MAKING EACH WORD COUNT...RIGHT FROM THE START

By Ashley Kath-Bilsky

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much are the first words you read in a book worth to you? How much importance do you hold on the opening line of a book? The first paragraph? The first page?

In this day and age when more and more people are purchasing books from online booksellers, I often wonder what is the motivating factor for readers to purchase a book? Provided it is not an author they are already familiar with and whose work they enjoy reading, what compels someone to purchase a new book from an unknown author?

Is it the cover? The genre? The blurb, or brief description written about the book’s premise? The reviews posted by other readers? No doubt, one or all of the above might play a collective role to influence someone to buy a book. Then there is the fact that many readers purchase books based on the recommendations of friends and family. Others faithfully follow the New York Times Bestsellers List or are influenced by a slick full-page ad in a national magazine.

As a reader, I gravitate toward specific genres. And I'll be honest; if a cover catches my eye, I will examine it and even admire it. Still, I have long believed in the old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Despite the increasingly popular trend of online shopping and e-books (most of which cost substantially less than the print version of the same title, and which can download within seconds onto hand-held electronic devices), there are many readers who still prefer to visit a bookstore, and to hold an actual book in their hands before they buy it. These rather old-fashioned book buyers (like me) often adhere to a special system or criteria they have followed for years when deciding whether or not to purchase a specific book. And the mainstay of my criteria -- believe it or not -- remains reading that first line.

[Photo Credit: gary yim / Shutterstock.com]

For me, it is like sitting in a beautiful theatre waiting expectantly for the play to start. When the heavy velvet curtain gracefully rises on invisible strings, the audience gets their first glimpse of the stage, and when the first line is spoken or the first action takes place, the adventure begins.

In fiction, an author creates the scene, the character(s), the emotion, action, tension, plot elements, and dialogue. Granted, it would be impossible to convey all of this in the opening line of the book, but that line will (if done correctly) entice the reader and give them the 'story's promise'.

Ultimately, it isn't just the genre, the cover, advertisement, or the premise of a book that intrigues me – it’s the writing. I want to get a feel for the writer’s voice, their pacing and their craftsmanship. A cover isn’t going to tell me this, and neither is an ad or the blurb on the back of the book. Reviews are just one person's opinion, and I try not to be influenced or biased based on them. There are books I love that other people don't, and vice versa. And although some people may place little importance on the first line of a book, for some reason – I still do.

For many people, the first line in a book has such an impact, it has never been forgotten.

I can still remember when my mother gifted me with a leather-bound collector’s edition of REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier on my 12th birthday. A voracious reader who loved books, I held the grown-up novel in my hands, admired the beautiful leather binding, then opened the book to carefully pull back each pristine page until I could read the first line of this book.

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” ~ Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938)

This first line did not tell me the name or anything about the character speaking. It did not describe where this person was, or even the time period in which the book took place. However, it was a compelling opening and immediately captivated my interest. I wanted to know more about this mysterious Manderley.

Some authors write very fast-paced, especially in suspense thrillers, and can capture the reader’s attention and imagination with very few words.

“It was a bright, cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.” ~ 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

Others write with an elegant, almost lyrical, descriptive style, very often found in classic literature and today’s historical fiction.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” ~ Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Some books may open with a line of dialogue or an internal thought in a specific character’s point of view, such as:

“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages shall show.” ~ David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850)

“I am an invisible man.” ~ The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)

Some may open with a long first line, the dreaded run-on sentence that your English teacher scolded you about, and yet Charlea Dickens conveys so much with this opening and hooks the reader.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” ~ A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)

As a writer, I often struggle with the first line of a book. I cannot say how many times I have opened with a descriptive line of narrative that I absolutely loved, then switched to a simple line of dialogue. Although they will not likely be memorized by a reader, I hope my first lines capture the reader’s attention, curiosity, and beckon them to take an adventure within the pages of my book.

From the first line, to the first paragraph, and every line of narrative and dialogue that the writer sets within the pages of their book, each word should count...right from the start. For me, the first line is a promise to the reader, and promises must always be kept.

Thanks for stopping by today. I would love to know what influences you to purchase a book. And if you have a favorite first line of a beloved book, please share it with me. ~ AKB

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS…CELEBRATING FAITH, LIFE, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

By: Ashley Kath-Bilsky

The Holiday Season is here, which (for many of us) means a whirlwind of activity as we prepare to celebrate the holidays on a spiritual level as well as the family traditions we cherish that have been passed down from generation to generation. For me, at present, I don’t really feel as if I am in that whirlwind, but something more like suspended animation. I see so much that needs to be done to prepare for Christmas and New Year’s, but because I am recuperating from surgery, my busy schedule has been hampered.

Everything from decorating the house and setting up the Christmas tree, to baking cookies, mailing gifts, and even enjoying a nice mug of tea (or hot chocolate) as I focus on my writing has been put on hold. I do have some elves that have promised to help me get the tree and decorations in order, but right now they are preoccupied with ‘semester finals’.

Today is actually my first day back on the computer since my surgery last Wednesday, and that’s only because I suddenly remembered I have a blog to write. So, I hope you won’t mind if I use this time to re-post an article I wrote back in 2011, specifically about the Scots tradition of Hogmanay (or New Year’s) and how much it means to me and my family.

When it comes to welcoming the New Year, the actual date and customs practiced for celebrating the holiday often depend upon one’s heritage, culture and religion, as well as what calendar you follow. For most of the world, December 31st is New Year’s Eve – a day often spent in merriment as we bid farewell to the passing year and celebrate the dawning of a New Year with optimism and good wishes. The United States is comprised of so many people from diverse cultures, faiths, and traditions. We may not all celebrate the holiday of Christmas, but we all celebrate the beginning of a New Year. Since, as my friends know, I am extremely proud of my Scots ancestry, my family embraces the highland tradition of Hogmanay!

Meaning the “last day of the year”, Hogmanay is an old, much loved custom in the highlands of Scotland. It dates back to the celebration of the Winter Solstice among the Norse yet also encompasses Gaelic customs used at Samhein. Much of Scotland’s traditions and customs are often intertwined with those of the Norse. When one remembers many people of Scots heritage are descendants of Vikings who crossed the North Sea to invade Scotland, it is not surprising in the least to see Norse influence still in existance in the culture and traditions of Scotland.

The customs practiced at Hogmanay begin at dawn on New Year's Eve. After a small breakfast, Scottish homes are cleaned from top to bottom until spotless. Items are placed about to convey what you would like to have happen in the New Year, i.e., coins for prosperity and symbols for health, love, and protection.

When the clock strikes midnight, windows and doors are opened to welcome the New Year, and a feast is set for all to enjoy. And I mean "all". No one is turned away. And since it is a tradition for adults to go door-to-door singing or shouting Hogmanay, quite a crowd could be expected...which brings me to the Scots tradition of "first footing".

Basically, first-footing is the first person who crosses your threshold after midnight on New Year's Day. Traditionally, he or she should come bearing gifts such as: salt, shortbread (yum!), whisky, and a black bun (the dense, rich Scottish fruitcake). Another one of my favorites is the Clootie Dumpling, a dessert pudding made with flour, sugar, sultanas, currants, spices, and treacle.

The gifts are supposed to bring luck to the house and family in the New Year. Naturally, in return, food and drink are offered to your guests. It can become quite the Céilidh or party as everyone who wants to be the first-footer shows up and you have a house full of guests – and lots of delicious goodies. Oh, and if a tall, dark (preferably handsome) man is your first-footer, needless to say that brings the best luck of all! Makes you wonder if whomever invented this tradition was a romance writer, doesn’t it? On the other hand, should a fairhaired man show up on your doorstep, the luck may not be so good, as they are a reminder of the Viking invaders. Hmmm.

Of course, no gathering would be complete without everyone singing Auld Lang Syne, the traditional New Year's anthem written by the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. And lest you think I jest about the level of merriment and partying for Hogmanay, the day after New Year's, January 2nd, is also a holiday in Scotland...no doubt a much appreciated day to recover from overindulgence.

Among the most popular traditions upheld today are the torchlight processions throughout the highlands. For example, in Edinburgh, you might see an assortment of Vikings and Scottish highlanders dragging a Viking warship as they lead a group of 15,000 people bearing individual flaming torches. Accompanied by pipers, they walk from historic Parliament Square on the Old Town's Royal Mile, down the Mound, along Princes Street and Waterloo Place, and up to the ancient Edinburgh meeting ground Calton Hill. Phew! Talk about a hike. Most cities, towns and villages in the highlands will all have a torchlight procession, which culminates with everyone igniting a roaring bonfire and usually features a grand fireworks display.

The bonfire itself has a long history and great importance at Hogmanay. It represents everything from the Sun and the driving away of evil spirits, to how light will always conquer the darkness, and the belief that the bonfire will secure happiness and luck in the New Year. The bigger the bonfire, the better the luck. In fact, great care has always been taken to ensure the bonfire would not go out. Since everyone in the towns and villages would each carry a torch to light the bonfire, certain sure that the tradition must be upheld by the entire community, it would be a terrible omen of bad luck should the bonfire go out before sunrise.

Although each country may have its own special New Year’s Eve customs according to its culture and heritage, at midnight with the tolling of church bells and the echoing from clock towers, music, merriment, and fireworks are held all over the world. From Sydney, Australia to Paris, France, from London, England to Stockholm, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark, hundreds of thousands of people gather together in public settings to welcome the New Year.

One of the most famous gatherings takes place at Times Square in New York City. Each year, a Waterford crystal ball begins to make its slow descent at 11:59 pm. Far below its lofty height, people join in unison to count down the final moments until the New Year officially begins.

People have gathered in Times Square to celebrate New Year's Eve as far back as 1904, but it was not until 1907 that the New Year's Eve Ball first made its appearance from the top of a flagpole at One Times Square. Except for 1942 and 1943, Times Square and the New Year's Eve ball ceremony have never failed to mark the New Year.

Of course, not everyone celebrates New Years with crowds and noise, and the closest they get (or ever want to get) to festivities like Times Square is watching it on television. The truth is, there are many who prefer to embrace the peace and quiet of being by hearth and home. You may live alone and enjoy sitting by the fireside with a good book and a glass of wine. Or, you may prefer staying home, close to loved ones, where you can reflect, remember, and celebrate the dawning of a New Year as a nearby clock strikes twelve.

But whatever way you celebrate the New Year, I hope that 2014 brings you good health and happiness, peace and prosperity, and renewed faith in the hope and promise that tomorrow always brings. Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you all Bliadhna Mhath Úr or Happy New Year!

Slàinte! ~ AKB

THE SECRET DOOR

By Ashley Kath-Bilsky

If you could go back in time and revisit a specific day or moment in your life, when would it be, and why? Would you try to change something you did, or a path you chose that led you to your present place and time? Perhaps you’d like to go back to have just one more conversation with someone you love – a mother, father, grandparent, spouse, or friend –someone who has passed on leaving you with so many unspoken words or unanswered questions?

There is no denying that I love history and the concept of time travel, or that both have played an important role in my desire to write historical fiction. Whether or not there is time travel in each of my novels, the period in which the story is set always provides me with that imaginary time travel experience, and I hope that the reader feels the same way.

But with Thanksgiving around the corner, and as the vibrant colors of autumn will soon fade and make way for winter, my thoughts turn not to a historical setting of a book, but to my lifetime.

Like many others, I reflect and count my blessings. I ponder the lessons I have learned, the stumbles I have made, and the dreams I still want to achieve. And, invariably, like a rising mist from a distant memory, I also think about loved ones, neighbors, teachers, and so many other people (most of whom died a long time ago), yet who continue to impact my life.

