by Joanne Wadsworth | Sep 1, 2013 | Author Blog, Protector
Sooo true. I’m claiming this saying for myself.
When I first began the submission process on my first novel, I read over and over from agents and publishers on their websites that they wanted to see submissions reflecting a unique writer’s voice. I had no idea what that was at the time, but still thought, hey, that’s me. What’s not unique about my voice? I’m a Kiwi from Down Under. My voice is my own, and I have an extremely unique take on the world being that I’m always standing upside-down and the other-way-around. 🙂
Yeah, that’s not writer’s voice, but it wasn’t long before I truly understood what it was. I also came to realize it’s the most elusive aspect of writing, that it’s a challenge to truly grasp, yet also a challenge I could completely take on.
So, what is writer’s voice?
Writer’s voice is that wonderful combination of blending your own unique writing style with a deep understanding of your characters, along with knowing how their story best needs to be told. A writer’s voice is the most moving part of the story, and it’s sometimes referred to as the heartbeat of the main character. In other words, a writer’s voice is the magic that makes the story soar.
A strong writer’s voice brings the POV character to life, captivates the reader and has them hanging onto every word, every description, action, emotion and reaction.
A writer’s voice should be completely authentic, and most certainly not a copy of your favorite author.
A writer’s voice should also allow the reader to bond emotionally with the main character, to forge a connection that can’t be broken. This is why it’s so important for a writer to know their characters inside and out.
I’ve spoken before about understanding your characters in this way, and well before you get to the end of your first draft, otherwise there can be a ton of rewriting simply because you’ve come late to the party. A writer needs to know the heart of their main character, their essence, what makes them tick, what their strengths and ultimate fears are. You need to be intimately familiar with their entire thought process. Nothing is off-limits. And therein the magic begins.
Magic = Knowing your characters.
Magic = Constantly growing our writing skills and abilities.
Magic = Understanding, and writing your POV correctly.
That’s right, don’t forget to nail your POV within your writer’s voice. Knowing which POV would be the best in telling your story is incredibly important. 1st Person, 3rd Person, DEEP POV? Omni? The wrong POV can do your story a disservice, so study, study, study. And read widely in the genres of your stories.
I hope this post was helpful. Have you discovered and mastered your writer’s voice? Perhaps you’re still on the road to getting there. It definitely takes time and perseverance. In truth, I’m still traveling along that road. With each story I write, my writer’s voice strengthens and becomes more distinct. It’s all about the magic.
Today is also my official release date for WARRIOR. Yay! Any if you want to read a thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy series filled with intrigue at every corner, then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Each book in my Magio-Earth series features a different hero and heroine, but the characters from the books all intertwine and you get to catch up with them all along the way. As such the books can be read independently of each other, but of course as with most series, they’re more fun when read in order. Here are those links:
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
THANKS EVERYONE FOR JOINING ME. YOU HAVE A SUPER DUPER WEEK.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Aug 28, 2013 | Author Blog
What a wicked birthday present I just got. Certainly every writer’s dream. WARRIOR is set to release next Monday, but it has arrived early, and right in time for my birthday today. Yay! It’s out now wherever e-books are sold, and I’ll be sure to drop those links in for you later in the post.
First though, I’ve never brought out a full length excerpt from WARRIOR, so I’m going to rectify that today. Also, here’s what a few of the reviewers have said about WARRIOR. I’m just beaming over these.
–ooOoo–
“Imaginative world-building, stunning setting & a love fated to be.” — Jessi Gage, Author
“I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.” — The Jeep Diva, Reviewer
“I’m loving this series! So different and cool, and I just loved Silas and Hope’s relationship.” — Holly Underhill, YA/NA Reviewer
–ooOoo–
Here’s the excerpt I promised.
EXCERPT:
Silas extinguished the lamp, and moonlight filtered through the tiny square window. He rolled to his side, facing me. “We’ll stay close. I can’t dismiss the mated bond. Our souls call to one another and it’s strong.”
