Journal Archives
Submission Day
Today I sent off my submission to NAL for Dark Harmony and the Dark Seduction series. I am pretty excited about it! Since my favourite author and friend Cathryn Fox has reviewed it and thinks I have a good chance, I am doubly excited!
Speaking of Cathryn Fox, I am in the middle of reading her new release, The Hot Line. Wow! Why on earth they are putting this smoldering HOT book in the regular romance area I will never know. Maybe though a few more readers will dare to read books termed erotica. This one was delicious, three stories of wonderful women and their sexy firemen. YUM.
Also up on the to do list for me is a website update. This should be up soon - I have recently had some new photos taken and will put them up in the about Lilly area - something a little closer to the real Lilly.
Lilly
Speaking of Cathryn Fox, I am in the middle of reading her new release, The Hot Line. Wow! Why on earth they are putting this smoldering HOT book in the regular romance area I will never know. Maybe though a few more readers will dare to read books termed erotica. This one was delicious, three stories of wonderful women and their sexy firemen. YUM.
Also up on the to do list for me is a website update. This should be up soon - I have recently had some new photos taken and will put them up in the about Lilly area - something a little closer to the real Lilly.
Lilly
Posted on 16 May 2008 by Lilly Cain
Still on the topic of Goals
So, this week I have been working with two others on a workshop on setting and achieving goals for our chapter of RWA (Romance Writers of America).
I have researched the theory behind setting and achieving goals, on "SMART" goals, I have created a chart of a year's worth of my writing goals and worked on how we can encourage our chapter members to set and achieve their goals. It has been interesting, to say the least.
One problem - all this goals work, chapter work and research are taking up my writing time! But since I have gotten half way through this week's goal I am okay.
The dilemma - my goals now say I should be working on a re-write of Money Doesn't Count. But I have been thinking of writing a novella directed at Samhain, and then I came up with another idea for one for Red Sage. So, what to do? The Novellas sound like a lot more fun, would be faster, and have earlier deadlines...
Lesson learned: Leave room in your goals for change...
Lilly
I have researched the theory behind setting and achieving goals, on "SMART" goals, I have created a chart of a year's worth of my writing goals and worked on how we can encourage our chapter members to set and achieve their goals. It has been interesting, to say the least.
One problem - all this goals work, chapter work and research are taking up my writing time! But since I have gotten half way through this week's goal I am okay.
The dilemma - my goals now say I should be working on a re-write of Money Doesn't Count. But I have been thinking of writing a novella directed at Samhain, and then I came up with another idea for one for Red Sage. So, what to do? The Novellas sound like a lot more fun, would be faster, and have earlier deadlines...
Lesson learned: Leave room in your goals for change...
Lilly
Posted on 30 Jan 2008 by Lilly Cain
Pissing off the Techno Fairy
Obviously, I have pissed off the Technology Fairy. She is really mad at me. She toppled my tower, flipped my laptop, boobed my blog and evaporated my edits, all in the course of a week.
I am now working on a way to appease her - some edits to my website. "Oh Great Techno Fairy, I promiss to update my website!" Very, very soon.
I have only 4 chapters left to edit and Dark Harmony will go off to my friends. This would have been accomplished by now were it not for the above mentioned angry winged one. But tonight I will get some serious work done!
Meanwhile, I am working with two friends in developing a Goals workshop for the Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada (RWAC). It has been enlightening - the research I mean. And the goal setting. I think 2008 is gonna be a great year!
Lilly
I am now working on a way to appease her - some edits to my website. "Oh Great Techno Fairy, I promiss to update my website!" Very, very soon.
I have only 4 chapters left to edit and Dark Harmony will go off to my friends. This would have been accomplished by now were it not for the above mentioned angry winged one. But tonight I will get some serious work done!
Meanwhile, I am working with two friends in developing a Goals workshop for the Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada (RWAC). It has been enlightening - the research I mean. And the goal setting. I think 2008 is gonna be a great year!
Lilly
Posted on 28 Jan 2008 by Lilly Cain
In the midst of it...
Okay, I am finishing the editing for Chapter 13. Unfortunately I am sneaking time to do it while I am at my day job. Ah the trials of the part-time writer - if it weren't for the darn customers at my day job I might get some writing done!
