A to Z II - A is for Again?!

Alrighty kids, here we go again! This is my own A to Z challenge, and is in no way related to the group that organizes the big challenge in April.

I wanted to do an A to Z for another WIP. I am re-creating Trajectory into a full-length novel! To celebrate it, we're going through the alphabet.

A is for Again?!

That is the question and exclamation. Again?! Why am I working an old story and expanding it to a full-length novel? Why Trajectory again?

Honestly, I love Joe. I love him, and I never felt as though the original story did him any sort of justice. So when Kimberlee Williams of Vanilla Heart Publishing and I were talking, we were both excited at the idea of a full-length Trajectory. So I began working on it, and it just flowed and flourished.

Again?! Yes, again.

Trust me, it's worth it!

ANOTHER A to Z Challenge!

Hello again, fellow bibliophiles!

This year, I am challenging myself even further by doing a second A to Z Challenge. Please note this one is completely personal, and is not affiliated with the wonderful folks who host the annual A to Z Challenge in April.

National Police Week takes place in May, as is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. So in honor of that, I want to do an A to Z challenge with Trajectory.

Now you might be wondering why I'd do a challenge with a short story I wrote a few years ago. Well, I have some big news for you. I am currently reworking Trajectory to be a full-length novel! Call it an overhaul, if you will, but this story will be bigger and better than ever.

So to revisit the story, the characters, and to give you a taste of what's to come, we're going to do a May A to Z with Trajectory. We start tomorrow with the letter A. See you then!

A to Z Theme Reveal

Okay kids. It's the day you've all been waiting for! It's time for my A to Z theme reveal!

This year's theme is...

The Good Pirate, Robert!

This is a current WIP (work in progress). It is my first shot at a fantasy-type story.

I want to give you a little background on this. Robert was the name of a bird we had. We have a few birds, including a pair of Lovebirds. They had had clutches (babies) in the past, but Mom (CJ) hadn't laid any eggs in a few years. That is until last summer.

She laid 7 eggs, 4 of which were viable. All 4 of those hatched. Unfortunately, we lost one pretty early on. The other 3, however, seemed to be thriving.

Robert was one of those babies. He had a brief encounter with one of our dogs. He survived, but there was obvious brain damage. Within hours, though, he showing us how tough and resilient he was.

One of the "symptoms" he showed was that he kept his right eye closed (he was able to open it after some time, but it seemed that he preferred to keep it closed). So I always said that he looked like a little pirate. That's where things kind of took off.

Daily, I shared pictures and videos of him and his siblings as they grew up. His siblings developed more quickly than he did. For example, when they were learning to fly, he was still learning to climb. Nothing kept him down, though. He was so determined; he seemed so bright and happy.

One night in September, I went to get him for his evening feeding, and he was dying. We're not sure what happened. We can only assume it is somehow related to the trauma and injuries. Perhaps he threw a blood clot, we don't know. It was a devastating loss.


Robert was such a happy guy, and when I announced his passing on Facebook, I was floored by the number of people who were saddened. People I had never met - people from around the globe who were touched by this little baby Lovebird. At that point, I knew his life wasn't in vain, and that there was something greater to him. That was when I began writing his story.


This book is not complete, in fact, it is very much still a rough draft. I want to use this month to honor Robert, to share his story, and to help this book improve.


So please join me in this fun and unique journey.

Trust me, you're gonna love it!

See you April 1!

First blog post of 2016!

Happy New Year!

With 2016 waiting like a blank canvas, I think it's a good idea to discuss my goals for this year.


I want 2016 to be a big year, full of big changes, big successes, and big stories.

Big changes. I'm coming into 2016 working on stories that are unlike anything I've written before. If you follow me on Facebook or have read my WeWriWas in November, I am working on a magical story based on my baby Lovebird, Robert. I'm attempting to emulate J. K. Rowling by writing something that could be deemed a childrens' story, but is written in a more mature voice so that even adults will enjoy it. It'll be very exciting to see where this story goes, and to watch it come to fruition.

Big successes. I  have goals of seeing my stories - old and new - reach bigger audiences. I have goals of seeing my stories receiving more reviews, and watching my rankings go up. I have goals of continuing to publish great stories for you to enjoy. Everything that I do that is positive, that is helpful, that creates movement and momentum, everything that I can achieve is a success. 2016 will be a year that is chock full of them.

Big stories. I'm working on a few pieces, and I plan on writing many more. I write stories of love and life without boundaries. Stories that will touch your heart. Stories that will stay with you, long after you've closed the book. Stories that are powerful, poignant. Stories that are educational as well as entertaining and enjoyable. Stories that you will love.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. 2016 is going to be one heck of a year!

Happy new year, and happy reading!

NaNoWriMo: What it takes to write a novel

Happy November, everyone! For many people November equals NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing Month. It's a challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. I want to take this opportunity to go through NaNo with you, and to look at the writing process in great detail.

To start, let's discuss what it takes to write a novel.

There are the obvious elements: characters, setting, plot. If you've got these, you're off to a good start.

Let's look at them closer, shall we?

Let's start with the characters.

First, look at each of them individually. Where are they from? What is their back story? What brought them to the point at which your story begins? How do they speak? Do they have a specific dialect or accent? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are their faults (they are human after all, so they can't be perfect)? What are their insecurities? Their demons? What old pains and resentments do they still carry with them? What events and people helped to shape them into the people they are today? Who are they? Not just their name, their hair color, their sexy lips. Seriously. Who are they. You want to have good, rounded, complete characters. Dig deeply to create full people on your pages.


Setting.

It's easy to say that your setting is New York City in 1965. But where in NYC are you? What month is it? What day is it (day of the week and date)? What is the weather? What do your characters see, hear, and smell? Tell us everything your characters are experiencing. Use every sense. Don't just tell me they drove up to the dumpy no-tell motel. Say, "The lights from Donna’s Mustang shined brightly on the dilapidated motel. Dark brown paint peeled off the front of the building. The neon sign flickered sporadically. The patrol car pulled in right behind her, bringing even more light on the rundown property." Place your readers in exactly the same spot as your characters.


Next is plot.

It can be good versus evil. boy/girl meets boy/girl, etc. Don't keep it simple, though. Look at Harry Potter. Good versus evil plot, but there are so many twists and turns. Multiple goods versus multiple evils. Layers and layers. That's what you need. Not just a basic plot line, but a full story. Is anything in life ever fully easy? We all know how a day full of errands can easily become a day full of errors. Go with that. Shake things up. Change directions. Create a story with depth.


A novel is more than just Dick and Jane. A novel is a story. A full, complete story with full, complete characters, and a full and complete setting. By focusing on the details and layers of your characters, setting and story, everyone wins. You, as a writer, win because you get to experience the entire writing process. Your readers get to experience a great work by you. Don't chince your readers, and don't short change yourself.


Ok, we've gone through the basics. What else does it take to write a novel?

It takes courage.

Writing isn't easy. Seriously. It's hard work. It can be draining and trying, just as much as it can be exciting and satisfying. It takes a lot of courage to sit in front of that monitor every day and to hammer out a story from absolutely nothing. It requires bravery to see a novel from start to finish. It is a long process, and it isn't for the faint of heart.



It takes creativity.

You need to have a good imagination to write any kind of story. You need to be able to see things from a unique perspective. You need to have a way with words. It is imperative that you are slightly off center so that your writing can hit the bull's eye.



It takes determination.

Along with courage, you need to be able to persevere through the entire project. It's VERY easy to become complacent, and even quit. Things will get tough. There will be days where the writing will flow like Niagara Falls. There will be days that you try to make room in your head for creativity by pulling your hair out - and it still won't work! You have to stay focused, and you need to commit yourself 110% to your story.



It takes a sense of humor.

You need to be able to laugh - at your characters, your story, and yourself. Being stuck up, egotistical, and intense will make writing rather unpleasant. Go in with a positive attitude. Enjoy yourself!


It takes you.

You need to be there. Fully and completely focused. Be present. You need to give it your all, so make sure that you show up every day.


Writing a novel can be difficult, but it can also be a lot of fun and incredibly rewarding. NaNo gives everyone the chance to try their hand at writing. If you take on this challenge, make sure you give it all you've got. It'll be worth it in the end.

Changes

Hiya troops!

I apologize for the brief hiatus. Life just does that some times, doesn't it?

We're at the end of October, nearing the end of the year, and we've gone through all the characters from all of my books. Where do we go from here?

Well, that's a darn good question. As of right now, I have a few WIPs, but one is getting significantly more attention.

If you're friends with me on Facebook, I'm sure you've been inundated with pictures and videos of our baby Lovebirds. One of them was a special little guy named Robert.

Robert suffered some brain damage from an accidental encounter with one of our dogs. He survived, but the effects were obvious. He was slower to develop than his siblings. He was smaller than his siblings. He was slower to develop feathers, and he was behind in his coordination. But he was so cute, and so much fun. I couldn't resist sharing my pictures and videos of him.

He gained quite an audience. So much so, in fact, that he even has his own blog! Please check it out at http://robertsbirdbrain.blogspot.com/




Robert captured the heart of many, so when he unexpectedly passed away, many hearts were saddened.

In his very short life, Robert created a world of good. In his passing, I needed to share that goodness with the world. So, for the first time since I began writing fiction almost a decade ago, I am writing a fantasy. Robert is the hero of this latest novel. I have never done anything like this, but boy is it fun to just let my imagination run wild! I am trying to somewhat emulate J. K. Rowling in writing what is both a children's story, as well as a novel for adults - a story that can reach all audiences. I do hope that you will join me in this endeavor.

So this is where we stand at the present moment. Where we go from here has yet to be determined, but since Robert was so awesome, I have no doubt that this will be awesome as well!

Happy reading!

Character of the Week: Stephania from The Model/the Loving Her series

Stephania is as unique as her name. You will never meet such an...interesting character.

Let's come get to know her.

Stephania is one of four. Her mother is Salvadorian. Her father was a Mulatto American. He was fluent in Spanish as he had great hopes of being a missionary in Latin America. He went to El Salvador on a missions trip. It was there that he met Gabriela. He fell in love with her. He saw the poverty she came from, and he wanted to give her a better life. So when he returned to the States, she came with him.

Life wasn't always easy. Harold actually had no formal degree. Now with a wife, he was forced to find any job he could. The first job that was offered to him was as a school janitor. He worked hard for what little pay he earned, but he was bound and determined to give Gabriela a good life. The family was raised in a poor section of Philadelphia, but it still surpassed Gabriela's home in El Salvador. They lived a modest life, and the children wanted for nothing.

Their seemed to be a normal, quiet life until Harold passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. Suddenly, the family found themselves in a tragic situation. Gabriela lost her husband, and her only income. The children were now fatherless, and their futures suddenly looked bleak.

At fifteen, Steph had no choice but to work. Her mother did various odds-and-ends work whenever she could. Stephania dropped out of school and worked at a taco store in the mall. It wasn't great work, but it brought in money. Her sisters, Yoanna and Erendiria earned money by cleaning houses and offices.

The family was able to keep a roof over their head. Alvaro, Steph's younger brother, was the only one who was able to stay in school as he was too young to work. The women all sacrificed, but they held no resentments. They were happy to keep the family safe and together.


At sixteen, Stephania has an experience that is something out of a fairy tale. By some force of serendipity, a modeling agent sees Stephania at work, and offers her the chance of a life time. Gabriela is skeptical at first, but it ends up being the family's Cinderella story.

Early on in her modeling career, Steph meets an energetic model named Chrissy.

Stephania never really ponders whether or not she's gay. She always found women attractive, but she never put a label on herself.

Chrissy opens Stephania to love, lust, and life in the fast lane. Sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll were the norm for their daily life. Their careers and use of recreational drugs puts them in some interesting situations. Following her parents' example, Stephania is completely smitten and loyal to Chrissy from the beginning. Unfortunately, Chrissy is unable to respect Stephania in the same manner. Their wild life knows no bounds, especially for Chrissy.


Time after time, Steph hopes that things will change. Perhaps she's reading too much into things. Maybe Chrissy will realize the depth of her love and remain faithful to her. Chrissy is given many chances, but she fails every time.

In the midst of all this, Steph receives horrible news that her brother, Alvaro has died.

When the family comes together, pressure is placed on Steph to come clean. Alvaro died from an overdose of heroine. After losing her father, and now her brother, Stephania is at a cross roads.

During all of this, Chrissy is nowhere to be found.

The final nail in her coffin isn't Alvaro's death, however. It's at a moment where Chrissy dismisses Steph's heritage and upbringing.

Stephania finally found the courage and self-respect she needed. She then focuses on her work, and her life improves tremendously.


By yet another serendipitous encounter, Steph meets Linda Scott, a local lesbian who is a mechanic. The two hit it off, and they forge a great friendship. They begin to work on an annual calendar to help benefit the LGBT community. By doing so, they both open themselves up to new people and new experiences.

When Stephania finally meets Maria, something clicks. She realizes she has met someone like no one else she's ever met. Maria is older, wiser, calmer, and far more stable. Maria reminds Steph of her family, and the importance of love and devotion. She is fascinated by Maria's work as a writer. Moreover, she is fascinated by the woman.

One date becomes two becomes a trip to New York. The pair had taken their relationship slowly. Stephania still struggled with trust issues resulting from her relationship with Chrissy. Maria lived a quiet solitary life for far too long. This trip became the turning point for their relationship. One night at the hotel, Stephania comes out from the bathroom looking ravishing in some lingerie. Maria's reaction is not one Steph could have expected. But with all the love in her heart, she spends the night consoling Maria.


Their relationship solidifies thanks to that trip. From there on, they knew theirs was a marriage in the truest sense.

Due to her drug use, and even her childhood, Stephania can be quite eccentric. She is liable to say unusual things, make silly faces, or be just plain quirky. She is a free spirit, and she enjoys her uniqueness. She does not worry about how other people perceive her. Any judgment is their problem, not hers. She is odd, but she is genuine. Her love and concern are unwavering. She is loyal to her family friends - to the bitter end at that. She may say something that could shock or embarrass you, but she will give you the shirt off her back.

Stephania is a very fun character. She is intense, immature at times and wise at others. She struggled through so much in her life, and yet she is one of the most tender people you'll ever meet. She is grateful for all that she has, and she clearly appreciates the people in her life. Unusual, unique, and unforgettable, Stephania is one great woman.

Favorite quote from Stephania: “No skin off my back, cusca.”


Happy reading!
http://www.amazon.com/Model-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00GVLL3NA/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1427078079&sr=8-16&keywords=lauren+shiro