Writing Anywhere - A #WriteTip from Annette Mardis, Author of The Shore Thing, A #LSBooks #Romance

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I'm delighted to welcome my pub-buddy Annette Mardis here today. Her contemporary romance, The Shore Thing, came out this Monday. Since she's been writing for quite a bit longer than I have, I invited her over to impart some writing tips.

Writing Anywhere by Annette Mardis

Thanks, Tara, for hosting me on your blog. I’d like to share a valuable lesson I learned more than thirty years ago at a convention for high school journalists. It was simple advice, but it has stayed with me all this time.

Peggy Peterman, a longtime features writer for the then-St. Petersburg Times, gave a talk on the realities of making a living as a newspaper writer. It doesn’t matter how you feel on a given day, she told her rapt audience, because deadlines don’t care if you’re sick, tired, unmotivated, restless, bored, whatever. Put it aside and get your work done because the newspaper and its readers are counting on you.

I went on to work in the newspaper business for more than three decades, and my resolve to adhere to Ms. Peterman’s advice was sorely tested on many occasions. But the discipline I developed over those years has stood me in good stead as I strive to build a second career as a novelist.

Newspaper offices are about as calm and quiet as train stations, and if you can concentrate in a newsroom, you can concentrate anywhere. I write my books at home, where I’m often interrupted by my barking dogs, Shelby and Cocoa, and a screeching pet parrot named Ozzie.

I’ve read a lot about writers finding their muse and creating the proper environment to spur their creativity. If psyching yourself up and locking yourself away in a quiet room is what you need to get the job done, then by all means, do it.

But I have an easier solution, stolen from an effective advertising campaign for Nike: Just do it.

The only surefire way to break through writer’s block is to sit down and write. Having trouble with a sentence, a paragraph, a chapter? Type something on your computer screen, even if you’re not happy with it. Just getting your fingers moving on the keys often will help break the logjam in your brain. You can always return to it later and rewrite.

Sometimes, just the act of getting away from the computer for a bit — to visit the bathroom, get a drink, fix a snack, read a few pages of another book, take a walk, anything — can help unlock your thoughts, too.

Another very effective remedy, at least for me, is to sleep on it. Sometimes this makes for a frustrating, insomnia-filled night, but very often I’m able to envision a scene or an entire plot line as I’m lying in bed. Fantasizing about your characters helps bring them to life and often leads me in directions I’d never thought of going otherwise.

Never forget that writing is hard work, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Let someone else play the part of the tortured scribe. Enjoying your vocation is a lot more fulfilling.

On Monday, Sept. 1, Liquid Silver Books released my new contemporary romance novel, The Shore Thing. It’s the first book in a series set in the fictional west-central Florida beach town of Gulf Shore, where you’ll feel sugary white sand between your toes, the warm sun on your shoulders, and a sea breeze ruffling your hair.

You’ll meet swoon-worthy alpha males who aren’t embarrassed to cuddle a rescued baby dolphin in their muscular arms, and accomplished women looking for an equal partner who thinks that smart is sexy.

You’ll get up close and personal with sea life, join the “snipe and gripe” club for girls’ nights out, and fall in love with a talking parrot who acts like a little boy in a bird suit.

You’ll go behind-the-scenes at the local aquarium and out to the beach to rescue marine animals in distress. And once you visit Gulf Shore, you just may find yourself wishing you could stay.

The Shore Thing
(Gulf Shore Book 1)

Danielle “Dani” Davidson vows to just say no to workplace romances after her first post-college job is soured by a messy breakup with a manipulative coworker at a fish hatchery. That’s just one reason she doesn’t trust any man with her heart, let alone one who swims with sharks for a living. So why can’t she get cameraman Evan Sanders out of her mind? 

Evan is twice shy, too, after an alluring but self-absorbed colleague at Gulf Shore Aquarium takes a bite out of his heart. Thought he’s dead set against dating anyone else he works with, he’s intrigued by Dani’s shyness and tempted by her intelligence and low-key sexiness.

Dani leads tours and educates guests, and Evan is the chief photographer/videographer at the aquarium and marine animal hospital in Gulf Shore. Their attraction smolders until an unfortunate encounter with a stingray sends Dani to the emergency room, and Evan steps up to help her through her recovery.

