Talent Tuesday: Rie Sheridan Rules!

Good Morning everyone!

Please welcome Rie Sheridan for Talent Tuesday!

Rie’s visit with us is especially meaningful to me. Ten years ago I joined Writer’s Village University in a quest to learn the craft of writing. Rie and I met there and I’ve followed her growing career on and off over the years. To have her here, for the first ever event and on Talent Tuesday, is definitely serendipitous.

Rie Sheridan has been writing since she first picked up a crayon. In 1998, she entered HalfPrice Books' "Say Goodnight to Illiteracy" contest, was one of 20 national finalists, and published in the 1999 Annual Anthology. She has also had poetry appear in print in Dreams and Nightmares and Mythic Circle and short stories in online zines, Dragons And Vampires, We Love Writers, Spaceways Weekly, and T-Zero Xpandizine. She likes to spend her spare time reading, writing, and role-playing, and collects action figures, musical instruments, and non-sports cards (though she is really proud of her Joe Montana rookie card....) Rie lives in Texas with her husband Newell and several cats, all spoiled rotten.

A thought about what makes a person a writer:

What makes a person a writer…? Well, to give the short answer, they write. Everyone fits into that category each time they put pen to paper to make out a grocery list. However, in a deeper sense, a writer is a person who lives and breathes words. Must you be published to be a "writer?" No.

My father--one of the wittiest writers I know--shares his insights only with a select group of e-friends--but is he a writer? Oh, yes. Because he manipulates words with the ease of a circus juggler, and creates pithy vignettes that will make you think twice about life. He is only now beginning to expand the readership for the wonderful life-slices he serves up. Although he has always written them, they were personal speculations--private musings. That doesn't make him any less a writer.

I first realized that I was a writer--or wanted to be--as soon as I began to read what other people had written. As I was growing up, when asked the inevitable, "What do you want to be…?" question, my answer was always whatever the flavor of the month happened to be--detective, scientist, teacher--"...and a writer." I started my first novel when I was nine.

I've been published in many non-paid venues. However, I must admit--the $5.00 check from my first professional sale is still uncashed because it is so awesome to show it to my friends and say, "Look! I sold something."

To sum it all up--a person who writes because they have no choice…because the words pour from their fingertips into their pen, or into the keys of their computer, that is a writer. Does this person have to be paid? No. Does it help? There ain't nothing like it!

Rie's short stories appear in Double Dragon's From Within The Mist ebook and The Stygian Soul as well as Mundania Press' Beyond The Mundane: Flights Of Mind. Her anthology RieVisions is available from Mundania Press and novel The Lute And The Liar is under their Awe-Struck Books imprint.

Writer's Exchange re-released her Young Adult fantasy, The Right Hand Of Velachaz, and Yard Dog Press is home to humorous horror chapbooks Tales From The Home For Wayward Spirits And Bar-B-Que Grill and Bruce and Roxanne Save the World…Again.

Midnight Showcase carries romantic fantasy Sidhe Moved Through The Faire. She also has several poetry anthologies – Take Out from the Writers Café; If My Sandcastle Drowns…Can I Live With You?; Dancing on the Edge; and Straying from the Path: A Baker’s Dozen of Fairy Tale Poems.

Some surprising insider information about Rie:

Sidhe Moved Through the Faire was a NaNoWriMo project several years ago that got picked up for publication by Midnight Showcase.

She wrote the lyrics and original music for a song called “Soul of a Harper” that was tweaked musically and performed by The Brobdingnagian Bards on several of their albums. They even performed it live at their final concert together (YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYCAYdq9uPM.)


Rie has generously agreed to offer up three autographed books for today’s event!


From Yard Dog Press:



Tales From The Home For Wayward Spirits And Bar-B-Que Grill (http://yarddogpress.com/tales.htm )

One of the stories in Tales from the Home For Wayward Spirits And Bar-B-Que Grill – “Zombie Invaders from Mars…or Someplace Like That” – was originally a runner-up in the Killer Frog contest to write the worst possible horror story. I have been told it contains the best way to destroy zombies since Mars Attacks!



Bruce and Roxanne Save the World…Again (http://yarddogpress.com/bruce&.htm )

From Mundania Press:


RieVisions (http://www.mundania.com/books-rievisions.html )

“Steel Velvet” – one of the RieVisions stories – was inspired by the texture of the industrial machine I was feeding parts into when I was bored one night at work. And another in that collection – “MacKenzie’s Rose” – was written by hand on scrap paper originally as I worked too. It was a productive environment.

You can find Rie on the internet here:

website: http://www.riewriter.com
Blog: Water Off a Crow’s Back http://riesheridan.livejournal.com/
Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rie-Sheridan-Rose/38814481714

Thank you so much for hanging out with us today!

Warmly,
Jenny

Talent Tuesday Welcomes Ron Adams!

Good Morning everyone! Ron Adams is our special guest today! Let’s make him feel especially warm and welcome :)

Ron Adams is a detective fiction author and the creator of the Joe Banks PI series. He grew up in Randolph, MA but now calls Buffalo and Western New York home. He’s married to the love his life, Trish and they have two fantastic kids. He’s a huge fan of Robert B. Parker, Raymond Chandler, Harlan Coben, and Kathy Reichs. In his spare time he’s an avid sports fan, frustrated guitarist, and loves muscle cars from the 60s and 70s.

His new novel, “Key Lime Squeeze,” is the second book in the Joe Banks series. Mob Princess Angela Boothby wants her husband back and P.I. Banks heads to the Keys to find him. He learns people aren’t just missing his charm.

Watch the video trailer here:



Ron has been especially kind to offer his time and some writing advice.

The Three P’s of Writing

I have had an occasion recently to witness the turmoil of some writers and publishers when things don’t go according to plan. It was a sad thing to watch, and I am grateful to have maintained good working relationships with all the parties involved. I offer, therefore, some assistance for the new, budding, aspiring, frustrated writer still working on getting their masterpiece into the hands of the readers. Please take it for what it is, and I hope these tips can be of some help. I call these the three P’s of writing.


1. PROFESSIONAL – First and foremost, writing and writing well is an art form, one which most of us have invested our hearts and souls in. But publishing is a business. It is a for profit enterprise where the writer must learn to become the best business person they can be, and be willing to approach it in a professional manner. Life is not fair, and the business world is not fair, either. Approach every interaction with your agent and editors in a straightforward, respectful, and professional manner, and most of the time it will be returned in kind. Not always, mind you, but you will be better served in that approach in the long run.


2. POSITIVE- Remain as positive as possible in all your dealings with your agent, editor and publisher. Adopt a can-do/will-do attitude towards all interactions. Be willing to listen to those that may have more expertise, and offer what expertise you can bring in a positive, constructive manner.. A problem solver is easier to work with than a problem bringer.


3. PHILOSOPHICAL – A while back, a friend of mine got me and my wife involved in a network marketing business. Yeah, I know, but I did learn a valuable lesson. They have a philosophy of some-will-some-won’t-so-what in regards to their business. Not the worst approach to take to this business. When going through the process of promotion and building your writing career, listen to those you believe in and trust, listen to the experts, and remember some things will work, some things won’t. So what. Doing is better than not doing, trying is more productive than not trying.

Visit him on the web here:
www.ronaldwadams.blogspot.com
www.shadowsandnight.blogspot.com
www.ronaldwadams.com
www.myspace.com/rwadams

Purchsase the first in the series "Lake Effect" at Barnes and Noble



Thanks so much for being with us today, Ron!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Fun Friday Quote Contest!

