Ginger Simpson's Blog

The First Chapter – hook your reader and set the tone for the story.

Chapter One. Page One. Paragraph One.

And so the adventure begins!

For me, Dialogue and Action is my comfort zone. 

I introduce my main character and main conflict. I also set the tone of the story.

Chapter One, Paragraph 4:

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

EBook and Audio





Chapter One, Paragraph One.
Charlene hadn't told Rachel that she'd fixed her up with a cowboy, much less Lynox Maddox, the "Wild Cat" of the rodeo circuit. Rachel signed. She should have known. After all, Charlene only dated men who wore boots and Sentsons.




English/Spanish Ebook



Prologue1868  
The Governor of New Mexico decreed that all Indian children over the age of six be educated in the ways of the white man.
Indian commissioner Thomas Morgan said, "It is cheaper to educate the Indians than to kill them."
Chapter One, Page One
Prologue
1880 Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remain where the sagebrush is stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land is made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reach out into the silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. We call ourselves N'dee, The People. The white man calls us Apache.
Chapter One  
I rose from my blanket and dressed in my favorite buckskins and moccasins.  After coming out of my wickiup, I stepped from my wickiup and walked toward the center of the camp. Women from neighboring Apache bands, dressed in their best clothing, squatted around their campfires, patting tortillas and fry bread...

 #
Every writer/author has a "voice".  The reader knows and complains when an author isn't true to their voice.  Staying true to your voice isn't as simple as it sounds.
It's the paragraph, page, or even chapter that doesn't mesh with the storyline. Or your main character refuses to utter the author's "perfectly" written dialogue, or, worse yet, goes completely off script.
Some may shout, "Writer's Block."
Others, "Sleep Deprivation." 😬
I brew another pot of coffee and peruse my library. 
The nuts and bolts of writing.
My reference books include. GMC (Goal, Motivation & Conflict) by Debra Dixon.
 Dialogue (How to get your characters talking to each other in a way that vividly reveals who they are, what they're doing, and what's coming next in your story) by Lewis Turco.






 Visit this month's Blog Hoppers take on opening chapters.

Bob Rich

Skye Taylor

Diane Bator

Sally Odgers

Helena Fairfax

https://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

 

 Thank you, Sky, for this month's topic: Writing and Reading Blended Genres.

"What do you enjoy about blending them while writing, and do you enjoy reading the mix?"

Reading: 

Historical and Romance seem to be a comfortable blend. A gentle push-pull of attraction and the details of daily life. I'm more inclined to read a "western" setting because the plot is faster-paced.

Movies: My favorite movie: "Somewhere in Time" Starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. 1980 Romance/ Fantasy.  It is a film adaptation of the novel Bid Time Return (1975) by Richard Matheson, who also wrote the screenplay. 

My Writing: 

I'm comfortable with mixing "Romance and Paranormal." I don't know what this reveals about me... "Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow," and I'm working on novella 2 in the series. (Paranormal Romance).

"Romance and Suspense" Brede, Rodeo Romance, book 2. This is a genre I'm not comfortable writing in. I have nightmares during the process.  

Television:

Hits of the past: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Fargo". 

Shows of today: "Dark Winds". 

 

The latest mixes in novels:

Romantacy: Romantic Fantasy. A subgenre using elements and conventions of the chivalric romance genre.

Literary Horror: A mix of literary fiction and horror, focusing on character development alongside chilling narratives.

Dystopian Romance: Combines dystopian settings with romantic plots to explore love in oppressive societies.

Cozy Mystery:  Merges light-hearted cozy settings with mystery plots, appealing to fans of both genres.

Of the latest mixes, I find Romantacy and Cozy Mysteries, the ones I would most likely read and consider writing.

What are your thoughts on these new "genres"?  

Are there any genre mix-ups you read? Or would you like to see?

Happy Reading!

Connie

This month's Round Robin participants 🐦 🪺

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3ET

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

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Connue Vines  (you are here )

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

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

"Are you a member of a Critique Group. Or do you have a partner?"

I, like most writers, find that our needs change as we evolve.
While my reading preference was historical (Ancient) fiction and non-fiction.

My first published works were magazine articles (fiction and non-fiction) and children's and YA short stories.
Of course, many of those articles featured Ancient Egyptian medicine and its influence on today's physicians, as well as the discovery of penicillin.
I also delved into the Salem Witchcraft Trials and completed a historical YA novel.  
Classroom presentation with Jaques Condor 



