Christina's Writing Buzzz...

WRITING VILLAINS

2012-02-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Antagonist=opponent, competitor, enemy, rival

AKA The Villain

He's the monster under your bed, or in your closet, or in your head; the ghost of Christmas past, a disloyal friend, or a stepmother’s wrath; the ghoul chasing your soul, the zombie craving your flesh, the flaming eye, the pie in the sky, and the genie who offers you a wish!

I am currently reading the “Villains” section of SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS by Alexandra Sokoloff. She does a wonderful job describing the importance of these baddies imperative to any novel. What I found particularly interesting was her suggestion that villains make up half of an entire story’s theme. This makes perfect sense, since theme deals with subtle messages and all those hard choices between good and bad, or in a real tense novel, between bad and worse.

The great Donald Maass, in his book THE BREAKOUT NOVELIST describes the mostly used “Mwoo-ha-ha Villains” as the cardboard variety that never work. He suggests making the antagonist multi-dimensional, so that the reader is swayed in unexpected directions and even accepts the antagonist’s point of view. Writer’s Digest posted a recent article 4 TECHNIQUES FORCREATING BELIEVABLE VILLAINS which uses strategies taken from James Scott Bell’s CONFLICT & SUSPENSE. These strategies also suggest giving the antagonist a sympathy factor in order to lend a powerful current of emotion to the experience.

I’ve been working on the back story of my “villain” and learning all kinds of interesting tidbits to use in my novel. The more I understand the reason for the antagonist’s bad behavior, that more I can “grow” the story and all its juicy conflicts. I feel sorry for my protagonist just thinking about it!

Zombie Apocalypse--for Honeybees

2012-01-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

Some say truth is scarier than fiction. I have to agree. When I read the recent news article about a parasite turning honeybees into "Zombies", I wondered if there might be something to the zombie apocalypse hype after all.

Evidently, a parasitic phorid fly--Apocephalus borealis--hijacks the bees' bodies, burrows into and nests in their stomachs, causing them to exhibit zombie-like behavior. The infected bees walk in circles, some pursue bright light, many lose the ability to stand on their feet, others flee their hives, and all of them eventually die. My first reaction to reading about this gruesome attack was...EW! My second was, Crap, yet another threat to our bees! and my third reaction was, Okay, so maybe the discovery is the missing link to understanding Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)--that mysterious phenomena taking out our honeybees.

This same, new, parasite is also attacking the bumblebee population. Scientists are studying whether or not this parasite is an additional stressor on the honeybee, contributing to CCD, or if it might actually be the primary cause of CCD. Whatever role it plays, one thing is for certain: we must, if we value all that is good in nature, all that is good on our dinner table, save our precious bees from turning into zombies.

Books--A History

2011-12-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

Long, long ago, in a world without e-book technology, way before the printing press, the world's oldest book was made. I'm not talking cave drawings or clay tablets, which depict the first "writings", but the very first official "book". In 600 BCE the North Italian Etruscans created a book of 24-karat gold with six illustrated gold pages joined by gold rings. Wow. I think it's pretty darn cool that the ancestor of all books was something so special, so valuable, and so symbolic of how books would be treasured by humankind.

Relatives of the books we know today also include one from China dating back to 868 CE, made from carved wooden blocks, and many others were created from scrolls of leather or parchment. It wasn't until the mid-1400's that Johann Gutenberg invented the movable-type printing press and published the first mass-produced book--the Gutenberg Bible. A whopping 200 copies were made, and an estimated 21 complete copies exist today, each valued between $25-$35 million dollars (cha-ching!).

(picture of Chinese Bamboo Book)

With the printing press, came the start of mass communication. Eventually, everyone could enjoy what only the very rich or very religious (i.e. clergy) had access to. In 1611 the best-selling book of all time was completed--the King James Bible. It celebrated its 400 year anniversary this year with more than 6 billion copies having been published. It was written over a span of 1,000 years by more than 40 authors. Of course the first bibles were mighty expensive and actually chained to the front pulpit of churches to prevent theft. It was the first English bible printed in the U.S., and whether or not you're a bible buff, many of our common phrases come from it. Here are just a few:

Fell flat on his face (Numbers 22:31)
To everything there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
At their wits' end (Psalms 107:27)
Labour of love (Hebrews 6:10)
In the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52)
Strait and narrow (Matthew 7:13-14)
Apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:10)
The root of the matter (Job 19:28)

And my favorite:

The skin of my teeth (Job 19:20)

:-D

A Snow White Kinda Year

2011-11-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

So, I've recently been watching the new ABC Television series "Once Upon A Time" with Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White (I won't post the trailor here, since I'm already posting two movie trailers). All things fairy tale appeal to me, so when this show aired I knew it'd be a new favorite. The last episode included Cinderella (my childhood fav) and they've done a spectacular job with Rumplestiltskin and the evil queen.

Then while watchiing previews at the movie theater the other day, I saw the trailor for "Snow White and the Huntsman" starring Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron. Oh Joy!!

And I just caught another trailor for "Mirror Mirror" (this one is much more comic-like), starring Lily Collins and Julia Roberts.

So, I'd say we are rolling into a Snow White Kinda Year.

Embrace The Suck

2011-11-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo days 3, 4, & 5 have been a bit more challenging than the first 2 days, when my word count was right on par. One highlight for these past 3 days was attending my first regional "Write In". The leader and ten writers showed up a local coffee shop Friday night where we all wrote for a few hours. One great NaNo slogan that was brought up was "Embrace The Suck" (basically, embrace the fact your writing is gonna suck, but let it, so you can at least get that first draft down). Encouraging advice for an obsessive editor type like me.

The leader initiated a couple of "sprints", where we competed to write as many words as we could in five minutes. That got me a couple hundred words each "sprint", and I totaled 1,000 words while at the Write In. One really cool thing I notice about being under pressure is the reduced time I have to question what comes next in my story. When put under the gun, I'm amazed at how my fingers tap away and the story moves forward at a pace I never knew possible.

I'm still playing catch-up with my word count (still close to a day behind), but I'm not discouraged. I'll just keep tapping away...no looking back...ever Embracing The Suck.

NaNoWriMo--Days 1 & 2

2011-11-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, for a new-bee (pun intended) at NaNoWriMo, I'm feeling pretty jazzed. This "write 1,700 words a day" thing is a whole new experience for me. Never before have I written to the ticking of the clock. But so far, the pressure has done me well. I've already achieved my quota for two days with words to spare, Woot-Woot! As soon as the word-counter-Nano-widget is available I'll post it and keep it up to date.

Probably the hardest thing for me at this point is to push ahead without going back to edit. Oh, I've fixed a word or two, but all in all I'm really trying to discipline myself to just get the words down. Since I had already started the manuscript (about 50 pages/15,000 words in) before NaNo, I was already heading into the Middle Zone (aka Act 2, Part 1). My young adult manuscript should total out at about 60,000+ words (200+ pages) when it's finished, so NaNo should take me all the way to the end. Hard to believe it's possible, but I'm being extra open-minded about this ;-D

Would love to hear how others are doing? Or how you did with a past NaNoWriMo.