The two also bond over the rescue of an orphaned baby dolphin. But will Evan’s vindictive ex-lover, his career ambitions, and Dani’s inhibitions tear the young lovers apart?

Amazon | AllRomance | B&N | Kobo | LSBooks 

About Annette Mardis

Annette Mardis is a veteran of some 30 years of newspaper work in the Tampa area, most of it with The Tampa Tribune, and is now a freelance editor and author. Her first full-length novel, The Shore Thing, was recently released by Liquid Silver Books. It’s the first book in the new Gulf Shore contemporary romance series. In July 2013, she published the e-novella “Getting Her Money’s Worth,” inspired by and dedicated to a close friend who died in June 2012 after an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant. Annette also posts book reviews, publishing news and other reader-friendly content through a public  forum at www.facebook.com/PostHereReaders.

In her spare time, she greets and educates the public as a volunteer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to the world’s most famous dolphin, Winter, star of the “Dolphin Tale” movies. Annette also enjoys reading, reading and reading some more; riding on the back of her husband’s Harley-Davidson;  playing with her pets; and cheering for her favorite NASCAR drivers and Tampa Bay area sports teams.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

 

10 Writing Tips from Romance Author Elizabeth Morgan

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I'm delighted to welcome Elizabeth Morgan to my blog today. If you remember, she and I share a common love for the fairy tale Rapunzel, and I interviewed her when her previous release came out. Today, she's got a brand new sweet contemporary romance from Bono Books to show off. Before we pump her for writing tips, however, I should let you know she's running a Rafflecopter giveaway. The widget, along with information about the book and author, is at the very end (i.e. don't forget to scroll down).  

PHOTO CREDIT: The Number 10 - DieselDemon - FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS - ATTRIBUTION LICENSE (C)

PHOTO CREDIT: The Number 10 - DieselDemon - FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS - ATTRIBUTION LICENSE (C)

10 Writing Tips from Elizabeth Morgan

  1. Read. Reading is one of the best tools a writer can have. You learn through reading, and can gain new ideas.
  2. Research. Important in creating any story. Make sure you double check things so you have your facts straight. Editors and readers will pick up on things like this.
  3. Passion & knowledge. Write a story you would love to read. There is a piece of advice I think all writers receive, "write what you know and what you love." If you aren't interested in the plot or the topics presented in your story, no one else will be. If you don't love your world or characters than how can you expect anyone else to connect/relate? Love what you write.
  4. Edits. I think this will be one tip most writers will mention, but edit your manuscript a couple of times before you submit it.
  5. Critique Partners. It's very useful to have a CP as they will give you constructive criticism on how to improve your manuscript, and one thing to remember is that there is always room for improvement. You want your story to be the best it can possibly be. Most importantly a CP is a fresh set of eyes and they will more than likely pick up on spelling mistakes and little things that may have slipped your attention.
  6. Rejections. Try not to take them personally. I know it's hard. Trust me, I have been there. Pay attention to any constructive criticism you are given, and then read through your manuscript again. Don't ever change your story if you feel it should remain the way you wrote it, otherwise, if you feel a scene etc could be tightened, then polish it up, and then re-submit. But just remember someone will love your story as much as you do.
  7. Patience. It's hard. You will be inbox watching, but that acceptance and contract will come.
  8. Promotion. Being an author is 30% writing and 70% promoting. Yes, you have written a book and you should feel proud of that, but the work isn't over just because you have typed "the end." Once your book is released you have to promote it. Don't be in readers faces about it, though. No one likes having a product shoved in front of them and being told to buy. Hold competitions. Share excerpts. Communicate with your readers. The best promotion is to keep writing.
  9. Self-Publishing. If you feel this is a route for you, then go for it. Self-publishing gives you more say over your book, how it is packaged, when it is released. Self-publishing is more popular than it used to be, but it is still hard work and can cost a fair bit of money.
  10. Write. If you love to write, then write.

Bonus Tip: Most importantly, always believe in yourself and your work. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you want to do, and achieve anything if you put your mind to it. So believe.

Thank you for having me over today and thank you to all of you for stopping by. If you would be interested in winning a copy of my new release, Stepping Stones or maybe a swag pack, then please do leave an entry on the rafflecopter.

