MGOC Contributor: Mike Mehalek

MIKE MEHALEK
photo by Heidi Ruby Miller

EXCERPT from "Deus Ex Machina Undergoing Repairs: Save Your Characters by Letting Them Save Themselves" by Mike Mehalek in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction

Undoubtedly you’ve seen it before. Characters trapped in locked rooms, surrounded by battalions of atomic war machines, caught in irreconcilable relationships, or even stuck in a character’s own mind. Often those characters’ ingenuity gets them out of these sticky places, but just as often Fate seems to step in and save the day.

In writing, when Fate, an object, or another force arrives and inexplicably solves a problem or advances the plot, it’s called deus ex machina. Literally meaning "god from the machine," this device is thought to have gotten its name from a crane used to lower ancient Greek actors playing gods onto the stage.

--

A friend once told Mike Mehalek that "writing will set you free," and he’s bought into that philosophy 110%. To him writing is a way to escape from reality, a means to earn a living, and a way to show the world that one person can make a difference. He feels fiction should be enjoyable at the surface, but it should also have enough depth that those willing to dive for it can find greater meaning. In 2008 Mike graduated from the Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill with his thesis Dragon, an urban dark fantasy.

Many Genres One Craft Virtual Book Tour (VBT)

Our recent VBT stops for Many Genres, One Craft are:

Stop: At Your Fingertips
At Your Fingertips highlights the work of author Tamela Quijas and that of her fellow authors, but isn’t only about the latest romance novels on the market. Stay for a while and you’ll find her reviews on a variety of books and movies, fantastic author interviews, sneak peeks into upcoming book releases, recipes, as well as being granted a private look into Tamela's world.
Host: Tamela Quijas
Tamela is a romance author that loves to write–from paranormal to contemporary romances and an occasional cookbook. Her work includes the novels Blood Moon, Blood of the Beast, My Lord Raven, Angel's Fire Demon's Blood.
Event: Ratio of Romance: Adina Senft
Contributor: Adina Senft

Stop: Born to Write
Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction! Alexa Grave reviews books, comments on the craft of writing, and talks about her own journey as a writer.
Host: Alexa Grave
Alexa Grave is a fantasy writer trying to break into the cut-throat market. She has a Master of Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. And please, at least pretend you think some of the stuff she says in her blog is funny - it makes her feel a little less like a dork.
Event: MGOC Series on Fantasy
Contributor: Rachael Pruitt

Stop: Gorelets
Michael Arnzen's weblog and Bram Stoker award-winning newsletter features a department of weird, sick and crazy "prompts" (a.k.a. "story starters") for creative writers working on the dark side.
Host: Michael A. Arnzen
Our co-editor of Many Genres One Craft teaches in the Writing Popular Fiction MFA program at Seton Hill University. He holds four Bram Stoker Awards for his often funny, always disturbing horror fiction. Visit him at http://gorelets.com to find out more.
Event: Dark Promptings
Contributor: Jason Jack Miller

Stop: Heidi Ruby Miller
Read author interviews and thoughts about the blended genre of Science Fiction Romance at Heidi Ruby Miller's blog.
Host: Heidi Ruby Miller
Heidi Ruby Miller writes stories where the relationship is as important as the adventure, just like in her debut SF Romance novel AMBASADORA. She is co-editor of MANY GENRES, ONE CRAFT.
Event: Secret Writers: Elaine Ervin
Secret Writers: Adina Senft
Secret Writers: Lee Allen Howard
HEIDI'S PICK SIX: David Morrell
HEIDI'S PICK SIX: Jason Jack Miller
PATHS TO PUBLICATION: Tess Gerritsen
PATHS TO PUBLICATION: Susan Mallery
PATHS TO PUBLICATION: Randall Silvis
PATHS TO PUBLICATION: Victoria Thompson
Contributors: Elaine Ervin
Tess Gerritsen
Lee Allen Howard
Susan Mallery
Jason Jack Miller
David Morrell
Adina Senft
Randall Silvis
Victoria Thompson

Stop: Kate N. Ryan, Romance Author
Host: Kate N. Ryan
Event: What Makes My Work Romance?
Contributor: Penny Dawn

