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April - May 2003
Subscribers: 453 |
Published by Su Kopil
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 Beauty and the Baron; (Harlequin Historical #655)
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"Come on in, the water's great!" I love to swim. But show me a pool, a river or an ocean and I want to ease into that water. A step or two at a time, half against my will, if the water's cool. It can be a pretty painstaking process. My sister just climbs onto the diving board and plunges in...while I watch and shudder. When it comes to beginning a story, my natural inclination is also to ease in rather than to plunge. But I've learned to fight that tendency. The very last storytelling lesson I learned before I sold was how and where to start my story. It was a tough one to get through my head, for some reason. I'd read good advice about it in various writing ''how-to'' books and from generous published authors willing to share their own hard-won wisdom. But it just didn't sink in. In my first manuscript, I had three chapters of lovingly crafted scenes before my hero and heroine finally came face to face. I had received and heeded tons of good advice about other aspects of the story, but whenever it was suggested that I might plunge into the action sooner, I turned a deaf ear. As if I was being asked to leap into deep, frigid water...with sharks circling and no land in sight. I thought I had good reasons for the way I'd started my story. After all, those early chapters of mine weren't tedious description of the setting or an account of the heroine's life from birth. They had strong scenes with lots of dialogue and action and tons of conflict. How the hero and heroine came to be meeting for the first time at the church where they were about to be married was a complicated and (I thought) intriguing story in itself. If I tried to begin any later, readers would be confused or I'd end up with a dreaded back-story dump that I'd been warned against. It wouldn't work. I couldn't do it. No, no NO! Finally, after two lackluster outings in the Golden Heart and a slew of rejections from editors and agents, I was once again told that I should start my story with the pivotal wedding scene. I still might have stuffed my fingers in my ears and begun humming loudly, but I was getting the same advice from two different and very trusted sources. So, I gave in. Sort of. With very bad grace. Muttering ''back story dump'' under my breath, I said I'd try it their way to see if it could be done. Then I changed Chapter Four to Chapter One and plunged into my story. I floundered a bit at first, but I kept treading watering, holding on to two of the best pieces of writing advice I've ever come across, as if they were a buoy and a life line. One was from Patricia Gaffney's article "Plotting the Romance" in the old Golden Heart Handbook: "It's amazing how much the reader does not need to know at the beginning of the book." The other came from "Peeling the Onion: Avoiding Too-Much Too-Soon Syndrome", an RWR article by Diana Whitney Hinz: "When I'm outlining a story, I like to think in terms of questions, rather than answers. That is, what do I want the reader to be asking herself at any given point in the book?" Taking a new attitude that I wanted my readers to ask questions and wonder a bit about what was happening, I did not cram all the information from my old opening into my new one. Hence, no dreaded back story dump. In fact, I hung onto some of that information for many chapters, doling it out a hint at a time, luring readers deeper and deeper into the story. Now, when an editor, agent or contest judge started my manuscript, they were confronted with two strangers making wedding vows and neither of them very happy about it, despite an unacknowledged spark of attraction. Why were they doing this? Would they consummate the marriage? What would happen when the heroine's sea captain sweetheart returned from his voyage? Those were questions I hoped would hook them and keep them reading, though I still had secret fears readers might not understand what was going on without my original first three chapters. On its next shot at the Golden Heart, my story catapulted into the finals and won. I signed with an agent and got requests from several publishers. A few months later, my manuscript sold to Harlequin Historical, was published and went on to make the RITA finals. Never once, in a review or a fan letter, did anyone suggest they'd been confused by the opening or needed more information than I gave them to become immersed in the story. Now, after all that, you'd think I'd learn, right? Well, I did...sort of. There's still part of me that wants to ease into my stories. Take a couple of chapters to introduce the reader to my hero and heroine. Show them why these two are going to be a volatile combination, but ultimately perfect for each other. If the compulsion is really strong, I may even write those chapters. But when it comes to submitting a proposal, now, I usually reread those articles by Pat Gaffney and Diana Whitney Hinz. Then I save those earlier chapters for my own information and make myself plunge into the story as close as possible to the hero and heroine's first meeting, or the meeting that will put them on their collision course with destiny. So, if you're like me and easing into stories just isn't working for you, I suggest you commit those quotes to heart, change Chapter Two or Three or Six to Chapter One and take the plunge. If it doesn't work, you can always go back to your original version. But, I'm guessing and hoping that once you plunge in, you'll find the water's great. And readers may be more eager to plunge into your story, too. In May 2003, readers can plunge into Deborah Hale's tenth novel for Harlequin Historical, Beauty and the Baron. To read an excerpt of her opening, see her most beautiful cover yet, enter her contest or pick up more tips on romance writing, visit her web site: www.deborahhale.com |
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Attn: Readers. Would you like to appear in our "What are they Reading" section? Email Su Kopil with WHAT ARE THEY READING in the subject line at sukopil@aol.com I'll send a short list of questions for you to answer. Responses will appear in future issue of The Dream Weaver as space permits. |
Buys books at: Amazon or through the three book clubs to which I belong: Doubleday, Literary Guild and Crossings.