Preparing for NaNoWriMo

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

October is the month for gearing up before NaNoWriMo hits like a storm in November. I haven't participated in this yet (After 6 years of novel writing, I'm really late in the game!) I've already planned on setting my alarm extra early in the morning to pull this off while maintaining my "day job" and making sure everyone has food in the fridge and clean underwear.

I'm what is referred to as a pantser (writing from the seat of my pants without outlining beforehand). This method can take a bit longer (or so I've heard), but I have found some useful advice that helps both pantsers and outliners alike. In reading through the articles at StoryFix.com, I actually had light bulbs going off over my head with regards to the climax of my new WIP. Also Martha Alderson's You Tube series is a great general guide to plot structure, and a good companion to the tips at StoryFix. I think if a "pantser" writes while keeping important elements in mind, the first draft will be a better mold to work with. And I'm eager to give it a go!

From StoryFix.com the post Nail Your NaNoWriMo

Martha Alderson Plot Series on You Tube.

Also, Scrivener for PC is due out November 1st (just in time for NaNoWriMo). This program is a dream for outliners, and for pantsers it works as an awesome revision tool.

The Doctor is in the House

2011-09-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Check out Kristen Lamb's blog post The Doctor is in the House--Novel Diagnostics for a great article on those ever-important first pages. She is also offering critiques for her winning picks. Her books: We Are Not Alone--The Social Guide to Media and Are You There, Blog? It's Me Writer (love the twist on the Judy Blume title!)

Indie & E-Pub Revolution

2011-09-26T14:23:00.001-07:00

Publishing has certainly made a great shift. The annual San Francisco Writer's Conference Contest is proof in the pudding. Changes were made in 2011 and will continue with the 2012 contest. Instead of the traditional format, the winner receives $30,000 in self-publishing and promo services. Let's read that again, "self-publishing". What used to be an ugly word in publishing has changed. And e-books are at the heart of this change.

The tide of e-books has come in, giving authors a new sea of opportunity. Statistics posted last week by Harris Interactive show that 1/6 Americans use an e-reader, with 1/6 likely to purchase one in 6 months. Agents and publishers alike are being pushed toward these new e-waters. Publisher's Weekly posted today, "Trident Media launches E-Book program for its Clients"

E-publishing has opened the doors big time to writers who have not been able to publish traditionally. This has put more responsibility on the readership to determine if stories are worthy or not. Interesting shift.

If you want more on this subject, check out WOW!'s post on the E-Publishing Revolution

Susan Salluce, debut author of "Out Of Breath"

2011-09-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Interview with debut author (and friend & crit partner) Susan Salluce, whose book Out of Breath is available on all e-book formats: ipad, Nook, Reader, Kindle, iphone, and soon to be available in hard copy.

Out of Breath is an exploration of parental grief, addiction, compassion fatigue, and suicide; it’s the prodigal story of grace undeserved. Salluce’s expertise as a psychotherapist and grief specialist enables her to create dynamic characters that will leave you breathless as you jeer their shadow sides and cheer their heroic journeys.

So, what inspired you to write your first book?

I was working as a grief therapist, and while I adored my clients and worked very hard on my specialty, I felt a dark cloud over me. A friend/colleague introduced me to the term, Compassion Fatigue. Essentially, I was burned out. While in a group meeting of therapists one morning, the question was asked, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” I exclaimed, “I’d write a book!” Three months later, I resigned. Nine months later, I birthed my first draft of Out of Breath. I’d always wanted to write; fear of failure held me back.

I love that quote! Very inspiring.

What do you find particularly challenging about the writing process?

To stay present. To shut out the noise around me, whether it be my “to do” list, laundry, a Costco run, exercising, “shoulds.” The worst: what if this isn’t…funny enough, impacting anyone, doesn’t attract an agent, the market doesn’t pick up, blah, blah, blah. It’s so important to write because I love to write. And I do so love to write…it feeds my soul!

I know exactly what you mean, writing is our soul food.

What is the best part of the writing process?

When I make an emotional connection with my reader. My goal in writing Out of Breath, publishing articles about parental bereavement and holiday grief, my short stories about my father's Alzheimer's disease, our family's experience with suicide, are to touch someone and perhaps help a person feel less alone in his or her grief. Just yesterday a friend said she read my short story, The Veil, off of my blog, and came away with a sense of being understood and also understanding me; this sense of being human and connected. This is what I loved about being a therapist, and miss, and can now pour into my writing.

And one of the great reasons most of us write: to touch/connect with others on an emotional level.

Who is your favorite author and what is it about his/her work that you love?

Really? One!! I can’t. Two. My first is Anne Lamott because she is quirky, brutally honest, transparent, her writing brings me to out loud laughter or streaming tears, she says four letter words AND she loves Jesus and she understands grace. I have read all of her books. Twice. Her writing instruction book, Bird by Bird, is my writing Bible. If I can learn to keep the mice in the jar who are tapping at the glass, wanting to scream out that ‘I’m not good enough,’ then I’ll be okay for one more day. My second favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Her characters, ability to build suspense, add tension, and sneak in plot twists, well, I never tire of her novels. Plus, when I’ve written her emails, she actually answers them.

Both awesome authors with very different styles. Bird by Bird is a writer’s best friend, and every Jodi Picoult novel I’ve read has held me prisoner until the last word!

What is the greatest piece of wisdom you ever received?

Writing wise, it’s that I have to develop thick skin and be able to welcome critiquing and criticism. Now, this did not come easy. I am sensitive, cry easy, pour my soul into my writing, and so, when my first draft came back looking as though a red pen leaked all over it, I wanted to put it through the shredder, throw the covers over my head, and toss my laptop into the garbage. Fast forward to the present, I get a critique back, see those red marks, and exclaim, “Yes! That is so right on. How did I not see that?” It’s a process, for sure. I’m still sensitive and cry easily, but not over a critique. Oh, and I have an amazing editor and writing partner, thank you Jordan and Christina.

I’m with ya, girlfriend!

What is one ‘random’ fact about you?

I try to sneak in a name or special personality trait of people who are close to me into each of my stories. When you read Out of Breath, my upcoming book, No Ordinary Girl, and even some of my short stories, you just might find your name popping up or a personality trait shine through! No, I don't reveal your inner secrets.

Using real life people to inspire you is a great technique (and pretty cool for those of us who spot "ourselves" peeking out from your story).

What new project are you working on?

I’m juggling a few. One is a humorous, chic-lit book with a twist of self-discovery titled No Ordinary Girl. I’m about 75% through my first draft and hope to complete the rest by January. The second is a parenting book for spiritually minded parents of tweens and teens who are struggling with giving over their kids to a social media frenzy world and who want to reclaim their family time. Although the book tackles strong issues, the writing is light, humor-filled, and keeps it real. My third project takes me back to my roots of grief work in that I’ll be a contributing writer for a post-vention program for the bereaved by suicide. I continue to look for ways that I can serve my community and when this writing opportunity popped up, it was a great fit.

