Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Critique - thumbs up or thumbs down


by Maggie Toussaint
In the beginning, I thought I knew how to write a book. But it wasn't until I joined a critique group (and began to swim with the big fish) that I learned how much more there was to book writing. I learned a lot from my first group, good stuff and bad.

First the good stuff: when a word/phrase/scene brought comment from more than one person in the group, it needed additional work. When I felt the need to explain a passage at our critique meetings, I hadn't done a good enough job in the book and it needed more work.

The bad stuff wasn't so bad. For me, the worst part was getting conflicting input. I had a tendency to want to please everyone and I spent a year rewriting a book to everyone's satisfaction. When I finished it, I hated it and there was no coherent voice.

Which brought home another lesson. I learned it was important for me to complete a book before I brought it to critique. Then I was certain of where the story was going and who the characters were.

I lost a year doing that group-pleasing book, but I gained back my focus. Critique is a good way to sharpen your work, a good way to check for repetitions, for craft essentials, and story.

Since that first group, I've had several online critique partners, and I believe we all learned from each other. Critique isn't for everyone, but it sure helped me. I give it a thumbs up!

Maggie Toussaint
a fresh new voice in Southern fiction

Monday, June 29, 2009

The Magic of Romance?

My Roman historical romance, "Flavia's Secret", has no paranormal elements, but vampires were already sexy and seductive in the classical world. The ancient Greeks knew of a ghost-like creature called Lamia, who seduced young men and sucked their blood. Cute!

And who would be a husband in medieval Europe? There, a wife or partner might 'inspire' their lover by serving a meal laced with ground-up earthworms!


Best wishes, Lindsay
Please visit my blog at http://lindsaysbookchat.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Customer Is Always "Write"

There's an old saying in the retail trade, "the customer is always right."

Mrs. Smith brings back an obviously used item and demands a refund saying she's changed her mind and purchased another brand elsewhere. She's been a good customer for years so the shop owner swallows hard, pastes on a smile, and "cheerfully" hands over the money.

I couldn't help thinking of those words this week as I struggled to please a particularly picky editor.

Most of the time, an extra set of eagle eyes spots mistakes I wish I'd caught myself. I appreciate the opportunity to polish my work before it's published so readers see only my very best work.

Most of the time.

"The customer is always right," I reminded myself as I agonized over the requested revisions. "The customer is always right," I repeated as I gave the piece a final proof before hitting "send."

The editor returned the piece with another full set of requested changes. I couldn't manage to paste on a smile as I grumbled "the customer is always right" over and over again. Finally, I finished and sent it off confidently believing it would prove satisfactory.

No such luck. It bounced back in record time with still another litany of changes.

Not even bothering to repeat the sacred mantra, I somehow managed to force myself through the motions and sent it off for the third time. Luckily, the third time was the charm.

I'm not sure the finished product was superior to what I initially submitted. There's not a shadow of a doubt that the payment won't begin to cover all that extra time and effort.

Maybe, just maybe, I learned something from the agonizing process. Ultimately, the customer (editor) IS always right.

Taking the time to satisfy that customer instead of giving up and sacrificing the sale may well be what separates wannabe writers from published authors.

May the Muse be kind!!

Susanne Rose

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/28-How2-SellPersonalStories.html

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/lucki-in-love-p-342.html
Lucki In Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-christmas-promise-p-315.html
"The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
Keep the spirit of the holidays going strong and take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author: Susannerose@wildrosepublishing.com with “The Christmas Promise” in the Subject Line. You’ll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/forever-love-p-248.html "Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

"Adjusting Entries," coming soon in: http://www.lldreamspell.com/RomanceofmyDreams.html

Poetry

I haven't written many poems, but I do find they are a great source of release when going through troubled times. The first one was written when I woke up one morning after being married for over ten years, and realized...the man lying next to me had become a virtual stranger.