There was my pediatrician, Dr. Edwin Toddy, who cared for me since my birth and would come to our home with his black doctor’s bag whenever I was sick…which was often. I remember his concerned expression as he listened to my breathing, and the curious thump, thump, thump sound as he tapped my back to check for congestion. For every illness, big or small, this dear man treated me, and I’m sure all his patients, as if they were members of his family.

There was Mr. Sturgess, the retired policeman turned crossing guard who, whenever he saw me bundled up in a snowsuit and hardly able to walk, would smile, lift me up and carry me across the snowy streets safely to the schoolyard. He knew all the children by name, and he loved my mom’s fruitcake every Christmas. I see his smile now, as well as his somber expression when he told me I could not walk home on the opposite side of the street with a school friend because he knew I would eventually have to cross the street without his supervision to reach my home.

There was the school custodian whose kind face I remember, but whose name I cannot recall. Each Halloween he would open the school up and have apple cider and plain cake donuts for all the children out trick or treating.

There was an elderly couple who lived on our street. Like the custodian, their faces are imprinted in my heart but I don’t remember their names. They sat in rocking chairs and had two adorable cocker spaniels. With my mother’s permission, each afternoon when I was four years old, I would walk a few houses down to visit with them. I would sit and pet their dogs and wait for my older brother and sister to walk home from school. I can still remember the smell of yarn as the lady knitted and talked to me, while her husband read the paper and would chuckle softly at our conversation.

You might be asking yourself why I’m talking about these people now. Well, it’s because as a writer I recognize we are each products of our life experiences – good and bad. As a writer, I recognize the influence that people and events had not only on my growth as a person and my perception of the world, but in my approach to writing. Even the painful experiences, the mean girls who bullied you or pulled your hair as a child, the heartaches you suffered, the times you may have felt alone or as if you’ve been knocked down by life one time too many to ever stand upright again – all of these moments can not only help make you a stronger and more empathetic human being, but help a writer in their work, and in relating that work to a reader.

Years ago, as a student I first attempted to write a work of fiction. I doubted my ability or even what to write about. My professor said, “Write what you know.”

It is surprising how often life experiences inspire a writer. It may be a subtle nuance, help create a specific character, or even influence the plotline of the book.

Whether or not you write fiction or non-fiction, as a writer you want to connect with the reader on an emotional level. In romance novels, it is especially important that the characters resonate with a reader emotionally. The humanity of a novel’s characters, their flaws, strengths, fears and dreams, their struggles and hope for love, and the challenges or obstacles they face, will all combine to touch the heart of a reader, as well as entertain them.

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”~ W.T. Purkiser

Each of us has walked through many doors in our lives, doors that brought us home, into the local library, or the many classrooms where teachers worked diligently to teach us how to read, write, and learn about history, science, and the world around us. Doors of churches, synagogues, museums, concert halls. Doors that brought us to the bedside of a loved one in a hospital, or the room where our child was born.

We may not be able to actually go back in time and revisit moments and people from our lives, but the secret door I talked about above is inside each of us, in our hearts and memories. All you have to do is picture the moment in your mind, turn the key, open the door…and remember.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, and I hope each of us draws strength and comfort from the moments in our past that perhaps tested us, and the people who helped to guide our footsteps, our understanding, and ultimately contributed to the person we are today. May each of us continue to grow as caring human beings, to believe in love and happy endings, and appreciate the blessings in our lives today. In ways we may not even realize, we are all connected and we have the potential to help others find comfort and even hope from our actions each and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving. ~ AKB

REMEMBERING JANE...AND HER CONTINUING LEGACY

By Ashley Kath-Bilsky

The life of Jane Austen has, to a great extent, been cloaked in secrecy. Whatever the family's circumstances, her health struggles or personal heartbreaks, one cannot help but wonder if -- at the end of her mortal life -- Jane wanted to be remembered (or discussed) through her literary accomplishments. And, for the most part, that is how we best know Jane Austen.

Still, there are some glimpses into her past that help to formulate an image of Jane. Born on 16 December 1775, the second daughter of George and Cassandra Austen, Jane had six brothers and one older sister named after their mother.

Cassandra and Jane (very much like Elizabeth and Jane Bennett in Pride & Prejudice) were devoted sisters as well as best friends and confidantes. In fact, it can be said that no one more staunchly protected the future legacy of Jane's literary works and the privacy of her personal life than her beloved sister. Their bonds of loyalty and love were forged in childhood and continued even after Jane's untimely death at the age of forty-one. As little girls they both contracted typhus and almost died. And years later when Jane demonstrated an interest in writing, Cassandra as well as the entire Austen family encouraged her pursuit. What began as poems and plays to entertain the family evolved into the creation of literary classics that continue to be read by millions throughout the world.

Without question, to the 21st century world, Jane Austen has become such a respected, beloved, and iconic literary figure that her books are published in 47 different languages throughout the world. Films, merchandise, museums, and organizations such as the Jane Austen Society of North America have been created to continue to study and support the work of this author. Her image can now be seen on the £10 note in the United Kingdom. Most recently, a turquoise and gold ring belonging to Jane created a storm of controversy when it was sold at auction to American singer Kelly Clarkson (who wanted to bring her prize back to the United States). Immediately, the United Kingdom Culture Minister placed an export ban on the piece.

The Jane Austen House then went to work and initiated a fundraising campaign to try and buy back the ring to keep it in the United Kingdom. Their actions were understandable since the ring remains one of only three pieces of surviving jewelry documented to have belonged to Miss Austen. And like a true-blue devout Austen fan, Ms. Clarkson acquiesced to the museum's wishes and agreed to sell the ring back. Ms. Clarkson stated, "The ring is a beautiful national treasure and I am happy to know that so many Jane Austen fans will get to see it at Jane Austen's House Museum."

