Crafting Compelling Characters: The Evolution of a Prequel! Plus, a $0.99 Book and a New Release!7/8/2024  Creating Multi-Dimensional Characters: The Story of Claire One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is crafting characters that resonate deeply with readers. As a storyteller, it's essential to breathe life into your characters, making them as complex and multi-dimensional as the people we encounter in real life. In my Midnight Sons series, Claire, the mother of the five brothers, exemplifies this approach. She started as what seemed like a background character but evolved into someone readers demanded to know more about. Let's delve into how Claire's character was crafted and what you can learn from it. Introducing a Character with Purpose From the very beginning, I knew Claire wasn’t just going to be a passive presence. In the first book, we meet her sitting in a dive bar, celebrating the youngest Midnight Son’s 21st birthday. This introduction was intentional. It immediately paints a picture of a woman who is deeply involved in her sons’ lives, not just as a mother but as a friend and mentor. Sam mentions how she was a climber back in the day but now handles the business end of things. This tells the reader that Claire has had an adventurous past but is now the backbone of the family business. Building a Multi-Layered Persona Claire’s role in each book is pivotal. When Sam is upset, she’s there to encourage him. When a new woman enters the scene, Claire is the first to take her under her wing. She speaks truth into her adult sons’ lives, offering wisdom and guidance that only a mother can provide. This consistency in her character makes her a reliable and relatable figure for readers. However, what makes Claire truly compelling is the gradual revelation of her past. Unveiling the Backstory In every book, readers learn a little more about Claire’s previous life. This slow drip of information keeps readers intrigued and invested in her character. She even mentions to one of her son’s girlfriends that she shared a similar situation, hinting at a depth and complexity that isn’t immediately visible. This technique of revealing backstory bit by bit can be incredibly effective in maintaining interest and adding layers to your characters. The Importance of Knowing Your Characters When crafting a story, I make sure to know all my characters’ backgrounds intimately. Often, I find myself sharing a scene from a book with someone, going into more detail than what’s in the book. They often stop me with a, “Wait! I didn’t read that.” That’s because not all details make it into the final version, but they’re still a part of the character’s history—in my head. This comprehensive understanding of your characters’ pasts, motivations, and desires is crucial. It allows you to write them with authenticity and depth, even if all those details aren’t explicitly stated. Readers’ Demand for More The real test of a well-crafted character is how readers respond to them. Imagine my surprise when readers started demanding to see Adam and Claire’s story. I had included so much detail about what seemed like a background character that she became central to the narrative in readers’ minds. This demand led to the creation of Adam’s Rising, where I delve into the origins of the Midnight Sons and explore the rich backstory of Adam and Claire. Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing! Carmen Grab Sam's Folly for $0.99 for a Limited Time! Or... If you've already finished the series, grab the new release for only $0.99!
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Synchronicities in Setting: The Magic of Finding Your Story's Perfect Place by Tina Wainscott6/10/2024 
The setting also came to me easily. Although I’m a Florida girl, I love Georgia and North Carolina. For many years, we’ve had a place in the NC mountains where I can escape the Florida humidity. I saw and felt the small southern town that the story would play out in, and I knew it was in Southern Georgia. I wanted to choose a place that I could pop off the interstate on the way up or back and easily explore the town and take pictures to inspire my story. But by then, I had mostly written the book, using my imagination and Google maps to guide me. Back then, Google Maps didn’t have all the user photographs, so I went by what I saw. Imagine my surprise when we drove into Clinton, Georgia and it looked exactly how I had seen it. I mean, eerily similar. Even down to the cemetery that I had totally made up. It was so cool and validating that this was a book of my soul. As a writer, it’s important for me to have a clear visual idea of my world so I can convey it to you, the reader. More importantly for me, I want to convey it with a few concise words and not paragraphs of description. Those classics and books of yesterday could go on and on about a settee and the drapes that framed it in the parlor, but not anymore. And thank goodness, right? I want to sink you into the town, the woods, the house, and pull you right along with the story.
