The Foxlady's Friends

2008-12-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

The past 13 days have been the worst of my life. I lost my husband. That sounds silly I didn't misplace him, he left this place, this world, my world. He was the finest man I ever knew. He was also the smartest. The men who worked for him and with him will mourn his loss as if he were their father. A tough man he knew how to be tender, he lived simply to help others. I had a marriage that most only dream of. We didn't argue and even after nearly 49 years still could find something to talk about and often did for hours. He was sweet, funny, loyal and a true romantic. We said our prayers together every day and now I am finding it hard to do. I'm not exactly mad at God, but I wish we had more time. He lived through a massive heart attack, through lymphoma , but all it took was a fall off of the roof to snatch him from me. It seems that as each day passes the pain is more intense. Normally I am a fairly funny person, but there is nothing normal about this, I fear I will simply dry up into dust, there can be no moisture left, yet still I cry. Tears won't bring him back, nothing will and I have to hang on for the rest of our family as that is what he wants me to do. When he had his heart attack nearly 20 years ago, he wrote me a letter to be opened only after he was gone. And as I promised to love, honor and obey I did as directed. When I came home from the hospital where he had been since he fell off the roof and broke his neck, I opened his letter. He thanked me for being his buddy, companion lover and wife and directed me to be strong and carry on as if he were at my side. And I'm trying, oh Lord I am trying. I must come to realize I was fortunate to even be in his company as all his life he lived to make me happy. He granted my every wish even those unspoken.
He'd been doing well in re-hab and they were going to release him earlier than initially planned. His vitals were taken five minutes before I came to the hospital and all was well, everything was in place for him to come home, but when I went into his room he was gone.
Now if anyone doubts the existence of a soul, I can attest it is a tangible living thing and its passing is as real as a slammed door. But it was a door he had to go through, without me, but as sure as I yet live I will once again see my beloved Bill on the other side of the door..

2008-09-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

The country is in chaos, bailout didn't make it. Suggestion/all CEO's making more than 100 grand kick in the surplus and use their talents to come up with a viable workable system. All the legislators are just trying to cover their own butts. Over paid executives should be responsible for this mess. This country has way too many chiefs and not enough Indians ( no slur intended ) we have to come up with a plan that is fair to the middle class and not favor the upper class. Some of these "big shots" don't give enough credit for the fellow who built the building they sit in all day (and call it "Work") or the man who delivers the mail or packages that help him run his company. The middle class American is the true infrastructure of the United States. Until each person in this country, is treated with respect and given adequate compensation for his/her labor, the scale of Justice will remain off balance.

2008-06-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am looking for authors who write sweet fantasy. Anyone who is either a reader or writer of fantasy romance, please contact me. I would like to host an author on this blog and have a reader submit a number of questions for that author. Anyone who is interested please give me a heads up.
Should any reader have any questions for me, please feel free to ask directly to my e-mail
foxladycarey@aol.com

2008-05-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

I last told about the method I employ to write. Now I would like to tell you why I write. I know my little fox tails will not have a major impact on the world, but everyone who reads one of them will know the world can be a better place if we all just played nicely. I would dearly love to have a movie made from one of my fox tails, the fantasy aspect could really be played up in a film, but more important to me is somehow each story can improve in some small way the life of the reader. If foxes can talk and Druids can interact with Catholics, why can't readers deal with the small imperfections in their daily contacts?
Go forth and do good.

