Today has just begun and already I’ve been forced to think about two firsts in my life. One took place when I was fourteen and went to my first real dance (I have Mormon Mommy Blogs to thank for my remembering that one). It was exciting, and much anticipated, not to mention totally frightening. What if no one asked me to dance? What if I asked them and they turned me down?
Well, guess what folks. It happened, and…it happened. And isn’t it funny how 20+ years later I’m still facing rejection? Just a different kind. As in, Here’s my query…and who will ask for more? Anyone? Anyone? No one? Really?!? Ahhhh, come on…. Now, eventually I got past the “rejection at the dance” stage and in fact met my wonderful, adoring husband at yet another one of those awkward dances. What’s really funny is that my Mom practically forced me to go that fateful night. She spoke soothing words, gave me encouragement, and told me not everyone was like the last boyfriend I had who would use me and spit me out.
She was right of course. Not all boys are created equal. Just as no two agents, editors, and publishers are alike. I recently submitted my query and prepared to hold my breath for the who knew how long. Turns out it was short. 12 hours to be exact. Yes, folks, it took less than 24 hours to be rejected, but I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I did it. I asked…and got turned down. And yet I’m still standing and ready to try again. Because eventually I know I’ll find the right match.
Today’s post by Nathan Bransford explains how every writer gets rejected in trying to find their right match, and how even a phenomenal, fantastic, and uber-loads of money-making book got rejected at least once (or twice) by so said professionals. There’s just no perfect system for recognizing what will sell, because of course as readers we all want something different.
The trick, therein, lies in finding that one perfect match. The one person who loves your book as much as you do. Who sees things the same way you do, and will do anything to see you happy (because of course it means their happiness as well). A match made in Heaven. Hmmmmm….just think. With a little patience and perseverance, you could not only have a beautiful marriage, but a book that would equally stand the test of time. With someone who would be willing to invest as much in you as much as you have in your book.
What do you think? Is it worth it? Ready to dance? I mean, query??????
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
2nd Annual Summer Treasure Hunt and Win Contest
As though reading wasn’t exciting enough already! Now you have the chance to fill almost half the summer with a book-filled extravaganza, that not only stands to be rewarding by the prizes it offers, but in the people you’ll get to know! 
Welcome to our second annual Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win Contest! Last year, some author friends put together a month long contest where they gave away a prize a day for the entire month of June.
The contest was so successful that they’re back again and guess who gets to join them this time! The prizes last through the first week of July and there’s something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historicals, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles.
There’s also some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author! How can you enter to win one of these awesome prizes? Just follow the rules below!
SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:
You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:
(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and MAILING ADDRESS to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.
(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).
(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST
(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.
All winners will be drawn by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.
You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.
And now let the treasure hunt begin!
June 1
SPONSOR: Donna Hatch
PRIZE: Queen in Exile, (fantasy romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under Bookshelf tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 2
SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis
PRIZE: Awakening Avery (women’s fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Avery’s signal that she isn’t handling her husband’s death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under books &reviews, then click on the cover to Awakening Avery and read the first chapter)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.laurielclewis.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 3
SPONSOR: E.A. West
PRIZE: Riley’s Mission (PDF: romantic suspense)
QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on Books tab, then on excerpt link for Riley’s Mission)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.eawest.mcphitty.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 4
SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish
PRIZE: Sprig of Thyme (Victorian romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna’s first novel
Love Engineered? (Check out The Library tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.jennadawlish.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 5
SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson
PRIZE: Divinely Designed (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael’s second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s Goodreads titles on the right hand sidebar))
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 6
SPONSOR: Linda Kay Garner
PRIZE: Some Secrets Hurt (picturebook), autographed copy, plus a handmade cuddling blanket. This picture book is for all ages. It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.
