Heather Haven, writer

This page is dedicated to musings, ideas, thoughts, lessons learned, lessons to be learned, outright yearnings and, of course, a little humor. All are welcome!

I still can't figure out how to get the Comments section to work, so until I do, hold that thought!!

3/9/11

Pleae help me welcome the prolific andamazing writer, Ginger Simpson. Ginger is alsothe author ofthe award winning blogsite, Dishin' It Out.This talented ladycan do things like nobody else, and all with a sense of humor! She writes now about her wonderful book,

Sarah's Journey

Months ago, I queried HQ on a short, historical story that is supposed to be 'spicy.' I thought I WAS writing spicy by using a few 'buzz' words here and there, and it made me sweat, trying to come up with something creative. BUT...I shared it with my friend who IS the Queen of Steam, and although she loved the story, she said it wouldn't fly. I know why!

It's hard to be inventive. I realize there is a lot of ME in each of my stories, and I don't feel the least bit sexy...for reasons I've described numerous times on my own blog. If I truly wrote what my mind sees when I think about sex scenes, it is highly doubtful that anyone would be swept away to anything but hysteria. Here's an example.

Moonlight filtered through the venetian blinds and highlighted him as he disrobed. He pulled his shirt over his head, then shimmied out of his pants. Her breath hitched. When had his stomach gotten so huge? *rofl*

OR

His breath warmed her neck as his lips trailed upward. He nibbled at her earlobe then raised up and gazed upon her face. His mouth, a few inches from hers, he licked his lips and drew closer.

She recoiled and rolled away. "Geez, I told you not to have onions on that burger. You reek."

OR
He entered her with a quick thrust. She gasped, feeling a sensation all too familiar. "God, get off me. Quick! I have a Charlie Horse in my leg!"

OR...last but not least....
Tonight was the night he'd waited for. They hadn't made love for a month and he was determined to sample her wares. Maybe more romance was needed. He hadn't been all that passionate or attentive of late. The moment was right. Everyone else was gone, nothing but the flickering TV lit the room. He slithered off the couch and crawled toward her chair. She appeared deep in thought, lost in the movie she watched. He inched closer and reaching her side, took her hand.

She jumped, then smiled. "What are you doing down there?"

"Come on." He raised to one knee. "Come to bed with me. I want to show you how much I love you."

She unfurled one leg from beneath her and nibbled her bottom lip. Tears glistened in her eyes. She offered her hand.

He took it and attempted to stand. A popping noise sliced the momentary silence between commercials. "Ow...my back!" He managed to get to his feet, but remained bent at the waist. With pain etched on his face, he hobbled to the couch and collapsed.

"I guess we'll have to wait."

She blotted her tears. "That's okay. My leg's asleep and I can't get up anyhow."

I think I'll stick to what I know I can do and leave the erotic and steamy writing to those who can handle it without laughing. A great example of sexual attraction but no action can be found in Sarah's Journey. This book received great reviews and is my favorite of all I've written. Here's a teaser, but let me set the scene. Wolf and Sarah are traveling together toward Independence, and both are fighting the attraction they feel for one another. They've already been through a lot at this point. The reality is a white woman and a half-breed would never be accepted by society and they are all too aware of that fact.

Sarah stilled her fear and walked along the creek bank a short distance until it forked, winding off through tall reeds. The grassy thatch would be an ideal place for someone to hide, but if there was a war party, wouldnt she have heard something? She pushed aside and weaved through the towering shafts, following the flow and still hoping to see Wolfs face.

She stopped and listened, cupping her ear against the gurgling water and the rustling breeze. Something splashed up ahead. Treading softly, Sarah pushed onward, trudging through the annoying foliage and praying it wasnt an animal she heard. The hair on the back of her neck bristled.

Sarah peeked out from the swaying corridor and saw him. He wore only his breechclout and stood with his back to her. For the first time she viewed his hair unbraided. Dripping wet locks hung well past his broad shoulders and glistened in the sunlight. When he swept the ebony mass to the side to braid it, Sarahs hand flew to her mouth, silencing a gasp. Wolfs entire back was a mass of welts and bruises. Some spots had scabbed over creating a zigzag of dark lines across his normally unblemished skin. No wonder hed stiffened when she hugged him. She exhaled against her palm, shaking her head in disbelief.

As if sensing her presence, Wolf turned. His eye widened and he tried to shield himself with his buckskins. She knew it wasnt out of modesty.

Oh my God, what happened to you? It was a dumb question. His black and swollen eye provided the answer.

Nothing to fret over. He casually finished plaiting his hair. Im actually feeling much better after my little soak.

She approached him, rage heating her blood. How could they why Im so mad I.

