Jenna Harte

Creation in Death and The Seance

2007-11-12T13:50:00.000-05:00

Woo hoo, the new JD Robb book is out. I'm certain that I'm always the first person to buy the new book on the day it comes out. For me the In Death series is like the best of mystery and romance all rolled into one. You get a great new mystery, but you get see the continuing relationship between Roarke and Eve. Although it didn't top my favorite books in the series, this new addition, Creation in Death, was still very good and worth the price of admission!

I also read The Seance by Heather Graham. I have read several books in her "ghost" series and enjoy them. This was no different. If you like Heather's books, you'll enjoy this one.

85 Books To Go

Actually, that's not correct. I've actually read several non-fiction books over the last few months. But since my goal is to write a fiction book, I have taken on the assignment of reading a 100 books to mean the type of book I want to write. In that case, I have read 15 in the last few months.

Chocolate Mysteries

2007-10-16T19:50:00.000-05:00

I'm now down to 87 books...

I just started reading a new mystery series by JoAnna Carl about a divorced ex-beauty queen rebuilding her life in Michigan by working for aunt who owns a chocolate shop. I've read the first two books, The Chocolate Cat Caper and the Chocolate Bear Burglary. They are cute stories and have fun facts about chocolate.

I'm also reading The Right to Write by Julia Cameron and The Scene Book by Sandra Scofield. I'm enjoying the Julie Cameron book mostly because it is giving me important reminders about writing such as "just write" and "if you write, you're a writer". It helps to quiet the critic and make writing a more enjoyable pursuit by taking away the requirement to be perfect and force the words.

Still, with all this reading, I haven't done much writing. I have downloaded a trial version of the Write Way. I think it will be helpful if I could figure out how to best use it to organize myself. With NANOWRIMO coming up in November, I want to be ready to write!

Play Dirty...Agnes and the Hitman...Writing Romance

2007-09-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

I just finished Play Dirty by Sandra Brown and Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. I also read the recent edition (3rd) of Writing Romance by Vanessa Grant. That puts me at 89 more books to go...

I enjoyed Play Dirty although its not Sandra's best. The plot is a bit far fetched. Griff has some significant flaws, but you still find yourself rooting for him. Laura is harder to like. She's a bit stiff and cold. It doesn't have that unexpected twist that you find in many of Sandra's books, but its good read for a quiet afternoon.

Agnes and the Hitman was a fun read. I love Jennifer Crusie's quirky characters and the unexpected crazy things that happen to them. Bob Mayer adds his own dry humor and military background to the book. If you liked Don't Look Down, you'll like Agnes and the Hitman.

There are many books on writing a romance and most cover the same sorts of things. Writing Romance is no different but it did present some concepts in a different way that has helped me in my writing. She has a section on point of view, but goes beyond defining to discuss things like when to change POV. The book also offers a bonus cd with two ebooks that are used as examples in the book, audio seminars, templates she uses to help organize and edit her work, and Internet resources.

92 books to go....

2007-08-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

Well its been awhile since I've posted. Seemed like life sometimes gets away from me. I haven't written very much either except some short fiction works. I guess that's better than nothing. However, I'm still working towards my 100 books. Since the last post I have read:

Sweet Anger by Sandra Brown - This is an older book I picked up at the library. It was a good traditional romantic read.

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Philips - I enjoyed this book a lot. Its in the Stars Football series and tells the story of Dean Robillard who we meet in Match Me If You Can (which is my favorite).

Innocent in Death by JD Robb - Loved it! I love all JD Robb books, but some are more fun than others and this one was. With Roark's old girlfriend in town causing trouble, the scenes between Eve and Roark were electric.

High Noon by Nora Roberts - I enjoyed this book. I many ways it was different than some of her other women's fiction, but it did use some of the same phrases that are often used in the JD Robb books. I loved Duncan's character and the setting of Savannah.

Chapter by Chapter by Heather Sellers - A great book to inspire you to keep on writing.

Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer - I love Jennifer Crusie books for their fun and cooky characters. I enjoyed this book and have already ordered the next book by this duo, Agnes and the Hitman.

So that's 8 down and 92 books to go. I have read several other non-fiction books, but I think for the purpose of this exercise that I need to count only fiction in the genre I want to write (romantic myster) and writing books.

Next on the list is to finish Page By Page by Heather Sellers and to read Agnes and Hitman and Play Dirty by Sandra Brown when they arrive in the mail.

2 books down...100 to go

2007-05-29T18:56:00.000-05:00

I'm reading a book called Chapter By Chapter by Heather Sellers in which she recommends reading 100 books. The books don't necessarily have to be in the genre you want to write and it can include writing books. What she does say is that you need to read them as a writer, dissecting the story, dialogue and other parts of the book. While I have been known to highlight dialogue or passages that model techniques I'm interested in duplicating (not plagiarizing), I find it hard to read fiction with dissection in mind. I found it hard to do in school when I needed to analyze stories for papers and I find it hard now when I want to read for pleasure. But I am able to give my overall impressions of what I like about an author or story.

The first two books I read are by Sandra Hill, The Red-Hot Cajun and Tall, Dark and Cajun. Overall I enjoyed the books. I like stories that take place in Louisiana (my faves are those by Tami Hoag). Hill has some interesting characters such as Tante Lulu an 70-something aunt who changes her hair color daily. As a woman with a round butt, I appreciate reading about women who are weight-challenged. Hill's stories have a lot of humor and steamy parts. However, I found the inner dialogue and comments from St. Jude (a running theme in the stories is Tante Lulu's match-making with the help of St. Jude, patron saint of lost causes) over-the-top and distracting at times. It wasn't enough to prevent me from finishing the books and I'll very likely read the others in the series. But there were times when I felt she provided inner-thoughts that didn't need to be shared. Her characters were well-developed enough that I didn't need the extra lines to help me understand what they might be thinking.

But if you like humor ala Jennifer Cruisie, steamy love scenes ala Blaze or Temptation, and the back drop of Louisiana's Bayou and Cajun culture, then you'll likely enjoy these books.

Long time no write..

2007-05-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

I see its been over six months since I've posted anything here, but that doesn't mean I haven't been writing. At this point I have 3 nearly finished manuscripts. They are far from ready to be read by anyone except me, but I'm still proud of what I have accomplished.

My goal is to get back to blogging about my progress so that I can get these books finished, edited, and sold. I just have to pick which one I want to finish first. So ... hopefully... you'll see more frequent posts as I share my progress.

YEAH! I did it...

2006-11-29T08:20:00.000-05:00

If you're thinking I'm about to be published, I'm sorry to say that's not it. I haven't even finished the book I have been profiling on this blog. So what did
I do?

I succeeded at Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month). I wrote 50,000 of an original story in one month...actually 28 days since I finished last night! To be honest, it wasn't that hard. 1667 words a day doesn't take much time IF you know what you want to say. I was really worried I'd run out of story before I hit the 50k mark, but I'm at 50074 and still haven't completed the story.

So, now I have 3 unfinished stories. Sigh. I'll be heading back to finish Bedside Manner, and then I'll finish the first book in the romantic/mystery series I'm working on. My current Nanowrimo winner is the second book in that series.

Jenna

Nanowrimo Starts Next Week

2006-10-27T19:53:00.000-05:00

National Novel Writing Month is in November. What an awful month to try to write 50,000 words. I can't do it in a regular month, but November is the beginning of the holiday season!

There are some stringent rules one being you have to start from scratch. You can't work on something you've already started. I'm about 13,000 words from my current goal. Plus I have 2 other partial stories. I just don't think I can put the energy into starting another story with so many other stories left undone.

But, I like the idea of the challenge. At the Nanowrimo website there is a forum where participants can share, rant, ask questions and more.

You can also get help with Chris Baty's (he runs Nanowrimo) book, No Plot, No Problem and his most recent release The No Plot, No Problem Novel Writing Kit, which offers tips, logs and stickers to those brave souls who take the Nanowrimo challenge.

You can learn more at the Nanowrimo website.

Making a Literary Life

2006-09-24T17:05:00.000-05:00

I'm reading Making a Literary Life by Carolyn See. This book is different from other writing books designed to help aspriring writers find the time and the guts to write. Many books tell you to call yourself a writer even if you aren't published. See recommends not saying anything about your writing aspirations, at least not at first. What I have found most helpful and intriguing is her 18-minute version of making a literary life, which states; 1) Write 1000 words a day, five days a week and 2) write "charming notes" to literary people you admire, five days a week. Both of these are to be done for the rest of your life.

