A couple of days ago, a friend of mine and I were discussing scenes from our books. After a while, it dawned on me that we were referring to our characters as if they were in the flesh. It's inevitable, spend a few years writing the same character and he will eventually become real.

Sam Harper has been a part of our household for four years. A couple of summers ago, when my husband and I needed to buy a new stove and refrigerator, I couldn't decide which models to buy. He paced and waited then paced some more before he finally leaned over an appliance and asking: "Which one would Sam buy?" The best, I replied.

Once our teenage son walked into the room while we were in the middle of a conversation about one of the crime scenes. From the look on our son's face, I knew I had to explain what bullet holes, whose body, and what blood spattering on the wall I was talking about.

I'll admit I know everything about Sam Harper, from his upbringing and quirky habits to what pushes his buttons. By the time I started to work on the second book, the character immediately came to life on page one. That's what I like about writing a series, I can add to his personality traits, but his core qualities are in place allowing me time to develop the plot and to tell the story.

We don't live in a vacuum nor can we write in one. So I want to begin this blog by thanking some pretty amazing people in my life. Some are family, all are friends, and each has made an impact on my life. Rick, Jessica, Tracy, Mari (R), Mari (L), Sonya, Mike, Kim, Erika, Jack, Joylene, and of course, Cait. You've kept me grounded, offered your shoulder, made me laugh when I needed it most, and always kept me focused and on task ... more times than you know. Thank you!

It's been a while since I've posted anything to this blog--March 11. Although I belong to more author groups and blogs than I should, this one is mine and I've promised myself to keep it current and to use it as a place to showcase my work as well as the many great people I've met along the way.

So, what's been going on since my last post?

On March 12, I launched my website: http://www.martastephens-author.com/. To date, the site has received over 16,000 hits from more than 30 countries. In it you'll find an excerpt of my debut crime/mystery, SILENCED CRY, reviews, reader comments, a detective's life from Sam Harper's point of view (the main character), and a guest map for you to sign.

Between March 12 and April 22, I was busy putting together a promotional campaign for SILENCED CRY.

On April 23, SILENCED CRY was released and Sam Harper was introduced to crime/mystery enthusiast world wide. You can find it online at all the Amazons, B&N, Books-a-Million, an Powells to name a few.

On June 19, I participated in my first book signing at our local B&N. It was so successful, the manager invited me back for a holiday signing. Please check the events page on my website for full details.

I've joined amazing author groups in the past few months. I plan to add links to those sites in a day or two. And now, I'm a week away from my August VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR. Special thanks to the authors and site owners who have sponsored me on this tour. They are:

Phil Harris (Internet Voice Radio), Joyce Tremel (Working Stiffs Blogspot), Kaycee Conners (Live Journal, Writing Space & Word Press Blog), Marilyn Meredith (Marilyn Meredith Blogspot), Authors by Design--Chat, and Jeff Mariotte (Jeff Mariotte Typepad Weblog) and Dawn Dowdle (Mystery Lovers Corner).

In the past couple of years, I’ve had several people read my work and I’m always frustrated when I’m asked why I don’t give a complete description of my characters for the reader. Actually, I do, not in the form of a full narrative describing hair/eye color, height, weight, age, etc., but they are slipped in from the other characters’ POV; traits are also given via the character’s actions.

So ... I was pleased when I came across the following under a chapter titled Characterization and Exposition in “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Browne and Dave King (second edition). In it the authors wrote:

“It’s often a good idea to introduce a new character with enough physical description for your readers to picture him or her. As with describing your settings, all you need are a few concrete, idiomatic details to jump-start your readers’ imagination. ... when it comes to characters’ personalities, it’s much more engaging to have these emerge from character action, reaction, interior monologue, and dialogue than from description.”

And this:

“When you define your character the minute you introduce them, you may be setting boundary lines that your readers will use to interpret your characters’ actions through the rest of the book. But if you allow your readers to get to them in his or her own way, thus getting a deeper sense of who your characters are than you could ever convey in a summary.”

