Author Spotlight – Kiyara Benoiti

Our latest spotlght is on Breathless author Kiyara Benoiti.

4.5 stars
It both entices and stirs your romantic desires and leaves you wanting more.
Night Owl Reviews

4.5 cherries
Ms Benoiti creates wonderful characters that tug at your heart strings.
Whipped Cream Reviews

See what everyone is talking about. Check out our Author Spotlight.
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ONE MAN’S THOUGHTS: Intros and Outlines

The one thing I’ve learned over the past eight weeks is that writing a blog is not the same as writing creatively. The reason I make this painfully obvious statement is because knowledge is not the same as experience. This is my first experience with a deadline and I have to say it’s been educational. After only two months with A History of Romance the time from conception to finished product to post has been reduced three fold. This efficiency has carried over to my creative writing as well and I find that I’m able to write more on demand than before.

The other half of this equation is my ability to produce a blog entry. Last week I suffered from the flu and had no inspiration. I thought some writing tips would be a safe way to go, after all there isn’t a writer on the planet that can’t hear this stuff enough times. I struggled with it, however in the end managed to put my two cents in on what I’ve learned.

A good blog however is about more than a few good tips. To write anything an author must share what is on their mind. Last week I didn’t want to write a blog entry because I had nothing to say and it suffered accordingly. This week I’ve decided to stick to what is on my mind. I am planning a romance story and this is some of what I’ve been thinking about.

There are as many ways to write a book as there are authors. Each has their own method and system for designing an intriguing tale. One thing I do is outline because I have a habit of twisting scenes into events that don’t fit the overall plot. The stories will bend themselves into strange fantasies that have nothing to with the story. Outlining has proven valuable so far. After formulating what makes a good romance I wrote two outlines. Unfortunately the outlines don’t accomplish a romantic vibe and I am grateful that I didn’t start writing either story.

The problem is that the failed outlines had too many scenes that had to be included and not enough that I wanted to include. The outlines also focused strictly on the two primary characters and any portion of the story that required other characters was shaping up to be dull. This tells me I need more colorful characters and subplots to use them in. Once onto this line of thinking my imagination was sparked and I had the first inspired scene of this story manifest itself before my eyes and I discovered that I wanted to write.

The scene I dreamt up included an introduction to a wonderful character that will be fun to write. The entire scene is based around his introduction and leads to another important line of thought for a writer, memorable introductions for characters. Dramatic introductions are an important element that should be done with thought and diligence. First impressions are vital and that is no less true in the realm of fiction. An author must define his characters when they are first introduced to the reader. This is the image that the reader will start with. Even if future events alter or add to that image the first impression will represent a majority of what the reader thinks about the character.

In my story Who’s the Boss? I introduce a character this way:

The three men froze mid tussle and stared at their statuesque boss. With heels she was easily six foot in height, she had curly auburn hair that extended to the center of her back, with eyes that sparkled behind wire-framed glasses as they did prior to chewing someone out.

“Diane,” Justin said. “We were just—”

She held up a hand to dissuade any further comment.

“You were just using your office computer for viewing pornography,” she said. “Which is expressly prohibited by department policy.”

She stepped into the room and leaned on his desk. Justin couldn’t help but to glance at Diane’s exposed cleavage as the top of her blouse opened.

With a few lines the reader knows what Diane looks like, her demeanor, the affect she has on men, and her willingness to use her sexuality to her advantage— after all, no woman leans over in a low cut blouse unless it is for effect.

Now, back to romance story. Armed with the start of a new outline and a clever scene in which to introduce a vibrant character I am ready to proceed. I have to work out plenty of ideas yet before I begin, but I think I’ll start by reading some good romance books first. I don’t normally read too much of it any more, but when in Rome…

I would welcome suggestions for romance books from anyone commenting on this blog. Something that had an impact for you or otherwise found unique.

Until next time— happy writing!