Books read per month: 4-6 depending on size. Likes to read: I am an eclectic reader but I prefer the darker works by Dean Koontz, John Saul and the grittier crime books by John Sandford and David Wiltse. I do read Jude Deveraux, Shirlee Busbee, Johanna Lindsey and Rosemary Rogers when I want something escapist. When I want to laugh, I read Dave Barry. Must Buys: I never miss a Sandford, Wiltse, Koontz or Saul book. I like their style of writing and can get lost in the stories. Likewise, I never miss Andrew Greeley's fiction works, Brian Lumbly's vampire novels, Robin Cook, and Michael Connelly. When I read Koontz, I keep a dictionary, pad and pen beside my chair because that man is one helluva wordsmith. I've learned quite a bit from reading his material. TBR pile: Since I work a 40 hour week and write my own novels on the weekend and at night, the only time I have to read is during my lunch hour. I keep a book at work and one at home. At the moment, I have about 10 books waiting for me with more on the way. I do read some historical romance novels just for the entertainment and those are the ones I keep at home....it wouldn't do to have a bodice ripper cover pop up on my desk at work! Usually the ones I bring to work with me or the speculative fiction novels.
Website: www.windlegends.org
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Writing since 1985, Janeen O'Kerry has published six novels with a seventh, Maiden of the Winds, due to hit shelves July 2003. Her first book, April's Christmas, was written with writing partner, Hazel Ann Williams, and published in 1994. Two years later saw the publication of her fist solo effort, Lady of Fire, published by Dorchester. She's been keeping readers happy since. Join me in discovering the secrets of this historical, fantasy, time-travel author. SU: Janeen, your Celtic Journey series is based on eight ancient pagan festivals of Ireland. Have you been across the pond? JANEEN: I've never been to Ireland, though I still hope to go someday. I substituted the forests of Southeastern Ohio when I needed a setting to describe. The real thing would have been better, but sometimes you must do the best you can with what you have. Remember, so far no science fiction writer has ever actually been in space -- and they didn't let that stop them from writing stories set on other worlds! SU: Keeper of the Light is the sixth book in the series. What got you interested in writing about magic? JANEEN: I've always loved reading science fiction and fantasy, so this was a natural progression. I just combined it with a love for history and for Ireland, since that's where my ancestors are from on both sides of my family. SU: Have you had any magical experiences of your own? JANEEN: Nothing paranormal -- but there is plenty of magic in the real world if you just take the time to appreciate it. SU: Tell us about Rioghan, the heroine in Keeper of the Light. What motivates her? JANEEN: Hmmm - I think Truth motivates Rioghan. Truth in relationships, truth in all things. She became quite an interesting character for me, and I had to work a bit to keep her from becoming *too* independent. SU: Do you write your books with a theme in mind? JANEEN: Always! That's where I start. I always loved books and films that took a theme and ran with it, and tried to make a point of some sort even if you did not agree with it. I always hope that the theme comes through, whatever it is in that particular book. I think a romance should be more than just boy-meets-girl, they-have-problems, they-get-together. SU: Which came first your love of horses or books? Do the two compete for your attention or is it a happy marriage so to speak? JANEEN: Seems like there's never enough time to do both, but I do the best I can. I do enjoy putting horses into my stories whenever I can. There's nothing more magical than a horse, which will lend you all of its strength and power just for the asking. SU: What drives you to succeed? Is there someone or something that inspires you to live your life to the fullest? JANEEN: Well, as they say, life is not a dress rehearsal and you just can't put things off forever. I'm here to *do* things -- otherwise, what's the point? I'm with Auntie Mame. "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" SU: Writing a book is as individual as the people who are writing them. What is your process? Has it changed over the course of your writing? JANEEN: I outline as extensively as I can, and by "outline" I mean a scene-by-scene description of who does what and what happens when. I always know where I am going and how it will end before I actually begin the first draft. The better and more detailed the outline, the easier the thing is to write. And I still discover much along the way. SU: How has your life