Monday, June 28, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
As you probably know by now, I'm a big fan of True Blood, the HBO series created by Alan Ball based on the Southern Vampire Mysteries novels by Charlaine Harris. And as I watched the show last night, I realized there might be an underlying reason for why I'm so enthralled with both the books and the television show.
In the books, Sookie Stackhouse is a kind and generous Christian woman who just so happens to be a telepath. She is bright and courageous, but as a waitress, her intelligence is generally questioned. But Sookie could be any young woman I know; she goes to church, has a steady job, and she often struggles financially. Sookie has a big heart and is willing to give as much as she can of herself to help others. But when the supernatural world around her reveals itself, she is confused and curious and open to its existence because she is so different herself with her "disability." While the books have much symbolism (such as Harris calling vampire sires "makers"), the show does a good job of incorporating that and then some. I think the symbolism is more obvious in the show because it's so visual.
Sookie questions her world. Her faith in God is often shaken by what she sees happening in her world. And yet she always returns to her Christian roots, choosing to believe in the goodness of man rather than the evil that surrounds her at times. Even the supernatural creatures in the series can show compassion and goodness. But then there are those who are pure evil, and it is their actions that cause Sookie to question her faith.
Sookie is no different than any of us. I don't think we would be human if we didn't--at some point in our lives--question our faith or our motivations. And yet if we are true believers, we come back to our faith rejuvenated and ready to take on new challenges. What draws me to the show is the unwavering faith in humanity and in God--that good will win out in the end. I don't think I realized the parallels Harris had drawn until I examined the show--and the books--at a slightly deeper level. I will probably watch it with a fresh viewpoint from here on out.
Monday, June 21, 2010
It's always just a bit awkward when someone asks me about my "parents." I never know quite how to respond. You may have noticed by now that I never discuss my dad. That's because I really don't have one.
My father left our family when I was 13, and he never really looked back. I'm almost 30 now, and while traumatic at first, I've managed to adjust to life without him. Father's Day is one of the hardest days of the year for me. It was particularly difficult this year because when I logged onto Facebook, I saw status update after status update about the wonderful fathers out there. I have the most wonderful mother in the world, but I drew the short straw when it came to the paternal lot. Even when he was at home with us, he mostly ignored us. His anger was a terrifying thing to witness, and if you were on the receiving end of it... It's something I'd rather not talk about.
Most of the time, I don't complain. But explaining where my dad is when people ask what my parents do or where they live is difficult to explain. Sometimes, I just gloss over it with info about my mom. That's the easiest way. If I really want someone to get to know me as a friend, I explain in further detail. Still, it's a tough topic, and I realize there are "broken" parts of me as a result of my family history. Will has been a wonderful ointment for that, listening when I need a shoulder to cry on. Because, you see, it isn't fair. Every little girl should have a father. He should take her on father-daughter dates, threaten her boyfriends with bodily harm if they're disrespectful (just kidding!), and walk her down the aisle when she gets married.
I missed out on those experiences, and still, I am blessed. I've had wonderful father figures in my life and a brother who often stepped in when a strong male role model was required. Maybe God wanted my life this way...so that I could write about these things and have these wonderful, inspiring men in my life.
My father left our family when I was 13, and he never really looked back. I'm almost 30 now, and while traumatic at first, I've managed to adjust to life without him. Father's Day is one of the hardest days of the year for me. It was particularly difficult this year because when I logged onto Facebook, I saw status update after status update about the wonderful fathers out there. I have the most wonderful mother in the world, but I drew the short straw when it came to the paternal lot. Even when he was at home with us, he mostly ignored us. His anger was a terrifying thing to witness, and if you were on the receiving end of it... It's something I'd rather not talk about.
Most of the time, I don't complain. But explaining where my dad is when people ask what my parents do or where they live is difficult to explain. Sometimes, I just gloss over it with info about my mom. That's the easiest way. If I really want someone to get to know me as a friend, I explain in further detail. Still, it's a tough topic, and I realize there are "broken" parts of me as a result of my family history. Will has been a wonderful ointment for that, listening when I need a shoulder to cry on. Because, you see, it isn't fair. Every little girl should have a father. He should take her on father-daughter dates, threaten her boyfriends with bodily harm if they're disrespectful (just kidding!), and walk her down the aisle when she gets married.
