Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A writing prompt

One way to use your 100 words a day is to explore. And something fun to explore is different genres. Perhaps you've wanted to try an historical, but don't have an idea that will carry an entire tale. Or, you want to see if you can up your writing heat level to an erotic level. Or could be a clan of shapeshifters has laid claim to part of your creative processes and wants to experience their world in a story. Maybe you've been writing sexy and you want to try inspirational. (Not that sexy can't be inspirational, mind you.) Steampunk, anyone?

So here's your challenge for today. I'm giving you some pictures. Not necessarily romantic pictures, but you can take your choice of the football we know here in the U.S.


Or the worldwide version...



 





Or even the more casual flag type...


 Lingerie league anyone?

And write your 100 words today in a new genre or style--using football!
**This 100 day challenge post brought to you by... football!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Steps


While I'm trying to pass on my own thoughts for my 100 day blog challenge (yep, folks. this is it for today!) sometimes I come across something interesting, wonderful, hilarious, that just needs to be passed on.  And so today I send you to http://annemarienovark.com/?p=22 to where Anne Marie Novark shares her ten easy steps for getting back in the writing groove.

Groovy, man, groovy.

Friday, September 23, 2011

What Does 100 Words Look Like?

**this is a 100 day challenge post!

Sometimes 100 seems like a lot. 100 miles when you're aching to get somewhere seems to take forever.


 Spending 100 dollars at the grocery store--oh that goes way too fast!










100 words can come either fast, or slow. It depends on the day. On your writing mood. On the pace of your story. Whether the writing is habit or not. (Lay ya odds--if you're in the habit of writing every day, most of the time those 100 words will come pretty quick.)


So? What does 100 words look like?


one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred

one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred


one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred
one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred one hundred 


Cut and paste these 100 words then replace each one with words of your own! That's not too hard now, is it?

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Another 100 day Challenge

One year ago, I challenged HWG (and anyone else who's listening) to write 100 words a day for 100 days. Why 100 days, and why now? Because Thursday September 22, 2011 marks the 100th day until the end of the year.

Anyone else wondering where the heck this year went? Whew, talk about some speeding by days.

Today, I'm offering another challenge. I like 100 days. I like 100 words. So...

Challenge yourself
and cheer on your fellow authors--
commit to writing 100 words a day
 for 100 days.

Yeah, I can hear you now. But the holidays... but my kids' activities... but the Huskers are playing. Yeah. I use lots of excuses, too. HOWEVER--writers write. By definition, that's what we do. It's way too easy to fall out of the habit. Writing 100 words a day is a lovely way o reform that habit, and keep it going strong. Even if your moments seem overrun by demands (those you put on yourself and those piled high by loved ones, co-workers, the pets) take a deep breath, find a favorite pen, a pillow for your back, a inspirational beverage, and write 100 words. 
Photo credit: tnichols from morguefile.com


I'm not asking that you necessarily write those words on your work in progress. Maybe you need to post a blog. Perhaps you are a journaler and use those words to keep pace with your thoughts. Maybe you need to write a presentation. Or be old fashioned and write a letter to a friend. 100 words can be used in oh so many ways.

Photo credit: jppi from morguefile.com


In the spirit of encouraging you to write, I'll even offer this suggestion. If you know you have an event or committment soon, write a few extra words leading up to that day. Aim for 700 words a week and you'll have 10,000 words on New Year's Eve. What a great way to start 2012!
The goals guru is upping the stakes for this 100 day challenge. She'll be posting on one of her blogs each day. (And hopefully, she won't count the posts giving next week's menus on the lunch lady blog.) Follow her around, and keep a list of which blog and what she talks about. (A tracker is available if you ask.) Keep me company for the rest of the year and wonderful surprises will be had at the January Heartlandian retreat! (Or  around the second weekend of January if you can't make the retreat.)

100 words in 100 days!
 Who's with me?

Monday, August 29, 2011

September Online Workshop: Conflict

As I'm critiquing manuscripts, I'm seeing a common problem: Lack of conflict.
So I'm offering a month long workshop to cover the basics of plot structure and offer perspective.
The class is appropriate for writers of all levels.
My classes are usually $30. but I'm offering this one this month only for $10.

I know September is ACFW conference month--I'll be there, too. We'll work around that week. Don't worry that you won't have time or you'll be unable to keep up, because the lessons are all downloadable and you can study them at your leisure - or even at a later date. See all the information below.

