I'm off!

Not literally!

But I'm leaving shortly to attend the Liberty States Fiction Writers Convention Create Something Magical.
I'm looking forward to the convention for a couple of reasons. I've been a member of this group for a few months and I'm anxious to meet everyone. It's a great group and the information they share has always been timely and helpful. There will be some really great authors, editors and agents in attendance and I look forward to learning a lot and having a good time.

This will be the first time that I have moderated at a con and I hope it's not silly to say I'm excited! It's the F. Paul Wilson session on Self Editing. The session will also have plenty of information I'm interested in as I've done a lot of self editing lately. I'll find out if I'm on the right track--are there things I should be doing that I'm not, things I'm doing that I should not. Did that make sense?

Though I can't wait to get there, relax and settle in, there is a question in here. And I promise to post pictures next week (even if I have to borrow some!)

How do you handle editing before you submit a manuscript to a publisher? Do you only self edit or do you use a critique partner, or a group?

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

Paranormal Romance & Promotion

I loved Sandra's post yesterday & it got me to thinking about promotion.

I've been introduced to authors & their novels via book bloggers and Twitter and I've been turned off of authors and books by the same. To me, as a reader, promotion works best if it is honest and not a constant drum beat. I don't really know how to explain it, but "genuineness" comes across. What do you think?

Oh No They Didn't...

I’m an observer of life. I think this is why I’m a writer because there’s so much going on around me that I must take it all in.

It’s not uncommon for me to turn to my hubby and say “Did you see what that woman just did?” And most times he won’t. That’s okay. He’s not an observer.

I am.

To this end, I’ve been shocked at what I’ve observed around the web in this week. It wasn’t big, newsworthy items, just smallish things that I’ve seen in the writing community.

An author I formerly respected has built herself into quite a spectacle on a social networking site and seems to be her own biggest fan. That’s okay for her but for me, a potential reader, it’s annoying and off-putting. To “read” her, you’d think she ranked right up there with Mother Theresa. Excuse me. I think just vomited a little in my mouth. Have I bought her book yet? Nope. Still deciding. After all, I can wait months until it comes down to a decent price, but I have decided to drop her from my acquaintance base on the site.

Enough is enough.

Another person, respected in the publishing world, had a big old-fashioned hissy fit on a social networking site this weekend. It doesn’t matter what side of the issue she falls on. The fact remains that she demonstrated less than professional restraint by beating the issue into the ground. Does it affect the way I see this person? Maybe, but then, I’m not impressed by titles and who a person thinks they are. To my way of thinking, respect is earned—not automatically given. Is it disappointing? Yes, but not unexpected. Fame and notoriety is addicting and some people love the power.

Moving on.

And still a third person, and a writer to boot, seems to be a literary “groupie”. You know the type. The ones who follow the “popular, best-selling” authors or agents and editors around the web, comment on their every little thing, post on their blogs, forums, whatever, rave when these folks spit out a wad of gum, etc. Really? I’d say you nailed the whole sycophantic thing. Good job. There might be a restraining order—or four—in your future.

Yes, every person in these instances is human. I get that. We all are, we’re curious, we want to be liked, to fit in and we make mistakes. We’ve all been in these exact situations. The key is to live and learn from them--and don't repeat them.

So what’s my point in doing this blog post? Well, here it is. If I’m noticing these things, you can bet other people have noticed them as well.

Whether we want to believe it or not—and maybe we forget from time to time—but once we have a book published, or we’re a blogger, agent, editor, publisher or anyone else involved in this very small writing community, we’re "out there". In the public eye. In front of our peers, readers and potential bosses--and yes, an editor and publisher is a boss.

We're all being observed.

It’s vital to behave with respect at all times, no matter how much of a fan-girl or boy we want to be, no matter how cheesed off at the world we’ve been, no matter how wonderful we think we are, people are watching and they’re taking note.

And they’re forming opinions and making decisions.

In this day and age, when money is tight and admiration is hard to come by, we need to handle our public identity with grace, dignity and common sense. The world won’t come to an end if we don’t announce to everyone the subject of our current angst. Do it sparingly. This community does rally together around a common complaint, but know when to draw the line and walk away. Sometimes silence is the better part of valor.