Stop: Pedablogue
A personal inquiry into the scholarship of teaching by Michael A. Arnzen.
Host: Michael A. Arnzen
Our co-editor of Many Genres One Craft teaches in the Writing Popular Fiction MFA program at Seton Hill University. He holds four Bram Stoker Awards for his often funny, always disturbing horror fiction. Visit him at http://gorelets.com to find out more.
Event: Creative Writing Guide for Instructors

Stop: Phylactery of Nightmares & Dreams: The Webspace of W. D. Prescott
For discussions, reviews, and previews of all things dark.
Host: W. D. Prescott
W. D. is a good ol’ New Hampshire boy currently living as an ex-pat in the swirling doom of New Jersey. With an equal passion for writing and music, it’s no wonder that he has a B.A. in Creative Writing and Musical Theory and Composition from Simon’s Rock College. He went on to Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction Program for my M.A. His stories have been published in Tainted: Tales of Terror and the Supernatural and Dead Bells.
Event: Many Genres Review

Stop: Romance Bandits
Host: KJ Howe
Event: Romance in Many Genres
Contributors: Penny Dawn
Dana Marton
Heidi Ruby Miller
Adina Senft

There's still time to be a host. Email Heidi Ruby Miller at heidirubymiller@gmail.com for details!

To order a copy of Many Genres, One Craft, visit:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Powell's Books
Books A Million
and other fine book sellers!

posted by heidi

MGOC Contributor: Tim Waggoner

TIM WAGGONER
photo by Christine Avery

EXCERPT from "Pick Up the Pace" by Tim Waggoner in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction

If writing a novel can be compared to running a marathon and finishing on your feet, you surely don't want your finished novel to feel that way to readers. You want your novel to read the way a symphony sounds, sometimes slow and evocative, other times fast and exhilarating. In short, you want your book to have effective pace.

Pace equals movement, but whether a given chapter moves fast or slow will depend on what effect you want it to have on readers. The following techniques can help you manage the pace of your chapters -- provided you choose them carefully, and always with your readers in mind.

--

Tim Waggoner’s novels include the Nekropolis series of urban fantasies and the Ghost Trackers series written in collaboration with Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of the Ghost Hunters television show. In total, he’s published over twenty novels and two short story collections, and his articles on writing have appeared in Writer’s Digest and Writers’ Journal, among others. He teaches creative writing at Sinclair Community College and in Seton Hill University’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction program. Visit him on the web at www.timwaggoner.com.

MGOC Events: Pennwriters Conference 2011

Thanks to the participants in our all-day intensive workshop based on Many Genres, One Craft.

Seton Hill contributors (Timons Esaias, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Jack Miller, Natalie Duvall, Matt Duvall, and Michael A. Arnzen) taught one hour sessions on craft in the morning, then career in the afternoon.

Each participant received a free hardcover copy of Many Genres, One Craft as a thank you gift. Plus, lots of candy for answering questions!

The Author Tea and Signing was huge! So many great books and their creators all in one room. Signing for Many Genres were Timons Esaias, Cathy Teets of Headline Books, Inc., Heidi Ruby Miller, and Jason Jack Miller.

Jason Jack Miller and Heidi Ruby Miller had a wonderful group for their Sunday workshop The First Page is the Worst Page.

Jonathan Maberry, who was the keynote speaker on Saturday, was one of the bestselling authors kind enough to blurb Many Genres.

MGOC Contributor: KJ Howe

KJ HOWE
photo by Russ Howe

EXCERPT from "Give Your Reader Whiplash: Pacing in Fiction" by KJ Howe in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction

Want to write a compelling page-turner that dominates bestseller lists? Focus on pacing. As an author of popular fiction, you want to enthrall readers, keep them so engrossed in your story that your characters become real people. Readers must be invested in your protagonist's plight -- so much so that readers become your hero, vicariously experiencing everything that happens in his/her life. That's what keeps readers coming back for more. And nothing makes it easier to put a book down than poor pacing. How do you keep readers in full fiction immersion? Hone your pacing.

Pacing. What exactly is it?

