From Yes... to No...

It is never easy when a long-time favorite author changes their style of writing to the point where I move them from the Yes List to the No List. I've lost a friend. No choice. Granted it makes time for a new author, but it's still sad when we've spent so many hours together. It's even difficult to go back and re-read old favorites without the shadow of the knowledge of the change.

What does it take to be moved?

Changing from writing healthy characters to writing the stereotypical stupid romance characters.

Really.

What does this mean to me?

The heroine is a prima donna witch, and the hero is a dumb jerk. Okay, that's taking it to an extreme, but wander too close to those stereotypes and I'm done.

Heroine example: She's always harping about her favorite cause. She requires him to change to fit her. She puts others in danger to prove she's tough enough. You know the one: She decides to investigate her brother's murder by a drug dealer who isn't put away. She doesn't like gun or violence. Yes, this creates automatic conflict, but it's also a recipe for disaster unless you use author created magic fairy dust.

Hero example: He's beyond alpha male; he's narcissistic. He loathes himself for being a good fighter, but doesn't change his profession. He needs her to show him the error of his ways because he isn't smart enough to figure it out.

I really dislike couples who will die without the other. I mean the ones who declare their life is over without the other.

Why do I feel this way?

This kind of "love" reminds me of a parasite.

Is that really what you want to say about the love you shared? It's nothing without their physical presence? Grow a backbone. Miss them? Yes. Go through a period of mourning? Yes. Show the world what that kind of love means to you, not merely ashes but beauty beyond imaging.
Healthy love encourages growth, strength, empowerment.

I'm not particularly good at this. I'm an abuse survivor. I freely confess I'm messed up in a lot of ways, but I refuse to stay stuck.

I admit it: I read romance novels to help me understand better the male/female connection. It's especially why I look for writers who write reasonably healthy characters. I know unhealthy. I've lived it. I recognize it when I see it. I don't know healthy. Sometimes it isn't about the whole book being healthy; instead, I'll find an idea, concept, or single character that makes me think: "I want to be like that!"

What's the main reason for moving from Yes to No?

Their books bring me down instead of lifting me up.

It's time to mourn the loss, let go, get over them, and find someone better.

Yesterday on FB...

Tagging my 7 authors: Kris Tualla joined Desert Rose, the local RWA chapter, the same time I did. It's been a joy watching her grow as a writer. Patty Ntihemuka was one of the first authors I started interacting with at Desert Breeze Publishing. Shaunna S. Gonzales is one of the new authors I've read and enjoyed. Arlene James has been one of my favorite authors for years. Kathy Altman was introduced to me (and added to my TBR list) when she was spotlighted by Diane Gaston, one of my favorite Regency Romance writers.

A while ago, I was offered the 7/77 7 7 challenge. From page 7 or 77, track down 7 lines and share the next 7 lines of the current WIP. I thought about using Hidden Possibilities, which comes out in March. However, the challenge states the current WIP. Right now, the current WIP on my desktop is Unexpected Possibilities. It won't be out until October. This will all change through editing because I haven't yet put in page breaks between chapters, but for now: Page 7, down 7 lines, and then the next 7 lines:

...Lily's sensation of falling into darkness. The warm bodies packed into the pews created a stifling heat. To decrease the discomfort, the priest lit only the candles necessary, increasing the gloom within the stone walls.

Lily raised her voice in song, praying the hope of the hymn raised her spirits.

A gentleman, attested by his fine clothes, slipped into the space beside her. She struggled to hide the delicious shiver from his broad shoulder nudging her. He glanced at her and offered a brief nod in greeting. His face put her in mind of an angel, firm jaw, bowed lips, straight nose....

This week's link picks...

