Review of THE LANCASTER RULE by T. K. Topin

THE LANCASTER RULE
By T. K. Topin
Champagne Books
Available now
ISBN 978-1-926681-34-4

THE LANCASTER RULE opens in the viewpoint of heroine Josie Bettencourt in the year 2333, after Josie has been “resurrected” from the pod-like sarcophagus in which her father secured her in the year 2006. As readers might imagine, the world has changed tremendously in over three hundred years—yet much remains the same. Struggles for power, greed, jealousy, and crime still exist. Not long after Josie is restored to life, terror strikes her world. In a dizzying series of events that take her around the world, Josie loses sense of who is right and who is wrong. People die in front of her eyes, yet she doesn’t know who she can trust. Is Lorcan Wellesley a vicious terrorist or the love of her life? Is John Lancaster an evil tyrant or is he in love with her? Striving to determine right from wrong, friend from foe, Josie leads an amazing journey.

T. K. Topin was born and raised in Barbados. For the last twenty-odd years she has worked as a free-lance graphics artist. Writing has always appealed to her and is something she would like to pursue full-time. In THE LANCASTER RULE, T. K. spins a suspenseful futuristic adventure. The only things I disliked about it were that it is mostly related in narrative and includes a few abrupt POV changes. More dialogue would pull the reader further into the story. However, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The beautiful cover was designed by Amanda Kelsey. THE LANCASTER RULE is the first in a trilogy. I will be eager to read the next two books.

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Blogging, Multi-tasking, and Research

Today a magic fairy makes me three people. LOL I'm a guest on the blogs of my friend Skhye Moncrief and my eldest daughter, plus this blog. Authors are so good at multi-tasking, aren't we? My daughter Stephanie's blog is about my research trip to Johnson Bend Boy Scout Camp at Possum Kingdom Lake and other research for my time travel OUT OF THE BLUE. Does almost getting arrested count as research? I hope so. This area is not that far from my home--maybe an hour away--so getting there is not difficult. Skhye's blog discusses a lovely trip my youngest daughter and I took to Lost Maples State Natural Area near Bandera for the western historical THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE that will be released Sept. 3rd. I love that area of Texas and always look forward to a trip.


Whether historical or contemporary, my books are set in Texas. I do a lot of research from books and online, of course, but I also rely on the way too many research books in my persoanl library. Contemporary research books include the Writer's Digest series. My favorite is DEADLY DOSES, which I also use for historicals. TEXAS ALMANAC is always handy, as is a Texas road map to help me visualize distances. Historical research involves the same books, but I also use a collection of severak memoirs written by early settlers. Fehrenbach's LONE STAR is the most easily read of all the history books I've found. I have several medical books, the funniest of which is DR. CHASE'S RECIPES FOR EVERDAY LIFE by A, W. Chase, MD, published by the author in 1866. This book includes not only his "recipes" for various maladies, but also notes on tanning hide, building furniture, and other things people of the time needed to know. The Writers Digest WRITER'S GUIDE TO EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE WILD WEST and THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO EVERYDAY LIKE IN THE 1800'S are helpful, but there are errors in these books and writers much be wary. Barbara Belding Gibson's PAINTED POLE: THE BELDINGS AND THEIR RANCHES IN PALO PINTO COUNTY is one I have used a lot. In addition, I was fortunate enough to visit the ranch a few years ago. What a treat.

I am a book fiend. I scavenge book sales, garage sales, Goodwill, and other places for books that fall in my fields of interest. One never knows when a seemingly odd book might provide just the details of authenticity to make writing credible. For instance, in case you've wondered how people entertained friends and relatives for weeks on end when living in a small one-room cabin, I found one possible answer in TEXAS TEARS AND TEXAS SUNSHINE: VOICES OF FRONTIER WOMEN (if I remember correctly). One of the memoirs talked of visiting a relative. Since the guest was a woman, she slept against the wall with the wife between her and the husband. If the guest had been a man, he would have slept on the outside, with the husband between the guest and the wife. Imagine having sex while there's another person in bed pretending not to notice! Definitely no thanks! That offers way, way too little privacy for me! Maybe those sleeping arrangements were not widespread, but the writer seemed to think it was normal. I haven't used this in a book and don't plan to, but you get the idea of how such knowledge grounds an author in pioneer life. It reminds me of the first part of Janice Woods Windle's TRUE WOMEN in which the little girl watches through cracks in the loft floor at her sister and brother-in-law "playing" under the covers in the room below. I believe there was almost no privacy for pioneer women. Which mans that, while I love reading and writing about late 19th century life in Texas as I view it but as it probably wasn't, I realize I am so blessed to live in a house with electricity, modern plumbing, air-conditioning, and doors on all the multiple rooms.

What are your favorite research books?
 
Leave a comment to be entered in my Saturday giveaway.

Interview With Deirdre Dougherty, Heroine of OUT OF THE BLUE

Yes, I do realize that to others, Deirdre Dougherty from OUT OF THE BLUE is not a real person. She is very real to me, though, and the cover image of her is very much like my mental image for her--long dark hair, pale skin, and light brown eyes.. To help you understand her (and in the hope you'll buy the book) here is an interview with Deirdre.

CC: How did you come to be an herbal healer?

