I’ve been in the writing cave again today and doing some heavy-duty thinking about the story I’m plotting. I took a bit of a break to write a post for Selena Illyria for her menage a trois week. While I was writing my post, I started to think about character driven stories and plot driven stories.
A character driven story is where the characters drive the story. Whatever decisions they make direct the course of the story, and at the end of the story the characters should have changed and grown in some way.
A plot driven story is where the events unfolding in the story direct the characters’ actions. At the end of the story, the characters are not necessarily changed or different.
Romances, by their very nature, tend to focus on the characters and their journey.
When I first started writing, I tended to write a plot driven story. I like action and lots of things happening, and this showed up in my writing. Over time I’ve noticed this has changed with my latest release, Leticia’s Lovers being more character driven.
The Nocturnes I’ve been reading recently are very much plot driven, although there’s a character driven element to the stories as well. If you enjoy paranormal stories and haven’t tried the Nocturne line yet, there are some great reads waiting for you. I highly recommend Patrice Michelle’s Scions series (for a different take on vampires and werewolves) and Rhyannon Byrd’s Blood Runner series.
Do you prefer character driven stories, plot driven stories or a combination of the two?
During the past week I’ve been working hard on editing book eight in my Middlemarch series. I think one more read through should do the trick and then it’s off to my editor. I’ve also been doing quite a few agent queries for a contemporary project I have and working on a contemporary story for Samhain Publishing.
I like to have lots of “hope in the mail” and intend to write a story to submit to Nocturne Bites. I enjoy reading Harlequin Blaze and Nocturne lines best so it makes sense for me to target one of these lines.
As a reader, I enjoy reading different lengths of romances. I like short stories such as Ellora’s Cave Quickies and the Harlequin Spice, Bites and Historical Undone lines for times when I’m busy with deadlines and other writing things that leave little time for reading. As a writer I appreciate the skill involved in writing a good short story. It’s not easy getting the balance just right.
I read longer stories when I have more time to read and savor. Bring on my holiday. I have dozens of books loaded on my PDA. Add the pool and a fruity drink, and I’ll be a very happy camper.
True Blood, the TV series based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris, started in New Zealand two weeks ago. The theme song burrowed into my head the first time I heard it and it’s been stuck there ever since.
Here’s the trailer in case you don’t know what I’m talking about.
I’ve enjoyed the first two episodes in the series. The show has a New Zealand connection in the way of Anna Paquin, and I would have watched it even if I wasn’t already a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse books. It is a LOT raunchier than I’d imagined with quite a bit of nudity and adult language – sort of along the lines of one of my Ellora’s Cave books. (Hey, TV producers check out some of my books if you’re looking for new ideas! )
I think the Sookie character comes across as a lot more naive in the TV series and very innocent. I thought in the books she seemed more streetwise even though she is a virgin. I’ve always enjoyed Sam in the books and like the actor who plays him in the show. Very cute. When it comes to Bill, I haven’t quite made up my mind yet. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series and how closely it follows the books.
Back to the song – Bad Things. It drove me crazy until I found it on iTunes and downloaded it. Here’s a version by the original artist.
Have you watched True Blood and have you enjoyed it? Have you read the books and how do you think it compares?
I love reading series and books about families or groups of friends. I enjoy secondary characters, especially the ones who bring humor to a story and lighten what would be an otherwise dark book. Secondary characters sometimes help show the hero or heroine in a different light, give us a new perspective and make our main characters seem more multi-faceted to the reader.
A secondary character shouldn’t overshadow the hero or heroine. If they’re that interesting, give them their own book.
A secondary character should have a specific purpose in driving the plot forward. Sometimes they provide important information for the reader and the main characters.
There shouldn’t be so many secondary characters that the story is overwhelmed. Sometimes a secondary character can do double duty, allowing the writer to get rid of one of their cast of characters.
I’m a big Sherrilyn Kenyon fan, but in some of her books I struggle with the sheer number of characters. I can usually get my head around the main characters and the other Dark Hunters who make an appearance. Add Acheron and Simi and I have no problem because they’re my favorites. It’s the casts of Gods and Goddesses who get me confused.
I’m also a huge fan of Lorelei James’ western contemporaries. I emailed her after reading one of her books and told her I loved her latest release but had she considered doing a family tree? I was getting dreadfully confused trying to keep the family characters straight. Several of them have Christian names that start with the same letter of the alphabet, as is tradition in the area where Lorelei sets her books. She ended up adding an awesome family tree to her website. Here’s the link so you can see her family trees.
With my Middlemarch Mates series, I’m currently working on book nine. I’ve been thinking about doing a family tree for my website. I don’t have any problems keeping my own characters straight, but I’m not sure how my readers are faring. If you’re reading my series, do let me know what you think about a family tree.
How many secondary characters do you think are too many in a story? What do you like most about secondary characters? What do you think about family trees? Do you like having them as a reference when you’re reading a book?
I thought I’d do a photo blog today, introducing you to some of my favorite parts of New Zealand. Unfortunately, I lost quite a few of my South Island photos when our computer crashed last year. It’s a good excuse to make a return visit, I think!
