Escape

Escape. That is what I do when I write my novels. I’ve always wondered is that what most fiction writers do. Fiction is such an awesome genre. And for those of us with over active imaginations, it is the easiest for us to do.
There are various things in a fiction author’s life that will spark a new idea for a new book. Anything from a car accident, to two people just simply walking and talking. We never know what will spark the sudden urge of creativity; we just know that if there is a possible story to be told, we must tell it.
Sometimes, the flame starts and oh boy! You go on for pages and pages and then, boom! The idea suddenly smokes out. What happens? Did you really have an idea in the first place? Or did you just need an escape from reality for a little while?
I have had several books (three that come to mind) that seemed like a good idea at the time, but when I got to a certain point, I was done. Nothing else would come out. Why is that? Is it writer’s block or did I not really have a good idea in the first place? I wish I knew.
Some write about real life experiences, and attempt to fictionalize it. It doesn’t always work as it is happening. One of the reasons I believe is that you may be too close to the situation to actually make it fiction for you, the writer. Let the situation play out first. Then decide if it will make a good book. Then you can actually separate your real life situation from your fictional characters, and possibly write an excellent novel. We’ve seen it before in lots of books we have personally read, or movies we have gone to see.
So, the key word this week is, Escape. When you write fiction, do your research, and really create a fictional world. You are a part of every character you create, and the main characters of your story, are often times extensions of the real you. But because it is fiction, we can become anyone we want. So escape. Be free.
Until next time,
Kayresia

Editors

The topic today is editors. A phenomenal people who have a way of looking at your book entirely differently than you did. I will most definitely agree with anyone who wants to publish a book, needs one. And forgive me; I can only speak on fiction, seeing that is my area of “expertise” if you will.

My first published novel, though a good story, was riddled with both spelling and grammatical errors. Because I published way before I should have, I learned quickly that I wasn’t the English genius I thought I was. Some of the reviews treaded lightly. They offered polite, constructive criticism, encouraging me to continue. Other reviews were just nasty. Totally beating up both my story and my ego. I digress.

Your editor is your friend no matter how much they may seem to be against you. My advice? Listen. Okay, fight if you must, but they will win on most points in the end. Remember that they are the one looking at your manuscript with new eyes. There is no way that you will foresee what they will ask. You will be grouchy with them at times, and maybe even angry. But remember, they are looking to publish the best of you. Yeah, you paid them to do that, but if you have a good story, they will also find themselves invested by the sheer nature of your words.

My advice? Find a good one. I promise you will be rewarded by the hard work both of you put into your manuscript.

Until next time,
Kayresia

Paranormal Romance

This week, I would like to talk about a genre I am familiar with. Paranormal Romance. Four of the novels I have written are in this category, but honestly, almost every story I write is based on the family unit.
The love between mother and son, brother and sister. To use the term loosely, it could also be close friends. A lot of times in my books it is both. I am the featured author this week, only because I am curious about your feelings on the genre.

For those of us who read the Twilight series, were and still in love with the relationship between Bella and Edward. I swear the books can still make me cry. The movies have yet to move me the same way.
I got into the genre with the Twilight series and though I loved them, they were lacking something for me. I’m well past my teens and wanted to read more about the intimacy between Bella and Edward. That was the only downfall for me. So I looked for more adult books in the same genre. Laurel K. Hamilton satisfied me through sixteen books. Wow! Then things just got weird. Not saying that I will never read another one, but really, things just got weird.

So, what I would love to know is your thoughts. What are you looking for when you pick up a Paranormal Romance, if you do at all?

Until next time,
Kayresia