31 January 2011

The Weather

It's been a long, hot weekend. The forecast cyclone petered out (and I can only pray the two off the Qld coast do the same), but we still had the heat, the high humidity and the general oppressiveness of it all. It exploded my writing plans.

I know the myth is that what with air conditioning and commitment we can ignore the weather and do whatever the hell we want these days, but in practice, I find I can't. Feral weather means feral grumpiness, and a total inability to concentrate.

On the plus side, I read the Guardian Weekly cover to cover, I'm over halfway through London by Peter Ackroyd (which is awesome and my new standard for social history readability) and I have an idea for a new paranormal romance series of novellas -- yeah, just what I need, another project!

And you have no idea how hard it was not to take to Twitter and tweet about the weather and its horridness this morning. Self-indulgent whining -- is technology an enabler?

Monday Author Blog Hop

29 January 2011

What could be nicer...

than a visit to the Royal Academy? Great artists, wonderful exhibitions. As Stephen Fry says, "There are no rules and no “correct” way to look." Galleries are about enjoyment. They are (or should be, in my opinion) beautiful.


***Okay. I don't know quite why the font has gone screwy. Possibly it's because I forgot my good manners and in visiting Taryn Kincaid's blog, donned my Cassandra hat and started screaming "disaster". Karma.


Actually, while visiting Taryn the discussion got interesting. I'm trying to predict the next-big-thing in romance, and I'm betting on disasters. Go see

28 January 2011

The History of Shoes

With thanks to Shakko (Own work)
[CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Shoes, glorious shoes! Shoe Info Net has a fantastic page on the history of shoes.

27 January 2011

Romance Round the Net

Lynn Jordan at Authors Tools Blog has a must-read post on improving your blog. You'll notice I've changed my blog's tagline.

Two posts on world building this week. First Kylie Griffin over at Dark Side DownUnder offers a definition and, while there's no magic formula, promises ideas and discussion over the next couple of weeks. Second, Ilona Andrews ties world building strongly to characterisation. She makes the good point that the world should shape/affect the characters.

Over at ShallowReaders there's a great post on the Ick Factor. At what point, if any, do you admit a book is dead, disgustingly dead, and bin it? Is it the smell, the feel, the water damage? For me, the huge factor is smell. I cannot believe people who store their books in mothballs. How can you possibly read it when it stinks of camphor?

And thanks to @BookThingo on Twitter, I've also stumbled across a new historical romance blog, Bosoms & Beaux and it's excellent.

You can't bid yet, but I'm so excited at what Julie Rowe's organised. We Carina Press authors have ereaders, critique services and other fun/useful lots in the Brenda Novak auction to support research into diabetes. I think most of us have someone in our lives with diabetes. It's a cause to support, and a reminder to watch our own lifestyles. I lost my nana to diabetes.

Cobblestone Press is now accepting non-erotic as well as erotic romance novel submissions.

This is how I once imagined an author's life to be -- Jessica Hart's day in London.

26 January 2011

Water Price

Photo by Andreas Praefcke
Wikimedia
The value of gold is hollowed out by the process scientists set in place to counter global warming (how? I don't know, something about gold from seawater--I'm no scientist. Uh, obviously). Demand for diamonds has remained artificially high by clever marketing and management of supply. But investor distrust guts it. Sow, where does the smart money go to hide? Electronic funds are all very well and good, but sometimes you just want something tangible.

From cowrie shells to gold. From gold to ...? Water.

If future wars will be fought over water, then it is the currency of the future.

25 January 2011

Writing Update

It's not actually writing, but it supports my impersonation of an author, so here's the revamp of my website. Learning to use Wordpress is hideous when you're not tech-skilled. Of course, then there's the different issue of how the finished product looks and feels. Does it scream "paranormal romance"? No. But it's simple, serene and it feels like me -- not that I'm simple and serene. Well, simple, maybe -- I sure felt simple-minded when confronted with Wordpress options. But I'm definitely not serene. I'm like the swan in the website header, paddling like crazy in an attempt to appear in control of life.

Anyhow. Website, done. Now back to the far more interesting work -- writing! "Persian Flames" is so sexy. Honestly, put a djinni and angel in the same room and the tension just writes itself.

24 January 2011

Home Design on the Cheap

Sorry, if you've come here looking for tips to save money. This post is actually a brag about the joys of being a writer.

In the real world, home design requires money and muscle, not to mention talent and skills. But when you're writing a book, you're like a set designer. You can have everything you dream of. Money, effort and time are irrelevant.

