When I first starting writing, it was always in first person POV. Everyone loved the story, everyone hated the first person POV.

I couldn’t believe it. My idol, Janet Evanovich writes in first person! But, bowing to those who know better, I wrote my second story in third person POV.

Much better, they said. Now do third person deep.

Pardon?

So, I took a class on POV. Holy moly. Who knew? I deepened my POV in spots, sometimes hitting it on the head, sometimes wandering a bit into left field, but overall giving my stories a much better and personal feel.

AND THEN….

Toni McGee Causey posted a few weeks ago on Romance University.

And I realized I knew nothing.

There’s point of view and there’s what Toni calls persistence of vision. I won’t go into it here, but go read the articles (there’s two of them). It will change how you write.

There’s so much more to POV than first or third, omniscient or deep. You’re actually writing FROM THAT PERSONS point of view.

Again, go read the article. Your eyes will pop wide open. Ahhh….you’ll say. Wow.

Go ahead, jump on over to Romance University. I’ll still be here when you come back and thank me for changing your writing style for the better. Feel free to bring back chocolate. I promise to share with Toni.

Honest.

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

I’m going back in to deep waters.

Shark infested.

Boiling, turbulent, roiling waters of….well, you get the idea.

I’m entering contests.

I’ve decided that between now and the infamous 49th birthday, I’m going to enter at least 4 contests.

I’m crazy, I know.

But I do weird things for my birthdays. Hair cuts, colors, new wardrobe choices. Small psychopathic episodes. But you probably don’t want to hear about those. =)

Last year on my birthday, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I took my first class in May, entered 2 contests (you can probably still read my rantings on contests schmontests) and took more classes. And yet more classes.

In September of last year I entered yet another contest, that turned out fairly darn well. 2nd place of 824 contestants. Ya know, just in case you forgot.

I’ve entered a few small ones here in January, but I’m pulling out the big guns and leaping into the fray.

Why do I always have to do something dramatic/life changing on my birthday?

Dunno.

Watch out, next year for the big 5-0 it might be skydiving.

Wanna come with?

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

I’ve been buried. Maybe you haven’t noticed, maybe you’re out surfing all of those other smart ass sites.

That hurts.

But I don’t blame ya, I’ve been busy. Not just a little busy, but overwhelmed actually. I hate that.

On the good side, the silver lining, I have a request I’m turning in today, for a synopses and partial. I hope I’m turning it in today, but since I’m already 10 min late for work and haven’t gotten near the shower yet, that could change.

On the bad side, my back and hip are out from having spent approximately 10 hours a day at the computer – on top of 10 hours a day on my feet. And yes, that does add up to 20 hours a day, and yes, I’m only getting 4 hours of sleep.

I hear the Bride of Frankenstein look is back in style.

On the good news, my cold/sinus infection is finally letting go and I’m halfway through the bridal jewelry I’m making for a friend of mine. My three simultaneous online classes end next week and then I’ll be CAUGHT UP! I’ve also starting writing a YA/MG that’s halfway through chapter two.

So I’m hoping this week, things even out. I hope we have electricity for the entire week, that the sump pump keeps going full steam (heavy rains for the past two weeks here in Iowa) and that my tiny little chapter/synopsis inspires someone to smile and think hey, we’d like to sign her.

Keep your fingers crossed and your umbrella open.

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

I think I’m certifiable. I should probably be locked up, away from internet access. It’s for the best.

I work approximately 40+ hours a week at my day job, I work 20+ hours a week designing websites. I also design/repair jewelry in my spare time. I moderate online writing classes for a writers group, I write on three blogs, and I write.

For some reason, I’ve also decided to take three online classes this month, and for some other crazy reason, I started writing two YA novels. At the same time.

Yes, I need to be locked away.

But, can you leave me with my Blackberry please?

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

Today marks the first anniversary of Romance University, a group of which I am now busting-my-buttons proud to be a part of.

*please, ignore the dangling participle*

So who is RU and what do they do? And what on earth am I doing there?

RU was started by Kelsey Browning, Adrienne Giordano and Tracey Devlyn a year ago after the three had met at RWA Nationals the year before. It’s a way to provide free education, lectures and even advice from editors and agents to the romance writing population.

And what are they doing with me? I’m still learning the ropes, baby. I have my first interview tomorrow, May 18th, interviewing those three ladies on their first anniversary.

SQUEE!

Yeah, I’m sending out links to everyone so they can read it.

Oh, here’s one for you!

Romance University

Stop on by and see how they met, what’s coming up next, and what they’ve learned over their first year.

And what they have in store for me. =) eek

Top o’ the world Ma! (well, of COURSE I sent a link to my mother. And both of my sisters. And my entire facebook group)

(ok, I only have 11 friends on facebook, but it’s the thought that counts right?)

I did mention I was proud of being part of the group didn’t I?

Oreo’s and champagne for all!

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance