Take A Chance On Angela Kay Austin!!

Anyone else feeling the Back-To-School grind? With lunch boxes to fill, dress codes to ensure, homework and car pooling, don't the days just wing on by?!

If you're looking for a snazzy read to make the wait-times for pick-ups and practices a little less mundane, you've come to the "write" place!!

ANGELA KAY AUSTIN is here today to pass along some kickin' advice and to tell us about her latest book, LOVE'S CHANCE.

Grab a scone or three and top off your cup. We're getting down to the good stuff!


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

This one is difficult. I've never thought of myself in 250 words or less. Maybe something like...From modest beginnings, Angela Kay Austin faced constant struggle to become bestselling author. Berated by many, loved by more and envied because of it she faced fear, exile and loss in search of the answer to the question...where do I belong?

2)Using three words, describe your voice.

Contemporary, urban, feminist

3) What's been the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome in your writing?

Believing I really had something to say that was ohh so slightly different from what everyone else had to say. And, then convincing everyone else that it was more than just a hobby that I would give up on or that would eventually burn out.

4)What's the best writing/career advice you've ever received?

Write everyday. No matter what it is...write in a journal, blog, or your grocery list, but write something. It helps you to find out exactly what your voice is, and allows you to strengthen it.

5)If you had to start all over again, what would be the one bit of writing "know-how" you'd want to take along?

Know-how? Hmm. I've thought about knowledge before...I'd definitely want to remember that every action has creates momentum and has a consequence. Know-how? Aside from how to tell a story, I'd love to remember how to play music. Being able to read the notes, and create something from nothing has always fascinated me.

6) What do you think are the vital components every romance should possess?

Strong chemistry between the h/h. A plot that is filled with the right plot twists that carry the story forward, and that allow for enough push and pull between the characters. This allows the reader to become a true part of the relationship understanding what each character is willing to do for the other.

Characterization. The characters have to be truly defined so the reader believes them and the situations you put them in. Focus on the GMC of each of character. And, of course, description. So often, as a writer, I will a scene and forget the layer in all of the necessary pieces to pull a reader into the scene as I see it. Only on the 5th round of edits do you have it exactly the way you really want it.

7)What's up next for you? Any news you'd like to share?

Nest ;-) I have a short story, My Son, that will be coming soon from my publisher--Red Rose Publishing. It's the story of misplaced trust, love, family, and murder. I really hope your readers will keep an eye out for it.

Links for Angela Kay Austin:
www.AngelaKayAustin.com
www.Facebook.com/AngelaKayAustin
www.MySpace.com/AngelaKayAustin
www.Twitter.com/AngelaKayAustin

Love’s Chance blurb:
To pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn’t welcome her with open arms, but Chance O’Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family’s restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love.


Love’s Chance excerpt (PG):

Chance pulled out a chair beside Sinclair and sat. He leaned back and rested his arm across the back of her chair. His thigh touched hers underneath the table. “Your presentation was really good. I think you were the only one who actually kept to the time limit.” He ran a hand across his military hair cut. “How long was Raquel up there? Forty-five minutes.”

She could feel her cheeks redden due to his nearness. “I think so.”

Chance’s look fixed on something across the room; he shifted in his seat. His body leaned closer to hers. “So, when are you leaving? I’ll walk you to your car.”

She followed his stare. Raquel Dickinson, Bakery Category Manager, stalked in their direction. Her broad, angry movements destroyed the effect of the body hugging dress she wore. Reddish blonde hair flowed like untamed fire over bare shoulders.

Sinclair searched the room for her boss, Daniel Houser. She caught a glimpse of his back as he and his wife slipped out of the dining hall. As the breath escaped her, her shoulders slumped. Not so much as a pat on the back or job well done. For some reason, he spent as little time as possible around her. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he definitely was not the ‘go to’ guy in case of emergency. “It looks like I can leave at any time.”

Chance stood, and pulled out Sinclair’s chair. “Let’s go.”

