Jennifer Archer

What Strikes Your Muse?

2012-01-18T11:07:00.001-06:00

I'm blogging today at ADR3NALIN3 about what strikes my muse. I hope you'll hop over and leave a comment! Tell me what inspires you.

While you're there, check out the ADR3NALIN3 group blog if you haven't already. A great group of YA authors blogging almost daily over there. I'm in very good company.

What's Old is New Again

2012-01-08T11:25:00.001-06:00

I'm excited to report that Samhain Publishing will be re-releasing my romance novel back list soon in ebook format under their new Retro Romance Imprint! First out will be ONCE UPON A DREAM, which was originally published in 2001. This was such a fun book to write. I skimmed through it recently and thought to myself, "Wow, I used to be funny! What happened???" Somehow, my writing has gravitated from humorous to dark. It's true that ONCE UPON A DREAM contains a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor, but it is also emotional. I think that's the consistent element in all of my work -- emotion -- whether the book is a romance, women's mainstream fiction, or young adult.

This is the original cover of ONCE UPON A DREAM. It's funny -- this is the classic historical romance novel "clench," however ONCE UPON A DREAM isn't an historical romance! It's set in 2001. The old West look was used because Alex and Robin, the hero and heroine of the story, share the same dreams which take place during the late 1800's in the Texas Panhandle.

I'm supposed to see the new cover next week! Can't wait to share.

ADR3NALIN3

2012-01-04T16:29:00.001-06:00

Happy 2012 everyone! I started off the New Year by joining a great group of authors who write dark YA in a new blog called ADR3NALIN3! I'll be posting every other Wednesday and my first post went up today! I hope you'll check it out here. It's about "vomit" first drafts and finding the writing process that's right for YOU.

Also take a minute to look around the ADR3NALIN3 site at the fantastic authors who, each day, will be sharing their insights with you about books and the writing life. And check out their book covers. Some good stuff here!

So far 2012 is off to a great start for me. How about you? What new thing(s) are you going to do in 2012?

Creative Workshops I'm Planning

2011-11-07T17:29:00.000-06:00

To my Amarillo, Texas and Texas Panhandle area peeps: If you have a second, (and an interest in creativity or creative writing), I would appreciate it if you’d read on and answer the 3 brief questions at the bottom. Cut/paste/ and email your answers to me at books@jenniferarcher.com or message me on Facebook. Also, please forward this to anyone you know with an interest in these topics.

Since publishing my first novel thirteen years ago, I’ve presented workshops, talks, and classes in creativity and creative writing for clubs, organizations, and in the classroom. I enjoy sharing with others what I’ve learned as a writer, so I’m planning three six-week workshops I’d like to offer in 2012. Your feedback will be extremely helpful to me.

The workshops I’m planning are:

Jumpstarting Your Creativity – This workshop is not only for writers, it’s for anyone wanting to live more creatively, take your current creative pursuits to the next level, or rediscover your creative passions, whatever they may be, if you’ve lost them as an adult.
Organic Writing: Unearthing the Story in Your Idea – This will be an intense 6 to 8 week workshop that will meet once a week. Students must already have an idea for a story in order to participate, and the workshop will help you to develop it into a complete story.
Writing a Kick-Ass Book Proposal – This workshop is for writers with a completed (or almost completed) novel who are ready to start putting together a proposal to submit to agents and/or editors. We’ll cover, step-by-step, writing the Query Letter, Synopsis, and sample chapters of YOUR BOOK, and will discuss studying the market to know where to submit. Fiction only.

Please put “Proposed Workshops” in the subject line when emailing your answers to the following questions. Feel free to add your thoughts/comments/suggestions and to ask questions of your own. Thanks!

CHECK ANY CLASSES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO YOU, AND/OR CHECK ‘OTHER’ AND LIST A CLASS TOPIC(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDED. (a) Jumpstarting Your Creativity____ (b) Organic Writing: Unearthing the Story in Your Idea_____ (c) Writing a Kick-Ass Book Proposal___

(d) Other_______________________________________________________________________

2. DO WEEKDAY MORNINGS____ WEEKDAY AFTERNOONS____EVENINGS DURING THE WEEK____ SATURDAYS___ OR AN ONLINE CLASS____ WORK BEST FOR YOU? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

3. HOW LONG WOULD YOU PREFER TO BE IN "CLASS" ONCE PER WEEK? 1 hr____ 1.5 hrs____ 2 hrs_____

COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS/THOUGHTS____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TeenShiver

2011-10-18T11:33:00.003-05:00

Hey strangers! Long time, no blog, right? Wanted to tell you that I have some new projects in the works. One is a wonderful new group of Texas YA authors I've joined called TeenShiver. Rather than telling you all about the group here, I'd like to invite you to hop on over to our very cool website and blog at teenshiver.com There you'll see all the authors involved, as well as their books. I think you'll find some authors with whom you're familiar within our ranks, as well as some new authors whose books you'll want to explore. My first blog post is up today, so I hope you'll stop by!

As for my other new projects . . . I'll save those for another day.

I hope you're enjoying the Fall weather and getting your pumpkins carved for Halloween!

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

Winner of Friday Giveaway: FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan

2011-06-03T15:11:00.000-05:00

We have a winner! How did I choose? Randomly. I asked my husband to choose a letter of the alphabet and the first poster with a name beginning with that letter won. He chose 'F' so the winner is....

FloeticFlo!!

Next week I will choose in a different random way, so don't despair if you're one of the last posters.

Floetic Flo, FIRELIGHT will be sent to you soon.

Happy reading!

Thursday's Choice: FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan

2011-06-02T06:01:00.003-05:00

My choice today for tomorrow's Friday Freebie is an autographed copy of author Sophie Jordan's Firelight. If you want to enter the giveaway and have a chance at winning this fantastic book, leave a comment! Here's what Firelight is about:

From Booklist

Descended from dragons, the draki's ability to appear human protects them from hunters. Jacinda lives with her pride in the Cascades, but she chafes under her special status as the only fire-breather in hundreds of years. Recklessly breaking the “no-fly” rule, she attracts hunters; mercifully, one hunter, a beautiful boy who looks upon her with wonder, lets her escape. After this, the pride intends to hobble her rebelliousness, and Jacinda is forced to flee. But while twin sister Tamra, who never manifested and was shunned, is happy with the move, Jacinda feels only anguish within Nevada's desert climate. Then she meets Will and, despite recognizing him as the same draki hunter, feels herself come alive. Jordan's compelling addition to the supernatural star-crossed lovers theme is equal parts taut suspense and sensuous romance, with visceral writing and believable relationships among characters, particularly among Jacinda's family. A foreshadowed twist and a thrilling confrontation in the end pages leave Jacinda heartbroken and in trouble, and readers will howl for more. Grades 8-12. --Krista Hutley

Writing Class Wednesday: Using Sensory Detail -- Scent

2011-06-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

By bringing sensory detail into your writing, you can stir emotion in your characters and in your reader, as well. Sensory detail puts the reader more into the mind and body of the character.

First, let's discuss scent. The nose knows.

My grandmother always wore Jergen's lotion. She passed away almost two decades ago, but one whiff of Jergen's lotion and immediately I experience a sense of security, and the love and happiness I felt whenever I spent time with my grandmother. The scent also brings back memories of how it felt to be a carefree child with a long summer stretching ahead of me, because I most often visited my grandparents during the summer. If I was writing a scene in which I wanted to create those emotions and memories in my character and the reader, I might use Jergen's lotion to do so.

Here's a rather simplistic example of how you might use scent in your writing to trigger emotion, and thereby help your readers connect with and relate to your character.

Let's make our character a woman -- a mother. We'll name her Sue. Sue is having problems with her rebellious, angry teenaged daughter, Heather. Heather blames her anger on her belief that her mother doesn't understand her, or even try to. One day, Heather storms out of the house after an argument, and Sue finds her daughter's car in the parking lot of a nearby mall. Late for a meeting and fed up with Heather's constant antics to get attention, Sue goes inside the mall to look for her daughter, and as she passes a perfume counter in a department store, her senses are filled with the scent of White Shoulders cologne. Sue's mother always wore White Shoulders, and the aroma instantly triggers a memory of being in her mom's bedroom when she was a teenager. She'd been trying to convince her mother to let her go away for the weekend with a couple of friends, but her mom was dressing for a party and was too preoccupied to listen to Sue's reasoning. The memory of the frustration she had felt over her mother's distracted refusal to take the time to talk to her, triggers an emotion of sadness in Sue, and suddenly her anger at Heather transforms into understanding and regret.

Most any reader who is or ever was a teenager will relate to these feelings of being ignored or misunderstood. Whether or not the source of the feelings was real or imagined, every teen has experienced frustration with a parent. And so your reader will relate. And every person associates certain scents with situations or people from their past. So they'll relate to Sue's experience when she smells White Shoulders, as well.

Try this exercise: Choose one of the following every day scents that most people have on hand-- vanilla extract, suntan lotion, or furniture polish. Smell the scent you choose then, using paper and pen, describe it without using scent descriptors. For instance: "The pie smelled of sunshine . . . of warmth and innocence and simpler times." (But you can do better than that. ;-) )

Let the Battle Begin...!

2011-05-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

Cool news! THROUGH HER EYES has been nominated in the 'Fantasy' category in the 2011 Book Genre Battle over at the Most Important Letter Blog! This is a brand spanking new book battle and looks like lots of fun. Go take a look and VOTE if you're so inclined.

Friday Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-27T09:39:00.001-05:00

Ivy is the winner of an autographed copy of IN THE ARMS OF STONE ANGELS by Jordan Dane! Congratulations, Ivy. I know you're going to love this wonderful book.

Happy reading!

Thursday's Choice: IN THE ARMS OF STONE ANGELS by Jordan Dane

2011-05-26T06:00:00.006-05:00

I have some awesome autographed YA novels that I picked up on the Chills and Thrills Tour, and I want YOU to read them. To celebrate the end of the week, I'll be giving away one title every Friday for the next six weeks, and I'm starting the first contest giveaway today! Every Thursday check my blog for the new title, enter the contest, and the next day (Friday) I'll announce the winner. All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog saying you want to enter.

Tomorrow I'll be giving away IN THE ARMS OF STONE ANGELS by Jordan Dane. If you want to win this book, leave a comment! Then check back here tomorrow for the winner. Here's what the book is about:

Two years ago, Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend--the first boy she ever loved--of being a killer.

Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac "White Bird" Henry isn't in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. And when Brenna touches him, she's pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn't understand.

Feeling isolated and alone, she's up against the whole town, targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff, and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own. But when Brenna realizes she's as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won't turn her back on him. She's the only one who can free them both.

Even if she has to expose her secret--a "gift" she's kept hidden her whole life.

Writing Class Wednesday: When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Keep Going

2011-05-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

In the last Writing Class Wedsnesday post, I talked about finding something to say -- something to write about. But once you've got your story or topic, often it can seem as if life's conspiring to trip you up. There's never enough time to write, or you sit down and stare at the blinking cursor on your computer screen and writer's block kicks in. Or the task of writing an entire story feels so overwhelming you feel a panic attack coming on. When this happens, how can you keep going?

If possible, sit down to write at the same time and in the same location every day. Your subconscious mind will begin to recognize that time as writing time and that place as its creative space, and soon the creative juices will begin to flow whenever you settle in.
Freewrite. Just start writing. Something. Anything. It doesn't have to be your story. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Or ten. During that time, write fast without pausing. If you're stuck, write one thought or word repeatedly until your mind kickstarts and moves toward your story again.
Look at one part of the picture, rather than the entire panorama. Author Anne Lamott says to approach each day's writing in this way: "Write down as much as you can see through a one-inch frame." Concentrate on one scene at a time, or one part of a scene. That one memory of falling into the river on your childhood vacation, for instance, rather than the entire vacation.
Allow yourself to write a shitty first draft. I'm not sure who said it, but a wise writer once made the observation that terrible writing can be fixed, but a blank page can't. You have to fill it before you can revise.
Find the writing routine that works for you and stick with it, even if it isn't the way your favorite author writes, or the way I write, or the way most writers write.

Until next time,

Happy writing!

More Chills & Thrills!

2011-05-24T14:56:00.001-05:00

Tween blogger Melina from Reading Vacation
& I met up at A Real Bookstore
in Fairview, TX

Well, my part of the Chills and Thrills Teen Book Tour has ended, but many of the other authors will be continuing on and signing this coming weekend in Houston at Murder by the Book on Saturday at 4:30 and at Katy Budget Books on Sunday at 2:00. My books will be at the Katy store for sure, with autographed bookplates. Not sure about Murder by the Book. So if you're in Houston this weekend, stop by and see the authors and buy books!

Ten days away from home, my husband and my dogs was too long, and I'm glad to be back, but I had a blast! It was great to meet and spend time with Sophie Jordan, Jordan Dane, Lara Chapman, Mari Mancusi, Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs. Not only do these ladies write great books, they're wonderful people, too! It was also very special to meet so many readers, bloggers, teachers, librarians and booksellers, and to catch up again with many old friends.

Kari (from The Teen Book Scene) & I talk books at
A Real Bookstore in Fairview, TX

One of the highlights of my trip was having coffee with Kari from the Teen Book Scene who sponsored my blog tour for THROUGH HER EYES a while back and did such a wonderful job. Kari also writes the blog, A Good Addiction.

Signing with authors Tera Lynn Childs
& Tracy Deebs at Barnes & Noble
in Hurst, TX

I also met tween blogger Melina, from the fabulous Reading Vacation, and Katie from Mundie Moms was there. Also, Arena from The Nerd's Wife, and Lindsay from Lindsay Writes. Oh, and I had coffee with Rosemary Clement Moore and lunch with Candace Havens, both of whom are columinists for Fresh Fiction and fab authors in their own right. (And it just so happens, I knew them when -- as in, back before they were published novelists! They've been friends of mine for a long time now!)

There are many more people I enjoyed seeing -- too many to mention in one post! Thanks to all of you for coming out and making the tour so fun for me.

Me, Arena (from A Nerd's Wife blog),
& authors Tracy Deebs &
Tera Lynn Childs

To see more photos from the tour, visit the Chills and Thrills website.

Until next time,

Happy reading!

Talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Hurst, TX

Talkin' Books in the Texas Hill Country

2011-05-16T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hi y'all! The Chills and Thrills Teen Book Tour is underway and I'm having a blast! I've posted a couple of photos below. So far, we've had events in San Antonio at Barnes and Noble in the Shops at La Cantera, and at Book People in Austin The bookstore people have been wonderful to us and they really got the word out! We've had a great turn out at both places, and I've had such fun talking with teens and tweens, parents, librarians and the other authors about books and writing and the publishing biz. The conversations have been lively and interesting; we've been asked questions about everything from what inspires our stories, to our feelings, as authors, about the ebook phenomenon. And I am amazed at how many awesome young people out there are already writing their own novels! I'm impressed!

I am kicking myself because I forgot to bring my camera to the San Antonio event, but I did get some shots from the Austin stop at Book People.

In this one:

authors from left to right in back -- me, Tracy Deebs, Jordan Dane, Lara Chapman

In front row -- two awesome readers

And here are the authors, minus Lara Chapman (who was off talking to one of her fans, I'm sure!)

Me, Tracy Deebs, Sophie Jordan, Mari Mancusi, Jordan Dane, Tera Lynn Childs (Sorry it's so small but for some odd reason it blurs when I try to make it larger)

Today, I'm working (and doing a lot of chilling out!) in Dallas. Tomorrow I'm talking to 7th graders in Irving. A close friend from my college days is their teacher, so I'm really excited to spend time with her and her fantastic students! I hope to post photos tomorrow night!

Until then, happy reading!

Chills & Thrills in San Antonio & Austin

2011-05-13T18:26:00.000-05:00

Calling all YA fiction lovers!! If you're in the San Antonio or Austin area this coming weekend, I hope you'll stop by and see me and some other fantastic YA authors on the "Chills and Thrills Teen Book Tour. " After this weekend, the tour will continue on to Waco, the Dallas area and Houston. I'll be signing at all stops EXCEPT Houston, although my books will be available at the Houston stops, along with autographed bookplates.

Authors signing at some or all of the different stops are:

Tracy Deebs
Tera Lynn Childs
Sophie Jordan
Mari Mancusi
Lara Chapman
Jennifer Archer
Jordan Dane

and we'll be signing this weekend at:

Saturday, May 14th
La Cantera Barnes and Noble, San Antonio
12-2 p.m.
(Rick Riordan is signing right after us!)

Sunday, May 15th
BookPeople, Austin
2-4 p.m.

For more info, check out our website at: chillsandthrillsteenbooktour.wordpress.com where you'll find info on our books and who we are, along with addresses, etc. for all our stops. Hope to see you at one of the stores!

Writing Class Wednesday: Having Something to Say

2011-05-11T05:01:00.002-05:00

I hear it all the time: "I'd like to write, but I don't have anything to say."

Sorry. I'm not buying it. Every life is made up of stories.

Write about your childhood memories

Your happiest or saddest memory
Something that once hurt you physically or mentally
A vacation with your family
Your teachers and/or classmates
Your experiences in the school cafeteria
Your first kiss/first love/first broken heart

Write about things that scare you. For instance, some of the things that scare me are:

Opening a curtain to find a face staring in at me from the other side of the window
Mice
Televangelists
A severed head

Write about the topic discussed in a conversation you had with someone

But, what if you don't want to write about anything personal? The world is full of stories, too. You live in the world. Look around. Listen. Pay attention.

Write about a conversation you overheard while eavesdropping on someone else

Come on. Who are you fooling? I know you eavesdrop from time-to-time!

Write about an unsolved mystery

Who was Jack the Ripper?

Ask yourself, "what if?" and write down wherever the answers take you

What if I lived in that old house at the edge of this little town I drive through every summer?
What if I switched lives with that rich girl in my History class?
What if I woke up tomorrow and couldn't remember who I am or anything about my life?

Okay, what are you waiting for? Pick up a pen, grab a piece of paper, set a timer for 10 minutes, choose one of the above and start writing! Don't stop, even for a second, until the timer dings.

Happy Mother's Day, Moms!

2011-05-07T19:59:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my mother for my life and her love, and to my sons for making me a mom! (Scroll down and enjoy!)

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom

My Very Own Award Show

2011-05-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

Here ye, here ye! It's finally here -- the day we've all been anxiously awaiting: My announcement of the blogs I've chosen to receive The Stylish Blogger Award, which was bestowed upon me by Anita Howard at A Still and Quiet Madness.

I won't keep you waiting another moment. Let's get to it! The winning bloggers are:

1. Travis Erwin for his blog: Lettuce is the Devil (The culinary dogma of a devout meat man).Although I'm a fan of veggies and disagree with Travis's belief that they're evil, this blog is just plain funny!
2. Valia Lind for her blog: Words are Things (My journey as a writer). I love to talk about writing, I love book recommendations, I love book trailers and vlogs. This blog has it all!
3. Kayeleen Hamblin for her blog: Kayeleen's Creation Corner. Kayeleen's thoughtful posts inspire me.
4. Jen Daiker for her blog: Unedited. This is a fun, informative blog!
5. Leanna Ellis's blog. She posts about kids, pets and writing -- three of my all-time favorite things!

Congratulations to my winners! Your award, should you choose to accept it, comes with a few rules. They are that you must:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.

2. Share seven random facts about yourself on your blog.
3. Pass the award along to five buddies whose blogs epitomize said theme.
4. Contact those buddies to congratulate them.

Seven Random Facts

2011-05-04T14:33:00.001-05:00

When I accepted the Stylish Blogger Award, bestowed upon me by the ever-so-creative Anita Howard at A Still and Quiet Madness, I agreed to post seven random facts about myself. So without further ado...

Seven Random Facts

I know how to dance the "Funky Chicken." I acquired this knowledge while attending college. Yes, my tuition was well spent.

2. My first real kiss was a guy named Johnny. He was a lifeguard at the pool where

my friends and I swam in the summers. He looked like a lifeguard, too: sun-bleached hair, very tan, gorgeous. I was fifteen and mega shy. That was a spectacular summer. Alas, it ended before the leaves began to change color and school started. Sigh.

3. When taking driver's ed at the age of sixteen, I turned into oncoming traffic on a busy street one day, backed over a parking lot median on another day, and never mastered parallel parking. Two years later, I ran into my driver's ed instructor in a McDonald's restaurant in the town where I was attending college. When I told him he had been my instructor and started to remind him of my name, he interrupted, saying, "Jenny Browder -- I remember. How could I ever forget?"

4. One of the first stories I ever wrote was a limerick called, "A Frog Named Fred and a Fly Named Flo," about a frog and a fly that fall in love. I was in elementary school. My grandmother thought it was wonderful and funny. She sent it to Readers' Digest and was quite disgusted with them when they didn't publish it.

5. When I was a kid, I loved to eat mustard sandwiches. Mustard and bread. That's it.

6. I often forget where I parked and have been known to wander through Walmart parking lots, hopelessly lost, while pushing a cart filled with groceries.

7. A moth once flew into my ear and got stuck. Every time its wings fluttered I completely freaked out. My husband had to pull it out with a pair of tweezers.

"I'd Like to Thank..."

2011-05-02T17:36:00.000-05:00

I've won an award! I never win ANYTHING! At least, I didn't. Until now.

Er...uh...maybe not. My BLOG won the award. This blog.

The lovely, talented, amazing Anita Grace Howard of the fabulous blog A Still and Quiet Madness presented me with a Stylish Blogger Award. So maybe I did win. I am said "blogger," afterall. Anyway, whatever the case, I humbly accept. Thank-you. Thank-you very much. (Bows) I am honored.

Honor comes with responsibility, and the Stylish Blogger Award is no exception. In the days ahead, I will gratefully and eagerly meet those responsibilities here, so please check back to find out what I've been asked to do. Until then, I hope you'll hop on over to A Still and Quiet Madness to soak in all of its awesomeness. You'll love it there and you'll love Anita; I promise.

Earth Day Giveaway!

2011-04-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

In honor of Earth Day, I'm having a giveaway! Hop on over to my website and watch the book trailer for Through Her Eyes. Then visit my Facebook author page and leave a comment about the video and/or the story it tells. (And while you're there, please 'Like' my page!) That's all you have to do. Easy peasy.

In the morning (4/23) I'll choose one winner to receive an autographed copy of THROUGH HER EYES!

Time is ticking away . . . go watch the video now!

Happy Reading!

Thanks, Amarillo Readers!

2011-04-17T12:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an exciting day for Tansy, Bethyl Ann, Papa Dan, Henry and the rest of the THROUGH HER EYES cast. And for me! The first booksigning for THROUGH HER EYES was held at Barnes and Noble in my home town of Amarillo, Texas and it was fun.

Lots of readers came out -- I saw old friends and made new ones. Thanks for your support, Amarillo -- and for making it a sell-out event!

Thoughts from a Teen Writer: Inspiration Part Two

2011-04-13T05:00:00.004-05:00

More words of wisdom, and a bit of encouragement from Allison. Hey, girl! Eighteen and already so smart!

___________________

For this internship class, I had to figure out a final product that reflects what I’ve learned about my chosen career. The goal is to bring something into the writing world that others can benefit from. As you can tell from my last post, I get inspiration from different things but I left out a major source: books! I love reading almost everything and I love how some stories will suck me in so deeply that the fictional world seems like reality. These stories resonate inside me for a long time after I’ve finished the story, which is a great indicator that the story was inspirational.

