Ginger Simpson's Blog

👻💀🎃🍫

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic.

As I've stated before, I'm a bit of a sissy when it comes to frightening stories, movies, etc.

My contribution is a portion of a current release, Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow.

I realize I'm not adhering to the rules, but I did try...and failed miserably in writing a SCARY story.

Opening Scene 

“You and Elvis have done a great job on this house,"Meredith said as her older sister led the way downstairs toward the kitchen, where the tour began. “Sorry I couldn't get over, until now, but I've been sortof… well, busy."   Slipping herJuicy Couture tortoise-shell framed sunglasses into a bright pink case,Meredith crammed them into her black Coach handbag.  She hoped her sister didn’t ask her to definebusy.  Becoming a zombie and dealing withthe entire raised from the dead issue over the past six months was not a topiceasily plunked into casual conversation. 

Pippa waved the comment aside. “I'm glad you like it. We hadsuch fun decorating. Of course, we couldn’t do it all at once, but it's moresatisfying putting it together treasure by treasure."

Meredith glanced from Pippa’s impish features and shortspiky black hair to the perimeter of the room. Taking in every detail and nuance of Pippa’s decorating talent, she lether gaze rest on a collection of figurines by fantasy artist JasmineBeckett-Griffith crouching at the top of the ebony-stained cabinets.  A black arch-top fireplace mounted againstthe wall, flames flowing from a bed of clear river stones, and HOME SWEET HOMEembroidered on a sampler with a tiny vine of blood-red roses tangling through the letters completed the focal point of the room.  

Even though Meredith was on the best of terms with hersister, she couldn't help but feel a sharp nip of jealousy.  It hadn’t been so long ago that she’d had herown happy home.  Unfortunately, she’dfiled for divorce from Viktor, and then there’d been that bizarre littleaccident where she’d ended up dead, and then undead. 

While Pippa’s two kids, Ethan and Emma, played in the living room, to the accompaniment of a 1960s rock-and-roll musical on cable TV, Meredith sat in the kitchen with her sister, fiddling with the end of the tea bag that dangled from the rim of her China cup.

Since her sister was contemplating the contents of a tinfilled with Danish cookies, Meredith found herself cataloging the events thatled up to her ‘accident’.

A charter member of the SoCal Arts Association, she’d beenparticipating in the annual Zombie Walk Festival in Long Beach when it‘happened’. Crowds always made her uncomfortable, but this particular event wasto raise money, so she was obligated to attend.   And it only made sense; this year’sparticipation broke all past records.  

Twelve thousand gleeful ghouls stormed Long Beach’srenovated Promenade.  The crowd became solarge that it spilled out over Pine Avenue for an all-out downtowninvasion.  Meredith didn’t recall muchabout the accident, nor who or what reanimated her.  She remembered overhearing a security officerinforming a pungent-smelling zombie that he couldn’t purchase an alcoholicbeverage (apparently, he didn’t match the photo ID). Within moments, ashoving match between the two men ensued, quickly escalating into zombiechaos:  shouting, running, andchomping. 

Chomping?

At the time, Meredith thought it was all part of thefestivities, perhaps a little odd and definitely crazy.  Just like the cornstarch-based zombie vomit and fake blood, everyone had globbed and smeared on themselves, but hey, it was an Arts event. Even after finding herself wedged in the center of the zombiemob, lunging and bumping along until they were in sight of the pier, Meredithwasn’t overly concerned.

In hindsight, she may have been highlyconcerned.  Because the next thingMeredith knew, she was in a zipped body bag, feeling entirely not like herself.

No.  She wasn’t goingto dwell on the past.  Again. She’d justkeep muddling on with her life and try to focus on the bright spots.

Pippa and her family were a definite bright spot in herlife.

