RWA Blog interview: Michelle Beattie

Posted another interview on the RWA blog. This time it's with Michelle Beattie www.romanceaustralia.wordpress.com

Btw, I'm taking a break from writing, so the blog will be a wee bit quiet for a while.

Happy writing and reading, everyone!

My Interview with Erin Grace

Just posted another interview on the RWA blog. This time it's with Erin Grace, and includes a book giveaway.

Please check it out at www.romanceaustralia.wordpress.com.

My Interview with Michelle Douglas

Forgot to post a link to the RWA blog where I interviewed Harlequin Romance author, Michelle Douglas. Such a lovely lady! Please check it out and make a comment.

Preschool plus a perve-fest (not related topics, and yes, it's a terrible blog post title)

Today is the day my little miss started pre-school. She's not a bubba anymore, and I'm feeling both sad and happy that she's growing up *sob*.

Because she's at preschool I can catch up on all the things I haven't done for a while, such as blogging. I don't have much to share as I've been blogging at the RWA blog a lot, but I thought I'd share this cracker of a pic of Hugh "my eyebrows have a life of their own" Jackman, and Daniel "The mo' with the mostest" Craig.

They're performing in a Broadway show (which I expect would be awesome with women passing out and drooling all over the theatre). Must say Daniel's moustache is rather icky and needs to be removed ASAP, but Hugh looks luscious, as usual. Yummo.

Let's hope they bring the show to Sydney. What I'd pay to see them duke it out or run across the stage in board shorts *sigh*. A girl can dream :-)

Mon's Conference Highlights at the RWA Blog

Just posted some highlights on the RWA blog. I have a different blog entry to post here on my personal blog (with more juicy bits *wink*), but I haven't had the time to finish it.

So go to romanceaustralia.wordpress.com to check it out. I've also blogged some pics at bootcampers109.blogspot.com if you haven't already seen them.

My Interview with Bronwyn Jameson

Hey all,

Just popping in to let you know about my interview with the lovely Bronwyn Jameson. Please drop by, have a read, and make a comment to show your support of the RWA blog and our authors.

Go to http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/author-spotlight-bronwyn-jameson/.

Thanks!

:-) Mon

A little pick-me-up for new writers

Saw this blog post today, and had to share the link with you.

It was an interesting read now that I'm stuck in the middle of an ms that doesn't like being edited. I was going great guns yesterday, but today... well, it's not going so well.

There's always tomorrow *sigh*.

Btw, I just blogged over at the Bootcampers 109 blog, so please drop by for a visit.

Playing Catchup

Hello everyone in the blogosphere!

The school holidays are finally over, so it's back to writing, editing, blogging, tweeting etc. I have SO MUCH to catch up on, it's not funny. I already have a headache today, so that can't be good. Where's a hunky hero to massage my neck when I need it?! Lol.

Anyway, just a quick post to let you all know about the new Romance Writers of Australia blog which I'm involved with. It's at www.romanceaustralia.wordpress.com. Please drop by and make a comment/share your thoughts and ideas, as we'd love to hear from RWA members (as well as non members who are interested in the romance genre).

Take care,
:-) Mon

Feedback from Judging the VPA

Recently I was involved in judging the first round of the Valerie Parv Award. It was my first taste of judging (having entered a number of competitions), and it was an eye-opening experience.

I must say I was lucky enough to receive a broad selection of entries, each with their own strengths, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. The standard was extremely high, and I may very well volunteer to judge again next year (if I'm needed).

Well, yesterday I received a note in the mail from one of the entrants I judged. I was such a nice surprise to see the anonymous note from the writer thanking me for the feedback I gave. I won't go into detail about what else they said (just in case the entrant works out who I am!) but I was honoured to receive such a nice note. It made my day.

If you're given the opportunity to judge a competition, I highly recommend it. Not only do you learn a lot about your own writing, but you can share advice and encourage another writer to continue following their dream. We all need encouragement and constructive criticism, so to be able to do that for someone is worth the effort.

Have a great day,
:-) Mon

Editing Update

Songs on my iPod: Magic by Olivia Newton-John (Xanadu Soundtrack) & Hopelessly Devoted to You by Olivia Newton-John (Grease Soundtrack)

I’ve been in a bit of an editing slump over the last week or so. You know, the kind where you can’t stand the sight of your manuscript, and no matter how much you try, you can’t get it look any better than a sheet of toilet paper (I won’t say whether I mean before or after use, but you get the drift).

