Twice Lost

It isn't very often I write anything deeply personal on my blog or Facebook or on any public forum but I feel like sharing a bit about the man I loved.

Thirty years ago this spring, I met the man who became my husband.
Ours was a slow building romance, although there was attraction and chemistry when we first met, we were both let's take it slow kind of people.
After dating for two years, and living together for three, we married in 1991. Our 25th wedding anniversary would be July 6th of this year.

We loved each other. We enjoyed being together, traveling together, going to baseball games, spending time with our families. And we loved our kitties too. :)

However, as with all great romances and marriages, we hit some tough bumps in the road. We never had children so when times got rough, we each gave up too easily. We had difficulty moving forward and ended up separated. By the spring of 2003, we divorced.

The crashing ocean waves of emotions that a person experiences when they are struggling through a separation and divorce can never be underestimated.
I put on a brave face that communicated: I don't care... everything will be okay. When I really felt like I was dying a little bit everyday. My heart truly broke. At times it felt like there was an actual blade slicing away bits of my heart.

Once the divorce was final, and a few months had passed, something began to change. The anger, sadness, depression, and myriad other emotions, began to slowly dissipate into a feeling of... hope. I was embarking on a new life, a new beginning.

By the end of the first year divorced, we slowly (very slowly) began to become friends again. By that time I had moved to Maine from Massachusetts. I lived with our two cats in a lovely little cottage in the woods.

It began with a phone call. And truthfully I can't remember if he called me or if I called him.

But our friendship began again.

Two years later, at the end of 2005, I moved even further away down to the west coast of Florida. But our relationship continued to grow and we visited each other when we could. Our friendship blossomed and with it a little bit of hope that our love would bring us together again.

In the winter of 2010, he called me one night to tell me some terrible news.

 He had been diagnosed with lung cancer. 

My heart broke again... 

I've missed his loving friendship ~ and his wonderful infectious laugh ~

 every day since he's been gone.

John Henderson Mitchell

May 15, 1957 - March 29, 2011

You are missed!! 

Bella Luna

Last month I had the opportunity to take an awesome vacation in Mexico. During our visit I snapped many photographs of the February full moon.

In honor of the March full moon, here are a couple of photos from that trip.

 Looking at the full moon from Paradise Village, Nuevo Vallarta

Peace!

Spring Begins

It's hard to believe it's been a year since I last posted here. Much has happened this year and yet much stayed the same. :)

Last spring we still had snow, piles of plowed snow everywhere. So much snow is something that doesn't happen often here on Cape Cod. The last of the snow finally melted by the end of April. Boston and many surrounding areas didn't see the last of the snow melt away until July. Phew!
This year we had snow, but we had warm ups in between so as of this moment...no snow.
There is a storm brewing and by tomorrow morning, we will have snow once again. 

This past summer we had the most beautiful weather I ever remember for south eastern Massachusetts. Many sunny and warm days. It helped to put the torment of the brutal winter behind us.

I'm still working full-time at the day job so my writing isn't moving forward as quickly as I'd like. I do continue to write and love my stories and characters and hope to be published soon. :)

Come this summer, I plan to attend the Romance Writers of America national conference in San Diego, CA. Can't wait! More on that later.
And soon I will post a sneak peek about my books.

Bring on Spring!

Spring!

 

It's been a long, cold winter and I'm so relieved to see the words Spring Begins on my calendar.

Still the air is freezing cold with sharp winds, ice and snow still scattered around, but it feels like a time for new beginnings. To hit refresh and reboot. To clean and prepare for the balmy breezes ahead!

Happy Spring!!

'Tis the Season...

Happy Holidays from my family to yours.

Peace!

Sand in Your Toes

It's been a crazy work week and a busy weekend enjoying the company of family and friends. We had a lovely time celebrating Mother's Day and my mother's 87th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!

That said, this week I'm doing some promotion for one of my favorite authors. Here's a shout out to author Roxanne St. Claire. Her newest contemporary romance novel just released this week.

