I have a book that I bought from Writer's Digest Book Club. The book is titled 20 Master Plots and how to build them by Ronald B. Tobias. It takes the classic plots of literature and breaks them down and tells you how to build a story using the same type of plot.
My problem is this:
My characters never want to follow a simple plot line.
Take Moby Dick for instance:
It is considered a pursuit plot. According to Mr. Tobias "The pursuit plot is the lieterary version of hide-and-seek." "One person chases another."
So, you have three phases of the chase - the stakes of the race, the pure chase, and the resolution of the chase.
Simple, huh?
Not for my characters. Oh no. No simple chase for them. There has to be the chase, and a traitor, and a pseudo-traitor (you know - the one you think is the traitor but really isn't), and then we have a monster who chases the chaser and the hero who chases the heroine and cathches her but not before she catches the monster who was chasing her while she was chasing the thing that the chase is all about.
Well, you get the idea.
I was once told that I have a convoluted, devious, and totally insane mind.
If you read Prophecy of Vithan available with Cerridwen Press You will see my mind at work. My current wip Stone of Cruento is even more convoluted, devious and totally insane. However, there is one difference. Stone of Cruento is going to be hot hot hot. So it will probably be offered through Ellora's Cave.
Now, how would you characterize a simple pursuit plot with lots of sex? Hmmmmm,
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
September 6th
Drum roll please. Bagpipes skirl. Listen!
My contemporary romance, Isabelle's Diary, is here. For all you romance lovers my story has an unusual twist. Not strictly a paranormal story it does have a - what shall I say? A ghost.
Can a ghost appear in broad daylight? Can she sit at a table in a cafe in Llandrindod Wells, Wales and weep over a diary?
Sally Carter is the only person in the cafe who sees the weeping girl. The question of who the girl is, why she was weeping and why she disappeared without a trace intrigues Sally. That's the question that leads her to ask handsome Welsh historian, Dan Conway, for assistance.
During their search for answers Sally uncovers long buried family secrets.
I'll be posting a blurb and an excerpt on my web site to-day. http://www.anitabirt.com/
This is my second release from Cerridwen Press and I'm hoping for big things.
Anita
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
On News and Reviews
News: Lots of great news lately! If you read lacey Thorn's post below, you'll know we have a joint release, One Good Man, that was just accepted by Ellora's Cave. I got a great new cover for Djinni and the Geek, along with a release date: December 28, 2007! This is the sequel to Dragon in the System, featuring Eric's officemate David Garvaglia. Teach Me, my Torrid Tarot novel, will be out on March 14, just in time for my birthday. My Quickies, Between a Rock and a Hard-On, and Stone and Earth will be out in October and January, respectively. Whew! And Curses, my poor beleagured Triskekion book, will be re-released by the Wild Rose Press, in e-book AND PRINT in October of 2007! I'm so excited about that one I could scream.Reviews: As an author, I know better than to take reviews seriously. Face it, a review is nothing more than one reader's opinion. Some reviewers even seem to take pleasure in being snarky. I suspect that a few of them have power issues...
So, that said, why do I hold my breath and quiver every time I see a link for a new review? Because like many writers, I'm as insecure as they come. Each time someone reads my work, I'm sitting there whimpering until I hear that they liked it, whether it's a reviewer, a friend, or even worse, my editor evaluating a new submission. So yeah, I was bouncing around the kitchen (I don't have an office) when our wonderful Ellora's Cave editor accepted One Good Man, my joint effort with the brilliant Lacey Thorn, earlier this week.
Other good news this week in the review quarter: Fallen Angels gave Beltaine Bargain my historical paranormal short story from Wild Rose Press, FIVE angels! Since this story was such a stretch for me, it was very nice to hear I hadn't fallen on my face. The reviewer started by saying "Beltaine Bargain is medieval romance at its best!" and ended with "There’s nothing not to like about Beltaine Bargain. I loved every minute of it!" I don't think it gets any better than that! (You can read the whole thing at http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/August/Marlene-BeltaineBargain.htm ). My Book Cravings gave it FIVE roses and said ""Ms. Pape has written a great short story." (http://www.mybookcravings.com/robins_beltainebargain.htm ). Face it. This is what we write for, isn't it? To know that someone enjoyed our words and got a smile from our stories.
I love my new job!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Happy Labor Day, everyone
I was just sitting her banging away at my latest WIP and thinking, today is Labor Day, although for writers every day is labor day, as we struggle to turn out books that you'll love and keep dear to your heart. But I thought about Labor Day, what it is and what it means, and decided I'd share a little bit with you.
Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s. The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
An old custom eschewed wearing white after Labor Day. The custom is rooted in nothing more than popular fashion etiquette.[1] In actuality, the etiquette originally stated that white shoes were the taboo while white or "winter white" clothes were acceptable.[2] This custom is fading from popularity as it continues to be questioned and challenged, particularly by leaders in the fashion world. "Fashion magazines are jumping on this growing trend, calling people who 'dare' to wear white after Labor Day innovative, creative, and bold. Slowly but surely, white is beginning to break free from its box, and is becoming acceptable to wear whenever one pleases. This etiquette is comparable to the Canadian fashion rule against wearing green after Remembrance Day. In the world of western attire, it is similarly tradition to wear a straw cowboy hat until Labor Day. After Labor Day, the felt hat is worn until Memorial Day. "
So there you have it, what Labor Day is all about. Hope y'all are kicking bac k with barbecue and all the trimmings, and maybe even a big watermelon. Even my fellow authors and readers in other countries. comwe join in our celebration.
Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s. The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
An old custom eschewed wearing white after Labor Day. The custom is rooted in nothing more than popular fashion etiquette.[1] In actuality, the etiquette originally stated that white shoes were the taboo while white or "winter white" clothes were acceptable.[2] This custom is fading from popularity as it continues to be questioned and challenged, particularly by leaders in the fashion world. "Fashion magazines are jumping on this growing trend, calling people who 'dare' to wear white after Labor Day innovative, creative, and bold. Slowly but surely, white is beginning to break free from its box, and is becoming acceptable to wear whenever one pleases. This etiquette is comparable to the Canadian fashion rule against wearing green after Remembrance Day. In the world of western attire, it is similarly tradition to wear a straw cowboy hat until Labor Day. After Labor Day, the felt hat is worn until Memorial Day. "
So there you have it, what Labor Day is all about. Hope y'all are kicking bac k with barbecue and all the trimmings, and maybe even a big watermelon. Even my fellow authors and readers in other countries. comwe join in our celebration.
The New Duo of Ellora's Cave
It is finally official. Recently fellow author Cindy Spencer Pape and myself began a project together. We started the book with the general idea of basing it on an urban legend and thus our story One Good Man was born. It turned out more beautifully than either of us dreamed and was recently offered a contract with Ellora's Cave. We are ecstatic and wanted to share this news with our peers and fans. I'm posting a little teaser below that Cindy came up with. I'll shout from the rooftop as soon as I know a release date and all that!
The Phantom Hitchhiker:
One of the most enduring of all urban legends is the story of the phantom hitchhiker. Young or old, male or female, in need of help or just needing a ride, the legends vary. A helpful driver offers a ride and the passenger gives directions. When they arrive at the destination however, the driver discovers the passenger has vanished, sometimes leaving behind a piece of clothing or some other memento to mark his or her passing. A stormy night, a deserted country road, a blown tire, and a woman on the run from a killer. Is the handsome young Marine here to save her? Or is he just a figment of her imagination?
Lacey Thorn...slip in and unlace at www.lacythorn.com
His Bare Obsession, Bare Confessions , Bare Seduction & Earth Moves
and now available, Fanning Her Flames at www.ellorascave.com
The Phantom Hitchhiker:
One of the most enduring of all urban legends is the story of the phantom hitchhiker. Young or old, male or female, in need of help or just needing a ride, the legends vary. A helpful driver offers a ride and the passenger gives directions. When they arrive at the destination however, the driver discovers the passenger has vanished, sometimes leaving behind a piece of clothing or some other memento to mark his or her passing. A stormy night, a deserted country road, a blown tire, and a woman on the run from a killer. Is the handsome young Marine here to save her? Or is he just a figment of her imagination?
Lacey Thorn...slip in and unlace at www.lacythorn.com
His Bare Obsession, Bare Confessions , Bare Seduction & Earth Moves
and now available, Fanning Her Flames at www.ellorascave.com
Sunday, September 2, 2007
I think Bronwyn is shy.
Okay guys - I just have to share this. I think it's the best review I've ever gotten. Enchanted Reviews gave Best Laid Plans 5 enchantments! I'll skip the sum-up, but check this out!!!!
Ms. Green does it again, but better than ever! 'Best Laid Plans' is astirring, appealing, comedic, sensual read. I loved it! I finished it in onesitting, and then went back to re-read some of my favorite parts a few dayslater. Ms. Green was able to take two highly sensitive subjects that willpush your emotions through the wringer and still have you squirming in yourseat with arousal. That is great story-telling at work!I felt compassion for both characters. Knowing Zander's past and his need toprotect, I especially felt for him. But I couldn't blame Tessa with herthoughts and actions of blocking Zander out either; with her past, it wasvery realistic. This makes the budding relationship between the two all themore gratifying. Zander's and Tessa's friends know they are right for eachother before either can admit their feelings, and keep pushing themtogether. They are the kind of friends everyone wishes they had. Everythingabout this book was great and I recommend you pick it up today!
If you want to know more about this author, we have an interview from August2007 posted on the website http://www.enchantingreviews.com/Bronwyn_Green.html
or you can stop by her website at www.bronwyngreen.com.
