Meet My Main Character Blog Hop

I was tagged by T.M. Hunter to talk about my main character. For those who don't know, currently, my main character is a charismatic vigilante that goes by the name of Jax Marlin. Let me introduce you to her...

1. What is the name of your main character? Is she/he fictional or a historical person?

Jax Marlin is most definitely all made up. She is a vigilante, a path she chose from very early on in her young life. It's her calling.

2. When and where is the story set?

The story is set 300 years in our future. I quite like that era, and I've already done another story in that time, so you can say I'm quite familiar with it. In this future, we've got amazing gadgets and technology, there's space travel (of course!), humongous space stations scattered throughout the galaxy, and space pirates (some of which are really good friends with Jax). In the Marlin short story series, I've have the opportunity to scatter the storylines throughout the world and into space. Makes for such fun writing!

3. What should we know about her?

Jax is a complex person. She's a mixture of characters/personalities all balled up into one. For one thing, seeing someone do bad riles her up. Yet, she'd do anything, even something worse to stop the bad thing from happening without thinking twice. She's a confident woman, smart and well-educated, a techno-geek, an expert at martial arts, but in an instant, real, crippling fear can plague her, cutting her down to an insecure mess. Jax has her own demons, especially the one inside her, that she must fight and control. She also has tendency to be obsessive-compulsive, has a wicked sweet-tooth and unhealthy appetite for junk food, but is also disciplined enough to perform her daily exercise regime without fail. She's cold, calculated, ruthless, determined, has a wicked sense of humour, and walks around with the self-assured knowledge that if you want something done right, you do it yourself. And, as if she didn't already have a complex personality to deal with and all the troubles that brings, she's fallen madly and insensibly in love with the one person that can destroy her, an inspector chasing her. Of course, Special Inspector Pedroni has also fallen for her charms...

4. What is the main conflict?

While each short story, coming off from the main novel, To Catch A Marlin, has its own set of conflicts and story arc, the main conflict throughout the entire series is the fact that Jax has fallen for the cop that's chasing her -- and he's in the same boat. There is much resistance at the thought of falling in love with a cop, everything inside her resists the very notion. As the storyline progresses, we see how she (they both) deal with it.

5. What is the personal goal of the character?

To stop bad things from happening to good people. Plain and simple. And how to have a happily ever after despite the life she's chosen. As Jax sees it, it's a tough life, but someone's gotta do it. As much as she wants her own happily ever after, she knows what she must sacrifice in order to fight crime.

6. What is the significance of the title of your book?

The main novel, To Catch A Marlin, well, that pretty much speaks for itself (of course, some might confuse it with a book of fishing...I may have to rethink it and relabel). The subsequent shorts since each have a catchy name, relevant to the storyline in the tale.

7. When can we expect the book to be published?

To Catch A Marlin is already out and available at Amazon. You can find the short stories (so far) all listed on my Author Page. So far, there are only 6 shorts completed in the projected 10. So keep checking back!

Well, this has been fun! Next up is Patrick Stutzman. Also, click back, too, to see what characters came before.

Cheers!

A Little Update Is In Order...

Okie dokie...
So, it's been a while since I just rambled off and spilled the contents of my brain onto this blog. To be honest, I've been a little scattered and busy with writing projects and trying to make sure I've accomplished stuff on my 'to do' list. And then, as per usual, life interrupts and throws everything out of whack.

Anyhoo. So here's a little update on what's up with TK.
On the writing front, a new Jax Marlin novella was just released over the Easter weekend. Titled The Edge of the Blade, this is #6 in the Marlin short story series. I've just completed #7, The Angel of Mercy, and it's currently with my beta readers. Three more shorts to go in order to complete the 10-series. I'm getting there.

And now, some bigger news. Since signing on with Champagne Books Group in 2009 and releasing the Lancaster Trilogy with them, I've decided it was time to move on. Believe me, the decision was not made lightly, especially after the lengthy ordeal of submissions and queries and the usual heart-wrenching stuff every writer must go through. And, I'm sure most new writers will agree, a publishing deal is a big deal. It's like a sort of validation that your work is good enough to be (even) considered worthy of publishing (this applies to getting an agent as well).

I've been with CBG for five years and in those five years, I've grown and have a better understanding of the literary world. I've learned loads, and it's through my association with them that I was able to do so. For that, I'm forever grateful.

With the rights back since the end of last month, I've been furiously tweaking some aspects of the the first novel (my debut) that I've been wanting to do. As a writer, I've grown, and the way I write now is a little different from how I used to write. While I debated whether or not to change certain aspects of it, in the end, the quality of the work is what mattered most to me, as well as the content. So, without ruining the overall storyline, I've been dealing with issues that were bothering me. Point of view shifts, a lot of passive voice sentences, that sort of thing. The end result, I'm hoping, will be a stronger, tighter, and better structured novel. Once I've done so, I'm going to dig into the other two in the trilogy and tidy them up as well.