2008-05-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have recently learned that some readers are actually interested in how different writers write, therefor I present my somewhat unique method.
I start usually with a knick knack or picture. This prompts a story. As my Fox Tails always employ a fox as one of the lead characters the knick knack or picture is most often a fox. Somehow from the image I discern if the fox in this story will be the hero or the heroine. I determine, simply because I so desire, to choose who is feminine and who is masculine. Being a writer is a powerful potion.
Then I get a pile of index cards and plot out several scenes in a few short sentences. I then arrange them in some sort of order. (not necessarily logical order)
Next the characters need to be defined. I often use traits from people I know, sometimes traits I wish I had or those I am glad I do not have. Next is what is the reason for telling this story. Will it benefit mankind or promote some good in the world? I must admit I write to promote cooperation among divergent beliefs. Since this is my goal, I do my best to make the force of the story a noble endeavor.
In my current work the hero and heroine are charged with protecting the Eleventh Commandment. A commandment that up till now, no one save the Pope, and the Blessed Mother know exists. If the commandment is protected the Devil will be sealed away for all time and only goodness shall prevail upon the earth. As this is also a love story the pair must find a way to obtain human form. Initially the heroine is a gargoyle and the hero a fox. In subsequent posts I shall reveal how they are transformed.
For now we will proceed with the manner in which I write. As I like to have everything at my fingertips I use a flow chart that I draw on the inside of a manila file folder. I assign a different color for each character and draw lines where they connect with one another. On a post it note I place a brief description of the scene. I find this method superior to writing a long outline as when you accumulate several pages it is hard to find where you are at the moment. On one sheet you can see where you are and where you want to go. It is most helpful (to me at least) to have both the beginning sentence and the ending sentence, then all you have to do is fill in the middle. Using a flow chart you can see what needs to happen to get you to the ending sentence. This is not to say this is the only thing I follow as sometimes other things become more pressing, such as a character firmly stating I will not do that.
The flow chart is simply a road map, however side trips are allowed. Which is why I use post it notes. If this scene doesn't work, tear it off and write another. I write to entertain and enlighten. I am not a history teacher and my frequent flights of fancy are in no way actual events.
If anyone wishes further information on this method feel free to contact me.

2008-05-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Interview with St. Therese of The Fox and the Chalice

Is it true, although you are fictionalized, your character is based upon St. Therese of Lisieux?

Yes, The Fox Lady, who wrote the story is very fond of St. Therese and used many of the saint’s attributes to flesh out my character.

How does a fox play into a tale admittedly about the Church?

Merlot is found as an infant in the convent vineyard and is raised by the Mother Superior. It isn’t until she is a young woman does she discover she is also a fox. She feels it is her duty to protect the convent and the task she is later given.

Do you think you, as representative of a saint are portrayed properly? I believe I read that you were the youngest woman who ever entered the convent life. In the book you seem easily frightened, yet always saved by your faith.

I would like to think I am portraying a saint as a person and carrying out Sister Therese’s promise to do good upon earth after her death. She is a much beloved saint and I hope that The Fox and the Chalice will assist her in her quest.

Is this book only about the Church?

No, it is about faith, honesty and the eternal struggle of good over evil. Of course there is also romance. Merlot is enamored of LaRoux the stepson of a vintner. LaRoux vows revenge upon his step-father as the man killed his mother. I cannot tell you more, you really should read the book. It is available from www.wings-press.com.

It is really just my opinion but this is the best Fox Lady book yet, and I hear she has another ready for publication. Thank you for inviting me to do this interview.

Thank you Sister Therese, I enjoyed it very much.

As I am without a computer this week, I am posting this early. Anyone who e-mails me (the author) foxladycarey@aol.com will be entitled to a free download of The Fox and the Swan and one person will be selected to receive a download of The Fox and the Chalice. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.

A. Dee Carey/ The Fox Lady

2008-01-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

I am entering a new phase of my writing life. I find I truly enjoy doing reviews, thus have started my own reviewing site. http://careyfoxlady.googlepages.com . If you have need of a review in a timely manner do check out this site. I guarantee you will not be dissapointed. It is my belief that each contracted book has something of promise and it is my job to ferret out the promise and bring it to the light of day. Natuarally I cannot always give a stellar review, however you will NEVER recieve a review that will damn you or your work. Moreover, you will not have to wait months to get your review. Come on over and take a peek.

