Mission: Publication

Where in the World is Abbi?

2011-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

First, I can't believe I'm almost a double-digit midget! August is almost here. Wooo Hoooo!

I'm moving, in more ways than one. In June, I move 500 miles from where I live now.

My blog is moving to my website: http://abbicantrell.com. It's still under construction, but my time will be spent between my website, my writing and an endeavor that I can't let go of.

When you get a chance, pop over to http://nursesinlit.com.

I hope to see some of you at my new blog which should be ready next week. I will post here again when it is.

I hope everyone is thriving and happy.

Abbi :-)

Women's Fiction Event

2011-03-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

When I'm not writing, working or caring for my family, I volunteer for RWA. For the past two years, I've been treasurer for the Romantic Women's Fiction Chapter of RWA (RWA-WF).

This year RWA-WF is hosting its first Women's Fiction Conference in NYC in conjunction with Nationals. Here's the details:

The RWA-WF Board is thrilled to announce on Tuesday, June 28th, RWA-Womens Fiction Online Chapter will hold the First Annual RWA-Womens Fiction Day.

Our line up begins at 1 pm with a two hour presentation by the fantastic Michael Hauge. Michael is considered a genius with story structure. A highly sought after speaker he travels the globe educating both authors and screenplay writers on three act structure. Michael has created a unique presentation for RWA-WF.

At 3:15 we will also host a panel of Womens Fiction Editors and Agents. This diverse and talented group of publishing professional will discuss Womens Fiction in the marketplace as well as answer questions with regards to this exciting genre in which we write. Confirmed members for this panel are Kristin Nelson founder of Nelson Literary Agency and the author of Pub Rants, Meg Ruley at Jane Rotrosen Agency, Andrea Cirillo at Jane Rotrosen Agency, and Shauna Summers Senior Editor at Random House.

Then at 4:15 we will have a panel of Authors dedicated to Womens Fiction. From Newbies to Veterans our pubbed authors will speak on Womens Fiction. They will answer questions about the genre as well as their personal experiences with writing. Our panel will include Megan Crane, Jane Porter, Barbara O'Neal, Therese Walsh, and Marilyn Brant.

After our break for the RWA Literacy Signing we will reconvene at 8 pm for the RWA-WF annual meeting.

Our guest speaker for the evening event will be internationally best-selling Juliet Marillier. We are thrilled that Ms Marillierhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif will speak with our group while visiting the US. She is truly a remarkable writer.

We will conclude the day with a cocktail reception.

The cost for this amazing day will be 55.00 for RWA-WF members and 80.00 for non-members.

Payable in advance via paypal on the RWA-WF website here. Please include your name when you register. The space for this amazing day is limited so please register asap! This event will take place at the New York Marriott Marquis in the Duffy/Columbia Room.

Megan Crane and Jane Porter write women's fiction and Harlequin Presents. It looks to be an exciting event!

Abbi :-)

How to Destroy Your Computer in Three Easy Steps

2011-03-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

AKA Total Laptop Destruction, The Abbi Way v1.0

Step 1: Add two competing anti-virus programs to your computer after virus destroys all of your e-mail.

Step 2: Ignore the two competing programs when they tell you they aren’t happy cohabiting together on the computer’s hard drive.

Step 3: Ignore every time your computer freezes and you have to reboot your computer by using the power button.

The blue screen of death appears when your computer can’t take it anymore. At least, that’s what mine did.

Yep, that’s where I had been from Thursday to Late Sunday. Rebuilding my computer. Fortunately, my husband managed to salvage all of my work.

Hope someone learns from this.

Abbi :-)

Rewriting and Revelations

2011-03-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

I'm learning that I don't like rewriting. I want the stories to be perfect the first time. Now, editing, that's a different story for me. I can do that. (As a matter of fact, that's what I used to do for a living.) I can move words around, make the story functionally better.

But to rewrite means I have to change the story. Rewriting means I can't just change a few words, I have to recreate new words, paragraphs, and scenes.

There is an upside to rewriting: The story gets better. Even though I don't like doing it, my story is improved from the rework. I had to rewrite the beginning of A Wedding for Ainsley because it just didn't flow right for me. Plus, the motivations were all wrong.

I know I'm going to have to do the same with my underwear story.

A downside to rewriting: You can lose words. I lost 4K in my rewrite. :-( But, I've gained most of it back already.

Amyone enjoy rewriting as much as I do?

Now here's the revelation: My story for Tessa Radley's eharlequin competition was Baby Boon. Thanks to everyone for the comments. Much appreciated.

Abbi :-)

A Month of Focus

2011-02-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

I've decided to try something I've never done before: take a month to focus on one story. Eat, sleep and write characters for one story only. It's always about the characters, so I'm wondering how a story will develop if I just focus.

Feb 19th-Mar 20th. 30 days. One story.

Let's see what happens when my characters have nothing to do but hang around in my brain. Scary thought, huh?

Abbi :-)

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part Four

2011-02-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

Continuing with my ongoing efforts to put my work out there, I have two posts up this week. The first was a 250 word challenge by author Janet Tronstad on the e-harlequin blog. The short short is titled Dr. Millam's Valentine.

The second should be posted on Valentine's Day as part of a competition to win a mentor for a month. I will post an exact link when it is up.

My next Not My Baby event: subbing.

I hope everyone is healthy and happy.

Abbi :-) 191 days

Decisions . . .

2011-02-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's decision time again for me. And it's not something as simple as which line do I want to write for.

If you haven't seen it, there's been some exciting news in my household this week. My husband has been selected to be a Vice President with Michigan State University.

It was an easy decision. Mark's worked hard to get to this point. But, in life, love and marriage, something's gotta give, right?

Do you give up time with your two beautiful boys? Do you give up time with your husband when he's hardly ever home?

This isn't about the craft of writing but writing is a balancing game. Your first book isn't going to let you leave the day job. Maybe not even the second, third or fourth.

When I'm moving around on the floors of the ICU, the choices are hard, what's less important gets moved to the bottom. Sometimes, that's your meal for the shift.

My question is: Are your dreams worth putting at the bottom of the list? What if you aren't sure you know what direction you want to take that dream?

No answers. Just alot of hope and faith on this end.

No, I'm not going to quit writing, but I may have to cut down on eating for awhile. :-)

Abbi

How SHORT Can You Go?

2011-01-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

I think synopses are one of the single most hated entities in writing. I’m not a fan of them even though I tend to write better short. It's hard for me to decide what to keep in a synopsis – especially when a publisher asks for a 1-2 page synopsis. *Gulp!*

This time as I work on two stories, I decided to up the challenge. I decided to summarize each story in ONE SENTENCE. Yes, I’m crazy.

