We heaved and pushed and made it over the finish line

When I first heard of the words "blog tour" I didn't know what they meant. How was I going to tour around with people who live millions of miles from me? Then I was added to the secret group and besides feeling specially selected, I was bewildered. But Tasha, helpful as she always is, answered all the questions through her posts and clarified all my confusion. Now I was excited. Sure, I had a blog, actually I had two, but I didn’t know what to post about half of the time, and the other half I was rambling stupidly.

Now, a participant in a real live blog tour, I was posting on a weekly basis and writing too. Tasha provided the topics or sent us in search of them and I will admit there were several times that I was going to quit; hand in my honorary blog tour badge and sit with my lip hanging- defeated. But, I didn’t, I made it through 16, yes SIXTEEN weeks of a blog tour, writing a post for every one of those 16 weeks. Sure, they were not always on time, because I don't do PC time on the weekends, my glorious little angel demands my attention on Saturdays and the hubby on Sundays and when I am not showering them with attention I am busy in my little business. But I would still hurry into my office on a Monday morning and tap at the keys trying to bleed some words out for my guest post.

Of course the journey was not without its bumps. I have, in my eleven years of being employed, worked with all sorts of people and so I wasn't surprised to meet some on this tour who didn't keep up their end of the bargain. I do understand that all sorts of things arise in our lives to keep us from keeping deadlines, but if you can update your facebook status every ten minutes you can quickly leave a message in the TTC-VBT group informing the organisers that you won't be making this week's post. However, I know it didn't affect me half as much as it affected Tasha, who is a real trooper for having such patience with all the participants.

I, on the other hand, peeped out of my shell and trotted along the path, week by week, bringing myself out a little more every week until I slowly made it, at my own pace, over the finish line. I am a very shy and introverted person, who would not approach another person about guest posts, but after this blog tour you can bet I will be doing that now. The tour taught me how to seek out people who write in my genres and how to trade with them, a post for a post. I made a lot of new friends too. I also learnt how to post regularly by doing flash fiction and getting my readers involved in my WIP, also a way to promote it before it is released.

I wasn’t like the legend Usain Bolt, instead I stumbled down the path like an awkward child, falling down every now and again, to have Tasha pick me up brush me off and send me on my way again. But I was glad that along the way I got to meet a lot of wonderful people, like Tara Chevrestt; who I am in awe of because of her ambition to write and release romance novels, I think I kind of stalk her now on her progress and I tell myself, get going on your work, look how many books Tara has coming out. She has become somewhat of a role model for me.

I already knew that Ellie Mack was a straight talker and an avid blogger and was pleased to host one of those very "kick in the butt" posts.

I was inspired by Linda Bolton's blog and how she keeps all her posts about romance in keeping with her genre.

Bruce Blake and Doug Simpson got me interested in their novels and after acquiring On Faithful Wings in a free giveaway, I am now reading it and quite intrigued to see where the story is going.

Nikki Noffsinger taught me about vanity presses and I was very grateful for that lesson.

I learnt how to create author interview questions, and how to write author spotlights, things I knew nothing about before this tour.

I made it to the end because I didn’t want to be one of the persons who disappointed Tasha. Every time I thought of dropping out I thought about the fact that I wasn’t doing so because my schedule was packed, or I had more pressing and important things to do, but was doing so because I didn’t believe I could do it, and then I would go read the posts in the group and there was always an encouraging word from Tasha; offering tips on how to do the post, where we can inspiration from, inviting persons who were encountering problems to share the problems so she could work with them and so much more. I made it to the end of this tour without missing a post because of Tasha Turner’s encouragement, leadership and support. She is not only a brilliant and magnificent individual; she is also a great leader, guide and friend.

So now I congratulate myself for making it here and I hope I can continue to post at least weekly, using the knowledge I have acquired from the blog tour and keep all you new supporters on my blog entertained.

Thanks for the experience Tasha and all those who participated.

Stop! Don't delete that scene!

Some of us writers tend to change a lot of our story when we are editing; pressing the delete button or cutting out what we don't want and saving it in another document for later use. This week's guest in the TTC VBT is Doug Simpson and he tells us how scenes that could no longer fit into his first book turned his plot in to a series.

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Tides of Change in the Mind of the Author

After over a year of publishing articles in a number of countries, which has now grown to seven countries, I decided to see if I had the talent and tenacity to write a novel. I had previously written or attempted to write novels a number of times over about forty years but could never come up with a respectable manuscript. I always seemed to find a major flaw that I did not like, and really could not adequately change, so the scrap paper pile just got deeper, again.

