Everyone needs a framework, whether it’s building a house or doing the world building for paranormal romance novels. Readers need a reference point, a way to relate to both the setting and the story the characters are venturing through.

When you pick up a sci-fi novel, you expect it to show you brand new devices, far-off foreign places, and unique characters and creatures. An author has no limits, as long as the reader can relate and ‘see’ the situations, equipment, etc. That takes a deft hand and much behind the scenes world building to pull it off seamlessly in the story.

When you’re using a real-world setting, you can definitely take liberties, but you also have a responsibility to work within the framework of reality. (beyond just sticking with the laws of nature)

In The Matchmaker’s Mark, the first of my new paranormal romance series set in Charleston, South Carolina, I took some liberties within the city setting, but I worked to make it resonate with people familiar with the area.

One of my favorite comments from readers is that they recognized the Mexican restaurant where Lily and her brother Cade confronted a werewolf. It makes me happy to know that while I renamed the actual restaurant, the locals knew just where I was talking about.

Named Mama Rita’s in my fictional world, the massive burritos, layout of the place, and glowing reputation is all very much the same as it is in the real world.

Authors do that all the time -in every genre of writing – taking a real place and moving their characters through it. After all, the reality we’re living in is the most familiar framework available to us personally or through extensive research. The goal is that our characters add richness and depth to an area readers know well or can experience vicariously.

When I use real places in my futuristic Shadows of Justice series or in the contemporary Matchmaker series, I do it for myself – as a framework – but also for the reader. That familiarity is both a touchstone and a springboard for my imagination and the adventure that follows.

Live the adventure!

It was a busy, wonderful week for Tracking Shadows, book 4 in the Shadows of Justice series! The story of Slick Micky, notorious Chicago smuggler and Trina Durham, the assassin hired to eliminate him, has won its first award:

I was thrilled to hear the book won 2nd place, especially considering the excellent company it was up against. To everyone who voted for Tracking Shadows, you have my heartfelt gratitude. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It’s such a great feeling to know readers are enjoying these 2096 adventures.

Here’s the back cover blurb…

In Chicago, Slick Micky is the king of smuggling. Known to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere, he specializes in caffeine and sugar and works in the anonymity of shadows. But recently an old enemy is tired of waiting for Micky’s empire to crumble and has called in the best assassin in the business to take him out.

Trina Durham is an assassin with a sterling reputation, thanks to her unique ability to induce deadly hallucinations. When Slick Micky killed her best friend, she left Chicago – forever. She’s back now, unable to resist the perfect opportunity for vengeance. But no one warned her Slick Micky might as well be a shadow. Or that shedding light on the man and his secrets would put both her heart and reputation at risk.

(Want to read a sample? Just click here!)

…and a few words from readers and reviewers:

“Tracking Shadows is a smart, sexy, and dangerous read that you won’t be able to put down!”

Crystal <3

“All the elements readers have come to expect from a 2096 novel– a kick-butt alpha female lead, an equally strong hero, and a gritty, fast-paced thriller.”

“…film noir atmosphere with the tinge of a science fiction…”

The Bookish Dame 5 stars (Amazon)

“Join Ms. Black for this amazing addition to a powerful series – you won’t be able to put it down once you start.”

Jordan 5 stars (Amazon)

“I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves futuristic urban fantasy mixed in with some good old-fashioned mushy stuff. Way to go Ms. Regan, you deserve the elusive 5 stars from me.”

Penelope Adams 5/5 stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild

Thanks again for voting!

Live the adventure!

Welcome to part two in the Tuesday series of teamwork for writing success. Whether you’re a paranormal romance author like me, or you write in any other genre, trad or indie published, teamwork matters.

Based on my own experiences, I believe teamwork makes the difference and the first step is finding a writing group that fits your needs, either online or in person.

A positive, active writing community is essential for success no matter what your writing goals are.

It was during my first critique session with my local RWA chapter that I learned my writing voice bent naturally toward the genre of paranormal romance novels. The exceprt I shared that week was from a novel aimed at the romantic suspense audience, but everyone who read it commented that I needed to show the paranormal element sooner.

“There isn’t any paranormal element,” I thought. But when I took a look at the comments and compared them against the manuscript, I realized my vocabulary, mood and even the world building were better suited for paranormal romance readers.

A good writing group will help you identify your strengths. They will foster and encourage each other through accountability and camaraderie.

We all have days when we get lost in the research when we should be writing. We all have to deal with and conquer life distractions as frivolous as twitter and as serious as a family crises.

