Chapter One --Hooking your reader and Setting the Tone for the story By Connie Vines #RoundRobin

The First Chapter – hook your reader and set the tone for the story.

Chapter One. Page One. Paragraph One.

And so the adventure begins!

For me, Dialogue and Action is my comfort zone. 

I introduce my main character and main conflict. I also set the tone of the story.

Chapter One, Paragraph 4:

Even though Meredith was on the best of terms with her sister, she couldn't help but feel a sharp nip of jealousy. It hadn't been so long ago that she'd had her own happy home. Unfortunately, she'd filed for divorce from Viktor, and then there'd been that bizarre little accident where she'd ended up dead, and then undead.

EBook and Audio

Chapter One, Paragraph One.

Charlene hadn't told Rachel that she'd fixed her up with a cowboy, much less Lynox Maddox, the "Wild Cat" of the rodeo circuit. Rachel signed. She should have known. After all, Charlene only dated men who wore boots and Sentsons.

English/Spanish Ebook

Prologue1868  

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 is cheaper to educate the Indians than to kill them."

Chapter One, Page One

Prologue

1880 Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries

Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remain where the sagebrush is stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land is made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reach out into the silence.

A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. We call ourselves N'dee, The People. The white man calls us Apache.

Chapter One  

I rose from my blanket and dressed in my favorite buckskins and moccasins.  After coming out of my wickiup, I stepped from my wickiup and walked toward the center of the camp. Women from neighboring Apache bands, dressed in their best clothing, squatted around their campfires, patting tortillas and fry bread...

 #

Every writer/author has a "voice".  The reader knows and complains when an author isn't true to their voice.  Staying true to your voice isn't as simple as it sounds.

It's the paragraph, page, or even chapter that doesn't mesh with the storyline. Or your main character refuses to utter the author's "perfectly" written dialogue, or, worse yet, goes completely off script.

Some may shout, "Writer's Block."

Others, "Sleep Deprivation." 😬

I brew another pot of coffee and peruse my library. 

The nuts and bolts of writing.

My reference books include. GMC (Goal, Motivation & Conflict) by Debra Dixon.

 Dialogue (How to get your characters talking to each other in a way that vividly reveals who they are, what they're doing, and what's coming next in your story) by Lewis Turco.

 Visit this month's Blog Hoppers take on opening chapters.

Bob Rich

Skye Taylor

Diane Bator

Sally Odgers

Helena Fairfax

https://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

 

Blending Genres by Connie Vines #roundrobin #Writing Fiction #Blending Genres #AuthorTips #Romantasy

 Thank you, Sky, for this month's topic: Writing and Reading Blended Genres.

"What do you enjoy about blending them while writing, and do you enjoy reading the mix?"

Reading: 

Historical and Romance seem to be a comfortable blend. A gentle push-pull of attraction and the details of daily life. I'm more inclined to read a "western" setting because the plot is faster-paced.

Movies: My favorite movie: "Somewhere in Time" Starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. 1980 Romance/ Fantasy.  It is a film adaptation of the novel Bid Time Return (1975) by Richard Matheson, who also wrote the screenplay. 

My Writing: 

I'm comfortable with mixing "Romance and Paranormal." I don't know what this reveals about me... "Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow," and I'm working on novella 2 in the series. (Paranormal Romance).

"Romance and Suspense" Brede, Rodeo Romance, book 2. This is a genre I'm not comfortable writing in. I have nightmares during the process.  

Television:

Hits of the past: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Fargo". 

Shows of today: "Dark Winds". 

 

The latest mixes in novels:

Romantacy: Romantic Fantasy. A subgenre using elements and conventions of the chivalric romance genre.

Literary Horror: A mix of literary fiction and horror, focusing on character development alongside chilling narratives.

Dystopian Romance: Combines dystopian settings with romantic plots to explore love in oppressive societies.

Cozy Mystery:  Merges light-hearted cozy settings with mystery plots, appealing to fans of both genres.

Of the latest mixes, I find Romantacy and Cozy Mysteries, the ones I would most likely read and consider writing.

