Yep! And it kept me laughing all the way. No character development, emotional journey or love story mind you, just the skeleton of the action story line. In 3 minutes. This is a little gem is worth considering when you’re set to tackle the full synopsis and pitch. Where to find it? YouTube Star Dudes-episode IV. Loved it!!
My thanks for finding it go to Karel Segers of The Story Department. Recently the Winkgirls went to a 2 day seminar, The Hero’s Journey, presented by Karel. The weekend was arranged by WAnimate and they generously opened it to others. Thanks guys!! Much of Karel’s presentation was via short clips of animated and regular film and was beautifully done. It gave us much food for thought and discussion about, of course, the heroine’s journey and the love story.
For me, this little 3 minute clip is a funny and stern reminder to balance my stories. I’m a plotter and I write historical romances. For me, it is fatally easy to get drawn into the externals of the story, the social and political realities facing my characters and, in particular, my H/H. If I can’t strip the action plot to 3 minutes and then focus on the emotional, internal story arc and the love story, and take at least 3 minutes for each aspect, then I’m in for a re-think!!
Check it out and have fun.
Hey Dude.
26 March 2011
20 March 2011
Creativity
A quote for those losing faith in their writing:
"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open... Whether you choose to take an art class, keep a journal, record your dreams, dance your story or live each day from your own creative source. Above all else, keep the channel open."
I hope it inspires you to go on.
Kym
13 March 2011
Six Sentence Sunday
When a sexy Inanu (genie) appears out of a bottle what’s a girl to do?Josie is about to find out…
Her mouth moved without permission from her brain. “How do I…complete the spell?”
“A kiss.” A hint of a smile graced his lips.
As lips went, they were close to perfect. Wide and sensual.
“And then what?”
Boyfriend in a Bottle
Want more snippets? Go to six sentence sunday
12 March 2011
Messy Middles
I plot, so I know what all my big turning points are. I know what my characters want and I know what they need. Yet somehow once I pass that first turning point something happens. I get what I call the messy middles.
The scenes I write leading up to the mid-point (point of no return) get jumbled. My first lot of edits is untangling what I’ve written and putting them in a better order.
I think part of the problem is after the first quarter of the novel other plot threads and characters have come into play and lots has to happen before the event that changes everything happens. Once I’ve hit the PONR it’s relatively smooth sailing to the black moment. Of course black moment to HEA is the easy bit.
What happens in your middle? Does it sag? Does it get messy?
The scenes I write leading up to the mid-point (point of no return) get jumbled. My first lot of edits is untangling what I’ve written and putting them in a better order.
I think part of the problem is after the first quarter of the novel other plot threads and characters have come into play and lots has to happen before the event that changes everything happens. Once I’ve hit the PONR it’s relatively smooth sailing to the black moment. Of course black moment to HEA is the easy bit.
What happens in your middle? Does it sag? Does it get messy?
09 March 2011
Magical Gains - winner
The winner of an e-copy of ‘Magical Gains’ by Nicola E. Sheridan is Jenny Schwartz.
Please email Nicola at: nicolae dot sheridan at gmail.com
Please email Nicola at: nicolae dot sheridan at gmail.com
05 March 2011
“Magical Gains – the smell of Genies.”
Nicola E Sheridan is visiting to celebrate the release of her first novel Magical Gains with a sneak peek behind the scenes and a giveaway.
It is with much excitement that I announce to you (and anyone else who’ll stand still long enough to listen) that my debut novel “Magical Gains” (e-book) will be released 12:01am PST 8th March! The trade paperback will be available around the 14th. Yay!
As a writer and a reader, I have an enduring love for mythological creatures. I like manticores, satyrs, sirens, sylphs and any other that comes to mind, but, I really love Genies. There is something enduringly sexy and desirable about a man (hopefully semi-clad) who appears when you rub a lamp, and offers you anything your heart desires. Thus, it’s no surprise that “Magical Gains” is a romance between a woman and a Genie.
It’s set in a world where all Magical and Mythological beings are real, and considered minority ethnic groups. The main characters are Primrose and Imran, mistress and Genie respectively. Primrose is a pretty but inhibited woman, whose conservative and repressed existence is shattered by Imran’s gorgeous but unwelcome appearance. As wish-taking is illegal and magical gains tax is exorbitant - Imran finds himself stuck with a mistress who will not take his wishes. Suffice to say, the path to true love never runs smoothly. Combined with a jealous fiancé, a plethora of magical beings – each with their own agenda, Primrose and Imran’s journey is no exception!
I was inspired to write “Magical Gains” and indeed the 2nd and 3rd books by this television advert; (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3tK0MulHDI) – and I can tell you, I wouldn’t have wished for chocolate biscuits if he’d appeared in my bedroom!
Part of the seductive allure of the Genie, I believe, is the telltale smoke that comes from his magic. I’m a huge fan of using smells in literature. Whether it be body odour like a putrifying onion or the gentle waft of brewing coffee – smells are essential in my world building. Subsequently, I made my Genie’s smoke exotic and spicy to smell. Each Genie’s smoke is unique - Imran’s holds the aromas of cinnamon and allspice, whilst my other Genies smoke is slightly different but still exotic, and immediately evocative. Delicious! Really I should start a perfume business with the signature scent eau de Genie, in a little lamp shaped bottle...possible merchandise perhaps!
Now comes the give-away! What is the most interesting smell you’ve read about, either in your own writing or reading? Best answer wins a digital copy of “Magical Gains”.