Got a funny quote that will make us chuckle?

Have a favorite saying?

Or maybe a quote you live by?

Share it here today and you'll be entered to win the Fun Friday Quote Contest! :)

Here's one of my favorite ones:

I have a furniture problem, my chest has fallen into my drawers.

What's different this time? You will be entered as many times as you post a comment--so make sure to put them in individually for a second, third, fourth, etc. chance to be drawn from the hat :)

Okay, now what do you win?

You have a choice of one these three lovely prizes:




An autographed copy of Stark Knight.

A personalized (color) book thong.

Or, one of the two unclaimed 4-pack of books:

The Mystery Pack:
Mission Flats by William Landay
The Mayor of Lexington Avenue by James Sheehan
Too Rich to Live by Lawrence Light
A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton


The Romance Pack:
Love Enough for Two by Cynthia Rutledge
Mistletoe Magic by Betty Neels, Margaret Way and Rebecca Winters
A Hero for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Autumn Promises by Kate Welsh

Have fun with this and remember: TGIF! :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Thrilling Thursday at the Theater!

Good Morning everyone! :)

I thought we'd leave the library this morning and head on down to the theater :)

I'm a HUGE movie fan and I don't talk about it much here. But since I'm just THRILLED with what's coming out at this year at the theaters, I figured it would be very cool to do a blog about this for Thrilling Thursday! :)

Here's Numero Uno:



"Fate rarely calls on us in a moment of our choosing." Awesome! I can't wait to see this!!!

This one they've disabled the embedding for, sorry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg9ooaozu-8

Darker than my first pick, but still a must-see for me as I'm a fan of the first three movies!! ;)

Okay, I know this one is out already, but how can a girl resist Huge Ackman...oops, I mean Hugh Jackman :)




And last but nowhere near least: Mila Jovavich has signed up to do Resident Evil 4! Yay!! :)

http://teaser-trailer.com/2009/04/resident-evil-4-movie.html

There are TONS more that are coming out, but I want to hear what you're thrilled to be seeing next! :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)

P.S. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look what Vin Diesel said:

"Good question. Maybe we’re too tight-lipped about the next Chronicles of Riddick film, and I think circa the release of [Dark Athena] that’s probably when you’ll start hearing more about the next Riddick film. It is underway and I almost think it’s a coincidence that we haven’t heard anything, that there hasn’t been a lot of public stuff on the Riddick movie."

*Snoopy Dancin!* Yeah, baby! Riddick is BACK!!!!!!!
http://www.filmofilia.com/2009/03/11/vin-diesel-talks-chronicles-of-riddick-3/

Winner! &Writing Wednesday: Self Editing and Body Language

Good Morning everyone!

As promised, we will announce the winner of “The Frugal Editor” by Carolyn Howard-Johnson this morning! Carolyn, you were so wonderful to take time out of your busy schedule to hang out with us yesterday. Thank you so much for treating the blog readers to a great day!



To do this as fairly as possible, I counted the number of individuals participating (excluding Carolyn and myself ;) ) and put that count (7) into a random number generator found here:

http://illuminations.nctm.org/activitydetail.aspx?id=67

The device drew number 6—which means Laura Hyatt (from the MySpace blog) is the winner! Yay!!! :)

Congrats, Laura! Please send me an email address where you can receive your free copy of “The Frugal Editor” from Carolyn ;) Celebrate with some chocolate!

Okay, on to Writing Wednesday! :)



Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King is one of my favorite all time how-to books on the craft of writing. Rather than describing what was in the book, I figured we could do a Random Act of Wisdom.

Using Amazon.com’s “search inside” tool, I selected “surprise me” and it opened to Dialogue Mechanics, page 51:

“Perhaps it’s a lack of confidence on the writer’s part, perhaps it’s simple laziness, or perhaps it’s a misguided attempt to break up the monotony of using “said” all the time (more about that in a minute,) but all too many fiction writers tend to pepper their dialogue with –lys.

Which is a good reason to cut virtually every one you write. Ly adverbs almost always catch the author in the act of explaining the dialogue—smuggling emotions into speaker attributions that belong in the dialogue itself. Again, if your dialogue doesn’t need the props, putting the props in will make it seem weak even though it isn’t.

There are a few exceptions to this principle—almost all of the adverbs that actually modify the verb ‘said,” such as “he said softly” or “she said clearly.” After all, you don’t say something grimly in the same sense that you say something softly. The grimness comes across more by what you say and do through word choice, body language, context—than by how you say it. Again there are as many ways to be grim as there are people, and when you write “he said grimly,” what you are rally saying is, “he said this, and he felt pretty grim about it.” You need to show the grimness, to show what your character does that makes him seem grim.”

So let’s give this a whirl. Can you show a sentence of dialogue and a sentence for the tag that conveys a character being grim? I’ll give it a whirl later on today, but I’m truly looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.

Some hints to help you:

What challenges do we face in life that makes us grim? The prospect of a very unpleasant event (funerals, death of a loved one) does that for me, but what about a lazy person (work) or a vain person (growing old?)

When we, or our friends and family, or characters exhibit grimness—how does that manifest in body language or physical sensation?

What happens to our voice?

This is how a writer thinks and it’s less analytical than it is observational and empathetic. If you’re having a difficult time conveying grimness, choose another emotion that you would like to explore, but remember: convey it through one sentence of dialogue and one sentence of activity following. (In other words, drop the he/she said part ;))

Hope these hints are inspiring to you and I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Talent Tuesday: Carolyn Howard-Johnson!

Why You -- Yes, You Who Aced English -- Need an Editor
and
Why Editing -- Yes, EDITING -- Is Part of Your Marketing Strategy

Excerpted from the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the HowToDoItFrugally series
(http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/)

"Publishers -- even traditional publishers -- do not want to edit anymore; they want to print a 99.9 percent finished product directly from the author. It's a cost-cutting thing. Many publishers can't afford to give your book that attention they once did." ~ Leora Krygier, twice-published literary author reviewed in the likes of Newsweek and featured on Connie Martinson Talks Books.

Just as I was finishing the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, Poets & Writers published Peter Selfin's "Confessions of a Cranky Lit-Mag Editor." It was a kind of mini-rant on how authors influence editors negatively with minor (and not-so-minor) errors. He tells of one author who informs him in her cover letter that she has published three stories in the New Yorker and then "blunders into her essay with 'Growing up, there were two types of food in my family.'" He says it "reads like very sloppy editing" and goes on to reject the piece. (By the way, one of my readers with a master's degree could not identify the error here. If you can't, you will be able to by the time you've finished the section in the Frugal Editor where I talk about dangling participles. If you can't wait, use the Frugal Editor's index to find dangling participles to research this serious grammatical error now.)

The first lesson here for is that attention to detail and craft counts, and that even experienced writers can flub an opportunity if they don't pay attention to that last great step toward publishing, a good edit. Any author who had recently refreshed her understanding of participles by reading the Frugal Editor would not have dangled hers. At least, not that conspicuously. The second is that a flubbed opportunity like this doesn't say much good about you and, if flubs are made frequently, may brand you as a nonprofessional.

Perfection is not possible. Even Editor Selfin admits he overlooks a mistake or two if the writer's voice captures his interest. With better editing we can guard against humiliation and in the process increase our chances for publication.

Leading a horse to water and other all-wet ideas about editing

In the Frugal Book Promoter I talk about branding. In that book, I felt a need to convince authors that sales, marketing and promotion are not dirty words, that we are participating in these disciplines every day when we brush our teeth and choose the proper clothing for whatever occasions loom on that day's calendar.

