I signed my third contract with Tiger Publications yesterday, and RUBY’S DAUGHTER will be a spring 2009 release! YAY! I’ve been dreaming of Ruby’s time. She’s the most audacious character that’s ever walked into my creative space. Despite the fact she has an attitude, we’re tight. I never tried to change Ruby and well, I guess she appreciates that. Oh once, in the beginning, I thought maybe I should tone her down a smidgen. She went on strike and, once I understood the situation, she showed up for work again. Understood as in, she was running this particular show. Okay…sure.
Of all the characters I’ve worked with, I’d say this is one of those pearls that dropped in my sphere fully loaded. It happened like this…
I’m going along my merry way, and I hear this voice in my head. Something along the lines of, “Dying isn’t easy.” Okay…. from there I immediately felt an attitude coming from this gal, and never mind that she was caught up in the biggest mess of her non-life. I was captivated, and swept away. I didn’t write anything down at this point. I wanted to see if she’d hang around, and stay the course. I didn’t focus on Miss Ruby, acted pretty nonchalant about it all, and wondered if she’d notice. Ruby talked non-stop after this ignore ploy of mine, bugged me when I tried to sleep, and nudged me awake. It’s her voice I heard every morning…whether I wanted to or not.
I had a keeper it seemed. It’s anyone’s guess how she’ll behave during the editing process when the times comes. I should probably warn Margaret, but I know my editor is totally up for the task. I promised Ruby I’d do everything to get her story out there, and now that its happened I’m wondering when that determined voice is gonna nudge me again while I’m trying to sleep. I know she has more she wants to say, and she knows I’ll write it all down…again. I’ve never had a character try and negotiate more books from me before, but it’s exactly what this gal did.
So, Ruby all I can say is, “You go girl! Just be your sassy self, and do what’s right when it’s all said and done. I’m really proud of you!” I hope I didn’t say that too loud. Uh, oh, I think she’s… back!!
I’d love to hear some of your character stories today! Should be fun. 
Congratulations, LaDonna! I am so thrilled for you.
LaDonna, loved your story of Ruby’s determination. And I loved the lines on her from Karin’s first line contest. I’d say Ruby will be a big hit!
I’ve had characters like that, but since I usually have multiple characters I have more than one telling me what to do. No wonder it’s hard for me to get eight hours of sleep in.
Thanks, Michelle! I barely slept last night.
The coffee is tasting mighty fine this morning.
Congrats LaDonna, time to celebrate!
Hey Edie, Karin’s contest was a blast too! Pretty much gave Miss Ruby more of an attitude, if that’s possible.
She was more determined to make a sell after finaling.
Whoo Hoo, Barbara! We’re having a party!
Congrats LaDonna! I am so happy for you! I like how you talk about your character “behaving.” They all have minds of their own, that’s for sure! Good luck with your new contract.
Woo Hoo! The magical and multi-published LaDonna!
Way to go! Ruby sounds awesome. Can’t wait to read her story.
Hey Lainey! You’re the very first person to say those words…multi-published. Wow, it feels great. Thanks for that!
Marie, thank you so much! Ya know, after I posted my blog I chuckled. Voices in the head, characters demanding attention…well, thank heavens this is a creative environment is all I can say.
Totally normal in our world.
Congrats on your third contract.
Your last comment made me chuckle. It is normal for writers to hear voices and talk to ourselves. Other people would say “OMG I’m hearing voices, better call a psychiatrist.” I say “There’s that voice again, better jot everything down so I don’t lose something.” I tend to write in first person POV so I’m quite good at listening to just one voice. The problem came when another character was telling me and my main character Alyx his story. I kept trying to write it from her POV. After many frustrating attempts and a few sleepless nights I realized my mistake. Sometimes we all just have to shut up and listen.
Huge congrats GF!!! I’m sure you can hear me saying…nah nah nah nah nah…told ya you were a writer.
Liane, thanks for the congrats! And I love your character stories! So true. Sounds like you have some bossy ones on your hands too.
I love how they got their point across.
Too funny, Dona! And yep, you surely said that, GF. It was one of those “moments” I talk about all the time. You can sing the Nah, nah, nah song anytime you like. Music to my ears.
Way to go LaDonna! I hope you’ll see many more to come.
I know where you’re coming from. When I’m struck with a powerful idea it’ll stick with me and take on its own life, so to speak. Usually I’ll jot down notes as it talks to me because I tend to forget things. If I keep feeling it nudge me with more ideas then I know it’s something I have to write.
Woohooooooooo! You go, girl!! ***pompoms waving*** I’m so freakin’ happy for you that I feel like driving to your neck of the woods and hugging you until your head pops off.
As for my characters, all of them spoke to me at once and I’m loving them for it. They told me to screw the freakin’ genre trends and write them the way my gut is telling to write them. I listened and my stories have been more satisfying than ever before.
Thanks, Kathy! And yes, note-taking is pretty important. I know we’re always discussing those nudges at night here, and how we’re always trying to jot something down. I had one of these cool lighted pens from a writing course many years ago. I loved that thing, but lost it. Must find a new one!
Hey Marcia, you can give me that big ol’ hug whenever I see your smiling face. Ah, I’d like to keep the head, though, it’s where my characters like to hang out.
And those characters of yours are smart! Mine pretty much said the same thing, and it feels much better not cramming those square pegs into round holes. Never felt right. Let Freedom Ring!!!!!
Congrats! How exciting. And that Ruby? I think I love that girl!!!
Fantastic news, LaD. Ruby sounds like she’s a “screw you” sorta gal. Best kind.
Like that word … “multi-published”. Has a nice ring to it.
My characters always talk to me. Especially this latest WIP. Its in the first person, so she’s basically “me” telling “me” what to do. Does that make sense?
Congratulations, LaDonna!!!! I hope you’re celebrating in style!
LOL, yep Karin that Ruby. Your contest gave that gal a taste of fame, GF!
She’s impossible to live with now.
Hey Liz, you nailed Ruby! And I totally got your comment about your first person character there. Scary, huh?
Cynthia, today was my hair salon day! So, that’s kinda celebrating in style.
I love my hairdresser, Wayne. He’s brilliant!
Congrats Ladonna that’s awesome!
Zoe, thanks for stopping by! I appreciate the congrats too.
Mega congrats, LaDonna! I’m absolutely thrilled for you! YGG!!!
Hey Jan!!! Thanks for the congrats, GF.
We can “toast” at National this year with a couple of long-necks.
LaDonna,
Congrats on finding Ruby a home. You’re description of discovering her made me smile. You do a great job of bringing her to life in this blog, and its obvious she’s a very special character to you.
Here’s to her sequel! (lifting my glass in a toast)
Thanks, Thresa! Like I said, working with Ruby is an experience…one I’m really looking forward to. And thanks for the toast!