Hurricane Irene–Foe or Friend

mermaids, Uncategorized

Many of us are on the alert today about the incoming Hurricane Irene along the east coast of the United States.  She looks like she can be a doozie so please, heed all warnings posted by the authorities in your area, keep track of the weather stations and The Weather Channel and stay safe.  I need all my friends out there for inspiration, motivation and just to be there–always!

Here are a few things you will want to be aware of if you aren’t already prepared:

  • Water, non-perishable foods, batteries for flashlights/radio, candles, matches/lighters too.
  • A full tank of gas in your vehicle (no electricity–no gas pumps) same with ATM’s–get cash out now.
  • Pets–make sure you have 3 days supply of food/water, any meds–baggies for dogs/litter and litter box for cat, carriers and leashes, tags and papers for shots/etc.
  • Have a copy of your homeowners/renters insurance for possible damage after storm.
  • Also, have your safe/family documents in a safe place.
  • Don’t forget to stow/tie down items in your yard that could cause a hazard in high winds.
  • Writers–don’t forget to back up all of your files of your WIP’s and important research files to something portable.  Keep it on you if possible or in a safe place.
  • Remember during emergency situations–try to stay off your phones as lines (even cell lines) will get bogged down.  Use only for emergencies or make the calls quick (just to let family know you are okay).
  • Oh, and just for the heck of it (or the need) don’t forget the box of chocolates–the good kind you’ve been craving but didn’t think you needed them–this is the time for them. 🙂

If I’ve forgotten anything, please feel free to post as a comment. But these are the ‘foe’ issues I associate with the incoming storm.

Now for the ‘friendly’ issues–if you can see them as such:

Hurricane Irene gives us the potential to take a breath from our harried days perhaps.  For some at least, unless you are emergency responders and to you–I give you all the love in the world–you are the true heroes!  But if we can step back and look at this situation in a different light–it may just be kind of neat:

  • No electricity?  Candle light time.  Get out the family board games, a few non-perishable snack items and sit around the dining room table and have some quality family time.
  • Been wanting to get to your ‘to read pile’?  What better time?  No electricity–hold up at home–snuggle under a blanket and start the next one in the pile.
  • No computer?  Get out the old spiral notebook–start that next best seller.  You have the ‘dark and stormy night’ already to go. 🙂
  • Sit and catch up on quality time.  Find out how DH has been doing lately.  (Rekindle the flame that the hustle and bustle of keeping up with technology and time has taken you away from.)  Re-connect with your kids–what better time to stop for a cuddle and make memories they will be able to tell their kids.

What are some of your ideas to do during a “dark and stormy night”?

Stay safe and hugs to all !

 

“To Be Or Not To Be?”

Dana Rodgers, mermaids, Writing,

“To be or not to be?” Okay, maybe that’s not exactly the question. The real question is whether to write under your own name or under a pen name?  Well, there seem to be a lot of differing opinions to that ever-important question.

First, let’s start with why someone might write under a different name. Well, why would a super hero have an alias? For privacy of course. A lot of people choose to write under a pen name for the same reason. I mean think about what would happen if everyone knew you were a super hero? Fans hassling you all the time to sign autographs, take pictures with them, begging you to make public appearances so you can rescue their cat out of a tree. I’ll be honest, I suck at getting cats out of trees but it might be nice if someone, someday thought I was fabulous enough to ask for my autograph. 🙂

Or maybe you work in a position where you would rather people not know that you are also a superhero book writer by night. If, for example, you were a kindergarten teacher and you write erotica you may not want the parents of the kids in your class to know that. We all know that writing erotica does not a pervert make, but there are those small-minded individuals out there who might think that it makes you less qualified to teach their little angels. Those same people seem to forget that those little angels wouldn’t be here if they weren’t occasionally turning up the heat in their own lives.

For someone else it might be because they write in different genres. If you have built a reputation for writing in a specific genre, like say historical romance, under one name, and you want to branch out and write in a different genre, YA for example, you might want to do it under a different superhero name. Readers tend to develop certain expectations when they pick up a certain author, so if you are going to be giving them something completely different you may want to do it under a different name.

