L.M. Lawrence

The Orchestra Plays

2012-02-21T21:36:00.000-05:00

A dashing tenor sharp witted with fire

Air of confidence impossible to resist

Glint in his eye that wickedly gratifies

The sweet scent of perfume on plump, open lips

Psychologically penetrating serenades the deepest desires

Love affair at first sight

Openness, spontaneity, and relentless expansion

Ravishing supple fingertips

Loss of breath captured in his strong embrace

An undying addiction

Electrifying performance a glorious sound

The orchestra plays

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! 2012 is filled with promise, hope, and books! Yes, I said books! Check back in a bit for a new look, book reviews, and more stuff about writing and poetry.

Cheers!

Barbed Wire & Blood

2011-11-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

Stones thrown

Glass shatters

Spoke out of turn

Broken and tattered

A trail of her perfume

Absolute laced lips

Symphony of black and blue

Stains tattoo

Pistol Annies courage

Barbed wire and blood

I trace your lines for the last time

Blackbird fly

Swept Away

2011-11-01T22:14:00.000-04:00

A swirl of silk-tulle,

devours the space.

Elegant with edge,

opulence and grace.

Fresh-faced girl,

selfless and strong.

Relentless gaze.

Swept away.

Terrified heart.

Hauntingly beautiful face.

A pensive moment meets

the lovers fate.

Intriguing desire,

beautiful affair.

Warm bodies worship

with each breath of air.

Vengefully brilliant.

Hope flourishes as

innocence is lost.

Two silhouettes dance in the dark.

ALL HALLOWS EVE

2011-10-25T19:22:00.000-04:00

Grinningly carved, candlelit pumpkins flicker in the night.

Werewolves howl as trick-or-treaters scream in delight.

Witches brew their finest dragon breath brood.

Zombies in an ugly mood.

Dread fills the Banshees cries.

Green monsters with thirteen eyes.

Ghost and goblins dance under the moonlight.

Cloaked in darkness vampires bite.

Ghouls wander into cemeteries, robbing a freshly dug grave.

Bats by the millions rush from their cave.

Spooky houses invite neighbors with a single light,

on All Hollows Eve night!

What I've been up to lately...

2011-09-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share why I've been a bad blogger and a terrible tweeter.

We have taken on quite the DIY project.

I'm finally going to have a quiet place to write...

when it's finished.

Happy Writing!!!!

Dangerous Game

2011-07-05T21:37:00.002-04:00

Iconic image splash the page.

Sunken eyes

violet lips.

Natural grace. Beautiful face.

Elegant and ageless

every boy's dream.

Gaunt and thin

counting ribs.

Silk and cashmere

skeletons on display.

Stalks down the catwalk

smile wiped from her face.

What tale their private lives will tell.

Fragile wisps

frighteningly thin

blow away with the wind.

Idea of beauty

an industry change.

Young girls mimic,

this dangerous game.

Creating Outdoors

2011-06-05T20:06:00.002-04:00

I've always wanted my own Little Sparta. A place to infuse poetry and sculpture with a sprinkle of make believe. I had every intention to write in the garden today, but I made the mistake of grabbing my camera. Here's a few of the character's I caught enjoying the sunshine.

Happy Writing!

Gone But Never Forgotten

2011-05-30T18:23:00.000-04:00

We won't forget their sacrifice.

Emotional wounds have pierced the hearts of so many families who have been left behind.

Gone but never forgotten.

They have given the ultimate sacrifice.

For our freedom and our lives.

http://lmlawrence.blogspot.com/2011/04/soldiers-heart.html

Gray Lady

2011-05-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

Sinister eyes.

Disillusioned desires.

Breath is lost.

Dark is amongst.

Manifested from light.

Misty and smeared.

From another time,

the Gray Lady appeared.

Barbs of a feather.

Coyote's blood.

Ripped open and jagged.

Unflagging love.

A mother's touch.

Thump of her heart.

Dreamless sleep.

Soul's part.

Poetry based on WIP, The Night the Clouds Covered the Moon.

Shadow of a Blackbird

2011-05-10T21:54:00.001-04:00

Picture behalf of http://www.etsy.com/shop/gothicrow

Hypnotic effect.