I missed out on those experiences, and still, I am blessed. I've had wonderful father figures in my life and a brother who often stepped in when a strong male role model was required. Maybe God wanted my life this way...so that I could write about these things and have these wonderful, inspiring men in my life.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Image via CrunchBase
Okay, I'm guilty. I'm a follower. An early adopter. An Apple freak.
Tuesday, when the new iPhone 4 came out, I ordered one. Somehow, I managed to finagle my way through the mess that AT&T and Apple created and got through the process around 6:30 P.M. that evening. It was frustrating because I'd tried off and on during the day to get through, got home, tried a couple of times, et voilà! It happened. I was about to be the proud new owner of the highly coveted iPhone 4...except I have to wait six more days before it gets to my house.
So why did I jump into this ridiculous fray/madness/insanity? I still have the old iPhone 3G, and I am (admittedly) an Apple fan. I don't have every gadget they've ever made, but I do own a MacBook Pro and an iPhone. I love them both. But my current phone is two years old, Will's phone is slowly dying before his contract is up, and so I decided to upgrade. Think of it as a belated anniversary gift.
I love new toys.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Summers are when I've discovered some of the best reading pleasures. It's been an annual ritual nearly all of my life to spend my summers lazing away the long days turning the pages of a good novel.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite activities was heading to the library to check out the latest available books. I also remember the library mobile making trips to my grandmother's house, and there was always a hidden treasure or two to be found. The librarian operating the converted minibus always knew just what my sister and me might like to read. We spent hours giggling over The Silly Songbook or traveling to the Alps with Heidi.
Another summer--just before those precarious teenage years--my then future sister-in-law brought us a huge cardboard box full of Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books. I devoured them having never read any of those books before that. I also became keenly interested in Nancy Drew right around the same time. Before that, R.L. Stine was a staple on my bookshelf.
One summer in high school, my best friend introduced my first romance novel to me, Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey. After that came many of Teresa Medeiros' early works, also given to me by my best friend. I loved the happy endings, the conflict, and the lovable characters.
By my 15th summer, I had decided I wanted to do some of my own writing. I started with poetry, moved to short stories, and before I knew it, I was starting my first novel. My great love of reading fostered an even greater love of writing. While it used to be a hobby, it is now a second career. As Stephen King said, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." My mom encouraged reading at a very early age, and she's passed on her love of the written word to each of her children. Without that encouragement, I doubt I would be pursuing publication today.
Thanks, Mama.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite activities was heading to the library to check out the latest available books. I also remember the library mobile making trips to my grandmother's house, and there was always a hidden treasure or two to be found. The librarian operating the converted minibus always knew just what my sister and me might like to read. We spent hours giggling over The Silly Songbook or traveling to the Alps with Heidi.
Another summer--just before those precarious teenage years--my then future sister-in-law brought us a huge cardboard box full of Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books. I devoured them having never read any of those books before that. I also became keenly interested in Nancy Drew right around the same time. Before that, R.L. Stine was a staple on my bookshelf.
One summer in high school, my best friend introduced my first romance novel to me, Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey. After that came many of Teresa Medeiros' early works, also given to me by my best friend. I loved the happy endings, the conflict, and the lovable characters.
By my 15th summer, I had decided I wanted to do some of my own writing. I started with poetry, moved to short stories, and before I knew it, I was starting my first novel. My great love of reading fostered an even greater love of writing. While it used to be a hobby, it is now a second career. As Stephen King said, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." My mom encouraged reading at a very early age, and she's passed on her love of the written word to each of her children. Without that encouragement, I doubt I would be pursuing publication today.
Thanks, Mama.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Someone in my professional circle just got a recording contract. She's left her job to pursue her music career full-time, and it made me think. When you're ready to pursue those crazy dreams, how does the rest of your life change? Getting a recording contract or a book contract or a movie gig in Hollywood is a bit like winning the lottery. But instead of pure luck, you need ambition, tenacity, talent, and determination. But it also doesn't hurt to have connections and a bit of luck on your side.
