Ginger Simpson's Blog

 Topic: When did you decide to become an author, and what inspired you?

I'm not certain when I decided to become an author. I loved to read, ponder, and ask questions. Apparently, too many questions.

I was able to print my name, and my mother made sure I possessed a library card before I was enrolled in school.

Summers were spent with my paternal grandparents in the Texas panhandle. I recall sketching chickens and diligently noting that the eggs a chicken laid matched the color of the hen's ears (yes, chickens have ears).

I imagine my spelling was atrocious, but it mattered not because my story was proudly taped on the kitchen "ice box". 

I was a stay-at-home mom before my children enrolled in school. I worked from home (medical transcription, legal depositions, and deposition summaries).

My first published story was for a children's magazine, "Junior Medical Detective". I went on to publish in "Humpty Dumpty Magazine" and other children's/YA magazines, as well as other nonfiction magazines, before writing fiction novels.

I attended workshops and writing classes and toyed with the idea of writing fiction...but writing for children and writing for adults is more difficult than I realized. 

It's not only the topic, plot, sub-plot, and dialogue. It is sentence structure, word count, description, and emotions. It involves transitions, flashbacks, and the realization that you cannot force your "characters" to bend to your "will". It consists of writing, rewriting, and reminding yourself not to quit your "day job". 

I joined Romance Writers of  America and attended local meetings at the Orange County Chapter. We met at the Sizzler restaurant once a month (before moving to the Brea Library). I had wonderful mentors who looked over the first draft of my novel and encouraged me to make revisions. 😕 (Charlotte Lobb and Rita Rainville had red-penciled notes on my manuscript.) At the next meeting, I learned my novel was 50 pages too short. 😟

However, like all good stories, there was a HEA (happily ever after) ending to this story. My mentors, and my dear friend, Geeta (Kakade) Kingslesy, encouraged me until I succeeded. 😀

Did I stay on topic? 

I don't recall ever deciding to become an author. I memorized the oral histories told to me by my grandparents and great-grandmother. I observe the world around me. And I feel the unspoken emotions of those around me.  

And from this, the magic of an untold story begins...  

Happy Reading!

New this month, "Lynx" Rodeo Book 1 is available in audio. at Audioble.com 

https://www.amazon.com/Lynx-Rodeo-Romance-Book-1/dp/B0FK6RF75H/ref=sr_

For more adventures in writing, visit the talented authors participating in this month's blog:

Sally OdgersVictoria ChathamAnne StenhouseConnie Vines--You are here  :)Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/ Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3xySkye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Thank you, Skye, for another great topic! 

"My Favorite Character in Literature".

Naturally, my choice of a favorite literary character has changed over the years.

As a pre-teen, my favorite literary character was Nancy Drew. Prior to that time, I was primarily interested in horses and dogs.

As far as classical literature, Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is my favorite.

Although the story is told in the form of letters, diary entries, and news bits, from Jonathan Harker's point of view, the intensity of emotion allows the reader to become fully immersed in the story.

Dracula chronicles the vampire's journey from his castle in Transylvania to the streets of London.

Excerpts:

🌄

I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Capathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool. (page 6)

🦇

When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demonic fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. I drew away, and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. It made a change in him, for the fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe that it was ever there. (page 31).

🦇

All was dark and silent, the black shadows thrown from the moonlight seeming full of silent mystery of their own. (page 270).

Why do I re-read this classic novel by Bram Stoker?

There are other classic Gothic novels: 

Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, Jane Eyre, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. All of which I have read. 

This is the story that calls to me.

                                📕

And to be completely truthful, reading "Frankenstein" caused me to have nightmares. 

It is also why my paranormal stories tend to be of the RomCom variety.

Happy Reading, everyone!

Visit the other talented participants in this month's Round Robin: 

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Bob https://wp.me/p3Xihg-3vC

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/  (you are here)

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Bob https://wp.me/p3Xihg-3vC

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic: Creating Fictional Settings for Our Stories.

Last month, our topic was "Real Places" as a setting for our stories. Which was a breeze for me to write. 

While I may 'rename' a town in a story, I'm blending towns I've visited/resided in to create a fictional town. 

Which isn't precisely a fictional setting.

This is also true in my historical novels and short stories. Although my characters may be fictional, the time and place are accurate, preventing devastation.

My heroine may have a personal preference. However, the norms for that time and place will be structured. 

Other Worlds

World-building is a technique used by Science Fiction writers and may be used by Paranormal writers.

Charts and diagrams, rules, norms, kingdoms, alternate dimensions...

I have a tendency to "fixate" (like a four-year-old). 🤣  

Not to an unhealthy extent...but chronic enough to be noticed.

My children would rearrange a shelf with my knick-knacks...and wait...or hide my favorite pen...

You see where I'm going.. 

