How do you know where to start your story?
This is a recent post I did for the Fangs, Fur & Fey community blog where I answered a Topic of the Week question: How do you find the beginning of your novels? How do you know where to start them?
I admit it, I was a back story queen when I first started writing. But I think that had more to do with the fact I was 1) a total seat-of-the-pants writer and 2) I didn’t plan my characters. They evolved as I wrote the story. So my first two or three chapters were really me creating long, drawn out…very involved character sheets. Heh.
Then a writer friend passed along a concept that has stayed with me…
Start your story where your character’s conflict and your plot’s conflict collide.
I’ve never forgotten it. Did it change how I started my books? Sure it did. But what I also discovered was that my progress slowed a bit in the beginning, because (apparently) I ‘needed’ those first two chapters to get to know my characters inside and out. That was ‘my’ muse’s process.
Now, instead of chopping three chapters in the beginning, I’ll have to go back and add some in the beginning. I now also write up a detailed outline as a way to ‘get to know’ my characters, so that I’ll know what I need to go back and add to flesh them out more for clarification.
But keeping that rule of thumb in mind has been immensely helpful to me. It forces me to stay focused and reminds me that all that ’stuff’ I’m itching to show about my character right up front can come later, sprinkled in bit by bit.
The nice thing about following the concept of starting where the character’s conflict and the plot’s conflict collide is that you have so many options for a gripping opening scene…from an action scene to a dialogue scene…to even strong narrative. I just ask my character(s): What kind of scenario can I put you in that represents the crux of YOUR issue and the story’s main plot?
A must read!
I think every aspiring author should read this great post by NY Times best selling author Lynn Viehl, where she breaks down her royalty statement and gives honest feedback. Major kudos to Lynn for her candid and informative post!
Lynn also keeps one of the best blogs under the name Paperback Writer, where she offers writing tips as well as interesting, informative and inspiring posts. If you take the time to read through her archives, I guarantee you’ll come away learning something new and with some wonderfully helpful advice.
SCIONS:PERCEPTION Free only for TODAY! Details inside! :)
Hey everyone!
I just learned that Harlequin in giving away SCIONS: PERCEPTION for FREE if you buy a print book. Go HERE for DETAILS.
This FREEBIE is ONLY for TODAY. I hope you’ll check out this cool deal, so you can meet the darkly sexy Gabriel! 
Have a GREAT weekend!
Patrice
Updates, signings and stuff!
Hi everyone!
I’ve been remiss in posting on my blog lately, so forgive me. If you ever want to see what I’m up to, I’m usually on Twitter a few times a day. I’m finding one-liners MUCH easier to keep up with on a daily basis.
Next week I’ll be at the Romantic Times conference in Orlando from April 21 - April 26th (will be signing Scions:Revelation on that Saturday if anyone would like to stop by and say hello. I’ll also have copies of the Scions Collector Cards to give away). During the conference, I’ll also be participating in the following panels. I hope you’ll stop by and ask some questions.