A friend told me "Your goal should be to get to the point where work interferes with your personal life." Well it certianly is, lol! But I think he meant that I would then be able to quit. Sigh.
I'm still on track for getting my edits done by the end of this week! And my novella on interent dating is forming in the back of my mind, even as I send out a note to another prospective and unsuspecting character...er...date.
Lilly
A friend told me "Your goal should be to get to the point where work interferes with your personal life." Well it certianly is, lol! But I think he meant that I would then be able to quit. Sigh.
I'm still on track for getting my edits done by the end of this week! And my novella on interent dating is forming in the back of my mind, even as I send out a note to another prospective and unsuspecting character...er...date.
Lilly
Posted on 23 Jan 2008 by Lilly Cain
What a Beginning!
Okay, so 2008 is off with a BANG! January 1, 2008 I finished my first draft of Dark Harmony!
I am into edits now, and plan to be finished first edits by Sunday, Jan. 27. Then this manuscript is off to my buddies Christine (see her work at www.christinedabo.com - fantasies unleashed!!) and Renee (check out her stories at www.reneefield.com) who have graciously offered to read it through and point out where I am stumbling (or soaring!).
On a personal note, I am sad to say my latest real life romantic attempt has gone astray - too bad, he was great at editing, ha! So we will return to the life of the completely single. Not to worry though, I have inspired myself to write a short erotica about online dating, should be HOT!
For those of you who have looked on here for an update and not seen one for some time, I do appologise. But now I am back in gear. See you soon!
Lilly
I am into edits now, and plan to be finished first edits by Sunday, Jan. 27. Then this manuscript is off to my buddies Christine (see her work at www.christinedabo.com - fantasies unleashed!!) and Renee (check out her stories at www.reneefield.com) who have graciously offered to read it through and point out where I am stumbling (or soaring!).
On a personal note, I am sad to say my latest real life romantic attempt has gone astray - too bad, he was great at editing, ha! So we will return to the life of the completely single. Not to worry though, I have inspired myself to write a short erotica about online dating, should be HOT!
For those of you who have looked on here for an update and not seen one for some time, I do appologise. But now I am back in gear. See you soon!
Lilly
Posted on 21 Jan 2008 by Lilly Cain
Back again
Okay, so it has been a while. :) I am back again, determined this time not to let anything stop me. Currently I am torturing myself (and it is delicious) with NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month. I am attempting to write 50,000 words in the month of November. Currently I am crawling along, but I've taken time out to revamp Dark Harmony. I want to send this novel, finally, to Ellora's Cave.
Meanwhile, my friends are doing awesome! Check out Ellora's Cave books - The Bonds That Tie us, Love Me Tender, Sweet and Spicy Tales and so much more! Catherine Fox has a short in EC's Season of Seduction, and Julianne MacLean's awesome book In My Wildest Fantasy by Avon is just that. ;)
So you will be hearing from me again soon.
Lilly.
Meanwhile, my friends are doing awesome! Check out Ellora's Cave books - The Bonds That Tie us, Love Me Tender, Sweet and Spicy Tales and so much more! Catherine Fox has a short in EC's Season of Seduction, and Julianne MacLean's awesome book In My Wildest Fantasy by Avon is just that. ;)
So you will be hearing from me again soon.
Lilly.
Posted on 12 Nov 2007 by Lilly Cain
Hot Days...not so steamy nighs!
Ha! So summer has been busy and just one more reason that I haven't been writing. It has been so hot and I've been running around doing things with the kids etc. Besides all that, I haven't had a date in months. Let me tell you, although I am enjoying catching up on my TO BE READ pile, I miss having a man around. Sigh.
Anyway, with all the different reasons I have had not to write, I haven't had time to make the major changes in Dark Harmony as yet. I want to make it into a threesome with our hero and heroing getting a support from a third verile man, Evan. Adding the third plays into what I feel is the nature of the "pack" sexuality that vampires in my reality display. Lena needs that second lover to make her feel complete, to make her feel the relationship is whole.
The good news is I know what I need to do to re-write the beginning and then finish the book. The second good thing is I have purchased an a/c that will be installed today, making my home comfortable enough to stay in (I was spending every evening at my parents home - and while cooler, it isn't the best place to try writing erotica!). The third good thing is that my Grandmother is feeling better, taking some of the pressure out of my life.
All these things should help me to write. I've also signed on for a couple of courses to try and get my butt in gear. The one I am most looking forward to is a week-long online storyboarding class. I will try to get on this blog more as well!
Later,
Lilly!
Anyway, with all the different reasons I have had not to write, I haven't had time to make the major changes in Dark Harmony as yet. I want to make it into a threesome with our hero and heroing getting a support from a third verile man, Evan. Adding the third plays into what I feel is the nature of the "pack" sexuality that vampires in my reality display. Lena needs that second lover to make her feel complete, to make her feel the relationship is whole.
The good news is I know what I need to do to re-write the beginning and then finish the book. The second good thing is I have purchased an a/c that will be installed today, making my home comfortable enough to stay in (I was spending every evening at my parents home - and while cooler, it isn't the best place to try writing erotica!). The third good thing is that my Grandmother is feeling better, taking some of the pressure out of my life.
All these things should help me to write. I've also signed on for a couple of courses to try and get my butt in gear. The one I am most looking forward to is a week-long online storyboarding class. I will try to get on this blog more as well!
Later,
Lilly!
Posted on 25 Jul 2007 by Lilly Cain
Moving on
Recently I have been swamped by life, but have once again begun to move with my writing. Man am I ever glad to see that! I was getting worried...
I recently attended a Wado Ryu Karate Seminar, which I wrote about, and achieved my 7th kyu (Orange Belt). Last weekend I also attended a Kobujutsu seminar and worked my tail off! No grading, but a whole lot of learning.
After this I came home to discover my youngest child had become sick - she is still suffering from some sort of flu. Between it all I would normally never even think about writing, somehow though, this time I have been doing a lot of thinking, and even some writing!
I've been reading Christine's book and making some comments for her, and I have been re-writing my synopsis for Dark Harmony, basically changing the plot. I think it will be better. For certain it will be hotter!
I guess what I mean to say with all this is that I give up on my previous theories of inspiration, and am getting on with the persperation. Why bother to think if I am inspired or not? Just write, and have fun with it!
Now, if I were being inspired by a new man...well, let's just say that my most wicked writing has been about a wicked man or two that I know personally. Not perhaps as closely as I'd like to to, but wow, a girl can dream, right? lol!!! Anyway, if I had one (or two) of those to focus on for this story, it would go a lot faster.
Lilly
I recently attended a Wado Ryu Karate Seminar, which I wrote about, and achieved my 7th kyu (Orange Belt). Last weekend I also attended a Kobujutsu seminar and worked my tail off! No grading, but a whole lot of learning.
After this I came home to discover my youngest child had become sick - she is still suffering from some sort of flu. Between it all I would normally never even think about writing, somehow though, this time I have been doing a lot of thinking, and even some writing!
I've been reading Christine's book and making some comments for her, and I have been re-writing my synopsis for Dark Harmony, basically changing the plot. I think it will be better. For certain it will be hotter!
I guess what I mean to say with all this is that I give up on my previous theories of inspiration, and am getting on with the persperation. Why bother to think if I am inspired or not? Just write, and have fun with it!
Now, if I were being inspired by a new man...well, let's just say that my most wicked writing has been about a wicked man or two that I know personally. Not perhaps as closely as I'd like to to, but wow, a girl can dream, right? lol!!!
Anyway, if I had one (or two) of those to focus on for this story, it would go a lot faster.Lilly
Posted on 27 Jun 2007 by Lilly Cain
Inspiration is not Perspiration
Ok, so I've talked and talked about inspiration - lots of ideas, the juice is flowing, etc. And yet, as I look over my goals list, I am not getting the words on the paper. Since I am not achieving a word count it really doen't matter that I have figured something out or been inspired. I haven't PERSPIRED. I haven't worked.
What to do? Truthfully, I know it comes down to just sit down and do it. But I also know I really don't have the time to write - a full time job, 2 small kids and a karate club take more than some days I seem to have to give. I used to find the time, here and there, so it must still be there to steal. And, yes, I do know I have discussed this before with some degree of enthusiasm.
