Prologues are the best!!! I love prologues both as a writer and as a reader! Can a bad one immediately turn the reader off? Absolutely. A bad prologue is one that is boring, does nothing to drive the story forward or give critical context, is too long, and/or is only used for an info dump.... Continue Reading →
Before I get into my personal preference, let's touch on the different "persons" you can write from and make sure we're all on the same page. 1st Person 1st person stories are written from a single point of view--that of the protagonist. The reader gets to float around inside that persons head seeing all their... Continue Reading →
The character is the heart of the story in my writing world. I figure out the characters long before I figure out the plot. Maybe because memorable characters are what I look for in books, movies, and shows I love. Maybe because I feel like who a character is will determine how they react to... Continue Reading →
I am well aware how much I've slowed down on this blog. Pitiful really. But there is a reason... With my contracts, I now have to consider my publisher's preferred timing to market upcoming books which is usually 1-3 months before and 1-3 months after (or more). In the past, I've blogged about whatever it... Continue Reading →
I know you're expected a show don't tell king of blog post here, but not today. 🙂 The other day I posted a question on social media. I wanted to know readers' favorite ways to show/read chemistry and build up of tension between the hero/heroin in a romance novel. I got some great answers, so... Continue Reading →
I write romance, which means I come across similar character archetypes regularly. The fun part of these as an author is taking something well-known and putting my own fun spin on it. The fun part of these as a reader is having my favorite archetypes to read. I'm drawn to certain archetypes more than others.... Continue Reading →
As a romance author, the entire point of my books is to create a romance between two (fictional) people which ends happily ever after. But what does a great romance look like? Romance and all things romantic can be different for different people. Some think of romance as gifts and dinners. Some think of it... Continue Reading →
I am not naturally a funny person. I fully accept this aspect of my personality. Any time I try to be funny it comes out sarcastic, and can be taken the wrong way. The type of humor I appreciate is on the dry side. Plus, much of my humor is stuff only I get. Inside... Continue Reading →
As romance readers and writers we can easily fall into the trap of perfect. This is, after all, fiction and involves a certain amount (some romance books more than others) of fantasy. If you could fantasize your perfect guy and put him on paper what characteristics would you include? Most, including me, would probably describe... Continue Reading →
WARNING: Potential Game of Thrones spoilers. I have a theory about Game of Thrones which I know many fans out there agree with: In the end, Daenerys Targaryen will end up with Jon Snow, and theyll rule the 7 Kingdoms (and beyond) as the Westerosi power couple of the ages. In my opinion, their sweeping... Continue Reading →