In the end, I'd like to rebrand each, release again to the world, and this time, try the self-publishing route. Wish me luck.

And then, onto more writing projects that I've been keeping warm on the backburner. The monster novel (not real monsters) Bengaria's War still needs my attention. Another epicky novel is (I have a title for it now!) The Acquisition of the Levi. There are various other short stories as well, Time Fracture being one of them.

This month, if I'm correct, also marks the release of another short in an anthology collection. I shall keep you posted on that.

And then, on the personal front, lots of interruptions, mostly good and fun. Except right now where I have some serious plumbing issues. Old pipes leaking, then leaking through the walls and dripping ominously through a crack very similar to the crack in Dr. Who...scary. Of course, with old pipes, they tend to be very unpredictable...so in the end, we decided to let the plumber just rip them all out and lay down some new ones. So, two bathrooms are piled high with broken masonry and tiles, dust and grit and whatnots, not to mention the multiple holes (ginormous craters) in the walls. Oh, and the constant flow of strangers tramping through the house, with power drills, hammers, etc...and dust. So much dust. Hopefully by the weekend we'll have our bathroom back (at least) so we can actually have a proper shower. Garden hose shower's while sounds fun the first time, get's a little old the second time around.

And that, in a nutshell, is what's up with me.

Blog Hop - Writing Processes, et al...

I got tagged by my writer pal S.A Check to participate in this blog hop about writing processes and what it takes to shape and produce a book. Oh, boy! Where does one start with a question like that, right? Let's start with some simple questions first...

What am I working on?
At the moment, I'm trying to finish up #7 in the short stories series for To Catch A Marlin, (which was a full-length sci-fi, action-adventure story). Of course, I'm afflicted with numerous distractions and also that proverbial block that keeps smacking me in the head. So, aside from imaginary concussions and wandering-mind-syndrome, I'm plodding along. Hopefully I'll be done before the end of the month. Since this series is also about solving a mystery, sometimes I have to bend my mind and think like a criminal and make sure all the little loose ends are tied up and 'solve the mystery' in a nice, neat package. It's harder than it sounds. So, what's the distraction I'm suffering from? There's another huge full-length novel that I'm trying to finish up. While its 'completed' there's still a lot more work that it needs. It's a monstrosity that I've been working on for the last 3 years. My goal is to finish it by summer.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Uhm, good question. To date, I've written four novels and various short stories, all of which have been fortunate enough to be accepted by publishers who actually wanted to publish them. I'm still kinda wondering how I did that...but they must've seen something worth publishing, right? Going by reviews and reader comments and what editors have told me, they've all agreed that my stories are strongly character-driven and my action scenes written effortlessly. Wow. But, it's true in a sense. I'm enamoured with my characters, enough that I want to tell their stories and make it all about them. Just like I love reading stories about characters with incredible stories to tell, who are unforgettable, I want to offer the same to my readers. While I like to read tech-stuff -- especially if it's a science fiction tale -- I don't like it so much when it goes overboard. I try to keep my tech-stuff toned down. My stories are about the people, their adventure, the tech just helps them along the way.

How does your writing process work?
I blow thought bubbles that float about that pop and sprinkle story-dust inside my head. Nah... Ideas just come and smack me in the face, or worm their way into my head, or join up from other ideas and merge and fester until a new story emerges. Once the idea is there and I like it enough, I'll write a few outline notes and think on it some more. Since I like things done in chronological order, I usually need to see a clear beginning, a middle, and an end in my notes. If I don't 'see' it, then I get frustrated and shelve the idea for a while. Lately, what I've been doing, as a test or something like an experiment, is diving straight in and just writing. It's a different way for me (pantsing, is what it's called, as opposed to plotting), but it's not unpleasant. I think, with a little more practice, I can smoothly incorporate the two methods. What doesn't help in the writing process is that same thing called distractions. Right now, I've got about three stories ideas, one of which is clearly outline and which I'm itching to start. Soon.

So that's about it really. Since my job now is to tag someone else, I'm grabbing T.M. Hunter, whose numerous science fiction tales of Aston West has entertained me countless times. Check out his site right HERE! 

Great Way to Start a Monday...

So, I wake up, I crank open Tweetdeck to see what's happening in the Twitterverse, and wah-hoo, I see a sweet little post in my interactions column from J.M. Blackman.

Click to see the review: http://jmblackman.com/2013/10/20/t-k-toppin-author-spotlight-double-header-review-of-the-lancaster-ruleto-catch-a-marlin/

First of all, thank you J.M. Such kind words, and as an author yourself, I'm sure you know how nice that feels. Yep, J.M writes some incredible Sci-Fi/Speculative Fiction.

J.M. recently finished reading both The Lancaster Rule and To Catch A Marlin. I wrote TLR in 2008, and TCaM in 2011, and I'm sure she noticed how much my writing has changed (she did), and how little it stayed the same (I didn't know) in regards to how I treated the characters and the world-building. It's nice to be able to find out about these from completely unobjective eyes.

It's also great to start the week off grinning like a fool.

Again, thanks, J.M.

Cheers!

5 Years, 4 Books, 3 Novellas, and some Shorts later...

Well, I couldn't let the year progress any further without some mention of where I am right now. Where? It's like the title to this post says and then some: 5 years writing, 2 publishers, 4 books, 3 novellas and some short stories later...and, wait for it...lots more to come since the ideas keep a-coming!

My journey began early 2008, with a promise to myself and a new year's resolution on the beach among friends. One insisted we write down a list of the 200 things we most wanted to do. Well, I couldn't think of 200 things - just the one thing, and that was to write. Write something, anything. That thought stayed with me like a kick in the ass for a few weeks. I waffled a bit, thinking how best to tackle this whole writing thing. So I wrote down notes on plots, ideas, tooled around with characters, and then I just pushed it aside and instead, ruminated with a few scenes that kept reoccurring in my head.

My mid-January, the very shaky beginnings of The Lancaster Rule formed, and by March, I was hacking out the beginning. By April, I was just about done. But I was far from done, and The Master Key, spewed out of me before I could even finish Lancaster. And shortly after, the seeds of The Eternal Knot germinated in my head. Within 2 years, The Lancaster Trilogy was complete and I was a published writer!

Then I discovered, I simply could not stop writing. Like breaking through a blockage and forging a new tributary to empty out into the vast river of creativeness, it seemed I'd found another outlet to 'vent' my thoughts out. It felt right.

Last year, out came my fourth novel, To Catch A Marlin, and I gained a new publisher game enough to take a chance on me. Shortly after, 3 novellas in the Marlin series. Rounding things off, I also completed a couple of short stories, still seeking their way to publication.

I've also got a collection of unfinished stories (well, one is done) that need to see their own 'the ends' in good time.

Then, after The Lancaster Rule was published, it received a Novel of the Year nomination from my publisher, Champagne Book Group. And then, The Eternal Knot was voted Best Book of the Month by Long and Short Reviews. (Check out the link and my interview with them). Soon after, it was up for nomination as Best Book of 2012. How cool was THAT?

So, not too shabby. These past five years have been busy and productive, filled with fantastic plot bubbles and adventures that have taken me 300 years into the futures as well as traipsing about the depths of space. Heh, and I didn't even have to leave the comfort of my home. Isn't writing fun!

Cheers!

A Day in My Life - A Pictorial

My typical writing day starts around 7:30am, that is the time when I (reluctantly) grow aware of the world around me.  (And yes, no kids. Hence the late time).  Around 8:15am is when everything gets into focus as the first few hits of coffee kick in.  By then, I’m usually in front of my computer in my little hole-in-the-wall office, sorting through emails and spam, checking the Twitter feeds and sorting my day out.  Providing there are no pressing jobs (graphic art related), then I’m free to write.

I'm not really writing a "Once Upon A Time..." tale...

I open up the work in progress folder and double-click whatever story I'm currently working on.  I scroll down to the last page I'd written and stare at it.  I scroll up and read the last few paragraphs, just to get the feel of it again.  I scroll back to the end and go "Uhmmm...."

Not sure if you can see, but there's mango buds on the tree.

I look outside for inspiration...since it's March, the mango tree has blossoms and some parts have small fruit buds bearing.  I think, If it doesn't rain soon, all those buds will drop and we'd get nothing this July.  

If looking outside doesn't inspire me, I look at my cat, Dobby, and confirm once again that when he's not being a ninja, he's a lazy, indulgent, and surprisingly nimble feline. And again I think to myself: That cannot be comfortable.

Then I remember I had an ongoing game of Words with Friends and open up Facebook and see if it's my move.  It isn't, so I mosey on to the other games I play on the site.  By now, I've wasted a solid 45 minutes to an hour woolgathering...But I don't feel guilty since you can't force the writing muse.  (Some may say working from home is a major distraction, but I beg to differ.  I enjoy it.  It's called 'recreation').

Since staring out the window, or my looking at my cat, or playing computer games doesn't usually provide much inspiration (though very relaxing), and the Twitter feed on the screen (peeking out on the left) keeps attracting my eye, I scroll further back in the WIP and re-read a few chapters to get fully back into the groove of things.  I end up deleting stuff, rewriting, editing, tweaking and fattening up scenes as I go along.  By the end of reading, I'm back in the groove and writing for a couple hours.  Around 1:00pm, I fling a copy of the WIP into my DropBox folder and crack open the laptop in the bedroom, retrieve the file and continue on.

This reminds me, I need a new notebook.

Often times, I have a large note book next to me while writing.  It's crammed with notes and ideas and plot outlines (highlighted, scratched out, double-highlighted).  I try to follow what's on it, but that usually doesn't happen, but gives me an idea of what's supposedly supposed to come.  By now, my writing endeavours have exhausted themselves, and it's close to 4:00pm.  The mind is buzzing and a serious siesta is giving me that come hither look.  Before clocking out, I run through the last ideas in my head, sometimes making more notes in said book just so I'll be up to speed the next day.

