Mark Your Calendars for Wed, Feb 3

Hi Gang,

Just to let you know, my interview of popular romance book cover model, Jason Aaron Baca, is set for Wednesday, February 3 at The Blood-Red Pencil Blog at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com.

Jason is on over 400 romance book covers and is closing in on Fabio's record.

I hope you can join me over there next Wednesday. Here's a teaser picture from one of his book covers:

And there's lots more pictures you'll see next Wednesday over there!

Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances and mysteries at
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts and links are also at:
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Adding Twists & Turns In Your Writing! by DL Larson

My go-to book for writing has become Donald Maass's book, 'Writing 21st Century Fiction.'  As many times as I read it, I always find new techniques to implement into my writing. Like adding twists and turns. I feel I add my share of twists and turns, but he encourages a writer to go beyond the expected and create something unexpected.

Mr. Maass suggests to open your manuscript to any scene, then ask yourself, "what would blow the story sideways right now? Go for it."

So I found a spot in my WIP that I thought was too much narrative and not enough action. I added the unexpected. BAM! It added flavor and a dash of ridiculousness to the scene. I loved it. My writers group at the time did not find it a reasonable change. Some said it mislead the readers at what that particular character was all about. I contemplated removing the addition. I changed my mind and kept it in. My unexpected twist opened up my story line and created a deeper layer of involvement than I had originally intended with that character. It gave that character a new purpose the reader had not been aware of previously. I hadn't realized this new twist would bring the character to life. What a pleasant surprise.

Basically, I'm not telling you anything new. But this can serve as a reminder to not be too comfortable with your plot. Add the unexpected. Donald Maass suggests, "If the expected happens, change it. If nothing new is discovered, discover it and add it."

That's great advice ~ for all of us!

'Til next time ~

DL Larsonwww.DLLARSON.com



 

Good-bye to Alan Rickman! by DL Larson

I'm sad this great actor has left us so soon. I first adored Alan Rickman when he played the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, starring with Kevin Costner.

He was genius in his portrayal of nasty characters. And funny. Even likable. He had a way of revealing just enough of his character's hidden emotions to draw the viewer in.

And I have to mention his part as Hans Gruber,
in Die Hard, with Bruce Willis. A fabulous performance. He was a gifted criminal in front of the camera.

Most of all, we remember Alan Rickman for his role as the Master of Potions, Professor Severus Snape, in the Harry Potter movies. What a wonderful, delightfully, frightening character. Having read all of the Harry Potter books, I know first hand what a magnificent job he did bringing Prof. Snape to life.

Alan Rickman never received an Oscar for his performances, and he said something to the fact that, 'parts win prizes, not actors.'  How profound of him. I know as a writer, I would love to have someone of his caliber portray one of my characters. I imagine that is a dream of many writers ~ to have their work turned into a movie or play. Writers also strive for awards to show the world they are worthy, and folks should read more of their books. I don't believe I've ever come across a writer who would say, 'plots win prizes, not writers.' But then writers are a pretty insecure bunch. We dream of big characters, we rarely get to become one. Alan Rickman had the uncanny ability and opportunity to give a big character life. And we are all better for it.

Rest in peace, Alan Rickman. You will be missed.

'Til next time ~

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com

We at Book Beat Babes hope to get back in the swing of things and blog more regularly than we have these last several weeks. So please stop back soon.

Making Ready For Christmas! by DL Larson

     MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

My family and I have been busy all Christmas season. This photo is the result of a charity my granddaughters had during our annual Caroling Party. These fun gifts will go to a family of ten girls who live at Mooseheart Child City and School. The request was for simple craft projects for the girls to do throughout the winter. I believe the donations will make the young girls very happy! A BIG thank you to all our family and friends for helping make this Christmas idea a reality!

 

This is the tree in my family room. My cat usually sits beneath it so he can look out the door. So far, he hasn't bothered climbing or exploring further. Let's hope he decides to be a good kitty for Christmas.