Wolf met her half way and pressed a finger against her lips. Shhh. Im fine. Ive survived worse, believe it or not.

She studied his face through a blur of tears. But its not right. They had no reason to beat you like this. Her finger gently traced a welt on his upper arm. Is there anything remaining from your mothers collection of herbs that might help?

Really, Im fine. He pulled his shirt over his head.

Sarah walked around him, holding up the buckskin and surveying his back. No, youre not. I cant believe you rode so many days to return to St. Marys, and now, traveling again youve not said a word.

He faced her, his eyes solemn. Sarah, its over and done. Let it go. Theres no changing what happened. In a few days, youll barely be able to see the marks.

She was speechless. How could he accept such horrid treatment? True, the lines might fade, but acts like that scarred a persons heart. Hers ached for himfor all hed been through in his life simply because of being a mixed breed. It wasnt his fault. He hadnt asked to be born. She touched his arm softly. Im so sorry youve suffered at the hands of ignorant people. I wish there was something I could do to make up for it.

There is. His features softened and he gathered her into his arms. Before she had a chance to speak, his lips claimed hers, sending shivers of delight coursing through her body. Her mind screamed to pull away, but her hearts plea convinced her to stay in his arms. She parted her lips, allowing his seeking tongue entrance to her mouth, his kiss quenching a desire too long denied. Twining her arms around his neck, she sagged against him, unable unwilling to stop.

Wolf suddenly held her at arms length, jarring her back to reality. Sarah, Im so sorry. I dont know what

She lowered her gaze, words failing her. Sarahs cheeks burned with the impropriety of her actions. But hadnt she dreamed of this moment? The sun beat down on her, increasing her discomfort in the awkward silence.

That was a mistake. His words cut like a knife. I hope you arent mad at me. It wont happen again, I promise. He bent to pick up the items he discarded on the ground before his bath.

Did her face show the disappointment and hurt stabbing at her? If she apologized for allowing his kiss, itd be a lie. She struggled to find her voice. Its all right. I think were both overwrought and tired. Lets just forget it happened.

As if she could.

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Sarah's Journey is available at http://www.eternalpress.biz and on Amazon.com. I hope I've piqued your interest enough to want to know the whole story. My thanksto Heather for hosting me today. She's an amazing author and friend, and I'm happy to have met her.Do join me tomorrow as the tour continues at Jamie Grey's site: http://www.jamiegreybooks.com/blog/. I'll be "Beside Myself."

You can find all my books at http://www.gingersimpson.com

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH GINGER
2009 EPIC Nominee
LRC 2009 Best Historical Winner
http://www.gingersimpson.com
http://mizging.blogspot.com

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3/8/11

Please join me in welcoming Kellarney Sheffield, writer of Guilty Kisses, among other works. Here is the storybehindthe incredible book trailer for Guilty Kisses, featuringthe music of Gowan.

The story behind the trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=J41qLNKjrQA

The trailer for my debut historical romance novel Guilty Kisses was released on youtube Friday March 4th.I have been bombarded with questions, 1 in particular that I would like to address today. The question? How did you get Canadian award winning singer/songwriter Lawrence Gowan to agree to the use of the song Love Makes You Believe, from his 1990 Lost Brotherhood album? Well, the answer is simple...I asked him. Now before you rush out and bang on your favorite musician's door I do not suggest you try something like this on a whim. Let's not make your favorite star think authors are all a bunch of crazy stalkers! LOL! This was a very long process for me. I suppose I should start at the beginning...

In July I signed my first writing contract with MuseItUp Publishing based in Montreal Quebec, Canada. By fall I had three more contracts signed but I really had no idea what was involved in being a 'published' author. I was encouraged by the CEO and founder of MuseItUp to attend her award winning Muse Online Writer's Conference so I took her advice and was literally blown away by the PR and other things required by an author. One of the classes I took was given by award winning cover artist Delilah Stephans on building book trailers. I suppose because I am the artistic type and love music that the class really piqued my interest. I started putting together the trailer for Guilty Kisses but where I became bogged down was adding the music. There are wonderful sites on the internet where you can download free music by composers to use in your trailers, however I had my heart sent on a certain sound and feel for mine that I just couldn't find the perfect match for. Yes I set my sites impossibly high. Then one afternoon carpooling the kids somewhere our local radio station played Moonlight Desires by Gowan. I knew right there and then this was the sound I was looking for. I got home, purchased the song from itunes and fit it on the trailer. Now please don't get me wrong, I did not release it for public viewing as it violates copyright laws.

