Introvert Author Manipulates Characters to her Will by Paty Jager #MontanaSkyKW #WesternRomance #IndieAuthor

Last summer I was asked to write a book in another author's world. I was a bit leery. I not only had to gather information about that author's world, I still had to meet other deadlines. Could I do this and stay sane?

Several of my author friends told me I'd be crazy to pass up this opportunity to get my writing in front of another author's readers. With these friends urging me on, I signed on to be one of 14 authors writing in Debra Holland's Montana Sky World.

Debra graciously said we could put our characters from our series into her world. I had just came up with the idea of a new series and started brainstorming how I could incorporate my new Letters of Fate series into a book set in Sweetwater Springs and Morgan's Crossing, Montana. I needed a letter to arrive to someone in Morgan's Crossing that would change his or her life.

Upon several conversations with Debra and reading her book Prudence, which was her first book set in Morgan's Crossing, I learned there were many miners and only ten women in the town. So I needed to bring a woman to Morgan's Crossing. Debra had mentioned mine guards. Visiting more with her I decided to make my hero be one of the mine guards. He nurses the heroine's father when he becomes ill and eventually dies. The hero, Isaac, sends a letter and the man's last wages to the family believing he was done with that. He receives a letter from the man's oldest child and daughter saying she is coming to fetch her father's things. Isaac isn't happy. The man had two sets of clothes. The ones he had on when he became sick were filthy and he burned them. He'd sent the only thing of value to the family and was angry he had to lose four days work to travel to Sweetwater Springs and hand over the battered and filthy clothes to the woman, who'd set his hackles up with her tone in her letter.

I passed this scenario by Debra, she gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up and I started researching and writing Isaac: Letters of Fate, part of Debra's Montana Sky World.

While working on this project I enjoyed the back and forth between myself , Debra, and the other authors who wrote a book in this world, but I learned a lot about myself. I like to have complete control over my characters and the world they play in. My introvert self, came out in my story, sending my characters away from Morgan's Crossing and off on their own. This gave me more freedom to write without worrying about keeping true to someone else's world or characters.

This project taught me a lot about myself and my writing process.   

Isaac: Letters of Fate

 Historical western filled with steamy romance and the rawness of a growing country.

Alamayda Wagner’s life has left her cynical, but also vigilant, and that’s what propels her to Morgan’s Crossing, Montana in order to uncover the secrets her father took to his grave. She quickly discovers her only hope includes trusting Isaac Corum. That soon proves to be expensive, and not just financially. 

The last thing Isaac Corum needs or wants is a snooty woman telling him he didn’t do enough to save her father, which is what her letter implied. He’d helped the man more than most people would have, and swears he won’t go out of his way like that again. He’ll meet her at the Sweetwater Springs train station, deliver her father’s belongings, and send her back the way she came.

But, dang it all, the woman doesn’t do a single blasted thing she’s told, and Isaac can’t just sit back and let her go traipsing off into the mountains alone…

http://amzn.com/B01BL0HKJQ

Romance Reader Conventions: What You Love Most

Readers, how appealing are major reader conferences to you? Conferences such as RT Convention (RomanticTimes), RWA Conference (Romance Writers of America), and RomCon (RomanceConference)?

For those of you who have never been to one, or don’t know what they are, they are massive conventions where readers can not only have their books signed by the authors, but you get to mingle, party, and become friends with these authors. Most of the time they are a Saturday or Sunday event, sometimes a full weekend, or even a week-long event in large hotels with events going on all day and into the evenings. There are huge giveaways, free swag, great food, and even plenty of chances to meet a bunch of cover models, depending on which one you attend.

Susan Sheehey at RT Convention 2015, Dallas, TX

Last year was my first RT Convention in Dallas. The year before, was my first ever RWA Conference in San Antonio. I loved both conferences tremendously. It was a huge bonus that I was a published author by then, and could participate in the book signings.

As a brand new published author, though, I was an unknown. Therefore I didn’t sell many novels at either, so the cost of the conference registration alone put me in the red. But bottom line, I’d never had so much fun at an author event ever.

For those who know what they and have been to one, do you think the registration fees or ticket prices are worth it? Do you like to bring in your own books to have them signed, or do you like purchasing brand new books on the spot? Do you attend these events for specific authors, or are you that avid a fan of the genre, and love the opportunity to meet new authors and find new characters to read?

Swag from RWA Conference 2014

As a fairly new published author, I don’t have the budget to attend all of the events I’d like to in a given year. I normally have to pick 1 major conference a year, and then attend small signings more local to home. I LOVE interacting with readers, making new friends, and of course I always love an excuse to party! Not to mention all of the fabulous books! This year I’ll be attending RT Convention again, this time in Las Vegas in April.

Here are some of the major reader conventions coming up throughout the year. Can you add more that I’ve forgotten? Let me know which ones you’ll be going to!

