New Site!

I'll be moving all of my happenings over to my new website (complete with my new pen name!) at 

www.marneeblake.com

Come and find me there!  And stay tuned for any new happenings!

Best wishes! 

XOXO

Marnee

Happy New Year!

I greet every new year with the same mixture of emotions.

It's sad because the holidays are over. I've spent the past week and a half with my husband and my boys. It's going to be sad to see them all trundle back to school/work tomorrow. And January is full of a lot of nothing. No festive holidays. I can't even think of fun ways to decorate my house and there are no reasons to eat delicious food. Well, no predetermined reasons to eat yummy food. For my part, I don't really need a reason. I *heart* food.

But though it's sad, I'm excited too. This month, with its expanse of nothing, is the perfect time to finish a WIP. I'd like to even write two books before the summer. I'm planning to get back into our routine and write my face off.  That alone is exciting and I haven't been this enthused about my stories in a long time.

Also, I have a good feeling about this year.  Last year was full of amazing career experiences. The Golden Heart and all the bells and whistles that came with it. The wonderful women I met and the Cinderella whirl of Nationals. I ended it by signing with my wonderful agent.

It'll be hard to top all that but, like I said, I feel good. Hopeful and exciting.

I hope that all of you are feeling equally energized and fierce at the beginning of this new year. Wishing you all the best!!

What are you looking forward to most this year?

I Have An Agent!

Happy December, everyone!

I know it's been a while since I've posted here, but much has been going on behind the scenes.

For starters, I'm happy to announce that my writing is now being represented by the incomparable Helen Breitwieser at the Cornerstone Literary Agency!

Helen represents an amazing list of authors including my Fanlit friend Tiffany Clare and other awesome wordsmiths like Tracy Anne Warren, Rachel Lee, Maisey Yates, Katherine Center, and Jackie Ashenden!

And now... me!

YAY! *Throws confetti* *Pops the champagne*

I am incredibly excited to be working with Helen. The first time we talked, I felt as if she really 'got' my writing and my voice. I am certain that my work is in very capable hands. She has many years of experience and already I can tell that her guidance in my career will be invaluable.

It's been a surreal couple of weeks and I had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. So, all the virtual champagne and confetti and chocolate for everyone!

A special thank you to everyone who has been there for me these past years as I've continued on this wonderful journey. There are so many amazing people who've supported me, it's truly humbling and my heart is full. I'm the luckiest of ladies.

XOXO
Marnee

Ode To My Golden Heart Sisters

In less than a week, I fly to San Antonio to attend my first RWA National conference.

I can't even explain how excited I am.

It's funny, because going as a Golden Heart finalist is the fulfillment of a dream. But, the biggest surprise--the nicest one--to come out of the past few months is how much I've come to adore my GH sister class. I've met some of the coolest, smartest, most talented ladies and being among them is the best gift of this experience. They are truly inspiring and I'm so happy to know them.

As I've watched, some of them have gotten agents and signed deals. Some of them have gone out on submission. Some of them have decided to self-publish or started along their journey. Some are submitting to agents and editors. I'm so incredibly proud of all of them and have come to root for their successes as if I've known them for years instead of only a few short months.

So, as we creep up on our Nationals experience, I want to take this moment to shout out to my Golden Heart girls. You guys are awesome. I can't wait to spend next week with you, cheering you all on. I couldn't have asked for a nicer bunch of ladies to share this experience with.

Go DREAMWEAVERS!

XOXO

Cover Reveal!! Award Winning Author Amy Patrick's Channel 20Something!

I have a  special treat for you today!  I'm part of my dear friend Amy Patrick's cover reveal! 

So without further adieu!  Here's the cover for Amy's up and coming release, Channel 20Something!

I think it's so beautiful and I can't wait to read it!

Here's some more information about the book and its talented author!

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Channel 20Something by Amy Patrick
(20Something, #1)
Publication date: August 12th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job and her first apartment, but she’s yet to experience first love. Yes, she’s in a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart, and according to her friends and family, he’s perfect for her. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.

