Alicia Dean with Death x2!
22 May 2012 47 Comments
in Author guest, book to read, death, getting the word out, guest blogging, Promotion, The Wild Rose Press, Writing Tags: #TWRP, alicia dean, Calisa Rhose, death notice, death offerings northland chronicles, Pen of the Dreamer, self-publish, suspense, The Wild Rose Press, Writing
Osiyo~
Today and tomorrow I have a special guest visiting on the Ranch. One of the first wonderful writers I met after moving back to Oklahoma was a lady who actually had recently moved to Kansas but kept her membership with the Outlaws of OKRWA. She was helpful to my learning my way around a mini conference we do here; OKRWA Summer Heat Mini Conference. We have an agent and an editor come in from a publisher/agency and take pitches. (Anyone can attend for a low fee and have a chance to get your work in front of an acquiring member of a known literary agency or publisher. The last two we had editors from Harlequin and agents from The Irene Goodman Literary Agency and The Knight Agency.)
This writer was such a help and so very friendly, and has since moved back to Oklahoma. And then I got one of her books at our Christmas party—and became an instant fan! So naturally when she reached out for Beta readers for a new Self-Published series she started last year, my hands went up high. Then I began to wonder about ‘the writer’ and when she wanted to promote her series I took my chance and asked about her writing career.
Here in virtual person is my friend, Alicia Dean. Let’s give her a huge Ranch welcome!
Alicia, the Round Pen is yours to do as you please. Tell us about you and your writing.
It was great meeting you, too, Calisa. And I’m so thrilled that your story was the first published in the Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll Series. Thank you for having me as your guest here at the Ranch. I have three grown children–two girls and a boy–and I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. I have a ton of wonderful friends and loving, supportive family members. I’m so very blessed.
I’ve wanted to write since I was a child, and I’ve dabbled in it all my life. I actively began pursuing publication in 2001 and my first novel, a romantic suspense called Nothing to Fear, was published in 2007 by The Wild Rose Press. I now have five published novels (in June, it will be six) and four short stories (in August it will be five <g>. I have a short story coming out with TWRP August 8th that’s part of the Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series)
I write both paranormal and suspense, but I wanted to write a suspense series with recurring main characters. I didn’t want my heroine to be in law enforcement, so I tried to think of an occupation that might put her in contact with nefarious characters, so crime writer came to mind. Then, randomly, the idea popped into my head…what if a killer put names of his intended victims in the obit column before he killed them. Death Notice was born, the sequel followed, and I have a few more sequels in mind. However, before I can get to Book 3, I have a novella and another manuscript to write. 
What a great book with an enticing cover! How and where can we stalk…er, find you?
Website: AliciaDean.com
Twitter: @Alicia_Dean_
Facebook: Alicia Dean
BIO:
Alicia Dean writes paranormal and romantic suspense and is the author of five published novels, two novellas, and a handful of short stories. She has three grown children and lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. Alicia loves nothing more than crafting spine-chilling, edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Say hey to Alicia and come on back tomorrow for part two of the Northland Chronicles: Death Offerings! Leave a comment today and/or tomorrow for a chance to win an Amazon or B&N gift card from Alicia!
Dodadagohvi~
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Love Potion Me, Amie!
17 May 2012 28 Comments
in Author guest, book to read, Promotion, The Wild Rose Press, Writing Tags: #TWRP, Amie Louellen, Calisa Rhose, excited, guest, Love Potion Me Baby, Pen of the Dreamer, The Wild Rose Press, Writing
Osiyo~
OMG(osh)!!! I am tickled pink (or maybe that should be blue today) to have a sister Rose and fellow Okie- and a wonderful friend- with me on the Ranch today! Amie Louellen is the author of another book I will be reading soon, Brodie’s Bride. She brought her new book today and will share some unknown facts about the story. Settle in with a coffee and éclair and let’s learn in fun. There’s wine or vodka and li’l Smokies for later. (and beer for Tina)
Amie, the round pen is yours my dear.