 “I wish you would letme help with dinner,” Meredith said, pulling herself back into thepresent.  “I feel guilty just sittinghere doing nothing while you do all the work.”  Being a vegan, Meredith found her transition to zombie-hood particularly exigent.  Brains, human orotherwise, had never been on her menu—now, protein, in fowl or bovine form, wasa requirement of her reanimated state. Difficult though it was, she had to come to terms with the change.  After discovering an underground supportgroup that met monthly in a banquet room of a coffee shop near the I-10, she wasthankful she didn’t require human protein like most of the other Zombies.  However, she discovered that consuming tofu with herbal tea (her lunch before reanimation) had unfortunate and unexpected side effects.

Pippa, turning from the stove with the pecan pie capturedbetween two oven mitts, shook her head. “Meri don’t even think about helping me with the meal.  When Elvis’s mom and dad decided to take apaddleboat cruise up the Mississippi, I thought I wouldn't have anybody but myown offspring to fuss over on Thanksgiving Day. You just sit there and relax."

 "I reallyappreciate the invitation," Meredith said, glancing out the window tocatch a Monarch butterfly pick its way along a lipstick red hibiscusblossom.  "Cooking turkey for onejust isn't my style."

Pippa did a double-take at Meredith’s statement, but didn’tcomment.  Instead, she said, “You’rewelcome to come for Christmas dinner too, you know."

"Thanks, Pippa, but Christmas is out.  I have to finish the new book by February, soI'm driving up to Forest Falls tomorrow. I'll be staying there for a month or so."

"Christmas at the cabin," Pippa mused.  "That sounds nice.   Are you sure you want to be up there all byyourself?"

 "I’m nothiding,” Meredith replied.

 "I know.  You’re healing. . .” She left the words: andlicking your wounds, unspoken.  “I justdon't want you to be lonely." 

"I won't be,” Meredith reassured her.  “I'm taking Gertie with me."

Pippa laughed indulgently and shook her head.  "A hamster doesn't count."

"Don't say that when Gertie’s within earshot.  She follows me all around the house in herexercise ball.  We’re BFs."

 “Well, I'm glad youcould join us for Thanksgiving," Pippa said.

            ***

As Meredith surveyed the beautifully decorated dinner table, irony struck right between her eyes.  A lot had happened in the six months or so (being reanimatedunexpectedly), and then there were all the hidden expenses.  Body moisturizers, specialty make-up loadedwith anti-decay properties, hydrating beverages, bimonthly injections—to keepthe virus semi-dormant so that she didn’t partake in some zombie flash-mob; or worst,(morph into a Hannibal Lector type wearing red stilettos, roaming the suburbs).  While she still had a lot to be thankful for,it was difficult adjusting to the significant changes in her life.

Her career, however, was something Meredith gave her stampof approval.  After seven years as astruggling advertising/blog writer, she’d finally gotten her big break!  Not only was The Isis Factor published, but it was also a huge success!

 There were booksignings, press parties, interviews, and even an e-book launching cruise.  Not bad, for a girl who worked her waythrough college waiting tables and writing nonfiction articles on spec.

The Luxor Papers, published a few months later, had been aneven greater success.  Who would haveever thought that Meredith Misso, author of quirky short stories and nonfictionarticles, would've found her niche in the Steampunk market (Steampunk:Victorian science fiction/fantasy—circa 1850 to pre-World War I, often set inLondon, England)?

“I really wish you'd reconsider and spend Christmas withus,” Pippa said later.  As she andMeredith took turns rinsing the dishes and loading the dishwasher, they worked efficiently. “I like thethought of you all alone in that cabin during the holidays.”

Meredith smiled, touched by her sister’s concern.  Same-old Pippa. It was reassuring that onepart of her life hadn’t changed.  “Don'tworry about me,” Meredith told her, readjusting her thick plastic gloves. “I'llbe just fine.  Being alone is what everywriter hopes for—a writer’s mantra, in fact. Without interruptions, I can finish the book and maybe even start thenext one.”

