So there I was late last night (early this morning), not ready for sleep and wanting to watch something on TV that made me feel good.  I didn’t want any blood and gore, no downers, nothing depressing. So I scrolled through the on-air guide…(just go with me here)…It (scary)…The Bad Son…Trainspotting…Shadow Dogs…The Wicker Tree…Rise of the Planet of the Apes…The American…U 571…Deer Hunter (uh, no)…The Crow…Reservoir Dogs….Pollock…Prometheus…

Okay, I sighed. Heavily. Disappointed, I was about to turn off the TV when there it was! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Yes! I changed the channel, settled back in my recliner and let myself be magiked away.  How is it I could find this youthful movie so much more preferable to anything else?

The simple answer is that Harry Potter’s first movie has that “certain something.” The more complex answer for me is that the movie offers one delicious emotion we all crave, despite the target audience, something we always gravitate to — hope.

Harry Potter movies (including the later, darker ones) send a message — that even in the darkest hour, there is always hope. And so in the middle of the night, I raised weary eyes to an HD screen and felt myself entertained, uplifted, and filled with hope.  Each of the main characters were just starting on their journey and despite knowing how they would end up (yes, I read all the books and have seen all the movies), I wanted to start over with them again. I wanted to re-new the thrills, the discoveries, the silliness. I wanted their innocence. I needed to renew what they found in each other – hope. 

When I finally turned out the light and closed my eyes seeking dreams (I never made it to the end of the movie, but love and hope won out in the end), I had to smile. Besides being a kid at heart and knowing I could watch that first Harry Potter movie over and over, the reason I feel this way is how inspired I always am by these characters, their infectious joy and their capacity to hope. This is what makes the Harry Potter stores great – this certain something from these characters that remains with us, long after the tale has ended.

As a writer, I want my readers to know this feeling from me. Somewhere in the tale, there must be a golden thread, a feeling my characters will always promise to deliver no matter the obstacles or odds.  I want my readers to come back, craving that certain something from me, and knowing they will find it. Just as I knew Harry would give it to me.

JK Rowling had to find it in herself. Broke and practically homeless, she followed a dream (literally) and spent 10 years holding on to hope that her characters would be published. I think that’s why the theme is so very potent in her stories. She had faith and hope and so do Harry and his friends. They give it over to us, in every book, in every movie. And we come back to it simply because we like how it makes us feel.

I urge you, as writers, find your certain something and be generous. After all, “it” is what created the Patronus, saved Snape’s soul, and defeated Voldemort. Hope.  More than love, this little “something” is worth reaching for at any hour, repeatedly.  I think that’s the real magic.  Every time I open a book, watch a movie, listen to a bit of classical music, I am reminded of that which is behind the art that thrills me:  that certain something. You have to have it to be magic. You have to have it to be memorable. You have to have it to succeed. 

When I find it from an author, I stick with that author. I’m hooked, just like finding Harry Potter on late night TV. The magic never dies and it’s memorable. I’ll stay up all night for you if you give me a book that will stay with me.

Something special. It is the hook your readers want. JK gave us Harry and Harry gave us hope.

Go find yours. Readers are waiting.

Thanks for stopping by.

Yours Between the Lines,
Sherry

Hello writers and readers. I spent the first few days of June at the Space Coast Book Lovers Convention/Signing at Cocoa Beach Florida.  Huge Kudos to the organizer Teri Dees Edney and all the authors, writers, bloggers, industry professionals and volunteers who came together to pull off such a fun time for everyone. Sun, sand, purpose. 

Why do people go to conferences/book signings? There are several reasons and the most obvious first one is to sell books. But that really isn’t the main reason, especially when in four days you only have four hours to sell books. What most authors crave is meeting the “competition,” connecting with online friends, making new ones, mixing with bloggers and industry professionals like models and photographers, cover designers, podcasters, and marketers. Conferences and conventions are the best opportunity to network and mix and mingle. The contacts and social interactions at these events are what make them invaluable, for readers and writers. Here’s what the sponsorship banner looked like for this event (please note that my logo is there too)

In my case, I was delighted to meet so many folks that I interact with on Facebook, as well as to grab a hug from folks I’ve “known” online for years and craved sharing something more personal. Such moments are so precious. You’ll hear people all over, all day, every day saying, “HI! Oh so good to meet you!” Or “Whee, I missed you.” It will make you smile.

Yvonne Mason and me

Our lodgings were right on the beach at the International Palms Resort and Hotel. The view from my room was perfect. We were there in time to watch the latest launch of a Space X Rocket from Kennedy Space Center, too! (I’m such a space baby geek that this was extra special for me).

I couldn’t have done my job as an author without the wonderful, invaluable assistance of my PA Terri Wilson and my hubby (set-up roadie and part time manager), Ron. The two of them made it easy for me to concentrate on author stuff and not on the other minutia. They helped to make my author table look just right and both of them have a keen eye for marketing. I just love them.