When I wrote the "Gumbo Ya Ya" anthology, I listened to New Orleans Jazz and Cajun music, prepared Cajun and Creole meals, and more. Since my husband's family lived in Louisiana, I knew its history and geography.  

In other words, I controlled myself. I did not arrange another family vacation. (Having been chased by an alligator during a prior visit to a swamp, probably had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm).

What am I working on at the moment?

This contemporary series will involve several characters from "Gumbo Ya Ya" in the stories (think cross-over series).

This next series will not be set in New Orleans. 

I also have a new YA Series in the planning stages.

Did I stay on topic?

Almost.

I wrote a RomCom Paranormal (which received rave reviews), and I thoroughly enjoyed writing!

Please hop over to the other authors participating in this month's event! 

Happy Reading,

Connie

Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3rJ

 Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/

Anne Stenhouse https://goo.gl/h4DtKv

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

A.J. Dyer http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

This month's Round Robin Topic:

Real places (current-day or historical). How do you make them authentic?

I set my novels (current-day and historical) in a familiar setting. 

My childhood was nomadic, and as an adult, my vacations triggered an idea for a story. 

Weird stuff always seemed to happen to me or around me, resulting in an "inciting incident" for the resulting story.

My work experience included numerous summer jobs and agency short-term assignments, providing fodder for my writing.

While I have zero experience in the life of a Zombie, the novella is set in Southern California. The Claremont Colleges are nearby, as are all the restaurants and vacation spots mentioned.

My Anthology is set in New Orleans, LA.  

I have vacationed there numerous times, and extended family scattered throughout the state.

New Orleans and the Cajun Bayou are famous for their cuisine. I've tasted or prepared every item I've mentioned. 

I was a fragrance consultant at a perfumery. My perfuming background is highlighted in "Love Potion #9. "Marrying off Murphy features a Bachelor Auction for charity (my non-profit background). A Slice of Scandal features the cooking show craze with a touch of murder. Lastly, "1-800-FORTUNE" features a French Quarter Fortune Teller and a Werewolf.

Each story has its own set of tried and true recipes.

My Rodeo Novels, Lynx and Brede, feature Montana, Wyoming, and Texas and the sport of rodeo. My paternal grandparents and three generations before them were Texans. My father rodeoed in high school. I credited "Lynx" with my recipe for "Texas Chili." 

 Please visit all the talented authors participating in this month's Blog Hop.

Happy Reading!

Connie

Bob Rich  https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2025/03/15/taking-you-there/

Aimee Mann (AJ Mcguire)

Belinda Edwards http://www.booksbybelinda.com/reallocations

Anne Stenhouse

Helena Fairfax

Judith Copek

Skye Taylor

 I've reinstated my weekly "What Connie's Reading" Blog Post from several years ago.
Why? I'm still reading and posting reviews (GoodReads, etc.). And because I missed everyone. xoxo
Of course, I still have a stack of readings in progress and a list of ebooks to be read...

This week's favorite read:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Must Read!
Katherine suspects her neighbor was murdered. Detective Tanner, a by-the-book guy, is assigned to the case. When the trail runs dry. Tanner discovers Katherine has a mind for the crime. Soon, they join forces to track down a murderer.
Set during WWI, the Spanish Flu Pandemic and Prohibition add a deeper layer of nuances that immerse the reader in the story. Twists. Turnes. And read herings deliver a satisfying who-done-it mystery.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221545676-a-killer-whisky
Publisher's Website: https://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/
Author's site: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1234856.Susan_Calder

 Thank you, Skye, for the Valentine's Day Topic 💖💕💟

Writing romance, what do I like (or dislike) about the genre and all other genres? Do you include romance in your stories?  

I do read and write multiple genres of fiction.  

The first 55,000-word novel I wrote and was published (under a pseudonym) was a romance novel. 

Why did I use a pseudonym? 

Already multi-published in Children's, YA, and Middle-Grade historical fiction. I was booked for speaking engagements, including local school sites and libraries; it kept the focus on the craft and allowed children to lead the discussions. 

What do I like about "Love and Romance"? 💝💖

The weaving of the story. Romance allows for an old-fashioned courting experience. The act of falling in love, taking chances, and even heartbreak before the "happily ever after."

I tend to write Sweet or RomCom Romances, though my Romance Anthology "Gumbo Ya Ya; for Women who like Cajun Romance." Includes multiple genes: "Marrying Off Murphy," "Love Potion # 9", "A Slice of Scandal," and "1-800-Fortune". 

What do I dislike about writing romance?

Dislike would be too harsh a label. I do not care for the current Trope focus. The storyline and the art of unexpected twists and turns have less of an impact on the reader. This is more apparent in a "Romance," in which the art of discovery and emotional connection is vitally important.

The second part of the question, "Do I include romance in my other stories?"

