Romance Round the Net

First, flinging hat in air and yahoo'ing, Shannon Stacey's popular Carina Press published trilogy, Exclusively Yours, Undeniably Yours and Yours by Design will be published as paperbacks by Harlequin at the beginning of 2012!

And while Shannon's books move from digital to paper, Samhain is calling for romance books from the 70s, 80s and 90s to be digitally reprinted -- so, look out for old favourites!

Leah Braemel has some excellent writing advice on the subject of writing advice! I agree. Listen, learn, but know that what works for some writers, will not necessarily work for you. Just be sure that when you ignore advice, you're not being lazy, stupid or arrogant (which I think covers the key writer sins -- though my editor might include the over-use of commas!).

For anyone curious about the Dorchester debacle, Making Light has an excellent sum up. I don't read Making Light all the time, but I'm reassured, knowing it's there :)

Steampunk

No, I know it's not a carpet python. But I like it.

Steampunk is dangerous. I keep thinking of ideas for the alternate history I'm creating -- Western Australia in the 1890s was never like this! Maybe all the ideas won't make it into the final draft, but what do you think of a solar powered oven? or maybe the settlers never introduced cats. Maybe they kept the rats and mice population in check with pet carpet pythons? and then there's the whole goldrush deal. Can you imagine the steam-powered pianolas, the automated dancing girls, the pubs with no beer ... hang on, Slim Dusty, what are you doing in my mind? ...

Writing Update

Happy busy at the moment. Last week I submitted the complete MS for "Persian Flames" to Deb, my editor at Carina Press. I'm hoping she'll love this fourth outing in the Out of the Bottle series. And who can't love a djinni afraid of freedom? Like Niki (the djinn heroine) I think we all have times when we're afraid of the possibilities open to us.

So, with one MS sub'd, I'm working on my Steampunk novella. In a way I'm grateful for the tight deadline (subs in by May 15 for this open call from Carina Press). It means that rather than lose myself in research -- which is very tempting -- research time has to be rationed, and the emphasis on writing like a demon.

I have to admit, re-writing West Australian history is huge fun. I'm having a blast. But busy, very busy.

I'm thinking, though, that I'll have to find time to buy a copy of The Steampunk Bible.

Win a copy of "The Price of Freedom"!

As part of The Romance Review's Grand Opening celebrations, a digital ton *grin* of digital books have been up for grabs. Today, pop over and answer a simple multiple choice question and you'll go in the draw to win a copy of my angel and djinni novella, The Price of Freedom.

And if you want a clue -- the only thing sexier than a billionaire sheikh is, obviously, a djinni!

The Price of Freedom

Of course, when I say "today", it's not quite today yet over in America. So the question won't go up for a few hours -- then again, by the time you read this, it might be. Anyhow, if it's Monday 28 March we're you're reading this post, check out the link :)

Winner!

The winner of a copy of Laird of Darkness is Kathy Ivan! Congrats, Kathy, and happy reading :)

Coffeetable Adventures

I've never been able to afford many coffeetable books. I adore the gorgeous photos, but the high price is pretty much unjustifiable. But the Net has opened up that world for armchair travellers. The photos of amazing places that I enjoyed in coffeetable books are now free online, shared by amateurs and professionals on sites like Flickr.

Wikimedia Commons has a page on World Heritage sites by country. If you have a few hours to spare...enjoy.

Pink diamonds

I'm not a jewellery person. In fact, I can only remember one piece of jewellery I absolutely had to have, and it was an amber and turquoise necklace. Orange and green. Yes, there's something a bit strange about my fashion tastes, but that's a whole 'nother post.

No, I'm not a jewellery person and in particular, I'm not a diamonds person. I think they're an expensive cheat on glass. But, I am willing to make an exception for pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in north west Australia. Partly this is parochialism. Partly it's the whole blood diamonds issue. And partly it's my preference for colour!

There is also the romance of the Kimberley region where the diamonds are mined, an ancient landscape with dramatic scenery, unrecorded species and a seductive sense of timelessness.

All of which leads me to share the Argyle Diamond Mine's photo collection link here on a weirdness Friday -- because it is weird, assigning so much value to lumps of rock no matter how shiny.