So, why did I think I was any smarter this time around? Good question. All I can say is that experience in bad writing is still valuable experience, even if it is not profitable. Besides, I was now retired and my time was mine, after my wife and grandchildren claimed their cut. I also had some new found ideas which had accumulated in my thick head, as a result of my hundreds of hours of researching a select group of the over 15,000 readings given by the legendary American mystic, Edgar Cayce.

My major area of research was survival of the soul and spirit after the death of the body, and the reincarnation of souls. Sounded like a pretty interesting topic to me. Next, I needed a hero. In about one second flat the name Dacque popped into my head. What’s a Dacque, I wondered? Never heard of him or it! Then, after a little careful consideration, I realized that it was a fantastic name for a kind-hearted Good Samaritan because it was unique. If someone asks you, “Did you read the new book about Tom?” the first thing you ask is, “Tom who?” But, if somebody says, “Did you read the new book about Batman or Superman?” you know exactly who they are talking about right away. Unique! Dacque is not the same kind of superhero as those two, but he is a very special. He is the kind of hero in his own right. Go ahead, I dare you. Go to your favorite search engine and search for Dacque. I just did, and my boy appears twice in the first ten entries. I’ll gladly take that kind of coverage any day.

My original intention was to have Dacque, an avid walker, encounter a handful of individuals in distress on his morning walks and to write a few chapters on how my ‘Good Samaritan’ assisted these individuals to get over their problems or difficulties. I thought an appropriate title might be Soul Attraction, where Dacque is led to these individuals in distress and you get to read about how he helps them get over their various difficulties. That didn’t last long. Dani Christian, the first damsel requiring rescuing proved to be so interesting that she demanded the entire novel, and the name on the cover became Soul Awakening, reflecting the fact that Dacque assisted Dani and some of her new friends to discover their past associations in their previous lifetimes.

If Dani Christian kidnapped Book I, Soul Awakening, what happened to the other poor souls that were supposed to be rescued after Dacque had performed his miracles on her life? Not a big problem. It simply gave me an excuse to turn the adventures of a Good Samaritan with the unusual name of Dacque, into a series titled The Dacque Chronicles. Book II, titled Soul Rescue, should be published later this year and Book III, titled Soul Mind is slated for a late 2012 or 2013 release. Book IV has been started but Dacque had been so busy promoting his earlier escapades that he has not found time to advise me how it turns, yet. Darn. Put your hero is in the limelight and he thinks he’s a star!

© Doug Simpson 2012

Doug Simpson is a retired high school teacher who has turned his talents to writing. His first novel, a spiritual mystery titled Soul Awakening, was published in the United States in October of 2011, by Book Locker. Check it out at http://booklocker.com/books/5754.html. It is available in print and eBook format through most book stores around the world. His magazine and website articles have been published in 2010 to 2012 in Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His articles can be accessed through his website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net.

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Thanks to our guest Doug Simpson for sharing how his series was born. After reading about Dacque I am quite intrigued to read the book, are you?

 

  

An erotica romance author bares it all for your eyes only

Welcome back to Anjie's corner and the TTC Virtual Blog tour. This week we got the opportunity to sit down with a fellow author and ask them a few questions. When I found out that I would be getting to interview the sultry Laci Page, I was doing the happy dance. As an aspiring erotica romance author I couldn't wait to get the fat and skinny out of this author. So we sat down with a cup of joe and a pen and paper and as she dished, I wrote. So here goes, all you wanted to know about Laci Page and her writing.

Welcome Laci

1.    Can you tell us a little about yourself? Something that isn’t in your bio below.

My first love is the young adult paranormal romance genre. I’d never read anything erotic until a few years ago, and once I did I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I found I actually enjoyed it.

2.    When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Three short years ago. I put the words to a page as a personal challenge and I found out that it was something I enjoyed.

3.    What is your life like when you are not writing?

I’m a wife and stay at home mother of two teens who keep me busy running “mom’s taxi”.

4.    Are you published? Did you go self publish or tradition and why?

Yes, I am published. My debut erotic novella, “Let’s Keep On Truckin’” released a few short months ago. I chose to go with a small press publisher, Decadent Publishing. Self publishing the way I would want to (hiring cover artist and editors) would cost more than I could afford so I opted against it.

5.    What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How my mind works amazes me. Once I got going, the ideas and characters just came to life, and I never knew I had that in me. That was my biggest surprise in all of this.

6.    Who are some of your favorite Authors?

I don’t have favorites. I just enjoy the romance genre in general.

7.    Laci Page is known for erotic romance, how did you choose that genre?

I read an erotic novella that I won in a contest, and loved it. After a couple of days of thinking about it, I said, “I think I could write stories like that.” And I did.

8.    Do you think you could write other genres? And which ones?

Sure, I think I could. Some not as well as others. Contemporary and Paranormal would be the two that stick out in my mind, but I wouldn’t hold to just those. If my brain gets an idea I am going with it.