QUESTION: The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or dowload the free Parents Guide)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.somesecretshurt.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 7
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: (New/Sealed) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Widescreen DVD)
QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne’s novel, Turtle Soup, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli Turtle Soup? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 8
SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley
PRIZE: Lab Partners (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook
QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story Lab Partners? (Hint: Check out WIP Report post for April 4, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.larryhammersley.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 9
SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PRIZE: Melinda and the Wild West: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy
QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on Sample Chapters tab, then on the book title for Melinda and the Wild West to read a sample chapter.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com
OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 10
SPONSOR: Angela Morrison
PRIZE: Taken by Storm (Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover
QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called Taken by Storm, “An amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice.” Who was it? (Hint: check Taken By Storm tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.angela-morrison.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 11
SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
PRIZE: Trapped (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rondahinrichsen.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 12
SPONSOR: Anne Patrick
PRIZE: Journey to Redemption (inspirational romantic suspense), free download
QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, Out of the Darkness? (Hint: Look under the My Books link for Anne’s new release, Out of the Darkness)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 13
SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley
PRIZE: Altared Plans (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video Extra C posted on the right side of Rebecca�s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 14
SPONSOR: David J. West
PRIZE: Heroes of the Fallen (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)
QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.david-j-west.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 15
SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of Choosing Mr. Right and Delicious Conversation
PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel
QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13th post)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 16
SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine
PRIZE: Family Home Evening Adventures (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD
QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read about me on Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 17
SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson
PRIZE: The Mark (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark
QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, The Mark, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled “Deleted Scenes From The Mark” dated April 15, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.mrbunderson.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 18
SPONSOR: Heather Justesen
PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: The Ball’s In Her Court (contemporary inspirational) or Rebound (contemporary romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John’s bail to be set at? (Hint: Click on “My Books” tab, then “read more” about Rebound.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.heatherjustesen.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 19
SPONSOR: Nichole Giles
PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 20
SPONSOR: Karen Adair
PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s Diva Strings website for examples: http://www.divastrings.com/index.html)
QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s Bio tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 21
SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons, co-author of the soon-to-be-released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel
PRIZE: a pair of hand-knit socks
QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on Parent Page tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lynndparsons.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 22
SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe
PRIZE: Reservations for Two (inspirational romance), autographed CD
QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in Reservations for Two? (Hint: click on the Excerpts link on Kinzie’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 23
SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell
PRIZE: Summer in Paris (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark
QUESTION: What is Michele “dreaming of”? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.micheleabell.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 24
SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry
PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19″ hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of JaysDesign Jewelry.
QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 25
SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray
PRIZE: Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for Could You Be an Angel Today on Christine’s home page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.christinethackeray.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 26
SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris
PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors
QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortosie? (Hint: Read About Me in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 27
SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton
PRIZE: Cup of Comfort for New Mothers (personal essay anthology)
QUESTION: Name the editor of Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 28
SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall
PRIZE: Martha’s Freedom Train (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator
QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 29
SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden
PRIZE: Courting Miss Lancaster (Regency romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: In his “I Need Friends Friday” interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
June 30
SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson
PRIZE: Reasonable Doubt (LDS Suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on About Marcia tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.marciamickelson.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 1
SPONSOR: Kimberly Job
PRIZE: I’ll Know You by Heart (romantic suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under My Books tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 2
SPONSOR: Joan Sowards
PRIZE: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joansowards.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 3
SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN
PRIZE: Save the Child (Reality Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, Save the Child? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her About the Author page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.margaretturley.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 4
SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena
PRIZE: Illuminations of the Heart (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author
QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on Stolen Christmas tab and read excerpt from An Epiphany Gift for Robin)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 5
SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams
PRIZE: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book
QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, www.cindyrwilliams.com. The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the Book page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyrwilliams.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 6
SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta
PRIZE: Love Turns the Tide (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD, with a pendant necklace and matching earrings
QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O’Shea’s rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.gailpallotta.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 7
SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson, co-author of the soon-to-be-released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel
PRIZE: a 30 page manuscript edit
QUESTION: Name three of the “special needs” addressed in (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. (Hint: Click on the “Books” tab for (dis)Abilities and the Gospel)
WEBSITE/BLOG:http://www.danyelleferguson.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
July 8
SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover
PRIZE: Sapphire Flute (YA Fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of The Sapphire Flute? (Hint: Check out the list under Sapphire Flute Blog Tour in the right hand side bar and count em up)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:
ANSWER:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
True Research
Research.
There are many approaches, lengths, and avenues we use in order to obtain the information we need for book fodder or to validate the plausibility of our story’s actions. With some of us venturing toward the safer side and leaning toward internet. Others seeking to glean information from trusted sources and then stretching their artistic license from there. Many though will look to their own personal experience, past and present, taking a moment (or three) to relive the best of all their horrific/wonderful moments.
Truth adds realism, plausibility, and emotions that the reader can embrace because they are…well…real.
