Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Being Bold and Taking Chances

So today there will be no linkage for books to add to the TBR pile. I will just be sharing three of my first lines for novels I'm working on. This is where I decided to be bold (and possibly stupid) all while taking a chance.

I know a lot of you love the dark, paranormal, sci-fi, dystopian style novels (yes I realize those are all different), however today I'm sharing three of my OWN first sentences and I'll warn you... They aren't dark, paranormal, sci-fi dystopian style novels. They're chick lit. Which still can be fun... and since you heart me (don't lie, I know you do) you'll read them because you like to support me (shameless plug for when I'm published of course).

So let's not waste me selling myself away for the following three sentences.

Sentences

1. Why couldn't I just love Phillip?
2. Housewives must meet the following requirements: Cooking - Shit, first requirement and already I was in over my head.
3. Everyone thought I was a whore.

Titles

1. 30 Guys in 30 Days
2. The Beginner Housewife
3. Job Hop to Hunk Hop

So there you have it. A little piece of me. Feel free to share what you would read based on the first sentences or share a sentence of your own!

Monday, June 13, 2011

I'm Jen and I'm an addict

So this Monday morning is somewhat of a truth day. I am an addict when it comes to writing. I know this happens to many writers, until of course writer's block hits.

However this is not a negative post it is a positive one so let's not get of track.

I love being an addict. When that idea pops into your head and flows on the pages you can't help but fall in love with writing. Each word that's written is better than the last and the character has molded into something even more magical than you expected.

It's magical. I think every writer is an artist. Turning a blank page into something amazing is a gift and for those who are currently in the stages of writing, revising, querying, or where you are I want you to remember that you are great.

You are good enough to be published. You are good enough to be agented. You are good enough to write another.

So get addicted to writing and stay addicted to writing, because once you start, you'll never be able to stop.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Plot it Out

With the weekend around the corner I figured I'd share a little plot fun... or at least how to plot for those who are having trouble. I do a lot of my writing and revising on the weekends, I know not every blogger is the same but nonetheless below I'll share some tips on plotting and how to get the story going.

A story's plot is what happens in the story and the order it happens in.

Something that goes from point A to B.

Changes such as:

A physical event (Point A = Psycho killer is picking off everyone in town. Point B = police arrest the killer).
A decision (Point A = character wants to practice law like his father. Point B = character decides to be a ballet dancer).
A change in relationship (Point A = They hate each other. Point B = They fall in love).
A change in person (Point A = character is a selfish jerk. Point B = character has learned to be less of a selfish jerk.)
A change in the reader's understasnding of a situation. (Point A =  character appears to be a murderer. Point B = The reader realizes that character is actually innocent and made a false confession.)

What does your plot look like? What genre do you write? Any tips you found while working on your plot? What works for you?

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Roller Derby Pen Habits

If you're confused this is Truth Thursdays. I just thought that Roller Derby Pen Habits would really entice every reader. If I'm wrong I apologize, then again if you're reading this there really is no need. Carry on.

So today we get to spill our secrets. It's the one I look most forward to throughout the week. The honesty you all drop in the comments makes me smile. I can't imagine a week without your secrets.

We are all in the circle of trust. Join us... it's safe.

1. I love beginning my day with Google. I wake hoping they'll teach me something new. When I see the primary colors I'm disappointed for it's the images and designs that tell me it's someone's birthday or teaches me about someone who has accomplished something. If you're a gmail user or have a google account on your birthday they'll give you online cupcakes. You can't beat that.
2. I'm a new Roller Derby addict. It's seriously addicting. I don't know where they are all located at but if you want a night of adrenaline and a whole lot of fun look it up. The hardest part - choosing my favorite team.
3. Thanks to the Roller Derby I know want to go roller skating. My sisters, friends, and I used to go to the skating rink on Friday nights. Oh yeah, I was that awesome.
4. I have a weird pen habit. When I find one I like I'll take it every where with me. When I lose it you'd think I lost my phone. My current favorite - A light blue Personal Injury Trial Lawyer edition.
5. I have a weekend purse thanks to my husband. During the week my messenger bag is filled with food, books, and 'needs' but on the weekend it's overkill. Lucky for me I have an adorable little summer bag that has the essentials at all time and the only thing I switch out is a wallet. Genius.

So spill... would you go to the Roller Derby? Have you ever been roller skating or have a weird pen habit. I'm all ears.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Soap Dreams

Today the fabulous Stephanie Haefner stopped by for her blog tour to talk about Firsts! She's already written a fun read A Bitch Named Karma but her newest novel is Soap Dreams. So here she is!



Firsts

I have fond memories of my first kiss, first slow dance, first...um...other things.... ;) I think most women tend to hold onto those sweet memories. As writers, we pull them out when we need romantic inspiration. Many times I have reminisced about my youth while crafting stories. And even if the memories aren't so awesome or sweet, they're great for inspiration too. But maybe inspiration for death scenes or something. Yeah, I have some exes who will someday die or be maimed in one of my books!

Who doesn't enjoy thinking of a simpler time...lazy summer days and warm nights, the excitement of a new love interest, when everything was so fresh? The flutters of a first look, a first touch. The thrill of hearing through the grapevine that he liked you, and the rush when you found out the rumor was actually true.

In my newest release, Soap Dreams, my main character, Robyn, has no choice but to think about her ex, who was her first everything. After a decade, he's back, front and center in her life, and she's isn't exactly pushing him away. Memories of their youth keep flashing before her eyes. How easy it is to lose yourself in something like that!

The title Soap Dreams came from Robyn's ex, who is now a fabulous soap opera star. And he's trying to get her to come work for the show too. Crafting romantic stories had always been a passion for her, but it was pushed aside when her teenage sweetheart crushed her dreams of happily ever after. But now everything is different, and maybe her dreams will actually come true.

Thanks so much for having me today!! Jen, you are the best!! (Stephanie is an absolute gem! If you aren't following her you should be and I can speak from experience that her writing is fantastic!)

The Giveaway:
All commenters from every post on my blog tour will be entered in a fabulous grand prize drawing for a signed copy of A Bitch Named Karma and digital copies of both Paradise Cove and Soap Dreams!! Please leave your email address!