Connie Vines Was Just Wondering, "Do Fictional Characters Pick-up the Habits of the Writer?"

From Inside Books We Love Blog, posted Saturday,  June 28, 2014

Years ago I located an article about Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind.  Apparently, there was a great deal of press about how she hid sections of her novel beneath couch cushions, this was her very first novel etc. All of these statements may have a ring of truth but Margaret Mitchell was a journalist. 

Whether you agree or disagree with the premise of the Pulitzer Prize winning book or the screenplay or the resulting Academy Award Winning Picture, you cannot argue the fact she created exceptionally real characters.   It has been nearly 80 years since the book was published and nearly everyone in the U.S. (and who knows how many other countries) recall ‘something’ about Scarlett and Rhett.

Interviews tell us that MM would sit in front of a mirror and watch how her earrings (earbobs) moved to help in her descriptions.  She said she had every detail in her mind before she sat down at the typewriter. She also had relatives who lived during the era of the Civil War.

In MM’s case this may have been true. Her character may have been pieces of herself and her life.

However, in my case, I’m not so sure this is the case. 

Yes, my heroines and I may have many of the same interests.  Rachel Scott, my heroine in Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1, has many of my physical attributes at her age.   Amberlynn Maddox, my heroine in Brede, Rodeo Romance Book 2,is knowledgeable about Native American works of art. 

(These are WIP that I plan to pitch to my wonderful publisher: Books We Love.  Surprise!)

However, in one of my current WIP, Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow, I seem to be picking up Meredith, my heroine’s habits.  I am beginning to wear disposable latex gloves when I wash my hair (why, I don’t know).  I keep a food diary online and I carry on conversations with Siri (which is very difficult to do).  And, lastly (I hope), I keep purchasing hand lotion.  Do I need all this hand lotion?  No I have a place to store extra hand lotion (besides my desk at my day gig)? No.  Will I keep purchasing hand lotion?  I hope not.

Now on to my anthology, Gumbo Ya Ya—for women who like romance Cajun & Men HOT & SPICY.  Five stores in one book.  Doesn’t this mean 5 times the crazy habits for me?  It would seem so.  Beignets and café au lait, should I be having these type of dreams?  Perfume, I’m obsessed with perfume and I’m worried about gators.  Seriously?  I live in SoCal.  I really don’t think the L.A. river is going to become infested with gators in the next, say . . .million years or so. Then there’s the heroine who works in day time TV.  Well, I do have the beginnings of a three-act play on my hard drive.

Anything else?  Time Travel to the 16^th century and werewolves (contemporary)--so far, nothing to report on those two topics. Which is good news to me.

Now, Rand Rodeo Romance Book 3, oh, boy—do I have stories to tell!

Thank you for stopping by to read my guest post to the Books We Love Blog.

Happy Reading,

Connie Vines

(Go to: About.me/ConnieVines ornovelsbyconnievines.com for more info)

Fireworks! Round Robin, June 2014

Round Robin June, 2014Fireworks!

I’ve been asked to feature one of the most explosive scenes from one of my novels.I have chosen a scene from Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1.This scene takes place in “The Last Chance” Honky Tonk in Running Springs, Montana.

“Rachel, honey,” why’s that man staring at you?” Charlene asked, glancing to the right of her friend.

“You’re imagining things.”

“No I’m not. He keeps watching you. . .oh, no here he comes—“

“Charlene, you’re scaring me.” Rachel twisted her chair to get a look at the man. He was stocky and looked to be in his early thirties. He also looked vaguely familiar.

Before she could act, the man lunged against her, catching her off guard. He grabbed her wrist. “Wanna dance?”

She jerked her hand free. “No, I don’t. I think it would be best if you went back to your table.” She was concerned but she wasn’t frightened, yet. She glared at him for several counts, her heart pounding. If she kept her head he’d leave her alone. If he didn’t, she’d scream the roof down!

“I’ll buy you another drink. . .”

“No!” Rachel shot back.

“Justin, leave the lady alone.” Lynx’s voice was a low growl right behind her.

“The lady asked me to buy her a drink,” the drunk whined.

“I did not!”

“Rachel,” Lynx ordered quietly. “I’ll handle this.”

She felt her spine snap to attention. She’d never responded well to orders, no matter how well intended.