Raquel reached their table before they could leave. “Calling it a night so early?”
He stood between the two women, and reached for Sinclair’s hand to help her stand. “Yeah Raquel it’s been a long night, and I’ve got a meeting in the morning.”

Raquel leaned around Chance. “Sinclair, do you mind if I walk out with the two of you?”

“Of course not. Are you ready?”

Chance released Sinclair’s hand, but walked closely behind. “Raquel, where did you park?”

She snaked her arm around his. “Next to your truck.”

“And Sinclair what about you?”

“I am on the other side of the lot. You really don’t have to walk me all of the way.”

“Sinclair, Chance and I would not dream of letting you walk to your car alone.”

Raquel rubbed her hand up and down Chance’s arm, and looked up into his eyes. “Would we Chance?”

Chance stopped underneath the awning in front of the banquet hall. “Sinclair, wait here. Come on Raquel.” Chance and Raquel walked into the night toward their cars.
Sinclair didn’t wait; she headed in the direction of her car. Footsteps behind her caught her attention.

“Sinclair. Stop.” Chance’s voice was stern. He blocked her path. “I asked you to wait.”

“I know, but I didn’t want to be any trouble. You and Raquel…you seemed—”

“We seemed what? If you have a question, ask it.” His stare was amplified by his silence.

She had questions, but they didn’t matter. She shook her head from side to side. “No. It’s really none of my business.”

“None of your business?” Chance walked slow and close.

“No. You and Raquel have your own thing.”

“We do have a history, Sinclair, but—”

Sinclair stopped at her car door. “But it’s none of my business.”

Chance stepped in closer. “What if I want that to change?”

She took a step back. “It couldn’t”

He stepped back, and stared. “It couldn’t or you wouldn’t let it?”

“Chance, I can’t.” She turned to open her car door. “Thanks for walking me to my car.” She stepped back to open the door, for a moment her body fit into his. She slid into her car, and shut the door behind her.

Love's Chance - Available NOW from Red Rose Publishing
http://redrosepublishing.com/books/index.php?manufacturers_id=76&osCsid=79e139a1dd0aef88b89c2f411a5e9bfc


Here's hoping you found a must-have end of summer read!! I'd like to thank Angela for letting me interview her. If you'd like to know more about Angela Kay Autsin, please check out the above posted links!

THANK YOU, TLN'ers!! I've been missing Waikiki and the beautiful beaches of O'ahu in a bad way. So, I figured it was time to revisit an old fav: THE BEACH BOYS and KOKOMO!!

After trolling for the video, I'm definitely gonna be "Cruising" for a copy of Cocktail to watch! Talk about an awesome summer time flick. WHAT's YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER MOVIE??

Take A Chance On Laverne Thompson!!

Well, razzle-dazzle-me, we've finally arrived at Friday!

If your week has been a little lack-luster, take a gander at the luscious piece of eye-candy gracing the cover of Laverne Thompson's latest release, CHANCES ARE!

Now, that is definitely what I'd call sweet treat!

Laverne is here today to give us the scoop on the writerly-ways. Cop-a-squat and let's get ready to have a good time!



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

She was the kind of woman that didn't take no for an answer.

2) Using three words, describe your voice.

Screechy, low, and accented.

3) Real life is out there and it happens a lot! How do you keep yourself motivated and productive as a writer?

Thank God real life happens. Some of it's fodder for my imagination. LOL. It's not hard for me to be motivated, but with 2 active teenagers a husband who travels and a dog it takes some doing to be productive. I usually try to write during the day when everyone's out of the house. After 2:30 it's almost impossible. By the time I settle down for the night I just want to chill. But depending on what I'm working on I might write for an hour before bed. But I'm most productive during the day. Weekends if the fam is home I have to hide to get any writing done.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome in your writing/career?

Finding the time to market my work. Most people don't realize you spend as much time marketing as you do writing.

5) What is your favorite aspect of writing? (ex: world building, character building, plotting, etc.)

