First, I'll admit there is more than one "key" to a successful story, but characterization is a big part of it. I was watching the newest Star Trek movie the other night--for the sixth or tenth time (I've lost count) and it hit me that characterization was one of the reasons that makes this movie great....
Susan's 4th of July Fireworks
The United States has several patriotic holidays such as today - Memorial Day, when we remember our loved ones and in particular those that gave their lives for their country. Coming up we have...
Historical Heroes
I love to read historicals. There is just something so entrancing about going back in time for awhile—something very romantic. I know I got into reading the historical romance because I grew up reading...
Interview with Delia Latham
Today, we’re interviewing a multitalented author who wrote Yesterday’s Promise. Not only is this woman an amazing writer, but I recently learned that back in the 90’s she had a Country Western band where...
Website Remodel...and Rejection?
I've been a little AWOL on the blog these past couple of months, allowing other staff to post in my stead. Today, I'm happy to announce that the work that's kept me away from the blog is finished--a complete remodel and overhaul of the White Rose Publishing website.
Isn't it great when we finish a...
Return to Orchard Hill
Good news for fans of Orchard Hill! There's a new short story, set in Orchard Hill to be released on June 11. Readers first met Susan Schmidt in Entertaining Angel. In that story she played the...
Do or do not…
People quote things all the time. We repeat favorite lines from movies, computer games, television shows and even news clips. We use brand names instead of generic terms for many items...tissues become Kleenex, sandwich bags become Ziploc bags.In normal speech these quotes are usually OK, you are simply...
Seeds of Knowledge
Snowflakes from Heaven I’d like to chat about rejection letters. Are they the demons and bitter pills and a writer’s worst nightmare? Every writer has traveled this long and winding road, and if you’re having a bad day, receiving a rejection letter might just be the straw that broke the camel’s back....
An interesting quote...
Recently, my family and I went on vacation to Washington D.C.. There were some many wonderful tidbits from our past and present to glean from in the Smithsonian museums! Above is a photo of a quote I...
Why Happily Ever After?
One of the criticisms of popular fiction in general and romance fiction in particular, is the guaranteed happy ending. Critics claim it isn't realistic. In real life, not everyone gets a happy ending.Sadly,...
Happy Mother's Day!!
I pray that each wonderful mother who reads this has a blessed Mother's Day filled with love, laughter, and hugs.In digging through some old paperwork, I found this poem I wrote for my youngest daughter...
The Reading Experience: Like it Long or Short?
My first novel was a time travel romance of about 80,000 words. The editor who bought it requested I add 20,000 more words to the story. What a challenge! But many readers want that 400 page, 100,000...
Stating The Obvious
Most people have heard this term before. It is usually said with a slight sneer as people try to make valid points, but use too many words. Writers have a tendency to do it without thinking, mostly because many write the way they talk. Because expressions and tone of voice accompany it, stating...
Good Writing is Timeless
Recently I stumbled upon How To Write for Moving Pictures: A Manual Of Instruction and Information, by Marguerite Bertsch, copyright 1917. In skimming through the book I noticed that much of the...
Infuse the Muse
The weekend is upon us and I know for some that means more writing time and for others more family time. For me it’s both. We do spend time as a family over the weekend but I also try to sneak in a couple...
