Saturday, June 08, 2013

Upcoming Workshops from the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA

***Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged*** 

Don't miss any of these great online class brought to you from the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA!  Classes start Monday.

Check our full sizzling summer lineup here:

Writing from the Male POV to Create Stronger Heroes - Sascha Illyvich  http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=820
$15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members
June 10-16, 2013
Erotic Romance author Sascha Illyvich shares with us tips on how to create more memorable heroes, avoid some common pitfalls and have more fun with our writing!

How to Develop a Persona From Your Pen Name - -- presented by Ezra Barany   http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=776
$20.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members
June 24-July 15, 2013
Join Ezra to learn exactly how to figure out how to choose a pen name and then what to do with it!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Blogging with Star-Crossed Romance

If you'd like a spot on my blog, please email me with the approximate date you'd like. I usually have no more than 2 guests per week and spaces go quickly, so don't delay!

Star-Crossed Romance Guidelines


Here's what I need for your guest spot. Please send this to me approximately one week before your appearance so I can make sure I have everything I need.

1. A short bio about you that I can use to introduce you. I may edit this for brevity since I may use it in the promo's, possibly combined with other promo's that week. I've found that the most successful authors (ie with the most comments) will also promote their appearance. This is particularly helpful if you have a readers group or other loops that you frequent often. To promo, you can direct your readers to http://www.star-crossedromance.blogspot.com or you can wait until I send you the direct link to your article.

2. An article about 350-1000 words -- remember our focus is SF/F/P romance so it would be super if your article tied into that or at the very least offered a new insight for authors or readers.  Blog subjects can range from writing, writers life, characterization, plotting, themes, research, whatever interests you ...I encourage all my guests to remember that this blog is not just for writers but for readers as well so whatever your subject, it should be written to entice or interest a reader. Also, the article itself should NOT be completely promotion for your book(s). While you can use your book to illustrate your article, the subject should be something of interest to readers as well as writers (ie characterization, plotting, world building, etc) 

3. I won't edit your article for length so if you find you need to go over 1000 words, don't worry. (Excerpts and blurbs do not count toward your article word count, so you have plenty of room for your subject) I also won't edit for spelling or grammar...usually. If I see a misspelled word, I may correct it because I'm anal that way and I know we all make typo's. I've done it myself. Do remember that our site is PG 13. We've done everything from YA to erotica so our readers can vary widely in age and maturity.

4. A short blurb on your book with a jpg of your cover. If you'd like to include a short excerpt, that would be fine. Excerpts should NOT be longer than the blog post. If your book is electronic, remember to include buy links so interested readers can go directly to the site to purchase your book. I will make sure the links are active. 

5. If you have any other book or future books you'd like to mention, feel free. If you have covers for them, go ahead and include them as well as a blurb for them.

6. If you'd like to do a giveaway, that would be wonderful but you don't have to. I will ask that you be responsible for selecting the winner and/or getting the giveaway to the winner unless we've made a previous agreement to the contrary. Do announce who the winner is on the site, however. It makes the winner feel good Oh, and because the readers don't always check in on the first day, I suggest letting the contest run for several days but do give a time cut off. I also suggest you have them both comment on the blog AND email you with their snail mail/email addy (which ever you need to get the prize to them). This makes it so much easier for you to contact the winner. But I'll leave it up to your discretion on how you want to run your particular contest You might check back on several Star-Crossed blogs to see how other authors have handled the giveaways.

7. If possible, try to stop in once or twice a day over the following days after your post goes live to check for comments. We get a lot of visitors but don't always get many comments. Still it's nice to acknowledge the ones we do get. 

8. I'll post a promo for your article in several sites, including my own and a variety of email loops devoted to readers and writers. 

9. Don't forget to include contact information, ie your website, blog site(s), facebook, myspace, twitter, email (for contests or general contact), how to join your readers group, etc with your bio so that potential readers can visit your sites. If you have a buy link for your book(s), please include it.

10. Your article can be an attached word doc but PLEASE put it in Rich Text Format (RTF)  or plain Text. Also, please NO embedded html. It does weird and definitely NOT wonderful things to the post that don't show up until after it's posted if I don't catch it in advance. If I do catch it, it generally means I have to reformat the entire article into plain text to get rid of the HTML or special formatting. And then I get to pretty it up for the blog. This is time consuming and opens it up to me making dumb mistakes that will embarrass both of us. Do attach the jpg of your cover(s). DO NOT embed your cover jpg in your article. Include it as a separate attachment. If you want it in a particular place, let me know where you want it and I'll put it there. 

If you have any questions, give me a holler at lyndak.scott@gmail.com or lynda@lyndakscott.com

Thanks for being with us!

Monday, May 27, 2013

FF&P Chapter of RWA Presents June Workshops

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA has some great workshops lined up for June! There's still time to register but don't delay. You don't want to miss it.

