Let me start off by saying I have FANTASTIC Beta Readers, some who’ve put up with me for the better part of a decade! I wouldn’t replace their insight and spot on suggestions for anything. Buuuut, if I had one wish to share my pages with anyone, it would be Stephen King. His depth of characters and gripping prose has everything I’d aspire to offer as an author. Admittedly, I devoured the mammoth Outsiders in just two days (so I’d be finished before the mini-series started and now wish I hadn’t because I would have enjoyed the series much more without making constant comparisons to the gripping prose). The Stand is the gold standard as my favorite read. I love every moment spent between those pages and can’t wait to see it come back as a new mini-series. Admittedly, Stephen fell off my revered pedestal for a time, but he’s back on top again and in eerily feisty form. Advice from him would be my manna from author heaven!
The one thing I learned from Mr. King was the power of writing the BIG story. Lots of characters, tons of drama and danger twisted about the supernatural. But characters always first. So I can credit him for my two biggest efforts – my “By Moonlight” 15-book shapeshifter series and my “Touched by Midnight” 9-book vampire series. Both have come back to life this month with a new release AND a sale.
My “Touched by Midnight” series came first and has been resurrected three times through different publishers, covers and reprints. The 9-book series follows Louis Radman and family as his sworn enemies pursue them through the centuries as he searches for a cure to his unwanted affliction, appearing as the never aging main character in several of them. The first book takes place during the Regency period and moves progressively into modern times (to the delight of the history buff in me!). MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT, which places Louis’s half-human, half-vampire daughter in post-Revolution France is one of my favorites and is on SALE for only $.99 through September 15!
“By Moonlight” follows a shapeshifter community living and working in New Orleans under the occupants’ radar. Their way of life is threatened by a warring clan from Nevada and with subjugation from an elite branch of scientists in Chicago. Legends foretell of the arrival of a savoir for the kind, “The Chosen One.” That title sits uncomfortably on the head of Max Savoie, an orphaned outcast raised by a mobster and now the head of his vast enterprises, bringing unwelcomed attention from the NOPD . . . with the exception of unwitting love interest Detective Charlotte Caissie. Their volatile relationship as their worlds and hearts collide carried me through a decade of adventure finally coming to an end with newly released RISE BY MOONLIGHT which ties up the drama in a way that even a first-time reader can enjoy.
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Go big or go home! That’s the motto I learned from Mr. King and I’m sticking with it.
Loving the cooler temperatures and the crisp evening scent of fall to come to put me in the mood for snuggling under the blankets with a good book. Thankfully, you, my friends, have provided me with plenty to keep me busy!!
Write on and Happy Reading!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the September 2nd posting of the IWSG will be PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
Love that quote from Stephen King. It's awesome that you learned so much from him that helped you with your own writing.
ReplyDeleteWrite what you know and love (not that I personally KNOW anything abut horror-thank goodness!).
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Stephen King and that's the truth. However, I love his take on writing from a big world with lots of characters.
Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
He and Dean Koontz are keep you up all night authors. But I'd suggest reading them during the day!
DeleteStephen King was my first thought too! I would kill (well, not really) for the chance to pick his brain! haha Great post as always Nancy! Looking forward to your next work!
ReplyDeleteI have his book on writing somewhere and need to dig it out.
DeleteI've read it twice! Great insight and vision. It's easy to think he was born on top of the writing world...but reading about his bumpy road is so inspiring.
DeleteThat's great you think so highly of your own critique partners.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about The Stand. I liked the first mini-series they did in the nineties.
They are an eclectic mix of genres and skill levels so it's like being inside a big, safe think tank. I am SO lucky!
DeleteSmart choice in a beta reader.
ReplyDeleteI'll check to see if he's available next time.
DeleteThanks, Joylene!
ReplyDeleteKing would be a good one, too. I loved On Writing.
ReplyDeleteHave it but haven't read it. Guess I have some time now so I should dig it out!
DeleteHi, Nancy! OMG, yes, "The Stand" is the gold standard for a great book. I absolutely loved it! I haven't see the series on tv. King is the master of the BIG story. A 15-book series and a 9-book series ~ You took that lesson to heart! Your books sound really great.
ReplyDeleteIt's on CBS All Access pay channel but I'll find a way to get it!
DeleteA brilliant choice! The Stand is one of my favourite books. I was always partial to Eyes of the Dragon, too :-)
ReplyDelete