Today it took me just about an hour to write 1000 words. Now who can't find an hour? Okay, so sometimes I can't. It's not so much that I can't find the hour, its that I waste it somewhere.

Right now I'm at 43,742 words towards a 57,000 word goal. At 1000 words a day, for 5 days a week, it would take about 14 days (two weeks and 4 days with weekends off) to finish. I can live with that. Of course, you can check my blog for previous posts to find other gimmicks designed to get my book written that I have tried that didn't last one day. But, always an optimist, I'm going to try.

The second recommendation of writing notes to other writers seems like fun... or maybe its just another thing I can do to put off writing. In the book See indicates that many writers in her seminars and courses don't like this activity, but I'm looking forward to trying it, at least until I run out of writers to write to. I've already made my list:

Nora Roberts (regarding JD Robb books)
Janet Evanovich - Stephanie Plum and her new book How I Write
Sandra Brown - I loved Envy. I also enjoyed her new one, Ricochette
Heather Graham - Ghost Walk and The Vision
Linda Howard - Mr. Perfect is one of my all time favorites.
Tami Hoag - Lucky's Lady and Cry Wolf are other all time faves.

I figure I can write non-fiction people too. I think I'll write Ms. See once I finish the book.

I'm off to read some more. I'm on chapter 4: Pretend to be a Writer. I have that mastered by now.

Jenna

39,620 words!

2006-07-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

I have had a couple good days. Well, good for me with over 2000 words per day in the last two days. It helps that the scenes I have been working out have been ruminating in my head for a time. It feels good when you know exactly how a scene should go because it just flows. It's almost like taking dictation.

I'm nearly 70% towards my goal of 57,000 words! If I can keep up the effort, I should be done in 8 or 9 days!

Jenna

Sandra Brown Plog

2006-07-17T19:47:00.000-05:00

I was perusing Amazon this evening and saw that Sandra Brown has a Plog there. I really like her thriller books. Envy still gets to me when I think about how at the end... well, I won't tell you. Alibi and Exclusive are another of my favorites of hers. I love how I get to the end of her books and then whammo... a great twist or turn.

She has a new book, Ricochet coming out in August. I know I'll be first in line for that one.

Jenna

Hello again...

2006-07-17T19:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted for a while...but I haven't written much either. I think I have written about 2000 words since the last post. The last month, things had gotten so crazy with my work and family that I couldn't do much of anything extra.

But, I'm getting back to the story and doing some reading. I'm reading a book by Sherrilyn Kenyon called Bad Attitude. I haven't ever read her books before. I'm enjoying the story and the characters. I also feel like maybe I just might pull this book writing thing off. Sometimes when I write, I feel like I go a bit overboard with the romance stuff. When I read a romance like Bad Attitude and see other authors sometimes have their characters barely able to think clearly when they are together I can see that I'm right on target. Of course, this is all my opinion. At some point a publisher will tell me the real deal.

Jenna

Sorry Nora...

2006-06-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

My last post was about my inability to think of clever titles. I said that the working title of my current work was "Opposites Attract" and I referred to it as lame.

Yesterday I was in the library and going through the paperback romance section when I happened across a Nora Roberts category romance called...you guessed it... Opposites Attract.

Curious, I checked out Amazon to see if there were any others and ... there is! Hailey North, Shirley Hailstock, and Michelle M. Pillow to name a few all have fiction titled "Opposites Attract"!

I'm not sure if I'm feeling better...after all, these ladies published with that title. Or, perhaps I'm discouraged because its so common and not very unique.

One thing that I have learned is that titles are not copyrighted. That's good news as I have a title I do like for another story I haven't started, but I saw a book at the library with the same title. Then again, a search at Amazon reveals its even more common than Opposites Attract.

Jenna

A book without a name

2006-06-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

I'm terrible with titles. The working title of my current work is "Opposites Attract". Lame I know. Its about a private nurse and the grandson of the elderly man she is caring for. They are in fact opposites from physical size and appearance, to personality and goals, but it deserves a better, more interesting title.

I have nearly 30,000 on another story and it doesn't have a title at all. Well, that's not completely true. I'm hoping to have a series of books ala Janet Evanovich and Charlottte Hughes' Full series. My series does have a name just not the first book.

