RAINE IN RUSSIAN !!!!!!!!!!

Yep, you heard me right -- Raine in Russian! (big, humongous, freakin' grin)

This is the news I hinted at in December, but I couldn't tell you until the contracts were signed. The Russians made the offer, we (of course) accepted the offer, but I couldn't say a danged thing until I'd signed the contracts (which I received and signed last night). I just love signing contracts! ; )

The details: AST Publishers in Moscow bought the Russian translation rights for both Magic Lost, Trouble Found and Armed & Magical! Both books will be printed first in hardcopy (woot!) and then in paperback. Believe me, when I get my sample copies, I'll definitely post plenty of photos.

I know you expected a pound cake recipe today (yeah, I can hear the groans of disappointment), but I thought the news of Raine in Russian! was just a wee bit more fun than dessert (at least it is to me). But if anyone's chomping at the bit to get a fantabulous pound cake recipe in time for a dinner/event/bakesale this weekend, just email me and I'll send it on. For everyone else, I'll post the recipe here next week.

And for the Saturday Fun Pic: I found a great Renaissance Faire photo of me, Derek, and Wes our fencing coach. I'll post it here tomorrow.

It's Friday, folks -- we made it!
Lisa

Overthinking my plot

Concentration and focus are usually good things, but sometimes it's bad to think too much. When you're driving is a good time to think; while operating a chain saw is a good time to think.

But when you're pushing through to the end of a book, sometimes you just gotta put your brain in park and go with your gut. Thinking too much is the kiss of death.

This is when writing a book with a 1st person point of view really saves your cookies. Raine is my POV; she's my only POV. And from right now through the end of the book, she has no clue what's going to happen. I do. All she knows is that she's headed for a Hellgate (not by her choice), the demon queen is waiting (who Raine has already pissed off), and she is woefully under armed.

I'm overthinking it, trying to tie up every loose end, pay off everything I've set up. It's overwhelming to try to work all that out at once. And for me, apparently it's impossible. I'm working too hard and thinking too much. On the other hand, Raine doesn't have all that to worry about. She's just trying to stay alive. And what you wanna bet that keeping Raine alive will do everything I need to do. So it's high time for Raine to earn her keep. Let her figure it out. I'll follow along behind and take notes. ; )

Coming up tomorrow: I'm out of recipes you can make a double batch of and stick in the freezer to serve when you're on deadline or just too busy to cook. (Check the archives for the others over the past four Fridays.) But in my humble opinion, I am the proud owner of quite possibly the best pound cake recipe on the planet. It was my mom's. It's light; it's fluffy; it's delicious. I'll post the recipe tomorrow.

Growing your characters

Update on The Trouble With Demons: I'm plotting out the last chapters, and while my deadline is looming (10 weeks away), I think I can do it. My writing brain obviously does. Last night it did the same thing that it did when I was closing in on the end of writing Armed & Magical -- it gave me the first couple paragraphs of the next book. What the. . .? Apparently it's finished with TTWD and is ready to move on to the next project (Bewitched & Betrayed). That tells me that the answers to the problems I'm having now are in my head, and my writing brain thinks it's up to me to dig them out. It's moved on to ponder fresh stuff. (Grrrr, stupid writing brain.)

Enough venting. On to today's blog topic -- the character arc. My agent, Kristin Nelson, impressed upon me the importance (no, the necessity) of the character arc. That's when your character starts out one way in the beginning of your book, but grows and changes through the course of your book. It doesn't have to be big stuff, but if a character stays the same, more than likely, the plot will stagnate.

From the beginning to the end of a book (or throughout a series), the main protagonist has to grow. And if like me, you have an ensemble cast (Raine, Mychael, Tam, Phaelan, Piaras) they have to grow as well. As I write, I learn more about them and they learn more about themselves and the other characters. This is where some delightful conflict can come into play. As I'm closing in on the end of TTWD, I ask myself: Did Raine grow? Did she learn more about herself and others than she knew at the beginning? Have the relationships between the main characters grown, deepened, and intensified? If the answers to those questions is yes, chances are that I've done my job and you all will like the final result. Hopefully. ; )

For tomorrow (or at least coming up in the next few days), I hope to be able to post a really neat surprise for those of you who are on the verge of getting an agent, or that first publishing contract. If I get the green light, I'll pop back in today and let you know.

Lisa

If you set it up, you gotta pay it off

Years ago, I was reading an interview with a mystery writer, and while I can't remember their name, what they said stuck with me. They said: If you show a gun on the mantel, at some point that gun better be fired.

Now that I'm in the last seven chapters or so of The Trouble With Demons, in addition to taking the book to its conclusion, I'm making sure that I've fired every gun on my mantle. To do that, I've had to go back and start reading from Chapter 1, taking notes of any potholes, or guns that need to be fired. Main plot line, sub-plots, and all that cool stuff that pops up in between -- if I set it up, I gotta pay it off. And throw in a few extra last-minute surprises. ; )

Now that I'm on the last few chapters, I'm also remembering that they take longer to write than the others (for the reasons mentioned above). I've got about 10 weeks to do 7 chapters, polish and send TTWD off to my editor. Firing the guns, paying it off, wrapping it up, all while finishing the story ain't easy, but it sure as heck is satisfying when I type that last sentence. If you listen closely around May 1st, you just might hear the squeeeee! ; )

Coming up tomorrow: Growing your characters through the course of your book.