9.    Laci Page is a nom de plume, why did you choose to write behind a pen name?

I’ve also had a young adult story published under my real name, and would not want my younger teenage fans to find the erotic stories and read them.

10. What does it take to make an erotic romance sizzle?

For me: It starts with an enticing cover, a catchy blurb, good editing (errors remove you from the scene), and a story that grabs you from the start. The characters should have an undeniable chemistry in and out of the bedroom. 

11. Did you write query letters for your book? Is there any advice you could share on query letters for aspiring authors?

No. I didn’t write query letters. I actually contacted a publisher and sent an email for an open submission. I explained I was new to the writing world and wanted someone to take a look at my work to see if I was any good. After a couple of rejections/suggestions they accepted one of my stories.

12. If you could pick a celebrity to play one character in the movie version of your book, who would it be?

Unknowns. None of my characters remind me of anyone on the big screen right now.

13. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Any criticism is hard to swallow. Whether it’s good or bad. When the editors send my first round of edits, it’s always hard to swallow, but I keep telling myself I will improve over time. When I hear the good, “Wow, that was good. I didn’t know you could write like that.” I smile, but I’ve never been one to take compliments well. That’s just who I am. The best compliment is when someone says they couldn’t put my story down.

14. You work with a publisher, what is one of the toughest things to face when working with a publisher and one of the best parts of working with a publisher?

Everything is great working with my publisher. They take care of “behind the scenes” while I work with my editors to polish my stories. My publisher assigned a cover artist and I work with them to get a great cover based on my suggestions, meanwhile they assign me three editors (content, line and senior) who one by one go through my manuscript. They also format my book to put it on dozens of purchase sites, and issue review copies to reviewers. Decadent Publishing is a neat group of people who are always there for each other. The support there is unbelievable. The draw backs to a publisher is people need to get paid for their hard work, so I don’t get as much of a percentage off sales as I would if I self published.  

15. There are different views to the topic that readers judge books on their covers. As an erotic writer what are your views on how a cover influences someone to buy or not buy a book.

Just from hanging around on facebook the old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is so far from the truth when it comes to my genre. People LOVE cover art in the erotic/erotica world. The sexier the better. It seems to pull people toward certain books.

16. I am an erotica/romance aspiring author, presently editing my first novel, a lesfic romance, but mostly through my editing I keep telling myself that my writing is too boring, that no one would actually want to read it. What is one piece of advice that you would give me or any other aspiring author in my position with regard to my self-doubt and fears?

It’s very normal to feel that way. Even experienced long time authors have some self doubt sometimes. If this is something you really want to do, stick to your guns and pursue it. I would say to find a critique group or a few beta readers. Let them be the judge, and don’t use friends who might be afraid to hurt your feelings to get honest feedback. It’s scary to let people read your work, but isn’t that the goal in the end?

Thank you so much for hosting me today. You drafted up a great line of questions, and I enjoyed answering them! Good luck on your future ventures and with your writing!

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Blurb from “Let’s Keep On Truckin’” (By Laci Paige and Decadent Publishing, heat level 4).

Lily loves traveling on her job since no one can do it better than her. Being out on the open road gives her plenty of time to reflect and avoid unwanted attention, but somehow it always finds her....

When she comes across Ryder, first at a grocery store, then at a rest stop, sexual desire sparks and she knew she had to have him. If only her ex hadn't shown up, igniting a fantasy she never thought possible.

Seeing Alex in a whole new light, Lily realizes second chances are in order, but will she have to choose between the two men? Or could she be happy with both?

Excerpt:

In the candy aisle, I felt someone looking at me. Turning my head, I gazed past a man standing near me. A very nice looking man, but I ignored him, or at least I tried to. His green eyes locked on mine. Warmth and tingles spread throughout my body causing my knees to go weak. The man’s face held sharp features, and his sultry lips rewarded me with a demure smile. I would’ve loved to feel them on mine. He stepped closer to me. My heart rate spiked. Nodding to the shelf in front of us, he focused in on something and reached for it. He stopped mid-reach, and our gazes met again. His arm lowered. I knew I couldn’t look away, and I had a feeling he couldn’t either. I bit my bottom lip, and I saw him take notice. He leaned in close to me, mouth parted to speak.

“Excuse me,” a voice requested. We stepped away from each other so the woman behind us could retrieve candy from the shelf. She sure took her time. Separated by the woman, I kept glancing over at the man. He, too, continued to gaze my way. There was something about him; he made something stir inside me.