Photobucket


Nothing More

Whispered in my ear
Three small words spoken many times before
My heart does not flutter like the first time
A moment of disbelief
Nothing more

A note left on the table
Signed in the same way as always
I look for some uniqueness in the words
A tear escapes
Nothing more

A letter in my mailbox
Words of endearment as if copied
No unpredictable gesture of kindness
A heavy sigh
Nothing more

A night of lovemaking
Hurried motions without meaning
No shudder reaches my lips
Cry into my pillow
Nothing more

Suitcase ready to depart
Filled with regrets of time lost
The words I love you have no meaning
When they are just words
Nothing more


Adelle Laudan
Copyright 2007

This poem was written during a period of time in my life where I lost one too many friends to the disease of alcoholism. I remember writing this the night of the funeral.

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Rebel Child


Rebel child
Beautiful baby
Born into a life of abuse
Born destined to abuse her life


Rebel child
Always on the run
Not knowing where you are headed
Not knowing where you came from


Rebel child
Such a beauty
Using her smile to find acceptance
Using her smile to accept her reality


Rebel child
Silently weeping
Trying to understand her past
Trying to forget her memories


Rebel child
Easing the pain
Drowning her sorrows in a bottle
Drowning in an ocean of guilt


Rebel child
Always searching
Looking for love in all the wrong places
Looking for a place to call home


Rebel child
Is missing
No one is looking for her
No one knows she is gone


Rebel child
Finds peace
Escape was at the bottom of the bottle
Escape caressed her, took away the pain


Copyright 2005
Adelle Laudan

I don't want you to think my poems are only of sadness and heartache, so I will throw this one in the mix. I think the passion is very obvious.



Photobucket

RIDING IN THE RAIN

Some folks ride in the rain
To wash away their tears
Yearning for days of yesterday
Never shifting gears

They always ride the same old roads
Never venturing into the unknown
Cursing their life for opportunities missed
Crying as they head home

I don’t dwell on days gone by
I took a different route
I look forward to the open skies,
Riding free is what it’s all about

So, I bring to life my iron beast
As quickly as can be
I don’t want to miss a moment in time
There's still too much left to see

I want to feel the winds of time
Blowing in my face
I want to find many new roads
Not happy to be just taking up space

I want to see what's up ahead
Not where I should have turned
Life's too short to have regrets
Just long enough to learn

So when the rain is upon us
When you hear the thunder crack
Go for a ride and cleanse your spirit
Get your life back on track

It's all right to walk down memory lane,
That’s part of who we are
But, today is for the living
To chase a shooting star

The thrill is in the mystery
Not what you already know
In the wind is where it’s happening
Not knowing where you go

Life is riding all the twists and turns
Even when it starts to rain
It’s living in the moment
Ride on or go insane

You can’t see what’s around every corner
Sometimes you have to make a change
The world is yours for the taking
Even when it means riding in the rain


Adelle Laudan
Copyright  2004

I'd also like to share a Sqeeeeee!! moment in my house. My youngest daughter, soon to be 14 years old, graduated grade eight this week. She won two awards. One , Excellence in Visual Arts...and, The Award for Literacy! Was a very proud moment in my life.


Thursday, June 18, 2009

Summer Fun & Summer WORK

Writers who have kids home from school for the summer and writers whose only "kids" have four feet and fur have something in common. Most confess that it's hard to work while the house is full of creatures who don't!

Is noise the primary distraction? Try earphones and your favorite music.

Are you jealous of the splashing in the pool or other summer fun? Try staying up an hour later, getting up an hour earlier (or both) to work and then take a well-deserved break to join in the summer fun.

Keeping lots of low calorie cold drinks handy (like iced tea/herbal fruit infusions, iced coffee, or fresh lemonade/limeade made with artificial sweetener) will help your fingers fly over that keyboard.

And if all else fails ... put those creatures to work. The youngest of children can probably handle a simple task with a bit of guidance. How about those repetitive chores that waste valuable writing time like putting address stickers on query/manuscript envelopes or straightening up the to be read mountain? Older children might enjoy doing some market research (or other research) on the internet.

Those furry "kids" can help too. My dog cocks his head and listens intently when I read my work aloud. I know it's time to revise when he treats me to a bored yawn and walks away!


May the Muse be kind!!