Romance Round the Net

Dana Stabenow is one of my favourite mystery authors. Over at Sisters in Crime, she gives great advice on using Google Alerts.

The Boston Globe has an intriguing article on The Power of Lonely. Solitude isn't necessarily a bad thing, and may actually be a healthy part of living and socialising. [article via @vaughanbell who shares the most interesting neuroscience/psychological stuff] In fact, the article makes me wonder if the power of solitude is why serious writing requires the internet (and all its social engagement) to be off -- for me, at least.

On the other hand, what's the point of starving in an attic? Cafe Poets is a program to get poets out, into coffeehouses and starting conversations.

People Cease Wanting Stories

Stories are the way we make meaning. They interpret and explain the bewildering world of our senses. They give us a way to navigate complexity. They give us courage, comfort and community.

Imagine a world where people ceased wanting stories -- no movies, no games, no books, comics or songs. In that world, we'd be no more than zombie slaves.

Writing Update

I'm finishing up the third draft of Persian Flames. The fourth Out of the Bottle novella has been a challenging writing journey. Lots of internal conflict and a decidedly magical external conflict. Plus, any story with a child in jeopardy tugs at my heartstrings -- even when I know there will be a happy ending.

It's taught me something about how I write, though.

The first draft is where I get the story down, untangling motivations and developing character, roughing out the action. The second draft is all about structure. Have I got the pacing right? enough description? does it work? The third draft is language: over-used words, passive sentences, punctuation, italics for present tense thoughts.

Nicole North

Ever wanted to know what a Scotsman wears beneath his kilts? Me neither *grin* But some men do have sexy knees and gorgeous muscled calves (cyclists, whoo baby) and ... um ... maybe I am curious about those kilts.


Nicole North is my guest author, today, and it's her paranormal novella, Laird of Darkness, that inspired my kilt curiosity. Laird of Darkness has also inspired some great reviews. I love Eva's summation, "This is a story of love, passion, sex and magic." How can anyone resist?


And talking of irresistible -- Nicole has generously donated a copy of Laird of Darkness to giveaway. Leave a comment to go in the draw to win a copy of this hot novella!


Anyway, enough with my havering (ha! I speak Scots). Here's Nicole...

***

What is Laird of Darkness about and what inspired this story?

Laird of Darkness is a paranormal erotic romance novella just released from Carina Press.

Half-Fae Laird Duncan MacDougall is cursed. His nights are haunted by Otherworld creatures sent to kill him. The only way to stop them is to possess the magic bow currently in the hands of his enemy half-brother, Kinnon MacClaren. In desperation, Duncan plans to take MacClaren’s bride-to-be hostage and exchange her for the bow.

Lady Alana Forbes has never met her intended, but she hopes he is handsome—and a good lover, for Alana is no innocent virgin. On her way to Castle Claren, Alana and her escorts are intercepted, and she is kidnapped by a man with extraordinary abilities—and every attribute she longs for in a mate.

Duncan didn’t expect the woman he thought of as a mere pawn would be so beautiful, and so arousing. Alana is drawn to him as well—but Duncan still needs the bow, and Alana is betrothed to another. How far will Alana go to save the life of the man she’s come to love? 

As for inspiration, an ancient Scottish legend or fairy tale, Combats that Never End, inspired me to write this story. I love fairy tale retellings and had always wanted to write one, but I wanted something unusual that hopefully hadn't been used before. Combats that Never End turned out to be the perfect subject and situation for me because it contains a lot of natural conflict, and an opportunity for some hot scenes (very important in erotic romance). ; ) But I also put a twist from the middle to the end, so my story doesn't end like the original fairy tale. And I made the original "bad guy" the hero and showed his motivation for doing what he did.

Okay, Nicole, time to trot out your best Scottish accent. Some people loathe dialect in a novel, I love it. So, what’s your favourite Scottish phrase?

It's difficult to say what my favorite Scottish phrase is, but I LOVE listening to a Scottish accent! I find that a lot of dialect in a written story is hard to use because it makes it difficult for the reader to escape into the story. I've noticed it myself when reading Scottish historicals. I keep focusing on those words that are spelled differently. In my earlier novellas I used more dialect. I've gradually gone to less and less. At one point I simply got sick of writing the word "ye" and said no more! LOL In Laird of Darkness I didn't use much dialect. I like to use things like "aye" "nay," "ken," "'tis," "daft," etc.  I love the word "wee" but I try not to overuse it. Just simple things that don't cause the reader to slow down but still give a Scottish flavor. My favorite way to convey historical Scottish speech is through rhythm and syntax.

Who is your favourite side character in Laird of Darkness?

Aside from the hero and heroine, my favorite character would have to be the hero's enemy half brother Kinnon MacClaren. He is also half-Fae like the hero but he has different magical abilities such as controlling the weather to a certain extent and he has a magical bow. He is one of those characters that you can't figure out at first... is he good or bad? In the original legend, he was the good fairy king. But in my story from the hero Duncan's point of view, Kinnon is bad, even murderous because he attempts to kill Duncan and almost succeeds. But Kinnon will be the hero of his own book where he gets his comeuppance. : )

Setting is so important in a novel. I’ve been looking at your photos over at the Fierce Romance blog. They’re brilliant. I can’t resist asking, has any place you’ve visited been particularly inspirational?

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures! Scotland is very inspiring in every way. On my recent visit I found Dunnottar Castle especially inspiring for the sheer majestic beauty of its setting, on a cliff that juts out in the North Sea, and for the atmosphere surrounding it. As I was exploring all the nooks and crannies of the near deserted ruin with my friends, I thought I HAVE to set a story here or a place like this. Another place I found inspiring was Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye. While there, we learned about the history of the MacLeod Clan and their belief in fairies and the supernatural. I write paranormal so of course I found ideas taking shape in my head and feeling the excitement that goes with that.

Do you have any writing rituals? Lucky pens? Comfy chairs? Music?

Although I'm not sure if it's a ritual, I love to have chocolate coffee as I'm sitting down to write. It's a delicious treat that perks up my brain cells and creative side. Since I have a back problem and have a difficult time sitting for long periods of time, I prefer to write sitting in a chair that reclines to take the pressure off my spine. Sometimes I write while walking on a treadmill too. That really gets the ideas flowing. Sometimes music is incredibly inspiring to me and other times not. It depends on my mood and what I'm writing. I have a large collection of Celtic new age music which is mostly instrumental so this is nice to set the mood when I'm writing historical or paranormal Scottish stories.

Finally, what do you hope readers enjoy/remember about Laird of Darkness?

I hope readers remember the characters most of all. To me, the characters are the life and magic of the story and I want them to be as real and likable as possible. I want the reader to fall in love with them and identify with them. This is especially important when writing a dark character like Duncan who is misunderstood and has a bad reputation. I like for the reader to experience what a troubled character has gone through and to fully understand why he would take extreme measures to acquire what he needs. It's almost like walking in their shoes for a day if you can make the reader feel the character's emotion and know what he wants and why. I also hope the readers enjoy the erotic and emotional connection between Duncan and Alana. Amazing and beautiful things can happen in the darkness. : )

Don't forget to leave a comment to go in the draw to win a copy of Laird of Darkness!

***

Nicole North's erotic romance novellas have been described by reviewers as “exciting, high octane, captivating, scintillating, sinfully delicious and pure romance.” Her stories contain “heart and heat, killer love scenes, magic and extraordinary characters.” She has sold four stories to Red Sage Publishing. Laird of Darkness is her first novella for Carina Press. Nicole’s stories usually focus on her favorite things: Scotland, Highlanders and hot men in kilts. She and her husband live in the Southeastern US, but she wishes she lived in the Scottish Highlands at least half the year. As she puts it, Scotland is a beautiful, magical and enchanting place where anything seems possible. She teaches online workshops about various aspects of writing, including sexual tension and how to write great love scenes. Though she has a degree in psychology, writing romance is her first love.

Website: http://www.nicolenorth.com/

Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nicolenorthnewsletter/

Blog: http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/NicoleNorth

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicolenorth1

eHarlequin  http://community.eharlequin.com/users/nicole-north

Fairies and fairytales

If you love the whimsical and slightly disturbing work of artists such a Maxfield Parrish and Kay Nielson, you'll love artpassions.net  A wonderful collection of fairytale art.

