When an author acts out the scenes (without really meaning to)

Woman With Camera

(c) Pavels Hotulevs/Shutterstock.com

Right now I’m putting the final polish on MORE THAN MOST. (I’m so thrilled with how it’s turned out and I can’t wait to share it!) At this point in the process, I usually spend my days walking around the house reading the manuscript aloud. I look for anything that stands out: repetitive or missing words, odd phrasing in dialogue, continuity issues, moments when an emotional reaction would up the intensity of the scene, that kind of thing.

I’m also at the point where I know the story so well that I sometimes start “acting out” certain parts. Every time I read the same scene over and over, I make hand gestures and facial expressions when the characters do. I lick my lips when they do. I move when and how they do. (And let me just say, I’m so glad no one has a camera anywhere near me during this phase of the writing process.)

So I thought it might be fun to share some of the specific moments from my books where I caught myself really stepping into the role of the characters.

So in no particular order, here are my more embarrassing moments as a writer:

  • I squeezed my eye shut imitating Walter when Kevin punched him, and then dabbed at the “tender” skin below my eye. (HOW TO SAVE A LIFE)
  • I banged my fist on my desk when Luke did the same on a diner table after talking with his father. (MORE)
  • I limped around the house like Richard after he’d twisted his ankle. (MORE THAN MOST)
  • I went to scoop up little Jessica and carry her through the house like Lincoln did when Nancy’s place was on fire. (BREATHE)
  • I shoved open the (non-existent) bathroom stall door and stormed across the room when Lincoln found out who the man was that he’d kissed. (BREATHE)
  • I squinted as the wind whipped around Evan when he was trapped in the blizzard, even though I was writing that book in the middle of summer. (TAKE ME HOME)
  • I raised my arm to shuffle Mateo into his apartment just as Grady did when he finally located him. (I SWEAR TO YOU)
  • I picked up the pace when Mark raced after Scott when Scott freaked out and ran out of Mark’s apartment after they’d tried to spend their first night together. (MORE THAN JUST A GOOD BOOK)
  • I puffed out my cheeks when Sean stuffed his mouth with two dinner rolls when he’d first met Gavin. (SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN)

And perhaps the MOST embarrassing:

  • I reached for my dick (of which I do not have) when Walter told Kevin to touch himself. And I did it again every single time I read that scene. (HOW TO SAVE A LIFE)

Now that’s dedication, right? Or a really, REALLY nutty writer, I’m not sure which.

I’ll just say I’m very passionate about my work and leave it at that.

 

 

Saturday’s Prize List for Reader Appreciation Day

The Sweet Spot

This month’s Reader Appreciation Day, hosted by me, SJ Frost, and Jambrea Jo Jones at the Sweet Spot Yahoo Group, is this Saturday, July 19th.

Stop by the Yahoo Group to enter the giveaway, read excerpts, and chat with authors of M/M romances. The giveaway runs from 8 am – 8 pm Eastern Time.

Here are some of the books and other prizes available:

July Reader Appreciation Day Prizes

July Reader Appreciation Day Prizes

Here’s how to enter:

  1. If you haven’t already, join the Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheSweetSpotMM/
  2. On Saturday, July 19th watch the group page (or your email if you choose to receive emails from the group) for a message with instructions on how to enter. The subject of the post should read something like “RAD Giveaway: Reply for a chance to win”
  3. Reply to that message anytime between 8am and 8pm Eastern Time indicating you’d like to enter the giveaway.

That’s it. You’ll be added to the drawing for a chance at a random prize.


Complete List of Prizes & Donating Authors

If a book or prize is listed more than once, the author has donated multiple copies and there will be more than one winner selected.

  • Erica Pike – ebook copy of THE WALLS HAVE EARS
  • Diana DeRicci – PDF copy of NOT QUITE BROKEN
  • Willa Okati – ebook copy of ONLY YOU
  • Sloan Parker – ebook copy of winner’s choice from backlist
  • Sloan Parker – $15 All Romance eBooks Gift Card
  • Jambrea Jo Jones – ebook copy of winner’s choice from backlist
  • Jambrea Jo Jones – ebook copy of winner’s choice from backlist
  • Jambrea Jo Jones – $15 gift card: winners choice
  • S.J. Frost – ebook copy of winner’s choice from backlist
  • S.J. Frost – ebook copy of winner’s choice from backlist

Hope you can join us at The Sweet Spot Reader Appreciation Day.

Authors of M/M romances, if you’re interested in joining us for our next RAD, we’d love to have you. Send me an email and I’ll add you to our author contact list.

Quote I Love: Fear Less & Love More

Dusty Road

Background photo: (c) Sandralise / www.fotosearch.com

“Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.” –Swedish Proverb