Fiction Scribe

Today I have two August events that should help inspire you if you’re looking for some writer connecting and motivation.

The first is straight from down under. The Conflux Writer’s Conference (which I will be attending in October) is holding and online mini-con. What does that mean? It means you can talk to talented, funny Aussie authors and others involved in the publishing industry.

You can find all the times and a link to the forums here. All times are Australian eastern standard time, so you might have to do a bit of converting.

The other is a NaNoWriMo inspired challenge. The rules are:

1. Pick a word count and introduce yourself in the goal thread that your word count fits into. Be sure to tell everyone what your goal is ‘cos if you don’t, there’s no way to check if you’ve “won” or not.

1a. Unlike April Fools, the continuous goal boosting is only allowed in large amounts. For example, if you start out with a goal of 5,000 words for the month of August, but a few days into the month, know that you’re going to surpass that, feel free to raise your goal. However, the minimum amount you are allowed to raise your goal is 5,000 words. Following the previous example, after the first goal boost, you would have a minimum of a 10,000 word goal; after the third: 15,000 and so on.

2. Most forms of prose writing is able to be counted toward your word count. Things that do not count are: Co-authored works, Poetry/Lyrics, and Scripts/Screenplays.

2a. WIPS are 100% okay for AugNo; don’t stress over starting a new work for August. Save the ideas for November.

2b. All of the words do not have to come from a single work. You can jump between pieces, or write a handful of short stories if you’d like. Just remember that everything has to be copied into one file at verification time…

If this sounds like a good challenge for you, check out the forums for it here.

Hello and good morning everyone.

As I would like Mondays to eventually mean, it’s time for the Velvet Verbosity prompted 100 Words. I have to say, other than Unconscious Mutterings, this is probably the only meme I have been this consistent with. (Yes, because you needed to know that.)

I don’t have a lot of anything else to report, really. Nothing too exciting going on at the moment. If you have any news of contest, submissions calls, book progress, random utterings of nothing in particular…

Without further ado, this week’s 100 Words: Pillars

Athena reached up and caressed the marble pillars, beautiful, cold, silent witnesses to a time long past. They had stood so proud and tall then, when they represented the beauty of current design instead of remnants of history. But even then they had been cold. Watching their fellow pillars fall under the violence and malice of those who could never truly understand the world.

But alas, her brothers and sisters were waiting for her. More relics, pillars, of an age long gone.

I rather like that one. I have always had a passion for history and the past. I’ll admit that another Mr. Frank Talbert 100 words did enter my mind – and Treasure even stepped up to say hello – but I figured it was about time for something a little different.

And there you have it. Remember to leave your link if you participate on your blog. I always like to read all the different ways people interpret the prompts.

I say … and you think … ?

1. Memory ::
2. Original ::
3. Exclusively ::
4. Listings ::
5. Bucket ::
6. Knight ::
7. Dusty ::
8. Choice ::
9. Sunglight ::
10. Change of plans ::

Courtesy of Luna Nina

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe, Ms. Reid.

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

Wow! Good question. I guess I’d say I’m passionate (especially about ‘following your bliss’, don’t get me started), funny (well, my daughter thinks so although I draw the line a fart jokes) , creative (I’ve got a special pair of Imagination PJ’s)…that’s three…um…okay, I’m also very spiritual (not religious but you won’t find me climbing a guru’s mountain either) and…social (give ‘er a dinner party and the girl thinks it’s Christmas!).

Where did the inspiration for The Questory of Root Karbunkulus come from?

I had the idea for DréAmm, the location for my book many, many eons ago and because I was involved in live theatre I wrote it as a musical. But I never really liked the feel of it in this format. It felt limited. Plus, I hadn’t quite come into the ‘hook’ yet, that thing that made me go “yes, this is it!”

It wasn’t until years later when I caught a snippet of that TV reality show “The Amazing Race” that I finally got that ‘aha!’ moment. I loved the idea of teams of kids all racing against each other in a glorified kind of scavenger hunt to find something very, very important. DréAmm then became a magical land where virtually anything could happen. That’s when the main character, Root Karbunkulus just showed up and led me around. Of course then the plot got really got good with all sorts of agendas going on, personal and otherwise. In the end, the name ‘DréAmm’ stayed but everything else was ditched.

