Beginnings, Blogs, and Books

September 20, 2012

Today, I welcome Selena Fulton. Let's see what she has to say.

Thanks, Autumn.

When it comes to that part of the week where I normally post a blog, I pull up a blank document. And stare at the screen. And freeze. What do I write about today?

You’d think a writer would have no problem blogging, and maybe for some it’s easy. After all, blogging seems a lot like talking. I like to talk. Got into trouble all the time for talking in school. In fact, in fourth grade my poor teacher moved me all over the classroom, trying to find someone I wouldn’t talk to. She couldn’t.

I digress.

So to get past my writers blogging block, I pretend I’m talking to a friend. I try not to think that my blog will be out there…for the world to see…
::shudder::

Sometimes when I blog, I think “Does anybody care what I write?” Um, well if they didn’t, why would they read it? Moreover, if you don’t think anyone wants to read what you write, why are you writing a book?

Would you believe, many writers have the same kind of doubts about their books? We write a book, falling in love with our characters. We know our story by heart, yet when we have to talk about it, whether it be pitching it to an agent or editor, or submitting via email or snail mail, the moment of reckoning comes and we freeze. Our mouths go dry and our heart beats a staccato rhythm. What if I’m not good enough? What if they hate it? What if???

Self-doubt will kill you before you get out of the starting gate. It’s like going on that first date. He’s the Prince Charming, and you’re the Ugly Duckling. Am I right? Are there others like me out there in cyberspace? Those writers who are kind of shy, wondering what will tickle the fancy of the reader, reviewer, or blog enthusiast?

I’ve been asked, “How do you decide what to write?” Well, an idea for a story pops in my head. Sometimes it comes from a dream, or something I see on TV or the Internet. I mull it over in my mind, thinking about who these people are and why they want me to write their story. I think about them while I’m driving down the road, going grocery shopping, or cleaning the house. Like a Polaroid photo, the story comes into focus.
In the case of my novella, Never Let Go, I love reading time travels, and wanted to take a stab at writing one. I have always been intrigued with the time period of the American Civil War, and have even dressed up during re-enactments. I love the antebellum dresses and wondered what it would be like for a modern woman to suddenly be thrust into another century. Her language and mannerisms would be different, as well as her clothing. What is acceptable behavior of our century would seem odd, even brash to a man of the 1800’s.

So as I close my blog about blogging and writing and ask, “What do you think makes a good blog? What kind of content interests you as a reader? Better yet, what kind of book interests you? Are you drawn in by the cover, the back blurb, or maybe it’s name recognition of your favorite author?

In my time-travel novella, Never Let Go, my modern heroine has been devastated by her unfaithful husband. She grows a tough skin and moves on, deciding she’s done with men and makes no bones about it. Yet, deep inside, she’s still an old-fashioned girl, longing to be loved by an old-fashioned man. A man who will come and sweep her off her feet, a man with honor and commitment. Unfortunately, she also believes such a man no longer exists.

My hero, on the other hand, finds this modern woman disturbing. Her hair is cut short, she wears indecent clothing, and her brash language is anything but ladylike. Couple that with her absurd talk of being from the future, he wonders if she is insane too. Yet there is a vulnerability about her that draws him in.

Find out how their love spans the barrier of time and they find a way to share a life together. Visit thewildrosepress.com or click on the link below.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4884

Want to know when my next story comes out? Follow me my blog at selenafulton.wordpress.com or Facebook.



NEVER LET GO BLURB:

Kendra Prescott, a high-powered Atlanta real estate broker, is sent England to coax the owner to sell a beautiful cottage. Family portraits line the stairway, and Kendra finds one man, Benjamin Sheffield fascinating. Too bad he lived almost two centuries ago.

In eighteen sixty-three, Benjamin Sheffield escaped England because of a trumped up murder charge. He came to America to disappear in the vast Western frontier, but is delayed by a little thing called the War Between The States.
When Kendra falls and loses consciousness, she wakes up in the middle of Civil War torn Georgia. She doesn’t know what happened to the cottage, but when she sees Ben, she realizes he is the key, her only chance of returning to her own time. Trouble is, now that she’s met him, she isn’t sure she wants to.

About the Author

Selena Fulton was born in a small town in Indiana and moved to Florida as a teen. Now that their daughter has grown, Selena and her husband are empty nesters – if you don’t count the cat! She enjoys camping, morning strolls along the seashore, making jewelry, and reading.

Selena discovered her love of writing at nine years old, when she wrote her first poem, and has been writing ever since. She worked on her school newspaper where she created a poetry section, which still exists to this day.

A multi-published author, she belongs to First Coast Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Ancient City Romance Authors. She believes in “paying it forward” by working with fellow authors in her critique groups.

Come check out her out on Facebook or go to her blog at Selenafulton.wordpress.com, because it’s all about the journey…