Sounds like a nice balance to work on a light-hearted project and a more serious one at the same time. And I can attest to the laugh-out-loud humor in the light-hearted one J

Can we look forward to book tours/author signings for Out of Breath?

Absolutely! I will have traditional books available in November in time for Christmas gifts. Local bookshops, cafes, art council groups, and local libraries have expressed interest in having author readings and book signings. I will keep everyone posted on my blog and Facebook. Additionally, I will be visiting bookstores and libraries in Santa Cruz County, as this is the setting of my novel. After that, I’ll branch out and introduce myself to Bay Area Bookstores and libraries. If anyone’s up for a road trip, let me know!

You know I’m in!

Thank You so much, Susan, for sharing a bit about your writing journey.

Thank you, Christina. You are a terrific writing partner, editor extraordinaire, and all-around-awesome girlfriend!

Swimming the Depths of Research

2011-09-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

The past couple of months, I have immersed myself in research for my newest YA novel. I'd like to count time spent doing this as time spent "writing", but that can be a dangerous conclusion to make. Hours spent researching, however helpful, are hours I'm not putting ink to paper for my book. That said, research is an imperative aspect to the writing process.

I found a great article at Writer's Digest, called "How to Use Fact in Your Fiction" One quote I liked, by author David Hewson, was, "The reason we use truth in fiction is so we can tell a bigger, better lie." Believability is key, even in the most far-fetched story. Facts woven in just the right way help accomplish this goal. The trick, if the goal is to write a novel in a timely manner, is to not get too swept away in all those interesting facts, and actually write the story.

Personally, I try to balance it out. Research some, write some, research, write, etc. etc. If I find myself in a good writing flow and a "fact" holds me up, I use a good old highlighter pen or Word's highlighter feature to mark where I need to go back to later. I'm also looking forward to NaNoWriMo in November, when I'll be spending every minute I can just writing.

Novel Contest Rundown

2011-08-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

This post is a preview of what I will be routinely updating on my Events page. All contests are for NOVELS, and listings are geared toward those that accept Young Adult Novels. I can attest to contests providing great feedback, adding to your bio, and giving that ever-appreciated validation we writers seek. Aside from monetary gain, prizes can include critiques from literary agents, editors, and/or other writing professionals; an excerpt of your "award-winning" ms published by contest host(s); lifetime bragging rights; and the best prize of all--a full publishing contract. Some contests are free, others have minimal cost (I'd be watchful of those charging more than $50).

And always, always, always read the rules and fine print carefully before submitting.

Contests for Fall 2011

Gateway to the Best Contest Hosted by Missouri RWA. Six categories to submit under, including YA. $20 for MoRWA members, $30 for non-members. Grand prize is $100 + FULL MS Critique. Deadline to submit is September 9th

SWFRW Hold Me Thrill Me Contest 5 categories, including young adult. Must contain romantic element. $25 entry fee, 1st place prize $50 + Cert. of Achievement. Deadline to submit is September 11th

Anderbo Novel Contest sponsored by The Mercer Street Books Fiction Prize FREE. Prize is $500 + excerpt published for 6 months on Anderbo. Deadline to submit is September 21st

Hackney Literary Awards $30 novel entry fee. Prize is $5,000. Deadline to submit is September 30th

Mslexia Novel Competition this one from the UK costing £25. Prize is £5,000. Deadline to submit is September 30th

2011 Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest (Link goes to 2010 winners page--2011 contest page not up yet) Hosted by Gotham Writers' Workshop. Will be accepting entries in October

Contests for Winter/Spring 2012 (only 1 so far...)

James Jones Fellowship Contest Hosted by Wilkes University. $25 fee + extra $3 to submit online. First place winner receives $10,000 + excerpt published in Provincetown Arts + cost of transportation to conference (must attend conference to accept award). Two runner ups to receive $750. Deadline to submit is March 1, 2012.

Please share any not listed here :-D

Hooked

2011-08-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

"HOOKED" by Les Edgerton is getting my vote for another great writing resource. The book concentrates on the all important start of a story, and really identifying those key elements required to hook your reader and keep them reading all the way through. Three distinct aspects every writer should be able to identify in his/her mss is the Inciting Incident, the Surface Problem, and the Story-Worthy Problem. It's amazing to really sit down and hash out this magical trio. Not only do they help identify the true bones of the story, they show the writer how to propel the story forward in the most powerful way. The author goes onto to explain a number of other elements including structure, set up, back story, foreshadowing, etc.

Another worthwhile resource for any writer's collection!

GUTGAA Week 4 Novel Critique Contest

2011-07-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

For the final week of the Gearin' Up To Get An Agent Blog-o-Rama on Deana Barnhart's Blog, writers are to post their first 200 words of a completed YA, MG or PB manuscript and hop around to each other's blogs to give feedback. After using that feedback, we all submit our final versions for review, and a chance to win critiques from Literary Agent Kathleen Rushall and author Monica B.W.

Title of Book: Arrow of the Mist
Genre: YA Fantasy
First 200 Words:

~~Koun’s~~ Her hound's ~~howl~~ bark alerted Lia to the pair of horses charging up the path. ~~She~~ Lia squinted in the dusky light and recognized Da’s friend, Kenneth, upon one horse. Then her insides went cold. Across the other horse’s back lay Da’s limp body.

Lia dropped the harvested mallow root and sped from her garden to the cottage, her hound darting ahead. Ma’s scream shot like ~~arrows~~ a bolt through her ~~heart~~, but Kenneth’s words, “He’s alive, Carin,” offered Lia a morsel of hope.

Kenneth carried him into the cottage, and Lia caught a glimpse of Da’s torn and bloodied clothing. “I’ll fetch Granda,” she cried, and hurried to her filly.

Clad in her usual boy’s breeches and high leather boots, Lia raced her horse down the path with her heart pounding in rhythm to the hoof beats. Stay strong, Da! Just a little longer, and Granda will be there to heal you.

Why hadn’t ~~the~~ her dreams forewarned her? They showed her when the mares or ewes would give birth, or when visitors were coming from afar, but her fate-dreams had failed to give a timely warning for Da.

SCBWI Summer Workshop

2011-07-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

I attended the 4 day writers workshop hosted by SCBWI this past weekend at the beautiful Dominican University in San Rafael. The wonderful Abigail Samoun, literary agent at Red Fox Literary, and author Suzanne Morgan Williams taught the workshops. With so many talented writers in attendance, it was fantastic to hear read-alouds and verbal critiques. Each attendee got a one-on-one critique of their current WIP with either Abigail or Suzanne. I had the pleasure of speaking at length with Abigail, receiving useful feedback and sharing ideas.

The annual workshop will be changing their venue next year, and word around the lunch table is that it will be changed to a one day "event", with the option for writers to make a weekend of it on their own. Something to pencil in on your calendar for next year ;-)).

Auntie B's Book Club Blogfest Contest

2011-07-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Brenda Drake Writes is hosting a blogfest where 4 awesome YA readers will be critiquing our work. Before we send in our "official" submissions, we post a log line and the first 250 words of our mss for other writers in the contest to critique. Entries for the contest are accepted until June 20th.

