new name, same face

So, I’ve started yet another story.  I think this might be around the fifth in the past few months, but, hey, I’ve gotta get it right one of these time, don’t I? :)  Anyhow, I’ve noticed something–okay, not really a new development…I’ve known for awhile that I do this–and I’m wondering if it’s just me or if this is a trap other writers fall into as well.

Here’s my deal: 

All of my heroine’s look essentially like this woman…

In my head, they are always a variation similar to the above model and this new story is no exception.  Now, my best guess as to why I do this is because, well, I personally would love to look like this smokin’ hot.  Love the hair, the perfect skin, the nice rack…  Who wouldn’t want to look like her, right?

I also love short hair.  And redheads.  And ponytails.  Yet, I never write heroines with those traits or styles.  It seems I’m stuck in long, curly haired brunette rut and it simply befuddles me. :)  To be honest, my hero’s look basically the same, too.  I switch up hair style and eye color every now and then, but for the most part, all of of my men are over dark haired, built, and over six foot.  Ehem…can we say cliche?

So, am I the only one who does this?  Or do images of all sorts of shapes, sizes, and hair colors come to mind when you get new story ideas?  Share, share, share!! 

Happy Monday…

Ally

Is it possible…

For non-writers to ever really understand what it’s like and what it takes to be a writer?

I’ve done my fair share of griping about my sometimes supportive, sometimes not supportive husband ever since I joined the world of blogging and online writerdom about a year ago.  I’m sad to say that some twelve months later (remember that this is just since “coming out” publicly as a writer), things have not changed. 

I’ll spare you the details, because if you’ve heard me complain once, you’ve heard my complain a thousand times–it’s always the same.  He just doesn’t “get it”.  Granted he’s got a lot going on right now and he usually apologizes for being so ridiculous, but, by that point, he’s already expressed his disapproval and skepticism and there’s not wiping that from my memory.  Especially when he argues the same argument everytime the issue comes up.  It’s kind of hard not to realize that, while he may “seem” supportive when we’re not arguing, deep down he is not.

What the hell can I do about that?  Sell, right?  Make some money?  I see that…I really do.  But, maybe I’m just making excuses here, it’s a bit difficult to put my all into a project when I can’t even get a couple of hours of peace and quiet a week, let alone on a daily basis.  He thinks magic is supposed to just *poof* happen.  He honestly hasn’t a clue about ups and downs and muse and no muse and all that.  We writers have to keep trying to produce the next great American novel (or whatever it is you’re writing), whether or not our mojo is flowing.  I’ve even went so far as attempting to equate writing with his love of hunting:  Just because he doesn’t get big buck one year, he tries again the next year and the next and the next.  But I just got the blank stare on that one.  Grrr…

For the most part, I ignore my husband and his eye-rolling family, because I know (from the support of my online writer friends) that I am not the only one who feels the way I do about writing–I am not a freak.  Despite my low points lately, I still love it.  Like Dolly & Whitney, I will always love it.  I don’t expect my DH or my family to love it, too, but I do expect them to regard my writing like they regard their hobbies (and, yes, I cringe to downgrade my writing to a hobby, but I’d be happy if I could get at least that much understanding out of them).

I don’t think I’m asking for too much, am I?

~Ally

sex and the romance novel

Sex and the romance novel seem to go hand in hand. It is part of what drives the story forward for some of us. Yet there are two very distinct views on how that sex should be carried out. Should the sex be behind closed doors, or are you a fan of the open door policy?

Anyone who knows Ally can guess which she is a fan of in both reading and writing… but let’s ask her why.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I prefer the scoop when it comes to sex scenes.  As I’ve said before, when I got back into writing again, I liked to write sex because it was something that was lacking in my own life.  I was living vicariously through my heroines, I suppose.  In fact, at that time in my life, any book that had moderately detailed sex scenes was a hit with me, even if the plot wasn’t so hot.  Shallow, I know, but unfortunately true.  I think that what appealed to me then and is still true now, but for different reasons, is seeing not only the physical but emotional connection made between the characters.  In the heat of the moment, they shed their fears and inhibitions (hopefully) and truly expose themselves.  They take a risk by letting the other person so close and, while it sometimes comes back to bite them in the butt, that risk oftentimes leads to incredible bonding that really can’t be achieved any other way.  As a reader, I want to see that vulnerability, that intense connection.  I want to know the characters’ real personality and I think that sex scenes are a window, if you will, to that true character.  If the hero is Prince Charming outside of the bedroom, but is a selfish ass inside, he will probably prove to be generally selfish in the long run.  If he’s a tender, caring lover—even though he might be a seemingly reckless bad boy with his pants on—there’s usually a story there…a story I’m really going to want to know.  I’m going to jump on his bandwagon before the steam clears from the windows and that book won’t leave my hands until I turn the last page.  As a writer, I want to give my readers that same kind of experience.  I want them to love my characters as much as I do and I think showing them at their weakest—or strongest, depending how you look at it—can really accomplish that.

