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Spending Time with Mom

May 9, 2012 by in category Archives tagged as

Hi friends! No writerly news for you this week. I’m spending time with my mom as she approaches perhaps her last days in the hospital. We’ll see what God’s plan is for her. This past week has been more of a blessing to me than I ever expected, and I can see it’s been a blessing for Mom, too. I’ve written a bit more personal note on my Kitty Bucholtz, Author web site if you want to take a look. I’ll write more about this journey over there in the next few weeks. 

Meanwhile, I’ll see how much of the Self-Publishers Online Conference (which started yesterday) that I can attend from the hospital and give you the highlights next month. I can’t say I’m all too worried about my productivity as a writer this week. But I do wonder if the words will start pouring out geyser-style when this is over.
I try to be professional here and not push people’s buttons by talking too much about God and how very much He impacts my life. But I’m breaking that rule now. I’ve never felt so surrounded by love and mercy the way I have this last week. And that’s why I know God isn’t a figment of our imagination, or an all-powerful but distant higher power. How can people love like this on their own? How can perfect strangers be so full of compassion and mercy by themselves without it coming from somewhere? I don’t believe it’s possible. Even if you don’t believe in God, you can still feel Him all around you if you have felt the love and care of other people for you. Pay attention this week and see if you agree.
All I know is that no matter how great an imagination I have as a novelist, I can’t make up the kind of peace I feel, even as I approach saying goodbye to my mother. It’s coming from outside of myself. And I don’t believe “the world” is capable of giving people this kind of deep peace. It’s God, and the only reason I can imagine He would do it is because He must love us. And that is really, really good news.
I hope you have good news this week. I’ll talk to you again soon!
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Things That Make Me Go Mmmruh!

May 8, 2012 by in category Things That Make Me Go Mmmrrh . . . by Geralyn Corcillo tagged as , , , , , , ,


I Like to Watch 


by Geralyn Ruane


As gardener Chance innocently notes in 1979’s Being There, written by Jerzy Kosinski, “I like to watch.” Like me, he is referring to watching TV. 

Specifically, I like to watch romance. A few days ago, Barb and Jann blogged about what writers read while working on works in progress. For me, it’s more about what I’m watching. And I know I am not alone. 


Take, for instance, ABC’s Castle, created by Andrew W. Marlowe. I hear romance writers refer to this Nathan Fillion treat pretty frequently. The show reminds me of one of my eighties favorites, Remington Steele, co-created by Robert Butler and Michael Gleason,  with its by-the-book crime fighter and charming rascal of a sidekick motif. Despite Castle‘s silliness, or maybe because of it, the light cop drama keeps me hooked. So, don’t miss tonight’s Season Finale. As they do at the end of every season, the writers bring up Kate’s mother’s murder. But I’m really hoping that this year, Kate and Castle finally get together. And on screen, if you don’t mind! I cannot stand it when a show builds sexual and romantic tension all year or over several years, only to have the two characters finally unite during summer hiatus! (See The Office and the second time around for Doug and Carol on ER.)

This week is also the premiere of Masterpiece Mysteries Season Two of Sherlock, the tales of the adventures of Holmes and Watson in 2012 London. An alternate title could be Sherlock Holmes Meets The Internet.The show fascinates, galvanizes, and positively tickles. And, as February Afternoon Speaker Jennifer Ashley pointed out, Sherlock is an amazing creation to watch for tips on how to make a character unforgettable. And yes, Jennifer Ashley specifically referred to this modern Sherlock, recreated by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat and played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Martin Freeman’s Watson is equally awesome. This week’s episode, A Scandal in Belgravia, is fraught with sexual tension and unequalled in the series for its sheer brilliance.


For a more classic romance, Masterpiece Classic recently aired Birdsong, based on the novel by Sebastian Faulks and written for the screen by Sebastian Faulks and Abi Morgan. While in the trenches, a British soldier in World War I remembers his pre-war affair, and one day while on leave in a small town in France, he catches up with the life he left behind. What begins as a lush tale of romance juxtaposed with the heart-searing agony of warfare evolves into a profound story about life, death, love, camaraderie, and hope.


And if you are ever in the mood to “watch a contemporary romance novel,” one both delightful and satisfying, check out Chad Hodge’s I Want to Marry Ryan Banks, a television movie gem starring Jason Priestly, Emma Caulfield, and Bradley Cooper. A down to earth bookstore owner gets pushed into starring on a reality show that will determine which lucky contestant is to be the bride of gorgeous movie star Ryan Banks. The movie is light, romantic, sexy (but no sex), and fun, as our girl-next-door heroine finds answers and true love in the most unexpected places. 


Watching romance delights me, inspires me, and makes me consider options.


What have you watched lately? And what does it do for you?

Geralyn Ruane has been avidly watching television since she was very young.


