Misbehaving Heroes

Oh whoops. Another week slipped by without me noticing! I'm a very bad blogger. But I've been busy writing, so I'm pleased about that and have just hit the 12k mark on my new novella. Currently the hero is misbehaving and my heroine is enjoying every moment.

I don't have a proper title for it though, which is a bit distracting since I usually need that in place before I can really get stuck into it. It does have a theme title, which isn't the same but appears to be working so I'm going with that for now. But I really want a rocking one before I sub, that sums up the story and catches the eye.


I've also now got my own group over at Coffee Time Romance. Yay! I'm a Coffee Corner Author!!! I'm so excited to have my own space over there. I haven't done much with it yet but I'm gradually moving in!

Codpiece, anyone?

Kaye has a great post about research today, and it was very timely for me since last week I started a new story and realised there was a lot I didn't know about the period.

Anyway, for some odd reason today I gave my hero a codpiece. And the more I thought about it the more I wasn't sure he ought to have one. So I had a bit of a Google and stumbled across this most delicious site, Renaissance Dancewear which kept me enthralled with the history of this intriguing article of manly modesty.

But the bit which totally cracked me up was a snippet from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", when apparently men's shirts became shorter thus ensuring all their unmentionables were on public display. I've pasted it in below for your educational pleasure!!!

Alas! some of them show the very boss of the penis and the horrible pushed-out testicles that look like the malady of hernia in the wrapping of their hose, and the buttocks of such persons look like the hinder parts of a she-ape in the full of the moon. And moreover, the hateful proud members that they show by the fantastic fashion of making one leg of their hose white and the other red, make it seem that half of their privy members are flayed. And if it be that they divide their hose in other colours, as white and black, or white and blue, or black and red, and so forth, then it seems, by the variation of colour, that the half of their privy members are corrupted by the fire of Saint Anthony, or by cancer, or by other such misfortune.

Blogging Around

Today's the final day for Red Wolverton Howling! Can't wait to find out how it all wraps up. It's been such a blast being involved in this story and I'd like to give a huge Thank You to everyone who's joined in!!

In other news, I'm chatting at the lovely Allie Boniface's blog today and if you get a moment we'd love to see you over there!

Perth Roadshow 2009

On Saturday I attended the 2009 RWA Romance Roadshow in Perth. What a fantastic day! The Roadshow Committee did a wonderful job of organising everything. We were lucky enough to have Kelly Hunter, President of the RWA and published with Harlequin Mills and Boon Modern Heat/Sexy Sensation, Keri Arthur, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Riley Jenson, Guardian series, and Denise Rossetti, erotic romance author published with Ellora's Cave and Berkley Sensation.


The day could have been tailor made for me, since Keri took workshops on world building, on how we as authors can successfully create an alternative and believable environment. I find setting a challenge and have to constantly remind myself to layer in the landscape/climate etc so this was invaluable for me.

Keri also did a question and answer session on writing urban fantasy/paranormal and all the nitty gritty bits of the publishing world which was completely fascinating!!!

Me and Keri Arthur (not that I'm name dropping here...)

Then we had the Sealed Section with Denise which
proved very popular for some reason!!! We discussed language, the differences between erotic romance, erotica and pornography and the importance of vivid sensory detail and deep emotional point of view. Her tips were invaluable.
It was also great to chat about publishing in general with authors who've experience in both e and traditional publishing marketplaces.

There were also tutorials on deep point of view, effective story dialogue and romance heroes, lots of spot prizes and goody bags!


Me with Denise Rossetti (OK I AM shamelessly name dropping!!)

It was fantastic to meet up with so many other writers, and it sure didn't feel like a whole year ago since the inaugural Roadshow when I was so inspired that I subbed Foretaste of Forever to The Wild Rose Press!

Here's a pic of me with my good mate Nikki Logan, who a few months after last year's Roadshow signed a two book contract with Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance! Her debut book is out in the New Year and I can't wait to read it!

Destined to Mate - C.A. Salo

Please welcome my special guest today, C.A. Salo, whose recent release from The Wilder Roses, Destined to Mate, is racing up the bestseller lists!

