On your marks, get set...NANOWRIMO!

It's here! It's started! November 1st is the date many authors have been waiting for (or is that dreading?). Nanowrimo has oficially kicked off and a lot of writers are leaving everything aside to reach that 50.000 word count- myself included.

I've been participating in Nanowrimo for the past five years. My first attempt was an untitled story for which I even wrote a synopsis and the beginning of a blurb:

What if your imagination became a reality?

Devinia is trapped between two races that will do anything to have her save their world.

For some reason, at that moment in time, I didn't find the story good enough and I never edited it or searched for a publishing house that could adopt it. *shrug* Maybe I will go back to it someday.

My second Nanowrimo participation was also a winner. This time, in more ways than one. Nanowrimo 2009 brought to life the story of Angelica and Alexander. You might have heard of this couple before because they are the lead characters of my first full length published novel A Decade of Longing.

2010 was the first year in which I did not Nanowrimo. Life got complicated and it was impossible for me to write a 50.000 word story in a month.

2011 I tried. I meant to write a medieval erotic romance, but the project never made it past the 5000 word mark. 



Last year, I wrote the story of a dragon- demon shifter... sound familiar? A Dragon's Heart, A Demon's Blood was born from last year's Nanowrimo. After the month was up I expanded the story into a whopping 62000 something words, edited and sent it to Evernight Publishing.

And now, 2013 is upon us. This year I've actually done most of my research before launching into Nanowrimo. I also have a pretty clear outline of the way I want the story to go. Things will change, of course, but I'm hopping that at least, I'll be able to reach that elusive 50,000 word count and get William and Emily's story out there. *fingers crossed*

Good luck to everyone! 

Share Your Muse Blog Hop (Sept 12- 14th)

Hello everyone and welcome to Share Your Muse Blog Hop!

 I will be giving away a copy of one of my books to a randomly drawn commenter. The only rule to participate is to leave a comment with your email and the answer to the following question: 

What inspires you? 

Now, without further ado and before she pulls out my hair and tackles me to the ground, allow me to introduce you to my usually shy, Muse.

Welcome Muse, do  you have a given name? How old are you? 

Muse: My name and age are of no consequence. They are irrelevant in my plane of existence. 

Err, very well. What’s your work like?

Muse: Ah, I love my line of work. Basically, what I do is create an agreement with certain characters and then together, we choose a scene with which to entice Elyzabeth. Most of the time, we do it while she’s out on walks with her dog or walking home from the bus stop, so that she can’t stop to write the scene down. By the time she’s gotten home she’s forgotten half the scene and we’re rolling on the floor laughing as she struggles to recall the details.

*Narrows eyes at Muse* I really don’t think it’s that funny. Do you realize how many great stories you’ve cost me?

Muse: Don’t be silly! You know we repeat the process of your favorite scene several times until you remember it and write it all down.

 *grumbles* How about the times you've run away, huh? What can you say to that?

Muse: *Sniffles* I can’t help it. You get so stressed sometimes that you stress me out! And I can’t work in an environment like that. 

Well, you leaving me doesn’t help.

Muse: Yes it does, because then you’re forced to relax and watch a movie, read a few books and do other things that make me want to come back and fill your head with new stories.

*throws hands up in the air* Oh, all right, all right! You’re impossible.

Muse: *grins* You know it's true. 

Anyway, there are people reading this, let’s get on with the questionnaire: what’s your favorite season?

Muse: Oh, I am most creative in winter. There’s just something about the cool air that seems to activate my creative juices.

Do you ever use any external help to get those creative juices flowing?

Muse: Definitely! Sometimes I’ll use a visual aid like a photograph. A lot of the time, nature inspires me, but most of the time it’s music what does the trick for me. Music invokes so many images and stories in my head I could drive you crazy if I were to let them all out.

 Okay, last question, people have other things to do than hear you rant. What are your plans for the future?

