Character Analogy through my eyes!

Character Analogy!

Writing in a good character is sometimes the nemesis of writing. (To me that is!) When I sit down with a story in mind, sometimes the main character is unknown to me. I have to figure out how this character will evolve in the story.

First, I try to get a hold on the timeline that the story will tell. Will this be a story that takes place over years or just months or maybe even a couple of days. That tells me a lot about the age of the characters.

Second, Attitude,Attitude, What kind of attitude will the main character have? Will he or she be a real humble, quiet person or will they be sassy and noisy?

Third, Looks! Very important in a character, to me that is. When I read a book I like to be able to picture the person as the story unfolds. It helps make the story come alive in the readers mind and in the writers mind.

Fourth, Location. Will this be in a cold wintery setting, warm southern climate, or will it go many places. also important to make sure you put as much detail in your surroundings as possible without getting long winded. Why do I put this is my character analogy? Well, you need to know where the person is from, this makes up the character themselves. If they live in Montana, Georgia, Europe, or elsewhere, this could make the story turn differently and have a different feel. You usually don’t find a beach bunny or bum in Montana! (Smiling)

Fifth, Will your main character stay the same or will they change when the story evolves?

Sixth, the dreaded name of the character. Sometimes the name is automatic when the story comes through my head, but keep in mind the time period you are writing in and the names that would have been used. Sometimes that sets the tone.

I know this may not be the way most writers see their characters, but this helps me to make a connection with the person that will consume my thoughts and musings until the book is finished. I just hope it helps others while struggling with their characters bio.

Well, here …

Well, here it is. I have had some faithful followers ask for more info on me. I have a hard time talking about me as a person. So here goes, and remember you asked, so…

I currently live in Georgia (USA). I am married and I have a 13 year old son. I also have a 26 yr old step daughter, 19 yr old step son, and a 5 yr old step grandson. Never a dull moment around our house.

I have been an accountant for over 20 years and have owned my own accounting firm for 15 years. I know what you are wondering, “When do you have time to write?” Well, I write in the mornings after my son gets on the bus and at night when my husband snores on the couch and my son sleeps.

I am also a Children’s Minister at my Church. This has been a wild ride. If you have never worked with children, you need to try it. I enjoy every minute of it. My Faith is A very important part of my life.

Well, as for me, personally, I am a patient person. My doctor laughs when he checks My blood pressure, he says, “Usually Accountants have high blood pressure”, Then rolls his eyes. My husband says sometimes I am too calm. (Smiling) This annoys him sometimes.

I have been reading romance novels since I was a teenager. I had read several Harlequin and Sillouette books when I discovered Danielle Steele’s “Remembrance”, well I was lost then. I started reading that one every year.

My favorite old movie is “Gone With The Wind.” Come on people, I am a Georgia girl, what did you expect. I have so many new favorites that I can’t mention them all. I love “Ghost Hunters” and “Three and A Half Men”. I am hooked on “True Blood” which the season ended Sunday night and I am still in shock. I love horses and cowboys. I am a country girl so that it is, out in the opening.

I have written over 20 manuscripts. Well started is more like it. My assistant gets to read them and I love to leave her hanging on a pivotal scene. She threatens to strangle me often. I have published 4 of them since May. It has been a fun and nail biting ride. I am working on 4 new manuscripts now. Check out my 4 published works. I have received a couple of great reviews and I thank all that have reviewed them. Here is the list and they are all on Smashwords and Amazon.

“Ghost Lover”

“Tender Flame” 1^st in “Flames of Love” Series

“Moonbeam & Roses”

“With All My Heart…” 1^st in “Lean On Him” Christian Series

So, as you can see, I am just a normal person with a abnormal obsession with writing the perfect romance novel. Like that is going to happen, but I can hope. I am not a perfectionist, so I know that will not happen. Hey, a person can dream and if you are a writer you are definitely a dreamer.

Whew! Now that is over. I am not one to talk about myself, just my work. Hope I did not bore you to tears.

Well, today starts out sad. Saying Goodbye to old friend!

Well, today’s blog entry starts out sad. Our family dog, “Misty”, which we have had for 13 years, she passed

Away in her sleep last night. We knew it was coming, but it still was not easy. We got her when she was a puppy and our

son was a baby. So basically they grew up together.
We have been struggling for months on what to do. She has been going down for a while, but every time we

would make up our mind to have her put to sleep, she would perk up and start playing and acting like a puppy. So

we would put it off again. Well, we have been praying that she would go quietly in her slumber and that is how it was.