Twelve Things You May Not Know About Love Potion Me, Baby
1—Suzanne Rose was named after Axel Rose, lead singer of Guns and Roses.
2—Suzanne’s original name was Dolly.
3—Suzanne’s aunt, Petie Rose, was NOT named after the baseball player.
4—Love Potion Me, Baby was originally written for a sweet line—no sex.
5—The dog was not planned. He ran across the chaos scene, and I had to add him.
6—The original title was Love Potion No. 10.
7—Melvin Greely wasn’t hard of hearing in the first draft.
8—Love Potion Me, Baby went through 5 title changes.
9—I hoped the editors would want to change the title. And that they would give me suggestions!
10—Love Potion Me, Baby was the third book I wrote, but the second one I published.
11—Brice Van Sant was named after the Van Zants of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
12—I still haven’t learned to spell pharmaceuticals. Thank you, spell check!
***
Blurb—
Suzanne Rose never intended for Brice Van Sant to drink a cup of her homemade herbal shampoo. And she certainly didn’t expect an impromptu marriage proposal from the hunky CEO.
After an incredible wedding night, Brice wakes unable to remember his bride’s name or why he proposed.
Too late they realize the bright blue shampoo is responsible. Almost like…a love potion!
Brice doesn’t believe in love. But as chief executive of the area’s largest pharmaceutical company, he needs that formula. He strong-arms Suzanne into reproducing it for him, demanding that she pretend they are happily married until it’s recovered.
As Suzanne struggles to remember the shampoo’s ingredients and forget their perfect wedding night, she finds herself falling for her husband. Can she convince Brice that love is a chance worth taking before she loses her heart to him forever?
Excerpt—
She smiled, and Brice felt the warmth go straight through him. She had a home-town, girl-next-door look that somehow made a man forget things he was better off remembering. Like the promises Brice had made to himself when his father left. Like the fact that if he made love to Suzanne again it would be disastrous for everyone involved.
Let her go, his internal voice commanded.
Brice’s legs started to move, his feet taking step after step until he reached her side.
“I had fun,” she replied.
Tell her goodnight. And walk away.
“You’re a natural,” he said instead. “You should play more often.”
“Maybe I will.”
He could see questions in her eyes, questions he didn’t want to answer.
Without permission from his brain, his hand reached up and loosened the towel covering her hair. Damp, copper-colored curls, sprang free from their confinement and bounced across his fingers. “Maybe you will,” he repeated.
Turn away. And whatever you do, don’t kiss her.
“Tell me to stop,” Brice demanded in a husky whisper as his head lowered closer and closer toward her luscious mouth. “Tell me.”
“I can’t,” she said and raised her lips to meet his.
Brice could no more prevent the kiss than he could re-route the sun. The caress was destiny or fate or serendipity. Kismet. It was out of his control. Never before had anything taken such complete command of his mind and body. Nothing except for a cup of blue shampoo and its redheaded maker who haunted his every waking moment.
***
Author Bio—
Amie loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and shoes. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.
Fun and contemporary, whimsical and sexy Amie’s novels are true love stories with a guaranteed happy ending.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amie is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, a spoiled cat, and one very hyper beagle.
When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to little league baseball games, guitar lessons, and boy scout meetings. She also loves gardening, cross stitching, and generally anything that can get her out of housework.
Amie is a member of RWA and an award winning author. You can reach her at amielouellen@gmail.com.
www.amielouellen.com website & blog
http://www.facebook.com/pages/AmieLouellenAuthor
@AmieLouellen (https://twitter.com/?iid=am-86526363013334055132738605&nid=23+following_user&uid=243170261&utm_content=profile#!/AmieLouellen)
Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=4798
Oh my. I can’t wait to get this book! Thanks for sharing, Amie!
The floor is now open for questions and comments so let’s show her a great Ranch response!
