Once a month Harlequin American authors will post a snippet of writing advice. Many of our blog readers are aspiring writers and since all of us authors have experienced the ups and downs along the road to publication we thought we'd share what has helped us in our quest to be the best writers we can be. We hope you'll find these "snippets" helpful and we encourage you to share any "tips" you have with us.
Thanks to Laura Braford...here's May's writing tip-o-the-month!
While sitting with a writing buddy at lunch one day, I found myself making excuses for why I hadn’t written as much as I’d hoped since our previous get together (work, kids, housecleaning, laundry, etc.). She looked at me and said, “thirty minutes. That’s all.”
We batted her idea around for a few minutes and came up with a thirty minutes/thirty days writing plan. We figured that we could always find thirty minutes in any given day. And if that’s all we got…it was better than nothing.
We tried it, and it worked! Sure, there are some days thirty minutes is all I get. But more often than not those thirty minutes have a way of stretching into an hour, two hours, and sometimes even longer.
Of all the tips I’ve tried over the years, this has been—by far—the best thing I’ve done for my writing.
Laura Bradford
www.laurabradford.com
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
How Much is Too Much?
First, let me wish you a very good weekend as we creep toward Memorial Day here in the states. I say "creep" because my assistant at my office is out with her seriously ill husband, and we're all thinking of her family as we try to fill in her duties. I haven't written a bit in two weeks, at least. At night I remember how tired I used to be after working full time, writing and taking care of the family. (I've been working part-time and writing part-time for years, and quite frankly, I'm spoiled.) I'm faced with the reality that I'm not as young as I used to be! Energy really does go down as we get older. I've been trying to stay awake in my favorite chair every evening as I watch a few shows! (Favorites include Castle, Medium, Survivor, Dancing With the Stars and Amazing Race.)
As I think about writing and one of my favorite reality shows, Dancing With the Stars, I'm reminded that our heroes are a bit of reality and maybe a little more fantasy. I'm thinking of Ty, the champion cowboy (bull rider, I believe) who competed on the show. He was a pretty awkward dancer at first, and turned into a fairly talented entertainer near the end. He never lost his "aw shucks" mannerisms and down-to-earth appeal during the interviews. He also showed great determination, all of those being heroic traits. However, if we were writing him as a hero in one of our books, we might make him look a little bit more like Gilles, the tall, dark and handsome movie star. The reality is that bull riders are usually lean, strong, and not so tall.
I know that the traits that make our heroes appealing are based more in their backstories, personalities and values than in their looks. Mixing all of those together in an attractive package is rather difficult, at times. Sometimes I struggle with getting compassion and strength balanced. Sometimes I lose perspective and can't tell if the hero is believable or not. When this happens, I thank heavens for my critique partners, who will tell me if I've missed the mark.
My questions are: How important is reality when you are reading a novel? Is believability the most important element to you? How hard is it to suspend disbelief, and is there one type of hero that is more difficult for you to like (or fall in love with?)
Again, have a great and hopefully long weekend. Maybe we'll all get to sit a while in our favorite chair, perhaps even with a good book!
As I think about writing and one of my favorite reality shows, Dancing With the Stars, I'm reminded that our heroes are a bit of reality and maybe a little more fantasy. I'm thinking of Ty, the champion cowboy (bull rider, I believe) who competed on the show. He was a pretty awkward dancer at first, and turned into a fairly talented entertainer near the end. He never lost his "aw shucks" mannerisms and down-to-earth appeal during the interviews. He also showed great determination, all of those being heroic traits. However, if we were writing him as a hero in one of our books, we might make him look a little bit more like Gilles, the tall, dark and handsome movie star. The reality is that bull riders are usually lean, strong, and not so tall.
I know that the traits that make our heroes appealing are based more in their backstories, personalities and values than in their looks. Mixing all of those together in an attractive package is rather difficult, at times. Sometimes I struggle with getting compassion and strength balanced. Sometimes I lose perspective and can't tell if the hero is believable or not. When this happens, I thank heavens for my critique partners, who will tell me if I've missed the mark.
My questions are: How important is reality when you are reading a novel? Is believability the most important element to you? How hard is it to suspend disbelief, and is there one type of hero that is more difficult for you to like (or fall in love with?)
Again, have a great and hopefully long weekend. Maybe we'll all get to sit a while in our favorite chair, perhaps even with a good book!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I'm Late!
Sorry to post this blog late.
This month is life in the fast lane for the Dunaway household. In fact, I just remembered it was the 20th, that was after fixing the garbage disposal. Real women have their own sets of allen wrenches, drills, augers and all sorts of tools.
I've got weeding piled up and tons of laundry--mainly my teenager's who was recently diagnosed as being allergic to cats. We have 6. The doctor has her on Nasonex as she's not about to give up her pets, or the cat that sleeps with her. But she did give up her comforter set for a quilt that we can wash weekly, and we're working on getting her mattress cover on.
Work is crazy too. Not only am I at school every Friday night as part of my teaching job--for the yearbook must go out--but I just finished revisions on my February 2009 book this past weekend. Then today I learned that I sold another book, so that will mean getting right back to work.
I am finished teaching on June 1 with a June 2 teacher day, and then I have one more day June 10. I go back to school on July 28 to distribute yearbooks, which is really the first day back for me as kids are back in school August 12 to begin classes. So I really don't have much of a summer, and I'll spend it working on that book for American and two pet projects. Wow.
So life is crazy. Hopefully on my next post I'll be calm, collected, and contained. Until then, have a great memorial day weekend.
Michele
This month is life in the fast lane for the Dunaway household. In fact, I just remembered it was the 20th, that was after fixing the garbage disposal. Real women have their own sets of allen wrenches, drills, augers and all sorts of tools.
I've got weeding piled up and tons of laundry--mainly my teenager's who was recently diagnosed as being allergic to cats. We have 6. The doctor has her on Nasonex as she's not about to give up her pets, or the cat that sleeps with her. But she did give up her comforter set for a quilt that we can wash weekly, and we're working on getting her mattress cover on.
Work is crazy too. Not only am I at school every Friday night as part of my teaching job--for the yearbook must go out--but I just finished revisions on my February 2009 book this past weekend. Then today I learned that I sold another book, so that will mean getting right back to work.
I am finished teaching on June 1 with a June 2 teacher day, and then I have one more day June 10. I go back to school on July 28 to distribute yearbooks, which is really the first day back for me as kids are back in school August 12 to begin classes. So I really don't have much of a summer, and I'll spend it working on that book for American and two pet projects. Wow.
So life is crazy. Hopefully on my next post I'll be calm, collected, and contained. Until then, have a great memorial day weekend.
Michele
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Rescuers
No, not those cute little mice from Disney, although The Rescuers is one of my favorite “kid” movies. I have a thing for a hero who steps up and makes something a little easier for the heroine, especially when he’d rather do anything but that. Or maybe I should say a hero who tries to make something easier, because more often than not, it backfires.
It took me several books—some still under the bed collecting dust—to realize that I have a penchant for the kind of men who go beyond what’s expected. I’ve never figured out why. Maybe it’s the shining-knight-on-a-white-horse image or maybe I’ve secretly just wanted to be rescued—from the dishes, a bad day, a rain puddle (Sir Walter Raleigh to the rescue!), or myself.
