A beginning writer recently asked me how to create compelling openings, thus prompting this blog. I have chosen to explain what I did to write Chapter One of John Carter’s Conundrum. I chose it because my editor noted at the end of the first chapter: “You’re writing to all your... read more
Chick-lit Heroine: Her Profile The chick-lit heroine has a recognizable profile. She either possesses a fashion sense. Or she has a bestie who can trick her out when the need arises, namely for a Big Date. She is either serially unlucky in love. Or she has divorced (probably recently) a... read more
In Regency Romance I wrote that I love to read and write Regencies. So why not write a Regency Venus Trilogy? What’s a Venus trilogy? I didn’t know until I made it up. And I didn’t set out deliberately to write one. Instead, I became intrigued by the idea of a naked... read more
This post on art form was first published on July 16 2014. Here’s a bold thought: the romance novel is an art form. Yes, it’s an art form like any other. It’s a very popular art form. In terms of numbers of practitioners, it’s at a polar opposite from, say,... read more
Backstories. First, what are they? They are akin to a suitcase an actress will pack for a scene where she needs to be carrying one. But she won’t necessarily open it. Packing the bag is one way for the actress to establish her character for herself. The underwear she chooses may... read more
For this blog on the character arc, I’ll rewrite the title quote. If you find a path with no obstacles, don’t put your character on it. We don’t want to read about someone whose path is strewn with rose petals. We do want to read about a person who has... read more
There are a zillion Christmas romances out there. Nothing for it but to wade in and read what I can read. I’m on the hunt for blazing hearths, hot toddies, and the scent of pine to inspire warm and fuzzy love stories. And let’s not forget the mistletoe. Christmas Romances:... read more
The Regency Era The Regency is the period in British history when King George III was incapacitated and his son ruled as Prince Regent. It began in 1811 and ended in 1820 when George III died and the Regent became George IV. Many authors treat the Regency as a more... read more
We all know what to deck the hall with. That’s right, boughs of holly. Sure, we all know it because the song has an upbeat melody and lots of fun fa-la-las. But it’s also memorable because it sets the Yuletide scene so deftly. Along with all the fresh and fragrant... read more
You’ve produced the first draft of your story. Now what? First Draft Improvement: Tip #1 Live by the Russian motto, suggested by the title image: The first pancake is always lumpy. There are various ways to translate the phrase, and the adjective ‘blob’ also works. So. Your first draft is... read more
