Here’s a couple of October workshops you might be interested in. If you would like to share any workshops let me know. And p lease share   these Kiss of Death chapter workshops with friends and other loops  

Order in the Court & In Your Writing

Starts: October 1, 2018

Instructor: Leslie Budewitz

Class Description:  Have you always wanted to incorporate a legal thread in your books, but stopped short because you’re not Lisa Scotoline or John Grisham? Join author and attorney Leslie Budewitz as she presents an overview of the justice system as well as common mistakes authors make when writing about the legal profession. Bio:   Leslie Budewitz blends her passion for food, great mysteries, and the Northwest in the Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries and the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, set in Jewel Bay, Montana. Death al Dente  (Berkley, 2013) won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her guide for writers, Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure (Linden/Quill Driver) won the 2011 Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction. Leslie is a practicing lawyer, admitted to the bar in Washington and Montana. In her first job after graduating from the University of Notre Dame Law School, she clerked for the Washington State Court of Appeals. Her practice has included a wide variety of civil and criminal matters, including personal injury and business litigation, employment law, and criminal defense. Leslie has spoken to writers’ groups across the country on avoiding common mistakes in the law, including MWA and RWA chapters, the Writers’ Police Academy, the Flathead River Writers’ Conference, and Colorado Gold. The 2015-16 president of Sisters in Crime, Leslie lives in NW Montana. 

Make Goodreads Work for You

Starts: October 1, 2018

Instructor:    Diane Peterson

Class Description:  With well over 55 million members (readers) worldwide, it makes sense for authors to develop a strong, positive presence on Goodreads. This class will show you how to take control of your account and use the power of Goodreads to build your readership. Are you a Goodreads Author? Does your profile capture the key elements of you? Have you connected your blog? How will you handle the trolls and bullies that sometimes appear on Goodreads? Does the information in your book records make it easier to find them? Is the information accurate? How does Goodreads interact with Amazon? Should you advertise on Goodreads? We will answer these questions and more while we explore the many ways for authors to make Goodreads a strong part of their marketing plan. Bio:  Diane Peterson is a retired school library media specialist that promotes the romance novel industry as an analyst, speaker, reviewer and writer. She teaches a number of literature-related classes to older adults through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and does workshops and presentations to other groups. Diane i s very active on Goodreads, tracking her own extensive library of romance books, writing reviews and following many authors and groups. A compulsive “fixer”, she uses her status as a Goodreads librarian to correct and improve book records, as well as assisting authors with their records. Diane is a member of RWA and the Missouri RWA chapter. Website:  www.dianekpeterson.com .

Plan Your Novel: 30-Day Writing Challenge October 2018 Workshop

Dates: October 1-31, 2018

Register here: https://school.bethbarany.com/p/plan-your-novel-30-day-challenge-oct-2018/

My colleague and writing teacher Beth Barany only teaches it once or twice a year, depending on how much time she can afford to take from her other work.

In this class, she helps you come up with a story idea from scratch and plan a novel around it in four weeks.

You’ll get live guidance as you brainstorm, and feedback on each element of your story as you create it.

(At a fraction of the price you’d pay to hire a writing coach to do the same thing.)

Beth is brilliant at helping you pantsers figure out the few things that will help you feel your way through a story without stifling your creativity.

And for you plotters, she’s got a a solid framework that she walks you through step-by-step, so you don’t miss any of the essentials as you construct your story’s outline.

The course includes video lessons, worksheets, weekly group phone calls where you can ask questions…and of course, direct access to Beth every step of the way.

If you have no trouble whipping out a solid novel outline in a few days, you don’t need this course.

But if you’re new to writing…

If you’ve been pantsing and getting stuck in the middle of your story…

If you’ve studied story structure but struggle to apply it to the story you want to write…

Beth’s experienced coaching and focused exercises cut through the confusion and overwhelm, so you can focus on the parts of writing you love.

Your characters. Your ideas. Your world.

You can get more info (and reserve your seat) here:

https://school.bethbarany.com/p/plan-your-novel-30-day-challenge-oct-2018/

A native of California, Laura Haley-McNeil spent her youth studying ballet and piano, though her favorite pastime was curling up with a good book. Without a clue as to how to write a book, she knew one day she would.

After college, she segued into the corporate world, but she never forgot her love for the arts and served on the board of two community orchestras. Finally realizing that the book she’d dreamt of writing wouldn’t write itself, she planted herself in front of her computer. She now immerses herself in the lives and loves of her characters in her romantic suspense and her contemporary romance novels. Many years later, she lived her own romantic novel when she married her piano teacher, the love of her life.

Though she and husband have left warm California for cooler Colorado, they enjoy the outdoor life of hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and snow skiing. They satisfy their love of music by attending concerts and hanging out with their musician friends, but Laura still catches a few free moments when she can sneak off and read.

Beverley: What’s your name?

Phineas: Phineas Bonham St. Cyr

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Phineas: Manhattan mostly. My life was privileged. All the right schools. Associated with all the right people. I thought I knew how to read people and surround myself with those who were like me. I was wrong.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Phineas: This is a contemporary story.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Phineas: Once my life was the envy of everyone who knew me. I had worked hard to be the best in my field. It didn’t hurt that women were drawn to me. I knew how to say the right thing all with the purpose of getting what I wanted. What good fortune I attracted passed onto others. Everyone wanted to be around me, be my friend, work for my company. I had the golden touch.

