Reading Update and an Online Class for Writers

Are you a writer? Are you always looking to better yourself? Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW), my writing organization, is offering an online class April 1-30, 2023, on Crafting Your Character’s Internal Conflict, presented by Linnea Sinclair. Here are some of the details…

It’s the bottom of the iceberg. The fuel for the fire. It’s the secret engine for the story-line conveyor belt. It’s internal conflict—that illusive and often ignored element in your character’s GMC. Yet, like fuel, it’s a powerful element in crafting your character and your story, and it’s the irresistible element that will keep your readers turning pages.

In this in-depth workshop, RITA® award-winning author, Linnea Sinclair, will show you how to dig deeper to unearth your story’s hidden power by writing to this primal force. (A working knowledge of GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict is helpful for this class.)

So join Linnea Sinclair on the COFW digital class site as she teaches us how to create that iceberg’s foundation.

The course is presented via e-mail, with lots of homework assignments! Linnea Sinclair has taught me a lot and I absolutely love her classes. Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Here’s the link to register: Classes - Central Ohio FictionWriters | Official Website (cofwevents.org). After you pay, please wait for the Google form to pop up so you can finish your registration (we need the information to get you signed up correctly).

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 10

Dates read: March 8-14, 2023
Title: An Accidental Goddess
Year of publication: 2006
Author: Linnea Sinclair
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 434
Paper or plastic: Mass Market Paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Gillaine Davre is wondering where the last three hundred years have gone. Waking up in an unknown space station, the last thing the Special Forces captain remembers is her ship being attacked. Now it seems that while she was time-traveling, she was ordained a goddess. But if she’s to survive, she can only hope no one notices.
    Admiral Mack Makarian suspects Gillaine may be a smuggler. But he can’t begin to imagine the truth. For the ethereal beauty is now Lady Kiasidira, revered by countless believers, including Mack—an irresistibly commanding man who inspires feelings in her that are far from saintly… Feelings that are clearly mutual. But when a longtime enemy attacks the station—again—can Gillie stop the invasion without revealing her true identity and losing the man she loves?
My thoughts: I had a hard time putting this book down. Action-packed and the romance… yum (and not overly sexual). My ONLY issue with this story was the names of certain things, and if I was pronouncing them correctly. But then, that’s my issue with a lot of books!

So, I finished reading all the Linnea Sinclair books I could get my hands on. You don’t need to have read her to take one of her writing classes, though. Although, she writes some really good books. Especially if you love sci-fi romance. But if you are a writer and need some help with internal conflict in your story, then her class will definitely help. Plus you get to see what other writers are struggling with. Kind of helps to keep you from feeling like you’re all alone. Because you’re not.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and an Online Class

The writing organization I belong with is having a month-long online class November 1-30, 2022. It’s only $25 for non-members, too! Here’s the details:

Writing guru Dwight Swain said it’s the author’s job to manipulate the emotions of the reader. There’s no better way for the author to do this than to put his/her/their characters through one roller coaster episode after another, taking the reader along for the ride.

But how much conflict, how much character angst is too much? How can the author keep the action from becoming cartoonish?

Long-time friend of COFW Digital Classes, Linnea Sinclair answers those questions and more in this fun and fast-paced (because torturing students is good, too!) workshop that explores the importance of conflict in today’s commercial fiction novels.

You can sign up on the website Classes - Central Ohio FictionWriters | Official Website (cofwevents.org). Last day to register is Nov 1. I’m taking the class, because I always learn something from Linnea Sinclair. She’s great!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 34

