When we pick up a book in a bookstore or library, what are we looking for in a good read? Compelling characters? Exciting adventures? Exotic settings? An original and fresh idea?
Do we want a biography of some notorious criminal? Or perhaps an autobiography of our favorite historical figure?
Do we want a mystery or thriller? Fantasy? Western? Science Fiction? Family saga? Romance? Horror? Do we want a blend of styles and genres? Do we want James Patterson, John Grisham, Jane Austen, or Stephen King? Danielle Steel, perhaps? How about J.K. Rowling, Tony Hillerman, Nora Roberts, or Robert Ludlum?
Whatever your passion as a reader, there are stories to accommodate every taste.
As a writer, whatever style or genre, whether you are a NYT best selling author, or a struggling newbie just learning the ropes, every story must have the elements of plot and conflict. Without the drama of a plot, without the tension of conflict -- there is no story.
Every character must struggle with questions, problems, mysteries beyond their control. They strive to uncover clues, discover answers, maybe even fall in love. As readers, we hope to escape into other worlds created by talented authors. As writers, we continue to strive to make our words flow with powerful stories, exciting plots, nail-biting tension, and unforgettable characters.
Discover your passion! :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
TARA Contest Finalists Announced
The 2008 TARA Contest has completed the first round judging and announced the finalists. The top three scoring entries in each category move on to be judged by an acquiring editor in their genre.
Check out the TARA website for a complete list of finalists. http://www.tararwa.com/
We had a great turnout for the contest this year with a large number of entries, making the competition really tough. Congratulations to all the finalists!
A special congrats to TARA members, Sharron Houdek and Laurel Natalie for being amoung the finalists. Good luck to Sharron and Laurel!
Happy Writing :)
Check out the TARA website for a complete list of finalists. http://www.tararwa.com/
We had a great turnout for the contest this year with a large number of entries, making the competition really tough. Congratulations to all the finalists!
A special congrats to TARA members, Sharron Houdek and Laurel Natalie for being amoung the finalists. Good luck to Sharron and Laurel!
Happy Writing :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Summer Solstice
I have three calendars in my life. Two at home and one at work, and each one announces the beginning of summer differently.
The one hanging over my desk with an adorable kitten meowing at me announces summer on June 21, 2008 with the words: Summer Begins.
My calendar of Light Houses hanging in my bedroom says on June 20th: First Day of Summer.
The one at work from the World Wildlife Fund claims June 20th to be the first day of summer with a simple: Summer.
In New England the start of summer is celebrated with balmy breezes, cookouts, trips to the beach and bug spray.
In Florida summer is tolerated with adjustments to the air conditioner to kick it into overdrive, and a concerned eye on the tropics.
I completely get the whole snowbird concept -- live in the north in the summer, the south in the winter. :)
For me, it's always been a time of enjoying the longer days and warm nights. Whether I'm on the west coast of Florida watching the pelicans and dolphins, or strolling the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, I love the summer solstice.
Enjoy!
The one hanging over my desk with an adorable kitten meowing at me announces summer on June 21, 2008 with the words: Summer Begins.
My calendar of Light Houses hanging in my bedroom says on June 20th: First Day of Summer.
The one at work from the World Wildlife Fund claims June 20th to be the first day of summer with a simple: Summer.
In New England the start of summer is celebrated with balmy breezes, cookouts, trips to the beach and bug spray.
In Florida summer is tolerated with adjustments to the air conditioner to kick it into overdrive, and a concerned eye on the tropics.
I completely get the whole snowbird concept -- live in the north in the summer, the south in the winter. :)
For me, it's always been a time of enjoying the longer days and warm nights. Whether I'm on the west coast of Florida watching the pelicans and dolphins, or strolling the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, I love the summer solstice.
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Smell the Roses
Don't forget to Stop and Smell the Roses! Okay, that is certainly the classic cliche, but no less true.
A few days ago I overslept by an hour -- something I rarely ever do. I jumped out of bed, squeaked something rather unladylike, and raced into the shower. Fortunately for me -- in more ways than one -- I live very close to my day job. So, I still had time to shower, dress, and take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee.
I stood in the kitchen, sipping my coffee, and staring out the window. Because I was off-schedule and in the kitchen at a later time in the morning, I saw a breathtaking sight.
The sun was shimmering through the big tree in the backyard, lighting upon a massive spider web. (If I had a digital camera, I would insert photo here) :) It was sparkling in the sun, radiating white, silver and a touch of other earthy colors. I couldn't see the owner of the web, but did spot a few unlucky bugs trapped in it's clutches.
I took a deep breath and relaxed, content I was able to enjoy the quiet moment. A perfect time to slow down and put everything into perspective.
Embrace life.
Happy Father's Day!!