Title: Arrow of the Mist
Genre: YA Fantasy

My 35-word Pitch:

Saving her beloved father is all 15-year-old Lia hopes to do after barbed roots emerge from the woods and attack him, until Lia learns the person she reveres the most is behind the murderous roots.

MY REVISED PITCH: Saving her beloved father is all 15-year-old Lia hopes to do after barbed roots emerge from the woods and attack him, until she's enticed to serve the master behind the roots instead.

First 250 Words:

Koun’s howl alerted Lia to the pair of horses charging up the path. She squinted in the dusky light and recognized Da’s friend, Kenneth, upon one horse. Then her insides went cold. Across the other horse’s back lay Da’s limp body.

Lia dropped the harvested mallow root and sped from her garden to the cottage, her hound darting ahead. Ma’s scream shot like arrows through her heart, but Kenneth’s words, “He’s alive, Carin,” offered Lia a morsel of hope.

Kenneth carried him into the cottage, and Lia caught a glimpse of Da’s torn and bloodied clothing. “I’ll fetch Granda,” she cried, and hurried to her filly.

Why hadn’t the dreams forewarned her? They showed her when the mares or ewes would give birth, or when visitors were coming from afar, but her fate-dreams had failed to give a timely warning for Da.

She blazed across waves of shamrock green hills dotted with the ancient quartz towers unique to Rockberg. She turned down the main road and rushed into the heart of the village. A few villagers lifted curious eyes, but many only cast contemptuous glances her way.

Gearin' Up to Get an Agent Blog O Rama--Week 2

2011-07-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of the Blog O Rama hosted by Deana Barnhart is under way with a Story Chain. We are given assignments and times to post by, basing our post on the excerpt(s) before ours, and each person has to come up with something in as little as 15 min. With the creative juices of so many writers, the final story is sure to be great!!

For the excerpt before me go to A.E. Martin

My assignment:
Have the MC interact with someone or something.
Your words are: tv, chest, brace

They entered the forest and the little flashlight flickered until it died. "Oh no!" Dio said, as darkness enveloped them.

"I was afraid of that," Roddan said. "Electronics don't work in a fae forest."

Dio thought about using her magic light to guide them, but her mother had warned her to use it sparingly, else she'd become sleepy.

"We need a torch," Dio said.

They felt around and Roddan found a stick. Recalling a TV episode of Survivorman, Dio gathered enough Spanish Moss at the base of a tree to wrap around the stick.

"Now for a spark," she said, bracing herself for the tingle in her body. She focused her light toward the moss until it lit.

"You did it!" Roddan said.

Dio eyed Roddan over the flames and gasped. His shirt was missing and strange markings glowed upon his chest.

For the next excerpt go to Suspending Disbelief

Gearin' Up to Get an Agent--Week 1

2011-07-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oooh, getting this post in a bit late in the day, but here's my "greatest, dumbest, weirdest...just whatever kind of writing question you have" question for the Gearin' Up to Get an Agent Blog O Rama (see widget in sidebar):

I still get a bit perplexed by the difference between Fantasy and Magical Realism. I believe fantasy has lots of magical elements and magical realism has 1 or 2 magical aspects in an otherwise normal world. Any other feedback on this? I'd love some comparison titles :-))

Pottermore Excitement

2011-07-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just found this site: POTTERMORE which is an online Harry Potter "experience" due out in October for everyone (and some gaining entry beforehand). With the last movie coming up, I was becoming a bit wistful. The Harry Potter saga can't be finished, I thought. And then, in a random suggestion by twitter, I found Pottermore. Yessss, the magic isn't ending after all!
For me, Harry Potter spoke to that little girl inside me, the one who believed in unicorns, who dressed up like a witch every Halloween, who read every fairy tale she could get her hands on, and who dreamed of living in a castle. It also spoke to the adult me, which still believes in unicorns, reads fairy tales, dreams of castles, and has a couple of pointed hats tucked away should the need arise <<:-]

Pixar's movie "Brave"

2011-06-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Check out this trailor for Pixar's new movie "BRAVE", due out in 2012. Boy-oh-boy, is this right up my alley. ;-))

Mister Deep Blue Sea...of Writing

2011-06-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Mister Deep Blue Sea is quite analogous to where my writing takes me. I don't know if it's the same for other writers, but the more I write, the deeper the waters become. I tread the shallows for awhile, drawing from the most memorable experiences/feelings, and then once I've swam those till my fingers are good and pruned, I delve deeper, and after that, a little deeper, until... I start to recall experiences and feelings I'd long forgotten about, some great, others not so great, but all of them treasures of emotion to use in my writing. So, swim on, I say, into that deep blue sea... ~~~ ><> ><> ~~~ ~~~

(On a side note, Mae West worked in Hollywood the same time as my great, great Uncle Frank Capra ;-))

Rachel A. Dillon

2011-06-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

Rachel A. Dillon, writing buddy and author/illustrator Extraordinaire, wrote and illustrated her first book Through Endangered Eyes, published in 2009, and is working on her second book Through Desert Eyes, due for release in 2012. For a full interview with Rachel, hosted by another writing buddy Extraordinaire, head on over to Angelic Muse.

Preston Castle, Spooky Field Trip!

2011-06-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Us writing gals took a field trip to Ione, Ca. and toured one of the oldest reform schools in America. Built in 1894, Preston Castle housed boys as young as 12 (these 'wards' were taken from the Folsom and San Quentin prison systems) and some orphans as young as 7.

The place was highly self sufficient. The boys grew their own food, raised livestock, and learned trades such as blacksmithing, butchering, and baking. But tragedies abounded here. Many of the boys died from diseases, such as small pox and yellow fever. One boy was shot and killed by a guard during his 3rd escape attempt, and in the 1950's a maid was brutally murdered.

Ghost hunters from all around visit "The Castle", and many claim strange happenings. There were definately a few spots within that sent shivers up my spine... 8-O

Juggling Manuscripts

2011-05-28T07:24:00.001-07:00

So, are you working on more than one manuscript at a time, or do you focus on one until it's "finished" (at least the first full draft)?

For me, a little juggling is okay. As ideas spark, I muse about their possibilities for a story and jot them down for future reference. Or when I need a break from the main project--I've hit a crossroads somewhere in the middle or the writing starts to feel sluggish--I find it's a great time to channel my imagination in other directions to help revive the create flow.

Ultimately, though, one manuscript at a time gets the spotlight. It's the one I'm "married" to until the first draft is complete. Flirting with other manuscripts is fun, and ensures there's that next one to jump into the arms of later, but really I'm a one-manuscript kinda gal.

What about you?

The Breakout Novelist--Donald Maass Interview

2011-05-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Donald Maass interview here.

My new mantra: Make your novel bigger, deeper, and more powerful.

The Breakout Novelist expounds on his other 2 books and workbook. I've gained extraordinary insights from all of his books, his day-long Fire in Fiction seminar, and his week-long Breakout Novel workshop.

Don Maass is not only a successful agent, but a truly wonderful teacher.