Dog Attire

Do you like Toby's fetching new look? I can laugh about it now, but it's been hideously annoying, trying to keep him from scratching. Here in Western Australian we're at the tail end of a long, hot, humid summer; ideal for developing hot spots (euphemism for staph infections on a dog's skin -- staph are normally on a dog's skin, but they shouldn't cause reddened, itchy spots). Anyhow, Toby got over his hot spot, was freed from the do-not-scratch collar, and immediately bashed his head into something (a tree? a wall? who knows, but he bumped and scratched it) and so, out came the collar again while the small wound healed.

As you can see, Toby now thinks the collar is normal dog attire. Just goes to prove that any weirdness can become normal.

And one final photo to show why the collar is essential wear: "Toby, stop scratching!"

Romance Round the Net

Writers write ... if only it were that simple. Chuck Wendig explains. [link via @tdelene - thanks!]

Attention reviewer: Carly Chow, from Carina Press, gives her take on how she decides who receives requested review copies via Net Galley.

Jessica Hart provides advice on plotting, and it's not what you might think. Not a storyboard in sight. (But lots of stunning photos).

Did you know Carina Press has a new "Coming Soon" page and Three Wishes is listed for May? And talking of Three Wishes -- cover bliss! Thank you, Carina Press and Monika Krzewska!

Dark Time Compression

Dark Matter Halo

Imagine if we discover the nature of dark energy, how to harness it -- and the side effect is that time accelerates. Would it be worth the trade off? What could dark energy do? Free energy?

Writing Update

Steampunk is fascinating.

Not that I'm reading/researching/dreaming about steampunk. No, not me. Whistles innocently. I'm working hard on finishing the second draft of "Persian Flames".

Too many visions

Trawling through my list of interesting-sites-stumbled-across, I rediscovered this page of work by artist Karen Seapker. Gorgeous. Clarity, violence and colour.

So how did I forget I had the site bookmarked?

I'm wondering whether the huge visual smorgasbord of the Net is creating indigestion. I don't have time to enjoy one meal before moving on to the next. If I can see this with visual art, is it the same situation with the books I'm reading. How many do I actually remember, and how many blur into forgettable entertainment? Does it matter?

I guess it matters if I'm reading for something more than entertainment--which I do, on occasion. But, given the amount of time lost to mindless TV, I'm not going to beat myself up for enjoying books and art that then slip my (ageing!) mind.

Do you like looking at houses?

It's my secret addiction -- with no plans (and no money!) to build a house, I still can't resist looking and dreaming. House Plans is a fabulous collection of designs in pretty much every size and style. Irresistible.

Zombie Ants

We've all heard the story of "The Ant and the CaterpillarGrasshopper". The ant works all summer and is set for winter. The grasshopper sings and plays, and then, has to ask the ant for food when winter hits. But what if the moral of this story was seriously flawed at the very beginning. What if the ant didn't work hard because it wanted to or because it saw the long term value of its activity, but because a fungus had zombified its brain for its own purposes?

I saw this National Geographic article on zombie ants on Facebook and can't resist sharing the weirdness of it.

Edit: LOL so funny. I just saw I'd called a grasshopper a caterpillar??? Um, no...can't think of a single excuse.

Romance Round the Net

I'm a bit late, today, in sharing links I've found around the Net this week. In fact, I've spent the week obsessed with my plans to buy a Kindle. I've been hoping Amazon would drop the price in response to the IPAD2's launch, but if they haven't by Saturday, I'm buying anyway! I have a list of wishlist books and I'm raring to go. Yup, even though the rumours are that in November, Amazon will be giving kindles away! [Do I believe this? not sure]

Speaking of kindle obsession. I discovered (belatedly) the kindleboards.com Great place, fantastic (and some familiar) people :)

And carrying on the digital reading experience, Carol Stephenson shared this exciting article -- autographing your ebook! Woohoo!

Sara, Librarian in Black, posted on the activism of librarians re access to digital content. It's not the first time librarians have been heroes. Remember when they fought to refuse the government access to borrowers' records post 9/11?

The problem with only sharing links once a week is that by the time I get 'round to it, the most exciting news has been chewed over so much it feels like last year's news. So, I haven't mentioned the launch of Avon's digital line, Impulse.

Neanderthal Aliens

What if Neanderthals didn't simply disappear (euphemism for extinction) but were rescued by aliens when Earth's conditions began to change?

