The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews

Monday, December 30, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday - Bringing in the New Year with Soul Fire Snippet

Have a wonderful New Years!
 
As we look back on 2013, with memories both good and bad, it's time to move forward. Striving to make 2014 a banner year for achievements, both personal and professionally.
 
For my own agenda, I am pushing harder to be more than just another author among the million to choose from. Like any writer, I want to see my stories succeed. Which means trying all  areas in the publishing business to put my name and work out there, build my fan base and begin a street team. These are my goals for this year, which means I will have many more books releasing in 2014. Some are just ideas right now, while others are continuing series books, all are familiar with.
 
In January, my latest endeavor Soul Fire goes to my editor to be self-published. The difference with this series is you will get a teaser chapter from the next book coming, and I'm working with a company called epublishingworks.com. A eBook company Jade Lee hooked me up with. Between their marketing department and my own, I believe it will prove a good partnership.
Now, for the good stuff. Here is a snippet from my historical paranormal of old gods and villains and the race of dragon shifters caught in-between an age-old  war. Welcome to Soul Fire, book one of the Warriors of Drakkan.
 
 
Chapter One:
 
The sun sank beneath a restless sea casting the heavens in a glowing nebulous of reds and gold. Dark shadows swallowed the thick forest leading to the sheer cliffs plunging into the sea. Draghar Keep rose up to touch the jagged outcroppings of rock, reaching to the heavens like the arm of some ancient Titan. Built into the side of the mountain, high, arched fenestra windows stared down upon a small fishing village at the base of the great mountain. Torches flared to life looking, weaving and darting like an army fireflies in the gloaming.
An undercurrent of excitement carried in the air, anticipation for the night’s festivities. The sound of a bodhran beat out a lively rhythm while the sweet undertones of a lute carried the melody. The melody, slow and sensual stirred the blood with thoughts of the upcoming communion between the goddess Flora, the May Queen and the God Jack-of-the-Green.
The lighthearted nature and irony of the holiday were not lost on Egan. The air pressed down on him, heavy with the impending doom, he could not advert, even with his wisdom, and power to heal, there seemed naught he could do to prevent a tragedy from unfolding.
 “‘Tis not right! The gods are displeased I tell you.” The aged woman muttered, her gnarled hands worrying the fabric of her rough wool apron.
“Still your tongue old woman!” Egan admonished gently, taking her arm in a firm grip and led her down the stone hallway toward the servant’s quarters. “Now, get you to bed while I attend to Lord Crispin.”
“Aye, I will be going Egan Thorne,” The woman grumbled, narrowing her rheumy stare on him. She thrust one bony finger into his face. “Best mark my words, all is not well with our King, and his downfall will be the end of us all.”
Egan ignored the superstitious warnings of the old crone; her mutterings regarding their King and their demise was her favorite ill omen to recite. They were an ancient race of beings humankind called dragons. Their ability to shift their shape, a gift given to them by their deity Drakkan, who watched over them before humans walked the earth, but in their hour of greatest need no sign of Drakkan could be found.
Egan hustled the frail woman to her room and heaved a mighty sigh once alone. Standing among the many colorful tapestries adorning the walls in the winding hallway, he never felt so helpless. Unease fell heavily about his shoulders.  His worry over their king a dark pall he could find no escape from. Time stopped for no man, or in this case, no dragon and precious little of it remained.
The agonizing truth facing Egan with sharp clarity mocked him. Remembering Crispin as a new hatchling, his bright, multi-hued eyes far too old for one so young, Egan loved him as his own the instant his stare focused on him. He vowed to Crispin’s father, he would protect the prince with his life if need be.
Alas, ‘twas the last vow he would give to the King as he passed only days later. He followed his mate in the afterlife hours after her untimely passing. Tomorrow would denote the three-hundred-year anniversary of Crispin’s birth. ‘Twould have been a joyous event, if the al-matar, or mating fever in human language, did not lie heavily over their King.