Life collection blurs.

To kill a mockingbird.

The wait was worth.

Shadow of a blackbird

A broken window pane.

Sharp like a dagger.

Stained water of fate.

Swirling wind above.

Leaves crunch beneath feet.

Perched above a carved stone.

A soul clutched in his beak.

A single white feather,

rests on top of a grave.

He whistles a melodious song.

An angel overtakes.

Erasing all sin.

A spirit is free.

On the blackbirds back,

the darkness flees.

Visit http://onestoppoetry.com/ for more poetry.

Soldier's Heart

2011-04-26T21:18:00.000-04:00

Memories of the fallen.

Haunted by the ghost.

Veiled in sand, lonely.

Darkened days unfold.

The air thickened with emotion,

when the car pulled up the drive.

It caught in the fibers of my clothes.

Tears stung my eyes.

His humor. His laughter. His flesh.

I felt his warm breath in my ear.

Enthralled by the thought, I could not move.

I knew he was no longer here.

A pinprick lightened the darkness,

when the Chaplain handed me a note.

Passion rediscovered.

In the last love letter he'd wrote.

His words took me prisoner.

He had been on patrol.

He fought for what he believed in.

A soldier's heart and soul.

Visit http://onestoppoetry.com/ for more poetry.

Island Storm

2011-04-17T18:20:00.003-04:00

The rain pours down.
Hair tangled and wet.
His lips explore mine.
Energy intensifies.

A canopy of palm leaves.
A bed of sugar sand.
Our scents entwine,
marine and jasmine.

In an island storm.
Waves shake the pier.
Pleasure washes over me.
The world disappears.

The Willow

2011-04-12T20:53:00.001-04:00

The willow weeps in the whipping wind.

It shakes the earth when it breaks.

With sacrifice and minded passion,

the Blackberry Winter overtakes.

Fooled into early bloom.

Icy rage rushes through her veins.

Memories pierce like a sharpened dagger.

Dangerous when a heart breaks.

Cashmere mist looms in the air.

Seduction drips from concrete colored fingertips.

Poison of vipers gloss her lips.

Vengeance evil mistakes.

Vicious cycle of disillusioned desire.

Consumed by a single kiss.

Unfaltering love found innocently.

The willow overtakes.

Check out this site for more poetry http://onestoppoetry.com/

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T19:54:00.000-05:00

Adrift

2011-02-15T20:26:00.000-05:00

Adrift

A pink sunset gives way to an inky sky.

Sapphire waters mingle amongst sugary white sand.

Surf pounds against the docks in the distance, taking the upper hand.

Exotic scents of coconut and orchid and mango dance in the air.

Taste of salt lingers on hungry lips.

Sultry wet kisses caress bare and needful skin.

A breath is lost for only a moment,

while encircled in the pleasures of a lovers hand.

Secrets of passion slipped into a bottle.

Dropped into a bottomless sea.

Perhaps one day they will find it.

Set adrift in a dream.

Fly Away

2011-01-26T22:15:00.000-05:00

Image Source Page: http://www.bank-zdjec.com/photo/21549/

Passion dripping with every tear.

Mystery of his touch like golden embers in the night.

Blanketed with poison. Blood on his claws.

The black crow walks.

Spreads his wings. A soul in his clutches.

A purposed flight.

He held it for only a moment. Love fades to lust.

Escaped into the night without a word spoken.

A white gown. Satin and lace.

Small pearls and sand, sinister waters of fate.

A heckle in the distance. Nagged. Intrusive.

A reminder of yesterday. No conclusion.

The stains of reminiscence rest on his blackened back.

Fly away bird. Fly away.

Refresh and restore. New life is in bloom.

Shunned is death’s murky door.

The Art of a Good Book

2011-01-24T20:17:00.000-05:00

There is something about old books that stirs my soul. It’s the yellowing pages, inscriptions from people who once owned them, and the divine art that is splashed onto the pages just for the reader’s pleasure.

Most of these were passed down from my great grandfather who loved to pen his name inside the covers and scribble his thoughts on the pages. It just so happens that something from his world, his time, popped itself into mine and gave me the chance to love and cherish it. It fuels my passion for words. These are some of my favorites...