I don't need to convince most authors to be cautious about errors. There are so many writers who are so uptight about a typo creeping into their copy that their fear contributes to nightmares or at least to writer's block. Thus, the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success is an easy sell.

Where my job becomes difficult is in convincing writers that they need an editor--a real editor, an editor with credentials--before they begin to submit. Because I am also Frugal, I recognize that my tendency to avoid spending money for something that will probably be done by someone else anyway may well exist in other writers.

I know that many writers will nod their heads and then attempt the publishing process without an editor, even though they may have had the best intentions when they were agreeing with me.
I am also aware (because I hang out with writers of all kinds) that authors fear the sharp pencil point of an editor. These are usually new writers who are convinced that an editor will make their work into something other than what it is or will change it beyond recognition. I want to assure these writers that a good editor won't do that. A good editor will help a writer find her voice, remain true to it and still move the manuscript from a rough rock to a polished gemstone.

I agree that it is no fun to encounter unexpected flaws in one's book. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have written a book on editing. However, mistakes in a writer's query letters, cover letters and book proposals can be more deadly than those in a manuscript. It is in these documents that editing failures can doom your entire book to failure. You and the quality of your book idea will be judged on these first contacts with agents, publishers, editors, and producers as surely as you would be judged at a board meeting if you left rats' nests in your hair that morning.

In the Frugal Editor I approach the editing process of every document as if it were a manuscript. It is easier to edit the much shorter introductions (queries, cover letters and proposals) that are being sent to the people who have the power to accept or reject your work, but the processes used are approximately the same. It is only a matter of degree between a full manuscript and your one-page query letter. So adapt the guidelines in the Frugal Editor. You, and only you, know where your strengths and weaknesses lie. You will know where to abbreviate or eliminate steps for these shorties, and for more intricate efforts (say an academic thesis) you may want to expand on the processes I suggest. In order to get the best possible results from you initial contact with gatekeepers, you may also want to read Terry Whalin's (www.webmarketingmargic.com/app/?af=615838) book, Book Proposals That Sell, on writing proposals.

You probably already know that gremlins--very clever guys bent on your destruction--are at work during the entire publishing process. You fight them with a vengeance, with every ounce of writing craft and publishing knowledge that exists in your body. If, however, a typo or grammar error slips through the careful net you cast for them, please don't lose any sleep. It will happen to every writer somewhere along his or her career path. Instead, be patient with yourself. And while you're at it, if you see an error in someone else's work, give the writer (and the publisher!) the benefit of the doubt. It's all about Karma. We're all fighting the same gremlins here.

Many mistakenly use the word editing synonymously with finding typos. I worry that the Frugal Editor may contribute to that notion because it does not address essential elements of the writing craft like character development, setting or structure. Those are topics of their own. Reworking these aspects of writing really constitutes revision, not editing. Many complete books cover each of them thoroughly. For me to attempt to stipulate everything a polished manuscript needs would be impossible in one book. To cover revision topics briefly and then abandon the writer to struggle with incomplete understanding would not be in her or his best interest. Therefore, I merely mention that your final draft should take these writing fundamentals into consideration because I can't assume that all authors will have undertaken revision before they move into editing. So, please, before you begin your editing process, review the larger elements of your craft. Experienced writers can approach this with the expectation that they may need only to fine-tune one or two elements of their books, but even minor learning curves are journeys worth taking. Suggested reading for things like the niceties of dialogue (Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella), are included in the appendixes.

I include some grammar guidelines. You can tell these are not meant to be complete. I chose them because they are mistakes that many experienced writers (and editors) miss. I threw in a few of the ones that most writers understand but inadvertently make because when a writer does let them creep into her work, they are more noxious to my editing sensibility than the average error. I expect that when I mention some you already know, it will remind you not to backslide. It may even prompt you to check your references for more advanced information on those subjects.

I want you to learn from the Frugal Editor just as I learned from writing it, but I'd also like you to enjoy the editing challenge, the process itself. Pretend the task before you is a puzzle. It's work. It's detail-oriented work. But it can be fun. When you're done, please still hire an editor, especially if you are self- or subsidy-publishing. Books like Dee and Brian's The Publishing Primer ( http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/get-your-book-published.html) can help you with that process. The Frugal Editor will tell you how to find a great editor, one that will work for the betterment of your book, and avoid the scams.

-----

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is an instructor for UCLA Extension's world-renowned Writers' Program and was awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by members of the California Legislature. The Frugal Editor is second in the HowToDoItFrugally series (http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/) after The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't, USA Book News' Best Professional Book and winner of the Irwin Award. Learn more at http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift!

She Wore Emerald Then: Reflections on Motherhood is available both digitally (for greenies who want to save paper, postage and airline fuel) and as a lovely to have-and-hold book for those who still have room in their hearts only for the real thing. And the book is still no more expensive than some of the fancier Mom's Day cards! Find it at Amazon.com today!

Friday Fun Trivia!

Friday Fun!

Okay folks, let’s do some spring celebrating—which in my house means spring cleaning! This means thinning the herd—of great books that is:) See below for a chance to win one of the great four-packs I’m offering.


Now, how to win! Ready for some trivia? The answers are easy to find, but you’ll have to do just a little digging. Answer the questions correctly below and you’ll be entered into the drawing. Monday the winner will be announced—in a fun, unique way you won’t want to miss


Let’s Play: Name that Novel!


Each of these sentences represents the first line found in one of my novels. Match each to the title and send it to me at jturner4@charter.net.


1) Shhh…”
2) She stood in the shadows, the gun clenched tightly in her hand.
3) "Okay, move over. You're gonna hit bone, you keep digging at him like that."
4) Don't kick. Don't move.
5) The frigid concrete step froze Kaylee right through her jeans.
6) "Drake."


The Prize Packs:
(I’ve got a little for everyone!)


The Mystery Pack:
Mission Flats by William Landay
The Mayor of Lexington Avenue by James Sheehan
Too Rich to Live by Lawrence Light
A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton


The Romance Pack:
Love Enough for Two by Cynthia Rutledge
Mistletoe Magic by Betty Neels, Margaret Way and Rebecca Winters
A Hero for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Autumn Promises by Kate Welsh


The Writer’s Pack:
Writing the Popular Novel by Loren D. Estleman
Get that Novel Written! By Donna Levin
Just Open a Vein by William Brohaugh
Good Grief, Good Grammar by Dianna Booher

Have fun!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Thrilling Thursday: Love Bites and Emotional Suspense

Hey everyone:)

Since I didn’t get a chance to post the Writing Wednesday that I wanted to yesterday, I thought it would be great fun to talk about it today.

Suspense is the underlying emotion in any great thriller. Creating that suspense is not always easy in our writing. Often foreshadowing is crafted to be plot specific only—when it’s the emotional foreshadowing that is the most subtle and has the most impact.

In DFF: Dead Friends Forever, Kaylee’s relationships with the people in her life is every bit as important as the elements concerning the mystery of Isabelle’s death and how the ghost came to haunt Larson house. Yet when reading this “every day world” Kaylee lives in is seen less as foreshadowing and more simply as the time before the horror begins.

Looking at all the great horror classics, we can see that emotional foreshadowing. In Bram Stokers Dracula, we see Mina’s love for Jonathan Harker and how much she misses him as he travels abroad for his work, how her love for him sustains her while her friend Lucy courts one prospective suitor after another. It is later the challenges to this love that make her enchantment with Dracula all the more heartbreaking. Does she choose the sunshine love of her living life? Or will she choose the moonlight love of her afterlife? Without Harker, Mina’s choice wouldn’t be so heartbreaking.

