I met Sarah-Jane on line at one of the many digests on my blog. We agreed to exchange blogs. I'll be on her's sometime later this year. Here's hers.
1. What's your genre or do you write in more than one?
I mainly write fantasy and horror, but lately I’m branching out into comedy.
2. Did you choose your genre or did it choose you?
I write what I enjoy reading. I like anything with some sort of supernatural angle to it, and I like it even more if it has some kind of darkness to it. I also enjoy writing stories with outlandish plots so that I can test the humanity of my characters. I’ve often said that the human condition can best be explored when characters are put into extreme conditions, where they are forced to see if their morals will hold up in life and death situations.
3. Is there any genre you'd like to try? Or is there one you wouldn't?
As I mentioned above, I’m currently trying to write a comedic novel. It’s still fantasy based, but unlike my other novels that border on horror, I’m going for a lighter, more surreal tone with RED ROVER. So far I’m happy with the results.
I don’t think I’d ever write a romance novel. Not that my stories don’t have a bit of romance in them, quite the contrary in fact, but I would never want romance to be the focus of the story. And I’m not a fan of the usual romance conventions, such as an alpha hero, a virginal heroine and a happily ever after, so even if I were to write a romance, it probably wouldn’t appeal to most fans of the genre.
4. What fiction do you read for pleasure?
Nowadays, I don’t read a lot of fiction. I prefer reading about mythology, folklore, and the preternatural. The most recent fiction I’ve read has been old classics, such as Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.
5. Tell me a bit about yourself and how long you've been writing,
I grew up in a small Northern Ontario town, and as I was a shy child, I spent most of my time off in the woods by myself, daydreaming. I think it was then that I developed my love of writing, but I had always considered it a hobby until my mid-twenties. It was then that I completed the first draft of THIEF and decided that I wanted to make a go of writing professionally.
6. Which of your characters is your favorite?
I think Glor from SHADES OF WAR is my favourite creation. I don’t want to reveal too much, but Glor is a mentally and physically handicapped child who holds a great secret. I enjoyed creating the duality of Glor’s character, especially in juxtaposition with the novel’s villain. I also enjoyed the way that Glor viewed the world. It was a refreshing change from the doom and gloom attitude of some of the other characters.
7. Are there villains in your books and how were they created?
There are conventional villains in my books, but most of the characters have villain-like qualities to them. I am a firm believer in moral relativism—no one is purely good or purely bad. Everyone has a dark side to them, and sometimes the world brings out the worst in them. I think it’s important when creating a villain to recognize this. There are reasons for why they behave the way they do, and if I want to raise them above a stereotype, I have to make sure that every character in my books views themselves as the “good guy.”
8. What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on MASQUERADE, the third book in the Sevy series, which we hope will be released in November or December of 2011. I’m also working on RED ROVER, the comedic fantasy that I mentioned earlier.
9. What's your latest release and how did the idea arrive?
SHADES OF WAR was released in November of 2010, and is the sequel to THIEF. The idea for Shades came about while I was still writing Thief. I realized that Sevy’s (the main character) story was still far from over, and that I wanted to see it through to the finish. And the finish will be five books in total, so I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me!
10. Tell me about your latest book and how it came about. Enclose the opening of the book around 400 words
Here’s the opening for SHADES OF WAR:
Sally’s pub, a dismal little dive located in the south-eastern quarter of Eloria, was as it had ever been: dank, run down, and saturated with the body odor of the city workers who made up the bulk of its clientele. But what it lacked in ambience it made up for in cheap ale, of which Sevy was currently partaking.
Seated at a table near the fireplace, she was in her own world. The other patrons knew not to bother trying to chat up the tall brunette; her temper was as quick as the sword that hung at her waist. She surveyed all with glacial green eyes as emotionless and piercing as a bird of prey’s, her mouth seemingly fixed into a frown except for the times she allowed it to slide into a sneer.
The message was clear to even the most drunken or stupid of men: stay back.
The only one courageous enough to approach her was Hal, the barkeeper. His back was more hunched than it had been in years past and his eyesight was weakening, but he could confidently invade Sevy’s bubble of personal space without fear of reprisal. So long as he always brought more drinks. Wordlessly, they exchanged coin for ale. Their familiarity didn’t demand stilted attempts at pleasantries.
Sevy took one long swallow after another until the mug was empty save for the last slippery bits of fragrant foam. Satisfied, she sank low into her seat, folded her arms over her stomach, and rested her feet up on the opposite chair. The fire warmed the timeworn leather of her boots. She wiggled her toes and stretched out her calf muscles, their soreness almost pleasurable now that they had a chance to rest and recuperate.
Her eyes closed. Her head fell to the side. The clinking of glasses and low murmurings in the room around her faded into a blissful blur.
“Ma’am? Excuse me, ma’am?” a tiny voice chirped into her ear.