       

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Writers and Events

May 6, 2012 by in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston tagged as , , , ,

I just returned home a couple of days ago from a trip east–to two wonderful writers’ events.
One was Malice Domestic, in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s themed around traditional mysteries, and both authors and fans attend. There are dinners and panels and Agatha Awards and more! I was on a panel called Must Love Dogs–obviously featuring authors with pet mysteries. My wonderful co-panelists were Sparkle Abbey (two delightful women who write under one pseudonym that is–what else?–the names of their pets!), Esri Allbritten, and Neil S. Plakcy. It was really fun and we got to talk about not only our books but our dogs, too.

That was followed by the Festival of Mystery in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, which was presented by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop. It began with a library tea, followed by a massive book sales event where authors are introduced and lots of mysteries are sold. A highlight this year was the introduction of the store’s new owner. The current owners, a wonderful and dedicated couple, had gone public a couple of months ago about looking for a buyer. In these days when so many bookstores, both independents and major chains, are going out of business, I feared the worst–possibly the end of that store. But, no–they found a buyer who seems perfect! She’s a former Texas librarian and bookseller with family ties to the Pittsburgh area. She was at both the tea and the Festival meeting authors and seeing how the current owners ran the event. That makes me hopeful that not only the store, but the Festival of Mystery, will continue in the future.

For the moment, I have some time to breathe–and to write–before my next major conference, the Romance Writers of America National Conference. More minor events–well, they never stop. In fact, I’m looking forward to the Pasadena LitFest next weekend. Unfortunately it conflicts with the OCC meeting. It was rescheduled after being rained out (!) in March.

Oh, and I can’t resist mentioning that it’s May–and I’m part of Read Humaneâ„¢ this month! A new version of my first Pet Rescue Mystery BEAGLEMANIA has recently been printed with the Read Humane seal on it. Read Humane is a special program created by Penguin Group (USA) Inc., parent of Berkley Prime Crime. Penguin has made a substantial donation to the Humane Society of The United States® in support of its Animal Rescue Team, and is also shipping 50,000 books starring furry friends, both dogs and cats, which encourage readers to learn more and donate to the Humane Society and its Animal Rescue Team. Participating authors besides me include Rebecca M. Hale, Alison Pace, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly–and I’m especially excited to report that the Read Humane spokesperson is Nora Roberts.

How about you–any conferences or other exciting events in your recent past or future? Will you be attending RWA National?

Berkley Prime Crime
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Conversations with Barb and Jann

May 2, 2012 by in category Jann says . . . tagged as , , , ,

What do you read during your WIP?

Jann:   Barb, when you’re starting a new WIP, do you only read books in the genre you’re writing?
Barb:  I like to read the genre I’m writing in because it gets me in that frame of mind, that contemporary world. I especially like reading humor, which I try to write. Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jennifer Crusie both know how to construct a laugh-out-loud scene. For category romance, our own Sandra Paul (aka Sandy Chvostal) has always tickled my funny bone. I still find myself pulling out her Reluctant Hero and Domesticating Luc to see how she incorporates animals in her stories, and Linda Johnston also, with her pet sitter and pet rescue stories.
Jann:  Totally agree. You know I’m writing a series category romance, but I read anything and everything romance–historical, paranormal, urban fantasy, contemporary. But I find it’s easier to plot when I read only series romance for at least a couple of weeks before I work on a story idea.
Barb:  Since we were discussing this subject, I asked the Orange County Chapter Pros what they read while they’re writing. Ottilia Scherschel, who writes suspense, is of like mind. She says, “I always read some suspense to get my juices flowing.” She also reads craft books, and interestingly enough, her husband’s magazine American Hunter. She likes the website artofmanliness.com for “anything a man does or ever wanted to do.”  Gotta check that one out!
 Joyce Ward also stayed within her genre when she started writing paranormals, but like you, enjoys a change of pace with other genres. Erin Pryor says, “I tend to read things that are related to whatever I’m struggling with while writing…so, if I’m working on a mystery element I’ll read full-on mysteries, if I’m working on an action scene I often turn to sci-fi/fantasy. Contemporaries for friendship and banter, 19th century novels when I’m worried about tone and manners.”
Jann:  Erin has a good idea mixing the genres to draw on their various strengths. 
  
Barb:  Now, Mary Kozlowski writes contemporaries, but loves reading Regencies. She says she can keep a pretty consistent voice, so is not affected by reading in another genre. And this reading your husband’s magazines must be catching on. She reads her husband’s VFW, American Legion and NRA mags because “they have lots of interesting articles about real heroes.”
Roy (Griff) Griffis also reads outside his genre. As he says, “I don’t want to read anything in a
similar genre to avoid contaminating my vision and voice.” Research is the focus of Dolores Else’s reading, both for accurate historical information and to get a feel for the time period. 
Jann:  I have a couple of story ideas that require substantial research, and have put them aside for awhile. What I need to be doing is “writing what I know” for now. Research can be a lot of fun, but it can be very time consuming if you’re not careful.
Barb:  I know what you mean. Been there. Researching is not writing. 
Shauna Roberts, who I know would use her time wisely, finds herself so interested in some of her background research topics that she will keep reading about them after her book is finished.  She also will read articles and how-to books on the craft of writing to reinforce her writing skills.   She reads in different genres regardless of her writing, so I assume they don’t influence her voice.  