Another reason to write under a superhero name may be in an attempt to appeal to a more diverse audience. Joanne Rowling for example, was asked by her publisher to pick a more androgynous pen name in hopes of appealing to a wider audience. She does not have a middle name so she borrowed her grandmother’s name, Kathleen, and writes under J. K. Rowling.

I considered using a pen name but ultimately chose to write under my own name, as do most of the writers that I know. Why you ask? Because I think your name is unique to you and brings with it a certain amount of your heritage. I don’t work in an overly judgmental career, so I didn’t see any reason to hide my identity. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many supportive friends and family, and honestly most of them don’t care that I’m a writer, unless it means I can get them an autographed copy of a book. 🙂 And basically, I want to take credit for my work under my own name. I think it would be wonderful to have someone think enough of my writing to travel to an event to get my autograph or have their picture taken with me. I mean really, how cool would that be? There may come a time when a pen name might be beneficial if I decide to take my writing in an entirely new direction, but for now I will write as Dana Rodgers.

Now it’s your turn. Do you write under your own name or a pen name, and why?

 #amwriting

Project: Untitled

Deadline: None

New words written: Not nearly enough, but it’s early

Present total word count: 7,987 words


 


Turn that Frown Upside Down!

mermaids, Motivation

I’m always on the lookout for new tricks to pick me up when I’m feeling down, with life in general and writing in particular. There’s nothing like insecurity to make me unproductive as a writer, so when doubt creeps in, I do my best to quash it. Fast.

Recently, I’ve discovered two techniques I’d like to share with you.

1. Watch any episode of The Biggest Loser.
Practically every other line uttered on this show can be applied to you and your writing.
• Lines of motivation (“You can do anything you set your mind to do,” “Finish what you start, and finish strong”)
• self-belief (“I am not nothing,” “I am a champion”)
• tough love (“No one else is going to do it for you,” “Are you just going to give up?”)
Pretend the trainers and contestants are speaking directly to you. It’s like receiving a two-hour pep talk (eighty minutes if you fast-forward through commercials), not to mention a shot of inspiration from the contestants’ accomplishments and emotional journeys. I guarantee you will feel stronger, more motivated, and more focused after this exercise.

2. Celebrate your daily efforts.
Don’t wait until your next milestone to celebrate. Yes, I am suggesting that you break open that champagne, treat yourself to a nice dinner, splurge on a new pair of shoes… for no reason at all. Or rather, for the very important reason that you are doing your very best and trying your very hardest. Trust me, you need this celebration more now than you will when you achieve that goal. Then, you’ll be so happy about your accomplishment that anything else will just be icing on the cake. While this exercise should not be overindulged, I think it is important to recognize that your efforts are worthy of celebration even without the external measure of success.

What do you do when insecurity sets in? How do you stay motivated and/or get back on track? Please share any techniques you have for defeating doubt. Against such a formidable foe, I like stocking my arsenal with as many weapons as possible! Happy writing!

It’s Summer.. What’s Your Level of Heat?

mermaids

Even thought summer is just about over, I still have heat on my mind.  And it’s not the stuffy opressive air quality that has me gasping for breath.  It’s the level of heat you prefer to read, or even more important, write.

With such a plethora of sub genres, romance is a universe unto itself.  Contemporary, historical, young adult, erotica, futuristic, chick lit, time travel, inspirational, paranormal.. I could go on.  But just as there are many genres, there are also varying degrees of heat or sensuality.  With some genres, it’s pretty clear the level of heat a book will entail.  I won’t assume to know everything there is to know about inspirational stories, but I will venture to guess you won’t find too many “F” words littered throughout the pages.  To that end, there probably won’t be explicit detailing of three-somes with farm animals.  On the flip side, even though I’m not.. pardon the pun.. intimately familiar with erotica, I believe there is a wide array of sub-categories of that niche as well.  When I’ve perused submission guidelines for Ellora’s Cave, there were quite a few terms and terminologies that I must admit, I was not familiar with.

I know there has been a wide debate about the use of bad words in romance and in general, the level of heat in a story.  From reviews, and even musings on the RWA, it would seem the people who are risque averse become very frustrated/angry when the level of heat is ratcheted up too many notches or there are one too many “F” words thrown in the mix.  And on the flip side, someone who wants a highly sexual story can feel very let down if the naughtiness factor is not met.

