Take Some Time And Get To Know Your Characters

This was my takeway from my last chat with the lovely editor. She knew I would be starting a book before she had a chance to read my latest attempt, so we were talking in generalizations about what bit of advice she wished all authors would take to heart, and that was it. Get to know your characters.

Fiona Lowe called to dish today and she hammered the point home, reminding me to make sure the characters get to know each other. Don't rely on secondary characters too much or your story looses oomph. My word, not hers.

I feel prepared to start the new story tomorrow, but since talking with Fiona I did some more getting to know your character stuff...took myself on a tour of Henry's house. I can even peak in his medicine cabinet!!! I did the worksheets from First Draft in 30, as well as my own method...Point and Click character development. Just think...tomorrow I have to put up 2 tickers. One to start out Redesigning Henry, and another for PHS's Writers Weight Loss Group. (groan).

Double Debut!

I love the challenge of a short story. I am so thankful The Wild Rose Press celebrates the medium, giving those of us pressed for time a smile and a bounce to our step.

The love after loss story, How About Tomorrow, is the first Rosette I contracted with WRP. My writing friends at Romance Divas helped me tweak it until it was just right...and then Leeane fixed that to perfection.

Jack hasn’t been out on a date since his wife’s death five years ago. Even his teenage daughter thinks it’s time he finally go on a blind date brokered by his sister-in-law. Jack’s unsure, until he meets Maria. She’s as timid as he is at first, but the more they talk the more they realize they should see each other again, and again.


My English Tea Rose, In Silhouette, was so exciting to write. I work mainly in contemporary romance, so stretching into Regency was difficult, but rewarding! I dedicated this story to American Title II finalist Suzan Hyssen. She writes intelligent, comedic Regency romances, when she is not busy with law school.

James Darby is bored by the ennui of country life, fervidly anticipating his return to London. When he spies Miss Hughes entertaining herself by cutting silhouettes at a party he’s captivated by her talent, and charm. How can someone so fascinating survive in a place so tedious?

In February, another of my stories will appear in the Dreams & Desires charity anthology. Keep a look out for my Last Rose of Summer Rosettes...they are coming soon!

First Draft in 30

Any minute now, Pink Heart Society is going to launch FinDaBoo...or Finish the Damn Book. It's making me look back on my writing process, or lack there of, and see where I can improve.

Cooking Up A Storm was written with the First Draft in 30 plan, which by the end of the draft got painful. My poor CP was on cheerleader patrol for the last week. But, the book was very tight, something that I admire in others work. So, I am trying it again, but modifying it. For health reasons I am not up to writing, but plotting and research can be done in spurts, so it is the perfect timing for taking another crack at the method.

So far, I've found a lot more conflict than I originally presented to the lovely editor, so she'll be ecstatic about that. AND I am ahead of schedule! I did the first week in 5 days!

Another hope bites the dust

Another rejection...but at least it is not Mills & Boon. I had high hopes for the single title, but the publisher decided to go another way.

Rejection is par for the course with writing, so I'm learning to take it in stride. Kind of. I still had some chocolate.

And the diet? Did right well until dinner. My brother is in town and I made a casserole we used to have as kids, and ate way too much of it. Better luck tomorrow!

I blew the diet

Already? Yes, sadly. It's been raining and the boys have cabin fever and taking them somewhere with an indoor playground became a necesity and they had pizza and I crumbled.

To say nothing of the cheesy enchiladas and coconut cream pie my brother served up last night at the dinner to celebrate their buying their first house! So, live a little I guess. And eat celery tomorrow.

Energy? My kids stole it!

Too tired to do much today. Not sure why. Could be the junk food detox. Could be the back pain. Could be the headache. All three of which will be cured by eating better and losing the extra person worth of chub I'm currently rocking.

On the book front...Pepper has ADD...Henry has a freakish memory...and I am dreading doing yoga.

Day 1

Well...the new year started and so did my diet and my new book. Well...the diet went great until my mother-in-law made balck and white cheesecake. Oh my, so good. My father-in-law greeted me with a brandy alexander. These are definately the kind of in-laws to have. Unless you are trying to lose weight!

And the book...I decided what I want to write next (the smoker book) and worked up a character chart for the heroine.

Before you think I was slacking the day away...I went to 3 grocery stores, had a serious chat with HubbaBubba about our lack of funds, exercised (really), AND...my brother bought a house! I can't wait to see it. 4 bedrooms. Someday....