So I've gotten into the habit of following a few blogs for ideas. These include Home Designing and the tinyhouseblog.com . Plus, as I scroll through Tumblr, I like or reblog photos that appeal to me. (You can see them here).

The result is a cloud of ideas that make setting the scene a pleasure -- and sometimes a great excuse to look at yet more pretty pictures.

Monday Author Blog Hop

22 January 2011

Places to go, without leaving home

I'll have to look for more of these interactive images. Here's the Pauline Chapel, via the Vatican website. Use your mouse to manipulate viewing angle and zoom.

Or follow a John Hopkins Uni archaeological dig at Luxor, Egypt.

Happy Weekend!

21 January 2011

Outlasting Civilisations

How old is the oldest tree? Wikimedia gives a quick guide. Maybe 6,000 years if carbon dating of baobabs is correct. Imagine touching a living tree that someone else slept under 6,000 years ago.

By Zigomar (Own work)
[GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0
(www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]
via Wikimedia Commons

20 January 2011

Romance Round the Net

Patricia Wrede has some seriously good advice (with clear examples) on putting words together.

Over at Romance Bandits, Loucinda McGary discusses banished words. What words have I heard too often? Not sure, but if I could add my whinge as a side issue, I hate how Facebook is twisting the meaning of "like". It seems "like" now means "tagged" or "flagged". If I'm interested in something on Facebook and want to remember where it is, I'm forced to "like" it. Totally annoying for a pedant.

Jane at Dear Author has an interesting post on updating books for republication. Do we or do we not want contemporaries contemporary or are we happy to read with the 1980s, 1950s or 1800s in mind? The discussion in the comments section is good, and I particularly like the idea of a foreword telling people that this is a repub and the original publication date. Although I generally check the copyright. Being a buyer of many used books, it's become a habit.

Have you wordled yet? Wordle.net generates word clouds from your texts. So if you're over-using a word (hello "just"), wordle will slam you with it. [With thanks to Julie Rowe and Angela James for mentioning in the Self-Editing workshop]

Tara Lain has a useful post on planning a blog tour. The bottomline? It's a lot of work. I'd add that it's also a lot of fun. You get to meet new people and hang out at snazzy blogs.

And if you read this blog via a feed, you may have read the following already. I had an idiot moment on Tuesday and clicked "publish post" rather than "save". Ah well, now you know I'm collecting links that interest me through the whole week.

Thanks to evilreads.com I now know how romance conventions find their male cover models. Craigslist.

A few years ago I wrote a couple of short stories that were published with People's Friend and My Weekly (British women's magazines) and the editors were lovely. So I have a quiet ambition to find time to write and submit a Pocket Novel. 30,000 words, definitely sweet. If you're curious, here's a link from Woman Writer to an interview with their commissioning editor.

Continuing with short stories and British magazines, Womag Writer passes on the story ideas Woman's Weekly really doesn't want to see. I think some ideas do get tired. But then I wonder if ideas only seem tired to me (and to editors) because of reading too much. Heresy! You can never read too much.

19 January 2011

Alien Mummies

Dunescape:  Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
[Dunescape, with thanks to Ivan Sohrakoff for sharing on Flickr]

Hidden under a massive sand dune for millenia. Then the wind shifts. The storms erode the dune and the broken spaceship stands revealed. Inside are aliens, mummified by the desert. Do they look human? Their mouths are open, silently screaming.

18 January 2011

Writing Update

I've been busy with Angela James's Self-Editing Workshop. Quite apart from all the things I've learned, I'm glad for the reminder that writing is a craft. The workshop is an enjoyable, if at times challenging, mind stretch.

Persian Flames is going well. *rubs hands gleefully* Lovely, lovely conflict.

17 January 2011

Taige Crenshaw


Do you ever envy any of your characters?

Yes and No.

Yes - They have such interesting lives and things they do. Lots of my characters are paranormal and can do such fantastic things.  Those that are human also have things that make them what they are.

No – Because I love my life and am happy with it. It is fun being on the creating end of the characters and sometimes they let me control things. Only sometimes because they come to life as I write and take on a personality that might clash with my vision of them. I let them go to it and it works well.


What is the predominant colour in your wardrobe? (Ha! sneaky question) and what does it reveal about your character?

Umm… let me go check (walking to closet). Wow I got a lot of clothing with blue in them. Various shades of blue. I was born on an island surrounded by water and maybe having all that blue is the reason that I have so much blue. Actually I have no clue.

What food do you most regret having eaten?

None. I usually am very careful of what I eat. Picky.