So the level of heat got me thinking.  What is your heat preferance for reading and for writing?

 

Gone Fishin’: An Authentic Male Voice

mermaids, ,

Legend has it that some mermaids were benevolent creatures, granting wishes to sailors who helped them.

I’ve assembled a panel of real guys and today, I’d like to welcome one such brave former sailor to Waterworld Mermaids.  I hope all his wishes come true for helping me out with today’s blog.  Fellow mermaids and guests, let’s give Cody a warm welcome!

I recently provided Cody with a few scenarios and asked him to tell me straight up—what would a real guy say and do in these given situations?  I was curious to know if I was tapping into an authentic male perspective in my writing.  So he graciously accepted the mission and in my opinion, blew it out of the water!  Without further ado, I give you Cody, 37, outdoor enthusiast, federal agent, good guy.

Warning: As I said above, I asked Cody to be blunt in an attempt to give an authentic perspective.  Some portions below may be unsuitable for younger readers.

Scenario: Two city guys are at a bar, slightly intoxicated.  One has just been dumped unexpectedly by his pregnant girlfriend.  His buddy is there for him, drinking as well, but trying to stay slightly more sober for when they need to leave.  What would the buddy possibly say to his friend who just got dumped?  Let’s say he knows the girlfriend and she’s generally not a witch.  (I know what girls would do; they would be very consoling and compassionate.  But would two guys be that way?)

 Cody:  First off there is a myriad of different outcomes to your scenario.  It all depends on the guys.  You could write this any way you wanted, really.  The dumped guy could really be devastated by the incident if he genuinely wanted a family. So, he could be really distraught, or he could be relieved that he didn’t have to settle down and start a family; furthermore he could be angry and vindictive.  The friend could be all of these as well.  It all depends on the morality, upbringing, demeanor etc. of the guy’s character that you have developed.  So don’t have a tough, street hardened, emotionless guy sobbing in his beer that “he just isn’t good enough for her”, or “what am I going to do now that she’s gone”, you get my drift.  Likewise for the friend.  They could talk about different hair-brained schemes (and yes guys do this) to try and get her back.  Or the friend could be like ” Dude, forget that bitch.  I’m taking you to a titty bar.  You need to let off some steam and forget about that dumb &%$@% and find somebody new!”  Sadly I’ve seen this exact scenario go both ways. 

 In general, I am curious to know the following: (fill in the blank)

What would a real guy say:

 Cody’s Answers:

 –At a guy’s night out when he sees his ex walk in with someone new——-It depends on the age of the guy believe it or not.  A young guy with no real responsibilities would probably confront the NEW guy and start a fight because he really wants her back but won’t admit it and tries to show it by being the ALPHA and essentially win the girl back.  Never the less he is young and doesn’t know the first thing about women and thinks this will work, which it won’t.  An older more mature guy, set in a career that he cannot afford to lose wouldn’t do this (unless he is just wired that way and has a temper).  He would probably just comment to his buddies that she is really scraping the bottom of the barrel with the new guy, or he could catch her on the way to the bathroom to “try and talk some sense into her” and possibly back to his place because he doesn’t currently have anyone.  Or he could really care less because he has moved on.

 -While sitting on a boat fishing with his buddy——–Man take your pic!  Anything goes.  Just remember that if these guys are on a lake in their own boat they are probably not gonna be talking about politics or the stock market, or fashion.  Unless they are talking about the lack of clothing on the girl working at the bait shop they stopped at that morning!  Sports is always a good call.  More times than not they would be talking ABOUT FISHING.  What bait works best, what their dad taught them to use etc.  But usually the conversation turns to “So did you hook up with that chick last night or what…..”

 –When he knows a good buddy of his is being a jerk to his girlfriend———Again this depends on the guy’s character, what his buddy was actually doing, and how good of a friend his buddy is.  Is he a lifelong best friend?…..Or just his buddy.  He may tell him to knock it off, or he may just leave it alone because he knows his buddy better than anybody and he knows that he didn’t mean it.

 Last one…..do guys really cuss that much in their everyday conversations?  Are there times when it’s guaranteed that you’re going to use profanity?  ———-YES, but once again it kinda depends on Age, Military service or not, people around, the presence of women etc.  Speaking from experience, young military guys can’t help it.  It’s just part of you.  Guaranteed, if you’re in a bar, playing sports, or just hanging with your boys because nobody cares.

