself to accomplish two goals: Become a Published Author & Get an Agent. Well I've been blessed to reach both of these goals. In October 2013, Evernight Publishing released my debut novel, Goddess of Legend. And last Thursday, January 9, 2014 I signed with Holloway Literary Agency. Going forward my agency will be representing me as we seek the publication of my second novel, Siren's Choice.

 

 

    In a few short months I have realized two of my biggest dreams and I feel happy and blessed, but what happens now? I must confess I'm starting to have a little self doubt. My road to publication with my first novel was not easy and as the rejections came at times I felt like giving up. But eventually Goddess of Legend found a home and most of the people who have read it, have really enjoyed the story. I'm so grateful for that everyday. It means so much.

 

 

     Upon finishing Siren's Choice I was hopeful that the submission process would be easier this time around. It hasn't been. Before signing with Holloway I received three rejections of Siren's Choice. It stung and I started to doubt myself. Is my writing really good enough? These publishers don't want my book and I'm already published. Should I quit while I'm ahead? All these thoughts have crossed my mind. Signing with an agent has alleviated some of the doubts that have been plaguing me but a whole new set of worries has replaced them.

 

     Now that I have someone in my corner that believes in my vision and what I see for my writing career, I'm scared. What if this is the start of something big for me? Am I really ready for it? Will my subsequent works live up to my first novel? Honestly I'm a bundle of nerves right now. Soon I'm going to start working with my agent and making changes to Siren's Choice in preparation of submitting it to bigger publishers. But even now I wonder will these other publishers like my story? And if I'm successful in securing a publisher that can introduce me to a wider audience will these new readers like my work?

 

    As we speak I'm working on the second installment in my Demi-God Daughters series, Goddess By Chance and with every chapter I wonder will previous readers like this new characters? Or will they compare them to my previous characters and find them lacking? Because of the great reviews I received with my first novel, I don't want to let my readers down. I want to give them the best possible story I can and I want it to be as great as my first one or better. That's a lot of pressure for a first time author and I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that the pressure worries me.

 

   But now I must put things in perspective. I'm not alone in having this experience. People all over the world surely feel the same way after being published for the first time. And many of them made it through the sophomore jinx. I can too. I've been blessed to see the realization of a dream not everyone gets to see. And to honor that blessing all I can do is move forward and do my best.

 

 I will continue to learn my craft.

I will identify areas that need work and spend more time on them.

I will write the absolute best novel I can.

I will take advice.

I will always remember that I've accomplished my dream and appreciate it.

I will believe that with time and hard work I can be better.

 

   So now that I've shared with you some of my fears, what are some of your writer fears? And if so how do you deal with them?

 

    

MY WRITING PROCESS

MY WRITING PROCESS

 

 

 

      2013 brought the completion of a lot of things for me. I finished writing my third novel, The Diary Of An Ugly Stepsister. I graduated with my Master's in Politics and Policy. And I think I have finally figured out my personal writing process and what works for me. So I just thought I'd share.

 

STEP 1: IDEAS

 

     Let me start off by saying I am a person with a mind constantly influx. It really doesn't take much to spark an idea for a story with me.

 

For example, my first novel, Goddess of Legend was born from a desire to write an adult romance about the Greek god Hades finding true love.

 

My second novel, Siren's Choice came from my love of all things mermaid and the desire to read about mermaids that looked like me.

 

And my third novel, The Diary of An Ugly Stepsister was an idea that came to me about writing a re-telling of the Cinderella myth from the viewpoint of a stepsister that is not so ugly. This idea came as I lay in the living room on the couch. Within about five minutes I knew what the story was going to be about.

 

You get my point. An idea for a story can pretty much be sparked by anything.

 

STEP 2: PLANNING

 

      Some people plan and some write start from the hip. Plotting or planning everything out does not work for me. It stifles my creative process. I tried planning everything out for the first novel I ever started writing, For The Sake Of Convenience, but because I plotted every minute detail chapter by chapter for the entire book it killed my creativity. For The Sake Of Convenience is currently languishing away on my laptop. I made it to chapter 18 before I couldn't take it anymore and stopped working on it altogether.Since that first attempt at writing I have discovered that I have a pretty weird process.

 

A.When it comes to my planning I scribble on a flash card what the basic premise of the book is about. For example: romance, thriller, etc.

 

B.This is followed by jotting down a few notes about scenes that might come to me.  For example: Someone dies. There's a fight.Etc.

 

C.Then still using notecards I write down the characteristics of the characters. This includes: Age, Race, Occupation, Physical Description, etc.

 

D. And lastly I identify what are the master plot lines that will be included in the story. For instance, murder, revenge, etc.

 

That's it. No plotting chapter to chapter. No outline. Now I'm ready to start writing.

 

STEP 3: WRITING

 

        I am one of those weird people who cannot write at all on a computer. Don't get me wrong. I wrote papers for school on my laptop like nobody's business, but when it comes to creative writing my mind completely blanks. This is probably another reason why For The Sake Of Convenience is languishing away. I started writing it on my laptop. Bad idea. My mind pretty much freezes staring at a computer screen. If I can manage even a few words it is a real struggle. None of it comes easy.

 

      So when I started Goddess of Legend I knew without a doubt I would not be writing it on the computer. Instead I bought a journal and started writing. Yes, in this age where people do everything on the computer I write in longhand. (So does my favorite author Jackie Collins). My journal of preference are made by PlanAhead. They are hard back journals that come in all kinds of colors and designs. I own about 34 of them. None look alike. My writing pen of choice is the Bic Intensity Marker Pen Fine Point Noir in black. I know. I know. It sounds weird but I've got to have these things to get my writing going. Which brings me to the actual writing.

 

      I don't know how it is for other writers but when I write it's like there is a narrator in my head telling me exactly what to write word by word. Yeah it sounds a little crazy, but I'm thankful for it. I've had some other writers tell me the story plays out like a movie in their head and they write from there. Personally I'm happy for my narrator. But my typical writing output can range from a single scene, 2 pages, 5 pages or a complete chapter. It all depends on what kind of mood I'm in that day. I try to write 5 days a week, but sometimes it doesn't always happen.

 

STEP 4: TRANSCRIBING & EDIT 1

 

     After I'm done writing the first draft in my trusty journal I go back and type up the entire story in Microsoft Office. This is a painstaking process as I hate to type, but it has to be done. So as I start typing up my story as I go along I start to notice mistakes I may have made in writing the first draft like spelling errors, incorrect tense usage, or sentences that repeat and need to be cut. This is my first edit of the novel and believe it or not quite a few things actually do get cut in the transcribing process.

 

STEP 5: EDIT 2

 

    So after I'm finally done transcribing I print the entire novel. I can't edit staring at a computer. Mistakes don't jump out at me like that. I need paper and ink in my hand. So after its printed I put it aside. I think I might've put Siren's Choice aside from two to three weeks. Not looking at it gives your mind time to forget what you wrote and be able to approach the story like a reader. So I read the novel all the way through a few chapters at a time. Along the way I write notes down on a sticky pad and stick those to the beginning of each chapter.

 

     The notes consist of things like: so and so doesn't make sense, over explanation, more explanation needed, incorrect tense usage, etc. So once I have done this for the entire manuscript it's time to move on to Draft 2.

 

STEP 6: DRAFT 2

 

     So keeping my notes in mind I write draft 2 chapter by chapter using my original draft as a guide.

 

And there you have it folks. That's my very strange and convoluted writing process. I'm eager to hear what you think of my process. I'd love to hear what your writing process is like as well.