Elizabeth Boyle Blog

No Two Authors

Elizabeth — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:17 +0000

As it turns out, just as no two authors write the same books, nor do any of us work the same. Put four authors in a condo for a weekend and you will observe four very different methods of composing a novel. Let’s take a look.

My space with all my notes and scenes laid out around me

There are generally two kinds of writers: Plotter and Pantsers. Neither is better than the other, it is just how we approach the story. A plotter likes to have the story points laid out beforehand, a roadmap one might say of what will happen from A to Z. Some writers have detailed a synopsis of every point, character sketches, story arcs and a variety of information all written down before they even compose a single sentence. Others just notes that guide them from one chapter to the next. A pantser has a general idea for a story and that’s it. For them it is the thrill of seeing where the story takes them.

I was the odd ball of our foursome, being in the middle of the spectrum of plotters. As a plotter, I like my work organized, a good idea of where the book is going to go and I always brainstorm each section, chapter and scene before I sit down to write. My three fellow retreaters, Jane Porter, Liza Palmer and Caitlin Crews are more on the pantser side of the fence. Jane does do a bit more plotting than the other two, but the three of them definitely like to write without a safety net. I watched them in breathless awe.

Liza's work area

Really? You can do that?

Not this author. No way.

And I thought I was being really out there writing my scenes out of sequence.

What I found fascinating about Liza, was how she sits down, laptop in front of her and a blank journal beside her and she just starts writing. The pages fill up and the journal becomes her record of her journey. Like a diary of an unplanned trip. She writes down ideas, tips, revisions even as she hurries forward with her story. We debated desserts as she considered what to have her chef heroine make for a man’s last meal, and with a pie decided, she continued on. All the charm and grace of a road trip down Route 66. So very cool.

Megan hard at work in her corner of the condo.

Megan tends to hole up, a few notes and again, just writes. She looks online for visual inspiration–Tumblr and other sites, and after a while, the pages start to come forth. I liked her sparse style, which contrasts with her rich and in depth stories.

Jane's cast of character and composition

Finally comes Jane, who is the most visual of writers–she has pictures of all her characters, in all their moods. Sorting through her collection of magazine clippings, downloaded photos, she can show you her hero happy, defiant, angry, serious, all his stormy, Alpha moods right before her, contrasted with the photos of her heroine and secondary characters. And then with her cast assembled, they begin to speak to her and she writes. It is a very cinematic approach to writing.

We all use music to write with. Finding the right songs, soundtrack and moods using songs that we play over and over as we write. My current sound track is a mix of 70s hits that just seem to capture the light hearted mood of the book I am writing. We shared songs and musicians we’d discovered, each of us taking notes of the others tracks.

Really, there is no right or wrong way to work. It is all about what speaks to you. And one other thing I discovered–some of us mutter as we write. And I’m not pointing any fingers. ‘Cause some of us mutter all the rest of the time.

Five Things about Carla Swafford

Elizabeth — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:45:13 +0000

Always fun to meet new authors, especially brand new authors. And Carla Swafford comes to publishing via the Avon Impulse line, which is a digital imprint that was launched last year. So I thought it would be fun to invite Carla over and let her meet all of you.

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Yes. My granddaddy was hard of hearing, and we believed he misunderstood my name. He called me Polly.

2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? My husband and I fell in love…with Denali, Alaska.

EB: I think we could be twins–I love Denali. So gorgeous. Have been twice now.

3. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? Yes. Eat chocolate and watch one of my favorite DVDs (A Knight’s Tale, Live Free or Die Hard, Pride and Prejudice, Fargo, etc.) and then start writing another book.

4. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Batman (played by Val Kilmer); he’s the bad boy hero, and Kilmer had the sexiest lips.

EB: No arguments there. I’ve always had that same crush on Val.

5. Most embarrassing song on your iPod. Ricky Martin’s Livin’ la Vida Loca. Really I’m not embarrassed, but my kids are every time I played it when we cleaned house. Talk about energizing!

6. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring. Romance Book, romance book, Pen, paper, and chocolate.

Carla’s first book, Circle of Desire, has been garnering all kinds of praise and is available now in E-format and paperback. You can learn more about Carla at her website.

