by Roseanna White | Nov 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
One of the most challenging things about writing a book, in my opinion, is jargon. Technical lingo. Those words peppered throughout speech that say, “This person is an XYZ, and he knows his stuff.”
There’s a fine line to walk–you don’t want to overwhelm a reader, but you want them to get the impression that you as a writer know what you’re talking about. And more, you want to creating setting, mood, and accurate characterization through these word choices.
I just finished reading a super-fabulous historical, Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall. One of the things I expect of MaryLu’s books is a wonderful knowledge about tall ships and seafaring, and she knows how to strike the balance between showing me the details of a ship and not making my eyes glaze over with it all. I closed her book and thought, “Wow. She obviously knows her stuff. She imparts her wisdom. The characters come across perfectly. And I shiver at the thought of ever writing anything on this topic, because how in the world would I keep it all straight?”
And though, yes, I deal with this issue in historicals all the time, the first story to pop to mind when I contemplated it was my contemporary, Seized. My hero is an ex-SEAL, so he uses military jargon all the time among his friends.
Now, I’m an avid watcher of NCIS (and was of JAG back in the day), so I at least know TV jargon. =) Not exactly dependable research, but they’re pretty good at establishing setting and mood, anyway. I read a lot. I visit a lot of websites when I’m researching something. But I’m never quite sure I’m getting the jargon right until one of my critters goes, “What are binocs? Binoculars?” and I lift my brows and realize I hadn’t even intentionally peppered that particular shorthand in. I like it once that starts happening, when I can stop thinking about it so much and just let it flow.
Stop for a minute and think about some of your favorite books. When I do, I realize they all have this jargon-thing in common. The characters are so very much themselves that they think with these words, use them to make unique-to-them analogies, and convey a definite image. How about your favorites?
Hope everyone had a safe and fun weekend! My little fairy and turtle were adorable and polite as they skipped around the neighborhood, so I’m a proud mama. =)
by Roseanna White | Nov 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
And the winner of Melanie Dickerson’s The Healer’s Apprentice is . . .
Sheree! (neednspace@ . . . )
Congrats, Sheree! I just sent you an email.
by Roseanna White | Oct 29, 2010 | Uncategorized
Today I’m welcoming Alice Wisler to my blog to talk about her latest novel, Hatteras Girl. Given that this takes place in the Outer Banks of NC, I’m already a fan. =)
Alice gave a hearty “Sure!” to my question about doing a giveaway, so as usual, leave a comment below with an email address for a chance to win a copy of this beautifully beachy book! And be sure to follow if you don’t already!
~*~
About Hatteras Girl
Twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.
There’s one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis’s past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?
~*~
About Alice
Alice J. Wisler lives and writes in Durham, NC. Rain Song was her first novel (Christy Award finalist 2009), How Sweet It Is, her second (Christy Award finalist 2010), and now her third is Hatteras Girl.
In 1997 she founded Daniel’s House Publications after the death of her son, Daniel, and writes cookbooks, poetry and articles pertaining to parental bereavement. She teaches Writing the Heartache grief-writing classes both online and at conferences. Since Alice was born in Japan, her favorite foods are sushi, tempura, and unagi domburi (eel over steamed rice). She also enjoys it when her husband Carl cooks English and German dishes.
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What’s your latest book?
My inspirational novel that just came out from Bethany House this month is Hatteras Girl. Set on the coast of North Carolina in the lovely Outer Banks, this is a story of Jackie who wants to find an honest man and own a bed and breakfast.
Sooooo love the Outer Banks. Got married there, in fact. =) What’s your favorite part of the story?
I like the parts that deal with Minnie, who has lost her husband to a fishing accident, because in these sections I could create an atmosphere around the sadness of loss and grief. Loss and grief is a very real part of life and in each of my novels, I incorporate them. My son died in 1997 at the age of four, and so I know a lot about sorrow. On a lighter note, I like the parts of Hatteras Girl that take place in Aunt Sheerly’s hair salon because they are for the most part, silly and fun.
My daughter just turned five, so even imagining that loss . . . I appreciate the juxtaposition of the tragic with the silly, though. That too is life. But back to the book. Is there a theme?
