I’ve been writing for just over a year and I seem to get one question more often than any other:

How do you create your paranormal worlds?

Honestly, I often start with a little plot bunny of an idea and see where it will take me once I add some spice from my knowledge of modern paganism, mythology, and a dash of just being wacky. Sometimes the additions are from a single resource but sometimes they are from all over.

I do have a few cardinal rules for myself when I build a world:

The reader must be able to relate to the world.
I find it difficult to read stories where the world is so alien that it has nothing in common with my real world frames of reference. Would the life of a space-going amoeba call to me? Probably not. In order to not have the reader too off balance, it’s good to make sure the paranormal world is near enough to seem famailiar but different enough to be exciting and interesting.

The world must be consistent within itself.
The world has to make sense. I get really frustrated with worlds where rules contradict themselves and seem like they could never make a cohesive, unified world. If the people worship trees, should they cut down trees to use as fuel?

The world should be different
The world I build should not be like every other paranormal world out there or it loses its luster. The more similar it is, the more readers will expect it to behave the same way as similar worlds, as well. I really enjoy taking the more established paranormal mythos (vampires, werewolves, etc) and giving them a half twist to see what comes out.

The characters must be part of their world, not mine.
The ways the characters behave or act, the phrases they use, etc must be integral to the world they inhabit. This paranormal world must be their natural environment and not a departure that would cause them to make note of something that should be normal. So someone living in a world where vampires are the norm and aren’t hiding wouldn’t freak at just seeing one. A pagan character would probably not use “Hotter than Hell” if their belief system didn’t include a Hell that is believed to be hot.

This can be especially tricky because we all have a tendency to fall into commonly used phrases or slang and that’s something that will throw readers right out of a story.

When I’m developing “rules” for a world, I write them down. Sometimes in painful and annoying detail, even. Then I ask my ever-so-helpful husband to read through them for me and look for things that don’t make sense. Sometimes I make changes based on his feedback, but not always, I admit.

I use this written record to then write the story but new situations or ideas often emerge as I do so and I add those to the world notes and make sure they don’t clash with anything already there before I submit the story.

Reviewers are Giving Me Mood Swings!

Okay, I can’t claim to be even keel all the time but seriously folks, a 5 one day and a 3 the next?  Then another 5 and then no rating at all, but a few unkind words.

I’m trilled and motivated to continue on and strive for excellence when I get a extraordinary review; and then with the next reviewer’s lackluster opinion, wonder why a mediocre writer like me doesn’t throw in the towel?  I can’t be alone in this, can I? Actually, I’m not. I know a New York Times best selling authors who no longer reads her reviews for the same reason.

My critique partner, who gets consistent 4’s, 5’s and top picks, blast her, says it’s because I’m a risk taker. I don’t write the same, expected thing over and over. To that I say, “Well, duh!” I—I mean, well done! That’s what I’m aiming for. Entertainment is my only goal. Maybe I’m easily bored, but I like my entertainment to vary from time to time. And in all honesty and modesty, I can’t say I don’t deliver. (Pardon the double negative.) To bring laughter and love to a world that badly needs it is my aspiration. To provide a healthy escape from today’s stress is a lofty ambition but I hope to accomplish it. I know these are tall orders, but on good days I feel as though I’ve succeeded and maybe I’ve chosen the right profession. On those other days, I think I should take up truck driving.

I’ve had some health problems lately and even though I was told I have to remain on this strict diet for the rest of my life doesn’t help my mood, it doesn’t affect it nearly as much as a crumby review. I cried in my doctor’s office last week. I’m embarrassed to say it was from grief and nobody died—just my “indomitable” spirit. He gave me his philosophy. He said, “Don’t you know the number one rule of life? It’s: There is no gratitude.” Yikes. I made sure I thanked him.

Okay, here is where some a**hole is going to tell me to grow a thick skin. Before you do that, be sure you can tell me where to buy the fertilizer and the “how to” book. Constructive criticism is welcome. Admonishment for being human is not.

Do I expect stellar reviews all of the time? Of course not. I’m actually my worst critic and uniquely surprised when a reviewer praises my book to the skies. So, if I want to keep this job, how do I get off the roller coaster? I guess I’ll have to do what my best selling friend does. Wear blinders and count my blessings. I have a wonderful supportive husband who pays the bills while I pay my dues. I have my health—such as it is. I can still work in my garden, walk on the beach and enjoy a beautiful day.

I know it’s against the rules to tell reviewers anything but “thank you.” Still, I’m going to do it. You can be nice when being honest. One of my recent reviewers admitted to being a “stick in the mud” when it came to what she liked and said that other readers who might enjoy something a little different would enjoy the twist in my story. That’s fine. A 3 isn’t enough for the overachiever in me, but the review was honest and respectful. And yes, though disappointed, I thanked her.

I recently decided to try a different genre. I know it’s starting all over, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t hear that constructive feedback. I think my style might be too audacious and not sophisticated enough for adults, thus I’ll be writing for young adults or those young at heart.

My first step is to read. I read every day, but now I’ll read what people in that genre are writing. So far, I’m pleasantly surprised. These books seem to run the gamut. The next step is to plot my own book—or series of books, and I have a great idea. Third step (and this is the one I’m not looking forward to) is selling the book. Try to find that needle in a haystack known as an agent who loves my voice as much as my present editor does, create a website, and promote my new pen name so my YA readers find the new me and not my erotic romance! 

Want to suggest a new name for me? I’m having a contest on our chat loop and the one who comes up with my new name wins a pink, Chanel silk scarf. The “rules” are simple.

1)      I must like the name and choose it from the entrants

2)      I must be able to look like a ____ (fill in the name.) I’m blond with green eyes.

3)      It needs to add up to #9 in numerology.  (My destiny or birth path number) Here is a quick numerology lesson.

Each letter is assigned a number. A single number from one to nine and then the order begins

A=1 J=1 S=1

B=2 K=2 T=2

C=3 L=3 U=3

D=4 M=4 V=4

E=5 N=5 W=5

F=6 O=6 X=6

G=7 P=7 Y=7

H=8 Q=8 Z=8

I=9 R=9 Nine is my destiny (or life path) number.  This is what you get by adding up all the numbers in your birthdate. 

> >

> > Start making suggestions!!! The ride won’t stop until we have a winner!

To see what your number adds up to go here: a site for beginners which is all I can handle without my head exploding…
http://members.aol.com/AspireA1/index5.html

Have fun!

Ash

I am so pleased to receive the first review from Elisa Rolle: My Reviews and Ramblings. Elisa is a reader from Italy and often reviews m/m books, so I’m happy she enjoyed Brandon and Ron’s story!
Here’s a snippet from the review:

“The book is written if first point of view and follows Brandon’s thoughts. Like Brandon, also Ron seems to be a very “easy” man regarding sex, and so their relationship is from the start down and dirty. Ron has not a simple behavior, he sometime acts like a domineering man, and wants to be the Alpha of the moment, and soon after he seems to need the strenght and the reassurance of Brandon. Brandon instead is simpler, he has his scope in mind and he will do anything to reach it.

Happy Birthday to our Brigid aka Jeanne Barrack! May you have a fantastic day and be blessed always and more for all that you do.
From the LAW ladies

I was interviewed on a very cool blog recently called Nose in a Book. Shortly afterward, lisabea wrote to me and a few other authors and asked us if we’d name our “desert island keepers” or, in other words, the 5 men we’d choose to have with us if we were deserted on a desert island.

Not an easy list to come up with. Even harder now that I’ve read other people’s lists. It’s one of those things that after you read someone else’s list you think “oh man, I didn’t even think of him! I want him too!”

But I still stand by the list I came up with, which is: Luc from Purgatory, Radin from the Dark Elves series (yeah, I like my own guys), Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Jean-Claude and Nathaniel from LKH’s Anita Blake series. Galen from LKH’s Merry Gentry series was a serious contender too.

So, give it some thought. Who would you choose to have?

On this particular day, I wanted to recognize my fantastic friends: the Ladies of LAW. Our bond goes beyond friendship and I know no matter what comes my way, they’ll be there to support me. So while they may not be my mother….they are women who inspire me…fight for me…love me….just like a mother is supposed to do.

So….I raise my glass and thank the goddess, she sent such beautiful women into my life!

I just received my first review for Death by Delilah.  5 stars from JERR!  This is a review site I respect and I tell you why in a moment.  First.  Read this, please!