C.A, please tell us about yourself!

I’m a mom and sister, living off Florida’s Gulf Coast with my son and several pets.

I like to write anything from sweet to HOT, HOT, HOT with a happy ending.

When not writing, I home school. Exploring interesting ideas and places has become a norm for us.

Travel, reading, photography, coffee, and wines are also a favorite for this diversified Gemini.

Can you tell us a little about your book?

As a Chimera, half lioness/half human, Alexis Xanthis, has never released the beast within. Until she meets Lykan Alpha, Morgan LeVey. Being near him triggers a powerful need to mate, but is Morgan strong enough to dominate her feline side and still handle the human half with a gentle hand? And will the powers that be allow it?

How did the idea for the plot come about?

I remember a Chimera being mention in one of the Hercules – The Legendary Journeys TV shows on television in the 90’s. So I looked a Chimera up, (isn’t the web a wonderful tool.) LOL, and learned a little more about the Greek mythological creature before writing her a story of her own with some of my twists added.

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

LOL, no prob. I was first published in 2006 with a couple small e-publishers, who shut their doors for one reason or another. I have two best sellers with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. And decided to rework Destined to Mate and send her in to The Wild Rose Press.

Silly me sent her into the wrong line, but the editor loved Destined to Mate so much, she send it to the wilder side of TWRP. *Grins* and here we are today. The reviews coming in are awesome…so yeah…I’m PSYCHED!!

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

Hey I’m all for research! LOL. I am such a diversified person. I love so many things, but I have to say my favorite movie of all time is Highlander with Christopher Lambert & Sean Connery. If you look beyond Connor being an immortal, you’ll see it’s also a love story between Connor and his beloved Heather.

Books, well there’s just so many of them. But the first book that really caught my temptation (shall we say) was written by the wonderful Beatrice Small. It was the first “hot” book I read, and you know, I’m embarrassed to say, I can’t remember the name of it *blushing* If I had all my belongings unpacked from our recent move, I’d be able to tell you in a heart beat, but I read it over ten years ago. SORRY!! But I can still remember the exact scene I just wrote about *Big Grins / Wiggling Eyebrows*

TV Shows – I’m a total Sci-Fi nut. Seeing as how they just took my Battle Star Galactica off and Fringe just had it’s season ender, I’m waiting for Sanctuary to start up again.

Christina: Oooh yes. I LOVE BSG. Don't get me started!!!

Current Fantasy Squeeze – Hehehehehehe, J Well, That’s being plotted in my head at this moment.

What are you working on now?

I’m drawing up an outline for a sequel or two to Destined to Mate, and am self editing the sequel to A Slave’s Way Out.

Quickies

What's your fave:

Time to write: Mid-morning

Song: Anything Rock and Roll

Pair of shoes: Sneakers

Food: Sushi

Place (on earth or off!): On Earth - A Quiet place in the woods or where I can sink my hands into the soil / Off Earth – anywhere the closest star ship would like to take me. J

Guiltiest pleasure: Chocolate

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

My Web site: www.casalo.webs.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/ca_salo

My Blog: http://authorcasalo.blogspot.com

Links to find my books:

A Slave’s Way Out

The Devil Himself:

Destined to Mate:

I'm Baa-aaccck!!!

Phew. Fingers crossed I'm back to normal now (not that my family would notice as they think I'm barking on the best of days!) I had to reinstall Incredimail after all, as the other email feature I had drove me insane. I'll just have to put up with the smilies which insist on attaching themselves to everything I send.

We survived the cyclone and ten foot waves although the weather is so dull and miserable it's just like being back in England in November! Shouldn't complain since it's been a gorgeous autumn so far. On the other hand I derive a great deal of pleasure from complaining!!!!!!!!

I realised this morning there's only a few more days left until Red Wolverton Howling finishes. This shocked me as I've kind of got used to hopping over to Coffee Time Romance and reading what's happening with the intrepid Carrie and her hot harem of sex starved males!!! However, it also means that somehow or other everything has to be resolved by 27th May and if you've been following the story you'll know there's a LOT to resolve!!! Any ideas, please jump in with the next exciting instalment!!!