The only thing now is to tell our son. I write in my books all the time about loss and grief. It comes easily at times when it is coming through the end of a pen or the clicking of keys, but not when you have to look at your son and tell him his

childhood friend is gone. We have been trying to prepare him for months. He called out to her this morning on the way to the bus stop and he told me “Mama, either she is sleeping really hard, or she has died.” Something told me that it was the latter.

So to all my blog friends, think of us as we have a very hard task this afternoon. Our son is a strong, but gentle person and

I know he will be ok.

Before I hit the bubble bath & a good book!

Well, it is Saturday night. I have worked some on one of the several books that I am currently

working on. I just downloaded a new book, “The Last Dance” by Wyatt McIntyre. Thought I would

give it a whirl. Sounds like a wonderful, heartfelt romance. I need one of those tonight.

Before I stick my toes in the warm, lavender bubbles, don’t forget to check out my 4 already published

novels on Smashwords and Amazon.

“With All My Heart…” and “Tender Flames” are both 1st editions to new series I have started. They are both free

for a while on Smashwords. Also “Ghost Lover” & “Moonbeam & Roses” are for sale too.

All four are now available in paperback through Amazon.

So, have a wonderful night and if you are in the mood for a little romance, check out my books. Especially if you like cowboys…

Revisit of old post – Something as simple as watering flowers!

This was a post from last August that brought about a lot of discussion. I recently sent it to another blog for a blast from the past and it stirred a need to repost.

Have you ever thought about the comparison of watering flowers and life? If you don’t water the flowers, they will die

without any rain. Life is that way. We have to constantly add something in our life to entertain ourselves. We have to have food and water to live.

Just as our writing, if you don’t keep watering your audience, eventually, unless you grow really famous, your audience goes down and you die. You have to water by blogging daily, adding yourself to every site imaginable, and tweeting til your fingers ache.

I was watering the above flowers last night and thought about that. Even with my faith which I take very seriously, I have to keep read up and prayed up. If you don’t stay focused you lose some momentum.

As I tell my son all the time regarding his dogs, if you don’t feed them they will starve to death. He always comes back with they will find something to eat mom! (Kids you gotta love um!).

Free on Smashwords.com & yada yada

Man, you offer something free and people go crazy! But that is a good thing. I have received a couple of good reviews from my two free books offered on Smashwords. It has been crazy how the downloads have just multiplied.

Check them out, what can it hurt, they are free. Do you hear me FREE!

Now for the yada yada part!

My assistant reminded me yesterday that the new season of Ghost Hunters will start soon. That is great considering True Blood season ends this Sunday. SO Sad!!! Just finished watching the last in the new Dallas season. Can’t believe they brought it back, but really glad. I spent a nail biting summer several years ago waiting to see Who shot JR? (That ages me doesn’t it?) Some of you are probably saying JR who?

Spent most of the night listening to my son’s hermit crabs knocking their shells against their cage. My mind here lately has been on finishing the books I have started. Not good since I am an accountant and run a business helping others keep their business straight.

I am excited about the new books. My assistant is chomping at the bit for me to finish them. She has read what has been written on them and she said I leave her just dangling in the wind. Sorry Kaleigh!

Well, until my next post, have a blessed day and remember that God loves you no matter what!

With All My Heart….

Check out my new Christian Romance which is free right now on Smashwords.com

Here is a little excerpt for you to chew on!

When she got home she unlocked the door and walked in. She did not lock the door behind her. She went to the kitchen to put her tea pot on. She turned and started up the hall to get her clothes ready. When she got halfway up the hall a hand grabbed her and pulled her back up the hall. She tried to turn around to see who it was. She started to scream and a hand covered her mouth.
She struggled with all her strength, but the person who held on to her was too strong. She tried to bite the hand over her mouth, but he pressed even harder. She could taste blood on her lips. She could tell it was a man by his strength and his large hands.
He pushed her forward into her bedroom. She tried to turn around, but he held her tight against him. She brought her foot down hard on his foot. He grunted and pounded a fist into her shoulder. She cringed in pain. She could not believe this was happening to her.
Then he pushed her down on the bed and when she turned to try to slide off the other side he hit her so hard that she saw stars. She tried to hold onto consciousness, but the blackness surrounded her. She said a prayer as the blackness took over.

Thanks for the Liebster Award Nomination!

