Catching Meara

I'm a little slow with the post. I thought I was the last Friday of the month so wasn't really paying too much attention. Yesterday was a crazy day and I was babysitting a sick granddaughter. Then it was hubby's birthday. We went out to dinner then stopped at Joanne's Fabrics and saw Meggan. (but I don't know how to spell her name.) hmm... I should go look it up.

This month I'm looking forward to the release of Catching Meara the first in The McKenna Clan series.
I will have a two day prerelease sale at Rogue Phoenix Press. Catching Meara will be $0.99 on March 8th and March 9th. More about that later.

Catching Meara will have a review tour with Goddessfish, starting March 18th.

BLURB:

CATCHING MEARA

Meara Thorton was a feisty, world-class computer hacker—cornered by the FBI and shockingly given the chance to be their newly acquired technical analyst.  Brilliant and intuitive, yet aching with the loss of everyone she has cared about, her restless heart led her to discover a love she fought and a world she didn't know could possibly exist.

Jace McKenna was an enigma, a loner, impossibly handsome, sincere and committed. The Apache shapeshifter blood running through his veins burned hotter than the blistering Sierra Madre sun. Jace knew the moment he caught Meara's scent she was his for eternity.

EXCERPT:

EXCERPT:

Meara had been seconds from revelation, mere seconds. Now quivering with terror, she huddled in the corner of her electrified office while lights flashed and popped all around her, knowing there was no where to run. Monitors flashed and burst, exploding and sending shards of liquid fire into the air. A cop entered the small room, his arms stretched forward, gun in both hands and a flashlight on top of his gun.

Three more cops followed behind. No, they were government agents. The logo printed in white across their chest announced their profession.

Bright lights swept the room in a slow steady arc, searching for her. Finally resting on her face, she shielded her eyes. Smoke from the crucified computers filled the cubicle, making the agents choke. Sweat from fear beaded on her forehead, and her heart lurched to her throat. She closed her hands over her heart as if she could slow the furious beating.

"Hewitt, check this out. There might be more than this one. Barrister go search through the other rooms."

"Right, McKenna."

"My name is Jace McKenna," the man said as he approached cautiously, kicking debris from under foot until he stood above her. "Put your hands in the air."

His voice held so much authority and sounded so calm. For a moment she thought he meant to reassure then she remembered she was his prisoner. Well, she would be as soon as she complied with his demands.

Jace, appeared dark, dangerous, handsome and tall, she noted at first. Very tall, which was hard to miss, since she was skinny and short. His eyes were an amber color with a hint of green. He towered over her. Beneath the deceiving bulkiness of his bulletproof vest, she observed next, his shoulders were very broad, and though his hips were lean, his thighs, tightly hugged by his jeans, were muscled and powerful.

His hair was blacker than the midnight sky, nearly indigo with its sheen, his amber eyes were cast into a rugged face that appeared naturally tanned. He was probably somewhere in his late twenties or early thirties. He seemed fierce, alive with a striking tension and a volatile energy that seemed to exude from him.

Shaking, sweat dripping down her face, Meara slowly raised her trembling arms. "D-don't shoot--me, please" She heard the pathetic whimper in her voice as she blinked the stinging sweat from her eyes where it melded with her mascara. Her heart pounded so hard against her chest she was sure it would burst through her ribs.

"Stand up, slowly."

EXCERPT:

"I can't--sleep. I can't close my eyes."

"Why ever not?"

"I'm afraid that cat will show up again. Any suggestions? Any besides keep all the doors and windows closed?" Like a drill sergeant, she marched through his open front door.

She didn't hear footsteps behind her, but she did hear the door close. He was always as silent as cat stalking a mouse. She didn't sense his presence until his hands were on her and he was spinning her around. Surprised, she cried out. The spinning sensations caused her to stumble. She fell down to the floor and he followed.

She was beneath him and he was sprawled over her, taut, tense, his chest naked and the muscles rippling. She wanted to trace the rosettes on his body. They were everywhere and she'd never noticed how many he had. His eyes seemed to blaze, searing, into her. "Meara," he began. "Dear god, Meara." Then he fell silent. He groaned as his fingers moved into her hair...and he was kissing her...really kissing her.

Not as he had kissed her earlier. Not lightly, but with hunger, raw and animalistic. Openmouthed, his lips moved upon hers, wet, hot, enticing a response from her. His tongue swept her mouth, thrust inside and demanded she respond equally. Then he drew away, kissing her face, the tip of her nose, her closed eyelids. His tongue rimmed her lips before slipping inside her mouth again, so deeply the inferno raced throughout her body. She needed to touch him if only to reassure herself this too was not a dream.

She wanted to feel the warmth of his body and explore the contours that were all male animal, sleek and hard. And in turn she felt an overwhelming urge, the fire, and the desperation to have him at any cost.

His lips rose above hers just a fraction of an inch. She touched them delicately with her tongue, encircling them, nipping lightly. He held still to her gentle assault then swept his arms around her. Once again their mouth melded and the tasting and sweeping and hunger were shared. When they broke apart again, his hold on her eased, but the tension in him seemed greater, explosive. His breath fanning her cheeks, he whispered. "Meara, I'm sorry. I understand it's too soon. It's just..."

Beneath him she lay still, wondering what on earth was happening to her. It wasn't too soon. Yet maybe he had the right of it. Perhaps he didn't want her in that way. She had teased and taunted him, shown up at his door and practically begged for the kiss--for sex. Still she wondered how he could just walk away. It seemed to him the kiss was a mistake, but she'd live with the mistake and cherish the moment.

He was on his feet, one hand holding tight to his towel, the other reaching down to her, helping her to stand. She gazed at him, her fingers still entwined with his, her lips swollen and soft and wet from the kiss.

