Great Tree Idea

 

Check out this neat idea for the holidays!  It's a tree made out of books with lights strung around it!  Very creative!  Makes me wonder if I have enough books to make one of my very own! 

 

Happy Decorating!

 

Veronica 

Breaking Dawn Part 2

On Thursday night, I went to the 10 PM showing of Breaking Dawn Part 2.  It was the first time I ever went to a first showing.  I loved it!  I thought it stayed true to the book for the most part.  I didn’t care for the song in the first scene.  There was a beautiful score at the end of BD1 and BD2 continued with a song with vocals.  And not just any song.  It has to be a male singer singing his highest tenor.  I found it very distracting for the scene I've waited months to see.  I would have preferred score.  Save the tenor for when they leave the house to go hunting.

Another thing I really didn’t care for was the animated face on Renesmee.  I know critics have criticized George Lucas for focusing too much on special effects and not enough on the acting, but I think sometimes it’s called for to be a perfectionist on CGI;  especially in this day and age.  You want your audience to be focused on the story, not getting distracted by the visual effects that are in sad need of improvement.  Maybe they should have had baby Renesmee be totally CGI?  When I visualized her in my mind while reading the novel, I thought of her looking like a regular baby.  They should have used the same baby they used for Bella and kept the facial expressions at a minimum.

I’m not one for "spoiling" movies for others, so I won't go into much detail here. The twist . . . to steal a line from Flynn Rider, “I did not see that coming!” It's like they took a page from M. Night Shyamalan! Everyone who made this film was probably laughing at us! I wouldn’t be surprised if they filmed audience reaction in selected theaters. I would have actually liked to have seen my reaction, like the pictures they take on amusement park rides! Anyway, I thought it was ingenious! This is storytelling at it’s best!

One thing I wished they would have put in the script were a few of Edward's lines from the novel.  I wish they would have put in when he says to Bella, "This is what you've been keeping from me?" and he addresses Jacob as, "My brother . . . my son."  The book made me cry during that scene, but the the movie did not.  The only time I teared up was when Bella realized her fate after her meeting with J.  New Moon was my tear-jerker movie in this saga.  I don't quite get why fans are so emotional about this being the last film.  Be happy it was made and that you finally got to see it!  And you never know, someday they may make another movie. 

I loved the final scene as it stayed true to the book, yet they changed the setting. And having A Thousand Years Part 2 playing was perfect! I absolutely loved it!  The credits had a curtain call, like at the end of a play, where the actors come out to take a bow.  What a great way to end the saga!

 

Afterthought:

Alice. 

Alice can be so pixie-like and sweet, but can be quite the she-cat when loved ones are threatened!   She’s one of my favorites out of the female Cullens.   Although, there has been one thing that has bothered me about Alice.  I’ve done some reading about physic ability, from Allison DuBois to John Edwards to Sylvia Browne.  I’ve found many common characteristics between them and other people who share their ability.  It seems most people, including those in TV and movies seem to share the misconception that psychics are all-knowing.  The irony of it is psychics are not psychic about themselves and are rarely psychic about their own family and friends.  I see this happen so many times on TV shows and realize that the writer's are going on misconceptions rather than bothering to research it.  Granted, I will give Alice’s character a break because her ability to foresee the future was magnified when she became a vampire, along with her other senses.  And I have to remember that she never claimed to be psychic.  That is the assumption we make when we learn she can see the future.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Veronica

A Thousand Years

With less than a week away from the release of the final Twilight movie, I watched Christina Perri perform her "reprise" for A Thousand Years (known as Part 2) on the Tonight Show on Friday night.  I went  on Hulu and watched it a few more times, trying to find the differences between this new song and the original.  I noticed the biggest difference in the first verse, but the rest of the song sounds very similar to the original.  While listening for the differences, I discovered something else.  A Thousand Years could be included on the "soundtrack" of my novel.  Now why didn't I think of it before with the numerous times I've heard the song on the radio?

With writing a historical, one has to know history.  With an idea blossoming this past week, I had to research the age of a historical landmark.  After all, a writer can't write about something that hadn't been created yet . . . or can they???

Veronica

Happy Belated Halloween!

Did everyone survive Halloween?  It was a busy Halloween for me with making a few costumes, helping with a school party and of course taking the kids trick-or-treating.  There was a little part of me that has considered dressing up as my author self (name tag and toting a laptop) or dressing up as my main character for Halloween.  For some reason, I think I would feel safer in my heroine's Empire gown and cape; there would be less questions that way.  Heck, I should just dress up as Jane Austen and kill two birds with one stone! 