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.

~Mark Twain

The Write Place

2011-01-10T21:07:00.000-05:00

In the bitterly cold winter months I find myself searching for that favorite writing spot. The blanket of snow covering the landscape holds a beauty of its own, but it’s not like summer. The warmth captures something magical in its breeze and blue sky. The grass is lush and green. The flowers appear like they were just painted by an artist with the most vivid colors on the tip of their brush. The trees are lusciously leafy and provide a canopy from the burning sun. Birds fill the space with their joyous song.

This is where I write. This is where I roam.

Where is your favorite place to write or roam?

2011 The Spirit of Gratitude

2010-12-29T21:14:00.000-05:00

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. ~Henry Ward Beecher

This is my 2011 resolution ~ I will adopt the spirit of gratitude.

I have made a vow. Each morning I will be thankful for the day.

I will appreciate the small things in life. The belly laugh of my child. A smile of someone I have never met. The magic of the written word. People and circumstances that make the day meaningful.

Love of friends and family. A warm home and the beauty that surrounds it.

I will be less defensive and gentle to myself and others.

Most importantly, I will listen to my soul and the gratitude and love that flows from there.

I wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!

A Happy Space For the New Year

2010-12-21T19:54:00.000-05:00

This is the year.

This is the year that I make a space of my own. No more inspirational pieces sitting in that dark and depressing cabinet. Nope. It will never happen again.

A little inspiration for those not so inspiring days. There will be no more blank pages in my little world. Blank is a canvas that has yet to be painted and its potential can be magical.

These are a few ideas for my space that I found on the blog, Belle Maison, which means beautiful home.

And for these last two...did I mention that I'm a dreamer.

Happy Writing!

I'M NOT ALONE

2010-12-14T21:19:00.000-05:00

I just stumbled onto a blog that moved me to words. As I read each of her posts, I felt as if she were in my head. I was convinced she was reading my personal thoughts and fears and darkness. She had the courage to write what haunts her. She exposed herself for the entire world to see. Her bravery has radiated onto me. I’m not going to mention her name. If or when she reads this post she will know. I have devoured each of her words. I gain courage in knowing, I'm not alone.

My eyes begin to burn and my throat tightens as I read about her almost perfect childhood, how she spies filmy images, and how writing brings her incredible joy. She even mentions how she loves all things British. Tears roll down my cheeks. The accent, the castles, London, Range Rovers, and the cemeteries with the crumbling headstones made me feel like I'm home even though I have never been there. I would love nothing more than to stumble into one of those castle's and never come out. Too bad an internet connection may be hard to find.

Lastly, I agree with her about finding comfort in the shadows and the darkness. But I have realized something that speaks of the human spirit. Regardless of your fears or insecurities. Whether you can see a glimmer of it or not, someone else can always see the bright light that shines from your soul. To me that is the beauty and the gift of living each day.

Thank you to all of you who inspire me. You know who you are.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T19:20:00.000-05:00

One Girl. A pen and camera. 365 days of inspiration.

2010-12-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

One girl. A pen and camera. 365 days of inspiration. Is my way of starting fresh. There are still a few pages I would like to add, but overall I am liking my new home. Here, I will share what and who inspires me, what stirs my soul, and any writing advice that I learn from my super crafty writer friends. Check out the tabs on top. A special thanks to Simon for flipping on the light switch when I needed it most.

The picture above was taken by me out my backdoor just after a Fall storm.

Happy writing :)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-12-01T20:27:00.000-05:00

PILGRIM...TURKEY...CAT

2010-11-21T15:50:00.000-05:00

This free digital ecard made with Smilebox

Overworked

2010-11-08T21:26:00.000-05:00

ALL HALLOWS EVE

2010-10-24T17:34:00.000-04:00

Grinningly carved, candlelit pumpkins flicker in the night.

Werewolves howl as trick-or-treaters scream in delight.

Witches brew their finest dragon breath brood.

Zombies in an ugly mood.

Dread fills the Banshees cries.

Green monsters with thirteen eyes.

Ghost and goblins dance under the moonlight.