Muse: What a silly question, Elyzabeth! Why, to keep annoying you forever, of course. I have several shifters that are demanding their stories be told, a medieval troubadour who won’t take no for an answer, a warrior queen who’s battling for her life, a mercenary under disguise, a vampire that—

Run, run, as fast you can. Once she starts she doesn’t stop. Go on and visit the other authors participating in this hop before this particular Muse drives you crazy! And don't forget to leave a comment with your email addy and the answer to the question to participate in my giveaway! 

T'n'T's Confidential: Susan D. Taylor

It's Thursday my dear readers and that means another installment of T'n'T's Confidential! Today author Susan D. Taylor is visiting and giving us a glimpse of the things she needs to write. (I'm totally with the coffee thing too *winks*). Go for it, Susan!

7 Writing Resources I Use to Write...Better

By Susan D. Taylor

Thank you Elyzabeth for inviting to T n' T's Confidential

at

In a Dream Beyond.
I don’t know if I write better with my stash of things but, I believe with them, the writing is a bit easier. Without them, I’d survive, but I don’t know if I’d be as balanced.

#1-Coffee. Yes it’s the first thing I reach for when I get out of bed and especially around four in the afternoon. Not so much at night. I get up early, well before sunrise. Once caffeinated the whole world seems at peace.

#2-Computer. If I had to write with a pen or pencil, nothing would get done. My handwriting is horrible. I’d write in the margins and cross out every other word if not every word. If there were no computers, I’d never have the opportunity to write. Or write much.

#3-Water. This one comes up again. I drink lots of water. Hydration for creation. If you start wilt, immediately it’s not the coffee cup I look for but a glass of water. That is after I’ve had my morning Joe.

#4-Shower. Seriously, some of my best ideas have arrived during a shower. And not because I write erotica, so don’t go there. I take a hot-as-the-handle-will-go shower. I love watching the steam billow, tiny droplets rise in the morning light coming through the bathroom. I relax and then BAM, an idea or answer to some writing dilemma is delivered. If a waterproof laptop is ever invented, I’ll be set. Albeit a bit more wrinkled…

#5-Quiet. Oh yeah, I’m one of those. I love music. All types, but I get too emotionally charged. If I want to write, I tune out everything. I love to use music to inspire or to latch onto an emotion or motivation before writing. But during the quiet, I hear the story and characters. Then it’s as though the story moves through me and I type. Fast as I can.

I do use playlists, so if anyone is interested in hearing what does proved inspirational for
Secret Desire my upcoming release is found on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYVx7MVN3tep96b26-kmVnv0PXnmlbubP

#6-Elliptical Trainer. I’m ADHD and need to unwind at night. I do yoga but physically need a rapid release of energy late at night. I spend 45 minutes to an hour on the trainer. I have a Kindle Fire and found this is a terrific way to exercise and read. Seems almost too good to be true.

#7-My Husband. He listens to my writing. Truly, reading aloud to him helps me focus on the way the story sounds (cadence), and yes, even catch typos. It’s not the same reading aloud alone. With him, I want to take care and read carefully. He’s the best, and at times when I’m stuck on just the right word, he offers an objective outlook.

So, these are my seven. I know there are countless things, people and even my pets that I’d miss. Yet these SEVEN are what keep me happily writing. Please share what keeps your spirits high. It doesn’t
have to be relative to writing. What keeps you going at work or home or during a challenge? Really what helps you take that extra step?

Catch me here: Website: http://taylormadefiction.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/romancebysusan
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SusanTaylorAuthor
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/susanarden/

Upcoming Releases
Secret Desire – February 1, 2013 Contemporary Erotic Romance, Etopia Press E-book (Susan D. Taylor)
Branded By Desire – April 1, 2013 Western Erotic Romance, Crimson Press E-book & Print (Susan Arden)
Collared For A Night – 2013 Paranormal Erotica Romance, Crimson Press E-book  -Rocky Mountain Shifters (Susan Arden)
Ocean of Love – 2013 An Adult Fairytale – Amazon.com (Susan D. Taylor)

Favorite Quote: “Sexy is a strange thing. I'm not sure it has to do with sex. Sexy has to do with not knowing what's coming next. It's unpredictability.” ― Christopher Walken

2013...Resolutions and goals

Happy 2013!

