Tag Archive | Romance

Should Have Gone There First

Sorry I’ve been absent on my blog again! Shame on me!

If any of you have ever orchestrated an estate sale, then you will understand that all my time was consumed. But now, I can breathe a relieved sigh, and get back to what I truly love…writing!!

In the midst of the craziness, my husband and I got away for a one-day trip to Chattanooga, TN. Beautiful city with a gorgeous downtown area and riverside. The purpose of the trip was to meet up with an old friend who now works with her husband on the American Queen and other steamboats. They’re both entertainers and have been working on the boats for the last fifteen years. (What a great job, huh?!)

Laura Sable and I used to do theater together. We hadn’t seen each other in twenty years! Of course, neither of us have aged. ;0)

So, here’s my advice to you. When you write a book about steamboats, and have only traveled on a pint-size one on a lake, it’s wise to take a tour of a REAL steamboat like the American Queen. Laura was one of my Beta readers on my book, “Marked.” The book takes place in 1850 on a Mississippi River steamboat. I researched via the internet as well as books and photos, but stepping aboard the luxurious boat was an experience I’ll never forget! There are things now that I know I could add to the descriptions in my book, (and I still can). I’m happy to say that both she and her husband, Bill read the book and told me that I got it right on the money. WHEW! And…they enjoyed it, which made me feel even better.

I know that we can’t always go to the places we write about, but it sure helps if you’re able. I use Google Earth frequently to check out landscape and such, but there is nothing like breathing the same air your characters breathe. I know…I can’t time travel, but I can use my vivid imagination to sense what it must have been like way back when. I’m a romantic at heart, and there’s something glorious about an elegant ship, and picturing ladies and gentleman in fine clothing cascading down the fanned stairway.

When I stepped into the dining hall, I felt like I’d walked into a scene from “Titanic.” We now want very much to travel by steamboat. And…I may have to write another book about them with all the new tidbits I’ve learned.

Thank you Laura and Bill for an amazing tour and adventure!

And to all of you working on your next masterpiece…step into the shoes of your characters, and walk where they walked.

WRITE ON!

All aboard!

Dining Room

: Rollin’ on the River!

Descriptive Words

Sep13

Adverbs and adjectives are part of our English language, so why not have tons of them in writing? This is something I’m still struggling with. I could never understand why I should limit their use, but I’m learning.

First of all, as a writer, you always want to find the best way to say what you mean, without rambling. (Unless you have a character who rambles as part of their personality.)

I tend to ramble, so that’s something I’m learning to overcome. Have you ever written a sentence that just rubbed you wrong? You knew that there was something wrong with it, but you couldn’t quite put a finger on it? My best suggestion is, highlight it, then walk away from it. Days later, revisit it. You may be surprised at how the right fix comes to you. Reading it aloud helps, too.

So, descriptive words, whether adjective or adverb are important, but try to find a better noun or verb to say what you mean. One of my fellow writers pointed out that one thing that has always bothered her when she’s editing is the phrase, “whispered softly.” Granted, sometimes whispers are loud, like a stage whisper, but most whispers are soft. There is no need for the adverb here.

“I love you,” Jake whispered. What more needs to be said?

Or how about this example: The muscles on his arms were really big.

Yes, it paints a picture of a man with big muscles, but the sentence is dry. What’s another word for ‘really big?’ How about enormous, or gigantic, or gargantuan? You could change the sentence to: The muscles on his arms were enormous. Still dry. So, paint a bigger picture. His taut shirt sleeves encased his enormous muscles. Okay…maybe that’s a little overboard, but you get the picture!

Back to the adverb. I’ve had a lot of fun playing with sentences in order to find ways to avoid adverbs. However, I must confess that sometimes I still use them.

I struggled with a sentence that I loved in one of my books, back before I learned that adverbs should be limited. So, I asked my fellow writers how I could rewrite the sentence: She walked stealthily behind him. I thought the sentence said all that needed to be said. And I loved the word ‘stealthily.’ But, being that I was trying to rid the ‘ly’ words, I tried to envision how she walked, and what made it stealthy. It ended up being: With the stealth of a tiger, she remained some distance behind him.

So, what do you think? Better?

