Six Sentence Sunday and Denny's Eye Candy: Week 9

Shemar Moore snagged from tumblr by Denny S. Bryce (haven't paid homage to him in a while:)

Wow. Sunday rolls around so fast! But here's my six (Six Sentence Sunday) from the same WIP about the FBI special agent, a vampire, who is having a hard time keeping a promise to a witch.

Gideon rushed up the snow-covered walkway, pushed open the double doors of the Tilden Community Bank and sidestepped the uniform clad body lying face down in the small foyer. A quick glance at the dead man, Gideon’s eyes moved from the teller stations on the north wall to the waiting area on the south wall, and then to the center of the lobby and a series of desks and chairs, tossed into a pile in the middle of the floor. A hard, dark wood floor, stained nearly black with blood, stretched out before him surrounded by banisters with carvings of misshapen gargoyles. It was an old building, a hundred years old, with high domed ceilings, deep and echoing, also smeared with blood.

As he stepped into the main lobby it struck him, a stench so disgusting; he stumbled into the wall and grabbed his stomach. Damn, he thought, this case was going to be a problem.

Wow. Just got this posted in time. Now, I'm off to add the photo so if you see this at 9 a.m. Eastern - it is sans the pretty...

Getting to the Heart of Your Villain

Photo snagged by Denny S. Bryce

I love villains, and even find them easier to write some days, especially after a hard week of work...but I read in one of my many craft courses, or in a book, that in order to create a really good bad guy or gal - keep in mind that the evil one, doesn't think of themselves as being bad. And they have as big a journey as the hero or heroine. A favorite quote of mine from Whedonverse was made by Anya who said "Evil things have plans, too." (or something like that:). 

So dig into your bad guy's head/backstory--what motivates him? Give him a vulnerability. A 'wound' so deep that even at his (or her) most badassedness there's something sympathetic you know about the bad guy. His motivation can help make him more terrifying and/or dangerous to your hero or heroine. Also, play with contrast. Let's say your main character has a 'wound' from his past that is central to him or her being the hero they are, or become in your story...for example...

On the TV show "Criminal Minds" one of the smartest, most vigilant special agents is Aaron Hotchner (this is a favorite show of mine, except for once I'm not talking about Shemar Moore:).

A few seasons back Special Agent Hotchner was interrogating a vicious serial killer. As two cops led the confessed murderer away, the guy asked Hotch, 'How did you know about my father? I never told anyone." Hotchner's reply went something like, "Some kids who are brutalized by their fathers turn into serial killers, others turn into people who hunt and find those killers." (Definitely paraphrasing here...). But that character reveal was well-executed IMHO. Throughout the episode, that bad guy was toted as the most brutal ever, having killed more than 100 people over the years - a real monster. But why it sticks in my mind is the connection the writer established between two opposing characters and how well it emphasized good versus evil. It gave the scene more weight than the typical we caught the bad guy ending. And I imagine for the writer of that episode - made it easier to write because in the back of his mind, he was working toward a goal: to deliver that line.

Anyway, it's Sunday morning and I've had a big cup of coffee...but I must credit a question from a member of my Savvy Authors critique group, which led me to this subject. So after brainstorming there, I decided to re-edit my response to her question and re-post it here. 

The topic is definitely one I often debate as I work on my manuscripts.

So tell me, what inspires you when writing/creating your bad ass bad guy?

Blogging, Research and Writing & Shemar, Oprah and Boris

Photos snagged from the Internet by Denny S. Bryce


This blog is a summary of blogs I did not post (or write until now) during the month of September. I did, however, think about posting each and every one - a lot.

Oprah Winfrey and Me - Having to recreate this post is aggravating, but here goes. I got mad because Oprah's recent book club recommendation is Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. I'm confident it's a brilliant book, and have already downloaded a sample onto my iPad so I can add it to my reading list. However, I wanted her to break the mold for a change. Recommend a romance novel, not another 'important' book by another male author, but something different. No such luck though. So I'm a little miffed.


Research or Am I Taking My Writing Seriously or What? - I did something today I've never done - actually two things - but let's stay focused, huh? I went into a gun shop and interviewed the owner and his partner about guns. Guns purchased by law enforcement in particular. I learned about bullets (full metal jacket, hollow point, silver point) and barrels, size, weight, and more about bullets. While I was there a customer offered to show me his concealed weapon (a very cute Latino man:). I looked at the owner who said it was okay, and the man raised his shirt, turned slightly, and there it was - his weapon tucked into the small of his back at his waistline in a small holster that was attached to his belt. For some reason, I just thought that was so damn sexy.

Black Men as Romantic Hero - New TV season is off to a slow start IMHO. But a new show starring the very handsome black man, shown to the left (Boris), is UnderCovers. It's the first show in recent memory that stars African Americans (or blacks) as main characters in a dramatic series that isn't a 'black show' or comedy starring a black comedian. I'm watching it now, and wishing it well, but we'll see. I'm sort of teetering, feeling similar to the way I felt watching "Hawaii Five-O" Sunday night (or was it Monday). Lots of pretty, but wishing for arcs and substance. I'm a rough critic on pilots...

