Sometimes you write the story simply because it presents itself as a challenge. Sometimes you do that business thing simply because you’ve been considering it for some time and don’t want to stand back and look at it anxiously anymore. Some people would call this crazy. I call it life — and growth.
JMGuitarGirl555. “I Want Crazy ~ Hunter Hayes ~ Lyrics.” YouTube, YouTube, 8 Apr. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu0vyD7vyM4.
So what craziness have I been up to recently?
A couple of weeks ago now, I set up an online store where I can create some interesting items related to my books because every bookseller needs a section where patrons can purchase a reading-related gift or novelty items, right? My reading-related items store, which is only beginning to be stocked with items, is called Bonny Lass Creatives (my husband came up with the name) and can be
found on Society6 at this link >> BONNY LASS CREATIVES
I do enjoy making the graphics to go on the items. It’s a stress reliever, actually. 🙂
This week, I set up a Patreon page. I’ve had it started for some time as I pondered how best to use it. For those who are not familiar with it — according to Wikipedia,
Patreon is a membership platform that provides business tools for creators to run a subscription content service, as well as ways for artists to build relationships and provide exclusive experiences to their subscribers, or “patrons.”
This means that you pay a certain monthly fee to support an artist, and the artist in return gives you a “reward” for doing so. There are all sorts of artists such as podcasters, writers, and musicians on Patreon, and there are as many different ways of working the Patreon subscription/rewards system as there are artists.
For me, I have set up my page to have two levels of subscription:
$1/month for those who curiosity must be satisfied and just want to read along as I create stories – just a dollar will give you access to all my stories as I write them. You will also receive a link to download the Thursday’s Three Hundred story in your preferred format when it is ready for publication.
$2/month for those who not only wish to satisfy their curiosity but also fill their shelves, two dollars will do it. In addition to access to all my stories as they are written, you will receive a digital copy in your preferred format when each story is ready for publication, so you can fill your shelves – be they in a library or a lovely closet. 🙂
My intention is to post as I write, however, I am still catching up to where I am in my current WIP, so post as I go will be coming….soonish. 🙂
You can find me on Patreon here >> patreon.com/LeenieBrown
Now, to update you on Two Days Before Christmas. I am writing this post on Saturday night while my husband is at work, and so I am projecting (not promising) that by the end of the day on Monday, I will have the preorder set up and will be just waiting for the various publishers to make the links. Hopefully, I will also have the print version uploaded so that can go through the review process. I will, of course, share links on Facebook when they are ready.
Chapter 1 of Two Days Before Christmas is available to read here >> TWO DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
And finally, we come to that challenging story that I am so enjoying writing, One Winter’s Eve. I am about halfway through chapter 10 as of last Friday night, and I have the first three chapters posted at Patreon for my subscribers. I got to deal with Wickham this week while writing, and I got to delve a bit more into understanding Caroline — and she is growing and changing for the better. (Did you doubt that she wouldn’t? I will stand for no recalcitrant main characters — they will be brought up to scratch. 😉 ) Below is a sample from what I wrote this week.
AN EXCERPT FROM One Winter’s Eve:
Bingley’s brows furrowed and then a smile crept across his lips. “You took her riding today.”
Richard nodded. “She mentioned she liked riding, so we went riding.”
“And that is the only reason?”
Richard shrugged.
Bingley laughed. “Very well, I will not inquire further.”
For that Richard was immeasurable happy as the very lady about whom they had been talking was approaching them.
“Charles, Colonel,” she greeted. “How is Mr. Darcy?” She looked past her brother to Richard for an answer.
“I am still standing and have no injuries,” he quipped. “He has gone to see Georgiana.”
“The horse has been returned. She had not gone much beyond the meadow.”
“I am glad.” Richard shifted uneasily from one foot to another. Having Bingley watching him as he was was rather uncomfortable. “Have you finished it?” he asked, indicating the book she carried.
“Oh, no, not yet. Actually, I was not reading just now, but was on my way to find a corner where I could not hear my sister so that I might.” She glanced at her brother but returned her eyes to Richard. “I was going to the library.”
“An excellent place to find some solitude.”
“Or near solitude,” she replied with a small smile.
“Darcy and I are planning to visit Colonel Forrester to see what can be done about Wickham, so I will not be intruding on your solitude today,” Richard said, extending his arm to her so that he could lead her down the hall to the library and away from her grinning brother.
“Will you be able to keep him from telling tales?” she whispered.
Richard blew out a breath. “That is our goal, but I honestly do not know if it is possible.”
They had stopped in front of the library door.
“How is it that there is gossip about Mr. Wickham being a fortune hunter?” Caroline asked.
Richard opened the door in front of them. The hall was not the best place to discuss this particular topic. “How much do you know of Georgiana’s interactions with Wickham?”
Caroline stepped into the room before answering. “I know that she nearly eloped with him and that he did not wish to marry her but to get her money. She told me this the day before Christmas when I suggested she could go to town without your accompanying her.”
“She shared her story with Mr. Bennet. She did not wish to see any of the Bennets fall victim to his pretty tales.” Richard motioned to the chairs near the hearth where Caroline had curled up to read the last time they were in this room together. “She knows he is not above ingratiating himself with ladies for reasons that have nothing to do with marriage, so the fact that the Bennets are not heiresses is not enough to keep them safe from ruin. Forgive me, I do know that it is not proper to speak of such things.”
Caroline slipped her feet out of her slippers and tucked her feet under her.
“I should go,” Richard said. “Darcy will likely wish to be on our way soon.”
“Was he angry with you?”
Richard shook his head. “Not that I could tell.” He shrugged. “He thanked me for staying with Georgie instead of chasing down Wickham.”
“Did you wish to chase him down?” Caroline asked in surprise.
“With all that is in me, yes.” He still wished to find the man and do him harm.
Caroline smiled at him. “I will say it once again. Miss Darcy is very fortunate to have you. You care for her very well. Every lady should be so fortunate as to be cared for as you care for her.” She ducked her head and her cheeks grew becomingly rosy. “You are a good man.”
“Thank you,” Richard said, lowering himself into the chair next to her. He should leave. He should go to his room and wait for Darcy. He should not remain here.
“Are you not leaving?”
Richard shook his head. “Darcy can find me here.” He leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs out in front of him. “I promise to be quiet.”
“And do what?”
“Watch you read. You are very charmingly arranged as you are.”
Caroline held her book out to him. “Or you could read to me. You are very good at it.”
He took the book from her and opened it to where she had it marked. “Shall I begin here?” He pointed to the top of the left page.
“No, the next page.”
He cleared his throat and, after giving her a mock look of hauteur, began reading.
LETTER XLIX
VILLARS TO EVELINA. Berry Hill.
DISPLEASURE? my Evelina!-you have but done your duty; you have but shown that humanity without which I should blush to own my child. It is mine, however, to see that your generosity be not repressed by your suffering from indulging it; I remit to you, therefore, not merely a token of my approbation, but an acknowledgment of my desire to participate in your charity. (from Evelina by Fanny Burney)
~*~*~
KOBO AMAZON NOOK IBOOKS MAILING LIST
I have been working on collectibles myself. I wish you the best and will be sure to check out the store! I guest as your are the second one with a Patreon page since you are the second writer friend to set one up.
Yes, Zoe has one as well. I have been considering it for about as long as she has had hers. 🙂 No terribly fast decisions being made here. The idea for the collectibles was one that I and a friend had spoken of three years ago. Again–not the fastest decision maker. 🙂 Good luck with yours! I love making them — I just wish I had more time to do it because it is so much fun.
I signed up for Patreon. That’s cool! More Leenie is always good. I’m liking how Caroline is communicating with the dear Col. This shows growth! So ready. I like the “Bonny Lass” title. Clever hubby.
Yay! 🙂 Thanks! That hubby is a smarty. 🙂 I’m glad you are liking this excerpt. I have been working hard to bring Caroline to life as a real person and not just a caricature. I want her to have depth and show growth.