Listening - The best listeners asked open ended questions such as “do you like romance in the story?” and then let the teens answer.  (Yes, they do.)   Listeners took notes and let the teens talk.

Directing - Every group has at least one “director.”  He’s the guy who asks the question and supplies the answer.  Last night our “director” was sure he already knew the answers and was expecting  the teens to prove this to the rest of us.  “So, action and magical powers are the most important aspect of a story for you, right?”  Well, no.  Actually the teens had just explained that characters draw them into a story.   What we think we know about teens may not be right.  Don’t tell them what they think. 
Grasping  - This group knew what they wanted to write and were sure they could write for teens because, well, they’re adults. They’re work seemed to match text books more than teen reading, but they kept hoping to get the right answers. — “But non-fiction sells more than fiction.  You must want to read history and non-fiction.”  Yes, they do.  In school.   This group departed the conversation early.  To listen, you have to be present.

Want to write for the YA market?  First, we need to learn to listen.

Wahoo! Fallen Angels Reviews gave “Tea and Witchery” five angels and a recommended read. 

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/January/Heidi-TeaAndWitcheryCassadagaMysteries.htm

“Love is Blond” is on the Preditor and Editor Reader Poll!  Vote Blond! 

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml 

I’m back from the Florida Writers Conference where I met Piers Anthony and got far too little sleep.  Catching up on my emails and “The Taking of Dove” has been Joyfully Reviewed as  “a no holds barred look at the fiery sexuality of two men who crave not only each other, but the bond they are each wanting. “

  Go here to read the review

http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/thetakingofthedove.html 

 Go here for the book itself

http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/takingofdove.htm 

 Coming Soon!

Halloween isn’t nearly as scary as November is about to become.  My first erotica story was just released.  I’m doing a presentation on the basics of fiction writing at the Florida Writers Conference.  And of course November is National Novel Writing Month with all the insanity that entails.  

Body, Mind, Spirit Day
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
This event will focus on various alternative techniques to help you achieve and improve overall health and wellness. Free lectures and demonstrations, vendors, mini-readings and more.

http://www.lulu.com/tp

I was working on the front garden this afternoon and suddenly various neighbors came out of their houses, faced east and stared into the sky.  The mysterious action is a sign those of us in Central Florida recognize.  People pouring out of office buildings to face the sky in the east.  Cars pulling over on the highway and people facing the sky in the east.  It means one thing–Shuttle Launch!  So I stopped gardening and faced east.  A beautiful launch.  The best Fourth of July rocket I’ve ever seen.