DD: The women in my family have been healers as far back as we know. We grow many herbs, but we buy others in Galway City. We're also clairvoyants. Some call it he gift of sight, but for us it's been a curse. No one trusts another who has the sight. Oh, but let them have sickness, and they come running to us then.

CC: How did your father and grandfather feel about your gift and your healing?

DD: Da was that proud of ma and me. Grandad, too, but he died in the rebellion of 1798 when Ma was a babe.

CC: Tell us about growing up in Ireland.

DD: Oh, it's a grand place is Ballymish. Right on the Atlantic, it is. How I loved to sit on a huge rock and look out over the ocean. The sea breeze tasted of salt and promise. Out cottage was small--only two rooms and a bit of a loft--but it was filled with love. Flowers grew everywhere except the vegetable garden. Thinking on it makes my heart glad

CC: What sort of industry was nearby?

DD: Only the marble quarry. The marble there is that pretty you wouldn't believe it. Many shades and colors. The green was my favorite. Da worked in the quarry until Eoghan the Elder killed him.

CC: Heavens, did you say someone murdered your father? What happened?

DD: No one could prove it, but we all knew who was responsible for the rock slide that crushed poor Da. His mates took a collection for Da's burial and stone, for Da was well-liked by everyone but Eoghan. The evil man had wanted to marry Ma, but she turned him down and married Da. Eoghan harbored a grudge every day. You know the saying, "He might forget a favor, but he'll never forget a grudge." That sums up Eoghan and his son Eoghan the Younger. When I was ten, Da was raised up—you’d say promoted--it was too much for Eoghan. He killed Da.

CC: What about your Ma and your Gran?

DD: The women in our family married late. By the time I was twenty, Gran was growing feeble. Ma and I went to Galway City to buy herbs that we couldn't grow, but Gran didn't feel up to walking that far. Da had cousins there and we stayed with them for two nights. It was like what you call a holiday vacation. When we returned, we found Gran laid out on out kitchen table and Mrs. Fraser sitting with her. The kind lady said Gran was found that morning by the road. Her head had been smashed with a large rock. Guilt and sorrow wracked Ma and me. We knew we should never have left Gran alone, and we were that sure Eoghan or his son had killed Gran.

CC: How did you come to travel through time from 1845 Ireland to 2010 Texas?

DD: Before I was born Gran had a terrifying vision. She insisted that Da and Ma dig a tunnel from the center of the cottage floor, under the cottage, and coming out about twenty yards behind the cottage. They dug a couple of hours each evening all winter long. Before dawn, Da spread the dirt on the garden. When the tunnel was completed, they planted shrubs to conceal the exit. That was the first vision that helped me.
          When I was twelve, Ma made me learn to swim. Do you know they say that if a woman can swim it proves she's a witch? So Ma rented a boat at Ishkerrig and we rowed out so no one could see us from shore. Then Ma taught me to swim in the ocean. We took off our dresses and swam wearing only our underclothes. I was that shocked the first time Ma told me, but it was wonderful. That was the second vision that saved me.
         After Ma died, I had visions of a man reaching for me. Oh, he was a handsome one, but I thought he intended to choke me. That was the third vision that affected me leaving Ballymish. Let me tell you, I was frightened. I was alone, and Eoghan the Younger had started calling me a witch. He was turning the villagers against me, when I had done no one harm. He said I cursed their potato crops and that's why the plants were dying. I knew I had to leave so I planned to walk to Galway City and stay with my cousins until I could find me own place. I packed my carryall and readied myself to leave as soon as the village was quiet. It didn't get quiet, though. Eoghan the Younger banged on the door just before full dark. He had a mob with him and they had torches. He told me to come out, but I wasn't stupid. I scooped up my cat Cathbad and shoved him into the carryall. Quickly as I could, I moved the rug over the trap door to the tunnel and slid inside. Already I smelled the roof thatch of our lovely cottage burning. I emerged in the brush and headed for the road to Galway City. Someone spied me and the mob gave chase. They cut me off from all escape except to leap off the cliff into the Atlantic. I was so scared I prayed to Saint Brendan and Saint Brigid to deliver me. Eoghan almost caught me, but I leaped off into the sea.

CC: What a terrible series of events you've endured.

DD: Ah, but I've found the place I belong now. I like this Texas and my job. I won't tell too much about that or it will spoil the book for readers.

CC: Thank you, Deirdre, for sharing your past. I'm glad to know your future is peaceful.

DD: Peaceful? No, not atall. Well, maybe now it is, but there was such trouble getting to the peaceful part. So many times Brendan almost died. I was near kidnapped and then almost killed. Whew, this was a scary book you wrote.

CC: Hey, it ends happily-ever-after. What more do you want?

You can find OUT OF THE BLUE at www.thewildrosepress.com and Amazon.in print and e-book.

Happy Father's Day weekend to everyone!

Goodbye To A Favorite Family Pet--Miss Delilah Sue Kitty

Before I report my sad story, let me announce that Sheila won the book for commenting on Alice Duncan's guest blog yesterday. Congratulations, Sheila. I've emailed you the download.