Writing suspense can be difficult. This is why there is so much emphasis placed on the “hero’s journey” in writing programs. Not because knowing where a character is going on the map is important, but because setting up the emotional bonds early in a story will give the later threats to those bonds all the more meaning—and make the reader feel the full scope of that characters obstacles, sorrows and triumphs.

Look at your characters. Who and what is important to them? Does your story challenge that bond? If it doesn’t, you may want to consider raising the stakes. The higher the stakes, the more emotional and thus intense the read will be.

What is a favorite emotional story you’ve read or seen in a movie? Why was it so emotional to you? Share this in the comments so we might learn from each of our experiences how these emotional stakes are applied, if you like :)

Warmly,
Jenny

L.A. Yay!

My trip to LA

Hey Everyone :)
This is not a typical Writing Wednesday as I want to share with everyone what I did in L.A., but stay tuned for more writerly info later today ;)


Friday: Leaving the family was tough, but I left with my best pair of shoes and a determination to work my butt off for the weekend. The flight out was not much different than riding a bus, but with an awesome view.




When I arrived, I was surprised to discover that the only way to get from AirTran to the Southwest terminal was to take a bus ride. LAX is huge! Karen arrived on time and I was happy to meet Bobbie and Harry there, the Knot Fairy folks.





Our hotel wasn’t that far away and I enjoyed seeing palm trees and one in the front of the Days Inn I called the “Donkey Kong” tree. For dinner, I also had a great adventure. Karen took me to Bilal, a Pakistani restaurant where we ordered Haleem, Seekh Kabobs Nihari and other exotic dishes that were absolutely delicious, and spicy in the way that made you want to keep eating more.




Izzy dropped by and picked me up for a nice meal later that night and when we walked into the restaurant, I was totally stoked to recognize the place from xXx, one of my all time favorite Vin Diesel movies. The place rocked!




Saturday morning Teresa Burell took us to the UCLA campus, which is absolutely fabulous. The weather couldn’t have been any better! High sixties with a wonderfully cool breeze to make even the most intensely sunny part of the day comfortable. That high wind though caused injuries when a scaffold fell over into the crowd and injured three people.




I sold out of DFF: Dead Friends Forever and by the end of the day, I’d signed all but seven books! I was rockin’ the tent! Alyssa Montgomery joined us midway through the day and made the tent all the more sunnier with her warmth and cheerful smile.



On Sunday, I had a blast. Not only was I completely sold out, but I had a chance to enjoy the festival and meet Jon Miller, a great legal thriller author I’ve worked with for a few years now. Then, I had a real treat when Izzy took me to see Finis, Sammy Davis Jr.’s Godson who has a terrific voice. To top it all off, we were allowed backstage at the Comedy and Magic club to see “The Wall” where famous comedians had left their signatures, including Jay Leno and Jerry Sienfeld.




After a wonderful time at the Hermosa Beach pier and walking mall, Izzy took me out for desert and we had a great time chatting and sharing fun stories. If I thought Izzy was way cool on the internet, she’s absolutely a thrill to be with in person—and stunning in real life.




Monday I came home and was happily reunited with my family, and my own bed! That was my fabulous time in L.A. and I’m already looking forward to next year!

Warmly,
Jenny :)

Thrilling Thursday: Goblins, Ghouls, and Ghosts Oh My!

I’m beginning to really enjoy these Thursdays! This week I wanted to find out what really spooked you all when you were kids. My mother had the book Faeries by Brian Froud, a wonderfully illustrated tome that I loved as a child. One particularly horrible creature was a gal named Jenny Greenteeth. This monstrosity shared my name, so it always stuck with me.

The story goes like this: She’s a hideous hag, green and nasty who likes to pull little children into the water and murderize them. They think this was made up by scared mom's who wanted to keep their children from the water so they wouldn't drown--but who really knows? This made living four houses from the river interesting for me at seven years old! ;)

So what’s your favorite childhood ghoulie or ghostie? Do you have one in particular?

Warmly,
Jenny;)

Who is hitting the road to Milwaukee, and leaving for L.A. in the morning!

Writing Wednesday: Using Narrative Closeness to Show

Good Morning everyone :)

I'd like to take just a moment to thank Jenny Siler for coming to my blog yesterday. If you didn't get a chance to visit with her, take a moment to follow the links in my previous blogpost to find out why she's one of my all time favorite authors! :)

(If you'd like to forward this exercise on to a writing group or forum, please feel free, just include my name and a link back--thanks!) Okay, now on with Writing Wednesday! :)

Today we’re going to have fun combining narrative closeness and show instead of tell. This is an interactive blog today, so either get a new fresh document opened up, or grab a pen and notepad.

There are myriad ways to go about this, but my process is very simple and I’ll share it with you here:

First: Know your character. Give them a voice and a style unique to them. For our purposes today, pick a character you’ve worked with extensively—or dream up a brand new one for a brand new project. If you choose the latter, pick a character in your gender and from a background you’re familiar with.

I’m going to use Kaylee Hensler, the 14yr. old skater girl from a small Wisconsin town.
(Write a similar statement)

Second: Know your elements. You don’t necessarily have to have been to the setting in person, but try to read first-hand accounts and find a way to relate what you have lived to the moment. Such as living in Houston gave me a great appreciation for tropical weather I might never have had if I’d never left Wisconsin. This gave me excellent fodder when I wrote the Knight Inc. series with settings from Panama to Brazil.

I’m going to use Barclay Hall, a fictional elite reformatory for wayward girls.
(Write a similar statement)

Third: Connect the dots. Between who the character is and where that character is, you’ll have to find your own sensory-related details to flesh out the moment. For our purposes today, don’t use a moment with a lot of dialogue. We want to focus on the difference between telling about the scene, and showing the scene using narrative closeness so it’s important to give yourself that room to explore outside of the dialogue. Pick the moment where the character’s who—meets the character’s experience.

I’m going to use Kaylee meeting Mary, the most popular girl for the first time.
(Write a similar statement)

Fourth: Know what’s important. Your character will find different things important than another character would. Depending on their vulnerabilities and the way they view themselves and the world, you’ll need pick those details that strengthen the character and their journey—as well as reveal more of the plot points.

I’m going to use Kaylee’s struggle to compete with her mother’s beauty and still maintain her tomboyish pursuits.
(Write a similar statement)

Now you should have a list that looks something like this:
Kaylee Hensler, the 14yr. old skater girl from a small Wisconsin town.
Barclay Hall, a fictional elite reformatory for wayward girls.
Kaylee meeting Mary, the most popular girl for the first time.
Kaylee’s struggle to compete with her mother’s beauty and still maintain her tomboyish pursuits.

This is the bare bones of your moment and what will define how it appears on the page:

Mary flipped shiny red curls over one shoulder and smiled, her perfect white teeth like some super diva from MTV’s Sweet Sixteen show. Kaylee smiled back, but didn’t reveal her totally human colored teeth. So okay, she just had to keep reminding herself that everyone at Barclay Hall was a criminal, even if they just came off the cover of Seventeen magazine. Where were the Avryl Lavignes and retro fans of The Ramones? Did everyone care more about painting their nails than committing to a wicked stunt no matter the risk—or was she already the freak here?