Sevy made no effort to conceal the scowl that crossed her face. A sigh shook her chest as she looked up at the intruder through hooded lids. Before her was a young girl. Fourteen, fifteen maybe. Very gaunt and lanky. An uncertain grin revealed crooked teeth and excessive gums. She pulled self-consciously at the threadbare dress she wore, as well she should. It was a few sizes too small and didn’t leave much of the girl’s burgeoning, if not angular, womanhood to one’s imagination.
~~~
Sarah-Jane Lehoux
Author of fantasy and horror fiction
www.sarah-janelehoux.com
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
4 ways to see if the idea will become a plot.
Ideas are all around us. I'm sure you have at least a dozen ideas floating in your head. Maybe more. Not all of these will become stories and not all will be right for you. So before we begin to look at plots in depth let's explore which idea works best. Then we'll get into plot.
Remember this, a plot is a plan or a roadmap for characters on their way to a goal. There are scenes but they must be significant and have an impact on the characters as they aim for their goal.
1. Is it your story to tell? There are some stories I could never write and there are probably some you can't. For me, horror is one, another westerns and a third science fiction. Not that I don't enjoy reading them, maybe not horror since I'm a chicken. So when an idea suddenly appears think if it's one you could write. Make a list of those type of stories that aren't for you. Maybe you like mysteries but police procedure is your kind instead of cozies or hard-boiled detectives.
2. Is the too personal to engage a reader? Some experiences are too close to you or there are some you feel like preaching about. These will turn a reader off. While our own experiences are fodder for fiction, it must be remembered that the characters are the ones experiencing the event of what ever you're writing about. While there is some of you in the character, the character isn't you.
3. Can the idea go somewhere? Maybe after twenty or thirty pages you start spinning your wheels and the story stops flat. Might mean taking a second look at where the story is heading and seeing where you stalled.
4. What's at stake? What's at stake for the character? Are the protagonists equal? With unequal characters there's no real conflict. If your villain or villainess is so evil the hero or heroine stands no chance, the idea won't work. If the hero or heroine is so plum perfect and strong and the bad guy or girl weak does what's at stake really matter.
So when an idea pops into your head, look at each of these areas and if all are a go, then run to your computer and begin to tell your story.
Remember this, a plot is a plan or a roadmap for characters on their way to a goal. There are scenes but they must be significant and have an impact on the characters as they aim for their goal.
1. Is it your story to tell? There are some stories I could never write and there are probably some you can't. For me, horror is one, another westerns and a third science fiction. Not that I don't enjoy reading them, maybe not horror since I'm a chicken. So when an idea suddenly appears think if it's one you could write. Make a list of those type of stories that aren't for you. Maybe you like mysteries but police procedure is your kind instead of cozies or hard-boiled detectives.
2. Is the too personal to engage a reader? Some experiences are too close to you or there are some you feel like preaching about. These will turn a reader off. While our own experiences are fodder for fiction, it must be remembered that the characters are the ones experiencing the event of what ever you're writing about. While there is some of you in the character, the character isn't you.
3. Can the idea go somewhere? Maybe after twenty or thirty pages you start spinning your wheels and the story stops flat. Might mean taking a second look at where the story is heading and seeing where you stalled.
4. What's at stake? What's at stake for the character? Are the protagonists equal? With unequal characters there's no real conflict. If your villain or villainess is so evil the hero or heroine stands no chance, the idea won't work. If the hero or heroine is so plum perfect and strong and the bad guy or girl weak does what's at stake really matter.
So when an idea pops into your head, look at each of these areas and if all are a go, then run to your computer and begin to tell your story.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Inspired by Bird by Bird - A look at Settings
Several things in this segment of Bird By Bird tickled me. The first was her woeful attempts at becoming a gardner. I have been known to have plants outdoors and they usually thrive. It's the indoor ones that never survive. Take spider plants they always grow and send out new little babies - for everyone else, not me. I also had this wonderful cactus that existed in my house for years. Carried the thing from Texas to Pittsburgh and finally to Nyack. Then the new cat attacked the plant and killed it.
Several things Ann Lamott said about settings rang true. Your characters need to be located in time and space. Details are wonderful when describing a character's space but not too many. The setting should reflect the character's ideas. I know she calls people and asks them. This is a good way to learn. I also have some aides - books of house plans and even some of apartment plans from early houses to the modern ones. I also have books on gardens and places. The internet can also help when creating a setting for your characters. What she suggests is seeing the setting like it's a set for a play or a movie. Maybe this works for some people. For me, word pictures does it. Words work to bring a setting alive.
In my current book my characters are spending a lot of time in a forest. Remembering what it was like to walk in the woods can bring the smells and the scenery to life. And if you've never been somewhere and have no friends who have been to that place of in a home like that, one can delve into books on many things and allow the words to spin dreams in their heads.