Last Friday our sixteen-year-old gray tabby, Miss Delilah Sue Kitty, died of renal failure. She’d been sick for a while and on medication in an attempt to reverse the problem. Sadly, she continued to deteriorate and was in pain, so we had her euthanized. What a sad day! Darling 2 went with Hero and me to the vet’s office to lend her support. Darling 1 called several times during the day to offer her support because she lives several hours away. Our vet is a lovely man and his primary tech is such a pet lover that all pets respond to her—people do, too. At least they made the decision and process less painful. The vet explained that giving Delilah Sue IV’s to rehydrate her would only be a temporary measure. She was so afraid of strangers, that we knew she would hate being in a pet hospital. She’d already endured too much. We opted for a quick, painless death.


This brings me to talking about pets in our lives. They become like family members, like furry children on four legs. They offer companionship and love and ask for very little in return. I believe they are sent into our lives for another reason—to teach us to deal with death. Losing a pet is hard; losing a loved one or close friend is harder.

At least for most of us. I have a friend whose husband said he no longer wanted to live when his favorite dog died. Fortunately, he finally responded to a new dog and now has a new reason to live. Another man in our town asked that he be cremated and buried in the back yard beside his favorite dog.

We buried Delilah in our back yard in a casket-like box our vet provided. I loved Delilah, but I hope to be cremated and enurned—a term we learned when my mom died and wanted to be cremated then buried in the plot beside my dad—beside my husband in a cemetery with a nice marker. I won’t be there, but I want people to know where I was.

Delilah Sue was not always a friendly cat. She loved to sit beside my keyboard to be near me when I’m writing. She also loved to sit ON the keyboard when she wanted more attention. Nothing subtle about Delilah. If she were angry, she would walk by and nip me. We used to leave her with Darling 2 when we went out of town, but it was too hard on Delilah and on Darling 2’s ankles. Darling 2 said she would rather drive out and check on Delilah at our home—it was less painful.

When Delilah was growing quite ill, Bailey and Sebastian lay on each side guarding her. The day before she died, Delilah tried to crawl under a chest to hide, so I knew she was trying to die in private. I put her in her basket under my dressing table so I could watch her all night.

We miss Delilah Sue and I think our other two cats and our dog miss her. Sebastian keeps querying me about something. I’m not fluent in catspeak, but I think he’s asking me a question about Delilah’s whereabouts. Bailey doesn’t seem to mind having Sebastian to herself. She’s quite smitten with Sebastian and seems to have forgotten that they’ve both been de-sexed. Perhaps she’s remembering the good ol’e days before her fateful trip to the vet. She’ll no doubt be slightly jealous when we get another female cat next month—Sela, an orange tabby that Darling 2 rescued. Shhhh, I haven’t explained about Sela to Hero yet.

Guest Blogger Author Alice Duncan!

Alice Duncan is one of my favorite authors. I adore her cozy mystery Spirits series featuring Daisy Gumm Majesty and set in 1920's Pasadena, CA. Daisy is a fake spiritualist who does all she can to keep body and soul together and help support her family. She is a spunky, industrious heroine much like Alice herself. In addition to rescuing dachshunds, Alice has sung and danced in a folk group. See photos on her website under her bio, and check out her YouTube links there. Alice Duncan has also written as Anne Robins, Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, and even westerns as Jon Sharpe a couple of times. Alice, Anne, Emma and Rachel all write historical novels. Jon writes westerns. Back when she was young and didn’t know any better, she wanted to write the Great American Novel. After life kicked her around for a few decades she realized that she not only doesn’t want to write the Great American Novel, she doesn’t even want to read it. What she craves from reading material is to be taken away from life’s toils for a few hours. Entertainment is what she aims to provide with her novels, and she considers it a most worthwhile goal—and one she accomplishes extremely well. Read more interesting things about Alice in the bio on her website, http://www.aliceduncan.net/, and don't forget to read excepts of her books while you're there. Please welcome guest blogger Alice Duncan!


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Every now and then, when I’m sitting and ruminating about things whilst dachshunds cavort on, around, in front of and behind me (I’m serious about that. It gets downright annoying at times), I wonder why I can’t seem to force myself to write contemporary stories. The conclusion I inevitably come to is that I don’t like life as it is and prefer to make up life the way it probably wasn’t a long time ago. I mean, sure, people make up mysteries and romances about modern-day people, but I’m someone who not only doesn’t follow trends, but actually had to be told what a “Jimmy Choo” was. In other words, I’m hopeless in today’s world and like to get as far away from it as is humanly possible, as often as possible.

Therefore, I write historical novels. For several years I wrote historical romances set in the Old West (or my version of it). I had help in this endeavor from my mother, who grew up in Roswell, New Mexico, in the teens and twenties. Yes, I’m old. But my mother was old when she had me, her mother was old when she had her, and there’s room for at least three more generations in the spaces between my Swiss maternal grandmother and me. I won’t even talk about my paternal great-grandfather, who was a deserter from the Confederate Army. At least, I won’t do it here.