My product is a novella. I hope to give readers inspiration and I wish that my story will be a memorable one. I am about halfway done and this experience has been… challenging, to say the least! No matter what obstacles I’m faced with, however, I seem to get back on track as I write more. So what I guess I’m saying is to never give up. If you really believe in it and yourself, you can end up with something great, no matter what it is.

Allison

Launch Week for THROUGH HER EYES

2011-04-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

Release day for THROUGH HER EYES was on April 5. Already, my book has been out in the world for almost a week! Unbelievable. I had big plans to post photos of it on bookstore shelves, photos of me giving copies to Marcy, Linda, Anita and April, the members of my critique group, photos of my big, beautiful box of author copies. But I've been too crazy busy to even pick up my camera, and besides, my house is dirty and I'm afraid all the dust bunnies would show up in the pictures!

It's a good kind of busy to be, so I'm not complaining. I've been a guest on several blogs. (Check out all my past and future blog tour stops at the Teen Book Scene) . I've been making arrangements to go to Austin on Thursday for the Texas Library Association convention. I've been planning a May Texas "Chills & Thrills Teen Book Tour" with several other YA authors. (Take a look at the line up of authors and tour stops on the Chills & Thrills site. Check back often, as we'll be adding more information as the time for the tour approaches.) And I've been preparing for a booksigning in Amarillo on Thursday.

Meanwhile, I need a haircut, a manicure, a HOUSEKEEPER AND A COOK!! Any volunteers?

If you're in or near Amarillo, Texas on Saturday, I'd love to see you at Barnes & Noble!

Winners of the THROUGH HER EYES GARGANTUAN GIVEAWAY!!

2011-04-06T22:11:00.000-05:00

I had hoped to have pictures up of the drawing and my book to go along with this post, but time got away from me. Sorry! Tonight at my critique group meeting my lovely critique partner Anita Howard drew the winners of the THROUGH HER EYES GARGANTUAN GIVEAWAY!

Drum roll please:

Winners of the two Kindles are (1) Vivien Propst and (2) Celeste Erwin

Winners of the two iPod shuffles are (1) Toni Kirkpatrick and (2) Debbie Davis

Winners of the two leather journal are (1) Melissa Wheelock and (2) Lynnette Leber

Winners of the two autographed copies of THROUGH HER EYES are (1) Avery Greaves and (2) Margarita Lopez

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who entered!

Thoughts from a Teen Writer: Inspiration

2011-03-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

A great post from my teen writing intern, Allison!

________________________

Hello!

So, sometimes I have a little trouble figuring out how to continue a scene or come up with something new. I get stuck and irritated: why can’t I write anything that I like? Listening to music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. I listen to music as much as I can and love discovering new bands or bands I just never thought to listen to. When I’m completely stuck, I’ll listen to music. Almost every song can strike a certain emotion inside me, thus making me feel like I can keep going with the story and that, no, I don’t need to give up. The soundtrack to “The Phantom of the Opera” is probably one of the most inspiring cds I have. The flowing, sometimes sad instrumental and vocal music creates so many different emotions: sadness, sympathy, urgency, deep love and it goes on. In the music, I can feel the passion, the tragedy of the story. Music can sometimes explain what a person’s feeling better than words can. Bubbly pop songs make me think of the carefree days of summer and I feel energetic and this will make me write more energetic, light scenes. All in all, music is my main inspiration.

I also get inspiration from actual people. (Who doesn’t? J) Strangers are perfect because you don’t know who they actually are, you don’t know their story. This enables you to create any story at all to go with this person. Working at a library has helped me see these possibilities. There are some people who I see frequently while others are fleeting. Those that do come in a lot create different questions in my mind: why do they always come here? Do they just like the quietness of the library or do they want to get away from something? What is there story? Many ideas will jump out at me and when one presents itself a little more clearly in my head, I grab onto that story and start writing. It may morph into something totally unexpected but that’s what, in my opinion, is what writing is about. The inspiration is infinite.

Allison

Writing Class Wednesday: You've Gotta Have Friends

2011-03-24T13:12:00.000-05:00

(Maybe I should rename this post: Writing Class Wednesday One Day Late!) Today my lesson is short and sweet. Every writer needs a friend(s) who understands what she/he is trying to accomplish. Someone to whom you can read your work. Someone whose shoulder you can cry on when the going gets tough. Of course, I have my fabulous critique group, but I also have Marge and Harry. I can read the worst writing of my life and they still look at me with adoring eyes. Well, okay, sometimes they yawn and whine a little, but they never utter an insult. And they're cool with it if whine, too!

Thoughts from a Teen Writer: Phantom of the Opera

2011-03-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

A post from my writing intern, Allison:

I'm currently reading The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. I'm at chapter twelve right now and I love the story but Raoul seems like a cry-baby. When he sees Christine listening to the Opera Ghost with rapture, he starts to cry because of the way Christine feels about the voice. I really like the whole story about the ghost and how he teaches Christine to sing and the tragedy of how he loves her and wants her to love him despite his appearance. The one thing that I didn't like is how the Opera Ghost tries to make Christine love him when it probaby would've been better for him if he didn't force her. I like that in some ways it's similar to the movie made in 2004 because it helps create visuals when reading the book. Usually, I either like the movie better than the book but both are amazing.

Jennifer had told me about a book Phantom by Susan Kay and now I want to read it because it's about the Phantom's childhood. I read a review that said that it's one of the best adaption from The Phantom of the Opera. So the movie made me interested in the book which made me interested in Phantom.

Allison

Writing Class Wednesday: Making Writing a Routine

2011-03-16T06:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday when I met with my writing intern Allison, I mentioned that when people find out I'm a writer, probably at least 75% of them respond by saying they have a book idea or that they've "always wanted to write," BUT "I don't have time." I just bite my lip, nod, and smile. The thing is, I don't know many writers that didn't have a full load of other things going on in their lives when they started writing. In my case, when I started taking creative writing classes at night and began my first novel, I was raising two rowdy little boys, had a part-time job, ran a sideline residential rental property business with my husband, volunteered at my kids' school . . . and the list goes on. If you're serious about writing, you'll find a way to make it a routine part of your life. Here are some ways to do that. Some of these might have you rolling your eyes and snarling, "Duh." But you'd be surprised at the excuses people come up with, such as "I don't have a computer." My answer to that is, Neither did Hemingway.

What Can Serve to Help You Make Writing A Routine Part Of Your Life

Pen/pencil
Paper
Computer recommended but not required
A place. Everyone has a different idea of the perfect work environment: Home, a coffee shop, outside, inside, in a quiet place, in a noisy place. If something prevents you from having your ideal, make do with what you have. I once read about an author who, before he sold a book, wrote at work. He kept a spiral notebook in his desk drawer, opened the drawer slightly when no one was watching, and scribbled away! I don't recommend this -- especially in today's job market. If you have a job, don't do anything that might cause you to lose it! Make what you have work for you. If you don't have an office, use the kitchen table or convert a closet into your writing space.
Try to set aside specific time for your writing if you can. If you can squeeze in time every day, do so! If not, even if you can only write once a week, decide when it's going to be -- for instance, Saturdays from two o'clock until four o'clock -- and don't let anything short of a catastrophe keep you from using it!
Try to find someone else who wants to write and get together with them periodically to talk about each other's progress, or even read your work aloud and critique each other.
Read books on writing. A couple of really good ones that come to mind are Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, and Stephen King's On Writing.
Desire. You need to really want to write deep in your core in order to make it a routine part of your life.

Is being a writer/ completing a book or story something you really want? Or do you just like the idea of being a writer?
Examine your motives. Are you are willing to give up or pare down on certain things in order to make time to write? Will you give up T.V. time, socializing, an hour of sleep? Is so, chances are the desire is there.
Watch out what you choose to give up! Prioritize. Living a balanced life is important to your happiness and well-being. Time devoted to important relationships such as your spouse and children, your parents, close friends, and your health is too important to sacrifice to a large extent.

Determination

You will need to learn not to let setbacks or rejection (if trying to publish) devastate you so badly that you give up. It's part of the business.

Patience

Books don’t write themselves. It takes time and effort and patience to sit down every day in front of the page and work on getting the words down.
If you try to publish, the process of finding an agent and/or and editor takes time and can be frustrating and humbling. You'll need a willingness to listen to suggestions and do revisions. It takes time to turn an idea into a published story or book.

Belief in yourself

In order to write, you need to believe you have something worthwhile to say
If you’re getting rejections from agents and/or editors, you must believe that you’re still "good enough" and continue to submit
If you do publish and you get a negative review, you have to remember that you are one of the few people who submitted a manuscript that sold, so that is a testament to your talent, despite the bad review.

A willingness to learn

If you can’t take constructive criticism and use it to make your work better, you’ll have a tough time being a writer
If you aren’t willing to read and learn from the work of others, you may have a tough time being a writer
If you aren’t willing to take the time to study the craft and business of writing, you may have a tough time being a writer.

A support group. (This ties in with # 6)

Writing is a lonely business. It helps to have a network of other writers with whom you can talk. Because only another writer can really understand what you are trying to do and the emotions and problems that go hand in hand with that pursuit
A critique group or writer group can help encourage you, point out problems in your work you aren’t seeing, point out strengths in your work you might want to emphasize. Warning: be careful about the members you choose to form your group. Trust is important. Chemistry is important. Finding folks who are honest but kind and encouraging and positive is important. Warning II: Critique groups are not for everyone. Some “don’t want another person's footprints on their work until it’s finished.” Some writers don’t find it helpful to only bring a few pages a week to a critique meeting. Design a group that fits the members’ unique needs and desires.

Writing Exercise

Freewrite for ten minutes about why you want to write, or about what has been your experience with writing. What pushes you to write or what holds you back -- or both?

Follow The THROUGH HER EYES blog tour!

2011-03-15T14:15:00.002-05:00

The Through Her Eyes blog tour started on Sunday! You can catch up on the first two posts here and here, and see the other stops I'll be making at The Teen Book Scene. I hope you'll come along for the ride! You'll learn a lot about the book and more than you probably want to know about me. (Some of it's a little embarrassing -- especially one tidbit involving a cactus. You'll have to follow along to find that one! :-) ) Best of all, you'll get to check out some amazing YA blogs.

Also, if you've already pre-ordered Through Her Eyes or you're planning to order it (the hardback version or the ebook version for your Kindle or Nook) you'll want to check out the MEGA contest I'm having! You could win a Kindle, an iPod, a beautiful leather journal, or an autographed copy of Through Her Eyes. Check out the details here or on my website and enter your name into the drawing before April 4th!

Oh, and if you haven't seen the book trailer, take a look! (Through Her Eyes book trailer) It's amazing, if I do say so myself...

Happy Reading!

Thoughts from a Teen Writer

2011-03-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

I may have mentioned before that one afternoon a week, I mentor a seventeen-year-old girl who wants to be a writer. We do this through a program at her school called PRO. I'm fairly sure that I learn as much or more from Allison as she does from me! So I thought it might be fun and informative for her to post from time to time about writing from a teen's perspective -- what she's learning from our time together, through her own practice of the craft, and any other thing she wants to talk about. She might want to discuss a book she's reading and her thoughts about it -- writers are readers, afterall, or should be. I learn so much from reading the work of other authors!

Allison will post on Mondays from time-to-time, and as this is Monday, she's starting today! Her first post will be more of an introduction to get things started. So without further ado, I give you my writing mentee/intern Allison!

Hello, everyone! Interning with Jennifer has been extremely beneficial to me. I’ve learned a whole lot about writing that I didn’t even think about before. It also helps that our meetings are so laid back because to me, writing should be something enjoyable and not reluctant like a school assignment.

Recently, I learned from Jennifer how to format my dialogue in my story and I also learned about free-writing, which is how I got my idea in the first place. (For more about "freewriting" see this post).

I know that writing isn’t as glamorous as people make it out to be, but to me, it isn’t bad at all. Yeah, I don’t know about the struggles with selling a book and whatnot, but the actual art of writing is as glamorous as what I thought it would be. :-)

Allison

An Awesome Book Trailer for THROUGH HER EYES

2011-03-06T21:39:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to enter the THROUGH HER EYES Gargantuan Giveaway! You could win a Kindle, iPod, leather journal or an autographed copy of THROUGH HER EYES! Check out the details here. But first take a look at this awesome official book trailer created by the mega-talented Emily Greaser, a graphic and motion design artist. You can check out more of Emily's work on her website.

Here's the trailer!

Enter the Through Her Eyes GARGANTUAN GIVEAWAY to Win a Kindle & Other Great Prizes!!!!!

2011-03-01T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hear ye! Hear ye! Pre-order THROUGH HER EYES by Jennifer Archer (that's me) between March 1, 2011 (today) and April 4, 2011 and as my THANKS to you, I’ll enter your name into my GARGANTUAN GIVEAWAY!!

On April 6, 2011 the members of my marvelous writing critique group, The Divas, will draw eight lucky names:

1st & 2nd names drawn will win a Kindle
3rd and 4th names drawn win an iPod Shuffle
5th & 6th names drawn win a bound leather journal, like the one Tansy finds in the cellar in THROUGH HER EYES.
7th & 8th names drawn win an autographed copy of THROUGH HER EYES. (Give the one you pre-ordered to a friend!)

HOW TO ENTER (Only 4 easy steps!)

1. Pre-order THROUGH HER EYES by Jennifer Archer (that's me) on one of these online sites between

March 1 and April 4, 2011:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Indie Bound

2. Email a copy of your pre-order confirmation from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indie Bound to me at thegargantuangiveaway@yahoo.com

3. Along with your confirmation email, send me your address so I’ll know where to mail your prize if you win!

4. Tweet, Facebook, blog or simply call a friend about the THROUGH HER EYES Gargantuan Giveaway! In your confirmation email to me, explain how you spread the news about the Giveaway, and because I’m a trusting person, I’ll take your word for it!

That’s it!

All steps must be made and information sent to thegargantuangiveaway@yahoo.com by midnight (Central Standard Time) on 4/4/2011 to qualify! Winners will be announced on my website www.jenniferarcher.net and on my blog www.jenniferarcher.blogspot.com after April 6, 2011. Good luck!!

*Contest entrants will be added to my mailing list & receive occasional updates about my future book releases and new contests.

*If you can't fulfill any of the steps & would still like to enter, explain in an email to me and I'll add your name into the drawing!

Writing Class Wednesday: There Is No Right or Wrong Way to Write!

2010-11-10T12:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had my first official meeting with my new intern/mentee. Allison is a high school senior who contacted me to be her mentor through the PRO Program at her school. As a PRO student, she had to find a mentor or mentors that work in the profession she's considering pursuing, and meet with them each week. My fab intern last year, Summer, also came to me through PRO. I'm excited to get to know Allison over the months ahead and to talk to her about the writing profession. I can already tell that she's a smart young woman and eager to talk about books and the craft of wiriting and the crazy publishing world. I have a feeling I'll end up learning as much from her as she does from me, as was the case with Summer!

I thought it might be fun to blog once a week about the writing topics Allison and I discuss since I'm pretty sure some of you who visit my blog are studying and practicing writing with the hopes of not only improving and learning the craft, but also of getting published. Let me say first, however, that I am by no means an expert on this subject! Even after publishing many books, I often continue to feel as if I'm swimming blindly through the murky waters of the writing/publishing world. Occasionally, though, the waters have cleared to allow me a glimpse of insight. So that's what I'll share with you here each Wednesday -- those snippets of information I've learned along the way that have been helpful and/or enlightening to me.

Yesterday, Allison and I discussed this Rumer Godden quote:

"No one else can teach a writer how to write or how to use imagination; only life and experience can teach that, but he or she can and should be taught technique.”

I don't know who Rumer Godden is, but I agree with him (her?) wholeheartedly. No one can teach us how to write, and by the same token, there is no right or wrong way to write. However, there are techniques we can learn, and then decide which among them work for us. The techniques that work for me might not work for you, and vice versa. So the key, I think, is to try many different approaches until you find the one(s) that is right for you, then adopt it as your own by applying it to your writing process.

Don't believe any teacher or published writer, no matter how successful he or she might be, if they say that you must approach your writing in a particular way. For instance, I've read and heard numerous times that the "best way" to write the first draft of a novel is to vomit it onto the page (excuse that gross analogy!) In other words, write it really fast without doing any revising along the way. Apparently, this is the preferred method for the majority of published novelists. But I’ve tried it, and while it might very well be be best for the majority, it’s not the best method for me. I feel overwhelmed with the mess I have on my hands when I reach the end. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that a "three steps forward, one step back" approach works better for me when tackling the first draft. By this I mean that I write my pages for the day without revising, and then the next writing day, I lightly revise the previous day's work before moving on to new writing. Repeating that process each day, I work my way through the story, and when I reach the end, I have a slightly more polished “rough” draft of my manuscript than I would if I used the "vomit" method. And I don’t feel quite so overwhelmed when working on draft two.

The danger inherit in my method of writing a first draft is that you can get stuck in the reworking of the early part of a book and never push forward. If you try it and find that this is the case with you -- that you can't seem to say to yourself, okay that's enough, and move on -- then you might be in that majority that is better off writing the first draft quickly without stopping to revise. I know a lot of writers who have started several novels and never finished them because they've gotten stuck in the revising stage during the early chapters of the book. Frustrated, they gave up and started something new. Again and again. For whatever reason, I've been able to avoid that trap. I allow myself a certain amount of time to revise each day, and then I know it's time to write new material. And I do.

Trying different writing exercises to jog your creativity or help you work out a problem in your story is also beneficial. For example, I use what I refer to as "freewriting" to accomplish both of these things. Using a pen and paper rather than the computer, I write without stopping for a set amount of time -- say fifteen minutes -- about whatever has me stumped. The key is to not stop, to keep your hand moving by writing down whatever is going through your mind. If I suddenly can't think of anything to say, that's what I write down . . . I can't think of anything to say, my mind is blank. What's up with that? I'm hungry. I don't want to do this. I'm braindead. I'm a dufus, whatever made me think I could write, I'm a hack, etc. etc.. . . until finally my mind clicks in again on the topic at hand. This is stream of consciousness writing, and inevitably it leads to an answer to my question about the story or brings up new ideas. However, some people are more visually inclined and prefer an exercise I call "clustering" that tends to achieve the same results for them. This process is sometimes referred to as "mind-mapping." You draw a circle in the middle of a piece of paper or on a marker board, write your problem or issue or idea in the circle and then, quickly, draw lines off that circle, and on the lines write whatever words or thoughts pop into your head. Google 'mind-mapping' and 'clustering' and you will likely find a better explanation of this exercise and its benefits than I have to offer. I've tried it, but it's not for me. I get far better results from freewriting.

How about you? Have you found your best method for writing a rough draft, and exercises that help you get unstuck or come up with a new idea? Perhaps something different than I've mentioned? I'd like to hear what works for you, so share! Or if you're still looking and haven't tried the things I've mentioned in this post, why don't you, then let me know what you think.

Mirror Image

2010-11-06T04:50:00.006-05:00

I took this photograph last month at a lake nearby our cabin in Colorado. I miss October already!

On another note -- THROUGH HER EYES has scored another early review! This one comes from Khelsea over at Once Upon a Review. It's a mini-review, meaning that she'll do a more complete review closer to the release date of the book. (Scroll down past the book "blurb" to where it says "My Thoughts"). She rated it 5 flowers -- according to the ranking chart on the blog means "Oh Em Gee! Can I marry a book?!"

Why, thank you, Khelsea . . . My book is blushing and so am I. :-)

One Smart Fellow

2010-11-05T05:16:00.005-05:00

This is going to be a very undignified post. What can I say? Sometimes harmless silliness is a necessity. I approve of silliness. It's fun, and that's a good thing. A laugh a day chases the blues away. Several laughs work even better. I could use a few laughs, so let's get silly. Share your favorite tongue-twister with me and I'll share mine.

Here it is, as taught to me by my youngest son when he was about ten. Read it aloud, three times, quickly. Memorize. Repeat from memory whenever life gets too serious.

One smart fellow

he felt smart.

Two smart fellows,
they felt smart.
Three smart fellows,
they all felt smart.

I hope you're laughing.

Gotta Love Those Stars

2010-11-03T07:21:00.005-05:00

Google Alerts just notified me of this early review of THROUGH HER EYES up on Goodreads. 5 stars! Woot! And speaking of five -- 5 months left until my book's release date . . . April seems a very long time away . . .

Where, Oh Where Have the Ghoulies Gone?

2010-10-31T18:53:00.001-05:00

Here I sit on Halloween night with my porch light on and a huge bowl of goodies by the door and nary a knock have I heard. This makes me sad for the following reasons:

1. I fear parents have concluded that trick-or-treating has become too risky. It's a sad day when it's dangerous to trick or treat around the neighborhood.
2. I remember how much fun I had and that my kids had trick-or-treating, and I hate for this new generation of kids to miss out on that experience.
3. I miss seeing all the children in costumes and hearing them call out "Trick or Treat!"
4. As I said, I have a giant bowl of candy, and if I don't give it away, I will be forced to eat it myself.

If you're in the mood for a dark tale on this Halloween night, hop on over to the Once Upon A Review blog and read the YA Spooktacular:Tales From the Grave stories DARKNESS and MY SOUL TO BARE. Two fabulously creative bloggers named Danielle and Khelsea came up with the idea for the YA Spooktacular event -- two serial/chain stories written in installments by different authors on different blogs. (I wrote the 5th installment of DARKNESS). It's fun to follow the stories and watch how each author took what was written before and put their own unique twist on it. I was honored to be asked to participate!

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Perfect Movies for Halloween

2010-10-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

I love spooky movies. Not the slash and dash kind; I’m not a big Friday the 13th or Saw fan, for instance. I like my chills with a ripple of psychological suspense. The Mothman Prophecies, Identity and The Sixth Sense are three of my all-time favorites. They don’t just terrify the audience, they make us think and question and try to figure out what’s going on. The music in these movies really add to the eerie atmosphere, as well. I listened to the sound tracks of The Mothman Prophecies and Identity while writing Through Her Eyes. Music can really set a mood.

Over the weekend, I saw two new movies at the theater – Catfish and Hereafter. They weren’t really scary, but definitely had a creepy feel. Catfish involves social networking and it was interesting, but I kept waiting for the big, shocking revelation at the end that the commercials and reviews promised and it never really materialized. Hereafter, which was directed by the brilliant Clint Eastwood, was a lovely movie in many ways, but very slow and without a lot of plot. Thought-provoking, but not about anything most of us haven’t pondered many times before. Matt Damon is always great, though, and his performance didn’t disappoint this time, either.

If you like creepy movies and you haven't seen The Mothman Prophecies, Identity or The Sixth Sense, I recommend them. I also recommend Hereafter and Catfish, as long as you don't go into them expecting fast-paced thrills and surprising revelations.

What are your favorite eerie movies? I need some new ones to add to my list!

My Angel Reading

2010-10-11T18:15:00.002-05:00

It’s October – my favorite month. I love the crisp, cool air. I love the gypsy-skirt colors of the leaves on the trees. I love pumpkin patches and Halloween. As a matter-of-fact, Halloween is my favorite holiday. Candy and Jack-o-lanterns and kids in costumes; what could be better?

In honor of October and Halloween I’m going to blog this month about all things Autumn, including ghosts and ghouls and other mystical beings. I’ve written a few stories with paranormal elements in the course of my writing career; I love me some creepy books and movies and such; but I must admit that I’m an open-minded skeptic when it comes to such things in “real life.” Which brings me to angels. I’m an open-minded skeptic about saintly beings, too. I don’t have much of a religious background, and I question everything. Every. Thing. Which explains why, not so long ago, I was a close-minded skeptic.

