Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas time Christmas celebration by Marius Iordache

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ~ Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English author. From ‘A Christmas Carol’.

---

Life tends to keep us so busy taking care of the day to day chores; we forget the ones who are most important to us. Canceling gatherings, missing phone calls, forgetting to say 'I love you,' we continue on our hectic journey as if it's no big deal. There will always be tomorrow, but for some tomorrow never comes.

For 2013, don't wait all year for the Christmas season to enjoy your family and friends, enjoy them every chance you get.

---

I'll be taking the next two weeks off for the holidays.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Voices of Fiction – Time to write a book - Wrap Up

Welcome to another edition of Voices of Fiction.

Over the last few weeks, the authors have shared their experiences of how long it takes to write a book. As you can see from the variety of answers, there is no set time on the creating process.

I’ve heard fiction writing compared to giving birth, but the written word isn’t restricted to the same gestation period. One may become a delighted parent within weeks, or it may take several years to experience the joys of parenthood.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on the length of the book, but deadline can also influence my speed of writing. I wrote one of my novellas within a two week period, the other within a month. Both were up against a deadline. I’d also like to point out both contained around 10,000 words, so very much long, short stories.

When you start talking short stories, I can pull together one in as little as a day, and by the end of the week it’s ready to walk. ☺ Doesn’t mean it won’t fall a few times and skin its knees.

When you set your goal for 30,000 and beyond, I feel this lengthens the time considerably. You dig a little deeper into your characters and stretch out their problems. More plot lines are introduced and more complications are faced by your cast of characters. Not to mention the people who just pop up in the middle throwing you off track. Or the odd ball decision your main character may make to send you off in a new direction, leaving you scrambling back to the beginning to pick up the pieces she scattered along the way.

50,000 words can be written within a month. Many proved this during November’s National Novel Writing Month. But, for many the month was more of a sexual encounter rather than the actual development of the fetus. ☺ I know - some of you were able to get that baby in gear, through outlines and preparation.

My point is - I don’t really know how long it takes me to write a book just yet. I have three projects (four if you count my very first attempt, which continues to nag at me) on the burner and varied time tables on each, but none complete. So, this is a question I’ll have to wait to answer. It has been a long journey for each of these groups of cast members. I’m sure they will all be happy to find their way into this wonderful world for their first steps.

Thank you all for joining us as we explored ‘how long it takes to write a book.’ Next week, we'll begin exploring another topic on "Voices of Fiction." Feel free to join in.

Readers send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com, Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

Voices of Fiction – Time to write a book – Part Five

Welcome to Voices of Fiction.

We continue with our discussion of how long it takes to write a book.

Please welcome our guests.

Joy Brooks is a Southern lady in love with the mystery and adventure associated with medieval warriors and royalty. She fills her spare time with reading, writing, cross-stitching, and playing with her seven cats. She enjoys the quiet life in a quaint, historic Georgia town. - Website, Blog

Bobbi Carducci’s book, Storee Wryter Gets a Dog, earned a GOLD Mom’s Choice Award for excellence and was named A Best Dog Book for Young Readers by Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer. She is an award winning short story writer, columnist and professional book reviewer. Bobbi will be the luncheon keynote speaker at the 26th Annual Pennwriters Conference in May 2013. - Blog, Website, Website

Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page. She traveled the world and writes with the same ease about the future and the far away past. Her novels collected many five star reviews and literary awards. - Website, Amazon, Barnes/Noble

Cindy Cromer is a scientist with degrees in Chemistry and president of a laboratory network. She has written numerous laboratory procedures and research documents. In her new endeavor, writing mystery novels, she utilizes some of her career experience into her plots, but doesn’t overwhelm the reader with scientific jargon. She has recently been selected as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading." Website, Books/Books, Vero Beach Book Center

Welcome Authors!

Question: How long does it take you to write a book?

Joy Brooks: On average maybe four months to write. When the ideas get to flowing, I can't quit writing. I write until all my ideas are on paper. Then I start editing and that adds some time. All total including edits, maybe 8 months. I try to be real through in my editing.

Bobbi Carducci: There is no real answer for this question, in my case anyway. The book I’m currently working on has been in progress for five years. Ouch! But, it’s deeply personal and I had to deal with some heavy emotional issues as I wrote. I am back on track now and hope to have the first draft done in a few weeks. After that the editing and rewriting begin. It’s important for writers to understand that it’s better to take your time. Rewriting is as much as a part of the process as the initial writing. My book for young readers was initially written as a picture book. It was pretty awful. The rewrite was better. Then and editor suggested it be expanded for an older audience. That took about three months. The final edition is so much better than the original idea that I’m grateful I didn’t stop with the first try.

Vijaya Schartz: My first book took me three years to write, about two years for the second, and a year and a half for the third. Now, after having over twenty titles published, I can write a full length novel in five months. I try to write two full novels and one novella per year, to keep my readers engaged. The more often an author has a new book coming out, the better. You do not want your followers to have forgotten all about your last novel when the next one comes out. I guess that’s why the most popular authors are using ghost writers and co-writers, so they can produce more books.

Cindy Cromer: It depends on the book. My first novel, Desperate Measures, took me about two months. The second book Desperate Deceptions took much longer. It could be considered a sequel but I strived to write it as a stand-alone. I had to be very careful and not re-iterate the first book when introducing the characters. I also found myself over analyzing and editing each word and scene instead of writing first then editing. Onto a completely genre, I wrote a children’s book in one day.

Thank you all for joining us today.

Readers feel free to ask questions concerning this topic in the comments. Also feel free to send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

(Disclaimer - Bios and photos submitted by authors.)

Voices of Fiction – Time to write a book – Part Four

Welcome to Voices of Fiction.

We continue with our discussion of how long it takes to write a book.

Please welcome our guests.

