Writing Blocks Idea Dice...

What a cool idea. Author and friend Diane Gaston shared a post about her friend's idea. I like it, so I'm sharing it here.

http://dianegaston.com/blog/2012/11/writing-blocks-idea-dice/

Finally, someone has figured out how to brainstorm alone.

For those who want to know more about Kickstarter:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickstarter.com

Welcome, Patty Froese...

Patty Froese writes inspirational romance novels. I loved her book Perfect on Paper. She has a lovely blog I enjoy visiting pretty much every day. Most of the posts are her own creation, but she also invites guest bloggers. http://pattyfroese.com/ I'm happy to welcome her to my blog.

1. What inspired Legally Wed?

I asked some fans on my Facebook page what sort of story they would like to read from me, and they told me that they wanted a story that started after the "I do." So started thinking... how could I do that? How could I write a romance that started after the actual wedding? That was the beginning of Legally Wed.

2. Did any of the characters in Legally Wed come from your life? 

Yes! Lisa's father, Frank, is a lot like my own dad. Cantankerous and grumpy, but under that shell is a teddy bear. I enjoyed developing their relationship on paper a lot. I based it on my father's reaction after I broke up with my fiance. My dad asked me, after I was single for quite some time, if he should have encouraged that relationship more? Had he stood in the way of my  happiness? In my life, no, the man had simply not been the right guy for me. But for my character, I decided to answer that question differently!

3. What was the most difficult part about writing Legally Wed?

It was a breeze to write. I know that doesn't sound real, but besides the effort it takes to sit down and write a novel, this one just flowed out of me. It was amazing!

4. What was your favorite part to write?

I loved writing Mildred, the hero's mother whose husband has just left her for the secretary. At first, I had intended her to be a rather unsympathetic character, but the more I wrote her, the more she developed and grew. I ended up giving Mildred and her husband equal time in the book with my hero and heroine. She's plump, late fifties, rigid and angry. She's rejected, insulted and publicly humiliated, and she'll be darned if she'll take it lying down. I think you'll like her!

5. What's coming next?

This Christmas, I have a free read coming out called Wait for Me. I'd love for you to pick it up--my gift to you. In February, I have a novel coming out entitled Eye of the Beholder, and in June, I have another novel releasing called In the Morning. So hopefully you'll be seeing a lot of me in the next few months!

 Available through Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc, and wherever ebooks are sold.
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-371/Legally-Wed-Patty-Froese/Detail.bok

It's a delightful, sweet read.

The heroes farewell another of their own...

Posted first on FB.

Jack: I've not seen Luck for a few days, now. I do hope nothing is amiss or befell the poor fellow. He's been in quite the state.
Mark: You don't know?
Jack: Know what?
Mark: He's gone.
Jack: Gone? What do you mean gone? He's so young!
Matthew: Jack! You widgeon, Mark didn't mean gone into the West.
Jack: Oh. Rush my fence, did I?
James: A mite.
Mark: He and Sara are published.
Jack: Oh. What…or should I say, who is next?
Matthew: Laurel is awaiting edits for me.
Jack: No need to be so smug.
James: Don't worry, Jack. He isn't. It's all false bravado. In truth, he's terrified.
Mark: Yes, I'm going through a re-write while she waits.
Jack: Pray tell, why should improving your story be unnerving?
Mark: You think you're safe, and then she uncovers another secret.
Jack: Oh.
James: Are you quite all right, Jack?
Mark: Yes, Jack, you look quite pale?
Matthew: Most intriguing. Care to share with the rest of us, Jack?
Jack: I have so many secrets.
James: Not for long.

This week's post picks...