The Novel Experience Event, Atlanta, GA – April 7-11^th, 2016

RT Convention, Las Vegas, NV – April 12-17^th, 2016

Book Con, Chicago, IL – May 14^th, 2016

Romance Novel Convention (RNC), Las Vegas, NV – June 1-5^th, 2016

Fresh Fiction’s Boas & Tiaras, Allen, TX – June 11^th, 2016

RWA Conference, San Diego, CA – July 13-16^th, 2016

Authors After Dark, Savannah, GA – August 3-7^th, 2016

Historical Romance Retreat, Spokane, WA – Sept 22-25^th, 2016

RomCon, Denver, CO – Sept 30^th-Oct 1^st, 2016

InD’Scribe Author & Reader Con, Burbank, CA – October 6-9^th, 2016

Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘Ritas, Allen, TX – Nov 11-13^th, 2016

Susan Sheehey writes romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two boys.  Water plays a crucial element in all of her novels, and she is a huge advocate for Autism Awareness. Follow Susan at SusanSheehey.com, on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, and Amazon.

TIPS ON WRITING THE MIDDLE OF A NOVEL

By Mary Adair

Let me start off by saying I am a “Die-Hard” fly by the seat of my pants writer. Not the easiest way to write, but it is fun. I decided this month I would talk about writing “the middle” of a novel. For me this is the hardest part of a novel to keep a handle on.

Indeed, I believe for most writers, the middle portion of a novel is the hardest part. It’s that “mushy” middle that can stall and keep a potentially great novel from getting completed. The beginning is easy enough, just start off with a bang…a steamy love scene, a contentious first meeting, an adulterer gets caught in the act.  The end, to me, is also fairly simple. But the middle?

No, the middle is sometimes annoyingly complex. It’s where theme is explored, secondary characters are developed and the main character is forced to confront one or several of his or her worst fears. Diving into the middle of a novel is like wandering deep into the woods with no clear way out. 

It’s easy to lose steam trying to find a way to the ending, but it is also the most exhilarating part of writing for me. This is where my characters really come to life! It seems to me, the characters that give me the most problems turn out to the most interesting.

I often need to step back and take a broader look, view it as more of a series of events that push the main character(s) to the climactic end. I just love to throw a huge wrench into the main character’s plan. 

Example…A good friend dies or an old or new threat to your main character’s life takes center stage or for the characters I write, bring in a new threat to their love interest.

The more stumbling blocks I throw at my main characters the more secondary characters appear. As these people make themselves known, a beautiful thing happens. The story begins to build on itself and flesh out.  This sometimes means there is much too much “story” for one book. 

Oh yea! The beginning of a series!

   

Passing…One Way or Another

Passing…One Way or Another

I recently read a wonderful book by Beverly Jenkins. Forbidden is the tale of Rhine Fontaine who was born a slave but began passing as a white man in the west. The story was great one of those page turners (or finger swipers for those with e-books). As a White man, he was able to do a lot of good for the people in the town, especially for those who were of Color. He falls with a woman who is Black and has to make a choice.  

After devouring the book I began to wonder how folks pass in their own worlds… not necessarily as far as color. I went to a writing retreat last weekend. I was amongst page-turning authors. As the ladies went around the room and introduced themselves, I swear I got all teary eyed. All I wanted to do was grab everyone and ask them about their books, when is the next one coming out and how did they come up with such a great idea. 

Arriving a day late, I became that shy new kid in a crowded classroom. Some of the authors came down with their other friend-authors. Bonds were already formed.

My turn came closer and I had no idea what to say. I started to doubt myself. Was I the only reader invited? I only have two books published (well.. one is on the way). Was I passing myself off as an author? But I found my voice, introduced myself and mentioned my two books under my belt and two more coming out this year. And as I got my welcoming applause, my shoulders straightened. My chest swelled with pride and I realized… I AM an author!

Girls’ Weekend Retreat Passing as a Writing Retreat…..

so this wasn’t my first writer’s retreat… just my first with so many famous writers. My writing friends are fabulous as well. One wonderful woman opens up her family’s lake house twice a year for a weekend of what passes as a writing retreat. We do get a lot of writing done… but we also have a lot of fun.

Have you ever been to a writing retreat? If not, here’s a list of things you must have in order to get a lot of writing done.

1.       Your laptop

2.       Wine

3.       Extension cords

4.       Ear buds (if you like to listen to music)

5.       Wine

6.       Pizza

7.       Chips (or your favorite munchy foods)

8.       Cork screw

9.       Comfy clothes

10.   Wine

11.   Camera.

12.   Notebooks

13.   Wine

14.   pens/pencils

15.   Backup laptop if yours is on the fritz.

16.   Best Gal Pals!

#16 is most important. Variety is great but you want to spend a judgment free weekend with your girls.

Time for me to name drop of my circle of friends...

Happy writing, y’all. ... and remember.. it's okay to be different! Write on! Write on! 

PS Happy Black History Month 

http://weneeddiversebooks.org/

MY CRAZIEST STORY YET!

