Diana Peterfreund is the author of several books featuring college age protagonists. Her first, Secret Society Girl was published in 2006. Followed by Under the Rose and Rites of Spring (Break). The fourth in the secret society series Tap and Gown will be released this week.
Love the titles! :) Congratulations, Diana.
And in the fall her first YA novel, Rampant will be published.
Check out her website at http://www.dianapetefreund.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
To Prologue... or Not
Prologue: (from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)
a. The preface or introduction to a literary work.
b. An introductory or preceding event or development.
I love to settle down in my comfy chair, open up a novel, and begin reading a brand new story. I especially love when there is a prologue.
Many readers insist they don't like prologues and even go so far as not to read them. What!? Why would you read a book and not read the beginning? Just because it says the word prologue?
I know several writers who choose not to include them in their work. I have also read published novels that include a prologue when in fact it should say chapter one.
To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe there are any hard fast rules pertaining to the use and construction of a prologue in a fiction novel. They come in every shape and size with an array of content. I have read books where the prologue was a mere two sentences long and others where they stretched into thirty pages. In both cases they worked well.
In a mystery/suspense/thriller novel, a prologue can be used to set up the crime, or tragic life-changing event. Often times the prologue might be in the villain/antagonist's point-of-view. This can enhance the tension when the main characters are introduced. We, the reader, know something our main characters don't. We feel the suspense as they head innocently toward the trap set up by the nasty villain. :)
Perhaps in a family saga novel, a prologue can be used to glimpse a piece of family history. A past event used to set-up the current storyline.
I write romantic suspense novels. In each of my three manuscripts, I begin with a prologue. Each prologue introduces a tragic event that affects the main characters in their present day life. They are life-changing events that help propel the conflict and characters throughout the books.
Over the years I have had each of my three novels critiqued by several different people. Often times it's one of my critique partners, sometimes in a face to face critique group, and occasionally through contests where the prologue/first chapter is judged by an anonymous writer. I usually do quite well in contests, scoring high, but I don't often final, and it seems to be because of my use of prologues.
Is it because other writers don't like prologues? Or they don't get the fact that it's a prologue and not chapter 1? Or am I starting in the wrong place, including too much back story? Probably all of these elements to some degree.
The real questions: How does the prologue enhance the story? Is it well written? Is it really necessary?
Prologues continue to be a great way to introduce conflict, show an historic event, steep the reader in the evil villain's point-of-view, enable us to view our protagonist as a child... or where ever your imagine takes you.
What is your opinion? To prologue... or not?
a. The preface or introduction to a literary work.
b. An introductory or preceding event or development.
I love to settle down in my comfy chair, open up a novel, and begin reading a brand new story. I especially love when there is a prologue.
Many readers insist they don't like prologues and even go so far as not to read them. What!? Why would you read a book and not read the beginning? Just because it says the word prologue?
I know several writers who choose not to include them in their work. I have also read published novels that include a prologue when in fact it should say chapter one.
To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe there are any hard fast rules pertaining to the use and construction of a prologue in a fiction novel. They come in every shape and size with an array of content. I have read books where the prologue was a mere two sentences long and others where they stretched into thirty pages. In both cases they worked well.
In a mystery/suspense/thriller novel, a prologue can be used to set up the crime, or tragic life-changing event. Often times the prologue might be in the villain/antagonist's point-of-view. This can enhance the tension when the main characters are introduced. We, the reader, know something our main characters don't. We feel the suspense as they head innocently toward the trap set up by the nasty villain. :)
Perhaps in a family saga novel, a prologue can be used to glimpse a piece of family history. A past event used to set-up the current storyline.
I write romantic suspense novels. In each of my three manuscripts, I begin with a prologue. Each prologue introduces a tragic event that affects the main characters in their present day life. They are life-changing events that help propel the conflict and characters throughout the books.
Over the years I have had each of my three novels critiqued by several different people. Often times it's one of my critique partners, sometimes in a face to face critique group, and occasionally through contests where the prologue/first chapter is judged by an anonymous writer. I usually do quite well in contests, scoring high, but I don't often final, and it seems to be because of my use of prologues.
Is it because other writers don't like prologues? Or they don't get the fact that it's a prologue and not chapter 1? Or am I starting in the wrong place, including too much back story? Probably all of these elements to some degree.
The real questions: How does the prologue enhance the story? Is it well written? Is it really necessary?
Prologues continue to be a great way to introduce conflict, show an historic event, steep the reader in the evil villain's point-of-view, enable us to view our protagonist as a child... or where ever your imagine takes you.
What is your opinion? To prologue... or not?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April Release
Inspirational author, Debby Mayne's newest book, Peachtree Dreams was just released this month! Debby Mayne is a multi-published author and is a member of the Tampa Area Romance Authors. Check her out at www.debbymayne.com
Some of her other books include: Double Blessing and If the Dress Fits
And in June look for: Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida
Congratulations Debby!!
Some of her other books include: Double Blessing and If the Dress Fits
And in June look for: Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida
Congratulations Debby!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
RITA and GOLDEN HEART Finalists
This past week The Romance Writers of America announced the finalists in the national RITA and GOLDEN HEART contests.
Two of my fellow TARA members were finalists in the RITA contest for published authors. Karen Rose and Roxanne St. Claire were both nominated for a RITA in the romantic suspense category. Congratulations, ladies!! :)
For a list of all the finalists, check out the RWA website: http://rwanational.org
The awards are given during a ceremony held at the national RWA conference. This summer the conference will be in Washington, DC! Fun.
Two of my fellow TARA members were finalists in the RITA contest for published authors. Karen Rose and Roxanne St. Claire were both nominated for a RITA in the romantic suspense category. Congratulations, ladies!! :)
For a list of all the finalists, check out the RWA website: http://rwanational.org
The awards are given during a ceremony held at the national RWA conference. This summer the conference will be in Washington, DC! Fun.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
New Books
With the beginning of March comes four new books being released by TARA authors. Look for them in a bookstore near you. :)
You're The One That I Haunt by Terri Garey (Paranormal Romance)
Always Ready by Joanne Rock (Harlequin Blaze)
Through the Garden Gate by Loretta Rogers (Anthology)
And debut author, Carrie Ryan's book: The Forest of Hands and Teeth (YA Fantasy)
Congratulations to all of our fellow writers for their published books!
You're The One That I Haunt by Terri Garey (Paranormal Romance)
Always Ready by Joanne Rock (Harlequin Blaze)
Through the Garden Gate by Loretta Rogers (Anthology)
And debut author, Carrie Ryan's book: The Forest of Hands and Teeth (YA Fantasy)
Congratulations to all of our fellow writers for their published books!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
2009 TARA Contest
We're gearing up for our annual TARA contest!
The TARA contest is open to unpublished writers or any published authors who haven't published in the past three years and are not currently contracted for any novel-length (40,000 words +) books with any publisher (epub, mass market, etc). We have an excellent line up of editors for the final round judging.
The categories and final judges are as follows:
*Series Contemporary-- Wanda Ottewell /Harlequin
*Paranormal -- Danielle Poiesz /Pocket
*Single Title -- Deb Werksman /Sourcebooks
*Women's Fiction -- Lindsay Louis /NAL
*Historical -- Leah Hultenschmidt /Dorchester
*Romantic Suspense -- Amy Pierpont /Grand Central
*Inspirational Anne Horch /Faith Words
Out of 22 finalists last year, 9 entries were requested by editors and one request resulted in a sale!!
Enter the first chapter, 4000 words max, including prologue if applicable. For all the rules and guidelines check out http://www.tararwa.com/
The deadline for entries is May 1, 2009. :)
The TARA contest is open to unpublished writers or any published authors who haven't published in the past three years and are not currently contracted for any novel-length (40,000 words +) books with any publisher (epub, mass market, etc). We have an excellent line up of editors for the final round judging.
The categories and final judges are as follows:
*Series Contemporary-- Wanda Ottewell /Harlequin
*Paranormal -- Danielle Poiesz /Pocket
*Single Title -- Deb Werksman /Sourcebooks
*Women's Fiction -- Lindsay Louis /NAL
*Historical -- Leah Hultenschmidt /Dorchester
*Romantic Suspense -- Amy Pierpont /Grand Central
*Inspirational Anne Horch /Faith Words
Out of 22 finalists last year, 9 entries were requested by editors and one request resulted in a sale!!
Enter the first chapter, 4000 words max, including prologue if applicable. For all the rules and guidelines check out http://www.tararwa.com/
The deadline for entries is May 1, 2009. :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
TARA Authors
We have many published writers who are members of the Tampa Area Romance Authors (TARA). Seven of them have books being released this week!
Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael
Dead Right by Cate Noble
Kill For Me by Karen Rose
She Thinks Her Ex is Sexy by Joanne Rock
Something Wicked by Julie Leto
Kiss of the Demon King by Kresley Cole
Lords of Desire by Virginia Henley
Congratulations to all on their latest published books. There's something for everyone in these compelling stories -- romantic suspense, paranormal, historical, sizzling sexy, and romantic comedy.
Enjoy!!
Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael
Dead Right by Cate Noble
Kill For Me by Karen Rose
She Thinks Her Ex is Sexy by Joanne Rock
Something Wicked by Julie Leto
Kiss of the Demon King by Kresley Cole
Lords of Desire by Virginia Henley
Congratulations to all on their latest published books. There's something for everyone in these compelling stories -- romantic suspense, paranormal, historical, sizzling sexy, and romantic comedy.
Enjoy!!
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