Err… apologies for the bad imagery… anyway, I wasn’t getting very far. Going round and round in circles, words a big blur, blah, blah. Much like this blog post. ANYWAY, over the last couple of days, things have started to click. I’m suddenly starting to see things clearly, and what I’ve got isn’t half bad. It’s actually pretty good (if I do say so myself!), so I’m rather chuffed.

It makes me feel warm and fuzzy to have something workable that’s working well under the harsh cuts of editing. My biggest concern is that I’ve cut out a lot of back story, and I wonder whether I’ve chopped a little too much. I know the story, and the motivations of my characters. Will it translate well enough now I’ve sliced and diced the back story?

My hero is starting to appear more well rounded, and I’m not sure if my heroine still appears a little neurotic, but I’m working on her. I adore them both, and really want readers to do the same. If I can make that happen, I’ll have achieved my goal.

Btw, I must make a big confession. I can just picture the knowing looks on your faces as you read this, but having no internet connection for a large portion of the last couple of days has been a blessing. I haven’t been able to Google, Facebook, Twitter and do stupid quizzes like I usually do, giving me more writing time. Doesn’t mean I’ll give up those addictions now that Telstra have fixed the problem. Hell no! Procrastination rocks!

Take care everybody,

:-) Mon

Romance for Smart People

Just popped into blogland to paste this link to a Romantic Times article http://www.romantictimes.com/2009/07/is-romance-for-smart-people.php. It's well worth a read for those of us who are sick of defending the genre and our need to read/write it.

Romance writers and readers are not fools. If only some people out there would stop treating us that way!

Happy reading, writing and editing to all my romance loving friends :-)

A Month Until the Conference...

Today it's exactly a month until the Romance Writers of Australia's National conference. I just wrote a quick blog post about this at the Bootcampers 109 blog today http://bootcampers109.blogspot.com/2009/07/countdown-to-conference.html

Please check it out! Off to entertain the kids as it's school holidays...

:-) Mon

The correlation between writing and renovating

As some of you may already know, I’m 18 months into a fairly major renovation of my home. It’s a massive job, and we're undertaking it as owner builders. We still live in the house with our two children as the work goes on around us, so you can imagine it’s a tad stressful (I’m sure my blood pressure would be high if they tested me right now!).

I was thinking about the connection between writing and building. I’m a pantser, so my planning is a bit sketchy when I start a manuscript, but many writers I know (such as my CP) like to create detailed plans prior to beginning a new manuscript. It’s rather like designing the architectural plans and doing research before construction – you need to know where you’re going before you start, and where you’d like to be at the end.

When it comes to constructing the story, writers must be aware of publisher guidelines so they can target the right lines or publisher. Similarly, when it comes to building, there are council rules builders need to be familiar with before work begins. There’s no point designing elaborate plans without a solid knowledge of what is actually allowed in the council area you reside. And budget limits – like word count limits – dictate how the project can progress.

Manuscripts also have a way of taking unexpected detours when ideas begin to flow, and story development begins. That’s when editing or revisions comes in to play – it can all be tidied up at a later date. Even the most organised of writers can’t prevent modifications to their plot as the story develops, so some flexibility is required. Once building/renovation begins, it can get rather messy as well. In order to create something brilliant, the work site can become overloaded, or problems arise, despite attempts to keep things orderly. Builders/homeowners need to accept changes may occur to the original designs, and there isn’t much they can do about it.

Once the writer begins to breathe life into the characters, things begin to click into place. The story unfolds in such a way that the picture begins clearer, and the bones of the story are fleshed out to the point it becomes interesting. Likewise, when the frame of a house goes up, and then the bricks (or similar façade) are added, you begin to see the potential of the home – the builder/architect/homeowner’s vision is being realised.

As writers, we are constantly told our ‘voice’ is what makes up unique. The way in which we express ourselves and tell our story is what makes us stand out from the rest – we can be inspired by others, but need to strive for our own style. Similarly, when it comes to building or decorating, homeowners can make their homes different and unique during the design, construction and fit out phases of the project. The result is their home is a statement of who they are and reflects their personality and tastes. Whether others like it or not is another matter entirely!

As you can see, there are many connections between writing and building/renovating. I’m sure there are more I haven’t considered, but I need to go off and confirm an order of cornices in preparation for the plasterers this week. Writing has to take a back seat at the moment, but I’m hoping next week will mean more time for editing my current WIP.

Ciao, for now!

:-) Mon

Hunky and a humanitarian!

I've been very slack of late when it comes to reporting on the hunkalicious Hugh Jackman. I know I have a reputation to uphold when it comes to delivering news about Australia's hottest export, and I haven't been delivering. Naughty, naughty me!

Well, news just came in yesterday that Hugh is now joining the fight against poverty by becoming a representative for Australia at the UN. Hugh has pledged support for the Global Poverty Project, and people are being asked to make a pledge in the fight to end world poverty.

I'm fulfilling one of my pledges by letting you all know about this. So go ahead! Make a pledge :-)

Enthusiasm!

I found this article on enthusiasm, and thought I'd share it with you all.

Nine Characteristics of Enthusiastic People

Author: Ineke Van Lint

Enthusiasm is passion. Enthusiasm is living your dream. Enthusiasm is a divine energy you will feel as a reward for pursuing your dreams and staying on your own path.

Someone who is earnestly looking for his mission, discovers it and lives it, will organize his entire life around this divine assignment. This person offers his talents to the world, betters his environment, adds his personal value to it, and ends up happy and satisfied.

The characteristics below help you recognize this person (or become one yourself!) :

1. Enthusiasm is the most obvious feature. This person lives live fully, enjoys every moment, and lives in the present, radiating a lot of self-confidence. He knows he is valid part of the universe and feels appreciated and guided.

2. This person possesses a special driving force that guides her through the roadblocks. He has access to an endless source of energy that lifts him above the masses. His energy level is much higher than average. People can notice he is being lifted up by a kind of light beam. He is very engaged, travels lightly and makes a delicate impression. He is convinced that any roadblocks can be overcome. Nothing stops him.

3. This person easily makes choices. There is something guiding the course of his life, namely his mission, which he uses as a road map to find out where to go next and with whom. He can tell good company from bad company, unimportant matters from important matters. He doesn’t lose himself in irrelevant details but remains focused on his mission. He is guided by his inner voice, his intuition.

4. He dares to take risks. He has the courage to finish the projects he started. He has the energy and wisdom to concretely manifest his ideas.

5. He possesses an extraordinary creativity, inspiring those people around him. He has the ability to create and produce. He is capable of manifesting his thoughts: what is an idea today will become real within a few months or even earlier. He makes full use of his resources. He fully realizes his psychological and spiritual potential.

6. This person has a mysterious charisma. People like to be near him, enjoy his high energy level and feel invigorated afterwards. People pick up some wisdom from him and feel better after meeting him.

7. He has an unwavering faith in the universe and in himself, as he too is part of this universe. He is aware of spiritual law and lives according to them, consciously or unconsciously. He understands how his dreams and passions are the engine of his evolution and he knows the universe is organized such that it meets his needs. First and foremost he listens to his heart and follows its directions with faith and conviction.

8. This person exhibits a high level of dedication, gets fully engaged, and knows the universe to be his biggest and best partner. He has a clear vision of his goal, does not get distracted, and uses his energy entirely towards the manifestation of his dreams. When he experiences fear, it does not paralyze him, but doubles his devotion. He knows fear is something you have to go through, he focuses on what is more important than his fear, and for this he can count on his inner strength and guidance.

9. He is original in his approach and experiences total freedom while fulfilling his mission. He is aware of the fact that he is the co-creator of his life. He is not being lived, not warming the bench, not being afraid of what’s going to hit him next. On the contrary, he reflects about his future and takes all necessary action to effectively realize his desired future.

Someone who has found his mission and takes it to heart is someone who has deciphered the secret code of the soul. And he receives the corresponding gifts: a great deal of enthusiasm, an extraordinary creativity and deep satisfaction. He accepts these gifts gracefully and gratefully, and generously offers them to other people who cross his path. He is a shining light in the life of those who are so happy to have met him.

Join the enthusiastics yourself! Become a person happy to get out of bed in the mroning, ready to go on with your mission. It’s all about finding your passion and living it out! Get out of this life of misery, do what you like, do what feels good, have faith and start finally living your real life!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/nine-characteristics-of-enthusiastic-people-106285.html

About the Author:
Written by Ineke Van Lint, psychologist. Find your passion and boost your life with enthusiasm. Live your life your way, full of joy and abundance . A brand new free ebook on htpp:// www.theenthusiasm.com

Perfection Personified

Song on my iPod: Pretty Brown Eyes by Mint Condition

My current hero is quite a handsome devil (as most romantic heroes are). He's physically beautiful with a face made for GQ magazine, and body made for all sorts of naughty stuff *swoon*.

Although the package is perfect, he has internal flaws (of course). But I'm having a bit of dilemma. I'm wondering if I need to make him MORE flawed, and add a bit of a physical imperfection, otherwise he may be too perfect for readers.

I'm not talking a lump on his back like Quasimodo, but maybe a scar on his chest from throwing knives around in the boardroom? Or from a romp in the hay that went horribly wrong when he landed on a pitchfork? Maybe a stiletto was embedded in his chest after he ditched a lover, and now there's a dent in his rippling pectorals?