The theme is finding your dream and living it. However, sometimes before you can march forward with a dream, you have to wait upon God. So Hatteras Girl has to do with being patient (hard for Jackie to do) and waiting.
Oh, so true. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
I enjoy reading contemporary women’s fiction and writing it as well.
What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
Oh, my dream office would be an actual office with a door, bookcase, lots of fresh flowers, and window. My current “office” is a computer hutch in the corner of my living room.
An office with a door! That one could use to shut out the world–ahhhh. =) Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
Right now, going on book signings and taking care of a six-week old Boxer puppy named Levi.
We had a Boxer too–a reverse brindle named Aegis, who is currently retired to my MIL’s acreage rather than our tiny, steep little yard. Okay, next question. Do you remember where you were when you got your first or most important call about a book contract?
Yes, I was in the kitchen and I literally jumped up and down when I listened to the phone message from my agent saying she wanted to represent me.
=) What are you writing right now?
Right now I’m editing my novel, A Wedding Invitation, that comes out next fall. It has a little romance and is about two former teachers at a refugee camp who join to help an Amerasian woman find her mother.
~*~
Thanks for visiting, Alice! Readers, you can check out her website at http://www.alicewisler.com
and find her books at Amazon and CrossPurposes.
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 11/4/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Oct 28, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
First, today’s my best friend Stephanie Morrill‘s birthday, so all you mutual acquaintances should go wish her a happy 27th. =)
Now as to my oh-so-broad topic for the day.
It’s been a busy week. Last Saturday was Xoe’s 5th birthday, which of course means that last Friday was spent making her cake. For those who tuned in last Thursday and saw my picture of “this is what I’m going to make, hopefully it’ll turn out,” here’s a picture of how it actually DID turn out. Not too shabby, eh? Xoe was tickled with it, which is what matters. =)
Her party went well–the kids played it up at Chick-Fil-A, and Mommy didn’t have to worry with the cake crumbs. Awesome.
Sunday I finally cleared out my closet and dresser, a task I have been putting off since MAY. Oh boy, can I ever procrastinate! Yesterday I carted off the three garbage bags of clothes I no longer wear.
There was a “supposed to” this week that involved a trip to North Carolina, which I am rather glad didn’t happen. I won’t get into the details of this impromptu vacation, the idea of which stressed me to the max, but we’ve all been a little under the weather (changing seasons–argh), so it was just impossible. Shucks. Really. (Though I could have done without the stuffy nose and headaches . . .)
Yesterday I got the full cover for Jewel of Persia, and the back is just as awesome as the front, as usual. I’m posting it below so you can see the awesomeness of the bracelet. =)
This Saturday my church is taking a trip into Pennsylvania to visit our parent church. Tomorrow I’m making a pumpkin flavored cake–no jack o’ lantern faces on this one, LOL–for the lunch following. The kids are staying here with the designated babysitter (my sister dear), and then that evening is trick or treating. Should be fun!
Thrilling, I know. I intended to have deeper thoughts today, but alas. Getting a book cover just totally consumes me, LOL, and I can’t think anything deeper than “Ooooooo! Aaaaahhhhh!” 😉
by Roseanna White | Oct 27, 2010 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
In my historical about Annapolis, I’ve decided to have a secondary character who is a bit obsessed with Poor Richard’s Almanac and all the wisdom Ben Franklin shares within it. So I thought I’d share a few of the gems with you too. Some of these things I hadn’t realized originated with good ol’ Ben–others are just hilarious. =) And some were quoted so frequently that they often get confused with scripture, LOL.
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
What is serving God?
Tis doing good to man.
God helps those who help themselves.
The poor have little,
Beggars none;
The rich too much,
Enough not one.
After crosses and losses, men grow humbler and wiser.
If you would not be forgotten
As soon as you are dead and rotten,
Either write things worthy reading,
Or do things worth the writing. (My personal favorite.)
Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards. (LOL)
Work as if you were to live a hundred years,
Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.
One good Husband is worth two good Wives; for the scarcer things are, the more they’re valued. (LOL again)
There are tons more of these, and I mean tons. But that should be enough to get you through your Wednesday. =)
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.