New Release! Have Wand - Will Travel What happens when you mash up Have Gun - Will Travel, Narnia, and The Princess Bride?  You get an awesome single read... “A fun-filled western adventure full of bullets, magic, and laughs!” —Ann Charles, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Award-winning Deadwood Mystery Series When her grandfather is ensorcelled and Beavers of Extraordinary Size threaten the ranch, Nora resorts to hiring a mage, Tremaine Ramsey. But are they playing into the evil Gharth’s hands? Can the magic of love prevail?  Buy Now Rancher Nora Castle can deal with the fire darts and the damage caused by the Beavers of Extraordinary Size, but when her grandfather is ensorcelled, she knows this is a job that requires more than her warrior training. At her mentor’s urging, she sends for his old friend, Tremaine Ramsey. But when the tall mage, dressed in all black, arrives at the ranch, she has a hard time keeping her mind on her business. Can such a handsome man lift the spell without enchanting her heart?  Tremaine Ramsey, gunman for hire, answers a distress call from a woman rancher in the Sawtooth Mountains, but soon realizes she needs more than his gun—she needs a mage. He’s drawn to her beauty and her spirit, but his powerful father had been defeated by a seductress, so Tremaine has sworn off women. Can he uphold his vow of chastity long enough to defeat the evil sorcerer? Or will the magic of love prevail?

"Jacquie Rogers' Have Wand - Will Travel delivers a spirited, non-stop adventure with a cast of unforgettable characters—Tremaine, a handsome magician turned hired gun, cursed by a vow of chastity … Nora Castle, a buxom, shapely-figured warrior worried about her ailing grandfather … and Abraxus, a rambunctious stallion-turned-centaur-turned unicorn armed with a crossbow. Together, this unlikely trio battle giant beavers, an army of menacing griffins, and huge centipedes on a treacherous mission to confront the lethal and evil sorcerer Gharth and rescue a jeweled casket." Tom Rizzo, author of Last Stand at Bitter Creek Share to Win! Share this newsletter (just click on the icons right underneath the banner at the top), then send your email address to jacquierogersreaders@yahoo.com, and you'll receive a free copy of Willow, Wish For Me.  Five winners will be chosen to win a free copy of Have Wand - Will Travel!  Winners will be chosen and prizes will be sent February 13, 2016.  Each share is an entry so share often! What's the title of my next series? Email your guesses to: jacquierogersreaders@yahoo.com 3 random winners will each receive an ARC!

READING VS. LISTENING?

As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by books. Fortunately, my dad was a proponent of reading. He backed me each Saturday morning when I’d say, “Just one more chapter,” to my mom, who wanted me to clean my room and help with other housework. Of course, you know what happens with “just one more chapter”, right? I’d finish the book, then clean like crazy to make up for the delay.

I still love reading and indulge myself when I’m not writing. In the last few decades, there’s a competitor to the written work—audio books. My first experience with one was really a cassette my husband received for his birthday from a friend. That was a Louis L’Amour novel. We listened to it on a trip.

Since then, audio books have taken off. I was delighted when one of my first books was turned into an audio version—until I realized the publisher got the money and not me. Rats! On the advice of a very savvy author, I delved into the audio market with two of my books.

BRAZOS BRIDE, book one of Men of Stone Mountain TX, was my first experiment. This book has been a big seller for me and now is perma-free on Amazon and is also in Kindle Unlimited. Amazon offered me a great deal to try audio whereby they would supplement the narrator’s fee. I’d been itching to try audio, so that was the incentive I needed. Woo Hoo! I was on my way. Hero and I searched for a narrator who would accept Amazon’s terms and we auditioned those who were willing. We chose a woman with a wonderful voice and we split the royalties: a quarter for her, a quarter for me, and a half for Amazon. Hmmm, what’s wrong with this picture?

The same savvy author advised me that I’d be better off hiring the narrator. So, for HIGH STAKES BRIDE, book two of Men of Stone Mountain TX, we paid the narrator a flat fee per hour and then we only split with Amazon. Yes, the mighty Amazon always gets their cut. We used a different narrator because the first woman was booked for months and we didn’t want to wait. When we get the bit between our teeth, we are impatient.

So, how about you? Do you listen to audio books? Do you prefer holding a book or e-reader in your hand? One of my friends downloads audio books onto her iPhone and listens while she does embroidery or sewing. Another listens while she commutes.

If you enjoy or want to try an audio book, I have promo codes to give away that will allow you to get one of these two audio books for FREE (or both if you wish). Just send me an email at caroline @ carolineclemmons.com (without the spaces) with AUDIO BOOK in the subject and I’ll send you a promo code or codes. Invite your friends to do the same.

My next book will be released on February 9^th. This is another “secret” project so I can’t tell you what it is or the person in charge would kill me. This is a kind of project with which I’ve not been involved before so I’m eager to see the results. I can tell you the title is AMANDA’S RANCHER and I’m excited about the release.

Thanks for stopping by!