Carole Ann Moleti is a nurse-midwife in New York City, thus explaining her fascination with paranormal and urban fantasy. Her newest fiction is featured in Beltane: Ten Tales of Magic. Excerpts of Carole's memoir, Someday I'm Going to Write a Book: Diary of an Urban Missionary has been published most recently in the new, irreverent Not Your Mother's Book Series. - Website, Blog, Twitter

Pembroke Sinclair has had several short stories, novellas, novels, and nonfiction published in various places. She writes an eclectic mix of fantasy, science fiction, horror, some romance, and previously Westerns. - Blog, eTreasures, Amazon

Joylene Butler is the author of Dead Witness and Broken But Not Dead. - Website, Blog

Ellen Spain is a retired Federal Investigator, now turned author, editor, and educator. She is active with EPIC, PennWriters, RWA, SCBWI, and the Pittsburgh East Writers. - Website




Welcome Authors!

Question: How long does it take you to write a book?

Carole Ann Moleti: About a year of solid writing for a novel since I usually have to stop and do more research here and there. That doesn't count revisions, which can take me anywhere from two to three months. Short stories range from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the mood of the muse.

Pembroke Sinclair: It depends on the book. I've written novels in 3 months, then spent the next two or three revising, and sometimes it's taken a lot longer, years even. The book usually decides when it's done.
 
Joylene Butler: It used to take 3 months to write the first draft. But over the years I've tried to challenge myself and thus have chosen more difficult plots that are much tougher to write. I also have two published novels that require constant networking and marketing, and that's taken a huge chunk of my time. I'm hoping to change that this winter and finally complete my current WIP. I'd like to say it takes me 15 months from start to finish, but since becoming a published author in 2008, life has been anything but normal.
 
Ellen Spain: Following the old-adage, write what you know and write it well, I can draft a novella based upon my experiences and/or travels from start to final manuscript for the editor in thirty days, writing eight hours a day, six days a week. * The problem is I have a lot of family obligations; I sometimes get a cold or allergies and must chill out; I am usually writing two books during the same time period; and I am the Acquisitions Editor-in-Chief for a publishing house. Thus, realistically, my novella takes me up to sixty days to complete. * I can write a full-length novel in less than twelve months after my research is completed. If I add the up-front research, that will add an extra month. In the "Secrets in the Fog" series, the "Invisibility Project" took me ten months to write; "Danny's First Love" took me three weeks; "The Haunted Lighthouse" about four months; and Book Four "Hidden Treasures" set on Nova Scotia, more than a year. Add a little more time to get your pre-promotion work started including tweaking your personal web site. I totally changed all of my former web's main page at EllenSpain.com to reflect that I am a serious professional writer. All this takes time, but the business of writing a book is more than typing out your draft. * However, I think it is more important just to keep yourself on a realistic writing schedule that you can prioritize with your normal living life. First learn the techniques and requirements of "How to Write" genre fiction, then decide on what genre you feel comfortable to write and learn those writing rules. Next, write a novella for a publisher and go through the publishing process. Finally, plan up to two years to write your eighty thousand word novel and be fully satisfied that you accomplished that goal. You then can call yourself a novelist.

Thank you all for joining us today.

Readers feel free to ask questions concerning this topic in the comments. Also feel free to send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

(Disclaimer - Bios and photos submitted by authors.)

National Novel Writing Month - WINNER

One more day left people. Get those fingers pumping!

I managed to cross the finish line this morning, ending with 50,534. I have something resembling a novel, a little out of sorts, but definitely workable. November was tough and stressful, but now it's time for the rough stuff - making the words publishable.

I'd like to congratulate all of you who participated in National Novel Writing Month this year. Remember, there really are no winners or losers. We signed up, we gave it our all, and we gathered words together to create wonderful stories.

True, your story may be a little dysfunctional, out of order, or even a mess which seems beyond repair. True, you may be flustered, tired, and ready to burn the computer, the paper, the desk!

Take a deep breath and repeat after me, "I arrived, I wrote, I created, I won."

For an hour a day, two hours a day, or even fifteen minutes a day, you squashed the negative demon and wrote from the heart. Now, you know you can do it. No more excuses. Create, enjoy, be happy and positive.

Voices of Fiction - Time to write a book - Part Three

Welcome to Voices of Fiction.

We continue with our discussion of how long it takes to write a book.

Please welcome our guests.

Terry W. Ervin II is an English and Science teacher who enjoys writing. Gryphonwood Press published the first two novels in his First Civilization’s Legacy Series (FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD) and he is busy writing the third novel in the fantasy series. In November 2012 Gryphonwood Press is slated to release Terry’s first short story collection, GENRE SHOTGUN. - Website, Blog

Vicki Batman likes to kick back with a diet Coke and write crazy things for her characters. She has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??" - Website, Blog, Amazon

Children’s Picture Book author, Clara Bowman-Jahn, of “Annie’s Special Day” is living the life of her dreams an hour at a time. - Website, Etreasures

Karenna Colcroft is the alter ego of a shy, sedate wife and mother. She has been writing since age five, and dove into erotic romance in 2006. Her first book was published in 2009, and since then she has had over thirty stories published. She lives in the northeastern US with her two children and her real-life romance hero husband. - Website, Facebook, Twitter

Nicole Zoltack loves to write whatever strikes her fancy. When she’s not writing about knights, talking unicorns, or zombies, she loves to spend time with her wonderful family. She enjoys riding horses (pretending they’re unicorns, of course!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, dressed in garb. Blog, Website, Amazon

Welcome Authors!

Question: How long does it take you to write a book?

Terry W. Ervin II: From the moment I begin jotting outline notes and typing the first chapter, until the moment I save the final version and it’s submitted, about 18 months. Often ideas have been floating about in my head and jotted down a year or so previous to the actual writing process, so technically it could be 30 listed as months.

Vicki Batman: A book takes me a whole year. I can do several stories in one year. I'm less frustrated.