SO. I know I want to write, but will I? I don't know. This summer I must make a decision and find the time or not. It must be there, somewhere. And, being Lilly, I am sad to admit it isn't a man taking up my time, lol!
Lilly
What to do? Truthfully, I know it comes down to just sit down and do it. But I also know I really don't have the time to write - a full time job, 2 small kids and a karate club take more than some days I seem to have to give. I used to find the time, here and there, so it must still be there to steal. And, yes, I do know I have discussed this before with some degree of enthusiasm.
SO. I know I want to write, but will I? I don't know. This summer I must make a decision and find the time or not. It must be there, somewhere. And, being Lilly, I am sad to admit it isn't a man taking up my time, lol!
Lilly
Posted on 11 Jun 2007 by Lilly Cain
Epiphany!
Ha! I knew it! If I stopped thinking about the book I've been struggling with - Dark Harmony - I would figure out what the heck was wrong with it, and tada! I was right!
Now I can fix it, finish it, and send it on it's merry way. Whew! All thanks to a stray comment by Catherine Fox (check out her website on my links) on a yahoo group email about an epiphany of her own - that two firemen would be better than one. Give ya a hint? Yummy.
Meanwhile, I have just received the entire manuscript from Christine that I was drooling over last week. Now I have something juicy to read on my trip to Toronto. Woo Hoo!
Lilly
Now I can fix it, finish it, and send it on it's merry way. Whew! All thanks to a stray comment by Catherine Fox (check out her website on my links) on a yahoo group email about an epiphany of her own - that two firemen would be better than one. Give ya a hint? Yummy.
Meanwhile, I have just received the entire manuscript from Christine that I was drooling over last week. Now I have something juicy to read on my trip to Toronto. Woo Hoo!
Lilly
Posted on 01 Jun 2007 by Lilly Cain
Repeating messages
Have you ever heard the same message come up again and again in your life from a completely different source? Something that speaks to you, explains life to you or moves you in some way?
Not long ago in an RWAC meeting a speaker told us that no one stood in the way of our success except ourselves. Last night a visiting Sensei told me the same thing, literally word for word.
If I want to succeed, I will. If I do not push myself, no one else is going to. We hear the same things many time when it comes to success and inspiration, but they don't always really click. Maybe that is becasue we don't want it bad enough. We let other things happen, we push things aside.
It is often, with writing for me and I am sure with a lot of things, a matter of priority. I know I am overbooked on time. I try to do too much, all the time. It has become especially bad since my marriage broke up - by being busy I didn't need to think. Now I am feeling stronger, and perhap, just perhaps, I still have too much on my plate.
SO it is time to begin paring things down a wee bit. Not writing though. I need that! And not Karate - it keeps me moving after all, and if I pound on a willing partner there I won't need to punch anyone else out anywhere else, lol. What to give up? I think it might be TV. I hate TV. And can you beleive there is going to be a series based on the Caveman from the commercials??? Kill me now.
I think I will begin an experiment - the timing is good, since all my shows just had their finalies. NO TV, except for BTV in the monring, where I really only want the weather anyway. ANd to look at Jason Baxter, whom I used to go to school with...
Lilly
Not long ago in an RWAC meeting a speaker told us that no one stood in the way of our success except ourselves. Last night a visiting Sensei told me the same thing, literally word for word.
If I want to succeed, I will. If I do not push myself, no one else is going to. We hear the same things many time when it comes to success and inspiration, but they don't always really click. Maybe that is becasue we don't want it bad enough. We let other things happen, we push things aside.
It is often, with writing for me and I am sure with a lot of things, a matter of priority. I know I am overbooked on time. I try to do too much, all the time. It has become especially bad since my marriage broke up - by being busy I didn't need to think. Now I am feeling stronger, and perhap, just perhaps, I still have too much on my plate.
SO it is time to begin paring things down a wee bit. Not writing though. I need that! And not Karate - it keeps me moving after all, and if I pound on a willing partner there I won't need to punch anyone else out anywhere else, lol. What to give up? I think it might be TV. I hate TV. And can you beleive there is going to be a series based on the Caveman from the commercials??? Kill me now.
I think I will begin an experiment - the timing is good, since all my shows just had their finalies. NO TV, except for BTV in the monring, where I really only want the weather anyway. ANd to look at Jason Baxter, whom I used to go to school with...
