Tag Archives: new writers

Feed the Muse

I have been having a very interesting experience while I’ve dealt with pressures at work on the day job, grad school crap, surgeries number 3 of 4 or 5, Corneal Dystrophy with ulcerated corneal abrasion in one eye..My grown daughter returned to husband returning from diployment. Just a whole storm of events that have shaken up the fabric of my personal universe. I haven’t written on my work in progress for a month because of above mentioned excuses.

I know it is more than that. I love the work..but something was bothering me about my writing. My critique partner helped me identify the problem and I think I have a handle on fixing it. But there was a deeper problem in my whole bag of tricks.

I have a strong male pov voice in my writing. I think my heroines pale in comparison. One agent in a gentle rejection commented that my heroine is that ordinary girl next door that is more a prop than real charcter. Okay yes..it stings…but I can’t hate the truth.

I accepted that You know what. Being female doesn’t just give me a free ticket on female pov voice. Damn who would have though it. So being pro-active…I set out to find my female muse. I had to look long and hard for her. She was not easy to pry out of my unconscious mind.

However, she has arrived. I don’t know what is in store for her in the future but I am hopeful. See what you think of her. She has a name but has asked me to keep it quiet for now. She believes names have power and isn’t interested in sharing hers.

She is damaged, some think her shattered even. She fills up the room with her presence just by walking into it. I didn’t plan on that…it just happened. She is funny as hell in a dry ironic sort of way. She has male character arch types combining the Lost Soul and the Bad boy a splash of warrior. Blended with the female crusader. She is vunerable but if you see it she might knife you.

She has very feminine internal thoughts but her dialogue and through processes are very masculine. That is to say…The female content of her thoughts is structured in a masculine organizational pattern. Action/reaction problem/solution. Yet, she is seeking, acceptance, belonging, her place in the universe and a fix for her brokenness.. Although she will never admit to that. Well, I guess I am telling you all this because I’m a little nervous you you meeting her for the first time. I often don’t know what will happen with her. But enough telling…Showing would be in order.

****

“Eden is all talk, talk, talk.” I look around bored with the whole introduction. “She means well but good lord does the female ever shut up.”

“All and all I am getting used to the working relationship with her. I like that she brings me puzzles and lets me solve them. I like telling her what to do. I told her if she quit listening I’m packin it outta here– So far so good.”

“Okay, I’m the monkey on display in her blog today. What do you people want? I’m not giving you a whole back story monologue of what makes me tick.” *tapping my finger to my temple* “I am not so much into that whole touchie feelie, so why do you say that? crap.”

“Shit happens. Often to the best of people on a good day to the worst of people. Karma, she is a bitch and doesn’t take prisoners last time I noticed.”

*I hear Eden again…*

“Oh dear god she is jabbering at me again.”

EDEN: Tell them …

ME to EDEN: Yeah..”I am talking to your freaky friends. Okay. Now sit there and listen while I get thru this the best I can. I told you about poking at me before. Back story is back story. Take notes if you have to but…just shut it. I didn’t want to be paraded out here like your trick pony but you wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Frankly she black mailed me into this. She won’t let me go do what I want to do until I do what she wants me to do. Yeah this symbiotic relationship is a bitch. I’m working on that angle too.”

**thinking. ** ~I have to admit though, I came to her because Eden is a warrior..not unlike myself. She doesn’t know it. She just hasn’t had the right kind of training. Maybe there is something I can to to help straighten her out. Frankly her life is a mess, but she might be worth the effort.~**

“Okay. So I was born in the 1500’s give or take. I fight for a cause. No hell no, I’m not going to yammer on about the frickin cause That was so not part of this deal. Besides if you knew about the battle ahead you’d be in the thick of it and I’d have to deal with you’re security as well. Not a poison I would pick on a good day.”

*I glare at Eden as I hear her unspoken questions rolling in her mind..Keeps her shut up.*

TO EDEN: “Hey I have a big hairy ass mexican spider that I can just as well turn loose in your study as the big guys…Zip it.” * I Motion with my fingers across my lips for her to zip lips*

“Alright Eden, cripes sakes this is it and I am outtie. Here is the down low for your damn eharmony add between me and your people.”

“I play pool… it is an exercise in control and strategy. I drink tequila or corona with lime. Although I won’t turn down a honey brown when I’m feeling introspective. Yada. Yada. Yada. I like knives and sweet guns. Sig is my recent fav. I work security. I have a lot of experience in the entertainment field organizing and protecting talent.”

~I can see your thoughts even though I don’t want to, and shit sometimes….most of the time, I really don’t want to. The multiple voices in my head, when others thoughts intrude, is enough to drive me insane.~

“No I’m not getting you an autograph from Pink. She lets me play drums with her sometimes for kicks. I respect her privacy. Don’t ask again.”