In my contemporary work, character building bringing two people together and developing the relationship around their characters. But with my fantasy/paranormal/sci/fi world building. That is probably my favorite aspect of writing, world building I can let my mind really go.

6) What would be your advice to aspiring authors on creating a stand out query letter?

That's tough. I think first you have to have an interesting story. If you do you hook them with that first. Get them wanting to read more.

7) Got any news to share? What's up next for you?

I have several things in the works but nothing I can talk about yet, other than to say look for more world building work from me this year. But my latest, CHANCES ARE is a contemporary with a touch of intrigue available from Red Rose Publishing. To read excerpts of my works or to take a peep at what's coming soon check out my website lavernethompson.com Meanwhile enjoy the excerpt below of Chances Are. Oh by the way I had a chance to meet my cover model Jimmy Thomas at RT, what a sweetheart.

EXCERPT-

The cool air slapped at Kayla, a tall striking woman with short curly sable-colored hair, as she walked out of the bank, her head held high, clutching a large cardboard box. Who would have thought her entire office, her professional life could be reduced to one box? But she'd be damned if, after fifteen years of faithful service to this bank, and the last three as the branch manager, she'd allow some pimple faced bozo with a bunch of initials after his name to see her cry. She'd wait until she got to the privacy of her own home to do that.

Maybe not even then.

The heavy oak door slammed shut behind her. The self-satisfied sound of Mr. Newington's nasal voice still ringing in her ears.

"Ms. Michaels, I'm here to inform you in person, this branch is slated for closure in two weeks. A few of the tellers and staff here will be transferred to other branches with openings; however, there are no openings for your position..."

She turned around to scan the almost empty mid-day autumn street of Old Town Alexandria for a cab; she'd probably have to walk up to the busier main road. Someone bumped into her shoulder—hard. Her box tumbled out of her hands, and her things scattered all over the sidewalk. The jerk who jostled her didn't even bother to stop and help, he just muttered sorry and ran on.

"Asshole!" she screamed at his retreating back. After being treated so rudely, boy, it felt good to be able to yell at someone.

She bent down to pick up her things, when a large pale long fingered hand moved into her line of vision.

"Here you go," a deep masculine voice said, causing her lower abdominal muscles to clench and contract.

The hand held a very pricey Waterford paperweight in the shape of the Capitol dome which used to sit on her desk. It had been a gift from her sister last Christmas.

She reached to take the paperweight away from him, when his fingers brushed against hers. Immediately, she pulled her hand back, dropping the paperweight in the process. Good thing it landed in the box on top of her sweater and not on the brick tiled sidewalk. Her sister would never forgive her if she broke it. But who could blame her. Her gaze followed his masculine hand to a black leather-covered arm, up and up to the most incredible sight she'd ever seen in her life. She blinked twice. Her troubles got shoved to the back of her mind.

Now, that is what a call a tasty teaser! I'm still googly-eyed over that cover model. And to meet him at RT?! *sigh* Definitely a Kodak moment! I'd like to thank Laverne for letting me interview her. If you'd like to sneak-a-peek at the book video for CHANCES ARE, click here.

THANK YOU, TLN'ers! I'm feeling a little show-tuney, so here's a song to get stuck in your noggin! CELL BLOCK TANGO from CHICAGO!! Have a swingin' weekend and don't be afraid to get a little naughty!

Spend Some Time With Eryn Grace!!!

Hey, hey, hey!! The weekend is waiting in wings and rearin' to go!

With the summer heat licking at our heels, I thought it would be a perfect time to reflect on the benefits and blessings of winter since we won't likely see another chilly day for a good long while.

Please help me welcome Eryn Grace to the TLN Hot Seat! Her latest release, HEARTS OF COMPASSION, is guaranteed to lift your spirits and cast away the doldrums.

Sit down and take a load off! Hi-Oh, here we go . . .