Several things Ann Lamott said about settings rang true. Your characters need to be located in time and space. Details are wonderful when describing a character's space but not too many. The setting should reflect the character's ideas. I know she calls people and asks them. This is a good way to learn. I also have some aides - books of house plans and even some of apartment plans from early houses to the modern ones. I also have books on gardens and places. The internet can also help when creating a setting for your characters. What she suggests is seeing the setting like it's a set for a play or a movie. Maybe this works for some people. For me, word pictures does it. Words work to bring a setting alive.
In my current book my characters are spending a lot of time in a forest. Remembering what it was like to walk in the woods can bring the smells and the scenery to life. And if you've never been somewhere and have no friends who have been to that place of in a home like that, one can delve into books on many things and allow the words to spin dreams in their heads.
Monday, March 7, 2011
7th March March - Past and - The week past and the week future
I'll talk about the future first. I'll be heading on Wednesday for Williamsburg, VA for EPICon and meeting with people i know and those I don't know. Many of us have been involved in electronic publishing for years before it became "the thing." We heard all kind of comments lime - When are you going to write a real book. Ebooks have arrived thanks to the new reading devices and what was considered junk is now looked on as being "real books." People who naysayed are now on board with "the times." Enough of that rant and on to better things.
If things work out, there will be blog posts and if not I'll post them all next week. I'll know by tomorrow if things have worked out. The past two attempts haven't. I think the blogs work on a different time than I do here in the eastern US. If posted Tuesday will see more Birb By Bird inspiration, Wednesday the start of an indepth look at Plot and plotting. Thursday an interview, Friday Writing tips using Becoming Your Own Critique Partner, Saturday the first chapter of Prescription For Love and Sunday 3 Blog visits. I'll be back sometime Monday and the post will be on the conference.
Last week writing went well and I'm within 5000 words of finishing Confrontations. Finally able to beat the final meeting with the villains into shape and soon the characters will be on to normal lives for them.
If things work out, there will be blog posts and if not I'll post them all next week. I'll know by tomorrow if things have worked out. The past two attempts haven't. I think the blogs work on a different time than I do here in the eastern US. If posted Tuesday will see more Birb By Bird inspiration, Wednesday the start of an indepth look at Plot and plotting. Thursday an interview, Friday Writing tips using Becoming Your Own Critique Partner, Saturday the first chapter of Prescription For Love and Sunday 3 Blog visits. I'll be back sometime Monday and the post will be on the conference.
Last week writing went well and I'm within 5000 words of finishing Confrontations. Finally able to beat the final meeting with the villains into shape and soon the characters will be on to normal lives for them.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
3 Blog visit Sunday
http://writerwellness.wordpress.com/ Here are some interesting tips for healthy writing. Also posting this since she's helped me learn how to do posts and have them ready for when I'm away. It's not that I couldhn't have figured it out eventually but I got a step by step from the author of this blog.
http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/ Here are articles with tips and resources about epublishing.
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/26-ways-to-enhance-your-blog-content/ One of my chapter members sent this blog and I went to look. This post shows a lot of tips for the blog and if you take off the 26 ways etc, you'll find a number of tips for all kind of social media,
http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/ Here are articles with tips and resources about epublishing.
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/26-ways-to-enhance-your-blog-content/ One of my chapter members sent this blog and I went to look. This post shows a lot of tips for the blog and if you take off the 26 ways etc, you'll find a number of tips for all kind of social media,
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday's First Chapter -- Prescription For Love
This time it will be done in two since there is a prologue, something I seldom write. So today you'll see the prologue and next Saturday Chapter One. This book was written for my youngest daughter who is biracial and was adopted by us when she was four. She's given me four lively, beautiful and special grandchildren. Bt the way the cover is her wedding picture and taken by my oldest son.
PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE
BY
JANET LANE WALTERS
DISKUS PUBLISHING
Prologue
"How long are you going to leave her with me, Joey?" Ginny Barr stood in the apartment doorway and watched her younger brother's retreat to the stairs. She wrinkled her nose against the acrid and musty odors that assaulted her. As usual, the bulb at the head of the stairs was out. Her brother vanished into the shadows.
"A month, maybe two."
"Are you in trouble?"
"These past couple of weeks have been rough," he said. "I really loved Pookie, you know. I need to get my head straight."
She wanted to believe him. He sounded like he meant his words, but their relationship was studded with broken promises. "I'll stay clear of the gangs." He hadn't. "No boozing for me. Look at Mommy." He had. "College will be a breeze. I'll make my mark just like you did." Then he'd dropped out.
At one time, Ginny had believed he would be the second of the Barr kids to escape the spiral of poverty. Maybe this time, he would keep his promise.