Lisa

Taking it easy today

Yeah, I know. I'm blogging really late. I'm taking a sick day from my day job today. Woke up with virtigo -- walking's not a good idea with virtigo, let alone driving. Between that and just plain exhaustion (the last couple of chapters of a book always does that to me), I slept until 10:00. Usually I'm up by 6:00. The whirlies have subsided for the most part, but I'm going to take it easy today. I'll read over the notes I have for the final seven (or so) chapters, then I'm going to treat myself to reading other people's books. Ooooooo, the luxury. The luxurious reading part will probably last a whopping five minutes until I fall asleep again. If that happens, I'll listen to my body, curl up with the pups and take myself another nap. Not to worry, I'll be back on my feet and back in the office tomorrow.

Coming up this week: "If you set it up, you gotta pay it off," "The character arc: Growing your characters through the course of a book," and more.

Time to go lay down.
Lisa

Snoozin' in the sun

While I'm writing away at one side of the dining room table, the pups (and kitty) are holding down the other side and soaking up some rays. (You can click on the photo for a larger view). Naptime lasts only until everyone decides that they need to go outside, get a cookie, or get a hug/snuggle.

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Coming up next week: In the home stretch on The Trouble With Demons, and more.

Chili -- Recipes to feed your family while you're on deadline

The recipes I'm posting on Fridays are great for making a double batch and freezing half (or more) to take out, thaw, and use when you don't have time to cook. I'll keep posting occasional recipes, though this recipe for chili is the last of the ones that I make a double batch for freezing.

Chili

2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 large onion, chopped medium fine
2 (10 oz.) cans of Rotel tomatoes (Rotel comes in Italian, Mexican, mild, hot, etc., so get the "flavor" you'd like best.)
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. flour
2 (1 lb.) cans kidney beans (undrained)

In a large stew pot, crumble and brown ground beef over medium low heat. Use a strainer to remove all the drippings. Return beef to pot and add chili power, salt, and sugar. Mix well. Add onion, tomato sauce, water, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer (on "Low" or "1") for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf. (Good luck finding it.) In a small bowl, stir together oil and flour until smooth. Stir in beans, then add to pot with meat mixture. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated and slightly thickened (about 30 minutes). Makes 8-10 servings. Goes great with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top. Make a double batch; it freezes great.

Stop back by tomorrow for the Saturday Fun Pic!

And everyone wish a happy 18th birthday to Diana Falcon! ; )

Happy Friday -- we made it!
Lisa

Unlikely muse -- Andy the greyhound

Last week, I talked about working on a plotline and getting stuck. One of my suggestions was to step away from the computer. Well, when I'm writing at the dining room table rather than my office, Andy the greyhound (the one with his head on my shoulder) will come up to me and lay his head on my forearm while I'm typing. I can tell you that the head of an 80-lb. greyhound gets heavy after a few seconds. And if I make the mistake of looking down into those huge caramel eyes, he starts wagging his tail and giving me the pleading "Mom, come sit down with me" look.

Most of the time I manage (though I don't know how) to tell Andy to go lay down, mommy's working. But this past Sunday, I had been at the computer fleshing out the action for the rest of The Trouble With Demons, and I was getting nowhere fast. So I gave in to Andy's big browns and went and sat on the couch with him. Soon the couch looked like Noah's ark. Natasha the fluffy kitty is the only one missing -- she was upstairs being aloof. There's Boris on the back of the sofa, Andy with his head on my shoulder, Lucy on my lap, and Gracie with her head on my lap. And I am wearing the "working uniform" of writers everywhere -- t-shirt, sweatpants, fluffy socks, all topped by a bathrobe that's seen better days. (You can click on the photo to see a larger version.)

So, how is Andy a muse? Within five minutes of sitting down with him (and then being drapped with animals), the writing dam broke, and the ideas started coming. So I got more done in 20 minutes of dog snuggling than I accomplished in 2 hours of sitting at my computer. Though next time I sit down with the dogs, I need to have a notepad and pen with me. I had so many ideas I couldn't remember them all. But I know they're in my head somewhere, so they'll come back. Hmmm, maybe I should go snuggle with Andy again. ; )

Coming up tommorow: I'll post the last of the "Recipes to feed your family while you're on deadline." And the Saturday Fun Pic for this week is just too cute.