Being a recent romance novelist convert, MJ devours open door sex scenes, yet tends to desire keeping that door closed when writing. Why you might ask?

Totally a comfort level thing for me, yet Ally has pushed me beyond that boundary with her ever present critique of my scenes and constant “It’s good, but I need more.” God love her for that. To me the sex in a romance novel enhances the love story. There is just something vulnerable about putting yourself in that position with someone you love. Emotions seem to run higher when sex is involved. The opportunity to really peak behind the curtain of your hero and see a side that may not be revealed at any other point in the novel, which in turn can bring you much closer to his character. The same holds true for the heroine. She may come off more brazen, let down her inhibitions, and take what she wants. There are so many opportunities to explore the depths of your characters, their deepest hidden emotions. I don’t think a romance book would be the same without the hot and heavy sex scenes. I will concede that there are some very awesome and heart wrenching love stories that contain closed door scenes that work very well, and anyone that can convey the emotion between their characters without allowing you to see them at their most vulnerable moments in the bedroom… more power to you. It is difficult for me. (Then again writing sex in general tends to be a bit daunting for me.) 

So, which are you a fan of and why? You know us, we are huge fans of sharing… especially when we dish sex! So give it up.

~MJ & Ally

off the deep end again

I’ve done it again.  I’ve signed up for yet another writing challenge. 

Anyone who has paid attention knows that I don’t have a great track record with writing challenges.  I usually hit a road block, flake, and never get back going again.  I did it with my own fast drafting challenge a few months ago.   I did it with a Divas RoDiWriMo in February.   I even did it with Sven, which is a slower, 70 day challenge, for God’s sake.  I did however manage to kick some butt with NaNo and I’m hoping—fingers crossed—that I can rediscover the mojo I was feeling then and make it work for me now. 

Divas Fast Draft starts in two days and I’m looking to redeem myself by haulin’ some major ass for two weeks.  Like 15-ish pages a day ass haulin’ is what I’m talking about.  I’m nuts, I know.  I’m lucky I can get 5 pages done, let alone 15.  But, again…it’s only for two weeks.  Two measly weeks out of my life.  I can totally do that. 

So, check back next week to see how I’m doing.  Will I flake again?  Or will I find my redemption?

(Feel free to make bets )

~Ally

ETA:  Since no one tried to guess at my lyrics contest last week, I went ahead about ordered myself Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Night.  So, in a way…thanks for not trying. LOL

plot preference?

Just a quickie post today, because, once again, I’ve got a gazillion things going all at once.  Story of my life.

Anyhow, I was thinking on the way to the vet this morning (KC, my feline fur ball, is getting spayed as I type) about the different stories I’ve started, and I came to realize that all of them , more or less, have the same type of plot—a forbidden love affair.   

Of course, our heroes are supposed to be the most unlikely man for our heroines, but I tend to fall into the rut of creating plots in which the inevitable love affair requires sneaking around.  You know, the hero is the heroine’s brother’s best friend or the heroine is the hero’s best friend’s ex-girlfriend or wife.  The relationship—or the ear-ringing, toe-curling sex, as it usually is my stories—is kept on the lowdown as not to make waves and piss anyone off.

I have no idea why I like this type of plot so much.  None of the boyfriends I had during my impressionable years ever had a friend that I lusted after.  Or a brother I hoped to catch coming from the shower in nothing but a towel slung dangerously low around his hips.  Why I prefer to write—and read, for that matter—forbidden love is a mystery to me.