Anyway, Mom used to tell me stories about growing up in Roswell, and it sounded as though she lived in the wild, wild west. When she was a little girl, ranchers ran cattle down Second Street (the main east-west street in town); she and her three brothers and one sister lived in a three-room house made of adobe brick; her mother (having been widowed two days after my mother was born) earned a living for the entire brood as a seamstress; my uncles occasionally went out on the desert and captured wild burros, which they’d then ride until they got bucked off; there was no electricity in town; and there weren’t even any trees to block the relentless spring winds. Heck, I wrote an entire novel (COOKING UP TROUBLE) about the spring winds here in Roswell (Mom said she’d sometimes arrive at school with her legs having been sanded raw by the blowing dirt, dust and pebbles), and another one (PECOS VALLEY DIAMOND) that began with kids running to stay under the shadows made by clouds so that they could be cooler during the vicious summer heat. Today when the wind blows, which it does constantly during the springtime, the only vicissitude I endure is finding shingles that used to be on my roof in my front yard. And, lucky me, I have air conditioning.

Hmm. The Good Old Days don’t sound like a whole lot of fun, do they? Well, they probably weren’t for the folks who lived in them. However, when it comes to history, a novelist can fudge a bit. In my western historical novels, for instance, I leave out the cholera epidemics, floods (Roswell is in the middle of the desert, the soil is like clay, and it takes a long time for water to soak in. Before a couple of dams were built in the thirties by the CCC, the place flooded once or twice a year), ptomaine poisoning due to lack of refrigeration, lack of antibiotics, etc. Mom told me about tent revivalists who used to visit town and the Chautauqua folks who’d lecture in Roswell, etc. Therefore, I decided to give Annabelle Blue, heroine of PECOS VALLEY DIAMOND (available on Kindle and iPad) and PECOS VALLEY REVIVAL (to be published in January 2011), a lot of the stuff my mom used to talk about only without the grime, illness and so forth.

Oddly enough, once I moved to Roswell, I became nostalgic about Pasadena, California, where I’d lived for most of my life. Mind you, it was the smog, crowds, expense and general chaos of Southern California living that drove me away from it (I recall trying to shop for Christmas dinner after work once, and finding no parking anywhere even close to the market, much less in its parking lot, which was full to bursting. It was quite frustrating), but it used to be a beautiful, serene place where wealthy easterners wintered, and refugees from the motion-picture industry fled to escape their hectic lives. Of course, all those rich folks needed people like me (poor ones, in other words) to do their chores for them, so I decided to give Daisy Gumm Majesty, heroine of my “Spirits” books, a working-class background and a strong work ethic learned from her parents. The fact that she learned quite early in her life that rich folks can be just as gullible as poor ones, and that they sometimes have a good deal more money than sense, only added to the fun with Daisy, who’s a phony spiritualist.

I chose to set my historical mysteries in the 1920s, because so very much was going on then. Women, after decades of trying, finally got the vote in 1920 (in Turkey, by the way, women got the vote in 1918. Go figure); the world had lately endured two ghastly crises (the Great War and the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic); radio was being invented and improved upon almost daily; baseball was truly the great American pastime; the sale and consumption of alcohol was outlawed, giving rise to bootlegging and the murdering gangs who fought for control of the illegal stuff; and young people had begun questioning the values of their elders with a vengeance. The last item on that list is probably as old as the human race itself, but in the twenties the rebellion of the “Bright Young Things” seemed to take on an almost hopeless ethos. After years of war, illness and death, lots of young people concluded there wasn’t anything they could do about life, so they might as well party (if you need proof of this, read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s books).

Unfortunately for her, Daisy Majesty, my favorite character to date in any of the books I’ve written, and who has appeared in four books to date, suffered through the worst of what life had to offer, too, but she couldn’t waste her life partying because she had a war-injured husband to care for and support. Although I have a lot of fun with the “Spirits” books, Daisy has many burdens to bear. As Connie Gregory, reviewer for Connie’s Reviews, put it: “HUNGRY SPIRITS has substance in the story line as well as in each character.” That made me feel good, as did the Booklist review of HUNGRY SPIRITS, the first line of which is, “This enjoyable series deserves to be much better known.” Huh. I couldn’t agree more!

Anyhow, that brings me to the most important point of this blog. HUNGRY SPIRITS, the fourth “Spirits” book, is being released this month! You can read the first chapter on my website (http://aliceduncan.net/) if you want to. In fact, you can read the first chapter of all the “Spirits” books there, if you hunt around a bit. The first three books, STRONG SPIRITS, FINE SPIRITS, and HIGH SPIRITS, are also available for your Kindle or your iPad if you’re lucky enough to own one of those interesting devices.

By the way, I hold a monthly contest in which I give books away. I started doing this some years ago, and I still have too blasted many copies of my books sitting around. Anyhow, each month I throw the names and addresses of entrants into my special contest doggie dish and at the end of the month Daisy, my winner-picking wiener, selects winners of the books I’m offering. This month is HUNGRY SPIRITS month, so if you’d like to maybe, depending on Daisy, win a copy, just e-mail me at alice@aliceduncan.net and give me your name and home address. Daisy does the dirty work on the last day of the month. Thank you!
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One person who comments today will receive a download of the Civil War anthology NORTHERN ROSES AND SOUTHERN BELLES, in which Caroline has a novella, LONG WAY HOME. Be sure to leave your email in the comment! This win does not disqualify you for Caroline's Saturday drawing nor as Alice’s weiner winner if you email her. Hooray for free stuff!