Around this same time I was leaving the theatre and facing a new role as Single Mum; the perfect combination for finally doing that thing that you promised yourself that you would do but never did.

Tell us about Root.

Ah, Root. She’s so alive! She’s just this amazing teen with a big, fat heart and a stubborn drive to be all she can be. She’s smart and funny and welcoming. She doesn’t judge people. She’s been there done that on the receiving side and just won’t go there. She’s open and honest but can slip into self-doubt like the best of ‘em. She values friendship and great food but not necessarily in that order  Root is way more brave than she thinks, although she’d prefer to not test that notion all too much. Root reminds me of the bright orange part of the rainbow. Root rocks.

A magical story usually takes place in a magical setting. What are your favourite things about the world you’ve created for Root?

To me, DréAmm is the best parts of our planet, the richest deepest colors and scents. It’s a very natural world, sort of like an unfiddled with Earth. That is one of my favorite things about it. And I love that its magic is rooted in its natural laws, much like gravity or the change of seasons.

You mentioned in an interview that you love playing with names. Is that your favourite part of the writing process?

Oh yeah! Most of the time I play around with sounds until I find something that, to me really captures the essence of the character. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I’ve got pages of names just waiting to be delegated!

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

Traveling. Living on the coast. Having backyard bar-b-q’s and bonfires with great friends and family. Not much different than it is now. I have always made a balanced life my top priority. Writing is a wonderful part of my life, just as important as my family, my friends, my dogs, my home, my health.

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

I remember spewing all my angst to a teacher once, going on an on about how I wanted to write and yet, how hard it was to make a living at it and was I even any good and what if I fail blah blah blah. Then, after I finished he said “Follow me” and led me winding through the school halls all the way to the little supply store by the office. We walked along the aisle until he stopped and picked up a pen. He turned, went to the counter, paid for it and then handed it to me. Then he just walked away. It was the best advice I got and, though there has been the occasional residual angst, I have never looked back.

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

Here, take this pen. Or paint brush. Or spatula. Or (insert your dream here)….walk walk walk walk…me walking away.

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with The Questory of Root Karbunkulus.

Mandatory Entry Form
First Prize: $1,000
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100

Guidelines:
Send one story of up to 8,000 words with a $10 reading fee payable to Southern California Review. Multiple entries are permitted, but a separate check should be included with each entry. All entrants will receive a complimentary copy of Southern California Review.
All stories must be typed and previously unpublished.

Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please note this in your cover letter and notify us immediately of acceptance elsewhere.

Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for contest results.

Complete the cover sheet or type your name, address, email address, and day and evening phone numbers with the title of the story. No name or address should appear on the manuscript copy.

The winning entry will appear in the spring 2009 issue of Southern California Review.

Deadline: Postmarked by August 31, 2008

Mail submissions to:
Master of Professional Writing
Southern California Review
Fiction Prize
3501 Trousdale Parkway
Mark Taper Hall, THH 355J
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0355

Fiction Scribe Disclaimer: I in no way take responsibility for the validity of any submission opportunities. I do not have the time to research all opportunities. It’s up to you to use your judgment when submitting your work anywhere.

(more…)

If you want to be a writer in any field, deadlines are something you are going to have to get used to. Even as a novelist, there will probably be times when you need to get things done by a certain date. The same goes especially for other writing-related occupations.

I’m currently working against a deadline and have had occasional moments of wanting to panic about the amount of work. However, there are a few things I learned back in school that help me stay focused and organized to this day:

*Break down the work into sections. This can help you from getting overwhelmed with everything you need to do.

*Set a minimum amount of daily work. If you know that you need to get so much done between now and two weeks from now, figure out how much you need to get done on a daily basis to make the deadline on time.

*Give yourself one (or two, or three…) day less for the above tip. If you give yourself one day less to work on the work part of things, that means you have an extra day to check things over or to finish up if there is an emergency and you don’t make your daily minimum.

*Make it clear to friends/family that you have to work. Letting people know you have a big project to do and that you’ll be working on it for the next x number of days/weeks prevents distractions, hurt feelings, and even gives you a reason to celebrate when the work is done.

*Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is nothing worse than being about to miss a deadline and someone asking you, “Why didn’t you just ask me for help?” Know what you can and can’t handle, and be honest with yourself.

