This time last week I was on my way to the Killer Nashville conference at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, TN. It was a weekend jammed packed with great speakers and seminars. While the conference is geared for mystery and thriller writers there really is something for writers of any genre. It was a real learning experience and I know I’ll be back next year. This is one conference where you really do get a lot of bang for your buck.
The first session I attended was CSI Don’t Think So – How Television Gets It Wrong presented by Lee Lofland, an author and nationally acclaimed expert on police procedure and crime-scene investigation. The basic thing I learned is don’t use TV crime shows for your research. According to Lofland, Southland is the most authentic and well researched crime show on TV. Lofland is doing a Writer’s Police Academy in September that would be really helpful for anyone who writes crime.
Session Two was the always fabulous Sherrilyn Kenyon speaking on how she became a best selling author. If you’ve ever visited her websites you know she is a one woman promotional machine for her work. She’s very conscious of her public persona and her biggest advise is to write what you love. I’ll be taking some of her marketing advise to heart when Headlocks & Hexes comes out next year. She recommended book giveaways and bookmarks as promotional tools, and of course a fabulous interactive website is a must.
Next was lunch at the hotel buffet with MCRW friends, Rae Ann and Annie, and a few of Rae Ann Parker’s friends from her YA group . Annie Solomon was a speaker on a few of the panels. She writers Romantic Suspense and has a new book coming out in October, Two Lethal Lies. After lunch we went up to the elevator room to view the crime scene.
The next session I attended was Polishing Silver and Panning for Gold: Finding Treasure Through Revision with David Schlosser, Barbara Christopher, PJ Parrish, Sharon Potts, and Lawrence Light. Some of the things they suggested: have a computer program to read you your WIP. Always carry a notebook for each WIP to jot down notes as they come to you. An insert or story board comes in handy with developing your plot and adding stick up notes for stuff to add or change. Fix major plot points as the happen, but wait until later to go back any correct smaller things.
Next was Two Faces of Psychopathy, presented by Dr. Stephen Benning, Ph,D. a psychology professor at Vanderbilt University. This was a really interesting presentation since Rowan, my anti-heroine in Headlocks & Hexes is a psychopath. The two characteristics of this personality disorder are fearless dominance and impulsive anti-sociality. By the end of the presentation I was pleased to learn that Rowan exhibits all the symptoms of both characteristics except for the abuse of animals.
The last session I attending on Friday was Lightening in a Bottle: Marketing and Promotion by Rick Robinson with panelist Sunny Frazier, Matthew Funk, Susan Whitfield, and Steven Womack. They discussed the importance of social networking through Facebook, Twitter, Linkin and getting your name out there by posting on other writers blogs. He also suggested taking photos with best selling authors when you have the chance and tagging the photos on Facebook. This led me to set up a Facebook under my pen name of Jezebel Jorge.
Saturday began with Serial Killers and Other Serial Offenders by Richard Helms and panelists Carolina Bertrand, Nelda Copas, and Rick Reed. This was a very interesting and informative seminar with too much info to go into on a blog.
Next it was Elements of Award-Winning Novels with Beth Terrell, Annie Solomon, PJ Parrish, David J. Walker, and Steven Womack. The things I took away from this session was to write th book you want to write and chemistry and attention to detail are two key elements to any best selling novel. There’s no formula for writing a best seller, it’s more about capturing the magic with something different within the boundaries of a genre.
The afternoon was all about bestselling author Jeffrey Deaver. He is a fascinating speaker and captivated the audience with his presentation on Writing Thrillers: How I Do It. Here’s his winning formula for a Deaver Bestseller – Short time frame, important deadlines for his characters, interesting esoteric information, and lots of surprise endings. He’s a major plotter and does 140-180 page outlines on every book he does before even starting to write. He also saves each revision of his WIPs from start to completion of any manuscript and usually has about 10 documents before a book is complete.
Jeffrey Deaver also stuck around for the panel discussion on An Insider’s Look Into The Future of Publishing.