In The Rodeo Rider, the hero offers to help the heroine overcome her fear of horses. She isn’t all crazy about the idea, but that doesn't sway him. He's going to help! His first attempt (of course!) backfires, frightening the heroine, who secretly longs to ride. But a good hero never gives up. He simply finds a better way to do it, sometimes by taking the heroine by surprise.
A hero who goes out of his way to do a good turn for the heroine always gets a little piece of my heart, especially if he had no intentions of helping, but did it anyway. It portrays a chivalry that we assume has been lost, although I believe it’s still there and always will be. At least in my heroes. :)
(By the way, Sir Walter never did spread his cloak on the puddle for the Queen. It’s pure fiction.)
Roxann Delaney
The Rodeo Rider - August 2009
Bachelor Cowboy - January 2010
www.RoxannDelaney.com
It took me several books—some still under the bed collecting dust—to realize that I have a penchant for the kind of men who go beyond what’s expected. I’ve never figured out why. Maybe it’s the shining-knight-on-a-white-horse image or maybe I’ve secretly just wanted to be rescued—from the dishes, a bad day, a rain puddle (Sir Walter Raleigh to the rescue!), or myself.
In The Rodeo Rider, the hero offers to help the heroine overcome her fear of horses. She isn’t all crazy about the idea, but that doesn't sway him. He's going to help! His first attempt (of course!) backfires, frightening the heroine, who secretly longs to ride. But a good hero never gives up. He simply finds a better way to do it, sometimes by taking the heroine by surprise.
A hero who goes out of his way to do a good turn for the heroine always gets a little piece of my heart, especially if he had no intentions of helping, but did it anyway. It portrays a chivalry that we assume has been lost, although I believe it’s still there and always will be. At least in my heroes. :)
(By the way, Sir Walter never did spread his cloak on the puddle for the Queen. It’s pure fiction.)
Roxann Delaney
The Rodeo Rider - August 2009
Bachelor Cowboy - January 2010
www.RoxannDelaney.com
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Heroes--The Nerdy Kind
What's not to like about a Nerd Hero?
When I think of a Romantic Nerd I think of a man who wears Clark Kent glasses, a pocket protector, has keen, intelligent eyes. A man who looks a lady in the eye when she speaks and actually listens to what she says. A Nerd is a man who's constantly thinking--even in a crisis he'll stop and think before reacting. These intelligent guys treat the loves of their life with care and will risk embarrassment to win her trust and affection. If a woman can catch a Nerd's attention long enough to pull them away from their current obsession she'll discover that when a Nerd focuses on her, all that High IQ and depth of feeling is hers for the taking. And Nerds excell in the bedroom because they approach making love like a science experiment--they don’t quit until they get it right!
In Book 3 of my Cartwright Siblings series, Samantha's Cowboy (Aug 2009), my heroine falls for a Nerd. He's even got a Nerdy name--Wade. I had a lot of fun creating Wade. Like a true Nerd he's not absorbed with his own looks and could care less about Samantha's shortcomings--he loves her just the way she is. And Wade's a sexy cowboy Nerd! See the book cover here http://tiny.cc/SamanthasCowboy
But Nerds are not perfect--what hero is? Nerds tend to believe they have the right answer to every problem. They don't like to admit they've made a mistake and when they do, they want to fix the blunder before anyone finds out they're only human--and that causes bigger problems. However, the word Defeat is not in the Nerd dictionary.
Anyone care to fess up and admit they've fallen for a Nerd before or maybe you married one!
Marin Thomas
A Cowboy's Promise (June 2009)
Samantha's Cowboy (August 2009)
A Cowboy Christmas (December 2009)
http://www.marinthomas.com/
Friday, May 15, 2009
WHAT IS IT ABOUT AN ALPHA MALE?
This is my very first time to blog with the Harlequin American Authors. I'm so thrilled to be here and to be a part of this talented group of writers.
When suggested that I attempt the topic of alpha males and why women love them, I found myself at a bit of a loss. I love them. I’m told by my critique partners that my heroes are 100% alpha. But I discovered that even though I’m a writer, I have a difficult time putting into words what makes a guy alpha. So I did what any intelligent 21st century person does; Googled Alpha Male.
In searching site after site, there were obvious recurring themes.
Alpha dog - Leader of the pack - The alpha dog is the dog to which other members of the pack are submissive. Alpha dog is often used in both domesticated breeds of dogs and in wild wolf societies to express the leadership characteristics of the dog to which all other dogs defer. The dominant male—ie the one with the most physical prowess and strength—wins the right to breed with the females in the pack. This primal instinct ensures that the species will continue. Read this last sentence very carefully. Talk about goal and motivation.
Alpha dogs exude confidence, maintaining control through body position, facial expression, and the occasional nip or snarl at beta members of the pack. I laughed out loud at this last comment, realizing that my heroes do on occasion snarl at other males. Whodathunkit?
The human alpha male is a natural leader. He responds aggressively to attempts by others to overthrow or outshine him. My alpha heroes may achieve dominance by more subtle means than say a physical fight, but if challenged, they aren’t afraid to fight for their position of power
.
In some social settings, alpha males may be judged not so much by aggression, but by their ability to attract the most beautiful women as mates. To this end the alpha male is often taller than average, has a muscular build, and handsome features. In today’s society, he often also possesses a high socioeconomic status.
In high school settings, generally the alpha male leads the pack. He’s typically muscle-bound, sometimes the “jock,” while beta males tend to be less assured around females and may participate in less “male” activities. I dated a few of both types and enjoyed the nuances of each. But in keeping with the statistics, found the alphas more intriguing. My father was an alpha. I’ve been married to an alpha over 30 years.
This one last comment pretty much sums up my feelings about Alphas. “Alpha roles should be defined in humans as leaders that promote communal succession (thrive, grow and prosper) that harmonize environmentally with our ecology.” This goes right along with the Alpha dog analogy. Alpha’s are not only physically strong enough to survive, but also posses superior intelligence in order to keep the rest of their pack safe and ensure that they survive and prosper. Now who would have ever thought of an Alpha as a nurturer? Tough yes, a macho approach, sure, but a nurturer/caretaker just the same.
In searching site after site, there were obvious recurring themes.
Alpha dog - Leader of the pack - The alpha dog is the dog to which other members of the pack are submissive. Alpha dog is often used in both domesticated breeds of dogs and in wild wolf societies to express the leadership characteristics of the dog to which all other dogs defer. The dominant male—ie the one with the most physical prowess and strength—wins the right to breed with the females in the pack. This primal instinct ensures that the species will continue. Read this last sentence very carefully. Talk about goal and motivation.Alpha dogs exude confidence, maintaining control through body position, facial expression, and the occasional nip or snarl at beta members of the pack. I laughed out loud at this last comment, realizing that my heroes do on occasion snarl at other males. Whodathunkit?
The human alpha male is a natural leader. He responds aggressively to attempts by others to overthrow or outshine him. My alpha heroes may achieve dominance by more subtle means than say a physical fight, but if challenged, they aren’t afraid to fight for their position of power
.In some social settings, alpha males may be judged not so much by aggression, but by their ability to attract the most beautiful women as mates. To this end the alpha male is often taller than average, has a muscular build, and handsome features. In today’s society, he often also possesses a high socioeconomic status.