Title: Death By Delilah
Author: Ashlyn Chase
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: www.ellorascave.com <http://www.ellorascave.com/>
Reviewer: Elizabeth Marie
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: H

What a fabulous read! A couple who have been attracted to one another for
many years, a military setting, ghostly involvement and complete fun! You
will enjoy this read, there’s no two ways about it. The characters are well developed and very likeable. They know what they want and will find a way to achieve it. Their chemistry is fantastic.

Elizabeth Marie
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/join>

I like the JERR review site (as well as TRS blue and FAR and a few others) for three simple reasons.

1) They review only erotic romance so they know what our readers expect.

2) They never criticize a novella for not being a novel.  A lot of erotic romance is too intense to keep up throughout an entire novel.  It tires the reader as well as the writer.

3) And speaking of readers, the third reason I love JERR is that its review staff is made up ONLY of avid readers.  They are intelligent, well-written reviews, but no authors, editors or publishers work there, this skirting any issues of bias.

To fair and honest reviewers, I raise my glass in a virtual toast.  It’s not an easy job you do, but when it’s done well, you are a boost not only to our egos, but also to our careers.  Thank you.

Ash

I am so thrilled to share that I finally have a cover for The Sweet Flag, my m/m paranormal historical, vampire romance for Loose Id!
The artist, Marci Gass, really got the feel of the story and the guys are just about perfect!
The story is set during the 1860s and present day America. i did a slew of research for this story and hope to revisit the period again.

Check out my blog at http://jeanneworldsnewsletter.blogspot.com/ and let me know what you think.

Let me know what you think of the cover!

I happen to like that David Bowie song. At least the title. Occassionally, in my life, it’s applied to me. I’m quite happy to say that I’m in one of those periods now.

Late last year, we started renovating the house. Parts of it at least. First time in the nearly 10 years I’ve lived in the house that we’ve made major changes. Frustrating, annoying and expensive, yes, but the end result is something to look forward to and it’s not that far away now *crosses fingers* renovations will include a new office space for yours truly.

In December, I bought a new car. An ‘08 Mustang GT. Sweet! Bright orange that sometimes looks yellow.  Gaudy and loud? yes. Impractical, yes, but what the hell? Read the rest of this entry »

What do I mean? I finally did my income taxes (I get a refund-finally!), I’m getting back on track with my writing, I’m helping set up some things that will let me play in various areas, and I found someone to help me with promotion work. This is a good thing for me. I’m forgetful. I have Blondeheimers, and rumour has it that it doesn’t get better with time. *grins*

April is a crazy month for most people. It’s tax time (if you’re in the US), it’s spring because it really starts to feel spring-like(unless you live near the Great White North– then I think you’re doomed to semi-eternal darkness), Mother Nature likes to change up the spring weather with rain followed by sun followed by gods only knows what they call it. Then there’s the start of convention season. This year, I’m bummed, I can’t do anything- but that said, I’m saving up for next year. I can do that now I got my refund and such. But convention season is craziness personified. If you’re an innocent bystander, you know that those people must be nuts to be talking about how much sex you give or not give, how much touching is good versus overdone. *grins* But once you find yourself caught up in it– conventions are a blast. (Try bartending for a small one sometime. You’ll never look at editors, agents, authors the same way again– I swear!)

April is the time of year when you finally get over the blahs of the deepest winter coat that Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess has tossed throughout the land. We’ve done the introspection, pared away the dead wood, and now we’re ready to start fresh. In some ways– this is truly our new year for those who are solar based. (I’m Celtic based– so come Samhain– I’m partying hard. LOL) This is the time when the need to be outside outweighs my need to keep my sinuses safe. I love starting back up on my walks. (I’ve gone out twice for short ones, but took two separate ways to get to them done.) Seeing nature bloom, even in the ever-blooming state of Florida is a joy. There are shades of any season, but April for me is when things truly come back alive.

This is a crazy month. Embrace it and do something totally zany at least once. Make a small change and stick with it until the end of the month. You’ll feel like you’ve truly accomplished something if you do. It’s the little things that make a huge difference. This is truly the time to embrace this changeable time-for if not now, when the world is changing its skin– then when?