If the signs were accurate – and in Crispin’s case, they held true – his bouts of irrational rage, restlessness, high fever and lack of appetite marked the stages of mate fever. The urge to find a mate would burn away all logic and humanity, reduced to a ravaging beast bent on destruction and death. Lost for all time to an unholy rage. None ever came back from the madness, going on a rampage, laying waste everything in their path until death claimed the beast. Either from the fever or by the hand of a slayer mattered little, the final result never changed.
None of their greatest healers, or soothsayers could determine when the mate fever would strike down their males and indeed, most thought of it as a curse from the great Wyvern for Drakkan’s actions.  Whatever the truth the old legends held interested him naught. Only the reality of their dilemma remained chillingly accurate. Their unmated King would die by fever or blade within a fortnight if he did not find this true bond mate.
Egan wept for the impending loss. Any search for his quiv-etal was an exercise in futility. The only mate truly compatible must hold the blood of the Wyvern. He flinched inwardly as memory threatening to rise to the fore. He pushed it back. There were no females of the Wyvern’s blood left in this world. Pondering upon the loss would do nothing to aid his ailing King.
The firm pounding upon the door pulled Egan from his dark thoughts and brought him quickly to attend the unannounced visitor.
A tall imposing figure stood against the backdrop of the darkening twilight. He dark cloak flowed about his long legs in the gentle breeze filled with the scents of burning wood and blooming wildflowers. The dying sun illuminated the man’s dark, hawkish looks, amber eyes glowed with inhuman brilliance, searing into Egan with unspoken sorrow.
“I came as soon as I heard the news Egan, where is he?” He strode into the hall with an inhuman predatory grace.
“He is presently in his rooms Lord Rogan. I can only hope seeing you will bolster his spirits.” Egan sighed, leading the way into the great hall.
More tapestries in vivid hues of reds, blues, greens, and gold covered the walls depicting dragons in various poses among armored knights astride their steeds. A large oak table occupied the center of the room, and woven rugs spread nearly the length of the room. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall. The hearth decorated in sprigs of Ronan and Hawthorn. Bright colored ribbons weaved between them for the Beltane holiday. Birch chairs covered in soft hide were arranged around the fireplace. Coals from the dying fire still sent warmth through the room chasing away the slight chill in the air.  
He studied Rogan, who draped his cloak over one of the chairs and stood watching the embers deep in reflection. The same age as Crispin, the two were inseparable. Egan witnessed his growth from young hatchling to the imposing figure before him, The tall and broad shouldered leader of Crispin’s elite cadre of warriors accomplished more than any other dragon Egan ever knew. Few who could equal his fighting skills as human or dragon, and the only one who stood any chance at besting him Crispin in a fight.
“Why am I here Egan? Do not tell me it is to distract Crispin from the al-matar, for there is no distraction to be found for the curse. What is the true reason for my summoning?” Rogan demanded, his golden eyes darkening with dread.
“Aye, you know why. I need your oath. You are the only one who could do what needs to be done when the time comes.”
“You ask too much.” He snarled. Hands fisting at his sides as he glared at the older man. “He is like a brother to me.”
“Better by the hand of a loved one than that of the enemy.”
“Nay, I shan’t stay and listen to this.” Rogan rasped whirling to grab up his discarded cloak.
“What better man than you, dear friend to see me to my final rest?” A deep voice queried bringing both men’s attention to the sudden arrival of the man standing at the entryway.
As tall as Rogan, Crispin Fin Auld Napp, Lord of Draghar Keep and King of dragon kind raised a golden eyebrow. Multi-hued eyes swirled with blue, green and silver, holding his friends gaze. “You will do what must be done, even if I have to make it a royal decree.” The firm resolve in his voice brooked no argument.
Egan lowered his head in a sign of deep respect. “Majesty how do you fare this e’en?”
Crispin gave him a weak smile. “As fair as the circumstances allow. ‘Tis good to see you Rogan, alas, I wish it were under better circumstances.”
Rogan strode to his long time friend and clasped his arm. “Well met my friend, though I am disturbed you are so willing to succumb to the damnable al-matar without a fight. This is not like you.”
“Oh, I will fight have no fear. I need only your word to do what is necessary should I fail to succeed.”


Monday, December 23, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday - Happy Holidays, Soul Fire Release Closing In!

 
Happy Holidays to all of you!
 
It's been an exciting year filled with times of compete terror and the heady emotions of success!
I still hear "you're a new to me author" but there have been times when a reader looks  at me, and a light will go on. It's those, "Oh. I've heard good things about you." That I live for. It's how I gauge if I'm making any impact at all!
No, I didn't become a bestseller this year, nor make tons of money...yet. What I did achieve this year was to finish my trilogy called The Knights of Excalibur, saw the entire series put into book form available through Amazon, put out another Dark Breed Enforcer book and a Christmas Anthology. In between all of this, I put on a wonderful author reader event called Hot Mojave Knights, which proved to be a great hit!
Not bad for a year's efforts. As this year ends, I've already plotted my course for 2014. Soul Fire will come out in January, (God willing and barring any unforeseen delays.) I'm working on the second book in this series plus Dark Desire, Zeke's book in the Dark Breed Enforcers series. I'll have more on my goals for next year in more detail with the books which I will be releasing.
Plus Hot Mojave Knights is set for 2014! So mark your calendars for September 25th - 28th in the party capitol of the world. I'm talking Vegas, Baby!
 
Well, it's back to edits, outlines and writing! Have an awesome Christmas, may you find all your heart's desires waiting for you under the tree, and we will talk again.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday- Making your list and checking it twice.

Happy Monday!
I wonder if I put this beautiful man on my list if Santa will put him under my tree?
As I've grown older, I notice I've become a list person. I have lists for everything and every time I try to do without one I end up forgetting something very important. I'm a true Pisces when it comes to a creative chaos and going with the flow. But after visiting the store six times in one day for the things I've forgotten, I finally learned that a bit of organization can be a very good thing and keep my temper in check.
 
With Christmas only a week away there are thousands of things needed done before being ready for the holiday.
 
Yay for me, I have just finished my gift list so in that area I'm ready. Not so much with the holiday goodies though. As time marches on and I juggle the day job, and my writing, there is precious little left for making my turtles, chocolate balls and homemade fudge. Hell, I still have a freaking tree to put up!
At least, the tree is going up tomorrow so all's good there, so I have something to put my presents under before Christmas.
 
This year has flown by, and I'm busy working on my list of goals for 2014 and will share that when it's done. For now, it's back to work, balancing my writing with the day job and keep my sanity intact. 
I hope your week goes well, and we will talk again next Monday. Right now, it's back to my ever-present  list to make sure I haven't forgotten anything or anyone else. Then finish edits on Soul Fire, which is coming out in January! Big Whoot there since it's my first solo venture out into the self-pub world. Then it's time to finish Dark Desire and the -for the moment- untitled fifth book in the Dark Breed Enforcer world. After that there are only two more in the series so it won't be long before I'll be putting this series to bed. And begin the journey again with more stories of hope and love with lots of kick ass action.
 


Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Holidays-A time to Cherish those who Love You.

Home for the holidays can mean many things. For some it's family gathered around the Christmas tree, a marathon cook fest where Aunt Millie, Grandma Nana and a horde of other relatives cook up the best food this side of the Mississippi.
 
Home could be anywhere in the world. It can be a place or a person. The thing is, home is where you feel loved, accepted for who you are, unconditionally. No masks, or pretenses, just you and those who know the real you and are okay with that.
Home for the Holidays, for me is not so much a place, or a person per se. It's a very special and rare feeling of belonging, just the way you are.
I've spent the majority of my holidays alone, losing most of my family at an early age. For a long time Christmas was a dreaded time for me, home where I felt love and acceptance a long ago memory from my childhood. Slowly I started to choose my family. If you have none of your own, your friends become even more precious.
I've made my own family of friends and the wonderful man I married. I am blessed and what is even better, I don't take it for granted, remembering only too well how alone I was for most of my adult life. I hold on to this wonderful gift I've been given, the holidays for me are a time to remember and give thanks to be so blessed.
I learned to never take my family for granted. I would never have learned this had I not done without. So as you share this wonderful holiday season, be grateful for those you love and love you in return, cherish them and tell them how much they mean to you. You never know how long you have them so make as many awesome memories as you can now, this moment. Live in the present, don't give yourself time for regrets.
Above all have a best holiday ever. 
 
