Divorce Etiquette Is Now On Kindle

I'm please to share the news that Divorce Etiquette is now on Amazon Kindle!

Divorce Etiquette
by Monique DeVere

A Contemporary Romance (Reunion/Second Chance Romance) available from The Wild Rose Press and several other online book stores including Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Blurb:

They're breaking every rule of divorce etiquette!

Sometimes, a whirlwind marriage doesn’t lead to happily-ever-after…Nor does a quickie divorce.

Turnaround expert Andrew Boston can turn any failing business into a huge success, but he couldn’t fix his marriage. A family tragedy left Andrew unable to commit to fatherhood, but he can’t let Michelle walk away. He’s determined to win her back and prove a relationship between the two of them can work perfectly well without bringing children into the equation…

Corporate lawyer Michelle Boston divorced Andrew two and a half years ago—and for good reason. She learnt a whirlwind marriage did not mean happily-ever-after. Nor, unfortunately, did a quickie divorce. 

Especially when neither Andrew nor Michelle can stick to the first rule of divorce etiquette: no kissing!

Excerpt:

He hunched down next to her chair, leaned in a couple of inches to add intimacy to his deep rumbling tone. "I have a few rules of my own."

Michelle gulped. This was going to be harder than she thought. "You're breaking the second rule."

"Am I?" He was so close her stomach did a little flip. She wanted to lose herself in his beautiful smoky gaze. "You made five rules. I want five too."

"You do?" What restrictions could he possibly put on her? She was completely innocent in this. If he would just keep his distance, she could move on, and everything would be fine.

"Rule six," he began, his gaze roaming over her face. "Stop looking at me as if you'd like to lick ice cream right off me."

Michelle gasped under the shock of his evocative words. A memory of her doing just that hit her low in her belly.

Before she could recover, he continued, "Rule seven. No wearing sexy little hipsters that flash your underwear when you bend over."

That did it. Her gasp turned to a splutter, her face suffused with heat that had nothing to do with the warm sunshine.

"Rule eight," he continued, as though she wasn't about to suffocate under the weight of embarrassment. "Don't wear your hair down. It makes me want to bury my hands in it.

"Rule nine. No wearing little black dresses--they make me want to see you naked."

His cultured voice reverberated through her until every nerve in her body jangled, her bones melted, and a shuddering sigh escaped her.

"And ten, no more crying." He didn't even seem to notice she'd practically dissolved at his feet. "It makes your mouth pouty and far too kissable." He stood and took the Maplewood chair opposite Michelle's, his knee brushing hers as he sat down.

Obviously, rule five meant nothing to him.

View Trailer on YouTube or on my Author page @ Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Pull Up A Chair With Mon: Characterize Your Characters

Let's Talk About: Characterizing Your Characters

I'm not a very faithful blogger, am I? But I hope when I do get time to blog you find the content worthwhile.

Today I'd like to give you a quick tip on characterization. I know-I know, everybody and his dog talks about characterization, but I'm hoping you find a gem in here somewhere.

Don't worry; I'm not going to suggest you spend hours interviewing your characters so you can "get to know them". I value my time—as I’m sure you do too—and can't stand anything that waste it. This is why I've never been able to bring myself to interview my characters. By the time I've filled out one of those arduous character profiles, I've lost the will to write! 

The way I see it, if I have a scene where I need to know my character’s favourite ice cream, or most embarrassing experience, she or he will tell me when I need the info. I'm happy to write on a need-to-know basis. As far as I'm concerned, any information I have on my character that isn't necessary for the reader to know can only mean I've got lots of padding available should I get lazy and decide to bore my reader with nonsense. 

But I hasten to add: this is my opinion!

I take my hat off to anyone who enjoys interviewing their characters and filling out 100 Qs questionnaires before putting finger to keyboard. If this is your way and you're happy with it...(I tip my hat).

However, if you are a busy author and recognize the need for effective writing tools, stick with me, I'll tell you how I characterize my characters.

Have you ever written a scene and your CPs point out that your POV character is behaving out of character? The reason is most likely you didn't take the time to give your character traits. Yes, character traits are an amazing way to ensure your character always stays in character.

Character traits are characteristics, which makes your character special. Things like habits, likes and dislikes, values, manners, personality, behaviour. For example a hero who is: daring, unpredictable, creative and a terrible timekeeper. Or a heroine who is responsible, work-orientated, guarded and generous.

I believe you only need a few things in your character profile to bring your character to life: 

Ø  Give your main characters three or four basic character traits. Having one subtext trait as well would add another dimension to your character.

Ø  Ensure your character has a GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict).

Ø  Make your character interesting by giving them a paradox to their personality. (ie the supermodel who is a gourmet cook. The tough footballer who has a marine biology degree). Paradoxes create fascinating characters that will continually surprise your readers. Give your characters a paradox if you want your characters to be unique and memorable.

Ø  Does your character have a secret he or she is hiding? Secrets can add depth to your story as well as your character and provide opportunities for subtext, suspense, and surprise.

Ø Give your character a flaw—nobody is perfect! Flaws make characters more human.

Ø  Is there something special about your character? This is the one thing that completely separates your character from every other character—even those with similar personalities.

Keep your characters in character by making sure you have them act and react in relation to their traits.

That's my handy tip for today.

Join me again soon when I'll be talking about subtext and subtext traits.

Character Profile Recap:

-GMC

-Three or four traits

-Character Paradox

-Secret

-Flaw

-What makes your character special

If this helped you, or you would like to share your own method for characterizing your characters, please leave a comment.

Thanks so much for stopping by.