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Reviews for Alice Duncan:

“This enjoyable series deserves to be much better known. It takes place in Pasadena at the beginning in the early 1920s. WWI has had an immense impact on the Gumm-Majesty family. Billy Majesty returned from the war with wounds related to being both shot and exposed to mustard gas. As a result, he cannot walk or work and has become addicted to morphine. Daisy, his wife, supports the family working as a spiritualist. Billy doesn’t approve, but Daisy and the Gumm family are much more pragmatic. In this adventure, Daisy is asked to teach a cooking class for disadvantaged immigrant ladies at the Salvation Army. That sounds innocent enough, but Daisy can’t cook. She manages to stay one step ahead of the class, but she lands right in the middle of an anarchist plot, forcing her to turn sleuth and, along the way, confront her prejudices against Germans, whom she blames for her husband’s disability. Daisy’s upbeat attitude in the face of serious problems gives her great appeal, as does Duncan’s grasp of the period. Recommend Daisy to fans of Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs.” Judy Coon, Booklist

“Daisy is a terrific heroine – she’s strong, smart, sassy, independent, and loyal. All of Alice Duncan’s characters have outstanding traits, and the author’s narrative of Pasadena in the era of speakeasies and flappers is nothing short of genius and a true love of the time and place. HUNGRY SPIRITS is an easy reading guilty pleasure and is chock full of danger, intrigue, and friends and family relationships. This is a delicious tale showcasing another of Daisy’s unknown talents – cooking! Thank you Alice Duncan for providing some of the best stories and characters in today’s literary market.” Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.

“Alice Duncan has given us a slice of life book in post-wartime with an interlocking mystery. She delves into the feelings of the survivors and the families who lost loved ones. HUNGRY SPIRITS has substance in the story line as well as in each character. A great change of pace book, thoroughly enjoyable with great writing that holds your interest throughout. I highly recommend it; it's good for the heart and soul! “ Connie Gregory, Connie’s Reviews.

“The latest post WWI era "Spirits" novel is a terrific historical that contains a strong mystery subplot. Daisy and the strong cast including the repeat characters from previous books (see Strong Spirits, Fine Spirits and High Spirits) and the cooking class make for a fascinating deep look at 1921 California.” Harriet Klausner


After you finish commenting on this post, please go over to http://rebeccasavage.wordpress.com/ and read her interview of moi that was supposed to run yesterday. Rebecca has had major computer-related problems lately, so she's a tad behind.

Welcome Author Mimi Barbour!

Readers, please help me welcome author Mimi Barbour today. Mimi, thank you so much for joining us today. You’ve led a richly diversified life. Tell us about your time in Africa. Then, tell us about your life now.


Hi Caroline. Thanks so much for inviting me to join you today. I really do enjoy these interviews. Humm?? Wonder what that says about a person. Ahh Dr. Phil…?

I have had a fun life. Moved many times around Winnipeg as a child, and I think it created a traveling niche in my psyche. I love to meet new people and go to different places. Spent the first eight years of married life in various areas in the Yukon. Then stayed in one small town on Vancouver Island for fifteen years and raised a family. Got an opportunity to move to Chile and lived there for seven years, and then ended up in West Africa for two more, and finally back to Canada to settle down Mid-Island where I live with my hubby, and two rambunctious turtles the size of small plates. (Okay maybe not rambunctious but they do come when I splash the water!!?)

Being in Africa was like living in a National Geographic program. I loved the people and the color and hated the poorness and the enforced oppression by their own government. Being called Mammy by the kids turned me on - they knew a soft touch when they saw one.

What led you to writing? I know you took writing classes, but why writing rather than, gardening or photography or bridge?

In Africa I had too much time on my hands and needed to take on a challenge. I was already teaching English to the fellow who worked as a gardener, quilting and cross-stitching, but I’d decided I needed more focus for my brain. I’d always loved writing letters and stories and thought I’d could to learn how to write for children. I took two years correspondence classes on creative Writing.

(There’s a story on my website called ‘Run for Joy’ which was the only children’s story I’ve had published. In truth, this image was the whole reason for me to start learning how to write. I had to tell the story about the naked African boy running in the rain and kicking a ball only half full of air. His protruding little tummy looked like a beer belly and he was so happy. The memory always makes me smile.)

Do you think you’ll diversify the types of romance you write or stay, as we say in Texas, stay with the one who brung ya?

My series is in the paranormal genre because I wrote the first story ‘She Me’ for a contest and I had to follow their guidelines (more about that later).

But, I’d love to write series romances. We all have to start somewhere and since I’ve read them for many years, having a gold star on my personal stairway next to Harlequin would be a real joy.

Who are a few of your favorite authors?

I’ve been reading the J.D.Robb series because it’s all I have left of Nora’s books to read. I love Susan Elizabeth Philips and find her bad-boy stories a delight. I particularly enjoy courtroom dramas and who-dun-its so Richard North Patterson fills that slot for me, and when I get in the mood for a good historical there’s no one better than Jo Beverly. Sharon Ashwood is also a new favourite of mine in the paranormal line with her quirky voice and ghost-busting heroine. But I guess my all-time best read is ‘Shantaram’ by Gregory David Roberts.