After closing the door, she slid the dead bolt home. Her plans for the evening had included an hour's work on the first of her Master's projects. Joey's arrival with his infant daughter had shot down that idea.
Then, before he'd told her why he wanted to leave his baby with her, Annette had arrived. Joey wasn't her friend's favorite person.
For several minutes, the temperature in the apartment had soared above the already abnormal September high. The sharp words between the pair had ended Ginny's chance of learning the entire story behind her brother's flight and his decision to leave his daughter behind. Part of her didn't want to know.
"What kind of name is Pookie?" Annette stroked the baby's light mocha skin with her dark brown finger.
Ginny shrugged. "A pet name. That's all he ever called his wife."
"Were they married?"
"He said they were."
"Ever meet her?"
"No." Ginny lifted Manda to her shoulder and rubbed the baby's cheek with hers.
"What's wrong with you knowing the girl's name? He afraid you're going to approach the grandparents?"
"You heard what he said. They forbade her to see him and when they learned she was pregnant, they tossed her out. They refused to have anything to do with a biracial grandchild. Guess they didn't think Joey was good enough."
"I don't think he's good enough and I never met the girl. You're blind and deaf where that boy's concerned." Annette held up her hand. "Girl, you're crazy taking this on. Don't you have enough on your plate with Honor, work at the hospital and a double Master's program? You'll wear yourself to the bone and you ain't got that far to go."
Ginny fumbled in the brown bag Joey had left beside the lumpy gray couch. She pulled out a bottle. When she looked up, she saw concern in her friend's dark eyes. "You heard him. Just a couple of months. I have to trust him."
"Sure you do -- not. That's like believing I'll be elected president next November. What's wrong with him taking care of his own kid?"
"He's young. He's a guy. What does he know about raising a child?"
Annette straightened. "I'm going to pretend those words never came out of your mouth. What's wrong with a guy raising a child? He sure helped make her. I know he's your baby brother and you've always cleaned up his messes. Don't you think it's time he stood on his own?"
Ginny sighed. "And if I didn't take Manda, he was going to ask Mommy to keep her."
Annette laughed. "He got you again. That boy sure knows how to twist your knobs. Your mother would have 'bout as much care for this mite as her other grandmother. You know how she is?"
Ginny nodded and headed to the kitchen. "You're right."
"I'll feed her. Get ready for work."
"Are you sure you want to stay tonight? I could cancel. This is an extra shift."
Annette reached into the bag. "One pack of diapers, four cans of formula, three more bottles, one battered bear, two sleepers. Guess I know where the extra bucks are going. Girl, we got to stick together or we're going to fall apart."
"Thanks."
Annette cradled the baby in her arms. "Mama's not expecting me home tonight. Her sewing circle is meeting. I can't stand being in that apartment while the ladies are sewing and talking."
Ginny laughed. "They're working on my quilt. Guess I'll go to work." She headed for the bedroom.
"Honor's sure going to get a surprise in the morning. How are we going to explain to that child where babies come from? She's going to be thinking the stork came while she was sleeping."
"You'll think of a way," Ginny said.
She stopped beside one of the twin beds in the small bedroom and looked at her sleeping daughter. A laugh caught in her throat. The heat and humidity of the day remained trapped in the room. The sheet trailed on the floor. Honor's nightgown hung over the bottom rail of the iron bed frame, but covering her feet were a pair of red socks. Ginny touched her daughter's warm brown skin. No matter how hot the weather, Honor always wore socks to bed.
"Baby, I love you," she whispered and headed to the bathroom.
As the tepid water washed over her, she thought about her friend's concern. Two children. Ginny sighed. Manda was her niece. Even if Joey left his daughter forever, Ginny vowed Manda would have love and learn to take pride in who she was.
PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE
BY
JANET LANE WALTERS
DISKUS PUBLISHING
Prologue
"How long are you going to leave her with me, Joey?" Ginny Barr stood in the apartment doorway and watched her younger brother's retreat to the stairs. She wrinkled her nose against the acrid and musty odors that assaulted her. As usual, the bulb at the head of the stairs was out. Her brother vanished into the shadows.
"A month, maybe two."
"Are you in trouble?"
"These past couple of weeks have been rough," he said. "I really loved Pookie, you know. I need to get my head straight."
She wanted to believe him. He sounded like he meant his words, but their relationship was studded with broken promises. "I'll stay clear of the gangs." He hadn't. "No boozing for me. Look at Mommy." He had. "College will be a breeze. I'll make my mark just like you did." Then he'd dropped out.
At one time, Ginny had believed he would be the second of the Barr kids to escape the spiral of poverty. Maybe this time, he would keep his promise.
After closing the door, she slid the dead bolt home. Her plans for the evening had included an hour's work on the first of her Master's projects. Joey's arrival with his infant daughter had shot down that idea.
Then, before he'd told her why he wanted to leave his baby with her, Annette had arrived. Joey wasn't her friend's favorite person.