The drunk stumbled, landing on top of Rachel. She let out a squeal of surprise as glasses and mugs of beer careened off the table and onto the floor. “Get off of me!” she screamed, shoving at his shoulders.

Before she could act, Lynx stepped forward, yanking the man off of Rachel. “Justin, didn’t your mother ever teach you any manners?” Lynx asked.

Justin said something foul under his breath, and Rachel saw Lynx’s expression change.

In swift, economical movements, Lynx spun the man around and grabbed him by the collar. One hard blow from his fist catapulted the man backwards. He crashed into a table and several wooden chairs. The sound of splintering wood filled the room, and suddenly Rachel found herself the unwelcome center of attention.

¬ My reaction to writing this: I’m not a violent person (I have nightmare after watching Meer Kat Manor). So even though my scene had a brawl, there is humor as the scene develops.  After I realized no one would be seriously injured (One never knows what the characters plan to do), I began to have fun with the experience.

¬ Background information: Well, since I’ve never participated in a barroom brawl, I had to conduct interviews. (Of course, I was not inclined to witness/ or instigate the event myself J).  Sherman (the husband of my dear friend) was an officer in the Army Air Force during WWII and had witnessed (I didn’t question his statement) many a fight in his day.  He provided me with how one positions a man to receive a punch.  The crashing, falling, and general mayhem I figured out from watching a couple of western movies and recalled the information I’d gleaned from a “Hollywood Stunt Man Workshop” I’d facilitated for Larry Sellers when he co-starred on Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.

I hope you enjoyed my Round Robin Post for this month.  Remember to stop by at my friend Ginger Simpson’s blog next and see what exciting story she has to tell!

Remember to stop by website (it’s been revamped!) And I’m also spotlighted on with an author interview at:

coldcoffeecafe.com. 

Happy Reading,

Connie

Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com

All participants in this month’s Round Robin Blog:

Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog
Heidi M. http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com
Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Kay Sisk  http://kaysisk.blogspot.com
Anne Stenhouse at http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com
Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/
Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
Lynn Crain at http://lynncrain.blogspot.co.at/
Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.comMargaret Fieland at

 

Round Robin Blog, May 24, 2014, SETTINGS

What is the most inspiring, romantic, or dangerous setting you ever read or written?

Round Robin Blog with Connie - #RndRbn May 24, 2014

Welcome to another Round Robin Blog event, held 

once a month and hosted by Rhobin Lee Courtright.  

This month's topic:

What is the most inspiring, romantic or 

dangerous setting you ever came across 

while reading or imagined while writing?  

Do you have a preference for a certain time 

and place for a story?

Rhobin comes up with some great topics for

discussion, and this one gave me pause (hence

my posting on Saturday morning rather than late, 

late on Friday night).  While my current two series are westerns (historical YA andcontemporary 

 romance), I do write in multiple genres, and with a wide range of settings. 

Book 2 of my Rodeo Romance Series (Brede) is romantic suspense, set in New Mexico.  

When I have an idea for a new story, it begins with with dialogue.  The only way to explain this is 

to say, "It is like someone is including you in a private conversation".  Not a whisper, exactly, 

more of a casual 'coffee shop' conversation.  When a close fried places her hand on your 

shoulder to give you a clue in on what's going on around you. Even though my characters 

drive my stories, I am a pragmatic writer. 

I write a backstory, outline and include chapter summaries, motivation, and the computer 

equivalent of 3 x 5 cards to to develop my scenes.  My research is time consuming :-), 

I interview, I read the local newspapers, I vacation in the area (umm, sounds a bit like stalking) 

and I post photos in my office, cook regional foods and listen to the music my characters 

would have save to his/her iPhone.

 The result of my 'dangerous' setting(s).  My YA histoical novel Whisper upon the Water delves 

into one dark area of American history.  The treatment of Native Americans, and that of their

children, after the Indian Wars.  The setting is dangerous for my heroine, and many of the children 

who lived with their tribes/bands and were forcibly relocated to government run 

boarding schools. All across the western plains (especially in the Dakotas) is still place, 

on and off of the reservations, where life is. . .often unsafe . . .

Brede, Rodeo Romance Book 2, is a suspense novel.  I was visiting a descrated ruin in 

New Mexico when I was involved in the Title 9 program and serving on PAC committees 

involving Native American Affairs.  The times were troubling and often deadly.  

