On Writing & Publishing by Robin D. Owens

Cutting and Revising

2012-01-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Still cutting and revising Heart Secret, got last beta reader's comments last night. I WILL have to also add words to make some scenes clearer. But you can see how I'm working so I can cut the least amount of full scenes. This DOES modify my voice and my characters voices, but it's better than whole scenes going.

So, into the 12-15 hour days.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.
Robin

Elements of My Books

2012-01-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

I juggle various elements in my books, in Celta it is the romance, character development (including Fam comic relief), a small mystery/suspense, world-building, a dash of the past and set up for the future. I admit that I am reluctant to cut any world-building/Fams and set up. I should probably cut more, but I am of the opinion that ESPECIALLY in the Celta books, my fans like the world-building, like knowing about HouseHearts or magical systems...or a touch of a different religion. And set up...well, I'm working on the intelligent Turquoise House right now....

Merrry meet and merry part and merry meet again.
Robin

Heart Secret is DONE!

2012-01-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Whew! I thought as late as this morning that I wouldn't be able to finish. But it is done, and as always, WAAAY long, 112K+, so I'll be cutting about 6-7K, hopefully just tightening will be sufficient.

Whew.

Robin

Climax Settings Quick List

2012-01-14T11:40:00.005-07:00

Climax Settings Quick List: I keep lists to try and avoid duplicating myself. Like opening scene settings, etc. Here's today's :)

Climax settings;

HeartMate, estate grounds
Heart Thief, councilroom chamber
Heart Duel, city street/castle courtyard
Heart Choice, house mainspace
Heart Quest, warehouse/street
Heart Dance, laboratory
Heart Fate, park
Heart Choice, estate (previous in river)
Heart Journey, car/road
Heart Search, warehouse/street
Heart Secret, gulch

As always, may you enjoy the worlds you visit,
Robin

Pandora Music Genome

2012-01-13T09:59:00.001-07:00

Music Genome: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Film Score: Finale
by Danny Elfman on Music From The Films Of Tim Burton

Features of This Track:

a tranquil mood
a bittersweet sentiment
a well-known composer
a Romantic-Era style

That pretty much describes a large part of my music, and, well, maybe me. May you love what you hear today.
Robin

Amber Sargas' House -- Houses of Mystic Circle

2012-01-09T13:02:00.001-07:00

Enchanted Again's heroine's house, Amber Sargas' House -- Houses of Mystic Circle.

May you enjoy every world you visit today!
Robin

February/March Retreat

2012-01-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

I usually go in November, but they are offering February/March also this year:

SICK OF THE COLD WEATHER ALREADY? Come to the writers hermit week in sunny Charleston in Feb/March! Only 2 spots left! Multi-million dollar mansion, great food, awesome company, no pesky interruptions. Writiers bliss. :D http://lowcountryrwa.com/retreat/

Notes for the Chapter

2012-01-04T09:38:00.001-07:00

I do something really simple if I have a few notes to include in a particular chapter (and they may carry over from one to another until they are included). I stick them at the top of the chapter, then cut when they are placed or I find they are no longer needed.

And that's all I have to say today.
May you enjoy all the worlds you visit.
Robin

Happy New Year! And last year's stats...

2012-01-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

All right, here are some stats. I wrote a little over 300K words (that I kept track of) last year. That does NOT include blog/facebook/twitter.

Last full day off, December 17, before that, November 28.

2011 Books: Enchanted No More (epubbed, print came out a touch before but it has a Jan 2011 pub date:

Heart Search

Hearts and Swords

Enchanted Again (pubbed, epub release TODAY, has a January 2012 pub date).

That's enough, I think. I'm hoping to get some novellas, stories out, and maybe epublish manuscripts 2 and 3 under a pseud.

Heart Secret should be out in August, and Enchanted Ever After (current title) out a year from now.

May you have a WONDERFUL and PRODUCTIVE year!
Robin

Finally the last scenes!

2011-12-29T17:33:00.004-07:00

I've spent a lot of time contemplating the plot (along with pacing, whining, and talking to mentor) of Heart Secret, and I FINALLY have a list of my scenes. Usually this occurs more like 2 weeks out, which it hasn't this time.

Not only that, but I don't have the ending written. I might actually write it LAST. Zowie.

In any event, here's how they look. Some are written, one I'm not sure where I'll put, but since it increases pressure on Artemisia, my heroine, I'm sure it will stay in...and you know that scene with Garrett that I changed the setting on and posted the before and after here? That's gone.

Whew.

May your road be clear today.
Robin

Of Sunsets and Word Wars and Heart Secret

2011-12-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Of Sunsets and Word Wars and Heart Secret: I've had a day off this month, since Heart Secret has gotten all tangled up in the last quarter. I'm not accustomed to having a story go awry at this point and it peeves me. What should I leave in, what should I cut? The chronological/timeline/choreography has already been fixed THREE TIMES, why does it not work. URG!

So when I was on word wars tonight and a new to Denver friend, Cate Rowan, alerted me to a good sunset I took a few shots.

Uplifting, soothing, and now I can go back and try and untangle (again!) my scenes and get them in the proper order.

Love to all,
Robin

A Wish For You

2011-12-25T00:11:00.002-07:00

From Fra Giovanni to Friend, 1513

I salute you.

There is nothing I can give you which you have not, but there is much that what I cannot give, you can take:

No Heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today; take Heaven.

No Peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant; take Peace.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow, behind it, yet within our reach, is Joy; take Joy.

There is radiance and glory in the darkness , to see it we only have to look -- so look!

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty - beneath its covering - that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven.

Courage, then, to claim it is all that's needed; take courage.

And with courage, know that we are all pilgrims together wending through an unknown country, home.

And so at this time I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.

Love to all,
Robin

Enchanted Again's Book Widget

2011-12-22T13:19:00.002-07:00

10000

Blog Widget

Browse

Buy

I'm Sure The Sun's Out There....

2011-12-22T08:48:00.001-07:00

I'm sure the sun survived the longest night (otherwise we wouldn't have), but can't see it through the snow and clouds....

May you enjoy the warmth today, wherever you are, wherever you roam.

Robin

Happy Yule!

2011-12-21T17:17:00.002-07:00

Yes, the sun has set and we are now in the longest night of the year. So I give you this sunrise to keep us warm and hopeful through all the night and all our troubled nights and days.

May you have a WONDERFUL holiday season, and a FABULOUS New Year.

Robin

Enchanted Again Opening Hook

2011-12-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Enchanted Again has one of my favorite opening lines and hook:

If she'd aged naturally, Amber Sarga would have been twenty-six. But her gift for curse breaking cost her days, weeks, months...years.

I hope you enjoy it, and visiting the world of the Lightfolk. The story takes place entirely in Colorado, in Denver and Red Rocks Park.

Robin

Enchanted Again Available!

2011-12-19T07:52:00.002-07:00

Not sure how it happened, but it's available on amazon for shipping...THOUGHT it was available for download but not until Jan 1st. Weird. Could someone have told the author?

Robin

Walker's Sword in Noble Heart

2011-12-16T08:13:00.002-07:00

Walker's sword in Noble Heart: I blogged once about being inspired by physical objects, and once the story collection was titled Hearts and Swords, I knew a sword would need to be a part of each story. I had to add a sword to Heart Story (Blush's story), and had one in mind for Noble Heart -- thus the whole new cultural business in that having a sword makes a noble house "more."

And, of course, when I had to think of swords, I had something like that in front of me, and since Walker's sword was when he saw it during his psi-dreamquest-Passage, I could use what I had near.

So here is something like I have, I think it is less detailed, but you can see the wings as the hand guard (quillions) and the tail wrapped around the quilt.

May you not need any kind of sword today.
Robin

Changing Settings, before and after

2011-12-11T16:40:00.001-07:00

Changing Settings -- I began writing a new scene today in Heart Secret and set it in a noble lord social club...and realized that during an awful lot of this book, people are having conversations over drinks...caff or cocoa or liquor. In any event, I knew I had to change the setting. So here's the before and after:

Garrett stared into the snifter that held his brandy. He slumped in the richly upholstered chair, legs stuck out. He'd barely noticed the interior of the exclusive FirstFamilies club – for men only. It was his understanding that the women had their own, more suited to their tastes. And as for tastes, the brandy wasn't much good.