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

Eryn Grace is a calm story, quiet at times, but passionate about her beliefs. She likes to stand up for the weak and helpless, to give them a happier life. She’s not a pushover, but is used to rising to the challenge for a happier ever after ending.

2) Using three words, describe your voice.

Simple, straightforward, loud.

3) From Newbie to Published- How have you grown as a writer?

When I look back at my first writing attempt, I had never heard of POV—point of view. I thought books should be like television shows, where the viewer could see all action, from an omniscient viewpoint. But that’s not true. In writing, the author has to be true to the point-of-view. They can only do or see what’s in front of them, never in a scene where they’re not present, and can’t even see their hair or eyes unless looking in a mirror. That was hard to understand, but once I wrote first person, it all became clear to me.

4) What advice would you give an aspiring writer looking to submit to publishers?

Make sure your manuscript is as clean as possible, your hook blows them out of their seats, and your plot is bigger than life. I give myself that same advice…and trust me, it’s tough.

5) Give us a sneak peek of a typical writing day? What kind of goals do you set?

I don’t set goals. I have so many interruptions during the day, if I get a few pages written, fine. If I write ten thousand words, that’s fine too (and I have done that in the past). I write a first draft very fast so I don’t forget the plot, since I think in scenes. I get up early (like 4:30) to get a shower, work until I get my kids up at 5 and 5:30, take them to school, then get to work. Writing is my escape in life, since I have no other job. Therefore, it’s like watching television to me…fun and enjoyable, posing my ‘characters’ and putting them in rotten situations.

6) Any tips on promotion? What works for you?

Promotion and marketing are the toughest things for me. I’ve learned how to make emails from HTML code, which makes them pretty. I’ve had websites that I do myself, so that’s not difficult for me. But competing against all the other writers out there is very hard for me. Creating a blog, joining Facebook, and sending out emails to potential readers seem to be the best plan for me right now.

7) What can Eryn Grace fans look forward to in 2010?

I have a book that released with Red Rose Publishing on December 3, 2009. I have quite a few other books written just waiting to find a home, and some day, plan to have all of those in print. But first, I want to see how this one does.

Red Rose buy site: http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=251
Blog: http://eryngrace.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.eryngrace.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eryn-Grace/169404551199?ref=ts

Blurb:
Rylee Fitz, lonely daughter of a millionaire, is forced to work at a homeless shelter in up-state New York as a team building exercise for her job. Since her goal is to get her immediate boss' job, she jumps at the chance.

Ben Colson, the homeless shelter's lawyer who was fired when he'd been working for Rylee's father, is bitter from having to start over again. He also wants to move on with his life, but no woman ever fits the bill.

To her horror, Ben makes Rylee do manual labor and teaches her that brooms don't need to be plugged in to work. When he takes the time to actually treat her like a human being, Rylee finds herself falling for him. She just hopes he finds it in his heart to deal with her problems, and can forgive her family for treating him badly.


Excerpt:

"Are you okay?" someone asked from behind her.

She turned and faced a man in a sweatshirt and jeans, certain he was homeless, too. His chin was covered in stubble and he looked exhausted. He was muscular and sexy, with light brown hair, blue eyes, and strong facial features. But he was lower class, in her mind, because she was sure he was homeless.

Rylee raised her nose slightly, in her mother's upper class snottiness. "I'm fine. I think you belong over there…with your kind."

"My kind?" He raised one eyebrow, almost chuckling while he crossed his arms. "What kind would that be?"

"The homeless." She pointed ahead of her. "Over there."

He raked his eyes down over her, almost in cruel judgment. "No one wears dresses here…or heels. Are you lost?"

"No, we've been assigned here from the city. I'm with Grahame Designs, but you probably don't know anything about that." She waved him off, ignoring him.

"Is that right?" He chuckled, his arms still crossed. "I organized your trip here, and I'm going to be your boss for the next week."

"You? Who are you?"

He reached out to shake her hand. "Ben Colson. I'm the lawyer for the Guardian Home for the Needy."

