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elizabeth black

When Characters Talk To You

by | April 28, 2021 | | 10 Comments

How alive are your characters for you? Do you have conversations with them? Do they tell you what they want to do in a story, even if it’s not something you had in mind for them?

Do you hear your characters when they talk?

I recently read an article that talked about how many authors in fact do hear their characters speak to them. According to researchers at Durham University who teamed up with the Guardian and the Edinburgh international book festival, sixty-three per cent [of respondents] said they heard their characters speak while writing, with 61% reporting characters were capable of acting independently.”181 authors were interviewed.

This finding was of great interest to me since I hear my characters voices when they talk to me. Some are quiet while others are quite loud. As my readers know, I write sexy retellings of fairy tales. Tita, my Puss In Boots in my novella “Trouble In Thigh High Boots” has a deep, sonorous voice. She purrs. Obviously, she does. She’s a cat shifter. Rapunzel in my novella “Climbing Her Tower” has a higher, wispier voice. She also speaks quicker than Tita. Both of these characters have told me when they were unhappy with the direction of a plot. They also told me what turns them on the most so I could give them the best experiences. These two are very open, honest, and straightforward – qualities I admire.

I asked writers on Facebook their experiences with their characters voices. Everyone’s experience is different, but all have a camaraderie with their characters. Some fight. Some don’t. Some take the plot in a direction the author had not originally considered. Some play the “You should be writing” card. Here are a few responses.

Christiane Knight – “Mine talk to me and occasionally have taken the plot in very different directions than I’d planned.”

Terri Bruce – “LOL – I not only hear them, but it’s kind of like they take me over at times. I’ll be in the shower or driving and realize suddenly that I’m talking OUT LOUD, saying the dialog I’m picturing in my head (the scene starts playing like a little movie in my head but it’s always in first person – I’m the characters (lol all of them) in the scene/seeing the scene from their POV – rather than third person). My husband often catches me doing this (it’s happened in a restaurant while sitting across from him a few times) and he’s like “um, honey, your lips are moving. You’re talking to yourself. What is happening?????” LOLOLOL!”

Phoenix Johnson – “Some of mine are total arseholes lol they try to fight me, can be exhausting!”

Colleen Markley – “My protagonist is sitting on my newly cleaned counter now, swinging her feet against the cabinet. Her heels bang the wood. “You need to stop playing house and get serious,” she tells me. “You can’t finish a novel if you’re not serious. You’re just shy of 90,000 words and you still need to finish act two. Your pacing is off and you need to fix it.” She pauses her feet and stops speaking for a moment as she looks at me. “You’re so close.”

Jenise Aminoff – “My characters all have distinct voices, and some of them ARGUE with me.”

Jacques Gerard – ” Yes, I do hear my character’s voices and would love to be included in your blog. I just finished an erotic short story. It has a lady DJ doing a podcast. Her voice is low and velvety. Her male lover who calls into her show has a deep baritone voice and sounds like Barry White.”

So writers, do your characters talk to you? Boss you around? Plead with you? If so, know you’re not alone.

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Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her two cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

My First Zoom Reading

by | March 28, 2021 | | 4 Comments

I watched a horror movie recently called “Host”, which was about a group of young people holding a séance on Zoom. The entire movie took place on a computer screen divided up into about a half dozen sections, one for each person. Of course, being horror, all of them were bumped off by the end in rather creative ways considering this was basically a Zoom meeting. I was curious about this movie ever since I read about it since how can you make a Zoom meeting scary? Plus, I’d been reading about virtual book conventions, and I wanted to try one but I was intimidated by the whole online thing.