Joomla Class presented by Dr. L. Pepper Norris
Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 30, 2013
Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members
To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=251
This class will focus on using the free web design software called Joomla, which is similar to WordPress but has some advanced features that can give you a more professional-looking website. It will include: understanding how to use Joomla, choosing templates, creating pages and blogs, using modules, creating menus, allowing users, creating links, managing images, and much more. By the time we finish, you’ll be able to use Joomla effectively to create a custom, professional-looking site.



Psychic Research presented by Mary O'Gara
Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 30, 2013
Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members
To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=180
Psychic research isn't an oxymoron but it's so diverse and loosely defined that it's fertile territory for worldbuilding. In this fast-moving overview of psychic research, Mary will explore:
. Personal research anyone can do, with a discussion of standards from social psychology and other sources
. Astrological research, both from historical searches and from statistical studies
. Research organizations, including brain science and neurolinguistic programming studies
. Psychic research organizations (real and fictional) that document predictions
. Special research-in-action projects such as groups dowsing for water or searching for missing children
. Magical societies and their records or proof of effectiveness
The course provides references to real-world research (both internet and reference books cited) as well as examples from Mary's personal work. The workshop includes references to best-selling novels that include realistic research societies or methods as part of their world building. The material will be suitable for both paranormal writers and for writers of romantic suspense with psychic or paranormal elements.



Herbal Lore presented by Beth Trissel
Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 30, 2013
Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members
To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=181
In this class on Herbal Lore and the Historic Medicinal Uses of Herbs, my intent is to inspire a deeper appreciation of these age-old plants and hope members will find ways to use this knowledge to enhance their writing. I do not assign homework, but invite members to share samples of their WIP's that contain references to herbs to gain useful feedback. Lurkers are also welcome.
 My fascination with herbs is largely prompted by my absorption with all things historic and the thrill of seeing, touching, sometimes tasting, and above all smelling the same plants known by the ancients. Herbs have changed little, if at all, over the centuries and offer us a connection with the past that precious little does in these modern days. It’s pure intoxication to rub fragrant leaves between my fingers and savor the scent while pondering the wealth of lore behind these plants. I hope my enthusiasm will enrich your lives with a deeper awareness of those people who dwelt on this earth long before us and to inspire you as writers to contrive new plot twists or add authentic touches to your stories.
  

Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author presented by Deborah Blake
Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 14, 2013
Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members
Have you ever wondered about the differences between historical witches and modern-day Wiccans?
Are you curious about familiars?
How do you create a witch character for fiction?
Deborah Blake can answer these questions and many more with her class about witchcraft and creating a character practicing the magical arts.
• You will learn how to create witch characters for different genres.
• You will learn how to create a witch with real strengths and weaknesses.
• You will learn the basics of Wicca and spell casting.
• You will learn some of the historical views on familiars.
• You will learn how to write scenes in which your character practices magic and how the character would create a spell.
You may not be allowed to turn an agent into a toad, but you are allowed to create a great character for your book!



Writing from the Male POV to Create Stronger Heroes presented by Sascha Illyvich
Class Dates: June 10, 2013 to June 16, 2013
Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members
In this workshop, learn the ins and outs of character creation from a side of romance we rarely hear from, the male romance reader/writer! Erotic Romance author Sascha Illyvich shares with us tips on how to create more memorable heroes, avoid some common pitfalls and have more fun with our writing!
What you’ll learn from this class
Male Archetypes and how they affect our characters
How (il)logical men think and why they act the way they do
How to take any male character from any movie/story and modify him to fit your story
How to get your man to express his true “self”
What men REALLY care about and how to work with that for your characters*
A man’s self view*
The GAY MALE Viewpoint*
The Male Cycle of Emotions and how it compares to the female cycle of emotions
A man’s journey in life
What men really think
A few extras
Using character creations sheets (don’t groan!) that have all the relevant information you’ll need, you’ll be able to craft male characters that are just as deep as your female characters.  Getting inside the heads of your male characters is the most important aspect of “how to write” them.

Cross gender writing can make or break an author’s career if they cannot portray the opposite gender clearly and accurately.  With the growing popularity of M/M romances, it’s becoming increasingly important for males to be portrayed in the proper light!  We’ll cover all that here and a lot more over the next week.



How to Develop a Persona from Your Pen Name presented by Ezra Barany
Class Dates: June 24, 2013 to July 15, 2013
Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members
In this class you will learn:
-What is crucial for considering a pen name
-How to find free royalty-free images of a person to go with the name
-How to be active on your persona's Facebook and Twitter accounts without spending more than 15 minutes a day
-How to create a voice for the persona
-and more!ersona -and more!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Announcements from Newsletter List

Here's the latest announcement my newsletter subscribers received. You can have these come directly to your inbox and, by subscribing, be eligible for subscriber only drawings. Just go here to subscribe http://eepurl.com/ywCD1


News, Book Reviews, Author Giveaways and More
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Lynda K. Scott Annoucements

About Lynda

Lynda K. Scott isn't really an alien. If she were, she and her alien kitten, Wookie, would use their awesome solar sailing ship to fly to all the stars and planets in her books.