Lilly
Posted on 25 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Running Flat out
Wow, what a week and another busy one or more to come. It's amazing how much is going on. This seems to happen every year as summer gears up. Right now I am getting ready for a Karate Seminar this weekend in which I hope to take my exam for an orange belt (and pass!). Yippee! I am planning all sorts of trips - for work and for pleasure - a renovation on my front yard and one on my cottage sunroom and even a new hairstyle.
On the writing front, things are going well. I am working with Christine on exchanging work and it is really exciting (boy her writing is HOT!) and I am planning a writing weekend at my cottage in July. I will be able to set aside a large chuck of time for my writing over several trips as well this summer, so I have a lot planned!
Obviously, the sun has gotten to me today. If only I could find some shade and a strawberry daiquiri. And someone to give me a foot rub...
Lilly
On the writing front, things are going well. I am working with Christine on exchanging work and it is really exciting (boy her writing is HOT!) and I am planning a writing weekend at my cottage in July. I will be able to set aside a large chuck of time for my writing over several trips as well this summer, so I have a lot planned!
Obviously, the sun has gotten to me today. If only I could find some shade and a strawberry daiquiri. And someone to give me a foot rub...
Lilly
Posted on 23 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Rain Rain go away
Well, if it were a weekend when I didn't have my kids, and if I had a man, I'd spend the long weekend in this rainy weather quite comfortably cuddled up in some warm spot with candles glowing, soft music playing and chocolate to nibble on. Who cares if it is raining if you have a warm body beside you and lots of time to explore each other?
BUT, of course, it is raining and I have two small kids, and no man. Bah, humbug. Two kids stuck mostly inside for 3 days?
I need activities and I need em quick.
I am planning to take them to swimming class, the indoor McDonald's playland, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia's current exhibits which feature some interesting quilts and a lot of work featuring Bermuda. My eldest was born in Bermuda. Nice place, but not as exotic as one might imagine. Very English in terms of prudishness they are. Except of course, that everyone seems to sleep with everyone else. As long as the tourists behave in public though, everyone is happy.
Back to my fantasy of alone time with a hot man on this cold and wet weekend...
Lilly
BUT, of course, it is raining and I have two small kids, and no man. Bah, humbug. Two kids stuck mostly inside for 3 days?
I need activities and I need em quick.I am planning to take them to swimming class, the indoor McDonald's playland, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia's current exhibits which feature some interesting quilts and a lot of work featuring Bermuda. My eldest was born in Bermuda. Nice place, but not as exotic as one might imagine. Very English in terms of prudishness they are. Except of course, that everyone seems to sleep with everyone else. As long as the tourists behave in public though, everyone is happy.
Back to my fantasy of alone time with a hot man on this cold and wet weekend...
Lilly
Posted on 18 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Out and About Halifax
Last night I popped out with my best friend to celebrate her birthday. We went to Niche Supperclub in Halifax and I have to say it was awesome!
Started the night with a chocolate martini, followed by crab risotto cakes and then the main course - for me it was shrimp etoufee! Yummy Creole dish, very spicy! Ended dinner with a dark chocolate torte and French pressed coffee. Can there be anything better than a mouthful of rich chocolate with a sip of hot coffee??? Ooooh the decadence...had to force myself not to moan in ecstasy before someone thought something funny about my best friend and I...hee hee!
Food is so sensuous! It plays a big role in my current story - Between Moons. In it my Heroine is delighting in her newfound senses and food - the scent, the texture - is scintillating.
I think I will never be truly skinny - I love food, and I can't resist the sexiness of it. It isn't just the chocolate; there are so many delights out there! Sadly, I am cooking tonight and I doubt it will be as delightful.
Lilly
Started the night with a chocolate martini, followed by crab risotto cakes and then the main course - for me it was shrimp etoufee! Yummy Creole dish, very spicy! Ended dinner with a dark chocolate torte and French pressed coffee. Can there be anything better than a mouthful of rich chocolate with a sip of hot coffee??? Ooooh the decadence...had to force myself not to moan in ecstasy before someone thought something funny about my best friend and I...hee hee!
