Evolution of a Series

I’ve been looking through some books in the various series I have. Going over the notes for the future books in the series. As I read each I find myself writing little things and finding new things I want to put to the series. This all goes to the evolution of a series. You can start with one niggling of a concept and as you write it get to be more. More complexities are reveled as you layer the world. A reaction of characters can change the whole plan. One of the things I’ve learned as I write is not to fight it. Let the story go where is may. You just have to hang on for the ride.

When my vision I may have changes as I write I love it. It pushes me as a writer. Challenging me to bring it. With each book in a series you have to step up your game and make it a ride for the reader. Layer in things in each book that will make them want the next and next. As a reader and writer this is what make me come back for more. The complexities of a story. Those little things that I remember and resonates at random time. It makes me scramble to find the book and read it.

In each book I try to achieve this as a writer. Push the boundaries of expectations and shatter them. Make your breath hitch and heart race. Take you with me on a journey beyond what can be fathomed. And once I’ve hooked you bring you on the plane with me for the evolution of a series. I promise it will be a ride you won’t forget.

Snippet Saturday - Author's Choice

Today’s snippet theme is Author's Choice. I've chosen one of my fav scences in one of my books. I’ve spoken of moments on my blog in the past and how they are powerful. They should be celebrated and observed in some way. First a slight set up. Nigel Ha’gan my hero is having a hard time moving on with his life after his wife passed. Well until an intervention via a dream shakes him up.

An snippet from God Style Temptation….

“Nigel, you have to let me go,” Zarlu said in that soft voice of hers, then she smacked him on the head.

“Ow, what did you do that for?” Nigel looked at Zarlu’s twinkling blue eyes.

She smiled, a sweet twist of her lips and put her hands on her hips. He knew from her stance he was in trouble.

“Why are you holding me as a shield so no one can get close to you? Geesh. You’re a man for god’s sake. You have needs.” She paced back and forth in front of him. She stopped and gave him a sexy look. “I know you’re not a saint.” She chuckled sensuously. “So stop being an ass and start to live.”

Watching her Nigel ached to touch her one last time. She smiled as if she understood. Coming to him, she slid her arms around him. Sinking into her embrace Nigel felt her love and care for him.

Zarlu pulled back with her arms still around him and sighed. “Nigel, it’s time to get back to living. Stop holding onto the past.” She looked at him. “When you’re ready you’ll know it’s time.” She glanced over his shoulder. Following her gaze Nigel looked at himself and the woman on the bed.

“Her name is Aurora and she needs you as much as you need her, Nigel.” Zarlu touched his cheek gently, pulled his face close and kissed him softly and tenderly. “I love you, my warlious.” She started to fade.

Reaching for her he whispered. “I love you, my sesuioul.” She smiled and disappeared. Watching her leave Nigel knew it was the last time. Tears rained down his face as he returned to his body.

Gasping he came awake, careful not to jerk the sleeping woman. He felt the tears on his face. Taking them off his cheek he held them and watched as they turned into a handful of diamonds.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Jody Wallace
Emma Petersen
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
Eliza Gayle
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane
Helen Kay Dimon
Leah Braemel

Surreality of Snow

Earlier this month I talked about snow stillness on my own blog. With all the snow we’ve been getting some days it is a winter wonderland (well before the mush when everyone has been through it). Since I leave so early for my day job I get that snow stillness when it is fresh and coats the area in a white beauty that is creates a surrealness. Being out that early it feels like I am the only person in the world.

Being that it was my world since there was no one around at least briefly I walked reworking a scene in a book I’m writing. It involves lots of snow and a sense of urgency. The feel of the snow around me got me into the mindset of what the characters would be feeling. Alone with that feeling for being followed yet it is too snowy for you to be sure. Then a face comes out of the snow shocking you. Is it salvation or danger? Whew. My heart was racing as I walked. It all playing out in my thoughts as I walked.

