The Golden Literary Circle is going to Baltimore

Tiffany A. Flowers

For those who Stare at the Moon

Patterns are Everywhere

Omegia Keeys

Passionate Playmates

Seduction.com

Can You Keep a Secret

Rise and Fall of a Track Star

Novel Writing: The Setting

Today's Guest Blogger is non other than Award Winning Author Mr. Julius Thompson. If you haven't read Ghost of Atlanta you are missing out. I love his topic as I sometimes get lost when an author fails to set the scene correctly. Mr. Thompson was most recently at the Decatur Book Festival. Here's a quick snippet of what his experience.

JT Decatur Video

          Where am I?

          This is a question you DON’T want your readers to dwell on as they turn the pages of your novel.

        Picking the setting of a novel is obviously a critical step.

           You must craft a vivid and realistic setting to act as a canvass for your characters to perform. This setting/sense of place must be credible.

          When you read great works of fiction, you know immediately where and what time period you are in. For example, Walter Mosley puts you in early fifties’ Los Angeles in Devil in a Blue Dress, Harper Lee sets you in the early twentieth century south in To Kill A Mockingbird and F. Scott Fitzgerald sets you in the roaring twenties in The Great Gatsby.

          You must give your reader a sense of place and this will make it easier for your readers to exist in the “Fictive Dream” of your novel’s world.

           A great author once said: “Characters interact with setting/sense of place as if its’ another character. The setting/place of place will change the character. In a different sense of place the characters will be different. The setting/sense of place will change the characters.”

      In crafting your novel, ask yourself a couple of questions. What is the relationship of a particular setting to your novel’s main characters? Can you imagine him/her in a different setting?

            What happens in novels, when the protagonists appear in a new setting—what does that appearance in a new setting have to do with “what the book is about”?

      For example, my point of view character, Andy Michael Pilgrim, lived, interacted and changed in the three novels of the Julius Thompson Trilogy: A Brooklyn in Brooklyn, Philly Style and Philly Profile and Ghost of Atlanta.

           In the progression of the trilogy, Andy’s early adult life was shaped by growing up in Brooklyn, New York and in the move to Philadelphia he was shocked in his young adult life watching the influence of drugs and gangs destroy young people’s lives.    Finally, in returning to his beginnings in Atlanta, Georgia, as an adult, he was shaped by the negative memories of his past.

           The three cities were major characters and forced Andy Michael Pilgrim to react as if he was confronting another living person in each novel.

            As you craft your novel, ask yourself, “Where does the action take place?”

             In reading your novel, the must reader learn pretty quickly in what place and time the story unfolds—in other words, where in time and space the story “is set.”

           The setting is the backbone of your novel, upon which you will build a cast of dynamic characters. Research your setting so you can add very, very specific details to make your setting as realistic as possible. You must be very descriptive in your setting to pull and keep people reading your book.

  In choosing the setting for your novel, ask yourself these questions:

            1. What year is it?

      2. What City and town do your characters live in?

            3. What is the weather like?

      4. What season is it?

            5. What type of architecture is found in your setting?

            6. What is the setting of your Novel?

      7. How do you paint a picture of the setting in the reader’s head?

     I hope these hints help you create realistic settings for your novels or short stories.

     Happy Writing!!!!!!

 Julius Thompson’s  journey to compose a trilogy began in 1995. The  fictional journey of  Andy Michael Pilgrim from Brooklyn (A Brownstone in Brooklyn), to Philadelphia (Philly Style and Philly Profile), and finally Atlanta (Ghost of Atlanta) is now complete. In this pilgrimage, readers experience places that are filled with hopes, dreams, challenges and fears that make us human.

Mr. Thompson received the Georgia Author of the Year nomination for Philly Style and Philly Profile, from the Georgia Writers Association, in 2007,. and he is currently a Creative Writing/Publishing Instructor at Atlanta’s Evening at Emory’s Writers Studio

Mr. Thompson is writing his fourth novel, Purple Phantoms, which is the haunting of a  high school basketball team.  This book is totally different from the trilogy and a chance to explore the use of second person point of view in a novel.

