All posts by Carlene

Birthday Party in the Pond & Special Guest Turtle from Adam Ezra Group & Giveaway!

Welcome to my birthday party, fishy friends!  Today I’m turning 36 again and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend 11:16 than sparkling up my fins and splashing around with you all.  And…we have a very special guest with us today!  His name is Turtle and he is the real, live, soul-rockin’ percussionist for the band, Adam Ezra Group!  So the way I see it, this party needs three things:  lots of fun, unending rounds of Shirley Temples, and presents! (Giveaway info at the end)  The music is pumping and the grenadine and cherries are bobbing around in the 7Up so let’s get started!  First I am honored to share this little talk I had with Turtle so pull up a lily pad and enjoy! (Pushes play on “She’s Just a Girl” by Adam Ezra Group)

Carlene: Hi Turtle!  It was so cool meeting you on your birthday back in May so thank you so much for being here on my birthday and chatting about all things musician!  As a musician (who I’ve seen give your all on stage-you rock!) how do you decide how much you’re going to keep for yourself and how much you’re going to share with the audience?  Or is that never a question?

Turtle: That is really not ever a question with me, it’s not a conscious decision. It really depends on the crowd, the energy in the room. For me it’s all about that transfer of energy. You send something from the stage and the crowd turns it into something and sends it back to the stage. Hopefully that keeps happening until both party’s are exhausted. Continue reading

Bring a songwriter to the pond: Welcome Julie Butler!

Ask a writer what inspires them and often the answer you’ll get is music.  Naturally, I’m curious about the artists behind these inspiring songs.  I recently poked my nose into the Nashville area and asked the gorgeous voice and richly talented songwriter, Julie Butler, to sit down and have a chat about her “songwriter” self.  Her answers blew me away.   Be sure to check out the lyrics she wrote about mermaids at the end!  Yes, she’s pretty fabulous.

 Me: Hi Julie!  Let’s jump on in the water.   Can you start things off by sharing a little about your “artist self”?

Julie: Carlene, my artist self and my “daily-grind self” struggle with each other on a regular basis. There is some very real pain connected to my creativity. There’s guilt (for not doing enough creatively). There’s a lack of confidence (because my mom is the creative one – not really, but I thought so for many, many years.) There’s shame (because I always thought I would be DOING SOMETHING BIG (LOL) and making my living doing something creative instead of working in the corporate world. There’s also guilt because I never finished college, and I believe that has held me back creatively.

My artist self is extremely shy and she lacks confidence. But she has a lot to say and is becoming more and more impatient with me holding her back! I’m thrilled that you asked for my input on “Bring a Songwriter to the Pond.” Continue reading

Guy Day Pictorial: The California Cowboy

Sometimes we don’t have to ask a question to get an answer.  Translation, sometimes a girl is just too darn shy to go up to a shirtless man and say, “Hey there, um, excuse me, sir, um young man…wow, you’re really cute…I, I, I, I mean, what I mean to say is what is your perspective on being a cowboy in southern California which is traditionally known for soulful surfers, not country cuties ?  Wow, you’re not wearing much, are you?”

Please enjoy the photos I took during my recent vacation home to East County San Diego and the stop I made at KSON’s Country Fest.

I give you:  A day in the life of a Southern California Cowboy

What I Would Have Asked: Dearest Will & Kate, is this your first rodeo?

 WIWHA: First the royals, now surfers?  Are you here with security?

Continue reading

Remembering Andy Whitfield

“I am going to go to sleep now as my body won’t work anymore.  I am like a butterfly with broken wings.  I will always be with you and will always be watching over you. I love you.’”—Andy Whitfield

One year ago today, my heart hiccupped for the loss of Andy Whitfield.  If you are a fan of the Starz series, Spartacus, I know you are in this exact moment with me now as you were the day you heard the news that this champion had lost his 18-month long battle with cancer.

When you’re reading a book and the hero is a fierce champion with a gentle soul and does things merely with his eyes like smile, bring calmness, flash fear, stand defiant, crumble from heartache, promise death—and you wonder what that looks like in a flesh and blood man?  It’s Andy. Continue reading

Faith and Love: Why We’re Still Here

A visit with first time author and my grandma, Shirley Faith Touchstone.