Clara Bowman-Jahn: My book, "Annie's Special Day" took approximately two years to write from idea to finished product. My second picture book took about the same time and it looks like my third will take that same amount of time. But my second genre of memoir is coming along nicely and I work on that intermittently as well. Maybe if I sat my butt down in chair every day it would be done by now.

Karenna Colcroft: It depends whether I'm aiming for a novella or a novel. I've been known to finish the first draft of a novella in a week or less, and it takes me about 2-3 days to revise to publication standards. For a full-length novel, it takes me about 3-6 weeks for the first draft, depending on how well I've plotted it and how many blocks I run into, and about a week to revise.

Nicole Zoltack: That depends on the book. One story I’ve been tinkering with for over a decade! The shortest amount of time for me to write a rough draft has been a month (I’ve done that twice). Usually it takes me about six, though. 


Thank you all for joining us today.

Readers feel free to ask questions concerning this topic in the comments. Also feel free to send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

(Disclaimer - Bios and photos submitted by authors.)

Voices of Fiction - Time to write a book - Part Two

Welcome to Voices of Fiction.

We continue with our discussion of how long it takes to write a book.

Please welcome our guests.

Karen Cioffi is a multi-award-winning author, freelance/ghostwriter, editor, and online marketer, as well as the founder and manager of Writers on the Move. - Website, Website, Website

Jade Varden is the author of the Deck of Lies series, a collection of YA mystery books that show what happens when dark family secrets are exposed. Jade also provides professional writing tips to other indie authors on her blog. - Twitter, Blog, Amazon

Thea Landen writes erotic literature, frequently in a sci-fi/fantasy setting. When she's not writing, or thinking about writing, her hands and mind are occupied by either yarn crafts or role-playing games. Blog, Amazon, AllRomanceBooks

Author and editor, Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz has published more than 100 articles, 75 stories, six e books, a chapbook, one MG novel, a short story collection, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. She edits for two small traditional publishers. Website, Blog, MuseItUp 

Liz Crowe’s groundbreaking romance sub-genre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”) Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury. - Website,  Blog, Facebook


Welcome Authors!

Question: How long does it take you to write a book?

Karen Cioffi: This depends on what I’m writing. It took me around two years to write my middle grade fantasy, Walking Through Walls. Picture books seem to take me much less time, maybe a couple of months. My nonfiction writing and marketing books can take a couple of weeks to a month.

Jade Varden: Writing time all depends on the book. Even a short book may require a ton of research, and that’s time-consuming. The longest I ever spent working one just one book was two years; it involved a lot of research, and the book was quite long.

Thea Landen: Depends on the length of the book! My first book was around 32K words, and it took me about a month to write. Since then, I've been writing longer novels, and they usually take me at least a couple of months. (I've also added going back to school to this equation, and that adds to the time!)

Penny Ehrenkranz: I prefer writing short stories to actual books. These tend to take a week or less depending upon how much editing I need to do. The middle grade novels I’ve written, however, did take considerably longer. At the time these were written, I was also working outside the home and only able to write in my “spare” time. Working within those restrictions, it took over six months to complete the first draft and probably a year before I was able to submit a finished manuscript. 

Liz Crowe: Depends on how busy I am with my brewery frankly. I wrote a 100,000 word novel (Essence of Time) in 2 weeks but wrote nearly around the clock. I tend to "marathon" when I get an idea and keep working/writing until the project is complete. The busier I get the harder that is, of course.

Thank you all for joining us today.

Readers feel free to ask questions concerning this topic in the comments. Also feel free to send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

(Disclaimer - Bios and photos submitted by authors.)

National Novel Writing Month - Progress Report

Meter available at writertopia

We passed the half-way point a few days back. As we close in on the end of Day 18 of National Novel Writing Month, I ask you, "Are your characters misbehaving?"

Mine sure are! I had a plan, a nice little plan. And then, these people came in here and tossed my papers around. How dare they after all the work I've put into a PLAN?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll be the first to tell you, there is no PLAN when it comes to writing. At least not in a half-pantzer's world.

I'm really not complaining, really. The story is becoming more in-depth with each new discover. I see a lot of work after the completion of 50000. But, if this was easy everyone would be doing it, right?

Hope all of you are making progress and your characters aren't misbehaving too badly.

Best of luck as we head toward the finish line.

Character Interview - Tomas Medina - Desperate Measures

Cindy Cromer is a scientist with degrees in Chemistry and president of a laboratory network. She has written numerous laboratory procedures and research documents. In her new endeavor, writing mystery novels, she utilizes some of her career experience into her plots, but doesn’t overwhelm the reader with scientific jargon. She has recently been selected as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading."

Congratulations, Cindy, on your recent accomplishment of being selected as one of the 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cindy Cromer shared time with us in April of 2011, allowing us a little insight into who this new author was in a two part interview.  Part One - Part Two

In May 2011, Desperate Measures, her first novel, released.

In October 2012, we spoke with Jack Spencer.

Today, I am happy to present to you an interview with another character from Desperate Measures. Enjoy the show!

Television Host: Thank you audience for tuning in. We have another special guest, right out of the pages of Desperate Measures, FBI Senior Special Agent, Tomas Medina. He’s here tonight brought to life from the ink and paper that the author, Cindy Cromer, created him from. Tomas was thrust into the mystery and hidden family secrets of Caitlin Spencer Martel’s family. When she received a threat, Tomas was first called to St. Kitts unofficially by his boss, Scott Martel, Caitlin’s husband, after Caitlin received the first threat. When he arrives his duties are minimal and he agrees to babysit the Martel’s children while they finalize details with the local police. Tomas’s status is upgraded when the third threat against Caitlin is delivered. Tomas plays a pivotal role in the drama when he uncovers some clues in Scott’s FBI mandatory background check. He keeps his findings to himself until he can gather more information. Tomas is a unique character in the book as he has some comedy scenes but is also embroiled in some very serious parts of the plot. My other guests from this book became riled up and defensive during the interview. I’m going to try a different tactic with Tomas tonight. Let’s see if we get him to reveal what really happened on that island.

Host: Welcome to the show, Agent Medina. You played quite an important role in Desperate Measures, didn’t you?

Tomas beams with pride 

Tomas: Yes I did!

Host: The author and your creator has been interviewed several times since the book has been released. She’s been asked many times who she’d choose as the actors in the movie and in each interview she states that Josh Duhamel would be perfect in the role of Tomas. How do you feel about that choice?
  
Tomas’s smile broadens 

Tomas: How do I feel about that? Great! Josh is gorgeous and a hunk. Without a doubt he could play my part and win an academy award. He’s a talented actor who can combine comedy with drama in his roles. I can’t wait to see the film when I’m driving around on the island.

The host pauses for a moment to gauge the demeanor of his guest. Tomas appears relaxed and ready to talk so the host presses on. 

Host: Tell us about that scene, it was quite comical in the book.

Tomas: At first I was pissed but looking back it was pretty funny. Here I am a city boy used to driving in sprawling metropolises such as New York City or Miami. Suddenly I’m on a beautiful Caribbean Island where they drive on the left and the road barely has enough asphalt to hold a motorcycle. To top it all off I have a nine year old know-it-all passenger making wise cracks at me when I made a wrong turn and went up this huge mountain. Let me tell you, I almost soiled my shorts and my knuckles are still cramped from gripping the steering wheel. There was no place to turn around and in my peripheral vision I saw this rock formation to my right and on my left a straight drop off into the Atlantic sea. That guard rail would have done nothing to stop the car if I swerved suddenly, we would have cascaded off the mountain right into the turquoise blue water. I won’t even tell you about what happened when we got to the congested area of downtown Basseterre.  

Tomas pauses and grins.

Tomas continues: Yeah, Josh could play my role really, really well.

Host: But you did have some serious scenes too, didn’t you?
  
Tomas’s jovial expression changes to anger.

Tomas: Of course I had serious scenes! They wouldn’t have been as dramatic if those secret hiding idiots had come forth earlier and I wouldn’t have been placed in a perilous situation and almost …. Well you know what happens to me in the book.

Host: It sounds as if you almost died but survived.

Tomas: Yeah, unfortunately I lived to tell this tale. I’m relieved I get a reprieve from the second book, Desperate Deceptions, that the author Cindy somebody conjured up. However, I understand she has a plot in place surrounding me and my own storyline.

Host: Wow! That’s something, your own plot. Do you think you’ll be the protagonist or antagonist? Also what skeletons will she pull out of your closet, Tomas?

The host knew he pushed a button and wasn’t surprised when his guest shot out of the chair. 

Tomas: I don’t know what my role is but I do know that I don’t harbor any hidden secrets. I’m a federal agent and my past and complete history is documented in my FBI mandatory background check.

Tomas stormed off the set. 

Host: Well folks, this cast of Desperate Measures is getting very complex. Tomas’s last comment left me puzzled. Didn’t Scott Martel’s FBI background check hold a piece of the puzzle? These characters still have something they’re hiding and we need to find out what it is. I’d love to bring Barry Solerno on the show but he’s embroiled in the latest drama unfolding in Desperate Deceptions. Maybe Caitlin’s brother Dean will agree to talk to us next time. He’s just a surfer dude with no interests beyond the beach, surfing, and women. Maybe he has suppressed memories and can divulge some family secrets. Stay tuned for our next show.

Interview at Pembroke Sinclair's Blog

Pembroke Sinclair invited me to her blog for Meet An Author Tuesday. Stop by and learn more about the creation of Escape to Love,  my favorite and least favorite thing about writing, and much more. There's also a peak at my work in progress. Hope to see you there!

Voices of Fiction - Time to write a book - Part One

Welcome back to Voices of Fiction.

We have a great set of authors once again, some continuing the journey here, and a few newbies.

Please welcome this week's guests.

Reno Charlton works from home as a full-time copywriter, providing clients around the world with content for websites, magazines and other media. She’s also the author of three children’s fantasy novels. Under the pen name, Emily Ho, she’s published two short stories, winning the Curtis Brown Short Story Competition with ‘The Journey Home.’ - Amazon UK, Amazon, Goodreads

Catrina Barton is a licensed Kung Fu Instructor of the Black Dragon style and draws on that experience to make her fight scenes both realistic and action packed. She enjoys being surrounded by the stark beauty of mother nature, such as a moon lit starry sky, or a picnic by a peaceful waterfall cascading from the mountain side. - Amazon, Blog

Karina Kantas is the author of six titles, In Times of Violence, Lawless Justice, Road Rage and Huntress (which is published by MMP.) She's also the author of Stone Cold a YA supernatural thriller and Heads & Tales, a short story collection. Karina originates from the UK but now lives in Greece with her husband and two beautiful daughters. - Amazon, Barnes/Noble, Website

Cherie Reich is a writer, freelance editor, book blogger, and library assistant living in Virginia. - Website, Blog

Cara Marsi, former corporate drone and cubicle dweller, and award-winning author, is published in romantic suspense, contemporary romance and paranormal romance. She also writes short romance stories for women’s magazines. Cara and her husband share their house with a fat black diva of a cat named Killer. - Website, Twitter, Facebook



Welcome Authors! It's wonderful to have you back.

This week's question: How long does it take you to write a book?

Reno Charlton: This depends on my work schedule at the time – once I get going I am on a roll and I tend to write large sections in one go. However, there can be long periods between writing due to other work commitments. I have written a book (draft copy) within a week before now but another book might take me over a year.