For several minutes, the temperature in the apartment had soared above the already abnormal September high. The sharp words between the pair had ended Ginny's chance of learning the entire story behind her brother's flight and his decision to leave his daughter behind. Part of her didn't want to know.
"What kind of name is Pookie?" Annette stroked the baby's light mocha skin with her dark brown finger.
Ginny shrugged. "A pet name. That's all he ever called his wife."
"Were they married?"
"He said they were."
"Ever meet her?"
"No." Ginny lifted Manda to her shoulder and rubbed the baby's cheek with hers.
"What's wrong with you knowing the girl's name? He afraid you're going to approach the grandparents?"
"You heard what he said. They forbade her to see him and when they learned she was pregnant, they tossed her out. They refused to have anything to do with a biracial grandchild. Guess they didn't think Joey was good enough."
"I don't think he's good enough and I never met the girl. You're blind and deaf where that boy's concerned." Annette held up her hand. "Girl, you're crazy taking this on. Don't you have enough on your plate with Honor, work at the hospital and a double Master's program? You'll wear yourself to the bone and you ain't got that far to go."
Ginny fumbled in the brown bag Joey had left beside the lumpy gray couch. She pulled out a bottle. When she looked up, she saw concern in her friend's dark eyes. "You heard him. Just a couple of months. I have to trust him."
"Sure you do -- not. That's like believing I'll be elected president next November. What's wrong with him taking care of his own kid?"
"He's young. He's a guy. What does he know about raising a child?"
Annette straightened. "I'm going to pretend those words never came out of your mouth. What's wrong with a guy raising a child? He sure helped make her. I know he's your baby brother and you've always cleaned up his messes. Don't you think it's time he stood on his own?"
Ginny sighed. "And if I didn't take Manda, he was going to ask Mommy to keep her."
Annette laughed. "He got you again. That boy sure knows how to twist your knobs. Your mother would have 'bout as much care for this mite as her other grandmother. You know how she is?"
Ginny nodded and headed to the kitchen. "You're right."
"I'll feed her. Get ready for work."
"Are you sure you want to stay tonight? I could cancel. This is an extra shift."
Annette reached into the bag. "One pack of diapers, four cans of formula, three more bottles, one battered bear, two sleepers. Guess I know where the extra bucks are going. Girl, we got to stick together or we're going to fall apart."
"Thanks."
Annette cradled the baby in her arms. "Mama's not expecting me home tonight. Her sewing circle is meeting. I can't stand being in that apartment while the ladies are sewing and talking."
Ginny laughed. "They're working on my quilt. Guess I'll go to work." She headed for the bedroom.
"Honor's sure going to get a surprise in the morning. How are we going to explain to that child where babies come from? She's going to be thinking the stork came while she was sleeping."
"You'll think of a way," Ginny said.
She stopped beside one of the twin beds in the small bedroom and looked at her sleeping daughter. A laugh caught in her throat. The heat and humidity of the day remained trapped in the room. The sheet trailed on the floor. Honor's nightgown hung over the bottom rail of the iron bed frame, but covering her feet were a pair of red socks. Ginny touched her daughter's warm brown skin. No matter how hot the weather, Honor always wore socks to bed.
"Baby, I love you," she whispered and headed to the bathroom.
As the tepid water washed over her, she thought about her friend's concern. Two children. Ginny sighed. Manda was her niece. Even if Joey left his daughter forever, Ginny vowed Manda would have love and learn to take pride in who she was.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Writing Tips - Setting the Scene - Inspired by Becoming Your Own Critique Partner.
When I began writing one of the remarks I received from editors was that my characters operated in a vacuum. "People like to know where they are even though their interest centers on the characters and their problems. The where and when of a story should be shown quickly and in a few words. This will orient the reader to time and place. Imagine reading a book that you believe is a contemporary only to find it's a historical or a science fiction or a fantasy world. Kind of knocks the reader out of the picture.
One thing to avoid when setting the setting and the time is to employ long passages of prose that detail every bit of the scene.
Setting does a number of things.
Provides a location - She could see the George Washington Bridge. This tells the reader they're approaching New York City.
Helps define the characters - The apartment was as cluttered as her thoughts.
Establishes the mood or tone - A sullen sun brought no relief from the impending doom.
Provides a background for action, - The cliffs seemed sheer but they must be climbed.
Defines the time period - Strains of a waltz flowed from the ballroom.
Defines the genre - She stood beside the table in the morgue.
Now not all of these sentences are wonderful but they're an attempt to show the things a setting can do.
One thing to avoid when setting the setting and the time is to employ long passages of prose that detail every bit of the scene.
Setting does a number of things.
Provides a location - She could see the George Washington Bridge. This tells the reader they're approaching New York City.
Helps define the characters - The apartment was as cluttered as her thoughts.
Establishes the mood or tone - A sullen sun brought no relief from the impending doom.
Provides a background for action, - The cliffs seemed sheer but they must be climbed.
Defines the time period - Strains of a waltz flowed from the ballroom.
Defines the genre - She stood beside the table in the morgue.
Now not all of these sentences are wonderful but they're an attempt to show the things a setting can do.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Thursday's Interview -- Karen Wiesner
Today's interview is with Karen Wiesner founder of Jewels of the Quill among other things. I met her once many years ago in Omaha at the EPICon there. She's a multi-faceted writer in both fiction and non-fiction. Her books on writing are available from Writer's Digest.
1. What's your genre or do you write in more than one?
I write women’s fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense, paranormal, futuristic, gothic, inspirational, thriller, horror, chick-lit, and action/adventure, children’s books, poetry, and writing reference titles. The only thing I don’t write are historicals, Regencies, fantasy or science fiction. But I do love to read them!
2. Did you choose your genre or did it choose you?
A little of both, I think. If I get an idea, regardless of genre, I’ll eventually write it.
3. Is there any genre you'd like to try? Or is there one you wouldn't?
I do have an idea for a fantasy novel that I’d love to write with my son when he’s older. I also have an idea for a science fiction/futuristic that eventually I do want to write. While I love reading Regencies, I don’t see myself ever writing one. And I have to admit, I’m not crazy about historicals. Not sure why this genre doesn’t appeal to me, but I do occasionally read them. I don’t see myself ever writing one.
4. What fiction do you read for pleasure?
Everything! Horror, really, really good horror is a special pleasure but so hard to come by.
5. Tell me a bit about yourself and how long you've been writing.
I’ve been writing since I was ten years old—but I think I was born a writer. I’m a daydreamer and I always have been.
6. Which of your characters is your favorite?
It would be unfair to choose…and, in all honesty, the answer would probably change from day to day, depending on what I’m working on at the moment. Right now, my favorite is Zoë Rossdale, a secondary character in my latest release, Glass Angels, the fourth book in my Family Heirlooms Series. She was so colorful, I decided to do a spin-off series called the Friendship Heirlooms Series. Zoë will have two books in that series: Clumsy Girl’s Guide to Falling in Love and Clumsy Girl’s Guide to Having a Baby. Visit my website at http://www.karenwiesner.com for more information about any of these books.
7. Are there villains in your books and how were they created?
As a writer of mystery, suspense and horror, I always have villains. I believe villains have to be realistic—equal parts of good and bad. I also believe that the most effective villains are the ones you love to hate. In other words, if not for his or her nefarious goals, which you can’t agree with, you could see yourself being friends with this person.
8. What are you working on now?
Many different projects, all in different stages of production. Take a look at my Works in Progress page for the latest:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/WIP.html
9. What's your latest release and how did the idea arrive?
Glass Angels is my newest release. Samantha and Kyle’s story has been inside me for a very long time, and when it was finally done, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. They’ve both been through so much—in their personal lives and in their romance, so working them toward a happily ever after…especially after the traumatic incidents that closed Book 3 of the series, Foolish Games, was so satisfying for me.
10. Enclose the opening of the book around 400 words.
“I know you were just glad to see Ryder Feldmann convicted at the trial, sweetie, so you weren’t concerned about how long he’d be in the institution.”
Samantha Samuels stared at her sister-in-law, a lawyer, who’d insisted she wanted to drive her to the airport today when she left for her two-week vacation. She and Justine were fairly close. Nevertheless, she’d been a little surprised by the offer. Not once had she considered that Justine wanted to drive her so she’d have time to drop this bomb on her.
Stunned, Samantha opened her mouth. Her sister-in-law wasn’t wrong—she’d heard nothing at the end of the trial but that—thank the Lord!—her attacker would be locked away. “I assumed he’d be in prison for a long, long time.”
Justine nodded, her expression pained. She reached across to the passenger’s seat and squeezed her hand. “I know, Sam. You didn’t want to hear anything else about it whenever I tried to talk to you about this in the last several years. I can explain everything to you whenever you’re ready, but the bottom line is that Ryder’s term of confinement is almost up. He’ll be released on September 30th, followed by a year of extended supervision...”
* * * *
“Miss Samuels,” the clerk called when Samantha entered the hotel with the rest of her tour group. Tired after the long day of exploring southwest Ireland’s treasures, including a museum and a castle—along with fighting off the aggressive advances of a certain member of her tour group—she was eager to go to her room and shower. She’d been wondering if she’d have time to snatch a few hours’ sleep before dinner.
She wended her way through the others to get to the front counter.
“You received a phone call while you were out, Miss Samuels.” The man handed her a memo.
