Author Kacey Mark

Look Mom No Brains--I Mean Hands!

2012-01-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

I like to make myself believe this scenario happens to all writers.

We try to be clever. To be original. To discover stories that no one has ever discovered. HaHA!

But the harder we try to be perfect the more transparent we become. Eventually we slip up and a little of our humanness shows.

No one is perfect. The sooner we embrace this fact, and be the people that we were meant to be the easier the process becomes.

I will be the first to admit that I would be no where without my editor and my critique partners. They tell it like it is. They catch me when I try to pull punches—to break rules that I know shouldn’t be broken. Some rules can be, others are put in place for a reason.

As an example:

Word smithing is the first problem that comes to mind. Huge descriptive words that are so foreign to common conversation that the reader is pulled out of the story.

Over explanation is a close second.

All too often we work too hard to impress and spend less time adding our own voice to our work.

But you don't have to learn to write with your toes to become a good writer!

So let’s do ourselves a favor. Put down the laptop and try picking up a tape recorder now and then. Just have a conversation, be it with yourself or someone else. You can dictate your casual conversation word for word. It’s a great way to discover what voice truly sounds like without all the embellishment and proper grammar to get in its way.

In Your Dreams, Baby! What Would Your Character Do?

2012-01-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

In my moment of weakness and procrastination I decided to spend the weekend doing book research instead of actually writing.

We're entitled to that every now and then, right? A little reality to mix in with our fantasy? So on that note, I purchased tickets for the International Auto Expo. Strictly for the--um--research.

My next hero seems to have a thing for power, and what better place to find men with a lust for power and speed?

A formidable jackpot of male interaction. This would be fun! To wander around the expo like I could buy any car on the lot. With as broke as I am, it would be great to escape reality for a while :-)

This lead me to wonder: What do our characters dream for? Do they have favorite colors, car choices.... rating systems for women? I got the answer to all of these questions after only an hour of being there.

I just happened to pass by this totally sexy, tangerine-colored Chevy Camaro--my absolute favorite color by the way. But I couldn't get a good look at the interior for all the guys drooling on it. I rounded away from the crowd to the next car when I heard a male voice call out. "Hey look at that! she's like...a...total eight!"

Oh, it wasn't a whisper. Not even a casual comment. The guy called it out to his buddy across the room!

I flashed a quick look around before my cheeks caught fire. "Gee....thanks," I thought. But what did I expect? going into a realm where men like to act like men. The bellowed of the ignorant fell upon mostly supportive ears.

This was a safe place for them. I was invading. I was the one out of my element.

What just happened? Some total jerk stepped in to ruin my escape from reality!

So I did what I think ninety-percent of the female heroines in my situation would do. I turned and gave him a winning ten-point smile and said "In your dreams, baby. Your eight-point dreams."

I probably should have done what the other ten percent of women would do, and hit him with my purse. But real life tends to offer jail time for that sort of thing.

Instead, reality took hold and I sped away as quick as my heels could carry me before the guy had a chance to correct me that, No. Those would in-fact be called nightmares.

All-in-all it was a great experience. I learned that although it feels good to play the heroine every now and then, you can't control all the elements in the real world. But that's what makes it more fun. More memorable. Sometimes life really is stranger than fiction.

Princess or Ugly Step-sister?

2012-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

I can still remember six years ago when I picked my oldest daughter up from daycare...

It was one of those kind of days....you know, summer was the air, the weekend was here and I was ready to take my little princess far, far away for a weekend break from reality.

I looked down to her bright smile as she tugged me towards the door. "How was her day?" I asked her teacher.

The teacher gave my daughter the look. You know... the one that often accompanies a crack of thunder. "Well...? Would you like to tell you mom how you've been today?" she asked.

My daughter paused. "I bite someone." She stood straighter.
I raised my brows. I could already feel the heat of embarrassment on my face. "You bit someone?"
"Twice." The teacher affirmed. "It was an ugly step-sister day."

From that moment I was introduced to the concept of the princess verses the ugly step-sister. It's an easy concept to apply to the writing scene too.

The writing career is a lonely one, but when it comes to stepping out of our writer's castle, do we become princesses or ugly stepsisters?

Princess - Are we the kind that practice the social norm without diversion, careful not to offend or express hurtful opinions? Do we treat our fellow authors kindly even when a green Myst of envy wafts over the room.
Oh, yeah and speaking of green myst, Princesses never fart. Ever!

Okay, princess on the outside, but what about the inside? - Do we secretly despise those who have conquered the writing hill before us? Do we refuse to believe that any story could be better than our own? Here comes that green myst again. Must have been something we ate.

Step-Sister then? - Are we so boisterous of our own opinion that we don't care who we offend? People know to steer clear because they heard us coming and they better get out of our way because we're on the move to stardom and any person will suffocate if they get in our path? I like to call those 'the fog horns', because step-sisters most defiantly fart!

Okay, Step-sister on the outside but what about the inside? - I don't know if people ever get to see the inside one of these. I'm not sure anyone gets close enough--or would want to for that matter. The fart is warning enough!

My moral to the sigma is this: We can all be princesses and step-sisters from time to time. We may write fantasy, but reality creeps in. everybody farts. Even princesses. My rant would be to own the mistake when you make it. Dont blame it on someone else or make excuses.

It wouldn't be true to my daughter's character if she didn't own her misbehavior. She's brave and bold like that, even when she's supposed to be a princess. I love her for that and she knows she has my support no matter what.

Our writing communities can be like that too. Respect the bold, forgive the misbehavior, and own the fart.

Back from Vacation and into a New Year

2012-01-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

I love New Years resolutions. I make sure to create at least one of them before the stroke of midnight, a few afterward, maybe a few more the next day.

I do it mostly for my own amusement--a promise to myself that this year things will be different, This year I will be better, stronger, more neurotic about health food.

But also I do it because its the one time of year I can finally admit how bad I've been over the past year.

You have to understand my position here. I am a coward, and failure scares me.

As far as writing goes, I can admit now that I've had a few slip-ups this year. A few personal deadlines missed, A few less chapters written, and the fear of missed opportunities due to my lack of motivation makes my left eye twitch.

But this time of year? I'm not worried about it. Nope, not worried in the least... because I have a plan. A plan and an advantage.

You see, I have managed to cleverly dilute myself into thinking that my mental vacation from writing has only increased my ability to write amazing and witty characters that throngs of people with align themselves with.

Sounds good right?

Here comes my second favorite part about New Years. I only have to dilute myself for a few days until the routine sets in and I'm on a roll again. By then, my personal delusions don't matter, my characters are refreshed and sun bronzed from their vacation--and you wondered why all those heroes managed to look so good without a tanning bed. :-)--and I am off and running again, ready to take on my current work in progress (WIP).

Christmas Suspense with Author KR Bailey

2011-12-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas...

We’re talking about the last minute suspense that leads up to the big day, and I’ve invited a great Romantic Suspense author, KR Bailey, to lead the way.

K. R. Bailey is a Utah girl who loves reading, romance and long drives in the mountains. She’s married to her best friend and together they enjoy a little cabin nestled high in the mountains where deer live under the deck and hummingbirds flit around all day.

Writing has become her passion since retiring from a full-time job, and she’s always got a new story full of wonderful characters bouncing around in her head.

“Life is good,” she’s known to say with a big smile on her face and a pen in her hand.

For more about K. R. Bailey, check out her website at http://krbailey.com/

KR Welcome to the blog!

Hi Kacey. So glad to be here.