And then like the lightning bolt that blasted through a canyon, everything I had worked for vanished.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Phineas: To survive. And to survive alone. I had finally figured out how to do that. I had built my home in an isolated area on the Crystal Creek Ranch. I could walk again. I had learned how to be alone. I would no longer be known for the great celebrations I created. That I could climb out of bed, dress myself and step out of my house was my greatest accomplishment. It had taken years to achieve that level of competency. I kept looking forward. Maybe, just maybe, I could accomplish more.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Phineas: I had thought I had compensated for everything in my former life. Until the day when I hiked through the woods and I heard the most beautiful sound. The sweet strain of a violin. I had to know who created that sound. Teagan Whitloch Munroe was a woman as beautiful as the music she created. If I could only stand in the shadows and bask in the beauty that soothes my aching soul, but she’s a woman that knows sound and she knows someone is nearby listening.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Phineas: I’ve been alone for years. I’ve learned to exist without human contact, but Teagan creates something too beautiful to resist. Teagan is beautiful inside and out. Sharing her music with others gives her joy. Because I am a monster, I have no fear that she will ever want to return the feelings I have for her.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Phineas: The past never stays hidden. Someone tried to destroy me once, but failed. My life no longer has meaning. I can fight for my life but to what avail? It’s when the web starts to close around Teagan that I can no longer let the secrets of the past lay dormant. This time it’s a battle that must be won.

Blurb for Imagine the Kiss

      Two people open themselves to the truth and open themselves to each other.

Her marriage in ruins, violinist Teagan Whitloch Munroe escapes into her music and the solace she finds at the Crystal Creek Ranch. Practicing in the woods helps her piece together her life, but she isn’t alone. When she hears someone hiking nearby, she demands he reveal himself, but the only revelation she gets is a soothing voice that heals the pain in her heart.

Maimed by a crushing accident, the once famous architect Phineas St. Cyr protects the world from his disfigurement by sequestering himself in the woods on the Crystal Creek Ranch. When he hears the intoxicating strains from Teagan’s violin, he can’t resist the beauty that quiets his aching soul, and he yearns to know the woman who creates such beauty.

Teagan finds sanctuary in her friendship with this connoisseur of music, but soon realizes Phin’s hiding more than his hideous scars. As they become entangled with each other, Teagan is stunned to learn they share more than a love of music. They are caught in a web of deceit by someone threatening to reveal Phin’s secrets. His exposed past endangers Teagan, and he can no longer walk away. This time he must face the enemy determined to defeat him. He’ll fight to the finish to protect the woman he can never love. No price is too high to keep buried the secret that will mark Teagan for destruction.

Excerpt from Imagine the Kiss

Chapter One

Teagan Whitloch Munroe was trembling. She was trembling, and she couldn’t stop. She’d been trembling for more than two hours—since she’d left the downtown Denver condominium she shared with her husband, Dr. Wilbert Munroe. What she’d seen inside the condo—in their bedroom—made her want to vomit. A cold knot of disgust and revulsion gripped her stomach.

When she’d walked into the master bedroom, she must’ve gasped. Will was lying on the bed, but he wasn’t alone. He’d lifted his head from the pillow. He looked right at her.

And swore.

He didn’t look surprised. He looked annoyed.

She’d pressed a hand over her mouth.

Blinded by tears, she’d backed into the doorjamb and stumbled into the hallway. She didn’t remember running out of the condo, but she must have. Her legs throbbed, and her chest ached. The only thing she remembered was her husband calling her name. What had he said? Let’s talk? She didn’t know if she should laugh or sob.

And she remembered the dulcet laughter of the naked woman who was servicing him in bed. Teagan’s and Will’s bed. Teagan had thought Ginny Andrews was her friend.

Some friend. Ginny who was svelte and toned. A contrast to Teagan who’d struggled with her weight since she was seven years old.

A shuddering breath rocked through Teagan’s lungs. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She wiped them away.

She barely remembered driving to the Crystal Creek Ranch, throwing a saddle on her favorite horse, Champagne, and racing through the meadows until she reached the aspen forest covering Crystal Peak.

Fighting against the despair that filled her, she wrapped shaky fingers around the reins and urged the Arabian horse through the trees bursting with spring green leaves. Her vision blurred, and she tried to focus on the pink wild roses and purple elephant’s head mingling with the green undergrowth. The splashes of Crystal Creek tumbling over rocks sounded next to the trail. It was happy and musical and far from the darkness that crowded her heart. Her stomach roiled and begged to be emptied of the half sandwich she’d eaten during the orchestral rehearsal that afternoon.

    She ran her hand over the horse’s neck damp from perspiration.

“How’re you doing, Champagne?” Her voice was husky, and she asked the question again.

The mare snorted. She shook her head. Her mane danced through the air before falling in soft waves about her neck.

“Did I run you too long?” She softened her tone. “I’m sorry. I had to get away. You’re lucky you’re a horse. You don’t have to worry about anyone breaking your heart.” Her voice cracked on the last word.

Her insides were shattered. She’d never heal, not after what she’d seen.

Fresh tears filled her eyes. The trees around her blurred. The sunshine pouring over her was warm but couldn’t melt the cold penetrating her chest.

She had thought coming to Crystal Creek would bring her peace.

She’d never find peace. Not when the image of Will pleasured by Ginny burned in her brain.

    A branch cracked.

Her nerves jumped.

Fear sprang into her chest.

She looked around but saw no one. Had Will followed her? Was this his plan—talk to her in the middle of the forest? But how would he know she’d driven to Crystal Creek?

He’d know. She always went to the ranch when she needed to think things through or needed to escape the rat race of the city.

