How to Know When to Give Up

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Can’t believe it’s already time! But the Coastal Magic Convention is only a few weeks away and January 15 is the last day to register. I love this convention and there’s going to be tons of great authors, bloggers and readers there – so if you can wrangle it, you should totally join us. Great panels, terrific interactions and it’s right on the beach. SO fun!
 

So, this week’s topic over at Word Whores is: It’s dead, Jim – how to know when a project isn’t working vs when its fixable.

I’m telling a couple of stories about knowing when to give up.

Sex as a Tool for Character Transformation

For those who might be interested, I’m teaching an online writing class … ah, um, next week! Yes, yes, I know my news and posts all month have been about how I’m all nose-to-the-grindstone on this novel. Which I am! But it should done by Monday, January 4, 2016, when the class starts. (Does that date sound like science fiction to anyone else? Could be just me, I get that. But still – 2016!)

Anyhoo, here’s the scoop, and it should be super fun! TLDR: the registration link is here.

Sex as a Tool for Character Transformation

Presented by Jeffe Kennedy
Dates: January 4-15, 2016
Deadline January 4, 2016
Fee: OIRW Member $10
Fee: Non-Member $15

Course Description:

Nothing is worse than the gratuitous sex scene, right? We’ve all been there-skimming the pages to get back to the “interesting” stuff that advances the plot and transforms the characters. But that’s not the sex scene’s fault. It’s the writer’s! Done well, a sex scene, from mild to steamy, should move the story forward and-most importantly-drive a change in the characters.

In this course, students will learn what makes a sex scene sing and what makes one sag. Working with the model of character transformation, the class will lead students through the concepts of sexual taboos and the mental, emotional and spiritual impacts of breaking them. Students will explore the concepts of intimacy and personal barriers and practice tools for using them to move their characters forward on every level. Writers will be able to submit short scenes to the instructor or the group for feedback.

A Chance to Vote!

bobcat 2 cropThis is our bobcat visitor from yesterday. Gorgeous animal. Wish I’d gotten a clearer one of her face, but the best are of her prowling about. bobcat 1bobcat 3 bobcat 4In other news, THE TALON OF THE HAWK is showing up on a bunch of Best of 2015 lists, like at RT Book Reviews, and Happy Tails and Trails (Best Cover, Blogger’s Choice and Top 10). At Grave Tells, the book is up for Best Fantasy Romance of 2015, so if you have that clicky-finger feeling, you can vote here.

Hope the holiday season is treating you all well!

“On Second Thought…”

cover flat cropI know I haven’t posted here as much, but I’m immersed in writing Jepp’s book, THE EDGE OF THE BLADE. So much Dasnarian Empire … I won’t say “goodness, but wow – this is an interesting story to write!

I’m also finishing copy edits on THE PAGES OF THE MIND. (Aren’t the cover flats pretty?? Just wait until you see this green in real life!) At rate, I was reviewing this scene snippet and it made me laugh. That book is Dafne’s and so from her point of view, but Jepp always cracks me up, so I thought I’d share. 🙂

***

Jepp didn’t reply to that, just watched, then cursed under her breath. “Put your things away. Have your big dagger in your hand. Be ready to run. Or jump overboard. Which means lose the cloak.”

I heard it then, as I hastened to do as she instructed, a beast roaring over the screams of men, along with shouting in a jumble of Dasnarian. A large bird, white, with a long, swooping neck, spiraled over me and landed on the deck, flashing into Zynda, who ranged herself next to Jepp, also in a fighting stance. “Trouble,” she said.

“What is that thing?” Jepp asked.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, but it just swallowed a man whole.”

Normally I’d be perfectly happy to cower behind them—and had been thus far—but curiosity got the better of me and I edged around Zynda to peek down the barge at what they watched. A violet haze rippled through the sky and water, as if emanating from some glowing thing. Then a man flew through the air, landing in the water with a splash. He began to swim for the barge, but a violet tentacle rose from the water, wrapped around his waist, and dragged him under.

“On second thought,” Jepp said, “don’t jump overboard.”

***

Happy weekend, everyone!

Crafting Romantic Tension Writing Workshop!

CVlmXGkXIAEUQg6.jpg largeHey, if you’re in the Orlando area, I’ll be giving a workshop on building romantic tension via conflict. You can register here. I assume the event is designed for people to attend in person. *I* will be there via Skype. If you have questions, though, ask them, not me. I just do what I’m told. 😉