What are your thoughts on these new "genres"?  

Are there any genre mix-ups you read? Or would you like to see?

Happy Reading!

Connie

This month's Round Robin participants 🐦 🪺

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3ET

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

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Connue Vines  (you are here )

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

Are You a Member of a Critique Group? Or Do You Have a Partner#? #Round Robin #Writing Tips #Critique Groups

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

"Are you a member of a Critique Group. Or do you have a partner?"

I, like most writers, find that our needs change as we evolve.

While my reading preference was historical (Ancient) fiction and non-fiction.

My first published works were magazine articles (fiction and non-fiction) and children's and YA short stories.

Of course, many of those articles featured Ancient Egyptian medicine and its influence on today's physicians, as well as the discovery of penicillin.

I also delved into the Salem Witchcraft Trials and completed a historical YA novel.  

Classroom presentation with Jaques Condor 

I'd found my niche (or so I thought). 

After a church potluck, a close friend encouraged me to attend Romance Writers of America meetings (her sister was a co-president of a local chapter). I hemed and hawed... and avoided committing. She reminded me I had a knack for humor. Which did not play well in historical novels. (Time was rather grim back then 😉). 

I mentioned RWA at a board meeting of the Pomona Valley Writers' Association. A fellow board member became so excited that she immediately called her best friend to carpool.

Not the reaction I expected. My friend, afterall, wrote gory crime novels.

I was committed. The local RWA chapter held monthly meetings in the back room of a restaurant. When membership expanded, the Fullerton Library housed us, and we required four rooms in a civic center. 

Guest speakers included screenwriters, best-selling authors, and our own members, now signing multi-book contracts.

However, to learn the craft of writing book-length fiction, I joined a 4-person weekly critique group. Each of us had a strength and also a weakness. My weakness was writing too short (the jump from magazine length to YA book length was difficult). My strength was dialogue and humor. 

The jump from YA to 55.000 words plus required by Adult fiction was painful.

Extremely painful. 

Thankfully, I acquired a "Big Sister" at RWA (my local chapter's mentorship program). I learned the ropes. While writing and rewriting were now routine, writing contests were "humbling".

At some point, I finally honed my skills. The form rejection letters were replaced with a phone call from Hillary at Kensington... and finally, my first book-length sale (no revisions needed) for the Precious Gems line. 

Within several months, I also signed a contract for a YA historical novel and an activity book. "Whisper upon the Water" became a "featured read" at public libraries and part of the G.A.T.E. (Gifted And Talented Education) program. 

I believe creative writing classes and your instructor's input provide a strong foundation. There are online writing classes and workshops that are vital in honing your craft.  

However, having a writer's group of 3 or 4 people is the best way to adjust to a career of 'deadlines'. You are required to produce material. Missing components are pointed out, and ideas are shared. (After all, your partners are your readers. If they don't understand where your scene is headed...your readers won't either.)

I also found it helpful to have an assortment of genre writers in your critique group. Red herrings are required in all forms of fiction. 

Sadly, COVID put an end to all in-person gatherings. 

 

Writers, as a rule, are introverts. I haven't gone back to hosting a writers' group or searching for one to join. 

I do, however, have several writing friends who will read my final draft and offer "Pearls of Wisdom". ( RR blog, hoppers included). I also belong to OCRW (Orange County Romance Writers), which hosts monthly online meetings and writing workshops.

To respond to this month's question. Yes, interacting with authors in a critique group (online or in-person) is helpful and motivating.

However, when you are contracted and on a deadline, a critique partner is a better choice (because you have specific input requests.

(new audio release!)

https://www.audible.com/pd/Lynx-Audiobook/B0FK6K51HF?srsltid

Please visit this month's participants :) 

Bob https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3Ee

https://victoriachatham.blogspot.com/

Sally Odgers
https://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Diane Bator
Skye Taylor

 

Happy Reading, 

Connie 

A Holiday Gift to My Readers By Connie Vines #Warm Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses #Robin Robin #Free Story #Round Robin Blog Hop

 Christmas and the Winter Holidays are filled with the joy of Fellowship, Love, Gifts, and (of course) Food.