My historical MG/YA novel, "Whisper upon the Water." The reader learns what happened in the Epilogue.

And, yes, even my "extremely tame" Zombie story includes elements of romance :-)

"Brede" is the only "romantic suspense" novel I have written thus far.

Why?

The intensity of  "suspense" keeps me from sleeping at night. Like most writers, I experience the storyline's fear and uncertainty factor.

This may not seem a big deal for those who read true-crime nonfiction. However, the Wizard of Oz movie's talking trees still cause nightmares. And don't get me started on the original cartoon version of Bambi.

I hope you enjoyed this month's topic.

I'm looking forward to reading the other authors' take on romance.

Please click on the links below for my fellow authors in the Round Robin.  

Connie Vines

Bob Rich   https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3pV

A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/02/romance.html

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Anne Stenhouse https://annestenhousenovelistwordpress.com/

This month's topic, AI (Artificial intelligence), has many aspects. 

(Thank you, Skye)

Do you add a warning that your work cannot be used for the training of AI along with copyright info? 

Do you use AI in your writing? Will it replace the "human" writer(s)?

I am selective in my use of AI. I routinely utilize several spell-check and grammar-check applications.

Why? 

Because, in my case, I'm constantly being interrupted. I also revise mid-sentence while I'm writing. This means when I sit back at the keyboard or pause for several minutes, I begin with either the word And or But.

And and But? How unarticulate of me 😳

I also utilized the photo "Change" application. 

The "revised me" is a tongue-in-cheek promo tool in which Connie travels back in time or becomes a cowgirl. The second photo is obviously AI-generated. Usually, the clue is a missing or misplaced limb. As you can see, the left hand blends into the skirt.

(Via MakeUp Cam)

Please note the missing left hand (it blends into the dress skirt.) 

There is also a strange shape/ shadow on the dress's bodice.(Via Makeup cam)
Authors must now state that their work is their own creation, not AI-generated. 
Unfortunately, the author must also ensure that AI does not harvest creativity. AI mustn't be used to gather "our voice." Our creativity is the "human" aspect of our stories.
This requires an author to diligently ensure we find the boxes to check on social sites, websites, etc. (Perhaps this can be another blog topic.)
If we (as writers) allow AI to create our stories, we lose the connection to our readers. Our writing will be devoid of joy, humor, and quirky nuances.
And yes, my stories, as well as my life, are peppered with quirky nuances.
My posted photos would only be photos. Photos come alive when the author weaves a story about the photo shoot (a peek behind the camera, so to speak).
I write about my pets. My readers laugh at the photos and share tales about their pets.
This has been plucked from my Author, Connie Vines, FB page.


It's mani-pedi week. In case you can't tell, I'm in the top photo. Chanel has tiny paws, and Gavin has hard-running, manly paws.
Now, can AI create that story?




AI may be able to produce a photo of a rose. But not my rose. Nor can AI describe the particular nuance of notes and emotions the fragrance evokes.
AI can assist us, but we must be diligent. 
Skills can be lost. Skills that will be needed in the future. 
Cursive writing is an example. Cursive writing and playing a musical instrument activate a particular brain area. That area of the brain will never be developed or utilized otherwise.
Please visit the participants in this month's Round Robin participants about their take on the world of AI.
As readers, what are your thoughts an AI?



Happy Reading,
Connie Hurry on over! These talented authors have tales to tell :)

AJ MaGuire  https://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Connie Vines  (you are here)

Helena Fairfax  https://helenafairfax.com/blog/

Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3oC 

Skye Taylor Blogging by the Sea

 

I'm Blogging Today

  Follow my link to my publisher's website.

I've posted a short story today, and it's FREE!!

Connie's Free Read   

Posted December 28, 2024

 

 Christmas and the Winter Holidays are filled with the joy of Fellowship, Love, Gifts, and (of course) Food.

I hope you enjoy my flash fiction story! 🎄🎅 

© Warm Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses 

A Flash Fiction Story

By Connie Vines

He always ordered a slice of gingerbread and black coffee. Hearing his voice through the headset made my morning, which is why I volunteered to work the drive-thru.

Was it his southern drawl, his friendly smile, or the way G.B., the Irish Setter, rested his chin on Mason's shoulder so adoringly that it won me over?   I'm not sure. I only know I developed an impossible-to-hide-crush.

Mason finally asked me out, and now we are engaged.

We're perfect together, like hot chocolate with whipped cream or gingerbread cookies and milk.

We are [planning a small winter wedding. Our family organized a potluck reception. My dad will walk me down the aisle of the church. And G.B. (AKA) Gingerbread Boy) is excited to be our ring bearer.