However, that was before I had an angel-reading. Yes, that’s right; an angel-reading. A couple of years ago, I was working on a story that I’ve had to set aside to write other contracted books, and I needed to research clairvoyants. So I called a local psychic I’d heard about. (I’ll call her Drusilla because, well, it sounds worthy of a mystic, right?)

Drusilla told me she does “angel readings.” She believes everyone has at least one guardian angel and she attempts to make contact with them. To her credit, she told me ahead of time that if my angel wasn’t forthcoming, she would not be able to tell me anything. Also to her credit, Drusilla charged nothing. I could pay her whatever amount I chose to pay, or nothing at all.

Drusilla came to my house one afternoon. She is a pretty, middle-aged woman. We sat at my kitchen table and chatted for about 20 minutes about the weather, our children, and other generic things. Then she asked if I was ready for my reading, and I said ‘yes.’ I wasn’t nervous – this was strictly for research purposed, mind you. I didn’t believe in this “nonsense,” although I respected her right to believe. Drusilla trained her gaze over my shoulder and told me I had one angel and two muses. Then she proceeded to tell me a series of things that turned me from a close-minded skeptic into an open-minded one. Here are just a few things she said that had me slapping a hand across my mouth and muttering, “Oh. My. God.”

1. “You’ve been having trouble with your left foot, but if you’ll see a doctor, it can be taken care of.” (True and true. I have a neuroma in my left foot. I don’t limp, so there is no way she could’ve known this. I have since seen a doctor and I’m going to have surgery to “fix” it.)

2. “I’m being told that you’ll be going on a trip soon, somewhere north where it’s cold. Possibly Boston, but I’m not getting a clear message as to the exact place. The trip will lead to an offer. You will have to decide if you want to go through with it or go a different direction.” (True and true. My publisher at the time was sending me to Toronto for a presentation. While there, I found out about a new line of Young Adult fiction they were starting. That led to me pulling out a young adult manuscript I had worked on in the past and set aside. I reworked it, my agent submitted it to them, and they made an offer on it. However, my agent sent it to other publishers, too. I had a second offer, and I had to decide which one to take.)

3. “I see you surrounded by houses. Old houses. Several. I don’t know what this means, but they seem to be an integral part of your life.” (True. My husband and I own several rental properties. All of the houses we own are old.)

4. “I am getting that you are working on a book that involves history. Someone who has passed on in your life knows that you are interested in using some of his family stories, and he wants you to know that he would be tickled if you would use them.” (WOW. I was working on a novel that I hope to return to some day. It involved the dust bowl. I had been looking for a book I had misplaced that a member of my husband’s family had put together. It includes many family stories, including my father-in-law’s family stories about their experiences during the dust bowl. I had not been able to locate my copy of the book. My father-in-law had “passed on.” He often used the word “tickled” when he was alive. I have since found his family’s book. )

There were many more statements made by the clairvoyant that were so on target, I couldn’t explain them away. So, I ask you, have you ever experienced anything like this that you couldn’t explain?

Remembering September 11, 2001

2010-09-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

On this 9th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, I find this beautiful poem "The Names" by American poet Billy Collins to be very poignant. Read the poem on his website here and remember.

From 2001 to 2003, Billy Collins was the appointed Poet Laureate of the United States.

Football First Downs? I Call "Foul!"

2010-09-04T12:57:00.000-05:00

Fall is in the air and once again football season is upon us. In Texas, where I live, the game is a very big deal. I spent all of middle school and my first year of high school in a small Texas town similar in many ways to the fictional town of Cedar Canyon in my novel, THROUGH HER EYES. Friday nights in autumn were all about football. After dinner, my family and most of the other families in town, headed toward the hallowed light and pulsing drumbeat of the high school football stadium. Weekends at home often revolved around football, as well. If a game was on television, my dad was on the couch watching it – especially if the Dallas Cowboys were playing.

Since football was as much a part of my childhood as books, pop music, and mystery meat in the school cafeteria, I guess I should be ashamed of myself when I make the following confession:

I don’t ‘get’ it.

It’s true! I don’t understand the game of football! And I’m not ashamed, because it’s not my fault. It’s taken me a lot of years to forgive myself for having such a mental block about my State’s most revered pastime. The revelation that I’m not the one who’s confused took place while my brother was trying – YET AGAIN – to explain to me the rules of the game. It’s the terminology that’s off. Football lingo makes no sense. I’m a writer – a lover of words. I take their meaning literally. So, I ask you: How can there be multiple “FIRST downs?”

Here’s a definition of the word ‘first’ that I found here: “preceding all others in time or space or degree . . . ”

The kiss following your very first one is your second kiss, and the one after that is your third, and so on. We can only have one first love, first job, first house, first glance at our first child. These firsts “precede all others” that follow. Thus is the basis for my argument that in the game of football, the “down” following the first one must be the “second down” and the next one, the “third down,” and so it goes.

My brother, my dad, my husband, and my sons have stopped trying to explain to me why multiple firsts in football make sense. Their smug silence and raised brows tell me they think I’m the one with the problem, but I disagree. They can’t make sense of it, because it makes no sense. A “first” occurs, then it’s over. Been there, done that, as the old saying goes. Obviously, the person who invented football had no grasp of language.

(P.S. If you can accomplish what no other person has been able to do -- make sense of first downs in my mind -- I'll not only admit the error of my thinking, I'll put your name in a drawing for a free autographed early copy of THROUGH HER EYES. (And the men in my family will thank you and be in awe of you and sing your praises). Post your words of wisdom in the Comments section. Deadline: October 1.)

Don't Faint

2010-09-02T17:04:00.000-05:00

Scared you, I bet. Didn’t mean to sneak up on you. Yes, I understand this post is unexpected as I’ve been away, well . . . FOREVER. (Actually since November, 2009.) As I reread my last post, I see that my publisher and I had just confirmed THROUGH HER EYES as the new title of my debut YA novel. Since then, some amazing things have happened in my writing life:

(1) I have a release date! April 5, 2011. That seems like such a long time away, but I have a feeling it will be here before I know what hit me.
(2) I have a cover. A GORGEOUS cover. I think I spent an entire morning staring at it the first time I saw it. What do you think?
(3) I received a big box of ARCS!! (Advanced reading copies.) And soon after they arrived, I started getting requests from many teen bloggers asking if I would send them an ARC of THROUGH HER EYES so that they could review the book. Wow. There are some fantastic teen book blogs out there. How could I refuse? The truth is, I’m thrilled they asked. Now my big box is almost empty!

(4) My website has undergone a makeover. Nothing drastic, just spruced up a bit. It even contains a link to a mini book trailer of THROUGH HER EYES that was made by my friend Emily Greaser, a mega-talented young graphic and motion design artist. Go take a look and let me know what you think. I really love it.
(5) I finished the rough draft of my next book for teens. The title is THE SHADOW GIRL, but of course that’s subject to change. I’m currently rewriting like crazy to get the draft in shape to send to my editor so she can read it and work her magic. But I must admit I’m pretty excited about this story, even though it’s caused me no small amount of frustration at times. There's a good chance I might be bald from tearing my hair out by the time it’s finished, but I *think* (hope!) it’s going to live up to my expectations. Or at the very least, it won't completely suck. ;-)

So, that’s what’s been going on with moi for the past 9 or so months. I’m going to make a real effort to post regularly from this day forward. Yeah, I know; you’ve heard that from me before…

THROUGH HER EYES

2009-11-10T16:35:00.002-06:00

My young adult novel, previously titled CLICK, now has an official new name! THROUGH HER EYES is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2011. This is Tansy's story --my ghost story--that's been in the works for quite some time. I love the new title! It's a perfect fit for the story.

I'm really excited about the ideas my publisher's art department has for the cover. As I have more news about THROUGH HER EYES, I'll post it here!

I'm Alive!

2009-09-30T08:38:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know it's been a long time. I wish I could tell you I've been off frolicking on a white, sandy beach. Dipping my toes into turquoise waves. Sipping fruity drinks in a hammock beneath a swaying palm tree. Alas, I'd be lying. I've been hard at work! I'm happy to report that I turned in the mega-revision of my Young Adult novel CLICK (soon to have a new title). The rewrite required many hours in front of my computer and a lot of thought, but I have to admit that I really enjoyed revisting Tansy's world. Or, I should say, her worlds, as she slips frequently from the real one to...well, you'll have to read the book when it's published to find out about what goes on in Tansy's life! I'll make sure to keep you posted on the release date of the book, as well as the new title.

Meanwhile, I'm working on my idea for another Young Adult novel. Stay tuned! And I have another women's fiction novel idea niggling at my brain. So many books to write, so little time!

Fall is in the air here in Texas. My favorite season! I'm watching the leaves change color while these flowers, so lush only a a few weeks ago, shiver and fade outside my patio window.

Until next time,
Happy Reading!

Jennifer

Visit my website!

Off To the RWA Conference in D.C.

2009-07-09T21:17:00.002-05:00

I'm leaving soon for the Romance Writers of America's national conference. It's being held in Washington D.C. this year. I'm excited about the trip for a lot of reasons.

First, I've never been to D.C. before, so I plan to squeeze in some sight-seeing. I'd love a White House tour, but I have a feeling I'm too late to set that up. Among other things, the Vietnam War Memorial is a definite don't-miss for me. I lost a cousin in that war, and I want to find his name on the wall.

Second, the last time I went to the conference was in 2006 when it was held in Atlanta. I was a Rita finalist that year so, as fun as that was, it also contributed to a lot of tension. Plus, I had appointments and I presented a workshop. This year, I'm not doing any of that. I plan to attend some really great workshops, go to the reception for published authors to meet booksellers and librarians, catch up with old friends, meet with my agent over high tea at the Mayflower Hotel, go to a couple of parties, and just have fun! I'm also taking my laptop and I'm going to get up early and write every morning. My deadline is looming, and besides that, I'm really into the rewrite. The story is evolving in a way that is better than I ever expected. I love having an editor whose suggestions challenge me to explore and delve deeper, taking the story to another level.

And finally, I'm going with my friend and fellow author Linda Castillo and we're rooming together. Linda is a lot of fun, and she just hit the New York Times bestseller list for the first time with her mainstream thriller SWORN TO SILENCE, so we're going to do a lot of celebrating. I'm so proud of her! It's always gratifying to see someone talented and hardworking and deserving reach their dreams.

I'll tell you all about it all when I return! Until then, happy reading.

Jenny

website

Writing on the Road: Seattle

2009-06-30T18:10:00.015-05:00

The new picture of the sailboat gracing the top of my blog was made during my trip to Seattle at the end of May. I’ve had a bad case of the travel bug all of my life. Luckily, I married a man with the same affliction! Since we’ve been together, we’ve traveled as often as work, children, and finances allowed us to. Lately though, with one of our sons out of college and the second soon to follow, we’ve been going off to explore new places and old favorites more often than ever before.

One of the great things about being a writer is that I can work from anywhere. Even so, sometimes I put the writing aside and allow myself a total vacation. Everyone needs time off to revitalize. But I’ve learned that I can’t do that every trip – especially when I have looming deadlines – or as much as I enjoy the excursion , the work will always be at the back of my mind, poking at me, reminding me it needs to be done, and I’ll get a little grumpy. I used to worry that family and friends traveling with me would think I’m strange if I shut myself away a few hours a day to scribble in my notebook or type on my laptop. But after a lot of years spent writing books, I’ve learned that most “normal” people (a.k.a. “nonwriters) think writers are a bit strange, anyway. Better to be strange and happy than strange and irritable! They undoubtedly enjoy my company more – and I know I enjoy them more, as well as the vacation – if I squeeze in some writing time before the play. If I just get up a little early while everyone else is still sleeping and spend those first hours of the morning with my characters, I’m a happy girl the rest of the day!

My oldest son moved to Seattle in January of this year, and my husband and I were thrilled about that. Seattle has been on our “want to explore” list for a very long time. We weren’t disappointed. I loved everything about Seattle! The laid-back, casual atmosphere, the water, the vibrant neighborhoods, the seafood, the houseboats.

Our friend Dane took us on our first sailing excursion on his beautiful boat.
We drove our son’s car onto a ferry and went across to Bainbridge Island then drove part-way around the Olympic Peninsula one day, went to Pikes Market the next, and a smaller fish market, two farmer’s markets and a street market in the following days.

I especially liked how Seattle is made up of different neighborhoods that are like small towns within the city itself – each neighborhood having its own vibe, as well as its own shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., within easy walking distance of its housing area.
I enjoy “walking cities.” I miss that in my own town. Where I live, if you see someone walking along busy streets, you figure that their car must have broken down!

I was happy to see many small, independent and specialty bookstores still in business in the neighborhoods of Seattle. In this economy, when even the giant chains are hurting, I hope that these small stores can hang in there and survive. That’s another thing I miss in my own hometown – independent and specialty bookstores. It seems that, like newspapers, they are too quickly becoming an anachronism in more and more places.

I came home from Seattle with great pictures, great memories provided by my son and his friends, and some beautiful jewelry I bought at a street market in the funky Fremont neighborhood.

My Acholi Bead bracelet and earrings were made out of recycled paper by women from the Acholi tribe of northern Uganda. After Africa’s longest running war forced them to flee their homes, these women are rebuilding their lives and taking care of their families by creating these pretty,unique, and reasonably priced pieces of jewelry. Read more about these women and Acholi Beads here.

The Oasis of the Panhandle

2009-06-13T00:43:00.014-05:00

I’ve been away for a while, having some of those new experiences I promised myself I’d have way back at the beginning of the year. I’ll start by telling you about my visit to Canadian, Texas last month to research life in a small Texas Panhandle town for my Young Adult novel-in-progress. My friend, writer Linda Castillo was nice enough to make the drive with me and we spent the day exploring the town and surrounding area.

Canadian is located in the northeast corner of the Texas Panhandle, slightly more than a 2 hour drive from Amarillo and only about an hour’s drive from Pampa, where I lived for 6 years, from the time I was in the 5th grade through my sophomore year of high school. During all that time, I never ventured north to the “oasis of the Panhandle,” and my recent visit took me by surprise; the town truly is an oasis in the corner of this flat, parched land I call home. Whereas the bed of the Canadian River branch that runs through my area of the Panhandle is usually cracked and dry, water flowed in abundance beneath Canadian’s “River Wagon Bridge.” And in striking contrast to the flat, treeless, almost desert-like plains surrounding Amarillo, our drive through Canadian’s countryside took us over rolling green hills and into valleys graced by swaying cottonwood trees.

Upon arriving in town, we stopped by the Visitor’s Center where two very nice ladies loaded us up with information about must-see places. Then we drove through quiet neighborhoods lined with stately historical houses, following the giant cat paws painted on the streets to the Canadian Wildcat’s football stadium. (Any book about high school students in small town Texas without football in it, is a book written by someone who doesn’t know what Texans are all about!)

Soon we ventured back to Main with its old-fashioned street lights. (Which I learned are brand new.) We parked the car then browsed the quaint shops and antique stores. The staff at the Canadian Record, the town’s award-winning newspaper, gave us a tour of their offices and were nice enough to take me in back to see the old retired printing press that the paper used decades ago.

After leaving the paper, my growling stomach led us to the City Drug Soda Fountain where we ate lunch. Entering the fully restored soda fountain with its black and white checkerboard floor, round red bar stools and cozy booths is like stepping back into an episode of Happy Days. I had a really tough time choosing between the many sandwiches, salads, soups and quiches on the menu, but in the end the quiche won out. The food was tasty -- even though the menu board is beneath an old pharmacy sign that reads LAXATIVES. (Luckily, the quiche did not have that effect.)

After the oil and gas boom ended in 1985, Canadian’s economy suffered and the town began to shrink. The Canadian River Valley’s abundant wildlife and outdoor resources saved the day. Ecotourism is now Canadian’s main business industry and has brought new jobs to town. According to an article entitled A Success Story From Canadian Texas – But It Can Happen Anywhere on the website Fermata: The Business of Nature “Canadian has a wildlife co-op that books trips for nature tourists to see prairie-chickens and to immerse themselves in a cowboy culture for a few days. The profits from the tours are split fairly among restaurants, B&Bs and ranchers. A $250,000 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant funds biologists to help ranchers make habitat improvements for Lesser Prairie-Chickens and other prairie wildlife.”

Since we didn't have time for a formal nature trip, Linda and I checked out much of the flora and fauna Canadian has to offer (as well as some very interesting graffiti on the adjacent railroad track retaining wall)from the River Wagon Bridge I mentioned above. It's located two miles north of town on highway 60. (And it’s free!) This amazing 3,255 foot steel bridge with wood plank flooring was completed in 1916 and is now a part of a trail for hikers and bikers that crosses over the Canadian River. With its impressive length and arched-back trusses, the bridge is a truly striking sight . . . and a little eerie. After walking across it, I had a feeling a fictional version of it would work its way into my story. And I was right – it already has! Eerie = good when you’re writing a ghost story.

Then it was back to the City Drug Soda Fountain, where I was forced to make the tough decision of whether I should have an old-fashioned ice cream soda, root beer float, or homemade pie. The coconut pie won and it was sinfully delicious. I figured I walked off the calories, so what the heck?

The day in Canadian was so interesting and fun, and the residents were so welcoming and friendly that I hope to make a trip back next October for their annual Fall Foliage Festival Arts & Crafts show. I’ve heard the drive is beautiful with the leaves changing color, and that the event is a lot of fun.

This research trip, along with my earlier one to Panhandle, Texas has really helped bring my novel's fictional town of Cedar Canyon to life in my mind. Cedar Canyon has become a unique mix of those two towns, with a heavy dose of my own imagination tossed in.

I've only touched on a small segment of what Canadian has to offer. For example, the old Palace Theatre on Main, like the City Drug Soda Fountain, has been restored to its glory days, and current movies are shown there. If you’d like to know more about the town check out their website

Next post--My recent trip to Seattle.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Fiction Website

Dream-drapery

2009-05-05T14:39:00.005-05:00

This photo was taken in March as the plane my husband, Jeff, and I were on left Mexico. When I looked out of the window at the clouds all around us, I was taken back to my childhood...

As a kid, I indulged in quite a lot of daydreaming and make-believe. More than one teacher told me to get my "head out of the clouds." Flights of fancy are considered by most people -- especially adults -- to be a waste of time, but I don't think that's necessarily true. Sure, I should've paid attention during class instead of gazing out the window and making up stories. I should've reined-in my imagination until the last bell rang. But a lot of young daydreamers grow up and make a career out of escaping into their imaginations, and I'm one of them. I get paid for doing the very thing that used to get me into trouble. It's my job to spend hours every day with my head in the clouds! How cool is that? How lucky can a girl be? I am so grateful and amazed sometimes that I feel as if I need to pinch myself. Laboring in the land of make-believe hasn't made me rich, but there's no place I'd rather spend my days. I mean, I tried reality once and it just didn't work for me. ;-)

Think about that the next time you're tempted to pull some kid back to earth, because let me tell you -- my office is a pretty great place to work. (Note, once more, the new background photo of this blog) Pretty gorgeous color-scheme, huh? The furniture is so comfortable I feel like I'm sitting on a feather, and the curtains are soft and billowy. Oh, and did I mention that the air-conditioning always carries the scent of rain?

Clouds are a writer's "dream-drapery," the source of stories, of poetry and music and possibilities. Keep your head in the clouds and dream on, all you dreamers...

Low-Anchored Cloud
by Henry David Thoreau

Low-anchored cloud,
Newfoundland air,
Fountain-head and source of rivers,
Dew-cloth, dream-drapery,
And napkin spread by fays;
Drifting meadow of the air,
Where bloom the daisied banks and violets,
And in whose fenny labyrinth
The bittern booms and heron wades;
Spirit of lakes and seas and rivers,
Bear only perfumes and the scent
Of healing herbs to just men's fields!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Jennifer Archer's website

"Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing, Baby"

2009-04-24T15:09:00.004-05:00

Unless you were born yesterday, no doubt you've heard the lyrics to Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing, by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. (Hear it on YouTube)I agree with their message wholeheartedly. Whether it's love, butter, cheese, or Coca Cola, imitation or altered versions just don't come close to the genuine article. This is true of research, too, especially if you're writing fiction. As an author, I can read about a place or a profession in a book or on the Internet, and I can learn a lot -- enough, even, to write my story and make it believable. But actually visiting that place in person, or talking to someone that works in the profession I'm writing about, can serve to take the writing a step above, to make it come alive in a way it just can't, otherwise.

The first part of my novel THE ME I USED TO BE is set in Portland, Oregon.
I've never been to Portland, and it wasn't possible for me to fit in a visit there before my deadline. So I researched the city through the Internet and travel guides I bought at the bookstore. I think I managed to portray Portland realistically in the book -- at least, none of the letters and emails I received from readers pointed out any goofs. But because I was worried about making a mistake, I found myself holding back as I wrote those chapters. I kept my descriptions about the place as brief and basic as possible. I did just enough to get by. Had I actually had the opportunity to explore the city, I could've included more local color, the scents, the sounds, the rhythms of the place. By absorbing and experiencing all those things firsthand, I could've put the reader more "into" the story and made the book even stronger.

The book I'm writing now -- my Young Adult novel, scheduled for release in the fall of 2010 -- is set in the Texas Panhandle, where I live. However, I live in the city of Amarillo, while Cedar Canyon, the imaginary town in my story, is a little town with a population of only 2,300. So I recently made the half-hour drive from Amarillo to Panhandle, Texas, which is about the same size as my fictional town.
Cedar Canyon's high school plays a big part in my story, so I spent the day at Panhandle High. I know three teacher there, and they graciously allowed me to observe their classes. What a great experience! I came home with over 15 pages of handwritten notes about teen clothing and hair styles, teen expressions ("Groovy" is no longer in vogue! Who knew? Just kidding. I'm almost that old, but not quite), descriptions of the classrooms and hallways, sounds, scents...too many things to name here. I had forgotten the sounds one hears sprinkled into the silence while taking a test -- the rustling of paper, sighs, scratch of pencils on pads, squeak of chair legs against the floor, foot falls down the hallway, the droning voice from a film being shown on the other side of the wall in the next room. By placing myself in the middle of a setting like the one in my book and experiencing all the sensory elements, I am now able to add so much realism, so much flavor to my story as I work on the rewrite. I hope these details serve to make the reader feel as if he/she is experiencing what is happening in those scenes -- to make them feel they are actually there.

If you are a beginning writer, I highly recommend experiencing your place, person, topic, etc. firsthand, if at all possible. Yes, it takes a little more time, but it's time well spent. Fiction-writing is an art, and creativity shouldn't be rushed. As a friend of mine once told an editor -- "I'm an artist; I don't work well under pressure." She said this jokingly when a deadline was too tight, but I think there's truth in her statement!

"Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I got your picture hangin' on the wall
It can't see or come to me when I call your name
I realize it's just a picture in a frame

I read your letters when you're not near
But they don't move me
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I play the game, a fantasy
I pretend I'm not in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me

No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
So let's stay together

I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you phone
I'm well aware nothing can take the place of being there

So let me get the real thing
So let me get the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing"
Happy reading, writing...and researching!

Jenny

Fiction website

Mary Schramski's Sterling Pen

2009-04-17T14:59:00.010-05:00

I've intended to post this article about my friend and business partner, the very talented,smart,funny and elegant (as you can see from her photo here) Mary Schramski. It was published in the Las Vegas Sun in February, and I just happen to be quoted!