Oooh, Sharon Ashwood sounds like an author I should read. When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax?

I garden, but always with a pencil and paper nearby. It’s amazing how many plot problems have been solved when I’m on my knees, with a spade in my hand and sweat dripping. Gotta stop and pull off the gloves, stand up groaning and kvetching, and go over to the table to capture my ideas. Then I resume my place only to have the next, greater than before idea hit me that also has to be written down. Sigh!! Sometimes I just give up and go back to the computer.

I love spending time with friends and when I do that, the stories are forgotten….mostly Unless while people-watching, a favourite habit of mine, I see some behaviour that just needs to be documented.

What would you like to tell readers about THE VICARAGE BENCH? What inspired you to write the stories in this book?

The Vicarage Bench has been so much fun to write. The first story “She’s Me” was to be an entry for a Wild Rose Press contest called Through the Garden Gate. Well, instead of going through it, I sorta jumped over the flippin thing by ignoring some of their guidelines, and so was notified that they couldn’t accept my story as part of the contest but…they’d like to publish it as a stand-alone. I calmly agreed the same way any hysterical banshee would, and so my first story got released.

The second story “He’s Her” came about because the fact that I was now a published author went straight to my swollen head, and I figured heck – if I could do one, I could do two. And I did!

Running with the ball was too hard to stop and along came number three “We’re One”

I guess the premise of the books—having the protagonists either reside in someone else’s body (along with the owner), or have the hero invade hers, just tickles my fancy. It’s great fun writing dialogue, and the emotional side of each character can be stretched further than normal, because now it’s two souls who have to deal with the emotions involved. Also—because my favourite part of writing is characterization, I believe the people in my stories have wonderful personalities, are fun and full of surprises….at least I hope they are.

Beautiful cover, Mimi! Write a paragraph using the following words: peach, prize, leather, stocking, pig.

The curvaceous blonde wriggled and retied the waistband of her illegally-short shorts, trying to secure them from sliding down again. Her long pigtail swung freely with each move she made, as once more, she climbed the tree stretching and struggling for the peaches that hung just out of reach. Sara knew her sleeping child, cuddled in the car seat, would consider this a wonderful prize, and if she could gather all three she aimed for, then stocking them away for the next day would save her from having to spend her hoarded cash on fresh fruit. Sara would have gotten them too, if it weren’t for the leather-jacketed idiot barrelling towards her on a screaming motorcycle. Noticing her, he skidded across the road and flew off his bike, landing close to where she now hung on for dear life. Screams from inside the car grew louder, but didn’t come close to drowning out her cussing.

Do you write each day? What is your writing schedule?

Yep! I write each day unless I absolutely can’t. If I’m on holidays and am expected to be sociable with friends, I normally wait until everyone else’s has gone to bed. I’m a night owl and therefore can usually outlast most of my friends. If nothing else, I have to clean up my e-mails because after two days the amount collected is mind-blowing.

Are you a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer?

First I come up with an idea and plot out most of the story in my mind before I jot down the main items. Then I write out a rough draft for the characters. Later, once I actually start writing, everything changes. But without that small guideline, I really don’t have any direction to go towards or what will happen when I get there.

What advice would you give pre-published writers?

Oh goodness… now might be a good time for a bathroom break or for fresh coffee. Just kidding. I won’t go on and on except to say this. If you think you’re really good enough to be published, but you haven’t had any formal writing education, or haven’t taken any classes— then think again. Creating a novel that will interest an editor today is very hard to do. If you truly want to it - be prepared to work your ass off, have a real job to cover the bills, and study - learn your craft. Read the to-do books, but try and choose the best ones as there’s so much out there. Join a writing group and learn by others’ mistakes. Every author I’ve ever met is more than willing to help the wannabies, because most of us remember the good old days. And never think your work is so good that it can’t be better. Edit and revise and then do it again. It’s how I spend my days. Writing the story is the easiest part…making it saleable isn’t. The two most used reference books in my office are ‘Don’t Sabotage Your Submission’ by Chris Roerden and a big fat Thesaurus.

Give us a blurb about THE VICARAGE BENCH:

The Vicarage Bench is actually an anthology of three novellas. The first ‘She’s Me’ was my original contest entry, and my first attempt at spirit/time travel. I had a lot of fun writing the story of a beautiful, spoilt model from today invading the body of a chubby, sweet librarian from the sixties. The second story ‘He’s Her’ follows the same sort of spirit/time travel, only in this story a sophisticated, cranky fellow moves in on a virgin-sweet, lovely teacher. The third ‘We’re One’ went slightly different, and again I pushed the envelope somewhat. A charismatic, casino owner forces gorgeous, casino starlet to hide inside him in order to save her from a killer out for revenge.


Would you care to give us an excerpt from one of the stories?

Sure - here’s an except from the first ‘She’s Me’.

Chapter Five

Early next morning Jenna was up and forcing her new body into old practises.

“Ow! Stop that.”

“You are so out of shape, I can’t believe it.”

“Enough sit-ups! My heart is pounding so hard it’ll definitely stroke, my back aches—undoubtedly traction will be my only option—and my legs can’t handle so much running. I’ll surely get attacked with varicose veins.”