Ms. Green does it again, but better than ever! 'Best Laid Plans' is astirring, appealing, comedic, sensual read. I loved it! I finished it in onesitting, and then went back to re-read some of my favorite parts a few dayslater. Ms. Green was able to take two highly sensitive subjects that willpush your emotions through the wringer and still have you squirming in yourseat with arousal. That is great story-telling at work!I felt compassion for both characters. Knowing Zander's past and his need toprotect, I especially felt for him. But I couldn't blame Tessa with herthoughts and actions of blocking Zander out either; with her past, it wasvery realistic. This makes the budding relationship between the two all themore gratifying. Zander's and Tessa's friends know they are right for eachother before either can admit their feelings, and keep pushing themtogether. They are the kind of friends everyone wishes they had. Everythingabout this book was great and I recommend you pick it up today!
If you want to know more about this author, we have an interview from August2007 posted on the website http://www.enchantingreviews.com/Bronwyn_Green.html
or you can stop by her website at www.bronwyngreen.com.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Blogging, Coffee, and Women
Funny thing about blogging. Women in general can get together at a cafe or in a front room and share a cup of coffee and talk for hours on end. Or put most women on a telephone and you might as well go fishing (if you are a man) cause that conversation will last until the sun comes up the next day. Put a woman writer in front of a computer and the words flow like butter over hot pancakes. However, put a woman in front of a computer and say the dreaded word "Blog" and suddenly the ideas stop, the words cease, fingers freeze, and no matter the haircolor of the woman she suddenly becomes (dare I say it) Dumb.
Now, I know many women who are very articulate when they blog - articulate, funny, clever and intelligent.
Maybe I should change that beginning paragraph to "Put me in front of a computer and say the dreaded word "Blog" and suddenly my ideas stop, my words cease, my fingers freeze, and I become Dumb. (of course I have an excuse - I'm blonde -- yes I can say that and you can't cause I am blond and have heard and memorized all most all of the dumb blond jokes - you know I might blog about that one day -- if I can remember)
Why is it people who write for a living have such a hard time writing something in a blog???
My main problem is that my real life is super boring. I am a caregiver and a writer and the local taxi for a town of only 150 people (I have one of the few working cars). My life consists of feeding tubes, changing briefs, sponge baths, fanciful writing on my novel, listening to drug addicts who need to get to court and people beg for a ride into town to buy groceries, and driving along 50 miles of freeway one way with nothing more interesting than sage brush and big trucks. I live in the middle of the desert 50 miles from everywhere. To get to a doctor or to a store is 50 miles.
I suppose I could blog about the lizard that sits all say long on our bathroom screen soaking up the cool air from the swamp cooler. Or the cat that sits all day in front of the fan. Or the chickens that sit all day under the porch where it is cooler. Or....well you get the point. Summer is 121 degrees with 50-75% humidity. Moving is a chore. Winter is cooler, sort of.
My point, writers write because they have a rich exciting life behind their eyes, not in front of them. I do not know of anyone who lives the life you see on tv who writes about it. There seems to be a divination between those that write and those that live it.
Well, I guess I just blogged about my life. But it would be easier if I had a bunch of women and some coffee to bounce my ideas off of. See you next time.
Now, I know many women who are very articulate when they blog - articulate, funny, clever and intelligent.
Maybe I should change that beginning paragraph to "Put me in front of a computer and say the dreaded word "Blog" and suddenly my ideas stop, my words cease, my fingers freeze, and I become Dumb. (of course I have an excuse - I'm blonde -- yes I can say that and you can't cause I am blond and have heard and memorized all most all of the dumb blond jokes - you know I might blog about that one day -- if I can remember)
Why is it people who write for a living have such a hard time writing something in a blog???
My main problem is that my real life is super boring. I am a caregiver and a writer and the local taxi for a town of only 150 people (I have one of the few working cars). My life consists of feeding tubes, changing briefs, sponge baths, fanciful writing on my novel, listening to drug addicts who need to get to court and people beg for a ride into town to buy groceries, and driving along 50 miles of freeway one way with nothing more interesting than sage brush and big trucks. I live in the middle of the desert 50 miles from everywhere. To get to a doctor or to a store is 50 miles.
I suppose I could blog about the lizard that sits all say long on our bathroom screen soaking up the cool air from the swamp cooler. Or the cat that sits all day in front of the fan. Or the chickens that sit all day under the porch where it is cooler. Or....well you get the point. Summer is 121 degrees with 50-75% humidity. Moving is a chore. Winter is cooler, sort of.
My point, writers write because they have a rich exciting life behind their eyes, not in front of them. I do not know of anyone who lives the life you see on tv who writes about it. There seems to be a divination between those that write and those that live it.
Well, I guess I just blogged about my life. But it would be easier if I had a bunch of women and some coffee to bounce my ideas off of. See you next time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)