February 28, 2007

Website Now Open!

The website is open and still very bear. It does have the first full chapter excerpt from Whisper Moon, so it's worth visiting for that, I guess! This is a temporary home for Faolan Roark. I have purchased the domain and am just doing some research on what hosting I want to use, but.....in the meantime you can check her out there! I hope you enjoy it, I created the graphics for the site and had a blast while I was at it!

FAOLAN ROARK

February 27, 2007

Silhouette Nocturne

I just bought my very first Silhouette Nocturne Series book. Behind the times a bit, I'm afraid, lol. The one I got is Touch of the wolf by Karen Whiddon. I'm only a chapter into it and I love it! When I visited eHarlequin I was all but slobbering with the discovery of this particular series and promised that I would have a submission to them by the end of next month.

To my surprise while shopping tonight, I found the series! I knew I could find them at Walden's or Border's but I haven't had the time so I'm ecstatic that I found them! Gonna get me some "nocturnal" reading done....hehehehe.

Cover Art


I have been playing around with my Paint Shop Pro and am seriously considering offering Cover Art design on my site as well. I love to create the graphics and I thought, why not? This example is just a simple little deal I whipped up in a few minutes and I kinda like it. What do you think?

February 26, 2007

Preview of graphics for site!

What do you think? I like it, but I'm not sure it's exactly what I'm aiming for??!! Guess I'll keep goofing around with it....or maybe not, lol.

Faolan Roark

I thought that I would introduce everyone to Faolan Roark, my pen name and sometimes very crazy alter-ego. Giving some insight into why I chose this particular name will be fun, and may shed some light as to what it means to me.

I chose Faolan because I am (mostly) Irish. Faolan is the Irish word for wolf, or so the website where I found it says, lol. I've always loved wolves, add to that my interest in werewolves and the fact that my first book will be about werewolves, I knew this was the name of my muse.

I've had Roark picked as the last name for a while, ever since I learned that my maternal great grandmother, who was born in 1912 was named Mary Roark and that she had kept this piece of Irish history with her until she died. Her gravestone reads......."Florence Mary Roark Gilmore Vanetta Elias". Gilmore was my paternal grandfather, the rest were marriages after he had died. Seems as if she got used to picking up the pieces and moving on, lol.

I thought it odd that she would keep her name after marriage, especially in those times and after hearing stories of her, I felt compelled to honor her in some way.

By all accounts, she was a strong (she broke one of my great grandfather's ribs once), fiesty woman who did things "her own way". My grandma remembers her as never taking no for an answer and always up to no good. Just hearing my grandma talk about her makes me laugh to know that I would have such a rambunctious ancestor.

So, here's to the birth of Faolan Roark....."May you be as fiesty and relentless as another Roark used to be."

Website Coming!

Many of you don't know that in my previous life I owned a small business where I sold patterns, candles and other handmade goods. I operated mostly from the internet and my website. I've made the decision to completely close that business down and charge full steam ahead with my writing.

I am currently transforming that website and in a few days it will be the new home of Faolan Roark (my pen name and alter ego). So, keep in touch so you can see another one of my homes on the web!

I will be designing all the graphics, so I'm really looking forward to that. I have somewhat of a graphics background, along with my handmade goods I also sold banners and such for the web. It's an addiction that runs a close third to writing and creating. Can't wait to get it up and get everyone's opinion!

Submission to Samhain

Well, last night I swallowed my feelings of unworthiness and submitted Whisper Moon to Samhain. The discovery of what the book has become is astounding. It took a life of it's own and is nowhere near the book I had originally planned. Which, I guess could be a good thing. Maybe that means the muse is shoving me to the side and saying, "Hey, scoot over. I can do so much better than that."

And she has, although I'm a little frightened at how complicated she has made the plot and how much different the book is from my original concept, but I'm sure we can come to terms and collaborate. It's now the story of werewolves with wings that protect the human world from the evil lurking in The Natural Realm.

It's so complicated(shaking my head and lol). Of course, it just feels like that to me because I'm not so sure I should've come up with such unusual creatures. I proposed Whisper Moon as the first book in a trilogy set. The second book will be wrapped around vampires and the third will involve witchcraft, with each book essentially using these strange characters as Guardians of The Natural Realm. That's the break down of it, anyway.

I will be praying with my fingers and toes crossed with one hand over my heart, silently chanting an oath to be the best writer I can be (sort of like the girl scout's honor) until I feel a little better about this, rofl.

February 25, 2007

Edits to my first person and five chapters later....

I've been on a roll with that first person novel. I haven't had any writer's block when it comes to this one. So glad about that too. I have edited the part that I shared here so much that it doesn't look like the same chapter, heehehehehe. And I'm so far with it that I can't believe my own eyes, of course, I'm still just pouring it out so I'll be in review and edit mode again here soon. But, I'll save that for when the muse lets me stop and catch my breath!