Cher  :-)

CONFLICT MAKES THE STORY WORKSHOP

DATES:  SEPTEMBER 1 – 30, 2011
INSTRUCTOR: CHERYL ST.JOHN
ENROLLMENT FEE: $10.
** Regularly a $30. class **
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW


CLASS DESCRIPTION:
No matter what writing topic Cheryl addresses, she hangs the most importance on characters. Conflict is drawn from characters. It’s based on their goals, their backstory and their motivation. It is opposing forces that come from within the characters themselves.

Webster’s Dictionary defines conflict as “the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction.” This definition is the essence of fiction, and we need to keep it in mind as we develop characters and plots. If there’s no conflict, there’s no story.

Conflict, of course, can be either light or heavy. In a humorous story, the problem may not be life threatening, but it still must be important to the characters. The characters’ motivations must be equally important to them. In suspense, the conflict is often life-threatening. All well-developed plots stem from creative use of conflict, and conflict is what keeps the reader turning pages.

In order to understand conflict and how to develop it, we must first understand what conflict is, what conflict is not, and what conflict can be. The elements that make up a story are so closely meshed that at times it becomes difficult to dissect and make a firm delineation between them. In a masterfully developed story, characterization, plotting, and conflict are all intricately entwined.

Cheryl will explain opposing goals and how to create conflict that will sustain a story. She’ll give practical advice on:
  • Motivating characters
  • Creating characters with built-in conflict
  • Revealing emotion through conflict
  • Internal and external conflict
  • Simple and complex conflict
INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Among her achievements, which include forty published books in both contemporary and historical genres, Cheryl St.John has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and four RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.

FORMAT:
The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup, two lessons per week, followed by questions and answers. Brief exercises pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress may be included. Archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.

ENDORSEMENTS:
Cheryl St. John's classes are full of insight and wisdom. Her lessons help me understand what's missing in my story and offer alternative ways to to approach my writing. Cheryl's willingness to share her experience and expertise is greatly appreciated by this aspiring writer. -- Susan Kapost


In July 2010, I received my first personalized rejection: My story had too much external conflict, and not enough internal conflict. For my next book, I took Cheryl St.John's class on conflict, crafted my plot using her proven methods to balance both external and internal conflict, and sent off the manuscript with fingers crossed. In August of 2011, Harlequin Love Inspired Historical bought my book, Winning the Widow's Heart, for release in June 2012. I truly believe Cheryl's class propelled my manuscript out of the slush pile and into an editor's hands.  -- Sherri Shackelford




Cheryl St.John
Marrying the Preacher's Daughter, LIH 6/11
Her Wyoming Man, HH 7/11
Snowflakes and Stetsons, HH 10/11
The Wedding Journey, LIH 4/12
Visit me on the web: http://www.cherylstjohn.net/
From the Heart: http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Learning Annex

Hey, everyone if you haven't heard, HWG is starting a new yahoo group called the Learning Annex. This is a great way to learn something new between meetings.

Our awesome inspirational leader, Lizzie has even setup a survey of possible items to cover.


and join today.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The ICRS Announces the Carol Awards

Our very own Mary Connealy is nominated under Historical Romance!!


(Atlanta, GA) At ICRS, in a press conference hosted by ACFW and CBA, ACFW proudly announced the finalists in the Carol Awards. The Carol Awards evolved from ACFW’s Book of the Year Awards to honor the highest achievement for published authors of Christian fiction. The 2011 Carol Award winners in each category will be announced at ACFW’s Awards Gala on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri.


Honoring excellence in Christian fiction of all genres, American Christian Fiction Writers announces the Carol Award finalists:

Debut Author:

The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House)

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers)

Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing)

Long Contemporary:

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell)

Red Ink by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers)

Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)


Long Contemporary Romance:

Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge (Harvest House)

Anna’s Return by Marta Perry (Berkley)

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)


Long Historical:

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Press)

Petra: City in Stone by T.L. Higley (B&H Publishing)

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press)


Long Historical Romance:

The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy (Barbour)

Love Finds You In Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside)

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (Revell)

Mystery:

Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz (Sheaf House)

Muslin Mystery by Vera Dodge (Guideposts)

The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour)

Novellas:

The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough (Barbour)

Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips (Barbour)

A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour)

Romantic Suspense:

The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)

Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason (Revell)

Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale Publishers)

Short Contemporary:

The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired)

A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired)

Winter’s End by Ruth Logan Herne (Love Inspired)

Short Contemporary Suspense:

Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense)

Legacy of Lies by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Love Inspired Suspense)

Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Love Inspired Suspense)

Short Historical:

Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired)

Promise of Tomorrow by S. Dionne Moore (Barbour)

The Columns of Cottonwood by Sandra Robbins (Barbour)

Speculative Fiction:

The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin (AMG Publishers)

Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing)

König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller:

Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll (B&H Publishing)

Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry (Abingdon Press)


Women’s Fiction:

Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers)

They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon)

Beyond Summer by Lisa Wingate (NAL)

Young Adult:

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell)

Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zonderkidz)

Katy’s New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Zonderkidz)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Creativity!