Show your love of a good book, but don’t get too chummy with the author. Bond with the movers and shakers in the business but don’t become a nuisance. Comment and walk (or surf) away. Realize you don’t actually walk on water and you will sink if you try.

Always remember, I’m watching you—and so are others.

Overcoming a Challenge

First, I'd like to thank Rebecca Royce for asking me to guest post today while she is out of town. I'm honored to be in some great company here at Paranormal Romantics for today!

For every writer, there is always something that proves to be a challenge for them. No two writers are exactly the same and everyone will tell you they have their own ways to overcome those challenges. I heard someone once say "write with your five senses". When you think about it, that makes perfect sense - however, that's where my biggest writing challenge comes in.

See - I don't have five senses. Way, way back in my youth, I developed scarlet fever from a cold/sore throat. something happened during the time of the high fevers and the doctors believe my olfactory nerve was damaged. I suffer from what is known as anosmia. Meaning that I do not have a sense of smell.

Zip.

Needless to say, that presents quite a challenge as a writer because none of the characters I've developed have the same affliction. This is where research really, really comes into play. Because the illness was so long ago, I have no memory of what things smell like, so telling me "Oh, that perfume smells like roses." doesn't help because I have no idea what a rose smells like in the first place. So even comparisons don't help. I rely heavily on people around me to help when I need to have a character reference a scent in one of my books.

In my first book, Flash of Dark, there's a scene where the hero, tells the heroine what she smells like:

“Why? What do I smell like?”
He dipped forward, pulling in my scent again, but this time he did so gently and unhurried as he savored it. A sliver of hot, powerfully intense lust snaked down my spine and curled tight fingers through me. “Vanilla I scent immediately, but it’s mixed with something else. A flower that I can’t quite place that softens the scent of it.” I was silent as he inhaled again. “Narcissus and oranges,” he said finally, drawing in another breath. This one was different, as if he wasn’t trying to place the scent any longer. Now it was like he was making sure that the smells were ones he never forgot. “I’m never going to be able to eat an orange again and not want you.”

This was one of those instances where I had to draw on information from friends and family. I don't know what vanilla, narcissus or even oranges smell like. My husband does a wonderful job of comparing scents to tastes for me and hence why a lot of times, scents in my books are associated with taste. It's something most readers wouldn't be aware of and probably see it as a better way of detailing scents, but it's simply a necessity for me to understand it.

This is just one example of a challenge I face as a writer trying to tell a story to a reader. Anyone else have any challenges they have to overcome in their writing? It doesn't have to be anything as drastic as my example, but I'm sure we'd love to hear it!

----

Sara Brookes
http://www.sarabrookes.net
https://twitter.com/sara_brookes

The Monday 56

Technically this game has been called the 'Friday 56' but since I post on Mondays I'm bending the rules.

Rules:


* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.

*Post a link along with your post back to this blog. As I'm going to post a link to Renee's blog since this is where I got the idea.

* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.



HAPPY FRIDAY  MONDAY!

The closest book I have at hand is DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS by Jeff Kinney. What can I say I have boys. At least he's reading, right? Unfortunately, he can't return the book on his self and left it by my computer.

pg. 56

"Then I called Mrs. Canfield and did my best imitation of Gramma.  I guess I'm lucky my voice hasn't changed yet.  Believe it or not, Mrs. Canfield bought it."

Real Housewives of Orange County

I know everyone that comes over to PR today will be dying to know the outcome of the final show of the season. Right? Lmao.

Paranormal--HEY—it is another world!

Guilty pleasure? HELL NO!—I love this show and I am going to go into serious withdrawal! Every Thursday night I settle down with a glass of wine and tune in to BravoTV. I even watch when it’s rerun during the week just to make sure I didn’t miss anything! I don’t watch the New York or Atlanta shows—just Orange County. Could be because I was fatally hooked on OC the first season. They have sunshine, palm trees and the Pacific Ocean.