Especially because it’s set at Christmas! Ahh, that most wonderful time of the year! Even when it’s actually May. Hot and muggy in Florida already, and I was playing my Christmas music and watching my favorite rom-coms to get in the mood. Not a hardship, let me tell ya. I love the holiday season. And it was fun to put in all those details (but not too many) that make that time of year so fun—the music, the tinsel, the Santas! Okay, I’m not actually into Santas, but since there’s a creepy and suspicious man in a Santa costume in my story, I had to put in a lot of Santas. Settings are incredibly important for a story, and I think they should play a significant role for the characters—and the reader. What are some of your favorite settings? I'd love to hear your thoughts as a writer and/or a reader! Tina  Follow Tina to stay up-to-date on New Releases and Specials!
 Sometimes when I choose my next read, I think about setting more than genre. For example, if I choose a book by Nicholas Sparks, I'm thinking about the Carolinas, about deep-rooted secrets and southern gents. If I'm feeling dark and moody, I'll go for a vampire book set in Washington State or maybe a Stephen King book set in the Colorado Mountains. When I was asked to write a romantic suspense with a diverse family element and search & rescue, there was no question that I was going to set my Midnight Sons series in Alaska. The wild, untamed landscapes not only serve as a stunning backdrop but also mirror the tumultuous, mysterious elements that define romantic suspense. Why Setting Matters In storytelling, setting is not just a backdrop. It's a character in its own right. It influences the story's atmosphere, molds its characters, and can even drive the plot. Take, for instance, the moody moors in Wuthering Heights. Could Heathcliff's brooding and tumultuous romance with Catherine have unfolded anywhere else but on those windy, desolate moors? I think not. Setting as a Reflection of Character In my writing, I use setting to reflect my characters' internal landscapes. For example, in my Creatus series, the old, hidden settings (I chose New England) parallel the secretive lives of the creatures they conceal. This intertwining of place and personality challenges the characters, shaping their paths and choices, much like our environments influence us. She Belongs to Me (the entire Southern Collection, for that matter) could not have been set anywhere other than the Carolinas. There's just something about old Southern families and country boys! I swear if Jordan wasn't so "country," his protective nature wouldn't have worked as well. How to Use Setting Effectively Integrate Setting with Plot: The setting should do more than just serve as a backdrop. It should interact with the plot, influencing outcomes and character decisions. Use Sensory Details: Vivid descriptions that engage the senses can make a setting feel real and tangible, pulling readers deeper into the world you’ve created. Reflect Themes and Moods: The setting can enhance the themes or shift the mood of a scene, adding layers to the narrative. The right setting can transform a story from good to unforgettable. It’s not just about where and when; it’s about making those elements work in harmony with every aspect of your tale. As writers, we wield the power to transport our readers, not just emotionally or intellectually, but spatially, into the heart of our stories' worlds. Kind of like the image I chose... While you might be sitting on a beach or in your backyard, my goal is to transport you to another location! For readers and aspiring writers alike, I encourage you to think about the settings in your favorite books. How do they enhance the storytelling? And for my fellow authors, consider how your next setting might just be the key to unlocking your story's full potential. Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing! Carmen Here are the FIRSTS in the three series I mentioned!
