Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Music to Eat By
I'm stuck on my current WIP. I have to rewrite a fairy banquet scene and my imagination is letting me down. I can't see the scene, hear the music, or smell the food. Nothing comes to mind. Most of the time I can resolve a problem in a day or two. But this issue has lingered for three weeks with no progress.
I think my playlist is missing a song. Something to inspire unique fairy dishes my human heroine can sink her teeth into. Despite having 27 songs in this playlist, nothing matches the tone of this scene. Even Pat Benatar and Roxette, my favorites, have let me down.
I need a song which leaves an impression of bright colors and sweet, fairy foods. I need your help with some ideas. What are your favorite songs about food or inspire you to eat?
Monday, February 25, 2013
Just Goes to Show
That you should never put off til tomorrow what you should do today. Take me for instance, I've been iced under in my house since Thursday. I thought, nah, I've got plenty of time to get a blog post up. Here I am, Johnny-come-lately. *head hand of shame*
But being the recipient of sleet and ice in my house wasn't so bad. I had edits to do on my upcoming release of the third book in my Legends & Lovers series, The Turncoat's Temptress. From today it's 49 days until the release. I'm nervous, excited, and anxious to release it into the world. How about a little taste? Here's the first official excerpt.
Blurb:
Basil Tinwhistle's life changed when he was nine years old and he revealed that he had a proclivity for finding the paranormal. Taken from his family and raised by a special order of men dedicated to memorizing legend and hunting monsters, he's risked life and limb to keep the United States safe from terror in the night. More than that, he left behind the only woman who ever held his heart.
Nora Frost's parents abandoned her in favor of pursuing a sideshow career in a circus. Her grandmother raised her with a strict hand to prevent history from repeating itself. Nora has never felt comfortable with herself, except for the brief summer Basil spent at her grandmother's antebellum mansion. When Basil vanished without a word, he broke her heart and she vowed never to fall in love again.
Years later, on one of Nora's worst days, Basil suddenly reappears. The attraction between them is as strong as it was that long ago summer, but Basil is about to reveal a danger Nora never imagined—one that might tear them apart before they can repair the past.
It's official release date is April 16, 2013.
I also blog at Have Novel, Will Edit. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and G+.
But being the recipient of sleet and ice in my house wasn't so bad. I had edits to do on my upcoming release of the third book in my Legends & Lovers series, The Turncoat's Temptress. From today it's 49 days until the release. I'm nervous, excited, and anxious to release it into the world. How about a little taste? Here's the first official excerpt.
Basil
took his hand away from her face and reached inside his coat. He
pulled out the tintype, bent, worn, a little faded, and set it on the
table.
A
younger Nora smiled up at them. Her mind pulled her back to the day
the image was taken. When she thought she'd known what the world was
about and love was the only thing that mattered. Basil had stood
behind the photographer, making silly faces, trying to get her to
laugh. She'd mastered her emotions and arranged her face in what
she'd hoped was a seductive pose. After the flash of powder, she'd
blinked away the light and found Basil looking at her with unmasked
passion.
The
heat of that look stayed with her. She still felt it, curling at her
like flames over paper. It was different than the look he gave her
now, but the old spark was there.
“You
kept it because it reminded you that there's still some good in the
world. And I wonder if you hoped that someday you might come back to
it.” She stared at him daring him to deny it.
“I
tried a dozen times that summer to tell you why I was at Brighton
Manor. What I was. Who I was. Christopher and your grandmother both
warned me not to. That it would only frighten you. So in the end I
kept the secret.” He gazed down at the photograph then ran his
finger along the edge. “Why haven't you run away yet? All this talk
of fairytale creatures and the supernatural. Most women wouldn't
stay.”
“I'm
something of an oddity, Tinwhistle. I think you'd have learned that
by now.” She touched the image. “We're magnets. Stuck together in
this. Sometimes we might get flipped over, might push away from
each other, but we'll always come back.”
Nora Frost's parents abandoned her in favor of pursuing a sideshow career in a circus. Her grandmother raised her with a strict hand to prevent history from repeating itself. Nora has never felt comfortable with herself, except for the brief summer Basil spent at her grandmother's antebellum mansion. When Basil vanished without a word, he broke her heart and she vowed never to fall in love again.
Years later, on one of Nora's worst days, Basil suddenly reappears. The attraction between them is as strong as it was that long ago summer, but Basil is about to reveal a danger Nora never imagined—one that might tear them apart before they can repair the past.
It's official release date is April 16, 2013.
