Fiction Scribe

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe, Ms. Pinkston.

Let’s start with getting to know you a little better. List five things you feel define you as a person.

Naps
Movies
Books
Spending insane amounts of time on the computer
Loving my family

It sounds like you and I have a lot in common.

Where did the inspiration for Season of Sacrifice come from?

My main characters are my great-great-grandparents, and I’ve heard stories about them my entire life. Their experiences were incredible and they’re considered celebrities of early Utah history. When I came across the family history books that had been written about them, I knew I wanted to write their story but in a more personal way.

Season of Sacrifice touches on the subject of Mormonism. Were you worried (in writing and in publishing) about prejudice against the book for that fact alone?

Writing about Mormonism wasn’t an issue. I write for and in the Mormon/LDS market all the time. The concern came in the fact that my great-great-grandfather was a polygamist, and with the FLDS Church being so prevalent in the news right now, I was anxious that people understand the difference between the LDS Church, to which I belong, and the FLDS Church, which is an entirely different organization and has nothing to do with my church at all.

Unfortunately, those in the media have been trying to lump the two churches together and some of the backwash from the FLDS Church has been splashing on us, but they are two separate and distinctly different churches and while we feel compassion for those families who have been displaced, we don’t share the same ideologies. Anyone who practices modern-day polygamy in our church is promptly ex-communicated.

Benjamin Perkins, one of the main characters, is also your ancestor. What brought you to writing about his life? Was the task of breathing life into a man who had lived in comparison to a character of your creation daunting?

(I already answered some of this above)

You know, it was daunting and yet not. I wanted to write his character in such a way that it would honor him without making him seem too good to be true, and it was a challenge to represent him in a way that felt true to life. I never met him, so it was all guesswork and intuition. At the same time, because I had his life story and journal, it was fairly easy to construct him. It definitely was different from writing a character that was completely invented by me. I don’t have to worry about offending anyone with a misrepresentation when I invent the character myself.

What are your dreams for your writing? Where do you see yourself in five years both as a writer and as a person?

As a writer, I plan to have at least four more books completed. I’m not at my happiest unless I’ve got a project going. As a person, I’d like to be a little less insecure and a lot skinnier.

HAHA. I would like to be a lot skinnier and less insecure as well.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given/learned in your life as a writer?

To take criticim. You’ve got to be willing to let others read what you’ve written, and then you’ve to to carefully analyze what they tell you.

Sometimes they’ll tell you something that just doesn’t fit with what you’re doing, but most of the time, their comments will have merit and you need to listen. I would not have accomplished anything without the help of the people who read for me. They save me from scads of silly mistakes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers here?

Just that it’s been a pleasure to meet them!

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with Season of Sacrifice.

Thank you for hosting me. I appreciate it.

I have decided to take a brief break from Thursday Thirteen this week. Instead I will be taking part in the Velvet Verbosity 100 Words. I’m quite enjoying spending time (even though it is comparatively little) coming up with my 100 words for the one word prompt.

If you are interested in participating either here, on your site, or on the Velvet Verbosity site, go here to check out the other entries for ‘Eden’ as well as details about 100 words.

Without further ado, here are my 100 words on ‘Want’.

Want. Need. Lust after. Desire.

So maybe want isn’t such an unpleasant thing.

I’m honestly not sure where my mind goes sometimes when I write these things. They are a lot of fun and don’t take a long time to do. Perhaps that is why I like them so much?

Give them a try. You might enjoy yourself.

***This post is part of the 100 Comments Contest here on Fiction Scribe. Click the link to find out how you can win.***

Yesterday I talked about how novels are more organic than solid. Yes, novel writing is taught, but there is no one way to write a novel (or short story). Even in your personal experience, one idea may come to you quietly while some may smack you over the head and drag you along for the ride.

How do you encourage your stories to be unique and organic? Here are five tips on how you can encourage the full organic experience from your novel or short story:

Always carry a paper and pen with you. I know I always say this, but there is a reason I say it.