But, you really need to have that sentence if you want to have the question in to story up front right? You have to create your story so that the reader will be asking themselves this question within the first couple of chapters.

I'm hoping this will also help me craft pitches to keep them focused on the romance of the story.

Here’s my question for Ty and Ainsley:

Can Winston Memorial’s most eligible bachelor who’s lost at love find HEA with his best friend’s spunky little sister who doesn’t believe in HEA?

Now I could’ve excluded the character descriptions but those are to help me.
Whittling the story down to one sentence is also an attempt to help me focus. Focus on the story and the characters.

Can you whittle your story down to one sentence?

Abbi :-)

Another Sale!

2011-01-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I had another post ready to go, but I'm going to use today to congratulate another on-line friend who has sold to the M&B Medical Line.

Pop on over and congratulate Susan Wilson!

Congratulations, Susan!

What I Learned in 2010

2011-01-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

Can you believe how fast 2010 zoomed by? And now we're over a week into 2011. Before June hits, I thought I'd share a few things I learned from ole' 2010.

Openings Aren't Really Meant to Be Melodramatic

Yes, it's good to have a dramatic opening. But, mine tend to be melodramatic or over-dramatic. Time to tone it down.

Have Faith

Faith in yourself and what you're doing is important, bottom line. If you don't have it, you can't get to where you want to be.

Choose a Path and Stick With It

This is a hard one for me because I am an idea person. I have ideas for everything. But, they all can't be done at once. Truth be told, I'll probably only accomplish one or two of my original ideas in my lifetime. Writing is about branding yourself and you can't brand in seven different directions.

Be Positive No Matter What

I tend to be an upbeat person. I'm happy with life. I'm happy no matter who wins. And many times people don't appreciate or they question my perkiness. It used to bother me. I felt like an outcast. No more.

We Need Another Star Trek or Stargate spin-off

I hesitate to say this because I really didn't like Stargate: Universe. But, there is nothing on TV and I'm starting to become amused by some of the shows on Nickelodeon. Yes, that scares me.

Which leads to my next lesson . . .

June 29, 2012 is Still TOO FAR AWAY

Don't know what happens on this day? I'll give you a hint. A certain sequel hits the theaters.

I Have an Awesome Critique Group

I don't know where I'd be if I wasn't with the Sassy Sisters.

What did you learn in 2010?

Perfect? Or Charlie?

2010-12-13T14:05:00.001-08:00

There are many hard things about creating a story. The characters. The world they live in. But, I think one of the hardest for me is naming the hero and heroine. When I write a draft, I usually just slap names to the characters.

But, I find not using a permanent name really hurts the story. How can I imagine what the hero is going to say next when I've tagged him as Abe Vigoda? (Those of you who grew up in the era of Barney Miller and Fish will know what I'm talking about.)

Instead of the sweet talking 28-year-old he's supposed to be, my character becomes a grumbling 75-year-old.

So, I have to name my characters in advance. The problem here is I really like to think about the names. To me, it's like naming your own child. It can be a long process.

Any thoughts on how to shorten it and still be happy w/ the name?

Abbi :-)

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part Three

2010-12-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

So, as part of my campaign to not coddle my writing, I said I'd put more of my work out there. Here's the first chapter of Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear, which will no longer be a part of the book. And, yes, it was very hard for me to give up this chapter. But, it's backstory, not in the present.

And, yes, this story is almost a parody. I grew up watching Mel Brooks movies. Enjoy. :-)

________

No more protecting skirts.

Picking himself up out of the dirt for the third time in less than five minutes, Brett McKinley repeated his vow: no more protecting skirts. Hell, the next time he saw a skirt after he left this continent, he’d make an immediate about-face and high-tail it out of the room.

After he finished this mission, he’d take his skills somewhere where they’d be more appreciated. Like maybe a life guard on Redondo Beach. Or maybe a bartender in Key West. He wasn’t Tom Cruise but he could mix up a mean drink.

He scanned the Australian landscape for the completely insane woman who didn’t understand limits – his boss, Dorie Albright. He found her, hanging off the side of a cliff, her hands playing a game of Russian roulette, seeking more stable ground with each grasp.

She wasn’t going to find it. This was a record dry year for southwestern Australia and the ground was brittle. He dashed toward her, hoping to catch her before she fell off, providing food for the sharks in the ocean beneath her.

Not exactly what he expected for his first trip to Australia. Then again, none of this had been what he expected. This job, his grandfather’s last wish for him before he died. His grandfather had made it sound like an honorable job, more honorable than any of the duty he’d done with the Army and the Airborne Rangers. Chasing after crazy women. Psycho women stealing chest hair. That’s what it was.

He’d told Dorie this whole plan was a bad deal. Like any breathing male, he was certain Hugh Jackman valued his chest hair. But, she wouldn’t listen. “I have to do it for the company. For our family,” she’d said.

He skidded to his knees as he reached the edge of the cliff.

“Brett. Save it.” Dorie’s voice sounded ragged as if she had trouble catching her breath. She couldn’t hold on for much longer.

Brett laid prone as close to the edge as he could get and extended his left hand out to her. “Dorie, grab my hand.”

“No.” Still ragged with extended wheezing between sentences. “Save the hair.”

The hair? She meant the acquisition they staked out for more than 36 hours. Her sitting in a too-tight polka dot bikini and he fending off her passes. He used the excuse to check around the beach for “checkpoints” to leave whenever she got too aggressive. Dorie was cute with her coal black shoulder-length hair and pear-shaped slightly overweight torso, but her ‘you’re my property’ was a huge turn-off for him.

The wind pushed a gust between them and Dorie grabbed his hand. A scream escaped and deafened his ears.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you. Give me your other hand.” Brett tightened his grip on her hand and reached out for her other. He tightened every muscle possible to transfer his strength to his arms. “Come on. We’re almost there.”

“No,” her scream more desperate than plaintive. “You have to save it. You have to save the hair!”

Okay, Dorie was undoubtedly psychotic from the hang on the cliff. Or the escape from the Bondi police. He noticed her abnormal gaze had turned away from him, her focus more intent. “You have to save the hair. It’s more important.”

With his muscles stretched to the max, he could only turn his head a little. But, it was all he needed to see what had caught Dorie’s attention. A piece of fly paper no bigger than a small envelope lay part against a large rock, the rest flapping in the wind. When it got away from the rock, the paper’s trajectory looked like the same as Dorie’s – into the South Pacific Ocean.

The fly paper. What she’d used to steal this guy’s chest hair. Oh, hell. Was she kidding? Nothing, even her life was worth this.

She had a crazed look in her eyes. The same gaze he’d seen in many soldiers after they’d seen one too many violent deaths. Dorie had yet to see a death he knew about. Or so he thought. “You have to. I won’t let it get away.”

Brett jerked the arm holding Dorie. “Wake up, woman! It’s not worth it.”

Her psychotic gaze diminished and her eyes turned dark black. He could feel the heat increasing in her arms and she tugged right back. “It will be worth millions. Go get the hair!”

He tried to reason. “Okay, but only after I get you off this cliff. Now, GIVE ME YOUR OTHER HAND.”

She moved and the tension in his lower back eased a centimeter. He waited for her to swing her hand up to him. Her head moved and a searing pain flashed through his forearm. She bit him. His lower back reverted to an even higher level of tension forcing him to push out the pain from his body and focus only on holding on to Dorie. She’d bit him and he almost lost his grip. “Are you nuts, Dorie?”

Another blast of heated wind and Brett’s arm started to feel numb. He could feel his trapezoids burning. If he didn’t get her up soon, he’d be joining her over the side of the cliff. “For pity’s sake, Dorie, just – “

A new, sharper pain jolted through his hand – she’d bitten him again – and he let go out of self-preservation. As he clutched his hand to his chest, he watched Dorie – the skirt he failed to protect – fall to the ocean. Her last words echoed toward him: “Save the hair . . . “

He rolled over and planted his face in the ground, inhaling specks of sand and dirt. He repeated his vow: No more protecting skirts.

_____

While, yes, there are problems w/ this chapter, the main issue is Dorie. I love Dorie and this is the second time I've started SJFU with a chapter including her. Unfortunately, this isn't Dorie's story. And while I like totally wacko Dorie, I need to focus on the h/h: Josie and Brett.

Abbi :-)

The Magical Wizardry of Writing

2010-11-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

The following happenings occurred on the night of 11/07/10.

It’s 4am and I’m finally sitting down during a very busy 12 hour shift (it started at 7pm). My head is spinning and I’m surprised I can still speak in coherent sentences. Both of my patients are new admissions and very sick. In addition to this, I have two new nurses in my module with me and I have been their resource for questions or concerns.

I want to sleep, but I still have charting to do. Labs will need to be drawn in an hour. A nurse from another module approaches me a smile on his face. “Hey, Barbara. Writer Barbara.”

“Hey Mohammed. What’s up?

“I need you to write something for me.”

Write? Like now? Sure, let me get my mighty pencil and sharpen my brain. I sigh.
“What do you need?”

“I need a thesis statement.

Riiiiight. A thesis statement. “You want a statement, right? Not a whole thesis . . .”

“All I want is a statement to help me get going. To work my project around.”

That can’t be too hard, right? “Well, I can’t promise how good it’ll be. My brain is toast right now.

“Oh, it’s not that hard. You’re a writer. You can do it.

If I wasn’t so tired. I would’ve been laughing about right then. I pull out a piece of physician progress notes and pick up my pen. “Okay, what is the statement about?"

“I need a thesis statement that makes an affirmative of bradycardia (slow heart rate) and tachycardia (fast heart rate) in a clinical setting.”

I didn’t drop my pen, but I almost did.
_______

It amazes me how many people think how easy it is to write. How writers just pull finished manuscripts from their minds and get them published. No rewriting or revising. No blood, sweat and tears.

Maybe it is the case for some writers, but not for me. Anyone have the key to the Magical Wizardry of Writing? Is there a Hogwarts school I missed?

BTW, I did write the statement. Then minutes later, I had to rush to a code.

Abbi :-)

Win a Spa Package!

2010-11-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm busy with NaNoWriMo but I wanted to take a moment and highlight a cool contest and a great book. My local CP Lynne Silver's first book is out and as part of the release she's offering a home spa package to one commenter on her blog.

And here's a little about her book:

Catherine Schilling has done nothing but work since her divorce a year ago. A trip to Rapture Spa seems like the perfect way to begin pampering herself and having some fun. But Catherine soon learns that Rapture isn't like other spas, starting with her irresistibly sexy massage therapist, Hunter. His sensual massage turns too erotic, too forbidden to allow...but Catherine and Hunter's attraction is too strong to deny. And luckily for Catherine, Hunter agrees that one session just isn't enough....

So hope on over to her site or eHarlequin and check it out.

Congrats, Lynne!

Abbi :-)

Is it Live or Is It Memorex?

2010-10-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Many who know me (and even some who wish they didn't), know I'm a Chris Pine fan. Adore his voice and some of his movies.

So, as I was doing a little cyber-stalking, I came upon a cover photo of Pine that will be on the stands next week. It's an eh picture compared to an inside photo. But, there was one aspect that concerned me. Take a look at the cover:

I can't help but wonder if those are really his arms or if they've been touched up a bit with Photoshop. Or did someone mess up a photo and have to fix it for some reasons. I can't really fathom how they could be real. Arm muscles just don't bulge that way when you're in that position.

Part of me is like: It's not for me to say. The other part -- the part that works in an ICU -- wonders if someone's overdoing the workout thing a bit.

Here's another photo which is much nicer.

Okay, Chris Pine fix done for the month.

Abbi :-)

Sale Shout Outs

2010-10-09T02:34:00.001-07:00

Time to celebrate!

Congratulations to two writing friends who've sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon.

Amy Strnad to Modern Heat
Wendy Marcus to Medical

It couldn't have happened to two nicer people. I look forward to cheering both of you on through your careers.

Abbi :-)

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part Deux

2010-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

As part of my Not My Baby, No Way campaign, I submitted the first chapter of one of my mss in the Mills & Boon New Voices contest. You can see the first chapter of How to Marry a Brazilian here.

I have to admit, it wasn't an easy decision. I still have a medical romance I am working on, but I didn't feel I could have the first chapter polished in time to meet the deadline. Plus, I really like the beginning of my new medical. Tentative title for the medical: Countdown to a Wedding.

So, now I have a draft almost ready to sub to Desire, one to M&B Medical and my single title. I think my plate is full.

Abbi :-)

What to Read? Everything.

2010-08-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

Time for serious Abbi to talk.

If you're a writer, you read, bottom line. In his bookOn Writing, Stephen King wrote: "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or tools to write."

Well, I'd like to add a little twist to that: Don't just read what you intend, to write, include what you don't intend to write on that TBR pile/list.

If you're focus is single title, then read short contemporary. If you want to write for Harlequin Presents, read Silhouette Desire or even Silhouette Romantic Suspense.

Why? Because you will learn about the differences between styles and genres. I think if you just read within the line or genre you're targeting you won't pick up on those subtle differences.

Reading a mystery, may help you come up with a plot twist for your series contemporary. Reading short contemporaries will give you a better grasp on inner conflict.

So what do you think?

Abbi :-)

Recasting a Story

2010-08-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

Before you read my post, you need to go over and read the post by one of my critique partners and Sassy Sister Jane Mulberry.

Any-who, I'm in the process of rewriting the story I subbed for the HQN Medical pitch earlier this year. It's not as light as it used to be which means I have to recast. It means this guy is no longer Hayden:

Chris Pine was great as Hayden when I needed someone to be funny and quirky. I just can't see him as the serious type. Maybe someday if he does a Kramer vs. Kramer, I'll rethink it.

So, here's my new Hayden:

Tahmoh Penikett was my most recent Peek of the Week on the Sassy Sisters' blog. I think he qualifies better as someone who's trying to figure out why his lover of three years doesn't want to marry him. Brooding Hotness on the Rocks as I've nick-named him. Don't ya think?

Contest Critique Rant

2010-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

I was going to talk about Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear tonight, but I've decided to change topics. I will get back to SJFU tomorrow.

I received contest scores for the second book I am subbing (not my baby, no way) -- Guillermo's List (GL). Guillermo's List is the story of two sisters who must deal with the aftermath of a medical error. The first chapter takes place in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a bereavement room.

Let me preface this by saying I am extremely critical of my writing and I listen to and try to take criticism effectively. But, when the critique tries to tell me something that I experienced and put into words couldn't happen or questions the feasibility of it happening, then I get a little upset.

I've been in a bereavement room. I know how many people are there to talk to the family. I know under what situations medical errors can occur. I know how people react. And, if a person reacts contrary to how you think someone should react, why is that a problem? Each situation is different for each person. We have to take that into effect when we judge entries.

The good news is people seem to like my writing. I just seemed to get marked down for things that have nothing to do with my writing. How can you write about what you know when no one believes it can happen?

I just might post my first chap tomorrow. Or, we can talk about SJFU. Any votes?

Putting up my happy picture.

Abbi :-)

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part I

2010-07-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

So there was this discussion on Twitter-- prompted from a discussion at RomCon -- about how you should treat your book. It's not your baby and it shouldn't be treated as such. Writing/publishing is a business.

I've decided to take that approach with two stories that are important to me: Guillermo's List and Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear. Now this doesn't mean that I am just going to throw them willy-nilly out to the world for everyone to see. But, I am going not hold onto them so much anymore.

First step, Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear goes out today. I will tell you more about that story and Guillermo's List tomorrow night. (Will be at Boy Scouts tomorrow.)

Abbi :-)

So Many Hats, So Little Time

2010-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

I’ve been out lately, working on projects that mean a lot to me.

My new blog, Nurses in Literature, is intended as a forum highlighting nurses who write, whether fiction or nonfiction. It's still a baby, but I'm working to build it up.

I am now co-blogging with my international critique partners at Seven Sassy Sisters.

I will continue to post here once a week, but if you want to really keep up with me, the above two blogs are the place to find me. I need to manage my writing time as well as time in my job and with my family.

Hope to see everyone around the ‘net!

Abbi :-)

Let's Celebrate!

2010-04-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS to my CP Jessica Darago for being a 2010 Golden Heart finalist.

And another congrats to another CP and fellow nurse, Jane Mulberry, for completing her current WIP.

I'm very proud of both of you.

Abbi :-)

With a Little Help from . . . Underwear

2010-04-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

No one ever said writing is easy and I tend to agree. Writing is about discovering your passion, discovering what works for you and discovering your voice. Luck does come into play, but I think the three aforementioned are just as important.

I am realizing I need to be positive about this journey and believe in myself. And maybe some underwear (to be defined later).

So, I'm done with the first draft of SFJU and I am receiving positive comments. Now to send it to my critique group and out to others. Yikes!

Someday, I will be able to explain this and people will understand.

Abbi :-)

On Judging Contests

2010-02-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

MH aspiring writer Rachael Johns has a great post about the subjectivity of contest scores. Read it if you are subbing to contests.

I would like to talk about judging contests. Over the past several months, I have judged contests and I am currently a coordinator for my local RWA chapter. When you judge, some contests coordinators will send you a table of overall results, yours and other judges in your specialty. This allows you to see just how well you judged other manuscripts compared to your peers .

I like these results because I care about how I judge others manuscripts. Was I too hard on someone? Generally my scores are in line with other judges. But, this last contest, I scored much higher than a couple of other judges.

Which leads me to my point:

What manuscript warrants a score of 29 out of 100 points? Yes, you read that right. 29 out of 100. My answer: NO ONE. There is really no purpose to scoring someone really low in a contest except to kill someone’s spirit. And, IMHO, that is not the purpose of contests. They are here to help aspiring writers.

Most people who score below an 85 will not make the finals so a score of 29 is overkill.

My suggestion: Make your lowest score a three. You point will still come across with 3s.

Abbi :-)

Which is More Important: The Super Bowl or Caring for the Sick?

2010-02-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

A little bit of snow fell this weekend where I live. The main roads are plowed but the side roads, ie., my street haven't been touched.

I work tonight 7p-7a and I had a feeling getting into work would be a problem. I am working on it. Why? Because people will be too busy watching the Super Bowl to help nurses get to hospitals and take care of sick patients.

And, once I get to work, my place of employment can't guarantee I will have a way to get home.

I really hope everyone enjoys the game.

AC :-)

You Don't Know Me . . .

2010-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

My blog is back up. Abbi Cantrell I am.

This blog will be about writing. And, because it is not the ONLY thing I do in my life, it will be about the other things as well: family, work (nursing) and life.

And, I am going to start out with a little fun. The ABC's of Romance started by my creative critique group.

WoooHooo for remembering the letter Q!

Abbi :-)

Inspiration from Others

2009-12-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I really should call this post “All Hail Maisey, Day 2” for the first person in my short contemp. critique group to get The Call.

Maisey is now a author with Harlequin Presents/M&B Modern. Read her call story at her blog here. Congratulations, Maisey!

All of the excitement yesterday made me think about inspiration. Inspiration from others heading in the same direction as you. Being able to not just look at each other's work but also to talk about day-to-day life.

For the past year or so that I have been with this group, Maisey, Robyn, Jane, Jilly and Aideen have kept writing while waiting -- patiently waiting. Maisey never lost faith in her writing.

I am grateful to be part of a group whose writing seems to flow right onto the pages. Mine takes a bit of cajoling, fighting and screaming, but it gets there. And, I keep telling myself at some point, mine will do the same.