I also blog at Have Novel, Will Edit. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and G+.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
CHANGES
There are a LOT of changes happening in my life right now. Hubby is planning to retire soon and we'll be relocating to warm, sunny Florida from the currently cold, grey Ohio. In preparation for this we listed our house for sale. Now, any of you who've ever sold a house or watched Home & Garden TV, know that selling a house, especially in today's market, is much more complicated than just slapping a FOR SALE sign on the front lawn. First you have to "de-clutter," which essentially means stripping your living space of anything personal, anything that makes living in it easier or comfortable, including things like your toothbrush, hairbrush, and other personal care items. Of course, once you hide them away it's almost impossible to remember where they are.
Next you have to "stage" your house, so it looks like a freaking model home. You have to wipe everything down every morning. I know, doesn't everyone clean their sinks, toilets, stoves, etc. after each use? Dust. Vacuum - need those nice vacuum cleaner lines in the carpet.
Then you sit and wait for total strangers to want to come tromping through your nice, clean house with their dirty feet. And on top of that, while they're in your house you have to leave. We've been down this road twice before, so I knew what to expect - weeks, if not months of waiting and leaving. Guess what? The house sold in less than a week. The third couple bought it before we even had the first Open House.
Here are a couple of pictures of the house.
This sounds like great news, doesn't it? Well, sort of. Because we expected there'd be a couple of weeks, to a month before we got an offer, we figured we'd have time to go on down to Florida and find a house there. Believe me, you don't want to have to put your whole household in storage. It's freaking expensive. With such a quick sale we ran into a time crunch. Fortunately, the buyers were agreeable to extending by a month the day they take possession. Whew!
In the middle of all this work and emotional upheaval our youngest son (he's 29) ran away from home. At least that's what my husband calls the fact that our son decided to find his own apartment rather than relocate with us down to Florida. We spent the weekend the house was on the market moving him out of his room and across town into an apartment. This was physically and emotionally exhausting.
Now don't think I've forgotten about writing. Well, maybe a little bit. I did manage to finish and publish a short contemporary St. Patrick's Day story LUCKY'S LEPRECHAUN. It's available for .99 from Amazon and through Smashwords.
http://www.amazon.com/Luckys-Leprechaun-Holiday-Council-ebook/dp/B00BAVPW9M
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/282144
A Holiday in Council Falls Short Story
7,000 Words
Lucky no longer believes in wishes, hope or dreams. Cheated by his bookkeeper and his ex-girlfriend, he's resigned himself to losing everything.
Twenty-five years ago curiosity about a small human trapped Diamond, a leprechaun, inside a crystal paperweight. Now she has one day left to grant Lucky his final wish or perish.
Can a chance meeting between a little boy and a leprechaun result in love?
Next you have to "stage" your house, so it looks like a freaking model home. You have to wipe everything down every morning. I know, doesn't everyone clean their sinks, toilets, stoves, etc. after each use? Dust. Vacuum - need those nice vacuum cleaner lines in the carpet.
Then you sit and wait for total strangers to want to come tromping through your nice, clean house with their dirty feet. And on top of that, while they're in your house you have to leave. We've been down this road twice before, so I knew what to expect - weeks, if not months of waiting and leaving. Guess what? The house sold in less than a week. The third couple bought it before we even had the first Open House.
Here are a couple of pictures of the house.
In the middle of all this work and emotional upheaval our youngest son (he's 29) ran away from home. At least that's what my husband calls the fact that our son decided to find his own apartment rather than relocate with us down to Florida. We spent the weekend the house was on the market moving him out of his room and across town into an apartment. This was physically and emotionally exhausting.
Now don't think I've forgotten about writing. Well, maybe a little bit. I did manage to finish and publish a short contemporary St. Patrick's Day story LUCKY'S LEPRECHAUN. It's available for .99 from Amazon and through Smashwords.
http://www.amazon.com/Luckys-Leprechaun-Holiday-Council-ebook/dp/B00BAVPW9M
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/282144
A Holiday in Council Falls Short Story
7,000 Words
Lucky no longer believes in wishes, hope or dreams. Cheated by his bookkeeper and his ex-girlfriend, he's resigned himself to losing everything.
Twenty-five years ago curiosity about a small human trapped Diamond, a leprechaun, inside a crystal paperweight. Now she has one day left to grant Lucky his final wish or perish.
Can a chance meeting between a little boy and a leprechaun result in love?
Friday, February 15, 2013
New Release
I'm very happy to say that my latest, a Valentine's Day themed romantic comedy is now available.