Brenda Whiteside is a writer in my RWA chapter, Desert Rose. She offers some insights on editors:
http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/2013/01/have-you-kissed-your-editor-lately.html
I love my editor. :-)

A bit of delightful silliness compliments of Amber Polo, and I have this on my Kindle:
http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/2013/02/amber-polo-entertains-hostesses-at.html

It must be in the air, because J. Morgan also shares her new website, with a healthy dose of humor:
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/

A.R. Norris shared a fascinating blog. I have several of her books on my Kindle, but alas not the latest. It's on the Wish List.
http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-doesnt-kill-you-cures-you.html

The Cuffe Sisters have started a lovely devotional blog, an opportunity to take a moment from the world:
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/

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Where does the time go?

Already, it's the end of January. From Christmas on, I've battled flu and then a cough.

Lately, it's been changing weather. It whipped from cold (40s and 50s) to toasty (80s) and back again. We've had an inordinate amount of rain, which should create a flower explosion in spring.

Unfortunately, it means my brain is present only intermittently. Some days I do well with the rewrites of Unexpected Possibilities. Other days, stringing two words together on my own becomes a monumental challenge.

The difficult days are when I can't believe God could want someone as imperfect (messed up) as me. No matter how much I may struggle with formulating thoughts some days, it's a better day if I'm able to remember God is aware of me. He knows how many hairs are on my head.

My Savior loves me so much He willingly died for me. There is no taking it back. It's done, two thousand years ago.

There is only one question: Do I choose to turn to God? Because there are only two directions: Toward God or away from God.

Every day, I'm given the opportunity to start fresh.

Thank God.

Link picks...

Writers In The Storm's recent post is excellent, and I'm working on using the fixes:
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/an-easy-fix-for-a-tighter-point-of-view/

If you like contests, Tina Pinson is hosting one in celebration of her new release To Carry Her Cross:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/p/contests_12.html

Lynette Endicott is featuring Marcy G Dyer, writer of romantic suspense, and her new book Down & Out. There's a dog, so of course I had to read the post, which included an excerpt, about the dog. Adorable.
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/new-book-features-smart-dog#.UQMvhI7FW_U

Mary Galusha is releasing her first book, historical prior to 1900, Sapphire Skies:
http://www.marygalusha.com/

So get this, and laughed:
http://cuffesisters.com/2013/off-the-cuffe/scattered-me-by-sophie/

And I think my favorite or at least the one that went straight to my heart (I miss my old dog), Linda McMaken's post (definite kleenex warning and so worth the read):
http://www.makenwords.blogspot.com/2010/04/old-dogs-old-dogs-are-most-trusted.html

Yesterday's converstation on FB...

James: Jack! Did you see? Yesterday, she mentioned ME on FB.
Jack: This is significant because?
James: She usually mentions you.
Jack: I repeat: This is significant--
James: You do know you are a bit intimidating?
Jack: Surely you jest! I'm practically nothing to speak of, good or ill, except the assurance I am a hero.
James: Don't pretend you don't notice. It's Jack this and Jack that. It's enough to leave a fellow wondering whether or not he counts for anything, if you must know.
Jack: Do not be a widgeon. It's most unbecoming in a hero.
James: Heroes are not perfect, you know.
Jack: Never said we were, but we do need more than a modicum of confidence.
James: True enough. Still…
Jack: Do stop comparing.
James: Still smarting over your story?
Jack: We will not speak of it.
James: I will take that as a yes.
Jack: Muzzle it.
James: Not to worry, Jack. You do understand the only reason I was mentioned is because she is currently working on re-writes for my story?
Jack: Yes. She is working on YOUR story.
James: Oh. I do see the problem, now.
Jack: Thought you might.
James: Yes, well, it might help to know her writing improves with each story, so yours ought to be quite spectacular.
Jack: Now, I fear not living up to expectations!
James: Imagine how she must feel.
Jack: Oh, there is that. I suppose you want to pray for her.
James: Every day.

Back into the fray...

I'm doing the re-write of Unexpected Possibilities, the third book of the Endless Possibilities series, James' story. I'm using what I've learned. Different word choices, greater care with POV.

