- All the crosses and the Star of David markers face west – towards home
Happy writing,
-Melia
A Writer’s Life
Wordless Wednesday: Steps
Welcome back to Wordless Wednesday! (I swear it will be totally wordless one day! Maybe. . ..)
To slap creativity into gear (because heaven knows our muses need some serious help at times), when you see this photo, what comes to mind?
Is it a scene in your WIP? Something about your hero/heroine? Maybe backstory that explains why your hero’s mother is such a *bleep* and hates the heroine?
Whatever it is, feel free to share your thoughts here. But better yet, get off the internet and go write your book! 😉
-Melia
Wordless Wednesday: Waves
Okay, fellow writers, it’s Wordless Wednesday! Let’s put our muses to work, shall we?
What story scene, or idea, or character, or setting, or mood would you associate with this photo? Is this a romantic suspense? A time travel story? Or an urban fantasy? Is world domination at stake, or the fate of someone’s soul?
Share your thoughts if you’d like, but more importantly, use it in your own work if you can! 🙂
Happy writing,
-Melia
Wordless Wednesday: Mountain Fog
Okay, let’s get those creative juices flowing!
What scene, or hero/heroine, or anything else that has to do with story come to mind when you see this photo. Ready?
Here goes:
You’re welcome to share your thoughts. But if it sparks an idea for your own WIP, all the better. 🙂
Happy Wednesday writing!
-MeliaAuthor Spotlight: Jacquie Rogers
Hello, All!
Taking a break this week to paint my toenails passion pink as I drink a good cab sauv, and contemplate why chocolate should have its own place on the food chart. (Come to think of it, so should wine!) 
Meanwhile, fellow Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America chapter mate Jacquie Rogers has graciously agreed to entertain you. Yay, Jacquie! Stick around and find out what makes this author so amazing — apart from the fact she’s agreed to answer my interview questions.
Melia: If you were stuck on a deserted island with one of the heroes of your books, who would it be? Why? (Keep it clean, girl! LOL.)
You mean I can’t have them all? For practical purposes (practical, meaning to get off the island and go back home), I’d choose Caedmon, the hero in a short story I wrote called Much Ado About Faeries, in Faery Special Romances. He’s a tall, macho faery of the Sun Clan and no red-blooded woman would mind having his boots under her bed (or hammock). Besides, he has wings and magic so he could get us home—or zap up a nice margarita on the rocks and some Barry White tunes. Very versatile.
In the Hearts of Owyhee series, I’d have a hard time choosing, but the man who’d be most handy to have around for other than (ahem) recreational purposes would be Cole from Much Ado About Marshals (Hearts of Owyhee #1). He’s accomplished at a variety of skills (including the aforesaid recreational purposes) and could build a nice hut complete with furniture. He also knows how to cook, which is always a plus.
But the most fun of all my heroes would have to be Brody from Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues. He’s a rodeo bullfighter and clown—fearless, crazy, and pectorally endowed. There’d never be a dull moment and in no time we’d have a pet gecko trained to serve those drinks that Caedmon made. Oh wait, you said I could only have one. At a time.
Melia: What’s the weirdest or most memorable experience you’ve ever had as a writer?
Weirdest: That could be a booksigning in the Boise Hastings, when my 8-year-old granddaughter chased down a lady, made her take some of my swag, grabbed her hand and dragged her over to my table, then stood there and stared the poor lady down until she bought a book. Probably not the best way to win readers.
Memorable (not that I’ll forget the above anytime soon): Holding the paper copy of Much Ado About Marshals in my grubby little mitts for the very first time. It’s like seeing your newborn baby for the first time, only not as messy.
Melia: If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (living or dead), who would it be? Where would it be? What would you ask him/her?
Little Joe Monaghan, and I’d ask her (yes, her) exactly who she was and why she chose to live as a man. She came to Owyhee County in the 1860s and apparently no one knew she was a woman. Hard rock mining is backbreaking work but she did it. Rode with a wild west show as the bronc rider, too. Bought and worked her own ranch in an area that brought most men to their knees. Amazing person.
Once we got that mystery solved, I’d love to know all the boring details of life in the Old West—the stuff they don’t put in history books.
Melia: You’re a time traveler — where would you go? Why?