Dodadagohvi~
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A Personal Dedication
07 May 2012 107 Comments
in book to read, Debut release, dreaming, fun, giveaway, Home, Promotion, Release date, TWRP, Win, Writing Tags: Calisa Rhose, Debut book, excited, Free books, giveaway, HOME, Nan Swanson, Pen of the Dreamer, Rhonda Penders, RJ Morris, Tales of the Scrimshaw doll, The Wild Rose Press, Tina Lynn Stout, Writing
Osiyo~
I am so excited today! 
Because, because, because, becaaaaaause………. Because of the wonderful things she does!
Ok, I love The Wizard of Oz. I’m no Dorothy for sure, though I live in tornado alley with a tiny dog, Cocoa the temperamental Chihuahua.
But I’m singing praises for a wonderful woman by the name of Nancy Swanson today. Who? Let me explain.
Exactly one year ago I got an email with these words in it:
“thumbs up for HOME”
That email started out:
“Just got word from my senior editor…it’s a go! As soon as I can get a mouse to work with my laptop I’ll send you the contract documents…”
So, the reason for my excitement today is that it was the beginning of my dreams all coming true. I would finally be a published author! And true to her word, Nan Swanson- my beautiful editor at The Wild Rose Press- sent me the contract soon after! She was on her way to the annual TWRP retreat when she sent me the first email and just home again when I got the second one. That was the longest week in my writing history, let me tell ya!
Now a year later I’m waiting for my first payday for that Vintage Rosette, my Scrimshaw Doll short story, HOME, proudly listed under this lovely Logo on the website.
Of course, my editor isn’t the only one I have to thank for my first book becoming a splendid reality. It wouldn’t be nearly as appealing to look at on Kindle, PC or Nook (or whatever you use to read it) without the stunning job Tina Lynn Stout did on my gorgeous cover! I adore the colors and soft appearance Tina chose to bring out the effects of the era. That car is perfect to reflect the 60′s. 
Most of all, I have to thank Rhonda Penders and RJ Morris- 
- for taking a chance on me and over-looking my neurotic tendencies and offering that coveted contract! And to Lisa who made getting my baby out there possible with her talented marketing skills!
Here’s to The Wild Rose Press!!! 
In the acceptance of my story, TWRP also enabled me to meet the bestest group of writers in Cyberland or print! I adore and love my Sister Roses!!!! They (ya’ll) have made this last year a fun ride. Thank you and raise your glasses in a toast to all Roses!
So…in celebration of the event– I’m giving away a copy of Home to one lucky commenter and I’ll throw in a real signature Rose Rock from my town here in Oklahoma! These are sandy rocks that, because of the sulphur in the dirt and sand in this area and the way water runs over the terrain, forms unusual and unique rose-shaped formations.
They are not always distinct as you can see by these pictures.
(Rose Rock for a USA commenter only)
And since my name is Rhose…
Neat. Huh?
Join me in my celebration and win a book and a Rose!!! I’m verra excited to gift someone with my book!!!!!!
Leave your email with your comment and share what your most exciting or memorable event was as a writer. If you’re not a writer, what was your most memorable day in your adult life (weddings and baby births aside, because those always trump any other day!)?
Dodadagohvi~
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Nothing But Trouble with Jannine Gallant
01 May 2012 14 Comments
in Author guest, Blog Tour, book to read, Cowboys, getting the word out, Interview, Promotion, TWRP Tags: Calisa Rhose, Honky Tonk Hearts, Jannine Gallant, Nothing But Trouble, Pen of the Dreamer, The Wild Rose Press
Osiyo~
Wow, I can’t tell you all how excited I am to have a wonderful sister Rose here today! Jannine Gallant has brought her new release, Nothing But Trouble, which is part of the Honky Tonk Hearts series you may recall me raving about. I need to read this book and love the cover, Jannine!
Thank you so much, Calisa, for having me on your beautiful blog. Happy May Day!
Thanks! Happy May Day to you too! Let’s get to knowing your deepest, darkest secrets. *rubs hands in anticipation* Ready?
