Cindy's Musings

Cookson or Dickens? Which is Your Cup of Tea??

2011-10-01T08:51:00.004-04:00

I am a big period drama fan. So a few years ago, a friend who knew I liked period dramas asked if I’d ever watched one of the Catherine Cookson adaptations. I said that I hadn’t and my friend went on to tell me that I should and how Cookson writes these sweeping epic novels that make great adaptations.

Well, last week I noticed there was one of Cookson’s adaptations posted on Netflix. A Dinner of Herbs. I decided to watch it. I know there are those who absolutely love her films and novels so there had to be something to it.

This week I am watching the 2005 version of Dicken’s Bleak House. My thoughts on the two series got me to thinking. Yes, these two authors lived nearly a century apart but they have both become beloved authors and the period dramas emanating from their works are many. They both focus much attention to the common man and the realities of life. But which do you prefer to watch?

I have to admit that when watching the Cookson series, I wasn’t completely impressed. Of course, I am making a judgement on only one series. After watching the first two or three parts, I realized I didn’t exactly care about any of the three leads and what happened to them. I forced myself to finish the series. However, I must admit the series grew on me as I finished it. I gave it three stars on Netflix. Afterwards, I got to thinking about the series and the plot and realized I really didn’t like it as I pulled it all apart in my mind.

Now I have read several Dickens books and watched many adaptations. I’ve loved them all. This week I started watching the 2005 Bleak House which was adapted by my favorite period drama screenwriter Andrew Davies. (Okay I hate what he did with the newest A Room with a View, but otherwise his films are terrific.) I found myself comparing the Dickens series to the Cookson series. I was excited to move on to each part in the Dickens. I cared about the characters and wanted to see what would happen next.

I suppose, for one thing, it seems like Dickens gives you a good guy (or girl or both) to support and root for, occasionally a mystery to unravel and the baddies are to be reviled and hissed at. I didn’t feel like that while watching the Cookson series. Perhaps the Cookson characters were just too flawed for my taste. Some viewers and readers like that in their entertainment. I am just not one of them.

So which do you prefer, Dickens or Cookson? Love to hear your opinions. Maybe you have a recommendation of another Cookson series that will change my mind.

August Spotlight Title: An Excerpt

2011-08-31T06:52:00.000-04:00

Here is a peek at my book, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding. The entire 1st chapter:

Black, ominous clouds littered the afternoon sky as Kari Montgomery emerged from the train station with her suitcase in one hand and a book in the other. As she stood waiting beside a low, rounded curb, a few startling drops of rain fell onto her nose. Shaking her head, she realized here was yet another reason why she shouldn’t have agreed to be in this wedding. Though she loved her cousin and would never take away an ounce of her happiness, she still felt her stomach clench inside at the mere thought of attending any wedding. It only reminded her of her own failed engagement.

Lightning flashed up in the sky now and a minute later the low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. Kari glanced up at the summer storm brewing overhead. Why would anyone want to get married in August? If only I hadn’t had that unscheduled staff meeting last night, I could have missed all this.

After jumping into the next available taxi, she gave the address of the church. Driving through mid-town traffic, anxiety seized her again. When her cousin Emily announced her engagement, Kari was as happy as could be for her. But as the wedding date neared, she began to shrink away from being involved in the wedding plans, citing work as her main excuse. It was just too painful. Closing her eyes, she moved a hand through her drooping bangs as another pain knotted deep down inside her stomach.

Horns honked around her as they neared the destination. Glancing out the window, she noticed they were stopped in a gridlock of traffic. With the ceremony scheduled to begin in one hour, she had to act quickly.

“How far away are we from the church?” she asked the driver.

“Three blocks up. You can’t miss it,” he replied in a thick accent.

“Thanks,” she said as she paid the man and closed the door.

The rainstorm had begun as she headed to the nearest storefront overhang to avoid the deluge. Colorful lightning crackled almost on top of her as the thunder crashed overhead again. Entering into the mess of rain, she pulled her light jacket tightly around herself, walking in quick determined strides. Several minutes later and only a few feet further down the street, she had become completely drenched. Even though it was a hot summer day, chills still coursed through her. She was miserable. There was nothing worse than being wet. This was the reason she avoided water rides at amusement parks.

Walking with her head tilted toward the sidewalk, she wasn’t looking beyond her own two feet through the pouring rain when she smacked hard into something and started to fall backwards. With her arms flailing out hoping to grasp onto something, her belongings flew into the storm. Her heart jolted inside her chest as she moved closer and closer to the ground.

Before hitting the pavement, a hand came out of nowhere, wrapping around her left wrist and pulling her into an upright position. Before she knew what was happening, her savior hoisted her closer to him until she was shielded from the rain under his umbrella. She was so close to him, she could feel his heat. Her eyes clung to his humorous, kindly mouth until he gave her an irresistible grin she found impossible not to return. Her mind clouded over as her heart continued to beat rapidly. It was almost as if she was moving in slow motion and for the moment had forgotten where she was or what she was doing.

This was hardly the time to stop and stare with a torrent of rain storming around them and time ticking away until she was to walk down the aisle as maid of honor.

“In a hurry, aren’t you,” he said with a trace of laughter. The timbre of his voice was friendly and soothing. It reminded her of how she felt on rainy afternoons while curled up in her mother’s afghan, reading a book in front of a fire.

She withdrew her hand quickly as a new and unexpected warmth rushed through her. She watched as he picked up her suitcase and book from a puddle on the ground. After handing the suitcase back to her, he glanced down at the cover of the book, Pride and Prejudice, her favorite novel.

He looked back at her with intelligent yet humorous blue eyes. His dark hair ruffled in the billowing wind with a single lock falling forward on his forehead. And for the first time in a long time, she forgot about her heartache. A sudden shiver skittered down her back. She wasn’t sure if it was caused by her soaked condition or the man who somehow sent her senses spinning.

Kari pushed her wet tawny hair back from her face before accepting her waterlogged book from him. “I’m so sorry,” she finally said after releasing the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. “It’s just this rain…and I’m late.” Her voice wavered. “I can’t seem to find the place I’m supposed to be. I’m in a wedding this afternoon.” She tried to hide how awkward and strange she felt standing a few inches away from a stranger.

He smiled teasingly as he looked over her outfit of Capri pants and tennis shoes. She’d never seen such an authentic smile. It was as if it started in his eyes and traveled down to his genial mouth. “And that’s what you’re wearing?” he asked as his eyes returned to her own.

“No, of course not. I…” She shivered again.

“Well, maybe I can help you out with directions.”

She replied with the name of the church, and he provided her with yet another devastating smile. “Sure I know the place. You passed it at the beginning of this block. Just turn down the street and you’ll see it. If you don’t mind, I could come along with you. It’s on my way.”

“No need and I’m really in a hurry. Thanks.” She started to head off when he stopped her, causing her to jump at the gentle touch of his hand on her arm.

“Here take my umbrella,” he offered.

She faced him again, taking the handle of the umbrella. “Are you sure? You’ll get soaked. I don’t want to impose, and I won’t even know where to return it.”

“Consider it a gift then. And who knows, we just might bump into each other again sometime.”

“Yes, but hopefully it will be less jarring in the future,” she said with the hint of a smile on her lips, trying to be just as witty.

He tipped his head close to hers. “I doubt that.” This time he replied in a smooth, deep tone, the playfulness gone from his eyes.

Though feeling a tingly sensation at the back of her neck, Kari turned from him, wondering what he had meant exactly. Not having the time to truly think about it, she headed swiftly down the street and turned the corner just as instructed. There she saw the quaint almost picturesque white steepled church nestled in the heart of the city. The sign read, “Grace Community Church.”

Facing the building, Kari realized that when she stepped inside it’s dry halls, the bride, her cousin, would be all over her with worry and wondering where she had been. She seriously considered running back to the train station and just forgetting it all. But she knew she couldn’t. Emily was her dearest friend even if she was a relative. Mounting the stairs, she knew she wanted to see her get married and be a part of this day. She just didn’t seem to have the heart for such things these days.

“Kari, where have you been,” called Emily from a seated position. She looked back at Kari through a mirror in the choir room, her golden hair falling in long curls around her head.

“I’m so sorry, Em. Something came up at work so I missed my train and then I got caught in the rain on the way here.”

“You’re soaked.”

“Don’t I know it.” She did her best to smile at her.

“But you have an umbrella.” Emily stared at the dripping umbrella still in Kari’s hand.

Kari stared at the umbrella, too. She wanted to laugh and tell Emily about the whole embarrassing encounter, but now wasn’t the time. “It’s nothing to be worrying about right now. I’m going to get dressed and then you are going to have the best wedding ever.” She walked behind her cousin, admiring how beautiful she looked in her pristine gown of white. She felt a quiver of pride in her heart, remembering all the times she and Emily had shared visions of their future weddings when they were girls.

“Oh, Kari, I’ve been on tenterhooks all day and wishing you were here.” Rising from her chair, Emily turned and faced Kari. “How do I look?” she asked as she titled her left brow with uncertainty.

Kari’s heart filled with pride again as she stared at her cousin. She really was happy for her. “You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. John is just going to want to scoop you up and run away with you.”

“Do you think I’ll be a good wife?” Her petite, gloved hands lay clenched at her sides while her eyes grew large and bright.

“The very best and John will be the perfect husband.” She hoped her words were the comfort her nervous cousin needed.

Emily took a step closer and grabbed on to Kari’s hand. “Thanks.” She sighed deeply. “I think I might be able to make it through this now. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad too, and now I better get ready.”

Thirty minutes later, the momentous moment arrived. After dressing and trying to do something with her sopping wet hair, Kari now stood lined up in the church vestibule with the other bridesmaids, dressed in their matching lilac gowns.

When the doors opened, Kari walked serenely down the aisle to her place on the platform. But just as she neared the end of the walkway, she turned her eyes forward to see the pastor who was to perform the ceremony standing behind the altar in front of her. His eyes veered over in her direction while an easy smile played at the corners of his mouth. Nervously, she moistened her dry lips before she could managed a small, uncertain smile, feeling her cheeks beginning to burn with color because the pastor in question had been the one who had rescued her in the rain only moments before.

****

Accompanied by her groomsman, Kari stepped into the church’s overflowing reception hall, heading for her seat among a glittering arrangement of lights and flowers. The room echoed with laughter, and she was inundated by the clinking of crystal and china. Standing at the door behind her, she observed her cousin and new husband, the newly married and blissfully happy Mr. and Mrs. John Richards.

Kari took in a quick breath as she crossed the room and put on the pretense of being happy even though she dreaded everything about this day. All it did was remind her that another wedding, which should have taken place around this time, would never take place. Over the past months, she’d been able to keep those feelings in check, but this wedding seemed to drudge up all the past hurt. Trying to put that aside, she made an effort to enjoy her cousin’s wedding. It was Emily’s day today.

Throughout the introduction of the bride and groom and the toast, Kari grew restless. Observing everyone actively indulging in dinner and conversation, she deserted her escort who sat busily enjoying his meal. She needed some peace and quiet. She just might explode if she couldn’t find some silence. The chatter around the room was like nails on a chalkboard to her nerves. Upon departure from her seat, she spotted her aunt, Patty Burke, mother of the perfect bride. As she reached the back of the room, it became clear that there was no recourse. She had to speak with her aunt.

“Kari, where are you headed off to? Hasn’t this evening just been wonderful,” began Patty. “The flowers were perfect, the music, the food, everything.” Her aunt contained a joyfulness that was usually infectious, but Kari was unable to respond in turn. Patty didn’t even seem to detect her troubled demeanor.

“Yes, Aunt Patty, it has been a terrific wedding. I’m sure Emily and John are as pleased as can be by the results,” Kari answered evenly, ending with a closed mouth smile.

“Everyone here at the church has been so supportive of Emily, even though we’ve only been attending here for the past four months.”

“You’ve definitely been blessed with a wonderful church family since moving into the city.”

“And where is your escort, Kari?” asked Patty, finally taking in a real view of her.

“Brian?” She glanced in the direction of her table. “Oh, I’m sure he’s too busy eating to even notice I’ve left.”

As Patty started to speak again, her eyes picked up on something behind Kari. “Pastor,” Patty called. “I really wanted to say thank you for picking up the rings before the ceremony. I can’t believe the best man left them at home.”

Kari’s heart jumped once inside her chest and then settled down to its regular pace as the man who she’d met in the rain came into view. He stopped and then situated himself between her and her aunt.

“It was no trouble,” the young pastor said in his warm, smooth voice. “It was only a couple blocks from the church, and it turned out to be an unexpectedly pleasant walk.”

His eyes moved over and settled on Kari. She looked back, but under his gaze her cheeks began warming into another blush. She could only imagine what he thought of her after their brief encounter before the wedding.

His dark hair was cut short yet the ends still struggled to curl around his forehead. She gazed at his hands, observing his strong, slim fingers. It made her relive how he had grabbed on to her in the rain. Her heart reverberated in her chest again at the memory.

“Oh, yes, the rain,” said Patty. “Well, it really was so good of you. I must introduce you to my niece. This is Kari Montgomery.”

The Pastor eyed Kari intently with a small smile on his lips and a twinkle in his blue eyes.

“And Kari this is Randolph Steele, the youth pastor here at the church. He also went to college with Emily and John.”

With that same smile still on his face, Randolph Steele put out his hand to Kari. “Well, now, Mrs. Burke, it is nice to finally meet your famous Kari Montgomery.”

Kari met the smile and the offered hand with a courtesy smile of her own. With his stunning eyes staring at her and that impeccable smile on his lips, she felt her embarrassment welling up inside her again. If only she could close her eyes and find herself safe at home.

Swallowing hard she tried to move past her humiliation. “I’m famous, am I?”

“You know me, Kari. I’m always building you up to everyone,” said Patty to her motherless niece. “My how much you look like my sister today.” She smiled at Kari wistfully. “Well, they are going to cut the cake soon and I need to get things going. I’ll see you later, Kari. You too, Pastor Randy. Talk with Kari. She needs some encouragement after her most unfortunate…well, her loss.” Aunt Patty crisply cut her way though the dense crowd and toward the corner of the room where there waited an enormous three-tiered cake sprinkled with crimson rose petals.

Kari stood beside Randy Steele, vulnerability and embarrassment coursing through her after Patty’s final remark. She bit down on her lower lip and forced her eyes to dart around the room. But his eyes were so compelling, magnetic, forcing her to look back.

Steele. They must mean his eyes. The pastor had the most stunning steel blue eyes she’d ever seen. Viewing them under bright light instead of through gushing rain brought out their true sheen. Looking into those eyes unnerved her even more now because he was a man of God and not just someone she’d met on the street. Except, that was how she’d met him.

They stood together quietly for a moment only occasionally snatching glimpses at each other. Randy Steele appeared to be no more than thirty. He stood tall and massive beside her with his dark hair gleaming under the lights, giving it a bluish luster. Every once in a while, they would share a glance and he would smile at her.

While they stood there, several women walked by and said hi to him or waved. He smiled back affably. The sincerity she had sensed his smile out in the rain continued with each encounter. As the women walked on, Kari could feel their curiosity about her as many of them cast glances her direction with furrowed brows.

She considered abandoning her position next to the unknown pastor, but she felt somehow glued to her spot as if he radiated some kind of magnetism she couldn’t fight. When the silence between them reached the point of being unbearable, Randy finally spoke.

“I don’t know why, but you look so familiar.” There was a faint glint of humor in his eyes as he crossed his arms in front of him and tilted his head away from her.

“Yeah, you too. It’s so funny,” continued Kari with the joke, glad he had decided not to approach the subject of “her loss.”

“I’m having a sinking feeling there was rain involved,” he continued, crinkling his eyes.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I left you without your umbrella. I have it. I’ll go get it.”

He smiled, sending her pulse racing. “Don’t worry about it. You can give it to me later. I was hoping I’d have a chance to speak with you this evening. I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea about me.”

“The wrong idea?” Her embarrassment melted away as his words brought out her playful side. “You mean that you didn’t reveal you knew exactly whose wedding I was going to and you would indeed be seeing me soon.”

His mouth curved up into a delicious smile without even the hint of remorse.

“ ‘Consider it a gift.’ Well, I guess since you said that, I shouldn’t feel guilty about keeping your umbrella,” continued Kari.

“Of course, I would never want you to feel guilty. I want you to keep it. I’m sorry if my behavior was inappropriate. I do that sometimes.” He smiled at her again. The sheer vitality of that smile produced goose bumps moving up and down her neck.

“Yes, it was inappropriate and frankly somewhat unforgivable.” She feigned a harsh look. “Well, I won’t keep you.” She scanned the room for an exit. After returning her eyes to his she added, “I’m sure you were on your way somewhere before my aunt accosted you.”

“And what about you?”

She squared her shoulders before looking back at him. “I was just trying to get some fresh air.”

“Great idea. Come outside with me.” He stepped even closer to her and titled his head upwards as if daring her. “It turned into a wonderful night now that the rain stopped. The church has a nice open area between the main building and my residence.”

Her heart beat unnaturally in her chest as she contemplated complying. Instead, she replied to his offer with a question. “Do you live here on the grounds?”

“Yes. They have a small house here for me; it’s part of my salary. My parents hate that I live in it. They don’t understand why I do when I can afford a place of my own.”

“So, why do you live in the house then?

“Well, it’s supposed to be for the head pastor, but when he and his wife had their first child, they bought a bigger house outside the city. When I came on staff, the house was offered to me. So, now I’m close to the church and available 24/7. It’s actually a cute house, and Alice likes it.”

Who was this Alice – a friend, a girlfriend, a sister, certainly not his wife. She peeked at his left hand – no ring. Maybe he’s engaged.

“I’ll give you a personal tour of the grounds,” he said in a grandiose manner just like something out of a Jane Austen novel.

Kari surveyed him for a long second, observing how well he filled his suit coat. After staring into his wonderful steel blue eyes again, she rolled her shoulders back and raised her eyebrows mischievously. Her caution with him had completely dissipated, and she was actually having a good time. “No. I don’t think so, Pastor. I don’t know if I can trust you to behave.” She felt a ripple of excitement shoot through her as she waited to see how he would react to her lighthearted manner.

“Oh, well, I promise to be on my best behavior. I actually have been …”

“Kari, here you are,” a voice from behind interrupted him. Startled, Kari and Randy turned toward the voice. “Everyone is looking for you. They want to take pictures by the cake.”

“Hi, Brian,” Kari acknowledged her escort. She turned back to the inexplicable pastor. “Well, it was a…a pleasure meeting you.”

