Sunday, March 8, 2009

A Frantic State of Being

Open with a bang.

That's what I always say. Now, whether that is an actual bang from gunshot, explosion or door slamming really doesn't matter, I like to come in shooting. Literary speaking of course, I myself am scared to death of guns, even though I have shot one.

I've written books-several-where my hero or heroine are pinned down by gunfire, being chased by armed men, or in the midst of a bad landing in a hostile atmosphere in the first line of the book. My characters are truly tortured in the worst sense of the word.

Take my latest romantic suspense for instance. My poor heroine wakes in a hospital with no knowledge of the accident that landed her there, being told by plain-clothes police that her soon-to-be ex-husband was in the car and killed in said accident. Really now. That's quite the shocker to wake up to. But instead of having the old cliched heroine who can't remember her name or her reason for being with Mr. Ex in the first place, I have narrowed the memory loss to the few days before the collision. Thus the mystery begins.

This is what I call an emotional bang. Instead of starting out of the block with the car hitting the brick wall, I moved the action to the pinpoint of light she sees when first opening her eyes. The reader then gets to journey with her and her quest to fit the peices of the puzzle together. A much more interesting take than to spoon-feed the reader the information beforehand. (I'm not a big fan of spoon-feeding, if you haven't guessed.)

The problem comes about when trying to sustain the action at a high level throughout the manuscript. And what about the love scenes? The developing relationship between hero and heroine? All must move along in a reasonable fashion, while not bogging down the action, or dragging the plot down.

Not an easy task.

Well, I've managed to successfully do this in sci-fi and futuristic novellas for some reason. Why then, moving the time period to the present and setting the New Jersey Pine Barrens instead of a space battle outside a station light-years away, is it so difficult?

My characters are universal in emotion and experience. Not saying they are all the same, but there are certain hallmarks of the human experience that are universally recognized. Depending on the culture, these things may change in order of importance, but are usually found on the list of needs. (Remember Maslov?)The way the characters go about obtaining or fulfilling the needs can add to the action and keep the plot from bogging down.

So, the big bang opening gets to ripple out like a pebble on a pond. The physical danger bleeds into the emotional and sexual danger. The characters are poised on a knife's edge wondering whether they are going to be alive to see the sunrise, or die in a hail of bullets tonight. And all the while wanting each other with a desperation that keeps the tension high.

Oh, yeah. I believe in opening with a bang- and keeping my characters guessing as to what peril I'm going to place them in next. What about you?

-Kat

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Keta Diablo on Land of Falling Stars: What if two men who loved the same woman fought on opposite sides?

Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I love Wicked Thorn and Roses.

Tierney: I hear Land of Falling Stars just hit the top ten best-seller list at Ravenous Romance. How are you feeling about the release of your book?

Keta: I’m very happy over the success of Land of Falling Stars. I’ve had many wonderful reader reviews/comments on the book, so this really pleases me.

Tierney: What inspired you to pick the pen up one day and create the particular characters and story that appear in Land of Falling Stars?

Keta: Actually, I read a true story about cousins who fought in the Civil War on opposite sides and how that affected their families. My brain took flight; I started with the “what ifs”. What if two men who loved the same woman fought on opposite sides? What if one shot the other accidentally on a smoke-filled battlefield, and one was left to break the news to the heroine? So you can see where this led me. Sophia, was a pampered, coddled child and promised to Jesse in marriage since the day she was born. But it’s really Gavin, her childhood friend that owns her heart. Now, if she can only admit it. Many have asked where the title came from so I’m about to tell you . . . As children, Sophia, Gavin and Jesse would lay under the star-bangled canopy of heaven and pretend they lived in the Land of Falling Stars.

I hope everyone who visits Wicked Thorn and Roses will check it out at Ravenous Romance, and again, thank you so much for asking me to appear on your blog.