How's a girl supposed to stay single with the entire town wants her married? Alessa Lombard has a plan to avoid the marriage trap. It's not that she's opposed to marriage. Wedded bliss if fine for other people. Now all she needs is the help of the town's newest bachelor to help pull off a fake romance.
Determined to fall in love, Sloan Dugan immigrates to the magical town of Amores. Surely in the town devoted to love, he'll find a woman who doesn't use trickery and deceit.
But Cupid has other plans. Soon Alessa and Sloan will find themselves playing the game of love. Will winner take all?
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Valentine Memories
What are my favorite valentine memories? Well there was on year that I had bought my dear husband a windsurfer. Not muchs in the way of liquid water in Colorado in December. We decided to go to Arizona for Valentines Day. I took a couple of days vacation and off we went.
It was a blizzard the day we left Denver. An actual blizzard. It too us 2 hours to reach the southside of town and get on our way.
We stayed with my husband's sister, Connie. She knew how my husband could get and wasn't that surprised to see us show up on her doorstep.
Arizona is interesting in winter. Connie called herself a desert rat. It was February and 70 degrees. Jim and I are loving it, running around in shorts and tank tops. Connie is wearing jeans and a heavy coat. Cracked me up. The looks we got from people as we went into the convenience store was priceless. They looked at us like we were crazy and I'm sure we looked back at them the same way.
So tell me what is your favorite or strangest valentine memory. I'd love to know.
My latest book doesn't have any Valentine memories but it does have some hot encounters. I hope you'll check it out.
Blurb:
They stole her love, her life and want to steal the secrets secured in her mind. Secrets that could topple world governments and decimate quadrant security forever. Now she’s on an epic quest to find out why and make those responsible pay.
Honora Reyestat gave up everything to become a member of the esteemed Gregarian Guard. No family, no friends, no connections--nothing that can ever be used against her. Captured and enslaved, she's become a prized gladiator for her master. Given the task of training a new slave, she recognizes a fellow Zolthor and the son of a tribal leader at that. Her mission changes from discovery of the enemy's tactics and secrets to returning Joridan to his people.
Drawn to this fierce woman as no other, Joridan Dolana tries to explain she is wrong. He's not Zolthor, he's Centauri. He was raised on Centauri with his sister. Faced with proof of a father's ultimate betrayal, he must choose between revenge and the protection of this woman who has sworn to never return his love.
It was a blizzard the day we left Denver. An actual blizzard. It too us 2 hours to reach the southside of town and get on our way.
We stayed with my husband's sister, Connie. She knew how my husband could get and wasn't that surprised to see us show up on her doorstep.
Arizona is interesting in winter. Connie called herself a desert rat. It was February and 70 degrees. Jim and I are loving it, running around in shorts and tank tops. Connie is wearing jeans and a heavy coat. Cracked me up. The looks we got from people as we went into the convenience store was priceless. They looked at us like we were crazy and I'm sure we looked back at them the same way.
So tell me what is your favorite or strangest valentine memory. I'd love to know.
My latest book doesn't have any Valentine memories but it does have some hot encounters. I hope you'll check it out.
Blurb:
They stole her love, her life and want to steal the secrets secured in her mind. Secrets that could topple world governments and decimate quadrant security forever. Now she’s on an epic quest to find out why and make those responsible pay.
Honora Reyestat gave up everything to become a member of the esteemed Gregarian Guard. No family, no friends, no connections--nothing that can ever be used against her. Captured and enslaved, she's become a prized gladiator for her master. Given the task of training a new slave, she recognizes a fellow Zolthor and the son of a tribal leader at that. Her mission changes from discovery of the enemy's tactics and secrets to returning Joridan to his people.
Drawn to this fierce woman as no other, Joridan Dolana tries to explain she is wrong. He's not Zolthor, he's Centauri. He was raised on Centauri with his sister. Faced with proof of a father's ultimate betrayal, he must choose between revenge and the protection of this woman who has sworn to never return his love.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Plotting the Romantic sci-fi novella - by Vlijaya Schartz
Novellas are just as difficult as a novel to write or plot. They require the same elements indispensable to any good story. I am back in the groove of writing science fiction, after a stint in Medieval Fantasy, and I love it.
But I realize that my plotting methods are changing. When I started writing, I wrote by the seat of the pants, not knowing where the story would lead me. Then when I had multiple book contracts, I decided to plot my novels. Since I was writing on deadlines, I couldn't afford to write a chapter or two in the wrong direction only to have to delete them later if they didn't fit the new direction of the story. I needed a tighter focus.