Michael Matthews Bingamon

Different Ways to Spin the Story

The manuscript is done. I have written, re-written, tweaked and finally put it down. I have poured over the words, the emotions, point of view, introspection, to say nothing of the story plot, sub-plot, black moment, resolution and finally the ending. My characters are happy and I am happy. I am ready to share it whom every will listen.

With my manuscript finished, I went to my first conference. I had no idea what to expect. I wanted to meet writers, network and find out what needed to be done next.

I met many wonderful published and unpublished writers and had a great time. As the evening went on, I listened as other writers ‘told their story.’ I realized that I couldn’t just tell people my story. I had tried that and it was disaster. You would think I didn’t know my own story. It even sounded disorganized to me. As I went through the conference I realized I needed an arsenal of versions to have ready for different circumstances and I needed to practice ‘presenting’ them. I noted each different document I would need as the conference progressed.

Well, at least the first part was done, the story was written.

Number One: Write your story and have a complete manuscript.

Standing around the cocktail lounge, people asked “what do you write?” I told them everything, everything. They listened patiently and when I asked them, “what do you write?” They told me their story in one sentence. How do you take 100,000 words and distill it into one sentence? The answer is with a great deal of thought and care.

Number Two: Develop a pitch line or the log line. It should include three things: genre, tone and plot.

On my way to my room, I shared the elevator with a writer who was speaking to an agent. I recognized the agent’s name on her badge. I marveled at the writer’s aplomb with a short explanation that just seemed to flow. I was downright stunned when the agent asked for more information. I wanted to be like that writer.

Number Three: Develop an elevator speech of 3 to 6 sentences. It should set up the general situation, be specific rather than vague and include the conflict.

I had appointments to pitch my story to an agent and to an acquiring editor. Armed with my pitch line, elevator speech and three talking points (I added those just in case), I was able to generate interest. The editor requested a full manuscript and a synopsis. The agent asked for a partial and a short synopsis. Yes, two different types of synopses! With the packages sent off respectively, the hardest part of the is ahead, waiting.

Number Four: The feared Synopsis. The secret, I am told, is to keep it simple. The average is 6-7 pages but can go up to 12 pages. The synopsis should include a good hook, the beginning of the story, the conflicts the hero and heroine face, how they resolve and survive their conflicts, and how the story ends.

Number Five: Pare down your synopsis to 1 or 2 pages for the short synopsis. Be certain you include a hook, the main conflict, the main characters (there is not enough room for the others), the main resolution, and the final outcome.

Inspiration for today’s post is from Chuck Sambuchino’s post, One Story? You Need Five Versions. Thanks Chuck!

Chuck Sambuchino is the editor of Guide to Literary Agents (WD Books). He also authored the books Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript, 3rd  Ed., (WD Books) and How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack (Ten Speed Press / Random House; Sept. 2010). He is represented by Sorche Fairbank of Fairbank Literary. Follow his GLA blog for agent interviews, submission tips and more: guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog.

The Hook – Book Titles and Authors

For those of you eager for the answers, here are titles of the books and their authors of the opening sentences posted last week. Did you guess which one was mine?

“How does a person reenter a life she left behind years earlier?”
Summer of Roses by Luanne Rice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least not at first glance.”
Outlander by Diane Gabaldon

“The noon whistle blew and the saws stopped whining.”
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer

“Lord Arik’s commanding presence made him easy to spot as he led the three riders and wagon speeding across the forest trail.”
To Hearth and Home, Rebeka’s Story by Ruth Seitelman

“Who am I? And how, I wonder, will this story end?”
The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks

“Dougles Montgomery sat in the back seat of the rental car, Robert and his pudgy thirteen-year-old daughter, Gloria, in the front.”
Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux

“Cam called in markers, pulled strings, begged favors and threw money around in a dozen directions.”
Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

“They said he killed his first wife.”
The Bride by Julie Garwood

Who, What, Where.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE?