Titles are important. Like the headline in an ad, it has to grab attention and keep the reader interested to look at more. Since most romances have seemingly opposite characters, the title of the work I'm currently working on is dull and really doesn't say much about the book.

Maybe I'll go with something using "bedside manner" in it since she's a nurse. Or, she is petit and he's tall and broad (of course) so I could use something like, "Size Matters"...lol.

Leslie

The "Eyes" Have It

2006-06-17T18:56:00.000-05:00

A lot of information can be given through the eyes. Eyes that narrow in response to something provide a different feeling than eyes that widen. But as I read over my work so far, my characters' eyes are constantly doing something. I'm afraid they look like they have nervous tics.

Providing description is tougher than it looks. The difficult part for me is that while I can see the scenes clearly, like a movie in my mind, I can't always come up with the right words to describe the non-verbal cues. My husband says I'm funny to watch when I write because I make all sorts of odd faces. I guess I hope that if I can make the face, I can describe it.

Jenna

Over half way...

2006-06-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

My life has gotten very busy and I haven't been writing as much as I should. Plus, I have the same old demons...its crappy...you need to choose better words... its has no depth...etc.

But today I finally found some time and I was able to write over 3000 words. I'm shooting for 57,000 so I'm officially over half way. Yeah!

If I can make time to write 10,000 words a week, I'll be finished witht he first draft in 2 1/2 weeks!

Jenna

Between the Lines

2006-05-27T08:49:00.000-05:00

I just picked up a great writing book called Between the Lines: Master the subtle elements of fiction writing. It has some fantastic hints and tips for improving fiction writing such as avoiding backstory pitfalls, creating great cliffhangers and thrusters, when and how to use flashback, and more.

Many writing books offer the basic elements of writing good fiction. This book takes all that one step further, helping you flesh out your writing and identify areas in which the writing can be improved.

If you are writing fiction, I highly recommend this book!

Jenna

POV...who's thinking here?

2006-05-15T18:40:00.000-05:00

I've always thought I had pretty good control over point of view (POV) in my stories. I just have two usually, the man and the woman. I alternate POV from scene to scene, not within a scene so it doesn't get confusing.

I have identified a publisher I'd like to submit my work to and its guidelines say the book must be from the female protagonists point of view. I can have some POV from the man but at least 60% must be from the woman.

The uptight person than I am, I have gone through to figure out what percentage POV each person has in my story. I got so worried about it that I bought 2 books from the publisher to see what other's had done. One only had the man's POV when he was by himself (reflecting) or talking to his maid. In essence, if the female was in the scene the POV was all hers. So I went through and started to do the same with my book. This was very difficult as I had some great scenes between the couple from his POV. And some scenes really required that they be from his POV.

I haven't read the second book, but I opened it to random spots and guess what? There was the man's POV in a scene with the female protagonist. What a relief.

Now that crisis is over...

Jenna

I speak Southern.

2006-05-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

There is a discussion over at Yahoo Group's Category Romance group about southern characters and how to write them. I'm from Virginia and have a few Virginian characters so I have found this discussion interesting.

The thing about the southern language is that it's not the same everywhere in the south. In Virginia alone, there are 4 or more different accents. The only thing that seem to be constant through all the south (and someone correct me if I'm wrong), is the use of the word, "y'all", a slang contraction of "you all". But, did you know that there are rules to using it? According to The Grits Guide to Life (Girls Raised In The South):

Y'all is singular
All y'all is plural
All y'alls is plural possessive

But, like most rules of language, not everyone follows theses. Two Texas women on the Yahoo romance group indicate they only hear "Y'all" and even write "yall". Here in central Virginia, I hear "y'all" most. But I also hear "y'alls" which isn't even on the list. Occasionally, I'll hear "all y'all" which also isn't on the list.

There are some other great differences to the language spoken where I live that is more than accent. For example, people here cut the grass instead of mowing the lawn. They cut off (or on) the light instead of turning it off. It's your go not your turn when playing a game. People come up not grow up.

Here is another great piece of information, in many places, the southern dialect or accent is very close to the British accent. I haven't been there to see for myself, but I have heard that in Charleston, South Carolina, some locals are mistaken as being British or Scottish.

If you want to have some fun learning about southern expressions, check out Whistlin' Dixie by Robert Hendrickson, The Dixie Dictionary by Thomas Howard, and The Grits Guide to Life by Deborah Ford and Edie Hand.