While writing my medieval series, I wrote from historical facts, so my job was to make the story enjoyable, believable despite its fantasy slant, and find character motivations for actions already determined by History. That was a different kind of challenge.
Now I use all these tools. I heard recently the term plotting in layers. I like it. I now start with the main characters. I have to know them before I start writing anything. I know the main plot line and twists. I know how it's going to end. I know the characters' internal conflicts. I have a starting point.
Then I start to write. It's a little scary, and the first draft is skinny bones. I'm only on Chapter 2 of Borealis 9 (no definite title yet), and I can feel the flow of ideas rolling in. The plot thickens is not just an expression. It's turning from a light broth to a hearty soup and eventually a rich stew.
In any case, I'm enjoying the process. I'll keep you updated on this experience.
In the meantime, you can read my previous contribution to the Borealis Space Station Universe, BLACK DRAGON, from Desert Breeze Publishing.
BLACK DRAGON
A Borealis Novella
by Vijaya Schartz
A dandy is cheating in a gambling den of the Borealis space station, and
Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always
gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, intends to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, however, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, intends to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, however, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
Find all my books and eBooks at all major retailers.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz Friday, February 8, 2013
Science Fiction Romance Anime
While anime (Japanese animated comics, films, and video games) tends to be geared for the younger crowd, it's still worth a look when it comes to the creative expression of Science Fiction Romance. Plus, getting the kiddos hooked early on a good SFR story pays off well into adulthood :)
Here's a look at some popular anime media (list from Screen Junkies):
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. This anime film is about a girl who discovers she can time travel, the challenges she faces and the love she finds along the way. The movie was named Best Animation Film by the Japanese Academy Awards.
Metropolis. A boy and his uncle must learn the secrets about a mysterious, beautiful robot girl. This movie won Best Animation Feature from the Fant-Asia Film Festival and from the Online Film Critics Society.
Howl's Moving Castle. This action adventure anime with elements of romance is the story of a young woman who needs a young wizard to break the curse that has been put upon her. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Looking Back at a Year of Doing Big, Fun, Scary Things
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. It's a hair early, but there's always room for love.
I'm happy to report that I managed to rewrite and finish that novel I deleted accidentally on purpose. January was a great month for writing for me. I've even had time to read over it once and I'm relieved that it isn't as bad as it could be for a second first draft. It's not due out until this fall, so I have plenty of time to edit it. It's the fourth book in the Legends & Lovers series, more mythical beasties, but this time one with a heart as opposed to creatures bent on evil. It was quite the challenge and even though it gave me a lot of grief, I'm happy where it eventually ended.
I mentioned last month that I have a lot going on this year. The Turncoat's Temptress, my third book is coming out in April and I'm working on edits, promo and marketing for that. Looking back on where I was this time last year, it's hard to think that I'll have three out when last year I was just getting started in self-publishing. I still think of myself as that debut author. It's a stretch to imagine that by the beginning of next year, probably around this same time when the fifth book comes out, the series will be over.
One of my beta readers keeps nudging me toward adding more books. Don't let it end, she says. There's potential for a lot more. She's right, but I'd hate to be accused of overkill.
I'm between things right now, editing The Turncoat's Temptress, finishing a historical romance I abandoned in order to take on the L&L series in 2010, plotting the fifth book. In the foreseeable future, I can't even imagine starting another steampunk, either stand alone or a series. I'm not even sure I want to write another series for a while, although I have an idea for a trilogy.
It's a little scary, this ending a series thing. For me, the thrill of writing the book, sharing little snippets as I go, is a lot more exciting that putting a book out there. After NaNoWriMo is over, they have a topic on the forum called The Year of Doing Big, Fun, Scary Things. I feel like I've really reached that point. There are still tons of things to do, but there's so much scary stuff left over.
And I'm looking forward to it. The second year in self-publishing is bound to be interesting.
I'm happy to report that I managed to rewrite and finish that novel I deleted accidentally on purpose. January was a great month for writing for me. I've even had time to read over it once and I'm relieved that it isn't as bad as it could be for a second first draft. It's not due out until this fall, so I have plenty of time to edit it. It's the fourth book in the Legends & Lovers series, more mythical beasties, but this time one with a heart as opposed to creatures bent on evil. It was quite the challenge and even though it gave me a lot of grief, I'm happy where it eventually ended.