These details are specific to Kaylee—they reveal how aware she is of the pop culture she lives, her history and background, and her vulnerabilities. If you notice, though this paragraph is depicting how Mary looks, the only two details I offer are the color her teeth and hair. The rest describes the way she looks without actually sharing eye color, height, expected age—the sort of thing many new writers struggle to show, and veteran authors know is really pointless because the protagonist’s story is what the reader wants, not lists of details from the author, no matter how well written.

Post your list and resulting moment in the comments so we can all share the experience together! :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)
P.S. As I'm leaving in the morning to visit my father before I fly out Friday to LA, I'm going to be sporadic responding, but I *will* respond! ;)

Jenny Siler for Talent Tuesday!

Jenny Siler aka Alex Carr RULES!!

Okay everyone, this is a BIG BLOG day for us. There are a gazillion authors I honestly admire and aspire to emulate, but there are few authors whom I truly envy. Dean Koontz is one, for his grasp of language and consistently entertaining imagination. Jenny Siler is another, for her ability to make me walk away from a book with such vivid memories of the story they actually feel like I’ve lived them personally. This is not even something Koontz has done to the same degree.

Jenny Siler is not just a talented plotter, but she has managed to pull from the real world just the right amount of information, the right details, to make the reader experience the moment fully. Gosh, some of my memories of her writing even include scent! Talk about knowing what you’re doing!;)

The level of research she does is awe-inspiring, and inspiring—making me want to bury my nose in research so the world’s I create can come just as alive as the ones Siler creates for her readers. This is one of the MANY reasons I’m so very thrilled we’re part of launching her nonfiction book: The Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son.



Description from Harper Collins:

"From New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, to the Smithsonian Institution in D.C., to Boston's Museum of Fine Art, to dozens of regional museums throughout the United States, no museum was off-limits to legendary art thief Myles Connor. He has used every technique in the book, from breaking and entering, to cat burglary, to false identities and elaborate con jobs. He once even grabbed a Rembrandt off a wall in broad daylight and simply ran like hell. His IQ is at genius level, and his charm is legendary. The fact that he was in jail at the time of the famous robbery of the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum—which remains the largest art theft in American history—has not stopped the FBI from considering him a top suspect in that still unsolved robbery.

How did the son of a decorated policeman grow up to become one of Boston's most notorious criminals? How did he survive a decades-long feud with the Boston police and the FBI? How did he manage to escape one jail sentence with a simple fake gun carved out of soap? How did he trade the return of a famous Rembrandt in exchange for early release from another sentence?

The Art of the Heist is a roller-coaster ride of a life, by a man who was drawn to misadventure at every turn. As a promising young rock star, Myles Connor started collecting Japanese swords and weapons. Soon his collection expanded through less than legitimate means, and his education in European masters and modern artists accelerated. Disguised as an art collector, he spent time in the archives of museums far and wide, and visited after hours to take advantage of what he learned by day.

Along the way, he robbed banks, warehouses, trailers, and estate homes. He engaged in rooftop shootouts with the police. He walked the streets of Boston in disguise while dozens of policemen were out searching for him. The Art of the Heist is part confession, part thrill ride, and impossible to put down."

I’m truly excited Jenny’s coming to respond to comments and I hope y’all will make her feel warm and welcome.

Feel free to ask her questions—including how to eat sushi, since she was the one who taught me! ;) Y’all just don’t know how cool it is to stand in line to have all your books autographed by a favorite author and then be invited to lunch! (Or maybe you do, lol! ;) )

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Just a Few Notes for the Upcoming Week :)

Hey everyone :)

Monday: We'll announce the winner of the Chocolate Recipe contest so get your recipe in today for your chance to win a free autographed copy of my awared-winning romantic suspense novel, "My Biker Bodyguard." If you're not into romance, it might make a great Mother's Day gift and I'd be happy to personalize it with Mom's name and a wish from you :)

Tuesday: Dreams really do come true! :) Jenny Siler, aka, Alex Carr is dropping by the blog to celebrate Talent Tuesday with us and share about her new release, The Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son


Writing Wednesday: This week we'll discuss how to use narrative closeness and details to master "showing" instead of telling. A must read for anyone who has been struggling with this concept!

Thrilling Thursday: I'll be leaving for LA on this day, but I'll be checking in when possible, so don't forget to drop by and share your thoughts on favorite childhood spooks and find out which is mine :)

Fun Friday: Yes, I'll be in LA by this time, but I wouldn't miss a chance to create some fun! You'll have to tune in to find out what the contest and the prize are (I'm still working on a donation that I think you'll all find hard to resist! :)
I'll try, if I can, to blog in every evening and share what's happening with the book festival, who I've met and what I've done to make good on all the faith friends and family have in me. I don't know when I'll have a chance to connect to the internet, but I'll do my best!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Fun Friday: Chocolate Love!

Happy Friday everyone!! :)

This week's contest is really simple, but one of my favorite kind: chocolate!! :)

How to Enter: Submit your favorite chocolate recipe. It can be any kind of recipe, from combining ready-made products (like 'Smores) or totally from scratch (like brownies or truffles.)
Over the course of the weekend, I'll be checking back regularly and may even try out a few of these yummy recipes myself! :)

The Prize: Since chocolate and romance go hand in hand, I'll be giving away a free copy of my award-winning romantic suspense novel, My Biker Bodyguard. Now, if you don't read romance, but know someone who does and deserves a lovely gift, you can have it personalized and sent to them directly as a gift ;) Spreading the love (of romance and chocolate) is an awesome way to spend a weekend, doncha think? :)



The winner will be announced on Monday, so spread the word and the love around to all your peeps! :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Thrilling Thursday: Boo!

As y'all know, my Extreme Hauntings YA series from Quake is all about ghost stories. Some of you might have read why I chose to go with ghost stories, but honestly, I'll tell you much of the decision rested on my desire to see more really great ghost stories on the shelves. The last great series I read about ghosts was Anne Rice's "The Witching Hour" even if she decided to bring these ghosts to life and created the Taltos to explain how this was possible.

I've read books and watched movies with ghosts. "13 Ghosts" was pretty awesome and I enjoyed "What Lies Beneath" in a more intelligent way (rather than visceral great fun.) Probably becuase I didn't recall seeing Harrison Ford play a bad guy before.

I think my love for ghost stories was sparked by the original movies "The Uninvited" and "The Haunting." These weren't scary because of special effects or the predatory nature of the ghosts out for blood--they scared me by appealing to some strange human trait that speaks to us about life beyond death. I can't think of anything else that people want to believe is true, but which also instills real fear as the possibility of our spirits living longer than our bodies.

My grandmother believes in ghosts. She talks about a house she had in Superior in WI when my father and uncle were little boys. Apparently my uncle would not go up the back staircase because "the old lady in the black dress" wouldn't let him get past her. She tells of how she saw the woman once herself.

Another family favorite story is the sea captain who lives in my grandmother's Victorian house in the middle of Milwaukee. He is said to stand at the foot of your bed and watch you sleep. I can't tell you how many times I tried to pretend I was asleep then pop open my eyes and try to catch a glimpse of him--all the while freaking out and hoping I didn't see anything at all.

Are there any ghost stories or hauntings in your family history? Did a relative ever tell you about the place they lived or the house they visited where they had a close encounter with a ghost? Or maybe there's a building or town legend where you live about ghosts wandering about in the wee hours of the morning?

I'll look forward to reading your comments!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

P.S. Michael Norman, author of Haunted Wisconsin (and many more!) is an awesome guy! Maybe I can coax him into doing a Talent Tuesday with us? Would y'all enjoy that? :)

Jenny Siler aka Alex Carr Rocks!!

Hello everyone!