“Glad to see you’ve lost none of your ambition,” Pipparemarked, fitting a casserole dish on the top rack of the dishwasher.  I can't even imagine wanting to work right upuntil Christmas.”

Meredith shrugged, feigning indifference.  "It's just a day like any other,"she said.

"Have you thought about calling Viktor?"

"No way, Pippa,” she snapped, yanking off her plasticgloves and placing them on the edge of the sink. 

“Touched a raw nerve, did I?”

Meredith looked down at her manicured fingertips, a small,sad sigh escaping her pale lips.  “It'sover.   The divorce will be final soon,and that will be that.  Hopefully, I'llnever have to deal with Doctor Viktor again." 

"I always thought Viktor was kind of sweet.  You know, reserved, serious—“

“Arrogant,” Meredith added.

“Not to mention smart,” Pippa countered, with a wink.

"That's because you didn't have to live with him,Pippa.  Trust me, there's nothing moreirritating than a guy who knows everything from who flew the first paperairplane to what Genghis Khan had for breakfast the day he invadedTransylvania!" (Yes, Genghis Khan really did invade Transylvania. Meredithtriple checked.)

"He couldn’t—“

“Pip—“

“I guess he could be,” she backpeddled. “But he sure isgood-looking." 

Meredith gave a nod of agreement.  There was no arguing there.  Viktor was the most attractive and,unquestionably, the sexiest man she’d ever known.

Pippa watched her sister’s expression soften as she gaveMeredith a questioning look.  "So,who's vying to replace your professor?" 

"Nobody," Meredith answered emphatically.  "For the time being," she grinned,"and you can quote me on this. I'm done with men."

Pippa, with her natural talent for meddling, shook herhead.  "Meri, I don't know what todo about you!  At only 32 years old, youdon't look a day over 25.  You should beout having fun!”

Meredith resisted the urge to finger-comb hercaramel-highlighted ‘surfer-girl’ hair. Viktor had said she was his angel. That was why she’d been blessed with her shining halo of golden hair,his reminder to keep on a heavenly, albeit somewhat boring, path.  She’d laughed, but she melted into his embrace, his deep, slightly accented baritone a loving rumble against her ear. The beginning of their relationship was magical.  Then everything seemed to change... 

 “You’ve got thismarvelous career and money and everything that you could possibly want,” Pippacontinued, jarring Meredith out of her thoughts, “and there's nobody in yourlife to share with."

"You mean I should have a couple of kids by now?"Meredith responded.  That was so notgoing to happen.

"You need a man to have kids, little sister."

 She almost said, "Zombies can’t reproduce," but stopped herself just in time.  Instead, she managed a convincing comeback. "Well, right now I'm not in the marriage market.  Believe it or not, I'm perfectly happy justthe way I am."

Pippa’s expression shouted she seriously doubted that, butshe allowed the topic to rest.  "Ifyou say so,” she replied, good-naturally. "How about a second cup of coffee to go with a slice of pecanpie?"

“It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it," Meredithagreed.

#

I hope you enjoyed my "Halloween" teaser. The novel is available in an ebook via your favorite online book seller (Kindle, Apple, Smashwords, Amazon, etc.)

Currently, I'm in the rough-draft stage of "Bell, Book & Gargoyle," Book 2, in my Fun and Sassy Fantasy Series.

Happy Reading, my Halloween goblins :)

Please hurry on over to the next blog post for more spooky stories!

Sally Odgers

Helena Fairfax

Connie Vines (me)

Bob Rich

Skye Taylor

Who doesn't love a cowboy?

New on Audible: Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1
 https://www.audible.com/pd/Lynx-Audiobook/B0FK6K51HF?

It's free! Click for a listen!

"Do you plot out your books before you start writing, or do your characters drive the plot?"