In high school settings, generally the alpha male leads the pack. He’s typically muscle-bound, sometimes the “jock,” while beta males tend to be less assured around females and may participate in less “male” activities. I dated a few of both types and enjoyed the nuances of each. But in keeping with the statistics, found the alphas more intriguing. My father was an alpha. I’ve been married to an alpha over 30 years.
This one last comment pretty much sums up my feelings about Alphas. “Alpha roles should be defined in humans as leaders that promote communal succession (thrive, grow and prosper) that harmonize environmentally with our ecology.” This goes right along with the Alpha dog analogy. Alpha’s are not only physically strong enough to survive, but also posses superior intelligence in order to keep the rest of their pack safe and ensure that they survive and prosper. Now who would have ever thought of an Alpha as a nurturer? Tough yes, a macho approach, sure, but a nurturer/caretaker just the same.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I'm a Book Junkie!
Yep, I’ll admit it – I love books, always have and always will. This love affair started about the time I learned about Dick and Jane running around with Spot and Puff. It progressed from there to reading every Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on. Then I segued to the Little House on the Prairie stories. Imagine my astonishment – and remember I grew up in South Texas and had never seen a snowflake until I went to college – that it was possible to get stranded by a blizzard. Who’d a thunk it?
Books open new horizons, they’re a cheap vacation, sometimes they’re a respite from reality and they can be a great upper for the psyche. In high school I was a library assistant, and it probably isn’t much of a stretch to say I read the entire fiction section – mysteries, thrillers, romance and literary – you name it and I devoured it. I read Gone with the Wind three times by the time I was fifteen. Personally, I wanted to smack Scarlett up side the head. I mean really, she preferred that wussy Ashley over macho Rhett. What a dolt!
One of my all-time favorite books – it’s old but not quite as antique as GWTW – is Leon Uris’s Exodus. It’s an epic portrayal of post WWII Europe and the creation of modern Israel. And in that vein I’m also a great fan of Ken Follett, especially Lie Down With Lions. Good old Ken is a romance writer at heart, not that he’d ever admit it. Set in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, this book is a spy thriller intertwined with a fairly hot romance.
Fast forward to present day. I own every one of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books. I particularly like Grandma Mazer, and Joe Morelli – whew, is it getting hot in here?
There are quite a few RWA authors that I buy without even reading the back cover, and they span the spectrum from funny, to sweet to thrillers. In the mystery realm I’ve discovered a new author named Andrew Gross. He co-wrote with James Patterson but has gone off on his own. He has that Hitchcock twist down pat. And the newest addition to my “keep” pile is Sara Addison Allen’s Garden Spells. What a feel good book!
So whether you’re planning to sit on a beach or chill out in a hammock, grab a good book and enjoy.
BTW, what are some of your favorites?
Ann DeFee
The Man She Married, HAR, Feb. 2009
Top Gun Dad, HAR, Oct. 2009
Books open new horizons, they’re a cheap vacation, sometimes they’re a respite from reality and they can be a great upper for the psyche. In high school I was a library assistant, and it probably isn’t much of a stretch to say I read the entire fiction section – mysteries, thrillers, romance and literary – you name it and I devoured it. I read Gone with the Wind three times by the time I was fifteen. Personally, I wanted to smack Scarlett up side the head. I mean really, she preferred that wussy Ashley over macho Rhett. What a dolt!
One of my all-time favorite books – it’s old but not quite as antique as GWTW – is Leon Uris’s Exodus. It’s an epic portrayal of post WWII Europe and the creation of modern Israel. And in that vein I’m also a great fan of Ken Follett, especially Lie Down With Lions. Good old Ken is a romance writer at heart, not that he’d ever admit it. Set in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, this book is a spy thriller intertwined with a fairly hot romance.
Fast forward to present day. I own every one of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books. I particularly like Grandma Mazer, and Joe Morelli – whew, is it getting hot in here?
There are quite a few RWA authors that I buy without even reading the back cover, and they span the spectrum from funny, to sweet to thrillers. In the mystery realm I’ve discovered a new author named Andrew Gross. He co-wrote with James Patterson but has gone off on his own. He has that Hitchcock twist down pat. And the newest addition to my “keep” pile is Sara Addison Allen’s Garden Spells. What a feel good book!
So whether you’re planning to sit on a beach or chill out in a hammock, grab a good book and enjoy.
BTW, what are some of your favorites?
Ann DeFee
The Man She Married, HAR, Feb. 2009
Top Gun Dad, HAR, Oct. 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Joining the digital revolution
I have recently discovered Facebook. I’ve been on it since 2006, when my daughter made me a page. But I never did anything with said page. That changed this week, when I finally got my yahoo email working again and my Facebook password changed. Suddenly, I was online.
Then I had decisions to make. Exactly what type of a page did I want? As writers, we put ourselves out there all the time, such as through our websites and blogging. I have followers on twitter that I don’t know; people who read about what I’m doing that day. I read over 150 emails a day in regards to my job and writing. So I decided to keep my Facebook page invite only and my profile private.
I figured it just made sense. When I looked at who had friend requests waiting for me, I discovered it was friends and former students and a few writer buddies. Then I looked at to whom I was sending friend invites. This could be my window to all those people whom I never seem to get a chance to talk as much as I’d like because life is so busy. I’m either teaching, writing or being a mom. While I love picking up the phone and hearing someone’s voice, there aren’t very many extra minutes in the day, and my friends are equally as busy. Now I can read my wall.
I’ve already reconnected with my best friends from high school who I get to see every so often and who send me all those fun emails. I miss them, and dedicated my March book to them. I’ve found former students. I haven’t befriended my prom date or ex boyfriends since that seems creepy, although my daughter tells me it’s quite common. As to making another Facebook page for my books and fans—that’s something to think about for another day.
So I’m in the modern world, but keeping it close. If you want to follow me, catch me on www.twitter.com/micheledunaway. Or keep reading my posts right here on this blog twice a month or visit me on the forums at eharlequin. That’s me out there. Facebook’s me “in there”, my tiny window into what once was my world, and I’m liking it.
Then I had decisions to make. Exactly what type of a page did I want? As writers, we put ourselves out there all the time, such as through our websites and blogging. I have followers on twitter that I don’t know; people who read about what I’m doing that day. I read over 150 emails a day in regards to my job and writing. So I decided to keep my Facebook page invite only and my profile private.
I figured it just made sense. When I looked at who had friend requests waiting for me, I discovered it was friends and former students and a few writer buddies. Then I looked at to whom I was sending friend invites. This could be my window to all those people whom I never seem to get a chance to talk as much as I’d like because life is so busy. I’m either teaching, writing or being a mom. While I love picking up the phone and hearing someone’s voice, there aren’t very many extra minutes in the day, and my friends are equally as busy. Now I can read my wall.
I’ve already reconnected with my best friends from high school who I get to see every so often and who send me all those fun emails. I miss them, and dedicated my March book to them. I’ve found former students. I haven’t befriended my prom date or ex boyfriends since that seems creepy, although my daughter tells me it’s quite common. As to making another Facebook page for my books and fans—that’s something to think about for another day.