1) Which comes first for you—plot or characters?
I’m an odd duck who approaches stories differently depending on the length. For full length novels, the plot comes first. I write a rough outline, hitting the highlights, then decide what sort of characters best fit the plot. For novellas, I’m more of a pantser. I come up with the characters and then drop them into a situation that fits their personalities. I’ve tried this with longer works, but I get hopelessly tangled in subplots if I don’t have an outline. For my current release, Nothing But Trouble, I came up with the opening scene, wrote it, and prayed more would follow. LOL
2) I’m a pantser all the way so I admire anyone who can plot past titles. Does your editor cheer or cringe when your draft crosses her desk?
I’m a control freak! Just ask my kids. LOL I can’t write a dirty draft and then edit when it’s finished. I start my writing day editing yesterday’s work. Then at the end of each chapter, I go through and edit again. Yes, it takes a lot of time, but there is an upside to this technique. When I finally type “The End” my manuscript is nearly ready to send off to my editor. I’ve been told I write very clean. I won’t tell how many hours go into “clean” if you won’t!
3) I’m the same way. Clean, clean, clean… What did you enjoy most about writing your latest work?
Nothing But Trouble has a lot of humor in it. Not blatant humor, mind you, just little things here and there that I hope will make the reader smile. Usually I write suspense with stalkers or killers threatening the poor heroine. While there is a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, this story is definitely lighter in mood. I had a lot of fun writing these characters, maybe because the hero and heroine keep each other on their toes.
4) I have tons of ‘stories’ packed away in a closet. My earliest writings that no one but my sister has seen. What was your first writing piece and where is it now?
My first manuscript was a historical set inSalem,Massachusettsin 1692. I was in my early twenties when I wrote it, and let’s just say that was a loooong time ago. It went through an agent and multiple rejections from major publishers back in the day, but I always loved the plot. So, last summer, in my infinite wisdom, I decided to resurrect my first baby. All 500 pages were sitting in a stack on the floor of my office, just taunting me. How long could it take to type it into a word file, make a few changes… Eight months later, after a massive rewrite, I finally finished it. Currently an author friend is reading it to tell me if it still stinks. This book WILL be published come hell or high water…
5) That’s true dedication, Jannine! Good luck with it. Can you talk about what you are working on now?
I’m spreading myself a little thin these days, but I think that’s true for many authors. My next book is a romantic suspense called A Deadly Love. It’s scheduled to release in August from The Wild Rose Press. My historical (the title is a WIP) is on the back burner while I try to get a little perspective. I also have a sequel to my first suspense novel, Victim of Desire, in the works. And, drum roll, I’m starting a new project. Seeing the success of many indie authors, I thought I’d take the plunge. I’m planning a three novella series that revolves around three life long best friends who were a witness to a murder when they were girls. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress.
Busy and they all sound great.
6) Dog, cat, or neither?
Dog! I adore my baby, Ginger. The highlight of my day is our hike through the woods. There’s nothing like fresh air and a dose of doggy antics to clear your head!
7) I totally agree. Favorite television shows?
I’ll admit I’m a Survivor junky. I’m also a fan of The Bachelor and The Amazing Race. I call it research into human nature. That’s it, research. I knew there was a reason why I’m hooked on reality shows.
8) How do you pick good fruit?
I find a prime specimen and run my hands over it to make sure it’s nice and firm… Hmm, sounds like my hero in Nothing But Trouble. LOL
Nice segue! How about we take a gander at that blurb, cover and excerpt now?
Blurb:
Chase Paladin avoids commitment like a patch of stinging nettles. He’s seen how love can trample a man, and he doesn’t plan to get hitched—ever. But when Honor Jackson walks into his life, hell-bent on keeping her distance, she turns his convictions inside out.
One look at the too-handsome cowboy with laughing green eyes and a killer smile, and Honor knows he’s nothing but trouble. She’s come to Redemption,Texasto help an old friend, not to let another man charm her into certain heartache.
