“Trust,” Chasing Shadows Series book 2, finds Ella confused by her growing attraction to Ethan although she still grieves for Nate.
#WordlessWednesday
Feeling Bluesy? How to Beat Writers Block
I’m a pretty upbeat person and I’ve learned to count my blessings…my husband, my children, and working as a writer. But every writer has moments when the words don’t flow and life can get you down. When this occurs, it’s important to know how to pull yourself out of the blues. Here are my go-to methods for beating writers block and getting back on track.
1. Open the curtains and windows. Fresh air and sunlight just make everything a bit brighter.
2. Clean the kitchen. I know it sounds crazy, because who lives to grab the Windex? But, having a clean space does make us feel less cluttered and more productive. Why else would there be so many magazines, blogs and Pinterest boards dedicated to beautiful homes and comforting rooms?
3. Nourish my body. Food. It sounds simple, but it’s effective. If I’m hungry, no doubt a raging headache is on its way and who feels good when a bass drum is pounding between your eyeballs? I also love to cook and find that being creative in the kitchen is a great way to nurture creativity in my writing.
4. Nourish my soul. Food is for my body, but books are for my soul. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I also love guilty pleasures on television that take me away to other times and let me meet interesting characters.
So, let’s analyze the above. For argument’s sake, let’s assume I got a terrible book review (it happens) and I’m in the dumps. Do I decide never to write again? No way! Although I do admit that I might need to take a day off so I’m going to open my curtains, smell the fresh air, clean my space so that I can prepare a yummy meal and eat it while reading a great book or escaping into my favorite television series. I’m willing to bet that by the time that episode of “Pretty Little Liars” is finished, I’m back on track and ready to write!
Shrimp and Quinoa
Fast, healthy, delicious…what more could you want from a weekday dinner? Here’s a shrimp and quinoa dish that has an Asian flair to it.
Cook 1/2 cup quinoa as directed and set aside.
In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil and cook 10 oz. of peeled, deveined shrimp until opaque, about three minutes, and set aside.
Return pan to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to cook 1/4 cup each of chopped carrots, red bell pepper, and red onion, along with 1 minced garlic clove. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about three minutes.
Add remaining quinoa and shrimp to the pan, along with 2 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Cook, stirring until hot for about three minutes. Top with 1 tablespoon of peanuts and sliced scallions.
Hearing Voices
I hear voices in my head. I imagine being chased at night by werewolves or if I’m lucky, a hunky guy. I’m not crazy or perverted. I’m a writer and that’s how writers roll. I wish I could say I see dead people, but I can’t go that far and besides, that line is taken.
When people ask me which of my books is my favorite, it’s akin to asking someone, “Which child is your favorite?” I just can’t pick. I spend a lot of time with my books. They don’t just flow out of me with a new one coming out every month, and I’m okay with that.
Like a child, a good book has a gestation period. I need to get to know my characters, sit with them awhile, learn their likes and dislikes. Even if their personality traits or preferences don’t make it into my writing, it’s still important for me to know how they take their coffee or what they’d wear to a party. Getting to know my characters helps me decide what action they’ll take when faced with the adversity that I’ll no doubt throw at them in my books.
Whether I’m thinking about my heroines or villains, I love them all. They surprise me, just like my own children. My heroines are flawed and my villains have redeemable qualities. I have imaginary conversations with them and some of those do make it into my writing. The most remarkable aspect of these imaginary friends is that sometimes they’ll introduce me to new characters, and voila, a book is born.
Hearing my characters’ voices and holding imaginary conversations with them helps me avoid writers block. Best of all, I know I can turn to any of my characters for a heart-to-heart when my own children and husband have decided to run out to the movies for the afternoon.
Warning: Ideas Being Hatched
Where do ideas come from? If you’re a writer, they grow in the delightful and maybe even deranged recesses of our minds. When I first started writing in college I always worried, “What if my mother sees this?” I’ve gotten over that.
It’s not that I don’t care what my mother thinks. On the contrary, even as an adult I still strive to make her happy. But, now that I’m a mother too, I know that she probably feels happiest when she knows that I’m enjoying my life. And what makes me happy? Writing like a demon, letting the words pour out, and not worrying if the material isn’t appealing to everyone out there. After all, would we really want to live in such a vanilla world? (Apologies to vanilla lovers out there.)
That’s what makes the book world so amazing. There’s something for everyone. And what makes my job so rewarding is that I can find an audience for some of my more liberal titles such as “Ready for the Yeti,” “Going Steady with the Yeti,” and “Ethel and the Merman.”
Granted, these light erotica titles aren’t for everyone, which is why I also write paranormal romance and romantic chick-lit. But I love writing these novelettes. They’re fun, light, and not meant to be taken too seriously. I’m currently at work on “The Scent of the Centaur” and I just might let my mother read it.
“Fever” by Melissa Pearl Gives Me Chills
I can’t wait to grab my copy of “Fever,” a new adult contemporary romance by Melissa Pearl as the very premise is giving me chills and apparently it’s resonated with others too. Early Amazon reviews call it charming, sultry, and seductive so without further ado…
Title: Fever
Author: Melissa Pearl
Release date: June 11, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
Singing in the shower takes on a whole new meaning in Melissa Pearl’s first New Adult Contemporary Romance. Ella Simmons does not want to move across the country. But she is, because her boyfriend has persuaded her to join him at UChicago to finish out her college education. Never able to tell him no, she hops on a plane and makes the trek from L.A. expecting to adjust to life like she’s often forced to, but things are not that simple when she hears a luscious voice singing over her shower wall. His deep, sexy tenor makes her weak in the knees, spreading fire through her limbs and making her question everything about her life and relationship. Can one voice really have that much of an impact?
Cole Reynolds is on his way out. In his final year at UChicago, the only thing he wants to do is finish school and get on with his life. But the sweet voice that interrupts his morning shower turns his world upside down. Compelled to find his shower songbird, he begins a search across campus. The only thing to distract him from this goal is his roommate’s gorgeous girlfriend who’s just arrived from L.A. – Ella Simmons.
Relationships are put to the ultimate test as future dreams are questioned and friendships are thrown on the line for love.
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