Personal circumstances have kept me away from the computer for the last few days, but I’m going to be using this Writer Wednesday to share some great news and combine it with Talent Tuesday.

Jenny Siler, aka Alex Carr, is a favorite author of mine. I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a big fan of first-person in fiction. However, Jenny Siler has made a believer out of me that when it’s done right, and by a talented author, first-person really shines. I’ve collected all her novels and I’m eager to share with you why Jenny Siler is not just fantastic, but awe-inspiring!

(Don’t miss the end of this post for some awesome news!)

Easy Money:




This is one of those books where you forget that you’re reading about a character who doesn’t actually exist. Voyeurism at its best; because it’s so unexpected. At first, I thought I was in for a great read along the lines of Dean Koontz’s “Intensity.” This was more than that though. In Intensity, China relies on the survival skills her past gave her to survive a psycho on the loose who’s only motivation is to fulfill his insane fantasies. In Easy Money, Allie doesn’t rely solely on her past as the daughter of a drug runner, but also on her heart and mind to resolve a crime committed during Viet Nam, one where the cover-up has recently led to the execution of a retired CIA agent.

Jenny didn’t make the mistake of letting up on the gritty reality of living and growing up in the underworld to introduce a Bondesque style plot where government intrigue catapulted the reader into some sleek and sophisticated realm of suit-wearing, gun-toting posh villains with British accents and impeccable taste. She stayed true to the sensory input that made this story real to me.

Flashback:



If I thought I loved Easy Money, Flashback was to make me a fan for life. How could I, the lover of action and strong heroines, not fall completely in love with Eve? Her memories buried, she took refuge with nuns in France. When the nuns are massacred by someone wishing to kill Eve, she’s forced to figure out who she was before she lost her memory or die trying.

For me, the brilliance of this story (beyond the opening hook) was how I felt like I had lived and breathed the alleys, streets and shops of Marrakech when I came away from the story. Even with a fabulous plot I couldn’t guess before hand and Jenny’s wonderfully realistic and unique characters (who are all flawed with profoundly human weaknesses) it was the sense of living and breathing in the full moment, including the setting, that kept me riveted to her writing.

An Accidental American:



Writing as Alex Carr, this was a long awaited new novel for me and I was happy to get my copy within the first week of its release—but even more thrilled when I was introduced to Nicole, a woman well known for her abilities as a forger. Instead of sharing with you all the wonderful things about this book—as they again would praise Jenny’s strengths as a writer (which are numerous) I’d like to share this quote from the Carr website:

"I once heard it said that there is no such thing as an accidental American. That we are, all of us, citizens by conscious choice. Of course it was a Frenchman who posited this, some self-proclaimed modern philosopher on one of the political discussion shows on France 2, so I’ve always taken the theory with a grain of salt. After all, to be an American has never been my choice. I was raised in Lebanon and have lived most of the rest of my life in Europe. I’ve claimed France as my home and chosen the one profession in which these things can be changed. I’m my own universal consulate. I can whip out any decent passport in a matter of hours.

If anything, I am a mongrel, the daughter of a father who was, himself, a drifter and a con-man. My mother was a half-breed with French and Maronite parentage and an Arabic name. A woman whose own country had been stitched together by naive outsiders to form an optimistic whole."

I could go on and on about all her books (most of which I've been fortunate enough to have autographed! But I don't want to make this post overly long! :) )

If you’re looking to write in first person, if you want some great examples of how to craft a first person perspective that has your audience gobbling every word, devouring every page, and starving for more, read Jenny Siler aka Alex Carr.

And if you do want to read her, pick one of her many novels and get it read by Tuesday April 21st because Jenny is celebrating the release of her first non-fiction book, “The Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and Roller and Prodigal Son” because….

SHE WILL BE HERE!!

OMG! Jenny Siler is going to be on my blog next Tuesday to celebrate the launch of her book and answer questions. As she’ll be busy with other commitments early in the day (it is the launch of her book) she’ll be by later on, but she is coming and I’m so stoked that y’all will get a chance to meet with her!

I hope you’ll make her visit at my blog the warmest and best time she’s ever had on a blog ;) I’m even going to be giving away a very special gift during the event so don’t miss out!

Warmly,
Jenny :)

Thrashing Friday Fun!

Good Morning Everyone! :)

I have an AWESOME contest this week! You'll want to spread the word over the weekend so everyone has a chance to win.

Here are the rules: Find home videos of the sickest, most crazy skateboarding moments you can and post the link here in the comments. Your own videos, home movies of your friends or family, or any internet video that you can find that shows someone either wiping out, or blowing everyone away--doesn't matter. The one that makes me and the family here go "HOLY COW!" loudest wins! :)

You have until Monday morning when I make the announcement to spread the word and get everyone in on this fantastic contest :)

What are the prizes? Well, take a look!

A Tony Hawk skull shirt (sizes S-XXL)

And!



Tony Hawk's Autobiography--purchased from Tony Hawk's Official Site which will enter you into his monthly contest to WIN an autographed Tony Hawk skateboard deck!

Even if you're not a skater, if you know a person who is, or who would love to have the shirt, the book and a chance to win the deck, take a few minutes and submit a link to a thrashin' video!

I look forward to watching all those great stunts!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Doubtfire and Demons

(Imagine kindly old Mrs. Doubtfire, sitting in her chair by the fire, a nice big book in her manly lap.)

Good morning boys and girls, today we're going to discuss the finer points of DE-mon PO-ssess-ion! Yes indeedy! Nothing finer on an April morn than a good ol' fashioned tale of...

!!!!LAMASHTU!!!!

Now isn't she a lovely lass? Yes, this lovely demon traveled the world, jet setting from one birthing mother to another to deliver her wicked brand of good ol' demon fun. Oh my, yes. Let's not forget either, her bloodlust for children of any age, including those that had yet to be spanked by the good doctor in the delivery room.

When she isn't busy keeping the fine funeral vendors rolling in the green, she enjoys long walks through rivers and lakes, turning them to cesspools of disgusting disease. For a nice dinner, Lamashtu enjoys a splendid young man paired with fine red blood. To finish off her feast, she often chooses a serving of death and disease.

Back in her girlhood, Lamashtu's father, Anu--a very respected sun god from Mesopotamia--said early on that his young daughter was beyond control. She was the original rebel, doing as she pleased without the blessings of the gods. As you can imagine, this did not suit them well at all.

And do you know what the gods did, boys and girls?

Why they sent their fierce warrior Pazuzu to protect women and children. (I imagine they believed young men could take care of themselves, though I wouldn't want a boy of mine to cross such a heinous lady as Lamashtu!) Poor Pazuzu was saddled with the burden of bringing drought and famine. Perhaps this was a means of filtering out frivolous summonings from mankind.

Of course there was that dreadfully frightening movie "The Exorcist" where dear Pazuzu was cast as a possessor of children. Imagine how offensive that must have been. All these centuries protecting our young only to be cast as a nefarious villain? For shame.

Now let me read to you this lovely passage:


Great is the daughter of Heaven who tortures babies
Her hand is a net, her embrace is death
She is cruel, raging, angry, predatory
A runner, a thief is the daughter of Heaven
She touches the bellies of women in labor
She pulls out the pregnant women’s baby
The daughter of Heaven is one of the Gods, her brothers
With no child of her own.
Her head is a lion’s head
Her body is a donkey’s body
She roars like a lion
She constantly howls like a demon-dog.