Stepping Stones by Elizabeth Morgan

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

There's nothing like a wedding to bring the family together....

If not for her baby sister’s impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long years, she finds herself a maid of honor who must answer to the people she left behind.

If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancé is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.

Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.

Excerpt

“When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.

“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”

My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”

“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”

Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”

“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”

“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.

“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”

“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.

“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”

Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”

Oh God, did my voice just go higher?

“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.

Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.” A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….

“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”

Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”

I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”

“Maggie?”

My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.

“Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.

I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.
“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.

“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.

“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”

“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.

More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.

About Elizabeth Morgan

Elizabeth Morgan is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.

Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”

And that she does, author of erotic ménage horror, Creak, paranormal erotic horror and UK, US & Australian Amazon best seller (Gay/Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian), On the Rocks, and erotic romance, US, UK and Spanish Amazon bestseller (Erotica Short Story) Truth or Dare? She also has her hand in self-publishing.

Razel Dazzle, her modern adult retelling of the fairytale Rapunzel, was her first taste of publishing her own stories, and now she has the hang of it, it will definitely not be her last. Look out for more information on her upcoming releases at her website: www.e-morgan.com

Away from the computer, Elizabeth can be found in the garden trying hard not to kill her plants, dancing around her little cottage with the radio on while she cleans, watching movies or good television programmes – Dr Who? Atlantis? The Musketeers? Heck, yes! – Or curled up with her two cats reading a book.

Website | Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook | Pinterest | Blog (Shared)

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5 Writing Tips from Sci-Fi Romance Author Gail Koger

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It's my pleasure to have Gail Koger over at my place today. Having started writing the year after I was born, this former 9-1-1 dispatcher has a ton of experience under her belt. (And yes, you may now peruse her website to figure out how old I am). She's a multi-published author, and her most recent sci-fi romance from Loose Id, Vexing Voss, has been gathering rave reviews. She also has an upcoming release in July, but I'll save that for it's own separate post. 

After you've availed yourself of her writing tips, don't forget to read on for more information about the book and author.

Writing Tips from a Psychotic Author by Gail Koger

  1. Research is important: My family and friends think I'm a bit of a pervert. Why? If I need to write a really hot sex scene, all I need to do is go out in my backyard and wait. My neighbor and his current girlfriend are pretty frisky in the pool. Their screams get every dog in the neighborhood howling, and I can pick up some pointers from their unusually athletic sexual positions. No, I am not a Peeping Tom. It’s called research.
  2. Use real life for story ideas: I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea of what a real emergency is. Take this for an example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am, but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone, I took up writing. Most of my ideas come to me in my sleep. Scary? Huh?
  3. Listen to your bossy characters: This is kinda embarrassing but my characters boss me around. The Warlords are the worse of the bunch. If they don’t like where the story is going they let me know. After all – it is their story. I get to sit in the passenger seat, and try not to freak out too much with their shenanigans.
  4. Have the proper writing tools: Chocolate. Chocolate and more chocolate.
  5. Learn how to deal with rejection: Never, ever give up. I have stacks and stacks of rejection letters. I think every writer has a drawer full. Don’t let them stop you. Persistence is the name of the game. Write what you love and you will be published. Once you’re published you have to market, market, market your work. 

I'll take this opportunity to thank Gail for stopping by. Don't forget to read on for more details about her sci-fi romance.

I have to say, number 4 is my favorite. What's yours?

Vexing Voss

Genre: Sci-fi Romance (with a sense of humor)

Voss, the Overlord's Battle Commander, was determined to make me his mate. I was equally determined it was never going to happen. When my clever disguises, skunk perfume, stun gun, smoke bombs and tranquillizer darts failed to stop him, I was forced to negotiate my surrender. I would willingly agreed to mate with him, if he would help me find my Mother's killer. To my surprise, he agreed. We soon discovered that Malik, the deadliest villain in the galaxy, was behind her death. Our quest to bring him to justice leads to unlikely alliances in an interplanetary war.

Buy Links: Loose Id | Amazon

About Gail Koger

I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for thirty-one years and to keep insanity at bay, I took up writing. Not to worry. The insanity isn’t catching – much. Other than the addiction to chocolate and the twitch in my left eye, I’m good. My current project is Reality Bites,the next in the Coletti Warlord series.

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