News

Author News: Plotting and Planning

August 28, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Right brain planning elements. Courtesy of Teresa Robinson. — Right brain planning elements. Photo courtesy of Teresa Robinson.

Yesterday was ultra productive, thanks in part to kicking the day off with an energizing yoga sequence. I wanted to keep the momentum going today. So I began the day with that same workout. I’m focusing that burst of energy on plotting additional books in my coming Playing with Bad Boys series.

I already had the general story line and characters in mind for each of the additional books, particularly since most of them are introduced in Playing It Safe, Book 1 of the series. But today it’s time to get down deep and personal with the characters in the coming books. Like boozing it up with a new neighbor and discovering what she really thinks about everyone on the block. 😉

While I often drag my feet about plotting and creating character profiles, once I finally get started with it, it’s always fun to discover my characters’ secret motivations and the history and relationships lurking in their pasts.

Plotting the story and creating character profiles is also a point in the process where I can easily get lost, falling down the research rabbit hole. So I’m giving myself today and the rest of the weekend to focus on the plot and character profiles of one book in the series, which I’ll be telling you a little more about in my newsletter next week. After that, it’s time to get down to business fleshing out the next book in the series. And the next. Then, on the first Saturday of the month I’ll be participating in a Book-in-a-Week challenge with my local chapter of RWA.

In the midst of plotting out the rest of the books in the series, I’ll also be sharing news with VIP Readers about a change in plans for the Playing with Bad Boys series, and the special project I’ll be sharing with VIP Readers this fall. If you’re not already on my newsletter list, you can sign up using the form below.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear in the comments what you’re planning for the weekend and what tricks you use to rev up your energy and kickstart your productivity.

Have a great weekend!

Right brain planning elements. Photo courtesy of Teresa Robinson.

You Might Be Getting Old When…

August 14, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Last week I went to the eye doctor, a visit I’d been putting off for ages. My squinty eyes were desperate for a new prescription. Yet, my fragile ego was delaying the inevitable. The moment when the eye doctor confirmed that my eyes are showing signs of age. Specifically, difficulty seeing small print. For a person who spends as much time reading as much as I do (and is, frankly, sort of vain), that’s a hard pill to swallow.

After said eye doctor gave me the requisite speech regarding the sad truth of eyeballs growing old, he kindly gave me two options to address my dilemma–being blind as a bat, both long distance and when it comes to reading small print (i.e. anything less than 32 font. Just kidding. Sort of.)

For my contact prescription, I was given the option of some optometry voodoo which involves under correcting one eye. Essentially, I get 20/20 distance vision in my dominant eye. The other eye is optimized for reading, yet gives me slightly fuzzy distance vision. Somehow my brain is supposed to work all of this out and give me the best vision in both situations. The other option is to have both eyes corrected for the best distance vision and then wear a pair of reader specs when needed.

I opted for the optometry voodoo.

One week in and so far so good. I’ll try it a few more weeks before making a final decision.

As for my eyeglass prescription, the doctor barely had the question out of his mouth before I vehemently agreed that I wanted a progressive bifocal prescription. Progressive lenses give you clear distance and reading vision without the telltale lines found in traditional bifocal lenses. I’ll admit, if it weren’t for that little advance in technology, I’d probably have nixed the bifocals, too.

Just when I settled into the idea of wearing bifocals, (okay, my chest still hurts a little every time I say it), I had a second moment of “you might be getting old when…” clarity.

For a long time I’ve been wanting to see Mint Condition, one of my absolute favorite bands, in person. I’d missed the chance to see them on their most recent visits to Raleigh. I wanted to see them so badly I was ready to do a road trip to make it happen. So when Eventful sent an email to say that the band was coming to town I was absolutely ecstatic.

Finally!

I’d never been to the venue they’re playing at in October, so I did a Google search for pictures. To my dismay, it looks like one of those mosh pit kind of deals where everyone stands on their feet for the entire duration of the concert. To quote Stewie, “Say WHAAAT?”

I love the band. I really do. And I love a concert where the music is so good that everyone is up on their feet. But at this stage in the game, I’d also like the ability to sit down every once in a while. Because the last thing these old knees, feet, hips and back want to do is stand in place on concrete for two plus hours.

Sorry, Stokley. Guess I’ll have to hook up with you and the boys on a road trip after all.

That’s when I realized, though I’ll always be the girl who loves to rock it out at concerts, listens to hip-hop and enjoys an all-night reading session, some of these pieces/parts aren’t quite as young as they used to be. And that’s okay, too.