But every time she turns around, Chase is there, and the closer they get, the more she fears he’ll break her heart. So when anonymous threats make it clear that someone in Redemption wants her gone, Honor is ready to oblige. Only now Chase isn’t certain he can live without her.
Will two wary hearts take a chance on love before it’s too late?
Excerpt:
Chase reached over and gave her arm a squeeze. The imprint of his fingers on her bare skin tingled like a brand.
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Soon as word gets out, you’ll draw the locals like bees to honey.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve never heard that line before.”
“I can see I have an uphill battle ahead. Charming you won’t be an easy task.”
Leaning her head against the high vinyl seatback, she avoided his smiling eyes. “More like impossible, so don’t bother trying.”
His lips firmed. “Is it me in particular, or are you always this friendly?”
She didn’t answer immediately. Stroking the dog’s silky coat, she spent a moment composing her thoughts. “I’m sure you’re a whole lot of fun. You’re handsome and entertaining.” She let out a breath. “You’re probably a firecracker in bed to boot.”
He coughed and shot her a wide-eyed glance.
“But I’m not in the market for a fling with a good-looking cowboy.”
“Why not?”
“Huh?”
“What happened to put you off men?”
“Life happened. I plan to work for Andee for a couple of months and get my ducks in a row before moving on. I’m pretty sure—make that one hundred percent positive—getting involved with you would complicate the equation, and I’m no math whiz.”
“What are you a whiz at, besides putting men in their place?”
Bio:
Write about what you know. I’ve taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. I grew up in a tinyNorthern California town and currently live in beautifulLake Tahoe with my husband and two daughters. When I’m not busy writing or being a full time mom, I hike or snowshoe in the woods around our home with my dog, Ginger. Whether I’m writing contemporary, historical, or romantic suspense, I try to bring the beauty of nature to my stories.
Places you can find Jannine and her books:
Website: http://www.janninegallant.com/
Blog: http://janninegallant.blogspot.com/
Group Blog: http://www.rosesofprose.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/JannineGallant.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JannineGallant
Buy Link from TWRP: http://bit.ly/IbOwjk
Also available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
What a great story! Good luck with it, and thanks for coming to hang at the ranch, Jannine!
Dodadagohv~!
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Six Sentence Sunday
22 Apr 2012 18 Comments
in Blogs, Cowboys, fun, Promotion, Six Sentence Sunday, traveling blogs, Word of Mouth, Writing Tags: Back to the Way We Were, Calisa Rhose, Pen of the Dreamer, The Wild Rose Press, Writing
Osiyo~
Welcome! Once again it’s that time. I’m talking about Six Sentence Sunday! Whether it’s your first time on the ranch or you’re a repeat offender, I love that you’re here. Follow the link in the title or click on the logo to read many more bits and pieces from other talented writers. Wait…not before you see what Kyley and Nick are up to this week!
This six is still from Back To The Way We Were (BTTWWW) and Nick has caught his breath after last week’s snippet. They’ve talked, he left, but was called out again. What can she say? The woman fishes for relaxation. If you noticed that this feisty heroine has a new name this week, you’d be right. Logistics deemed it necessary. You wouldn’t believe me if I told ya, but one day I might explain why Haley is now Kyley…besides because I like this name better for this particular heroine. Now grab a cuppa and a pastry and join these two as they get comfortable, or maybe I should say uncomfortable, with each other.
“Did you hear me?”
“The whole lake heard you.” Nick’s strutted to the porch of the cabin she rented across the dirt road from the water.
Reaching the road side, she glared at his back. His broad, incredibly attractive back…and his rear, encased in tight blue denim, the muscles flexing with each step of his worn boots. Had Nick always been so tall and broad? She didn’t think so.
Thanks for coming by and I’ll ‘see’ you next week! Who knows what tidbit I’ll find to amuse myself, and hopefully you, with then. Before you go, I hope you’ll take a moment to let me know what you thought of this six. I’m off to read some of the other great sixes around cyber-world. Maybe I’ll see you out visiting too.
Dodadagohvi~
I’ve gone gold because some friends were going blind trying to read on my spring green. I didn’t want that, so I thought this is just as ‘Springy’ and might be easier to read against. If not, please send me an email in my ‘Say Hey’ page, or just say it in the comments here.
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Six Sentence Sunday
08 Apr 2012 7 Comments
in book to read, fun, Home, My writing, Promotion, Six Sentence Sunday, The Wild Rose Press Tags: #TWRP, Calisa Rhose, Debut book, HOME, Pen of the Dreamer, Tales of the Scrimshaw doll, The Wild Rose Press
Osiyo~
I’m back for more Six Sentence Sunday! Go the the main site linked in the logo title for more great sixes.
I skipped more of the flowery perfume lines from last week but this takes up right where we left off with Poppy and Sam. You can catch that post here before we move on. G’head. I’ll wait.
Back so soon? Great. Here’s the new six from HOME from The Wild Rose Press. I hope you like it. Personally, I love her attitude.
Now she stood, hands propped on skinny hips, tapping one black-and-white saddle shoe-clad foot impatiently. “Well?”
Before Sam could think what to say, she shook her head full of springy black curls and knelt to gather vegetables, toothpaste, and toothbrush, along with several other items, in her small hands. “Get me a fresh bag, would ya, honey?”
Finally coming to the realization Poppy wasn’t going away, Sam accepted the new brown paper bag the cashier mutely offered. His eyes avoided the people watching him—the man from the local newspaper office, and Mrs. Deever with her two youngsters.
There you have it. It just gets better from here but I’ll have to let you read the story since it’s a novella and too much… You get the idea. 
Thanks for coming by the ranch today!
Dodadagohvi~
Six Sentence Sunday first timer
18 Mar 2012 18 Comments
in Blogs, Firemen, Followers, fun, Six Sentence Sunday Tags: Calisa Rhose, Hearts Afire, Pen of the Dreamer, Sean Colby, six sentence sunday, Six Sunday, The Wild Rose Press, wip
Osiyo~
I blame Christine Warner- No, make that thank her- I joined Six Sentence Sunday last week. Well I forgot to post last week, so technically, I guess I joined this week. It’s my first time so be gentle and don’t get in a hurry with me. 
I’m still trying to get the hang of this anomaly that has thousands rushing on Sunday to view dozens upon dozens of writer blogs. You can follow the link I connected to the name and check out the rules. Maybe you’ll want to join in next week! Maybe you’ll want to just hop around to those who have participated. Either way, the link is the way to go. It’s just what it says. Post (6) six sentences of a wip. That’s it. I think I succeeded.
So I’ve been talking a little around cyber space this last week about my latest WIP- work in progress- about a fireman. Yesss I know I write cowboys, but my second love is firemen. I mean, seriously, they risk their lives literally every hour of each day! They work in fire…can you think of a ‘hotter’ hero material example? What’s not to love, I ask?
So I decided to share a little of MY fireman with you today. Now, don’t get used to him, and don’t be jealous. I’m very possessive during the creation stages. His story is, as yet, unfinished. Buuut I can give you a yummy peek.
Sean had a rough year and if you joined me at my cp, Ceri Hebert’s blog last Tuesday you’ll know what I’m talking about. Here he makes reference to that past after a talk with the heroine, Haley Shade, about her daughter, Petra.
I hope you enjoy Fireman, Sean Colby from [working title] Hearts Afire.
“I have to get back to work. Tell Petra hello for me.” He left before he said anything else to upset Haley, but he suspected, by the glint of daggers she aimed at him with his request, it was too late for a save.
Not that it mattered. His saving days were behind him.
For good.
Dodadagohvi~
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Making the Connection: Where am I? What do I hear/smell/see/feel?