Always remind yourself that you are an artist with a paintbrush creating a masterpiece. Each word you type is a brush stroke adding color and form to your artwork. Paint with vivid colors.

I would love your input! Because I’m constantly (yes an ‘ly’ word) learning new things, I’d appreciate having you share what you’ve learned about adverbs and adjectives. But whatever you do…keep writing.

WRITE ON!

The muscles on his arms were really big.

Reconstruction

Jul19

Since the South went through a difficult period of Reconstruction following the Civil War, then I “reckon” it’s appropriate that I’m going through Reconstruction with my trilogy, “Southern Secrets.”

The trilogy takes place for the most part in Mobile, Alabama, six years after the end of the war. When I wrote it, I was writing in an omniscient format. After learning about the romance market, and the fact that the current market prefers single person point of view, I decided to take on the task of changing my trilogy.

This is a MAJOR undertaking. In previous posts I described the length of these books, but if you’re new to my blog, then I’ll go ahead and re-tell. Each book is between 190,000 and 250,000 words. Because I was in everyone’s head, I shared thoughts of the simplest characters. (Even the cook, who rarely spoke!) Now I’m dissecting each chapter.

In case you have to tackle a similar project, here’s how I’m going about it. Maybe this will help you.

First I had to decide which characters are the most important in my books. Of course, the hero and heroine are the logical choice. I’m going one step further, since these books are epic tales, and a few minor characters take on rather major parts of the story line. So, I decided with Book one, to be in the heads of four characters. The hero, heroine, and another couple who ends up having their own story which filters into Book two.

Next, chapter-by-chapter, I decide whose point of view is the most relevant. Of course, it’s alright to have more than one point of view in a chapter, but not at the same time. If you plan to switch POV, then be sure to make the switch obvious. You can do this by adding an extra space between paragraphs, or even using a simple *** separation, centered on the page. Then, I scan the chapter to see what needs to be deleted. I have a separate word document opened, entitled “omitted,” which is where I paste anything I’ve cut from the text. I want to be certain that I haven’t lost any important details to the story line. As I add those details in other ways, (conversation, etc.), I highlight the facts on the omitted sheet, so that I know they’ve been dealt with.

I also initially had a four page “introduction” in Book one. It’s gone. I learned a lot about “info dumping” over the last two years. There was no need for an introduction at all. Everything comes to light within the story.

It’s scary removing text! But what I’ve found is that I’m going deeper into the feelings of my characters, and I’m not losing anything from the story. I’m gaining so much more!

In addition, because I’m not so blatantly telling everything, it leaves a greater mystery for the reader.

When I originally considered changing my books, the simple thought of it stressed me out! But now, as I’m doing it, I’m having a ball! Not only am I revisiting characters that I love and a story that I cherish, but I believe in my heart that I’m making it better. I certainly hope so!

My mom, (who is my biggest supporter), is more nervous than I was about my changing the books. She loves them the way the are. So, to keep her calm, I saved a copy of the omniscient versions. I hope that when all is done, she will read the new books and love them just as much. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

My other hope is that I can trim these books down to maybe 150,000 words each. That’s my goal.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Write On!!

And They Lived Happily Ever After…

Jun12

How important is a happy ending?

If you’re a writer of romance, then you should easily be able to answer that question.

When I began writing, I didn’t understand the difference between “women’s fiction” and “romance.” I read a blog that explained it quite well, and though I won’t go into as much detail, here it is in a nutshell: Women’s fiction may or may not have a happy ending. Romance must! Any woman who picks up a novel that is placed in the romance genre, believes that what she is reading is safe. That no matter what trials and tribulations the hero and heroine go through in the course of the story, it will have a happy ending and they will be together. This is not necessarily the case for your supporting characters, but the main characters need to have their “happily ever after.”

I’ll never forget when I was plotting out one of my first stories, and had decided on an ending. I was in my car, driving to work, and when I arrived there I had swollen, red eyes, and a horrible headache! Reason: I had intended to have my heroine die in the end. It all made sense. It was how the story was progressing. But then, after talking to my sister, (who is one of those readers who reads the last few pages of a book before she reads the entire thing), I decided it was best to keep my heroine alive and well. Great choice! And, it opened up the opportunity for a sequel. Hard to do when your characters are dead.