Creativity for Happy Endings

A new blog focusing on…
Creativity!

Visit by pressing


Monday, June 13, 2011

Texas Passion Released

I plotted this book while attending a HWG critique group. Thank you Ladies for all your help.


Texas Passion

by: Anita Philmar

Blurb -

After a long cattle drive to Abilene, Trent McCall just wants to unwind. But in his absence, his father's been making wedding plans...for Trent. The last thing he needs is a spoiled and pampered socialite for a wife. What he needs is a hard drink and a willing woman. An uncomplicated woman who understands a man’s need for release after a hard ride. Good thing he’s got one waiting for him.

Four years back East haven’t changed Catherine Turnberry’s mind. Her heart is set on neighboring rancher, Trent McCall. When an end-of-the-trail party threatens to put him in the arms of another woman, Catherine grabs the bull by the horns. Taking the place of the whore hired to pleasure Trent, she intends to give him a welcome he'll never forget and show him what Texas passion is all about.

Excerpt:

“Well, now, did you think I’d ever arrive?” He shut the door and tossed his hat onto the table by the door. Dark curly hair circled his head, and his dark brown eyes met hers.

“I had no doubt you’d get here eventually.” Her hands shaking, Catherine laid her book on the rocker and tried for a more seductive tone. “But I’d like to know what delayed you.”

One corner of his mouth turned up in a crooked grin, he stepped forward, and then paused. “Wait a second, don’t I know you?”

Catherine nodded and toyed with the knot holding her robe together. Should she shed her robe and try to seduce him first? Or just tell him her name?

He tilted his head slightly, and a frown formed on his lips. The subdued lighting of the lantern didn’t mask the lines marring his brow.

Apprehension slithered over her skin, and a lump the size of Texas grew in her throat. “I…uh…”

“Catherine?”

More of an accusation than a question, her name echoed in her head. “Yes, I…” She edged closer.

He shuffled backward until his back hit the door. “What the hell are you doing here?” His gaze dropped to swell of her breasts, and the cattywhumped expression on his face registered. Clarity filled her head. The man might deny it, but the heat in his eyes proved he found her appealing. Energy pulsed through her, and she untied the knot at her waist. “I decided, since we’re practically engaged, I didn’t want you sleeping with another woman.”

“Whoa, don’t even think about removing that robe.” He held out his hands to stop her, but his tongue slid over his parched lips and the blaze in his eyes sparked higher. Catherine’s confidence grew, and the doubt that had plagued her for the last few hours faded. He might resist, but she’d show him this was what they both wanted.

http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=829

Review for "Texas Passion"
From Vicky at Sizzling Hot Books.


"Texas Passion is a hot quick read. There are several sexy scenes that scorch the pages they are written on. The chemistry between Trent and Catherine works so well that one wonders why Trent is surprised by her pursuit of him. The little touches Anita Philmar includes to place the setting, like the heat or the dust storm later in Texas Passion, reminds me enough of the Texas to make me home sick for my childhood. (I haven’t lived there for decades, but one never forgets Texas weather!) And the heat of the story matches the heat of Texas, so make sure you are near a cooling device (sweet ice tea is always a classic for a southern setting) when reading this one!"



To read the rest of the review visit -



http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/06/texas-passion-by-anita-philmar.html?zx=4b32c15c970ff69d




Hope you like the story,

Anita

Sunday, June 12, 2011

A 'Charming' Article for Heartland Writers Group

The local newspaper took some beautiful photos of my charm bracelet (Sherri Shackelford) for an article in the Sunday paper. In our group, we give charms for achievements such as contest wins, editor requests, agent requests, etc. We also give charms to celebrate events including our annual writers retreat and Christmas party. 

Members Cheryl St.John and Mary Connealy contributed to the article. 

I adore my charm bracelet and it's been super fun to see it print! 

Read the whole article here: