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

It’s that time of year again. Christmas? Mistletoe? Nope, voting time at Writer’s Digest for the top 101 best websites! If you enjoy the posts at Romance University and feel it appropriate, we’d love it if you would nominate us.

Here’s what you need to do:
(Deadline Jan.1, 2011)

Click the vote banner below, which will generate an email, ready to send or -

Send an email to: writersdig@fwpubs.com and in the subject line reference 101 Best Websites.

In the body of the e-mail, type http://www.RomanceUniversity.org . You may also add any feedback on the site. Voting ends on January 1, 2011. Every little bit helps!

Thanks so much!

Kelsey, Tracy, Adrienne, Carrie, Jennifer and Heather

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

ROMANCE UNIVERSITY
Empower Writers ~ Entertain Readers ~ Understand Men
www.RomanceUniversity.org
Established May 18, 2009

Hello, everyone!

Remember, 2010 is the Year of the Sub-genre at Romance University. Each month, we will poke, prod, and beg publishing professionals close to the sub-genre to give us the latest information. Is it hot? Is it not? On April 2, we highlighted erotic romance with author Eden Bradley. Be sure to check it out!

Permission to forward lecture schedule is granted and encouraged! Want RU’s weekly lecture schedule in a cool new email format straight to your in-box? Sign up on RU’s homepage or any of the lecture posts!

Mon, 4/12 – Crafting Your Career: Borders’ book buyer Sue Grimshaw tells us how all those lovely books get onto the shelves.

Wed, 4/14 – Anatomy of the Male Mind: Wayne Levine’s back to reveal how a ropes course can teach guys to become better men. Don’t miss this insightful conversation.

Fri, 4/16 – Chaos Theory of Writing: Managing Editor Theresa Stevens starts a new lecture series about writing effective sentences. She’ll begin with the five major verb tenses and why traditional grammar instruction on tenses doesn’t do fiction writers much good. Wanna talk to a grammar guru? Be sure to stop by!

**Kelsey, Adrienne and I are excited to announce the newest addition to the Romance University faculty: Carrie Spencer. Carrie has been a regular reader and participant at RU since the early days. With her knowledge of our mission, her technical background and outgoing personality, Carrie was a perfect match for our faculty needs.**

All Romance University lectures are generously provided by our Visiting Professors. RU is a tuition-free zone!

Best regards,
Tracey Devlyn, Kelsey Browning & Adrienne Giordano

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance

Morning all!

Big news has come my way. I’m thrilled. Tickled pink. Happy as a clam. This morning I was announced as Romance University’s new Junior Faculty Member.

*pausing a moment for the ooh’s and aah’s*

I know! squeeeee! =)

I joined RU way back last year when they first started up, and with the exception of the Major Snow Storm with Three Day Power Outage, I’ve been a regular participant. They offer free classes, learning from other authors, critiques on query letters – you name it, they’ve got it.

I’m thrilled to be a member of RU. Stop by and wish me congratulations if you haven’t already!

And never mind the bad picture on the RU page – 45 mph winds do NOTHING for a hairstyle!!

=)

carrie

Carrie Spencer Author - Smart Ass Romance