Question Box : Creating Characters

When creating a main character, is it better to start with a good girl/guy with a drop of "bad", or a bad girl/guy with a drop of "good"?

I have been pondering this question for three days now. First, that is way too much energy for my little brain to expend. Second, I have been so stuck I actually asked my husband for his opinion.

Seriously?

I am going to tackle this to the best of my ability. If the answer is convoluted I apologize :0)

I am guessing my struggle with this question comes from none of my characters being all good or all bad. Each individual has the potential for both extremes. Therein come the fun in playing with them. Pushing their limits and watching what happens. Personally, it is more fun to push a good character over the edge than making an evil character good.

My logic-- simple human nature leans toward good. No one is pure good, or angelic, there is always a sliver of bad in the foreground, that keeps them human.

Pure evil, all bad is much more accepted. Think about it, if someone is too good we automatically assume a screw is loose. No one is without darkness.

However, there are characters that are truly embraced because they are the essence of evil. Is this because in the bad we want to find the good or the other way around?

Some of the most romantic tales are those portraying true love conquering pure evil. A strength of emotion between two people blurring all lines and erasing all fear and doubt.

Now, so I can say I honestly answered the question. Is it better to start with one or the other? I say neither is preferred. It is all gray to me.  

Question Box : What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Remaining sane as a writer-- Wow, I am considered sane? Ummm…okay let me think about this. First you must have a sense of humor in regards to yourself and others. You cannot take yourself too seriously or you will crack before you even start to get any momentum.  Writing is as much about heartache and pain as it is about fulfillment and joy. You need to roll with the punches to get from one to the other, or you will burn out quickly.

You must have confidence in yourself and what you are doing.  If you do not have confidence in what you are writing, why would expect anyone else? Now there is a difference between confidence and arrogance. It is imperative that you know the difference. Confidence is pride in your work. You have done your best and want to share it with others because it is your heart and your love. Arrogance is sharing something because you believe it to be the best, and you are of the opinion that people will want to read it simply because it is superior in some regard.

Resilience is an absolute necessity. An artist’s life, whether you are a musician, writer, or painter, is a life filled with self doubt and rejection. It is the reality of a choice each of us makes.  Due to this you must be able to bounce back, rebound from disappointment, and start again. Not because you can, but because you must.

Another important attribute is the ability to be flexible, in your work, your choices and in your life in general. Life is not a straight line from beginning to end, and neither is writing. Things, ideas, and routes change, and you need to be able to change with them. This is imperative.  Being rigid has its rewards. However, rigid walls quickly turn into a box, closing off your muse and muting a plethora of possibilities. Flexibility is an asset, and should be used as such. The more flexible you are, the broader your horizons.

The Boy Scout motto is always be prepared. The muse will strike when least expected, and if you are not prepared brilliance can pass you by. Don’t think you can remember it all because you can’t.  So plan, prepare, and always be ready to hit the ground running.

Procrastination or Inspiration?

As a writer the easiest thing in the universe to do is procrastinate. 
You can find a billion reasons to not write.
Too tired, laundry is piling up, the bathroom needs to be cleaned, you need to go to the store, weeds need to be pulled, the fly buzzing around the room is too distracting, kids need me, too loud, too quiet, no inspiration. I have used them all.
Fortunately, I have broken out of the sticky web of procrastination. Not saying that I don’t fall back every now and again. However, I have realized that my procrastination will actually stall my creative flow. I am in essence putting my muse on mute. I have learned that if you keep it silent for too long, when you do turn the volume back up you will find nothing but silence.
I love people that tell you they are ‘working up to’ something. I have learned it is code for ‘I have no freaking idea what I am going to do’. But that’s okay. We have all been there, when the ideas and the flow seem just out of reach, so why waste time staring a blank screen? Why spend precious hours writing useless prattle? If the inspiration isn’t there, it just isn’t there…right?
See, here’s the thing… Staring at the blank screen, believe it or not, is not a waste of time. Writing gibberish does more than give you sore shoulders. These seemingly useless exercises can in fact amount to brilliance. How? Because you are doing it! You are focused on your task. You are allowing your mind to wander to all of those wonderful places where the kernels of inspiration collect. Given enough time and patience they will pop and you were soar!
I have said it a million times and I cannot stress it enough. The reason I do is because I don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance of brilliance! If you are going to write, than write! If you are going to write a song, write it! If you are going to conquer the world, get to work!
Someone once said that ‘Procrastination is the ruin of the brilliant man’. And while I am not going to go to that degree I will say that it is a slippery slope. So mind your balance and open the door for brilliance, it is waiting!