"Jace," she whispered his name. He didn't speak, and his eyes focused with hers. "I'm not what you want. I know I'm not the kind of girl..." Her voice trailed away miserably. She barely knew him, and she had imposed herself after long days at work. But she wondered if his desire was great enough, if she could seduce him.

"Meara, hush, you are exactly the kind of girl I would want." His voice was a low growl, his words fraught with tension, his eyes blazing.

EXCERPT:

The gunshots woke Meara from a sound sleep. She sat up in bed, sweat dripping from her forehead. She thought she saw a strange animal-like figure staring at her from outside--a wolf perhaps. But it wasn't the jaguar. Then it vanished.

"Jace!"

She was shivering, but she couldn't bring herself to move. She felt numb and so very empty. Jace was out there. He had gone outside to protect her, looking for a killer, so it seemed. He shouldn't have done that. He should have stayed where it was safe. Terror ripped through her.

Nowhere was safe.

He could get himself killed.

She knew Jace. He would tell himself he was trained. He would have to do it. He couldn't leave this to the men patrolling the house. And she knew he would never sit still while someone took crack shots at him. He would never wait this thing out. He could never live that way.

They couldn't live that way.

She sat on the bed and leaned her head against the headboard. It was solid and soothing. She realized Jace was going to stay out there until he caught the man. She also knew he wasn't going to stay around forever. She wasn't pretty enough, cute enough. She didn't have any curves, so to speak. It would be all over before she could blink.

And he was out there...

Risking his life for her...

She really couldn't bear it if he died. No matter what happened, she didn't want him hurt. She did love him, very much, and she needed to know he was alive somewhere.

A loud roar startled her.

At the harsh sound, she jumped alert. Scooting back on her bead as far as she could go, she cowered against the headboard for a brief second. Slowly she unpeeled herself from the bed and walked into her living room then toward the balcony.

The cat was covered with dirt, his eyes bright against the blackness of his fur. She opened the balcony doors and let the jaguar walk inside.

He let out a few whimpers then settled down on the rug, his tail moving up and down. He sounded as if he was in pain.

She arched her brows, staring at the cat and wondering if she should go to him. If it was safe. Good lord, Jace would have her hide if she approached the cat. But it wasn't one of the rules. She'd done everything just as he'd asked. Well, except for letting the cat inside her house. But the big black jaguar looked as if he needed her and he was wounded. Heck, she was more exhausted, but strangely she wasn't as terrified.

"Easy boy," she cooed as she slowly stepped toward the animal. She gritted her teeth against the creak and groan of the floorboards.

Start at the Beginning...

Website Design for Writers on a Budget, part 2

You've decided it's time to create a website, or perhaps you want to update the site you already have. Good for you! The natural inclination is to want to jump right in and start making changes — maybe you have new graphics you think you want to use, or you're tired of the colors on your site — or to start customizing that template you found online.

Whoa! Hold up, Skippy!

Take a deep breath and step away from your editor. You've missed a few crucial steps and jumped right to the end of the story. Before you ever look at a line of code — heck, before we can even talk about color palettes and graphics and all that good stuff — you need to start at the beginning. Because, you see, a website isn't just a pretty face.

What's the purpose of a writer's website?

Unfortunately, there isn't one answer to that question. The purpose may change depending on where you are in your career. If you're pre-published — i.e. a writer who hasn't sold or self-published your work yet — then your website may have a slightly different purpose than the website of an established author.

Just remember, a good website will look professional, will be easy to navigate, and will convey its information in a clear, easy to understand manner. Before you start building your website, you need to decide what information you want your site to convey. Don't worry about HOW the site will look, just make a list of WHAT will be on it.

Here are some of the things a writer's website might do.

Your website will be an invitation to readers:

• A place to find reliable information about your books (including your backlist, if you have one)
• An easy place to find links to buy your books
• A place where you blog (regularly!)
• A place where you post your twitter feed
• A place where you post news about books releases, book signings, conferences, etc.
• A place where you talk about your current work-in-progress
• A place to sign up for your newsletter (if you have one) and/or contact you via a form

Your website will be a professional platform:

• Expect Agents (business associates) and Editors (business partners) to visit your site
• A place for publicity stills (if you have them) and professional contact information
• A place for a short biography

Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? Don't let it overwhelm you. Many of those things overlap, and not all of them are a requirement for every writer. Think about it. Make your list. Don't be afraid to add things that aren't listed above and don't be afraid to cross things off that don't apply to you.

Pro Tip: Knowing what information you want your site to convey is a crucial first step, even if you ultimately decide to hire a professional web designer. With this knowledge in hand, you'll be able to communicate your needs clearly and succinctly.

Next time, I'll talk a bit about taking your list and starting to create the blueprint for your website. I'll use the list I made for my website as an example. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions!

REFERENCES

Head First Web Design: A solid, if quirky, take on web design that's worth checking out.

Deborah Wright
Website: www.Deborah-Wright.com
Twitter: @DeborahBWright
Facebook: Deborah.Wright.Author

 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Reality VS Real TV

Oops! I'm almost late putting this up. Thank you Deb for making the reminders that pop up!

I spent eight days with my dad helping him as he recovers from heart surgery. During that time I managed to make some progress on my mystery book. I also had to watch such shows as Pawn Stars, Swamp People, and  Pickers. While I know these are "made up" reality TV shows there was a portion of them that showed some great and not so great human characteristics.

Pawn Stars is a family run pawn store in Las Vegas that has one of the dumbest employees. I'm surprised he's alive he is so unintelligent. It makes me wonder if he is that way in real life or a put-on for the show. I don't believe anyone can be that dimwitted. And his name...Chumley. What do you think? Is that character a completely made up character just to keep the show from being boring?