I felt it too.
“I can’t keep my distance from you, Hope. That would result in your death.”
“Yeah, but yours would result if my grandfather, Donaldo, ever found out about you. The need to protect goes both ways.”
A low growl rumbled from his throat. “It sounds like you’re arguing with me.”
“I’m pointing out the facts. Alexo keeps the knowledge of Faith’s relationship with Loveria a secret.”
“We don’t have their kind of relationship.”
“So this is a non-relationship?” I smiled. That actually suited me.
“Yes.”
“Okay, honey. I got it.”
He pulled me to him. “I have no idea why, but I like you. You have a smart mouth.”
I snuggled closer, resting my cheek against his chest. “Mmm-hmm. So do you.”
He let out a slow breath and it fanned over the top of my head. “I still want to kiss you.”
“Hell, no.” I grinned to myself.
“Are you repeating my earlier words?”
“Yes, I am.” He rolled me, coming up over top. My heart raced. “Don’t–”
His kiss was potent as he claimed my mouth.
I had no response. I was lost, hypnotized as we shared breath and a moment more special than any in time.
He cupped my face in his hands and stroked my cheeks, his thoughts escaping for the first time.
I read them so clearly within the merge.
He wanted this moment to last.
My heart soared and my soul called to his on the deepest level. “We are in a world of trouble,” I murmured against his lips.
His hold tightened, intoxicating me. Then he eased away an inch, maybe two. “You have the most beautiful spun-gold hair. It catches even the moonlight and glows like silk.”
I cleared my throat. “I know I just said trouble. You should stick to your side of the bed in this non-relationship.”
A wicked grin widened his mouth. “I could drown in the brilliant violet of your eyes.”
“Do I need to slap your face?”
He laughed. “Yes.”
I pushed him away, trying to get my heartbeat to slow. “Go away.”
He rolled into me, held me close. “I’ll be good. Just keeping you warm. It’s my right.”
I curled up, squeezing my eyes shut. “I can’t believe I’m sharing a bed with you. Do you snore?”
“Terribly. I’m also a bed-hog.”
I heard the partial lie, but to which half of that statement? “Hmm, since I’m squished between you and the wall, I’m picking you’re a bed-hog.”
“You feel all warm and soft. I’m not going anywhere.” He nuzzled my hair and yawned. “Go to sleep. You’ll need your rest if you want to be on your toes tomorrow.”
I didn’t doubt it. The minutes ticked by, and I slowly relaxed. My soul-bound mate lay beside me. For one night, or perhaps for more? I had no idea.
BUY LINKS:
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
GIVEAWAY of PROTECTOR, book one in this series:
I can’t celebrate my birthday without offering a giveaway exclusive to my blog’s followers. If you leave a comment with your email address, you’ll be entered in the giveaway of one free e-book of book one, PROTECTOR. This giveaway is open until late Friday, so get your comment in. Using random.org, I’ll choose a winner and notify the winner on Saturday.
Thank you all for helping me celebrate the release of WARRIOR. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
Have a great week, everyone.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Aug 19, 2013 | Author Blog
I was thrilled last week to see my upcoming September 2nd release WARRIOR, take out the SWOON AWARD on a reviewer’s website. She gave PROTECTOR (book one in the series) an honourable mention for its swoony scenes, although here’s what she had to say about WARRIOR (book two)–
Holly Underhill, YA/NA Reviewer — “I’m loving this series! So different and cool, and I just loved Silas’s and Hope’s relationship. 4.5 Stars.”
Her full review will be out on release day, but here’re the two SWOONY EXCERPTS which won the award.
–ooOoo–
“Missed you. Really missed you.” He kissed me, so fiercely I almost fainted again. He pulled back, a bare inch, his gaze darting all over me. “How do you feel? Your heart’s finally beating right. I’ve been so worried. You won’t ever do that to me again. Do you hear me?”