VAMPIRE
•THE COLOR OF BLOOD Violence, mayhem and kick-butt heroes and heroines. How to keep your vampires and humans in one piece while appealing to your readers’ desire for something edgy. PANELISTS: Vivi Anna, L.A. Banks, Angela Knight & Jeanne C. Stein MODERATOR: Patrice Michelle
•FROM VAMPS TO TRAMPS Sweet, sexy or erotic? A discussion on the different levels of sensuality and sexuality in today’s vampire tales and how readers are reacting to such different bites of romance. PANELISTS: Michele Bardsley, Carole Nelson Douglas, Angela Knight & Patrice Michelle MODERATOR: Caridad Piñeiro
PARANORMAL
•REAL LIFE WITH A TWIST From psychics to ghosts to other unexplained phenomena, learn how paranormal elements are being integrated into traditional genres to create fresh new stories. Authors dish on the secrets behind the paranormal happenings in their stories. PANELISTS: Heather Graham, Sally Painter, Eden Robins & Jennifer St. Giles MODERATOR: Patrice Michelle
•HYBRID PARANORMALS — IS IT AN URBAN FANTASY OR A PARANORMAL ROMANCE? The big debate and books that straddle the two popular genres. PANELISTS: Jeaniene Frost, Jackie Kessler, Mark Del Franco, Melissa Marr & Adrian Phoenix MODERATOR: Patrice Michelle
•DARKNESS, CREATURES AND ACTION! Paranormal romances are getting gritty, dark and action-filled. How authors balance romance with these other intense elements. PANELISTS: Anya Bast, Rhyannon Byrd, & Rita Herron MODERATOR: Patrice Michelle
•HISTORICAL AND PARANORMAL — MIXING THE MYSTICAL WITH THE PAST How authors create paranormal worlds using historical settings or historical elements. PANELISTS: Jeri Smith-Ready, S.J. Day AKASylvia Day, Deidre Knight, Shayla Black & C.L. Wilson MODERATOR: Patrice Michelle
•HUMOR IN PARANORMALS — Timing is everything, even when dealing with the undead and uncivilized. From zombies to werewolves to vampires and everything in between, these authors will talk about the writing strategies that make you laugh out loud. PANELISTS: Michele Bardsley, Dakota Cassidy, MaryJanice Davidson, Mark Henry & Judi McCoy MODERATOR: Patrice Michelle
When I get back, I’ll share highlights about the conference for those who couldn’t attend.
What I’m working on…hmmm, lots of projects. One theme they all have in common seems to be paranormal. I promise that as soon as I can share some more info…I will.
Best,
Patrice
Giving away a copy of Scions:Revelation at Barbara Vey’s Blog Bash!
One of the romance genre’s biggest advocates is Barbara Vey of Publisher’s Weekly’s BEYOND HER BOOK blog. This week Barbara is hosting her second annual party/bash where tons of prizes will be given away…including a signed copy of Scions:Revelation. I hope you’ll stop by HERE and read the fun post and comment for a chance to win a prize. Good luck!
Best,
Patrice
Dear Mr Winter…
Dear Mr. Winter,
I would like to request that you skedaddle on out of the picture. We’d like warmer climes and less sicknesses, please. No more sniffles, no more fevers, no more coughs, tummy aches or aching heads. No more designating ME the throw-up ‘cleaner upper’ by big, small and furry family members alike . Yes, I definitely believe you’ve overstayed your welcome and it’s time you blew on through.
Dear Airborne,
Have you considered offering stock in your product? I’d like to feel that all the money I’ve spent was just a reallocation of funds from one bucket to another.
Sincerest regards,
Patrice
Twittering
Well, I’ve gone and joined Twitter. I think back now to four years ago when I said, “Oh, I’ll never have a blog, whatever would I talk about?”. LOL!
If you’d like to follow, here’s the link.
Patrice
Here’s the FFF Writers on Writing Podcast from today
If you missed it, here’s the podcast we did today. (detailed info at the bottom of this post) Turn your sound on and hit the play button in the player below. Hope you find it interesting.
Blog Talk Radio and Fangs, Fur, and Fey presents: “Writers on Writing" (Part 1), a live podcast on Feb 27th at 2 PM EST.
Join Fangs, Fur, and Fey authors Yasmine Galenorn (bestselling author of the Sisters of the Moon series), Marie Brennan (Midnight Never Come), Patrice Michelle (Scions series), Marlene Perez (Dead is the New Black), and John Levitt (Dog Days) as they discuss the craft of writing. Characters, plotting, narrative point of view, writers block, the writing biz…you name it, they’re talking about it.
LINK TO SHOW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/Au
If you go there now, you can set a reminder so you’ll get an email just before the show starts. This is also the link you can go to on Friday, in order to listen to the show live from you computer and chat during the show in the online chat room.
CALL IN NUMBER: (347) 826-9684
You can call this number to listen from your phone and/or have your questions asked live during the show.
Again, the podcast airs on Feb 27th at 2 PM EST.
FFF Authors Blog Talk Radio Show Tomorrow!