Barefoot in White is the first in St. Claire's Barefoot Brides series. A follow up  to the delightful, romantic Barefoot Bay series.
The first four full-length books: Barefoot in the Sand, Barefoot in the Rain, Barefoot in the Sun, Barefoot by the Sea were then followed by three novellas: Secrets on the Sand, Seduction on the Sand, and Scandal on the Sand.

All the Barefoot books take place in Florida on the white sandy beaches of  the Gulf of Mexico. A perfect paradise to fall in love.

Roxanne St. Claire writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and young adult. You can find her at roxannestclaire.com

It's All Subjective

What is your favorite book? How about your favorite movie? TV show? Have you ever watched a movie or read a book on someone's else's rave review and come away disappointed?
As we all know, this happens.

Every story written, every book published is as unique as the individual writer. We each have our personal story to tell, our own voice, our own style. But as we maneuver through the arduous journey of learning the craft of writing, we all need help on occasion. A teacher, a critique partner, beta reader, a judge in a contest, -- another writer to offer their opinion, their perspective.
We may not always agree with the other writer's viewpoint, however it's important to keep an open mind.
Our stories are like our children. We create them, work on them, nurture them... help them grow into a solid piece of writing to share with the world.

Before we query agents and editors, before we submit to publishers -- small and large -- before we self-publish, we need to have a well-written, polished story to present.

I've had several critique partners over the years. I have been involved with critique groups -- face to face and online -- I have engaged in small one-time-only critique sessions at retreats and conferences, but I have never found that perfect fit. A critique partner or partners for the long term.
One reason is I am extraordinarily blessed to have been born into a family of writers. We love and support each other in our individual writing endeavors no matter what. My family will read and comment on anything I throw their way and vice versa.
However, this isn't quite the same as having a serious, personal critique partner. And not the same as having our work judged anonymously.

Entering writing contests is one way to receive valuable feedback on all elements of writing. Not all contests offer feedback but many include comments and suggestions.

I help judge and critique around four to five writing contests a year. The submitted entries are from unpublished manuscripts (anywhere from 10 pages up to 50 pages)  although not all are from unpublished authors. Many of the contests are open to both unpublished and published writers.

Judging contests has taught me so much about my own writing -- what works, what doesn't. What can the writer do to enhance their writing? What would I do? And most important: how do I communicate any comments and suggestions I make in a positive way?
It doesn't help anyone to be mean and sarcastic. Be encouraging, helpful. Concentrate on what's great about the entry, not the negative. I do make suggestions when something just doesn't sound right, or seems incongruous with the conflict or characters.
Usually, I read through an entry and make comments as I go. Some are not as positive and encouraging as they could be, so later (usually several days later) I will go through the entry again. I will then score, make additional comments, and revise any of the harsher comments. It's taken me many years experience to be able to judge with confidence. And my own writing has improved immensely.

A critique partner works differently. There are several factors to consider in partnering with someone and sharing your writing. Having the same level of skill can be important. Also it would enhance the experience if both writers worked in the same genre. I would prefer someone who wrote and appreciated the romance genre, but they wouldn't necessarily have to write contemporary and/or suspense. If you write for YA or middle grade, I think it would be a better fit to have a partner who wrote the same. Remember with a critique partner you are sharing your work with them and they are doing the same with you.

Judging contests and working with a critique partner takes time away from my writing, but the skills learned have been invaluable.

And sometimes, not often, I receive feedback from a contestant. The following is an actual letter I received about three years ago:

Dear Judge,

I thank you very much for your honest and encouraging feedback on my first novel. I really needed it to continue writing. Some members of my critique group had broken down my confidence completely and I had stopped writing for a while. So your feedback gives me hope to continue. Thanks again. I will go through my work again and try to improve.

Enough said. :)

Writing Contests

Phew! It's been a crazy busy week.

I'm a fiction writer -- a yet to be published fiction writer -- so my expertise in regards to writing contests is about submitting and judging in the unpublished categories. I have entered a few but have judged many. Judging can be a wonderful way to improve our own writing!