Samantha looked at the note without surprise to see her sister-in-law’s name and phone number written on it. Justine had called the night she arrived in Ireland, but Samantha hadn’t been able to force herself to take the phone call then. She hadn’t been ready to face the fact that the man who’d raped her would be released from prison, after a mere three years paying for his unconscionable crime against her.
“I do hope everything is all right, miss.”
Distracted, Samantha glanced at the clerk and nodded. Dodging the crowd, she rushed up to her room as fast as she could. Had Justine called to apologize again for seeing no other choice but to tell her the truth—even if it meant ruining a perfectly lovely trip? Samantha had thought of little else except the single sentence that had deadlocked her in the days since: “He’ll be released on September 30th, followed by a year of extended supervision...”
1. What's your genre or do you write in more than one?
I write women’s fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense, paranormal, futuristic, gothic, inspirational, thriller, horror, chick-lit, and action/adventure, children’s books, poetry, and writing reference titles. The only thing I don’t write are historicals, Regencies, fantasy or science fiction. But I do love to read them!
2. Did you choose your genre or did it choose you?
A little of both, I think. If I get an idea, regardless of genre, I’ll eventually write it.
3. Is there any genre you'd like to try? Or is there one you wouldn't?
I do have an idea for a fantasy novel that I’d love to write with my son when he’s older. I also have an idea for a science fiction/futuristic that eventually I do want to write. While I love reading Regencies, I don’t see myself ever writing one. And I have to admit, I’m not crazy about historicals. Not sure why this genre doesn’t appeal to me, but I do occasionally read them. I don’t see myself ever writing one.
4. What fiction do you read for pleasure?
Everything! Horror, really, really good horror is a special pleasure but so hard to come by.
5. Tell me a bit about yourself and how long you've been writing.
I’ve been writing since I was ten years old—but I think I was born a writer. I’m a daydreamer and I always have been.
6. Which of your characters is your favorite?
It would be unfair to choose…and, in all honesty, the answer would probably change from day to day, depending on what I’m working on at the moment. Right now, my favorite is Zoë Rossdale, a secondary character in my latest release, Glass Angels, the fourth book in my Family Heirlooms Series. She was so colorful, I decided to do a spin-off series called the Friendship Heirlooms Series. Zoë will have two books in that series: Clumsy Girl’s Guide to Falling in Love and Clumsy Girl’s Guide to Having a Baby. Visit my website at http://www.karenwiesner.com for more information about any of these books.
7. Are there villains in your books and how were they created?
As a writer of mystery, suspense and horror, I always have villains. I believe villains have to be realistic—equal parts of good and bad. I also believe that the most effective villains are the ones you love to hate. In other words, if not for his or her nefarious goals, which you can’t agree with, you could see yourself being friends with this person.
8. What are you working on now?
Many different projects, all in different stages of production. Take a look at my Works in Progress page for the latest:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/WIP.html
9. What's your latest release and how did the idea arrive?
Glass Angels is my newest release. Samantha and Kyle’s story has been inside me for a very long time, and when it was finally done, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. They’ve both been through so much—in their personal lives and in their romance, so working them toward a happily ever after…especially after the traumatic incidents that closed Book 3 of the series, Foolish Games, was so satisfying for me.
10. Enclose the opening of the book around 400 words.
“I know you were just glad to see Ryder Feldmann convicted at the trial, sweetie, so you weren’t concerned about how long he’d be in the institution.”
Samantha Samuels stared at her sister-in-law, a lawyer, who’d insisted she wanted to drive her to the airport today when she left for her two-week vacation. She and Justine were fairly close. Nevertheless, she’d been a little surprised by the offer. Not once had she considered that Justine wanted to drive her so she’d have time to drop this bomb on her.
Stunned, Samantha opened her mouth. Her sister-in-law wasn’t wrong—she’d heard nothing at the end of the trial but that—thank the Lord!—her attacker would be locked away. “I assumed he’d be in prison for a long, long time.”
Justine nodded, her expression pained. She reached across to the passenger’s seat and squeezed her hand. “I know, Sam. You didn’t want to hear anything else about it whenever I tried to talk to you about this in the last several years. I can explain everything to you whenever you’re ready, but the bottom line is that Ryder’s term of confinement is almost up. He’ll be released on September 30th, followed by a year of extended supervision...”
* * * *
“Miss Samuels,” the clerk called when Samantha entered the hotel with the rest of her tour group. Tired after the long day of exploring southwest Ireland’s treasures, including a museum and a castle—along with fighting off the aggressive advances of a certain member of her tour group—she was eager to go to her room and shower. She’d been wondering if she’d have time to snatch a few hours’ sleep before dinner.
She wended her way through the others to get to the front counter.
“You received a phone call while you were out, Miss Samuels.” The man handed her a memo.