Well, I decided to give it a shot, find out who owned the currant copyright and ask if I could use it. That proved to be harder than I would have thought. I spent weeks scouring the internet only to come across dead end after dead end. Finally I stumbled upon Gowan's official website. I took a chance and posted on his forum who I was and that I was looking for who held the rights to the song. Now I know what you are thinking, stars don't read the posts on their websites. Wrong! At least Gowan does. He was wonderful enough to send me a personal email back with the name of the Canadian company that holds the rights to his wonderful songs. Now I had a place to start!

I phoned the company, found out who I needed to talk to and began a months long email conversation back and forth. I showed the company the trailer I had made and their response was they would think about it but that Gowan had the final say. Yes, I thought my chances were about 10% I would get a yes, I mean I am just a little debut Canadian writer... The company got back to me quickly with a no to Moonlight Desires but suggested two other pieces from Gowan off his lesser know album Lost Brotherhood. To say I was ecstatic was an understatement! It took me 10 hours to rebuild the trailer to fit the new song which is just as lovely as the one I asked for then I sent it back to them. They came back within hours with a yes and a 1 yr contract.

I guess the reason I wanted to share this story is to remind you all you just never know unless you ask. I am told chances are slim you will get a yes on a piece of music but you never know do you?

Thank you, Lawrence Gowan and Anthem Entertainment Group for your generosity.

Killarney Sheffield.

Http://killarneysheffield.bravehost.com

http://www.museituppublishing.com

You can find out more about Gowan @ www.gowan.org

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3/5/11

Esther Williams Did it Better

When I was a child, I remember seeing photos, magazines, and moving pictures of the beautiful film star and competitive swimmer, Esther Williams. I knew she was gorgeous, with long legs and great bathing suits, but what impressed me the most was not that part. When youre a kid, you often dont look at things they way the rest of the world does.

You see, I was practically a junior Esther Williams. Born and raised in southern Florida, I spent my youth in water of one form or another. Ocean, pool, creek, river, it didnt matter, I was there. I also competed in local competitive swimming until I discovered rock and roll at age twelve. Until then, my life was spent in one bathing suit or another, practically year round. In fact, when we go through family albums, most of us know what year it was by what swimsuit I was wearing.

So what amazed me about Esther Williams most was not all the fancy dives and breast strokes but how she could pop up out of the water with a sparkling smile and eyes wide open.

Have you ever tried to open your eyes coming out of either chlorine or salt filled water? I could never do it. My eyes were usually bright red and blinking like someone had thrown medicinal eye drops at them. And forget smiling. Smile and your mouth fills with water. Now grant you, I was missing a few teeth at the time, but I couldnt do it for nothin.

Then lets move on to Esthers hair! In real life, even if youre wearing a bathing cap, your hair is going to be wet after swimming. There is a caveat. Some swim caps, if theyre tight enough, can keep out a certain amount of water, especially if you dont dunk your head. These are the ones applied with a shoehorn and once on, cause an immediate and intense headache. In truth, a swimming cap is really there to keep the hair out of your face and out of the pools water.

I never wore one as a kid and I remember continually standing up out of the water and being temporarily but completely - blind. Not just by the chlorine or salt, but by the bangs plastered against my face and, mainly, over my eyes. I remember spending at least fifteen seconds spitting out water, rubbing my eyes, and pushing back gobs of sticky, wet hair off my face so I could see again.

Anyone remember Esther doing that in any of her movies? Of course not. Most of the time, her hair was beautifully styled atop her head even after she came up from a 20-Thousand-Leagues-Beneath-The-Sea dive. Every single hair was perfectly in place. In fact, it didnt even look wet!

It was a mystery that started me on my career of sleuth writing (this is the segue). Finally, after years of research, probing, and heartbreaking toil, I happened upon an article revealing Esthers impossibly neat and dry coiffeur in all her films. Vaseline! Yes, petroleum jelly was the secret ingredient, revealed by a hairdresser who is still in the witness protection program.

I dont think I could have handled this revelation as a kid, so keep the news away from your children. Unless you are asking, who is this Esther Williams?

Then all I want to say is, read Murder is a Family Business, by Heather Haven, the first in the humorous mystery series about a family of detectives in Silicon Valley. This ebook is available at MuseItUp Publishing, along with other places. Thanks a lot and happy swimming.

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2/23/11

Today my gust blogger is the very talented writer,RoseanneDowell. Thank you so much for being here, Roseanne. Please tell us whatyour new short story is all about.Wheredid the idea come from?

"Stranger on the Shore" started out as part of a 1000 word assignment for a writing course I took. Needless to say, Jordan wasnt happy with that and over the years, Ive expanded it.

After numerous revisions and expansions, it turned into an almost 7000 word story.