1. Wellington – this photo is taken from the top of Mt. Victoria looking down on the central city and waterfront. The stadium (the round thing) is the home of the Hurricane rugby team.
2. This is Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, not far from inner Wellington. They have many rare and endangered birds here. The birds are free to fly in and out, but the entire sanctuary is surrounded by possum proof fencing to keep these and other pests out. The lake was originally a reservoir for the city. When it was no longer requried, the area was restored to forest and wetlands.
3. This is Rangitoto Island, the youngest of the dormant volcanoes in and around Auckland. The distinct cone is visible from many parts of the city. This shot is taken off a boat on the harbor.
4. This is Middlemarch. It’s a small country town in the South Island and the setting for my Middlemarch Mates series. This is a shot of the typical country surrounding the town. Look closely and you might spy one of the Mitchells…
5. This is Lady Knox geyser, not far from Rotorua in the North Island. It was discovered by a prisoner work party. They were sent to do their washing in the warm water of the thermal stream and some of their soap dropped into a crack. The next minute a lot of foam bubbled up and then it exploded with prisoners and washing flying in all directions. When I visited as a kid, you could stand under the geyser as it erupted with the warm water raining down on you. These days visitors have to watch from afar. The geyser plays most days after the guide puts soap inside the funnel. It’s a very interesting process to watch.
6. Huka Falls – the Waikato river (the longest river in NZ) exits Lake Taupo (the largest lake). Huka Falls is not far from Taupo and there is a beautiful bush walk to get to it.
7. Goat Island Marine Reserve – not far north of Auckland. It’s a marine reserve that’s popular with divers and snorkellers. You can also paddle off the beach and huge snapper swim around your legs. Personally, I didn’t like the look of their teeth and felt safer looking down from the rocks! This is a popular day trip for families.
8. Waiotapu, one of the thermal regions near Rotorua. This is the beautiful Champagne pool. The colors don’t show that well in the photo but they are terracotta and turquoise. Very pretty. The day we were there the wind came up blowing steam around and spoiling the photo.
9. This is a shot of central Auckland from the harbor. You can make out the Sky Tower, which is the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere. The Sky Tower is mentioned in my book Summer in the City of Sails.
10. This is a shot of the crater of Mt Eden in Auckland and some of the city looking out to the sea. Many people go up the Sky tower to get views of the city, but I think it’s hard to beat the view from the top of Mt. Eden. And it’s free! If you look closely you can make out people standing deep in the crater. Look for the colored dots.
11. This is Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It’s a beautiful spot and a place that’s also mentioned in some of my Middlemarch Mates books. It’s the heart of adventure sports in New Zealand and tourists flock here to scare themselves silly.
12. Mt Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain and part of the Southern Alps range. I used this as the setting in Stray Cat Strut.
13. This is a shot of the Kaikoura mountains, north of Christchurch in the South Island. This area is known for whale watching and is one of the few places where you can watch whales all year round.
My special guest today is author, Catherine Bybee. For a few months now, Catherine has been posting videos on her blog about various writing related subjects. I thought video blogging was a great idea and asked Catherine if she’d be willing to do a special blog for me about the video blogging process. Catherine is a star and produced the following video for me. She’s also visiting today and is willing to answer any of your questions. Over to Catherine…
About Catherine Bybee ~~ Her first erotic short story, Kilt Worthy, will come out sometime later this year for the Scarlet line at The Wild Rose Press. Her full length mainstream time travel romance, Binding Vows, is due out December 4th 2009. This will be available in both e-book and print. Her werewolf novella, Soul Mate is due out in fall of 2009 with Red Rose Publishing.
You can find Catherine on the web here, and see her other video blogs on her blogspot here.
Do you have any questions about video blogging?
I’m guest blogging at Maria Zannini’s blog today. I’m talking about dogs and writing. Here’s the link. I’d love to see you there.
When it comes to men and favorite body parts, they normally fit into three categories—breasts, butts or legs. This is all tied up with reproduction, believe it or not.
1. Butts – men find rounded, peach-shaped buttocks the most attractive. Female primates display their buttocks when they’re ready to mate. It shows they are receptive and available. Human females display their buttocks all the time, and this gives the males the impression she’s available. Women also store fat in their buttocks for breastfeeding and as an emergency food storage in lean times.
2. Breasts—they serve as a sexual signal. Men are attracted to cleavage.
3. Legs—long legs are a non-verbal signal telling a male a woman is sexually mature and capable of childbearing. Men like high-heels because it gives the illusion of fertile looking legs.
Chest, Legs or Butt?
Masculine body parts trigger a women’s sexual response as well.
1. Chest—a wide chest tapering to narrow hips allows a man to lug heavy weapons over long distances and to carry home their kills. (always handy, I think!)
2. Small, tight butt—a tight, muscular butt is necessary to make a strong forward thrust that’s needed for sperm transfer during sex. A man with a flabby butt has problems with this and tends to through his entire body into the thrust. Not comfortable for his partner.