It feels good to be back at it again, and it's coming a long as planned and a little ahead of schedule.

For me, writing is still something I'd rather do than almost anything else, though I do seem to procrastinate at times. I'm learning things aren't always as they seem. I've needed to make some changes here and there. The time away, doing something else, allows my subconscious to work on the story and iron out the details. When I come back to it, I know how to fix the bubbles and catch errors I missed.

An example, today, I'd described my hero wearing a superfine coat in black a few days ago. I continued with the chapter, today, and discovered the coat was described again later as chocolate brown. I changed the first because the chocolate brown was correct. I know, correct in my mind. Another way of looking at it is I tried them both out in my mind and chocolate brown fit better.

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Links for the week...

To start...

If you enjoy contests, Tina Pinson is having one:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/p/contests_12.html

I'm behind on the A Woman Like Me blog:
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/

Barri Bryan shares a lovely piece about green, one of my favorite colors:
http://barribryan.com/blog/

Sandra Sookoo shares a delightful blog post:
http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/fun-friday-where-do-you-find-your-happy-how-do-you-take-back-your-smile-by-sandra-sookoo/

Stephania McGee is starting a new review blog, and her first book is Perfect on Paper by Patty Froese, which I also enjoyed:
http://fictionwithflair.blogspot.com/

Most recent conversation on FB...

James: I say, Jack. Pray tell why the sudden morose mien?
Jack: You don't know what I've done.
James: Of course not. Oh. Our Laurel Hawkes is unearthing your story.
Jack: Aye.
James: We did warn you.
Jack: That you did, but I never expected this turn of events.
James: She has a way of wringing out one's secrets, whether you wish it or no. You'll survive it.
Jack: I'm not sure I want to…
James: None of that now.
Jack: You don't know--
James: Neither do you. The beginning is always a bit like a country back road after a storm, passable if you give yourself time, but a muddy business no matter how you go about it.
Jack: You don't understand.
James: We've all been through it--
Jack: No! You're not listening. I planned it all out. It involved adventure and time travel--
James: Time travel? Are you daft? Our Laurel doesn't write time travel.
Jack: I helped her lay an impressive foundation--
James: She doesn't write time travel.
Jack: Excitement, intrigue--
James: What part of she doesn't write time travel are you not grasping?
Jack: My plan was brilliant.
James: We all like to believe we know best. Trust her. She's already made you a hero. She'll not abandon you. Of course, that isn't to say she won't drag you through a bit of mud along the way.
Jack: I wanted to be a knight in shining armor, so to speak.
James: She's more of a tarnished armor kind of writer.
Jack: So I'm learning.
James: Trust she'll see you through it.
Jack: Not easy.
James: Never said it was.

Manners...

Post at WordWenches: http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2013/01/manners.html

I thought it an interesting discussion. It isn't difficult for me to see the servant or gypsy learning. When I lived in England, I watched and learned. I like the unobtrusiveness of keeping the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right, but I also like how changing hands forces me to slow down. I use both methods depending on what my goal is at the time.

Manners are often used as a way to belittle others. I've seen people complain about someone's manners when they, in fact, committed the same faux pas. The urge to say, "Pot meet kettle" is almost overwhelming. Sometimes I don't resist.

Having a door opened for me and a chair held for me is a polite kindness I appreciate. Unfortunately, the whole "I am woman I can do it myself" has ruined it because men are afraid of offending. I've asked. I know there are those who will be offended by my perspective. I've stopped trying to please everyone. It doesn't work.

It's never too late to learn manners. I'm still learning.

Perhaps it's why I'm drawn to writing Regency. Manners were a must. I know it was used to delineate the uppercrust (which were often quite vile individuals) from the working class. The joy of writing Regency, rather than actually living in it, allows me to give it my own twist. I do try to keep it period correct, to an extent. I dislike having a twenty-century heroine dropped into a different century, without the benefit of time travel. If she's time traveling, then I expect her to take her modern thinking with her. However, too much modern thinking in a historical novel takes me out of the story.