Catrina Barton: It depends on the genre, length of the book, and the amount of research needed for accurate portrayals. Sometimes a month, sometimes six months.

Karina Kantas: Anywhere from 6 months to two years. It's the editing, rewrites and read through that take time.

Cherie Reich: It depends. My first novel took me nine months to write at about a chapter a week. My most recent novel took twelve days to write during NaNoWriMo. If I've given the story time to percolate in my head and have an outline, then I can write fairly quickly.

Cara Marsi: Anywhere from nine months to 18 months. 

Thank you all for joining us today.

Readers feel free to ask questions concerning this topic in the comments. Also feel free to send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

(Disclaimer - Bios and photos submitted by authors.)

National Novel Writing Month - Progress Report

Meter available at writertopia

As we step into Day 11 of National Novel Writing Month, I must admit I'm very tired. Why? The post office has hit high gear for the holidays, which is good, but very tiring. Pile on writing every day, and you have a very tired writer. But, I push and push and remain in line with the goal of reaching 50,000 words by November 30th.

I hope all you writers out there are making progress in both your word count and your story. I understand for some these may be two different issues.

On Day 7, my characters decided my plan wasn't good enough for them. :) I had to take a moment and rethink my stories direction. With the help of my characters, the story evolved further. To allow this pause in production, my characters and I had a talk and resolved our issues in the form of a document, which goes into the word count of the month. I believe this to be legit and have moved forward with the story.

If you find yourself stuck and about to panic, give yourself a break. These characters tend to do what they want and sometimes we have to let them do it. In this race toward 50,000 words, brainstorming sessions are allowed. If you keep pushing forward through your novel and don't take a moment to reassess when needed, you are only gearing up for even more rewriting.

Don't fall apart. Don't give up. Talk to your characters. Explore possible plot changes. And, don't feel like your cheating by doing this as part of your word count. It's much better to be clear on your direction at word count 10,000 than waiting till you are half way to your goal and get so stuck you throw in the towel.

Best wishes to you all as we move forward in this writing journey.

Thea Landen - Happy Endings

*Voices of Fiction will return next Tuesday, November 13th*

Thea Landen joins us today to talk about happy endings and to offer a free gift to one lucky reader.

About the Author: Thea Landen writes erotic literature, frequently in a sci-fi/fantasy setting. When she's not writing, or thinking about writing, her hands and mind are occupied by either yarn crafts or role-playing games. To learn more about this author visit her blog.

How Will It End?

On another forum I post at sometimes (wish I could remember which one), someone once asked about the difference between “erotica” and “erotic romance”. One poster answered that erotic romance needs a happy ending. If it doesn’t end happily, then it’s erotica.

I’ve never been one for splitting hairs, but I suppose it’s a fair distinction. The discussion made me wonder, though – does romance need a happy ending? Will readers be less satisfied with a book if the characters don’t get their “happily ever after?”

There are plenty of different non-HEA outcomes. Maybe the characters just realized they weren’t right for each other and go their separate ways. Or perhaps the author goes all out for the drama and tragedy, and the star-crossed lovers die in a burning building. (But if they’re together in the end, does it count as non-HEA? Now my head is spinning.) Perhaps one character is eliminated somehow, and while the remaining half of the pairing is shocked and heartbroken, he or she accepts the circumstances and realizes how his or her life has changed for the better due to the experiences detailed in the story. I’m sure there are hundreds of possibilities all along the spectrum.

When I was writing The Edge of the Sphere, I considered a more poignant ending where the characters don’t end up together in the end. (I won’t say here how I ultimately decided to end it!) Right now, I’m working on a dark sci-fi erotic novel. There is no way whatsoever I can give it a happy ending that fits in with the themes of the book. Is that going to cost me readers? Will they appreciate the acknowledgement that life isn’t always sunshine and roses and enjoy the catharsis?

As always, there’s no “right” answer. Everyone has their own preferences, and those preferences can even change due to mood, circumstances, day of the week, etc. I’ll toss this question out to the readers – do you prefer happy endings? If you invest time (and money) into a book with a strong romantic element, are you disappointed when the main characters don’t end up together in the end? Or do you find enjoyment in reading stories that don’t end on a high note, as long as they’re well-written?

Don't worry we didn't forget about the gift. To enter leave a comment below and mention you'd like a chance to win or email me at chergreen at chergreen dot com - Subject Line - Thea Contest. Entry Deadline - Midnight, Saturday, November 10th.

The Gift? 

A free e-copy of The Edge of the Sphere.

Blurb: Stephen’s quiet life is turned upside down when he experiences vivid dreams of a woman he’s never met. Liora, having grown tired of her forced isolation and servitude in the land of Marindal, uses the mystical sphere housed in her cellar to attempt to reach someone to help her break free. They meet up several times in a subconscious illusion Liora creates for them and quickly form a strong bond. Stephen follows her to Marindal, where he’s instantly captured by her cruel master, Thirvar. Plans for escape become their top priority, and their feelings grow deeper during their secret meetings in the realm of fantasy. The knowledge that they will want different things once they are safe from Thirvar’s clutches taints the prospect of reaching their goal. They are faced with the decision between seeking out the lives they left behind and taking a chance on the future of their love.

National Novel Writing Month

November 1, 2012 begins National Novel Writing Month and sends many writers scurrying for their keyboards. In honor of the first day of many writing days to come, I thought I'd share some of my views on this event.

There are probably as many writers who disdain this process as there are those who anticipate it.

I'm one of the writers in between. I've participated two other years. One year, I produced a beginning to a novel and a bunch of short stories. This collection of basically a mess is sitting somewhere in the darkness waiting to be resurrected. The other year, I produced a decent novel in major need of repairs. I'm hoping to get it together this coming year.

So, two years equaled two piles of words in need of first aid. Why am I doing it this year?