When I agreed to do an anthology for Christmas I didn't set out to make my heroine Fleur Delecourt like me, but some of her struggles with the holiday seasons were a perfect mirror to my own. Sure there was not hot Scottish werewolf out to claim me as his mate, but hey, I can write my own ending right?
Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge and a collection of four stories from sad to funny, hot to sensual.  Sure to please everyone, and what better way to celebrate the season that with some great paranormal romances? And for a limited time it's only .99 cents!
At the Crescent Moon Lodge, anything is possible and Christmas wishes come in the most unusual packages.
Christmas I.C.E. Magic – By Siobhan Muir
For Lily Sinclair, Christmas means sorrow and loss since the death of her twin brother. The magic is gone and she only wants to see her brother one more time. As an Ice Demon Zachary Snow is used to rescuing people in winter, but he’d never rescued anyone like Lily. Now he must convince her the magic she wants is in life itself.
 
A Howling Yuletide –By Shannan Albright
Fleur Delecourt knew her Christmas holiday was doomed from the start. Not only did she hate the cold and snow, but also she found herself saddled with a ski instructor, courtesy of a friend’s twisted sense of humor.
Werewolf Rory Furr left Scotland to find a life and pack of his own. What he was not prepared for was finding his mate in the form of a petite redhead who tests both his self-control and patience.
Bon Appetite from the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant-By R.M. Sotera
Executive chef vampire Michael Stake loves his job at the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant. Although food critics do not visit often, he welcomes world-renown critic Penelope Rothchild to his establishment. That’s when all hell breaks loose.

World-renown food critic Penelope Rothchild looks forward to her new assignment in Las Vegas.  Christmas in the West, what could possibly go wrong? Everything. But it’s all in the name of the perfect meal.
 
Boo Christmas – By Johanna Riley


 
 
 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday - First Peek at Soul Fire, Historical Paranormal Coming Soon!

Happy Monday!
I'm starting this Monday Post with a pic I call Passion. This is the essence of my latest book Soul Fire. Coming out in January, it's a paranormal novella set in thirteenth-century  Brittan on to windswept coast between what is now called England and Wales. Rugged and wild, this is an untamed land where the sea is at constant war against the earth. It seemed a fitting setting to place my dragon shape shifters and the women blessed by the gods who can claim them...and live.
 
Here is the taste I promised you.
 
With a groan of need he opened to her giving her access as she delved into the moist heat of him. His arms wrapped around her, one large hand at the back of her head as he took control of the kiss. White hot fire exploded low in her belly, pulse thrumming with ferocity she feared she would perish from such intense desire.
His body shivered against hers before he gently broke off the kiss. His gaze devoured her one delicious inch at a time. He left little doubt how she affected him. The thought brought a sense of power to her that she could bring out such passion from him.
“I am undone.” He rasped in a voice husky and breathless with need.
His warm breath teased her cheek, sending a delicious tendril of fire licking over her limbs to settle with aching intensity below. Her thoughts became chaotic, a primitive need rising strong within her. She should be afraid, but nay, she reveled in the dark passion, surrendering utterly to its tantalizing lure.
Her hands dropped to stroke the expanse of his hard muscled chest, fingers tangling within the soft linen of his tunic and tugged.
“You wear far too many clothes my lord.” Her desires clear in her dulcet tones, even to her ears.
 
 
 
 
When writing I always have character pictures. I am a visual person. My creativity shows me through images, much like a movie without sound. THAT I put in with the logic side of my brain. Let me introduce to you for the first time
 
Crispin Fin Auld Napp, Lord of Draghar Keep and King of the dragon race, known as Drakkan's children. 

 
 
 

Aslynn Durry, village healer and touched by the gods Drakkan and Rhiannon to save the dragon race from extinction.
 