Now I’m off to make the most of my own advice and finish up my goals for the day.

It’s Monday already. I’m not prepared for it to be Monday yet. Is it possible to get Saturday back? I’ll even take Sunday afternoon.

Because it’s Monday, because I have a stuffy head, and because I like bulleted lists, here are some things I feel are important enough to put on a bulleted list:

*If anything I say today, tomorrow, and perhaps the next day doesn’t make sense, blame it on the stuffy head I have.

*If you’re not part of it yet, I think you should start participating in Velvet Verbosity’s 100 Words. It’s a lot of fun and you could meet new people too. Plus, if you’re like me, it might just be the only non-work related writing you’re doing at the moment.

*I am always looking out for new and inspiring writing prompts for over at Write Anyway. If you have any ideas you’d like to share, please let me know either here or over there. (It all gets sent to the same email address.)

*I know I plug this site a lot, but I log on to my feed reader every morning and see a lot of new posts, so I think you should check it out (if you haven’t already). The West of Mars – Win a Book site is an excellent resource for those of us who love scoring free stuff.

*I’m not quite ready to send out the call yet, but in the future I will be requesting guest posts from anyone who is interested. Each post gives credit to you and can link to your site, so start thinking about what you might like to post about here…

And that’s all for today because I’ve probably bored you silly now. I promise to be a bit more witty and less cranky when I’m feeling better.

Have an excellent day.

I say … and you think … ?

1. Flicker ::
2. Styling ::
3. Episode ::
4. Sexier ::
5. Studious ::
6. Mushroom ::
7. 8 minutes ::
8. Bald ::
9. Immunity ::
10. Sectioned ::

Courtesy of Luna Nina

The Oddville Press publishes a high quality literary magazine, exclusively online, featuring the best in new and established writers and visual artists. Our issues include in-depth interviews with a featured writer and visual artist, along with examples of their work, as well as creative and compelling poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from writers around the world. Additional features will be added as warranted and/or necessary.

‘So, why the name ‘The Oddville Press’?’ you ask.

Simply put, the word ‘odd’ is something all writers know very well, the first twinge experienced the first time someone asks us what we do. Yes, writer are odd. We know it. And the looks on the faces of the folks we tell says they know it too. So, why not embrace it?

The ‘ville’ part is the sense of community we writers gravitate toward. Writing is very much a solo act, and though being unique is kind of cool in itself, being lonely is a real killer. So we tend to group up on writing forums, writing work shops and creative writing classes, in real life and in internet life, helping ourselves by helping each other. Hence, the name The Oddville Press.

The goal of The Oddville Press is to promote today’s geniuses and tomorrow’s giants by providing a platform for authors and artists to publish their work and allowing them the recognition they deserve. Published in each issue are works of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and artwork, and interviews from authors and artists around the world.

The magazine will serve as a publishing outlet and showcase for writers and artists, as well as provide quality literature and artwork to its readers at no charge.

Well, I didn’t get to this week’s 100 word challenge quite as quickly as I wanted to due to road trips and the like, but I think I made it before the deadline.

Once again I am stepping into the world of Mr. Frank Talbert. I promise this is the last time. Well, maybe. He might just take the lead next week as well and I’ll have to start calling these “The Adventures of Mr. Frank Talbert”. I didn’t mind it happening too much this week, as I’m happy to see something good enter into his life…

Frank Talbert didn’t have much to live for. He’d lost his dog to his ex-wife, his ex-wife to the solicitor for her mother’s estate, his house to the solicitor, and his three fish died two months ago of natural causes.

She smiled at him, dusting herself off, and then held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Treasure.”

This needed some severe editing to get down to the 100 words, that’s for sure. Even so, I’m pretty happy with the results. I hope you like it as well.

If you’re participating in this challenge, be sure to leave me a comment with a link to where you’ve posted your submission.

Have an excellent weekend.

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe, Ms. Stewart.

Thank you so much for having me today!

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

Wow! I’ve never been asked this before. Artistic, Funny, Caring, Mom, Wife. I really had to think about this one.

Where did the inspiration for Discovery in Passion come from?

Discovery in Passion was created from a real life experience. I lived in an old farmhouse in my youth that was said to be haunted by a woman who either was starved to death by her cruel husband or died of cancer. There were several rumors as to how she died but I’ve never learned the actual details. But her story stuck with me all my life and one day I sat down and decided to write her story.

Of course, I embellished it a great deal, changing the circumstances of her death to murder along with her husband and son, but she was the defining presence for my story. Cassie Evans was created with me in mind. Though she is nothing like me in looks, we both have the curious nature and since I can’t find out how the actual woman died in my farmhouse, I put myself in Cassie’s shoes and had her get to the bottom of her haunting. Of course, me being a romantic, I had to throw in a hunky next door neighbor for her to fall in love with.

Paranormal romance is an interesting combination of genres. What is it about writing paranormal romance that draws you?

I love fantasy and the unknown and I love creating my own places and circumstances. Vampires, ghosts and other worldly creatures have always intrigued me. Plus, I love a good scare and I love to scare others. There is nothing better than reading a book or watching a movie that has you on the edge of your seat, makes your adrenaline sore and your pulse race. Plus, vampires are incredibly sexy.
Having grown up in a haunted house definitely played a part in my love of paranormal.

Tell us about Cassie Evans and Thomas Healy.

Cassie Evans was so much fun to create. I have always been a fan of Marilyn Monroe and her death has always intrigued me, so when I sat down to create Discovery in Passion, Marilyn came to mind. I fashioned Cassie in her image complete with the voluptuous body, blond hair and sex appeal. And what is it everyone’s sees when they look at a gorgeous blond? They think she’s ditsy. I wanted that illusion and I wanted Cassie to prove them wrong. She’s a strong woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go out and get it.

Thomas Healy is a vulnerable soul. He spent his life protecting his mother, being there for her all the time and giving her whatever she needed. When she died of Cancer, he was devastated and it affected his career as an artist. I like to do opposites in my characters and like with Cassie, I created Thomas with the image of a big muscular man who everyone would assume would be a rough neck but in reality, he’s a kind soul. Thomas is soft spoken, a man with a really big heart and when he loves, he loves completely.

He’s the type of person you can call to help you build a fence, clean your gutters and paint you a portrait that rivals any great artist that ever lived. And if you’re in need of anything, Thomas is there for you. He’s every woman’s dream and part of him was created with my husband in mind. His kind heart and his ability to love so strongly are all characteristics that endear me to my hubby.

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

I hope in five years time that I will still love creating stories that the reader can’t put down and eagerly wait to read my next book. My main goal from the moment I set out to become a published author was to have people read my stories. I would love to have one of my stories become a movie though I’m not sure I’d want that sort of fame. But it would be a blast to see something I created played out on the movie screen or on TV.

As a person…A little greyer in the temples, much wiser than I am now and still doing what I love most. Telling stories.

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

The most valuable piece of advice I’ve been given as a writer would be to pick up Strunk and White’s Element of Style and learn all there is to learn about writing. I’ve found that book to be invaluable in my career. Also, having a critique partner. I had no idea what that was when I first started but now I can’t live without mine. She’s a treasured soul whom I rely on to help me make my story the best it can be.

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

Yes, thank you I would. I have a new release out now that is part of a five book series called Seducing the Darkness which is a tale of vampires in a city where the sun no longer shines. For information on the Darkness series, viewers can go to my website at www.shielasbooks.ca

And on the eighteenth of this month I will have a free read available on my website as well on All Romance Ebooks, and Linden Bay Romance. www.allromanceebooks.com www.lindenbayromance.com for the readers to enjoy. It’s an introduction to the characters in Seducing the Darkness and how they got together.

Also, check out book two in my Passion series. Escape in Passion takes place several months after the end of Discovery in Passion and involves Thomas’ best friend, Victor Davis. It’s an erotic romantic suspense that I’m sure will have the reader panting for more.

Book three in the Passion series is several years in the future and involves Thomas and Cassie’s daughter Beth, and Victor and Julia’s son, Justin. Several years after running away from home, Justin Davis come home to Passion to find his past is not behind him after all.

All these stories and more can be found on my website at www.shielasbooks.ca

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with Discovery in Passion.

Thank you so much for having me today!

It seems the fun isn’t quite yet over at 451 headquarters.

451 management recently purchased all kinds of new equipment and is in the process of switching everything over to those new systems. As you can imagine, doing all that isn’t easy and comes with its own hiccups.