Champagne’s ears twisted, but the horse didn’t jerk. Instead, she tilted her head and stared through the trees as if she’d expected the sound.

Teagan turned in the saddle. “Will?”

Silence.

“Hello?” she called out.

A breeze rustled through the branches. They swayed then stilled.

She peered through the boughs.

“Who are you? Tell me your name. I heard you. I know you’re here. Show yourself.” Her voice sounded thin and strained. She turned Champagne around.

The horse stepped like a ballerina over the flooring of pine needles and aspen leaves.

“Answer me,” she demanded.

“It wasn’t my intention to frighten you.” The voice was deep and rich and sent soothing warmth down her spine.

“I’m not frightened.” A swallow clicked in her throat. “I want to know who you are, and what you’re doing on my stepmother’s ranch. You’re trespassing, you know. Step into the clearing. I want to see you.”

Champagne stepped sideways, and Teagan listed in the saddle. She caught her breath and straightened. She patted the horse’s neck.

“It’s okay, girl.” She looked around. She needed to calm down. The horse was sensing her anxiety.

No one. No one appeared. No one spoke. The warmth she’d felt earlier slid away. Coldness wrapped around her.

“Hello? Are you still there?”

She didn’t know how she knew, but she knew this intruder had left. She urged Champagne forward. The horse pushed her nose against Teagan’s boot then took a reluctant step. Teagan peered through the trees. No human form appeared.

The intruder had left. She felt his absence the way she’d felt his presence. His presence was summer sun, his absence winter ice. He’d been near her and now he was gone, but she hadn’t heard him walk away.

As a violinist, she was tuned to sound. His voice had been pleasurable, a melting softness against her heart. It had been as pleasurable as the sounds coming from her violin. She wanted to hear him speak again. She wanted to capture his voice. She wanted to see his face.

She guided Champagne to the main trail that led back to the ranch house. She’d learn the identity of the forest wanderer. He must be familiar with the area. He’d slipped away too quickly not to know his way.

Occasionally, trespassers wandered onto the ranch, a massive acreage filled with meadows and brooks and rich green forests. The ranch was paradise, which was why she was riding her horse through woods colored with the first hint of spring. She’d find out about this trespasser.

Was he a trespasser? She dragged in a breath of the freshly-scented forest. Her heart thundered. This man knew the area. He’d disappeared without her seeing him.

An unnerving thought stirred in her mind. This wasn’t his first hike through the Crystal Creek woods. He knew the area well enough to avoid a face to face encounter with her. He didn’t want her to see him.

Why?

She had to know. She had to know what this man with the gentle but powerful voice had to hide.

Buy Links for Imagine the Kiss

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Kiss-Crystal-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B07GTVM1BV

You can find Laura at –

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LauraHaleyMcNeil /

Twitter https://twitter.com/laurarmcneil

Website http://laurahaleymcneil.com/

Email Laura@laurahaleymcneil.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauramcneil/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lchm4115/magical-world-of-reading/

A native of California, Laura Haley-McNeil spent her youth studying ballet and piano, though her favorite pastime was curling up with a good book. Without a clue as to how to write a book, she knew one day she would.

After college, she segued into the corporate world, but she never forgot her love for the arts and served on the board of two community orchestras. Finally realizing that the book she’d dreamt of writing wouldn’t write itself, she planted herself in front of her computer. She now immerses herself in the lives and loves of her characters in her romantic suspense and her contemporary romance novels. Many years later, she lived her own romantic novel when she married her piano teacher, the love of her life.

Though she and husband have left warm California for cooler Colorado, they enjoy the outdoor life of hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and snow skiing. They satisfy their love of music by attending concerts and hanging out with their musician friends, but Laura still catches a few free moments when she can sneak off and read.

Beverley: What’s your name?

Phineas: Phineas Bonham St. Cyr

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Phineas: Manhattan mostly. My life was privileged. All the right schools. Associated with all the right people. I thought I knew how to read people and surround myself with those who were like me. I was wrong.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Phineas: This is a contemporary story.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Phineas: Once my life was the envy of everyone who knew me. I had worked hard to be the best in my field. It didn’t hurt that women were drawn to me. I knew how to say the right thing all with the purpose of getting what I wanted. What good fortune I attracted passed onto others. Everyone wanted to be around me, be my friend, work for my company. I had the golden touch.

And then like the lightning bol t that blasted through a canyon, everything I had worked for vanished.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Phineas: To survive. And to survive alone. I had finally figured out how to do that. I had built my home in an isolated area on the Crystal Creek Ranch. I could walk again. I had learned how to be alone. I would no longer be known for the great celebrations I created. That I could climb out of bed, dress myself and step out of my house was my greatest accomplishment. It had taken years to achieve that level of competency. I kept looking forward. Maybe, just maybe, I could accomplish more.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Phineas: I had thought I had compensated for everything in my former life. Until the day when I hiked through the woods and I heard the most beautiful sound. The sweet strain of a violin. I had to know who created that sound. Teagan Whitloch Munroe was a woman as beautiful as the music she created. If I could only stand in the shadows and bask in the beauty that soothes my aching soul, but she’s a woman that knows sound and she knows someone is nearby listening.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Phineas: I’ve been alone for years. I’ve learned to exist without human contact, but Teagan creates something too beautiful to resist. Teagan is beautiful inside and out. Sharing her music with others gives her joy. Because I am a monster, I have no fear that she will ever want to return the feelings I have for her.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you ? 