Obviously, there is a fascination about the woman herself, but from a literary viewpoint, what is it about Jane Austen that continues to captivate readers, and has generated such a devoted following? One could simply say her novels stand apart -- and continue to thrive today in the marketplace -- because of her literary voice, her remarkably descriptive narrative, the crafting of her plots, and the unique and diverse characters she created -- some of whom have become iconic quintessential heroes and heroines in the 21st century.

Yet above and beyond all of the above, for me (and I believe many others), the novels of Jane Austen contain an intrinsic element upon which her novels not only succeed but have become unforgettable. Jane Austen takes the reader by the hand through a time portal into her world. One does not read a Jane Austen novel; one becomes immersed in it.

Jane Austen remains the unparalleled voice of an era. She encapsulated through her writing not just the beauty and elegance of the Regency period, but also provided a rapier-edged honesty and insightful commentary on society itself.

She showed us the strictures and customs imposed by early 19th century society -- the dynamics of family regarding such issues as financial security, inheritance, the rights (or lack thereof) of women, scandal, and even the political and military climate of the time period.

Her undeniable firsthand perspective as a woman living in the Regency era became, in itself, a wondrous magnifying glass into a world her readers could both see and understand. This attention to detail continues to inspire writers of historical fiction, and kindles within their hearts the importance of research and accuracy regarding the time period in which their book is set. For authors whose work takes place in the Regency period, there is an added burden to maintain the Austen standards of excellence, accuracy, and integrity that readers of this period not only love, but know so well.

Yet, it is important to remember that Jane Austen was not writing a historical work of fiction. She wrote about the time in which she lived and did so with such an attention to detail that she provided future generations, including scholars, with a wondrous glimpse into the Regency period.

And what I have learned from Jane Austen is that whether one is an author of historical or contemporary fiction, there is an obligation to provide readers with accurate information and details when possible. To paint a vivid picture that pulls them into a book, and to incorporate facts in fiction that will sustain over time. Readers are savvy and intelligent, especially readers of Regency Romances. They know the period, and nothing will prompt a Regency reader to put down a book faster than inaccurate information about the time period they love.

The same reaction would apply to any work of fiction where the reader is pulled out of the story either because the plot is not feasible or the author failed to do proper research. For example, in a contemporary suspense thriller, the type of equipment and/or forensic testing utilized to investigate a crime scene or solve a crime must be accurate; the plot not far-fetched or unrealistic that the reader will be pulled out of the story.

As an avid reader, Jane Austen has always been someone whose work I not only love but greatly admire. There is intelligence, wit, and elegance to her writing, as well as an exemplary integrity to the crafting of her stories that remains timeless. As a writer, she is one of the authors who continues to inspire my love of historical fiction. She is the reason why my first book, The Sense of Honor, was set in the Regency period. Although I will not achieve the pinnacle of success as an author that she accomplished, I am so grateful for the contributions she made to literature, and the stellar example and quality of storytelling she provided to which I aspire.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my tribute to Jane Austen and her legacy. ~ AKB

WEATHERING THE STORM OF WRITER'S BLOCK

By: Ashley Kath-Bilsky

We do not follow maps to buried treasure, and “X” never, ever, marks the spot.” ~ Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

It never ceases to surprise me how a certain quote from a book or movie will surface from a distant memory out of the blue. This particular quote by the fictitious archaeologist/adventurer Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, has been replaying in my brain for days now. Why, you might ask? Well, perhaps to remind me that reaching one's goal is never easy, and that no matter how I may have mapped out a book in my mind (or charted its course in detail on paper), I still can get lost. In many ways, a writer is like the captain of a ship called Creativity and the book you are creating is the journey.

Currents shift, the winds change and you suddenly find yourself in the midst of a storm (let’s call it a wicked migraine). Try as you might to stay on course, the pounding of the waves from the storm batter both you and your ship. There is nothing you can do but ride it out. Finally, dawn breaks and you anxiously return to the helm, only to realize your ship has been drifting for days. You fix your gaze on the horizon and wait for the wind to rise and fill the sails. But there is no wind, only a strange silence…as if you and your ship are in some kind of limbo. And much to your surprise, a certain character (let’s call him your hero), is being unusually quiet. You don’t know if he’s hiding below deck or decided to jump ship.

Nautical metaphor aside, I am talking about the dreaded curse of ‘writer’s block’. Various degrees and different causes are often attributed to ‘writer’s block’, from being distracted by family obligations or illness (that can temporarily affect the discipline and rhythm of your writing), to the pressures of another job, publisher deadlines, or creative problems within the story’s structure itself. Perhaps an author may suffer from 'writer's block' because of insecurity or fear of failure, especially if a previous book was highly acclaimed. This type of 'writer's block' happened to J.K. Rowling, who said: "I suffered writer's block badly once, and that was during the writing of Chamber of Secrets. I had my first burst of publicity about the first book and it paralyzed me. I was scared the second book wouldn't measure up, but I got through it."

A scientific explanation was also served up to explain the problem. In 2004, a book titled The Midnight Disease: The Drive to Write, Writer's Block, and the Creative Brain, author and neurologist Alice W. Flaherty wrote “literary creativity is a function of specific areas of the brain, and that block may be the result of brain activity being disrupted in those areas.” So what’s a writer to do?

The solutions to the problem are just as varied. Some suggest taking a break, going for a long walk, or doing something other than stare at a blank page. You might try some free-writing exercise; asking the proverbial ‘what if’, might unclog the cobwebs of your mind. Others suggest, especially if you feel you’ve hit a wall with your writing, to brainstorm with a critique partner or friend about alternate plot threads, or even skip ahead in your story to a different scene then double-back later to the problem area.