My alarm clock interrupted my dream about firefighters this morning.  Don't worry, it was PG!  I dreamt I was waiting for the engine to get back from a fire so we could have a party - still PG.  I think it was triggered by the new firefighter show, Chicago Fire.

I am truly conflicted with who Elena should be with on the Vampire Diaries.  I think she belongs with Stephen, but there's a part of me that wants her to be with Damon.  Ahh, the love triangle.  I kind of have a little of that in my work in progress, minus the confusion on the girl's part.  I prefer to keep the confusion on the reader's part; to keep them guessing! ;o)

Beauty and the Beast is another new show that I've been enjoying.  I like the idea of Vincent not being the Beast all the time, but that he morphs into him.  I like the updated versions of Catherine and Vincent, but would like to see them get to know each other better.  In the original series, they had classic literature and music in common.  I would like to see the new versions find something in common besides homicide cases and government cover-ups.  I'm sure that will come as the season progresses.  I think what I like about the original characters is that they remind me of my characters by what they do to pass the time together.

Now that I'm getting some big projects behind me, I hope I will find more time to write.  I might surprise you with a snippet sometime.  Which character(s) would you like to know more about?

Veronica

I'm Back!

I realized it's been well over a month since I last posted!  Between school starting and home improvement projects, I've been busy!  Things should be winding down soon as a few of the home projects are almost complete.  With Halloween quickly approaching, I need to work on my kids' Halloween costumes, as well.  The Internet is a great place to look for costume ideas or even instructions if you're the DIY type. 

The sad thing is, I'm only on Chapter 22 with the book I'm reading, which was my last post!  I'm enjoying the story, but some nights after the kids are asleep, I'm too tired to even think of picking up a book!  Don't you ever wish we didn't need so much sleep?  I know I could get a lot more things done!

Sadly, the only writing I've had time for have been notes and letters.  I figure any form of writing is better than no writing. 

With Fire Prevention Week came the premiere of Chicago Fire last night on NBC.  I just love a man in uniform, and have a thing for firefighters!  It certainly doesn't hurt that Taylor Kinney (The Vampire Diaries) stars in it.  I'll be making sure to tune in on Wednesday nights! 

Speaking of which, I am looking forward to the season premiere of The Vampire Diaries and the premiere of Beauty and the Beast tonight.  Talk about must see TV!

Happy Harvest (and Fall Premieres),

Veronica

Back to Paperback!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  It's been a busy time with summer winding down and school starting.  We have some home improvement projects going on as well.

I'm currently reading Amanda Ashley's new release, Desire the Night.  I am very happy to say I got it in paperback and I am loving the feel and smell of a real book again!  Mandy has taken a different approach to this novel and I'm liking the change.  It will be interesting to see how the story goes.

Have a good weekend!

Veronica

Frustrated

I've been very lax with writing lately.  This summer has been very busy, which plays a part with finding time to write.  One of my issues right now is an ongoing debate going on in my mind about two of my characters.  I'm trying to decide if I should leave everything as it is or revise it.  The darn social ladder during Regency England isn't much help.  The two are in love, one is far above the other in social status.  I'm trying to decide if the families are okay with the two marrying or if I should have them elope.  Actually, blogging about this is giving me more ideas and helping me to resolve the issue.  My hubby always tells me to make a decision and go with it.

Hope you're enjoying these last days of summer!

Veronica

The Master & the Butler

I recently saw The Dark Knight Rises.  They saved the best for last.  I must say that the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Alfred has inspired two of the characters in my own WIP.  As mentioned before, Michael Caine has been an influence for my character that I refer to as the Butler.  My butler is shorter, though.  What makes the relationship similar is that they've been together for a long time and the loyal servant keeps his master's secrets, though he's not afraid to voice his opinion about his master's decisions.

These last days of summer are sure to go by quickly.  Fall is in the air already.  I love autumn!  It's my favorite season. 

Veronica

Busy Busy

It's been a busy summer, which takes time away from writing.  At least the summer is winding down and I'm looking forward to school starting again.

Since writers should be readers as well, I've been reading Sadie Montgomery's Ghost Song.  Sadie is a self-published author who I think could have made it with traditional publishing.  She really does have a talent for writing.  At first, I thought she wasn't going to describe some of her characters, but she ended up describing them when a certain character meets them.  I thought that was a unique approach.  That's one thing that bothers me is when writers do not describe their characters.  As a reader, I at least like to know hair and eye color. 