I’ve been told that the blogs shouldn’t experience a lot of down time, but you can expect hiccups, burps, and maybe even the occasional fart in the next few days. Be assured that everything will still be puttering along and you should definitely come back!

I promise you that we are just as tired as you when it comes to the sites’ down time. Hopefully everything will be switched over by the end of this week and next week we will be running back to normal next week. (Or maybe even starting this weekend…)

Again, I’m so, so sorry for the down time. I know that, even when it’s out of your hands, a blog having down time can reflect negatively on the blogger. I have some interesting things coming up in the future, though, so I hope that is enough to keep you coming back.

And, just to keep you entertained while things are getting taken care of (not that I think you can’t entertain yourselves), here is the link to Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along blog. There is a lot of fun to be had and the final installment is coming soon!

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Be well and have a fantastic rest of the week.

I am quite the slacker sometimes when it comes to my creative writing, mainly because my work is writing. I was thinking today about how that is just one of many ways writing can be difficult sometimes.

Honestly, after that, I’m not quite sure how I made the jump to potty training, but there it is. Enjoy and happy Thursday Thirteen.

1. When you start out, it get quite messy.
2. Experimenting is fun, but not always productive.
3. The urge to go back to what you know (fanfiction, etc) can be strong because it’s easier.
4. While working with someone who can show you how things work in the beginning can be good, there must be a point where you go at it alone.
5. While there is always more than one way to do something, sometimes what is tried and true is just plain best.
6. Even when you think you have it all figured out, things can surprise you.
7. Surprises aren’t always a good thing, but they can certainly teach you a thing or two.
8. Multitasking can be either good or bad depending on the circumstances.
9. Shutting the door is good for both you and other people.
10. It’s good to have tools to help you focus (or aim. ahem).
11. It’s okay if you didn’t start when ‘everyone else’ did.
12. If at first you don’t succeed, there’s only you to clean up the mess so you’ll have even more motivation to get it right the next time.
13. In the end, you do what you have to do and learn because there isn’t always going to be someone there to wipe your bum.

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

Hello all. Today I have decided to not only test out Skribit but to give you the chance to have a bit more say about the things you would like to see more of on this site. I’m going to leave this up for at least all of Wednesday (today), so feel free to suggest for all sorts of things, vote for them, etc.

I’m not completely sure this is going to work the way I’d like it to, so if you encounter any problems, leave a comment. If I take this post down, don’t worry - I’ll read all the suggestions first. Let me know if you think having this suggestion box here is useful or not. (I think it will be useful, but hey, you never know, and I do like getting my readers’ opinions.)

Have an excellent day.

Or,

Five Ways to Annoy Me (And Any Other Self-Respecting Writer, Agent, Editor, Etc)

Because sometimes things need repeating. These things will guarantee you a place on my bad side.

1. Email me in text/net speak.

Unless you’re paying me a certain dollar amount per page, I’m not here to be your editor. If you don’t respect me enough to clean up your writing, I don’t have the time.

2. Assume you are more important than everyone and everything else in my life.

If I get back to you later than intended, I will apologize for the delay. If you then decide that it’s okay to let me know how important you should be to me and/or how I need to change my behavior for you, then I will not be happy. The day you are that important is the day you become my agent or offer me millions of dollars to marry my unborn child.

3. Don’t do your research and pay attention.

I genuinely like helping people out when and where I can. I review books, I promote submissions calls and writing contests, I’m an online tour coordinator, I’m a freelance editor… If I can help you in any of these areas, I will. But I have my pet peeves and I’m also located in Australia, which makes some things different. Queries are fine (within reason). Assumptions (often followed by negative reactions) are annoying.

4. Assume that you’re doing me a favor.

Yes, I get extra publicity from book reviews, author interviews, etc, but I’m still taking time out of my life to ask you questions, read your book, promote your contest/call for submissions… The favor goes both ways.

5. Disregard or disrespect me because I work from home.

Just because I don’t have to dress up each and every day to get my work done doesn’t mean my work is any less than anyone else’s. I work hard to pay my bills and just because I do it in purple fuzzy slippers on cold days instead of high heels or steel-toed boots doesn’t make me any less of a worker.

In life as well as in the publishing industry, common sense, common courtesy, and paying attention will get you a long way.