First and Third Person: Together or Separate?

A writer friend posted on Facebook about a romance she was reading and that she hated how it had switched from first person in the female’s point of view (POV) to third person in the male’s POV. She wanted to know if this was a new thing.

I pointed out that it’s not that much of a new thing in suspense/thrillers (I’ve seen the villain’s POV in first person a lot). Romance? Maybe. But then I haven’t read a lot of first person romances because I’m not fond of them.

I think certain genres kind of lean toward one POV over another. I’m okay with mysteries and urban fantasies in first person (although one POV in third would work for me, too). But I don’t expect to see another POV in those books. And while seeing first person POV for a villain in a thriller is a little jarring, I get it. Sometimes. But for romance? I like it in third for ALL the characters.

A romance in first person doesn’t to it for me. This romance reader WANTS to know what both characters are thinking/doing. That’s the fun part of it for me—the knowing and wondering when the other character will get a clue. But to put one character in first person and the other in third? That just distances me from the other characters. Why do it? Is this a writer thing or a reader thing? Frankly, I think it’s a writer thing (the writer likes writing in first person, but wants the other POV shown and can’t imagine writing a different first person voice for the man).

And don’t even get me started on both characters written in first person with alternating chapters. I enjoyed one book like that. The others were just too darn confusing. I couldn’t remember which “I” I was reading about without going back to the beginning of the chapter! I avoid those books now.

So… Does having both first and third person POV characters in a book bother you? What about alternating first person points of view? Or would the genre make a difference? If so, which ones?

Happy Friday!

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part II

Last Friday I posted the first of the two character interviews I created for my newsletter. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. Today I’m posting the other one. This interview, originally shared in last August’s newsletter, features Jack from My Sunny Vampire and takes place before his book, so no spoilers! Now, while Perry has shown up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and Blind Temptation, he is not a character in My Sunny Vampire. However, he is mentioned as that vampire (not by name, though) who could dig into minds. So if you didn’t know that, now you do!
 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

Perry: Hello, fellow vamps, this is Perry Davenport here to interview Committee Member Jack VanAllen. He has been on the Committee since 1878, making him the second-longest member after our fearless Head, Barnet Groves.

Jack: Shouldn’t that be second-longest serving member? I think Abe is the longest by six inches.

Perry: What are you, the grammar police?

Jack: Just pointing out the obvious.

Perry: Yeah, sure. So tell us, Jack. It’s a known fact you prefer positive blood to negative blood, but what we don’t know is how you can tell the difference. What makes negative blood so distasteful to you?

Jack: I thought you were going to ask me real questions during this interview.

Perry: That is a real question. One I got from a listener, even.

Jack: Fine. I don’t know why, but negative blood makes my stomach upset.

Perry: So, it’s psychosomatic?

Jack: It’s not psychosomatic. And if you wish to continue with this interview, I suggest you ask a different question.

Perry: Okay. Don’t be so touchy. Here’s a fun question for you. Boxers, briefs, or commando?

Jack: What male vampire wears undergarments? You?

Perry: Oh, well, no. Not me. Point taken. Next question. What’s your dream vacation?

Jack: Why would I want to take a vacation? I like my job.

Perry: But wouldn’t you like to just get away for a week?

Jack: And do what?

Perry: Okay, so you’re a workaholic. What do you do during your free time?

Jack: Sometimes I swim. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I work on my car.

Perry: (snapping fingers) Yes, your car. You own a 1965 Mustang, right?

Jack: Actually, it’s a 1964-1/2. First generation. Bought it brand new.

Perry: I bet that thing is worth a pretty penny.

Jack: I wouldn’t know. I don’t plan on selling it.

Perry: No, of course not. What other cars have you owned?

Jack: None. I like that one.

Perry: Not even before the Mustang? Maybe a Model T?

Jack: I walked faster than the Model T.

Perry: Well, yeah, didn’t we all? Okay, here’s a more serious question. The Committee hasn’t set a precedence, but what do you think of a vamp controlling a mortal for personal gain?

Jack: I know some vampires resort to that tactic, but I’d like to think they do it out of need and not fun. Still, while we are forced to control a mortal for feeding, we do not have to resort to that for fun. That is what our allure is for.

Perry: But isn’t that the same as controlling?

Jack: Not at all. It is just an attraction. The mortal can still say no. We vampires can be more persuasive in other ways, just as mortals are to one another. Do you control a mortal when you’re not feeding from them?

Perry: No. I mean, what’s the fun in that? I like a little interaction.

Jack: Exactly.

Perry: Will the Committee ever set a rule to prevent it?

Jack: As long as it’s not an issue, I doubt it. Mainly because there are times when the vampire is in need. And if we start making rules for every little thing, we might end up with another vampire war on our hands. And a war in this technological world would surely out us all. All the more reason to keep the calm.

