This week has been full of unexpected surprises. It started last Saturday, with the Huntington Library workshop. I was able to hear information I had always intuitively known presented in a formal way. I was also able to see that many aspiring writers abound, and that to tell a story is an innate passion within the human soul. I learned a lot about planning, too!
Then I made my arrangements to attend the annual Romance Writers of America national conference. I had wanted to attend last year, but didn’t think I was ready. Now, along with other Dunes and Dreams members, I can’t wait to go!
Onto the tightly crafted on-line workshop with Bob Mayer titled Conflict – The Fuel of Your Story. This was amazing in its sheer simplicity — identify your story idea succinctly and return to it as a consistent guide throughout your writing. It’s not as easy as it sounds! The two on-line workshops I’ve taken so far have really pushed my writing forward. I can’t wait for the March workshop on Past Life Regression for the Writers’ Soul: A New Approach to Character Creation with Dawna Richard. You can sign up by clicking here or by visiting http://www.dunesanddreams.org.
Today, I was supposed to leave for a trip to Dallas. I get very excited about getting on a plane because it means WRITING TIME! No phone, no distractions…I was really looking forward to it. Until the airline called me last night to tell me my flight was cancelled. So I rebooked for Sunday, expecting we’d all be dug out of the storm by then.
Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning and there was no snow…maybe a little bit of dust. Since I no longer had to be at the airport, I had planned a glorious morning of staying in bed, wrapped warm in my comforter, then venturing over to the window to see the glittering white winter wonderland that awaited me. But there was nothing. A day I wasn’t snowbound, sure, but I day I wasn’t on my way to Dallas, either. I thought about this in context of my writing. How many times do I play out a scene in my head, only to get it on paper and find that it doesn’t work? All the elements are there, but just like that storm, a mile off course here or there, and it’s not happening. How many times do I position my heroine to be snowbound and shoveling out when she takes me in a different direction?
The airline called again. I can’t fly out tomorrow, either. At first I was bummed, but then I thought, What would my heroine do now???
Stay tuned.
Laura Hitchens has been writing since she was eight years old! A writer by trade, Laura has written non-fiction articles, papers and websites. Now, she's excited about writing fiction! Follow her adventures while she pens her romance novels on her blog http://life-with-lorelei.blogspot.com.Yesterday, members of Dunes & Dreams RWA hosted the first of a four-part workshop, “From Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After: Turning Your Dreams Into a Book” at the Huntington Public Library. Imagine our surprise when we arrived to discover our room taken by the Defensive Driving class!
But the staff of the library quickly regrouped to set us up in the auditorium. Good thing, too. The auditorium was packed with people–all ages, both genders, all experience levels; all with one thing in common. They wanted insight into the writing process; how to start, how to keep going, how to finish, and how to achieve their own dreams.
In Session I, we began with the ideas of Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, segued into Characterization, Dialogue & Narrative, and ended with Plotting. We even came up with a new name for Debora Dennis’s unique plotting materials: The White Board of Destiny. (Thanks, Trisha!) The enthusiasm in the room was contagious. Questions popped up from every corner. And our ladies provided informed answers that left the crowd intrigued, amused, and delighted.
At the end of the day’s lecture, we were bombarded by attendees who wanted additional information or wanted to tell us how much they enjoyed the talk and their plans to return for all three remaining sessions. (One lady from Washington, D.C. who’d attended on a lark with her friend told Candace Gold she intends to make a return trip just to attend the second session on February 27th!)
Even if you missed the first session, feel free to contact the Huntington Library to register for Session II, which will cover The Sagging Middle, Pacing, Finding a Critique Partner or Group, and other helpful necessities of writing. The event will take place on Saturday, February 27 from 10 am-12 pm.
Join us! We’d love to see you there. (And if my gentleman of Irish descent is coming back, the coffee’s on me this time! You’re a regular, right?)
