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care about such things–excellent TV night. American Idol, premiere of The Amazing Race and Supernatural! I will be prioritizing like this:Watch-American Idol; Record: Supernatural. For some reason I don’t watch The Amazing Race. It can be a really good show, but I just never got hooked on it. I did really like the shows I saw with Rob and Amber though. Who doesn’t love Boston Rob?
Lori
Here’s the clip.
Two questions–exactly what romances (aside from inspirationals and traditional regencies) “end” at the bedroom door? When was this? Uh, those bodices weren’t being ripped off for breathing room.
And how about the “these are empowered heroines.” Okay, but that isn’t an erotica thing–that’s been a trend in romance in general for quite some time. Kick-ass is in across the board.
Overall, a good bit for erotic romance I thought–I’m just not sure about what it said about the rest of the genre.
What do you think? Maybe it was editing…
Lori
American Idol or Survivor? Luckily my husband has something rigged up where we can now record local TV using our computer–don’t ask me how–but which to watch real time? Votes?
And DH is “going out for drinks” after work. You better believe I gave him the big warning that he better be home by 7–I need that recorder set up by golly!!
Lori
Okay, who are you rooting for? The guys were really good. There were only two or three girls I thought were top notch, but a number of guys. Ace was excellent–he can work a camera, can’t he? Other top male contenders: Chris, Bucky, Elliot, and Patrick. For female: Katharine, Kelle, Lisa, Paris and Melissa.
But overall, my VERY, VERY favorite–Taylor Hicks!! I LOVE that guy–he just makes me smile and get all happy inside. Second place I’d probably give to Katharine at this point. But don’t forget Taylor Hicks!! Did I mention I love him?
Lori
Today I am trying to get another chapter done on a project my agent is shopping around. Actually we have been working with an editor on some changes–which I incorporated into the first three chapters and synopsis. But then I decided to go ahead and write some more of the book also with these changes in mind.
So, here’s the deal. I have the book plotted out–the synopsis is done. But I still have to write in spurts. What I mean by this is I think a scene or two ahead. So I finish one scene then I need a little break to decide what comes next. When I sit down to write that scene it comes really fast, but I need percolate time. Anyone else write like this?
Right now I am percolating. My protagonist has just started investigating a mystery of sorts, hit the typical dead ends–called the police, talked to neighbors, now what?? Hmm? And it has to be good…Guess I’ll go take a shower. Perfect place for percolating.
Lori
Eeek! I’ve been lazy lately, but I’m trying to be better. Here’s an interview with Ryka Mennen, author of suspense and paranormal novels.
Q.) First tell us about your books. 
RM) Well, somehow I stared out writing romantic suspense then got sidetracked with paranormals – so now you’ll alternate releases – suspense and paranormals. I try to keep things light, humorous, believable, and sensual. My goal is for readers to remember my characters – I want them to think back and say Kyra was like that or Leena did this.
Q.) Your current releases are both in ebook format. What do you like about writing for this market? Do you think it is any different to writing for a strictly traditional publisher?
RM) Before my foray into the fiction world my only experience was with writing non-fiction—scientific research articles. So I had no experiences to compare e-publishing with; I like the quick releases in e-book format. I don’t think an e-book publisher is that much different from a print publishing house. I am held to very high standards by my e-book publisher, Champagne Books, and my editors are of the caliber that I would expect to find at any high level house. I enjoy ‘meeting’ readers online and find myself involved in more chats and discussion loops than I had expected to. I wish I had more time to devote to these for they are quite enjoyable.
Q.) I’m reading my first book in this format and was really surprised at how much I like it. What can you say to encourage other people to try ebooks?
RM) I’d say try it – its easy, convenient, and you’ll see more books from your favorite author published faster I believe. I travel a lot and before I discovered e-books, half the weight of my suitcase was from the books I was lugging along. Now I simply turn on my computer and I have the same reading enjoyment with less hassle. You’ll find great stories, some terrific new voices – a must try in my opinion.
Q.) Are you a plotter or a panster? Character-driven or plot driven? Ever try to be the opposite? Do you have a set method you use when starting a book?
RM) Definitely a plotter. I mean I make lists of things I’ve completed so I can cross them off! I start a book with a long synopsis of about 5 or so pages and then what I call my story-board – a chapter by chapter outline of the main points. Though my characters do take over at times and the plot takes some twists and turns I hadn’t anticipated, I’ll at least have a basic outline to follow.
Q.) What common element can readers expect to find in all your books?
RM) Strong women definitely! Despite intermittent doubts they basically know who they are, go after what they want, and march to their own drummers. And sensitive men for the most part. I’m kinda’ all “alpha-maled” out for now. I also like introducing secondary characters who will feature in the next book. Gives a nice sense of continuity and family. There is usually one special moment or event in each story – something that a reader can sigh over and remember, well after the book is read.
Q.) Any new projects on the horizon? What would you like to try next?
RM) LOL – I have enough on my hands writing my Operation series and paranormals and trying to keep up with my academic research career. I have about four more books under contract with Champagne Books. Starting in 2007, expect to see a three-book historical series set in Elizabethan England, published under the pen name, Audrey Weston. However, if things ever slow down, I would like to finish my fantasy book and submit that.
Q.) And, finally, where can people go to purchase your books?
RM) The anthology, Stupid Cupid is available in mass market paperback, so just head to Amazon or your friendly neighborhood book store. The ebooks and trade paperbacks are available at www.champagnebooks.com
School was cancelled here for the first time in five years! And they are calling for more snow tonight. Yay! I was happy, a day to stay home and not feel guilty about it. Maybe tomorrow too.
On the other hand, just a few inches of snow is a pain, ’cause the world keeps going and I gave up my 4×4 last year. I can’t even make it up my drive way in the minivan!
So, think snow–but LOTS of snow. :)
Lori
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
This year I’m taking part in Romance Junkies Valentine’s Newsletter Contest. When you get to the page, look for this image in the rotating sidebar–click it–then to get to my part, click the red box she is holding. If you want to find the answer to the question, go here. ;-).
Don’t eat too much chocolate!!
Lori
Mapquest is truly one of the biggest gifts of the Internet–when it works right. In the past I have trusted it only to be lead through every backroad in Bloomington IL, when the hotel I was going to was right on the main road. And my inlaws trusted it to find our house, and wound up two exits past. So, I KNOW not to trust it completely, but being me, yesterday, I took off on a two hour trek with no clue where I was going except those three little pages supplied by Mapquest.
You can probably tell here this didn’t work out well.
Actually, it wasn’t HORRIBLE, but I did spend an extra half an hour searching for an exit number that just doesn’t exist. There is no exit 128 on highway 151 in Wisconsin–make a note of that. On the plus side, I do now actually own a map of Wisconsin. I’ve only lived her seven years, as you can tell I like to fly by the seat of my pants at times.
Luckily, I had left early so I was still at the book signing well ahead of schedule. There was a low turnout, but the community relations manager really had things set up nicely–Starbucks coffee, cookies and Godiva chocolate. And a number of women from WisRWA showed up to support us. So it was a fun day. Also, I found a copy of Stolen by Kelley Armstrong–the last of her books that I haven’t read yet, and got a really good latte for the drive home. (I think there can be a lot of variety in the quality of a latte, so when I get a good one I’m pretty darn pleased.)
So, lesson for the day–don’t trust Mapquest. Use it, but don’t trust it.
Lori
Random books from my shelf...