 Thanks for helping this mermaid out!   Please feel free to comment and thank Cody!

#amwriting

Project: The Desert

Deadline:  Aug. 31, 2011

New words: 0 today but it’s early!

Present word count: 296

 

 

 

Job of Hotness

Kerri Carpenter, mermaids, Motivation, ,

Can I get a Navy Seal over here to sweep me off my feet, while both protecting me and respecting my individuality as an independent woman? 

Where’s that totally ripped construction guy, who besides being able to swing heavy power tools, remains sensitive and in-touch with his emotions?

Let’s not forget about that super intellectual professor-turned-writer who happens to make geeky sweater vests seem uber-sexy.

I’ve been reading romance novels for awhile now and I think I’ve encountered just about every career path possible for the hero. Cowboy, prince, entrepreneur, teacher, chef, bounty hunter, landscape architect – they all have one thing in common: Hotness!

While I do have my favorites (FBI secret agent, veterinarian and just plain old, inexplicable super rich guy, to name a few), I have to admit that it might be more than just the profession. It’s the description. After all, you can have a bartender, or you can have a smokin’ hot Irish bartender with jet black hair and intense green eyes.

Oh yes, there’s a big difference between the guy who changes your tires and the insanely gorgeous yet wounded mechanic whose muscles are pulsating under his tight white work shirt while he gives you the once-over.

And I’ve never come across a lawyer in my real life who is anything like the toned and suave attorney who can both schmooze at the country club and take down the bad guy with his killer tai kwon do moves, all the while preserving his impeccably-fitted tuxedo.

So I ask all of you, what is your favorite romance hero career? And feel free to get descriptive!

#amwriting Word Metrics
Project: Contemporary romance
Deadline: August 31st (#amcrazyperson)
New Words Written: Not enough
Present Total Word Count: 37,552

My New Snoopy Lunchbox

mermaids, Motivation, , , , , , , , ,

For a week now I have been in limboland – in between writing projects and recharging my battery.  I’ve caught up on some TV (Royal Pains and Rizzoli & Isles), read some great books (“Plus Ones” by Hank Edwards and “Everyone Loves a Hero” by Marie Force), studied some craft (Save the Cat!) and indulged in a little Jake Gyllenhall nudity in “Love and Other Drugs”. (and, in answer to my Main Man – no you cannot wear out a DVD by watching it constantly – I think.)

But now I’m ready to start on the new book targeted for Harlequin Blaze and while I’m not going to go too crazy – I’m going to do things a little differently this time. While I usually create a loose outline (I’m a plotser), I’m going to write my synopsis first.  Now, I hear the groans out there, but I don’t mind writing a synopsis but I usually leave it to the end. I just want to see how it works for me this way.

The second thing is that I am going to try and write this book in the Scrivener for Windows writing tool.  My friend, Gwen Hernandez, challenged me and so I’m going to venture out of Word and take the plunge. And I’ll admit something here but only to you  . . .  so . . .  lean in closer while I whisper . . .

*it’s kind of freaking me out*

But, not in a I-need-to-call-Dr.Phil kind way.

It’s kind of exciting and edgy and  . . .  yes, I need to get out more . . . it’s really getting my creative juices flowing and my fingers itching to hit the keyboards. It’s similar to the thrill I got with my new school supplies. I  just KNEW that the Wonder Woman folders, new pencils and Snoopy lunch box were going to make school so fun and easy.

It’s THAT kind of exciting.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

What writing methods do you have and do you ever shake them up?

Robin Mermaid

 

 

 

 

 

#amwriting Word Metrics

Project: Exposure

Deadline: Oct. 31, 2011

New Words Written: None. Pre-plotting.

Present Total Word Count: zippo.

Calling Mermom Cathi!

mermaids

So a few of my fellow mermaids and I swam out to a local watering hole for drinks an dinner. We each had steak. What you didn’t think mermaids were carnivores?

