The Twenty-first Issue

 

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

www.facebook.com/kristinelynn

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