Twelve Days of Writing

Day 3:  Persistence

If you want to publish a novel, odds are high that you’re going to face some rejections along your publishing path. But if you want to see your name (er, pseudonym) on the cover of a book one day, you can’t give up–no matter what. Yes, rejections come. They make you feel like hell. So what? Keep writing. Yes, life interrupts–the kids need you, your job leaves you drained–but let your writing be your release. Take time for yourself–even if it is only half an hour a day, and write.

Persistence pays off in this business.

So many famous writers were rejected when they first entered this business–Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Meg Cabot, and Judy Blume (just a few examples). If they’d given up when they got their first rejection letter, well, heck–what would the world be like without Harry Potter?

I found a few interesting sites about rejections:

Writers and Rejection 

Famous Rejections 

Still wanna give up? I hope not!

First, I’ve got a new cover! Yay!!! Here’s the cover for EVERLASTING BAD BOYS (Kensington Brava, 09/08), a paranormal anthology that includes my story, Spellbound:

And here’s the back cover blurb for Spellbound:

No witch in her right mind would summon an immortal soul-hunter to her aid, but Serena Tyme needs Luis D’Amil’s help to destroy the warlock who’s stalking her coven. And she’s willing to pay any price he names…especially when the tall, dark, sexy-as-hell assassin shows her he can work some sensual magic of his own…

 * * *

I love that cover.

In other news…I’m guest blogging today at  Star-Crossed Romance–I’m talking about the Holiday Hustle, and, no, I’m not just referring to the frantic gift-grabbing expeditions. I’m talking about the hustle that so many writers do this time of year.

I’m also happy to say that I am one of the featured authors this month at The Romance Studio. If you get a chance, hop over and check out my interview.

I’ll be back later to post the third entry in my Twelve Days of Writing schedule.

Have a great day!

Twelve Days of Writing

Day Two: Those Pesky Characters

When some writers create characters for their stories, they do complete character sketches. They create pages of detailed information about the hero, heroine, secondary characters, etc. They include physical descriptions, family histories, likes, dislikes…well, I think you get the idea. Many writers swear by these sketches–they say they are able to get completely into the minds of their characters using this technique.

For me, the character sketch falls under the category of “Different Strokes for Different Folks.” Yes, I do see where the sketches would help writers. No, I don’t use a “traditional” sketch when I write–but I do use a modified version. I start with my hero, my heroine–then I write down their physical traits (the better to keep seeing them as I write). I get some general data at the start of my story–the characters’ jobs, fears. I don’t write too many details because I actually like the particular traits of the characters’ personalities to emerge over the course of the story–in other words, I like to wait and see where I’m taken by my hero and heroine. I don’t plot out everything in advance b/c I like to be surprised a bit–the surprise, well, that’s part of the writing fun.

There is one thing that I always like to do with my characters…I like to take the biggest fear that my heroine (or hero) has and toss it right at her (or his) doorstep. Fear…such a powerful character motivator.

I also like to give my characters particular phrases or even curse words that they like to use. Sometimes, my own lingo will work its way into a character’s mouth (“jeez…”  That snuck into a story during my “Jeez” phase, just like “so”…as in “you are so not going to do that” or “you had so better not be staring at me.”)  I like to give personal dialect to liven up characters a bit.

Another thing I do to the ol’ characters…I give them nervous traits or habits. Example: A woman who pushes up her glasses when she feels threatened. A man who rubs the bridge of his nose when he thinks those deep thoughts. A lady who eats chocolate when she’s stressed…I believe all of these actions humanize the characters a bit more.

What about you? For the writers…what techniques do you employ to make your characters come alive?

Twelve Days of Writing…Day One

Writing: The Basics

And, by basics, well, I really mean basics. Let’s talk today about formatting. When I write a manuscript, the very first thing that I do is adjust the set-up of my page. I use Microsoft Word for my writing, and I just open up a new document, then immediately adjust my page so that I have one inch margins on all sides. I set the document up for double-spacing, and I use Courier New 12 for my font.

Why do I follow these formatting guidelines? Well, when I do it this way, I’m creating the old “industry standard.”  With this particular set-up, I can take my number of pages written and multiply that times 250 (the anticipated number of words based on this set-up) and get a total word count. Some publishers ask for this type of word count for their materials–and other publishers will allow a writer to turn in a manuscript based on a computer generated word count. But no matter what word count my publisher wants me to follow, I still use the same page set-up. Why? Simple…readability. With the guidelines I listed, I feel my pages are easy on the eyes and since editors read–A LOT–they need a manuscript that won’t make them squint and swear.

On each page, I write the title of my work in the upper left-hand corner (in the header area) and I include my name, a dash, and the page number (Cynthia Eden–43) in the upper right-hand corner (still in the header).    Other authors do this differently…some include the name of the manuscript and their author names in the upper left-hand corner and then just have only the page number in the right-hand area. Honestly, I think as long as you have this information (title,  name, and page number) you should be good to go.

I know, you’re thinking…formatting–sexy. Or, rather, not. But, honestly, I’ve gotten a ton of formatting questions from folks who are just beginning their writing efforts. So, I figured why not start my talk with formatting?

And here are a few formatting links:

eHarlequin–Formatting Sample 

Carolyn’s Writing Workshop:  Appearances Matter

Today I’m over at The Idea Boutique, talking about the inspiration for “New Year’s Bites.”  If you’ve never visited The Idea Boutique before–you are totally missing out! The place is great! Writers blog about their various story ideas–it’s an interesting way to learn more about the origins of books.    A big thanks to Heather Waters for creating The Idea Boutique!

Later, I’ll be back with my first “Twelve Days of Writing” post.