A Writer's Thumbprint
I’m delighted to be at Writerspace today. I love chatting with readers, so here’s a friendly wave and ‘Hi!’
HAUNTED WARRIOR has been out for a few weeks, so I wasn’t sure what to say that would be new and different. Then a friend called just as I started this piece. We talked about HAUNTED WARRIOR and she said, “Oh, I have to tell you - Kendra is so you!”
And there was my topic: The Writer’s Thumbprint.
We all have one. Those who know a writer well can spot her on every page. That’s because ideas and the words that craft a story come from the writer’s psyche.
All our life experiences, world views, and likes and dislikes, blend to create the story. Sure, fiction is fiction. But it’s equally true that every drop of ink on the page holds a reflection of the author.
That’s the writer’s thumbprint.
Also a promise to readers, it signals what they’ll find in a book. For example, my books, under both my names, will always have an atmospheric Scottish setting, a sexy Highland hero, and in the Allie Mackay titles, an American heroine who is usually down on her luck. Readers probably also know there will be dogs in my books and that those dogs never die. They’ll likely also know my tongue-in-cheek humor will be present. And perhaps they’re also aware that my books don’t have profanity.
The above could also be termed as voice.
The writer’s thumbprint is more. It’s detail that is individual and defining.
My friend was right when she recognized me in Kendra Chase, the heroine of Haunted Warrior. I’m always in my Allie Mackay heroines, but Kendra stands out because of her interest in ghosts and her attitude toward them. I was never a ‘spirit negotiator’ like Kendra who uses her ability to see and talk to ghosts to soothe disgruntled souls. But I am fascinated by the paranormal and even spent years ghost hunting in the UK with two like-minded friends. That background helped me write Kendra.
My thumbprint is stamped on her in other ways, too…
She inherited my love of wild places and raw weather. She appreciates quietude, craving peace and tranquility. She dislikes the hectic of the modern world and is charmed by the quaintness of Pennard, the North Sea fishing village where Haunted Warrior is set.
She has a love-hate relationship with UK driving. She isn’t fond of braggarts. History, legend, and lore are her passions. Given the choice, she’d spend the day at a remote cliff-top castle ruin rather than a ‘tourist castle’ that might be intact, but also overrun with tour bus crowds.
She believes in preserving the specialness of untouched places. She is easily charmed by a very clever border collie and even a full-of-himself seal. She’s allergic to construction noise and chaos, especially bucket trucks. And she considers leaf blowers the scourge of the earth.
Those are the fine details I think of as the writer’s thumbprint.
The little bits of me that went into making Kendra who she is on the page. Those were the bits my friend recognized as ‘me’ in HAUNTED WARRIOR.
Kendra’s first meeting with Graeme MacGrath, HAUNTED WARRIOR'S hero, was also taken from an experience of my own while walking a deserted Scottish beach. I saw a kilted man standing on the dunes, looking out to see. He was quite impressive, as all kilties are, and he also disappeared right before my eyes. I think he was a ghost.
Perhaps a guardian of that stretch of rugged North Sea coast? I’ll never know. But I do know I saw him. He was my inspiration for HAUNTED WARRIOR.
Like me, Kendra also sees a kilted man on the dunes as she walks that same remote Scottish beach. Unlike me, she meets him on the strand a short while later.
Here’s a mini-excerpt showing that meeting…
Set-up: Kendra is walking a deserted Scottish beach when she sees a sexy kilted man atop the dunes. She continues on and a short while later, she sees him again. But he’s down on the strand now. And he’s no longer kilted but wearing jeans and a black leather jacket…
Kendra and Graeme’s Meeting on the Beach…
He was the man from the dunes.
And he was coming right up to her, his strides long and easy, his dark gaze locked on hers.
“This is no’ place for a woman to walk alone.” His voice held all the deep, richness of Scotland. “The seas here are aye heavy, the surf rough-”
“Who are you?” Kendra didn’t miss that his dark, good looks were even more stunning up close. “Didn’t I just see you on the dunes?”
“You’re an American.” A corner of his mouth lifted as he avoided her question. His sexy Scottish burr deepened, as if he knew the rich, buttery tones would make her pulse leap. “A tourist come to visit bonnie Scotland?”
“Yes.” Kendra’s chin came up. Hunky or not, he didn’t need to know her business here.
She was interested in his. Only Superman could change clothes so quickly.
“Weren’t you in a kilt a while ago?” She kept her chin raised.
“A kilt?” His smile spread, a dimple flashing in his cheek. He held out his arms, glanced down at his jeans. “I do have one, aye. But as you see, I’m no’ wearing it now.”