But that could be because of the sourness in his mouth. Laev T'Hawthorn, who was the actual member of this club, sat at ease across from Garrett.

Sour mouth from the bitter ashes of regret and stinging pride or not, Garrett had to admit it. So he did, grunting the words. "I made a bad mistake."

Laev raised his brows. "What, another?" he asked in that dangerously smooth tone that a powerful man developed.

"Yeah, yeah," Garrett waved his snifter, nearly slopping the liquid from his glass.

"Shall I tell you the consequences of your last bad mistake?" Laev asked with obvious false sympathy. The guy was sure enjoying payback for earlier in the year.

"I suppose you looked it up," Garrett grumbled.

"Oh, yes. Though I didn't have to look far."
*********************************************

Garrett stared broodingly down the cliff at the bright blue waves topped with white spume, shifting restlessly from foot to foot, something he could only allow himself in the presence of a good friend. GreatLord Laev T'Hawthorn stood beside him, relaxed and easy. This was his land. Hell, the kilometers of the ocean that Garrett could see might be his water, too.

Taking in a deep breath, Garrett tasted salty air. Not especially good. But that could be because the sourness in his mouth. And sour mouth from the bitter ashes of regret and stinging pride or not, Garrett had to admit it. So he did, grunting the words. "I made a bad mistake."

Laev grinned, white teeth gleaming. "What, another?" he asked in that dangerously smooth tone that a powerful man developed.

"Yeah, yeah," Garrett said. He rolled a silver coin over his knuckles, good practice in the wind, demanding concentration and manual dexterity.

"Shall I tell you the consequences of your last bad mistake?" Laev asked with obvious false sympathy. The guy was sure enjoying payback for earlier in the year.

"I suppose you looked it up," Garrett grumbled.

"Oh, yes. Though I didn't have to look far."

As always, may you enjoy all the worlds you visit today.
Robin

Good Lines

2011-12-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Good Lines. The set up: I had another dreadful "deadline" nightmare this morning, and told it a few times at critique and a holiday open house where the craziness of it would have been appreciated.

And, since I live alone, I often talk to myself (or the cats, which is almost the same), and speaking of it aloud, I realized I'd come upon one of those good lines that occasionally happen, maybe even something that could be the hook in a book: "I'm sure I had that dream before, I remember the castle and the fish."

For your amusement.
Robin

Worst Thing for a Writer

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Worst thing for a writer. You know what really sends the agony level high in a writer? Losing work. There is nothing worse. Because you'll search forever for it in backups, wonder how it happened, and then grit your teeth and reconstruct, hoping you can get it as good as it was.

Yes, I lost something yesterday, the final draft of chapter 16 of Heart Secret. I was working on chapter 20 when I realized this. Sickening, like when you make that awful mistake at the day job. I'd thought that I'd had a critical scene in it that I'd slaved over the motivation in.

I have multiple backups of everything, and the working copy (pretending to be the final) was saved everywhere.

I think it was one of those "walked away from desk, came back, was asked if I wanted to save the file and absently hit 'no' deals, so all my fault.

It threw me for a couple of hours before I beat back the hysteria and rolled up my sleeves and went to work.

To find out that the critical scene was in chapter 17 WHEW, 16 just needed a little twitching.

Operator error hits us all.

May you be free of sickening mistakes this year.
Robin

Hearts & Swords OUT, Timeline below

2011-12-06T07:46:00.003-07:00

Hearts & Swords is OUT: Here's the timeline again!

Celta Timeline:
Heart And Sword IN THE COLLECTION OF HEARTS AND SWORDS:

HeartMate: Druida City, Celta, 400 years after Colonization, Summer, July, Discovery Day

Heart Thief: Druida City, Celta, 400 Years after Colonization, Autumn

Heart Duel: Druida City, Celta, 403 years after Colonization, Summer, Month of Holly

Heart Choice: Druida City, Celta, 404 Years After Colonization, Spring

**Nuin Ash is born late 404

Heart Quest: Druida City, Celta, 405 Years After Colonization, Late Autumn

Heart Dance: Druida City, Celta, 405 Years After Colonization, Early Winter (two months after Heart Quest, i.e. January/)

Heart Story IN THE COLLECTION OF HEARTS AND SWORDS: Druida City, Celta 406 Years After Earth Colonization, Spring

Heart Fate: Druida City, Celta, 406 Years After Colonization, Mid Winter (one year after the end of Heart Dance) SAMHAIN = NEW YEAR, SO JUST A MONTH AND A HALF AFTER THE NEW YEAR

Heart & Soul IN THE COLLECTION OF HEARTS AND SWORDS, Gael City, Celta 406 Years After Colonization, Autumn (Elder/October) the last days of 406

Heart Change: Druida City, Celta, 407 Years After Colonization, Spring (March)

Heart Journey: Druida City, Celta, 407 Years After Colonization, Late Summer

Noble Heart IN THE COLLECTION OF HEARTS AND SWORDS, Druida City, Celta, 411 Years After Colonization, Winter

14 YEARS PASS BETWEEN HEART JOURNEY AND HEART SEARCH

Heart Search (Laev): Druida City, Celta, 421 Years After Colonization, Late Spring
Nuin Ash is 17

May you enjoy all the worlds you visit today.
Robin

Hearts and Swords Release Nerves

2011-12-05T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hearts and Swords release nerves? OF COURSE. The only other novella that I've written and published was Road To Adventure (a contemporary paranormal with THE best cat I've done). So I am wriggling with nerves as to whether people (and people who aren't fans) will buy and enjoy...wriggling is not too bad in the below-freezing weather here, but still....

Guess I'll learn tomorrow...
Robin

Writing Seasons

2011-12-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Writing Seasons: It is 18 Degrees F. out and my nose is cold...the snow storm came in today with about 3 inches.

In Celta it's a hot summer (think August), and Artemisia Mugwort is furious at her HeartMate, Garrett Primross, and leaving her workplace of Primary HealingHall to walk out in the serenity of the Healing Grove.

Did I say my hands are cold, too? Summoning up the heat of a summer's day is almost impossible.

So I'll concentrate on the emotions -- hurt, anger, fear.

And maybe I'll pull up some lovely pics of trees in the summer to remind me that on Celta it's not December.

May your weather be kind to you today.
Robin

Has Anyone Seen Hearts & Swords Yet?

2011-11-30T14:13:00.002-07:00

I am debating which novella to enter in a contest due TODAY. If you've seen (and or read) Hearts & Swords, please email me your opinion. Thanks, Robin

Whose Story Is It, Anyway?

2011-11-29T15:13:00.003-07:00

Whose Story Is It, Anyway? I've been reading an e-series with an ensemble cast -- and though I'm okay in general with this, I am missing the idea of who exactly the main character and protagonist is. Now, I know that George R.R. Martin has huge fantasy books, but the one I'm reading is a light contemporary paranormal series.

I would strongly recommend knowing who your main character/protagonist is and sticking with him/her -- showing most of the action in his/her point of view and having most of the book be linear with regard to his/her growth.

Because, at the end of this particular book in this particular ongoing series, I wasn't as satisfied as I would have been if I'd been solid in one (or two or even three or four) points of view.

In the Heart books, which are romances, I stick with the hero's and the heroine's point of view -- 2, the couple -- that's it.

The Lladrana series usually had no more than four, and usually 2-3.

Enchanted No More was a departure for me in that it had only one point of view.

I believe when you limit your point of view, you make your character and your story deeper.

My thoughts and ideas,
Robin

Magic -- White

2011-11-28T09:15:00.002-07:00

Magic -- My Color is White

Rather astonished me.

White
You value law, order, community and light. You love to protect the social order and the rule of law. At your best, you are just and protective. At your worst, you are authoritarian and dogmatic. Your symbol is a sunburst. Your enemies are black and red.

Ebook Stories -- Why NY didn't buy

2011-11-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a lot of ebooks, both put out by small press and the author. Many of these were originally submitted to NY publishers. And I can pretty much tell you why they didn't fit those publishers. I'm not saying anything about the quality of the books or the writing, at least one has been an award-winner, and I have them on my virtual shelf. But I CAN figure out why an editor might not have wanted to take a chance on these particular books.