I flicked out my hands as they tingled, as blood raced through and returned to them. Even the red patches of sunburn on the backs of my hands healed with my restored skill. I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Righto, but you deserve some more lip action, and not the telling-off sort.”
No sooner were the words out than he took my breath away with a soul-claiming kiss. So hot. His need swirled through me as I dug my mind deeper into my sweet spot.
Oh, I was not leaving his mind, or his mouth.
He stroked along my shoulders, down my sides and over my hips.
My heart raced.
–ooOoo–
Silas’s sword clattered to the ground as he rolled off the couch and stared at me. Then he was no longer there. He ’ported the ten feet then wrapped his arms around me like bands of steel. “Are you real?”
Cupping his face in my hands, I grinned. “Kiss me and find out.”
Pushing me against the wall at my back, he did, or devoured was more like it.
I couldn’t think straight, and in that instant I didn’t care. I wanted him and only him.
Oh sweet heaven. More.
“We need privacy.” I clutched his shirtfront, my world spinning. “Bedroom. Now.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you enjoyed that. I can’t wait for WARRIOR to release.
BUT THERE’S MORE…
I’ve got an exciting project underway. I’ve written a novella in my historical HIGHLANDER HEAT line which I’m submitting and *fingers crossed* will be accepted and included in an anthology along with some other awesome authors. This anthology will release early November and is compliments of those authors. I can’t divulge who the publisher is, but I can say this collection of short stories will be FREE. Yay. I love FREE. I’ll keep you all posted on this. 🙂
And lastly, more fabulous news. My contemporary romance, WITNESS PURSUIT, has had its release date brought forward by a month, and will now arrive December 2nd. Wow, my hubby and kiddies haven’t been able to peel me off the ceiling this week. I’m floating on cloud nine.
Anyone else had a great week too? I hope you all have. Drop me a comment if you’d like to. I love hearing from you guys.
Stay safe. I’ll catch ya later.
PROTECTOR > BUY THE BOOK: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Lyrical Press / iTunes / Kobo
by Joanne Wadsworth | Aug 16, 2013 | Author Blog
THE RIGHT TEMPTATION
Can a childhood crush mature into the real thing?
Kayla Martinez has recently landed an RN position at a prestigious hospital in her hometown. The new job is everything she’s hoped for, especially when one hot specimen shows up in the ER. She hasn’t seen her childhood crush in years, and considering how much hotter he’s gotten over time, she almost ends up needing resuscitation.
The last thing Nico LaCosta needs is a broken arm. Now his pal’s kid sister wants to soothe his pain, but he’d rather keep his distance so her big brother doesn’t break his other arm. Kayla’s no child anymore, though. She’s one hot-blooded woman, determined to remind him of a mind-blowing kiss back when they were teenagers. Leave it to Kayla to drop by his house unannounced and play Nurse Seductive. A guy has to follow the buddy code, or face the consequences. Still, sometimes giving in to temptation is worth it…
CONTENT WARNING: Racy Language, Hot Sex, Lusty Latin Lovers
–ooOoo–
Hey, everyone. I’d love you to welcome Diane Escalera to my blog today. Diane’s HOT Latin Heat Trilogy is well, super-hot. Just check out that cover. Hold on. I’ve gotta go grab a cold glass of water. She does warn that there are lusty Latin lovers in her book. Right, I’m back and all prepared.
The Right Temptation, story two in her trilogy, released in July with Lyrical Press, and Diane was kind enough to answer a few hard-hitting questions, so here she is, right in the hot seat.
Thanks for dropping by, Diane. I have some quick fire questions for you.
First, thank you so much for hosting me. I’m so excited to be here!
– Nicknames? I go by DeeDee or Dee. When I was kid they called me Snoopy.
– Where do you live? South Florida is home to me.
– Have you ever traveled abroad? Sadly, no.
– Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate? Coffee first thing in the morning is a necessity!
– Favorite dessert? Chocolate anything!
– Dog or cat? Dog. I have the sweetest little dachshund.
– Beach or skiing? Beach. I’m a tropical girl.
– What’s your favorite time of the day to write? After lunch because it’s quiet then.
– Do you write on holiday? Only if I have to.
– Last book you read? It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis. Love her!
– Plotter or pantser? A little of both.
I love your favorite dessert, Diane. I’m a “chocolate anything” kind of girl myself. Yep, whenever I get the chance to eat out (which is only a few times a year) I jump straight ahead to the desserts and make sure there’s something with chocolate on the menu. The more chocolate the better. 🙂
I have some short questions for you too.
– If you don’t mind, tell us what started you on your journey to being a writer?
Unlike most authors, I didn’t know I was destined to write. In fact, I worked in banking for many years, but deep down knew that it wasn’t my dream job.
At the young age of thirty-five, my sister died of an illness. I realized the same thing could happen to me. There are no guarantees. I couldn’t waste another moment doing something I didn’t love.
Writing was one of my greatest joys when I was growing up. While still working at the bank, I decided to enroll in an intensive course where I learned everything I could about the craft. It didn’t take long before I left the bank to pursue a writing career.
I’m so sorry about your sister. That’s incredibly young for you to have lost her. Although I love that you enrolled in an intensive course and found something you loved to do.
– Writing is clearly your dream job, but I’m curious, is there another as well?
I would probably work with animals, especially dogs. I just adore them because they love unconditionally, live to make you happy and expect little in return.
– Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
Italy. I’m half Italian and it would be awesome to experience the culture and history up close and personal. Did you know Pizza was invented in Naples?
I didn’t, but if I’d taken a stab, Naples would have been my first guess. I’d love to travel to Italy too, only it’s half a world away from where I live in New Zealand. I’ll just keep dreaming that I’ll get there one day. They do have chocolate right? Pizza, and then chocolate. I could do that. 🙂
– Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
I’d love to share my favorite quote, which I think perfectly sums things up:
“There are two weapons in the writer’s arsenal. The first is stamina and the second is uncompromising belief in yourself.”
– What are you working on now?
I’m in the process of completing Story Three of my Latin Heat Trilogy. Playing with Destiny will wrap up the series. Matchmaker, matchmaker, bring me a babe. That’s all Christian expected from an online dating service. He gets a lot more when, unwittingly, he’s hooked up with a luscious neighbor named Destiny. Christian doesn’t believe in fate. But one look at Destiny and he’s seeing a whole new future.
I love the sound of this trilogy, very exotic. I’m now craving chocolate more than ever though after our chat, and I thought that glass of water would be enough. 🙂 If you don’t mind, would you share an excerpt. I can’t wait to sample a taste of your writing.
EXCERPT:
Kayla ambled to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and perused it. Not bad. He had a few things she could work with. “What do you normally eat?”
“Grilled chicken, brown rice and broccoli,” he said without missing a beat.
Kayla laughed at his bland regimen. “I had a feeling.”
“Well, I try to take care of my body.”
“So I see.” Her gaze skittered over his physique. Whatever he did worked magically delicious.
“Although lately, I’ve been pigging out like a fat kid,” he said, with a disgusted look. “That’s what happens when you’re bored to death.”
She had a cure for his restlessness. The thought made her thighs go up in flames. Kayla shoved her head inside the cool refrigerator and peered into several plastic containers. “Some of this looks good.” She could’ve taken the easy way out, but she preferred to make something fresh, show off a little bit.
“It is. But I had so much of it already.” He puffed out his cheeks.
How adorable. She found everything he did entertaining. Kayla shut the fridge and, without asking, opened the cupboards. She found one with canned goods and food staples. “Hmm,” she mumbled, scanning the contents. She’d have to improvise. “You like omelets?”
Nico’s face lit up. “I love me some eggs.”
“Cool. I’ll whip up some veggie omelets.”
“You don’t have to cook for me, you know.”
She had a weakness for nursing people back to health. She had a weakness for one man named Nico. The combination of the two pulled on her heartstrings. “I want to,” she said, setting aside her personal agenda.
“Don’t you have something better to do than hang out with an invalid? I’m not a barrel of laughs right now.”
Good time to gauge his interest. She locked eyes on him. “Why? You want me to leave?”
“It’s not that,” he said. Nico strode to the kitchen. He took one of her long curls and tugged on it. “I just don’t want you to waste your free time.”
She wanted to close her eyes, bottle his woodsy scent. Kayla palmed his solid chest. The touch sent a shocking bolt through her already-charged system. She kept her hand there, reveling in the feel of his potent masculinity. “Who says I’m wasting my time?”
Nico closed the space between them. Too bad his bulky cast kept their bodies from totally connecting. Several inches taller, he stared down at her with pure intensity. The heat level shot up so fast she thought they’d set off the smoke alarm in the kitchen. Kayla tilted her head back and shook her wild curls off her face. He helped by sliding a few fingers into her hair. Her heart practically jumped out of her chest. Kiss me. She’d waited years for this.
His body trapped her against the counter. Kayla shifted her position so she could feel the full force of his strength without the barrier of his injured arm. Oh God. He had an erection. Her hip acted alone and pressed up against it. She swore she heard him moan. Wait. That was her.
“Kayla,” he muttered, in a voice huskier than before.
Kiss me. She tried to send a telepathic message.
I loved this excerpt. Where can we find your book?
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes
BIO: Diane Escalera
Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Diane Escalera makes her home in sunny South Florida. The sultry paradise is a steady source of inspiration for her hot love stories. Diane is married, has two children and a super cute dachshund she can’t get enough of. She writes contemporary romance and is published with Kensington Publishing and Lyrical Press.
DianeEscalera.com / Facebook.com/DianeEscaleraOfficial / Twitter.com/DianeEscalera
by Joanne Wadsworth | Aug 12, 2013 | Author Blog
So true. 🙂
Two weeks ago I began writing my next WIP. It’s book two in my historical Highlander Heat line, and I’m reminded as my characters’ personalities build, of how important it is to understand them, to get down to the nitty-gritty and make them real.
We need to have a good grasp of who they are and what makes them tick. They must be unique, which means we need to take care not to typecast them. With this typecasting, I’m referring to giving our characters labels such as “the bad boy,” the “misfit,” or the “cheerleader.” Do you see where I’m heading?
Readers are clever, and they quickly pick up on characters who represent a common character cliché. That can bore the reader. It can also cause the reader to turn from them because the character just doesn’t feel real.
Our characters also shouldn’t be too perfect, too weak, too beautiful, or too much of any one thing. As writers we have to get inside our characters’ heads and humanize them.
A great way to do this is to interview them. Yep, that’s right. Here’s what I do. Once I’m a chapter or two into their story, at the point where I have a good grasp of each of my main characters, I write down their likes and dislikes, their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately what drives them. Their faults and fears have usually popped up by now and become glaringly obvious. Those are key, because as they say, conflict+conflict=story.
I love their faults and fears. Those issues allow my characters to become authentic, and it’s my job to throw challenges at them which will test those weaknesses and allow them to grow. There is nothing better than having our reader become invested in our characters, for them to cheer them on as they work at resolving their issues. Just remember to keep your characters’ plight and their scenes real.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, and that you’ve come away with some helpful hints. I know for myself, if my story isn’t moving forward the way it should, it’s usually because I don’t have enough understanding about my characters. I love those interviews. Give it a go if you haven’t tried it before.
Don’t forget to drop me a comment if you’d like to. My post always goes live on a Monday afternoon Down Under in New Zealand, and when I wake up on a Tuesday morning the first thing I do is read all your messages. I truly love hearing from you guys. You all make my Tuesday mornings shine, so don’t be afraid to say hi.
Stay safe. I’ll catch ya later.
PROTECTOR > BUY THE BOOK: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Lyrical Press / iTunes / Kobo