 
 
 
I'm very excited to be in the finishing stages of this book, but also a bit sad that Crispin and Aslynn's story is coming to a close. I think that's the case with every book I create though.  With everything I do, be it painting, dancing or writing I leave a bit of myself behind in the process. I've been wanting to do something historical for a long time. History has always been a passion of mine, and I've had so much fun delving into the past.
And now, on to other news. I've got a winner from my recent blog hop. The Book Lady won a copy of my current release Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge. I had so many wonderful comments I couldn't choose, so I went to random number.org and let them choose via a number. 
 Now that Soul Fire is almost put to bed I'm concentrating on Zeke's book Dark Desire and will be exerting most of my efforts on finishing his story and beginning the next book in the Dark Breed Enforcers series. No rest for the wicked or the weary Lol!
Though I gave it my best shot to get both Soul Fire and Dark Desire out this year, unfortunately time was not on my side. I'm not a quick writer. I never could crank out a book in thirty days like so many others I know. I work in layers, going over and over what I wrote and adding to it as I go. My inner editor never takes a nap, damn it. So as much as I wish, I can't put out something I'm not happy with. Just like my painting I won't show what I'm not satisfied with.
So for now, it's back to work. Have a wonderful week and we will chat again next Monday.



Thursday, December 5, 2013

99 Cent Indie Hoopla - Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge

The Christmas Anthology Happy Holidays from Crescent Moon Lodge is still available through Kindle and Smashwords for only 99 cents!


At the Crescent Moon Lodge, anything is possible and Christmas wishes come in the most unusual packages.
When four friends win a trip to Mount Charleston, NV for Christmas, they are unprepared for what awaits. At Crescent Moon Lodge, your deepest wish comes true, whether you’re prepared for it our not.
A Howling Yuletide –By Shannan Albright
Fleur Delecourt knew her Christmas holiday was doomed from the start. Not only did she hate the cold and snow, but also she found herself saddled with a ski instructor, courtesy of a friend’s twisted sense of humor.
Werewolf Rory Furr left Scotland to find a life and pack of his own. What he was not prepared for was finding his mate in the form of a petite redhead who tests both his self-control and patience.


Christmas I.C.E. Magic – By Siobhan Muir


Christmas I.C.E. Magic – For Lily Sinclair, Christmas means sorrow and loss since the death of her twin brother. The magic is gone and she only wants to see her brother one more time. As an Ice Demon Zachary Snow is used to rescuing people in winter, but he’d never rescued anyone like Lily. Now he must convince her the magic she wants is in life itself.






Bon Appetite from the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant-By R.M. Sotera

Executive chef vampire Michael Stake loves his job at the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant. Although food critics do not visit often, he welcomes world-renown critic Penelope Rothchild to his establishment. That’s when all hell breaks loose.

World-renown food critic Penelope Rothchild looks forward to her new assignment in Las Vegas. Christmas in the West, what could possibly go wrong? Everything. But it’s all in the name of the perfect meal.


Boo Christmas – By Johanna Riley




Monday, December 2, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday -Holiday Anthology for 99 cents AND a More!

Wow, what a week! Hope your Turkey day was wonderful, I had a small get together with a few family and friends and had a blast!
I wish to thank everyone who voted for me. Though I didn't win my book Dark Passion Rising did make runner up. Along with my anthology 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas.
 
 















So thanks for your support it is an amazing feeling to know there are readers out there who like my work.
 
And speaking about work. My latest release, Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge is out and available through Amazon, All Romance eBooks and Smashwords for only .99 for a limited time so grab yours today. We have already received our first 5 star review
 
I'm also running a contest for you to win a copy of Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge through the blog hop Thankfully Naughty Giveaway 
 
Leave me a comment. You have until Dec. 7th so you still have plenty of time to win.
 
Now back to finishing up Soul Fire and Dark Desire so I can tackle the rest of my books waiting in the wings.
 
Have a great week.
 
 


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Special Announcement! I need your vote.My book is in the semi finals for best Urban Fantasty!

It just goes to show you how busy a body can become when you find out you are a semi finalist in your publishers Reader Choice Awards. If not for a heads up from one of my wonderful fans I would have been clueless.
 