There is comfort (at least for me) in the knowledge that most writers experience this ‘disruption of the creative mind’ at one time or another, including famous authors. And we all work our way through it somehow. But here is what some of them had to say on the subject of the difficulties of writing and/or advice about 'writer’s block'.

“Put it aside for a few days, or longer, do other things, try not to think about it. Then sit down and read it (printouts are best I find, but that’s just me) as if you’ve never seen it before. Start at the beginning.” ~ Neil Gaiman

“Pretend that you’re writing not to your editor or to an audience or to a readership, but to someone close, like your sister, or your mother, or someone that you like.” ~ John Steinbeck

“Stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck…your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Whether you are a writer or not, life is a journey. We are each captains of our own ship. Its timbers are crafted from our hopes and dreams, as well as perseverance, education, experience and training -- all joined together to make the vessel we need to achieve each goal we set before us. Needless to say, it isn't always smooth sailing. It's often a ‘learn as you go’ process. Sometimes there are no obstacles, no ill wind to blow you off course. Yet if there should be delays and obstacles, storms that batter you every which way, frustrating as they might be, perhaps learning to cope with those storms will make us all stronger in the end. I hope so.

Thanks for stopping by today. As for me and the status of my ‘writer’s block’, I am once more aboard the ship of Creativity. This particular journey may be slow going, but I believe it will be worthwhile in the end. In closing, I leave you with an inspirational quote from Elizabeth Edwards:

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails.”

Happy writing…and reading! ~ AKB

THE SPIN OF THE WHEEL, ROLL OF THE DICE – AND DETOURS OF WRITING A NOVEL

By: Ashley Kath-Bilsky

Writing books seems easy for many published authors, especially those whose fertile imagination and superpower speed result in as many as 3-4 book releases a year. Seriously, how the blankety-blank do they do it?! Much as I’d like to think they drink a secret potion, one must strive to think logically.

Perhaps they have the whole process down to a scientific formula or mathematical equation whereby the square root of ‘x’ (in this case writing) multiplied by fractions of plot and voice, combined with some unknown quotient thence equals a completed novel in so many weeks or months? Well, all I can say is that if math is involved, I might as well give up my writing career right now.

Maybe it’s simpler than math (let’s hope!), and one need only apply imagination and acquired writing technique with focus, self-discipline and time-management skills. Well, I do have imagination and some writing ability, but as for focus, self-discipline and time-management…um…not so much. Essentially, much as I might try to be focused and disciplined, things (some small, most others large) distract me. LIFE especially (much as I love it!) has this rude way of interrupting my solitary writing time with something that must be dealt with immediately – and only by me. Mind you, no one else in my family can do it. Let’s just say, I’m gifted that way. It’s a curse, but I digress…

For years I struggled with the desire to become a more proficient, prolific writer, to test my endurance and push myself to learn the most efficient method to write a book. Well, after extensive research, I’ve come to the conclusion that every writer has their own method for writing a book, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

Some writers employ methodical, detailed plotting before they ever type ‘Chapter One’. Some write a brief outline then type the book’s first draft like a cowboy riding 'hell bent for leather' into town after months on a cattle drive. The idea for them is just to get the story on paper. They then go back and fix grammar, sentence structure, add research or embellish details to form the second draft. This process continues until the final polished draft is completed.

Others storyboard their entire book (like a director does for films) – scene for scene – then go back and add in emotion to tie each scene together. Some are a ‘pantser’ and formulate the basic book premise and characters in their mind for a spell then construct the novel from beginning to end in a linear manner while still allowing themselves to explore different plot avenues or unexpected twists that might spring up. I happen to be a ‘pantser’.

Just as each writer must have their own literary voice, I believe each writer creates to their own internal beat or rhythm. Still, chances are no matter how fast or slow they write, they will each encounter a detour or roadblocks along the way. Important research especially for a historical novel can be a major detour. And detours -- or just taking an impulsive exit to explore a new plot thread -- can cause delays.

For example, a writer might find that halfway through the book, the plot doesn’t work or some secondary character becomes so intriguing, you start giving him more lines. To be honest, I often think of myself as a writer-director and the characters in my books as actors, and some of them can be quite vocal about the size or importance of their role. They whine and complain; the alpha males usually argue. I try to tell them I’ll give them a bigger part next time, but it doesn’t always work. Then there are some who just don’t like the script at all. I actually had a character keep insisting she was a YA heroine just trying to find herself and wasn’t ready for serious lovey-dovey romance. Actually, she was right.

In any event, I thought I knew all about the detours that distract and complicate the writing process for me, but I was wrong. I started out writing historical romance set in Regency England then expanded to the American West. Then, thanks to that pesky teenage heroine, I came to a fork in the road that took me in the direction of YA fiction. Okay, fine, I can deal with this. It’s still historical fiction. Then, lo and behold, whilst writing the second book in my Windswept Texas Romance series set in the American West of the late 19th century, and writing and editing a gothic YA historical series set in Regency England, this sci-fi/fantasy/adventure trilogy that I worked on while a student in the 80s suddenly resurfaced and rather insistently pushed all other projects aside. To be honest, it has been sitting in a box for 30 years.

You may have heard writers say their books are like their children. Well, what I am going through right now is like having several very little children demanding my attention, constantly saying, “No, look at me! Work on me! It’s my turn now!”

Hence, the roulette wheel and roll of the dice analogy to this post. In addition to trying to remain focused and discipline my writing time on a daily basis, which includes but is not limited to avoiding social media sites and any contact with the outside world, I now have to spin a roulette wheel of sorts and pick which genre I am going to work on. Do I focus on just one or try to give them all equal attention and writing time each day? After all, trying to work on all three genres might prove disastrous. The historical paranormal takes place in Texas during the late 19th century, so the dialect of its characters, research and setting is a far cry from the same elements of the gothic YA which takes place in Regency England. As for the sci-fi/fantasy – well, clearly, it’s out of this world.