Update

Thankfully when we (that's the Royal 'we' btw, haha) reinstalled the updated Incredimail all my emails magically and incomprehensibly reappeared. But I have the feeling the computer's on its last legs, despite not even being 3 years old, as it took three attempts just to boot up this morning. And five minutes ago, half way through this blog post, everything disappeared and I got slung back to bigpond.

At least last night I managed to back up a lot of my email folders so am feeling a bit calmer about that.

Eric

Thank you so much for your comment, which I'm going to repost here so everyone can read it.

Christina, Sounds as though you’re having quite a day.
Are you aware there are now update site to install the latest patches to your operating system so the ‘things’ floating around the Internet won’t bother you?
For Microsoft operating systems the address is; http://update.microsoft.com
The problem now is whether to believe me. ----
The motivation to provide address like that above wasn’t the companies who provide the computer software but rather an initiative of the United States government attempting to protecting consumer rights (and computer security in general).
The CERT organisation administers who will do what to which operating system.http://www.cert.org ---
Hope your day goes better from now on. --- Eric
PS: My thoughts: (To make your day) I don't think backups help. The problem is always in the backup long before it surfaces.


(Me again) Eric, Thank you so much for taking the time to explain and I totally believe you since you've come to our rescue so many times in the past! Although I could have done without knowing that last bit!!!

Panic Attacks

Despite my paranoia about not clicking on dodgy links (even ones sent by friends unless I KNOW they really and truly did send it!!) my computer's been acting up over the last couple of days. Yesterday it got so bad Hotmail kept kicking me off and every time I tried to hop onto a site (even friends' blogs) a warning page flicked up (I think it was total spam but was horribly annoying as it wanted me to click onto its security system to let me continue)

Now I'm pretty good about backing up all my docs, but emails? Uh, no. After running Nortons last night and deleting some viruses, I decided first thing this morning I'd back up my important emails and favourite research sites.

So I logged in, answered a couple of emails and began to back up. I did two before Nortons informed me I had a trojan. Lovely. Cleaned that out and then the dreaded blue page popped up. Three times. Eventually I managed to get past that only to discover my entire email programme had VANISHED. "critical error"

*cue Christina having hysterics*

I googled the problem and hopefully all might not be lost, I'm waiting for my computer genuis to get home. The thought of losing all my email contacts, emails which date back YEARS!!, photos and the publishing history of my two short stories!! it's kind of traumatic really.

And the moral of this story is....

*sigh*

Roll Over, Stephen King!!!

While flicking through the online book stores last night, I discovered Touch of the Demon is categorised over at All Romanceebooks as Paranormal/Horror.

Horror?!

I can't think why it's been called a horror. I'm sure if anyone bought it expecting a horror they'd feel misled! It's a futuristic/fantasy, although I'm fine with calling it a paranormal since that's what I called it before it was contracted!

Saje - Deborah J Panger

Please welcome my special guest this week, Scarlet Rose author Deborah J Panger, whose Miniature Rose, Saje, is riding high in The Wild Rose Press bestseller lists!

Deborah J Panger is an author of romantic and erotic fiction. With an interest in fairy lore, she blends fantasy with romance to weave enchanting love stories. She’s an active member of Romance Writers of America and their Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapter and critique group.

Hi, thanks for having me.

Can you tell us a little about your book?

Yes, my erotic short story, Saje, is about a lonely woman who wakes up on May Day to find a naked male stranger with wings, standing in her dining room. Instead of screaming and running for her life, she finds herself attracted to him. She learns he is Saje, a seed-spreading, trinket hording Woodland Fairy and he's brought her two May Day Baskets. They wind up making whoopie on her dining room table and then he won't leave. How does she get rid or him? Or will she even want to?

How did the idea for the plot come about?