Post picks of the week...

Steph did a 12 Days of Christmas theme:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com

Sadie and Sophie Cuffe are starting a new blog for the year, A Woman Like Me. Combining an ongoing serial and devotionals. I'm intrigued.
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/2012/12/30/a-woman-like-me/

Barri Bryan writes wonderfully poetic essays:
http://barribryan.com/blog/

Barri is also in the spotlight at the Desert Breeze Publishing blogspot, with new book out yesterday:
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/

I enjoyed Celia Yeary's posts on contrast and eating dessert first:
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com/

If you like Steampunk, there's a new blog to visit:
http://www.steampunk.coffeetimeromance.com/

Lovely post by Patty Froese:
http://pattyfroese.com/2013/01/10/dawn/

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My list of I AM...

I love Adventures of Kat. She makes me think and evaluate myself. Where am I headed? Am I being honest with myself? She recently shared something she read on FB:

http://www.adventuresofkat.com/i-am/

This is my list:

I AM a writer.
I AM a blessing.
I AM loyal.
I AM persistent.
I AM creative.

Another one that came to mind was friendly. I'm a little surprised that loyal came to mind before so many other possibilities.

My Word for the Year...

My niece suggested this recently, but I didn't know what to do.

Then I saw this link on FB. I follow Word Wenches.

http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2013/01/whats-your-word.html

I thought about it as I read through the post and the comments and finally chose my own.

CREATE

I'm creating a healthier me, physically and mentally.

I'm creating a haven in my living space.

I'm creating more stories to share.

(Jack's story is starting to take shape.)

Final Week to Enter the 2013 Golden Quill Contest...

***Permission to forward granted and encouraged***

Time has flown, and we're now down to the FINAL WEEK before the 2013 Golden Quill Contest deadline. That's right, there are only SEVEN DAYS left to submit your entries for this internationally recognized Published Authors' Contest hosted by Desert Rose RWA and get your work into the waiting hands of our judges, all of whom are romance readers and librarians - people whose praise drives sales. The Golden Quill seeks to honor some of the best romantic fiction of the year, and we would love to see your novel or novella (or both!) in the spotlight.

Fee: $30 per entry
Eligibility: Published Authors
Deadline for Submissions: January 11, 2013
Entry: Novel or novella copyrighted in 2012 (print and e-formats accepted)
Judges: Romance readers and Librarians
Categories: Best First Book; Mainstream Single Title (includes Novel with Strong Romantic Elements); GLBT; Historical; Paranormal/Sci Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic; Romantic Suspense; Regency Historical; Hot/Sexy/Erotic; Inspirational; Short Contemporary; Traditional Romance; Long Contemporary; Inspirational - Romantic Suspense; Novella (stories under 40,000 words)

FMI, rules, and entry form, visit http://desertroserwa.org/contests/Phoenix-Romance-Writers-Golden-Quill.php

Recent conversation from FB...

Jack: James, we've entered into a new year, and we are dwindling in number.
James: Most disconcerting.
Jack: Matthew is in for final approval, and Mark is now gone.
James: Is it my imagining or was it easier when our number included them as well as Jonathan and Luck?
Jack: True. Strength in numbers so to speak.
James: You don't suppose no one else is coming?
Jack: Don't be daft. Of course others are coming.
James: Why are you certain?
Jack: I'm not actually here at all, now am I? No plot, no heroine, no title, nothing but a tickle in her brain.
James: I suspect she considers you a bit more than a tickle.
Jack: Mayhap. Be that as it may, there are books already contracted whereas I am not.
James: Yet.
Jack: I thank you for that bit of encouragement.
James: She's a terribly responsible sort, so I suppose we'll meet our new cohorts soon enough.
Jack: Aye, we will. Poor saps don't know what they're in for.

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