Susanne Rose

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/28-How2-SellPersonalStories.html

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/lucki-in-love-p-342.html
Lucki In Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-christmas-promise-p-315.html
"The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
Keep the spirit of the holidays going strong and take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author: Susannerose@wildrosepublishing.com with “The Christmas Promise” in the Subject Line. You’ll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/forever-love-p-248.html "Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

"Adjusting Entries," coming soon in: http://www.lldreamspell.com/RomanceofmyDreams.html

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Author signing June 20th!

Small


Saturday, June 20, 2009
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Hastings
Street: 917 Hwy. 80
City/Town: San Marcos, TX

TRUSTING DELILAH

Roman Aiza is the second born son of the Aiza clan. He also owns and operates a private security company and has an ongoing contract with one of Florida's most influential residents. He is patrolling at a party when he encounters a woman who will haunt him. A woman who at their first meeting, manages to walk right out of his hands when he follows her for trespassing. She manages to do this without giving Roman a single reason why she is in the depths of the house he is protecting. When he does finally locate her days later, his goal is to prove that his instincts are wrong. She is not the woman that all of his senses are clamoring for.

Yet when the daughter of Roman's largest and closest account is kidnapped and held for ransom, will they be able to build a trust between them? Or will their own secrets keep them apart?
~~
Read a full excerpt here!

Trusting Delilah kept my attention from first word to last. This is a story that grabs all the emotions and the senses.
Judith Rochelle, Author of Cutter's Law and Redemption.


A TRUST EARNED

Selene Aiza is a very compassionate woman by nature, and fiercely protective of those she cares for. A renowned doctor with gentle patient skills, she prefers the wild country of western Oregon and the secluded hospital where she can help the people who truly need her assistance. And in the depths of those wooded wilds she can keep her secrets well hidden.

She is safe until the man she encounters by pure chance becomes the hospital's first choice as co-administrator. Her secrets and her very life fall into jeopardy, and only he can save her. He could also destroy her.
~~
Read a full excerpt here!

fast paced, tightly packed with emotion, mystery and suspense
~Jackie, PNR

Visit my site for more about this book and my work here.

Available now at Barnes & Noble and other retailers near you.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Blogging blues

Sorry to leave you hanging out here in cyberspace so long, Susanne. I'm between releases and hoping I'll have some good news one of these days. I've got a new agent and an invitation for a resubmission from a publisher. Crossing my fingers that both of those things work out for me.

This summer is a stay-at-home time for us. We traveled to see family in the spring and will do so again in the fall. For now, we're staying put, enjoying the air conditioning.

Maggie Toussaint
a fresh new voice in southern fiction
www.maggietoussaint.com

No Longer Lonely

So wonderful to see so much activity on this blog for a welcome change.

Do you have children (or grandchildren) home for the summer? Keeping them happily occupied and helping them retain what they learned during the school year can be a challenge. Follow this link for some simple (and hopefully useful tips.)

http://www.ehow.com/how_5075746_keep-kids-sharp-schools-out.html

May the Muse be kind!!

Susanne Rose

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/28-How2-SellPersonalStories.html

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/lucki-in-love-p-342.html
Lucki In Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-christmas-promise-p-315.html
"The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
Keep the spirit of the holidays going strong and take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author: Susannerose@wildrosepublishing.com with “The Christmas Promise” in the Subject Line. You’ll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/forever-love-p-248.html "Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

"Adjusting Entries," coming soon in: http://www.lldreamspell.com/RomanceofmyDreams.html

Tuesday, June 9, 2009


Hey everyone! It’s great to be here, and thank you to the SRN team for allowing me on board – especially at such short notice! I don’t usually barrel in at the very last moment, but today is an exception, and what I may have lacked in restraint, I’m sure I’ve more than made up in enthusiasm!

