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.
An incredibly interesting survey has just been run by E-book Formatting Fairies. The results were compiled during the month of June, and the results came in on August 1st. The survey focused on readers informing about how they read, what they like, and where they find us.
There were forty-four questions, and although it’s not a scientific survey, I’m certain most writers will come away with some valuable information. I certainly enjoyed the open platform of conversation at the end through the comments section, and was able to garner even more insight. Full survey here.
The first key pointer I took away from this survey would be the importance of an author’s website, blog and Facebook author page. Here’s the actual statement made.
Facebook (62 percent) and Author Websites (63 percent) were virtually tied for first when readers were asked where they get their information about their favorite authors. (This was a “choose all that apply” question.) Author newsletters were a distant second at 36 percent. Goodreads scored 27 percent and Twitter 19 percent. Retail sites were next at 18 percent. It’s probably safe to conclude from these results that if you have limited time, it’s best spent on Facebook and keeping up your website.
I couldn’t agree with that statement more. It’s certainly important, as writers, that we use our websites to their full potential. That we have a blog aligned with it and stay connected. Our blog posts should reflect us, what drives us, what keeps us on our toes, what we find is fun. It’s also our place to promote our work, to share excerpts, sneak peeks, and cover reveals.
I treat Facebook in the same way. I connect with those who follow me there by posting bits about me and my work. I love sharing excerpts from books yet to release, and from any current WIP’s. Readers love getting a glimpse into what makes a writer tick. FB is certainly a social platform, where we’re able to engage with our followers and have fun.
The second key pointer I found of importance was.
Thirty-five percent have been introduced to new authors via free books more than 20 times. Twenty-one percent have found new authors through free books more than 10 times. If they liked what they read in the free book, 85 percent were extremely likely to buy another book from that author.
Readers love free e-books, and if they like what they read, 85 percent were extremely likely to buy another book from that author. Those are great stats. I don’t know about you, but that’s got me thinking I need to write a novella and offer it for free. I’d love readers to get a taste of my work and see if they like it, and then come back for more.
What about you? Did either of these two key pointers I took away from the survey, get you thinking too?
–ooOoo–
Also, I asked a couple of weeks ago, if you had a spare minute to vote for PROTECTOR’S cover in the You Gotta Read cover contest. You guys rock, because Protector came away taking 1st place. Yay! Thank you so much. 1st Place. Wicked!
And lastly, I’m going to finish this post with the best news ever. My last completed novel, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, a historical Highlander time-travel romance has just gone under contract with Lyrical Press, NY. I loved writing this first book in my HIGHLANDER HEAT SERIES. It’s a powerful story of a twenty-first century woman and her identical ancestor swapping places in time, the young modern woman’s path now colliding with the Highland warrior her ancestor was set to handfast with. Here’s a wee sneak peek (unedited.)
In the bright light of day, the courtyard, part thick with grass and part paved with stone, led to one place. Alex. Her Highlander from another time.
He stood near the center well which was adorned with ivy and bunches of lavender. The castle’s walls rose majestically around him.
He looked incredible. Over an immaculate white silk shirt, his plaid was fastened with a magnificent hand-sized broach depicting warriors at war. He appeared one himself with one hand fisted over the hilt of his side-belted sword.
She licked her lips then lifted her gaze. His jaw was smooth and strongly angled, his chin holding a visible cleft in the center, and his golden gaze was targeted right on her.
I hope you enjoyed. Don’t forget to drop me a comment if you’d like to. I love hearing from you guys.
Conflict. Yep, I’m feeling this driver’s conflict.
This week I’ve begun writing my next novel. I’m extremely creative when it comes to the writing process. Usually I allow my stories to unfold as the characters drive their story along, although I’ve also learnt the importance of laying out core plot issues.
So, what’s one of the most important plot issues you need to consider when beginning your novel? Yes, that’s creating conflict. Here are some key pointers to guide you along the way:
CREATING CONFLICT
You need to ensure your conflict is sound.
It needs to be paramount within your story.
Conflict forces your characters to act.
Strong conflict leads to greater opportunities for your characters.
And ramping up the stakes with that conflict drives your reader to care about the outcome.
Now to cover a little bit more about creating conflict.
THE ANTAGONIST
Who’s your antagonist?
Or in some cases what’s the antagonist? There are of course stories where the antagonist becomes the obstacle the hero or heroine is trying to overcome.
Usually the antagonist brings the conflict to the forefront.
Focus on that conflict.
Infuse your story with scenes driven around that conflict.
Also, allow your characters to experience heightened emotions as they deal with the powerful conflict you’ve put in place.
Don’t forget increasing the stakes engages your readers.
It compels them to keep reading, and to find out what happens next.
THE HERO/HEROINE
The hero/heroine must come into contact with the conflict you’ve put in place.
Throw the conflict/challenge at them.
Force them to face their fears.
Allow the actions of your characters to burst off the page as they rise to the challenges you’ve set them.
Because higher stakes equals page-turning action.
Hopefully some of these pointers have provided inspiration. Lastly, let me share the one thing I always keep at the forefront of my mind as I’m writing. I’m actually whizzing it up into a nice graphic for those who’d like to print it off.