Jann:  The Pros have some great comments, and it’s interesting to see what others do. I better get back to my WIP. Remember those goals we talked about a couple of months ago? Well, I just set one with our critique group at our last gathering that I’ve got to make.

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Non-Fiction to ‘Smut in the City’: Calls for Submissions

May 1, 2012 by in category Archives

Non-Fiction to ‘Smut in the City’: Calls for Submissions
It’s that time of month again: ready for more creative inspiration? I’ve tried to include a selection of options, including two requests for poetry. Already thinking Halloween short? Check out the call for “Grim Vengeance.”
If you submit to one of these calls and sell, please let me know! Also, send any hot calls my way.
Art of Self-Publishing
This call for submissions is open to any self-published author, including traditionally published authors who are also self-publishing.
How did you find success as a self-published author? The goal of this anthology is to give pre-published writers and authors considering self-publishing the inspiration and advice to help them start on their own path to self-publishing success.
There are many different ways to quantify success, and we are looking for all of them. While we are looking for bestselling self-published authors to submit essays, if your sales are modest but you finally realized your dream of having your story told, then that is its own form of success, and we welcome your submission as well.
Some questions to consider while writing your essay include :
1.              Why did you choose to self-publish?
2.              Have you tried publishing traditionally, or are you published traditionally as well? If you are also traditionally published, what are the benefits to self-publishing that drew you to it?
3.              What sort of process did you put your book through before you published it? Editing, critique groups, beta-readers?
4.              How much did it cost you to self-publish your book? What did you pay for cover art, for editing, formatting, etcetera? Did you do it all yourself?
5.              How many books do you sell a day/month/since you started?
6.              Is your book available for print? How did you go about doing that, and are your books selling better in ebook format or print?
7.              How important are reviews for you? How do you get reviews for your book(s)?
8.              What do you think is the future of publishing?
9.              What’s the most important piece of advice you have for a writer looking to self-publish?

Payment:
 Contributors whose essays are chosen for the anthology will receive a $20 payment plus a free Smashwords coupon to download the anthology upon its release.
The essays will be contracted on a non-exclusive basis, meaning the contributor retains the right to re-publish the essay as he or she pleases. Previously published blog posts or interviews on the subject of self-publishing will also be considered but original material is preferred.
Tell your story in 750 to 2000 words and include a 50 word bio with links to your website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon/B&N/Smashwords pages.
Submit the essay as a Word doc or rtf and name the file Successful_YourName. Email the attachment to shoshanna.evers @ yahoo. com (no spaces) with Submission in the subject line.
Smut in the City
The Smut in the City Anthology will feature stories from a variety of genres. We want a strong focus on the “City” element, either in location or style.
10.           Length: 4,000 to 6,000 words
11.           Genres: Any
12.           Heat Levels: Any
13.           Ending: Any
14.           Orientation: Any
15.           Submissions Due: August 1, 2012

Royalties will be split 50% of the net profits with contributing authors, exact values will be given once we know how many stories will be in the final anthology.
Submit your story by emailing it as an .doc, .txt or .pdf attachment to victoria[at]victoriablisse.co.uk and please include the story title and your author name in the filename. Please also be sure to include your Pen Name, Author Bio, Website URL, Genre, Wordcount along with your Submission.
Grim Vengeance
CRUSHING HEARTS AND BLACK BUTTERFLY PUBLISHING announces a call for submissions for a NEW anthology to be published by Halloween titled “Grim Vengeance.” This anthology will feature stories and poems pertaining to supernatural and paranormal revenge edited by Nathan Squiers.

The subject of vigilante justice is a primal instinct of man and animal alike, but for this collection the subjects that are taking matters into their own hands are to be MORE than human (vampires, werewolves, zombies, and any other paranormal or mythological beings). Any and all motivations for a character’s drive for vengeance will be considered, but please note that your chances of acceptance are greater if the story is believable (the drive & motivation to put an act of revenge into motion is a set in a complex mindset and the catalyst that ignites the response should be believable).
This collection, due to its violent theme, will be targeted to a more adult audience (think late-teens and older) so the material should reflect this range.
There is no limit for content as far as language and gore, but please note the few THEMES/SUBJECTS that will NOT be tolerated and will elicit an INSTANT REJECTION: Anything that promotes, encourages, or justifies ANY of the following:
• Incest
• Bestiality (human/animal; shape-shifter stories are fine)
• Rape/non-consensual activity
• Pedophilia;
3000-10,000 word short stories as well as poetry will be considered.


FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.crushingheartsandblackbutterfly.comFurther details will be on our website soon. Send submissions to NathanSquiers@CrushingHeartsandBlackButterfly.com
Weekend Getaways


Secret Cravings Publishing is taking submissions of short stories of up to 5k – 10k words for a onetime payment of $50-$100 depending on the length of the manuscript. Any genre;
Steamy to Burn the page erotic stories wanted.
 These stories will be released individually with their own cover. One each Saturday of the week. Submissions will be ongoing—no deadline.
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=6http://ow.ly/i/z06l
Compiled by Louisa Bacio
Love Knows No Bounds
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