I’m afraid I’d get in trouble no matter where I went because most people, especially those in power, aren’t particularly fond of questions, and I have plenty. Let’s stick with the warmer climates, though, because I have a serious love affair with central heating. That puts me in the South Pacific about a thousand years ago, but I’d have to get a tan first. The House of Taga on Tinian is intriguing. Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to whenever it was built and find out just who built it, how, and why? The culture is interesting, too. Same with Nan Madol.
Or maybe it would be fun to visit with my own ancestors, especially Sir Hugh De Alsop who came back from the Crusades and, at age 50, married an 18-year-old woman. They had 24 children and lived at Alsop-en-le-Dale in Derbyshire. It would sure be fun to go to a real live tournament and see the tilting. No wonder the cowhands in the Old West were so tough—they had dozens of generations of hard knocks to make them that way.
Speaking of the Old West, my current series is called Hearts of Owyhee, and is set in Owyhee County, Idaho, where I grew up. The county is large and takes up the entire southwest corner of Idaho, but is sparsely populated. The first explorers of European descent were fur trappers, three of whom were lost there and never found, and so the area was named after their homeland, Hawaii (“Owyhee” is the original anglicized spelling). Next came the Oregon Trail immigrants, but few stayed—most were headed for Willamette Valley in Oregon. After that, you guessed it—gold! But silver was the real boon. In the 1860s, Miners flooded the Silver City area and they needed to eat, so we got ranchers and merchants, too.
Like the original immigrants to Owyhee County, I wanted to tap its resources as well—its rich history. Very few people know anything about the area, or even that the place exists. What a perfect setting for my own western historical romances! (Visit my Owyhee County board on Pinterest.) So here are the books:
Book 1: Much Ado About Marshals 
Daisy wants to be a detective just like dime novel heroine Honey Beaulieu. But her parents insist she marry. What better solution than to marry the new marshal!
Cole, on the lam for a botched bank robbery, is mistaken for the new marshal. He faces a dilemma few men have to face—tell the truth and get hanged, or live a lie and end up married. Either way could cost him his freedom.
Book 2: Much Ado About Madams
A suffragist schoolteacher with a hidden past,
Six shopworn whores cooking up plans for a better future,
And a hunky cowhand who isn’t quite sure what to do with all these women…
Life isn’t always comfortable at The Comfort Palace!
Rogers’ talent shines as she creates a stunning portrait of what it was like to live in the old west. Her characters leap off the page and she handles humor with as much skill as she does the deeper emotions. MUCH ADO ABOUT MADAMS was a fabulous read. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Hearts of Owyhee series. ~ Gerri Russell, author of Seducing the Knight
Book #3: Much Ado About Mavericks
Benjamin Lawrence is a highly respected attorney in Boston, but in Idaho Territory, they still think of him as that gangly awkward boy named Skeeter. When he goes back home to settle his estate, he’s confronted with a ridiculous will that would be easy to overturn—but can he win the regard of his family and neighbors—and the foreman?
The Bar EL’s foreman, Janelle Kathryn aka J.K. aka Jake O’Keefe, is recognized as the best foreman in the territory. But being the best at her job still isn’t enough—now she has to teach the new owner how to rope, brand, and work cattle before she receives clear title to her own ranch, the Circle J. The last thing she expects is rustlers. Can she save her ranch without losing her heart?
Available in Kindle, soon to be in print.
See Jacquie’s other books all listed on her Amazon author page.
Contact info:
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest
Melia, thank you so much for hosting me today. You’re so much fun and your site is fabulous!
Thank you, Jacquie, for giving me a chance to paint my toenails this week. 😉 You know, what with the good weather and all, the toes have to look pretty!
– Melia
(P.S. Jacquie reports that the Kindle version of Much Ado About Marshals is only 99¢ through this weekend!)
I Is A Writer
About the time a writer gets comfortable with the tools in her favorite handbag, she gets the brilliant idea to go to a writer’s workshop. That’s when she discovers that those uber-special tools that had served her well aren’t the latest, the greatest, the bestest thing she could ever have. Not that they hadn’t been at one point. It’s just that, now they are just (*gasp*) the basics. Kind of like an old, comfy tee shirt that’s too good to throw away, and definitely the kind you can layer underneath a sweater or three. But not something you’d wear to a fancy-schmancy gala. . ..
Huh. Well, now, there’s a challenge. . ..
But I digress.