(And, to be honest, I am in two critique groups. Both provide inspiration in their own way.)

So, my advice to others: find a critique partner or group that will inspire you to keep moving forward.

In the meantime, go over and congratulate, Maisey, M&B’s newest author.

BKB :-)

Christmas Gifts for the Aspiring Writer

2009-11-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, more like Christmas gifts for the aspiring romance writer.

Need a few ideas for someone who wants to be published in romance? Here ya go.

1) Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon

If they don't have this, they're lost. GMC is the cornerstone of a good book -- especially romance. I use it to develop my books. One of my critique partners goes one step further and uses it to develop each scene in her book.

2. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

This book is not only inspirational it has loads of spot-on advice.

3. 12-Point Guide to Writing Romance by Kate Walker

Although this book focuses on writing short contemporaries, much of the information applies to other genres as well.

4. A comfy chair. What better place to stir thoughts and write?

5. A year (or two) of patience. Writing is a tough business right now and breaking in can take some time. So don't set expectations, just take things as the come.

BKB :-)

A Visual Look at Characterization (aka Alphas and Betas – Atlantis Style)

2009-11-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Understanding your characters is important in writing. To read a good breakdown of how to build a character go to Maisey Yates' post here.

But did you know, your character can evolve from one archetype to another during the story? For example, an alpha can become beta and vice versa.

I am, hands down, a visual person. I can’t write a scene unless I can visualize it. So, I am going to give you a visual example. (And I can hear the groaning now from my critique partners.)

The John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) you will see in the below video is Beta Sheppard. The cocky, laid-back guy who lets everything roll off his shoulders. Teyla Emmagan (Rachel Luttrell) is part of his SG team.

Note: I pulled these scenes from YouTube, but Stargate:Atlantis is owned by MGM studios.

Next scene (but from a different episode): After being injected with a retrovirus, Sheppard has started to transform.

Okay, did you get the Alpha-ness of Sheppard? More confident. Commanding. Ever so-slightly forceful, but not brutish. Kinda like a Presents hero.

By the end of the episode, Sheppard transforms back to his Beta self. If you want to see this, go here and scroll to 7:28 into the scene.

Now with short contemporaries, the transformation may not always happen. The hero generally transforms at the end of the story, but he usually stays Alpha or Beta the rest of the time.

Okay, what is the point of this whole post? Even though your character may be classified as Alpha or Beta, they may not always act that way in certain situations. It is the situation (and some of their past) that determines their reaction. So, don't kill yourself trying to keep your character the same way all the time.

Anyone want to gander at a literary example? I might be able to dig one up on a future post.

And, last, but not least, this post is dedicated to my high school English teacher who always downgraded me for putting my thesis statement at the end of the paper. :-P

BKB

Did This Guy Get Promoted?

2009-10-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

I wrote a post about a certain model for Harlequin/Silhouette Romances showing up on quite a few covers just under a year ago. See my post here.

Well, it seems like he got a promotion. Now, he's showing up on ST covers.

And, in this one, I think they just PhotoShopped his hair.

I know there's more. I am just going to have to do some digging.

Same guy? Yes? No?

BKB :-)

Out of Service

2009-10-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

I've been out because of this . . .

My computer is on the fritz. Waiting for new netbook.

Up next week: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Enter the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest.

Hopefully, back on Tuesday.

BKB :-)

Unleashing My Story

2009-08-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have decided to write and read next month to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. By participating in Unleash Your Story, I have set goals to write 15,000 words next month and read 2,000 pages. (Page# may change because I can't remember exactly what I submitted.)

I will post my progress here.

For more information on Unleash Your Story, go here.

BKB :-)

Am I Really Qualified?

2009-08-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

So it’s been awhile since I judged in any contests, probably about six months. I am almost finished with entries for a local contest and I am more concerned about my ability to judge than the actual entries. Two were actually great and I gave the entries/writers high ratings. One I felt was iffy only because he/she didn’t really explain some of the feelings and emotions that surfaced during the story.

Actually, I think they told what was happening more than showing what was happening.

Please note the below information is not from a entry. I made it up myself to use as an example.

Example:

Okay: He touched the edges of her fingers with his.

Better: His lean fingers reached out for hers as if it were his sole lifeline, the soothing touch of her supple skin the one thing that could bring him back from the bottomless waters.

(Okay, probably a little overboard, but I am writing this on the fly.)

I have had training through more than one organization. BUT: I am not published. I am not PRO (yet). I have only placed in one contest. (I have an editing background, but I really try to put that on the backburner when I am reading contest entries.)

Am I Qualified to Do This? I hope so. I try to be as fair as possible with entries. No one will ever get a 1 or 2 from me unless the story is really, really, REALLY bad and I have to kick in my editor brain to make sense of what I am reading.

Am I Qualified? Me wonders.

BKB :-)

Names . . . and The Stubborn One

2009-07-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this guy is no longer Derek Payne.

His new name is . . . Hayden Kendall. Well, the name will stay that way at least until I finish the story.

And, now, The Stubborn One

That would be me, of course. Even though my pitch to an M&B editor went horribly, I am still determined to continue to submit. Plus, I can't not enter the Instant Seduction contest. I've entered each one since they started. I haven't placed, but I have learned alot.

BKB :-)

Weddings Can Be Hazardous . . .

2009-07-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I've started a new short contemporary, with a tentative title of Weddings Can Be Hazardous to Your Health. (Yeah, I know. It will change before I sub to Harlequin.)

Here's a peek at my hero and heroine:

Derek Payne (Chris Pine)

Anny Wilder (Rachel McAdams)

I have a strong feeling the character names are going to change as well . . .

BKB :-)

Not that I Need Another Reason to Procrastinate . . .

2009-01-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

Because I like to read as well as write, I decided to participate in the Chunky Challenge 2009, ala Too Big to Ignore Anymore.

The rules for the challenge, which starts on Feb. 1, are here. In short, books have to be more than 450 pages.

I plan to read 5 books from the following list:

The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

Duma Key by Stephen King

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Thirteen by Richard K. Morgan

Nemesis by Jo Nesbo

The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

Progress to be determined later . . .

:-) BKB

Let's See How Long I Get to Do This . . .

2009-01-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Gotta Post a Great Pic . . .

from a great episode. (Except for the end.)

Stargate: Atlantis, Vegas, 01/02/09

BKB ;-)

Books Read in 2008

2009-01-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I achieved my goal of 40 books read for 2008.