XOXO,

Connie 

Everyone has posted a Holiday Gift for our Readers/Followers 🎁

Please follow the links:

Connie Vines (you are here) http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Anne Graham/Stenhouse

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/2024/12/21/round-robin-december-2024-christmas-story/ 

Marci Baun https://www.marcibaun.com/
Helena Fairfax
Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3nE

Skye Taylor




Remember, Smashwords is having a huge sale until December 26. All my are 50% off. So, Stuff those Stockings ebooks for $1.50!
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vinesbwl

 

The Right Career for Your Characters.
November's topic from Skye:  Creating a believable career for your character(s).
#1 brew a cup of coffee. Tonight, it's Columbian Roast with a splash of milk, served in a "Peanuts Snoopy" mug with Snoopy seated next to a typewriter.
#2 In the weeks before plopping myself in front of the keyboard for a dedicated writing session, I heard bits of dialogue or conversations in my head. I also have a sense of time and place.
#3 Then...My dreams have music. It's one theme song, replaying on a loop. All. Night. Long. It's cranked up to "movie theater" loud. One night, the theme of "How The West Was Won" or "The Yellow Rose of Texas," or my least favorite song of all time, "Stand by Your Man."
#4 He's a Texan. A Bullrider. The "Wildcat" of the rodeo circuit. His name is Lynx Maddox.
#5 The Heroine? She must have a connection to the rodeo world. Rachel Scott's father was a bronc rider. She lived with her grandmother while her parents traveled the circuit. 
#6 She's attending a local college while supporting herself waitressing at the local diner. 
#7 The Opening Scene: 
Chapter One, Rodeo Romance, Book 1, "Lynx"
Charlene hadn't told Rachel that she'd fixed her up with a cowboy, much less Lynx Maddox, the "Wild Cat" of the rodeo circuit. Rachel sighed. She should have known. After all, Charlene only dated men who wore boots and Stetson.
Rachel Scott cringed at the thought even as her gaze took in the breadth of Lynx Maddox's chest, broad shoulders, and dark green eyes, which scanned her with blatant masculine approval.
Despite her stern efforts to control it, her heart pounded against her ribcage. She'd seen him sitting at the table with Charlene Davis and Dan Elder before he spotted her. She'd allowed herself to look when he walked her way--looking didn't hurt. And it was okay to dream--a little fantasy never harmed a woman. But that was where it ended. After watching her father die in the arena, Rachel had sworn she'd never have anything to do with another rodeo cowboy. She stopped her train of thought and gave the cowboy a smile.
"Nice to meet you," she said, accepting his extended hand. She felt the strength in his warm, calloused fingers. Rachel tried to ignore a fluttering sensation low in her stomach. There was one thing she was sure of as she looked up into his piercing eyes and uncompromising jaw--men like him had trouble written all over them. And she doubted Lynx Maddox would prove to be an exception.
"Rachel, I'm glad you came tonight." His voice was soft as velvet and laced with a Texas drawl.
He smelled of woodsy masculine cologne, and the sudden rise in her body temperature alerted Rachel to the unexpected twists in this encounter—she was much too aware of the sexy cowboy. She focused on the warmth of his hand against hers and knew that although his grip was light, he was very strong. His presence had a power; it vibrated everywhere, even from the sawdust-covered floor beneath her feet.His slow, lingering smile seemed to unravel what remained of her composure...
💖

#8 Many authors approach setting up a career for their characters systematically and logically. However, my mind doesn't work that way. 
I often have general knowledge. My father is from Texas, and I've lived in the panhandle and vacationed in Montana. I've mucked out stalls, ridden horses, and even taken a tumble. 
However, I knew almost nothing about the sport of Bull Riding, aside from the fact that "I can't even watch it on television." 
I had never worked in a fast-food restaurant, diner, or as a waitress in a restaurant. 
#9 So, how did I overcome my ignorance? I annoyed people, mostly. I interviewed friends and strangers familiar with ranching/western life. I also read rodeo books and magazines and convinced my children and husband they had always wanted to attend rodeo events. 😉
#10  One must remember to walk in each character's shoes, paying attention to detail in each person's point of view and temperament. Rachel's background will color her reactions. She is an introvert but will stand her ground. Lynx is self-assured and self-reliant, with a cowboy's code of honor. Charlene is an extrovert who has never met a stranger. Dan is Lynx's wingman and cousin.
# 11 The career must also advance the story's plot, and the character's actions, reactions, and life choices must ring true. (Be sure to read my rodeo arena and Honky Tonk Bar scenes, the latter a nod to my late cousin Clancy Carlile.) 

















 Thank you for stopping by :)
Please visit the talented authors participating in this month's Blog Hop. I'm visiting their websites now!!
XOXOConnie 

 Helena Fairfax

Anne Stenhouse

Victoria Chatham

Dr. Bob Rich

Diane Bator

Marci Baun

Skye Taylor