I ended the day with one of the Ticketed Breakout Sessions with an agent Q&A with Jeff Gerecke, Jill Marr, and Cari Foulk. This was a great session to attend since I had pitches with all three agents the next morning. Marr and Foulk both requested to see my work.
After doing my pitches on Sunday morning I attended a two part workshop – Walk Through A Crime Scene Investigation with Sheila Stephens, a former ATF Agent, private detective and law enforcement consultant. I took so many notes on this workshop that I wouldn’t even know where to begin on detailing everything she covered.
Killer Nashville was an awesome experience for me and I would recommend this conference to any writer who wants to network and learn more about mystery and thriller writing. I’m already looking forward to going back next year for Killer Nashville 2011!
One of my MCRW writer friends, C.J. Redwine, is blogging today about her family’s efforts to adopt a little girl from China.
Please visit her blog – C.J. Redwine – and help them bring Johanna Faith home to her new family.
And did I mention the awesome prizes that C.J.’s writer friends have donated to help this worthy cause?
Go check it out NOW!
Got the following from Sexual Astrology and I must say it’s amazingly accurate.
Mars in Scorpio – Venus in Aries
With Mars in Scorpio you have a magnetic energy and desires that run so deep they might intimidate other people. There’s an inner strength to this sign that no one can compete with. You have the power of a volcano inside your body, along with the self control that chooses when to allow it to explode. Mars in Scorpio is very much concerned with the deeper significance of sex and love. This sign wants full intensity and commitment in sex and will want to own a sexual partner. You may resort to manipulative or subversive tactics to accomplish this if you feel love is threatened. The attack of Mars in Scorpio is akin to the searing pain of burns on your flesh. But just as you are capable of these dark depths, the heights your energy can achieve are more healing than any other.
If the planet Venus is in Aries then your number one need for romance is passion! In sexual matters you’re likely to be direct and bold. You’re a flirt and can easily attract others to you even though you prefer to be the one who initiates a relationship. The thrill of the chase is a big turn on in love. In fact, to prevent boredom you must always feel pursued by your lover. Venus in Aries needs plenty of attention and stimulation. Since this is a sign known for assertiveness and independence, in matters of romance and sex, Venus in Aries takes the lead.
Moon in Aquarius – Mercury in Pisces
If you date someone with the Moon in Aquarius, there is an extreme emotional need for freedom that must be respected if you expect a relationship to get off the ground. This sign tends to intellectualize her emotions so she “thinks” his feelings rather than feel them.
Because this is the way of Moon in Aquarius, you will sometimes feel a sense of detachment from your lover, as if she would rather go off on his own, or help the masses rather than snuggle up in bed to enjoy sexual delights with you. The truth is, when you have a lover with the Moon in Aquarius, it’s a little of both. Experimental and progressive by nature, there will always be a need to be different and socially significant. On the other hand, we all need love. Don’t be fooled just because this Moon placement doesn’t show it as much.
Mercury in Pisces is a dreamer. When you date someone with this Mercury placement you will be enthralled at her imagination and creative potential. She can easily express himself with great intuition and sensitivity so the feeling aspect of your relationship is likely to be intense.
When it comes to sex, Mercury in Pisces loves to fantasize so get used to it. There are often elaborate scenarios swimming in her mind. This lover will use her intuition during sex to please you and more often than not will be right on the money when it comes to reading your mind about your own desires. She can become caught up in her own dreams however, so every once in a while you’ll need to pull her mind back into reality.
How To Seduce A Pisces Woman:
The way to seduce a Pisces woman is to open up to her completely. Tell her she’s the only one who can save you. She wants the soul mate relationship like no other. She’s hungry to meld two as one. If you can handle love with no boundaries, you can seduce a Pisces woman.
She is sensitive, gentle, compassionate and kind. She’s a sponge who will soak up the emotions of anyone around her, including you. Once she feels you want to seduce her, she will take on that feeling as her own and want to seduce you in return.
How To Seduce A Leo Man:
Every Leo man wants to be treated and revered as a king in their own right. When you understand this as a need and not just a narcissistic quality, you can seduce him.
