Writing Adventures : August 2015

Sunday, August 23, 2015

New Romance by Ray Sostre

Synopsis:

Sadie's love life was doomed. She'd had her share of bad men in her life, until she met a friend from a long time ago-- Andrew. She was intrigued. He passed the qualities of a man she wanted, except one thing-- his age. Andrew was younger, but better than the men Sadie had been seeing, and especially better than Dustin Ellerton. When Sadie makes the decision to get rid of the zero and go with the hero, things get complicated.

GET THE BOOK HERE

Interview with author Ray Sostre:

Q: What inspired you to write "Love Type Situation" ?

A: When I wrote the story, it was titled differently. The original tile was "If Loving You Was Wrong" but the title and direction of the story were two different things. I revised it numerous times until I finally got it right. The story was originally written in 2014, but I'm glad I took the story into a more hip direction.

Q: What do you love most about your characters?

A: I created characters the way I wanted to create them--funny, light-hearted, and interesting. I wanted to make these characters easy to understand without exaggerated explanation.

Q: What was your favorite scene to write and why?

A: There was the kiss scene between Sadie and Andrew during a slow song. It was a simple moment, but I found it to be one of my favorites because I created a build up that led there, and all the other good stuff happened afterward.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of your book?

A: The most challenging part of writing "Love Type Situation" was making sure the story remained interesting with constant build up. I'm an erotic romance author, and I wanted to include as many sex scenes as possible. You have to have build up to make the scenes work. I think this is how all good books progress.

Q: How does your story compare to other things you've written in the past?

A: While my current series "Love Out of Lust" is on the grittier side, I wanted "Love Type Situation" to have a more light-hearted appeal, along with steamy erotic scenes, fight scenes, comedy, and good drama.

Q: Where will your writing take you in the future?

A: I'm excited to announce another release on September 21st -- "Love Out of Lust Part Five" This book will step up the game in the series, making it more dramatic. I'm also working on a dark erotic series inspired by a porn star from the 2000's, but that story reflects a parallel life she had, and aims toward a happily ever after. As far as the name of the story, I haven't officially decided, but for now it's a series called "The Chronicles of Meriesa Lopez"

Excerpt from "Love Type Situation" by Ray Sostre:

Andrew took a bite and chewed his food. He then asked, “So how was the job hunting? Any luck?”

“No, I didn’t get any offers, only them telling me they’ll call me back. I had one interviewer at a bank who I wanted to punch. I have never felt so belittled. I wanted to tell her that I wanted her job.”

Andrew chuckled. “Don’t let her get to you.” He paused as he swallowed his food. “If you’re interested, I have a good friend who is looking for a librarian at the Richmond Library. I could give you a recommendation, if you like.”

Sadie asked humbly, “Really, you’d do that?”

“Yeah, she needs the position filled and so far, no one she’s interviewed has been qualified.”

“I would appreciate it if you could do that for me.” Sadie smiled.

“I’ll let her know tonight. Hey, Sadie, if you don’t mind me asking, have you ever thought about being a teacher? You know, you’re good with tutoring, and I know you would make a good teacher.”

“I have, but I only finished two years of college. I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree, but when my ex-boyfriend got locked up I was left to support myself.”

Andrew frowned, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Sadie chided, “I was with the wrong kind of men. I thought I could change them, but I soon realized that they were changing me and not themselves.”

“Yeah, it’s usually like that. I’ve known several men who treat their girlfriends like that. In my case, the girls I meet are a bunch of princesses who want to play head games, expecting me to pamper them all the time.”

“So what kind of girls are you into?”

“I’m not into girls, Sadie. I’m into women – women who are serious about a relationship. I’m not really picky about what woman, just someone who I can be serious with.”

Good answer! I really like him.

“Does it matter about how old they are?”

“Not really, but—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Sadie’s phone went off. Her ringtone sounded an electronica beat. She reached in her handbag sitting on the table and pulled out her phone. She knew who was probably calling her. She looked, and Dustin’s name appeared. She was in no mood to talk to him. She was having dinner and didn’t want to be bothered. She had been avoiding him all day. She decided to press ignore and send his call straight to her voicemail. Not wanting to deal with him calling again while she was with Andrew, she silenced her phone.” I’m sorry. That call was no one important.” She tucked her phone back in her purse. “Go on … you were saying?”

“I was saying it didn’t matter how old they are. As long as she and I get along that would be fine. I’m not looking for Miss Right; they only exist in fairytales.”

Sadie giggled at his answer. “I like that; I’ve never heard of that before.”

“I’m just saying what I want in a woman. I mean, what do you want in a man?”

What do I want in a man? That should be an easy answer for her to give, but Sadie had to pause and think about it. She had been through enough in her past relationships. She had been with a player; in fact, several of them. She had also been with a verbally abusive man, a convict, a thug, and currently was with a wealthy married man who made her feel very lonely. The answer was pretty clear. She wanted him, but she didn’t want to be so forward about it.