Well, I participated in my first Zoom virtual book reading last week! It was a bit frightening since I had no idea how to use Zoom. Turned out it was easy as pie. I already had Zoom on my computer. Just click on the email link and go. It was an odd experience since I was in my living room at the time, but at least I wasn’t dressed in my jammies. LOL I have the free account so I can’t host a meeting that lasts any longer than 40 minutes, but since I didn’t host this event I was able to stay on the entire hour. I had turned my phone to “Do Not Disturb” and hit the “silent” button so it wouldn’t ring while I was in the session. I was the first to read. I’ve done live readings before, and this one was a little less nerve-wracking for me since I was in the comfort of my living room. I read from my horror comedy “Trailer Trash Zombies”, and I made sure to glance at the screen occasionally so it looked like I was making eye contact with the readers who were likely dressed in their jammies in their living rooms, LOL.

Instructions included practicing ahead of time, which I did. I timed my reading which was about seven minutes long. I then read the story out loud all the while keeping track of my speed since I tend to talk like a Gatlin gun when nervous. Don’t wear white or small patterns. The camera does not like them. Also, wear light makeup so that you don’t look like boiled perch on the air. I don’t wear makeup, but I did wear some blush and lip gloss. Other instructions included to have front lighting so your face isn’t in shadow. I did okay with that although I had no way of obtaining front lighting. I was visible.

Reading when you can’t see or hear the audience is an interesting experience. The audience and other writers were on mute while I read aloud. There was a chat function on Zoom that came in handy. I later read comments people were making, and they clearly enjoyed my story. Some asked questions, and all the writers gave informative answers.

I definitely want to do this again. Zoom is here to stay, including once Covid restrictions lift. I have a feeling Zoom or other similar programs will become part of future conventions when they are once again held live and in person. For those unable to attend in person, why not attend a Zoom presentation at a discounted price? The summer convention season is about to start. It’s time to get ready to party – and do book readings and panel discussions remotely. It feels a bit odd doing it all from home, but it works for me. That said, I miss the intimacy of conventions. Nothing beats hanging out with old friends you see at these events every year. Until Covid restrictions lift, we will be seeing more virtual readings and virtual conventions. They are here to stay, and I now welcome them.

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Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her two cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon. Her horror comedy “Trailer Trash Zombies” appears in “Jester of Hearts”, an anthology of comedic horror. You may of course find it at … you guessed it … Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

Landmarks

by | February 28, 2021 | | 3 Comments

Spring is coming, and I’m looking forward to it. Combining Covid with cold weather has not been fun. I look forward to reading outdoors in my Adirondack chair. Glass of iced tea in hand, I’ll devour books by the dozen. I’ll also begin my gardening routine. I plant the fertilizer spikes beneath the azaleas on the first day of Spring. My herbs have survived the winter indoors so far for the first time, ever. I think they’re going to make it to spring. I’ll repot them, feed them, and set the pots outside. I also have bird feeders galore. Now to keep the squirrels away from the bird seed.

My birthday is in two weeks. I’m in my prime, so to speak. I got a bit of a late start when it comes to writing. I didn’t start professionally until I was in my late 40s. So now that I’m a bit older than that, I feel the pressure that comes with some birthdays to hit my literary bucket list. There are things I’d like to do with in the next ten years. Here are a few of them.

  1. Joint a local writer’s group.
  2. Get an agent.
  3. Finish my horror novel.
  4. Write a sequel to “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, my erotic fairy tales book.
  5. Join a professional writers organization like Romance Writers of America.
  6. Aim for some awards.

I’ve never thought I was too old to begin a writing career. Neither do I think I should throw in the towel because I’m older now. Not a chance. Here are some writers who got a late start in life when it comes to careers:

Toni Morrison – 40

J. R. R. Tolkein – 45

Laura Ingalls Wilder – 65

Annie Proulx – 57

Raymond Chandler – 51

Henry Miller – 44

I’m starting a new writing gig in a few weeks. This is unlike anything else I’ve ever done, but I can’t talk much about it since I signed an NDA. But I can say I have a new project ahead of me that I’m very excited about. It may open up new vistas for me, and I am looking forward to it. I may be a mature woman, so to speak, but my career is just starting to take off. I don’t think age should hold you back.

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Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her two cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

Valentine’s Day

by | January 28, 2021 | | 4 Comments

Valentine’s Day is in two weeks. What to do? What to do?

You could go out to dinner with your loved one and buy them flowers. Catch a romantic movie. Go for a walk in the park or on the beach.

That was, until Covid reared its ugly head. So, what are some good ways to celebrate the Day of Love while isolating and wearing masks?

There are plenty of things you can do. Turn off your phone and unplug the computer. Here are some suggestions for fun things to do on Valentine’s Day.

Breakfast in bed. Buy some bed trays and enjoy your poached eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns in bed with your loved one. Even better – get up before your loved one does and make breakfast while they’re still sleeping. Once finished – assuming the delicious smells do not wake up your partner – wake them up and feed them! One of my favorite breakfast dishes is crab cakes eggs benedict. You can’t go wrong with eggs benedict especially if crab meat is involved (unless you are allergic or don’t like seafood).

Cook a lovely dinner at home. Both of you pitch in in the kitchen. Make it special. Why not try your hand at something you’ve never made before? While I bake, my husband cooks. I make the junk food, LOL. My husband made orange chicken with brown jasmine rice for dinner today. It was amazing! Make the meal super special by getting out the good dishes and popping open a bottle of fine wine or bubbly. If you aren’t comfortable with a fancy meal, go simple but delicious. Tonkatsu and rosemary chicken (like Shake N Bake, but better) are two of our go-to meals when we want simple but good. Plus, I can make these dishes. If I can make them, anyone can. You’re reading a post from someone who can burn water. 🙂

If cooking isn’t your thing, order takeout from a good restaurant. Many restaurants that are open now offer takeout and curbside pick-up. The sky’s the limit. You could go for the usual Chinese or Mexican, or something more elaborate. Put the food in a warm oven as soon as you get it home to resurrect it in case it gets too cold.

Why merely buy a card and sign it when you can write a love letter? I like note cards with beautiful ocean themes on the front. Pen a beautiful note telling your loved one why you care so much.

Buy a bag of X rated candy hearts. I’ve seen them at Amazon. Some of them have saying such as “SPANK ME”, “LICK ME”, “TEASE ME”, “RIDE ME”. You get the idea. You can exchange these candies and act out the instructions. Loads of fun!

You don’t have to go to Spencer Gifts at the mall to get sexy playing cards or coupons anymore. Create your own! Create a set of coupons your partner may cash in at any time. Suggestions for messages include “Give a half hour back rub”, “good for one strip tease”, and “Voyeur: watch me”.

What kinds of sex toys do you like? Try couples sex toys like a dildo harness or warming scented massage oil. I used to write sex toys reviews for Babeland, California Exotics, and other companies. There are sex toys out there for every fetish and desire. I recommend the silicone toys over the jelly rubber ones. They are more hygienic. Yes, they cost more, but they are worth it. Some good high-end brands are Jimmy Jane and Lelo. My favorite sex toy company is Lelo, from Sweden.

Try a little light bondage. You don’t have to go full Marquis de Sade here. A flogger whip, blindfold, and plush cuffs make for a fun and relaxing evening. If you are more advanced, try shibari – erotic Japanese rope bondage.

Get naked and paint each other with water-soluble body paint! The tactile sensations will turn you on and the whole idea sounds like fun anyway. You’ll laugh as you tickle and touch each other. Who knows what that could lead to? 🙂

Enjoy a romantic movie. Some good movies for Valentine’s Day are “Pride and Prejudice”, “The Princess Bride”, “When Harry Met Sally”, and “P. S. I Love You”.

Game night! Play a board game or computer game together. Make sure the wine and/or bubbly are flowing to make the game even more exciting.