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Crafting Modern Fairy Tales: Love, Trials, and Triumphs in Entangled Dreams by Carmen DeSousa!2/8/2024  In our world, the elusive "happily ever after" seems more a fairy tale fantasy than reality. Yet, ironically, the fairy tales of our youth weren't brimming with joy. They narrated tales of hardship, loss, and resilience—themes I explore in my modern-day fairy tales. In Entangled Dreams, I delve into these very trials, believing they make the joy of overcoming them all the sweeter. The notion that a knight in shining armor (or sometimes a frog in disguise) can complete us is charming, yet life teaches us that happiness is often a solo journey, enriched by those we choose to share it with. Through trials, we seek support, grow in gratitude, and, ultimately, appreciate the beauty of the present. In Entangled Dreams, my characters endure their own trials, embodying the struggles and triumphs we all face. They remind us that it's not about finding someone who completes us but rather someone who complements our growth. My stories are about flawed individuals who learn to trust, love, and forgive, navigating their paths to peace and fulfillment. This narrative mirrors my own life story with my husband. We've made each other better, filling gaps and strengthening weaknesses. Together, we craft our version of "happily ever after." If tales of growth, love, and redemption resonate with you, Entangled Dreams offers a modern spin on the fairy tale journey, celebrating the beauty of finding love, overcoming adversity, and the power of forgiveness. Read the entire series FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
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 Whenever I give a talk about being an author, the aspect the audience seems to enjoy most is knowing the inside tidbits about a book and how it came about. My friends often tell me how much fun it is to see bits of my life in my books. Whether you've read any of these books are not, I hope you'll enjoy this "behind the scenes" look.  Until I Die Again was my first published book! The idea of someone dying and coming back in someone else’s body quite literally popped into my head. I loved the way it could play out, whether the heroine tells the truth or keeps it a secret. Either way, it’s quite a dicey situation, and putting characters into these sorts of spaces make the most fun books. [evil chuckle] After this book came out, someone wrote to ask me how I knew about walk-ins. Apparently this is a thing! The truth is, at least for me, there are so many odd things that happen in our world, and anything is possible. I merely played with those possibilities in several of my books. The lizard in the book, Greenpeace, was based on a lizard that was hanging around our back porch for a couple of years and in particular, during the time I was writing this story. I, like Chris, used to talk to the lizard because, hey, I’m odd–I admit it. I think the green anoles are the coolest lizards, very sly and wary. The monkey I totally made up, but he seemed so real to me. Chris’s dogs, well, one of them anyway, is based on my real dog, Phoenix. He was a special guy who blessed my life for 14 years. By the way, if you haven't read Until I Die Again, it's available free at most major book retailers. Grab Until I Die Again on Amazon.com or find links to all retailers on BookBub.com.  Silas, a character who appeared to me in full clarity of being, and Katie, inspired by an old photograph of a runway model, anchor this tale. Their lives intersect with the animal world in ways that are both heartbreaking and transformative. The catalyst for this story was my own visceral reaction to animal cruelty, a theme that threads through the narrative, revealing the complex tapestry of human-animal relationships. Writing about the losses within this book was a profound challenge. The departure of cherished animal characters was not just a narrative necessity but a journey through grief, both for the characters and for me. These moments of loss, though difficult to pen, became crucial turning points in the story, offering a space for reflection on the nature of compassion and companionship. This book also pays tribute to those quiet, often unnoticed moments of connection between humans and animals. Drawing from my own poignant memories of loss and companionship, it seeks to capture the essence of that unspoken bond. As I merged fiction with fragments of my life, the story unfolded into a realm where joy and sorrow, humanity and animal kinship, are inextricably intertwined, inviting readers to navigate the bittersweet landscape of our shared existence. Find Unforgivable on Amazon.com or find links to all retailers on BookBub.com.  Chloe Samms is probably the heroine most like me. I didn’t do it on purpose. A writer can’t really mold a character the way they want, anyway. A character becomes real and asserts him or herself. And that’s what Chloe did. Compassionate to all creatures, sometimes to the point of ridiculousness—I once made my husband pull off a busy road because there was a lizard clinging to the windshield. Chloe hangs bats from her roof to keep birds from flying into the glass. My husband wouldn’t let me do this, so I bought those decals that are supposed to look like a hawk’s shadow. Unfortunately, they don’t work all the time. I even save bugs, and so does Chloe. Her cat, Gypsy, is my cat, Gypsy. Her aunt Stella is a loose version of my mom, and her dog is actually my mom’s dog, Rascal. All of the silly things Stella does for her dog…yep, all real. Okay, she doesn’t have an actual bed for Rascal, but he does sleep on a pillow. She covers him with a towel and then if she gets up during the night, she makes sure he’s covered. Around our area we have a lot of waterways. There was an old man who lived on his pontoon boat, and he ended up in the story. Or at least his likeness. :') Find A Trick of the Light on Amazon.com or find links to all retailers on BookBub.com. I hope you enjoyed this brief behind the scene of a few of my favorite books If there's a book you're wondering about, please reply to this email, and I'll try to add it in my next look beyond the book! Cheers! Tina Follow Tina to stay up-to-date on New Releases and Specials!