If you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. Perhaps you have other pointers you’d like to add to mine. I certainly hope the ones I’ve mentioned have got you thinking. Happy writing, everyone. Create that conflict.
Twenty-one-year-old Lydia Sands calls New Zealand home, only after witnessing a brutal hit-and-run, finds herself in the killer’s path. Her assigned bodyguard takes a direct hit in order to save her life, and following his near death she is thrown into the Program. A year on, her handler chooses to remove her from the killer’s reach by placing her on board a super-yacht traveling the South Pacific with the very man who once saved her life.
Bodyguard Tyler Whitehall has recovered from a shooting, although he no longer has any recall. Now running security for Whitehall Shipping, the last thing he expects on one of his super-yachts is for a woman to stir him on a physical and emotional level beyond his understanding.
Now Lydia must run from two men, evading a killer, and the man who’d die to keep her safe. It’s a decision which sees her undertaking re-identification, although her bodyguard has only just begun his pursuit…and Lydia may have underestimated the full extent of his abilities.
WITNESS PURSUIT ~~ Bodyguards Book One ~~ Romantic Suspense.
COMING ~~ January 6th 2014 with Lyrical Press NY.
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What a magical moment I had last Friday. WITNESS PURSUIT’s cover arrived from my publisher, which meant I spent the entire day printing off copies and pinning them around the house. Yep, no one could walk anywhere without seeing the image. So, huge thanks to Renee Rocco of Lyrical Press NY for her skilful hand at cover-art.
Witness Pursuit is book one in my BODYGUARDS series. This is an adult line of heart-pounding romantic suspense. Each story will bring you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. Stay tuned to the end of the post if you’d like to read a tantalizing excerpt. Really, stay tuned. You won’t want to miss it. 🙂
If you’d like to add WITNESS PURSUIT to your TBR list, the link is here-> Goodreads.
If you’d like to check out WITNESS PURSUIT’s trailer, I created it this weekend. Here it is for your viewing pleasure:
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Also, I have a wee request. This week PROTECTOR’s cover is in the You Gotta Read COVER CONTEST. I’m sooo excited about this. So, PLEEEASE, if you have a spare minute, could you click on the link below and vote for #10 PROTECTOR. (There’s actually another entry with a name very close to Protector’s, but mine is #10.) This is a great way for me to say thank you to the cover artist, Renee Rocco, who has designed every single one of my covers so far. She’s absolutely fabulous, and you guys rock with your support, which is why I thought I’d ask. Here’s the link for #10 PROTECTOR –> http://yougottaread.com/category/cover-contest/
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EXCERPT: (To whet your appetite.)
Down the super-yacht’s hallway, Lydia walked toward Tyler then slowed as her gaze dropped to her case in his hands. “What am I going to do with you?” She shook her head, tut-tutting under her breath.
“You’d already packed.” He slid a hand around her waist and led her to his room. “I’m simply moving your belongings from one room to another, and I’ll show you exactly what you can do with me.” He closed his bedroom door and flicked the lock.
She set her hands on her hips. “Ah, is that to keep me in, or others out?”
“Both.” He dumped her bag beside his drawers and unzipped it. “What did Saria say?”
“We had a long talk, and she said yes. She’ll let me go through re-identification first, and follow as soon as she sits her finals. They’re in just a few weeks.” She stepped up to him. “Ben will place my application tomorrow, although he said it might take a few days for all the arrangements to be made. He told me to hold tight and wait.”
Gritting his teeth, he opened his bottom drawer and piled her clothing in. “He approved of it all, this fast?” He’d have words with Ben. She should be with him.
“Of course. It was his idea to start with.” She gripped his arm. “I never said I’d move in with you, and now you’re unpacking for me?”
“Lee.” He dragged her into his arms. “I want you here, no matter the length of time.” He lifted her and laid her on his bed. Stealthily, he moved in to lie over top.
“I know you do. Oh, do you feel that? The ship’s moving.” Cranking her head to the side, she peered out the windows where the lights of the resort flickered.
“We’re sailing to the far side of the island. There’s a quiet cove, and it’ll be the safest place for you.”
“I hadn’t forgotten.” She slid her hand down his chest and played her fingers over the ridges of his abs under his shirt. “As long as we’re all safe, I can deal with it, for a short while.”
He lowered his forehead to hers. “Since you insist on going through re-identification, I need to be able to track you once you go under. I’m giving you fair warning now.”
“Ah, excuse me. That sounds highly illegal. The whole point of re-identification is so no one can find me.”
“Yes, but I’m not a threat to you, and only you and I will know what I’ve done.”
“And what will that be? Ex-act-ly?”
“By track, I mean I’ll place under your skin a very small tagged chip. It’s like a GPS system, but it’ll have a direct signal to me.”
“And…” Her gaze narrowed.
He rubbed his cheek against hers. “I’ll be able to check in with you, no matter where you are in the world. We can hardly have an exclusive relationship without there being some form of relationship.”