Mr. Thompson  grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York and attended Bushwick High School. The sixties in Brooklyn was an era that had a personality, a feel, and a life-force that changed a generation. Mr. Thompson felt this energy and experienced these fires of social change.

 After high school, Mr. Thompson spent the next four years riding the "A" train to Harlem, in upper Manhattan, to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the City College of New York.  At CCNY, literature instructors like Professor Thomas Tashiro, fueled the fire in him to become a writer. 

GP: Mr. Thompson thank you so much for stopping by and congratulations on your literary award!

Missing in Action

Hello all. Please forgive me for not posting lately. My writing was calling me and I had to answer. Sometimes my Muse gets beside herself and barely gives me any room to eat, shower, and tend to the kiddies let alone actually write anything other than what she desires.

Well if you missed it the Decatur Book Fest was a very successful event for the authors and readers in attendance. Even with the threat of a storm on Sunday, people came out in the thousands to show support. I stopped by the Passionate Writer Publishing tent, nice display as always, and met fellow authors Kane, Julius Thompson, Omegia Keeys, and a children's author Tiffany A. Flowers.

Debra Gaynor owner of Readers Favorite was out and about meeting the authors. If you have not submitted your book for one of their reviews, what the heck are you waiting on? This is a nationally recognized company who has done reviews for the likes of James Patterson and for publishing companies such as Random House, and guess what the Independent Author as well!

Okay back to the fest itself. This is a must. If you are thinking about doing an event this should be top on your list. From the sounding of the fest with the drummer signaling the Kiddie Parade is about to commence to the thousands of people in attendance, this is the place to be. Believe me I know, as I have attended several lackluster festivals.

More upcoming events this year:

Baltimore Book Fest, Sept 23-25
Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, TN, Oct 14-16
Miami International Book Fair, Nov 18-20

Now you can't say you didn't know about them. If you can't attend this year why not mark it on your calendar for next year? Go ahead get that exposure.

The Golden Pen

Whatnots & Doodads by Stacey Kennedy

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

1.  What inspires you as a writer?

Anything and everything. Usually I get my inspiration from the current story I’m working on. A scene will pop into my head, or a new character will develop, or even I’ll see a side character that needs to have their story told. I always go with what my muse wants. I gave up fighting against her a long time ago.

2.  When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer?

Easy answer. After I wrote my first book and realized I could do it.

3.  What is your writing process?

I’m a panster trying hard to be a plotter. I do a rough outline of the story, then I fly by the seat of my pants and write the story. Once I’m done, I do a chart that shows the story as a whole so I can get a good look at it. Usually then is when I move chapters around, have to add more, and make sure I’m hitting all the important conflicts, plot and other goodies.

4.  Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them?

My favorite character is usually the one I’m working on. I love all my characters for all different reasons. I really can’t pick a favorite. That might not make them very happy.

5.  What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m writing Bite Me, I’m Yours. I’ll be self-publishing this paranormal romance in a month or two. It’s turning out to be quite an action packed, humorous, steamy read!

6.  Any upcoming events?

I love to party so I always have lots of events on the go. You can come see were I’ll be here - http://www.staceykennedy.com/fun/

7.  If you could be anyone you like, who would you be?

Katie MacAlister, because she’s my favorite author and I’d love to get into her creative mind for a little while.

8.  Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn?

Just write and keep writing! The more you do, the better you get at it! And jump on any opportunity you can. One opportunity can lead into another and you don’t want to let them pass you by.

9.   Where can your followers find you?

Website – http://www.staceykennedy.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000956942180

Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

10.              Any last words?

Happy Reading! Come find me at the places above, I love making new friends!

A witch with unruly magic, a demon gone good, lava-hot passion and a tornado of emotions–just another night in Strange Hollow.

For Bryanna, a witch from the Asheville Coven, magic is on the fritz. Shunned by her coven and her boyfriend Layton for her unruly magic, she seeks a new life for herself. It just so happens, fate steps in and brings her to Strange Hollow–a place where being different is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

When Bryanna arrives in Strange Hollow, Zeke, a demon gone good, is burning with Hell’s fire over her. Not only has she set his world ablaze, but he’s found one soul he can save. He’s determined to free her from the insecurities that have damaged her soul.