1) Romance -- hero is a mortician.

2) Contemporary paranormal -- the story starts with one character, switches to her best friend and that romance, and finally ends with the first character, but no romance for her.

3) Western romance -- children's pet dog is killed in chapter 1.

4) Fantasy romance -- this book (one I'm reading now), is a story every girl who read fantasy would have thought of and the first twenty or so would have been published.

This is a time of great flux in the storytelling/publishing world, and great opportunity.

May you enjoy all the worlds you visit today.
Robin

Hearts and Swords Shipping

2011-11-18T09:12:00.002-07:00

Hearts and Swords is shipping! I got my author copies yesterday! The title is in SILVER so it can either flash or fade...it should be on the shelves soon! Of course the guy is gorgeous.

May you enjoy your work today.
Robin

Hearts and Swords - Dear Reader Ltr

2011-11-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome! If you haven't read my work, I think Hearts and Swords would be a wonderful place to start. These novellas will let you experience Celta – a planet of people with magic and telepathic animal companions – in shorter bites than my full-length novels.

When writing a series, sometimes a few characters branch off in a different direction than the main stories and though they have their own lives and loves, they don't need a full book.

The first novella, Heart And Sword, is a prequel to the Heart series, taking place on the starship Nuada's Sword, on its way from Earth to Celta. A story I've wanted to write for a while...and if you're a long-time reader, you'll find references to it as a stage play in the books. Kelse Bountry was full of hope for the future when he stepped into the starship, Nuada's Sword, but he is awakened prematurely to discover he must face a conspiracy...and that the colonists are lost.

Next up, Heart Story, includes a mature couple, which I really enjoyed writing about. Both must overcome their past to claim each other.

Heart and Soul is the tale of Genista Furze Holly, the ex-wife of Tinne Holly, a man who found his true love in Heart Fate. I tried very hard to keep Genista a sympathetic character and as time passed, I finally discovered the right man for her. This is their story and takes place at Halloween and the new year, Samhain.

Finally, members of the rambunctious commoner Clover Family have run throughout the books and I had fans wanting a story about how they might be elevated to the nobility. I think you'll be surprised how this came about, and Walker is definitely a reluctant hero. Noble Heart takes place during the winter holidays, so I hope you enjoy it as you curl up for yours!

Naturally there is magic – Flair – and gifts and Fams: a cat or two, a couple of dogs, a housefluff (bunny) and a fox...all ready to "help" their people find love.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!

Sunset at Retreat

2011-11-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last day, and last walk on the beach. Most of the time I was quite sick...but what a place to feel miserable at! So, no regrets.

May you enjoy all the worlds you visit today.
Robin

Retreat - Sick - Nano

2011-11-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Life got busy for me before I headed off to retreat in SC (where I am now) and where I REALLY came down with a cold or cough. I started NaNoWriMo, but am now a little behind due to the sickness.

News: I got a good review from Publisher's Weekly for Hearts and Swords -- review copies are going out.

I got the cover for Heart Secret.

Currently: Rereading Heart Quest to renew ideas on the Black Magic Cult.

Will post pics of retreat maybe (haven't take 500 of the ocean this year, more like 10).

Robin

Self Doubt, Panic and Readers Expectations

2011-10-30T02:09:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am on book 18 (I think), does that mean panic and self-doubt go away? No. Does it mean the book is easier to write? No. Does it mean I'm not extremely concerned about reader expectations, heck no. More concerned than ever. Soo....

The set up: I took the opening to Heart Secret to critique group a couple of weeks ago (I have two). The first thing I was told was, "This is VERY dark."

Well, I think most of you know that I've had a dark couple of years. And I am allowed to put dark stuff in my books, of course. But I also know that most of my readers think of me as overall feel-good (and I'm completely okay with that) and I must take that into consideration. So NO Dark and Grim and Sad in Chapter 1 or 2.

In fact, recently I was recommended a very funny book by an author I enjoy. But she got up front about her heroine's flaws (and her heroine's flaws and situation were a little too much like my own). Did I read on the to funny parts? No. Did I put the book down after the first chapter? Yes. Will I go back to that book? No.

So, back to me. No Dark, Grim, and Sad in Chapters 1 or 2, which means, of course that Self Doubt and Panic lurk for me and bother me in my dreams. Am I good enough to rework Chapter 1 and 2 and still get the set up in that I want?

I can only do my best -- that is usually my mantra in this kind of situation. So there it is. I am doing the best with the resources I have.

Now I have another critique group, but since we are large today, only the first 10 manuscript pages are going to be read. And I've written a bit about the Baker St irregular cats to chapter 1 (from chapter 4)...and the very sad and grim and dark will be moved to chapter 8, about a quarter through the book.

Yes, writer/neurotic = redundant. Know this before you get into the business/the game.

And may YOU be free of Self Doubt and Panic today.
Robin

Writing Checklist

2011-10-29T03:45:00.002-06:00

Writing Checklist for NaNoWrimo:

1. Insert more cat stuff with Garrett (hero) in first scene (he is a private investigator and he uses feral intelligent animals rather like Baker St irregulars). Move later cat explanation to here.

2. Take out Very Grim Stuff from Chapter 2 to save for later and add conflict between Garrett and FirstLevel Healer Ura Heather.

3. Keep track of changed files! Organize them!

4. Write transitions in the "time passes" days in the Turquoise House scenes. Add cover art to these scenes! (heh, yeah, I got it. If you're REALLY nice, I will post it. It is FABULOUS).

NaNoWriMo Is Coming!

2011-10-28T15:00:00.002-06:00

NaNoWriMo is Coming! National Novel Writing Month is NOVEMBER. Before that I need to clean up all my out-of-sequence writing on Heart Secret so I can start writing new words and scenes midnight November 1 -- Halloween/Samhain.

Genista Furze's story in the collection Hearts And Swords, Heart and Soul, is set during Halloween/Samhain...and the Clover story is set during Yule. I did the latter when I understood that the book would be coming out in December.

As for Heart and Sword -- well, it is the Original Celtan holiday, Discovery Day, and Heart Story takes place in the spring....

In any event, unlike most NaNo'ers I work on a book that is usually started, in that way, I break the rules. I did a lot of Heart Search last November.

So I'd better stop nattering here and get back to work, especially since Halloween Critique is tomorrow.

As always, may you enjoy whatever worlds you visit today.
Robin

Hearts and Swords, First Review

2011-10-27T10:31:00.000-06:00

From Romantic Times Book Reviews

HEARTS AND SWORDS
Robin D. Owens
**** HOT

Award-winning Owens fills in some blanks in her long-running Celta series with an exciting and intriguing anthology. Longtime fans will be thrilled to get a glimpse into the origins of Celta and its FirstFamilies, as well as catch up with some secondary characters. A terrific addition to a series filled compelling characters and imaginative romance.

SUMMARY: First up is “Heart and Sword,” which explains how the colonists first arrived on Celta. Captain Kelse Bountry faces both mutiny and low supplies as he tries to lead their small fleet to an inhabitable planet. “Heart Story” follows the tale of Heartmates divided by a domineering and murderous mother, as Blush Willow and Dri Paris have a second chance at love — if they can get past their unresolved anger. In “Heart and Soul,” Genista Furze, the scandalous ex-wife of Tinne Holly, gets a chance for a new life and love. Finally, in “Noble House,” Walker Clover experiences a triple passage and learns he possesses significant Flair, thereby elevating the Clover Family to Grandlord status. Now he must navigate the world of FirstFamilies, including unwanted marriage alliances, for Walker has his eyes on the mysterious Sedwy Grove.
*********

Wowie, Zowie! (Dancing around bored cats).
Robin

Working on Enchanted Ever After

2011-10-26T14:15:00.000-06:00

I am working on Enchanted Ever After and hoping my trees don't wipe out my power lines. I go out to shake about every hour. So, any prayers/lighting of candles, etc. would be greatly appreciated. If I can make it through tonight I should be fine.

