Glamour, Perception, and Reality With Connie Wood!!

G'Day!! Welcome back, mates!

The featured author this week is one of my dearest friends. I met Connie Wood via a yahoo loop in summer of '08 and like peas and carrots, we just went together. She's been both a shoulder to cry on and my terra firma, willing to give me a swift kick when needed. Friends like Connie are definitely ones to treasure.

Without further ado, here's my peep from the Land Down Under!


The wonderful Sarah, kindly invited me to write an article for her blog, and I was very honoured. I wanted to write something witty, something to capture the imagination, perhaps even something glamourous. But then I realised something, writing isn't really a very glamourous profession. It may seem like it in the initial stages. As a novice writer I got caught up in the allure of being a writer. The wonderful excitement of even the narrowest possibility of seeing my name plastered across a book sitting proudly next to the well known and great authors.

Then the reality of what it truly is to be a writer set it.

Being a writer is all the above, the glamour, the magic, imagination refined and honed into characters and stories. But it is also hard work, doubt, motivation, sacrifice and sometimes even a lot of luck. The reality of writing and being a writer is a very complex matter. Perhaps the problem with the perception of being a writer, especially a romance writer, in any sub-genre, is the fact that to write we must live in imagination. You can see the contradiction all ready. You need to have a brilliant imagination to write, and yet you also need a good dose of reality to be able to get your prose out there for the masses to enjoy.

Some surveys suggest that the impossible standards introduced in romance are destroying the reality of real life romance and partners. Is this the writers original perception or is this the way it is interpreted by the reader? Personally, I am unsure, but as a writer and a reader, I want the perception, the glamour of imagination. If I wanted to read pure reality, then I would pick a different genre. This is not to say that our romance needs to be taken completely out of the realm of reality. Every good writer (and reader) knows that characters, plots etc need to have believability, otherwise the level of suspension of disbelief goes out the window. Even when the romance has paranormal elements, or is set in a totally different world, the rules of that world need to be believable. But it also needs to be fantastical at the same time.

And that level of disbelief is a main reason people read. To be immersed in a different time, land, or situation along with characters that the reader learns to love and grow with is why we read. And it is why I write. There is, of course, a survey that counteracts the above results and states that romance novels actually help instead of hinder real life relationships.Considering the level of popularity romance novels endure, then I would have to agree with this statement. How can a little romance, love, overcoming adversities, capped off with a happy ever after, be bad for you?

When you sit in front of a keyboard to write, some say not to write with an audience in mind, it can hinder the creative process. When I sit down to write, I do have an audience in mind. And that audience is me. I can not guarantee that anyone else will enjoy what I write, but I can make sure that I write something I would read. And I have to admit, I am a fairly discerning reader. By all means, do your market research and analyze what you enjoy reading and go from there.

This is where the contradiction in the writing industry really comes into its own. To write, we must escape into the realms of creative fantasy. The right side of your brain comes to the foreground and hopefully the words flow for you. But then the left side of your brain must come to the party and consider the realities of the prose you just spent forever writing. Is it good enough? How do I edit it? What publishing company do I submit to? Traditional or ebook publishing? The list goes on, and don't even get me started on marketing and promotion after the book is accepted.

The most basic reality of writing is that it is a long hard slog. A labour of true love. It is not easy. Sometimes the creative side, actually writing the book is the easiest. But the cold hard facts can actually stop you from initializing your creativity from the outset.

If you worry if the book will sell, where to publish it, or even if anybody will like it, then it can stop you from getting the book down on paper. So, go into this business with your eyes wide open. Your popularity and success can be as much a contradiction as the rest of the business. You could work for months, sell your manuscript and then earn pittance. Or you could whip together a book, sell it and become an overnight success. But to be honest, nearly all the writers who become successful earn their way through a lot of hard work, hard times and many years.

There will be times when you feel all messed up because the right (write) side of your brain and the left are competing for superiority. This can cause you to procrastinate, not be able to find the time to write, writers block etc. There may be times when you want to quit (yes I have been there). But most of all, you will probably love the challenge, because you love to write. You probably feel compelled to write, which is a great thing. Temper this with a business like attitude to your writing and there is no stopping you.

Learn the business, never give up and understand the differences between the perception and the reality of writing. Learn to switch over between reality and fantasy and your future readers will love and thank you for it.

Most of all, don't ever give up. Even when you feel like you're flogging that dead horse, get creative and make him come alive again. After all, that's what being a true writer is all about, reaching into the depths of your imagination and pulling out an extraordinary story. Changing the way people see things. That is real glamour.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and the biggest thank you to Sarah, for giving us writers and readers a platform to express and learn things we never would have otherwise.