Swamp People. They have(can't think of the word) what people say written at the bottom of the TV screen. My dad said because they are Cajun and no one can understand them. I say it's because they don't have any teeth and no one can understand them. ;) And just like all shows they have the good gator hunters and the not so nice gator hunters. After all you have to have a villain or two to make the story/show interesting. What I found interesting was the team of two women is the easiest to understand(they have teeth) and the neatest dressed other than the father and son Native American team(who also have teeth). And of course the bully team are big burly guys who pull in the wimpiest gators.

I like Pickers.  It was interesting to see what the "pickers" deemed good finds and what they deemed junk and to see all the stuff some people collect. Again, great character studies of the people who collected. Why a certain item and how they lived.

While I'm not a huge TV or movie watcher, I did find my evenings watching theses shows at my dad's an interesting way to enhance my writing.

Do you watch a certain show or shows to help you gain insight into a character or an idea for a book?

As a reader do you like when characters have motivations for the way they act or do you take their actions for granted?

IN BETWEEN...

Posted by: Genie Gabriel

I'm in the process of reading through the previous books of my Halo Legacy Series to be sure I find the loose ends and tie them up in the last contracted book of the series, which I'm currently working on. 

Yes, I have databases to track these threads, but I also like to reread the book so I get a better sense of what the heck I thought I was doing when I started the original plot line. Sometimes it's a surprise. :)

I also drafted a cover I like, but it's not going to be clear at the small sizes generally shown on the Internet. So I need to come up with something different. 

It's a bit odd wrapping up this series.It's been a big part of my life for well over a year, and I'm already feeling kinda lost. However, I'm sure I'll find plenty of things to keep me busy. I might even have time to play with my doggie herd again. I know I definitely have a big collection of books to read, which I didn't do.

What do you do when you're between books? Are there things you catch up on? New projects to dig into? Are these things related to writing? Or totally different? 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Is It Still Paradise If You're Sick?

I thought about titling this post, The Vacation from Hell, but I realized that wasn't really true.

Here's what happened. Last week, the Spousal Unit and I had a week in Hawaii. We'd planned it several months ago, using the SU's Hilton points to book a stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, just north of Kona on the Big Island (Hawaii). We figured a little warmth and sunshine in February would be a pleasant break from the winter weather. Everything was going fine, right up until the night before we were supposed to leave — when I woke up feeling like crap.

I wasn't sure what I had — food poisoning? a stomach bug? — and I honestly still don't know (though I suspect a bug, since it lasted so long). Since we had an early morning flight, we'd booked a room at a hotel near the airport (one that has a stay & fly package, so we could leave our car there). I couldn't eat and all I felt like doing was sleep, so I just crawled into bed and hoped I'd feel better before getting on the plane.

I didn't.

I'd managed to get up in the middle of the night and eat an apple and a slice of bread with some turkey that the SU had brought along in case I actually got hungry. Since I kept the food down, I had hopes that the worst was over even though I still felt lousy. Alas, that was false hope. The only saving grace for the flight was that we had first class seats (gotta love those companion tickets). If I had to feel bad on an airplane, at least I had plenty of room and a toilet close by (and boy did I need it).

The warm weather and sunshine were very welcome when we landed in Kona. The taxi to the resort and checking in remains a blur. I did manage to walk around the resort a bit, and I have to say, it's a beautiful place. But mostly, I slept that first day away. And the second. By the third, I insisted the SU go on the Circle-the-Island tour we'd booked and paid for before we left home. I was feeling marginally better, but not well enough to sit on a tour bus for 12 hours. I'm glad he went — he saw pretty much the entire island, including the volcano, and I got to sleep some more (in between forcing myself outside for some sunshine every once in a while).

On the second to last day, I felt marginally better. Enough to walk all around the resort (all 62 acres!), so long as we took rest breaks.

I finally felt mostly human on the last day - enough so that I even went swimming! Yay! We enjoyed our last day of paradise, and I didn't dread the flight home. It took a few more days before I really felt like my stomach had settled down. I still feel a bit woozy every once in a while.

Even though this last trip wasn't what I was expecting, I ended up having an OK time — and I had a lot of time to think about backstory for the next book. Most of that time was just daydreaming about the characters, but I did write up those notes on the flight home.

Deborah Wright
Website: www.Deborah-Wright.com
Twitter: @DeborahBWright
Facebook: Deborah.Wright.Author

 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week? What do you plan to accomplish this week?

I'M COMIN' OUT--MORE STORY THAN SEX

by Genie Gabriel

Yes, two blogs from me back to back! I'm obviously between stories and have too much time on my hands--and have been doing too much thinking. LOL!

This week has been a series of epiphanies for me. One of those epiphanies is around how I have struggled to "label" what I write. 

I finally realized why struggle? Just tell is like it is--I mean, like they are. 

My books are more story than sex. 

If you want hot sex in what you're reading, I know many wonderful writers who can deliver that. If you want sweet romances, those also abound.

While my books may not be scorch-your-eyeballs hot, neither are they sweet romances. I was scanning back through LEGACY OF ANGELS, book #2 of my Halo Legacy Series, for a PG excerpt between the two main characters--a former priest and a former prostitute. That was a challenge! 

Yet there was no consummated love scene in that book. The story ends shortly after their first kiss. 

On the other hand, the first love scene in LIVING THE LEGACY comes less than halfway through the book, when the two main characters are on their honeymoon. Their physical attraction for each other is part of what binds them together when they realize how different they are after they marry. Yet the second half of the book isn't one sex scene after another. They resolve their conflicts AND continue to appreciate each other through love-making. 

So my epiphany was the realization I didn't need to struggle to "label" my stories. The ground between sweet, chaste romances and fiery, burn-up-the-pages sex offers an incredible world of sensual, emotional stories exploring real life issues--and a few fantasies. Oh, and sometimes mystery and humor. :)

Do you struggle to label the stories you write or read? Or are you smarter than me and simply enjoy the story?