Imagination

2011-04-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough this past week to explore the beautiful region of southern Utah. I'd seen parts of it before, but not nearly to the extent of this trip. Words cannot express the beauty and awe-inspiring sights with every turn of the road and/or trail. If you haven't done so, put it on your bucket list. Include it right there next to the Grand Canyon or give it its very own well-earned spot.

Along with voracious reading, I believe travel is a superb way to nudge our creativity, and kick writer's block on its proverbial butt! It gets us mousy writers out of our "holes" and broadens our vision. And at the same time, roots us to our source--the deepest well of possibilites. I didn't write on this vacation, but what I did do was think...and let my imagination run wild.

I don't think you have to go too far or spend a whole lot of money on a trip to get this sort of inspiration, but I do think exploring somewhere new piques our natural curiosity and freshens our imaginations.

So take a drive, a walk, or even a swim, anywhere that causes you to wonder what lies beyond the next bend...

SCBWI CA/North Central Spring Spirit Conference

2011-04-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

I volunteered for the first time at the SCBWI Conference on Saturday, and was oh-so glad I did! A looong day beginning at 4:30am and ending after 9:00pm, but well worth it with the helpful workshops, fun with my crit. buds, and dinner afterward with fellow volunteers and fantabulous conference faculty. I sat right beside author Bruce Coville, and enjoyed listening to stories of his 30 years in the writing business. His workshop on Writing Fantasy was especially helpful. One "gem" I took from him was the more deeply you study the source material/the deepest well of all fantasy--which is Mythology and Folklore--the better the story.

Editor Eve Adler from Grosset & Dunlap boiled down "Voice" in her workshop. In five important elements--Diction, Detail, Imagery, Syntax, and Tone--she provided great insight into the one aspect of writing that "Editors can't fix for you".

Lit. Agent Quinlan Lee from Adams Literary read and critiqued first pages. Her dynamic personality and supurb efficiency got through every submission, providing helpful feedback to all.

A memorable and worthwhile event indeed :-D

Video Pitch...Take 50! And remember the "Dom, Dom, Dom Rule"

2011-03-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

So, my friend and fellow writer Angelica R. Jackson was kind enough to offer her video skills to film my video pitch. I honestly don't know how actors manage their nerves and then get through a zillion takes of the same material without tearing their hair out. After numerous attempts, I finally got it right...only to find out I was pushing the wrong remote button and nothing got filmed! But, after a few more attempts, I managed to film one that worked (though my inner critic still sees flaws in my delivery--eyeballs following a cue-card, speaking too fast, etc.) Guess it's a good thing I write instead of act ;-).

One piece of advice Angelica had offered was to rehearse in an extra exaggerated voice, like in a movie trailor, so some of that enthusiasm carries into the actual pitch. She used the famous, "dom, dom, dom" doom-around-the-corner phrase to describe the gist of the exercise. So, I've coined it the Dom, Dom, Dom Rule as a great way to prepare for pitching your work.

To view my first ever video pitch, go here.

Show Me The Voice Blogfest/Contest

2011-03-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Submitting the first 250 words of my completed manuscript to the Show Me The Voice Blogest/Contest

I can either submit as-is, or take comments from fellow bloggers and revise before I submit final version. Any opinions?

Name: Christina Mercer
Title: Arrow of the Mist
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy (traditional)

Chapter 1

A pair of horses charged toward Lia’s cottage. She recognized Da’s friend, Kenneth, Then her insides went cold. Beside him, Da's body lay limp upon his horse.

Lia dropped the harvested mallow root and sped from her garden. Ma’s scream shot like arrows through her heart, but Kenneth’s words, “He’s alive, Carin,” offered her a measure of hope.

Kenneth carried Da into the cottage, and Lia caught a glimpse of his torn and bloodied clothing. “I’ll fetch Granda,” she cried, and hurried to her horse.

Why hadn’t the dreams forewarned her? They presaged when the mares or ewes would give birth, or when visitors were coming from afar, but her fate-dreams had failed to give a timely warning for Da.

Clad in her usual boy’s breeches and high leather boots, Lia raced her horse down the path with her heart pounding in rhythm to the hoof beats.

Stay strong, Da! Just a little longer, and Granda will be there to heal you.

She blazed across waves of shamrock green hills dotted with the ancient quartz towers unique to Rockberg. She turned down the main road and rushed into the heart of the village. A few villagers lifted curious eyes, but many only cast annoyed glances her way.

She jumped off her horse and bolted into the makeshift store where she found her Granda Luis at the counter cutting a bundle of willow-weed. “Come quick, it’s Da!”

Granda’s eyes widened upon her, and he reached for his walking staff. “What’s happened, child?”

Operation Awesome

2011-03-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Another fabulous blog for pitching your work. In fact, one of my crit partners, Nancy Herman, landed her agent posting to this blog ;-D

The current contest required a "twitter sized" pitch (short!!)

Mine is:

Lia must decipher an elixir and defeat the demon who poisoned her da via enchanted tree roots, before she’s convinced to serve the demon.

Pitch University

2011-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm really enjoying a fellow Donald Maass Workshop attendee's blog Pitch University. During the blog's most recent Pitch Fest, one of my crit. partners, Angelica R. Jackson, got a full mss request from the participating agent!! :-))

Currently, Ms. Lorin Oberweger of Free Expressions (and coordinator for the Donald Maass workshops) is teaching an Expert Pitch Class and giving feedback for pitches. Her advice points to honing in on the emotional connection of the pitch.

My original submission was as follows:
Her beloved da and numerous others will perish from the poisons of enchanted, barbed roots unless Lia—a 15-year-old tree mage—deciphers a thirteen-part elixir and defeats the demon shade who controls the roots, before he convinces her she’s destined to serve him.

Lorin's fabulous feedback was:
CHRISTINA:

Nice job communicating the emotional ties as well as the voice of your story (“beloved da” does a great deal of effective work here).

In this case, you have a little wiggle room to break it into a few sentences and give a bit more detail about the world in which the story unfolds. What will happen if the demon is able to convince her to serve him? How might it be compelling to do so?

This doesn’t have to go into your fifty word version, of course, but you might break it into a couple of sentences and expand just a little, trimming out things that are not absolutely critical like “thirteen-part.”

Example: Her beloved da and others in her village will perish from the poisons of enchanted barbed roots unless Lia—a fifteen-year-old tree mage—defeats the demon shade who controls the roots. But he has plans to enslave her instead, offering up her family’s well being as the price for her service.

Or something along those lines. Of course, given a few more words, you might add another line to suggest the greater scope of the story, but this establishes your premise, nicely. Good work!

My final draft after revision is:
Her beloved da and others in her village will perish from the poisons of enchanted barbed roots unless Lia—a fifteen-year-old tree mage—defeats the demon shade who controls the roots. But he has plans to enslave her instead,using the secrets of her grandmother's past as leverage.

Kindle Kraze

2011-02-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is for all those "late birds" like me, just getting an electronic reading device...

I love and adore my "library" of paper books. They provide the perfect ambience for writing and relaxation, and I will forever hoard them like treasures (as well as all my adorable book marks I've collected over the years). But I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying Amazon's Kindle.

The special screen looks surprisingly close to real paper (easy on the eyes)and I purchased a cover with a built in book light. The leather cover makes it feel more like a book and the light works great for my nightly reading. There are tons of FREE downloads available, mostly classics, but also some reference books and games. I downloaded a list of classics I haven't read in years and a bunch I've never read, but am now encouraged to do. Prices for other books are substantially cheaper than buying them hard copy, and downloading is as easy as pushing a couple buttons. And this thinner-than-a-magazine device holds thousands of books!

Another cool feature is emailing PDF files to it. I can email my own documents, including whole or partial manuscripts. The text to speech feature is pretty nifty, too. It's no where near the quality of audio books (sounds "computer-y" and apostrophes seem to hang it up a bit), but it's still nice to have.

So, this book worm has officially turned nerd, though I will still take time to visit those dusty treasures adorning my many shelves.

Author Tips for Writers

2010-12-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

Had a little fun with YouTube today :-D. Check out these tips from a handful of well known writers:

Stephen King

Neil Gaiman

Phillipa Gregory

Stephenie Meyer

Nicholas Sparks

2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest

2010-12-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's here again, the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest! Mark your calenders to submit in the Adult or Young Adult categories on January 24th, 2011. (Is it really going to be 2011 already?!?)
Winners will land a publishing contract with Penguin :-D, so polish, polish, polish up those manuscripts!!

Journaling Thanks

2010-11-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

Writing Forward posted some great journal prompts to show gratitude. Find their site here: Writing Forward

I chose the prompt: Appreciating little things like a sunset or a delicious meal is important to me. Some of the little things that I appreciate are…

Joking around with my kids
Snuggling with hubby
Laughing with friends
A hot mug of tea
Dog noses nudging me for pets
Honeybees
Seashells
A great novel

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Not Gonna Let Trends Get Me Down!

2010-11-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

My novel writing to date is YA Fantasy--High/Traditional Fantasy to be exact, and I love, love, love this genre. After attending a conference in October where the "What's trendy in YA Fiction" was discussed (need I say vampires?)in addition to a recent rejection I recieved from an agent who had requested a partial, I started dragging around some major Eeyore ears. High Fantasy is a "Hard Sell", I was told, "contemporary settings, magical realism, and dystopian are what's selling now." Hmmm...no more Frodos? Merlins? How can this be?

So, amid my days of moping, I shoved aside the half-finished sequel to my novel (hiding it far from my prying eyes), and worked on other projects: a Chapter Book I'd started awhile back, brainstorming on a YA novel idea I've had, editing for critique partners. This work was good, great even, the juices were flowing, ideas were spinning. But all the while my completed novel "Arrow of the Mist" and its WIP sequel were in the back of my mind, huddled there like a couple of neglected orphans. My babies! These were the fruit of my creative juices, and it was then that I decided, I am Not Gonna Let Trends Get Me Down!

"Arrow of the Mist" made it to the top 1% of finalists in the 2010 Amazon Breakout Novel Contest. I'm proud of it, and I have faith it will touch readers like me who adore a good fantasy :-))

Sequel, here I come!!

Fantasy Genres

2010-11-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

I found this easy breakdown of Fantasy Genre's on Squidoo.com under Fantasy Books:

Subgenres of Fantasy
The fantasy fiction is divided into many branches.
Fantasy is very popular nowadays, so it's no wonder it has many subgenres. They are hard to define clearly, so most are just a matter of agreement. You can find most prominent ones and their descriptions below.

Contemporary fantasy

Fantasy of this subgenre is set in the real world in current times, but with added fantasy elements. Probably the most famous example would be the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.

Dark fantasy

Dark fantasy refers to the stories which represent the medieval brutality, or has horror elements. A good example would be the Black Company series by Glen Cook.

High fantasy

High fantasy usually tells the story of epic struggle between clearly distinguished sides of good and evil. A classic example would be the Lord of Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Low fantasy

Low fantasy is the opposite of High fantasy. It usually contains realism and a cynical world view; also, it tends to have characters which can be called neither good nor evil. A good example would be Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard. Such fantasy often overlaps with other genres, like Dark fantasy.

Steampunk

Such fantasy is often set in Victorian or Edwardian eras. Like the name suggests, the steam power is widely used in steampunk worlds, but other fantasy or science fiction elements are present as well. It's really a cross-breed between sci-fi and fantasy; an example would be Last Exile anime.

Historical fantasy

Historical fantasy might tell the history of an alternate fantasy world, similar to ours, or our own world, with added fantasy elements. A great example would be A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin.

7th Dear Lucky Agent Contest for YA Fiction

2010-10-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Be sure and check out the 7th Dear Lucky Agent Contest for YA novels, hosted by the Guide to Liteary Agent's Blog. Submission dates are from Oct. 21st through Nov. 3rd, and require a logline (one sentence description) and the first 150-200 words. The Awesome Judge is agent Tamar Rydzinski from the Laura Dail Literary Agency in NYC.

Winners receive first 10 pages critiqued by agent and a one year subscription to writersmarket.com

Good Luck!

Opportunity has knocked for writing pal

2010-10-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I get to brag about one of my writing critique partners. She just landed an agent by submitting a one line pitch to the Operation Awesome blog contest.

Here is the link

Just goes to show, putting yourself out there works!

SCBWI Pic--Trick or Treat

2010-10-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

9 Must-Follow Manuscript Rules via Writer's Digest

2010-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Awesome check list I had to share:

9 Must-Follow Manuscript Rules
September 28, 2010
by Anica Mrose Rissi
Here’s editor Anica Mrose Rissi’s list of what you can do to increase your book’s chances of making it out of the slush pile and into the spotlight.

1. Revise, revise, revise! I don’t want to read your first draft, ever. (Tip: Your novel isn’t ready to send to me until you can describe it in one sentence.)

2. Start with conflict and tension to raise questions, arouse curiosity and (like musical dissonance) create the need for resolution.

3. Start with the story you’re telling, not with the backstory. Throw the reader directly into a conflict and let her get to know your characters through their actions. (Yes, this is another way of saying, “Show, don’t tell.”)

4. Give the reader something to wonder about and a sense of where the story is going—of what’s at stake.

5. Avoid explaining too much too soon. And, don’t be obvious. Trust your readers. Trust your characters. Trust your writing. If you find that chunks of your story need to include long explanations, go back in and write those chunks better, until the story explains itself.

6. Make sure your story has both a plot arc and an emotional arc. Cross internal conflict with external conflict. Give your characters moral dilemmas, and force them to deal with the consequences of their choices.

7. Read your dialogue out loud. When revising, ask yourself, “What is the point of this dialogue?” (Just as you should be asking, “What is the point of this sentence? What is the point of this scene?”)

8. Use adjectives, adverbs and dialogue tags only sparingly. (See “trust your readers,” above.)

9. Make sure your details matter.

The Impotence of Proofreading (ha ha ha)

2010-09-09T08:33:00.001-07:00

Go HERE for some fun on the antics of misspelling...

Pitch Contest

2010-09-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Another contest, this one for a one line pitch. Hurry, only 50 submissions allowed!

Pitch Contest

WriteOnCon Conference overview

2010-08-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit, I didn't view the online conference as it happened. But, I had the immense pleasure of checking out one particular bloggers EXCEPTIONAL recap of the event. Go HERE and click on his links to some of the most helpful lessons/advice/tips on writing (especially for MG & YA)

A Stitch in Time...

2010-08-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

From the following link:

If you think you don't have time to write, think again. See what you can produce with a simple set of writing prompts and ten minutes of your time with this creative writing exercise inspired by Rita Dove's exercise "Ten-Minute Spill."

Write for ten minutes, incorporating a common proverb, adage, or familiar phrase ("between the devil and the deep blue sea," "one foot in the grave," "a stitch in time saves nine," "the whole nine yards," "a needle in a haystack," etc.) that you have changed in some way, as well as five of the following words: (I used them all)
cliff, blackberry, needle, cloud, voice, mother, whir, lick.

I chose "A Stitch in Time." Here goes:

The blackberries on the cliff must be cut.
I go there each day with clippers,
ready to tame the wild vines creeping toward our house.
But I never cut a stem,
for one lick of their fruits is like bliss.
When the clouds roll in,
I find myself lost in their needles.
And I hear my mother's words,
like a whir in my mind,
"For every stem left uncut nine more will follow."

Novel Journey Contest

2010-08-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

An interesting "Blog" contest for a range of genres. Each winning entry (first chapters of a novel < 3500 words) is published on the blog (one of Writer's Digest 101 most valuable web sites for writers). Grand Prize Winner will be guaranteed a review by a panel of agents & editors. If interested go to: Novel Journey

For Middle Grade/Young Adult Category (which is mine), submissions are due by Sept. 10, winner announced Oct. 11.

It’s Not the Cougar

2010-08-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Check this out from the agent extraordinaire Donald Maass:

It’s Not the Cougar

Critique Group Buzz

2010-07-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

A little buzz about Critique Groups... I gotta say, I love mine! I am fortunate to have a group of 5, all writing in the same genre (YA/Middle Grade)and all giving/taking in the most mutally satisfying way. There are always those moments when my nails are down to the nub, but for the most part, I take their advice as loving gifts aimed at lifting my manuscript to its full potential.

Becky Levine is the author of "The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide", and she is hosting a contest on her blog for a free copy of her book and, oh boy, chocolate! All you have to do is post a "comment" by July 21st, and you're in... Go to Becky Levine's Blog Contest

Tuesday Teaser

2010-06-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lia and Wynn sped back to Granda’s shop, and the small band set off along the main road leaving Rockberg. Just as Lia had dreaded, numerous villagers gathered close, gawking. Wynn and Kelven drew stares, the sixteen-year-old boys’ presence adding fuel to the chatter. The horses slowed through the growing throng, as if walking through the mire. Lia swallowed hard, her every nerve pulled taut as a bowstring.

Among the startled cries and hushed voices came, “Tis true, they’re going in, even the girl!” And, “Nothing but a fool’s errand. Brume’ll swallow them whole, and the Bryn’s will still carry this plague. I say we burn the Bryn groves all the way to the eastern border!” Several shouts of agreement resounded.

Lia wanted to yell back, to remind them it wasn’t some plague ravaging their people, and burning the groves would do nothing to an enchanted creature that crept underground. She wanted to shout how Granda knew Brume’s mysteries better than anyone alive did, and she trusted his wisdom. Didn’t anyone give credence to his long ago treks to Brume? He would never lead his kin to their deaths. She was sure of it.

Lia flinched at the shriek of an old woman, “Shame upon the lot of you! Tis one thing dabbling in the crafts, tis quite another venturing to the cliffs of Brume. And you, Lia Griene, a young lady, you’ve truly gone astray.”

Lia held her head up high with her jaw set hard, though her insides quivered. Didn’t anyone realize it was precisely this “dabbling in the crafts” and “venturing to Brume” that could save them? Had the ignorance of royal rule completely shaded their minds, even while their own people suffered from such blatant attacks?

Granda tilted his snowy head toward the old woman. “No need to fret, Ilna, we’ll be back before you can wag that finger twice.”

The crone’s face squinted in reproach, and she stomped away in a huff. It was easier for Granda Luis to handle being viewed as an oddity. He was a man, he was an elder, and he was tough as nails.

Lia looked to the edges of the crowd and her heart skipped. Some of the villagers raised their hands in farewell. A few had tears shining in their eyes. A handful of wives missing husbands at their side smiled at Lia. One mouthed the words, “Thank you.” Another blew her a kiss. A lump grew in Lia’s throat, as she dared to hope for her people’s support. She raised her hand and smiled back at them. They trust us, she thought, her tension easing, they have faith in our quest.

Then her eyes fell to a group of girls her same age, glaring at her. Lia’s insides tightened once more. The girls knotted together, chattering away like hens. Lia turned her head from their scorn, trying to ignore its usual sting, and swallowed down the retort growing bitter upon her tongue.

Teaser Tuesday -- #2

2010-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, here goes the teaser...(taken from Chap. 1)

“You’ve no idea the dangers you face.” Ma’s voice cracked. “It’s too risky, and you’re—”

“Nearly sixteen, and a grown woman by all standards. And more capable outdoors than most.” Determination settled like gritstone within Lia.

Years of sadness lined Ma’s face. Lia knew Grandma Myrna had sequestered herself in the shrouded land of Brume, scrambling between two homes to keep the old crafts alive. Then her unexpected death came at the worst time for Lia’s ma—a young bride that same year, with only a moon to go before giving birth to her first and only child.

“Well, fine then, just dig me a hole right now,” Ma said, tears welling. “Because I’ll not want to see another day once I lose you.”

Lia’s heart ached for her mother, but her resolve to help Da would not falter. “Ma, I know how you feel about that place, but I have to go. You heard Granda, the only way to save Da is by going to Brume, and I need to be there to tend to Granda’s legs when they ail him. Please, Ma, we all must do what we can for Da and the others.”

Granda Luis paused by the door. He gave Lia his familiar nod of approval, and then shifted his eyes to Ma. “Such events force our hands in startling ways. The one promise I can make is to do everything in my power to bring her home safe. And with any luck, we’ll put an end to this vile blight.” He turned and stepped outside.

Ma closed her eyes and squeezed Lia’s hands. Tears streamed down her face, as she whispered, “Please, do not tarry in Brume. Go only where you must, and make haste home.” Their eyes met, green to green. “Your life means everything to us, Lia, and I know Da would rather perish than have you harmed trying to help him.”

Ma took a deep breath, hugged Lia, and followed Granda’s footsteps out the door. Lia didn’t harbor the same fear of Brume that Ma did. She’d be safe with Granda, she was sure of it.

“I’m going to find a way to save you, Da, I promise.” Lia reached for her father and kissed his brow, an inferno burning beneath her lips. He made a slight motion with his hand toward her, before it fell back onto the bed.

First 5 Sentences Contest--Win a Critique from agent Barbara Poelle

2010-06-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

This contest is through Sophie Littlefield's blog. Click here for instructions.