This became the driving force for this current release.

I don't wish for my readers to think my novels are filled with 'darkness'.  

Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1, is filled with humor, rodeo action, and smoking hot cowboys!

My education series (YA and children's short-stories)  Medicine and Magic in Ancient Egypt 

and A Candle in the Dark, are informative and draw children into, and, help children experience 

'every day life' hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.

Fall of this year will provide my readers with new adventures:

My Cajun Anthology, My Zombie (think "War Bodies" minus chomping), novella, 

and hopefully, Book 3 of my Rodeo Romance (with a ChickLit slant) titled, Rand.

My current releases are available on Amazon. 

Next on the Round Robin Circuit is:

Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/

This is the line-up of authors participating in today's Blog Event!
* Lynn Crain at http://lynncrain.blogspot.co.at/
* Anne Stenhouse athttp://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
* Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca
* Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/
* Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
* Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/
* Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
* Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com
* Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog 
* Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
* Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com

Heidi Thomas at I http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/ 

Round Robin Blog Topic: You Loved the Blurb--What Happened?

April's Round Robin Blog topic:
You loved the blurb. First page sounded interesting. You bought the book. What makes you throw the book you're reading against the wall, stomp on it and go find another?

The blurb on the back cover or the inside sleeve of a book is supposed to draw you in and make you want to buy the book. It is supposed to be intriguing, giving you a flavour of the novel. 

Catchy Blurb: "One of the best-known horror stories ever. Victor Frankenstein, a Swiss scientist, has a great ambition: to create intelligent life. But when his creature first stirs, he realizes he has made a monster. A monster which, abandoned by its maker and shunned by everyone who sees it, dogs Dr Frankenstein with murder and horrors to the very ends of the earth . . ."

Deciding to read Frankenstein was a bit of a whim. I wanted to see how different it was from the twentieth-century film versions, and since I loved B Stoker's "Dracula" i expected to add this classic to my "keeper" shelf.

I can't blame Mary Shelley for some of the things I disliked. I find early 19th century fiction to be strangely peppered with sensitive, high-born protagonists who suffer nervous fits. But these delicate lords who require six months of recuperation try my patience. And Victor Frankenstein has so many nervous fits -- and spells of madness -- that it's a wonder he ever gets a chance to build a monster in the first place.

II can't excuse Victor Frankenstein's justifications for his actions. I could see it if Shelley were ultimately condemning Frankenstein for being such a lazy, selfish, ineffectual, and cold-hearted but she isn't. The only thing Frankenstein did wrong was to play God by delving into the secrets of nature.

The fact that he totally abandoned his "monster" is not seen as irresponsible. And when that monster found itself alone and terrified, spurned by all humans, unable to find companionship even from the man who created him-- Victor Frankenstein doesn't think this is particularly sad. When the monster decides to get revenge of those who rejected him -- Frankenstein (and Shelley) both label the monster as "cruel" and "bloodthirsty."

Almost half of the book is about the monster's good deeds and his heart-wrenching attempts to join a society that will never accept him. The other half is about Victor Frankenstein running away from every responsibility he has.

 When describing geography, Shelley entranced me. When it came to characterization, however, I could only care about the monster...and I don't think she intended it that way.  (The book gave me nightmares.  Not because of the monster but because of the "abandonment").  

Thank you for stopping by to view my blog post today.  

Next on the blog tour: Beverley Bateman - http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Happy Reading,

Connie

A complete list of this month's guest bloggers:

* Anne Stenhouse athttp://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
* Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca
* Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
* Margaret Fieland at http://www.margaretfieland/blog1/
* Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com
* Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/ 
* Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
* Beverley Bateman - http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
* Rhobin Courtright - http://rhobinleecourtright.com

Sunday Snippets #sunday snippets~ Connie Vines

Welcome to Sunday Snippets!  I would like to thank author Ginger Simpson for including me this week.

The rules are simple--six paragraphs no more, no less.  

This snippet is from my published novel (Book 1 of my Native American Series).  Available as e-book or paper back. 

http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Upon-Water-Connie-Vines/dp/0759901848   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whisper-upon-the-water-connie-vines/1100069455?ean=9780759901841

My snippet is from my historical sweet romance.  This is my favorite (though all of my novels are dear to me).  I believe every writer has a story which comes from the soul--this is mine.  Whisper upon the Water, awarded the Dream Realm Award, Independent e-book Award; Frankfurt e-book Finalist, E-Book YA Historical Bestseller, and was a National Book Award Nominee.