The give and take, the wisdom and support, the references and referrals, from writers who have ‘been there‘ is a vital element of team spirit and personal growth for an author at every stage of the game. No matter if ‘there’ is a form rejection, The Call!, or the choice to go Indie.

Writing groups are also essential for keeping your sanity. Not every one has imaginary friends that keep them up at night or show up in sleeping or waking dreams (those folks are missing out, in my opinion).  Connecting with a writing community, you realize you’re not as alone on this journey as it feels sometimes.

Match that positive camaraderie with smart programming to help writers with everything from grammar to marketing and you start to realize that a writing community is the solid foundation for teamwork which is vital to success, no matter what your writing goals are.

Live the adventure!

Today I’m launching a new series based on my experiences in traditional and indie publishing. Over the next few Tuesdays, you’ll find posts about writing, publication, and marketing and how it takes a village (or at least a committed team) to get a book to readers these days.

Whenever I get the chance, I encourage people to find what they’re good at, and nurture it. We all have skills and strengths and experience. Learning what those skills and strengths are, using them well, sets us apart from the pack, no matter what we do.

“What are you writing when the words flow effortlessly? Go write that!” It was the question (and advice) posed to me at the very beginning of my fiction writing adventure. And it’s made all the difference as I’ve developed my craft into a career.

That one phrase from a wise published author set me free to follow the darkness lurking inside my imagination, resulting in my first sale: a paranormal romance novel. That sale led to the Shadows of Justice series. (Book 5, Shadows to Light, is now available).

Which brings me to my first point of teamwork for writers of paranormal romance novels or any genre: you need support from other writers.

You can’t write in a vacuum (though some days I’m inclined to try). That’s as true as the statement “You can’t edit a blank page”. While I have no intention (nor the ability) to follow Hemingway’s example of living out the story I want to write, writers need support to learn their craft.

Passion is inherent, and talent doesn’t hurt, but when it comes to writing for an audience you need to match consistent, persistent effort with education.

While the publishing industry is a fluid concept these days, what readers crave – a great read – will never change.

So to start building the team that will help you hone your writing craft as craft is the one thing you have the most control over and the one thing that makes readers return for another great read.

A writing class is good start and a writer’s group with people of various levels of expertise is invaluable.

I’ll forever treasure the authors and industry professionals I met at my local writer groups as well as at regional and national conferences who shared their knowledge and encouragement in equal measure.

Through those groups I made lifelong friends, found critique partners, met agents and editors, and learned everything from industry to formatting from the speakers at classes and retreats.

Most of all, those writing groups helped me identify my particular strengths and weaknesses and made me aware that while writing is an individual sport, I wasn’t alone with my doubts, insecurities or triumphs.

You can find writing groups online, through your local bookstore, or even through your local schools.

Live the adventure!

You may have caught my earlier posts about having repair work done around the house recently. As I watched the carpenter and his crew, I felt immense gratitude that I was a paranormal romance author and not a contractor.

I mean it. How do builders learn this stuff?

The good ones seem to have an inherent knack for it. They just know which tool does which job and how to take apart and reassemble things like door jambs without making a bigger mess. Me, being the less-than-patient sort, I’d likely crack that molding they so carefully pried apart.

When I asked him, he pointed out that he wouldn’t have the first clue how to write a paranormal romance novel.

My mind just doesn’t work that way. I’ve decided, having watched more than a few repairmen work on my house over the years, that the good ones are gifted in the way they view the task at hand. They see their world through a different scope.

And they have the patience to do the job right.

Much like my husband can tell you everything about how a circuit works or how a data pack transmits over the internet and what an acceptable loss rate is, a good builder just sees the way things should go together.

One thing you’ll always hear from me is that EVERYone has a gift, talent or skill that can be applied toward creating a successful life.

You just have to find it, nurture it, and then run with it.

It’s no big shock around here that I don’t have the patience, skillset, or physical ability to do the repairs and improvements. I wanted to learn some home renovation skills many years ago, was actually on my way, but life had other plans.

So I rambled along what I saw as a detour and turned what I considered a hobby into a career. I don’t think I wrote that first poem or story with the intention of winding up here, a published author of six novels, numerous short stories and two non-fiction works.

But now, I can’t see my life any other way. And I wouldn’t want to.

The characters and the adventures from each opening scene to each happy ending has become a journey I crave every morning when I wake up. Developing ideas into books readers and reviewers enjoy is the best kind of reward for this paranormal romance author!

Live the adventure!

You might remember my announcement about signing up for the Reading Romances Challenge for 2012.  It should be a fun way for readers and authors to connect about books, and stretch our ‘reading horizons’.  I’ve decided to make the first Thursday of the month the day I post about the current challenge.