Have a good one!
Lisa

Delivering the Goods

Yes, I'm writing a fantasy adventure series, but I'm also delivering the goods. By that I mean writing what I think you all (my fans) will love. Yes, I listen to you. When you say you want me to bump up the heat on the Raine/Mychael/Tam relationship, I do it. And yes, Otto and Diana, I hear you loud and clear when you say, "More Tam!!!" I aim to please. ; )

When I'm writing, I write the kind of book that I want to read. I ask myself what would be fun here, how can I up the danger there, how can I make that scene more steamy. But I'm also very much aware of what you all would like. I also feel like I have my agent, editor, and copy editor standing over my shoulder -- and that's a good thing. If I write something not true to a character, don't develop a subplot completely enough, don't pay off what I set up 50 pages ago -- I immediately hear Kristin or Anne's voice telling me that "you know better than that." And I fix what I've done wrong. Immediately. And my copy editor will be glad to know that I'm being consistent with my punctuation, etc.

Always feel free to tell me what (or who) you like and would like to see more of. Each book will introduce additional supporting characters. Let me know what you think. Like I said, I aim to please. ; )

Coming up tomorrow: Unlikely muse -- Andy the Greyhound

It's Wednesday; we're halfway there!
Lisa

The final chapters of The Trouble With Demons -- Lisa plays connect the dots

Yep, it's "connect the dots" time, also known as getting to the end of the book. I'm on the last 8 chapters (I think) of The Trouble With Demons. (Squeeee!!!) And I have approx. 10 weeks until my deadline of May 1st. It looks do-able (thank God). I know how the book ends; I know the big action sequences, so getting through those last 8 chapters should be a piece of cake. They're not. Why?

It's like playing connect the dots. I can see the dots (aka major plot points); I know what the dots are and where they are. It's connecting the dots (aka the transition scenes between those major scenes) that give me fits. And just to add even more "fun" to the process, some of those "connector scenes" cause the major scenes to change. AND, when I start to get toward the end, I realize that I have to change things in the beginning and middle of the book to make the great new idea I had toward the end fit. (grumble, grumble, growl, borderline panic attack)

I'm posting this today because Chapter 24 is the last chapter before the "all hell breaks loose" ending section. It's like a roller coaster reaching the top of the last, big hill. I'll finish that chapter today and tomorrow. After that, it's a mad race through demon-infested tunnels, finding unexpected allies in the dark, and Raine takes on (and pisses off, of course) the Demon Queen. In the immortal words of Bette Davis: "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride." ; )

Coming up tommorow: "Delivering the Goods." What do I mean by that? Come back tomorrow and find out. ; ) Later this week: "Unlikely muse -- Andy the Greyhound."

Have a good one!
Lisa

To read or not to read while writing

We've all heard it: Virtually any author interviewed in any magazine, newspaper, or blog says that the two most important things aspiring authors can do is write every day and read voraciously.

The writing part takes discipline and then some, but the reading comes naturally, eagerly even. If you're a writer, it goes without saying that you love to read, probably from a young age. But when you're writing your own original work for publication, do you read while writing?

In recent years, there's been quite a few highly publicized cases of big name and/or big dollar authors plagarizing the works of others. Each case that appears in the news asks the same question: Did they do it accidently or on purpose? Writers are sponges, we soak up the world around us, ponder it, and some of that comes out in our prose. And while we read, we absorb.

The following is from an interview with John Grisham last week on cnn.com: But he doesn't read a lot when he's writing. "We all want to read good books, and so you read a good book by a really good writer and I catch myself inadvertently imitating him or her. And so you think, 'Well, I wouldn't use that word, I wouldn't do that sentence that way.' I read a lot when I'm not writing."

By necessity, that's what I do -- I read a lot when I'm not writing (which is a couple of precious weeks a year). During that time, I'm voracious. The simple truth is that I don't have time to read while I'm in the trenches of writing a book. My spare time is nearly zero. But at the same time, as a writer I feel like I'm starving myself if I'm writing and not reading; my creative well isn't being replenished. So what do I do? Grab those few precious minutes a day and read.

However, I'm vigiliant that while reading I'm feeding my creativity, not soaking up the words of others to put on my own page. But if your characters, plot, and voice are strong enough and embeded deeply enough, you won't be influenced by the work of others, but instead you will be inspired and refreshed. That's how it is with me. That's why I try to read while I'm writing, to keep my creative well of inspiration from running dry.

What are your thoughts? To read or not to read?

Coming up this week: "The final chapters of The Trouble With Demons -- Lisa plays connect the dots," and "Unlikely muse -- Andy the Greyhound."

Have yourselves a great Monday!
Lisa

Book plotting wallpaper for MLTF

Here it is. My efforts to work out timing/plotting for Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I used the backside of a piece of Christmas wrapping paper and a lot of post-it notes. I divided it up by chapters (as seen along the top), and divided the action timeline by day and night (as also indicated along the top). I had thought it was to work out some last-minute timing issues just before I started sending MLTF (then known as Thief of Souls) out to agents. Boy, was I wrong.

When I unfolded it this morning and took a closer look, I discovered that this was my very first plotline for the very first draft of the book that would eventually become MLTF. Some of the characters referenced on the post-it notes never got used, only some of the plot got used. And I hadn't come up with a lot of names yet. For example, I was using "GSS" as a placeholder for the Khrynsani. (GSS was the abbreviation for Goblin Secret Service). And "GSSv" was the placeholder for the "Goblin Secret Service Villain," who later became Sarad Nukpana.