I was looking behind my shoulder too. LOL. Even sped up a little to get away. This is what I was going for that sense of fear, pulse pounding and wanting to know. With the snow it helped me get into it. Get a taste of how it would feel. This I think will make the story read more real. The snow we had played a big part in my story. Setting the atmosphere for me. Hmmm… maybe I’ll need to give it an acknowledgement for it.

Because I love it

A conversation that I’ve had a few times in the past and more recently got me to thinking. A lot of blood, sweat, time, sleepless nights and tears go into anything that you love. Whether it is sewing that fabulous outfit, painting a picture, crocheting a throw or any other number of things you do. With each it takes all of what I mentioned above on my your to get to that finished point. It is the same with being a writer. Let me break it down.

Blood – I’ve typed so hard that I’ve left blood on the keyboard or gotten paper cuts while reading through pages of my manuscript. Hey paper cuts hurt something awful. (grin). I put my figurative blood into each book I write. My heart and soul are on each page.

Sweat – I’ve broken into lots of sweat as I pounded away at the keyboard trying to get a scene just right. Talked with a reader which I love to do. Since I am shy this is the hardest for me. Hush those who know me that are laughing. I am shy, just not with those I know and am comfortable with. But I digress. I’ve sweated about a variety of things. Waiting anxiously to hear back on a submission. Edits for my book. Opened a review of my book.

Time – The amount of time spent with writing the book, doing self editing, then again self editing, crit partner editing, your editing again and then off to publisher who you will have to wait for a response. And if you get that all lovely response of “yes” then even more waiting to get to the process. When in the process even more waiting to get through the process. Then after process even more waiting to actual release. Then release then more waiting to see what people think. Whew I am tired of even imagining the time. Yet each moment is worth it. So worth it all.

Sleepless night – The idea in your brain that will not understand that you are sleeping that forces you out of bed in search of paper to write it down. The book you are writing that will not let you rest until that last scene is just so or that last word is complete. The excitement of a new project. The wait for the submission that you sent. Or waiting for a note/call from your editor on something.

Tears – Oh the tears I have cried as I write a scene in a book or read a letter from a reader who actually got the story as intended. The awesome review that said that one phrase that made you smile that the story did as you intended it to do. The bad review that even though they didn’t like the story there was something constructive in it that you took away for future reference. The tears of completion that you finished the story and it was written to the best you could get it. The tears of relief for the contract that you went after or publisher you wanted that story to be with. The tears of making hard choices that will be best for your career.

I could go on and on with a list of what all the things above mean in correlation to writing. I’ve been asked many times why do I write. My quick response is “it’s in my blood, soul and heart”. The more complex one is “because the blood, sweat, time, sleepless nights and tears go into it because I love it.” I get lots of confused looks when I give the complex one so I usually give the simple explanation. With the complex response I’ve never tried to articulate what I meant until now. There are so many layers to it all. So much to say. If you think about it all those points cover many things you do in your life. I have many creative outlets that I pursue. I draw, love to sew, do crafts and cook. Each are things I love and that I want to be my best at.

No matter what you are pursuing. The things that you put your heart into – that you bleed for – figuratively and in reality. The things that bring you closer to people you would never have expected to have anything in common with. Things that may, take time away from family and friends. What you sweat over because you want it to be you upmost best and create a reaction – good or bad. The nights you cannot sleep because your thoughts are consumed with whatever project you are working on. Or the wonder when it is seen by the world and how will they react. The tears you shed to get there, between going there and as you get there. Each tear has a purpose to make you go forward. They each make you learn and grow.

In each thing you do that involves blood, sweat, time, sleepless nights and tears none of it matters because it all boils down to one thing. You do it because you love it.

Rediscovering Passion

Before I write the next book in one of my series I read the previous book. This is my way of getting back into the world of that book. The feeling of it. Familiarizing myself with what I’ve created. Get the characters in the series back into my thoughts.