When I developed the character of Sam Harper, I envisioned him as a man in his early to mid 30’s, slender, medium height, blond or light brown hair, definitely blue eyes. As noted, I don’t force feed the reader with a full-blown description in chapter one, paragraph one, so it was interesting when I started to get feedback from some of my friends about the character. The women who were in their 20’s to early 40’s pictured him as I did, however, those in their later years, had very different ideas of "the perfect looking man." One friend of mine who is in her mid 60’s imagined him as a dashing Sean Connery in his days as 007. Interesting, huh? BTW who doesn't think Sean is to die for?

What this says to me is that my writing may be based and influenced by my life experiences (likes/dislikes etc,), but the reader will bring into the mix the experiences that have shaped his/her life (likes/dislikes, turn-ons/offs etc.). Because I want Harper to come across as a strong-willed determined character, I focus on his actions, internal dialogue, his doubts and convictions, his emotions, reactions, etc., even his sense of humor. But his physical descriptions come from the other characters and ... and here's where it gets really interesting. Harper's love interest sees and describes him in a completely different way than does his work partner. Now we're getting into window characters.

So ... even though I have a very clear image of what Sam Harper looks like, I’m okay with the reader imagining him looking like Sean Connery or whoever else they like, so long as it keeps them reading!

According to Todd A. Stone, author of Novelist's Boot Camp, The "Alpha Male" character "...notices physical attractiveness, feels powerful sexual urges, and responses -- if only internally -- to sexual stimulus, intended or not." However, since I write crime mysteries, I can't dwell on my character's sexual desires yet they are a part of who he is. So, how much is enough? Too much? A fellow author friend of mine said it well in one of his posts: "Anyone can write sex good. After all, it's a topic close to our hearts and one with which we're presumably well versed."

I find that it is far more exciting to read a suggestive line and "watch" the character's body language, than it is to have every detailed spelled out for me. In that respect, my imagination (and the reader's imagination) works fine. ;>)

The Black Pearl First Draft -- Day 85:

I've been up since four this morning. Typing since six. It's a cold and rainy, two-pots-of-coffee morning on the first day of a three-day weekend. I checked my e-mails and blogs then started to work on my MS again. The final edits are going well, I'm nearly half way through it. But when I'm done, I'll have to read it ... again.

I was recently asked if I let others read my works in progress. Only a trusted few, but yes, absolutely! I thrive on feedback. Getting another's perspective is as critical to me as research. It's especially important in the early stages when I'm focused on developing the plot and the characters. While I'm zooming in on those things, it's very easy to overlook important details.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be as concerned about getting it "perfect" in a first draft. But I'm counting down. This manuscript is due on my editor's desk next week. Wish me luck. 62,517 words and counting!

Time is ticking away, so why am I here blogging instead of writing? Let's just say I'm journaling a novel in the making.

It's day 82 and The Black Pearl is at 61,756, words in length. Can I get this first draft up to 80,000 within the next five days? Hmmm. The book has 46 six chapters with 4 subplots. I promised it would be done and submitted by January 15. I'll make it--maybe won't get to the 80,000 word mark, but it's coming, it's coming, it's coming!

The Black Pearl is the second book in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery Series. It is a story with the usual ingredients found in hard-boiled detective mysteries with a splash of the supernatural, a power-hungry drug dealer, a religious fanatics, and a sprinkling of romance to spice things up. To be honest, I wasn't sure if the sub plots would come together. In fact, after I wrote the last chapter, I had to go back and edit a few of the previous chapters and add the evidence that would make the ending work. LOL Fortunately, this is only the first draft. I have several more months in which to polish it.

Well, Sam just called to remind me I need to edit a few more chapters tonight!

Prose & Musings My, but it's been a while since I've posted in here. But I have a very good excuse. Really! So much has happened since last July.

When I wrote the last blog, Silenced Cry had just been through a vigorous critique and I was working on the edits when my publisher e-mailed me to request the manuscript. I hadn't heard from them in a year since I submitted my synopsis for the three Sam Harper Crime Mysteries novellas. I thought it had been denied. When I explained that I had spent my time expanding it into a novel, they agreed to look at it instead. I submitted Silenced Cry on September 12 and received my contract on September 14. Silenced Cry will be out at online (Amazon) and traditional bookstores worldwide on April 23, 2007. ISBN 978-1-905202-72-0. Somebody pinch me! It will also be available directly from my publisher at www.bewrite.net.