Write in different places. Comfort isn’t everything. Some writers need perfect conditions to write but that dramatically decreases the amount of time you can actually spend writing. It’ll be good for your writing for you to get out and about as well.

Let your novel lead. I said this yesterday and I’ll say it again: You never write a novel the exact same way twice. Don’t base decisions about your current work in progress on your last project.

Don’t be too controlling. Experiment or try things you. Even if you write yourself into a dead end or a place you didn’t expect, no material need be wasted. Maybe you can use it for something else.

Have fun. If writing is always work for you, then you’re doing the wrong thing.

***This post is part of the Fiction Scribe 100 Comments Contest. Click on the link to find out how you can win.***

Novel and short story writing is often taught, but any writer will tell you that there is no one way to write a novel. Some outline, some don’t. Some let the characters lead while others let the world be the dominant force.

No matter how you do it, I’m willing to venture you don’t write novels the same way twice.

I think of novels as a bit of a more organic thing than something I simply sit down and write. Each novel takes me in a different way. My current work in progress is presenting itself to me in little bits and pieces, none of which are in order. I have had novels keep me up at night because I simply had to finish writing that chapter or scene. I have completely outlined a novella before writing it, and I have also outlined absolutely nothing.

Sometimes the characters lead. Actually, with my work, the characters often lead, but even that varies from story to story.

As it should.

The organic novel is a good thing. It means that not every novel is the same in a very basic and perhaps even slightly subconscious way. The way your novel takes you in your writing it (by the hair, by the balls, or a more gentle approach) is often the way it will take your reader.

While your reader may not have to take a midnight cemetery ghost tour to really capture the essence of the book, the fact that your novel demanded that of you just goes to show that each one is and should be different.

Don’t resist where your novel takes you. Let it lead. You can always edit later.

***This post is part of the Fiction Scribe 100 Comments Contest. Click on the link to find out how you can win.***

I say … and you think … ?

1. Track ::
2. Snake ::
3. Assignment ::
4. Blockbuster ::
5. Bombastic ::
6. Adventure ::
7. First time ::
8. Aged ::
9. Grip ::
10. Shortcut::

Courtesy of Luna Nina

Yes, that’s right. It is only the first weekend after the contest announcement and I am very happy to say that we already have a winner here at Fiction Scribe. Please join me in saying congratulations to:

The Wandering Author!

The Wandering Author has won with his comment on the interview with Michaela Riley:

“This sounds like a book I want to read. I have my own reservations about the judicial system. And the book just sounds intriguing. Perhaps that’s why I stay away from most book reviews, author interviews, etc. Simply leave me with unanswered questions about a book, and I need to read it.

Which probably helps to explain why I’m going to be spending this weekend digging through stacks of books to see what ones I can bear to part with, just so I can have a little room to breathe.”

Out of the luck of the draw, The Wandering Author will receive a very yummy block of milk chocolate with a couple extra goodies thrown in just because I like giving stuff away. As soon as I receive his mailing address, it will be sent off in the Australian Post!

Another congratulations to The Wandering Author for winning the first prize. His comment landed on the right number and yours could, too. Remember, you have not one but four more chances to win, the biggest prize going to the 100th commenter.

Keep stopping by and speaking your mind for your chance to win.

***This post is part of the Fiction Scribe 100 Comment Contest. Click on the link to find out how you can win.***

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe, Ms. Riley.

Let’s start with getting to know you a little better. List five things you feel define you as a person.

Defining characteristics for me are honesty, integrity, intelligence, compassion and spirituality. When I think of these defining characteristics I am reminded of the things I have learned through training with the military and with my profession as a Registered Nurse. Integrity and Trust are essential ingredients in all areas of my life.

Where did the inspiration for Embittered Justice come from?

Inspiration for the book started when I had the personal misfortune of spending time in a court room. I listened carefully as cases were presented and the fates of defendants were left in the hands of the defense, prosecution and a judge. The types of cases were diverse but the single common element was about making a deal or plea agreement. I watched in horror as the conversations in the hallway were whispered about what a defendant would accept and how lives would be changed forever.