Hello friends.  I hope this post finds you feeling something good in your bones, little or large, as long as it’s in there somewhere.  Mine are, quite frankly, bursting.  And it’s got everything to do with the fact that one of the stops on my recent 5,200 mile cross-country road trip was to my Grandma Shirley’s home in Van Buren, Arkansas…Where I got to hold her book, Why Am I Still Here?

 

 

We spent a few days together talking about how excited and busy she is at 77 years young to have seen this, her first book, to publication.  For anyone struggling with perseverance to stick with your dreams or anyone hurting from loss, Grandma and I hope this helps.

Grandma Shirley’s middle name is Faith and mine is Love.  We were born in November; two days shy of being exactly 40 years apart.  She was named after Shirley Temple and I love to drink them, and yes, we had moms who loved to style our hair with those signature curls.

We are both writers.

We share so many lovely things but as families do, we also have had to deal with tragedy together.  In November 2007, she lost her son—my dad, when he was killed on his motorcycle.  Six months later, we lost Grandpa when he took his own life.  But we were lucky.  Faith and love were there for our family and have seen us through to today—a great day to be here talking with you all about things that leave people wondering why in the world this stuff happens and what do we do afterwards?

Dad

Grandma and Grandpa

 

 What Grandma Shirley wants to share is that knowing you’re not the only one who has had to deal with loss and the worrisome questions and doubts that stem from it helps.  Her book, Why Am I Still Here?, is a collection of tragic yet triumphant stories from people like Helen, a 90-year old lady who suffered a minor stroke and had to leave her home of 60-plus years, who said to Grandma one day after church, “I don’t know why I’m still here.  I’m worthless.”   To which Grandma replied, “Helen, you are not worthless.  You have the most beautiful smile.  If you can’t do anything but smile at someone, you have brightened their day and that’s the purpose for your life right now.”  There are encouraging stories showing us exactly why those of us left behind need to go on.  I was honored to have contributed stories about my dad and grandpa to Grandma’s work.

Sometimes to get an answer to those worrisome questions, you have to take that leap of faith and bravely ask, “What now?”

After Dad and Grandpa died, Grandma wasn’t sure of her purpose so she asked God, “What now?”  When you pose a question like this, be prepared for the answer, whether it translates into the years of hard work it takes to produce a book or simply asks you to smile kindly at another.  Grandma’s has turned out to be this unexpected, amazing journey.

She’d been asked to lead a bible study for Legacy Heights, the unassisted seniors living center where she now lives, and wasn’t sure if she was up for it so soon after Grandpa’s passing.  But deep down, she knew Helen’s words, “Why am I still here”, were her answer.  Grandma agreed to do a one-time study program on that subject, putting together a few booklets to hand out.  That was in May of 2009.  By September of 2009, she had printed and given out over 500 booklets!  It was at that point when she asked her good friend, Anita Dowty, for help.  They knew in their hearts from seeing the response that this was supposed to be a full-fledged book.  Anita and Grandma were in it together all the way and have become like sisters, celebrating the book’s release by Believers Press, a division of Bethany Press, this past week!

Grandma and Anita

 

I can’t think of a better example of good coming from bad.

Before our visit was over and because she has inspired me to never give up on my dream of becoming published, I asked Grandma if she had anything to share with those of us who might be struggling to stick with writing.   She said, “Never give up on your passion.  I’m 77 and if I can do it at this age, so can you.  If you have a story to tell, stick with it.”  I agree with her, because somewhere out there is the person who is meant to read it someday and be touched by what you have to say.

Grandma and I are so very happy to be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter today.  To find out more about Grandma Shirley and Anita, check out their website http://whyamistillhere.net/ Why Am I Still Here?  is currently available in both digital and print versions on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble and wherever fine books are sold.

Always love,

Carlene Mermaid

 

 

Guy Day! Service with a Smile: An Authentic Male Voice

The Mermaids and a delightful young waiter named Noah have a great ‘cute meet’ story.  For those of you who may not have heard us gushing all over Facebook, personal websites, Twitter and the Internet in general, this past April was the Washington Romance Writers annual retreat.  A very special occasion in its own right, it was made even better when a handful of Mermaids were able to extend our stay for a few extra days of writing.  And what better way to celebrate than with a fine meal and impecable service!