Phineas: The past never stays hidden. Someone tried to destroy me once, but failed. My life no longer has meaning. I can fight for my life but to what avail? ’s when the web starts to close around Teagan that I can no longer let the secrets of the past lay dormant. This time it’s a battle that must be won.

Blurb for Imagine the Kiss     Two people open themselves to the truth and open themselves to each other.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her marriage in ruins, violinist Teagan Whitloch Munroe escapes into her music and the solace she finds at the Crystal Creek Ranch. Practicing in the woods helps her piece together her life, but she isn’t alone. When she hears someone hiking nearby, she demands he reveal himself, but the only revelation she gets is a soothing voice that heals the pain in her heart.

     Maimed by a crushing accident, the once famous architect Phineas St. Cyr protects the world from his disfigurement by sequestering himself in the woods on the Crystal Creek Ranch. When he hears the intoxicating strains from Teagan’s violin, he can’t resist the beauty that quiets his aching soul, and he yearns to know the woman who creates such beauty.

Teagan finds sanctuary in her friendship with this connoisseur of music, but soon realizes Phin’s hiding more than his hideous scars. As they become entangled with each other, Teagan is stunned to learn they share more than a love of music. They are caught in a web of deceit by someone threatening to reveal Phin’s secrets. His exposed past endangers Teagan, and he can no longer walk away. This time he must face the enemy determined to defeat him. He’ll fight to the finish to protect the woman he can never love. No price is too high to keep buried the secret that will mark Teagan for destruction.

Excerpt from Imagine the Kiss

Chapter One

Teagan Whitloch Munroe was trembling. She was trembling, and she couldn’t stop. She’d been trembling for more than two hours—since she’d left the downtown Denver condominium she shared with her husband, Dr. Wilbert Munroe. What she’d seen inside the condo—in their bedroom—made her want to vomit. A cold knot of disgust and revulsion gripped her stomach.

When she’d walked into the master bedroom, she must’ve gasped. Will was lying on the bed, but he wasn’t alone. He’d lifted his head from the pillow. He looked right at her.

And swore.

He didn’t look surprised. He looked annoyed.

She’d pressed a hand over her mouth.

Blinded by tears, she’d backed into the doorjamb and stumbled into the hallway. She didn’t remember running out of the condo, but she must have. Her legs throbbed, and her chest ached. The only thing she remembered was her husband calling her name. What had he said? Let’s talk? She didn’t know if she should laugh or sob.

And she remembered the dulcet laughter of the naked woman who was servicing him in bed. Teagan’s and Will’s bed. Teagan had thought Ginny Andrews was her friend.

Some friend. Ginny who was svelte and toned. A contrast to Teagan who’d struggled with her weight since she was seven years old.

A shuddering breath rocked through Teagan’s lungs. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She wiped them away.

She barely remembered driving to the Crystal Creek Ranch, throwing a saddle on her favorite horse, Champagne, and racing through the meadows until she reached the aspen forest covering Crystal Peak.

Fighting against the despair that filled her, she wrapped shaky fingers around the reins and urged the Arabian horse through the trees bursting with spring green leaves. Her vision blurred, and she tried to focus on the pink wild roses and purple elephant’s head mingling with the green undergrowth. The splashes of Crystal Creek tumbling over rocks sounded next to the trail. It was happy and musical and far from the darkness that crowded her heart. Her stomach roiled and begged to be emptied of the half sandwich she’d eaten during the orchestral rehearsal that afternoon.

She ran her hand over the horse’s neck damp from perspiration.

“How’re you doing, Champagne?” Her voice was husky, and she asked the question again.

The mare snorted. She shook her head. Her mane danced through the air before falling in soft waves about her neck.

“Did I run you too long?” She softened her tone. “I’m sorry. I had to get away. You’re lucky you’re a horse. You don’t have to worry about anyone breaking your heart.” Her voice cracked on the last word.

Her insides were shattered. She’d never heal, not after what she’d seen.

Fresh tears filled her eyes. The trees around her blurred. The sunshine pouring over her was warm but couldn’t melt the cold penetrating her chest.

She had thought coming to Crystal Creek would bring her peace.

She’d never find peace. Not when the image of Will pleasured by Ginny burned in her brain.

A branch cracked.

Her nerves jumped.

Fear sprang into her chest.

She looked around but saw no one. Had Will followed her? Was this his plan—talk to her in the middle of the forest? But how would he know she’d driven to Crystal Creek?

He’d know. She always went to the ranch when she needed to think things through or needed to escape the rat race of the city.

Champagne’s ears twisted, but the horse didn’t jerk. Instead, she tilted her head and stared through the trees as if she’d expected the sound.

Teagan turned in the saddle. “Will?”

Silence.

“Hello?” she called out.

A breeze rustled through the branches. They swayed then stilled.

She peered through the boughs.

“Who are you? Tell me your name. I heard you. I know you’re here. Show yourself.” Her voice sounded thin and strained. She turned Champagne around.

The horse stepped like a ballerina over the flooring of pine needles and aspen leaves.

“Answer me,” she demanded.

“It wasn’t my intention to frighten you.” The voice was deep and rich and sent soothing warmth down her spine.

“I’m not frightened.” A swallow clicked in her throat. “I want to know who you are, and what you’re doing on my stepmother’s ranch. You’re trespassing, you know. Step into the clearing. I want to see you.”

Champagne stepped sideways, and Teagan listed in the saddle. She caught her breath and straightened. She patted the horse’s neck.

“It’s okay, girl.” She looked around. She needed to calm down. The horse was sensing her anxiety.

