The Writing Life

Why Really Getting to Know Your Characters Makes Your Story Richer

December 27, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Today I’m the visiting professor over at one of my favorite blogs, Romance University. We’re discussing a topic essential to any story–your characters. My stories are character-driven. However, even in a plot-driven story, the main characters shoulder most of the load. If the character doesn’t feel real, the reader will quickly lose interest.

A character that isn’t fully formed is akin to a flat paper doll as opposed to a three-dimensional one that feels real to the touch and mimics the activities of an actual baby. Which one would the average little girl prefer?

Readers also prefer characters reminiscent of living, breathing human beings. The kind that will make them wonder what those characters are doing, long after the final page of the book has been shut.

So how do we take a faint idea, a general personality and a few physical traits and turn them into a well-developed character? I’m sharing a few of my tips for making the character feel more fully-formed in today’s Romance University post, Make Your Story Richer with In-depth Knowledge of Your Characters.

Come on over as I discuss a few techniques that enable you to breathe life into your characters and amp up your understanding (and the reader’s) of your character’s motivation. Then share your experiences and tips in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

A note on Romance University: If you’re a romance writer, this tuition-free instructional zone is a wealth of information you can’t afford to miss. But don’t think it only has something to offer to romance writers. The information on creating characters, choosing setting, craft advice, author brand and marketing, industry news and how to accurately write about firearms can be useful no matter what genre you write. So don’t miss out on the great information available there.

Photo provided courtesy of merwing little dear. Some rights reserved.

3 Reasons to Write the Premise BEFORE You Write Your Novel

November 20, 2013 by ReeseRyan

As writers, we get so absorbed with the storyline and characters, writing, and a myriad of creative reasons not to write that we forget about the business side of being a writer.

We lose sight of the fact that once we’re done with writing, editing, revising (rinse and repeat), we’ll need to talk about the book. In a way that’s interesting, intelligent and concise.

Cue the deer in the headlights footage.

It’s embarrassing when someone asks, “What’s your book about?” and you stand there staring at them like a deer caught in the headlights. It can be absolutely disastrous if it happens when you’re on the elevator at a writing conference and your dream agent is the one asking.

I’ve been there before.

Not on the elevator with my dream agent. But let’s just say my deer-in-the-headlights face has gotten pretty damned good thanks to some hard core practice.

What I have since discovered is that writing the premise of your story first is the key to never having this happen to you again. Today I’m over at Contemporary Romance Writers–the blog for my RWA online Contemporary Romance Writers Chapter enumerating the this and two other reasons why it pays to write the premise before you write your book.

Listen to the little diddy above (because it will seriously make you happy for at least the next three hours) then I’d love it if you popped over to the Contemporary Romance Writers blog to chat about whether you write your premise first and when your last deer-in-the-headlights experience occurred.

5 Ways Introverts Can Succeed Without Forcing Themselves to Become Extroverts

November 15, 2013 by ReeseRyan

You probably won’t find this shocking, but I’m a bona fide introvert.

Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Many writers are. The quiet, solitary nature of writing appeals to introverts.

I have often referred to myself as an introvert masquerading as an extrovert. The feeling that, as an introvert, I must conform to a more extroverted personality in order to succeed, is a belief that many introverts hold.

Yet, it simply isn’t true.

As introverts, we have strengths which we can leverage. We need to recognize this and stop feeling guilty and apologetic about our natural temperament.

Recently, I’ve seen some pretty awesome info online about introverts. There was this enlightening, thoughtful post that dispels ten myths about introverts. For instance, we don’t dislike people and don’t always want to be alone. However, we draw our energy from within and need some quiet downtime to recharge our batteries. When we’re not allowed that–or are made to feel guilty about it–we can turn into a Ms. Cranky Pants of a magnitude you never, ever want to witness.

Trust me on that.

On the other hand, give us a little fair warning about a social event and some time to recharge before and after the event, and we can be the life of the party. You won’t be able to shut me us up.

Then there was this awesomesauce post on Buzz Feed about 27 Problems Only Introverts understand, which is hilarious, mostly because it’s also quite true.

Today I finally got a chance to watch a video by the funny, insightful and always inspiring, Marie Forleo, over on MarieTV. Networking for Introverts with Susan Cain. I love Marie’s videos! She shares information, encouragement and resources that help entrepreneurs make money and live a life they love. The advice and observations she shares are usually applicable to creative professionals, too.

Susan Cain is the author of the award-winning book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. This video discussion between Susan and Marie highlights five fantastic tips to help introverts cope in a world where they seldom feel appreciated. Not to mention the comfort that comes from knowing you aren’t alone (or an anti-social freak). The video is lengthy at a little over 20 minutes. However, it’s well worth it for introverts and the people who love them, but who don’t always get them.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What challenges have you faced either being an introvert or in dealing with people who are? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Photo of Susan Cain courtesy of the American Library Association. Some rights reserved.

