Penning the Perfect Plot with Guest Blogger: Dianne Venetta

Win a copy of Lust on the Rocks and meet author Dianne Venetta today at the Book Boost!


Here's what she had to say...


When a writer sits down to pen a novel (an outdated notion in this age of computers?), a variety of things come to mind, not the least of which are goal, motivation and conflict; the who, what, where and why that comprises the meat of any novel. But each individual works through these points in their own way, from allowing the story to flow in and through the author of its own accord (pantser) to building a framework around an idea from which to build the details and description.


I myself am a combination. While the characters occur to me in random fashion through bits and pieces of conversation or imagery of action-packed drama, I like to know where we’re going. I mean, I’m all about adventure and spontaneity but I don’t like to waste my time, either and let me tell you—these characters will take you down all sorts of paths if you let them!


“Well, it sounded like fun at the time, didn’t it?” Sure did, you think, wiping the sweat from your brow, tamping down the angst in your gut against the pound of your heart.


But as the mother of two with a 4000 sq. ft. organic garden, active volunteer schedule and busy writing career—I don’t have time to spare for pointless thrill! Which is why I like to plot where these gals plan to gallivant before we take the first step out the door. I like to know what we’re going to learn from this adventure and I must have an inkling we will see that HEA. Why else write?


Works the same for me as a reader. Don’t scare me into nightmare mode but do make me think twice about the things I’ve taken for granted all my life. Give me a fun-filled ride and by all means leave me with the glorious hope of happy-ever-after. Real life is hard enough as it is not to believe everything will work out for the best, right?


However, crafting this kind of emotional punch takes time. It takes thought and effort and while I admire those who can fly through their stories on the wings of their characters, I cannot. (Did I mention I’m not real fond of heights?) I prefer to brainstorm, jot down fleeting thoughts and full-blown visions that occur to me (usually while I’m in the shower) and then file them away in folders until needed.


And I LOVE the use of colorful sticky notes for my storyboard. I’m very visual in my creativity, so glancing at a board covered in pink, blue, yellow, purple and green really gives me a good idea as to the “balance” of my novel. Is the romance evenly distributed throughout? Is the conflict hitting my heroine at every turn? How about my character’s motivation? Are we keeping it in mind as we cruise chapter to chapter?


These are the elements that make a story work, that keep a reader reading—and the only way I know how to make it all work. But the best part about writing a novel?


I love every minute of it. I love writing, coming up with the drama and conflict and then throwing it at my characters just to see how they’ll respond. Does that make me a bad person? The fact that I enjoy testing my heroine scene after scene? :)


Nope. It makes for a solid read. My current novel is Lust On The Rocks featuring one feisty Samantha Rawlings. She’s a lady lawyer in Miami who wants nothing of love and commitment and in fact, savors her sexual freedom. Her heart is pure gold though, a power she wields on behalf of her clients, her friends and family—but not her lovers.


Until Victor Marin. He’s a man with a fire and passion that matches her own, yet his need for love and commitment drives everything he does. When the two come together, the expected fireworks are tremendous, but it’s what happens when he’s gone that becomes explosive for Sam—and her biggest challenge to date.


I hope you all enjoy reading Lust On The Rocks as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. It’s the second in a connected series, following Jennifer's Garden.



Blurb:


She has what he needs, and he won't stop until he gets it. Trouble is, what begins as a matter of death, becomes a matter of life.

One case away from partnership, Samantha Rawlings is forced to share her high-profile case with a sexy younger man, whose eyes are on a different prize. In the best interests of her client, Sam opens the door to his strategy. Turns out, a little too far...

Victor Marin has ulterior motives. The defendant in her case holds the key to his revenge, and his last chance for justice. But as he chases old demons, he uncovers a powerful woman with no inhibitions, one he wants to possess for himself. But decidedly single, Sam wants no part.

Until Vic walks away.

Want More Dianne?

Visit her website here: http://www.diannevenetta.com

Read exciting excerpts here.

Pick up a copy of her book today! Click here.

Contest Time:

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