If this question had been presented to me ten years ago, I would have stated emphatically that I was a "Plotter".
Now? I consider myself more of a "Panster".
What changed?
When I began writing full-length novels, I wrote historical fiction and fiction that required a great deal of research. My topics were contemporary issues: childhood abandonment, death of a sibling, and the everyday challenges of daily survival (historical fiction).
So, of course, I acquired stacks of notes, fashioned time lines, and character studies. My facts need to be sprinkled in the story. Professions were also key to the storyline. 
Even though my story was "fiction", it had to ring true to the reader.Bull riding and the sport of rodeo were researched, and events were attended. I vacationed in Montana and lived there for a time in Texas. My father was a bronc rider during high school. 
Though I rode horses and was familiar with the aspects of their care, I was never personally involved with the sport of rodeo.

I was also a stickler for regional food and the sensory aspects of the time period/locations.  
You will find recipes for "Not for SissiesTexas Chili" (and others) in "Lynx" Rodeo Romance Book 1. I also shared Native American recipes, past and contemporary versions, in my YA historical novel.
While "Brede" Rodeo Romance Book 2 is a Romantic Suspense. (My heroine doesn't cook).

My writing has changed/evolved, as has the reader market.
I find I've become more of a "Panster" in my writing process.
My Paranormal stories are "tongue-in-cheek". Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow". These stories are also novellas (2 still in progress).
My current stories are character-driven with heavy doses of humor.Therefore, my novels have unexpected twists and turns (at least unexpected to me).
I still have a detailed plot, but I allow my characters to take control of the storyline. 
Of course, this often (always) causes a disruption in my writing process, has me brewing a cup of coffee while trying to sort things through.
Often, I laugh out loud over the dialogue I hear!  Or when a "character' refuses to go through with MY plan.

Oh, before I forget!  I have an audio release!

"Lynx" Rodeo Romance Book 1 (Free! when joining Audible)
https://www.audible.com/pd/Lynx-Audiobook/B0FK6K51HF?srsltid=



With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life—to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.
Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena.
Now, she wants nothing to do with that world—or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory.
But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny. . . and his unexpected gentleness too seductive to resist. . .
©2018 Connie Vines (P)2025 BWL Publishing Inc.
Please follow the links...stories and secrets await!
Victoria ChathamSally OdgersHelena FairfaxConnie Vines (me)Bob Rich Anne StenhouseBelinda EdwardsSkye Taylor 

 Topic: When did you decide to become an author, and what inspired you?

I'm not certain when I decided to become an author. I loved to read, ponder, and ask questions. Apparently, too many questions.

I was able to print my name, and my mother made sure I possessed a library card before I was enrolled in school.

Summers were spent with my paternal grandparents in the Texas panhandle. I recall sketching chickens and diligently noting that the eggs a chicken laid matched the color of the hen's ears (yes, chickens have ears).

I imagine my spelling was atrocious, but it mattered not because my story was proudly taped on the kitchen "ice box". 

I was a stay-at-home mom before my children enrolled in school. I worked from home (medical transcription, legal depositions, and deposition summaries).

My first published story was for a children's magazine, "Junior Medical Detective". I went on to publish in "Humpty Dumpty Magazine" and other children's/YA magazines, as well as other nonfiction magazines, before writing fiction novels.

I attended workshops and writing classes and toyed with the idea of writing fiction...but writing for children and writing for adults is more difficult than I realized. 

It's not only the topic, plot, sub-plot, and dialogue. It is sentence structure, word count, description, and emotions. It involves transitions, flashbacks, and the realization that you cannot force your "characters" to bend to your "will". It consists of writing, rewriting, and reminding yourself not to quit your "day job". 

I joined Romance Writers of  America and attended local meetings at the Orange County Chapter. We met at the Sizzler restaurant once a month (before moving to the Brea Library). I had wonderful mentors who looked over the first draft of my novel and encouraged me to make revisions. 😕 (Charlotte Lobb and Rita Rainville had red-penciled notes on my manuscript.) At the next meeting, I learned my novel was 50 pages too short. 😟

However, like all good stories, there was a HEA (happily ever after) ending to this story. My mentors, and my dear friend, Geeta (Kakade) Kingslesy, encouraged me until I succeeded. 😀

Did I stay on topic? 