I mentioned last month that I have a lot going on this year. The Turncoat's Temptress, my third book is coming out in April and I'm working on edits, promo and marketing for that. Looking back on where I was this time last year, it's hard to think that I'll have three out when last year I was just getting started in self-publishing. I still think of myself as that debut author. It's a stretch to imagine that by the beginning of next year, probably around this same time when the fifth book comes out, the series will be over.
One of my beta readers keeps nudging me toward adding more books. Don't let it end, she says. There's potential for a lot more. She's right, but I'd hate to be accused of overkill.
I'm between things right now, editing The Turncoat's Temptress, finishing a historical romance I abandoned in order to take on the L&L series in 2010, plotting the fifth book. In the foreseeable future, I can't even imagine starting another steampunk, either stand alone or a series. I'm not even sure I want to write another series for a while, although I have an idea for a trilogy.
It's a little scary, this ending a series thing. For me, the thrill of writing the book, sharing little snippets as I go, is a lot more exciting that putting a book out there. After NaNoWriMo is over, they have a topic on the forum called The Year of Doing Big, Fun, Scary Things. I feel like I've really reached that point. There are still tons of things to do, but there's so much scary stuff left over.
And I'm looking forward to it. The second year in self-publishing is bound to be interesting.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
CUPID'S APPRENTICE
Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us. A little over two weeks and the day for hearts and flowers, Cupids and candy will arrive. What do you do to celebrate this annoying little holiday?
Over the years (we're been together for nearly forty-four and married over forty of them) hubby and I have learned to ignore a lot of the gift-giving holidays - Valentine's Day tops the list of ones to ignore. We already have all the junk we need, neither of us "need" candy, and we tell and show each other our love every day in dozens of ways, so to paraphrase a line from Blazing Saddles "we don't need no stinking holiday" to remind us to do so.
Still, there is something appealing about Valentine's Day - probably the chocolate. This year I decided to write a short story featuring Cupid. But it turned out that Cupid was too busy to give my muse an interview. Instead, he sent one of his newest apprentices. The interview was to say the least - interesting. Here's the blurb of the story she (yes, some Cupids are female - equal rights and all) told me.
CUPID'S APPRENTICE
http://www.amazon.com/Cupids-Apprentice-Holiday-Council-ebook/dp/B00B0OL2ES
A Short Contemporary Fantasy Romance
Approximately 15,000
To earn her wings, Cupid's apprentice Medarda "Dar" has until Valentine's Day to match two-time Loser Laura Quinn with Boring Brian Hoffman. When Dar's love arrow goes astray and hits the sexy PE teacher Flynn Sullivan instead things get interesting.
Laura loves teaching high school in the small town of Council Falls, but knows it's only a matter of time until her famous mother shows up and the quiet life she's created comes crashing down around her ears.
Flynn's been interested in the shy history teacher for a long time, but it isn't until they're forced to chaperone the Valentine's Day dance together that he gets the opportunity to make his dreams come true.
With time running out can one bumbling Cupid's Apprentice bring together a Jock and a Brain?
Next month comes St. Patrick's Day. Now there's a holiday worth celebrating - green beer and no gifts to buy. Stay tuned for LUCKY'S LEPRECHAUN my next Holiday in Council Falls Short.
Over the years (we're been together for nearly forty-four and married over forty of them) hubby and I have learned to ignore a lot of the gift-giving holidays - Valentine's Day tops the list of ones to ignore. We already have all the junk we need, neither of us "need" candy, and we tell and show each other our love every day in dozens of ways, so to paraphrase a line from Blazing Saddles "we don't need no stinking holiday" to remind us to do so.
Still, there is something appealing about Valentine's Day - probably the chocolate. This year I decided to write a short story featuring Cupid. But it turned out that Cupid was too busy to give my muse an interview. Instead, he sent one of his newest apprentices. The interview was to say the least - interesting. Here's the blurb of the story she (yes, some Cupids are female - equal rights and all) told me.
CUPID'S APPRENTICE
http://www.amazon.com/Cupids-Apprentice-Holiday-Council-ebook/dp/B00B0OL2ES
A Short Contemporary Fantasy Romance
Approximately 15,000
To earn her wings, Cupid's apprentice Medarda "Dar" has until Valentine's Day to match two-time Loser Laura Quinn with Boring Brian Hoffman. When Dar's love arrow goes astray and hits the sexy PE teacher Flynn Sullivan instead things get interesting.
Laura loves teaching high school in the small town of Council Falls, but knows it's only a matter of time until her famous mother shows up and the quiet life she's created comes crashing down around her ears.
Flynn's been interested in the shy history teacher for a long time, but it isn't until they're forced to chaperone the Valentine's Day dance together that he gets the opportunity to make his dreams come true.
With time running out can one bumbling Cupid's Apprentice bring together a Jock and a Brain?
Next month comes St. Patrick's Day. Now there's a holiday worth celebrating - green beer and no gifts to buy. Stay tuned for LUCKY'S LEPRECHAUN my next Holiday in Council Falls Short.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
New Cover for Kiss Me Before Dying
Below is a short excerpt of my work in process, currently titled Kiss Me Before Dying:
Mark grimaced. “The poor bastard.”
“What do you think happened? Do you suppose he got trapped in here and just wasn’t able to get out? He couldn’t have been stupid enough to go spelunking alone.”
They both pivoted around slowly and angled their lights around them in a complete circle. Stalagmites protruded from the cave floor, while the ground to their right sloped downward to the motionless pool. A thick black, impenetrable wall cut off deeper parts of the cave.
“I don’t see another body,” Jason murmured. “I’m not an expert on dead people, but I’m guessing that he’s been dead probably a couple of months.”
“You think?” Mark avoided looking at the body. It just creeped him out too much. But keeping his gaze averted lasted all of two seconds. Morbid curiosity won out over repugnance and he found his gaze inadvertently drawn back to the corpse.
“Hell if I know.” Jason grunted. “I can’t imagine dying in this place alone and unable to see a damn thing. I probably would have gone insane before I finally bit the bullet.”
“He might have been alive for a good while. He could have easily broken a leg or something and couldn’t get out, and then possibly starved to death.” When he noticed the neck and chest, his hand with the flashlight stilled. “Then, maybe not...”
That same morbid curiosity urged him down on his haunches to get a better view. This close to the body, both his flashlights revealed a neck and chest torn apart. “Shit. This guy didn’t’ die from anything broken. It looks like a wild animal got to him.”
“That’s crazy,” Jason argued, his voice thick with unease. “This place is locked up so damn tight. Nothing that big could survive down here.”
“Tell that to the dead guy.” Then Mark noticed a rock or something. “Hey, what’s that between his arm and body?”
His cousin aimed his light at it. “It doesn’t look like a rock. Too porous...”
“Jesus!” Mark jumped up and back, almost falling on his butt in his haste to get away from the body. “It’s his heart.”
“No!”
Jason, having an obviously better stomach than him, bent over and peered down at it. “It looks like part of its missing.”
“Missing? Looks worse than that. It looks like someone ripped his heart out of his body. That’s what it looks like!” Mark backed further away. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Goose flesh rose along his spine and across his neck. He peered into the blackness around him, unable to shake the sudden fear digging into his muscles, and kicking up his heart rate. Any second now and he expected a wild bear or rabid wolf to attack.
“Wait. Not yet. There’s something else...” Jason hunched even lower and pulled at something in the corpse’s hand.
“Just forget it. It’s not important.”
“No. This guy found it important. It looks like he was clutching it like some type of life-line.” Jason tugged harder.
At the sound of bone snapping and giving away, Mark winced and thought he just might get sick.
Jason lifted some type of silver rope into the air.
They both angled their lights at it. Mark now realized it wasn’t a silver rope but a thick chain with a large, fist-sized medallion on one end.
The pendant swung back and forth before Jason steadied it with a hand.
As Jason lifted his palm, the silver winked beneath the flashlight’s beam. Mark realized he had it all wrong. It wasn’t a medallion or a pendant, but a necklace. And at its end was a blood-encrusted cross.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Like I Care
I'm currently writing about cannibals.
I'm sure you're thinking that it would be very hard to give people the warm and fuzzies over cannibals. But as writers our job it to make people care, even about the villains.
So how does one do that?
It depends. Not the answer I'm sure writers want to hear.
Why is that? Because, what connects me to a character won't be the same as what connects you.
But we, as people and readers, need to be connected to others. We want it, crave it and have it encoded in our DNA.
The best way to start those connections is to give the reader an enemy to hate, one that threatens the hero and heroine. The bigger the threat to them, the closer your reader will be drawn into the conflict.
Have you ever heard the saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend? That had to come from somewhere, and it's true.
But it isn't enough.
The US joined forces with the USSR during World War II to defeat the Axis powers. Yet both before and after the war, there existed a state of hostility between the two nations.
You can't have that in a romance, otherwise the reader won't believe in the Happily Ever After. And we as readers want to believe.
