As mentioned in my last post, I've been doing RWA Bootcamp 209 - it runs for two Saturdays in a row and unfortunately we're already half way through. Last Saturday was full on but oh so helpful. First up we did Character Arcs with Diane Gaston (tbc this week), then there was OH&S for writers with Dana Scully (her stretches worked miracles on my tired shoulders), next up Sexual Tension with Carol Marinelli (that woman is an angel and oh so clever) and the final tute was Dialogue with Robyn Grady (lots of good points, which reminds me I must do that homework). We also have a question and answers session with Anna Campbell, which was really inspiring and interesting.
Although I loved all the workshops, Carol's tute really spoke to me. I think (especially in Modern Heat) it can sometimes be hard to be sexy early on in the novel without becoming sleazy. Know what I mean? She gave us some great tips (but better not give them away as they are hers to teach) about how to add personal depth to the sex scenes. One point which she made (and I'm sure will not mind me
sharing) is that we need to look upon sex scenes as sex of our characters and get rid of the feeling that people will think 'they' are really 'us.' Once we know our characters deeply... their sex lives will take on personality too! Anyway am rambling since I'm tired, so moving right along...
I've also been reading
'Becoming a Writer' by Dorothea Brande. So many people have recommended this book, so I finally decided to open it! One thing which has stood out to me so far is that if we want
to succeed as writers, we need to take our writing seriously. She goes so far as to recommend each writer gets up earlier than everyone in their house and starts writing before they do ANYT
HING ELSE! In my house this would mean getting up at about 4am - but perh
aps if the baby starts sleeping longer periods, I can give it a try. I know... excuses, excuses. She actually says that if you're not prepared to do this, you may as well give up, cos you're not dedicated enough and don't want enough! Hey Dorothea...I WANT!!!
Still... she makes a good point, so I'll work towards it. In the meantime have decided that I'm gonna write fromm 8pm to 8.30pm EVERY NIGHT, WITHOUT FAIL, no matter what else is happening in my world. The aim? To get into a good routine - another of Dorothea's tips! I'll keep you updated!
Another aside... I WON Lynn Raye Harris' debut book through her blog (won't get it till July, but I can be patient). Am so excited about this because she was the winner for the Instant Seduction contest and it's been wonderful to follow her progress from win to call and soon to publication!! Go Lynn!!
Right... so that's about me for now. Have been contemplating writing but not actually doing much lately... so with the help of Dorothea... I'm pumped to get back into it!