It didn’t seem to matter what the elements of the cases were; only that the outcome was based on the networking experience of the attorney. The secretive proceedings would cast doubt in my mind on the legitimacy of the system that had no respect for the defendant, innocent or guilty. Legal or administrative bodies with strict ruling and secretive proceedings metaphorically are sometimes called star chambers. This term is intended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of proceedings in the judicial system.

Your main character, Jennifer, moves to a tightly knit community in Norfolk, Virginia. Do you have a connection with Virginia? Why that location?

Yes I lived in Norfolk Virginia a few years ago while on Active Duty and wanted to move there again to be close to my son. I chose Norfolk as the main location in Embittered Justice because I had the opportunity to witness the court room proceedings there and I am familiar with the area.

Tell us a bit about Jennifer. Is she a part of you or someone completely different?

Jennifer is definitely part of me and all the characters in the book are similar to people I know. Jennifer Campbell is a Registered Nurse and moves to Virginia to be near her son after a tour on active duty as a mobilized reservist in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Her dream of living near the beach and managing a company come true when she moves to Norfolk.

Mysterious things start to happen to Jennifer when she buys the dream house and her life will never be the same. Jennifer had always been able to deal with any crisis in her life with ease until now. The once stoic woman becomes an emotional wreck and her stable life unravels as she fights for justice. She has never been dependent on anyone in her life but finds that she must accept assistance from those that love her to get through a horrible situation.

What are your dreams for your writing? Where do you see yourself in five years both as a writer and as a person?

My dreams for writing are to be able to write full time and write several books and maybe a movie deal…it is nice to dream. Of course I want to be a best selling author, doesn’t every author have that desire? Through the process of writing Embittered Justice I have discovered my own weaknesses as an author and strive to improve with every book.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given/learned in your life as a writer?

Write the story…get the editing finished when you have it completed. Write the way you speak and the process is much quicker. Don’t worry if your first book isn’t accepted some of the best writer’s books were not accepted…at first. Don’t give up; the world is waiting for your story.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers here?

Check out my website at http://www.michaelariley.com and watch the Book Trailer of Embittered Justice. A personal autographed copy is available on my website.

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with your tour and Embittered Justice.

Hello everyone! I feel like it’s been a while for some reason. Perhaps I am finally actually going crazy? Perhaps. This week has been busy enough for it.

A friend in one of the writing groups I’m in sent me a link for a fun writing exercise called 100 Words. I decided to check out the lovely Velvet Verbosity site. I like it a lot and am in the mood for some fun writing exercises, so here is my contribution to the current challenge:

Eden

Eden. The mythical, biblical land of absolute perfection and paradise. Thinking of Eden made John think of great expanses of very green grass with beautiful trees in sight in every direction. Some bore the purest beautiful fruit you could ever imagine.

Maybe after the betrayal of Adam and Eve, God burned Eden.

Ah, I enjoyed that. Sometimes I miss doing the exercises and other writing related activities that I did much more of while I…wasn’t working. Ha.

If you take part in this exercise, don’t forget to leave me a link so I can take a peek and a link at VV as well.

***This post is part of the 100 Comments Contest. Check out this post to find out how you can win.***

Submissions for the next CSFG Publishing anthology, Masques, are welcome between 20 April-31 October 2008.

Masques will be edited by Gillian Polack (who writes for Food Past here on the 451 network) and Scott Hopkins. Stories may be any length up to 5,000 words. All approaches to the theme are welcome, as long as they are by nature speculative.

Payment will be contributors’ copies plus $10 for stories under 1,500 words and $25 for all other based on published word count.

Submissions are encouraged from Australian writers of all levels of experience, with special encouragement given to CSFG members. Submissions should be sent (as plain email with stories as .rtf only) to masquessubmissions@gmail.com. Please make sure that the following information is in the email proper:

Name
Address
Email Address
Name of story
Other contact information

If you wish to contribute to the interior artwork, please contact masquescsfg@gmail.com

Dates for submissions: April 20th to October 31st 2008

Contact Information: masquescsfg@gmail.com

Speculative: “Speculative fiction is a term which has been used in multiple related but distinct ways. Speculative fiction is a type of fiction that asks the classic “What if?” question and attempts to answer it.