I'd found my niche (or so I thought). 
After a church potluck, a close friend encouraged me to attend Romance Writers of America meetings (her sister was a co-president of a local chapter). I hemed and hawed... and avoided committing. She reminded me I had a knack for humor. Which did not play well in historical novels. (Time was rather grim back then 😉). 
I mentioned RWA at a board meeting of the Pomona Valley Writers' Association. A fellow board member became so excited that she immediately called her best friend to carpool.
Not the reaction I expected. My friend, afterall, wrote gory crime novels.
I was committed. The local RWA chapter held monthly meetings in the back room of a restaurant. When membership expanded, the Fullerton Library housed us, and we required four rooms in a civic center. 
Guest speakers included screenwriters, best-selling authors, and our own members, now signing multi-book contracts.
However, to learn the craft of writing book-length fiction, I joined a 4-person weekly critique group. Each of us had a strength and also a weakness. My weakness was writing too short (the jump from magazine length to YA book length was difficult). My strength was dialogue and humor. 
The jump from YA to 55.000 words plus required by Adult fiction was painful.
Extremely painful. 
Thankfully, I acquired a "Big Sister" at RWA (my local chapter's mentorship program). I learned the ropes. While writing and rewriting were now routine, writing contests were "humbling".
At some point, I finally honed my skills. The form rejection letters were replaced with a phone call from Hillary at Kensington... and finally, my first book-length sale (no revisions needed) for the Precious Gems line. 
Within several months, I also signed a contract for a YA historical novel and an activity book. "Whisper upon the Water" became a "featured read" at public libraries and part of the G.A.T.E. (Gifted And Talented Education) program. 
I believe creative writing classes and your instructor's input provide a strong foundation. There are online writing classes and workshops that are vital in honing your craft.  
However, having a writer's group of 3 or 4 people is the best way to adjust to a career of 'deadlines'. You are required to produce material. Missing components are pointed out, and ideas are shared. (After all, your partners are your readers. If they don't understand where your scene is headed...your readers won't either.)
I also found it helpful to have an assortment of genre writers in your critique group. Red herrings are required in all forms of fiction. 
Sadly, COVID put an end to all in-person gatherings.  Writers, as a rule, are introverts. I haven't gone back to hosting a writers' group or searching for one to join. 
I do, however, have several writing friends who will read my final draft and offer "Pearls of Wisdom". ( RR blog, hoppers included). I also belong to OCRW (Orange County Romance Writers), which hosts monthly online meetings and writing workshops.


To respond to this month's question. Yes, interacting with authors in a critique group (online or in-person) is helpful and motivating.
However, when you are contracted and on a deadline, a critique partner is a better choice (because you have specific input requests.
(new audio release!)https://www.audible.com/pd/Lynx-Audiobook/B0FK6K51HF?srsltid
Please visit this month's participants :) 
Bob https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3Eehttps://victoriachatham.blogspot.com/Sally Odgers
https://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Diane Bator
Skye Taylor Happy Reading, Connie 

This month's post is a gift to our readers (Thank you, Skye).  A short story, poem, or essay.  

I, as usual, am standing on my own island, located between a short story and an essay.

As I've mentioned, frequently before, I love gingerbread. I have a special fondness for gingerbread cookies.    

In the case of the cookies, it is more about the process. Of course, the cookies are delicious. 

A Chef might describe gingerbread cookies as: A complex and comforting symphony of flavors: warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves dance with a subtle sweetness, creating a unique taste profile that is both festive and deeply satisfying. The molasses, a key ingredient, contributes a rich, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness and provides a distinctive depth of flavor.

I notice: the spice blend. Ginger provides a sharp, pungent bite that is both warming and invigorating.  Cinnamon adds a sweet warmth, while cloves contribute a substantial aromatic complexity. Nutmeg has a subtle nutty undertone. The exact proportions of these spices vary, resulting in a diverse range of gingerbread cookie flavors. A heavier hand with ginger yields a spicer, more intense cookie, while a more generous amount of cinnamon creates a milder, sweeter cookie.

Molassas Magic.  Molasses, the dark, viscous byproduct of sugar refining, is crucial for the characteristic gingerbread flavor. Its deep, slightly bitter taste adds complexity and richness, preventing the cooking from becoming overly sweet. The type of molasses used: light, dark, or blackstrap (my grandfather's favorite), significantly impacts the final flavor. Light molasses offers a mild sweetness, while dark molasses contributes a more robust and slightly bitter taste.  Blackstrap molasses, the most intense, adds a distinct, almost burnt caramel taste that can be overpowering if used excessively. 

Sugar, typically brown sugar, adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the cookie's soft texture. The sugar also impacts the overall sweetness and crispness. Butter or shortening provides richness and tenderness, while influencing the cookie's texture. Butter adds a buttery flavor, while shortening makes the cookie more tender and crumbly.

The texture of gingerbread cookies further enhances the tasting experience. The cookies can range from soft and chewy to crisp and snappy, depending on the recipe and the baking time. A slightly chewy gingerbread cookie allows the flavors to linger on the palate, while the crisp cookie provides a satisfying crunch.

My Q and A  

What is the difference between gingerbread cookies and gingerbread cake?

Yes, I love gingerbread.

Ready for the oven :)

My kitchen table has a custom tablecloth.

Do you have a favorite gingerbread recipe?

Are you a gingerbread lover or a gingerbread hater?

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Connie

For more Holiday Adventures, please stop by and visit the talented authors posting today. 

(and in a bit of self-promo) My rodeo romance "LYNX" is available in audio (Amazon)

Blog Hop:

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

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com (Graham)

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

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

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

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com 

👻💀🎃🍫

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