Please enjoy your visit visit to Tanayia and Anna Thunder's world.

"Anna thunder, you will pay dearly for you disobedience!" Sister Enid slapped the flat of her palm against the desk top. "When I tell a student to recited, everyone is to participate."

I stiffened against the wooden back of my chair and held my breath.  Sullen silence from the Comanche girl was a daily ritual. Never before had she challenged the teacher in front of so many students.  Hatred twisted Sister Enid's prune face in fury. "I demand an apology."

Anna Thunder remained silent.

With her back arched and her scrawny neck stretched its full length, Sister Enid marched to the back of the room.  Her heavy shoes sounding like horse's hooves on the brightly polished wooden floor. Grabbing Anna Thunder by the arm, the teacher yanked the girl from the chair. Dragging her toward the hallway, she said, "Two days in the attic for you. No food. Only water. Afterwards, I'll wager, you'll remember you manners."

During the days which followed, all students spoke in whispers about Anna Thunder. All wondered what had happened to her. None dared ask Sister Enid. Some said she was being starved and 

beaten.Others said Anna Thunder had died and was buried beneath the church floor.

On the morning of the third day, while the other girls were marching in the exercise yard, Sister Enid ordered me to remain inside. 

You can visit the next snippet: http://jamieb-baker.blogspot.com/2014/03/sunday-snippets-on-friday.html

Or find more snippets here: http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading,

Connie Vines

www.novelsbyconnievines.com

follow me on Twitter, Pinterest,

http://vimeo.com/72567100  (Whisper upon the Water book trailer)

 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uGTgCGQz_nI

Round Robin Blog. Topic: Heroine(s)

       According to Dictionary.com :

Heroine is defined as:

1. a woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for her brave deeds and noble qualities.

2. the principal female character in a story, play, film, etc.

What type of heroine(s) traits, personality, in particular always drew you into a story?

Pride and Prejudice follows the traditional Cinderella plot, while the heroine is very unCinderella like.   During Lit class i found Austen's "heroines' have a subordinate role in the family,...their dutifulness, meditativeness, self-abnegation, and self-control" are apparent.  Still, In my opinion (not necessarily opinions of Austen scholars)  the heroine's self-awareness and awareness of the world around her a contrast to an exceedingly traditional environment-- that appealed to me,  as did her strong-will, and determined nature.  She also showed character growth in discovering the visible and hidden character traits in everyone (particularly the 'designated' villain).

While in the third and fourth grades, I read  Nancy Drew mystery novels.   Fortunately, the books I devoured were from my mother's collection, published in the 1930s. When I read the later editions I found Nancy much less appealing. It only goes to reason that fictional series characters must evolve over the decades to accommodate changes in US/international culture and tastes. (I discovered later that books were extensively revised, beginning in 1959.)  I felt the revision process changed Nancy into a less assertive and more feminine character.  I did not find this watered down version helpful in defining a girl's 'sense of self'.

I think spunky, determined, intelligent heroines that have a quirky way of viewing life have always appealed to me.  I like my heroines to have strong beliefs yet have the ability to help others whose views/beliefs are different from her own.  My heroines are strong women (often in a quiet, unassuming way), women you would like to have as your friend. And. Always, always my heroines have a sense of humor.

Has it changed with time?

A bit.  Afterall, just like are heroines, we all learn from life experiences, meet intertesting people, and try to deal with our flaws--be they physical or character (real or often imagined).  However, I think the changes are due more to the genre of the novel than the heroine herself. True gothic novels require a softer heroine, a historical novel has more constraints placed upon the heroine; scifi provides an edgier and bolder heroine, and paranormal--here  rules change with the world!

Do you write this type of heroine?

Rachel Scott (Lynx, Rodeo romance Book1) has had a lifetime of heartache.  She believes in a better tomorrow and in the goodness of others.  She is feisty, witty, and loyal.

Amberlynn Maddox ( Brede, Rodeo Romance, Book 2), is strong-willed and a bit spoiled but she is willing to protect those she loves--no matter the cost or danger to herself.