The question I ask is this: do you mind a physically perfect hero, with loads of internal scars/imperfections? Or do prefer a physically imperfect hero with battle scars, a whopping great tattoo or a third nipple?! Lol.

RIP Farrah and Michael

Song on my iPod: PYT by Michael Jackson

I'm still busy editing, but had to blog about the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.


It was incredibly sad to hear the reports of Farrah's illness, and her slow demise. Farrah was best known for her role in Charlie's Angels (and for her fabulous locks!), but she was also a mother and the much loved partner of Ryan O'Neal. Apparently, Farrah and Ryan were to wed before she died, but it never came to be. How heartbreaking.


And what can I say about Michael Jackson? I must admit I was in quite a bit of shock this morning when I heard the news. I've been a big fan of Michael's since I was a child, and the first album I ever bought was Thriller. I also had a bit of a crush on him during the Thriller days before all that plastic surgery, and I regret never seeing him perform live.

My children are also fans of his songs, and my son enjoys watching Michael's dance moves and video clips on the web. I'm a little concerned about how he'll react to the news of his death, and hope he handles it well. It was a hot topic of discussion at the playground today, so who knows what will be said amongst the kids?

Michael's life was disturbing and tragic in parts, but his talent will be recognised and celebrated for many years to come. I'm also extremely sorry for his children, and hope their lives are less troubled than their father's.

RIP, Farrah and Michael.

Editing Update

I'm in the process of editing my manuscript. It appears to involve painful amounts of chopping and rewriting (you know what I mean!).

I decided to do a bit of research into the most effective ways to self edit, and came up with the following links. Hope they're of use to you as well:

• http://www.eclectics.com/articles/selfediting.html
  
• http://www.barbaradawsonsmith.com/selfedit.html
  
• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Write-Tight---Self-Editing-Tips-to-Make-Your-Manuscript-Ready-For-Publication&id=2410394
  
• http://home.earthlink.net/~jdc24/selfEdit.htm
  
• http://www.bookdoctor.com.au/self-editingchec.html
  
• http://www.literary-liaisons.com/article025.html

I apologise for being a bit lazy with my blogging of late, but I'm quite preoccupied with editing. Really struggling to wrestle my manuscript into some sort of decent shape, but I'm determined to tame it and make it shine :-)

Blogs/Website of interest...

I'm having a very busy weekend this weekend, but popped in to post some links to two great blog posts and a website I've just looked at.

The first is from an agent, and talks about conferences http://www.thebentagency.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=60. Very timely info for those of us attending the RWAust conference, and for anyone pitching to an agent.

Jenny Hutton has again listed the hero character traits required for Harlequin lines. Check it out at http://www.iheartpresents.com/2009/06/mills-boon-editors-hero-checklist/.

Lastly, there's been some discussion on our loop with regards to the differences between the Harlequin lines. Someone posted this link to Ally Blake's website http://www.allyblake.com/writingtips-sexyvssweet.html which makes the differences between sweet/sexy/sexy sensation very clear. I wish I'd seen this before my e-pitch, but never mind!

Well, off I go to do some housework. Not very exciting, but much needed in the Wood house :-)

Enter The Parrot - Lock up your daughters, TF and Cedric are here!

Song on my iPod: Sweet Dreams by Beyonce

I've just finished reading Kiki Lon's Enter the Parrot which will be released by the Wild Rose Press this Week. It's YA fiction, which isn't what I normally read (or write, for that matter), and I must say I was blown away by how brilliant it was!

It's a tale about Jade, a girl from a Chinese family. But there's a twist: she's white. Or as she puts it "I'm the white girl in the Wong family." The premise is funny, and it leads to a bit of chaos when Jade has to do some detective work on behalf of her grandfather. She deals with missing parrots, kung fu, mysterious messages, secret societies, cultural confusion and nasty high school students a long the way.

I loved the character, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about her escapades. Jade is tough yet sweet, and just trying to get through school unscathed. But her life isn't simple, especially when she has two hero hotties to choose from - TF, the bad boy, and Cedric, the golden boy. I can understand why she fancies both of them, and I imagine many young readers will fall in love with them as well.

The girls at the We Love Ya blog are discussing the book this week, so check it out at http://weloveya.wordpress.com/. And if you know of any teenage girls, make sure you get them a copy, because they'll love it!

I wish Kiki the best of luck with the book, and look forward to a sequel. Not that there's one planned, as far as I know. But the book has unresolved matters, so I'd really like to see how crazy Jade's life will become. Hint, hint, Kiki! :-)