“I assure you, the pleasure was all mine. I look forward to the next time we…run into each other.” He locked his eyes onto hers once more, and they exchanged muted simultaneous smiles.

With her hand lying in the crook of Brian’s arm, Kari walked on, looking back at Randy Steele once more before heading to the cake. He winked at her as she moved away from him. She smiled back, a chuckle moving up inside her throat.

What was it about him that made her feel so at ease, enabling her to put aside all her previous anxiety attached to the wedding? He was nothing like Geoffrey, her previous fiancé. No, this man had a sense of humor Geoffrey completely lacked and a sincerity Geoffrey wasn’t even capable of. Still, Kari had loved him, and now he was gone. All that remained were the wounds and the grief left in his wake. Meeting Randy Steele had momentarily taken away all those miserable feelings and replaced them with…amusement, she reflected.

To purchase visit the White Rose Publishing, Amazon, or wherever books are sold.

Touched by God's Love

2011-08-12T06:09:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday morning, I headed to the restroom during the beginning of the church service. I had a wardrobe adjustment to make to the zipper on my dress thanks to Son #2. When I walked into the restroom, I saw two women there. One of them I was acquainted with as she was in my small group at our Fall ladies Bible study. I knew a bit about her life and her situation. As I moved toward a stall, I noticed this lady was crying. I kept moving into the stall to do my business and listened to her speak. She was crying because of something that had been said at the beginning of the service. That we basically come to the table before God empty handed and yet he still loves us. I came out of the stall, the other woman left and I began speaking with my friend. I wanted her to know she didn’t have to be embarrassed about crying. Tears are good. Tears mean that her heart is still soft and God has an entrance to her heart. She’d been touched by God’s Love.

We come before God wretched—all of us—we have nothing to offer him and yet he still loves us. That’s a wonderful thing! But how many of us hear these kinds of statements in church and it just rolls over us without reaching our hearts? What does that say about us? Those of us who go to church, are we really being ministered to? Are we allowing God into us? Don’t you want to be Touched by God too? I am reminded of the verse in Ezekiel 36:26 “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

God promises to remove our heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. That is a scary and wonderful thought at the same time. Have we let God soften our hearts? If we have are we moving back to stone? In this day in age it is hard to let people get too close to open our hearts to them because we can so easily be hurt. But in the process we are closing off an important part of us even from God and our loved ones. I thank the Lord that I went into that bathroom Sunday morning and ran into my friend. Through her tears and soft heart, I was ministered to. God reminded me to keep my heart open and allow Him in to me. Maybe the next time I hear a statement like she heard this week, I too will be in tears as I have been Touched by God’s Love.

August Spotlight Title

2011-08-06T16:12:00.001-04:00

This month, the Spotlight Title is my first full length novel, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding. This title came out in 2007 when White Rose Publishing was still with The Wild Rose Press. It was only my 2nd book release. My editor Lori Graham was wonderful with me and helped me make this book shine. I also had a part in picking out the couple who appear on the cover. Love the beautiful cover Tamra Westberry created. I still love this book and hope you will too!

To purchase visit White Rose Publishing, Amazon or wherever books are sold in paperback or e-book.

Associate history professor, Kari Montgomery, has carried the feelings of loss and inadequacy ever since she broke off her engagement to Geoffrey Hudson. All that changes when she looks into a pair of steel blue eyes as she attempts to make it through a rain storm the day of her cousin Emily's wedding. But even though Kari begins to feel compelled toward him, she isn't sure if she can love again or if she is even worthy of that love.

Youth pastor Randy Steele has a sense of humor and a pair of remarkable eyes that make him fascinating to most of the women he meets. As he tries to get Kari to see her own worthiness and ability to let God heal her heart, he realizes that he also has something in his own life to heal - the relationship with his parents. But can he reach Kari and show her how wonderful life can be with God in control of their futures?

Update from Cindy

2011-08-05T12:40:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile since I've posted on the blog. I wanted all my readers and friends to know that I am alive and well. I've just been very involved in other parts of my life. Back in January, I made a decision to take a step back from writing. In fact, I have not written a word in seven months. My family, our children's education and the work on my Masters degree had to become more of a priority.

I had moved so far away from anything writing related that I wasn't visiting any yahoo groups, forums, blogs or social networks--AT ALL. It was good for me but I am trying to get back in small doses. Last month, I started by reactivating my Twitter account. I find myself Tweeting a couple times a day. Then I reworked my FaceBook account. Now I'm here at the blog getting reacquainted. Next is a revamp of my website.

I hope everyone is having a terrific summer, though it has been a hot one. I planto pop in here at the blog a couple times a month. Feel free to follow me on Twitter or FaceBook.

Take care!

Guest Blogger-Delia Latham

2011-01-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Please welcome my guest, Delia Latham, as she shares her latest release from White Rose Publishing.

CONTEST:

The Daughters of Destiny contest will be underway as of December 1. In lieu of giveaways from blog to blog, I’m encouraging all of you to visit my contest page and take part in this giveaway. I also encourage you to tell your friends about it…and their friends…and theirs! J I have TWO absolutely stunning decorative bottles, AND a wonderful, aromatic anointing oil to go in them. The contest has two parts. One decorative bottle/anointing oil will be awarded in each part. There are ample opportunities build up your entries, so come on over and check it out!

BLURB:

Short:

Destiny May’s dream comes true when she opens a Christian dating agency in Castle Creek. But when a Solomon's Gate match foils the plans of a man on the edge of sanity, it takes a little heavenly assistance to protect the pretty matchmaker from the madman's revenge. And Heaven’s not above using Clay Gallagher to help out a bit.

Longer:

Is a little respect too much to ask at a parent’s funeral?

Apparently it is for Destiny May. Her mother’s “going away party” is crashed by an unfamiliar and totally irreverent guest. Difficult to ignore, Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting for the occasion. When it turns out the annoying stranger is not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day’s dreary proceedings.

From the beginning, their relationship has some kinks – starting with Destiny’s determination to found a Christian dating service in their conservative town of Castle Creek. A highly esteemed investment broker, Clay has little respect or patience for such a frivolous profession. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm’s way.

Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses … and Cupid’s arrows are known to fly straight to the heart.

BIO:

DELIA LATHAM is a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. While she considers each of these roles important ones, she treasures most of all her role as a child of the King and an heir to the throne.

A former newspaper staff writer, Delia promised herself a novel for years, while raising her four children, working at various jobs and writing the occasional article, poem, or song. She fulfilled that promise when Vintage Romance Publishing released Goldeneyes in 2008. A Christian historical romance with a touch of the divine, Goldeneyes is set in the farm country of the author’s childhood, and therefore close to her heart. In 2010, White Rose Publishing released Yesterday’s Promise in electronic format, and Destiny’s Dream in print and e-format. A children’s book will be available early in 2011.

Delia grew up in Weedpatch, a tiny agricultural community near Bakersfield, in California’s San Joaquin Valley. She and her husband Johnny recently transplanted from that area to Okmulgee County, Oklahoma.

Find out more at:

Website

Blog

Facebook Reader Page

Newsletter

Destiny’s Dream is available at White Rose Publishing and Amazon.

December Contest Winner 2010

2010-12-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

As Christmas is drawing nearer, my Christmas Contest as come to an end.

Part 3 of the Contest ended December 21st. The winner of the prize package is…Cindy Marciel. Congrats, Cindy! I will send your prize out to you shortly.

Thank you to everyone who entered this contest. And there were a lot of you. Remember I will send a free e-book out to anyone who emails me between now and the end of the year. It's my free Christmas e-book, A Christmas Prelude. cindy@cindykgreen.com

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

Free Christmas E-book-A Christmas Prelude

2010-12-20T12:14:00.000-05:00

My Christmas gift to all my readers is this free e-book, A Christmas Prelude. I wrote this especially for my newsletter subscribers, but from now until Christmas I am making it available to anyone who emails me at cindy@cindykgreen.com. A Christmas Prelude is a prequel to my Christmas novel, All I Want for Christmas, with Champagne Books. All I Want for Christmas is a best friend's romance. In the prequel you get to see how these two first meet.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

My Last Promo Spot of the Year

2010-12-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

I’ve been so busy with ‘life’ that I haven’t been online in like four days. And today is my last scheduled promotional online appearance. If you have a second in your busy holiday schedule to stop by that would be great. I’ve been interviewed at KMN Books. http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/ I’m also giving away a copy of my story, Snow Kissed.

Hope everyone is having a good holiday season. I can’t believe it’s only five days until Christmas.

November Contest Winner

2010-12-13T10:23:00.002-05:00

Part 2 of my Christmas Contest ended November 3oth. The winner of the prize package is…Joy Isley. I will send your prize out to you shortly.

I will give out one more prize package. The deadline is December 21st which is next Tuesday!

If you have already entered, you are still eligible to win. If you haven’t entered yet, view the book trailer for All I Want for Christmas and email me at contest@cindykgreen.com. In the email, list at least one gift that Kathryn received from her Secret Santa.

The prize package includes a copy of my historical western, The Heart Never Lies, some Bath and Body Works goodies and of course Chocolate.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Welcome Guest Author, Stephanie Burkhart

2010-12-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

CINDY: Hi, Steph. I'm very happy to have you on the blog today. (READERS--make sure to check at the end of the post for a CONTEST!) Steph, Can you tell readers more about yourself and your background?

STEPH: Hi, Cindy, thanks for having me today. I was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. When I was 18, this New England Patriot fan joined the US Army. I spent 7 years stationed in Germany where I met a fair-haired California boy. We were married in Denmark in 1991. Nowadays, I work for LAPD as a 911 dispatcher and play chauffeur to my sons' soccer and gymnastic classes. I have a children's book out called, "The Giving Meadow" through 4RV Publishing. My first novel was "Destination: Berlin," a military action adventure sweet romance inspired by my time in the military. It is published with IUniverse under my pen name, SG Cardin.

CINDY: What has been your journey to publication? Did it take a long time or somewhat short?

STEPH: My first novel was self-published in 2001. It received good reviews, but it's taken a lot of work on my part to advertise and market it. Nowadays, I'm working with small presses and enjoy it. I like it because it lets me, as an author, have a great relationship with the editor and cover artists who work on my novels and stories. Publishing is a team effort and I've always been a team player, especially since my army days.

CINDY: What genres do you write in and why?

STEPH: Horror and Romance. I've had my horror shorts published in the Tabloid Purposes and I have one in the Ethereal Gazette, #12, released 25 NOV, called "The Scorpion Temple." I use my pen name, SG Cardin for my horror. I like horror because I find it inspires my wild, creative side. "The Scorpion Temple" has a Lovecraftian influence and it was the first time I attempted it.

I love writing romance because I'm a sucker for HEA. HEA, for me, is about hope, promise, and the power of love – it leaves you feeling good and I think we need some more HEA in the world. Romantic subgenres I've written include paranormal, contemporary, science fiction, and steampunk. I'm still working on my historical and I have an inspirational coming up as well.

CINDY: You have lots going on. That's great. What authors have inspired you?

STEPH: Anne Rice, JK Rowling, Jillian Hunter, Victoria Holt and Mona Risk.

CINDY: Are you a plotter or a panster?

STEPH: Can I be a combo of both? –grin. Before I write, I sketch out a rough plot. Then I write my scenes. Sometimes my scenes change because the characters do something I don't expect, but my loose plot allows for it. The beginning and ending are plotted. The middle? It's all panster. Christmas in Bayeux followed the formula to a 'tee.'

CINDY: To tell the truth, Steph, I'm a hybrid of both too. Tell us about your story, "Christmas in Bayeux," included in A Christmas Collection, Stimulating.

STEPH: It's a contemporary romance set in Bayeux, France. Bayeux is the nearest city to the beaches of Normandy and the World Wars cemeteries. Bayeux has a rich history and is home to the Bayeux Tapestry.

Blub: Aiden Seward wants to feel again. After being told his parents were killed while he was serving in Iraq, he seeks out an old friend, Noel Rousseau, who lives in Bayeux, France. Can she mend his wounded heart?

CINDY: I love historicals and have a history degree so I love hearing about research. Did you do a lot of research for the story? What are your favorite research books or sites?

STEPH: Yes, I always research my stories. I start at Wikipedia and branch out my research from there depending on what I find. I knew I wanted Aiden to go to the beaches of Normandy. A google search led me to Bayeux. From there, I discovered the Bayeux Tapestry, a neat little piece of history I worked into the story. I had a little personal knowledge of rural France from trips I made while in the Army and I worked that in as well.

CINDY: It's awesome that you have all these first hand experiences to work from. Having studied medieval England in college, I am quite familiar with the Bayeux Tapestry. What character did you like writing and why?

STEPH: I enjoyed them both. Aiden was filled with sadness, yet he's an educated man with the heart of an adventurer. Noel also has the heart of an adventurer, but she's more settled – and French. I loved how my love of the French language and culture flowed through her.

CINDY: How can readers get in touch with you and follow your work? Where can they buy your books?

STEPH: You can find me at:

http://sgcardin.tripod.com

http://sgcardin.blogspot.com

Excerpt:

Noel didn't push, letting Aiden find his own way, but now she thought he was ready for more. With a twinkle in her eye, she put the brush down and walked downstairs to the dining room. Aiden sat next to the window overlooking the ocean, sipping his coffee. French coffee was usually a stiff cup of espresso.

"Good morning," he said.

"Good morning," she replied, smiling. Her breakfast plate waited for her – granola, a croissant, and a cup of yogurt.

He clapped his hands. "So what are we fixing today?"

"Nothing."

He arched his left eyebrow. "But, you have—"

She held up her hand and flashed him a wide grin. "We're going out."

"Where?"

"Into town. I have something I want to show you."

He plopped a piece of his croissant into his mouth. "What?"

"It's a surprise."

"I'm not good with surprises. I need time to prepare."

She giggled. "Aiden, really, this isn't the Army. Let me surprise you."

His brows drew downward in a frown.

"Don't pout, mon ami. It's unbecoming."

Aiden drew in a deep breath. "Say, isn't Christmas around the corner? Where's your tree? Your decorations?"

She waved her hand. "I usually put my tree up the night before."

"Oh, that's no fun. Don't you have an advent calendar?"

"Not since I was a girl."

"You need some Christmas spirit, Noel."

A Christmas Collection, Stimulating buy links:

Amazon: (print) http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-Anthology-Stimulating/dp/1456304410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289273692&sr=8-1

Ebook, Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29148

Create Space, Print book: https://www.createspace.com/3494425

Victory Tales Press: http://victorytalespress.yolasite.com/online-store.php

Check out the Story Teaser on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

Cindy: Great having you, Steph. Good luck with the new release!

Goodie Time: Leave me a post and I'll pick out two winners to receive an autographed postcard of the cover. Tell me your favorite TV Christmas special and I'll pick a winner to receive a PDF ebook copy of the Christmas Anthology. I'll come back on 09 DEC to pick the winners.

Legend of the Missing Loot: Guest Blogger--Karen Nutt

2010-12-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

My story Wanted takes place near Flagstaff, Arizona in late 1880, where outlaws were still a real threat. A real life hold-up inspired the back story for my western tale, though my story has a happier ending.

In 1881, thirty-five miles east of Flagstaff at Canyon Diablo, a stagecoach carrying passengers also stopped to take mailbags with them. The stagecoach took the California-Santa Fe Trail toward Flagstaff where the passengers would meet the next stagecoach headed to Needles, California. The trail along the San Francisco Peaks is steep and the horses climb steadily until they reach a flat divide. Five riders break from the trees and surround the stagecoach with their six guns drawn and ready to use. The leader motions for two of the outlaws to go to the back of the coach. They take only two mailbags and leave the rest. They don’t rob the passengers. They send stagecoach on their way without hurting anyone.

Once the stagecoach reaches Flagstaff, the terrified passengers tell the station agent about the robbery. Everyone is confused why the outlaws would want mailbags. The stage master soon learns that the two missing bags contained a shipment of gold and silver bound from Albuquerque Bank to a San Francisco Bank. Wells Fargo, who had been plagued by stagecoach robberies, had attempted to fool the outlaws, by packing the gold and silver in two five-gallon whiskey kegs in each mailbag. It appeared the stagecoach outlaws had an inside source at Wells Fargo.

A posse set out immediately, but the outlaws had too far a head start. Wells Fargo demanded the help of the U.S. Army and the patrol of the 6^th U.S. Calvary to find the outlaws. Two Indian scouts were enlisted to help also. They picked up the trail and found the men holed up in a log cabin near Veit Springs. The outlaws opened fired and the cavalry returned the gesture. In the end, all five outlaws lay dead. The authorities went through the outlaws’ belongings, but didn’t find the gold or silver. Word spread fast and the next day, men arrived to look for the hidden loot. The entire area was dug up, but nothing was found.

For years treasure hunters have dug all over the slopes, the dirt floor of the cabin, around the spring and even in the nearby ice caves, but to this day, no one has claimed they found the loot.

A Christmas Collection Anthology–Stimulating

Available at Amazon Print and Amazon Kindle; Barnes and Noble Print and the Nook; as well as at other online bookstores.

Website: http://www.kmnbooks.com

Blog: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com

10-ISBN: 1456304410
EAN-13: 9781456304416

Blurb for ‘Wanted’:

Sheriff Jace Kelly’s wife died giving birth to his remarkable daughter, Emma. She inherited the families’ seer abilities, but being only six-years old, she has the tendency not to know the difference between a vision and just an ordinary dream. So Jace doesn’t put too much faith in Emma’s recent premonition: marriage for him and a new mother for her, all because she wished upon a Christmas star.

When JoBeth Riley arrives in town, Emma is convinced this is the woman she dreamed about: dark hair, green eyes and shamrocks in her pocket. Only there’s one problem, she’s the notorious outlaw, Baby Face Jo.

JoBeth’s stay in the lumber town is meant to keep Shane Maverick, the leader of the outlaw gang from finding her and breaking her out of jail before the authorities have time to devise a plan to capture him.

JoBeth finds the Kellys a strange lot. A little girl, who believes her dreams are tales of the future and the rugged sheriff whose kindness proves a distraction. She’s an outlaw for heaven’s sake, but Jace is bound and determined to steal her heart.

Guest Author Interview--Anne Greene

2010-11-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

CG: Hi Anne! I’m very happy to have you on the blog today. Can you tell readers more about yourself and your background?