As a member of the Romance Writers of America I have access to a variety of information to do with the craft of writing, the art of self-publishing, small press publishing, e-pubs, agents, editors, and how to get our work in front of the traditional publishers.

One option available is through contests. Contests are a great way to get our work critiqued and judged by our fellow writers (anonymously) with the hope of making it to the final judges. The final judges are most always agents and editors in the industry. If one submits a polished piece of work (usually the first few pages to the first couple of chapters of their manuscript) they may have a chance of catching the eye of an agent or editor.

Although having a critique partner and perhaps a plotting partner is important to the writing process, a fresh perspective from an unknown writer can definitely be illuminating.

We writers need to learn to take the criticism along with the accolades. It's the name of the game.

Stay tuned for more information and options in regards to entering and judging fiction writing contests.
 

 

Check out the TARA contest: www.tararwa.org
Also the Cape Cod Writers Center: www.capecodwriterscenter.org

Both are offering contests with a deadline of May 1st!

Sunday is blog posting day. Sorry to be late this week. Keep on writing... :)

The Plot Thickens...

Last week I wrote about the importance of plot in a story. How writing a plotting outline can help to enhance the process and save the writer time in the long run. Keep in mind even with an outline, we careen off the beaten path... and that's okay. The characters and their journey evolve as we traverse the long and winding road to the end of our completed manuscript.

One question new writers (and not-so-new writers) often grapple with is: What is the difference between plot and conflict? Since they are so often mentioned and woven together it is sometimes difficult to recognize.
Looking at plot like a roadmap is one way I view the process.
Anytime I take a road trip I pull out my atlas and study the various paths I might take to reach my destination. Should I stay on the highway? Or venture off onto the smaller byways? Once my trip is outlined I pack my belongings and prepare to leave.
Like a plot in a book.

 

 

For our example, the plot is a road trip from point A to point B. Let's say from Truro, Massachusetts to New York City. We will add a layer and say our protagonist is going to NYC to meet a friend and attend a Broadway play. That is my plan, my outline for my story. Small town girl ventures to the big city. That's the concept, the idea. With the outline comes the step by step planning of how the trip should unfold. Time of departure, places to stop, tolls, etc.

The trip can go exactly as planned and the small town girl makes it to NYC, meets her friend, enjoys a Broadway play. Our basic plot. We can blend in some dialogue, a bit of narrative, and we create a story.

Okay, but where is the tension brought on by conflict?

 

Our small town girl ends up having car trouble and has to exit Route 95 South and have her car fixed at a service station in southern Rhode Island. She arrives in NYC an hour late but still meets her friend and makes it to the Broadway play on time. 

Is this conflict? Ah, no.

 

How about some internal dialogue for our small town girl? We, the reader, learn our protagonist is going to NYC to meet an old college friend, however she's apprehensive about seeing the friend again because of a tragic incident that happened while they were in college. It turns out they have not seen each other for ten years. Not since the night of the incident.  

Now we sense the tension of the story, we begin to feel the emotional turmoil of our main character...

 

Of course this is just a quick, simplistic example of plot and conflict. I will leave it to the real experts to help you learn and understand the craft of plotting.

 

Again, I recommend (strongly): Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell

Also a fabulous book on all the elements of writing: Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

 

Another way to help you enhance your writing experience -- as mentioned before -- is to have a critique partner or partners.

Now I recommend adding a plotting partner as well. I know several multi-published, best-selling authors who have plotting partners.

 

I want one. What a brilliant way to take a kernel of an idea and pop it into a strong, believable, can-stop-reading story!



 

  

The Long and Winding Story

Plot: (in regards to writing) noun. -- Storyline. The plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.

When someone asks, "What is your story about?"
How do you answer? What do you say? Do you fumble about, trying to articulate what your 100,000 word novel is really about?

When you begin writing your book, do you know what will happen? Do you know where the roadmap of your story will lead you and your characters?

One of the elements of writing that is most difficult for me is plotting.
I write long romantic suspense stories with two main protagonists and several secondary characters. I introduce conflicts that center around the romance along with the mystery/suspense of the story. And... I weave in a secondary romance as well.