So with much fanfare, drum rolls and 
ecstatic shouts I announce Dark Passion Rising is up for best Urban Fantasy!Plus you may just win something just for voting!

 
Now here is the thing, I really, really need your votes. If you liked my Dark Breed Enforcers please show it some love by voting for it. Just click here.
 
Thank you in advance for your support. Now I'm going to take a moment to breathe before battling all the to do's on my ever growing list.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Have A Thankfully Naughty Time- I have something just a tad wicked

The holiday season is soon beginning and I thought I'd just start a tad bit early this year. With so many things to be thankful for I thought it would be fun to make up a wickedly naughty list. From mild to oh, my God, scorching hot. I have a few things I'm truly happy exist.

  • Dark Chocolate
  • Cheesecake
  • Black Lace Corsets
  • Stiletto Heels - in any color
  • Silk Scarfs
  • Bed posts (Oh, yeah, you got the picture.)
  • And Fur Lined Manacles!
 
Now let me know one thing you are Thankfully Naughty for, Just one and it can be as tame or wild as you wish. I'll be picking one winner who will receive my recent Christmas Anthology release Happy Holidays from Crescent Moon Lodge. We have everything from sensual to hot stories for you to keep warm this holiday season.

At the Crescent Moon Lodge, anything is possible and Christmas wishes come in the most unusual packages.
When four friends win a trip to Mount Charleston, NV for Christmas, they are unprepared for what awaits. At Crescent Moon Lodge, your deepest wish comes true, whether you’re prepared for it our not.
A Howling Yuletide –By Shannan Albright
Fleur Delecourt knew her Christmas holiday was doomed from the start. Not only did she hate the cold and snow, but also she found herself saddled with a ski instructor, courtesy of a friend’s twisted sense of humor.
Werewolf Rory Furr left Scotland to find a life and pack of his own. What he was not prepared for was finding his mate in the form of a petite redhead who tests both his self-control and patience.


Christmas I.C.E. Magic – By Siobhan Muir

Christmas I.C.E. Magic – For Lily Sinclair, Christmas means sorrow and loss since the death of her twin brother. The magic is gone and she only wants to see her brother one more time. As an Ice Demon Zachary Snow is used to rescuing people in winter, but he’d never rescued anyone like Lily. Now he must convince her the magic she wants is in life itself.

Bon Appetite from the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant-By R.M. Sotera

 Executive chef vampire Michael Stake loves his job at the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant. Although food critics do not visit often, he welcomes world-renown critic Penelope Rothchild to his establishment. That’s when all hell breaks loose.

World-renown food critic Penelope Rothchild looks forward to her new assignment in Las Vegas.  Christmas in the West, what could possibly go wrong? Everything. But it’s all in the name of the perfect meal.

Boo Christmas – By Johanna Riley




Don't forget to leave me a comment with what you're thankfully naughty, or wicked for to be entered.
 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday - Upcoming Releases Whoot!

 
I love this guys smile and what a great way to start the week. I also love the tat he's sporting, yum!
Well, I'm hoping for a little more moving room this week. I've been taking multi-tasking to a whole new level this week. Open registration has started for Hot Mojave Knights and setting up the website has been time consuming. Then the last touches to my latest release is being done, and I'm happy to report Happy Holidays from Crescent Moon Lodge will be released this week!
I'm also nearing completion of the rough draft of Soul Fire and can't wait to get it out to the world before Christmas. That, my friends will be it for 2013.
 
For 2014? Wow, do I have my plate full. Zeke's book Dark Desire should be the first book released early in the year. There will be more books following Soul Fire and of course the Dark Breed Enforcers continue. There will be a few other anthologies thrown in there just for good measure so, all around I'm looking for a pretty good year to come.
 
Well, back to the present and the details screaming at me at the moment. Have a wonderful week.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday - Happy Veterans Day!


On behalf of all those who keep our country safe, you have my deepest respect and unfailing support. Thank you for your sacrifice, courage and honor. I am only one voice, small as it may be, it still rises in praise to all you have done. Past, present and future, you are the heros who inspire my work and the blueprint for the men I write.
 