Tierney: Star-bangled canopy of heaven. Wow. I love that. Thank you so much, Keta, for this wonderful interview. Ladies and gentlemen, Keta will be giving away a copy of Land of Falling Stars today. Leave your comment and you could be the lucky winner. Be sure to come back or better yet follow the Wicked Thorn and Roses blog to find out if you've won. Here is the Land of Falling Stars blurb:

BLURB:

Photobucket Penniless, her parents and brother dead, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved childhood home during the Civil War. Another bluecoat is staggering down the hill, but before Sophia allows him to rob and pilfer like the others, she shoots him. How was she to know it was Gavin, the dark knight of her youth, carrying secrets too horrific to imagine and a passion that ignites her deepest desires?

As Sophia gradually discovers Gavin's secret and falls under his seductive charms, she struggles to know her own heart. Can she survive in the Land of Falling Stars, or will she lose it all to the horrors of the War and reconstruction? And will the Southern lady and the Yankee soldier be able to recapture the bliss of their youth - this time in each other's arms?

Ravenous Romance buy link: http://tinyurl.com/bmhowq

Another Rave Review for Land of Falling Stars

See what You Gotta Read Reviews says about Land of Falling Stars.

Gavin Langdale walks a very long way after her leaves the war to bring devastating news to his friend, Sophia. The news will likely knock her into a dark abyss that she may never emerge from. He battles with the decision long after he makes contact with Sophia because he also battles with the emotions that have plagued him his whole life. He wants Sophia to love him the way she loves Jesse. He wants Sophia to be his not Jesse's. Gavin has a secret that could force Sophia to hate him for the rest of her life.

The author pens a story that is unlike any other. The characters are introduced as childhood friends who become adults with very complicated life experiences to deal with. The story takes place right after the Civil War when tensions run high on both sides. Emotions are tenuous at best and even more so when old relationships become new relationships. I was torn during the reunion scenes and breathless during the chase scenes. I loved all the substories and the minor characters that were such an integral part of the author's vision. Land of Falling Stars makes you believe in the possibility of retribution and the hope of finding your brass ring in the last place you look.

YOU NEED TO READ this book!
Laura Morena, You Gotta Read Reviews

To learn more about Keta Diablo, please visit her site at http://www.ketadiablo.com

Friday, March 6, 2009

Interview with Tierney O'Malley

Where are you from?

I am from Seattle, Washington. The Evergreen State! Live or come and visit and you’ll know why this place is called evergreen. :)

Tell us your latest news.

My latest news: I sold my first novel, Wicked Knight: Tristan, to Red Rose Publishing. It is a standalone book and the first of the five Knight stories I plan to write this year or for the rest of my life. LOL. So exciting. *grinning* Also, Perfect Vessel (Emerald Envisage Anthology) is coming out I believe in March from eXtasy Books. The story is about a hot green alien, desperate dancer and an out of this world offer. This story is definitely wicked.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first time when I truly felt that I have the tools to write was during my English Composition class. My instructor kept writing comments on the side of my written works “publishable”. She even gave me a copy of the Writer’s Market book. And getting my short story published at the college paper sealed the idea.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I love writing contemporary romance. I feel this is where my strength lies. Although I tried writing my first paranormal (trying something new is fun), sent my proposal and actually received a request for full.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

I like this question :). Coming up with a title is not easy. I always ask myself, “What the story is about?” After coming up with a title, I spice it up to make it catchy, romantic, sensual. For example, To Trust a Wicked Man. The story centers on the heroine trying to find ways to trust a man. Using the title To Trust a Man is fine, but by adding the word wicked, the title is now more colorful and intriguing. Now you can ask, “How wicked is he?” :) The book is available at Fictionwise. Grab a copy and see how wicked my hero is. If anyone out there has a suggestion on how to come up with a great book title, I want to hear it. Please, please, tell me. LOL

What are your current projects?

I am now working on the second Knight book, Wicked Knight: Bors. Okay, the Knights are the four undeniably yummy, gorgeous and irresistible brothers. All named after the famous knights of the round table. Their last name is Knight.

What do you think has helped you the most with your writing?

Reading books of the same genre I am interested in writing is great. Searching and reading writing tips online. Forums! Join Romance Divas. I met wonderful authors there. Always ready to give their advice, tips, and comments. Oh, and Romance Writer's Community or RWC--awesome site.

What are your hobbies?

I like to play tennis with my family, chess, go for a walk with my husband, read, write.