I have a plan this time around. I believe one of the biggest mistakes a writer can do is to go into the high paced challenge without a plan. Writing words just to get to 50,000 without any purpose can result in a novel, but chances are it's going to be a mess to repair.

The purpose of NaNoWriMO is to write with your internal editor off. Some mistake the 'internal editor' for the Editor. The Editor is the part of you who makes your story complete. He is the one who goes behind the writer and fixes up the craft, corrects punctuation, and even dots a few 'i's.

The 'internal editor' is a whole new species. This is the gremlin that stops you two sentences in, saying, "Do you really think you can pull this off?", "Who do you think you are Stephen King or something?", "No, no, you can't start the story there? - A page later - "No, no, you have to start over, this isn't right."

Writers - kill the 'internal editor' and write from your heart. Let the words flow one right after the other. Bleed onto the page. Without the cranky jabbering of this gremlin, you'll be surprised how many words you push out in a day - challenge or not.

Don't forget to give the Editor his turn. His job is just as important as yours but see if he'll wait till you finish up the crafting first. Some writers have to edit as they go. If this is you, go ahead. There's no harm in it, but make sure you allow enough time to get your writing done also.

What if I don't get my 50,000 words by November 30th? My advice - keep writing. Just because the challenge is over doesn't mean you can't finish up your work. If you don't, then you just wasted thirty days that could have gone elsewhere.

What if I'm not finished with my novel by November 30th? Again, keep writing.

If your only point to participate in National Novel Writing Month is to write 50,000 words, then you are missing the point of the Novel part of the challenge.

I hope all who are participating enjoy their writing during the month. Those sitting back watching, get ready for a new novel for your reading pleasures.

May your MUSE be with you!

Author Spotlight - Penny Ehrenkranz

*Voices of Fiction will return in November.*

Author and editor, Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz is widely published in both adult and children fiction. She stops by today to share a quick view of three of her available books.

Copies can be purchased through MuseItUp Publishing and Amazon.

LADY IN WAITING 

Mabriona is cousin to the beautiful and spoiled Princess Alana. When Alana is forced to marry a man she despises, Mabriona is torn between her loyalty to her cousin and her attraction to the handsome Prince Blayne.

Tragedy befalls the cousins on the way to Prince Blayne’s castle. Servants, believing Mabriona to be Alana, refuse to listen when she tries to explain.

While she waits for Blayne to recover, Mabriona meets his equally handsome younger brother, Madoc, a bard.

When Blayne awakes, will Mabriona choose life with a future king, will she be sent home in disgrace because of her inadvertent lies, or will Madoc win her love with his poetry?

LOVE DELIVERY 

Cats and a villainous ex-wife? What more could the delivery man bring to the new love in his life?

Ann works as a waitress in a donut shop. She’s happy with her single life and her cat, Mittens, but she finds herself interested in the handsome man, Tom, who makes deliveries to the shop. Tom is also attracted to Ann, but unfortunately, Tom comes with some baggage including five cats, Maria, his vicious ex-wife, and Maria’s adorable daughter he calls Kitten.

When Maria, a newly hired waitress in the donut shop, learns Ann and Tom are beginning a relationship, she does everything she can to tear them apart. Ann starts to have doubts about her budding romance, but Tom is determined to make it work, despite Maria’s interference. Will Ann and Tom’s love prevail, or will the evil ex-wife win in the end? Love Delivery delivers a sweet romance, which will bring tears to your eyes but a smile to your lips.

MIRROR, MIRROR  

Lindsey Baker is intrigued by everything about the middle ages, but when she purchases an antique mirror and a costume to attend a Renaissance Faire, she suddenly finds herself transported back in time. There she finds she’s been called by a witch to right a terrible wrong.

Graham loves Prudence, but he can’t marry her because he’s landed gentry, and she is only the baker’s daughter. Before Lindsey can return to her own time, she must convince Graham to marry against his father’s wishes. Unfortunately, she also finds herself falling for the handsome gentleman.

Can she find her way back to her own time, or will she be stuck in a time when women had no rights?

For more about this author visit her website.

Interview at Follow Me Friday - Blog Style

Nikki invited me over to her blog - Storm Goddess Book Reviews and More for an interview. Not a normal interview, but an interview about the blog.

Feel free to stop by and check out some of the FIRSTS of the blog, and of course learn a little more about me and why Footsteps of a Writer began.

Hope to see you there. http://www.stormgoddessbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/follow-me-friday-blog-style-october-26.html?zx=f7082780c13b671

Karina Kantas – My Publishing Experience

*Voices of Fiction will return in November.*

Author of five novels and a short story collection, Karina Kantas joins us to share her experiences in the publishing world and offers a discount price on her latest thriller, Road Rage.

Please welcome today's guest blogger.



I knew I wanted to be a writer since my teens, and I was determined it was going to happen. It wasn’t until I moved to Greece that I decided to take my writing to another level. The first piece of writing I had published was a film review. The cheque is framed and sitting above my computer. That was the starting block. I had the bug, and there was no stopping me. Being able to call yourself a published writer is a powerful achievement.

I’ve written articles for several magazines; anything from band reviews, summer articles, and film reviews. I sent one piece, about a local demonstration against a planned rubbish dump next to a popular tourist resort, to Green peace. I was also a featured book reviewer for Future Fire and have had several poems published. I’m the author of the popular urban thrillers, In Times of Violence, Lawless Justice, Huntress, Road Rage, and the short story collection: Heads & Tales.

My first self-published novel was a YA urban thriller called In Times of Violence. I decided to take the SP route after too many rejections from agents and publishers. I knew I had something new and edgy. Given the chance, it could be a very popular book. I was right to take the chance. In Times of Violence has received excellent editorial reviews and has been loved by hundreds of readers.

I first published through Lulu, but because of shipping prices, I changed to a UK Press. Unfortunately, that was a very bad move resulting in several authors taking the publisher to court. So I returned to Lulu. It’s an excellent place to self-publish printed books although the shipping charges can be expensive.

