Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sex for the Younger Reader
I’ve been working on a story that I started a couple years
ago. At this point, I’m at the beginning
and I’m not sure if it’s something that I’m actually going to wrestle into a
full story or if it’s just an exercise for my muse, to get me back in the
saddle.
As I mentioned, though, I had the idea two years ago. I wrote two chapters and then stopped. Something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t put my
finger on it. I loved the idea and I loved
the heroine. Vegetarian Willow who
remained in her small (SMALL) town to care for her grandmother who raised her
because her parents were hippies and off exploring free love and drugs. And I loved Shane, my hero, a Special Forces
soldier who’d risen above his foster care upbringing but felt empty inside.
But, something was wrong.
So I stopped and wrote AFTER THE SCANDAL. Now, though, this story is calling me
again. This rarely happens. Usually if I start and stop something, it
stays in the past. Like the year I was
pre-med in college. Nice memory, but nowhere I want to revisit.
This story though…. I reread. Still liked the
hero and heroine. But I figured it out, that thing that was bothering me.
The characters are younger.
A year ago, Willow chose not to go to college. Her
grandmother has had two heart attacks and a slight stroke. They don’t
have money for her grandmother’s medical bills and college tuition.
Shane is training to go to war, is almost finished with his Special Forces
training. Another character, Jack, has everything ahead of him.
Scholarship to USC, budding football career, and he’s irreparably changed by
the events in the story. He has to deal with what happens when your life
takes a turn you can’t turn back from.
Ter assures me that editors are looking for stories for this
age group. (Sigh of relief.) But I’m not sure how to write this story.
For the past five years, I’ve written romance. Read: I’ve written stories where sex is a
game changer at some point in the story. And, in my mind, Willow and Shane have sex.
Shane’s almost 21 and Willow will be 20 in a few months. They’re adults. The fact that they both make themselves
vulnerable is integral to what happens in the story. I bet I could do it some other way, but I don’t
think it would work quite as well.
After all, that’s how my mind works. To me, making love can inspire, empower, and
make vulnerable. Sex with the right person is life-changing. I’m not sure there’s
another event that does the same thing quite so well. And for two people who fear they are
unlovable, who’ve been abandoned and have sought to find where they belong, I
just think it works best.
But, well, sex for the teenage audience is pretty risqué. Hack away at people, murder and gore and
dismemberment, all acceptable. But take
off clothes and people start throwing bibles at you.
So, folks, what do you think about sex in stories written
for the young adult/new adult audience? Is it wrong that I'm going to toss some college age kids in the sack? How much detail is too much detail? Is this a strictly, close the door behind them thing?
Monday, June 25, 2012
Never Say Never--and What I Learned from the Author I'd Never Read
Ladies
and Gentlemen, I have crossed to the dark side. If it could happen to me, it
could happen to you. Alas, I cannot believe I am writing these words: I have
read a Nora Roberts novel.
No,
no, don’t bother to check your screen or run your virus check—or even send the
police to verify if I’ve been body snatched. It’s me, and I read THE WITNESS.
Let
me give a brief summary of my experience in reading a Nora Roberts novel.
Usually I don’t make it very far—I’m definitely a person you typically need to
hook, either by content, voice, or premise within the first five pages. It’s
why I don’t usually go for NR’s books usually. I’m not hooked by her content or
voice within five pages; and her premise usually wasn’t that compelling for me
either. However, this was different. The heroine was sheltered, very smart, a
bit of a computer hacker, and accidentally tangled up with the Russian mafia.
These are things that interest me, so I proceeded past my five pages and got
hooked by the content of the story.
Then
things got more insidious.
We
meet the hero, who I was glad we did not meet first because I didn’t like him.
It wasn’t that he wasn’t likeable. He was very likeable, I suppose, if you like
small town heroes who are “easy-going” and “happy.” I’m not a fan. And I found
him very annoying where the heroine was concerned, especially when he was all
up in her business and he had absolutely no right to be. And he wouldn’t take
back-off as an answer. He kept showing up with pie and insisting in coming in
the house. He was an annoying persistent pain-in-the-ass.
But
then…suddenly I did like him. He said or did the right thing. I mean, he went
back to being a PITA, but he’d do something and I’d swoon. It baffled me. I
wasn’t sure I liked it—which incidentally was exactly what the heroine was
feeling. And that is when I caught on. OMG, Nora Roberts is totally owning me
through this story. I feel whatever the characters feel, I believe whatever the
characters believe, I want what they want—and I don’t even realize it. I just
want to read it as fast I can. The reason I like the hero when I do is because
the heroine does; and when he’s being a PITA, it’s because she’s thinking it
too. She’s totally putting me in the moment and showing me the scene in the
heroine’s POV without being obvious about it, and I’m hooked. It’s totally
storytelling at its finest. The kind of thing we all want to do.
So
I was staring at the book, stopped, trying to figure out what was it about this
scene that worked. What is it I like about the hero? And what is it that I find
annoying? How does she balance it?
Magic,
I finally decided.
Okay,
not really. I think it was one part mixing opposite personalities. She’s a bit
socially awkward and majorly introverted—and because she’s on the run and trying
to remain invisible, majorly quiet, private, and constantly trying to protect
herself. He comes from a family—a big one—and each is more extraverted than the
last. He’s gregarious, curious, and polite to a fault. You hate to say no to
him, though she tries. They’re both determined, persistent, full of integrity,
and want justice. It’s the natural storyteller’s blend of taking characters who
have dissimilar personalities but similar values, then pairing them with
backstories that make them both empathetic and full-bodied. Then sticking them
in a situation where everything is larger than life since real people who are
actually being gunned by the Russian mafia don’t have time to read Nora
Roberts’ novels no matter how much they might like to.