I also had a revelation when plotting another book. A secondary character was doomed to die. After writing the scene I had a migraine from sobbing so hard! I had a wise young man, (who happened upon the conversation I was having about it with my co-workers), ask me why I was writing it that way if it made me so sad? He kind of shrugged and said, “It’s not in print yet, is it?” When I said, “no,” then his comment was, “So what’s the problem? Change it.” Such simple logic! So, I changed it, and it resulted in a much better story, and a sequel!

You may think that if a reader knows that the characters are going to end up together, then what’s the fun of reading the story? The fun is the journey. If you can make their journey fun, exciting, gut-wrenching, and let’s not forget, romantic, then your readers will love you and your books.

Write on!

And they lived happily ever after…

Learning From Others

Jun4

My grandfather used to say “I’m no spring chicken.” He also used to tell me that he probably wouldn’t be on this earth much longer. The first time he told me that I believe I was about ten years old. He was 60, and lived to be 101. Oops! I’m telling my age now!

I was blessed that he lived a long life because I learned a lot from him. Not long ago when we were moving, I came across some old cassette tapes that he made for me. Instead of letters, he would record cassettes and send them from Illinois to my home in Idaho. Hearing his voice always cheered me, and his tapes were full of wisdom and humor. When I found the long-forgotten cassette and put it in my archaic tape player, I cried like a baby. Not only was his voice on the recording, but my grandmother also made a reluctant “appearance” on the tape.

I wish now that I had recorded all the information he told me when we traveled across Illinois and he showed me where he grew up and stories of how his family came to America. My love for history makes me wish I had the foresight to at least take notes.

Lesson learned. Pay attention. Take notes. Learn what you can from people who have lived and done things you’ve never done before.

That applies to my journey now.

Years back when I was performing in a summer theater group, I met an incredible tenor by the name of Robert McPherson. If you get a chance, go out to you tube and pull up his rendition of the National Anthem. Amazing… Anyway, I told him once that when I heard him sing, I wondered why I even tried. He sings effortlessly, and beautifully. His response to me was something like, “Don’t discount your own talent. Everyone has something to offer.” So, I kept singing too.

And now, I can apply that same wisdom to my writing venture. I wrote previously about the “Self-Doubt Monster” and this ties into that. Every writer is unique. We all have different voices and different stories to tell. Don’t discount your own talent.

When I first joined Music City Romance Writers, I remember being in awe of the published writers in our group. I still am. I also remember the first time I asked Trish Milburn to sign a copy of one of her books for me. I was nervous asking, but she graciously signed, and has never been out of reach as a fellow writer. In fact, I’ve not met one person in our group who looks down their nose at anyone. If anything, it’s just the opposite. They embrace new writers and willingly pass on their knowledge and share their writing journey.

It’s a pleasure to be a part of a group that lift each other up instead of back-biting and trying to climb over one another. Unlike some jobs where people can viciously try to claw their way to the top, we are helping each other get there, and rejoicing when someone has success.

I hope that I can be encouraging to new writers and that all the things I’m learning can be passed on.

Write on!

All Five?

May28

Yes, there are five senses. If you need a refresher, they are: seeing, smelling, tasting, touching, and hearing.

Are you using all five senses in your writing? If not, re-read your most recent piece and highlight the senses you are using. Then, for fun, go back and add the other senses. Then read it again and see how much better it is.

A reader needs to feel connected to the story in every way possible. When you’re creating a new setting, bring the reader into it with as much information as you can, without boring them, of course! I’ve read some books that have so much intricate detail that I skim the pages trying to get into the actual story. Find that “happy medium.”

So, is your heroine locked in a dark, dank dungeon? How does it smell? What is the temperature in the room? Is it completely quiet, or does she hear noises like the squeaking of a mouse, or perhaps a cockroach skittering across the floor? And most importantly, what’s going on inside of her emotionally? Is she scared? Most likely. So, how can you show that?

I encourage all of you to read C.J. Redwine’s, “Defiance.” She has a gift with words that will take you to some of those dark places, and make you feel like you’re actually there. In your mind you become her characters and feel their pain, as well as their joy.