It was a thrill to talk about Mary when the reporter called me. Mary and I met at a writing conference in Dallas in 2004 at our mutual (at the time) fiction publisher's party. I got caught up in the festive atmosphere and had one too many teeny weenie martinis. (Okay, they weren't so teeny. But we were walking, not driving, so give me a break...:-) ) Mary graciously walked me back to the hotel and ordered me a room service cheeseburger. It was just the right medicine, which leads me to think that maybe she's had a bit of experience with one too many martinis herself??? We've been emailing and talking by phone ever since. A while back, we realized that we each have creativity-related strengths that the other doesn't. Put us together and you've got yourself a creative dynamo. We thought that, together, we had the background, knowledge, and experience to help people that had something to say but didn't know how to say it, as well as to help people tap into their creativity more. So we started a business. Rather than tell you about it, I'll let you read the article, which I've posted below. Or you can read it directly from the publication here. Then you should check out the Sterling Pen website and Mary's Fiction website. (One thing in the article made me laugh. The reporter says Mary looks more like a professor than a romance writer. Mary *is* a professor! Or was. She's retired from teaching now.)Happy Friday!

Valley romance writer penning her last book
By Becky Bosshart (Las Vegas Sun)

Thu, Feb 5, 2009 (6:37 p.m.)

Nicky Fuchs / Special to the Home News

The beginning of Mary Schramski's first book was set in Las Vegas.

Now she is ending her last book here, which she's writing in her Sun City Anthem home.

It just seems like it was meant to be, said the 57-year-old writer, who has penned 13novels, most published by top romance seller Harlequin/Silhouette and its more serious literary branch, Harlequin Next.

Schramski will conclude her novel writing career with "The Unicorn Tree." This novel has taken a lot of emotional strength to write, she said. It is about an adopted woman who was abused when she was a child. She comes out to Las Vegas to search for her biological mother.

"I wanted my last book to take place in Las Vegas, because I have an affinity for the city," Schramski said.

She was raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Rancho High School in 1968.

Schramski's first mainstream novel, "What to Keep," published in 2002, starts in Las Vegas with a 21 dealer who returns to her family home in North Carolina.

Schramski, a self-described feminist who went to Union Institute and University, what she termed a "radical left" school, doesn't seem like the type who would start her literary career as a bodice-ripping romance writer. She lives in a minimally decorated home — no lacy curtains or heart-shaped throw pillows.

With her white blond hair and sensible sweater and pants ensemble, she looks more like a professor than a writer of dewy-eyed tales of love lost and won.

Schramski said she picked up a romance novel one day, read it and decided that she could do that, too. It started out as something fun. Schramski shook off her "literary elitism" after she received a letter from a fan who said one of her novels helped her get through her husband's illness.

"I don't want to denigrate romance — it's a big seller," Schramski said. "I played around with it. I sent it off to Harlequin/Silhouette and it was published. I realized through writing those books, I learned how to write a novel and how to work with an editor."

And she made money at it. Schramski said she earned about $16,000 with an advance and royalties on that first book. It's been published in about six languages. Her subsequent novels made similar amounts from the major New York City publishing house.

Harlequin is known for its passionate paperbacks often found on wire racks in grocery stores. Those steamy sex scenes are fun to create, she said.

"It's more technical. You have to have things happen at the right time and you have to be descriptive enough."

But Schramski is putting these commercial successes behind her, even in an economically difficult time (she has two more novels set to be released this year, with expected moderate profits). Schramski is instead looking to guide writers to their own successes.

Jennifer Archer, of Amarillo, Texas, is partners with Schramski in their writing business Sterling Pen.

"Mary is very approachable," Archer said. "Clients seem to enjoy working with her, because she's easy to talk to and is great at giving advice. She taught for many years, so that helps with guiding clients, whether that's helping them ghostwrite a book or overcome a creative hurdle to continue a project. She's able to take what she's learned over the years and apply that to the struggles other writers go through."

Schramski will focus on editing, ghostwriting and creative coaching.

"Creative coaching is when you help bring an artist through the creative process," she said. "My goal is to help the person become the writer they want to be."

Visit Sterling Pen online at www.sterlingpen.net.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.

Book Club: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

2009-04-09T15:35:00.011-05:00

My book club met last week and we discussed last month's selection THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME by Mark Haddon. I admit that I was initially skeptical about liking this book. It is told from the viewpoint of an autistic 15-year-old boy, so as you might imagine, the story seemed to lack emotion when I first began reading the opening chapters. If you saw the movie Rainman, you know that most people with severe autism don't express emotion in the way that is considered "normal" by the majority of us. But, as it turns out, Mark Haddon is a gifted writer! As he told the story of this autistic boy methodically and logically trying to solve the mystery of who murdered his neighbor's dog, Haddon captured and relayed his main character's voice and personality so perfectly that before I knew it, I began to care about the kid, understand him, and realize that just because he didn't express emotion in a way I'm used to, did not mean he did not experience fear, love, anger, etc., in his own unique manner. I also learned alot about autism in general. Mark Haddon's biography states that he used to work with autistic children. His experience definitely came through in his writing. The book was funny and poignant and sad. I recommend it.

One of the women in my bookclub -- Donna -- who just so happens to be one of my best friends since junior high -- teaches special needs middle school kids, some of whom are autistic. Before we began our discussion, she gave a wonderful presentation to help us understand even better what it means to be autistic. Like the protagonist in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, many autistic people do not like to be touched; if fact, many of them find human touch painful. Donna touched each of us with a piece of sandpaper to demonstrate how physical human contact might feel to an autistic person. Also, while she spoke, she had the television on with the volume up as well as many other distractions going on in the room. It was chaotic and difficult to stay focused. Which was her point: autistic people are extra sensitive to sensory stimulation, as if it is more intense to them than most folks. This makes it hard for them to concentrate if there are too many things going on around them at once, even things the rest of us are able to easily tune out. Colors, sounds, movements -- all of these and more can cause distress in an autistic person.

The thing Donna said that made the biggest impression on me was in response to a comment I made. I said that despite the funny moments, I thought the book was so sad and felt so sorry for the boy because he isolated himself from people and his life seemed so lonely. Donna told me, "You feel that way because you want autistic people to be like us, and they aren't. The boy is happiest when he's alone." (Loose quote. Forgive me, Donna!) That statement really opened my eyes. What constitutes happiness for one person, may not for another. Maybe we should stop trying to make everyone fit into the most common mold.

Donna's statement also brought to mind another book I read a long time ago (non-fiction) called PARTY OF ONE, about extreme loners. As someone who has always cherished time alone, I learned that I don't come close to the level of introversion discussed in this book. I need fairly frequent interaction with people to balance out my alone time or I start to get weird! However, PARTY OF ONE also emphasized that it is not wrong to be a loner, simply different, and that society should stop trying to make naturally shy children conform to the "norm" of being outgoing by forcing them to join social activities they find extremely uncomfortable and unnatural. They are typically happier engaging in solitary activities -- reading, playing with dolls, painting, building things on their own, and why is that wrong? Anyway, the book was great food for thought and really interesting.

Our new book selection for this month is THE DOCTOR'S WIFE by Elizabeth Brundage. Can't wait to dive in. In the meantime, I'm reading THE SLAVE by Isaac Bashevis Singer, a gift from my oldest son who called it one of the most "incredible" books he's ever read. It won the Nobel Prize in literature years ago. So far, I'm enjoying it and learning a lot about traditional Jewish customs.

Until next time, happy reading!

Jenny

my website

Refilling The Well

2009-04-02T14:33:00.010-05:00

Hola! Writers live in their heads many hours of the day. I think it's important to take breaks and get out into the real world from time to time. I call it "refilling the well." (The well being my brain.) Writing drains it dry. If you don't get out and experience life, what will you have left to say?

So to refill the well, I recently spent a week in beautiful Zihuatenejo, Mexico on the Pacific coast north of Acapulco. The new photograph in the header of this blog was taken off the balcony of the condo we rented overlooking the bay. The trip was my surprise Christmas gift from my husband. Remember my personal "Do Something New Challenge?" We started a new tradition this past year, and it applies! We are alternating years planning a surprise trip for each other. Christmas of 2009 will be my turn to surprise him with my trip plans for 2010. It will be tough to outdo him! Our condo in Zihua was beautiful, the beach was gorgeous, the weather perfect, the people incredibly friendly, and the village chock full of old Mexico charm.

A little history about our destination: Zihuatanejo was a holy refuge for Aztec aristocracy many years before Columbus sailed to America. Apparently, the fairer sex dominated in Zihua as the Nahuatl word "Cihuatlán," from which the name Zihuatenejo is derived, means “place of women.” (Nahuatl is an Aztec language ) Artifacts discovered in the area indicate that weaving was the primary trade in the village.

Zihuatanejo Bay was along a Spanish trade route to the Orient. Ships passing through carried spices, coconut palms, fabrics, and silk. Legend states that one of these vessels sank near Playa La Ropa Beach where my husband and I ate breakfast at an outdoor café every morning and took a walk in the surf before siesta time – otherwise known as margaritas by the pool. The legend says that fabrics and silks stocked on the shipwrecked boat floated to shore and washed up on the sand, giving the beach it’s name. (“La Ropa” means “the clothes”)

We were fortunate that the yearly Zihuatanejo
International Guitar Festival (www.zihuafest.info) started two days before we had to leave, so we were able to catch a few really good acts at local venues. I became a fan of one artist in particular – Eric McFadden out of San Francisco. He calls his sound “Gypsy blues.” I bought a CD and there are three songs I can't get enough of. I haven't gone to see if it's on ITunes but if it is, you should check out the song DEVIL MOON.

Oh, and another "do something new" thing I did on the trip -- I had another food adventure. I ate squid in it's own ink. Sounds icky, I know, but it was actually good! You never know until you try something, right?

I'd love to hear how some of you refill the well. And if you don't, what's stopping you? I love travel, but there are all sorts of alternative ways to energize your creativity closer to home. So if you can't travel, or don't like to, don't let that stop you.

While away, I read two books: The YA novel JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon. Both were very unusual and very interesting. I'll post my thoughts on them soon.

Happy reading,

Jenny

Jennifer Archer's website

Happy Birthday, Barbie Bubble

2009-03-14T08:36:00.019-05:00

Dear Barbie Bubble,

Happy 50th, my friend! You look fab. It's been a long time since I've been in touch, and I know what you're probably thinking -- that I must be jealous of all the attention that's been showered on you over the years. Think again, Barb, think again. I've known you a long time, remember? I was there before you could afford the Malibu Dream House and the fancy cars. Before you even had the camper. I was there before the facelift and the lip enhancement and the new, more natural makeup and hairstyle. When we hung out, you looked like this. But don't worry, I wouldn't show that photo to anyone, or this one, either.

I saw what you went through to make it to the top, honey, and I wouldn't wish that on myself or anyone else.

Barbie, I admit that I related more to Midge Flip than I did to you. She looked more like I imagined I might look when I grew up. Maybe because she had freckles and less fancy hair. (By the way, are you two still friends?)Still, I want to say upfront that I thought the gossip about you was out of line -- that you caused girls to have poor self-image issues with your impossibly perfect figure, your sultry eyes and luscious lips. I wish people would quit analyzing every harmless thing to death! Was Sophia Loren a bad influence on little girls? I think not. She was who she was, and you are who you are. Or were. Before society manipulated you into feeling bad about your appearance with their opinions and expectations. Honestly, women can't win, can we? We're either too thin, or too fat. Too busty or too flat. But none of those described your physical appearance. Your sin, Barbie? Too perfect. Even though there are a few fortunate women with your physique--born with it, not bought. It's true. Might I again mention Sophia Loren? And I happen to know one such woman personally who I would love to hate if I didn't love her so much. The truth is, I don't notice anymore. I just see her. Her beauty, yes, but mostly her talent, her kindness, her laugh and the fact that she's fun to be around. I guess those things are what I noticed most about you, too. (Your laugh sounded a whole lot like mine, as I recall. And sometimes you weren't so kind to Ken and Midge, but that's another story. And besides, we all have our days...)

Then came the accusations that you were a poor role model for girls--that you were shallow, caring only about fashion and hairstyles. Well, I must say, you have had some far-out 'dos. (I was a bit freaked out when you had that hole cut out of the top of your head so that you could pull your hair out to make it longer, then retract the hair back into your scalp if you wanted to wear it short. That was going a little far, Barb, even for you.) But I'll defend you as a role model for girls until the day I die. To name only a few of your achievements, you've been a friend, a fashion icon, a bride, a corporate business woman. A ballerina, a nurse, a doctor. An athlete. An astronaut. What other woman can claim so many accomplishments? And you did it all with a smile on your face every single second of the day. In my opinion, you helped girls believe we could be anything we wanted to be, and look good in the process!

And you taught us to be creative, to use our imaginations. In fact, Barbie, I give you partial credit for helping me become a writer. My friends and I plotted ways to get you in and out of trouble. We created entire romantic stories around you and Ken. (How is Ken Crewcut, by the way? Are the two of you still together? He was cute and nice, but so clean-cut and skinny and ...well, BORING, at times) Remember when I coaxed that neighborhood kid named Steve to come over and bring his G.I. Joe? Now, that livened things up. Ken was so jealous, and who could blame him? Joe was quite a man. Rough around the edges. A bit dangerous, but strong and honorable. And he had muscles. Too bad Steve tired of your love triangle in about 20 minutes and left to do more macho things, taking his hot friend Joe away with him. Sigh.

Anyway, I think about those good times we shared from time to time, and I figured you might think about them -- and about me -- as well. If you've been wondering what became of me while you were taking the world by storm, check out my website. I recently updated it with news about my upcoming book releases, and I added some "News" and some new photos, too.

Hang in there, Barbie. I've missed you! You were loads of fun. I don't remember thinking all that much about your shape and wondering if mine might be the same some day. You were more about getting together with friends, make-believe, playing the day away. Playing the day away. I miss that, too! I hope you're still around if I'm lucky enough to have a granddaughter some day. Maybe we can get together again then and play. I'll look forward to it!

Your friend,
Jenny

P.S. I'm sorry for all those times I left you lying around naked on the floor or in my closet. Those little clothes were hard to get off and on!

The Six Secret Steps to Publication

2009-02-23T21:45:00.009-06:00

You know that old commercial "When so-and-so talks, people listen?" I can now say that when I talk, people puke. Let me explain...

I spoke to a group of 4th graders last week. They are having a writing camp of sorts at their school, focusing on taking an idea and turning it into a story. And their teachers are trying to get them to accept that revision is a part of the writing process, even for multi-published authors. I had intended to borrow from a speech my friend Le gives to very young writers (with her permission, of course). In order to get their undivided attention -- especially that of the squirmy little boys -- she opens by comparing a first draft to "vomiting" words onto the page. The she compares the revision process to cleaning up that vomit. However, before I launched into that scenario, a little girl threw up on one of the computers in the library where I was giving my talk. At that point, I decided against using the vomit analogy.

I'm happy to report that things got better from that point forward. They were a great group of kids. And smart! They asked intelligent questions. One of those questions was the ever-popular "How can I get published?" I told them exactly what I tell the adult students in the writing class I teach, and now I'm going to tell you. Get out your pen and paper. Here are the...

Six Secret Steps to Publication:
1. WRITE. Write as much as you can as often as you can. The old cliche is true: Practice makes perfect. If you think you don't have time, you're only fooling yourself. Carve time from your day. Get up a half hour earlier in the morning or stay up a half hour later at night. Utilize wasted time spent in doctors' office waiting rooms, sitting in the car waiting on your kids at school, or on the bleachers at hockey practice. Give up a television program and write instead. Make a deal with yourself: promise to show up at the computer or notepad every day or every other day or once a week for a specified amount of time as long as you don't have to write well. You can clean up that vomit later.
2. READ & STUDY . Read, read, and read some more. Study the work of published writers whom you admire. Take writing classes. Join writer's organizations to hear speakers, network, and meet other writers.
3. FINISH WHAT YOU WRITE. Ignore your fear of failure and/or fear of success and just keep writing until you reach the end. Find someone -- another writer or a reader you trust to be honest but encouraging -- and let them read and critique your work. Take suggestions that work for you and throw out those that don't. Give yourself a reasonable deadline for a project. Polish it to a point where you believe it is the best you can make it without an agent or editor's help, then declare it finished. Move on.
4. SUBMIT YOUR WORK You won't ever get published if you hide your work in a drawer. Again, ignore your fear of failure or fear of success and enter your writing in reputable contests (those judged by published writers and editors and/or agents)in order to get feedback. Consider the feedback, but also keep in mind that it is just the opinion of one person. Don't let a less than glowing review crush you. Take the advice that helps you and use it. Forget the rest. Then, when you feel the story is ready, submit it to agents.
5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF & PERSEVERE. Learn to distinguish between good and bad rejection letters. Bad ones give you no feedback you can use to make your work stronger and no encouragement. Good ones do. Celebrate and learn from the good ones. Throw darts at the bad ones. Develop a thick skin and keep plenty of chocolate on hand. A friend who will let you have an occasional cry on his/her shoulder doesn't hurt, either.
6. STAY TRUE TO YOUR VOICE, BUT BE WILLING TO REVISE. Those 4th grade teachers are correct: revising is part of every writer's process. When that day arrives that an agent or editor wants to buy your story but asks you to do some more work on it, don't balk...celebrate! That's your goal, isn't it? To make the story the best that it can possibly be.
------------------
And on another topic...I've changed the name and look of my blog, did you notice? I think the quote about "ink in my veins" and "blood on the typewriter keys" pretty much sums me up! I'll be making more small changes in the days and weeks ahead. I hope to put up a new photograph at the top every month or so. I took the one of the bridge at a park in Nashville in November. I loved the colorful sweep of grass up to that rusty old bridge.
--------------------------

What I've been reading: I just finished THE READER by Bernhard Schlink. It was my book groups February selection. It should generate lively discussion at our meeting next week. I had no sympathy at all for the female character in the story (Kate Winslet won an Oscar for Best Actress in this part last night). I already know that at least one member of my group doesn't agree with my assessment of "Hanna." A well-written book containing a lot of controversial issues. If you want action-packed reading, though, this isn't for you.

Next on my reading list: JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta. My editor sent me this YA novel (along with a few others). I've been wanting to read this story and can't wait to dive into it.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Visit my website!

Identity

2009-02-08T20:13:00.000-06:00

“It’s a beautiful day at XYZ Cosmetics. This is Karen. How may I help you?”
“I’d like to cancel my quarterly shipment.”
“Oh…I’m sorry to hear that. Could I ask why you don’t want to continue using the products?”
“I’m not satisfied with the results I’m seeing.”
“I’m sorry. What results were you hoping for? Maybe I can recommend some different products that will better suit your specific needs.”
“Well, the infomercial promised the cleanser and cream would diminish my fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores by 49% and sun spots by 60%. With those sorts of claims, I expected to look like Jennifer Aniston but instead I still look like Jennifer Archer.”
Long pause… “The advertisement said that a certain number of users have reported those results, not everyone. You might benefit from a more intense regimen. I recommend you add our weekly facial masque made from an extract of caterpillar larvae blended with blueberry and apricot acids. I can send you a trial shipment of one month’s supply, and if you like it, the shipments will continue every quarter afterward for the low price of 64.99 a—”
“Will it make me look like Jennifer Aniston?”
“Um . . .” Another long pause.
“That’s what I thought. I think I’ll pass. I can go to the drugstore every quarter and continue to look like Jennifer Archer for $6.99 instead of $64.99.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Hey, it’s not that bad.” (Said defensively.)
“I didn’t mean . . . I’m sorry.”
“So you’ve said.”
“I’ve cancelled your order, Ma’am. Have a beautiful day.”

The moral of this story? Hmmm. . . . not sure. Maybe that the world already has a Jennifer Aniston, a Halle Berry, a Brad Pitt, a you-name-it, but the world only has one you? Quit trying to be someone else and be yourself? Embrace your identity? You don’t have to spend a fortune making the most of what you’ve got? Or maybe the moral is just that we should always take the opportunity to mess with folks who work for companies that make outrageous claims for an outrageous price. It’s fun, and it probably livens up their monotonous day.
*****

Speaking of identity, I promised to blog about the young adult novel THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX by Mary E. Pearson. The story raised many questions in my mind. How far would I go to save someone I love? Before reading the book, I would have answered that question, “I would do whatever it takes.” Now the answer is no longer so clear cut for me. I hope I would consider first whether my actions were in the loved one’s best interests, or just for my own selfish reasons – because I couldn’t bear the loss. The story also raised the question of what makes up a person’s identity. A small part of the brain that contains personality? Our collected experiences? Both of those and more? THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX is a thought-provoking, well-written novel with compelling characters – a blend of science fiction, mystery, and coming of age love story all rolled into one. I enjoyed the read and I recommend it for teens and adults. I must admit to being a bit freaked out by the fact that some of the elements are eerily similar to elements in a story I’ve been working on. Just more proof to my theory that ideas float around out there in the universe and more than one writer often tap into the same one. The good news is that the same core idea in the minds of two writers usually emerges on the page in two very different ways. Though similarities may exist, we each put our own stamp of identity on the story.
* * * *
If identity is made up of collected experiences, I’ve been adding a lot of material to shape mine. An acquaintance recently gave me a wonderful compliment by claiming that I am both interested and interesting. I believe those two elements are the key to staying mentally young. Which is why I recently challenged myself to Do Something New each month. Though I haven’t blogged in a while, I haven’t slacked off on that challenge. Here’s some of what I’ve been doing:
1) I had a food adventure. Jaime, a student from the creativity class I’m teaching, invited my husband and me to his house to sample authentic Peruvian foods. Jaime grew up in Peru and his girlfriend still lives in Lima. She was in town for the month of January and helped him prepare the meal. We had thinly sliced octopus with the most delicious olive sauce, yucca, cerviche, and much more. The food was wonderful but I also enjoyed the Pisco Sours, a yummy but potent drink!
2) I have been collaborating with my oldest son on a writing project. I get two points for that, as I have never collaborated on a book with anyone before, and I have never worked professionally with my son before. I have enjoyed doing both!
3) The project my son and I are writing is a biography – the personal history of a 94 year old man who has led a remarkable life. This is my first attempt at writing a biography. Non-fiction is typically not my forte, but I am loving this!
4) I have joined Facebook and am trying to learn the ins and outs of it. So far, so good.

That’s it until next time. I would love to hear about the new things you’ve tried recently, what you’ve been reading, and your thoughts on what makes up identity. Post away!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Visit my website!

2009. . . So Far

2009-01-08T08:48:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! This photo of my motley crew and me (minus my husband)was taken in Nashville over Thanksgiving. My youngest son attends college at MTSU and we all spent Turkey Day there.