In more recent times, the term has come into wider use again, and gained the neutral inclusive sense as a convenient collective term for a set of genres. Its modern meaning depends on the speaker and the context.

A variation on this term is “speculative literature.” “Speculative fiction” is sometimes abbreviated “spec-fic,” “S-F,” “SF,” or “sf.” Care with context is needed in the use of such shorthand, as those last three abbreviations are more commonly used to mean just “science fiction.” - Wikipedia

***
This post is part of the 100 Comments Contest. Not sure what that is? Click here and find out how you can win.

I love spreading the love, especially when something good is happening in my life. That’s why, to celebrate my first wedding anniversary, I am giving away some sweet prizes (pun fully intended). And it’s easy for you to win!

So, what is the contest… Well, I am holding Fiction Scribe’s very first 100 comments contest. What does that mean? That means we are going to try to get to 100 comments on this site in one month – from today (May 5th) to June 5th.

Can you do it, dear readers? I think you can. Why? Because I have some very nice prizes to give away…

I have two prize packs to give away, each of which include: 1 stationary set, 1 chocolate bar, stickers, and other Australian goodies.

I love my sweets, so I also have two 200g blocks of chocolate to give away.

Gasp! Yes, you read right! I am giving away chocolate.

I also have a very special prize to give to the 100th commenter: a bag of Australia’s delectable honeycomb and chocolate treat – Violet Crumbles. Mmm. Not only that, but also a selection of Australian goodies picked out by yours truly. PLUS your choice of either “No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog” OR “How to Say It: Business Writing that Works”.

And all you have to do is comment…

If you comment on this post, tell me what you like about Fiction Scribe. I would love some feedback from readers here.

After that, any comment you leave on any posts (starting May 5th and up to June 5th) will be included in the contest. I’ll be keeping track of everything, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than stopping by and having your say.

See? It’s easy! So tell your friends to stop by and comment.

My husband has chosen four random numbers, each in one section of numbers. (One number between 1 and 25, one number between 25 and 50, etc.) If one of your comments lands on one of those numbers, then you will have your very own prize on its way to you all the way from Australia!

Be sure to check back often because I will announce the winners as they match up with the number comment. Also make sure you always comment with a valid email address.

So spread the word and spread the love people. It’s my anniversary!

I say … and you think … ?

1. State ::
2. Lively ::
3. Valet ::
4. Traction ::
5. Official ::
6. Red hot ::
7. Powder ::
8. Replies ::
9. Flagrant ::
10. Tweet::

Courtesy of Luna Nina

Submissions Guidelines for Niteblade Fantasy and Horror Magazine Anthology #1 (Currently Untitled)

General:
Every fifth issue of Niteblade Magazine will be a print anthology. This anthology will include the best of the last four web-based issues (half chosen through reader votes and half by the editors) as well as new material that hasn’t appeared in Niteblade before. In order to be considered for the former selections you need to have your work accepted in the e-zine. These submission guidelines are meant to cover the new material.

The cover artwork for the first print ezine has been chosen already. It is a wonderful piece by Marge Simon. All anthology submissions should be, in some way, inspired by it. The top three stories and the top three poems, will be included in the print anthology.

Illustration can be found here.

Rights:
Niteblade Fantasy and Horror Magazine will require the non-exclusive right to use your story or poem in our print anthology. They would ask that you wait to submit your work elsewhere until six months after the print anthology is published, but they will not contractually obligate you to do so.

Payment:
Niteblade wants to pay you lots, truly — but until Niteblade gets off its feet and is able to support itself the best offer is one US dollar per story or poem and a contributor’s copy of the book. Payment will be made by your choice of paypal, epassporte or a donation to Duotrope’s Digest and will be paid upon acceptance.