Cheers Connie Wood
Win an iTouch until 04 May 2010, please see my web site for details. Connie Wood : http://www.conniewood.co.cc/

Dark Moon Link : http://pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=69

The Veteran Link : http://pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=36

The Fallen Fae Link : http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=169


What a fantastic post full of inspiration and advice! Ain't she sweeter than a Tim-Tam?! I'd like to thank Connie for being here today and for all her lovely words of encouragement. Here's wishing you tons of success, mate!

Writing has blessed me with many friends who have quickly become like family. What an awesome community! So, THANK YOU, TLN'ers! ((hugs!!))

Now, let's get the weekend rocking with another of Australia's most talented, KYLIE MINOGUE and CAN"T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD! Turn it up and get those toes tappin'! Set yourself free and enjoy a little R&R. Check ya back on Monday!

Spending Time With Connie Wood!!!

G'day mate! Welcome back to TLN!

Too-right, you guessed it! We have an another author to throw on the good ole bar-bie!

It's none other than my good friend from the land down under- Connie Wood!

I met Connie on Trinity Blacios yahoo loop back when I was just a newborn newbie. And just like Forrest would say, "We went together like Peas and Carrots."

I'm so proud to say that Connie's romantic suspense, THE VETERAN was released just last week! Naturally, I thought it only fair that she has to spill the beans on writing to us greenhorns.

Crikey! It's a fair dinkum day! Connie is graciously giving away a copy of The Veteran to one lucky commentor!

Waa-Hoo! What away to start the day!


1) If you were a book, what would your blurb be?


Connie Wood grew up in Australia to a happy loving family, but she dreamed of magic and prince charming and happily-ever-afters. Unwilling to kiss too many frogs, fate produced her very own knight in shining armour. But fate also brought adventure and foreign lands, hardship and challenges. Her romantic dreams came true with a fairytale honeymoon in the City of Lights. Then home beckoned, and the tang of Eucalyptus trees called them back. Soon a baby boy made their family complete and happiness settled over the little gingerbread house.


But happiness comes and goes and the yearning of long held dreams whispered in the background. The craving to write, to create new worlds and tell their stories now allows Connie to participate in those adventures she always dreamed about…..but in the comfort and peace of her own world.


Will she find her happy-ever-after? She already has.

2) Using only 3 words describe your voice.


Distinctive, Australian, Minnie Mouse!!!


3) Do you have a favorite writer's reference book or website/blog that you use for assistance when writing? (which ones and why?)


I can’t do without a good Thesaurus! This stems from one of my biggest problems of overusing words so the Thesaurus is my friend. I think it is also imperative to reference the publishing company that you are interested in, most are online now so their web sites are invaluable sources of information, not only on their submission rules but also writing tips and getting to know the company. Even though it is slightly different, I believe that writing groups and/or forums online are crucial for beginner writers. They have been invaluable to me. My only tip is to be careful how much time you do spend online referencing and on forums as it can become a tool for procrastination and detract from your writing (big problem for me).


4) What has been one of the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome as a writer?


I think the biggest obstacle for me to overcome, and I am still working on it, is confidence. The process of writing is such a personal experience and it allows you to go through the process of finding your confidence as a writer. Like most writers I have read all my life, and once you start writing there was a tiny voice that said, “will this be good enough?” “Will other people want to read this and get something out of it?”


Another obstacle is the actual mechanics of good writing, the grammar, punctuation and everything that goes with it. It is something that I never really thought about until I started to write. A good understanding of the structure of writing will certainly make writing and editing a lot easier, and it is something I am still working on.


5) What's your editing policy? Edit as you go or wait until after the book is done?


I generally wait until the end of the book to edit. The reason is because in the first draft I want to get the ideas down, the body of the writing. I want to see the characters and the plot take shape and then I will go over it from the beginning and edit. To edit I try to find repeated words, overused phrases, too much passive writing and the general mechanics of writing. After that is done I will then re-read the manuscript and see if the plot works, if the characters have been portrayed properly and if there is enough emotion and action and if the story “gels well”. Mind you, I am still learning all of this and the editors I have worked with have been an incalculable help. I have recently printed out an original manuscript and then the published version to see how and why things were edited, moved or cut completely. It is important to understand why it is done, not just because it is.


6) As you're writing, what are some of the things you do to keep on track? ie- making sure your dialogue flows smoothly and you're not repeating words/phrases.


I have a terrible tendency to repeat words and it is something that I just don’t “see” until I go back to the editing stage. Sometimes I don’t even see it then and have to wait for someone else to point it out to me. I also need to keep track of my adjectives and adverbs in the same manner. But apart from that as I write I want it flow so I try not to edit myself too much in the writing stage.


7) Looking back to your first year as a writer, what was the best advice you ever received?