Dates read: October 4-13, 2022
Title: The Witcher Chime
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Amity Green
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: In 1922 and in 1988 a deadly, possessive entity imprints on members of the same family, ancient as Genesis and determined to remain free. Savannah Caleman is the latest object of obsession in this chilling, historical tale of haunted legacy and terror.
    Savannah Caleman’s family has been coming apart since the early 1920’s. After a horrific suicide by their great aunt, the Calemans sell off the family ranch, hoping to leave the stigma of insanity behind and gain a fresh start at a property known by locals as “The Witcher Place.” Days after the move, Savannah’s father isn’t himself and her mother grows increasingly distant. Her little brother, Chaz, is forced out of a second story window by a being that makes Savannah question her sanity for the first time. Her mother takes Chaz and flees the state. Savannah and her younger sister, Molly, are chased home by a mountain lion but when Savannah turns to look back, the cat has transformed into a man. Their father’s behavior takes a more serious twist as horror abounds and Savannah turns to distant relatives for answers, fearing the insanity is real and has spread. Her father is no longer in control. Armed with a shotgun, Savannah is forced to protect herself and her sister.
    The evil plaguing her family dons a suit and tie and introduces himself, giving Savannah an ultimatum. She must decide between her sister’s safety and aiding a monster that can’t be identified as either an angel or a demon. Either way, Savannah is torn, and takes to single-handedly running the family affairs with precision as she takes care of her sister. The Witcher Place is transformed to her liking using family money. Distractions are only that. Releasing a monster to roam at will isn’t a stellar option, no matter the promises it makes. The stain of murder and torment cannot be erased. He has fallen, been shackled, and now has plans to rise once more using Savannah as the key to regain grace.
My thoughts: What the heck did I just read? I don’t think that’s a good thing to think when you finally reach the end. Do you? I really didn’t enjoy this one at all.

Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a $150 gift card to either B&N or Amazon (your choice). See previous post (Friday’s) for more information and the link to enter.

So…. I start immunotherapy treatment tomorrow morning. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get extreme side effects. I expect I’ll get some, but hopefully in the mild range. First phase of treatment is two drugs every three weeks, for four times. Then after that, one drug every four weeks, for however long it works. I’ll get a CT scan after the first phase (late Dec/early Jan) to make sure it’s working. I really hope it works!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and an Online Class

Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) is offering an on-line class this January (all month, via e-mail) to anyone interested (you don’t need to be a member of COFW or RWA to register). Here are the details:

Worthy character? Check. Story Question? Um, maybe. GMC? Inciting Incident? Final Scene? If this is the point where you tear at your hair or reach for the gin bottle, then this intensive course, offered by award-winning authors Stacey Kade and Linnea Sinclair, is just what you need to get your writing groove on. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the planning stages of a story or have a finished first-draft manuscript. This checklist course will give you the template you need to organize your story, clean up the confusion, and get it polished to perfection.

About the Instructors: Winner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA®, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character- driven novels.
A former award-winning corporate copywriter, Stacey Kade has written about everything from backhoe loaders to breast pumps. But she prefers to make things up instead and creates best-selling fiction in the young adult, romance, and paranormal genres for Disney-Hyperion, Simon & Schuster, and Tor.

Cost: $25 COFW, $30 RWA, $35 non-RWA. Register on the website: http://cofwevents.org/classes

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #47

Dates read: November 16-25
Title: Better Homes and Hauntings
Year of publication: 2014
Author: Molly Harper
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 318
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: When Nina Linden is hired to bring the once-lush gardens of the secluded Crane’s Nest estate back to life, she welcomes the chance to revive her withering landscape architecture business, too. She never expects that her handsome new client, tech mogul Deacon Whitney, will see her as more than just a talented gardener. Deacon has convinced Nina and a select group of renovators to live on the desolate island off the Rhode Island coast while he restores his family’s dilapidated mansion. He had to—the unexplained supernatural sightings at the notoriously haunted mansion are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”
    Despite experiencing some unnerving phenomena, Nina finds herself falling for the quirky billionaire. And as the team works to restore the house’s faded glory, Deacon senses that he’s finally found a woman more interested in his brain than his fortune. But something on the island wants to protect the family secrets and prevent any potential Whitney happily-ever-afters. If Nina and Deacon can’t put these angry spirits to rest, their love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance. 

My thoughts: It’s labeled a paranormal romance, but reads more like a horror story with romantic elements. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the story, but was expecting something… different. A little more head-hopping/omniscient than I expect in a romance.