So I’m in the modern world, but keeping it close. If you want to follow me, catch me on www.twitter.com/micheledunaway. Or keep reading my posts right here on this blog twice a month or visit me on the forums at eharlequin. That’s me out there. Facebook’s me “in there”, my tiny window into what once was my world, and I’m liking it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Household Cleaning Tip
I know very few women who enjoy housework. We all love the smell of a clean house and the look of a clean house--but the actual cleaning…ugh! Some of us may be fortunate to have a cleaning lady or service spruce up our homes but for those who don't--like Moi--each month we'll post a household cleaning tip from one of our American Romance authors. We hope you'll find these bits of advice helpful. And we encourage you to share your cleaning secrets and shortcuts with the rest of us!
Household Cleaning Tip from Trish Milburn
1. Break tasks down into 15-minute segments, and set a kitchen timer to keep track. This helps keep housecleaning from seeming overwhelming, and if you're a writer it gets you up from your computer for those 15 minutes every hour. The housework gets done, and you get a physical and mental break from your work.
2. Save painting interiors for a pleasant day when you can open the windows. This keeps the fumes from bothering you as you paint and lets them escape the indoors so you don't have to sleep with that paint smell.
Trish
Heartbreak River (as Tricia Mills), Razorbill (4/09)
Her Very Own Family, Harlequin American (5/09)
http://www.trishmilburn.com/
Household Cleaning Tip from Trish Milburn
1. Break tasks down into 15-minute segments, and set a kitchen timer to keep track. This helps keep housecleaning from seeming overwhelming, and if you're a writer it gets you up from your computer for those 15 minutes every hour. The housework gets done, and you get a physical and mental break from your work.
2. Save painting interiors for a pleasant day when you can open the windows. This keeps the fumes from bothering you as you paint and lets them escape the indoors so you don't have to sleep with that paint smell.
Trish
Heartbreak River (as Tricia Mills), Razorbill (4/09)
Her Very Own Family, Harlequin American (5/09)
http://www.trishmilburn.com/
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Interview: Cindi Myers
How did you make your first sale?
I was a Golden Heart finalist in 1997 (Short Historical). At the reception for finalists, an editor with Berkley asked me what I was working on. I knew she had already rejected the finalist manuscript, so I pitched a book I had just started. Set in post-Civil war Texas, it had a quilting theme. As it happened, Berkley was just beginning a new line of Quilting Romances, so the
editor asked to see "whatever I had." I sent the first three chapters and a synopsis when I returned home from the conference in August.
In October, my husband and I took a vacation to Washington DC We arrived home after midnight on October 10. My answering machine light was blinking. The message was from the editor -- she wanted to buy my book! Needless to say, I didn't sleep that night.
Patchwork Hearts was published in 1999 under my maiden name, Cynthia Sterling. I wrote 7 historicals under that name before turning to contemporary romance, writing as Cindi Myers
Tell us about your book.
The Man Most Likely is the third in a series of connected books I'm writing for Harlequin American, set in the ski resort town of Crested Butte, Colorado. I love this book because the heroine, Angela, is working hard to accept herself just as she is. She's a size 16 and determined to stop trying to fit into a mold of how everyone else thinks she should look and make the most of what she has. She's an amateur actress and owns her own business - a chocolate shop called the Chocolate Moose. When she meets the hero, Bryan, she doesn't know what to think of him. He's drop-dead gorgeous and has a reputation as a slacker -- a snowboarder who works odd jobs and spends his time playing. But Bryan is trying to get his life on track. He's working as Assistant Manager of a resort hotel and is putting his slacker days behind him. Bryan is blown away by his attraction to Angela; she's not the gorgeous model type he's used to dating. But he's ready to settle down and decides Angela is worth pursuing, if only he can persuade her his feelings for her are real and true.
If you could be lazy for an entire day what would you do?
Read! I'd work my way through my TBR pile.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I'm an avid skier and try to get out on the snow as much as possible in winter. In summer, my husband and I like to hike and camp with our two dogs. I love to knit and cook. And for the past two years I've been studying Middle Eastern Belly Dance. I belong to a troupe that dances at local festivals and benefits. It's a blast!
What is your writing routine?
I have had different routines over the years. Late last year I listed to a workshop by Eric Maisel on being productive and he recommended writing first thing in the morning, before all the intrusions of the day distracted from creative thought. So beginning in January, I started a new routine that's been working really well for me.
My husband leaves for work about 6:30 every morning. He makes me a cup of tea and brings it to me and wakes me up to kiss me good-bye. I keep my Alpha Smart by the bed and write on it until 8 o'clock or so. Then I get up and start the rest of my day. I transfer the pages from the Alpha Smart to my laptop in the afternoon and often write additional pages. But even if life
throws me a curve and I do nothing else the rest of the day, I at least have written something that morning. I have found I can write between 6 and 8 pages in that hour and a half in the morning.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I think the hardest part is battling the little voice in my head that says it's not good enough. I try hard not to listen to it, but it is a struggle.
How long have you been writing?
I always wanted to be a writer. When I was 8 or 9 I read the Little House books by Laura Ingals Wilder and told my mom I wanted to write books like that. In college I began writing a column for our local weekly newspaper and after I graduated (with a degree in economics) instead of going to work for a bank, I accepted the offer of a job with the newspaper. I covered city and
county government and wrote a weekly column and features. When I left that job I freelanced for magazines for a number of years, fulltime and part time. I sold the occasional short story. I wrote two very long, unsold historical novels. Finally, I landed an agent and she suggested I try
romance. I had never read romance before, so I asked a girlfriend who was a fan to recommend some books. I read a big stack of them and was hooked! After that I wrote eight complete manuscripts that didn't sell, before I finally sold that proposal to Berkley.
What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
I teach writing and so many of my students expect success to come quickly and easily. Writing is hard work and no matter how long you've been writing, there is always room for improvement. I learn ways every year to improve my writing. So number one is to be prepared to work hard and never stop trying to improve. Number two is to be patient -- the wheels of publishing turn
slowly and it can take time to get the attention of agents or publishers or to find a home for your work.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I'm currently working on my 42nd contracted novel. Some I love more than others, but asking me to choose a favorite is like asking a mother to name her favorite child. Sometimes, it depends on the day of the week.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
It's a day early but my blog is nearly a day late since I was busy getting ready for a Mother's Day celebration tomorrow. Like Linda, I also think of my mother as my hero. She raised seven kids. Sometimes I struggle raising two. :) I don't know how she managed -- even with my father's help. Since I come from a big family, our celebrations are big! Lots of cooking and cleaning required beforehand -- neither one of them being my favorite thing to do. I'd much rather be writing. :)
My May Harlequin American, ONCE A HERO, is the second book in my Citizens Police Academy series. I've always been partial to lawmen heroes. What's not to love about a man who's sworn to protect and serve?
I came up with the idea for this series when, a few years ago, I joined my city's citizens police academy. I learned so much about law enforcement -- mostly that it's nothing like most television shows portray it. Most times it's a tough, thankless job that takes a special person to want to do it. (Kind of like being a mother. :)) I think for most police officers that it's more a calling than a profession -- something the person not just wants to do but can't not do. Kind of like being a writer. :)
If your city has a citizens police academy, you might want to sign up and get some insight into the people who've sworn to protect and serve you. Like me, I'll bet your appreciation will grow for these impressive heroes.