2008-01-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Interview Questions for Blog Tour from Dee Carey about Author Billie Williams

1. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil though I never really thought about writing for publication until way later in life simply because it was never deemed a reasonable idea from my families point of view. We always were encouraged to read and read widely. But the thought that we might actually become published authors, that was unrealistic. When I look back on it, it was funny because Mom was so supportive of our career efforts in the 9 – 5 type grind.

2. What do you now know that you wished you learned at the beginning of your career?
That anyone can be a writer – correct that, that any one can do whatever it is they want to do if they put enough effort and energy into it. I had no self-confidence and I was so lousy at English Grammar in school, who would have thought. Once I decided this was something I wanted to do, there is no stopping me. Too bad it took me darn near 50 years to know that.

3. Does your family support you and your work?
My husband Tom is very supportive. If it wasn’t for him I might still not be doing it. My twin sisters in law are great they buy everything I write {smile} My own daughters are starting to think that hey, maybe Mom does know something after all. You know how children are – when they are 18 they know everything and eventually they wonder how their parents got so smart so quickly. Not that I’m smart but they think I might be an author now. I guess it took getting a few books published before my family thought this was something more than a fluke. They still expect me to give them copies of anything if I want them to read it.

4. You write all types of books, do you have a favorite? Why?
I think I’ve said it before, but one life is just not enough for me. . . So I write in order to live a few different lives. I’ve always enjoyed trying new things and writing in different genres is no exception. I read widely, I guess that is why I think I want to try writing different things. There are a few things I haven’t tried like fantasy, Sci fi, horror, and a children’s picture book – though I might some day. Right now my favorite is mystery because I love exploring the unknown or the unanswered. What if? is my mantra, like the two year old with the “why”? I want to know, so I write about it.

5. What is the reason you write?
I like Isaac Asimov’s quote and I paraphrase it here —-I write for the same reason I breathe, for without it I would die.! I write because I can not NOT write. After a couple rejections (I’ve received way more then a couple) I thought that’s it I’m not writing any more. Well that lasted as long as it took me to file the rejection… I must write, it’s in my blood.

If you had a million dollars would you still write? Absolutely! I just love it. I love finding out how something is going to come out. I love designing characters and pitting them against the world, themselves and each other. I love to write to find out what I have to say.

6. What do you hope to leave as a legacy?
Inspiration, joy, entertainment, the thought that I contributed something of lasting value to my children, grandchildren, my family and the world, to me that would be the best legacy.

7. You have helped so many authors do you feel a sense of pride in the work of those you've assisted?
I love to watch others grow and if I can help in some small way, you bet it makes me feel good inside. I know it wasn’t me who did it. It was the person I may have encouraged or helped in some small way. It was their own decision to try, and try again until whatever it was moved so they could succeed. I am as proud as I can be when I see other authors that have brushed my life growing into what they might become. It’s rather like seeing a child you’ve nurtured go out into the world and succeed. We all increase each other’s worth by what we can give of ourselves. It’s the most amazing thing in the world to me.

Dee Thank you so much for your insightful and interesting questions. It was a joy to answer them and to visit your beautiful blog. Thanks also for sharing your blog space and your readers with me. I can’t wait to learn more about fox when you visit my blog in the very near future. Incredible creatures made more so by your extraordinary writing talent.
Ciao
Billie

The Fox Lady http://www.foxladycarey.com/ Visit Narnia on fox paws

2007-10-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have been considering the strange take on life in general. Last night I watched commercial after commercial. None seem to appeal to the right things in life. For instance a verison message suggests that a father tells each of the people in his family that they are number one with him so he purchases them a phone. Now that's nice, but at the end he is walking out and says _"Saved the best for numero ono." Well isn't that swell? The message I see is lie to everyone you perport to love and put yourself ahead of everyone. On aol yesterday they had a posting about a model who fell into a hole on the runway and they claimed they posted it for and I quote "For your entertainment." I don't think someone elses pain is entertaining. The poor girl could have broken her neck. That stupid show funniest home videos is really great at showing hurt animals and children for amusement. Whoa, it is not funny when a child falls or a cat injures itself. What ever happened to treat others as you would be treated? It seems no one gives a rap about anyone other than themselves. I see it in teenagers every day. And you want to know where they get it from? From TV shows that belittle people, and advertisements that cater to hedonism. The games they play on playstations and the like are geared toward annihilation of various characters. Wouldn't it be nice to have a game whose goal is to assist as many characters to reach a nobel goal? Help the carpenter so he can build a house for his mother. Help the teacher to see all her pupils score high on a placement test. These things I've suggestted will probably never happen as there is no blood or gore.

2007-09-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well, had a wonderful experience last weekend. My high school had its 50th reunion. It was great to see old friends and sad, since some are missing. When you get to this end of the train we do tend to lose some passengers. Talk about a renewal of purpose. I went home and worked out an exercise schedule. And, dear friends found the perfect method of exercise. I walked a mile and a half on my treadmill watching What Not To Wear. My hubby, like a lot of men hates the program, so I usually watch it in another room. Now I can spend the evening with him, see my program at noon and exercise. Win win situation. Now if I actually lose some weight it will be win, win, win. I hope I am around for the next reunion and hope there is less of me.
Presently I am working on my latest novel using both religion and fantasy. Combining the life of St. Patrick , with another of my foxes. I strive for tolerance between the two and thus hope to promote goodness among my readers. I am so sick of books, TV, and movies that are nothing but blood and gore. In my view this is not entertainment it is just plain greed. People who pander to the type of folks who like this crap (and unfortunately there are some) are as much to blame for the violence in the world as those who commit henious acts. It's called enabling and is as perverse as aiding a drunk by giving him booze.
Hope every one lifts their spirits by doing someone a favor.

2007-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

New book coming out this month. It tells the love story of George and Louise Boldt, from a fantasy fox point of view. George Boldt was a very successful business man, who loved his wife passionately. In the Thousand Islands of New York, he decieded to build a castle for the woman who was the queen of his life. The structure still stands, even though he abandoned the project when his beloved died. Today Boldt Castle is a tourist attraction and is visited by many.
I took the story and embellished it a tad. If you have read any of my stories you know a fox figures in there somewhere. This is no exception.
If anyone reads this and has read any of my books please contact me for a special prize. There will be a test, however it is an easy one.

2007-07-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if it is all worth it. Sign up for this sign up for that. Remember your password: this one uses both upper case and lower case. This one doesn't matter. When I started to write for publication, well over ten years ago, it was fairly simple. Write! And I did and finished many tales. Got most of them published. Now you have to promote, promote, promote. Which in my humble opinion is a pain in the neck. I understand the market has changed, but where are the folks who read? I daily am suprised to find most adults don't read more than the daily newspaper and what they need for work. To close the door on other worlds and adventures is quite frankly just plain dumb.

If anyone reads this post and responds with the title of any of my books, they will be awarded with that book. First come first served. E-mail me at foxladycarey@aol.com

2007-05-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

I am wondering why it is that we have to protect ourselves on every side. Password for this password for that, bubble cover on everything we buy, several layers of plastic on the most mundane of items. What about caring for one another, making sure the baby is safe and general consideration for everyone? When I went to school (sure it was a million years ago, but we did have electric lights) you could walk the halls and not worry that some nut was going to shoot you. Where has all the innocence gone?
People often ask me why do you write fantasy? Well, where else are you going to find heros and magic? In the worlds I create there are often evil entities, but the good always triumphs. And the good surfaces when the characters employ such methods as loyalty, honor, love and trust.
I wish my tales reflected life, but alas they do not, so to find wonder and goodness I shall continue to write and pray that life will one day honor the same virtues.