Together they experience lava-hot passion as they weave their way through a tornado of emotions. But when Layton returns for her, will Zeke’s attempts to break the unworthy cage woven around her be enough to keep her in Strange Hollow forever?

Thank you for stopping by Stacey! For more information please visit her on her website.

The Golden Pen

Review: A Cold Dark Place by HD Hatcher

 

Meet Author HD Hatcher

A Cold Dark Place

Unloved

One Too Many

On a chance meeting, (at a mutual friend’s house) Luke finds the love of his life. Andy is what Luke has been longing for all of his adult years: the perfect man. But, this perfect man is not only straight—he is married to a woman who is more devilish than Satan himself.

In a bittersweet journey that will change his life forever, Luke must reach deep inside and find the strength he never knew existed. A Cold Dark Place is the story of a man who must pick up the pieces of his broken heart after a lifetime of heartbreak and betrayal.


The Review

After reading this novel I completely understand the cover. Poor Luke is a wreck from start to finish. Luke spends his time lusting after a seemingly straight man who is married to one of the rudest, non-caring, and self-absorbed women I have ever come across. Andy is merely her footstool and she only wants him to keep him miserable.

HD does such a great job telling his story through the eyes of Luke that you forget this is about a gay man wanting what is deemed taboo. You see him as you would any other male seeking love going through the motions of love found, love lost, and looking. 

This story broaches on some thought provoking topics all the while with a humorous undertone. I laughed out loud at the internet dating. If you have ever tried it yourself you will completely understand.

A Cold Dark Place has an excellent storyline and great characters which had me glued from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book along with his short, One Too Many.

4.5 Gold Stars

The Golden Pen

Review Can You Keep a Secret? by Omegia Keeys

Monica has it all, a handsome entrepreneur for a husband, two adorable children, a big house in the suburbs, and a career as the Human Resources Manager at one of the largest insurance firms. Even in a tough economy, Monica lives the American dream. Then, one day, she comes home early from a business trip and finds out her husband is sleeping with another woman. After years of standing in her husband's shadow, Monica uses his betrayal to jumpstart the life she always yearned for.

In the hunt to find herself, Monica starts dating men on adult dating websites and working as an online cam girl. The excitement and allure of her new-found freedom has her living a double life. She is a career woman by day and vixen in her nightlife. Will Monica be able to keep her secret? Or, will her two worlds collide to bring her secret to life?

 Author Omegia Keeys

 The Review

  

Can You Keep a Secret? Author Omegia Keeys surely couldn’t for she wrote this sultry novel but her character surely does a pretty good job of it for a while. Yes, Monica finds out her husband is cheating and one would expect the typical man bashing to ensue. This is hardly the case in between these pages. Monica instead uses it as a way to find out who she really is and that woman is strong, independent, and an undercover freak. 

By writing in first person, Omegia, chose a great way to pull the reader into the story. You were right there along with Monica feeling what she felt along with knowing her thoughts. Some were quite hilarious. Along with Monica you got to meet her supporting characters: the ex-husband Jamal, her sassy sister, and of course the new men in her life. Through her interactions you see Monica transition from the overlooked Plain Jane to the beautiful swan.

Now on to the spiciness, this is Erotica after all, but far from the wam bam thank you mam. Each scene has a purpose and helps to make the story. I personally would lean more to labeling this novel mainstream if it were not for the very detailed sex scenes which I had to take a break from reading to cool off. 

If you are looking for a well written novel with spice and that oh so naughty yet nice, then Can You Keep a Secret? Is definitely for you. I would recommend reading to your significant other or if single turn on the slow music and have a glass of wine. This is not for the prude. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

5 Golden Stars

The Golden Pen

Featured Author: Omegia Keeys

Okay, Omegia, before I get into what you are doing these days I had to bring up this blog post I found from last year.

How did you come up with your main character?

I came up with my main character by stepping outside myself and creating an alter ego....What? So you are claiming to be me now? Alter Ego my behind! This is Erika, for those of you all who don't know me I am who she based her first two books on. Do not let Omegia Keeys fool you. She wishes she could be me. I am a woman that every man desires, I have my own internet business, and now I just opened up my own club. Omegia on the other hand, sits in a freaking office wearing that US Army uniform. As a matter of fact her hair is pulled up in a bun each day! You know she stole my life story and had the nerve to write about it calling the first one Passionate Playmates and the second Seduction.com. From what I heard she has another one set to release at the end of this month, Can You Keep a Secret? Well I have a secret for her and I am telling it.

Omegia brought her sneaky behind up to my club Passionate Playmates a few years back and started taking notes. I saw her watching me, how I move, how I talk, and even how I pull in all my customers. She is so sneaky she somehow figured out what I do in my own home! I mean how the heck does she know I have private rooms in my house and the names of my security guards....

Look, Erika, be quiet and let me finish this. Sorry about that. Erika gets a bit beside herself sometimes and thinks she runs everything. As I was saying Erika aka Ecstasy is like my alter ego. She is that sassy part of me that comes out on paper. When I start writing she just takes over and my story seems to just flow. When I first start a story I already know the basic concept along with the beginning and end. I just need to fill in the gaps.

My advice for character development is to turn yourself into your character and let them take over. I am an erotic fiction writer so almost anything goes. It's a way of freeing myself on paper.

Speaking of freeing...my time is not free. Omegia, hurry up. You are costing me money! You know my girls start act crazy when I am not keeping a close eye on them. Hurry up and finish this.

Okay, once again I apologize for that. It has been my pleasure. As always keep writing!

The Golden Pen again.  I love this blog post. Great way of giving us a feel for your character. Now please tell me Erika is not gone. I know you are working on new projects and had a few releases since Seduction.com. Can You Keep a Secret? Does mention our heroin but she is more in the background. What made you switch?

Omegia: I can’t believe you dug that up…lol. Well, to be honest she (Erika) finally let me. Erika had taken up a few years of my life and finally has been kind enough to allow the other stories inside to come out, including my own. For those who enjoy YA, The Baby Girl, is a great read for those teenagers dealing with peer pressure and their local environment. I used the pen name Key Rollins for this one so my spicy readers will not be confused, nor will my young ladies pick up the adult content by mistake. I also contributed to an Anthology by The Author Project, Unloved.

Right now I finishing up edits on Rise and Fall of a Track Star. This is my memoirs from elementary to my college years. I am hitting the dark secrets we (as an African American community) tend to ignore and brush under the rug. I really can’t go further into detail as some of the content of my life may shock some of those who think they know me. 

But, to answer your question, Erika is never too far. She wants me to focus more on her girls once I am finished with Rise and Fall of a Track Star. She understands the importance of this book.

Golden Pen: Wow so Erika can step back from being the boss? That is great to hear. I also find it very impressive that you can switch genera’s and still have the same success. My pens up to you. What made you switch to YA for The Baby Girl? And why the memoir now?

Omegia: The Baby Girl is close to my heart. It is loosely based off a portion of my childhood. I grew up with drug dealing brothers and not once did my mother let us live the lavish live because of it. My mother kept me well grounded, but I was still affected by their dealings as well as the normal life of a teenage girl coming into her own. For Rise and Fall of a Track Star me gut told me it was time. It was more of me letting out things I have been holding in for far too long. I needed to free myself and in the process I hope to help others. I want girls and women to know they are not alone and what they went through is not their shame.

Golden Pen: Interesting. Funny how even though we write fiction it still has a lot of truth to it. I can’t wait see what’s in store for us with your nonfiction piece. Hopefully I will have the pleasure of a review, hint, hint.

Omegia: It would be my pleasure.

Golden Pen: Okay, Omegia, thank  you for giving me a few moments or your time. Do you have anything to say to your readers or fellow authors?

Omegia: GP thank you for having me once again. For readers I will say keep reading and try something new, you just might like it. To my fellow authors, write whatever is on your heart to write. Just make sure you get it edited before sharing it with the world.

You can find my books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and most online retailers in paperback and ebook formats.

www.omegiakeeys.com

www.passionatewriterpublishing.com

Let Omegia know you were here and leave a comment!