Free Short Story "A Cowboy for Christmas" By Connie Vines

 

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Connie's Free Read   

Posted December 28, 2024

 

Writing in a Whole New Genre- (Pros/Cons) My Personal Experience By Connie Vines #Writing Tips, #Round Robin, #New Genre vs Established Readership

 Topic:  The Wisdom and or Experience of Trying a Whole New Genre    

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic.

I began my career writing nonfiction, short stories, and preschool games in magazines (Humpty Dumpty, Jr. Medical Detective, etc.). So, it was only natural to branch out into Y.A. historical fiction.

I assumed it would require extensive research, travel, and interviews.  

The challenge was adding more. More descriptions, additional characters, multiple plot lines, plot twists, etc. In other words, a storyline that was not linear. 

Historical documents, interviews with tribal storytellers, and interviews with those who attended Native American boarding schools.

This also required adapting my story to the reading levels of the Y.A. readership and their understanding of what I was explaining: the sensory details, the harshness of life, and the meals prepared. Was the information relatable to a child who watched television and had a microwave oven? 

I was blessed with beautiful book reviews and student letters.

I was proud of the book and its recognition: awards for historical accuracy, "Teen Read Selection" in Public Libraries, the G.A.T.E. program, and speaking engagements in Southern California.

Will I attempt another Y.A. historical novel? Probably not. 

This project was a five-year journey. The most discouraging part was the shrinking of the hardbound/paperback publishers. I signed a contract for a hardbound novel, but the editor pulled it when he learned the company was being sold. (I discovered later that he did me a huge favor).  

   

Spanish Version

English Version

The next growing market was women's fiction. I selected Contemporary Romance.

Did I hesitate? No, I decided to dive in. 

Setting? 

I have all this Western research material. My father's people were Texans, and I enjoyed Bull Riding events. My hero was a cowboy. My heroine lived in Montana; her late father was a Bronc Rider.

My plot, characters, subplots, setting, etc. I'm at the keyboard after the kids are in bed, writing chapters one, two, and three.

I reread and reread the chapters.

Something needs to be fixed.

This was the kicker. I knew something was wrong but did not know precisely what it was.

Was the flow? Word choices? Pacing? Or was it the tone?

I was residing in "The-Land-of-in- Between." And I need an intervention! 

Fortunately, I joined a critique with members of my local R.W.A. Chapter. We wrote in multiple genres (though I was the only one who started out in children's). We read each other's chapters, made suggestions, and brought revisions the following week.

I garnered a few rejections, made changes, and sent the story out again.

Then I received that "Phone Call" in February, and the book was released in July!

This book received multiple awards and excellent reviews.

Will I change genres again? I've branched out into Romantic Suspense, RomCom/Paranormal. At the moment, I'm writing several novellas, and I've begun another romance series. I may write a Cozy Mystery novel or a Western Gothic (only if I don't cause myself to experience nightmares!)

The emerging genres seem to be Worldbuilding, Horror, "Bad Mothers," Science Fiction, Western Gothic, Foodie Romance, and Fratito. However, this could change next month.

If you want to write in a new genre, look into it. Examine the market and see what is trending. If you are selling novels and have a following, you're good. 

If you still want to change, consider a nome-de-plum. And see how it goes.

Good Luck & Happy Reading,

Connie 

XOXO

Follow the links! These Talented Authors have much to share!!

Dr. Bob Rich: https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3jJ 

Anne Stenhouse: annehousenovelist.wordpress.com 

Connie Vines (you are here)

Skye Taylor: https://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

  

 

Where Do Your Ideas Come From? By Connie Vines #Writing Tips, #Round Robin Blog Hop, #Ideas,

 Where do my ideas come from?

I must confess that it is not an easily defined topic, but it is worth pondering.

There are three general perspectives when it comes to the origin of ideas:

Psychology, Philosophy, and Anthropology (none of which I will delve into).

Instead, I will muddle through my process. 

1. Dialogue will pop into my head. I find myself 'obsessed' with a style of music, a period of history, or even a type of food. 