Available for purchase from: http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Keep-on-Truckin-ebook/dp/B00816ZX9S/ & http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=540&osCsid=1okloom7mnbvupdk81i3741s21

Author Bio:

When Laci’s not reading or writing she can be found spending time with her husband supporting their children. Laci enjoys camping, hiking, & photography. And she loves to chat with fans on Twitter and Facebook. Laci and her family currently reside in Hampton Roads, VA.  You can contact Laci Page at any of the following links:

http://lacipaige.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/laci_paige

https://www.facebook.com/lacipaige

https://www.facebook.com/authorlacipaige

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=540&osCsid=28h21vnldsgfgbo3feevilqdj3

We are All Mental - Ellie Mack

This week’s guest, the eloquent Ellie Mack, discusses a topic I think we all can relate to. Her post resonated with me as I am in the process of building my house. I remember when I went to the bank and filled out that withdrawal slip almost emptying all I have saved over the past few years, I walked out in almost cold sweat. I went home and instructed the workers to cut the trees and set the foundation. I watched them work and my heart seemed to beat in my throat. Walls began closing in around me and I felt as though I would pass out. All it was in my life was a progressive change. I heard a youth on the road last evening repeated saying, “scared money don’t make money, fearless money makes money.” It made a lot of sense to me, my money was sitting in the bank and my fiancé and I are living apart even after having a child, it was time to as my guest puts it below, become a “box smasher.” Ellie Mack’s posting below not only resonates with me but it feels like a pep talk for all those of you scared of change and the unknown.

o.O.o.o.o.o.O.o.o.o o.O.o.o.o.o.O. o.o.o o.O.o.o.o.o.O. o.o.o o.O.o.o.o.o.O. o.o.o o.O.o.o.o.o.O

We're All Mental

By Ellie Mack

Let's face it we are our own worst enemy! I know there are many of us with this affliction. We try to hide it, keep it under lock and key but the strange thing is others can often recognize it before we can see it in ourselves. It robs us of simple pleasures, prevents us from participating in life and hinders us from stepping outside of our box.

We play these mental games with ourselves, and then either pander ourselves out of doing things or admonishing ourselves for our failings. Sickos - all of us! Shame, shame, shame!

What is it? Anxiety Disorders. OK, you may not be fully diagnosed with it but we all have various stages of this budding affliction.

I am notoriously one who is daring, willing to try things. Bungee jumping, parasailing, snorkeling, spelunking - ok won't be doing that one again anytime soon, and even rappelling are not things for the faint of heart. Instead of giving into peer pressure, I was the kid your parents warned you about. Yes, I did daring stupid things. Yes, I jumped off a roof. Yes, I took a dare more often than I gave them. But as I've gotten older and become responsible for the lives of others (parenting changes you - it really does), I've detected a line of thinking that is akin to an anxiety disorder.

My 17 year old daughter is getting ready to begin her senior year in high school - yeah! Go Sarah! However today she is nearly in a panic, because of the unknown.

She stated it like this: "When you're going to do something that you're nervous about it, it's best to just do it and not think about it. Sort of like getting on a roller coaster, you don't think about the physics of the design of the roller coaster, or the g-force, or how dangerous it is. You just look at it and think - ooh, fun!"

Yeah, if we all could remember that! However, when we face a new challenge our brains go into high gear and we over analyze the situation, adding the terrifying what ifs. Choosing a new hairstyle, starting a new phase like starting college, starting a new job, making a career change, going to a different gym, taking a different route to work, they can all be intimidating. Personally, I don't think it's a matter of anxiety disorder but fear. It's scary to step out sometimes but as you talk yourself out of it, you convince yourself it's scary and not worth trying, therefore next time it's easier to stay in your box. Before you know it, the box has shrunk and your stuff has an inch of dust on it.

Yep, you know it, I'm a box smasher! I come in like a tornado and rearrange the furniture, move your stuff, shift things "6 inches to the right"; sometimes tearing out an entire wall to expand a wing. For those who think I never get scared - get real! I just do it afraid.

Fake it till you make it, or never let them see you sweat. Either one works. I know a person however, that over the years has let themselves be overwhelmed by the smallest of things, allowing their box to close in so that it's such a cramped little affair there's barely room to turn around. It's sad, really.

Now there are individuals who really do have anxiety disorders. I have some of the symptoms that I will list below, but I don't let it dominate my mind. I am not dead yet, and I've got a lot more life to live. In fact, I intend to live mine out loud! If you're not so bold and brazen maybe you could start with baby steps. Wear a different color; it can be a huge shock to the system. Smile at someone you don't know - I know, shocking. Try a new food - I don't know, that could be risky. Read this blog - omg - we may be moving a little too fast. One step at a time!