AG: Hi Cindy, thanks so much for the interview. I’m not sure what readers want to know about me, but here’s a sampling. In my early years I lived in a small farm town in Ohio, and have lived in San Diego, Chicago, and now live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas. I have four grown children, and just recently returned from spending a year in Seoul,

Korea

where my husband served in the Military. He is a Special Forces Colonel (Green Beret). I love to play sports, sail in the ocean, and travel. I’ve visited twenty-five foreign countries and every State in the

except Alaska. I also enjoy horseback riding, though I haven’t ridden English for several years. And I enjoy swimming. But writing is my passion.

CG: You are definitely a globe trotter and have spent some time in my home state of CA.
Describe your journey to publication? Did it take a long time or somewhat short?

AG: Masquerade Marriage is my second published book. I’ve been writing about ten years. Reading was my escape in my growing up years, and I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I graduated from the University of Texas cum laude with a degree in Literary Studies, but worked as a photographer and as a Real Estate Agent before diving in full-time to write. When I joined American Christian Romance Writers, the journey to writing got much easier. I have a wonderful critique group, and because of their annual conference, I’ve met many editors and agents. Finalling in writing contests gave me excellent feedback, plus got me my latest contract with White Rose Publishing. So, I recommend both contests and conferences.

CG: What genre’s do you write in and why?

AG: I write in the Historical, Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense genres. As a girl, I didn’t like history—until I read my first Historical. Then I was hooked. So, I know many people today don’t enjoy history, and my goal is to open up the glories of the past to them. History was modern life lived with all its heartache, joy, and excitement in a world very different from our own. I bring these different worlds into vivid, living color, and give a painless dose of history along the way. I write Romantic Suspense because I like to see good win over evil with fast action, surprises, and some who did it and why.

CG: Oooh, those are my favorite genres too--historical and suspense. I truly believe people don't like history because they haven't had the right teacher. Of course that's the history teacher in me talking.
Which authors have inspired you?

AG: Which authors have inspired me? That’s a hard one to answer. When I read a really good book, I just want to sit down and write one as good—or better.

CG: Tell us about your book from White Rose Publishing including the blurb.

AG: Masquerade Marriage is a book of my heart. My paternal ancestors are Scotch of Clan Gunn, which was located in the far north of

Scotland

in the Cathness area where Vikings intermarried with the Scots. I visited

Scotland

with the purpose of setting one or more historicals there, and fell in love with the country. The final battle between the English and the Scottish Highlanders changed the Highlands forever. A way of life ended. The drama in this story appealed to me, and so I wrote Masquerade Marriage. I love this time in history and so enjoyed living it as I wrote the book. I hope the reader finds a new world to love as he reads my book.

A SECRET LIST

To protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead, Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than

Scotland

. But his presence throws her into danger.

A VOW HONORED

To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart.

A SACRIFICE MADE

Outlawed, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can't have her, he heads alone to certain death...

CG: I bet it is just vivid and beautiful. How wonderful you were able to incorporate your own history into the book.
Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

AG I am a pantser. I have tried plotting out a book in advance, including storyboarding, and that just doesn’t work for me. I start with a general idea, a setting, and a general idea of what characters I’m using. But very soon into the first draft the characters take over and direct the book. It’s a bit like watching a movie and just writing down what is happening. It’s quite exciting to see where the book will go.

CG: Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

AG: Yes, I do a great deal of research for all my books, including the contemporary ones. I always visit the setting and get some good pictures. Then I find books about the history and time. Small details I research on the internet, but the important ones come from non-fiction books. I am extremely careful in my research because if a reader discovers one error, then I lose credibility. If I’m writing detective, I have a detective look over the manuscript before I send it out. If I’m writing WW11 stories, I find someone who has been there. I always find a person who has done the job I’m writing about to look over the finished manuscript. Of course, when I go further back into history I have to rely solely on the non-fiction books. But I enjoy research and often do far more than I ever use in any one book.

CG: It is so true that we end up with way more research than we need.
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

AG: Another hard question. The character I love writing about the most—is the one I’m currently working on. I love all my characters. However, I do think I like being in the male point of view slightly more than the female. I like being macho and looking at life from a different perspective. I like being strong enough to handle a couple of thugs. Of course my detective knows martial arts, but she doesn’t use her fists. I like looking at a woman I’m interested in and being totally confused as to what makes her do the crazy things she does. But, on the other hand, I love having a woman use her wiles and smarts when that’s all she has going for her. But Megan and Brody from Masquerade Marriage are probably closest to my heart.

CG: You’ve chosen to write an Inspirational or Christian romance. Why is it important to include faith into your writing?

AG: I don’t think I can NOT include faith in my writing. I am a new creation in Christ. I have a Christian worldview. I have deep beliefs and a few boundaries that cannot be crossed. I want my books to have meaning and take-away value. I want my readers to take a deep delicious breath and say—Oh, now I understand. How beautiful God’s way is.

CG: Beautifully put, Anne.
How can readers get in touch with you and follow your work? Where can they buy your books?

AG: I have a website, www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. My books can be purchased at www.WhiteRosePublishing.com and on www.Amazon.com. My blog is also on my website.

CG: Anything else you’d like to share with readers?

AG: Readers can reach me through www.WhiteRosePublishing.com. I’d love to hear from them. If readers join my website, they can leave comments. I’m also on Facebook where comments are welcomed.

CG: The book sounds fabulous. I wish you the best with its success.

EXCERPT FROM MASQUERADE MARRIAGE

Like a determined hero, the fugitive warrior strode through the door at the far end of the tiny stone kirk.

Megan’s eyes widened. Her clenched jaw relaxed. Some of her dread dissolved.

“Impressive.” Molly, Megan’s Irish maid, whispered from where they stood together in the vestibule.

He stopped in front of the hand-carved altar and half-turned toward her. Megan pulled in an uneven breath. This Highlander, wearing formal kilts, was no scrawny lad grown older, nor was he a big, hairy Scot with a bushy beard. The tall, strapping soldier stood with legs braced as if about to do battle.

Her heart skipped. Though she’d known Brody when she wore short skirts, this blond warrior was far more than she expected. Her pulse throbbed in her temples. Doubt niggled her brain. Brody was too tall, too obviously a Highlander. How could she hope to pass him off as a Lowland Laird? He appeared to have too big a chip on his shoulder to let her command him.

Brody’s thick sandy hair swept the collar of his linen shirt. Lace-trimmed cuffs matched the white jabot at his muscular throat. A silver broach clasped his crimson and black tartan to his wide right shoulder. His claymore, dirk, and thick sword belt startled her.

Megan suppressed a shudder. The English outlawed kilts. With his dress, Brody spat in the face of the English and further imperiled his life. Why?

His intense sapphire stare blazed a trail across the empty wooden pews toward her. His eyes made her feel dizzy as if she just danced a fast reel with a lively partner.

Molly grinned and handed Megan the bridal flowers.

What had she gotten herself into?

Available at White Rose Publishing and Amazon in ebook or in print.

That Dreaded, Evil Synopsis

2010-11-15T13:40:00.000-05:00

Today I’m a guest over at Anna Kathryn Lanier’s blog on writing that dreaded, evil synopsis. http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/ Stop by if you have the chance.

Vanity Fair and the Need for the HEA

2010-11-13T07:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, I knew from the beginning that watching Vanity Fair would be a mistake. I already knew how it would end and yet I went ahead and hoped.

I'll be the first to admit that I've never read Thackeray's social satire. Honestly, I don't think I could get through it. It would just depress me. I mean look at the subtitle of the book--Vanity Fair: a novel without a hero. Is that right? No hero??

I own the 1998 miniseries starring Natasha Little. I remember watching it the first time and thinking to myself that I wouldn't finish watching if it wasn't for the subplot of Amelia and seeing her attain her Happily Ever After. Becky Sharp is selfish and unlikeable. She had a chance at happiness and she gave it up.

About a year a ago, I went ahead and purchased the Reese Witherspoon version of Vanity Fair. I don't know why. I guess because I love period dramas and I do like Reese and on top of that it was really cheap. It's been sitting on my bookshelf ever since still in it's wrapping and collecting dust ever since.

I've been in the mood for period dramas this week and have already watched the 1982 Scarlet Pimpernel with Jane Seymour, and the 1998 Our Mutual Friend miniseries based on Dicken's romantic novel. So, I went ahead and popped in the 2004 Vanity Fair.

This movie version is a lavish production with beautiful sets and gorgeous costumes. And Reese plays Becky Sharp much more sympathetically than in the previous versions. You can actually like her through most of the film. But just as always it falls apart at the end as you realize there is no way she can ever reach a happily ever after. Tears are running down my face. I'm devastated for her but she could care less as she goes on to entrap her next victim. Quite a depressing film.

It got me to thinking about the whole idea of the HEA or Happily Ever After. Why do we long so much for that ultimate outcome? Even here in watching this latest version of the book I knew it wouldn't end happily but I still wanted it too. I was heartbroken that it didn't. It's like watching the film Titanic for the first time and hoping the boat won't sink and yet you know ultimately that it will. It's an innate need in most of us to find that HEA. We wish for it in our own lives even though this is hardly the most common outcome. And so in our fiction and movies we need that happy fulfillment. Though Vanity Fair is a book meant to make social commentary of society at the time, I believe I can forgo that lesson and read something with a happier ending. I mean, I can read a sad story as well as the next person. I do have almost every Nicholas Sparks novel after all. But the poignancy of the novel needs to make sense--to touch you in a way that it's all going to be all right and a life has been changed for the better.

By the way, today to erase my melancholoy of Vanity Fair I watched the 2002 The Importance of Being Earnest--also with Reese except this one is cute and funny and everyone gets their HEA in the end. That's the way I like it.

Confessions of a Multi-Genre Author

2010-11-10T09:22:00.002-05:00

Stop by the blog of award winning author Liana Laverentz for my guest blog article on ‘Confessions of a Multi-genre author.’

What’s branding? Are there exceptions to the rule when it comes to switching genres in the large New York houses? How do you keep everything straight as a multi-genre author?

Come read the article and find out. And learn about my Christmas novella and Christmas contest too. http://lianalaverentz.blogspot.com/

October Reads

2010-11-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy Marie Higgins author day went well on the blog here last week. Thanks Marie for being here and thanks to all you who came by and even commented. It's was a good week.

Thought I'd go ahead and post last months reading. I read a lot of YA this month as I've been writing and editing YA lately.

******

Enthusiasm by Polly Schulman--YA. I love this book. I think I've read it every year since I bought it. Great writing, good insight into the teen age mind and she created a terrific hero too. Just charming.

Princess in Pink & Princess in Training by Meg Cabot--YA. What can I say. I love these books.

I Do, Don't I? adapted by Catherine Clark--YA. This is one of the tie in novels for the tv show Gilmore Girls. It comes from the point of view of Rory from 2nd year of the show. They are not original stories but adaptations from the show. Even still, they are fun to read.

His Forever by Missy Tippens--Contemporary Inspirational. I got this at the library. It had a slow start and the charcters seemed a little cardboardy at first but they got better and I kept reading. I really enjoyed it.

A Christmas Gift by Diane Craver--YA Holiday Historical. I lucked out in receiving an advance reader copy of this book. I'll be posting more of a review later this month. It's a good little story. The book releases November 15th with Whimsical Publications. Wonderful holiday reading.

Faith by Merry K. Stahel--Inspirational Contemporary. Another terrific Inspirational read from White Rose Publishing.

Guest Blogger~Marie Higgins

2010-11-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

I'm excited to have my author friend, Marie Higgins here today. She's an up and coming Inspirational author. She's going to tell us all about her new Christian romances.

CG: Hi Marie! It’s great to have you here today. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

MH: Cindy, thanks for having me as your guest. A little about myself, you say? Well, I’ve been around the writing world a long time, so I’ll try to make this quick. lol I’ve been writing since I was a junior in high school. My first real writing experience was when I was asked to write a skit for my church’s youth group. I was very excited, and received an award for “Funniest”. A few years later, I wrote another skit – for the adults. I won an award for “Best Written”. That’s all it took for me to know I loved to write – and I loved romance – so that’s what pushed me to where I am today. On a personal note, I’m married with three daughters and three grandchildren, and I’ve lived in Utah all my life. I work full time for the state of Utah, and dream about when I can quit and write full time.

CG: Why did you start writing Christian romances?

MH: Because I love romance so much, I’ve been an avid reader for years. Not very often did I find a Christian romance that I really liked. When I read, I have to have adventure, mystery, humor, and romance (of course) in my stories. I could never find a story that gave me all of these. This is how I like to write my books – and since I consider myself a faithful Christian, I thought I would try to start a new trend in Christian romances and write what I know! (grins)

CG: Tell us a bit about your new Christian publisher.

MH: Walnut Springs Press is out of Salt Lake City, Utah. They have been around (under a different name – Leatherwood Press) for several years. They publish several genres, and release approx 20 books a year. Their books are available in most bookstores, Walmart and Costco. They don’t have a website, but a blog instead. Here are their submission guidelines –
http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com/2010/02/submission-guidelines.html One of the things I love about this publisher is the editor and Marketing Director are so easy to work with and help me out whenever I need it. Another thing that impressed me about this publisher is they not only take Christian romances… but they take sweet romances. I definitely can help them out in both areas!

CG: What kind of books do you write?

MH: The first book Walnut Springs Press published was Winning Mr. Wrong, which is a contemporary romantic comedy. The second book, Heart Of A Hero, is a historical romance. My third story (which we’re in the process of editing now) is a ghost story, mystery, time-travel – My Heart’s Desire. So, as you can see, Cindy, my writing is all over the board. Although…I must mention how much I love historicals, so you’ll see a lot of that genre from me.

CG: We all know that writers started as readers. What do you like to read? Any favorite authors?
What are you reading now?

MH: The first book I read and fell in love with was from Kathleen E Woodiwiss, A Rose In Winter. I love books that have a lot of adventure, a bit of mystery, and definitely some humor. I also enjoy reading Anita Stansfield, Rachel Nunes, and Josi Kilpack. The only thing I’m currently reading is stories from my crit partners, Melissa Blue, and Melissa Dawn Harte. (yeah, I know… I just love the name Melissa, right? lol)

CG: Tell us about your books.

MH: Winning Mr. Wrong is a romantic comedy – an LDS novel. Here is the blurb:
Whoever said the quest for love wasn’t comical never met Charlene Randall. Charley is looking for a man who wants to start a family, and a man who will take her to the temple. Problem is, she has never dated a man for longer than three months. When she reads an internet article called “Ten Ways to Win Your Man,” she decides to try it on her new coworker, Maxwell Harrington. Max was her crush in high school, but the superstar sports anchorman doesn’t even remember her.
Enter ladies’ man Damien Giovianni, Charley’s handsome neighbor, who agrees to help her win Max over. What follows is a hilarious story of mishaps and misunderstandings where Charley learns that what she really needs may be right in front of her.

Here is the blurb for Heart Of A Hero, my historical romance:

There's a new hero in town . . .
When Summer Bennett returns to Richfield after a five-year stint at her aunt’s finishing school, she discovers a lot has changed. Her father has suffered a crippling injury, and Summer is desperate to get the money to pay for surgery that could allow him to walk again. She hears of a reward offered for the capture of a cunning gang of bank robbers, and her years of etiquette training fall by the dusty roadside.
What Summer doesn’t count on in her quest to capture the bandits is the competition from her family’s longtime friend, Jesse Slade. Now a deputy marshal and local hero, Jesse keeps thwarting Summer’s plans, just like he did when she wore pigtails. She would like nothing more than to use Jesse’s head for a slingshot target, but soon Summer finds her aim shifting from his head to his heart. Problem is, Jesse is engaged to her sister Violet.
For seven years, little Summer Bennett was the burr under Jesse’s saddle. Now he feels a different irritation as Summer is always on his mind—whether he wants her to be or not. But Summer’s father expects him to marry Violet, and he won’t let him down. So why does Jesse find himself encouraging Summer’s attentions, and why do sparks fly every time they are together?

Here is the blurb for my ghost story, My Heart’s Desire, (coming out the first of 2011):

When a beautiful woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he’s intrigued enough to consider her plea. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so taking on a client who insists she’s dead seems a good way to refresh his career. The more history he uncovers, the deeper he falls for the ghost. Abigail Carlisle believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily ever after happen when she’s already dead?

CG: What do you like most about being an author? What do you like least?

MH: There are so many things to love about being an author. Writing is my getaway and I enjoy creating new stories – and making my characters do what I say (since my children don’t know how). Being an author just means I’ve accomplished something that I love to do anyway. I love hearing from readers, and when they tell me how much they enjoy my story and how they can’t put it down… I swear my smile is permanently fixed to my face for days after that!

What do I like least? Well… I’m an impatient person, so I want my stories out NOW! I want the money NOW! And I want the bookstores to order my books NOW. That’s something I definitely have to work on because it’s not happening the way I want it! lol

CG: How can readers get in touch with you and follow your work? Where can they buy your books?

MH: I have a blog - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/ And I can be found on Facebook. I would love to have readers email me – mariehiggins84302@yahoo.com My books can be ordered online through my publisher’s distribution company - http://brighamdistributing.com/search.php?orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=marie+higgins Or my books can be ordered at any store if they haven’t ordered them already. (grins) Walmart and Costco carry my publisher’s books as well, but for some reason they take a little longer to get in their stores. Or, if you’re a Goodreads fan, my books can be found there as well. http://www.goodreads.com/

CG: Anything else you’d like to share with readers?

MH: Right now Goodreads is having a contest and they’re giving away three copies of Heart Of A Hero. Here is the link – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9462264

Here is an excerpt from my newest release – Heart Of A Hero –

The deputy marshal must be the one holding me. Summer Bennett let her body relax against the contours of his body. Normally, she wouldn’t want to be protected and cared for by a man, but at the moment she was reluctant to break the spell.

She dared a peek at his face. His deep blue eyes grabbed her attention. Kind eyes. Sunlight glinted off the golden tones of his light brown hair. He must have sensed her watching, for his square jaw changed shape and a soft smile bracketed his mouth.

He was very handsome. She couldn’t have dreamed up a better vision of a hero, and dream it must be because things this good just didn’t happen to her. Safety and security spread over her like a warm blanket and she melted against him, closing her eyes while his long fingers continued to stroke her cheek. It was the first time in her life she had allowed a man to touch her like that—a soft stroke, a gentle caress—and the first time she had ever really relaxed in a man’s presence.

She sighed. Wonderful.

“How do you feel, Summer?”

The soft baritone voice rumbling in his chest seemed oddly familiar. Summer frowned and took a second peek at his hair and his mouth. He gave her a full smile. Awareness tugged at her memory and a large knot formed in the pit of her stomach. When recognition came, it struck like a thick piece of wood right between her eyes. She jerked, moving off the comfortable nest she had made of his chest.