Finally, it's Wednesday and that means Shemar Moore Day - and yep, also a new episode of Criminal Minds tonight. Moving pictures always better than stills when it comes to Shemar.

Why Writing Contests? I'll Tell You Why!

Eye Candy: The photos to the left of Alex O'Loughlin and Shemar Moore, snagged from the Internet, have nothing to do with this post. Denny S. Bryce

Last week was one of those weeks during which I sat back and smiled big time (Cheshire grin for real), pleased with and proud of the recognition, accolades, and general good wishes I’d received for my writing – then I broke out in a cold sweat.

The latter will become more clear as I get this little tale out.

I’d learned that I’d placed (2^nd) in the second writing contest I’ve ever entered in my entire writer girl contest life. The 2010 Heart to Heart Contest, presented by the San Francisco Area – RWA, is the instigator of my latest joy (and fear). I am a finalist in the paranormal category.

So what did I immediately do after letting the world in on the good news (via Facebook, Live Journal and Twitter) – I panicked. Why? I’m not all that sure, but…

I’ve been working like a minion for years (the number in print would make me wince) – writing more than a half a million words of fanfiction, taking writing classes, workshops (one with Rebecca Walker in Maui, you’ve got to do this if you can, and don't be thrown by memoirs - it's writing, okay?); RWA conferences, other writing conferences, reading, studying, questioning, in fact, where’s my Internet doctorate on writing romance fiction and what’s hot and what’s not in the publishing world today? Seriously, that’s how much time I’ve devoted to the craft, to the industry and to learning, and its only a smidgen of what I still need to do. Because I want to learn. I love the process – getting the information, figuring out the puzzle (one of the reasons I’m a plotter – with a heavy, heavy dose of character, I believe) I love the commitment required to be a writer.

Anyway…

The question on the table is why am I panicking and what is the value of entering writing contests (for me)? Does placing in a contest mean I am a good writer or is it a testament to the fact that I write good contest (not meant in a mean-spirited way BTW).  But a contest is a means to an end – a step on the journey.

So what do I look for when I enter a contest (this is a lesson learned from my former critique partner, Marta, a smart lass, who writes kick ass fantasies:) …(girl, where's your website!)

The judges. I look at the editor and agent or published author who will be judging the final round. I want that feedback. Sure, I also dream of having one or all of those editors or agent(s) request the first three chapters or the full manuscript – but as an unpublished author I also crave feedback.

And of course, it’s not just the final round. The feedback from authors and writers who volunteer to judge a contest can provide reaction to the excerpt submitted from your manuscript.  

Also, I suggest you volunteer to judge a couple of RWA contests this year, especially if you are an unpublished author. I did, and I learned a lot about analyzing and critiquing and how to apply that impartial screening to my own manuscript. I should add that of course writers can't be completely objective about their own writing. I mean we have to have a high level of ego to write IMHO. You're creating worlds, people, goals, motivation, your ego lets you bring these people to life - so it's not always easy to critique your own stuff (and critiquing to me is different from editing). 


NOTE: If you have doubts about your ability or have questions, email the contest coordinator - ask him or her questions, and then after you submit your critique ask the coordinator how you did. 

It all contributes to achieving our final goal - writing good books that get published and that people want to read (oh, first they have to buy them:)...

And still I don't think I've answered the question as to why I panicked.

That's easy – over and above the excerpt submitted--the rest of the book has to be a winner as well…

Yes, It's Shemar Day!

Yes. It's time for the pointless Wednesday post - it's all about Shemar.

There is nothing more fun then relaxing on a Wednesday by writing my semi-monthly Shemar Moore Post! Ah. Glorious. After a long two days of travel (went to Baltimore for 'da job') and numerous meetings all about 'da job' related stuff, I am now reclining in the home, getting ready for three days of NaNoWriMo writing and further polishing of 'The Manuscript'(this should be uttered in reverence and with creepy deep voice for effect).

But tomorrow, I will also get in some spa time. I'll start by working out - but then I intend to indulge in at least two  hours of sauna, whirlpool and steam - and not in that order. Writing is lovely, but there are times when you have to kick back and relax. For me, that time will be tomorrow.

As for my helpful tip for today - there's just so much information out there I don't know where to begin for us pre-published guys and gals (and yeah, there was a recent uproar about the word 'pre-published'. I don't really care - bottom line is no one has written me a check yet saying - your writing/storytelling/whatever - on the fiction front -  just put a few dollars in your pocket. Hoo-rah!

Frankly, I've added a few new blogs I'll be following that I suggest you check out.  I'm gravitating lately toward those writers who are in my boat - writing away but not getting paid...okay, they haven't been published yet, but are on course to getting it done!