Tags: Library Talk
Gina Ardito writes lighthearted contemporary romance. Her alter ego, Katherine Brandon, writes sweeping historicals. While Gina is the co-founder and current President of Dunes & Dreams, Katherine avoids politics and maintains a low profile. Find out more about both authors by visiting their respective websites: www.ginaardito.com and www.katherinebrandon.comWhile I was growing up, there was not a lot of money in my family. My parents were not professionals and there was a boatload of mouths to feed (I’m the fifth of seven children). Life for me was a series of hand-me-downs, hand-sewn garments (At one time, I had pajamas, a dress, and bedroom curtains all made out of the same fabric!) and doing without. There were no fancy vacations to Cape Cod or the Grand Canyon, no big parties with tons of presents, and very few luxuries in our day-to-day lives. Ice cream sundaes were a treat we received only on our birthdays–the banana barge from Carvel, which we’d eat slowly to prolong the bliss for a full week. Ever defrost and refreeze bananas over several days? Trust me, they lose flavor pretty quickly. But I digress…
The one memory from those years I count as my favorite occurred when my father lost his job right before Christmas. I think I was about thirteen or so. With even less money than usual for gifts, my mother and I spent our time in the basement: sewing pajamas, aprons, and other garments. My younger siblings drew pictures and made potholders out of rag strips. My older siblings gave up their Christmas gifts so the children could still believe in Santa. Even so, our stockings were filled with nuts and fruit. There were no toys under the tree that year. In fact, our Christmas tree was what came to be known as “the poor tree,” a twenty-year-old pink and silver artificial shrub my parents had had stuffed in the attic since the early days of their marriage. Charlie Brown’s little tree could put it to shame.
Why am I reminiscing about a Christmas that occurred more than thirty years ago when the current calendar is about to flip to February? Because that year I learned a lesson that has stayed with me ever since–a lesson I’ve passed on to my own children. Two nights before that Christmas, friends and neighbors presented my family with a tremendous basket filled with fruit, candy, small toys, and food for our holiday dinner. I’m not sure how all those people knew of our circumstances–my parents were extremely proud and not prone to discuss such trials with outsiders. But the bounty of that gift, the warmth of generosity that enfolded us, made an extremely difficult time one of joy for my parents, my siblings, and me.
That was when I truly learned the value of giving.
My children know the feeling well: I remember my then ten-year-old daughter selling handmade items to raise money for the victims of 9/11; my now twelve-year-old son recently turned over three weeks’ worth of his allowance to buy care packages for American soldiers fighting overseas. Now both have decided to pool resources to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Neither my daughter nor my son ever told me of their intentions before donating their hard-earned money. They do so because they truly know how blessed they are with their lives, their homes, and their family. And because there is no greater feeling in the world than the warmth that overflows your heart when you know you’ve given someone less fortunate a chance to smile–even for a day.
Until today, I’ve never shared this particular memory with my fellow chaptermates of Dunes & Dreams. I do so now for a very good reason. Recently, I began the planning for this year’s Multi-Author Booksigning to benefit Literacy Suffolk. According to their website, one in seven adults in Suffolk County are functionally illiterate, 75% of unemployed adults do not read, and nearly 45% of those below the poverty level don’t possess the reading and writing skills necessary to improve their lives or the lives of their families.
These are hard times for everyone. Unemployment is up, the housing market is dying, and we’re all tying our belts a little tighter. The authors who’ve volunteered to participate in this event do not do so for accolades, publicity, or for undying gratitude from the masses. We do so because it’s a chance to give back to the communities that have been so good to us. It’s a chance to revitalize our floundering neighborhoods. It’s a chance to provide readers and writers for the future generations.
If you’re an author, consider joining us behind the tables. If you’re a reader, perhaps you’ll consider buying a book or two at the event. A few dollars, a few signatures, and a few hours could benefit us all in the long run.
This year’s event will take place at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic on Saturday, May 8 from 12-3 pm. Join us. A simple gesture could have long-reaching results.
Tags: Booksigning, Dunes and Dreams RWA, Pindar Booksigning, Proud romance writers, Suffolk Literacy
Gina Ardito writes lighthearted contemporary romance. Her alter ego, Katherine Brandon, writes sweeping historicals. While Gina is the co-founder and current President of Dunes & Dreams, Katherine avoids politics and maintains a low profile. Find out more about both authors by visiting their respective websites: www.ginaardito.com and www.katherinebrandon.comI can’t believe it is the end of January already! Kelly Stone’s workshop on how to find the time to write opened my eyes big time to the process of excuses I make not to get the writing done. Or rather, I should say the excuses I formerly made….
Unable to stand the stress of my daily life any longer, I decided to take a long weekend and visit a friend in sunny Florida (which has not been so sunny but much, much warmer than New York). Another flew in from Abu Dabi, UAE, and another from London was in town for a convention. At one point I thought, hey, this is starting to sound like one of my novels, because right now this little group of us is scattered across the globe. Not quite the type of jet setting my characters do, but it made me realize that you never really get that far away from your writing or the books in your head.
However, it was crucial to take this break. Just the different scenery has allowed me to relax, do some plotting, and get my characters in line. I will return to New York eager for what’s up next — the Dunes and Dreams workshop at the Huntington Library, the February workshop with Bob Mayer, and my French heiress desperately searching for her brother….
Prescription: Take a day out of your element, even if you can’t get on a plane. Take a few hours even, to regroup and refresh. You’ll be glad you did, and your book will, too.
Laura Hitchens has been writing since she was eight years old! A writer by trade, Laura has written non-fiction articles, papers and websites. Now, she's excited about writing fiction! Follow her adventures while she pens her romance novels on her blog http://life-with-lorelei.blogspot.com.It’s your birthday and you deserve the best. You should take the day off, have a massage, get your nails done and have a date with Raoul.
But don’t forget to get me with you!
You deserve the best, girl! Happy Birthday and a zillion more. Love ya!
Candy
Together, Candace Gold and her alter-ego, Candy Caine, who writes the edgier, hot and sassy stories, have published over 200 short stories and two novels. They try to live together harmoniously on Long Island, NY, with her husband, Robert. Supportive with her writing career, he’s always willing to help her make certain the scenes for her Candy Caine stories are authentic. Read more about Candace and Candy at her website www.CandaceGold.comShe’s our web diva, tech expert, forum leader, President-Elect, workshop coordinator, newsletter editor…is it any wonder we’d be lost without her? I’m constantly amazed at how much she can juggle–and how well!
Debora Dennis is an outstanding chaptermate, a good friend, and a super-talented writer. She’s quick with a smile and always up for any challenge tossed her way.
She’s one of the best assets of Dunes & Dreams RWA and today, she celebrates her birthday. I wish you joy, dear friend. I wish you laughter because you always bring me so much of it. I wish you love. And I wish you a well-deserved multi-book contract in the coming year.
Tags: birthday, Debora Dennis
Gina Ardito writes lighthearted contemporary romance. Her alter ego, Katherine Brandon, writes sweeping historicals. While Gina is the co-founder and current President of Dunes & Dreams, Katherine avoids politics and maintains a low profile. Find out more about both authors by visiting their respective websites: www.ginaardito.com and www.katherinebrandon.comI won’t say I hate winter. I will say it isn’t my favorite season. I can live with the cold. But I am not a fan of snow. Oh, it’s pretty when it’s falling. And it looks nice the next day with the sun sparkling on it. And if there happens to be a moon that first night the silvery light on the snow is lovely. And then I want it gone. Actually if I had my way we would have winter between December 15th and January 31st. And Spring would begin on February 1st. Promptly! But actually winter is an excellent time for writing because I never want to go out. And thus endeth my first blog posting. Will I post again? Who knows?
Born in Manhattan, Bertrice Small has lived on eastern Long Island for 34 years, and she loves it! She is a Sagittarian, married to a Pisces, with an Aries son. Her greatest passions are her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.