Food is so sensuous! It plays a big role in my current story - Between Moons. In it my Heroine is delighting in her newfound senses and food - the scent, the texture - is scintillating.
I think I will never be truly skinny - I love food, and I can't resist the sexiness of it. It isn't just the chocolate; there are so many delights out there! Sadly, I am cooking tonight and I doubt it will be as delightful.
Lilly
Posted on 17 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Progress!
Ha! I was right! Exchanging work with someone else has helped me get going again. I totally loved Christine's story, and I really found her comments helpful on the chapter I sent her of Between Moons. FUN! Now I need to keep the momentum going and keep working.
On other matters, I had a lovely Mother's Day, although I have to admit that when the usual fighting and squabling began again midafternoon, I wished my present was for a baby-sitter...
Today is my sister's graduation - she has completed her BEd., and is receiving a medal for highest academic performance in the program over the last 2 years. Woo Hoo! We are very proud of her, especially considering her recovery from a breakdown only 4 years ago. She's a different person now.
Finally, I am still playing around with the internet dating. I am "talking" with an older man right now, he seems to be in the tail end of his midlife crisis...where do I find these guys you might ask? Why eHarmony, this week. At least he seems literate and at least not broke.
Lilly
On other matters, I had a lovely Mother's Day, although I have to admit that when the usual fighting and squabling began again midafternoon, I wished my present was for a baby-sitter...
Today is my sister's graduation - she has completed her BEd., and is receiving a medal for highest academic performance in the program over the last 2 years. Woo Hoo! We are very proud of her, especially considering her recovery from a breakdown only 4 years ago. She's a different person now.
Finally, I am still playing around with the internet dating. I am "talking" with an older man right now, he seems to be in the tail end of his midlife crisis...where do I find these guys you might ask? Why eHarmony, this week. At least he seems literate and at least not broke.
Lilly
Posted on 14 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Ups and downs
So the up of the week - reading Christine's new work - check out her website at http://www.christinedabo.com
She has a release date for her debut novel coming up on July 20 of The Bonds That Tie Us from Elloras Cave (www.ellorascave.com) and I am really looking forward to getting my copy! As I mentioned a few days ago, I am exchanging work with her right now to keep myself inspired.
The down - Frankly, inspriation has been a real problem for me ever since my ex left, nearly 2 years ago now. I've gotten mostly over him and I've dated, even seriously in one case for several months. But still, no inspiration, or only in spurts.
I think some of this is because I am tired a lot. Now that I am on my own most of the time with the kids, I find I don't sleep, and they wear me out. I think I've lost my groove, you know? I am thinking of taking a little vacation in July to get it back. I have a ton of airmiles... My ex will be taking the kids for a week. What should I do? I was going to save the Airmiles till next year and then take the kids to somewhere with me, but maybe I just need to go on my own. Don't know...
I met a new man on line a few weeks ago and last night we chatted on the phone. Truthfully I don't think it is going anywhere...
But ya never know!
Lilly
She has a release date for her debut novel coming up on July 20 of The Bonds That Tie Us from Elloras Cave (www.ellorascave.com) and I am really looking forward to getting my copy! As I mentioned a few days ago, I am exchanging work with her right now to keep myself inspired.
The down - Frankly, inspriation has been a real problem for me ever since my ex left, nearly 2 years ago now. I've gotten mostly over him and I've dated, even seriously in one case for several months. But still, no inspiration, or only in spurts.
I think some of this is because I am tired a lot. Now that I am on my own most of the time with the kids, I find I don't sleep, and they wear me out. I think I've lost my groove, you know? I am thinking of taking a little vacation in July to get it back. I have a ton of airmiles... My ex will be taking the kids for a week. What should I do? I was going to save the Airmiles till next year and then take the kids to somewhere with me, but maybe I just need to go on my own. Don't know...
I met a new man on line a few weeks ago and last night we chatted on the phone. Truthfully I don't think it is going anywhere...
But ya never know!
Lilly
Posted on 11 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Spring inspires....
Well with the weather getting better I have to say I am inspired! In more than writing, it seems every year as the days grow warmer I am more interested in life in general.
Everything seems bright and cheery, interesting. Life is good. I have a critique partner, a story to work on, my kids are happy (we evn dug in the garden yesterday!), my karate is progressing. Okay, so I don't have a date this weekend. But hey, that might change, you never know!
