A Peek at My World

When I first started plucking away on this blog, I didn’t care if the words I set down were ever read. It was for me, an outlet, a way to flex my artistic muscles by posting about the situations in life that move me. I used it to absorb invaluable information about the craft of writing and publishing. I had no way of knowing that I would encounter others who had struck out on my same journey.

Like an artist wielding a brush so do we take quill to hand and struggle to leave a permanent imprint in the minds and hearts of many. We are scribes eager to be published, read, and filled with the knowledge that we’ve touched, baffled, and even mesmerized our readers. And it is an honor to share the floor with so many.

I am a writer. It’s what I do to help the monotony of the world fall into place and conform to a more attractive pattern. Having said that, it didn’t seem as a surprise to me at all when I gave birth to a galaxy, conjured it out of the void.

Twelve planets occupied the unusual solar system. At the head was Pantheas. (There is symbolism behind the name. I have based it on the theory of Pantheism, the belief that God is everything, that we are all connected.) To govern this planet, I created Craven. (Also symbolic of his rise from fear.)

He is my protagonist, my hero. The story begins and ends with him. It was my intention to describe him in this post, but maybe the best way I can do that is to include a short excerpt. This material has been tweaked to keep from revealing deep dark secrets.

(I’ve given the man powers, looks, a planet, and a woman. He was happy. Then I started messing with him. The first thing I did was cause his woman to betray him by stripping her of what she loved the most.)

　

*

Craven looked away. “I’ve been called a man of deep passions, mostly because I don’t give my heart to just any woman. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with her.” He stopped talking. The pain was wrenching his ribs apart.

*

*

(This scene begins in the throne room. Consumed with fury over his woman’s betrayal, Craven succumbs to a moment of weakness, an indiscretion. He snatches a palace pet, a name used to describe servant women to the king. Had I not tweaked it, the scene would have revealed his powers and the secret that makes this story unique. This is also a small attempt at smoothing out a hot sex scene.)

*

Hands touched her, and a mouth, an oral conduit of liquid fire. He was everywhere, inside her, stretching her, filling her. She leaned back onto the man, intoxicated by the movement of his pelvis and the hand weaving expert torture on the flesh between her thighs.

Dreamy eyes regarded the king of Pantheas. “My lord?”

“Nydia, are you alright? The first time can be difficult.”

She grew a fiery red before sitting up. “I’m fine.”

He tapped her cheek. “Good. Then go now.”

She hurried to her feet and ran out of the throne room.  Soon she’d be telling the other women about their encounter.  They would gossip happily as was the female tendency. A smile flirted with his lips, but he refused to give in. He stood, glanced at the ground, and inhaled a deep breath. He had betrayed his own code of ethics. Life couldn’t possibly get any worse.

*

*

(And then it did, much worse, but that takes the rest of the book.)

I've just completed editing the first 200 pages of my manuscript.  I hope that by the time I finish edits on 500+ I'll have longer dialogue and maybe a scene or two to offer.

I've managed to sketch out a cartoon character of Craven.  This is what I have so far.  It's black and white and scratchy (kinda ick).  I can do so much better.  His eyes should be an unusual shade of green, and the scar should be on the other side.  His hair is black.  If you're wondering about the spots...no, he's not a shifter, but what he is and why he looks the way he does reveals plenty of my plot.  (I also know what he looks like naked, but that would be inappropriate.)

Tomorrow I'll post something brief on my heroine.

*

Check out something cute.  This is my favorite cartoon character and the easiest drawing I've ever finished.                                        "Sentimental Reasons."

See you all tomorrow.

Happy 4th of July

Today is a proud day for many Americans.  I know it is for me.  As many of you know by now, I wasn't born in this country but had the privilege  to be sucked into this culture at the age of six.  I can't picture living anywhere else.  In honor of such a great day, let's all go out and celebrate. 

Please do join me tomorrow as I offer a peek into my main characters, my WIP, and post a few mediocre drawings I've used to pass the time.

Last Day for Reading Material

I read a variety of books, but it would't be fair to end this week without pointing out the first author who hooked me on Urban Fantasy and Dark Fantasy.  Laurell K Hamilon.