Read naughty stories to each other. There are many good erotic and romantic books and short stories out there for you to enjoy. You can find recommendations on this web site. There are also my books. My Amazon Author Page is here: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Listen to music together. You can go for your favorite bands or listen to something especially naughty such as Lords of Acid. My husband and I like to play what we call “Dueling iTunes”. He’ll play a song and then I’ll play one. We set up our computers so the songs play on the TV. Sing along and have fun.

If you are lucky enough to have a large bathtub – or better yet a hot tub – toss in your favorite scented oil, bubbles, or bath bomb and enjoy a good, long, warm soak together. Make sure you have chocolates, berries, and champagne handy. Don’t forget the romantic music!

Once Covid lifts and it’s safe to go to a hotel, book a room with a hot tub. I have Hilton Honors, and I’ve used points to get steep discounts on hotel rooms with hot tubs in them. Where I live, the Hampton Inn (part of Hilton Honors) sometimes offers jacuzzi rooms starting at $150 per night, which isn’t bad for a room with a hot tub, fridge, and microwave. Order delivery or bring back food from a restaurant. Don’t skimp on dessert. Some of my favorite desserts are crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and ice cream.

If you live in a warmer climate, enjoy Valentine’s Day outdoors. Star gaze or sit in comfortable chairs and talk about anything under the sun. Just remember to socially distance and to wear a mask when appropriate.

Make Valentine’s Day your own and enjoy it with your partner. Keep in mind you don’t have to limit yourself to Valentine’s Day. These suggestions work regardless of the time of year. Turn every day into Valentine’s Day if you wish! Supercharge your love life with fun, games, and toys. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your partner.

UPDATE: I just learned that Kraft has come out with a PINK Mac and cheese that tastes like… candy! Just in time for Valentine’s Day. If you have a wicked sense of humor, make some of that up for your loved one. It’ll be talked about for years to come. LOL

Ho! Ho! Ho! A Compendium of Christmas Movies

by | December 28, 2020 | | 2 Comments

While Christmas has passed, many celebrate through Epiphany on January 6. This time of year, I like to play New Age and Celtic Christmas music, bake cookies, decorate the house, trim the tree, and watch Christmas movies.

There are the classic movies like “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, and “We’re No Angels” that I watch every year. I also like unusual Christmas movies like “The Ref”, “Joyeux Noël”, and “Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale”. “The Ref” is about a bickering married couple held hostage by a cat burglar over Christmastime. It’s very funny. “Joyeux Noël” is about the World War I Christmas truce. I go into more detail about “Rare Exports” below. Hallmark plays Christmas movies year round, but this time of year they are especially precious – and predictable. There is comfort in predictability, especially during a year that sucked as much as 2020. Here is a drinking game about Hallmark Christmas movies.

Take a drink when a character’s name is related to Christmas (Holly, Nick, Chris, etc.).

Take a drink when a “big city” person is transplanted to a small town.

Take a drink when a newcomer partakes in an old family/town tradition.

Take a drink when you see an ugly sweater or tie.

Finish your drink when it starts snowing on Christmas.

Finish your drink when the Christmas cynic is filled with holiday spirit.

Take a shot when the main charqacters fall in love.

Take a shot when you spot Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, or Danica McKellar.

I recognize Bure and Chabert from Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, which take place in sleepy, small towns where there is a murder every other minute, LOL. It’s called the Cabot Cove effect. These small towns are Murder Central. There is sometimes bloodletting to go with your hot cocoa and mistletoe.

I even like Christmas horror movies such as “Dead End” and “Black Christmas”. A new one to me is “Anna and the Apocalypse”, which is a horror musical comedy. It sounds like ridiculous fun. Anna battle zombies during Christmastime. I like a good horror comedy, and this one promises to be one.

My favorite Christmas movies are “Die Hard”, “A Christmas Carol” (starring Alistair Sim), and “Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale”. “Rare Exports” is a recent movie, and it’s incredible. It’s Finnish, and it tells the “true” story of Santa, based on folklore. This isn’t a jolly old elf who goes “ho, ho, ho”. Far from it. I highly recommend it. It makes “best Christmas movie” lists every year.