changed from the day your first started writing? JANEEN: Well, I used to make decent money at a tech-support job. Now I'm mostly broke! But since I am home full-time now, I do have more time for my horse and my teenaged son (not necessarily in that order.) SU: Would you do anything different? JANEEN: Yes. I would have written more. SU: What can Janeen O'Kerry fans look forward to? JANEEN: I just turned in a proposal for the last two books in the Celtic Journeys series -- these will be Daughter of the Dawn and Goddess of Eire. After that, I plan to do a series called Seven Castles in Ireland, which will be the story of the same physical location in Ireland at seven different periods of history -- the people who lived there and how they made the place what it is today. There will be romance, of course, with mysteries and ghosts and magic. I'm looking forward to it. SU: Is there anything else you would like to add? JANEEN: I enjoy teaching and talking about writing, and am often available for workshops. I also have a manuscript critique service through my website -- but I am tough! Visit Janeen O'Kerry at: www.okerry.net Manuscript Critique Service - Details at website KEEPER OF THE LIGHT, January 2003, Leisure LoveSpell |
Creative Spaces with Maureen McMahon
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The Where?
In the 'back room' of our house with windows looking out over our pool and deck. Creative Enhancements? I have a few plaques and pictures to inspire me and remind me of friends. I have two quotes taped to my work station, to help me keep things in perspective. One is an insight meditation by Achaan Chah: Most helpful? My most helpful assets are my file folders - three-ring binders where I file important information and correspondance - and my floppy disks and backups. If the popular TV show Trading Spaces came in to redo your office what would you like to see done?
I'd like my office to be made more private, with one door instead of being so open and accessible. I'd also like new carpeting and some ducted heating installed.
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Look for Tanya's first book: Harlequin Duets Mar 2003 And her 2nd book: WHO NEEDS DECAF? Harlequin Flipside
Dec 2003
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TANYA MICHAELS Harlequin Duets Debut The Where? This sounds sadly anti-climactic, but when I got the call I was in bed asleep, for the first time in what seemed like three days. My husband had been away on business, leaving me alone with our colicky newborn son. It was a Thursday morning, and my husband had just returned, immediately taking over care of our son so I could rest. He had his hands full with the baby when the phone rang, so the answering machine picked up. I heard the editor's name and knew I must be dreaming. I'd learned through a status inquiry that she'd given my romantic comedy The Maid of Dishonor to her senior editor with the recommendation to buy, but this had already happened with one manuscript--which was rejected. I'd been trying not to get my hopes up too high a second time. Still, just in case the words "calling from Harlequin" and "good news" weren't a dream, I launched myself from bed and grabbed the phone (definitely the fastest I'd moved since my C-section a few weeks before). After she told me they wanted to buy Maid of Dishonor for Duets, she remarked at how calm I sounded, but I wasn't "calm" at all, just sleep-deprived. Most Memorable Moment? How surreal it seemed! I've wanted to be a writer all my life and had literally been having "first sale" dreams since back in high school. The fact that I was half-asleep when it really did happen made it seem even more dreamlike. I didn't truly accept what had happened until my editor emailed me the next day. Writing How Long? My whole life, but it was four years ago that I discovered and joined Romance Writers of America and began to learn enough about the craft and industry to seriously pursue and achieve my dream. Visit this up and coming author at: www.mindspring.com/~tjmic |
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SUBSCRIBE to the Dream Weaver and be automatically entered in the bi-monthly drawings. Next drawing you can win... ............A handy organizer/wallet w/pen along with a few promotional goodies Visit the contest page to see last month's winners! Have comments or questions about this newsletter? Please write to Su Kopil at: sukopil@aol.com Copyright (c) 2002-3, Su Kopil. All Rights Reserved. All articles and contents are used with permission from the authors. Do not reprint without written permission. Please respect all copyright laws. Thank you. For Writer's Guidelines or Advertising Rates Email: Su Kopil at sukopil@aol.com |
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