First, tell us about your holiday preparation. Do you drum up anticipation for the big day? How do you set the scene both in your home and in your writing for the big event?

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, and I start making lists and planning way before December gets here. We always put up a traditional tree, and I love to wrap up packages so my husband and the grandkids can’t guess what they are. You know, put little boxes into big boxes or add rocks or paperclips or something to rattle around. It’s fun to watch everyone try to guess what’s in their package. Guess it’s kind of like writing a suspense or mystery, it’s fun to try to put in little surprises along the way.

I have to admit that this time of the year I wish the days were about twelve hours longer so I could get everything done, and that really goes for my writing. It seems to slip some as I get involved in social get togethers, cooking, wrapping presents and all that. But I have a story that just released November 22. It’s titled, Murder and Lies, so I have definitely been letting everyone know. It doesn’t matter if it’s my first or seventh release, I get excited. It’s like seeing my baby in print. Kind of like Christmas morning watching all my little grandkids open their presents and seeing the big smiles on their faces. That’s how I am when a new story is released.

In your writing are you a stick to the Christmas list kind of person? Do you have your story line finished weeks ahead of time cough plotter cough, or do you build your “Christmas list” of plot turns as you go?

I make lots of lists. I just wish I could say I stick to them. Usually, I wake up in the middle of the night and my mind has come up with something new that I must add. Sad but true, that goes for both the Christmas buying as well as my stories. For Christmas, it makes it a bit harder to follow a budget (did I really say that? Do people really set budgets that work?) For my writing, it sometimes makes it really interesting to let my characters have their way and try to make sure the rest of my book follows suit.

As to a story line, I usually come up with a line or two that will be threaded throughout my story, and it usually becomes part of my title. That story line doesn’t usually change as my story evolves. But I can guarantee how I get from the beginning to the ending will always change from the original plan I develop.

Let’s talk about those anticipated gifts for Christmas morning. How do you keep giving your readers what they wish for book after book?

Just as we all have gifts we love, I have to write about something I love and am passionate about. Most of my stories are set in small towns because as I’ve gotten older (Did I really admit that?) I don’t care for the big cities with the traffic and people buzzing all over. I’ve gotten so I love the small towns with their quaint homes. They usually have tales to tell, and I love uncovering those. The people are friendly and interesting. I strive to bring that out in my stories.

I couldn't agree more!

If you had one surprise on Christmas morning, what would it be?

That I had a special delivery of a huge royalty check. But since the Post Office doesn’t deliver on Christmas, I’d love to hit the top 10 at Bookstrand with sales of my latest story, Murder and Lies. Of course, if my husband wanted to surprise me with tickets for a cruise I wouldn’t complain.

People say that the holidays are more of a children’s thing, but as writers I think we can both agree the imagination doesn’t stop with adulthood. Tell us, how do you find your inspiration?

Everything inspires me. I can sit on a park bench and usually something will happen and a story will start to build in my mind. When my husband and I travel or take long rides, which is one of our favorite things, my mind will begin to whirl and soon I’ll have come up with something I want to go home and research. It might be a lovely ranch, an awesome mountain peak, or a run-down building that intrigues me.

The idea for my newest story, Murder and Lies, was born listening to a Don Williams song, Café Carolina. For some reason, Maggie and her diner intrigued me, and I started building on that idea. I never can guess what will start my mind working on a new story idea.

Are you a fruitcake person?

I might be called a fruitcake at times (Lol) but I don’t eat it. Now give me some chocolate, any kind of chocolate, and I’ll love you forever.

I'll be sure to keep that in mind the next time I need a favor :-)

Do you have any surprises for us this holiday season?

The release of my story, Murder and Lies. Here’s a blurb:

After Vienna’s shocking death, Maggie Benson never thought her world could get any darker. The sheriff determined it was suicide, but Maggie cannot accept that. When her diner is vandalized and her cook is hurt, her world begins whirling out of control. She is plunged into a world of deceit where she is followed and her home broken into.

When Wilson Beaumont shows up, Maggie is immediately drawn to him, but senses he is hiding something that has to do with Vienna. Wilson is searching to find answers about his daughter and thirteen million dollars missing from the Longstreet Bank. If he doesn’t find the money soon, he knows he will be killed.

Wilson and Maggie must find a way to trust each other in order to survive. But after all the murder and lies, is it too late to uncover the secrets that threaten their future together?

*****

Thank you so much for letting me join you. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Holiday Fun in the Kitchen with Lorraine Nelson

2011-12-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today we'll be having a little holiday fun in the kitchen with Lorraine Nelson.

Lorraine lives in rural New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada. Always a bookworm, she’s read many novels of romance and mystery over the years, finally deciding to put her pen to work at writing one.

Lorraine lives alone with an independent yet affectionate tomcat, enjoys spending time with her three sons and five grandchildren, with a sixth due in December. When not at the computer, you can find her spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.

Welcome to the blog, Lorraine.

Thank you for having me, Krissee!
So what’s your recipe for a great story? Are you a measure and plan kind of person, or do you just add to the bowl little-by-little and see what turns out.

Oh, I like to take a teaspoon of this and a dash of that and add to the main ingredients as I go. Love the surprising and tasty end results. :-)

How much spice do you add to your work? Is there such a thing as too much spice?

I add spice when it's needed, but I try not to overdo. Too much spice in the wrong mix can totally destroy the batch.

How do you keep your work fresh baked and avoid becoming a cookie cutter version of everything else out there?

Hmmm, this is making me hungry. I try out new recipes every time and mix it up with personal likes and dislikes. In this way, I know the recipe is mine and I haven't borrowed any ingredients sub-consciously.

Let’s talk about editing. Are you a conservationist when it comes to your writing? How much literary dough gets rolled out and used in another book and how much winds up in the trash?

Oh, I definintely save any unused dough. You never know when it may be useful.

You have a plate full of warm and delicious cookies. Do you:
a.       Leave them out for Santa. You need all the extra credit you can get
b.      Give them to the neighbors. Let’s see ‘em top these!
c.       Polish off the entire plate and blame it on the dog.

c.     I'm more likely to polish off the entire plate and blame it on the dog.

So what you got in the oven? Another book in the works?

There's always something cooking around here. :-0 Recipe #3 has been accepted by Evernight and I'm currently continuing the series I've developed, adding to and spicing up #4.

Well congratulations! And thank you so much for joining us, Loraine.

As a tasty treat, I selected one of Loraine's holiday books to wet your appetite, but so many more can be found on her website, so please check her out!

‘Master Baker and Owner of Toy Shop work together to create a little Christmas cheer for the town's orphans.'

Simon Hoe left his wealthy upbringing behind to put some real distance between himself and childhood tragedy, never letting his emotions past the wall he’s formed around his heart. A master baker, he owns and operates ‘Simple Simon’s Pie Shop.’

Noelle Parsons survived her lonely foster care childhood only to have her one attempt at happily ever after end in disaster when she discovered her fiancé and best friend making plans to elope. She moves to Parson City where she opens ‘Winter Wonderland Toys & Crafts’. Noelle enjoys everything Christmas, sees another lost soul in Simon, and tries to convince him he has every right to believe and to enjoy life, holidays and all. She despairs of ever breaking through the barriers he's erected, until she receives a threatening phone call and Simon steps up to offer protection. Will their attraction to each other fizzle and die? Or can they work through their hurts and differences to find happiness?