If I landed a book contract tomorrow, it made me think: how would my life change? Initially, I doubt it would change at all. Why would it? A book contract doesn't necessarily mean big bucks, especially for first-time authors. But what it does mean is that writing no longer becomes a hobby or just a whim. Instead, it becomes a second career with deadlines and contracts and readers and... It isn't just fun; it's a real job.
While I handle the pressures of writing pretty well now, I'm not under any particular deadline to finish by a certain date other than those I set for myself. I have a job I do 40 hours a week, I have responsibilities at home, and on top of all of that, I write. Right now, I'm revisiting revisions on The Stolen Lady. When those are complete, I'll start the process of querying to literary agents. And if one bites and decides to represent me, that person will begin shopping my book to various publishers. If a publisher picks it up, I will then be responsible for edits and deadlines set by the editor. Additionally, my agent will expect new book proposals, which may also have deadlines.
I understand why the young woman I know left her "day job." She needed to in order to meet the requirements of her new career. At some point in the future, should there ever be a multi-book contract in my future, I might find myself having to make some of those same decisions. But it hasn't happened, and in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the freedom of being a writer without the pressures.
If I landed a book contract tomorrow, it made me think: how would my life change? Initially, I doubt it would change at all. Why would it? A book contract doesn't necessarily mean big bucks, especially for first-time authors. But what it does mean is that writing no longer becomes a hobby or just a whim. Instead, it becomes a second career with deadlines and contracts and readers and... It isn't just fun; it's a real job.
While I handle the pressures of writing pretty well now, I'm not under any particular deadline to finish by a certain date other than those I set for myself. I have a job I do 40 hours a week, I have responsibilities at home, and on top of all of that, I write. Right now, I'm revisiting revisions on The Stolen Lady. When those are complete, I'll start the process of querying to literary agents. And if one bites and decides to represent me, that person will begin shopping my book to various publishers. If a publisher picks it up, I will then be responsible for edits and deadlines set by the editor. Additionally, my agent will expect new book proposals, which may also have deadlines.
I understand why the young woman I know left her "day job." She needed to in order to meet the requirements of her new career. At some point in the future, should there ever be a multi-book contract in my future, I might find myself having to make some of those same decisions. But it hasn't happened, and in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the freedom of being a writer without the pressures.
Friday, June 11, 2010
It happens occasionally. And my temper rises, I rush to debunk the myth, and then I am left frustrated when neither of us walk away with a satisfactory conclusion. What am I talking about? The image of the romance novel.
It's a genre I love, and I started writing in it when I was 15 years old. So why do I read (and write) romance? What is it about that genre that attracts me instead of mystery or suspense or science fiction or...?
It's a combination of things: the first feeling of falling in love, the drama, the conflict to get to the point of a happily ever after, the growth of the characters as they mature and get to know one another as individuals. So I'm always insulted when someone is condescending about the romance genre as a whole or insists that the sole reason for its existence is "pornography for women." That couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, there are subgenres of romance that are certainly more sexually explicit than others. But I can't comment on those since they aren't subgenres I read. What you'll most often find in my hands is a novel from a New York Times bestseller such as Teresa Medeiros, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Rachel Gibson, or Carly Phillips. These are smart, witty women who know how to pen a story and keep the pages turning. They keep the relationship the central focus which is--at its heart--a romance novel's purpose.
Some are offended by the occasional love scene, which is where the comparison to pornography comes in. But really, comparing a romance by Julia Quinn to Playboy is like comparing a Sandra Bullock romantic comedy to a Jenna Jameson pornographic film. You just can't compare them because they aren't the same--not even on the same plane. As a matter of fact, I recently finished reading Julia Quinn's latest novel, and there wasn't a single love scene until the very end of the novel, and it only then occurred after the couple was headed to the alter.
Romance is about a committed, loving, and adult relationship. The romance is the central focus--not the action or conflict that must occur to drive the plot forward. The characters are why we read it; we want to know them. And unless you're writing an inspirational romance ("Christian romance") or a so-called "bonnet romance," the book will include some sort of love scene, be it sex or kissing. I've seen it called "shutting the door in the reader's face" if it isn't included when the book obviously has a natural progression toward the eventual love scene. And I agree. How is "leaving the door open"--if it isn't gratuitous and serves a purpose to the plot--any more offensive than occurring in a T.V. show or movie or book genre?
