Well, I don't know if it's true or not, but these are definitely the dog days of summer. At least to me, that is. While I enjoy summer, I don't enjoy temps in the high 80's and low 90's. But I should be thankful we have sunshine at all. We have also had a lot of rain here in Michigan.
I hope you are all having a fabulous summer, enjoying time with friends and family, vacations and weekend trips. Anything that involves rest and relaxation.
I just got back from five glorious days in San Francisco at the Romance Writers of America National Conference. What a beautiful city! Did some sightseeing which included Alcatraz, Angel Island and the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf. Also shared good meals and great company with other authors that I only see once a year.
Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing some of what I learned at conference. And of course I'll be busy getting my own projects ready for submission to editors and agents. The Greater Detroit Chapter held their own award ceremony for the Booksellers Best Award. We were up again some stiff competition on Thursday night as some of the publishers held their own parties, and other chapter functions were going on as well. But it was great to meet, greet, and present some of our winners with their BBA pins and posters. You can see the complete list of winners and the poster at the www.gdrwa.org website under Contests.
More later, I'm off to finish chores. The mower is calling and I offered (silly girl) to help out with the yardwork this week since hubby is working 7 days straight! Keep those fingers flying, Patti
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Happy Summer! Well it looks as though summer is finally here in Michigan. We went from temp's in the 50's to temp's in the 90's in the past two weeks! Yuck! But stick around five minutes and it's sure to change. (G)
My writing has gotten off to a slow start this month. Last Sunday my hard drive crashed and burned, taking with it literally over 100 of my document's, jpgs, pdf's, personal photos and items I can't replace no matter how hard I try. So take warning, back everything up! I hadn't done a back-up in about 6-8 months and really hurt myself with the loss. So learn from a dummy, BACK EVERYTHING UP! I had to learn this the hard way, and to top it all off my computer will be in the shop two weeks getting the hard drive replaced. (Insert big sigh here) But my daughter and her fiancee were kind enough to loan me their pc in the interim. So I'm now saving everything on my jump drives, burning things to cd and generally being smart (G)
But I will persevere. Next month I am off to RWA National to reconnect with authors I haven't seen in a few years, pitch to an agent and an editor, present awards at the Booksellers Best Award Ceremony, and sit in on fabulous workshops to get my creative muse up and running at full speed.
And in the next week or two I hope to hear a release date for The Laird's Lady from The Wild Rose Press. This book was truly a book of my heart to write and one I hope you will all enjoy. You can read an excerpt for this one and all my books on my website. For right now, if you'd like a great read with a fabulous sea captain hero, please check out The Captain's Wench from Devine Destinies. You can learn more about it and even read an excerpt on my web page at www.pattishenberger.com
Ahoy maties, till next time!
Patti
My writing has gotten off to a slow start this month. Last Sunday my hard drive crashed and burned, taking with it literally over 100 of my document's, jpgs, pdf's, personal photos and items I can't replace no matter how hard I try. So take warning, back everything up! I hadn't done a back-up in about 6-8 months and really hurt myself with the loss. So learn from a dummy, BACK EVERYTHING UP! I had to learn this the hard way, and to top it all off my computer will be in the shop two weeks getting the hard drive replaced. (Insert big sigh here) But my daughter and her fiancee were kind enough to loan me their pc in the interim. So I'm now saving everything on my jump drives, burning things to cd and generally being smart (G)
But I will persevere. Next month I am off to RWA National to reconnect with authors I haven't seen in a few years, pitch to an agent and an editor, present awards at the Booksellers Best Award Ceremony, and sit in on fabulous workshops to get my creative muse up and running at full speed.
And in the next week or two I hope to hear a release date for The Laird's Lady from The Wild Rose Press. This book was truly a book of my heart to write and one I hope you will all enjoy. You can read an excerpt for this one and all my books on my website. For right now, if you'd like a great read with a fabulous sea captain hero, please check out The Captain's Wench from Devine Destinies. You can learn more about it and even read an excerpt on my web page at www.pattishenberger.com
Ahoy maties, till next time!
Patti
Monday, May 19, 2008
Almost Summer!