Tay (Whisper upon the Water), is vulnerable but she is a survivor and learns to adapt to her new life.  She shows kindness to others and learns to forgive.

Meredith (TBA: Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow), is quirky, gutsy, and very funny.  She navigates a world of the supernatural with determination colored by a 'how-did-this-happen-to-me' reality check.

Are my heroines like those in my favorite novels?  

No.  I think my heroines are influenced by my life experiences and my 'voice'.  I think they are influenced by the story I am writing.  But I also believe that their morals and their personal truths are like those of all memorable heroines-- entirely their own.

Thank you for joining me for this month's Round Robin Blog. And I'd like to thank Rhobin Courtright for including me in her Round Robin monthly blog.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about my heroines.  I certainly enjoyed sharing their experiences with all of you.  Please stop my next month to discover what my heroes have to say!

Next up on our Round Robin Blog is Geeta Kakade./http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading,

Connie 

And just in case you'd like to explore everyone's blog from my Word Slinger weblog, here’s the full list of authors writing for this Round Robin event:

Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/

Lynn Crain at http://www.awriterinvienna.blogspot.com

Kay Sisk at http://www.kaysisk.com/

Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com

Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/

Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/

A.J. Maguire at http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca

Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com

Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com

 

Round Robin Blog. topic: Hero

1. a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc

2. a man who is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field

3. (Classical Myth & Legend) classical myth a being of extraordinary strength and courage, often the offspring of a mortal and a god, who is celebrated for his exploits

4. the principal male character in a novel, play, etc.

What type of hero traits, personality, in particular always drew you into a story.

True, heart-stopping, emotion-wrenching, all consuming hero-power comes from a whole range of qualities, not all of them instantly, or even ongoingly, lovable. And Mr. Rochester (isn't it funny how seldom he is referred to as Edward) has unlovable qualities in spades.  Mr. Rochester has always been my # 1 favorite literary hero.  I read Jane Eyre when I was twelve (along with Jason and the Golden Fleece). However, Jason and Simbad never measured up to Mr. Rochester as far as I was concerned.

# 2. Perhaps the most well known example of a Byronic hero is none other than Bram Stoker’s timeless Dracula.  In his simultaneously horrifying yet seductive Count Dracula, Stoker created a Byronic hero for the ages, a character that exemplified the menacing combination of  charm and cruelty.

# 3.  Sherlock Holmes is a private detective who doesn’t decide which case to take based on prospective profit, risk level or who happens to ask.  He takes the cases that interest and challenge him. He has been known to draw conclusions from the smallest and most intricate of details, such as the scratches on the edge of a man’s pocket-watch.  He is smart and aloof.

Has it changed with time?

Yes.  I've read every genre of fiction and watched many movies since (both good, and not so good) but usually there is something interesting about the hero.  Dennis Quaid in The Big Easy displayed southern charm and developed into a hero worth character.  Downton Abby, the current British import to American television, displays heroes, unlikely heroes, and heroes in training.  So, yes my heroes have changed and are still changing. 

Do you write this type of hero?

I begin my stories with a since of place and time, however, the kernel of the novel is developed from the snatches of dialogue that will run through my mind.  With Lynx it began because I heard a sexy, Texan's drawl.  Brede was Brede, as rugged and as dependable as harsh west.  In Whisper upon the Water, Jacob Five-Wounds, is a teenager who has lived through extreme hardship to become a leader.  In my soon-to-be novella, Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow, Viktor is the perfect man for my heroine (however neither one of the seem to realize this!

Thank you for joining me for this month's Round Robin Blog. And I'd like to thank Rhobin Courtright for including me in her Round Robin monthly blog.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about my heroes I certainly enjoyed sharing their experiences with all of you.  Please stop my next month to discover what Rhobin's next blog adventure will be!

Next up on our Round Robin Blog is Aimee -- A.J. Maguire at http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Happy Reading,

Connie 

And just in case you'd like to explore everyone's blog from my Word Slinger weblog, here’s the full list of authors writing for this Round Robin event:

Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca
Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/
Lynn Crain at http://lynncrain.blogspot.co.at/
Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/
Ginger Simpson  at http://mizging.blogspot.com
Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Aimee -- A.J. Maguire at http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com/