POV: Even more important, whose head do you want the reader to be in? See my earler posts on the subject of POV.
If you've seen my earlier recipe postings, you know chocolate is a favorite ingredient and easy is my favorite method.
Here is another easy and yummy cookie.
Crunch Bars
35 saltine crackers
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margerine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 pkg (8 squares) Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Heat oven to 400 degrees.
In a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch pan in a single layer line the crackers on the bottom
Stirring constantly, cook butter and sugar in a saucepan on medium-high heat until butter is melted and mixture is well-blended. Bring to boil and then cook 3 minutes without stirring.
Spread on crackers.
Bake 5 to 7 minutes until topping is golden brown. Remove and immediately sprinkle with chocolate. Let stand 5 minutes or until chocolate is soft and then spread the chocolate to cover the first topping. Sprinkle with nuts. Cool and then break into pieces.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Recent News
POV check. Who sees? Who hears? Who smells? Who feels? Who tastes? And more subtle and more telling--Who reacts?
My second book for Avalon Books is on track for a June release. I received an e-mail preview of the cover and love it.
My December and January writing time got taken up by other things demanding a top spot on my to do lists. December was family and the holidays. Janurary was the planning for and making the trip to Hawaii. I hope to pick up the writing pace in February.
We lived on Oahu for three years. My husband, our daughter #3, and I enjoyed revisiting familiar places. We cruised past the two schools she attended, visited the house we lived in, visited the North Shore where the gigantic waves and surfers didn't disappoint. A shave ice refreshed another of her childhood memories. The taste of Zippy's zip pack sent us all back to the day. So much is the same as it was when we lived there. We had a great time and we each left another piece of our heart behind on the island. We would love to visit often, but the trip from the east coast is arduous. We left home at 7 am changed planes in Atlanta with only a little time on the ground, and then flew for ten hours. And the trip going wasn't near as bad as the return trip--which was an overnight flight--and sleeping in the cattle seat section on a plane is not easy.
Hawaii is not without the intractable problems one finds on the mainland, but Wakiki still glitters, the island of Oahu is still beautiful, and the Aloha spirit is still alive.
I'm grateful for being able to make the trip with our daughter and take the words below to heart.
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
My second book for Avalon Books is on track for a June release. I received an e-mail preview of the cover and love it.
My December and January writing time got taken up by other things demanding a top spot on my to do lists. December was family and the holidays. Janurary was the planning for and making the trip to Hawaii. I hope to pick up the writing pace in February.
We lived on Oahu for three years. My husband, our daughter #3, and I enjoyed revisiting familiar places. We cruised past the two schools she attended, visited the house we lived in, visited the North Shore where the gigantic waves and surfers didn't disappoint. A shave ice refreshed another of her childhood memories. The taste of Zippy's zip pack sent us all back to the day. So much is the same as it was when we lived there. We had a great time and we each left another piece of our heart behind on the island. We would love to visit often, but the trip from the east coast is arduous. We left home at 7 am changed planes in Atlanta with only a little time on the ground, and then flew for ten hours. And the trip going wasn't near as bad as the return trip--which was an overnight flight--and sleeping in the cattle seat section on a plane is not easy.
Hawaii is not without the intractable problems one finds on the mainland, but Wakiki still glitters, the island of Oahu is still beautiful, and the Aloha spirit is still alive.
I'm grateful for being able to make the trip with our daughter and take the words below to heart.
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Fiction Writing - More on POV
Used well, point of view helps the writer draw a full picture of the point of view character. Because, not only does a POV character act and speak as do non-pov characters, the POV character--unlike the other characters--thinks and feels.
This alone allows the reader to make an emotional connection to the point of view character.
And that fact means the point of view character is the dominant character in the book if you are writing single point of view or one of the dominant characters if you are using multiple point of view characters. One thing to remember is, in most cases, when you write the thoughts and feelings of any character you elevate their importance in the reader's mind.
In romance fiction, if the writer uses two point of view characters--the protagonist and the love interest--the reader learns the internal thinking and the impact of words and actions on both characters. And in romance, when a reader falls in love with and roots for both the protagonist (male or female) and the love interest (male or female) character , it spices up the romance part of the story.
I have been writing first person single point of view lately. Why? I have no idea. It is more of a challenge. But I do write short--no 100,000 word manuscripts yet--and less word count makes it easier.
This alone allows the reader to make an emotional connection to the point of view character.
And that fact means the point of view character is the dominant character in the book if you are writing single point of view or one of the dominant characters if you are using multiple point of view characters. One thing to remember is, in most cases, when you write the thoughts and feelings of any character you elevate their importance in the reader's mind.
In romance fiction, if the writer uses two point of view characters--the protagonist and the love interest--the reader learns the internal thinking and the impact of words and actions on both characters. And in romance, when a reader falls in love with and roots for both the protagonist (male or female) and the love interest (male or female) character , it spices up the romance part of the story.
I have been writing first person single point of view lately. Why? I have no idea. It is more of a challenge. But I do write short--no 100,000 word manuscripts yet--and less word count makes it easier.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Fiction Writing - Point of View
Point of view (POV) may not be the most important element of writing great fiction, but learning what it is and being mindful of it when creating a story is necessary to avoid confusing the reader. If the reader gets confused they may put down your book, never finish reading it, and never recommend it to others.
So what is POV? The character who sees, hears, feels, detects smells, tastes AND who reacts to these senses is the POV character. When you put the POV character at a certain place--say inside a house--they cannot see what is going on two blocks away. They may hear sirens two blocks away or smell something burning that isn't visible, but they can't hear another character humming inside a house three doors down.
If a story is written with one character POV, that character must be in every scene. If Sally is the POV character and she isn't there it didn't happen unless someone tells her about it. If Sally (the POV character) is facing John you cannot say Harry crept up behind Sally. John might see Harry, but Sally cannot see Harry and if you say John sees Harry you are now in his POV. However, Sally might see John's eyes widen, spin around, and see Harry.
Romance fiction is most often written with two POV characters--the protagonist and the love interest.
A skilled writer can write multiple character POV and not bog down the story or lose the reader.
So what is POV? The character who sees, hears, feels, detects smells, tastes AND who reacts to these senses is the POV character. When you put the POV character at a certain place--say inside a house--they cannot see what is going on two blocks away. They may hear sirens two blocks away or smell something burning that isn't visible, but they can't hear another character humming inside a house three doors down.
If a story is written with one character POV, that character must be in every scene. If Sally is the POV character and she isn't there it didn't happen unless someone tells her about it. If Sally (the POV character) is facing John you cannot say Harry crept up behind Sally. John might see Harry, but Sally cannot see Harry and if you say John sees Harry you are now in his POV. However, Sally might see John's eyes widen, spin around, and see Harry.
Romance fiction is most often written with two POV characters--the protagonist and the love interest.
A skilled writer can write multiple character POV and not bog down the story or lose the reader.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Showing Up
Showing up is half the game. And so I'm back. And happy to be back. Not that I've been missing for any reason other than doing other things instead of posting to this blog.
Last week, I attended the Romance Writer's of America National Conference. The conference is always stiumlating. I never fail to learn something new, enjoy a new experience, and meet someone who inspires. This year, I was invited to a cocktail reception hosted by the editors of Avalon Books. A lovely occasion. The Avalon writers I spoke with at the reception are some of the warmest people I've ever met. In fact, all of the romance writers I've had the priviledge of meeting are giving and friendly. The Avalon editors are young, attractive, and talented. They are a pleasure to work with.
This year the national conference was held in Washington D.C. My hubby and I took advantage of the location to visit the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Neither disappointed. However, visiting Mt. Vernon when the weather is cooler would have been smart. The grounds are extensive and interesting but require a bit of walking--not so enjoyable in the heat and humidity of July.
"We fight for freedom." The rallying cry of George Washington during the dire days of the Revolutionary War. And to this day, America continues to fight to bring freedom to others. Washington's "never give up" spirit and the sacrifice of many gave us this wonderful country. Can we keep it?
My plan for this blog is to begin a series of short posts of fiction writing tips.
Drop in next week to see if I actually got my act together. And laugh.
Living with a joyous spirit is the best revenge against those who would disparage all that is good.
Last week, I attended the Romance Writer's of America National Conference. The conference is always stiumlating. I never fail to learn something new, enjoy a new experience, and meet someone who inspires. This year, I was invited to a cocktail reception hosted by the editors of Avalon Books. A lovely occasion. The Avalon writers I spoke with at the reception are some of the warmest people I've ever met. In fact, all of the romance writers I've had the priviledge of meeting are giving and friendly. The Avalon editors are young, attractive, and talented. They are a pleasure to work with.
This year the national conference was held in Washington D.C. My hubby and I took advantage of the location to visit the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Neither disappointed. However, visiting Mt. Vernon when the weather is cooler would have been smart. The grounds are extensive and interesting but require a bit of walking--not so enjoyable in the heat and humidity of July.
"We fight for freedom." The rallying cry of George Washington during the dire days of the Revolutionary War. And to this day, America continues to fight to bring freedom to others. Washington's "never give up" spirit and the sacrifice of many gave us this wonderful country. Can we keep it?
My plan for this blog is to begin a series of short posts of fiction writing tips.
Drop in next week to see if I actually got my act together. And laugh.
Living with a joyous spirit is the best revenge against those who would disparage all that is good.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Little Inspiration Goes A Long Way
At the moment I write this, the world is experiencing the turmoil of war and a worldwide financial collapse.
To ease my path through this time, I replace all negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Some days this becomes a constant exercise. But, if I open my eyes and look around me, it isn't difficult to find something to be thankful for.
And then there are worries over big and small issues, second guessing motives or making assumptions about things I have no clue about. These can take a bit longer to dispel--especially if they are constantly fueled by events over which I have no control.
When I was raising children, it took a lot of energy not to worry. School grades--worry. Daughters dating--worry. Driving a car--worry. Health issues--worry. And now there are the grandchildren. But I don't see them everyday, so out of sight, out of mind....for the most part. Besides, they are blessed with great parents to worry about them--leaving me free.
When I do find myself worrying, I turn to my faith to dispense with it. The quotation below is a good thought to remember.
Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Anonymous
To ease my path through this time, I replace all negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Some days this becomes a constant exercise. But, if I open my eyes and look around me, it isn't difficult to find something to be thankful for.
And then there are worries over big and small issues, second guessing motives or making assumptions about things I have no clue about. These can take a bit longer to dispel--especially if they are constantly fueled by events over which I have no control.
When I was raising children, it took a lot of energy not to worry. School grades--worry. Daughters dating--worry. Driving a car--worry. Health issues--worry. And now there are the grandchildren. But I don't see them everyday, so out of sight, out of mind....for the most part. Besides, they are blessed with great parents to worry about them--leaving me free.
When I do find myself worrying, I turn to my faith to dispense with it. The quotation below is a good thought to remember.
Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Anonymous
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Chocolate Ganache Sandwiches
A recipe from my newspaper taken from Real Simple.
What could be easier of yummier? A chocolate lover's dream of perfection.
1 12oz. bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy cream
2 9oz. boxes of Nabisco Famous Chocolate wafers
Melt the chocolate chips in the heavy cream over low heat, sitrring occasionally until blended. Remove from heat and chill in refrigerator until cool but not firm.
Beat the chocolate cream (ganache) with an electric mixer for 3 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Assemble each sandwich with a few tablespoons of the ganache between 2 wafers. If you want to keep the wafer crisp assemble right before serving. Or you can acheive a more cakelike wafer by assembling them a day ahead and keeping them covered in the refrigerator.
Makes 30.
What could be easier of yummier? A chocolate lover's dream of perfection.
1 12oz. bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy cream
2 9oz. boxes of Nabisco Famous Chocolate wafers
Melt the chocolate chips in the heavy cream over low heat, sitrring occasionally until blended. Remove from heat and chill in refrigerator until cool but not firm.
Beat the chocolate cream (ganache) with an electric mixer for 3 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Assemble each sandwich with a few tablespoons of the ganache between 2 wafers. If you want to keep the wafer crisp assemble right before serving. Or you can acheive a more cakelike wafer by assembling them a day ahead and keeping them covered in the refrigerator.
Makes 30.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