Enter the eight of us to New York J& P Pizza restaurant.  Poor, poor guy is all I could think.  Here was this young man, with a table full of loud, laughing, story-telling, grown women depending on him for this good sevice and food.  At one point, he came by to check on us and I whispered to him that I was sorry.

Instead of shying away and murmuring a “Yes, ma’am” or “No problem, ma’am”, the kid asked, “Why are you sorry?”

Me:  “Oh, I was just feeling bad that we might be too much for you to handle, that’s all.”

Noah:  “Oh, I can handle it.”  And then he grinned.

And he did a superb job.  This kid had confidence on top of gumption and wouldn’t you know it, I’d been on a long, dreary search for a waiter with charisma to interview for our Guy Day segment.  But would cute, young Noah be up for the challenge?  My fellow mermaids beat me to the punch when they told him we were a bunch of romance writers, to which he said, “What’s that?”  I think it was then that the entire table cackled in delight and realized we’d hijacked the right restaurant and harpooned the right waiter.  Just to be sure the kid was legal, I asked his age.  “Yes ma’am.  I’m 22,” he said proudly.  Hallelujah, I was sold!

So, without further ado, I give you Noah–brave of soul, young at heart, bursting with charisma, ready to serve!

 

Me:  Hi Noah (waves), can you tell us a little about your profession?  How long have you worked as a waiter and what about this job keeps you coming back for more?

Noah:  I’ve worked as a waiter on and off for about 6 years now.  I always switch between cooking jobs and serving jobs because I enjoy working in restaurants.  I guess I find myself coming back for more because I love the busy atmosphere.  It’s a great way to meet people and personally it is a great place for networking.  I also work at Meriwether Post Pavilion which is a concert venue in Colombia, Maryland where I work as a cook and I got that job thanks to networking myself in restuarants.

 

Me: I imagine your job is very hard.  Do you think the reward is getting to meet people and know that you’ve helped make their nights?

Noah:  It’s not that the job is very hard, it’s just very fast paced.  Any serving job is the same.  It’s all about knowing the menu, putting in orders and taking food out.  The hardest part is how you walk into work that day.  I find that walking in with a smile and can-do attitude is the way to go because I am very personable and an easy talker so waiting on tables comes second naure to me since I love meeting and talking to peole.  I love making peoples’ nights because I’ve been the victim of a “bad time” in a restaurant and I love hearing people tell me that I’ve done a wonderful job or in your table’s case, to strike a “Blue Steel” look for a camera!

(He actually struck this pose for us and it was fabulous!)

 

Me:  What personal quality makes you great for this job?  Don’t be afraid to brag a little here.  And tell the truth, do waiters crank up the charm on purpose or does it just come naturally?

Noah:  The personal qualities that make me perfect for this job are that I am a very friendly person, I smile all the time, I am confident in myself to where I have no problem flirtng a little bit with my tables and my friends always tell me that the super power I possess is “Super Charisma”.  And to be honest, a good server does turn on the charm when you can tell it can be beneficial towards your evening but it really is a natural gift because if you’re naturally an angry prson, you won’t be a good server!

 

Me:  Do you have a really memorable experience with diners that you could share (besides waiting on a table of extremely exuberant and talented fiction writing ladies)?

Noah:  One actually happened a week after I waited on your table.  On this night, I waited on two older women and I was on my A game.  Long story short, I made these two ladies’ night just by being flirtatious and suggesting which meals they should get and a good place to go for dessert.  They ended up leaving me a $65 tip on a $40 bill!  So that was probably one of my better experiences.

 

Me:  Have you ever come close to losing your cool while at work?

Noah:  I do lose my cool at work every now and then but never in front of the customers because that would be unprofessional.  But I’ve definitely been brought to tears by bad tables before but mainly because I’m a pretty emotional person and I cry very easily.

(Awww, nobody better mess with our Noah!   The Mermaids have your back!)

 

Me:  Now let’s get to know you a bit outside of your job.  Afterall, a hero must be well-rounded.  What’s your favorite song and why?