Is it that there is more sunlight and more time outdoors? Is it a remainder of the ingrained training we experience in our school years as we look forward to summer? Maybe. But who cares, aren't we having fun?
One drawback. I need to write some scary stuff. In preparation I have had my Dad install new bolts on my doors - I always manage to freak myself out when I am writing the scary stuff. Now I can feel more secure, locked in at night. I almost lost it earlier this week when I found my alarm system shut off and the door to my downstairs apartment left open! I NEVER do that, but no one believes me that I am being haunted or stalked or something. I wonder why no one believes?
Lilly
Everything seems bright and cheery, interesting. Life is good. I have a critique partner, a story to work on, my kids are happy (we evn dug in the garden yesterday!), my karate is progressing. Okay, so I don't have a date this weekend. But hey, that might change, you never know!
Is it that there is more sunlight and more time outdoors? Is it a remainder of the ingrained training we experience in our school years as we look forward to summer? Maybe. But who cares, aren't we having fun?
One drawback. I need to write some scary stuff. In preparation I have had my Dad install new bolts on my doors - I always manage to freak myself out when I am writing the scary stuff. Now I can feel more secure, locked in at night. I almost lost it earlier this week when I found my alarm system shut off and the door to my downstairs apartment left open! I NEVER do that, but no one believes me that I am being haunted or stalked or something. I wonder why no one believes?
Lilly
Posted on 07 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Working together
Since I am short these days on my own inspiration, I am looking toward another for direction. One of my fellow writers is doing so well lately, her writing is prolific and being purchased by Ellora's Cave. There are, in fact, several writers in my group that could fit that bill, but she also happens to be interested in the paranormal and the erotic faces or romance. This has drawn us together in the past as critique partners.
She has decided that she will exchange work with me and I am so releaved! Her opinions have been very helpful in the past, and with the pressure of regularly handing work over to her I will, hopefully, be inspired to work harder. Woo hoo!
I decided to go back to an earlier story, Between Moons since it has become obvious I need a break from Dark Harmony - I am sick of it. It is awful that we can work so long on something that we begin to hate it. A fresh look at another work is what's called for in this case. Dark Harmony won't be forgotten, just set aside for a while. In a couple of weeks I will be escaping for a writer's retreat - even if I go by myself - I will head up to my cottage and work on my writing with no distractions - there is no cable there, no children, no easy diversions. Just quiet and my laptop.
Lilly
She has decided that she will exchange work with me and I am so releaved! Her opinions have been very helpful in the past, and with the pressure of regularly handing work over to her I will, hopefully, be inspired to work harder. Woo hoo!
I decided to go back to an earlier story, Between Moons since it has become obvious I need a break from Dark Harmony - I am sick of it. It is awful that we can work so long on something that we begin to hate it. A fresh look at another work is what's called for in this case. Dark Harmony won't be forgotten, just set aside for a while. In a couple of weeks I will be escaping for a writer's retreat - even if I go by myself - I will head up to my cottage and work on my writing with no distractions - there is no cable there, no children, no easy diversions. Just quiet and my laptop.
Lilly
Posted on 04 May 2007 by Lilly Cain
Writing Retreat
Well, I really enjoyed going to the RWAC retreat this weekend past. The setting was fantastic - a beautiful cottage near White Point Beach Resort. It allowed for long walks along the sandy shore, the sound of crashing waves and enough beds to suit the 8 of us ladies that were free to attend.
I laughed a lot - always a bonus, ate a little bit (it was delicious - someone steal that recipee from the White Point Lodge for lobster sauce!)
I learned a lot - thanks to Nikki's songwriting session, Julia's info on what makes a Grey character and why we need one, and Renee's work on world building (very funny scenarios!). I even presented - a session on color theory and therapy and how we use it in our writing. I think the girls loved the sessions with the crayons.
Best of all was all the brainstorming, both formal and informal - thank you ladies I now have some serious writing to do on Dark Melody, my sequel to Dark Harmony!
Lilly
I laughed a lot - always a bonus, ate a little bit (it was delicious - someone steal that recipee from the White Point Lodge for lobster sauce!)