“You did have one on. A kilt, I mean.”
“You’re mistaken, lass.” He lowered his arms, fixing her with the same intent gaze as he’d done from the dunes.
“I saw you.”
“You could’ve seen anyone. That’s why I’ll tell you again, this is no’ place for a bonnie lassie-”
“I’m not a lassie.”
“Nae?” He gave her a look that made her entire body heat.
“I’m an American.” The excuse sounded ridiculous. “We don’t have lassies.”
“Then beautiful women.” He touched her face, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Kendra’s pulse beat harder. “There are lots of gorgeous women in the States. Smart women who-”
“Those other women aren’t here and dinnae matter.” He stepped back, studying her appreciatively. “I meant you.”
***
Do you recognize a writer’s thumbprint? If you write, do you think your thumbprint is visible? I’m giving away a signed copy of Haunted Warrior to one commenter.
Thank you, Writerspace, for having me here today.
Readers can visit me at my website: www.welfonder.com Or at my blog, Tartan Ink: http://tartaninkblog.wordpress.com/
Comments
The winner is...
Cathie Caffey! Congratulations, Cathie! Thank you to everyone who left a comment!
Will look in later tonight....
Ladies... the dinner bell is ringing here. I'll look in later tonight and say hello to everyone. For now, thank you so much to everyone who looked in. I'm so sorry techy issues hid your comments on Thursday.
But I'll say hello later tonight and I'm sure Jenny and her staff will pick a winner soon. Or I will, if they prefer.
See you shortly!
Comments posted
There have been some spam issues, but all comments from readers have been posted at this time. The author has been notified as well. Thank you for your patience!
Will say hello to everyone....
Thanks for letting me know this, Jenny. I'll go through the comments tonight and say hello to everyone who stopped by.
I'm assuming you'll choose a winner? If not, please let me know.
Choosing a winner
Sure, we can do that! We will put everyone that commented into a drawing, and announce the winner today!
Writer's Thumbprint
I believe the thumbprints have a lot to do with connections between the writer and the subject that is written about. You can tell when a writer leaves a little of themselves with the characters and the events. It shines through the pages.
I tell my students: If you want to be remembered always leave a positive footprint in the sand. A good author will do so with their imagination in their writing.
When I write on my blog, I hope I leave maybe, not a thumbprint but the old saying "food for thought" so to speak. A would, should, or could it happen?
Footprints in the Sand
T Wish List ~ I love your take on the writer's thumbprint. Especially your quote re footprints in the sand. Your students are blessed to have you.
There
are some things that are recognizable...The animal lover, ghostly doings, love of Scotland & the Highlands...I agree, you can't help it.
Enjoyed the post!
Spot on...
Well said, Ivy... those elements are me all over. And they're present in all my books, also my Scottish medievals under my real name.
lost comments
I wonder what happened to my comments and those of others that tried to post here when Sue-Ellen visited? I just might have won one of her GREAT books if my comments were not lost. Did yawl ever find out what happened? Helen in Ark.
Hi Helen!
Hi Helen... I don't know what the glitch was. Techy issues, apparently. The contest is surely still open until Writerspace announces a winner, so you are still in the running.
If they don't draw a winner, I will. No one has been deemed winner yet. So the contest is still open.
Good luck!
second attempt
I am bummed that my comment I made Thursday didn't show up. So I miss out on the change to snag this amazing book, oh well. But I do still want to say that I enjoyed this post! I have favorite authors that I can recognize their books because of their thumbprints. A little bit of them showing up on the pages, makes you feel like you know them a little more.
Thanks for the post!
Contest still open...
Lexi, I am so sorry about the snaffu here. Techy issues, apparently. The contest is still open, so you still have a chance to win. I am assuming Writerspace will draw a winner. If they don't, I will. Either way.. good luck!
I'm so glad you enjoy spotting writers' thumbprints in the books you love. :)
Problem with blog posting? Re-posting again
Hmm, I posted twice yesterday and both comments not up. Is there something wrong with the blog? It did say after I posted that it would need to be approved so I assumed it went through.
Basically again, when you first started talking about Thumbprint, I thought of 'writing voice' but so now understand where the Thumbprint includes more so bringing the character alive in the story. Bringing all aspects of her into it. Its like no questions are left open because you get to really feel her and feel her through your writing. Loved learning this! Thanks Allie!
Would love to be in the contest too!
cathiecaffey @ gmail.com
Cathie
Hi Cathie!
I apologize for the gaffe with comments on Thursday. It appears there were techy/spam issues that blocked the comments. I'm so sorry.