3. Hips and muscular legs—symbols of masculine power and endurance. Long, muscular legs allow a man to run swiftly, chase and hunt.
Interesting stuff, huh? I tend to check out a man’s butt—don’t tell hubby. I had no idea I was thinking about forward thrusting at all. Really! No idea at all…
If you’re looking at a person of the opposite sex, which body part do you check out first?
My special guest today is author, Michelle Pillow. Michelle and I started writing with the same publisher at around the same time back in 2004. I’ve enjoyed Michelle’s books for a long time, and I’m thrilled to have her visit today.
NB: There’s a contest for one lucky visitor to win one of Michelle’s downloads so make sure you leave a comment to enter the draw.
Over to Michelle!
As I was dancing in my kitchen, singing a song that shouldn’t have even been written, it struck me: I’m a little different. No, this rock star moment wasn’t the first time this realization has struck me. That might have been as I danced my own rendition of the nutcracker in my living room. Or, perhaps, after watching a marathon of Ghost Hunters and declaring that I, too, would someday hunt ghosts—just as soon as TAPS calls me up from the trenches to join them. (Hum, turning in that application might be a good first step).
My point is, as fiction writers, we tend to be excused for any eccentric behavior. We have private moments in very public situations, often scribbling down ideas on notebooks and napkins. We develop strange addictions to research material and the smell of books. We pace in our pajamas into the wee hours of the morning obsessing over which exact shade of red toe nail polish to… What? That last one just me? LOL
We’re responsible for making up strange and fascinating worlds, creating myths and legends, bringing about pretend governments, building lives and sometimes immortalities. I think it’s this everyday craziness that allows me to write what I do. From the Realm Immortal (3 Book relaunch, Samhain Publishing, March 6th) world of goblins and faeries to the alternate reality jumping heroines of Divinity Warrior (Ellora’s Cave, March 25th) and everything in between.
CONTEST: So, bloglanders, what’s your everyday craziness? Confess it here and be entered for a chance to win one of the Realm Immortal ebooks!
Thank you so much for having me on your blog.
Happy Reading!
Michelle
About the Author
Michelle M. Pillow is a multi-published romance author. Her 3 Book relaunch, Realm Immortal is at Samhain March 6th. And her newest book, Divinity Warrior: Lilith Enraptured releases March 25th from Ellora’s Cave. Check out her website for more details.
Yesterday my post was about flaws and faults in heroes. One flaw I didn’t mention in my post was that of infidelity.
Infidelity is a real hot button when it comes to romance readers. Some people have experienced infidelity in real life, and betrayal of this nature isn’t something they want to read about for relaxation. Personally, I don’t think romance and infidelity fit well together. I mean how can a book be a romance if it’s about infidelity? It doesn’t seem right at all.
One of the writers I use to critique with said up front that she wouldn’t critique or work with me on any story where one or both of the characters were unfaithful to each other. It was a hot button for her.
If a plot does use infidelity, it usually happens off stage and is part of the hero or heroine’s back story. Or it’s a subplot that occurs in the life of a secondary character.
For example with Scarlet Woman, the first book in my Middlemarch series, my heroine was in a bad marriage where her husband was constantly unfaithful. He cheated on her several times. Just before the start of the book, her husband had died in a motor vehicle accident along with his current girlfriend. Her husband’s death was the impetus she needed to make some changes in her life. She wanted to have some fun and met Saber Mitchell at the Middlemarch Single’s ball. Things went from there. Of course, her husband’s infidelity made it difficult for her to trust Saber and to take a chance on their relationship.
Despite my thoughts above about romance and infidelity, I’ve been toying with using infidelity as part of a plot for a book that’s been swirling around inside my head. I know if I go ahead, I’ll have to give my character excellent motivation and try to make my character sympathetic to readers. A tall order, which is making me hesitate about using this particular subplot. I’ll have to give it a lot more thought.
What do you think about infidelity and the romance genre? Would you read a romance where one of the characters was unfaithful? Can you think of any romances you’ve read where the hero or heroine is unfaithful to the other?
I’m pondering book nine in my Middlemarch Mates series and the heroes in particular. Of course, it goes without saying that the heroine will love her two heroes to bits and think they’re the best thing since the invention of sliced bread (maybe even chocolate) but they need to be well-rounded. They need to be human. They need faults along with their positive traits. So, here are thirteen possibles for my heroes.
1. Overbearing.
2. Too flirtatious with other females.
3. Smug or boastful.
4. Too arrogant.
5. Possessive or prone to jealousy.
6. Selfish.
7. Moody – prone to dark moods or temperamental.
8. No sense of humor.
9. Impractical.
10. Manipulative.
11. Impatient.
12. Restless or quickly bored.
13. Fails to plan adequately.
Of course, these traits can be applied to women as well. I could also include things like obsessed with sex, speeds in car, leaves dirty clothes all over the floor, gambles or smokes, swears too much, burps or farts in public, hogs conversation.
Which vices/negative traits do you think are good for heroes in novels and in particular in romances? Do you have more suggestions for me? Do you like heroes to have large faults or do small ones work better for you?
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My special guest today is author, 
