STANLEY MOVES IN by Jack Rosse

My crime writing buddy, Bill Kirton, is now writing children's books as Jack Rosse.  This is a perfect example of a writer writing what he knows - he's been telling stories to his grandkids for years.  Then again, Bill writes all kinds of stuff.  Maybe when I get to be as old as he is, I can write in forty-seven different genres...

Anyway, Stanley the grumpy fairy is hilarious.

Check out his trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ci7qZhzKA90#!

Purchase on Amazon

You can also check Jack/Bill at these places:

Bill's website

Bill's Blog: Living, Writing, and Other Stuff

Writer's Digest - a terrific writer's resource

I decided to cross-post this item here and on Author Exchange Blog.  It's worth the click.!

Outlining or Pantsing?

We all know that some writers need to use a detailed outline when writing a book and other writers begin their novel with a terrific character, a story idea, or a scene that simply won't get out of their heads.

I've always had a fairly clear outline when I've started a novel:  first three chapters are vivid, the ending is established, and most of the remaining major scenes through the first two-thirds of the book are set up.

Currently, however, I decided to trust my right-brain and let if fly with a terrific idea, four characters (two protagonists, the antagonist, and supporting character), and the basics of a plot.  My left-brain, however, still can't completely let go of the compulsion to jot down all the things that need to be connected, some of the things I absolutely HAVE to do as the book progresses, etc.

Do you think that's especially true of storylines that involve mysteries or suspense?  Or does it work the same way with straight romances?

I've always wanted to write a pure romance and focus simply on the relationship.  But my unconscious always throws in a dead body, a stalker, or some other puzzle that the two main characters have to focus on.

Any suggestions about why that is?  Any advice about pantsing?

I'm Interviewed on Writers in Business

Brigitte Thompson interviews me over on Writers in Business today; check it out:  http://bit.ly/hWmuGc

What Can I Say on Facebook?

Okay, here’s the thing. I know social networking is the wave of the future. I know we writers need to get our names out there as much as we can: on Facebook, Linked In, Goodreads, Twitter, etc.

Personally, however, I’m a bit frustrated.

How can I promote myself (in a positive sense, that is) if I have to censor myself? As a writer, I have a problem with that. On the other hand, as a business person I absolutely see the need.

Unfortunately, I’ve got a Push Me-Pull You thing going on inside.

What do I do when someone I don’t care for asks me to befriend them or “like” their fan page? Do I tell them the truth: No way in hell! or do I prostitute myself and be a hypocrite?

I also have to consider that if I “like” the other person’s page, maybe they’ll “like” mine. Maybe they’ll buy one of my books. Maybe one of the people who “likes” them will “like” me.

Okay, not very likely. But still, what if?

Another thing that frustrates me is when one of my FB “friends” posts forty-seven times in three hours. I don’t really care that her cat barfed on the bed, that she heard her favorite Aerosmith song on the radio today—not once, but TWICE, or that she plans to have lasagna for supper.

True, maybe other people DO care about those things. After all, if my granddaughter posts that stuff, I read it. But still…

And although I don’t want to give anyone the false impression that I lack confidence, I’m a bit leery of posting too much stuff about ME. After all, I want people to like me, buy my books, and spread the word. But cripes, they can’t really want to know what my favorite color is, when I last went potty, or who I’m going to vote for in the next election. Can they?

So, people, help me out here. How much is too much? What kinds of things do you WANT to see on Facebook?