No one. No one appeared. No one spoke. The warmth she’d felt earlier slid away. Coldness wrapped around her.

“Hello? Are you still there?”

She didn’t know how she knew, but she knew this intruder had left. She urged Champagne forward. The horse pushed her nose against Teagan’s boot then took a reluctant step. Teagan peered through the trees. No human form appeared.

The intruder had left. She felt his absence the way she’d felt his presence. His presence was summer sun, his absence winter ice. He’d been near her and now he was gone, but she hadn’t heard him walk away.

As a violinist, she was tuned to sound. His voice had been pleasurable, a melting softness against her heart. It had been as pleasurable as the sounds coming from her violin. She wanted to hear him speak again. She wanted to capture his voice. She wanted to see his face.

She guided Champagne to the main trail that led back to the ranch house. She’d learn the identity of the forest wanderer. He must be familiar with the area. He’d slipped away too quickly not to know his way.

Occasionally, trespassers wandered onto the ranch, a massive acreage filled with meadows and brooks and rich green forests. The ranch was paradise, which was why she was riding her horse through woods colored with the first hint of spring. She’d find out about this trespasser.

Was he a trespasser? She dragged in a breath of the freshly-scented forest. Her heart thundered. This man knew the area. He’d disappeared without her seeing him.

An unnerving thought stirred in her mind. This wasn’t his first hike through the Crystal Creek woods. He knew the area well enough to avoid a face to face encounter with her. He didn’t want her to see him.

Why?

She had to know. She had to know what this man with the gentle but powerful voice had to hide.

Buy Link for Imagine the Kiss

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Kiss-Crystal-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B07GTVM1BV

You can find Laura –

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LauraHaleyMcNeil/

Twitter https://twitter.com/laurarmcneil

Website http://laurahaleymcneil.com/

Email Laura@laurahaleymcneil.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauramcneil/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lchm4115/magical-world-of-reading/

In previous posts I’ve addressed some of the external changes to writing – the kindle and e-publishing, the increase on e-publishing sites and publishers and the amalgamation of regular publishers and more cross genres.   Lots of changes for authors and readers.

Today I want to talk about actual changes to the writing process. I don’t think the process and the “rules” have changed that much. Character development, plotting, goal, motivation and conflict, scene and structure, tight writing, show don’t tell, and a balance of narrative and dialogue are all important to well written book.

I’m not going to go into detail on each of the above, but I am going to share a reference for each one.  Character development – if you don’t develop characters your readers like or love they won’t read your book.  What conflict is there between the hero and heroine? Check out ‘The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines’, (Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami Cowden, Carol LaFever and Sue Viders.

You need to figure out your plot and then what do the hero and heroine want? Why can’t they get it? What fight do they have to have to reach that goal? Scene and structure by Jack M. Bickham can help you set up the structure of your book so it flows smoothly.   You might also read Goal, Motivation and conflict by Debra Dixon.

A lot of the other basic “rules” can be found in ‘Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies’   by Leslie Wainger and/or Stephen King’s On Writing.

If you have any books you recommend or keep beside your computer I’d love to hear about them. Please share with us. Or if you have any writing tips, also please share.

Okay this is totally not about writing, but I came across this article. It makes sense to me and I’m going to try and meet the recommendations.

I thought I’d share it, especially for those of you over 50 years old, or maybe those who are younger who might be interested in it for their older relatives. The article is in the AARP August/September magazine, “What to Eat When You’re 70+” by Clint Carter. It says we’re not getting enough protein.

The last US government puts out a pamphlet called “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”.   The last one they released was in 2015. It’s 122 pages of specific nutrition information for men and women up to the age of 50. Then they lump everyone over 50 into one group. So the guidelines are the same for a 50 year old or an 80 year old.   They recommend 46 grams of protein a day for women and 56 grams a day for men.

Aging bodies lose muscle faster and digest protein different. After 40 you lose 1 percent of muscle mass per year.  A 10 week study of 70 year old men doubled their intake of the recommended amount of protein. Those who took only the recommended amount lost muscle mass. Those who took double the amount added muscle around their core and increased their length strength. So they’re recommending 100 grams of protein a day.   (He didn’t list the study) It sounds like a lot, but aim for 20-30 grams per meal. I’m working on it right now.

To get the daily amount he recommends cutting back on bagels and cookies and adding lean meats, fish, eggs, yogurt, milk and nuts. I tend to avoid dairy so I use almond milk and soy yogurt. And almonds are also a good snack. His example for getting your 100 grams of protein a day is this.   Breakfast – 2 packets instant oatmeal, 1 Tbsp of almond butter and 2/3 skim milk – 19 g Snack – 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt – 22g Lunch – Tuna salad on whole wheat 23g Snack ¼ cup cubed Swiss cheese 9g Dinner Spaghetti with meat sauce 26g

Any comments?

News from KOD the Romance Writers of America Romantic Suspense/Mystery Chapter

View this email in your browser Coffin Classes Killer Instinct – October 1 – 31, 2018 Killer Instincts

Starts: August 1, 2018

 

MAKING GOODREADS WORK FOR YOU  

 

Class Instructor: Diane K. Peterson

Instructor Bio:   Diane Peterson is a retired school library media specialist that promotes the romance novel industry as an analyst, speaker, reviewer and writer. She teaches a number of literature-related classes to older adults through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and does workshops and presentations to other groups. Diane is very active on Goodreads, tracking her own extensive library of romance books, writing reviews and following many authors and groups. A compulsive “fixer”, she uses her status as a Goodreads librarian to correct and improve book records as well as assisting authors with their records. Diane is a member of RWA and the Missouri RWA chapter. Website: www.dianekpeterson.com .

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Register Now Coffin Classes

Murder One – October 1 – 31, 2018 Murder One –  Starts: October 1, 2018 ORDER IN THE COURT & IN YOUR WRITING

 

Class Instructor:   Leslie Budewitz

Instructor Bio:

Leslie Budewitz blends her passion for food, great mysteries, and the Northwest in the Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries and the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, set in Jewel Bay, Montana. Death al Dente (Berkley, 2013) won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her guide for writers, Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure(Linden/Quill Driver) won the 2011 Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction. Leslie is a practicing lawyer, admitted to the bar in Washington and Montana. In her first job after graduating from the University of Notre Dame Law School, she clerked for the Washington State Court of Appeals. Her practice has included a wide variety of civil and criminal matters, including personal injury and business litigation, employment law, and criminal defense. Leslie has spoken to writers’ groups across the country on avoiding common mistakes in the law, including MWA and RWA chapters, the Writers’ Police Academy, the Flathead River Writers’ Conference, and Colorado Gold. The 2015-16 president of Sisters in Crime, Leslie lives in NW Montana.   Read More

Register Now News from KOD the Romance Writers of America Romantic Suspense/Mystery Chapter View this email in your browser Here’s the link to register https://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=713

Regan Walker is an award-winning, bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. Her stories often feature a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for special assignments. Each of her novels includes real history and real historical figures as characters. And, of course, adventure and love, sometimes on the high seas!

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Regan: I write what I love to read: historical romance. I love getting lost in the past with a compelling story set deep in history. I’m a reviewer, too, so I read in many subgenres. Historical Romance Review is my blog: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Regan: I have been a writer since grade school. I don’t think anyone influenced me; it was just something I did. But I did not begin to write historical fiction and historical romance until my law career ended. It began as a hobby and became a passion.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Regan: Research into the past… especially when I discover some juicy historical fact that brings a character to life. In my research for A Fierce Wind , when I learned one of the generals of the Revolution was a man who did not feel constrained by the bounds of morality and, moreover, was viewed by his men as incompetent, well, that allowed me to paint a picture the readers would grasp instantly.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Regan: Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit appeals. He’s an adventuring sort and I like that. I also like that the animation is beautifully done.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Regan: I think it might be Queen Margaret of Scotland, the wife of Malcolm III. She’s a character in my novel Rebel Warrior (and The Refuge ). I did so much research on her I feel I know her. My research revealed a wise, gracious and beautiful woman who gave up her dream to embrace another for the benefit of Scotland and that sacrifice was to have positive effects for centuries.

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Regan: I would spend it with a friend, beginning with breakfast out at a beachside restaurant. Then perhaps a bit of shopping, a movie and an elegant dinner. Being with someone you like and with whom you share common interests is a delight.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Regan: I’m just beginning the research for Rogue’s Holiday , book 5 in the Agents of the Crown series. It’s a Regency set in 1820 that beginning with the Cato Street Conspiracy that could have wiped out the British cabinet but the plot was foiled before it reached fruition. And then the story will go to Brighton, the pleasure palace of the new King George IV, where Sir Robert Powell will meet his nemesis, Miss Chastity Reynolds.

Blurb for A Fierce Wind

A n exciting story of love in the time of revolution when loyalties are torn and love is tested and when the boy Zoé Donet knew as a child turns out to be the man of her dreams.

Love in the time of revolution

France 1794

Zoé Ariane Donet was in love with love until she met the commander of the royalist army f ighting the revolutionaries tearing apart France. When the dashing young general is killed, she joins the royalist cause, rescuing émigrés fleeing France.

One man watches over her: Frederick West, the brother of an English earl, who has known Zoé since she was a precocious ten-year-old child. At sixteen, she promised great beauty, the flower of French womanhood about to bloom. Now, four years later, as Robespierre’s Terror seizes France by the throat, Zoé has become a beautiful temptress Freddie vows to protect with his life.

But English spies don’t live long in revolutionary France.

Excerpt for A Fierce Wind – Freddie goes after Zoe in Granville

       Freddie paced the deck, glancing toward shore, wishing the fog would miraculously part to reveal the skiff he awaited. He had tried to convince Zoé of the foolhardy nature of her excursions into the ports to gather the refugees like a mother hen gathers her chicks. Stubborn as always and determined to save as many as she could, she would hear none of it. While he could admire her courage, he feared for her safety.

Standing amidships, Bequel nervously chewed on a bit of broom straw, bespeaking his unease at the vulnerable state of the ship idling in Granville’s harbor for so long.

The crew, silently going about their tasks, kept glancing toward shore.

Except for the occasional band of drunken men, loud in their goodbyes as they left the taverns, silence reigned on the quay some fifty yards away.

Freddie’s anxiety reached a crescendo. “She should have returned by now. Something must have gone wrong.” He faced Bequel. “Spare me a few of the crew. I’m going after her.”

That the quartermaster motioned two of the crew forward and ordered them to lower the boat and take Freddie ashore betrayed his worry for the capitaine ’s niece.

Moments later, the rowing boat moved silently through the fog-shrouded waters. Freddie’s stomach churned, his eyes fixed on the wharf emerging from the dense mist.

What could have happened to her?