“Jesse Slade?”

A crafty smile claimed his face. “The one and only, darlin’.”

She widened her eyes. “Darlin’? I’m not now, nor will I ever be your darling, Jesse Slade.” She couldn’t believe her rotten luck. She fought to move from his grasp, batting his hands away. “Get your hands off me.”

“Be still Summer, or—”

“Let me go,” she demanded.

“Tarnation, Summer.” His hands moved to her waist. “You’re as slippery as a wet weasel.”

“Quit touching me and put me down.”

Although he tried to hold onto her, she managed to slither from the horse.

“Of all the confounded foolish female stunts.” He pulled the horse to a halt and dismounted.

The moment her feet touched the ground, dizziness overtook her and she plopped down on her bottom. When Jesse reached for her, she slapped at his hands.

She glanced up at him from her undignified position and clenched her teeth. “You. Of all people, it had to be you.” Holding onto a stirrup, she pulled herself to her feet and gazed into the heavens. “Why Lord? Why me?”

“There’s no need to get your feathers ruffled.” Jesse looked at the blood oozing from her shoulder wound. “Look what you’ve done. You’re bleedin’ again.”

She glanced at her injury. It was worse than she thought, but she’d die before admitting it to him. She was not riding into town perched on Jesse’s lap for the whole town to see.

October Winner of the Christmas Contest!

2010-11-01T09:05:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce the first winner in my Christmas Contest. This contest started October 1st. Part 1 ended October 30th.

The winner is...Victoria Colyer-Kerr

The contest continues!!! If you have already entered, you are still eligible to win for November or December. If you haven't entered yet, view the book trailer for All I Want for Christmas and email me at contest@cindykgreen.com. In the email, list at least one gift that Kathryn received from her Secret Santa. Enter each month for a chance to win.

The prize package includes a copy of my historical western, The Heart Never Lies, some Bath and Body Works goodies and of course Chocolate.

Two more chances to win. The November Deadline is the 30th and for December the 21st. Good luck!

Simply Irresistible – a favorite forgotten movie

2010-10-29T22:33:00.001-04:00

Friday night, I had the living room to myself. The sons and hubby were busy playing their video game together--one of their Friday night activities. So, I thought I'd watch a movie. The DVD I pulled off the shelf was Simply Irresistible starring Sarah Michelle Geller and Sean Patrick Flannery.

It's really a simple story in many ways. Boy meets Girl so on and so forth. It's about food, romance and opposites attracting. Added into the mix is the magical component of falling in love over food. Yes, a seriously magical element.

Sarah plays a young woman named Amanda who has inherited a small family restaurant after her mother's death. The restaurant isn't doing well and might go under. Through the direction of some kind of guardian angel, she meets Tom, a department store executive. She's not his type but after he tries her food he can't get her out of his head...or his appetite.

The story gets even better after that and silly too. Oh and did I forget romantic. This is a movie that makes you hungry. It's sweetly sensual in the delectable sense of the word. And just like the savory, luscious deserts Amanda makes in the film, you will be completely satisfied by the end.

September Reads

2010-10-11T09:12:00.001-04:00

It seems unreal that another month has past and we are into October already. Before you know it, Christmas will be here! I didn't get a whole lot of reading done this past month. With school back in session, I didn't do much writing either. I did spend time editing my mystery and my reading reflects that.

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
Yep, this is the first Nancy Drew book written back in the '50's. It's been so long since I read one of these; I thought it would be fun to revisit one of my favorite series.

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
This is the title I read on my PDA late at night. I've always loved this story but this is first time I've actually read the play.

Dead Girls don't wear Diamonds by Nancy Martin
This is book two in Martin's Blackbird Sisters Mysteries. I liked it alot. Better than the first one. Cute writing and a more interesting plot.

James Franco--Actor & Writer…Umm Excuse Me?

2010-10-08T16:46:00.002-04:00

So, I opened my Entertainment Weekly magazine this afternoon and perused an article about James Franco and an exclusive excerpt from his upcoming book release. Who knew James Franco could write?

Now I know this isn’t so very exciting because of late there have been quite a number of celebrities out there who think they can write when in fact they ^(a) aren’t actually doing the writing or ^(b) the writing is subpar (and I’m being generous here). As an author myself, it infuriates me when these celebrities use their fame to publish without putting in the effort or the talent. It’s just not right.

That’s simply not the case with Franco. This is a project he’s been working on for five years under the tutelage of some noteworthy professors and novelists. Mona Simpson, Amy Hempel, and Michael Cunningham.

The star of the Spiderman trilogy, Tristan + Isolde, the Julia Roberts film Eat, Pray, Love and recently a stint on the soap General Hospital wasn’t just given his writing contract. He actually earned it. According to the article, Franco is currently attending Yale working on his PhD. Looking into his academic record, I see he started at UCLA in creative writing but dropped out after a year to study acting. Eventually, he went back and finished that degree. He wanted his schoolmates to realize his serious intent. In his final quarter at UCLA, he took 62 units instead of the normal cap of 19. He later attended film school at NYU and studied for his graduate degree at Columbia. Seeing all his academic achievement, I can finally forgive him for Pineapple Express.

Good for you James Franco. Though I haven’t had the opportunity to read the book, I applaud his hard work and wish the best for the short story collection release. Palo Alto (incidentally that’s where in California Franco was born and grew up) hits stores October 19^th.

New Homeschooling Blog

2010-09-11T20:18:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone is having a nice fall. When the end of August comes along, that means the beginning of school for our family and a lot less writing time for me. We've had a great beginning to our school year. I decided it might be fun to start a homeschooling blog. I'm recording some of things going on with us and also giving tips and advice as well as curriculum reviews. If you're interested, please stop by and follow the blog. http://cindyshomeschoolblog.blogspot.com

'Red', Bruce Willis & The Wild Rose Press

2010-08-11T07:00:00.003-04:00

So, I heard some exciting news from one of my publishers (The Wild Rose Press) recently. The crazy thing is that my post title up there is totally true.

The Wild Rose Press was asked to supply the paperback books for the set of the movie 'RED'. Although we aren't certain if any of the books are actually seen on screen, we were thrilled to be a part of this exciting adventure!

RED is an action comedy film, set for release on October 15, 2010 (USA). The film is written by Warren Ellis and directed by Robert Schwentke, and stars Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Richard Dreyfuss, Brian Cox, James Remar, Julian McMahon, Ernest Borgnine, Michelle Nolden, Amber Gaiennie and Audrey Wasilewski.

Movie synopsis: RED is the story of Frank Moses (Willis), a former black-ops CIA agent, who is now living a quiet life. That is, until the day a hi-tech assassin shows up intent on killing him. With his identity compromised and the life of the woman he cares for, Sarah (Parker), endangered, Frank reassembles his old team (Freeman, Malkovich and Mirren) in a last ditch effort to survive. "Red" is based on the DC Comics graphic novel of the same name by Warren Ellis.

I heard that Mary-Louise Parker's character loves romance novels--romantic suspense specifically. So they needed a lot of romance novels to have her read in the film and have in set decoration. Cute or what?? Watch the trailer. The movie looks pretty good too. ;)

Surgery Update

2010-08-07T09:32:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been over four weeks since I had my surgery and I am finally feeling back to my good old, regular self. My recovery has been slower that I had expected. A couple simple complications that brought pain. It kept me from doing a lot of things around my house. I couldn't even drive or sit up for long periods--and forget sitting in front of computer.

Last week things started to get better and I am feeling pretty close to normal now--whatever that it. I can drive, sit at a desk and I even got in the pool this week. I still get worn out pretty easily and have a little discomfort but other than that I'm good. :)

Well, school will be starting again soon which will take up a good portion of my time, but I hope to get some writing & promotional things accomplished before then so stay tuned. Have a good day.

Going in for Surgery

2010-07-05T20:32:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers,
Well I never did get my newsletter out during the month of June. Hopefully I’ll have a chance in July.

One of the things that has kept me busy is that I have to go in for surgery. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers that have been coming my way in this respect. I’ll post how it went when I am feeling my chipper self once again.

On a side note, I finished writing my latest book this week. It’s a full novel–Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Romantic Comedy. Yeah, it has it all. I had a goal to finish it before I went in for surgery. Now I can edit and polish while I’m recuperating. More about that later.

Take care All! I’ll be back soon.

Infuse the Muse

2010-05-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

The weekend is upon us and I know for some that means more writing time and for others more family time. For me it’s both. We do spend time as a family over the weekend but I also try to sneak in a couple hours of uninterrupted writing time if I am in writing mode. So with that in mind let’s think about keeping that muse revved and ready for some productive work.

A while back I took time out to rewrite my very first book which had gone Out of Print in the hopes of resubmitting it elsewhere. (It is now available at Champagne Books.)

MY GOODNESS! That rewriting business really zapped the inspiration and creativity out of writing. I’d been feeling a bit overwhelmed and hadn't been having any good bouts of writing. And that made me irritable and an irritable writer is not a productive one. At least not in my case. I needed a shot in the pants to get me going but what? There are all kinds of articles about inspiring that story and focusing your muse. Some will work and others won’t. It just depends on you. Here’s what helped me during that rewrite.

I spent some time reading through Writer’s Digest magazine and The Writer magazine. Both excellent resources. In The Writer there was an article about breathing life into your characters. Now to be honest, there was nothing new or exciting about this article. Many of the points were ones I’ve read before and even shared with other authors. But I thought—what they hay—let’s give it a try. Because sometimes if you get bogged down, bored or just stuck on one project, a new one will get you going again.

I ran across a blurb I wrote about a year ago. This was it:

A Baby for Christmas

The last thing playboy Alec Beaumont expected to receive for Christmas was a baby, but that’s exactly what he got when he opened his door in mid December. The only person he can think to go to for help is his administrative assistant, Jane Meriwether. When gossip abounds that the baby is his and Jane’s, Alec’s father steps in and insists they get married. Even if Alec was ready for marriage, could sweet, church-going Jane ever find it in her heart to marry a sinner like him?

I read through that and thought—wouldn’t that make a great romantic comedy?! And the inspiration started to flow. I followed the advice in The Writer’s magazine and created the Alec and Jane characters as well as brainstormed some ideas of what would happen throughout the book and outlined the first chapter. Wow, the Muse was back! And then I reopened my other project and zoomed through the rest of the chapter. It worked. I was back in business. And when I get time I have a great story to start on.

So, tell me how is the Muse been treating you. If you’ve been feeling stuck, what works to get you started again?

Book Review: The Country House Courtship

2010-04-11T11:34:00.004-04:00

How fun it has been to return to the Regency world created by Ms. Burkard and find out what the familiar characters from the previous two books are up to five years later.

Though Ariana and Mr. Mornay are not the focus of The Country House Courtship, they are still involved and it was gratifying to see them married and living together happily with their young family and all the enduring love they had for each other while courting.

In this third book of the series, Ariana's younger sister, Beatrice, is coming of age and looking for a good match. What I find wonderful of Ms. Burkard's writing is how different Beatrice is from Ariana. You can tell from the beginning she is young and naive and has a lot of growing to do--both emotionally and spiritually--before she arrives at her happily ever after.

Beatrice actually quite cracked me up. She is so free in her thinking and she must have taken advice from the ilk of Mrs. Bennet from P&P for she believes as her sister married so well she quite deserves a man just as well situated. (It's probably how Lydia Bennet would have been after Lizzie married Mr. Darcy if Lydia hadn't been forced to marry that horrid Mr. Wickham.)

Mr. O'Brien isn't your typical Regency hero. He's isn't anything like Mr. Mornay. He might seem to have less presence but maybe you just have to take more time to get to know him. He's learned a lot about himself and life since the last time we saw him. He's gentle with a giving heart and obviously meant to be a man of God within the church. And though a clergyman, he has a sense of humor. But even more he is a man of strength with a heart to love a woman with all his might.

The author gave her two lead characters five years between book 2 and 3. This gave them time to mature, change and become worthy of being hero and heroine without being totally different and unrecognizable. Again Ms. Burkard ahs me with her amazing prowess with the written word and her grasp of the Regency period. I've come to realize that you will never be disappointed with one of her books. Fantastic from cover to cover! I absolutely loved this book--just as much as the first novel of the series.

There is so much going on with the primaries and secondaries that I couldn't wait to dive into the book each day until it was finished. What I really found to be true after reading Ms. Burkard's books is that days later I'm thinking about them...about the characters. That's the sign of a good book--you don't soon forget it.

Book Review: House In Grosvenor Square

2010-04-11T11:29:00.003-04:00

I started reading The House in Grosvenor Square with great expectations as I so loved the first book in Ms. Burkard's Regency series. Again I must commend the author on a job well done. The way she writes in the style and language of the Regency era is uncanny. Her descriptions of clothes and places sets you right in the midst of early 19th century London. The story enthralls right from the beginning.

I was pleased to see many if not all of the characters I'd come to know in the first book present in the second. It's great starting a new book with a group of characters you already love and that was exactly the experience as I got back into the story of Arianna Forsythe and Philip Mornay. Now as they prepare for their wedding, trial after trial seems to beset their walk down the aisle. Adversity attempts to separate the pair but with God and the perseverance of their love they just might make it.

It was refreshing to see the continued sincere Christianity of Ariana. She's even witnessing to her abductor. Imagine that! And Mr. Mornay, who became a Christian in book one, is growing in his faith and understanding. I quite enjoyed reading in Mr. Moray's pov as his love for Ariana deepens and becomes apparent to just about everyone he knows. It just about makes your heart melt.

This 2nd book although enjoyable and entertaining does not have the same flavor of a romance as did the 1st since the main characters are already engaged to be married, but it has a terrific plot that will have you reading into the wee hours of the night. I might even venture to say that it has a Gothic feel with a woman in peril by an evil villain and the hero coming to her rescue. So though I say this has a different flavor and not in essence a true romance, it is still romantic in nature.

In summation: The House in Grosvenor Square is a satisfying conclusion to the romance of the characters from Before the Season Ends. Lovely story, lovely writing. Ms. Burkard has a knack of writing intriguing prose and outstanding historical details that draw you in completely. I enjoyed reading it and recommend this book and this author highly.

3rd and Final Winner of the Holiday Traditions Contest

2010-01-09T11:49:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to get over here and post the last winner in my holiday traditions contest but life has just kept me busy.

Thanks to everyone for entering the contest and sending in their special memories and family traditions. I've really enjoyed them.

Now for the important stuff. The winner of a pdf e-book from my backlist is...Sharon Karas!

Congratulations Sharon and all the winners. I will be sending a special prize to all our entrants as well. Thanks for entering and look for another contest coming soon.

Week 2 Winner!

2009-12-14T09:27:00.003-05:00

Wow, another week closer to Christmas and whole lot more entrants into my Christmas Traditions contest. Thanks to everyone who entered.

This week's winner is...ALIZA from New York. Congrats Aliza! You will have the choice of three ebooks as your prize.

We have one more week left of the Christmas Traditions Contest. If you have already entered, you are still in the running to be the last winner.

Hope everyone is having a blessed holiday season.

Week 1 Winner

2009-12-07T12:48:00.003-05:00

Well, as you can see I did not get on here Saturday to post the winner for this week. In fact, I didn't turn on the computer all weekend. Instead, I organized my house and decorated for Christmas with my 5 y/o. We had a blast!

So without further ado, this week's winner is...Tonya Williams. Tonya will have a choice of one of three e-books as her prize. Congrats Tonya!

Don't forget. I will be giving away two more e-books this month. So you have two more chances to win. Next giveaway will be posted this coming Saturday. If you've already entered no need to enter this week.

Hope you all are having a great holiday season.

Last Day to Enter this week's Contest

2009-12-04T08:06:00.002-05:00

Today is the last day to enter this week's contest. I'll be awarding the first book tomorrow morning on the blog. So if you haven't entered yet, make sure to send in your family traditions (email me--see address in previous post) and I'll enter you into the drawing. I've received some wonderful entries so far--some touching and sweet while others are funny and silly. I'll be sharing some of those tomorrow as well.

And remember I'll be giving away a free e-book the next two Fridays. Have a terrific weekend!

Christmas Traditions Contest

2009-12-02T09:42:00.004-05:00

Our family is fairly conventional during the season. We plan a big dinner with my siblings, their kids and my mom. My boys and I read A Christmas Carol every year and then watch the film adaptation. We bake Christmas cookies and my oldest makes us a Christmas chain to mark off the days until Christmas Day. I bake my grandmother's recipe for fudge-chocolate and peanut butter varieties. And we act out the Christmas Story.

What are some of your Christmas traditions? Email me by December 18th at contests@cindykgreen.com

and I will put you into a drawing to win one of three e-books. (Relationship Rescue, Night of NovelTea, or Dilemma of the Heart) So, yes, that means there will be THREE WINNERS! One each Friday (Dec. 4th, 11th, and 18th). Don’t miss out. Come back each Friday to see if you've won. You only need to enter once.

Just Released-Snow Kissed

2009-11-23T13:45:00.004-05:00

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, is leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today, of all days, does he realize she might be more than a friend?

Holly can nolonger stay in town knowing the man she loves only sees her as a friend. It’s time to move on; besides she has other career prospects.

As the carnival unfolds, watch God work in amazing ways. Can He change Holly’s mind and make her stay? Can He help Logan see beyond the friendship? Only time can tell.

Excerpt:

“Just breathe,” Holly whispered to Logan, as she slowly took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No.” She laughed; he could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful…magical.” Her voice came out breathy with the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Fresh baked cookies, hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head.

Snow Kissed is now available from White Rose Publishing.

Visions of Fall

2009-11-13T15:29:00.006-05:00

Today I took these pictures of my yard in full autumn form. Our house is absolutely canopied by trees. In the summer, that means we stay cooler but in the fall it means we are inundated by leaves. Talk about 'leaf showers.' This first picture is taken from the back deck of the backyard. You can't even see the grass for all the leaf covering.

Here is the back deck-completely covered. An inch or two thick of leaves. We have some definite clearing out to do this weekend. LOL!

These last two shots were taken from the kitchen porch. As you can see, the leaves are so thick that you can't see where the driveway ends and the yard begins. In the further away picture, my flower bed is so covered that it's even with the driveway and has disappeared.

Leaves, Leaves Everywhere! That's what I get for living in a forest. ;)

Happy Fall to All!!

I'm at the Author Roast and Toast Today 11/6

2009-11-06T10:45:00.001-05:00

To celebrate the unveiling of my latest release, Snow Kissed, I’m over at the Author Roast and Toast. Please join me. I’ll be awarding a copy of my new story at the end. http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/

Review: Captain Wentworth's Diary

2009-10-27T07:47:00.000-04:00

Blurb: During his shore leave from the Navy, Frederick Wentworth falls in love with the elegant and intelligent Miss Anne Elliot—only to see his hopes of marrying her dashed by her godmother.

