(c) istockphoto, RobertDodge, 2007
I’m talking at Book Lovers Inc. today about men & what makes a hero stand out. I’m also giving away a copy of Breathe. Stop by if you have time. I would love to hear what you like in a hero.
Giveaway ends February 19th.
Have a great week!
Sloan
(c) istockphoto.com, pearleye 2010
I question my work sometimes, as I’m sure most writers do. I’m learning and growing with every project, both as a writer and a reader (in terms of what I enjoy reading and what I look for in a love story). This fosters questions as I move ahead in my writing career.
I recently read this article about voice (Voice – answering Jane’s Question), and it resonated with me. I think a part of me was holding back when writing lately. What is my voice? Can I repeat it? Do I want to? Do I want to change some aspect of the way I write? I’d like to grow and evolve as a writer, but in what ways?
As I’ve mentioned before, the good reviews can mess with your head as much as the not-so-good reviews. There have been some stellar reviews for BREATHE. In some respects those have been great for my confidence level, but I’m not sure I always want to–nor should I–attempt to write something as heavy as the theme/topic of BREATHE. Can anything else measure up? For me? For readers? Will something lighter and sexier appeal to readers who enjoyed BREATHE? Can BREATHE appeal to those who loved MORE? Should I be writing in third person or first? Where is my strength as a writer and how do I repeat that in subsequent stories?
Those types of questions weren’t a big distraction because I do believe in writing for myself first or I lose the passion for storytelling. But as I said, I think I was holding back when it came to my voice.
Kate Walker’s article helped me to relax and get back to the core of what I’m writing, why I’m writing it, and how I like to convey a story, the importance I try to place on the deep point of view of each main character. I was able to let my own passion and emotion flow through the words.
So far this week, I’m feeling really good about the revising I’m doing on HOME AGAIN. I’m still working on the first three chapters, but I’m writing with the love of this story and these characters, and that always feels good. I’m finding that place where I can’t wait to share these men and their love story with others.
Now, back to the manuscript…
Happy reading, everyone!
Sloan
Sharing a collection of links today. Some interesting, some fun, and some more meaningful.
“Why” M/M? And Who Needs To Know?
An interesting post by Jordan Castillo Price.
I will admit, I do get asked the why question and find it so very difficult to put into a few words.
And another about woman writing m/m
The Power of Slash (includes a not-safe-for-work pic)
From Nigel Puerasch, a bi man writing m2m fiction
For the writers out there…
Kimberly Hunter talks about a common problem among writers:
WIPlash ~ Diagnosis & Treatment
And for fun, who would you believe…
A Great Lover
This picture illustrates the difference between marketing, public relations, advertising and branding. For books, a recommendation from a friend with similar tastes holds a lot of weight with me, but not sure if I want to hear from my friends about a potential lover.
Who can resist cute cats getting married…
The Gay Cat Marriage in Manhattan and
A Special Bond Recognized
And on a serious note…
Read about the brave and courageous author Patric Michael and the anthology in his honor at For Patric…Wishing on a Blue Star
And this will bring a tear to your eye…
Image Source: The New York Times CompanyAgainst All Odds, a Beautiful Life
“…a little boy dealt a seemingly impossible hand, the two gay men who decided to give him a home and a life, [and] the unlikely spell cast by the only horse in Montclair.”
Oh, and I’ve joined a group blog for my writer’s group. Today I’m blogging about my reading goals this year…
(c) istockphoto, klosfoto, 2010
Sloan’s 2011 Reading Challenge
Do you like to set reading goals? Do you have a goal for this year? Or do you find a goal takes the fun out of reading? I’d love to hear what you think.
Sampling of Sloan’s To Read List
Looking back on 2010 I’m disappointed in the number of books I read. Around 40 books (including novellas and an occasional shorter work). This number would be even lower if it weren’t for the two published contests where I served as a judge. Granted, I was incredibly busy. It was my first year as a published author, plus I finished writing/editing Breathe, outlined 4 novels, and wrote the first drafts for 2 of those.
The thing is, my writing and voice are much stronger the more I’m reading quality books by other authors, which means I need to keep reading, as much as I can. So I decided to make my reading goal public today.
For 2011, I’m determined to read an average of 1.5 books per week for a total of 78 books (I’m going to include novellas in that list, but not short stories. I’ll also be counting any audio books, otherwise this goal would be only 1 book a week or less). Yes, some of you are probably laughing at this measly goal, but I’m a slow reader and a slow writer. Usually my reading time is limited to just before bed and listening to an audio book while cleaning the house. My writing goals have to come first. Plus I’ve vowed to spend more quality time with my sweetie this year too. Oh, and there’s still that part-time “day job” that helps pay the bills. I’d love to read more, but I’m trying to keep this goal achievable without stressing myself out too much. Reading is one of my greatest joys in life, and I don’t want it to feel like a chore.
What about you? Do you have any reading goals? Or other resolutions for 2011 you’d like to share? I promise not to look back at this post come December 31 and bug you to see if you made it (well, maybe not…that kinda sounds like fun).
Happy Reading,
Sloan
Decided to share a few today…
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
-Charles W. Eliot
…
“Easy reading is damn hard writing.”
-Nathaniel Hawthorne
…
“A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”
-Samuel Johnson