A few days ago I overslept by an hour -- something I rarely ever do. I jumped out of bed, squeaked something rather unladylike, and raced into the shower. Fortunately for me -- in more ways than one -- I live very close to my day job. So, I still had time to shower, dress, and take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee.
I stood in the kitchen, sipping my coffee, and staring out the window. Because I was off-schedule and in the kitchen at a later time in the morning, I saw a breathtaking sight.
The sun was shimmering through the big tree in the backyard, lighting upon a massive spider web. (If I had a digital camera, I would insert photo here) :) It was sparkling in the sun, radiating white, silver and a touch of other earthy colors. I couldn't see the owner of the web, but did spot a few unlucky bugs trapped in it's clutches.
I took a deep breath and relaxed, content I was able to enjoy the quiet moment. A perfect time to slow down and put everything into perspective.
Embrace life.
Happy Father's Day!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
What's in a Name?
Plenty!
As a fiction writer, I strive to create compelling, dynamic characters to live and breathe in my stories. It is imperative that my characters are as real as possible to me and to the reader. Of course, this is one of the most difficult challenges we must face as fiction writers -- make the story believable and make the reader want to turn the page.
One aspect of character development -- and there are many -- is choosing a name that fits the character. Finding a name that depicts the time-period, setting, character background, and personality is not always easy, but for me, it's always fun.
I have three different books of first names that I use to help find that perfect fit. I also use the phone book, television and movie credits, and other books, both fiction and non-fiction to help find that unique name for a character.
Here are a few notable fictional characters:
Scarlet O'Hara
Jo March
Christopher Robin
Ebenezer Scrooge
Sonny Corleone
George Bailey
Stephanie Plum
Jessica Rabbit
Oliver Twist
Recognize any of them? :)
They may not have the most unusual name (George Bailey), or maybe they do (Ebenezer Scrooge), but their names fit their characters for their story.
Whether choosing the name for the hero of your book, or the villian, use your imagination (and any other means you can find) to bring your characters and your story to life!
As a fiction writer, I strive to create compelling, dynamic characters to live and breathe in my stories. It is imperative that my characters are as real as possible to me and to the reader. Of course, this is one of the most difficult challenges we must face as fiction writers -- make the story believable and make the reader want to turn the page.
One aspect of character development -- and there are many -- is choosing a name that fits the character. Finding a name that depicts the time-period, setting, character background, and personality is not always easy, but for me, it's always fun.
I have three different books of first names that I use to help find that perfect fit. I also use the phone book, television and movie credits, and other books, both fiction and non-fiction to help find that unique name for a character.
Here are a few notable fictional characters:
Scarlet O'Hara
Jo March
Christopher Robin
Ebenezer Scrooge
Sonny Corleone
George Bailey
Stephanie Plum
Jessica Rabbit
Oliver Twist
Recognize any of them? :)
They may not have the most unusual name (George Bailey), or maybe they do (Ebenezer Scrooge), but their names fit their characters for their story.
Whether choosing the name for the hero of your book, or the villian, use your imagination (and any other means you can find) to bring your characters and your story to life!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
May
With a peek at the calendar, I realized another month has come and gone with no blogging from yours truly. It's been a busy month with family visiting, writing, and TARA contest entries to coordinate and judge. :) Oh and of course I still need to work 40 hours or more at the day job. Fun.
For the TARA contest I am the coordinator of the Inspirational entries, a judge for one of the other genres (not at liberty to disclose that info yet), and I entered the Romantic Suspense category. It's wonderful to be involved and volunteer my time to my TARA chapter.
My brother and sister-in-law were visiting last week, and we had a really lovely, relaxing time. Sunbathing, swimming, shopping, and eating -- all the usual vacation activities. It was also a wonderful time for my brother and I to share our creative writing experiences. As fellow writers struggling to break into the world of getting published, we enjoyed talking shop. :)
I hope everyone had a great May. See you next month.
For the TARA contest I am the coordinator of the Inspirational entries, a judge for one of the other genres (not at liberty to disclose that info yet), and I entered the Romantic Suspense category. It's wonderful to be involved and volunteer my time to my TARA chapter.
My brother and sister-in-law were visiting last week, and we had a really lovely, relaxing time. Sunbathing, swimming, shopping, and eating -- all the usual vacation activities. It was also a wonderful time for my brother and I to share our creative writing experiences. As fellow writers struggling to break into the world of getting published, we enjoyed talking shop. :)
I hope everyone had a great May. See you next month.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
New England Sunset
There are few moments in life more tranquil and beautiful than the sun descending into the horizon. This photograph is of one of my favorite places -- the sun setting over Cape Cod Bay.
Growing up in New England I had the rare privilege of being able to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, and set over Cape Cod Bay. Something I have come to truly appreciate more and more with the passing of the years.
Enjoy. :)
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