Yes, an entire weekend without kids.

Trouble is, I'm having trouble concentrating.  I think it's the lack of noise. <sigh>  I've been looking forward to this for a few weeks, but now it's here, it's no fun at all...

Now I know why I don't watch much tv. <g>

Anyways, I am back to normal, almost, and now trying to catch up.

Mid August is the Romance Writers of Australia annual conference, and they have a fantastic line-up of speakers and workshop presenters.

I've not attended an RWA conference for about five years, but I have booked for this year's conference.

I know what you're thinking - writer's conferences are expensive.  Yes and no.

They are usually several hundred dollars, if not more, but it's an investment in your education as a writer.  I opted to attend both the weekend conference and also the 'author day' where the focus is on promotion.

There were so many great workshops on offer, it was hard to choose.  I am looking forward to it, but will have to conserve my energy in the weeks leading up to the event.

Speaking of promotion, I've added a post to the Writer2Writer blog, and I would love for you to stop by and make a comment.  The post is all about author promotions - what works, what doesn't.  Please tell us your best ideas.

Our article this issue comes from Dawn Carrington.  Titled "Is Your Hero a Celebrity" the article talks about characters, flaws, and more. This is an article well worth reading.

Okay, that's it from me [FIRSTNAME], time to sit back and enjoy this issue.

Right now, the online world is literally begging for writers. People that can tap out a few words - providing content for the millions of sites out there.

You don't have to have a lot of experience, you just have to be able to piece together a few simple sentences - and submit them to the SECRET ONLINE WRITING MARKETS that most people have absolutely NO idea about.

Want to learn more? Visit this website right away

Is Your Hero a Celebrity? 

 

©Rachel Carrington - All Rights Reserved

 

Many people have the tendency to put celebrities on pedestals, to think they can do no wrong because they’re incredible singers or talented actors. Teens want to be like their favorite star, women wish they could have one date with a hot Hollywood hunk, and men want just one night alone with a beautiful actress or model. So it’s easy to see why a writer will use a celebrity’s looks as the basis for a character. I’ve been guilty of that myself.  Looks is where I draw the line, though.

 

When I create a character, I might use some of my favorite actor’s facial features, height, or hair color, but I don’t give my hero celebrity traits. I don’t create him to be idolized. Most people who have celebrity crushes or popular idols don’t want to hear anything negative about their hero. In fact, they will defend that pop star or actress with fervency when, in reality, they know very little about the person they’re defending.

 

Characters, on the other hand, need to be flawed. You can’t expect everyone to like your hero one hundred percent of the time. He can’t be 100% perfect nor can he roll out of bed looking like a male Adonis. Yes, he does lose his temper sometimes, or, at least he should. He doesn’t always understand his wife or girlfriend, and he makes stupid mistakes that might just cost him the woman he loves with all his heart. Why? Because his life isn’t anymore perfect than he is.