Descriptive writing takes me back to my first writer's conference in elementary school.  I think I remember it so clearly because the speaker for descriptive writing was a horror writer and his stories freaked me out.  Of course he clarified that all the stories were true.  They consisted of a haunted grandfather clock, a haunted room (which turned out to be the heating system and old hardware) and a zombie under the bed.  It didn't help when he described the decayed hand that was reaching over the covers at the narrator . . . "Booo!"  I think I jumped about a foot off my seat!  I started sleeping with the lights on again after that.  But, he was the speaker that I remember most and that I learned the most from.  I wish I could remember his name or at least had a brochure of that conference. 

With the Olympics in full swing, I ended up watching a couple of movies.  (I know, I should have been writing!)  I saw The Lovely Bones, which is about a teenage girl who is murdered and she ends up in a place in-between the Earth and the afterlife.   I found I could relate to her, because she thought about the things that she didn't get to do in her young life, and I went through the same thing when I had cancer as a teen.  During the time of uncertainty, those were things that I thought of.

The second movie I saw was The Ghost Writer.  I found it interesting to learn a little more about ghost writing.  I think it would be very difficult to write a book for someone and to give them credit for it.  I wouldn't be able to make it as a ghost because it's my imagination that has led me to writing and I don't think I would enjoy writing another's memoirs.  It has a very interesting plot, so if you enjoy mysteries, I recommend this movie.  It was unpredictable for me.

Veronica

eBooks

I finally took the plunge and purchased my first eBook.  I downloaded the Kindle App for PC to my desktop and my laptop and purchased Ghost Song by Sadie Montgomery.  The first thing I must say about an eBook is the convenience.  You purchase it from Amazon, it downloads and within a minute or two, you're ready to read a new book.  The eBooks are also very affordable.  I was given the choice between the paperback for $18 or the eBook for $3!  I didn't look any further for shipping prices, but I'm sure that would been an additional $5 to ship the paperback.  I can certainly see why the demand is increasing for eBooks.  I also noticed there were a few Amanda Ashley books available only on eBook that I'll have to get.  Some were only 99 cents.  You can't beat that!

I would like to get a Kindle eventually, but I first want to try it out on the PC and see how I like it.  I haven't tried checking out eBooks from the library yet, but I can just imagine the convenience of it.  No more trips to the library to pick up interlibrary loans!
 
Even though it's convenient, I still enjoy a paperback.  I have to worry about battery life on the laptop and my eyes do get more tired from reading a screen rather than paper.  I also feel less likely to fire up the laptop to read, but an eReader would be more convenient.  Regardless, I thought it was a good opportunity to try out an eBook.

Happy reading!

Veronica 

Dark Knight Tragedy Part 2

 We have to remember that it isn't always one thing that causes these tragedies to happen.  I think much of it has do with the society we live in.  Look at the TV commercial about kids spending 8 hours a day with media. There are very violent video games out there. I think those are more to blame than movies because they're interactive and going through the motions is more influential than sitting back and watching it. To quote a friend of mine, these games desensitize.  In addition, their target market are teen boys and young men.  But, we cannot only focus in on one form of entertainment, we have to look at it as a whole.  It has become more violent in the past 20 years. 

I also think that parental influence plays a big part in these tragedies.  The suspect's own mother even said that they probably had the right person.  The mother in me wonders why didn't she do something about it?  Were they estranged?  One of the people they interviewed on Fox News said it's not necessarily gun control that needs to be improved, but morals in young people.  I agree, though I think purchasing arms and ammo needs to be monitored more closely.  If the government can monitor our Internet activity, they should be able to watch who is buying a great quantity of arms and supplies!

Getting back to instilling morals in our children and youth; I was appalled to hear about those junior high students who threw garbage into the memorial pools of the World Trade Center!  Granted, they are probably too young to remember that horrible day, but that doesn't excuse it.  Where are those kids' parents and are they teaching them anything about the value of human life???  It's is the responsibility of parents to teach our young of that value!  How many times have we heard from doctors and educators that the parent is the child's first teacher?  We all have busy lives, but we have to set aside time for our children!  If you don't have the time, then find someone who does!

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.   