Noah:  This is a hard choice because I enjoy a wide variety of music but if I had to choose one, I would pick……drum roll…..GET DOWN ON IT by Kool and the Gang!  This is my favorite song because I love to dance and this song makes me super happy every time I hear it.  When my best friend’s sister got married in the summertime, I requested this song and it started out with just me on the dance floor and after two minutes, I had nearly the whole reception dancing!! So needless to say, I bring it to Kool and the Gang.

 

Me:  Loved your answers, Noah!  You definitely brought it the night we sat at your table!  We’re almost done here.  So, as is traditon for my contributions to “Bring a guy to the pond” days, please read the scene below and tell me how you, as a real guy, would react:

Scenario:  Two guys are at a bar and grill.  One is currently finishing up his shift while the other,his buddy who has just been dumped unexpectedly by his girlfriend, is waiting for him to finish.  Let’s raise the stakes and say the poor dumped guy was just getting ready to ask her to meet his family when she kicked him out.  Now the first guy, the one on duty, knows this girlfriend pretty well and she’s generally a nice girl to his buddy so he has a clue that something might be wrong.

(I know what girls would do–we’d console each other, coming up with X,Y and Z to make our friend feel better.  But would two guys do that?  Yep, you guessed it.  We’re trying to get a crack at guys’ senstivities in a situation like this.)

Noah:  If I was the waiter on duty and my friend came in with this problem, I would tell him clearly she’s not seeing him for how awesome he is (depending on the friend) but no I would not put her down  because everybody has their reason as to why they do something in a relationship.  She couldn’t be held accountable.  If it wasn’t meant to be then it wasn’t meant to be.  When all is said and done, I would make him feel better because that is the kind of person I am.  Depending on how hard he took it, I would wing man with him and help him move on.  If he took it really hard, I would get off work and probalby talk him down from being upset and make him see that it was probably for the best.

 

There you have it folks–real guys do indeed possess a sensitive side and turns out can be quite understanding in a given situation!  Thank you so much, Noah!  You’re a real good sport and women everywhere appreciate the time you took to help us understand a true male perspective today!  I officially proclaim you Romance Novel Hero Worthy  😉

 

 

More Than Magic Mike + The Soundtrack Giveaway!

UPDATE 7/16: Congratulations to our winner of the Magic Mike Soundtrack—Keely!  Thank you everyone who swam by to join in on this eye-opening chat 😉  Hope to see you back real soon xoxo  Carlene Mermaid

SPOILER ALERT #1:  I would hate to spoil this movie for you–so go see it before you read this…what’s that?  Oh, you’ve already seen Magic Mike sixty times?  Yeah, I kind of thought you had that dazed look in your eye 😉

SPOILER ALERT #2:  The views expressed in this post are those of my “Sweet Sandy from Grease” movie-watching personality and not my “Black leather, bad girl Sandy” writing/reading side.

So.

Magic Mike.

Someday, when I’m all grown up, I hope to have the cajones to watch this movie without covering my eyes as if it was Freddy Kruger and his gyrating dance troupe on the big screen.  (How scary is that guy?  I still wimper at the rhyme, “One, two..”  That’s as far as I can go without crying!)  And blushing because I admit to peeking through my fingers…once or twice.  Freddy never made me blush, just vomit.  Channing though, he’s dreamy in a good way.  But no matter how intriguing it is to watch all that larger than life, ummm, stuff– I’m still thinking, “Guys, that’s your private business up there and should I really be having my own private moment, (okay, me and these other ninety women) with it??  No!  Okay, maybe.  But still, No.  Yes. No. Oh, the conflict!

So yes, one day, (I’m predicting this day will come on the DVD release date) I aspire to have that completely open-eyed ability because my aunt tells me there’s lots I missed.  But for now, I’d like to talk about what I couldn’t look away from–the underlying story.  At some point, the super sexy dancing scenes took the back seat and something deep and important, and sort of sad and intense, grabbed me by the heart.  It took a few minutes to put my finger on the familiar thrill but soon I realized, Magic Mike had a Less Than Zero feel to it for me.  I loved that movie.  Loved, loved, loved it.  And I think I sort of love Magic Mike now, too.  A movie I’ve only seen half of.  That says a lot for that half, don’t you think?