That's the sun setting and that's my neighbour's roof.

Before you know it, living here in the Tropics, where the sun keeps a regular schedule and night and day are rigidly defined, dusk falls upon us and I reluctantly drag my ass to feed dogs, and prep dinner (I hate cooking, but love to eat. Can't win).

There is a saying in Barbados that once the sun sets, it's time for drinks.  Something like Five-Thirsty, or Six-Thirsty.  There's even one for pre-lunch drinks, like Eleven-Thirsty (but that's another story).  I religiously follow this custom, as the sun dips into night, my cocktail is in hand.  My drink of the day may vary, from a fruity red, to a sturdy Jack & Coke (a particular favourite), or a revitalizing single malt on the rocks.  This particular one above is growing to be a favourite of mine, vodka with freshly crushed blueberries with a dash of Sprite. Mmm! (My other favourite is martinis...don't get me started on those).

Jax waiting for his lettuce.

So, whilst enjoying my libations, I alternate my hands with cooking dinner and fending off my dog, Jax, who hopes food will accidentally fall into his mouth.  He gets some treats, like his favourite of lettuce bits (weird, I know), carrots, and broccoli (weirder).  Oh, and a little taste of whatever meat is cooking.  He's not spoiled...he's special.  There's a difference.  Really, there is!

Before you know it, full night has come, dinner is consumed, TV is ogled at, and the day is once again coming to an end.  Tomorrow, the same old same old.  Some may say I live an idyllic life...well, I do...it's the Tropics.  We move at a different pace here.  Besides, I don't do stress very well.

Cheers!

Next Big Thing Blog Tour

I got myself tagged!
I've never been any good at running, or anything requiring quick responses...unless a cockroach is involved.

But as tagging goes, this one's a good thing. I got nabbed by a fellow writer, Cary Caffrey, who got himself tagged last week. See what he had to say about that right HERE.

So, the rules are simple and the questions never change, just the answers. And to keep the tagging momentum going, I've decided to hit up the fabulous JC Cassels. So you can check back with her next Wednesday.

So, here we go...

What is the working title of your book?
It will be called To Catch A Marlin, followed by the working title, so something like this: To Catch A Marlin - The Marlin Strikes Again. At the moment, I'm collecting and sorting through some ideas for some short stories involving my character, Jax Marlin. Her debut was this past October when the full length book, To Catch A Marlin, was released.

Where did the idea for your book come from?
It just sort of came together organically. Initially, I wanted to write about a bumbling detective who accidentally solves cases (Inspector Pedroni). Jax Marlin's character (the baddie..ish) came about from various cartoon drawings I'd done over the years (I'm also an artist) and she just sort of morphed into one, becoming Jax. Then I decided to combine the two and fling it out into the wild future, complete with space pirates and debauching settings!

What genre does your book fall under?
Well, I'd say Science Fiction Romance. Heavy on the action and adventure, seasoned lightly with romance, humour, and great characters. So I've been told. It may even be labelled as futuristic or even detective thriller.

Which actors would you chose to play in your movie rendition?
Ever since I watched The Lovely Bones, I've always sort of pictured Michael Imperioli as Inspector Pedroni (he even has his first name! That was purely coincidence, though). It's just the low-keyed manner Mr. Imperioli portrays in the movie (forget his role in Sopranos), plus there is an intensity coming off him which makes his character convincing. For Jax, that's a hard one. She has so many sides to her (having been born from a combination of different characters I played around with) that her image is like a melting pot of faces. She's cheeky, sexy, dangerous and very lethal. She's a combo of cool sophisticated badassness like Lara in Tomb Raider, kickassness like Seline from Underworld and Alice from Resident Evil and even some calculating connivingness like Anne Hathaway's Catwoman. As for actresses, well think from Ziyi Zhang (Memoirs of a Geisha and Crouching Tiger fame) to Keira Knightley to Emma Watson...and yes, even Anne Hathaway. (Somehow, I just can't see her as Angelina Jolie, Kate Beckinsale or Milla Jojovich).

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
What wouldn't you do to catch a criminal?
Wait, that was one line. How about this: In the tail end of the the 24th century, a sexy vigilante is pursued by a determined inspector, taking them both of a wild, rollercoaster ride from Earth to space and then some.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
At the moment, I am with two publishers and will stay with them (Champagne Book Group and Ring of Fire Publishing). To Catch A Marlin and its subsequent series will be represented Ring of Fire.

How long did it take to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The full length for To Catch A Marlin took me a good eight months. The first fours month taking up the first draft stages, the last four with the second ad third drafts. The short stories, including this current one I'm working on, they usually take about a good, solid month.

What other books would you compare this story to?
Wow, that's difficult. While I write mostly SF-based stories, I love reading a good mystery right along with an epic fantasy or adventure tale. I guess To Catch A Marlin, like the other books I've written, is a combination of, and what I'd like to see in a story.

