Thinking outside the box

Thinking outside the box is one of those educator terms teachers like to bandy about. But what does it mean? For some, it means coming up with a creative solution to a problem. For others, it means the process by which we solve problems. Either way, it deals with creativity, of thinking beyond the mundane.

So, how do we train our muse to think outside the box? I would suggest a healthy dose of exercise. And yes, you can train yourself to be more creative. One of the first art workshops I ever attended discussed methods for getting children to be more inventive with their ideas. The presenter introduced me to two fabulous books; A Whack on the Side of the Head and A Kick in the Seat of the Pants, both by Roger von Oech. He also developed a Creative Whack Pack, a set of cards designed to help solve problems from a different angle.

About that same time, I took on a coaching job for a Destination Imagination team. This is a wonderful competition that encourages the kids to "think." As part of the training and part of the competition, the kids are asked to solve problems in 5 - 8 minutes. These problems are called instant challenges.

So - what does this have to do with writing? Everything. I think one of the biggest challenges a writer is faced with it coming up with "creative ideas." Many believe that there are no new plots, that writers must use basic plots and change them up or present them in such a way that they seem new. Not an easy task.

Discussion has already been presented on pantser vs plotter. I'm a certified pantser, but regardless, my characters often get themselves into impossible situations. To try and think outside the box, I try very hard to throw out my first two solutions. In my opinion, the first solution is the one that most readers will expect and a writer doesn't want to state the obvious. The second solution might also fall into this category. So - my challenge to myself is to find a third solution to the problem created by my contrary characters. I think and hope that this practice helps create page turners and stories that will engage the reader to the bitter end.

In this respect, doing brain exercises, teasers, instant challenges all help develop a creative mind. The best writers in the world will take their creative thoughts and present them in novel format. Some write well, but the story is lacking and some have the most awesome ideas but a writing style that's hard to follow. A marriage of both creative thought and superb writing is what we all strive for.

The Importance of Researching Publishers

Those of us who have been around the writing world for a while, have had this drilled into us. In fact, at the very first RWA chapter meeting I attended, Colleen Thompson presented a topic on the inner workings of the publishing industry and the importance of finding the right fit. I think this becomes even more important when dealing with e-publishing because publishing houses pop up every day or so it seems. They also tend to disappear with more frequency than I find comfortable. I think the most devastating instance was when Triskelon closed its doors and now, it seems that there's tension brewing within another house. You can check out the grumblings here. An author can't anticipate some of the problems that occur, but he/she can safeguard against a lot of it. No one can protect your interests better than yourself. So - go into this business with your eyes wide open and fully armed with as much knowledge as you can gather.

Where do you start? The first place I always go is to Preditors and Editors. They try to keep the site updated with latest warnings. Try to avoid vanity presses, especially if you hope to make it with a bigger publisher one day. Very few authors make enough money on sells to cover the expense of "paying" to have their books printed. Promotion costs money and bookstores rarely stock books printed by vanity printers. That means the author has to beat the pavement to sell their book and of course, this cuts into quality writing time. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd much rather be writing.

Let's say you've targeted several publishers to query and you actually get an offer from more than one publisher. What now? Look at the list of published authors contracted with those houses, and e-mail a few. Most will be happy to answer your questions. Learn to read between the lines. If the author is unhappy about one aspect of the business, he/she might skirt around the issue and not address it fully. Just remember, though, if an author takes you into their confidence, this does not give you permission to spread rumors. Make sure you get more than one opinion on the matter before making up your mind. And don't be afraid to ask the publisher questions before signing the contract.

Do you need an agent before signing the contract? Not necessarily, but you need to read the contract carefully and understand fully what it says. The reputable publishers usually have pretty standard contracts with similar wording, but you want to be careful regardless. I allowed several pretty savvy folks to read mine before I attached my signature.

What questions should you ask? I'll add a few here and maybe others will chime in and add to the list. First, I would want to know how active the publisher is in regards to promotion. Yes, the author has an obligation to promote themselves, their name and their books, but the publisher has an obligation to promote the publisher's name and bookstore. I would also want to know how professional the publisher is in regards to communication between him/her and the authors. At the same time, is the publisher's discussion loop a comfortable place to be with the diversity of the authors there. Is the publisher's website easily navigated because if it isn't, chances are you won't sell many books through them. What other avenues does the publisher utilize for selling your masterpiece? Do they have a print program for moving e-books from digital to print? What system is used for editing your work? Does only one editor look at it and if so, how many times? Does the cover art you see on other books by this publisher grab your attention? Check out the reviews for several books. Are the reviews consistently good? Is the publisher a member of EPIC? (to me this indicates the publisher's willingness to keep up with current trends and issues related to the industry)

Money? Does the contract allow for a standard percentage or does it fall lower, higher than other companies? When does the publisher send royalty checks. Does the publisher offer an advance?

I'm sure there are a ton of questions to be asked, but you won't know the answers unless you ask. I was very fortunate. At the time I signed with Champagne Books, the company was in its first year. I signed on blind faith and the recommendation of another author. Others haven't been so lucky with their choices. Often, the dream of being published gets in the way of common sense. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right for you. Trust your instincts and do your homework. That's probably the best advice I can give.

Interview With Eppie Winner Ciara Gold!

On March 8, 2008, Epicon held its award ceremony for the 2008 Eppie Awards. On the following Monday, the Champagne author loop came alive with the announcement that Ciara Gold had won an Eppie for her sci-fi futuristic, A Noble Sacrifice. All very exciting because Ciara is the first Champagne author to receive this honor.

