Thursday, October 29, 2009

Getting Comfy

So the other day, after almost two weeks of wandering in the desert of my mind, I committed to a project. Incidentally I also gained 10 pounds during that time so writing is much better for my health than I realized.

Well I'm at the part of process where I'm researching and character sketching. No plotting. That comes later. In years past I would be freaking out about now; antsy to start writing and have something to sell. But in my old age I've become comfortable with my process and that's a big step. This is the part where the mysterious part of my brain seems to be conjuring up all the surprises that I'll mine in the writing.

In other words, I look like I'm doing nothing but really there's a lot going on.

And like The Ballad of Aracely Calderon (which Margo Candela is graciously reading), this project seems to have been percolating ever since I was ten years old and saw Marilyn Monroe perform "That Old Black Magic" from Bus Stop.

If you're bored at work or curious as to what I'm up to, here are some of my inspirations for this particular work-in-progress:


Photo from the Ambaassador Archive @ www.ambassadorarchive.net



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dead Is Publishing Success

Watch what you say around Author Marlene Perez, or it might wind up in one of her books! The author of the popular Dead Is series for teens (and teens at heart), Marlene gives fair warning that great dialogue and quirky misfortune will inspire her one way or the other!

Dead Is Publishing Success

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Book It: Jane Porter at Laguna Beach Books

This Saturday, I'll be doing my thing at the Page One Literary Celebration. But if you're in Laguna Beach, check out Book It: Jane Porter at Laguna Beach Books.

I apologize for not blogging recently. After finishing The Ballad of Aracely Calderon and heaving five bags of trash out of my office, I've been cooking up magazine proposals (the family's gotta eat!) and preparing to write a TV spec set in 1940's L.A. But I'll be updating you with events, Q&A's, etc. through my column at Examiner.com.

Spread the love!

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

How Done It: Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America

Do you have a story of mystery and suspense that begs to be written and published? The Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America might be just for you!

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) was created in 1945 by like-minded authors to "promote and protect the interests and welfare of mystery writers and to increase the esteem and literary recognition given to the genre." The Southern California Chapter of MWA (SoCal MWA) continues that tradition with chapter volunteers led by Chapter President Leslie S. Klinger.

Read the rest and lemme know what you think at my column, Anaheim Literature Examiner @ Examiner.com.

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Thursday, October 08, 2009

Writing With Love: Orange County Chapter of RWA

One of the benefits of being a writer in Orange County are the available resources and communities. Budding romance and women's fiction authors are especially fortunate to have one of the largest and most dynamic chapters of Romance Writers of America in Orange County.

(Editorial note: The author is a former member of OCC RWA.)

Read the rest and lemme know what you think at my column, Anaheim Literature Examiner @ Examiner.com.

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Monday, October 05, 2009

So What Do You Want to Know?


This coming Saturday, Oct 10th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Latino Family & Book Festival at CSU Los Angeles, I'll be moderating "Chicas, Chicanas & Latinas: A Panel of Contemporary Female Authors" with Julia Amante, Margo Candela, Irete Lazo and Josefina Lopez.

Many of you lovely readers hail from far and wide but I bet you have a question or two about these amazing authors. So please feel free to leave some questions in the Comments section and I'll do my best to get them answered!

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