My right arm, Terri Wilson PA

If you get an opportunity to go to a conference, to mix and mingle with authors and readers, I will be the first to tell you to go. The contacts you made and the friendships you begin will be a treasure. There is no way I can show you all the photos I took, but these photos are just some of the wonderful authors you can meet at events like this.

(From top down, Violet Howe, Julie Morgan, Elle Klass, HD Smith, and Tara Briggs)

And thank you to an online friend who came over especially to see some familiar faces and to meet me. I was so honored to meet my Facebook and Twitter friend Pam. She was even more beautiful in person and her arrival made my day!

A Fan!

There’s already been oodles of articles about the event and I only want to add what a well-done, event-packed weekend it was. I hated the Florida heat (I was uncomfortable all the time) but the company and the experience was tremendous. They are already planning next year’s event so if you get a chance to attend, I tell you this is one to put on your bucket list!

As we prepared to head home, Florida gifted us with a wonderful sunrise, one of the State’s special talents.

Of course there is always someone who is geeked out. I’ll just leave this here and thank you for stopping by. (Ron, really there’s no one in it!)

Come by TOMORROW for more new stuff!

Yours Between the Lines,
Sherry

I’m depressed. Yesterday was Mother’s Day and I miss my mom butt that’s not why I have the blues.

Two weeks ago I finished my latest book, The Gypsy Thorn. It’s a paranormal urban fantasy and a prequel novel to a new vampire series. The new series, The Evening Bower, will begin later this year (hopefully). So, you may ask, if I have a book in the can, why am I depressed?

Because the book is done. 

Sound silly? I suppose it may seem that way. I have written three books of poetry, one memoir, one photography book, and one urban fantasy. Now I have this new book and it will be published any day. Putting a book “to bed,” typing “the end” (figuratively), isn’t new to me and you may be saying, “why aren’t you celebrating instead of bemoaning?”

Let me explain and then maybe you’ll understand what I mean. With the photography and the poetry, I didn’t deal with a character. Yes, my poetry discusses a variety of “characters” but not a sustainable one, not one that has a complete substance.

With the memoir, the topic was me and I was happy when the book was done and published. I released me and it set me free.

With the urban fantasy, Midnight Assassin – A Tale of Lust and Revenge, I told a story that I new would continue. The main character – the vampire Drahomira – was due to return in the new book and so I didn’t feel as though I walked away from her or left her. I never felt that I ever left the story. Instead, Dra hovered near me as I wrote this new book where she is the driving force. Maybe you could say we got very close.

However, when I finished The Gypsy Thorn (GT), Drahomira’s work was done. She was the tool I used to prepare my readers for the series where Drahomira is not the main character. She is one of the important people (and will have her own off-shoot series) but she is not the character on which the series is based. And putting an end to GT closed the door on my favorite bad girl. Her voice stopped and I was alone. Hence the depression.

I hear from other authors and many experience this feeling. I haven’t given birth so I don’t know post partum depression though some have said that birthing a book is similar. It is my baby. Every single one is a labor of love and I give everything to it. I am told that this feeling of “letting go” is much like seeing your children move on, graduate, leave home, etc. I can’t speak to that, but I do feel sad to see it end. And I do miss her not being there to whisper in my ear.

As a result, I am hard at work on the next book. The new characters (introduced in Midnight Assassin and GT) are shyly stepping up and demanding my attention. New whispers fill my ear. But I did want to tell you how I am overcoming this lingering, last book sadness.

Book completions are both joy and sorrow. The joy is pride and a sense of accomplishment. There is no feeling in the world like finishing your story. The sorrow is finishing the story. As with any book I read, I feel satisfaction and a little sadness in ending. That’s the key. Ending.

I realized I needed to let go. I also realized I need not grieve! Nothing is over. The new story begins, and characters continue. Things are not done yet! There is more to tell.

And that is my answer to you. When you find yourself in a little bit of the blues, in sorrow of your book’s end, then begin anew. Take your joy in your success and reseed, regrow, renew!  Be happy and proud, congratulate and celebrate.  And hey, it’s okay to be blue.

To be sad is understandable but not to remain that way. Each author must find a way to move forward, and when you do, you will give birth to new exciting characters and new stories. But first, release yourself.

I’ve heard authors say, “I gave my all to that story. I don’t know if I have anything else to write about.” Pish posh. You need to let go! Blood renews itself. Mine did. Yours will, too.

Today I am nearly over being blue and excited about The Gypsy Thorn’s upcoming release THIS MONTH. Keep checking here and on my Facebook Author page for info.

And the new book, Time and Blood? Oh what a deliciously tangled web we weave! I’ll see you with this one in October.

Meanwhile, I hope your Mother’s Day was lovely and that you have projects you can sink your teeth into with joy and gusto. As for me, the vampires are calling and demanding my attention. And THAT makes me happy!

Thanks for stopping by and keep writing.
Yours Between the Lines,
Sherry

(Midnight Assassin cover by Robin Ludwig Designs)
(The Gypsy Thorn cover by Marisa-rose Shor of Cover Me Darling)