Many thanks,
Robin

In New Jersey This Week, Iselin, public signing

2011-10-18T10:21:00.002-06:00

In New Jersey This Week, Iselin, public signing at the New Jersey Romance Writers, I'd love to see you there.

Robin

Question for Readers re: Characters

2011-10-17T08:27:00.000-06:00

Question for Readers re: Characters. I have decided that one of my heroines believes that love is just not for her -- no terrible experiences with men (since I've recently done that), but she just doesn't believe in it.

Soooo, give me some reasons and backstory for this. If I use them, I'll send you electronic arcs of Hearts and Swords.

Many thanks,
Robin

New Header for trial website

2011-10-15T12:30:00.001-06:00

New Header for trial website.

I spent all day (and much of the night) making a new header for the trial website. I had sort of a pattern but didn't really think I could do it myself. So I've been learning my graphics program as well as wordpress.

All of the images are my own, of items I own (though the cats, of course, own all the items and the house and me), photographed by me. The art is by my wonderful friend Laura Givens, who is http://www.lauragivens-artist.com/ also working on an original header for me.

Whew. It's been a very intense week, and now I need to get back to writing!

Robin

Wrestling with new website design and build

2011-10-12T18:20:00.000-06:00

Wrestling with new website design and build: That's what I've been doing over the last couple of days. Currently at the link above.

The header is lame, but enough to give an artist friend of mine an idea to work with. I have done a little bit of placeholders on the pages -- please let me know if you think the Books page looks too crowded and I will make the images smaller and farther apart.

There IS a new excerpt on the Excerpts page and a new graphic in Extras. I'm thinking of moving the Quick Reading List to the Home Post/Page.

May you be amused at yourself today.
Robin

Master Class and Writing Retreat: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2011-10-11T08:28:00.000-06:00

Master Class and Writing Retreat: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I have been attending the hermit weeks for four years (this year will be my fifth), and have taught the master class. There are three spots available for the Master Class, and, people, the food is excellent as well!

There are two spots available for the hermit weeks -- one in each week.

If you can't make it, dream of the beach...and I only have about 500 pics so far...

Robin

Hearts and Swords, Heart and Soul Blurb

2011-10-10T17:21:00.000-06:00

Hearts and Swords, Heart and Soul Blurb:

Genista Furze, scandalous ex-wife of Tinne Holly, has created a new life for herself working for a clockmaker in small Gael City. Content with simplicity and learning to value herself, Genista is in no hurry to risk her heart on another man -- no matter how attractive her neighbor is.

(note, there is a sword in every story, and Genista uses it in this one!)

Robin

Hearts and Swords, Heart and Sword Blurb

2011-10-08T08:21:00.001-06:00

Heart and Sword blurb from the collection, Hearts and Swords:
Captain Kelse Bountry leads a colony fleet in search of a habitable planet. His Ship is far off course and his crew on the verge of mutiny, circumstances that threaten both the success of Kelse's mission and his marriage. But Fern Bountry is not about to give up on either.

Again, may you enjoy all the worlds you visit today.
Robin

Change in Publishers

2011-10-08T06:20:00.000-06:00

Change in Publishers -- no, not me, though I hope to dip a toe into the waters of epublishing in 2012, with the two historical romances (one paranormal, one not) that I wrote before HeartMate, maybe filling in a story or two (like Koz's) in the Lladrana universe, and, yes, I've been kicking around a brand new idea...

But in the past, if a person switched publishers in the middle of (or even after a book) of a series, the series took a new twist or angle, so it was essentially different. For instance, the paranormal elements would be removed or changed so they didn't work in the new world like they did in the old.

I must admit that I worried about the Heart series for the first few books (well, until epublishing became big), so I had an idea that the people who landed on Celta (which was not the original planet) was only the First Wave of escaping people with psi, and the Second Wave made it to the original planet...

I haven't thought about that for a while, but it is still an option in the universe...

But since I am reading an author who changed publishers and had to change her series, I am aware of it again.

May you enjoy all the worlds you visit today. As for me, I've been preparing for a Readers Tea all week long, with goodie bags for those at the table I'm hosting and a gift bag for a raffle...and I need to print out Enchanted Again now for that.

Robin

ARCs from my Editor

2011-09-29T13:40:00.003-06:00

I got ARCs from Berkley. Here's a pic! It's been since, I think, Heart Choice that I got some ARCs from editorial. Wowza!

May you have an unexpectedly pleasurable surprise today. (and yeah, one of my characters had one, too. ;)) This begs for some sort of give away. I'll think on that!

Robin

Log Line of 3rd Luna Book

2011-09-22T14:16:00.000-06:00

Logline of the 3rd Luna Book: Twilight, Mid September, Denver, Colorado AND in the game Fairies and Dragons...

I've been working on this off and on for a while, and suddenly it really is LATE September, with the equinox tomorrow. Which means I need to get pictures of the houses of Mystic Circle again...and completely determine Kiri's house. And if I want to be writing the book at the same time of the year (not sure the time period the book will cover, maybe through the next couple of months) I'd better get on that.

So...watch for Mystic Circle homes here.
Robin

Beadle Pic (Dingo)

2011-09-21T13:42:00.000-06:00

Here is a pic of Beadle of Heart Change (Dingo), the major scene in the book featuring him was essentially true.

May you enjoy your animal companions today.
Robin

I write About Relationships

2011-09-17T14:02:00.000-06:00

I write about relationships. In the scene I'm working on I'm dealing with the relationships between a woman and her beloved partner, between herself and her family, herself and her new Fam, herself and her intelligent house, the relationship between the colonists and their planet -- as well as the now-natives with their world. I really like that.

Thanks,
Robin

New Images of Laev and His Ladies

2011-09-16T21:21:00.001-06:00

Here are new images of Laev and Nivea and Camellia. I got Sims Medieval (thus the clothing) and have struggled with the character generator. In some ways it is highly superior to City of Heroes (such as looking more human and less cartoonish), but it still doesn't have the ease or the abilities of City of Heroes, especially in skin tone, nor can you change aspects of a costume in picking and choosing). Let's just say I worked a long time on these. I am quite pleased with Nivea and Laev, not so much with Camellia, since I had to exaggerate some aspects so she didn't look a lot like Nivea...

I hope you appreciate these! Love robin

The Magic Secret In Writing

2011-09-09T07:01:00.004-06:00

The Magic Secret in Writing. Today is the start of the Colorado Gold, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference. I have a seminar on critique groups and my writer of the year speech. But I wanted to tell a story about the pre-conference party last night and "the magic secret of writing."

I hauled mentor out of a deadline-stupor and made her come to the party. We had great news, one of our good friends sold a three book contract yesterday! Go Linda Hull! Mysteries.

Also, one of the writers mentor admires most, Allison Brennan, is our keynote speaker. So mentor came and offered to buy Allison a drink to talk about plotting. Allison says, "I never plot."

Mentor is staggered. She is a great plotter, but admires Allison's twists.

Allison leaves for the hotel and mentor and I drift away to the cheese tray. Mentor says, "She doesn't plot." Munch. "There should be a magic secret of writing, one that works every time."

I munch and nod. "Yes, there should be. And everyone thinks that." It is so unfair that there isn't. That every book is hard to write, that sometimes you (I) have trouble in different places.

I gesture around the room. "Kay," I say to mentor. "You probably have written more books than anyone else here." She smiles and nods.

Leaning forward, I say, "People think YOU have the magic secret." Again the surprised expression. Then we laugh and shake our heads. There is no magic secret.

May you enjoy your day...as for me, I'll be good after I give that speech... Robin

Goal

2011-09-05T01:54:00.000-06:00

Giving quiet moments of joy is important to me.image copyright Robin D. Owens, please do not use without asking.

WINNERS Re: FAM advice

2011-09-04T11:28:00.000-06:00

All right, I have noted that a bird should be upcoming, also a Fam you might carry in your pocket, though, of course, the women wear robes that have long sleeve pockets like kimonos.

Like I said in passing, I had already set up the Fam earlier in the book, I just hadn't noticed it, or thought I might do something else with that individual (deleted rest of spoiler sentence).