This can lead to some diverse characterization and powerful conflict, however it can also make for some bumpy plotting if the author is not prepared.
When I begin a story I do some basic plotting but no serious outline. Up until now I have been more of a pantser than a plotter. I'm not certain who coined the phrase pantser, but it means writing by the seat of your pants. I do this way more than I should.
But I'm learning to change my ways. Especially now that I'm crafting a four book series. It's imperative for me to write an outline for my plot and keep careful track of my characters. I don't want to lose my story or momentum as I hurdle over a creative cliff half way through my manuscript. It happened to one of my works in progress. Very frustrating!
It's a story I love but not certain I can finish the book without a complete rewrite.

I won't give up my writing life as a pantser but now I'm a plotter too. Find a balance that works for you and your creative process.

Recommendations to help with plotting:

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

How about you? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Writing Willpower

 

Last week I wrote of the many elements needed to create a fabulous book. One element I forgot to mention, however, is one of the most important of all:

Perseverance!

 

Without it you'll never finish your novel no matter how magnificent and talented you are at writing.


The art of perseverance comes in many forms and is tough to master. Most prevalent is the ever difficult never-give-up attitude no matter what obstacles block your way and knock you down. The motivation to set goals and keep them -- the ability to reset and reboot when you don't.
Another word for perseverance is grit. A wonderful word that brings to mind the hard, sweaty, pushing through a wall of dirt image. The grit to succeed.

...And the satisfaction of completing a novel!

One stepping stone to not only finish a manuscript but produce a well-crafted, can't-put-down story, is having a critique partner or partners. Also doing research, taking classes, attending workshops, conferences and retreats. And being involved with whatever group you can find that offers like-minded writers with the same professional focus as yourself.

Another option: Writing contests.

Contests are offered by nearly every genre and writing organization available. They are a great way to get your work (most often anonymously) judged and critiqued by fellow writers. Many offer the top scorers incentives including a read through -- and sometimes a critique -- by editors from publishing houses and notable literary agents.



Another way to hone your skills as a writer is to volunteer your services as a judge for contests. This is an excellent way to identify what works and what doesn't in a story. It helps us to read and evaluate the written word, to learn and grow as writers.
I know judging and critiquing contests has helped me immensely.


We all need a healthy dose of perseverance just to get through our daily lives. For a writer, working at the business of crafting a novel ... Supersize it!


** Look for future postings with more specific information about critique partners, writing organizations, conferences, and contests.

Elements of Writing

 

Welcome to my rejuvenated blog!
Introducing a blog dedicated to the craft of fiction writing. Elements of writing for newbie writers, experienced writers, and multi-published authors.

Join in the conversation every Sunday for a fresh look at what elevates a story from conception to finished to fabulous.

When crafting a novel, a writer faces overwhelming challenges with the numerous elements necessary to create a riveting, can't-put-down, must-turn-the-page story.
Have you ever read a book and scratched your head because it just doesn't work for some reason? As a writer, when I'm bored with a book, I attempt to identify why the story doesn't work for me. I contemplate what I would do differently. What is missing from the story? What could be changed or enhanced for me to fall in love with the novel and keep reading?
Most readers don't take the time to wonder, they simply put the book down and reach for another.

Our job as writers, as crafters of stories, is to keep the reader engaged, enthralled -- enthusiastic to keep reading to the end. :)

Elements of Writing: Character, plot, conflict, pacing, style and setting...description, dialogue, narrative, tense and point of view.

Every Sunday I will offer up ideas, thoughts, comments, suggestions, on the many layers and nuances of each of these elements of writing. And I will feature guest posts from other writers as well.

*  *  *  *

First up: Setting

Often times when a discussion centers around crafting a novel, setting is barely mentioned. Usually one asks "What is your story about? What happens in your story? Who is the main protagonist and what is his/her struggle?" All imperative to your story, of course.
I'm interested in asking, "Where does your story take place and why?"

Where in the world -- or other world -- does your favorite book take place?