And while Heidi’s doing what she wants to do, she’s not where she wants to be. She longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.

Well-traveled Californian Aric Serrano plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. But when he walks into the newsroom and meets Heidi, he may have finally found something and someone worth committing to.

Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could avoid her new co-worker—he’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid. But that becomes impossible when she and Aric are forced to work together on the weekend news. Now there’s no denying the attraction between them, and she’ll have to decide between settling for the “good enough” life she already has or taking the risk of going for what she dreams of, an exciting career and a real love.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22430248-channel-20something

AUTHOR BIO

Amy is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014). She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She's been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.

Author links: 

http://www.amypatrickbooks.com/

https://twitter.com/amypatrickbooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3247178.Amy_Patrick

USA Today HEA blog AND The Writing Process Blog Tour!

First of all, I'm on the USA Today's HEA blog today!!  Go over and say hi!!  

http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/06/15/recommended-reads-shewanda-pugh-ac-arthur/10551991/

I’m also a stop on The Writing Process Blog Tour! I was tagged by one of my lovely Golden Heart® sisters, Jessica Ruddick.  Jessica writes YA, NA, and romantic fiction. You can find her here.

So here I go!

What am I working on?

Right now, I’m working on a YA speculative story. I’m not ready to give much more than that about it yet, but I’m really enjoying writing it. I’m also planning out the story set right after my historical AFTER THE SCANDAL. I’ll write that next, I believe.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

ALTERED, my Golden Heart finalist, is different because it’s a YA from 3^rd person POV. Also, it’s science fiction instead of straight paranormal or fantasy.  It’s set in our world instead of an alternate one, even though it stretches the boundaries of reality a little bit.

My historical are edgier than most of the fare out there. I’ve never written a ballroom scene. Most of my action takes place in sketchy places and the stories are full of suspense.

Why do I write what I do?

I write suspense because I love action and drama. I’m enjoying writing for younger folks because I think so much happens and changes in those years. As to historicals, I love the kinds of conflicts in the 19th century, the time period I write. That time was lush with social conflict and social conflict is a lot of fun to delve into.

How does your writing process work?

I usually spend about a month or so getting my thoughts around a story.  Plot, GMC/character stuff, etc. I plan out a storyboard. Then it usually takes me 2-3 months to write a rough draft. After that, a month or more to revise. Longer sometimes, depending on the story. If real life interferes, well, these times become very fluid.  As to times during the day when I write? Well, I have two little boys. I'm not really sure where I find time to write. :)

Thanks for stopping by!  I’m going to tag two of my 2014 Golden Heart® sisters, Carrie Padgett and Lenora Bell!

Carrie Padgett lives with her husband, a dog, and a cat in the flattest middle part of California. The up side is she's only a couple of hours from both beaches and mountains. She writes sweet contemporary stories set in Yosemite's front yard. She is a 2014 Golden Heart® finalist in the Inspirational Romance category.  Her blog can be found here: http://livevicarrieous.com/

Lenora Bell is Golden Heart® Finalist in the Historical Romance category.  Her blog can be found here: http://lenorabell.blogspot.com/

Make sure to visit them both next Monday, June 23!

SIX WEEKS!

I fly to San Antonio for RWA Nationals in six weeks!

This is pretty much me right now.

Our 2014 Golden Heart yahoo loop has been full of dresses and pin talk and name talk and a few awesome call stories. We've decided to call ourselves the Dreamweavers and we're finalizing out pin design now. The more I learn about these amazing women, the more excited I am to meet them.

I have a dress I can wear for the ceremony but I've debated borrowing a different one from a friend. I'll make my final decision closer to the date. I like to have wardrobe options, you see. Don't we all?

But, most important, I'm finishing a new story and I'll be preparing to pitch it at Nationals along with my GH finaling manuscript.

These past couple of months have been a whirlwind of excitement. Being a finalist in this contest has been an amazing ride.  There have been a lot of cool things going on and to keep myself grounded, I've been writing something new. I'm really excited about it and when I have more information, I'll post it here.  Or rather, on my books tab above.