2009 has arrived baring its teeth and snarling, "Don't mess with me!" If the months ahead are anything like this one has been so far, I have a feeling its going to be a very interesting year that will keep me on my toes. Here's what's happened in my little corner of the world to date:

1) My youngest son (and my husband and I) brought in the New Year in the ER. My son was flat on his back on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace, and with the back of his head gushing blood. He was a passenger in an auto accident. The driver rolled his SUV when he reached down (and simultaneously glanced down) to pick up a CD he'd dropped. When he looked up again, the road had curved but he had not. On instinct, he jerked the wheel. The passenger side roof of the Explorer took the initial impact of the roll and caved in, hitting the top/back of my son's head. Luckily, a woman on the same road saw the accident happen and pulled over to help. My son didn't realize he had a head wound and thought he was okay and was trying to climb out the driver's side door since his wouldn't open. The woman saw that he was bleeding and called
911. He went by ambulance to the hospital, but was able to call us first so that we were there when he arrived. We were very fortunate. Although it looked as if he'd been in a knife fight, he didn't have a laceration at all. Basically, he was scalped! He also had some minor injuries to his hands. Rather than think about what a terrible experience this was, I'm choosing to focus on the fact that he can wiggle his toes . . . and breathe. The situation could have easily ended in a tragedy. If he had been one inch taller, according to those who saw the car afterward, it WOULD have ended in a tragedy. I thank his guardian angel daily. And perhaps for the first time ever, he is really glad he's short!

2)My writer buddy Travis Erwin watched his house burn to the ground early in the morning of January 4th. You can read about the experience on Travis'blog. Again, I am telling myself that 2009 was kind because his two little boys were spending the night with their grandmother. And Travis and his wife, Jennifer, got out unharmed. Still, they lost pretty much everything other than each other. To help them rebuild their lives, a couple of Travis' blogging buddies started the Habitat For Travis Erwin blog and fund. Check it out and buy a brick if you can. It's easy to donate. Just use the Paypal button on the site.

3)Unless you're an animal love, this may sound trivial in comparison to the above, but for the rest of us, our pets are members of the family. Buddy, a shelter dog belonging to my niece and her husband, started having seizures day before yesterday and had to be rushed to an emergency vet. So far, the cause of the seizures has not been determined. As my father-in-law used to say, "Damned old dogs." It's just too easy to become attached to the mutts!

On another note, I am picking up where I left off on my Do Something New weekly challenge asap. The holidays sidetracked me! I'll report in soon. Also, I saw a few movies over the holiday. Both of my sons were here for Christmas. We celebrated early with the extended family with big meals, games, and a lot of laughs. Then, on Christmas day, we went to a movie -- just the four of us. We saw The Curious Incident of Benjamin Button and I loved it. It is a very character-driven story. Brad Pitt was fantastic, and even though the movie was long, I was memsmerized the entire time. On New Year's eve (before the accident!) my husband and I and my sis and her hubby saw Doubt. Not a feel good movie by a long stretch! Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman both did an incredible job of acting, as usual. The story isn't entertaining, but is very thought provoking. And the movie is beautifully done. Writer types will appreciate the presentation. Then, at home I watched an older Independent movie that I rented from Netflix called The King of California, starring Michael Douglas. I have a soft spot for quirky stories and I LOVED this one. He did a wonderful job with the part, as did the young actress that co-starred. (Can't recall her name.)

On the reading front, I read a few books that I will talk about in my next post. Most interesting was a Young Adult novel my new editor recommended called THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX. Stay tuned.

I hope your 2009 is starting out more peacefully than mine!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Visit my website

Ch-ch-ch-Changes!

2008-11-11T15:59:00.000-06:00

Change is in the air -- the nip of Autumn, a new president-elect, and a new publishing home for me in a whole new genre! I can finally announce my news! I just sold my Young Adult novel CLICK in a 2-book deal to HarperCollins, and I couldn't be more thrilled! (As evidenced by the many exclamation points on this page!) Today I spoke on the telephone for the very first time with my new editor, Sarah Sevier, a woman with great taste in books. :-) She is also as nice as can be. I'll keep you posted with news about the book as time goes by, but this is my ghost story that I have posted about here in the past.

I ADORE this story, and I LOVE the characters. If this photo of the old house looks familiar, it's because I've posted it here on my blog before. It's the picture I looked at while I wrote the book--because it reminded me of the image in my mind of the "haunted" house in my story. I also listened to some mood music while I wrote--a soundtrack of my book, you might say. I chose the soundtracks to the movies IDENTITY, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, and GIRL INTERRUPTED. To the writers reading this--making a soundtrack that fits the tone of your story and listening to it as you write really helps to put you into the scene. And it's fun to do. I use ITunes and buy the songs I want then make a playlist under the heading of my book's title. Give it a try!

I suppose this sale in a different writing genre (and with two different publishers offering on it!)will have to count for my "do something new" challenge for the past couple of weeks since I've been too keyed up to accomplish much lately!

Change is good!

Happy days,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net
www.sterlingpen.net

Happy Late Halloween!

2008-11-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween one day late! Halloween ties with Thanksgiving as my pick for the best holiday. Here are some funnies in celebration of the season!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, "I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!"

"IMPOSSIBLE !" said the groom broom.

Are you ready for this?
Brace yourself; this is going to hurt! !! !! !

"WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!"

............ ............ ..............
Oh for goodness sake... Laugh, or at least groan. Life's too short not to enjoy... Even these silly ..little cute............. And clean jokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And another funny...Click here:

On another note...visit this new, young rock band's myspace page The Billdozers Band. My son is the drummer. It's still under construction but you can listen to some of their songs. My faves are: "Bottle of Whiskey, Camel Lights" and the weird and disturbing "Ron." :-)

I'm a bit off on my Do Something New Weekly Challenge. I've had a lot of exciting things going on in my writing life that have thrown me off course. (All good!) I'll get back on track and report in. And I will tell you my news when everything is confirmed. (Don't want to jinx it!)

Boo!

Jenny

Fiction website

Sterling Pen
Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting,
Editing, Copywriting, Creative
Coaching and Workshops

Lookin' Back Texas by Leanna Ellis

2008-10-18T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody,

I recently visited with author Leanna Ellis about her latest release LOOKIN' BACK, TEXAS and I'm posting our discussion here! A few years back, I spent a weekend at Leanna's house with some other writer friends. Leanna is a wonderful hostess. We ate great food and brainstormed ideas. That was my first glimpse into her idea for LOOKIN' BACK, TEXAS. I loved it from the start, and I'm so thrilled to see in in book form and on the shelves for readers to buy. I want everyone to meet her quirky, heartwarming characters. You can link to the book trailer for this novel here. In the meantime, sit back and say hello to Leanna.

Jennifer: Hi Leanna. Thanks for allowing me to pick your brain on my blog! Here we go...People who don’t write fiction are always asking me where I get my ideas. I’m sure readers would like to know the origin of the idea for your latest novel LOOKIN’ BACK, TEXAS. Can you tell us?

Leanna: Hi,Jennifer! It’s great to be here. Well, I will admit that Lookin’ Back, Texas is a pretty crazy idea. Who would ever tell their whole town their husband died when he didn’t? But that’s how the idea came to me. And I started imagining why this woman would do that and what kind of a mother she’d be … and how my heroine would have to deal with her mother and fight the tendency to be like her mother. A lot of my ideas start with a question. Ruby’s Slippers, my book that comes out in April 2009, started when I was watching The Wizard of Oz with my children a couple of years ago. I thought, “What would happen if Dorothy lost her somewhere over the rainbow?”

Jennifer: I love all the characters in the book, but Suzanne’s mom Betty Lynn had me laughing out loud numerous times. Is she based on someone you know, even a little bit? Or simply a product of your imagination? Or are you pleading the 5th on this question!?

Leanna: LOL! I should definitely plead the 5th! Thanks for the out! Mostly Betty Lynn (whom I adored because I never knew what she would do – what a surprise to me when she started rearranging flowers at the florist!) is a figment of my imagination. Let me just say, she in no way reflects my own mother. Honestly, there’s probably a little bit of Betty Lynn inside me. Yep! You heard that right. And I’m embarrassed to admit it. But I think many women can relate to Betty Lynn in some ways because so many of us struggle with perfectionism.

Jennifer: You come up with the greatest titles! I love the pop culture connections—LOOKIN’ BACK, TEXAS and the country song LUCKENBACH, TEXAS. And then there’s ELVIS TAKES A BACKSEAT and your upcoming RUBY’s SLIPPERS with the WIZARD OF OZ connection. Do you typically come up with the story idea first, then the title? Or vice versa?

Leanna: For all of those you mentioned, the story came first. The story for Elvis came long before Elvis ever entered the story. Then my critique group hounded me to put Elvis in the title. It took a while but finally I landed on a title that truly fit the book. With Lookin’ Back, Texas, it was originally titled Fault Lines which actually fits pretty well too because of the fault line in the book and the cracks in so many relationships. But one of my critique partners suggested I move the setting of the book to Luckenbach. And when I started researching I discovered it really did fit well. Lookin’ Back, Texas was a nice play on words which reflects my heroine looking back on her own mistakes. My editor really liked it when I suggested the change. Thankfully, Ruby’s Slippers came as I was figuring out the idea of the book. I had another original title which I can’t remember, but one day Ruby’s Slippers just came to me and then it was after that in researching the book that I learned a pair of ruby slippers had actually been stolen from the Judy Garland Museum that the story started to take shape. I try to be flexible with my titles but also I really need a title that is catchy but also really reflects the theme of the book, so sometimes that can take a while.

Jennifer: The metaphors in your novels are so on target—for instance in this book, the unstable foundation of Suzanne’s marriage and the drought-ravaged, earthquake riddled Texas landscape really stand out. Yet you don’t beat the reader over the head with the comparisons, but present them subtly. As a writer, do you strive to send your readers a “message” or simply to entertain? Or both?

Leanna: My first job is to entertain. In inspirational fiction, there isn’t necessarily a message but a spiritual issue. Some authors tend to preach. I think of the spiritual issue more as theme and the character arc of the story. I try really hard not to be preachy. That is not my goal. I’ve learned a lot about motifs and metaphors and symbolism in writing bigger books and really think it makes a stronger, more powerful book when those are utilized.

Jennifer: Suzanne returns home and is forced to confront her past mistakes before she can move forward happily into her future. Do you feel this is a situation most people confront at some point in their lives?

Leanna: Good question. You know, I think we all have things in our past. Some deal with their mistakes head on. Suzanne didn’t. She tried to cover hers up, much as her mother does, but in a subtler way. Betty Lynn is really a reflection of her daughter. She appears to be more flamboyant in her decisions, but Suzanne’s own cover up has the potential to be much more devastating. So for Suzanne, in trying to block out the past or deny it happened, she did need a moment in her life where she confronted it rather than letting it haunt her. Some of us can accept forgiveness easier than others, and that was the character change Suzanne needed to secure a happy ever after. Even though, there will be consequences in her future.

Jennifer: A real strength in your writing is the way in which you so effectively combine humor with serious issues. Does this come easily to you, or is it a difficult balancing act?

Leanna: It is the hardest thing I do. Wish I could just be serious or just funny. Because I think it takes me much longer to write because of the combination. It’s very tough to find the balance. And some situations are so serious and difficult to face that it takes me a while to find humor. But I’ve learned in my writing and reading experiences that I need a breather from the heavy issues which I love. I need to laugh. So I guess I’m stuck trying to do this.

Jennifer: You have created such a quirky, flawed, yet lovable community of characters in this novel. Was it difficult to tell them goodbye when you finally wrote “The End?”

Leanna: In some ways I did hate to say goodbye, but also by the time I finished Lookin’ Back, Texas I was chomping at the bit to start Ruby’s Slippers. Usually after rewriting so many times and revising so much, I’m ready to move onto something else.

Jennifer: So what’s ahead for your readers? Give us a hint about what to expect in RUBY’S SLIPPERS!

Leanna: Oh, I love Ruby’s Slippers! I can’t wait for it to come out! It was probably the hardest book I’ve ever written. But I am very happy with how it turned out. Basically, Dottie loses her ‘somewhere over the rainbow,’ her dream which was her parents’ farm. And in losing that, she realizes she’s been walking in her mother’s footsteps. She has to find her own path, her own yellow brick road, so to speak. The cover is gorgeous! And the trailer my publishing house did is fabulous! The book is a bit more romantic than my other women fiction titles, so that was fun too! But there are plenty of quirky characters.

Jennifer: Any other news you’d like to share?

Leanna: I’m finishing the rough draft of a book set near Marfa, Texas. Have you heard of the Marfa lights? Right now, the working title is Man in the Moon, but I’m thinking of changing the title to Once in a Blue Moon. See! Working with titles is hard for me.

Jennifer: Thanks for the great interview, Le!

Leanna: Thanks so much, Jenny, for the great questions. And thanks for having me on your blog!

Everybody, I highly recommend Leanna's books. Lookin' Back, Texas is available in bookstores now. Buy yourself a copy!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Sterling Pen
Freelance Writing, Editing,
Ghostwriting, Copywriting,
Workshops & Creative Coaching

jenniferarcher.net

Tough Times For Teetotalers

2008-10-09T23:17:00.000-05:00

Not so long ago, I often enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine with dinner. I’m not sure what happened, but suddenly if I down more than one I’m likely to wake up at three or four a.m. and never go back to sleep. Bummer. Every time I have a physical complaint of any kind lately, the “experts,” -- i.e. doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist, hairdresser, palm reader, you-name-it -- smile,nod and utter an age-related comment that makes me want to spew my Geritol up their nostrils. (I hate to admit it, but I have a nagging suspicion the wine situation might have something to do with that “issue,” too.)

This couldn’t have happened at a worse moment. With the stock market below 9000, now is not a good time to be a teetotaler. I think the only way to get through this crisis is to drink heavily...stay bombed out of our minds...get so smashed that we find it freaking hilarious that our hard-earned retirement money and our kids’ college fund just paid for a bunch of crooked AIG big-wigs to get hot-stone massages at a fancy, over-priced hotel spa. I’ve decided it’s a waste of time to worry about my financial future. Past experience tells me that no matter how wisely and responsibly I save, in the long run it’s out of my hands. Instead I’m going to worry about finding a non-insomnia-inducing alcoholic beverage. Send me your suggestions. I’m looking forward to trying them all out, and I’m not quitting until I either find one, or my liver gives out. 

I’m late posting about last week’s “Do Something New” challenge. Last week, I taught a creative writing class for the first time. (If any of my students are reading this, don’t despair. I’ve taught plenty of creative writing workshops, just never an actual ongoing course in a college setting.) I’ve already posted about the first class metting. I really enjoyed the night and look forward to the rest of the course. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a teacher. It’s interesting that I’m still drawn to the profession. Teaching others makes me think critically about the way I create -- what works for me and what doesn’t. And through interacting with students or workshop participants, I always learn something new, too.

This week, instead of meeting for class, we went to hear Pultizer Prize winning journalist Rick Bragg speak. I thought he was fantastic. He had a question/answer session after his “speech.” A guy in the audience asked a really great question--if Mr. Bragg thought creativity is somehow linked to poverty and/or very difficult or trying times, especially in childhood. Mr. Bragg said he thought there is a definite connection. I believe there might be something to that, too. (Not that I think a person MUST have suffered either of these afflictions in order to be creative, but I tend to believe that more creative types have than haven't.) Rick Bragg said that as a child, creativity helped him to temporarily escape poverty through his imagination. He also talked about the lie of the muse. That it doesn't come and go, sprinkling fairy dust on you at sporadic times so that you can finally write. The muse is always with you, he said. If you want to write, then write. Don’t use the muse as an excuse to be lazy, an explanation for not doing the work.
He also stressed that reading books will make you a better writer. I know this to be true. Sorry to those of you who missed his presentation. Rick Bragg is an extremely down-to-earth, funny, talented, southern guy.

In a couple of days, I’m going to interview my friend and talented writer Leanna Ellis about her new book LOOKIN’ BACK TEXAS. (Available in bookstores now!) It's a great read. Stay tuned!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Jennifer

www.jenniferarcher.net (My Fiction Website)

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Ghostwriting, Editing,
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Creative Kickstarts: Water, Walking & Words

2008-10-01T07:15:00.000-05:00

Last night was the first class meeting of the creative writing course I'm teaching at Amarillo College. We had a nice turn-out--23 students! The ice-breaker exercise didn't go as smoothly as I'd planned but we winged it and everyone ended up getting to know one another a bit and had fun with it, anyway -- at least I did!

In class, we talked a little about the need to determine your best writing environment; whether you prefer background noise, quiet, solitude, other warm bodies in the room, etc. I mentioned that your preference can alter from book to book, week to week, and year to year, depending on changes in your life situation. For instance, when I had small children at home, I needed peace and quiet in order to write. I wrote early in the mornings before my family woke up, closed away either in my home office or propped up on pillows and under the covers in bed in my spare bedroom. And I would revise what I'd written during breaks at my part-time law-office job. Now that the kids have grown and moved out of the house, I feel stifled sometimes by the confines and solitude of my home office. I often write at coffee shops now, where there's noise, but not noise that's directed at me--as was the case when I was raising children! But one thing I failed to mention in class is that I also write outside sometimes when weather permits. Long ago, I noticed that ideas and words seem to flow more freely from my mind down into my fingertips and onto the page when water is nearby. Since I live in the landlocked great plains and don't have an ocean, river or stream within easy driving distance, my husband and I have turned our backyard into our very own tropical paradise, complete with palm trees, lush foilage and flowers, and even a waterfall. (That's it in the photo above!) Watching the water trickle over the rocks, listening to the soothing, musical sound of it, somehow frees up my imagination. To read a good discussion on the topic of water and creativity, click here.

Another "tool" I use for coming up with ideas, dislodging writer's block, or solving a plot problem is to take a walk. Get moving outside. Let the fresh air clear your head and let your mind wander. I don't know why walking works, but it does. And you're likely to burn off a few pounds and tone up in the bargain!

Reporting in on my "Do Something New" weekly challenge: Last week I actually managed to do TWO things I've never done before. (1) I trained to become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar--which is a fancy way of saying that I can now register people to vote if they live in my county. Then, on Thursday, I worked the voter registration drive at my alma mater West Texas A&M University. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was assigned to an outside table on the new campus mall right next to the impressive new buffalo sculpture and down from the new clock tower. I hadn't been on campus in a while and I was amazed at the transformation. What a gorgeous campus it has become! Flowers everywhere and walking areas instead of ugly parking spaces between buildings. Wow.
We had great success in signing up lots of new, young voters, too. (2)The second new thing I did: On Saturday morning I participated in the Walk For The Cure, supporting breast cancer research. One of my sisters, my parents and I walked approximately 3 miles through downtown Amarillo with hundreds of other folks, young and old. It was great seeing all the ladies in their pink t-shirts--the survivors of that terrible disease, my lovely mom being one of them.

What I'm reading and watching: In anticipation of Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Rick Bragg's talk next Tuesday night at the Amarillo Globe News Center, I'm continuing to re-read his memoir ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN'. It's even better and more impressive the second time around! My Netflix envelope arrived in the mail with the movie ATONEMENT. Haven't sat down to watch it yet. As for television, I'm glued to politics -- the campaign and the on-going financial mess. Why watch anything else? It has everything: drama, comedy, farce, horror, intrigue, bad acting!

Happy reading and writing,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net

Sterling Pen
Freelance Writing, Editing,
Copywriting & Author Services

Tattoo? Or Tatnot?

2008-09-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

Imagine this scene...You walk into your favorite coffee shop, walk up to the counter to order your skinny latte or black C.O.D. The barrista turns around. You gasp. It's Johnny Depp -- perhaps he's dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow; this is your fantasy, too, make him look however you want. There's only a few rules to this scenario: For one, his tattoos are visible. You know, the ones on his right arm. And what the heck, let's give him a earring or two. Good morning!" he says and smiles, flashing his white teeth. "How can I be of service." You bite your lip to keep from saying something inappropriate. The muscles beneath his tawney biceps flex as he places his hands on the counter. The overhead light makes his dark hair gleam. Getting a grip on yourself, you place your order, tell him how much you love his work. He thanks you and says he's had enough of the big screen. He's a full-time employee at this coffee shop now. Your cup is filled in record time. You sample a sip and note it might be the best coffee you've ever tasted. Johnny thanks you for your business and bids you farewell as you head for the door. "Come back again," he says. "

My question: will you? Will you return? Think long and hard before you answer...be honest. Because chances are good that if you live where I do and you're a middle aged person, man or woman, you won't. Well, okay, if the barrista was Johnny Depp, you probably would, but if the barrista was Joe Blow and had those tattoos and earrings, you would not. That's what I learned at my "Do Something New" challenge this week. Read on.

On Thursday night, I participated in a focus group for a marketing firm that had been hired by a coffee shop. They needed people between the ages of 35 and 55 to answer questions, and I fit into that age range so I didn't hesitate to say "yes" when I was asked. I spend a lot of time in coffee shops. I write AT LEAST two mornings a week in one, and I often stop in at another after exercising with my mom at Curves a couple of times a week. Sometimes I even eat lunch at one particular coffee shop in town called Roosters. They serve homemade food after noon and I just love their quiche, not to mention their pie. Yum. Besides all that, I just thought it might be fun to participate, and interesting. I was right. And I met some really nice people. But I came away from the evening with something I did not expect -- something confirmed that I'd always suspected. In a lot of respects, I see the world differently than most folks--at least most folks around this part of the country. The other twelve or so people were all in agreement that they don't like their coffee served by someone with tattoos or piercings.
I said it didn't matter to me, as long as the person was clean, friendly, and did a good job. And this was weird--I have a completely different idea of what a "cafe" is than they did. When I think of a cafe, I picture one of two places: either a small bistro-like place, intimate, that typically specializes in one type of food--say Italian, for instance, and very personal service--such as the owner or manager walking around the tables, asking how everything is. Or the small-town Texas/Southern sort of cafe I grew up with. The kind with vinyl booths alongside the windows, and a counter across the aisle that overlooks the grill. Patrons at the counter sit on swiveling round stools and eye the pies in the glass-topped case at the far end. My fellow focus group members' idea of what constitutes a cafe was more like what I call a deli. Order at the front. No wait staff. Sandwiches and burgers.

Anyhoo...that was the "new" thing I did last week. I'd love to participate in more focus groups. For anyone, and a writer especially, it's a great way to get a glimpse into peoples' minds.

Speaking of tattoos, someone had a blog post a while back (can't recall the writer) about what writers are willing to do in the name of book research. It called to mind my strangest research experience. I was writing MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT LIFE, and one of the characters is a drag queen. Whenever I was writing scenes that took place in the drag bar, I'd get stuck because I had never been to such a place. I knew my niece (in her mid-twenties)had a close male friend who is gay, so I asked Nicole if she'd find out if such a place existed in our small city. Turns out we have more than one. And Nicole had been with her friend before, so she offered to take me. My sister (her mom) went along. We arrived just before the floor show. It was "Trailer Park Beauty Pageant Night." I'll sum the night up like this: Fun, hilarious, bizarre, surreal. I learned several things: (1) Drag queens are friendly to others who stick out like 3 white crayon in a box filled with chartreuse ones. (Yes, my sister, my neice and I were the oddballs that night in our boring jeans and tucked-in t-shirts.) (2)Girls really do just wanna have fun, even when they aren't really girls. (3)Some men look drop-dead gorgeous in spiked heels, short tight skirts, and low-cut skin-hugging tops. (4) Some men don't. (5)If you're going to wear a bustier, you should wax your chest hair. (6) If you plan to wear silk stockings, shave your legs first. Please.

WHAT I'M READING: I'm about to re-read ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' by Rick Bragg, the Pulitzer Prize-Winning journalist. Amarillo College is bringing him into Amarillo to speak at the Globe News Center the evening of October 7. It's free to the public. If you live around these parts, you should go! It's a fantastic book and I've heard Mr. Bragg is a fantastic speaker.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

www.sterlingpen.net
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Freelance Writing, Editing
& Author Services

www.jenniferarcher.net

A Redneck Weekend (a.k.a. Don't Mess With Me MoFo!)

