Monday, September 25, 2006

Conflict: When is it too much and when is it not enough?

A friend and I were discussing this issue tonight and it got me to thinking, when does conflict in a story get to be too much? Sharon Sala, an excellent author of romantic suspense, can get a little wild with conflict. A few of her stories have turned me off, simply because the scenes were entirely too disturbing to read. Then again, some authors barely have any conflict. That's not to say they don't have a great plot, but there's simply very little negativity. One of the first things you learn as a writer, is to be sure your story has a deep plot, something that will take the reader beyond the budding relationship of the H/H. Something that will strengthen the middle, so you don't lose their interest.

I have a hard time with conflict in my stories. I fully admit this is an area I need to work on. Knowing this about my own writing, I've gone back to a few 'rejected' manuscripts and altered/added/thickened the plot. Needless to say, I can't hope to get them published unless I'm willing to look at why they were rejected to begin with. What kept the editor from grabbing it up? Why did she decide my manuscript 'wasn't right for their company'? So, as I made the decision to embark on learning how to better my own writing, I've found the following three things important to remember.

One: Reread the manuscript as if you were a reader, not a writer. When you open your mind and read with an unbiased attitude you see its strengths and its weaknesses more clearly.

Two: Be willing to change what needs to be changed. Don't shut your mind to the possibilities! The manuscript is a good one, that’s true, however, much like your favorite knick-knack, it may be gorgeous as is, but wouldn't it be even prettier polished to a glorious shimmer?

Third: Do not forget to read lots and lots of romances. Grab some of those New York Times Best Sellers and read them…intently. Because that’s what’s selling. That’s the stuff that editors want! It’s the best (and most fun) sort of research~!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006



Strictly Sirens Carnival Topic for October:
Romance Novels and the Undead-Vamps and more

Oh! A subject I can sink my teeth into...*grin*

I love reading them. I love writing about them. The Undead, Black Dagger Brotherhood, Carpathians, Immortal Vikings, I love 'em all! The first author to get me hooked on the darkly exciting paranormals was easily Amanda Ashley. After reading, "Embrace the Night" I thought, ooooh this is what I've been missing. I need more. I was insatiable. Then came Christine Feehan with her Carpathian Alpha Males and I was drooling like a wild woman. I soaked up ever story I could find by these two authors. I thought I'd reached the end. Never to see/read another of these types, but then I stumbled across Sherrilyn Kenyon. Now, they aren't vampires, but they are immortal and they are downright yummy. (Can't wait for Ash's story!)

Then a dear friend of mine told me about Susan Sizemore and I was only too happy to find yet another fantastic author writing the types of books I love to read. As if that's not enough, along comes J. R. Ward. Wow...she set the bar a tad bit higher, now didn't she? I go crazy just thinking about the next book...Erotic, Action packed, emotional, she's got all the elements I crave in a good romance.

So, of course I had to try my hand at writing a vampire romance. My vampires are straight up undead. Three siblings from Italy, The Salvatores, all turned on the same day, all hoping for a cure. Three centuries later and they stumble across a witch who just may have what they need. Only problem is, there's the Dark Dominion to contend with. Before they can ever hope to drink the witch's potion--thus making them human again--they must be sure that the evil DD don't get their bloodthirsty hands on it first. Letting these depraved vampires get hold of the cure would be like handing the human world over to the side of evil on a silver platter. The DD would be able to decide who lives and who lives forever! Stuck in a situation that is spinning quickly out of control, the Salvatore family decide to spirit the witch away, to their private dwelling. Unfortunately, they may be too late. The cure has already been stolen, and the fate of the world hangs by a thread.

If you are curious about my Salvatore Vampires you can check out my website and read a blurb! http:www.tamaraboyer.com


Before I end this, I will leave you with a poem I wrote...hope you enjoy!


Nighttime, Blood, and Tears
Darkness surrounds me
everywhere,
Creeping in under cracks
and over there.
I scream, and scream,
but no one hears.
As I wipe frantically
at my blood and tears.

He always appears
when the darkness falls.
I sit shaking, as I'm waiting
for his eerie calls.
I try to resist, as he laughs,
certain he'll prevail.
I run farther and farther,
but I shall fail.

He’s caused my heart,
to wither and furl.
I wasn't always,
this pitiful desecrated girl,
I once had innocent smiles
upon my face.
Now I'm just weary,
of this wretched chase.

A puppet on a string
with a single bite.
I've become the creature
I tried to fight.
A thing not human.
A thing not mortal.
A thing with no soul, for you see,
I too am now…Immortal.