Jenna

Back to the drawing board...

2006-05-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

If you check my "Number of Words to Date" stats, you'll see I haven't done much writing over the last week. Not that I haven't done anything. I do have a good...almost great hook for my synopsis. But, in the end, I have nothing if I don't have a finished book.

I tried to get back to writing this weekend but I'm getting stuck. It's not writer's block. It's more that I don't know what's going to happen next. In many ways I see the characters and story so well. It's like a movie in my mind. But once that scene is done, I'm not sure what's going to happen to get them moving to the end of the story.

So, I'm back at the drawing board, fleshing out the characters, trying to list each scene, and find and fill the holes. A couple books have been helpful. One is the Novelist's Bootcamp. The section on characters has been helpful in making more than a list of features and personality traits. At one point the author suggests pretending a character can't talk as a way to develope action outside of dialogue, another of my weaknesses.

The other book is First Draft in 30 Days . This helps me see the overall picture and break it down into small bits. As I write and find holes in the story or characters, I'm able to use the worksheets in this book to help me fill those in.

I have to wonder, is this constant writing and then going back to the planning stages something all writers go through? Or is it because I'm new and don't really know what I'm doing? I'm certain its the latter but after some practice, I hope I'll streamline my book plotting and writing process.

Jenna

The Hook - The first step to getting published

2006-05-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

I haven't written in a few days...not on this blog and not on my book. Bad me. And remember, I was supposed to have a draft done by now. Still, I did write about 6000 words last week. Since I can't write full time, I'm going to give myself a pat on the back for that.

I did start to work on a synopsis. I've been reading Give 'Em What they Want by Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook. In the synopsis section, the authors indicate that some writers write the synopsis first as part of their outline. Since I know my story pretty well I thought I'd work on the synopsis and maybe it would help me with the full draft.

The problem was, I couldn't write the first line, the HOOK. According to the authors, if you can't write the hook then you probably don't have a book. Ut oh! After hours of angst and reflection, I decided that I do have a book and I can write a hook. What I'm struggling with is a really good hook. You know, something snappy and catchy.

I haven't given up yet. I've been reading other "hooks" and checking out the book descriptions from the romance book club mailer to help me out.

I have to get this because if I don't, my whole career is down the tubes before it starts! Wish me luck!

Jenna

Real world, made up stories

2006-04-28T06:10:00.000-05:00

"Write what you know," is really great advice. Its easier to write what you know and doesn't require a lot of research. But, in the fiction world, writing only what you know puts limits on the stories you can write.

In fan fiction I have written, I did a little research but often I just faked it. Somehow I was able to get away with that. But if I want to get published, I can't fake anything.

I'm writing a story that has many things I don't know, so I have to research. Although its not quite as fun as the writing part, I have to say that I have learned some interesting things I didn't know before.

My goal now is to be able to effectively and accurately use what I have learned about the real world in my fictional stories.

Jenna

Commas...

2006-04-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

I hate commas. I can't ever figure out where they go. Is it before "but" or after? Is it before "which" or after?

I'm told to put them where I naturally pause when I speak. I think I speak wrong because I don't pause where the comma is supposed to go.

I have Strunk and White's Elements of Grammar and Elements of Style. I have read Woe is Me. I still can't get it.

I hear publishers don't have time to line edit anymore. So when the time comes, I need to find someone who can. If I don't, I may annoy a lot of readers.

I can see it now. A reviewer writes, "Great story but the commas detract from reading it." Should there have been a comma after 'but'? Before it? UGH!

Jenna

Yeah... 50 credits ...

2006-04-26T10:46:00.000-05:00

This is a new blog and while I have been writing away for all to see, I'm certain I'm the only one reading it. So I joined Blog Explosion. It took me awhile to get set up. For one, my link wasn't working for a time. Then, I didn't have enough logs posted to be accepted. But now, I'm in!

Blog Explosion builds traffic by viewing other blogs. This takes some time although I have come across some pretty interesting (and terrifying) blogs. After searching for a bit, I get a page that tells me I have earned a certain number of credits usually 2 or 3. But today, I got 50...yahoo. I just hope that people who are sent to my site read it:)

BTW Blog Explosion offers other great stuff like being able to Blogmark sites you like, adding your podcasts, and great blog resources.