Paisley Kirkpatrick interviews J. Morgan:
http://voicesftheart.blogspot.com/

Tina Pinson shares a wonderful post on gratitude and trust and an excerpt from her book Shadowed Dreams:
http://gailpallotta.blogspot.com/2012/11/looking-out-window-tina-pinson-talks.html

Joanne Bourne wrote an interesting post on adoption over at Word Wenches.
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2012/11/adoption.html

Patty Froese talks about writing dedications in a book. Not as easy as you'd think it is.
http://pattyfroese.com/?p=4050

She's also interviewed over at Maria Sadowski's blog for her newest release. (I'm interviewing her next week.)
www.scifiromance.info

And an interview over at Shaunna Gonzales' with an awesome perspective on marriage:
http://www.shaunnagonzales.blogspot.ca/2012/11/giving-thanks-for-perfect-package.html

On Sidney Bristol's blog, Romance from Naught to Nice, Tina Noel interviews her character Jenny Hamilton. This book is definitely on my wish list.
http://sidneybristol.com/2012/11/20/guest-blog-toni-noel-interviews-jenny-hamilton/

Linda McMaken shares a lovely post on thanking those who often go unthanked:
http://makenwords.blogspot.com/2012/11/to-thankless.html

I'm visiting Patty Froese...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Patty has invited me to be a guest blogger, today. Please stop in for a visit. I kept it short. I promise.

http://pattyfroese.com/

Luck In Love

In 1983, Yellowstone National Park beckons to Sara Budge. With no plans for the future, except her determination to escape the abusive habits of her past, housekeeping at Lake Hotel for the summer offers the possibility of a safe haven while she decides what to do with the rest of her life. All she wants or needs is a fresh start, but the past always catches up...
Luck Williams doesn't believe peace will ever be his again, but he can't resist the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day. His hard won lesson regarding the fragility and capriciousness of life leaves no room for romance...but God has other plans.

Coming tomorrow...

The Silver Locket Sisterhood series book one: Luck in Love

Sara Budge is determined to break the chain of abuse. Luck Williams is desperate to leave nightmares in the past. Neither plans on finding romance when they each choose Yellowstone National Park as their escape plan.

In 1983, Yellowstone National Park beckons to Sara Budge. With no plans for the future, except her determination to escape the abusive habits of her past, housekeeping at Lake Hotel for the summer offers the possibility of a safe haven while she decides what to do with the rest of her life. All she wants or needs is a fresh start, but the past always catches up...

Luck Williams doesn't believe peace will ever be his again, but he can't resist the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day. His hard won lesson regarding the fragility and capriciousness of life leaves no room for romance...but God has other plans.

My post picks this week....

Kris Tualla's post... Kris believes in herself and her characters. We joined Desert Rose at the same time. Her enthusiasm and tenacious pursuit of her passion inspires me. (I also enjoy her books :-) )
http://kristualla.wordpress.com/2012/11/10/oh-the-irony-the-delicious-wonderful-irony/

Jami Gold writes paranormal, and she shared some amazing pictures of her "Epic Road Trip."
http://jamigold.com/2012/11/life-lessons-from-the-epic-road-trip/

Stephanie Burkhart has a new release out and it's steampunk. I'm new to the genre myself, but I'm curious and have added her book A Gentleman and a Rogue (the title alone caught my attention) to my wish list.
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com

I loved Tina Pinson's do-it-herself attitude. She also has a great recipe for Timeless Tuna Casserole.
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/2012/11/gentlemen-we-can-rebuild-it.html

Susan Jaymes posted an adorable short video.
http://susanjaymes.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/baby-and-puppy-meet/

Patty Froese shared a cute story of her son and her wonderful church family.
http://pattyfroese.com/?p=3980

The Cuffe Sisters share a bit about wreathes.
www.cuffesisters.com/off-the-cuffe/

Christian or not?

There's been a discussion about what qualifies as Christian romance and what does not.

The characters having faith does not qualify a book as Christian. Having redemption in a book does not qualify it as Christian. Having the characters do nothing more than hold hands and share a peck on the cheek seems to be a must for Christian.