In the meantime, the summer is beginning. I have two little boys and I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead full of sunshine and fun with them.

What are your plans for the summer, readers? Are you going to Nationals?  If so, leave me a note so we can meet up!

What To Do When You're NOT at RT

The RT Booklover's Convention is being held this week in New Orleans.

My Twitter feed and Facebook have been flooded with pictures of all my lovely writing friends partying it up, talking shop, and enjoying one of the spots on my "to travel to before I die" list.

I would love to say that I'm entirely too busy writing and doing writerly things to be stalking my Twitter and refreshing my Facebook. But it would be a lie. Seems I CAN find too many minutes to jealously read all those cool tweets/posts.

So, instead of getting caught up in my own envy, I thought I'd post a list of things to do while your friends are all at RT (or insert any other writing convention you aren't attending here).

1) Write.  This one is so obvious it almost doesn't have to be here.  But, well, it does.  You can write, get ahead in the word count of all those folks who are away, having more fun than you, er, who are too busy to write right now.  Practical and straightforward.

2) Blog.  Sort of a subset of writing.  But you could insert any promotional item here. Working on your website works too.  Marketing is part of writing, after all.  At least it is if you're a published writer or plan to be someday.

3) Read. Think of it as research. Think of it as a guilty pleasure.  Either way, reading is good for your writing. And, as everyone's busy doing their thing at RT, no one's looking.  Feel free to indulge.

How about you?  If you're at RT, feel free to gush about how much fun you're having.  I won't judge you (much). If you're not, what are you doing to keep busy?

At The Beginning... Again

Altered is out there on the catwalk, strutting its stuff. It's time for me to start a new project!!

At the start of something new, I always have mixed emotions.  I'm equal parts this...

And this ....

It's a really exciting time.  I get to plot out something new, play with new scenarios. I can pluck the depths of characters and play what-if. Most important to me right now, I can write new words instead of revising previously written words!  *happy sigh*  Oh, I know revising is vital. But revisions require a different kind of creativity.  A soul-sucking, exhausting, trying... er, I mean, wonderfully productive and necessary part of the creative process.

I'm deep in the research phase and my storyboard is deliciously empty.  *rubs hands together*  Here's hoping the next days see me typing like a madwoman and not doing a lot of this...

Sorry for the image-laden post. I was feeling visual today. So tell me... how do you feel at the beginning of a project?  What are you working on right now?

Pretty New Headshot!

Part of being a Golden Heart Finalist is having a head shot taken.  Some girls are lucky enough to already have a picture that makes them look author-y and they didn't have to stress this item on their to-do list.

I wasn't so lucky.

The day after I finaled (yes, the day after.  Not that day.  I was busy swimming in the pixie dust that day, folks, I'm not gonna lie) I started stressing about what the heck I was going to do for a head shot.  I thought about just taking a selfie or having the hubs do it.  I considered and even talked to a lovely friend about taking some photos.  But, I turned to my sister-in-law who directed me to the lovely Mindy Ingersoll.

If you look over there....  >>>>>
you will see my beautiful new author-y headshot.

Please.  Did you look?  No?  Well, take this moment now.  It's there >>>>

You saw it?  Good.  Because I love it.

Mindy did a great job.  Made me feel super relaxed.  I love all the pics she took but the one on the right
>>>>>>>
Over there, in case you didn't look yet.
>>>>>>>
Is my favorite.

Thanks again, Mindy!  And if you're in the Philly, Delaware, South Jersey area and you need a photog, check her out.

Ever had to have your professional picture taken?  How'd it go?

I'm a Golden Heart Finalist!

*throws confetti*

My book, ALTERED, is a Golden Heart Finalist in the Young Adult Romance category!!  I couldn't be more excited.  Read below for the list of finalists:

RWA Blog - RITA and Golden Heart Nominees

I got my call this morning at a little after 10 AM.  I think Julie Kenner might think I'm crazy because all I could say was, "Oh my God.  Oh my God."