Check out Blog Explosion!

Getting to know you....

2006-04-25T21:29:00.000-05:00

My first venture into romance writing was through fan fiction. Readers of my work have sent me praise (I know, I know, friends don't know squat about publishing) and have given me the confidence to write for publication.

There are some big differences from writing fan fiction and creating something from scratch. One of those difference is the characters. In fan fiction, I as the writer know the characters very well. I don't have to think about what they would do or say as they have already been fully developed by their creators. The readers know the characters well too, so I don't have to elaborate too much about them, their motivations or goals.

But, creating my own characters involves developing every detail about them. At first, this seemed fairly easy. But as I began to write and move them around in a story, it become clear that having in depth knowledge of the characters is important. When I find myself stuck on what's happening in the story, its often because I don't know the characters well enough to know what to make them do or say. They are flat, with no depth. How boring.

I have filled out numerous character sheets to help me flesh out these people, but in the end, I just cover the surface. Even having the back story (which does help) isn't enough. What I need to is to get in their heads, and that is hard. I can't just sit and think, "What's in her head?"

The interesting thing (and thank goodness for it), is that eventually I have an epiphany. The stars line up or God takes pity and bang, the answer becomes amazing clear. (These come to me usually in the car or when I'm sleeping. See Downloading My Brain for more on this phenomenon). Even better, it fits with the rest of the story. I can't figure out if I'm talented (the roots where there the whole time) or just extremely lucky that everything comes together.

Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for these moments. I only wish they would happen when I needed them and not after days of anguish over a story that seems completely disjointed and fit only for the trash can.

Jenna

Another writer's journey to getting published

2006-04-25T07:53:00.000-05:00

I've started this blog to chronicle my journey through authordom (is that a word?). Of course, all the time I spend on this blog, may prevent my successful completion of a book. But, I also hope it will keep me focused on my goal...to finish and publish a book.

It seems like a daunting task. And what if no one wants it? Many authors don't sell their first work. Can I skip the first work and move to the second? Or whatever one will get published?

As I procrastinated on writing by surfing the net, I came across this writer's journal . She shares her experience of writing but also the process of getting published. I found it inspiring. So now, I'm off to write.

Jenna

Word Count...behind already

2006-04-24T20:26:00.000-05:00

My goal was to finish my book in a week. I needed to write 4830 words a day to get it done. Today I wrote less than 1000. My word count is now 24,185.

Well, I can't look at it as being behind. I did write and so I'm that many words closer to being done. I guess I'll just have to try for 5530 words a day for the next 6 days.

Jenna

2 Free Audiobooks

2006-04-24T16:02:00.000-05:00

The first audio book I ever listened to that I really got into was High Five by Janet Evanovich. I think on my version I heard Lorelei King who did a tremendous job creating voices for each character from Lulu to Grandma Mazur. With that experience, I was hooked on audio books.

When I had maxed out all the audiobooks at my library, I researched some other options and found Audible.com. At the time I joined, I paid $15.95 a month for 2 audiobook downloads. They even gave me a free player (that also plays MP3) to listen to the books. I can run or I can plug into a cassette and use in the car. Some of my favorite books including Envy by Sandra Brown and Match Me If You Can, I didn't read... I listened to them:)

Audible books can be used on iPods and other players. You can burn to CD. Or you can stream or download to your computer. Plus, it has more than books. It has newspapers, NPR shows and more.

I highly recommend audiobooks and the Audible program.

Listen to two FREE audiobooks RISK-FREE from Audible

Jenna

More free books...paperback book exchange

2006-04-24T15:56:00.000-05:00

I discovered this resource a few years back. It was a great way to unload books I knew I wouldn't read again, and pick up books I hadn't yet read. Its how I got all the Louisiana Gentleman Series by Jennifer Blake.

If you have a lot of books you won't read again, The Book Cart will credit you $2.00 for every one that is requested from another member. You pay about $1.59 to ship it. If there is a book you want, you can request it, and your account is debited $2.50. The difference goes to help support the exchange.

Check it out:

The Book Cart

Get free books

2006-04-24T15:41:00.000-05:00

As a stay and work-at-home mom, I have to watch my budget. Books are my weakness so I have had to find ways to get books cheaply. Here are some great resources:

You can get 2 free books from Harlequin:

This is from the Desire line which is where I'm hoping to sell my first story. But there are other options:

Like "Chick Lit" (that's not my term), try the Red Dress line:

Not sure what you want...mytery, fantasy, sweet, hot....? You can view all the lines and still get 2 free books.