2. I have stenopads where I compile research. (Pen-to-paper assists in the creative process.)

3. False starts. Numerous.

4. Staring at the blank computer monitor.

5. Then something clicks, and I create an opening scene. 

6. My ideas are a mixture of my life experiences and how I process them. 

7. My stories contain humor with a HEA while still dealing with real-life challenges (childhood abandonment and an alcoholic parent) "Lynx."

Raising a child after the death of a spouse. "Brede."

My stories can also be funny, quirky, mysterious...

...Or even supernatural 

 8. While a nomadic childhood has given me insight into the regional quirks and cultures of the USA.

Texas rodeos, farm and ranch life, tales of the 'dust bowl' years. And, of course, hundreds of ways to prepare chili. 

Swamps, hurricanes, learning to bake, when to wear gloves, and, most importantly, alligators can sprint uphill.

I will forever dislike snow, and I'm still petrified of snowmen.

This lifestyle also made me an observer. I evaluated what worked and did not work for me. 

 9. It's the start of summer, and a mini heatwave is underway (temperatures are in the low 100s). I'm sipping my morning coffee outdoors, overlooking the rose garden.  

10. Right now, I'm in the development phase of two novellas and plotting a new series.

Please visit the authors participating in this month's Round Robin Blog Hop.

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3ef

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Villainous Characters and Redemption. Yes or No? By Connie Vines #RoundRobin 100, #Writing Tips, #Villians, #RR100

 Have any of your villainous characters reached redemption for their actions? How would you go about it if you were going to do this?

Since I also write YA and MG stories, I try not to make any character 'purely evil' and beyond redemption.

That's not to say that there are no evil or self-serving people without a conscious residing in our world. However, such a story would be too dark and depressing for me to write.

My YA and MG novels explain how/ why this person changed over time. I do not justify evil actions/mistakes. I provide an avenue for the reader to assess and make decisions appropriate for his/her age/ability level.

Romance/Romantic Suspense/Historical Novels

I usually have a villain or two in all of my storylines.

I've yet to send any of my villains on the road to redemption. 

Why?

I have little sympathy for my villains.

I don't like my villains.

I don't want my villains to be happy.

I really wish for my villains to suffer.

My points of reference:

• The Wizard of Oz  - the evil witch tried to kill Toto and Dorothy! 👠 (yes, I know the house killed her sister, but still..)

• Dracula (Bran Stoker's classic novel). This novel is a love story. Not your typical happily ever after, but a love story never-the-less. In this case, I could provide the original man (the count) redemption; however, the evil being he became would be beyond redemption here in the earthly realm. Profound sympathy on my part, perhaps.

As a reader, how do you feel about the 'bad guy' returning as a future novel hero?

Is a villain always a villain?

Or is a villain in the 'eye' of the reader?

Thank you for stopping by for our 100th Round Rhobin Blog Hop!

Please visit the talented authors of our group for their take on reforming the bad guys.

Happy Reading

Connie 

XOXO

Participating:

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2KA

Robin Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

** All of my novels/novellas are on sale (50% off) at the

 Smashwords site through Halloween!

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vinesbwl

Connie's Tuesday Kitchen---Soup is ALWAYS Comfort Food By Connie Vines #Connie'sKitchen, #Easy and Fast Lentil Soup, #Connie'sKitchen, #BWLAuthor, #portable meals

 Lentil Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 clove of garlic, finely diced

3 stalks of celery, finely diced

3 carrots, peeled and finely diced

2 cups (12 ounces) of small green lentils

8 cups of water or vegetable stock

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste

1/8 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste

3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more to taste

1/2 bunch collard greens/kale/or baby spinach  (depending on personal preference)

 stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise.

Personal Copyright via Canva

Method

Caramelize the onions:

In a soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook, occasionally stirring, for 10 minutes, or until deep, golden brown.

Onions in the bottom of a soup pot for lentil soup.

Caramelized onions and tomato paste in the bottom of a soup pot.

Cook the tomato paste and vegetables:

Push the onions to the side of the pot. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tomato paste darkens to a ruddy brown. Add the thyme, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook and stir for 2 minutes And in the space you made, add the tomato paste.es.