What or who inspired you to write the book?
Uhm...I guess it's from books, movies, events, people. Everything around me.

What else about the book might pique the readers' interest?
Captain Taris - space pirate, loveable 'uncle,' and such a loveable scallywag! He's got spin-off story written all over him.

Don't forget to stop by JC Cassels next Wednesday!

Cheers!

A State of Vegetation...

Finishing a book—or two—which also includes short stories and scratching out plot outlines for future tales, takes an almighty toll on your brain. I hadn’t realized just how much until just recently.

For the last year, I’ve been neck deep, immersed in writing, plotting, and basically creating a new ‘world’ for my characters (Jax and Pedroni) to exist in. Aside from all that, I’ve been having lengthy conversations with them (as we all do as writers) and getting to know them—quirks and bad habits and all—even taking them out to dinner to wine and dine them to see how they interact socially. For the past year, it’s been all about them. It still is, but having completed their debutante’s ball for the world to see, I find myself thoroughly exhausted with the very thought of writing something (aside from this post).

I believe I’ve burnt out a few brain cells. So, time for a recharge—I’m taking a mental vacation, like a well-deserved break after long hours of toiling work. And with the end of the year drawing nearer, it seems my body is unconsciously gearing down a few notches and sorting stuff out in preparation for the new year.

Now, this doesn’t mean I’ve completely stopped writing. I’ve numerous ideas roaming around in my head, aligning themselves and shaping into perfect little plot bubbles. But the motivation to put thoughts to words is lacking.

So what am I doing instead? Vegetating. How? By playing an endless succession of games, watching more TV than I usually do (Fall season isn't too bad, just saying—but the end of DST is killing me with the later TV times), and intentionally creating vacuous space between my ears so I can blank out from constructive thoughts. I’m even enjoying…(can’t believe I’m admitting this)…cooking!

But fear not! Since my ‘enforced’ break, I’ve come up with two plot lines for future stories, which are taking on a nice voluptuous shape and an irresistible wink that’s doing all sorts of teasing things to catch my attention. I’m sure most of you know what I mean. Of course, there’s no point rushing into things, right? So until my mind decides it’s time to dust off the keyboard and flex my fingers, I’ll just continue with a tried and trusted method of vegetation.

What about you? What do you do to recharge the creative batteries in your brain? I’d love to know.

Lying Makes A Great Tale

This post was posted about a year ago on The Writers Vineyard where every month, I post something. I decided to repost this here, and maybe elaborate on it a bit. As writers will agree, we are fantastic liars.

Now, the idea for this post came about when I heard the story about my very young nephew (he was nearly two at the time), and his outrageous and unblinking lying abilities. He flat-out LIED when asked about a particular toy, claiming it had been "STOLEN." He then went into immaculate detail about HOW it was stolen, and WHO had stolen it, and so on and so forth. Just think, when he learns to read and write what sort of tales he'll come up with...

So, anyone can tell you a tale. We all have the capacity to embellish on the truth from the moment, as kids (and my nephew is a prime example), your mother asks you in that commanding tone: "Who did this?" and you reply by orbiting your eyes skyward with an, "Uhmmm, well...". And for some, like my nephew, they start very early in life. From that moment on, with a little work, a lot of practice and a lot less sky-gazing, you become a Storyteller.

Okay, most people will call it lying -- plain and simple, bold face, flat out lying.

I like to call it spinning a tale. A convincing tale (ever notice most liars always have an excuse... :) Ah-hem...).  After all, creating a story is joining up a bunch of fibs, throwing it into an imaginary world or setting and having amazing things happen in that world. I mean, come on!

Most people can write a story. Most people know how to write. Most people can join up letters and come up with something coherent that resembles a story. But how many people can lie through their teeth with such talent that you think what they told you is the honest to goodness truth? Not many. The mark of a good book/story is the mark of an exceptionally good liar. I'd hate to be next to them when they do break something and we get asked what happened.

For the moment, I am just a fledgling liar, but there's still hope for me. During the day when I masquerade as a graphic artist, I can think of a number of medicore tales I can tell to my clients -- usually the ones that are a royal pain in the aft. (Okay, if any of my clients read this post, I am so dead!) But conscience is a bitch and guilt even worse (perhaps this is why I'm a fledgling liar). I think I'll just stick to lying when I put on my writer's mask, where I can pour out all those wild tales and put them into words to create a story. And I can lie through my teeth without my conscience bothering me one bit. After all, it makes a great tale, right?

Cheers!

Brain Farting

This has nothing to do with brains — or farts, but everything to do with catchy titles.

See, I made you look. Mission accomplished!

So, yes. Catchy titles. How many of us have been drawn to buying a book, simply by the title? Some titles literally grab you by the eyeballs and you think: “Cool.” Cover art also helps but that’s another story.