* The rhythm or underlying beat of your story.
* The rate at which your novel unfolds -- talented writers can manipulate time in readers' minds.
* The way writers structure their novels to engage readers' emotions, eliciting different emotions at different times.

--

KJ Howe is a two-time Daphne du Maurier winner, a four-time Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in the American Title III Contest. She is also the Executive Director of ThrillerFest 2012. KJ earned her Master's in Writing Popular Fiction in 2007 at Seton Hill University, and is now represented by the Evan Marshall Agency. International intrigue and pulse-pounding adventure are her passions. When she isn't writing romantic thrillers, KJ is researching them by shark cage diving in South Africa, interacting with semi-habituated elephants in Botswana, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. You can visit her at www.kjhowe.com.

MGOC Contributor News: Michael A. Arnzen Gives Speech at Honor's Convocation

Michael A. Arnzen, co-editor of Many Genres, four time Bram Stoker Award winner, and 2011 Seton Hill University Professor of the Year gave a speech to remember at the Honor's Convocation on May 13, 2011. Here's the highlight, a poem about Seton Hill based on the song Hotel California:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ3Pa-tPQeg&feature=share

Many congratulations, Mike!

posted by heidi

MGOC Contributor: Venessa Giunta

VENESSA GIUNTA
photo by French Chris

EXCERPT from "Demystifying What Editors Want" by Venessa Giunta in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction

At Dragon*Con 2010, I participated in a panel of editors for the writing track called, not surprisingly, "What Editors Want." I was joined by distinguished folks from small presses as well as several big NY houses. Writers expectantly watched us as we fielded questions about writing, publishing and how to get that elusive contract. It was only a matter of time until the big question was asked: What do you want to see in a story?

Every editor on the panel recited a variation of the same answer: A tightly-written story with interesting, well-rounded characters and a unique and compelling plot with lots of conflict. Details differed according to the editor's genre, but the basic request was the same: give us something that keeps us turning pages.

--

Venessa Giunta is a senior editor for Loose Id, LLC, and freelance edits fiction. She wrote bad short stories and angsty poetry off and on through high school then took a very long hiatus. It was probably because of the poetry. When she turned thirty-five, she realized that what she really wanted to do was write. After many short story rejections, it occurred to her that some sort of writing classes might be beneficial. She subsequently worked toward and was awarded her Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Venessa lives in the metro Atlanta area and is lucky enough to reside with her muse who masquerades as her husband. And she no longer writes poetry. It's better for everyone that way.

MGOC Events: The Muse and the Marketplace 2011

Many Genres contributors Tess Gerritsen and Lynn Salsi were guests at the Grub Street Conference The Muse and the Marketplace 2011 last month.

Many thanks to Chris Castellani for the invitation to showcase our wonderful writing guide in Boston!

During the panel discussion, Lynn and Tess also shared their latest fiction releases. Check out Lynn's The Life and Times of Ray Hicks and Tess' The Silent Girl.

MGOC Contributor: Barbara J. Miller

BARBARA J. MILLER

EXCERPT from "Empowering Female Characters" by Barbara J. Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction

When we think of powerful characters we tend to focus on strength, but there are many other kinds of power that outweigh the physical. If you learn to write tales of female empowerment you may capture not only the female audience but male readers, as well. The current genre market encourages writers to create heroines who use brains and physical skills along with other powers to take effective action and compel readers to cheer them on.

Like the progress of the women's rights movement, literature that grants women power has had its ups and downs. The Grimm brothers collected tales told to them by Katherina Viehmann, and others, so the original Grimm's Fairy Tales still have that cautionary, wise-woman point of view. As Jane Yolen points out in her introduction to Kathleen Ragan's Fearless Girls, Wise Women and Beloved Sisters, the Victorian editors repressed folk tales with female heroes and reprinted the ones with male heroes. Early Walt Disney movies in the post WWII era of getting women out of the workplace reinforced this tradition of the heroine who needed to be rescued and supported.