Here is a list of Christmas movies I recommend. I watch some of them every year, but not all of course because there are only so many hours in the day.

Classics

  1. We’re No Angels
  2. The Bishop’s Wife
  3. Holiday Inn
  4. It’s a Wonderful Life
  5. A Christmas Carol (starring Alistair Sim)
  6. Miracle on 34th Street
  7. White Christmas

Animated

  1. A Charlie Brown Christmas
  2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
  3. Rankin Bass movies like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Horror

  1. Black Christmas
  2. Dead End
  3. Gremlins
  4. Anna and the Apocalypse
  5. Edward Scissorhands

Other Faves

  1. Die Hard
  2. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
  3. The Man Who Invented Christmas
  4. Home Alone
  5. A Christmas Story
  6. Elf
  7. Bad Santa
  8. Hallmark Christmas Movies – Take Your Pick!
  9. Love Actually
  10. Carol
  11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
  12. Scrooged
  13. The Santa Claus
  14. The Ref
  15. Joyeux Noël
  16. The Muppet Christmas Carol

Although Christmas has come and gone, it’s not too late to enjoy a little more holiday cheer. I celebrate through Epiphany. That’s when the tree is supposed to come down, supposed being the operative word. Last year, we didn’t take down the tree until May. This year I hope it comes down before Valentine’s Day. LOL So drink a cup of hot cocoa, turn on your TV, and enjoy love and peace during the holiday season. Let’s hope 2021 gets off to a good start and stays that way.

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Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her two cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

Giving Thanks

by | November 28, 2020 | | 3 Comments

We are in the midst of the holiday season. COVID put a monkey wrench into my live book promotion plans, but I was able to do quite a bit online. I participated in two blog tours for two of my books. I took out ads in online romance web sites. I did a newsletter booster, and I did some live chats on Facebook.

I’m grateful for what I’ve been able to accomplish this year despite the pandemic ruining in person appearances. I published nine short stories, a collection of erotic fairy tales (Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales), and one paranormal erotic romance with werewolves (Full Moon Fever). Interviewed two horror authors. I’m working on some flash fiction since I haven’t felt much like writing with the holidays looming.

I’m grateful for my health. No one in the household is sick with anything let alone COVID. We have our usual aches and pains but nothing to complain about.

I’m grateful I have a place to live although we’re looking for a new home. Rent went up and we’re looking for a better bargain in housing. We don’t want to leave town since we’re right on the ocean. So, we’ll keep looking until the right home comes along – preferably one where I may plant a garden, and one that is a short distance from the beach. New England beaches are rustic and the water is cold, but we love it.

I’m grateful our car runs well. Our last car was a bit of a lemon. Needed constant repair. Our current car is a 2014 VW Beetle with a sunroof! Perfect car for a joy ride around town and by the beaches.

I’m grateful for my family. My husband and son are very supportive of my writing. I’m aware some writers don’t have that kind of support. It’s sad that some writers experience disapproval of their art from their own family members. My husband has helped me with promotion, and he keeps me sane when I’m ready to throw in the towel and quit every other day. My son has told his friends his mom writes “naughty words”. LOL

I’m grateful for the feline members of the family. We just lost Mister, who died at age 15 of old age. I still miss him. He was a moody Maine Coon. Meriwether is now a year and a half old, and he’s into EVERYTHING. We bought a Halloween strobe light and it turns out Meri loves it! It’s better than a cat’s laser pointer toy. I turn it on and he meows and chases the light images across the room. Easy entertainment. Our blind cat Breena loves to eat and sit by the living room window listening to the birds. Cats and writing go very well together, by the way.

I’m grateful for my friends. My best friend and I have been besties for 56 years. We met when we were four years old in Miss Ella’s dance class. We’ve been inseparable ever since. She has always been a good friend I can rely on in good times and bad.