But wait! There's more. On October 17, my publisher e-mailed me again to ask if I could submit book two in the series, The Black Pearl, by January 2007. That novella was at 40,000 words so I assumed it would take a few extra chapters and maybe a new sub plot or two to get the job done. I agreed. However, it had been nearly two years since I had last read it. In that time I learned a thing or two and my writing had thankfully changed. It didn't take long to realize The Black Pearl needed a complete rewrite. I finished the first draft on New Years Eve, 61,600 words in 72 days! I'm pleased with how it has developed. And just in case any of my proofreading friends pop in, thank you! I couldn't have done it without you!

If accepted, The Black Pearl will be promoted along with Silenced Cry as a "coming soon." It took me ten months to expand and polish Silenced Cry. I intend to take at least that much time with The Black Pearl.

So ... You see, I've been absent, not idle. :)

Happy writing and a very New Year to all!

A few recent comments from those who have critiqued the final copy (or portions of) "Silenced Cry."

"Wow, I want more! I just finished it and I think you have nailed the officers' dispositions, actions, language and mindset. I didn't see anything that "I thought" needed changing . . . you nailed it. I believe you will be hearing good news from the publishers. I really did enjoy it and can't wait to see it in print so I can finish it." R.G. Detective

"I’m impressed and enjoying the story! Your layering out of the chapters works well. Quinn’s a great character – you made him very visual. Great job. You’ve got a good story going with characters I’m interested in. The dialog is believable and keeps me moving thru the story. You’re cookin! If the rest of the story is consistent with what I’ve read so far I think you’ve got a great shot at publication."

I'm behind on my blogging but will try to catch things up here. It's been a great week!

I woke up Monday morning 7/31/06) to an e-mail from a publisher who has had my synopsis for a collection of novellas for a year and asked for the manuscript. LOL I thought my synopsis had been filed in the trash by now. Heavens, I’ve expanded the first novella into a novel and have been doing the final edits of the last few chapters for weeks. In fact, thoughts of working on the dreaded query and new synopsis loomed in the back of my mind when the e-mail arrived. At any rate, yes, they want to see the new manuscript for the novel instead. So . . . only a promise to read but I'll take it for now!

Someone recently asked me, “Aren’t you done with that book yet? How much longer is it going to take? Why do you keep changing it? Just send it in—see what happens.”

I’ve been writing longer than some, less than most. Am I published? Except for a few short stories online, no. Is it in my plans? Absolutely! Yet as much as I’d love to have that first contract, I refuse to rush through it. Right or wrong, I’ve taken the same approach to writing as I have everything else in my life. I jump in head first, learn all I can, and ask questions later. I know at some point I will type the words, “The End” and mean it. That will only happen, though, when I can read through the entire manuscript without picking up my red pen.

Let’s face it, all first drafts are crap. Sorry, but I’m suspicious of any person who claims that he or she can complete a novel in two or three drafts. Personally, I've lost track of how many times I’ve edited my manuscript. Creativity doesn’t come from a set of formulas and rigid templates. It comes from a vivid imagination, an open mind, and the willingness to accept change. By the way, I found that the best changes have been the result from the most brutal critiques, but that’s another post.

I’m close. Very close. But anyone who is serious about writing understands the demands on their time. It’s been a conscientious decision of mine to do this and I’m very fortunate to have a family who understands and respects the sacrifices I’ve made to achieve my goal. What a waste it would be to not strive for the very best.

The question of the day is to cut or not to cut.

When I began to write my WIP it was the first of three novellas. This book was actually the last to be written. It was an after thought to the other three. Therefore, when I wrote it, I had the plots and characters of the other three books in mind. In essence, I wrote it in support of my other works, to explain the events in the other works. However, after reading several books on the subject and as I developed the plot and got deeper into the characters' motivation in book one, it became apparent that my initial approach to writing it was completely wrong. I had to get the other books out of my head and focus on this plot only.

The three novellas will be expanded into novel length works--eventually, and although they will be a series of four detective mysteries, each must be a stand alone. Meaning, the reader shouldn't have to read the previous books to understand the characters, their motivation, and the events in later books.