WAIT! I do have next week’s wrap up show where all the ladies sit around and sling mud at each other—I’ll be there.

Anyway, this is where my mind is so it’s what you get today. Remember, the only thing I ever promised is you’d never get the teachy and booky stuff from me. Otherwise, anything is fair game. A quick summary of the cast and last night is below.

And like reading a book—it’s subjective.

Alexis and her husband, Jim Bellino, are new this year and could leave and I wouldn’t miss them. They are tied at the hip and one can’t wiggle without the other shaking. Neither one brings anything new. My guess is in a couple years Alexis will know exactly how Tamra feels. She breathes very little without Jim’s permission. Oh, he has allowed her to take a pt job with her plastic surgeon.

Lynne (who came in midway last year) and her husband, Frank Curtin, got evicted from their lovely little Laguna Beach home and she’s blaming him! I’m pretty sure she was aware his construction business was suffering when she got a face lift and decided the oldest daughter needed a nose job and a designer purse that was over 1K! Lynn took the girls and moved in with mom because she doesn’t know if she can stand being with the husband. Frank’s lucky to get a break from her and those two girls. He should hide out for as long as he can. Those three women are the reason he headed to the poorhouse. She needs to worry about the youngest daughter who curses at the parents like a sailor and she’s on her way to being a teenage drunkard. At 16 she arrived at the end of season party soused. Mind you, she rode in the limo with her parents and Lynne claims to not have seen her drinking in the limo. She said something like “I couldn’t see what they were doing way over where they sat in the car!” Crazzzyy!! Unfortunately, Frank now works for Lynne…Uhh, she has a jewelry (cuffs) line!

Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley—Gretchen found out Slade dated another housewife. How many is that now? Hey, she got him on the rebound from an original OC housewife, Jo De La Rosa, and however many more he schlepped around with. He goes everywhere she goes. He had his eye on a few ladies at the party last night! There is something about Gretchen that doesn’t allow me to care one way or the other whether she stays or goes.

Tamra Barney, came along in season three—Poor Tamra she got stuck with Simon for a husband and can’t make a move without him. Once she sheds his dead weight, she’ll be a much better woman and person. If she gets back to work and learns to stand on her own two feet without Simon dictating when and where she’s allowed to go and who she can be friends with, she’ll be okay. I’d like to see her be happy.

Jeana Keough, one of the originals (her legs appeared in the ZZ Top video for "Legs")—Ex playboy playmate and she is one of the women who I thought had some sense, though she could start stuff, and then she’d sit back and watch the fireworks. Her last season but I hope she pops in now and then.

Vicki Gunvalson, one of the originals—I like Vicki and I like her husband, Donn, who is so laid back. Unlike the other men, he is secure enough to not follow behind Vicki’s every move. Vicki takes a lot of criticism for crying so much and I think it’s because she has to deal with the ladies above. I’d cry every time I saw one of them coming and head the other way! If we were friends, I’d have to have a stiff drink before I let them through my door. Otherwise, she’s tough, high powered, runs her own financially thriving insurance business, and when she’s not around the other women—she’s one hell of a lady. Other than the TV show and exposure, I don’t know why she stays. If it’s because she does truly value their friendship—I like her even more.

I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, who’ll be around next year. One thing is for sure—I’ll be front and center on my couch, wine in hand, and eyes glued to the set.

Until then: Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

Paranormal Romance & Movies

The upcoming Oscars got me to thinking about Paranormal Romance and movies. 


Underworld & Twilight were, to me, paranormal romance movies. 


There are so many great PR books which would make great movies.


Unfortunately there aren't that many PR movies & there's definitely a market.


Which paranormal romance book would you love to see made into a movie?


And is there a paranormal movie out that you love?

Release of Five Leaf Clover

I'm pleased to share with you my latest book release: FIVE LEAF CLOVER. This is the third book in my Holiday Magic series.

Blurb: Jinx may have a handle on her job as the town’s baker, but it’s the leprechaun jig that’s out of control. She has a tendency to spill coins wherever she goes...not a good thing in a small town.