The conversation centered around our works in progress, books we were reading. RWA nationals and even the regular non-book related gossip. That’s when Mermaid Kerri (yes, I’m totally outing you here) starting telling stories about her mom, Cathi. This is the same Mermom who rearranged the Nora Roberts section at a local bookstore so all the books were in chronological order. She doesn’t understand why in the world anyone would ever read anything besides romance. She goes down to Walmart nearly every day and buys a romance novel. Quiet frankly, I feel like my life won’t be complete until I finally get to meet her in person.

And best of all, Mermom Cathi is one of Mermaid Kerri’s biggest supporters. I love that.

Writing is hard. It’s lonely. It’s frustrating as hell. But when it works … well, then it’s glorious. We all need our supporters to help us get past the crappy times. We all need a Mermom Cathi. If you have one, go give them a hug. Hell, give them two. Listening to a writer bitch and moan can be a real pain in the neck. 🙂

Because you may not have a Mermom Cathi at your disposal, here are a few writing quotes to give you a giggle, shake your head in agreement with and motivate you to write on.

Manuscript: something submitted in haste and returned at leisure. – Oliver Herford

The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. – Mark Twain

I write to escape … to escape poverty. – Edgar Rice Burroughs

If you can’t annoy somebody, there’s little point in writing. – Kingsley Amis quotes

It’s a damn good story. If you have any comments, write them on the back of a check. – Erle Stanley Gardner

Writing is a lonely job, unless you’re a drinker, in which case you always have a friend within reach. – Emilio Estevez

When I was a little boy, they called me a liar, but now that I am grown up, they call me a writer. – Isaac Bashevis Singer

And my favorite writing quote of all time:

Nothing is ever finished, you just run out of time. – Anonymous

#amwriting Word Metrics

Project: A Dry Creek Bed (sequel to Up a Dry Creek)

Deadline: Aug. 31, 2011

New Words Written: None – going through revision/edits. Ugh.

Present Total Word Count: Just shy of 60,000

#amwriting

Alethea Kontis, Motivation, ,

There’s a hashtag on Twitter for authors who are writing: #amwriting.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been #amwriting lately, and it’s gone to my head. I need to cut it out. Get with the discipline. Have some accountability.

“Good lord, this sounds like Weight Watchers,” I say to myself at this point, which may sound a lot like what you’re saying to yourself right now.

Sometimes I get annoyed when writers post their word metrics. But why? I can read them or ignore them, at my whim. What’s important is that the writer is WRITING, and those metrics hold them accountable to not only themselves but the rest of the world.

And so, for at least the next month, I challenge you to come along with me and post your word metrics. Be honest. Be realistic. Do it every single day. Remember — even six words is better than nothing. Just like climbing those stairs is better than sitting on your butt.

I wrote 1544 words yesterday. As soon as I go post that number on my blog, I’ll start writing again and see how far I can get.

Are you guys with me?

How much have you written today?

Project: Saturday (sequel to Enchanted)
Deadline: Dec 31, 2011
New words written: 1544
Present total word count: 12,844 words

Bump, Bump, Bump

Dana Rodgers, mermaids, Writing

My family is on vacation this week at Massanutten Ski Resort. This morning I took one for the team taking my children on a summer tubing ride. So I buy the tickets and up, up we go. We get to the top of the slope and I bravely climb into the giant inner tube. When I’m ready and give the nod the burly blonde college age guy slings me down the giant funnel…where I squeal like a little girl. Fortunately they were shrieks of delight, not horror. At least until I reached the first real bump. I think it should be mandatory for the ride attendant to mention using those glorious abdominal muscles to keep your behind off of the ground! Let’s just say I’m still recovering from my afternoon of fun. 🙂

But bumps are all part of the experience, even in writing.

You start a new story and everything is going along so well. Your characters are telling you their tale. Your dialogue is almost writing itself. And then BAM! You hit a bump. Sometimes it’s a little bump, other times it’s more like a wall. It might be working out a kink in your plot line or deciding how to add more conflict to your story. Or it might be one of those horrible turning points. You know the ones I’m talking about, a decision point in your story where you can turn right or left. Neither decision is wrong, either direction will lead to a great story, but your writing comes to a screeching halt until you decide which way to go. Or your bumps may come at the end, during your editing process. Or writing the dreaded synopsis or query letter.

What kinds of bumps do you deal with in your writing and how do you overcome them?