The NCP Authors

What's everyone up to?

2011-11-04T12:35:00.000-04:00

We've been a bit quiet on this blog, recently, but thank you to everyone who has hit on us (grin) and who has visited New Concepts Publishing.

Blatant, ingenuous copyright infringement

2011-01-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

Here is an egregious example of a shameless copyright infringer advising others how to make money over the internet.

General Chat - How Do We Make A Living ONLINE

"Max" writes (and I quote under the Fair Use provisions of the law, for the purposes of education and commentary and reportage)

I have been making a living online for around 10 years now. You are right, it's not easy!
It takes a lot of time and patience. One thing I have noted over the years is that its important to build a database of 'members' or customers, and keep in touch with them, but only when you have something useful to say!

I have used 'freebies' or 'giveaways' to entice people to join my services. This works well as it cost's absolutely nothing to giveaway a free book (for example), but you can guarantee that they will read your next email!

Over the years I have managed to build a small 'stable' of steady online businesses (I am a strong believer in 'bread and butter' income, and not the 'fast buck' ideas... which rarely work anyway!) through shear hard work and countless hours. I love the web and it's possibilities, however, you must always keep in mind, that its those people with money, are generally the ones who get the exposure, since they throw big bucks at their online projects for marketing campaigns

The answer to this, is to find a real niche, then put your all into it!

Max

Marketing Chat appears to be a "sponsor" of a book giveaway site, and since "Marketing Chat" links fold back to the freebie site, and to the home page and yahoogroup of the known and blatant copyright infringers most recently known as "BooksForNothing" I infer that Max is linked to the freebie master.

In fact, they post

Dear Members

This should make you feel that membership is worthwhile!

Here is 106 Free Business Books (you have to join their free Yahoo group first, but you will be amazed at the 1000's of books they give away, including other books like fiction, crafts, audio books etc!)

This selection of biz books is quite extensive, and there is definitly something there for everyone!

http://www.marketingchat.info/freebies.html

Regards
Max
Admin

YAHOO has refused to do a thing about this brazen, copyright infringing YAHOOGROUP for years. When I reported the group to YAHOO, yahoo banned me!

You many well be amazed at the 100's of books they give away... but the fact is, most of these books are given away by persons who have no right whatsoever to give those books away, and they do so in knowing and blatant violation of the authors' and publishers' rights.

GOOGLE, YAHOO, PAYPAL, FILESONIC all profit from this piracy, and all either drag their heels or do nothing to put a stop to this rampant, deliberate piracy, while Movie companies, Book Publishers, Software Manufacturers, Musicians, and others are ripped off.

They post this message:

Please note: Our pages get shut down on a regular basis (the book companies do not like us!) so join the club (form below) and you will never miss out on the latest goodies!

Join our FREE BOOKS club TODAY!

NOTE: Don't miss out!... 'Its the early bird that catches the worm'
Due to complaints by book companies, files get deleted all the time, so join the club using the form below, and you will be notified the minute a new bookmix has been completed!

Seeing the above, can there be any doubt that they are aware that they are infringing copyright? Why would any reasonable person think that book companies would be successful in getting files deleted, if not for DMCA notices?

Please feel free to share this post.

Intergalactic Justice Book II: Maximum Velocity!

2010-11-20T01:31:00.001-05:00

Intergalactic Justice Book II: Maximum Velocity is now available in print format at New Concepts Publishing!
Join Samantha on her second daring adventure in my futuristic paranormal series!
Dark forces conspire against Samantha Cassidy and her family. With her niece taken by a ruthless Intergalactic Triad, Samantha must ally with a powerful man who was once her enemy and in doing so...she just might lose herself.

If You Believe That Authors Have A Right To Earn A Living

2010-10-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

This is an email from Lucinda Dugger, Director of The Copyright Alliance:

Dear Copyright Advocates,

A couple weeks ago I emailed you about a bill that has been introduced in the Senate that will combat online infringement of copyrighted works (it's called the "Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act" or "COICA"). I encouraged you to sign a petition in favor of the bill.

Though many of you did this, our efforts have not been enough.

The opponents of this bill have been active in mobilizing the masses to speak out against it. The result of their efforts is that it seems like the public is against this bill. Yet, I hear from you everyday about how websites are illegally posting your creative works for others to take and how this affects your livelihood.

This bill would benefit all artists and creators! TAKE ACTION TODAY! Stand up for your rights!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1.   Speak up on blogs and listservs. Last week I blogged about a musician who spoke out in favor of the bill on a website. When he did so, others verbally attacked him calling him a "greedy pig" among other things. This musician and other artists need your support on this effort. Post blogs and comments on your own websites or on websites like this one.
2.   Contact your Senator and House Representative. Tell your congressional representatives to vote YES to the bill. Tell them your story and how piracy and infringement affect you.

      To find and email your Senator, go here.
      To find and email your House Representative, go here.
3.   Tweet this: Stop online piracy of art, music, movies, books, all creative works. Vote yes to Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act #COICA
4.   Facebook this: The U.S. Congress is debating a bill that could help millions of artists around the world. If passed, the bill would allow the government to target and shut down "internet sites dedicated to infringing activities" which are "primarily designed" to access unauthorized copyrighted material. Tell your representatives to vote YES to the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA).
WHAT IS THIS BILL ABOUT?
1.   Check out this short video by independent filmmaker Ellen Seidler as she talks about how websites that are illegally hosting her movie are profiting. Yet, she is losing money. This bill will help shut down websites like these.
2.   The bill will not target minor violations of copyright. It will target "internet sites dedicated to infringing activities" that are "primarily designed" to offer or provide access to copyrighted material "without the authorization of the copyright owner."
3.   The Attorney General will be able to request a court order to suspend the domain names of U.S.-based infringing websites. For non-U.S.-based websites, the Attorney General will be able to request a court order to require the ISPs to block the website. Credit card companies and networks providing ads to these sites will also suspend all activity with the infringing sites.
4.   A list of all the domain names that are found to be infringing copyright protected content will be posted on a "publicly available Internet site, together with other relevant information, in order to inform the public."
REMEMBER PILFERED MAGAZINE?
Last February we made you aware of "Pilfered Magazine", an online magazine that freely took images from photographers without their permission and didn't credit or compensate the photographers. Because of your emails, Tweets, and postings on blogs and Facebook, the magazine was shut down in a weekend and has never reopened.

It is important that we take collective action on this bill too. Pilfered is not the only website that hosts and offers infringing material. This bill will help remove other websites like Pilfered from the internet.

ONE VOI©E: SPEAK UP FOR CREATORS' RIGHTS

Best,
Lucinda Dugger
P.S. If you received this email from a friend, and you are interested in receiving more information about how you can speak up for your rights, sign up for our network of Copyright Advocates.

New Release: Maximum Velocity by Marly Mathews

2010-07-09T07:50:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone! Maximum Velocity has released at New Concepts Publishing! This is the second book in my Intergalactic Justice Series!
Sometimes love can be dangerous....

Dark forces conspire against Samantha Cassidy and her family. With her niece taken by a ruthless Intergalactic Triad, Samantha must ally with a powerful man who was once her enemy and in doing so... she just might lose herself.

Open letter to John Scalzi, Scott Turow, Allison Kelley.

2010-06-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

Open letter to the Presidents of RWA, SFWA, and Authors' Guild concerning copyright infringement.

Dear Scott Turow, Allison Kelley, John Scalzi,

Thank you very much for everything you do to defend authors' copyrights against copyright infringement. We very much appreciate having an address to which to send our complaints, and the comfort of knowing that you compile a database of the most egregious "pirates" and pirate sites.

Despite small triumphs, ignorance persists among honest readers; lies about the legality of "sharing" go unchallenged, and the problem is getting much worse.

Please Scott Turow, Allison Kelley, John Scalzi will you talk to one another, set up one powerhouse task force, meet regularly, share resources, engage your members, give authors one central "Go To" address where we can submit complaints, report piracy sites, blogs and yahoogroups, cc our individual take-down notices.

One forceful industry voice could shut down an entire account and insist on a hosting site complying with their own TOS where their TOS has been repeatedly violated, instead of individual authors taking down one file at a time.

Thank you.

Rowena Cherry (IWOFA)

Permission granted to forward, share, repost, or use as a template for other open letters.

The Authors Guild - Last Call: Google Settlement Seminars by Phone

2010-01-22T15:53:00.000-05:00

The Authors Guild - Last Call: Google Settlement Seminars by Phone

Hi, colleagues.
I thought I'd share this (with permission)

For those still seeking more information about the Google Book Settlement, we'll be hosting five phone-in seminars next week. These are open to all authors and agents. The seminars are free, except for your usual long-distance phone charges. We've expanded the capacity to accommodate many more people. We encourage you to forward this on to other authors and groups of authors.

Each seminar will provide a short, clear explanation of the settlement and will answer all questions from participants. Each seminar will last about an hour. The seminars will be conducted by Paul Aiken, Jan Constantine, and Anita Fore, the Guild's Executive Director, General Counsel, and Director of Legal Services.

Here are the dates and times, click on a link to sign up:

Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10:00 AM Eastern Std Time

Monday, January 25, 2010 at 3:00 PM Eastern Std Time

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 10:00 AM Eastern Std Time

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 3:00 PM Eastern Std Time

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM Eastern Std Time

When a seminar is full, it will be removed from the list of options on the online registration form.

--------------------------
Feel free to forward, post or tweet. Here's a short URL for linking: http://tiny.cc/Ehpvi

New Cover for the Print Edition

2009-05-04T21:51:00.004-04:00

The print edition of The Beast of Blackbirch Manor is now on sale! This edition has a brand new cover. I was so thrilled I made a book video to give readers an idea of what's inside the book. Go to New Concepts Publishing and buy your copy of the book today.

Five Tombstone Review for Dark Phoenix!!!

2009-04-06T10:54:00.001-04:00

Dark Phoenix has received a FIVE tombstone review from Justice at Bitten by Books! Thank you so much, Justice!

Here's a snippet of her review!

Dark Phoenix is a dramatic action packed page turner. Once the first page is opened you are instantly transported to a desert planet not fit for human kind, it is so well written your mouth will parch. I felt as if I was part of the story, like a ghost unseen in each scene. Literally, in my mind’s eye I could see the action, the jarring of the battles vibrated my seat, the seductive caresses of the love shared between the characters made me yearn to curl up next to someone special. Ms. Matthews has definitely did it again she brings her audience into her world and if most are like me they will want to stay there a while.
Justice, Bitten By Books!
Read the full review by following this link! Dark Phoenix review!

~Marly

New Video Trailer For Sojourn With A Stranger

2009-03-07T16:37:00.003-05:00

Please check out my new video trailer and vote by clicking on title above! Thanks, Kat Bryan

Sojourn With A Stranger Receives FIVE Stars

2009-02-23T09:29:00.003-05:00

Sojourn With A Stranger was selected as a ROR Reading Challenge and reviewed by Heather's Reading Romance Blog. Thank you, Heather, for the wonderful review!

February, 2009
Sojourn With A Stranger
K. Celeste Bryan
Rating: 5 stars * * * * *

Blurb:

Penniless when she arrives in Norfolk , her mother and father drowned at sea, Raine Brinsley would give anything to return home to her grandfather in Maine . When Derek Stafford, owner of a large plantation, offers a solution to her dilemma, she’s stunned, if not outraged. She’d prefer to fulfill the contract to have his child and forget about him and his self-serving scheme. But she hadn’t counted on the decadently-delicious passion he’d awakened in her.

Derek’s only desire was to father an heir for Stafford House, thus securing his future. He didn’t count on the Scottish lass with dark green eyes to interfere with his well-laid plans. But after one night in her arms, guilt, not to mention the loss of his heart, became his penance. Now he’d do anything to get her back, anything to quench the hunger and passion tormenting his soul.

Review:

My Thoughts: ***Sigh*** What can I say...

This was such a good book! K. Celeste Bryan did a superb job in this story!!! I was immediately pulled into the story of Raine and Derek.

Raine is a young woman full of Scottish blood... and we all know how stubborn those Scots can be! When faced with the tragic loss of her parents she finds herself stranded in Norfolk without a penny and refusing to write to the only relative she has left. She will not except Derek's offering to pay her way home, willing only to work in his employ to save money to make her own way home. Derek comes up with another plan... a very selfish one at that. If Raine agrees to Derek's schemes she will have enough money to get home, take care of her Grandfather, and never worry about money again.

Bryan makes you love, hate, and pity Derek. He was selfish and selfless. He blames himself for his late wife losing her mind, that and the decisions he has made since Raine showed up on his doorstep sends him running from Stafford Hall when Raine needs him the most.

I didn't want the story to end. It was another late night of reading...

There was love, loss, mystery, and ghosts in this book. It is a must read that has landed a permanent spot on my shelf under favorites!!

Posted by Heather at HEATHER'S READING ROMANCE

Labels: ebook, HR, K. Celeste. Bryan, paranormal, rating:5, spicey, winter '08 challenge

Thanks, Heather,

The Condom Conundrum

2009-02-05T01:04:00.001-05:00

What Makes a Romance

When I read a romance there are a couple of things I demand. First and foremost, a HEA. Don’t have it? Then it ain’t a romance and don’t try to sell it to me as one. Second, when I’m reading a love scene, I don’t want to be thrown out of the read. I want to enjoy the fantasy of romantic, uninhibited, steamy sex. I read a love scene the other night where the hero stopped to put on a condom and the heroine was worried it (the condom) was going to bust as the hero was rolling it over his erection.

I’m guessing it was the author’s way of saying the guy was HUGE *and* how thoughtful and caring he was by putting a condom on before he had sex with the heroine. Unfortunately the great sexual tension that had been built up to that moment was completely lost as I burst out laughing at the image of a guy with a fat c*ck trying not to break a condom he was putting on. Not the image I’m sure the author was going for. As a result, I couldn’t get back into the read. I’m still chuckling as I think about it! LOL So I thought it might make for a fun blog or at the very least give me a bully pulpit to do a point/counterpoint on the issue of condoms in romance books .*grin*

Jane You Misguided, Miserable Slut

The points in the following mini-debate are paraphrased commentary I’ve heard from several different sources over the last year or so. The counterpoints are my POV. Neither side is right or wrong. It’s just about what some readers (including me) are comfortable with in a book and what they’re not.

Point – Condoms are necessary because I expect characters to act responsibly in a book. If the hero doesn’t pull out a condom during a love scene, it’s not realistic. I want the hero to say “I care” by pulling out that foil wrapper. It doesn't have to be added into the love scene, but I need to know wrappers are laying on the floor either before or after the scene. When I don’t see a condom used, it throws me out of the read and most of the time I'll put the book down.

Counterpoint – If we’re talking realism, how about this, if the condom goes on, it has to come off. When it comes off, it’s got that ick factor, because one hopes that the guy's been satisfied. Why don’t authors show that realism too? Probably because it’s not romantic. I find it curious that we don’t demand similar standards for love scenes in movies. I watched Maid in Manhattan this past weekend and I didn’t see one single wrapper the morning after. Same for James Bond and all the women he’s had over the years. If we can assume protection is used in a movie’s love scene is there some reason we cannot assume the same thing for a romance book. Or are we to apply a different standard of entertainment to a book versus a movie simply because it’s a book, or more specifically a romance book? Is this some way of legitimizing romance?

Point – A condom used by the hero in a romance shows he cares about the heroine. It makes me believe he cares and respects her enough because he’s aware of STDs or doesn’t want to impregnate her. He’s more heroic when he pulls out a condom. It shows he cares.

Counterpoint – When reading a sexy romance we generally assume a couple having sex for the first time is either in love or almost in love. If a reader can take that leap of faith, why is it so difficult to assume protection isn’t being used just because the author doesn’t actually show it? As for being heroic, if a couple has sex in a book without being in love or at least halfway there that first time or two, I find that even more unheroic than a hero who doesn’t pop on a condom. Even if the work is Erotic Romance or Erotica, why would a hero wear a condom, but turn around and perform oral sex. You can get STDs from oral sex, just like unprotected sex. Again, it’s about letting the reader make up their own mind. I believe readers are intelligent people. They don’t need things dumbed down for them. I’m sure they can assume that protection is a logical part of the sex act and it's not necessary for a satisfying read.

Point – It’s an author’s responsibility to add in safe sex issues in their work because we live in a society where STDs and unwanted pregnancies are a major issue. We need to consider that there are impressionable minds out there. To not show safe sex in a book is irresponsible of the author.

Counterpoint – While STDs and unwanted pregnancies are a societal issue, and can be addressed in a romance if an author so chooses, it’s not an author’s responsibility to educate readers on safe sex, particularly when awareness about the issue is quite prevalent in our society.

One can also turn the STD issue around and view it as maybe the hero is using a condom because he’s got a STD he doesn’t want to transmit to the heroine. If that were the case, why hasn’t he been cured? If it’s incurable, then that needs to be addressed LONG before the couple has sex. If the hero doesn’t tell the heroine he’s got a problem, that’s unheroic. If he doesn’t have an STD, is he perhaps afraid the heroine will give him something if he doesn't put on a condom? Naturally, these are exaggerations and unlikely points that would appear in a romance (although it might make for an interesting read), but the point is that using STDs as a reason for including a condom in romance is to me ridiculous.

The fear of pregnancy however I understand, and I could buy this factor if it’s stated that’s the reason for a condom being used. But again, this is fiction and the heroine won’t get pregnant unless the author deems it so (or the character) so it nullifies the need for a condom.

Point – Romance is supposed to show realism in the development of characters and their relationship. Authors need to be cognizant of this issue and ensure that realism is added into their books.

Counterpoint – If realism is the point of using condoms, then I put forth the argument that realism needs to extend beyond the condoms to more realistic heroes and heroines. Men who aren’t super hot sex machines (although I do love a hottie in a romance). Forget about men who're drop dead gorgeous with abs that are hard as a tree trunk or flat stomachs or perfect bodies in general. We need heroines that don’t have long silky hair, lovely faces, a svelte figure or other fabulous qualities. Let’s add to our love scenes those moments of skin flapping against skin as lovers copulate. What about those flatulence sounds that occur occasionally when a c*ck pops in and out a certain way. (*evil grin*) Those are all realistic sounds and images. Why aren’t they depicted? I don’t know about you, but there’s a definite, eeewwww factor in there for me. It just doesn’t make for a hot, steamy, ROMANTIC love scene IMHO.

For me personally, condoms in a love scene just aren't romantic. They're about being politically correct and the promoting of a safe sex agenda. I don’t write them because I believe they detract from a love scene. I think writing condoms into a love scene has to be a decision of each individual author. If a reader expects political correctness, it won’t be found in my books. I write romance. Romance that entertains. Romance that’s escapism and fantasy with core values such as love, empowerment, hope and HEAs, because the reality is life doesn’t always come with HEAs. I'm not about preaching safe sex to a reader. I think my readers are intelligent enough to figure out that safe sex is something you practice in the real world, and it’s not necessary to have it in a romance book that’s created to entertain you. When I explained this blog to the DH, his reaction was a *snort* and then "Get real, it's a fantasy." Guess I've got one believer in my court. LOL

Counting Blessings

2008-11-23T18:19:00.001-05:00

I have a house. While it might not be an ideal house, it’s still mine and I’m not in foreclosure thanks to someone reassuring me that “interest rates won’t go up that much.” There are a lot of people who are in the midst of losing their house or without a place to live, and I wish I were Warren Buffett rich to help as many as I could. Particularly the kids. No kid should go homeless or hungry. It just isn’t right.

I have a job. A lot of writers work two jobs. Making a living at writing is not easy, so a great many of us work day jobs (or nights) with our writing occurring whenever we can. Me, I can’t quit work because of debt, but at least I have a job that helps me keep my head above water. After a day at work, I come home and write from 8pm-12am most weekdays and my weekends are 12-16 hour writing blitzes. I hope to quit the day job in the near future, but the stars have to align properly for that (as in no debt). BUT, at least I do have a job. There are a lot of people who don’t these days, and my heart goes out to them. Without a job, you can’t keep a roof over your head, keep your kids clothed and fed or simply live.

I have a great family. While my kids and husband often find ways to annoy me (and yes, I annoy them too), I do have a wonderful family. For all their faults, my girls have big hearts and they just want to protect those who can’t fend for themselves. The DH, aka as Tim “Toolman” Taylor, is a good man. He puts up with a lot where I’m concerned, as do all Betas with their Alpha mates. Although there have been a couple of times of late where he’s displayed some Alpha tendencies. I wonder what fireworks will bring if this trend continues. Still he’s a great guy, and anyone who can put up with me for 22.5 years of marriage and 25 years total is either pretty tolerant or just head over heels in love. I prefer to hold to my illusions that he’s still in love with me. LOL

I have three wonderful blog mates. This is a competitive business we’re in and yet our support for each other on the blog and behind the scenes speaks to the heart of what I love about romance writers. We are, for the most part, genuinely happy to see someone else succeed in this tough business. Not only that, but this blog has been a growth process for me, an experience in learning the art of refining my apology technique. But then as I understand it from Natalie, my blunders tend to drive our numbers up. (No Natalie, I’m not suggesting you think I should blunder more often! LOL) Cathy, Natalie and Mac are three of the bestest people in the world, and being included in this blog is like having a second home.

I have decent health. No I’m not in as good of shape as I was when I first got married. In fact, even trying to get that healthy again is pretty much impossible. Age just doesn’t let you do what you used too. But, I’ve adjusted to my bionic status, although I would sure like a newer chassis so I could just look MAV-A-LOS. Besides with a newer chassis, I’d know what NOT to do to ensure the chassis lasted a lot longer.

I have a three-book deal with Berkley. I really didn’t expect to have a deal by the end of the year. I thought if I was going to land a deal it would come in 2009 as publishers started filling more of the 2010 slots. As it turns out, my first mass market is set for March 2010. I think my calculations were a bit off. I also expect better things to come in 2009 as I move my career up the next rung on the ladder.

So when I sit down to that nice Thanksgiving dinner I’ve got planned, I’ll give thanks for my good fortune and offer up a blessing for those who are not as fortunate as I am. It might be a Christmas line, but Tiny Tim’s words are valid at any time of the year. God Bless Us, Every One.

It's the Rules, Writer

2008-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

There are advantages to going last in the blog rotation. That way if you haven’t had time to write a post, you’ve got a little extra time to post. So thus begins my current blog. I’ve nothing to write about…no wait, I remember a topic that popped into my head when Cathy posted about loops and people advising newbies.So here's my advice FWIW...

Memorize The Rules

First off, it’s important to clarify what are “rules” and what are guidelines. Everything is a guideline.

Rule 1 – ALWAYS know your grammar rules. You cannot succeed in your craft without the book being legible. Know the difference between effect and affect (don’t ask me, I have to look it up every time. *grin*) But even this is smoke and mirrors because I've had editors remove semi-colons and commas to keep readers from tripping over breaks. Remember guideline!

Rule 2 – Know who’s POV your in and then only switch that POV every chapter. Then forget this rule. It’s a guideline. If you do something well (head hop) then all is forgiven.

Rule 3 – Make sure your Chapter heading starts exactly 2.5 inches from the top of a page. Ummm, remember when I said there are rules and there are guidelines. This is a guideline, and submitting a book with a heading placement at 2.25 or 3 inches is not a deal breaker. Worry about the content. While this rule is still a guideline, it's pretty reasonable to expect that your manuscript should be delivered to an agent/editor in a general format of 1-in margins and a reasonable heading starting a few lines from the top of the paper. Want some help with this one? Check out the article I wrote for newbies (Here). I've never been rejected by an editor because of formatting, although I did have a judge measure from the top of the page to where my heading started. I was off by a quarter of an inch according to her comments. Give me a break! No--BREAK the damn rule!

Rule 4 – One inch margins are standard pretty much across the board. HOWEVER, if you’re entering a contest and you need to get that last two paragraphs of a chapter on page 55, use the margin of .85 or .9, it's really hard to tell that your margins are off that one inch mark if you use .85 or .9. And if a judge does measure the margins, and docks you, know this. They would have gone out of their way to find something else nitpicky anyway. So you’d be screwed no matter what.

Rule 5 – Contests are crapshoot. You can enter one and win first place with your manuscript in front of an editor. OTOT, you can enter a different contest and not even final. I’ve entered about 10-15 contests. I finaled in three. The books I finaled with did not sell to New York. Something entirely else did. Contests should never be used as a reasonable expectation of a critique. The feedback you get can run the gamut. Unless you get the same kind of feedback from three or more judges, toss the commentary aside because it’s rarely useful. Don’t forget this rule, just know that the aforementioned statements are guidelines.

Rule 6 – Never, never, under any circumstances, use any other font BUT Courier 12pt. Forget this rule, it’s a guideline. In fact, “most” publishers now prefer Times New Roman 12pt. Right, forget that rule too, instead, try reading the publisher guidelines. That’s the authoritative word, not another writer.

Rule 7 – The number of pages per chapter should be 20 pages and no more. Forget this rule, it’s a guideline. While you don’t want to let a chapter drag on for 40 pages, if you go over 20 it’s not a deal breaker. Nor is it a deal breaker to have short chapters of 3, 2 or 1 pages. A chapter is as long as it needs to be. Write it that way and forget the rules.

Rule 8 – Never, NEVER, write a prologue. Readers hate them and they’re just a way to put in back story. Forget this rule. It’s a guideline. It is possible to provide a prologue that reveals something crucial to the plot that can’t be shown in Chapter 1. But it’s a guideline.

Rule 9 – Always show versus tell. Narrative is bad, very, very bad. Umm, forget this rule. It’s a guideline. Sometimes you can’t do anything else BUT tell. Again, it’s a guideline. It’s far better to show something than tell, but there will be times when telling is pretty much the best way to go.

Rule 10 – NEVER, EVER follow Rules 1- 9. They’re guidelines, not rules. The sooner a writer recognizes that something isn’t a rule, but a guideline, the better off they are.

Forget The Damn Rules

Oh, wait, there is ONE great rule to follow.

Write the good book (thank you Claire Delacroix/Deb Cook for those four words of wisdom).

Now go forth and break rules

Writers, Articulation and Intellect

2008-10-30T11:17:00.001-04:00

I’ve always admired people who are so articulate in their ability to skewer a point or write blog posts that are scintillating in analytical detail. I tend to ramble and just throw something out there. Even in my stories I tend to ramble. I’m getting better at reining that habit in though.

Still, when I read posts at different blogs, I’m in awe of the minds that write these posts. I mean these people must have brains like Einstein, because I read them and think OMG, I am sooo not posting a comment because what I have to say will pale in comparison to their intellect. Of course, I generally wind up ignoring my own advice and I post much to my regret. *sigh*

Duh Moments

I consider myself pretty intelligent, sometimes, I read blogs and comments and I’m thinking, WTF?? Did these people go to Harvard, Brown, Smith, Yale…etc. I feel somewhat ashamed of my lack of knowledge, and yes sometimes even insight, about the topic of romance. It makes me wonder if I’m a superficial author. A writer who doesn’t delve deep enough into the intellect of my characters for my readers. In some respects, it makes me wonder whether I’m supposed to be writing Jane Austen for the masses or Stephen King for the masses.

Jane Austen wrote romance that also was a commentary on the society she was a part of. All of her books delve into different aspects of the social structures of the time and she’s become well loved for her work and the analysis of her work is expansive.

Stephen King on the other hand, doesn’t generally write about the society we live in, rather he writes books that are meant to “scare” you, while entertaining you in the same breath.

I was trying to be analytical when thinking about these two writers, who you CAN NOT compare in terms of apples to apples, but here’s what suddenly popped into my head. Jane Austen is like a lovely art museum. Her books are beautiful portraits that you can drink in pleasurably and just sit and relax with for the simple joy of it. Stephen King is an amusement park ride (think roller coasters). His books are strictly for setting you on edge of your seat when he pulls you up one hill and then he plunges you down that same hill at lightning speed to the point you’re so scared you have no spit left.

Drinking From The Well

I drink from both wells (art museums and amusement parks) equally and can still be satisfied. And it makes me wonder if most readers aren’t like that—able to drink from the socially conscious type of books and the “fun, just for the hell of it” books. I know that a lot of blogs out in the blogosphere purport one opinion or the other, but there's a large percentage of the population that doesn't read those blogs and probably have a different opinion as to what constitutes good romance writing or bad romance writing.

For me, I’m convinced I’m a Stephen King kind of writer. I just want to write what I love to read, and I want to entertain my readers with a good story. I write for the masses and I don't worry about putting hidden messages or social issues in my books. I don’t want to over think my work, although I sometimes feel intense pressure to do so when I read some of the blogs out in the blogosphere. But what I really desire is to have a reader, say "Damn, that was a good book. For a couple of hours I was wrapped up in somebody else's troubles enough to get away from my own."

So where do you think you fit in? Do you see yourself more as a Jane Eyre or more as a Stephen King writer/reader? Perhaps you’re neither and think you’re like someone else…Thoreau, Emerson, Poe, Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele…tell me who you see yourself as when it comes to writing or reading.

Monica

What's It All About Monica

2008-10-16T20:47:00.003-04:00

Over at the GabWagon.com, my friend Natalie challenged us to fess up to some different writer questions. Here they are.

What's the last thing you wrote?

The Sheikh’s Courtesan

Was it any good?

My first reader says so, the jury (my agent) will have the final verdict and the judge (editors) will have final sentencing.

What's the first thing you ever wrote that you still have?

If we’re talking novels, that would be Sweet Shrew, which I wrote for HQ (rejected) and is a contemporary take off on The Taming of the Shrew

Favorite genre of writing?

Historical and paranormal.

I’ve tried contemporary, but I don’t think I have the voice for it, although I do have a couple of old stories that might work well for HQ’s line. It’s just finding the time to rewrite. Grrrr

Most fun character you ever wrote?

Simon Carton from A Bluestocking Christmas. He’s an arrogant, son-of-a-bitch in the first part of the story, but as the story progresses and Ivy brings him to his knees, he’s totally redeemed and I love him. He’s just so bold, charismatic and he has a wicked tongue.

Most annoying character you ever wrote?

My characters tend to be love ‘em or hate ‘em. I don’t know of any characters of mine that I found annoying. Now I’m sure that there are readers who would probably find some of mine objectionable, but I can’t name the characters.

How often do you get writer's block?

I don’t have writer’s block per se, more like “God, I’m so tired of this crap, I don’t want to write.”

How do you fix it?

I watch movies, tv, read, play video games. It’s amazing the number of ideas I get playing a video game with Baby

Do you type or write by hand?

I pretty much type, but when I’m editing I print off the book and I write new paras or rewrite paras on the back of the paper or on a notepad. I also carry a pad of paper in my purse (small spiral) and sometimes I use my PDA…I’ve even used the back of a medical form at the doc’s office. LOL

Do you save everything you write?

Yep, I’ll gut something, but I cut and paste it and then I put it in a file. I’m a digital pack rat. I often will go back into those files and review lines, because some lines that I have to cut are wonderful writing, but I can’t find a way to meld them into the current story, so maybe I can utilize the in a later story. I like to recycle. LOL

Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it?

Yes, In fact, there are two books I want to rewrite as time permits because I love the story so much but the writing stinks.

What's your favorite thing that you've written?

Damn, I hate questions like this, because I love ALL my works for different reasons. If I had to choose one that means something special it would have to be Love’s Portrait because it’s about overcoming something terrible and learning to live again rather than shutting oneself from life. It’s truly a personal story for me.

What's your favorite setting for your characters?

Call me crazy (because personally I can’t take the heat and I’m terrified of snakes), but there’s something incredibly romantic about the desert. In particular the Sahara and Egypt. If you look at the dunes in the Sahara, there’s some exquisite scenery that tells me God loves the raw, primal vitality of the land, despite its lack of water. Maybe it’s the challenge it requires to live in the desert that I like, because I love challenges.

How many projects are you working on right now?

Well, I just finished a book and I’m working on the synop…but I’m also planning out the next paranormal novella, and two historicals are burning up the stove in the back of my head, plus the possibility of a sale with my Master of Sin book subsequent series. Lots popping, which makes life hectic.

Have you ever written something for a magazine or newspaper?

Yes, I’ve been published in the Beta Sigma Phi magazine, and I’ve had a photo used by a Biker’s magazine. I also wrote a number of articles for Virginia Business Magazine on technology.

Have you ever won an award for your writing?

Well, I’ve finaled in RWA’s Golden Heart, the Eppie’s, and the Passionate Plume and the Red River Contests. I don’t consider 2nd or 3rd places or finals anything of substance. If my work isn’t first place, it’s not an award as far as I’m concerned. Truthfully, the only reason I do contests is to hope I final so I can gain a little exposure for a few bucks. It's amazing what a final in the Eppie's or GH or etc. can garner you in the online community. It does have it's advantages in terms of publicity, but rarely translates to sales.

Ever written something in script or play format?

No, although I did explore the idea. My nephew is studying at the UNC’s film school, and we’ve talked about me writing something and him directing it. THAT would be sooooo cool for me!

What are your five favorite words?

that’s a tough question, because I love words period, anything that I don’t get to use a lot of would be a favorite -- vitriolic, fragrant, epiphany, pithy, equanimity

What character that you've written most resembles yourself?

Lady Aurora Lyndham from Dangerous. I wanna be her when I get old. Tough, feisty and definitely the mistress of her domain. She’s the epitome of tough love

Where do you get ideas for your other characters?

It’s more of a what does the hero/heroine need in order to get to point B from point A

Do you ever write based on your dreams?

Some of my best stories have evolved plot wise and dialogue wise in my dreams. I specifically lay in bed and think about what I want to happen before I drift off to sleep, and then while I’m under the Muse does her work. I’ll wake up and while I won’t necessarily remember dialogue word for word, I do remember the gist of it, and when I write it, the words come back.

Do you favor happy endings, sad endings, or cliffhangers?

I think it depends on what type of book I’m reading. I want an ending that’s satisfying, but it doesn’t always have to be a happy ending. Although I do favor them more.

Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

Nah, I’m good at both, and generally Word just ticks me off because it doesn’t want to cut me slack when I know I need to use a comma vs. a semi-colon. Yeah, BILL, the semi-colon might be correct, but it stops readers cold.