Places Lorraine can be found:
Website: http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.comblog/:
http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Authorhttp://twitter.com/#!/lornelcahttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelsonhttp://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Buy links are listed on Lorraine’s website, posted above, or at Evernight. http://www.evernightpublishing.com/

Going home for the Holidays and Going Back for Romeo With LL Muir

2011-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

This time of year is all about reconnecting with friends and family.

So let's talk about going home for the holidays with an amazing up-and-coming author, Lesli Muir Lytle writing as LL Muir and her new book: GOING BACK FOR ROMEO

Lesli, welcome to the blog!

Tell us, what's changing for you this holiday season? How do you carry it through to the new year?

I think it's impossible to separate New Year’s Eve from Christmas. Together they are the end and the beginning. And it's a great time of year for romance too. I like my characters to find love so true that it changes who they are forever. What better time to do that than the holidays? And after years of being a screenwriter then turning to romance, publishing is my big change.

We're all about family togetherness this time of year. The good, the bad, the creepy uncles... What an opportunity for inspiring a little character development in our writing! So who's your favorite character?

I'm really big on the comic relief/secondary characters. In GBFR, those would be the Muir twins.

And do you have a creepy relative?

Well, their not called Muir twins by accident. My family tree produces nuts.

Do you feel a sense of family in your characters?

One of the things my hero and heroine share is a loneliness that only a family can replace. It was a surprise for me to find this in my core story, since I have such an abundance of family myself. I guess it's just the Happily Ever After that draws so many of us to romance and when we love our characters, we want them to find happiness too.--probably so we don't have to worry about them after the book ends.

What's your favorite holiday tradition?

As for getting together at the holidays, our family tradition goes back generations. We get together on Christmas Eve and everyone gets to open a present from the grandparents. It's always socks or pajamas, and even though we know what it will be, it's still exciting to open a gift before you're supposed to.

In our own home, we hang stockings that night and line everyone up to take photos so the boys can compare heights.

Any super secret family holiday recipes?

My mother had a secret cheeseball recipe and on her deathbed she made us promise to give it out to no one outside the immediate family. We now call it Death Bed Cheeseball. It's to die for. And Christmas Eve wouldn't be complete without it.

What's your best Christmas present so far?

Seeing my cover for the first time, and having my book for sale, is the best Christmas present I think I've ever received. GOING BACK FOR ROMEO is the first of a series of Muir Witch Projects, some of which are Young Adult novels.

Any up and coming presents for the rest of us?

My next release is a YA novel actually, called SOMEWHERE OVER THE FREAKING RAINBOW, the first of an Angel series with a little Amish twist. If you like to sob out loud, be sure to watch for FREAKING at the end of January.

Thank you so much Lesli for joining us!

Psst! and while Lesi wasn't looking, I peeled back the corner of her up and coming book. This one just can't wait for Christmas morning. Check it out! It's a HIGHLANDER meets BRIDGET JONES!

Alone, with a Highlander, in his castle, on a cold dark night...
(Okay, so it wasn’t that cold.)

Jillian MacKay is being conned by a pair of eighty-year-old witches. They’re convinced she’s the perfect sucker to test a prophecy and they’re willing to bury her alive to prove it. Once she escapes, and finds herself in 15th Century Scotland, she believes her return home depends on a heroic deed—she must rescue a plaid-clad Romeo and Juliet before tragedy can strike. The monster standing in her way, however, is a handsome Highlander who might just be her own Romeo...a Romeo she must leave behind.

Rather than surrender his secrets, Montgomery Ross would prefer to go down in history as the heartless creature who betrayed one sister and buried the other alive. When he falls in love with the prophesied faery who has come to expose him, he'll have to learn a wee lesson from the star-crossed lovers or suffer the fate to which he once condemned them.

Setting the Scene With Holiday Spirit Mashups

2011-11-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

As a child I used to spend hours gazing at those six inch high Christmas houses and imagine what it would be like to fit inside those tiny doors. They always looked so cheery and inviting.

Never mind what would happen if a life-sized home were lit up like that. With glowing siding and scalding windows that could melt all the snow in a ten mile radius.

the power company and fire department would both be singing Christmas carols hand-in-hand on the front lawn.

Okay, so I had a bit of an odd imagination as a child... but I digress.

For me, the step-up from the tiny model, was the four-foot-tall Christmas village not more than a thirty minute drive from my home town, where all walks of life get to embrace their inner peeping Tom on a grander scale.

The houses were just my eight-year-old size, but the windows were massive, often taking up the entire side of the house. Each home in this village provided a glimpse of Christmas spirit like nothing I had ever seen. How I wished that I could step through that glass and become a part of that world.

Now that I am all grown up, and I have an eight-year-old princess of my own, how do I bring that Christmas spirit out of the village and into my own house? How do I get her to find all the wonderment of Christmas with a middle income budget?

Dear authors, we know how to do this in our writing. By setting the scene with all the five senses, and drawing the reader in with memories of their past.

But my eight-year-old princess is still building her memories, so how do I draw her in?
Oh, oh, I know!I know!

Here comes the best part of both life and fiction.

In the end, we make this stuff up!

Children are blessed with imaginations that know no bounds, and they are more than eager to tap into them. So embrace their inner creativity and play! Take a family tradition and make it their own, by mashing it up a bit. Let them decorate the tree with hand-made ornaments, build their own gingerbread Barbie townhouse, and make memories of their own.

And the same concept works in our writing.

Perhaps the one-horse-open-sleigh driver takes a tumble, and winds up in the arms of the hero.
The ghost of Christmas future just might be the man of her dreams.
Or a tenderized zombiefied Christmas might be right up your alley.

A Need, A Want, A Wish

2011-11-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hasn't even started yet, and I'm already in a tither over Christmas.

It's crazy isn't it? I should be enjoying the all flavorful wonderment of deep fried turkey and the mash potatoes and gravy that melt in my mouth. I shouldn't be perusing my smart phone for black Friday sales or counting paychecks and credit limits.

But I know what's looming in the future. Three little angels--count em, three-- my Cupcake, Princess, and Chef, are going to wake up Christmas morning and trounce down the stairs into a world unfamiliar to them.
A world I like to call TightBudgetLand.

Oh, it'll still be brightly colored with candy stripes and snugly warm to touch, there will just be a little less of it. And like many red-blooded Americans, I hope my kids will appreciate what they receive just as much as they have in year's past.

My goal, three presents for each child...

For in my arsenal, I have three very special keys: a need, a want, and a wish.

A Need
Because I know they need new underwear and they think they need the newest Zelda game, we both must to put our thinking caps on for the perfect pair of shoes to keep their little piggies warm through the winter.

A Want
And we're talking an affordable want. Something semi-frivolous they have put some thought in to. Something they won't throw over their shoulder on their way to the next wrapped box.

A Wish
Okay, and here's where good ole Santa comes into play. Wishes can be as big as dreams can hold (and greater than my budget, most likely) But what good is Christmas without making a little magic? I'm hoping the size of the chimney might be a sticking point, but recent holiday movies like The Santa Clause, are seriously cramping my supportive argument.

And the best part of all this? Getting to know what my kids really need, want, and wish, brings me closer to them and invites the spirit of giving into my home like nothing else can.

So how do we incorporate this into writing?
Give it a try on your characters!

What do they need, want, and wish on Christmas morning, or most out of life?

Talk about your deep POV! It's a great lead-in to your character's goal, motivation and conflict.

There's always one...

2011-11-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

I come from modest-sized family of five children. I call it modest because, well, I'm from Utah, where there seems to be ample supply of fertile women, uninhibited by monstrous grocery bills, clothing expenses, and the pain of childbirth.