Actually, I saw a call for submissions on Myspace wanting stories about the lesser known holidays, such as Labor day, etc. The idea struck me out of nowhere, so I wrote Saje, submitted it to the publisher that called for the submissions, and they passed on it. I ended up sending it to The Wild Rose Press and they offered me my first contract.

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

Sure. About eight years ago, I decided to write a novel out of the clear blue. I managed to pen a historical novel, named 'Punished Desire' and I self published it. ,You can still find it on the web. I'm proud of my baby, even though its chalk full of mistakes. I had no idea how to write back then. Anyways, about three years ago, I joined Romance Writer's of America and their FF&P chapter and critique group, and then got down to business on honing my craft. As I mentioned, I submitted Saje to The Wild Rose Press and they offered me a contract after I did a few changes on my manuscript. Everyone kept telling me that I'd get hundreds of rejections before I got a nibble, but I must be one of the fortunate ones, because I had only recieved 2 rejections before my first sale. I know...that's odd. In addition to Punished Desire and Saje, I have finished a full-length fairy fantasy novel, Thorn's Embrace, which I had submitted to another publisher before I sold to The Wild Rose Press. A few weeks ago, I recieved a rejection on it, stating they no longer accept anything over 65k. So now, I've gotten 3 rejections. :) I plan to clean up Thorn's Embrace before submitting it again.

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

Oh boy, where do I begin? Books. I'll start there. My all-time favorite book is 'Night Play' by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I like all her dark-hunter, were-hunter books. I'm also a fan of Christine Feehan and J. R. Ward. Movies: Pretty in Pink, Pirates of The Carribean, Final Fantasy-Advent Children. I love movies and could go on and on, so I'll stop. Tv shows-I'm addicted to American Idol. Adam Lambert's my fave this season. And fantasy squeezes. I'm a little eccentric on my taste but here goes:Jon Bon Jovi-been a huge fan since the 80's. Cloud Strife-I know he's a computerized cartoon, but my oh my, he's hot. Gerard ButlerHugh JackmanAnd I'd love a Carpathian male, Were-hunter, and dark-hunter to call my very own.

What are you working on now?

I just submitted another fae short story, Firefae, to Wild Rose. It's about a fireman who is kidnapped and taken back to the Fae Realm by a wee little female fairy whose responsible for the brushfire he's recently put out. We'll see how it goes.

Quickies

What's your fave:

Time to write---Weekends
Song-At the Stars, by Better Than Ezra
Pair of shoes-flip-flops
Food-Fried Shrimp Po-boys
Place (on earth or off!)-Disney World.
Guiltiest pleasure -OOAK male fantasy dolls.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

My main website
or Myspace

Thanks for having me. I've really enjoyed it. Take care ya'll,Deb                

A Tidy Office - it just isn't right!!

My husband walked into my office today and stopped dead by the door, looking a bit confused.

"You've tidied up." He sounded flabbergasted. As if I never tidy up the office!!!

Now, I do. On occasion. But even then I still have my piles of research papers covering the desk. But this morning, in honour of the momentous occasion of finally finishing (for now anyway) my Roman I packed away all my printed out A4 sheets, scribbled notes and notebook. My desk looks naked and I feel very bereft!!!

Found a good resource which gives lots of info on publishers seeking various erotic submissions at the erotic authors live journal Well worth having a look through.

The Roman is Roamin'

The blurb is polished, the synopsis has been whipped into shape. What kind of shape I'm not sure, but at least it's there on the page. Or, 10 pages but in my defence they are double spaced!

The only problem is I'm having huge issues with letting go. I keep thinking I should give the ms another read through for factual errors, or perhaps change some minor characters' names. Again. Anything, in fact, which puts off the moment of hitting send!

In other news, I'm having great fun with Red Wolverton Howling. The action *snickers* has now shifted (yeah I'm really sorry about all these bad puns!!!) to what lies beneath the hero's tightie-whities. Let's just say I might have been influenced by Shelley's hysterical blog post of a few weeks ago!!!

Two Faces, One Life - Margaret West

Well, today I have a very special guest, Margaret West, who also happens to be my lovely sister-in-law! This means I have to watch what I say as Margaret knows far too much about me for comfort!!!

