Sunday, February 19, 2012

Meg Mims: Oooh, You Caught Me

Oooh, You Caught Me
by Meg Mims
Copyright © 2012 Meg Mims

I just had a Valentine’s Day *contemporary* romance novella, The Key to Love, published by Astraea Press. No cowboy, horse, boots or spur, not even a pot of son-of-a-bee stew.

I had fun writing it, though—ouch! Okay, maybe it was a chore. Maybe I would have enjoyed writing a historical novella instead in two weeks. Yeah, right. Maybe next year.

I actually had to research. Research—for a contemporary! Like how many horsepower did a specific car have, what make/model, would it have heated seats, that kind of thing. Go figure. Even though I live in Michigan, I just put the key in, crank the engine and drive. I also had to “readjust” my brain to think “modern” in several ways while writing, from dialogue to clothing to culture. The characters spoke faster, acted faster—not because the novella has less “room” than a novel—but because people do that now. There’s far more distractions for the characters from computers and cell phones, traffic snarls and job expectations. And far more expectations to get things done, fast. Oy.

Meg Mims, author

Maybe writing a historical is more restful. No computers or telephones, trains that didn’t run faster than thirty miles an hour—a snail’s pace today. Less pollution unless you lived in the city, and few people did. Outhouses instead of indoor plumbing (unless you were a Vanderbilt.)

Hold on there, pardner. In order to hook the reader, and keep them turning pages, any writer worth his/her “salt cellar” must have a strong conflict and plenty of action. Fleshed-out, in-depth characters, accurate research details (since even minor inaccuracies tend to throw a reader out of the story) and a satisfying ending. I wouldn’t call that restful. It’s hard work, whether you write a historical or contemporary.

I’ve delayed writing the sequel to Double Crossing for several reasons. Not just because I spent January writing a contemporary novella, but because I was stuck. I’d started writing Double or Nothing for November’s NaNoWriMo and managed to pour out a good 25,000 words. Once I hit a wall, I stopped. I’ve never been one to force myself. Too futile. I prefer to “chew the cud” and let time work it out for me. Plus brainstorming with my long-time critique partner, who always has great suggestions. After two months, I’m ready to try again.

On Thursday, when I visit again, I hope to drop a few hints about what I’m planning for Double or Nothing. Stay tuned. And if you’re in the mood for a fast, fun read, check out The Key to Love. Romance, in any era, is always satisfying.

9 comments:

  1. It is funny how much research you have to do for a contemporary story. Good luck with your new release!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! If you can write one, you can write the other. It's just a "state of mind" I guess, LOL.

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  2. I so understand what you mean about getting stuck and having to wait until you are ready to 'go' again. Look forward to hearing more about Double of nothing.

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    1. I can't wait to start writing it! Might have to write some scenes out of order, which I ordinarily *never* do. ;-D This week has been crazy busy, as you well know. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I think I do as much research for my contemporaries as my historicals. But that's because I tend to choose occupations that are a bit unusual, or locations where I might have visited but hadn't spent a significant amount of time in. So I agree, the research is important no matter what you're writing!

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    1. And you sure DID a ton for your ice sculptor, Patty! Indeed, the devil is in the details. I love research. For whatever, be it contemp or historical or medieval... Thanks for coming by.

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  4. Clever post, Meg, and I look forward to reading the new release and learning about the next Double story.

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    1. Aw, thanks, Caroline! I originally thought I could do a historical novella. I even started one. Due to the different setting, and the *VERY* short time frame I had before the deadline, I was like... "no way!" It would have fallen far short of my personal expectations. But one day...

      Thanks for dropping in!

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  5. Good post, Meg. Even when I write fantasy (my particular genre) I pick an era to set my story in. This requires research, sometimes of a comical nature. For example, I didn't know the name of a doohickey on an old-fashioned sailing ship. It was the gizmo used to hold ropes, but it comes out and can be used as a weapon. Since he likes ships, I set my husband to work to get me the name. It was a belaying pin. Who knew?

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