Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Reese Ryan

Why Really Getting to Know Your Characters Makes Your Story Richer

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Paper Dolls. Some rights reserved by merwing little dear.Today I’m the visiting professor over at one of my favorite blogs, Romance University. We’re discussing a topic essential to any story–your characters. My stories are character-driven. However, even in a plot-driven story, the main characters shoulder most of the load. If the character doesn’t feel real, the reader will quickly lose interest.

A character that isn’t fully formed is akin to a flat paper doll as opposed to a three-dimensional one that feels real to the touch and mimics the activities of an actual baby. Which one would the average little girl prefer?

Readers also prefer characters reminiscent of living, breathing human beings. The kind that will make them wonder what those characters are doing, long after the final page of the book has been shut.

So how do we take a faint idea, a general personality and a few physical traits and turn them into a well-developed character? I’m sharing a few of my tips for making the character feel more fully-formed in today’s Romance University post, Make Your Story Richer with In-depth Knowledge of Your Characters.

Come on over as I discuss a few techniques that enable you to breathe life into your characters and amp up your understanding (and the reader’s) of your character’s motivation. Then share your experiences and tips in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

A note on Romance University: If you’re a romance writer, this tuition-free instructional zone is a wealth of information you can’t afford to miss. But don’t think it only has something to offer to romance writers. The information on creating characters, choosing setting, craft advice, author brand and marketing, industry news and how to accurately write about firearms can be useful no matter what genre you write. So don’t miss out on the great information available there.

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Photo provided courtesy of merwing little dear. Some rights reserved.

Love Me Not: Snarky, Sexy, Emotional

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She doesn't believe in playing for keeps. He's determined to have her heart. Love Me Not by Reese Ryan

We’re less than two weeks away from the release of Book 2 in my Bad Boys Gone Good series. Squee! The lovely Tynga made the graphic above for me. It sums up these two characters perfectly. Here’s what early reviewers have to say about Love Me Not: 

I’ve waited impatiently for this book since I learned it was going to be Jamie’s story and it far surpassed anything I was hoping for…Miles was sexy, romantic, sensitive and an incredible lover (be prepared for some serious, serious steam) and had enough imperfections to keep him real. I loved how Jamie’s transformation unfolded and developed, as well as the realism regarding her romance with Miles.  ~ Jonetta (ejaygirl), The Book Nympho

I really enjoyed this story and all the multiple layers to both Jamie and Miles… I don’t want to give too much away because I think that Reese Ryan reveals elements of her characters so beautifully. You really need to read the book to appreciate who these characters are and what they go through in order to be together. At the end, you will believe that they are meant to be. ~ Contemporary Romance Writers

Read the summary and an excerpt here. To read the first two full chapters, subscribe to the newsletter list below:



5 Ways Introverts Can Succeed Without Forcing Themselves to Become Extroverts

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You probably won’t find this shocking, but I’m a bona fide introvert.

Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Many writers are. The quiet, solitary nature of writing appeals to introverts.

I have often referred to myself as an introvert masquerading as an extrovert. The feeling that, as an introvert, I must conform to a more extroverted personality in order to succeed, is a belief that many introverts hold.

Yet, it simply isn’t true.

As introverts, we have strengths which we can leverage. We need to recognize this and stop feeling guilty and apologetic about our natural temperament.

Recently, I’ve seen some pretty awesome info online about introverts. There was this enlightening, thoughtful post that dispels ten myths about introverts. For instance, we don’t dislike people and don’t always want to be alone. However, we draw our energy from within and need some quiet downtime to recharge our batteries. When we’re not allowed that–or are made to feel guilty about it–we can turn into a Ms. Cranky Pants of a magnitude you never, ever want to witness.

Trust me on that.

 

On the other hand, give us a little fair warning about a social event and some time to recharge before and after the event, and we can be the life of the party. You won’t be able to shut me us up.

Then there was this awesomesauce post on Buzz Feed about 27 Problems Only Introverts understand, which is hilarious, mostly because it’s also quite true.

Today I finally got a chance to watch a video by the funny, insightful and always inspiring, Marie Forleo, over on MarieTV. Networking for Introverts with Susan Cain. I love Marie’s videos! She shares information, encouragement and resources that help entrepreneurs make money and live a life they love. The advice and observations she shares are usually applicable to creative professionals, too.

Susan Cain is the author of the award-winning book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. This video discussion between Susan and Marie highlights five fantastic tips to help introverts cope in a world where they seldom feel appreciated. Not to mention the comfort that comes from knowing you aren’t alone (or an anti-social freak). The video is lengthy at a little over 20 minutes. However, it’s well worth it for introverts and the people who love them, but who don’t always get them.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What challenges have you faced either being an introvert or in dealing with people who are? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Photo of Susan Cain courtesy of the American Library Association. Some rights reserved.

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Bad Boys Gone Good, Teatime Romance and the Year-End Splash

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The first full week of November is in the books as we speed toward 2014. How was your week? Have you put together your goals for 2014. I’m way behind on doing this, but I hope to have my list completed before the end of the month. I’ll share part of the list with you here. In the meantime, it’s been a busy week.

  • Earlier this week I posted over on Contemporary Romance Café about why I love bad boys gone good and ask who are your favorite bad boys of literature, television and film?TheRomanceReviewsEYS
  • Author Kelsey Browning stopped by on Thursday to chat with me about the fun new series she’s co-written with Nancy Naigle, The Granny Series.
  • Today I am doing a fun interview with my Heart of Carolina chaptermate, Erica Monroe, over on Teatime Romance. The final question was about which five books I’d save in case of a disaster. I love my books, so that one hurt. See what I said here.
  • Lastly, I’m participating in the exciting Year-End Splash over on The Romance Reviews. A Q&A about Making the First Move is featured today. (It’s Question #6.)  So, be sure to hop on over to answer a super-easy, multiple-choice question for your chance to win a copy of Making the First Move and lots of other great prizes.

 

I Heart Bad Boys Gone Good

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Love Me Not by Reese Ryan
Available for pre-order on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Today I’m over at the Contemporary Romance Café talking about my love of bad boys in film and literature. James Bond, Raylan Givens and Jonny Miller’s Sherlock Holmes, anyone?

I’m also talking a little about the romantic notion that the love of a good woman can change an inherently bad boy into the perfect prince. (Doesn’t work when you kiss frogs in real life either!)

Lastly, I’m pulling back a few layers and revealing secrets about three of the bad boy heroes in my ongoing Bad Boys Gone Good series. Grab a cup of coffee and your favorite pastry then join us over at the Café and tell us who your favorite bad boys are in books, television and film.

If you’d like to sample the first two chapter of Love Me Not–the next installment in my Bad Boys Gone Good series–be sure to join my mailing list below. You’ll get immediate access to your two free chapters once you confirm your subscription to the email list. For other goodies, be sure to visit my new Reader page.



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A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet

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Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet -- Fayetteville, NC October 19, 2013It’s fall- leaves are falling, and Halloween is just around the corner. Come on out and enjoy great food, get to know other readers in the area, and meet some of your favorite authors! This event is free, but readers MUST register in advance.

Attending authors are:

  • Kianna Alexander
  • RaeLynn Blue
  • Cheris Hodges
  • Serenity King
  • Erosa Knowles
  • Jayla Leigh
  • Suzetta Perkins
  • Di Topaz
  • Pepper Pace
  • Reese Ryan

Reserve your space here today!

News: A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet & Book Clubs United

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The final quarter of 2013 is quickly approaching, and for me, it’ll be a busy one.

Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet -- Fayetteville, NC October 19, 2013I’ll be participating in my first two author events. The first is the Book Clubs United for Breast Cancer Fundraiser in Greensboro, North Carolina at the New Orleans Bar & Grill Restaurant on Saturday, October 5th from 1:30 to 5PM. The second is A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet at Doubletree Fayetteville in Fayetteville, NC on October 19th from 7-10PM. It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know favorite authors and to discover new ones. So come out and join us!

In between those two events I’ll be attending a workshop hosted by my local Heart of Carolina RWA Chapter, and led by the brilliant Bob Mayer. So if you’d like to learn more about Outlining, Plot, Conflict, and Writing Scenes: The Events of Your Story or E-Pub, Self-Pub, Marketing & Selling the Book and Future of Publishing for Writers, I invite you to join us on October 12th at the Embassy Suites in Cary, NC from 9AM – 5PM.

The invitations and featured authors for both author events, and the flyer and registration info for the workshop are listed below.

What’s going on in your world?

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Book Clubs United for Breast Cancer Fundraiser — Greensboro, NC — October 5th

Please join us as the Sistahs of Urban Literature Book Club, Sistahs of the Red Tent Book Club and the Round Table Readers Literary Book Club host a “Pink Literary Affair” with some extraordinary authors to benefit one of our book club sisters who is currently fighting the breast cancer battle.

