Aberration Book Launch and Bloghop!

Today’s the big day, the release of Lisa Regan’s

second novel, the super creepy crime thriller,
Aberration.

I LOVE this book, and actually had a bit of a hand in it, working extensively with Lisa over the last couple years to help her get it just right.  And oh, how right it is!!  Go read my Amazon review here.

And now, to celebrate this momentous occasion, Lisa is hosting the Aberration Bloghop.  On June 6^th  & 7^th, participants will list their top 5 choices for the most aberrant characters in fiction, television, or movies.  If you're a writer, feel free to include a short paragraph about your own aberrant character.

Participants will be entered to win an Amazon gift card for either $25, $15, or $10, plus, 1 of 3 signed copies of the Aberration paperback and 1 of 5 ebooks.  How cool is that?!

Here’s my entry:

#5 - Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

A cold, heartless monster who revels in her power over those in desperate need of compassion.

#4 - Max Cady in Cape Fear (formerly The Executioners) by John D. MacDonald

I love revenge stories, but this guy is insanely twisted and obsessed.

#3 - Tom Ripley from The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

A seriously insecure and manipulative psychopath who gets away with murder.

#2 - Professor Joe Carroll, from the FOX television series The Following. 

Played by deliciously sexy Brit, James Purefoy, Joe is a diabolical serial killer who creates a cult of serial killers, and turns the act of murder into a pseudo-sexual experience for himself and his followers. 

#1 - Hannibal, from the NBC television series (based on Thomas Harris’ character in Red Dragon,) 

This character is suave, charismatic, and brilliant.  He loves the culinary arts, and, when not assisting the FBI in solving serial murder cases, prepares extraordinary carnivorous meals for his friends and colleagues.  Trouble is and unbeknownst to his guests, the main ingredients are harvested from his many victims.  The food preparation and dining scenes, while beautifully choreographed and filmed, totally gross me out.  

Those are all long-standing villains, of course, but if you want to sink your teeth into a few new members of this elite Club Aberration, check out Lisa’s books.  

Finding Claire Fletcher has the worst kind of monster, one who preys on children.

  

And in Aberration, you’re dumped deep into the psychopathic mind of an obsessive creep who’ll have you constantly looking over your shoulder for crazed stalkers.

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A to Z Challenge: I is for Inner

Before I get into my next A to Z post, I want to give a HUGE shout out to my girl, my favorite CP, my writing soulmate, Lisa Regan, who just signed her very own BOOK DEAL with Sapphire Star Publishing!

Yes, Lisa is joining my ever expanding family at SSP.  Her first book, Finding Claire Fletcher will be released on December 6, 2012, and her second book, Aberration will released on June 6, 2013.  Both books, in the suspense/crime genre, are phenomenal reads!  I will post more about Lisa's remarkable journey after the A to Z Challenge is over.  In the mean time, please drop by Lisa's and give her a big hello and a pat on the shoulder.  She's waited for this moment for many years!

Now for the A to Z...  

Welcome to Day 9 of the A to Z Challenge

Many bloggers have chosen a theme for the A to Z.  My pledge since becoming a blogger is to post about writing, so for this event, I will being posting about what I've learned about writing a novel.

________

I is for Inner:  Situated or farther within; interior; more intimate, private, or secret; of or pertaining to the mind or spirit; not obvious; hidden or obscured.  (Dictionary.com)

This might seem like an ambiguous topic, but when it comes to creating a story, “inner” is of extreme importance.  First, there are two levels to every novel: the outer level or the plot and the inner level or the story itself.  For every outer action, motion, or goal, there is an inner reaction, emotion, and growth.  The outer notion to attain works with the inner notion to become. 

The protagonist’s inner journey deepens when the reader learns who he needs to be in order to be whole and why that is important. Why is he broken or wounded and how does that manifest itself in his behavior and attitude?  What will lead him to be whole again, to force him to change, or lead him to sacrifice?

Each major scene in a novel should have turning points with two dimensions.  The way in which things change that everyone understands is the outer turning point.  And the way in which the protagonist changes is the inner turning point.

A story’s greatest inner dimension is the inner conflict.  This is the protagonist’s fear and doubt brought to the surface, a battle between his two sides: reason and passion.  These two voices directly oppose each other.  He brings them with him into the story before it even begins.  It’s what’s holding him back.  It is this very contradictory battle that is so compelling and satisfying to the reader. 

Inner conflict is a result of the plot.  It’s what leads the protagonist to realize his goal is essential to his well-being.  It’s what makes him strive to attain his impossible goal.  Each obstacle he overcomes provides the protagonist the opportunity to learn more about himself.  In knowing his weaknesses and strengths, he is better able to transform himself. 

Though my own novel is a thriller and therefore plot-driven, it is the main character’s struggle with the villain he has become that is the most compelling.      

Do you focus equally on both the inner and outer aspects of your stories?