I know, I’m silly and maybe you don’t believe me with all that other stuff to appreciate, that I’d come away with a love for the story.  Actually, anyone who knows me probably isn’t surprised.  (Shirley Temples anyone?)  You’ve probably seen Magic Mike five gazillion times with your eyes wide open.  Remember, my movie watching persona aspires to be you someday.  (Ahem, when is that DVD release date?)

So what was it about Magic Mike that had me reminiscing over Less Than Zero?  Well, Julian was my first experience with a tortured soul on the big screen.  That forbidden dark world that sparkled on the outside (remember the party house with all the TV’s?) but in reality was just a big soul sucker.  The way you sometimes find out the hard way who your real friends are.  How heartbreakingly beautiful it is when they step up and love you for who you are and want to help.  And how sometimes, it’s just too late.  I’ve honestly never had those exact same feelings as with Less Than Zero until just now with Magic Mike.  In a way, it was even better with MM because the wakeup call has such better timing and is so well-earned yet not overdone.  And the way the characters’ backstories unfold so organically is beautiful.  I loved not knowing for sure what Joanna’s past was but being so intrigued by her reactions to her brother, Adam, and his new stripper friend.  Oh my gosh, and the crazy cool things Joanna and Mike say to each other.  Their conversations are so everyday yet interesting.  (I believe that is the magic and wonder of Mr. Tatum’s acting skills)  I learned a lot about story-telling from Magic Mike.  I love that.

And so even though I suffered from a serious bout of “Holy Guacamole, what am I doing peeking at his hmm-hmm?”, this is a movie I respect and the type of book I want to read/write.

So, what did you think?  Were you there in the theatre strictly for the man show?  Did you enjoy the story just as much?

Who was your favorite dancer?  Give me one good reason why you would answer any other name here besdies CHANNING TATUM!

When did “I Am Number Four” grow up into all that?

Well, hopefully my movie watching side will get with the program so my reading/writing side doesn’t have to glower at  Miss Goody Two-Shoes much longer.

Let’s take some time to talk about this film and these men that were so much more than zero.

For today’s giveaway, I’m picking one random commenter to receive the Magic Mike soundtrack either in MP3 or Audio CD format.  Good luck!

Lynne Silver Swims with the Mermaids…Hot Science!

Well have I got a Thursday treat for you!  Lynne Silver, author of the newly released and super-hot novel, HEATED MATCH, (Ellora’s Cave Publishing) is swimming with us today!  She’s such a great lady and a tremendous sport.  When I asked her to pretty please come to Waterworld Mermaids so we could talk about her awesome book, I believe I said, “If I interview you, the questions will probably be weird and random, so what do you say?”  Well, not only did she happily and bravely agree…she’s brought the super-irresistible couple from HEATED MATCH, Adam and Loren, to the pond to help answer.  Did I mention Adam’s a genetically enhanced soldier?  Yep, yummy!  Enjoy 😉

                                                                                     

Me: Hi there!  Diving in to the nitty gritty…I love the genetic matching idea behind your new CODED FOR LOVE series.  What sparked your interest in mixing DNA with steamy romance?  What did you do to get a good handle on the scientific aspect?

Lynne: Every year around Valentines Day, newspapers run articles telling that there is a science to falling in love- at least there’s a science to finding someone who will make beautiful babies with you. A lot of it is based on smell, I kid you not. This intrigued me, and then I also found a newspaper article talking about genetic enhancement, and how our science is already there.

Designer babies are on the horizon.  On one hand, this freaks me out, why should we play God? On the other, every parent deserves a healthy child, and if we could eradicate genetic diseases in-utero, maybe we should. It’s a tough question for me, and one that I clearly struggle with throughout the book, and much more so in book 3, Chase’s book.

 

Me: In an excerpt on your website, it is clear these two are matched by something deep and raw.  When Adam says, “The damn door doesn’t lock. Back. Away.”, I got goose bumps!  It’s obvious he absolutely does not believe he can control himself in such close quarters with Loren (Lucky girl!).  I’d like to ask the two of them what they were thinking in that very instant (one of my favorites in the book) but they look a little…preoccupied…with each other right now.  Can you tell us what each was thinking?  Adam, while he was trying to stay locked away in the bathroom that wouldn’t lock and Loren, trapped in the small conference room with a growling man ready to pounce.   