Margaret's short story, Two Faces, One Life, was recently released by Eternal Press and can also be found on Amazon

You can check out the trailer here

Bio

Born in Croydon, England in 1962, Margaret West was raised with her four older siblings by their mother, a social worker and father, a painter/decorator. . Although her father is no longer alive, Margaret still feels he watches over her. She has always found writing to be a creative as well as a cathartic process, especially during difficult periods in her life. She found her true writing voice after becoming a spiritualist. Her love for literature extends from writing to reading and is always willing to embrace new ideas and philosophies. She likes nothing more then to sit with a good book in the quiet realms of the countryside, with her dogs, Milo and Chester. A true animal lover, Margaret’s warmth and sensitivity is reflected in her writing.


Can you tell us a little about your book?

Two Faces One Life is a short inspirational story about two people with disabilities. Ted learns to live with his and adapts to the world the best way he can, while Sarah would rather end her life than live in a world she fears will never accept her. This is a romance that will touch most peoples hearts. The message in it is very clear. In life you may be given steep hills to climb and rocky paths to walk upon, but if you take your courage in both hands, nothing is impossible to overcome.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

My niece was ill for a very long time. Over the years, as I watched her journey of survival, I saw the courage in her eyes as she battled through the pain of her illness, determined that she would walk again and live a normal life. This inspired me to write this story and show the journey of two people coming together, dispite their disabilites.

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

My first sale was about six years ago. I submitted The Crystal Pendulum to a publisher in the USA and forgot all about it. Lets face it, as authors we submit until we slump over over our computers in Exhaustion lol A few months later, I was at home, mashing potatoes for dinner, when I received a call from the publisher offering me a contract for TCP. I was so shocked, the phone slid from my hands and fell in the potatoes. I had to quickly fish it out and then continue a conversation with red hot mash on my ear as I had no time to wipe the phone. That call I will remember for the rest of my life lol

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

My favourite movies..ummm..well, they are very diverse. I like most Historical's or comedy's, especially, Marley and me. I had a good cry at the weekend watching that lol. I'm not a horror or thriller kinda girl. My fav man has to be Booth, from Bones... Aka Angel...that's a man who could bite me any day when he was a vampire!!!

What are you working on now?

Right now I have just finished editing three books, which I will submit to my publisher sometime this year. Right now I have a release due sometime this year, called The Heart of a Warrior. I also run on line courses for Psychic Development and Crystal Therapy, so I have been busy making the meditaions CD's to accompany them.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

They can go to my web site

Red Wolverton Howling! Paranormal Space Opera!!!

For the month of May, I'm helping my good friend the lovely Shelley Munro to host Coffee Write over at the CTR forums and I hope you can all stop by and join in the fun!!!

We've gone for a Paranormal Space Opera theme, and the title is Red Wolverton Howling (why does this make me think of Hugh Jackman...? *ponders*!!)

This is how it works. Shelley's posted an introduction, which sets up the story world and major characters, and the first paragraphs. Anyone can now post their own paragraphs continuing the story in any way they fancy - keeping in mind the basic intro!! You can post as often as you like during the month of May, but only once per day. This series runs from 1st May to 27th May.

There's a chat going on here!!

Prizes!!!

Winner can choose 1 x download from Shelley Munro’s backlist plus they get downloads of Christina’s two Wild Rose Press releases, Foretaste of Forever and Touch of the Demon. Also, a second prize winner can choose 1 x download from Shelley's backlist.

Love to see you over there!!!

Fun Links

Here's a fun post, where authors have submitted their own 'worst covers' for their books. And there are some real shockers!!! It makes me appreciate my ones even more!!! Here's the link

Over the weekend I discovered my blog has been included in Jonathan Crossfield's Top 50 Aussie Writers Blog list, which was a nice surprise! although I must admit I didn't really understand all the number crunching which went on to make up this list!!! I think at some point in the past I've joined up to Technorati, although for the life of me I can't remember doing it!