Ode to My BFF on Her Birthday

My BFF for the past eight years, and the rest of my mortal life’s name is Brenda. We met through work, which was odd in itself as I do not have the best track record with women in the workplace.  

That particular day, I was assisting my boss with some job interviews. Out of all the candidates, I was the most impressed with Brenda.  We thought alike and I saw something in her that told me she was different…special. That fateful meeting was the beginning of a wonderful and cherished friendship.

Brenda and work at the same company, but we are separated by job functions. We both have families and very busy lives. We can go for weeks without a word to each other but, eventually an ache appears, and we need a BFF fix. We pick up the phone schedule a long lunch and talk like we saw each other yesterday.

Every relationship requires attention, but sometimes you connect with someone on a deeper level. Brenda and I know each other better than we know ourselves. We keep each other focused, support the other no matter what, and love the other unconditionally.  We talk each other down, lift each other up and laugh until we cry as often as possible.

Recently, I sent her an email that began like this... “I am not sure if this is for me or for you. I feel like one or both of us need this so here goes…”

Any other friend would read that email and think I was losing it. My BFF knew what I was saying, doing, and accepted it. No questions, and no doubts.

We traded journal like emails everyday over two months.  It turns out that those two months were hell on both of us. We got through it together, as friends and I thank the heavens everyday that I have been so blessed to have her in my life.

The Almighty Crush (Hooray For Eye Candy) !!

One of my favorite things in the editing phase is character analysis. Most people do this before they start writing and then forget about it once complete. I started it before, add to it during and review it in the editing stages to ensure the character I see in my mind is that character coming out on the page. One of those items that is so important for reader connecting and general depth are the silly inane things that make us unique as individuals. One of these is, of course, the crush.

Crushes are something teenage girls have on movie stars, the local football jock, or the boy she sits next to in history with the dreamy smile.  The almighty crush is something of legend and by the time we age and become adults the crush shouldn’t be a word in our vocab right? When we think of a crush, it is defined as unrequited feelings for another.   In the world of adults it takes on a different tone, I believe Ross Geller from Friends called it his top five. It is perfectly normal for all of us, single or committed to be attracted in one form or another to other people. We are in fact human. It is also healthy to share these ‘crushes’ with your partner as they probably have them as well.

So here is my question, who does my character have a crush on. Who makes her giggle or him smile wide and bright. It is not necessarily a sexual crush, there are all kinds of crushes. Personally I have several.

Physical – Their body makes your body…uh huh… you are happy to have the movie on mute is just to see the rippling abs.

Romantic -  Not necessarily hot bodies but definitely dreamy, these crushes are more romantic fantasy than physical hotness.

Intellectual – Their brains get you riled up and you are just in love with their brilliance!

Same Sex – Someone of the same gender that we just drool over because they are so amazing.

As we all have these types of admiration for people so should our characters. I

discovered that my heroine has an intellectual crush on Anderson Cooper. I have an intellectual crush on Seth McFarlane, Physical crush on Bruce Willis and Romantic crushes on Daniel Craig, and George Clooney. My Female crush is on Ellen DeGeneres, I am just so enamored by her spirit. If you look at my choices and think about them you can probably discover a lot about me.

So who are your crushes? Too many to name? Spread them around a bit, share with your characters and weave it into what makes them unique! This is also another way to make your characters relatable, grounded and more real. You think this might be a wasted detail but you never know how something so buried could pop up in the end.

*And yes, I did this topic just so I could look up fabulous pictures of hot guys!! LOL!

The Rules of a Romance Novel

I am half way through the final book of The Curse Keepers Series by Denise Grover Swank and I am digging it. It is good so far. Action packed just like I like em. I love it when the characters have to work for their happy ending. 

Did you know, if a book does not have a happy ending is cannot be considered a romance? This is somewhat logical in form, but not all great romances have a happy ending. Look at Casablanca, if it is not a romance how else would you classify it? Or the story of Cleopatra, even Romeo and Juliet, neither of these have a happy ending but are still considered romantic in nature. One of my favorites, Camelot, one of the most romantic stories of all time is not considered a romance because Guinevere winds up in a convent, while Lancelot and Arthur go off to war.