So, I’m wondering…do you find yourself writing with a tendency toward one or even a couple types of master plots?  If so, is it just a matter of preference or is there a reason behind why you write what you do?  And, of course, last but not least, what are your favorite master plots?  Rescue?  Revenge? Temptation?

Thanks in advance for sharing!

~Ally

love ‘em, but don’t be afraid to leave ‘em…

Crafting a good story can take a very long time to get right.  As writers, we pour our blood, sweat, and tears over countless hours, weeks, and even years into the development of the perfect story.  The pursuit is sometimes treachorous, oftentimes maddening, but always rewarding when all is said and done.  Our stories are, after all, the precious creations of our imaginations and fantasies.  In many way, they are like our children.

While believing in your story is one thing, becoming too attached, too enamored is another.  Like mothers, writers can sometimes become blind to the imperfections and shortcomings of their “babies”.  They fall in love at first thought or plot and, hence, can fall into the trap of being unable to see their story in any other form.  This becomes an issue when they hit the inevitable rut in the road.  Instead of being objective and open-minded, they simply spin their wheels in the muddy mess of their story.  And spin their wheels.  And spin their wheels…

Until finally the Child Psychologist (aka the CP or Critique Partner) comes along and gives the writer a swift yank back into reality:  the precious, beloved baby/story isn’t so perfect after all and is, in fact, in dire need of either Ritalin to settle it down or Prozac to liven it up.  Or perhaps the baby/story has been misguided, having took a wrong turn somewhere along the way.  Regardless of the problem, one thing is certain–treatment is unavoidable.

As difficult as it may be, the writer at this point needs to force themselves to take a step back and turn an impartial eye on their story.  See it for what it really is and make the necessary changes.  It’s not an easy process–believe me, I know this.  It’s not a quick, overnight fix–believe me, I know this, too.  It can be excruciatingly painful–believe me, I know this very well.  But at some point, with the hand-holding–or perhaps whip-cracking–of a CP, it can be done.  In fact, when the right idea does come along, you might be surprised at how suddenly unmotherly you can become, tossing your old story or plot to the side while you fall in love all with and coo over your new baby.

The moral of the story:  Love your stories and what you do.  However, don’t become so attached to them that you can’t see them in any other light.  Enlist the help of a fresh, unbiased pair of eyes and be objective.  As difficult as it may be to let go of an idea you love, remember that you are a writer and not a mother.  When the “right” story/idea comes along, you will fall in love all over again.

From experience and with much thanks to my own personal psychologist…

~Ally

The Art of Avoidance

Need a Spotter?

I was thinking the other day about my writing, and the things that I rely on to get me through the tough times. (You know, the times you feel like throwing in the towel because you have the ‘I suck’ moment.)

You know how people have ’spotters’ when they are working out? I have spotters in my writing. Family and friends supporting me and encouraging me to move forward in this pursuit have always been a given for me, but sometimes you need the support of the people that are trudging along that same road. Of course I must admit that Romance Divas has been a big plus to have in my corner. The support from my fellow writers there has been amazing. But there are a few that have had even more of an impact when I find myself in those black moments.

Obviously Ally has been there for me during every nasty comment I have made in regards to my own writing and kicked my arse a few times to ge tme back on track. JD has also done the same (even though he probably doesn’t realize it). Then there are the occassions when even a FlanTastic or two has popped up in my IM window when I have failed to make an appearance in chat to drag me back in and give me that much needed boost of inspiration.

So, if you find yourself stuck under that 200lb ‘black moment’ weight crushing down on you, might I be bold enough to suggest you get a spotter or two (or maybe even a group of FlanTastics ). They have been there for me more than they know, and for that I can never thank them enough!

Xoxo, MJ

If Idle Hands…..

Are the Devil’s playground, then I am in serious trouble! I handed half of my WIP over to my dear mother as part of her birthday present. She had been begging me for weeks, no months really, to read and edit some of my work. Though a bit nerve wracking, knowing that my mother will be perusing the sex scenes in my book, I know that she is looking to improve my writing because she wants me to do well.

That being said, it has been hell waiting for her to give it back to me. I was afraid to move forward, because I would hate for her to tell me something I needed to work on, only to spend a lot of time fixing something that could be major in the ending as well. So I put that particular WIP aside. That left me with a lot of free time. Time surfing the web, hanging out at divas (no regrets), playing with pictures, playing wii with the kiddies, basically a whole lot that had little do with writing.

Someone, who will remain nameless (cough*cough, blog partner, cough*cough) mentioned the 70 days of Sweat with Sven. Well, I joined, and where we are supposed to be writing an average of around say 900 words a day, I am averaging about 100. It has been very hard to get back into that discipline mode of writing on a daily basis and not playing. Idle hands truly are the Devils playground, now if I could just shift that playground into a steamy scene or two… I might actually see some progress again. For now, I am going to look to my partner in crime and the lovely ladies and gentleman that call divas home for that much needed motivation and inspiration I have been lacking.

 Xoxo,  MJ

To Spread ‘Em or Not to Spread ‘Em…

Just a short and sweet post today, because…well, I got so tied up in sweating with Sven that I overlooked the fact that today was my day to blog.  Ah!

MJ and I have both been tossing around story ideas for a couple of different genres as of late.  My genre interests, though, don’t venture too far away from involving sex and lots of it—I’m tinkering with both a contemporary “hot” and a couple of short erotics, one of which is paranormal.  MJ’s going between a contemporary “hot” and a couple of fantasy/paranormals (one I know is a little steamy, the other she hasn’t spilled the beans on yet).

Anyway, this got me thinking about a couple of things.  First of all, someone (honestly can’t remember who) mentioned once, I believe on Divas, that while her writing interests varied genre-wise, her agent had urged her to stick to one as not to mess with her fan base.  At first I was miffed—why not spread the wealth?  Pick up even more fans by being versatile, right?

Not necessarily.  In fact, now that I think about it, that’s why Nora has JD.  I mean, sure we all know, as romance writers and avid readers that the two are the same person, but not every average Joe does.  My sister-in-law is a huge JD Robb fan, but she despises Nora.  Imagine her shock when I broke it to her that the authors were one in the same.   If Nora had decided to go off on her Eve Dallas mystery kick (pardon me if I’m wrong…I don’t read them—gasp!) and her dedicated, horse-trainer loving, romance readers (pardon me again…I don’t read Nora either—a crime, I know) weren’t into that kind of thing, they’d stop buying her books.  Not entirely, I’m sure, but her readers would likely begin to wonder if they next book they pick up by her would render the same kind of disappointment.  Now I am by no means, saying anything that Nora writes is a disappointment—I’m just sayin’, you know? 

Anyhow, it goes the other direction, too.  Mystery/detective loving readers, like my sister-in-law, might miss out on the apparently wonderful In Death books if Nora had written them as Nora for the simple fact that they wouldn’t think a romance novelist capable of producing a worthwhile mystery read and would have never picked them up to begin with. 

So, you say, if you wanna cross genres…get a pen name.  Woohoo.  Problem solved.  *smile*  Sure, we could do that.  But let’s be real here—we’re not all Nora.  Not all of us have the capability of producing gobs of fabulous material every year.  The norm is probably somewhere in the range of a couple of novels a year, if we’re lucky.  So, if I write an erotic and an inspirational (haha, funny, I know) this year, I’m only producing one book a year for each of my fan groups.  And, if my fans are anything like me, they’re going to get impatient waiting around for another novel and they’ll likely pick another, more productive author to follow.  Now, again, I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with writing only one novel a year… *wink*

So, back to the diva whose agent had told her to stick with what she was already really good at and established in.  I see her point perfectly now and I encourage those of you who have varying interests to consider it.  Not saying there’s a right or wrong answer—some might want a really strong, genre-specific fan base and steady sales, some might want to express themselves across several genres simply because they love writing, caring less about sales and their fans than they do the writing experience itself. 

Of course, we’d all love to follow in the footsteps of La Nora and, while it’s not for me, it’s a fine aspiration to have.  I, personally, think I’m best sticking to one genre, at least right now while I’m trying to get my foot in the door…somewhere.  Hmm.  On the other hand, I might be better off trying my hand in different genres to find what I’m best at…  Gah!

What do you think?  Is it best, more important perhaps, to be true to your interests and write whatever suits you?  Or is best to keep your interests genre-specific?  Is it really necessary to choose? 

(LOL!  So much for short and sweet, huh?)

 ~Ally