 Reflecting on the journey from my first book, She Belongs to Me, published in December 2011, to now releasing my twenty-sixth novel, I'm struck by the remarkable transformation not just in my writing, but in my life as an author. She Belongs to Me is a suspenseful romantic mystery that marked the beginning of a thrilling and fulfilling path. Now, as I prepare to release Creatus Sovereign, I realize how much has changed and yet, how my core storytelling elements have remained the same. When I started, I was driven by a passion for storytelling, creating characters that readers could connect with, and weaving plots that kept them on the edge of their seats. She Belongs to Me is a testament to that passion. It's about a troubled police officer, Jordan Monroe, and Jaynee, a woman with a past she wants to bury. Their story is one of love, secrets, and danger, elements that have remained a constant in my books. Over the years, my writing has evolved. I've grown more confident in my style, and my stories have become more intricate. With each book, I've strived to create a world that readers can immerse themselves in, feel the emotions of the characters, and be a part of their journey. The industry has transformed dramatically since 2011. The rise of digital publishing and social media has changed how authors connect with readers and market their books. I've embraced these changes, engaging with readers through my blog, newsletter, and social media platforms. It's been a journey of learning and adapting, but it's allowed me to reach a wider audience and connect with my avid reading friends in ways I never thought possible. Writing, for me, has always been more than just telling stories. It's about touching lives, sparking emotions, and providing an escape. I've seen this impact through the comments and messages from readers, and it's what keeps me motivated. The joy and satisfaction I get from reading a positive review or hearing how my books have affected someone's life is immeasurable. Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for my readers, who've been with me every step of the way. Their support has been my strength, and their enthusiasm has been my inspiration. As I look forward to the future, I am excited about the new stories waiting to be told, the new characters waiting to be brought to life, and the new adventures waiting to be shared. In closing, whether you've been with me since She Belongs to Me (Romantic Suspense) or have just discovered my Creatus Series (Paranormal Romance), and maybe you don’t usually cross over genres, here’s your invitation to read both bestsellers!
If you’ve read all of my books, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here's to many more stories, adventures, and shared moments! Until next time, Happy Reading! Carmen Follow Carmen's newsletter or author pages to be the first to know about new releases, specials, and writing posts!
The ultimate battle starts with Creatus Unyielding and a twist, we assure you, you did NOT see coming. But, as you know by now, this series is about the myths surrounding the creatus species, so get ready for an explosive end, leading to Creatus Sovereign!
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Newsletter - BookBub - Amazon 
After I came up with that (and it’s a doozie), I knew I had to put her in the worst possible position to push her to be more courageous than she thought she could be. You see, Olivia Howe was kidnapped as a child. I didn’t want to write about a molester, so the kidnapper’s reasons had to do with a mad ceremony he thinks he has to do to tamp down his rage when it rears up.
While Detective Max Callahan is skeptical, he’s also mysteriously drawn to her…so sticking close seems like a good idea. And that's when things get really hairy. But dear romantic suspense readers, you know that an HEA is guaranteed, so don’t worry—no children are murdered in this book. I found some really interesting reads as I dove into blind-sightedness. One was The Phantoms in the Brain by neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran, and the other was The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks. I highly recommend these books for fascinating stories about how the brain can misfire and, well, pretty much go whack-a-doodle sometimes.
My story also has some special connections for me. One is the name Phaedra, the girl who gets kidnapped in my story and is psychically connected to my heroine, Olivia. One of my childhood friends was named Phaedra, and I’ve never since heard of anyone with that name. Although we lost touch decades ago, her name stuck in my head, ready to pop out when I needed a name for the girl.
She had a seizure disorder, so her Australian shepherd was trained to alert her when one was coming. Watching Denise and Stasia interact and her dog’s diligence was so touching. That’s why it was such a delight to write a story with a blind woman and her guide dog. When this book came out originally, Denise and Stasia came to one of my book signings. We bought some food-grade “ink” and had Stasia sign the books with me. It was so adorable! Although Denise has passed on, I’ll always remember her sweet smile, and her cute pup. I’m excited that Blindsight was chosen for a special $0.99 promotion so you can give it a try—or GIFT it to a friend if you've already read it. Until next time, Happy Reading! Tina Find links to download Blindsight from your favorite retailer! 
Romantic Suspense, Women's Fiction
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