I first got the idea for this story when we went to a cottage along Lake Erie. Not isolated like Jordans but we drove past many like that. As we walked along the shore, I wondered what it would be like to live there during a storm. Lake Erie, being a shallow lake is notorious for sudden, treacherous storms. When the weather turns cold it produces Lake Effect snow.

Being no stranger to lake effect snow, away from the lake, I can only imagine what its like on the shoreline.

So as usual, my imagination took over and Stranger on the Shore was born.

Author, Jordan Blake rescues a handsome stranger from her shore and more than a storm rages inside and out. To make matters worse the sexy stranger has amnesia. Against her better judgment, Jordan finds herself strangely attracted to the man. Heck for all she knows he could be a serial killer. Itd be just her luck to be stranded in a storm with someone like that. To avoid her attraction and the stranger, who cant tell her anything about himself, Jordan locks herself in her office. Not that she can work. Thoughts of the stranger interfere with her writing. Besides she can hear him moving around and whistling in her living room. What will happen when he recovers his identity.

Stranger on the Shore will be available March 1^st from Muse It Up Publishing, http://tinyurl.com/4kg9645

If youd like to know more about my books, visit my website, www.roseannedowell.com or my blog, http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com Or join me on twitter, http://twitter.com/roseannedowell

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2/12/11

In character chit-chat!

On my mother,

The-Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day,

Lila Hamilton Alvarez

By

Lee Alvarez

(Protagonist from Murder is a Family Business)

My mother makes me crazy. I say this because she is perfect. I once heard a joke that went like this: Two men are drinking at a bar. One man says to the other, What brings you here every night? For me, my wife cant do anything right. I cant stand being around her. The second man shakes his head and replies, Its not my wifes faults that are killing me. Its her virtues. The first man says, Wow! You have my sympathy. Thats even worse.

I can relate to the second mans point of view like nobodys business. All my life I have lived in the shadow of the most beautiful, in-control, stylish, intelligent, and knowledgeable woman on this planet, my mother, the Blond Ice Princess.

Since I was a little kid, my girlfriends used to tell me how lucky I was to have such a with it and gorgeous mom. When I got a little older, all my boyfriends developed huge crushes on her. I think most of them hung out with me, just to get to her.

When Dad was alive, he said Mom was the only woman alive to clean fish in a beaded Halston gown. Mom would respond, arching one of her famous eyebrows, that she didnt see anything wrong with that, because she always wore an apron over it. Then theyd both laugh. It was a running joke between them.

These two were seriously in love. Dad worshiped Mom and Mom adored Dad. They were a modern day Romeo and Juliet, he the Mexican immigrant made good, and her the Palo Alto blueblood.

Im told I take after my father in nearly every way. Dark hair, twilight colored eyes, fiery temper. When I was a kid, everybody said, Lees got Robertos features but not his fixtures.

Not that anyone ever said this around Mom. First of all, too crude. Gender-based innuendos are not made around L. H. Alvarez. She would be scandalized. And secondly, my mother cant stand it when people use nicknames or abbreviations. She calls it lazy. I have been called Liana, since I dropped out of the womb. Whoops. Scratch that remark. Back to being too crude.

And what really makes her crazy ha ha - is how at the tender age of eleven, I became enamored of Dashiell Hammett, the quintessential writer of hard-boiled detective stories. Dad had given me a set of the famous writers books for my birthday and, man oh man, it changed my life. I never looked back. Becoming a PI was the next logical step.

You could say I cut my teeth on Sam Spade. Thats who I emulate. Of course, I like to wear a Vera Wang and sip on a Starbucks mocha latt as I emulate.

Well, after all, I am my mothers daughter.

* * * *

1/28/11

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Versatile Blogger's Award

I received asurprise award for my blog from my new friend Kay Dee Royal. Is that a sweetheart, or what? Click on her name to go to her blog.

I took this awardto heartand spent hourschosingmy ten recipients. What was wonderful about it was, it gave me the opportunity to thinkabout why I visited some blogs more than once and why they made an impression on me. In light of that, I decided to list my reasons for choice after each one. The lineup is not in order of preference.

As a 'taggie' I am supposed to do the following:

1) Share 7 things about myself.
2) Pass this award on to 10 other bloggers recently discovered.
3) Notify the recipients.
4) Link the blogger who gave this award.

Here are my ten award recipients for the Versatile blogger:

J.W. Nicholas Blog http://avomnia.wordpress.com/ This is a first-class blogsite with topics provoking thought and response, and done with style. Whena blog isthis good, people should know about it.

Karen McGrath - http://www.karenmcgrathauthor.com/blog.html Lovely, inspiring blog, filled with positive feelings. It makes me smile.

Craig Gehring - http://www.craiggehring.com/#/column/4542146806 While this is not labeled a blog -its called a column - I can't see much difference. I feel Craig offersgreat versatility i.e. a Sci Fi author writing about Ben Hecht The Shakespeare of Hollywood is a pretty broad spectrum.

Illusions of Intimacy Marsha A. Moore http://marshamoore.blogspot.com Just one beautiful blogsite. So ethereal. Another smiler.

Patricia Bates - http://ofinkandquille.blogspot.com/ Of Ink and Quill is a blog loaded with information. A good place to spend a twenty-minute break boning up on how to bring a book into the world.

Cindy Sample - http://cindysamplebooks.com/my-blog/ - This blog is just plain fun and worth the time. I love it.

Here are 7 things about me:

1. My favorite drink is a martini. And bruise that sucker, please. 2 olives.
2. I watch All My Children as faithfully as possible. EvenI don't know why.
3. I love living in the foothills of San Jose. I think the weather is glorious.
4. I have a sneaky feeling Im a little spoiled.
5. I hope to write another 8 books, at least.
6. Even thoughthe subjectsI writeabout arelight-hearted, I take the writing ofthem very seriously.
7. I regret not swimming with a dolphin named JoJo in the waters of the Caribbean when I had the chance. I wish I'd seized the moment. Lesson learned.

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1/19/11

To Blog or Not to Blog?

That is the question. Whether t'is nobler in the mind....whoops....sorry. Got carried away. Lost in the idea of blogging.

One of the problems with blogging - for me -isblogs take time away from the more "serious" writing, if someone who writes humorous murder mysteries may saywithout fear of being pummeled to the ground by her peers.

I mean, when do my fellow authors get the time to blog? It's all I can do to get up in the morning, drag myself to the computer to start yet another chapter -all right,page - of my 3rd novel in the Alvarez Mystery, DeathRuns in the Family. Yes, that was an insufferable and undisguised plug, butthis is my blog, after all.

Then I do have other thingsthat fillmy day, such as a husband, life, cats, friends, errands and All My Children. Erica Kane is working on her 11th husband and is being accused of murder. Do you think I'm going to let her go thru that all alone?

My daily scheduleis in place. It takes time. Something will have to go. Probably, I shouldstop watching AMC, and replace it withmy daily blogging. Nawwwww. Who am I kidding?

I'lljust stop cooking dinner, order in Chinese,and blog with that added time. I feel inspired.

Time to go blog.

And Now That It's Published?

My book is out. So far, the reviews are great but is anybody seeing them and buying the book?I don't see a mob beating a path to one of the virtual stores, but I remain hopeful. I remain hopeful Norman andI will be able to buy dinner one of these days from the sales of my book. Are we talkingsteakDianeor are we talking a Big Mac? Have no idea.

This book publishing thing is an anathema to me. Im not completely sure how to get out there, have your book seen, recognized, rise as cream above the rest of the milk without spending buckets of moola on it, which I dont have. There are hundreds of books being published every day, especially ebooks. Im one of many.

But I take heart. Im with a great publisher, MuseItup Publishing, so if it can be done by someone whos not Stephen King or Danielle Steele, they can help me pull it off. Im also told a book here, a book there, royalties eventually add up. Good. Should I live long enough to have a dozen or so books epublished, maybe I can actually go to Napa Valleys The French Laundry, billing itto a writers tab.

Meanwhile, back to the computer. First draft of the Third book of the Alvarez Mystery Series almost done. Taking heart.

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Happy New Year!

Themost amazingNewYear's Eve I've spent was shared with my husband, nearly thirty years ago. It wasn't romantic, even tho we were newly-weds, and I will never forget it.

We have a good friend, Bill Stabile, a set designerfor Broadway,off-Broadway, and touringshows, television productions, such as Law and Order, and virtually anything that needs a set. He was also good friends with Tom O'Horgan, American theatre and film director, composer, actor and musician, best known for his Broadway work as director of the hit musicals Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Bill got Norman and I invited to Tom's New Year's Eve celebration and it was phenominal. At that time, Tom lived in a loft apartment, spacious by any standards, especially New York City's. As you wandered around the apartment, you could help but notice that hanging on everywall of the eight or ninerooms were hundreds of musical instruments. They werelarge, small, simple, ornate, easy to figure out, confusing as all get-out, and collected by Tomduring his travelsthe world over.

At around 11:55 pm, Tom invited everyone at the party -and there were around 75of us-to grab as many instruments as we wanted and at the stroke of midnight, begin to play it or them, whether you knew how to or not. We all raced around the room, gathering instruments off the walls.Most of us had no idea how they worked. Some had four or five instruments piled on their laps orsitting on the floor around them, waiting for the magic hour to come.

And whenit came, the din was unbelievable. it went on for hours after the New Year was rung in, long into the night and early morning. Around three o'clock, Norman and I were wiped out and left, but many were still there, playing, laughing, loving the experience, a once in a life-time experience.

Thank you, Bill, for letting us tag along with you to the party so many years ago. And thank you, Tom, for trusting a lot of strangers with what I know to be prized possessions, your musical instruments, treasured and loved, from around the world. I still treasure the memory.

9/13/10

Welcome LorrianeAKA Larion Wills, two names, one writer, thousands of stories!

I am delightedLorriane isvisiting with us today. I've asked her a few questions, just to get to know her a little better:

WHAT IS THE FIRST BOOK YOU REMEMBER READING AS A CHILD?

The first I remember the name of, which was a long way from the first, was Kazan, the Wolf Dog. It was first in a series starting with Kazan being orphaned as a puppy through his mating and his puppies. Long time ago. I was a regular patron of the grade school library and carried books out by the armful. I've come a long way from real wolf stories in reading materials. I even started one book of my own on a werewolf. When I get the time without other responsibilities, I'll go back and finish it, some day.

WHAT DO YOU READ AS AN ADULT?

I'm the most into suspense, mystery and romance now. I like complicated stories where I can't know what's going to happen before I get there. Straight romances, for instance, are a bit boring to me. I like that mystery or suspense mixed in with it just as I like romance mixed in with the mystery though I read a lot that are straight suspense. I love paranormal mixed in as well, meaning ghosts, ESP, that type of thing.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF WRITING TO DO?

Mystery, suspense, romance. Lol. Bet you could see that one coming.

AS A FICTION NOVELIST, HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN MEMOIR? IF SO, WHAT?

No memoirs, too many people who would take offense at what I might write about them. Lol. I did write one short on some of my family history, two generations ago. It's available as a free read at Museitup Publishing. The White Stetson Hat is a brief collection of some of the stories my grandmother and great uncle told me about their growing up years in an oil boom town. Once those two got started, I could have listened for hours. I'm just sorry I didn't get more details and write more of them down before we lost them.

IF YOU COULDNT WRITE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD BE ANOTHER OUTLET?

Go back to what I did a lot of before writing started dominating my life. I was always doing some manner of crafts: sewing, knitting, crocheting. Even tried my hand at piecing and quilting. I think I took out my sewing machine two or three years ago for a day of making book covers and book bags to use as prizes on my site. The only time it'd been out of the closet before that in at leastseven years was to move.

WHAT WRITER(S) INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR WRITING AND WHY?

In my early years, authors like Barbara Michaels (Elizabeth Peters)and Mary Stewart, even Ira Fleming come first to mind. Henlien among several when I was on a science fiction kick. Louis L'amore dominated when it was westerns I was bingeing on. I still love to go back and read some of them. Even now every favorite writer influences me in wishing I could put down the words to make a story as interesting to others as theirsare to me. Those I haven't liked provided lessons as well, in a 'don't do that' way.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PITFALL OF WRITING FOR YOU?

Promoting, not any kind of a new complaint. You'll hear it all over the loops from different authors. I swear, promoting takes more time than writing and editing the book does, and doesn't leave time to do more writing. It has to be done, though, if I'm going to reach out and let people out there know about my books rather than just letting them set on inactive pages of various vendors. I loop and blog and chat and guest blog--which is why I'm here--to let people know I have those books written and would love to share.

WHAT IS THE EASIEST PART OF WRITING FOR YOU?

Writing the first draft. In the first draft I don't agonize over grammar, punctuation or continuity. I don't worry about historical facts being accurate, that type of thing. That first draft is just the story, letting it flow, getting it on paper. I do make notes to myself in the margins, check this, change that. In the second draft, I do the research, make sure I remember correctly things like names, eye and hair color, where they were, did they have time to get to the next place, etc. The third is typing it into the computer. Yeah, that first draft is the easiest and best part.

FOR YOUR FELLOW WRITERS OUT THERE, HOW DO YOU GET THE MOST AND THE BEST WRITING DONE?

Earlier I said I read in binges. I write with the same type of single-mindedness. The story is the last thing in my head when I go to sleep at night and the first thing when I wake in the morning. In between I get little of anything else done. I set on the couch instead of going off in my office so my husband doesn't feel like he's living alone, tell the dogs wait a minute until they jump on the couch and paw at me to take them outside, prettyobsessive. I forget to eat, let the chores go, and have to be reminded when it's time to fix dinner. If I am pulled away, my head is still in the story, working out details. I'm not very good company, but all my family and friends seem to understand and tolerate me.

YOUUSE TWO NAMES. WHY IS THAT?

That's an effort to separate the various genres I write in for my readers' convenience. I have some who like my science fiction, but don't care for contemporary romances and vice verus. I use Larriane Wills for science fiction and fantasy and Larion Wills for everything else. I thought about separating contemporaries from historicals, sweet romance from hot, paranormal for not,with yetmore pens, but it didn't take me long to realize keeping track of all those names was a lot of additional work and stayed with just the two. Both names are pronounced the same, just spelleda bit different. Think Marion with an L instead of an M and you've got it. My mother had a friend who mispronounced Laraine, (Like Laraine Day, an early actress that many who read thiswon't even know) She, meaning my mother, liked the way it sounded and gave me the name. By the time I was out of grade school, I answered to just about anything. Most commonly people glance at it and think Laraine, missing the AI to IA switch. I've been called Larry Ann, asked if daddy wanted a boy, had people transfer the the duel r to an nto be called Lani Ann, even Laramie by one man who couldn't remember. I've had people correct me in the spelling and pronunciation of my own name. I know I get preoccupied at times--a nicer term than air-headed--but I really do know how to spell my name.Okay, so sometimes I have to go through all eleven of the grandkids names before I get the right name. One time I was talking to one of my nieces, called her by the wrong name three times, going through all the nieces, before she retorted, "My name is Glenna." I told her, "I know, I just haven't gotten there yet."Ummm, better read back over this and see if I got around to answering you question.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LATEST NOVEL.

Museitup Publishing will be releasing White Savage in the spring of 2011 under my second pen name of Larion Wills. I don't have my cover yet, sorry. White Savage is the fifth in my western romance series. (The previous four are available a http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com or the usual places, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Fictionwise, Mobi Pocket, etc) When I say series, I don't mean a continuing story. They are all seperate with differentpeople in different places doing different things, taking place in the late 1800s with strong female protagonists and sometimes female antagonaises. They're sweet romances, and White Savage is no different. An old timer scout recues a white boy from the Apache Indians.He's warned by everyone that Jimmy had been too long with the Indians and could never learn to be 'white' again. After being caught thiefing, the boy is put in jail, taken out by another man, Johns, who had been there when Jimmy was rescued,and both disappear. Ten years later, Clay appears, accused not only of robbery and murder, but of the attempted rape of thewoman at the ranchwhere they find him. They, meaning Jimmy's enemies from ten years before, believeClay to be Jimmy, but is he? Have they mistaken one man for another and what secrets does Te, the rancher's wife, keep hidden? Did he kidnap her when he made his escape, or do she go with him willingly?

Larriane AKA Larion Wills, two names one author, thousands of stories

buy link: http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com

http://www.larriane.com

http://larionmusing.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/people/Larriane-Wills/1535007230

Thanks, Larriane!

****

9/3/10

Lots of fun stuff happening, especially at my new publishing house, MuseItUp Publishing. Very exciting! See the announcementbelow from MIU:

Its time, dear readers, to announce what we have in store for you...one surprise at a time.

Beginning October 1^st, and on the first of each month, one lucky reader will win a FREE e-book.

Join our discussions, ask questions to our authors, have fun with us, thats it. Participate and you have a chance to be one of our monthly winners.

http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/MusePub_Readers/

But thats not all:

Join us here, in our readers group for our December 1^st Launch Party and you have a chance to be one of our two lucky winners:

First prize: a years worth of ebooks (12 in total)

Second prize: six months worth of ebooks (6 in total)

And there'smore...

Between October 1^st and 31^st well be hosting a Masquerade Blog Festival where each day one of our authors will entertain you with a variety of posts, from short stories, recipes, historical facts of the Halloween season, to decorating tips. In-between these posts there will be random YouTube videos posted and the first reader who jumps in the loop and calls out the title of the song posted will have his or her choice of any one of our released or soon to be released e-books. If soon-to-be-released you will receive the e-book once it debuts.

So tell your friends to join us at MuseItUp because weve got tons of goodies in store for you each month.

And be sure toreadHeather's Halloween offering, a three-part short story called Jemma and All Hallows Eve, onOctober 19, 20, 21!

8/4/10

This Writing Game

Writers draw from everyone and everything around us, and not so much from ourselves, if I am any example of it. Im not as much in my characters assome readerslike to think.My characterstend to bemore a composite of people Ive met or known throughout my life. It isn't thatI don't share the human experience with my readers,I do. But for me, it's so much more fun to explore another person's foils and foibles rather than my own. After all, I have to live with mine 24/7.

For instance, a lot of people say the character, Lee Alvarez, the main protagonist in my upcoming book Murder is a Family Business, is a lot like me. Actually,Lee is based on many facets of my mother's personality, with a few other women Ive known thrown in for good measure. However, the more I get to know Lee, the more she becomes her own person. I find it interesting that people who have read excerpts from the book relate Lee to me, because I don't see it. First of all, she's a lot younger, 34 years old, andI'd hate to be hanging since I was 34. Maybe Lee has some of my vulnerability - or the vulnerability I can remember from way back when - but I'm nothing like this kid now. And kid she is to me.

But truth be told, I don't care who or what readers see in my characters as long as they enjoy the read and come back for more.Off to write the 3^rd book in the series of the Alvarez Murder Mysteries. What fun!

6/21/10

Banner, banner, who's got the banner?

Lucky, lucky me. I belong to a wonderful stable of writers at MuseitUp Publishing, where 2 ofthe books in my mystery series are going to be published next year. But another reason I'm lucky? My fellow authors at MIU.

Case in point; I wanted to create abanner, like the rest of my fellow authors did. Wanted to be one of the guys, look cool, be with it, man.Could I make one? No. Could I get it work? Never. DidI feel like a dummy? Yes.

Finally, today I gave upand sent out an sos to my fellow writers. Before you can say yippeedoodlebugs, I hadtwo new banners, oneis on the home page, createdby Chastity Bush, and a 2nd, smaller banner is by Ginger Simpson (see above), which is perfect for using on pens. I can't believe it!

Two months agoI was a writer who felt lucky to get all her emails answered, her writing done and feed the cats.Now I've got 2 books coming out, a website, business cards, flyers, postcards and banners! I'm in business!

Maybe I'll branch out and bannert-shirts, baseball caps, and a car! Can Ibanner all overmy car??Andthere's sky-writing! I could splatter the name of my book all over....Wait a minute. Slow down, Girl. Take a deep breath.... go feed the cats.

Let me just say, thatI am blown away with the generosity of spirit that exists on MIU and a lot ofthisis due to the parameters that have been set up by the Editor-in-Chief,Lea Schizas.

Lucky, lucky me.

----------------

5/24/10

5/15/10

Just found out that the book cover for my upcoming book,Murder is a Family Business, being launched on January, 2011, is being featured as one of the best coverson the Rate My Book website: http://www.ratemybo okcover.com/ bestof.cfm

I knew when Delilah K. Stephans createdthe coverfor MuseitUp Publishing, that it was something with charm, personality and humor. Don't know how long it will hold onto that placement, but it makes me very happy.

If you can, go and vote for your favorite covers(vote for me). Oh dear! I'm having one of those Dancing with the Stars moment. Anyway, it's fun to see them alland there's a brief summary of each book there, as well.

5/11/10

One thing about blogging is that if you're not a person who takes to writing a diary, it's not as easy as it looks. WhenI was a kid, back in the Punic Wars, all the little girls had a diary. I remember my mother went out and dutifully got me one for Christmas. Shiny pink patent leather it was, with little colored stones that spelled out the words "My diary."It also hada lock and key as if most nine-year olds have something to say that can't be read by one and all. In about three hours I lost the key, which was all right with me because after I put in my name and address, I had pretty much nothing else to say. I remember shutting the thing --December 26th it was --and not opening it again untilthe middleof July when I came acrossit at the bottom of my sock drawer. Most of my friends wrote gobs in their and were reluctant to share that writing with anyone, once again, as if a nine-year old girl had anything secret to say. I guess you have to find your own life fascinating and I, for one, would much rather write and read about other people and otherthings. I think from the beginning,I was a fiction person and it hasn't changed much since then.

And as for this Twittering thing, I don't get it at all. 144 characters - thatincludes space, commas, etc - in which to say something to the world. But here's the deal, why would anyone want to know when I arrived at a Safeway to buy bathroom tissue? Once again, I don't get it. But it's a changing world and now everybody gets their fifteen-minutes of attention and fame and at the same time as everybody else, a 144 character reality show.

Some of my friends and fellow writers:

Rosanne Dowell, check out her upcoming book and her blog.  (see below) She's dynamite!

http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com/

Another fabulous talent, Chastity Bush

http://chastitybush.webs.com/

This list of MIU talent just goes on!

Larriane AKA Larion Wills,  two names one author, thousands of stories

   http://larionmusing .blogspot. com/          

 And yet another talented writer, Ginger Simpson! Check her out!

http://www.gingersi mpson.com
http://mizging. blogspot. com