As a paranormal romance author, you might think that’s all I read. Unless you’re a frequent visitor, and then you’ll know that I consider historical romance my particular indulgence. Sure I read lots of paranormal romance novels, and I love the genre, but this reading challenge hosted by Nat is about trying new things too.

She gave us an easy January challenge to kick off 2012:

Read a book that is first of a series, by an author that is “new” to you or a debut novel by an author.

OR - Read a romance that has a teen as the protagonist.

OR - Read an Erotic Romance or Erotica.

Based on my daughter’s enthusiasm for a new-to-her author, Ally Carter, I chose Heist Society for my January Challenge. Here’s a quick overview from Gillian Engberg of Booklist at the Amazon page:

My daughter is already pestering me (in the best possible way) about how far I’ve read (page 1) and what I think (so far I like the writer’s voice, lol). When I’m done I’ll post a review here as a Book Feature and at Nat’s site, per the Reading Romances Challenge.

As the author of several paranormal romance novels, I have added book prizes to the Reading Romances that will come up during the year. I’ll be sure to let you know when (and what) will be ‘up for grabs’.

Remember, you can join the challenge any time this year. It’s designed to be fun for readers and authors both!

Live the adventure

As a paranormal romance author I like to think of world building for a paranormal romance novel as a process of adding in the extra spark, giving the reader a pleasant jolt or dark surprise.

As a fan of Nora Roberts, I have to bow to world building so effective it makes me change my routine. You may think that sounds silly, but it’s true!

Usually when I’m working on one of my paranormal romance novels, I read either historical romance or I re-read favorite books that have become like old friends.

Lately Nora’s Bride Quartet (Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savor the Moment, and Happy Ever After) fit the bill perfectly.

So how can the world building Roberts applies for her popular contemporary romance novels actually change my real world routine?

I believe it’s because she does such a fine job with the details. A reader gets swept away until you can see the sparkle on the gowns, feel the happy buzz of champagne, and catch the scent of lilies and freshly baked cake in the air.

More, Roberts’ makes you feel it – in your heart – and an engaged reader just sort of slips into her well-crafted fantasy. Even the workout habits of the four are part of the world building. And if you’re not careful, a reader could actually pick up some good advice along the way.

We all need fresh air, close friends, and exercise. As I read about Parker encouraging Mac to add cardio to her fitness routine, I think, ‘yeah me too’. Fictional Mac might be preparing for her fictional wedding, but in reality fitness matters and she makes it seem manageable and almost appealing.

When Roberts incorporates something so simple, and incorporates it so smoothly, you almost don’t realize you’re getting tips, much less expert world building for the novel itself.

I believe writers should follow that same example and look for opportunities to add the details to the world building for paranormal romance novels – or any genre – so the story will come alive for the reader.

The workout room is part of the routine of the foursome in the Bride Quartet, but it’s more than that. It gives that added layer, provides another glimpse into each character’s development, as well as their relationships with the other characters.

It’s lovely really. And re-reading the Bride Quartet while I use my stair machine and let my own story percolate in the back of my head means my thighs should be in great shape by the time my next paranormal romance novel comes out this spring.

Live the adventure!

With all the recent repairs going on around here, I’ve been forced to re-examine the original wish list we made when we moved in to this house 12 years ago. Looking back, I realize just how many changes this house and our family has seen…

This house was where I discovered I could write novels. Then we discovered I excelled at paranormal romance novels. When I made my first sale (Justice Incarnate) and we started mapping my career goals, we dreamed up numbers and all the things we’d accomplish with each subsequent sale.

It was a standard sort of list. We wanted to eliminate debt. We considered a few home improvements that included a dedicated office just for me. We wanted to boost the college fund.

Well, as happens with life, our circumstances changed and we had to adapt.

Some things got put off. Upgrades became hopes instead of real goals and my career took a back seat when our daughter suffered health problems during my husband’s year-long deployment with the Army.

By the time I was ready to get back in the publishing game, the whole industry was changing. Revisiting the proposals from previous years I knew they weren’t going to cut it and my action packed thrillers with an edge of paranormal romance were too much of a risk for traditional publishers.

I faced a choice. Become a greeter at Wal-mart or step boldly into the unknown and take my career in a new direction.

Then my back injury narrowed my options even more.

So I took the chance, reclaiming the rights to my original two books and short stories in the Shadows of Justice series and moved forward. Who knew it would be such an odd and crazy journey…

Finding a cover artist was only the first step. Going indie meant revamping my website and learning how to increase my visibility online. It meant seeking out my target audience, honing my message for readers, and through it all, writing like the wind to get more books to those readers.