Love in a Box - Eliza Knight

Please welcome my special guest this week, Eliza Knight, who currently has three Scarlet time travels riding high in The Wild Rose Press Fantasy bestseller list! Congratulations, Eliza!

Tell us a little about yourself, and your recent release, Love in a Box.

Eliza Knight is the author of sizzling historical romance and time travel erotic romance. While not chasing after her little children, she is writing, reading, researching, and living with her own knight in shining armor. She operates a blog site, History Undressed where she discusses the wildly fascinating yet not popularly known facts of history. You can visit Eliza at, www.elizaknight.com, www.myspace.com/elizaknight & www.historyundressed.blogspot.com


Can you tell us a little about your book?

Thank you so much for having me here! Love In A Box, is the third story in my erotic time travel series, Highland Jewel. The fun part is that the hero in this tale, Colin, is the son of Lainie and Donell from the first story. We also learned about Sera in the first book too...but I won't give away the huge misunderstanding that was made, since you'll find out in the first few pages of Love In A Box!!! Here's the blurb:

Colin MacDuff has grown up learning the ways of Highland warriors from his father Donell--but he's never believed his parent's faniciful stories of time travel, true love and a brooch known as the Highland Jewel. Until…he lands on his butt, literally, in the year 1648. Before him is the most beautiful, not to mention sexy as hell, woman he's ever seen. The only thing is, she refuses to be his, or to believe in the power of the brooch.

Sera wishes she'd been able to escape the Highlands like her sister did, and vows she won't marry for anything less than love, and refuses to be a pawn in a marriage deal. Until…Colin shows her what she's missing. He takes her body to the heights of heaven and back, all while proving to her that true love is possible.

Now everything and everyone, depends on the future of these two lovers. Will Colin stay in the past to save the future, and will Sera succumb to passion and love?

How did the idea for the plot come about?

I'll have to start this answer from the first story. I came up with the idea from a writer friend of mine, Denisse with Celtic Hearts. We have online parties and she always gives out Highlanders in a box as our party favor—and believe me if there was such a thing I’d have dozens! She sponsored a writing contest about our sexy friends and thus, Donell was born. I'd been toying with the idea of continuing the story with another Highlander, and then my editor suggested I make it into a series, and that solidified my ideas, so I wrote Ian, Donell's twin's story. After that I needed a third hero and I couldn't quite figure out what to do. I knew I wanted to tell Sera's story, and I thought I'd just come up with a random guy, but I also wanted to tie it all up, so Colin was born. It's been a lot of fun writing characters and their stories.

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

You're not nosy! I love sale stories too! The first story I sold was my Regency novella, Her Captain Returns. I'll never forget it! I am an obsessive email checker. It was probably like 1 am. I'd been up talking and drinking just a little wine with one of my girlfriends, and before I went to bed, my computer--my crutch--called to me. So, I logged on and there it was! An email from my editor at The Wild Rose Press, offering me a contract! I jumped up, ran all the way upstairs, hopped in bed and woke my husband to tell him the good news. Since then I've recieved five more contracts and each time its a thrill!

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

LOL! I'll start with the funnest part of this question: fantasy squeeze... I have several! Vin Diesel, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Craig, Patrick Dempsey, Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Christian Bale, Colin Firth and of course the hotties in my books (they are perfect, since I created them, lol) My absolute favorite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, I've read it so many times the pages are falling out. I'm also a big Jane Austen fan. I love Ken Follett, Julie Garwood, Jude Devereux, Eloisa James and Sabrina Jeffries, just to name a few. My favorite movies...my all time fav is Braveheart, then I love the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, The Princess Bride, Robin Hood Men in Tights, P.S. I Love You, and I recently saw What Happens in Vegas, and loved it too! I don't watch much TV, but when I do I like CSI, the Tudors, and anything on the History Channel.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on finishing up the last two novels in a medieval series I'm writing, as well as working on a Regency erotic series.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Several ways :) I have a website, and a myspace page that update regularly. I also contribute to the Pen and Muse blog, where I update whoever is interested in my writing life. And last but not least, I have a newsletter I send out every couple of months. Oh, and I love getting email! As I said I'm an obsessive email checker, so if you want to write to me, you'll be sure to get an answer! writer@elizaknight.com
Thank you for having me! It was a lot of fun :) Eliza KnightCHRW President / HHRW Newsletter EditorAuthor of sizzling historical romance. Bringing passion to life, one love story at a time...www.elizaknight.com / www.historyundressed.blogspot.com / www.myspace.com/elizaknight