This thing is like Raine's "birth certificate." ; ) How cool -- I'm definitely gonna hang onto it.

Coming up next week: "To read or not to read while you're writing", and "The final chapters of The Trouble With Demons -- Lisa plays connect the dots."

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

Writers' weaknesses

Happy Friday, everybody! I don't know about you guys, but this week felt like one "Monday" right after another. Long week. I'm looking forward to the weekend. ; )

BTW -- In case you missed it yesterday, there's a wonderful and fun review of Armed & Magical over at Enduring Romance.

Now on to writers' weaknesses. . .Writers are known for being a little obsessive -- okay, maybe a lot excessive. How else could a otherwise sane human being sit for hours a day, every day, for weeks/months/years, just to tell a story that's in their heads? There's plenty of things that writers obsess over, but one stands out for me -- office supplies. Is it just me, or do any of you writers out there get a little thrill just from walking through the front doors of Staples/Office Depot/Office Max? I'm not a shopper, in fact I hate shopping (and so does Raine, as you will find out in The Trouble With Demons). I can only be dragged into a mall when I desperately need something. I do not do recreational shopping. And when I have to go shopping, I go in, get what I need, and drag it back to the cave.

Except for office supplies. If someone needs to go to Staples, I will go with them. Not that they need moral support or a second opinion on a shredder -- I just want to go. My writer voice starts whispering: "You know there's something you need; you just don't know what it is yet. Go on, go, walk down all the aisles, it'll come to you." (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). So I go; and I love every minute of it.

What kind of office supplies do I go gaga over? Pens, of course. I buy them by the box now. My current favorite is the Uni-ball Signo 207, medium point, squishy grip, black ink (blue ink is just wrong to me). I tried the fine point version of this pen, but the coverage wasn't adequate for me. You know you're a pen nut when you reject a pen on the basis of "inadequate coverage."

I also love notebooks, anything to organize my desk or file cabinet, but my biggest weakness are briefcases/computer cases. I've given away a lot of them, but I still have too many. Of course my writer voice insists that I could never have enough. My most recent purchase is sitting next to me now. I couldn't resist it; I had to have it; it was on sale. I had resisted it and was walking toward the checkout with my other goodies, when my husband said: "You like it, go ahead and get it." I danged near tripped over myself snatching that thing off the shelf. And then when the cashier rang it up, it was 50% off the already reduced price. I almost did a happy dance right there in Staples. This bag is massive; I can put everything a writer needs in it.

I love it.

What are your writer-related things that you just can't resist?

Stop back by tomorrow for the Saturday Fun Pic, and I'll show you the "wall art" I made to help me do the final edits on Magic Lost, Trouble Found, before I started sending it out to potential agents.

Next week: that perplexing question -- to read or not to read while you're writing. Pros and cons. And more, of course.

Happy Friday (we made it)!
Lisa

Review of Armed & Magical at Enduring Romance

As promised, here's the review of Armed & Magical from Enduring Romance. It's a really fun read. : ) Enjoy! (Sorry I'm posting a little later than usual, Blogger has been giving me fits today).

Tomorrow, in lieu of the Friday "Recipes to feed your family while you're on deadline," I'll blog on "Writers' weaknesses -- What I go gaga over." And drop back by for the Saturday Fun Pic. All of you writers out there will get a chuckle out of it.

And speaking of chuckles, check out the cartoon over at The Flog, actress Felicia Day's blog. I think a lot of writers (myself included) can identify with it. And check out the pics of Felicia in the right nav. I think she'd make an awesome Raine. Now I just have to convince Peter Jackson that he wants to buy all of my movie rights! ; )

Happy Valentine's Day!
Lisa

Begin with a hook, end with a cliffhanger

The title says it all -- if you begin your chapters with a catchy hook and end them with a cliffhanger, the reader will keep turning pages. I know it works for me -- at least that what you all are telling me. ; ) Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books are a great example. Snarky/catchy chapter opener, then the chapter moves like a speeding freight train, ending with Harry in hot water. It's a classic action/adventure formula, and it works. And you know what they say about something that works: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Those are the kind of books I like to read (non-stop action and is next to impossible to put down), so those are the kind of books I try to write.

I try to start each chapter with something snarky from Raine (usually a smart ass comment on the trouble she's in at the end of the previous chapter). And I do not end my chapters with any kind of resolution. Quite the opposite. I like to end my chapters at the height of the action, or at what I like to call the "oh shit moment." This is when Raine realizes just how deep the doo-doo is that she's in. Ending a chapter this way also has an added advantage -- it makes starting the next chapter with a hook/snarky comment a breeze.

And to keep those pages turning, I constantly ask myself the question: "How much worse can I make it for Raine?" I've found that if I don't need a yardstick to measure the crap, then Raine isn't in it deep enough. And since I have an ensemble cast: Mychael, Tam, Piaras, and Phaelan -- I try to keep the boys in just as much deep doo-doo.

I've got a rule for Raine getting herself out of any sticky situation -- if she uses magic, it can get her out of that particular situation, but it gets her into more trouble down the road. I prefer for Raine to rely on her brain, not her magical brawn. And in each book, she's getting more magical mojo courtesy of the Saghred. There's the temptation (and need) to use it, but there's the greater need to not use it, and of course to get rid of it. And when she goes up against those who have more magical power/experience than she does, it's a blast to figure out a way for her to use brains and street smarts to defeat them.

Coming up tomorrow: I'll post a link to the review of Armed & Magical that will be posted over at Enduring Romance. And I'll blog on writer's weaknesses -- what do I go absolutely gaga over?

BTW -- I'm always taking blog requests. If you have a question, or topic suggestion, just respond to the blog that day, or email me at lisa@lisashearin.com

Lisa

Writing a book synopsis

Before I get started on today's blog on writing a book synopsis (yeah, that thing that makes writers shudder in dread), I wanted to let you all know that I've started a page on Goodreads. For those of you who are already signed up, add me as a friend. ; ) Like I said, I've just started filling my page in. I'll be doing more in the coming weeks. I'm kinda busy, book to finish writing and all that. ; )

For me, coming up with a plot for a book and writing a synopsis isn't quite the same thing, but one leads to the other by necessity. (Editors like to see before they buy.) I'm highly organized and methodical -- my writing brain is the exact opposite (kinda like Felix and Oscar for you fans of classic TV). Books come to me in snippets of dialogue, pieces of scenes, chunks of chapters. I know there's a book in there somewhere, but it's up to me to lay all the puzzle pieces out then put them together to find out what the final picture looks like.

Some writers swear by having a synposis to go by, some swear at it. These writers get an idea, love the idea, and jump into the idea with both feet. They don't want to plot anything out or write a synopsis first. It's all about the journey and the joy of discovery. Writing anything down before starting would ruin it.

This is not me. The Trouble With Demons (the book I'm writing now) is the first book that I had to do a complete book synopsis (turned out to be 12 pages double spaced) to sell it to my publisher. I did a partial synopsis (6 pages) for Bewitched & Betrayed (aka Raine Benares #4). I left the resolution unresolved for Book 4 with one heck of a cliffhanger. ; ) This was okay to do because it was the fourth book I'd done for Anne Sowards at Ace Books.

And I cannot tell you how grateful I am that I have a complete synopsis to go by. My plots/subplots are, shall we say, complex. If I'm not careful, I'll get completely off track. When I feel myself starting to do that, I can just refer to the synopsis to see what I'd originally said should go next. Disaster averted. Before I start writing Bewitched & Betrayed, I will expand my partial synopsis into a full one. I think of it as sanity preservation. ; )

What a synopsis is not -- A synopsis is not every bit of action that will go into your book. It's the "40,000 feet/big picture" view. You include only the main plot points. A book synopsis should ideally cover the book from beginning to end (but only the main points), introduce only your main characters, and be written in the tone of your book. My synopsis for TTWD is in first person, Raine's point of view (just like the books), and it is also in present tense. It gives the action a more immediate impact.

But when you're first starting to write a book synopsis, feel free to include anything and everything you want to. That way you've got something to work with (and to whittle down). By having everything together in one document, you can see the big picture and begin to weed out the stuff you really don't need to include, and come up with other really cool stuff. Chances are it will start off looking like a convoluted mess (mine do). As you edit, delete, add, refine, tweak -- the synopsis will start to take shape (and most importantly, so will your plot).

Most agents start off wanting a query letter with a one paragraph synopsis (I covered writing a query letter plot synopsis in my January 31 blog). If they like what they read, they'll request sample chapters. Some agents will also want to see a synopsis at this point before asking for the entire manuscript. All agents are different; Kristin Nelson (my agent) didn't want to see a synopsis of Magic Lost, Trouble Found. She prefers to read the full manuscript without knowing what's going to happen, to get a more authentic reader reaction. When your agent is marketing your book to publishers, chances are they will want a synopsis. And once you're published and trying for that next contract, your publisher will most likely want a synopsis and the first 50 pages of the book before they decide to make your agent an offer. So writing the synopsis is kinda unavoidable. Sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news.

When I first started writing novels, it used to drive me nuts that I couldn't plot a book from beginning to end, including everything that happens in between. I thought that's how "real writers" did it. They had their system, be it notecards, notebooks, post-its stuck in chapter and scene order on a wall. (BTW -- I've done that last one before for a plot snafu I was trying to work out, and it was not only helpful to me, but highly decorative for my office.) Oooo, I still have that packed away (post-its on a massive and long sheet of paper). Actually it was the back side of half a roll of Christmas wrap. For this Saturday's Fun Pic, I'll show it to you. ; )

Okay, back to the synopsis. Once you have a polished version, some writers stick to it like glue. I don't. At least not entirely. While I'm writing, a lot of the time I'll come up with something even better. Believe me, my editor did not mind -- and yours won't either.

For tomorrow: Writer's weaknesses -- What do I go absolutely gaga over? Later this week, how to keep readers turning the pages.

Have a good one!
Lisa

I'm in the home stretch

Thanks to Webmaster Todd, my site is now hosted on a better, stronger, faster web server. I missed being able to blog on Friday and Saturday, but the server conversion went smoothly over the weekend, and I'm back to blogging Monday thru Saturday.

Update on The Trouble With Demons: Well, I'm in the home stretch. I wrote Chapter 20 on Saturday and Sunday, and I start Chapter 21 today. I'm 12 weeks away from my deadline, and I probably have about 10 chapters to go. I've been averaging a chapter and a half a week (on a good week, I'll do two). So unless I run into any major snags, I should make it. The day after Armed & Magical hits the shelves, The Trouble With Demons is due to my publisher. Whew! I'm gonna be a busy girl. ; ) But once I turn in TTWD, I am taking two weeks off -- no writing (unless I have to), lots of reading (for fun), and lots of rest (because I need it). I'll still be blogging every day (except Sunday), but I just won't be on a deadline. WooHoo! After that two weeks, I'll dive in on Bewitched & Betrayed (aka Raine Benares #4).

Armed & Magical reviews: The reviews are starting to come in for A&M, and as they do, I'll post them here, or post links to them if they're really long. Last week, Laurie did a fabulous review and posted it on The Toasted Scimitar (scroll down to Tues., Feb 5) and Spacefreighters' Lounge (scroll down to Mon., Feb 4). And this Thursday (Valentine's Day), there will be a review on Enduring Romance.

And for your Monday morning cultural enrichment, a YouTube of Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli at last night's Grammy Awards singing "The Prayer" in memory and honor of Luciano Pavarotti. Simply gorgeous! As most of you know, Josh Groban is my choice to play Piaras should MLTF ever be made into a movie. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she? ; )

Coming up this week: Writing a book synopsis (very different from a query letter synopsis), how to keep readers turning the pages, and more.

Have a good one!
Lisa

The Trouble With Demons -- Snippet from Chapter 1

For those of you wanting to read the first review of Armed & Magical (it's a blast!), it's still posted at the top of Spacefreighters' Lounge. Or if you go to The Toasted Scimitar, scroll down to Tuesday's post.

As promised, here's a snippet of my work in progress The Trouble With Demons (aka the sequel to Armed & Magical. A&M will be in bookstores April 29). This is the last section of Chapter 1. Enjoy!

The demons charged. We spread out to give ourselves room to fight. I claimed a piece of street with a wall at my back. Better a wall than a demon.

"Want some company?" Phaelan's maniacal grin told me this was the most fun he'd had since last week when he'd helped blast a hole in the elven embassy.

Phaelan wasn't the only one who wanted to keep me company. The demon who'd picked me to pick on was closing distance fast. He didn't have a weapon. Those horns and talon-tipped hands were weapons. When he was within range, I opened up his gut with the tip of my rapier. I expected insides to fall out, not his hand to go into the hole I'd made, making it bigger.

Oh, that wasn't good.

The demon grinned wider and pulled out a fistful of something you'd think he'd need to keep. The stench was all too familiar.

I was almost too disgusted to move. Almost.

The demon flung it right at us.

"Incoming!" I yelled. I ducked and pulled Phaelan with me.

The glob splattered on the wall behind us, sizzling coin-sized holes in the brick. Coin-sized holes that could have been in us. The demon reached in and reloaded.

We weren't going to be here when that hand came out.

Vegard nearly sliced a demon in half with his ax. The demon healed. Immediately. One second he was almost in two parts, then he wasn't. Vegard coolly noted it and put his ax back in its harness. When he'd sheathed his weapon, his hands glowed incandescent white.

Change of tactics. One of the things the Saghred had done was to make me a fast learner when it came to magic.

Phaelan was darting and weaving, trying to get in close enough to take out that demon's hands before the demon could take out more ammo.

"What the hell are you doing?" he shouted.

I kept my eyes on Vegard's glowing hands. "Learning."

It was the same concept as a lightglobe, times a thousand. Basic magic, multiplied into something lethal. I looked down at my hands, and concentrated. Considering that two dozen demons had us pinned down, I did my concentrating real quick. I had conjured a respectable flare of light until one of the demons roared.

I damned near jumped out of my skin. "Son of a bitch!"

I tried again, this time through gritted teeth. The teeth gritting must have helped, because in the next instant, I was lobbing fireballs along with Vegard. Mine weren't as big as his and didn't glow as bright, but they made up for it in tenacity. These weren't flames the demons could drop and roll to put out. It was sticking to them--and burning. Saghred-enhanced magic was saving my biscuits once again.

The elven mage was struggling weakly to drag himself out of the middle of the street. A demon blocked his way. He was taller than the others, his skin darker, almost purple. The mage looked up, eyes wide with panic, and said something I couldn't hear.

"Vegard, cover me!" I yelled.

I didn't wait for a response. Rage fed the fireballs in my hands until I could feel the heat. I ran toward the mage, hurling the fireballs at the demon as one clawed hand locked around the mage's throat, claws piercing his flesh, pulling him to his feet and tearing his throat out doing it. The demon simply raised his free hand, and one of my fireballs ricocheted off of it and came right back at me.

I swore and ducked. The fireball hit the wall behind me and burnt straight through the brick. Seconds later, I heard flames crackling from inside the building. Crap.

The demon was staring at me, his eyes yellow with a vertical slit for a pupil, like a goat. But unlike any goat I'd ever seen, the demon's pupils glowed red.

A familiar fire bloomed in the center of my chest. The Saghred. I silently went through a litany of curses. I did not need this now. I braced myself for the surge of Saghred-spawned power that was coming. Power that would consume me, force me to fight it rather than the demon. Power that was going to get me killed just like that mage.

Nothing. No surge, no force, nothing. What the hell?

The demon smiled slowly, the tips of his needle teeth visible. I desperately called my magic for another fireball. Not a spark. All the fire I had seethed in my chest. It wasn't white hot and raging; the stone's power wasn't fighting to get free. It burned bright, warm, welcoming.

For the demon.

The demon looked at me, unclenched his hand, and negligently tossed the dead mage aside. The he stepped back and bowed deeply and respectfully.

"We are honored by your presence," he told me.

Then he cloaked, invisible to all but me, and with one leap was on the wall like a big purple spider, the talons of his claws and feet clicking and gouging chunks out of the bricks as he scuttled around the corner, right over the clueless heads of a crowd that was forming at the end of the street.

I knelt over the mage. His dead eyes stared sightlessly at the sky as blood pooled and spread beneath his ruined throat.

I heard murmurs from the far end of the street. Most of the people had just arrived, waiting until the fight was over to come out of hiding.

I was kneeling over the mage, his blood on my hands. They were looking at me, grim-faced, angry, and accusing.

"Murderer!" someone yelled.

Oh shit.

Web Server Upgrade this weekend: I won't be blogging tomorrow or Saturday because Webmaster Todd is upgrading my web server. Yea! More speed, more features, less $$$. Doesn't get much better than that. ; ) My website and email will be up and running the entire time. If you post a comment on Friday or Saturday to a past blog, it should transfer over, but Todd can't guarantee it. But you'll be able to post comments by Sunday afternoon. I'll be blogging again on Monday as usual. If you want to contact me Friday or Saturday, just email me at lisa@lisashearin.com.

Lisa

Armed & Magical -- The first review!

As promised, here's the pic of the cool thing I got in the mail on Monday. This is an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Armed & Magical. It's sent out to reviewers to generate advance buzz, and of course, reviews.

The first review came yesterday, and I have to say that I've never enjoyed reading a review so much. No spoilers, but plenty of teasers, tidbits, and lots of fun. Thank you Laurie of Spacefreighters' Lounge and The Toasted Scimitar for the wild ride of a review! ; ) Just click one of the links above, read, and enjoy! As more reviews come in, I'll post links to them on that day's blog.

In a little less than three months, Armed & Magical will be on your local bookstore shelves, or on your front porches, if you ordered from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Tomorrow, I'll post a scene/sneak preview from Chapter 1 of the sequel to Armed & Magical (aka my "work in progress") The Trouble With Demons.

Have a good one!

Lisa

Got stuck? Time to brainstorm.

Getting stuck. It happens to all of us. It especially happens when you're on a tight deadline and the pressure is on to produce--now. At the moment, I'm not stuck. (Thank you, God.) But getting bogged in the quagmire could happen at any time (and it usually does at least once a week). What do I do? Two things.

1. Step away from the computer and brainstorm using paper and pen. Without my computer, I don't have access to my notes. And sometimes this is a good thing. No notes means no sidetracking, no confusing the core story with things I thought I might need to include. That makes for a crowded brain; and for me, a crowded brain is an unproductive brain. I just use the notes between my ears. Sometimes it's an empty, cavernous place with the sound of crickets; sometimes there's actually something in there that I can use.

Writing longhand also keeps me focused on the scene I'm writing, which helps immerse me into the scene, so I can get honest, genuine dialogue, and dig deeper into the story rather than skimming the surface by trying to fit in everything my notes say I should. Having no notes to refer to also makes it harder to put words in my characters' mouths (which is a big no-no). It makes me shut up and listen. And when I truly listen, I find myself in the writer's "sweet spot" -- where I'm not writing dialogue, I'm taking dictation. : )

2. Step away from your computer. Period. Sometimes it just helps to get up from your desk and walk away. Take a walk if you have time. Take the dog(s) with you; they'd love it. (Or the kids for those of you who have the two-legged variety.) If you want to feel more productive while your writing's being non-productive, do something around the house that needs to be done, like throw in a load of laundry. Laundry always needs to be done. It gives your brain a break, and you get a chore done. I think it's cool. My husband just shakes his head. He doesn't understand why I can't just sit down and do nothing. Unless I have a computer or a book in front of me, I don't sit well. He knew this when he married me. ; )
Most of the time when I step away from the computer, what I'm trying to write comes to me like I'm eavesdropping on a conversation. Take time, step away, and take the pressure off yourself, it'll do wonders.

In tomorrow's blog, I'll post pics of something cool I got in the mail yesterday.

And on Thursday, I think I'll find a scene from The Trouble With Demons to post for you all to read.