Jenna

Book in a Week

2006-04-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

I have 23, 185 words written on the book I'm currently working on. I need to get to at least 57,000 to pitch the publisher I'm thinking of (Sillouette Desire). That's 33,815 words to go. I'm eager to get this thing done and move to the next step but 33k...that's a lot of words. I'm not even half way done.

I came across a website about writing a book in a week. I think I'll give it a go. The difficult part for me is feeling like what's being written is pure crap... 'cause it is. The book in a week advocates just writing, getting it all down without letting the inner critic speak, without rereading. That's really what I need. Just to get it all down. Then I can go back and flesh out the scenes, improve the quality of the writing, and fill in missing pieces.

So, by May 1, I need to have the bones of the book done. That's my goal. That's about 4830 words a day. Wow! Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Jenna

All time best romances...According to Jenna

2006-04-23T20:14:00.000-05:00

For women, books are like purses; choosing them is very personal. Not just any old purse will do. And not just any book, even just any romance book will do. So I know that my list of favorites will vary greatly from yours.

I have always been particular about what I read. In fact, unlike most writers, I was not an avid reader as a child. I was a latch key kid so the television is what occupied my time. I read Stephan King and that was about it. My sister introduced me to romance fiction. I read Tami Hoag's Cry Wolf and was hooked (you'll see it on my list). My first Nora Roberts book was The Reef, not on the list but a good book. But I don't like all romance fiction. I don't much like historical romance. I don't usually like a pregnancy or babies unless its on the last page or epilogue. I prefer those that show everything ... if you get my drift as opposed to the "sweet" books.

What do I like? I like romantic comedy. I like stories with angst. I like dark brooding hero's although I enjoy the light hearted men as well.

How does a book get on Jenna's Best Romance Book List? It has to be a book I'd read again or at least read parts of again. I don't reread my books in general. In fact, I give many away. So if I keep it with the intention of reading it again, its on the JBRBL (Jenna's Best Romance Book List). By the way, these are in no particular order:

1) Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag - Tami writes crime fiction now but as she made the transition from romance to mystery, she wrote several great books. This is one of them. Jack Boudreaux is THE romantic lead...tall, dark, brooding, haunted. Tami has wonderful description that greatly adds to her stories. This story takes place in Louisiana and Tami does a tremendous job at immersing you in the Cajun language and life.

2) Lucky's Lady - Tami Hoag. Like Cry Wolf this takes place in Louisiana. Etienne "Lucky" Doucet is a great romantic lead too.

3) The Return of Rafe MacKade - Nora Roberts. This is one of Nora's category romances. It is part of a four book series that includes stories about Rafe's brothers Jared, Shane and Devin. All the books are good but Rafe's story is my favorite. Rafe is the bad boy who returns home. I also really like the female protagonist, Regan. This story has a few ghosts which I thought would be dumb but actually adds an interesting element to the story.

4) Mr. Perfect - Linda Howard. I have read several of Linda's books and enjoyed them but this was my all time favorite. Both protagonists are interesting and likeable. The book is witty and fun. The qualifications for "Mr. Perfect" are great and are made even better when Jaine sees her annoying neighbor in the buff and discovers he comes close to meeting at least one of the criteria. Can you guess which?

5) In Death books - JD Robb. Technically, these are not romances. These books are found in the mystery section of book stores but I love Eve and Rourke for their intensity. Unlike traditional romances that end with the couple getting together, the In Death stories follow Eve and Rourke's relationship's complete with ups and downs but always intense and hot. I recommend reading them all but if you have to pick a few (I can't pick just one) I suggest Naked In Death (first book), Glory In Death (second book), Conspiracy In Death and Portrait in Death .

6) Envy - Sandra Brown. This is one of the few books that had me saying "oh wow" at the end. Most books, even when they have a great ride, you pretty much know where you are going to end up. In Envy, you get there too but there is a fantastic twist that has you saying, "All right!".