Free Giveaway

Next up on my To-Do list is writing a couple of synopses. *shudder* Not looking forward to tackling them! It's been ages since I wrote one and I think I've forgotten how.

In happier news I've booked my flight for the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference in August so am very excited about that!!

If you have a moment I'd love to see you over at Sarita Leone's blog, where there's a copy of Foretaste of Forever up for grabs for someone who leaves a comment on my post.

***Link Fixed Now!!!***

Perth Roadshow is on its Way!!!

Romance Writers of Australia inc

proudly presents

The 2009 Romance Roadshow

Featuring…

Keri Arthur
New York Times Best Seller List author

Kelly Hunter
Harlequin Romance author, President of Romance Writers of Australia

Denise Rossetti
Ellora’s Cave and Berkley author,

Plus: local authors, giveaways and much, much more.

Come and hear some of Australia’s leading romance authors talk about the craft of writing and the industry they work in. With interactive tutorials and an author panel, it’s a day no aspiring author should miss.

After a day full of information, relax and catch up with your new friends at our post Roadshow dinner.



Saturday 23rd May 2009
Good Earth Hotel
195 Adelaide Terrace
Perth



Cost: RWA Members $100
Non-Members $110
Dinner - tba

Prices include lunch, morning and afternoon tea

For further information on presenters and tutorial topics go to: www.romanceaustralia.com

Enquiries: Julie-Anne roadshowenquiries@romance.com
Registration Nicki roadshowregistrar@romance.com

Passion in Paris - Helen Hardt

Please welcome my special guest this week, the lovely Helen Hardt! Helen, thanks for popping back to chat about your new Scarlet Rosette, Passion in Paris, which was released by The Wild Rose Press last Friday and is already riding high in the charts!

And don't forget, all Rosettes are on sale for the month of April at the red hot price of just 99 cents each!!

Can you tell us a little about your book?


Passion in Paris originated when my friend and webmistress, Kylie Creel (hi Kylie!), introduced me to a young French hottie named Emmanuel Delcour. I had just finished Seduced in Seoul, and wanted to write another Destination Pleasure story for The Wild Rose Press, Wilder Roses. What better location than Paris? And what better hero than a young and charming Frenchman who has a little secret? Thus, Passion in Paris was born.

Blurb:
Attempting to overcome her fear of heights by visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower, Raine never expects to end up in the arms of a gorgeous Frenchman. But after fainting in the tower’s elevator, that’s where she awakens. Blaise is young, charming, and hot, so why, Raine wonders, is he attracted to her? And why does she have the strange feeling she’s seen him somewhere before?

Red Hot Excerpt - Adults Only!!


Blaise’s body tightened. Her lips were as delicious as he’d thought they’d be. He’d wanted to kiss her since she first fell onto him in the elevator, her lush dark hair cascading down his chest and arms. He’d impetuously decided to bring her here, to his place. It wasn’t far from the Eiffel Tower and for some reason unknown to him, he’d wanted to care for her.

She kissed him like a sédutrice, opening her mouth and swirling her tongue around his. She nipped his lips with a hunger that was both innocent and passionate. The fire she ignited in him traveled straight to his groin, reminding him how long he’d gone without a woman. Nearly two years now. Not that he hadn’t had the chance. He was a model; women constantly came on to him. But he hadn’t been interested.

Until now.

Lorraine was older than he, more mature, but he didn’t care. He wanted her. She was beautiful, yes. And cute. So adorable to be afraid of heights. But he’d known his share of stunning women. What was it about her?