What is your favorite secret pleasure?

Long hours of soaking in the bathtub while reading a book and eating candies or cookies.

What is your biggest wish for yourself?

Right now, I wish I could talk to my brother one more time. He passed away two months ago.
.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Interview with Mark Alders

Please list places we can find you online…websites, myspace, facebook, blogs, etc.

I am available on livejournal, mainly because I like the user interface of that blog. The address is http://markalders.livejournal.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 38 years old—yes, that’s only 2 years away from being the big 40! Yikes. By day I am a mild mannered Post office worker and by night I let my imagination run riot at the keyboard, creating all sorts of stories.

Tell us your latest news.

I am currently in the middle of moving house. At the moment I am in Perth. From the 25th of February I will be in Melbourne. Why did I move all the way across the country? To be closer to family, that’s why. Am I insane…most likely! *giggle*

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in high school. English was my first love. I actually wrote a book back then, a terrible, terrible book and we shall never speak of it again. LOL It was basically a knock-off of Lord of the Rings. Well, we all had to start somewhere. As for the why, I really don’t know. I think it has a lot to do with the fact writing takes me to places my imagination leads me.

What are you reading now?

I am reading Heinlein’s “Tunnel in the Sky”

What are your current projects?

I always have a few projects on the go.

A) “SATOR”, a m/m fantasy
B) “The Song of Tristan and Isolde”, a m/m paranormal/fantasy
C) And the second book of my five book series, collectively known as the Pembroke Eve chronicles. The first book, Shadows of the Mind is currently submitted to eXtasy. It is a m/m sci-fi tale
D) “The Cadet’s Officer”, a short story and m/m sci-fi


Do you have a writing routine?

Yes…whenever I get the chance, basically. My muse is also like a wallflower at a teenage disco. It sits by and watches nervously…then, when it plucks up the courage to get up and dance I can’t keep up! LOL

My writing is sporadic. I can go days without placing a word down, then all at once I can write a novel in 6 weeks…Crazy!


What is one thing you could never live without?


Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate. Did I mention chocolate?


Where do you spend most of your time online?

On porn sites…kidding! LOL Seriously, I spend a lot of my online time researching. One of my current projects SATOR is requiring some Australian Aboriginal phrases and words…so yeah, I’ve been learning some phrases to possibly use in my books.

What are your hobbies?

I watch movies as a hobby. Because of work and my writing life I don’t get a chance to watch TV. I do it as a hobby. Most weeks I am lucky to get an hour of TV in! Ahh, the life of a writer, hey?

What is your favorite secret pleasure?

To sit and type all day while eating chocolate J

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Interview with Wendy Ely

Where are you from?

I grew up in Milwaukie, Oregon but moved to sunny Arizona five years ago. I love everything about this place from the people I have met to the palm trees! 

Do you see writing as a long or short term goal? 

 
I have been writing since I could hold a pencil so I imagine I’ll write as long as plots and characters form themselves in my brain. I’m actively working on two books at this time and have several more swirling around in my thoughts waiting to be written. Each book is an adventure that I look forward to every time.
 
Do you belong to any writing forums or groups? 

I joined Valley of the Sun Romance Writers, which is a local chapter of Romance Writers of America, about a year ago. I have loved every minute of it. I also belong to a critique group.

 
What new author has grasped your interest? 

Buffy Christopher. I don’t generally read paranormal romance but her books are fascinating. You can find her at www.sapphirebluepublishing.com. 

 
What are your current projects?

I’m in the editing phase of a contemporary called New Years Resolution. My critique partners are going over it now. In New Years Resolution, Kate wants to be engaged by the following year. Her friends think she’s crazy since she’s not even dating when the resolution is made! She goes on a dating spree in hopes to find Mr. Wonderful. Instead, she learns more important lessons about life, plus Mr. Wonderful has been right in front of her the entire time! 

I’m writing a suspense called Dangerous Flames. Gabrielle has reason to believe someone has a hit out on her father, a mob boss. His hitman is probably the one that’s going to kill him. To save both her father and her love, she abducts Mikolas. Is she be able to keep them both safe while trying to resist the temptations from being so close to Mikolas?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Interview with Alisha Paige

Please list places we can find you online.