She is the author of 49 novels. 38 are Historical Romance, 6 are Fantasy Romance, and 5 are Erotic Contemporary. Visit her website at www.BertriceSmall.comDo you have a great story inside you? Let a group of multi-published authors from Dunes & Dreams Romance Writers help you turn your idea into a novel and point you toward publication!
Join us for any or all sections of a four- part series at Huntington Public Library, 338 Main St., Huntington. Advance registration required. All classes run from 10 AM to 12 PM.
January 30, 2010 Session 1: Brainstorming Your Plot
This session will include tips and advice on plotting, characterization, your opening hook, and using a good balance of dialogue and narrative to move your story forward.
February 27, 2010 Session II: Whipping Your Sagging Middle Into Shape
Don’t let your story lose momentum and sink. Learn how to maintain the passion with your prose throughout those middle pages and keep your readers enthralled.
March 27, 2010 Session III: Reaching the Finish Line
A good story ties up all loose ends and completes the emotional journey between author and reader. This session will cover the need for a crisis moment and the subsequent satisfactory conclusion necessary for all fiction works.
April 24, 2010 Session IV: Releasing Your Story Into the Wild
The publishing business is filled with pitfalls where even the best and brightest can become hopelessly lost. Learn how to navigate the treacherous waters of print and digital publishing and the different aspects of each. Discover which venue is best for you and your work.
REGISTER AT THE HUNTINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY OR BY PHONE AT (631) 427-5165.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DUNES & DREAMS ROMANCE WRITERS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
www.dunesanddreams.org
Together, Candace Gold and her alter-ego, Candy Caine, who writes the edgier, hot and sassy stories, have published over 200 short stories and two novels. They try to live together harmoniously on Long Island, NY, with her husband, Robert. Supportive with her writing career, he’s always willing to help her make certain the scenes for her Candy Caine stories are authentic. Read more about Candace and Candy at her website www.CandaceGold.comHappy New Year! I love the fresh pages of the calendar, ready and waiting to be filled in. There’s already quite a bit of Dunes and Dreams activities…the program at the Huntington Library and the monthly meeting on January 30. Of course, I’m most excited about the online workshop, ”No Matter How Busy You Are, You Can FIND TIME TO WRITE!” with Kelly L. Stone.
When I first saw the workshop title, I was a little disappointed. I thought, if you love to write, you simply make the time, and that’s that. But the hectic pace of modern life makes it easier said than done. I can find the time, but what am I actually doing with the time that I have? I was grateful to discover the workshop will be addressing that topic, too, and others such as:
- Finding a writing schedule that works
- Creating a Personalized Writing Action Plan
- Dealing with resistance to writing
- Dealing with interruptions
No matter how relaxed or busy your life is, someone or something is going to want a piece of your writing time. Once you find the time, how do you make it sacred and productive?
I look forward to devoting January to learning how and hope you all will join me!
Laura Hitchens has been writing since she was eight years old! A writer by trade, Laura has written non-fiction articles, papers and websites. Now, she's excited about writing fiction! Follow her adventures while she pens her romance novels on her blog http://life-with-lorelei.blogspot.com.With the tragic events in my personal life over the last few months (and a major blizzard last weekend) I’m still playing catch-up when it comes to gifts, baking, and decorating in December. But at least, online, I can look prepared for this month’s festivities. So,here are my wishes for all the ladies of Dunes & Dreams RWA for 2010:
Dynamite ideas
Oodles of writing time
Great workshops
Fascinating speakers
Completed manuscripts
Lucrative contracts
Bestseller lists
The best darn RWA chapter around (Oh, wait! We already have that!)
No matter how and what you celebrate, may you be surrounded by love! Nothing else in this world matters.
Gina Ardito writes lighthearted contemporary romance. Her alter ego, Katherine Brandon, writes sweeping historicals. While Gina is the co-founder and current President of Dunes & Dreams, Katherine avoids politics and maintains a low profile. Find out more about both authors by visiting their respective websites: www.ginaardito.com and www.katherinebrandon.com
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