I’m grateful for my holiday decorations and the baking I do this time of year. I’m able to do both. I’ve already made butter cookies. I made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner. I grow my own herbs, which are indoors now, and we use them often in cooking. I have sage, rosemary and thyme (cue up Simon and Garfunkel), marjoram, tarragon, and oregano. I also have a three foot tall bay plant and a foot tall lemon tree I grew from a seed from a lemon from the supermarket. That was an experiment that succeeded. It’s fun to garden.

I hope everyone reading has a happy holiday season. Take a breather and hope for the best for 2021.

——–

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her two cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing Rituals

by | October 28, 2020 | | 3 Comments

Do you have writing rituals? Are there things you do that may be considered superstitious that help you keep the muse happy? I have theater experience, and the theater is chock full of superstitious. Don’t whistle on stage. Beware performances of “Macbeth” because they are bad luck. Wish an actor to “break a leg” before a performance.

Writers are not much different. I have a few writing rituals I follow regularly. I own a talisman for poets and writers that I wear when I’m writing. It gives me confidence. I also enjoy a glass of champagne after I finish a work. When I get an acceptance, I enjoy a glass of champagne. When I get a rejection, I also enjoy a glass of champagne to stay inspired. Maybe I just like drinking champagne.

I knew of famous writers who had writing rituals. The article, “Writing Rituals: Superstition or Productivity”, published at Neiman Storyboard, detailed some of these peculiar rituals. Here are examples:

Gay Talese – According to legend, he pinned his pages to the wall of his office, and then he’d study them through binoculars to study them.

John Steinbeck – When working on “East of Eden”, he wrote daily to his editor. He also sharpened 12 pencils through an electric pencil sharpener, with one point lasting one page.

James Joyce – He wrote in bed while wearing a long white coat. He also marked up his notebooks with crayon for “Ulysses”.

Truman Capote – Left three and only three cigarette butts in his ashtray.

Honoré de Balzac – Drank lots of coffee to stay alert and keep writing.

Colette – Picked fleas off her cat before she wrote.

Robert Frost – Wrote only at night.

Marcel Proust – Lined his bedroom where he wrote with corkboard to dull sound. He also blocked light with heavy curtains so he wouldn’t be distracted.

J. D. Salinger – As a teen, he wrote beneath his bedsheets at night using a flashlight.

Charles Dickens, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf – hiked in the countryside as inspiration.

Alexandre Dumas – Wrote poetry on yellow paper, articles on pink paper, and novels on blue paper.

Langston Hughes – Wrote letters in bright green ink.

Margaret Atwood – Liked writing on planes.

Why would writers engage in such superstitious behavior? Maybe because every little bit helps. I take notes with a special pen. It’s soothing to me. Rituals are important in creative endeavors. They help to keep one focused. They help give confidence. They relieve anxiety. They make you feel at one with other writers as you learn about their own idiosyncrasies. Writers – and creative people in general – often display odd behavior, but there’s nothing bad or weird about it. If lighting incense and sharpening a dozen pencils help writers write, more power to them.

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Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

 

 

Character Voices

by | September 28, 2020 | | 3 Comments

A recent article from The Guardian noted something that many writers are already familiar with – most writers hear the voices of their own characters. I’ve been able to hear my character’s voices ever since I was a child. I had imaginary friends like many children, and they had distinctive voices and inflections. Those voices carried over to the characters I created in fiction.

Researchers from Durham University found that 63% of writers interviewed listen to their creations. 61% feel they have their own agency. 56% indicated visual or other sensory experiences of their characters when they are writing. 15% said they could even enter in dialogue with their characters.