How do you tune out distractions when you write?


My family and friends know when I am writing to not disturb me. I tend to growl when I get calls and hang up after telling them I am writing. They understand this and have learned to live with me. LOL.

How do you celebrate submitting an MS to a publisher?

I usually do my happy dance which is lots of butt shaking and whooping. So not pretty.

Thanks for having me Jenny and making my visit fun.


Power of Attraction
Total-E-Bound
Coming January 31, 2011
ISBN #: 978-0-85715-451-4
Series: Blackstone Haven ~ Book One
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel
Format: E-Book



Blurb: A man will come to you in the darkest moon.  The trees will shade and protect your union of the soul. Before the final step to merge your body is taken, a choice must be made.

Peyton Blackstone, a natural born witch, knew from the prophecy that accompanied her birth that a man would come to her. Yet, when the man who is set to be her’s arrives, Peyton isn’t ready for him or the ramifications his coming will cause. This man who deals with reality has a few secrets of his own--secrets that could very well destroy them both.

Wesley McCarty believes the woman he meets under the moonlight is not real. Suffering from unexplained blackouts, he believes he is losing his mind. When he sees her again, he realizes not only is his fantasy woman real, but she is within his reach. He must have her, no matter the cost.  Nothing will stop him. Not his blackouts, or any legacies or prophecies.  He will have this woman who sets his blood on fire and completes his soul. 

Legacies, destiny, and prophecy can not withstand this power of attraction.

Here are some places you can find me on the web.



Chat Group ~ Crenshaw Café - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crenshawcafe

Satin Notes (Free Reads): http://www.satinnotes.com

Monday Author Blog Hop

15 January 2011

Dour Victorians?

Every now and then (or even more often) it's nice to have our assumptions shaken up. Over at How to be a Retronaut, they have a great collection of Smiling Victorians.

Happy weekend :)

Edited to add:  I'm having a super weekend. Heather from Everybody Needs a Little Romance reviewed Angel Thief and gave it four flaming hearts. Reviews can be heartwarming. Thanks, Heather. 

14 January 2011

Who's afraid?

By Adolph Friedländer
Wikimedia 
Elephants really are scared of mice. I saw an episode of Mythbusters (and you've got to believe those guys!) that showed it.

One day, when I have more time, I want to read Pliny the Elder for some of this esoteric (and often plain wrong) knowledge.

13 January 2011

Romance Round the Net

Are authors people or the representative of their books? I enjoyed Ilona Andrews' post on reviews and treatment of authors.

Angela James has a great post over at Carina Press on what a revise and resubmit letter means.

Chuck Wendig gives the world 10 reasons your novel won't get published. Deb Nemeth shared the link on Twitter--do you think my editor's trying to tell us all something? Don't worry, Deb. I get it. I'll start emailing my manuscript submissions instead of tying them to goats. Call it writerly intuition, but I suspect your family's sick of goats eating their laundry.

Finally, Kylie Griffin has a thoughtful post on the Queensland (and really, it's even bigger than Queensland) floods here in Australia. My thoughts and prayers are with the people affected. I'm on the other side of the country, ironically, hoping for rain.

12 January 2011

Honestly, Not Vampyres

The Alchemist
by Henri Julien Dumont
from Wikimedia

What if alchemists did succeed in creating an elixir of eternal life, but the side effect was complete intolerance of sunlight? It happened in the Middle Ages. Vampire stories grew and grew from people's experience of these shadow creatures, never aging, obsessive, isolated. Who might they be sharing the elixir of eternal life with these days? and is it a gift or curse?

11 January 2011

Writing Update

I've started writing Persian Flames (the fourth Out of the Bottle story) and it is so much fun. But I can't say any more because I want to horde all my enthusiasm and pour it into the story. I have scribbled notes everywhere!

As for Shards, my UF novella, brace yourselves. It's simmering on the backburner but the first draft isn't really finished. Why not? Because when I looked it straight in the eye, it looked back and said, "Stop kidding yourself. I'm not a novella. I'm a novel. So get your butt in gear. Untangle that second plot strand, nail down the conflict inherent in the world building and set the scene for the next novel in the series." Yup, Shards has found its voice and it's a novel one. It's scary and exciting because there are a gazillion possibilities.

10 January 2011

What to post when you're tired

The feeding and management of a blog is a commitment, just like keeping any pet.

When you own a dog, there are strategies for dealing with the days when you're too tired to walk it. Things like exhausting it fetching tennis balls, giving it one of those toys you fill with biscuits and it rolls round the yard trying to get at them, or even the ultimate laziness of a bone to chew. You can even bribe a neighbour's kid to do the walking for you.

There are similar strategies available to blog owners. The important point is to be aware that days of tiredness/distraction will strike and prepare for them. I keep a folder of "Blog Topic" bookmarks, sites that will stimulate a post or are themselves worthy of a post. A stash of your own digital photos is also handy--and remember, properly attributed, many photographers who've shared their work at places like Flickr are happy for you to blog about an image. I've noticed some bloggers share a recipe. I'm thinking of starting a tips and tricks folder--not that I have expertise on any particular subjects, but still. Reviews are also interesting and informative space fillers. And then, you can cajole guests into posting for you.

Be prepared, then blogging remains a joy and not a burden.

Also, if you know you're going to be insanely busy, simply let people know ahead of time that you'll be taking a break from blogging. No one said you had to be Super-blogger.

Monday Author Blog Hop

08 January 2011

An Art Gallery at Home

I stumbled over a reference to dailypainters.com on Tumblr a few weeks ago and just rediscovered the bookmark. It seems like a really interesting site. The paintings are new works by current artists, all available for sale (unless, as in any gallery, the red dot looms).

07 January 2011

Age of Pre-Aquarius

What if human evolution is from several different types to one that swallows up all others, leaving only echoes in our DNA? Did the other species think differently? How might they have interacted with and shaped the Earth?

It turns out that Neanderthals were a lot like us. Making their kids eat cooked vegetables. Throwing flowers on their dead. But how were they different? How are we different by incorporating their DNA?

06 January 2011

Romance Round the Net

Jessica at Read, React, Review wrote a great post on Finding Balance in Blogging.

As an Australian reader and author I also have to shout about Booklover Book Reviews' 2011 Aussie Author Challenge. I heard about this from ShelleyRae, Book'd Out, and I think it's a great idea. Be True Blue and read 12 Australian authors. It's not just literary fiction either (at least, I don't think so), so take a leap into the active and fantastic SF&F scene, solve a mystery or indulge in some romance.

In Sarah's collection of random links over at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books she discusses a study that suggests reading increases empathy.

Shannon McKelden has started a site called The Happy Writer. Writing is hard work. Can it also bring you happiness? and what happens when that happiness seems to have been lost forever?

My first post for 2011 is up at the eHarlequin Community. 2011 is the Year of the Stereotype and for January I kick off with a discussion of Gothic Romance Heroines. It's amazing where you'll find them.

And my post on inspiration is up at Here Be Magic. Leave a comment and you could win a copy of Angel Thief.

05 January 2011

A Pride of Lions

[With thanks to Quadtripplea on Wikimedia for this amazing photo]
Imagine when archaeologists discover evidence that an iconic animal, like a lion, isn't the product of evolution, but of a human breeding program. Who was it that bred hunting cats for size and endurance, and simply for grandeur?

***
Today I'm posting over at Here Be Magic on the old, old question: Where do you find your inspiration? You might be surprised, but you definitely ought to be curious.

Edited to add: When I say "posting today", it's not yet today over in the US where the blog is hosted. So bear with me about twelve hours, then everything will go live, including a chance to win a copy of "Angel Thief".

04 January 2011

Writing Update

The copyedits for Three Wishes are done! It's amazing how much each stage of the editing process teaches. I seriously love editing. First drafts are the hard work where the brain goes through the wringer with brief moments of euphoria. Editing at least has something to chew on.

Speaking of first drafts, Shards, my urban fantasy novella is nearly finished. A couple more scenes, then off to the side while I get cracking on Persian Flames.

Persian Flames has aggravated me. I wrote so much of it before realising the story had a pivotal flaw, unfixable. So the story got canned (I didn't cry, but I did swear) and I've been turning over new ideas. And boy, have a I dreamed up a cracker. Gorgeous. I have the characters, the major internal and external conflicts, and I'm feeling my way through the twists and turns of the plot. It's totally different to where I was before, but it works! I can't wait to start the serious writing.

03 January 2011

2011

I feel as if my first post in the New Year ought to be reflective, predictive and generally noteworthy. But to be honest, I'm over all that sort of thing. Yup, New Year is sooo 2 days ago. Instead, may I brighten your day with Toby and his guest (my sister's dog, Abby). If only I had their energy. And no, Abby doesn't have a green tongue. That's tennis ball A. She's waiting for tennis ball B, because a dog can never have too many tennis balls *eye roll*

Monday Author Blog Hop