Sexism in Romance (or Romance Heroines are Mad as Hell and Not Gonna Take It Anymore)

July 2, 2013 by ReeseRyan

This morning I’m over at the Café discussing a topic that has long bothered me. Sexism in romance.

We normally accuse men of being sexist. Of wielding double standards. Yet in literature–and romance in particular–we are the ones who condemn brash, strong heroines and saddle them with uncomplimentary designations. I’ll admit that I’ve determined a heroine unlikeable and closed the book on her whereas I’ve pushed through to the end of a book even though the hero made me want to strangle him…from the very first chapter.

Why the double standard?

If a character needs to be likeable for me to read the book, shouldn’t that apply to both the hero and the heroine? It’s a question I asked myself while reading Janet Fitch’s literary fiction title, Paint It Black several years ago. To say her main character Josie Tyrell is deeply-flawed is like saying that deep-fried Twinkies aren’t an optimal dining selection. The truth is she’s horrid. Irresponsible. Self-absorbed. Yet the story is quite compelling.

So I ignored everything in me that screamed for me to shut the pages on Ms. Josie Tyrell and move on to a nice, sympathetic heroine. Or a least a flawed, but funny one like Heather Wells from Meg Cabot’s Size 12 is Not Fat. But the story pulled me forward. So I kept reading and was introduced to a woman who was perhaps even more unlikeable…Meredith–the mother of Josie’s dead boyfriend.

I finished the book. And I’m glad that I did. It opened my eyes to the beauty that can be found in tales of broken, seemingly unredeemable female characters. I was drawn to more stories and characters like this–even in romance where we are assured a happy-ending–if only for now. This type of character also made her way into my own writing. At first she was always a secondary character–maybe even the best friend. But Jamie Charles–the best friend character in my upcoming debut novel, Making the First Move, had a lasting impact on me. I wasn’t satisfied to just know that she was a better person now. I wanted to go back and delve into the dirt to find out why she’d changed and witness the process. Jamie gets her own story later this year.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café to discuss why we hold heroines to a much higher standard than romance heroes and if that trend is changing. Plus meet Jamie in an excerpt of Making the First Move.

See you there!

Photo courtesy of Philippe Leroyer. Some rights reserved.

Who Would You Be for a Day and a Making the First Move Excerpt

June 19, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Today I’m over at Caribbean Accent Book Reviews (CABR) chatting with my gracious host, Sasha. I’ve interviewed lots of authors (actors, musicians, artists, etc.) over the years–most of them over on All Things Girl. It is strange, yet exciting, to be on the other end of the questions. Sasha’s questions were a great way to ease into this whole new world of being the interviewee.

We discuss what prompted me to tell Melanie and Raine’s story, a scene I found challenging to write, and who I would be if I could be anybody for a day. (That last one is probably my favorite.)

I’m also sharing a funny Making the First Move excerpt which features one of my favorite secondary characters from this story–Melanie’s mom, Ellie Gordon. I love Ellie’s character. She’s the matriarch of the Gordon Family and she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. She loves her girls fiercely, but she also seems to have a gift for embarrassing poor Melanie. This scene is essentially a meet cute between Melanie’s love interest–Raine–and her mother who is immediately smitten with him–on behalf of her daughter, of course. 😉 The story takes place in my hometown and this scene occurs at one of my favorite spots in town–the Cleveland Museum of Art.

I’d love it if you’d stop by CABR to say hello. While you’re there, be sure to enter into a drawing for an e-copy of Making the First Move.

Cover Reveal: Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

June 11, 2013 by ReeseRyan

One of the first things that draws us to a book is its cover. So as a debut author (who may or may not be a teensy bit of a control freak) I was plenty nervous about whether or not I’d like the cover of my debut novel, Making the First Move.

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan — *Making the First Move* by Reese Ryan is available for pre-order at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iBooks | Amazon United Kingdom

So I’d been sitting on pins and needles for months. Hands were wrung. Floors were paced. And I was seriously stressed about how my cover would turn out.

I’d finally resigned myself to the idea that no amount of worrying (or panicky emails exchanged) would get the cover completed any faster. I would have to wait patiently (not very good at that) and hope for the best (much better at this). So whenever I started to worry about my cover again, I’d repeat the following mantra: “My cover will be done any day now, and I’m going to absolutely love it.”

So you can imagine my joy when the final concept for the cover showed up in my inbox a two weeks ago. I held my breath, clicked on the attachment and completely fell in love. The cover is everything I hoped it would be and more.

I expected to have a minor suggestion for changes, but I had absolutely zero. It’s perfect. I love everything about it. The hero. The heroine. The pink. The font. The entire package.

My plans for doing an exciting, rip-the-white-tarp-off cover reveal got derailed when I discovered the cover was already on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Carina Press website. Yet I didn’t have time to be disappointed. I was too busy kermit-flailing over the fact my Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads book page now felt official. Maybe I felt a little more official, too.

