Software Programs for Writers # Sunday Snips & Stuff

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As everyone knows I like to use software programs and social media.

I was reading my friend, Beverly Bateman's, latest blog topic titled Writers Software Programs (Blogging with Beverly on Blog.spot) when I realized this was a very interesting topic.

I also began to wonder exactly how many programs I used when writing, plotting my novels, stories, etc.   I feel the content would be of interest to writer, readers, and those who man be looking for a program help them make it though the rigors of a AP, university level, or an extension class.

My go to program is Power Structure purchased via Write-Brain.com.  Since I work in segments: Chapter 1 - 3, etc. rather than scene by scene or chapter by chapter, this program is adaptable to my thought process.  I am able to work in three Acts, Chapters, Scenes, or any structure model of preference.

Conflict, Subplot, plot point,  You can also change almost any term used in Power Structure to suit your personal preference.  I attended a class by Chris Vogler, a Hollywood screen writer, who uses Joseph Campbell's "A Hero's Journey" as a plotting bible.  Since I have followed Joseph Campbell's works and find the "A Hero's Journey" the best way for me to write a story (with the look of 3 x 5 cards when I feel like experiencing a flashback to my freelance magazine days).

Beverly also mentioned Dramatica Pro.  Pricey, yes.  I believe for characterization, especially for detailed historical novels, or when writing a continuing series, this program was a good investment.
This program allows you to work on levels for character development. If you so wish, you may print a StoryGuide at each stage of development.  This program also has a number of templates to choose fro, e.g., screenplay, novel, short story.  Each comes with an appropriate number of archetypal characters already created, ensuring that each character has a clear dramatic function in the story.

There is also a Plot Progression Window which lets me examine where to place a pivotal point.  There is also a Spin-the-Model Brainstorming option.  This helps when, heaven forbid, you have writer's block--and much, much less painful than pounding your forehead on your desk until your muse comes up with a plan.

On my iPad I have several program: My Writing (which I seldom open), A Novel Idea (where I have grains of thoughts/names of future novels) this takes the place of scribbles from my lip liner on discarded pieces of paper I'd find in the depths of my tote bag. I Do Notepad & I Do Notepad Pro which I will use but it have a devil of a time retrieving what I have saved.

The Journal app is good for free-flowing thought/plotting etc.  and also for using as a writer's journal.  You can create labels, change the font and even add a background picture.  This is were I many place the notes from my character interviews.

For more information about by novels, or to purchase my novels, please click on the bookcover, or links at the top of my blog.

Please visit the other authors in this weeks' Sunday Snip & Stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Brede-Rodeo-Romance-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00DRPHILY?ie=UTF8&keywords=Connie%20vines&qid=1465100492&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Happy Reading,

Connie Vines

http://www.triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)
http://mizging.blogspot.com (Ginger Simpson)
http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Janet Waldon)

What Is Your Favorite Food?

Today"s topic:  What is your favorite food or meal? 

My favorite food?  I think favorite foods change as a one matures and evolves from life experience.

As a child I recall visiting my grandparents in Plainview, Texas.  The scent of sulfur from a match and the whoosh of the gas burner lighting, heralded the fragrance of biscuits, sausage, and fried eggs, over easy. A neighbor's clambake in Charleston, SC, when I had to stand on tippy-toes to see over the edge the table, provided my first experience salty-Atlantic smell of steamed clams and oysters.

As a teenager living in Florida, fresh-caught seafood, coleslaw and freshly squeezed lime was the food I enjoyed.  I also discovered a revulsion for both turtle soup and grits.   

As an adult, coffee at Cafe DuMonde, stands out as one of my favorite encounters with food.  

The breeze from the delta, the cool morning, a soft sunrise, and fresh benigns dusted liberally with powdered sugar, still makes me smile.  I believe food is always tied into social activities or memories of a special experience--this is what makes us include the food in family gatherings.

Turkey, of course is the celebrated food this time of year.  Often the leftovers are served as grandmother sandwiches, soup, turkey ala King, the possibilities are seemingly endless. While the remaining teaspoon or two of leftover jellied cranberry sauce is swirled in cream cheese as a frosting atop chocolate brownies.  

What is my favorite food?  The food that is so scrumptious that I am forever hooked?

That is a very tough question. SoCal offers avocado, vegan, and array of designer foods.  However, bowing to Texan days-- chili is one of my favorites. Served as an entree, topping a baked potato, or Baja-style on a garden salad with onions and cheddar cheese, I have a recipe especially for the crockpot (this is different from the Not-for-Sissies version featured in Lynx). And since I am a fan of (non-alcoholic) eggnog, I discovered an easy eggnog point cake recipe--both of which I will share.