The point? Today's rec is Patricia Woodside's blog. She's unpublished and has a great blog - so check her out.

My Mother Wants to Visit My Blog

And No, this is not my mother! Photo taken by me in London at Thames River Festival 2007.

My seventy-five year old mother wants to visit my blog, but she's afraid. She claims that I am a wild woman (people, I'm not wild, I just like pretty men and I write paranormal, near-future, urban fantasies that can border on the erotic and features pretty men). I don't think she's opposed to the pretty men part - I certainly doubt it since she's on marriage number four and snagged her latest cutie eight years ago and swears she left the best for last:) But her real fear - or two fears - is that in some way shape or form I'm blaspheming (okay, maybe I am, can't really tell, don't totally know what it means) or I'm writing about her. Why or why would she think I'm writing about her? Could it be fear? Guilt? Lack of trust? Or simply that she realizes she'd make a damn good scary character? lol! No, I know why. But I'm not going to go into here - I'll leave it as a big reveal for one of my character's in my next book...

Also, if she does drop by: I had to post this in order to move my last post, featuring Shemar, down a spot - his bare torso scares some people, you know?

It Must Be Wednesday and That Means...

Yes, it's Wednesday and that means it's time for another pointless post about my favorite Shapeshifter - Shemar Moore.

This week he's about to venture into a new dimension, or maybe just a parallel plane where he is not the only one of his breed. There, he meets a woman from Earth who must navigate the perils of this new time zone, while controlling her desire for this freak of nature...

Okay, I found this photo and just said 'WHY?' I mean come on, yeah, you know you got it, but seriously, let's not take flaunting it to such a obvious level (except you know I love it!).

Anyway, seriously. Yes. I did write seriously. Shemar is still in the lead as the main contender for my bad boy anti-hero who will be the bone of contention in my next urban fantasy.

The heroine has yet to be fleshed out, but I've got time before National Novel Writing Month kicks off November 1. Yes, I'm doing it again. Hopefully, I won't fail again (this is year three), but with my polishing of the current manuscript about to swing into even higher gear - I'm anxious to start a new story (desperate in fact). I've been working on this current book almost daily since the end of June. But keep in mind that means I've been polishing and fixing and fixing and polishing since then. I'm up to 53,000 total words, knowing it will be 80,000 at least. So maybe the game plan should be ti finish it in November? Okay, that could be the goal...

Okay it's almost time for So You Think You Can Dance - which thankfully airs an hour before Criminal Minds - where you can find said ShapeShifter (photo shown above) at 9:00 p.m. Eastern...:)...

My Immortal: Shapeshifter Part II

Yes, I'm providing you with a glimpse into the world of my next hero (after I finish the current WIP). The inspiration for the hero of this marvelous new paranormal romantic suspense is the one and only Shemar Moore. If you don't understand or know what I'm talking about - you'd better ask somebody! Okay?

This man's beauty is mesmerizing. I mean, seriously? How does this happen? Yes, I know the deal in terms of procreation, but this man's looks are just - well, I'm convinced, he's a shapeshifter.

I've posted a little on this theory in an earlier post, but it keeps coming back to haunt me. I also recently visited another author's website and she had an entire page devoted to the men, all actors, who inspire her male heroes. I loved it. So I decided to start one of my own, but currently I'm stuck on Shemar - the Shapeshifter.

In other news! I'm excited beyond belief. This weekend I'm attending Phauxcon and the special guest for the weekend is the marvelous, best-selling author, L.A. Banks.

This is the cover art for L.A. Banks' latest addition to her The Vampire Huntress series.

I haven't read all of the books, I'm actually starting with the first one - but did read a lot of The Hunted - book three - but since I write in this genre I haven't read that many vampire stories - do you think that's odd?

Okay, I'm off to dinner, but first to the bookstore so I can get her to sign copies of her books!!!!!

Shemar Moore and other Shape Shifters

I'm pondering other books I would like to write as I work on the current set of revisions for this first book. Somewhere down the road, I'll need to explore shape shifters. And I've decided that Shemar Moore (actor pictured left) would be a perfect muse to create this otherworldly entity that through no fault of its own automatically shifts to another creature.

I believe Shemar is a shape shifter. Why? Come on seriously, who looks like this? Sure, a handful of insanely over-developed males who have no right (NONE) on this Earth to exist, except as a result of some mad curse. A punishment to all who think this is what they can be, or what they might be able to have one day.

But without the pretty face, great effect lighting and a few muscles, would you want to spend time with this? I mean think about it. The constant looking over your shoulder. The ridiculous amount of time you'd have to spend in the gym - just to feel what? Adequate? I'm telling you - why put yourself through so much pain? Would it be worth it? What real value would you have from such an experience?

Yeah, you're right. Memories. That's all I'd ask for. Just something (anything) to remember.