I think the problem lies in the title of the genre. When we call it romance, there's automatically an assumption that the women who read them are sitting in trailers eating bonbons and watching Jerry Springer. But RWA stats show us that educated, intelligent, independent women are reading these novels. Still, there's a shame associated with it, and there shouldn't be. I'm an educated, intelligent, independent, married woman with a strong Christian faith. I am confident in most areas of my life, and yet because I read and write romance, others feel justified in looking down their noses at me. It is an unacceptable conundrum, and I doubt the insinuations or insults about romance readers and authors will disappear anytime soon.
And the most interesting irony? I am friends with several published romance authors. Most are churchgoing Christian women with strong faiths...and they have the support of their fellow church members. If our fellow church members can support us, why can't mainstream society?
It's a genre I love, and I started writing in it when I was 15 years old. So why do I read (and write) romance? What is it about that genre that attracts me instead of mystery or suspense or science fiction or...?
It's a combination of things: the first feeling of falling in love, the drama, the conflict to get to the point of a happily ever after, the growth of the characters as they mature and get to know one another as individuals. So I'm always insulted when someone is condescending about the romance genre as a whole or insists that the sole reason for its existence is "pornography for women." That couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, there are subgenres of romance that are certainly more sexually explicit than others. But I can't comment on those since they aren't subgenres I read. What you'll most often find in my hands is a novel from a New York Times bestseller such as Teresa Medeiros, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Rachel Gibson, or Carly Phillips. These are smart, witty women who know how to pen a story and keep the pages turning. They keep the relationship the central focus which is--at its heart--a romance novel's purpose.
Some are offended by the occasional love scene, which is where the comparison to pornography comes in. But really, comparing a romance by Julia Quinn to Playboy is like comparing a Sandra Bullock romantic comedy to a Jenna Jameson pornographic film. You just can't compare them because they aren't the same--not even on the same plane. As a matter of fact, I recently finished reading Julia Quinn's latest novel, and there wasn't a single love scene until the very end of the novel, and it only then occurred after the couple was headed to the alter.
Romance is about a committed, loving, and adult relationship. The romance is the central focus--not the action or conflict that must occur to drive the plot forward. The characters are why we read it; we want to know them. And unless you're writing an inspirational romance ("Christian romance") or a so-called "bonnet romance," the book will include some sort of love scene, be it sex or kissing. I've seen it called "shutting the door in the reader's face" if it isn't included when the book obviously has a natural progression toward the eventual love scene. And I agree. How is "leaving the door open"--if it isn't gratuitous and serves a purpose to the plot--any more offensive than occurring in a T.V. show or movie or book genre?
I think the problem lies in the title of the genre. When we call it romance, there's automatically an assumption that the women who read them are sitting in trailers eating bonbons and watching Jerry Springer. But RWA stats show us that educated, intelligent, independent women are reading these novels. Still, there's a shame associated with it, and there shouldn't be. I'm an educated, intelligent, independent, married woman with a strong Christian faith. I am confident in most areas of my life, and yet because I read and write romance, others feel justified in looking down their noses at me. It is an unacceptable conundrum, and I doubt the insinuations or insults about romance readers and authors will disappear anytime soon.
And the most interesting irony? I am friends with several published romance authors. Most are churchgoing Christian women with strong faiths...and they have the support of their fellow church members. If our fellow church members can support us, why can't mainstream society?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
It's a cliché, isn't it? The Muse doesn't come, and the writer--when asked about the latest work--says, "Oh, I have writer's block. I just can't seem to get anything down on paper."
The truth is writer's block does happen. I've been on the receiving end of that myself. I think I might be experiencing a tiny bit of it now that I'm starting a new novel. I'm stuck on chapter one, which is a nasty place to get stuck. But I'm working through it and pushing through. Really, it's the only cure for writer's block.