Although we have a day in remembrance. It seems too little for all the men and women who put their lives on the line for us. All so we can live free without fear of our rights being taken away.
For me, you will be remembered all year for everything you do and the families you leave behind as you keep our country safe.
 
I would normally give you an update on my latest releases and WIPs on Mondays. Not this week. This week is dedicated to our service men and women fighting for us in hostile lands. I pray you all keep safe and come back to your loved ones soon. God bless each one of you.
 
 
 
 
Now you know I couldn't go without giving you something to get you through the week. I know I sure needed this. Have a great week and we will talk again. 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Writers block: Unlocking the creative side of your brain


 
We all got through periods where our inspiration seems to have deserted us. Our minds churn and panic sets in as deadlines loom and everyone wants an update on your latest and greatest…And you got nada, nothing, zip.

You spend your time staring at a blank page or end up playing Candy Crush. As the clock ticks away you become desperate to unblock your muse. Everything you put on paper is uninspired and gawd awful! And you wonder if you will ever find that elusive spark again.

Yeah, I like every writer I know we have been there, done that and got the tee-shirt and the coffee mug. I’ve heard of so many ways to set your muse free, but do they work? And if they do work is it a temporary fix?

I’ve come to learn it’s all a case of personality…yours. How your brain works, the mechanics of what sparks the creative side of your brain. Are you a left brained person? If so then a more analytical approach may be your answer. For those who are right brained it’s all about creativity.

Then, you have those like me. I use both sides of my brain, which usually results in a war between the two opposing forces.  Yeah, my mom should have never forced me to use my right hand, now I have the two sides at war on how best to approach things. I’m getting ahead of myself here. Let’s first discuss those wonderful analytical, oh so logical left brained writers.

Most of the time these are the people who plot out every detail they can before writing down a single word. A great way to keep yourself from writing yourself into a corner true, but when inspiration is not even a spark, sometimes it can be hard to  keep your focus.  For those lovely left brainers there are different ways to use your “down” time in a positive way. If you work a series try fleshing out the overall story arc, the characters and the individual plots for each character who the series will deal with. If you have already done this and still find yourself dead in the water, discern where the trouble started. Chances good one of your main characters is at fault. Either you have them feeling or reacting to something which goes against their nature. You can also try writing a different scene or chapter. If all of this still won’t shake you out of your funk you may want to start another book. Sometimes your brain needs a break and given a fresh idea may open the floodgates so to speak.

For my right brained, oh so creative writers. Those, who write by the seat of their pants, following their spark like a sailor would follow the North Star, try a little bit of plotting. Not much, just enough to keep you on the right path. Sometimes injecting a small amount of order into your creative chaos can keep your muse happy and talking with hardly a mishap to be had. Though words like character sheets and outlines give you a nasty rash of hives, try just a little bit of…organization –there, I said the dreaded O word and lived.  Another thing to help keep the flow of writing smooth is to work on other creative projects. Whatever you do, paint, sew , pottery or even scrapbooking! Use these small hobbies of yours to recharge and work with your writing. I myself, usually oil paint to help me keep from getting blocked. Whatever you do, keep your story firmly in mind as you focus your creativity on another different project remember it’s only a breather and give yourself a time limit to get back to work.

Now, for those like me who walks the middle line between the two you can try each of the suggestions given, find out what works for you. I even tried meditation at one point…wanted to gnaw off my arm after fifteen minutes and got nowhere, but I did try it. Yay me!

I found a great site to find out just how much right or left brained you are. It’s a quick and fun test to take its at: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3178

No one has the perfect, sure fire answer to help with writers block. There are some out there who believe writers block doesn’t even exist. Whatever you may call the struggle with your inspiration really matters very little. What’s important is how you work through it.

There are times when you just need some R&R plain and simple. Burn out from too many intense hours at the keyboard and not enough time engaging in the world is just as harmful. So go ahead and allow yourself time to play your games, have a date night with your hubby or just take a weekend off from anything to do with writing. Give your brain a break and allow yourself to live in the world guilt free. Your word count will not suffer since the time you write will be much more productive.