Easy Eggnogg Pound Cake

1 (18.25 or 18.50 ounce) pkg. yellow cake mix

1 (4-serving size) pkg. instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix

3/4 cup Boren EggNog

3/4 cup vegtable oil

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon round nutmeg

Powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In large bowl, combine, cake mix, pudding mix, Eggnogg and oil; beat on low speed until moistened. Add eggs and nutmeg; beat at medium-high speed 4 minutes. Pour into greased and floured 10-inch Bundt pan.

Bake 40 - 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Store leftovers covered at room temperature.

Homestyle Chili

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lowfat)

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped green pepper

2 cloves of garlic, minced

3 cans (about 15 ounces each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained.

2 cans  (15 ounces each) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 to 3 teaspoon chili powder

1 to 2 teaspoons dry hot mustard

3/4 dried basil leaves 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

1 to 2 dried hot chili peppers

Cook and stir ground beef, onion, bell pepper and gRlic in large skillet until meat is browned and onion tender, drain.

Add beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes with juice, chili powder, mustard, basil, black pepper, and chili pepper.  Mix well.

Spoon into crockpot, cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Or 4 - t hours on high.  Remove chili pepper before serving.

Remember all of my novels and novellas include my personal recipes.

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/
http://mizging.blogspot.com/
http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Sunday Snippet ~ Brede~ by Connie Vines #Sunday Snips

Welcome to Sunday Snips.  This is a Blog Hop of sorts, a chance to sample a snippet of each participating author's work.  Today I'm sharing a snippet from Book 2 of my Rodeo Romance Series, "Brede", published by Books We Love.

I hope you enjoy this Romantic Suspense story!

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Prologue

Audralynn Maddox heard her own soft cry, but the pain exploding inside her head made everything  else surreal. distanced somehow by the realization that someone had made a mistake.

A terrible mistake.

He caught her wrists, pinning them behind her and shoved her, face first, against the van, "Nobody double crosses J.B., bitch. Nobody!"

His attack had come so unexpectedly that Audralynn hadn't seen his face. His voice didn't sound familiar, yet she delved into the depths of  her subconscious, trying to pin a name to the voice.  She jerked and heaved against his grip, trying to gain her freedom, but he was far too strong.

"I don't know any J.B.," she whimpered. She wanted to scream the words, but her head pounded. Tears of pain stung her eyes and ran down her cheeks.

He laughed. The hateful sound mocked her growing terror. Her pitiful struggles only increased his cruelty, but she dared not stop.

"Thought you could go back on the bargain, did you?  We've been watching your place. Your friend didn't want to cooperate, either.  Too bad she put up such a fight."

Vikki  What did you do to Vikki?

He shoved her face against the door.  "She didn't cooperate.  Stupid bitch.  I only wanted the photos."

The man's hot, rancid breath assaulted her senses as he grabbed her by the shoulders to still her struggles. "  Now, you're a smart little piece," he hissed. Don't cause me any more trouble and maybe I'll let you go.  Where'd you stash the photos?"


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Brede is avaiable at Amazon in ebook format for 99 cents!
www.amazon.com/Connie-Vines/e/B004C7W6PE

Please visit the links to other participating authors.



Ginger Simpson

Tricia McGill
http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)



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Sunday Snippets By Connie Vines #Sunday Snipppets 06/27

Happy Sunday everyone!
This post is being sent via my iPad from the "Happiest Place on Earth"--Disneyland, Anaheim California.

Thank you for stopping by to this week's blog hop.

Today's snippets is taken from my Native American novel, "Whisper upon the Water".

Annual Report of the Department of Interior

Gathered from the cabin, wickiup and tipi, partly by threats, partly by bribery, partly by force, they are induced to leave their families, to enter these schools and take upon themselves the outward appearance of civilized life.

CLIMBING OUT of the wagon, I was herded, along with ten other girls, to stand in a line outside the White man's lodge. One of the first girls in the line was very young, and clutched the hand of her older sister. Judging from the long deerskin dresses with flared skirts and wide, long sleeves trimmed with fringe that they wore, I knew the two were Comanche. I eyed the bits of metal and beads sewn on the front of the older girl's dress and glanced down at her buckskin moccasins and wondered whose camp they had raided to gain these adornments.

Comanche. The hatred between our two tribes ran as deep as the gullies that cut through my people's lands.

Purchase via Amazon.

Purchase via Tower              Purchase via Powell's Books 

For my International Readers: 

India       AU       UK      NZ      CA       UN Murmullo Sobre el Aqua/ /Spanish Version

Thank you for stopping by for this week's blog hop.

FYI "Lynx" is on sale on Amazon beginning July 1st!  Check my website for additional info.

This week's participants, please stop by and see what is happening in their novels, too.

Connie

http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGil)

http://romancingscifi.blogspot.com/ (Vijaya Schartz)
(Ginger and Jamie will return next week)