I hope you enjoy my flash fiction story! 🎄🎅 

© Warm Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses 

A Flash Fiction Story

By Connie Vines

He always ordered a slice of gingerbread and black coffee. Hearing his voice through the headset made my morning, which is why I volunteered to work the drive-thru.

Was it his southern drawl, his friendly smile, or the way G.B., the Irish Setter, rested his chin on Mason's shoulder so adoringly that it won me over?   I'm not sure. I only know I developed an impossible-to-hide-crush.

Mason finally asked me out, and now we are engaged.

We're perfect together, like hot chocolate with whipped cream or gingerbread cookies and milk.

We are [planning a small winter wedding. Our family organized a potluck reception. My dad will walk me down the aisle of the church. And G.B. (AKA) Gingerbread Boy) is excited to be our ring bearer.

XOXO,

Connie 

Everyone has posted a Holiday Gift for our Readers/Followers 🎁

Please follow the links:

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

Anne Graham/Stenhouse

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/2024/12/21/round-robin-december-2024-christmas-story/ 

Marci Baun https://www.marcibaun.com/

Helena Fairfax

Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3nE

Skye Taylor

Remember, Smashwords is having a huge sale until December 26. All my are 50% off. So, Stuff those Stockings ebooks for $1.50!

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

 

Authors--Traditional or Indie? Publishing Wins and Pitfalls By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog Hop, #WritingTips

October Round Robin Topic: Indie or Traditional Publishing?

Pros and Cons.

Like many authors, my writing has evolved but has also changed to accommodate the publishing industry.

Once upon a time...

I wrote nonfiction articles for children's magazines, short stories, flash fiction, and stand novellas.

Later, I branched into YA/Middle School Historical fiction. Western Romance, RomCom, and Romantic Suspense.

All of these markets were "Traditional".

I am currently contracted with a Traditional publisher. My books are marketed as ebooks and in trade paperback to accommodate the reader market. 

I am comfortable with the traditional market platform. 

Why? Because an editor does a final read of my manuscript and will adjust my formatting if needed. 

(Yes, I understand HTML. But it's a left-brain function. If I am left-braining, I have zero access to the creative side of my brain.) 😕😢

We share promotion responsibility and watch market trends. (I like to write what I want, but that is not a key to success.) 

Most importantly, I have input for my book cover, but I do not have to design one. 

Indie Publishing: 

Have I ventured into the world of Indie Publishing? Yes, though not solo.

I have been involved in numerous anthologies. A common location, characters who interact with each other (to a limited extent). A defined genre: romance, mystery, etc. 

The promo is extensive. The timeline is short, and the word count is predetermined.

Limited meetings via text, short phone time, or a designated FB room to keep up-to-date work well for me. 

I'm an introvert. Intense interaction with others, even via weekly or daily Zoom meetings, is physically draining. Especially when I'm required to change what was already agreed upon. 😕😖

Plus side?

The marketing/promo is divided among the members.

Pre-release and early release are effective ways to garner readers and build momentum. 

The way to publish is a personal decision.

It is defined by an author's personality, writing style, willingness to promote, and love of accounting and tracking sales results.

Happy Writing and Reading,

XOXO

Connie Vines

Please hop to the next Blog...where another member has his/her story to share :)

 Connie Vines (you are here)

 Bob Rich

Diane Bator

Victoria Chatham

Skye Taylor

Using the Senses in Writing By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog Hop, #Writing Tips, #Sensory Details

 

This Month's Topic: Using the Senses in Writing.

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic

** My apologies, readers, for the giant photo in this post. (I've examined all the HTML info and cannot find the photo's stream.) Please scroll past it.

Sensory Details are what bring a story to life.

A gentle breeze blew my hair across my cheek (TOUCH) as I walked along the uneven trail (TOUCH). Leaves rustled (SOUND) above me, and a lone crow gave several loud caws (SOUND) overhead. I took a deep breath. The smell of decay and leaves (SMELL) made me wary, and the coppery taste of fear coated my throat. I scanned my surroundings to ensure I wasn't being followed (SIGHT).