I've talked with several authors who have series. I cringed when I heard one of them say that their readers would understand why a charter behaved in a certain manner in book two because it was explained in book one. Hello? That's a huge assumption, friends. Who's to say your reader will start with book one? What if the cover of book three is more appealing and they start there? Do you really want to risk frustrating your readers? What am I saying? Book two won't get to the shelves of your friendly neighborhood book shop if it's written like that!

The first in the series needs show the beginning, the development of the characters, their relationships, etc. It's the foundation for everything that comes later. Those elements have to be reintroduced in each book. I'm not talking about an in-depth account that will bore your reader to death, just enough to give the reader an understanding. The perfect scenario is that after finishing book three, the reader will rush out and buy one and two!

But to get back to the "to cut or not to cut" bit. I have two chapters that I really like, lots of tension in both, unfortunately they have nothing to do with the plot. They do, however, add personal conflict for the protag. Is this enough? Recently I read a writing tip from a well-known author that goes something like this: Think about the purpose of the scene. Is there anything in the previous chapters that sets this scene up? Will this scene set up subsequent scenes? Roll it around in your head and only after you have figured out how the scene will advance the plot, sit down and write it.

Last year, I read a book that to this day, I cannot figure out why the first chapter, a flash back, was left in. The characters in that chapter, other than the detectives, never materialized again and had no connection to the plot. That annoyed the heck out of me. Well, I'm afraid this might be the case with my two chapters if I leave them in. Nothing wrong with them, fairly well-written, but worthless. I cut one completely out. The other I decided to leave in, edit the heck out of it, force my protag to learn something from the experience that will help advance the plot, and possibly move the chapter to another spot later in the book. Time will tell if the edit will work.

By the way, no chapter, paragraph, scene, or great line is every really deleted. I cut and paste them onto another document and save them for a rainy day. You never know when those words will come in handy. I might be able to use them in my WIP or possibly one of the other books. I did just that a few months. After I read Todd A. Stone's definition of a window character, I decided that chapter was absolutely perfect as a way to set up the window character for my protag. I tweaked it a bit but didn't have to spend hours developing it.

Sometimes it's not the writing that's bad, it's the order of things.

I've been working on the same book for nearly two years now. Three-four hours a day, every day, seven days a week--more on the weekends for nearly two years. In seven months it's grown from 22,000 words to over 82,000. No wonder I'm feeling a little burned out at the moment.

I've managed to do the final edit of the first twelve chapters. Only thirty-six more to go. I'm really getting anxious to get it out of my sight. Unfortunately, there have been too many distractions recently. Mostly e-mails and posts in the different author forums I just can't seem to resist.

Something new: I've discovered that I can pound out 80,000-90,000 words and have to stop myself, but I can't seem to get through a three paragraph query letter. Why is that? Gee, can't wait until I have to work on the synopsis. :)

Welcome to my blog--my first!

Recently I had a conversation with someone who couldn't seem to get past his "writer's block." The block can happen at any point in the writing process.

I'm in the final edit of my novel. I keep telling myself it's done. Yet each time I read it, I find something else that needs to be tweaked. I've found entire paragraphs or sometimes pages that absolutely scream to be replaced. Unfortunately, I don't always have an immediate solution. So my solution is to not push it.

Writer's block is akin to when you start to speak and you lose track of what you're going to say. If you go on to something else, it often comes right back to you. See my point?

When that happens, I pick up a book and read. Sometimes it’s the other author's style or maybe a word that jumps out at me and the ideas start coming in again. If it has to do with technique, I open one of my many "how to" books. The same thing happens. I can often find answers to my problems and am immediately drawn back the computer.

Here's another idea: Imagine your book on the silver screen. What do you see? Who are the actors? What do hear? What odors do the characters smell? Even rain has an unmistakable odor. What song was chosen for your movie? What are the words to the song? Do the words describe the sentiment of your story?

You say your day job gets in the way of your writing? Start a journal of the things you do, see, hear, and feel during your work day. What quirky things do your co-workers do that either amuses or irritates you? Might they make a good character in your book? One of my characters is an odd little man. I couldn’t quite see him until I went to the market one day and there in front of me at the check out was this short chubby man. He was bald like my character and had the hairiest back chest and arms I’d ever want to see on a man, but he WAS JUST like my character. After that, when I wrote in that character’s POV, I knew exactly how he looked and how he would behave.

Use your everyday life as a resource for your writing. You'll never run out of material!