Writing Exercises

There are many ways to find your voice and to keep yourself "RAW". This is also a good way to spark some inspiration on your next book. Pick a word any word at random and take 3 minuets to write something about it. You will be amazed and what your mind can come up with.

When I started doing these exercises, I really didn't know what my true voice was. I was given the world "Leaving" and what came out was dark, mysterious, deep, passionate. I didn't realize that I gravitate more towards the dark side of romance. Try it our and maybe you'll learn something new about yourself.

Try using this link for random words. www.watchout4snakes.com/creativitytools/main/main.aspx

Good luck and just have fun with it!

Rejection

Rejection, this will happen to all of us. This has happened even to the best of us. No matter how good of a writer you are you will get a rejection letter sometime in your career path. It's just the nature of the business. You have to remember to keep on trying and not let those rejection letters keep you down. Everyone has different taste and your book will not be the same fit for everyone. You have to remember to keep your head up high and to follow your dreams! Dreams can come true if you pursue them. I've compiled a list of authors and how many times they have been rejected. It just goes to show you even the best will get rejected.

Stephenie Meyers- "Twilight" was rejected 9 times

Jack Canfield- "Chicken Soup for the soul" was rejected 140 times

Stephen King- "Carrie" was rejected 30 times

Margaret Mitchell-"Gone with the wind" was rejected 38 times

John Grisham-"A time to kill" was rejected 16 times

James Patterson- a dozen times at least

J.K. Rowling- "Harry Potter" - was rejected 12 times

Christie Craig-"Divorced, Desperate & Delicious - was rejected 10,000 times!!!

Even the best of us can get rejected. Just remember to keep on trying and your dreams WILL come true!!!

Gemma Halliday

I just finished taking a workshop from a great teacher and writer Gemma Halliday. The workshop was called "Getting your foot in the door: writing query letters and synopsis. Her class helped me with my letter and synopsis. I now know what agents want and I understand what I need to do to be successful. If you want to take the same workshop I did, she does have another one coming up in July. Check out her other classes and her latest book. I suggest everyone who take one of her workshops!! http://www.gemmahalliday.com/

What is Romance?

What is romance. Romance can be found in everything and anything. Romance means different things to different people. Some people need stimulation to provoke the romance in there partner. For example some women might think that a candle lit dinner is romantic or a sensual bubble bath. I think you have to have attraction between two people before romance can exist. If you are not attracted to each other, no amount of candles, chocolate, or flowers will spark romance.

For me romance can be a soft gentle touch, a longing stare, a kiss or even words. Being a writer words score highest on my romance meter.

Think about what gives you that romantic feeling and apply it in your writing. You can even apply it to your real life. Keep romance alive in your life! Carpe Diem!

The Hook

This week I'm taking a course on "How to get your foot in the door". This course is teaching me how to write a correct synopsis and query letter. The big topic this week is THE HOOK. The hook should come first in your synopsis and it should grab the reader. You want the reader to say "WOW" I want to read more. Think about it. When you go to the book store and pick up a book or even a magazine what pulls you in? For example in Twilight "I've never given much thought to how I would die, but dying in the place of someone I love seems like a good way to go." This hook enticed me . It made me want to continue reading. What's a hook that's grabbed you? I would suggest taking this angle when writing your hook.

This is what I'm working with for my hook for Love and Honor.

He was the gallant hero she had always dreamed of, but she never dreamed that such a wonderful love would take her down an excruciating road of terror and hopelessness. A road that will ultimately lead her to the brink of death.

This is still a work in progress. I will continue to post ideas and tips that I've learned from my course.