In other news, today I’m over in Hot M.A.M.A. Land talking about getting to know new-to-me multicultural authors and why the #WeNeedDiverseRomance movement isn’t just about opening the eyes of mainstream readers, but the eyes and wallets of us POC readers, too. Grab a cup of coffee and join me. I’d love to see you over there.

Smooches!

Stokley Williams of Mint Condition. Photo courtesy of Kenya Allmond.

Woosah (or How to Dodge Rocks and Keep it Moving)

August 7, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Hope you’re having a fantastic Friday. Mine got off to an interesting start that resulted in a cracked windshield when I failed to dodge the rock that came flying at me from across the highway. An unexpected development that could have easily ruined my day. Instead, I took a cue from Bad Boys II. (Isn’t that where everyone gets their life wisdom?) I woosahed and chose to let it go. No need in allowing a random event to drag down the trajectory of my day when there were so many good things in store.

So, in the spirit of keeping it moving, I went on with my day. I used Rafflecopter random winner selection function to pick the winner in my Summer Reader #Giveaway. I honestly couldn’t be happier about the the name that popped up. Reader, Monica KL deserves this win. (See, sometimes random good things happen, too.) 🙂 I’m excited about creating a jewelry piece from my Sinfully Sweet Handmade shop, just for Monica.

Moments ago, I announced the winner and revealed the cover of Playing It Safe, the first book in the Playing with Bad Boys series, to my VIP Readers. If you’re not on my VIP Reader Mailing List, you can join by clicking the link. You’ll be among the first to hear about book and event news. Otherwise, stay tuned for the cover reveal here on my blog in the coming weeks.

Speaking of blogs, over on the Contemporary Romance Cafe my post Sex, Food and Rock N Roll takes a little walk down memory lane of the role food plays in my stories and the power of having characters share a meal. Here on the Reese Ryan Diaries, I started a series where we get to know authors of color who write in a variety of genres. Be sure to check them both out.

Now it’s time to put my head down and get back to work on Book #2 in the series.

Woosah!

Photo courtesy of Grand Velas–Yoga and Pilates.

Celebrating New Flames and Saying Goodbye to Old Habits

July 17, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Happy Friday!

Authors Reese Ryan and Cheris Hodges — Me and fellow Hot M.A.M.A. Cheris Hodges.

Hope the week has been good to you. Mine has been busy, with lots of unexpected monkey wrenches thrown into the works (like leaking radiators). But we’re making it work and finding a way to keep on smiling, despite what’s going on around me. Learning to stay positive even when the walls seem to be falling down around me is a trick I learned a few years ago. So much better than the woe-is-me approach, don’t you think?

I’m also feeling pretty good because today was the 28th day of my 30-day Yoga Challenge. I’m still on board and going strong. Loving it more each day. I’m feeling pretty good about making #YogaEveryDamnDay a habit and saying sayonara to the stop-and-start workout routine I normally follow. Healthy living here I come!

And I’m still on a high from my official initiation into the Hot M.A.M.A.s as a New Flame along with author Di Topaz. The ceremony happened during the Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet at the Greensboro Central Library this past Saturday. (Check out a few of the pictures below.) It was fantastic meeting new readers and the Hot M.A.M.A.s, the majority of whom I hadn’t met in person. The event was barely over before I was already excited for our next event in 2016. Stay tuned for news on where that will be and how you can be part of it by joining my VIP Reader mailing list here.

Speaking of my VIP Readers, it was great to welcome new readers onto the list who signed up at the Hot M.A.M.A event. I held a drawing for a cool journal and a bracelet and earring set. Reader Kay E. was the winner, pictured below in her absolutely fabulous fly hat.

If you weren’t able to join us at the live event, no worries. You can still enter to win a similar journal and a different handcrafted bracelet and earring set. Just join the list and complete the form below. For additional daily entries, be sure to share the love by spreading the news of the contest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

L-R: Denise Jeffries, Bridget Midway, Yvette Hines, Loretta R. Walls, Iris Bolling, Di Topaz

Hot MAMA Certificate of Welcome — My official certificate of welcome to the Hot MAMAs as a new flame.

Reese Ryan VIP Reader Contest Winner Kay E.