Well, Spring has sprung and it is looking green outside my window. Too bad Michigan is still in the 50's and 60's. Wish it were warmer, but hey, wait five minutes and the temperature will change! Seems to be an unwritten rule here.
I am excited to announce the release of The Captain's Wench (think The Ghost and Mrs. Muir contemporary and spicier) on Mother's Day, May 12th from Devine Destinies, an imprint of eXtasy Books. You can check it out on my Bookshelf page, as well as the book trailer done by my webmistress! It's fabulous!!!
I just finished the final galleys on my as yet unreleased Scottish castle paranormal complete with a smelly canine and a totally handsome ghost entitled The Laird's Lady, from The Wild Rose Press. As soon as I know a date, you will to, I promise! Who can resist a handsome Laird just waiting to claim his Lady???? Not me, and I bet you can't either.
On a personal note, my son is home on leave from the Army and I am very happy to have him here, even if it is only for 13 days! I'll take it. He deploys May 30th to his next post where he will stay until his unit is sent overseas.
This past weekend my family and I participated in the One Year Survivor Walk for the Cancer Society as I am just that. A one year survivor of colon cancer. The teams that walked (Relay for Life) raised money for a very worthy cause and deserve a huge round of kudos for all they do. I know I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the support of my family, my friends, and my doctors and nurses. All had a hand in keeping me moving forward last year when I was too tired to go on.
But let's not get maudlin, it's time for celebration. For all of you writers out there, keep the fingers flying on the keyboards and for all you readers, go check out my Bookshelf. Lots of good reading there to keep you busy.
Take care all. Happy May! Patti
I am excited to announce the release of The Captain's Wench (think The Ghost and Mrs. Muir contemporary and spicier) on Mother's Day, May 12th from Devine Destinies, an imprint of eXtasy Books. You can check it out on my Bookshelf page, as well as the book trailer done by my webmistress! It's fabulous!!!
I just finished the final galleys on my as yet unreleased Scottish castle paranormal complete with a smelly canine and a totally handsome ghost entitled The Laird's Lady, from The Wild Rose Press. As soon as I know a date, you will to, I promise! Who can resist a handsome Laird just waiting to claim his Lady???? Not me, and I bet you can't either.
On a personal note, my son is home on leave from the Army and I am very happy to have him here, even if it is only for 13 days! I'll take it. He deploys May 30th to his next post where he will stay until his unit is sent overseas.
This past weekend my family and I participated in the One Year Survivor Walk for the Cancer Society as I am just that. A one year survivor of colon cancer. The teams that walked (Relay for Life) raised money for a very worthy cause and deserve a huge round of kudos for all they do. I know I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the support of my family, my friends, and my doctors and nurses. All had a hand in keeping me moving forward last year when I was too tired to go on.
But let's not get maudlin, it's time for celebration. For all of you writers out there, keep the fingers flying on the keyboards and for all you readers, go check out my Bookshelf. Lots of good reading there to keep you busy.
Take care all. Happy May! Patti
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Spring Has Sprung!
Hey everyone, first and foremost my apologies for not keeping up to date better with all of you. Life reared it's ugly head and I am just now getting back on track. I am delighted to say I signed my fifth contract two weeks ago with Devine Destinies, an offshoot of eXtasy Books. I was thrilled when after only 21 hours from submission the publisher Tina Haveman called to say she wanted to pubish The Captains Wench. Of course I said yes. (G) The Captains Wench is an updated version of The Ghost and Mrs Muir but sexier! I'll keep you all posted as soon as I know a pub date and have my cover. And I am doing edits for The Laird's Lady as we speak and will have those back to my editor by Thursday of this week. So I'm busy on this end and loving every minute of it.
And not sure where you all are located, but here in Michigan it is gorgeous outside. It's in the 70's and the tulips are popping up, the forsythias are in bloom and I can actually see the perennials poking out their heads from the gardens! I love it. Makes me want to be outside and not inside!