I learned a lot - thanks to Nikki's songwriting session, Julia's info on what makes a Grey character and why we need one, and Renee's work on world building (very funny scenarios!). I even presented - a session on color theory and therapy and how we use it in our writing. I think the girls loved the sessions with the crayons.
Best of all was all the brainstorming, both formal and informal - thank you ladies I now have some serious writing to do on Dark Melody, my sequel to Dark Harmony!
Lilly
Posted on 23 Jul 2008 by Lilly Cain
Saga of the Sexy Synopsis
Today I am once again working on my synopsis for Dark Melody - the sequel to my Dark Harmony (on a side note here, I seriously wonder if an editor will keep my titles - so many of my friends have ended up changing theirs, I guess it is a matter to be prosaic about).
I want the synopsis to be sexy, to lead the reader where the story will go. But boy is it hard to get the feel of the whole thing in so few words. I want the book, which is to be 75,000 words long, to be condensed down into 5 -7 pages?? Are we crazy or what? And then you need a blurb that is only one page? And how about the pitch - approx 2 paragraphs? And I dont even want to think about the "high concept" - one sentence long!!
Lilly
I want the synopsis to be sexy, to lead the reader where the story will go. But boy is it hard to get the feel of the whole thing in so few words. I want the book, which is to be 75,000 words long, to be condensed down into 5 -7 pages?? Are we crazy or what? And then you need a blurb that is only one page? And how about the pitch - approx 2 paragraphs? And I dont even want to think about the "high concept" - one sentence long!!
Lilly
Posted on 02 Jun 2008 by Lilly Cain
Second time around
Despite having come so far, I am still sadly behind in technology. Why is that?? I just managed to write a beautiful blog only to have it go poof and dissappear on me! Now I have to start over, and I don't want to!
I was talking about taking a break in between drafts when things get stale for a writer. I find from my friends that this happens for everyone, even long time professionals. We all need to take a break when things get stale. But hopping from one project to another can make for dangerous times. What if you are playing around and then boom, get a request for a full that isn't complete? When should you submit?
I guess it is a matter of experience and understanding of what you can accomplish if you need to . Do you submit based on having a good synopsis, pitch and 3 chapters written? I know lots of people do, and the professionals can submit a proposal with less than that. But will you be able to complete it in time? You need to know what you can accomplish, reasonably. How fast do you write? What big events are coming up in your life? Will you be expecting other edits? Be careful.
I am a little guilty here. I have learned the hard way to be quite a ways aong in a story before thinking of submitting. Like Dark Harmony - the book is complete but needs a 3rd draft to make it great after chapter three. Therefor it was okay to submit.
Good luck all!
Lilly
I was talking about taking a break in between drafts when things get stale for a writer. I find from my friends that this happens for everyone, even long time professionals. We all need to take a break when things get stale. But hopping from one project to another can make for dangerous times. What if you are playing around and then boom, get a request for a full that isn't complete? When should you submit?
I guess it is a matter of experience and understanding of what you can accomplish if you need to . Do you submit based on having a good synopsis, pitch and 3 chapters written? I know lots of people do, and the professionals can submit a proposal with less than that. But will you be able to complete it in time? You need to know what you can accomplish, reasonably. How fast do you write? What big events are coming up in your life? Will you be expecting other edits? Be careful.
I am a little guilty here. I have learned the hard way to be quite a ways aong in a story before thinking of submitting. Like Dark Harmony - the book is complete but needs a 3rd draft to make it great after chapter three. Therefor it was okay to submit.
Good luck all!
Lilly
Posted on 28 May 2008 by Lilly Cain
Redecorating
So, I've finally gotten around to making a few updates to the site. You will notice the updated news section, the fact that I am regularly blogging, lol and my new picture in the about Lilly Cain area.
I really like the new picture. It is one of the shots I recently posed for with a great photographer, check out her work at www.thisisphotography.ca - I consider this positive reinforcement - I've got my publicity photos done for the back of my books.
Lilly
I really like the new picture. It is one of the shots I recently posed for with a great photographer, check out her work at www.thisisphotography.ca - I consider this positive reinforcement - I've got my publicity photos done for the back of my books.
Lilly
Posted on 23 May 2008 by Lilly Cain