Trying to immerse myself as a writer into the setting of each book and be consistent with which voice and dialect to use requires lots of caffeine and no small amount of M&Ms.

In any event, that’s where I am today – caught somewhere between having a real life and an imaginary teleport device traveling through various times, locations, assorted characters and plots – none of which are the same.

For all your lovely dear readers out there, who may or may not be curious as to what I am up to – or why it takes me so long to write – there it is – in a nutshell. I write when and where the story takes me, and often how the characters speak to me. The method that works for me is not speedy, and I have to remind myself this is not a race. Still, I do understand that you must strike while the iron is hot, and get those books out there lickety-split to the people, etc. I appreciate that some readers may get bored waiting for a new book, but I believe readers will never tire of reading a good book.

Ultimately my goal is to create something that will be original, meaningful and unforgettable, a book you will want to keep and return to again on some long winter’s night or while catching some rays by the seashore.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress and what’s up with each project, and maybe throw in some giveaways and surprises along the way. To that end, I will draw the name of two (2) lucky winners who will each receive a signed print copy of either THE SENSE OF HONOR (Historical Romance with Mystery and Suspense elements set in Regency England voted one of the 1001 Best Books Ever Written by readers of Romantic Times) or WHISPER IN THE WIND (Time Travel Romance set in the American West of 1885 which made its debut in April as an Amazon best-selling Time Travel Romance). To qualify, simply post a comment to this post and provide your email address so that I can contact you.

Happy Reading, and thanks for stopping by. ~ AKB

MY DEAREST LITERARY COMPANIONS – LAURA, DAPHNE, JOHANNA, JANE, and VICTORIA

By: Ashley Kath-Bilsky

For me, a good book always has a way of taking me on a wonderful journey where compelling characters come to life, and storylines not only keep you spellbound but emotionally invested. How many of us have laughed, cried, or even screamed in terror after reading what a beloved character experienced? The first time I screamed out loud while reading was in public. And I mean, I screamed…loud. The looks I got make me smile now. The year was 1979 and I was in a school lunchroom totally enthralled reading Sphinx by Robin Cook. I still remember the horrific scene and how unexpectedly it escalated just as I turned a page.

How many of us have finished a novel and held the book close to our heart with the certain knowledge we must keep it forever? Even if our bookshelf becomes bowed to the point of breaking from the weight of these treasured books, we cannot part with them.

Well, the other day, I was organizing my bedroom walk-in closet (no small task) and, in particular, some shelves with keeper books. Primarily, the ones on these shelves are paperbacks. The hardcover books are usually placed in my writing loft on stronger shelves. Some of the books are autographed, but all of them are books I read, loved and wanted to preserve in a special place of honor. A great majority are romance novels. The settings vary although most take place in the Regency period. Other time periods I love to read include Medieval, Georgian, Colonial America, Westerns, and Victorian. No doubt about it, I have always loved historical fiction and being transported back in time. But as I looked at these books, it got me to thinking about the authors who earned a hallowed spot on my 'keeper shelf'; the ones whose works I keep returning to, like a thirsty traveler making a pilgrimage to a sacred well.

Ask anyone who loves to read, and they will tell you the names of their favorite authors. And if that reader is also a writer, it’s quite possible that one (or more) of their favorite authors also inspired them to become a writer and perhaps influenced their writing style.

Just as people readily name their favorite actors or actresses, or perhaps a favorite sports team, devout readers can trace their affection for a certain author back to their childhood. Without question, the ‘Little House’ books of Laura Ingalls Wilder remain dear to my heart. After all, she was the first author who transported me back in time as a child. Through the pages of her books, I was also introduced to characters based on her childhood that have forever touched my young heart. [Photo Credit: Catwalker/Shutterstock]

I can also remember the day I got my first ‘grown up’ book. It was my 12th birthday, and my mother gifted me with a special hardcover volume of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I read that book over and over again. In fact, I loved the book so much that a few years later my mom introduced me to the 1939 classic film version in a way I would never forget. For anyone who has seen this film, perhaps on Turner Classic Movies, it starred Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. However, long before there was a TCM, my mom surprised me with a mother-daughter day, just the two of us. Instead of going to the museum (which she knew I loved to do), or perhaps a concert with nothing but pipers from the Highlands of Scotland (which she also knew I adored), we went to a special screening of Rebecca in Saratoga Springs, New York. And after the film ended, none other than Miss Joan Fontaine walked out on stage to be interviewed and talk with the audience about the making of the film. I was beyond thrilled.

Miss Fontaine was so lovely, friendly, and gracious as she answered questions from the audience about the book-to- film transition of Rebecca, and what it was like working with director Alfred Hitchcock for the first time in her career (and in what was Hitchcock’s first Hollywood directorial project). She also talked about the process of filmmaking and the beautiful sets constructed for the film. Needless to say, I sighed with disappointment to know Manderley (the beautiful Cornwall estate in the film and a character unto itself) had consisted of specially constructed sets for the various interior rooms and a miniature built for exterior shots. Miss Fontaine did, however, elaborate on how beautiful that set had been and then shared an interesting anecdote.

At the time Rebecca was being filmed, Gone with the Wind was also being filmed. For those who do not know, Miss Fontaine’s sister is actress Olivia de Havilland, who portrayed Melanie Hamilton Wilkes in Gone with the Wind. Well, Miss Fontaine stated that one night as the two sisters had dinner with their mother, they shared what happened on set during their respective day of filming. Ironically, the burning of Atlanta in Gone with the Wind was filmed the very same day that Manderley had been set aflame in Rebecca. Interesting, no? I can well imagine the number of firemen on both sets that day to make sure those raging infernos we saw on film were very controlled.

[Pictured: Daphne du Maurier]

In any event, without question Daphne du Maurier has long remained one of my favorite authors, and she has influenced me as a writer, too.