Try different exercises which will help you focus, go with what makes sense to you and what you find works. Don’t worry so much about writers block, instead make it a positive way to make your writing better.

Above all keep the passion. We write because we love it keep that foremost in your mind and enjoy the journey.

Happy Writing

Shannan

Monday, November 4, 2013

Pick Me Up Monday - Name the Series

Happy Monday all!
 
Well it's the start of another work week and I hope everyone is getting settled in.
For me, I'm getting back into my own rhythm and getting very excited for fall. I'm just waiting for word from the editor with the all go and the Christmas Anthology will be published. Along with this, I'm finishing up Soul Fire and am running an unofficial contest to name the series. The winner will receive the arc in eBook form AND a $20.00 Amazon gift card. Can't beat that hum? Just leave your suggestion here or on my Facebook page to be considered. Read the Blurb at my website www.shannanalbright.com to get a feel for the series.
I'm also setting up a book launch for the anthology called Merry Christmas from Crescent Moon Lodge and with the launch, I'm setting up a blog hop with the other authors in the book with chances to win the eBook.
In other news, I'm nearing the end of the first draft of Zeke's book Dark Desire and am delighted with the way this book is coming together. The muse is roaring through the book and giving me some surprising twists and turns I never thought of. It sure worked out even better than I thought.
My muse is a blood thirsty and devious one. And I love ever second of it.
Well, best get back to work have a wonderful week. 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Making it Real -Fleshing out a Three Deminsional Character

There are as many ways to build a character as there are stars in the sky. In fact, there are so many books and blogs out there giving you detailed lists of do's and dont's it can be a bit overwhelming. I'm a literal-minded  person. When you say something is green I see green, not olive green. I may be an artist but when it comes to the mechanics of a thing, I tend to need it spelled out in a simple and direct manner.
Then take it exactly as I read it.

So how do I go about building my characters? The easiest way for me, and to appease both the logical and creative sides of my noggin, is pulling up a word document and putting the basic frame together. These are:

Name:
Appearance (height,build, hair and eye color.):
Antagonist or Protagonist.

When I'm satisfied with my foundation, I look at photos for the character to go with my bare bones. I use Google or Pinterest to find someone who resembles the outward look I'm after. I do this for all the key characters. Now it's time to build on the frame work I've begun and add the following questions to their page.

Where were they born, Accent?:
Education:
Body Quirks (eye twitch etc.):
Quote or pet saying (for one of my characters is,"kill them all and let God sort them out."):
This layer starts to bring out the unique personality of each of your characters, laying the foundation for a real three-dimensional  person.  These four "tells" not only shape the person, but can give your story plot a deeper layer bringing out hidden points, which may have been overlooked in the overall development of your plot. Now, you are ready for the fleshing out part of each character. This plays an integral part in how your story will develop and many times has changed my overall concept giving my story a more cohesive and layered plot. The reactions of the characters become plausible and can be easier for the reader to relate to. Remember you want to have your characters stay with the reader and for me, this is what helps to make that happen.
Now you are ready for the most important part of your character development. Place on each character sheet the following:

A small bio of character:
What is his/her internal conflict at the beginning?:
What is his/her external conflict at the beginning?:
What lesson must he/she learn by the end of the story?:

When you have answered these questions, you can keep their information in a file with your book in progress. I also print them out and tape them up on the wall where I can have fast access to them while writing. If you write a series where these characters make an appearance you may want to hold on to them as a quick reference so it keeps continuity going in your series. This also helps you to keep facts straight about them throughout the book. Nothing is worse than having the hero change eye color during the story, or react/do something which your character would never do. This keeps them real.
It may seem like a lot to put down, but with just a little preparation before you start in can save you from writing yourself in a corner and worse, fight with a scene because it is against your character's innate traits to do what you wish them to do. Saving you more rewrites in the end.
I hope you will find this helpful to you as you build your story. I know many pansters (people who write by the seat of their pants.) who benefited from having a small amount of preparation before delving into their story. Explore and try new ideas, keep an open mind to different techniques since they may just make the work easier and free your muse to soar.

Happy Writing!