My point is that as we get older we are more prone to settle into routines. Routines then become ruts and before long the rut is a grave with the ends knocked out. We allow worries and fears to dominate our thinking and before long we accept failure because we are afraid to try. I don't want to be that person. It's humorous to watch Mr. Monk, but in reality it would be a sad existence. I know from personal acquaintance, the above mentioned person's box is beginning to resemble a coffin.

So here's what WEbMD has to say about it:

What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:

• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
• Nightmares
• Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
• Problems sleeping
• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• An inability to be still and calm
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Nausea
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness

I'm sure we can all recognize some of those symptoms but it doesn’t mean we need to run out and get a prescription for Xanax. I rebel against the pharmaceutical companies need to overmedicate the world population when all we need to do is put on our big girl/ big boy pants and live life - to the fullest measure experiencing everything it can throw our way! Just dodge the tomatoes.

Yeah, and some call me an adrenaline junkie as well! It doesn't matter though, I'm having a blast.

Write on my friends, write on!

About the blogger.

Ellie Mack lives in a small town near St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BS in geography/cartography. She has worked for Department of Defense, county government, as a substitute teacher, and various other jobs.  Her hobbies include reading, bicycling, playing Tombraider, and Dance games such as Dance Dance Revolution, and Zumba. Between being a mother to two teenage girls, a wife, homemaker, and a mortgage loan officer, Ellie writes paranormal romances.
Ellie’s first erotica piece is appearing on http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/

Ellie’s blog can be found at:  http://quotidiandose.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/passion-2/

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Do you ever feel like you are having an anxiety attack? What are the sort of things that bring on these attacks for you? Do face fear head on like Ellie? Share your thoughts below, we are curious to know what you think on the topic.

To plot or panster? Whether it is nobler in the mind to self-edit or not? -Allison Bruning

All writers have their own writing process; whether we make big charts and long sheets before we start write, or whether upon the birth of an idea we just sit and tap away at the keys letting the story carry us wherever it wants; we all write in our own way with our own process. Some of us call ourselves plotters; some of us, the ones who write by the seat of their pants, call ourselves pansters, and some of are a hybrid of the two types.
Today our guest Allison Bruning tells us which one she is and gives us a peek into her writing process.

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To plot or panster? Whether it is nobler in the mind to self-edit or not? Those are the questions running in my mind?

               Alright so I took some liberties with William Shakespeare. This week on the Tasha Turner Virtual Blog Tour we were asked to write about our writing process. With so many characters in my head fighting for my attention it can be hard at times to organize my own writing process. I have to admit. I am a pantser. If there were a group called Panster Anonymous I would be their leader. Can you see it now, “Hello, my name is Allison Bruning. I drive writing professors nuts. I am a writer who flies by the seat of her pants then sits down to organize her characters, plots and what ever else needs structure. I am a pantser.” Yeah that’s me. I’m well known to write three copies of the same novel then merge them together into one storyline. I’m also known to start a story, research while writing it then incorporate the research into the storyline. I’ll edit chapter by chapter as I go, inserting information here and there. With Calico, I really didn’t have the interesting details about Hunting Bear until around my third draft. He just wasn’t speaking to me about his motivations until the story was almost completed. I knew he wanted to hurt Calico and I knew it was somehow connected to Alexander but that didn’t come to my story until much later. I had to discover the character of the Demon Bride before Hunting Bear told me why he wanted to hurt Calico. Once the Demon Bride storyline was open up to me, I went back into my story and added the missing chapters and details that were not only vital but missing from my storyline.

After I have finished writing my first draft it’s time for me to edit. I will be the first to tell you I suck at editing my own work. Actually, I’m not the only author that can say this too. You will find most authors have a hard time doing this. We are just too close to our work. So what is the answer to this dilemma? I used to use my husband. I would write the storyline then read it out to him. But now that he is going school for two BA’s that is hard for him to do. He works fulltime and goes to school fulltime.

              Enter the beta readers! What is a beta reader? I was asking that question a few months ago when my publisher introduced me to the concept. A beta reader is someone who reads the first draft of an author’s work looking to see if the story flows and if there are mistakes with characterization, grammar, etc. These people are a godsend, let me tell you! They can find the mistakes and offer suggestions that I would have never been able to see for myself. After I receive the suggestions back from the beta reader, I incorporate them into my story. I go chapter by chapter afterwards making certain everything runs smoothly, listening to my characters to tell if the story is complete or not. I can’t explain it but you will just know when it is ready to be submitted. Then I send my masterpiece to my social media coach, another godsend for any author to have in her backpocket, and together we tighten everything up for submission to a publishing house.

Most people think writers just sit and write all day. As you can see, writing is work. As I say over and over again, it takes a team of creative and dedicated people to publish a book. Thank heavens there are beta readers and social media coaches out there to help the ever wandering voices in my head. 