When I was a little girl and would go to visit my grandmother, her house had a distinct smell. It was a combination of bacon and cigarette smoke. That may sound awful, but it was Grandma, and believe it or not, I found the smell welcoming because Grandma was a warm and inviting woman. I have great memories of that house and Grandma’s love. I developed a character in one of my books whose house smells like bacon. And unlike Grandma, my character doesn’t smoke, she chews tobacco. However, like Grandma, she’s one of the most lovable characters in my book.

When writing romance, it’s easy to focus on feelings, and the sense of touch. But those feelings are enhanced when you mention the “woodsy” scent of the man’s skin, or the hint of honey in your heroine’s hair. Don’t neglect the nose!

I would love for you to tell me about some of your favorite ‘sensory’ writing. Write on, and don’t forget “the five.”

Grandma and Grandpa

Know your History

Apr30

When I was in High School I received a History award at the end of my senior year. I loved history, and still do.

I was blessed to have a teacher who spoke about history with passion and made it interesting. He didn’t focus on dates, (which I hate to admit has caused me a few problems along the way!), but he focused on events. Yes, the dates are important, but more than that, the facts of the event are the most important.

In my previous post I talked about research, and talking to people who specialize in the subject matter that you’re writing about. On top of that, it’s important to research even the smallest detail. Don’t ever assume that something existed in the past that we have today.

Yes, you may know that there were no cars, microwave ovens, or cell phones in the 1800’s, but did they have toothbrushes?

The simplest things can make the biggest difference. One tiny detail may pop out and make a reader stop reading, or an editor roll their eyes and wonder if you really researched your material.

And, if history isn’t your thing, and you don’t like research, then try creating a whole new world! You can do anything you choose when you’re making up something new.

Best advice…write what moves you. For me, it’s history, and falling in love. A great combination!

What makes a Five-Star Book?

Apr25

I remember the days when I was sick as a child, and had to stay home from school. To pass the time, I would read. Reading took me away from home on adventure after adventure, and the hours flew by. I think there may have been times that I probably wasn’t sick enough to warrant staying home, but the books called to me, and I managed to convince my mother that I was “very” sick.

One of my favorite series of books to read was “The Chronicles of Narnia.” I could polish off one of those books easily in a day’s time. And then, as I got older, I read “The Hobbit” followed by “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Other favorites included “Watership Down” and “Christy.” As an adult, I continued reading fantasy and went on the adventures in “Dune” and the “Thomas Covenant” books. And I can’t leave out the books about Merlin and Arthurian Legend by Mary Stewart; “The Crystal Cave,” “The Hollow Hills,” and “The Last Enchantment.”

All of those books have stayed with me through the years, and I enjoy reading them over and over again. When I began reading romance, I was drawn to “The Thorn Birds” which is not your typical romance. Maybe that’s what has made my writing far from “typical.”

I know there are many more books that I’ve not mentioned, but what I want to say is that to me, all of the books I mentioned rated five stars. They took me away to other places, captured my heart, and made me feel like I was a part of them. Any author who can achieve that in their writing is gifted. I hope that I will achieve that goal with my stories, and if at first I don’t succeed, I will keep at it until I do. I pray that I’ve been blessed with that gift.

My goal is to touch the heart of my readers, and maybe even give them something to think about. Perhaps even take them to places that they’ll want to journey to time and time again. I want my characters to feel like brand new friends, whose lives are being shared.

So what are some of your “Five-Star” books, and what makes them rate so high for you? And…if you don’t mind sharing…what is the first thing that turns you off from a book and makes you put it away without ever finishing it?

Civil War

Nov17

While researching material for my newest book, I have been talking to Civil War experts as well as visiting reenactments and historical sites. Having grown up in the Northwest, I was not familiar with a lot of the details about the war. The South is rich in history, and reminders of what shaped our country.

I pray that we’ll never be so divided again. Being human, we’ll always have our differences, but hopefully we can overcome them and appreciate each other for our “uniqueness.”

My stories are not typical romances. Then again, what romance can truly be called “typical?” Every heart beats differently, and attractions can be something completely magical…even in times of strife.

Step back in time with me, and remember where we came from…

A time to rest…

: A time for play…

Jeanne Hardt

In the footsteps of the past…We, too, shall walk. Romance, Love, and so much more…