Needless to say, I cannot adequately describe the emotional impact I had upon learning my first novel, The Sense of Honor, a gothic historical romantic suspense set in Regency England, had been honored with the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Romantic Mystery and Suspense.

As I looked over the names of authors I love and whose books I always keep, certain names bring a smile to my lips.

For example, virtually anything by Johanna Lindsey is a keeper.

[Pictured: Johanna Lindsey]

Lindsey's Malory family series to this day remains my absolute favorite collection of romance novels. She got me so invested emotionally in that family, I looked forward to reading what Malory the next book would be about. She also gave her readers the opportunity to reconnect with characters from earlier works.

Another writer whose work I adore and who (I feel) has influenced me greatly as a writer is Miss Jane Austen. When you think upon the fact that Pride and Prejudice (my favorite Austen novel) is this year celebrating its 200th birthday and that its popularity continues to grow all over the world, the woman was amazing.

In addition to characters that have become branded into the hearts of readers all over the world, Austen gifted the modern world with such a compelling visual of the Regency period in England that her works are not just literary classics but time capsules that document the landscape, culture, fashion, politics, and even socio-economic issues prevalent in the lives of privileged and working class people.

But if I were to name the one writer whose works I have cherished and collected in hardcover print since childhood, and whose flair with gothic historical romances greatly influenced me as a reader and writer of historical romance, it would have to be Victoria Holt.

[Pictured: Victoria Holt]

Literary talent aside, perhaps I love Victoria Holt so much for sentimental reasons. After reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt stepped in (also introduced by my mom) and not only bridged my childhood to adulthood transition as a reader with all her books, but truly became my dearest literary companion.

Whether it was on a rainy day reading in my room, or a cold, winter night seated by the fireplace, one of her books was often with me. I especially remember packing Holt titles for long summer vacations at either Hampton Beach, New Hampshire or Ocean City, Maryland. As music blared from nearby portable radios and everyone frolicked in the surf, I was enthralled by the pages of my book, transported far away to England where storm clouds gathered and waves crashed against razor-sharp cliffs. And at the top of those cliffs stood a beautiful estate where the young governess (who could have been me), was being terrorized by some gothic mystery I could not yet glean.

Captivated by the romance, passion, and suspense of Victoria Holt’s novels, I was surprised years later when, as an adult, I re-read them only to discover the hero and heroine had never shared anything more intimate on the pages than an embrace or kiss. The romance and passion had been deftly orchestrated through Holt’s finesse with characterization, subtle nuances, and sexual tension. Written from the heroine’s point of view, I felt her uncertainty as she tried to discern not only her feelings for the hero, but her confusion about how he felt toward her. Titles such as Mistress of Mellyn, Bride of Pendorric, The Shivering Sands, Lord of the Far Island and so many others not only take me back to that innocent young girl of my youth, with a rather idealistic view of romance, but the gothic Victorian world that had been opened to me by Victoria Holt.

[Just a few of my treasured novels by Victoria Holt.]

Born Eleanor Alice Burford in England on 1 September 1906 (which also makes her a Virgo like me. :-D), in her early twenties, she married George Percival Hibbert. In addition to writing gothic romance novels as Victoria Holt, Ms. Hibbert also used the pseudonyms of Jean Plaidy, Philippa Carr, Eleanor Burford, Kathleen Kellow, Anne Percival, Elbur Ford, and Ellalice Tate. Influenced by the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, and George Eliot, her first novel, Daughter of Anna, was published in 1941 under the name of Eleanor Burford. Twenty years later, she has 32 novels published as Eleanor Burford.

The pseudonym of Jean Plaidy was used for her historical novels such as The Mary Stuart, Queen of Scot Series, The Stuart Saga, The Tudor Series, and The Catherine De Medici Trilogy. It is interesting to note that all her Plaidy novels were recognized for their historical accuracy and detail, as well as her writing. In addition, her Lucrezia Borgia Series published under Jean Plaidy was the first work to portray Lucrezia as a “pawn and victim of her family’s political machinations”.

However, the books I love and treasure most are the 33 gothic romances she penned from 1960 through 1993 as Victoria Holt. Beginning with Mistress of Mellyn and ending with The Black Opal (published after her death in 1993), I must admit all her Holt titles captivated me as a reader and have inspired the elements of mystery and suspense, as well as gothic influences, that I love to create in my books.

Summer has come once again and many people will be reading while vacationing at the beach, traveling to far off places, or poolside in their backyard. You might purchase a new book by an unknown author this summer, or a new title by one of your favorite authors. Perhaps some will take down a book from their 'keeper shelf' or revisit a title by one of their dearest literary companions – the author whose talent and collective works have earned their loyalty. Although I will likely be spending much of the summer writing myself, whenever I sit down to write I cannot help but remember the authors who opened the world of literary fiction for me, and especially historical romance. And I hope, on some cosmic level, they might know how much they have meant to my life.

Is there one author in particular who has your undying loyalty? An author who perhaps introduced you to a genre of literature that has become your favorite? If so, tell me who and why. I would love to know.

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Reading! ~ AKB

[Whisper in the Wind is a best-selling sensuous time travel romance set in 1885 Texas. Now Available in print and digital for Kindle, Kobo, Nook, and Sony Reader.] The Sense of Honor, a historical romance suspense set in Regency England is also available in print and e-book format.

Note: All photos used are either public domain, purchased stock photos, or my own personal photos.

TRIGGERING THE IMAGINATION

By: Ashley Kath-Bilsky



I’m delighted to be a contributing member to the ‘Smart Girls Read Romance’ blog, and so glad you stopped by today. I’ve thought a great deal about what my first post should be about, and decided to focus on one of the most common questions that readers and aspiring authors ask me.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I don’t think there is any rhyme or reason to what inspires a plotline or story. The glimmer of an idea can happen anywhere, anytime – often when you least expect it. It could spark from seeing a street sign or (in my case) an old photograph of a little chimney sweep which compelled me as a writer (not to mention a protective mom) to research the outrageous practice of forcing small children to sweep chimneys, particularly during 18th and 19th century England.