I wish I could share it here, but I don't want to spoil it! A little bit farther and I think I might actually take a huge chance and submit it to Samhain Publishing.

Pray, people.....I need all the faith I can get!

February 24, 2007

Your opinion...

Okay, here is a snippet of the book I'm working on that is in first person. Tell me what you think.


I have lived all my life in search of something. I never knew what it was, why the longing in me would never cease. I just knew I wasn’t whole. My mom died when I was 15 and after that I lived with my aunt until I was old enough to hit the road and scratch the itch that had been burning inside me for so long. I had no other family so I was free to land wherever the breathless wind took me.

Not knowing my legacy, my history, had always galled me. Always made me feel even more empty. Like a coffee cup sitting on the counter next to the pot, waiting for it’s dry spell to end. Which is only one of the ways I know to describe it. I needed to be filled. I wanted to lay down and absorb every piece of me that I could find. I wasn’t finding anything in random states and seedy cities like I had hoped when I had fled five years earlier. When I realized this, I made the decision that has me standing here, looking up at a gabled roof on a farmhouse that is so old I swear it creaks like it has bones.

I can see the lights of the main house way off in the distance. I think of the old man. What was his name? Clyde. With the graying hair and smiling eyes who laughed as if he hadn’t a care in all this miserable world. It would be so wonderful to smile and laugh like that. I found myself wondering what it was in his life that kept him so happy, so light. Fulfillment is what ultimately came to mind.

Clyde was the owner of Willow Elm Ranch and from the looks of the place, he had a real first class operation going. The fences lining the drive out to my new rental were freshly painted, a gleaming white that had me pushing the visor down in an effort to stop the mid-day glare that was bouncing off the cross-hatched rails. The farmhouse looked magnificent for it’s age, although the weariness of it’s posture and the sounds it made when the wind blew through gave me a good guess as to it’s senility.

Looking forward to living in this spirited place, I hauled two suitcases from my failing car. The air smelled sweeter here, the scent of autumn, earth dying and giving way to new birth and cycles that would repeat themselves for centuries afterward. Continuity. Sacrifice. Contentment. Perhaps that was why I had always been intrigued by the season of golden leaves and crisp breezes, it held in it’s possession all the things I did not.

Writing in first person??!!

I started yet another book last night and something about it makes me want to write it in first person. I've heard some people love books in first person while others hate it. For this book, though, I feel as if it needs to be in first person for the full effect and for it to accomplish what I want it to.

I can always write it and transform it later if I change my mind, which would be alot of work, but could be done nonetheless. I'm nervous that first person doesn't get the best reviews from readers. What do you think? Do you like first person novels? Do they work well in fantasy settings? Anything about any first person novels you've read that you would change? Let me know, I would love to hear your feedback!

Larissa Ione

I've found an amazing author who has a terrific site, which you should check out, especially if you love fantasy and other genres. She's a versatile author who shares my love for animals (especially dogs, lol). So, check her out, she's fab!

LARISSA IONE

February 23, 2007

Ghost Rider = Four Stars!

Saw it tonight with my son! It was awesome! Although, I do have to say that I wouldn't recommend it for young children. Initially I had spoke to some family friends who had seen it and taken their young children and they assured me that not only was it a great movie but that it was suitable for a five year old.

Wrong....in my opinion. The villain is pretty darn scary and a few times I almost wanted to look away and that's saying something, lol. All in all it was a great movie but I regret bringing my son. He absolutely loved it and is sleeping like a baby as we speak so it couldn't have frightened him too much! Just a nervous mom, I guess.

Seriously folks, if you like superhero or fantasy movies, you have got to see this one! It's up there with my top ten now!

Incubus.....hhmmmm...

I ran across this link while I was searching for inspiration for a book I want to write and submit to Samhain Publishing. I started a search on incubus and succubus for some reason, I can't remember exactly why??!

It's pretty interesting to say the least and I think I might have the start to a really great book idea...Yippee...maybe I'll kick that nasty block I've been having! If you want to check it out, click below!

INCUBUS

Writer's Block....

Gotta love it. Or hate it. Or curse at it and scream at the top of your lungs while pulling out every strand of your hair. I'm completely over-hauling Whisper Moon. There are different venues I want to take with it now that I've researched a bit more into what specific genres I want to get involved with.

It's really hard for me, though. My mood switches from day to day, sometimes hour to hour. One day I want to write a steamy erotica and the other I want to write a more tame fantasy romance. I get 5 chapters into it, then for whatever reason I have to stop (son needing me, errands) and when I come back to it I've completely lost my focus and whatever motivated me to start it in the first place.

So I have about 10 novels just waiting for me to put them out of their misery, to drop the proverbial hammer and give them their end. I can imagine some of my characters are a tad disturbed, suspended in mid-air.