~That feeling your emotions, seeing your thoughts. It’s just part of the ongoing struggle I have to control my urges.~ *I brush my hand against my leather clad thigh.*

“I don’t like walks on the fu*kin beach and gettin caught in the rain is a real downer. Call 1-800 fu*k-you for a date. Okay is that enough 411 for you Eden??
*****
I steel my thoughts so she doesn’t get any indication of my intensions to help her find her happily ever after. I fear the big spider almost as much as her weapons.

She jumps off the couch and heads for the door. I know it was asking a lot of her to share these things about herself. She is as prickly as a cactus. Some think she is unnecessarily violent. I want to tell her to be safe in her journey and the battles she must fight. I want to ask her if she will be back but I feel so damn needy to have to ask her.

*****

~Damn, yammering female.~

Yes I’ll be back. You keep the fridge stocked with beer, tequila in the cabinet and fix me an occasional rare steak.

*sigh* ~Who else is going to straighten out the fu*kin mess you call a life.~

Latrz Eden.

Fantasy Man Monday

Hi everyone. Personal drama aside. Today is a day to remember Soliders who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland and the freedom we enjoy. My xhusb brother in law is Army. My Son In Law a Marine. My father was an Army Ranger WWII. My Uncle Army WWII, My Grandfather Army WWI and WWI

Thank you to our Men and Women serving in the armed forces.

However, there is just something about a man in uniform…or out of it.

Got to love a man that can do pushups all day long….

Prepared with all he needs in his back pack for sleep overs

Fantasy Man Monday

Thoughts on edification. This week I’ve thought alot about fantasy men in a three dimensional world. While eye candy is wonderful. Our romance heroes become larger than life because of their interaction with heroines we love. They edify each other, becoming more through each other’s eyes. Drawing on an energy of sexual tension that mimics the Tango, they push and pull us to unparalleled heights of palm sweating, heart banging, dry throat, on an erotic roller coaster ride.

So this week my Fantasy Men in the arms of the women that complete them and some times vice versa. Enjoy.

Kiernan and Isobeau from Dragon’s Soul.

Kiernan and Isobeau

Adam and ? from Dragon’s Song (2011)

Peter and Raynia and Chase (Amethyst Desire Novella)

Enjoy one of my new favorite video’s Enigma Principles of Lust.

Fantasy Man Monday

Ah, a new week.

I’m a single girl. Perhaps girl is a misnomer. I’m the single female. Yerrrooowww. I’ll embrace my inner cougar this week. I enjoy the occasional fantasy.

This weekend my 16 year old son’s friend spent some time with us. No, not going there too creapy…don’t jump the gun on me, you’ll get to the wrong punch line. He asked me if I knew…Caleb so and so. I immediately thought of my romance hero character and had to admit I didn’t know this young man’s verson of Caleb. Yet, the name facinates me.

The kid continued, “He’s my cousin and he’s a really nice guy and he’s single…..”

I got the distinct impression a blind date was on the horizon. I’m not sure how I feel being fixed up by my son’s best friend??? with his cousin? Is there some motivation for this bounty of generosity?

“So, how old is *oooohh* Caleb?”

The answer was a stunner. “Oh, I dunno something like 21 to 40, you’d really like him.” Delivered with the nonchalance only a 16 year old boy can have.

When I could breath again I laughed in my mind. Okkaaaayyyy. Age really is irrelevant at a certain juncture. Funny how when you are a mom you can be totally wicked cracked up inside your head and like totally cool outside on your face.

I’m not Stacey’s mom so I have to change the lyrics. “My son’s mom has got it going on. oh oh oh” Something like that huha?

So in honor of the ….Oh I dunno 21 to 40 Fantasy man, this week I have to give equal time to the younger Fantasy Man to counter balance last weeks…ah, hmm more experienced specimens.

David Boreanaz From Bones. What is not to love?

Oh and I signed up on Team Jacob a long long time ago. Yeah, Yeah so you think it’s creepy. Can you say F.A.N.T.A.S.Y.

I have to give equal billing for the Kick A$$ Fae Folk.

And who is this guy… isn’t he just as cute as a button? Okay scratch that along with anyone under 75 years old calling me Ma’am.

My first fantasy hearth throb was a pirate in the Carribean. He had lion golden eyes and central american/jamacian like accent. I’ve forgotten kissing a lot of past flames but I will NEVER forget kissing him in the cool rain, standing on deck of a fleet ship cutting through the aqua blue waters of the Carribean. In my memory he may have favored one of my favorite action hero pirates. While Johnny Depp was nothing short of shear genius as Jack Sparrow.

It was this one who made my heart swell and beat faster to have him kiss Elizabeth at the end.

Who is your younger man heart throb? Who wants to makes you say….If you call me Ma’am I will cut out your tongue…little boy? *Can you tell I’ve been working on a Kick A$$ heroine this week. Sorry.*

Tell us who makes you pulse pound? Share that inner fantasy man.

Fantasy Man Monday

This Monday we are taking a brief look at fantasy men over 40. I’ve picked a few choice samples. There were so many to pick from. Here is a taste of my favorites.

Mark Harmon

Ah Viggo Mortgensen

And the never contested,

Sean Connery….