7) Welcome to Temptation and Bet Me - Jennifer Crusie. I have enjoyed most of Jennifer Crusie books I've read. Her characters are regular people. In Crazy for You, the protagonists are a teacher and a mechanic. Here characters also end up in some interesting predicaments. In Getting Rid of Bradley, the female protagonist ends up with green hair and still gets the guy. Its actually hard to pick a favorite so I chose two...because I'd read them again! I really liked Bet Me because the female protagonist is carrying a few extra pounds and still gets the guy!

8) Too Much Temptation - Lori Foster. Rumor has it that the Blaze line at Harlequin was created for Lori's books. They push the envelope so if you don't like explicit intimacy, you'll want to stay away. If you are looking for a quick read, Lori's "Bad Boy's" books are great too. I chose this one because we have a woman who is overweight and sees herself as frumpy who gets the guy!

9) Match Me If you Can - Susan Elizabeth Philips. This is actually the latest of her books that involve a professional football team. I like this one about a sports agent and a match maker because the characters are interesting and in the end, when he's lost because she won't believe he loves her and the moment she does realize that he does, is really great. I can read that scene over and over. Other good choices are Ain't She Sweet and Breathing Room.

10) Roan - Jennifer Blake. This is the third book in Jennifer's Louisiana Gentlemen series (Benedict clan). Unlike her other books, these books take place in modern time. This was the first in the series I read and probably why I like it best. It also has a great opening in which Sheriff Roan Benedict shoots Tory.

11) Absolutely Positively - Jayne Ann Krentz. I have enjoyed all the books I have read by Jayne. This is my favorite. Again, its Harry the hero that makes the story for me. Other good choices are Trust Me and Sharpe Edges. What makes Jayne fun is some of her protagonist have very unique names like Desdemona and Eugenia.

12) Every Waking Moment - Brenda Novak. I listened to this one on audio tape and found myself coming up with reasons to go somewhere so I could finish listening to it. It offers a suspenseful, edge of your seat read.

I think I'll stop there although there are many more great books. These are the few that stood out. Sometimes it was a single scene that made the book one of my favorites. Sometimes it was the characters. But all of them had great stories.

Leave me comments on your favorites!

Jenna.

There's a Word for It

2006-04-23T12:07:00.000-05:00

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. - Mark Twain

Sometimes finding the right word is impossible. Until I started writing, I didn't understand the importance of correct wording. It not only conveys the thought more precisely, it can add impact and power.

There are many resources to help find the best word. My word processing program has a thesaurus to help. I have the standard Roget's Thesaurus as well. But, my favorite books for finding the exact word to express my thought is Flip Dictionary Barbara Ann Kipfer. Not only do these books help me choose accurate words, but they help me use a variety of words as well.

Jenna

Downloading my brain

2006-04-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

The best time for planning a book is while you're doing the dishes. ~Agatha Christie

I find I come up with some of my best "writing" while I'm driving or falling asleep. Of course, these two activities are not conducive to writing. I finally put a small recorder in my car so I could dictate these great ideas and lines of dialogue. Unfortunately, the muse hasn't ridden in the car with me since then. I have a notebook by my bed but by the time I get up, go someplace where there is light (I don't want to wake the hubby), the brilliant combination of words is gone.

I'm wondering when Bill Gates or the government is going to invent something that will allow me to plug my brain into my computer kind of like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix only with a better outcome. If I could simply download my brain onto my computer, this writing thing wouldn't be so hard!

Jenna

Writer Wannabe

2006-04-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

How often have you said, "I wish I could do..." or "It would be nice to..." I say it frequently. One of the things I'd like to do is write a fiction book AND have it published. Last month I decided to stop paying lip service and actually take steps to reach that goal. I have signed up for a writing course. I have downloaded the form to apply to the RWA. The only thing I need to do now is ... write.

I have started my book, a short romance. But I find that I'm not writing daily as all writing experts suggest. My excuse is that I have little time. But the truth is, I have the time, I just don't always have the inspiration. Actually, my real problem is that I think my writing sucks. I know I'm not supposed to let the inner critic get in the way, but I can't help it.

I have read enough about writing and talked to enough authors to know that everyone goes through this. I just have to work through it and write. I thought by blogging my journey, it would help me stick to my goal. If I have to write about my process, I need to keep working on the process, right? Or maybe I'm just coming up with another thing to keep me from writing.

So, I'm going to post this and get back to my story. Well, first I'm going to customize this blog and then I'll get to work....

Jenna