Bestseller Hamilton's Anita Blake, police consultant, executioner, necromancer, private eye and wereleopard protector, returns in her amorous 10th adventure, driven more by conflicting desires for the lovers she neglected in her last outing, Obsidian Butterfly (2000), than by the urge to solve any mystery. Once again, in a world where vampires and werecreatures are protected by law, Blake attempts to resolve her libido's constant crisis. Plunged into the netherworld of a leather D/S (dominant/submissive) bar, Narcissus in Chains, by the abduction of one of her inherited wereleopards, Blake finds herself deep into shapeshifter politics and a were creature power struggle that is all a metaphor for her own inner struggle. Whom should she choose werewolf Richard or vampire Jean-Claude? Or should she take a new lover? Who cares? Blake is eventually infected by the "ardeur" from the vampire clan and tinged with shapeshifting abilities from the were clan. As she becomes more like the fantastic creatures she protects or kills, she, alas, doesn't get any more interesting as a character. Her obsessions with lust serve mainly to overwhelm a rickety plot. Blake needs to put her clothes back on and get back to work. Too much flesh and not enough plot leads to the old but so true saying, "Less is more." (Oct. 9) Forecast: With a 15-city author tour and 100,000 first printing, this should be as successful saleswise as previous books in the series.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

(I chose book 10 from the series because it was the first one I read.  It was easy to leap into her world and delight in her characters.  I've bought the complete series since then, but this 10th book impacted me like none other.) 

Laurell K. Hamilton revitalized vampires, werewolves, and zombies in the popular Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books. In this new series, she updates faeries. A Kiss of Shadows introduces Merry Gentry, a.k.a. Meredith NicEssus, a faerie princess of the Unseelie Court, where politics is a blood sport. Merry, who's part sidhe (elvish), part brownie, and part human, never really fit in. She's short, not skilled in offensive magic, and mortal because of her human blood. These are real liabilities when your family, especially aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, is out to kill you. Merry has been in hiding for three years, living in Los Angeles and working for the Grey Detective Agency, which specializes in "supernatural problems, magical solutions." A new case sets her against a man who uses forbidden magic to seduce fey women and drain their power. A plan to trap him goes awry and Merry's cover is blown. Now Andais knows where she is. But things have changed in Andais's court, and Merry is changing too.

Despite the selkies, brownies, goblins, and ogres in this book, it's not for children. The fey are "creatures of the senses"--and in the Unseelie court, sex and pain go together. Merry is sexually adventurous and surrounded by gorgeous, powerful males, most of whom want her badly. She's politically savvy and no coward, though she's not the warrior Anita is. Hamilton fans and readers of adult fairy tales like Anne Bishop's Black Jewels trilogy will want to give Merry a look. --Nona Vero --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


(Erotica has nothing on this.  Merry Gentry has to have sex with everybody until she gets pregnant.  Only then can she be monogomous and claim her king.  Can you say big slut?  The stories are actually good.  I like Doyle and Frost.  I have half of this series.)


I hope everyone has enjoyed by reading material.  There is plenty more but that'll be it for the week. I admire each and every one of these authors.  Their technique and love of the art should be emulated by all of us. 

Happy Writing everyone!!!  See you next week.

Let's talk about sex. Come on, you can do it.

Sex or no sex? How about it blogger buddies?

Donna Weaver has brought up an interesting question in my last post about favorite romance reading material, and I felt myself compelled to share it with you guys. This does not only apply to romance but fantasy, science fiction, etc.

Should a book contain sex? If so, should it be explicit? Or, do you feel it robs from the story, interferes with the plot? In today's society sex is second nature.

The way I see it there are two extremes in writing.

1. Window steaming sex that has the characters climbing up walls to achieve desired climax...somebody turn on the fan, it's getting hot in here.

2. Subtle kissing, lights go off, leave the keys on the table in the morning while you're walking out the door so that we get the gist of what you did.

Which would you rather read, if any? Does the sex matter if the plot is good?

I have sex...LOL...that is to say that I have incorporated sex into my writing. Some is subtle, some explicit. In the world and with the characaters I've created it works for them.

I have also posed this question to the people I work with. So far Romance readers here are voting for sex, hotter the better. Those who read other genres really don't seem to care as long as the story is good.

Reading Material 4

I love a good Romance.  There are three authors in particular that in my book know how to deliver.  The first is Lisa Kleypas.  I'm going to choose just one of her books.  This one is pard of her seasonal series.

Bestseller Kleypas's latest begins with the rake Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, striking a deal with Evangeline Jenner, the stuttering daughter of a sickly club owner whose uncle is plotting to marry her to a cousin, kill her and take her father's money. Evangeline offers up her future inheritance to Sebastian in exchange for the protection of marriage and assistance in seeing her father before he dies. They embark for Scotland, where they have a hasty marriage. Despite their mutual mistrust, they forge a tentative bond, but Sebastian is alarmed by his powerful reaction to the consummation, while Evie tries to defy her feelings for this "muff-chaser." After Evie's father dies, Sebastian takes an interest in the club, and while reforming it, Evie challenges him to a three-month celibacy bet before she'll bed him again. The suspicious newlyweds fight growing passion and frustration while a mysterious villain makes attempts on Evie's life. Kleypas's fans will appreciate the high action and scintillating twists and trysts.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


(This is a great read.  Sebastian is too hot.)