So, you may well be asking, what’s so special about today? Well, first it’s my release day for A Thick Line – a red-letter day for any author, no matter how many books they may have under the belt. Second, it’s also the very first book that I actually designed the cover for, so that’s kind of special to me. Lastly, it’s my first adventure into the realm of “romantic suspense” – something that surprised me, as I didn’t set out to write suspense. It was just there, lurking beneath the surface and slowly but surely demanded a voice…

I was a little alarmed at first – having relatively recently gotten this little head around writing romance, writing suspense seemed a bit of a stretch, and I confess I was a little worried that one would get lost in the other. But, as I’ve since been told, I was worrying needlessly, which just goes to show!

Actually, it was a fascinating journey and I think that, as a writer, I learned a phenomenal amount – not the least of which was the somewhat intriguing discovery that other “elements”, when judiciously used and if they are integral to a story, can actually bring in a whole new dimension that adds layers and creates conflicts that might otherwise not have been possible.

All in all, I had a blast – writing the book, doing the cover, and now seeing it “step out” for the first time. So, here’s the blurb, and you can find an excerpt at: http://www.bookstrand.com/product-athickblackline-13953-330.html

Blurb:

Bo Carmichael has drawn a thick black line around her heart, and with good reason. She has worked hard to overcome the anguish of betrayal and the devastation it wreaked in her family's lives, and she's now close to realizing her dreams. There simply isn't place in this equation for emotional entanglements, especially not with Nic Sinclaire, the only man who has the ability to breach her defenses.
From their first encounter, an impossible chemistry rages between them – a crackling heat that threatens to melt the ice surrounding her.
A bizarre twist makes Nic a constant companion and self-appointed protector. As Bo's barriers shift and crumble, she can no longer ignore the powerful emotions his proximity evokes…

And to celebrate and just for fun, because I’m in the mood, I’m going to add an ARC of A Thick Black Line to the Classic Romance Revival subscriber’s weekly draw for the last week of June (i.e. the short “two-day” week, 29th and 30th June) making it a double prize – A Thick Black Line and The Look.

To enter, simply go to the CRR blog at http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/. Enter your email in the Subscribe2 block in the sidebar and click send. You’ll receive a short story free read, and automatically go into the draw.

See you all again soon. I’m off to celebrate!
Jude
http://www.judahraine.com

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Sometime Life gets in the way...

It was just called to my attention the lack of traffic here on the blog. I for one must apologize for my absence. Sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions.
I have a legitimate excuse though. I am trying to finish up the first draft of Iron Horse Rider 3. Here's a sneak peek for those who might be interested.

Iron Horse Rider 3

Shane spent the morning with Chief Gray Owl washing any trace of winter from their bikes. Spring brought with it the sweet smell of damp earth, and while birds busied themselves making nests, lemon-yellow daffodils and pink and white tulips pushed upwards toward the sun—nature awakening in all its’ bounteous glory.

The first ride of the season—anticipation flowed through his veins. Tia insisted
on him taking the maiden voyage with her father. She’d have more than her share of riding once summer came and they left on the bike to parts unknown. The small brass bell hanging from the swing arm glinted—a constant reminder that his father would always be with him.

Tia’s laughter carried on the morning breeze. She strolled with her mother toward the open fire in front of the main wigwam. Soon the village would move to the summer place. Mother and daughter talked animatedly to each other, undoubtedly about preparations for the spring solstice celebration.

The wind stopped, and a silence blanketed the village. In the distance, a wolf howled, and Shane knew without looking that Kelly was here. As expected, the familiar blonde wolf appeared at the barren tree line surrounding the camp. She moved closer, transforming into the gentle spirit of the woman he’d known as his wife. Kelly drifted to Tia’s side and knelt. He hadn’t seen any sign of his wife’s ghost since returning home last fall. His first love smiled and placed a hand over Tia’s stomach. She gave him a knowing nod, her image fading from his view. Her gaze comforted him like a gentle caress, and an undeniable sense of wellbeing came over him.

Is she telling me what I think she’s telling me?