Still,
you don’t have to have the Russian mafia to make your story compelling. I’m now
waist deep in the Lisa Kleypas novel, Rainshadow Road. Kleypas spends more time
showing the reader how the characters are alike rather than different. They’re
both artists, of a sort. She works with glass; he works a vineyard and makes
wine. They’re both extremely passionate and well-read about their life’s work;
and they’re both capable of magic with their work. It’s as if they were drawn
to their careers in childhood and have a magical affinity for it that they
can’t explain, it just is.
Possibly
their real difference is that she is a woman who wants a long-term relationship
(and thought she had it before her boyfriend dumped her for her sister) and he
is a man who goes from woman to woman—and loves them in general, but not on a
singular committed basis. Though he has a nice backstory to explain such rather
crappy behavior. He comes from a family that isn’t worth anything; it’d be
dangerous to have a relationship, et al. Again, it’s all about the characters
and backstories—but no Russian mafia, so the circumstances seem much further in
reach. The heroine would definitely have time for a Nora Roberts’ novel and I’m
sure has read more than I have.
So
we’re back to that old standby we’ve discussed many, many times: characters,
backstories, and larger than life drama. I have the characters—Nellie and Brody
are definitely characters and very vocal about certain things. I have some
larger than life drama for them and some scenes planned ahead that I hope turn
out like I’m picturing them. It’s the backstories I haven’t fleshed out as
totally. I think it’s part of the problem why I have stop and go writing so
much—and you know what they say about “stop and go writing”—it can tear up the
engine of your WIP if you don’t keep a close watch on it and change the oil
more often.
It’s
midnight here. I’m sorry.
Do
you figure out backstories as you go? Or do you have backstories already
figured out before you start writing? Or is it both? You have a backstory, but
then you get to the end and realize it wasn’t the backstory at all. I think
it’s both, myself. Stories are like life. You spend your whole life trying to
figure out the meaning of it, and it’s only after the end you figure out what it
was the whole time. You can’t rush it, you can’t assume—you just have to wait
till the end like everyone else.
I
figure Nora probably figures stuff out in the end. What with her famous line
about she can revise anything but a blank page. So that’s what I learned from
her—she makes it look effortless, but I imagine there is a lot of effort to it.
A lot of things running behind the scenes, like a duck’s feet beneath the water
as the duck is gliding along the top.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Winners!
We have winners folks!
Jillian Stone (of AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY)--her winner is SIN! Yes, our very own Sin! Congratulations! (Picked by Random.org.)
Sophie Greyson (of HEAVEN SCENT)--her winner is TERRI! (Just in case you missed her update on the blog!)
Getting Back to My Roots
Write what you know; but write what you
love.
I'm back to writing fan fiction.
I'm not sure why fan fiction irks
people. I mean I get the whole the characters aren't mine. I didn't
think up the canon story line, nor the relationships that have been
developed up to this point. I'm not driven to write fan fiction for
every book or series I read. There needs to be unfinished business
for me to feel compelled to write something. I need a connection to
the characters or the story. I think anything that sparks your
creativity and your imagination needs to be fed in some way.
I'd gotten away from this for a long
time. I can admit I felt ashamed to write fan fiction, to admit that
all the hard work I'd spent in front of my computer was spent on
writing something that wouldn't come to fruition. There is a stigma
that gets attached to fan fiction writers. People think we're not
creative enough to come up with our own characters. Or build our own
worlds. Or that fan fiction writers only copy from others because
they lack the imagination it takes to write. Writing is hard.
Regardless of what you're writing. It takes dedication to write. It
takes supreme attention to detail to write fan fiction and write it
well. And I could defend fan fiction writers until I'm blue in the
face and it won't change anything. People- readers and other writers-
will think what they want to think. You can think I have no
imagination. You can think I don't have the talent to build my own
world, to create my own characters. You can think what you want to
think, it's not going to change who I am as a writer. I tried so hard
to change who I was a writer and as a creative mind. If I only
focused on writing my originals, eventually I'd forget about writing
whatever popped into my mind. It's not mine. I don't have the right
to play with them. I don't have the right to think about them. And I
don't have the right to give them a story. I am a writer. My fingers
dance over keyboard keys and fill up blank documents. My imagination
runs wild and comes up with stories that I didn't even know I was
capable of dreaming. I'm driven to madness by characters whispering
in my ear. I'm driven by my ambition to make the story come true.
I am a writer, regardless of what I
write.
You see, to me, writing fan fiction is
like playing with toys. When you're little, you're taught to share.
You go to school, you have to share dolls. One person plays with the
dolls and gives them a story. When those dolls are put back in the
box and you take them out, you give the dolls a new story. For me,
fan fiction is the ultimate gift of imagination. Not all the stories
are blow your mind good. Not all the stories are considered canon to
the true story line the author has put forth. But that writer who
felt compelled to write. The dolls in the box get new life breathed
into them. We don't claim to have made the dolls. We don't even
really get to claim the story is ours. Fan fiction writers do it for
the love. Not for the love of the readers- those readers are in love
with the characters and that's what brings them to your story- but
love of the original story that gave us the imagination, the love of
the characters the author brought to life and the love of sharing.
Our love is the dedication we put into
our work. Not unlike the writers who write original fiction. The
dedication you pour into every detail, every story line, every plot
and subplot. A fan fiction writer is a worshiper of your dedication,
of your imagination, of your creativity. We don't write stories to
over shadow you. A fan fiction writer couldn't over shadow the author
whom we love. We write stories to honor your talent. To give thanks
to you for inspiring us, for sharing your characters with us.