Tomorrow is all about honoring those other special heroes in our lives -- our moms! So I better get back to my party preparations. I will check back in to the comments to draw a winner for an autographed copy of ONCE A LAWMAN, the first book in the Citizens Police Academy series. Let me know what special things you're doing for Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day & Happy Reading!
Lisa Childs
My May Harlequin American, ONCE A HERO, is the second book in my Citizens Police Academy series. I've always been partial to lawmen heroes. What's not to love about a man who's sworn to protect and serve?
I came up with the idea for this series when, a few years ago, I joined my city's citizens police academy. I learned so much about law enforcement -- mostly that it's nothing like most television shows portray it. Most times it's a tough, thankless job that takes a special person to want to do it. (Kind of like being a mother. :)) I think for most police officers that it's more a calling than a profession -- something the person not just wants to do but can't not do. Kind of like being a writer. :)
If your city has a citizens police academy, you might want to sign up and get some insight into the people who've sworn to protect and serve you. Like me, I'll bet your appreciation will grow for these impressive heroes.
Tomorrow is all about honoring those other special heroes in our lives -- our moms! So I better get back to my party preparations. I will check back in to the comments to draw a winner for an autographed copy of ONCE A LAWMAN, the first book in the Citizens Police Academy series. Let me know what special things you're doing for Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day & Happy Reading!
Lisa Childs
Friday, May 08, 2009
HEROES AND MOTHERS
This month we’re talking about heroes, and since Sunday is Mother’s Day my thoughts are drawn to my mother. She passed away in 2000. Sunday I will be a little sad, but I’ll remember all the things about her that made me laugh. Made me wiser and a better person.
One of the things I remember most was her courage in an era when men made all the decisions and controlled the money. My parents grew cotton, corn and raised cattle in rural Texas. My mother worked as hard as my dad, but her name wasn't on their checking account. She wanted her name on that account. My dad said no. He’d give her whatever she needed (This was in the sixties). That didn’t suit her. She said if she couldn’t write checks then she was getting a job and making her own money. My dad kind of laughed at that. But that’s exactly what she did. There was a lot of quiet around our house during that time.
One night my dad laid a piece of paper on the table with a checkbook. My mother’s name was on it. She stood up for what she wanted and got it. I admired her courage, and her dry wit always made me laugh. When we disagreed, she had a way of making me think. Usually by making up stuff(Guess I got that creative gene from her).
Here’s some of the made up stuff when she didn’t want me to do something (She never said no. She let me make the decision – kind of):
(When I wanted to buy red fingernail polish)
If you paint your fingernails red, it will make you look cheap. (How cheap could a twelve year old look? But it was effective)
If you color your hair, you’ll look like a hooker. (Geez. I was sixteen and just wanted to get my hair frosted.)
(When I started dating) Never date a guy to spite your mother. That’s just rude.
If you lie to your mother, you’ll tongue will turn green. (My brothers and I looked at our tongues in the mirror a lot.)
If you curse, you’ll get you mouth washed out with soap. (My dad said my oldest brother had a bar of soap named after him.)
My favorite—(Right before I was leaving for college this was her sage advice.) Now you’re going to meet a lot of guys, but before you even think about marriage, take a good look at the fellow’s face and ask yourself if you want to see that mug across the breakfast table for the rest of your life. (Of course I laughed, but I thought about it with every guy I thought was the one, which is what she wanted me to do.)
So here’s to mother’s everywhere who guide us through life with wisdom, humor and a little guilt thrown in for good measure.
So, yes, to me, my mother is a hero. How about you? Any thoughts about your mother?
www.lindawarren.net
Caitlyn’s Prize – July ‘09
One of the things I remember most was her courage in an era when men made all the decisions and controlled the money. My parents grew cotton, corn and raised cattle in rural Texas. My mother worked as hard as my dad, but her name wasn't on their checking account. She wanted her name on that account. My dad said no. He’d give her whatever she needed (This was in the sixties). That didn’t suit her. She said if she couldn’t write checks then she was getting a job and making her own money. My dad kind of laughed at that. But that’s exactly what she did. There was a lot of quiet around our house during that time.
One night my dad laid a piece of paper on the table with a checkbook. My mother’s name was on it. She stood up for what she wanted and got it. I admired her courage, and her dry wit always made me laugh. When we disagreed, she had a way of making me think. Usually by making up stuff(Guess I got that creative gene from her).
Here’s some of the made up stuff when she didn’t want me to do something (She never said no. She let me make the decision – kind of):
(When I wanted to buy red fingernail polish)
If you paint your fingernails red, it will make you look cheap. (How cheap could a twelve year old look? But it was effective)
If you color your hair, you’ll look like a hooker. (Geez. I was sixteen and just wanted to get my hair frosted.)
(When I started dating) Never date a guy to spite your mother. That’s just rude.
If you lie to your mother, you’ll tongue will turn green. (My brothers and I looked at our tongues in the mirror a lot.)
If you curse, you’ll get you mouth washed out with soap. (My dad said my oldest brother had a bar of soap named after him.)
My favorite—(Right before I was leaving for college this was her sage advice.) Now you’re going to meet a lot of guys, but before you even think about marriage, take a good look at the fellow’s face and ask yourself if you want to see that mug across the breakfast table for the rest of your life. (Of course I laughed, but I thought about it with every guy I thought was the one, which is what she wanted me to do.)
So here’s to mother’s everywhere who guide us through life with wisdom, humor and a little guilt thrown in for good measure.
So, yes, to me, my mother is a hero. How about you? Any thoughts about your mother?
www.lindawarren.net
Caitlyn’s Prize – July ‘09
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Favorite Heroes
Heroes are vital to a romance book. For me to love a book, I have to fall a little bit in love with the hero. Back in the olden days of romance books (when my nanny read them to me in my crib, lol), the heroes were silent Alpha brutes who mostly infuriated me. But the heroines were doormats, so maybe that's what appealed to readers then. For myself, I cried till Nanny threw them against the wall for me. (Is anyone buying I was that young? Oh. Well, I tried.)
Did y'all note in Shelley's post about heroes on Sunday, her first hero listed is her dad? My friend has a H.S. freshman daughter who has to do an English project gathering pictures and writing about her first love (really, I don't make this stuff up), and she's writing about her dad.
Maybe that's why I love writing the "Hero as New Father" character. In The Fake Fiancee, the hero gets involved with a woman who has two children--children who don't like him at first. Now, I could have written him not caring, as his relationship with their mom is a business deal, but that's not a guy I'd want to be with. So Joe takes on the challenge of becoming a Dad. I haven't written a baby-on-the-doorstep type book (yet) where two people are instant parents of a newborn/toddler, but I love that idea. There's something so manly and appealing about a guy falling under the spell of a child. Something so masculine and romantic about a guy crooning lullabies or walking the floor with a cranky baby.
Becoming a parent changes a person, man or woman. I believe it always makes that person "more," that parenthood adds dimension and depth to his or her basic character. I hope everyone feels the same, as I love writing about new dads. My husband, btw, is an awesome father. When we were dating, we babysat my sick niece, who almost immediately vomited chicken noodle soup all over him. His calm response and loving reassurances to the four-year-old distraught girl assured me he'd be the perfect dad for my kids. And he is.