Okaaaaay, trying again! La, la, la…my voice seems clear this time around. I hope you’ll tune in and listen tomorrow!
Blog Talk Radio and Fangs, Fur, and Fey presents: “Writers on Writing" (Part 1), a live podcast on Feb 27th at 2 PM EST.
Join Fangs, Fur, and Fey authors Yasmine Galenorn (bestselling author of the Sisters of the Moon series), Marie Brennan (Midnight Never Come), Patrice Michelle (Scions series), Marlene Perez (Dead is the New Black), and John Levitt (Dog Days) as they discuss the craft of writing. Characters, plotting, narrative point of view, writers block, the writing biz…you name it, they’re talking about it.
LINK TO SHOW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/Au
If you go there now, you can set a reminder so you’ll get an email just before the show starts. This is also the link you can go to on Friday, in order to listen to the show live from you computer and chat during the show in the online chat room.
CALL IN NUMBER: (347) 826-9684
You can call this number to listen from your phone and/or have your questions asked live during the show.
Again, the podcast airs on Feb 27th at 2 PM EST.
Hope to see you there!
Yey, Scions receives Award!
Hi everyone!
I’m so excited to share that Scions:Resurrection received the FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE 2008 Hughie award from the amazing RBL Romantica (ReBeLs). 
The ReBeLs are a wonderful group of ladies who’re incredibly supportive of each other and the authors they love to read. They’ve done the Hughie award for the past eleven years. I feel honored that Scions:Resurrection won! Thanks so much RBLs!
Also, my contemporary novel Anticipation and Seduction was a finalist for the FAVORITE EROTICA ROMANCE category. Yey!
Here’s the full list of winners…
RBL Romantica’s 2008 Hughies Awards
HILDY HUGHIE FOR FAVORITE AMERICAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE: UNTAMED - Pamela Clare
FAVORITE ENGLISH/SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE: NEVER ROMANCE A RAKE - Liz Carlyle
FAVORITE UNIQUE HISTORICAL ROMANCE: YOUR SCANDALOUS WAYS - Loretta Chase
FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: HARD TO HANDLE - Lori Foster
FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/MYSTERY: UNLAWFUL CONTACT - Pamela Clare
FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE: SCIONS: RESURRECTION - Patrice Michelle
FAVORITE VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF/SHAPESHIFTER PARANORMAL: ACHERON - Sherrilyn Kenyon
FAVORITE FUTURISTIC/OTHER WORLD PARANORMAL: MOONSTRUCK - Susan Grant
FAVORITE TIME TRAVEL PARANORMAL: SECRETS OF THE HIGHLANDER - Janet Chapman
FAVORITE UNIQUE PARANORMAL: FAEFEVER - Karen Marie Moning
FAVORITE EROTICA ROMANCE: DEMON’S FIRE - Emma Holly
FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY: DEAD AFTER DARK - Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.R. Ward, Susan Squires and Dianna Love
FAVORITE TITLE: FAEFEVER - Karen Marie Moning
FAVORITE AUTHOR: Pamela Clare
FAVORITE NEW-TO-YOU AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
FAVORITE HERO: Acheron (ACHERON - Sherrilyn Kenyon)
FAVORITE HEROINE: Mackayla Lane (FAEFEVER - Karen Marie Moning)
FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - MALE: V’lane (FAEFEVER - Karen Marie Moning)
FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - FEMALE: Simi (Dark Hunter Series - Sherrilyn Kenyon)
FUNNIEST BOOK: FEARLESS 14 (Janet Evanovich)
HOTTEST BOOK: DEMON’S FIRE - Emma Holly
MOST TOUCHING BOOK: ACHERON - Sherrilyn Kenyon
FAVORITE BOOK-YOU-READ-IN-2008-THAT-WAS-PUBLISHED-BEFORE-2008: THE DARK HIGHLANDER - Karen Marie Moning
FAVORITE RE-READ: THE DARK HIGHLANDER - Karen Marie Moning
AND
Diva of Romance! - Karen Marie Moning
Patrice *who’s so thrilled to have been included in such an amazing list of authors!*