Sighing into her welcoming mouth, he deepened the kiss, tangling his tongue with hers. Enjoying the soft moans from her throat. Her mouth tasted like the Beaujolais, with a touch of honeyed sweetness. He groaned. His cock throbbed inside his jeans, aching for release.

But no. He wanted to go slowly. To savor her.

Summoning all his willpower, he broke the kiss, trailing his lips over her cheek to her ear. He pressed a moist kiss to the silky skin below her lobe. “You’re so beautiful, chérie. So hot.”

“Mmm.” Her voice had lowered, and her breath feathered against his cheek.

“I knew it would be paradise to kiss you.” He traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. “You are delicious.”

She sighed. “You are, too.”

“I meant what I said.” His body shuddered at her nearness. “I want to kiss you. Lick you.”

“Mmm. Okay.”

“I want to fuck you, chérie. Until you cannot walk.”

*Christina fans self*


How did the idea for the plot come about?

I had to get my cougar heroine and my young Frenchman together, so I came up with the idea of having her go to the top of the Eiffel Tower to try to overcome her fear of heights.

She's unsuccessful and faints in the elevator. And, of course, our hottie is there to catch her.

Who or what inspires you and why?


I think I'm inspired by a little bit of everything, to tell you the truth. My wonderful husband, of course, is the role model for every hero I've created. All my heroes are unique, but there's a little bit of Dean in each one. Sometimes I'm inspired by a song. Sometimes a photo (as was the case for Passion in Paris.) Sometimes a title comes to me first. This happened with Thai'd Up, another Destination Pleasure short that's coming soon. When I thought of that title, I knew I had to write the story! Other times I'm inspired by a book I've read, but thought a few things should have been handled differently. So I'll write a new story. Really there's no end to my inspiration, LOL.

If you rubbed a lamp and a hot djinn appeared and offered you a single wish, what would you ask for (or make him do?!)

Fantasy Helen would probably ask him to summon his equally hot djinn friend (who bears a striking resemblance to Gerard Butler) so we could all have a nice...sandwich together.

But reality Helen? I'd ask for good health and long life for my husband, my sons, and me. It's so easy to take good health for granted. I'm thankful everyday for mine and my family's.

Where do you see yourself as a writer five years from now?

On the NYT bestseller list, of course, right next to you, Christina! LOL. Wouldn't that be something? But where I actually see myself is being able to support my family with my writing so my husband can stop working. He's supported me for all these years. I'd love to do the same for him.

What's the best, and worst, things about writing for you?

The best is when everything comes together perfectly -- plot, characters, conflict, emotion. When I make myself cry or give myself belly tugs, I know it's working. Or when I get great feedback from my critique partners. I got this amazing reaction from them with my upcoming historical western novella, The Outlaw's Angel. I wrote that one very quickly, and it came together well.

The worst is the opposite -- when a story isn't working. I'm not feeling the love, and neither are my CPs. Sometimes I can fix this, but other times I have to take a different avenue. I'm sure all writers have experienced something similar. You have what you think is a great idea, but the characters aren't cooperating. Annoying!

Quickies

What's your fave:

Time to write The morning, but ironically, by the time I get through all the email, blogging, etc., it's usually afternoon before I actually write a word!

Song I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Pair of shoes I'm so not into shoes! My husband loves that I'm not into clothes. I hate shopping. But let's see -- I guess I'd have to say my Chacos. They're comfortable and you can pretty much go anywhere in them.

Food Sushi or Dean's homemade spaghetti sauce

Place (on earth or off!) Hawaii, or snuggled in my bed with a good book

Guiltiest pleasure Pedicures and massages

Catch up with Helen over at her website and her blog!

Believe in Your Dreams

This YouTube has been doing the rounds, but I only caught up with it today from a loop I'm on.

It's from a UK programme called Britain's Got Talent with the infamous Simon Cowell as one of the judges (I don't think he needs any more introduction that that, huh?!) Watch the judges faces as Susan Boyle walks on. And then watch their faces when all their preconceived notions smash to smithereens.

Enjoy!!!