2008-09-15T14:13:00.000-05:00

That's me meeting the challenge I made to myself to do something new each week. On Saturday I shot a pistol for the very first time. A Colt 45 that belonged to my grandfather-in-law way back during WW1. Don’t I look like a natural born bad-ass? Just look at that Bond-girl stance. The deadly calm focus. The steely set of my jaw. (Trust me, it's steely.)

I chose to learn to shoot for several reasons: (1) As a born Texan who has lived in the Lone Star State most of my life (I took a few detours along the way), seems to me that this is a part of my heritage I’ve ignored.
Mind you, I’ve never been crazy about guns. I’m not for banning them, but I am for gun control – for strict screening of anyone wanting to buy one. Will that keep criminals from getting their grimy little hands on them? Probably not, but it sure won’t make it any easier for them, either. And I’m all for making life tougher for criminals. Also, I think even most law abiding citizens don't have a need for certain kinds of weapons. I tend to agree with what Barack Obama said in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention... "The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Seco
nd Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals."

That brings me to my second reason for learning to shoot: (2) Who knows? I may decide I want to try to be chosen as a candidate for Vice President of the U.S. in 2012, and I’ve recently learned that knowing the ins and outs of hunting and shooting and such is one qualification for the job. I don’t reckon I’ll ever kill or gut a varmint – that is, unless the political race gets tight and I need another point in my favor, something to reassure the common folk I’m just a good ol’ gal, too. I already have PTA mom and hockey mom on my resume, and I think it's a mistake not to finish my training. So now I have pistol-packin' mama on there, too. Let me tell you, now that I know how to organize a school spaghetti supper, understand the meaning of ‘hat trick,’ AND know how to shoot, I’m feeling a lot more confident that I have what it takes to run the country!

And finally, my last reason for learning to shoot: (3) I spent the weekend in the mountains with two men—my husband and our friend Joe. Joe’s wife Jayme couldn’t go, and so it was just the guys and yours truly. I knew it was going to be a real redneck weekend when Joe asked what he could bring and my husband replied quite seriously, “Your fishing pole, a chain saw, your gun and beer.” (Actually, he said “Scotch” not “beer.” But Joe brought beer, anyway, along with the Scotch. And ‘Scotch’ sounds a little too high-brow for a redneck, so it’s easier for me to make fun of them if I just mention the beer.) I figured, if Jayme's not here for girl-talk and wildflower gathering I might as well join Billy Joe and Bobby Jeff. But I’m picky, so I chose imbibing and target shooting over fishing or sawing down dead trees. (Don’t worry—we shot first and imbibed later.)

The verdict on my new endeavor? FUN! I LIKE firing off a few rounds into a dead tree stump. Who would’ve thunk it? All the way home, I tried to analyze the reasons for
that. Maybe it’s the challenge of hitting that tiny little knothole. Or maybe it’s feeling all that power in your hands. Or maybe it’s the tension release factor; bam-bam-bam-bam-bam! Take that editor X! That’s the last time you’ll reject one of MY manuscripts.

In other news, I just finished reading HOLES by Louis Sachar. I watched the movie long ago, but had never read the book. Loved, loved, loved it! What fun, quirky characters and what an unusual puzzle of a story. I enjoyed watching the author make all the pieces fall gradually into place.

Finally, I’ve become addicted to ONE WORD, ONE RUNG, ONE DAY AT A TIME, my friend and fellow fiction-writer Travis Erwin’s blog. His way with words and his perspective on life never fail to make me smile—and often have me laughing out loud. Check it out! You’ll feel better. Happy reading,

Jenny

Jennifer Archer

Sterling Pen
Ghostwriting, Editing &
Copywriting Services.

The Secret of Staying Young

2008-09-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." -Lucille Ball

Who is this man?

A) The German Ambassador to the United States ?
B) A Spokane, Washington serial killer?
C) The guy who opened the Republican National Convention?
D) The CEO of Haliburton?

NONE OF THE ABOVE

He is...

If you're too young to know who the Monkeys are, I don't want to hear about it. Wow, I would not have guessed that was M.N. in a million years. People change in a lot of ways as they age--and not just our appearance. Some of the changes are for the good, some aren't, and some depend on your point of view. A woman I know just slightly older than I am recently said to me: "What happened to my generation? When I was in college we were all about revolution! About equality and peace and celebrating difference and making the world a better place for everyone. Shame on us for going along with the status quo as we got older! Too many of my generation now supports the issues we used to despise. We've become the old people we couldn't stand!"

When I look at myself and the people with whom I grew up, I see a mix of changes. Here are only a few: wisdom, maturity, growth, laziness, disillusionment, loss of energy, a new outlook, a refusal to move on, staleness, freshness, stubbornness, a more open mind, the courage to speak up, the insight of when to shut up, the lack of insight about when to shut up, self-righteousness, cynicism, a greater capacity to accept differences in others, the stubborn refusal to do so. I see all these traits in myself at different times--even the ones that conflict.

Over the past couple of weeks, a few of the more negative ones have sprouted inside me--traits I used to bitch about seeing in the older generation. I'm not going to stand for that! I'm going to work harder on developing the trait of wisdom and remind myself to live and let live. If people don't see things as clearly as I do, that's their problem. :-) I've finally figured out that, unless you're an optometrist or an opthamologist, people don't appreciate it if you tell them all the reasons you think they need glasses. I don't blame them, I guess. I've never admired self-righteousness in others, and I admire it even less in myself.

I love Lucy's secrets for staying young, but I think there's at least one more she didn't mention--trying and/or learning new things. When I was young, I was always up for a new experience. I pushed myself--usually in a good way. I was more spontaneous. I think most people were, and I think those of us who lose that trait over time, get mentally and emotionally older faster. So I'm issuing a challenge to myself today and to any of you that would like to join me: Each week I'll either do something I've never done before or learn something new. Sometimes they'll be big things, sometimes small. I'll try to post what I did every Monday.

Now, I admit that some of the "new experiences" I tried when I was young were idiotic and could've landed me in jail--or worse! Luckily that never happened, though sometimes I paid the consequences in other ways. I'll try my best to avoid those types of new experiences this time around! (I hope I can count on a few friends to bail me out, though, if in trying to recapture some of my youthful exuberance, I recapture some of the youthful stupidity, too ...he-he-he.)

Happy Monday!

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net

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Freelance Writing, Editing & Author Services

Brave New Voices

2008-08-25T14:28:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken at a booksigning more than a year ago. Seated at the table is Ronda Thompson, myself in the middle, and Linda Castillo on the far right. The girl in back, third from the left (just look for the young one in the group!), is Christen Reighter. Last month, this smart, talented, kind and lovely young friend of mine competed at the 11th annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival held in Washington DC. Christen graduated from high school in May, and she is a member of my local writing organization Panhandle Professional Writers. This was the 11th anniversary for the seven-day poetry slam festival which is held in a different city each year and presented by Youth Speaks, the nation’s "leading spoken word performance, education and youth development organization." Christen was one of 450 teenage poets and spoken word artists from diverse backgrounds chosen to perform in the event. These talented young adults hailed from "cities, rural, and suburban areas, the Deep South, Native American reservations, Alaska, college towns – even from parts of Europe and Africa" and their performances were seen and heard by more than 10,000 people during the festival. As noted on the Youth Speaks website: "BNV (Brave New Voices) directly addresses the youth perspective on local and national issues, using spoken word as a tool for civic engagement, arts education, and literacy development – and reflecting the changing demographics of the United States. ...These young writers are a diverse, creative, intelligent group of trendsetters and community leaders (65% of whom qualify for the free lunch program at their home schools). They come to BNV each year to attend world-class workshops and performances by renowned poets, writers and musicians, and to participate in the Olympic-style Youth Poetry Slam, building a national community of young, intelligent, and courageous artists."

I could not be more proud of Christen! I have watched her grow from a curious, motivated and talented girl into an amazing young woman passionate about her art and the causes she believes in. I can't wait to see where she goes from here. All I can say is WATCH OUT WORLD, HERE SHE COMES! Her performance (seen here on YouTube) blew me away. Christen, you go girl!

Jumpstart Your Creativity

2008-08-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

The weather is trying to confuse us here in the Texas Panhandle. We've had so much rain in the past week that I feel as if I live in Oregon or Washington State instead of the Great Plains. I'm not complaining--I love this sort of moody weather. And my backyard looks like the Garden of Eden! All the flowers and bushes are gorgeous and lush.

I want to tell you about a class I'll be teaching next month at Amarillo College. We'll meet every tuesday night from September 30 through November 18. If you live in Amarillo or the surrounding area and you think you might benefit from what I'll be offering, I hope you will join me. Go to the Amarillo College website under 'Continuing Education' to register. The course is called JUMPSTARTING YOUR CREATIVITY, under 'Writing' in the class schedule, course code CWP-1010-1001 (74499).
Tell any of your friends or family that might be interested, too. The tone of the class will be very relaxed and fun, aimed at folks that have always wanted to write stories but aren't sure how to start. (People who already write but are either stuck or would like to delve deeper will benefit, too.) The course is designed to stimulate creativity and inspire imagination through a series of writing exercises and class interaction. We'll focus on finding your writing “voice,” opening your mind to ideas, and using those elements to build a story. And I'm leaving plenty of time open for students to read work aloud and receive feedback.

Here's a little of what we'll be covering, class-by-class:

Class #1 Getting Started
a. Discuss class content and format
b. Getting Started – what students need in order to begin to make writing a part of their lives. (Pen and paper, a place to write, privacy, desire, determination, patience, etc.)

Class #2 Where Do You Get Your Ideas? (The question published writers are asked the most)
a. Finding ideas in your own life experiences. How to tap into personal memories, fears, joys, etc., to generate ideas. Discussion and in-class writing exercises.
b. Finding ideas in lives and experiences outside of your own. How to recognize hidden ideas in magazine and newspaper articles, overheard conversations, etc. Discussion and in-class writing exercises.

Class # 3 Ideas, Part 2
a. Starting with a character: How to spark ideas through people-watching—training your mind to ask questions about the people you see everyday. Discussion and in-class writing exercises.
b. Starting with an event or situation: How to spark ideas by training your mind to ask questions about a place, scene, situation or event. Discussion and in-class writing exercises.

Class # 4 Ideas, Part 3
a. Sensory details: Sparking ideas through use of the five senses. Discussion and in-class writing exercises.
b. Student readings from all prior class exercises.

Class #5 Story Building
a. Using “brainstorming” to develop an idea into a storyline.
b. Discussion and exercises. Student reading as time allows.

Class #6 Story Building, Part 2
a. Using “freewriting” to develop an idea into a storyline
b. Discussion and exercises. Student readings as time allows.

Class #7 Writer “Voice”
a. What is it? Discussion.
b. How to find and develop it. Discussion and exercises.
c. Student readings as time allows.

Class # 8 Putting It To Use
a. Discussion about the importance of finding the methods that best suit the individual writer, making writing a habit, and how to use the information learned in the class to move to the next step—i.e., writing a short story, memoir, novel, etc.

Hope you can join us. I'm really looking forward to the sessions and meeting a lot of new writers. Should be fun!

Happy reading and writing,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net
www.sterlingpen.net

The Cons of Making Writing A Profession

2008-08-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

Last time I talked about all the great things that go along with making writing your profession. Today let's discuss the cons. Or maybe I should call them 'discomforts' since the word 'con' means against, and I would never try to turn anyone that wants to write for a living away from doing so.

As you might have gathered from my last post, when you make writing your profession, many unforgettable moments are likely to follow. I'll never forget the first time I received a letter from a reader after my debut novel BODY AND SOUL appeared on bookstore shelves. My husband and I were out running errands and we stopped by the post office. He went in while I sat in the car. Minutes later, Jeff came out waving an envelope, a huge smile on his face. "I think you might've just received some fan mail," he said. (He assumed this because the letter was addressed to "Jennifer" Archer, and I'm known as "Jenny" in my non-writing life.) The letter came all the way from Hawaii, and here's what it said: Dear Ms. Archer, I just finished reading BODY AND SOUL, and I wanted to tell you that it was just about...the stupidest book I've ever read. But maybe I just thought so because, before I started it, I read a wonderful book by Danielle Steele. OUCH!

Yes, my dear fellow writers and readers, writing professionally comes with a downside, too. A few jabs now and then. Some real ego busters. Anti-fan letters qualify, don't you agree? For some reason, the letter struck me as humorous, and I had a good laugh over it. I even sent the anti-fan a cover flat of my upcoming release, asked that she give it a chance to see if she liked it better than BODY AND SOUL. And I told her that since she took the time to tell me how much she hated my book, I hoped she had also taken the time to let Ms. Steele know how much she loved hers. Here are a few other discomforts that go along with "author-hood":

1. Deadlines that creep up on you when you aren't looking, and you find yourself in front of the computer for ten hour days only to discover when you write "The End" that your ankles are swollen from all the sitting. Oh, and there's the neck ache and the numb butt, too. Did I mention that?
2. You spend two or three hours at your booksigning with a smile plastered on your face, and when someone finally stops by your table, they only want to ask where the bathroom is located.
3. Loneliness. Being home alone all day, every day, with no outside stimulation or fellow workers to chat with on a break can make a person weird. After my first two months of staying home to write full time, I knew I was crossing over into looney territory when I left the house one early evening to go to dinner with my husband and friends and the world beyond my four walls seemed a little too loud and bright and unfamiliar. Yikes. After that, I made it a point to schedule frequent lunch dates with friends, and to write at the library or in coffee shops from time to time.

But I've found that the toughest thing of all about writing to sell is this...
4. Whether you pursue writing full time or part time, if you want to compose a wonderful story, you have to be willing to expose yourself, warts and all. To lay everything out on the page uncensored. Let me explain... My mom tells a story about when I was a little girl and she was getting dressed in her bedroom one morning. I was sitting on the bed talking to her at the time, and she was wearing only her underwear. I don't know if I noticed a frown on her face or if I heard her mutter something, but I must have sensed that she wasn't happy with what she saw in the mirror because I said to her sweetly, "Don't worry, Mom, you don't look fat when your clothes are on." (Please note that my mother had and still has a lovely figure!) That incident is, to me, a perfect analogy for the most difficult thing we have to face as writers -- we have to be willing to expose ourselves, to walk around with our clothes off in front of the world. We must pull off our girdles and let all the fat explode onto the page. Ugly thoughts, weaknesses, fears, feelings, emotions. Writers-- you must set aside your worries about what people might think of you after they read your words. Will they wonder if you share your characters' nasty habits? Their unorthodox beliefs? Maybe. Probably. I've struggled with this in the past, but no more. Today, my motto: What other people think about me is none of my business.

How about you writers out there--what issues do you struggle with because of your writing? And readers--do you wonder how much of the writer exists in the character? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

Happy Reading!

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net
www.sterlingpen.net

The Pros Of Making Fiction-Writing A Profession

2008-08-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

Ditching the "real" job to write full-time is the dream for most writers, yes? It was my dream and it finally came true more than four years ago. Following are what I've found to be a few of the high-points of that decision--the "pros" as opposed to the "cons."

1. I can work in my pj's, or my underwear, or even stark naked if I'm so inclined, though I've never tried that since I'm cold-natured.
2. I make my own hours. I don't have to get up with the sun. I can work 14 hours on Monday and 2 hours on Tuesday. No time clock to punch or boss looking over my shoulder.
3. I get to make up stories and get paid for it (well...most of the time). What could be more awesome than that? I get to lie for a living, look out the window and dream while sitting at my desk, talk to myself, as well as to imaginary people. (All these things would get me into trouble in most any other profession. And might even get me a trip to a room with no windows while wearing a straight jacket).
4. I get to meet a lot of interesting characters. Some of them are real, some of 'em aren't.
5. Sometimes I'm fortunate to receive a glowing review of my work, or readers say flattering things about my writing. Once a woman at my booksigning told me she had stayed up until 3 in the morning reading my novel ONCE UPON A DREAM, and she said it made her laugh. She said, "what a wonderful talent you possess." Talk about an ego rush. Another woman at a different signing told me my novel THE ME I USED TO BE touched her emotionally, and that she was so overcome with emotion at the ending that she had to explain to the girl doing her pedicure why she was crying.
6. I've met many, many other writers and a few of them have become my best friends.
7. I don't have to drive during rush hour...on icy roads...wear real makeup or "dress up" clothes.

8. Booksignings in exotic locations. There's a picture of one of mine in Toronto to the right--I'm the one with my head down, and yes, when you live in Texas, Canada is considered to be an exotic location. Here's another photo of one of my signings in Hawaii (below).

9. Flowers from my publisher. (And once...Champagne!)

Stay tuned for the flip-side of this coin--The Cons Of Making Fiction-Writing A Profession...coming soon to this blog.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net
www.sterlingpen.net

So Sweet!

2008-07-30T08:38:00.000-05:00

I'm probably behind the rest of the world and you've all already seen this video. But I just had to post it for those of you that might've missed it. It is the sweetest thing! Who needs more proof than this that animals feel love and bond deeply with their keepers? (And vice versa!) See mine -- Marge and Harry -- in these photos.

Now, after watching the video and drying your tears (you cried, admit it!) take a look at my new venture with my business partner Mary Schramski! The business is called Sterling Pen and we offer freelance writing and editing services, workshops and creative coaching. Please pass the word and the link to anyone you know that might benefit from our services!

Happy day and happy reading!

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net

Old Friends, New Friends and Golf Balls

2008-07-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

I was honored to speak to the NTRWA folks on Saturday morning about writing women's fiction. My sister Angie lives in the area and she hauled me around the Dallas area and even sat in on the workshop so that she could "see what I do." (Scary, since I'm not even sure what I do half the time!) What a great group NTRWA is! I had a chance to catch up with my old friend Leanna Ellis (old as in "longtime" not "age!") and see the gorgeous covers for her upcoming books LOOKIN' BACK TEXAS and RUBY SLIPPERS. Check out Le's fun website and read about her wonderful books. I met so many fun and talented people -- Gina, Jen, Angi and too many others to name. One very interesting young woman was visiting NTRWA for the first time. She had moved to the area recently after "retiring" from her career as a police detective in another state, and she plans to draw on her experiences to start a new career writing suspense novels.

Spending time with writers--especially new writers that are so filled with energy and ideas--always revives my enthusiasm for my own writing. I came home more eager than ever to dive back into my Dust Bowl story.

One thing I absolutely loved about the NTRWA group was their ritual of announcing member successes and rejections. Every success was cheered and applauded and every rejection received a unanimous sympathetic, dismayed groan. When you get knocked down, isn't it nice when people that care rally around you, offering hugs and understanding? That's what those groans felt like. And no matter how dejected you might feel, it's difficult not to smile when an entire room of people groan in unison!

I ended my presentation with a story someone sent me that made me think about the importance of keeping my priorities in perspective. I've noticed that sometimes writers have a tough time doing this. Remember -- while writing may be one of your passions--a golf ball -- getting published and/or continuing to publish is only a pebble--or should be. Read on and I hope this will make sense!

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Beers

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers .

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He th en asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked. The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.'

Happy Reading,

Jenny

What I've Been Reading

2008-07-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

My book club chose two books for us to read for the past month: THE ALCHEMIST by Paul Cohelo and KEEPING FAITH by Jodi Picoult. Two very different books.

THE ALCHEMIST: You've probably heard of THE SECRET and the law of attraction that is all the rage today. This fable basically teaches that theory through fiction. If you're interested in learning about the law of attraction, reading this book is an enjoyable way to do so. Plus, it's short and a quick easy read. Here's what Publisher's Weekly had to say about it--"This inspirational fable by Brazilian author and translator Coelho has been a runaway bestseller throughout Latin America and seems poised to achieve the same prominence here. The charming tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who dreams of seeing the world, is compelling in its own right, but gains resonance through the many lessons Santiago learns during his adventures. He journeys from Spain to Morocco in search of worldly success, and eventually to Egypt, where a fateful encounter with an alchemist brings him at last to self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment. The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it's full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams. The cumulative effect is like hearing a wonderful bedtime story from an inspirational psychiatrist. Comparisons to The Little Prince are appropriate; this is a sweetly exotic tale for young and old alike."
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

KEEPING FAITH: To be honest, though Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors, I had serious doubts about liking this book after reading the premise. The protagonist's young daughter manifests stigmata. One chapter in, I couldn't put the book down and read into the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Great characters, intriguing storyline, fantastic writing. Read this! Here's what Publisher's Weekly had to say-- "Fans of Picoult's fluent and absorbing storytelling will welcome her new novel, which, like Harvesting the Heart, explores family dynamics and the intricacies of motherhood, and concludes, as did The Pact, with tense courtroom drama. In the small town of New Canaan, N.H., 33-year-old Mariah discovers that her husband, Colin, is having an affair. Years ago, his cheating drove Mariah to attempt suicide and Colin had her briefly committed to an institution. Now Mariah's facing divorce and again fighting depression, when her eight-year-old daughter, Faith, suddenly acquires an imaginary friend. Soon this friend is telling the girl how to bring her grandmother back from the dead and how to cure a baby dying of AIDS. As Faith manifests stigmata, doctors are astounded, and religious controversy ensues, in part because Faith insists that God is a woman. An alarmed Colin sues for custody of Faith, and the fear of losing her daughter dramatically changes meek, diffident Mariah into a strong, protective and brave womanAone who fights for her daughter, holds her own against doctors and lawyers and finds the confidence to pursue a surprising new romance with TV atheist Ian Fletcher, cynical "Spokesman of the Millennium Generation." Though the novel feels a bit long, Picoult's pacing stabilizes the increasingly complicated plot, and the final chapters, in which Mariah fights for Faith's custody in court, are riveting. The mother-daughter relationship is all the more powerful for being buffeted by the exploitative and ethically questionable domains of medicine, media, law and religion; these characters' many triumphant transformations are Picoult's triumphs as well."Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Drain Sludge

2008-07-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

I wrote the following article for a writing club newsletter over a decade ago, before I sold a book. I found it in my file cabinet recently and it sent me back in time to all those emotions that go along with the struggle to publish. I hope it helps some of you who are currently experiencing that struggle. While you're reading, glance now and then at the cover of my book BODY AND SOUL, which I've posted here. The first book I wrote, that I speak about in this article, never sold, but the second one did -- and this is it! Happy Reading~ Jenny

DRAIN SLUDGE by Jennifer Archer

Since receiving another rejection on my novel, I've been thinking about drain sludge. You know -- that disgusting conglomeration of hair, soap scum, and who-know-what-else that clogs up plumbing. I once heard drain sludge compared to a writer's early work. "You have to get it out of your system so the good stuff can flow."

Can I deal with the fact that my first novel might be slime? That my long-toiled-over manuscript may never reside between the cover of a book? I never presumed I'd written The Great American Novel. I didn't expect a Pulitzer Prize. But...drain sludge? After much thought and a little sulking, I've reached a conclusion: If need be, I'll lay my manuscript to rest without weeping. Negative thinking? I choose to call it realism, because as I scan my quickly-dwindling market list of prospective publishers, I must be realistic.