This is the stage I’m at right now as I get ready to write another book in one of my series. When I do this stage it always surprises me that I get drawn into the story again. Sometimes little things I put into the book shock even me. I guess it might be the distance from the book. The one I get between writing it, subbing it, taking a break from the series and then coming back to write the next. This is the good thing about having multiple series or other projects to work on. You can step away from a series and do something else.

Back to the book I am getting ready to work on. I’m back into the series and I’ve gotten that thrill for it. Excited about diving back into the series. Ideas of what to do with the book are flowing and it is all gelling together. I love this moment of rediscovering passion.

A good reason to cheat

I’ve always been a desktop computer person. I’ve had friends who swore by the laptop but not me. I loved my desktop. Well… until recently. I’m a cheater. A serial cheater. (sob) I’ve been stepping out on my desktop. I’ve done it briefly before but never like this. You see I have this problem. I love gadgets. I get all tingly when I see something new and shiny. Now sit back I have to tell you the whole sordid story.

Early last year when I was going to be away from home I decided to get a new laptop. The one I had before had to be replaced (or this is what I convinced myself of). Since I’ve had a laptop before I knew it would be a brief affair. And when I got back to my own house my desktop and I would be back together. After all our love affair was strong. Right. Well I was so wrong.

I saw the new shinny laptop I wanted and bought it. When I first booted it up my heart raced, palms and other places got wet. Did I mention I love gadgets? (Sigh) It’s one of a few addictions that plagues me. One I don’t ever want to get rid of. But I digress and need to get this out.

The laptop was so new and so sleek. I reveled in using it but… this is the part where I admit my shame and cheating ways. So bear with me. When I got home I didn’t even look at my desktop I continued using the laptop. I ignored the desktop. My love… my beautiful desktop. The one who had my heart…until now. As last year progressed I was steadily using the laptop and leaving my desktop untouched. The desktop would sit lonely for months as I happily used the laptop.

Well after some soul searching on January 1st I’ve told my desktop that it is no longer number 1 in my heart. It is relegated to my mistress (one I have kicked to the curb). It was a hard break to make but I had to. My new number 1 and partner my laptop and I are very happy.

My new number 1 asked me to promise that I won’t cheat on them but I could not. After all I’m a gadget junkie and may see something new and shinny. It may sway my affections. Which will lead me to another good reason to cheat. (grin)

Snippet Saturday – Letters

Today’s snippet theme is Letters. Each of the Club Immortality series opens and closes with letter from the owners of the club. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Silk and Shadows…

Welcome to Club Immortality, where all your desires will be fulfilled. Nothing is taboo, and privacy is a guarantee. We have been in existence for many centuries, hidden from those who are sensually unaware. Now, with the permission of some of our patrons, we are about to bring you into the most exclusive club. With our tales, we hope you will become enlightened.

In our current tale, we find a retired Htrae Elf who is a loner, and a woman who craves something more. What they both find is that what we long for isn’t always as we expected. When desire and fate meet, it creates a combustion that will take you on a journey--a journey that will leave you forever changed.

I'm Syn, and this is my mate, Micah. Sit back, be tantalised, titillated, and most of all, let go of your inhibitions.

Syn & Micah

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2009.
All Rights Reserved, Total-e-bound

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Emma Petersen
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Eliza Gayle
Lauren Dane
HelenKay Dimon

A New Norm

After the personal turmoil of last year I’ve been trying to get back into my life. Get the feel of what I was and who I used to be. However I realized that I have changed. Some of the changes are subtle but I noticed a difference. Others are more obvious and even others have taken note. Thankfully in my opinion and those who noticed the changes are for the better.

With these changes I had to reevaluate what I was used to and work to get to a new place. As I did this I found out something about myself. The change has revitalized my passion for things that I hadn’t realized that I had stopped taking time for. One for instance is my love of movies. I used to eagerly look forward to certain movies coming out. But in the last little bit I would make noises of wanting to see it but not actually do it. Now I am not saying it alone. Now I am doing it to.