My grandson Colton and I worked on our annual gingerbread house. I was in charge of frosting while Colton decorated. He did a great job and we only had to chase after a few pesky beads that fell on the floor.

This is a live nativity our church does each Advent. I was a shepherd this year. We had a few sheep and a donkey as well. We stand for 30 minutes while the Christmas story is told over a loud speaker. Then we head back into the Fellowship Hall for hot chocolate and goodies. This year we had three sessions. It always helps me to remember the true meaning of Christmas when I take time to participate in events like this one.

 I hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Christmas. Beyond the unwrapping of presents and feasting on wonderful meals, and spending time with loved ones, please take a moment to count your blessings. I bet they are plentiful!  I know mine are.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com

Christmas Carol

If you missed it the first time around, Christmas Carol is still available to offer you some Christmas cheer. 

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2

What it's about: 

 Stranded for the Holidays in a snowstorm, famous author, Blake Dugan, discovers the true meaning of life and love through a waitress with the unique name of Christmas Carol. 

And here's the link again:

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2

Find all of my books at my Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts and buy links also at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Catch me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Sharing the Heartache! by DL Larson

I learned a few days ago a college friend passed away. Her name was Jean. We called her Jeanie-Beanie. I remember Jeanie had a bright smile and a hearty laugh. She lost a leg due to cancer while we were still in college. I remember sitting on a swing set with her on a bright winter's day. It was before her surgery. We were in South Park, Quincy IL. It's a great park, with rolling hills and a small stream snaking in and around the grounds. The snow crunched beneath our feet as we made our way to the swings that day.

Her disease was the first time I encountered that hideous word: cancer. She told me she had two choices.
1. Save the leg and have a very short life.
or:
2. Say good-bye to her leg and hope for a long life.

Jeanie sang at my wedding. She'd never sung in public before. But I knew she could do it with ease. She sang, 'Let There Be Peace,' and 'The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.' I can still remember her rich, alto voice. Jeanie sang at dozens of weddings after mine. She once told me she'd never considered singing in public until I asked her to sing at my wedding.

I wish I could say Jeanie had an easy life. But health problems plagued her. Still, she found happiness in her marriage to Larry and enjoyed her many nieces and nephews. And friends. Jeanie was a special friend to so many. Her heart was big and her love for life enormous.

I can well imagine how she was received in heaven. "Oh, here she comes!"  "We've been waiting for you." "Welcome home, Jeanie!"

I hope my reflection on Jeanie's life will remind writers that characters can have real life issues. This is where many readers relate to the character(s). If you are searching for a unique character in your next story, consider someone like Jeanie. She had many physical problems in this world, but her zest for life didn't waver. Her compassion for others outshone her illness. And she left cancer to wither a slow death on its own.

"Far out, Jeanie Beanie! Far out! You silly rabbit."

'Til next time ~

DL Larsonwww.DLLARSON.com

HAILEY'S CHANCE - FREEBIE ON DEC 4, 5, 6 (FRI, SAT, SUN)

Come and get your free copy of Hailey's Chance: Will Baby Make 3?
This event will happen on Dec 4, 5 and 6 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Here's the link:  http://amzn.com/B013D2FB78

Hailey's Chance is the prequel to the romance, Christmas Carol. Both books are set in the fictional town of Deerview, Wisconsin, but the main characters are different.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:

What's one woman's curse could be another's blessing.

Happily expecting her first child, Hailey is unprepared for the deadly storm which tears apart her hopes and dreams. Lost in grief, she's startled by her neighbor's suggestion. What's proposed could bring joy or heartbreak. Should she take the chance?

If you like this book, I'd appreciate your writing a very brief review on Amazon.

And, if you really like this book, you might want to read the 99 cent romance, Christmas Carol, this holiday season.

*These two books are also presently enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program.

Come follow me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

All of my books are on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Links & excerpts are all at: 

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com