She shook his hand, feeling confused. "I don't know your name. I thought you were a homeless—"

He leaned closer, and she realized he didn't smell like the rest of the room. He'd showered recently, the scent of the soap filling her nose. "We call them clients. They're people, too."

"Are you sure?" she whispered. "They almost seem crazy to me."

He chuckled, put his hand on her back and walked her toward the table. "Not at all. They're people and God loves them, too. They're down on their luck and you never know when it could happen to any one of us. This job is so important and rewarding, much more than my regular law practice. You'll figure it out, eventually."

"I don't think I ever will. I can't imagine either of us ever being a client
here."

An article on the craft of writing from Eryn:
When writing a scene in a book, make sure you’re true to the point of view. This means that the character ‘seeing’ the scene as it unfolds is the point of view you should stick with throughout the whole scene. For example, in the following scene, it’s in Jane’s point of view, third person (in this case):
~~~

She watched him get into the car. “Please don’t leave,” she said. “I promise to be nicer at the table.”

He stuck his head out the car window. “I’m not having iced tea poured down my back any more. Sorry, babe, but I’m sticky and I’m going home for a shower. You need to find someone else to teach you how to behave in public.”

He backed the car out of the driveway, then she watched the car race off down the street. She knew she’d never see him again, but he did look hilarious, all wet.
~~~

Here’s the same scene, from Bill’s point-of-view:

He felt awful, the scent of iced tea with lemon permeating the air around him. While stalking out to the car, he still thought Jane was beautiful. He got into the car and turned the key.

“Please don’t leave,” she said. “I promise to be nicer at the table.”

Like that would happen. His fingers even stuck to the steering wheel! He took a deep breath and stuck his head out the car window. “I’m not having iced tea poured down my back any more. Sorry, babe, but I’m sticky and I’m going home for a shower. You need to find someone else to teach you how to behave in public.”

Before she could whine, he backed the car out of the driveway, then tore off down the street. He wondered if she needed mental help.

~~~

Now this is what you’d see on TV, in omniscient viewpoint, if you could hear what they’re thinking. I’m labeling the sentences with the character’s POV (point of view) when they’re thinking.


She watched him get into the car as she stood outside, worried she’d never see him again (HER POV). He thought she was beautiful, but hated his fingers sticking to the steering wheel. (HIS POV)

“Please don’t leave,” she said. “I promise to be nicer at the table.”

Like that would happen. (HIS POV) He took a deep breath and stuck his head out the car window. (HIS POV) “I’m not having iced tea poured down my back any more. Sorry, babe, but I’m sticky and I’m going home for a shower. You need to find someone else to teach you how to behave in public.”

Before she could whine, he backed the car out of the driveway, then tore off down the street. (HIS POV) He wondered if she needed mental help, (HIS POV) while she knew she’d never see him again. (HER POV)
~~~~~

In this passage, you can ‘hear’ what’s going on in both character’s heads. You’re in both points of view and that’s a huge faux pas. Most agents would send out an automatic rejection for something like this. The word for this is ‘headhopping’ and not good.

So be very careful that every scene, chapter, or even the whole book is in only one point of view.



Now, there's some food for thought! I'd like to thank Eryn for hanging out with us today. I know I sure enjoyed savoring the feel of winter. Sheesh! I get hives just thinking of triple digit temps being just a hop, skip, and a jump away. If you'd like to get a full helping of what Eryn Grace has to offer, click on over to her website.

Thank you, TLN'ers! Here's hoping your weekend is easy, breezy, lemon squeezy! I've got the perfect tune to get your toes tapping! Get cooled off with a little FISHING IN THE DARK by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band! Catch ya' back next week!

Paige Ryter Makes Any Holiday Bright!!

Ho-ho-ho, Well, wouldn't you know the BIG Day is finally here!

You've shopped and wrapped, baked and frosted, and decorated everything in sight.

The time has come to rest and relax, so rush to your couch, because here's a Holdiay book to ease your Silent Night. Please welcome Paige Ryter and her festive Yuletide yarn, THREE MINUTES BEFORE CHRISTMAS to the Lovestruck Novice spotlight!