Daphne Clair de Jong, author for Harlequin Mills & Boon and Silhouette wrote: "...there are many, many more people out there who want to write romances than there are spaces for on the bookstore racks. And the cold hard truth is that lots -- lots -- of them are never going to be published." Initially Ms. de Jong's comments depressed me. But then I read this in Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: "Almost every single thing you hope publication will do for you is a fantasy, a hologram -- it's the eagle on your credit card that only seems to soar. What's real is that if you do your scales every day, if you slowly try harder and harder pieces, if you listen to great musicians play music you love, you'll get better....And so if one of your heart's deepest longings is to write, there are ways to get your work done, and a number of reasons why it is important to do so."

A number of reasons to write other than publication? I thought publication was THE goal?

Maybe I've been looking at this all wrong. Maybe my focus should be on becoming the best writer I can be, rather than becoming a published writer. Afterall, the words I put on paper are all I control. I can't control an editor's opinion or the buying public's taste.

Not long ago, my son asked, "What if your book never gets published? Think how much time you wasted." When I consider the hours I worked on my novel and the possibility it might never sell, I don't regret one minute spent. By struggling through those pages, I learned about the craft of writing and about myself. I gained priceless insight into plotting, characterization and more -- insight I couldn't derive from a textbook. By attempting the process rather than simply reading about it, I experienced the difficulties, confronted them, worked my way around them. Perhaps not always skillfully, but I did it, nonetheless. Completing and submitting the book to publishers taught me I could finish a project and that, through a well-written query letter, I could entice editors to request my manuscript. Most important, I learned that while rejection is unpleasant, it isn't fatal. And if I'm lucky enough to receive an editor's feedback, I can often use it to make my story even stronger.

And what did I learn about myself? I've been right about one thing all my life -- a writer is what I want to be when I grow up. Also, I'm tougher than I thought, and more persistent. I can read my work aloud to a group without suffering a nervous breakdown. I can accept constructive criticism graciously, even be thankful for it. Best of all, I learned I can write simply for the love of it and experience satisfaction. I won't lie -- it stings to admit my early work might be drain sludge. Because, good or bad, I'm fond of my first novel, as you should be of your first attempts at writing. And though we may have needed to "get it out of our system so the good stuff can flow," I believe our early work and drain sludge have nothing else in common. Sludge has no redeeming qualities. Writing a first novel, short story or article, on the other hand, is an unforgettable experience. Like kissing, falling in love, sex, swimming in the ocean or flying in an airplane, there's no other time quite like the first one.

Enough brooding. Time to go back to work on Book #2. The plumber is leaving and, with any luck, it might finally be safe for me to turn on the faucet.

Jenny Does Dallas

2008-06-25T07:57:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to speaking to the North Texas Romance Writers http://www.ntrwa.com/ in a few weeks. (July 19th.) This cowboy is featured on their website. (Hmmm. I wonder if he's a member of the group? If so, I sure hope he comes to the meeting...) I'll be talking about Writing Mainstream Women's Fiction That Sells--which might be a bit of a misleading title, now that I think about it. I wish I could say that I have the secret that will guarantee a sale to every person in attendance, but I've come to the conclusion that even the best, most well-executed story is bought only if the planets align perfectly on the day the editor reads it, and the fairies decide to sprinkle gold dust. Still, over the course of writing 6 mainstream women's fiction novels in addition to the romance novels and novellas I've penned, I've managed to learn a few things that just might help those planets to align and encourage the fairies to start sprinkling! I have a fun couple of hours planned during which I'll share what I've learned with my North Texas friends. What I love most about talking to other writers is that I always come away learning something new, too --information or questions I can use to improve my own writing and also make the next presentation I give more complete and informative.

So...my question to you: If you were going to attend this presentation, what would you hope would be covered? What are your questions about writing mainstream women's fiction or about women's fiction in general? I appreciate any feedback, and I promise I'll address whatever you mention in a future blog.

If you live in the Dallas area and can make the meeting, I'd love to see/meet you! Check out the North Texas Romance Writers website for the time and location.

Happy reading and writing!

Jenny

Imagine...And The Two Davids

2008-05-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, I admit it -- I'm an American Idol fan. (Why do people, including myself I gather, always feel as if we need to apologize for possessing an affinity for pure entertainment? When did simple "fun" become a four letter word if television is involved?)While I'm confessing, I might as well tell you that I'm also an avid watcher of Survivor and that on occasion, I tune-in to Dancing With The Stars. (Okay...before you get up on your high horse to look down your nose at me, you should know that my only other routine show is CNN--got to have that daily, messy dose of political adrenaline, ya know.)Anyway, back to IDOL. In case you've been living in a cave and don't know it (or perhaps you're one of those people up on your high horse) David Archuleta went up against David Cook last night. They are two very different types of performers, both extremely talented. Because I have a soft spot for rockers, (the kind that strut and wail, not the kind you sit on--although I like those, too), I had my fingers crossed for David Cook. Then David A. sang John Lennon's "Imagine" and almost brought tears to my eyes. Wow, that seventeen year old kid can sing! His voice is beautiful. I don't care which David wins. I can't imagine that they won't both go on to have successful careers in the music industry.

Another thing I can't imagine: Bookstores without books. Recently I read a post on a loop in which an author predicted that in the not-so-distant future bookstores would contain catalogues rather than books. In these store, patrons will go in and, instead of browsing shelves of books, choosing selections, then buying them and taking them home, we will go in, browse titles and read "blurbs" outlining the plot, make our selections, and then a clerk will go to the back and print, bind, etc. the book and bring it out to us. In minutes.

Maybe I can imagine this, but I don't want to. For me, the joy of going to a bookstore is browsing the shelves. Randomly pulling out titles, holding them in my hands, looking at the cover art, flipping through the pages and reading random paragraphs, imagining the people that live within the covers, deciding if I might want to spend time with them, get to know them, share their adventure. And then there's the smell. Yes, books have a distinctive scent. If you are a book lover, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this. The scent of a brand new book is different than the scent of an old one -- say, at the library. I love them both. A world without bookstores filled with books will be a sadder world, a poorer world, a drab world.

How would you feel about the bookstore of the future I've described above? Would you like it? Hate it? Do you think it's a possibility?

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Friday's Book Recommendation--One Day Late

2008-05-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, I hope! I want to tell you about a very odd and intriguing novel that was the selection for my book club this month. It is THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX BY Maggie O'Farrell. I actually chose this book for my group after reading that Amazon named it one of the best 100 books of 2007 and Barnesandnoble.com recommended it as a book club read. I've always been drawn to moody, haunting stories with a dark, gothic feel, and if a hefty dose of psychological suspense is sprinkled in, so much the better. Is there anything any more delicious than watching a Hitchcock movie late at night...alone...while it's raining outside? Or curling up under the covers on a winter night to read an eerie tale like Daphne Du Maurier's REBECCA? This is that sort of story--only stranger. I couldn't put it down. The author's method of unfolding the plot is very unique, and the women's issues of the past that are brought to light are both interesting and disturbing.

I had one complaint involving a situation in the setup of the plot that needs to be addressed in order for the story to be completely believable, in my opinion. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil the story for any of you that haven't yet read it, so I'll be vague, but it involves the funding of Esme's care. Did I miss something? If you've read the and can answer that question, let me know! Following is Barnes and Noble's synopsis of THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX:

"In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriend's attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospital—where she has been locked away for over sixty years. Iris’s grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esme’s papers prove she is Kitty’s sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esme’s face. Esme has been labeled harmless—sane enough to coexist with the rest of the world. But Esme’s still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she inherit?

Maggie O’Farrell’s intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth will haunt readers long past its final page."

Happy Reading,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net

"The Dirty Thirties"

2008-05-06T04:19:00.000-05:00

Here's something to look back on and think about as we watch the cost of gas, food, and just about everything else skyrocket to unbelievable amounts, and as Americans face layoffs and a dismal job market....

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to visit with a delightful 94-year-old gentleman about his experience of living in the heart of the Dust Bowl as a young man. His memories of "that ol' blue/black dust" and the "half-dugout" his family called home, put a real face on a time in history I had only read about prior to our conversation. I came away with some wonderful research material for my book, a different perspective of the High Plains where I've lived most of my life, and an awed respect for the people who struggled to make a life here during one of the worst disasters of the last century.

But "Mr. J" also sent me off with another story I had not sought or expected. At the age of 20, he said, "I'd been on my own for three years...but I didn't have a home...I didn't have nothin." He struck out for California, hoping to find work. "I rode the freight trains a couple of years...I was bumming. I'd ride a freight, walk, or ride my finger." But even in California, Mr. J discovered that "there just wasn't hardly any jobs to speak of." And the competition for the few that cropped up was tough. The state--the entire country--was full of men just like Mr. J. who were looking for work without success. After some time, he finally did find temporary work on a ranch. The offer came when he was headed off to get some sleep. "I guess I got the only job in the whole country! Now that happened to me at night...in a town just out of L.A. The old boy stopped me as I was going on the other side of town to find a soft spot under one of those trees or something like that, and find a piece of cardboard -- one of those great big ol' boxes we used to fold up and crawl down in so you could have a little something over you and under you. That's about all."

Wow. I wonder if those of my generation and my childrens' generation could be as tough and resourceful as Mr. J and the other men and women of his time. And I hope we never have to find out!

My friend and critique partner Anita sent me the incredible photo above!

The Bronze Horseman--Friday Book Recommendation

2008-05-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

I'm posting my Friday book recommendation a day early since I'll be away from my computer tomorrow. And please hop on over to author Candace Havens' blog to check out her book recommendation, as well. It is DARKEST NIGHT, in Gena Showalter's new Lords of the Underworld series, and it sounds like a fantastic read!

Now for my pick: I can't tell you how much I loved, Loved, LOVED THE BRONZE HORSEMAN by Paulina Simons, published originally in 2001. This epic World War 2 love story is told from the point of view of Tatiana, a young Russian girl in love with a Russian (American born) soldier. Author Paulina Simons dedicated the novel to her Russian grandparents, and I can't help but think at least some of the story is based on their own. Much of the book is heartwrenching, as Russia in WWII was not a cheerful place, and the characters' very true-to-history, difficult experiences are not sugarcoated in the story, but it is a compelling read. This is a big, fat book and, still, I was sorry when it ended. I found the follow-up, TATIANA & ALEXANDER, and enjoyed every minute of it, too.

Here is some of what Amazon has to say about THE BRONZE HORSEMAN: "...an epic tale of passion, betrayal, and survival in World War II Russia. Leningrad, 1941...two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha Metanov, live in a cramped apartment, sharing one room with their brother and parents. Such are the harsh realities of Stalin's Russia, but when Hitler invades the country, the siege of its cities makes the previous severe conditions seem luxurious. Against this backdrop of danger and uncertainty, Tatiana meets Alexander, an officer in the Red Army whose self-confidence sets him apart from most Russian men and helps to conceal a mysterious and troubled past.... With bombs falling and food becoming scarce, Tatiana and Alexander are drawn to each other in an impossible love that threatens to tear her family apart and reveal his dangerous secret -- a secret as destructive as the war itself. Caught between two deadly forces, the lovers find themselves swept up in a tide of history at a turning point in the century that made the modern world.

Mesmerizing from the very first page to the final, breathtaking end, The Bronze Horseman brings alive the story of two indomitable, heroic spirits and their great love that triumphs over the devastation of a country at war."

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Jennifer Archer

Memory Lane Monday--My First Publication

2008-04-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

This pot of flowers sat at the entrance to our hotel on a recent trip to Santa Fe. I just like it and thought I'd share.

Monday. The beginning of a new work week. A good time to take stock of the past before looking ahead to the future. Drumroll please....ta da! Here is my first published piece of writing. The article appeared in the May 6, 1988 issue of The Ranger, Amarillo Community College's newspaper. (I sincerely hope my writing skills have improved since then!)Some of you who know me might be surprised to know that the woman profiled in this story is my mom, and that I am the "one-year-old little girl."

Which leads to my question of the day: Is there some element of your past (or your present) that doesn't often come up that might surprise your friends and/or acquaintances?

RAILROAD LIVING ON THE RIGHT TRACK

“One day as I stood in the check-out line at a grocery store in Cleburne, Texas, a woman whose husband was in a railroad track gang was also in line. She was telling someone where she lived – a small boxcar standing on some nearby railroad tracks. She had small children with her. I remember feeling sorry for her.”

So said Joan, Amarillo homemaker. But that was Joan before her life changed almost 30years ago. Observing her today, at ease and relaxing in her ordinary, middle-class suburban home, it is not easy to imagine that she also once lived that very different railroad lifestyle.

In February of 1958, Joan, a stenographer, and her husband Charles, a machinist in the Santa Fe Railway Shops, were a typical young married couple. They and their two small daughters had just bought and moved into a brand new 1,600 square foot brick home in Cleburne. Their six-year-old daughter attended first grade at the school nearby while Joan’s mother stayed with their one-year-old little girl. Six months later things changed. In September of 1958, Charles was laid off from his job. Unable to find work in the area, he began to consider a job offer with a new Santa Fe welding plant.

Because of the expense, time and facilities that would be needed to ship the rail to its destination, the Santa Fe Railway made the new plant a “mobile” facility. Set up inside train cars, the facility could be relocated at different times to the different areas that needed the rail. Of course, this meant that the employees and their families also would have to be moved. Living quarters would be provided, along with free rent and utilities for employed men and their families.

The Santa Fe redesigned old passenger cars for living quarters for the employees, converting them into homes comparable to trailer houses. The “coaches,” as they were called, sat directly on the railroad tracks. Families learned they were to move two to four times yearly, usually to small towns. Explaining the need for the mobile housing, Santa Fe officials said it would be difficult and expensive for the families to find housing after each move. “The coaches seemed to be the best alternative,” Joan recalls. When a move was to take place, the families would secure their furniture inside the coach, then an engine would hook onto the train of coach cars and pull them to their new location.

After a lot of discussion, the couple decided that Charles should take the job and move by himself to San Bernadino, CA. where the facility was located at the time. He would live and work there for a while before they would decide whether they should sell their home in Cleburne and move the entire family.

Three months later, Joan made a trip to see the living arrangements for herself and to meet some of the families who had already made the move. She remembers seeing her future “home” for the first time.

“It was 81 feet long by 9 feet wide and included a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a bath. The walls were unfinished steel and were mustard yellow throughout. There was no carpet or curtains, only brown linoleum and brown window shades.”

Then she met a couple who had lived in a coach for three months. The two couples had a lot in common and got along well from the start. “I saw their coach and I realized that it might not be so bad,” she recalls. “Our main concern was how moving around so much would affect our kids in school and in other ways,” she says. She was also concerned about leaving her lifelong hometown, her new house and her job to enter into a situation with so many uncertainties. “We just weren’t too sure about how it would affect the family,” she remembers.

Nevertheless, her husband had not been able to find a good job elsewhere and there seemed to be hope for advancement if he stayed with the new job. “It seemed to be a way for him to better himself down the line,” she says. There was also rumor that the facility would settle permanently somewhere soon.

With a lot of anxieties and hopes, Joan and Charles decided to make the move and live with the hope they would be able to have a permanent home soon. Unfortunately, permanence did not happen as quickly as they had thought. Joan and her family lived in the coaches for 10 years and moved 22 times in that time span. During those years, they rearranged walls in their home, put up sheetrock and paneling, painted, installed a regular ceiling with storage, put down carpeting and put up drapes and curtains. The couple also added two more daughters to their family. Of course, two more little people created a space problem in the already cramped quarters, so Charles built doublewide bunk beds in the children’s bedroom to help solve the space problem.

“Approximately 15 other families lived and worked under similar circumstances,” Joan recalls. “When you’ve got a number of people in the same boat as you’re in, you always feel you can make it.” She said there was a lot of closeness between the families who lived in the coaches. While at times that closeness presented inevitable problems and there were arguments and differences of opinion, she misses it and the helpfulness of the families. “We had a lot of fun together,” she remembers. “We took care of each other.”

Joan recalls both good and difficult times with smiles and laughter. She recounts one difficult incident when a problem occurred with one of the two diesel-oil heaters used to heat their home. “I remember one year in LaJunta, Colorado when the temperature dropped to 25 degrees below 0. The oil going into one of our heaters froze. Charles was up half the night thawing out the heater and keeping us warm. Ice and frost formed on the walls,” she remembers. Explaining that their third child was only a toddler at the time, she smiles and remembers, “The baby would crawl out of bed over to a wall and scrape the frost off of it.” Joan said her husband used a blowtorch to thaw out the oil lines outside intermittently throughout the night for two nights. “During the day it only got up to 0, but the sun was out and it felt warm,” she laughs, shivering at the memory.

In discussing how the unusual living situation affected her children in school, she states, “The older two made very good grades. Better than the younger children who started school after we returned to Texas to live permanently.”

Their nomadic lifestyle offered some benefits. “The entire family enjoyed traveling and seeing places we might otherwise never have seen.” They also learned some valuable lessons, she said. “Living like that made me realize that you can’t judge people by where they live.”

Does she miss the traveling life? “No, but miss it or not, I found you can make a home anywhere.”

Friday Book Recommendations

2008-04-25T13:39:00.000-05:00

My friend and fellow writer Travis Erwin tagged me to recommend a book in an effort to entice me to blog more. (Thanks for the nudge, Travis!) His friend Patti tagged him -- the Friday book recs are her idea. I hope to make this a regular Friday feature on my blog. To explain how it works, here is Patti in her own words:

"This is the first of what I optimistically hope will become Friday recommendations of books we love but might have forgotten over the years. I have asked several people to help me by also remembering a favorite book. Their blog sites are listed below. I also asked each of them to tag someone to recommend a book for next Friday. I'm worried great books of the recent past are sliding out of print and out of our consciousness. Not the first-tier classics we all can name, but the books that come next."

Okay, Travis and Patti and anyone else out there reading this, I am tagging my friend Candace Havens a fantastic writer herself, to recommend a book on her site. As for me, my recommendation for today is TENDING ROSES by Lisa Wingate. I read this book about six years ago and I've never forgotten it. I had never met or even heard of author Lisa Wingate at the time. I found the book while browsing the fiction aisles at Barnes and Noble. I loved the title, the beautiful cover and the back blurb sounded interesting. I have never contacted an author I've never met after reading a novel, but TENDING ROSES touched a chord in me, and I looked up Lisa Wingate's website, and through it, sent her a note telling her how much the story had meant to me. Ironically, a couple of years later, I was at a writing conference having lunch with a group of ladies--some I knew and others I had not met before. Lisa Wingate sat across from me at the table. She is as lovely as her first mainstream novel.

Here's what Amazon.com had to say about TENDING ROSES:
"First-time author Lisa Wingate drew upon her relationship with her grandmother for inspiration in writing Tending Roses. Her sensitive and able crafting of language, character, and situation pierces through the turmoil and stress of everyday life, illuminating its message with almost painful intensity: "Maybe you should start wanting less." Wingate's words resonate as readers are introduced to Kate Bowman, her architect husband Ben, and their infant son. Kate, on maternity leave from her high-profile Chicago job, has been given the unenviable task of convincing her increasingly frail and forgetful grandmother that she can no longer live alone on the Missouri farm that has been her home for almost half a century. Kate and Ben are struggling to deal with mounting debts and medical bills as they strive to build a lifestyle, rather than a life. Frustrated by dealing with her stubborn, if well-meaning, grandmother, Kate finds solace and clarity in Grandma Rose's handwritten journal. The simple stories of earlier, less complicated times renew Kate's understanding of the truly important things in life. Through the journal, Kate discovers the essence of the remarkable Grandma Rose and is forced to reevaluate her priorities and those of her family. Simply put, Wingate's aim is to exhort readers to "stop and smell the roses." The daily race to achieve and have more, more, more is clearly and all-too-accurately portrayed in these pages. I guarantee readers will stop to think of their own lives and where they are spending their energies. Let's hope Lisa Wingate has other relatives as inspiring as Grandma Rose for future novels." --Alison Trinkle

Hope you'll give it a read!

Jenny

Jennifer Archer

The Road

2008-04-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

I joined a book club a few months ago. I meet with four other women -- Donna, Cindy, Amy and Renae -- we choose a novel, read it and discuss it at the next meeting. We also eat, drink, laugh and debate. It's interesting and great fun! I am the only writer in the bunch so I also had another motive for joining besides the obvious pleasure of getting together with a diverse group of fun-loving, interesting women. It's an education for me to watch how readers react to plotlines and characters, how they judge the choices a writer makes in building a story.

In February, Renae, who is a high school science teacher, Methodist minister and the only group member who'll drink wine with me :-) chose Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD as our next selection. Mr. McCarthy is also the author of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. After I started the book, I spent a little time cursing Renae under my breath and grumbling to my husband "this piece of x!$% has possibly the worst dialogue I've ever read and very little punctuation and it won the Pulitzer! And the plot is completely depressing and disgusting!" But I COULDN'T QUIT READING. I stayed up until 3 a.m. and finished it in one sitting. I WEPT at the end...literally had to climb out of bed and tiptoe into the bathroom so I wouldn't wake my husband! Since then, I've tried to analyze why it hit me so hard. Yes it was tragic and sad and horrifying, but I'm not sure that's what brought me to tears. It was more the message I came away with, and the beautiful way Cormac McCarthy delivered it on the last page. I can't remember another book that has affected me in the way THE ROAD has. I am haunted by it. Yes, the dialogue is monotonous, but I see a reason for that now. Yes, the world of the story and what happens there is disgusting, depressing, terrifying and sickening beyond belief, but it COULD HAPPEN, and I'm afraid it might some day.

THE ROAD is a hard book to read in many ways, yet every woman in my group finished it. The responses varied. But I think even Donna and Amy, who came to the meeting saying they HATED it, had a different perspective after we discussed the story. It is chock full of symbolism--a lot of it biblical (and I'm sure a lot more of it was present that I missed since I'm no great Bible scholar.) If you're looking for entertainment, you won't find it here. But if you're in the mood for a thought-provoking read, give it a try. I'm not sure I could read it a second time, but I might try, if only to attempt to understand how the author managed to draw me into a world and a style of writing I thought I couldn't stand, and then keep me there until I found the beauty and wisdom in it.

Toronto is COLD!

2008-04-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

Hi People,

Spring has arrived here in the Texas Panhandle, and that means it is warm one day and cold the next. I have a new definition of 'cold' now, though, after my recent trip to Toronto to attend Harlequin's More Than Words ceremony. It snowed during the time my husband and I were there, but we didn't let it put a chill on our good time. Toronto is a great city and the surrounding area is beautiful. Check out my new "Photo" page at www.jenniferarcher.net to see pictures of the ceremony and of our side trip to Niagra Falls.

I met so many great people at the More Than Words event. It was so fun to get to know Aviva Presser (the woman whose charity, Bears Without Borders, is featured in my story "Hannah's Hugs" in the More Than Words anthology.) Aviva is such an inspiring and amazing young woman. In addition to the devoted work she does for children in the world's most impoverished areas through Bears Without Borders, she is a graduate student at MIT. Her husband, Erez, who is as funny as he is friendly, kept us laughing. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other 4 women who were awarded and honored, as well, and hearing about their charity work. They are all incredible people! I didn't get a chance to talk to the other 4 authors in the anthology as much as I would've liked during all the activity, but Linda Lael Miller, Curtiss Ann Matlock, Sherryl Woods and Kathleen O'Brien were all there and I loved seeing all of them. Check out my website to find out more about the More Than Words project, and to see the book, MORE THAN WORDS, Volume 4, which is available in bookstores now!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Books, Books, and More Books

2007-10-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

I've found some great reads over the past months. Lots of different tones and genres depending on my mood. Here are a few:

OVERKILL by Linda Castillo. A scary, well-written romantic suspense guaranteed to keep you turning pages through the night. The protagonist isn't the typical romance heroine. I loved her rough edges and angst!