I think I might back off a little, try to find some inspiration and pray that I can hang on to it long enough for it to be seared into my brain. Going to see GhostRider tonight with my son might just do the trick.

Romance Writer's of America

I think I might join Romance Writers of America. Almost every published author I've come across joined this organization before they became published and say that it was a giant step towards their success.

One of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts is a member along with numerous others I've come to admire in the e-publishing world. I think I might go ahead and fax that application right over.....start getting serious! The only problem is I almost feel as if I'm not worthy. But, I'm gonna put my negative thoughts aside and do it. After all, who's gonna believe in me if I don't?

February 22, 2007

Newbie crash and burn

Being a newbie at submitting and the publishing world........I'm a bit naive. Well, I have to tell you the truth, I'm always naive, lol. It's that rose-colored glasses syndrome. Always had it. And no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shake the nasty buggers off. I was so excited earlier today, wanna know why?

I was offered representation by what I thought was a reputable literary agency. Following the urgings and advice of family and friends, I googled the company and checked the BBB for information regarding the agency and what I found really stunk.

The agency that offered to represent me is on Writer's Beware 20 Worst Agencies List. And here I was, eagerly anticipating the arrival of a contract for two of my children's books, which I would've happily and hastily signed had I not had the help of my wonderful aunt who is always supportive but at the same time my voice of reason. She knows how easily I fly off on whims and how much I fly by the seat of my pants in pretty much everything I do, rofl.

Out of respect and politeness, I'm not going to name the company, that would just be rude. Now I have to figure out what to email back when they send the contract. Because being as irrational as I tend to be, I told them to send it. I'll figure it out, I always do.

So, Lesson #1 learned: NEVER get excited or sign anything until you research the company. Got lots more to learn........

Happy Birthday to my Sis Marie!

Today is my baby sister, Summer Marie's birthday! She is a whooping five years old! Yes, we are 21 years apart! My son is older than she, my mom and I were pregnant at the same time.

Happy Birthday, curly haired beauty!

I love you more than the sun, the moon and all them stars, baby girl.

Ghost Rider....gonna see it!

My whole life I have lived in a fantasy life so it's only natural that I have an unstoppable affintiy for comic books and superheroes. I own almost every Marvel and superhero movie they have come out with.

I've passed this obsession on to my son, I think. It's so much fun sharing the excitement with him when a new superhero movie comes out. Truly, I get as excited as he does. And this weekend, I'm going to take him to see Ghost Rider.

I've visited the website, watched the clips and tried to determine if it is suitable for a five year old. From everything I've seen, it doesn't look much worse than anything he can easily see on ABC these days. I'm amazed at what they show on regular tv, which is why we don't usually watch the tube unless it's a movie about something super or magical.

I feel like jumping up and down at the thought of seeing it, seriously.....I am a big kid. And what a great way to celebrate my offer of representation from The Children's Literary Agency! Celebrate good times, c'mon!

Second Rejection......

on my children's books......Yikes! Today is the day for it, I guess. I'm not upset or even disappointed, really. Probably because I told myself in the beginning that the more the rejections come at first, the faster I will get to where I want to be. Isn't that how it goes? Tons of rejection later there is an agent/publisher who wants it? I don't know, but I'm not gonna let it stop me. I will charge full steam ahead! Yippee!

February 21, 2007

Book Review: The Dream-Hunter

..........The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon...........

This book amazed me at how well the worlds were organized and how many different elements were brought in that were unique to most fantasy books I've read, and I've read plenty, believe me, lol.

Loved the sensual feeling of it as well. The whole time I was just waiting for clothes to go flying. It was like the air sizzled whenever I picked it up and read on. I was actually quite flustered during one of these times because I was sitting at my son's Tae Kwon Do class, rofl.

I recommend this book for anyone who has a love for fantasy, dark or otherwise and especially for those of us women who like to get down and dirty every once in a while....hehehehehe.


First Rejection

Okay.....I asked for it, lol. I have officially received the first rejection for both my children's books, "More than the Sun, the Moon and all them Stars" and "Leah Blue". I've submitted both of these short Pre-K works to alot of different agents and agencies, so hopefully I'm still in the running somewhere!

P.S. I'll go into more detail on both these books in the future............

Email or Snail Mail Queries?

Which is better? Being fairly new at the "finding an agent", "get published" world, I've discovered a whole bucket full of things that are quite amazing. For instance, I never really thought that agents or publishers would accept queries by email. The fact that they do accept email queries makes life easier for us writers and the forests (cutting down on paper). Is it easier for the agent/publisher?

It's great that there is so much diversity out there. I've found agents who will accept nothing but a snail mail query with SASE included and agents who will accept nothing but an email query. Most give detailed descriptions of what the query should look like also, even posting an example query to make it simpler for us newbie submitters. I find that awesome. Because for me that was a ray of hope. Maybe not so much for my work being considered but rather safety from looking like a complete uneducated fool to the agent I was submitting to.