Your pursuit and plan of action should be bold, big and dramatic. Put him center stage. Shower him with devotion, respect and admiration and his temperature will rise hotter than his ruler, the Sun!
The Leo man is looking for the fairytale so to seduce him, prove you’re worthy of his royal treatment. He’s a generous sign and will shower you with gifts but you’d better be prepared to throw rose petals at his feet in appreciation if you ever want to seduce this man.
Admire his physique while you’re at it. A Leo man takes pride in his appearance and your approval is stimulating. Never, ever wound his ego or embarrass him in public. If you do, you’ll lock the door to his bedroom forever!
Leo and Pisces:
There is a mystical and sensual connection when Leo meets Pisces. They both will be surprised by the chemistry and intensity they initially feel for each other. This could be the real thing for Pisces. Leo is impressed with Pisces social charm and seductive ways. Pisces wants to seduce Leo immediately. Water and Fire will experience a passionate sex life. When they click, nothing and absolutely nothing gets in the way. The need to express love will be felt very strongly by both parties and sex will be erotic and intoxicating.
It’s a fairy tale!
A Life Literacy Lab Blog spurred today’s topic of conversation…
Dear Twenty Year Old Renee,
Please don’t give up on your tennis! Yes, the full tennis scholarship did sway you on picking the wrong college to attend. But it’s not too late to make things right. Call Coach Sams over at UNC-Asheville and get yourself on the tennis team you should have gone with from the beginning. Practice with Leslie every change you get. The joy and love of the game will return when you’re where you’re supposed to be. It’s not the game you’re disenchanted with, it’s the people and especially the coach that are ruining it for you. That problem with your backhand is entirely mental. It’s all in your head. It can be fixed! Once you clean up the cause of the issue – being unhappy where you’re at – the backhand will come together. Remember what Woody always used to say: A two handed backhand is nothing up a left handed forehand with the right hand along for the ride. As an adult you’re going to meet another tremendous coach. Alex will change your game. He’s right about the topspin, add it to your game.
Don’t Be Afraid To Lose – That’s another thing that is affecting your tennis. Just take a deep breath and hit through the ball. This fear also applies to life in general. Swing freely and learn from your mistakes. There’s no shame in losing a match if you play it the best you know how.
Pick Your Classes With Your Future In Mind – Computers are going to be the next big thing. Take all the classes you can. Learn computers from the ground up. You’re going to wind up as a tech, so you might want to consider computer science instead of communications.
Write! Start getting serious about your writing now. Write something every day. Start that novel. It’s never to early to late to write. Words are your passion. Study them, write them, learn and grow from them.
The Men In Your Life – Trust your gut instincts. Don’t get involved with the loud mouth with the tennis racquet. That guy from NY you meet in 1988. Save it all for him. He’s the one to go for. Him and him alone. Until then, that cute blonde dude, the one swinging a flag around, he’s going to go on to become someone very big in the wrestling business. I know you don’t believe me, but it’s gonna happen. So consider that when you’re off chasing wrestlers. Go on the pill and take it every day, no ifs ands or buts. Condoms are also your friend.
It’s going to take awhile, but eventually everything is going to come together for you. You’re going to see your name in print. You’re going to be happy. Don’t ever for one second give up on yourself.
I love you and you are a good person. Don’t ever forget that. I learned from every mistake I made. As that guy from NY once told me – We wouldn’t be the people we are now, if he hadn’t of lived the lives that we did.
Live! Laugh! Love!
One of my very favorite author’s – Laurell K. Hamilton posted this quote on her Facebook page this morning. Loved it so much I had to steal it and share…
“You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you,” Ray Bradbury.
Truer words have never been spoken!
I’ve finally gotten my teeth into my new WIP – Lip Gloss & Lollipops. You can find out more about that at my WitchLitChick blog.
On Monday I burned some Lotus incense and anointed a black female figure candle with Music City Mojo’s Fast Luck Oil. Then I used the candle to cast a spell on myself to rid all the negativity that has built up in my life. I lit that candle along with a white (for purity of intentions) and green (for success) long taper candle. Just to be safe I added a large lavender pillar candle, also anointed with the Fast Luck Oil, for healing.
The spell seems to be working since I’ve had two good writing days and I feel a third one coming up today. I’m still burning the lavender candle, along with a red pillar candle for passion for my words and love of my characters. I’m using a Fast Luck Hand Dipped Incense that my friend Bianca sent me from Virginia.
I simply can’t write without a candle burning on the writing altar that sits on the side of my desk.
Something Spooky – Yesterday when I was out walking Harry I felt something poking against the bottom of my foot. Taking my sandal off, I found that something to be sticking all the way through my sandal. I turned the shoe over to find a beautiful old rhinestone earring. What ups the eeriness factor is that I collect rhinestone jewelry, especially vintage broaches. Talk about a sign from the Divine. Goddess is Good!
Today I’m beginning a detox with a Nature’s Secret Multi-Herb Digestion & Detox Support and Multi-Fiber Cleanse. When searching for the link I saw it’s much cheaper at iHerbs than it was at Earth Fare. I’m going to see how long I can go on a diet of water and protein powder mixed with skim milk. If you have IBS like I do, it’s essential to add Fish, Flax or Borage oil to any shake. This is needed to beat the bloating and gas caused by an increase in protein intake. I take a Heat Health Natural Super Omega-3 with each shake.
WOW! The old personal trainer in me is really shining through this morning. Speaking of training, it’s not something I’m trying to do while Detoxing. It’s impossible to train hard when all you’re consuming is protein shakes. At least not without turning into a miserable and cranky, carbohydrates deprived, bitch from hell. I’m just going to do the dog walking a little yoga until I rid my body of a few excessive pounds. After that I hope to get back to the weight training. I miss my gym time, but for now, due to finances that is not possible.
I’m currently reading Christopher Moore’s Bloodsucking Fiends and really getting a kick out of this book. I love his quirky voice and I’ve found myself laughing so hard that Harry has given me a couple of strange looks.
That will do it for this week fans. See you next time and until then, so long for now.
“Historical note: my vampires never spill blood. They would not dream of walking around with their faces smeared with blood. They venerate the blood; it is the life; it is sacramental. They drink with utter surrender; but they do not spill the blood. That’s why they cannot watch these new vampires shows. It upsets them.” ~ Anne Rice on this morning’s Facebook update.
My sentiments exactly!
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, Anne Rice is my all time favorite author and a tremendous role model in my ways as a writer. As much as I adore her vampires, that is one character I don’t think I’ll ever be able to include in my work. She’s just set the bar too high for me to even attempt to go there. At least until I get a best seller or two on the shelves. Even then it would be written more as comedy or farce. I love spoofy stuff and I believe it clearly shows in my writing. For me to try to write a vampire in any other way would be a sacrilege to the tremendous impact her writing has played on my life.
I read most of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series long before True Blood came into being. It was a fun quirky Southern take on fiction with a vampire twist. I watched the first season on DVD and will probably get around to checking out the second season eventually. Now, after what Anne Rice has said, I’m not too sure about season 3.
I noticed the excessive blood dribbling while watching the first season. I may be wrong since it’s been awhile since I’ve read the books, but don’t remember it happening there. I know it makes splashy graphics for TV. Still, when I was watching, I remember thinking, a real vampire would not be so sloppy. Kinda what Anne Rice said, only she stated so much more eloquently than I ever could.
To me, Anne Rice does the definitive vampire. If the world building is not spectacular or it’s total comedy I can’t read any other vampires. Kinda like how Laurell K. Hamilton has formed my views on shapeshifters. If they aren’t portrayed the way she writes them, I really can’t read them. By the way, I do enjoy Hamilton’s vampires, just not to the extent that I adore Lestat and company.
The world building in JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is the key element in setting her novels apart. That, and her very unique voice. Her books work for me because I’m not always stopping to think – that’s not how Lestat would act or think. At first the whole eating food and drinking something other than blood did throw me off, but it works in the world she’s created for her vampires. I’m currently reading the latest book in the series, Lover Mine. Her end of chapter hooks are so awesome that a lot of times my – just one more chapter before going to bed – turns into several more pages.
If you are a vampire fan and you haven’t spent some quality time with the Brotherhood, I encourage you to do so.
It’s probably best not to even go there on my feelings on the Twilight series. I bought all four books, but so far I’ve only managed to read the first one. I just kept waiting for them to get it on, or take things to the next level. Way too slow for my taste. Yes, I know it’s young adult and they aren’t supposed to be having sex on page two. I guess I just like my vampires a little more grown up and passionate.
What’s your take on vampire fiction?
I’ve decided to accept the offer on Headlocks & Hexes. More details will be provided after the contracts are signed sealed and delivered.
Looks like I’m about to embark on the next step in my writing journey – my first published novel.
So far I’ve decided on a pen name… Jezebel Jorge.
A new website is in the works and once it’s live the networking shall begin. I’ll still keep this site to market myself in mainstream fiction.
Friday I received an offer on Headlocks & Hexes, my first book in the Ring Dreams series. Now it’s decision time. I’m weighing over my options and hoping for the best.
Desire & Dropkicks is now ready to being the querying process. That will be my main focus of the next couple of weeks while I sink my teeth into the next project.
I awoke on the morning of June 22 with an eerie knot in my throat. It was harder this year because I am the same age as Nancy on this day that she took her very last breath. All day I found myself having to remember to breathe. My throat felt raw and my eyes stung with tears. Just an all around really bad day. There wasn’t a lot of media attention this year. Not that I needed it as a reminder.
Just in case you might not know on that day three years ago Chris Benoit strangled his wife Nancy and in the following days choked to death their seven year old son before taking his own life. It wasn’t their first domestic dispute. Chris had brain damage caused by post concussion syndrome. It’s not something you can really grasp until you’ve experienced it first hand and lived with someone who can’t separate the ring from reality. Scary doesn’t even begin to define the aftermath of dealing with post concussion syndrome on a daily basis.
The next day I wound up in the hospital with a raging case of colitis. My colon must have felt the stress and rebelled the only way it knows how. I thought the IBS was under control. I’d gone off the medicine. I was free of a lot of the symptoms. Until the blood started sputtering out of my ass. From previous IBS attacks I knew that if it was more than a 1/2 cup of blood I was supposed to go to the ER. So that’s what I did. It was bliss to feel the burn shoot through my arm before fading into the nothingness of a morphine drip.
Tonight I went to the She Writes first anniversary celebration at Davis Kidd. Annie Solomon, one of my writer friends from MCRW, read the first chapter of her soon to be released book Two Lethal Lies. I was impressed by her professionalism and talent as a speaker. The final speaker of the evening was Sheryl Griffin, reading a passage from her memoir A Scarlet Cord of Hope. It really touched me since I know all too well the horrors of domestic abuse and have dealt with post traumatic stress syndrome.
I came away from the reading realizing that I still have a ways to go with my own recovery. I’ve been letting my fear of getting into another relationship have some huge negative effects on my life. I’ve pushed people away. Even a person I knew long before I ever went through all that I did. I’ve gained a horrible amount of weight. The stress has manifested in a skin condition that leaves splotches all over my arms and legs. Not to even mention the IBS.
Confronting the demon is the first step to making it tap out. I’m going to try to face my fear one baby step at a time. I’ve got to clean up my diet and take control of my weight. I’ve got to constantly remind myself that I deserve better and that sooner or later karma has got to smile on me with some type of positive result.
Here I go again, back on the little green pills, unemployed, watching everything I eat or drink. Still struggling. Still holding on. Still writing. Still waiting for the big break to come.
I will not give up and I sure as hell will not give in.
“Go where the pleasure is in your writing. Go where the pain is. Write the book you would like to read. Write the book you have been trying to find but have not found. But write. And remember, there are no rules for our profession. Ignore rules. Ignore what I say here if it doesn’t help you. Do it your own way. — Every writer knows fear and discouragement. Just write. — The world is crying for new writing. It is crying for fresh and original voices and new characters and new stories. If you won’t write the classics of tomorrow, well, we will not have any.”
~ Anne Rice