Cloaked in darkness vampires bite.

Ghouls wander into cemeteries, robbing a freshly dug grave.

Bats by the millions rush from their cave.

Spooky houses invite neighbors with a single light,

on All Hollows Eve night!

Enjoy these 13 Creepy Halloween Treats!

©L.M. Lawrence 2010

AN EMOTIONAL ARC

2010-10-10T19:01:00.000-04:00

The backbone of any brilliant story is a strong three-act structure and a hero that allows the reader to become emotionally involved. I especially love books when a hero's actions and life moves the reader long after the book is put back on the shelf. I am a big fan of thrillers, supernatural, and romance (mostly YA). Feeling a flutter in my chest brings a smile to my face. As a reader, I want to feel the emotion as if I'm there. Therefore, as a writer, how do we do this...

AN EMOTIONAL ARC

While cruising my favorite blogs, I found this at the right time. Thanks Cory! Check out this link to her blog, Corrine Jackson, Writer. I have printed this post and will be adding this concept to the Writing In Layers link on this blog.

Happy Writing!

TIMES ARE CHANGING

2010-10-03T18:34:00.000-04:00

Change is good. For me, Fall is a time to put things into perspective. It's a time when I harvest the seeds and vegetables from my garden, close my pool, and put away anything I do not want covered by inches, better yet feet of snow (such a bummer). It is also a time to look at all of the words I have written over the year.

Times are changing just like the leaves. There are so many different options for writers: Helium for article writers, WordPress and eblogger where writers can market the heck out of themselves, and Indie Book Collective that has featured authors, tips to publish, indie marketing, and some of the best resources all in one place (highly recommend this). This is where I learned about Smashwords. Smashwords distributes to major retailers, which is a plus to writers that are stockpiling all of their work for some reason (yep,this is me.)

Like I said, times are changing. While I am seeking representation for my YA Series, Third Eye and a women's fiction novel, The Sweet Spot. I will be publishing, Wicklow Chronicles, Dragon Lines; Tangled Thoughts; It Washed Ashore on Smashwords in 2011. In the meantime, I am writing and editing away the comma junkie in me, and how could I forget, watching a ton of Food Network.

Happy Writing!

Call It What You Want

2010-09-19T22:07:00.000-04:00

CALL IT A MAKEOVER...

Eventually even a rewrite feels as good as a makeover. They say the best writing is a result of a rewrite. It is the time to clean up awkward phrasing, slash scenes, or in my case, fix Act II. I am an overwriter and a comma junkie. There I said it.

A REASON TO INDULDGE...

If I am not eating, working (day job), or sleeping, I am writing or should I say re-writing. It is a rarity to see me without a notebook and pen, or a laptop firmly attached to my lap.

TO POLISH...

I have torn apart and reassembled in hopes to be rewarded with the perfect book (hehe, I know nothing is perfect). Here are a few pictures of my re-write madness and you can bet there are M&M's involved.

And a little inspiration from other writer's always helps...

Johanna Harness

Writing Without The Drama

The Word Queen

Words Matter

2010-09-12T19:38:00.000-04:00

Some words just stick with you. It is amazing to me that one word or the pairing of just a few words can spark something incredible. Maybe even an entire book.

One word did that for me. It sparked a YA re-write that I am currently working on. It changed the direction of the novel and made me focus on what was important. This one word brought out the edgy and the YA hunger a.k.a teen lust it needed.

Happy writing!

Finding Inspiration

2010-09-06T15:34:00.000-04:00

This candy store is one of my favorite childhood memories. I remember walking through the door and immediately smelling the sweet chocolate that lingered in the air. There was always the feeling of home and happiness here. The owner and her mom would hand out penny candy while you shopped for the most delectable treats. Just across the street my favorite restaurant is still serving up the most delicious breadsticks. Next door is a shop that you would swear was located on a Paris street. The fragrance of the fine soaps and vintage books entrance your soul every time you walk through their door.

This past weekend I made a visit to where I grew up. All of these feelings swept over me and were just as perfect as I remembered them. I was looking for inspiration. My WIP is based here. I wanted to feel the passion of why I started writing this book and see why my character, Claire, decided to move home from the hustle and bustle of NYC. It reminded me why she chose this location to open her shop, fall in love all over again, and heal her wounded soul. I guess I instill a little piece of myself in every character I create.

