Writing tip - open with a question

When embarking on a new project, the hardest thing for me is always that first sentence. There's a reason for that, I think, because it's that first sentence that's going to grab the reader's attention and hold it for long enough to get them hooked on the story. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received, was to open with a sentence that creates a question in the mind of the reader. As an example, I'll use the first sentence I wrote for THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY LUCINDA which reads as follows, "Run, Lucy, run - as fast as you can!"
The reader is being dropped, right in the middle of the action, and immediately wonders who Lucy is, why she's being told to run and what the urgency might be, but in order to find out, they'll have to keep on reading. Creating questions like this, not only at the beginning but throughout your book is what makes it impossible for the reader to put your book down, because they'll want to know what happens next, especially when such questions are placed at the end of chapters. It seems like such a simple trick really, and yet it's something that (at least for me) requires a conscious effort. In the end however, it's likely to make the difference between a page turner and a book that's easily put aside half way through, so I'd say it's well worth spending some time on =)

Work in progress...

I've been driving myself mad trying to figure out how to make this work - a short story (or perhaps one that will turn into a really long one), written by anyone willing to add a few lines here and there. In other words, a bit of creative fun for anyone with a bit of a writer in them =)
Here's how it's going to work: I'll write the first bit, and since I am a Regency romance writer, I will be starting out in that era - apologies to anyone hoping this would be contemporary or paranormal etc. If you want to add to the story, please do so in the comment section below. I will check in regularly to copy and paste your bit into the post, making sure to add your user name in parenthesis next to your contribution. Therefore, if you would like to add something, please check the latest comment first since this will be where the story has left off. Thank you so much to anyone willing to participate - I'm hoping that this will be a great deal of fun for us all!!!
NB: This is a collaboration in creativity - not something that will ever be published! You may make as many contributions as you like, though each one should be limited to one paragraph or eight lines of dialogue and with someone else posting in between. Also, I reserve the right to permanently delete any posts that I consider to be inappropriate for this blog. Thanks!


London, England, 1815

(Sophie Barnes) A loud crack split the air, scattering the birds that had still been resting peacefully in their nests. Nigel Bainley, Earl of Foxwood, blinked. To his astonishment he was still standing upright instead of lying lifeless on the rain drenched grass, which was what he'd expected. Squinting, he peered through the fog as it sifted between the trees, trying to locate his opponent - a youth whose life was rapidly turning into a more reckless one than his own. By God, he'd barely said two words in reference to the delightful attributes of the lad's sister when he'd been called out. Complete madness to his way of thinking, but then again, he didn't have any sister's, so perhaps that explained why he couldn't quite comprehend why anyone would find the words 'lusciously ripe' so offensive.
(Marla Gollady) He could not help it if the lad's sister was exactly as he described, a "lusciously ripe" debutant. Brothers were a strange breed, one, he again could not comprehend, being an only child.

The Scandal In Kissing An Heir

It looks as if I'm finally done and ready to send my 99,000 word manuscript over to my editor. My deadline is April 15th, so I'm going to hold on to it just a little while yet. I don't know, but I always have this feeling of apprehension when my books leave my hands for the very first time so for now I'm just enjoying the relief that comes with having written the final word. It's strange in a way, having had my daily word count shaping each day for the past 4 months with a concrete purpose. I feel a bit adrift now that I'm done, but that won't last too long. There's still the third book in the series for me to get started on and then of course I have new proposals to send to my editor, but for the rest of this week I'm going to spend some time on my house and garden together with my family. Spring is here and after being cooped up inside the whole winter, I cannot wait to get out and take a breath of fresh air!

I am moving from Impulse to Print!

Hello everyone!

I've been waiting so long to share this with all of you and am absolutely thrilled to finally announce that I am moving from Impulse to Print! If you'd like to know how this came about, please read on =)

In May of 2012, after submitting a proposal for Five Golden Rings, my editor called to ask if I would be interested in turning my idea into a three book series instead. I was thrilled with the offer, although, after hanging up the phone and jumping up & down with excitement a few times, I realized I now had two problems: one, I would have to think of a different idea for Five Golden Rings, and two, I would have to turn my idea for a short novella into three full-length novels. In the end, the first novel in the series, THE TROUBLE WITH BEING A DUKE, is the one that's based on my original idea while I thought up three new concepts for the sequels. All three books have two things in common though - the heroes and heroines all make an appearance at the infamous Kingsborough Ball, and they're all gathered in the same spot when one of them gets shot by an assassin.
From a duke who falls in love with the daughter of a carriage driver (who's also practically engaged to another man), to a lady who's feigned insanity to avoid being married off to an old relic and a widow who will risk her life to protect her daughter when the past comes back to haunt her - prepare yourselves for the fairytale adventure that the Kingsborough Ball will bring.

The Trouble With Being A Duke is now available for pre-order and will be in stores on August 27th 2013. For more information and to watch the trailer, please visit my website at: www.sophiebarnes.com

Thank you so much everyone! I know that this opportunity is largely due to your wonderful support.

With the very best wishes,

Sophie

Get Your Own Copy: Amazon | B&n  |  Harper Collins | BAM | Powell's

Giveaway - A Valentine’s Day Gone Awry

Leonora Compton and Connor Talbot, The Earl of Redfirn (Five Golden Rings) were affianced at Christmas. They are now looking forward to a March wedding with great anticipation, but in the meantime, there’s a Valentine’s Day for them to celebrate.

It was impossible for Connor to relax as he strode through the foyer of the theatre, dressed in his evening black.

 Christ, what a day!

To think it could be so difficult to pull off a surprise was unfathomable. Who would have thought that getting Leonora to the right place at the right time would be such a task? He’d lost track of how many times he’d had to alter his plans because of some infernal obstacle.

It was now eight o’clock in the evening, no less than ten hours since he’d first arrived upon Leonora’s doorstep, intent on taking her out for a morning ride, only to discover that she wasn’t at home. From what he’d understood, some emergency situation pertaining to Lady Rowena (the latest unmarried lady under Leonora’s protection) and Lord Vanick (the current candidate for Lady Rowena’s hand) had arisen. Muttering an oath as he climbed the stairs to the first floor of the theatre, Connor pictured Leonora hurrying off to save whatever disaster had befallen Lady Rowena without a single thought for herself – or him. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. If there was a match to be made, then God help the unfortunate fellow who happened to get in Leonora’s way. It was one of the things he loved about her – her investment in other people’s future happiness.

A day in the life of a historical romance novelist

Becoming a recognized romance writer has been such a whirlwind experience for me that I still can’t quite believe it is happening. How great is it to be able to do what you love day in and day out, not just as a hobby, but because people actually have a genuine interest in your work?

Having only recently begun to share the details of my writing career with people, I’ve been met with an astounding amount of support and congratulations, usually followed by tons of questions about the genre and my plots in particular. I think a lot of people are under the assumption that my days must be truly extraordinary to inspire such stories. Well … occasionally, but most days are not.

My life revolves around my family – my wonderful husband and incredible boys whom I love with all my heart and soul. The stories I write are mostly fiction, meant to entertain and

The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda - Chapter 1

Chapter One

London, 1817

William Summersby stared into the darkness that surrounded the terrace of Trenton House. He’d stepped outside with his father in order to escape the squeeze inside the ballroom. Taking a sip from the glass of Champagne in his hand, he shot a quick glance in his father’s direction. “I’ve made up my mind, Papa.”

Bryce said nothing in response to this, but merely waited for his son to continue, the cigar he held in his hand seemingly forgotten for the moment.

“I’ve decided to marry.”