Thank you so much for such an insightful comment. You're so right - there is a strong similarity between voice and a writer's thumbprint. The latter just goes deeper, as it reveals more of the writer's own personality and life experiences, etc.
Good luck in the contest. It is still on!
Hey Sue-Ellen
Enjoyed the blog!
I don't know you well enough to see you in a character but I'm aware of several things via tartan ink...Been hard to get everywhere lately so I 'm glad I get the emails. Still haven't found HAUNTED WARRIOR locally. Looks like I'm going to have to break down & order it..
Tartan Ink
Ha ha, Ivy... what you see on Tartan Ink is the real me. Not surprised you pick on on this or that tidbit from the tea room. Ack, that you can't find Haunted Warrior locally. That's a shame. If I had my druthers, the book would be everywhere. :/
thumprints
Don't remember them but do like to read them to help me decide what to read next!
Sounds like a Great Book can't wait to read it!
SASluvbooks...
Thank you so much for the good words. I hope you'll enjoy Haunted Warrior. :)
Hi Allie
Hi Allie! HAUNTING WARRIOR does sound fab! At first when I thought of 'writer's thumbprint', I thought of voice but I so understand how it is even more of just your voice of writing but too, letting that character you created, being all out to really get to know as individual, as you the writer created her. And I felt that so much in the peek of her but too in her being honest with herself and voicing it. She was telling him who she was, just like when she wasn't a 'lassie'. I'm growing to know her already!
Thanks for sharing this, I so learned lots!
Would love to be in your contest!
cathiecaffey @ gmail.com
Cathie
Cathie ...
I replied to this above. I hope you receive my response. Thank you so much for looking in. I appreciate it and thank you for your good words. :)
She-Ellen Welfonder's Haunted Warrior
Hi Sue-Ellen!
I've tried and tried to find you here today... made one final attempt before I went to bed and Voila!
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy being a member of your Tartan Ink AND your books! I'm glad I found you thru Karen...
I already have a copy of A Haunted Warrior ... so don't enter me in your giveaway...
Helloooo....
Thank you so much for looking in here, Blondie Black. What would Tartan Ink's tea room be without you? And hey.. you hooked me on hooping! So the good feelings work both ways. Thanks so much for looking in here. I appreciate it. :)
Thumbprints
I would say that voice and thumbprint of a favorite author is in part the reason that author is one that is sought out over and over. Their storytelling ability and writing gift keeps them (me) coming back as we do with your two 'faces'. It is rather fun to be able to fine the wee little threads that you put into each books that makes it be your thumbprint. I so appreciate the gifts you give to us, your readers, in great books. .
(I hope this get posted)
Helen in Ark.
Helen in Ark...
Thank you so much for such an insightful comment and your kind words, Helen. I really appreciate them and am so pleased you enjoy my books so much. It's always especially lovely to hear when someone enjoys the books under both my names. Thank you!
And good luck in the contest. :)
Thumbprint
Yes I can spot my favorite writers thumbprints. The authors I have come to love and have read everything they have written, you get to know the author a little more with each book. And I once heard a writer talk about how there is a little bit of each character inside them. If there wasn't the characters wouldn't feel as real because you would be missing that essence that makes them relatable/real.
So great post! See not so hard to come up with a great post even though you thought you were fresh out =)
Hi Lexi!
I loved your comment, Lexi. Very well said. I love that you spot your favorite authors more and more (in their work) with each book you read. That's exactly what I meant.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the post.
Good luck in the drawing! :)
Thumbprint
I recognize a writer's thumbprint even when the writer writes a different genre from the usual. I just have a knap for noticing a writer's style of writing after reading several of their works.
Hi Ecocat...
Excellent! This is exactly what I meant. I love that you can pinpoint your fave authoers thumbprint even when they write under different names. Well put. :)
thumbprint
I can usually reconize my favorite authors thumbprint, but thats about it.
cgorcsi(at)hotmail.com
Candy
Hi Candy!
Thanks so much for looking in here. I'm so glad you spot your favorite authors' thumbprints. I do, too, when I read writers I love. :)
How do you get to read all
How do you get to read all the comments?
Ha ha ha ha
My Tartan Ink partner cuts to the chase. :)
A writer's thumbprint
I can always recognize the writing style of my favorite authors. As well as the plot, genre & amazing characters, the style of writing brings me back time & again.
Hi Marybelle!
Well said. I loved your comment. It's exactly what I was hoping to see.
Comments
I typed what I thought to be a very nice comment about 4 hours ago, and it is not here. I am not sure if it takes that long to be approved, or it never made it from cyber world back to this blog!! Hummm ??
Hi Helen....
Apparently there were some major techy (spam) issues that blocked the comments on this post. I wondered, too. I think they have them all posted tonight (Sunday night) and I hope I haven't missed replying to anyone.
I'm so sorry for the glitsch.
I recognize the area and the
I recognize the area and the use of ghosts/magic... also your humor comes through in your Allie Mackay books. They are always "Happy Highland" reads for me!! ;o) I would love an autographed copy. Thanks for the opportunity to wion one. I loved this book!
bettysunflower at hotmail dot com
"Happy Highland" Reads
Hi Betty! Thanks so much for looking in here.. and your kind words about my books. I'm so glad you agree about writers' thumbprints and see them. And I'm delighted you enjoy my Allie Mackay titles. Especially this one. That made me smile.
"Happy Highland" reads is a great term. That's how I see these books, too. I have so much fun writing them.
Hi Sue-Ellen! I found you.
Hi Sue-Ellen! I found you. The link you left on Tartan Ink blog didn't work so I fussed around and found it. I left a note at Tartan Ink so others could too. Don't enter me in the contest, I've already got it, I'm here to lend a friendly smile.
I can always identify one of your books because of the atmosphere and romance. I am truly transported to the highlands in your books. And you definitely peek through in your heroines in your Allie Mackay books. I see you through out the heroine and I love it. I wouldn't see it so much except for your sharing with we "Tarts". It's so nice to get to know the person behind the books as I admire writers so much for their talent and willingness to share it with us. Thanks for that :-)
Helloooo Glittergirl!
Bless you for popping in here. Your comment and kind words really made me smile. I know you're reading my Allie Mackay titles these days and I am sooo pleased you're enjoying them so much. Yes, I'm all over the pages of those books. And, you bet, no one knows me like the "Tarts." I love you all!! Thanks so much for swinging by here. It meant a lot. :)
Hey Sue-Ellen :)
I've always said that I would follow you anywhere, LOL! I just stopped by to say hello and show my support. For any of you who haven't yet read this book, I highly recommend it. Sue-Ellen has the gift of transporting you right into the story with her words. She brings everything to life, right down to the smell of the sea. I also agree with how beautiful the cover is. It called to me.
Thank you, Leah!
Bless you, Leah! Thanks so much for looking in here. I know you loved this book and I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much. I wish I could really transport you to the ruins of Castle Grath. Wish we could both meet there. Wouldn't that be grand?
Thanks again for swinging by here. I appreciate it so much. :)
Thumbprints
Yes, I do recognize a writers thumbprint. I have a few favorite authors and can tell it's one of their books even without looking. And with these few authors I wait on "the edge of my seat" for their next work to be published and run to the book store the day of release! Keep up the great work, love those kilts!
Hi Trenda!
Thank you so much for your good words. I'm so glad you enjoy my books so much. And I love that you can spot your favorite writers even without peeking. That's exactly what I meant. Loved your comment! :)
Thumbprint
Sue-Ellen, I love that you can pick out your favorite Authors' voice and thumbprint. I think that is partly what makes them be your 'want to read' authors. Sometimes it can be a kind of little game to pick out those wee little sprinkles that makes you want to order the next book and the next. A comfortable feeling of knowing the author - like you are friends that just have not met yet. I so enjoy both of your 'twin selves'. haa haa
Helen in Ark.
Hi Helen!
I loved this comment, too, Helen. My 'twin selves,' indeed. Now if only I could get "Allie" to write her own books. For some weird reason, she makes me do all the work. ((:O
Writer's Thumbprint
Yes I can recognize a writer's thumbprint - I read series from a few author's all the time and without even looking who wrote the book I can tell what author it is. Just like when I write a letter or email to my friend's they can tell it's me - my one friend tell me that I write like a talk - I always say to her is that a bad thing? - who wants to read something that doesn't sound real or that your cannot understand. Haunted Warrior was the greatest - once I started reading I couldn't stop - loved every word - cannot wait to see what you have in store for us with your next book.
Hi KML!
I love how you describe a writer's thumbprint, KML. That's exactly what I meant. And you're so on target... good friends don't need to see our names to recognize us in a letter or email. The thumbprint is always there.
Thank you so much for your good words about Haunted Warrior. I am so glad you enjoyed the book so much. :D
I'm excited about the upcoming Allie Mackay titles and hope you'll enjoy them, too.
thumbprint
You always leave a little bit of you behind its to personal not to.
You write about times, places, even people that have become a part of your thoughts and feelings while you have plotted,
landscaped, and peopled your written world.
I also like the cover art.
Congrats