Who is your Sexiest Man over 40? Share with us.

My friend, Danica (Fantasy Man Friday creator) likes

Harrison Ford

and Sting

Kiernan; a Difficult Hero

Yes, Kiernan is being difficult. We aren’t talking at the moment. He isn’t willing to admit he is angry with me so he just shuts up and sulks. Okay, so I couldn’t recognize I’ve missed the story line somewhere. Yes, I’m stubborn.

However, he isn’t being at all helpful to my sincere effort to tell his story. What, does he expect me to do everything?

He’s also not too thrilled about the difficult journey ahead of he and Isobeau to reach their HEA. He probably has some misguided interest in protecting her from harm he has totally clammed up. If he blames me for his pain, I wonder if he thinks I’ll hurt her too?

I’m sure part of the issue is he is such a dominant character. He wants total control, without question. Maybe I’m not willing or able to give him that level of trust. Some how we will have to find our way together to make this book happen.

He is a survivor. We have that in common.

Maybe he blames me for what he had to endure in Dragon’s Mark. The torture he suffered changed him. He has retreated to a harsh dark place that I can’t lure him out of.

Yet, I know Isobeau will.

She is a free spirit who calls on the power of the Goddess for her healing gifts

Yet she’s ready to roll up her sleeves and get the hard work done.

If I could only convince him his redemption lies in Isobeau’s love.

I know Isobeau can find his soul

Thanks to Italian Model Frederica Felini for inspiration for Isobeau.

Winter Rose Contest

My 2009 WIP made the final cut in the Winter Rose contest, sponsored by the Yellow Rose RWA Chapter in Texas.

I didn’t think I would hear until the 9th of April so news was a couple days earlier than I’d expected. I opened my email before going to bed last night and there it was. It was a big wheee moment for me.

Now, I don’t know how many paranormal manuscripts were in the contest. I don’t know who else made the final round. All things I’m curious about.

In the mean time a big arm pumping, “All Riiigggghhhhtttt”

I immediately sent an email to my crutique buddies, FCRW chapter, . Then I did a FB post. Today I posted to my lalala Sisterhood.

I am fighting the urge to shout it from the roof tops.

Fantasy Man Monday

Monday, Monday. Another Monday begins.  I need a boost to get through the week and let’s kick it off with these contenders for Fantasy Man Monday.

Today we’re going to preview the Men of Dragon’s Mark, 2009 WIP, Epic Fantasy, Paranormal, Erotic Romance.

What do you think about these candidates for Fantasy Man Monday?

First, He’s the inspiration for Haydn, a secondary character.

Love the piercing eyes.  Sorry I’ve lost track of his name.

The Heroes are Caleb and Ethan, identical twins. Ethan is a little more intense than Caleb.

Rhys, another secondary character if you like the rugged bear of a man type.

And lastly, Kiernan. This tortured soul is the hero of my current WIP, Dragon’s Soul. He’s dark, conflicted and powerful.

Together they provide something for everyone’s Fantasy Monday.

Craft Resources

This week has been fraught with emotional ups and downs. Coming down from the Writers Retreat last weekend, high high high point of the year. Many ah ha moments.

Lightening did not strike me on Thursday. I have a heart but it won’t be golden this year.

It caused me to think about resources for writers. I’m not really thinking of self help type books but more resources that helped you along the way. No not really the big book of paranormal creatures that’s on my shelf. I can research on the internet. No not an alphabetical listing of all the big “R” little “r” rules to remember.

What are your resources as a writer?

Mine are the FCRW chapter I belong to. Also the couple of yahoo groups I maintain membership in.

My FB friends are great. Danica and I have had fun bracketing the week with me sponsoring Fantasy Man Monday and she offering Fantasy Man Friday. Friday’s are hotter.

Ink Plots, the live critique group I’m a member of helps. My Critique Partner is my life line.

I just received the Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes & Heroines; Sixteen Master Archetypes. Great resource book by Tami Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders. It is outstanding.

Does anyone have that book on plot archetypes? I saw it on amazon.

What are your resources that help you both in the actual mechanics of writing and surviving the tough times?

Golden Heart Finals Announced Today

How do you measure a year?

Today thousands of unpublished romance writers are all waiting for a phone call telling them they made it into the final round of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart writing contest. I’m one of them.

Last December I and all the others sent the first fifty pages of polished finished manuscript along with a CD containing the entire work to RWA headquarters for the Golden Heart Romance Novel Contest for unpublished authors.

That act of faith represented an entire year of plotting, writing, revisions, editing. I have an active full time day job. Most of my writing happens between 9p.m. and 2a.m.

Today I’ll try to not glare at the phone every five minutes. I’ll try not to have an anxiety attack. I’ll try to make it through the next five hours.

Good luck to all my FCRW Chapter Friends in the contest and my online cyber buddies. Here’s reaching out to squeeze your hand with a hope that you get your phone call today.

How do I measure a year? I think I’ll write another book.