Veronica

The Dark Knight Rises Tragedy

This is one thing I think most writers worry about; someone using the image of a character in their story to commit an unspeakable act of violence.  Now, I know the gunman in Friday's early morning shootings couldn't have possibly seen the movie beforehand.  He may have seen the trailers and clips, but that was the very first showing of it in his area.  My husband argued that he could have seen a pirated version of it.  I countered that it was unlikely.  Obviously, there was a lot of planning that went into this; from the clothing he wore to wiring his apartment.  It isn't always one thing, like seeing a movie or comic series, that causes someone to flip out and go on a rampage.  It's usually a multitude of things.  Clearly, there is something seriously wrong and people missed the warning signs.

My husband and I have argued for years about action films and how he thinks those films influence people to do things like that.  Sure, a movie can seem very real when watching it on the big screen.  But, when you access the special features on the DVD and watch the making of, you realize that the weapons are plastic or rubber, the gun shots are added in later with the sound, as well as the explosions with special effects.  One other important thing to remember is that the actors and stunt people, in which their characters they portray have died in the scene, get back up again when the director says, "Cut."  That is the big difference between fiction and reality.

People seem so quick to blame the arts when tragedies like this occur.  Has anyone ever considered that maybe the media is also to blame?  I mean, when they constantly talk about all these shootings, going into every horrid detail, is it not possible that someone unstable could be influence by it?  They could be seeking publicity and what a way to gain it!

It's sad when going to the movies isn't safe anymore.  Imagine the horror those poor movie-goers had to endure.  Think of all those people who were excited about seeing the midnight premiere, probably waited for weeks, maybe even months, for the opening night.  And someone deeply troubled took that all away from them.  He took it all away from the people who made that movie, as well.

I still plan to see The Dark Knight Rises.  I have been a fan of Gary Oldman since I first saw him in Dracula.  Christian Bale since I saw him in Reign of Fire.  If you wish to see the movie, don't let this stop you.  Don't let this senseless act take it away from you, too.

Veronica

New Teaser Siggy

I had an online friend, who is gifted in graphic design, make a teaser siggy for my work in progress.  Thank you, Peridot!  Teaser Siggy  Hope you like it!

Veronica

Facebook Author Page

I just set up my Facebook page:  Veronica R. Winters Facebook .  I haven't done much posting yet;  just uploaded a few cool pics.  I chose photos that would be significant to writing and symbolic of my novel.  Check it out when you have time.

Veronica

Soundtrack

I'm not sure if other writers make soundtracks to their novels, but I do have a playlist that I titled "Inspiration" on my iPod.  Many talented vidders on Youtube will make music videos sometimes using characters and scenes from movies and I do the same thing, but in my head.  The difference is where they choose to make a visual picture, I write.  If I had a soundtrack, it would include:
My Immortal by Evanescence
Because of You by Kelly Clarkson
Enchanted by Taylor Swift
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from The Phantom of the Opera.
Edited to add:  Broken by Seether featuring Amy Lee
Of course, I have to include score:
Pandora's Box (from Tomb Raider 2) by Alan Silvestri
Almost anything from John Williams, but the most emotional and inspirational would be the Force theme from Star Wars and Anakin's Betrayal.  The latter was played during the Order 66 scene in Revenge of the Sith and it usually brings me to tears.  I liked how in the second trilogy, Williams uses a choir in addition to the orchestra.  It reminds me of Carmina Burana.

Some of the songs shouldn't be taken too literally.  Sometimes, they only contain a few lines that I feel relate to my novel.

Sometimes when I write, I like to listen to the score of Twilight New Moon by Alexandre Desplat.  I find it good music to write by. 

Veronica

A Little About Me

Happy 4th of July!  I got to thinking that I never established my nationality on here.  You probably already guessed that I'm an American and you are correct.  I won't name the state, but we are currently experiencing a heat wave.  That doesn't narrow it down much.  I've lived in the Midwest my whole life.

I am married and we have three children. 

Taking a page from "Stump the Rach":  when I was kid, I listened to music on cassette tapes and LPs.  CDs came along when I was in my mid to late teens.  That's as close as I'll get to revealing my age!

I love books and movies.  I enjoy action, comedy, romance, drama and some sci-fi.  I don't really care for horror, except for vamps. Some of my favorite movies have the score from composer John Williams.  You could say he has written the soundtrack for my novel.  (To be continued in another post.)

Now you know a little more about me.