2007-04-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I blogged. Sounds as if I was a logger who only cut bushes. I wish there was more humor in the world. The horrible things that are happening in our world would be minimal if everyone didn't take things so seriously. Now I don't mean to make lite of horrific events. I just think if every one didn't think a slight slip of the tongue were gross insults, things would not get out of hand so easily. Why do people care what other folks whose opinions do not matter to them care what the heck they think. I think you're misguided but I am not going to call the police or hit you or sue you if I don't agree with you. Just my way of thinking.
The books I write try to emphasize the differences between groups can be roads to understanding. I don't have to accept anyone else's beliefs nor do they have to accept mine.
If each of us tries to just accept the differences they might not be so glaring.
Thats enough of the soap box. Have a great day and remember if it ain't fun don't do it!

2007-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Things are strange the world over. However here and there I see tiny glimmers of sanity. On the Super Bowl game there was a Coke commerical and wonder of wonders no one was insulted no one was harmed and one person actually got satisfaction from doing what was right by helping others. Now I don't drink carbonated drinks but , I will purchase this product for my children and guests, and the only reason I will be doing this is because of the commericial on the Super Bowl.
Then this afternoon I was watching Oprah, her program today was about The Secret. Now I had never heard about this before, but apparently many people have. I urge everyone one to go to www.thesecret.tv and purchase the DVD. From what I have been able to gather from the show this is something that if applied by every person in the world all the world's ills. I have always believed the reason we are here on this earth is to increase our worth to God by serving others. I know I am here to make those I come in contact with, happier, through my books, my prayers and the the way I live my life. To this end I will continue to do so.
So there is hope for all of us.

2006-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder what in the world is going on with the world. People fighting a religious war. What an oxymoron. All I've ever learned about various religions is that peace and love are the core or did I miss something? There is far too much violence in every arena. And, what's worse is the dang TV shows perpetuate it. Choose the survior team that will crush the others to the ground. Now that is really the way to get folks to get along with one another. How about we all remember why we are here in the first place. We are supposed to increase our personal worth to increase the creator's inheritance. For my part I love you.

2006-10-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

It'd been far too long since I posted to this blog. I sense I am merely talking to myself. At least I can expect an intelligent answer to any query that arises. I just got back from the New Jersey RWA conference. This was the first time I went alone and believe me it enhanced the experience. I was able to focus without considering what anyone else might like to do. I stayed up past my bedtime, watched shows my hubby hates, and met some of the nicest folks who populate this planet. I've been many times and am already planning on attending next year. This is not to disparage any of the wonderful ladies I've traveled with in the past, but being alone made me stronger. I was able to take my time and lay out the workshops I wanted to attend and spend time with some of the wonderful ladies I met without having to report to anyone. The only time constraint was getting on the plane on time. The ladies of the NJ chapter put together a conference that provided help to writers on every level. It is a huge undertaking and they performed at the top of their game as ususal. If any of you read this a HUGE "Thank you" form me. The little old Foxlady.

2006-04-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Here in upstate NY we are enjoying the first sprigs of spring. Grass is near needing mowing. Buds are promising to emerge. And I find I have more ideas than I did throughout the dismal winter. Around here at least it was a very mild winter. My current work is about The Blessed Mother and how her son protected her after his death. Naturally there are foxes in the tale, else I'd not be telling it. Whenever anyone asks me how long I can write about foxes I laugh as there is always some circumstance that can be addressed using foxes. I don't say there is any logic to it, but it can be done. I love bending facts, fiction, and magic. The "What If" is a great motivator. What if a squirrel ran the subway? What if everyone north of the equator walked on their feet and everyone south of it walked on their hands? What if people couldn't talk and animals could? If nothing else it is a great place to start a story. Hope everyone is enjoying the spring's offerings. I'll be back soon to give May's tip of the month. It will be how to create a spread sheet for submissions and rejections/acceptances.