Yes, it's almost Mother's Day here in America, but I'm tipping my bonnet to the fathers of the world. Here's to you.
Megan Kelly
Did y'all note in Shelley's post about heroes on Sunday, her first hero listed is her dad? My friend has a H.S. freshman daughter who has to do an English project gathering pictures and writing about her first love (really, I don't make this stuff up), and she's writing about her dad.
Maybe that's why I love writing the "Hero as New Father" character. In The Fake Fiancee, the hero gets involved with a woman who has two children--children who don't like him at first. Now, I could have written him not caring, as his relationship with their mom is a business deal, but that's not a guy I'd want to be with. So Joe takes on the challenge of becoming a Dad. I haven't written a baby-on-the-doorstep type book (yet) where two people are instant parents of a newborn/toddler, but I love that idea. There's something so manly and appealing about a guy falling under the spell of a child. Something so masculine and romantic about a guy crooning lullabies or walking the floor with a cranky baby.
Becoming a parent changes a person, man or woman. I believe it always makes that person "more," that parenthood adds dimension and depth to his or her basic character. I hope everyone feels the same, as I love writing about new dads. My husband, btw, is an awesome father. When we were dating, we babysat my sick niece, who almost immediately vomited chicken noodle soup all over him. His calm response and loving reassurances to the four-year-old distraught girl assured me he'd be the perfect dad for my kids. And he is.
Yes, it's almost Mother's Day here in America, but I'm tipping my bonnet to the fathers of the world. Here's to you.
Megan Kelly
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
It's Author News Day!
This month we’re sending out a big, warm welcome to three new authors who are joining the blog—Pam Stone (15th), Lisa Ruff (27th), and Laura Bradford (29th). It’s wonderful to have you aboard, ladies! We're sure your readers will love getting to know you as much as we have.
THE RIGHT MR. WRONG (Feb. ‘08) by Cindi Myers was awarded a Reviewer's Choice Award from RT Magazine for Best Harlequin American romance of 2008.
Linda Warren’s TEXAS HEIR (Sept. ‘08) won The Lories Best Published Contest in Series Contemporary, and ALWAYS A MOTHER (June ‘08) won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in Series Contemporary. TEXAS HEIR is currently a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill, and ALWAYS A MOTHER is a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill.
FAMILY BY DESIGN (January ‘08) by Roxanne Delaney is a finalist in the short contemporary category of Oklahoma RWA's National Readers Choice Awards. Winners will be announced at RWA's National Conference in Washington, DC in July.
FOREVER HIS BRIDE (Aug. ‘08) by Lisa Childs is a Golden Quill finalist, and FINALLY A BRIDE (Oct. ‘08) is a Write Touch Reader's Award finalist. The cover model for Lisa's ONCE A HERO (May ‘09) is none other than Justin Ryan of Colin and Justin’s Home Heist, a hit show on Canada’s HGTV network.
Kara Lennox is teaching a month-long online class called "Aim High, Shoot Straight: Setting and Achieving your Goals as a Writer." The class, hosted by the Yosemite Romance Writers, started Monday, but if you sign up any time this week you shouldn't have any trouble catching up. The cost is $25, and you can sign up by clicking on the Yosemite Romance Writers link above.
Cathy McDavid is...well...a little embarrassed to announce that REAL MEN SELL BRAS (Five Star Books ‘03) won the worst cover contest last week at Riding with the Top Down.
Cathy says the competition was stiff, but she managed to squeak by with a near landslide!
Dear. Ms. Thomas,
This is the second novel of yours I’ve read and I’m just as, if not more, impressed. Realistic setting, believable characters, conflict that is centered on the hero and heroine and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, two young children I adored. I think I need to go take my temperature after writing that last bit.
So, mark this day down as one for the ages. Jayne adores two toddlers in a romance novel. Maybe I’m being sucked into Harlequin’s baby centered world at long last? Hmmmm. Nah, I think it’s just Rose and Lily who charmed me in this charming story. ~Jayne at Dear Author.com Click here to read the full review.
May 10—Check out Cindy Meyers’ author interview here on the blog
May 12—Harlequin American Romance release day! Four great new reads. Check out the covers in the sidebar.
May 25—This will be our next news day on the blog. Be sure to stop by to find out what’s “news” with the Harlequin American Romance Authors.
News
This year’s Rita finalists have already been announced on the blog, but some things truly cannot be said too often. THE RIGHT MR. WRONG (Feb. ‘08) by Cindi Meyers and TEXAS HEIR by Linda Warren (Sept. ‘08) are finalists in the Rita Series Contemporary category. Congratulations to both of you!THE RIGHT MR. WRONG (Feb. ‘08) by Cindi Myers was awarded a Reviewer's Choice Award from RT Magazine for Best Harlequin American romance of 2008.
Linda Warren’s TEXAS HEIR (Sept. ‘08) won The Lories Best Published Contest in Series Contemporary, and ALWAYS A MOTHER (June ‘08) won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in Series Contemporary. TEXAS HEIR is currently a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill, and ALWAYS A MOTHER is a finalist in The Desert Rose Golden Quill.
FAMILY BY DESIGN (January ‘08) by Roxanne Delaney is a finalist in the short contemporary category of Oklahoma RWA's National Readers Choice Awards. Winners will be announced at RWA's National Conference in Washington, DC in July.
FOREVER HIS BRIDE (Aug. ‘08) by Lisa Childs is a Golden Quill finalist, and FINALLY A BRIDE (Oct. ‘08) is a Write Touch Reader's Award finalist. The cover model for Lisa's ONCE A HERO (May ‘09) is none other than Justin Ryan of Colin and Justin’s Home Heist, a hit show on Canada’s HGTV network.
Kara Lennox is teaching a month-long online class called "Aim High, Shoot Straight: Setting and Achieving your Goals as a Writer." The class, hosted by the Yosemite Romance Writers, started Monday, but if you sign up any time this week you shouldn't have any trouble catching up. The cost is $25, and you can sign up by clicking on the Yosemite Romance Writers link above.
Cathy McDavid is...well...a little embarrassed to announce that REAL MEN SELL BRAS (Five Star Books ‘03) won the worst cover contest last week at Riding with the Top Down.
Cathy says the competition was stiff, but she managed to squeak by with a near landslide!Reviews
A COWBOY’S PROMISE (May ‘09) by Marin ThomasDear. Ms. Thomas,
This is the second novel of yours I’ve read and I’m just as, if not more, impressed. Realistic setting, believable characters, conflict that is centered on the hero and heroine and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, two young children I adored. I think I need to go take my temperature after writing that last bit.
So, mark this day down as one for the ages. Jayne adores two toddlers in a romance novel. Maybe I’m being sucked into Harlequin’s baby centered world at long last? Hmmmm. Nah, I think it’s just Rose and Lily who charmed me in this charming story. ~Jayne at Dear Author.com Click here to read the full review.
Mark Your Calendar
May 8—Trish Milburn is guest blogging with Petit Fours and Hot TamalesMay 10—Check out Cindy Meyers’ author interview here on the blog
May 12—Harlequin American Romance release day! Four great new reads. Check out the covers in the sidebar.
May 25—This will be our next news day on the blog. Be sure to stop by to find out what’s “news” with the Harlequin American Romance Authors.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Update on the Orchard Mason Bees
Happy May, everyone!