The first year of writing was such a huge learning curve for me. Luckily I had the assistance and great advice of so many people, both veteran writers and people who were just starting out. I think the best advice is to find your own voice and write from the heart. It is so important because in that first year there is so much to learn about the rules, structure and business of writing that it can become overwhelming and you loose your unique voice and that emotional spark that made you want to write in the first place. Yes, it is important to learn the mechanics of writing and the publishing world but don’t allow that to block out what you want to say. Put a huge amount of emotion into your writing and hopefully it will be conveyed to the reader is also another great piece of advice I received. And write, write, write!!!


8) Give the low down on your new release, THE VETERAN? What's up next for you?


The Veteran was the first ever manuscript I wrote and I am so very proud of it. The idea actually stemmed from a writing prompt and took on a life of its own. It is a story of love, acceptance and letting go of the past in order to allow a better future, no matter how frightening that may feel. My two main characters are both carrying the physical and emotional scars of their past, but when they are thrown together and danger beckons, it is then that they must face the demons inside them and the dangers without. I hope I portrait the characters in a way that people will be able to relate to them, follow their journey and also take away the message that strength of character and love of yourself and others is truly healing.

What’s next for me??? The writing bug has really hit me and I have so many ideas buzzing through my head that I don’t have enough hours in the day to get them all down. I am currently self-editing a shape-shifter/hunter story called “Dark Moon”, I am loving the characters and the way the story is going. Then I am hoping to be able to do the sequel to my novella Fallen Fae which is published through Freya’s Bower. After that, I have a few stories to choose from that are calling my name.

Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this informative and inspirational site.

(Aw, ain't she sweet?!)

The Veteran is available now from Pink Petal Books.

Here is an excerpt from The Veteran

She could feel his eyes still on her. Heat flushed her face and burnt her ears; still she refused to acknowledge him. If she looked into those eyes, he would know there was much more to her knowledge then she was letting on. He was too smart, it was as if he was calculating everything you said to gauge its truth. You could see it working in his deep brown eyes.

She heard him throw his pen on the table and give a frustrated snort.

“It’s getting late, what do you say we get out of here and go get some dinner?”

“Why?” She asked, looking up at him, the question slipping out before she could stop it.

He gave her an exasperated look. “Because it’s late and I’m hungry. Besides, you hardly had anything for lunch. You must be starving.”

The man truly did notice everything; he probably did it instinctively.

“No, I’m fine thanks.” She shuffled the report papers on her desk. “I think I’ll just finish this report and then head home.”

For a moment he held her gaze. “Ah,” he said softly. “I see.”

“See what?”

“You don’t want to be seen out with a man like me.”

She looked at him in confusion, “What do you mean, a man like you?”

“A cripple, Gerri.”

“You are not a cripple! And besides what has that got to do with—”

“I am a cripple.” He stood up slowly and limped over to her as if to illustrate the point. She found herself holding her breath as he stood beside her. He positioned himself at an angle, his left side closest to her.

His gaze locked with hers. She let out a little gasp, her breathing hitching. Heat emanated from him as he bent down low over her. He was so close to her now, she was sure he was going to kiss her. Her lips parted on their own volition.

But he leaned lower still and lifted the left leg of his jeans to expose his prosthetic limb. She knew he had an injury. His limp was pronounced and his movements at times were slow and methodical but it hadn’t crossed her mind that he had lost his leg. She sat transfixed staring at the contrast between his large tanned masculine hands lying against the cold harsh metal of his leg. He grunted as he released his jeans and took a step back. His face an unreadable mask. She lowered her eyes. For a moment longer, she stared at his leg, now encased in black denim
jeans it was hard to notice the difference. She raked her eyes slowly up his legs. There, just above the knee was a slight protrusion where the prosthetic leg must connect to his leg.

Her eyes continued upward. Those black jeans certainly did fit snuggly everywhere else. A blush suffused her face. Still she couldn’t stop her appraisal moving higher up. His stomach was washboard tight underneath his black tee-shirt. His broad muscular chest made more pronounced by his all male stance with his hands on his hips.

Her gaze reached his and the color drained from her face. She knew that look in a person’s eyes. It was what she imagined herself to look like when people stared at her scared face with a mixture of pity and revulsion.

“You are not a cripple, Roman. Cripples are lifeless souls who are not capable of doing anything for themselves. You on the other hand are more than capable.” She smiled. “More like stubborn.”

What a brilliant excerpt! If you'd like to know more about Connie, check out her lovely website!

I'd like to say a heart-felt THANK YOU to Connie Wood for being here with us today! She's the real deal when it comes to friends. Cyber hugs your way, mate!

And Thanks to everyone who clicked on over to join the party here at TLN. Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of THE VETERAN!

The Winner-Winner-Chicken-Dinner will be announced next Friday! Good luck!

To send us off into the weekend here is Men At Work with LAND DOWN UNDER. (LOL I just couldn't help myself, Connie!) I say we go get a cold tinny. It's gotta to be 5 o' clock somewhere! Before we say hooroo, who the heck is shouting for the bar? It's been a long week and this mama needs a frosty one!