“You’re nuts. Stop griping. And by the way—we’re walking fast, not running, and it’s good for you. Exercise keeps the blood flowing, builds muscle and inflates energy, and that alone prevents problems. Your skin will benefit, not to mention your heart and lungs. Right now you’re breathing like a stuffed...

“Don’t you say it; don’t you dare.”

“Okay! Don’t spaz!”

“I’m hungry. Let’s eat now.”

“Right! One egg, a slice of twelve-grain bread and a small apple.” This was typical of Jenna’s usual diet.

“Never heard of twelve-grain bread. One egg isn’t enough. I usually have three, with bacon rashers, steamed tomatoes, toast and jam—oh, yes, and a bowl of oatmeal. And of course two cups of tea.”

Sarcasm dripping, Jenna said, “No wonder our arse is as big as an elephant’s. News flash! Lifestyle changes missy, starting right now. We eat healthy as of this moment.” And arguing all the while with her physical landlady about calories, metabolic rates, nutrition and energy, she strenuously suppressed Lucy’s habit of wolfing down every morsel on her plate.

Great excerpt with everything I love, including humor and a paranormal element. Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers?

It’s lovely to be able to visit with you here on Caroline’s blog, but, please do drop by my website and sign up for my newsletter – (which doesn’t get sent out all that often, mostly when I have some news to share.) I also have contests going on from time to time, and so anyone on the newsletter list is automatically entered. There’s an e-mail address also on my website for anyone who has questions. I love hearing from readers.

You can find Mimi on the web at www.mimibarbour.com You’ll also find a free read on her website.

Mimi, thank you for stopping by today. Continued good luck with your writing!

THANK YOU Caroline. It’s been a real pleasure. Hugs, Mimi

Readers. don't forget that leaving a comment enters you in my drawing. You can also sign on as a follower or on my RSS feed for another entry. Please leave your email in the comment.

Saturday's Winners and My Saturday Win

Thanks to everyone who commented on this blog this past week--actually it's been eleven days because the month began in the middle of the week. Saturday's winner is Ashley. She will be notified by email. She wins a small basket of Bath and Body Works products and a copy of CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL FOR DADS AND DAUGHTERS in honor of Father's Day next weekend (autographed by one of the authors, award-winning author, Christie Craig) in promotion for my June release, OUT OF THE BLUE. Since I fudged a bit--okay, four days--I'm sending Linda a download of award winning anthology NORTHERN ROSES AND SOUTHERN BELLES, in which I have a novella, LONG WAY HOME.

Please continue your comments to enter next week's drawing. I sincerely appreciate those who have left a comment and who have become a follower. I especially appreciate comments when I have a guest (no one wants to be embarrassed in front of the children).

Now let me tell you about the great day I had on Saturday. I attended the Yellow Rose RWA chapter meeting and Jo Davis (pictured at the right) was our speaker. What a great presentation! Maybe NYTimes bestsellers don't experience this, but I feel a writer can always take something away from any speaker. Even if we've heard it all before--but in Jo's case I had NOT--we can pick up a tidbit or be reminded of something we'd forgotten. Jo had pearls of wisdom dropping every time she opened her mouth. She spoke on Deep Point Of View, which is one of the things that I always think I understand but which confounds me on a permanent basis--until today. Maybe the fact that she used to teach school is why she made everything so easy to understand. Bless her! Then she applied the same principles to a synopsis. You probably thought you saw searchlights scouring the skies over Grapevine, Texas, but it was just the light bulbs finally going off over my head. And--can it get any better?--I won LINE OF FIRE from Jo's Firefighters of Station Five series. Let me tell you, I am feeling pretty pleased with the day's events.

After never winning anything, in the past two months I've won a pair of earrings, a $5 gift card, and now Jo Davis' book. I could get used to this. Let's hear it for Free Stuff!

Shameless promotion because I love these book covers, I'm posting again the covers for my new release and the anthology. Wait until I show you the stupendous cover for my September release. Life is good!

Writing the Senses

"What I like about a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers."
Logan Pearsall Smith

________

Darling 1 told me that she obtained some old-fashioned lye soap for the mother of a friend. No doubt the mom now uses modern soap that includes plenty of moisturizers. She merely wanted a bar of  the lye soap of her childhood--not to use, but to be reminded of times past. .

What is your first good memory? Your first bad one? Your first sorrow?

I once heard a supposed expert on TV say people cannot remember scents. How wrong he was! Perhaps he meant he could not recall them.. I remember the smell of my grandmother's flowers on a hot summer day, the smell of my mom's face powder, the scent of my father's face when I kissed him goodnight, the scent and feel of clean cotton sheets dried on the clothesline. Those things are in my past--some of them further away than others--but I recall them as surely as if they occurred today. My brother swears that when he passes a woman who uses the same face powder as our mom, he thinks of Mother. He said he always wants to lean near and inhale, but fears the woman would misunderstand. LOL As writers we are charged with translating those memories into word picture so vivid that readers experience them.

We record not only our personal experiences, but those we imagine. I haven't killed anyone, but I can write about someone who does because I've experienced anger, desperation, and envy. I've never had a child or husband die---thank You, God!---but I have lost parents and siblings and others close to me. I can write about grief from that well inside me.