The hopeless plight of these young children, and the knowledge of how dangerous and deadly their lives had been, prompted me to include this horrific practice in my award-winning first novel, The Sense of Honor.

Music also inspires me and plays an important role in the creative process while I’m writing. I know some writers who must work in complete silence, no distractions whatsoever. Other authors can write anywhere, including noisy coffee shops. I prefer solitude and always retreat up three flights to my writing loft in the attic. Surrounded by my research books, I light a scented candle and listen to music. Because I write historical fiction, I love listening to Baroque Classical or music from the time period in which my book is set. I also listen a great deal to motion picture soundtracks and have added quite a few to my library. Think about how much music enhances a film on so many levels. Well, I find movie soundtracks also help immerse me into the world of my book. Instrumental music brilliantly scored to embellish a film not only conveys various moods and even fears of the characters, but sets the tone for scene transitions, as well as the powerful, emotional, dramatic or very dark moments.


Very often places inspire a writer. For my latest book, a sensuous time travel romance titled Whisper in the Wind, the proverbial ‘what if’ idea that triggered my imagination happened as I rode a vintage steam train with my children from Grapevine, Texas to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. As we walked about the Stockyards, it was very much like stepping back in time. The seed of such a fantastic possibility blossomed into something so vivid in my imagination it had to become a book.

The Fort Worth Stockyards not only inspired Whisper in the Wind, it provided the starting point for heroine Molly Magee’s adventure through time. However, I still needed some device to initiate the process, something so powerful it would cause an unexpected chain reaction. I decided upon the ‘Irresistible Force Paradox’ where an unstoppable force and immovable object collide and conjure a compelling far reaching result.

Living in Texas where the weather can change dramatically in a matter of moments, nature would provide the irresistible force. I then needed to locate a seemingly safe, immovable object. The pieces of my puzzle came together when I found an abandoned subterranean tunnel in the Stockyards. Here is a photograph of that tunnel and an excerpt from a pivotal scene from Whisper in the Wind.


EXCERPT FROM: WHISPER IN THE WIND©

Dear God, please protect me and get me home.

At once, a peculiar calm settled about Molly. It may not have been the voice of God, but it gave her precious seconds to look for suitable cover. Spotting the wooden structure where old cattle pens and chutes led to shops and restaurants near the depot, she lifted her hoop skirt above her knees and ran. Before she could reach it, the wind returned as if mocking her attempt to find safety, battering the building with savage intensity.

Winding corrals and wooden pens, already a rickety labyrinth under normal circumstances, offered no resistance against the brutal force of nature. Aged timbers creaked and broke apart like toothpicks. Glass window panes shattered with terrifying ferocity.

Desperate, she looked about and spied an old three-sided wooden fence near a gnarled oak tree. Having explored every nook and cranny of the Stockyards as a child, she remembered what the fence once guarded.

Please let it still be there.

Debris sailed passed her head, prompting Molly to scream. She stumbled and fell several times, struggling against a malevolent opposing wind. When, at last, she’d reached the oak tree, hope blossomed in her heart. Although the fence quickly broke apart, faded red bricks still marked the entrance to the old Pig and Sheep Subway, a subterranean tunnel once used to lead smaller stock to underground holding pens.

With no other option for cover, Molly followed the descending path. At mid-point in the tunnel, she crouched down; her hoop skirt billowed like a graceful blue mushroom cap. There, shaking with terror, she covered her face with her hands and prayed.

The horrific sound of the wind seemed never-ending; the rumbling of a freight train always associated with tornadoes and something more—a disturbing and distinctive high-pitched whistle that penetrated her body and soul like a powerful current of electricity. The piercing noise, combined with an unrelenting pounding of the earth made it seem as if the world was coming to an end. Terrified the tunnel would collapse and bury her alive, Molly trembled—unable to move or dare open her eyes.

Caught in a whirlwind of death, and air so clouded with dirt she could barely breathe, Molly feared that just like her life over the past six months, she would die alone.



For more information about Whisper in the Wind, here is the back cover blurb.

BACK COVER BLURB:

When Molly Magee is suddenly swept back in time, she finds herself in the Old West with gunslingers, high stakes gamblers, Victorian ideology toward women, and a Pinkerton detective named Jordan Blake. As she tries to understand what happened to her and find a way home, danger seems to follow her at every turn. Survival is a daily challenge, but it's a hundred times worse when--to avoid answering questions from a persistent and seductive Pinkerton--she fakes amnesia. She soon realizes the biggest threat of all is the one Jordan Blake poses to her heart.

Jordan Blake has lost everyone he's ever loved. As a Pinkerton detective and former Texas Ranger, Jordan has become a cynic about people and justice, and is ready to walk away from a life that has lost its meaning. He never knew that a prayer whispered in the wind would bring him an angel of mercy, and a love he'd never hoped to find.

From the open splendor of 1885 Texas to dark decadence and murder in New Orleans, Molly and Jordan learn that when fate takes a hand, finding the love of your life is often just a matter of...Time.



Thanks for stopping by and remember to leave a comment for your chance to win a signed print copy of Whisper in the Wind. This sensuous time travel romance made its debut on Amazon's Best Seller List for Time Travel Romance Books and Time Travel Romance Kindle Paid. It is also available in digital format on Apple iBook/iPad, Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, and Smashwords.


Ashley Kath-Bilsky is a best-selling, award-winning author of Historical Romance with Mystery/Suspense and/or Paranormal, Time Travel elements. She also writes Historical Gothic Young Adult fiction. For more information about Ashley, visit her at:
Website: www.ashleykathbilsky.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AKathBilsky
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Kath-Bilsky/302554710513