2006-04-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally sprung. Today here in Upstate New York it is a balmy 70 degrees. I'll take it. My husband is finally on the mend and all I have facing me now is piles and piles of laundry. I don't understand it. Never have anything to wear, but all I seem to do is wash clothes. Strange. My current work in progress is in need of structure and I don't seem motivated to provide said structure. I'll get to it soon, but today is a mental health day, so I am not working. Another strange thing. I work on my usual chores so I can write, but I call my writing work. Go figure. I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Holiday. Thinking about the tip for May. At this point I am not certain what it will be, but rest assured it will be simple but highly effective. Come back after the first and find what it will be.

2006-04-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All, This has been the month from Hades. Hubby sick, my brain fried trying to deal with way toooo much. However I've resloved to more forward. I've found more free time since I took a feng shui course. The stuff is amazing. I was the world's biggest skeptic, but simply rearranging my office helped to clear my thinking. I think I might have been a total basket case, if I'd not taken the course before hubby became ill. I hope each and every person in the entire world learns to love in this awakening holiday season. No matter how you worship, rejoice in the renewing of the world.

2006-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

I promised a tip for April. The plot book is the most valuable tool a writer can have in their tool box. I use a 3 subject notebook, one for each new book. In it I note the idea for the story, character charts( the characteristics for each individual character) and whatever occurs to me at any given time. I take this with me everywhere except church. Unfortuately sometimes I have to write on the back of the bulletin. If something of importance happens during the crafting of a book, I note it in the plot book. Sometimes what happens to you effects the story. Using the flow chart I briefly outline the bare bones of the story. I have no special order for writing scenes and note them as they occur to me. Sometimes I use what is noted and sometimes I don't. I feel this is the place to flesh out characters and locations. This is especially helpful in fantasy. You are creating a world and you need to know all you can about this world. Is the climate arrid, damp or jungle heat? How would each character act under various conditions? By noting what comes to mind, whenever it comes to mind, you have a place to check back to. You might not use all that comes to you, but if you wish to and you didn't write it down in your plot book, you're stymied. I keep the plot book on my bedside table at night, with a little book lite attached. Frequently I have ideas come to me in dreams and if I wait until morning they are gone. There is no one way to write a book and whatever works for you, is the right way for you. Hold on to your dreams and don't let anyone talk you out of them. If you need to write affirmations, write them in the plot book, where they are but a page away.

2006-04-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks, This has been a long week. My hubby is in the hospital. He has lymphoma. Two teams of doctors removed his spleen and a 4 1/2 inch mass from his chest. I'm told the spleen is about the size of your fist, his was as large as a loaf of bread. All told they reomved over seven pounds of stuff. He's on the mend, but it is coming too slow for him. He does everything quickly. Writing wise I haven't forgotten the April tip of the month, but it will take a while as if I am awake I am at the hospital. All prayers are welcome.

2006-03-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

Isn't it fun when you find all things are related to whatever project you attempt? I was reading over my past blogs and noted I removed the wolf from little Red Riding Hood. Of course I made him a fox. What was I thinking? The story would not have played so well as foxes are not intimidating. As a youngster, I'd never seen a fox. Since I started writing about them I've seen hundreds. It's amazing. These beautiful creatures are now finding their habitat bulldozed for new homes, and thus are becoming urbanized. I sometimes worry about wild animals that we have forced out of their homes. Foxes, skunk, racoons live anywhere they choose and that is not a bad thing, but a friend of mine was walking her little poodle dog in her back yard and met up with a mountain lion, couger as it is called in some areas. Now that puts your hair in a curl. In a few days I will as the tip for the month of April (can you believe it already!) This tip will help writers as well as readers. To those of you who support writers by reading, you will see the sweat and tears that go into writing the stories you love. Don't forget to come back, now ya hear?

2006-03-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Another goofy day. I couldn't sleep so got up at 5:00AM EST. Was thrilled a agent wanted a full manuscript. Found out when my publicist woke up, she is in another time zone, that the company was bogus. Sometimes I feel like Charlie Brown, I can't get sick right. To get an agent is like trying to nail jello to a tree. Well, on to more interesting things like foolish commercials on television. Sometimes I wonder if somebody turned off the brain in all the advertising agencies. I've used Pepto Bismo for years. NO MORE. If anyone can tell me that stupid dance is interesting, entertaining and makes you want to go out and buy the stuff, I think I'll get off the planet, as there is obviously no intelligent life here.