“I want a man who’s got his shit together. I want a man who makes me feel alive and wanted. I’ve had too many relationships with boys pretending to be men. I’m tired of the high school drama. I’m a little surprised that a man your age feels the same way and is ready for a serious relationship.”

Andrew grinned “Well, we are out there. You just have to give us a chance.”

“I know.” She then smiled. “You know, Andrew, I really like you. You’re not like the other guys I talk to; you’re something else.”

He returned her smile. “I like you too. It’s nice to talk to someone who I have things in common with.”

Sadie grinned at him, feeling hopeful.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Preparing to Write

Writing is a process that's different for every author. Some people write best during the early morning hours, others in the middle of the night. Some writers use a desk and their laptop, where others dictate their story onto a recorder while they're commuting to their day job. Everyone's preparation--what they do, what they need in order to write--is an individual as a snowflake. It's fascinating! There's no right formula; there's only the method that produces results.

Below are the personal preparations of seven different authors: (Don't forget to scroll down for their links!)

What time of day do you write and why?

I know many authors (artists, comedians, etc.) say that you need to engage the process every day. I can't do it. I like to write on the weekends, beginning in the late morning, when I can go 5-6 hours uninterrupted. Trying to write at home at night when I am brain-dead from my daily slog doesn't work for me -- J Thomas Ganzer

With two small children it's usually a question of when I 'can' write! My preferred time is always to write in the mornings - for some reason this is when I have my best ideas... But I am learning to turn my hand to writing whenever I have the opportunity and I think that has to be my 'plan' in the short term -- Felicity Brandon

I pretty much write whenever I can. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I try to write. First thing in the morning, I try to write. Right before bed, I try to right. I wrote at least one full chapter of "Letting Go" during the middle of the day on my cell phone. It's not so much about a specific time as it's about having a certain level of inspiration and energy, and that can come at pretty much any moment -- Richard Bacula

At this phase in my life, my time to write is pretty much dictated to me. I have two young children and a wife, so once I get home from work, I start job #2--getting the kids fed and to sleep! So, my typical writing period is on my lunch breaks. I supplement that with occasional bursts of writing in the early morning or on weekend afternoons -- Eric Keys

After recently going part time at my day job, I typically write from Fridays to Mondays. Lately I've been falling into the routine of connecting with friends on Goodreads in the mornings; I've been able to meet a lot of really great readers and other authors there as well as Facebook. I'm not much good on an empty stomach, so I usually eat some lunch while watching Jerry Springer-- then it's off to my laptop! -- Sarah Brenner

I write in the morning to the afternoon. I find I'm most productive in the morning. The longer the day goes, the more likely I am to become lazy. By the time evening comes around, I just want to relax -- Reed James

I tend to write in the morning or later at night. During the middle of the day I seem to have more distraction. If I hand write it's typically earlier and then I settle in with my Dragon in the evening and get things done from there -- BB Blaque

What space/atmosphere do you need to write?

Silly as it sounds, I can't write at home--too many distractions. So I go to Starbucks (cliche I know). I listen to my music (80's and early 90's) and bang away until I've nailed few chapters. Something about the energy of the place keeps me going. A library is too quiet. I need productive people around me to power through -- J Thomas Ganzer

I have a small study which I have always used to write - It's a lovely spot overlooking the garden and I adore it. Just recently I have moved my writing space to the over side of the house; there's more natural light there and I am liking the change... So we'll see what turns out to be the most productive once the children go back to school and I can ratchet up my writing agenda again! As for the atmosphere I write in, I absolutely have to write to music. I'm a rock chick at heart, but have also written some of my sordid work to the awesome compositions of Hans Zimmer! -- Felicity Brandon

I have an office in my house that I use to write. I keep it as quiet and as soundproof as possible. I don't like to be disturbed or distracted when I'm in the zone -- Richard Bacula

Since I do so much of my writing at work, I have had to adapt to the space rather than adapting the space to my temperament. But I do try to write when most of the team has gone to lunch, so it's fairly quiet. I rarely write to music, but when I do, I haven't noticed a pattern of the of music. It can range anywhere from traditional folk to death metal or punk -- Eric Keys

As passionate as I am about music, I've found that I work best in total silence and darkness, although sometimes I will light a candle to set a romantic or spooky mood -- Sarah Brenner

I write in my living room sitting on a comfy recliner with my laptop on my lap. For editing, I sit at a desk. I have music playing, generally instrumental from movie and video game soundtracks. I don't like being around people. They make me feel self-conscious, particularly if they're behind me. I just feel like they're looking at my screen -- Reed James