Eight years later, Wentworth has realized his ambitions. A wealthy captain, he has pushed his memories of Anne to the furthest recesses of his mind—until he sees her again. And though Anne's bloom has faded, Wentworth is surprised to find that his regard for her wit and warmth has not.

Review: Alas, there have been a plethora of Austen ‘spin-off’’ novels written in recent years that it really should be its own genre by now. Some of them are great and other’s not so much. When I learned that a new retelling of Persuasion had been written by the same author as Mr. Darcy’s Diary, I was immediately intrigued. You see, Persuasion is my very favorite book and Captain Wentworth, my favorite literary hero of all time. I very much wanted to love this book, yet I worried whether this author would be able to deliver the Captain that I had learned to know and love through the writing of Miss Austen.

I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Ms. Grange presented the Captain just as I had imagined him in my mind. I was completely wrapped up in the story from beginning to end even though I knew exactly how it would conclude. I mean, I had read the original book after all.

The Diary books are all written from the point of view of the heroes from each of Jane Austen’s novels. Since those were primarily written from the heroine’s POV, this gives us insight into the personal thoughts of the hero. In this addition to the series, Wentworth is written just as he should be: good natured and humorous with a bit of an edge at certain moments.

Any fan of Austen and especially Persuasion will love this book. The author allows you more intimacy with the characters and into scenes we never got to see in the original. For instance, the book begins in 1806, the year Wentworth and Anne meet and fall in love. In fact, over a hundred of the first pages of the book are dedicated to this part of the story. It’s wonderful reading Wentworth’s thoughts and following him as he experiences falling in love with all his youthful ardor. In the middle of the book, we switch to the year 1817 which is where J. Austen actually began her story, and we see Wentworth and Anne older and more mature but just as much in love.

I must applaud Ms. Grange for creating such a well-written and researched retelling of a story I love so dearly. Her tone and language compliment the Regency-era original to perfection. This book will entrance and enthrall. I know it held me captive to the very end. This is a bookshelf keeper to be read over and over.

I give it 5 out of 5!

White Rose Contest Continuing

2009-10-26T10:21:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that we are continuing the 'Our Cup Runneth Over' Contest this week at http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/. Just look for the White Rose Publishing mug here on my blog and that of Sharon Donovan 's this week and send that information to Carol Ann at carolann.erhardt@gmail.com Then you will be entered into a contest to win a copy of a book from Sharon and myself.

Hope you are having a great Monday!
Cindy

Classic Friday: The Interitance by Louisa May Alcott

2009-10-23T19:12:00.004-04:00

I loved re-reading this book! I believe I read it for the first time back in 1997 when it first came out. (Yes, an Alcott novel releasing over a hundred years after her death.) The Inheritance was her first novel. She even made a notation on it that it was her first novel written at the age of 17 which she never attempted to get published. Now, it’s not one of those thrilling, sensational stories as Jo March liked to write. Instead, it is a quaint, sweet, English novel about an orphaned girl and her future inheritance. The manuscript was discovered among Miss Alcott’s papers and cataloged along with her other writings. Eventually, it too was brought to print.

It’s interesting because I recently purchased the movie version of the book. It was also made in 1997 and so it had been a long time since I watched it. Something seemed odd about the movie from what I remembered about the book. ‘Wasn’t this supposed to be set in England in the early 19th century?’ I asked myself. The movie set the story near Concord (L.M. Alcott’s home) in the 1870's. And the characters are Americans not English. They added a new dimension to the heroine, Edith. They took away one character and added another while also including a variation on the plot. In many ways, it is a totally different story while still being essentially Miss Alcott’s fond tale. I enjoyed the movie, but the changes do take away from the style and tone that Louisa probably intended for her story.

The writing style of the novel is quite different than say…Little Women. You can sense the naivety of the young woman penning this story. She isn't yet the author she will become. And yet it is lyrical and lovely. In fact, I read many of the passages out loud just to hear how they sounded. It’s a sweet, poignant story and I enjoyed it completely. I only wish I could have written such a splendid novel at that same tender age.

A vignette for your edification. (pg 90)

The heart he studied the most earnestly and that each day grew more beautiful to him was Edith’s. Amid the trials she so silently was bearing still grew the gratitude and love she bore to those around her and still lay the deep, longing wish for tenderness and true affection which none ever guessed and none ever sought to give.

Yet he who was daily near her and who so often found a place within her thoughts now became her friend, seeking by unseen acts of silent kindness to make life more pleasant to her. While thus employed, the friendship and generous pity were fast deepening into the truest reverence and most holy love for one who bore so meekly the sorrows that must try a gentle heart and was so rich in pure and sinless feelings and so beautiful in all woman’s noblest gifts.

For The Sweetest Romance Authors Scavenger Hunt

2009-10-21T19:36:00.002-04:00

Hello to everyone on the Scavenger Hunt. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I received a message from one 'sweet' lady to ask if I'd like to be a blog stop on the scavenger hunt. I, of course, said 'yes.' Hope you found the clue and while you're here, I have a great excerpt posted below from my latest release coming in just 2 weeks! Have a great night!

To continue the scavenger hunt, return to the sweetest romance chat room: http://sweetestromancechat.blogspot.com/

Excerpt from New Release: Snow Kissed

2009-10-05T14:49:00.004-04:00

I'm getting excited! My next release--Snow Kissed--will be available November 6th which will be here before we know it. I thought I'd drop a little bit of an excerpt today.

Blurb:

Holly can no longer stay in town knowing the man she loves only sees her as a friend. It’s time to move on; besides she has other career prospects.

As the carnival unfolds, watch God work in amazing ways. Can He change Holly’s mind and make her stay? Can He help Logan see beyond the friendship? Only time can tell.

Excerpt:

“Yes, Logan.” Holly tried to smile, but it was futile by the way he stared at her.

“I—I…would you like to dance?” He broke eye contact and pointed over at the activity above them.

His offer to dance couldn’t have been more surprising if he had expounded upon Bach’s harmonic chord analysis. Logan didn’t dance. Holly wasn’t even sure he could dance. The music playing was slow and romantic with the words sung in Italian by an awe-inspiring baritone. To dance in the muted light to such a song was way too romantic a gesture for Logan.

“You hate to dance.”

“Yeah, I know.” The smile he gave her was subtle as always, yet so darn adorable. Her legs went a little weak at the sight. Lord, help me. Seriously, Lord. Help! The last thing I need is to go head over heels—figuratively and literally.

****

How infuriating was this? Not only was he flubbing up all this with Holly, but now he’d roped himself into dancing. Not just dancing, but dancing in the gazebo at a major town function. Logan could just imagine the look on Muriel Potter’s face if she spotted them. He grabbed Holly’s hand and raced up the steps. No use in prolonging the inevitable.

It didn’t take long before they were face-to-face in one corner of the dance floor. He stepped closer, her profound blue eyes staring him down. She didn’t think he could do this. Her smile was almost a dare; it was definitely playful. He pulled her into his arms and began swaying in time to the music. Holly followed his lead without question as if they had been made for this moment in time, each movement fluid and together.

“You’re good,” she said, with a laugh.

“Surprised?” He gave her a slow spin.

“Yes!” she replied with energy when she faced him again.

“For that I just might make you dance again.”

“Threatening me now?”

“Is it a threat?” He tightened his hold around her waist and she pulled her perfect, sweet lips up into a radiant smile.

As they continued the slow dance, she rested her head on his chest and his heart began to thump rapidly. He lowered his head near her ear. “Why didn’t you tell me, Holly?”

She raised her head abruptly, an expression of surprise and remorse mingled in her features. It made him feel a little better to see the emotion on her face. To watch her breathing come in fast gulps and her eyes grow large as they stared back at him. She started to back out of his grasp, but he held her firmly in place, continuing their dance.

“I’m sorry, Logan, I should have told you. I—I wanted to…”

“Yes, you should have. Who do you think you are to leave without letting me know?” He tried to smile convincingly, as if he was only playing with her, but he had to admit to the sting he felt in his heart knowing she hadn’t told him when she had evidently told others.

Snow Kissed, will release with White Rose Publishing (the new imprint of The Wild Rose Press) November 6^th.

Synopsis (Part 2):Style

2009-10-01T13:29:00.004-04:00

Here is part II of my synopsis study. Look back for the blog on content of the synopsis.

Now that you know what to put in the synopsis, we now come to the problem of how to write it. Here a few things to think about before starting the synopsis.

Tense—our books are written in past tense, more than likely. However, the synopsis (like the blurb) should be written in present tense. It gives it more immediacy and excitement—like a sale’s pitch.

Viewpoint—it doesn’t matter if the novel is written in 1^st or 3^rd point of view. The synopsis is the Author’s summary. Use the author-as-narrator viewpoint. This is something we avoid when writing our books but is necessary when putting together the synopsis.

Nouns and Verbs—Make your nouns concrete and your verbs vivid. Not unlike in your novel—but even more so. Get rid of to-be verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) and limit passive verbs. Give the synopsis a sense of action, excitement, and movement.

Length—a paragraph or two synopsis within a query is adequate. Only one to two pages when included with the query (single spaced with double spaces between paragraphs). If a synopsis is requested with a partial or full manuscript, then the standard length is five pages (double spaced). This is the length sent by agents to acquiring editors. Boil the story down to its essence.

Story Chronology—time can be complex when explaining your novel in a synopsis. Backstory and such. No need to capture the shifts in time exactly as they occur in the novel. Use turning points to show the chronology.

Variations—adjust the standard style of the synopsis writing to fit your unique story and style. There are a couple extreme variations that can be utilized when incorporated skillfully.

Short Summary when followed by a longer summary—this is for the longer synopsis—usually five or more pages. The short summary is like the hook or blurb. It starts with a one line hook—like a tv guide description.

Narrative Hook—using the tense and pov of your book. It isn’t the actual opening of your

book. It is used to entice agents or editors to read your book. After the opening narrative hook, you go into summary synopsis format.

Short story hook—this is a variation of high risk. The first several pages of the synopsis read like a short story. For example it could be written in 3^rd person, past tense, and include dialogue. The last page shifts to synopsis summary.

*Most of the information I’ve put together on writing the synopsis comes from The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit by Elizabeth Lyon. It’s a great resource and I recommended it highly.

Featured Guest: Celia Yeary

2009-09-24T07:20:00.005-04:00

Please welcome this week's featured guest: Celia Yeary!

Thanks for coming today and sharing the story behind your newest release, Celia. This sounds like a good one.

The Story Behind Showdown in Southfork

When I became acquainted with The Wild Rose Press on the Yahoo loop, I noticed a new series, which looked rather popular—Wayback, Texas—“Where a cowboy falls in love every eight seconds.” I bought the first two immediately—Hot Night at the Blue Bug Saloon by Rita Thetford, and Shadow of the Hawk by Judith Rochelle. I was hooked. Right away, I yearned to be a Wayback author. I studied the download in the Wayback loop, the one that describes the mythical town with its residents, businesses, and rodeo grounds. I read the guidelines carefully. Still, I hesitated, knowing little about the rodeo, and because—I had no idea for a plot.

One day in the newspaper, I read an article about Bobby Cave who owned a ghost town named Albert, Texas. The town is about one hundred miles from where I live in the Hill Country. He had put it up for sale on eBay for 2.5 million dollars. I never knew if he got any takers--but I had my story.

“Albert, Texas offers 13 wooded acres, an 85 year-old dance hall, an ice house stocked with beer, a creek, pecan and peach orchards, and a few more assorted buildings. Population: 4.”

Showdown in Southfork was born. I named my little town—population: 1—Southfork after the Southfork of the Brazos River, which might run near Wayback, Texas, theoretically approximately 15 miles away.

**********************

This is an excerpt:

A chill ran down her arms, as she parked in front of the first building. Clutching the pistol in her right hand, she stepped down from the Jeep, slammed the door, and walked slowly up the dusty street. As she approached, she saw a man wearing faded Levi’s and a sweat-stained straw cowboy hat. He sat in a straight-backed chair, leaned against the wall on the back two legs, whistling snatches of “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” and whittling on a piece of wood, paying her no mind whatsoever.

“Who are you?” she called.

With the movement of a sloth, he stopped both activities—the whistling and the whittling—and raised his head. After fifteen seconds, he drawled, “Good afternoon.”

“I asked your name, mister.” She held the gun straight out with both hands, as she had seen the detectives do on Law and Order, whether they were male or female.

“Uh,” he began, but stopped to brush the wood shavings off his jeans. He held up a finger and said, “Just a minute.”

With infinite slowness, he wiped the knife blade back and forth on his jeans’ leg, snapped it closed, lowered the chair, and stood. With one hand, he hitched his jeans up a notch on his incredibly lean torso, and with the other, dropped the knife in a front pocket.

“Hurry up!” she yelled. “It’s blazing hot out here!”

Again, he paused and gazed at her. “Yeah. I know. That’s why I’m in the shade.”

“What are you doing here? And I want an answer now.”

“Here? You mean on the porch?”

“No, you… No, I mean in this town.”

Now, he ambled down the four steps to the ground but remained in the shade. With his back against the edge of the porch, one foot propped behind him, and his thumbs hooked in the front pockets of his jeans, he asked with a bewildered look, “What’re you doing with a gun?”

“Pointing it at you, you… Why can’t you answer a simple question?”

“Which simple question do you want me to answer first?”

**************

Celia Yeary is a fifth-generation Texan, and her life revolves around family and friends—and writing. San Marcos has been her home for thirty-five years. She has written three romance novels for a small press, essays for Texas Co-op Power magazine, and several different topics for her weekly blog. She also writes women’s fiction and hopes a publisher comes along who likes these stories, too.

The author is a former science teacher, graduate of Texas Tech University and Texas State University, mother of two, grandmother of three, and wife of a wonderful, supportive Texan. Celia and her husband enjoy traveling, and both are involved in their church and the community.

Celia Yeary

www.celiayeary.com

http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thebookspa

http://twrpcactusrose.blogspot.com

ALL MY HOPES AND DREAMS-a Cactus Rose—

eBook available at: www.thewildrosepress.com

Print available now at: www.thewildrosepress.com

SHOWDOWN IN SOUTHFORK at: www.thewildrosepress.com

I'm Cured!

2009-09-23T08:03:00.003-04:00

When I first got married (at 20 y/o—mind you), I knew I wanted to have children even though I had great and illustrious career plans. The desire to have a baby grew even stronger when one of my closest friends had a baby. I had contracted baby fever!

Three years after my husband and I said I do, baby #1 arrived. (The day after our third anniversary.) When he was about two years old and I realized he wasn’t a baby anymore, I became racked with baby fever again. But being the smart woman that I am, I waited. It just wasn’t the right time. I was working full time as a teacher and finishing up my credential classes. It was not a good time. Finally after a couple years of teaching and with all my schooling completed, I thought now was the time to have another baby. The fever had kicked in again. But wouldn’t you know it, my body just wasn’t ready.

Baby #1 had been an unexpected surprise, but for baby #2 we had to work for it. Actually, we consciously tried to get pregnant for six months and then stopped. We decided if it happened it happened. Well, almost exactly a year after we first started trying it happened!

Baby #2 came and my husband even got a job paying enough so that I could quit working and stay home with the baby and homeschool the oldest for a couple years. So, now baby #2 is no longer a baby, he’s five. Have I contracted baby fever again?

Two of my closest friends got pregnant this past year. One had hers in January; it was her third. And the other one had hers in March; it was her first. So, of course I get emails about all the joys, excitement, and travails of being a first time mom from the latter friend. And I am so happy for her, but I realized that I was glad it was her and not me. I am cured of baby fever!!

Before #2 arrived, I had a six-year-old and that meant that he could do a lot for himself and entertain himself. It also meant that I was not chained to the house. We could go out and do a lot of things. When the baby came, all that changed. As my baby has met those marks of achievement (crawling, walking, talking, potty training, etc) the feeling of having to start all over with a new baby just doesn’t seem all that attractive anymore. I am ready to move forward with my life. I enjoyed all the moments of my little ones babyhood, but now I’m ready for life with my children, not babies.

When I was pregnant with baby #2, we decided boy or girl it would be the last. Well, baby #1 was a boy and baby #2 was also a boy. But we are standing firm; this one is the last. There have been times that I have been sad by the fact that I will never have a daughter and experience that mother-daughter bond. But a friend of mine who is about twenty years older than me (and a mother of boys) told me when I was pregnant with the first, “Boys love their mommies.” And it is true. I have a special relationship with my boys especially the oldest, and I love that. I look forward to a future with them.

Having taught Jr. High for several years, I know in part what I am in for. But I must admit that Jr. High boys can be great fun. I enjoyed my time with them and got along with them better than many of the girls. With that experience, I see certain teenage tendencies in my own boys that can be worrisome, but because I see it I hope that I can nip it in the bud early. The problem that I often see in the parents of Jr. Highers is that parents never took the time to develop a deep relationship with their children at a young age, and then when their kids hit 13 they don’t understand why their children want nothing to do with them or they won’t listen to anything they have to say. So, as a teacher my advice is to build that relationship now and make yourself an important part of your kids lives so that when they are older you will still be there.

On the up side for me, I waited until my oldest was six before #2 came along. So, when I send my oldest off to college at 18, my youngest will just be starting 7^th grade. And that is good because from the looks of him, he is going to be trouble and I will need to focus all my energy to keep up with him. Take Care all you mothers out there!

White Rose Contest

2009-09-12T14:57:00.001-04:00

Our Cup Runneth Over contest details:

Each week, over the next seven weeks, you will have the chance to win free e-books courtesy of the White Rose Publishing authors.

How? By joining our scavenger hunt. Each Saturday two to three new author’s web-sites will be added to the White Roses blog. Your job is to locate the WHITE ROSE PUBLISHING cup hiding somewhere on their site. Jot down the author’s name and what color cup is on their web page and e-mail the correct answers to carolann.erhardt@gmail.com (Please place in the subject line WRiB Contest) Each Saturday, starting September 19th, a winner’s name will be drawn and your prize will be awarded.

But that’s not all, each time that you send in an entry—regardless if you win that week or not–your name goes into a larger kitty for the grand prize drawing October 31st! (That prize consists of: seven e-books, a box of White Rose Organic tea, your very own beautiful White Rose mug, and a little basket of Arbonne skin care products.)