The first 5 sentences of my novel Arrow of the Mist:

A pair of horses charged toward Lia’s cottage. She recognized Da’s friend, Kenneth, and then her insides went cold. Riding beside him, Da’s body lay limp upon his horse.

Lia dropped the harvested mallow root and sped from her garden. Ma’s scream shot like arrows through her heart, but Kenneth’s words, “He’s alive, Carin,” offered them a measure of hope.

WOW! Women on Writing Strongest Start Competition

2010-05-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Deadline is June 8th for this contest judging the first 3 chapters of a novel. They've added 3 new Sub-categories for the following genres:

Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Horror
Romance
Memoir/Non-Fiction.

For details go to: Stongest Start Competition

Teaser Tuesday--First Teaser of my novel "Arrow of the Mist"

2010-05-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the first teaser...

Granda Luis halted and turned Dobbin to face his troop. The chilled air tugged at his cloak and swept through his winter white hair. His eyes glimmered from his face and the young trio drew their horses back a few steps.

“We’ve a straight and narrow trail ahead. We’ll go in single file—”

“A narrow trail?” Lia cut in. “But, I thought it’d be some kind of…well, secret passage or something. How is it that only you and Grandma made it in safe? Why didn’t others just follow behind, track your steps?”

“Ah, there were many that tried.” His voice turned morose. “Even after all m’warnings. Men hovering in the wooded outskirts, creeping in the grasses, waiting till I was snug enough within the fog before charging in behind me, their lives over before I could utter a word. Because you see, like with most gates, there are guards.”

Lia’s eyes widened and Wynn coughed.

Granda Luis added, “But not to worry, our passage was assured long ago.”

Lia opened her mouth, but held her tongue as Granda turned Dobbin around and headed him toward the perilous boundary. Guards, she thought. How was that possible? The notion of it chilled her like an icy deluge. Then the words from the Grimoire echoed inside her head, “Fogged, bogged gates of Brume, barrier to my home; timeless, faceless watchers loom, but I am allowed to roam.”

Buzzzzzzzzz

2010-04-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Three Awesome Events for the month of April:

1.) Attended the Donald Maass Breakout Novel Workshop--best money I ever spent!! The words Micro-Tension and Unique are forever engraved in my brain. I am an official Maassketeer, mouse ears and all ;-D

2.) SCBWI Spring Conference 2010 in Rocklin was great fun. The workshop on synopsis by Brian Farrey, Flux Editor, was very helpful, but what really made the day for me was spending time with my writing buds (see picture).

3.)The Amazon Breakout Novel Contest posted its next cut and...yes, I'm in it!! Woo-hoo Semifinals!! Down to 50 people! My feet still haven't touched the ground...

AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL CONTEST

2010-03-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

WOO-HOO, I made it through the second cut (250 people out of 5,000). My first chapter is on Amazon.com to be reviewed by the world, while Publisher's Weekly reviews the entire manuscript. Next cut is April 27th, bringing the 250 down to 50. I hope ARROW OF THE MIST is on that list as well!!

Go to amazon.com and type in ARROW OF THE MIST in search window to find it!

Writing Breakout Novel Workshop

2010-02-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this April is a big month for me. I'm all set to go to Donald Maass's week-long intensive in Oregon and then a week after I get back I attend the SCBWI Conference in Rocklin. Lots to look forward to!! (And more revisions to my ms I'm sure!!)

Attended Fire in Fiction Workshop

2010-01-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

I attended a workshop hosted by RWA this past Sat. Jan 23rd in Sunnyvale, CA. Donald Maass, literary agent and author of the book "Fire in Fiction", was simply wonderful! His wisdom, advice, and personable manner were a delight. I can honestly say I learned more in one day with him than numerous days at other conferences and workshops. He offers a week long intensive that I am definately considering....

Contest Buzz

2010-01-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, so two contests are buzzing about. One is AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL AWARD, follow link at: http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Novel-Award-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=332264011 Deadline for this is Jan. 25, 2010. The other is NOVEL BEGINNINGS CONTEST hosted by Mary Kole (agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency) for the first 500 words of a MG or YA novel. Deadline is Jan 31, 2010. Link for this is: Kidlit Contest

Conference Buzz

2009-10-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

The SCBWI conference this past Saturday in Oakland was a great learning experience. It was a real treat listening to Stephen Mooser, co-founder of SCBWI, speak about getting young readers to laugh. His books and ideas are fresh and inspiring.

I had my "first page" read aloud by Sarah Shumway at HarperCollins, and my first 10 pages hand edited by Abigail Samoun from Tricycle Press. Lots of helpful feedback, and I feel as though my manuscript is really "getting there".

Another highlight to the day was getting to know my new critique buddy better. After 4 hrs. in the car together, I feel like we've been friends for years. Thanks Rachel for the wonderful visit!

Buzzzzy

2009-10-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, 3 meetings this week with fellow writers. One with a newly forming group, the other with my YA Novel group, and the third with a writing buddy I've worked with for several years now. Definately feeling in "the flow" of it all.

Also, attending the SCBWI Conference this Saturday in Oakland. As with any workshop/conference I try to remember 3 things: Look, Listen, and Learn, and try, try, try, not to feel overwhelmed!!

Adverbs & Adjectives

2009-10-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Current writing trends veer us away from the use of adverbs and adjectives with the notion that nouns and verbs are superior. I "get" this in regards to keeping the prose tight and succinct, but let us preview this beautiful sentence from F. Scott Fitsgerald:

"Slenderly, languidly, their hands set lightly on their hips, the two young women preceded us out onto a rosy-colored porch, open toward the sunset, where four candles flickered on the table in the diminished wind."

Potent, wouldn't you say?

Writing Buddies & Hero's Journey

2009-10-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

Currently editing (3) different manuscripts for writing buddies, and I Looove this process. Yes, it's time consuming, yes, it forces all my mental faculties to go to work, but there is no better way to improve on my own writing. Guess it's that whole "teacher becomes the student" phenomena that comes into play. Whatever it is, I'm grateful for it!

Also, I diagramed out both my finished manuscript and its sequel-in-progress to the "Hero's Journey" made famous by Joseph Campbell (and reiterated in "The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler). This helped clarify where the stories are weak and offered specific ways to enhance them. A really cool excercise and one I highly recommend. (Vogler's "return with the elixir" is quite literal in my first book....which I'm going to consider a good thing!)

Writing Groups

2009-10-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Met with a handful of fellow SCBWI members at a writer's "schmooze" today. Really nice to hear everyone's experiences in the writing world.

It seems most of the SCBWI members I have met write picture books, so it's always a delight to find someone else writing for YA. Just started attending a local critique group where all 4 of us have written YA novels (yippeee!) And all of the novels have a fantasy, or at least some sort of "otherworldly" aspect.

We shall see how a round of critiquing with the new group will shape my book even more (does the editing process ever end!? Just when I think it's perfect....wait...what's that you say, not enough description? More clarification??) And then I shall submit once more to the legions of agents simply dying to read my manuscript!