PROMO/SHARING + NOT DOING IT ALL MYSELF

ONE OF MY NEW COVERS!

First I want to share some wonderful news--all my Halo Legacy Series books have new covers! I am so excited to share these! I'm posting just the first one here so I'm not a total blog hog. However, if you want to see all of them, please visit my Web site at <www.GenieGabriel.com>. I've laid all of them out on a wonderful Valentine's Day background that I found at an online photo site.

Which brings me to the NOT doing it all myself part of this post.

I'm not a total control freak, but almost. In addition to a lot of intense writing over the past year or so to produce enough books that can be released every two months, I design my book covers, design and maintain my Web site and my blog, and coordinate most of my own promotion. 

I've discovered a couple things: (1) I can be very productive; and (2) I don't want to exhaust myself being productive.

That means deciding where it's cost effective to pay someone else to help produce and sell my books. Or doing the things I like to do and letting someone else do what's not so fun for me. :)

Though I design my own covers, I rely heavily on a number of online photo sites for pictures and graphics to make up the pieces of those covers. I gladly pay a reasonable price so I don't have to set up my own photo shoots or draw complex graphics from scratch.

Yes, I could self-publish, but I prefer having a publisher to format my books and upload them to e-tailers--and switch the covers. (Woo-hoo!) 

My publisher also carries some of the load of promotion, and I've purchased ad space at online sites as well as paid for someone else to set up blog tours for me. 

This list only touches on some of the things involved in producing a book that an author can do--or NOT--for herself. If you're published, how do you decide what you do or don't do in producing your books? If you're not yet published, do you have a plan on what you want to do yourself or let others do?

Downton Abbey and the Power of Familiarity

My local chapter mates convinced me to give Downton Abbey a try. So now we've just been through a marathon of Downton Abbey-watching: one episode a day from the very first one up to the most recent one.

And it has been making me think about series. What is it that makes us so addicted? Why do millions of people get so excited to watch the latest escapades of a fictional family who lived far away and long ago?

There's the fun of the settings, the costumes, the hairstyles, and the slang, of course. The fun of taking a peek into a world far removed from our own. But that kind of curiosity wears thin quickly, I think.

I think it's not the distance from our own lives that keeps us coming back week after week. I think it's the recognition of ourselves in the people: haven't we all known an Edith, who struggles to find a place for herself in the world while being overlooked by most around her? Haven't we all met a stalwart Mrs. Hughes, or a gentle but a bit out-of-touch Cora, or a crusading Isobel? Do we recognize the bitterness and rejection behind Thomas's nasty actions? And I hope we all have been lucky enough to know someone as quietly heroic as Mr. Bates.

I think the power of a series like Downton is in the links the audience builds with the characters over time. We argue over the choices they make, we root for them, we cheer and we boo at every new development in their lives.

It's a powerful thing for an audience to be invested in the happiness of fictional characters.

How can we bring that power to our own writing? How do we get readers so invested in the characters' lives that they boo when something goes wrong and cheer when it goes right?

I'm still learning, myself, but I think Downton Abbey shows that the flaws in the characters, their foibles, their little triumphs and losses, are at least as important as the main plot of the story.

I think a scene where Anna and Mr. Bates are kept apart is only powerful because we know of their long struggles. And watching Thomas cry real tears for the loss of another person is much more moving because we know how rarely he allows himself to care about another. It's the history we share with the characters that gives meaning to those small moments.

How do you build a connection between the reader and your characters? If you have the luxury of writing a series, and revisiting the same characters over time, how do you try to keep the reader invested in the lives of your story people?

~Barb

http://www.BarbaraCoolLee.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ZptSs5

Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/12FqCXq

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/UjgvFK

Twitter: http://bit.ly/VhG1Xz

On my own blog this month I'll be profiling the "People of Pajaro Bay" on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and highlighting joyful things in life in my "Good Fridays" feature. You can follow the posts through any of the links above.

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week? What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Chris' Rules To Write By

Spring Is Coming

Cleaning house, cleaning up the work place and finding the time, it seems we all have issues. When my characters come to life, putting them on paper is sometimes easy but often difficult. Thinking about them does not create the words. So I have made up Chris’s rules to write by. These are things I need to do to get the work finished.

Rules to write by:

1.    Derrière in chair.

2. Manuscript up, waiting for words of wisdom.

3. Get rid of all and I mean all distractions.

4.If you’re a gamer, don’t forget to lose them too.

5. Set a goal and stick by it. (unless there is a fire or some catastrophe

6. Workout after finishing designated writing assignment…ah the teacher in me.

7. If  you research well… you can ask too many questions and receive more answers than you have time to use.

8.    

What are your rules?

I struggled for some time to find the seconds, minutes and even hours to write. I find I am happiest when I’m creating stories and the characters are taking prevalent places in my head and on my computer. My rules of course are working for me. Writing more than I have since before my full time job in the school district. In present times I now have a record four pages in one day. Alas in my past I could write ten to twenty pages a date.

I am having so much fun with my McKenna Clan series. Catching Meara’s release date is March 10, 2013. The second book in this series is Sweet Sexy Sadie. It’s release date is August 20, 2013. Woo hoo…

And an FYI, I’m celebrating a new cover for Star Crossed. This is my novella, which is part of the Angels St. Patrick’s Day anthology. I am so happy to have this cover. 

Star Crossed is free today at Amazon.

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week? What do you plan to accomplish this week?

A Chat With My Muse

I give my muse a disgusted look. "Where the hell have you been?"

He blinks and swipes his sleeve under his nose. "Huh?"

"I've been waiting for your awesome inspiration, but you've been hiding from me. What's up with that?"

"I haven't been hiding," he says with a shrug. "You just haven't been looking."