As for other changes. I have sat and evaluated my writing and the way I do things. As I’ve mentioned as few times before I love organization and knowing what I will be working on next. I’ve streamlined some things I do in my writing and it has freed up some time for me to get more writing done. Ah… more writing means more books. More worlds to explore and build. More characters to bring to everyone. I’m loving this new norm.

The Ah Hah Moment

In my opinion what makes the difference between an ok book and a great one is that all-important “ah hah” moment.

So what is an "ah hah" moment?

Ah Hah Moment ~ Taige Crenshaw Definition:A moment that elevates a story beyond just a book to a book that makes the reader remember a line or scene that makes them go back to it time and again. This is a true keeper book that has wear and tear from continued reading. The book you buy multiple copies of and don’t lend it to anyone.

These “ah hah” moments aren’t only in books. They can extent much further than that. They also happen in movies, TV shows and things that happen in your everyday life. In movies and TV shows these “ah hah” moments are those you remember and discuss with others. This is what happened to me recently. Some friends and I were discussing some of our favorite shows and movies. I noticed that each person had an “ah hah” moment when they talked about their show or movie they liked. In the everyday instances they ranged from falling in love, loss, and just a feel good or bad thing. Whenever I talk with others it is interesting hearing all these moments that resonated with each person.

No matter that type of “ah hah” they all had one thing in common – they leave a lasting impression. Resonate with you long after done.

Now back to books. So what makes an “ah hah” book? There is no sure formula. It has to be something that resonates with the reader. For me an “ah hah” moment is what makes the story more real. A book that from the first line they capture me. To that last line that makes me feel not only content but when I go to sleep I dream of the book. And long after that last word I think of what I read. Give me everything. Emotions laid bare. Build the setting so I can feel it like I am there. Bring me along with the characters step by step. Give me a plot that is intriguing and makes me flip the pages.

Then the most important thing of all “ah hah” me. Give me something in the story that will flip that special figurative switch inside. This will bring reading to an all-new level. When you hit that “ah hah” level you are on my automatic must buy and read now list. Again we go back leaving a lasting impression. One that resonates with the reader.

As a reader I seek out that “ah hah” moment in books. Those books are keeper ones that line my shelves and I read often. As a writer I strive to give the reader that “ah hah’ moment. Since reading is so varied and goes by what resonates with the reader I don’t succeed with everyone. Yet when I do with even just one reader I feel I have done what I set out to do - given that “ah hah” moment that will make me a keeper for a reader. I have a few readers who have contacted me letting me know that my story resonated with them in someway. That is it’s own “ah hah” moment that makes me as a writer proud.

What are some of your “ah hah” moments in books?

Snippet Saturday – Love Scene

Today’s snippet theme is Love Scene. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Power of Attraction…

Only too glad to oblige, Wesley continued to hold her hips, controlling her movements. She whimpered, trying to move faster, but he kept moving in and out at the pace he set. She pumped his shoulder with her fist, harsh sobs of need spilling from her throat. A grim smile curved his lips as he continued to take her. She was his, and he would make her ache for his touch.

“You’re mine, Peyton, and no one will have you again but me.”

Her emerald green eyes filled with need, narrowed, and a snarl bubbled from her lush lips. He stroked deep and watched her eyes go glassy with pleasure. The light sheen of sweat on her caramel skin made her glow with desire. A fierce pleasure filled him as he watched the need lining her face.

“Say it. Say it!” He punctuated each word with a hard thrust.

“W…h…a…t…?” Peyton asked breathlessly.

“You're…mine,” he demanded with each stroke of his cock into her clutching pussy.

Peyton bit her lip, her body shaking with pleasure.

“Say…it…” Grunting, he thrust again and again.

Peyton’s eyes met his, and she stared at him. Then she rolled her hips in a devastating move that made his heart beat a wild tattoo. She clenched her pussy around his cock in a sensual vice. Then she dropped backward, arching her back. He slid one hand to brace her back, then moved the other right below her stomach, just over her pelvis. Her orgasms pulsed against his hand. Looking down, he watched as she enclosed him in her silken heat. The combination of seeing her engulf him and feeling it was sensory overload.