I don't recall ever deciding to become an author. I memorized the oral histories told to me by my grandparents and great-grandmother. I observe the world around me. And I feel the unspoken emotions of those around me.  

And from this, the magic of an untold story begins...  

Happy Reading!

New this month, "Lynx" Rodeo Book 1 is available in audio. at Audioble.com 

https://www.amazon.com/Lynx-Rodeo-Romance-Book-1/dp/B0FK6RF75H/ref=sr_

For more adventures in writing, visit the talented authors participating in this month's blog:

Sally OdgersVictoria ChathamAnne StenhouseConnie Vines--You are here  :)Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/ Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3xySkye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Thank you, Skye, for another great topic! 

"My Favorite Character in Literature".

Naturally, my choice of a favorite literary character has changed over the years.

As a pre-teen, my favorite literary character was Nancy Drew. Prior to that time, I was primarily interested in horses and dogs.

As far as classical literature, Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is my favorite.

Although the story is told in the form of letters, diary entries, and news bits, from Jonathan Harker's point of view, the intensity of emotion allows the reader to become fully immersed in the story.

Dracula chronicles the vampire's journey from his castle in Transylvania to the streets of London.

Excerpts:

🌄

I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Capathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool. (page 6)

🦇

When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demonic fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. I drew away, and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. It made a change in him, for the fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe that it was ever there. (page 31).

🦇

All was dark and silent, the black shadows thrown from the moonlight seeming full of silent mystery of their own. (page 270).

Why do I re-read this classic novel by Bram Stoker?

There are other classic Gothic novels: 

Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, Jane Eyre, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. All of which I have read. 

This is the story that calls to me.

                                📕

And to be completely truthful, reading "Frankenstein" caused me to have nightmares. 

It is also why my paranormal stories tend to be of the RomCom variety.

Happy Reading, everyone!

Visit the other talented participants in this month's Round Robin: 

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Bob https://wp.me/p3Xihg-3vC

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Bob https://wp.me/p3Xihg-3vC

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic: Creating Fictional Settings for Our Stories.

Last month, our topic was "Real Places" as a setting for our stories. Which was a breeze for me to write. 

While I may 'rename' a town in a story, I'm blending towns I've visited/resided in to create a fictional town. 

Which isn't precisely a fictional setting.

This is also true in my historical novels and short stories. Although my characters may be fictional, the time and place are accurate, preventing devastation.

My heroine may have a personal preference. However, the norms for that time and place will be structured. 

Other Worlds

World-building is a technique used by Science Fiction writers and may be used by Paranormal writers.

Charts and diagrams, rules, norms, kingdoms, alternate dimensions...

I have a tendency to "fixate" (like a four-year-old). 🤣  

Not to an unhealthy extent...but chronic enough to be noticed.

My children would rearrange a shelf with my knick-knacks...and wait...or hide my favorite pen...

You see where I'm going.. 

When I wrote the "Gumbo Ya Ya" anthology, I listened to New Orleans Jazz and Cajun music, prepared Cajun and Creole meals, and more. Since my husband's family lived in Louisiana, I knew its history and geography.  

In other words, I controlled myself. I did not arrange another family vacation. (Having been chased by an alligator during a prior visit to a swamp, probably had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm).

What am I working on at the moment?

This contemporary series will involve several characters from "Gumbo Ya Ya" in the stories (think cross-over series).

This next series will not be set in New Orleans. 

I also have a new YA Series in the planning stages.

Did I stay on topic?

Almost.

I wrote a RomCom Paranormal (which received rave reviews), and I thoroughly enjoyed writing!

Please hop over to the other authors participating in this month's event! 