So thank you authors. You inspire me. I
may never publish. I may never do anything in my life but write fan
fiction. But I'm happy and you inspired that in me. To be happy is
the greatest gift you can give to someone. That's worth all the money
in the world. It's more valuable than anything I can think of off the
top of my head. I don't want the notoriety that comes with getting my
book on the shelf. Or the countless people you have to make happy to
do what you love. All the guilt and doubt. I don't want it. I don't
want that overwhelming fear pushing me down when I think about all
the pressure I put on myself. I don't want to be perfect and remember
all those rules and regulations. I want to write for me and not give
a damn about anything else.
And once I was reminded of this, I
remembered who I wanted to be. I want to be me. A fan fiction writer.
An occasion original writer. An anonymous girl who hides behind a pen
name and email. That's me.
So thank you for reminding me.
Believing in me. Kicking my ass when I need it and trying to hug me
when you think it's appropriate. You're amazing at what you do. I
want to be amazing at what I do. You inspire me to do so and never
judge me for it.
Fan fiction writers if you read this,
never be ashamed. Never hang your head. Never give up. Your story is
important. Keep writing it. Your a writer, no matter what anyone
says. I'm proud of you. I believe in you. Just keep writing.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tuesday Review: Destination Weddings
This week I read some books I’d been wanting to read but had
put off in favor of other review books. It is no secret that I’m a fan of
Monica McCarty because I’ve pretty sure I’ve blogged reviews for her at least twice,
both in a heavily (but sincere) gushing fashion. Currently she is in the middle
of writing a series of the Highland Guard, which is like Secret Ops set in the
time of Robert the Bruce.
Typically I’m not a Navy SEAL or Special Ops fan; however,
you put it in 1305 A.D. and I’m on it like white on rice. While the men are
capable, gorgeous, and heroic, it’s the heroines I really adore. They’re true
enough to their period to feel legitimate, but feisty enough for the average
reader to enjoy following their story. I commend Ms. McCarty her ability to
weave history with fiction where it feels real, possible, and informative. Plus
the bits and pieces I do know of Robert the Bruce—I know she’s right about. She
pleases my persnickety need for authentic detail. For you, she’ll please your
need for hot and capable heroes, tortured by their tragic pasts, and a heroine
worth rooting for.
The current book is THE SAINT, which features Magnus MacKay,
one of the elite members of the Highland Guard that protects King Robert the
Bruce. He is in love with his enemy’s fair daughter, Helen Sutherland, who is a
healer and a darned good one. The book starts off a little rocky because Helen,
who has loved Magnus for several years but they’ve had a fall out over a
misunderstanding (of sorts) and pride (definitely pride), is marrying his best
friend William (also in the guard.) William figures out they’re star-crossed
lovers on his wedding day—and ends up having a firm talk with them both. Then
before he can consummate the marriage, he and the other Guard members are
called away on a secret mission. William dies.
And that is just the very beginning of the problems, my
friend.
Dark secrets, guilt, vows, pride—all these very important
things are keeping these two apart. Mostly because Magnus is a pigheaded ass
hat, but he’s a wounded and sensitive soul, so he’s worth hanging in there for.
Eventually they work it out. It has a satisfying ending…and the set up for the
next in the series!
The second one I read this week was Jeannie Lin’s new book,
MY FAIR CONCUBINE. I’ve loved her books since BUTTERFLY SWORDS, which was a
Golden Heart winner, I believe; and I also loved her THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL
book. Her books are compact but emotionally layered; her words carefully
chosen, but her scenes filled with detail that makes me feel like I am in this
ancient land she’s describing, feasting on rice and salted pork.
This one is a little like Pygmalion meets East. Our hero, a
man who is trying to save the family name, Fei Long needs to come up with a “princess”
to pass off as his sister for a peace marriage. His real sister, who was
supposed to have been the princess, ran off with her true love—and when he
tracked her down, he found he didn’t have the stomach to break them up and
bring her back home. It is with some true desperation he comes up with the idea
of a false princess—especially considering he plans to substitute a little tea
house girl, one who has temper problems and no self control. However, being she
was fired for throwing tea in his face, she doesn’t have a lot of options—so pretending
to be a princess to a barbarian tribe (where they’ll treat her like a pampered
princess) doesn’t sound like a bad step up in life.
Of course, in his bid to turn her into the woman of a man’s
dreams, Fei Long ends up inadvertently making her the woman of his dreams. How
is he going to save face, save the family name? What could he possibly have to
offer her since he’s had to sell off basically everything that’s not been
nailed down to pay off his father’s debts? He can’t afford a wife.
But damn she’s pretty.
And she’s having a similar issue. Even though she knows this
is a step up for her—a leap really—she can’t help but wish she was going to be
Fei Long’s. Still, how could he ever love a woman as lowly as she?
Monday, June 18, 2012
An Incomparable Interview with the Incomparable Captain Jack Sparrow and Sophie Greyson!
SOPHIE: I have to say, Mr. Sparrow—
JACK: Captain
SOPHIE: Of course, Captain, I’ve never given an interview in a hospital before.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of any author who has given an interview in a
hospital before—
JACK: Well, luv--*lolling against the bed pillows and giving
Sophie puppy eyes*--this is what the Captain Jack Sparrow experience is like.
Always unique, endlessly spectacular. I guarantee, an interview with me and the world will never forget the incomparable SOPHIE GREYSON AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE!
SOPHIE: Well, it is
memorable. I think having me wear the nurse costume is interesting, if a bit
deceiving. My heroine, Tarin, is the one who wants to create the first female
college of medicine. You see, as a child, she is deeply affected by her
mother’s death. Her mother’s deathbed
advice creates a woman in Tarin that is beyond her time. She is a titled woman destined to move women
beyond the constraints of 1848 American society. A woman determined to have it all despite what her noble father,
or society in general, says is proper. Do
you know what proper means, Jack? *winks* But she has an uphill battle
ahead of her and she cannot afford to be distracted from her goals.
