Skin Of My Teeth…….

November 30th is here and in my attempt to post at least once a month, here it is.

When the creative juices stop flowing, I take time to re-read some oldies but goodies.  I will spend  some time “daydreaming” and re-writing favorite scenes in my head.  I enjoy the brainstorming activity and it keeps my mind occupied when I’m driving long distances or running.  Eventually I sit back down and move forward on my own novel but I try to never compare my characters to others.

Truth be told, I have rewritten my own scenes in my head several times, but that’s okay because there is no ending yet and it can’t change an outcome that hasn’t happened!

Changing Colors…………………..

I can’t believe it’s the end of October already.  Haven’t had a chance to blog lately but wanted to take a minute to update you on my progress.

This book writing journey remains a positive experience for me and I haven’t lost my sense of humor (yet).   Admittedly, I was frustrated for a while but that’s when I took some time off to re-evaluate where I was going with things.  During my “down-time” I tried to read as much as I could and stay off the internet.  I had spent too much time trying to figure out how to market a book I hadn’t even written yet.

So as the colors change, I have renewed my love affair with my two favorite characters (and some witty extras who keep them on the right path).  I hope we’re not still having this conversation by the time the snow falls.  I hope to be through the editing phase by then, but of course I said that last summer!!!

Free Falling………..

Been in a tailspin the past few weeks but think I’ve managed to right the ship.  Looking forward to getting back to the business of writing.  I’ve actually missed my characters and somehow hope they’ve miraculously gotten themselves out of the web they’ve spun, but somehow I doubt it.  They are going to need my help and I’m up for the challenge.

This roller coaster continues and I’m glad to be back on the ride!!!!

Switching Gears…………….

Time to switch gears and shift back to ‘writing’ mode.  The past two weeks have been filled with life, life  and oh yeah, life.  Hate when that gets in the way.

I began writing my novel in March and started blogging about my journey in May.

I would like to personally thank the 36 BRILLIANT and BEAUTIFUL  people who actually read this crazy blog.  I’m sure no-one cares that I am experiencing the same turmoil, frustration and head banging sessions that everyone else does.  I can offer no valuable advice on how to overcome these obstacles or give direction.

I like to write.  I like to dream up stories.  I like to challenge myself………that’s it in a nutshell.

I am not qualified to review or critique anybody else’s work, because who really cares if I LIKE OR DISLIKE it.

Getting ready to shift into high gear and get back to the task at hand.  Thanks for the rant session.  Work begins bright and early tomorrow where I will have to face beast and push on through.

This thing has grown legs…….

Characters, plots, twists, conflict, love, harmony and oh yeah, drama.

Never would I have believed that a simple love story could have become so complicated. Real life is tough enough, hoping it also comes with a “Happily Ever After.”

Maybe one day, my creepy crawly will be a beautiful butterfly.

Now that’s happily ever after!

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic……..

Okay, so there is no math involved in this post.

Writing is consuming me.  I have moved forward through a small blockade set up to ruin my predetermined time frame of completing my first-draft manuscript.  This is good news (I think).  I experienced an epiphany last night on a new direction for book number two.  Of course, that would require I finish book number one.

Whenever I get stuck, I like to read someone else’s creation and forget my troubles for a while.   There are great blogs out there to keep me inspired and I would like to thank the die-hard bloggers who breathe inspiration back into my life every morning.

A Writers Silence……….

Silence coming from my blog is actually progress being made on my novel.  I have been working through a very tough scene and I think it’s time to walk away from it for a few days.  Revision after revision after revision has left me back with my original words. I am looking for a way to just move forward without stalling on details that I know will get edited as part of the bigger picture.

I tried skipping to another scene that I have pretty well thought out in my head, thinking it would be easy to get it out and onto the paper.  No such luck.  Back I go, lost in the minutia.

Any suggestions on how to get past this?

A Romance Writers Perfect Fourth of July………

Wishing all of the aspiring writers out there a very happy Independence Day.  How will you celebrate the Red, White and Blue?!?!?!?!? (Click for more photos)

When Writing A Romance Novel Feels Like Cheating…….

I have spent the past couple of days reading many blogs and articles about the actual art of writing a sex scene.  Placing yourself in the bodies of your characters, you need emotion and all your senses to fuel the scene.  Although the scene is meant to be hot and fast, it takes forever to explain how a simple touch can ignite a physical reaction.

I’ve spent the morning with my characters whom up until this morning had not engaged in their first sexual encounter.  The deed is done.

I’m exhausted.

Romance Novels and Billionaires……….

What is it about romance novels that demand the main character be a bazillionaire?  Mind blowing sex and deep meaningful relationships don’t need expensive hotel rooms, penthouse apartments or even private islands to make them great.   Great sex is just as great in the backseat of a car and a beautiful sunset can be enjoyed together while stuck in commuter traffic.

Why do we fantasize about taking ourselves away from our reality?  Can’t we make our reality a fantasy?

So next time you’re stuck in a situation with only your own thoughts, think about how your fantasy man or woman would change your reality if he/she showed up at that exact moment.  I bet he /she would rock your commute!!!!