Usually, around this time of year everyone is busy making resolutions and remembering the good and the bad of the year before. I'm running a bit late, but here I am. *grin*

 I don't usually make resolutions. As a matter a fact, I try not to make long term plans. (They have a tendency of going awry). That doesn't mean I don't dream. Heck, if I didn't I wouldn't be writing in the first place, but I try not to wander too far. (I have to admit a lot of the time it doesn't work - I have an active imagination *grin*).

Anyhow, there are quite a few things I want to do this 2013:

1. Get my Spanish driver's license. I passed my written test a few days after Christmas, so now all that's left is for me to actually learn to drive. *scary shiver*


2. Write, write, and write some more. I have three immediate projects that I want to finish:

• Edit my Nanowrimo and submit it. I'm half way through with editing, so I should hopefully be done with this soon. 
• Write the fourth story in the Mercenary Tales series. 
• Finish that Free Read I began writing back in November.

3. Related with writing is the idea of learning some more about certain periods in history such as the Medieval Era.

4. Blog more- not only write more but also interact more.. 

5. Keep up my Portuguese and French studies.  

7. Finally, what's probably going to be the hardest goal for this 2013: finding a media/communication job. If it were up to me I'd dedicate myself fully to writing but the economy is harsh and writing isn't bringing in enough money to survive and neither is my part time job-with no possibility of advancement.

And that's it, folks! My goals for 2013. There are certain things I haven't mentioned like caring, loving and spending as much times as possible with my friends and family, but that goes without saying. *wink*

What are your goals? Are you fond of making resolutions?

Still alive...

Greetings everyone!

I'm still around, it's just that I'm busy with university work. The school year is coming to an end, projects have to be turned in, exams are taking place... etc. It's let's see how much stress a human being can cope with- time!

Anyhow, my creative side is cruel and it decides to play with me when I don't have time to give it wings. By nature, I'm a very musical person (going around without my mp3 is as if they'd cut out one of my limbs. I drive my sister insane by my a cappella singing around the house), therefore, it's not the first time that music helps inspire my writing. However, lately 2 out of 3 songs I hear brings an image to my mind and opens up a world of possibilities for a future story. It's unnerving because I simply can't stop and explore the prospect like I'd like to.

I'm resisting the urge to write, but that doesn't mean I can't edit and do a little something here and there (you'll see what I mean next week, hehehe).

Anyways, speaking of music, this song has just been beckoning me to go and give pure fantasy writing another try...



maybe I will... once I finish my exams. We'll see...

Question is, How do you feel about music? Is it part of who you are? of your day to day? Does it inspire you?

I'm very happy

I'm very happy, I got some great news yesterday which helped me boost my ego! But I won't say anything yet...I'll try to keep the secret until Monday...okay, maybe Sunday :p

About the Twilight Series...

I’m writing this and I’m thinking that it might sound like a jealous rant, but not really…I haven’t read the series, unfortunately. I live in Spain and English copies of books are hard to come by, not to mention expensive, and my financial situation is not exactly at its best moment. I look forward to reading the books, for I have heard from more than one person that they easily capture you and I love that in a book, I love sitting down and getting obsessed with a series, feeling the up and downs of characters, seeing their experience through my eyes…imagination is a powerful thing.

However, not all I have heard from these books are good: I have heard that the books are written in childish fashion, that they are nothing but a mere “easy read”, and they’re no big deal. There’s nothing bad with that, I mean, the easier it is to read, the larger audience it will get too…

Anyhow, thing is, to be an author sometimes you don’t need to be good (this has nothing to do with Ms. Meyer, I have not read her books and can not judge them), you just need to have loads, loads, loads, loads of luck.

Lady Luck, why have you forsaken me?

Ps: I don’t intend to watch the movie until I read the books, whenever that is, and I don’t like the main vampire guy…he just doesn’t appeal to me. Vampires need to look like this:

or like this: