Wherever you call home, November has made its presence
known. Here in the states, especially
the land of the Mitten, we went from balmy temperatures in the upper sixties to
the rude awakening of frozen white pellets and blustery winds. All of this occurred in just twenty-four
hours. Snow and cold have arrived.
Since it’s less than pleasant outside, it should provide me
with more opportunities to do some writing. That might work. Provided there isn’t a good
football game to watch.
So let’s get started. It’s time for a bit about writing and a
sneak at my latest project. There’s also
a twist on the interview process and music.
If you were looking for Christmas carols, you’re in the wrong
place. Let’s roll!
Writing
During a discussion with some of my students last week, the
question about outlining came up. This was related to a project the class was
working on. I encouraged them to plan out their efforts and referred to the
requirements for the assignment. The
conversation was going well with most of the students participating.
Until someone asked about my use of outlines when working on
my stories.
I explained that fiction is different, at least for me. The idea of plotting out every action, every
conversation, every twist and turn in advance to actually sitting down and
working on the story leaves me cold. I’d rather get it started with an idea or
two and just let the characters take the lead.
My students didn’t believe me. So I gave them an ancient example.
While in an English class in elementary school, one of the
nuns gave us an assignment. We were to write an outline and turn it in. Then a few days later, we were to write the
story and submit it. I explained to the
good sister that this was impossible for me. My brain doesn’t work that way. She
listened, shook her head and told me that was the assignment and no amount of
complaining was going to change that.
So I took a different approach.
I went home and wrote the story. Then after it was done, I went back and wrote
the outline.
The outline was turned in right on schedule. Then when it was due, the story was
submitted. I waited for criticism or
comments, but nothing happened. Then the
sister returned both parts of the project with her grade. I aced both segments. Leaving the room, she gave me a smile and
said “See. I knew you could do it.”
“You’re absolutely right, Sister.”
I didn’t have the heart to admit my trickery. But to this day, I still can’t work with an
outline. I find the process too restrictive.
In some respects, I take the same approach with a synopsis for a
book. I can do it after the story is
written, but not in advance.
To paraphrase Shakespeare: To outline or not to outline. That
is the question.
I’ll stick with NOT!
Work in Progress
Slow steps are being taken with “The Wayward Path”. This week I received the first round of
comments from Ally, the editor. Now it’s
my turn to review the manuscript and accept or reject her suggestions. This is
the third novel we’ve worked on together.
That connection helps. Ally is
familiar with Chene, Pappy and the rest of the crew.
I’m determined to take my time with this round, in the hopes
of eliminating any goofs that would inadvertently slip through the system.
Meanwhile, I’m anxious to see what the cover art looks like.
Unfortunately I’ve not been able to spend as much time on the
fourth Jamie Richmond novel as I’d like. But the ideas continue to come forward
and a couple of new twists have materialized.
A little research may help. You see, there’s a chance that Jamie may get
involved in not just one mystery this time, but two. And then…
But I don’t want to spoil it.
Events
One of the things I really miss since the pandemic began is
the opportunity to get together with fellow authors and readers. In the past
I’ve often attended festivals where people enjoy chatting with authors and
discovering new books.
It turns out that a friendly librarian from the local library is having such an event on the second Friday in December. A number of local authors will gather on that evening, eager to share their efforts and sell a few books. There may even be a giveaway or two. Since it’s so close to the holidays, this could be a great way to pick up a special book for the readers on your list.
Character
Interview.
Change is inevitable unless you’re
standing in front of a vending machine.
With that in mind, it’s time to change things up a little. Usually in this space I’ll share an interview
with an author, giving the readers the opportunity to discover some new
stories.
Here's a photo of Kristine Lynn.
This month, we’re going to feature a character from “An Heir for the Secret Prince”, the new novel by Kristine Lynn. Here’s your chance to get a sneak peek, since the book will be released next month. So let’s say hello to Gregory, the Crowned Prince of Aldonia. He may not be the hero of this story, but he’s definitely the star of his own show. In the movie version, Nicholas Galitzine would play Gregory.
Tell us a little about yourself: First of
all, thanks for actually wanting to talk to me. Aurelia was supposed to, but it
seems like Philip took the spotlight from me. Except, for this question, there’s
not much I can tell you, here. Seriously. I’m under a gag order not to say
anything about my, uh, role as prince, but you know, what I can tell you? I
don’t mind watching Philip fumble over himself around Aurelia. She’s the only
one who can make him squirm like this, and I’m here for it. Oh, one thing I can
tell you. I hate orange juice. Especially with pulp. It’s like drinking sour
tree water. Gross.
How did your background get you
involved in this novel? Man, you’re asking all the tough questions,
huh? Well, as the, um, Prince of Aldonia, I’m a natural person to be part of
this story. After all, isn’t that who Aurelia wanted to interview? So, knowing
that, wouldn’t you think she’d like to spend more time with me and not Philip?
Geez. You’d think this was his story the way those two prattle on. Anyway, I’ve
been best friends with Philip for a while so us sharing a background is why
he’s so dang present in my story.
