Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Guest Stacey Kennedy On Writer's Block



Do I dare talk about the one thing all writers fear—writer’s block *cue scary music* Of course I do, that’s why I’m here, which by the way, a big thank you for letting me stop by for a visit. Now, let’s get right to it!

As writers we all cringe at those two little words and hope that it never happens to us. But guess what, it will. Truthfully, I’ve been really lucky and have only experienced writers block once. It was while I worked on A Silent Howl, the second novel in The Blue Bloods series.

My problem came when I hit the middle of the story. Up to this point, it was smooth sailing, but all of a sudden, I hit a total dead end. No matter how much I tired, the story just stopped, and I hadn’t a clue how to continue it. My ideas fizzled out. Frustrated, I fought against it, as most writers probably do. Said a few choice curse words, pounded my fists against the table and even uttered a threat to thrash my laptop.

But in the end, it was one conversation that saved it all. I sat down with a friend and vented. Started right from the beginning of the story to the middle where my problems began. She asked questions, I answered them. After a while, an idea started to present itself in the midst of our conversation. It was kinda like a “ah-ha” moment. One little twist in chapter three needed to take place to open up a whole plot line to continue with the story and tie it all together.

So, my advice is keep your friends close. Just like with personal issues, venting out an issue can always feel like a big weight lifted off your shoulders. It allows you to get out of your mind for a little while and see something from a different point of view, which for me, was exactly what I needed.
Wishing everyone good luck with their stories!!

What’s out now?
The Willow ~ The Magical Sword Book One
In Carson City, Nevada a tragic car accident has claimed the lives of Nexi Jones’ adoptive parents. Now, without them, her reason to live has vanished and she is determined to end her pain.

The problem with that, it’s not heaven she wakes up to, it’s the Otherworld. Nexi must reconcile the truth about her past, and her heritage as part guardian/part witch, while she begins to train to join the Council’s guard. But it’s not the combat training that has her worried, its attempting to keep her cool around the luscious guardian, Kyden that’s her biggest concern.

Before long, Nexi’s skills are put to the test as she begins to fight against the supernatural who have taken a human life. But nothing can prepare her for the journey ahead. Soon, she will find herself lost in a mystery and fighting to keep all she’s gained, as Lazarus, a vampire, threatens to take it all away.

Read excerpt - http://www.staceykennedy.com/the-willow-excerpt/
Ebook buy link – http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=17579.59157&product_name=The+Willow&return_page&user-id&password&exchange&exact_match=exact
Print buy link – http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=the+willow+stacey+kennedy&box=the+willow+stacey+kennedy&pos=-1

The Wicked ~ The Magical Sword Book Two
Nexi Jones knows two things—being half Guardian is tough—being half Witch is simply problematic. With her Guardian duties put on hold, she begins the gruelling task of discovering her magical abilities, which tend to be unpredictable, at the best of times.

At least, she has her luscious Guardian, Kyden to keep her grounded. That is, until the military-built, Ryker returns with a keen interest in being a constant thorn in her backside. With enough trouble controlling her powers—the added rivalry between the two tough Guardians leaves Nexi in urgent demand of a fire extinguisher.

But when tragedy strikes the very core of the Otherworld, Nexi needs to shape up as she lands herself knee deep into vampire society—a world run by vampire Mistresses who offer their assistance in unearthing a deadly plot of revenge. But as the truth begins to unravel, Nexi begins to discover that the Otherworld isn’t the only place where Supernaturals exist—and there is something far darker than thirsty vampires lurking within the shadows…
Read excerpt - http://www.staceykennedy.com/the-wicked-excerpt/
Ebook buy link – http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=52789.40202&product_name=The+Wicked&return_page&user-id&password&exchange&exact_match=exact
Print buy link – http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=the+wicked+stacey+kennedy

What’s coming soon?



The Devil’s Kiss – The Magical Sword Book Three (September 2010)


An Everlasting Bite – The Blue Bloods Book One (October 2010)

Website - www.staceykennedy.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000956942180
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Stacey_Kennedy

PRAISE FOR THE WILLOW
RT Book Reviews
“…Kennedy has created a world that readers will want to visit again and again!” Dawn Crowne

PRAISE FOR THE WICKED
Bitten by Paranormal Romance
“Do you love magic, dominant men, adventure, humor, evil villains and a talking cat? Well here is an excellent book for you to try.” Laurie

PRAISE OF A DEADLY WHISPER
Happily Ever After Reviews
The readers will find themselves snickering and crying with the characters. I highly recommend this book. Read it, go get it right away. ” Hunter

Friday, September 17, 2010

Knowing your characters

To write a fictional story it is important to know your main characters. I do that by writing down every question I can think of and then answering them for each of my characters. The more detail you know about each character the better you will be able to determine how they will respond to the people and situations they are confronted with. Here are a few getting to know you questions to get you started:
  1. Does he/she know how to dance?
  2. What he/she be doing at a party?
  3. Does he/she like to be the center of attention?
  4. What kind of things fill his/her mind when stuck in traffic?
  5. If he/she was forced to leave their home in a moments notice what is the one thing they would take with them?
  6. How many pairs of shoes does this person own?
  7. What is their favorite color to wear?
  8. How many messages would he/she find on their answering machine after two days of not checking their messages?
  9. What is his/her ideal environment?
  10. Does he/she have a fear of something that interferes with their daily life?
There's a start but I encourage you to make a list at least four times this size. Happy writing :D

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Here is the cover for my book, Lucky Me

Welcome To My Blog

Very soon I will be letting you know where you can buy my books. In the mean time I'll be sharing the information that I come across as it applies to my passion which is writing. I'll be having guest authors stopping by and clue my fellow authors in on lessons that I am learning about the business of being a working author. Thanks for your intrest :D