If only I could have sat in the corner with a bag of chocolate covered candies, a pen, and paper. My creativity flourished with new ideas as soon as I pulled onto this magical street. A part of me wishes I could go back in time and relive the moments that I have come to cherish. The beautiful thing is I can relive it through my words and characters. The power of the written word still amazes me when it is fueled by real life.

Smilebox

2010-08-22T14:49:00.000-04:00

Since the purchase of my new computer, my #amwriting and twitter postings have been spotty at best (the power outage did not help much either). There are new discoveries to be made, new software to explore, and research to do. While checking out all the new goodies, I made the finest discovery of all, Smilebox. I have attached the link and hope you have as much fun as I have with this little gem. Since my research has involved Pastry Chefs and yummy recipes, I thought this was perfect.

This free digital recipe card personalized with Smilebox

I Call It Research

2010-08-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

What better way to get to know your character than research. I thought this was the best way to get a little sugar on my hands, and a little, okay a lot of flour on everything else. My character is a Pastry Chef who has a traumatic twist in her life, and moves back to her hometown to open a sweet shop. Of course it would not be a women's fic a.k.a chick lit novel if there wasn't a couple of cute, no gorgeous guys, and some lovin. I even tossed in a few pastry chef type recipes for those who love good food, chocolate, and Cruzan Rum (see the chocolate rum cake above).
I wanted to share a small piece of my journey with you. These are some recipes I tried, pictures I took, and a mess I made. Research made me hungry. Check out the Sweet Tooth and My Eyes Eat First on the sidebar for other recipes.

Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Chocolate Cupcakes

All of this made me hungry...

Soup Dunkin Bread

Homemade Feta/Red Wine Vinegar/Oil Dressing

Mozz/Havarti/Grilled Onion/Turkey Panini

A sugar mess is a perfect canvas. Dessert napkins as a background.

Happy writing :)

The Versatile Blogger

2010-07-26T21:24:00.000-04:00

I have had the honor of being nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by a wonderful writer and blogger, Cher Green. I am thrilled that she took the time to check out my blog and I want to thank her for the recognition.

According to the rules, I am required to:
1. Thank the person who loved me enough to bestow this gift.
2. Share seven things about myself.
3. Bestow this honor onto 10 newly discovered or follwed bloggers in no particular order who are fantastic in some way.
4. Drop by and let 10 of my friends know I admire them.

Seven Things About Me:

1. At the age of 20, I attended my first class at the Fire Academy. Then went on to EMT, and Paramedic.

2. I have always loved to write, sketch, watch the Food Network, and bake.

3. I am an only child.

4. I love to read. Some of my favs are: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Looking for Alaska by John Green. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.

5. I have 9 children's books waiting in a drawer for no good reason. I am working on a series of 4 YA Novels, 2 Women's Fiction Novels, and 1 Adult Novel about love and war. Two are on submissions, and the rest...well I need to either self-publish or query.

6. I am an animal lover. If I could save every last one of them I would. Currently I have one indoor cat, countless outdoor animals that I feed, and two beautiful black german shepherds that are sisters.

7. I listen to all kinds of music while I write - mainly it depends on my mood, but my favorite is Kenny Chesney and Kings of Leon.

Their are so many blogs that I love, so it was really hard to just pick ten. I bestow this award onto, in no particular order, the following bloggers for touching my heart:

1. Erica Chapman, laugh.write.play

2. Krista Ashe, Musings of a Steel Magnolia and Writer

3. Carolyn McCray, Writing Without the Drama

4. Rachael Fox, Life As I See It

5. Leslie Moon, Moondustwriter's Blog

6. Tricia and Siana, Two Girls On A Bench

7. EbyssWriter

8. Rachel in the OC, The only thing that seperates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.

9. Nicole Carpenter, The Fickle Nickle

10. Jessica Rosen, Girl Meets World

Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Big Book of Ideas

2010-07-18T19:48:00.000-04:00

Every writer needs somewhere to put their ideas. Bits and pieces of conversations, photos, magazine and newspaper articles, future scene and character sketches, interesting folklore/urban legends, lyrics, and more importantly the ideas that come at the inopportune times.

