So going into the New Year, I'm going to start blogging some of my top 10's of all time. Mostly because it gives me something to blog about when I can't think of anything else. And yes, all the top 10's are going to be book related, so hopefully some of you will get a few new books to read out of this (I've added the genre, so you'll know where to find them at the bookstore).
My first list is Top Ten Heroes. And if you notice, they all have one thing in common: They're all complete badasses. Which is what I look for in a good literary hero. These are all modern, btw. I'm not a huge fan of classic heroes. They tend to be a little too wimpy for me. Feel free to argue your position if you think I've left someone off.
Here goes...
10. Ranger-Everybody loves Ranger from Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. The Cuban/American man of mystery, who sometimes dabbles on the shady side of things, is the reason I keep reading. (Mystery)
9. Jean Claude-The Master Vampire of St. Louis in Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series never gets enough page time (IMO). His twisted past and growing powers make him a force to be reckoned with and a dead man to keep dreaming about. (Urban Fantasy)
8. Roark-I love a hero that can do absolutely anything, and Roarke is that guy. J.D. Robb's IN DEATH series just gets better and better. (Mystery/Suspense)
7. Aragorn-The character was great before Viggo got hold of it. Dark and mysterious and hot. Tolkien knows how to create a memorable hero. (Fantasy)
6. John Medina-From Linda Howard's, ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN. I totally fell in love with this character. Maybe because he shot his wife. Maybe because he could kill with the touch of a finger. Who knows? But I read that book several years ago and I still think about him. (Romantic Suspense)
5. Richard Rahl-From Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Which is not for the faint of heart I should add. Richard is a fighter to the core, but not without a conscience. And it's an impressive man who can go through torture and every other pain imaginable and still come out on top. (Fantasy)
4. Thomas Killian- I don't even know what to say about Killian (which if I'd read this book before my last son was born, Killian would have totally been his name). He's from Anne Stuart's ICE series (ICE STORM). Killian is more of an anti-hero, but one of my favorites. He's a man who has a job and has no qualms or conscience about getting it done, no matter what it means. Just writing this makes me want to read it again. (Suspense)
3. Archer Donovan- From Elizabeth Lowell's, PEARL COVE. The whole Donovan series is really good, so you should check it out, but Archer is my favorite. Better than MacGuyver in sticky situations and a man with brains. (Romantic Suspense)
2. Jack Reacher-What's not to love about Jack Reacher? Lee Child's series starts with KILLING FLOOR, which blew my socks off. Reacher is man who roams from town to town with the clothes on his back, his wits and his gun. He has his own code of honor and never strays from it, while saving the world a little piece at a time. (Thriller/Suspense)
1. Jamie Fraser-Sigh...Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series is my all time favorite hero. All I know is that everyone should read this series. He's flawed but kind, ruthless but compassionate, and he knows how to wield a sword. (Literary Fiction)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Writing Process...Err...Kind Of
Someone asked me the other day what my writing process was like. The question actually took me off guard because I don't really have a "process". I've written twelve books, and I've approached each one differently. Yes, they all have basic similarities (I like to write in first person, I like mystery/suspense elements, I like for my characters to get naked at least once) You get the general idea.
When I first started writing I was the ultimate pantser (for those of you who don't know, a pantser is someone who makes it up as it comes along). I enjoyed not knowing what was coming next in my books. I figured if I was surprised by the ending, then everyone else would be too. This absolutely drove my husband insane. Especially because he's always my first beta reader and got the pleasure of finding all the plot holes.
When I reached my fourth book, I decided I needed to be a little more organized in my writing. This is a business after all, and I shouldn't approach my writing on a whim (which is pretty much how I approach everything else in life for those of you who don't know me). I decided story-boarding was exactly what my characters and plots needed. So I spent hours cutting out pictures and gluing things on poster board so I could see my story take shape like a movie before I put words on the page. This worked pretty well for me for a few books, but again, for those of you who know me, my attention span has a tendency to be short, so it didn't work for long.
So...there was really only one option left. And I fought it. Hard. I had no other choice but to...OMG...write a synopsis. A complete outline for my entire book. The word "synopsis" still makes me quiver with fear. I absolutely hate them. Every time I write one I think, "This book is going to be crap. There's no spontaneity. My characters will be cardboard. My plot will be predictable. But I sit at the keyboard and write it out as fast as possible (like ripping a band-aid off) just to get it over with. And I've actually found that writing out a synopsis (for the most part) prevents the dreaded writer's block. Now, I don't really believe in writer's block, but I have been in situations where I've been stuck and had no idea what I needed to do next. If I do happen to hit a snag, I'll read my synopsis, find a scene where I DO know what's going on and then write that. Usually I can figure out what's missing from the earlier scene.