CONFESSIONS OF A WEREWOLF SUPERMODEL by Ronda Thompson. This is my friend Ronda's first mainstream novel and her last book. Sadly, she passed away in July. (See my post below)A fun and unique premise. Ronda's wonderful voice rings true throughout!

LIKE FAMILY: GROWING UP IN OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES: A MEMOIR by Paula McLain. I picked up this book at the library in order to research the lives of foster children. I ended up reading it for more than research. The writing is unsentimental, poetic and frank. I was by turns, touched, mortified and heartbroken by the story.

HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Dubus. I read this while on vacation at the beach. Not a light, breezy beach read for sure! Depressing but thought-provoking. Horrifying but skillfully and beautifully written. This is a story I can't stop thinking about, even months later.

INTENSITY by Dean Koontz. Oh my gosh. This is one of the scariest novels I've ever read. If you shy away from Dean Koontz because you don't like supernatural stories, try this one. What happens in this story, could happen in real life, which makes it all the more frightening. The roller coaster ride of terror starts in Chapter One and doesn't stop until the end. The thing I love about Koontz is that his books are more than horror and/or suspense; they are great character studies, too.

THE PACT by Jodi Picoult. This was my first Jodi Picoult novel and after finishing it I promptly headed for the bookstore to buy another of her titles. I literally could not put it down. I admit that I did question one key character's motivation for behaving the way he did, but that didn't keep me from staying glued to the pages until the end. A great read.

MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult. Very intriguing premise. Beautiful writing. This author is difficult to categorize. This novel is literary in style, commercial in concept, a romance, a courtroom drama, suspense. I loved this book.

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. A cross-over novel -- meaning it appeals to and has been marketed to both a young adult audience and an adult audience. I was intrigued to see WWII through the eyes of a young German girl. This is a beautiful, heartbreaking, wonderful story. READ IT. That's all I can say!

ON BLUE FALLS POND by Susan Crandall. This book was a 2007 RITA Award finalist in the Novel With Strong Romantic Elements category. Features a heroine tortured by a tragedy in her past, and a hero dealing with very real family difficulties in his present. I loved the small town setting and the true-to life characters and situations. A lovely story.

CHARMED AND DEADLY by Candace Havens. Candy Havens books are always fun and fast-paced and this one is no exception! The latest adventures of Bronwyn the kick-butt witch will keep you laughing as you continue to turn the pages late into the night!

Those are a few that come to mind at the moment. I'll post more as I remember them!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net

A Door Closes

2007-10-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I'm a blog-slacker. I have decided to own-up to this weakness instead of making excuses. And no more false promises of more frequent blogs, either. Here's the truth: I will post here when the mood strikes and/or I have something to say.

No, I didn't get a really bad haircut since we last spoke. The photo is of a llama my oldest son met up-close-and-personal in Bolivia. (He's studying Spanish in South America at the moment -- my son, not the llama.)

Now, on to business... Here is what I have to say today, and I have mixed feelings about the subject. On Tuesday night of last week, I spoke to one of the creative classes at my local community college. They were a great and attentive group, even though I didn't have a formal speech prepared, and so stood up front and told them my story, complete with off-hand thoughts and opinions, in a disjointed manner. The next day the teacher Mike Bellah, a talented writer himself, emailed and said what he had liked best about my talk was my honesty. Now, I've listened to plenty of authors speak when I was the student, and I know some of them try to paint a rosy picture of the writing business, and some give a very "together" professional talk complete with slideshow and power-point presentation that leaves me feeling like not only a blog-slacker but a slacker in general. But the speakers I like best are the ones who tell it like it is, without pretty-ing up the facts or, conversely, whining about how tough it is to be a writer just so they'll appear stalwart and oh-so important. I'm sure every published writer has a different story to tell, but I admire them all the more if they tell it honestly, even if it exposes a few warts and insecurities, so that's what I try to do. I mean, some of those students are considering getting into this crazy and unpredictable business professionally. Why should I pretend with them? I've been where they are. They are me, and vice-versa. Now...why am I telling you this, and what about those mixed feelings I mentioned?

Here's the truth about what's happening in my writing life at the moment, and it's not rosy. Harlequin released an announcement last week that as of February, the NeXt line will close. (You may or may not have noticed that my novels published over the past two and a half years were a part of the NeXt line.) I don't know much more than that smidgen of information at the moment. A lot is up in the air. For one thing, the fate of what was to be my March release THE GOOD STUFF a.k.a. WHAT SHE NEVER EXPECTED. I am also under contract for one more book that I was supposed to finish in April, entitled DEAR DIVAS. I've been informed that I should have more news this week...stay tuned.

Actually, I have been worried about the fate of NeXt for a long time. I have feared they weren't reaching their intended market -- readers who enjoy a good, mainstream story about women's lives. NeXt sales grew steadily, but too slowly for Harlequin to continue the line. So...it looks as though my December, 2007 book ANNIE ON THE LAM: A CHRISTMAS CAPER is to be my last NeXt release. I hope you'll look for it! Stop by my website www.jenniferarcher.net and check it out, complete with the first chapter. I'm sad the line fell through the cracks, but not surprised. I adore my editors at Harlequin. I loved the original NeXt concept and the fabulous mainstream covers the art department created, especially during the first year. But I'm telling myself that the old saying "when one door closes, another opens" will be true for me, as well as for the other fine NeXt authors. Most of the time, my gut tells me that's the case. But I've been doing this long enough to know that finding another publishing "home" might not be easy. It's tough and competitive out there in the world of writing! It's a good thing I'm tough, too. After all the rejection letters, snarky reviews, and painful critiques I've survived over the years, I have a thick and scaly alligator skin! Hmm. Alligator skin and shaggy llama hair. Writing fiction is hard on a girl in more ways than one!

Happy Reading,

Jenny

www.jenniferarcher.net

Goodbye To A Friend

2007-07-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

(Photo: Candace Havens, Me, Ronda, Linda Castillo)

I lost a long-time friend this month. Bestselling Romance author Ronda Thompson passed away on July 11. I will never forget Ronda's unique sense of humor and what a dynamic presence she was. The first time I met her at a writing class in 1993, she walked in late--a tall, (REALLY tall from my perspective!) leggy blonde-- and stirred things up. Class instantly became a lot more interesting with Ronda's wry perspective added to the mix! Soon I considered her one of my best "writer friends." We spent countless hours on the phone, in cyberspace and at coffee shops and restaurants plotting stories and navigating the confusing maze of the publishing industry together. We shared successes and heartaches and so many laughs. Before long, I realized we had more in common than writing alone, and she became of of my best friends, period. Ronda was first and foremost a mother and wife. She loved her children and family with her whole heart and soul. Over the years, we shared the joys and worries of motherhood, too. And the joys and worries of life in general. Ronda wasn't prone to judge. She listened, comforted, related and accepted. Even when we hit roadblocks in our relationship, we always found our way around them and returned to our friendship. Whenever I recall the good times we've had together, I know I'll smile. Our trips to Walmart when each or our first published novels hit the shelves, how we stood in the book section admiring our names on the spines, unable to contain our excitement. Our up-close-and-personal Brad Pitt sighting in L.A. Trips to conferences together. Sitting side-by-side at numerous booksignings hoping someone, anyone, would show up to buy a book. The times we met, either alone or with other writers, and ended up laughing so hard we drew stares. Ronda was a hoot, a person like no other. I'll miss you my friend.

Catching Up

2007-06-05T20:54:00.000-05:00

I had good intentions for keeping up with my blog. Really I did. Then life got in the way. Life has a way of doing that. I won't bore you with the details, but book release dates and deadlines,etc. got moved around and I found myself with one month --the month of May-- to basically rewrite a book. And I already had a trip planned to Montana with the family to help my oldest son who lives there get his condo ready to sell before he moves. (We bought it when he started college for him to live in and he'll be leaving soon for six months in Argentina to study Spanish. Then, shortly after that, he'll graduate.) I couldn't bring myself to stay home. Even if I only got to eat lunch and dinner with him, I wanted the time with my son and the rest of the family. It was a solid week of work--I worked on my book while hubby and two sons worked on the condo. I even took a day and a half to help them put on the finishing touches. But it was a good time. I love Montana and it is beautiful there in May. Also, we have come to know many of our son's friends up there and they are all going differnt directions now so it was good to see them for what may be a final time. Sob.

All that to say, that's where I've been and what I've been doing. I'm happy to say I met my June 1 deadline. Now I'm taking some time off to go on a trip with hubby and friends to celebrate mutual birthdays that end in a big fat zero! Can't wait. Let's just say I'll be sipping cool drinks on a beach. More on that later.

Here's the new scoop on the books. The new book is tentatively titled ANNIE ON THE LAM: A CHRISTMAS CAPER. This story is quite different than any I've written for Next before. Actually, it's quite different than any book I've written period. A romantic suspense that is a mix of sexy/funny/light and sexy/serious/dark. This is the book I've been working on like crazy this month. It's been a wild ride writing it, and I hope reading it is a wild ride , too.

Then, my novel WHAT SHE NEVER EXPECTED comes out in either March or April of 2008. It was originally supposed to come out in Nov. 07, but things changed. I love this story. I hope you'll keep it on your "To Buy" list.

The novella I wrote for the More Than Words Anthology comes out in April 08, too. Writing this story was a wonderful experience and I am thrilled and so impressed with the charity I was assigned to write about. (Bears Without Borders). My story, HANNAH'S HUGS, is emotional and touching, if I do say so. I hope you'll wait for it, too. Plus the proceeds from the sale go to help out Bears Without Borders and the other chosen charities. To find out more about the charities chosen and the authors writing the stories, go to www.eharlequin.com and scroll to the very bottom of the page. Click on the More than Words link.

Now I have a great new website and and fantastic talented new author for you to check out. My friend Leanna Ellis just launched her website at www.leannaellis.com and it is not to be missed! You'll want to read all about her and her upcoming release ELVIS TAKES A BACKSEAT. I had the honor of reading a lot of this story in its early stages and I promise you you'll want to buy this book! Go to www.leannaellis.com and check it out!

More news--my talented friend Candace Havens has a new book on the shelves this month! CHARMED AND DEADLY, the third book in her fantastic Bronwyn series is for sale. If you've read the first two Bronwyn books, you know how fun and entertaining Candy's books are. If you've never read Candace Havens, get yourself to a bookstore asap!

So...that's it! I hope you'll check out my website at www.jenniferarcher.net from time to time to see if the new covers for my upcoming books are there, plus I'll be updating information whenever I can. I hope to put up new photos, too.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Jennifer Archer
www.jenniferarcher.net

A Hardcover In My Future!

2007-04-23T17:47:00.000-05:00

Great news came to me today in a letter from my publisher. The More Than Words, Volume 4 anthology scheduled for release a year from now, (April 2008) will be in gift hardcover rather than trade paperback format. Very exciting! And great for Mother's Day gifts. I really love the story. It's called Hannah's Hugs and I enjoyed writing it so much. I'll keep you posted as the date draws closer, and you can read more about the More Than Words program, which is Harlequin's wonderful, generous philanthropic yearly project, on my website www.jenniferarcher.net under "News and Events" (scroll down a ways). The picture here is of the last More Than Words release, Volume 3.

I am happy to report that I kicked into gear today and made great headway on my book--in progress. I wrote at a coffee shop. Sometimes I think a change of surroundings (and getting out of the house) works wonders.

Check back here soon for photos of my backyard remodel. My husband is really creating an oasis for us in this dry, landlocked part of the country in which we live. We both love water -- the ocean, rivers, streams -- and decided the sound of water is something that's really missing in our lives. My little backyard sanctuary now has a beautiful pergola (arbor), and a gorgeous waterfall! I spent one sunny day planting bushes, etc. Things are really taking shape, though we still have a lot of planting to do. Good thing things are shaping up, because my sister is getting married back there the end of July! I think it's going to be a gorgeous celebration in more ways than one.

Happy Reading,

Jenny
www.jenniferarcher.net

Need a Shot of Motivation

2007-04-20T15:11:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's the beautiful weather, but I'm having a hard time kicking myself into gear to write. You'd think a deadline would get me going, but no. Today, I stood on a ladder and cleared the gutters around my house of leaves, I piddled with a little research, I emptied the vacuum cleaner and went out for lunch, I helped a writer friend over the phone by brainstorming her work in progress -- all while the characters in my own work in progress waited for me to show up at the page. I disappointed them, and myself. Getting into a routine has always been a problem for me and I'm not sure I'm seeing any improvement. I'm beginning to wonder if I wouldn't do better if I had an office outside of the house where I report every day, just like a (gulp) "real" job. I'm thinking I need a shot of motivation in the form of a visit with a friend of mine who reads this blog. (You know who you are.) She doesn't pull punches and has been known to say to me, "You keep saying you're going to do it, so do it already." She always makes me realize how silly I am to procrastinate. It only makes me crazy. I'm much happier when I tend to business. This friend motivates me just by watching her move through her own life. I'm amazed by how much she does in a day and by how she typically not only reaches her goals, but surpasses them.

Here's what I've noticed about myself in regards to writing. I do best if every day:
1. I get up early, feed the dogs, put on the coffee, then shut myself in my office where I read over my goals then journal for a few minutes, finishing by making a list of creative, business and personal things I want to accomplish that day.
2. I eat then take my coffee into my office, close myself in again, put on some music and write. Typically I'll finish my page count for the day by or before noon, leaving the afternoon and evening for...
3. business, errands, appointments, exercise, family & friends, more writing if I so desire.

So...as my super-motivated friend would probably say to me... "If you know this works for you, WHY DON'T YOU DO IT CONSISTENTLY?? You keep saying you're going to do it, so do it already." Okay, okay. Tomorrow is a new day.

On another subject, I'm still so saddened by the Virginia Tech tragedy. With two sons in college and living in university communities, I can't help thinking about them a little more often every day now and being so thankful they're okay. And I can't help hurting for the parents of the young men and women who lost their lives this week.

Stay safe and hug your loved ones or call them and tell them you love them if they're not close by.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

Goodbyes and Hellos

2007-04-16T06:37:00.000-05:00

Since I've been away from the blog, some big changes have taken place in my life. A few months ago we had to tell our sweet neurotic Brittany Spaniel Tia "goodbye." She was 13 years old. Poor Marge, the year-old pup we "rescued" last year, was as bummed out as the rest of the family. She was very lonely. So we said "Hello" to Harry, a mini dachshund now 3 months old. He and Marge are having a wonderful time playing tug of war, chasing each other and wrestling. We're having fun watching them.

Another happy "hello" was said Thursday night to a couple of old friends -- Bruce Edwards and his mother Harriet Edwards. They hosted the third "Author Dessert Event" at the Borger Country Club in Borger, Texas and I had the honor of being one of the 5 speakers present. Over the years, Bruce and I have been in critique groups together, attended the same conferences and become good friends. I've really missed him since he moved to the Austin area a few years ago. Harriet, his mom, is so supportive of writers and she knows how to organize a fabulous event. Dinner was great, the desserts -- and there were too many to count -- made my mouth water just looking at them, and the turn-out of readers to hear the presentations was wonderful thanks to the publicity Harriet was able to generate. I had a great time! All the people I met in Borger were so gracious. Best of all, they laughed at my jokes!

Last night I finished reading the novel EAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck. Haven't read one of the classics in a long, long time. My son the Englist Lit major finished it over spring break and told me, "If you haven't read this, you should. It's amazing." He was right. It's a modern-day retelling of the Cane and Abel Bible story. Authors in Steinbeck's day tended to be more "wordy" than authors of today, and I had a bit of a struggle getting past that at first, but once I did, I lost myself in his wonderful storytelling and complex characters. If you missed this one in school, pick it up. I have a feeling I'll be thinking about its themes for a long time to come. It's amazing how they still hold true all these decades later.

Happy Reading,

Jenny

How Do You Say "Sandwiched" in Italian?

2007-04-14T06:22:00.000-05:00

Hurray for the weekend!

It may be April in Texas, but we have snow on the ground! Just last week I was enjoying the sight of the beautiful budding trees on my daily walk, and now it looks like winter again.

Speaking of winter, I had a nice surprise just after Christmas. I found out that the Italian edition of my novel SANDWICHED has been released! The Italian title is TERAPIA AL CIOCCOLATO -- English translation: THERAPY BY CHOCOLATE. I love it! The new cover is fun and very fitting. Stop by my website www.jenniferarcher.net and go to the "News and Events" page if you want to take a look. The cover for A MOTHER'S DAY--two novels in one published by Mills and Boon in the UK just in time for Mother's Day -- is also there. The two novels are my book SANDWICHED and author Susan Mallery's book THERE'S ALWAYS PLAN B. I hope you'll pop over to www.jenniferarcher.net to see both covers!

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

A Fresh Start With A Great New Contest!

2007-04-11T15:14:00.000-05:00

Anybody out there? No excuses about why I haven't been here in awhile. I just had a blog-lapse. I have a lot of news to catch up on so I hope you'll drop by often in the days and weeks ahead. First of all, I want to tell you about a new contest that, if you love to read great Women's Fiction, you won't want to miss. I have joined 20 other authors who also write novels for NeXt and we've donated 40...count 'em...FORTY of our books--all autographed. One lucky winner will receive all 40 of the novels in a really pretty embroidered tote bag. We'll have several runner-up prizes, too. I'm a bit slow in posting this, but there's still plenty of time to enter. You have until the end of this month -- April. Go to my website at www.jenniferarcher.net and click on the "Contest" link for more information on how to enter. Good Luck!

While you're at www.jenniferarcher.net I hope you'll take a look around. All the pages have been updated with current news about my books, new photos and new movie and book recommendations.

Come back soon! I'll be posting more often, I promise!

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

www.jenniferarcher.net

Yoo Hoo?

2006-12-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

Anybody out there? I have been remiss in my blogging efforts. I have a million excuses including an unexpected quick trip that had to be made last minute, illness, holiday chaos, and deadline hell. I am going to try to do better. I failed miserably at my 3 November goals (see excuses above).

In better news, I have seen a lot of movies in the past weeks. The Departed has a fantastic cast and incredible acting, most notably by Leonardo DiCaprio (did I spell that last name correctly?) and Jack Nicholson. Leo has grown up very nicely, I might add. Can't wait to see him in Blood Diamond, which also looks great, judging by the previews. The Departed is not for the faint of heart. Extremely gritty and violent. Vulger, too, but in a realistic way rather than gratuitously. The story deals with the Irish mafia so... Also saw Stranger Than Fiction and loved, loved, loved it! Smart humor, rather than Will Ferrel's (did I spell that last name correctly?) usual juvenile naughty humor -- i.e. jogging naked, etc. (Don't get me wrong, if I'm in the mood, I like his silly movies, too!) Stranger Than Fiction is the sort of movie that makes you think about its meaning long after its over. Let's see...what else? Borat. Oh my God. Very crude. Very politically incorrect and offensive. Very prone to induce uncontrollable fits of laughter. There's one scene...well, let's just say you can't look away, though you really wish you could. And you can't believe what you're seeing! If you go, you might want to wear a disguise so as not to be recognized coming out of the theatre by neighbors or your sweet Aunt Rose. :-) Also saw The Prestige. Not my favorite of the movies I've seen of late, but still very good. It's about an obsessive competition between magicians back in the top hat days. I loved the time period and the costumes. Also, it had a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Finally, I saw Bobby. I heard people grumbling that they didn't like the movie as we were leaving. But I thought it was fantastic and so did my 20 year old son, who went with me. I think the people who were disappointed probably thought it would deal more with Bobby Kennedy's assassination. The story is about what was happening in the lives of some of the people who were in the hotel that day in the hours leading up to the shooting. To me, it really sent a message about how violence affects people from all races, of all ages, from all walks of life. Bobby Kennedy's speech, voiced over during the final images at the end, is so powerful I had goosebumps. Oh, to have people in office again whose words can so effectively inspire and stir emotion!

After reading the above over, I think I need to make my new goal to learn how to spell last names! Anyway, back to the craziness of Christmas preparations, deadlines, etc.!

Stay warm!

Jenny

Marge In Charge, Sexy Rockers & The Magic of Three

2006-10-31T08:31:00.000-06:00

Anyone out there? I've been blog-resistant lately. Not intentionally. Just busy. My husband, youngest son and I went to Tennessee to look at a school that offers a program my son is interested in. I'd never been to TN before. It was a whirlwind trip, and I didn't get to see as much as I would've liked, but we got a lot accomplished and managed to squeeze in some fun, too. The trees were gorgeous. Lots of them and they were vibrant with color--reds, yellows and oranges. We spent one evening walking up and down Broadway in Nashville. Every club and/or restaurant we passed had live music and the bands were all incredibly talented. Another night we went to see Aerosmith at an outdoor ampitheatre! Stephen Tyler still has "it!" I'm not sure what "it" is, but he's chock full of it. Despite the fact that in some weird way he's sort of androgynous, he is very sexy. And what a fantastic performer! In fact, the entire band is incredible. I would see them again in a second. And again! If you ever get the chance, pay the bucks for a close-up seat. You won't be sorry. Yes, I admit it, I'm a rocker at heart and always have been.

On the plane ride home from Tennessee, I read an article about a scientist (whose name escapes me) who believes that if a person makes some new activity a part of their daily routine for 28 days (I *think* it's 28, it's 20-something...) it becomes a habit. He also believes in the "magic of three." At the first of every month, he chooses 3 new "habits" he wants to instill into his life, and he commits to doing those 3 things daily for the next 28 days. The idea is that, by the end of the month, those things will be an instilled part of his life. Then it's a new month and he chooses 3 more. So, as tomorrow is November 1 and the start of a new month, I'm going to give this a try. You read it here: Every day for the next month I will:
1) Walk 10,000 steps using my trusty new Digi-Walker my fabulously fit sis-in-law gave me to count the steps.
2) Have my butt in a chair and be working on my writing--no emails, checking Amazon, Googling for reviews, etc. -- by 9:00 a.m. at the latest, 5 days a week, and work for a minimum of 3 hours. (Now this doesn't mean that's *all* I'll work. This is just the MINIMUM DAILY. In order to meet my deadlines, I'll have to work a lot more than this most days. The object here is to set a fixed working time. A scheduled time set aside for nothing but writing. I'm bad about that.)
3) This one I'm not sharing, but it has to do with goalsetting.
I'll keep you posted on my progress with all this! Wish me luck...

Last Thursday, my puppy Marge and I started obedience school at Petsmart. We'll be going once a week for the next 7 weeks. Marge has lived with us for about 7 months now and she has definitely asserted her presence. At my house, Marge is in charge. Or at least it seems that way sometimes. I love her, but it's time she figured out who is boss -- not her hopefully! Petsmart teaches clicker/reward training. Our homework before this week's meeting is to (1) learn that the sound of the clicker means she's going to get a reward (2) learn the command "Watch Me" (Call her name to get her attention, when she looks at my face say "watch me" and if she keeps her focus on my face, click the clicker then give her a treat (3) learn her "release phrase." This is what I'll say after she's done what I asked her to do and now she can stop. I'm going to use the words "That's it."

In writing news, my agent sent out my YA novel to 14 publishers about 3 weeks ago and we're still waiting for the good news that at least one of them thinks it's wonderful and wants to buy it for big bucks (thinking positive here!). Send good vibes my way.

In the meantime, happy reading!

Jenny