Write what you feel

As an author of spicy paranormal romance, I often wonder what readers think of the author who puts sex in their books. Recently I had a discussion with a friend who claimed that everything I wrote had to be a fantasy of mine, or I wouldn’t think of it. I challenged him in return. Is it? Or is it I create a character, and then what that character might fantasize, or might want to do becomes the story? If that’s the case, how do I get the emotions right?

The same way someone who writes murder mysteries or horror get their emotions correct in their books. They feed off their own emotions from different circumstances.

For example: I write about a heroine who is in desperate fear for her life. The Villain has a knife at her throat, and one wrong move can bring about a painful death. Have I experienced this? No. Have I experienced fear? Yes, we all have.

For scenes like this I go back to a day many years ago. I was on a carnival ride. I don’t know why it hit at that moment, because I always loved the scary rides. Yet for some unknown reason I suddenly feared for my life. As the ride plummeted to toward the ground, my heart pounded, my hands were wet with sweat, and my mouth was dry. The lump in my throat kept me from screaming. I was terrified.

Was my life in jeopardy? Probably not, but I used that fear to learn to write fear. I took an experience in my past, and wrote about it, but not exactly as it happened.

So in the more spicy sections of what I write, I rely upon the same format. Am I going to share with you those spicy details of my life? Of course not. It’s my life, and it’s very special to me. Instead, I’d rather share what my heroes and heroines want out of that area, and keep my own near and dear to my heart.

So go out there folks, and write what you feel, but don’t forget to apply it to something totally different and new!

Notes to Myself

The frame for my computer screen also serves as a holder for strips cut from pink and yellow index cards. On each strip is a note to myself culled from a craft book, picked up from a workshop or detailing a publisher's requirements. They are stuck to the frame with clear tape.

And then there are post-it-notes. Two permanent and the occasional temporary post-it-note that gets stuck to whatever spot I think is most visible. The purpose of all this is to nag me into honing my writing--studying the craft--getting better.

Be Noun Specific says one strip--A sandwich is not just a sandwich. It can be Tuna salad, Chicken salad etc.

The next strip in the center top spot has two messages: Action is character. Use nouns instead of adjectives to show not tell.

Active vs Passive the next one instructs. The verb tells what the noun is doing.

Transitions-four uses: length of time; change of emotion; change of mood; change of location.

A post-it-note reminds me to narrate in POV characters voice. Match metaphors to characters world.

...voice is fading out. --(m dash) a break or interruption says the other post-it-note.

And on the most prominent strip that takes up three-quarters of the right side are words taken from Dwight Swain and Jack Bickham on scene and sequel and motivation-reaction units.

Now if I could master these, I could take them down. But I haven't, so they remain.

And the out-of-date information about publishers on the remaining strips is like a cozy but ratty bathrobe. You hate to throw it away even though it really isn't useful anymore.

Any messages stuck to the frame of your computer screen?