Intriguing Tag line needed

It's official I will be going to the Dreaming In Dallas conference in April. I'm looking to create business cards to take to the conference. I want to know your opinion on  a tag line for my business cards. Please read my past post synopsis and let me know what you think should be a good tag line. The tag line does not need to come straight from my synopsis. I want something sexy and intriguing, an eye catching line. Please email me at:  kittygoddess79@ymail.com

Thanks to all my fans!

The new book

My New Years resolution for 2011 is to finish my new book. 2012: Love Unexpected.

I hope to have this done in a few months. There are tons of articles and news out there about 2012 that is fueling my creative juices.  As always my hero is the key to my story. I guarantee you'll fall in love with this character. Strong, smart and sexy as hell!  I hope to have an insert soon to share with you.

A New Year Wish

2011 will be a wonderful year! I am driven to get my publishing career started this year. I plan on getting my ticket this month for the Dreaming in Dallas conference in April. I plan on breaking out of my shyness and speak to fellow writers and people in the publishing world. I know there are a lot of wonderful workshops that will also help me with tips and tricks that I can pass along to you my fans.

My goal this year is to get Love and Honor published and to finish 2012: Love unexpected.  With this being 2011 I have found mountains of data and stories in my research that I can use for the new book. I can't wait to get this year started off with a bang!

Thank you everyone for sticking by me through the hard times of 2010. This year will be prosperous!

Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish all my fans a Happy New Year! I can't wait for 2011, it's going to be a fantastic new year! I wish everyone the best!

Tips on creating your "hook"

During my workshop this weekend I leared some new tips. One thing I learned about is the hook. You need to grab the agent's attention right off the bat. the hook is the way to do it. Here are 10 sure fire ways in creating a unforgettable hook. Keep in mind the best novels have between 7-9 of these in their one sentence hook.

1. Action or Danger

2. Overpowering Emotions

3. A surprising situation

4. An ecovative description that pulls the reader into a setting or author's voice.

5. Introduction of a unique character

6. Warning or foreshadowing

7. Setting a tone or theme

8. Shocking or witty dialog ( internal or external)

9. Totally unexpected situation

10. Raising a direct question

You will get noticed if you applied some of these rules to your hook.

D.A.R.A Holiday Workshop and Luncheon

Happy Holidays everyone. I've been working hard at my POV problems in Love and Honor. I hope everyone is working hard on their projects. The Dreaming In Dallas conference is just around the corner and we all should be prepared.  A few months ago I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to go to the conference, but now I can. It's going to be a life changing event that I hope to see all my fellow writers out there. 

To get on the right track, D.A.R.A is hosting a holiday workshop that is sure to be out of this world. If you are not a member I would highly recommend joining.

For more information please check out the following link. http://www.dallasromanceauthors.com/.
I hope to see you all there!

Happy Writing!

Grammar

Writing stories about romance is a passion of mine. One thing I've learned about myself on this publishing journey is that I'm really not a technical writer.  I have poor grammar that I'm having to go back now and check out closely. My grammar issues deal with using too many pronouns and the wrong adjective's. I suppose it could be worse. These are things you have to pay attention to once you've gotten  your story together before you go to the publisher.  Don't feel discouraged if you too are having these issues. I'll tell you one writer who also has pretty bad grammar and has overcome it to be a New York Best Seller.... Steven King.

Do you use people in your life as characters in your book?

When you write who do you have in mind? Is it someone famous or someone in your life right now?

People say write what you know. I don't always believe this to be true. I write about fantasy to escape and engulf myself in a fantasy world. My characters look like movies stars but a lot of the characteristics of my characters are drawn from people in my life.  My characters are not just one person but an mesh of the best and worst quality's in everyone.  How do you develop your characters?

Are your character's personality based off yourself?  I do not base my characters on my personality. I do put myself in their shoes this is how I can write my characters feelings. This is my favorite part of writing. I love emerging myself into my character, become one with them.

Your creative Passion Unleashed

I've heard many people say that they are not creative. Creativity is a low burning flame inside everyone. It just needs that small spark...a match to ignite and engulf. Once your lucky enough to find that spark you will be overwhelmed with creativity and passion for your writing. The match if you will can come in all kinds of forms. It is also different for other people.  No one can tell you what your spark is, you will just have to find it.

Personally I go through creativity spells I call them.  Dry spells...or Wet spells haha! I find my spark in many different forms. Music....movies....books...people....it can even come in the form of a look from a stranger.  I never know when that spark will ignite my creativity. 

Since my "down time"  I've had a hard time finding that spark. Last night I watched my favorite TV show and unexpectedly had a scene spark my flame. One of the main characters made  speech that was the most touching thing I have heard in a really long time.

" I just have to say something. You have to just listen to me. I love you Elena. And it's because I love you that I can't be selfish with you. I don't deserve you but my brother does."  then he softly kisses her fore head. Slowly stokes her cheek and runs his fingers though her hair.
"God I wish you didn't have to forget this, but you do"

The passion you saw in his eyes...his tone. It was breathtaking, so much so that I cried. You could feel his emotions in his words. This engulfed me with thoughts about my characters in my new book. Some people may have saw that scene and not get the same feeling. Sparks are different for different people.