THEREFORE, THE PRIZE IS AN E-MAIL PDF COPY OF YOUR CHOICE OF ONE OF THE HEART STORIES FOR FOUR (4) PEOPLE!

I have now compiled all comments and am choosing by itouch randomizer program.

WINNER NO. 1, SHARON!
WINNER NO. 2, KRISTAL!
WINNER NO. 3, DONNA!
WINNER NO. 4, ALAINA (FACEBOOK)

Robin

Tattered Cover Panel - Writer of the Year RMFW

2011-09-01T09:32:00.000-06:00

I am Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer's, Writer of the Year 2011! And tonight is our pre-conference panel at the Tattered Cover LoDo! 7:30 pm! I will be there with last year's Writer of the Year, Pam Nowak, and the other ladies who were finalists with me, Laura Reeve (check out her sf!) and Maggie Sefton, bestselling author of knitting mysteries.

Tattered Cover Lo-Do
Location:

1628 16th St.
Denver,
Colorado
80202
United States

As for the Fam animal advice, more on that tomorrow!
Robin

Need FAM advice

2011-08-27T08:23:00.000-06:00

Need FAM advice for Heart Secret. I have one kitten for the hero (who just moved in on him), nothing for Artemisia Mugwort, a serene soul and a Healer who lives with her Family (parents and sister Tiana, friend in Heart Search).

No Fam has shown up for her (and I think I'm halfway through the book), and I have no twist for the Fams. So let me know.

Reward: Reading Heart Secret as I write it/go along as Beta, OR (your choice), Heart Secret ARC when it's done OR ARC of Hearts And Swords.

Many thanks, Robin

Must See Baby Hippo Ballet

2011-08-27T08:09:00.002-06:00

This is fabulous. I must keep.

May you enjoy playing! And blessings to all of you in the EAST!

Robin

Enchanted Again Front Cover

2011-08-26T07:01:00.000-06:00

Here's just the front in more detail! And yesterday was 99, a record here -- the hottest it's ever been so late in the year. :( I feel like Amber (heroine). Next up will be the current back cover copy.

May you have a cool and SAFE (you NEasterners), day! Irene frightens me for the damage it can do to our country and cities.

Robin

Enchanted Again Cover Flat!

2011-08-24T17:47:00.000-06:00

Enchanted Again's cover flat (front, spine, back) -- here it is. I am very pleased. Note, the heroine's name is Amber and they went with that, so the heroine on the cover has darker hair. I wrote in the clothes. ;) Also the desert is more metaphorical than Red Rocks in March.

I LOVE IT!

Robin

Extra -- 1st Draft Heart Search first Scene

2011-08-20T11:35:00.000-06:00

Extra, 1st Draft of Heart Search first Scene:

Here it is in all it's warts -- the cut first scene of Heart Search...

Druida City, Celta, 422 Years After Colonization, Late Spring

"We've located your heirloom amethyst and diamond cuff bracelets," the private investigator said. His craggy face was expressionless on the scry screen hanging on the richly paneled wall near Laev Hawthorn's desk.

Laev Hawthorn, GreatLord T'Hawthorn, kept his own face as impassive but let hope trickle through him. As far as he knew, those were the last of the Family treasures his late wife, Nivea, had sold before his HeartGift. His Heartgift – that creation that reflected his deepest self that he’d produced at seventeen in a dreamquest when his magic ran wild.

He might be able to retrieve all the lost items after all. "Thank you. How much will it cost to recover the bracelets?"

The investigator told him and Laev’s jaw tightened. It wasn't at the amount. Like most FirstFamilies he had generational wealth that wasn't easily dissipated – though Nivea had done her best. But it was an expense he wouldn't have had if he hadn't made a bad mistake in choosing his wife.

"Residence?" he addressed the intelligent castle that he lived in.

"Here, T'Hawthorn," the Residence answered, at it's haughtiest. It didn't approve of the investigator, hadn't approved of Nivea, and Laev was unsure of its feelings for himself.

"Transfer funds to cover the retrieval of the jewels and Prime Investigation's bill," Laev said.

"Thank you," the private eye said. His eyes narrowed and he continued softly, "Now, GreatLord, why don't you tell me what you really want me to find?"

Laev kept his stare steady. Obviously the man was more observant than Laev had anticipated. The investigator was a master of his craft and several years older than Laev's thirty-two. Though a commoner, the man had a confidence – and an aura that whatever mistakes he'd made, he'd fixed them immediately ...and they weren't as costly as Laev’s spectacular failure.

"I’ll do that, Primross, but not now and not over a scry."

A door banged in the castle and a rush of exuberance seemed to breeze toward him. His student, a girl like the younger sister he'd always wanted, had arrived for her morning lesson in finance and estate building. It took real effort to slam the door in the Residence, but Jasmine Ash always managed. She'd stop at the kitchens for a treat and to stroke Black Pierre, the old FamCat who'd survived Laev's FatherSire's death.

Laev said, "I don't have any more time for this matter now. Please obtain the bracelets and have them delivered as soon as possible."

With a mock-subservient dip of the head, Garrett Primross said, "As you wish, GreatLord." He hesitated a beat, then asked, "Do you wish to continue to retain my firm?"

Primross Investigations was only the man himself and an apprentice, but Laev appreciated pride a lot more now than he had as a youngster. Sometimes appearances and pride were all that had kept him going.

"Yes." He calculated how long it would take for Primross to find his HeartGift. That gift, made during the second fugue which freed his psi power, his Flair, could only be truly sensed by himself and his HeartMate. Too bad he'd thought Nivea was his HeartMate when he was a gullible seventeen and given it to her.
He studied Primross. The detective had already exceeded Laev's expectations in recovering some of the family treasures. Laev’s pride had been too touchy to speak to another FirstFamily lord to track them. Discreet inquiries had led Laev to Primross.

It didn't matter that Primross disliked the noble class and barely treated Laev with civility. It didn't matter that Laev's pride took a beating as he revealed his secrets to the man. What mattered was getting the items back, and in that, Primross had been successful.

Another concern was the amount of time that had passed. Nivea had been dead for nearly two years. She’d been selling Hawthorn items for five years before that – objects that Laev’s FatherSire wouldn’t have considered valuable but Laev did.
Laev’s FatherSire, who had hidden the problem from him, had passed on three months ago. The shock that Nivea had been a thief and his FatherSire had tolerated that, made no attempt to retrieve Family heirlooms had stunned Laev.

Laev said, "Send me a contract for a monthly retainer, for an initial period of three months."

Surprise flashed in Primross's eyes then he jerked a nod. "The courier with your bracelets is on the way. I'll have the contract in your cache box within the septhour." Primross named an amount that seemed lower than it should have been. Laev narrowed his eyes to study the impassive man. Was the investigator hiding something himself?

Before he could come to a conclusion, the scry creen went dark.

Heart Search "Dear Reader" Letter

2011-08-16T11:03:00.000-06:00

Here is Heart Search's "Dear Reader" letter for Berkley's email newsletter:

Welcome to Celta – a world of magic, romance, and telepathic animal companions with attitude.

Time has passed...Heart Search takes place some years after the previous book, Heart Journey – with the first story of the younger set.

In Heart Search we meet two very business-minded people – Camellia Darjeeling who is excited about opening her second teahouse, and Laev Hawthorn, a savvy entrepreneur. Both of whom concentrate on business instead of their personal lives because of past suffering.

Laev married a woman who betrayed him, and, he recently discovered, stole family heirlooms. Camellia's drive came from her need to escape an abusive childhood – and just as she is celebrating her success, her father and uncle turn up for a bit of extortion.

And there are the cats – a pair with an agenda and a gift for manipulation.

Laev and Camellia don't trust love, and when they do figure out that they're falling for each other, they decide to keep it light. But fate can't be denied.

As for Celta itself in the story, there's a recent epidemic, a touch of reincarnation, and goddess's curse. Old friends show up, like the Hollys, Cratag Maytree Marigold and Vinni T'Vine. So do old settings, like The Green Knight Fencing and Fighting Salon.

But there are new friends – Glyssa Licorice and Tiana Mugwort, Camellia's best friends. The private investigator Garrett Primross. And Jasmine Ash, Dani Eve Elder and Cal Marigold – another new generation.

