There have been outstanding alpha female characters in fiction (commercial and literary) since the dawn of time. But I happen to believe this is a great time in the commercial fiction world to develop and craft outstanding leading ladies.
In fiction - especially romance- we've heard the term Alpha Male for years. It usually refers to the male lead (hero) who is an opinionated, take charge, 'my way or the highway' sort of character. He knows what he wants and (he thinks) he knows how to
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Giving Thanks For Retired Greyhounds
When we decided a greyhound was the perfect wedding present for ourselves nearly 20 years ago, I had no idea it would turn into a habit that blessed every day of our marriage and growing family. Here on Saturdays, I've posted about furniture habits, greyhound joys and the greyhound puppy alphabet, but I don't believe I've ever publicly thanked my greys or the people in rescue groups that make sure greyhound adoption continues to thrive.
There was the vet who was doing spays and neuters
There was the vet who was doing spays and neuters
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Day! We're ready for our traditional viewing of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, followed by another perfect turkey provided by my husband (he's an excellent cook!)
Wow! Today is so special, though I try to live with a spirit of gratitude in every season. I'll post my thank you's here so the turkey doesn't get cold while I ramble on at dinnertime!
I'm always thankful for the support of my husband and children and this year they've put up with more than the usual as
Wow! Today is so special, though I try to live with a spirit of gratitude in every season. I'll post my thank you's here so the turkey doesn't get cold while I ramble on at dinnertime!
I'm always thankful for the support of my husband and children and this year they've put up with more than the usual as
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Many Thanks To Paranormal Romance Readers!
I love the holidays and not just because of the treats that start at Halloween and the feasting that continues through New Year's Day. This time of year is for family and fun and simple relaxation. At least for me.
I've had to make a lot of changes this year and one of the keys to maintaining my sanity through the stupid back injury and prognosis has been to adjust my priorities and expectations. This occasionally works and translates into me enjoying life more and stressing out
I've had to make a lot of changes this year and one of the keys to maintaining my sanity through the stupid back injury and prognosis has been to adjust my priorities and expectations. This occasionally works and translates into me enjoying life more and stressing out
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Moral Support Among Adopted Greyhounds
I've posted a bunch about the love, affection and rewards of adopting greyhounds. But I've been remiss in not sharing how our greys show their support and love for each other as well as the various fosters who travel through.
We call it moral support. Others might refer to it as mooching, but I prefer to keep it positive.
Let's say Brody has to have his foot washed, bandaged and protected again in the boot of shame. For cooperating with us, we'll give him a treat when it's all over. Boo,
We call it moral support. Others might refer to it as mooching, but I prefer to keep it positive.
Let's say Brody has to have his foot washed, bandaged and protected again in the boot of shame. For cooperating with us, we'll give him a treat when it's all over. Boo,
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Voice Is The Essential Element Of Paranormal Romance Novels
This month I've been teaching an online workshop for the Lowcountry RWA chapter on 'writing a synopsis that sells' and I've re-discovered the magic of voice. The group ranges from newbie to published authors in genres from historical to paranormal romance novels. They are fabulous!
I think synopsis is a word that causes fear in most writers - I know it did for me. And what pulled me clear of my irrational reaction (hives, tantrums, candy binges) was doing some editing for a dear friend of
I think synopsis is a word that causes fear in most writers - I know it did for me. And what pulled me clear of my irrational reaction (hives, tantrums, candy binges) was doing some editing for a dear friend of
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
It's Your Reality When World Building For Paranormal Romance Novels
What's your reality? No really. Your reality may be quite different from your co-workers, neighbors or even family members. (as a paranormal romance reader or writer, I'd bet good money on it). Knowing your personal world view is key when you're world building for your paranormal romance novel.