JACK: *smiling* I know! It’s why we’re here. I’m hoping
Tarin is able to take a little time to check out my vitals. *pulls on an IV
cart, checking on the status of a tan-colored liquid* Perhaps renew my rum
drip. Must admit, this is a much better way to keep a constant buzz.
SOPHIE: I don’t think Rafe will like that. He’s big and jealous.
JACK: Who is that again?
JACK: Of course, of course, luv. Why don’t you remind me
again who he is again…and the story again? And if you can describe Tarin in
slow and breath-taking detail, I would appreciate it.
SOPHIE: Rafe is my
smokin’ hot hero, the rebel son of a local shipper who has returned home after
ten years away. Rafe’s time spent
serving in the Texas Rangers makes him unlike any other man in Boston. His outlook on life and women’s place in
society is curiously different - so are the circumstances behind his father’s
death. But, he has scars of his own –
both inside and out – and cannot allow himself to fall for any woman, much less
a woman as beautiful as Tarin. You know
the type, Jack – thick, red hair, green, cat-like eyes, a wit and intelligence
to match your own, unparalleled beauty… why you’ll never see finer booty in all
the land, Jack.
JACK: Red hair, you say? *clears throat nervously* I suppose this is one of those stories where she’s all
about Rafe at the end, isn’t she? Women and their love of shiny star jewelry. Crazy.
Any hope of a little side action for me?
SOPHIE: Oh yes –
definitely all about Rafe. As a matter
of fact, the couple has an ally in Tarin’s deceased mother, who has a big,
heavenly goal of her own – to see them together. *stern look* As for that side action, Jack, you don’t wanna make her mama
come down here…
JACK: *holds up hands* I don’t want any trouble. Just more rum. I’m never one
to stand in the way of true love. Too dangerous. What prompted you to write
this story? Did you run into any difficulties?
SOPHIE: My
inspiration for the book was the last of my children moving out of the house
(Sniff!). I realized they were all
grown up and I questioned whether I had given them everything they needed to
have a happy, fulfilling life. I wanted
them each to have jobs that they loved, to marry a spouse they really loved,
and to just be happy. You will see the
emotions behind that train of thought in the prologue of my book. I’m a bit sappy, Jack.
JACK: So is a lot of this crew.
SOPHIE: Writing is never easy but if I had to name a difficulty with
this book, it was finding the time to write it. Life is way too pushy and doesn’t seem to want to share me with
my characters. But, I had my own crew
of great critique partners that helped me push through.
JACK: I understand you self-published your book. What made
you decide to pursue this route, and what has been the best part of this
experience so far?
SOPHIE: The freedom
to write what I want, in whatever word count I want, with no deadlines. I find my imagination and creativity are
much more active without the constraints of a publishers guidelines. Plus, I am very disciplined so while I may
have those freedoms, I am also very hard on myself.
JACK: What are you working on now?
SOPHIE: A nice, tall
strawberry daiquiri. Mmmm! You should try them, Jack. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll unhook
this IV of yours…
JACK: *springs up in
bed* NO, luv! We can’t have that. I
could go into cardiac arrest.
SOPHIE: Really? Wow, good to know. I’ll hook you back up...
JACK: *falls back
against the pillow with a serene smile*
SOPHIE: So, getting back to your question, I guess you mean
what am I working on now writing-wise? I’m
revising a contemporary romantic comedy I hope to have out by the end of the
year. It’s set in Texas, with lots of
hot cowboys, a runaway, virgin princess, and really bad pick up lines. Care to donate a few of those, Jack?
JACK: Luv, I don’t need pick up lines. I just have to walk
by and women just fall at my feet.
SOPHIE: Your modesty becomes you.
JACK: *blushes* Moving on. Okay, fast five.
SOPHIE: Yes, that
was a good movie. But, not as good as
Pirates.
JACK: Last great book you read—
SOPHIE: The Return
of Black Douglas, by Elaine Coffman
JACK: Favorite writing tip—
SOPHIE: Show the
five emotions in every scene
JACK: Favorite summer treat—
SOPHIE: Top Shelf
Margaritas!
JACK: The one movie you have to see this summer—
SOPHIE: The Avengers
was my must see this summer. I saw it
three times.
JACK: THREE TIMES? You must have seen my movie at least four, yes? *she sips her drink so she doesn't have to answer; Jack frowns* Must have snack when you’re writing—
SOPHIE: Cinnamon pita
chips
JACK: Excellent. You’ve been a wonderful guest, Sophie, and
I can’t wait to commandeer Hellie’s Kindle to read your next book. Do you have
any questions for the crew before I turn you over to them?
SOPHIE: Gulp. The crew?
Is that like J. Crew or your crew?
Nevermind, I gotta go. I have to
find my hand sanitizer. Thanks for the interview, Jack. See you soon. Oh, and a
word of advice: stay away from nurses
with…
JACK: Not so fast. Any woman who is daring enough to try to disconnect my rum IV is surely more than capable of fielding a few questions. Crew?
SOPHIE: Okay, but be gentle! And one lucky commenter will win a copy of my book, Heaven Scent!
Friday, June 15, 2012
The Tale of Two Heroes
Preferences are interesting when it comes to the
hero/leading man in fiction. My husband and I have very different opinions on
who we like to watch when it comes to television, for example.