Planning a Writer’s Retreat

Elizabeth — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Or any old retreat for that matter. I’ve listened to friends go on and on about writing retreats for years. Holing up in a hotel for a weekend to escape family demands and meet a deadline. Taking off for a family cabin with a group and spending a weekend plotting. Finally it was time to dive in and here is what I learned:

1) Find friends who share your goal for the retreat. If everyone is on the same page (literally)–writing pages or plotting or critiquing–then things will most likely run smoothly–as no one is interrupting another’s pursuits. For our weekend, the four of us all had books in progress that needed to be jumpstarted after the holidays. So our goal was simple: Pages. Lots of pages. We wrote on our own, we used group sprints (1k words in one hour) and took breaks together to unwind, chat about road blocks, to share music tracks. Then it was back to the pages. Relaxed, yet productive.

2) Find a good space. Jane Porter and I lucked out at a charity auction last year and sprung for a big condo in Palm Springs. The place was amazing. Far more than we expected–it was so perfect. Two large bedroom suites, an individual bedroom, big living room, dining area, big patios. Perfect–because everyone found their favorite spot and hunkered down to write. We were not shy about moving furniture around to suit our mood–including taking the dining room table out on the patio so we could eat and write outside. I loved the patio off my bedroom–bright light, privacy and fresh air. Perfect.

3) Collaborate ahead of time. We had a flurry of emails the week before–on goals, expectations, food, groceries, and it all came together quite effortlessly. At least it felt that way. We shared cooking, making coffee and tea. We took turns with those chores and were respectful of each other’s time.

4) Clear your head and keep a clear perspective. Too much writing and togetherness, especially for writers–since we are usually solitary creatures–can be a bit stressful. Take breaks. I went for walks. I went to mass. Closed the door on my room. And bit my tongue a few times. Anyone who knows me, knows that is me showing huge restraint. In other words, it is only weekend. And if things bubble a bit, well, consider that is writers being writers and it is after all, only a weekend.

5) Come prepared to work and share and learn. I had my scenes all mapped out, my notes in order and my pages with me so I could take additional notes as needed. I had them all in one of my Levenger Circa notebooks. I tend to think this is the way everyone writes–only to discover that everyone of us worked so very differently. The coolest part of the weekend were the times we each shared our writing process and explained how we work. Fascinating and so amazing. And yes, I will share what I learned.

I Blame the Snow Day

Elizabeth — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:43:28 +0000

So nothing got done around here. Because it snowed. Truly, life comes to a grinding halt in Seattle when it snows. And that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.

I did though get a bunch of stuff done over the weekend, including cleaning out my office closet, wherein for a while it appeared my office had exploded. But do know that everything found its way back to where it belongs and I know I need to do some fun prizes that include bookbags. I have a plethora of bookbags. LOL. And penchant for buying notepads from Levenger. Some women buy shoes. I buy office supplies.

And apparently cart home every bookbag from every conference I attend. Sometimes more than one.

But most importantly, I need to let one of you know you’ve won a fantastic prize. A $100 gift card to Amazon. And the winner is: Lauren McIntyre, who Tweets as @lady_lauren.

So, Lauren, please contact me with your email address and I’ll shoot you your prize.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled days. Of gray skies and Seattle rain. Please.

Feeding the Muse

Elizabeth — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:46:01 +0000

I wrote last week about welcoming in 2012 with grand enthusiasm and my desire to make this “My Best Year Evah” continues by seeking out the books and teachers who inspire and motivate writers and non-writers alike.

To that end, I polled a bunch of friends, tweeps and writers from all over and asked them: What writing books do you love? What has done the most for your creativity and career?

What I was looking for were books to fuel a year of creative growth, gaining and honing my skills and perhaps learning a few new tricks. Who doesn’t like new tricks?

So I present this recommended list of writing books. I have read some, some are now on order based on the marvelous writers who swear by them. A sort of Writer’s U at home. A staycation of self-improvement. So if you are game, consider picking one from the list each month and joining in. I’m going to be blogging about one book a month and sharing my own experiences and hope you can join in.

Even if you have no desire to write, creativity is not unique to writers, it resides in all of us. My hope is to inspire each and every one of you to find your own place to blossom and grow.

Making a Literary Life by Carolyn See. I have not read this one, but when I asked Liza Palmer her favorites, this title was out of her lips without any hesitation. Now on my TBR.

On Writing by Steven King. This is the audio version, because face it, it is Steven King reading Steven King.

How to Write Killer Fiction by Carolyn Wheat. Another book on Liza Palmer’s must read list. As she explained, “Don’t we all want elements of suspense in our novels to make them page turners.” True that!

Bird by Bird by Annie Lamont. This was Megan Crane/Caitlyn Crewes first choice out of the gate, and she’s picked a true classic, one that is on everyone’s list. But have to admit, I have never read it. Time to change that.

Save the Cat by Blake Synder. I love this book. It helps you see fiction through a screenwriter’s focused eye and keeps you on target. Love it!

The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes. Another book on Megan’s list. Another for my TBR.

Writing from the Inside Out by Dennis Pulumbo.

The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell. I adore this book. The perfect pick up and read a short chapter for your daily kick in the pants. JoAnne Ross says it is a perfect book for “quick encouragement.” Can’t we all use that from time to time? Keep this book within reach.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Another one of those books that is always on the top of writer’s lists of inspiring and helpful books.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

The Writers Journey by Chris Vogler. If you haven’t read this book, make this the first one you pick up. The best book on novel writing out there. And as Christina Dodd said, (and rightly so) “Not boring.”

Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose.

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland.

Writing Dialogue for Scripts by Rib Davis. Lori Wilde recommended this book and called it an “eye opener.” Another for the list.

Walking on Alligators by Susan Shaughnessy. This book is another one for quick inspiration and daily affirmations and exercises.

The Writing Life by Annie Dilliard.

How to Write Your Best Story by Philip Martin. This and the Annie Dilliard book both came with the recommendation: “Good advice, well written.” What more could you ask for?

Goal Motivation & Conflict by Deb Dixon. I will be honest. This book has never sung to me. But on the other hand, I know so many writers who rave and love it. I mean LOVE it. So I could hardly leave it off.

Break into Fiction by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love Snell. Love Mary Buckham–and her workshops are so popular. So if you can’t get to a workshop, then the book is the next best thing.

Scene and Structure by Jack Bickham. The quintessential and essential nuts and bolts book for every writer. Love this book.

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. One of my all-time favorite books–a great nuts and bolts read for honing and making your novel standout.

Are there books that are missing from the list? Add your own in the comments and enter for a chance to win $100 Amazon gift card.

DRAWING TO WIN:

Rules:
This is how you can enter for a chance to win:

1) Leave a comment below and tell me which of these books you love, or what book does inspire you, or which one you want to read first.

and/or

2) Tweet the following: Feeding the Muse: All time best writing books. http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1908 Enter to win $100 Amazon gift card. @ElizBoyle #writingbooks

Do both and you are entered twice! I’ll give you all until midnight, PT, Saturday, January 14th to get your entries in.

Make sure to check back here Monday January 16th to find out if you won. You’ll have a week to claim your prize.

Five Things about Cecilia Grant

Elizabeth — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:19:40 +0000

I always love meeting debut authors. They have that starry-eyed glow about them. And of course, it gives us all a chance to discover a new favorite author. So let’s start the New Year off right with debut author, Cecilia Grant and Five Things:

1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? I once journeyed by bus from Aberystwyth, on the Welsh seacoast, to the inland mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. I was traveling alone, and didn’t know anybody in either place (I’d sort of picked them off the map), so it was just me and the craggy, impossibly green Welsh hills and the little towns where the bus would occasionally make a stop. I’ve never seen another landscape with that combination of grandeur and intimacy.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what do you do? Oh, heck no. The few weeks after a book is finished are some of the most stressful in the process, because that’s when I send it off to my editor and wait to hear what she thinks. And it always seems possible, in those weeks, that her response is going to be, “Oh, my god, reading this manuscript has made me realize you really can’t write at all! What were we thinking, signing you to a contract?”

3. What blogs do you visit? Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, for generally keeping up with the Romance world. History Hoydens and Word Wenches for fascinating articles about historical detail. ReadReactReview for thoughtful, accessible analysis of the genre. And Gossamer Obsessions, because AnimeJune can make me laugh just as hard with a good review as with a bad one.

4. If you were not writing, what job would you have? I wish writing were my only job. But as long as I’ve got dependent kids and a mortgage, I’m going to be pretty wedded to the health benefits and steady income of my day job – I’m just cautious that way. So if I weren’t writing, what I’d have is my same not-very-interesting day job plus more free time. Minus a lot of fulfillment.

5. Most embarrassing song on your iPod? It’s possible there might be some Journey on there. In fact it’s altogether possible that Journey singer Steve Perry’s solo hit, “Oh, Sherrie” is on there, for sing-along purposes. “You’d be better off alone!/If I’m not who you/thought I’d be-EE-ee!”

If anything, the cover for her debut, A Lady Awakened, makes me pea-green with envy. Quite literally! Isn’t this the most gorgeous cover you’ve ever seen? And thus begins Cecilia Grant’s career. You can find out more about her at her website, CecilaGrant.com. Make sure to get your copy of A Lady Awakened, and be on the lookout for her second book, A Gentleman Undone, coming June 2012 from Bantam.

Bring it on 2012

Elizabeth — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:22:01 +0000

I was really glad to kick the dust off of 2011 and celebrate the New Year. I don’t know about you, but 2011 was difficult. I don’t think I need to cry on your shoulder about my problems, because I know I am not alone and you all have yours as well. And maybe some of you have none, and therefore, I certainly don’t want to rain on your day.

Needless to say, when the clock struck midnight, I opened the door and said a hearty and happy “Welcome!”

What do I want to do this year? Lots of things.

I want to begin traveling again–and I have trips planned to So. Cal, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Denver. (Watch my Events page for details as I get them.) And hoping to add a few more destinations in there to round out the year.

I love seeing new places, getting a chance to meet some of you and of course, just strike out a bit on my own. As a stay at home mom and someone who also works at home, sometimes I just need to GET OUT. I’m sure there are plenty of you who can sing the chorus to that song. So here’s to getting out.

I want to write more. In fact I feel energized to write more. I went to a wonderful conference in October that I have to say probably renewed my love of writing more than anything has in years.

I couldn’t put my finger on any one thing about the conference (The Surrey International Writer’s Conference) but I came back just stoked to get writing. Perhaps it was meeting new friends, laughing my backside off, and hearing such wonderful writers share their truly inspiring stories. I loved every moment of that conference, even having my car searched by the RCMP before I could enter the hotel. (That is a story in and of itself!)

All in all, what I want to do in 2012 is push myself to try a new project and find a new joy in the ones I write for all of you. I’m working on my 20th book right now, and I truly needed that creative reawakening to revive and re-motivate my muse. She’s stoked to get storytelling as well.

And in the face of all this enthusiasm, I want to bring balance to my writing and personal life. I know that seems at odds with the two goals above, but I think it is in that finding balance that the creativity will continue to well up and I will be a better writer for it. There are so many other things I love doing: knitting, gardening, camping/hiking, exploring new places, spending time with the family–and this list is in no particular order, especially if you are my family. LOL. These things have to have their place as well and are very important to me. And they need to be in the forefront.

I’ll probably blather on a bit over the new year about my progress, as well as popping in with a few surprises I have up my sleeves. In the meantime, I would love to hear about your ideas, resolutions and plans as well. What are you planning on doing in 2012?

Five Things about Laura Lee Guhrke

Elizabeth — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:02:39 +0000

Why is it that lately I can’t get any of my friends to stick to Five Things. It’s called “Five Things” for a reason. But much to my chagrin, they all are a bunch of overachievers–sending in 6, 9, or even 11 things. And considering I only send them 10 questions to answer, it gets a little confusing sometimes.

I think this week’s Five Things Author fits into the overachiever category. Or she can’t count. Either way, I love her to death and am always thrilled when she has a book out. Which she does. Which I will tell you about once you’ve gotten through Five Six Things about Laura Lee Guhrke.

LLG at last summer's Avon party

1. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? I play, “I’m Free,” by The Who very loud at least ten times, drink champagne and eat lobster tail with tons of butter.

2. What new authors have you recently added to your TBR pile? Sherry Thomas is my new favorite. I’ve also added Caroline Linden and Candis Terry.

EB: I have devoured Caroline Linden‘s books. She’s one of my new favorites as well!

3. If you were not writing, what job would you have? Lottery winner. What do you mean, that’s not a job?

4. Most embarrassing song on your iPod? I can’t decide! Would it be the Monkees, “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” or “Jenny, Jenny (867-5309)”? Or maybe it’s Jackson 5’s “ABC.” Hmm. I’ll have to think that one over.

5. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring. Water, a mirror, matches, power bars, and Hugh Jackman. On second thought, I’d just bring Hugh. Forget the rest.

6. Print or ebook? E-Book. I love my Kindle. I don’t leave home without it. I fall asleep with it, pet it, feed it, and call it George.

Laura Lee Guhrke’s brand new book (just out last week!) Trouble at the Wedding is the next installment in her Abandoned at the Altar series. You can read an excerpt at her website, www.lauraleeguhrke.com, or just order the darn thing for your George, er, rather your Kindle (which currently is running the ebook for $4.99!).

Five Things about Lecia Cornwall

Elizabeth — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:19:45 +0000

Here she is, the indomitable and always interesting, Lecia Cornwall:

1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? The most beautiful, romantic place I’ve ever been: Malmaison, Empress Josephine’s home outside Paris. There were no tourists the day we were there, just us, walking through her empty rooms, standing in the bedroom where she died. They say Napoleon visited Malmaison for relaxation while he was Emperor, but couldn’t bear to go there after Josephine’s death. It has such a sad, romantic atmosphere of love and regret.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? I cry. I cry when I type or read the last line, even after I proofread it. I’m just sentimental, grateful and glad to reach the Happy Ever After.

3. If you weren’t writing what job would you have? There are several. Teacher, art conservator, artist, actor…

4. What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod? So many! And what a person keeps on their iPod is such a personal thing, with all the songs you bellow in the shower and while driving–they represent the quirks and memories from your life. Most embarrassing? Either Jonathan Colton’s “Re: Eat Your Brains” or “Midnight at The Oasis” by Maria Muldaur.

5. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring. Five people: one to cook, one to clean up, one to build one of those fantasy treehouse mansions, one to build a boat and go for help, and my dog. Books, too. And the dog’s ball…

EB: Smartest answer I have ever seen to that question! LOL!

In the mood for a holiday romance? Or do you anticipate getting a new ereader for the holidays? Why not download, Lecia Cornwall’s brand new holiday e=novella from Avon, All the Pleasures of the Season. Now available! And in January, get ready for her new book, The Price of Temptation. To learn more about Lecia and her wonderful stories, please visit her website, www.leciacornwall.com.

Five Things about Debra Mullins

Elizabeth — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:04:20 +0000

Debra Mullins is another of my Avon Author sisters. Someone I have known for as long as I’ve been writing at Avon. Let’s not count the years . . . really, let’s not. LOL. But I always love the chance to see Debra and find out what she’s been up to.

What I truly envy about Debra is her work ethic which has her doing both writing full time and working full time. She is one dedicated writer. And apparently one who was willing to fall on the Five Things sword!

So here are Five Things About Debra Mullins:

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Motor Mouth. As you can see, I have taken my penchant for communication and made it work for me through writing.

2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? The island of Hawaii. Absolutely stunning–not a bad view anywhere you look. We even took a picture from a Walmart parking lot.

3. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? I’m torn here. On the one hand I am a long time fan of the “Lois & Clark” TV show, and if Superman was Dean Cain, there would be no contest. (Shout out to all the FoLCs out there!) However, I must admit to having a fondness for X-Men’s Gambit. He’s so smooth with the ladies, and I LOVE the accent.

EB: I’ve got to admit a fondness for that accent.

4. If you were not writing, what job would you have? Probably the one I have now: technical support. Though I’ve been doing my family tree for the past year or so and sometimes fantasize about being a professional genealogist.

5. Print or ebook? I am a convert: ebook. It cuts down on the clutter in my house, and therefore, I end up buying more books!

Debra Mullins is bringing back a number of her early classic romances, including Once a Mistress, which is available now. You can learn more about Debra and her books, at her website.