“Sooo, you’re asking me to go against the rules of re-identification?” She gave him a look that said she wasn’t going to agree.
“You’re very stubborn, but I happen to be twice as bad. Whether you agree or not, I’m going ahead with it.”
No one would take her from him. Not ever again.
He’d make certain of it.
–ooOoo–
I hope you enjoyed that. If you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I’d love to know what you think of the cover. It’s a HOT one for sure. I certainly love that twinkle in his eye, and that cheeky smile. 🙂
Today I’m introducing you to Mauao. Mauao is in fact New Zealand’s most famous mountain, and it sits right at the end of a peninsula and the town of Mount Maunganui. Here’s a picture for your viewing pleasure.
Gorgeous, isn’t it?
Lucky for me, I live a mere twenty minutes from this stunning location on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Which is the reason why I’m bringing you Mauao today.
Mauao is more commonly known as “The Mount” and sits around 761 feet above sea level. You can walk around the perimeter base track within forty minutes, or along any of the three separate tracks leading upward to the summit. You can hang-glide from the top or simply take a picnic and enjoy the wicked views.
Thankfully it’s an extinct volcano *wipes brow* and is considered very important or sacred by the local Māori iwi, featuring extensively in local mythology.
I find the mythology surrounding this mountain intriguing. You can literally translate Mauao to meaning “caught by the dawn.”
Today, I’m going to share with you the legend of Mauao, which is actually, and strangely, a romantic story. Just look between the lines and you’ll see the love lost, then the love regained.
So, here we go. The Legend of Mauao. I hope you enjoy.
In the ancient times of the Māori people there lived a nameless hill. He, the nameless one, sat alone in a discarded inland area and was slave to Otanewainuku, a most prestigious mountain in the nearby area of Tauranga. The nameless one desired the affection of Puwhenua and she was a nearby mountain of the forest and adorned with great beauty. But alas, her heart had already been won by Otanewainuku and the nameless one was distraught, deciding to take his own life by drowning in the sea known as the Pacific Ocean.
So, the nameless one called upon his companions, the fairy people who dwelt in the dark recesses of the forest. He knew they would help him in his ambition to end his life. When night fell, the fairy people laced the nameless one with dozens of ropes and heaved him from his inland area, gouging a valley as they tugged him toward the sea. Only upon their arrival at dawn, the sun’s rays lit up the summit of the nameless one and the fairy people had to retreat back to the depths of the forest or be seen, their actions fixing the nameless one to his place at the edge of the ocean. Thus Mauao’s name was born–he was “caught by the dawn.”
Now, how is this a love story? Well, Mauao now has the love of all New Zealand’s people, his standing far greater than his rival Otanewainuku’s could ever be as he sits so prestigiously at the end of a peninsula.
Gotta love that. I certainly hoped you enjoyed this little taste of New Zealand. Also, don’t forget, if you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I love, love hearing from you guys.
There’s something infinitely exciting about writing young adult books, and even better, adding the magical element of fantasy, along with some sensational romance. My Magio-Earth series is all about soul-bound mates, destined to be together, yet separated by the terrible war between their two nations.
Today, I’m participating in “Sneak Peek Sunday,” and that’s where I get to bring you a sneak peek excerpt from WARRIOR which releases on September 2nd. I hope you all enjoy the sneaky excerpt. The rules are, I can only post 6 paragraphs, so here they are below.
To set the scene Hope Wincrest is in the Outback of Australia, her Dralion people’s off-world station. She’s just met her soul-bound mate, Silas, and even though mated to him, she’s just discovered he’s from the enemy nation. Hope has just asked Silas to tell her more about her sister, Faith. She’s never met her, but her father has charged her with discovering all she can about her sister’s deadly skill, and all without coming into contact with her.
–ooOoo-
He grabbed my shoulders and I shivered at the delicious contact. It was expected, even though unwanted. Silas was my mate, the one my soul was bound to.
“Your sister survived the ordeal by mere minutes upon her return to her mate, Davio. She was gone for three days to Dralion and suffered physically while she was away. She must be in the same room as him to mind-merge, and without this connection, her body shut down. I witnessed the deterioration myself.” His blue gaze held mine, his hands warming my skin. “Her lungs filled with blood and she almost bled to death before my eyes. It was a gruesome sight. Once she merged, it took hours for her fast-healing ability to restore her. I would never wish to witness such a thing again.”
“I can’t imagine all you speak of. Continue, please.”
“When your sister mind-merges with my cousin, it’s not something she can hold back. Other than this, there’s nothing more I can tell you. You should go to your father for more. He is aware.”
Dad would know all of this because of his forethought. His request was not all it seemed. “I need more time to hear what you have to say.”
He stroked to the edges of my shoulders. “No. The mated bond builds fast and we can’t allow that to happen.”
–ooOoo–
If you want to check out some more fabulous excerpts from other writers, the full list of participants is right here – > Sneak Peek Sunday
Also, if you haven’t checked out book one in the series titled PROTECTOR, and you’d like to, the buy links are just below. Thanks for joining me, and don’t forget, if you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I love hearing from you guys. 🙂