Add the lentils and liquid, and simmer the soup:

Add the lentils, 8 cups of water, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the pot. Adjust the heat to medium so the soup is just at a gentle simmer. Simmer for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.

Pot of diced vegetables in water.

Finish the soup and serve:

Scoop out 2 cups of the soup and purée it in a blender until smooth, or use an immersion blender and purée until the soup takes on a petite body and thickens, but you still have texture. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the lemon juice. Add the sliced kale and simmer until the kale softens about 1 to 2 minutes.

Taste, and add more salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if you like. Serve with a nice slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)

240 CALORIES

4gFAT

39gCARBS

13gPROTEIN

 

Substitutions and Additions

• Use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce (make sure the Worcestershire is vegan if you want to keep the lentil soup vegan).
• Substitute chicken stock for the water or vegetable stock if you're not worried about it being vegetarian.
• Add a little bit of finely diced potatoes or sweet potatoes with the vegetableYouyou can add some finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pep for a bit of heat.
• Meat lovers may want to put some chopped sausage or crumble some bacon on top.
• Top the soup with chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro, basil, or parsley.

What to Do With Leftovers

Consider freezing the soup in small one-portion containers so you can pull it out at will and use it for mid-week lunches. This lentil soup recipe will keep in the freezer for up to six months.

Remember, all of my novels and novellas have my fave recipes included!

Wishing you a week of warm wishes and tasty dishes,

Connie

XOXO

Translating Family Experiences into Writing Scenes By Connie Vines #RR103, #WritingTips,

How do your family experiences translate into writing scenes? 

Oh, my...this type of reveal could create a very spirited discussion during a holiday gathering.  One must tip-toe around this subject with great care!

That said... unfortunately for our friends, family members, co-workers, and even strangers on the street, each may have a glorious or, not so glorious reincarnation in a future novel, short story, or even book trailer.

Strangers would most likely be flattered. Co-workers might be tempted to plot revenge. 

Family members?  

I never wish to hurt anyone's feelings or place them in an unfavorable light...

People are inspiring, unpredictable, scatter-brained, loving, and very funny.  Since we live within a family unit (however, you define the membership) and grow up together, you know family members best,  Therefore, they are ripe for the picking.  

Care must be taken.  The screenwriter of "A Christmas Story" may have had a relative who created a nightmare gift  ( custom bunny suit)--but I doubt it.  More likely it was a friend's family member who lived in a different state or even a different country who was the inspiration. 

While a disaster revolving around a kitchen mishap is universal and an acceptable scene to include in a novel.

Youtube link to the kitchen scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cFHAJ5asMk

True Events?  

Am I guilty of including scenes created from personal experiences? Yes.

Am I guilty of harvesting unsuspecting family members or friends and inserting them into my story? Yes.

Am I going to give you more details? 

No. As you can see, Santa is still undecided about my Official Christmas status!

I will confess to relying on personal experience, heavily.  In a YA story, the heroine was pinned between the front door and the screen door, her face squished into the dirty mesh as she tries to call for assistance.

At Senior Prom (unknowingly) both you and your best friend are wearing the same gown and still sit next to each other at the table.

No one advised you the bride's colors were apricot and white (I was dating the brides' cousin). I was wearing an apricot dress.  It wasn't until I was ushered into a photo that I realized what was happening.

I could go on and on...

Well, just one more example: I was asked out on a double date.  The cowboy I knew wanted to take me dancing at a Honky Tonk (for locals in our small town). When he arrived there was another cowboy in the car (unknown to me at the time: his friend had a crush on me).  I assumed we were meeting his friend's date inside. 

I didn't realize my 'dates' were sneaking me in through an open window to avoid a cover charge.  How could I not know it was a window?  My mother always had me leave my glasses at home when I dated.  

What?

I know! 

Fortunately, the evening went well, both of the guys were great dancers and the perfect gentlemen.

And Connie lived happily ever after ...because she refused to leave her glasses at home ever again. 

.

I hope you enjoyed my post,

Connie

All of my novels are 50% off via Smashwords through Christmas!

Please visit all the members of this month's Blog Hop!

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2ue

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

November is Electric With Writing Energy by Connie Vines #NaNoWritMo, #Memoir Writing, #BWLAuthors, #RandomThoughts

 Welcome, My Lovelies,

November is the month that is electric with writing energy. There is NaNoWriMo, of course (where I have yet to complete a novel in 30 days). It is also Memoir Writing Month, National NoFiction Writing Month, and Blog Posting Month.

If you completed any of the above challenges congratulations 😁

If you are like me, your rough draft is going to be VERY rough and VERY messy.

What is the best way to polish your 50,000 words?

When you complete your rough draft this week, give yourself a break.  Allow time to enjoy the holiday, and spend time with family and friends. You can re-read your work in January. 

Allow revision and re-writing to be your challenge for the New Year. 

Once you are comfortable with this final 1st draft, you may have a member of your plotting group or a trusted Beta Reader look over the copy and give feedback.   I will revise my draft a second or third time before I ask anyone to read the completed novel.

The input from another writer is very helpful.  Beta Readers often catch the items I removed/overexplained/or need to clarify.

You may wish to hire an editor, while it may seem expensive, it is often a money saver in the end.

Happy Rewriting and Wishing you much success in 2021,

Connie

XOXO

Flawed or Evil Characters in Your Story--.What Part Do They Play? By Connie Vines #RR 102, #WritingTips, #Amazon Bestselling Author,

 Nov 20, 2021 -- Describe a flawed or evil character you have or might use in a story. 

How did they become so flawed? What part will they play in the story, and what will happen to them?

Thank you, Rhobin, for this month's topic.

I find that to utilize the true impact of a flawed or evil character on a storyline, an author must have plotted either a series or a novel comprised of 80,000 words or more.

I would be inclined to choose a series if I was writing a contemporary or YA  historical novel. I'm undecided on attempting a historical fiction comprised of 80,000 words plus.

 Of course, I'd need to ensemble a multidimensional cast in my fictional drama series. Starring a patriarch/ matriarch of a powerful, complicated family. 

A generational homesteader/ rancher/ business owner/ and devoted father/mother (or controlling). Rags to riches could be the start of the story or backstory. However, poverty needs to be skimmed over, and the family must also be powerful. The hero can't be corrupt, but he can walk the line only killing/harming if 'forced' or has no other choice.

 Perhaps he/she operates in a corrupt world where politicians are compromised by influential oil and lumber corporations, and land grabs make developers billions. 

Plot twists are rampant: shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect; add constant conflict with those it borders -- an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and whatever else might cause another layer of trouble.

Everyone has flaws or a blind spot that can lead a person down the wrong path.

Examples in my own stories? 

All of my novels have flawed characters.  Sometimes it's the hero/heroine; other times not.  Disclosure will compromise my storyline or create a spoiler alert. 

Cowboys Make Great Complicated/Flawed Heroes 

YA Stories Must Be Historically Correct--but not focus entirely on Good vs Evil.

(Very few are born Evil)

Humor and Quirky Plotlines Address 'Real Issues' too.

Four Stories/ Four Genres: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy/

Cozy Mystery/Paranormal

I hope you've enjoyed my post 😄,

Connie

Please visit the blogs of these talented authors!

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2ue

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

How to Develop Tension in Your Writing by Connie Vines #RR #RR82 #WritingTips

How do you develop tension in your writing?

RR#82

Thank you Robin for this month's topic :)

I believe creating tension in a novel (or short-story) is a skill which is always been honed and re-invented by an author.

The genre of fiction or even non-fiction often denotes the type of tension you develop when you are writing.  However, these are the go-to questions I ask myself when I am writing and revising my stories: 

First and foremost, your characters must be people your readers will like and relate to.

Have I created  a conflict crucial to your characters. ...

Are my characters engaging characters with opposing goals. ...

Remember to keep raising the stakes. ...

Allow tension to ebb and flow. ...

Keep making the reader ask questions. ...

Create internal and external conflict. ...

Create secondary sources of tension. ...

Make the story unfold in a shorter space of time.