What ignites your flames?

Roller coaster of Life

Hi Everyone!!!


Life is like a roller coaster. Everyday people experiencing ups and downs...twists and turns. I am no exception.  My personal roller coaster made me doubt myself and my writing talents. I was "MIA" not only from my blog but also my twitter and D.A.R.A meetings.  The lows I was faced with made me seriously think about giving up my dreams, my book. But like a Phoenix I pulled myself out of the ashes. How could I let my dream die! I have had this dream for years. I am angered that I let myself get so low. I have come so far I can not give up now.
I am still faced with adversities but I'm not going to let it stop me. I will find new inspirations and new fantasies to fuel my creative flames. I will not let the dips of my roller coaster keep me down any longer. I will fly again.

Winds of Change

It looks like life is going to get back to normal. This mean back to my writing career and puting my book and myself out there again. Thanks to all my fans who have supported me and have contacted me. Your words are a blessing to me! Thank you so much for your support. It has ment the world to me.


I love you all!!

Jennie Bryant

Max finds out what's going on with Sarah

           "Lieutenant Colonel Edwards! What in the hell is going on here?" General Lance McKee's voice thundered hardheartedly. He was standing in the doorway to the guest quarters. Behind him stood Mike, eyes wide in disbelief.

             Max swiftly turned around to face him and saluted. "Begging your pardon, sir!" Lance slapped his hand against his forehead, massaged his temples, and wiped his hand down his face in exasperation. He knew from their previous conversations back at Langley that Max had a lot on his mind, but he never would have expected Max would explode like this. He let out a heavy sigh and grumbled, "Colonel, do you care to explain yourself?"

           Max's eyes were still ablaze with fury. Still stiffly at attention, he stared right through Lance and hollowly replied, " I would like to request a private audience with you right now, sir!"

           Lance simply shook his head and grunted, "This way." He turned and headed down the corridor. Max followed. They circled around to another corridor with quarters and waited for Max to enter, as well. Then, Lance closed the door and sat down at a small built-in desk. He looked up at Max, who was still red with anger, fists clenched. Lance could see the unbridled fury in Max's eyes. He was crazed, staring off into space, refusing to look Lance in the eye. Like Mike, Lance knew all to well that Max had a healthy reserve of temper to turn loose if the situation warranted it. But this is more temper then Lance had ever seen come out of the guy, and it had him worried.

A diffrent side of Love and Honor

I wanted to show a quick snip it of the darker side of Love and Honor.

BANG!

 The violent bash echoed throughout the house, causing Sarah to jump in terror. "Oh my God!" she quivered in a low voice. She quickly threw on a pair of black boxer shorts and a pink ribbed tank top. Slowly, she crept out of her bathroom and reached for a baseball bat that she had by her bedroom door. She reached for the phone to call 9-1-1. There was no dial tone. "Shit!" she hissed nervously. Her eyes scanned the room for her cell phone, but it was nowhere in sight. She tightened her grip on the bat when she heard another bang downstairs. She had to get to a phone. She quietly headed out of her room and down the stairs. Every single creek made her cringe and tremble in fear. She ducked down, looking the living room over from left to right as she continued her descent, but nobody was there.

Sarah stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking, listening for the  slightest sound. The room was so quiet she could hear the hum of the refrigerator in her kitchen. Suddenly, another sound came from the kitchen. A rustling...movement. The sound trailed down the back hallway. She then heard what sounded like a door quietly open and close...the guest room!

Do not hate the game.

Okay, I know you shouldn't bash people on your blog but I was a little irritated when I saw the news this morning . So much so that I just had to voice my opinion. After all isn't that what blogging is all about?

The news broke that a reality TV personality has decided she wanted to become a writer. She doesn't want to publish a memoir but an actual novel. Okay I have no problem with that. That's totally awesome. Here is what really gets me. The woman has not started writing the book yet and has no writing skills or experience, but  she already has a publishing contract. I can understand if your a movie star and want to publish a memoir. I get that. The person I'm talking about is not a movie star but a reality personality. She's famous for swearing, drinking and sleeping around. People watch her because she's such a train wreck. I do not think it's really fair that she  get to go outside the process when there are so many talented writers out that doing it by the book to follow their dream. I think giving this woman a publishing contract without having a book to publish just because she's on TV is a making a mockery of real writers. I feel it sends a message to the world that anyone can write and  that you don't need talent to write.

A boost of Confidence

In the past few weeks I've lost my confidence in my ability to become a published writer. This will happen from time to time to many of us. My reasoning's had nothing to do with my writing skills but more my personal life experiencing  a small dose of chaos. The other night I got to speak to a writer I truly admire.I got to speak to  her through an author blog chat via a well known publishing company. Although there were many people in the form everyone got a chance to speak.  I debated if I should speak or not, I was getting nervious. I didn't want to blow my one chance on a silly question I had to make it count. I jumped in both feet and went for it.  I didn't have to wait long before I got my chance. I had so many questions  run thought my head but was only allowed one question at a time. My question to this writer was "Can you give any advice to a new contemporary writer?" Her advice was "The opening lines are the most important. Agents are very busy. You have to snag them right at the beginning, You only get one shot so make it count." Of course there was more details but that was the jest of it. I felt as if I was speaking to the President or someone as big. After my chat I realized that even though my personal life is in turmoil I can not let it get me down. I have to keep on pushing for seeing my book on the shelf of Barnes and Nobles is my dream come true. I want to make it happen. Just one glimmer of hope is all it takes.

Escaping your world

I love writing because I can escape my everyday life. Originally this is why I started reading romance novels. But for me it just wasn't enough. I wanted to create my own world. I wanted my characters to act a certain way, look a certain way, get with the people I saw fit. No it's not playing GOD. It's creating you own fantasy world. Putting your thoughts into words.
Honestly right now my real world is full of stress and worry, my outlit to releave this is writing. When I write I can be who ever I want, live where ever I want and do what ever I want. That is what's amazing about the creative mind. Always let your imagination run wild in your writing. Great works come from writers with big imaginations. Escape into your writing submerge yourself into the depths of your words.

Making your dreams come true

As you pursue your writing career you may come across some obstacles. I've recently run across my first stumbling block on my own writing career path. Unfortunately there will always be obstacles in your way but it is up to you if you will let it stop you. Right now I'm dealing with how to pay for my RWA membership, my local chapter membership and Dreaming in Dallas ticket. I'm hoping that things will turn around soon so I do not miss out. Going to Dreaming in Dallas and meeting Lucienne Diver has been at the top of my list since I decided to become a novelist. Hopefully I will get that chance. I will keep my head up high and hope for the best. I will continue to blog, tweet and write. Nothing will stop me from dreaming.

When you run into your obstacle make sure not to let it keep you down. Keep on writing. You will be back on your path in no time, just like me.

 
The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Love and Honor Love Scene Spoiler

Max quickly unbuttoned Sarah's wet pajama top, never leaving her lips, and tossed it aimlessly aside. He felt as if he couldn't get enough of her. He needed more. Her dark wet hair stuck to his damp bare skin. Their bodies still moist from the rain storm; he couldn't resist seductively kissing every inch of her exposed flesh. Max gently kissed her slender neck making her whimper with pleasure. He had never met a woman he hungered for as much as he craved her. He then moved his hands below her waist, touching her intimately underneath her pants, under her silky panties. His tongue slid slowly in and out of her mouth caressing her as he slipped his fingers in -between her legs. He felt her soft cry within their kiss. He felt her her nails dig into his back pulling him closer to her. It drove him crazy the little noises she made. The kiss deepened with every movement of his fingers.


Join me later this week and I will share with you a diffrent side of the story.

Romance Novels vs Erotic Novels

I've been asked the question "What's the diffrence between true romance novels and erotic romance novels?"

Romance novels will focus on the romance and emotion of two people. Emotions are focused on more then actual sex. During the sex scenes more milder euphemisms are used. To put it mildly the words used to describe the act of lovemaking is sweeter more innocent. Romance novels are also limited on how many sex scenes are played out. In LOVE AND HONOR, I wrote 4-5 lovemaking scenes. Each scene was brought out by an intense emotional situation that ended up with lovemaking. Typically in romance novels lovemaking/sex is brought on by an intense emotional expeience.

Erotic romance also will have romance in it. Erotic romance will have more intense sex scenes with strong sexual content. The descriptions will be more frank and to the point. While true romance novels focus on the emotional impact of lovemaking, erotic romance focus more on the actual act. Don't confuse erotic romance with pornography. Although both focus on the act of sex, erotic romance novels include well-developed characters and a plot which could exist without the sex acts.
  

Diffrent Types of Romance

After I finished my first novel Love and Honor I decided I wanted to get it published. I had to figure out what category my book fell into. This was a little confusing to me. All I had read at that point was historical romance. ( My tastes have opened up to more genres since then). I've put together a little summary of the different types of romance for your reference.

Contemporary Series Romance - Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship and typically set after 1945.


Contemporary Single Title Romance - Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series and set after 1945.

Historical Romance - Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location.

Inspirational Romance - Romance novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are a major part of the romantic relationship.

*Novels with Strong Romantic Elements - A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries. (*An example of a publisher that handles this would be Harlequin’s Luna line; elsewhere such fiction is sometimes labeled 'Womens' Fiction')

Paranormal Romance - Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot.

*Regency Romance - Romance novels in which the majority of the story is set against the Regency period of the British Empire. (*What was once considered the ‘Traditional Regency’ romance, of the kind Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly once wrote – with a shorter word count than longer format historical romances - is considered if not dead, then on life support, and published mostly by smaller presses or as reprints of classics. Therefore, in most cases ‘Regency Romance’ simply refers to romances set in the Regency period.)

Romantic Suspense - Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.

Young Adult Romance - Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers.

Category Romance - Mostly Harlequin romances, books in a numbered series identified by ‘line’. Eg: Harlequin Presents, Silhouette Desire.

Erotica - Romance novels with a powerful erotic element, but still following the guidelines of an- Happily Ever After ending.