Oh. My. God. A smartass muse who is... absolutely right. I was so absorbed in the holidays and stressing over my upcoming surgery that I'd forgotten about him. Now I feel bad.

"Look, Musey. I'm sorry if I sounded bitchy." I hang my head. "It's my fault, not yours."

He offers me a half-smile and pats me on the shoulder. "Don't be so hard on yourself. I've been by your side all along, you simply didn't notice."

"You have?"

Nodding, he adds, "How do you think those ideas for revamping your plot came to you?"

Surprised, I suck in a breath. I'd been half asleep and still in bed when I got those ideas. I haven't even written them down yet. "How did you know?"

"Silly girl." He chuckles. "I know everything about you. I'm your muse, remember? Living inside your head makes me privy to your deepest thoughts and dreams."

I feel suddenly exposed and back up a few steps.

He rolls his eyes. "Babe, you can't get away from me no matter how hard you try. You're a writer! You need me."

Shaking my head, I say, "No, I don't. My ideas are my own, not yours."

"Who said they weren't yours?" He exhales an exasperated sigh. "I'm your muse, not your master. I assist you, support you, challenge you. The rest is up to you."

Wow. I'd never thought of it that way. Here I've been waiting for him to show up, and he never even left. I just wasn't paying attention.

He wraps his arm around my shoulder and steers me along a path made of rough wooden planks. It leads toward a bank of thick fog and I hear ocean waves pounding the sand to my right. I stop to peer into the darkness ahead, as wisps of gray mist swirl around my feet.

"What's wrong?" he asks me.

"I'm scared," I say, a shiver raising goosebumps on my arms. "I don't know what's in there. Do you?"

His arms tighten around me, and the warmth of his body makes my shivers go away. "No. But I'll stay with you, no matter what. We'll tackle whatever we find in there… together."

Website Design for Writers on a Budget: Introduction

A couple of years ago I gave a short presentation to my local RWA^® chapter that I called Website Design for Authors on a Budget. The presentation was helpful to a point, but with only an hour and a half to speak, I couldn't really go into detail on any one aspect. I was hesitant (okay, down right reluctant) to expand the presentation for several reasons, but I've been persuaded that there might be other writers out there who would find this information useful.

Why reluctant? Mostly because I can't commit to teaching anyone html, xhtml, css, javascript, etc. And quite frankly, if you're going to create and maintain your own website, at some point you'll need to be familiar enough with one or more of those tools to be able to find your way around a website's source files. However, there are plenty of books and classes (online and in person) that will teach you these things.

Welcome to the Internet Age. "Every writer needs a website." We've all heard this statement at one time or another, but is it true? A few years ago, I would have answered yes, unequivocally. Now, I would change "website" to "web presence," because there are other options, such as having a Facebook page, that can substitute for a full blown website. However, in the long run I still believe a website is an important tool for a writer to have when it comes to promoting yourself and your work.

This series will be about creating a website on a budget. If there's one thing I would like you to take away from today's introduction, it's this: if you don't already own a domain name (i.e. your ".com" name) in the name you write under, please consider purchasing that domain name now. Almost all large web hosting company out there also sell domain names and will "park" the domain for you until you're ready to create your website.

In the upcoming months, I plan to discuss options for writers just starting out, choosing a website hosting service, website design considerations, pros and cons of "rolling your own" website, creative alternatives, and where to find inspiration, among other topics. I'll also provide a glossary and reference list at the end of each post, as appropriate.

Please feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to provide an answer. And if there's something you'd like me to discuss, please suggest other topics. I'll be happy to work a topic into the series, if I can.

DISCLAIMERS!

I am not a professional website designer, nor am I a graphic designer/artist. I do consider myself an enthusiastic amateur, though.

I am not affiliated with any of the companies or books/writers that I will provide in my reference lists. I'll make sure to note if that happens to change in the future.

My credentials: I have a B.S. in Computer Science and I've worked for over 20 years in Information Technology for major Computer Hardware/Software companies. I started creating web pages back in the early days of the web--when Mosaic was bright and shiny and Netscape was a mere gleam in Marc Andreessen's eye. I've continued to learn and work with html, css, xhtml, javascript, etc., and I created and maintain my own site, but I've never created a website for hire (outside of the "day job").

Here's what I can't do in this series:

• Teach you html/xhtml/css/flash/javascript, etc.
• Teach you graphic design or mad photoshop skilz
• Design your website for you

Now here's what I can do:

• Give you tips to get you started
• Show you examples -- of the bad, the okay, and the good (in my opinion, of course!)
• Provide lists of resources and references
• Inspire you (I hope!)

GLOSSARY

Domain Name: a domain name is an identification that represents an Internet Protocol (IP) resource, in this case a web site. For example, my domain name is Deborah-Wright.com

Domain Parking: refers to the registration of a domain name without creating a website. This is done in order to reserve the domain for future development.

Mosaic: the first web browser, developed at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)

WEB HOSTING / DOMAIN NAME RESOURCES

1. HostMonster -- cheap and reliable web hosting and domain registrar (I currently use their service)
2. Dreamhost -- a bit more expensive for web hosting than hostmonster, but very solid and reliable (I've used them in the past). They are also a domain registrar.
3. PowWeb -- another cheap and reliable web hosting and domain registrar that I've used in the past.
4. There are other web hosting companies out there. Just take the time to do some research and ask people you trust for recommendations.

These are companies I'm familiar with and feel comfortable listing. You might have noticed that I didn't list a famous web host/domain registrar that begins with a G and ends with a Y. That's because I won't recommend them to anyone who is a novice at this stuff (actually, I won't recommend them, period). I find their website confusing, their web tools ridiculously convoluted and difficult to use, and their practice of charging extra for useful addons makes them as-or-more expensive than the three companies I've listed above. It's just my opinion, but I've used all four companies and won't ever use G-----y again, if I can help it.

