Writer's Quirks

I wonder how many readers are curious about the writing process. From the time I began writing seriously, when I was about twelve, I wanted to know what inspired authors and what routines they followed. I’m still fascinated by method. Do the majority of writers work best in the morning or late at night? Do they plot with a pen in their hand or visualize and type? How do they handle writer’s block? Perhaps some bash away, scribbling rubbish until their muse takes pity on them. Others might pace the floor cursing at the blank computer screen.

For personal and household reasons, I operate best in the early morning. And I spend a great deal of time staring out the window while I work through scenes in my mind. Regardless of routine, every writer I know admits to having trouble writing. It takes a tremendous amount of time and focus to create an entertaining tale with engaging characters and realistic dialogue.

Is the slog worth it? Absolutely. For me it’s a miraculous feeling to read a book I’ve finished and know it came about because I followed my bliss.

If an aspiring author were to ask for my advice, though I’m still somewhat of a newbie myself, I would tell them to write every day, even if you only have ten minutes to spare. When you start a new project, set a realistic deadline and stick to it. Keep moving forward. Don’t waste time revising your first draft. Too much fiddling on the first run may prevent those quirky muses from popping in to lend a hand. And definitely do not let rejection discourage you. Sylvia Plath said, The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. So keep writing, keep improving and keep submitting your manuscripts.

November Giveaway

Thank you for stopping by my new BlogSpot.

If you would like a taste of my writing, the first chapter of
 Huntress for Hire is on the Free Read page.

 If you join the blog as a follower, you could win a free ebook
 or a $10 Amazon E-Gift Card.

To enter the November draw, leave your contact info in the comments section.

Empress Karena

Empress Karena

Extasy Books Tarot Series 2

Emerald-eyed Karena is the empress of Trudane, a land where the women run the show and the men, who are considered brutal lesser creatures, are maintained in harems. Several times a year, bands of Trudanese females visit other worlds to hunt males to be sold as breeding slaves.

When Luc Van Starr is captured and transported to Empress Karena's palace, he finds an intelligent, disarming beauty whose appetite for sensuality matches his own. While the imposing Karena revels in Van Starr's magnificently sculptured body, she's unaware there is a lot more behind her captive's handsome face than it appears.

Excerpt:

Come And Celebrate The Spookapalooza

 at The Romance Studio

The event will be held exclusively at the
 TRS PARTY SITE

 From October 27-31, 2012.

Times? All day!

I Will Be Giving Away 3 Ebooks

Reader's Choice of Title

The Romance Studio are giving away a NOOK to one lucky reader and a lot of other prizes from the TRS prize vault and participating authors.

The winner of the NOOK (a resident of the United States or Canada) will be selected at random on November 1, 2012.

A GIVEAWAY

New Blog / Halloween Giveaway!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my new blog.

To enter a drawing for a book of your choice, tell me what kind of paranormal powers you would most like to have.

On Halloween, I’ll choose 3 random winners

Cheers!

Huntress At Large

Huntress at Large is another hit for Ali Atwood. It has action, sex and a space chase, what more could you ask for in a book. I can’t wait to read Brig’s story ~ 

Reviewer Brutally Honest/The TBR Pile

Huntress at Large

Huntress Chronicles Book #2

Lexine Monroe has spent her life hiding her true nature from those around her. The preternatural strength and speed that sent her to the top of her field as a criminal enforcer, dooming her to a life alone.

Now, she has to team up with bounty hunter, Blane Sebastian. Racing against the clock to rescue a kidnapped child, due to be sold at auction on an outlaw, space station.

Six years earlier, Sebastian was Lexine’s teenage crush. Fortunately, for her, she is long past the point where a hard body and a sexy smile will put butterflies in her belly.

CLEANLINESS VS CLUTTER

Since I spent most of today cleaning house, getting ready for guests, I thought I’d share some thoughts on the subject. Supposedly, purging and organizing your living space will relieve stress. Can’t argue with that, there’s satisfaction in knowing the house smells wonderfully of wax polish and you could eat off the kitchen floor.

If you asked me about my overall housewifery traits, I’d say I’m particular concerning some chores and meh with regards to others—the kitchen and bathrooms are always clean, but clutter and dust bunnies accumulate in other areas.

Then again, do I want to spend the few hours a week that aren’t accounted for cleaning behind the refrigerator? No, I’d rather be riding my friend’s horse along the beach. How many of us will look back and regret that we didn’t spend more time doing chores?

Added to that, they do say excessive cleanliness could be a sign one is heading into obsessive-compulsive territory. I have no worries on that score, LOL.

I’d be interested to know where the rest of you fall on the tidiness scale.