I'll admit, I'm fresh off the stack, as new as they come. I can say I've written my entire life, but without credentials or a degree backing me up, does that matter? So, thank you to all those agents who are kind enough to spell out exactly what they are looking for!

I've always been in love with the written and spoken word, but this is really the time when I've decided to go for it. I've always been fearful my writing wasn't adequate. But, that is how we get better, by being rejected, critiqued. All I have to say is........let the rejection begin!

kisses



This video and song spoke to me on so many levels that I had to include it here. For an aspiring romance novelist, this really got me in the "mode" for writing. The song is exactly how I'm feeling today too....isn't that funny???

Changes to Whisper Moon

I've decided to change Whisper Moon quite a bit. After pouring over the plot and characters until 2 am this morning, I realized it needed a change for it to flow better and for it to fit into the fantasy genre a little more. I'm going to make two revisions, one of them will be the version I send to all publishers, the other will be the version I will be sending to Silhouette Nocturne, a publishing house under Silhouettte, geared towards dark, sensual romance titles.

I've got my fingers crossed in the Nocturne submission, because in truth, that is where my passion lives. I want to write dark, magical titles that can allow me to create worlds and characters that aren't usually acceptable to other houses.

One of the changes I will be making to both versions is that Sidda and Baine will not have a history. Instead, they will meet for the first time on the ranch where Sidda is renting her farmhouse.

I'm off to start the process once again.....

February 20, 2007

"Whisper Moon"

A glance at the first book in my "Natural Realm" trilogy. I've decided to do a little tweaking, so this might change down the road. I thought it would be fun to see how my concept of the book would change as I submitted it to agents. Here goes........


Whisper Moon is a magical romance set in present time in rural Missouri. Siddalee Roarke is the main character and a woman who has just been dumped by her fiancé, Baine. Sidda struggles to overcome the loss of her love and to make ends meet with her growing herbal company, where she sells soaps and remedies. Life is looking ominous and dark until things start to change.

Sidda begins to realize her destiny, she is a descendant of Flidais, the Irish Goddess of the Forest, charged to help and protect animals and all things natural. With the aid of Flidais, who comes to her in dreams, she also discovers that she is able to shape-shift into the animals of the forest. Sidda, a woman who knows nothing of her ancestors or her heritage, begins to unfold the secret story of where she came from, where she belongs and who she really is, something she’s struggled with since childhood.

Danger lurks in the air when Alsandair, a dark god from the natural realm, begins to plot his revenge on Flidais and all her descendants for defeating him when he tried to overthrow the Irish Goddess and take control of the forest thousands of years ago.

The only hope of restoring and maintaining safety for all creatures, animals and humans alike, is Baine, and his return to Sidda’s arms. For Baine is also a descendant of a magical God who lives and loves with Flidais; Ahern, the Lord of the Horses. Baine slowly learns the truth, that he belongs with Sidda and to conquer the evil that is thriving in the riotous nature of their spirtual birth, they first have to conquer what stands in their way, each other.

Sidda and Baine find their way back to each other and with their combined power, overcome Alsandair and his viscous scheme only to discover that the fight for peace has just begun. A new war is raging close to home, Sidda’s best friend, Brady is now at the forefront. It is her turn to travel towards her destiny and fight the whole way there.

Writer Realities

Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only writer who has a hard time coping with the real world. The bills, the chores and the day to day of it all. I live in my own little world where it's real easy to get lost. And when I do have to face reality it's like a giant smack in the face......"Hey, dork - quit goofing off and do something productive, will ya?" Well, my nasty little friend called reality, I want to say something.

What good is reality if we can't dream? This IS my reality. I exist fully when I am engrossed in my latest project or idea. I am content and focused, ready to take on any challenge that comes my way or any nay-sayer that thinks I'm "goofing off". To me, this is real. My stories are real because they happen in my head. That makes them MY reality.

Alot of people in my life would call me a "bouncer", which means I bounce from one thing to the next in daily life, never seeming to have any clear direction. That's because I don't. I'm one of those right-brained people; artists, creators, imaginative. We don't have a very good hold on where we are or what we're supposed to be doing in "real" life, but if you put a paintbrush, pencil or paper in front of us, it's on. We know what to do, we know who we are and most importantly we feel the beauty we create. We can almost taste it.

That's my take on it anyway. I'll probably discuss this in further detail at some point or another, fair warning, lol!

Welcome to my crazy world of words!

My name is Missy Sue. I am, by all accounts a free spirit. I write, read, create, anything that lets me be me. I will share my journey towards publication with you here along with my insights and insane thinking. The road always gets a little bumpy......hope you've buckled yourself in!