But what if the writer hasn’t experienced something and they, who knows the character best, is not quite sure how said character would respond a given situation? Do they guess? Conduct endless studies? Take a poll? Or do they find a way to add a true measure of realism to their research in favor of authenticity.
Now I’m not talking about killing someone, or trying to understand the conflicted emotions of a person gone insane (though Mondays alone can lend me adequate experience there). But if you were trying to write about the average middle aged parent who was running the race of their life, with virtually no preparation whatsoever, how would you go about getting into their head so you could speak from your heart?
Do it.
I mean actually sign up for a race and throw yourself head long into it. Now, granted, you might want to consider health factors in there, and I can only imagine your protagonist would too if they were running the race. Unless you intend for them to fall over from a heart attack, in which case I would caution against such an exercise (literally). But let’s say that your protagonist wears braces and you never have (or it’s been a long time and your memory is a little faulty). Would you be willing to go through the ordeal again (and involve your spouse) in order to add realism to let’s say…kissing with them on? Is it embarrassing? Rewarding? Electrifying? (Sorry…I’m feeling punny today.)
Funny how our life experiences have a way of ending up in our writing. It reminds me of a teenager I once knew who got her braces off three days before her Senior Prom, while I got mine on about…a week after. 20 years later. Want to know what’s funny? I’m actually talking about the same person. Yes. I was one of the fortunate few who enjoyed the heartache of crooked teeth, the braces to straighten them out, and then experienced the joy of having them off and the subsequent horror of watching her teeth slowly ebb back to their original preteen state about a year or two later. That’s what happens though when you get so discombobulated over your impending marriage that you lose your retainer. And fail to replace it.
So here I am 20 years later living something so typical to the age of my characters and her friends (again) that I’ve decided to make the most of it. And my sweet and loving husband has been oh so very obliging in helping with refreshing my memory. It’s different kissing someone this time around considering I’m married to the man, but about as awkward and uncomfortable as I remember. Sort of. I mean, it’s not like I’m worried that husband may go running for his life or laugh at me behind my back. (Why, when he can do it to my face–just kidding!) But really folks, it’s not all that bad going through this ordeal again when I know I will reap the benefits in a few short months and add a little dimension to my story in the process. You know what I mean?
Really. Do you?
I mean, what lengths have you gone to for your characters, and what experiences have influenced your writing such that you’ve found yourself profoundly grateful to have had them in the end? Or not….
Best Wishes,
Margaret
There are many approaches, lengths, and avenues we use in order to obtain the information we need for book fodder or to validate the plausibility of our story’s actions. With some of us venturing toward the safer side and leaning toward internet. Others seeking to glean information from trusted sources and then stretching their artistic license from there. Many though will look to their own personal experience, past and present, taking a moment (or three) to relive the best of all their horrific/wonderful moments.
Truth adds realism, plausibility, and emotions that the reader can embrace because they are…well…real.
But what if the writer hasn’t experienced something and they, who knows the character best, is not quite sure how said character would respond a given situation? Do they guess? Conduct endless studies? Take a poll? Or do they find a way to add a true measure of realism to their research in favor of authenticity.
Now I’m not talking about killing someone, or trying to understand the conflicted emotions of a person gone insane (though Mondays alone can lend me adequate experience there). But if you were trying to write about the average middle aged parent who was running the race of their life, with virtually no preparation whatsoever, how would you go about getting into their head so you could speak from your heart?
Do it.
I mean actually sign up for a race and throw yourself head long into it. Now, granted, you might want to consider health factors in there, and I can only imagine your protagonist would too if they were running the race. Unless you intend for them to fall over from a heart attack, in which case I would caution against such an exercise (literally). But let’s say that your protagonist wears braces and you never have (or it’s been a long time and your memory is a little faulty). Would you be willing to go through the ordeal again (and involve your spouse) in order to add realism to let’s say…kissing with them on? Is it embarrassing? Rewarding? Electrifying? (Sorry…I’m feeling punny today.)
Funny how our life experiences have a way of ending up in our writing. It reminds me of a teenager I once knew who got her braces off three days before her Senior Prom, while I got mine on about…a week after. 20 years later. Want to know what’s funny? I’m actually talking about the same person. Yes. I was one of the fortunate few who enjoyed the heartache of crooked teeth, the braces to straighten them out, and then experienced the joy of having them off and the subsequent horror of watching her teeth slowly ebb back to their original preteen state about a year or two later. That’s what happens though when you get so discombobulated over your impending marriage that you lose your retainer. And fail to replace it.