I can write almost anywhere. I have a peculiar process that encompasses hand writing, speaking things into my phone, and fleshing things out from there. My space could be in the middle of the yard in the country, listening to the sounds and absorbing the atmosphere. It can be in my bed, which is where most of the layers are assembled into what they'll eventually become. My bed is covered in warm colors with cats lazying around and dogs nearby. I have some floggers, cuffs and motorcycle helmets on the shelf along with my paperback books. The TV is usually on but the volume is turned down. I will listen to music if I need to kick myself into gear, otherwise I'll become lost in the abyss of youtube and accomplish next to nothing. I listen to music that is the soundtrack of whatever I'm writing. I write best when there is music pushing me along. I always write alone (save for the animals). I put a sign on the door to signal family members "The Masters M.C.-Church is in Session" so they know when I'm working-- BB Blaque

Do you have rituals of things you do before you write?

I whiteboard the story before I begin a book, add in little vignettes here and there. But if I just write with no direction as to how long the arch should be, I end up all over the place. So I map it out beforehand -- J Thomas Ganzer

I have no real rituals. All I need to do is clear any outstanding issues in my inbox and then I have a free head-space to write. -- Felicity Brandon

It's not really a ritual as much as a habit. I go to my computer because I spend a lot of time on it. I open up Scrivener, and whatever file I'm working on. Then I open up my web browser and I check Twitter, Goodreads, and so forth. I play with that stuff for a while, then I tell myself, "Okay, you bastard. You've fucked around long enough. Go write one word. Just one word." Then I get back to Scrivener and I write the one word. That's the hardest part for me, getting that first word out. Once it's out, the rest of the sentence tends to flow easily. Then the rest of the paragraph, and so forth. I always tell myself to write just one word because that's a nice, incredibly simple goal... But I've never stopped writing at just one word, even on my slowest days -- Richard Bacula

Typically I go for a walk before I begin writing. I just let the stress fall away for a few minutes and think about what my characters are doing and why. Then I get back to my desk and let them do their thing -- Eric Keys

A lot of my preparation actually starts the day before. Every night, I like to sit outside and listen to music thinking about the scenes I plan on working on the next day. When I'm finally ready to get started, I like to make sure that all of my chores are done so my mind is free to wander. I also like to have plenty of candy at my desk and my e-cig handy for a few inspirational puffs -- Sarah Brenner

I start my morning with a long shower. I think about what I'm going to write today, putting the framework for scenes, conversations, action pieces, etc. This sort of prewriting helps me get into the flow easier. I also do this on walks -- Reed James

Definitely music, music and more music. Nothing is accomplished for me without it. Also, coffee is very important--I drink it by the pot while writing. My ritual usually comes after I've written. I read everything out loud and into my phone and then listen. I look for flow, redundant word use, continuity, and that dialogue remains true to the characters. I'll listen to everything new and then with the previous parts to make sure it goes well together. In my latest work this has been a lot of fun. The girl in Louisiana Cajan/southern and the guys are Brooklyn and California bikers--so there is a ton of color in the dialogue -- BB Blaque

What disrupts your preparation/concentration?

Writer's block! And it is all mental, and all my fault. I faced a dilemma deciding whether a laptop, thrown into a lake, sinks or float. The internet was no help and I was paralyzed for two days trying to solve the goddamn laptop paradox. A smarter author told me to skip the problem if it is shutting me down. So I did. Character threw the laptop in a dumpster. Problem solved! -- J Thomas Ganzer

Is it too obvious to say that my children can do that? :) Beyond the obvious though, it's not having a clear mind to write with... If my head is clouded with any issues then I have to deal with those, and the first port of call for me to do that is the gym! After a decent work-out I can typically get back my creative muse with little delay -- Felicity Brandon

Any number of things can distract me, which is why I prefer to write in undisturbed isolation. Ideally I'd like to work full time, but the biggest distraction for me currently is that I have a day job. I've done my best writing in periods where I had a break from work, so I only had the one thing to worry about: working on my writing project. The best, most productive times of my life have been when my life consisted solely of writing, with periodic breaks for eating, sleeping, drinking, fucking, and other essential fuels to keep me going -- Richard Bacula

People, blogs, Twitter; the usual stuff -- Eric Keys

There are always plenty of distractions throughout the day, but the biggest has to be my little dog. She's almost 16 and needs constant attention. She's a happy distraction though; I love spending as much time with her as I can -- Sarah Brenner

I find my concentration is very easy to break when I first start writing before I've really gotten into the zone. By the time I've written a few hundred words, I'm a lot harder to distract, but if I just sat down and barely gotten into the first paragraph, a distraction can really throw me off -- Reed James

Life. I also have some ADHD and distractions online can really get in the way. This is when I tend to do more hand written parts. I can sit outside, unplugged, and handwrite to get going in the right direction with less chance of distraction -- BB Blaque

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