28 Feb 2012 16 Comments
in Author guest, book to read, inspirations, Promotion, The Wild Rose Press, Writing Tags: #TWRP, Calisa Rhose, Elf Mage, Lyndi Alexander, making the connection, Pen of the Dreamer, The Wild Rose Press, Writing
Osiyo~
It gives me such pleasure to introduce you all to fellow Wild Rose Press author, and my friend, Lyndi Alexander!
Making the Connection: Where am I? What do I hear/smell/see/feel?
By Lyndi Alexander
Whenever I hear locusts keening, I am immediately transported to summer afternoons visiting my grandmother’s Indiana farm. Once 
I’m on that voyage, I can feel the humidity on my skin, hear the creak of the porch swing, see the beautiful rich green of the corn fields, and experience the feeling of that vacation freedom once again. That single sound can create a whole escape for me wherever and whenever I hear it.
This is what we’re shooting for as writers; that ability to trip a trigger that takes a reader beyond just the description of words into a complete experience. Sense-memory is a great vehicle to get in touch with the human experience, so many of them that we share. Half the work’s done for you if you can hit the right trigger.
Imagine the smell of ginger cookies baking. What does that bring up for you? I’m sure it’s not the same for everyone, but it may trigger memories, rolling over into a complete experience that your reader will take along into your story. Is it grandmother’s kitchen, a feeling of safety, that childhood sense of expectation? Is that what you’re going for in your scene? Maybe that’s enough. Your character is nervous about living in a new apartment building, but stops outside the neighbor’s apartment to inhale the spicy aroma of fresh-baking cookies, allowing his senses—and the reader’s—to cuddle him into that safe, warm place.
Maybe that’s not where you’re going.
Depending on the groundwork you’ve laid, it could be possible that your character connects fresh-baked cookies with something very different, perhaps something much darker. What if your character’s mother only baked after psychotic breaks when she viciously abused her children? Obviously his reaction will be very different. That probably plays against your reader’s comfort zone, which generates a new stream of thinking that helps them relate with your individual story.
That moment of connection often happens when we hear a particular song. Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” debuted during my first month of law school. All I need to hear are those first notes and I “reappear” on the U of Miami campus, a single mom beginning classes after six years out of school, unsure what the heck I’m doing with myself. What about the songs they played at your wedding? At the reception, when you had your first dance? While you can’t print a song’s entire lyrics without proper permissions, titles are fair game, and can set a mood.
How about “Pomp and Circumstance”? Can’t you feel the pageantry of a graduation? Or any one of a number of athletic fight songs? Plop you down right in the middle of a sports event. “Here Comes the Bride?” Blessing or nightmare, depending on the marital status of your character and if she’s the one in the horrible orange bridesmaid dress!
All the senses apply—don’t forget the chill of an unheated basement, shadows dark in the corners, maybe damp walls with green mold growing on them, or a desert heat so hot the dry air sucks your breath away. Good description of place and setting, using all the senses, increase the chances that you will reach right into a reader’s heart and background and create that full, rounded picture of a place and time.
In Lyndi Alexander’s latest urban fantasy book, THE ELF MAGE, she uses her setting, the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, to help create both blessings and obstacles for her characters as they deal with the environment and the frozen winter months, both humans and elves. Find out more at her blog http://lyndialexander.wordpress.com/ THE ELF MAGE is available in ebook and print at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and other resources—find them all here: http://www.dragonflypubs.com/dfp/elfmage.html
Excerpt:
An unknown time later, Daven’s attention wandered back into present focus when someone called his name.
Daven….where are you? I need to find you.
The voice was female, soft, whispery, like a lover. His thoughts wrapped around the voice, just a mental touch. Whoever called was not with him in the cave. He knew it, even without opening his eyes. But she was persistent.
Daven, please!
Who could be calling? Linnea’s spirit? Veraena? Djana? Who would seek him out? I am here.
I’m coming. The voice was tentative, unsure. I need you.