Samantha looked at the note without surprise to see her sister-in-law’s name and phone number written on it. Justine had called the night she arrived in Ireland, but Samantha hadn’t been able to force herself to take the phone call then. She hadn’t been ready to face the fact that the man who’d raped her would be released from prison, after a mere three years paying for his unconscionable crime against her.
“I do hope everything is all right, miss.”
Distracted, Samantha glanced at the clerk and nodded. Dodging the crowd, she rushed up to her room as fast as she could. Had Justine called to apologize again for seeing no other choice but to tell her the truth—even if it meant ruining a perfectly lovely trip? Samantha had thought of little else except the single sentence that had deadlocked her in the days since: “He’ll be released on September 30th, followed by a year of extended supervision...”
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Characterization -- Finishing up
This will be the final one on characters and next week I'll move on to a different in depth look at writing mainly the novel. This time looking at Plot.
There is a big difference between characterization in a novel than in a short story or a novella. The first is words. In shorter pieces the writer doesn't have time to develop the character through a multitude of scenes. Here one has to be succinct and also to dwell mainly on one aspect of the character's character. This may be the reason some writers find working the short pieces hard or even writing longer novels.
Here's what the writer of novels have at their fingertips to explore a character.
1. The nu,ber and variety of scenes, situations and interchanges. The main character's nature can be explored throughout his or her life.
2.The number and variety of descriptive and interpretive passages. Can show the impact of the environment on the character.
3. More time for introspection with the character's thoughts showing more of his or her character.
To achieve the great character remember that he or she must always act within the boundaries his or her traits. As the character grows and changes these boundaries will change.
There is a big difference between characterization in a novel than in a short story or a novella. The first is words. In shorter pieces the writer doesn't have time to develop the character through a multitude of scenes. Here one has to be succinct and also to dwell mainly on one aspect of the character's character. This may be the reason some writers find working the short pieces hard or even writing longer novels.
Here's what the writer of novels have at their fingertips to explore a character.
1. The nu,ber and variety of scenes, situations and interchanges. The main character's nature can be explored throughout his or her life.
2.The number and variety of descriptive and interpretive passages. Can show the impact of the environment on the character.
3. More time for introspection with the character's thoughts showing more of his or her character.
To achieve the great character remember that he or she must always act within the boundaries his or her traits. As the character grows and changes these boundaries will change.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Inspired by Bird By Bird -- Dialogue
This week's chapter is on Dialogue a very vital element of fiction writing. Ann Lamott said something that really hit with me. You have to spend a lot of time listening to people speak. I find eavesdropping to be fun. Not that I listen to what's being said but how. Word choice, cadence in speach are so important. Dialogue means two. When a person is thinking we might call this internal dialogue but it's really a monologue -- unless the person is answering themselves but that's another thing entirely/
Ann Lamott speaks of ways to help yourself. One is to read the dialogue outloud. If you can't do this for some reason, mouthing the words can help. A second thing is to identify each character not only by what they say but how they say things. What words do they choose, what tone of voice. Often when I write the first draft of a story, the people often sound alike. One reason is that I don't know the characters or that I'm in a hurry to get things down. Nothing wrong with this but when revising I must look at each character and realize them inside myself.
She suggests just letting the two characters talk to each other about their past, their present or their future. Another tip would be to take two people who don't want to talk to each other and find a way for them to have a dialogue.
Another thing struck me. You have to like your characters and feel compassion for them, even your villains. I happen to like villains and they are among the favorites of many of the characters I've written.
So understanding is the essential ingredient for a writer. Understanding the characters will help create the kind people want to read about.
A final thing Ann Lamott spoke about is dialect. For me this isn't something I like to use very much. Only if it gives a character character and only in small doses.
A bit of a question for everyone. When your characters engage in a verbal interchange, do you read your dialogue outloud? When you are alone? When there are people around?
Ann Lamott speaks of ways to help yourself. One is to read the dialogue outloud. If you can't do this for some reason, mouthing the words can help. A second thing is to identify each character not only by what they say but how they say things. What words do they choose, what tone of voice. Often when I write the first draft of a story, the people often sound alike. One reason is that I don't know the characters or that I'm in a hurry to get things down. Nothing wrong with this but when revising I must look at each character and realize them inside myself.
She suggests just letting the two characters talk to each other about their past, their present or their future. Another tip would be to take two people who don't want to talk to each other and find a way for them to have a dialogue.
Another thing struck me. You have to like your characters and feel compassion for them, even your villains. I happen to like villains and they are among the favorites of many of the characters I've written.
So understanding is the essential ingredient for a writer. Understanding the characters will help create the kind people want to read about.
A final thing Ann Lamott spoke about is dialect. For me this isn't something I like to use very much. Only if it gives a character character and only in small doses.
A bit of a question for everyone. When your characters engage in a verbal interchange, do you read your dialogue outloud? When you are alone? When there are people around?
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