Fiction writing also lends a reason to buy the coolest office supplies. Every writer has heard the advice to carry a notebook for those moments of inspiration. I tend to use sticky notes and copy them into my Big Book of Ideas. This also gets me into the habit of writing everyday regardless of where I am.

A book of ideas is also a great way to revisit past inspiration when you are running short of ideas, or useful entertainment when you are further into your writing career. It is always a flash of rediscovery when you flip through the pages down the road, and possibly an invaluable piece of your next masterpiece.

I hope everyone has their own Big Book of Ideas. It is one of the greatest tools you will create.

My newest purchase is all for the sake of writing :)

#Storycraft

2010-07-11T20:18:00.000-04:00

Twitter is without a doubt the best way to share and discover what is happening right now. It is a great way for writers to network, and to learn the art of #storycraft. There are so many hashtags that lead us in endless directions. Originally, I was going to do a post about plots and sub plots, but after being pulled into #storycraft by just a few fellow writers, I changed my mind. Today's topic: Conflict.

In case you missed it, here are some of my less than 140 character favorites.

@Alex_Carrick: #writechat 3 pm to 6 EST 2day: #storycraft 6 to 7; #scriptchat 8 to 9 hosted by @WritingSpirit @danisidhe & @jeannevb

@Story_Craft I like to think of conflict as the tension in the story, what makes the atmosphere uncomfortable for the MC.

@AShaliniBoland As a reader I have no prob with passivity progressing slowly to conflict But as a new writer, realise 1st chapt must be powerful.

@ultraswan If you want to engage and influence, connect emotionally and then justify logically. ~ Brian Clark http://bit.ly/8ZOGL7 #storycraft #writing
High Action: It's Not the Cougar, Donald Maass: http://bit.ly/dgpw9s #writing #amwriting #storycraft #author
How to Become a Better Writer-11 Non-Writing Related Ideas: http://bit.ly/dsdYnu http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-become-better-writer.html #writing #author #amwriting #storycraft #creativity
4 Steps to Organizing Plot Ideas Into a Novel: http://bit.ly/aVeEuU #writing #storycraft #amrevising #amwriting

@wisebird2009 Common mistakes new writers make and how to avoid them: http://bit.ly/bARYd8 #pubtips #queries #selfpub #storycraft #amwriting #writechat

@mariedees Best writing advice I ever read was - ask yourself what's at risk for the characters because that's what engages the reader #storycraft
Introduce a new character during a point of conflict and readers will remember them better
The conflict drives the plot
Reader should have sympathy for characters but author needs to be merciless

@snowppl Make sure your subplots have some bearing on the main plot. Don't stretch your reader's patience. #storycraft
Sub-plot conflicts are good. Gives it more life... Solve one conflict, while introducing another.
Establish goals for your characters then ways to hinder acheiving them, pick what fits the plot #storycraft

@CDominiqueG: I think u need to think about what ur character needs to accomplish & then what could obstruct achieving goals #storycraft

@petermcl Another way to ensure conflict ramps up is to make sure antagonist is dynamic, and doesn't just wait for MC. #storycraft

@sharifwrites It's hard to be engaged with a character who waits for things to happen; s/he needs to be a catalyst. #storycraft

If you would like to read all posts enter #storycraft into search.

Happy crafting!

Editing in Layers

2010-07-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

You have finished your manuscript. Now you are ready to jump feet first into editing. You're in love with your characters practically breathing in and out for them. The plot causes your heart to race with adrenaline-laced anticipation. The setting is perfect without a doubt. The thought of changing anything about the characters, plot, or tone sickens you to the core. It is your baby for heavens sake.

You need some distance. Your characters will appreciate the hiatus, and so will you.

Two weeks later...you open your manuscript, and it is just how you left it.

No. It's not?

With the rose-colored glasses removed it's not as flawless or gripping as you remember. This is the first layer in the editing process. I know there are several ways to edit, but for me editing in layers works. You focus on one thing and move forward. Remember to not beat yourself up. It is called a rough draft for a reason.