He stared at Tia, noticing the plumpness of her breasts and the rosy glow to her
cheeks for the first time.…
“Did you hear a word I just said?” Chief Gray Owl waved a hand in front of Shane’s face.
Startled, Shane blinked rapidly, and turned to face him. Kelly’s appearance offered him the nudge needed to do what he’d been thinking of doing over the long winter months.
“I want to ask you something, but I’m not sure of the right way to do it.”
“The truth can never be wrong.” Gray Owl laid a hand on Shane’s shoulder. “You should know by now you can ask me anything.”
Shane took a deep breath and met the chief’s puzzled gaze. “I hope you know how much I love your daughter. I wondered if you’d give me permission to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Chief Gray Owl slapped his knee and smiled broadly. “What took you so long? Of course I give you my permission.”
“I want it to be a surprise. Do you think it would be okay to ask her at the Spring Solstice celebration?”
“Okay? It’s more than okay. Wait ‘til her mother hears about this.” He gathered Shane to his chest and hugged him affectionately.
“What’s going on?” Tia stepped toward them, her brow creased.
“Your father is a little excited to be going for the first ride of the season.” Shane wasn’t proud the lie came so easily.
Tia shook her head and smiled. “Sometimes you two act like little boys.”
Shane stood and kissed her flushed cheek. He took the pail of water from her. “Let me carry this for you.”
Her gaze narrowed suspiciously. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you two were up to something.”
He put an arm around her and pulled her to his side. “Where do you want this? We’ll be taking off soon.”
“I am more than capable of carrying my own water. You two better get a move on while the sun is high.”
She reached for the pail only to have Shane firm his hold on it. “Where do you want it?”
Tia threw up her hands. “Follow me, if you insist.”
Shane followed the swing of her hips to the side of the main wigwam where they washed dishes. His heartbeat quickened at the prospect of asking her to be his wife. He never dreamed he’d marry again after the tragedy of losing Kelly. Ironically, it was Kelly who gave him permission to love again. He set the pail down next to the table and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Are you sure you don’t mind if me and Chief go for a ride?” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“Would it matter if I did?” She laughed and pushed him back. “Go on with you. It will be mighty chilly once the sun sets.”
“We’ll be back long before then.” He matched her suspicious gaze and stepped forward to kiss her lightly on the forehead. “Don’t be carrying those heavy buckets. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
“I’ve been carrying these buckets since I was old enough to walk. Are you sure you’re not up to something? You’re acting rather strange.”
Shane spun on his heel, cursing himself for being so over protective all of a sudden. He opted not to tell her of Kelly’s visit—at least not now. He waved back at her. “We’ll be back in time to eat.”
Without looking back, he knew she was watching him, wondering why he was acting the way he was. He’d have to be careful if he wanted to keep it a secret. He smiled broadly.

I’m going to be a father.

So what's been going on in your life? Aside from writing I had a wakeup call in regard to my health. Tomorrow is the beginning of quitting smoking (hopefully for good this time!) and changing my habits to more healthy, well-balance way of eating. I've set a goal of 50 pounds. I will be held accountable by posting every Sunday on my blog with an update on pounds lost and days smoke free. Feel free to pop by and kick my butt if need be.

I hope to hear from some of the SRN authors here on the blog. I know the loops are slow in relation to chats, but I still enjoy visiting blogs and catching up on all the news.
Does anyone have a new release they want to shout out about? I'd love to hear about it.

Adelle Laudan
http://adellelaudan.com/
http://adellelaudan.blogspot.com/
Do you Twitter? http://twitter.com/AdelleLaudan

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Testing 2, 3, 4 ... Anybody Out There?

Just checked the database and noticed I'm the ONLY blogger signed up for June.

Looks like I'm the only one visiting the Blog site too. No comments and no posts other than mine for quite a while.

Are Sweeter Romantic Notions authors too busy to read, comment, or write for the Blog?

Is this something that's outlived it's usefulness for the group?

May the Muse be kind!!

Susanne Rose

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/28-How2-SellPersonalStories.html

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/lucki-in-love-p-342.html
Lucki In Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-christmas-promise-p-315.html
"The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
Keep the spirit of the holidays going strong and take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author: Susannerose@wildrosepublishing.com with “The Christmas Promise” in the Subject Line. You’ll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/forever-love-p-248.html "Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

"Adjusting Entries," coming soon in: http://www.lldreamspell.com/RomanceofmyDreams.html
 

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