Veronica

Ebooks vs. Paperbacks

To be honest, as a reader, I haven't tried reading an ebook yet.  My eyes get tired enough from writing my manuscript, I couldn't imagine reading several chapters of a book at one sitting. I feel like I don't need anymore screen time. I really don't want to worry if the battery is charged for my device when I can pick up a paperback and read it.  I have to borrow the quote from Rupert Giles (BtVS) when asked what he had against computers (this was before the advent of eReaders):  "They don't have a smell."  I think whether a book is old or new, it has a scent.  From my experience from working in a library, a new book smells of fresh ink, where an old book smells of aged paper and years of reading.  A dog-earred book tells of a tale that someone has enjoyed reading numerous times.  Spine wear, edge wear and creases give a book personality.  As a reader, this is just my personal choice.  Although, I certainly won't pass up an opportunity to read a sneak peek of an upcoming novel from my favorite author's web sites!

As a writer, I really don't have a preference and would be happy to see my work published in whatever form a reader desires.  My work came to life on a computer screen and I wouldn't pass up an opportunity just because of my personal preference.

Happy Reading!

Veronica

Machine Gun Preacher

I recently watched Machine Gun Preacher starring Gerard Butler.  That was a powerful film.  Sam Childers' life reminded me of Shawn Michaels (WWE), where he was messing up his life with drugs and his wife convinces him to find God, and he becomes a born-again Christian.  From there, he turns his life around.

I don't think people truly realize what goes on in other parts of the world in this day and age.  Movies such as this one really enlighten us to the atrocities committed by the lesser of humanity.  Part of that sentence is straight from my novel.

Veronica

Breaking Dawn Part 2

I discovered yesterday that they released the new trailer for the last installment of the Twilight Saga:  Breaking Dawn Pt. 2 Trailer  I wouldn't consider myself a "Twihard" fan, but I am looking forward to seeing this movie.  I spent this past spring reading the whole series and couldn't wait to find out what happens in BD2, so I read the entire book.  Since I've seen the first four movies before reading the books, I feel like such a cheater!

I feel a connection with Stephenie Meyer, because I am also a stay-at-home mother of three while writing my first novel.  I also considered majoring in English in college, but I chose a different path at the time.  She is really an inspiration for me.  Though her writing has turned into a very successful career, I think she's made a lot of sacrifices to further that career.

Now on to Edward.  Since Edward can read minds, I tell myself while writing in third person to get inside my characters minds.  I tell myself to be like Edward.  Edward has been an influence for a few of my characters, as well.  You could say he has a few things in common with some of them.  Robert Pattinson makes me sometimes wish that Edward was English.  Have I mentioned that I have a weakness for Englishmen?

I've been toying around with a Twilight inspired novel, but only have a few basic ideas down.  It's nothing like fan fiction or a spin off.  As I've said before, my characters are my own.

Hope you're all enjoying your summer!

Veronica    

Hook the Reader

I am currently reading Amanda Ashley's newest release, His Dark Embrace.  I always find when I read one of her novels that I can't put it down, especially during the first half of the book.  She really knows how to hook the reader's attention.  I had recently read the latest novel from another of my favorite authors and I had a hard time sticking with it.  It could have been because it was a non-paranormal historical and the main characters didn't not have any interaction during the first quarter of the book except for flashbacks.  When the main characters finally did reconnect, that's when it finally caught my interest.

My hope is that I will one day be as exceptional of a writer as Mandy and be able hook the reader as she has done to me numerous times.  I find my characters interesting and there's certainly enough conflict in it.  I have plenty of drama and sometimes I'm afraid that whoever reads it will come after me with torches and pitchforks for what I do to some of the characters!  It's fortunate that I use a pseudonym!


Veronica

Beauty & the Beast

I saw that the CW has a new series coming out this fall called Beauty and the Beast.  I am a fan of the fairytale, the Disney movie, and the TV series starring Linda Hamilton so I plan to watch this new series.  Reading up about it, it sounds like a revival of the 80s TV series as the main characters are Catherine Chandler and Vincent.  Kristen Kreuk (Lana Lang, Smallville) stars as Catherine, who is a police officer this time.  Vincent (Jay Ryan of Terra Nova) morphs into the beast when he's enraged.  I initially thought he was a werewolf when I first saw it.  His teeth and eyes reminded me of the werewolves on the Vampire Diaries when they're transitioning.  I'll be tuning in this fall.  I hope I like it as much as the original!  Here's the link on the CW site if you want to check it out:  Beauty & the Beast

A few months ago, I had an epiphany that my novel sometimes parallels the fairytale and the Disney movie.  This was all done unintentionally on my part.  Some of it is very subtle.  Some readers may find irony in it.  I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since I used to read the fairytale repeatedly in elementary school.  That was about the same time that I discovered my interest in writing.