Lynne: Adam is thinking he’s never been more aroused, but since he fully understands the implications of following through, he fights his desire. Loren has no clue what the heck is going on other than she’s locked in a room on a military compound and kind of wants to have sex with a total stranger.

 

Me: Should a kiss be more romantic or more heroic?  Lynne, as the romance specialist, I know you could handle this one on your own, but I hear Adam may have an opinion on the subject.   Can you pry him away from Loren for a second?  Thanks!  So which is it, Adam?  A romantic kiss letting the woman know you are capable of being a pleasing and caring suitor or the heroic kiss, stating without question that you are there to stake a claim on her and protect her against all?

Adam: A kiss shouldn’t really involve thinking at all. But I’ll say my kisses are more heroic.  Loren knows I’ve got the goods to take care of her. Hang on, she’s  laughing her ass off at my answer.  *sigh* Fine, she says my kisses rock her world and are both heroic and romantic. Good  ‘nuff.

 

Me: Random Question: Think fast Lynne, what do you do when a friend tries to eat an edamame pod in a nice restaurant?

Lynne: LOL- I’d remind her not to eat the shells! They’re sharp and tasteless.

(the friend, who shall remain nameless, winks and waves thanks)

 

Me: As an experienced romance writer, what’s the best explanation you can give for that sudden onset of heated passion at first glance?  Of course, if Adam would like to chime in, that would be fantastic and highly entertaining.

Adam:  When I saw Loren, it was like my engine kicked on to full power for the first time in my life. Of course, Loren was my genetic match at the DNA level. Does that happen for the rest of you? Sucks if it doesn’t, cause the connection rocks.

 

Me: Random Question: Quick Lynne, what do you do when your kindly relative asks how things are going in the Erotica YA genre?

Lynne: Erotic Young Adult, yeah, that would be my well intentioned father doing his best to get me arrested. He’s so excited that I’m published, and thinks the erotic part is funny, but he doesn’t get the market at all.

 

Me: If you could wire every human male with one DNA trait, what would it be?  And for the females? 

Lynne: All males should have 6 pack abs, and females get perky c-cup boobs that will never sag and don’t need a bra.

No seriously, I’d wipe out the genetic diseases- Tay sachs, MS, Sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, etc… cause they suck, and knowing that it’s in your family and that you or your off-spring could have it, is scary.

 

Me: HEATED MATCH “Bred for love, coded for war”- Awesome-sauce tagline!  Lynne, How do you come up with these??

Lynne: My editor gave me 2 days to come up with a list of possible series names. I panicked, did a list of 20 and came up with Coded for Love.

 

Me: Rapid fire question: What do you do when your boss locks you in a room with your genetic match and you find out she drank the special water?  I think I’m going to step out on a limb and beg you to let Adam answer this one!

Adam:  I tried to blockade myself in the bathroom with a cold shower. When that failed, I gave Loren a night to remember. Shit, she’s laughing again.

 

Me: Adam and Loren, you are on lockdown with nothing to do…on your nightstand you find a rose and a condom.  Who gets what and why?

Adam:  I obviously bought the rose for Loren, cause I’m that kind of guy. As for the condom… <turns to Loren, can I tell honey?> Cool, well, we’re kinda trying to have kids, so the condom gets tossed to the side.

 

Me: What genetic enhancement, if any, would you be up for?  As a mermaid, I am super thankful for my awesome lung capacity and super resilient hair that never dries out in the saltwater.  Any chance there might be a mermaid in line for any of your super-hot Coded for Love boys?

Lynne: I want super fast metabolism, so I can eat anything I want and maintain my svelte figure. Also- I’m kind of freaked out about memory loss as you get older. I’d want a brain that doesn’t go spongy.

 

Me: Can you tell us how many books you have planned for this delicious, irresistible series? 