Second layer - Phases - Read your manuscript aloud. Try to look at it as if you had never read it before.

Phase I: Believable plot - even if it is set in a mystical world.

Phase II: Concentrate on conflict, suspense, and tempo. Remember these go hand in hand. If one is off they all are.

Phase III: Character interaction/reactions. Dialogue.

Phase IV: Placing-theme-plot points. To keep on track, I check off Writing In Layers outline as I complete. If I can answer all of these then I have done what I was supposed to do.

Third layer - POV - Point of View. It is the voice of your manuscript. Make sure the writing style fits the voice and the character's that surround it.

Fourth layer - I like to call this the mop up. Tighten dialogue to make sure it is believable. Eliminate unnecessary words (really, very, utterly) that emphasize for no reason, cliches, repeated words or phrases, that and hads, and remember if it reads funny, it is. Delete, rework, or rephrase it.

Fifth layer - Do a technical edit. Fix grammar, spelling, and any minor missteps.

Sixth layer - Read it aloud again...and again...and again.

Seventh layer - Find yourself a few good Beta Readers. Take their advice and edit some more.

This is why I like layers. Happy editing!

Writing In Layers

2010-06-27T15:29:00.000-04:00

Like the picture above, layering seems to be a seamless process. Very pleasing to the eye. When you combine the layers, add color and creativity, you end up with a finished product that is unique and interesting.

So doesn't it make since to build a story in the same way? You can't really appreciate the frosting unless you have the cake, too.

For me, I have a hard time keeping everything straight while writing a story. I am one of those who have to work on several projects at once or I clam up, and nothing gets done not even the laundry. So in a nut shell,

I have several plots turning in my head at once. Then when I add the characters, setting, internal conflicts, and any sexual tensions the characters might face...eek. I could be hooking up characters that do not even know each other. This is why I write and edit in layers. Here is what works for me.

Layer 1:

Summarize the story in one or two sentences. This is one of the toughest parts. If you can't do this, you need to take a closer look at your story. Trust me, I have learned this from what I like to call the, "Dear John Rejection Letter" more on the rejection part later. If you do not know your story, no one else will either.

Write a basic outline. I consider this the road map. Plot building. Beginning, middle, and end ideas. A summary of each chapter, sometimes as little as a chapter title. Who the characters will become, their flaws and strengths, and what their problem is.

Layer II:

Begin Act I. Hero's old life. No editing, no flashy words, just write and see where it takes you.

Have a virtual cupcake and check out the outline for working in layers.

Next post: Editing in Layers

Happy writing!

My Eyes Eat First

2010-06-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

Mozarella, Raspberry and Brown Sugar Panini

Recipe is from Food Network's Giada at Home

I just could not resist. This has to be the best sandwich I have EVER tasted. Adding fresh pear instead of the Raspberry is also an option. Hey, a writer has to eat.

Check out my new pages. More to come.

Happy eating!

Writer's Block

2010-06-13T12:46:00.000-04:00

That picture just about sums it up. Since starting this blog I have faced nothing but the dreaded boulder in the road. My last blog, One Bite At A Time, never suffered in the way my new blog has. Sadly it crashed, burned, and is now a distant memory. So before I DM my fellow blog tribe members to tell them I am waving my white flag in bloggy defeat, I decided to do a little research on the subject. Even though my (fiction) writing has not suffered in the least (probably should not have said that) there is oodles of information out there if you take the time to look. So here is a little bit of what I have found out...

WIKIPEDIA - Says it is a condition. Who would have guessed? As I continued to read with a smug smile planted on my face panic manifested itself in my chest. I read, "that some are essentially creative problems that originates with an author's work itself. A writer may run out of inspiration."

I say NO that just can't be.

I am an only child and imagination is what keeps me entertained. Just ask my mom. I decided to read a bit further. "May be produced by physical illness, depression, end of a relationship, financial pressures, a sense of failure." Wikipedia, I must stop reading now because you are really making this much worse. No disrespect intended because you rock it for research.