Only now, times are changing, and it’s a digital world. Barnes and Noble and Amazon are the frontiers for the e-book revolution with their devices Nook and Kindles leading the sales for e-reader. Unfortunately, with the sudden rise in E-book sales and the ease of which to publish a book, this has caused many wannabe authors to try their hands at publishing. It’s a very competitive field. There’s a gigantic sea out there with millions of little fish trying to get into the net.

A warning to new writers/authors - writing is a hard career. Many nasty, cruel people out there will take advantage of you. I’ve been badly burnt several times, but these are lessons that need to be learned. Be careful. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Unfortunately, I write in an unknown genre, and agents and publishers are not in a rush to take a chance on something new. With sales in the hundreds, I’ve proven to others and myself that there is a market out there. It wasn’t easy, as SP relies on the author doing all the work. It can be very stressful and time consuming. And, I’ve found internet promotion rather unproductive.

Huntress is published through a new small press MMP and is available in paperback and E-book. http://www.marionmargaretpress.com/huntress.html

My other books are available for direct purchase: In Times of Violence, Lawless Justice, Road Rage, Heads & Tales and Stone Cold. Message me on Facebook, or email me: karina.kantas@yahoo.com. Cost varies per book. Payments made through PayPal: k_kantas@yahoo.co.uk

Leave out the middleman. Take advantage now. Buy my latest thriller, Road Rage, and I’ll send you my bestseller Lawless Justice for free. Two books for $5.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karina-Kantas/31754864225

For more on this author and her work visit her Website.

Voices of Fiction - Where do you get your ideas - Wrap Up

Welcome to another edition of Voices of Fiction.

Over the last few weeks, the authors have shared their secret vaults of ideas. From movies to music, books to dreams, and personal experiences to conversations, the sources for ideas are many.

A writer puts pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and creates, pulling from his own personal vault. Each container may contain similar items, but each author will pull a different story than another.

Where do you get your ideas?

My vault is full of random items – pieces of dreams, random visions, and muddled thoughts. Each story begins with a single idea, but the complete piece is created through many items found in the vault.

Escape to Love began with a 10-minute writing exercise based on the genre paranormal romance. The writing turned into a vision of two figures struggling in a dark void. The man determined to save the woman pulls her to him. Escaping his hold, she falls through thin air. From there the questions began. Who was he? Who was she? What was the void capturing them both? When she landed, where would she be? And so on, until a story came into view.

One of my stories, still under construction, began with a single vision. I was sitting on my front porch, and the image of a woman running came to mind. The questions began. Where was she running? Would something interrupt her daily run? What would be shocking enough to do this? Would it put her in danger? How? And so on.

The idea, for me, is the most wonderful part of being a writer. You are the recipient of amazing images and thoughts, and then you create them into a form you can share with others.

Thank you all for joining us as we explored our vaults of ideas. Next week, we'll begin exploring another topic on "Voices of Fiction." Feel free to join in.

Readers send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com, Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

Interview at Morgen's Author Interviews

Morgan Bailey has created a new blog, completely devoted to author interviews. Morgen's Author Interviews revisits past interviews from her Writing Blog.

Stop by and read our interview from March 2012. Stay awhile and see what other great authors you can discover through her grand list of interviews.

Guest Post at Halloween Haunts

Hope everyone is enjoying the Halloween Haunts at the Horror Writers Association blog.

I'm honored to be part of today's posts. Stop by and see why I choose horror as my ultimate genre.

Don't stop there. If you haven't already read the other posts, read through the blog and catch up on all the Halloween fun.

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win some great prices. The party runs till Oct. 31st but don't wait, come by now.

Voices of Fiction - Where do you get your ideas - Part Four

Welcome to another edition of Voices of Fiction.

We continue our discussion with our group of authors on where they get their ideas.

Please welcome our guests.

 A true book aficionado, L.K. Below lives to lose herself in complex new worlds and situations. From fantasy to romance and everywhere in between, she’s made it her life’s goal to enthrall herself (and others!) with captivating tales of gutsy heroines and melt-your-heart heroes. Learn more about her at www.lbelow.net or try one of her books on for size…if you dare. Website, Twitter, Facebook


Pat Andres - author of MAGGIE: A SAVANNAH DOG, Roseanna the Savannah Squirrel, LOVE FROM the ASHES, and It’s Hard to Be Crystal: Life in the Tranny Lane. Website


Pembroke Sinclair - I write fiction under the pen name Pembroke Sinclair, and I have had several short stories published. My story, “Sohei,” was named one of the Best Stories of 2008 by The Cynic Online Magazine. I have novellas and a short story collection forthcoming from Musa Publishing and eTreasures Publishing. I have two novels, Coming from Nowhere (adult, sci fi) and Life After the Undead (YA, horror), that are available from eTreasures Publishing, as well as Death to the Undead (YA, sequel to Life After the Undead), which is forthcoming. Under my real name, Jessica Robinson, from March 2008 to January 2011, I wrote scientific articles for Western Farmer-Stockman. I have a nonfiction book, Life Lessons from Slasher Films, scheduled for release in July 2012 from Scarecrow Publishing (an imprint of Rowan and Littlefield). Blog, Link, Link


Reno Charlton - I'm a full time copywriter, working from home to provide clients around the world with content for websites, magazines and other media. I am also an author, having written and published three children's fantasy novels and two short stories for older readers. The short stories were created under my pen name of Emily Ho. One of these stories, The Journey Home, won a Curtis Brown Short Story Competition. Link, Link, Link




Thea Landen writes erotic literature, frequently in a sci-fi/fantasy setting. When she's not writing, or thinking about writing, her hands and mind are occupied by either yarn crafts or role-playing games. Blog, Link, Link




Welcome Authors! It's wonderful to have you back.