 

Buy links for A Fierce Wind:

US: htt ps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYPFVRL

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FYPFVRL

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07FYPFVRL

You can find Regan at:

Author website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104

Regan Walker’s Readers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReganWalkersReaders/

Pinterest (storyboards for my books): https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RegansReview

Regan’s blog, Historical Romance Review: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

Amazon link for the Donet Trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B071JPXTT5/

 Regan is happy to offer a giveaway of the ebook of To Tame the Wind, book 1 in the Donet Trilogy (A Fierce Wind is book 3). It has won multiple awards. You can see To Tame the Wind here: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/to-tame-the-wind.html .

Mia London loves to write!      

She’s been reading fiction for years and finally decided that the images and scenes floating around in her head needed to make it to paper.

She’s a huge fan of romance, highly optimistic, and wildly faithful to the HEA (happily ever after). She’s inspired by most anything around her. And her biggest obstacle is not having enough time to get it all down on paper (or my computer, as the case may be).

Her goal is create a fantasy you will enjoy with characters you could love.

She lives in Texas with her attentive, loving, super-model husband, and her perfectly behaved, brilliant children. Her produce never wilts, there are no weeds in her flowerbeds, and chocolate is her favorite food group.

And then she wakes up. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |

Susan Sheehey writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction. The  Knights of Texas  series (contemporary romance novellas) is available on Kindle. The  Royals of Solana  series (romantic suspense & adventure) is available on all e-retailers and in paperback, along with her contemporary romance standalone,  Audrey’s Promise .  Water plays a crucial element in all of her novels, and she’s a strong advocate for Autism Awareness. She tried to give up Diet Coke, and it didn’t take. When not writing, she’s chasing after her two children, and being pampered by her husband in Texas.  

Follow her at  www.SusanSheehey.com  or on  Facebook , Twitter  @SusieWriter ,  Amazon , and  BookBub . Join her monthly newsletter for goodies and sneak peaks.

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p5b0i9

Website | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write?

Susan: I prefer to write romantic suspense and contemporary romance, mainly because those are 2 of my favorite genres to read. J

Mia: Contemporary and erotic romance. And like Susan, that’s what I also enjoy reading, plus historical.

Beverley: What prompted you to write in the genre/s you do?

Mia: I finished Principal’s Office by Jasmine Haynes, and my love of erotic romance was reinvigorated. I absolutely fell in love with that book and couldn’t wait to read more. That in turn activated my creative gene, and I let my computer do the rest of the work.

Beverley: How long have you been writing?

Mia:   On and off for a few years, but most-seriously in 2013. My first award was in the fourth grade for a short story. Maybe I should revise that date. J

Beverley: What obstacles did you have to overcome to begin creating your work?

Susan: I am a full-time mother with two young boys on the autism spectrum. They require a lot of attention and supervision, so carving out time to write has been the biggest challenge. Because I’ve learned I can’t write when they’re in the house with me. My mind is always on my kids (and what trouble they are getting into). J I have to schedule my writing time when they are in school or their various therapies. Balancing that with the last-minute changes and issues that arise in their schedule and care is very challenging.

Mia: Time. Isn’t that what stands in the way for most of us in achieving our goals? I own another business, have one husband and two kids, and some days I feel stretched thin. Luckily the kids are getting older and more self-sufficient, and my husband is a great cook. 😉

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Susan: Reading, and being around my critique partners. Seriously, the writing rhythm is contagious!

Beverley: What will stop your creative muse the quickest?

Susan: My kids. Or being stuck in traffic. Which is often!

Beverley: Where do you do most of your writing?

Susan: At home. But I frequent a local coffee shop by my house, and get a lot of work done there as well. Change of scenery always gets my creative juices flowing, too.

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Susan: Toss-up between plotting out a new series, or reading my TBR pile on my night stand.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Susan: A three-book contemporary romance series with Mia London, including a separate epilogue. This is by far the funniest series I’ve ever written. I love this romantic comedy genre!

Mia: As Susan mentioned, the Sweet Escape series. So let me tell you how it all started. J

Susan and I were traveling to a book signing 3 hours away. I was driving, and she’d just closed the lid to her laptop and said, “What a satisfying sound. Who would ever own a tablet when you couldn’t slam the lid shut?”

I agreed, and asked, “But is she slamming the lid because she’d mad or she’s happy? Like she just did something great and her boss was going to be proud.”

And there was the catalyst for the entire series.

As with any writer’s mind, once the creativity flows it’s hard to turn off. We talked, plotted, came up with characters, and plotted some more on the return trip. We met, texted, and called to chat and brainstorm. One person would write and the other would in turn edit that. We each had areas of expertise that definitely complimented each other, and created a well-rounded series—steamy, entertaining, funny. It was such a fun and rewarding experience!

Beverley: What books have you had published? And tell us a little bit about them, please.

Susan: Royals of Solana romantic suspense series

Royal life isn’t all luxury, glamour, and celebrity status—it’s a target for relentless attacks from those who lust for power. The Royals of Solana face vicious threats from both criminals and diplomats, all coveting the exotic prize that is their island nation. When the king and crown prince are brutally murdered during a cartel coup, Princess Alanna and exiled Prince Andre are forced on the run, desperate to save their own lives while trying to take back their country. Enemies emerge from all corners of the world, scrambling in the power vacuum. The last things the royal siblings need are limelight camera flashes, or steamy dalliances with common strangers. Except these strangers are impossible to ignore, and turn into would-be saviors.

Prince of Solana (Book One)

Jewel of Solana (Book Two)

Crown of Solana (Book Three)

Royal Wedding (novella sequel)

(Books One and Two can be read in either order, Book Three and the sequel should be read after the first two.)