Off the top of your head, what is your all time favorite novel, and what is the setting? Or settings?
How about your favorite movie? TV show?
Where is an unforgettable place you have visited? Or lived?
What is the setting of your latest WIP (work in progress).

 

Setting is location, but it encompasses so much more -- atmosphere, weather, lighting, architecture, history.
The nose-tickling smell of a musty old building. The harsh sunlight beating down on an Arizona desert.

One of my books takes place during a frigid New England winter. Constant snowfalls and cold temperatures wreak havoc with my characters and their emotions.

Check back next Sunday for another installment of One Writer's Perspective with more on Setting.

Stay Tuned

 

Coming soon: A new updated blog with fun, interesting, educational content for the novice and experienced creative writer!

Welcome 2014

 

Another year gone, a new year to embrace!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy Holidays!

PEACE

Coming Soon

On October 29th, Roxanne St. Claire's latest in her Barefoot series Barefoot by the Sea will be released.

Barefoot by the Sea is the latest in the highly successful four book series, featuring four college friends who have stayed close during the fifteen or so years since they graduated. All four books gives each friend a time to explore and grow and fall in love.
Barefoot in the Sand, Barefoot in the Rain, Barefoot in the Sun, and Barefoot by the Sea are all wonderful, romantic stories set on a lovely barrier island on the west coast of Florida. The island, Mimosa Key, is fictional but anyone who has lived or visited any of the numerous small islands and keys dotting the Florida coastline will be able to visualize the beautiful, idyllic paradise described by the author.
-- Having lived for seven years on Anna Maria Island, FL, I love these stories even more --

Roxanne St. Claire is the prolific author of nearly 40 books in three different genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Young Adult. She has a strong, unique voice and her books are always surprising and emotional charged.

Don't miss Barefoot by the Sea or any other books by Roxanne St. Claire!

The Wrong Girl

Most of us in New England are familiar with long-time investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan from Channel 7 news. Did you know she's also an award winning author of mystery/suspense novels? Along with fast-paced suspense, she offers up elements of romance as well.
Her first book, Prime Time, won the prestigious Agatha award for best first novel, a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award and was a RITA award double nominee from the Romance Writers of America.

 

After writing four mysteries featuring the character, Charlotte McNally, Prime Time, Face Time, Air Time, and Drive Time, she went on to write the highly successful The Other Woman.

 

Her newest release The Wrong Girl captures our interest with the question: Does a respected adoption agency have a frightening secret? Is someone reuniting birth parents with the wrong children?

 

 

 

 

 

If you love mysteries, if you love suspense, if you love the possibility of romance, you'll love Hank Phillippi Ryan's books.

 

Discover more about Hank and her books at www.hankphillippiryan.com  

 

Autumn

I'm not certain what happened -- other than life speeding by faster than a F5 hurricane -- but one minute it was February and now it's the first day of Fall. The old cliché: In the blink of an eye comes to mind.
I visited a local retail store yesterday, here in my hometown, and was surprised to discover their Christmas displays were out in full force. Really? Snows I'm looking at you.

Meanwhile, I've been busy with writing, working the day job, fighting the snarls of summer traffic that comes with living on the coast of New England, and trying to stay focused and organized. Never easy.

The first order of business -- start posting on my blog again! So here I am.

Check back soon (very soon!) as I present some of my favorite authors and many of their new books. :)

Another New Release

Check out the newest middle-grade novel by Kimberly Newton Fusco! Beholding Bee features eleven-year-old orphan, Bee, who struggles to find a loving home and hiding the birthmark on her face. Set around the time of WWII, this heartwarming story is also infused with a touch of magic.

Kimberly Newton Fusco is the author of two previous novels for children -- The Wonder of Charlie Anne and Tending to Grace

 

You can learn more about Kimberly and her wonderful books on her website www.kimberlynewtonfusco.com

 

 Congratulations, Kim!

New Release

Check out Randy Susan Meyers newest novel

The Comfort of Lies

 

For more information on this book and her first novel

The Murderer's Daughters

 

Go to her website: www.randysusanmeyers.com

 

Congratulations, Randy!!