2006-03-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

Testing the new blog!

2006-03-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog This past few weeks have been fun, but not very much. Hubby is ill, but we got some good news they think they can fix it. Yeah! So on to other issues. Don't you hate it when you get a magazine that is filled with cardboard inserts? They force you to open the mag where they want you to. However I make it a practice to remove all inserts before I try to read the dang thing. I save these and make a point of NOT purchasing anything that is advertised on an insert. I'm sure I am alone in this rebellion, but I have made my point (at least in my own mind.) I'm well into my next book and finally got to the flow point. This is the time in the manuscript that the story flows almost without input from me. For the month of April, I will introduce a plot book which is an invaluable tool. So do come back as I think as a writer you can use this method and as a reader you can understand books don't just happen we have to sweat a bit.

2006-02-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog Guess what it's March. And I've promised a simple easy way to outline on a single sheet. First you need supplies: a ruler, several different colored markers, a manila file folder and room to work. I believe almost everyone is familar with a flow chart. This is the basis of this method. First assign two different colors to your two prime characters. Turning the file folder inside out so there is no writing on the surface you will be using, write the title on the tab. Next set one prime character on the right and the other on the left, assigning each a strong color. ie him red her green. Then with your ruler draw a line slightly below the name on each side. At this point write what has attracted these two. The lines from each character should meet at this point (remember to draw the lines from each character in that character's color). At the converging point briefly state the scene where they meet. Now this is the beauty of this method, if you want to change how or where they meet simply place a post-it note over the scene. Then you must progress to the point they are repelled by each other. (draw those lines apart) Usually at this point I introduce secondary characters assign them colors and draw them to the scene where they meet a primary character. Usually there are two secondary characters one who is his ally and one hers. By drawing the lines of each character in their seperate colors you can see at once where you are in your story. This is especially helpful if you have a character who has two forms. This is the reason I developed this method. I write about shape shifting foxes and I needed to know if the character was human or fox. Simply by following the colored line I knew where she was and what she was. I put a second line along side the first if she was a fox at a certain point. By drawing lines to scenes and introducing new characters/.colors you will be able to quickly assess what you need to do to flesh out your story. As lines cross write a simple note describing a scene. As you get further into your story you will see a pattern emerge. If there are two few colored lines that are assigned to your primary characters, you need to go back and give them the emphasis they need. This does not need to be perfect it is just a road map, side trips are allowed. I always start with the first and last sentence of a book. Only the bare bones of a story need show up on this flow chart. You need to see where you are going. And, as I said earlier that is the beauty of this system. Post its can save the day. When I learn how I will post a diagram to show you what I mean.

2006-02-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog I've spent this week in class. It's not been that long since I studied (I took a law course when I was 50) but I cannot believe the amount of material. I'm glad I'm on the tail end of this train. The information the kids in school have to process is staggering. What they are studying as history was current events when I was in school. The world is shrinking but the volume of information is huge. What staggers me even more is the intelligence of these young people. Kids were not that smart when I went to school. Hell I was a wiz back in the day but compared to most 10 year olds today I'm an idiot. Anyhow folks once you stop learning you just waste away. I am anxious as I have a book coming out next Wednesday. Of all that I've written, this is the first that the male character is the shape shifting fox. It is entitled The Fox and the Swan and will be available at www.wings-press.com come Wednesday.

2006-02-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog Came across a post on someone's blog berating historical writers who are not dead on accurate with history. Well, folks this is fiction. I move my characters through centuries and I don't believe any person has actually done that. If I want accuracy in history I'll read a text book, on second thought they are not always accurate. History is just an agreed upon set of facts. They leave out a lot and embroider more. Fiction is meant to be fun. If someone writes a compelling story and they move the Battle of Hastings to 1069 who cares? If anyone is foolish enough to believe all novels are historically accurate and uses them as reference, well, then I suppose you might get a bit miffed. There is too much in the way of criticism in the world today. You like what you like and I'll like what I like and guess what I ain't gonna shot ya fer it!

