Uncategorized | Dani Jace. Romance Author

This week on Romance Writers Weekly, Xio Axelrod wants to know: Readers always ask “How much of yourself do you lend to your characters?” Here’s your chance to answer. What traits do your characters have that come from you? And if not you, someone in your life.

Writing is an extension of me. So I’d have to say traits of my characters are either a part of me or something I’ve witnessed through real life, literature, TV or movie. I wonder to what extent all writers are affected by these mediums, and now add to that social media.

I write about everyday heroines, bartenders, firefighters, teachers, etc. I’m not fashionista and can’t walk in stilettos, so I’m not comfortable writing about a herione who is a devil or angel in Prada so to speak. The ladies I write, however, are a lot more daring than I’ve ever been in the flesh. I write them with to guts I wish I had. However, they have a sharp tongue and potty mouth and that is totally from me.

With heroes, I use traits I’m attracted to in men, but still most have a bit of bad boy in them. Even Ray from Hot as Blazes, who is a gentle giant, has a naughty side.

I don’t knowingly write about people from my life. Nor do I plan to get even with someone or kill them off. That’s giving someone too much free rent space in my head and I write for enjoyment.

Let’s step on over to A.S. Fenichel‘s blog and see how much of herself she writes into her characters.

Xio Axelrod http://www.xioaxelrod.com

On March 14 the Pages to Publication, multi-genre writers’ conference, is being held at the Williamsburg Regional Library in Williamsburg, Virginia. For a mere $40 you’ll hear two speakers, Mary Behre and Meredith Bond. You’ll also have opportunity to pitch to editors, Dominique Eastwick, Valerie Mann, both from Decadent Publishing and/or Francis Sevilla from The Wild Rose Press.

Mary Behre‘s session is on “Writing Contests–How to get The Most Bang for Your Buck”
Mary discusses her secrets to going from contest winner to published author. Included in her talk, what agents and editors are looking for, how to find the right contest to fit your needs, classic mistakes to avoid, matching writing goals with contest goals, and the difference between being a contest winner and a contest queen. A multi-published author of paranormal romantic suspense novels, Mary used her experience as a contestant and a coordinator to turn a winning contest entry into a two-book deal with Berkley

Jumping Into Self-Publishing is Meredith Bond‘s workshop.
Are you thinking about jumping into the indie/self-publishing pool? Come on in, the water is cool and refreshing, although it does take a little while to get used to it. Meredith has self-published five books and will teach you all the strokes you need to know before you jump into the deep end. She’ll go over editing, covers, distributors (including, but not limited to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and CreateSpace) and formatting. Come prepared with questions and she’ll be ready with answers.

Hosted by Chesapeake Romance Writers, Pages to Publication is open to all authors, published and unpublished. They will also be announcing winners of their Finish the Damn Book writing contest. The conference is from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register and pay at Chesapeake Romance Writers. Hope to see you there. Now, I’m off to practice my pitch for my military, romance, Trident Valor, which won in the erotic category.