Now if we really want to analyze the structure of modern day romance, let’s talk about LGTB romance. Many times these titles are not even categorized as romance. They are subjugated and broken off into their own little genres, happy ending or not.

Another rule is the “only have eyes for you” scenario, there cannot be another love interest in the story so that eliminates the love triangle.

Another apparent rule, that I was surprised about, is POV, apparently we shouldn’t care what the hero thinks as the POV of the heroine is the focus. Personally I am going to snark at this rule, as I am a reader who likes to know what is going on in the hero’s head. I want to know that he is holding back and why or that he is pining for her. That to me is one of the best parts of a romance novel. What is not said between the two characters and that only the reader knows.

I know, I know, how I dare snub my nose to the romance gods! Well, sorry, I am a reader and a writer. I write what I want to read. Sometimes it includes the “rules” and sometimes it doesn’t.

True love doesn’t always play by the rules, why should I?

The Zombieland of Book Titles

So I was watching Zombieland, great movie, and I was inspired! If you have never seen the movie, zombies have taken over the country and four survivors meet and travel together, kicking serious zombie ass. The main character makes this list, the rules of how to survive Zombieland. So I thought why not make the ‘rules’ of picking a book title.

Okay here we go, in particular order, feel free to add on…

Don’t be cliché but don’t be too abstract - One of my pet peeves is when a book has a title that says one thing and content that is another. You can always tell when someone is overly dramatic with the title…you know what I am talking about.

Google it before you choose it – perfect example, my first book is entitled Serenity Lost. Well there are several challenges here, apparently there is a rock band by that name. There is also the television show Serenity. So every time you type in Serenity Lost all of this other stuff comes up. Then there is the second book, Veiled Deception, yeah…there is another book with the exact same name and by a bigger author. Suck!

Hook ‘em – Your title is as important as the blurb or the cover itself. It needs to grab attention and work with the cover to make you want to pick up the book.

Don’t pull your hair out, it will come – picking a title can be one of the most frustrating parts of the process. Sometimes I have the title before the book, other times the book remains untitled until the very last moment. Either way, you will find it, and sometimes in the most unexpected ways. It is different for everyone.

Make sure you love it – It is your book, your name, your heart and soul. Do not skimp on the name. It is a representation of your work. (no pressure or anything…lol!)

Be prepared to change it – It will happen. You will have the PERFECT title and then someone says no. Or you have to take the one book and make it into three. This has happened to me twice now! Lol! Trust Me turned into Serenity Lost, Veiled Deception, & Jaded Promises. Dead Air turned into Shockwave, Backlash, & Fallout.

All of this is nothing you don’t already know. Writing a book is not an easy thing to create and build. It takes blood, sweat, tears, passion, and heart. Number one rule, above everything else, go with your gut it will never do you wrong.

For Fun -- Baby It's Cold Outside

Baby, It's Cold Outside 

I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside

I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside

This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in

So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice

My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, what's your hurry?

Father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar

So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry

Maybe just a half a drink more - Put some records on while I pour

The neighbors might think - Baby, it's bad out there

Say, what's in this drink? - No cabs to be had out there

I wish I knew how - Your eyes are like starlight now

To break this spell - I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell

I ought to say no, no, no - Mind if I move in closer?

At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense in hurting my pride?

I really can't stay - Baby don't hold out

Ah, but it's cold outside

I've got to get home - Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there

Say, lend me your coat - It's up to your knees out there

You've really been grand - Thrill when you touch my hand

Why don't you see - How can you do this thing to me?

There's bound to be talk tomorrow - Think of my life long sorrow

At least there will be plenty implied - If you caught pneumonia and died

I really can't stay - Get over that hold out

Ah, but it's cold outside

Oh, baby, it's cold outside

Oh, baby, it's cold outside

written by Frank Loesser in 1944

Frank Loesser (June 29, 1910 – July 28, 1969) was an American songwriter who wrote the lyrics and music to the Broadway hits Guys and Dolls and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, among others. He won separate Tony Awards for the music and lyrics in both shows, as well as sharing the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the latter. He also wrote numerous songs for films and Tin Pan Alley, many of which have become standards, and was nominated for five Academy Awards for best song, winning once, for "Baby, It's Cold Outside".