Perry: Keep Calm and Avoid Publicity!

Jack: What?

Perry: Never mind. Thanks for joining us today, Jack. It was a real pleasure.

****

Tonight Hubby and I might actually be able to attend our first Dragons game of the season (since the other first game was rained out). No rain is in sight tonight. At least, not until after midnight. Our second game is tomorrow and while there isn’t rain forecasted, it’s supposed to be colder. As my husband asked, “Don’t the weather Gods know it’s May?” Apparently not. I foresee going from chilly weather straight into 90 degree temps. There will be no beautiful days in between. I just know it!

So… It’s Friday the thirteenth today (my daughter’s favorite day). Are you superstitious? Sometimes I think superstition is just another form of OCD. What do you think?

Have a great weekend (and don’t walk under that ladder!).

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part I

In an effort to get newsletter subscribers to actually OPEN my newsletters, I wrote a couple of character interviews (based on my Bitten by Love series). They turned out pretty good, too. But alas, not many people actually read them and my plan to have five interviews for the newsletter was cut to only two.

I want to share these interviews now (and yes, this post is kind of long—for me). A Vampire Wedding is due out this month (that pesky copy editor, who happens to be my daughter, is finally working on my piece—yay!), and the “interviewer,” Perry, returns in that novella, so what better time to share these with everyone else?

For those who haven’t read this series, Perry first showed up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and then later in Blind Temptation. He’s one of my favorite characters (probably why he keeps popping up in my books) and I had a lot of fun writing the scenes between him and Victoria in Blind Temptation (and no, he’s not the hero in that book). And that’s when I came up with the idea of him interviewing the Committee Members for their vampire website. The second interview is with Jack (My Sunny Vampire) and I’ll post that next Friday.

If you subscribe to my newsletter and have already read this, sorry for the repeat. Unless you really, really liked it, then you can enjoy it again!

 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

First up: Victoria Braeden

Victoria: This interview is stupid. Why does everyone need to know more about me? Are you recording this? Don’t record this! Damn it, Perry.

Perry: [snickers] Lighten up, Vicky.

Victoria: How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?

Perry: Maybe when you start liking it.

Victoria: [mumbles]

Perry: What was that? I didn’t hear you.

Victoria: [rattles off some German words]*

Perry: Just so you readers know, Victoria doesn’t like to be called Vicky, so if you’d like to see her all riled up, that’d be a way to do it.

Victoria: That better be stricken before this is published. And I get final look at the material.**

Perry: Whatever you say, Victoria. Why don’t we get started? My name is Perry Davenport, as if you didn’t already guess, and I’ve been summoned to interview each Committee Member so all you vampires out there might understand them a little better.

Victoria: Summoned? Really? This was your idea!

Perry: And a good one at that, too. Don’t you think? Our first guest, as if you couldn’t tell, is the not-so-lovely Victoria Braeden.

Victoria: What? That wasn’t very nice. You plan on insulting all your guests?

Perry: Only the difficult ones.

[sound of Perry’s arm getting punched]

Perry: Feel better?

Victoria: For someone who wants my cooperation, you sure are going about it all wrong.

Perry: You’re right, and I apologize. So let’s get on with this, shall we? As many of you know, she became a member in 1932. But let’s find out stuff you don’t know. Victoria, do you have a favorite blood type?

Victoria: All the blood types taste the same to me.

Perry: Even diabetics? I love that nice sweet taste as it rolls over my tongue. Real rush!

Victoria: Good for you.

Perry: How about sex? Prefer one over the other?

Victoria: I’m not going to talk about my sex life, you pervert.

Perry: I meant the sex of your donor.

Victoria: Oh. I prefer women over men.

Perry:  Oooh… Tell us more.

Victoria: Oh, don’t be disgusting. I don’t feed for sex, unlike you. It’s just I’m used to women and my late husband didn’t necessarily like me feeding from men.

Perry: Controlling, was he?

Victoria: No. We both agreed not to feed from the opposite sex. That’s called compromise. Something you’ll never understand.

Perry: Whatever. What type of music do you enjoy?

Victoria: I absolutely love Beethoven. I got to see him perform in person. And then met him afterward. Such a gentleman. It was so exciting.

Perry: Anything more…modern?

Victoria: Henrik took me to see Benny Goodman once. He was very entertaining.

Perry: How about something in the 21st century? Like 50 cent. Coldplay. Maroon 5. Neon Trees.

Victoria: Now you’re just making names up.

Perry: I’ll take that as a no, then. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Victoria: Germany.

Perry: Can you be a little more specific?

Victoria: Anywhere in Germany.

Perry: You know, you’re allowed to elaborate. Maybe you’d be better at a quick round. Which do you prefer? House on the beach or cabin in the woods?

Victoria: As long as it’s in Germany, I don’t care.

Perry: That’s not what I… [groans]. Between those two, and it doesn’t matter where in the world, which would you prefer?

Victoria: Are they light tight?

Perry: Yes!

Victoria: Don’t get huffy with me. You’re the one asking the stupid questions.

Perry: They’re not stupid. They’re supposed to make you think. How about, granny panties, silky thong, or commando?

Victoria: What does that have to do with a house on the beach or a cabin in the woods?

Perry: They don’t. What do you like? Which are you wearing?

Victoria: You’re sick, you know that?

Perry: I don’t see a panty line so I’m thinking commando. Or maybe a thong.

Victoria: That does it. This interview is over.

[sound of chair sliding across the floor followed by the slam of a door]***

Perry: Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? Come back next month when I interview Jack VanAllen. Someone who will probably be more cooperative than Victoria

Notes from Perry:

* If I knew German, I’d put down what she said. But I don’t so I won’t even try. However, I’m pretty sure she was cussing. She likes to cuss in German.

** Victoria got final look at the material. It just wasn’t the material I published.

*** Victoria has a glare that could melt ice. I’m just saying…

 

Will Perry ever have his own book? If I continue with the series, he most likely will. He’s a fun character to write, that’s for sure.

So… Got plans for the weekend? I’m going to see “Captain America: Civil War” on Sunday. Already have my tickets. Can’t wait!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

Stacy

People Who Resemble My Characters

Back in May 2011 I wrote a similar post “Men Who Resemble my Characters” (if you check out that post, you’ll notice I mention my WIP, “Memories.” Well, that became My Sunny Vampire. And that other book I mention, “Sarah’s Turn,” is dead in the water. See… a lot can happen in 4 years!). That post has become my most popular, view-wise. How popular? Well, since then, it received 882 page views.

Okay, I can hear some of you now. “882? Is that all?” I know, that’s not a whole lot (Believe it or not, I don’t get THAT many visitors to this blog). But to put that in perspective, the second most popular post received 252 page views (from September 2013). Third place received 248 page views (from October 2013). In my top ten there aren’t ANY posts that come close to being that old, either. So yeah, it was popular.

And I’m sure it had a lot to do with the two pictures on that post. I mean, who doesn’t like seeing Alex O’Loughlin and/or Brandon Routh? Okay, what FEMALE doesn’t like seeing Alex O’Loughlin and/or Brandon Routh?

While I'm not posting their pictures again, I thought maybe I could create another popular post and show you some more people I’ve discovered who have resembled characters I’ve created. Will it work? Only time will tell... 

 

John Pennington (from Bite Me, I’m Yours and the ill-fated “Sarah’s Turn”) had gone through many formations in my head until I saw Captain America. Oh. My. God. That was John! Not just in the looks, but in the way he acted. So yeah, now I’ve got a little fixation on Chris Evans (sorry, Alex—although you’re still number one).

Rob Gentry (my character from Ghostly Liaison) took on an eerie resemblance to a former boss of mine (which I do NOT have a photo, and yes, he was hot!). It was really awkward since I was still working for the guy at the time AND writing the book. It’s not something I recommend. Sure made it hard for me to focus on my work. Shoot, he probably wondered why I was always staring at him… J

The most recent discovery of one of my characters came from my last cruise. I was just standing there, waiting for the muster drill before the cruise set sail, when I looked at one of the “instructors” who was demonstrating the life vest. It was Victoria Braeden (my character from Blind Temptation).

 

Actually, her name is Natasha, she was one of the singer/dancers for the production numbers, and she’s from England. I tried my best to get her picture (because I was too stupid to do it during the muster drill—doh!). Out of all the ones I took, this one was the best. But let me tell you, I was obsessed with her on that cruise. I felt like I was cruising with Victoria!

Okay… Now that you know what a total nut job I am, why don’t you stop on over at CD Hersh’s blog. I’m over there “talking” about how I came to write Ghostly Liaison. The link to the post is HERE. I’m not giving away any prizes, but could sure stand to see a familiar name (and I’m sure the Hersh’s wouldn’t mind having a visitor or two, either).

So… Do prizes get you to go visit a blog? They don’t for me. Most of the time I don’t want the prize, so then I don’t comment. So I just don’t do giveaways on guest posts. Maybe one day, when I’m rich and famous… Nah.

Have a great weekend!

Stacy

The Versatile Blogger Award

I received an award. I've received this award in the past, but heck – I'll take it again. Who says you can't receive it more than once? If actors can receive more than one Oscar or Emmy, and musicians more than one Grammy, why can't bloggers receive more than one blogger award? Right?

As with all awards, this one comes with rules.