Quote something you've written.

“He stirred in his slumber, and a long, muscular leg thrust its way out from under the sheet to reveal the limb from foot to hip. The line of his thigh was beautiful. No artist could have created a shape so perfectly male. And there was nothing more dangerous than Morgan St. Claire and the unbelievable maleness of him.” Julia Westgard, Love’s Portrait

The Forgotten Princess is now at Fictionwise!

2008-10-16T10:21:00.004-04:00

Winner of the FTHRW Wallflower contest, awarded 5 Coffee Cups at Coffee Time Romance, and winner of the Coffee Time Reviewer Recommended Award, don't miss out on your chance to own this tale of honor, devotion and desire.

For all that King Eric knew that he couldn’t take a barren bride to wife, neither could he ignore the King’s widow. Drawn to her loneliness by his own, he couldn’t resist just one kiss—but the kiss they shared that awakened the forgotten princess and set her free, imprisoned his heart.

Visit my website to read an excerpt! http://sonyadgrady.com

A Little Rebellion Now and Then Is a Good Thing

2008-10-02T15:54:00.001-04:00

Fireworks

I have two issues I want to touch on today, and they BOTH could be volatile. First, let’s talk about authors throwing themselves out into the political fray. Now if you read this blog fairly regularly, you know I like to pick a …errr…DEBATE an issue. That sometimes gets me into hot water (the subject matter that is). I definitely keep politics off my website and off my reader boards, and I try really hard to keep them off this blog and my other blogs as well. I do this because I feel like I have to respect my readers and their opinions. Besides they visit my website, reader boards and blogs to learn about my work, not my political leanings.

But of late, and particularly with this presidential election, I’ve noted a lot of authors posting their political beliefs on their blogs, on Twitter, etc. Both sides of the fence POVs, but it seems there are more who lean to the left than to the right. I post on Twitter and I do speak my mind (yeah when don’t I speak my mind), but Twitter moves so fast that unless you monitor it via phone or hourly, your comments will get lost (as mine do! LOL). And other than inundating my DH with political rants, it’s pretty much the only place on the web that I express myself freely under my pen name. My real name, I’ll have you know I’m the best damn letter to the editor writer out there! *grin*

Satirical Observations

However on Twitter, when I express myself, I do more satirical postings on political issues, where I just shake my head and say things like…

“What the hell was Biden thinking; making that crack about it’s patriotic to pay taxes.” I can’t think of one rich person who wants to pay taxes. But then I don’t know any rich people. So, it’s easy for me to forgive the guy. He’s one of us…errr…me--we both have hoof and mouth disease.

Then there are McCain’s thumbs up signs…he reminds me of Nixon (our greatest foreign policy Prez since maybe Jefferson, thanks to his appointment of Kissinger). Nixon’s signature gesture was the peace sign with both hands in the air and his head mashed down into his shoulders. McCain’s got a similar stance when he raises both thumbs upward and bent back; all the while he’s hunched down at the neck. Come to think of it, does he even have a neck??

Clearly, Obama’s been hanging with Joe Biden too much. I mean WHY would you be so stupid as to use the “lipstick” reference when you know, you JUST KNOW, your opponent is going to add makeup up to that statement and they’ll make you look like a clown. And the “cling to their guns and religion” comment???? Are you fricking insane!! You cannot cling to religion, it’s not a tangible object. Besides, there are some things you just don’t say, people. If you do, then you deserve to catch hell. God save us from people like me who speak before we think. This country needs more diplomats (like Natalie – That’s it, that’s the ticket, Natalie for President!).

I can’t really make too fun of Palin because so far, she’s not done a lot of stupid things, YET, but then she’s not been on the national stage long enough. Give her time. She’ll be like everyone else, she’ll but a huge hoof in her mouth and the circling vultures will go in for the carrion, and it won’t be moose either. One word of advice though, DO NOT watch any “Tina Fey as Palin” skits in the library. It’s very difficult not to shout out with laughter in one of those Shush settings. *sigh* And that Palin/Clinton skit was absolutely hysterical on BOTH sides of the aisle.

All of these things remind me of a Mark Twain quote. “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”

Funny how little has changed over a century. So my first question. Do you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing for authors to put their political leanings out for readers to see them?

My answer to the question is no. Don’t share your leanings, and if you’re so compelled to speak out (as I seemed have been), poke fun at both sides and you might just get away with it. *grin*

Second Verse Same Rebel Verse

This is Banned Books Week, and as usual, I’m being a rebel. I might be German / Italian heritage, but DAMN, sometimes I think I was sprung from the loins of Patrick Henry himself. Both of us opinionated, fiery, but he got all the oratory skills. But Thomas Jefferson loaned me his pen to act as a sword, so I’m all set to charge out and be a rebel.

Take a look at the current books that are the top 10 most challenged books in 2007. The number one book is And Tango Makes Three. This is a children’s book based on a true story. Apparently there were two male penguins at the New York Central Park Zoo who hung out together and zookeepers gave the two birds an egg and damn if they didn’t raise a cool little penguin named Tango. So two authors hooked up to write a children’s story about the two male penguins and how they worked together to raise Tango a female penguin.

Someone complained about the message and demanded that it be removed from the shelf, one of them HERE in Virginia. The home of Jefferson himself. The man is rolling in his grave! I understand a conservative parent not wanting their child to read a book that might present an “alternative” family message. That’s definitely their right. I understand their need to control what their children are exposed to, read, see and do based on their personal values. I respect that.

But their beliefs aren’t mine, and their rights end where mine begin when it comes to freedom of choice. One person ranting that they don’t want “filth,” anti-JudeoChristian, or other objectionable books in the libraries/schools because libraries/schools are supported by their tax dollars is ridiculous.

I don’t care for organized religion; does this mean that because my tax dollars bought several copies of the Holy Bible those books should be taken out of the library?
Of course not, a library is a source for ALL people to access books because not everyone has money to buy books. And for Pete’s sake a little accountability is in order here. If you don’t want your kids doing something, then take charge and outline those limitations to your kids. Leave mine alone. Don’t expect me or anyone else (including the government) to adhere to your values. It’s your business, your responsibility. Just because you don’t want your kids reading something doesn’t give you the right to tell me what MY children can read.

I am very Jeffersonian in my thoughts and beliefs. The minute you put your foot on my doorstep with the notion that you’re going to tell me what I can or can’t do, you name it, you're pushing my hot button. And while I don’t own a gun (too easy just to pull the trigger), I have swords. My Xena broad sword is good for a quick in and out action. (“an elegant weapon for a more civilized age” – thank you Obi Wan) and I’m not afraid to use them.

So go out and rant a little about Banned Books Week. Stir up support for your local library, and lets see what kind of hell raising we can do!

Your Jeffersonian Rebel - Monica

New reviews for Dragon's Heart and Enchanted Beauty!

2008-10-02T09:11:00.001-04:00

Margo Arthur at The Romance Studio gave Dragon's Heart a five heart rating, and had this to say about it,
The bond that was forged between them was complemented by the loving way Ms. Mathews wrote the tender moments into the plots. Dramas that besiege these two give them both the strength to face and overcome the strong odds that they where up against, causing them to excel in great power to defeat the enemy. An excellent adventure story filled with magical elements that make this book one to enjoy.
Link to full review, http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/dragonsheartmathews.htm and it's also up for Five heart sweetheart of the week, http://www.theromancestudio.com/5heart_form.php
I'd appreciate your vote!!!

I also received a great review from Kasey's View for Enchanted Beauty,
What a charming and sweet story.
Enchanted Beauty by Marly Mathews puts a new spin on the old tale of Beauty and The Beast. With a little bit of magic and along with some truly fascinating characters and a mesmerizing plot she weaves a spell-binding story that keeps you guessing right up until the end...

This is one of those stories that I found almost impossible to put down, which can sometimes make for a very late night...

If you enjoy stories about beautiful damsels in distress,wizards, magic and ever-after then you're sure to love Enchanted Beauty...

Thank you so much Margo and Kasey!

Have a great Thursday everyone! It's a wet, cool definitely Autumn like day here!

~Marly

Book Trailer for Enchanted Beauty by Marly Mathews

2008-09-24T05:43:00.001-04:00

Below is the trailer I created for my fantasy romance novel, Enchanted Beauty! If you have a few minutes, please watch it, and feel free to leave a comment here for me!
The trailer came together like a dream, though I had to hunt for a while to get the perfect pictures. :)
Enjoy!

~Marly

SRR Reviews Enchanted Beauty!!!

2008-09-23T09:28:00.000-04:00

Lily at Simply Romance Reviews has reviewed Enchanted Beauty and gave it an outstanding read rating!!! Thank you so much, Lily, I'm so pleased that you loved Enchanted Beauty. I loved writing it as I didn't want to leave the magical kingdom of Thaliana, and it warms my heart to hear that readers and reviewers are having a hard time letting go as well!!!

Here's a bit of what Lily had to say,
This book is a great read. Ms. Mathews has written a story with a historic feel and smoothly flowing fast-paced yet modern dialog. All her characters are well defined with depth of personality, even the magic mirror! They are intelligent, fierce and brave. Ms. Mathews' writing is not overly descriptive about less important things like furniture and scenery but instead gives us a great story with multi-dimensional characters. The book has great twists that kept me wanting to read more and I found myself staying up late into the night to finish. This is a fabulous adult fairytale with plenty of action, romance and of course, the happy ending. Watching Annabelle and Malachi fall in love in Enchanted Beauty is a wonderful journey and makes me look forward to reading more of Ms. Mathews books.

Here's the link to the full review!
http://www.simplyromancereviews.com/srrreviews/enchantedbeauty.aspx

~Marly

FIVE Heart Review for Enchanted Beauty at TRS!!!

2008-09-22T09:58:00.000-04:00

And the great reviews for Enchanted Beauty keep rolling in. I'm so happy that this story has struck a chord with readers and reviewers! It was a great deal of fun to write as I've always loved the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, and twisting it to put my own stamp on it in Enchanted Beauty was a great writing experience!!!

Here's what Margo at The Romance Studio had to say about Enchanted Beauty,
I have always love reading as a child the story of Beauty and the Beast. In Enchanted Beauty, Ms. Mathews introduces us to Annabelle, a brave, and compassionate woman, who struggled with the knowledge that she could die if no cure was found for the spell that had injured her, causing blindness and a the hastening of her last days on earth. Filled with betrayal and unending action, you will find Enchanted Beauty to be one of Ms. Mathews' truly loving stories to remember.

You can read the full FIVE Heart review by following this link,
http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/enchantedbeautymathews.htm

Thank you so much, Margo!!!

Have a great Monday, everyone!!

~Marly

First Review for Dragon's Heart!!

2008-09-20T10:10:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone!
Last week I received the first review for my fantasy paranormal romance, Dragon's Heart!
Here's a little bit of what Cherokee at Coffee Time Romance had to say about Dragon's Heart! Thank you so much, Cherokee!!

Dragon's Heart is a delightful tale. The banter between Grania and Dylan is sharp, to the point, and carries some cute perks with it. Often times it moved at a great pace, like a tennis match. I fell headlong in love with the sparks of the players, and the developments between them and the secondary characters. The intense battles are life-like, creating an entertaining read, hard to let go in this surreal drama. Marly Mathews is a dynamic author who sketches fantasy and romance brilliantly with a read I found utterly pleasurable.

Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

You can read the full review by following this link, http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Dragonsheart.html
~Marly

The Forgotten Princess by S.D. Grady

2008-09-15T16:32:00.001-04:00

The Forgotten Princess by S.D. Grady

Posted using ShareThis

The SF Saga Is Complete!

2008-08-28T17:24:00.001-04:00

Return of the Queens

Ok, so I’m still mourning the fact that we had no money for me to indulge in adding yet another Star Wars item to add to my modest collection (my prized autographed, Ray Parker in full Sith Lord regalia has an honored spot in our family room and damn that saber would have looked good over top). Anyway, our first and last Sunday in San Francisco dawned cloudy and we were immediately depressed because our sailboat cruise was at sunset. Unfortunately, clouds present a problem when it comes to seeing the sun actually set.

We tried not to think about it as we got ready to attend the drag show. I suddenly decided on a whim that I just wanted to wear shorts. So I called the Starlight club and asked about dress code. I wasn’t happy when I was told no shorts, but JEANS were allowed! Guess I should have asked THAT question before I left Virginia because I didn’t bring jeans. Arrrrgggh. So I dressed up.

Sunday’s a Drag

I’d like to make a HUGE commercial plug for Harry Denton's Starlight Room at the Sir Francis Drake . This guy knows exactly how to put on a meal and a show. There was so much food to select from, salads, made-to-order omelets, fruits, muffins, roasted pork, potatoes and OMG, the French Toast. I’m a decent cook. In fact, I’ve had people tell me I’m an exceptional cook (although I think it depends on the taste buds). But I do admit to having specialties that few places or people can top. One of those is my French toast. The family lives for th

e occasional Sunday when I fix mine, so I was blown away by Harry’s French Toast. It was exquisite on the taste buds. A one-inch thick slice of heaven is what they were. I won’t tell you how many I ate, but suffice it to say, even when I was full, I had to have more. My mouth is watering as I type. And on top of that, if the maple syrup they had wasn’t the real deal, then I want the brand name they used, because it oozed sugary sweet all over these divine angel wings being passed off as fluffy French toast.

With our bellies full, we sat back to enjoy the show. I already had a good idea of what to expect from a drag show, but I knew the DH didn’t have a clue. Truth is, he really didn’t want to go to the show, but because I wanted too, he agreed. He’s a good husband, and he also knows he generally has a good time when he agrees to do things he didn’t want to do in the first place. For the DH, the show was an eye-opener. He has truly come to accept and appreciate all alternative lifestyles and he was enthralled with Cassandra in the show. She’s wearing the strips of blue in the picture with him and the other queen.

Funny, bawdy, yet clean and tasteful, these performers made sure everyone had a grand time. When the DH was presented with the $100 bill, he exclaimed surprise and I reminded him that it was $45 a person and we’d had ice tea. He grinned, shook his head and scratched his name on the ticket with a big, “Ah, hell, it was WORTH it!”

Painted Ladies

After our drag queen show, we had a few hours to kill until our sunset sail. So I announce I want to go see the Painted Ladies. Naturally the DH is all keen to do go too given he’d just had a wonderful time at the drag show. However he wasn’t exactly keen anymore when I inform him that the Painted Ladies are Victorian Houses at Haight and Steiner. He’s now got the hang dog look on his face. Too late, you already said yes, sweetie. After a quick clothes change, we hop onto the bus and head toward the Haight Ashbury section of town. I don’t know what it is with us and buses, but we always managed to meet the most interesting of people. On this trip we met a gal who told us where to get off, but the DH and I disagreed over what she said. I looked at him and said pull the cord to make the drive stop.

“No, it’s not this stop.”

“Yes it is.”

“Pull the cord. We need to get off here.”

So I pull the cord, but the bus rolls right past Steiner Street. The next street it stops and we get off. As I study the map, I tell the DH we have to go up a couple of blocks and then turn left (BACK the way we came).

“Why do we have to do that?”

“Because you didn’t listen to me when I told you we needed to get off at Steiner!” *sigh* Men, I’m convinced its true that they really don’t have a sense of direction or the willingness to stop for directions.

We set out down the street toward the Painted Ladies on what’s a relatively flat plane.

When we turn the corner to we’re facing more steep hills. What is it with this city! LOL

Check out the hill above! After Lombard Street this sucker was peanuts!

Painted Ladies is a term given to houses built in the Victorian and Edwardian eras that are painted in bright colors. In the late 1800s, San Francisco was populated with houses like this, including Nob Hill where the most affluent people lived. In the quake of 1906 the Nob Hill mansions were destroyed, but a number of beautiful houses like these still remain. The houses in this picture face Alamo Park and are sometimes referred to as Postcard Row because they’ve become a tourist destination as a result of the number of times they’ve been photographed.

As you can see from the photo, the sun had come out, and it was turning out to be gorgeous weather. Nippy but wonderfully sunny. With my need for architecture not yet sated, we headed back to the bus stop where we should have gotten off to begin with, and along the way I insisted on the DH taking shot after shot of architecture. I’ve no idea what to do with these pictures! I think we took something like 300+ shots in four days.

The DH was getting antsy about getting to the cruise ship on time. Not that we had to rush, it was only 2:30pm and the ship didn’t leave until 6:30pm, but he was not eager to keep stopping at every house I wanted him to photograph as we walked back to the bus stop. We killed some time at Fisherman’s Wharf until it was time for our sailboat ride.

Sailing the Seven Seas (ok, the Bay)

We weren’t sure what to expect on our cruise, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to adequate describe the impact this experience had on me, or on us as a couple. The first part of the cruise started out on choppy waters. We’d not been out on the water but maybe 15 minutes when I heard a cell phone go off. It was near where the DH had left his stuff, but there was a couple sitting beside his jacket and I didn’t think anything of it. The ringing stopped, and then it started again. Over the wind, I told the DH that I thought his phone was ringing.

“No, it’s not mine.”

“Yes, I think it is,” I said with an arched eyebrow. He checks it and rolls his eyes.

“It’s Oldest.” (Oldest stayed at home by herself for the first time ever!) DH answers the phone.

“What, Oldest?” Long pause.

“That’s why you called me? You want to know how to cook hot dogs?” The couple sitting next to DH’s jacket are laughing. “All right you put a couple of cups of water in the bottom of the steamer, put the hot dogs in the top part and cover it. Cook them about 7-10 minutes. Okay?”

He shakes his head as he hangs up and he glances down at the phone. “She’s been calling for the last fifteen minutes because there must be six or seven calls on here, I just didn’t hear the phone going off.”

I laugh. “She’s missing us, but doesn’t want to admit it.”

The cell phone goes off again. DH scowls as he answers it. “NOW what?” His eyes widen. “O‑M-G, Oldest. Yes the hotdogs can be frozen when you put them in the steamer. I’m trying to enjoy a romantic sailboat cruise with your mother. Now do you have any other questions?”

When he hangs up, I’m laughing uproariously right along with the couple near the DH who’ve been privy to the one-sided conversation. Kids, clearly they need us, but they don’t like admitting it.

With daughter number 1 taken care of, I move toward the front of the catamaran. I expected to get a little wet on the boat. After all the catamaran has open webbing between its hulls, what I didn’t expect was to have a HUGE wave surge up through the webbing and drench me in salt water. Oh wait, it wasn’t just salt water. It was ICE COLD salt water. But I decide that’s okay, how many people can say they’ve sailed on the San Francisco Bay and gotten drenched from it? Besides, it wasn’t too cold, I could handle it. Ummm, note the sweatshirt I'm wearing in the picture here! LOL

Feeling the need for food, I go below and grab what little of the cheese and appetizers are left. There were only about 35 people on board, but damn they must have been hungry! When I go back up on deck, I move to the front of the catamaran and simply put my face into the wind and revel in the beauty of a boat slicing through water with the precision of a knife. Left behind in the boat’s path was white foam cresting on top of water that couldn’t make up its mind what color it wanted to be. One minute it was green then it became midnight blue only to become green again with a tinge of blue.

Above my head, the sails billowed outward like freshly cleaned sheets on a clothes line, while the company’s logo of a black cat stood out sharply against the bleached sails. When it came time to head toward the Golden Gate Bridge, the DH and I just stood quietly together enjoying the view. I remember leaning over to kiss his cheek and saying I love you. He smiled and said I love you too. Then we were silent again. Sometimes, there are moments in your life which can not be put into words. For a writer to say something like that seems a bit incongruous. But it’s true.

That One Moment

I could wax poetic about those few minutes of bonding and closeness that I shared with my husband, but the truth is, a moment like that must be experienced. It must be felt. Or perhaps what I’m really saying is that the moment was too intimate to share with anyone but him. Intimate in the way that two people can simply hold hands and see deep into the heart of the other person.

The simple knowing that only someone who loves you can have any hope of understanding who you truly are. I remember my mother once describing a walk she and my Dad took on a beach when they stopped to watch the sunset. She told me my Dad just reached for her hand and held it in silence. That simple description speaks eloquently to what I experienced with the DH. It was acceptance, understanding and love all wrapped up in a beautiful gift of heartfelt intimacy that said, I don’t want to be any other place but here with you. It’s a moment I’ll cherish until my days end.

With our wonderful bonding moment still close to my heart, the captain of the boat took us directly under the bridge. Again, this is another difficult experience to truly describe. So I thought I’d do it with pictures. Even they can’t do justice to the majesty and beauty of this man-made wonder that spans a rocky shoreline and is buffeted by fog and sunshine depending on nature’s whim.

When our sail ended, we were ready to go again. NO, wait! That’s not true. Remember how I said I was soaked with water and that it wasn’t cold? Well, the weather decided to change on us, and the wind got stronger and COLDER. It takes a lot for me to complain about the cold. I rarely wear a coat in the wintertime. So when I’m standing on the dock shivering and my teeth are chattering, the DH realizes that he’s not going to convince me to eat dinner down on the wharf. Instead we return to the hotel.

Monday we awoke to our last day in San Francisco and our scheduled trip to Alcatraz. The barometric pressure had shifted and my knee and hip were agonizing reminders that I was no longer 25 anymore. Nonetheless, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the tour of the prison.

I can only say that my trip to San Francisco was wonderful on so many different levels. It was a business success and it created memories that will last a lifetime. The only things we didn’t do that I wish we had were…

ride a cable
take a dinner/dance cruise on the Bay
walk the whole length of the Golden Gate Bridge
visited the Parthenon from the Pan American Exhibition

But hey, who’s to say that we can’t go back. After all, when I talked with the cheese guy from LeBeau the other night as to what cheeses he sold us in his small grocery store. He said we should come back, and maybe we will.

Cable Cars Climb Halfway to the Stars

2008-08-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here it is, Part 2 in the San Francisco experience! While I was trying to get my act together Friday, the DH got to live one of his special dreams. Thanks to the finagling of a very dear friend (thank you, Cathie), the DH played the Spanish Bay course at Pebble Beach. He was over the moon about it, and I confess I just didn’t get what all the excitement was about when comes to hitting a dimpled ball from one place to another. But then he didn’t get me and the OMG Kate Duffy loves my writing mentality, so we were square. He wasn’t going to get back until late, so I went to dinner with Mel Schroeder and the delightful Ember Case.

Make Mine Medium Well Please

We visited John’s Grill, which was the restaurant setting used by Dashiell Hammett in his famous book The Maltese Falcon. Upstairs, in a glass case, they’ve even got the Maltese Falcon prop. Way COOL! During dinner, the three of us had a wonderful time talking business. We sat next to the restaurant’s entryway which had window where we could see people waiting for their table. We noted one small group commenting and pointing to our steaks, so I had Ember knock on the glass to get their attention. When they looked in my direction, I pointed my steak and gave them a grin with a big thumbs up. They laughed and nodded. Determined to ensure that they were good and hungry when they got to their table, I teased them with another big grin. I then popped a delicate bite of steak into my mouth and proceeded to wax poetic about the taste with my expression. I managed to give everyone a good laugh except for the two guys next to our table. Of all the places to find two uptight gay men, I would NEVER have thought it possible in San Francisco, but I swear to you, these two guys made conservative Republicans look like happy Democrats. Their expressions were pinched tighter than a raisin. Even when I attempted a polite and sincere smile of hello, the look I got from one gentleman could have pinned a fly to the wall in one swift stroke. Oy!

We're Walking, We're Walking

Saturday saw the DH and I checking out of the Marriott and moving a few blocks away to the Hilton. Long story short, the Marriott didn’t have any cheap rooms Sun night (low ball figure of $400+), and I got us two nights at the Hilton for the same price it would have cost us to stay at the Marriott one more night. Once we cleared all of that, I was going to go to a couple of workshops, but I’d apparently packed my briefcase with my workshop paperwork, so I didn’t know what was going on, so I decided I’d be nuts not to take advantage of my time with the DH in one of the most romantic cities in the world. So off to the Hilton I walked in my heels.

Now I don’t mind walking when someone gives me good directions, but I called the DH twice from my cell phone and kept hearing that I was almost there. If he’d been in front of me, I would have grabbed him by the throat and yelled at him to stop saying I was almost there because my feet were reassuring me with each step that I was anywhere BUT almost there. I’m beginning to believe that adage, never ask a man for directions.

Sea Lions, Tourist Traps and Boats

Once we’d settled into the hotel, we decided to head to Fishersman’s Wharf and Pier 39. To get there we enjoyed another interesting excursion via public transportation. We’d been on the bus for a short time when this beautiful, and I do mean beautiful, girl gets on the bus and sits across from us. We’re trying to figure out where to get off and she offers assistance. The DH is instantly smitten, and moi, I just smile with glee.
When we get off at our stop, the DH says,

“That girl was gorgeous.”

“Yes, he certainly was.”

“What do you mean, he?” the DH squeaks.

“Honey, I’m sorry, but that was a guy.”

“NO!”

“Sorry, she was he.”

“NO! She was gorgeous.”

“He was gorgeous, honey, but it was a wig, and the Adam’s apple was a dead giveaway, although you weren’t looking there were you.” My expression had to have been one of smug amusement, because that’s what I was feeling. Serves him right for looking at another gal’s boobs in front of me.

“NO! That’s not possible, I wouldn’t…” His voice dies off, and I just pat him on the shoulder.

“It’s okay, sweetie. Even Tim “the Toolman” Taylor would have been attracted to her.”

“I still say you’re wrong. She was a she.”

I just smiled and allowed him to keep his manhood intact. However, as you can see by my recounting of the tale here, I’m still enjoying myself.

The DH has already visited Fisherman’s Wharf earlier in the week, so he’s acting like a professional tour guide until I glare at him and say, ok, I was here 10 years ago, it hasn’t changed THAT much (even my fav chocolate candy store hadn’t moved). Naturally, I had to have my white chocolate and I saw an ad for one of those 3-D rides. I convince the DH to go ride. Now this ride is one of those where you sit in a cushiony chair and while the cool movie is running the chair tosses you around. I’m not sure where I missed the “fasten your seatbelts,” warning because the next thing I know I’m being tossed around in my seat and the only thing holding me in the damn chair is my fierce semi-terrorized grip on two insubstantial hand grips. Needless to say, I LOVE the experience and the next two rides we did, I made sure NOT to wear my seatbelt. I love, love, love living dangerously! (Hence the reason I wrote a book called Dangerous - Am I sneaky with Promo or WHAT! LOL)

How High Can She Go?

Although I’d been to the world-famous Crooked Street the last time I was in San Fran, I still wanted to go again. So I suggested we walk up the hill from the Wharf (I did have the common sense to be wearing tennis shoes, thank you very much). Granted, my definition of hill and the one San Franciscans use is COMPLETELY different. So when we get to the first incline heading up Lombard, the DH takes one look at the hill, looks at me and says,

“There no way in hell you’re going to make it.” His tone is that of a long suffering husband, which does nothing but incite my stubborn molecules to encircle and annihilate my common sense brain cells.

“WATCH me!” I sneer as I charge up the hill. If I’d not been walking on the treadmill for the past seven months, I would have been dead a quarter of the way up that damn hill. Instead, I managed to avoid doing my imitation of the stereotypical heaving bosoms romance author until about three-quarters of the way up the slope. By the time I got to the top of the hill I was exhausted, however, take a look at the picture. We walked from the water (that's at the very top of the picture) all the way up to the foot of the world-famous crooked street. Please note that the photo was not enhanced in any way shape or form. That last hill really is about an 80-85 degree angle of incline. Awww RIGHT! Who’s bad, I’m bad, who’s bad, I’m bad. Granted that little song and dance was played out solely in my imagination. It’s good to be a writer, because I had no strength for performing in any way, shape or form at that point.

Now what do you do when you’ve just climbed a mountain? Do you keep climbing? Ummm, not! The steep incline was bad enough, and I hate stairs. I knew the hotel was somewhere to the left of the Crooked Street so that’s the direction I led the DH in.

Note to self, catch a cab when you’ve just completed an historic climb. Do not try to be a heroine by climbing more hills.

The Thrill of Victory / The Agony of Defeat

What I thought would be just one more hill and then ALL downhill to the hotel became a lesson in stubbornness and endurance. All of which I have in abundance. We must have walked another five or six steep hills in what I loosely determined was the direction of the hotel, although I clearly didn’t have a clue as to where we were. But then that living (Promo Alert) Dangerously gene was rampaging quite nicely through my blood. Along the way, we came across this wonderful building that had of all things, GARGOYLES on it. Being a lover of creatures who are made to ward off evil spirits, I insisted the DH take some photos. We continue on our way not realizing that we’re about to experience one of those memorable moments in life that can never be bought or arranged. These type of spontaneous and rare moments are once-in-a-lifetime events that can never be recreated. They are so special they can only be recorded fully on one’s heart.

It’s called exhaustion. ROFL Okay, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t resist.

Anyway, we get to the top of one more hill (I’ve now lost count), and the rinky dinky map the hotel gave us makes it look like the hotel is two blocks away, but I know better because all I see are more mountains to climb. *sigh* I look at the DH and growl, Okay, I’m not taking another step until I figure out where the hell we are. The DH just breathes heavily, and not with any hint of romance I might add. Guess I’ve worn him out. Ahh…the life of an erotic romance author. NOT!

Where The Hell Are We?

About this time, I hear a car roaring up the 75-degree incline we’ve just climbed. I look at the DH and say,

“I think it’s time we ask for directions.”

“No, we’re fine.”

“Sorry, Tim (Toolman) Taylor, we’re asking for directions.”

This dark green CJ-7 jeep rolls up to the stop sign we’re standing close too and THANKGOD it didn’t have the usual plastic covered window stuff. I politely scream over the engine.

“Excuse me, do you know how far it is to Market Street (we could find the hotel from there).”

Now as a romance author, I tend to look at men from a hero-potential POV. I mean I study features, body structure (think DaVinci's David), etc. I’m telling you, the two guys in this jeep were young Adonis’. I’m seeing rugged features, deliciously hard biceps, strong shoulders, need I go on? Both young men are eager to help and Adonis #1 tells us the hotel is about ten blocks further on. My face must have looked like I’d been socked in the jaw. Immediately, they both insist that we accept a ride to where the walk to the hotel is ALL downhill.

Naturally, the DH is giving me the silent eye signal (equate to blinking like he’s having apoplexy) to refuse. At this point, I’m beyond exhaustion and I cheerfully accept. Like a true romance hero, Adonis #2 gets out of his seat and tells me to sit in front while he sits in the cramped back with the DH (Remember how I said I went first class and he went coach? Guess it holds true for CJ7 Jeeps too). Firmly ensconced in our open carriage, our driver roars down a hill then up a hill, braking to a great rollercoaster stop at the top of each hill. While we’re driving we chat a little about the fact that they’ve been in the desert to an art festival in Nevada. Did I mention I love the desert? Particularly ones where there are Mirages? (Slick aren't I--LOL) I mention to our yummy hosts that I’m an erotic romance author in town for the RWA conference. They think that’s cool. We’re start discussing books and art in general, when Adonis #2 (sitting next to the DH) reaches up to tap the arm of Adonis #1 and says,

“Sweetie, tell them about….”

I have no idea what Adonis #2 said next because it was all I could do not to laugh out loud. The DH is still adjusting to my adopted nephew being gay, and clearly on this trip he's getting a whole new perspective on alternative lifestyles. I must say I'm proud of him though. He didn't even flinch. How’s that for enlightened growth and tolerance in a short time span. The Adonis twins dropped us off at the top the last hill, and said their goodbyes before they roared off into the sunset. I wish we'd had more time to chat with them. They were erudite, cultured and really sharp when it came to the arts. Worse, I didn’t even think to get their picture! I really wish I had, because not only was this couple so thoughtful in offering us a ride, but it’s because of them that the DH and I experienced one of our most romantic moments ever.

I Couldn't Have Written A Better Romance Scene

I would not have made it to that last hill without our gallant knights and I would have insisted on calling a cab to get back to the hotel. But because of the generosity of strangers, the DH and I stumbled into this delightful neighborhood grocery where after a little bit of discussion, we purchased a roasted chicken, then we chatted with the guy behind the cheese display case who gave us a wonderful breakdown on the specialized cheeses they offered. We ended up with one cheese that was like a Havarti but it started with a T and the DH fell in love with the one that was like a cheddar / bleu cheese mix. We had a great conversation with the cheese specialist and the other young man behind the counter. With our cheeses selected, we added a loaf of sourdough bread and drinks to our cheese and chicken feast and checked out.

The cheese guy had said to let the one cheese warm up some to make it easier to spread on the bread, so we took our time walking back to the hotel (DOWNHILL). The weather was exquisite and it was wonderful, romantic walk through a quiet neighborhood. When we reached the hotel, we enjoyed a picnic in our room while watching a Pay-for-view movie. It was an incredible memory and we have Adonis #1 and #2 to thank for it. So guys if you happened to check out my website and are visiting this blog. THANK YOU and big hugs and smooches for making possible such a wonderful romantic memory for the DH and me! You guys RAWK!

Next week, come back to read the final installment in Monica’s San Francisco Saga! Serial rights are up for auction.

Enchanted Beauty has been released!!!!

2008-08-16T09:35:00.000-04:00

Annabelle Hawthorne-Morton is a beauty with a mysterious past—Lord Malachi Hawthorne is the beast that will touch her heart—she will heal his tortured soul and he will bring the light back into her dark world.
Hey Everyone!

I'm thrilled to announce another new release! Enchanted Beauty has been released at New Concepts Publishing. This novel is a retelling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.
Buy Enchanted Beauty!
Enjoy!

~Marly

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

2008-08-15T12:31:00.001-04:00

Warning, this blog will not be short. How could it be given my recent trip to San Francisco? There was a lot happening at the RWA conference, but there was lots of other wonderful stuff happen’ too!

The DH and I flew on separate flights, different airlines. I went first class, a fact the DH reiterated ad nauseam throughout the trip. Hey, it took me two weeks to convince him to come with me AFTER I bought the ticket. He’s got no one to blame but himself for not moving faster on buying his ticket. However, I did enjoy pointing out to him that I got real china and REAL stainless steel utensils. I confess that one confused me given the terrorist orange alert status. I mean there’s a lot one can do with a real knife when you’re airborne and that close to the cockpit, unfortunately.

Our ride to downtown on the BART was a mini-adventure where the DH had his first REAL exposure to alternative life styles. We have gay friends, but they don’t do wet, open displays of affection in public. So that startled the DH a little bit. *grin*

The hotel staff, despite the far from complimentary rip-a-new-one blog post about them prior to the conference, were organized, efficient, helpful and just wonderful. I got my usual, exceptional service that I get whenever I stay at the Marriott. I still need to send compliments via email to the general manager about ALL staff. They went out of their way IMHO to make RWA welcome.

O-M-G! It’s Kate Duffy

Key in hand (we got a small suite complete with refrigerator!! YAHOO!) we head for the room when I see Rosemary Potter, bookseller extraordinaire. I immediately charge over to say hi, and I suddenly realize she’s with someone. So I’m backpedaling and apologizing profusely about interrupting. But Rosemary’s companion scoffs

“NO, that’s what RWA is for! I’m Kate Duffy.” She offers her hand and the whole time I’m shaking her hand, all I can think of is…my hands are sweaty.

“Hello, I’m Monica Burns.”

“Monica Burns! I LOVED Mirage. It was wonderful, just wonderful.” Her words catch me completely off guard as I’m thinking, WTF—she read Mirage??? In the next blip of a thought, I’m thinking, OMG, Kate Duffy loved Mirage! When she tells me to sit, I’m like a new puppy eager to please. I do keep glancing over my shoulder at the DH who finally strolls over and in a slightly (just slightly) exasperated tone says, “Just give me the key.”

For the briefest of seconds (and more like a fraction), I’m thinking why the hell didn’t he come later in the week!! But I introduce him; and Kate while shaking his hand says…

“Do you know what a wonderful writer your wife is?”

Obviously not sure what to say, the DH (who automatically assumes I’m chatting with old friends and NOT a major NY editor) replies, “Umm…yeah….right.”

Shooting him at that point would have been too merciful. Perhaps a room at the world-famous Alcatraz? Feeling a bit overwhelmed, not to mention guilty because the DH and I had planned events for the afternoon, I politely excused myself and headed for the elevators. Inside the small car, I do a happy feet dance plus a bit of screaming! OMG, OMG, KD frigging likes my writing! OMG. Acting the part of Tim “Toolman” Taylor, the DH still isn’t getting the monumental event that’s just transpired!! Even after an explanation he’s still clueless. *sigh*

Fred the Millionaire

With two memorable moments completed, we set out to see the Golden Gate Bridge. With money tight, we decide public transportation is the best option and several San Franciscans cheerfully helped us find the right bus. Along the way, we had to make a transfer, and that’s when we met Fred.

Actually we never got his name; we just called him that as opposed to other less than complimentary monikers. Fred seemed like a rather plucky fellow. He certainly can hold his liquor as he smelled strongly of alcohol. Scratch that, he reeked of the brew, and one could have gotten drunk off his breath. So Fred asks if we’re from California. When he learns we’re from Virginia he’s immediately complimentary, stating we’re “good people. People in California are ____(you fill in the blank).”

The DH slides a glance my way, and I desperately dart a glance up the street for the bus that isn’t anywhere on the horizon. Looking back at the DH, I can see he’s thinking he might have to act like Lancelot or some other knight in shining armor. Only problem is, he’s without a sword of the steely kind. My collection at home can’t be carried on the plane. Now, Fred is still ranting about California when he pulls out this wad of cash. I mean I would have loved to have just had a few of the bills Fred displayed with such open pride. We would have been able to paint the town red for several nights!!

Fred waves the money in front of us like someone offering up a bite of chocolate cake right before they eat it and said, “My Dad just died and I get $500 a week for the rest of my life. Damn Californians. They don’t know what it’s like. They’re F*!kers. My girlfriend just died up there on the hill.”

Fred points to the grove of trees on the hill behind the bus shelter and the DH’s expression is so easy to read…oh God, we’re going to have to report a dead body. Fred continues to point toward where his girlfriend died and rants how the Californians left his girlfriend’s body on the hill for days. Now the DH and I are putting our noses to the wind expecting to smell something far worse than we’ve ever been exposed to before. Fred again calls us good people and says he’s a Vietnam vet whose father sailed out of Norfolk on his way to fight in WWII.

I glance up the street and offer up a Hail Mary (I’m not Catholic, but childhood memories help) because I see a bus. At this point, Fred decides he no longer wants to talk to us. Why the hell not? We’re good people. He takes off to collect his stuff and charges across the street to catch another bus (going the opposite way thank God!). He’s sporting what appears to be a brand spanking new mountain hiker backpack. Clearly the inheritance is the real deal, unless of course he’s robbed a bank. He could have overwhelmed bank guards with the liquor fumes alone.

The Bridge Is Gone

With that small adventure out of the way, we reach the GGB (Golden Gate Bridge) where I proceed to drop $65 on a sweatshirt jacket. My belief that I could survive the bridge’s wind factor was obliterated the moment we stepped off the bus. My shorts and short sleeve shirt are no match for the infamous foggy chill that is the San Francisco bay. The bridge is just as I remember it. Cold, damp, but unbelievably majestic. There are few manmade structures that make me speechless, but this bridge is one of them. The fog kept sweeping in and out (this pic is NOT blurred, it's the fog!) so that one minute the first tower of the span was clearly visible and in the next instant it slowly melted into the clouds until there was little of the bridge showing at all. Needless to say, we were thinking, damn, all this way and there’s nothing to take a picture of!

Dinner that night was in Chinatown. The Empress China restaurant had decent food, but I love the food at our Peking restaurant here in Richmond much better. I love it even more because our meals at the Peking don’t even come close to the $100 we paid at Empress China for soup, spring rolls and an entrée. It was an a la carte menu. However, I will say the ambiance was nice and we had a nice view of San Francisco’s skyline. Hey we were in SanFran…we should expected high prices.

On Wednesday, my marketing savvy died. I still can’t believe I failed to put my promo stuff out as soon as the goody room opened. I also forgot to deliver my books for the signing by the proper time. I really don’t know where my head was. No wait I do! The hamster wheel kept running the tape replay of KD saying, “I loved Mirage!”.

Where the Body Meets the Road

Bella LeeAnn (she’s a sweetheart), from Michelle Buonfiglio’s blog, and I went to lunch with Sandra Barkovich and Shaunta (I forget her last name and can’t find my bloody business cards *Grrrr*) to a terrific (and MUCH cheaper) lunch at Tian Sing . It was only a short hop, skip and a jump, but somewhere between the hotel and where we crossed the street I became feet-challenged to the nth degree.

With the grace and precision of an out-of-work acrobat (because he’s so bad), I managed to imitate the “help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up” commercial by stumbling my way over the curb. I almost managed to save myself before I wound up flat on my face. Now I normally recover from things like this well, but I was just stunned. Did I lay there thinking OMG can I move my legs, are they broken, OMG, I look stupid laying here on the sidewalk, OMG is my PDA okay? Nope, I just lay there like a beached whale thinking…Damn, I fell down. I really fell down. I can’t believe I fell. This is my best outfit and the damn book signing it this evening. WTF do I wear now???

I managed to get up after about 15 seconds (an eternity when San Francisco just keeps walking on by you while your friends continued forward until they realize you’re not with them). I did have one man ask if I was okay. When I said yes, he nodded sagely and said, “Everyone says that but then they find out that they’re not okay.” I will not even begin to contemplate the deeper truth of that statement. But it was nice of him to be concerned given everyone else aside from my friends was acting like I was a well-dressed homeless person taking up sidewalk rent space.

RWA Book Signing

Friends! You’ve Got to Have Friends (Bette Midler would have loved the book signing!) I kept thanking God that I didn’t have to change clothes because I fell on a clean section of sidewalk. I mean my outfit was selected because it was supposed to make me look my best. Unfortunately the pictures the DH took at the signing were not flattering. I just don’t do great pictures. Cathy and Natalie both looked fantastic. Hard to believe it’s been almost two years since the GabWagon was started and we all came together in Atlanta to get it rolling. Tell me Cathy doesn’t look FAB in this shot! (Nat you've been spared a photo because I looked horrible in the pic we got together. It's for private viewing only!! LOL)

Good friend Melissa Schroeder also popped in for a hello at the signing (see pic). Truth be told, I really didn’t expect to sell any books (mine are those expensive trade size) but after the fifth sale, I was feeling pretty good! A gentleman bought one of my books and someone asked me afterward if I had many men buying my work. They were surprised when I stated yes and that I had several male members on my Yahoo loop (unintended pun! LOL). HEY! Guys read romance. They just don’t rave about it like us gals.

For dinner the DH and I visited Puccini and Pinetti with Mel Schroeder. Both Mel and I were already exhausted (the damn conference hadn’t even started), but the three of us had a lively meal where I flirted with the wait staff. Food = energy and after dinner, I perked up like a Nintendo character, so we hit the RWA Online party.

The Conference

I missed most of it because when I fell on Market Street, my PDA took a hit. I had been AR about making appointments for workshops to attend, etc. and recording them in the PDA with locations and everything BEFORE I arrived. Now I was adrift in the lovely conference catalog trying to figure out where to go. I vaguely remember the annual general meeting, where I do remember getting up to ask a question about the recent RWA survey. I think I was coherent in my questions, and friends said I did great. Later the DH and I attended the Passionate Ink party where he got totally stoked with the vibrator favors. As Mac pointed out I came away with the 2nd place prize for Mirage in the Historical category of the Passionate Plume contest.

Thursday night, the DH and I met up with Natalie and attended the Knight Agency party. Didn’t get much face time with my agent, but I did meet Sara Reinke and I LOVE her!! She’s sweet, funny and absolutely charming! A really nice person I’d love to get to know better! With my feet killing me, we headed back to the hotel for a few hours shuteye before Friday bloomed on the horizon.

How To Interrupt a RWA Workshop

I wanted to hear what Julie Anne Long and Steve Axelrod had to say in their workshop, so I popped in there. Axelrod had just started talking when I began to cough. First it was just a small one, then it became two, then it became a coughing spasm. I realized it was an asthma attack, so I got up and went outside to do my inhaler. I didn’t move fast enough because the coughing grew worse and I was struggling for air. First time THAT’s happened to me. So I’m trying to inhale another puff from the inhaler but can’t. Someone from Low Country RWA’s chapter passes by and stops to help. They tell staff I’m having an asthma attack (I managed to get that info out between coughs) and staff races off to get help. The next thing I hear, tucked away in the little alcove I’m standing in, is the sound of hard pounding feet muffled against the carpet (I’m thinking cops chasing a bad guy sounds). A short guy blazes past us only to slide to a halt like one of those characters in a cartoon. He back pedals and says,

“How old are you, ma’am.”

“Hey, you don’t ask a gal questions like that!”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but I need to know.” I semi-lied in my response.

“Have you had a heart attack before?”

“Heart attack? I’m having an ASTHMA attack. My pacemaker is working fine, thank you very much.”

Now there are more stomping feet and four more staff personnel show up, including the general manager. Damn, these people know how to make a girl feel safe. I’ve always been a Marriott Rewards card-carrying member, but damn, this is exceptional service! Truthfully, the expressions of relief on their face made me wonder how many people have died of a heart attack in the hotel.

The rest of my tale is really too long for one post, so stay tuned for more next week.

Dragon's Heart has been released!!!

2008-08-04T22:30:00.000-04:00

A relationship between a dragon shifter and a wizard was unheard of—and certainly frowned upon. Yet, Grania found Dylan nearly irresistible, feared, knew, if he ever touched her she’d never be able to control the mating fire.
Hey Everyone!
I'm thrilled to announce that Dragon's Heart has been released at NCP! You can buy it by following the links below!
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/dragonsheart.htm

~Marly

Let's Talk Historicals

2008-07-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Historicals are my passion. If there’s any one thing that I love the best about romance, it’s a great historical. Some of my favorites include A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught, Lord Scandalous by Loretta Chase, Whitney My Love by McNaught and the list goes on. One of the things I love the most about historicals is their magical quality. As I’m flying across the country this week, I'll be revising my latest historical romance in preparation for submission to houses. The resurgence in publisher interest in historical romance is really wonderful for me as I love bringing stories like Mirage and Dangerous to readers.

For me, historicals are magical, I mean I know they’re fantasies, but that’s what I love about them. They transport me to another place and time where chivalry and honor are romantic, despite the realities of the time period. And I’m sorry, but tight buckskins covering hard thighs, a white shirt opened to reveal just a hint of a well-muscled chest—well, for me there's nothing more seductive!

With the RWA convention in San Francisco this week, there will be a number of big name historical authors who will be present. If you’re familiar with Michelle Buonfiglio’s Romance by the Book blog, you know that she’s a huge romance fiction advocate. This Friday at the convention, she’s doing a radio show with several of Avon Books top name historical authors like Sophie Jordan, Lorraine Heath and Elizabeth Boyle and others.

Michelle's Radio Show is set for Friday, August 1, 3:30 pm PDT If you’re on the East Cost, you can catch the show after work because we’re three hours AHEAD of folks in San Francisco (6:30 pm EDT). Click here to hook up directly with the radio show where they’ve even got this COOL reminder feature that you can set so you get an email prompt! Means you won’t forget. How sweet is that?

So dial in and ask some questions about historicals!! Besides, think about how cool it will be to be on Internet radio!

Dragon's Heart Book Video!

2008-07-29T04:33:00.001-04:00

Here's is the book video I made up for Dragon's Heart, releasing soon at New Concepts Publishing! I made it myself on iMovie! I was actually quite proud that I figured out how to make the video since I didn't even know how to use iMovie at this point in time last week!
Enjoy!

~Marly

The Forgotten Princess Released!

2008-07-27T15:16:00.001-04:00

Just Released!

The Forgotten Princess

A pawn of her ruthless
father, Lavinia became the child bride of an equally ruthless monarch and was
shuttled aside when she failed to produce the heir, forgotten—Except by Eric who
rose to power as the new ruler and refused to allow it.

Click Here to read an excerpt!

Don't Miss this award
winning tale by S.D. Grady of desire, duty
and derring-do!

For all that King Eric knew that he couldn’t take a barren
bride to wife, neither could he ignore the King’s widow. Draw to her loneliness
by his own, he couldn’t resist just one kiss—but the kiss they shared that
awakened the forgotten princess and set her free, imprisoned his heart.

Cooking With The RITA/GH Categories

2008-07-25T16:15:00.000-04:00

Whenever RWA’s National Conference rolls each year something generally creates some friction within the organization. One thing that just reared its head then died a quick death because of a missed deadline was a request for the RWA Board to consider adding an ER/E category to the RITA/Golden Heart contests. There’s been some heated discussion about this topic in a couple of quarters, and over a year ago, I posted about why a separate category was needed.

The Ingredients

They say it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, but I rarely do unless new info on a particular subject comes to light. Here’s the crux of it if you’re in the dark. A large number of writers in the ER/E community want their own category in the RITA and GH. The predominant reason I hear is an ER/E category is needed so our work is judged fairly. Writers want to be judged by others who’re familiar with the structure of ER/E. I understand this mindset given letters to the RWR this past year as well as debacles at the AGM over the past few years. I also keep hearing that ER/E deserves its own category since Inspry has their own.

As I understand it, RITA and GH categories are defined based on established subgenres. From my limited perspective and knowledge, my guess is Inspry got their own category because it became an established subgenre. If this is true, then this is the strongest justification for an ER/E category, primarily because ER/E is its own subgenre. It’s been around for quite some time. Ellora’s Cave was founded in 2000 to provide ER/E to readers, and that was eight years ago. I’d say that qualifies as an established subgenre. However, the real question is what the parameters RWA uses to define a subgenre as established. If they only define the establishment of a subgenre based on print publication (which is my guess), then ER/E is probably not be an established subgenre from RWA’s viewpoint, despite the subgenres birth and roots in ePublishing and its continued growth in that medium over the past eight years. In terms of NY print, it’s only been around for about three years. That might not be enough staying power for some of RWA’s powers that be.

Mixing The Batter

Added into the mix are a lot of ER/E works that easily fit into the categories that are already established subgenres. But then I believe that’s true of a number of inspry books as well. All of this still points back to a desire by writers to have judges reading their work who understand the subgenre of romance. Particularly fiction on opposite spectrums that can incite strong emotional reactions (religion and sex, hell doesn’t get any hotter than discussions on these topics!). Further complicating the issue for me is my recent discussion with writers who received their scores from this year’s RITA contest.

In a recent discussion with several ER/E authors, I learned their RITA scores ranged from 4s to 9s with a number of the scores leaning toward higher numbers (7s and 8s) as opposed to lower ones, and I don’t recall any 1s, 2s or 3s either. I pointed out to one of the authors who’d received all high scores except for one low number that she’d done really well given the fact that there are up to 1200 entries allowed in each category (and her category is a popular one). I mean she was sporting numbers over six in all but one score. That’s great given it was an ER/E with some quite erotic elements. I interpreted the results as saying that the judges who read the book were able to look at the book objectively and not judge it harshly simply because it had erotic content. So for me, this discussion on RITA scores seriously impacts the argument that ER/E won’t be judged fairly. Granted, this was a small group of writers, but I’m going to encourage the special interest chapter for ER/E, Passionate Ink, to poll its members for scores so we can study the issue more closely.

Oven Set to 350 Fahrenheit

So has this new information changed my mind completely? No. I can still see the devil in the details, and I am convinced ER/E is a legitimate, fully established subgenre. But I’m not convinced that we can claim unfair judging as a reason for establishing the category. However, I can see the possibility of an entry being entered into say the paranormal category and then SLAM the entry is marked as being in the wrong category because in the judge’s opinion it’s ER/E. This is one of the downsides to having an ER/E category.

New Recipe

What I’d really like to see is something so radical that it won’t ever happen! I’d love to see the RITA’s and GH condensed down to the best top 10 or 20 books out of all entries. Claire Delacroix mentioned that idea to me not to long ago and I loved it. (Claire said 10, but I think 20 would be more fair and well-rounded). There would be no subgenre categories at all. It would be about what the majority viewed as being the top books of the year. On top of that it would make the awards event not so long and drawn out.

Then there’s THIS idea. Why doesn’t RWA work with booksellers to establish a reader-based contest? Yes, RT does this, but I’m suggesting something that is coordinated via the booksellers versus a magazine. This could be a way of promoting romance in a way that RWA’s never done before. Let the reader decide what they consider the best of the best.

The Icing

In the end, it really doesn’t matter, because IMHO, the RITAs and the GH are like the Oscars of the romance fiction world. It’s really nice to be recognized by your peers. The only difference is that our awards don’t generally carry that much weight when it comes to money (i.e., increased reader sales, and I’m not convinced it means more money in advances). I think a final or win in these two contests are more like an accomplishment on a resume as opposed to greater financial gain. It’s earning respect for your work from your peers. While that’s important, it’s the opinion of readers that help us butter our bread. Thus I’m slowly coming to the party with the thought that what my peers think of me isn’t necessarily as important as what my readers think of my books.

See, I was half-baked and I’m still cooking!! LOL

Monica

My Love Affair with Bookstores

2008-07-23T14:51:00.003-04:00

Maybe I should have paid closer attention to my habits as a child. You know, what I did with my spare time. Every child runs wild on the playground, treks through the woods looking for adventure and even joins in the neighbors in a good game of tag. But really, how many spend all their meager allowance at the bookstore?

I did. I always have. Bookstores and libraries are my favorite places to spend an hour or two. There’s so much to love! Not just the latest releases, but the treasures that are often hidden amongst the aisles, in an awkward pile on the bargain table or just while you’re passing through the Art section. But today, I stopped at my local B&N and some of that passion has dwindled for me…at least since I’ve embarked on this endless journey of writing and publication.

When I arrived at the Romance section, I didn’t just look for my favorite authors, I took the time to inspect which imprints were on the shelf. Heck with all the time I spend in chat rooms, myspace, etc. I know exactly who has what book out. The disappointing thing was that those were the only titles on the shelf. Those…what, maybe 1,000 titles released by the biggest New York pubs written by perhaps 200 authors. Even the newer erotic romances all have the big names pubs on them. There’s no exhilaration in the hunt for something new and intriguing. I can now tell, simply by the imprint on the binding, what the plot requirements, length and acceptable sex level is. My joy in reading that which has been approved by the establishment has been destroyed.

Thank you very much.

As a reader, more and more, I’m turning to the small e-presses for my guilty pleasures. Scanning the lists on Fictionwise and Amazon is far more rewarding than the big box bookstores. Their search engines are not quite as guilty about presenting only the very few books that have sales in the upper echelons for my approval.

I still left the store today with a few purchases. Lets face it. It’s not really possible to wander through a bookstore without doing this. But they were not what you might expect from a woman obsessed with Historical Romance and Fantasy.

I picked up a copy of Anna Karenina and one of Dante’s Inferno. For my Mom, I discovered a collection of short stories about Maine written by some of history’s greats. I did find some new stories to fill my days. The sad thing was they were not the ones written by my contemporaries.

Maybe 5th Ave. still knows how to make money. But I am beginning to wonder if New York is where we should commit the future of our imaginations to.

Visit my website to see what else I have to offer that New York doesn't ;) http://sonyadgrady.com

Later!

S.D. Grady

What keeps you writing

2008-07-19T18:14:00.002-04:00

I'm throwing this out for everyone. The cause is a recent birthday, 72nd and also realizing it's been 40 years since I published my first short story. Had a break of about ten years when I didn't write, though I did think about writing. Worked as a nurse and was exhausted at the end of the shifts. I've decided my reason for writing is because it makes me happy to create characters and watch them grow and change for the better or worse. I do not have a muse. The only person who cracks the whip is myself. Janet

A Small Dissertation Regarding Vocabulary

2008-07-19T11:06:00.002-04:00

Good morning, fellow readers and scribes. This past month or so I've been on a reading kick. I do that when my writing muse gets stuck. Oft times, I think I do this to find settings and thoughts that might spark my whimsical interest. I dig through current releases and ones that grace my bookshelves, revisiting old friends.

But what makes a great story, for me? There are so many parts that my reading monster craves. The characters must sing...jump off the page with their enthusiasm and realism. Even a lady who is in search of a titled gentleman for a husband must be in posession of a sparkling spirit and practical manner. Secondly, the plot should not be so transparent that I can tell the story without turning the page, or indeed, skipping over paragraphs that simply fill space.

And lastly...this is something I only came to realize in the last few days.
I love words. And if there is one thing that will draw me into a love affair with an author/story...it's a really good vocabulary. Sometimes this gets me in trouble on a day to day basis. One time I got into a screaming match with a co-worker that "niggle" was not a word. And even if it was, I had no business trying to use it in daily conversation. *shrug* I still employ niggle when it seems appropriate.

Anyway, a few days ago, I was searching for something to read. I had not purchased anything by Stephanie Laurens in over a year. The last book I finished by her, I had decided was too predictable. But, I was bored and really, if there is one author that inspired my addiction to historical romance, it's her. So, I bought "A Taste of Innocence". I turned page after page. Yes, I still could see the plot coming a mile ahead, and even though the characters were typical, they were still imbued with her special brand of magic. BUT, the one thing that sparked my attention, grabbed me and sucked me in...the vocabulary.

Like so many of my favorite authors of all times (Le Guin, McCaffrey and Tolkein), Ms Laurens uses "big words". I LOVE IT! I say them in my head over and over. I will even bring up a dictionary, if needed. Because, by using our language in the manner it was intended, these authors say exactly what they mean. They employ the precise word for the occassion, expanding my enjoyment of the tale and simply the joy of discovery.

I have been told, from time to time, that I should not utilize my vocabulary when writing, that it will put off the reader. But I've also learned that each author brings their own special voice to the table when they write. For some of us, that means putting words to paper in a way that every person on the corner says. I've never been that person on the corner. I don't talk that way. I speak...perhaps I have read too many books in my life...but I actually do speak as my writing does. My boss has asked me on more than one occassion what a word meant in a memo I issued. He usually asks with a raised eyebrow and a shrug, but I'm not his precise version of a corporate manager, so there we are.

So, I ask of you, dear reader, do you enjoy finding a new word when reading? Or am I truly an odd duck on this planet? I don't mind if I am. I'm rather comfortable in these eclectic clothes I've chosen.

Look for a my upcoming release The Forgotten Princess at NCP.

Later!

Love, S.D. Grady

http://sonyadgrady.com

Dream Realm Awards

2008-07-18T20:32:00.002-04:00

Just letting everyone know that The Temple of Fyre is a finalist in the Dream Realm Awards. This is a spicy fantasy. Just being a finalist makes me very proud and glad NCP published the book. Janet

The Hope List

2008-07-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

In less than two weeks, I’ll be winging my way to San Francisco to attend RWA’s annual conference, fondly referred to as National. Claire Delacroix once stated that she didn’t understand the nickname as it always made her think of a horse race. Since then, I’ve been unable to lose the imagery of 2000 women stampeding into a city to discuss, learn and party over the romance genre.

Usually at this time, blogs and websites are loaded with travel tips, how-to-pitch articles, conference behavior or some other type of helpful blog related to National (and they’re heading into the backstretch). However, I’m in a selfish mood, so I thought I’d do a hopeful blog as opposed to helpful.

Hope 1 – That I meet an editor who so falls in love with my personality that she absolutely MUST read my latest proposal. Naturally this hope is just that, as we all know that editors don’t buy books on author personality. I mean let’s face it there are some authors out there who make Mean Girls look sweet, so clearly personality isn’t going to get me sold. So I’m going to rely on the luck factor, which given my life in general is something that continues to elude me. But then, I was born on a Thursday and according to that old adage, I’ll work hard for a living. Yes, I had that term coined LONG before Donna Summer made me famous in She Works Hard For The Money. So luck is a long shot here at best. If I were a horse and you bet on me, you MIGHT want to be conservative in the money you put down. Although I could always be that dark horse that surprises people. I sort of hope I’m that kind of a horse (better that than a cow - see
Hope 9)

Hope 2 – That the DH will be understanding. Despite this trip being a surrogate 2nd honeymoon, I can only pray the DH will understand when I say “I’m tired and I have to get up early tomorrow.” Of course, he’s threatened on many occasions to write his own book. It will be called 101 Ways To Say No. I’m sure he’s at 500 by now.

Hope 3 – That the foggy weather clears by midday on all the days we go sightseeing. I told the DH that the sky in San Francisco is unlike any other sky I’ve ever seen. It’s an indescribable color when it’s clear. I really want him to see it, but given the fact that he’s color blind, I guess it won’t matter if it’s foggy.

Hope 4 – That my pacemaker doesn’t set off every alarm in the airport. All I can see in my head is one of those blue light specials on top of the metal detectors spinning around while the Waaannh, Waaannh, siren alerts people all the way down to the boarding ramp that I’ve been pulled over. I mean it’s not like I can unzip my chest, pull the device out, drop it into a gray bin and pick it up along with my laptop once I’m through security. More importantly, I so do not want to be responsible for someone else’s heart attack if I’m stripped search by TSA officials. It won’t be pretty I can assure you.

Hope 5 – That I don’t do something stupid like open my mouth and insert foot. I’m going to try really hard not to do a lot of talking. Okay, okay, you can stop laughing now. Seriously, I always try to say something intelligent and I generally come off sounding like an idiot. I mean Bridget Jones Diary is the funny side of my life. As luck would have it, all I have to do is open my mouth and follow it with my foot for an appetizer. Of course, this means I can generally get through the main course and dessert without too much trouble. *sigh*

Hope 6 – That I find something intelligent to say if I meet an editor who’s read my work. The same goes for librarians and booksellers. I’m not an industry guru, and I can’t talk about how romance has evolved, nor do I have any deep insights as to the female psyche and why she reads romance. I mean I don’t get Austen, so how the hell am I supposed to understand social commentary disguised as romance? I just write and tell a story. My books don't contain any messages. As much as I despised the Seinfeld show, maybe that’s the story of my life. Much ado about nothing (thank you Shakespeare). *sigh*

Hope 7 – That going to the Sunday’s a Drag Buffet won’t be uncomfortable for the DH. He’s only going to the drag show because I want to go. Some of my best girlfriends have been gay men, and these guys knew exactly how I felt and weren’t afraid to show it. The DH is quite comfortable NOT showing his emotions. So Sunday should be interesting.

Hope 8 – That some famous author will see my badge name and know me because she liked reading one of my books and NOT because of something stupid I said on some blog post or comment. Bad comments are like toilet paper sticking to the bottom of your shoe. Of course, we must again account for the luck factor here. Lucky to meet someone who likes me. Not so lucky if I meet someone who doesn’t like me. Lady Luck has a lot to answer for if you ask me.

Hope 9 – That I’ll be savvy enough not to ask, “What’s a Sarto.” I am so NOT a fashionista, and I prefer comfortable flats over the stilettos the DH would pay big bucks for if he believed for one minute I’d wear them. But then the image of a cow on four-inch stilts just doesn’t work for me. So I’ll enjoy seeing others earning their war blisters as they wobble around on their little stilts while I just relax in my Pagare Menos (that’s Italian for PayLess)

Hope 10 – That I don’t get my hopes up and develop such high expectations for this conference that I wind up having my hopes dashed. When all is said and done, this trip will cost around $2500 (without sightseeing costs). It’s a lot of moolah to be spending for a writer’s conference. Of course if I’d gotten my act together and not waited to buy my airline ticket, it would only be costing me about $1800. But as luck would have it I waited too late to get a good flight out of SFO and so I had to do the red-eye. This then began the domino effect of upping the cost when I convinced the DH to come too. See, I told you Lady Luck has a lot to answer for.

Never too late for another review

2008-07-08T16:25:00.000-04:00

MATING NET

I recently had the pleasure of reading this short story, and now I can't wait to get my hands on this author's books! It's a short read, but far worth the price of the download. I won't summarize it, cause I really can't do it justice. It was an absolutely compelling Science Fiction Romance read, with a depth and intricacy that transports you to this fascinating world. The characters are vivid and jump right off the page. The ending was fabulous and satisfying, while at the same time, making you crave more of Ms. Cherry's writing. Here's the link, since this is in e-book format only: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/matingnet.htm

~Kathryne Kennedy

Misty Saturday mornings and new projects

2008-07-05T08:00:00.005-04:00

There's something wonderful about Saturday mornings in the country. The quiet world seems to move at a slower pace. We're under some cloud cover and my woods are green and misty. I stood on my patio and listened as drops of water fell from leaf to leaf and finally to the ground. A pheasant called to an unresponsive mate then he, too, fell silent. Finally, a soft rustling reached my ears as my black cat decided it was safe to leave his post as defender of the jungle and come in for a nap.

I love Saturday mornings. It's prime writing time for me. I have to drag my sorry butt out of bed Monday-Friday to go to my day job, but on Saturday, I can hop out of the rack at five a.m., ready to write. The bulk of my body of work has been written on Saturday mornings. Loving Luke is no exception.

Now I'm on a new project. Or is a new, old project? I had the idea for this story a long time ago, but other stories somehow got in the way. All I know is the words to this story are finally flowing onto the page and this time I won't allow another man to distract me with his story.

Well, I'm going to try not to let him distract me. It is the weekend, after all.

Rayne

- - -

An excerpt from Loving Luke:

Chere’s tongue flicked across his lips. Luke answered, laving her lips with his, nibbling on her full, pouty lower lip that had begged his attention all evening. His balls drew up. He hardened in three quick jolts of pure, lusty anticipation. She pressed closer and he slid one hand down to cup her bottom. She jumped as he pushed her against the French door, pinning her. The kiss deepened. She took all he gave her and offered up her desire in return.

Luke pulled away. She looked up at him and blinked.

“Maybe we should sit down and finish our wine.”

She blinked again. “Maybe we should go over to the sofa where it’s more comfortable. They say you shouldn’t stand at a window during a thunderstorm.”

He shook his head. “Lightning has already struck here and I’m still breathing.”

She rolled her eyes. “My, how you do go on.” She pulled his head down and kissed him lightly then slipped out of his embrace. “I’m going to the sofa and kick off my shoes…Oh!”

Lightning cracked! Thunder boomed and the room plunged into blackness. He looked out the window to find half of Morrisville suddenly dark.

“Are you okay?” He did love the way girls let out those little shrieks upon occasion. It was just so… girly. “Do you have any candles?”

“I’m fine, honest. It just startled me.” She motioned for him to sit on the couch. “Sit there and don’t blunder about and break anything while I get a couple votives.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He dropped onto the sofa, stretched out his legs, leaned his head back and tried to relax while trying to convince himself to behave when she sat down beside him.

They were going to keep all four feet on the floor. He’d keep his hands polite and not slide that pretty skirt up and find out just how soft her inner thighs might be.
He wasn’t going to lay her back and kiss every inch of her he could reach. He just wasn’t going to that. He didn’t care if his balls turned blue and his cock ached worse than healing gum surgery. He would be a gentleman, damn it, right after he adjusted his bits while she couldn’t see him with his hand down his jeans.

Chere walked slowly back into the room carrying two lit votives in amber colored holders which she set on the coffee table.

“This should be enough light to see by so we can finish our wine. I guess you really are stuck here for a while. The elevators won’t be working with the power out.”

“The emergency lighting will be on in the stairwell if you throw me out.”

“Out is not where I’m throwing you.”

She planted her hands on his shoulders and pushed him over onto the cushions and stretched out on top of him.

Thank heavens.

LOVING LUKE - now avaiable at New Concepts Publishing

Rayne Forrest
website
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KC Kendricks

For Wont of a Pronoun

2008-07-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

The other day I found a review on my book Mirage written by a reader who is familiar with Arabic. In the review, the reader expressed frustration with my misuse of pronouns when the hero spoke Bedouin endearments to the heroine. This single issue was enough to make the reader find the book less than satisfactory, which prompted a comment that I should have done my research better.

I didn’t take offense to the statement because having lived abroad for a year; I know the importance different nationalities put on their languages. It’s a part of who they are as a people. What I found intriguing about the comment was that while my research was quite meticulous (I point to my $50 Arabic dictionary) it only took one minor point (a pronoun) to give a reader a less than stellar experience.

Reader Interaction

I did comment back to the reviewer though. Yeah, right about now you’re thinking I’m nuts. No, I didn’t have a delusional moment. I explained to the reader that I’d used an Arabic dictionary BUT, I would love to have someone who speaks Arabic as a resource for me to call upon for any future research questions. I left my email in hopes that the reader will contact me. I didn’t have a connection to a resource like this reader when I wrote Mirage in 2004, and I wish I had.

On the flip side of the coin, I have to accept that no matter how deeply I research something, there is always going to be someone who knows more about a subject than me, and Murphy’s Law dictates that individual will read my book. *grin* But this isn’t necessarily a bad things. I mean if this reader does contact me, I’ve acquired a resource I didn’t have before. What this experience HAS pointed out to me is that no matter how deeply we research an issue reader satisfaction is varied at best.

Research Sets Stage

But then like everything else in reading, subjectivity reigns supreme. I’ve always believed that the point of research was to set the stage and be as accurate as possible. I’ve never been a historical “purist” who believes that a book has to completely and totally reflect the time period. My belief rests on the premise that unless I talked to someone who actually lived in the period, even empirical evidence can be incorrect. People always said unicorns weren’t real, but in Italy last month, the basis for the legend was photographed.

While I appreciate the reader’s position (and dearly hope she’ll contact me so I have a resource for the language), I have to work with what I have at hand for creating my stories. The whole point of fiction in my mind is to tell a good story, and to tell it with as much believability as possible. Suspension of disbelief is vital, and my goal is to accomplish that for every reader. I accept that even though I pride myself on meticulous research, there will always be someone who believes the research could have been better. That’s okay, because when I turn in a book, I do so with the knowledge that I’ve done the best that I can with my research. If a reader points out something down the road, that’s cool, it means I’ve learned something new.

Monica

And they lived happily ever after...

2008-06-30T12:07:00.003-04:00

What is it that defines a really satisfying story? I'll admit to habitually picking up the standard grocery store historical romance and reading it in a few hours. I know what I'm getting. There will be a handsome rogue, a feisty lady, some kind of problem that needs addressing and yes, there will be a final portrait of the family living in wedded bliss.

However, as much as I enjoy these romps through the landscape of Old England, I do make practice of closing the book at the end of the last chapter. I don't tend to read the Epilogue that hints at babies born, joy and everything is just perfect now. It's all a given. There's no punch.

This is why my stories are not always Happily Ever After.
I've got two books releasing in the next month. The Forgotten Princess has the ending we all look for in a fairy tale—white horses, carriage, a wedding, and children to remember our hero and heroine. The Silver Scream, things do not end so well for our main characters. And yet, if you ask me which one has the better ending…I will pick The Silver Scream.

A little bit of sadness and desire unfulfilled leaves me, the reader, wanting just a little bit more. There's a need to return, and maybe for one little instant, a need to cry.
Crying…that is the ultimate stamp of approval in my reading world. If the Kleenex box is emptied, the book goes in the "Keeper" pile.

What about you? What makes you pick up yet another book? Is it the happy ending? A heartfelt experience? Or something else…

Visit my website! http://sonyadgrady.com

Summer Reading

2008-06-26T11:44:00.002-04:00

Baby is on a reading quest this summer as she is every summer. She has five books to read for a summer challenge where in the fall she gets to attend an ice cream party at school. If she reads eight she gets something else over and above that. DO NOT ask me what the extra is. I’m getting to old to remember unimportant things like rewards (unless it's my royalties).

It also makes me sigh a little because I NEVER had to be given a reward to read a book. I devoured books from the time I was four, or was it five. *shrug* Thank God for my grandmother who handed me books left and right until eventually I was pulling from her bookshelves when I visited her house for two weeks in the summer. I remember several times begging to take a book home with me (750 miles) to return to her later. She generally let me unless it was a particular favorite of hers.

Reading YA Can Be Fun

Anyway, I looked over Baby’s sheet of books to select from, and I saw the book about Marley and Me. I'd heard good things about the book, and always thought that one day I'd get around to reading it. So that got me to thinking. What if we selected books I wanted to read. I could read them and be able to answer questions Baby has when she reads the book. So that’s exactly what we did.

The DH went and bought the five books that Baby and I agreed on taste wise, and I’ve already read one of them. I figure since this is a review, I needed to have a rating system like eveyrone else. Since I blog the same post on all my blogs to different audiences, I needed to come up with my own rating system outside of my weekly post at the GabWagon. Given that I love chocolate AND strawberries, I figured combining the two was a good rating picture. *grin* Personally, I'll only review books with a three rating or higher. I figure for a book I don't like, there will be enough scathing reviews from others that I don't need to expand the dialogue in that way.

The Review

Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Bethany is a sharp 12-year-old who is dropped off by her parents at an aunt’s house. An aunt she never knew until her parents unceremoniously drop her off at Myrlie’s place. As the plot unfolds, Bethany starts learning things about her parents and herself she never knew. Like most kids she questions whether some things are her fault, whether her parents don’t love her and she internalizes all of this because she’s afraid to ask questions. With each turn of the page, a question gets answered and a new question gets raised.

What I liked about this book is Bethany’s insecurities and the way the people around her react to her. Bethany is a strong character who asks the kind of questions parents hate, primarily because as parents we want to protect our children. This is a key element in the story. Everything that happens in the story is a direct result of Bethany's parents trying to protect her. As a parent I truly identified with that, but as a reader, I also identified with the insecurity that Bethany displays. I remember those insecurities and some of them still exist today. This isn’t an action adventure so much as it is a mystery. It’s the kind of mystery I loved to read when I was growing up.

The only thing I found weak about the book was how a politically controversial matter was dealt with in the story. I don’t want to give anything away, but the treatment of the “wrong-doing” on the part of a couple of characters didn’t work for me. But then I think for most kids, the politics aren’t going to require anything more than a neat and tidy ending. They’ve got other things on their minds than politics.

I heartily recommend this book as a fun YA book that you can share with your 10-year-old and up.

Baby is just now into Chapter 8 and really seems to be enjoying the read. I’ll post her opinion when she’s finished.

Little Bits

2008-06-19T13:42:00.001-04:00

Some People Just Don’t Get It!

Yesterday I was getting the word out about an MSNBC poll about romance with lousy language. I wanted readers to get out and vote. I heard about the link from another RWA member on RWA Online who posted about it. I checked it out and wrote my own little blurb (didn’t even THINK to be lazy and copy my chapter mate’s words!)

Here was the message I posted on numerous loops.

Ok, the wording isn't the best...bodice rippers... but MSNBC has a poll going that asks folks if they read romance. They're showing a low percentage in the YES! category. If you love romance, let them hear us roar! You can vote at this link.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25191970/

(Scroll down past the Danielle Steele's Rogue cover art to reach the poll link.)

___________________

Guess what I just read on a loop with major published authors on it.

~~Ok, the wording isn't the best...bodice rippers... but~~ MSNBC has a poll going that asks folks if they read romance. They're showing a low percentage in the YES! category. If you love romance, let them hear ~~us roar~~ about it! You can vote at this link.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25191970/

(Scroll down past the Danielle Steele's Rogue cover art to reach the poll link.)

I’m thinking the reuse of my words probably falls under the Fair Use section of copyright law. However, when I think back to the Cassie Edwards debacle (see SBTB and DA) and the uproar that caused, I’m going, Wait A Minute. This is a frigging published author posting this message who didn’t have the common decency to just say, hey I saw Monica Burns post this on another list. Here’s what she had to say.

While it’s possible the author who posted the message may have seen someone else repost my words, I think that’s a stretch. Particularly since there were only TWO changes and the rest is verbatim. Then again, maybe the author found it to be a major challenge to rewrite the damn post. I don’t know about you, but writing something new is tough. Credit I don’t need but I deserve the F*ck’ing respect and courtesy I give to other authors. On the flip side of the coin, Dana M. Bell used my post verbatim, but she said where the post came from. Dana clearly understands simple courtesy.

Pink Shoes

On SBTB the other day, they had a great topic about a FAN-TAB-ULOUS photo taken by a photographer for the Daily Pilot, a Hampton Roads newspaper. The subject matter was a discussion about the reaction to the photo in the newspaper’s readership. There was apparently some backlash because the photo had a sexual overtone to it. HELLO?? I’m sorry, but if I had legs like this gal, a sexy tattoo and I was waiting on my guy I’d be wearing hot pink shoes too. Not to mention my legs would be crossed because having kids has affected my ability to hold water (except at certain times of the month) to a non-existent state these days. Being a Virginian, I can attest to the fact that this kind of histrionics occurs regularly. Personally, I think these people need to get a life and stop trying to make a nuclear bomb out of a picture that’s brilliant from a photography POV. It’s truly stunning IMHO.

2008 RITA Trash

A great nod of appreciation to Dear Author who brought this terrifically funny video to their readers attention. I think the video says it all!

Contemporary Nominees Talking Trash

Mini-Office

My new mini-office is almost complete. However, there is a minor glitch. When the DH hooked up the wiring as directed by the hardware store personnel (they gave him incorrect info), he fried the trailer’s converter box. THANK GOD the air conditioning unit wasn’t on. So we have to take the trailer to have it checked out. Fortunately, the hardware store has agreed to put their money where their mouth is and pay for the trailer check, the fried microwave and the fried TV. Whew!! With San Francisco on the horizon, I don’t want to dip into my monies any more than I have too. It’s bad enough that I had a $600 gasoline bill last month!! I’m beginning to feel like the frigging sky is falling.

Until Next Week

Blonde Moments and Then Some

2008-06-14T09:12:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I went to the Lori Foster event where I hooked up with old friends and made some new ones. This year the event was bigger than ever with almost 300 authors and readers in attendance. As always, there just wasn’t enough time to spend with everyone. Of course, things could have been easier about actually getting to the event.

For example, I decided to break up the driving this year and stay in Beckley, WV. Now to get to Beckley, you have to take I-64 from Richmond to I-77. Since a couple of siblings live in Roanoke, I decided to call and meet up with them for dinner. Sounds good, right? Well it would have if I’d bothered to look at a map BEFORE I called my sister.

Blonde Moment

I knew that I-64 runs concurrent with I-81, but what I didn’t remember was that I-64 breaks away to the west from I-81 about an HOUR north of Roanoke. (Note to self - look at the frigging map before traveling, Monica) There I am southbound on I-81 and I see the signs for I-64 west. I frown and begin to wonder if I’ve made a mistake. (Okay, so I make a lot of those, but this past weekend was FILLED with mistakes.) Did I get my signals crossed? Roanoke can’t be too far out of the way. Nope, it’s only an hour away. Hooray, seeing the siblings isn’t that far out of the way.

As I breeze past the I-64 west exit, I suddenly have one of those Uh-oh moments. “Damn it! I have to come back up I-81 to get to I-64.” Can we say Dumb Blonde moment here? Now the brain starts churning, and I wonder if it’s worth the pain of annoying my family by calling to say, “um hey sis, I made a slight miscalculation in my directions.” I decide not to go that route. Besides, I’ve not seen them in about eight months, so if I’m that close I should stop.

Second Blonde Moment

I figure since the traffic’s light, an oddity for I-81! I can reach for the Lori Foster Event folder I made months ago to check drive times to Beckley. Have to adjust for side trip to Roanoke. OMG, where is it! Damn, damn, damn, I left the bloody thing on my desk. Now I have to contact the DH who isn’t happy with my less than usual organized self. So I get the exit number and phone number of the hotel in Beckley.

Onward to Roanoke and a quick dinner before I head back the way I came to catch I-64 west. Now I have to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed my ride from Roanoke to Beckley. I had the windows down and the music blaring. My Escape was sooooo rawking. It could have been one of those boom box cars you see in movies where the car is bouncing off it’s rear end. About dusk I hit the West Virginia line, and as usual, I yell, “God, I LOVE those West Virginians.” Why you ask? Well in West Virginia the speed limit is 70mph, which really means you can drive up to 77mph without too much risk of a ticket. In Virginia, I’d be handcuffed for going that fast. We’re SOOOO backward!

I arrive at the Fairfield Inn in Beckley around 11pm. Three young cuties are working the front desk and one of them says “Hey you need to call home; the DH wants to know where you are.” When I call home, the DH is not a happy camper. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve called you half a dozen times. Why didn’t you answer your phone?” Umm, did I mention I had the music blaring? It tends to drown out my Indiana Jones themed ring tone.

Third Blonde Moment

Now because I’m staying over in West Virginia, I’m guessing my trip to Cincinnati will only take me about 4.5 hours. So I stay up late doing some marketing and writing. Get to bed around 1am. I get up around nine and take my time getting my act together; after all, it’s only 8am in Cincinnati, right? That means I’ll still be there in plenty of time for the event. Finally I’m on the road and I’m booking along at 77mph when my phone goes off. It’s my uncle who lives in the area with a traffic update. He says to avoid I-275 because there’s a huge backup. So I suddenly think, I’ll just use my GPS device to navigate around…Oh for Pete’s Sake! I left the frigging thing at home! Where the hell is my brain? On drugs?? Well yes, but generally bipolar drugs make you happy and not forgetful.

I’m now debating whether to stop and pick up a new GPS device to keep in the car. We’ve talked about getting a second one so we’ve got one in each car. Reluctant to buy another device, I tell myself, the only way I’ll stop and spend $200 is if there’s a Best Buy right off the interstate. An hour later, there it is, that yellow, blue sign that says Best Buy. Naturally I miss the exit. So I tell myself if the next exit is a mile away I’ll go back. It was--the highway makes me so easy. I tracked back the way I’d come. (Does that sound familiar?) I figure since Cincinnati’s an hour behind, I’ve got time to stop at the Sears store too and pick up that oscillating fan I need for my office at home. Finally get back on the road about an hour later with the GPS set up on the dashboard.

Fourth Blonde Moment

Yes, I really was shooting for the Guinness Book of World Records. I really can’t say when it happened, but it clicked when I looked at the GPS unit’s arrival time. I’m looking at the speedometer and thinking, that’s not right. I’m only three and half hours away. I should be there by 4:30pm not 5:30pm. I ponder it for a moment before it hits me. I did this exact same thing last year. I thought Cincinnati was on CTS, but they’re not! They’re on my time, which is EST. Oy! Now I’m really pushing the pedal to the metal. Thank God Kentucky likes the 70mph signs, because I was doing 80mph.

Everything’s good until I hit I-75. Congestion and traffic the highway advisory signs say. Oh great. Fortunately, it’s not too bad, and I reach the outskirts of Cincinnati a little over an hour later. It’s now rush hour, but WAIT! I’ve got my handy dandy GPS unit, it will take me away (like Calgon) to roads that are less congested. OMG, soooo not happening. It took me another hour and half to get through traffic, little by ways, rude 4x4 truck drivers who can’t figure out that an out-of-state license plate might mean I really didn’t know two lanes would merge into one, etc., etc., etc. to reach the hotel at around 6:00pm. I was livid with myself! I have since made a note in next years appointment that Cincinnati is on the SAME time table as Richmond. *sigh*

Adventures In Attending Writer Conferences

Friday night was spent doing the rounds in the conference room saying hi to Chrissy, Marty and Angela from Samhain, Michelle Buonfiglio from Romance B(u)y the Book, with my friends from TwoLips Reviews (Kerin and Sue), plus L.A. Day, Diane McEntire and others. Challenged as I am with traveling you would think Kerin could have made a better choice in co-pilots. We’re driving to a restaurant we visited last year, and after about 10-15 minutes, someone says they don’t think we’re going the right way. Oh, look at the map! Well it says we’re going in the right direction. The gal who lives in Cincy says, “No, were not going in the right direction.” So we have to turn around, which isn’t easy to do on an interstate. Now it wouldn’t be so bad if it were just our car, but we’ve got people following us, so Kerin’s phone rings and its Sue in car number two. We all know why she’s calling. So instead of talking to Sue herself, Kerin passes me the phone (coward). It’s an iPhone (I’ve GOT to get me one of these things!), which I’ve never used before and I’m not sure where the phone speaker is. So I’m doing the Verizon geek thing. Hello? Hello? Can you hear me? Hello? Kerin thinks I’m doing this on purpose and is laughing wildly. I keep on letting her think this.

Saturday night, rather than risk another wild adventure driving through the burbs, we go to the restaurant across the street where we’d gone the year before. Lucy Monroe was joining us for dinner, and I’d told her the restaurant was very quiet. Well it was last year. We walk in and I look at Kerin and say, “Are you sure we ate here last year?” “Well, I think so, but it doesn’t look the same.” It sure as hell didn’t, and it was a LOT louder than I’d led Lucy to believe. I’m so embarrassed I slink down to the opposite end of the table to hide. That and to keep from pelting Lucy with my loud voice. We’d not been sitting long when it was the deja vu. For the second year in a row, a waiter dumps food all over me! Last year it was spaghetti sauce, this year it was salsa. At least I got a free meal out of it! I didn’t let the mishap spoil my fun though. Instead I enjoyed Kay Stockham'scompany and met Amy Knupp, a major sweetheart, for the first time. We laughed like crazy.

Sunday was pretty much a no brainer. Traffic wasn’t too bad, although the cops were out in full force. I think the poor economy has them prowling for revenues. There was one amusing cop event. I’m barreling along at about 75mph and there are all these cars in front of me barely doing 65mph. I’m cursing their first born and I’m ready to whip around them, when the road curves and I see this SUV with the words State Police on it. I’m going OMG, I almost blew past that guy doing close to 80mph in a 60mph (this was in the Cincinnati burbs). So from then until the cop exited the interstate, I maintained a sedate pace and roared with laughter every time someone zigzagged their way around us slowpokes to fly up almost to the point of passing the cop then suddenly braking like there was a deer in the road. I got such a perverse pleasure in seeing others do the same thing I’d done. Bwwwwwwaaaaahahahahaha

All in all, it was an excellent conference, and I’m looking forward to next year. Come join us, but be forewarned. You do not want to sit next to me at dinner.

Winging It

2008-06-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm late, WAY late, but I've got an excellent excuse!! I'm traveling. I'm in Cinncinati at the moment attending the Lori Foster Author/Reader Get-Together! Having a blast, but I'm exhausted all ready. Anyway, on with the post!

I’m often asked where I get my ideas from. I’m never sure how to answer that question because I really don’t know. Take this post for instance. I don’t have any clear cut idea of what I’m going to end up with here, but as a pantser (someone who writes by the seat of their pants) I just wing it.

What drives me nuts is when I stop being a pantser and I become a plotter (that’s a writer who plots out where they’re going). I become a plotter when I stop typing and reread what I’ve written to ensure I’m coherent with my words. I usually am, coherent that is (although my sanity is another story), but I don’t trust myself to get it right. Thus, I go back and try to edit. But when I do this, the worst happens.

Generally, I stop to edit when I come up with this wonderful line I want to use. I mean it’s sheer poetry, brilliant and worthy of Dickens, Bronte, you name it, it’s awesome. But I’m obsessively compulsive about going back to make sure the damn thing will work with what I’ve written already. I mean you can’t put brilliance on the page if the rest of it is mediocre. So what do I do? I hang onto that line in my head and go back to review my previous words. To quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, “Big mistake, Big, HUGE.” BAM I’ve hit a wall because the rest of the damn paragraph looks decent but the problem is, I’ve forgotten that brilliant line I stopped for, just to see if it would fit. ARRRGGGHHH!

Now you’d think I’d learn my lessons, but writers tend to be creatures of habit, and if you (or we) change something on them, we get completely out of sync. I mean we drop off the cliff with blood curdling screams of frustration the whole way down. But I’m determined to learn how to save those brilliant thoughts. Someday I’ll remember to type the damn line out BEFORE I go back and edit.

Of course that means I’ll have to start hiding the bodies of my family as they have this annoying, irritating habit of just walking into my office as if I’m not even involved in writing. Of course that’s the topic of another post. So will someone please remind me of that?

Tell me what drives you nuts?

Birthdays and Loving Luke

2008-06-02T13:27:00.005-04:00

Yep. It's my birthday, and sitting on my desk is the most beautiful flower arrangement ever with the card, "Sorry you had to work on your birthday - hope this helps - Love Ronnie." Now how sweet is that?

I'm happy about a lot of things this spring. My trip to RT in Pittsburgh, the new shingles going on the roof (okay, I'm easily amused by guys in shorts over my head - get the view?), and the release of Loving Luke. Loving Luke is the first release I've had in a while, having taken some time off while Ron was a cancer patient. I don't regret any of that time away from my writing, but I'm glad to be back at it.

Loving Luke is also my first release at New Concepts Publishing. A contemporary romance, Loving Luke is about putting the past behind you and taking a leap of faith. And a second leap, if necessary, because love is always worth it.

To read two excerpts from Loving Luke, please visit my website at http://www.rayneforrest.com/LovingLuke.html . If you click through to the second one, be warned - it's adult in nature.

Thanks for being a reader. I hope you enjoy Loving Luke.

Rayne Forrest
www.rayneforrest.com

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"Heaving bosoms and throbbing members"... oh dear

2008-06-01T08:07:00.002-04:00

A part of an author's professional life which may come as an unwelcome surprise to many is the need to promote.

Sometimes, promoting with good manners and in the best possible taste seems to work, and sometimes one wonders.

I was on GoodReads.com earlier this week, where I try to maintain a presence, recommend authors other than myself, and contribute to discussions that interest me. However, I couldn't resist the dangled bait when a gentlemen posted that he was tired of reading whatever genre he'd preferred in the past, and that he was willing to venture into a new genre.

So, I suggested that he try Romance. That's all.

His reaction took me aback. He had neither the wish nor the need to read about "heaving bosoms and throbbing members"!

Body parts may be part of our palette, but surely Romance is about more than that. I'm willing to bet that some of us have never yet used the word "heaving bosom", or "throbbing member" for that matter.

:-)

Straw poll, anyone?

Rowena Cherry

Romances with Chess titles:
Mating Net
Forced Mate
Insufficient Mating Material
Knight's Fork

Save The Internet As We Know It

2008-05-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

This is a long post, but an important one. It affects each and every person who reads it because you're reading it via the Internet (or someone printed it off the Internet).

Net Neutrality—Have you heard of it? Here’s a quick explanation at YouTube.com
(go watch, I’ll still be here when you get back.) Seen the video? Worried? Appalled? Mad? You should be.

It’s Rather Simple

Net Neutrality really is quite simple. It’s about putting a middle man between you and your current ISP (internet service provider). The middle man happens to big telecommunication companies like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T. For sake of brevity, which this post is not, I’ll refer to these companies as V-CATT.

Essentially these middle men or V-CATT for short, will decide who gets faster access or simple accessibility based on service contracts they offer ISPs and consumers, which is money in their pocket and less in yours. It’s also about choice. Your choice to use Google verus Yahoo, your choice to visit YouTube or Daily Motion, your choice to visit this blog (the Gabwagon) or J.C. Wilder’s blog (we’re both ranters, but I think she’s more amusing. LOL)

What Does Net Neutrality Protect?

The Internet is a revolution in free speech, grassroots movements, business entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and so much more. It is the ultimate living document of free speech and opinion. We access the Internet via our current ISP and reach out to someone clear across the globe. People in China and Tibet are able to tell the rest of the world about the oppression they suffer. We see grassroots movements on the Internet in support of issues where the ground swell of support might have died or grown more slowly without the Internet. We see horrifying atrocities in countries with different values and with just a couple of clicks we see stories that show the human spirit at its very best and brightest.

The Internet gives us the right to express ourselves in a forum where anyone, anywhere can come read our opinion to disagree or agree with us. Its public discourse at its best and worst (flame wars will abound with free speech - I don’t have to like them). With net neutrality, there are significant business advantages as well. Since I’m a writer, I’m going to focus on that business in the post, but there are thousands of all kinds of small businesses this issue will affect in a really harmful way if V-CATT gets its way.

How V-CATT Can Harm Us

New authors need the Internet these days in a bad way. We need it to market and reach out to readers. We put up free reads on their websites (Dangerous Epilogue), we create book trailers to post on YouTube (Linked to Dangerous trailer *grin*), We connect with readers on websites like DearAuthor, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Romantic Times, Romance Writers of America. We utilize blogs such as this one as a marketing tool to attract readers, and we connect with new readers via MySpace, Facebook, other social network sites and dozens of other forums.

But guess what…if net neutrality goes away, everything I’ve listed above could easily cease to exist, or at the very least, reader access (YOUR access) to that information will be seriously jeopardized whether on their end or yours. For a new author that is the death knell of their ability to market themselves and reach readers in an attempt to build their name. It could easily crush the sharing of information about the romance industry or anything else for that matter. God knows what kind of impact it will have on ePublishing in terms of overhead.

Commerce and Consumers

I’m both a consumer and a businesswoman. On several occasions, I’ve been able to eliminate the middle man in my purchases on the Internet. I buy marketing materials in bulk so it’s cheaper for me to go directly to a wholesale source than head to Staples or Office Max. Discount Shopping Bags.com is one example of my finding a product for a cheaper price than I would have paid at a local store through special order. This type of purchase wouldn’t have been possible without the Internet.

A similar thing happened with a great store in Chicago (God I LOVE the Windy City). Merz Apothecary (history) is a wonderful shop founded in 1875 in a North Chicago suburb. I visited the bricks and mortar store several years ago and found some soap for my husband to use because it makes him smell REALLY good. When the DH had used all the soap I made in my original purchase, I couldn’t find it locally and Chicago is about 1000 miles from Richmond, VA, so I went online, did a search and there they were doing business under SmallFlower.com. That was five years ago and I’m still ordering soap from them.

But what if net neutrality didn’t exist. I might never have been able to access and purchase items from these two vendors. Why? Because V-CATT would be making the vendors and me pay more money to connect with each other. Monies that some vendors would not be able to afford. Money I might not be able to afford. That’s restricting consumer choice and free enterprise. In a word, it’s bad. Bad for the economy.

Tangible Costs

As a business person, I currently pay $38 every month for my Internet connection through Comcast (the DH got that price for 12 months when he threatened to go with competitor V). I pay $55 a year for my website to be hosted on my ISP’s servers. I also pay $10 for two domain names (I have my pen name and my real name reserved). I also pay $10 for privacy on each domain name. So the annual total to have Internet access to have a website and go anywhere I want in pretty much a blink of an eye is $551 a year or about $46 a month.

As a small business woman, I think those are reasonable fees when I average it out. However, based on past experience with cable services, I fully expect my costs for the Internet to go up significantly if net neutrality goes away. I get a lot of bang for my buck since I do all my own web programming, but that will change if V-CATT has its way. God help the author who doesn’t know how to program their own site. They’re going to have to find a designer who either has the same ISP or an ISP with a service contract that allows the designer to access the author’s website for design purposes.

Bad News for Authors

For authors, here’s the worst news of all. Some of my readers still might not be able to reach me because they can’t afford too. Or the connection between them and me will be so slow (dialup anyone?) they’ll be less inclined to visit my website. My website, Cathy’s website, Mac’s website, Natalie’s website, and other small businesses will have to pay more money to make our sites readily accessible to readers and readers are going to have to pay more to get to us quickly and easily. Thus our bottom line is cut into once again by a big corporation. What does that tell you about the entrepreneurial spirit being crushed?

V-CATT’s Argument

I won’t lie to you; there is one enticing argument V-CATT is going to throw out at everyone. They’re going to say, oh but wait, we’re just trying to cut down on piracy by restricting what goes through the Internet pipes. By restricting certain peer-to-peer packets (the data you send out and someone receives) these companies can cut down on piracy. Notice I say cut down on, they cannot eliminate it (crime will always be with us).

However, as much as I despise piracy, I’m not willing to restrict the Internet in a way that stifles free commerce and trade, restricts freedom of speech, crushes the innovative spirit of developers, artists, entrepreneurs or the ordinary Jane or Joe who wants to spout off about issues near and dear to their heart. I don’t want the roads that benefit me as a consumer or as a business woman closed off. Oh, and clearly Comcast does not want us speaking out. Here’s what they did to prevent ordinary citizens from telling the FCC that net neutrality needs to be protected (they suppressed free speech). Oh, and the idiots (Comcast) even admitted to it that they’d obstructed citizens right to speak out about net neutrality.

Choice Matters

This is about choice. The right to make a choice in where I go and what I access without restrictions. If you’re interested in finding out how you can help, visit SaveTheInternet.com where you can send either a standard protest notice to your legislators or you can reword it to put your own words in the letter. Sign up for their news alerts.

This affects each and every one of us. If we do nothing, we have no one to blame but ourselves in the end. And just one final point, this entire post was researched by accessing websites that were made possible by the openness of the Internet. Clearly without open access this article would have been less lengthy, less clear, less accurate, and less visible and probably read by a limited few (although I’m betting it won’t be that high number even WITH open access! LOL)

Bonne chance mes amis
Vie La Liberté — Vie Le Internet — Vie La Revolution

Review for Doorway to the Stars from Kasey's View!

2008-05-06T10:42:00.004-04:00

Here's what Kasey at Kasey's View had to say about Doorway to the Stars, I'll include the link to the full review at the bottom of this post.

I found Doorway To The Stars to be a fascinating and thought provoking story that will linger in your mind long after the story is finished. In fact I think that this story could probably use a sequel! The characters are extremely likable, the world building is very interesting, and the chemistry between the two main characters, Aries and Freya is scorching hot... 4 Stars!

-Kasey, Kasey's View

Doorway to the Stars review!

Thank you so much, Kasey!

~Marly

May Day Traditions

2008-05-01T10:46:00.002-04:00

Do you remember making May baskets as a kid? I do. I usually used the flowers my mother didn't want cut. LOL. Then we used to run up and try to ring doorbells and leave them without getting caught.

I was curious how all that got started and found that it dates back to Druids. On May 1st they celebrated the Festival of Beltane. When the Romans occupied the British Isles they brought wth them their Festival of Flora. This is five day festival sarting April 28th and ending May 2nd. These combined traditions make up many of our modern festivals. You can find out more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/mayday/history.htm

I was amazed how many cultures had May Day celebrations and traditions. Is there any special way your family celebrates May Day? Or funny May Day stories?

Have a great day!!!

May!

2008-05-01T08:06:00.001-04:00

Happy Beltane! I'm happy to see the arrival of May, though I do like April as well. May is my birth month so it's always held a special place in my heart.

~Marly

Drive by posting...

2008-04-19T11:45:00.000-04:00

I'm in the midst of revising my futuristic fantasy, Psychic Chains, but I thought I'd do a drive by blog post and wish everyone a magical weekend! It's finally warming up here in my part of the world, and it looks like Spring is officially here!

~Marly

PNR reviewed The Witch and the Wolf!!!

2008-04-13T08:50:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone,
PNR has reviewed my paranormal historical, The Witch and the Wolf!
Here is a snippet of the review!
Ms. Matthews has written a perfect blend of history, danger, mystery, and the magic of true love. Christopher and Arabella butt heads at every turn. Their lively banter will make you chuckle as you wonder who will win the battle of wits. They make a perfect match. Both are brave, loyal, and passionate. You'll want these two to find a way to conquer the one who threatens their future so they may find the happiness they both deserve.

Reviewed by: Karen Michelle Nutt
And here is the link to the full review, please check it out!

PNR review of The Witch and the Wolf!

Have a great Sunday!

~Marly

Fate and Mob Rule

2008-04-11T16:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had a long post that talked about authors and train wrecks. I lost it while trying to save it for posting. I’m convinced a higher power was at work here because I had three different saves of the document and each one failed. I didn’t think my post controversial, but who am I to argue with fate. *grin* So a shortened version might read like this...

Feeding Frenzies

Of late, I’ve seen rabid feeding frenzies online that make Great Whites look like catfish. While the cause these frenzies incite may be just, there is no need to state one’s point with bloodthirsty zeal. That same behavior is what perpetuated the use of the guillotine long after its usefulness wore out (if it ever was truly useful).

With every issue that arises on the net, I’m reminded of that Dragnet adage, “Just the Facts, ma’am.” Give me facts that can be substantiated. It’s not that I doubt your sincerity in sharing your truth, but I don’t know you. I don’t blindly take the word of my own children without a complete investigation, why would I take your word without question?

Don’t Just Tell the Truth – Give Me Facts

Not all causes are just. Not all people tell the truth. Some people have agendas they don’t share with those who support them. When I take a side, it’s because I have as many facts as possible. Don’t show me emails you’ve received, they can be easily fabricated. Show me places on the Internet where the accused has slit their own throat. Show me news sites where the wrong doing shows up clear as a bell. Show me physical proof if you can. Do not expect me to take guidance from others (your friends) when I form my opinion. I can think for myself. Help me believe in your cause with facts, not outraged posts, vicious commentary or obnoxious name calling. In truth, that kind of behavior makes me see you in a negative light, and it doesn’t help your cause where I’m concerned.

The most critical point for me in this post is this—when we allow mob mentality to control our reaction to an accusation or an alleged situation we become worse than those we are rising up in protest against. And I realize most people don’t even care what I think, but I needed a topic, and this one stuck.

Monica

500 Miles

2008-04-10T06:23:00.001-04:00

Here's 500 Miles by the Proclaimers set against clips from the movie, Benny and Joon. Benny and Joon is one of my favorite movies, and whenever I hear 500 Miles I think of it.

If you haven't done so already, don't forget to go over to Erin Aislinn's website and vote for the cover for Doorway to the Stars which is up for cover of the month! Voting ends April 30th!

Doorway to the Stars-book cover of the month

Have a happy Thursday, everyone!

~Marly

In Bed With Books: The Gods of Tigron Trilogy

2008-04-08T18:00:00.000-04:00

In Bed With Books: The Gods of Tigron Trilogy

Rowena Beaumont Cherry introduces herself

2008-04-05T16:43:00.005-04:00

The award-winning e-book that I have with New Concepts Publishing is MATING NET.

I hope you enjoyed the book promo trailer!

What would you do, if you woke up in bed with the WRONG god (but he was such a hunk!) ?

Under Construction

2008-04-05T16:25:00.002-04:00

Please excuse our mess as we go about rebuilding our blog, which we recently lost.

Thanks! The New Concepts Authors