What’s your greatest strength? And
your greatest weakness. Okay, well, naturally, I’m gonna mention how
great I am at running the country. I’ve kept our heads above water while the
king and queen are away, and that’s no easy feat, am I right? My weakness?
Well, I may not, uh, take myself as seriously as Philip wishes I did. Not that
he’s the boss or anything, but yeah, maybe he’s got a point. But what’s life
worth if you can’t have a little fun. Philip, are you listening?
What is it about this latest story
that sets it apart from the others? Well, it’s important for Aurelia to
tell the royal story so our country’s narrative is shared with the western
world. That being said, Philip has some things that he’s eager to share, but we
need to chat about how he does that before I talk to you. I can say, his news
will change things for him and the country. And me, of course. After Aurelia,
you’ll be the first to know.
Tell us something about your background that may or may not be revealed in the
book? Oooh, you’re gonna have to read the book to see my background reveals,
but I will say there is something about my sibling that you’ll find interesting
to learn. They… love horses. There. That’s all I’ll share.
Are you the type of person who always
seeks out the company of others? Um, yeah. Always. I hate to be
alone.
Which do you prefer, music or
television? TV all the way. American TV to be specific. Gilmore
Girls is a top pick, as is NCIS.
What has been the most romantic thing you’ve ever done or instigated? Way to call
out my single status… huh. Nothing much comes to mind, so maybe you should
check in with Philip. He’s the romantic at heart. I like the ladies, but
romance and all that sap isn’t for me.
Family background (number of siblings, especially if they appear in the book) One sibling. Likes horses. That’s all I can say right now. Thanks for having me, though! I’ve got to check in with Philip and Aurelia now, but have a great day!
Back Cover
Blurb:
"Okay, who invited the journalist?
Philip, advisor to the Prince of Aldonia, is livid when he
discovers someone invited a nosy reporter to the palace to write a salacious
story about the royal family. The problem is, the more she digs into their
pasts, the more she will find out about him—and his private life is none of her
damn business. Which is why no one is more shocked than him when, on a whim, he
asks her to stay on as his guest.
Aurelia is only certain of two things when she meets Philip on
assignment in Aldonia: he’s hot as melted sin on a cracker and he’s hiding
something. Too bad he’s NOT the story she’s there for. However, that won’t stop
her from finding out just why he’s so reclusive—and tempting. However, when
their growing attraction takes an unexpected turn, Philip may be forced to
share hisdarkest secrets with Aurelia—secrets that will change her life. Will
their new relationship be strong
enough to overcome the adversity these revelations bring?
Discover the breathtaking
country of Aldonia as you root for Philip and Aurelia’s love story! For more of
the Aldonian royal world (and the next installment of the Aldonia Royals
series), check out “A Bride for the Aldonian King."
Here’s an except you’ll want to read.
He let a smirk tip the corners of his lips
upward as he closed the distance between them. He inhaled the scent of lavender
and mint and tried like heck not to notice her full, pursed bottom lip that she
nibbled on.
“You aren’t the only one who does their research, Ms. Beck.”
“Touché,” she said, her perfect, plump lips drawn up in a sneer.
Never had that one snarky word seemed so sensuous. Or dangerous.
As Philip turned toward the door, he halted mid-step as if he’d run smack
into an invisible wall. Without pausing to consider the ramifications of the
word that followed, he whipped around and told Aurelia simply, “Stay.”
She stared at him with the same expression his subconscious shot at her—a
look of mild confusion mixed with curiosity.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Where would I be going?”
When she rested her hands on her hips, drawing his gaze to the soft curves
just barely covered by fabric, he groaned. The last shred of his resolve
diminished, leaving him with half a hard-on and a bemused expression on his
face. He closed the distance between them in a stride until he was a breath
away from those lips that had him in a trance. Damn if they weren’t the one
thing keeping him there, grounded in place, wondering what they might do, or
say next.
“Stay here,” he added, not sure where he was headed with this asinine
conversation until his brain picked up where other parts of him had clearly
been leading the way before. “Stay here for the month. I’ll give you the story
you’re looking for, answer the questions Prince Gregory wouldn’t.”
You can learn more about Kristine and preorder the book by
checking out the links below.
Twitter: @kristinelauthor
http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/blog/fall-for-royalty-you-bet-preordertoday-coverreveal
MUSIC
Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to
music. I can’t work in silence. It drives me to distraction. Before my classes
begin, I often have music playing. One
afternoon recently someone stopped in my classroom as the students were filing
in and asked if the class was the history of rock and roll. At the time Huey Lewis and The News were
playing. So let’s put the spotlight on
that band.
Huey Lewis has been a successful singer, songwriter since
the late 1960s. Lewis also plays a wicked harmonica and the story goes that he
learned to play in his youth while hitchhiking across the country.
Here’s my top five favorites.
Hip to be Square: https://youtu.be/LB5YkmjalDg
Power of Love: https://youtu.be/wIiVp3poe2c
Heart of Rock & Roll: https://youtu.be/M7JVlpm0eRs
Heart & Soul: https://youtu.be/8TdaXhpjHws
Workin’ for a Living: https://youtu.be/lcIK3akktLU