Lynne: I’ll write as many as the readers want and Ellora’s Cave will publish! Conquered Match is already sold and should be coming out at the end of the summer. This is a very short story that’s kind of a prequel. I think all the guys deserve to find their match, so Chase, Gavin, Xander and Rowan will get books.

(I will dutifully go ahead and take the podium for the readers out there and beg for all these books!!!! Loved meeting these irresistible guys in Heated Match!) 😉

 

Me: I noticed that Adam and Loren have been eyeing the pond this whole time, if it’s okay with you, I say we let them have a private swim before they have to get back to the compound.

Lynne: Thanks for letting me swim in the pond, Mermaids! – Lynne

It was my absolute pleasure, Lynne, Adam and Loren!  Find out more about Lynne and the CODED FOR LOVE series here!  🙂

 

Standing Out in the Crowd

Back in March of this year, I read Author Kelly L. Stone’s post featuring Dianna Love , who is wonderful about helping her fellow writers, and she posed the question:

What makes your writing stand out?

It’s something you need to think about and as I sat there trying to come up with an answer, I realized that while in my heart I know my story is special (and so is yours, trust me), it was far more difficult to put that into words.  Imagine that, a writer at a loss for words!  The interesting thing was that Dianna had posted a question to her fans on her Facebook page in preparation for the blog post asking what they thought made a story different.  Being a huge fan of her work, I threw out my two cents and she used it in the post.  Why was it so easy for me to say, “One of the things that makes a story stand out for me is what characters say to each other” to Dianna in reference to what I think makes hers and other authors’ books I love stand out, but then sit in my chair and feel so blank when it came to my own writing?

I think it’s because when I hear that question, I immediately assume the answer should revolve around the plot.  Well, for me, it’s not likely going to be my external plot, but rather my characters and what they say to and do with each other.  It’s why the story about a rock group I read last year was probably pretty basic but I still remember verbatim a line from a trip the band took to the grocery store with the heroine.  Here’s to hoping my future readers appreciate that part of a story as much as I do because it’s what I’m going to be sharing with them.  The things we say to each other.

Readers-what do you remember about a story, even a year after you’ve read it?

Writers-what do you love about your stories? psst-this is what makes them stand out 😉

Book Review: Break Into Fiction

Two years ago, at the WRW Annual Retreat which was held in Leesburg, VA, I had the great fortune to win a raffle basket donated by Dianna Love.  Inside were all sorts of cool treasures but the greatest of all, as I discovered last month, was a copy of her book with Mary Buckham, “Break Into Fiction”. 

 

I highly recommend this book if:

You are a beginning writer.

You are an experienced writer.

You are beginning a new story.

You are like me and editing/revising a completed draft.

 

The book is so very friendly.  It shows you how to easily recognize the key elements of successful commercial fiction in several popular movies (by walking you through templates for each of the movies) so that you can then use those same templates to develop your own story idea.

There are two aspects I like best about Break Into Fiction.  The first is that this book is multi-genre.  The movies associated with the templates range from Suspense to Romantic Comedy and from Classic Romance to a modern Disney favorite.  I appreciated this because I write out of the box and I appreciate an approach that is about successful commercial fiction.  Period.

The other thing I loved about Dianna and Mary’s approach is that its focus is on your characters.  Don’t get me wrong, right smack dab on the cover of Break Into Fiction, it says “Power Plot Your Book”.  I won’t lie, when I saw that, my doubts crept in as to whether this was the book for me.  My strength is the internal emotional journey of the character, and so naturally, plotting books generally intimidate me.  However, that’s where Break Into Fiction is truly a blessing.  What you will learn as you go through the power plotting templates, is that everything blossoms from your characters.  There is no separation between your protagonists and the elements that will drive your plot.  Until I read and used Break Into Fiction, I always saw those as separate entities and therefore my stories felt disjointed between my strong characters and not so hot plot.  This book has helped me fix that!

And, Break Into Fiction isn’t just a book.  It’s an interactive system that includes a wonderful website with information on the authors, seminars, plotting retreats and professional editing services, among other things.

Did I mention that #1 New York Times best-selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon put her stamp of approval on Break Into Fiction by contributing the foreword?  Seriously, this is a book all writers need.  For more information, check out www.breakintofiction.com