Back in March, I posted about the orchard mason bees my hubby brought home from the nursery. I never thought they’d hatch, but two weeks ago, they did. At last! (And since I bet my hubby $.50 they wouldn’t, I owe him…)
They’re tiny, with blue bodies, and non-aggressive. With plenty of fruit and other blossoms everywhere, they’re very busy. Now I know where the expression “busy bees” comes from.
Time will tell if we actually grow peaches. I’ll let you know sometime this summer.
Ann
www.annroth.net
A Father for Jesse July, 2009
Back in March, I posted about the orchard mason bees my hubby brought home from the nursery. I never thought they’d hatch, but two weeks ago, they did. At last! (And since I bet my hubby $.50 they wouldn’t, I owe him…)
They’re tiny, with blue bodies, and non-aggressive. With plenty of fruit and other blossoms everywhere, they’re very busy. Now I know where the expression “busy bees” comes from.
Time will tell if we actually grow peaches. I’ll let you know sometime this summer.
Ann
www.annroth.net
A Father for Jesse July, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
We're Trying Something New-- Authors' Favorite Recipes
Who doesn’t love a great recipe? Since many of us Harlequin American authors love to cook, we thought we’d share some of our favorite recipes with you. Starting today, we’ll post a different author’s recipe the 4th of every month. Let us know what you think–of the recipe, or anything at all.
This month's recipe comes from Marin Thomas.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This is one of my husband's favorite suppers that my mother made for him before she passed away. Serve with freshly baked rolls and a salad.
Bake three to four chicken breasts, cool, cut up into pieces. Or if you're grilling chicken throw a few extra breasts on the cooker and use that chicken the next to make this meal.
Chop 1 white onion and fry in butter with 1 small carton of sliced mushrooms until dark brown.
Cook 1 ½ boxes of spaghetti noodles
In an extra large bowl combine the following and mix well with whisk:
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can full of milk
1 to 1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 package of dried Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Salt and Pepper to taste (I use McCormick's Peppercorn Medley Grinder and Lawry's Garlic Salt)
Fold chicken pieces, mushroom & onions, and noodles into the mix.
Use cooking spray on bottom and sides of a large baking dish and spread mixture in dish. Top with 2 packages of 8oz mild cheddar cheese and bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until the cheese is brown and crusty around the edges.
Marin Thomas
Samantha's Cowboy (August 2009)
A Cowboy Christmas (December 2009)
www.marinthomas.com
This month's recipe comes from Marin Thomas.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This is one of my husband's favorite suppers that my mother made for him before she passed away. Serve with freshly baked rolls and a salad.
Bake three to four chicken breasts, cool, cut up into pieces. Or if you're grilling chicken throw a few extra breasts on the cooker and use that chicken the next to make this meal.
Chop 1 white onion and fry in butter with 1 small carton of sliced mushrooms until dark brown.
Cook 1 ½ boxes of spaghetti noodles
In an extra large bowl combine the following and mix well with whisk:
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can full of milk
1 to 1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 package of dried Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Salt and Pepper to taste (I use McCormick's Peppercorn Medley Grinder and Lawry's Garlic Salt)
Fold chicken pieces, mushroom & onions, and noodles into the mix.
Use cooking spray on bottom and sides of a large baking dish and spread mixture in dish. Top with 2 packages of 8oz mild cheddar cheese and bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until the cheese is brown and crusty around the edges.
Marin Thomas
Samantha's Cowboy (August 2009)
A Cowboy Christmas (December 2009)
www.marinthomas.com
Sunday, May 03, 2009
What Makes A Hero?
This month, a lot of the Harlequin American authors are going to be blogging about heroes. We’ll be writing about firemen and CEO’s, cowboys and soldiers. This theme has had me doing some thinking about the heroes in my books…and the heroes in my life.
While we’d all agree heroes are people who triumphantly save the day, get the bad guy, or save someone from a burning building, most men I know haven't done too many of those things.
But they're heroes to me, just the same. They've made my life better and happier. Those types of men are usually the kind of heroes I write about, too. I love writing about decent, hardworking, kind men. They’re the guys I’d want to know, or work with, or live near.
So here are some men who’ve been real heroes to me over the years:
• My dad, of course, who took me to college, planned my wedding, and cried when he held my newborn son.
• My husband who makes me laugh, talks up my books, drives me around in the snow, and always washes my car for me-since I have a weird car wash phobia.
• My son, who always kills spiders in the house,carries heavy things for me, and makes a big deal about Mother's Day because he knows it makes me happy.
• Mike, our insurance guy, who came right out when we had a mini-flood eight years ago and my husband was out of town and wouldn’t answer his cell phone.
• My son’s wrestling coach who made my son listen…even when he didn’t want to.
• Grant, one of the pastors at our church. Somehow he’s made ‘going to church’ something that all the high school youth want to do.
I know I’m not alone in knowing a bunch of heroic guys. Anyone have their own hero at home? In their neighborhood? At their grocery store? This month is the perfect time to remember them. Tell us who your personal hero is! I, for one, would love to read all about him.
Shelley
While we’d all agree heroes are people who triumphantly save the day, get the bad guy, or save someone from a burning building, most men I know haven't done too many of those things.
But they're heroes to me, just the same. They've made my life better and happier. Those types of men are usually the kind of heroes I write about, too. I love writing about decent, hardworking, kind men. They’re the guys I’d want to know, or work with, or live near.
So here are some men who’ve been real heroes to me over the years:
• My dad, of course, who took me to college, planned my wedding, and cried when he held my newborn son.
• My husband who makes me laugh, talks up my books, drives me around in the snow, and always washes my car for me-since I have a weird car wash phobia.
• My son, who always kills spiders in the house,carries heavy things for me, and makes a big deal about Mother's Day because he knows it makes me happy.
• Mike, our insurance guy, who came right out when we had a mini-flood eight years ago and my husband was out of town and wouldn’t answer his cell phone.
• My son’s wrestling coach who made my son listen…even when he didn’t want to.
• Grant, one of the pastors at our church. Somehow he’s made ‘going to church’ something that all the high school youth want to do.
I know I’m not alone in knowing a bunch of heroic guys. Anyone have their own hero at home? In their neighborhood? At their grocery store? This month is the perfect time to remember them. Tell us who your personal hero is! I, for one, would love to read all about him.
Shelley
Saturday, May 02, 2009
APRIL WINNER!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS Minna! You’re the April winner. To receive your free autographed books please contact Marin Thomas and Kara Lennox through their Web sites.
To enter the contest simply leave a blog comment and your name will go into the drawing. Simple and painless. And FREE BOOKS.
So check back often and be sure to leave a comment. Good luck!
To enter the contest simply leave a blog comment and your name will go into the drawing. Simple and painless. And FREE BOOKS.
So check back often and be sure to leave a comment. Good luck!
Friday, May 01, 2009
The faces of art
Most people associate Nashville, Tennessee, primarily with country music. Since I grew up there as the daughter of an artist, I’m much more keenly aware of its active art world and many talented artists.
Last week, I was there for the annual Temple Art Festival, a juried show of works ranging from jewelry to painting, photography, and ceramic sculpture.