Wonderful, isn't it? This is a Mesopotamian incantation against Lamashtu. Remember this should you happen across her as she travels the world. I hear she'll be at by Barclay Hall, a very respectable reformatory school for young ladies. (A fitting destination for the original lady rebel!) I understand Kaylee Hensler is being sent there for vandalism--in a graveyard on Halloween no less. Do join me in praying for Kaylee's soul. She will need every good wish we can send her. (Crime never pays!)

That brings us to the end of our story hour this fine Thursday. I hope you enjoyed this thrilling tale and learned a thing or two about Lamashtu!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Details brought to you courtesy of Wikipedia

Writing Wednesday: Narrative Distance

Good Morning Everyone!! :)

Mick Jagger is singing "Sympathy for the Devil" in my earbuds at 7:00 a.m. this morning. Why is this important to this blog? Well, because if we wanted a reader to have sympathy for the devil, we'd need to understand the technique of narrative distance.

What exactly is narrative distance? It's how close or far away our writing is from the character. In first person writing, we have an extreme sense of narrative closeness because the whole narrative is coming directly from the character. In omniscient, we have the opposite extreme because none of the narration comes from within the character.

Seems simple, right? Nope. Not at all. Writing from a close narrative takes a lot of practice, concentration, focus--and acting ability. The author needs to be the character in order to create narrative closeness. This can be especially tricky to maintain when you have a few characters in a scene. Here are some things you can do to create narrative closeness:

1) Borrow vernacular. Study the way people talk from the place or setting your characters are living in and from where they come from. Someone from Wisconsin is going to sound very different than someone from Texas. East coast and West coast sound very different. This isn't about accents, it's about language.

Texas: I carried my mom up to the Circle K to get some coke.
Wisconsin: I drove my mom up the Kwik Trip to buy soda.

If you're unaware of how someone speaks from the area, or want to familiarize yourself with that vernacular, google videos and documentaries on the net where they interview the local people. For instance, when I was writing about the Inuit, I watched many home movies from the area--sometimes right before I started writing so I could correctly channel the sound, texture and pattern of their words.

Of course, this is one of those reasons why new writer's are told to "write what you know" time and again. Anyone who's a fan of Stephen King know how people in Maine speak and your readers should walk away knowing the difference in your character's language.

2) Gender specific language: Men and women think and speak differently than each other. Men have a tendency not to mince their words--which often makes them sound abrupt even when they don't mean to. Women tend to pad their language with extra words meant to set people at ease. Of course there are always exceptions and an author can deliberately switch out the language for the gender in order to convey a more feminine male or masculine female, depending on their needs.

Men are "fixers" by human nature. They listen intently with an ear for how to solve problems. Women are more "healers" and listen intently with an ear for how they can make the person feel better. This does NOT mean that women aren't into problem solving (they are!) and it doesn't mean that men don't want to offer comfort (they do!) It means that their approach to another person's upset is different. Men believe they are offering comfort by helping to solve the problem and women believe they are helping solve the problem by comforting the person.

Read up on the psychology of each gender if you're having difficulty writing from the gender opposite your own.

3) It's in the Details: Or in the case of writing, it's in the descriptions. A soldier might look at a sunset and think it resembles Napalm, a poet housewife will see it as a dying bloom of gold on the horizon. No two characters should see their environment in the exact same way (unless it's sci-fi and they're clones ;)) Character-specific observations are important and they need to come from the emotional place the character is in as well as their personality. An optimist will see the glass half-full, the pessimist, half-empty. Know your character and how they'll respond.

How to test your writing:

Take a random few paragraphs of narrative in third person and switch it to first person.

Does it still sound like the character?
Does it sound like it comes from the correct gender?
Are the details related to the character's experience?
Are word choices ones the character would use?

Here are a few links for further reading:

Decoding Narrative Distance by Dave King
(Exceptionally awesome and understandable information)

Narrative Distance from the blog of Jennifer R. Hubbard
(Excellent example of three narrative distances in this one.)

The Mechanic of the Introspection Fiction-Writing Mode by Mike Klaassen
(Great 4 Part Article at Helium)

Any thoughts or questions? I'll be around all day to help with further explanations or to absorb what you have to offer on the subject :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Milli Thornton and Fear of Writing: Talent Tuesday!

Good Morning everyone :)

I can't think of any person I'd love more to showcase on our very first Talent Tuesday than Milli Thornton. She single-handedly pulled me from the brink of despair and encouraged me to keep going no matter how horribly I felt about my abilities or my goals.

As many of you know, being a writer isn't easy, especially if you're not published. There are people who don't understand the time you spend working on your manuscript. In fact, if you had an office like me, holing up of 8 hours (or more) a day in your basement to type away on a computer seems pretty kooky to those folks who don't even read or never understood the artistic drive. I don't blame them--that sort of drive (to work for no money) isn't something our society touts as admirable.

I attended a writer's chat--not even sure where now, I had stumbled across the announcement. A published author was going to be taking questions from writers--how could I resist? I never expected to spend half the night bawling like some dummy! Milli has that effect on people--no, not to make them cry :) But to really get in touch with their emotions so they can overcome those obstacles holding them back.

And that was exactly where I was: facing an obstacle that was holding me back. Someone had commented on my writing that I didn't have a unique voice, that I sounded too much like my favorite authors and that mimicking them made me a sad second. Yes, that doesn't seem like much today, but ten years ago, I was very frustrated and had begun to question if I was even smart enough to figure this all out.

Along came Milli :)

Not only did she listen to me, but she encouraged me and when she couldn't answer my question as in depth as she wanted in the chat, asked me to email her privately when it was over. There are some people you just instantly click with, some people who speak your language and have the second half to your half and together you make a whole. Milli was like that for me, and I truly was not surprised to discover how aswesome her book, "Fear of Writing" was for me and many others.

I know some of y'all have seen her book showcased on my blog before, but I've never dedicated a whole blog post entirely to her and of all the people I've met in this writing life, I can undoubtedly say she deserves as many accolades as possible. Not only did she take me under her wing and help strengthen my belief in my own abilities, but she does time and time again for authors everywhere. Her entire career is carved out the desire to be encouraging, comforting and uplifting to writers of every type and stripe.

Fear of Writing is a collection of short stories and writing prompts called "Fertile Material." Those prompts got me over many a blank page when I was trying to make my way into the short story genre, and the short story "Jack's House" saved me from a nasty bout of writer's block after 911. She and I have become close friends over the years and I count her as a very special person I'm lucky to know.

If ever you struggle, if ever you faced writer's block, if ever you needed encouragement, I can't recommed her book enough. When 911 happened, I was targeting Harlequin/Silhouette and writing romantic suspense. The horror of that tragic day left me feeling like those hours I spent in my basement were a waste of time and the love stories I created were silly, childish, and had about as much purpose as hand-painted toiletpaper.

When I read "Jack's House" about a woman who felt much the same way as I did at the time, asking herself, "Why write at all?" I never expected by the end of the story that I'd be--yes, again!--bawling like a dummy :) From that moment on, I realized that it didn't matter so much what I wrote (though that is part of it) as much as it mattered that I didn't squander my talents (or as they say biblically 'bury' them) and made good use of what the good Lord had given me. (Or fate, or mother nature, or genetics, or answered my calling--however you want to phrase that.)

So I encourage everyone to visit Fear of Writing at http://www.fearofwriting.com/ read the information there and if you believe this book can help you like it did me, get the book and email Milli, let her know how it helped you. My respect for her began in the chat room, grew when I read her book, and blossomed when we became friends.

