Gemini Rising

Writing Thoughts & A Book Review

Just wanted to share my "writing" thought of the day. Yesterday, I talked about entering competitions to establish writing credentials and hone your writing. Today, I just wanted to talk about the process used to put a novel a together - at least for me.

Plot
You've got to have a compelling plot. There's got to be a firm beginning, middle, and end. Also, be aware of the genre you're writing for. Romance and Gothic genres have very specific rules that should be followed. Sculpt a plot around the rules of the genre you're writing for.

Pacing
Allow for action oriented scenes - in fact try to work it out so your beginning is full of action that hooks a reader. In between the action, have character building scenes. These slow the pace down a little and let the reader catch their breath before you dive back into the action.

Characters
Have interesting and compelling characters. The main character has to grow and change. They've got to be dynamic. Make your supporting cast interesting.

Mechanics
Master the mechanics so you present a polish product. No one wants to read a story riddled with punctuation and spelling mistakes.

Write the first draft
And then when you're done, get feedback. Tweak it. I found in that writing the first draft, I'm getting used to the characters. When it comes time to write the second draft, I'm more secure in that because I know my characters a lot better. EXPECT to write 2nd 3rd and even 4th drafts.

Edit
I can't say enough about editing. Editing polishes your product. Self-editing is a skill though and one that has to be acquired through continuous editing on your part. Writing is 10% writing and 90% editing.

In future entries, I'll take apart the process one by one and look a little more indepth at it.

And now... my daily review. Enjoy.

Book Review for: “Suddenly You”
Written By: Lisa Kleypas
Avon Books
ISBN: 0-380-80232-5
375 pages
$7.50
5 Stars

Lisa Kleypas, A New York Times bestselling author, crafts a masterful historical romance with “Suddenly You.” Kleypas is a skillful plotter. “Suddenly You” is a book the reader can’t put down.

The novel starts in 1835 against the backdrop of London’s fast moving society. Jack Devlin is a young, successful publisher, bastard son of an Earl who grew up at an abusive school. He enjoys the company of the female sex, but doesn’t want to lose his heart to a woman.

Amanda Briars is a successful novelist – a rare accomplishment for a woman in her time, but after carrying for her sick parents, Amanda is past what everyone considers her prime – she’s thirty. Amanda’s settled into the fact that she’s a spinster. Against her better judgment, she visits a high-priced bordello. She wants to hire a man to have sex with her on her birthday. The madam, Mrs. Bradshaw, arranges for Jack, unwittingly, to meet with Amanda.

Jacks wants to meet Amanda because he wants to publish a novel she wrote. When she opens the door, there’s some serious miscommunication between them and Jack takes advantage of Amanda’s plight. The would-be lovers kiss and grow amorous, but Jack calls it off before going too far. When he leaves, Amanda secretly hopes to see him again.

The next time Jack and Amanda meet it’s in a business setting. Amanda is embarrassed, but Jack is thrilled. He loves Amanda’s writing and offers her a contract she can’t refuse. Soon, they begin working together as writer/editor and their chemistry is undeniable. After attending Jack’s Christmas party, Amanda gives into the passion between her and Jack. The couple make love, but Amanda, wanting to guard her heart, makes Jack agree to a three month affair.

Both Jack and Amanda enjoy their passionate lovemaking. During an evening out, they make love in a small parlor, however, Jack is careless and Amanda is soon pregnant.

Knowing how Jack feels about marriage, she tries to keep the truth from him, but when she attempts to marry someone else, Jack refuses to let her. He marries her after she confesses the truth about the baby. Amanda is still unsure about the situation, but their marriage and their willingness to admit their love is tested when Amanda loses the baby.

Kleypas is a master at description, painting 1830’s London with broad, yet vivid words that easily allow the reader to picture the backdrop of the story. Her love scenes are tantalizing. Kleypas writes in a “Lonesome Dove” perspective which switches point of view without line breaks or clear divisions which some readers might find disconcerting. Her dialogue is “spot on,” for the time period. The plot and pacing are perfect, allowing the reader to slow down and get a breath before accelerating again. “Suddenly You” is a delicious way to spend a rainy weekend.


Any Lisa Kleypas fans? I'd love to hear what you have say about her. It's my first book I read from her and I was impressed.

Smiles,
Steph