I've been floating all day and now I get to plan a trip to San Antonio.  SQUEE!!!

Congratulations to all my fellow finalists and to all the finalists in the RITA awards.  To see my name on this post with all those talented writers, well, it's really humbling.

I can't wait to meet the other finalists and to celebrate it up at Nationals this year!

Shop Talk Tuesday: When One Door Closes....

It's been a few weeks since I posted. Sorry about that. But I've been over on my group blog, Romance Writer's Revenge a lot more, for our final huzzah.

Over the summer, my blog mates and I decided to dock the ship permanently. September was our last month of blogging and our finale was yesterday.  

It has been an amazing run.

When we started the blog in 2007, we didn't know what we were doing.  Back then, I blogged every Thursday.  Our topics ran the gamut and we rambled on, trailing off on tangents, really getting a feel for ourselves and the other writers/readers that joined in the discussion.  I learned a whole lot about myself as an author because of the women on that blog. And I made some amazing friends.

I'm going to miss being there, checking for posts every day. Hearing each of the pirates' takes on the world.

For your part, you can still find each of the pirates at various spots on the web.  On my side bar, you'll find the links to each of their homepages.  I'll try to stay here and keep you entertained.  

So, from me, a virtual shout out and a huge smooshy hug to all the pirates.  I love you girls.  I wouldn't be who I am--as a writer or a person--if it hadn't been for you folks pushing me these past six years.  XOXO  

Shop Talk Tuesday: Motivation

I’ll admit: sometimes I procrastinate. Like now. Currently, it’s Monday night and I’m writing this blog. But I’m writing it because I SHOULD be working on the scene I’m almost done with but I just don’t wanna. The scene is hard. It’s required more research than I’ve done during the rest of the book combined.  (Magnetoencephalography. Go ahead and look it up. I’ll wait here…..  See?  Zzzzzzzzzzz)

 

I have exactly no motivation to read another thing about the electrophysiology of the brain. Or the different lobe functions. Or whatever else. I find parts of it fascinating, don’t get me wrong, but when they start talking about all the research that’s been done on the brain, all the different scientists, limitations of the work, etc. well… my eyes glaze over and MY brain shuts down.

 

So, I hit the internet. Pinterest, you saucy wench, I’m looking at you. Oh, another recipe for a cream cheese dip? Don’t mind if I do. Then I scan my FB timeline and I start chatting on Twitter.

 

Let’s face it: if we want to escape from a task, there are no shortage of places to get lost here. In fact, writing this blog is productive, in comparison. At least this is work related.

 

Where am I going with this? Oh right. Motivation. What keeps me going back for more? Because this sort of stuff is hard. I’ve written other stories that have required research. Sometimes it was awesome. I’d fall down the rabbit hole willingly. Other times, not so much. The night I spent trying to figure out how long it would take to get from point A in England to point B, on horseback, for example.  Ugh. I had to know, but I would have preferred to pass over that and get back to the story. Right now I need to know how the brain functions. At least with passable authority. That has required a bit of research. Into science. For this English major.

 

I know. Ouch.

 

But, the story requires it so I need to do it. I will remind myself that it serves a greater purpose: making my story into the best end result I can manage. Then I will focus on that and it will get me going again.  

A great end result. That's the goal. Sometimes I need a reminder. And some weeks I need more reminders than usual. Like weeks that require neurology lessons.

So, tell me… what motivates you?

Shop Talk Tuesday: Writing the Query

Let's talk about query writing.

If you didn't notice--or look yet--I updated my Books tab above with a blurb about my latest project.  Go check it out, I'll wait here.

*pipes in Jeopardy theme music*

I admit: I really dislike writing these things. I actually don't know anyone who loves to write them.  Some writers like them more than others (ahem, I'm talking about you, Terri Osburn).  But no one loves this part.

I think part of my problem is that I'm not really good at marketing, myself or my books.  I'm getting better, but it's hard. Selling something is a completely different skill set than creating something. These couple of paragraphs have to hook the reader. They need to take the inciting actions in the book and turn them into something that will make someone say, "I need to read this NOW!"  You only get a few sentences.  Actually, some would argue you only get one sentence. If the first sentence is boring, some people will stop reading. Probably many people.

No pressure, right?

I have learned a couple of things, though. The query doesn't have to tell the whole story.  It just has to give enough to be provocative.

It needs to say what starts the action and then hint at how they start to resolve it. This is good news. It means all you have to do is condense about 1/3 or 1/2 of your book into a few sentences.  That's much easier than condensing the entire book into a few sentences.

*eye roll*

I think it's also beneficial to get your voice in there.  A taste of what the reader can expect.

What have you learned about blurb/query writing?  Any pointers are helpful!

Blurb is up!

I didn't get to post anything else this week but I'll be back on Tuesday to talk shop.

In the mean time, feel free to click on the Books tab above and read the blurb for my newest story!

Shop Talk Tuesday: Revisions, Oh My

I finished the first draft of my YA/NA story a few weeks ago. 

Yay!  But Ugh.  Because now begins the hard part: revising. Yes, I think revisions are harder than finishing the book. 

I’ve let it sit as long as I can stand and it’s time to start diving back in.

Some people love revisions. I like it when I’m in the middle of it. Maybe it’s my inner Virgo. Setting things right, setting order to chaos. But, when I’m staring it in the face, it sorta makes me feel like this guy:

(If you didn’t go watch the video, you really should. It’s a ram, attacking a motorbiker. Really.)

Anyway. Revisions. They’re daunting. Like an angry ram in your face.

The only way I can even attempt them is to go at it with a clear plan. (I’m a Virgo, remember?)  I start big. Big picture items. Plot holes. Character inconsistencies. Stuff like that. Then I read to see if the tone is right. If the pacing is right. It’s only after I tackle those things that I can manage the grammar and the smaller word choice issues.

So, I’m in it now. Starting to read and look for big picture items.

Ugh.

How do you go about revising? Do you have a plan of attack? How about that ram? Sorry, but I laughed hysterically.  There’s probably something wrong with me.

Long Time No See!

Hello dear readers!

I have been a horrendous slacker when it's come to this blog.

Part of it is that I blog with a great group of girls at the Romance Writer's Revenge so I usually say my most interesting stuff over there.  (Fine, sometimes even my not-so interesting stuff too.) Part of it is that I have little people underfoot a lot, especially in the summertime.  My DSs are 6 and 3. They keep me away from the computer and on my toes. Recently, most of my computer face time has been reserved for writing.

But come September, things are going to change up. (I hope!) My sons will both be in school, full time for the older, just a couple days a week for the younger.  I should have more time.

I'm making a resolution to be here more often. To give myself some incentive, I'm going to set up a little bit of a blog schedule. It's not a rule, just a suggestion.  :)

Tuesdays will be Shop Talk Tuesdays, when I talk about my progress, what I'm working on, what's holding me up. Things related to writing craft and business.  These posts will be my most regular posts. I'd like to post on Tuesday every week.

On Thursdays, I'll use to post things unrelated to writing. Maybe recipes. Maybe holiday related. Who knows?

Fridays I'll reserve for book releases, promotion of books, or for book recommendations.

I'm also going to try to update my book information more often. For example, I finished the first draft of GLORY, the YA/NA I've been working on.  I'll have a blurb together as soon as I can.

This is the plan, folks.  Let's see how it works out!

Do you blog?  If so, how often?  If not, why?  If you do, leave a link below so I can connect with you!

Is It a Break or a Break-Up?

Again, I've been away a while.  I'm sorry.  But I'm back!  With a new header and everything.  And a new story!  But more on that in a minute....

If you've watched Friends, my title will make sense to you.  If you haven't, you'll miss the context.

This is a post about whether a story that's hit a brick wall is done for good or done for now.