I hope you will journey to Celta and enjoy your time there.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again,
Robin

Arches -- Different Worlds

2011-08-15T15:20:00.001-06:00

Arches -- Different Worlds: Below is the image I spent hours on this morning to be MY image-- but you know, it doesn't SHOUT "fantasy". I would love to do arches to different worlds, and I may get there yet, and I love this pic in all the variations I did (courtesy of Pam Brophy), but it won't be "representing" my work anytime soon. Sigh. :)

Robin

Branding?

2011-08-14T21:45:00.001-06:00

Any ideas on how to brand me? LOL, I need to be able to update my site myself, so I am working on a redesign. I've looked at (probably) a hundred websites and my inner graphics are out of date.

Most folk have branding, too "Sizzling evocative romantic suspense" or some such (I made that up, I hope).

I am really hoping to go with a "path" type theme, garden paths going in different directions -- I've been doing rough mock ups of what I want (which might or might not be possible). So, if someone comes up with a brand for me (Journey into Fantasy with Robin D. Owens ??? or my standard blessing "follow your heart and magic will come" or "may a little magic always grace your life") that I actually use, I will send them arcs for the next 2 years.

As for formatting, I'm thinking 2 column wordpress, somehow linked to this blog, and with the reads, worlds and bookshelf pages.

Love to all,
Robin

New Reads on Website

2011-08-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

New Excerpts on Website: One from Enchanted Again (cover coming soon!) and one from Hearts & Swords, Noble Heart, Walker Clover's story!

**Nervous** I hope you enjoy!
Robin

Mom on Heart Search

2011-08-10T08:08:00.000-06:00

My Mom on Heart Search: "It was a good book. Why do you make all your brothers wimps?" Me, scrambling. "Duh." I have two brothers, one is a beta guy but excellent with figures and money (like Mom's father), the other is an ex-marine. So, like, maybe I LIKE making my brothers wimps. After all, I got dolls for holiday gifts and they got weapons.

:) May you enjoy your family today.
Robin

Question for You

2011-08-05T09:24:00.000-06:00

A newish idea has struck, so I'm asking those of you who read the Heart Series who you think the sneakiest person/Family (NOT FAM!!) is?

Many thanks, and yes, I may mention you in a dedication if the book gets done and bought...

WOOPS -- This can't be the Yews. This is someone sneaking into the Yews....and that may be a spoiler...

Robin

Celta Timeline

2011-08-04T08:08:00.003-06:00

Celta Timeline as Requested. Note: the time skipping at the beginning of the series was to age Tinne Holly so I could write his story.

Celta Timeline:

Heart And Sword (in Hearts And Swords story collection): On Board Nuada's Sword Generational Colonist Starship from Earth, Currently in Outer Space, the Month of May/Oak

HeartMate: Druida City, Celta, 400 years after Colonization, Summer, July, Discovery Day

Heart Thief: Druida City, Celta, 400 Years after Colonization, Autumn

Heart Duel: Druida City, Celta, 403 years after Colonization, Summer, Month of Holly

Heart Choice: Druida City, Celta, 404 Years After Colonization, Spring

Heart Quest: Druida City, Celta, 405 Years After Colonization, Late Autumn

Heart Dance: Druida City, Celta, 405 Years After Colonization, Early Winter (two months after Heart Quest, i.e. January/)

Heart Fate: Druida City, Celta, 406 Years After Colonization, Mid Winter (one year after the end of Heart Dance) SAMHAIN = NEW YEAR, SO JUST A MONTH AND A HALF AFTER THE NEW YEAR

Heart Story (in Hearts And Swords story collection): Druida City, Celta 406 Years After Earth Colonization, Spring

Heart & Soul, (in Hearts And Swords story collection) Gael City, Celta 406 Years After Colonization, Autumn (Elder/October) the last days of 406

Heart Change: Druida City, Celta, 407 Years After Colonization, Spring (March)

Heart Journey: Druida City, Steep Springs and Gael City, Celta, 407 Years After Colonization, Late Summer

Noble Heart, (in Hearts And Swords story collection) Druida City, Celta, 411 Years After Colonization, Winter

14 YEARS PASS BETWEEN HEART JOURNEY AND HEART SEARCH

Heart Search (Laev): Druida City, Celta, 421 Years After Colonization, Late Spring
Nuin Ash is 17

Hope this helps, and may your day pass smoothly,
Robin

Live Chat tonight 9pm Eastern

2011-08-03T09:46:00.001-06:00

Ask about writing and publishing...Live Chat tonight at Romance reviews today. 9 pm Eastern time. Oh, and I'll be talking about Heart Search.

Robin

Excerpts you want to see?

2011-08-02T10:41:00.000-06:00

Excerpts you want to see? I am doing one last update of my website before I renew, rebuild or otherwise change it so that I can update it myself.

I will be adding excerpts of Enchanted Again and another for Hearts And Swords. Which of the other three stories would you like to see: Discovery of Celta, Genista Holly Furze's new life and new love, or the Clovers Get A Noble Title?

Thanks,
Robin

Download Heart Search!

2011-08-02T06:58:00.002-06:00

Download Heart Search! It is officially out, and I'm panting (in this heat) to know how you liked how I started (and treated) the next generation. Got my author copies yesterday and wish the title popped more, but so it goes.

May you be happy with life (even if hot), today.
Robin

Heart Search Is OUT!

2011-07-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

Heart Search is out -- reports of it captured. ;) And, in the spirit of images of the heroes/heroines, here's Laev and Nivea Sunflower (ex), and Camellia Darjeeling (HeartMate).

Naturally, I'm nervous and hoping you all like it! Good reading in whatever world you're visiting!
Robin

Falling Over -- Hearts and Swords Copy Edits DONE!

2011-07-26T13:12:00.000-06:00

Falling Over -- Hearts and Swords Copy Edits DONE! Literally worked FIVE hours on chapters one and two of Heart and Sword yesterday. Read through it about three times, 5 outside critiques. About 50 hrs on the edits, I think, because the stories are so close to my own heart. DUH! How come what's in my head isn't as brilliant on the page? Thanks for all the support.

May you enjoy your day.
Robin

Is This Something You Want to See? Heroes of Hearts And Swords

2011-07-22T17:05:00.003-06:00

Is this something you want to see? Images of the heroes of Hearts and Swords. I spent way too much time making these on City of Heroes, for myself and for you. Is this something you want to see, or are they too cartoonish for you? They help me, and I send them in to my ed as rough images for the art dept (and have since Heart Fate).

Or do you want any images at all?

Let me know before I do a composite of the heroines...

Robin

Oh, and left to right in chronological order of the stories (and as they are in the collection): Kelse Bountry, Captain of the Starship Nuada's Sword when Celta is discovered. Next is Dri Paris, HeartMate to Arbusca Willow, Arbusca was in Heart Dance. Third is Cardus Parryl, and I'm not quite satisfied with him, but he is Genista's Holly Furze's new love. Finally is Walker Clover, who has been mentioned in Heart Change, he wins the noble title for the Clovers.

Many thanks,
Robin

Stories on my Mind -- Spoilers

2011-07-20T09:08:00.001-06:00

Spoilers -- Stories on my mind: what I know about my stories and when I know them. HeartMate was manuscript #4 for me and one of those just-sit-down-and-write-whatever, but I'd been telling myself the Summoning stories before I went to sleep since my teens.

When I wrote HeartMate, I had the first two scenes only, and not all of them, and I didn't know what would happen. When my critique group asked, I had no answer and ideas flew. Having the HeartGift stolen wasn't my idea, but it sounded right and I went with it. Just like, when I was writing Heart Duel, and talking about the charm key that would let you into a HeartMate's house, one of my friends said that if she had such a key she'd go door to door. So Trif did in Heart Quest.

What stories did I know about? Before I was published I had finished HeartMate, I had two versions of Heart Thief -- one for the sf/f market and one for the romance market. I also was a few chapters into Heart Duel. I knew Signet Marigold was standing on a cliff (though I didn't know her name), I knew about a nameless Avellana Hazel and what her talent was and how she demonstrated it and where (Ashes) and that Signet saved them.