--

EXCERPT from "Heroes in Romance" by Barbara J. Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction

Many readers and writers have the wrong idea about alpha heroes. I know these characters are physically attractive because they are virile, handsome, powerful and charismatic. But that does not mean they are by default unfair, abusive, difficult or irreparably scarred. True heroes are heroes at their core, leaders who are sensitive to the needs of other, self-sacrificing men who show compassion and generosity even if they have risen out of a torturous past.

--

Barbara J. Miller teaches in the Writing Popular Fiction graduate program at Seton Hill University and is Reference Librarian at Mount Pleasant Public Library. She has published historical romances, cozy mysteries, and young adult books and is now writing Regencies and paranormals for Cerridwen Press. You may email scribe@zoominternet.net or visit www.fallsbend.net.

Many Genres One Craft Virtual Book Tour (VBT)

Our recent VBT stops for Many Genres, One Craft are:

Stop: At Your Fingertips
At Your Fingertips highlights the work of author Tamela Quijas and that of her fellow authors, but isn’t only about the latest romance novels on the market. Stay for a while and you’ll find her reviews on a variety of books and movies, fantastic author interviews, sneak peeks into upcoming book releases, recipes, as well as being granted a private look into Tamela's world.
Host: Tamela Quijas
Tamela is a romance author that loves to write–from paranormal to contemporary romances and an occasional cookbook. Her work includes the novels Blood Moon, Blood of the Beast, My Lord Raven, Angel's Fire Demon's Blood.
Event: Ratio of Romance: Jacki King
Contributor: Jacki King

Stop: Free Cotton
Providing discussion, tips, and marketing for education on all levels.
Host: Teffanie Thompson White
Teffanie Thompson White played with pen in hand. When pen was absent, she scratched words on ashen legs. She either taught class or wrote books, which she still does. Her picture book manuscripts, Bug Talk and For Tents and Ribbons, have been adapted into onstage ballets. Teffanie co-authors and co-publishes pictureless books.
Event: Educational Tips
Contributor: Heidi Ruby Miller

Stop: Heidi Ruby Miller
Read author interviews and thoughts about the blended genre of Science Fiction Romance at Heidi Ruby Miller's blog.
Host: Heidi Ruby Miller
Heidi Ruby Miller writes stories where the relationship is as important as the adventure, just like in her debut SF Romance novel AMBASADORA. She is co-editor of MANY GENRES, ONE CRAFT.
Event: Secret Writers: Crystal B. Bright
Secret Writers: Penny Dawn
Secret Writers: Anne Harris
Contributors: Crystal B. Bright
Penny Dawn
Anne Harris

Stop: Kelly A. Harmon: Moving on to Fiction...
Kelly A. Harmon shares thoughts on leaving the newspaper business to freelance and write fiction, as well as gives tips on writing and attending writing conferences.
Host: Kelly A. Harmon
Kelly A. Harmon used to write truthful, honest stories about authors and thespians, senators and statesmen, movie stars and murderers. Now she writes lies, which is infinitely more satisfying, but lacks the convenience of doorstep delivery, especially on rainy days.
Event: Many Genres, One Craft: Writing Conferences, Part III
Contributor: Venessa Giunta

Stop: The Secret Writer
The Secret Writer blog is an attempt to bring readers, writers and authors together from all parts of the world to one 'Virtual Place', in order to review and promote the many different types of books and other literary material that is being generated today, or that has been written in the past.
Host: Calum
Calum has always enjoyed reading and writing. He is now preparing to venture on the journey down the path of writing his first novel!
Events: Many Genres Co-Editor: Michael A. Arnzen
Many Genres Co-Editor: Heidi Ruby Miller

There's still time to be a host. Email Heidi Ruby Miller at heidirubymiller@gmail.com for details!

To order a copy of Many Genres, One Craft, visit:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Powell's Books
Books A Million
and other fine book sellers!

posted by heidi

MGOC Contributor: W. H. Horner

W. H. HORNER
photo by David Seidman

EXCERPT from "Going Deeper: Point of View beyond the Basics" by W. H. Horner in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

The trend in fiction over the past century has been towards a highly immersive point of view, in which the reader is taken on a journey through the senses of the lead character (often referred to as the "POV character"). Unlike the omniscient point of view that has slowly fallen out of favor, the reader can only know what the point of view character knows and experiences "live" in the story. However, the benefit to this approach is that the reader will be drawn into the prose at an unconscious level, and will become deeply attached to the characters and their story.

