On My Desk

Ever get to a point where you know what you want to say but can't quite figure out how? There are three books I use like a professional juggler to defeat this road block. (hopefully before I decide to take a bite out of my computer)

To find that word that's sitting on the tip of my tongue, mocking me, I often turn to my handy Webster’s Dictionary. Everyone needs a good dictionary and it doesn't have to be anything extensive or fancy. Just a good ol’ worn out dictionary with messed-up bindings.

The second is good for anyone with trouble with homonyms . . . like me. If you’re talking about your lead character, the last thing you want to call her is a heroin . . . that would be heroine. The doctor doesn’t have patience, he has patients. Though, in my opinion doctors should have both. You don’t want to peak someone’s interest, you’d like to pique their interest. And last, it’s not a cue you’re lining up in, it’s a queue. These are just a few examples, but having a book like the NTC’s Guide to Tricky Words is a useful tool.

The last book I keep on my desk, The Romance Writers’ Phrase Book by Jean Kent and Candice Shelton is probably one of my favorite books. It takes a large chunk of the nice little phrases we saucy writers use and puts it at our finger tips. These aren’t the phrases that make you want to gag, these are the ones that have worked out well over time. Like, “his voice echoed her own longings” (pg 66), or “her anguish peaked to shatter the last shreds of her control” (pg 99). This isn’t something that you would use word for word in your writings, but let’s say you get stuck and don’t know how to adequately communicate a flip of the hair being some sort of erotic play. You could flip this book open, see what has worked in the past and then form your own ideas.

What books do you keep on your desk to turn to in times of need?

About R. Renee Vickers:

Born in Florida but raised in various towns in New England, R. Renée Vickers now lives in a small town just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and children. And although work and family life leave her little free time, she spends every available moment indulging in her favorite passion, writing.

Find me on my blog:http://museampoule.wordpress.com/

Getting Started by R. Renee Vickers

Hello! I’m newbie Noble Romance author, R. Renee Vickers. It’s a pleasure to be here amongst such talented writers and dedicated readers, so thanks for having me today.

I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about beginnings. Every author has a story about how they got started down the long, winding, bumpy path of publication. I’m no different. I’ve been writing off and on for half of my life but got serious about it about two years ago, and really only began pursuing publication this year. It’s been quite a year.

There are hundreds if not thousands of books out there dedicated to teaching you the methodology and techniques of writing and many more that can tell you what to do after the story is done. Most inexperienced people who have tackled their first draft and primary edits think the hard part is done, but it’s really only the beginning.

Having a story you believe in is the very first step. No one really tells you why this part is so crucial, but you find out quickly once you’ve waited weeks or months for a response. Or worse, once you’ve received your first rejection. If you don’t believe in what you’re presenting, a rejection can be devastating. For some, it’s fatal (figuratively speaking).

I had a friend who was published before me and showed me all of what he was going through. So I had second hand knowledge of what I getting myself into before I started down this path. (call me a glutton for punishment). For those who don’t know, writing is the easy part. It’s only once you get the shining, glittery email saying that you’ve been accepted that the real work begins. And not just the physical toil of hitting the keys, but the emotional work too. Yeah, it’s work.

I know where I rate in my writing skills so my confidence and ego are kept in check. But part of becoming published is telling the world that not only is your work great, but you’re great too! So while I’m shouting to the world “Read me, you won’t regret it,” my squeaky inner voice is saying, “Excuse me, but I don’t think so missy!”

This causes a problem that’s difficult to get past, but for me there has been one constant and overwhelming solution, my friends. Every step of the way I’ve been lucky to have some extraordinary and kind friends who keep my going with their unwavering support. When I didn’t believe in myself they’d tell me I was worthy. It’s because of them that I’m here today.

And because of the enthusiasm and support of one friend in particular I had the courage to submit my book, Sly’s Surrender to Noble Romance Publication, who, to my delight, picked it up. It was released on November 21^st.

Sly’s Surrender

By day, Sly is a take-charge, no-nonsense restaurateur, and at night she plays her hand as a demanding mistress. Sly has everything her heart desires: a successful business with loyal patrons, a gorgeous boyfriend and a flare for dominating in the bedroom. Everything she’s ever tried has gone her way, every decision followed to success, every goal achieved, and yet she yearns for more.

One night, she decides to try something new, giving up her customary control to the tall, dark, and sexy Jake. Jake is put in a position to prove to his lover just what he’s capable of, and Sly experiences the new pleasures to be found in letting someone else handle her reins.

Buy Link and Excerpt

Stop by my blog to find out more about me and to stay up to date with what’s happening in my world: MuseAmpoule.WordPress.com