I knew about Antenn Moss and what he would become and WHAT his HeartMate was. Antenn's book is still 2-3 books in the future, but I am setting up for it. I had an idea for Tinne Holly's story, but it didn't go the way I thought...I wonder where that microcasett is?

So those are the stories I knew/know if in kernel form. I didn't know Holm would be disinherited, though I knew that the older Hollys would break their Vows of Honor.

Some stories are amorphous in my head and change. I have two coming up that keep changing -- as well as the one I'm working on, Heart Secret. ;)

May you enjoy your own silliness today.
Robin

Liking your own work.

2011-07-16T23:45:00.000-06:00

Liking your own work -- I've just finished the copy edits of three of the four stories in my Hearts and Swords collection. The last (chronologically last) is Noble Heart, which I think of as The Clovers Win A Noble Title. I like all the stories a lot. They move me. And I believe that's very important. Why write what you won't want to read?

Sometimes, of course, I'm tired of the story and the work by this point, but I turned these in the beginning of March, so they've had time to be forgotten.

Noble Heart has a good deal of humor in it, so that pleased me, too.

May you enjoy your creative work.
Robin

Copy Edits -- Hearts & Swords

2011-07-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

Hearts and Swords WILL be out in December. I finally got the copy edits, which, I believe is because my editor is busy and trusts me to deliver good stories ;) Unusual for me, I was in a near panic. I want the first one, Heart and Sword, the story of the discovery of Celta to be PERFECT (I try not to expect perfection from myself, because, you know, it's impossible. Best I can do is enough for me.)

But I still have some hefty rewriting to do on Heart and Sword.

So I decided to work on the others first. I've finished the short (15K) Heart Story about Arbusca Willow (mother of Heart Dance's hero). And I'm most of the way through Heart and Soul, Genista Holly Furze's story). I am liking it a lot. I'd already read through it and tweaked it a little, so I added those changes in first.

Then on to Noble Heart, and after that I'll rewrite Heart and Sword. I think I want my male critique buddy near by, because Kelse's reactions when he is awakened on the ship needs to be right.

The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer picnic is today, and the announcement of the Writer of the Year. On pins and needles since I'm up for it.

Love,
Robin

Missing Local Colorado Woman

2011-07-15T13:22:00.000-06:00

Amy Ahonen has been missing since July 8, when her car was found abandoned in Clear Creek Canyon on U.S. 6. Her belongings — including her purse and cell phone — were still in the vehicle.

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helpfindamy
Twitter hash: #findamy

If anyone has info, please contact the Denver Police Department.

Thanks, Robin

Camp NaNoWriMo

2011-07-10T19:40:00.000-06:00

Yes, NaNoWriMo has a summer camp this month. 50K words. Not as packed with people as November and NaNoWriMo itself, but I'm struggling valiantly to make up the first six days that was a wash for me due to RWA and house stuff.

Working on Heart Secret and I posted a (lame) cover (lamer than I wanted, but it has trouble uploading anything but my first effort), and a "book blurb." The blurb is a little more dire than the actual story... I don't have an excerpt up yet, am contemplating what scene to put there.

Anyway that's what I'm up to. Spent a lot of June and July on revisions, time off for conferences and judging contests, etc.

Merry meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet again.
Robin

Plot Device

2011-07-09T07:53:00.000-06:00

This is making the rounds it's fabulous and funny.

http://fpdorchak.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/plot-device/

May you laugh a lot today.
Robin

Writer's Self in Books

2011-07-08T09:43:00.000-06:00

Writer's Self In Books -- I realize that bits of me fall into my books from my head and my heart through my fingers on the keyboard. Writer's VOICE. Sometimes this is planned -- working through issues, Protector of the Flight was like that. Sometimes it just happens.

I was recently asked what book I liked best. Now my usual answer is the one I just finished or will just be coming out. That's the fun one, all new and shiny. The one I like least is the one I'm working on now. (Though since Heart Secret is also new and shiny in Chapter 4, that's not too true. Maybe Enchanted Again since I had to slice and dice).

But I amended my answer this time. The one that is probably most personal to me is Guardian of Honor (which was the right answer for this particular person). I consider Alexa Fitzwalter to be the real daughter of my father. The daughter most like him. Make of that what you want. ;) Also, like Alexa, I had just lost a good friend, a young friend. I wasn't able to attend her memorial service (though I had attended her graduation from law school) so Guardian of Honor was dedicated to her.

Most of the time I'm not really aware of putting stuff in. My beliefs and feelings show in my themes: Know Thyself, Everyone Makes Mistakes, Live for Today.
(Whining is ok in small amounts?)

Just my take on writing today, may you enjoy your work.
Robin

Good & Tiring Confernce, Elec out at home

2011-07-04T09:54:00.000-06:00

I had excellent conversations with my agent and my Luna editor, and NY was, as always, tasty and interesting. However, once I got home things went downhill. A tree fell and took out my electricity and cable AND my clutch went out on my car, 3rd time this year. So I've been frazzled. The tree "branch" was over a foot thick, and I was without electricity for about 24 hours, and, of course, stuck.

Naturally I have good friends and family, so things are getting back to normal, and the car will go in tomorrow, hopefully. I don't want it in the shop and to be without a car for 3 days again, though. Not this time.

Writing wise, I am hopeful to sell again to Berkley and Luna, and maybe get the two Regency historical romances I wrote before HeartMate out in e-form.

May you have a wonderful Independence Day if in the States, and a good Monday everywhere!
Robin

RWA New York

2011-06-26T12:33:00.000-06:00

I am packing for RWA, taking off tonight to go to Mom's then we leave from her place tomorrow at 4:30 am.

First public appearance (not the swarming in front of the hotel reservation desk, or the conference registration desk), is TUESDAY at the LITERACY SIGNING (see link above).

Come see me!

I will be wearing my spring pj outfit as usual -- turquoise and pink...WAIT! where's the necklace that goes with that...

Also workshop on Wednesday 4:30 p.m. -- Kill Your Inner Critic! You do have to belong to the conf for this. As well as the free book giveaway Berkley signing at 9:00 on Friday am.

Love to all,
Robin

Learning About Characters

2011-06-23T15:49:00.000-06:00

As you write, you learn about your characters as the scenes develop, especially if you are in their Point of View or head. Today I learned that one of the concerns that my hero, Garrett Primross of Heart Secret, has is that he leaves a legacy behind him of something. Family, good work, whatever, this is something important to him.

This is not something that is terribly important to me personally (though I'd like to think that my books might entertain for a few generations), and it's not something I believe I've had in a character before. Making a lasting mark on the world -- though Garrett doesn't care if he's famous, just that something outlasts him....

And with that line I understood why this is important to him, with the backstory I've given him. ;)

For instance (teaser), he will be helping the Turquoise House with its HouseHeart, and believes that such help will leave an imprint on TQ long after Garrett is dead and TQ is still alive. ;)

May you enjoy learning something today.
Robin

Auction for Author L.A. Banks

2011-06-17T22:53:00.001-06:00

I am offering the opportunity to name a geographic feature of Celta, ARCS Enchanted Ever, Heart Search, Hearts & Swords. Since I just emailed the offer of the donation, it may take a while to get up. Please donate or consider the auction.

Robin

Crested Butte Pic

2011-06-16T21:07:00.002-06:00

Crested Butte is one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.

Refilling the Well

2011-06-16T09:04:00.001-06:00

I got back from Grand Junction and now am going to Crested Butte. I'll be doing: Kill Your Inner Critic! Experience the Joy of Writing! (which I've practiced, and, to the Cats amazed amusement went through in my bed last night). Also giving: Survive to Write, Write to Survive, How to Hang In There Until You're Published, practical techniques.

Otherwise I've been doing emails, relaxing, some words on Heart Secret.

Love to all,
robin

Off to Grand Junction!

2011-06-10T08:51:00.000-06:00

Going to review people's first 2-3 pages in Grand Junction tomorrow. A good rule of thumb for those is: Hook, Emotional Hook for Protagonist, Reader; then the journalism rules: Where, When, What, and most of all, WHY.

Going to get some pics. Maybe my heroine of the next Luna book will head over to Grand Junction (or Crested Butte next week!)

I'll be checking in.

Robin

Piracy

2011-06-09T07:40:00.000-06:00

I am having a rough economic patch and must limit my book purchases. But I am not stealing books and hurting authors who also depend on sales to live. I am not stealing books by authors I only think are so-so and not entirely sure I want to read.

Please don't do this.
Robin

Enchanted Again Revisions Submitted

2011-06-08T07:48:00.000-06:00

I cut 4100 words out of Enchanted Again at editor's request, mostly brownie and worldbuilding scenes, as well as changing word choice and overall tightening. I'm hoping not to see this again for a while. If I can get my website back on track, some of the cut scenes will be posted there.

However, I think I'll stay in the same universe -- fantasy Mystic Circle in contemporary Denver, at least this week, to work up the next (last contracted, but hopefully not the last in the series!) book.

May you enjoy the summer day!
Robin

Arc of Heart Collection

2011-05-29T07:47:00.002-06:00

Heart Collection ARC available at fundraiser.

The ARC for the story collection FOUR STORIES, approx 135K words, (that's longer than anything I've ever put out there): Heart Story (T'Willow's mother's and her HeartMate's story, an older couple ;)), Heart & Sword, the story of the discovery of Celta, aboard the starship Nuada's Sword; Noble Heart, the elevation of the Clovers to the noblility -- this actually counts as a short novel; and Heart & Soul, Genista's story of her new life and new love after her divorce with Tinne Holly.

Oh, I'm offering a critique and I work hard on those, too, at least 20 hours...
Robin

Vinni T'Vine

2011-05-29T07:21:00.000-06:00

Everyone loves Vinni T'Vine, and everyone wants his story. If I continue to sell the books to Berkley (or even if not, I will probably publish ebooks), I see Vinni's story about 3-4 down the line.

The problem is the conflict between HeartMates -- there always is one in a romance, so it will take me a while to figure that one out. Perhaps overprotectiveness and believing he is always doing the right thing for Avellana despite her feelings.

That could probably work due to the hideous episode in their past. But, of course, no strong woman would like having decisions made for her

And I think I've given you all another wonderful manchild to root for in Heart Search...not to mention one of Danith and T'Ash's daughters and Ruis and Ailim Elder's oldest...

There's an ARC up on Brenda Novak's auction...

Love to all,
Robin

Thinking, Resting, Recharging, Fiddling

2011-05-28T21:13:00.000-06:00

Photo of Clear Creek in the Mtns. I've been thinking a lot about Enchanted Again, Resting, Recharging and Fiddling with my work. Some time with my family, too. I will start serious chopping of the first part of Enchanted Again tomorrow....

May you enjoy your holiday!
Robin

Crested Butte Writing Conference

2011-05-24T08:17:00.000-06:00

Calling ALL fiction writers--Don’t miss out on The Crested Butte Writers Conference—June 17-19, 2011!

A small Colorado conference with a BIG bang! We’re intimate, interactive and inspiring, delivering an experience like no other!

Featuring: Agents: Stephen Barr --Writers House, Helen Breitwieser --Cornerstone Literary, and Marissa Corvisiero of L. Perkins Agency as well as Assistant Editor, Holly Blanck—St Martin’s Press and Michael Braff at Del Rey Spectra.

Check out the website for agent & Editor interviews to see what talent they're currently hoping to discover.

Award-winning Authors: Robin D Owens, Kaki Warner, Sophie Littlefield and Juliet Blackwell.

Don’t miss out on our Discounted Group Rate!

****
My Seminars are:
Survive to Write, Write to Survive, How To Hang In There Until You're Published, Practical Techniques; and Kill your Inner Critic! Experience the Joy of Writing!

Cutting Scenes

2011-05-23T08:20:00.001-06:00

Sometimes the easiest way to fix a paragraph, scene, book that isn't working is to simply cut. I've come to accept that after enough books. This is especially true if deadlines and/or payment needs are pressing. It would be wonderful to take all the time I wanted to fiddle with a work, but that's not possible for me at this time, and may never be possible for me.

That's how it works.

May you accept your limitations today.
Robin

Battered, so here's a good photo

2011-05-19T21:25:00.000-06:00

Favorite Ocean Photo...Got an editorial letter for Enchanted Again and it's left me feeling a little battered and with a lot to think about, particularly how to fix and how much I'm going to have to rewrite.

In any event, here's a photo that makes me feel good just because I captured it.

Love to all,
Robin

Name Chosen for 3rd Mystic Circle Heroine

2011-05-13T15:21:00.000-06:00

Name Chosen for 3rd Mystic Circle Heroine. Thank you for all the wonderful names. You were all brilliant! Some of the names belonged to friends, family, previous characters so I scratched them immediately. After that, I made a list of all that I was given and finally figured out that I wanted both a K and an R sound (loved some of the M names, but I've used a lot of M names, so I reluctantly scratched those, too).

In any event, for right now and unless editor objects, my heroine's name is Kiri. To me it is lovely and has a little extra something that will match my heroine. Kiri Palger.

Thank you all!
Robin

Need Heroine Name

2011-05-10T08:16:00.000-06:00

She is a mid-late 20s geek, works in IT. I had Laine which I liked a lot, but hero turned out to have an L name, too, and that doesn't work for me. Current name Cera, was also thinking of Ashley, Megan, Chelsea, Cheryl, but I'm not too proud to ask for help.

"Winner" should there be one, gets their choice of an ARC of ROUGH Enchanted Ever OR one of the Heart Collection stories.

Robin

Dawn of a New Book

2011-05-07T10:26:00.000-06:00

Dawn of a new book. I'll be working on Heart Secret today. I know this: it's the story of Garrett Primross, a private eye, introduced in Heart Search. The heroine is Artemisia Mugwort Ginseng, a Healer. He has antibodies in his blood that might stop a sickness, she hides the secret of her home. They discover a body together that is linked to her Family. That's it folks!

Oh, and I need to work on Heart & Sword from critique last week, too.
Robin

Enchanted Again IS SUBMITTED!

2011-05-06T10:57:00.000-06:00

Enchanted Again IS SUBMITTED! I can fall down now. Again, no huge rush of relief, but a "glad it's someone else's to look at now."

Love to all.
Robin

THE END

2011-04-30T08:57:00.002-06:00

THE END -- Yes, FINALLY finished Enchanted Again, enough time to pass off to Mentor and maybe read myself. But the page proofs of Heart Search are due on Monday, and I need to fix whatever my friend and editor, Rose, found. That takes priority. Today is in-person critique group and I am taking the space story, the discovery of Celta, Heart & Sword. My head is spinning.

Love to all,
Robin

Struggling to Finish Enchanted Again

2011-04-27T21:27:00.001-06:00

Yes, I wanted to finish Enchanted Again last Friday...and today...and it looks like I might actually make it tomorrow. This has included a myriad of odd activities that occur when on deadline...like writing my all time highest wordcount (6634) in 7 hours. And pasting together three scenes that dealt with one idea (see pic above). Reaching the standard "this novel is crap" stage and whining to mentor. And thinking, after I finished today, "you know, those pages would be better in the previous chapter and put into dialogue." Urgh. And having all sorts of out-of-sequence files open in my word processor (I'm limited to 8), called such things as "Consider1" "NewUpdate2" "AllEndings," "Duel1" "DeathOfSzztt" "BreakingBonds2B".

I really think I've gone crazy. But I have reached the point where I am desperate to finish the book, just so it's DONE. I'll print it out, read it, hand it to mentor for any logic problems, reformat and send it off by 3pm Monday. It will be GONE. And Someone Else's Problem (Editor), and I won't have to see it for a while. And maybe when I see it again I can fix what I think may be crap.

Or it might not be crap after all. I believe some parts are GOOD.

Not to mention that I did a signing, am continuing to get over the nasty 2 week cold, drinking incredible amounts of tea and herbal tea...got the preliminary cover which I love but doesn't look anything like the setting I had in mind...and saw a deeply mediocre review of Enchanted No More. I should NOT look at those things when I am in this sort of mind space.

Anyway, that's the update/babble for now. Bottom line advice: Put it in dialogue.

May you be cool, calm, and collected.