How well do you know your characters? Do you have their voices, smells, and desires inside your head, or have you written down a detailed grid what makes your character tick? I’m sure many writers know their character’s favorite color or favorite food. Those kinds of exercises are good practice for getting to know your characters. Here are some examples of questions to ask yourself about your character:

  1. What do you look like?
  2. Do you have any tattoos?
  3. Do you like coffee or tea?
  4. Dark or milk chocolate? (or do you not eat sweets at all)
  5. What’s your favorite holiday and why
  6. What’s your least favorite color?
  7. What is your favorite season and why
  8. What is your least favorite season and why
  9. What is your greatest fear
  10. What do you think of the other characters in the book?

Those are only ten examples. Writing down the answers helps to gel the character properly developed in your mind. I get to know my characters as I create them, but creating lists like this one helps me learn more. I’d ask things I normally wouldn’t ask, and when I get answers the book becomes more real for me.

What do you do to make your characters seem more real to you? How do you flesh them out? While plot is important to a story, character is equally important. Whether your story is character-driven or plot-driven, the characters need to be fully rounded for the story to have proper impact. Don’t make your characters empty shells since that risks creating a stereotype or caricature rather than a fully-fleshed person. The better you know your character, the better you are to hear what that character is trying to convey to you. In the end, you get a good story. And that’s how it should be.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales”, is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

Things To Not Say To A Writer

by | August 28, 2020 | | 4 Comments

It may be true that many writers suffer from Imposter Syndrome. If that’s the case, life is hard enough for a writer. Don’t make it worse by making the following statements.

I wish I had time to write.

Such a comment makes it sound like you the writer are wasting time honing your craft.

I’d write, but I have a real job.

Same as above. This comment discounts the time and energy it takes to write a book. Many writers don’t make much money from their craft, but it’s a job nonetheless. The image of writer as dilettante must cease.

How much money do you make?

Since so many writers don’t make much money, this question puts them on the spot. It’s embarrassing. You wouldn’t ask other professionals how much money they make. It’s considered rude. Also, not everyone writes to make money. It’s a passion. By insisting writers earn lots of dough, you are insinuating that without said dough, they aren’t “real” writers. You are saying that those who don’t earn oodles of cash are wasting their time and are probably not good at their craft anyway. If they were, they’d be making millions of dollars like Stephen King, right?

I have a great idea for a book. How about I tell you my ideas, you write them down, and we split the profits 50/50?

This comes from people who don’t realize or care how much work goes into writing a book. They think a vague idea has as much clout as a finished product you’ve spent months (often years) and energy on.

I have a great idea for a book, and then go into great detail to describe a book that I’ve yet to actually write.

The notion here is that anyone can write a book. It apparently doesn’t take much effort.

I want to write a book someday.

See above. The insinuation behind this statement is that any idiot can write a book. This statement discounts the author’s efforts in writing and finishing a book. It’s insulting.

Your books are very sexy. Do you do a lot of the things you write in your books?

This statement is sometimes said by men who assume women who write erotica and erotic romance will screw anything that moves. Some want vivid details. The unspoken question is, “will you do those things to me?” This is not a good thing to say.

Can you read my book and give me a free critique?

Would you ask your dentist to clean your teeth for free? Would you ask your doctor to do you annual physical for free? Of course not. So why do so many people think artists, including writers, shouldn’t be paid for their hard work? A good editor can cost hundreds of dollars. Google Harlan Ellison and “pay the writer”. Read what he had to say about it. Now, if you are offering to do a critique exchange, that’s different. You’d be offering something of value in exchange for the critique. That is perfectly okay.

My life has been fascinating. You should write about me.

That’s what autobiographies are for. Write it yourself.

I don’t read.

This is the saddest admission of all.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her new LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales” is also available at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

Accusations of Plagiarism and Other Grade School Ills

by | June 28, 2020 | | 5 Comments

I stumbled upon interesting discussions about plagiarism and gifted classes recently on Facebook. A Facebook friend asked if her readers had ever been accused of plagiarism when they were children. A large number of women said they had been. In many cases, the teachers assumed these students were lying about their abilities, and that they couldn’t possibly really be that smart. This was worse if the girl was a person of color. Teachers assumed their gifted students had actually copied their work rather than having written it themselves. In one case, a teacher had encircled a sentence and scrawled “Your words?” next to it as if she couldn’t believe her student could possibly string together 25 cent words. I was not surprised at the number of stories I read. Girls saw their aspirations doubted because some teachers couldn’t believe in their own student’s abilities.

I had never been outright accused of plagiarism, but I had been accused of forgery when I was in grade school. I went to a very strict Catholic school. When I was in fourth grade, the nuns regularly accused me of forging my mother’s signature on my homework. All students were required to have one of their parents sign their homework to prove they had done it on their own without resorting to cheating, plagiarism, etc. My signature looked a bit like my mother’s, but I did not forge it. My mom came in and gave the nuns the third degree. One nun in particular absolutely hated me, and she gave me one hell of a hard time. She used to pull me out of my seat and humiliate me in front of the class. This woman should not have been around kids. She continued to accuse me of forgery, but another talking-to by my mother cooled her jets. I transferred out of that school a year later due to severe stress and anxiety. I was only eight years old. I started fifth grade at the local public school.

Talk about going from the frying pan into the fire.

While I got along great with the students in Catholic school, I couldn’t relate to the kids in public school at all. I did not wear the latest fashions. I had frizzy hair. I carried a book bag – no one else did. That was a relic from Catholic school that I ditched soon after arriving at public school. My Catholic school did not participate in any gifted and talented programs. To my knowledge, parochial schools in general don’t do that. By the time I was in fifth grade, I had a tenth grade reading level. Talk about ostracism and feeling out of place!

While I couldn’t get along with the kids in elementary school, I got along great with the teachers which was a far cry from Catholic school. This same Facebook discussion continued with readers talking about their experiences in gifted classes. By the time I reached middle school, I was tested and the teachers recommended the gifted and talented program for me. I had a choice between creative writing and social work.

Guess which one I chose? 🙂

The creative writing classes were college level, and they were held at Johns Hopkins University every Saturday morning. They continued for several years. I finally met kids who were similar to me. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. I made some very good friends.

I had never met a college professor before, and when the guy with the tattered shirt, jeans, and long hair walked in and grabbed a full trash can to empty it, I thought he was the janitor. LOL He was the professor! While I did make new friends from schools all around the district, I continued to have difficulty getting along with my classmates. Sadly, I quickly learned to dumb down so I could fit in. It didn’t work, but the harassment wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Contrary to what these students told me, I wasn’t stuck-up and I didn’t think I was better than everyone else. In fact, quite the opposite. After hearing I’m not worth anything by kids who were supposed to be my peers, I thought I was useless, but I wanted to fit in. It’s a shame I felt it necessary to dumb myself down in order to survive. I did pick up one excellent survival mechanism – I developed a very good sense of humor and was quick with a funny come-back. The other kids finally started laughing with me rather than at me.

These were fascinating and eye-opening discussions. I wonder how many writers have experienced this same sort of loneliness? How many other writers were grade school class misfits especially if they were gifted? One person who is an educator pointed out that gifted does not necessarily mean high performance. Gifted kids put a lot of pressure on themselves. I was terrified of failing or getting even a B. I can trace back some of my Imposter Syndrome back to grade school and those nuns who didn’t believe I could possibly have written my own homework. I wonder if this kind of lack of faith and suspicion on teacher’s parts regarding gifted students could lead to Imposter Syndrome? It’s easy when you’re young to internalize severe criticism whether it’s right or wrong.

I’m thankful I had supportive teachers in public school who encouraged me in my creative writing, art, music, and theater interests. I thrived. In particular, I am indebted to my high school advanced English teacher and my drama teacher. They were the best teachers I’d ever had. I hope that gifted students today find supportive teachers and friends. Even one close friend who understands you makes a huge difference in your personal outlook on life.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her new LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors. Her collection of erotic fairy tales, “Happily Ever After”, will be released soon..

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

 

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