It must have something to do with all that fresh mountain air and the urge to run up a grassy embankment and belt out "the hills are alive..." With a heard of mini-mes chasing after.

Or are they merely hoping to outrun their herd?
But I digress. Lets hop back on topic.

As a member of a large family, formal pictures were a marathon event, and there was always one person crying in every picture. Face bright red. Tears streaming down. Mouth open mid-wail of agony.

In our family, that person was me.

It didn't matter how complacent the photographer tried to be. If someone even so much as looked at me wrong, I fell into a puddle of tears.

As I grew into adulthood, I would sift through picture after picture of my flush-cheeked toddlerhood and laugh. Those pictures showed more character and emotion than anything the camera person could have staged.

Then this weekend, justice dealt me a teary-eyed toddler of my own.
Yep. That would be my Cupcake.

When asked if she would climb down off my lap so we could see her pretty dress, Cupcake turned on the waterworks. They didn't stop for a full ten minutes. In the end, she got the coveted lap seat, but my cupcake still hadn't forgiven the camera person.

Looking at the proofs of the day's shoot, we got some pretty descent pictures...

But I wouldn't trade my cupcake's pouty lower lip for all the smiles in the world, because she won't put on a false appearance for anyone. She is true to form no matter the circumstance, and I love her all the more for it.

Dear authors, try to remember this in your writing. Keep your characters true to form. It may not make for the prettiest of circumstances, but it's a lot more entertaining and true to life for your readers.

The Devil Made Me Write It

2011-11-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

Happy month of NaNo to you all. And if you aren't familiar with what NaNo is, I'll tell you.

No, wait. I won't just tell you, I'll let you have it...

It's the tie your editor up and throw her in a closet, spill your guts out onto the page kind of writing event that makes my fear level jump into over drive!

This kind of novel writing scares the holy heck out of me. It's evil I tell you.

What if I throw out all the good stuff in this chapter and have nothing left for the end of the book?

What if I write an entire novel of crap that I will only spend more time fixing later?

These are the questions that rang through my head during the first week of Nano. It's my internal editor again. Her muffled voice taunts me from the other side of the closet door.

I'm beginning to think she's enjoying her moment of closet bondage, because boy, is she asking for it. Now that week 2 has begun, her taunts are being slapped back the moment they come at me.

For one scandalous month I get to throw out what "should be" in the writing industry and only keep the parts I care the most about. I get to unearth my own voice and the raw edge of my writing without restraint. The naughtiest of writing styles.

But what if my audience doesn't like it?

Stealing a glance at the closet I wonder if maybe I need to tie her gag a little tighter. Deep down, she hasn't uttered her safety word, and I know why. Because we are both enjoying this juuuust a little bit.

I might feel a bit tied just like my internal editor, tied to my chair until I finally get my allotted word count for the day, but what's coming out on the page is the most naughty yet therapeutic novel writing I've had since... since... Last year's NaNo! And I ended up loving that book in the end.

Participate with self-promotion

2011-10-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Who needs a soap box when you’ve got a box of candy corn to stand on?

Come on, all you adults out there, consider this for a moment. There are very few holidays throughout the year when you can act like a sugar-highed toddler and get away with it.

With all the rigor of white collar office jobs, and the social stigma of what’s deemed fashion sensible, we need all the wiggle room we can get on holidays like Halloween.

Those of us that write for a living know how to make our imagination run wild. Why not eek out a little self-promotion by dressing up as one of our characters, or using one of our books as a prop. It’s a perfectly reasonable excuse to get attention for your work.

Short on bravery? No problem! Put on a mask. They will neeeever know it was you!

Sitting at my office desk year after year, people around me know that I dress up. They know I will go all out. And actually expect it!

I would get a rash of itchy criticism if I didn’t dress up. Of course, the finger-pointers aren’t dressed up either. “But that’s not the point,” they say. I’ve set precedence.

And my kids! My wonderful little blessings from heaven would pull out Gorilla-sized frowns if I didn’t celebrate with them. They know that from playgrounds to play dough, I’m all in. Halloween is no exception.

Let’s go out and make the most of this Halloween. Even if you’re staying at home. The great thing about this holiday is that it delivers as long as you keep the trick-or-treat candy flowing. J

Writing Karma: The Cheerleader and the Troll

2011-10-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Girls love to talk. Let's admit it. We love to talk juicy details over high calorie food and drinks served in fancy glasses. That's what the girlie spirit is all about, right?

We cheer each other on. We right the wrongs of injustice one indignant sniff at a time...don't we?

Today we're talking about gossip and the dreaded writing karma. The great Candace Haven once said, "Writing Karma will kick your a**" And she's right! She's totally right.

If you're trying to make a career for yourself in the writing business, the last thing you want to do is bad mouth other authors, or agents, and for heaven's sake don't trash talk your publishing house. The writing industry is a smaller family than you think, and believe it or not, they talk just like we do!

Oh, there's nothing wrong with leaning on your friends shoulder for support or complaining about that agent or editor that just doesn't "get you". How else would we learn about toxic relationships to steer clear from and potential pit falls in the industry. And we want to be there for each other to lend support when a fellow writer is going through a rough time.

But one word of advice...
Make sure you know where you are on the playing field. Make sure you know who you're talking to. Are you among sideline cheerleaders? Or the trolls under the bleachers?

Make sure you know who your friends are. You can keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but make sure those enemies aren't within earshot of critical conversations. Make sure they can't twist your words and motives into something ugly.
And just remember that whatever you put out into the world will come back on you in equal measure. That goes for trash talkers and motivational supporters alike.

I'd much rather be the cheerleader than the troll under the bleachers, wouldn't you?

Don't engage yourself in someone else's negativity. If you hear something bad about a treasured author, agent, or even yourself, take heed but in the end brush it off. There are two sides to every story and no one on earth is entirely evil. Well except Hershey's Take 5 candy bars. Those are definitely of the devil.

The Power for Your Writing

2011-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their vices.

Some with food--okay maybe I have one of those.
Others the home shopping network--well if I had money I'd probably have that one too.
But my biggest vice would probably be the one trip to the nail salon that I get a month.

I'm not sure if it's the treatment so much as the company though.

I love my nail tech. She's a tiny firecracker of a thing. When she speaks, people get out of her way. I love her dearly because she has all the courage and gumption that I often lack, and she tends to whip my emotional state into shape Drill Sergeant style while she repairs my stress-ragged digits.

But when I stepped into the salon for my last appointment...no Seargant Nail Tech. Instead, I found myself sitting in front of the Zen Buddhist of nail techs.

Her warm smile made my anxiety level spike.

Wait a minute. Where did my feisty friend with a nail file go?

This was not good. Not good at all. All my drama needed an outlet. Quick, where's the phone book. Who do I call? I was so close to a Cat in the Hat rant... I could almost hear the loony bin's siren calling.

My current WIP was taking a nose dive into murky territory. NaNoWriMo was coming up and I had no ideas growing in my head! I needed stress relief. Pronto!

But the Zen nail tech didn't seem to notice. She was so calm and serene, and my goodness, but she was uplifting! She told me all about her recent endeavor with positive thinking, and this new fangled fad called "The Power".

Okay, so I'm not really in the vacuum that I make myself out to be. I've heard of The Power before. I've even experienced it's benefits once or twice, but coming from the Zen Buddhist of nail techs, why did this idea seem so new and more plausible?

Okay then, I'll do it. I'll give "The Power" one more try just for ole time sake.

And what happened only twenty-four hours later?

Ta-da! The light bulb flicked on! My inspiration returned full force!

Has anyone else had this happen? Anyone else willing to try? I'm devoting the month of November to "The Power" for my writing. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Feel free to join me!

Mystic Moon Fever

2011-10-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

I’m going to put on my mystic mumbo-jumbo state of mind today. Because it’s Halloween season and today’s the full moon.

I’m ready to battle the world today and all of its superstitions. You know, fight fire with fire—or in this case, water with water.

The moon has a major influence on ocean tides, and as a consequence, an influence on me! That’s right. *looks around coolly* I’m a Cancer, a water sign.

To keep my life from flooding with chaos today, I chose to accessorize with one of my favorite necklaces, created with the image of the Greek goddess of water.

Who knows? might offer a great source of power and control.

Hahaha. my critical side laughs in the face of my own naiveté! How could a simple object control anything other than the fashion police? Isn't it just a game of coincidence?

Hey I'll take coincidence! I'll take anything at this point, because, my morning has flowed more smoothly today than it has in weeks. And the children were no source of turmoil what so ever. And when does that ever happen?

Is it silly to believe that one simple article of jewelry can grant me such calm on this day?

Is it silly to believe in full moons?

Isn’t that what writing and stories are all about? Imagination and believability? Horoscopes and mystic legend breed imagination!

So go with the flow. At least for today.

Catch and Release

2011-10-10T08:20:00.003-07:00

I’m sure I’m not the first person who has likened the creation of a story to fishing, but hey, why mess with a good analogy?
What could be better than Spending a morning sunrise at the edge of the lake, no cars or honking horns. Just you, a rod, and a whole lot of time to wait for that bite. Okay, so maybe the writing process isn’t all that serene. We juggle schedules, deadlines, and our home life. But when you do find your place, the serenity comes and everything just clicks.

So let’s take a little trip to my pond o' readers and see if we can catch a bite.
Let’s see here . . . first we’re going to need:
The tools: This part is simple. A good story premise is key. Readers don’t need wordsmiths, they need story tellers.

Right. So we’re off and running with an idea. Let's get to it then.
The cast: Setting up that first scene should be quick and effective. It may take a little practice at first to find your finesse. You don’t want to shoot for the moon and end up on the other side of the lake, too far away from the story for it to make impact. You don’t want to throw in too hard either, you could loose your bait if your first hook is too harsh and overdone.

Wait for it…wait for it: Here comes the suspense. The tension. It builds over time and you have to filter in just enough to keep your reader going. I for one, am a patient fisherman, but a rather impatient reader. Keep the tension flowing, keep baiting that reader, then right when you least expect it, WAM!

The fight: This is the highest point in the book. You need to make sure you time your action, you can’t reel them in too soon, or the ending may come off as anticlimactic. AKA you could lose your line.

The release: This is when the all the secrets to the story are finally revealed and hopefully your reader will swim away somehow changed.

Though, I can speak from experience that this is not always the case with fish. I have actually caught the same fish twice. It was a 27-inch-long brown trout that I staked in the water. He managed to escape with the stake still attached. I caught him again an hour later.
It’s true…really…
What? You don’t believe me?

Writing wrestle mania

2011-10-10T08:20:00.001-07:00

Good Morning. Let's talk about the wrestle for creativity in the writing process.

We’ve all been there, right? Those days when you just don’t feel like writing. You’re sick, the family has problems, work is too stressful, your muse has turned up his/her nose, or maybe the voices in your head have laryngitis. Whatever the cause, the creative writing process doesn’t always run like water. Sometimes you have to work a little harder to pin down your story.

How easily do you give up your writing process when things in your life go wrong?

Consider this, if you do finish a manuscript and decide to publish will you stop at one book, two, or will you set your sights for New York?

Do you think those big time New York publishing houses will look kindly on slipping deadlines, inadequate writing, and overall lack of follow through?

I think not, my friends.

If you want to make it big you’ve got to act now like you will act then, and hit your writer's block before it can consume you. Push beyond pain, and emotion, and frustration.
--Excuse me for a moment while I pause for dramatic eye-of-the-tiger effect.--

Where was I?... Oh, yeah. You sit in the chair and write.

I listened to the great Nora Roberts speak about her writing process.
She says, you don’t just write when you feel like it.
and it's true. You can’t wait for the muse to come to you. Sometimes you have to bang on his/her door and tell them they’ve slept through the alarm.

But even if every sense-stimulating tactic fails to rouse your creative spirit, you have to do as JR Ward suggests and simply “advance the ball” until you find it again. And you WILL find it again.

There’s a reason why they say a good writer writes every day. Now, don't throw your pen at me yet. I’m not saying it’s a must, but the dedication is important. I'm not even saying it has to be good. There's nothing wrong with writing crap. Crap can be fixed. An empty page? Not so much.

Even if it’s only a sentence a day, you have. To keep. Going. If you want to pursue your dream you have to pursue it whatever the cost.
So here’s my challenge for the day:

Light a candle, chew some gum, put on a little music, whatever it takes, but sit in that chair and write!
That's right,
just sit in that chair and write.

Is that too much pep for a monday morning? Okay, how about this...
First person who completes a thousand words after reading this blog will get a virtual hug from a Hook’er!

Ready? Your match begins now!

The hopeless romantic in your reader

2011-10-10T08:19:00.005-07:00

I've been a romance novel junkie for most of my life. It's a vice I suppose, a delicious method for escaping reality. But it's a healthy vice. Promise.
What do I love about these books? I love how they embrace the basic human need to connect with another person on a deep, emotional level. And the best part?
No, it isn't the musclebound hero of yumminess. He helps, he's fun, but he and the heroine offer something even better than smoldering glances and stolen kisses. They offer the potential for a happily ever after (HEA).

And what woman from age sixteen to sixty doesn't want that?

I'm here to tell you every good hook has a little hopeless romantic ready to experience it. Varying degrees of romanticism, I'll admit, but it's still there.
Don't believe me? Let me explain.

What is it buried in the hook that keeps your reader turning pages?
My opinion?
No matter how dire a character's situation gets, no matter how much the writer chooses to abuse him/her, the reader wants to hang in there, gunning for the character's ability to triumph over what his/her world has been busy shoveling at them. Why? Because in a good hook, the reader connects with the main character and wants to believe they will earn their HEA. Because they sympathize or form an emotional connection with the main character. They want them to succeed.

In the majority of romance novels, the HEA's are guaranteed, but this isn't the case with every story. Some are prone to mirror the tragedies of real life, but keep in mind that your reader is still hoping that in the end the character will win somehow. Learn something.

You can use that in your hook by:
Forming a connection with your reader
Heaping the characters full of conflict
And above all, give your reader hope that in the end they will find their HEAs. However small that shadow may be, make sure you get it in there.
Oh, and if you could throw in a few musclebound heroes of yumminess that's good too :-)

Kacey's Cupcake Weakness

2011-10-10T08:19:00.003-07:00

I have a weakness. A cupcake weakness. I have an enabler too.

My sister makes the best cupcakes in my whole little world, and since I’ve had the great privilege to spend more time with her, I get to spend more time feeding my addiction-and my waistline for that matter.

And the woman loves to experiment. From trendy to gourmet to classic, no matter what she makes they always turn out to be single servings of heaven in liiiiiitle paper cups.

I’m not sure if it’s the sister factor that brings such comfort to my belly. Or if her technique stemmed from our childhood somehow, but her own technique—her own spin on things—always makes my mouth water.