So here I am 20 years later living something so typical to the age of my characters and her friends (again) that I’ve decided to make the most of it. And my sweet and loving husband has been oh so very obliging in helping with refreshing my memory. It’s different kissing someone this time around considering I’m married to the man, but about as awkward and uncomfortable as I remember. Sort of. I mean, it’s not like I’m worried that husband may go running for his life or laugh at me behind my back. (Why, when he can do it to my face–just kidding!) But really folks, it’s not all that bad going through this ordeal again when I know I will reap the benefits in a few short months and add a little dimension to my story in the process. You know what I mean?
Really. Do you?
I mean, what lengths have you gone to for your characters, and what experiences have influenced your writing such that you’ve found yourself profoundly grateful to have had them in the end? Or not….
1 Comment
Nice article. I use a lot of my medical experiences from my nursing career in my writing. I have also spoken with attorneys and doctors to get things right for “Save the Child”. For “Untold Scripture Stories” I’ve combed the scriptures, concordances, indexes, internet, bible references, and spoken with Jewish people I know. I’ve also written to authors who write about that time period and place to see if they have reference materials I haven’t found out about. Reading, reading, and more reading in the genre you are writing helps.
Best Wishes,
Margaret
Monday, May 17, 2010
Casting spells all over the place
Spells
by Aprilynne Pike
In a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching tale of good versus evil, Laurel finds herself battling more than just the trolls that are after her; the clash between her two worlds forcing her to make a choice between better and best and which boy will help her be the person she’s meant to be and live the life she’s meant to live.
Spells follows Wings, a thrilling tale surrounding a girl named Laurel, a human, who has only recently found out that she’s also a fairy. Well, not also. Laurel is in fact not a human at all, though that’s the only life she’s known for the past fifteen years. At least the parts she can remember.
In this latest installment, Laurel’s latent fairy memories continue to evade her, causing her to struggle even more between embracing her old life and retaining the human existence she’s literally grown accustomed to all these years.
The beautiful yet succinct writing kept me turning page after page until I was finished, aching along with Laurel as she battled for her life in so many ways. A truly marvelous read with oh so many surprise endings, creating all the more anticipation for the next installment.
************************************************
The Candy Shop War
by Brandon Mull
Can we say Fun? Fun? Fun? I bet you could, but when was the last time you ever associated it with a book? Brandon Mull weaves a delightful tale of fun and excitement, creating a world that seems strangely familiar, yet turns out not to be quite what we expect. Where accepting candy from strangers takes on a whole new meaning, and leaves the parents in town the most vulnerable and unable to heed their own warning. But is it the stranger or the candy itself that has the children so enraptured, essentially blinding them against the truly sadistic plots taking place?
In typical Brandon Mull fashion is a tale woven so expertly as to teach a valuable lesson while taking us on a wild and dangerous ride through his vivid imagination. Perfection at its best. Almost as perfect as the candy which makes you….
Well, I think I’ll just let you find that out for yourself.
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I’ve heard a lot about Aprilynne Pike. You’ve piqued my curiosity even more. Maybe I’ll take a peek at Wings when I’m done with the three books I have lined up right now. Also, The Candy Shop War sounds wonderful? What grade level would you say that is for? I’m thinking my boys would love it. Thanks for the reviews and the recommendations!
Well done, Karen! You have a nice style and have written enjoyable reviews.
Shelli, The additional beauty of The Candy Shop War is that it’s a book I think any age would enjoy. My ten year old boy read it and couldn’t stop talking about it for days. My girls and older son were of the same mindset, as well as my husband. It’s a clean, well written book that is clever in its use of action to create the appropriate feeling of tension.
You led us through the books nicely. I am going to go out and get a copy of The Candy Shop War for fun family summer reading.
Aprilynne’s books sound perfect for my daughter. She’s always had a thing for fairies and loves books as Christmas and birthday presents. The reviews were well written, giving us just enough of a taste without telling too much. Good job!
And I love your website! Just out of curiosity, what software did you use to put it together?
That is a great review. Thanks for the tip. I have read the whole collection of Brandon Mull’s Fableheaven series but I haven this one. I will have to put it in my list.
Anna del C.
Author of “The Silent Warrior Trilogy”
http://www.annadelc.com
I have about 20 of the Trixie Belden collection too. Love the books. : )
Great reviews! I’ve read Wings, but not Spells yet. Now I want to even more. And although I’ve heard of Brandon Mull, I’ve never read his work. And now? Have to add it to the list for sure!