I've tried all different techniques and followed numerous bits of advice. I've been to tons of conferences and workshops, and I've gotten advice from other writer pals. I can't say that what works for me today will work for me tomorrow. Like I said, I have a short attention span. Which is why writing is pretty much the perfect job for me--not like selling shoes or teaching school where everything is the same day after day. I never last long in jobs like that. Thank God.
When I first started writing I was the ultimate pantser (for those of you who don't know, a pantser is someone who makes it up as it comes along). I enjoyed not knowing what was coming next in my books. I figured if I was surprised by the ending, then everyone else would be too. This absolutely drove my husband insane. Especially because he's always my first beta reader and got the pleasure of finding all the plot holes.
When I reached my fourth book, I decided I needed to be a little more organized in my writing. This is a business after all, and I shouldn't approach my writing on a whim (which is pretty much how I approach everything else in life for those of you who don't know me). I decided story-boarding was exactly what my characters and plots needed. So I spent hours cutting out pictures and gluing things on poster board so I could see my story take shape like a movie before I put words on the page. This worked pretty well for me for a few books, but again, for those of you who know me, my attention span has a tendency to be short, so it didn't work for long.
So...there was really only one option left. And I fought it. Hard. I had no other choice but to...OMG...write a synopsis. A complete outline for my entire book. The word "synopsis" still makes me quiver with fear. I absolutely hate them. Every time I write one I think, "This book is going to be crap. There's no spontaneity. My characters will be cardboard. My plot will be predictable. But I sit at the keyboard and write it out as fast as possible (like ripping a band-aid off) just to get it over with. And I've actually found that writing out a synopsis (for the most part) prevents the dreaded writer's block. Now, I don't really believe in writer's block, but I have been in situations where I've been stuck and had no idea what I needed to do next. If I do happen to hit a snag, I'll read my synopsis, find a scene where I DO know what's going on and then write that. Usually I can figure out what's missing from the earlier scene.
I've tried all different techniques and followed numerous bits of advice. I've been to tons of conferences and workshops, and I've gotten advice from other writer pals. I can't say that what works for me today will work for me tomorrow. Like I said, I have a short attention span. Which is why writing is pretty much the perfect job for me--not like selling shoes or teaching school where everything is the same day after day. I never last long in jobs like that. Thank God.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Is It Over Yet?
And by IT, I mean Christmas.
I think I might be getting old, even though I've been 29 for a couple of years now and exude youth and vitality from every pore. Btw, don't ever mention the little lines around my eyes or mouth that somehow magically appeared this year. Seriously, I will punch you square in the face and no jury will convict me.
Anyhoodle...
Everything about the "busy-ness" of Christmas just makes me want to quit before I even get started. Or maybe it's just people in general. I personally think people are weird, despite being one. And I don't really like them all that much either. I make exceptions for my husband (to his eternal gratitude), to my children, and to a select group of friends. But mostly people and the choices they make confound me. As a writer, I spend a great deal of time observing other people in their natural habitats and secretly judging their behavior so I can feel vastly superior. And usually the bustle of the Christmas season (and a Toys R' Us parking lot) gives me enough book fodder to last the rest of the year.
But not this year...
This year I find myself reluctant to leave the house. Maybe it's because people aren't as entertaining as they used to be. Maybe they're just depressing, fighting over the last Zhu Zhu Pet or 8 oz. package of pecans. Who knows? What I do know is that the Interwebs are the best way to keep an annoyed writer sane. That way I only have to see one person doling out Christmas cheer--the UPS man--who happens to look like all UPS men are supposed to look like, if you get my drift. I'll post a picture some day.
There could, very possibly, be a moral to my tale of woe, but I doubt it. Instead I'll ramble incoherently and tell you about the man I saw at Walmart who was wearing a white unitard and cowboy boots while shopping for his produce. The cold was not kind to him. Enough said.
I do have some updates on the personal front.
I signed with a new agent a couple of weeks ago--Kim Whalen at Trident Media. I'm really (REALLY) excited to be working with her. I've never heard her name mentioned that it wasn't followed by a "she's amazing." Can't wait for the New Year to start.
Registration for the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference opens January 1st! If you are even thinking about writing a book or a screenplay then this is the conference for you. Check out the website: www.dallasromanceauthors.com/conferences for more information. We've added Suzie Townsend of Fineprint Literary to our stellar lineup of agents and editors. They will all be taking pitch appointments. Also, make sure you come out to the booksigning Friday night, even if you aren't going to the conference. It's free and open to the public. NYT Bestselling Authors Allison Brennan and Richelle Mead will both be there signing books.
That's all for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
I think I might be getting old, even though I've been 29 for a couple of years now and exude youth and vitality from every pore. Btw, don't ever mention the little lines around my eyes or mouth that somehow magically appeared this year. Seriously, I will punch you square in the face and no jury will convict me.