Good stories are no different. I could just gobble them up! When I find that my favorite authors *ahem* Gena Showalter *ahem* has a new book out, I start to salivate. I might even forgo my tastealicious spiced chai just to afford it.

But how do cupcakes and good stories fit together?

Well, apart from the fact that I have finally managed to multitask both without getting crumbs in the binding, the creation process for cupcakes and stories are very similar.

I used to love watching Hell’s kitchen. It reminds me of the gauntlet we all face when seeking publication. Our Agents and editors are looking for a technique, a certain flavor if you will, and they simply will not take anything less than stunning. Looking at it from that angle, would we ever want them to?

Would you as a reader want to forgo your spiced Chai for a mediocre novel? I wouldn't.

When I first heard someone say “there are no new stories”, I was so disappointed.
But my work HAD to be original. Right?

Then I thought of my sister’s cupcakes. Maybe my story isn’t entirely unique. It needs to be somewhat recognizable if you really want to entice.

Take for instance this lovely photo on the left. These weren't created by my sister. she might love to experiment but even SHE has limits.

What I'm trying to say is, if your creation is completely unrecognizable it becomes a hard sell. If the readers expect one thing but get another and it can turn their stomachs.

But if you keep things familiar and alter the recipe juuust enough to make things your own, you get something fresh and new that just might translate into someone else’s weakness.

Like mine. These totally awesome strawberry cupcakes with strawberry butter cream frosting.

Preserve the raw edge of your writing

2011-10-10T08:19:00.001-07:00

Lovely summer morning to all of you!

It's finally July, with hot dogs, lemonade and lots and lots of sunscreen for the Heliophobics like me. Not to mention my favorite hometown event, the Cache Valley Cruise in. Where old cars get glossed up like new and cruise down main street on a balmy Saturday night. But before the main event, cars park at the local fair ground for bragging rights, haggling buyers, and big-time stories of how they got, or almost lost their pride and joy.

I could spend all day there perusing hot muscle cars and their hard working owners, but my camera had another idea. Every so often, between the pristine white Camaro and the Sapphire Studebakers, a unique piece of art catches my lens. I'm not sure why I like it. Maybe because there's a story in there somewhere, or maybe because it shows true to life and time. Maybe because it sticks out like a sore but prideful thumb. Its something that dares to be different in a world of spit and polish. I envy it in a way.

It reminds me of one angelic critique partner of mine that dared to throw her memoir out for the whole world to see. Her voice rang proud and clear in her writing, and true to her young age. I loved it because it was raw and different and brave. Much like the cars at the show, it didn't try to polish into something it wasn't. A rare glimpse into history that, if modified, may have lost part of itself under all that luster.

I envy her too in a way, because she knows the raw edge of her writing and she has the pride to embrace it.

Friends, don't forget your edge when you sit staring at a blank page. Its what makes you unique. I know there are mountains of books published on the writing craft, but if every rule is followed, we'd wind up with cookie-cutter stories. I don't think New York wants that. They still angle for something unique. Much like my camera lens.

Into Your Character's shoes

2011-10-10T08:18:00.001-07:00

We’ve all heard it, right? The saying that “You never truly know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.” Well, I’m here to tell you that anyone stepping inside my shoes is in for a world of hurt! I inflict torture on my feet from four-inch high-stilettoes and knee-high boots to the seemingly innocent banded sketchers that squeeze my feet like a vice. I guess I don’t try them on long enough before I buy. Or maybe I forgot how long it took me to brake in the last pair.
Life inflicts wear and tear not only on your feet but on your character. It makes you who you are. My question to you is: How willing are you to slip inside someone else’s joy and torture for a while? How long are you willing to stay there and stick it out until you have a good handle on their character?
So let’s talk about that. Let’s discuss getting deep into character, and let’s do it with Utah’s own Tod Huntington, an up-and-coming actor about to take Hollywood by storm.
My friends, please welcome Tod Huntington.

So Tod, How long have you been acting and what inspired you to pursue your dream?

I've been acting since I was a kid really. It's human nature and a part of the growth process to play pretend. I just never grew out of it. But, professionally, 8-9 years.
I pursued it because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I felt and still feel that I have something to offer. It's a way to serve my fellow man. I've always felt that there's a distinct power in storytelling. There's an opportunity to make people think. I look at it as a responsibility.

What sort of techniques do you use to get into character?

The script tells me a lot about who the guy is. I look at that, what he says, but more importantly what he means. Subtext is more important than text. I identify with it. I use facets of my own life to fill the character out. Human beings experience the basics of every human emotion by age 5. So, I see how the characters situation would effect me, and guage that against what the character would do. I try to give every character his own soul.
Do you ever feel that some part of that character sticks with you after the cameras shut off?

Yes. I think most women I've dated would tell you the same.
How long does it take you to establish good character effectively?

There's really not an answer for that. Good and effectively fall under the opinion category. I leave that for critics. But, I know when it works and when it doesn't. At least for me. There's no set amount of time. Some things are easier to connect with than others. I know that my best work are the ones I really don't want to do because they're too close to home.
I understand you’ve auditioned in for some pretty influential directors. What is that like?

It's strange. The first time I had to work with someone famous (Salma Hayek) I bought a biography on her so I could make her normal in my head. I get more nervous in front of the layman than I do in front of someone that knows my industry.
Have you ever felt that you’ve gotten a character wrong?

Not wrong exactly. I've looked back on some of my work and said "I could've done this". I think that's normal. And part of the learning process. If I ever look at a role and say "It doesn't get better than that" I should probably quit.
Tell us about the future, Tod. What sort of projects are you working on?

Playing it by ear. If a project wants me in September I say "Yeah, ok." because I don't see September as a reality. I live day to day, moment to moment. I talk to a lot of people, I audition quite a bit. If I like the script and the funding doesn't fall through, I do it. Since I've moved to L.A. I've had a couple that went through. It's only been six months so we'll see what the future holds. I've always had the philosophy that if you take care of being the best actor you can be, the rest will fall into place. I still believe that. I'm diligent about being my best. Then I just put it in front of anyone I can.
I have a few projects from previous years that are about to be released. We'll see if that has an impact.

Thank you so much for letting me interview you, Tod! And for those of you who would like to catch a glympse of Tod's work--and let's be honest, who wouldn't? you can check out the following links below!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1389879/

http://vimeo.com/todhuntington

save the cat moment

2011-10-10T08:17:00.003-07:00

We like our conflict. Evey story needs conflict. But what do we do when we find that our characters have gone a little overboard with their enthusiastic opposition?
I'll tell you what you can do... You make them save the cat!

You may have already heard about a character’s need for a "save the cat moment". Some heroic or selfless act to prove that your character isn’t as mean and nasty as they appear. Screenwriter Blake Snyder is the ultimate resource for learning about save the cat moments. Pick up his book and you won't be disappointed.

I’m a voracious romance reader, and I’m not shy about telling you that I love me some Alpha hero like an ice cream cone in July, but their occasional frosty attitude can have a tendency to bite back. In situations like this when you feel like your character is unbelievably harsh, you have to give them a break at humanity to keep your reader from throwing the book across the room.
And this is only a suggestion, but why not use even their save the cat moment to pile on a different layer of conflict and drag more information from your characters. For instance, let me introduce you to my cat.

Let’s just call her scruffy, my baby-doll tortoiseshell Himalayan.

Her mother and father were pedigreed. They had white, fluffy fur that appeared chalk-lined in the softest grey stripes and eyes as blue as a clear morning. A real match made in kitty heaven, those two.

What they spawned, however, was my pretty little beast from hell.