Think about it: for a child, it takes forever for the days, weeks, and months to tick by until the last day of school, a birthday, or Christmas arrives. For the parent of that child, the days slide by
Think about it: for a child, it takes forever for the days, weeks, and months to tick by until the last day of school, a birthday, or Christmas arrives. For the parent of that child, the days slide by
Sunday, November 14, 2010
An Adopted Greyhound Tribute To Thera-paws
From Brody, the eldest of the adopted greyhounds in our home:
I'm not so sure what a tribute is, but Momma says it's my turn to blog. <grumble> No one told me blogging was part of retirement, but if it makes my momma happy, I'll go with it. (she controls the treats, y'know)
Would've been nice if she'd let me blog about something I like...Like tennis balls. Those are simply the best to romp and run with. And I can pop them with my super jaw strength. (Momma says that's my unique
I'm not so sure what a tribute is, but Momma says it's my turn to blog. <grumble> No one told me blogging was part of retirement, but if it makes my momma happy, I'll go with it. (she controls the treats, y'know)
Would've been nice if she'd let me blog about something I like...Like tennis balls. Those are simply the best to romp and run with. And I can pop them with my super jaw strength. (Momma says that's my unique
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
When Friends Are The World Building For Paranormal Romance
Call me sentimental as we rush headlong toward the holidays, but I just have to pay homage to two top authors for the way they use friends and family to create a whole world in their novels.
In my opinion, Julia Quinn and Nora Roberts have a knack for writing family, friends, and friends that become family. It's not easy to juggle a large cast of perfectly flawed individuals and make us love all of them. Part of it is voice, part of it is talent, and part of it must simply be how these
In my opinion, Julia Quinn and Nora Roberts have a knack for writing family, friends, and friends that become family. It's not easy to juggle a large cast of perfectly flawed individuals and make us love all of them. Part of it is voice, part of it is talent, and part of it must simply be how these
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Alpha Female Quote For Paranormal Romance Writers
In the history of American business, I count Mary Kay Ash as one serious alpha female. No matter what you think of the company or the product, the woman herself was incredible, unstoppable and completely in command of her goals.
“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important'.” Mary Kay Ash (1918–2001)
This quote is key to the way she built her business and developed her relationships. On the one occasion when I met
“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important'.” Mary Kay Ash (1918–2001)
This quote is key to the way she built her business and developed her relationships. On the one occasion when I met
Saturday, November 6, 2010
We Who Adopt Greyhounds Like Routine Too
Apparently the dogs aren't the only creatures of habit in our home. On our trip north for a college visit, my daughter and I had a marvelous time. The visit was a bust and you can't pay her to attend the college, but we enjoyed fabulous scenery and great conversation.
We also discovered how much we miss the dogs. We met a couple of adorable dogs traveling with their people as we moved to a new hotel every night, but it wasn't the same as spending time with our own adopted greyhounds.
It's
We also discovered how much we miss the dogs. We met a couple of adorable dogs traveling with their people as we moved to a new hotel every night, but it wasn't the same as spending time with our own adopted greyhounds.
It's
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Friends In World Building For Paranormal Romance Novels
Friends are usually a key part of our everyday lives, whether we work in solitary fields (like most paranormal romance writers), or we have day jobs with an abundance of coworkers. Friends are important regardless of family dynamics or background. So it's a natural extension that friends matter in the books we read too.
For me as a reader when the characters, setting, and plot come together to form a seamless world, I sink into the adventure, paranormal romance novel, thriller, or historical
For me as a reader when the characters, setting, and plot come together to form a seamless world, I sink into the adventure, paranormal romance novel, thriller, or historical
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Friendship Elements of Paranormal Romance Novels
Friendship is a key element in the lives of most people...truthfully a person isn't emotionally healthy if they are always alone and apart from a community. But lessons from a gothic novel will have to wait for another day - today I'm focused on friendships as an element of paranormal romance novels.
As a reader, a book is most satisfying when we watch the character grow and change over the course of events, circumstances, and crisis resolution. Paranormal novels add in the extra layer of
As a reader, a book is most satisfying when we watch the character grow and change over the course of events, circumstances, and crisis resolution. Paranormal novels add in the extra layer of
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