The Five Senses also sets the story's mood/tone/genre.

My first example lets the reader know this isn't going to be a straight-forward romance. 

The reader will expect a murder mystery/suspense/or even a Gothic novel.

Never cheat your reader. Sensory details draw your reader into the story, trigger emotional responses, and, most importantly, make them feel a part of your story world. 

Since I'm an introvert and tactile, adding these details/emotional reactions is natural for me. In contrast, a more analytical person's writing might focus on the visual and take a more detective approach/reaction to the sensory clues. 

It is how your character processes his/her sensory details.

This is for fans of Star Trek (original series: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Forest Kelly) and the movies that followed (Chris Pine, Zachery Quinto, Karl Uban). 

Mr. Spock was my favorite character. Though I observe, analyze, retain facts, and relate deals decades later, I am not, and will never be, "Mr. Spock."

Captain Kirk was a physical, in-your-face kind of guy. He yelled, punched, and bled. First and the scene or to make a scene, the man didn't seem to ever sleep. 

Then there is "Bones," Doctor Leonard McCoy. He grumbles and points out injustice, holds his ground for what is right. and saves his patient's life. He has empathy, compassion, and wit. 

So, the first key to successful sensory details in a story is to know your character. How does your character look at the world? What lens does your character use?

Excerpts from Gumbo Ya Ya (an anthology)

A Slice of Scandal

She ignored his question and continued with her narrative. "Instead, the scenes are shot according to where they are set. The cooking, naturally, will be here on the sound stage. But Harvey wants some location work, too."

Sebastian felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. "Location work?" How would he investigate a murder and a smuggling ring if he wandered over some tourist site? He flipped through the script. "My contract doesn't say anything about location work."

Julia glanced over her script, making eye contact. "You're joking, right?"

Think fast, Beaux, just stall her. "I'm not ready."

"You're not ready?" she asked, her voice heavy with disbelief. You've lived in a swamp, caught and eaten alligators, frogs, snakes, and fish....and you don't want to appear at a local shopping mall?"

"I'm not ready; you told me that. I still get nervous...in large crowds."

The look she shot in his direction clearly labeled him a liar, but she kept silent since Harvey was stationed nearby.

Love Potion No. 9

"Don't shake your finger at me, Simone Basso. I know what I'm doing." Persia Richmond said, holding a pipette to fill a crystal half-ounce atomizer with perfume. The top notes of peach blossoms, bergamot, and mid-notes of gardenia, honey, and tuberose tanalized. The tuberose, being the most carnal of the floral notes and high-ticket natural essence for her fragrance compound, merged with peony and orange blossom to temper the intoxication properties. The base notes lingered while a hint of something unnamed and mysterious beguiled and skimmed across the narrow processing room, saturating her senses.

The fragrance was New Orleans, culture at its most upscale moments, and Mardi Gras at its naughtiest.

The imported essence oils of the tuberose had nearly emptied her bank account, leaving Persia only one egret. Her Grandpapa hadn't lived to experience her mastery of perfumery.

Holding up the bottle, she allowed the light to shine through the tempered vial for a moment before she ensured the stopper was tight. 

Simone leaned over Persia's shoulder, "I done warned and warned you about messing with love potions."

The statement sent Persia's heart thundering in her chest. Snagging a steadying breath, she regained her composure. "You worry too much, Simone. This is a perfume. Nothing more, nothing less."

I hope you've enjoyed this month's post :)

Please visit the other talented authors' blog sites to learn more about the 5 Senses and story snippets!

Happy Reading!

XOXO

Connie

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

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

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

Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3cc

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

How to Share a Backstory/History with Your Reader By Connie Vines #Backstory, #Round Robin, #Sharing with Readers, #Writing Tips

This month's topic:

The Importance of your character's backstory/history and how to share this with the reader without an info dump that stalls the action.

My preferred method is to utilize my blurb. 

Example: Lynx (Rodeo Romance, Book 1)

With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life--to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on Lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.

Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous father rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena. Now she wants nothing to do with that world--or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory, But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny..., and his unexpected gentleness is too seductive to resist.

However, this month's main topic is introducing backstory/history into the story.  

Internal dialogue is useful, but a conversation with a friend/confidant or having an event trigger a memory creates more substantial reader involvement in the scene.

Rachel stalled to no avail. Charlene planted herself on the arm of the couch, "Dan told me Lynx left for Lubbock without you. Why?"

Rachel squirmed.

"I couldn't do it. Lynx kept talking about his family. He kept telling me about the ranch and planning how we'd spend our days. The more he planned, the more frightened I became. When it came to the final day, I couldn't do it, Charlene. I pulled my suitcase from the closet and remembered all the times I'd picked up and moved...I just couldn't do it again."

Example 2: Brede (Rodeo Romance, Book 2)

In this story, I utilized a prologue. I seldom implement this device (except in my historical novels); however,  because this is romantic suspense, this moves the reader into an action sequence.

Example 3: Tanayia: Whisper upon the Water (Historical)

Prologue

1868

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

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

1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries

Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remains where the sagebrush is stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. Al and made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reach out into the silence.

A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. We call ourselves N'dee. The People. The white man calls us Apache.

https://books2read.com/Tanayia

Everyone has great tips on sharing a character's backstory with the reader.

Please visit the participants:

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

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

Dr. Bob Rich https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2023/03/18/where-to-hide-the-time-machine-backstory/

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

Connie

Link to my publisher's website:  https://www.bookswelove.com/vines-connie/

(eBook and print)

Happy Reading!  📖📚📱

New Beginnings: How to Jump-Start Your Writing By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog #Writing Tips

Round Robin Blog Fest, January 21, 2023 

While increased personal responsibilities have forced Rhobin Courtright to retire as the leader of our monthly round-robin, Skye Taylor has volunteered to oversee the Round Rhobin flock. 

This month's topic: 

New Beginnings - how do you motivate yourself to get back to writing when 

Life has interrupted your flow, and/or how do you begin a new writing challenge?

The holiday season and the winter weather prompt me to reassess my life and goals for the incoming year. 

I'm ready to start a new project upon January's arrival.

What works for me?

• My local writing chapter offers monthly online workshops. I participated in several during the holidays. Penny Sansevieri taught one workshop. I also participated in a workshop led by Allie Pleuter. Both of these workshops were interactive, informative, and fun!

• I read and study some of the novels I have stacked in my office. 1 non-fiction, 1 NY Times best-seller, a favorite classic, and a book my mother sent me: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (a pristine 1945 hardbound copy ) and genre fiction. 

• I still keep my daily journal, but I enabled the mic feature to switch it up a bit this time. I will return to the pen-and-paper method as it feels like a diary. Speaking my thoughts verbally seems...less intimate.

• I also spend time with family members (2 winter weddings, holiday celebrations, children's birthdays, etc.). Change of location, interaction, and ensuing chaos, always gives one a new idea/ slant on life.

•  I also tried new recipes and ordered take-out/delivery meals with unfamiliar (to me cuisine). Why take-out? I was noting my sensory response from a character's POV. Tonight I chose from the Japanese menu: Okonomiyaki (an eggy pancake) and Shoyu (Raman Soup with veggies, protein, seaweed, bamboo shoots, and noodles). I expected the soup to taste salty, but it wasn't. The flavors were unfamiliar, and some of the textures were unexpected. 

• And lastly, I varied my writing routine. I wrote 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours after dinner. I've been a night owl since birth. Therefore, this was a challenging change in my way (it required additional cups of coffee while a bit of snarkiness embedded itself into my easy-going temperament).

The other Round Robin Blog Hop members have tips and ideas to get you writing in 2023.

 

Connie

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

Anne Graham               https://goo.gl/h4DtKv

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

Diane Bator               https://dbator.blogspot.com/

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

Victoria Chatham         http://www.victoriachatham.com

Fiona McGuire              http://www.fionamcgier.com/

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