In order to sustain the illusion that good fiction can create, it is important to eliminate any point of view shifts that could pull the reader out of the experience. The obvious examples of these blips include describing the thoughts of another character without the filter of the POV character, or simply shifting point of view in the middle of a scene without a discernible break. But there are subtler issues that take careful editing to eliminate.

--

W. H. Horner is publisher and editor-in-chief of Fantasist Enterprises, an independent publishing house specializing in fantasy and horror short fiction anthologies, novels, art, and music. Their latest releases are Vipers by Lawrence C. Connolly, and Blood & Devotion: Tales of Epic Fantasy. William is an adjunct faculty member with Seton Hill University’s MFA in Writing Popular Fiction program, and with Wilmington University’s English Department. He is also the founder and director of the First Writes, a writing group that meets in Wilmington, Delaware. For more information about William and his freelance editorial and design services, please visit www.whhorner.com, and to learn more about his projects with Fantasist Enterprises, please go to www.fantasistent.com.

Many Genres One Craft Virtual Book Tour (VBT)

Our recent VBT stops for Many Genres, One Craft are:

Stop: David Lee Summers
David Lee Summers talks about Science Fiction, Fantasy, and more!
Host: David Lee Summers
David is editor of Tales of the Talisman.
Event: David J. Corwell Interview
Contributor: David J. Corwell

Stop: Free Cotton
Providing discussion, tips, and marketing for education on all levels.
Host: Teffanie Thompson White
Teffanie Thompson White played with pen in hand. When pen was absent, she scratched words on ashen legs. She either taught class or wrote books, which she still does. Her picture book manuscripts, Bug Talk and For Tents and Ribbons, have been adapted into onstage ballets. Teffanie co-authors and co-publishes pictureless books.
Event: Educational Tips
Contributor: Natalie Duvall

Stop: Kelly A. Harmon: Moving on to Fiction...
Kelly A. Harmon shares thoughts on leaving the newspaper business to freelance and write fiction, as well as gives tips on writing and attending writing conferences.
Host: Kelly A. Harmon
Kelly A. Harmon used to write truthful, honest stories about authors and thespians, senators and statesmen, movie stars and murderers. Now she writes lies, which is infinitely more satisfying, but lacks the convenience of doorstep delivery, especially on rainy days.
Event: Many Genres, One Craft: Writing Conferences, Part II
Contributor: Lucy A. Snyder

Stop: Maria V. Snyder
All things Maria V. Snyder, including writing, traveling, and chatting.
Host: Maria V. Snyder
Maria V. Snyder switched careers from meteorologist to novelist when she began writing the New York Times best-selling Study Series (POISON STUDY, MAGIC STUDY and FIRE STUDY) about a young woman who becomes a poison taster.
Event: Book Recommendation

Stop: The Secret Writer
The Secret Writer blog is an attempt to bring readers, writers and authors together from all parts of the world to one 'Virtual Place', in order to review and promote the many different types of books and other literary material that is being generated today, or that has been written in the past.
Host: Calum
Calum has always enjoyed reading and writing. He is now preparing to venture on the journey down the path of writing his first novel!
Events: Writing Under a Pseudonym by Ryan M. Williams
Writing Under a Pseudonym by Leslie Davis Guccione
Contributors: Ryan M. Williams
Leslie Davis Guccione

Stop: Writers and Recipes
Writers and Recipes brings the best (and worst) recipes from the literary scene, provided by the authors themselves. Then they talk a little about their books while you're digesting. If you're lucky, they even serve up an excerpt!
Host: Natalie Duvall
Natalie writes Regency Romance and lives in a big old house in a charming little town in Central PA with her writer husband Matt Duvall and their three cats.
Event: Recipes and Books
Contributor: Lee McClain

There's still time to be a host. Email Heidi Ruby Miller at heidirubymiller@gmail.com for details!