Last weekend, I had the luxury to take my morning coffee outside. The sun was shining. It was a balmy nine degrees. Okay, not tropical weather, but it’s still February after all. As I sat and looked over my bare gardens, envisioning what they will hopefully become in the months ahead, I wonder who inspired my love of all things that grow. The answer comes quickly; my grandmother.
My mind then turned to my writing—as it eventually always does—and I wondered who, or what inspired that particular desire. At first, no answer came to me. Writing was something I never aspired to do. I loved reading romance novels, I had for years, but the thought of writing one never occurred to me until three years ago. It all started after I finished the fifth novel in a series from an author I love. This particular novel featured my favorite character from her series. After reading his story, I was disappointed. I didn’t care for the heroine chosen for him. His happily ever after left a lot to be desired. I felt cheated.
My mind was filled with ways to make his story better—or more to my liking—I sat down and wrote a heroine I felt would have suited him better and a happier happily ever after. During this recreation, the floodgates opened and two completely different characters started speaking to me. At first, I ignored them. As time went on, I jotted down notes, names, and places. It wasn’t long before I had the bare bones of a story. Secretly, I started writing. My characters took shape. They had voices, personalities, a past, present and a future. It wasn’t long until I held in my hands the rough draft of my first novel.
Was it the author who inspired me? Was it just coincidence? Were my characters always there, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to come out?
I’ve always been creative, had a wild imagination, but writing for me didn’t come easy. I had a rough time getting the ‘right’ words from my head onto paper. It seemed as if I had a block somewhere between my brain and hand.
Again, I searched my mind, trying to find out who or what had been my inspiration. I still came up blank. Maybe it was a combination of the author and my own imagination? Maybe it was simply the right time in my life to explore something new? Maybe . . . maybe it was fate? All four?
My thoughts shifted gears and I pondered what kept me writing? I’m not a natural born writer. The art of stringing words together to form coherent sentences and paragraphs doesn’t come easy to me. I struggle every day. Some days the effort becomes too much; all I succeed in doing is giving myself a headache. Yet I carry on, I persevere. Why?
The honest answer is: no matter how trying writing can be for me, there is nothing I would rather be doing with my life. I love it. I love creating characters. I love creating conflicts they need to overcome to be happy. I love to blend fact with fiction.
I would love to hear what inspired you to become a writer. What was the defining moment that started you on your writing journey.

The News in Reviews – 2-26

This week in reviews

A.J. Wilson reviewed

The Soldier’s Return, by Ava Delany

Patricia Pellicane reviewed

Banged Up, by Jeanne St James

The Wedding Night, by Ava Delany

Last week in reviews

Danica Malone reviewed

Sophie’s Pleasure, by Patricia Pellicane

Gabrielle reviewed

Goldi, by Kissa Starling

Belinda Wolf-Whitaker reviewed

Rip Cord, by Jeanne St. James

Weather to Read Or Not to Read

      It has snowed almost every day this week in the area of Michigan where i live. As I browsed through my to be read pile, nothing seemed to appeal to me.

     I love everything from Fantasy and Paranormal, to Historical, to Romantic Suspense. From series romance to erotic and Single Title romances. I have a lot to choose from. I usually don’t let the weather dictate what I’ll read next, but sometimes, sometimes I love reading a story that can pull me further into an emotion or a setting.

     Like this week, I’ve been itching to find a story set in the middle of Winter where the characters are held up somewhere warm and cozy. A cabin romance if you will, one with a fire and forced proximity. The weather kept me home on Monday. I wrote, but the urge to read sitting snuggled in a chair with a big blanket, wearing my slippers and jammies with something warm to drink almost took me away from what I needed to be doing.

     As the snow fell and the wind blew, I sat in my chair imagining how two characters would struggle to find a comfortable shelter from the storm. I wasn’t thinking of escaping to a tropical beach with warm sands and crashing waves.

     I’ve noticed sometimes, that when I read a book set in a particular season or during a particular holiday, if I’m reading the story during that same time of year or celebration, it’s easier for me to place myself in the middle of the story. Whereas, if I were reading a story set in Texas in the middle of July, while in actuality, it’s February, it’s not so easy for me to get sucked in.

     I noticed this trend with me a few weeks ago after I went on a Jane Austen marathon. I watched Sense And Sensability along with Pride And Prejudice, (the 2005 remake.) Both are fantastic movies. The music, characters, setting and dialogue drew me in. When they were over, I still felt like I was still in Regency England. I wanted to continue that euphoric feeling and read a Regency-set romance.

     So how about you? Are you like me, where reading a cabin romance in the middle of Winter doesn’t make you cold? Or du you love reading stories set in exotic locations with possibly erotic scenarios between the main characters? Are their specific songs or movies that put you in the mood for reading a particular kind of story, one that’s possibly set out of this world? Do you have certain stories you don’t see yourself reading at the beach, or is a book just a book that you will read anywhere during any season?

Excerpt – Forever Yours

Today we have Jackie M. Smith with a sweet little excerpt from Forever Yours.

Jackie writes historical romance and this is her first novel.

Liz was happy and grateful for this moment with Philip. Laying her head against his chest, she felt so warm and secure in his arms. All her memories of the times spent with him flowed back. She held back the tears threatening to leave her eyes.
“Are you warmer?” Philip asked, not letting her go.
She nodded, tensing, awaiting his kiss without realizing she lifted her face in invitation.
“I’ve missed you so much, Liz.” The words were little more than a whisper.
Disappointment washed over her as he kissed her brow then stepped back. “I’ve missed you too Philip.” She looked into his heavenly blue eyes.
“I’m surprised seeing you here of all places.” He smiled, taking her hand and sat on the bench a few feet away. No one saw them.
Indeed, she felt as though they were the only two people in the world. She felt her heart race when his warm muscular thigh brushed against hers. And he held her hand in his large one. She stared at their joined hands. Never did she feel so nervous with Philip. All this was very unknown and frightening. “Do you think we’ll be fighting soon?” She asked, changing her train of thought.
“Soon. With the battle in the Atlantic, they need more ready pilots.” He held her hand in his and looked at her with serious eyes as she remained silent. “Liz. Promise me you’ll be careful when it’s time for you to on missions. I know I can’t stop you, so promise me you’ll take care.” Philip’s tone was firm but soft.
She nodded without taking her eyes away from his. “I promise. And you do the same.” She was so afraid to lose him.
Philip nodded as they sat in silence a little while longer. She wished so much Philip kissed her. But he didn’t. He held her in silence. And he never said how much he missed her. It was for the best he said nothing. If he told her how he missed her or loved her, she may fall into his arms and forget her dreams. And she wasn’t ready to sacrifice her chance in the Royal Air Force for more than friendship with Philip. Or was she?
She lifted her head and his eyes met hers. He stared into her eyes for a long while. And she felt herself melt on the spot. What was wrong with her? She stared at his tempting lips and wished he would kiss her. Instead, she felt his hand cup her cheek and his thumb traced her lower lip, leaving a trail of heat. He didn’t kiss her but the intimate gesture sent waves of warm sensations all over her body. His eyes stared into hers with intensity. And her heart drummed in her ears. Anticipation alerted all her senses. “Liz.” The low rasp in his voice sent another wave of sensations through her body. She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes for a quick moment.
Philip sat so close; she could feel his hot breath caressing her cheeks. Her heart jumped in her chest when his lips touched her cheek and the delicate skin near her ear. “Liz,” he whispered again in her ear. A new sensation centered in the special place in her lower belly. She saw stars behind her eyelids and waited for Philip’s next move. Will he kiss her? She didn’t know. His hands kept her warm against the cool air. Indeed, she felt a bit over warm and unsure of her body. Philip never touched her in such an intimate way before. His lips lingered near her ear. And his hot breath sent shivers along her skin. She turned her head ever so slowly and met his eyes. She could see his eyes darken. He cupped her cheeks and leaned his forehead against hers. Their lips brushed together. Voices in the background brought them back to earth. Philip broke his embrace, leaving Liz breathless.
Quickly, she regained her composure before someone saw them together. She glanced at Philip and his face didn’t show any trace of emotion. “I should go,” she said, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat. Tears threatened to leave her eyes. Before he said a word, Liz removed Philip’s jacket from her shoulders and walked toward the camp.
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Find out more at her website.
Well, if that left you wanting more, check out my free toys.
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Ava Delany
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Ava Delany

Sensual Romance Verses Erotic Romance (This blog is intended for readers 18 and older. Strong language.)