There was this show, called “Lie to Me” which featured this
guy who had the science of reading people down to such an extent, he made a
living on discovering who was lying. Not just for justice, but for money. He
was a bit obnoxious. One of the ways he’d provoke a reaction to analyze was to
get into people’s faces, say nasty things, bob around and get too close for
comfort to the face.
This bothered the husband. He found Cal Lightman, played by
Tim Roth, endlessly annoying. He lacked charm. When he was working his mojo,
Lightman could be a real ass.
I found this refreshing, much as the character of House
struck a chord with a great many viewers because he acted without filters. (Reminds
me a bit of several characters we’ve read of. Those with aspergers, for
example.)
Anyway, I liked Cal Lightman. I liked his passion and
interest in what he was doing. He had a young daughter, an ex-wife, issues with
those who worked for him. The show fascinated me.
It was cancelled.
Of course.
Now, there is another show on television, that husband
really enjoys. “The Mentalist” which stars Simon Baker. Patrick Jane had a very
successful life as a fraudulent ‘mind-reader’ – until his own arrogance caught
up with him and he lost his wife and son to serial killer. Now he works for the
California Bureau of Investigation.
Husband loves Jane. Finds him charming and witty. He uses
similar techniques. Same level of arrogance, just coached in a softer package.
Jane dresses sharper, is nicer to his co-workers and is seldom directly
insulting. He’s also deeply wounded and emotionally stunted. And bent on
revenge. Only reason he’s working for the CBI is to find the killer and take
him out.
Cal does what he does for money and because the truth
matters. Nothing really personal involved, though being television, it
occasionally strays there. Or did.
“The Mentalist” is still going strong.
The thing I like about the show is the supporting cast. I
find Jane annoying.
Two heroes, two leading men. Similar shows, similar
techniques. In fact, interesting that I see another coming our way staring Eric
McCormick, called ”Perception.” Man with mental problems which give him a
unique way of viewing how diverse elements make a pattern…helps catch bad guys.
Might like it. Not sure yet.
Jane (Patrick Jane) is disarming, soothing, non-threatening.
Cal Lightman is odious, grating, confrontational. When it comes to who I’d
rather write, it’s Lightman, 100%. Attend a party with? Jane. Read about?
Lightman. Though Jane might be interesting since a writer can delve deeper into
the thought processes…might make him interesting to write about, too. Not as
much as Lightmanm though! ;-)
Both characters are heroes, both do similar jobs, both are
nice to look at…but oh, so different!
Anyone else know
these shows? The characters? Any preference? Which character appeals more to
you? To read, to write, to watch?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Captain Jack visits with Erotic Romance Writer Roni Loren
*The camera zooms in on Captain Jack Sparrow as he shifts on
a stool in the center of a large room. He eyes a St. Andrew’s Cross leaning
against the wall and a table of sex toys next to it. A lovely woman sits across
from him, an open smile on her face, completely at ease. Marnee scurries over
and hands Jack a stack of index cards, waving excitedly at Roni Loren.*
Marnee: Here you go,
Jack. Now, please. For the love of God, please. Just read from the cards.
Jack: Of course, love. Just like always.
Marnee: But you never
just read from the cards.
Jack: *eyes table next to the cross* Is that a whip? Because
you know I’m a pacifist. It’s my religion.
Marnee: *waves her
hand dismissively.* It’s a flogger. And don’t talk about religion. You’re not
fooling anyone. Now, remember, the cards.
Jack: *eyes still on
the table.* Where are we?
Marnee: We’re at The
Ranch, a major setting in Ms. Loren’s novels.
It’s an exclusive resort where all your sexual fantasies can be
fulfilled.
Jack: *sniffs indignantly, sitting up straighter.* Not all sexual fantasies, obviously. I’ve never been here before.
Marnee: Right. How
silly of me.
Jack: Must I remove
my clothes?
Marnee: No! No
no. You’re just here for an interview.
Jack: I’m happy to
oblige, you know. In the name of
fantasies and the like. *Glances at the
table again* But, I will insist upon a
strictly non-painful approach. I’m a
lover, not a, well, not a lover of pain.
Marnee: *Pats his
arm* Yes, we know, Jack. Thank you. I’m sure they’ll let you know if that’s
necessary. *Points to the stack of questions.* Remember. Cards.
Jack: *giving Marnee his most charming smile.* Of course. I
live for these cards. How could I possibly do these interviews without you fine
wenches and these incredibly helpful and informative index cards?
*Marnee rolls her eyes and smiles apologetically at their
guest before scurrying off to join the rest of the pirates on a set of couches
nearby.*
*Jack clears his throat and smiles his most charming smile
at the camera*
Jack: Good morning
and welcome to another Incomparable Interview with the Incomparable Captain
Jack Sparrow. *gesticulates wildly with
his hands, gives the best impression of a bow he can manage while seated.* Today, we welcome the lovely Roni Loren,
whose most recent novel, Still Into You, was released last week from Berkley
Heat. Her next novel, Melt Into You,
will be out in July. Welcome, Ms.
Loren.
*Jack leans forward and takes Ms.
Loren’s hand, trailing kisses along her palm*
Marnee: Jack! Just
read!
Jack: Right.
Cards. *Shuffles stack in hand,
muttering* So wordy, these
wenches…. Ah, here we are then. Ms. Loren, please tell us a little something
about your most recent releases.
Roni: Well, STILL INTO YOU is about Leila and Seth, a
married couple who love each other but realize that over time, they’ve lost the
spark between them. After Seth finds out his wife was tempted to cheat, he
takes drastic measures to save their marriage. He takes her...*ponders how best
to explain this to a pirate*, he takes her captive and brings her here to a
fantasy resort to give her three days off from marriage vows. But he plans on
showing her that she doesn’t need anyone but him to fulfill her fantasies.