Book #48

Dates read: November 26-28
Title: Hunter’s Blood
Year of publication: 2012
Author: Marianne Morea
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Cursed by Blood #1
# of Pages: 151
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback (advance reader copy)
How obtained: Free at convention
Blurb from book: Revenge. It’s a way of life for psychic, Lily Saburi. Haunted since the brutal murder of her best friend and partner, she’s obsessed with one thing—Retribution. She’s a vigilante bend on striking a blow for humanity against the shadowed world of the supernatural. Prey turned predator she aims to even the score—one bullet at a time; starting with the beast that changed her life forever.
    Prepared for Armageddon she’s in for the fight of her life. But when mortally wounded by a diseased and insane Were, Lily is rescued by a most unlikely savior—Were-hunter, Sean Leighton. Sexy and powerful, Leighton is charged with destroying anything infected with the deadly pathogen threatening the survival of his pack, and that includes Lily. But their immediate attraction leaves them both breathless and confused. As Lily grapples with truth about herself, Leighton is faced with the looming reality that he will most likely have to kill the woman he’s falling in love with. Only time will tell if they are destined to be together or if they’ll fall victim to the Hunter’s Blood.

My thoughts: The sticker on my copy of this book states it is an UNEDITED Advance Reader Copy, so I can’t really knock it for the mistakes I found. And I only hope they were caught during the editing. The story is interesting (it has a ghost!!), and I enjoyed it. Just didn’t care for the head-hopping and the little cliff-hanger at the end. Yep, this is the beginning of a series. And it appears the next book is a continuation of this one. However, subsequent books seem to feature different couples, if that makes a difference. It does to me, so I may give this series a try.

So… Do you take online classes? I take a lot of them. I find them very helpful. They tend to kick my brain into gear.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update, an Injury, and an Online Class

Well… my walking came to a stand-still (haha, see what I did there?). I apparently pushed myself too far and pulled something in my hip area. I’m resting it and using Arnica cream to help with the pain (it’s working). Of course, the last couple of mornings have been wonderfully cool and dry and I couldn’t go out and enjoy it. Not the way I wanted to, anyway.

I wish I knew what I did. I don’t walk THAT fast! And I stretch after every walk, too (have to or I’ll get cramps and that’s no fun!). So hopefully later this week I’ll give walking another try (slowly and not as far). But then the humidity is due back, too. Figures, huh?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #27

Dates read: July 6 – 12
Title: Inherit Truth
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Alicia Anthony
Genre: Psychic Suspense
Series: Blood Secrets #1
# of Pages: 302
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:. When Liv Sullivan’s dead grandmother beckons for help from beyond the grave, the reluctant psychic is forced back to her small Ohio hometown. Scrambling to make sense of her grandmother’s legacy, Liv finds herself face to face with undercover Agent Ridge McCaffrey.
     Assigned to protect the woman whose gifts unnerve him, all for a covert psychic intelligence operation he doesn’t understand, Ridge struggles to place duty over desire. But when a body is found at Sullivan Farm and Liv’s allegiance is called into question, Ridge’s mission becomes clear.
    Can Liv unearth family secrets that are best left buried before the ghosts of her past destroy her dreams of a normal future?
My thoughts: I really thought my issue with this book would be because her point of view was written in first person and his was written in third (I really don’t like it when authors do that). Instead, my mistake was thinking this was a romantic suspense (I had to look up categories on Amazon after I read it to see where it fit). If I had gone into reading this with that information, maybe I wouldn’t have any problems. So if you’re looking for a romantic suspense, you won’t find it here because there is no HEA (happy ever after) or even a HFN (happy for now) at the end of this book. The story isn’t over, either. Yep. Cliffhanger. Big time, too. I’m not happy. So while I can’t recommend it to romance readers, suspense readers may enjoy this kind of series. Just make sure you have all three books to read before you start on the first because I’m guessing the second will also end with a cliffhanger.

For all you writers out there: My RWA chapter, COFW (Central Ohio Fiction Writers), is offering the following online class for the month of August (it’s all done in groups.io). You don’t have to write romance or belong to RWA to benefit.

This August, COFW is offering a class from Linnea Sinclair! CHARACTERIZATION: MAKING STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES WORK FOR YOU (or No More Mary Sues!)