Hot M.A.M.A. Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet on July 11, 2015 in Greensboro, NC

Hot M.A.M.A. Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet Reader Event

June 26, 2015 by ReeseRyan

If you follow me on Facebook, you know I’ve committed to a yoga challenge called 30 Days of Yoga. Seven days in, I’m so stoked about staying on track that I want to add a new commitment to the mix: posting here every Friday.

Life has been a bit crazy, and I’ve been M.I.A. here. I’ve missed connecting with you, so I’ll do my best to pop in here and touch base. Let you know what’s going on in my world and find out what’s going on in yours.

First, if you haven’t joined my mailing list, you’ll want to do that here. Giveaways connected with my upcoming contemporary romance series will be coming soon.

We’re on the countdown to the Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet. The event will take place on July 11, 2015 from 2-6PM at the Greensboro Central Library in Greensboro, North Carolina. We’d love to have you there with us. Wear your flyest hat and join the Fly Hat Contest. I’m going to be a judge, so this will be fun.

Still haven’t reserved your space? Maybe you’ve been waiting for a personal invitation. In that case, I’ve got you covered. See mine below the event graphic. Then I hope to see you there. 🙂

Hot Carolina Nights Series Coming in 2015

November 22, 2014 by ReeseRyan

This morning I’ve been dancing around my kitchen with unbridled happiness, as if no-one is watching. Though my husband is, in fact, watching me and probably debating whether to call an ambulance. But I can barely contain the joy of finally making a decision about where my fiction-writing career is going next.

Thanks to a marathon session with a writing coach who helped me identify and move past some of the fears that were holding me back, I was able to settle on the series with which I’ll launch my venture into the world of indie publishing. And thanks to the amazing readers who took the time to share their opinions and ideas for a title, and said husband whose vote confirmed my final choice, my small town, contemporary romance series has a name: Hot Carolina Nights.

I’d already created titles for each of the books planned in the series. However, a serendipitous idea prompted me to spend yesterday morning renaming several of the books so that the story titles would all fit thematically with the series title. I also spent some time creating a relationship web to establish relationships between characters in each book and throughout the series.

So, yeah, I’m beyond happy. Thrilled, in fact. I hope you, dear reader, will be just as happy with the final results.

On that note, I’ll leave you with a live performance “Blue Rondo à la Turk,,” a classic jazz piece by the amazing Dave Brubeck Quartet (one of the songs I was dancing to this morning). This piece shares that same feeling of unrestrained joy (and unusual timing) that was on display in my kitchen this morning. 😉

Enjoy your weekend!

Wild Horse photo courtesy of Adnan Islam.

Name My Next Contemporary Romance Series #Giveaway

November 18, 2014 by ReeseRyan

Today I’m over on Hot M.A.M.A. Land celebrating our Hot Holiday #Giveaway Days. During each one of our posts, between now and December 19th, commenters will be entered in that day’s giveaway and into the two grand prize giveaways of a $50 gift card and a handbag.

In today’s post, I’m asking readers for help naming a new contemporary romance series I’m writing that will be set in a small, but growing, town in North Carolina. Hop over to my post on Hot M.A.M.A. Land and tell me in the comments which of the possible series names you prefer (or share your idea). Then you’ll be entered in today’s giveaway and the grand prize giveaway. If I choose your series name, I’m offering an additional bonus that will make you one of the first to read the first book in the series.

Good luck!

Hot M.A.M.A. Holiday #Giveaway Days Kickoff Party

November 14, 2014 by ReeseRyan

You’re invited to help the authors of Hot M.A.M.A. Land kick off our Hot Holiday Giveaway Days with a party on Facebook tonight starting at 7:30 PM Eastern.

The fun begins tonight and opportunities to win extend through December 19th. So don’t miss your chance to win holiday romances, a $50 gift card and one of two handbags during our holiday giveaway days.

The authors of Hot Multicultural Authors of the Mid Atlantic (M.A.M.A.) include:

Kianna Alexander
Iris Bolling
Angie Daniels
Yvette Hines
Cheris Hodges
Denise Jeffries
Bridget Midway
Reese Ryan
Loretta Walls
Altonya Washington

Hope to see you there!

Getting Down and Dirty with Your Characters via the Character Sketch

June 25, 2014 by ReeseRyan

As a writer I both love and loathe the character sketch.

Creating a character sketch can be fun. The exercise nets the kind of knowledge one uncovers during happy hour with the straight-laced co-worker who has a secret life you never imagined. It allows a writer to get elbow-deep in a character’s mind and discover her motivations. A character sketch can unlock a chest of unexpected treasures which will bring the character to life and make the story more vibrant. Even when that information is never told directly to the reader, it informs the writer’s knowledge and can have a powerful impact on the story.