Also:

Master the art of pacing. ...

Time your tension effectively. ...

Introduce exponential tension. ...

Consider using cliffhangers: at the end of a scene or at the end of a chapter.

Throw out those extra words (adverbs). Verbs = Action.

Examples in my writing:

Excerpt from "Brede" Rodeo Romance, Book 2

With and unexpected flash of recall cam a feeling of success. Only the joy was gone al too quickly, blotted out by something else that hovered at the edge of her consciousness. Dark and menacing, it pressed down on her like a thunderhead in the moments before a cloudburst.

She remembered the darkness...

Excerpt from "Lynx" Rodeo Romance, Book 1

Coming out of chute number 5 is Lynx Maddox, the "Wild Cat"...atop Widow-Maker. This cowboy hails from Amarillo, Texas. Let's give him a big Montana welcome."

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. The heavy thud of hooves to the ground. The animal's labored breathing and the clang of the cowbell filled Lynx's head as his butt was pounded against the bull's back. His spine compressed with every jolt.

Helluva way to make a living, he thought, fighting to remain upright. Infuriated, the bull jerked its head from side to side, rolled his eyes, and suddenly aimed a horn at Lynx's leg.

The Brahman had changed his tactics, Lynx realized, his arm pulling hard at the socket as he fought against gravity. Exhaling a heavy snort, the animal dropped its head forward and blasted toward the center of the arena, Lynx knew he was in trouble, big time. . .

Excerpt from "Tanayia--Whisper upon the Water" Native American/First Peoples Series, Book 1

1868

The Governor of New Mexico decreed that all Indian children over the age of six be educated in the ways of the white man.

Indian Commissioner, Thomas Morgan, said: It was cheaper to educate the Indians than to kill them.

1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries

Isolated bands of colored clay on white lime-stone remained where the sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into the silence.

A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. My people and I call ourselves "Nde" this means "The People". The white man calls us Apache....

I hope you enjoyed this month's topic.

Remember to complete the blog hop and see what my cohorts have divulged (we all love  secrets) about developing tension in their writing.

Happy Reading and Writing,

Connie

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2fU

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/ (You are here now)

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

What's on your 2021 To-do List? By Connie Vines #RoundRobin, #WritingTips

 What is on your writing to-do list for this year? 

Do you have any long-range goals or just wrap-ups?

My writing to-do list for 2021. 

Working from home with Zoom meetings and workshops, you would assume more writing would be accomplished. 

Not so, it seems.  

I usually write 9:00pm 2:00am but I've had to make a change because I can no longer  function on only 4 hours of sleep (well, not for more than two days-in-a-row). 

So here I am, at 12-noon, typing on my keyboard, sipping boysenberry tea and trying not to be distracted by the 'day-light' view of my garden.

Gardenia blossom and new buds

My 1st hibiscus blossom 

I have projects to complete during January and February: my anthology (Cajun) and 2nd novella in my fantasy series.  I also have outlines for a YA historical, and Book 3, of  my Rodeo Romance Series.

I do have long-range goals, also. I plan on posting author interviews on my blog(this one 😃 ) and additional book reviews "I Dug-It". I am toying with the revival of my cooking/ gardening blog.

Now to the nuts-and-bolts!

I have a 2021 calendar dedicated to my daily word-count and mechanical pencil!

I seldom share my fascination with office accessories. I love calendars, journals (with those colorful tabs (alpha or month), college-ruled notebooks, folders, pens (not gel), markers and erasable white/black boards, clamps...well, you get the picture.  And I'm exercising extreme self control in purchasing 1 calendar for all of my project 'word-counts' (all entrees will be color-coordinated, of course)

Since my office is in upheaval, due to a flooring install in February, I'm working at my sewing table in the guest room. It's hardly ideal because I have to lean back so don't face-plant into the computer screen. 

I guess moving back into my dedicated office needs to be added to my 2021 to-do list!

Visit my co-Round Robin participant's blogs to see their plans and surprises!

Happy 2021, Everyone!

>

> Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
> Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
> Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
> Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
> Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2bY
> Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
> Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
> Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
> Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com