Are you wondering how it’s working out?

Thanks to my marketing team, the site is ranking well in searches and the newsletter list is growing each month.

Since going indie I’ve added three novels and a few short stories to the 2096 world as well as launched an entirely new series. The Matchmaker’s Mark is far more lighthearted than the Shadows of Justice world, but so far, it’s equally popular with my readers.

In addition, I’ve developed two non-fiction titles. The Adopt a Greyhound Guide was brought to market to boost awareness and funds for retired greyhounds  and the volunteer groups dedicated to the cause. The second non-fiction is designed to motivate and encourage writers: Goal Setting for Writers, Making Revisions work in Life and Art.

It’s been gratifying to offer well-crafted, well-packaged ebooks and paperbacks directly to readers who have pushed my titles to the top of the charts in ghosts (Amazon free), Dog breeds (Amazon), paranormal romance (Smashwords), and action adventure (Smashwords) in 2011.

Readers, I’m so grateful to YOU!

I look forward to meeting new readers in 2012 with the release of the next two paranormal romance novels in the Matchmaker series as well as a brand new, contemporary series.
And who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll get my dedicated office…at least I’ve learned through experience it needs to be sound proof so I don’t always have to write to the soundtrack of video game gunfire.

Live the adventure!

It’s hard to believe we’re only a few days from another Christmas and 2011 is nearly complete – amazing but true. Between the release of three new paranormal romance novels, blog events, and meeting so many new readers this has been a phenomenal year.

Those of you who have joined the adventure newsletter group have been a wonderful inspiration and I appreciate all the beta reads, reviews, and recommendations you’ve given to Tracking Shadows, The Matchmaker’s Mark, and now Shadows to Light.

New from Regan Black

It was a newsletter subscriber who actually titled Shadows to Light (thank you, Nikki) and another winner from the blog tour who had the restaurant in Shadows to Light named after her (thanks, Leanore).

As we go into 2012 I’m making some changes around the website (before the world ends, you know).  ;)

Visitors can look forward to more guest authors and book features in 2012 as I want this to be a place for fans to feel at home, keep up with what’s new with me, as well as discover great reads from other authors.

There will still be plenty of world building and industry posts. And I’ll add more to the writer’s life collection of posts because going behind the scenes can be so very entertaining. Or embarrassing. Either way, it should be amusing for all of us.

For those of you who want to keep up with the retired greyhound news, you’ll find those posts at the Adopt A Greyhound website now. Since we’ve put the fundraising Adopt a Greyhound Guide on kindle, we want greyhound rescue and adoption groups as well as new readers to find all the details in one place.

If you’re looking for gifts for readers who enjoy action packed paranormal novels, consider gifting books – mine or another of your favorite author’s – sharing a book you’ve enjoyed is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family.

Live the adventure!

Being a paranormal romance author is a delight and a challenge during the holidays. (or any time of year). Keeping control of the most productive working hours is a challenge for any entrepreneur. Balancing a schedule, especially when you work primarily from home, is tough any time or year.

It sounds divine to simply bounce out of bed, breeze by the coffee pot and sink into the cushy chair for hours upon hours of productive writing. But working from home means so many distractions that can sneak in and — Oh, look! A squirrel!

What I mean to say is although I love the benefit of writing in my jammies, I know the perils of skipping my prime creative time. It’s more than the risk of losing my momentum with a story. Writing, spending time quietly venturing forth with my characters, is a treat for me as much as it is the foundation of my career.

Some authors I know plan their annual calendar so they aren’t facing hard deadlines during the holidays or other times when personal demands are high. This is fantastic and last year that worked for me.

This year, not so much. But what I do have on my career to do list this month is manageable – particularly if I work ahead on some supporting tasks. Like…outlines, character sketches, and…. Oh who am I kidding. I’m a pantser at heart. All I can really do ahead is a bit of brainstorming and marketing stuff.

Knowing that, knowing what works best for me as a paranormal romance author, makes the biggest difference in my time management. It means I can adjust my schedule to work my writing and career stuff around the family things I want and need to address.

There’s baking and shopping with my daughter. Movies and gaming with my son. And quiet time over breakfast or a nightcap with my husband.

Sure it would be nice to have the whole month off to rest and relax, but if I go too long without working on the creation of some story I start to grow horns and snarl at people. (It’s really a look better suited to Halloween).

So I carve out time each day to listen to the voices in my head and play with my fictional friends and I’ve set up a schedule to handle my promotion as well as my need to write forward. Which means I can relax and enjoy every moment with my family in between.

Live the adventure!