Knights of Texas contemporary romance series

A luxury male escort agency devoted to their clients’ every need. Super steamy, heart-warming, and equally gut-wrenching. These men will leave you sated and simultaneously thirsting for more.

Tell Me What You Want (Book One)

Tell Me What You Crave (Book Two)

Tell Me What You Need (Book Three)

Tell Me What You Feel (Book Four)

(These books can be read in any order.)

Audrey’s Promise contemporary small-town romance standalone

A Thanksgiving story of second-chances and country-life, worthy of a touching Hallmark movie.

Mia: My first book is called Life to the Max. It took me a year to write, and it’s a fan favorite. I wrote and published the Perfect Series when I was asked to join Chickswagger for an anthology, the Hard Men of the Rockies Series. I loved collaborating so much that in 2017 I brought 5 other authors together to do the Blame It On Fate anthology. That was the springboard for the Undeniable Series. I fell in love with Brandon & Lily—one book was not enough. As an aside, Undeniable Fate is a finalist in the Readers’ Choice Award sponsored by the OKRWA. After the Sweet Escape series is released, I have a stand-alone called Accidental Tryst that will release in November.

Beverley: Where do you find your inspiration?

Mia: Almost anything can give me an idea. For instance, Susan and I were texting, and at one point she mentioned something about finishing a trip the glass shop. I immediately picked up the phone to ask her when our characters go to a glass shop. She was confused. Clearly, predictive text had taken control, but instantly I could visualize it. Beautiful pieces of art made from glass that our heroine could ooh and aah over. The next day, I wrote that scene.

Beverley: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Mia: Write and read and write some more. Don’t expect it to be perfect right off the bat (that’s what editing’s for).

Beverley: What, if anything, is the one thing that has caused you the most heartache in accomplishing your dream?

Susan: The amount of scammers and fraudsters in this community has exploded in the last 5 years. Greed has overtaken so much of what used to be such incredible opportunity and healthy competition. It’s been overwhelming, and tends to make an introvert who hates confrontation like myself consider throwing in the towel. But, I’ve also seen the most incredible support and rallying in the wake of such vicious tactics. The Indie community is one of the strongest I’ve ever been a part of.

Beverley: In what direction would you like to see your work take you? (print, movies, audio, etc.)

Susan: Of course, I’d love to see my series turned into movies. What author wouldn’t? But I think the next logical step for me may be audio and foreign translations. However, I still don’t see myself going down that road anytime soon. Those are massive undertakings I just don’t have the time for right now. Maybe when my kids get older.

Beverley: What is your philosophy of writing? (dogged determination until the wee hours; take a break and have a cookie then get back to it; write when the mood hits)

Susan: I tried writing when the mood hits, and I was sidetracked for years. Other things always seemed to take priority. I have to make my writing a priority. So, I’ve now switched to ‘finish the scene, then get a cookie. Or two. Or ten. Then go finish the next scene.’

Mia: I try and give my rewards for completing my writing goal. It could be a daily goal, and I’ll reward myself for a movie or a fave show on TV. Maybe it’s a bigger goal, like completing a series, and that could mean a massage or a trip to the Coach store. J

Beverley: Finally, name the one thing in life you do not at this moment possess, but wish to have with all your heart. How would you go about making your wish come true?

Susan: This is a very important question. Because raising two boys on the autism spectrum has taught me many lessons, but this one I think is the most important.

It is imperative not to dwell on what you don’t have. Otherwise, you’ll never be happy with your life.

There is so much stress and hardship in life already. Find the joy in what you have, and your life will always be blessed.

Yes, have goals and work to achieve them. But never let a missed goal define your happiness. Or steal it from you.

You have all you need within, to create a happy life.

Mia: I refuse to answer this because it would never be as good as Susan’s, and really the only thing that pops in my head right now is an endless supply of dark chocolate.

Beverley: How do you like your fans to contact you?

Susan: Either on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/SusanSheehey , email susan@susansheehey.com , or join my newsletter https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p5b0i9 .

I would greatly appreciate—with chocolate and peanut butter topping–also following me on Amazon and BookBub.

Mia:   I’m on social media, and I love it.

www.facebook.com/MiaLondonAuthor

Tweets by MiaLondonAuthor

Instagram: @MiaLondonAuthor

Also, my website: www . MiaLondon.com or mia@mialondon.com , as well as Goodreads and Amazon.

Blurb for the series :

Three best friends find love, laughter, and lots of trouble during their annual girls’ trips. On these getaways, all-inclusive takes on a new, steamy meaning.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2tzUSrZ 

 

 

Blurb for Hot Spell (released 9/5) and Final week at 99¢:

(Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy)

She never trusted love. He never believed he’d be worthy.

An emergency vacation at a luxury Mexican resort is a foolproof pick-me-up for Jordan Beck’s broken-hearted bestie. Former Olympic-hopeful, Jordan has planned a getaway worthy of a perfect score: nightly parties, exotic drinks, and sandy beaches. She never expected to find perfection in the resort’s emerald-eyed bartender.

Life’s a gift to Zac Durant, and he’s determined to live it to the fullest. Tending bar at a resort is a small price to pay if it means he can scuba and surf every day in paradise.  He’s content—until a Latina beauty struts across his pool patio and orders his best drink.  Although Zac isn’t the kind to hook up with guests, he can’t resist the petite sexy woman who makes his world flip cartwheels.

This sensual interlude in paradise should be just a vacation fling, but sparks explode into fireworks, and they are tempted to believe it’s something real. When the illusion of perfection fades, Jordan must decide if love is worth a shot at the gold.

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