The aliens were looking at Earth because it very nearly met their conditions for a liveable planet. They encountered the Neanderthals and found them and their culture far more highly developed than that of humans. But Earth was changing. The aliens could stop the changes, but there was an ethical dilemma. Stopping the changes would save the Neanderthals, but endanger human development.

The solution was to explain the dilemma to the Neanderthals and offer them transport to another planet, one that had been lifeless but which the aliens had terraformed and seeded with life to suit themselves, and which would equally suit the Neanderthals.

Consequently, one day the aliens who return to us might be long-distant Earthlings -- the Neanderthals.

Writing Update

Last week I had a sneak peek at the draft cover for Three Wishes. It is stunning, hinting at the Syrian setting and crusader castle, and of passion, adventure and magic. It is a cover to gloat over -- and I am. It's also kicked my butt back to "Persian Flames", my fourth Out of the Bottle novella, and I'm starting the revisions. It's a bit of a mindshift, moving from the far lighter "Australian Fey" novella I've been working on, but I like the challenge. And "Persian Flames" is a story that holds my heart, so I love returning to it.

As if juggling two novellas in such different styles weren't enough, Carina Press had to go and put out a call for a winter-themed steampunk novella. How can I resist? I have the coolest idea for an Australian setting and story and a wicked cool title in mind -- nope, not sharing it yet. I have to concentrate on "Persian Flames" and my "Australian Fey" novella, so I'm scribbling steampunk ideas in a notebook (so I don't lose them) but otherwise clinging like a limpet to my priorities.

Meet Minerva

Meet my writing buddy, Minerva. Usually she sits on the edge of my desk, but I’ve taken her out into the sunlight for a clearer photo. She’s carved from zebra stone, which is found only in north west Australia, my home State. You can see where it's mined, here.

Minerva is the goddess of wisdom. But my writing buddy is also named to honour the early romance publisher, Minerva Press, who were publishing gothic and sentimental romances back in the Regency era and earlier!

Being hand carved, Minerva is a reminder of human creativity and how it enriches the world. That reminder carries me through the dry and doubting times that affect us all.

Squee'ing!

The Price of Freedom is nominated for Best Paranormal Romance 2010 over at The Romance Reviews. Am I happy? YES!!! Oh, and if you vote, you could win prizes...it's all part of TRR's Grand Opening. So, how about a vote for The Price of Freedom. Vote here!

And it was all the more exciting to see other great Carina Press titles, like Susanna Ives' historical (and fabulous title) "Rakes and Radishes".

Candid Camera -- Wildlife Views

If you too have dreamed of accompanying David Attenborough on the filming of those amazing BBC documentaries, Smithsonian Wild offers you candid shots (and links to further info) on animals going about their daily lives. It's awesome.

Roses are Red

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

Doggerel is old,

but ever-new.

I was curious the other day about the origins of this old classic. Fortunately, we can rely on Wikipedia to have answers. It's at least sixteenth century. Odd, the persistence of verse in popular culture. I bet there's even a rap song that uses it.

Romance Round the Net

If you write and sub women's fiction short stories, you might be interested in the discussion over at Womag Writer. Are editors hanging onto stories longer, without actually committing to them?

As a Regency reader from way back, this post over at Peter the Wild Boy caught my eye. What does a duke do when he's resigned his commission? Interior decorating!

Heather over at We Write Romance has a great post on Facebook's (and the Net generally) distracting properties. Time waster or writers' salvation? It does help build an online community and link us into it. [ie if you're reading this post, you are not wasting your time :)]

Sarah, the Librarian in Black, suggests a ebook reader's Bill of Rights.

And Jane over at Dear Author mentioned this post from Samhain's editor on authors and reviews. Reviews are for readers. As a reader (and someone who shares her bookish thoughts on Goodreads) I get this ... but as an author, when it's my book, oh wow. Then I suffer thin-skin disease. Still, I'd add the point that a constructive review is always a gift (to an author) even when it comes with a low rating. Honest feedback -- you can't beat it.

The Romance Reviews Grand Opening! Prizes!!!

I'm excited to be part of The Romance Reviews Grand Opening.