Daven considered the flavor of the voice, the tendrils of personality that attached to it. His earlier thoughts of Veraena didn’t fit with the tone of the request. Even in her younger days, she’d been a force to reckon with. This contact seemed much less sure of herself. Not Djana, either, then.
Daven?
He sensed a soul traveling through the woods, feet heavy in thick-soled boots, leaning on a heavy stick to help her through the deep snow over the rough parts. Where was she? He couldn’t see through her eyes, but he could feel her feelings. She was afraid, sure she was lost, far from home, and determined to find him. Then he knew.
Iris.
*****
You can find Lyndi on the web at these locations; http://clanelvesofthebitterroot.com or http://lyndialexander.wordpress.com
and buy her book; http://www.dragonflypubs.com/dfp/elfmage.html
Thank you for coming to the ranch, Lyndi! This is a great post. Don’t ya’ll agree? Care to share your inspirations with us?
Dodadagohvi~
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NaNo and LaVerne Clark
31 Jan 2012 28 Comments
in Author guest, TWRP, Writing Tags: Calisa Rhose, giveaway, Guardian of the Jewel, guest, LaVerne Clark, NaNoWriMo, Pen of the Dreamer, The Wild Rose Press
Osiyo~
It is my distinct pleasure to have my TWRP sister and friend, LaVerne Clark on the ranch today. It has come and gone without my participation once again. Not so for LaVerne! She took on NaNoWriMo for the first time this last November and came to share her experience.
Welcome, LaVerne! Why don’t you start by telling why you’re here?
My name is LaVerne and I’m no longer a NaNoWriMo virgin. Whoo, boy! Does that ever feel good!
Each year, November came and went without my participation or even the possibility I’d sign up. You see, here is the ugly truth…I’m a lazy writer and the Queen of procrastination. I loved the idea of writing furiously for a month with other like-minded madmen and women, but there were always reasons why I couldn’t. My three-year old needed mummy’s attention; I was helping with school excursions for my son; the dog needed a walk or my house needed tidying – oh – and I needed my sleep. All very valid excuses, but that’s what they were. Excuses.
One day, a couple of online writer buddies of mine mentioned they were going to do the upcoming NaNoWriMo and would I like to do it with them? Out came the excuses – and I had a new good one too. My second book had been accepted and I was expecting edits sometime during the month of November. Why start something I may not be able to finish? And then it hit me. I was being negative! I’ve always prided myself on being a positive person, and the reality I wasn’t when it came to one of my greatest loves gave me a start. So without thinking too much more on, I found myself signing up. Gulp! Now there was no going back, at least in my mind. Have I mentioned I hate to leave anything unfinished?
Well – it was the best thing I could have done at that stage of my writing career. I wrote religiously every day and night and finished with just over the 50K requisite. What a buzz! And I was so thrilled to celebrate with those special writing buddies who’d succeeded too. One had even powered through to over 100K! We’d done it!
So, did I write the next bestseller during the month of November? Uh, no. Definitely not. But that was not the point of the exercise for me. Instead, it taught me a great deal about what I was capable of and reminded me of my love for the written word. Even though the pressure was on – I had so much fun! Maybe one day I’ll revisit my novel and rework it, or maybe not. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. All that matters is I proved to myself I can make time for myself each day to write and to make realistic goals. Now I know what I can achieve, suddenly the idea of writing three books a year is more than doable. How exciting is that? Bring it on!
How about you? Are you a NaNoWriMo virgin? What’s holding you back? Or are you an old pro and what was the experience like for you?
I’ll be giving away an e-book of my first book, Guardian of the Jewel (a romantic suspense) to a lucky commenter.:) Good luck!
Woot! A give away! Where can readers find you?
Blog: Novel Natterings
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaVerneClark
That is a great cover, too. Thanks for visiting LaVerne!
Come back next Tuesday, Feb 7th when I’ll have Soulmate Publisher author and my critique partner, Donna Shields, back to share her latest release!
Dodadagohvi~
I write contemporary and paranormal romance, with sensuality as the key ingredient and spice for kick.