Other titles are pretty much run of the mill and self-explanatory.  Then there are those titles that are catchy and have the wow factor, but like this post, you find out after buying it, has nothing to do with what the title suggests.

I’ve tried with my books, to give the title something of what the book is about. Admittedly, I like catchy titles — and quirky ones too. My current WIP is called To Catch A Marlin. Catchy, isn’t it? Of course, it has nothing to do with fish, but everything to do with a character called Marlin. Another WIP I recently completed is called, aptly, Bengaria’s War. I struggled with this one since various catchy titles came up. But in the end, I chose a one that pretty much explained it all. The lead character, Bengaria, is in a conflict with both herself and the powers that be. Oh, and there’s a war.

When I wrote The Lancaster Rule, the working title was once the staid and cringe-worthy, Time Flies.  It even had a variant, which was even more cringe-worthy: Tempus Fugit. (Gag!)  I owe The Lancaster Rule’s catchiness and somewhat classy title, to a friend who after having read the hideous first draft, thought it suited the book.  She was right!  Later on, The Master Key and The Eternal Knot were spawned (all on my own, thank you very much) and both suited the contents in the book.  They were still catchy, but also self-explanatory.  While The Master Key may have been used elsewhere and a pretty generic name for books, I thought it fitting, considering what the book was about.  At one point I was tempted to call it The Genetic Key, but that would’ve been obvious about what the story arc was all about. In the end, I stuck with The Master Key.

So, what motivates me in coming up with titles?  I really can’t say.  Some of them just sort of materialize organically, other just zap into my brain and I think: That one for sure!

Others sort of cogitate and formulate inside my brain, twisting and turning with variations until several vacuous thoughts spew out. Hey, wait, I am talking about brain farting. Ha!

Anyways, right now, I’m working on a few short stories as well, and the challenge is to keep them fresh and catchy at the same time, without them sounding dull.  These shorts are from the To Catch A Marlin tale, just in case you were wondering.  So, you can imagine the amount of brain farting I’m doing…

What is it you do to come up with a catchy title?  Do you have a certain ritual you perform?  Do you meditate on it?  Does it form organically as the story gets written?  Do you use working titles to keep the motivation going?  I’d love to know.

Cheers!

#amwriting - Hanging Up The 'Do Not Disturb' Sign

These days, we’re all too familiar with that hashtagging business, so, no need to explain myself.  However, talk to people outside of the Twitterverse, and they give you that ‘huh’ look.  Such is the case, once more, with my orbiting satellites who do not transmit the usual social networking signals.

Experience has told me to keep my mouth shut while #amwriting, because I simply cannot write with someone constantly looking over my shoulder.  It's like picking your nose, you need a little privacy.  But since letting the cat out of the bag that I now do—actually—write stuff, everyone and their cousin wants to know what I’m doing next.

It can be very distracting.

Of course, they want more of the Lancaster Trilogy (I'm beginning to think they don’t quite understand the word ‘trilogy’), and want to know what happens next.  It’s hard not to stamp my foot and throw a tantrum and tell them to…well…you know what I mean.  Seriously, I do have other things to write about.  While I feel quite flattered they’d want more Lancaster stuff (so great for the ego, btw), I have moved on with my imaginary life.

Right now, I’m waist-deep in a new story (Hear that folks? New story) titled To Catch A Marlin.  Each day, I find myself anxious to dive in (barring there's no distractions from the real world—but boy, they can’t seem to take a hint) and hack away at the keyboard to conjure up words.  And like the last work in progress I just completed, I’m noticing I’ve become anti-social again.  Well, more so than usual.  It’s like 75% of my attention is still lodged into the new world in my head, while the other 25% performs the usual day-to-day tasks.  I have been told I tend to ‘wander’ (I never really noticed that until it was brought to my attention) and my temper tantrums tend to rise miraculously too (just picture a protective dog guarding her pups with bared teeth and nasty little snaps).  I've even got the 'go-away' glower down pat (oh, and the growl).

Of course, I’m not really conscious of these occurrences (it could be PMS too—just saying), especially when I’m only utilizing 25% of my brain.  I mean, seriously, there’s multitasking, and then there's micro-multitasking.  Jeez, I can’t do everything and be aware I’m doing it!  Hubby has learned to read the signals well (for self-preservation reasons) and quite enjoys when #amwriting.  He can surf the TV channels to his hearts content.

Anyway, you do know this is all tongue-and-cheek (not really…kidding, kidding) and I’m sure most of you do, or are afflicted with the same.  Maybe I should do like those construction workers and put up a sign saying: ‘Work In Progress: #amwriting.’  Even better: ‘Disturb At Your Own Risk.’  No?  Too blunt?  #justsaying.

I any case, I shall get back to #amwriting…

Cheers!

T.K. Toppin

Spotlight on Sandra Sookoo

Today I have with me the talented and versatile Sandra Sookoo, author of just about anything that's engaging with adventure, romance, and a really good cook...judging from some of her mouth-watering tweets.  Oh, and I believe she's a mega-huge Disney fan.