My second favorite Romance author is Stephaine Laurens.  I've chosen to list book one of the Cynster series because it's the one that made me fall in love with her books.



Governess Honoria Wetherby is determined not to marry; she plans to have adventures among the Egyptian pyramids in lieu of wedding a controlling husband. But even the best-laid plans can run afoul of luck and outrageous fortune, as is fatefully proven one stormy evening when Honoria happens upon a dying young man in the woods. After passing the night in a cottage alone with the corpse and his cousin, the rakish and very much alive Devil Cynster, it's decided--by the handsome rake--that Honoria has been compromised by the unchaperoned evening and the only remedy is to marry. Despite her flat refusal, Devil is determined to have the beautiful and feisty governess; his family is overjoyed that he's finally planning to marry. But Devil definitely has his work cut out for him as he attempts to convince Honoria to wed him and forego her plans for adventure. Luring Honoria to the altar is further complicated when she insists upon aiding him in the search for his cousin's killer. Which will Devil accomplish first: seducing Honoria or unveiling a murderer? Or will Honoria foil the first plan and solve the second before Devil can?
Devil's Bride is the first of several novels by Laurens that feature the members of the noble Cynster family in Regency England. The larger-than-life hero is bold, brave, daring, and determined and meets his perfect match in the heroine, who is plucky, intelligent, practical, and wise. Lush sensuality, deft plotting, and charming secondary characters make this novel a stellar beginning for the Bar Cynster series. --Lois Faye Dyer

(Devil Cynster is to die for.)


My third favorite Romance author is Julia Quinn.  Now, she's not as sexually explicit as the other two writers, but she weaves a lovely tale.  Her stories are loaded with rich plot and enticing characters.  I have been entertained.



Penelope Featherington fell madly, hopelessly in love with Colin Bridgerton two days before her 16th birthday. Unfortunately, Colin has always seen Penelope as the plump, shy best friend of his younger sister. By the time Penelope is 28 and a seasoned member of the English ton, she's accepted that her love for Colin is destined to remain unrequited and she shall be a spinster forever. Fate, however, has other plans. When Lady Whistledown's Society Papers announce that Colin has returned from his nearly nonstop travels, Penelope is blissfully unaware that her life is about to change dramatically. Colin is equally unaware of the turn his life is about to take. He's not surprised that his beloved mother is determined to marry him off, but he's rather astonished to find himself inexplicably drawn to Penelope. Her dry wit and intelligent mind are delightful, and Colin soon finds himself joining forces with her to deflect his matchmaking mama's good intentions. Together, the two will thwart their mothers' iron wills, face the formidable Lady Danbury, confront the gossips of London society, and resolve the lovely dilemma of falling in love. And, oh yes, there is that matter of the true identity of Lady Whistledown. Will the twosome unmask the elusive journalist? Or will their efforts be doomed to failure like so many others' before?
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton continues author Julia Quinn's wildly popular series of Regency historicals featuring the Bridgerton family, The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer from a Gentleman. True, the novel possesses all that we've come to expect from Quinn, including deft plotting, witty repartee, a faultless Regency setting, and expert characterization. But perhaps the book's most pleasing facet is Quinn's quietly nuanced handling of the hero's and the heroine's internal growth, which is furthered by their blooming relationship. They're two strong individuals made stronger by their bond. Now that's love. --Lois Faye Dyer


(I usually focus on the hero, but in this case Penelope takes the show.)

Stay tuned tomorrow.

Visual Blog

　

　

Attention fellow bloggers. Since I'm forcing you all to endure my reading material this week, I thought it would be fun to take a moment and post my version of a visual blog. Besides, I wouldn't be me if I didn't try to entertain you at least once. I practice photography as a hobby, and I so wish I would have taken this picture.

Who says nature doesn't have a sense of humor?

Ay, get off my rock!!!

　

I'm sure you all have experienced these visual blogs. Every artist draws emotion from pondering a picture.

Man: He decided to scale a mountain so he could say he performed a spectacular feat. Little did he know he'd happen upon the seagull's nest. The red helmet he wore to be spotted from the ground did nothing to help him blend in. He has peed his pants and a little extra for good measures. Shaking out his leg isn't doing the trick. He is currently cursing out the birds. How do we help this guy break free? What would you do in his place?

Seagulls: For years they've lived on the meager rations of man. The occasional bread crumb or potato chip has long since failed to hit the spot. Now, in a secluded spot provided by nature they can finally feed on human elixir.

"Pull harder, or we'll have to move the nest."

So tell me what you're feeling. Fear? Tender cozy appreciation for birds?

This would make a great ride at a water park?