Jack: Captive, you say? That has some real promise. *glances at cards again, forehead wrinkled.* It says
here that your books are a series, the Loving On The Edge series. Why “On The Edge”? *Lifts head, fingering his cutlass.* I hope
not like the edge of a plank? Because I
assure you, I’ve done that and there is nothing sexy about it.
Roni: *smiles* No planks, but as you can see there are ropes,
floggings, and restraints. Come to think of it, a pirate would probably be
quite popular here at The Ranch.
Jack: *with a roguish grin* I assure you, I'm quite popular everywhere. I am the Incomparable Captain...
Marnee: *cuts him off* JACK!
Jack: Right. So, tell
me, when do you plan to write about pirates?
Marnee: *groans*
Jack: *holds his hands up* Love, I know sometimes I ask this
question and it’s not relevant but I assure you, it fits here. Pirates tie people up too, you know.
*Marnee’s palm meets her forehead*
Roni: Well, my heroines sometimes have capture fantasies so
a pirate scene might fit right in. *discreetly passes Jack an invitation to
spend a night at The Ranch* Be sure to wear the outfit.
Jack: *under his breath* You like the outfit? I am quite dashing, no? *louder* And what about
ships? The ocean? Any of that in your future books?
Roni: Not much open water here in North Texas so that might
be a bit tougher to work in.
Jack: Huh. Pity, that. Well, the wenches here love to hear a good call story. Can you
tell us about The Call and your journey to publication? *In stage whisper* It’ll help them forget
about the pirate question.
Roni: I queried two books before CRASH INTO YOU. One was a
YA (I know, big jump) and the other a category contemporary romance. While I
was waiting to hear back on the second one, I got an idea that could only be
written as an erotic romance. I decided to write it, figuring no one would
probably ever see it. But when I finished it, a fellow blogger/writer, Natalie
Bahm, contacted me to tell me her agent (Sara Megibow of Nelson Literary) was
looking to sign more romance writers. Natalie had read some of my writing on my
blog and offered to give me a referral. Sara was already on my wishlist, so I
sent her my first three chapters. A few days later, she requested the full, a
week after that, she offered me representation. One of the best days ever. :)
Jack: That does sound exciting. And what are you
working on now? Can you tell us a little
more about what you’ve got coming in the future?
Roni: I’m currently working on book four in the Loving on
the Edge series. Right now the series has four full length and two novellas
planned, so it’s keeping me busy. Next up is my second novel, MELT INTO YOU,
which is a BDSM menage story that comes out July 3rd. :)
Jack: Well then, that
was a lovely interview. *Glances at the
couch where Marnee is gesturing madly. Squints while he reads her lips.* Oh,
right. Do you have any questions for
us? Or anything else you’d like to
discuss today? *Smiles at Ms. Loren.* I
assure you, these ladies will talk about anything.
Roni: I think I better quit while I’m ahead. But, Jack, if
you ever want to stop by my blog and be my Boyfriend of the Week, you’re more than
welcome. *peeks at archives* Oops, seems we've already had a dalliance. Forgive me. So
many men, so few weeks--my memory fails me at times.
Jack: *grins broadly* I would be happy to visit again, though. Anytime. I endeavor to make myself available to my fans. After all, there is only one Incomparable Captain Jack....
Marnee: JACK!
Jack: Yes. Fine then. *scowls at Marnee but turns a smile back to Ms. Loren.* Thank you again
for coming and for inviting us to this lovely, er, place. *Tosses the cards behind him and smiles at the camera.* So, it's to you, ladies and gentlemen. If you have any questions for Ms. Loren, please leave them. She'll be by to chat with us today.
*******************************
Biography:
Roni Loren wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.
If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat. Website: www.roniloren.com
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tuesday Review: Hellion Arranges a Book Review
I’m going to admit right up front I arranged for this
book to come to me. I got this mysterious email that I very nearly deleted, but then
realized, “Wait, these are books I can request to review if I think any
of them sound interesting.” And this sounded like a much more efficient plan
for book reviews. I realize not all book reviews necessarily have to be “great”
reviews, but I don’t want to review books negatively that simply didn’t work
for me when they might work for everyone else. You know me, I can ruin a perfectly fine book fast if I didn't care for it, so for the last couple books I've gotten, I've played the "Discretion is the better part of valor" game, if you know what I mean.
However, I looked at the email and this book cover leaped out at me,
as did its title. ARRANGED by Catherine McKenzie. Here is where the book sang to me. ARRANGED’s premise is
a thirty-something woman who is sick of the dating game (and the obvious
pattern she has for picking exactly the wrong kind of man) and decides to
embark upon the very unconventional-for-Americans idea of having an arranged
marriage. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat on my couch on a Friday
night, irked by yet another bad date or bad situation, and wish—just wish—I
could forgo dating (which always struck me as rather useless) and have someone
picked for me to marry. Except that much like this character, I too am rather
afraid I’d end up with someone not very attractive and it totally wouldn’t
work.
I understood this character. She leapt into reality for me
before I even read the first page; and her failed relationship and subsequent
realization that she keeps falling for the same sort of man made me want to
call her up and commiserate with her. The tipping point was her best friend
calling to say she was engaged. It just brought home she was 33, single again,
and destined to repeat this pattern indefinitely.
What’s humorous is that when the heroine—Anne—calls the
company, she believes she’s calling a dating service. She’s thrown for a loop
when she realizes it’s actually a company that creates arranged marriages.
Don’t worry—the company, Blythe & Company works a lot like eHarmony,
matching on all these personality profiles and professional screenings, and
they even make their clients go through individual and couples counseling.
Sounds all very plausible.
