I use the first paragraph for the hook or inciting moment. The second and third introduce the hero and heroine, and their goal, motivation conflict. From there, I include the first turning point, mid-point, second turning point, dark moment and resolution. Pinpointing the major plot points helps to stay focused on the main plot and avoid adding unnecessary details. Since I write romantic suspense I must show suspense plot evolving as well as the romance element.  So to be sure that there is room for both, I avoid including smaller plot points and subplots. It’s important to stay focused on the main story line.

There are some great resources on the web to help you write your synopsis. My favorite is Lisa Gardner’s. She has a detailed lecture series specifically geared to romantic suspense with examples. Also, Margaret Moore has an article about the evolution of the synopsis which shows the synopsis in very stages. And Charlotte Dillon has a number of great resources for synopsis writing.

Anyway, that’s what works for me.

Another reason I’m in such a good mood is the five heart review The Curse of Culcraig received from The Romance Studio.  ”I loved this excellent romantic suspense novel. It reminded me of an old-time Gothic horror story with the addition of some contemporary sex scenes. The plot was well developed and the mystery just the right mixture of of intrigue and apprehension. The murderer, when revealed, was so skillfully portrayed as a true psychopath that I got goosebumps…The blending of history and the here and now works as superbly in the mystery as it does in both the hero’s and the heroine’s lives. The setting of the small Scottish town of Culcraig comes to life, full of superstition and rural charm. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking some spine-chilling suspense.”

This week I plan to wrap the last of the changes for Blood and Bone, and *gasp* create a synopsis for the The Devil’s Eye and The Devil’s Shadow. I know what I said about plotting, but because of trying my hand at a series. I need to organize some of the details to be sure the story arch works for both books.

So I’m off to get started, I’ll be back tomorrow with a few tips for synopsis writing. Until then…

Mood: Excellent

Music: Sister Christian, Night Ranger

Sorry I’ve been scarce lately. I’ve been working like crazy getting Blood and Bone ready to submit. I keep flipping back and forth on my opening chapter. I think the scene works well to draw the reader in, but doesn’t necessarily move the story forward. To cut or not to cut, that is the question. But enough about that. Let’s focus on the good news.

The Curse of Culcraig recieved a fantastic review from Long and Short Reviews this week. “The Curse of Culcraig is a real page turner. It is full of spine-tingling suspense, interesting characters, and tons of romantic tension. Any fan of mystery and romance should pick up a copy today.”

As well as recieving 4.5 books, The Curse of Culcraig had also been nominated for book of the week. So dear readers if you get a chance this weekend, please vote for me. I would very much appreciate it!

Mood: Excellent

Music: The Sunshine of Your Love, Cream

I received the Superior Scribbler Award from good friend and talented writer, Bella Mcfarland.  This award originated from The Scholastic Scribe, whose father suggested she sign up for the High School Journalism Program because she wasn’t strong in math.
Bella writes wonderful YA novels and woman’s romance. She’s had three of her romance novels published, and recently signed with her dream agent for her YA.

I will pass this award onto other worthy writers, and hopefully they will do the same. Then I will list ten things no one knows about me.

Romantic Suspense writer, Jerri Drennan

Gina Ardito at Flights of Fancy

Paranormal Writer, Gwen Mitchell

Lynnette Labelle at Chatterbox Chit Chat

Roni Griffin at Fiction Groupie

A now, ten Things About Me…

1. In real life, I’m extremely shy and introverted when outside my circle of friends.

2. I’d love to live in Europe for a while…just for a change.

3. I love Will Ferrell movies.

4. I have kind of a warped sense of humor. (Which ties into number 3)

5. I don’t like seafood, but I wish I did because everyone else seems to enjoy it so much.

6. My biggest pet peeve is poor manners, especially people who speak over others. Grr!

7. My all time favorite musical artist is, Annie Lennox. She’s just cool.

8.  I’m a terrible gardener, and I’ve killed more house plants than I’d care to admit.

9. I can’t sleep if my feet are hot.

10. I’m a big believer in karma.

Mood: Good

Music: Fix You, Cold Play

Happy Valentines Day! To celebrate, I’m participating in the Love at First Sight Blogfest. I’m posting an excerpt from The Curse of Culcraig. I’m not sure it counts as a love at first. Maybe more intrigued at first sight.

Set up:Hillary is in Scotland to research a book. Caid is staying at the same inn while he attends his aunt’s funeral. Here we go…

“No dinner for me,” Caid said. “I’m exhausted and just need my bed.”

“Can I no’ bring you some tea, at least?”

“No thank you, Joan. Just my room and a good night’s sleep.”

“Aye. Well, it’s likely been a long day, and tomorrow longer still.”

True enough. Simply thinking of the impending reunion made his heart race.

“The machine will probably be working again come morning.” Joan handed him his card. “We’ll try it again then.”