Lisa

Book Brain on the rampage

I've talked about this before. Book Brain. That "foggy phase" a writer enters when all but two of your brain cells are working with your subconscious to write, plot, fix that pacing snafu, (or in my case) get my villain into the story. In The Trouble With Demons, two of my villains are there and are up to their figurative black hats in dirty deeds, but the third. . .well, I've laid some traps for him. Before the end of this week, I'll have caught the jerk and shoved him headfirst into the story.

Where was I? Oh yeah, Book Brain. What just happened in the paragraph above is a prime example. I start off doing or saying one thing, and it suddenly turns into something else, a la space cadet. I think of something I need to do, I go there to do it, and then stand there in a stupor trying to remember what the heck I'm there for. This is especially disturbing when I'm in the bathroom. I mean there's only so many things I could have possibly wanted to do in there.

When you get into the throes of writing a book, the two brain cells I mentioned in the first paragraph are all you're left with to be a functional member of society. Believe me, two brain cells ain't a lot to get by on. For example (one of many examples), I was doing the grocery list on Saturday and I wanted to buy some mashed potatoes (the instant kind because since I'm writing, I don't have much time to cook). Anyway, I could remember "potatoes," but I was just standing there with my mouth hanging open like a complete moron trying to remember the word for what kind of potatoes I wanted. I knew what they looked like, I knew what they tasted like, I just couldn't remember for the life of me what the damned things were called. Fortunately, I recalled that I had one box of them in the pantry. I could read the box. "Mashed." Yeah, that's what I wanted. (smacks head into palm of hand) Jeez.

Book Brain is like when you try to call someone, but you can't get through and you hear the recording, "We're sorry, all circuits are busy right now, please hang up and try again."

In the next three months, I'll finish The Trouble With Demons, and once again be able to remember what I need to do when I go into the bathroom.

Coming up tomorrow: Got stuck? Time to brainstorm.

I know it's Monday, but try to have a good one anyway.
Lisa

Saturday Fun Pic -- Greyhounds are so polite

Lucy (aka Queen of the House) finds a toy and a bed (a greyhound bed). This leaves Gracie (aka the mere Princess of the House) with the Jack Russell terrier bed. Gracie or Andy (or most any other greyhound for that matter) wouldn't dream of making another dog get up, they'll just politely take what's left.

Seriously, for some odd reason, the greyhounds occasionally like the itty, bitty bed. But if they want one of the bigger beds and if Lucy is on it, they will not make her move.

Topics for next week: Writing a novel synopsis; Got stuck? Time to brainstorm; Begin with a hook and end with a cliffhanger: How to keep those pages turning; and more.

Have yourselves a great weekend!

Lisa

Recipes to feed your family while you're on deadline -- Spaghetti Sauce

Before we get to our regularly scheduled recipe, here's an update on The Trouble With Demons: I finished Chapter 20, but rather than dive into 21, I've dropped back to Chapter 1 for a read-thru. One of my secondary villains hasn't made his entrance yet, and I think he missed his cue. Or more to the point, I think he's being a jerk. Sarad Nukpana never misses a chance for page time. This guy (can't say his name because it'd be a spoiler for Armed & Magical) is a complete *$^#* (insert your favorite descriptive expletive here). I think he intentionally missed his cue just to screw up my writing schedule. So I'm going to go back, read-thru, find the SOB, and drag him into the story.

The recipes I'm posting on Fridays are great for making a double batch and freezing half (or more) to take out, thaw, and use when you don't have time to cook.

I've adapted the following recipe from a church cookbook ("Arise and Bake Cookbook: Recipes from the Members and Friends of University Baptist Church" in Chapel Hill, NC. I adapted my spaghetti sauce recipe from the one on page 140 from Jan Hunter). If one of your local churches is selling cookbooks as a fund-raiser -- buy one! Heck, buy several; they make great gifts. Why? The ladies (and gentlemen) who put their recipes into a church cookbook can cook and they only put their best recipes in there. Church cookbooks are a treasure trove of good eats.

Spaghetti Sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 lb. ground hamburger (lean)
2 (14 oz.) can tomatoes (I use Hunts diced tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. yum!)
2 cans of Rotel tomatoes (I generally use the "regular" Rotel or "Italian", but if you want more heat, go with the "Hot")
1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste
1 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. sugar
1-2 tsp. salt
1 cup (or a small jar) of green olives (or black olives, whichever you prefer)

In a large skillet, slowly saute onion, garlic, mushrooms, parsley, and olives in olive oil for 5 minutes. Remove mixture to a bowl; set aside. In the same skillet, brown hamburger meat. Drain well. Combine mushroom mixture with beef in a large stew pot. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring often. Serve over hot spaghetti noodles. Serves 6 to 8. ***Double this recipe and you'll have plenty to freeze for later. My freezer's full of this stuff. ; )

Tomorrow is the Saturday Fun Pic, which I think all you dog lovers will enjoy.

Topics for next week: Writing a novel synopsis; Got stuck? Time to brainstorm; Begin with a hook and end with a cliffhanger: How to keep those pages turning; and more.

Have yourselves a great weekend!
Lisa