Friday, October 24, 2014

DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT



It’s not productive to dwell on you weak points. As a writer, you can polish your skills with a few helpful hints.
If dialogue is your weak suit, study your favorite author’s novels and see how they handle it. Activate text to talk on your computer and have your dialogue read back to you. If you want more information on 'how too,' post a comment on my fan page. https://www.facebook.com/joycewritesromance/
Does your dialogue sound stilted, or is it how you want your characters to speak? Don’t get carried away with dialogue tags. I cringe when I read: He said nervously or she said nastily. You just told the reader the emotion you want to relay. Instead, show them.
How was your male character nervous? Did he tap his fingers when he spoke? Did he tug at his necktie or shirt collar? Raise up on his toes? How about your nasty female character? Did she glare? Cut off the speaker in mid-sentence? Raise her chin? Your reader will get the message by showing instead of telling.
Break up you narrative with dialogue and break up you dialogue with narrative. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Fiction readers like to see white space, otherwise it’s like reading a manual.
Keep your story moving. Cut out the scenes that slow down the plot. Sprinkle back-story throughout your novel, don’t subject your reader to pages of past history.
Lastly, end each chapter with a hook. A sentence that says, read on. 
"Then the phone rang." Hopefully the reader will want to read the next chapter to see who is calling. 

"She settled into bed when she heard the doorknob rattle." Is it the wind, a burglar or the cat jumping on the door? etc, 
I hope this proves helpful.
My latest eBook, MISPLACED, by Joyce Brennan is available on Amazon.com. Discover what happens to Gilda Scarlotta after she witnesses her parents murder by a mob hit-man.
It's romance, adventure all set in middle America.


Friday, October 10, 2014

THE HIDDEN JOURNAL

In the heart of Kentucky, Jenna Mitchell finds a home, embarks upon a new career and becomes engaged to the handsome Drew Kelsey. Wedding plans are in the works when Jenna discovers an old journal in an antique desk that discredits the Kelsey name along with many other citizens of Crestridge. Will she be able to overcome the disgrace she’s caused and win back her fiancĂ©?
THE HIDDEN JOURNAL, by Joyce Brennan is available on Amazon.com/ Read the reviews and the first two chapters. http://www.amazon.com/The-Hidden-Journal-Joyce-Brennan-ebook/dp/B00HRGMZ8U

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: READERS PREFERENCES

Drama in a Small Town: READERS PREFERENCES: I had an interesting meeting with members of the Desert Hearts Romance Readers, a book club that meets at the Sahara West Library in Las Veg...

READERS PREFERENCES

I had an interesting meeting with members of the Desert Hearts Romance Readers, a book club that meets at the Sahara West Library in Las Vegas, Nevada. They shared what they liked and what made them skip pages when reading a romance novel.
Did they prefer sexy love scenes?
Romantic tension?
Vivid descriptions?
Bad boy lovers?
Strong female characters?
Interesting side stories?
A dark plot?
Predictable endings?
I'm looking for feedback from my blog and twitter followers. What makes you pick up a book and be reluctant to put it down? What turns you off?  Do you pay attention to strong writing? Are you excited when the author writes a twist you didn't expect? Do you prefer a series?
As an author, I find this information important, Share your views with me.



Sunday, July 20, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: PICTURES

Drama in a Small Town: PICTURES: Monica,         I honestly don’t know how the pictures of you at the office party became public. As soon as I heard Munson had distri...

PICTURES



Monica,
        I honestly don’t know how the pictures of you at the office party became public. As soon as I heard Munson had distributed copies, I cornered him. He assured me that he received them from Stottlekamp. I traced them back to Bratton who told me Pitman gave him the negatives. Somehow, they turned up on the boss’s desk along with my golf scorecard.
I’m so sorry you were fired. It seems unfair, although Tracerton told me you were making more money at the Black Cat Club in a day than you made here in a month.
All I can do is wish you the best of luck in the future. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Again, I am so sorry.
                                                                       Rob


PS: I made Senior Vice President and play golf in a foursome at the Country Club with the big-guys every Wednesday morning. Go figure. 

Friday, July 11, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: SHORT STORY

Drama in a Small Town: SHORT STORY: I love to write short stories. Hope you enjoy this one. THE BODY      She peeked into her son's room. He was spread out, the same wa...

SHORT STORY

I love to write short stories. Hope you enjoy this one.