To order a copy of Many Genres, One Craft, visit:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Powell's Books
Books A Million
and other fine book sellers!

posted by heidi

MGOC Contributor and Editor: Heidi Ruby Miller

HEIDI RUBY MILLER
photo by Jason Jack Miller

EXCERPT from "Tomorrow's Kiss: The Duality of SF Romance" by Heidi Ruby Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Romance and Science Fiction. Because the classification for either of these genres is open at best, deciding how to define the two when blended strains the mind. For this article we'll settle for an anemic definition: SF Romance presents a plot which relies on an alternative reality, usually brought forth through technology, as well an emotional journey of a couple or multiple couples.

With such an exciting and intriguing concept, why do Romance and Science Fiction readers have such a difficult time embracing SF Romance? The answer may come down to nebulous percentages. What portion of the plot, character interaction, and ending is SF and what portion is Romance? If a writer sways too much in one direction or the other, she fears losing part of her audience.
--

EXCERPT from "The Shifting Grail: A Quest for a Good Read" by Heidi Ruby Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

A good, believable grail should be evident to your readers immediately because character motivations provide the foundation for a gripping plot. (How much less exciting would Jurassic Park have been if there was no need to flee the island?) And, when other goals stumble in the character's way and need immediate action (the power outage to the dinosaur paddocks), look out, the grail shifts. The possibilities for reader engagement have just expanded ten-fold (like Dr. Grant riding the rapids to escape the T-Rex).
--

EXCERPT from "Be an Archetype, Not a Stereotype" by Heidi Ruby Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Be a Hero/Heroine.
Don't be infallible or pretend you're the perfect man/woman…everyone struggles at something. Perfection is boring.

Be a Villain.
Don't be evil-for-the-sake-of-evil. Even a bad guy/gal gets behavioral motivation from somewhere. Access your daddy issues.

Be a Sidekick.
Don't show up the hero/heroine. I know it's hard, but you're only there to make them look good. Sorry.
--

EXCERPT from "I'll Scratch Your Back and You Promote My Book" by Heidi Ruby Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Giving and receiving in equal measure.

I end my daily yoga sessions with this meditation, then try to put it to practice in all aspects of my life. And, as a former marketing director, I found out how important that philosophy is for promotional interactions as well.

There's a reason sayings like "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" and "you have to give a little to get a little" are so common -- it's because they're true. Think of situations in your own life. Aren't you more likely to help someone who either has helped you in the past or who will be there for you in the future? That balance makes us feel good. We don't like to be taken advantage of, but on the flip side, we gain satisfaction from returning a favor. Promoting your writing can bring about these same feelings while avoiding the guilt of egotism.
--

EXCERPT from "Touring Virtually" by Heidi Ruby Miller in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Real world book tours often cover large distances, making them expensive and time consuming, so most authors also choose to tour online by asking sites to feature them and their books according to a planned schedule. Here's how to set up your own Virtual Book Tour (VBT):

1.Decide how long and when you want to tour. Do this at least three months before the book's release date. If you have limited time, I recommend scheduling your first stop at least one week prior to your book's release, then continue through the first two weeks of its availability. If you can start earlier, however, you can generate more word of mouth and entice pre-orders. Why not make it a month-long celebration?

--

Heidi Ruby Miller is just a girl who writes stories where the relationship is as important as the adventure. She loves science fiction, high-heeled shoes, action movies, Chanel, loud music, and of course, romance. She also teaches creative writing at Seton Hill University, where she graduated from their renowned Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program the same month she appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The writing guide Many Genres, One Craft, which she co-edited with Michael A. Arnzen, is based on the Seton Hill program and her novel Ambasadora was her thesis there.

She has had various fiction and non-fiction publications, as well as various jobs, including contract archaeologist, foreign currency exchanger at Walt Disney World, foreign language teacher, and educational marketing director for a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Heidi is a member of The Authors Guild, Pennwriters, Broad Universe, EPIC, SFR Brigade, and Science Fiction Poetry Association (SFPA). She lives in Pennsylvania with her writer husband Jason Jack Miller. Visit her online at http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com.

MGOC Contributor News: Scott A. Johnson's Pages: Book Two of the Stanley Cooper Chronicles

Many Genres, One Craft contributor Scott A. Johnson's latest release is Pages: Book Two of the Stanley Cooper Chronicles.