This is why I land in trouble. I'm Christian, so I write Christian, but not Christian. The typical Christian romance usually doesn't resonate with me because I find them unbelievable. I wonder if there's something wrong with me that I can't wrap my mind around such innocence. There isn't.

I'm a survivor. I write from a survivor's perspective. My heroines are all survivors. I don't know how to write women any other way. It's what I know. My heroes, so far, are also survivors though not always in the same way as my heroines.

My heart is in what I write, which leaves me with a bit of a dilemma. I'm looking for a reviewer for Luck In Love. The reviewers I know like a steamy read. I don't write steamy. The Christian reviewers I've investigated aren't fond of my type of book. They prefer the traditional formula. In fact, I don't know anyone who writes what I do... except some of the other Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc, authors. I'm grateful I found a home.

Link to article... writer's block...

A very dear friend sent this link to me:

http://www.flavorwire.com/343207/13-famous-writers-on-overcoming-writers-block?all=1

There is something about reading the experiences of other writers. It helps.

It was exactly what I needed. I'm in the middle of my usual re-write of the current manuscript, the one due at the end of the year. The basic story is there, but now I'm working to make the best possible story before sending it into the editor.

Wordless

My post picks...

For my friends who are gluten sensitive, a recipe from Beth Trissel:
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/gluten-free-butternut-squash-bread-beth-trissel/

A Kris Tualla post (I always enjoy those):
http://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com/2012/11/unexpected-women-of-influence.html

Dog story and People Chow over at Between the Pages, featuring Linda Swift:
http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/2012/11/some-things-you-cant-explain.html

Great post on the many uses of vinegar:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/2012/11/vinegar-is-so-sweet.html
Side note: If you have trouble with infections, bladder and the like, don't drink vinegar or use it in a bath. It impedes your body's pH balance. It was information I needed since I've had trouble with my kidneys all my life.

Stephanie H. McGee gives a sneak peek into her new book, Ironwood:
http://www.stepheniamcgee.com/Current-Projects.html

So much to read and explore...so little time...

Copyrighted image legalities...

I've been going through deleting things on Pinterest and my blogs, trying to clean everything up. My integrity is worth more than any photo.

InD'tale's contributing writer, Jimmy Thomas, shared his expertise on the legalities of sharing images.

It's worth the read.

http://www.indtale.com/misconceptions-rights-using-images

Vote and The Hobbit...

Reward yourself for voting. I'm going to Denny's and their new Hobbit menu.

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/10/24/63852-dennys-middle-earths-diner-hoom-dont-be-hasty/

No, I'm not paid to promote them. This simply sounds like a lot of fun.

Luck In Love Cover Art and banners...

Cover Art by Carol Fiorilli

For those who missed it on my author FB page...

Luck: Have you seen it?
Jack: Seen what?
James: Do stop preening.
Matthew: I believe his preening is both understandable and acceptable.
Jack: Preening about what?
Matthew: His cover was released.
Jack: But he isn't on it.
Luck: Of course not. The purpose is to reveal key elements in the story.
Jack: Are not the hero and heroine key?
Luck: Yes, but there's a code to covers.
Jack: Codes I understand.
Matthew: I'm not surprised.
Jack: No need to roll your eyes. Tell me more about this code.
Luck: It's changed with all the independent authors, but it used to be you could tell the heat level of a story by what was revealed on the cover.
Jack: Heat level?
James: Please, Jack, you may not be a well-rounded character, yet, but you are a man.
Jack: Oh.
Luck: Yes. Anyway, Laurel Hawkes writes stories with a rating of sweet or warm.
Jack: But does she not touch on sensitive subjects?
Matthew: She does, indeed, but she's quite skilled at saying enough but not too much.
Jack: I do wish she would reveal a great deal more about my story.
Luck: Don't worry, Jack. She will.
Matthew: After she finishes with my story.
Jack: You promise?
Mark: Not another word.
James: She's settling into her writing routines.
Jack: I'm not going to see her for a while, am I?
Mark: Sorry, Jack.

Wordless