Happy Reading,

Connie

Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3rJ

 Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/

Anne Stenhouse https://goo.gl/h4DtKv

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

A.J. Dyer http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

This month's Round Robin Topic:

Real places (current-day or historical). How do you make them authentic?

I set my novels (current-day and historical) in a familiar setting. 

My childhood was nomadic, and as an adult, my vacations triggered an idea for a story. 

Weird stuff always seemed to happen to me or around me, resulting in an "inciting incident" for the resulting story.

My work experience included numerous summer jobs and agency short-term assignments, providing fodder for my writing.

While I have zero experience in the life of a Zombie, the novella is set in Southern California. The Claremont Colleges are nearby, as are all the restaurants and vacation spots mentioned.

My Anthology is set in New Orleans, LA.  

I have vacationed there numerous times, and extended family scattered throughout the state.

New Orleans and the Cajun Bayou are famous for their cuisine. I've tasted or prepared every item I've mentioned. 

I was a fragrance consultant at a perfumery. My perfuming background is highlighted in "Love Potion #9. "Marrying off Murphy features a Bachelor Auction for charity (my non-profit background). A Slice of Scandal features the cooking show craze with a touch of murder. Lastly, "1-800-FORTUNE" features a French Quarter Fortune Teller and a Werewolf.

Each story has its own set of tried and true recipes.

My Rodeo Novels, Lynx and Brede, feature Montana, Wyoming, and Texas and the sport of rodeo. My paternal grandparents and three generations before them were Texans. My father rodeoed in high school. I credited "Lynx" with my recipe for "Texas Chili." 

 Please visit all the talented authors participating in this month's Blog Hop.

Happy Reading!

Connie

Bob Rich  https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2025/03/15/taking-you-there/

Aimee Mann (AJ Mcguire)

Belinda Edwards http://www.booksbybelinda.com/reallocations

Anne Stenhouse

Helena Fairfax

Judith Copek

Skye Taylor

 I've reinstated my weekly "What Connie's Reading" Blog Post from several years ago.
Why? I'm still reading and posting reviews (GoodReads, etc.). And because I missed everyone. xoxo
Of course, I still have a stack of readings in progress and a list of ebooks to be read...

This week's favorite read:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Must Read!
Katherine suspects her neighbor was murdered. Detective Tanner, a by-the-book guy, is assigned to the case. When the trail runs dry. Tanner discovers Katherine has a mind for the crime. Soon, they join forces to track down a murderer.
Set during WWI, the Spanish Flu Pandemic and Prohibition add a deeper layer of nuances that immerse the reader in the story. Twists. Turnes. And read herings deliver a satisfying who-done-it mystery.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221545676-a-killer-whisky
Publisher's Website: https://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/
Author's site: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1234856.Susan_Calder

 Thank you, Skye, for the Valentine's Day Topic 💖💕💟

Writing romance, what do I like (or dislike) about the genre and all other genres? Do you include romance in your stories?  

I do read and write multiple genres of fiction.  

The first 55,000-word novel I wrote and was published (under a pseudonym) was a romance novel. 

Why did I use a pseudonym? 

Already multi-published in Children's, YA, and Middle-Grade historical fiction. I was booked for speaking engagements, including local school sites and libraries; it kept the focus on the craft and allowed children to lead the discussions. 

What do I like about "Love and Romance"? 💝💖

The weaving of the story. Romance allows for an old-fashioned courting experience. The act of falling in love, taking chances, and even heartbreak before the "happily ever after."

I tend to write Sweet or RomCom Romances, though my Romance Anthology "Gumbo Ya Ya; for Women who like Cajun Romance." Includes multiple genes: "Marrying Off Murphy," "Love Potion # 9", "A Slice of Scandal," and "1-800-Fortune". 

What do I dislike about writing romance?

Dislike would be too harsh a label. I do not care for the current Trope focus. The storyline and the art of unexpected twists and turns have less of an impact on the reader. This is more apparent in a "Romance," in which the art of discovery and emotional connection is vitally important.