She meets Jack, the man they’ve picked to be her husband,
and suddenly all this is very, very real. Normally, Anne tends to fall for the
Pierce Brosnan types (the young version), but Jack gives me more of an
impression of being a more Russell Crowe type. Not as sleek or suave, but
handsome in his own way. Plus he has a bit of a temper problem where the
therapist is concerned (but don’t worry—no telephones are thrown!)
They click. And then despite her reservations—because she
does prefer the Pierce Brosnan type—she agrees to marry him. And what follows
is this swept-away sort of romance. The company is totally against romance; the
philosophy is built about basing a marriage on friendship, not love.
Of course, you know where this is going. She breaks the
cardinal company rule: she falls in love with him. And what happens? The Big
Bad Secret becomes the Dark Black Moment.
I was biting my nails the whole time. There is conflict on
every page: with her parents, her brother, her boss, and her best
friend—especially her best friend. There’s conflict with Jack. There’s conflict
with herself. Page turner.
I started the book Friday at lunch and got hooked enough
that I loathed returning to work to work the rest of the afternoon. I had a
function that kept me out until nearly midnight, but once back, I was in bed
reading, and I stayed up until 3 am reading it. In fact, if I’d had my typical
Friday night, I would have had it read by midnight, not kidding. Instead I
finished it Saturday morning and immediately lent the book to my friend who is
always on the lookout for books.
I’ve been missing chick lit books but over the last few
years have gotten tired as they seem to be the same hookups and bad behavior as
many romantic comedies seem to be leaning on. I think this is the chick lit
that many of us chick lit fans have been lamenting about and missing. A
protagonist we can sympathize and empathize with; a hero who is normal and real
and easy to fall for; and a happily ever after you wouldn't mind arranging for yourself.
Do you like “chick
lit” in the romance genre? Have you ever been curious about arranged marriages
and love matches? Would you do just about anything to get married so long as
you could forgo dating?
Monday, June 11, 2012
Jillian Stone Graces the Deck of Romance Writer's Revenge!
* * *
The Daring and Dangerous
World of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard.
Thanks
to MsHellion (Fran) for inviting me to Romance Writer’s Revenge. Fran suggested
that I might blog a bit about The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, and share
a few world building techniques and supporting character writing tips. You
never know––what works for me might also be helpful for you, as well!
It all begins, with a
little backstory.
My debut novel, An Affair With Mr.
Kennedy, is the first in The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. As you can
tell from the title, I decided to focus more on working class characters. But
what was it about these “gentlemen” that initially intrigued me? And why did I
choose to write about the emerging middle class and not lords and ladies?
First off, I knew I wanted to write historical romance, but Regency
seemed like a crowded field (filled with very talented writers). And I didn't
want to write about dukes and earls sitting around in gentlemen's clubs making wagers.
I began to notice that a few romance authors were writing in the Victorian
period. I was particularly drawn to the Amanda Quick novels, which were
historical romance but incorporated mystery, suspense and occult elements. Then
I got to thinking about Scotland Yard detectives. It seemed to me that Yard men
were always portrayed as bumbling inspectors, five moves behind Sherlock
Holmes.
Was there an opportunity here? From my days as an advertising
creative I have learned to look for the
exceptional opportunity, something that has been overlooked or goes against
more conventional thinking or traditions. So I thought, what if there was an
elite group of detectives?
Research.
Research. Research.
So, I began to do some research and found out that there was a
division of Scotland Yard created in the 1882 called Special Branch to thwart
anarchist attacks on London. (A bit like our Homeland Security.) I dug deeper
and soon became fascinated with late nineteenth century London. Worker’s rights
and emerging trade union strikes, women’s suffrage, the industrial revolution
were all going full tilt, and I thought what an exciting time to set a series
of historical romantic suspense novels. I added a dash (as in dashing) of James
Bond Steampunk and that was the start of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard.
There’s no getting around it, if you are going to write historical
fiction, you really have to enjoy research. A reasonably good working knowledge
of the period helps bring your plot and characters to life. By the way, this is
true of any time period, even contemporary. Think about all the things your
characters can interact with in a town you know well, versus a town you don’t
know at all. A lot of elements go in to bringing a character to life, and one
of them is the environment and props a character interacts with. This does not
mean you have to be a slave to accuracy, historical or otherwise. If you have
to bend a few dates and rules to make the story work––just do it.
Example: An
Affair with Mr. Kennedy is set in the Spring of 1887. At one point, there
is a chase scene that takes place high up in the Eiffel Tower, which was under
construction at time. In the novel, the tower is partially built, but in
actuality the tower was probably not much past the ground breaking stage. (See
photo) But I couldn’t move the date up because of a conflict with Queen
Victoria’s Golden Jubilee procession which happened at the end of June, 1887. I
figured it was safer to fudge the tower construction than Victoria’s
celebration. So the Eiffel Tower remains half completed in the novel!
Most all writers I’ve spoken with agree, you will always do more
research than you’ll ever be able to use in your novels. However, I’ve noticed
that the better researched I am the more comfortable I feel in the world I am
creating. One of the advantages of setting a historical book in London is most
of the streets, buildings, residences are all still there! I was able to visit
11 Lyall Street where Mr. Kennedy and Mrs. St. Cloud live in London. Walk the
neighborhood. See how far away they live from Hyde Park.
Fun exercise: Go to Google
Maps: 11 Lyall Street, London and select Street View. You can see where Mr.
Zeno Kennedy and Cassandra St. Cloud live! (Hint: Grey roof, 2 black doors.
Window boxes have pink flowers. Mews entrance appears to be closed off now.)