With big city hotels booked solid for the college basketball tourney, Conor is forced to cools his heels in the tiny town. It’s by pure accident that he stumbles upon Jinx’s secret. He demands three wishes and threatens to hold her hostage unless the curvy redhead complies.

Jinx will need more than the luck of the Irish to convince her sexy suitor she’s not his fortune at the end of the rainbow. Or is Conor the one man who can make her chose love over magic?

Excerpt

“You’re a leprechaun.” He inched toward her with slow, deliberate movements. “I’ve heard the legends. I know the folklore. Female leprechauns are rare, and the most lucky of the magical beings.” For one insane moment, Conor gave silent acknowledgement to his crazy uncle.

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, right.” Another two steps brought him around the table’s edge. He paused, his heart pounding a staccato rhythm as he gazed at her. He could see her panic, but he didn’t know how to alleviate it without missing the fantastic opportunity she presented. Catching a real, live leprechaun! Maybe he wanted to pay back the old ills for his family. Too bad his uncle hadn’t lived to see an actual magical being after a lifetime spent in the hunt.

“I saw you last night, with your bag of coins. You are a leprechaun, and I will catch you.”

Vaulting between the table and the door, he nearly caught the hem of her green-and-gold plaid skirt, but she danced out of his grasp to run down the hall and he skittered on the polished hardwood. Recovering, Conor gave chase, his adrenaline giving him the added burst of speed he needed to keep pace with her. She paused then bolted to the left, stumbling up the staircase.

At the landing, Conor gripped her arm but was foiled again as she wiggled away. “You have nowhere to go. Just give up.” His foot slipped as he climbed, slowing him down. She raced up the next flight of stairs, gave him a glance over her shoulder and hesitated. Conor bounded up the remaining stairs, two at a time.

At the top, the woman ran down the hall to pause once more in front of a door only two rooms down from his, fumbling with her key. He almost reached her when she wrenched it open. Just as it swung inward, he crammed his foot against the frame, preventing its closure.

He shoved the pain in his right foot to the back of his mind. It could be dealt with later. He let loose a victorious laugh as he grabbed the edge of the door and limped into the room. Conor leaned his full weight against the wood as he closed it without a sound. “There’s nowhere to run, leprechaun.”

“Don’t call me that.” The woman backed away from him, panting. “Get out of my room.” Her shapely backside connected with the edge of a bed much like his own, but a quilt in bright cheery colors covered hers.

Conor’s chest heaved from the impromptu workout. He grinned. She was his ticket to the good life. No longer would he need to work twelve-hour days in the management office of Worldwide Parcel Delivery. No more crappy schedules, meaningless red tape, unbearable bosses. He lunged at her and they both tumbled on the bed. “I’ll let you go only when you grant me my three wishes.”

All thoughts of anything but her leeched from his brain as she struggled beneath him. He couldn’t help but notice she was warm and soft in all the right places. When one of her flailing fists cracked him on the jaw, Conor winced and the lustful thoughts were forgotten. “I won’t hurt you, I promise.” Guilt tightened his chest at the apprehension in her eyes. He truly hadn’t meant to terrify her, but he didn’t release his grip on her wrists. “You have my word.”

“I have no reason to trust you.”

“You have no reason not to, but it would be very unlucky of me to harm a leprechaun.” He grinned, his lips inches from hers. “I’m Irish to the core. My grandmother taught me a thing or two about charm and cleverness, but it was my uncle who taught me about the magic of leprechauns.” Conor held her gaze, ignoring the threads of desire that swirled through his gut as her curves pressed against his body. For someone so petite, she had big appeal.

She swallowed. “What’s your name?” Her breath warmed his cheek. “I can’t reason with a nameless man.”

“Conor Leath.” Her scent wrapped invisible threads around his consciousness. Light and elusive, it reminded him of the fields of clover he used to run in on his grandmother’s land. “You’re like a five-leaf clover. Rare, exclusive and very, very lucky.” Tentatively, he touched one of her deep red curls, pleased when it wound around his finger. “I’m glad I found you.”