This Week on SCR

Terry Spear, Monday May 13

A Highland Werewolf Wedding

Author Terry Spear drops by to chat with us about her books, hobbies and things that might go bump in the night on Monday, May 13. She's got a giveaway of her newest book A Highland Werewolf Wedding for one lucky Star-Crossed Romance reader so make sure you stop by. Check out my review below.



Rowan Malloy, Wednesday May 15

Blood Royal Cover Image

Rowan Malloy stops by to discuss the various kinds of magic and how it can be used in modern day storys.

Reviews

Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster. Heart of Iron, the second book in Bec McMaster's fantastic steampunk, is a terrific blend of romance, mystery and steam punkery. Read more.

A Highland Werewolf Wedding by Terry Spear has everything I've come to expect in a Terry Spear book: Captivating romance combined with a fast paced, action packed story. Add the Highlanders in Kilts? SWOON. Read more.

Off The Wall


I saw this and just couldn't resist including it here. Hope you enjoy!   

Heartstone Cover Image

Heartstone

By Lynda K. Scott
Mundania Press
Science Fantasy Romance


Eric d'Ebrur is out of time. 
He must fine the legendary Heartstone and fulfill the ancient Gar'Ja bond he shares with the Stonebearer. But when he finds her, he discovers that love can be more dangerous than the Gawan threat. Eric can defeat the mind-controlling Gawan but will it cost him the woman he loves?

After terrifying episodes of hypersensitivity, Keriam Norton thinks she's losing her mind. When handsome shapeshifter Eric d'Ebrur saves her from the monstrous Gawan, she's sure of it. But insane or not, she'll find the Heartstone and, if she's lucky, a love to last a lifetime.

Available in print and ebook format
Buy Links:

Mundania Press               Amazon 
Altered Destiny Cover Image

Altered Destiny

By Lynda K Scott
Science Fantasy Romance


Stranded on an alternate Earth, architect and Jill-of-all-trades, Liane Gautier-MacGregor must find her way back to her homeworld before she's enslaved...or falls in love with a man who is the exact duplicate of her ex-husband.

Devyn MacGregor's alter ego as the Reiver Lord is the only way he can fight the Qui'arel and their nefarious Bride Bounty, a tax paid with human females...until he meets the oddly familiar woman who claims he is her husband. And who sets in motion the rebellion that will either free his countrymen or destroy them.

Buy Links:
Amazon 
Nook 
Smashwords 

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Please Subscribe to my NEW Newsletter


This will be the last reminder to subscribe to my NEW newsletter. Please don't wait: A contest only for subscribers ends on May 12.


Subscribe to our newsletter

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

New Newsletter


Dear Readers,

I’m upgrading to a system that will offer better protection for your email address. I don’t want to lose you, so I’m running a special contest—eligible only to confirmed newsletter subscribers! 

As an incentive to get subscribed in a timely manner, at the end of the day (Pacific Time) on Sunday, May 12, one confirmed subscriber's email address will be randomly drawn to win a special prize of a Foldable Sapphire Blue Sun Hat with a matching carry-tote bag, an autographed copy of Heartstone, an autographed copy of Magical Mayhem, a pen, and a bookmark!


Subscribe to our newsletter

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Upcoming Fantasy, Futuristic& Paranormal Chapter of RWA Workshops


Web Design - Presented by Catherine Chant
Class Dates: May 6-17, 2013
Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members
This two-week workshop will cover the golden ratio of layout design, web fonts and web-safe colors, using white space, user interface considerations and website organization, web graphics for the artistically challenged, and the importance of testing websites with multiple operating systems and browser applications.This workshop is aimed at writers who have websites already and want to make them better, or writers who are planning to set up a website and want to know more about how the content should be arranged, either because they plan to do it themselves, or they want to be more informed when hiring a professional designer.
PRE-REQUISITE: Students should be familiar with the basics of setting up a website (domain name, software, etc.). This class focuses on design principles and how to make your website more user friendly, appealing and effective. It is NOT an coding class on how to program your website or how to use website design software.

Beyond Google: How to Make the Most of Online Research by Ally Broadfield
Class Dates: May 6-June 2, 2013
Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members
There's nothing more frustrating than wasting your precious writing time on a futile web search. Whether you are looking for a specific piece of information or need to research an entire time period or subject, this class will help you conduct the best search for your information needs. You will learn how to utilize multiple online search resources, including search engines, web directories, and databases. You will also learn how to refine search terms, narrow or broaden your search, how to use Boolean logic, and many other tips and techniques to make your research more efficient and successful. A list of searchable web directories and websites covering multiple topics based on the needs of workshop attendees will also be provided.


Romantic Suspense Seeks Paranormal - Presented by Leslie Wainger
Class Dates: May 6-June 2, 2013
Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members
Writing romantic suspense should be easy, right? Take some romance, add some suspense, and voila! Except...not really. To stand out in this crowded genre you need to plot every step as carefully as your killer plots his next murder, and your couple's relationship has to be as romantic as Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton. This course will start with the basics and go deep, preparing you to write a romantic suspense novel that makes readers stay up nights reading

For more information about these and other upcoming FF& P workshops, visit our website: http://romance-ffp.com/page/workshops