For all submissions please email your story or poem as an .rtf or .doc attachment to anthology@niteblade.com

Make sure you have the word ‘Niteblade’ ‘Submission’ or ‘Query’ in the subject somewhere. Any one will do, you don’t need to use all three.

When submitting prose please single space your work and do not indent new paragraphs.

Please include your legal name, snail mail address and the name you want your story published under.

For stories 10,000 words or longer, please query first with a detailed synopsis. Keep in mind that longer stories are a harder sell than shorter ones.

Considering the nature of this anthology it probably goes without saying, but no simultaneous submissions or reprints.

No multiple submissions please. Only one story and up to 5 poems per author will be considered.

What they like…
The best way to see what they like is to check out the current issue — all it will cost you is time. Remember that your submission for this anthology needs to be inspired in some way by the illustration above.

Deadline:
Submissions will close on July 15, 2008 and all regrets and acceptances will be sent out by the end of that month.

If you have any other questions please email rhonda@niteblade.com and she will respond as soon as possible.

Please consider tracking your submission and reporting your response at Duotrope’s Digest or Ralan’s Webstravaganza

Paul Kilduff is excited to bring his first nonfiction work, entitled Ruinair, on a virtual book tour. Paul’s book is a witty travelogue which sees him get his own back on the airline that overcharged him and significantly delayed him on a flight from Malaga to Dublin:

‘Stung by a ten hour delay and a E300 fare to Spain on his native “low-fares” airline, Dubliner Paul Kilduff plots revenge – to fly to every country in Europe for the same total outlay, suffering every low-fares airline indignity. Armed with no more than 10kg of carry-on baggage, he endures 6.00am departures, Six Nations-style boarding scrums, lengthy bus excursions, terminal anxiety and cabin crew who deliver famed customer service.’

This book will have you laughing out loud at Kilduff’s sharp wit and the hilarious accounts of his misadventures. Anyone who has ever flown with a low-budget airline and has lived to tell the tale will identify with Paul’s experiences.

Ruinair has enjoyed the position of bestselling nonfiction title in Ireland during its first seven weeks of publication and has received wide critical acclaim. Paul is also the author of four fiction novels, the most recent of which is The Headhunter.

He will be happy to discuss all aspects of his work, both past and present, on the day – in particular, the transition from fiction to nonfiction writing. He is also happy to talk about his travel writing or to lend writing tips and inspiration to any aspiring authors out there.

For more information about Paul and his books, check out Paul’s website. Also, be sure to check back here on May 21st when Paul will be guest posting about his transition from writing fiction to writing nonfiction.

Just because I’m in a bit of a strange mood today and wish I could pay off my student loans a lot faster than I actually can, I thought I’d do something a little different with today’s Thursday Thirteen.

1. One of those pens they use in space.
2. More pens. A lot of fun, cool, weird pens. A lot of them.
3. Post it notes. I love post it notes and so should you.
4. Gel pens. Yes, no matter what you think of me, I’ll admit that I would buy gel pens. A few dozen of them. In different colours. Yeah.
5. A new laptop. Of course. Top of the line and all that stuff, even though someone would have to tell me what is the best computer out there these days.
6. Maroon 5 CDs. I’m not sure how many are out there these days, but I write to Maroon 5 music a lot. It’s not my muse, but it’s close.
7. Thirsty Merc CDs. For the same reason as above.
8. A ticket to New Zealand and a visa to stay there for three months. New Zealand is such a beautiful, inspiring place. I wish I could have had more time to spend there.
9. Notebooks. I like notebooks.
10. Books on writing. If you really need to know which ones, go hunt down my Amazon.com (evil bastards) wish list.
11. A paino. Weirdly enough, I play the piano a bit and have always found it inspirational.
12. A room, apartment, loft, whatever, somewhere. With no internet connection.
13. Did I mention pens? And stickers? And highlighters?

Check out my other Thursday Thirteens at Write Anyway, Long Relationships, and The Book Stacks