Stanley Cooper was an ordinary guy until an industrial accident left him clinically dead for three minutes. Now, he sees the dead everywhere he goes. In fact, he sees the energy created by all living things, an ability he’s not certain is a gift or a curse.

Pittsburgh is a city known for three things: Football, hockey, and zombies. What starts with a strange package in the mail escalates to horrific proportions as the dead rise up and walk again. Only this time, they’re not in the movies. They’re real. It’s up to Stanley Cooper, the reluctant clairvoyant, to figure out where they’re coming from, what they want, and what it all has to do with a curious book that shouldn’t exist. More important, it’s up to Stanley and his friends to figure out how to stop it. This is the non-stop horror-noir thriller, PAGES
PAGES is the second book of the wildly popular Stanley Cooper Chronicles, the follow-up to VERMIN.

In a sea of urban fantasy/horror novels about supernaturally inclined protagonists, I thought Stanley Cooper really stood out.
--Kristin Dearborn on VERMIN: Book One of the Stanley Cooper Chronicles

posted by heidi

MGOC Contributor: Randall Silvis

RANDALL SILVIS

EXCERPT from "Tough Love: Make Your Protagonist Suffer" by Randall Silvis in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Elkin, the winner of two National Book Critics Circle Awards, for the novels George Mills and Mrs. Ted Bliss, was a consummate stylist, and, like most literary writers, more concerned with language and character than with plots. The darkly comic conflicts that drove his characters tended to be more internal than external. But in no way did that diminish his resolve (nor should it diminish yours) to create characters who are at risk.

Conflict is the heart and soul of story. This is true of every form of narrative, whether short fiction, long fiction, screenplay, stage play, narrative nonfiction or even narrative poem. Without conflict, there is no story.
--

Randall Silvis is the author of 11 critically acclaimed books thus far: one collection of short fiction, nine novels, and one book of narrative nonfiction. A new suspense novel, The Boy Who Shoots Crows, is forthcoming from Penguin Books in late 2011, as is a short slipstream novel, Flying Fish, from PS Publishing (London) in the summer of 2011. In 2012 PS Publishing will release the short novel The Boy Who Learned That the Moon Is Cold. Silvis's literary awards include the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, two literature fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Grant to the Caribbean, an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, and six fellowships for his fiction, drama and screenplays from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts. Look for a nonfiction book on the craft of writing to come from Silvis in the future. His blog can be found at http://randallsilvis.wordpress.com.

Many Genres One Craft Virtual Book Tour (VBT)

Our recent VBT stops for Many Genres, One Craft are:

Stop: At Your Fingertips
At Your Fingertips highlights the work of author Tamela Quijas and that of her fellow authors, but isn’t only about the latest romance novels on the market. Stay for a while and you’ll find her reviews on a variety of books and movies, fantastic author interviews, sneak peeks into upcoming book releases, recipes, as well as being granted a private look into Tamela's world.
Host: Tamela Quijas
Tamela is a romance author that loves to write–from paranormal to contemporary romances and an occasional cookbook. Her work includes the novels Blood Moon, Blood of the Beast, My Lord Raven, Angel's Fire Demon's Blood.
Event: Book Review
Ratio of Romance - Crystal B. Bright
Contributor: Crystal B. Bright

Stop: Damsels in Regress
Jennifer, Emilie, and Tricia met while they were graduate students in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program. They bonded over their love for children's and young adult fiction, especially all types of historical fiction, and their desire to see their books in print.
Host: Patricia B. Tighe
Tricia is currently writing the sequel to a young adult historical fantasy set in 1890s Belgium. In An Inherited Evil, 18-year-old Mathieu Korsten must discover the secrets of his grandmother’s past to end a curse that could take his life.
Event: Patrice Lyle Interview
C. Coco DeYoung Interview

Stop: Free Cotton
Providing discussion, tips, and marketing for education on all levels.
Host: Teffanie Thompson White
Teffanie Thompson White played with pen in hand. When pen was absent, she scratched words on ashen legs. She either taught class or wrote books, which she still does. Her picture book manuscripts, Bug Talk and For Tents and Ribbons, have been adapted into onstage ballets. Teffanie co-authors and co-publishes pictureless books.
Event: Educational Tips
Contributor: Jason Jack Miller

