Having my way with some words

I'm currently adding onto an existing story of mine in order to increase the word count. This is not a problem for me, since I can always say more:) My problem is usually knowing when to shut up. In writing I always try to ask myself, "Does the reader really need to know this?" and "Would they care?" I'll never forget the time I read a very well known fantasy author's book and got a three page description of a dirt road. (Really could have done without that.)

As it turns out, I'm finding things to add in, bits of extra description and conversation that are really bringing the story to life more and more. I was already very pleased with it, and now I love it more.

I'm glad I decided to take someone's advice and make these additions, because they are really improving my story, not just "adding words," which I would never do. The way I see it, if you can tell the same story without including something, then perhaps it doesn't need to be there. I'm probably my worst critic and I'm certainly my harshest editor.

The point of this rambling message is that I'm really enjoying getting to know these characters again, and embellishing upon their lives a bit more. Once this story makes it to the public, I hope my readers feel the same.

Object of my Affection: Book II in the Lilith Mercury Werewolf Hunter Series

Book two in the series is now under contract! I'll be mailing in the paperwork this week. I'm so excited, but not just because I sold another book. I'm excited to be able to share my thoughts and ideas with readers. I love to write. I live for the thrill of putting together a good story and having others enjoy it.

Book one, Red will be out in August. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you'll stick around for book two.

Contest starting this Friday!

I'm participating in a contest! Those taking part in the contest will have a chance to win a variety of prizes from participating authors. I’ll be giving away a gift basket filled with candles to help set the mood when you read my book:)

This basket will also be accompanied by a personalized letter from my main character Lilith Mercury, giving a small insight into the life of a werewolf hunter.

For official rules please stop by T.J. Killian's group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancewithTJandFriends

Excellent Dinner Recipes

Here is a suggestion for you ladies looking for a good desert this evening. Of course I'm suggesting eye candy, not peach cobbler.

A new addition

I adopted a new kitten today. It was left on someone's doorstep who couldn't take it in and I volunteered. It's probably about three weeks old with mostly white fur and big black patches. I'm thinking of calling it patchwork. Whether or not it's male or female is still kind of "iffy."

Either way, it's adorable and will probably sleep on my feet tonight. At least, that's been its favorite spot to rest all day. Ahhh, I love animals, especially little kittens. I much prefer them to most people.

Redheaded Phantom

You ever find an old picture and wish you hadn't? I was just cleaning out some of my files and stumbled upon this "masterpiece" of stupidity. I laughed so hard I figured I might as well share:) After all, who couldn't use a good laugh? The picture was taken by my friend Stacey, and he gave it the title.

What can I say? I normally don't have to shop for a Halloween costume. All I've got to do is look in my closet. Last year I was a pirate and didn't even have to buy accessories. LOL

I have since redecorated this room as well. It no longer looks like a magnolia tree exploded.

I write about the paranormal, not porn

I was reading something recently, and was very offended at the language. (I won't mention names, so as not to offend the author or hurt anyone's feelings.) Now, I'm pretty open minded and I'm certainly no saint, but this language was foul. If there is dialogue in a porn movie, this is the kind you would expect. The book was marketed as a romance.


To me repeated use of the word "cock" is not romantic, nor is it erotic. It's not even creative, it's just plain dirty. I can understand saying something like this once in a while, but at least switch it up.


Sure, I like sex, and I write plenty of it. However, I don't believe there should be graphic language just thrown in for giggles here and there. I write like I speak and even though I do cuss, I'm not going to walk up to someone and use the word "pussy" on a regular basis. LOL


By the time I reached page 37, which is where I stopped reading, the "p" word had been used at least 50 times. There was also a gratuitous masturbation scene (pg. 33) that I really could have done without.


Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not a prude. Anyone who really knows me knows that. This was just way over the top. What about you guys? Do you like graphic language to be prevalent in a book?