# Bachelor Boss by Christie Ridgway
# Bedded by Arrangement by Natalie Anderson
# Bride for a Single Dad by Laura Iding
# Do Not Open Until Christmas by Charlene Sands
# Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
# English Lord, Ordinary Lady by Fiona Harper
# Expecting His Love Child by Carol Marinelli
# Fortune's Forbidden Woman by Heidi Betts
# Found: A Father for Her Child by Amy Andrews
# Having Bravo Tanner's Baby by Christine Rimmer
# Hot Nights with the Playboy by Nicola Marsh
# In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
# Kate Walker's 12-Point Guide to Wrting Romance
# Learning to Breathe by Karen White
# New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
# Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
# Officer Down by Theresa Schwegel
# Pregnancy Proposal by Tessa Radley
# Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King
# Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper
# Taken by the Maverick Millionaire by Anna Cleary
# Tangled Up in You by Rachel Gibson
# The Billionaire Who Bought Christmas (Kindle) by Barbara Dunlop
# The Boss's Demand by Jennifer Lewis
# The Doctor's Pregnancy Bombshell by Janice Lynn
# The Greek Billionaire's Baby Revenge by Jennie Lucas
# The Greek Tycoon's Unexpected Wife by Annie West
# The Heart Surgeon's Secret Son by Janice Lynn
# The Italian's New-Year Marriage Wish by Sarah Morgan
# The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis
# The Magnate's Indecent Proposal by Ally Blake
# The Millionaire's Blackmail Bargain by Heidi Rice
# The Millionaire's Proposal by Trish Wylie
# The Pact by Jodi Picoult
# The Surgeon Boss's Bride by Melanie Milburne
# The Survivors Club by Lisa Gardner
# The Turnaround by George Pelecanos
# This Charming Man by Marian Keyes (DNF)
# Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
# Wanted: White Wedding by Natasha Oakley
# When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy and HelenKay Dimon

:-) BKB

Best of 2008

2008-12-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

Best Book

This is the best book that I read in 2008 and not necessarily published in 2008.

It took me almost 2 years to sit down and read Twilight. And I am sooooo glad I waited. Because, if I had read it then, I wouldn't be able to read the next three books in the Twilight series back-to-back-to-back. I have finished New Moon and have moved on to Eclipse.

Twilight has been described as a love story between a teenager and a vampire. And, when my friends described it to me as such, I was like: Okay, I've read enough vampire love stories.

I agree with the above description but Stephenie Meyer's story is so much more than that. It is not what a reader would expect at all and that's what makes it a great read. For one thing, there is awesome banter between Bella and Edward. But, I think what makes the story a true romance is that Edward is nearly unattainable and oh-sooooo Alpha.

The other great thing about waiting 2 years to read Twilight is that I don't have to wait to see the movie. (Can you tell I am not good with delayed gratification?)

Up Next: Best Storyline that Ended Quickly.

BKB :-)

For a Great Cause

2008-12-02T01:07:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas, do you need some ideas for gifts for a romance writer in your life?

Go here and browse the fabulous offers. Or click on the icon below.

(This also applies to writers who want to buy some gifts for themselves.)

BKB :-)

I. IS. DONE. (Part Deux)

2008-11-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

My Golden Heart entry is done and has been submitted.

Can I do anything more?

Yep. One more thing to do . . . (coming soon).

BKB :-)

I. IS. DONE

2008-11-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

I have nothing more to say. I am B-E-A-T.

BKB :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

I'm off for a few days for a trip to Michigan. I will still be writing though. Have those NaNoWriMo and GH deadlines to stress about.

Be safe.

BKB :-)

The Guy Gets Around . . .

2008-11-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

I know this is probably very common, but I received my new batch of Harlequin books today, looked at a cover and thought "Hey, this guy looks familiar."

What do you think?

Modern Heat, 12/08

Modern Heat, 10/08

Silhouette Special Edition, 11/08

I Interrupt My NaNoWriMo . . .

2008-11-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

For an important American Title V message from my critique partner, Jessica Darago:

THE AMERICAN TITLE V CONTEST HAS BEGUN!

The American Title contest is a joint project between Romantic Times Magazine and Dorchester Publishing. Each year, Dorchester selects a handful of submissions to compete for a publishing contract, and YOU, the readers, get to choose the winner.

To spread the word about the contest, finalist Jessica Darago (author of The Serpent's Tooth, a gothic historical), is raffling a $10 bookstore gift certificate to anyone who copies this message into his/her own blog. You don't have to vote for Jessica, or vote at all, to win. (But Jessica sure hopes you will!)

The winner may choose a gift certificate from Amazon, Powells, Fictionwise, or even iTunes (because audiobooks deserve love too).

To enter, copy this message to your own blog and leave a link to your post at http://justjayj.livejournal.com/259245.html

To vote for Jessica, send a blank email to votes@romantictimes.com with "The Serpent's Tooth" in the subject line.

Visit Jessica at http://justjayj.livejournal.com for more information and a link to read all of the American Title entries.

__________

'Nuff said.

BKB :-)

NaNoWriMo Status

2008-11-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

As of today at 3:25pm -- 5226 words.

I am behind by about 3000 words. Ughhhhh.

How is everyone else doing?

Back in a few days.

BKB :-)

Random Tweets

2008-11-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

* 22:05 Cooked two dinners tonight and a birthday cake for hubby. #
* 08:03 I need to write more today for NaNoWriMo. #
* 09:14 Writing 'crap' is hard when you are Type A. #
* 09:15 Does writing 'crap' 250 times for one page count? #

Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter

Snoozing for Awhile . . .

2008-10-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well, not really.

I won't be snoozing. Only at night.

Tomorrow is the start of NaNoWriMo and I will be participating.

Plus the Golden Hearts are coming up and I have two entries to submit.

I received my Neo in the mail this week, so there will be no reason for me to stay on my laptop, except to edit. I love my Neo.

Did I mention the now 16,000 e-mails that I have to get through in my inbox?

Good luck to everyone entering the GH and writing for NaNoWriMo.

Back in about a week to update on my progress.

BKB :-)

Preppin' for Next Month . . .

2008-10-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

While I am working on my current project(s), I am trying to find time to prep for this next month:

I know we're not supposed to write in advance, but I have to have a skeleton of an idea before I write. And that's what I am working on now.

BKB :-)

Three Reasons Why I Buy Books

2008-10-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Why do I buy books instead of using the library? (Although I still do reserve some books at the library, but not many.)

#1 It always happens. I reserved two books about 3 weeks ago. The 19th Wife, where I was #20 on the list and The American Wife, where I was #96 on the wait list. Both are ready for pick-up from the library today.

Whenever I reserve more than one book, no matter how far apart they are on the wait list, I get them at the same time. :-(

#2 My library doesn't carry series contemporaries like HQ Presents or Silhouette Special Edition. It does carry Steeple Hill Inspirational, but that is it.

#3 Nine times out of ten, when I pick up a book, it reeks of smoke. I can't take that.

BKB :-)

My Husband . . .

2008-10-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more proud of him . . .

BKB :-)

The Highs and Lows of Technology

2008-09-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Highs

I've grown to love all of the new technology that is available to us. I have an iPod, which I use to listen to music and watch favorite TV shows. I can actually carry an episode around with me and watch it. When I was a kid, there was no way you could do that. Unless, of course, you wanted to carry a VCR and TV set with you as well.

Yesterday, my sister sent me a Kindle for my birthday. She knows that I love to read, but that I also don't like to have so many books lying around. I LOVE IT!!!!!

My first purchase: Surgeon Prince, Ordinary Wife by Melanie Milburne. I swear I read the first chapter faster than I have ever read a chapter before. Plus, the writing was great. Loved the h/h first meet!

There are alot more things you can do with a Kindle and I will try to get to that later . . .

And even though I have been on for a couple of months, I started twittering this week.

I learned about twitter from Alison Kent years ago but never started following until I learned David Hewlett (techy geek of Stargate: Atlantis) was on twitter. The man is hilarious. So if you want to laugh from time to time, pick him up on Twitter.

Even Harlequin is on Twitter.

Now The Lows

Well, there's really only one. Because of Twitter, I learned of the demise of SG:A. :-( And the last episode finished filming over a week ago.

What will replace Atlantis? Not sure, but I will let you know. It will live on for me on my iPod.

BKB :-)

A Little Slovakian, Anyone?

2008-09-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I live in a great neighborhood? A nice cul de sac, walking distance from the school, etc. I was talking with one of my neighbors this morning and she mentioned that she will be having 5 friends from Slovakia staying with them this week.

Slovakia? My first response: Ohhhh, material for a book. I know, bad me.

I do have an idea brewing for a character from the Czech Republic.

I guess I will have to go introduce myself.

BKB :-)

Another Congrats . . .

2008-09-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

To Another Critique partner: Alison Pion.

She made the finals of the From the Heart Romance Writers Golden Gateway contest for her historical The Lady Thief.

Way to Go, Alison!

I am hoping this will mean that the group will kick some butt in this year's Golden Heart competition.

BKB :-)

IT. IS. DONE.

2008-09-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I submitted my entry for the Mills&Boon Feel the Heat competition today.

The title: Tamed by the Brazilian
Word Count: 4727 words

Off to keep working on the book. Okay, maybe not today. I need to clean my office.

:-)

Okay, So I Lied . . .

2008-09-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I posted that I was using Rodrigo Santoro (pictured below) as my inspiration for Kleber Silva in my current WIP.

Well, I lied. Just a teensy bit. I need Kleber to have a slight comedic side. A side that can compete with a woman who likes to banter. So I added a little bit of John Sheppard/Joe Flanigan (pictured below).

So if you can picture a blend of the geeky guy from Love, Actually and Col. John Sheppard from Stargate: Atlantis, then you know my character, Kleber Silva.

BKB :-)

She Did It!

2008-09-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to one of my esteemed critique partners and fellow SF junkie, Jessica Darago. She is one of the finalists in the latest American Title contest! Info here.

Her manuscript is titled The Serpent's Tooth and it is stunning.

I, along with alot of other people will be rooting for you!

BKB :-)

First Chapter -- Done!

2008-09-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the first chapter of my Modern Heat entry is done and is in the hands of my esteemed editor (i.e. my husband) and my critique partners. It came in at 4,301 words. I have a title, but I am still vetting through others for input.

But, for fun, here's my inspiration(s):

Kleber Silva aka Rodrigo Santoro

Emmeline Delaney aka Rachel Wiesz

Having fun keeping these two in trouble. On to Chapter Two, and Three, and Four. . .

BKB :-)

And They're Off . . .

2008-09-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

My two little munchkins started school today (Kyle, 1st grade; Jacob, Preschool).

I miss them already. Time really does fly when you are raising children.

BKB :-)

Golden Heart Deadlines

2008-08-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

The 2008 GH Deadlines are now on the RWA site. Entries will start being accepted on Sept. 22. That's less than one month away. Yikes!

Good luck to everyone who enters.

BKB :-)

____________________

Golden Heart Contest Deadlines

November 17, 2008
Entry forms and fees must be received by the RWA Office.
Note: Once the contest reaches its 1,200 entry maximum, it will close to new entries, even if it is prior to the November 17th deadline.

December 2, 2008
Entered works must be received in the RWA Office. Failure to meet this deadline shall result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.

December 22, 2008
In case of dispute as to whether the entry form and fee were received, the entrant must produce proof of receipt via copy of canceled check, front and back, or evidence of a credit card charge.

December 31, 2008
Preliminary round judging begins.

March 2, 2009
Golden Heart preliminary round score sheets due to RWA Office.

March 25, 2009
Notification will be sent to finalists by two-day guaranteed, registered delivery. Phone calls to notify finalists shall also commence. Release of official finalist list on RWA Web site by 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

April 14, 2009
Final-round judging begins.

June 1, 2009
RWA Office to receive all final round score sheets.

The Rodney McKay Fan Club

2008-08-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Stargate: Atlantis since my husband introduced me to the show during Season 3. And I have always said that this show has great characterization. The banter between characters is awesome. (I know, I'm a writer and I can't be very descriptive today. I have been alone with my two boys for a week. The boys survived. The creative side of my brain didn't.)

Anyway, I know there are people who are not fans of Rodney McKay. For those people, I hope they have taken the chance to watch The Last Man (Last episode of Season 4) and The Shrine (most recent episode of season 5). You will definitely have a different view of Dr. McKay.

Kudos to David Hewlett and the cast of Atlantis for another awesome episode.

I can't believe they aren't renewing Atlantis for a sixth season.

BKB :-)

So Close . . .

2008-08-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Just found out today that even though I didn't make the finals, I came in 4th in COFW's Ignite the Flame contest with my series contemporary entry. They pick the top three.

A year ago, when I entered contests, I didn't even come close to making the finals, so I feel like I am making progress . . .

BKB :-)

Why I Loved This Year's RWA Conference, Part V

2008-08-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Highlight #5: The Goody Room

I've been to all kinds of conferences. When I was a nurse, I attended conferences for the pediatric specialty. When I was an editor, I attended those related to editing and science editing. I have even been a speaker at a conference or two.

But, I have to say, in all of my experience I have never seen anything like The Goody Room. Talk about Manna from Heaven. Can you say loads of free books? Including some hardbacks?

And there isn't just books. The room serves as the holding area for all author promotional materials. And some of the authors were very creative. Some had fans with their book cover imprinted on them; a few gave out lip gloss. My favorite: Chalk courtesy of The Writing Playground. The kids in my cul de sac loved it.

And what impressed me the most: Very little candy. Health care professionals always get and give candy. I know, ironic.

It is also a great place to volunteer. I worked in the room on Thursday and chatted with many friends and authors. I will be volunteering in the Goody Room again next year.

BKB :-)

Why I Loved This Year's RWA Conference, Part IV

2008-08-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

Highlight #4: Learning from Pros

While I couldn't attend all of the educational sessions I wanted (and, literally, because some were packed and fire marshalls limited the number of people in each room), the sessions I did attend were excellent.

One in particular that I alluded to before was "Emotion, Emotion, Emotion: Writing Romance with Global Appeal. After the packed session for "Instant Seduction," I expected this room to be full as well -- but it wasn't.

The session was taught by Harlequin Romance authors Barbara Hannay, Jessica Hart and Barbara McMahon as well as M&B editor Lucy (Brown) Gilmour.

I think one of the most important things I have learned over the past year while studying M&B romances is the importance of packing emotion into the stories. This session really solidified that point for me.

More later . . .

BKB :-)

Why I Loved This Year's RWA Conference, Part III

2008-08-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Highlight #3: Meeting Up with Long-time E-mail Colleagues and Friends

When I decided I wanted to write romance, I joined RWA. The first chapter of RWA I joined was HeartBeat RWA, the chapter for those who write and support medical romance. For over a year, I have been chatting online with several members and it felt like a family reunion when I finally got to meet everyone.

It was nice to finally meet Dianne Despain, Julie Rowe, Mona Risk, Lynne Marshall, Molly Evans, Janice Lynn, Robin Haseltine, Laura Iding . . . I know I missed someone. So sorry about that.

You know, now that I think about it, the whole conference felt like a family reunion. I can't wait for next year.

BKB :-)

Why I Loved This Year's RWA Conference, Part Deux

2008-08-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

Highlight #2: Meeting Mills&Boon Editors

More than a year ago, I decided that I wanted to write for Harlequin Romance. I have spent my time reading and studying the lines . . . and writing.

I wanted to meet the editors so they could put a face to my name when I submitted. "Hey, here's that crazy American's submission."

Through a bid on Brenda Novak's auction for Diabetes, I was fortunate enough to sit with Suzanne Clarke during a lunch on Wednesday. I also met editors Lucy Gilmour and Sally Williamson (pictured below).

(The above picture was taken from the Pink Heart Society blog.)

All three were very knowledgeable and fun to meet. It was also nice to see the camaraderie among editors and authors.

I think the one thing I carry away from my conversations is the word E-M-O-T-I-O-N. If you want to write for Mills&Boon, emotion is what they want to see and feel. More on this in my next post.

BKB :-)

In Progress . . .

2008-08-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Something's up with my computer, so I can't post the graphics on my word counts for today. Oh, well.

Wife for a Candidate (Series Contemp.)

600/50,000

A Capitol Compromise (Series Contemp.)

36,000/50,000

Guillermo's List (3rd Rewrite)

78,250/100,000

BKB :-)

One Degree of Separation (aka Why I Loved This Year's RWA Conference, Part I)

2008-08-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, lots and lots and lots of fun things happened at this year's conference for me, but I only have time to add tidbits each day.

Highlight #1: Meeting M&B Author Trish Wylie

Trish Wylie writes for both Harlequin Romance and Modern Heat and, of course, I wanted to meet her because I adore both lines. But, I had an ulterior motive, what I call the one degree of separation.

Before going to the conference, Trish took a trip to ComicCon in San Diego. And who did she meet?

Well, I don't know if she actually met him, but she was close enough to take the above picture. Check out her blog, she has other pictures from the conference. And great writing tips as well.

Trish was very nice and it was a joy to meet her. Thanks for humoring me, Trish.

BKB :-)

Lesson: The Inciting Event

2008-07-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

What is the event that starts it all for your story? Is it a bomb that devastates an area or is it a woman’s proclamation to her boyfriend or the world? Do you have an inciting event?

While you think about it, let’s start with a definition.

Incite: To provoke an action; to stir up. (The American Heritage Dictionary).

That makes sense, doesn’t it? If a story is a series of stimuli and reactions, you have to have something to start it all, right?

The inciting event sets up how the chain reaction of events and emotions evolve through your characters.

Let’s look at a couple of examples:

An obvious one from a great writer is the event in The Survivors Club by Lisa Gardner: A sniper waits to shoot his prey. He succeeds. Then, he, too, is murdered.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult: One short paragraph that describes the shooting during a teenage suicide pact.

It’s not hard to have characters respond to these type of incidents. The inciting event doesn’t have to be as dramatic as the above examples.

If you’re writing romance, the Harlequin website discusses the inciting event in their “Learn to Write” area. Click here and read "Acting Up: The Three Act Structure."

BKB :-)

In Progress . . . Week 1

2008-07-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here's my current WIPs:

Wife for A Candidate (Contemp. Series)

A Capitol Compromise (Contemp. Series)

Guillermo's List (Mainstream)-- Rewrite#3

Instead of posting these at the bottom of the blog, I am going to post them once a week to show my progress.

BKB :-)

Here We (I) Go Again!

2008-07-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Mills&Boon is having another contest. The target for this contest is for their Modern Heat line. If you haven't read this line, I suggest you do. It is absolutely wonderful and enticing. I know I am in for a fun read when I pick one of the books up. Two of the authors are up for RITAs this year.

Since this was the line I was trying to target with the Instant Seduction contest, I will be entering again.

Details of the contest are here.

Good luck to everyone who enters!

BKB :-)

Welcome (Again)

2008-06-27T07:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the restart of my blog! I am a serious writer working on my first novel(s). I will warn anyone who reads this in advance, I love romance. And I write romance. Not erotica, but more steamy contemporary. I believe in the HEA and crave to have it at the end of my story.

Through this blog, I hope to impart some of the knowledge I have learned over the past year taking writing classes and writing in general.

Lesson #1: Read.

I know, everyone says this and it is true. I will add one thing: read everything. If you’re writing romance, read some literary fiction or literary non-fiction. If you’re writing literary fiction, read romance.

Why do I say this? Because you will learn something from it all. There are some great literary fiction writers out there and there are some great romance authors as well. I have learned plenty about pacing, characterization, plotting, etc. by reading across the board.

My reading list so far this year reflects that diversity. (Look below for a glance.)

More soon.

Take care.

BKB :-)