Down with one-dimensional cartoon-like characters! Down with the two-dimensional ones, while we’re at it. Embrace your characters—warts and all—in this lively workshop with Bantam author Linnea Sinclair. Reviewers note that: “Her characters are intelligent, no-nonsense and have a depth that gives me an instant mental picture...” (Road to Romance Reviews) and “The author's sure hand with characterization makes each twist of this emotionally laden storyline as suspenseful as any well-wrought battle scene.” (Science Fiction Weekly)

Sinclair will help writers dialogue with their characters to bring out information that builds depth and uniqueness. She’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using archetypes, astrology and tarot to build story people.

About the instructor: Winner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA®, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels.

Sign up at cofwevents.org/classes. Price as follows: COFW Members, $25; RWA Members, $30; Non-members, $35.

This is a great deal and I can attest that Linnea’s classes are AWESOME. I’ve learned so much from her.

My birthday is Saturday (Happy Birthday to me!!!) and we’re meeting friends and family at a park for a picnic (keeping our distance and ordering takeout). We found a covered picnic area with plenty of seating, but with the temps forecasted for the low 90s, I hope we don’t melt. Although, if I melted off some fat, maybe I wouldn’t complain.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Instagram Class (Online)

The last time my local RWA chapter held an online class, I didn’t mention it here and regretted that later. So, this time I’m listing all the classes as they occur (free advertising for my chapter!). You don’t have to be a member of my RWA Chapter or even RWA to register, either. Our January class looks to be super good, too (I already signed up).

Intro to Instagram by Alana Albertson, January 1-31, 2020

Four-week course with TWENTY classes! In this course, we will focus on how authors can use Instagram to grow their fan bases and sell more books.

• Week 1: How to set up your Instagram to attract your ideal reader.
• Week 2: How to gain followers and turn them into fans.
• Week 3: Instagram Stories and IGTV
• Week 4: Working with bookstagrammers and Instagram Ads.

There will be 20 lessons with instructor feedback and worksheets.

Alana Albertson is a Latina bestselling romance author (#3 in entire Amazon store) with over half a million views on her Se7en Deadly SEALs serial on Radish. She's the former President of Romance Writers of America's Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, and Chick Lit chapters. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, she lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and six rescue dogs. When she's not spending her time saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses™, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes of Cobra Kai, Vida, Younger or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Visit her website at authoralanaalbertson.com

Cost: $25 COFW, $30 RWA, $35 non-RWA

REGISTER AT: http://cofwevents.org/classes/january  



This is an online course and classes will be sent via groups.io e-mails. After you register and as we get closer to the start date of the class you will be sent an invite to the group.

So … Do you use Instagram? I have an account, but always forget to post my pictures there. Not that I take that many pictures to begin with. Seems like whenever I see something that would make a great picture, my phone is being used for something else or the opportunity went by too fast. My life story. J

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and April is Crazy Busy!

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #21

Dates read: April 8-21
Title: The Savior
Year of publication: 2019
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series:  Black Dagger Brotherhood #17
# of Pages: 479
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.
    Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.
    As Murhder’s and Sarah’s destines become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, Murhder is called to return to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Choosing between his mate and his fate as a fighter however, may be the final thing that breaks him…
My thoughts: I loved this so much. I just wish I could have sat and read it quicker. I love the characters. I love this series. Love, love, love!!!

I’ll kind of be glad when this month is over. I’m getting my 500+ words written daily on Perry’s book (except for one day, when I only wrote 200), I’m now editing 2+ chapters daily on Biting the Curse, AND I’m taking a class on internal conflict (and it has homework!).

I’m really surprised I’m getting the writing done, but so glad I am. The story is starting to take off. I'm already up to 25K words. I just hope it goes where I want it to. Haha!

But the class ends on the 30^th and I expect to have the edits finished by then, too. Then maybe I’ll get some breathing time. Or at least some Doctor Who time. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to watch it.

I’m also behind in my reading. Six books behind.

Because April is just crazy busy! Aaack!!!

So… Have you ever had one of those months? How long did it take you to recover?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Busy Weekend!