Our book club sister has a wonderful loving spirit and a funny personality which brings so much joy to anyone who has conversed with her.  Our hope is to raise enough funds to help relieve any financial stress; so she will be able to dedicate her time to healing and spending quality time with her family.

Authors in attendance:

  • K L BradyBook Clubs United for Breast Cancer Fundraiser -- Greensboro, NC October 5, 2013
  • Altonya Washington
  • Shawn Black
  • Deborah Mello
  • Suzetta Perkins
  • Cassandra Baker-Durham
  • China Ball
  • Reese Ryan
  • Author A. T. Hicks

Books  will be available for purchase
*Authors list subject to change

The luncheon will be a book club social in which you will be able to ask the authors any questions, network and fellowship with readers. Our honored book club sister will be at the event.  Come by to show her some love.

There are two ways you can participate is this event!
Option 1:  Donation of any given amount.
Option 2:  Book Clubs for Breast Cancer Entry:  $5 donation to attend event with the authors * Please note that you will be responsible for your own meal.
Option 3:  Pay at the door option has now been added.  $5.  * Please note that you will be responsible for your meal.

We will have raffles and door prizes.  Spread the word.

Doors open at 1:15pm

Thank you to everyone in advance!  Don’t forget to wear your pink.

Register here today.

A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet — Fayetteville, NC — October 19th

It’s fall- leaves are falling, and Halloween is just around the corner. Come on out and enjoy great food, get to know other readers in the area, and meet some of your favorite authors! This event is free, but readers MUST register in advance.

Attending authors are:

  • Kianna Alexander
  • RaeLynn Blue
  • Cheris Hodges
  • Serenity King
  • Erosa Knowles
  • Jayla Leigh
  • Suzetta Perkins
  • Di Topaz
  • Pepper Pace
  • Reese Ryan

Reserve your space here today!

Bob Mayer Workshop Hosted by Heart of Carolina — Raleigh, NC on October 12th

Bob Mayer October 2013 Workshop in Raleigh, NC

It’s Cut the Crap Day — What are You Letting Go Of?

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I wouldn’t categorize myself as a hoarder. But, I do collect a few things.

A fraction of my CD collectionI have a crazy CD collection, including this small sampling on my desk, pictured here. Floetry. Joss Stone. Dru Hill. Kem. Maxwell. Jill Scott. Dixie Chicks Fly–one of my all time favorite albums. Stevie Wonder’s The Original Musicquarium–a classic that is pure magic, and yes, I know all of the words to every song on the album. Bobby Brown’s Don’t Be Cruel. Justin Timberlake’s Justified. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s BTTB. My Asian Lounge CD–love my World music–and more.

What? You don’t listen to CDs anymore? Well, neither do I. Not really. But there is something comforting about knowing I could listen to that Alicia Keys Songs in A Minor CD anytime I darn well please.

Then there is my book collection. My poor bookshelf is busting at the seams, praying for a reprieve, and thankful I finally jumped on the digital book bandwagon about a year ago. Not to mention the books I stash all over the house like a junkie worried someone is going to find her stash squirrel preparing for winter. Of course, I still hoard collect books. They’re just on my Kindle now.

My journal collectionI have an ever-growing collection of journals. Lovely, aren’t they? It’s too bad I rarely ever use them to, you know, journal. Usually they’re either sitting on my shelf–the pages as crisp as the day I bought them–or filled with scribbles, notes, and random ideas. But I keep hoping that next year month will be the time when I finally start journaling and stick with it.

We won’t even talk about the two-sizes-too-small clothes I’ve been holding onto since the turn of the century, hoping to get back into them. (What? Those Cybill Shepherd circa Moonlighting jacket dress combos will make a comeback. Mark my words.)

I’m getting some renovation done at my apartment. This requires that I empty counter tops and cabinets in several rooms. A task I’m not looking forward to, but that now feels like a gift. This is the perfect time to go through everything and purge. So I’m declaring today my personal Cut the Crap Day.

I’m going to take a long, hard look at my collection of crap with the goal of eliminating (tossing, donating, giving away) as much of it as I can possibly bear without tears, buttercream frosting, and copious amounts of adult beverages.

It’s time to let go of things I don’t need. Things that no longer serve my purpose. Most importantly, it’s time to let go of the emotional baggage that is intricately intertwined with clothing, books, and shoes I no longer need.

What’s in your closet, car, or home that you know you don’t need, but can’t bear to let go of? How relieved would you be if you could finally let go of it?

PS: Need some serious help clutter busting? My friend, Deb Smouse, has an awesome clutter busting class via email that will help you do just that.