THE BODY

     She peeked into her son's room. He was spread out, the same way she left him. She sighed. Better to get this over with. He'd never know...never feel the pain.
     She quietly closed his door and peered out the front window. Nothing stirred. The street lights flickered in the darkness. The decision made, she grabbed the shovel and the flashlight she had carefully placed next to the door, and walked to the back yard. She hung the light on a branch of a tree and began to dig.
     After a few minutes, she stopped to wipe the perspiration from her face. If her husband hadn't left her with a young son, and plagued with debt, she wouldn't have to end things this way. She was out of options.
     She inhaled deeply and continued to dig until the hole was deep and wide enough. She took a quick look around to make sure no one watched. At three am, the neighborhood was quiet.
     She made a trip back to the house for the body and carefully wrapped him in an old quilt.She dragged the bundle outside, next to the hole. She wished it didn't have to end like this, but it was the only way. She lowered the body into the hole and began to fill the space. Tears threatened, but she sniffed them back.
      She'd miss that old dog, but after he died, she couldn't afford to take him to the vet for disposal. Hopefully, her son was too young to miss him, or ask too many questions.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: WHERE TO BEGIN

Drama in a Small Town: WHERE TO BEGIN: Recently I was asked where I came up with ideas for my novels. I have no one-answer solution. Basic ideas come from newspaper articles, over...

WHERE TO BEGIN

Recently I was asked where I came up with ideas for my novels. I have no one-answer solution. Basic ideas come from newspaper articles, overheard conversations while waiting in line at supermarkets and office waiting rooms, Bits of conversations from friends discussing real-life problems. The possibilities are endless. That said, every book I write starts with, WHAT IF?

In The Hidden Journal, I asked myself, what would happen if a woman, searching for a new start in life tossed a coin on a map to find a place to relocate.
WHAT IF that coin landed in the middle of Kentucky, a place where she knew no one but more important, no one knew her or her past.

Let's go one step further?
WHAT IF once she settled in a small community, she lost her income? How could she support herself.
WHAT IF the man she fell in love with was surrounded my long-time friends and she felt left out?
I tried to incorporate all of these in The Hidden Journal, plus many twists and turns I hope compels the reader to keep turning the pages. That is the ultimate goal of any writer.

While keeping with the theme of the story, a writer must exaggerate both the negative and the positive. Your heroine might fall deeply in love before the world crashes around her, or go deeply in debt before she finds her way back. Whatever theme you decide for your story, give your character many mountains to climb. Allow her to fail and just when things seem the darkest, open a tunnel of light. When writing romance, give your reader a happy or satisfying ending. That's why the reader purchases a romance novel.

I like to write about a heroine who grows and changes. A character who learns life's lessons and overcomes every possible road-block I can throw at her. I hope my readers enjoy reading about those challenges.

The HIDDEN JOURNAL is available on Amazon. Watch for my next eBook, MISPLACED to be released in July



Friday, May 30, 2014

INTERVIEW WITH THE WORKING WRITER'S COACH, SUZANNE LIEURANCE


       Suzanne:  Tell us about your background and how you became a writer/author.  
     Joyce: I WRITE Romantic Suspense, Cozy Mysteries and  women’s fiction for Tirgearr Publishing. I served as editor for a business school newspaper before embarking upon a career with American Airlines.  

   I’ve authored seven Romance novels, three, THE HIDDEN JOURNAL, BROKEN PROMSES, and DON’T DANCE ON MY HEART are currently available on Amazon.

      My short stories have been published in four anthologies. I’m an active member of the Las Vegas Romance Writer’s, a Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, The Las Vegas Valley Writers, and The Henderson Writer’s Group. I give presentations on writing, host both a critique group and a creative writing class, and write articles for a community newspaper.

       I was raised in a very small Ohio town and through my husband’s employment, we were transferred eight times. I pull on the different experiences in the many places we settled. I write my romance novels located in small communities. I began writing short stories for a Write and Read Workshop. My fellow writers encouraged me to expand one of my stories and then I was hooked. Creating a story with twists and turns is exciting.

   Suzanne: What is the title of the book you wish to talk about today?  
Joyce: THE HIDDEN JOURNAL.
Suzanne:  Please give a short summary.

 

    Joyce: THE HIDDEN JOURNAL is about a widowed woman from an abusive marriage who grows and changes. Jenna Mitchell relocates from Chicago to the small community of Crestridge, Kentucky. A designer of greeting cards, logos and advertising copy, she works from home on her computer. Due to the economy, she loses most of her income and is forced to take job in a local Antique shop and eventually buys the business. Her life is interrupted when she finds a journal written by a deceased doctor who exposes secrets that devastate the man she plans to marry.

Suzanne: What was the most difficult part of writing this book - and/or becoming a published author?  
Joyce: FOR ME, IT’S ELIMINATING THE SIDE STORIES AND
CONDENSING THE BOOK INTO EBOOK FORM. I tend to want to tell
everything about everyone.

 Suzanne:What do you enjoy most about being a published author?   
Joyce: THE STAFF AT TIRGEARR PUBLISHING and their group of authors. I have never worked with a more helpful, supportive group. They assist in marketing and keep everyone informed about the latest trends through newsletters. They network on facebook and advertise each other author’s new books. Also, they provide contests and special offers. They are a great group and I feel as if I’ve made life-long friends.

  Suzanne: What is a typical writing day like for you?   
 Joyce: ALTHOUGH I’M NOT AN EARLY RISER, I write in the mornings. I use a
   Dragon program to write my first draft and then edit-edit-edit. I spend an hour a day  
   doing promotion and networking on LinkedIn and facebook, and, of  
   course, marketing.

 Suzanne: What are you working on now?   
 Joyce: I’M WAITING FOR EDITS for MISPLACED, a book due out July 15, 
 and my current writing project is, HE’S SO DEAD. Both books are romantic suspense, but not horror. I’ve ALSO written a series that I need to polish before I submit it to the publishers.

 Suzanne: What is your best tip for aspiring authors?   READ. READ. READ. Read everthing. Don’t stick to the genre’ you write, but expose yourself to the latest trends. Join or create a support group. Aside from belonging to writing groups, I also co-host a readers group at one of the Las Vegas Libraries. Network with other writers and critique groups. Preparing for presentations on writing gives me the opportunity to do research. I give talks at library’s, writing groups and I’ve even addressed a sewing group and a charity based organization.

      I hope your listeners will visit my fan page for more information on my books. www.facebook.com/joycewritesromance

 Suzanne: Joyce, thank you for your time. I'll post the information about your book on my web site.

The Working Writer's Coach
www.workingwriterscoach.com   Get my free 5-module e-course, Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career!

 

 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: GET/GOT

Drama in a Small Town: GET/GOT: One of my pet peeves is the use of the words, get and got. I am especially annoyed when I read, "I've got to go." I have got, ...

GET/GOT

One of my pet peeves is the use of the words, get and got. I am especially annoyed when I read, "I've got to go." I have got, really? Just leave, already. There are many replacement words for get and got.
Get rid of.. dispose of.
Get away...leave, go, escape.
Don't get so...don't become.
Get over it...let it go.
I got a new car...I purchased, bought.
You'll get past it...You'll survive or overcome.
We'll get together at lunch...We'll meet.
Replacement words are endless.
Acquire
Catch
Develop
Obtain
Find
Procure
Annex
Grasp
 The point is, when you use a contraction such as I'VE, it means I have. I have got doesn't make sense. Either you have it or you don't.
What are your thoughts on this?

When I edit my manuscripts, I keep a list of synonyms available. Not to make my words sound stilted, but to keep from repeating verbs. I have dozens of replacements for common words like walk, talk, put, looked, thought, remembered, etc. It helps to keep my voice fresh and my words from becoming redundant.

Reach me @brennanwrites on twitter. My fan page: https://www.facebook.com/joycewritesromance
or leave a comment on this page
You can purchase my latest ebook, The Hidden Journal on Amazon.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: WRITING REVIEWS

Drama in a Small Town: WRITING REVIEWS: Posting a review on an authors webpage or on Amazon doesn't have to be difficult. You don't have to write an essay or a complete syn...

WRITING REVIEWS

Posting a review on an authors webpage or on Amazon doesn't have to be difficult. You don't have to write an essay or a complete synopsis, but the author will appreciate your words. She or he spent long months writing the book.
Think about what you liked about the book. What kept you reading the novel? Did the author provide characters that you could identify with?
Did the author place you in the scene? Did you get into the character's head? Could you understand the character's thinking whether it was flawed or right on target? Was there a good mix of description and back story sprinkled throughout the story? Don't be the critic, but pick out one or two things you really liked about the story. One line will tell it all.

"The author drew me into the story."

Was the story predictable or did it have enough twists to keep you reading until the end?

"Just when I thought I knew where the author was going, she threw me a pleasant surprise."

Did the story touch a sensitive place in your heart?

"I experienced the emotions as the author spun the tale."

Book sales depend upon reviews from the readers.





Check out THE HIDDEN JOURNAL, by Joyce Brennan on Amazon. Read the first chapter to get a feel for the book. For less than a cup of good coffee, you can download this ebook.
Joyce Brennan


Friday, March 7, 2014

Heart of Fiction: Betsy Bennett: Her Puzzle

Heart of Fiction: Betsy Bennett: Her Puzzle: A great big welcome back to Betsy Bennett. Today, she's celebrating the release of her newest title, Her Puzzle. Betsy was with us p...

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: ANNETTE DRAKE SPOTLIGHT

Drama in a Small Town: ANNETTE DRAKE SPOTLIGHT: Annette Drake The joys and perils of the writing life Skip to content ·          About the Author ·          Annette’s blog ·  ...

ANNETTE DRAKE SPOTLIGHT

The joys and perils of the writing life
http://annettedrake.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/cropped-cropped-cropped-tumblr_lv1oeb6wqn1r67eobo1_500.jpg
·         About the Author
·         Annette’s blog
·         Books
·         Contact Me!
·         Author Spotlight Archives
Author spotlight: Joyce Brennan
Welcome romance author, Joyce Brennan.
Why do you write fiction?
I came from a small town in Ohio and never felt the need to write memoirs or non-fiction about my life. That said, I pull from my experiences growing up in a carefree atmosphere. I remember the politics of a small community and the gossip about almost everything. It gives me more than enough information to write fiction.

Please tell us about your book. What ideas or images inspired this novel?
The Hidden Journal is about a timid widowed woman from an abusive marriage who grows and changes. Jenna Mitchell relocates from Chicago to a small Kentucky community. A designer of greeting cards, logos and advertising copy, she works from home on her computer. Due to the economy, she loses most of her income and is forced to take job in a local antique shop and eventually buys the business. Her life is interrupted when she finds a journal written by a deceased doctor who exposes secrets that devastate the man she plans to marry.
Do you have an ideal reader in mind when you write? If so, please describe that reader.
I hope to attract readers who have always lived in large communities, readers who have never experienced the closeness of a small town and readers who have lived the experience and can relate to gossip and innuendoes of growing up in a community where everyone knows everyone.
Please describe your writing routine.
When I’m beginning a novel, I write in the mornings. I strive for 1000 words per day, five days a week. I create a character analysis for my main characters. I write everything. Editing usually take longer than the original writing.

What advice do you give new writers just starting out?
I started out as a pantser, but now I try to have at least an outline. I want to know how the story ends before I start writing. I recommend that you know your characters inside and out. Find out what they want and who or what keeps them from achieving their goals. Give your character the worst possible scenarios and allow them to struggle through the dark times. Make sure your main character has deep conviction, good or bad. Give her/him flaws…we all have them. Sprinkle backstory throughout your manuscript. Don’t hit your reader with character descriptions in the first chapter. Limit your points of view. Most of all, enjoy writing. It will show in your finished novel.
More about The Hidden Journal:
 When Chicago designer, Jenna Mitchell, moves her business to Crestridge, Kentucky, the market collapses. Left without an income, she takes over a local antique shop. Angry words are exchanged when she meets handsome Drew Kelsey. A neighbor becomes matchmaker and brings the couple together.
Despite their rocky start, they fall in love and look to the future. Marriage plans crumble when Jenna discovers a journal that discredits the Kelsey name. Stella Ledbetter waits for the opportunity to take Jenna’s place in Drew’s life.
How to connect with Joyce:


Friday, January 24, 2014

Drama in a Small Town: THE HIDDEN JOURNAL

Drama in a Small Town: THE HIDDEN JOURNAL: The Hidden Journal, is my latest ebook available on Amazon or from the Tirgearr Publishing web site. www.tirgearrpublishing.com I had f...

THE HIDDEN JOURNAL

The Hidden Journal, is my latest ebook available on Amazon or from the Tirgearr Publishing web site.
www.tirgearrpublishing.com

I had fun writing this novel because I lived in the area for many years. The novel takes place in Crestridge, Kentucky, a fictional community located near Louisville. My character, Jenna Mitchell, is a widow, still haunted by her abusive marriage and carrying the guilt that she might have caused the accident that killed her husband.

Jenna designs greeting cards, advertising logos, etc., she works out of her home. On a whim, she chooses to leave Chicago and the bad memories and purchase an old stone cottage in Crestridge.
.
Follow her misadventures as she tries to make it on her own in a closed community where gossip and rumors are the norm and everyone knows everyone else's business, or at least they think they do. Enjoy reading about Stella, vixen you love to hate, and Jenna's neighbors, seven year old Molly and her grandmother. Will Jenna and the handsome, Drew Kelsey have a relationship?

You can read the first chapter both on Amazon and on Tirgearr Publishing's site.
I know you'll enjoy the trip back to the hills of Kentucky..

THE HIDDEN JOURNAL, by Joyce Brennan    www.tirgearrpublishing.com