Grab your Wassail and get comfy cozy, because giddy-yap, giddy-yap and away we go!

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

Paige Ryter is fun, looking at life from the positive side of things. ‘If life isn’t fun, then why bother’ is her motto. She can write serious things, as well, but there will always be a happily-ever-after moment, just because she loves happiness.

2) Using three words, describe your voice.

Fun, happy, upbeat.

3) From Newbie to Published- How have you grown as a writer?

Keep it simple and build the tension. When I first started writing, I tried to overwrite emotions. Every character had ‘desire’ and ‘passion’ words associated with them, even when characters first met. Now, I make the heroine and hero not get along at first, then realize they do enjoy each other’s company, then work up to the first kiss. I don’t write erotica, so a kiss or a massage might be all that I have the characters do. Not all couples are into lust, and I’ve found that some readers are actually looking for couples that truly get along, something they’re striving for in their own lives.

4) What advice would you give an aspiring writer looking to submit to publishers?

Get someone to look over your manuscript before you send it, just to make sure it’s what they’re looking for. Make sure the format is followed to the letter, with page breaks between chapters and one inch-margins all around. Put the chapter heading about a third of the way down on the page and use auto-indents if possible, so all paragraphs don’t have tabs, but indents. Many publishers want things sent in Microsoft Word or RTF…so make sure you follow their rules.

5) Give us a sneak peek of a typical writing day? What kind of goals do you set?

My goal each day is to lose myself in the story I’m writing. I get up early to get my family off to where they’re going, then work on my things. To come up with new scenes, I lie down, close my eyes, and let my mind wander. That’s why most days, I take a nap after falling asleep thinking of scenes. HA!

6) Any tips on promotion? What works for you?

Promotion is all about getting your name out there, whether it’s to talk about your writing or even getting to know other people. I’ve found the nicer you are to others, the more likely they’d consider buying my books. I’ve made more great friends this way, and some of them even help me with promotions. I’ve joined yahoo groups, which helps, too. There’s also a yahoo loop about marketing for romance writers, and they have some great ideas as well.

7) What can Paige Ryter fans look forward to in 2010?

I have a book that released with Red Rose Publishing on December 10, 2009 entitled ‘Three Minutes Before Christmas’. I have a few plans for sending things out, but nothing is on the horizon at this time.

How about a sizzlin' samplin' of how THREE MINUTES BEFORE CHRISTMAS will heat up your night!

Blurb:
When Sydney White is hit by a huge roll of Christmas wrapping paper at her mall wrapping job, sexy pediatrician Colin Taylor rushes to her rescue. Unable to find her purse or keys, Sydney can’t even recall the phone number for her brother’s new home, so Colin offers his home as a place of refuge.

While there is a physical attraction, Sydney knows their worlds are far apart and it’ll only be a matter of time before he finds someone else in his own social class.

Can a Christmas miracle save their love? Check the clock because they’ve only got Three Minutes Before Christmas until the magic is lost.


Excerpt:

The electricity pulsing through her fingertip was incredible, making her heart race and her breath quicken. "I'm seeing how crazy you are," she whispered, moving her finger along his jaw line.

"No, you're playing chicken to see which one of us gives in first. I think it's going to be you."

"Really?" she whispered in a low tone. She inched closer so she could feel his hot breath on her face, melting her from the inside, then shifted in her seat to get as close to him as she could. "How long can you hold out?"

"I'm not sure. It's tough, because you're beautiful and such a fun person. You have no idea what you do to me, which I find very interesting."

Her voice was just a whisper. "Just don't lick my nose, or I'm outta here." She threw her left foot over the gearshift and onto his right leg, stroking his thigh with the inside of her knee.

He grinned and began massaging the inside of her upper leg, inching higher and higher. "Your nose was the last thing I was thinking about.

"She slightly licked her lips and narrowed her eyes in a seductive move. "You're still adorable, with your sexy eyes and strong cheekbones.

"He wrapped his arms around her and moved his face to within inches of her lips.

She touched his chin with a grin, then caressed his cheek with the back of her fingers, keeping her eyes on his. "You look like a model—"

He brushed his lips against hers then backed away.

"You just lost," she whispered.

"No, this is losing." He moved forward and captured her lips with a huge kiss. Their tongues entwined, the warmth filling her entire body. Her breathing grew shallow and she was sure he was enjoying it as much as she was just from his actions. She lost all sense of where she was, concentrating just on what was happening between them. Her stomach fell and she felt tingly all over, making her more than lightheaded. Thoughts of him in bed filled her mind, even though she knew it could never happen.

While he nibbled on her neck and ear, she threw back her head in enjoyment. "I think you're right. You lost. Feel free to lose any time."

What a treat, what a treat! Just like a box of chocolates, Paige just keeps on giving!

Article on the craft of writing:
Ten tips for better writing:

10. Show instead of telling. For example, instead of:
She went to school and sat in her seat.

Try:

Alice stepped off the last step on the school bus, seeing all the other students wearing uniforms. She wished she could afford a uniform, but knew every penny her parents made went toward living expenses. Lowering her eyes, she walked to her class, smelling the scent of lunch cooking as she passed the cafeteria. The scent made her empty stomach churn before she reached her class. Easing the classroom door open, she saw Miss Nelson smiling as she walked to her seat. Putting her books away in her desk, she fell into her seat and put her chin in her hands, with her elbows on the desktop.

9. Take out as many –ly words as you can. Describe instead of using these types of adverbs.

8. Start off the first chapter with a huge hook, making the reader unable to put the book down. They should be asking questions like ‘why’ and ‘what happens next’.

7. Make sure your terms aren’t colloquialisms. For example, I once wrote ‘You can’t go steps?’ My line editor had no idea what I was writing and asked me what I was trying to say. I changed it to ‘You can’t walk up steps?’ and it made sense to me. Somewhere in my life, ‘can’t go steps’ was acceptable. That’s why having someone look over your work is a great idea.

6. Use ‘said’ instead of synonyms whenever you can. Readers have a tendency to ignore ‘said.’ If you use other words like ‘remarked,’ you’ll slow the pacing. Slowing the pacing will make a reader unhappy.

5. Watch how many times you use words frequently. For example, I have a tendency to overuse ‘obviously,’ ‘actually,’ ‘very,’ and ‘really.’ I have to go back through and take out words like those whenever I can.

4. Vary your sentence structure. Instead of all sentences having a noun-verb construction, start about every other or every third sentence with a clause.

3. In the United States, all ‘ward’ words do not end in a final ‘s’. In the U.K, they do end in ‘s’. So in the US, words like toward, backward, forward, afterward, downward, and upward don’t end in a final ‘s’.

2. All right is always all right, never ‘alright.’

1. This one might get me in trouble, but I’ve spoken to two major publishers about this. Use two spaces at the end of sentences, not one. It makes it easier on the eyes to read, and if you have to format it with one space, it’s easier to go from two sentences to one, then vice versa. E-book publishers want one space, but usually, major publishers want two. So keep it at two and then decrease it if you need to. If you still think one space is the way to go, take a look at this sentence:

“I want money!” Kim screamed.

With one space, is it two sentences or one? Does she scream, “I want money!” or does she say, “I want money!” then scream? We don’t know. But if there are two spaces between the quote and ‘Kim,’ then we know she wants the money, then screams.

What a way to keep our writer's minds cheery and bright! If you'd like to learn more about the Fabulous Paige Ryter, click on over to her lovely website.

I'd like to thank Paige for helping us ring in the holiday mood. And THANK YOU, TLN'ers for hanging your stockings at the Lovestruck Novice's mantel tonight!! Here's Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen singing WHITE CHRISTMAS!! May your days be merry and bright!