But how a writer takes us there is unique to them, and that's why everyone has a different favorite author, why the explosion of Indie writers is a great time to find new favorites and why I love my iPad.
I'm sure you're thinking that it would be very hard to give people the warm and fuzzies over cannibals. But as writers our job it to make people care, even about the villains.
So how does one do that?
It depends. Not the answer I'm sure writers want to hear.
Why is that? Because, what connects me to a character won't be the same as what connects you.
But we, as people and readers, need to be connected to others. We want it, crave it and have it encoded in our DNA.
The best way to start those connections is to give the reader an enemy to hate, one that threatens the hero and heroine. The bigger the threat to them, the closer your reader will be drawn into the conflict.
Have you ever heard the saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend? That had to come from somewhere, and it's true.
But it isn't enough.
The US joined forces with the USSR during World War II to defeat the Axis powers. Yet both before and after the war, there existed a state of hostility between the two nations.
You can't have that in a romance, otherwise the reader won't believe in the Happily Ever After. And we as readers want to believe.
But how a writer takes us there is unique to them, and that's why everyone has a different favorite author, why the explosion of Indie writers is a great time to find new favorites and why I love my iPad.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Indie Publish or Traditional Publish why I chose Indie
How do you decide to change your life path when it comes to
your writing? Is it an easy
decision? Actually, after 20 years of
rejections, it was a very easy decision.
When my friend, Michele Callahan, told me I could publish with her, I
had no idea what she was talking about.
I’d never heard of self publishing and knew nothing about Amazon’s
Kindle Direct Publishing.
I had a Kindle, had only gotten it a few months before so I
was still in the throes of new love with it.
All these books I could get. I
thought they were all put out by regular, traditional publishers, as I found
some of my favorites that I could buy for it.
And buy I did. I hadn’t
discovered freebies yet. Then my brother
told me about all the free classics you could download. When I put “free” into the search line, it
brought up a lot more than just the classics.
It brought up all kinds of books of all varieties. It was a great way to try new genres and new
authors.
But I digress. I tend
to do that a lot. Anyway, I prepared my
manuscript, got an editor, did my own cover (not recommended by the way, get a
professional cover done. Your sales will
show the difference) and put my book up there for the world to see. I’ve since gotten the book re-edited and a
new cover. The sales increased 10 fold
with the new cover.
Would I ever go back and publish with a traditional
publisher? Probably, if they offered me
a good enough deal. Would I take the
deal they usually offer a new or midlist author? NO WAY!!
I’ve made twenty times more money than the usual advance and I’m still
making money. My books will be available
forever if I choose them to be. That
doesn’t happen with a traditional publisher.
They are available a few months at the very best, unless you are a big
time author like Nora Roberts.
So, my recommendation to all of you out there who are
contemplating self-publishing is to go for it.
You won’t regret your decision.
Monday, January 21, 2013
A good story transcends genres - by Vijaya Schartz
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, even Mystery and History... in my experience, all these elements can mix fabulously. As a writer, whether I research the future, the past, the myths, or the legends, it always leads to a dramatic story of love, hatred, passions, violence, adventure, discovery, plot twists and intriguing mysteries. Of course, the good guys win in the end, and the lovers get their happily ever after (sometimes literally forever). But the road to their happy ending is fraught with trials. Their love, their convictions, their bravery will be put to the most rigorous test, before they can get their rewards.
That’s probably why I write across the genres, without regard for conventions. It got me in trouble many times over the years. It probably barred me from traditional publishers earlier in my career, when I started shopping around my books.
Many an agent told me they loved my story and the way I write, but I should consider a more traditional kind of story in order to get published in the major leagues. I heard them, I understood them, yet I could not agree. I could not imagine limiting my creative mind to writing only what they wanted at the time. Traditional publishers are stuck in the past. They believe what worked before will work forever. They think they know the market because they have teams of marketing experts, but let’s be honest. No one predicted Harry Potter, or the Twilight series would become mega-sellers and blockbuster movies.
So I politely said: "No, thank you. I will keep writing what I enjoy." It’s my life after all, and the choice is mine.
I write all day. It’s my passion. And if I cannot write the stories I like, then what’s the point? I write the stories I like to read, stories that challenge as well as comfort the reader and the characters. I thank my fiercely loyal readers when they dare pick up one of my books that doesn’t quite fit their usual reading tendencies... just because I wrote it, and they liked every book of mine so far.
When I started writing, my true love was science Fiction, with lots of action and adventure. Then I discovered the extra dimension romance gave to my stories. Romantic conflicts sure can crank up the intensity and stir the characters in dramatic directions. So I wrote sci-fi romance. Then I expanded to include fantasy, historical legends, contemporary romantic suspense.