Get going today. The first two web-pages were already posted so you can start your hunt. There will also be a listing of the books which will be awarded.

Hope you can join us!

Remembrance 9/11

2009-09-11T10:06:00.003-04:00

Today is the Memorial of 9/11 and the Terrorist attack on the US. This morning on Fox News they are discussing the event and my oldest son was able to see the actual planes crash into the Twin Towers. (He was only 3 y/o when this tragedy took place.) It, of course, made me think back on when I saw this for the first time and how I found out about what had taken place. In 2001, I was teaching 7^th grade. I hadn’t turned on the TV or the news radio that morning. So I had no idea when I arrived at school. One of my male students ran up to me very excitedly and told me that terrorists had flown a plane into a building, but I thought he was playing with me. They would do stuff like that to me. Then of course I learned it was true. School was dismissed early and I got to go home and see televised footage.

Our country was very affected by that day. From that moment on we thought differently about the world. Some of those memories have dulled with time. American’s patriotism was at a high after 9/11. Something we hadn’t seen practically since 1941 when we were attacked by the Japanese. Slowly we’ve begun to forget, but we can never forget.

Superman Returns: Film Review

2009-09-08T17:04:00.007-04:00

My five-year-old son is a superhero fanatic. He watches the cartoons and movies. He plays with the action figures and even picture reads the child version books. And who is his favorite superhero? Why Superman, of course. Is there a better one out there? Okay, I suppose that is a matter of opinion. You see I too love the supes and the Man of Steel is my ultimate fav.

So over the weekend, my son and I decided to re-watch the latest Superman film, Superman Returns. Watching it again reminded me of a review I wrote back when the movie released. I thought today I'd post it to the blog.

[Written July 2006]

Let me stipulate first that I am a die hard Superman fan and that I have greatly anticipated this movie. In stating that, let me continue by saying that I liked the film…well, no I loved it. That is not to say that I thought it was flawless and loved every part of it, but taken as a whole I thought it was very good.

When it comes to these superhero movies and big summer blockbusters, movie goers and reviewers are looking for different things. Maybe you want an epic film, lots of action and special effects, or maybe you are looking for a personal journey for our oldest and most beloved hero. I think that if you are mainly looking for the latter then you won’t be disappointed in this film.

As the movie started and the all too familiar blue lettering flowed across the screen with Williams’ Superman theme music pumping through the speakers, my heart beat picked up with all the anticipation that I had been feeling. It was euphoric!

What I really enjoyed was that this wasn’t your typical action summer flick. It had depth and heart. The film was very artistic. Gorgeous cinematography. Some of the shots of the Man of Steel were absolutely beautiful. I loved the architecture of the buildings especially the Daily Planet – inside and out it had that Art Déco decor. Lovely. Having only seen the movie once, I couldn’t take it all in; but I look forward to seeing it again and enjoying all the sets and scenery.

And there was action. It is a Bryan Singer film, after all, who did the 1^st two X-men features. Look for the plane crashing sequence, and you will see our favorite supe defying physics in stopping a plummeting plane from smashing into the ground. Very well done, full of action, and terrific special effects. And the flying - I loved it. He moves through the air in a way that you’ve never seen him, flawless.

What about the characters? I love character study and I need memorable characters! I thought Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen was so-so. He didn’t stick out to me as anything special. And Frank Langella as Perry White was actually disappointing. I know he's a great actor, and so I expected more from him. His performance really was forgettable. Jackie Cooper was a great Perry, and Lane Smith from the Lois and Clark TV show is my favorite Perry of all time. James Marsden who you will recognize as Cyclops from X-men plays Richard White and Lois’ fiancé. His performance was right on. He is a nice guy, and you actually feel for him because Lois still loves Superman (well duh). So much for the supporting characters.

And what about the central players?

Kevin Spacey plays Lex Luthor, and it was foretold that he was playing the character much darker and sinister than Gene Hackman’s rendition. And yes he does play it in a more ominous light, but I had just anticipated more. Getting used to the dark character that Lex is becoming in the TV show Smallville, I just expected even more of that in the movie version. I have to applaud Michael Rosenbaum in playing a Lex Luthor who in time will become equal to the title of the greatest criminal mastermind in the world. Again the writers give Lex a weak plot in this movie. This character is worthy of so much more.

(Rosenbaum as Luthor)

Lois Lane. I love the Lois Lane character. I mean she is as important to the Superman mythos as that of Clark Kent. Her characteristics and foibles are famous. And I must admit that Teri Hatcher’s Lois is my favorite because she played the role with all the familiar Lois eccentricies, but she added to that a sensitivity that I think is key to knowing Lois. And in Superman Returns, Kate Bosworth (whose other big films include: “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton” and “Blue Crush") played this iconic character. I was very unsettled about the choice of Kate as Lois. And after watching the film, I find that she didn’t totally kill Lois. Her performance was fine. But it just wasn’t quite Lois. I hope in future Superman films that she can step up her Lois performance. It needs work, but it was ok.

So that leaves the Man of Steel himself. I love the Clark Kent character more than the Superman figure. And this movie was meant to focus on the man more than the super. Of course, in the films, they make Clark Kent in Metropolis as his disguise; and Superman is who he really is. I’ve never liked this because how can Lois really know him when he is a bumbling fool as Clark and all she can see when he is Superman is the hero? But putting that aside, I thought Brandon Routh was great. I was the most pleased with his performance more than anyone else in the film. He has been criticized as not being as good as Christopher Reeve and not doing the things that Chris did, and then he has also been criticized as just copying the past Man of Steel. But I don’t agree. Actors that don’t play characters larger than life are criticized. These same people don’t take the time to observe the subtle way that these actors portray their characters. If you take the time, you just might see greatness.

This film let the viewer see a side of Superman that we haven’t seen before. We see him as a man, and a man who is alone. There were beautiful views of Superman up above the world listening and watching and knowing that the world needs him, but that he is all alone. And the sadness he feels in having lost Lois was very touching. The most poignant moment in the movie comes at the end. I won’t go into detail for those of you who have not watched the movie yet. But first of all Brandon’s acting was terrific and touching in that scene. It was a paramount turn of events for the Superman character as well. I know it brought a tear to my eye.

Sure there were things unanswered at the end of the film…what happened to…what about…? But I know that Singer is planning two more films, and I am supposing that there is a three film story line which I hope includes Lois Lane finding out the truth about Clark…eventually. Because as all good Superman fans know – Lois and Clark do get together in the end. I look forward to seeing to fruition this new Superman franchise of movies. It is definitely a must see at the theater. I give it an A-.

[UPDATE]

Since I wrote this review, things have change in the world of Superman films. TPTB intend to make another film or series of films but it won't be with Singer as director. It will be as if this film never took place. I'm curious what direction they'll take it. HOWEVER, I hear they intend to keep Routh on as Clark Kent. Good choice. I look forward to it.

Signs that You're Getting Old

2009-08-28T10:02:00.005-04:00

We live in such a youth-centered culture that it is very hard to get old. Something happened this week that made me question if I’m getting old too. And then my eye doctor said ‘it’s only *** years till you turn 40. Then is all falls apart.’ Lovely man.

So here a funny list of ‘Signs that You’re Getting Old’ which I collected from several sources:

1. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.

2. You watch the Weather Channel.
3. Your friends marry and divorce instead of “hook up” and “break up.”
4. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
5. You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
6. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
7. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.

8. The music that was popular while you were growing up is suddenly being played on the "Classic Rock" station.

9. You sit down to breakfast and hear "Snap, Crackle, and Pop"....and you haven't even poured milk on your cereal yet.

10. Lawn care has become a pretty BIG part of your life.

11. You need glasses to find your glasses.

12. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
13. People call at 9 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
14. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.

15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18. The kids you used to babysit have their own kids and you’re pretty sure it’s only been a few years since they were wearing diapers.

19. You remember being horrified when your ‘ancient’ parents turned 40, and never thought it would happen to you.

20. You’d rather people forget it’s your birthday so you can pretend another one hasn’t come and gone.

Have anymore to add??

The Dreaded, Evil Synopsis

2009-08-27T13:40:00.006-04:00

I’ve always hated the idea of the synopsis, and I know I'm not alone. To most authors it is the equivalent of a four-letter word. However, I have to admit that while investing quite a lot of time recently studying up on it that I’ve learned to like it. Shh! Don’t tell. Part of the reason is because when you take the time to write the synopsis it gives you the opportunity to really evaluate your novel or story and make sure it has value and that it is indeed ready for submission.

So let’s get to it. Let me share with you the research I’ve put together on writing the synopsis.*

A synopsis is a summary of your book in it’s entirety. It’s an overview of plot, characters, and conflict. Its style is a preview of coming attractions—characters, dramatic moments, and plot.

I. Content—the Seven parts to a synopsis:

1. Theme

The theme pulls the entire book together. Sometimes you don’t even know what the theme is until you’re ready to write the synopsis. But identifying that theme really is a selling factor for your novel.

2. Setting the Period

When you start off the synopsis set the scene and let the reader know the place and time period if that is revelant.

3. Plot summary

This is the heart of the synopsis. It includes the beginning, middle and end. Don’t forget the END! Introduce the problem, the conflict and the resolution. Provide the inciting incident (beginning), effort to reach the goal (middle), and climax—success or failure (the end). The plot must spring from your characters not events.

4. Character Sketches

Show that your story is character driven (Although it would be near impossible to write a romance that wasn’t character driven—wouldn’t it?) Take a paragraph to describe your character—his past, his motivations, what drives him and makes him unique, his flaws. Include major players in the story—protagonists and antagonists. Omit subplot characters. Name only 4-5 characters—tops. The rest give role names within the summary. Things like friend, mother-in-law, policeman, clerk, etc. In a long novel with many characters it may be necessary to include a character list with basic roles to be referred to through the plot synopsis.

5. Dialogue

Use dialogue sparingly in the synopsis. It slows down pace and takes up space. In a synopsis, every word must be efficient. However, well chosen bits of dialogue lend flavor to the bland voice of summary.

6. Emotional Turning Points

Every novelist knows that it’s the small scenes that move the plot forward. You can’t include all those scenes in the synopsis. The big scenes, on the other hand, those emotional turning points, should be included. The climax is the final turning point along with a statement regarding how your protagonist ultimately changes by books end.

7. Subplots

You won’t be able to include every subplot in the synopsis. But if there is an important subplot (especially if it connects to the main plot) make sure to include it.

Notes: Open with a problem and what’s at stake—set the stage. Introduce your protagonist with a hint at inner problems and conflict before going into the plot summary.

Have fun! No really, try to have fun with it. Make yours stand out from the crowd and a sense of humor just might do the trick.

Next time the style of the synopsis.

*Most of the information I’ve put together on writing the synopsis comes from The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit by Elizabeth Lyon. It’s a great resource and I recommended it highly.

White Rose Chat at LASR

2009-08-17T14:19:00.003-04:00

I'd like to encourage everyone to come to a book chat at Long and Short Romance Review's yahoo loop with the White Roses in Bloom blog group. We are authors of sweet and Inspirational romance and would love to have you join us. We'll be introducing our September contest which you will not want to miss.

When: Saturday, September 5th
Where: LSAR --http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongAndShortRomanceReviews/
Time: All Day Long!

Book Revival

2009-07-27T12:17:00.001-04:00

At the end of the year, I have two releases coming. They are new and yet they aren’t. They are the revival of two of my now OUT OF PRINT titles from By Grace Publishing who went out of business at the end of last year.

In November, Snow Kissed will release with White Rose Publishing. This was first published in the BG anthology, Winter Wonders, as a short sweet romance. I rewrote it, doubling the length, and turned it into an Inspirational.

In December, my very first ever published book, The Spirit of Christmas, will release brand spanking new as All I Want for Christmas from Champagne Books. I tirelessly rewrote this book from word choices, sentence structure, deeping POV, adding a character and twisting the plot. It is almost a new book.

I’m very excited about these two winter releases. I’ll share more about them as we move closer to release. Covers should be coming soon.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite patriotic poems. I memorized this one in elementary school and still love it.

Thought I’d share it with you today.

The Flag Goes By

By H.H. Bennett

Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!

Blue and crimson and white it shines,
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.
Hats off!
The colors before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by.

Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,
Fought to make and to save the State;
Weary marches and sinking ships;
Cheers of victory on dying lips;

Days of plenty and years of peace,
March of a strong land's swift increase:
Equal justice, right and law,
Stately honor and reverent awe;

Sign of a nation, great and strong,
To ward her people from foreign wrong;
Pride and glory and honor, all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.

Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!

Guest Spotlight--Linore Rose Burkard

2009-05-20T09:45:00.006-04:00

I'm very excited to have Linore Rose Burkard on the blog today. I just finished reading her first Inspirational Regency and loved it. (See my review below). Today we're talking about her 2nd in the series--The House in Grosvenor Square. Please, come on in, learn a bit more about Linore and her books, and leave a comment.

BIO-LINORE ROSE BURKARD
Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the era of Regency England (circa 1800 - 1830). Fans of classic romances, such as Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense & Sensibility, will enjoy meeting Ariana Forsythe, a feisty heroine who finds her heart and beliefs tested by high-society London.

Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Her books and monthly newsletter captivate readers with little-known facts, exciting stories, and historical insights. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy romance that reminds us happy endings are possible for everyone.

Publisher's Weekly affirms, "Ms. Burkard's command of period detail is impressive, evident in material details, but also in dialogue. Her novels even help non-Regencyphiles learn the difference between ladies' pelisses and spencers...On the whole, it's a tasty confection."

Ms. Burkard began writing when she couldn't find a Regency romance with an inspirational twist. "There were Christian books that approached the genre," she says, "But, they fell short of being a genuine Regency. I knew that many women like me want stories that are historically authentic and offer glimpses of God's involvement in our lives. So, I finally gave up looking and decided to write one myself."

Ms. Burkard was raised in New York, where she graduated magna cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. She lives with her husband and five children in a town full of antique stores and gift shops in southwestern Ohio. Her hobbies include working on four new Regency novels, family movie nights, swimming, and gardening.

Q&A with Linore:

Linore, what drew you to writing Regency Romance novels?
Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen books gave me a love for the period, and there weren't any Christian regencies to be found. I wanted to change that.

Where did you find your inspiration for Ariana and Phillip?
I think they're both amalgamations of people I've read about and/or known. All of my characters are very real for me, so I suppose I've had to pull them from the world in some way or other.

What do you think we could learn today from how society operated in the Regency period?
England in the 1800s is a world away from the 21st century. Times have changed, but people haven't. Men and women of the time were concerned with their appearances, their finances, their futures, finding the right spouse, and so on, just as we are, today. How they went about pursuing these ends is where all the difference lies, however, and this is precisely where the interest and adventure opens up for writers; We get to bring to life the means and methods of everyday life and timeless concerns from the regency. It is fun and enlightening as a glimpse into the past, but readers can also identify with the basic human need to be genuinely loved for oneself, no matter the setting or time period, and to be certain of one's convictions concerning life, eternity, and faith. Having said that, it is good to remind modern readers that valuing one's purity can be mainstream, as it was then; or that the struggle to find a true love and a sense that one's life has value, has always been a human issue.

What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
I hope my readers will feel as though they've been transported to the Regency for a good, satisfying visit; While they're visiting, they'll be reminded that God is involved in their life, and that happy endings are possible for everyone.

Any Regency romance is going to be compared to Jane Austen's novels ~ how are your books similar / different?
I don't think most regencies are written with this comparison in mind at all. However, other people say my book is "Austen-like." That is a huge compliment, and one I would love to live up to.

Do you have more Regency novels planned?
Right now I'm working on my third book in the series,The Country House Courtship. I have a few more regencies in mind also, which I hope to have published after TCHC.

Can you give us a sneak peek into The Country House Courtship?
Country House is the third book in the Regency Series, and gives one of the minor characters from the first books her own "day in the spotlight," her own romance. It begins about five years later (about 1818) and sees Mr. O'Brien (a curate, now) to a happy marriage of his own.

Do you ever bang your head against the wall from the dreaded writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it?
I do something else. If I can't write a scene for a book, I can always update my website or blog, or do an article for someone, or answer interview questions. I can't really force a scene when it isn't coming; A real block means I need to think about the story more; that something isn't fleshed out enough in my mind to write it out in a compelling way. So getting busy doing something else is the best thing I can do for the book and for me (rather than beat myself up). It allows me to think about what is missing in the scene or in the character until I can get back to writing it more confidently.

Novelists sometimes dig themselves into a hole over implausible plots, flat characters, or a host of other problems. What's the most difficult part of writing for you (or was when you first started on your novel journey)?
I think for me the biggest challenge was to believe that I could write a novel in small increments. As a mom of five, four of whom are still home year-round (one is in college), having frequent interruptions is a fact of life. Writing takes a concentration so deep so that when I first started doing scenes, I would find myself getting woozy after standing up. I was shocked at the level of exertion it took to use my brain that hard, I guess! It happens less now--I guess I've grown accustomed to it. And I've learned to appreciate those small blocks of time. Ten minutes in a waiting room can yield a part of a scene I couldn't get done at home. Every little bit counts. I don't despise small beginnings. There are times when I'm in a deep level of involvement with a story or a character, and then getting interrupted can break the mood; but I'm getting better all the time at picking up where I left off, no matter how deeply I've got to dive to get back into the character or situation. For people like me with busy households, this is a must-have ability. I believe it can be the difference between making that deadline or not.

How did (or do) you climb out (overcome it)?
If I do get stuck at some point in the plot, I let it simmer in my mind. I also exercise--for some reason, when I am physically active, my brain gets going in a way that doesn't always happen when I'm sitting with my laptop before me. Swimming and doing the treadmill (walking) almost always result in wonderful new ideas I just can 't wait to get on paper. Sometimes, I've even had to stop walking and run to the pc just to get the idea down so I don't forget. By the way, I always pray for the right idea, too. There is no better writer than God.

The second "nifty" way to solve a plot (or other) problem in a book is to let it sit awhile without reading it. When you come back to it after a long enough interval (as long as you can give it) solutions just present themselves. I find the same thing happens to me with crossword puzzles--if I'm stuck, I put it down and when I come back to it--even an hour later--the word is there. So the key is, give yourself permission to take a break.

Some authors report writing 5-10 thousand words a day. Do scenes flow freely from your veins, or do you have to tweeze each word out?
In general, I write more than I need and later have to cut back. I don't use a word count, but I may set a goal of one chapter a day or two chapters for a busy week. Other times, I don't think in terms of chapters at all, just events. I may break an event down into four scenes, say, and so my goal for that day will be to get the whole event on paper. In other words, finish the four scenes. Life changes so rapidly with the children, that for me, a hard and fast writing goal just wouldn't work. And, I focus on results, not time spent. Instead of, "Now I'll write for three hours," I say, "Now I'll have this or that happen to a character, or, 'I'll show a different side to this person." When I have accomplished that goal, no matter how long it took, I feel satisfied, and only then.