You can find me at http://www.alishapaige.com/ and at my blog interviewing other authors at http://www.alishapaige.blogspot.com/. I’m also on My Space and Facebook so friend me if you’re on there.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Texas but one day I want to live in New York. I visited the Big Apple when I was 18 and fell in love with the excitement, the cozy coffee shops, Broadway..sigh.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

I read a book by Rebecca York about a werewolf. When it was published, paranormal romance was not even considered a genre. Instead, it was classified under suspense. Ms. York opened up a whole new world to me. I wrote my first paranormal years later because I’d never forgotten her story.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I’m most comfortable writing paranormal or fantasy because my imagination can run wild. There are no rules..

What books have most influenced your life?

Stephen King’s On Writing is a must read for any writer.

What are you reading now?

Dawn Thompson’s The Ravening..chilling and very erotic

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Total pantser and it’s quite scary at times. I never know where my stories will take me but my characters have never let me down yet.

What is one thing you could never live without?

My supportive, loving, sexy husband and my three beautiful children.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Interview with Sierra Wolfe

Please list places we can find you online…websites, myspace, facebook, blogs, etc.

You can find me at…
My webpage
MySpace
Facebook

And of course…here at the Wicked Thorn and Roses blog

Where are you from?

Good ole Missouri. Of course, I work as a traveling nurse, so I’m not always home. You never know where you’ll catch me. ;)

What kind of jobs have you worked while building your writing career?

Oh, wow. I’ve worked a lot of jobs in my time. I don’t know if I’d say they were while I was building my writing career, but since I’ve been writing most of my life to some degree, I guess they were in a way. Anyway, I’ve worked as a waitress, a factory worker in several different kinds of factories, an accounting assistant, a nurse assistant, and a nurse. Let’s just say that I lose interest in things very easily (except writing, of course). Writing is the one thing I’ve never bored of.

When and why did you begin writing?

I don’t know if I have an answer for that. It seems like I’ve always written, in one form or another. I was about 4 years old when I wrote my first poem for my grandma. I remember how proud she was and she put it away to keep. Years later, she pulled it out to show it to me. I’ll never forget it.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

One of the influences with me would be my grandma. She was an avid reader. She had a full wall in her bedroom full of shelves of books. She’d read each and every one of them, some of them several times. I was in awe of how many there were. That’s where I inherited my love of reading, and with that, came my love of writing.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Any kind of romance. Paranormal, inspirational, contemporary, romantic suspense, you name it, I would take a shot at it. I’d really like to write some young adult books, too.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Actually, I’m lucky enough to have one. The amazing and wonderful Gemma Halliday! NY published author of the “in High Heels” series. For more information, check out her site!
Of course, she's just got started with me, so my bad writing has nothing to do with her teaching, LOL. I know I will learn tons from her, though. And, I'm extremely grateful for her guidance and inspiration. I can't wait to learn everything she has to teach me!!!

What are your current projects?

Too many to mention. I’m the type who has about 5 projects in the works at one time. If I get tired of reading one over and over, I can move on to another for a while. It really works for me.

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?


Hopefully, long term. It’s my goal to make it my full-time career. Easier on the back and knees than nursing, LOL. But, I may have to keep nursing at least part-time. Don’t know if I could give it up completely.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?


Yes, I would have started getting serious sooner. It took me too long to have enough faith in myself to work on it seriously. I still have plenty of moments of self doubt, but it’s getting better.

Do you belong to any writing forums or groups?


Absolutely, I belong to several. But, my favorite place in the whole world is Romance Divas.


Are you a plotter or a pantser?


Plotter. I’ve tried pantsing, just couldn’t cut it, I’m afraid.


Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?


I hope you enjoyed reading a little about me. I’d love it if you would come back often and see what we’re up to. In fact, if you’d follow our blog, I’d be ecstatic! Seriously! Oh, and I love comments! ;)

Wicked Thorn and Roses © 2008. Design by :Yanku Templates Sponsored by: Tutorial87 Commentcute
This template is brought to you by : allblogtools.com Blogger Templates