A splash of pink stained her cheeks. “My name is Jinx. Jenika, legally, but I hate that name.” She drew a shaky breath that caused the curve of her breasts to push against his chest. “I won’t run away. You have my word.” She stirred beneath him. Two silver coins tinkled together on the quilt near her waist. “What do you want?”

He spared a glance at the money, reminded of his original purpose. “Three wishes. The legends say if a person catches a leprechaun, he or she gets three wishes—anything they want, as long as the leprechaun remains their captive.” He lifted a brow. “If the leprechaun escapes, the captor’s luck runs out.” Conor smiled. “I have no intention of letting you go.”

Jinx shivered but met his gaze. “Fine, I’ll give you three wishes, whatever you want, but you have to at least allow me the freedom of some movement.”

“Okay.” He eased his body from hers a fraction of an inch.

“Are the wishes the only thing you want?” The tip of her tongue darted out to wet her lips, leaving them a glossy, rose-hued Cupid’s bow.

Conor followed the nervous gesture, and stifled a curse. He’d probably regret it, but he couldn’t help himself. “And this.”

Swiftly, before he could lose his nerve, he pressed his lips to hers. Lush and pliable, they yielded to him as his mouth moved over hers with deliberate care. Just like in the diner, a brief electric shock tickled his insides, and he raised his head to stare at her.

Jinx slapped his cheek.

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHg9SjwRnEg

Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/five_leaf_clover

Author Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

My World Building Brain

My World Building Brain

So with all of these earthquakes coming lately I’ve been wondering if Joss Ware’s fictional Beyond the Night series is coming true. (SPOILER) Is Atlantis rising and bringing with it all these changes in platonic activity?

My heart goes out sincerely to all the people in Haiti and Chile who are suffering. This post is not meant in any way to make light of their situation.

It’s just that I—an admitted not religious scholar—can’t help what my imagination does in times like this. Every event I see, read about, or experience—even something as mundane as waiting in line at the deli, has become a word building experience to me.

Having said that, I can’t help now but wonder what novels are going to come from all this strangeness happening in our world.

What do you think? Does this happen to you?

Sex Appeal

Everyone’s got it. Some more than others. What I find sexy, might not ruffle your feathers. Erotica has it in abundance and, we have to admit it, sex sells.

How do you convey sex appeal?

It was one of the hardest things for me to learn as a writer. Some authors research history or world build, I spent a huge amount of time learning the art of attraction. Not the sex part, slot A into B. I learned about that in sex education but the stuff that gives you shivers as you read. I reread all my favorites again, but not a reader. Placing my writer’s hat on, I took notes, literally. What worked, how did they pace it, why did it draw me in?

A. Flirting

(these are not in order by the way)
- there needs to be a smile
- eye contact is pivotal, the more intense the more interested
- a touch or even better, a soft brush of skin



I once read that when a man lets his eyes wander down a woman’s body from the head down, he’s interested in HER. When his gaze wanders from her feet up then it’s only her body.

Once again, I find myself on the soap box preaching the use of body language. It SHOWS the reader so much and makes them FEEL it better. Does the reader want to read how his gaze made her shiver? Sure, but I bet they’ll be happier if you make them shiver with the heroine.



B. Presence

- you can’t force your character to be sexy. It’s hard to explain this so I’ll give you an example. You can’t place Lucille Ball in Scarlett O’Hara’s shoes and expect the same results. Not that comedy can’t be sexy but you approach from a different direction than something dark and sultry.
-somebody should have confidence. If both characters are unsure then it could lead the reader to feel awkward.
-persuasion, charm, and wit are all part of presence. Without it a handsome/beautiful person is only a manikin.



C. Appearance

-being attractive helps but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. (See my Bald is Beautiful campaign.
-a skilled writer can make any body type seem attractive. What matters is the hero/heroine’s response to it.



D. Response

-If your character reacts to someone in the story that has presence, flirts, and finds them attractive so can the reader.


Haven’t you read an excerpt where you’ve no clue what the guy looked like but from the heroine’s reaction to him you think, ‘Hot damn.’

I’m off my soap box now.