1. Thank and link to the person who nominates you – Thank you, Linda. Please visit her blog (she wouldn't mind you following, either). She usually posts some funny "groaners". You'll just have to visit her to see what I mean. You can find her here: http://ldmasterson-author.blogspot.com/

2. Share seven random facts about you

• I've got a crush on Alex O'Loughlin. Not the "I want to date him" kind, because – hello! – I’m happily married. No, this crush is because he resembles my character Jack VanAllen to a T – and I envisioned Jack long before I ever really paid attention to Alex. Now I want to watch everything he's acted in. I'm posting his picture here again, because I just like looking at him. It's sad, really, but I can't help it!
• I fight changes on my computer, or anything kind of technology change (Facebook and Yahoo! are starting to get on my nerves). I use my laptop to write and read blogs. If it ain't easy to use, I usually don't. But once I discover something cool, then I'm all over it. Unfortunately, I haven't found anything cool about Word 2010, so I'll stick with Word 2003 for as long as I can. If that means I keep Vista, I keep Vista. I pray my laptop NEVER breaks!
• I've always wanted to sky dive. Ever since I was a teenager. Maybe someday I will (on one of those tandem jumps – with an experienced jumper, of course). I think it would be the greatest thrill ever!
• I love roller coasters! Anything up and down and going fast – yea!! I want to experience it. I love the thrill. We'll be going to Kings Island next month (for a work related function). I hope to ride several of them numerous times (provided the lines aren't long). It better not rain!
• I hate twirling rides. They make me sick. Tea Cups at Disneyland? Please don't rotate the handle! Those rides where the floor drops out from under you? No way, not unless you want to clean up the mess.
• I hate to cook. Well, maybe I should clarify. I hate to cook meals that have more than one item (casseroles I can handle…usually). I have a sign in my kitchen that states "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house." So true, so true. I'll NEVER get rid of that sign.
• I'll probably jinx myself here – but I have NEVER received a speeding ticket. That's not to say I haven't been pulled over for speeding. That happened only once. I was late to school (college) and I had an out of state license (California driving in Alabama). I think she couldn't find the number, but she also saw my school books on the seat, and let me go with a warning. Whew!!

3. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it! – Well, I got 7, and some of them aren't so new to me. If you've already received this award, you can repeat as I have, or ignore it. I will NOT be offended!

• Kristi – Random Daily Thoughts, a journey through life and writerdom   http://kristichestnutt.blogspot.com/
• Lizzie – Bttrfliesz Are Free http://bttrfly29.blogspot.com/
• Jennette Powell http://www.jenpowell.com/content/blog/
• Tonya Kappes http://tonyakappes.blogspot.com/
• Todd – The Verge http://the-verge-trm.blogspot.com/
• Natalie – Indulge Yourself http://nataliedamschroder.blogspot.com/
• Carey – My Own Brand of Madness http://careycorp.blogspot.com/

Go and visit these lovely blogs and maybe follow them if you're so inclined! I'm sure they would appreciate it. Now I'm off to notify them of their award.

Men Who Resemble My Characters

I've got it bad right now. The hero of my current WIP ("Memories") is Jack VanAllen. I describe him vaguely in the book (I like to have my readers put their own spin on the likeness, you know?), but I know what he looks like.

Then on one Wake Me Up Wednesday blog from Renee Vincent, she posted pictures of Alex O'Loughlin. Oh my! There was Jack!

I kind of knew who the actor was. I knew he was on Hawaii Five-O (a series my husband was watching but I didn't have much interest in) and discovered he was on a short-lived vampire series I tried to watch (the vampire premise was interesting, but I didn't care for the show).

Now I'm in the middle of editing/revising and I can't get enough of Hawaii Five-O! All because of Alex, mind you. It's like seeing my character on screen. Unreal!

A minor character from my second book ("Sarah's Turn"), Sam Kincaid was definitely written with an actor in mind – Brandon Routh. Yeah, he made a nice Superman and all that, but caught my attention on an episode of "Chuck". Oh yeah – he was Sam! I had hoped to get Brandon's autograph while at Dragon*Con last year, but the cost was prohibitive (to my pocket book, anyway). One day Sam will be featured in his own book. I'm sure I'll have a fixation on Brandon when that occurs!

Normally, I don't flash on celebrities when I read a book. I form a picture of them in my head, but no one famous. So it was strange when it happened as I wrote a book. I had a sense of what Sam looked like, but nothing firm. Then I saw Brandon and BAM! There was my description. But Jack was different. I had already formed a likeness in my head and no one triggered it. At least I didn't think so. Maybe it was buried in my sub conscience. Who knows!

Do you picture famous people of characters you read (or create)? Is it normal for you, or does it only happen occasionally?