Now the question is: Where do you get your ideas?

L.K. Below/Lindsay Below: Inspiration, to me, can strike in many different ways. Something as simple as a fact or saying can unravel an entire plot. I garner ideas from news stories, song lyrics, photographs, strangers I observe on the street, and so on. Sometimes I just start with one line and see where it leads me. The most annoying ideas come while I'm writing another book, because I have to fight the urge to follow them right off the bat. But the single most likely place I'll get an idea from? Dreams. Let me assure you, I have the most vivid, alluring, oftentimes-disturbing dreams. I don't know how my unconscious mind dredges up half the things it does, but I'm more than willing to accept the gift. Some dreams have potential. Some are just plain weird. Either way, a night I'm awoken from an intense dream is a happy night for me...even if it does mean I have to drag myself out of bed to write it down.

Pat Andres: Sounds cliche, I know, but my ideas come from life. I write what I know.

Pembroke Sinclair: My ideas come from everywhere: dreams, snipits of conversations I overhear, movies, other books. The world is my inspiration, and I try to listen as often as I can!

Reno Charlton: My first idea was whilst I was on holiday in the United States and I actually have no idea where it came from. I had been planning to write my first book and had taken a pad and pen to jot down ideas. I just let the ideas and characters roll and before I knew it I had a fully fledged draft. The second book was the sequel, so I already had established characters to work with although I did add new ones.

Thea Landen: I guess it's a little obvious by now that I like video games! Gaming in general seems more popular and mainstream now, but when I was growing up (especially as a girl gamer), it seemed like there was such a stereotype attached to gaming, and I thought it was quite overlooked as a valid medium for storytelling. Also, as much as I try to hide it, I'm a true romantic at heart. Even if it doesn't work that way in the "real" world, I like to think that "love conquers all" in any of the worlds I create.

Thank you all for joining us today and sharing where you find your ideas.

Readers feel free to ask questions concerning this topic in the comments. Also feel free to send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

(Disclaimer - Bios and answers have been posted as submitted by author) 

Guest Post at Fifty Authors from Fifty States

Fifty Authors from Fifty States is an incredible blog, displaying the talents of writing professionals across the fifty United States.

I am honored to represent South Carolina this year. Stop by and hear about two haunting tales from my state. 

Character Interview - Jack Spencer - Desperate Measures

Cindy Cromer shared time with us in April of 2011, allowing us a little insight into who this new author was in a two part interview.  Part One - Part Two

In May 2011, Desperate Measures, her first novel, released.

The secret is out AGAIN…! This time lives are in jeopardy. 

Today, I am happy to present to you an interview with one of the characters of Desperate Measures.  Enjoy the show!

Television Host: Thank you audience for tuning in. We have a special guest tonight, Jack Spencer. I’m delighted Jack agreed to appear on our show. In case anyone hasn’t kept up with recent events, Jack is a former, highly acclaimed, District Attorney. He’s been recently thrust into the limelight as the possible illegitimate son of mega-billionaire Lukas Bucklin. A newly released book, Desperate Measure, unveils a family riddled with secrets. When Jack’s daughter, Caitlin Martel, begins receiving threatening notes, it becomes clear the enemy knows about Jack’s heritage and blackmail is the motive. Let’s see what secrets Jack has and is he willing to confront them to save his daughter’s life?

Host: Welcome to the show, Mr. Spencer. You’ve certainly become a minor celebrity recently. How does it feel to possibly be the first born son of Lukas Bucklin and heir to a fortune?

Jack: Whether Lukas is my father or not I want nothing to do with the man. As far as I’m concerned, he abandoned me as a child. I don’t need him, I’ve made my own success and had a stellar career as District Attorney.

Host: That you did, Mr. Spencer. Let me ask you another question, have you ever tampered with a case during your reign in the judicial system.

Jack rises from his seat and his face burns with fury.

Jack: That’s nonsense! I never helped that worthless…… Never mind, you’ve read what that damn author, Cindy something wrote in her book. I did what I needed to protect my family.

The host pauses for a moment and studies the demeanor of his guest. Jack appears to have calmed down. 

Host: Hmm! Interesting comment. If I remember correctly, Lukas said something similar about his misdeeds and transgressions, “Did what I did to protect my family.” Like father like son?

Jack: No, and I refuse to take a DNA test.

Host: Okay, so you won’t acknowledge Lukas as your father but how do feel about the fact that he raced to St. Kitts in the attempt to save Caitlin from the villain and you didn’t?

Jack: I had my reasons.

Host: There’s another book coming out soon, Desperate Deceptions. Caitlin seems to have formed a bond with Lukas and is willing to embrace him into her life, how do you feel about that?

The host notices he pushed a button and Jack’s anger resurfaces. 

Jack: How do I feel about that, how do you think? My family is filled with duplicity and that newbie author took it upon herself to expose them. I’m concluding this interview with one parting remark, I will not let my daughter become an unscrupulous monster like Lukas Bucklin. Caitlin has integrity!

Jack storms off and leaves the set.

Host: Well that was quite an explosive interview, wasn’t it? To all of our viewers, I hope to have some other interesting characters that Cindy Cromer has created and brought to life in her novels on the show. I’m attempting to schedule Senior Special FBI Agent, Tomas Medina. Readers, send in your votes of who you would like to be interviewed. Until then, we can only wonder what other secrets are waiting to burst from this complex family whose DNA and gene pool created such dubious characters.

A Sneak Peak of Desperate Deceptions 

DESPERATE DECEPTIONS, the sequel to DESPERATE MEASURES, focuses on Caitlin Martel’s newly formed but strained relationship with her biological grandfather. She discovers a new meaning of the word DECEPTION. Does Caitlin maintain her integrity, or does she become influenced by her ruthless, take control grandfather, Lukas Bucklin?