I use a detailed character sketch to propel my relationship with my characters from that of casual acquaintances to close friends and confidantes. This enables me to understand my characters in ways that even they have yet to discover.

So why do I also loathe the character sketch?

Because excavating your character’s life and brain in this manner feels like digging up a quarter acre lot with a 5-inch archaeology trowel, as opposed to a shovel. It’s hard, gut-wrenching work.

Perhaps that’s what makes it so much sweeter when, sweaty, dirty and on the verge of giving up, you discover a tiny treasure of unspeakable value. Like a lost wedding ring the owner never thought she’d see again.

In those moments, it all becomes worth it. Every blister, every cut, every broken finger nail. Even if you aren’t the ultimate benefactor of the intense treasure hunt.

The primary beneficiary of the character sketch is the reader. Not because we should proceed to dump every obscure bit of the character’s backstory in the reader’s lap. But because the character rings truer and comes alive on the page.

Character sketches written after the release of a book can be both fun and functional for readers. It can be fun for past readers to understand more about the character. On the other hand, it gives prospective readers a peek into the character’s psyche to see if it’s worth investing their valuable time into getting to know this character better.

Today I’m over at the Romance Lives Forever Blog doing a character sketch of the volatile and complicated Jamie Charles, the heroine in my most recent release, Love Me Not. Here is a brief excerpt:

What is your character’s family like?

Jamie comes from a broken home and had a very difficult childhood. Her father left home when she was about ten. Her mother was an alcoholic and drug addict. Jamie had planned to run away from home at thirteen, but her best friend’s family took her in and became her legal guardians. She loves them and is fiercely loyal to them. Yet, she trusts few other people.

Is she close to family?

Jamie is very close to her adopted family. However, she hasn’t seen her biological father since she was ten and hasn’t seen her biological mother in more than fifteen years.

If someone from your character’s past showed up, who would she NOT want it to be, and why?

The last person in the world that Jamie would want to see is her biological mother, Josephine Charles. Yet, near the outset of the story, that is exactly what happens. Josephine is trying to get her life together and wants to make amends with Jamie. This sets off a series of events in which Jamie is forced to deal with extremely painful secrets from her past that neither she nor Josephine are truly prepared to face.

Read the entire character sketch here.

As a writer, do you use character sketches? If so, what do you like or hate about them? As a reader, have you ever purchased a book based on a character sketch?

Deleted scene from Love Me Not, Reader Events and VIP List #Giveaway

April 11, 2014 by ReeseRyan

Last week I invited you to join my VIP list (just click the pink bar on the left, or go here) because I have lots of news and goodies for readers in April and May. Here’s a little of what’s in store:

Upcoming Reader Events in Morrisville, North Carolina

April 30th: Lady Jane’s Salon RDU — Lady Jane’s Salons are fabulous events where romance authors and readers get together to celebrate the genre while also championing important causes. At each salon, three romance authors read from their work. Admission is a gently used romance novel or $5. The proceeds benefit the fight against cervical cancer and a local shelter for battered women. I’ll be reading scenes from Love Me Not at the event held at Another Broken Egg Cafe at 7PM. If you’re not too far from the Triangle, I’d love to see you there!

September 13th: Fly Hat Society Luncheon — The authors behind the blog Hot M.A.M.A. (Multicultural Authors of the Mid Atlantic) Land will be hosting their annual Fly Hat Society Luncheon. This catered event will give readers and authors the opportunity to hang out, enjoy delicious food and talk about sizzling romance novels. Fly hat required. ;-)I snagged my ticket and I’m excited to meet the Hot M.A.M.A. authors I don’t already know and to chat with readers. Now, if only I could find the right hat! We’d love to see you at the luncheon which runs from 11:30AM to 4:30PM. You can register for it here.

Today on Sulia I shared a snippet of a deleted scene from my latest release, Love Me Not. However, members of the VIP list will be able to read the scene in its entirety.

Last, but not least, I’m doing a giveaway from now through May 10th exclusively for readers on my mailing list. To enter:

Join the Reese Ryan VIP (Newsletter) list.
Spread the news and contest link on either Facebook or Twitter.

It’s that simple! You’ll get more chances to win every time you share the love on Facebook or Twitter. Just use the rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time!