So I dare you, reader to try something of mine in a different genre, and tell me how you like it.Find my books at AMAZON - B&N - ARE - Smashwords, Sony, Apple, and all other major formats.
Happy Reading.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Friday, January 18, 2013
Post-Non-Apocalypse Therapy
Apocalytic and Dystopian fiction has been a hugely popular in our post-modern culture, and the Mayan apocalypse was almost anticipated with glee.
Now that we found out the Mayans were wrong, it won't be long until we're nostalgic for the good old days of mass panic and destruction.
Luckily, Apocalytic and Dystopian fiction is still available on our shiny, non-scrap-metal e-readers and phones. Phew!
So indulge in a little Post-Non-Apocalypse Therapy and read a book. Amazon alone carries 3, 316 apocalypse themed books. A couple of us Starbound Lovers bloggers have apocalypse-specific reads for your perusal:
 | ||||
| http://amzn.com/B0061Y7J94 |
Six months after an Influenza Pandemic swept across the globe, the world
is starting to emerge from quarantine. But Pestilence Free Day is
short-lived. For an unseen enemy has just been unleashed.
Five people. Seven days.
A brilliant scientist with an apocalyptic forecast
A soldier that needs an enemy to fight
A college student venturing into a changed world
An insurance salesman who exploits every opportunity
A juvenile delinquent desperate to leave his past behind
Redaction: Humanity is about to be erased from the Book of Life
Five people. Seven days.
A brilliant scientist with an apocalyptic forecast
A soldier that needs an enemy to fight
A college student venturing into a changed world
An insurance salesman who exploits every opportunity
A juvenile delinquent desperate to leave his past behind
Redaction: Humanity is about to be erased from the Book of Life
 |
| http://amzn.com/B006OFBP5E |
It's been said that a sure sign of the coming apocalypse is an 80s
roller skate disco movie coming to DVD (with special features). In the
science-fiction novel series Apocalypse Babes, a stylish group of
twenty-something friends are torn from the Babylonian arms of 2006 West
Hollywood and flung nearly thirty years into the past. It might be
because one of them purchased the taboo film in a nostalgic moment,
setting off a chain of events more disturbing than a roller skating
conga line. They wake up in an apocalyptic but strangely familiar
landscape, complete with a hidden mountain compound and retro
survivalists, hinting at hidden and retro secrets they must face if they
want to survive.
So grab your gas masks, MREs, and some apocalypse reads, and settle in for some pulse-pounding, chaotic storylines in lieu of the real thing.
For now.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
To go alone or miss out? That is the Question.
To start 2013 I've whittled my goals to exercise and write. But I also want to go out and experience more, even if that means doing it alone. I like going out but prefer to join a group. If I'm by myself, I tend to stay home - a different form of procrastination. For example, I missed seeing The Dark Knight Rises in the movie theater because my schedule didn't work with any of my friends. Instead of going when I had time by myself, I skipped it all together.
We received a copy of the movie on DVD and I'm sorry I missed the theater experience. This year I'm working on getting over the 'fear' of doing things alone. To that end, I went to see the Jekyll and Hyde musical by myself. My husband hates musicals and refuses to go to any more of them. And for whatever reason, nothing panned out with a group outing.
This was not the best experience for my first trip alone but I did it and survived. First problem, I had the wrong start time. I thought it started at 2pm when in reality it started at 1pm. The theatre did exchange my ticket for the night show...but that meant more driving...45 minutes one way. I wasn't sure I would go back...but I'd spent the money and this is the chance to get over my fear. So I did go back.
It was an okay show. The sound system needed tweaking so you didn't get blasted with white noise when the whole group hit their high notes together. And I thought musicals used to have more sets than sticking up walls and projecting images on them. Not quite that bad but I thought the sets lacked substance. And then I didn't exactly get the storyline. I think they skipped a lot of development.
I love Brigadoon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Phantom of the Opera. I can sit and listen to Trans Siberian Orchestra's Beethoven's Last Night. I have absolutely no desire to hear or see this musical again. A lot of people talked about the songs before and during intermission. Listening to conversations...apparently some patrons sang along (fortunately not by me). But I didn't get into the music - almost every song made me think of a different song.
I stuck with my plan and I'm not giving up on musicals. I want to see Mary Poppins when it comes to town. But I hope my next outing alone is more enjoyable.
Do you venture out alone?
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