I was honored this morning to be nominated by MelissaRSmith for the Liebster Award! Thanks so much.

The Liebster Award was created for bloggers to nominate other bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The rules are simple:
The person nominated answers 11 questions (which I’ve done below) that were asked by the person nominating them. Once that’s done, the person nominated posts 11 new questions and passes the award on to 11 fellow bloggers.

Melissa’s questions to me:

1. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? 1:The world would be a better place to raise my teenage son. 2.) My books would make it to the New York Bestsellers list.(I can hope!) 3.) More people would find their faith and use it.

2. You have been given the power to make one person on earth immortal (besides yourself). Would you do it and if so, who would it be? Very complex question. I am not sure who I would make immortal. That can be a good thing and a bad thing to be immortal. I guess if I wanted someone to live forever it would be my son.

3. What is your favorite time of day and why? Twilight because it is so beautiful and you have time to reflect on your day.

4. If you could take something that’s currently legal right now and make it illegal, what would it be? Smoking, don’t get me wrong, I do not have a problem with smokers, just the lingering effects.

5. What’s the most frequently played song in your music collection? “Haunted” By: Evanescence

6. Why was the main purpose for starting your blog? Well, to give my books a platform in which to grow in popularity but now I enjoy reading and writing blogs.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world on an all expenses paid vacation, where would it be?

8. Name a book that you’ve read at least 3 times. “Remembrance” By Danielle Steele

9. Have you kept something special from your childhood? If so, what is it and why did you keep it? I have a music box that my grandfather gave me when I was a little girl. It is special because it was the last thing he gave me before he passed away from lung cancer.

10. What is your favorite subject to blog about? Other than my writing, I love to blog about my crazy life.

11. If you could describe your life right now in only two words, those words would be, ” Hectic” and “Blessed”.

If you could fly, Where would you Go?

Ok, people, I know we are all adults. Well some of us are. (Not including myself because I refuse to grow up!) Let’s step out of our usual train of stressful thoughts and dream a little.

I want everyone to just take a few minutes today to just sit back and close your eyes. Try to think of where you would go if you could fly. I know it sounds a little strange to some, but it relieves stress.

I tried this last night and my place was to Switzerland. I have always wanted to go to Switzerland, so I closed my eyes and this is what I saw:

The air was crisp and clean. No smog or polluted air floating around. The hills were alive (Yes I love The Sound Of Music) and green. I could see the snow capped alps just ahead of me.

The quaint little hillside villages were dotting the land. I could almost hear the sound of an alpine horn as I floated over. I reached down and could feel the cool, fresh water of a mountain stream kissed with the melted snow…

Then the alpine horn changed to “Mama did you wash my gym shorts?” Well I got some stress relief though.

Ok, my challenge is to see how many people respond to this and tell me where you would go if you could fly? Come on we are all dreamers, we just have to be open and experience it. Pass it on and let’s see where we can go through our dreams.

Well my new novel has a name!

As I have spoken in the past couple of posts, I finished my new Contemporary Christian Romance novella. I have been struggling for a month or so about a name for my book. Well, finally after several attempts, it is done. The name is

“With All My Heart…”. I can say that I put a lot of my own faith in this book.

The book hopefully will inspire others to search out their faith and renew it. I have prayed over this novella several times. It is scary when you go to a new side of the genre you write in, but I feel like I have been led to write this

Christian series. I just hope it is helpful to someone out there that may not have anyone to help.

Maybe just the act of picking up a book will help inspire them to get out of their shell. But isn’t that what all authors want to accomplish when we put pen to paper. We want to inspire people to do something. Maybe it is to inspire a single mom to step out of her comfort zone and do something for herself, or maybe a widow/widower to open their heart to love again, even help someone who has had a tragedy in their life to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I know, maybe that was a little deep for Tuesday morning, but that is how I feel when I write. I want to be able to ignite a little romance in everyone. Romance helps keep your marriage new and exciting, it helps any relationship to stay healthy. When you lose the romance, it is sad.

My readers will be surprised when they read this new book. My books always have a cowboy and horses, but this one really steps away from my normal work. I am a country girl, what can I say. There is something about a cowboy that just inspires romance in my mind. Maybe you don’t get into cowboys, but at least be open to the romance.

So, if you follow my books, check out my new book. It will be available this week. I will update you on the way to find it later when the info is available.

To all my followers, have a wonderful Tuesday and try a little romance today! Step out with your Faith and just go for it.

Until the next time, Good Blogging my friends!