     What is the difference you ask? Well, there is a fine line that can be drawn between the two. It’s not just about the sex and the way it is presented because both types of romances write it and write it well. The biggest difference I see is what drives the story line. Romance thrives on love and erotica thrives on sex. You take a romance minus love it’s no longer a romance. You take an erotic romance minus the sex it’s no longer an erotic romance. Let’s talk about what makes these two writing styles so different and the things that can cross over to make them similar.

     The dictation between sensual romance and erotic romance are two very different types of words. Sensual romance in many cases uses the tame terminology romance has used since the beginning. Tame meaning euphemisms. Euphemisms-The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.  Here are a few examples of words used in romance to describe a sex scene. (cock, center, sheath, thrusting, pumping, bundle of nerves)

     Now let’s talk about the erotic romance. Erotic romance takes the words people use today and waves them proudly for all to see. Modern/urban colloquial terms are the cornerstone of erotic romance. Colloquial- characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal. Here are a few examples of words used in erotic romance to describe a sex scene. (Cock, dick, cunt, pussy, twat, fucking)

     There is a wide range between the two. Sensual romance tries to stay on the subtle side while erotic romance tends to go full force, no holds barred. Sensual romance is the equivalent of an R rating, while erotic romance is the equivalent of an X rating.

     Let’s talk about what makes a good sensual romance novel. The pieces that must be there in order for a reader to walk away saddened that they reached the end. Plot and characterization are key, in a great sensual romance. You want the reader to believe in your characters and their situations. If they don’t the whole novel is a lost cause. The reader needs to believe these people could actually fall in love. You can’t have a romance without LOVE. Love is the backbone of every good romance. Without love it’s no longer a romance. You can have a romance novel with no sex but you can’t have one with no love. In romance the relationship drives the story. It’s all about the happily ever after when writing or reading romance.

    Now let’s talk about what makes a good erotic romance. Even though sex is a key factor in erotic romance and you can’t have erotica without it. The sex isn’t just about adding as many hot, juicy, steamy scenes as you can. You have to think about the big picture. What about the characters? Is the sex true to the characters you created? Does it make sense for them to be having sex? You can’t take the sex lightly. In an erotic novel, you have to be serious about the sex. A good erotic novel should highlight the characters sexual journey. The idea of journey assumes character growth, movement, and the progress the characters make in the story. Ideally the sex will take the reader somewhere and move things along in the story. “Why the heck are they having sex again?” That isn’t good in an erotic novel.

     Here are some publishers of romance and erotic romance:

     Publishers of Sensual Romance

       Harlequin Presents

     Silhouette Desire

     Pocket Books

     Leisure Lovespell

     Publishers of Erotic Romance

     Wild Rose-Scarlet Rose

     Siren Publishing

     Amber Quill-Amber Heat

     Red Sage Publishing

     I think both take a lot of effort to write. They should both be treated with respect because these stories come to life in an authors mind. Writing in any form is an art. I think it all come down to your comfort level and what you are willing to accept. I love reading a wide range of genres whether they are sweet or hot and steamy . They all have a place in the publishing industry. I hope you all enjoyed my take on sensual romance versus erotic romance. You never know, if you’ve never read one, try it you might like it. I will close with what some fellow authors had to say bout this topic.

    I think the difference between erotic romance and traditional romance (aside from the obvious erotic like GBLT/BDSM) is that in an erotic romance the sex cannot be omitted. It is a major driving force between the main characters.
April Dawn

    The purpose of romance is to touch the reader’s heart and stir emotions. The purpose of erotica is to create sexual feelings in the reader; to turn them on.

Connie Chastain

Tabitha Blake

Write About What? Writing Contest

Hi, April Dawn here. Welcome to our first ever Write About What? Writing Contest.

Here is your basic storyline.

A woman has just met the man she will always love.

Here are the words you must include.

fried – handle – tube – dog – scream – chocolate – ban – ineptitude – run – chipmunk

The story can be anywhere from 200 – 2000 words in length (word count will be confirmed). This cannot be a previously published story. The rights to this story must belong completely to you, the author, and it should not be entered for publication anywhere else. All entries should be polished and ready because they will be posted as they are, and remain posted on A History of Romance indefinitely. Email all entries to aprildawnbooks@ymail.com. Contest runs from 10:00am pst Feb 24th through 10:00am March 6th. Judging will begin March 7th, and the winner will be posted March 15th. Only the first 20 stories will be accepted. One entry per author

Winners will receive-

First -
A one chapter (2000 words or less) critique of your WIP AND a two week “winning author spotlight” featuring your work. (Includes any other works you may have released.)

Runner up-
Fabulous recipe AND a two week “runner up author spotlight” on your work. (Includes any other works you may have released.)

Fore more information, and details, see our writing contest page.

I will put up a comment on this post if all 20 entries have been received.

A History – Changes to the site line up.

We at A History have been watching the trends with this site, and have decided to make the following changes to the line up.
First, we are proud to announce our review pages. Reviewers are hard at work as we speak (well, as you read anyhow) writing up new reviews for a wide variety of novels. Keeping with the original idea of the site, we have gathered a diverse group of reviewers. Read more about them and visit their pages on our review page. We will also attempt to review diverse books, from mainstream to erotic, from sweet to hot, you never know what you will get. Each reviewer has mentioned their likes and dislikes, and you can find a short bio on their page. That way you can find the reviewer that reviews the type of romance you like.

Also, to showcase this new feature on A History of Romance, we have added The News in Reviews. A weekly post on Fridays which will give an overview of the new reviews for the week, as well as the last in case you missed it.

Because this is the usual day for The Tour, it will move to Mondays, and share the Monday spot with Monday Madness.

Finally, please take note of our Write About What? Writing Contest page. This will become our free reads page when the contest is over, and subsequent contests will add to the content on occasion.
I hope you enjoy the changes we will be making to A History of Romance. We are hard at work to bring you lots of diverse features from lots of divers writers.
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Site Owner – April Dawn

Motivation

Last week I blogged here about… well, about not knowing what to blog about. Sometimes my mind works that way.

This time, I want to talk a little about what motivates people to write. I’ve had a lot of people ask why I started writing. I’ve been writing stories since I was five years old–though obviously not romance stories!–and I began because my imagination just plain wouldn’t stop. All my life I’d been making up stories and playing “Let’s Pretend” with my imaginary friends. I’d learned to read when I was about three, and I knew I wanted my stories to be in books someday like the ones I read.

Even though I do sometimes suffer from writer’s block, or writer’s concrete wall on occasion, I don’t often run out of story ideas. That imagination of mine is always on the go. Even some of my dreams play more like movies than figments of my subconscious, and when I manage to remember them long enough, I do develop stories from them. Most of the time, having ideas isn’t the problem with my story writing, only with my blog posting.

However, actually writing and revising the stories… well, that’s something different entirely.

When I’m writing just because I want to write, or revising a story that I haven’t chosen a publisher to submit to yet, sometimes it’s hard for me to stay focused. I’m doing it just for myself, and that isn’t enough of a reason for me, even though it means I get rid of all that stuff that clutters up my brain. (Sometimes my brain is as loud with ideas as a cocktail party is with meaningless chatter.) I might sit at my computer and peck out a sentence or two, then wander off to play a game of cyber chess or answer emails. Or poke around various blogs. Even though the writing comes from inside me, I don’t seem to have enough internal motivation to keep me going, other than the “Woohoo!” that comes when I finish something.

I’ve started giving myself deadlines, but sometimes even that doesn’t work. It’s self-imposed, which means I don’t have anything to lose if I miss the deadline. Even promising myself a reward if I meet it doesn’t do any good. (I know my bank account too well. I can’t afford the rewards I promise myself.)

However, I have a major competitive streak. So what I’ve discovered works wonders for my output is a challenge. One of my publishers once gave me two weeks to revise an entire novel. I had it done in ten days. The same novel had taken me nearly a month to revise before I sent it to her, because I didn’t have a deadline for it.

Lately I’ve been working on a challenge from a writing friend of mine. I’m doing a revise/resubmit on a novel, and wanted something to keep me focused while I worked on it. At the moment, I’m two chapters ahead of where I need to be.

I love a challenge, to be honest. And as long as it isn’t illegal or dangerous, I nearly always take them.

So what motivates you to keep writing? And what do you think of challenges?

Are you romantic

I am very late with my post and I must apologize. I’ve got a migraine that won’t let up and on top of it I have the flu. What a week. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to come up with a blog post for today because of the pain and being knocked out on pain meds. So instead I thought I would do something different, for me at least, and post a few quizzes for you all to take.

So here you are.

Are you a die-hard romantic? http://www.funquizcards.com/quiz/love-dating/are-you-a-die-hard-romantic.php

Test your flirting style: http://www.funquizcards.com/quiz/love-dating/test-your-flirting-style.php

Post your results for all to see and let’s have a little fun.

Shiela Stewart
www.shielasbooks.ca

Interview – Marianne Stephens/April Ash

Today we welcome one great author with a split personality.
Welcome Marianne Stephens, and welcome April Ash.

How did you get started writing?

I started reading Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer romance books and was hooked! From there, I moved to contemporaries and paranormal romances. A voice inside my head kept telling me to write a book, so I decided to try! I wrote an awful first romance book, sent queries to agents, and actually had two ask to read partials and one who wanted a full. Got rejections, but the agent who requested the full told me I needed DIALOGUE in a romance book…I’d written most of it as narrative. I joined RWA and Mid-America Romance Authors and took some writing seminars to learn what was needed to write a much better romance book!

What do you dislike most about what you do?

Writing the dreaded “middle of the book”. No matter how much I plan and plot, I always get stuck mid-way through the book and experience brain freeze/writer’s block.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Selling that first book and earning the label of published author is a wonderful experience!

What part of a manuscript do you most enjoy writing?

The beginning. I like to start my books with dialogue. I think it catches a reader’s attention immediately, and gives me a chance to present the hero and/or heroine right away.

How would describe your voice?

Down to earth; everyday, ordinary conversational style. I want a reader to feel comfortable and relate to my characters, so I write the story as if I were actually telling it to someone in a conversation.

What is your favorite television show?

More than one! NCIS, Numb3rs, all the CSI programs.

What is the most memorable book you’ve read?

I’m a Shakespeare addict and loved his works. But, my favorite romance book is “The Lemon Cake” by Judith Stafford.

Do you have a hobby/favorite pastime?

I love bowling and playing party bridge (nothing serious).

Where can fans follow you?

I have two pen names. Marianne Stephens writes sensual, mainstream romances (contemporary and paranormal). http://www.mariannestephens.net. April Ash writes erotic romances. http://www.aprilash.net. “We” blog at http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com and also at http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com. “We” have a monthly newsletter with a monthly contest. To subscribe, email marianne@mariannestephens.net or april@aprilash.net.

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Thanks for interviewing me…enjoyed the questions! Marianne/April
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And we at A History enjoyed having you. Check out her latest, Anything You Can Do, at Breathless Press.
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April Dawn

Monday Madness – Win Forbidden Nights with a Vampire

Time to announce the winner of our last Monday Madness! And the winner is…

Jeannene Walker

Congratulations on winning. Please watch for the email. Thanks to everyone for their entries.

And now for some more fun…
As always, you must be 18 to enter.

Today we have a goodie bag. In the goodie bag we have Forbidden Nights With a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Vanda Barkowski is in trouble.

As the owner of a hot nightclub, she’s more unconventional than most of her fellow vampires, and if some think her a little out of control, then so be it. But after three former employees filed a complaint about her temper, Vanda is sentenced to an anger management class. Worse, Phil Jones agreed to be her sponsor. Phil, the mortal who is forbidden to her . . .

If Vanda knew who-or what-Phil really is, she’d reconsider her attraction to him, for his true nature is wilder than anything she’d ever imagined. He has tackled the beast within and now is the perfect person to help Vanda with her rage . . . if only he can keep his cool when she makes him so undeniably hot. But with rogue vamps on the loose, will they ever have their forbidden nights?

Comment and be entered to win. Tell us what you love about Vamps and you may be quoted in a future A History post.

Good luck to everyone.

Contest runs until Saturday Midnight. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner on our next contest coming next week for Monday Madness.
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April Dawn

Howling About the Latest Lycanthrope-Over-London.

Don’t get me wrong, I really like Benicio del Toro. But not in this latest incarnation of THE WOLFMAN. I am disappointed, to say the least. I went to see the movie yesterday afternoon and unfortunately, there is little to recommend. In fact, I would like to whine and complain about the writing and production quality for a few paragraphs.

First of all, don’t remake a movie unless you can make improvements on the original. Even the effects are rehashed from a hundred other recent horror/action CGI loaded movies. In fact, the transformation scenes were done better in films nearly thirty years old, now. And in a strange non sequitur, this new version dredges up Gollum, or a creature that looks remarkably like him, for a cameo appearance.

I understand the rationalization for remaking the old classics. There is a movie going younger generation who hasn’t seen the original. And don’t forget there are huge numbers of effects designers/studios out there. I can only surmise the movie industry must feel obliged to feed the CGI beast. I would like to be a fly on the wall when producers cost out the price of actors versus effects budgets. Then again, maybe not.

And what does this fresh ticket-purchasing public know about the original story anyway? Most have become familiar with shapeshifter tales by watching clans of vampires and lycans fight each other (Underworld or Twilight universe, take your pick) rather than the character originally created for film by Lon Chaney, Jr.

Who is Lon Chaney, Jr.? Sigh. Perhaps only a college film major or a Goth horror wonk  might know the answer to that question.

Lastly, and this is just a pet peeve of mine, why do they always portray Scotland Yard Detectives as nasty, somewhat bumbling, and totally ineffective? I had hoped the casting of Hugo Weaving would add a certain intelligence and élan to the role of inspector, but no such luck. He played him more like Agent Smith in Matrix and less like Elrond in Lord of the Rings. (Not that I wished for an elf, mind you but, I think you get my meaning.) As many of you already know, I am writing a series of late Victorian era suspense novels, whose hero/protagonists are Scotland Yard Agents. I guess it is just up to me to forge new territory and change the type casting.

You would think that a cast which included Sir Anthony Hopkins (or is he a lord now?), Benecio del Toro and Emily Blunt could wow us with a truly blood-thirsty gothic tale of horror straight out of the penny dreadfuls. Perhaps, the producers might have had the taste level and insight to hold back on effects, let the story and the cast of accomplished actors carry more of the tale. That, of course, might have been possible had they encouraged a story that could be told around a fireplace on a winter’s night…with a full moon.

Hear my inner wolf howling?

G. Jillian Stone

There are fields in time that burn with desire. Meet me there.

Jillian is currently finishing the second book in The Yard Men Series. Set in late Victorian London, Scotland Yard detectives have never been as wickedly sexy or as brilliantly clever. To read more about her latest work in progress, THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK, please drop by her website: www.gjillianstone.com