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• About the Author

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  The Executive Director of the Kentucky Young Writers Connection, a non-profit agency of writers who promote young authors throughout the state of Kentucky. Allison originally hails from Marion, Ohio. Her father, Roland Irving Bruning, was the son of German immigrants who came to the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Her mother's family had been in the United States since the 17th century. Allison is a member of the Peter Foree Chapter of the  Daughters of American Revolution. Her linage traces to Private Reuben Messenger of Connecticut. Her educational background includes a BA in Theater Arts with a minor in Anthropology and a Texas Elementary Teaching certificate. Both acquired at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Allison received National Honor Society memberships in both Theater Arts and Communication. Allison was also honored her sophomore year with admission into the All American Scholars register. She holds graduate hours in Cultural Anthropology and Education. In 2007 she was named Who's Who Among America's Educators. She is also the recipient of the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards.

  
   

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  Allison lives with her husband in Kentucky.  Calico is book one from the series, Children of the Shawnee. It is available at http://amzn.to/JSNRpm. She is currently working on the sequel, Rose.  She is also working on another series, The Secret Heritage, which traces the life of her great great grandmother at the turn of the 20th century in Ohio. Allison's interest includes Ohio Valley history, anthropology, travel, culture, history, camping, hiking, backpacking, spending time with her family and genealogy. Her genres include historical fiction, paranormal, romance, and suspense.

  
  You can reach her at:

  Facebook: http://on.fb.me/xxJ249

  Facebook Fan Page http://on.fb.me/plvkxJ

  Twitter: @emeraldkell

  
  Blog: http://bit.ly/whteQI

  
  Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5164664.Allison_Bruning

How Did We Get to the Beginning?

You have read a novel, enjoyed the scenes, got involved with the characters, shared their sorrows and joys and then when you close it you wonder: How do these people come up with this stuff?
Well here today on my blog to enlighten you to the process of how he comes up with his story and characters is the talented science fiction author Raymond Frazee. Raymond is also one of my colleagues on the story blog StorytimeTrsyts and is featured every Monday.
So, sit back and about Raymond Frazee process of writing and creating characters:

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How did we get to the Beginning?
by Raymond Frazee

Characters and novels.  Jeez, not too much to deal with, is it?  Well, I’m a wordy guy, so hang on as I tear up the countryside to talk about my biggest, but as yet unpublished novel . . .

When I started writing Transporting, I had a very nebulous concept:  guy gets kidnapped to the future, something happens to him, gets über psychic powers, falls in love, goes back in time to see aliens, fights to save them.  There is it:  that’s the story.

 I had a core of four characters—well, five, but you gotta see how I did that.  So, where to start?  How about characters, and how I came up with them?  Sure, you got it.

 First, let’s look at the kidnappers.  As I have in my novel’s notes, here is one of my main female characters, Cytheria:

  

Her Grace Lady Cytheria Lakshanya Warington, Duchess of Scoth, Marchioness of Windslade, Countess of Magdalen ("Cy") (29)

Born Scoth, May 7, 3153 (GS)

Daughter of Duke Scoth, Jeremy (60), Deputy First Speaker for the Council of Lords, New London, and Duchess Scoth, Amishi (deceased). Lady of the Royal Courts of New London, Scoth and University, OHE, CH, PC, FRS. Matriculated Lady Margaret Hall, (3171) with BA in History-Sociology.

Diagnosed as a controlling Talent, 3164. Diagnosed with controllable multiple psychic abilities, 3166. Diagnosed as "psychic twin" (PT) candidate, 3169. Registered with Security Service (MI5) Department of Extraordinary Government Assets (DEGA) (Gifted Beings Division) and Ministry of Science Advanced Psychic Abilities Division (APA) as an Aptitude A-3 Psycho-Manipulative Individual (PMI), 3172. Rating upgraded by DEGA/APA to Aptitude A-1A (Classification Special, PT-Transient) Psycho-Manipulative Individual (PMI), 3177 (GS).

Minor Fellow of Magdalen College (New Oxford). On extended research sabbatical attached to the Quantum Studies Department, Magdalen College, New Oxford, University.

Now, when I started thinking of her back in the late 1980’s, I imagined her as this short, curly-haired woman with a demanding aura, and just a bit on the snooty side.  The person I saw her as—at that time—was Sarah Sutton, who isn’t very well known in the U.S., but is better known as having played Nyssa on Doctor Who.

By the time I started editing the novel in the early 2000’s, I saw her moving away from being small and demanding, and a little more—I guess you could say real looking.  I began envisioning her as being taller and far more curvaceous, as one might hope that twelve hundred years down the time line, society isn’t going to continue perpetuate the Death Camp Survivor look for women, and let people be people.  I still wanted her to have a certain air about her, one that said, “My family has been noble born for 12 generations,” but not so haughty that she’d end that statement with, “Suck on it, commoners.”