“Ta.” He slid the card back into his wallet.

“Take the green room. First door on the left. Right then, off you go.”

Caid nodded, hoisted his computer bag over his shoulder and lifted his suitcase. After climbing the stairs, he found the first door on the right. He gripped the brass knob and tried to turn, but it resisted. Frowning, he jiggled the handle a bit, and the door swung inward. Inside, a small lamp glowed softly next to the bed. He dropped his bag and case, and flopped onto the mattress. The room was very pretty and feminine. Though the flowers on the wallpaper and bedspread looked more blue than green to him.

What did he care? The bed was soft and that was all he needed. He toed off his shoes, flipping them from his feet onto the floor, and wriggled up so his head lay nestled in the pile of pillows.

At the sound of a door opening, he sat up. His eyes rounded and the air in his lungs shriveled. Hillary stood in the open doorway to the bathroom, practically naked.

His gaze swept the soft curve her hips, the low dip of her white silk panties then upward to the gentle swell of her breasts peeking out over the edge of her bra. Her hair, still damp from her excursion outside, fell sexy and tousled past her shoulders.

He sat up further, his jeans tight in the crotch and sleep now the furthest thing from his mind. Then he lifted his gaze to hers. Those dark green eyes shone wild and terrified.

Without a word, she slammed the door shut, closing herself in the bathroom. The lock clicked into place.

Bloody hell!

So, this morning I’m sitting with laptop, trying to decide what to blog about. I had a couple of ideas, but they weren’t really working for me.  The hubby comes into the room, and I say “I can’t think of anything to blog about.”

To which he grumbles, “Why don’t you write about this crap weather.” (It snowed overnight and, according to weather reports, it’s supposed to continue snowing for the rest of the day)

“I love days like this,” I foolishly reply.

This earns me a baleful glare and a muttered, “That’s because you’re not going out in it.”

The man does have a valid point.  I do realize that I’m probably one of the few people out there who looks forward to snowfalls, but I just can’t help it. I love writing on days like this. When the wind is whipping around the house, the snow pelting against my window. With fake flicker of flames (say that thee times fast) from the electric fireplace, incense burning and a hot cup of tea, the whole thing is very cozy, and I’m able to lose myself in the writing easier. Incidentally, I enjoy writing on dark, rainy days as well.

Anyone else inspired when the weather outside is frightful?  

Mood: Great

It’s been a while  since I last posted, and I still don’t have a whole lot write about. So here’s a what’s new with me.

What I’m working on: The Devil’s Eye, WIP. I’m aiming to add another 10K by Friday. Blood and Bone – Rewrites. Getting the first three chapters to final draft, and posting later chapter with crit groups.

What I’m Reading: The Edge of Darkness, Barabra Erskin. Sleeping with Skeletons, Doralynn Kennedy (on the ereader). Dead Until Dark, Charlaine Harris.

What I’m Watching: Lost. Yay, it’s back. The Vampire Diaries. It’s my new Buffy.

I think that’s it for now. As mentioned, I have a lot I want to get done this week.

Mood: Tired. 

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I did. After all, it was off  to a great start when I discovered this review for The Curse of Culcraig at Nights and Weekends. “Mystery, intrigue, and spine-chilling suspense make The Curse of Culcraigone fabulous romantic thriller…Ms. Brown brings the folklore of Scotland to life and mixes it with modern-day murder, and the result is a transfixing read that’s impossible to put down…With a perfect blend of their pasts and presents, both Hillary and Caid are strong characters with a lot of depth. Throw in a well-developed plot that will often give you the shivers, and you have yourself a near-perfect read.”

I ran into a stumbling block with the WIP last week, but I think I’ve solved the issue. So this week I’m having to rework the opening to reflect the change. I’m hoping to hit 50K by the end of the month. Fingers crossed.

I’m also hoping finish cleaning up Blood and Bone by the end of next week. Though, I may make a significant change to the ending, so it may take me a little longer. It’s amazing what you can see while reading through the entire manuscript at once.

Well, I suppose I should get to it. Happy Monday everyone.

Mood: Good

By the time the show was over, I was fighting my own compulsion to clean out the basement at eleven o’clock at night. But it also got me thinking, could I ever hoard? My initial response was no. I dislike clutter too much. Then I noticed the stack of novels on the table beside me…and the books stacked on the shelves of the coffee table. I thought of the books jammed tight on my shelves. Tucked in the drawer on my night table. Many I haven’t even read yet, but I know I will likely buy more before I do. Gasp. I hoard books.

Granted, my book collecting is not quite to the same degree as these poor people I saw on T.V.,  but I’ve been inspired to get rid the books that have not made keeper shelf, and I’m going to make a serious effort to read a few of the books already on my self before buying anything new–this includes the e-reader.  So am I the only person who suffers the particular vice?

 Mood: Thoughful

Music: I Feel It All – Feist