Why Supporting Characters
Are So Important
Since
the release of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy
and The Seduction of Phaeton Black
the supporting casts of both novels have received a good bit of attention,
especially in reviews (including MsHellion’s) so I thought I might include a
few tips and comments about secondary characters.
I
spend a lot of time thinking about supporting characters as I am writing them
into the story. Just as a craft device, I love how useful they are. They give
your protagonists someone to talk to, which gets the hero and heroine out of
their heads. Anytime you can tell your story through dialogue, I say do it! And
FYI, even when your character is ruminating in his/her head, always write the
narrative in character as internal dialogue.
I
try to give every supporting character a distinct voice and personality, and
make a point of adding something quirky to bring them to life quickly. Maybe
it’s a peculiar speech pattern, or a physical handicap or an odd, repetitive
behavior. And, don’t be afraid to let them steal the scene once in a while!
Scene by Scene Immersion World building
So,
I’ve developed something I call immersion world building which helps me to
fully realize a scene as I’m writing it and also in rewrite. World building is pervasive to plot,
character, staging and pacing. Basically, as I write a scene I use three different types of
world building: specific, supporting and sensory.
1.
Specific: Details, factoids, actual newspaper items of the period, use of
proper names
Example in bold:
Contagious
Diseases Act
2.
Supporting: Supporting world building is descriptive, and often expository to
the specific.
Example underlined:
With
venereal disease rampant, and the Contagious
Diseases Act repealed, men of means found the idea of a
virgin, even if less bawdy, certainly a healthier amusement. It seemed the baser
instincts of gentlemen of privilege would continue to find ways to avoid the
pox at any cost, both to their pockets and to the lives of the innocent
juveniles conscripted for such harsh duty.
3.
Sensory: Directly sensory or evoking the sensory/visceral
Example in italics:
A low groan and squeaking bed springs
drifted through the wall. Zeno raised an
index finger to his lips and gave a nod to the adjoining room.
By
the way, there is no set number of “gotta have” elements. These immersion
techniques should ebb and flow through the manuscript. There are scenes I want
to write very spare, and scenes that require more atmosphere. I tend use fewer
supporting/descriptive elements when the pacing is fast. I want the reader to
get caught up in the suspense!
I’ve
included several opening paragraphs of An
Affair with Mr. Kennedy, which utilize all of these immersion techniques.
Once you get used to identifying the specific, supporting and sensory elements
of world building, you can start checking your work!
Key: Specific is in bold. Supporting is underlined. Sensory
is in italics.
London’s
West End, 1887
Detective Inspector Zeno Kennedy unbuttoned
his collar and pulled out a shirttail. “What have you got for me?”
Scarlet, aka Kitty Matthews, reclined on the mattress and struck a seductive pose.
Propped on her elbows, the girl lowered
and raised sultry green eyes in a brazen inspection of his person. “You
blokes from Scotland Yard are a
handsome lot.”
She arched her back and thrust her
breasts up and out at him. Quite a robust figure––ample bottom and curvy
topside. Studying her, he decided she could not
be more than seventeen or eighteen years
of age. A shapely little thing with
chestnut colored hair, big green eyes and a button nose. She could easily raise
a man’s temperature.
Zeno
did his best to ignore the girl’s bountiful charms as he took up a post at the
end of the bed-frame. “Actually, I work
for Special Irish Branch.” He leaned
over the brass rail.
Scarlet gaped at a bit of exposed
chest. “Blue eyes and dark hair—Black Irish,
are you?”
Zeno hastily pulled his shirt closed and admonished himself to be patient with his newest
recruit. “Special Irish Branch is
a division of Scotland Yard aimed at investigating anarchists. Fenians mostly.
We’re after the blokes who want Home Rule for the Irish at any price, by any
means.”
Her
eyes grew wide. “The dynamiters?”
A low groan and squeaking bed springs
drifted through the wall. Zeno raised an index finger to his lips and gave a
nod to the adjoining room.
The budding beauty in front of him typified the adolescent female
offerings of this pleasure house. Mrs.
Jeffries’s, as it was referred to in hushed tones among gentlemen at
their clubs, was a popular brothel
marketing young women––very young. Some were girls who had not yet been
spoiled, for a steeper price.
With
venereal disease rampant, and the Contagious
Diseases Act repealed, men of means found the idea of a
virgin, even if less bawdy, certainly a healthier amusement. It seemed the baser
instincts of gentlemen of privilege would continue to find ways to avoid the
pox at any cost, both to their pockets and to the lives of the innocent
juveniles conscripted for such harsh duty.
Scotland Yard’s Criminal Investigations
Department of the Metropolitan Police had moved on some of the worst offenders, but there had been tremendous pressure from
the top echelons to keep the safer brothels open. As for the use of young girls, Zeno’s position was well
known. Turning a blind eye to their plight made them all dirty.
“You sent an urgent wire, Scarlet. Anything to report?”
Commenters: Do you have any questions? Or any quick
tips and techniques you’d like to share about world building? Please share and
let’s chat! I have a signed copy of An
Affair with Mr. Kennedy for a commenter chosen at random.
Watch for: A
Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis, the second novel in The Gentlemen
of Scotland Yard series. This one is
a rip roaring adventure and road trip story featuring a pair of estranged
lovers. Release date: August 28.
About the author: In 2010, Jillian Stone
won the RWA Golden Heart for An Affair with Mr. Kennedy (The Yard Man) and went
from no agent or publisher to signing with Richard Curtis and being offered a
three book contract by Pocket Books. She lives in Southern California and is
currently working on a special Pocket Star e-novella for The Gentlemen of
Scotland Yard.
Links for
Jillian :
Website: http://jillianstone.com
Facebook: Jillian Stone
Twitter:
@gJillianStone
Pinterest:
Jillian Stone
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