For your chance to win a copy of my paranormal novellas, "The Price of Freedom" and "Angel Thief", click over to The Romance Reviews March 6 and 28 and answer a couple of easy questions. Multiple choice, so no stress, and I'll give you a hint -- djinn are sexier than billionaire desert sheiks (believe me! no, really, it's true) and the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock (the magical heart of Australia) is Uluru.

You’re invited!

From March 1 – 31, 2011

at http://www.theromancereviews.com

It’s The Romance Reviews’ Grand Opening!

Play the games. Explore new books.

Chat with authors. Vote for Best Books of 2010.

Rack up your points!

CAN YOU UNLOCK THE PUZZLE?

Visit everyday to increase your chances to win awesome prizes!

134 participating authors!

Over 200 prizes waiting for you!

PRIZES

Weekly Prizes

$10 Gift Cards – 32 winners!

(8 winners each week)

Over 150 Book Giveaways in total

(paperback, hardback, ebook)

Major Prizes

Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card

2^nd Prize: $70 Gift Card

3^rd Prize: $50 Gift Card

For Authors

(based on results of book votes)

Grand Prize: $200 TRR Advertising Package

2^nd Prize: $100 TRR Advertising Package

3^rd Prize: $50 TRR Advertising Package

Main Sponsor

Dorchester Publishing

Participating authors

(in no particular order)

Kat Martin                      Beth Kery                       Susan Lyons                   Madison Blake

Ashley March                  Karen Rose Smith           LK Rigel                         Gini Rifkin

Sandra Edwards             Grace Elliot                     Suzanne Barrett              Jessica Chambers

Maeve Greyson               Sable Hunter                   Josie Arlington                Tanya Stowe

Laura Tolomei                 Kristen Painter                Renee Rearden                Elaine Cantrell

Susanna Ives                   Amy Corwin                   Keta Diablo                     Suzette Stone

Suzanne Tyrpak              TL Schaefer                    Monique Martin              Kari Gregg

Susan Meier                    Laura Moore                   Susan Roebuck               Kathy Carmichael

Brita Addams                 KT Grant                         Winslow Eliot                 Ingela F. Hyatt

Jan Scarbrough                Victoria Blisse                 Sharon Buchbinder         PG Forte

Bronwyn Storm              Patricia Preston               Alice Gaines                    Cate Rowan

Ann Tracy Marr              Joan Beth Erickson         Tara Lain                         Terri Reid

L.J. McDonald                Lucinda Brant                 Eden Baylee                    Hayley B. James

Jason W. Chan                Pat Amsden                    Linda Morris                   DH Starr

Kaylea Cross                   Lee Benoit                      Kayelle Allen                  Beth Trissel 

Viviane Brentanos          Morgan Rice                   Ashley Ladd                   Jennifer Labelle

Rita Hestand                   Mahalia Levey                LK Below                       Gale Stanley

Sarah J. Bradley              Joanne Troppello             Rhonda L. Print              Pamela Jackson

Jenny Schwartz               Mary Manners                 Eve Silver                        Jennifer Crusie

T.C. Archer                     Jocelyn Modo                 Sloan Parker                    Kerri Williams 

Elaine Hopper               Stacey Espino                   Linda Mooney                Victoria Howard

Heather Matthews          Marcia James                   Cherie De Sues               Savannah Chase

Simone Eden                   Lauren Fraser                  Annie Nicholas               JoAnne Kenrick

E.D. Walker                    Rachel Haimowitz          HP Mallory                     Suzanne Rock

Andrea Speed                 Elle Amery                      Nichelle Gregory             Eden Bradley

Shermaine Williams        Berengaria Brown           Tina Donahue                  Taryn Kincaid

Red Haircrow                 Virginia Cavanaugh        Hailey Edwards              Elle Druskin

Rachel Brimble               Frances Pauli                   Nancy J Cohen                Tarah Scott

Em Petrova                     Heather Wardell              Cara Marsi                       CJ Archer

Mary Eason                     Skhye Moncrief              Jana Richards                  Jill James

Alison Chambers             LoRee Peery                   Gail Pallotta                    Alison Henderson

Nicki Greenwood           Alianne Donnelly            Tiffany Ashley                Michael Davis

Gem Sivad                      Stacy Juba                       Tory Richards                 Darcia Helle

LaVerne Clark                Sibel Hodge