READER EXCERPT FROM THE HOUSE IN GROSVENOR SQUARE

CHAPTER 1

Mayfair, London: 1813
"Inexplicable." There was no other word for Mr. Mornay's behaviour to her that morning,and Ariana Forsythe could think of naught else unless it changed. Soon.

She looked at him challengingly, where he sat across from her in his expensive, plush black coach. Faultlessly handsome, Phillip Mornay was dressed stylishly in a twin-tailed frock coat, buff pantaloons and polished black boots. His beautifully tied cravat puffed lightly out from an embroidered white waistcoat, and his dark hair and famously handsome features were framed by a top hat. Everything he wore looked new, his clothing always did; and yet he might have worn it a dozen times, so comfortable did he appear in his attire. But he had barely looked at Ariana for more than a fleeting second since he had come for her
this morning, and it was beginning to grate on her nerves. She had to think of something to say.

"Tomorrow is the day I shall see the full of your house, is it not?" She had been in Mr. Mornay's
house in Grosvenor Square before, but this time she and Aunt Bentley were to get a tour, top to
bottom, so she would feel more at home after the wedding. She and Mr. Mornay were betrothed to be
married in two weeks.

The dark eyes flicked at her, and she felt a fleeting twinge of satisfaction.
"It is."

She wanted to hold his attention, and began a smile, but he looked away, abruptly. What could be wrong? Mr. Mornay often studied her when they were together; she was so used to finding the dark-eyed warm gaze upon her, in fact, that she felt somewhat abandoned to be deprived of it, now. Had she done something to displease him? When he usually attended to her so deeply as though he could read into her soul?

They were on their way to the London Orphan Society, in Mr. Mornay's upholstered coach and- four, with its fashionable high-steppers and liveried footmen on back, to attend a special service at the Society's Chapel. A lady was giving a dramatic reading from Scripture; a most celebrated dramatic reading. Ariana and Mr. Mornay had received invitations for the event, with encouragement to invite anyone of their acquaintance. Thus, there were also four other occupants in the carriage this morning, and seating was snug.

On either side of Ariana was a relation. Her younger sister, Beatrice, just turned twelve, was to her left, and her aunt and chaperon for the season, Mrs. Agatha Bentley, sat on her right. The ladies faced the gentlemen sitting across from them; first, Mr. Peter O'Brien, a future cleric, at Beatrice's particular request; then Ariana's future husband, Mr. Mornay, silent and unapproachable, and finally, the agreeable Mr. Pellham, her aunt's betrothed. (She and her aunt were betrothed at the same time. A most fortuitous turn of events; Ariana ought to have been in raptures of joy.) But unless Mr. Mornay's demeanour changed, Ariana could not enjoy herself. His inattentiveness was such a contrast to his usual behaviour that it was impossible for her to ignore it, or shrug it off as mere ill humour.

It seemed ironic now that when all had been uncertain about the wedding, (when Ariana had held out against her desire to marry Mr. Mornay because she would only marry a man who could share her spiritual life in God,) that up to then, his love and affection were painfully clear. And now, after Mr. Mornay had undergone a stark change in his religion; that is, when he came to believe in a personal, loving God, and the betrothal was settled, suddenly he was behaving as though he wished it were not.

Sitting across from her, he should have been engaging her with his usual intent gaze, smiling slightly at her remarks when she amused him or spoke to others; instead, he sat staring out the window (a thing he never did) and appeared to be morosely preoccupied in his own thoughts. It pricked against her nerves. She would bring him out of this brown study if it took all her ingenuity!

And then he suddenly turned and spoke: "Did I mention I shall be occupied for the rest of the day? After leaving you at your house, following the morning's service?"

Her large, tan eyes sparkled into bluish-green as they tended to do whenever her feelings were stirred. "No, sir; you mentioned nothing to me." She gave him a look laden with perplexity, which
he responded to only with a brief, "Haven't I? Well, I've done, now."

Oh, dear. He is utterly not himself! Or has he taken a disgust of me?

The carriage fell silent. Mr. Mornay had thick, dark hair which tapered to the tip of his collar; short, dark sideburns, and handsome, strong-boned features. His eyes were deep, dark, and expressive, and his manner of dress, the height of manly perfection. Though he would not deign to discuss good style, he had a faultless sense of it, and many an aspiring buck or beau modeled their choice of attire after his. Like Ariana, his neatness appeared effortless. And he was universally approved of in the best houses, (save for those of the staunchest Whigs, who had still not forgiven Prinny or his pals, of which Mr. Mornay was one, for abandoning them for the Tories).

Even Ariana, who had little patience for matters of dress, found herself in awe of his presence at times. All told, he was an imposing character; a man one did not ignore or take lightly. Ariana was not happy with his tone of address, nor that she would not be seeing him after the morning service, but while she decided whether to make an answer to him, Beatrice broke the silence instead. "Achoo!"

The twelve-year-old folded her handkerchief and looked about apologetically.
Beatrice had only recently joined Ariana in London, and both girls were staying at Mrs. Bentley's town house in Hanover Square.

Mrs. Bentley gave her younger niece a severe look, which Ariana did not fail to notice. Their aunt was a wealthy widow with a good soul at heart, but the lady was too prepared, Ariana felt,to make the worst of anything or anyone who posed a threat to her plans, her schedule, or her expectations.

Alarmed at the hint of an ague in her niece, Mrs. Bentley's delicately lined face wrinkled in disapproval while she pulled her gloves more tightly onto her hands. "How long have you had that nasty sneeze?" she asked. "Do you have an ague?"

"No, no, I assure you!" And yet, the young girl had to stop even now, quickly covering her mouth and nose with her handkerchief to allow a second "Achoo!" to escape.

"Bless you, said Mr. O'Brien, bringing a blinking smile to Beatrice's young face.

"Humph!" murmured Mrs. Bentley, deciding immediately to send the girl at the soonest convenience back to Chesterton and her family. She would not allow Ariana to contract a cold. Not with the wedding this close. Goodness knew, Mrs. Bentley had seen enough threats to this marriage (a coup d'etat, to be sure)and desired that nothing further could imperil the thing. With the ceremony so close, she was finally beginning to relax. The marriage was certain to take place. But she couldn't help remembering it hadn't always been that way. No, indeed! Why, since the day Mr. Mornay had asked for her niece, there had been one vexation after another, each more threatening than the last, each liable to ruin the man's hopes (and her own, for she wanted nothing more than to see the couple wed).

Her own niece, after all, fresh from the country, had unwittingly captured the heart of London's most famous bachelor: Mr. Phillip Mornay, known in Town as the Paragon. He was called the Paragon because he possessed three of the highest virtues of the English upper class: sartorial elegance, figure, and (most importantly) a fabulous fortune.

Besides the family seat in Middlesex with a large tenantry and the house in Grosvenor Square, he owned small holdings and properties throughout the British Empire, all of which added to his income. His match to the debutante Miss Forsythe, who was a beauty in her own right, and rumoured to be an heiress, (a thing which Mrs. Bentley had fostered by putting up enough blunt for Ariana's Season that no one thought to credit her for doing so) was famous. Not since the Regent himself wed Caroline of Brunswick had there been such a general anticipation of a marriage (though one might rightly call the prince's an infamous match, she reflected!).

In any case, it was too wonderful a happenstance to let such a thing as a young chit like Beatrice put a damper on it with an ague. If Ariana were to fall ill, the marriage would still take place, of course; but why imperil the older girl? Why give her the least excuse to raise an objection? (Ariana was far too liable to raise objections; that had been the trouble from the beginning!) What if she were to wish for a postponement? Mrs. Bentley's nerves couldn't stand for it.

No, with the assurance that Ariana was finally settled upon her fiance, there was nought to hinder the event; and she, Mrs. Bentley, would do everything in her power to see that it remained that way. Casting her eyes upon her niece, she had to acknowledge a twinge of satisfaction (for not the first time) at how the girl wore the expensive clothing she herself had bought her-- like a queen. Ariana was dressed in the same modish style as her aunt, not because she could afford it or had the slightest interest in cutting a wave, but for the reasons that Mrs. Bentley could, and did.

She was decidedly happy to have been so generous with the girl, for it had helped, she was certain, to catch the eye of Mornay, and indeed, of the ton. Was not her niece toasted at every evening supper she attended? Had not the Regent himself approved of her?

True, Ariana did have to endure the occasional jest from Mornay's circle of aristocratic wags on account of her well-known piety, but even these men were gentler to her than was their usual habit concerning women.

And now she, Mrs. Bentley, had been enjoying her most successful Season since her own come out, decades earlier. Routs, card parties, soirees; the sort of things she adored, were crowding her calendar as the chaperon of Miss Forsythe, and she was going to marry Randolph-- it was indeed an annus mirabilis! Just then a sudden nasty odour pulled her from her thoughts.

"Oh, dear," she murmured, turning to the Paragon. "Where is this Orphan Society? We are getting into neighborhoods that I cannot like." The dignified streets of Mayfair were behind them, and now they were in roads that were muddy and crowded with carts and working-class people. Child vagabonds could be seen huddling in doorways. Pedestrians stopped what they were doing to watch the shiny black coach with its high-steppers, and try to get a glimpse of the dignitaries who must be inside such a vehicle.

Ariana sat back. She had seen enough of the poor and indigent in London to know that compassion alone was worthless as far as helping anyone went. Further, she had no wish to seem pitying or condescending. The poor were entitled to dignity like anyone else. She had welcomed today's invitation precisely because of her wish to help London's less fortunate citizens. (This had been a desire of her heart since coming to London earlier in the year. Her world had become a disheartening juxtaposition of unbelievable wealth against a backdrop of the ever-present poor.)

Looking across at her suitor, she suddenly wondered if it would jar with his disposition to become a philanthropist? Certainly it was expected of the wealthy, wasn't it? Even in her little town of Chesterton, it was the wealthiest families, those with the huge estates, who held the Annual Balls, the Harvest Home, the Christmas Hall festivities. Mr. Mornay was part of this wealthy class. She hoped it would fall to her to organize charitable events as his wife.

"Ariana!" She was torn from her thoughts by her aunt's strident tone. "Did you say which street the Orphanage is on?"

"The Society is on Folgate Street, Spitalfields. Just north of Spitalfields Market," replied Mr. Mornay, in her stead. Ariana was looking at him, and he met her eyes, adding, "I own a property on the street, you know."

"Do you?" She was greatly surprised. It was not a fashionable part of the city. "A house?" she asked, trying to prolong the conversation. Finally he was at least giving her his attention.

"A tenement."

Mrs. Bentley's curiosity got the best of her. "You own property there?"

He gave a rueful smile. "Won it in a wager, I'm afraid. My man of business sees to letting it and so forth. I've never laid eyes on it, actually, though I've been meaning to give it a look."

Mrs. Bentley fished an expensive, lace-edged handkerchief from her reticule, and held it now over her mouth and nose, as if the mere fact of passing through the neighborhood might result in being exposed to noxious vapours.

Mr. Pellham took her other hand and patted it soothingly.

Beatrice, all eyes, extended her own hand out towards Mr. O'Brien. "Would you like to take my hand, Mr. O'Brien?"she asked. His eyes opened rather wide, but before he could say anything, Mrs. Bentley chided, "Hush!" and, reaching across Ariana, landed a harmless slap to the girl's outstretched hand with her handkerchief. Why did youngsters have to do the most foolish things imaginable? Wasn't it enough that she had had to steer Ariana clear of the future cleric? Now would she have to do the same for her younger niece when she came of age?

Mr. Peter O'Brien, meanwhile, smiled shortly at the girl to be kind, but he was much more concerned, despite his best efforts, with her elder sister. He could never become quite inured to the striking figure Miss Forsythe presented, and he smoothed his coat lapels and adjusted his cravat. He'd been taking as many glances at Ariana as he could safely do while trying to conceal his admiration of her. He had lost her to Mornay, there was no way around it. But it was a difficult pill to swallow, and he still got choked up by it on occasion.

Mr. O'Brien had entertained hopes of forming a betrothal with Ariana himself. He was not wealthy, and he was Irish; both of which were not in his favour, particularly with the standards that Miss Forsythe's aunt seemed to demand from any would-be suitor of her niece's. He was mildly ill-at ease, therefore, despite his being firmly included on Beatrice's account. (The girl had taken an instant partiality to him, insisting on his company as often as possible.) He could not rid himself of his still strong admiration for her elder sister, however, and that, coupled with a touch of pique (he'd had such hopes of her)moved him to join her company whenever possible. Miss Forsythe had been too, too friendly for him to think she felt nothing more than mere friendship for him!

But it wasn't becoming in a man of faith to nurse a grudge-- his calling was in the Church, which, even if he had not been a third son, he would have chosen in any case as he had strong religious leanings. And he had no wish to rub salt in a wound; but he could not resist the chance to be in her company. So he tried to avoid looking at her, having no wish to make a jackanape of himself, but it was difficult indeed, with such proximity to her sweet, radiant beauty.

Furthermore, it was decidedly unusual for him to be welcomed into the presence of the Paragon, a man he felt more than a little antipathy towards. To be seated beside him now struck him as extraordinary, and he was mute with a mixture of caution, jealousy, and surprise. He had always scoffed at the man's reputation for excellent taste, but seated next to him, he could not deny a feeling of reluctant admiration. Mr. Mornay's clothing made a stark contrast to Mr. O'Brien's less costly attire, and the man's dark double-breasted tailcoat with tapered sleeves made his own frock coat, though sturdy, appear plain, indeed.

At that moment Beatrice unhelpfully exclaimed, "Your coach is ever so pretty, Mr. Mornay! It is far more comfortable than my father's!" She fingered the dark burgundy velvet of her seat. "I wish my mother and father could see it!"

"Hush!" Ariana said, not without affection.

"Do you not fancy the coach? I could ride in it for days!" she exclaimed, wide-eyed.

"Of course I fancy it, only it doesn't signify."

"Is your carriage as agreeable as this one, Mr. O'Brien?" the girl asked, making him shudder inwardly. He thought of the single family equipage he used when taking his mama and sisters about Town. Compared to Mornay's gleaming, springed and upholstered vehicle, his was shabby, indeed. "No," he answered, trying to smile with the word.

Just then everyone's attention was diverted as they pulled up outside a large Palladian style building fenced in by black iron gates. The London Orphan Society was a stately institution. Mr. Pellham exclaimed, "Undoubtedly the work of Mr. Nash, wouldn't you say, Mornay?"

Mr. Mornay, observing the building as best he could from the interior of the coach, nodded his head. "Very likely." All was quiet and neat on the outside. A gateman opened the way for them, and the coach moved ahead into a circular drive which brought them round to the front entrance.

******

Stepping into the building, Mrs.Bentley raised her ankle-length pelisse as though it might drag on the tiled floor, while Ariana straightened her dark-blue French-style canezou. It had a deep flounce along the shoulders and neck-line and around the empire waist. Beneath a bonnet which sported two round puffs of pale, gathered fabric at the top, little ringlets of blond hair were just visible around her face (owing to her having endured a night with curling papers beneath her cap) and she was bright with youthful beauty this morning, as most days. She happily accepted Mr. Mornay's arm, still searching his countenance for a clue to his feelings, but he maintained a stony disregard of her. If not for his past effusive reassurances of love, she might have been exceedingly disconcerted. But she refused to believe anything of moment was behind his distant manner, and she tucked her arm into his with the added touch of her other hand, placing it upon his coat sleeve with feeling.

The little group followed a lady by name of Mrs. Gullweather, who was the headmistress, and two female servants down a long, wide stone hall which ended at the chapel. A man-servant led them to seats in a front row. Ariana was impressed with the massive interior and its circular ceiling and long, stained-glass windows, beautiful against the light of morning outside. The benches around and behind them were full of children of all ages, who emitted only a low murmur from their ranks.

She sat down cognizant of the pleasure of being next to Mr. Mornay. She glanced at him now, but he continued to study the area ahead, where Mrs. Gullweather was preparing to speak. She felt as though he was somewhere else today, far distant from the proceedings, from her. But she turned her attention to the front of the room, just as he had. She would think no more on it for now. "Before we begin," Mrs. Gullweather said, with a smile, "We have arranged for the children to entertain you. We do try to educate them profitably. Most of our graduates, when they leave us, go on to lead productive lives in society. We have had dozens of young people go off to be missionaries in foreign lands, and furnished a good many governesses, cooks, and housemaids for people of quality," she said, speaking to the guests, who, in addition to Ariana and her party, took up the first two rows of seats across the chapel. "Many of our young gentlemen, it must be added, who do not choose the mission field, go on to find apprenticeships, or serve as footmen or grooms in the best households."

With a wave of her hand, she added, "These are the same children who are brought to us destitute, and with nothing but poverty, death, or a life of crime facing them. It is only by the generous help of our patrons," she smiled benignly towards them, "that we are able to effect such changes for society. And now...the children."

The sight of the young orphans erased all other concerns from Ariana's heart. How glad she was to have come, today! She so wanted to make a difference somehow for children like these! God knew each by name and loved every one of them. The children sang an old hymn, Ye Holy Angels, Bright, and by its end, Ariana was thoroughly satisfied that the London Orphan Society was a worthy cause, indeed.

When the dramatic actress, Mrs. Tiernan, finally stood before them, silent, even grave of countenance, a hush fell over the audience, including its youngest members. Her gown was of the classical Roman style, more like gowns that were in vogue a decade ago (as Ariana knew from her mama's old fashion catalogues). Expecting her to begin, the audience waited. But she kept her eyes fixed on a spot overhead, towards a window.

When she continued to stare like a statue at that fixed point against the opposite wall, people began to look at it, too. Was it supposed to mean something?
Then, just when everyone despaired of her ever doing anything other than staring at the window, she turned and faced the assembly. This time she stared down the main aisle, as though she were in a trance. Then, suddenly, with a dramatic flourish of her arm, she cried, "Hear the Word of the Lord!" Her voice rang out loud and piercing as it cut into the silence.

Then, in a quieter tone, "A dramatic reading from the Book of Revelations, Chapter One, verses ten through twenty." She slowly moved her gaze to take in the onlookers. Her eyes were calm and yet seemed to blaze from within, settling to flicker momentarily upon Ariana and her companions. Again the hush grew deep with anticipation. Mrs. Tiernan dropped suddenly to her knees, her arms raised high, and then turned her head as if listening. In a clear tone which carried an authoritative quality, she began in earnest.