Deborah Wright
Website: www.Deborah-Wright.com
Twitter: @DeborahBWright
Facebook: Deborah.Wright.Author

 

More Ideas than Time

I'm a writer who has more ideas and characters than time to write them. I can get a great story idea at least once a day, I mull it over and if it won't go away or becomes even more ingrained in my thoughts, I jot it down either in one of my computer folders or an actual folder of ideas I have in my file cabinet.

The same goes for characters. I don't  get one of those a day but when one comes to me and sticks in my mind, becoming more and more real, I jot down the information for them and in some instances even come up with a story that they would work in.

Right now I have a real strong secondary character in my mind. I brainstormed a bit about her with Danita Cahill on our way to a booksigning this past weekend. My main character in my mystery thinks of the secondary character in this way. "Crazy Lil came with the ranch like a stray cat. She helps me out and I provide a place for her to live and food to eat."

I've thought of "Crazy" Lil as being simple minded, a lover of animals, and a person who is diligent at their tasks. Danita gave me some great ideas of backstory for her to explain why she won't leave her grandparent's ranch even after they are dead and it has been sold. It also gave me some insight into the mystery that will revolve around Lil and her past. Her mystery story that will be down the line from several others I've come up with for my mystery series.

Are you a prolific idea collector? Or can you come up with ideas at the same speed you can write them? Or if you do hobbies, do you dream up more projects than you can sanely make?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the rest of this month you can purchase Secrets of a Mayan Moon for $.99 at Kindle.

What happens when a brilliant anthropologist is lured to the jungle to be used as a human sacrifice?

Blurb:

Child prodigy and now Doctor of Anthropology, Isabella Mumphrey, is about to lose her job at the university. In the world of publish or perish, her mentor’s request for her assistance on a dig is just the opportunity she’s been seeking. If she can decipher an ancient stone table—and she can—she’ll keep her department. She heads to Guatemala, but drug trafficking bad guys, artifact thieves, and her infatuation for her handsome guide wreak havoc on her scholarly intentions.

DEA agent Tino Kosta, is out to avenge the deaths of his family. He’s deep undercover as a jaguar tracker and sometimes jungle guide, but the appearance of a beautiful, brainy anthropologist heats his Latin blood taking him on a dangerous detour that could leave them both casualties of the jungle.

Secrets of a Mayan Moon is available at Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords. 

www.patyjager.net

www.patyjager.blogspot.com

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week? What do you plan to accomplish this week?

AM I LOSING IT…

POSTED BY: GENIE GABRIEL

This past week, I finished book #8 of my Halo Legacy Series--serious issues, action, romance, and some mystery--and switched to writing an anthology that's supposed to be humorous. 

But I'm struggling to be funny. Not good.

So I went to one of my favorite research tools (the Internet) and keyed in comedy. I watched some of what was labeled comedy and didn't crack a smile. 

And I wondered: am I losing it? (My sense of humor, not the sanity I've never laid claim to!)

And, finally, I found laugh-out-loud comedy in comedians actually older than I am. :)

Jonathan Winters, who can make up weird and hilarious (to me) skits using a stick or a pen and pencil set. Carol Burnett and Charo in (almost) matching red sequined pants and midriff-baring tops. Jonathan Winters (again) with Robin Williams.

How can some people make comedy out of nothing but their imagination?

I did ask my grown son for some of his favorite comedians. I hadn't heard of them, but he hadn't heard of Jonathan Winters or Charo either--who I had forgotten was a pretty darn good guitar player.

Beyond loosening up my funny bone again, it was good for me to spend an hour or so laughing. 

Do you have a favorite comedian or a show/movie that's guaranteed to make you laugh?

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

Did you meet your writing goals last week? What do you plan to accomplish this week?

The Fit Writer

A couple of years ago, the Spousal Unit and I embarked on a fitness regimen. We were both determined to lose weight and get fit (which, surprisingly, aren't always the same thing). We were successful, to a point. Both of us dropped a significant amount of weight, though not everything we needed to, and we moved our bodies by working out or taking long walks several times a week.

Alas, that lost weight has started to creep back on our bodies — on mine, more than his (of course!). So. We've made a pact, the SU and I, to rid ourselves of the unwanted flab for good. We have a rather large carrot to inspire us — a special trip planned for later in the year for which we both want to be fit and healthy.

There's no getting around the fact that writing is a sedentary task. I spend a large chunk of my day either sitting in front of my computer or sitting on the couch editing my printed pages. It's been entirely too easy for me to become a slug and gain weight.

I know myself well enough to know that diets don't work for me. Telling myself I can't eat something is tantamount to waving a red flag in front of a bull. What does work is tracking what I eat on a daily basis and focusing on eating mostly whole foods. That is, eating very, very few processed or packaged foods. That also has the benefit of reducing the amount of added sodium in my diet to almost zero.

Doesn't mean I won't have the occasional treat. I will. But the emphasis will be on occasional, rather than treat.

That's the food side of the equation. I also plan to incorporate my favorite workout routines on a more regular basis than the sporadic times I've been managing lately. I've started this year doing daily Yoga and crunches. I plan to add walking on the treadmill at least three times per week (and no, I don't jog or run) — and when good weather returns, taking long walks with the SU. Eventually I'm thinking of adding in a step routine and light weight work with dumbbells.

2013 is the year I plan to add being fit to my daily routine, along with writing daily. I'll make regular updates on my progress here on the blog. How about you? Is fitness something that's been on the back burner lately? There's no time like the present to start getting fit!

Deborah Wright
Website: www.Deborah-Wright.com
Twitter: @DeborahBWright
Facebook: Deborah.Wright.Author

 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome! This is the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers weekly progress check-in. We want to hear from you.

It's a brand new year! Time to think about setting new writing goals.