My mother, Sylvia Hyman, is a sort of grande dame at 91, with an international reputation for her detailed and realistic fool-the-eye works. You can see these on my Web site, www.jacquelinediamond.com, or, with biographical information, on her festival page, http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=176.
At the other end of the career spectrum was young photographer Michael Jones, whose mother Mary Loventhal Jones was a high school classmate of mine. Not only does Michael take terrific landscape photos (which you can see at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=162), he’s also articulate about his work and very personable. He’s just at the beginning of his career, which I hope will be long and rewarding.
Another gifted photographer at the show, Judy Nebhut, raised a family before pursuing her lifelong interest in the camera. Her serene and radiant work, which she manipulates through sophisticated techniques, is on view both at her personal Web site,
http://judynebhut.com/, and at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=53.
A painter whose work particularly struck me was Camille Torchon. He (yes, Camille’s a guy) originally hails from Haiti and has exhibited his work in France. He paints brilliant, stylized scenes of an island paradise, which you can view at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=168.
After seeing these artists’ work, you might never think of Nashville the same way, either.
Last week, I was there for the annual Temple Art Festival, a juried show of works ranging from jewelry to painting, photography, and ceramic sculpture.
My mother, Sylvia Hyman, is a sort of grande dame at 91, with an international reputation for her detailed and realistic fool-the-eye works. You can see these on my Web site, www.jacquelinediamond.com, or, with biographical information, on her festival page, http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=176.
At the other end of the career spectrum was young photographer Michael Jones, whose mother Mary Loventhal Jones was a high school classmate of mine. Not only does Michael take terrific landscape photos (which you can see at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=162), he’s also articulate about his work and very personable. He’s just at the beginning of his career, which I hope will be long and rewarding.
Another gifted photographer at the show, Judy Nebhut, raised a family before pursuing her lifelong interest in the camera. Her serene and radiant work, which she manipulates through sophisticated techniques, is on view both at her personal Web site,
http://judynebhut.com/, and at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=53.
A painter whose work particularly struck me was Camille Torchon. He (yes, Camille’s a guy) originally hails from Haiti and has exhibited his work in France. He paints brilliant, stylized scenes of an island paradise, which you can view at http://templenashville.org/_taf/artist.php?id=168.
After seeing these artists’ work, you might never think of Nashville the same way, either.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
What Makes You Laugh?
My Harlequin American in stores right now (Mistletoe Cinderella) is, in a way, a return to my writing roots--romantic comedy. My first published books were all comedies and while I've spread my wings creatively and written some more serious books now (even an out and out tearjerker) I love laughing and making people laugh. Comedy is by no means easy to write, but it sure can be fun! Of course, not everyone agrees on what "comedy" is--a fact of which I became painfully aware when my well-meaning husand recently rented a comedy for us to watch. Ugh. It made a ton of money in theaters, but apparently I was NOT the target audience.
But I think it's great that there are many kinds of humor to serve many personalities, whether you like the warm, family-driven humor of Holly Jacobs, the outrageous over-the-top exploits of Janet Evanovich, or the witty banter of Jennifer Crusie.
The humor in Mistletoe Cinderella, my second book in the Four Seasons in Mistletoe miniseries, starts off situational but evolves into character-driven comedy. The shy heroine has been placed in awkward circumstances, then made things way worse when she didn't know how to gracefully handle it and made an impulsive decision. So as the problem snowballs, how will she fix it? This is fiction of course and has never happened to me, but I have certainly been in social situations where I had no idea how to react until about three days later--when it was too late. Which is part of the reason I like writing comedy. Sometimes a social situation arises and, the next day as I'm folding laundry or cleaning the bathroom (ah, the glamorous life of the writer), I'll think of a funny comeback that would have been perfect for making people smile or defusing the tension. In real life, I'm often too late. But in my manuscript, if I think of a great line for my hero, I can always go back and add it to the scene.
So what kind of comedy do you prefer? (Or do you find a classic tearjerker and having a good cry more cathartic than laughing out loud?) What in your real, day-to-day life makes you laugh? I have to admit, although there are no children in this particular Mistletoe book--I make up for that with three kids in my August release, Mistletoe Mommy--my munchkins are comedy gold. I love seeing the world through their eyes and they make me laugh every day (a fair trade off for the moments that I'm pulling my hair out.) When I'm feeling blue, here are some of my most tried-and-true methods of chuckling:
1. Tickling my daughter. She has this amazingly deep belly laugh that is just insane coming out of a little girl and it makes anyone who hears it laugh along with her. (My sister actually recorded it and uses it as the ring tone on her cell.)
2. Comedian Bill Engvall's story about his guest flight with the Air Force Thunderbirds.
3. Re-reading Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise.
4. Watching Doris Day movies with my mom, the woman who gave me my love of romantic comedy in the first place. We love With Six You Get Eggroll, Lover Come Back (with Rock Hudson) and Move Over Darling (with James Garner).
5. Quoting the lines from Princess Bride with my first-grader. My mom gave me Doris; I gave my kids Wesley and Buttercup and "Assssss Youuuuuuu Wiiiiiiiish." Comedy. Pass it on.
But I think it's great that there are many kinds of humor to serve many personalities, whether you like the warm, family-driven humor of Holly Jacobs, the outrageous over-the-top exploits of Janet Evanovich, or the witty banter of Jennifer Crusie.
The humor in Mistletoe Cinderella, my second book in the Four Seasons in Mistletoe miniseries, starts off situational but evolves into character-driven comedy. The shy heroine has been placed in awkward circumstances, then made things way worse when she didn't know how to gracefully handle it and made an impulsive decision. So as the problem snowballs, how will she fix it? This is fiction of course and has never happened to me, but I have certainly been in social situations where I had no idea how to react until about three days later--when it was too late. Which is part of the reason I like writing comedy. Sometimes a social situation arises and, the next day as I'm folding laundry or cleaning the bathroom (ah, the glamorous life of the writer), I'll think of a funny comeback that would have been perfect for making people smile or defusing the tension. In real life, I'm often too late. But in my manuscript, if I think of a great line for my hero, I can always go back and add it to the scene.
So what kind of comedy do you prefer? (Or do you find a classic tearjerker and having a good cry more cathartic than laughing out loud?) What in your real, day-to-day life makes you laugh? I have to admit, although there are no children in this particular Mistletoe book--I make up for that with three kids in my August release, Mistletoe Mommy--my munchkins are comedy gold. I love seeing the world through their eyes and they make me laugh every day (a fair trade off for the moments that I'm pulling my hair out.) When I'm feeling blue, here are some of my most tried-and-true methods of chuckling:
1. Tickling my daughter. She has this amazingly deep belly laugh that is just insane coming out of a little girl and it makes anyone who hears it laugh along with her. (My sister actually recorded it and uses it as the ring tone on her cell.)
2. Comedian Bill Engvall's story about his guest flight with the Air Force Thunderbirds.
3. Re-reading Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise.
4. Watching Doris Day movies with my mom, the woman who gave me my love of romantic comedy in the first place. We love With Six You Get Eggroll, Lover Come Back (with Rock Hudson) and Move Over Darling (with James Garner).
5. Quoting the lines from Princess Bride with my first-grader. My mom gave me Doris; I gave my kids Wesley and Buttercup and "Assssss Youuuuuuu Wiiiiiiiish." Comedy. Pass it on.
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