“Wesley.”

Snippet Saturday – Wonderland

Today’s snippet theme is Wonderland. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Shadow Dance…

Yadira shivered as she took in the landscape whooshing by her. The ground jarred her as she hit it. Looking up she saw the plane above them She let go the rope and watched the plane as it banked then flew out of sight. Glancing over at Dimitri her body clenched in reaction. He was dressed in full winter gear but she remembered the feel of him below and above her. Dimitri looked at her and arched an eyebrow his face cool. Yadira knew it was a front and couldn’t wait to get him naked again to blow it to shreds.

Turning her attention back to the area she sighed as she took in all the snow and cold. It didn’t matter that she could control her body temperature or keep the cold away from her. It was still there.

“Why couldn’t the places we have to search be in the tropics?” Yadira gripped.

Dimitri chuckled. “That would be too easy. You feel anything.”

Having already lowered her shield Yadira shook her head. “No but let’s walk around for a bit.”

Stepping forward she walked deeper into the Rockies. Continuing into the rough icy terrain she waited for the feeling she got when she found what she was looking for. Nothing came. Reaching a clear area she looked back at Dimitri who was some distance behind her to suggest they leave when a man stepped out from the shadows behind him. Opening her mouth to warn him she swallowed it as grey smoke curled around him and he faded. Closing her mouth Yadira’s eyes narrowed. Before she could get angry or go to help him she heard a sound behind her.

Turning quickly she looked, then groaned. “Ah hell, not you again.”

The woman she had fought earlier looked at her. “Rilan is my name Maji.”

Yadira looked at her. “Why would I want to know your name?”

The woman’s expression changed to hate. “So you will know who bested you when you die.”

Yadira laughed. “Since we are being pleasant. Remember the name Yadira.”

“Why.”

Yadira wondered if she was slow or deliberately obtuse. “Don’t worry after I kick your ass you’ll know why.”

Rilan shrieked and ran at her. Waiting until she was close Yadira put her wrists together with her palms out and pushed out hitting her hard in the chest. The woman flew back through the air then somersaulted landing on her feet. Surprised that Rilan had landed on her feet, Yadira reevaluated her knowledge. Smiling she felt coldness fill her. It looked like she had someone to work out her fury on. Rilan came at her.

Yadira met her blocking all her blows one by one. Rilan seemed to get angrier and angrier. Yadira watched her dispassionately, then using Rilan’s own punch as leverage she spun, grabbed her hand, then flung her across the clearing. Rilan hit a snow-covered tree making it break and the snow on it rained down to bury her. Unmoving Yadira watched her. Rilan burst out of the snow flying through the air at her. Yadira caught her in mid-air, then flipping her, she slammed her on the ground pinning her. Holding her effortlessly Yadira watched as she fought to get free.

Rilan stilled then hissed. “Bitch.”

“Now, now no need to get nasty. Who sent you here?”

Rilan looked at her. “Kill me Maji. I will not answer any of your questions.”

Rilan looked past her and her eyes widened in fear. Holding her with her power Yadira glanced at Dimitri as he came up to join her. His look was cool. Fury filled her as she watched him. Looking away before she hurt him Yadira looked back at the woman. Rilan smiled, then Yadira felt that strange sensation she had felt before. Her power began weaken. Rilan laughed, then disappeared. Furious Yadira punched down where she had been. The earth spilt and the area shook with earthquakes. She heard the rumble and looking across the clearing she saw an avalanche coming down the mountain above them. Waving her hand she stilled it, setting everything back to the way it was. She looked at Dimitri. He started to speak.

Holding up her hand she growled, “Say nothing to me.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Jody Wallace
Emma Petersen
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
Eliza Gayle
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane
HelenKay Dimon