Epic or the Electronically Published Internet Connection is a professional writer’s association organized to benefit those authors that are electronically published. The Eppies were developed to award outstanding work within the electronically published community. The competition is stiff so this is one award that is coveted by those that enter.

1) Can we hear a preview of your acceptance speech?

Too fun. I actually rewrote my dedication page and when I was done, it was a full page of accolades for all those who’d influenced my writing in any way. I e-mailed my publisher and told her I’d even included the kitchen sink. And I know that I’ve probably left out someone very important. Isn’t that the way it always happens? But for those of you writing, the dedication page is very important. Writers don’t get as far as they do by themselves. So – my acceptance speech, eh? Without boring everyone to tears, I do want to thank the Epic Author’s Eppie committee and the judges for all the work they poured into making this a very prestigious award. That said, I owe a lot to the Champagne publishing team and all the writers that make Champagne a publishing company I’m proud to be a part of. I could go on forever, but you’ll have to buy the book to read the rest of this speech.

2) What, other than the Eppie win, makes A Noble Sacrifice special to you?

Some books take months, years even to write and some come very easily. A Noble Sacrifice flowed. The characters came alive in my mind and knew exactly how they wanted me to tell their story. As a sequel to Celestial Dragon, this book allowed me to redeem one of the bad guys in the first book. Doing so was a challenge, but one that allowed me to stretch my mind. I loved creating the world for both books. Writing sci-fi futuristic romance gives me a sense of freedom that is lacking in any other genre. The only rules that exist are the ones I create. Gotta love the power of the pen and the all mighty imagination.

3) A Noble Sacrifice is a sequel to Celestial Dragon. Will there be another book in the series?

I have actually started another book, and now that A Noble Sacrifice has done so well, I will consider finishing it. I’m not sure when as I have three other projects going at the same time and dang if they aren’t all calling to me at the same time. But I trust my muse, so when she finally makes up her mind which book gets first chair, I’ll know then how soon this one will be ready. Vague – I know, but hey, that’s the creative mind for you.

4) What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever received?

Most every writer I know would answer – perseverance. You have to have a thick skin. I was told by a writer friend of mine, Colleen Thompson, that all the rejection letters you receive help you prepare for dealing with tough reviews. Every time I get a review that isn’t quite what I’d hoped for, I remember those words. You just can’t take it to heart and even bad reviews help drive traffic to your site.

I would also add patience when imparting wisdom to a would-be writer. The wheels in the publishing world move very, very slowly. But – once, you are published, you’ll find yourself on a bus that won’t let you out. No worries, it’s a pretty comfy bus with lots amenities, but one with very few pit stops. Be prepared to devote a lot of time to both writing and promoting. Books don’t sell themselves. You have to let the world know the book is worth their time.

The other piece of advice that I was given and believe strongly in is to never stop learning. Just when you think you’ve learned it all, someone, somewhere will give you a piece of wisdom that’s a true gem. Be a sponge and soak up all the information you can on craft and marketing news. You will be a stronger writer when you remain an apt student. Dang, now there’s a profound statement for the books.

Thank you Ciara!

If you haven't read A Noble Sacrifice and want to read the best of the best of Sci Fi/Futuristic Romance, pick up a copy today. Better yet, start from the beginning of the series with Celestial Dragon because, although A Noble Sacrifice can be read on its own, you are going to love it so much, you'll want to read all the books in the series.

Romance and Relationships

Over 25% of all books sold are romance. Why? I imagine there are a ton of reasons, but mostly, the reader knows up front that the book will end on a happy note.

Real life is often wrought with stressful situations, and relations between friends and lovers can prove difficult on the best of days. Romance books allow an escape from real-life trauma where the tension is only as real as the words on the paper, and any fighting is quickly solved by turning a page. And no matter what happens, true love triumphs over all odds.

So what makes the romance in a story work? There are a ton of great articles on the web that discuss what attracts men to women and vice versa. I read one just last night on the "scent of desire," that women are attracted to men whose MHC genes differ from theirs. Very interesting.

Information like this and other studies on the attraction between men and women provide the writer with tools that help make their stories more believable. Consider the eight stages of intimacy. If a writer has their characters jumping in bed without a good reason, then will the relationship be as believable as one in which the hero and heroine slowly evolve into a couple? Isn't that what romance is all about? The slow building of trust between two people destined to fulfill their heart's desires.

I read romance for the relationship that develops between the heroine and hero. Sex adds a bit of spice and is part of this budding connection, but should not overpower the true crux of the story. At least, that's true for me. I can't speak for others. I write romance for the same reason, to explore the many facets of the characters and their emerging love for each other.

To strengthen and layer, a good writer uses all the senses. Smell often triggers memories and a smell associated with a pleasant memory can make the hero or heroine take notice of each other. Touch provides a great timeline in the evolving relationship. It might begin with a very subtle touch of finger to skin that sends a tingle of awareness along nerve endings. As the couple becomes more comfortable with each other they hold hands and later hug and kiss. Sound can trigger many emotions. I'm very taken by the sound of my husband's deep voice, though I'm not sure why. Some people are more sensitive to sound than others. As for taste, many claim to be "turned on" by aphrodisiacs such as oysters or chocolate. Though scientific evidence doesn't support these claims, a well placed mention of some of these foods in a scene can trigger images in a reader's mind that allows the tension of the scene to mount. And last, but not least, the visual a writer creates enhances the reader's own imagination.

So, this Valentine's Day, I wish you the most romantic day. Surround yourself with lavendar and pumpkin pie, play soft, erotic music, prepare succulant dishes and curl on the couch with your love for an intimate and relaxing evening. But if your honey is miles away, curl up with your favorite romance. Imagination is the next best thing.