Also if you have a spare minute please stop by eBay and check out Brenda Novak's online auction for juvenile diabetes. She has the most amazing items up for bid and it is for a very, very worthy cause. The auction doesn't officially start til May 1st, but go now and make your wish list. I did (G)
Well back to work for me. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day and week and month! Take care, Patti
And not sure where you all are located, but here in Michigan it is gorgeous outside. It's in the 70's and the tulips are popping up, the forsythias are in bloom and I can actually see the perennials poking out their heads from the gardens! I love it. Makes me want to be outside and not inside!
Also if you have a spare minute please stop by eBay and check out Brenda Novak's online auction for juvenile diabetes. She has the most amazing items up for bid and it is for a very, very worthy cause. The auction doesn't officially start til May 1st, but go now and make your wish list. I did (G)
Well back to work for me. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day and week and month! Take care, Patti
Friday, December 21, 2007
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
Christmas is right around the corner and I am ready for it! My son arrived home early Wednesday from boot camp (called at 4:00 a.m. to let me know he got an earlier flight) so we've been busy taking him Xmas shopping, and wrapping gifts. Today was our last outing for gifts and I am finished. Tomorrow I get the holiday groceries and we are good to go.
It's very nice having him home again and he is already a different person. A neater one (wasn't before) everything has a place and everything must be in that place. Wish I were that good. He is up early and out jogging at 5 a.m. (better person than me!) So I'm grateful that the entire family will be together this year to celebrate.
I hope all my readers have a wonderul holiday as well. Family is a cherished commodity nowadays. So make every moment count. I'll be getting a fresh start on my writing after the New Year. Going to spend my time now with my family. So to all of you out there - Happy Holidays and a safe and Prosperus New Year!
Patti
It's very nice having him home again and he is already a different person. A neater one (wasn't before) everything has a place and everything must be in that place. Wish I were that good. He is up early and out jogging at 5 a.m. (better person than me!) So I'm grateful that the entire family will be together this year to celebrate.
I hope all my readers have a wonderul holiday as well. Family is a cherished commodity nowadays. So make every moment count. I'll be getting a fresh start on my writing after the New Year. Going to spend my time now with my family. So to all of you out there - Happy Holidays and a safe and Prosperus New Year!
Patti
Friday, December 14, 2007
Gail Gaymer Martin - Guest Blogging!
I am excited to welcome Gail Gaymer Martin to my blog. Gail is a fabulous Inspirational Romance Writer with Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. She also has a new nonfiction release coming out soon entitled Writing The Christian Romance. Welcome Gail!!
Plotting: Story Structure
by Gail Gaymer Martin
from Writing Fiction Right Blog at writingfictionright-martin@blogspot.com
With the release of my new book for Writers Digest, Writing The Christian Romance, to be released at the end of December, I decided that a new blog on writing for all genre would be appropriate and Writing Fiction Right came into being. I began with plotting and describe four plotting styles, one of which is more uncommon and has gotten a lot of great reaction from my blog readers. This style is Index Cards. Following the four entries on Plotting Styles, I followed with this topic: Story Structure.
I can't talk about plotting styles without talking about plotting structure. Structure refers to the way our story breaks down into pieces that have established purposes. The most common structure, and the one I will describe, is using the pattern of a three-act play. Most movies and stage plays are structured this way, and I'm sure you'll find the same pattern in most books you read.This means that your book will fall into three acts, and each act has a purpose. The first act sets up your story. It introduces the major characters and provides some characterization. This act establishes setting which also means location and time of year, and introduces a goal and usually some of the motivation for this goal, but most important it initiates the first conflict in your book. A good conflict and dynamic characters will hook your reader from the very beginning.Conflict is a major proponent of fiction. Without it, you have no story but only vignettes of characters existence, and vignettes are not what makes a good book. Remember that conflict is both external and internal. External conflicts are those that are outside the characters. They both want the same thing and only one can have it, for example. Internal conflicts are those that go against the character's beliefs, morals, and values. In Christian fiction, the internal conflict is often one of the strongest conflicts because the character not only struggles with what is right or wrong, but it also owes allegience to God who established guidelines for Christians to follow. Still whether a Christian character or not, the internal conflict is strong because if deals with the person's morals, values and pride.While Act I sets up the first conflict, Act II will add conflict upon conflict until the dark moment of your book when it seems that all will be lost. As you construct the conflicts, make sure they are believable, logical, and that they grow in seriousness to the lives of the major characters of the story. As one conflict seems to be resolving, let another appear to hook the reader and draw him along with you.The final Act - Act III - is the resolution of your story. This final section of your book usually deals with the horrible black moment -- the worst conflict that could occur --then resolves it and pulls together all the "loose strings" of all subplots and story lines to come to a final ending that will please the reader. Normally in romantic suspense, you will solve the mystery and then resolve the romance.Within these Acts are scenes. Each scene is an event in time presented through the eyes of one character. This means that only those things that this character can see, smell, hear, feel, touch and know can be part of the scene. The character has no idea what is going on in the head of anyone else. He can only surmise it at best. Each scene must move the story forward in some way by presenting new information, heightening conflict, deepening characterization, or foreshadowing something that will happen later in the story, but each scene must also have conflict and leave the reader with questions or an "ah-ha" moment at the end of the scene.As the story progresses, the scenes must show the growth of the characters and their faith (if this is Christian fiction) as well as show the changes in the characters relationships.As you begin to plot, check all three Acts to make sure that each is accomplishing its purpose. Usually Act I and Act III are the shortest sections of the book. Act II is the longest and the most difficult to write since it must have dynamic plotting and pacing to keep the reader connected and interested. But if you follow the basic rule --- each scene adds something new and important to the story---then you're on the right track.Ask yourself these questions:Have I provided an important piece of information to this scene?Have I upped the ante (made the situation more serious for one character)?Have I given clues or hints -- foreshadowed -- any event that will happen in this story?Have I provided new information about a goal or motivation of a major character?Have I shown the strengths as well as weaknesses of a major character?Have I added or strengthened a conflict?These are some of the questions that can help you make your scenes both meaningful and ones that will capture your readers attention. Next I'll discuss the acts of a novel in more detail.
If you're interested in learning more about Gail's book, Writing the Christian Romance, you can go to www.gailmartin.com and find the book cover, then use the cursor on the description to go to Amazon.com where you can learn more about this book and pre-order it.
Plotting: Story Structure
by Gail Gaymer Martin
from Writing Fiction Right Blog at writingfictionright-martin@blogspot.com
With the release of my new book for Writers Digest, Writing The Christian Romance, to be released at the end of December, I decided that a new blog on writing for all genre would be appropriate and Writing Fiction Right came into being. I began with plotting and describe four plotting styles, one of which is more uncommon and has gotten a lot of great reaction from my blog readers. This style is Index Cards. Following the four entries on Plotting Styles, I followed with this topic: Story Structure.
I can't talk about plotting styles without talking about plotting structure. Structure refers to the way our story breaks down into pieces that have established purposes. The most common structure, and the one I will describe, is using the pattern of a three-act play. Most movies and stage plays are structured this way, and I'm sure you'll find the same pattern in most books you read.This means that your book will fall into three acts, and each act has a purpose. The first act sets up your story. It introduces the major characters and provides some characterization. This act establishes setting which also means location and time of year, and introduces a goal and usually some of the motivation for this goal, but most important it initiates the first conflict in your book. A good conflict and dynamic characters will hook your reader from the very beginning.Conflict is a major proponent of fiction. Without it, you have no story but only vignettes of characters existence, and vignettes are not what makes a good book. Remember that conflict is both external and internal. External conflicts are those that are outside the characters. They both want the same thing and only one can have it, for example. Internal conflicts are those that go against the character's beliefs, morals, and values. In Christian fiction, the internal conflict is often one of the strongest conflicts because the character not only struggles with what is right or wrong, but it also owes allegience to God who established guidelines for Christians to follow. Still whether a Christian character or not, the internal conflict is strong because if deals with the person's morals, values and pride.While Act I sets up the first conflict, Act II will add conflict upon conflict until the dark moment of your book when it seems that all will be lost. As you construct the conflicts, make sure they are