Having been born with severe hip dysplasia, as misfortunate purebreds tend to do, she was medicated most of her life. When a storm front rolled in, you could see it in her pitiful three-legged limp. But if anyone dare lift her into their arms for a comforting hug they might earn themselves a limp of their own.

She was the snottiest cat to have ever lived. She hated everyone.
Ahem, well, everyone but me, anyway.
If a stranger got too close, her greasy spikes would jut out like a porcupine. And yes, by the way, I did say greasy.

In addition to the hip displaysia she also had a condition called seborrhea. An overactive production of oil glands. To touch her would result in pulling back a well lubed hand (if you pulled back a hand at all). Huh... Who needs lotion, right?

She always looked drenched because the grease would mat her fur together in clumps. Visitors would often ask. “Did your kitty just get a bath?” Because she had that wet/pissed look permanently etched into her appearance.

And if her glare wasn't enough to scare you off, there was always her growl. A sound that must have been dragged up from the bowels of hell.
I’d like to see a hero try to save my cat. No, really I would. In fact, I may just write that into my next story!

cowboy up!

2011-10-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

I had the great pleasure of attending the Cache County fair and rodeo this weekend. Its probably like any other county fair...The food that always smells better then it tastes. The carnival rides filled with delighted passengers, and the throngs of oddly shaped and decorated people-watching opportunities.

My favorite part of all is the rodeo... well, more specifically the cowboys.

Its easy to cheer for these guys because you see the determination in their face, their walk.

Even the little cowboys and girls have it. From the comfort of my aluminum bench seat, I watched a swarm of six-to-ten-year-olds chasing cows around the ring, trying to catch the bright colored bow attached to the cow's tail. As they tumble and scramble through the dirt, you know these aren't the kids that cry when they fall down and scrape their knee. They get right back up and do it again. Save the scrapes and bruises only to solidify their glory later.

These people are born and bred to be heros.

But back to the cowboys for a moment (I'm sure you don't mind), This is going to sound really bad, but after watching a few successful bronc rides, and tight wranglered butts victory-strut around for several minutes, I found myself hoping that someone somehow would find themselves flying off the saddle.
Why? Because I want them to get hurt? Have a sick obsession with gore? No, no, not at all.

Okay, well, maybe a little. But the bottom line is, I want it to be difficult for them. The entertainment isn't about looking good in the jeans, or the personality. It helps, but after a while it's boring. I want them to triumph but I want them to work at it and face real risk. That's what makes it exciting.

Much like the American cowboy, we need to give our characters opposition that isn't easy to overcome. Sometimes we like our characters so much, we don't want to see them get hurt. You need to push them out there to face their fears before they can develop into characters you really want to root for!

You don't have to turn every character into a cowboy or girl, but I would recommend giving them "cowboy up" moments that makes us admire and respect them.

Our kick The Can Culture

2011-10-10T08:16:00.003-07:00

Good morning to you all,

Remember those countless hours--and for me countless sumburns, spent in the neighborhood of your youth? Remember Tag? Kick the can? Hide and go seek?

I think my parents must have lost track of me about the day after school let out and didn't find me again until days like today. *Sigh*

For many of you, today marks the first day of school for your children. A day filled with anxiety, excitement, and maybe even a small tinge of grief for those long summers meeting a bitter, bitter end... Kinda tastes like chalk dust.

The kids of today rarely spend as much time outside as we did, but I can gurantee it builds more memories than what level they got to on their X Box game. And the best part is, it's free. No cords, no power bill, no expensive gaming system. You get the idea. I'm preaching to the choir here, I can almost hear the collectibe Amens.

My children and I celebrated our last day of summer running through the sprinklers and playing in the pool. If I had suggested going inside for some quality TV time, I'm pretty sure they would have tied me up with their jump rope and left me to sponge up sprinkler water.

As readers and writers alike, we all have this in common. Given the choice we'd rather go out and experience than sit back and obsorb. I encourage you to keep this in mind in your writing.

But how do we keep people turning pages if they'd rather be out there experiencing it?

By locking on to those common memories even until the snow starts flying. Embrace it in your writing so readers can dust of those fond memories and enjoy them.

Your characters don't always need to go through a monolighic and heart wrenching event in order for your reader to connect. It can be found in the small things too. Like scene and setting, common references, and your character's culture.

How does a Muse hire a Babysitter

2011-10-10T08:13:00.003-07:00

You may have already heard the concept of filling out a character interview to bring out the depth and motivation of your character. Those nifty little questionnairs can really help bring an otherwise flat character into three dimensional, jump off the page form. It's amazing what you can find out when you simply ask them.
As a fun twist I decided to invite my good friend Tobin to the Hook Me blog today.

Tobin: Easy sister, We're not that good of friends... And did you seriously just use the word "nifty"?
How old are you again?
Kacey: Don't mind him. He's still pissed because of his little flesh wound at the end of book one.

Tobin: Flesh wound? You call this a flesh wound?! Come over here and I'll show you a flesh wound. I'll make us a matching pair. How does that sound, FRIEND?

Kacey: Tobin, focus please.
As I was about to say, our little Muse friend here seems to think he's got a pretty good handle on people.

Who can blame him really, with his ability to see into the human soul with deadly accuracy. But now that he's laid up in bed with nothing to do, his hired help is getting on his nerves.
Tobin's decided to fire his staff and hire himself--and this is the part that baffles me-- a babysitter.

Tobin: What's so baffling? I'm hiring a babe that will sit anywhere I ask her to. Mostly on my lap.

Kacey: I think you're a little confused at the job description, but we're getting off the subject. Tobin here managed to swipe--

Tobin: Borrow

Kacey: Oh-kay borrow his brother's employment requirements for when he hired his nanny and now Tobin's making a few adjustments.

So lets get into this Muse’s head. Lets find out how a muse shops for his own babysitter.
Tobin: All right, but I'm letting you know right now, this is going to cost you...
Question number one: No one is above my influence. When I say jump, you...

Kacey: Ask how high?

Tobin: No. Not even close. Don't talk, just jump. Muses are all about visual stimulation, not chatter. And did I mention push-up bras are a dress code requirement?
You're fired by the way.
Next question: Women fall at my feet on a regular basis. How do you avoid violating our business relationship.
Kacey: I--

Tobin: Upupup! You see that right there? See how you're opening your mouth?
Fired!
Again. No yapping. just doing. It's perfectly natural to fall at my feet, on your back, or in any other compromising position. I'm hiring you to sit on my lap, woman. It would take an awful lot to violate a business relationship like that. Something like, oh, I don't know, a FLESH WOUND!

Kacey: You're just not going to let that go, are you?

Tobin: Shut up.Next question: I feed on the human soul. I'm always hungry for my next meal. How do you keep me nourished?
Kacey: *shakes her head*
Tobin: Oh?... what is this? Look at this, ladies and gentleman she is learning.The author can be taught. Just look at those pursed lips. Lovin the pout Kacey, really. You're almost back into my good graces. Just do me one more favor...
Kacey: What kind of favor?
Tobin: Jump up and down.

Putting sensory into your sentences part one: Smell

2011-10-10T08:13:00.001-07:00

Morning all!

I've mentioned my weakness for cupcakes before. A weakness enabled by my Master Cupcake Chief sister. She’s got my number and she knows it too! Anything she wants, she gets, so long as there are those paper-wrapped cakelets of evil in her hand.

I'm sure it must have something to do with their innocent, little portion size and that swirl of confectionery yumminess she calls frosting, but my brain has latched onto them. Now I can detect them from a mile away.

But it seems that I've taken my cupcake weakness to a whole new level...

Now I'm even wearing them.

On days when the sissy's not baking up a storm, I still get my fix with a soothing Cupcake lotion I found at Walmart. Eat your heart out Bath and Body, cause this stuff is awesome Aaaand I can afford it too!

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to hear that food scented products like lotion are contributing to our nation's obesity epidemic. If you're wearing it for eight hours straight, the temptation is constantly under your nose.

Our sense of smell is pretty darn powerful, and it shapes the way we experience everything.

Every time we meet someone new, walk into a room, or step outside, our noses are there to investigate. To really pull readers into our writing, the sense of smell is essential. Its a great way to incorporate all the other senses as well.

If a scent is so strong, it burns your character's eyes and makes them water.
If it makes the character's tummy rumble.
Or makes them want to toss their cookies.

You've just Incorporated multiple senses, leading with the sense of smell, and offered your reader something to associate with. Give it a try!

The Stories that Haunt us

2011-10-10T08:12:00.003-07:00

Fall is coming. Our fair state of Utah has that lingering chill that lasts throughout the day. The leaves are beginning to change around their edges.

Its the perfect time to start thinking ghost stories.

Just for now, let's put aside all judgment about whether or not ghosts actually exist. Let's welcome in early fall with an open mind while I introduce you to my pint-sized poltergeist, Emily.

Little Emily has been a mainstay in my life ever since I became a mother. She just kind-of added herself to my brood and remains underfoot even to this day.

The most interesting thing I find about her, is that she doesn't haunt one single building or plot of land. She haunts me. Much like the characters running around in our heads, I can't seem to escape her. Not that I've really tried. She's pretty harmless with the exception of a bouncy ball or two thunked off the top of my head.

My children seemed the first to recognize her presence. They were nervous about going into their playroom--as children often are about large, oddly shaped rooms. At first, I didn't think anything of it. But when my two-year-old announced there was a "ghosss in there" I was a surprised. I didn’t even think she knew what a ghost was!

Toys would sound off in the middle of the night, and of course it always had to be the ones with voices or animal noises. Why my little ghostie doesn’t appreciate simple building blocks or baby dolls, I’ll never know.

My first visual encounter happened during a little game of hide and seek. I entered my youngest daughter's room to find the closet door cracked open. The lights off. I pushed the door open wide to the sight of a little girl with shoulder-length, dark hair. Her head bowed and an Awe-you-found-me look on her face. The first thought that sprang to my mind was, This is not my child! I jumped. My heart jumped too, right into my throat. But before I could even take a step back, she was gone!

It wasn't until I spent a few months at my sisters house, that I discovered Emily's fascination with me. My sister walked into her living room where I was sleeping on floor, and found a small girl perched on the sofa. Staring down at me! My sister told me later,

"At first I thought it was my daughter, just as I was about to tell her to go back to bed and leave aunt Kacey alone, she disappeared. I told my husband, 'I think our house guest has a house guest.'"

Could Emily be only a figment of my imagination? Maybe. Maybe not. But I will tell you one thing. Much like the characters running around in our heads, Emily won't be going away any time soon. Her story must be told.

I'll be lurking around the blog all day today. Feel free to ask any questions you have about Emily, and feel free to share any stories of your own!

Hometown Values in your character

2011-10-10T08:12:00.001-07:00

Everyone has their home. Mine happens to be in the majestic Cache Valley. Where farm animals still graze on the outskirts and that small town mentality reigns supreme. Where everywhere I turn, I find a story about the time I nearly wrecked your car, or kissed my first boy. I could go on and on.

There are locations too, like The Blue Bird restaurant, where they still make their own chocolate and gleaming, fifty-style soda dispensers crane over the edge of the bar.

That place has hosted countless prom dates gussied and gleaming for their big night—so has First Dam for that matter. It’s the most famous make out spot in town. Where fuming father’s pull their daughters from back seats, and a twinge of familiarity hits them. Not only for the coveted parking spot, but for the look of fear on the young man’s face.

One of my close friends told me this weekend. “Everybody who leaves Cache Valley always comes back.”

I kept expecting the maniacal laughter and wringing hands to follow. They didn’t.

Because he was right. It’s not always the family ties that bind us there either. There’s some kind of magnetic pull that draws us back to our homes.

Make sure you remember that, dear readers. Those basic everyone’s-my-neighbor feelings are present for everyone in some form or another. It could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on our character’s past, but a great source of conflict either way. It's a great way to hook your reader

Playing Dress up!

2011-10-10T08:11:00.001-07:00

Browsing through the endless collection of Halloween costumes this year, I found myself wondering exactly what kind of Halloween celebrationist I am--and no, celebrationist isn't really a word, but go with me on this.

I figure the Halloween scale must run from Pruney-faced, dress-up fuddy-duddy, to costume awesomealist.

And you remember the awesomealist. Those that make Halloween costume history by getting into full character and most likely annoying the hell out of everyone around them. They make a major statement and are difficult to forget.

I'll readily admit that can be both a good and a bad thing.

Me? I figure I must be somewhere in the middle. I dress up every year. I pick on friends and coworkers until they dress up too, but the end result is only semi-enthusiastic. I get that dopey tone in my voice when someone asks. "Now what are you supposed to be?"

Which by the way, must go down as an epic Halloween fail in my book. If you have to explain your costume, it isn't a costume. It's a candy-melted-mistake. You know, like the little candy corn blob that went terribly wrong in production.

As a writer I feel that I put myself into different perspectives all the time.

But like my costumes, am I only going in semi-enthusiastic mode?

It's an easy gear to slip into when your audience is on your mind. Or when you have to pitch your book in public.

During last year's URWA writer's retreat I attended, we were encouraged to take masks with us to the keyboard. A way to put aside the outside world and be someone else jabbing the keys. It works pretty well too.

So let's hear it. How are things going? Let's open a forum to see just how well our writer friends are fairing at the keyboard. Who's dressing up, and how's it working for you?

Reading Writing and Competition

2011-10-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

I once heard someone say that getting published in romance was like throwing a hundred women in one room with a chain saw and locking the door. Only the last one standing would make their way out.

I would like to say that's true, but only for entertainment sake.

I'm sure the conference would be a lot more entertaining to outsiders if we were indeed that vicious. Our attendance numbers would skyrocket! In fact, I'd bet the men would be all lined up and shoveling in the popcorn if it were true. It might even make for great reality TV!

Course the men's mere presence would probably distract the best writers in our genre and we'd loose some valuable heads!

I attended the Utah Heart of the West conference this weekend. Surrounded by throngs of starry-eyed romance authors and only a handful of editors and agents to pitch to.

Believe it or not, we actually behaved ourselves. We practiced pitching together. Gave each other constructive feedback and we had a blast doing it.

There were no hurt feelings--at least that I could tell. And the end result after pitch sessions was nothing but positive if not immense thanks to our peers.

Newcomers to the conference were embraced with open arms. The comedy and the alcohol were free flowing--Shhh! but don't tell anyone. This is the straight-laced state after all. I think there might be some kind of unwritten regulation about boisterous Yauuups! and laughter that late at night.

The only tension I found at conference was my own. Shaking like a leaf in front of the entire luncheon as I presented this year's Heart of the West Writing contest winners. And what an honor!

When I read out the names, those winners in attendance were cheered and congratulated without restraint!

True, the road to publication can be much like a game of roulette. There's a chance you may publish and a chance you may not, but I can say that the women at the URWA will work hard with each other, through strength and support, to get there.