2006-02-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog
I think someone should come right out and say the current crud that passes for entertainment should be flushed. I do not want to see you fight tooth and nail against someone for money. I do not want to see anyone belittled for their attempts at singing or dancing. It is not necessary for any viewer to see the exact track a bullet is taking on its way to death. Embarrassment is not entertaining, at least not to intelligent individuals. I do not need to see defication, fornication or even flatuation. It doesn't add entertainment or education value. Nor is it funny to see someone fall, get hurt or humilated.
Okay so that is today's soapbox comment.
Now on to funner (yes, I know that is wrong) but I often do things that will make a reader go "What?" A book is a best friend, a teacher, an adventure and an education. They must be treasured. Books are the most important things of civilization. The written word is the thread that brings us closer to peace.

2006-02-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog Another attempt to get on with the business of blogging. Strange day, raining a bit, more like spitting. Hubby finished putting in two new windows in our bedroom and I finished the galleys for my newest book The Fox and the Swan, which comes out in March. I started writing it without the presence of Merlin and Arthur, however they had other plans. It seems whenever a shape-shifting fox comes on the scene so do Arthur and his friends. It is a fun book and one I believe will appeal to readers of all ages. The book has a high moral tone and as always a lesson in how to get along with those you don't agree with. However, we must not forget this is a LOVE STORY. Everything humans accomplish is done in the name of LOVE. Be sure to check back for March's tip How to write an outline on a single page.

2006-02-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Dee Carey Blog Well, this is a strange day. I finally finished my galleys on The Fox and the Swan, which comes out this March. I started writing it as a pure fairey tale, but Arthur, Merlin and the Druids insisted on playing a part. Somehow they hound me whatever I write. People often ask how I can keep writing about Foxes and Arthurian legend. Well, folks there are at least a thousand books about Arthur and Merlin, so several more won't hurt. Besides the foxes make it different. Check back soon to learn an easier way to outline.

2006-02-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are just moments away from February. The month of the groudhogs and valentines.Do remember to send a card to your favorite groundhog. They are sensitive and will be hurt if you don't.I love February. It is usually a punk month here in upstate NY, but this year it's been a pip. Yesterday it was 47 degrees. Good thing too as hubby decieded to replace a window.Now lets get down to the nity gritty. The Tip of the Month for February.Point of View.This is somewhat tough for a new writer, as we tend to think everyones input is important. You have probably read books that head hopped, some can do it beautifully, but it is a rare talent. Nora Roberts has the lock on it. However, most of us are not Nora, so we have to play the hands we are dealt.SOGo and purchase several colored markers and a copy of your favorite book (get an extra copy if writing in your favorite gives you the willys)Assign each principal character a specific color. Also assign a color to the important secondary characters.Just for the sake of demonstration we'll use Little Red Riding Hood.For Little Red- red of courseFor the Fox - blueFor the Woodsman - yellow.For Grandma -green.This is just to point out who is who.Now take your favorite book and do likewise. As you hgihlight each character's POV (point of View) that is what they say and what they think, you will note there is a pattern of a certain color in each paragraph. That is the point of view of that particular character. Going on throughout the book you will see one or two colors more prominent that the others. These are the important characters. Now do the same to one of your manuscripts. Do you see many colors in a single paragraph? Too many points of view. You should see a rhythm of color throughout the work, as you saw in your favorite book.When I first heard of this method I thought it might be just silly (which is what led me to try it) however seeing the colors simplified what to that point had been complicated. Hope this helps those of you wonder what in the Sam Hill is POV. Feel free to question me through my e-mail.Come back often and look for March's Tip.

2005-09-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

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