Veronica

Inspiration

The Phantom of the Opera movie, starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, was on the other night.  I mentioned in a previous post that I was inspired by this film for my novel.  It's amazing how many more ideas came to me while watching it again.

In fact, it was POTO and another film that I saw around the same time that really inspired me (one was seen on DVD.)  There was a line in POTO that I thought would have been perfect for a character in the other film.  The line was Christine's:  "The tears I might have shed for your dark fate, grow cold and turn to tears of hate!"  Which film was it?  Well, that's the fun of writing; making the reader figure it out!  This film was the major inspiration for me.  It inspired me with setting, plot, and some characters.  I think many people will look at it and ask how that film inspired me when it's of an entirely different genre.

Gerry Butler also inspired one of my lead male characters.  I already left a big hint in his introduction post, so all you Tarts/GALS/Gerry fans should be able to pick him out.

Inspiration is a curious thing, isn't it?  I never know where my imagination will take me next.

Veronica

Dialogue

One of the biggest questions I ask myself when writing this historical:  do my characters sound like the English from the early 1800s?  I admit, I sometimes look to Jane Austen for help.  I recently purchased the 2005 release of Pride & Prejudice.  It will help with dialogue, wardrobe ideas and just the general feel of Regency England.  When writing dialogue, I make sure to avoid slang and try to limit the use of contractions.   I feel it makes my characters sound more proper.

Cheers,

Veronica

From the Empire Dress to Cravats

Fashion is another factor for accuracy.  Because of the empire or high-waist dresses, corsets/stays weren't used as often, and because of the smaller, tubular skirt, women did not need heavy undergarments, petticoats or hoops.  However, the waistlines were beginning to fall, which would eventually bring back the corsets.  I think I like the Regency/Empire fashions for women because they look very comfortable compared to other periods.  With an adventurous heroine, it's quite convenient.

In my opinion, men's fashions started to become more masculine.  Shirts no longer had lacy trim.  Knee breeches came down to the knee and the calf would be covered by stockings.  Shoes with a buckle were worn to complete the look.  I'm not crazy about this look, though it was formal wear, I prefer the men to wear knee-high boots instead that were named after military heroes, such as Hessians or Wellingtons.  For a casual/informal wear, pantaloons were worn that became longer until they finally reached the ankle.  I do have a character who tends to defy fashion and creates his own trends. 

What I find kind of fun is to watch period films and check out the costume design.  Those designers really have to do their research!

Veronica

Had This Been Invented Yet?

One difficulty about writing a historical is accuracy.  I have to do quite a bit of research.  I have to look up when an item was invented if I'm not certain.  I remember I had to look up shotgun, because I didn't know if it had been invented by 1820.  If memory serves me right, it had.  I also discovered that Scotland Yard was formed in 1829, so I couldn't refer to them.  Even though the airplane hadn't been invented, the concept of the "air carriage" had been created by then.  It's quite a history lesson, I tell you.

I'll discuss fashion in my next post.  I love historical costume!

Veronica    

Top 5 Deathbed Regrets of Writers

I received an email last week from AWAI (American Writers & Artists, Inc.) titled, "The Top 5 Deathbed Regrets of Writers."  It was pretty much a ploy to sell memberships, so I won't include the link, but I liked some of the thoughts the writers had.  Here are the top 5 regrets: 
“I’d never know if I could have made it.”
“I’d never find my voice.”
“I’d never get to show others what I’m capable of.”
“I’d hate not having the freedom to do what I want.”
And the top answer of all, was:

“I couldn’t live a life true to myself.”

They then proceeded with building the sale:

"Start by asking yourself five important questions. Right now, ask yourself …

Will I regret never knowing if I could have made it?

Could my words make a difference to someone?
Don’t I want others to know the real me?
Shouldn’t I take charge of my life now instead of waiting till it’s too late?
Don’t I deserve to be happy?"