Excerpt:
…when Imran, a Genie, finally revealed himself to his new mistress, it wasn’t to the gasp of pleasure he had first expected. Instead, the rather fetching Primrose Brasco turned a decidedly unfetching puce and clutched at her throat. Her first strangled words to the Genie were not “Oh, my God!” or “Hooray! Three wishes for me!” but the rather uninspiring “Are you registered?”
Imran, despite having a rich knowledge of all things magical and political, was not registered. In fact, he had made it his life objective not to be.
“No” was his first word to her and it dripped from his mouth, heavy with irritation.
Primrose’s puce complexion deepened into an undeniably ugly crimson.
“Then you’ve got to go!” she exclaimed.
“I can’t do that,” Imran replied, his white wolfish teeth glistening in his tanned face. “I’m your Genie,” he said. “I can’t go until you’ve had your three wishes.” He spoke softly and his voice had an indefinable accent, though he spoke in perfect English.
“It’s illegal! The granting of wishes has been banned in Australia for three years! I could be put into a detention center or worse. Try and pay Magical Gains tax! No one can afford Magical Gains taxes!”
Imran sank down onto the squeaking leather sofa, apparently disappointed by Primrose’s unfriendly response. He ran a hand through his short spiky hair and the gesture was ripe with masculine sexuality. Primrose quite involuntarily felt something flip in her stomach.
“Just make three little wishes. No one will know,” Imran urged smoothly. “Just little things, you know, a new pair of shoes, maybe a necklace, and a puppy.” He grinned.
Primrose looked aghast.
If you’re looking for something new, give “Magical Gains” a read. Filled with interesting creatures, exotic (and sometimes bad) smells and tastes – it’s exciting, funny and a totally different take on paranormal romance!
Thanks Wink girls for having me!
(winner to be announced on 9th March)
It is with much excitement that I announce to you (and anyone else who’ll stand still long enough to listen) that my debut novel “Magical Gains” (e-book) will be released 12:01am PST 8th March! The trade paperback will be available around the 14th. Yay!As a writer and a reader, I have an enduring love for mythological creatures. I like manticores, satyrs, sirens, sylphs and any other that comes to mind, but, I really love Genies. There is something enduringly sexy and desirable about a man (hopefully semi-clad) who appears when you rub a lamp, and offers you anything your heart desires. Thus, it’s no surprise that “Magical Gains” is a romance between a woman and a Genie.
It’s set in a world where all Magical and Mythological beings are real, and considered minority ethnic groups. The main characters are Primrose and Imran, mistress and Genie respectively. Primrose is a pretty but inhibited woman, whose conservative and repressed existence is shattered by Imran’s gorgeous but unwelcome appearance. As wish-taking is illegal and magical gains tax is exorbitant - Imran finds himself stuck with a mistress who will not take his wishes. Suffice to say, the path to true love never runs smoothly. Combined with a jealous fiancé, a plethora of magical beings – each with their own agenda, Primrose and Imran’s journey is no exception!
I was inspired to write “Magical Gains” and indeed the 2nd and 3rd books by this television advert; (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3tK0MulHDI) – and I can tell you, I wouldn’t have wished for chocolate biscuits if he’d appeared in my bedroom!
Part of the seductive allure of the Genie, I believe, is the telltale smoke that comes from his magic. I’m a huge fan of using smells in literature. Whether it be body odour like a putrifying onion or the gentle waft of brewing coffee – smells are essential in my world building. Subsequently, I made my Genie’s smoke exotic and spicy to smell. Each Genie’s smoke is unique - Imran’s holds the aromas of cinnamon and allspice, whilst my other Genies smoke is slightly different but still exotic, and immediately evocative. Delicious! Really I should start a perfume business with the signature scent eau de Genie, in a little lamp shaped bottle...possible merchandise perhaps!
Now comes the give-away! What is the most interesting smell you’ve read about, either in your own writing or reading? Best answer wins a digital copy of “Magical Gains”.
Excerpt:…when Imran, a Genie, finally revealed himself to his new mistress, it wasn’t to the gasp of pleasure he had first expected. Instead, the rather fetching Primrose Brasco turned a decidedly unfetching puce and clutched at her throat. Her first strangled words to the Genie were not “Oh, my God!” or “Hooray! Three wishes for me!” but the rather uninspiring “Are you registered?”
Imran, despite having a rich knowledge of all things magical and political, was not registered. In fact, he had made it his life objective not to be.
“No” was his first word to her and it dripped from his mouth, heavy with irritation.
Primrose’s puce complexion deepened into an undeniably ugly crimson.
“Then you’ve got to go!” she exclaimed.
“I can’t do that,” Imran replied, his white wolfish teeth glistening in his tanned face. “I’m your Genie,” he said. “I can’t go until you’ve had your three wishes.” He spoke softly and his voice had an indefinable accent, though he spoke in perfect English.
“It’s illegal! The granting of wishes has been banned in Australia for three years! I could be put into a detention center or worse. Try and pay Magical Gains tax! No one can afford Magical Gains taxes!”
Imran sank down onto the squeaking leather sofa, apparently disappointed by Primrose’s unfriendly response. He ran a hand through his short spiky hair and the gesture was ripe with masculine sexuality. Primrose quite involuntarily felt something flip in her stomach.
“Just make three little wishes. No one will know,” Imran urged smoothly. “Just little things, you know, a new pair of shoes, maybe a necklace, and a puppy.” He grinned.
Primrose looked aghast.
If you’re looking for something new, give “Magical Gains” a read. Filled with interesting creatures, exotic (and sometimes bad) smells and tastes – it’s exciting, funny and a totally different take on paranormal romance!
Thanks Wink girls for having me!
(winner to be announced on 9th March)
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