Sunday, July 26, 2009

Characterization: Crossing the Male/Female Line

CharacterizationCharacterization: Crossing the Line: Nature vs Nurture

Men and women think differently, yes, and they act differently, but there's often a very thin line between the way a woman thinks and acts versus the way a man thinks and acts. Their thoughts and actions are influenced by the things they've seen, done, and endured(environment=nurture), as well as genetics(nature).
I was in the USAF, and as a female in the military, surrounded by men(9 males to 1 female in Italy in the 80's), I thought and acted differently than most other women. I had to, in order to function in a man's world.
I write stories of intrigue, suspense, and action. Often my heroines are very strong minded, independent and physically tough. I have female FBI agents, CIA assassins, DEA snipers, and women being stalked by serial killers and ex-husbands or fiances. They have to be tough and either act in character or out of character, if they want to survive and/or thrive in their worlds, face their situations, and come out on top.
So, actions may seem out of character for a woman/heroine, but if she doesn't act and think like the strong 'person' she is, she'll die, or worse, her heart will be broken, because even assassins and snipers have feelings. If they didn't, they wouldn't do the jobs they do, especially if they work for the government and serve the people of their respective countries.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Fan Mail vs Not So Fan Mail

What experiences have you had with fan/not fan mail?



I’ve never received any negative comments via email or blogs or anything, and I hope I never do.

I have, on the other hand, received some excellent fan mail. Not a lot, but what I’ve gotten is quality. I have a very supportive fan who lives in England and refers to herself as my number one fan.

If word of mouth is a good thing, then she’s probably my best advertiser. She started reading my books with my very first release, sent me a note that said she’d bought whole trilogy and read it over the weekend, and buys everything I have come out as soon as it’s released.

Plus, she puts my info on all her Twitter and Blogs and anything else she can do to talk me up. I only know her by Suzie, but our fans are important.

Anyway, it’s not like I’m rich and famous, and I don’t have a million people chasing after me and stalking me, but a few loyal fans are very good for our egos, and they keep us going.

We write for ourselves, but we write for them, too, right? I mean, without our readers, where would we be?

Comment back, and tell me about your experiences with fans or otherwise.

ThanksJ

Rebecca Savage

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Writers Thoughts

How do you feel about:
1. POV
2. Queries
3. Synopses
4. characterization
5. plotting vs set of the pants writing
6. headhopping
7. dialog
8. GMC
9. passive voice
10. voice
11. the 'rules' :(
12. the competition
13. marketing
14. promotional items and their true value
15. critique parnters