Sandra is also generous enough to give away this really awesome looking scarab bracelet...among other things.  All you have to do is leave a comment (and follow her instructions below) and you'll have a chance to win!

Well, enough about me blabbing about her.  I'll let her get on with telling you about herself and showcasing her recent release, Cairo Nights.

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Thank you for having me on your blog today!

For as long as I could remember, I’ve loved anything and everything related to Egypt.  Growing up, I couldn’t wait for the chance to visit the Children’s Museum in town that had a mock-up of an Egyptian pyramid and tomb with hieroglyphs on the inside.  I even learned how to write my name with hieroglyphs.

I gobble up programs on the History and National Geographic channels on cable having to do with Egypt and the lives of the people who lived there.  For me, there’s a certain romance and charm in seeing the ruins of such a powerful civilization.  I can imagine the sunsets on the Nile, how a fine haze of dust hovers near the pyramids in the mornings or can feel the majesty of those sites and image how they must have looked at the height of life.

In CAIRO NIGHTS, I had the opportunity to visit Egypt and make it the backdrop for an erotic historical romance set in the late 1880s.  From camel races, to a woman who works with Cairo’s poor children to bringing awareness to the state of Egypt’s antiquities, this book has something for everyone.  I’m pleased that I could bring a bit of Egypt to life while my characters live out their existence as well.

Blurb:  Losing something you want the most makes you stronger—or an easy target.

Joy Debinham, daughter of an English missionary, hides a secret heartache while working with Egypt's poverty stricken. As she attempts to save the children from easily curable diseases, she has another interest—keeping Egypt's treasures in the country. But the arrival of Quinn ignites her banked passion and becomes the obsession that might put her life in danger.

Quinn Handry, an enterprising American from humble roots, has come to Egypt for one reason—the money. He's done many things for a buck, but brokering stolen antiquities is the most lucrative. In order to reclaim what he lost years ago, he's always on the hunt for treasures until the day he meets Joy and everything dims compared to the desire she invokes in him.

During perfumed Egyptian nights, the heat between them flares while acquaintances conspire to destroy them. Danger doesn't stay confined to tombs and pushes them to finally realize what matters most—if they can live long enough to claim it.

Book video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6aimdlR2uE

Buy links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Cairo-Nights-ebook/dp/B007M2KS0G/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1332115767&sr=8-42

All Romance e-books:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-caironights-761405-162.html

Liquid Silver Books:  http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&product_name=Cairo+Nights&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Short excerpt:  Her hand trembled. Shadows danced and jumped about the chamber. She attempted to control her erratic breathing. An impossible task. Her stomach clenched as she stared at the darkened doorway. Fleeing was out of the question. There was only one way in or out. The specter—or whatever it was—could just as easily follow her deeper into the depths.

I'll stand and fight. There is no other option.

The muscles in her arm ached as she waited for her doom. The scratching sound came again, echoed and magnified in the small space, and she flinched. It floated closer and she swore she heard the inhalation of another person. Sweat drenched her back and trickled down her temples. Would it never show itself? Finally, she couldn't stand the not knowing.

"Who’s there? Show yourself this instant!"

Shadows gathered in the corners and at the doorway seconds before it joined her. In the light from her wildly shaking lantern, she recognized the man—for it was merely a man and not a mummy—as the camel racer from the afternoon. She dropped her arm as a wave of relief swept through her body. "What are you doing here?" Belatedly, she realized she didn't know his name.

"Following you. I intend to finish what we started earlier." He shrugged and his linen suit, much like the one she'd seen on Max, tightened over his undeniably fit frame. His raven dark hair gleamed in the weak light while his eyes behind the glasses sparkled with determination—and heated intent.

The relief she'd claimed moments before dissolved as shivers tumbled down her spine. Whoever this man was, whatever he represented, she wanted the chance to explore why he made her feel completely undone yet curiosity and impatience won out over caution. "I have no business with you." Except to steal another mindless kiss that will make me forget the horrible things I've seen in Egypt.

"Is that so?" He pounced so fast she had no time to fend him off as he pinned her against a wall and crushed his mouth to hers.

Interested to find out more about me or connect with me on social networking?  You can find me around the web at the following places:

Website:  http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Believing is Seeing blog:  http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION FOR THIS POST:  One random commenter will receive book swag (postcards and bookmarks, etc) plus a colorful, beaded scarab bracelet.  Please be sure to leave your contact information and check back in a few days to see if you’ve won!

So what about you?  Do you have an exotic location in mind for vacation or to see before you die?  Share it with me and I might just write about it!
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Well, there you have it.  This sounds amazing. Congrats, Sandra on your release!!  And don't forget people, you wanna win, leave a comment.

Cheers! 

Distractions

So, I find myself eager to complete my current WIP, Bengaria's War and move along to a completely different story.  By new story, I don't mean my other WIPs (The Grosjean Chronicles or To Catch A Marlin)...I'm talking about Time Fracture (working title that's kinda working well).

To be honest, it's not really my story, but a collaboration of sorts with my brother (the original geek in the family).  Since it's still in the working stages, with generalized outlines and stuff, I can't get into too much detail.  But I'm greatly enthused with it, to the point I'm terribly distracted with my final read-through of Bengaria's War.

Speaking of Bengaria's War...once it's done, it's wending its way to another beta read.  From there...well...I'm not quite sure what to do with it.  Seek agents probably.  Wish me luck on that.  Within the week, it'll be done with my meddlesome tweaking and I'll have to let it go and grow up on its own.  Like all WIPs and completed MSs, letting go is the most difficult phase in the writing process.  But I'm learning.

Anyway, better get back to the final tweaking (for now) and send it off to be beta'd.

Cheers!

New Interview at Long and Short Reviews

Stop by Long and Short Reviews today for my latest interview.  Have a chuckle at my expense.

Cheers!

Mid-Week Resolutions

Wednesdays, like most other days in the week, arrive with such exacting precision.  Sort of like those annoying bills you have to pay.

For me, mid-week usually finds me in dilemmas.  You know, wondering what to do with the 'rest of the week' since the gusto you started the week out with, hasn't really panned out.  Plus, Friday is just around the corner so there are many distractions.

This week, I started out with a moderate level of gusto.  I'd just completed my WIP (Bengaria's War) and sent it off to be beta read (again), and with all good intentions, tried to play catch up with my day job and online stuff that I've sorta neglected.  By the end of the day, I was done, and by Tuesday, I had dragged out my shelved WIP (The Grosjean Chronicles) and started re-reading it.  I felt inspired to continue writing, which I have been doing in short spurts since.

But now it's Wednesday and the motivation to continue writing seems to have left me.  It could be the heat...I know, I keep saying that -- or it could be all the new Fall TV shows that have popped up, leaving me to shelve my usual nighttime plotting sessions as I ogle them.  In any case, I still try to put in at least a couple hours writing time in the afternoons...so, at this rate, by late January (unless I get struck by a bolt of inspiration) I reckon I'll be finished with The Grosjean Chronicles.

For now, it's still Wednesday, and the day is progressing extremely slow.  Maybe I should take a page out of my cat's book and start the week like any other week.  Find a spot, stretch out, and have a power-snooze.

Cheers!

A Little Update is in Order

As September draws closer to the end, I once again, find myself blowing out a breath of relief.  As months go, it's been a pretty crappy one with only some mild moments of uncrappy stuff.

Aside from the constant and ever-present heat (what's new in the tropics!), I felt the need to give my current work in progress, Bengaria's War, ANOTHER glean-through -- which I am doing now and nearly coming to the end.  Some things just didn't sit right with me, and some areas need a little more embellishing to 'round off' the tale.  But polishing up your work is never an easy task, nor is the constant distraction of having to market your other books that are out there already.  To top it off, there were other personal stuff going on in my life that took time away from concentrating on the WIP.  Ah, life, such a gloriously distracting thing.

So, as I near the end of the polishing, and the end of the month draws to a close, I'm hoping October will bring a breath of fresh air into my distracted soul.  I know that has been the main issue bogging down my brains and clouding up everything else.  I just hate having unfinished business around me.

In October, I will resume my quest for an agent for Bengaria's War, seek out more reviews for the recently released The Master Key, drag out The Grosjean Chronicles and set about finishing that unfinished tale, and try my best to take a larger dosage of chill pills.

Oh, crap.  And seek out a present for hubby's birthday...

Anyways, join me this Saturday as I venture into the Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday world (giving myself a break from the Six Sentence Sundays).

Sucker for Punishment

Yep, you read right.  I'm going full-speed ahead and lining myself up for some brutal punishment.  I have no one to blame but myself.

I've decided to query agents again...

And funny how after a couple years of not hacking out submission queries, you tend to forget a few things.  I can't even look through my saved files to take notes since the computer crashed dramatically a year ago and wiped that out.  But then, considering I wasn't able to attract an agent then, maybe that's a good thing.

For the last couple of hours, I've spent this glorious Monday morning (said with sarcasm...who loves Mondays anyway?) typing and retyping a passable submission query and trying to "get it right."  Jeez, talk about the pressure of trying to sound business-like AND catchy.  Maybe I should take lessons in narrating movie trailers.  Maybe I should just forget about it completely and stick to my publishers.  But I can't shake the feeling that there's more out there for me.  Hence, the predicament of punishment.

So, I pretty much slapped together a moderately pleasing query letter (which I'll probably pick at some more) and sent off my very first submission query in two years.  What a heady experience, I swear my heart was thudding somewhere close to my throat as my finger hovered over the SEND button.  Then I remembered I forgot to add the word count and smacked myself in the head.  See, the punishment begins.  Sigh...

On that note, Happy Monday.

Cheers!