The Sky’s the Limit for Superheroes

A common saying for those who are driven to do all they can. The ambitious of the species often live by the saying, and theoretically it is true. Theoretically. As an author I am always pushing myself to be ahead of the curve, to not rest on my lollies, and keep moving. I am all about momentum. I know if I want to be a success there is never going to be a time where there is nothing to do. There are always new opportunities for growth and if you do not grab them when they appear you will miss out.  I think we all live by the same philosophy but then there is reality. I am human. You are human and there are only so many hours in the day. So many projects one can work on until things fall apart.

I got an email with an amazing opportunity this evening. One that I would gladly hop on to if I had the time to commit to it. Unfortunately, there is no way, with my current schedule of projects. I must say I am really disappointed as I would have loved to been a part of such an amazing opportunity. Not only to sell books, but to work with someone I really respect. So much so, I want to send them an email stating how much I want to participate. 

So is this an opportunity lost? It might feel like it right now, but I have to trust in the choices I have already made.

Could I try to do it by spreading myself so thin that I lose my mind and then fail miserably? Sure but I do not want to do that. If I were to sign on to this project (or attempt to, there is no guarantee that they would even accept me) I would want to give it 110% and I just do not have that much to give.

Sometimes it is better to walk away and this is a hard thing to learn. Sometimes you have to just say no, because it is not the right time. I don’t want to say no, I personally want to do it all! I admit it, I want to do it all, but I can’t. No matter how much I want to be superwoman, I am not.

If I build it they will come – If I keep steady and move forward the opportunities will come and next time I might be able to grab it.

Everything happens for a reason there is a purpose to everything and I need to trust that and myself.

A Little Girl's Dream

The dream of every little girl is to be a ballerina, a flawless porcelain fairy with a beautiful flowing dress, gliding across the stage as if she were enchanted. I remember the first ballet I went to see with my mother, Coppelia. It was wonderful, beautiful, and amazing. I recently took my own daughter to the ballet, and was fortunate to experience the dream again through her eyes.

The vision of a ballerina is one of exquisiteness, strength, and grace. Digging a little deeper, there is also focus, an enduring commitment, and tenacity. The drive it takes to pursue the mastering of the ballet is a seemingly impossible conquest. Amongst the most competitive, most difficult, fickle, dangerous, and short lived accomplishments there is in the world, the title of Prima Ballerina, or Prima Ballerina Assoluta, is a title earned, not given. Originally inspired by the Italian ballet masters of the early Romantic Ballet, the title was bestowed on a ballerina who was considered to be exceptionally talented, above the standard of other leading ballerinas. (For some, Prima Ballerina Assoluta is apparently the second rank to the ‘principle’ title of the Royal Ballet, though not nearly as romantic)

The simple, flawless, feminine grace of the ballerina is the most defining. A woman’s steel is her emotional and physical strength, flexibility, allure, grace, presence, and charisma. This list of qualities is what we all strive for in our lives, and one of the most important abilities of a ballerina is the power of balance, both figuratively and literally. Anything worth doing is worth doing with your whole heart, but there must be balance. Where you have physical strength, you must have health. To maintain emotional strength there must be Zen, a place of calm where focus rules and the wilds of the world disappear.

From the moment she could walk my daughter has loved to dance. She has been enrolled in dance school since she was five and has strived to be the best in her class. I am so very proud of her and in thinking of this post a conversation I had with her came to mind. All women should strive to be ballerinas, and the prima-ballerina is the strongest of the breed. Some think it is a girly, non-women promoting statement, but I think the biggest compliment someone could ever give me is that I am a prima-ballerina.

Perhaps we should find the ballerina doll, picture, music box, or snow globe, we have tucked away in a forgotten box and dust her off. She is beautiful, fragile, inspiring, romantic, and the fantasy of the little girl we once were and the women we are.

Here are some wonderfully inspiring quotes about ballerinas…enjoy!

    ~In life, as in the dance, grace glides on blistered feet.

    ~It doesn't matter where you are on the stage, just as long as you're there.

   

   ~Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt and dance like nobody's watching.

   ~Ballet technique is arbitrary and very difficult. It never becomes easy--it becomes possible.