Anyhoodle...
Everything about the "busy-ness" of Christmas just makes me want to quit before I even get started. Or maybe it's just people in general. I personally think people are weird, despite being one. And I don't really like them all that much either. I make exceptions for my husband (to his eternal gratitude), to my children, and to a select group of friends. But mostly people and the choices they make confound me. As a writer, I spend a great deal of time observing other people in their natural habitats and secretly judging their behavior so I can feel vastly superior. And usually the bustle of the Christmas season (and a Toys R' Us parking lot) gives me enough book fodder to last the rest of the year.
But not this year...
This year I find myself reluctant to leave the house. Maybe it's because people aren't as entertaining as they used to be. Maybe they're just depressing, fighting over the last Zhu Zhu Pet or 8 oz. package of pecans. Who knows? What I do know is that the Interwebs are the best way to keep an annoyed writer sane. That way I only have to see one person doling out Christmas cheer--the UPS man--who happens to look like all UPS men are supposed to look like, if you get my drift. I'll post a picture some day.
There could, very possibly, be a moral to my tale of woe, but I doubt it. Instead I'll ramble incoherently and tell you about the man I saw at Walmart who was wearing a white unitard and cowboy boots while shopping for his produce. The cold was not kind to him. Enough said.
I do have some updates on the personal front.
I signed with a new agent a couple of weeks ago--Kim Whalen at Trident Media. I'm really (REALLY) excited to be working with her. I've never heard her name mentioned that it wasn't followed by a "she's amazing." Can't wait for the New Year to start.
Registration for the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference opens January 1st! If you are even thinking about writing a book or a screenplay then this is the conference for you. Check out the website: www.dallasromanceauthors.com/conferences for more information. We've added Suzie Townsend of Fineprint Literary to our stellar lineup of agents and editors. They will all be taking pitch appointments. Also, make sure you come out to the booksigning Friday night, even if you aren't going to the conference. It's free and open to the public. NYT Bestselling Authors Allison Brennan and Richelle Mead will both be there signing books.
That's all for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Holiday Drudgery
Blaarg...
That pretty much sums up my holiday enthusiasm. I'm pretty sure the last two months of the year, which I like to call Thanksuckmas, are meant to drain every last ounce of energy from a lady writer's body. I've opened a Word document twice today to start writing, but then I look at all the books I have in my TBR pile and think how comfortable my couch is (all the while pretending my Christmas shopping is done), and I decide I can always write later. Or maybe I can just blog so I feel I'm doing something useful.
Other than laziness, nothing much is going on this week. I've got a jewelry party to go to at the casa de Jaye Wells, which will be filled with bedazzled debauchery. And probably wine if I know Jaye. I should also try to put a dent in this Christmas list that my kids "mailed" to Santa. The list seems endless with four children. Though I'm pretty excited that my oldest daughter is getting a Kindle. I can't wait to "borrow" it from her.
Speaking of books...I've been on a reading binge this last week. If you've never read Anne Stuart's ICE series, please do. It's amazing. I also read Meljean Brook's THE IRON DUKE, which is steam punkery at its finest. She has an incredible imagination. I also read Lauren Dane's UNDERCOVER on recommendation from the Twitterverse. It was really good. And so not meant for anyone under 18. Holy moly! And I re-read Julia Quinn's WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON, just because it might be the best book I've read this year. And it's very funny. Which I appreciate.
Later!
That pretty much sums up my holiday enthusiasm. I'm pretty sure the last two months of the year, which I like to call Thanksuckmas, are meant to drain every last ounce of energy from a lady writer's body. I've opened a Word document twice today to start writing, but then I look at all the books I have in my TBR pile and think how comfortable my couch is (all the while pretending my Christmas shopping is done), and I decide I can always write later. Or maybe I can just blog so I feel I'm doing something useful.
Other than laziness, nothing much is going on this week. I've got a jewelry party to go to at the casa de Jaye Wells, which will be filled with bedazzled debauchery. And probably wine if I know Jaye. I should also try to put a dent in this Christmas list that my kids "mailed" to Santa. The list seems endless with four children. Though I'm pretty excited that my oldest daughter is getting a Kindle. I can't wait to "borrow" it from her.
Speaking of books...I've been on a reading binge this last week. If you've never read Anne Stuart's ICE series, please do. It's amazing. I also read Meljean Brook's THE IRON DUKE, which is steam punkery at its finest. She has an incredible imagination. I also read Lauren Dane's UNDERCOVER on recommendation from the Twitterverse. It was really good. And so not meant for anyone under 18. Holy moly! And I re-read Julia Quinn's WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON, just because it might be the best book I've read this year. And it's very funny. Which I appreciate.
Later!
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