Last weekend, I had the deliciously good fortune to attend a workshop presented by Donald Maass, agent extraordinaire. As he spoke, the typical cloud-filled Pacific Northwest almost-Spring day protested. Clouds parted, and the sun broke through as if they, too, understood the wisdom in his words. Too bad we were holed up indoors without a window.
Not that it mattered. Donald’s presentation was fabulous. Stupendous. Stellar. And by the end of the day I was exhausted, but relieved with all the information spinning through my writer brain. My WIP and I also came to a mutual understanding. The poor thing needed work. Still. *Insert long-suffering sigh*
But the beauty of it all is that it should emerge better, stronger, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Ummm. . . sorry. . . kinda got carried away there. Anywho, Donald suggested ways to really strengthen a manuscript, to make it unforgettable, and these were some of the nuggets I took away:
1. For those books that spent multiple weeks (some for well over a year) on the New York Times bestseller list, the authors wrote them to their own rules, told their own stories, and told them beautifully.
2. Commercial fiction writers need to understand that beautiful writing is finding what’s personal in our own lives and then bringing it onto the pages we produce. This means baring our souls and writing what’s not always comfortable. If you feel the angst when you write the scenes, so will the readers.
3. From his observation over decades in this business, there’s not enough stuff happening in the middle of the manuscripts. He contends most are starved. They’re not nearly dramatic enough. And, he says, writers can’t go too far over-the-top.
4. Series writers should NEVER HOLD ANYTHING BACK. Don’t wait until book 4 to include the scenes that should really be early in book 1. Go for it, and trust that there will be even more story ideas with each book.
5. I is a writer. There will always be more for me to learn, more to do, to make my stories stronger, deeper, more emotionally satisfying. . .. Thank God. (Because that means my skills are improving, peeps!)
So as I rip this manuscript apart – again – I’m hopeful that some of what Donald encouraged us to do will bleed onto the page. I just hope I won’t need a transfusion when I’m done. . ..
Happy writing,
-Melia
It Lives!
At the beginning of 2012, my goal was to sell three books to a publisher. It was something I’d wanted soooo badly, that a 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily writing schedule (and practically every waking moment on weekends) was worth it. To obtain that goal, I’d listed five different objectives, and to obtain those objectives, I’d listed three action plans.
So where am I now? Have I reached my goal?
Nope.
So how does a writer keep the dream alive? How does a writer keep writing, keep slogging through the 4 a.m. wake-ups and the inevitable “when will your book be published” questions from well-meaning friends and family?
I’d be lying if I said it was like a piece of uber-rich, non-Paleo double fudge cake that I could eat without a second thought and without having to work out. It isn’t that easy – ask any author wannabee. But it’s doable.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are days when it’d be way easier to return to the normal world, a place where people don’t live in isolation – by choice – for extended periods of time. Sometimes without a shower. Oftentimes, with dregs from the pantry thrown together with the hopes of passing it off to the family as dinner. (Anyone out there have creative ways of disguising canned tuna?)
So here are my strategies for continuing the writing journey.
1. Must. Have. Chocolate. It’s the perfect food to celebrate with as well as to commiserate with. It’s perfect with coffee as well as a glass of Cab Sauv — not too many foods fit that category! 🙂
2. Remember to focus on the joy. Savor every moment when someone honestly praises your work. After all, you’ve done something well. (Yes, Hubmeister, I know you think I’m talented, you also think a microwaved cup of old coffee is a brilliant move on my part.) At a recent RCRW meeting, author friend Delilah Marvelle reminded me of this. I guess even a well-published author sometimes needs this reminder on occasion.
3. Surround yourself with a posse. Okay, maybe not the gun-toting kind. (Sorry, Jacquie Rogers!) But the writer-kind. You know, the ones who remind you, gently or otherwise, that you’re a writer.
4. Give back a little. As in, help fellow writers whenever possible. Help with plotting a book, critique some pages, or just be there to bounce an idea off of. In this crazy business, we learn from each other when we do things for each other. At least, I do.
5. Exercise. It’s no secret that physical movement helps stimulate brain activity. Okay, okay, I made that up – but doesn’t it sound right? For me, after sitting for long periods of time, my body tells me it has to move. And once I do, returning to the keyboard is easier, and sometimes whatever story issue I’ve had is also easier to resolve.
Sometimes when I gaze out into the world where normal people live and am tempted to join them, I always come to one conclusion: If I gave up writing and became “one of them” I’d ultimately regret giving up. Not doing that.