The second part of the question, "Do I include romance in my other stories?"

My historical MG/YA novel, "Whisper upon the Water." The reader learns what happened in the Epilogue.

And, yes, even my "extremely tame" Zombie story includes elements of romance :-)

"Brede" is the only "romantic suspense" novel I have written thus far.

Why?

The intensity of  "suspense" keeps me from sleeping at night. Like most writers, I experience the storyline's fear and uncertainty factor.

This may not seem a big deal for those who read true-crime nonfiction. However, the Wizard of Oz movie's talking trees still cause nightmares. And don't get me started on the original cartoon version of Bambi.

I hope you enjoyed this month's topic.

I'm looking forward to reading the other authors' take on romance.

Please click on the links below for my fellow authors in the Round Robin.  

Connie Vines

Bob Rich   https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3pV

A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/02/romance.html

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Anne Stenhouse https://annestenhousenovelistwordpress.com/

This month's topic, AI (Artificial intelligence), has many aspects. 

(Thank you, Skye)

Do you add a warning that your work cannot be used for the training of AI along with copyright info? 

Do you use AI in your writing? Will it replace the "human" writer(s)?

I am selective in my use of AI. I routinely utilize several spell-check and grammar-check applications.

Why? 

Because, in my case, I'm constantly being interrupted. I also revise mid-sentence while I'm writing. This means when I sit back at the keyboard or pause for several minutes, I begin with either the word And or But.

And and But? How unarticulate of me 😳

I also utilized the photo "Change" application. 

The "revised me" is a tongue-in-cheek promo tool in which Connie travels back in time or becomes a cowgirl. The second photo is obviously AI-generated. Usually, the clue is a missing or misplaced limb. As you can see, the left hand blends into the skirt.

(Via MakeUp Cam)

Please note the missing left hand (it blends into the dress skirt.) 

There is also a strange shape/ shadow on the dress's bodice.(Via Makeup cam)
Authors must now state that their work is their own creation, not AI-generated. 
Unfortunately, the author must also ensure that AI does not harvest creativity. AI mustn't be used to gather "our voice." Our creativity is the "human" aspect of our stories.
This requires an author to diligently ensure we find the boxes to check on social sites, websites, etc. (Perhaps this can be another blog topic.)
If we (as writers) allow AI to create our stories, we lose the connection to our readers. Our writing will be devoid of joy, humor, and quirky nuances.
And yes, my stories, as well as my life, are peppered with quirky nuances.
My posted photos would only be photos. Photos come alive when the author weaves a story about the photo shoot (a peek behind the camera, so to speak).
I write about my pets. My readers laugh at the photos and share tales about their pets.
This has been plucked from my Author, Connie Vines, FB page.


It's mani-pedi week. In case you can't tell, I'm in the top photo. Chanel has tiny paws, and Gavin has hard-running, manly paws.
Now, can AI create that story?




AI may be able to produce a photo of a rose. But not my rose. Nor can AI describe the particular nuance of notes and emotions the fragrance evokes.
AI can assist us, but we must be diligent. 
Skills can be lost. Skills that will be needed in the future. 
Cursive writing is an example. Cursive writing and playing a musical instrument activate a particular brain area. That area of the brain will never be developed or utilized otherwise.
Please visit the participants in this month's Round Robin participants about their take on the world of AI.
As readers, what are your thoughts an AI?



Happy Reading,
Connie Hurry on over! These talented authors have tales to tell :)

AJ MaGuire  https://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Connie Vines  (you are here)

Helena Fairfax  https://helenafairfax.com/blog/

Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3oC 

Skye Taylor Blogging by the Sea

 

I'm Blogging Today

  Follow my link to my publisher's website.

I've posted a short story today, and it's FREE!!

Connie's Free Read   

Posted December 28, 2024