The whole muse thing has some grain of truth in the wave of inspiration that often comes to writers. But truthfully, we are our own muses, and taking a long walk can work wonders on the imagination when you've been staring at the computer screen all day with no new ideas.
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Saturday, June 5, 2010
Image by NWFblogs via Flickr
We've heard over and over how the oil spill was going to ruin the wildlife and marshes of the Gulf Coast. I guess until now, it didn't really hit home for me. But when I saw these photos on Friday, I truly began to understand the implications of this disaster.
I'm not an overemotional person. I don't cry at the drop of a hat, and I understand that things happen in this world that we can't control. But this? This was totally avoidable if only some precautions or preparation had been put in place. I can't even find the words to express how I feel. As an animal lover, as a human being, as a follower of God, I want to weep with despair at this mess.
Thousands upon thousands of people will be affected by this oil spill in various forms. Wildlife native to the area will be endangered. We all want to point a finger at someone, but I think the real focus should be on finding a solution to resolving the situation and helping the area recuperate because at this point, do we really have any other choice?
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Friday, June 4, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
When I grow up, I want to be some combination of Teresa Medeiros, Julia Quinn, and Rachel Gibson. As authors, their individual styles inspire me. Their propensity for smart humor intrigues me. And their ability to keep me turning the pages until I get to the last one with a great big sigh makes me want to run back to my own book awaiting revisions and polish it up as quickly as possible in the hopes that I can play in the big leagues like them.
I'll be honest. The last couple of months have been tough with lots of family stuff going on, and I was tired of writing. It's difficult to write when your mind is preoccupied with so many other scenarios. Additionally, I was a little sick of The Stolen Lady. That must be some kind of blasphemy, right? I'd spent more than a year writing the darn thing since I also have a day job, and the time suck was starting to wear on me. But I'm ready to get back to writing, and I'm nearly finished with the first chapter of my new project--a contemporary that is so far untitled. I don't yet have the burning passion to write it that I get somewhere around the middle of chapter two. I don't know my characters very well yet, but once I get to know them, may the games begin!
I may also be ready to revisit revisions on TSL since I find my mind wandering back to it and thinking about the various things I can do in revisions that might not be hard to weave into the storyline.
Writing a contemporary is a big genre shift. I haven't decided if this will be a permanent shift or if it's just an in-between project until I start the next historical. My first love is historical--in particular, Regency--so I can't imagine that it will be permanent, but it might also help me better define my writing voice. I would say it's already pretty well defined, but the more you write, the more you discover what you "sound" like on paper. Knowing my voice should also help me write those dreaded synopses and proposals and queries and all of the other myriad types of writing that comes with writing. A bit ironic, isn't it?
Anyway, I'll be polishing up the first chapter this weekend, and if time (and my muse) permits, I'll dive into TSL revisions again. This time, I'll make it through--do or die!
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I'll be honest. The last couple of months have been tough with lots of family stuff going on, and I was tired of writing. It's difficult to write when your mind is preoccupied with so many other scenarios. Additionally, I was a little sick of The Stolen Lady. That must be some kind of blasphemy, right? I'd spent more than a year writing the darn thing since I also have a day job, and the time suck was starting to wear on me. But I'm ready to get back to writing, and I'm nearly finished with the first chapter of my new project--a contemporary that is so far untitled. I don't yet have the burning passion to write it that I get somewhere around the middle of chapter two. I don't know my characters very well yet, but once I get to know them, may the games begin!
I may also be ready to revisit revisions on TSL since I find my mind wandering back to it and thinking about the various things I can do in revisions that might not be hard to weave into the storyline.
Writing a contemporary is a big genre shift. I haven't decided if this will be a permanent shift or if it's just an in-between project until I start the next historical. My first love is historical--in particular, Regency--so I can't imagine that it will be permanent, but it might also help me better define my writing voice. I would say it's already pretty well defined, but the more you write, the more you discover what you "sound" like on paper. Knowing my voice should also help me write those dreaded synopses and proposals and queries and all of the other myriad types of writing that comes with writing. A bit ironic, isn't it?
Anyway, I'll be polishing up the first chapter this weekend, and if time (and my muse) permits, I'll dive into TSL revisions again. This time, I'll make it through--do or die!
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