 But when it came time to finish the novel, I was struck with something else, something that I hadn’t considered when I started writing the novel over twenty years ago.  After twelve hundred years, humanity would become pretty crossed up, ethnicity-wise, with dozens of generations of intermingling.  One of the major things I changed was Cytheria’s mother, who was a descendent of generations of Indian/Hindustani culture.  So now Cytheria was not only a lovely, curvy, full-figured woman, but one with darker eyes, hair, and skin, than her original concept.  Which is how she remains today.  Still a bit haughty, though:  make certain when you address her, you know you’re speaking with a duchess . . .

Now, for the guy who pilots the time machine:

 Sir Dr. Thomas McCrimmon ("Tommy") (34)

Born Aberdeen, 6 March, 3148 (Galactic Standard [GS])

Director of the Theoretical Sciences ("Quantum Studies") Department, Magdalen College, New Oxford, University. Schrödinger and Hawking Chair (New Oxford), Honorary Lucasian and Newton chair (Cambridge Intergalactic), Knight of the Realm, MHE, PC, FRS, Fellow of Magdalen College (New Oxford), Fellow of Darwin College (Cambridge Intergalactic), Nobel Prize for Physics (3177), Schrödinger/Hawking Medallion for Practical Quantum Applications (3175), Einstein Prize for Physics (3174), Copley Medal (3173).

Developed and constructed Quantum Extra-Dimensional Conveyance (QEDC) ("Q-Scape") 3173-3176. First quantum dimensional transposition: 12 April, 3176 (GS).

 I made him Scottish because—why not?  I liked it, so never the mind.

When I put him together, I imagined Tommy looking a little like Peter Davison.  Why not?  Since Peter worked with Sarah, no reason why he couldn’t work with Cytheria.  His home planet, Aberdeen, was founded by a lot of people from Scotland, but that doesn’t mean Tommy is this pasty-skinned egghead.  He’s got a bit of a tan because, once again, finding someone who’s really light-skinned takes some doing.  (Oh, I have someone like that in a later story—it’s because she comes from a planet that goes around an orange sun.  And she’s somewhat Welsh.  Go figure.)

Tommy is smart:  he’s considered one of the most intelligent individuals of this era in history.  He lives simple.  He doesn’t like to put on airs.  He doesn’t suffer fools, but he’s not completely arrogant.  He actually comes to like the guy they kidnapped, Albert, because he knows, as big of a screw up as Albert can be, he’s also a bright guy who only needs a guidance.  A lot of guidance, but guidance nonetheless.

He’s also a guy who remains calm through most everything—even a discussion about an accident that could be more powerful than several supernovas going off at once, and wiping out all life within dozen of parsecs.  Why?  Science!  That’s why!

Lets bring in another doctor—the Psychic Doctor:

 Dr. Lynette Wesley (41) (GS)

 Born Tsavo, June 4, 3141

Director of Special Talents Development and Psychological Studies, Magdalen College, New Oxford, University. Rhine Chair (New Oxford), MHE, CH, FRS, Fellow of Magdalen College (New Oxford). Randi Emeritus Award (3165).

Doctor Wesley is a person who, when I started developing her, really didn’t have much of a personality.  She was the head of the department where all the shiny Talents when to learn their new-found abilities.  She set up the tests; she helped teach everyone; she kept everyone safe.  And if a Talent ever got out of line, she might just have to drop a dime on their ass and call in the SAS to smoke them.  Because her duty is to Empire and Queen first, the local citizenry second, and to crazy, fire-ball throwing Talents last.

Lynette is a very dark woman, the results of many generations of marriage between people of central and southern African heritage.  Her home world, Tsavo, also revolves around a star that is hotter and brighter than our Sun, and that helps darken her just a little more.  She’s tall and willowy, though “willowy” in the 32^nd Century is a lot different concept than willowy these days.  She’s not rail-thin, but compared to what would be the norm for women in this future, she’s a bit thinner—and this is something that often bothers her.  Oh, if only she could somehow gain those last five kilos . . .

And lets look at the guy who started all this stuff:  Albert Dahl.

Albert was from the 1980’s.  He was working in Chicago as a computer programmer.  He was alone, he was depressed a lot, he was bi-polar.  He had no one in his life, and he didn’t think he’d ever have one, so there came a day when he decided to end it all.

While hanging out at Navy Pier, he was nabbed by Cytheria . . . and as they used to say at Torchwood, Cardiff, that’s when everything changed.

See, when Cytheria was back in the 1980’s, checking on a bit of history, she felt something, and she followed that feeling to Chicago.  She found Albert, and she kidnapped him so she—with Tommy’s help—could have him tested by Lynette.  Never mind that what Cytheria thought about Albert being special was impossible, the feeling was still there.