Someone toss the little peckers a piece of bread and be done with it?

　

  

Reading Material 3

When I first picked up a copy of Silver Wolf, I thought it was an enchanting tale.   Not only is it loaded with historical facts, the author throws werewolves and ghosts into the equation.  When Regeane finally meets Maeniel, the grey wolf, sparks fly.  I have to say that their affection and loyalty toward each other touched my heart, so I had to buy the next two books of the series.  Silver Wolf is still by far the best. 






Regeane is a fatherless royal relation who happens to be a werewolf. Her guardian, Gundabald, and his venal son Hugo plan to recoup their fortunes by marrying Regeane to a wealthy bridegroom, even though she might inadvertently make him into a bedtime snack. Gundabald forces her into apparent compliance by threatening to reveal her secret to the Church, which would burn her at the stake. As the bridegroom, Maeniel, journeys to Rome to claim her, Regeane discovers allies in her quest to defeat Gundabald's machinations, including some very strong, funny, and levelheaded women. Unfortunately for Regeane, she also has more powerful enemies than Gundabald.
Alice Borchardt brings 8th-century Rome vividly to life. Her language is earthy and sensuously descriptive: "The wolf visited Regeane's eyes and ears. The girl staggered slightly with the shock. The light in the square became intense. Smells an overwhelming experience: wet stone, damp air, musty clothing, perspirations shading from ancient sticky filth to fresh acrid adrenal alarm."
Borchardt is Anne Rice's sister, but she writes a very different sort of tale. Ghosts, the dead, and supernatural forces are here, but so is laugh-out-loud humor and a happy ending. --Nona Vero --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.





Night of the Wolf interweaves a tale of the Roman Empire with magic, romance, and--lycanthropy. It follows The Silver Wolf, Alice Borchardt's absorbing story of the coming of age of a young woman who must learn to control and enjoy her wild side within the exotic setting of decadent Rome. This sequel begins by focusing on a mysterious figure from The Silver Wolf, Maeniel, a wolf who must contend with being a part-time human. Some of the other characters are magical in their own ways, such as Dryas, a warrior queen and priestess of the Caledoni. Others are resolutely human, such as Lucius, a Roman noble who finds himself at the mercy of Caesar and Cleopatra. Maeniel gradually begins to understand the quirks of human nature and in time finds that all roads lead to Rome, where Caesar's life is in the hands of Maeniel and his allies. With an adventurous plot, an unusual historical background, and a large helping of steamy sex scenes, this series should be much to the taste of fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon or Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. --Blaise Selby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title




Alice Borchardt writes at least as well as her sister does--and her sister is Anne Rice. The Wolf King is the third in her series of alternate history novels with shape-shifting protagonists, following The Silver Wolf and Night of the Wolf. Reading the first two adds to the reader's understanding of the characters, though it's not required.
Borchardt mixes fantasy, horror, romance, suspense, action-adventure, political intrigue, and realistic evocation of Italy in the late eighth century. She uses lyrical descriptive passages to set scenes and immerse the reader in her characters' experiences. When a runaway Saxon slave rescues Regeane, the silver wolf, from a deadly blizzard, "the wind was howling around him and the world was sinking into a cold, gray blueness as the sun set somewhere beyond the clouds." He wraps her in his flea-harboring bearskin, reflecting that "this girl didn't have nearly the healthy temperature he did; maybe the little bastards would die. At any rate, the extermination of his vermin companions was the only benefit he was likely to derive from this particular adventure." He's wrong about that.
Regeane is Maeniel's mate (he's the long-lived werewolf leader of the pack, whose earlier life was featured in Night of the Wolf). Once thawed, Regeane confronts a demented abbot and a gang of (literal) cutthroats to save him. The werewolves and the Saxon head for Geneva to pledge allegiance to Charlemagne, who's about to cross the Alps to challenge King Desederius of the Lombards for control of northern and central Italy.
Soon Maeniel is in Desederius's territory and in danger. Regeane follows, despite his prohibition. They're fated to reencounter Regeane's sniveling cousin Hugo, who seeks revenge. He has become host to a powerful bear spirit who wants the wolves for his own purposes. The new Hugo has a lot in common with the Steve Martin/Lily Tomlin character in All of Me; he provides comic leavening to the sometimes grim action. Other returning characters include Pope Hadrian's tough, practical, but vulnerable mistress Lucilla; her protégé, the singer Dulcinia; and the ageless werewolf earth-mother Matrona.
The Wolf King's almost-too-rich plot lines, characters, and mixed Teutonic, Roman, and Christian mythic elements may overwhelm those new to Borchardt's alternate Dark Ages. The story also ends abruptly--leaving plenty of room for sequels. --Nona Vero --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


Stay tuned tomorrow.