So, I present to you Melanie Gordon and Raine Mason of Making the First Move. To read the summary and excerpt, visit the book page here.

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan is available for pre-order at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iBooks | Amazon United Kingdom

Why I Write Smart, Strong Heroines with a Side of Family Drama

June 4, 2013 by ReeseRyan

As writers, 99.9% of us are also avid readers. Each of us has favorite authors whose work inspires us and in some way influences our own writing.

There are several authors I’m quite fond of. Judy Blume, Pearl Cleage, Jane Green, and Benilde Little to name a few. But my very favorite author is Jane Austen–primarily because of my deep and abiding love for Pride and Prejudice with its heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.

This month we’re discussing our favorite literary characters over at the Contemporary Romance Café. Today I’m chatting about my two favorite heroines and the impact those stories have had on the novels I write and the characters who populate them.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win a print copy of one the books in guest author M. Malone’s The Alexanders series.

Photo credit: Still from A&E’s miniseries Pride and Prejudice.

In-depth Interview with Indie Author M. Malone

June 1, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Outside of writing fiction, one of the things I enjoy most is doing author interviews. First, there’s the excitement of getting to know authors whose work and accomplishments I personally admire. Then there is the thrill of introducing readers to an author they might not have read otherwise. As a reader I’m interested in their characters, stories, and what inspired them. As a novelist I sit as a student at the feet of masters, hoping to glean some knowledge that I can use in my own work and career. My recent interview with Minx Malone is no exception.

As an author of contemporary romance featuring multicultural characters that don’t quite fit into the typical “check here” box, I’m a huge fan of Minx Malone. Recently I had a chance to get the skinny on her current contemporary romance series–The Alexanders–and a chance to ask this hugely successful indie author about the inspiration for her stories and why going indie was right for her. She also gave us a glimpse into what she has planned for the future, and her writing process.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for an in-depth chat over coffee with indie publishing rock star, M. Malone.

Talking About Inspiration Over at the Contemporary Romance Café Today

May 7, 2013 by ReeseRyan

The theme this month over at the newly launched Contemporary Romance Café is “Inspiration.” It’s been fun hearing the inspiration behind the writing and novels of fellow Carina Press authors.

Today it’s my turn to host the Café and I’m chatting about my inspiration for writing everyday heroines, setting my stories in the my Midwest hometown of Cleveland, OH, and the specific idea that prompted me to write Making the First Move, my debut novel launching this summer.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win the weekly Amazon Gift Card giveaway and our Grand Prize. I’m saving a space on the couch just for you.

The Contemporary Romance Café is Now Open

May 3, 2013 by ReeseRyan

For at least the past six months I knew I wanted to start a group blog. Initially I thought it would be a blog on writing, like the one I had for many years. But a series of email chats with my lovely, writer friend Julie Luek brought me some clarity on where I wanted to focus my time and attention. So I made the decision to stop updating my old writer blog, Mindful Banter, and instead focus on developing my author’s blog here. But I still wanted very much to be part of a group blog.

Central Perk Set from Friends television show.

During a discussion on the Carina Press authors loop, it occurred to me that while there are many blogs dedicated to historical romance, mystery writing, and erotic romance, there aren’t many group author blogs that focus on contemporary romance. So I floated the idea to my fellow Carina Press authors. The response was thrilling and there are currently 23 founding members of the new group blog we call the Contemporary Romance Café.

We created the Café as a cozy space online where you can dish with resident Carina Press authors and our guests about your favorite novels and characters and get a glimpse behind the scenes of the crazy lives of storytellers. Sample juicy excerpts from new releases. Discover authors and novels that will keep you up all night feverishly turning the pages.

At the Café we’re serving contemporary romance in every flavor. Resident authors write in styles ranging from sweet to caliente heat. So whether you like your romance sweet or savory, we’ve got just the contemporary romance for you.

The Café launched on May 1st and it’s already off to a great start. Check out my welcome message here. Then peruse posts by my fellow Carina Press authors: Jana Richards (sizzling romance), Jeffe Kennedy (red-hot romance) and Amie Denman (sweet romance).

In the coming weeks expect posts from an all-star lineup of guests including Fiona Lowe, New York Times bestselling author, Shannon Stacey. Rock star indie authors: Minx Malone, Kendall Ryan, Jami Alden, and J.A. Redmerski, and more.

We’re delighted to be the new home of all things contemporary romance. To kick off the celebration we’re giving away lots of goodies. During May we’re giving away one $25 Amazon gift card each week, and a grand prize $50 Amazon gift card plus the bundle of contemporary romance titles seen here.

So come on over. Mingle with our resident authors. Enter for a chance to win. Bring your own coffee, but we’ll supply the laughter, fun, and great stories. We’ve got a seat saved just for you.

Central Perk set photo taken at Warner Brothers Studio courtesy of Elentari86. Some rights reserved.