I put the most significant for me in bold.  Some of you are probably asking why a closet writer would ask herself those questions, and my answer is I don't plan to stay in the closet forever.  I do want others to know the "real me."  I just want to have my first novel completed and in print when they find out.  Here's the hard copy; please do not tell me I'm chasing a dream.  I do want my words to make a difference to someone, as others have made a difference to me.

Veronica

Fun Fact

Fun Fact:  The word "fun" was considered a slang word back in the early 1800s.  I have to make sure not to use it too often, and if I do use it, it should be in a young person's dialog.

Veronica

The Butler

Simmons was the original name I came up with for Earl's loyal servant.  He has been employed by Earl's family for most of his life.  This character was inspired by Michael Caine, but in my mind, he's shorter in stature and I don't picture Mr. Caine when I envision him.  Perhaps it's his English accent and demeanor that has inspired me?  Even though Simmons is in his dotage, he can still be charming.

Veronica

Kat

Kat is wife to Duke, mother to Lady and aunt to my heroine.  Marrying for love was rather uncommon at the time, but Kat stole Duke's heart and married far above her station. She has adjusted to her new position in society well, almost as though she was born into privilege. However, her maternal instincts prove to be far stronger.

Veronica

Duke

Duke is my heroine's uncle by marriage, and also her guardian.  He is the father of Lady and is like a father to his orphaned niece.  He is a powerful and influential man, though he is also loving, doting, respectable and protective.

Duke was also inspired by one of my relatives because of his paternal instincts; he became a father-figure, taking on the role when a loved one passed.

Veronica

Grams

With mention of Gypsies, of course I have to include a fortune-teller in my novel.  Since she is elderly and the matriarch of a large family, I will refer to her as Grams.  Her method of divination (predicting the future) is a crystal ball.  She's very devoted, protective and stubborn.

I still need to develop more of a back story on this character, who should prove to be very interesting.

This character was inspired by one of my own relatives.  I don't know if she would have been too thrilled about being an inspiration for a Gypsy, though!  Regardless, I think it's the thought that counts the most; how I remember her. 

Speaking of which, have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Veronica

Lady

Today, I'm going to discuss my supporting female character, who I will call Lady on here.  She is a cousin to my heroine.  I refer to her as Lady because she is the paragon of what a young woman in her time should be.  She's beautiful, graceful, polite and has caught the eye of many eligible bachelors.  She is the voice of reason for her cousin and is more like a sister to her.

Even though Lady plays a vital part in my novel, I find that her character development is lacking.  That is something I will need to work on while revising.

This blogging has really been helping me with my writing.  I've been writing more than what I have in a long time.

Veronica

The Earl

Introducing my other lead male character .  . .  even though he's mentioned second, he's certainly not least!  Initially, I was going to make him an earl, but it wasn't working right in my story, so I changed it.  I'll refer to him as the Earl here, because that is how he started out for me.  He is the mystery man in my novel.  He has dark hair and gorgeous blue-green eyes that are as changeable as the sea.  He's slightly taller than the captain, with a little more brawn.  He appears to be in his early thirties.  Needless to say, women are drawn to him like a moth to a light.  There is something ethereal (otherworldly) about him.  

Veronica

The Captain

Today, I'm going to discuss a leading male character in my novel.  He is mentioned first in my novel; that is why I chose to introduce him first here.  I'm going to refer to him as the captain, because that is how my heroine addresses him.  He's an English sea captain, obviously.  He's in his early 20s.  He has blue eyes, light brown hair that used to be blond when he was a child, athletic build, and stands a little over 6' tall.  He's protective and his heart belongs to one woman and to her alone.  He would do anything for her.

Stay tuned as I will introduce my other leading male . . .

Veronica

My Heroine

My heroine has always felt out of place, especially living in late Regency England.  Most of the young, single females of that time were in search of a husband, excel at playing musical instruments, needlework, art, gossiping, etc.  She has no plans for marriage, and has no interest in the things a young woman her age should, save reading and drawing.  She's very strong-willed, speaks her mind more often than she should and her concern for others often times comes before her own well-being.

Stay tuned as I will next discuss my leading male characters . . .

Veronica

The Romany

I have Gypsies in my novel, or as they prefer to be called, the Romany (or Rom/Roma.)  It was very interesting to research this culture.  Did you know some Romanies are fair-skinned and some have red hair?(1)  There's an old saying that if you ask 10 different Rom the same question, you'll get 10 different answers. If you ask one Romany the same question 10 times, you still get 10 different answers.(2)
One fun bit of information I found was about the moon and how they use it to predict the weather.  When the crescent moon's horns tilt upwards, it means she's holding her water, so the weather will be nice.  If the horns tilt downward, it will be showery.  Major changes in weather usually occur at the moon's quarters.(1)  I don't know if there's a direct correlation between the moon phases and the weather, but I have noticed nice weather when the crescent moon's horns are turned upward.  Have you ever noticed more restless nights during a full moon than during the rest of the month?  My husband doesn't sleep well during full moons.  He thinks there's a connection there.

The Romany have many other good luck charms, omens and beliefs.  Very interesting. 

Veronica

1.  Cooper, Patrinella (2002) Gypsy Magic: A Romany Book of Spells, Charms & Fortune-Telling Boston: Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC
2.  Buckland, Raymond (2001) Gypsy, Witchcraft & Magic, St. Paul, MN:  Llewellyn Publications

Genre

Genre:  I already mentioned that my novel is a historical with some paranormal elements.  It also contains a love story.  I wouldn't classify it as a romance, though that is the genre I usually read.  It also contains time travel, but not the kind you see in the movies Back to the Future or Kate & Leopold.  I will not elaborate anymore than that, otherwise it will become a spoiler.  Just tell me to write faster!

Have a good weekend!

Veronica

Narrative

Today's tidbit:  My novel is written in third person narrative.  As a reader, I like to be like Edward Cullen; where I can get into all the character's minds.  That's why I chose to write in third person.  There's also more obstacles that come with writing in first person.  For example, if the narrative character is not in a scene, one of the other characters present has to relate it back to the narrator.  Also, the other characters have to tell the narrator what they are thinking and feeling.  I'm not saying I don't care for first person narrative.  I enjoyed the Twilight saga, which was written in first person.  It really made me think about how those novels were written and the complications that would arise with the narrative.  In closing, I just find it less complicated to write in third person.

Veronica

War Horse

I watched War Horse over the weekend.  What a moving film!  Another impressive work of Steven Spielberg.  I also loved the score by John Williams.  His music really brings out the emotion of the film.

I must have been living under a rock as I didn't know the setting was in England.  I enjoyed watching the DVD special feature about filming in Devon.  It's always nice to get a visual of a country that I'm writing about. 

* Devon currently is not in my novel, but it is a part of a name that I use for one of my characters.

Copy & Paste

Did you know for research papers, some college students will copy directly from web sites and paste it into their research document and claim it as their own.  Even when their college professors and instructors forbid it.  That's how easy it is to plagiarize these days!  Talk about lack of ambition and creativity!

Veronica

My Characters Are My Own

I've decided it might be kind of fun to give some clues and tidbits about my novel, so check back often.
Today's tidbit:  My characters are my own creation.  Some have been inspired by some of my favorite stars and some fictional characters.  This is not a Phantom novel (obviously not from the setting), though I have been inspired by some of the scenes and songs from The Phantom of the Opera.  This is not a continuation of a Jane Austen novel.  Though it takes place shortly after her time, Austen's novels have been helpful to understand the time period that I'm writing about.  I may have a mention of one of her works in my novel.

To be Continued . . .

Veronica

The Salvatore Brothers

I was shocked with the ending of the Vampire Diaries, or as I like to call it, the Salvatore Brothers.  I did not see that coming.  Now we have to wait all summer until September to see the next episode!

Veronica

Introduction

Hello,

My name is Veronica R. Winters (not to be confused with the Russian artist) and I am a closet writer.  What is a closet writer, you ask.  A closet writer is one who keeps her writing a secret from most of her family, friends, and acquaintances.  Why, you ask.  Because I don't know how people will react.  Many people can be very unsupportive when it comes to someone pursuing the arts.  Many tend to squash another's dreams under their heel like a bug!

While I have been working on my first novel, I prefer to surround myself with supportive people and have come up with a pen name to keep my true identity a secret.  I do not plan to go the traditional publishing path.  My goal is to complete my first novel.  Then, I will decide if I would like to self-publish.  I prefer the idea of self-publishing for the reason of being my own boss.  Too many times, I've seen some of my favorite authors recycle characters and storylines to make a deadline.  I don't want to become that kind of a writer.

One of the FAQ I would receive if I "came out of the closet" would be what am I writing?  My work in progress, The Whisperer of Storms, is a historical novel set in late Regency England, with some paranormal elements to it.  You can read more about it on my website.   

Have a good weekend!

Veronica