Stop: Kelly A. Harmon: Moving on to Fiction...
Kelly A. Harmon shares thoughts on leaving the newspaper business to freelance and write fiction, as well as gives tips on writing and attending writing conferences.
Host: Kelly A. Harmon
Kelly A. Harmon used to write truthful, honest stories about authors and thespians, senators and statesmen, movie stars and murderers. Now she writes lies, which is infinitely more satisfying, but lacks the convenience of doorstep delivery, especially on rainy days.
Event: Many Genres, One Craft: Writing Conferences
Contributor: KJ Howe

Stop: The Secret Writer
The Secret Writer blog is an attempt to bring readers, writers and authors together from all parts of the world to one 'Virtual Place', in order to review and promote the many different types of books and other literary material that is being generated today, or that has been written in the past.
Host: Calum
Calum has always enjoyed reading and writing. He is now preparing to venture on the journey down the path of writing his first novel!
Event: Book Overview
Contributor Overview
Writing Under a Pseudonym by Dana Marton
Contributor: Dana Marton

There's still time to be a host. Email Heidi Ruby Miller at heidirubymiller@gmail.com for details!

To order a copy of Many Genres, One Craft, visit:
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and other fine book sellers!

posted by heidi

MGOC Contributor: Sharon Mignerey

SHARON MIGNEREY
photo by Les Mignerey

EXCERPT from "M&Ms for Characters" by Sharon Mignerey in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Most of the fiction writers I know have read numerous books on character development that espouse all sorts of advice. Most of that advice boils down to making sure character development includes two things: milieu and motivation, or as I like to call them, M&Ms.

As writers, we want the same thing in characters that readers do -- compelling people who are remembered long after the book is finished. These are characters who have a significant need, longing, or desire that is recognizable to readers, who have problems to overcome, and who create a sense of identification with readers.
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Sharon Mignerey (www.sharonmignerey.com) has written books for Silhouette Intimate Moments, Zebra, and Steeple Hill Love-Inspired Suspense. A self-confessed dreamer, Sharon knows the only way to make dreams come true is to work diligently toward their achievement, like her master's degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill. Sharon's books have won The Golden Heart, the National Readers Choice Award, and the CRW Keeper Award. She's active in RWA chapters in Texas and Colorado. She was named the 2003 Writer of the Year by Colorado Romance Writers and the 2000 Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.

Many Genres One Craft Official Release

You can finally get your hands on Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction, edited by Michael A. Arnzen and Heidi Ruby Miller and published by Headline Books, Inc.!

Visit your local bookstore or find it online at these and many fine retailers:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books A Million
Powell's Books
Writers Digest Shop

MGOC Contributor: Anne Harris

ANNE HARRIS
photo by David Reed

EXCERPT from "Perfect Disaster: Don't Let Perfectionism Squash Your Creativity" by Anne Harris in Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction:

Perfectionism destroys productivity, and what's worse, it robs you of the joy of creating. After all, no one and nothing is perfect. Holding your work to that standard will only set you up for failure. Writing used to be an agonizing process for me. I dreaded it. I avoided it for days and weeks and when I finally did sit down and write, I'd type that first sentence, and then I'd rework it until it was just the way I wanted it. I would not move on the second sentence until the first sentence was perfect and the same for paragraphs and chapters. Needless to say, when I got midway through the book and needed to change something I'd written at the beginning, it was tantamount to amputating a body part. The whole process was slow, difficult work, rife with self-criticism and second-guessing. It wasn't much fun. Frankly, it's a miracle I ever finished anything.
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Anne Harris writes science fiction, fantasy and, as Pearl North, young adult sf. Her novels include Accidental Creatures, which won the Spectrum Award for glbt sf, Inventing Memory, a Book Sense Pick, and Libyrinth. Her short story, "Still Life with Boobs," was a 2005 Nebula Award finalist. She also mentors grad students in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program. Visit Anne and Pearl at http://bookviewcafe.com.