How was your weekend?

Mine was pretty nice. I attended the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (RWA chapter) meeting on Saturday in Columbus. The two speakers were very informative and I left feeling a little smarter and more prepared for my next round of writing. That’s always good right? Next month (Oct 21) the chapter is having a writer workshop featuring Larry Brooks. If it weren't for the fact I'll be in California that weekend, I'd be going. I always enjoy learning more about the craft of writing.

If this is something you might be interested in, you can see all the details here: http://www.cofwevents.org/workshop. You don't have to be a member of COFW to attend (price is $55 for members and $75 for non members) and you don't have to write romance either.

I also finished fixing the edits on Ghostly Interlude on Saturday. Today I will read the book (or at least start reading—doubt I finish it in one day) and make sure my “fixes” didn’t break something else! That’s been known to happen.

Saturday night, I handed over Ghostly Liaison to Hubby (or I should say, his business, Enterprise Book Services) for formatting and I’ve chosen a Sep 27th release date for the paperback, meaning the e-book will be out before that. Yay! Can’t wait to get it back out there.

Other than that, I watched a lot of Football. Friday night the Wayne Warriors (HS) beat Miamsburg, 56-28 (it was tied 21-21 at the half). Always like seeing OSU and USC win on Saturday (I actually stayed up until 1am watching USC beat Texas in double overtime!). And we were able to enjoy watching the Steelers beat the Vikings on Sunday from the comfort of our family room. Only disappointing loss: the Rams. Guess it was too much to ask for a perfect football weekend, huh?

I finally got off my duff and went walking this morning. 3 miles. Not too shabby since my last actual walk was on 8/21. Hopefully I can keep it up. I need to get back into shape. It’s been too long since I’ve been to the fitness center.

So… Do you like walking? When’s the best time for you? I like the mornings best. Air seems cleaner then. Well… except when I run into the smell of skunk, which I did today. Turned around quickly then. Don’t want to find out if it’s dead or alive!

Happy Monday!!

Stacy

My Brain is Full and I’m Another Year Older Tomorrow

This past weekend I attended two workshops, which encompassed six classes, all taught by Laurie Schnebly Campbell. My brain is full.

So full, I might have figured out the problems with Ghostly Protector. You don’t know what a relief that is, because I was pretty sure that story had died. So maybe I will be writing Ghostly Protector next. It would certainly be nice if I could actually write something.

Well, I guess I am writing. I write blogs. I write short stories. But it’s been awhile since I wrote the first draft of a novel. I just have to focus and plow on through the barriers I’ve apparently set up for myself. Barriers I might have broken through this past weekend. Yay!

Speaking (okay, writing) about short stories, the Literary Escapism blog is supposed to feature the Hidden Treasure part of a short story I wrote about Rob and Bridget (from Ghostly Liaison) today. It’s to help generate some interest for the Rust City Book Con (you know, if people like what they read, maybe they’ll come out and see me??). I’m only sharing the middle portion of the story (which is basically a complete story in itself) in the hopes that people would want to read the rest of it. The thing is, I’m only sharing the story in my August newsletter, so they’d have to sign up to read it. Aren’t I evil that way?

Still, if you’d like to see my Hidden Treasure story, hop on over to Literary Escapism (I’ll edit with the direct link when I get it). Then come back and tell me what you think.
[EDIT: Here's the direct link to the post: http://www.literaryescapism.com/49840/hidden-treasures-ghostly-treasures-by-stacy-mckitrick]

You could do that for my birthday, couldn’t you?

Yeah, that’s right. Tomorrow’s my birthday. A pretty significant one, too. Doubt I do anything special tomorrow, but my friend is cooking a nice dinner for me on Saturday (and if Hubby remembers, he’ll get me a birthday cake!).

Today I have an appointment with my eye doctor. Decided I should finally find out why my right eye suddenly sees better without my glasses than it does with them. I’ve even gone the last few days not wearing them because they’ve been bugging me so much.

So… What kind of fun things do you think I should do tomorrow? Maybe sit at home and write? Hmmm… Maybe.

Happy Monday!

Stacy