I spent the winter working on a Victorian historical romance. I've written a couple historical romances, but my previous stories have been Regency-set. This story required a bit more modern thinking, so I moved it forward to give my heroine a credible career.

I finished a draft. At least I got to the black moment. I couldn't go further than the black moment.  I told myself I'd figure it out in the next draft.

I revised.  I pondered.  I changed some characterization and refined some plot twists. I added a conflict. 

I thought I had it, I'll be honest. 

But, again, I got to the black moment and well, it just didn't feel that black. 

Then I stalled out.

So it sat for a month. I opened the file. I stared at it.  I refined here, adjusted there, to no avail.

I think the problem is lack of conflict in the second half.  For the life of me I can't figure out what the real conflict of that part is. 

After much soul searching, I've decided to set it aside for now.  I'm not sure if it's a break or a break-up yet.  I needed to write something else. Maybe I'll find that spark, that thing that I was missing in the story and I'll come back, revitalized.  Then again, maybe I won't. For now, I refuse to let it bog me down.

I've started working on something else.  It's a Upper YA/New Adult story.  I'll give more details in a bit, when I have a decent blurb together.  Right now, I'm just writing. 

Hope you all are well!

So tell me.... Have you ever set a story aside for a while and come back? Or have you ever abandoned one completely, that close to the end?  Why?

Long Time No Write... or, I've Neglected You and I'm Sorry

Hello, readers.

I'm sorry.  I know I've been slacking here on my blog.  I humbly apologize.

It was a crazy summer.  I have two little guys (5 and 2) and I spent the summer chasing them around and breaking up disputes between them.  It was fun, exhausting, frustrating, and priceless, all at the same time.

Here's a pic of them, at the beach.

Trust me, this moment of sweetness is deceptive.  The entire summer did not look like this.

But, the end of the summer heralded in the crystallization of my current story and suddenly, with the eldest in kindergarten, I've been able to carve out a little more time to write.

I'm adding a little widget on the side for the word count of my newest story, SINCE THEIR AFFAIR.  I'll have a description added to my books page soon, I promise.

So, how was your summer?  As busy as mine?  Full of fun trips or relaxing vacations?  Hope you are all well.

Following the Bliss

I mentioned a couple posts down that I was starting a new story.  

Well, I fibbed.

Okay, actually I didn't fib.  I did start a new story.  But I haven't stuck with it.

There are lots of reasons but I'm not going to bore you.  Mostly because they aren't all positive and I prefer to stay in the light when I can.  The bottom line is that I didn't feel like writing that right now. So I'm going to focus instead on the future and what I do want to write next.

This path we walk as writers (I'm assuming most of you are writers so I'll use the collective here) is a murky one. There is no prescribed route. There is no checklist to accomplish our goals, no "if I follow this flowchart I will reach my destination."  There isn't a one-size-fits-all destination to reach.  Publishing takes so many shapes, one writer's "success" might not even be on another's roadmap. 

Like any journey with no clear destination, we can only use our hearts as our compass.

I'm not so bohemian as to forget that publishing is a business.  Because it is.  Books are commodities that are bought and sold. And when money is involved, the heart can become lost.  When something becomes commercial, it is assigned a value. As an unpublished author of three completed manuscripts, I've been tempted at times to disregard my unpublished efforts as lacking value. To the publishing industry, these efforts DO lack value.  No one has made money from them.  

But to me, they are invaluable.  They're the stepping stones on my journey.  I've started every story I've finished as an exercise in following my bliss.  I've been struck by inspiration and I've followed it to its conclusion.  Each time, I've learned more about myself and I've grown in my craft.  So, though these stories may never earn me any money, they are treasures to me.

After all, you can not assign a value to an experience. It becomes part of what makes us intrinsically different from everyone else and our differences are what make us priceless.

So, once again, I'm following an inspiration.  As I set out, I have no idea what I'll learn.  It's exciting and scary and exhilarating.  But, isn't that the gift and the joy of this phase of the journey?