43 Folders - 1. Suggests talking to a monkey. Unfortunately, I could not find one that was available on such short notice. 2. Write crap. Yep, did that too. 3. Freewriting 4. Quit beating yourself up. I like those, too.

About.com: Fiction Writing - Had very practical ideas, but I really liked #9 Re-Consider Your Writing Space. I told my husband about this practical idea. I said that this looked nice, or it would be great if I had my own creative cloud. It was suggested that I start looking for a second job. In the conversation my book addiction was brought up so I thought I'd better stop while I was ahead. He probably did not realize I had placed another Amazon.com order before writing this post. A writer has to read.

I navigated to one of my favorite blogs, Writing Without The Drama. For me, this is the blog that made the angels sing. After reading the April and May posts my fiction writing skills improved and the words have been flowing like crazy. Unfortunately, there was no posting for writers block (for the blogger). Why would there be? She's got mad skills.

Then there it was. I had read it before. One of my favorite authors had posted it at MegCabot.com. It was her blog post about Writer's Block that saved the day. She said to just sleep on it. It sounded good AND it was a brilliant reason to take a nap. It was a nap for the good of my blog. I had to do it! And, just as she said I was not paying attention. I had let myself become overwhelmed by my own craft that I love so dearly.

So, that is what prompted my book order. I need to read The Midnight Disease by Dr. Alice Flaherty, and since free shipping on orders over $25.00 is offered, I decided to order a few more. The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear, and who could blame me on this next one, Insatiable by Meg Cabot.

Happy Writing!

Show and Tell

2010-06-03T21:24:00.000-04:00

These are a few of my favorite things...

As many as I can get my hands on.

Blue water...

feta cheese...

Okay here is the confession...I like to watch people cook and not necessarily do the cooking.

Write well into the night.

and eat swiss cake rolls while reading all of these fabulous blogs.

Two Girls on a Bench

@2GirlsOnaBench

Writing Without The Drama

Your Child Sleep Coach

Happy Reading!!

America's Heroes

2010-05-30T23:03:00.000-04:00

On Monday, May 31, more than 220,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery will be decorated with an American flag, placed there by a member of the U.S. military. This will be repeated at cemeteries and war memorials in communities across the country. This respect and gratitude has been carried on since 1868 in the wake of the Civil War.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day recognizes all of those brave men and women who have given their life while fighting for our freedom. Memorial Day is the official kick-off to summer, but let's not forget the real reason we are able to celebrate. Despite the obvious risk, the men and women of our military stand between us and those who would like to take our freedom. On this glorious Memorial Day remember to take the national "time out" at 3:00 p.m. local time. Stop and take a minute to thank all of America's heroes to whom we owe so much.
I am grateful to our nations military service members especially my father, godfather, and husband. Thank you for your accomplishments, courage, and sacrifices to protect our freedom. In the upcoming weeks, I will be posting excerpts from "Love From Nam". The sound of war, pain of separation, and the romance of two young people in love.

In The Heat Of The Moment 101

2010-05-20T23:48:00.000-04:00

Ideas popping into your head without thought. Twittering your word count to all of your peers, proud of what you accomplished. In the heat of the moment, a rush of adrenaline surges through your fingertips. It is all worthwhile. Your dreams are coming together. Finally, you can turn off your computer, hop into bed, and dream about all of your imaginary friends. Bliss. First draft of your budding novel is complete. You are on the road to publication.

Then it creeps up on you in the middle of the night. Your throat thickens, you toss and turn, the air is too heavy to breathe. You sneak into the kitchen, reach for that bag of M&M's, and in my case, popcorn to mix with them. You turn on your pc and go to the file where your masterpiece is stored. Panic sets in as you crack open a bottle of water. This time is different, this time you must slash the words, tweak your character's flaws, and fill in the blanks.

All of this is done after you let your manuscript "rest a bit.” What? Editing 101.

This was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I needed space from the characters that I loved so much. I needed to distance myself from them and go on to my next novel. It felt like I had abandoned them, but the most amazing thing happened. The distance let me see that I struggled in parts with believable dialogue, abused commas something terrible, and the pacing was something that needed my immediate attention. It has made my novel stronger, me a better writer, and not feel like I should do something like this...