Do you have a particular story about a book that saved you in some way? Maybe it was a book of financial, marital, or relationship advice? Maybe it was a how-to book that helped you leap a hurdle and accomplish your goals? I'd love to create a lovely long list of books in the comments here for everyone to refer to over time, so please leave a comment if you have a title or an author you'd like to share :) And of course, your personal experience ;)

Warmly,
Jenny:)

And the Winner is....

Shredder!! :) Head over to Michael's MySpace profile and congratulate him, if you wish :)

This is a free for all Saturday and I thought it would be great to open up the blog for everyone to share what they're reading today :)

Today, I'm actually re-reading a favorite of mine. "Justice Incarnate" by Regan Black. This was the first Echelon full-length book I read in print and I was blown away by the story. It's an absolutely intriguing tale about a woman, Jaden Michaels, who's been reincarnated time and again to slay a demon, or face dying a horrible death--which has happened for the century she's been trying to kill him.

What I really, really loved about this book was how real Regan Black made the year 2096 for me. Not just the technology, but the differences in the societal norms between my time and this future. This, I think, was the first 'awakening' I had an as author to the possibilities of creating a believable universe. Not because I hadn't read other books that do the same thing, but because this combined everything I love about fiction--and I read it at a time when I was deeply consumed with the study of the craft. At this point, I was working so hard to make every detail of my books be absolutely accurate--the idea that I could change that reality in the way Black did, was something I found thrilling.

Aside from that, though, all by itself it's an awesome read! :)

I'm nearly finished with this book (and loving it all over again) and have two other books waiting in the wings. Invasion of Justice, the second book in the Shadows of Justice series from Regan Black, and Immortal Bride by Lisa Childs, a book in the Nocturne line by Silhouette. (Here's the trailer.) I'm intrigued by this paranormal romance category and wonder if I might try my hand at putting my old favorite (romance) together with my newly discovered passion (paranormal) somewhere down the road.

Okay, so what are you reading? If you're not reading today, or between books, what would you like to be reading now? Maybe your interest will be a book someone else has read and they can let you know if the book did or didn't live up to its hype ;)

Enjoy your Saturday and be thankfurl Birds Don't Read!! :)
Warmly,
Jenny:)

New Blog Schedule

Hello everyone ;)

As many of you know, I’m under doctor’s orders to *destress my life as much as possible. This has led me on a campaign to get organized and map out my days to achieve the most productive outcomes possible.

One of those areas that’s been difficult for me is maintaining my blogs. Oh, I’ve got lots to say and lots to share and lots I want to do, but half the time I’m struggling to figure out when, what, and how I want to do all that. So, I’ve decided to create a schedule for my blogs:

Monday: Maybe—maybe not. This will be my free-for-all day in which I can post whatever is needed or wanted, but I may take a break on this day as I find Monday’s can be a bit overwhelming for me.

Tuesday: Tuesday is now Talent Tuesday. On this day I’ll be discussing other authors, what I’ve gained from reading them, or showcasing an interview with another author. (I also plan on having y’all submit questions to ask these authors.)

Wednesday: Writer Wednesday: this is the day I’ll be offering advice and tips and tricks of the trade. On this day will be the query and excerpt critiques I’ve offered in the past. (Such as the Hook Critique—first three paragraphs, etc.)

Thursday: Is now Thursday Thrills. This is where I’ll be sharing information about what I’m working on, which happens to be my YA horror Extreme Hauntings series. I will also be sharing genre-related information and updates on when books are coming out, reviews, and open calls for collaborations ;)

Friday: You guessed it: Fun Friday! From here on out, every Friday will feature a fun contest of some kind with varying degrees of prizes. From Amazon gift certificates, book thongs (of course! ;)) downloads and print books.
(I'm a day late posting here, so the contest this Friday is on my MySpace blog and you don't want to miss it! Great gift for the winner!)


Weekends will be an anything goes—socializing, chatting and all around getting to know each other ;)

I hope y’all enjoy this plan!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Cyber Walk Down Memory Lane

I figured that someone out there might be curious about my journey from wanting to write a novel, to where I am today. This is sort of a cyber-walk down memory lane :)

1) The first place of any real signifigance I joined to learn the craft of writing was Writer's Village University. There I met a wonderful group of women, though my Aunt Beth, who were my sisters for the first five years of my writing life. We went through much together and I still consider them the writing sisters of my heart.
Writer's Village University

2) From there, I branched out, and joined Charlotte Dillon's Romance Writer's Community, which is a fabulous website and email list. Their critique exchange helped me tremendously.
Romance Writer's Community

3) About a year into my first novel, I met a wonderful woman in a chat. Milli Thornton. She encouraged me tremendously, helped me get through a very rocky issue with my writing confidence, and eventually hired me to create her online writing course based on her exceptionally helpful book, Fear of Writing.
Fear of Writing

4) I struggled tremendously with self-editing and joined the Adult Creative Writer's Club. Their monthly contest was a real eye opener for me and when I finally--finally!!!--won that contest, I was over the moon! Having your writing judged annonymously by so many writers is truly a test of your skill and helped me learn what my strengths were, and where I truly needed to develop my craft.
Adult Creative Writer's Club

5) RWA contests, where I got detailed judges reports from more than one person, and then eventually went on to win one, gave me the industry insight I needed to understand the romance novel and how to write in that genre.
Romance Writer's of America

6) This last is a sort of no-brainer, but I have to add it because as a self-taught author, I spent legions of hours here: the library. While we were still a struggling young family, I coldn't afford much and all these wonderful writing books people recommended to me would have been out of my reach if it weren't for my public library. The research I did for each of my books there still saves me a mint on technical and/or informational books. (Such as using their college texts on genetics to create the basis for my werewolf novel.)

I hope some of you all will maybe check out one or two of these places and see if there's something that they might help you with as well. While I've been a member of many great places, like WRWA and online forums that helped tremendously, the above list is where I did the bulk of my growing as an author.

Do you have a fond memory of somewhere you began that you'd like to share? Or maybe someplace that is important to you today? If so, share them in the comments as I'd love us all to wallow in positivity today! *GRIN*

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Good and Bad News

First, the bad news, because I always like to end on a positive note :) As many of you know I was ill at the end of last week. Well, I went to the doctor today because while I was back on my feet, I never fully recovered.
It turns out that the stress I'm under is effecting my health. I was prescribed medication and told to lighten my load. So, I've decided that I'm going to postpone the workshop I planned for this weekend until the medication I'm taking begins to work and I'm back 100%. I hope everyone will understand and not be too disappointed. I will do this soon, just not yet.
Now to the good news! :)
I heard from Marc Vun Kannon, who is a fabulous writer himself, that he picked up my book, DFF: Dead Friends Forever at the SC Book Festival. He wrote: "I have been reading the latest books from Echelon, in particular DFF: Dead Friends Forever, and I've started Witch's Pawn. DFF is a stunningly good book, by far Jenny Turner's best book yet!"

I was over the moon!! What a compliment to come out of the blue like that, from someone I was always dying to hear enjoyed one of my books in that way :) He went on to say that he began reading it in a hotel room and actually got the heebie-jeebies because it was that spooky! :) He compared it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but with a darker edge, like Angel and then ordered extra for a library event he's going to.
How cool is that??
You can check out more about Marc Vun Kannon here:
http://www.marcvunkannon.com/


Okay, just wanted to share and I hope that everyone is having a fantastic week! :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)

Quick and Easy Contest

My blog at Teen Seen today includes a fun and easy giveaway! Head on over right now to be entered to win :) It only takes a minute, and hey, you never know, I might choose a few winners rather than just one *wink* *wink* :)

See ya there!!

Warmly,
Jenny:)