Whatever your goals for 2013, plan to check in on this blog every Monday and let us know how you did. We'd love to cheer you on!

Did you meet your writing goals last week? What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Smart Goals

I'm Late I'm Late I'm Late!

Since everyone has been writing about goals and this is a new year, I decided to do the same. For starters I would like to remember my MWV blog the day before. I'm going to enable myself. I babysat my Eugene granddaughter Wednesday through Thursday at 5:00. Then I would have sat down and written the darn thing but the Ducks were playing. Sigh... I woke up this morning and remembered.

But my writing goals...
Specifically, I plan on writing the second book in the McKenna Clan series. When I started writing this book, I had no idea it would be a series. Now I'm waking up with scenes in my head. The only problem to this is that I am waking up with scenes for this book in my head too. This book would be the 4th in my Twelve Dancing Princesses series. They both have working titles. The first is Sweet Sexy Sadie, the second is Highland Sunrise.

Measurably, I would like to have Sweet Sexy Sadie finished and published in August and Highland Sunrise in December.

Attainable-- hmm... I certainly hope so. I have to write, write, write and right at this moment, I'm editing galleys. But I am going to put down the first scenes of both books and do a little bit of research.

Realistically I know I can finish Sweet Sexy Sadie and have it published by August but I'm not so sure about Highland Miracle then it also depends on wether or not the angels decide to publish another anthology next year.

Timely I think I covered that in the measurable phase.

So on the continuing theme of goals those are mine. And I'm not even going to proof read this. I hope there are not too many typos.

WRITING BECAME PART OF ME in 2012

I love how Meggan started our year with the One Big Thing. Her post focused my attention on my top priority for 2013, which doesn't happen to be exclusively writing. 

On further thought, I realized how much progress I made last year, when writing was my One Big Thing. I wrote or promoted my writing pretty much every day in 2012. 

And guess what? Writing moved beyond being a priority. It became part of me.

That means I'm not leaving writing behind in 2013. Writing will continue to be a big part of my life:

--I started off 2013 with a new release, LEGACY UNDER FIRE, which is book #6 of my Halo Legacy Series.

--I have four more releases scheduled this year: three more Legacy books in March, May and July, as well as a novella that's part of an anthology to be released in May.

--I'll continue to promote these releases and, in fact, expand those efforts. 

--I'll be learning animation and finding out more about graphic novels in the quest to find new ways to present my stories. 

--More characters in my Halo Legacy Series are nagging to have their stories told.

--Ideas are bubbling about expanding my romantic comedy novellas into some steampunk settings and giving a bigger role to the dogs in those stories.

--I'll be expanding my writing into nonfiction by keeping a journal of my experiences in Going Back to the Country.

The realization I've moved from writing being something I do when I carve out the time to writing being part of me is huge in my corner of the world. This wasn't done in one incredible leap, but one sentence, one scene, one book, one online appearance at a time--every day over the past year.

Then Barb talked about dreams and letting go of old things to make room for the old. Wow! That post resonated with me also! To realize my dream of having property for my doggies and me, I'm letting go of a house I've lived in for about 25 years. I'm letting go of city life. I'm letting go of a do more, work harder mindset, and many other habits and thoughts that aren't in my best interest any more. 

So I'm cleaning out my mental (and literal) closets to make room for a dream, and approaching 2012 one research article, one property search, one self-sufficient process at a time. 

Of course, I won't refuse a quantum leap either!

A Quote for January

The new year brings thoughts about new beginnings. This blog is undergoing a transformation into something new--and more inclusive and better, I think. 

So I was thinking about quotes on beginnings for January. Then I came across a quote that reminded me that sometimes the greatest changes stem not from beginning, but from ending:

"A well-known Zen parable tells of a wanderer on a lonely road who came upon a torrential stream that had washed out the bridge. He couldn't swim and was afraid to wade across, so he had to spend several days cutting down trees and vines with his small knife to build a raft. The raft he built was solid, and the heavy raft carried him safely across the flood. On the other side of the bank he thought, 'This is a good raft--if there's another stream ahead, I can use it.' And so, he carried the raft for the rest of his life." (Julie Morgenstern, When Organizing Isn't Enough: Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life)

Is a new beginning for you about letting go of something old? For me it is. I am letting go of old patterns and old rules in 2013. I started this process in 2012, when I took the plunge into self-publishing. Now, since that has turned out to be one of the best career decisions I've ever made, I am feeling even bolder about letting go of other assumptions, patterns and ideas that I have outgrown. 

So for me, beginning 2013 is for chipping away at everything in my life that no longer fits me. It's about no longer hauling around old rafts that once served me, but no longer do.

How about you? What does beginning a new year mean for you? Do you have any plans, ideas, or dreams you want to make room for in your life (or any to let go of because they no longer fit you)?

~Barb

http://www.BarbaraCoolLee.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ZptSs5

Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/12FqCXq

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/UjgvFK

Twitter: http://bit.ly/VhG1Xz

On my own blog this month I'll be profiling the "People of Pajaro Bay" on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and highlighting joyful things in life in my "Good Fridays" feature. You can follow the posts through any of the links above.

If you have a book release in 2013 and you'd like to be a Wednesday guest on my blog, email me and we'll set it up.

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

A New Beginning...

Welcome to the re-designed blog for the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance* Writers!

We're embarking on a new adventure — striking out on our own, without the backing of any "official" writing organization.

The writers of Mid-Willamette Valley Romance* Writers came together because of a mutual love of writing Romance.

Over the years, our interests have widened — hence our updated name. The asterisk (*) signifies that we don't just write Romance; we write in a wide variety of genres.

One thing hasn't changed, however. We still share a love of the Romance genre.

You never know what you'll find with the fun and witty Mid-Willamette Valley Romance* Writers. So sit back, settle in, and join in the lively discussion; we're a pretty friendly bunch!

Change is in the Air

Things are changing around here. Maybe it's the time of year, or maybe it's just overdue. Either way, you'll see a brand new blog very soon. Stay tuned!

Happy Christmas!

I can't believe it's Christmas already! And that means the new year is just a week away. How does that happen?

This has been a year of ups and downs for me. The biggest "up" that came my way, of course, was finaling in RWA^®'s Golden Heart in the Novel With Strong Romantic Elements (NSRE) category. I can't tell you how big a boost that was to my confidence. I didn't win, but that didn't matter. Being a finalist is winning.

The biggest "down" of the year was realizing that the manuscript I finaled with just wasn't ready. I've been working on it since the National Conference, fixing the things that are wrong with it and strengthening the writing overall. I haven't sent it yet to the Agents and Editors who requested it at the Conference (I'm still working on it), but I hope to have it ready by the end of January. Whew!

Another "down" for me was hearing that RWA has eliminated my category (NSRE) from this year's Golden Heart. I've always felt like I was on the fringes of romance writing — I don't write Romance, but I always have a strong romantic subplot — but this felt like I was being pushed away with a big ol' NOT WELCOME HERE sign in my face. RWA is a great organization and they have to do what they think is best, especially from a legal standpoint, but I feel like they're picking nits, so to speak.

Amongst all of this, our RWA Chapter had The Discussion and decided the time had come to dissolve as an official Chapter of RWA. It wasn't easy to contemplate, but the economy and the changes announced by RWA National (or perhaps I should say the "clarifications" to existing rules) pretty much guaranteed the outcome. So, as of January 1st, we will not be affiliated with Romance Writers of America.

Enough with the gloom! Another huge "up" for me was finding a compatible critique partner in Meggan McQuaid. I've always been leery of critiquing, being both unsure about my own critique abilities and about finding someone I trust with my writing. Meeting Meggan and working with her on critiquing in a group, then gradually starting to read more of each other's writing, has been amazing. Not only do we write (and read) in similar genres (essentially romantic fantasy of various subgenres), but our craft is at a similar level. Having her as a critique partner in the last couple of months has been the catalyst for taking my writing to the next level — and I believe she'd say the same.

It would be easy to be a bit bitter about the dissolution of the Chapter (mentioned above), but actually, I'm viewing it as a positive thing. The members are staying together as an informal writing group NOT officially associated with RWA. There's a sense of freedom now that we won't be governed by RWA's bylaws. We're contacting old members — those who had let their membership lapse — to see if they'd like to rejoin us. And we're revamping this blog and the website to reflect the changes we're making. Look for the big reveal at the first of the year.

I hadn't intended to do a retrospective on my year when I started this post, but I guess it's been on my mind. :-)

How about you — how was your year? Are you looking forward to anything special next year?

Happy Holidays!

Deborah Wright
Website: www.Deborah-Wright.com
Twitter: @DeborahBWright
Facebook: Deborah.Wright.Author

 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Happy Holidays

Wow, it's not the same format as before. I've missed my last two or was it three posts so I was determined not to forget this one.

The setting sun over Depot Bay, Oregon. And the sun is setting on the year 2012 and the MidWillamette Valley Romance Chapter. If the Mayan calendar is correct... Hmm...

I'm looking forward to new beginnings, a new grandchild and a new set of goals for 2013.

I'll have to talk about the goals in January. Trying to figure out what is realistic for the year.

What will 2013 bring for you?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ME & MY DOGGIE CREW!

What to wear, what to wear--no, wait! What to write, what to write!

Yep, got the reminder that it's my turn to blog tomorrow--well, technically, it's now today. And I've been dashing around all day and am just now getting to writing my blog post. 

My doggies are asleep and I'm still at my computer. Responded to some comments from the online Christmas party I'm participating in. Read someone else's funny Christmas blog. And I've added enough words have my blog post is partway done. :)

I'm going to make this short and easy, and just say Happy Holidays from me and my doggie crew to all of you! 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

CREATIVITY COMES IN MANY FORMS

Current Project: Halo Legacy Series
Status: Working on book #8
Posted by: Genie Gabriel

I'm going to stray from the topic of writing for this post to give a shout out to other creative outlets. One of my friends, who paints fabulous water colors, has a number of her paintings hanging in the Red Raven Gallery in downtown Salem. I went to see her and missed her by probably less than a minute because it took me so looong to find a place to park. I hope that meant there were lots of people enjoying the Art Walk downtown. There are twenty-one locations downtown exhibiting the work of local artists through the end of December.

I've been in my writing cave so long I'd forgotten how I love the work of other artists. Not just paintings, but wood carvings (I love to touch wood but restrained myself), pottery, jewelry, knitted or crocheted scarves. Pretty much anything creatively handmade. 

I was also reminded how lucky I am to have friends who are talented. Several of them women named Kim--one who does finely detailed drawings and paintings; another who is taking fabulous photos; another growing her own grapes and making wine. And at least two friends--not named Kim--who make incredible quilts.

I'm not going to list all the incredibly talented people I know who have creative outlets besides or in addition to writing. The list would be very long and I'd keep updating the post as I thought of yet another talented person.

So, though we're two weeks past Thanksgiving, I'd like to say how thankful I am to know such talented people--in addition to writers, of course! The beauty of their creativity is one of the things that fills the well of my soul. So thank you all for the beauty your bring to this world. 

And if you have a creative outlet other than writing, please share what it is. I know many writers also find joy in other creative outlets.

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's final weekly progress check-in before the awards announcements at the end-of-year party.

The chapter officers will be counting up the weekly check-ins for the year and will award gift certificates from Powell's bookstore to the member and the non-member who have checked in the most weeks during this year.

So, how have you done this year on reaching your goals?