I’m a writer. Writers write. Writing keeps my world sane, even as I continue to learn craft and fine-tune my process. And, yes, even when I’m working with a story that has to be gutted with a chainsaw instead of a surgeon’s scalpel. In those cases, it’s a love-hate thing by the time the manuscript is completed, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!
On the bright side, the end of 2012 found me further along on the path to publication than I’ve ever been – editors have shown greater interest in my manuscripts. Perhaps there will be something really cool to share one day soon. Perhaps.
Until then, I gotta keep moving, gotta keep punching keys and remember that I’m a writer and that writers write. It’s my job.
-Melia
Blackjack!
Once upon a time, this girl met this guy in college where, during their first conversation, they debated the proliferation of nuclear weapons. After they learned to appreciate the other’s point of view (even though, technically, the girl was right), they fell madly in love, and eight years later got married on a South Pacific island by a priest from New York City. It’s been twenty-one years, and they’re still married.
I swear it’s all true!
I look back on all this and sometimes shake my head in wonder. We’re two completely different personalities from two completely different worlds – Hubmeister’s all East Coast logic, and I, frankly, am not. (Hello! I grew up on Guam!)
Don’t get me wrong. I think logic’s fine, but I also think that sometimes you just gotta do stuff like buy that cute pair of teal, leopard print pumps because not only are they adorable, and make your legs look a mile long, but they’re also ON SALE! Personally, the sale part seems logical to me. Unfortunately, Hubmeister rolls his eyes. (Like it really matters.) Ahem. But I digress. . ..
As a romance writer, it’s my responsibility to create a hero and a heroine so perfectly matched by the end of the book that readers think, “Well, duh! Of course they belong together.” But what, exactly, does that mean? They both enjoy exotic vacations? Neither one of them likes disco music? Or perhaps their idea of the perfect evening involves a hot tub. . . a bottle of champagne. . . and . . . well, use your imagination! 🙂
My take is this: a perfectly matched relationship causes both the hero and the heroine to bring out the best in each other – particularly when times are rough. (‘Cause, gee, isn’t it easy to be your best when life is all champagne and dark chocolates?) It’s the kind of relationship where each is willing to fight for what’s best for them as a couple, not just for what’s best individually. And it’s the kind of relationship that neither can easily walk away from when both recognize they’re stronger individually because they’re together.
Twenty-one years ago, Hubmeister promised me three things if I married him:
1. We would never own a station wagon;
2. Life with him would never be boring;
3. He would always love me.
He’s kept those promises, and I honestly believe this incredible man brings out the best in who I am – including the teal pumps, of course! So are we perfectly matched? Ask me in another twenty-one years. 😉
What’s your idea of the perfect hero/heroine?
– Melia
Partying With My Roses
Ah, the holidays. Presents. And decorations. And parties – the best part! Recently, my RWA chapter, Rose City Romance Writers, got together to celebrate – minus the holiday champagne. I was having such a great time sucking in writing brilliance from my chapter mates, I didn’t snap pics of EVERYTHING. (Surprising, I know!)
Anywho, a couple of pics, great writing friends, and awesome conversation, and the party was over too quickly. (Personally, I like Jessa Slade’s suggestion that we party once a quarter!) Some snippets of conversational wisdom:
1. Rejection is a good thing. When rejections are announced, we all cheer, ’cause it means a writer is getting her precious work out into the world.
2. In a world of rejections, writers need to remember to bask in the things that do go well — meeting deadlines, a positive comment from a critique partner, or even one from the editor / agent who rejected the submission. It’s too easy to get pulled down in this business, and without looking at the positive things we do well, no matter how small, our writing could suffer. We definitely don’t want that!
3. Having a debut book is crazy exciting! Ask any author. 🙂
4. Lightning strikes create bestsellers. Authors should be out there with a lightning rod AND an umbrella. The book needs a certain “something something” that causes it to take off, besides good writing, ’cause, let’s face it, there are always books we all feel should be best sellers — like our own! 😉
5. Roses are generous people. Not only were writing and industry advice freely given, we also collected donations for a women’s shelter. Whether we like it or not, there are those around us who are in far greater need than we could even imagine.
The holidays are busy. I get that. But it should also be a time to slow down enough to visit with family and friends, and to reflect on what makes this time of year special for each of us. You know, you gotta stop and drink the champagne!
What are your holiday celebrations like?
-Melia