 What no one knew was that Albert was special . . . because without him, there would have never been Audrey.

 Who is Audrey?  Audrey is Albert.  Or, I should say, she’s what Albert would have been had he been born a girl.  As quantum physics dictates, with unseen events, there are always both possibilities in existence until the event is observed.  So, in the case of birth, there is always a male and female baby until observation—at which point you could have a quantum wave collapse and two universes are created.  One universe had Albert, the other Audrey.

 Problem was, they were always connected.  Somehow—you know, those sub atomic physics are always an issue with me.  But there was some kind of connection there, and when Albert was removed from his environment, it caused things to—well, they got messed up.

As I say in the tale of the tape:

Albert/Audrey Dahl (29)

Born Earth (Terra), May 7, 1957 (GS)

 (Albert) Graduated Purdue University June 1982, with BS in Computer Science. Reported missing Chicago, IL, October 16, 1986. Case closed October 31, 2021, as unsolved. Date of Abduction October 13, 1986 (Monday) (October 11-12 was the date of second meetings between Reagan and Gorbochev.) Arrived New Oxford, University February 1, 3182 (Tuesday Local).

(Audrey) Much of her early history is currently unknown. Believed to have graduated Purdue University June 1982, with BA in Literature. Worked as copy editor, Entertainment Section, Chicago Sun Times, for unknown period of time. Date of disappearance unknown at time of this writing (3183 LS).

First Quantum Extra-Dimensional Transition (QET) occurred February 2, 3182 (Wednesday Local Standard). Second QET occurred May 13, 3182 (Saturday Local Standard). Registered with Security Service (MI5) Department of Extraordinary Government Assets (DEGA) (Gifted Beings Division) and Ministry of Science Advanced Psychic Abilities Division (APA) as an Aptitude A-1A (Classification Special, PT-Transient) Psycho-Manipulative Individual (PMI), 3179 (GS). Granted Extraordinary Duel Citizenship status by Royal Proclamation of Her Majesty Margaret II, Protector of the Interstellar Humanist Empire (IHE) and Defender of the Realm, August 23, 3182 (LS).

On extended attachment to the Quantum Studies Department, Magdalen College, New Oxford, University.

 Every twenty-five hundred hours, or so, Albert transitions into Audrey.  Everything in the physical body changes, but the mental part, the mind, the memories, that part all stays Albert—the rest is Audrey.  The upside to all of this is she links to Cytheria, and they become a very powerful entity:  Twins, who are like almost off the scale as far as abilities are concerned.  Not only that, but they’re mentally linked all the time:  they actually have to learn how to keep each other out, otherwise, they’re just chatting up a storm without ever physically saying a word.  Think of them as being like Jean Grey and Emma Frost if they both stopped trying to bang Scott, and decided to hook up and stay together.

It’s assumed the same thing is happening to the real Audrey, wherever she is, and that she’d going through a similar situation.  (Do I know, by the way?  Yes.  Am I telling?  Wait until that story comes out.)  And after twenty-five hundred, or so, hours, there is another transition, and it’s back to being Albert—and not having cool powers, not being connected to Cytheria.  But still having feelings for her, remembering how they were in their heads, how nice things could be . . .

So why the title Transporting?  It’s about change, about transition.  Going from being a no one to being someone.  To being powerless, to being a person that people will never want to mess with.  (I would love to get some artwork of Cytheria and Audrey together.  Cytheria knows cryokinesis and Audrey pryokinesis . . . Ice and Fire.  Yeah, I know:  been done.  But I still like them like that.)  It’s about feeling nothing, and being filled with desires and wants and needs.  It’s about having to deal with the idea that your life is always changing, and every time you turn around, something special—or horrible—may happen.

It’s also about the fact that at the end of the novel . . . you’re just going to have to wait until the novels—yes, the story is so big, it’s in three novels—are published.

And there you have it.  How my characters come to life, and how I do my titles.  At least that time around . . .

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Raymond Frazee has been writing most of his life, but only in the last year has he seen success.  His first story, Kuntilanak, was self-published, September, 2011, and is available at Smashwords, Barns & Noble, and Amazon.  His second story, Captivate and Control, is published by Naughty Nights Press, May, 2012, and is also at Smashwords, Barns & Noble, and Amazon.

Raymond is currently in the process of trying to publish a novel, and is working very hard towards his dream of becoming a full-time writer.

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So after reading this are you trying to figure out how your favourite characters or titles from your favourite books came to be? Are you a writer/author? Then share with us how your characters and titles come about, just leave a comment below. Let Raymond know what you think about his process and more. Don't be shy . . . ..