"On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit. And I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet."
She added measured movements of her arms and even her body, so that she made a captivating sight.

"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me; And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands...."

..."His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace!"

..."And his voice," she lifted her head to listen, "was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword." She made a motion as if taking a sword from its sheath, and then, magically, a small leather book was in her hand! How had she done it? Ariana didn't know. But there it was, a concrete allusion to the double-edged sword being the word of God. And then the book was gone, vanished, like it had never been there. The audience gasped.

..."His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance..."
When the reading was ended, Mrs. Tiernan froze, statue-like, except that her head was bowed. In a minute, people began to applaud, led by Mr. O'Brien, which would have been rather amazing except that he had the impetus of knowing the presentation had ended for he alone had been following along out of his little leather Bible. Mrs. Tiernan remained with her head bowed as the clapping slowly grew stronger. Finally, when the applause ceased, the lady bowed low once more, so that everyone had to clap again, and then she said, "Thank you! Thank you!" and swept out of sight, leaving from a hidden exit behind the pulpit.

Soon the guests were led to a small breakfast room, where a light repast was waiting. While they ate, they shared thoughts on what they'd seen.

"I daresay she cast a spell on us," chuckled Mr. Pellham, tugging on his moustache thoughtfully. Mrs. Bentley added, "Rather a bit of a trickster, I should think. Making that little book appear and disappear as if by magic. And in a chapel!"

Mr. O'Brien cleared his throat. He hated to disagree with anyone who was socially superior to him, but he had to correct what he saw as near-blasphemous thinking.

"But ma'am,"he managed to say, "it was only for effect; to heighten the power of her presentation, which, I thought, in all honesty, to be quite...quite good."

"I thought it was wonderful!"put in Beatrice, loyally. And loudly. "Did you not think so, Ariana?"

Ariana smiled. "I was impressed." She glanced at Mr. Mornay and felt a fresh concern when, instead of finding the warm eyes and gentle smile she loved, was met with a blank expression. It was an expression she recognized as being his "tolerant" look; he was merely enduring the proceedings, she realized. But he turned to the faces around the table and added, "It was interesting, and,&qhot;he chose his word, "Worthwhile."

While they continued eating, Mrs. Gullweather approached their table with a little bald man who wore spectacles and carried a small, bound leather book in which he was jotting information. "I hope you have enjoyed our little entertainment,"she began, after thanking them for coming. "And now we must rely upon your patience and goodness a little longer, while we beg you to consider making our orphanage a grateful recipient of the generosity that so distinguishes your class among men." Ariana wished devoutly that she had the means to be as generous as possible, but knew that within her reticule lay a single crown. It was the last of her money.

Mr. Mornay, meanwhile, had no wish to listen to any flummery, and spoke to the man with the book. "Are you recording donations?" The man looked up, startled to be addressed, but quickly replied, "I am, sir!"

He rounded the table to where Ariana and Mr. Mornay were sitting, across from one another. He waited, pencil poised and ready to enter an amount in his account book. Meanwhile Mrs. Bentley offered the woman a few guineas, which she accepted gratefully. Mr. Pellham followed with a bank note of an unknown sum. Beatrice solemnly gave sixpence, and Mr. O'Brien just a little above that, as this unfortunate time of the month always found him in low water .

Mr. Mornay, meanwhile, had turned to Ariana. "I should like you to propose the amount." It was an embarrassing moment, as the topic of money was considered ungenteel. One did not discuss it, as important as it was. She blushed.
"I dare not think of it."

With surprise, he asked, leaning in towards her for privacy, "Do you not wish to support the place?"

"Oh, I do, of course. I mean to give my last crown..."

"I've no doubt. But tell me the amount you should like to give if you had the means. Only name it, and it is done."

She eyed him uncertainly. Suddenly his distance-keeping seemed to have fled, and he was himself again. And he loved her. He was asking her to make a financial decision for the two of them!Many a woman would have been astounded at it. Perhaps Ariana was astounded at it, for she could only reply, "I think perhaps that you ought to--"

"No, it must be you. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, and I am certain you will be more generous than I."

"But that is what I fear!"She hissed in a whisper. "What if I name a sum that is too high?"

He smiled, and she instantly smiled back. "Name it."

"Oh, dear! Very well,"she said, bringing her two hands together in thought; but she was enormously pleased to have received that smile. It was the first she'd seen him wear all morning. "Would...twenty-five pounds per annum be appropriate?"

He said nothing but turned to the recorder. "Send the bill to my house,"and he went on to give the information necessary while the appreciative clerk scribbled in his book.

Ariana watched, with a spurt of elation. A heady delight. A feeling of unexpected....power. She found herself staring at Mr. Mornay as if realizing his great wealth for the first time.

"Stop looking at me like that. 'Tis only money."

Only money! She knew of widows who lived on little more than what she had just been able to procure for the orphanage. With a few words, she had made a difference for the children. It was a marvelous new feeling, heady and intoxicating. Of course it was Phillip's money, not her own, but hadn't her aunt told her numerous times that all he had would soon be hers? That Mr. Mornay had offered her everything that was his? Any amount of pin money she wanted? She had never paid the least attention to the thought of sharing in Phillip's wealth, but suddenly it presented a world of possibilities to her.
She barely noticed the rest of the proceedings, the thank yous and goodbyes. Only the parade of orphans, waiting to wave and cheer them off as they pulled away in the coach brought her fully alert to her surroundings. She looked at each child in a new way. What if she could afford to give them all a new article of clothing every year? Or new shoes? What if she and Phillip were to...to...start their own Society? There were still hundreds and hundreds of hungry, cold children on the streets. More orphans than this one asylum could house. As the carriage exited the iron gates of the grounds, Ariana was lost in a world of new thoughts and ideas. It seemed as if she'd been waiting all her life to have such thoughts. She'd never had the means to have them, before.

As Mrs. Phillip Mornay, she would have the means.

As Mrs. Phillip Mornay, she could do much good.

Her eyes wandered to her silent, handsome future husband. Studying him, she felt a strong wave of love. She recalled wrapping her arms around his neck, and the wonderful feel of his arms firmly about her. The night of their betrothal he had taken her into his coach and put her upon his lap and they'd kissed.

He was listening to Beatrice's absent chatter just then or she would have bestowed upon him a most adoring smile. As she studied the handsome face, strong nose and chin; the rich, neat attire, her heart swelled with love and pride; but also a slight discomposure. She was appreciating his circumstances in a way she had never done. Was it wrong? Was it selfish? To be happy that she would be married to a rich man? But she thought of all the charities she could support, the good works she could do, and her qualms dissipated. Mr. Mornay had been only too happy to let her name the sum for the Orphanage. Surely he would always be that way, wouldn't he?

During the drive home, she dreamed of the future benefactress to the poor which she would become. The usually deflating scenes of needy children on the streets did not affect her as usual. "Soon, soon, my dear children," she thought, "Mrs. Mornay will come to your aide!" At that moment her beloved turned his gaze upon her and her inner musings came to an abrupt halt. Once again, there was nothing of warmth in his eyes, nothing of the affection she usually found in them. Would the future Mrs. Mornay be a benefactress to the poor?

Or was he having a sudden change of heart? Did he wish to...to cry off from the wedding? Had he allowed her to name the sum for the Orphanage to lessen the blow of his change of heart?

Her thoughts of helping the poor paled in light of this disturbing notion. Was he re-thinking their wedding plans? Why else the coldness of his manner, the absence of meaning in his looks to her? She would need to find a way to speak with him, privately. Perhaps his distracted behaviour had nothing to do with her at all. She frowned. If it did not, there was something else on his mind that was troublesome. In either case, she must seek to help.

Somehow she had to speak to him alone, and soon. Something was most definitely wrong.

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Book Review--Before the Season Ends

2009-05-20T08:39:00.002-04:00

Before the Season Ends

By Linore Rose Burkard

Publisher Description:

In her debut novel of what she calls “spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul,” author Linore Rose Burkard tells the intriguing story of Miss Ariana Forsythe, a young woman caught between her love for a man who doesn’t share her faith and her resolution to marry only a fellow believer in Christ.

Trouble at home sends the young woman to her aunt’s townhome in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Ariana is soon neck–deep in high society and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London’s current darling rogue. Then a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her heart, her faith, and her future are all at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent’s attention.

Will Ariana’s faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it’s Ariana’s heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to the wrong young man, how can it ever turn out right?

Jane Austen readers and fans of Regency romances everywhere will love Before the Season Ends.

Review:

Jane Austen fans beware. You will not be able to put this book down. Before the Season Ends is one of those books with a permanent place on my bookshelf that I intend to read over again.

Ms. Burkard is a talented author. Her writing style is that which pulls you in and doesn't let go until you've reached the end. And even then you wish there to be more. Thank goodness there’s a sequel. Indeed, I was quite astounded at the aptitude of the author not that I discounted Ms. Burkard before reading, but that she is just so very good at writing Regency. You might even believe you're reading a period novel. Her writing stays in tune with the time period to the extent as to even match the spelling of certain words like--connexion-- for connection. The same way Jane Austen spelled it.

The writing does resemble that of Jane Austen if not in style than in technicalities. Just like Jane the POV (point of view) does switch from head to head in certain places within a scene while primarily staying with the heroine. There is even a hint of the narrator just like Jane at times. For those certain comments could not come from the heroine but an all-knowing narrator.

The author’s description of Regency England and especially London is so detailed that you would have thought she slipped back in time to take down notes. There are also such stunning descriptions of places and homes and the things within the home. Being a historian myself, I appreciated this side of her book as well. Very well researched. As one who loves classic literature of the Regency and Victorian era, I thought her book fit right in with the likes of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens.

The heroine, Ariana Forsythe, starts out seeming quite young and naive at the onset of the book. As we aren't allowed into her POV much in the 1st 3 chapters, I wasn’t quite sure of want kind of character she would turn out to be. She is a young woman of great moral fiber who loves God and in following His commandments receives the desires of her heart. Ariana is such an endearing character. I enjoyed her very much. What an example she is to all young women even today in their Christian walks. The reasons that the unattainable Mr. Mornay falls in love with her are the very same reasons you will find her delightful.

Mr. Philip Mornay is called the Paragon. Every lady wishes to attract him and every man tends to emulate him. From fashion, wealth, and society he is at the peak of the swell. He's very proud and at times seems angry. He can be brusque and rude and everyone allows it because he is the Paragon. Then he meets Arianna and his heart and behavior begin to change. For every action there is a reaction and Ariana soon learns the reasons for the behaviors in the man she has come to love.

My one qualm with the book is that I wish there had been more time spent in the POV of the hero, Mornay. Of course, the same could be said of Jane Austen which of course has resulted in all those modern written spin off novels.

Before the Season Ends was simply enchanting from the first page to the last. It is very romantic and yes even passionate at times. Such a sweet romance and one that got my heart to pounding to see these characters get together. The Christian message is quite transparent from the very first chapter. No watered down Christianity here. It was wonderful to see the plan God had in the lives of these two people. I look forward to reading the sequel.

Available at Amazon and booksellers everywhere.

Linore Rose Burkard will be a guest on my blog tomorrow as we spotlight her new book, The House in Grosvenor Square.

Advice to Young Writers

2009-05-17T22:06:00.002-04:00

I've only been a professional writer of fiction for a few years. Non-fiction, sure, as I’m a trained historian. But on the fiction writing front, I still feel like I’m learning something new every day even though by the end of the year I’ll have over ten titles to my name. I continue to read on the craft of writing and discuss it with my author friends and critique partner because just when you think you’ve learned all there is to know something changes.

In my capacity as an author, I’ve had the chance to work with young and unpublished authors. It has been a joy, and I want to encourage all of you authors out there to give it a try when or if the situation should arise. Recently, I had a young woman send me her short story. I knew she’d been working on this piece for a long time. Something like 6-9 months. When I read it through the first time, I thought it was well written but she’d fallen into a couple of traps that young and inexperienced writers often fall into.

As you begin your first manuscript or even after several, keep these things in mind:

Begin your story where something new or exciting happens – when something changes. What makes this moment different than the hundreds of others before hand? It is very important to start your story in the right place.
Telling vs Showing. This is a biggie and one that is harped on over and over, but it is very important. It is so much more interesting and dynamic for you to show us that Ben is a kind hearted person who would give his shirt off his back for a friend than to just have the narrator state that. Let the reader determine what kind of person your character his by what he says and what he does. It also helps to lengthen that word count.
Back story. Be careful with the back story. You can bog down your reader and your story by laying the back story in too thick. Remember to drop back story in lightly at different points in the story. It is much more intriguing when you can work it in through showing and dialogue.
Dialogue. This can be a toughy. We want to write believable dialogue and yet be as grammatically correct as possible too. Remember also that not every character should speak the same. An old maiden librarian will speak differently than a diabolical con-man. Think about every word coming out of your character’s mouth and analyze if your character would actually say that.
POV or Point of View. Decide who is telling this story. In romance, it has been the rule to stick with hero and heroine and to switch only at scene breaks or chapters. This of course is not set in stone but a good rule to work by as you begin writing. In other genres though, it is acceptable to write in any of your character’s POV’s and to switch in and out of different character’s thoughts within a single scene. Personally, I believe you can get so much more out of a scene if you stay with one character and ‘experience’ that moment as that character: descriptions, emotions, and thoughts all coming from that one character.
Variety. Make sure to have a good combination of description, dialogue, narration and introspection. It is easy when you first start writing to use a lot of narration and ‘tell’ the story. A good way to test your manuscript is to high light each part in different color highlighters. Then you will see if you are heavy on narration and light on description or dialogue.

Good luck to all you new writers out there. There is so much to learn. Keep reading on the craft and keep writing. That is the best advice you can get as you continue your journey to publication and onward.

Sweet Day

2009-05-17T21:58:00.003-04:00

Make sure to stop by the Romance Bistro on Thursdays. That's the day I host Sweet Day. We talk about books in the sweet genre as well as post excerpts. It's always a fun time. Hope you can come by. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Romance_Bistro/

Classic Fridays: What is it about Jane Austen? Part I

2009-05-08T09:25:00.011-04:00

As Joseph Conrad wrote to H.G. Wells in 1901: “What is all this about Jane Austen? What is there in her? What is it all about?”

I have to concur with Mr. Conrad. What is behind all the interest and excitement attached to Jane Austen especially in the past twenty years? What has led her to become to many of us our favorite author? Was she always this famous?

Jane Austen’s first published work came about in 1811 with Sense and Sensibility. At that time she was just about to turn 36 and would ultimately die only six years later. Not many people were reading her books during her lifetime as compared to now. The affluent were able to purchased her works. This included the Prince Regent, later to become King George IV, who requested that she dedicate her next novel to him (To him Emma was “respectfully dedicated.”), The slim middle class could not afford to buy her books, but they did borrow them from the popular circulating libraries. Because of this, though not world renowned, she did even as now have an enthusiastic group of supporters.

Later her works were studied in colleges and sometimes high schools, without receiving the high acclaim of great popularity. During World War II there was a renewed interest in her books due to Hollywood’s making of Pride and Prejudice in 1940 starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. Films continued to be a driving forcing of interest in the novels. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, the English rediscovered their treasured Jane Austen. This can be seen in the many television mini-series created during this time: Persuasion (1971), Emma (1972), Pride and Prejudice (1980), Sense and Sensibility (1981), Mansfield Park (1983), and Northanger Abbey (1986).

But the real renaissance of Austen began in the mid-1990’s. 1995 was a busy year for Austen fans. Emma Thompson starred and wrote the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility in 1995. (By the way, she won the Oscar and Golden Globe for said screen play.) Persuasion starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds also appeared in 1995. And of course the BBC miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle also premiered in 1995. And I will have to throw this one in just for fun. Clueless starring Alicia Silverstone which was loosely based on Emma came to theaters in 1995 as well. Even People magazine admitted her notoriety when they included Jane Austen as one of the Most Intriguing People of 1995.

But it didn’t end there. 1996 brought us not one but two versions of Emma. Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong took the leads in the BBC version and Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam presided in the Hollywood version. Both have their good and not so good points. But they both added to the building Austen frenzy. Then Mansfield Park came along a few years later in 1999 introducing us to Frances O’Connor.

And the good news is that the Austen movie making is still growing strong. A new film version of Pride and Prejudice released to theaters in 2005, this time starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The British television channel ITV produced three films based on the Austen novels in 2007: Persuasion (starring Sally Hawking and Rupert Penry-Jones), Mansfield Park (with Billie Piper and Blake Ritson), and Northanger Abbey (Felicity Jones and JJ Fields) for which we have been awaiting a remake for twenty years. And the BBC gave us a mini-series of Sense and Sensibility in 2008. And dare I even mention the two Austen bio-pics, Becoming Jane (2007) and Miss Austen Regrets (2008)?

Jane Austen may not have been as famous as Shakespeare during her lifetime, but she now seems to be coming into her own. Her works have been translated into thirty-five languages and have never been out of print. (As an author myself, I can tell you, this is a great thing!) Besides all the films being made in dedication to her books, you can also buy the Pride and Prejudice board game, Jane Austen paper dolls, and a Jane Austen action figure. Even more interesting are all the contemporary novels being written to this day as spin offs to her original texts. Here is a list of just a few: Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife and Darcy and Elizabeth by Linda Berdoll, The Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy by Marjorie Fasman, Perfect Happiness by Rachel Billington, The Third Sister by Julia Barrett, Letters from Pemberley the First Year by Jane Dawkins, Mr. Darcy’s Daughters by Elizabeth Aston, and The Jane Austen Mysteries by Stephanie Barron. My favorites are the ‘Diary’ books by Amanda Grange, the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mysteries by Carrie Bebris, and especially the two Persasion novels by Susan Kaye.

As an author, she may have had a slow start; but Jane Austen is a force to be reckoned with today. I only wonder what she might have said about all this notoriety. I mean, during her lifetime, she saw to it that her books were authored only by “A Lady.” Put that together with what she wrote to James Clarke in 1815, “I think I may boast myself to be, with all possible vanity, the most unlearned and uninformed female who ever dared to be an authoress.” I am sure in private she probably would have had some witty, insightful, and possibly even insulting remarks about the way the world has turned out over these past two hundred years. It’s been a long time since someone came around who understood their society so well as to characterize them with as much humor, satire, and compassion. Maybe today we are ready for another such commentator. Maybe…but then again, maybe not.

Part II – What is it about Jane Austen? Coming soon.