believable, logical, and that they grow in seriousness to the lives of the major characters of the story. As one conflict seems to be resolving, let another appear to hook the reader and draw him along with you.The final Act - Act III - is the resolution of your story. This final section of your book usually deals with the horrible black moment -- the worst conflict that could occur --then resolves it and pulls together all the "loose strings" of all subplots and story lines to come to a final ending that will please the reader. Normally in romantic suspense, you will solve the mystery and then resolve the romance.Within these Acts are scenes. Each scene is an event in time presented through the eyes of one character. This means that only those things that this character can see, smell, hear, feel, touch and know can be part of the scene. The character has no idea what is going on in the head of anyone else. He can only surmise it at best. Each scene must move the story forward in some way by presenting new information, heightening conflict, deepening characterization, or foreshadowing something that will happen later in the story, but each scene must also have conflict and leave the reader with questions or an "ah-ha" moment at the end of the scene.As the story progresses, the scenes must show the growth of the characters and their faith (if this is Christian fiction) as well as show the changes in the characters relationships.As you begin to plot, check all three Acts to make sure that each is accomplishing its purpose. Usually Act I and Act III are the shortest sections of the book. Act II is the longest and the most difficult to write since it must have dynamic plotting and pacing to keep the reader connected and interested. But if you follow the basic rule --- each scene adds something new and important to the story---then you're on the right track.Ask yourself these questions:Have I provided an important piece of information to this scene?Have I upped the ante (made the situation more serious for one character)?Have I given clues or hints -- foreshadowed -- any event that will happen in this story?Have I provided new information about a goal or motivation of a major character?Have I shown the strengths as well as weaknesses of a major character?Have I added or strengthened a conflict?These are some of the questions that can help you make your scenes both meaningful and ones that will capture your readers attention. Next I'll discuss the acts of a novel in more detail.
If you're interested in learning more about Gail's book, Writing the Christian Romance, you can go to www.gailmartin.com and find the book cover, then use the cursor on the description to go to Amazon.com where you can learn more about this book and pre-order it.
Almost Time!
Well, color me excited. Here it is the middle of December (almost) and for once I am actaully ready for the holidays. The tree is up and decorated, my Snow Baby collection is set up in the living room (ok, cheated on that one, it's been out since last year), the wreath is on the door and the presents are wrapped and under the tree, and the holiday food is bought and in the frig. Now the only thing left is for the fat man to slide down the chimney on Christmas Eve. (G)
My writing has taken a slow turn on a slippery road this past week. While I am being productive, I am not being as productive as I would like. I know it's the holidays, but the bills have to be paid and they utility company doesn't want to hear my muse is slacking off! Just took a very good workshop by the Southern Magic chapter on agents. Learned quite a bit. And today went and saw I Am Legend with Will Smith. What a great movie. There are lots of twists and turns and freaky moments (I'm one of those hide behind my hand when I'm creeped out kind of gals!) and also squeezed the living daylights out of my poor hubby's hand more than once.
I also want to let everyone know that Gail Gaymer Martin will be guest blogging on my site tomorrow. She is a fabulous inspirational romance writer who is so sweet and kind in person and a wealth of knowledge! She also has a new release coming up Dec 15th entitled Writing the Christian Romance. If you haven't heard about it already, go check it out!
So Happy Holidays to all and I hope you stop back tomorrow and check out Gail's post.
Patti
My writing has taken a slow turn on a slippery road this past week. While I am being productive, I am not being as productive as I would like. I know it's the holidays, but the bills have to be paid and they utility company doesn't want to hear my muse is slacking off! Just took a very good workshop by the Southern Magic chapter on agents. Learned quite a bit. And today went and saw I Am Legend with Will Smith. What a great movie. There are lots of twists and turns and freaky moments (I'm one of those hide behind my hand when I'm creeped out kind of gals!) and also squeezed the living daylights out of my poor hubby's hand more than once.
I also want to let everyone know that Gail Gaymer Martin will be guest blogging on my site tomorrow. She is a fabulous inspirational romance writer who is so sweet and kind in person and a wealth of knowledge! She also has a new release coming up Dec 15th entitled Writing the Christian Romance. If you haven't heard about it already, go check it out!
So Happy Holidays to all and I hope you stop back tomorrow and check out Gail's post.
Patti
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