I've mentioned before that we store up experiences and become the sum of all of these--not just those we personally have gone through, but also those we observed. I firmly believe writers and other artists are more sensitive to people and to life.
We empathize. 
We listen.
We gather.
We are the storytellers of our generation as surely as those before recorded language when people sat around the fire and listened to their recited history. We record, so that a hundred years from now people may share our experiences. Our smells, our tastes, our touch, our sights, our sounds. I wonder who will be reading our words then? In what form will they appear?

Tell me about your first memories. How old were you?

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win my Saturday giveaway. Open to international readers. A follower counts as two entries. Leave your email address in the comment.

I'm still on a blog tour for my June release, OUT OF THE BLUE, from The Wild Rose Press and from Amazon. You'll find my tour appearances on the sidebar to the right of this article. Join me for new excerpts and details about the story before the story. As Isabel Roman commented, she likes to know the backstory, she just doesn't want to get bogged down in it inside the book.

Book Review--SOMEWHERE MY LASS by Beth Trissel

I love Beth Trissel's blog. It is always well written and her husband's photographs are gorgeous. My blog today, however, is about her new release, SOMEWHERE MY LASS from The Wild Rose Press. This is a time travel romance, one of my favorite reads. Once I started reading this romance, I couldn't stop reading. From the first paragraph, I was hooked! Beth keeps the reader turning the pages to see whether or not Mora and Niel will get back to Scotland, what will happen if they do, will they stay there,.will Niel cease to exist? The pacing keeps the reader involved.

Not only does Beth Trissel have a terrific blog and website, but she is a remarkable author. I enjoyed the first of her Somewhere series, SOMEWHERE MY LOVE. In all honesty, I have to say that SOMEWHERE MY LASS is even more captivating than the first of the series. Beth Trissel writes with vivid language that paints a picture in the reader's mind. Her characterizations breathe life into all of the characters, and especially the hero and heroine. Anyone who enjoys a good read will love this book.

Let me share the blurb with you:

Neil MacKenzie’s well ordered life turns to chaos when Mora Campbell shows up claiming he’s her fiance from 1602 Scotland. Her avowal that she was chased to the future by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald, is utter nonsense, and Neil must convince her that she is just addled from a blow to her head–or so he believes until the MacDonald himself shows up wanting blood.


Mora knows the Neil of the future is truly her beloved Niall who disappeared from the past. Although her kinsmen believe he’s dead, and she is now destined to marry Niall’s brother, she’s convinced that if she and Neil return to the past, all will be right. The only problem is how to get back to 1602 before it’s too late.

The balance of the present and future are in peril if she marries another, and the Neil of the present will cease to exist. An ancient relic and a few good friends in the future help pave the way back to the past, but will Mora and Neil be too late to save a love that began centuries before
____________________________

I give this book 5 roses out of 5. Reader  can order SOMEWHERE MY LASS from The Wild Rose Press or Amazon in edownload or in print..You'll find Beth's blog at http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com
Don't forget my contest continues. Leave a comment to be entered in Saturday's drawing for a gift basket from Bath and Body Works along with a few odds and ends to surprise the recipient..
 

We Are Not Alone--A Family Affair

Friends and I went to lunch today after a meeting. We were discussing family, helping one another, and being alone. One of my friends is divorced, one a widow, and the other and I are happily married. Each of us has children who we think are the greatest children in the world. But we didn't argue over who's child was the most brilliant, the sweetest. (What would be the point, when I know mine are?) We were talking doing things on our own.

Fortunately for me, my Hero husband and my two Darling Daughters are very supportive of my writing passion. Hero keeps the computer working and the house running and does errands so that I can keep writing. Darling 1 helps with research, promotion, with my blog template, and with all kinds of questions. Darling 2 is also good for research. It's as if I have an auxillary staff. LOL Wow, I've always wanted a staff.

Not all writers are so fortunate. I remember one Harlequin writer several years ago who was well on her way up the ladder whose husband resented her spending time writing and killed her. What a shock that was to the writing community! Pardon my prejudice, but I always think that sort of thing happens to people who don't read. Maybe her husband didn't read books, even though she wrote them. Very sad situation, for she was a young woman. Readers and Writers should live to a higher standard in my opinion. Don't ask me why I think that. I know it's not logical but I can't prevent the thought. But I digressed.

The point of this is that success at writing takes more than one person pecking away at the keyboard. I don't mean monetary success because, let's face it, I'm not raking in the dough here, folks. I mean success at productive output. Pages written. Books completed. Books marketed. Family members must cooperate and support the writer if in no other way than not interupting. So, if you're a writer, thank your family. If you're a reader, thank a writer--and a teacher. LOL

Don't forget to leave a comment for the Saturday prize drawing. Put your email in the comment. Follow or tell me you're a follower for an additonal entry. You know the drill.
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Antiques and Other Bad Habits

One of my hobbies is browsing antique malls and going to estate and garage sales. I try just to browse, but I can't resist a bargain. Darling 2 and I love antiques and collectibles. In fact, we used to have booths in several antique malls. The problem was, we kept the best stuff for ourselves. I know, not good business, but we have some great items we enjoy. Another problem was that we never had the cash to buy the expensive but really lucrative items to resell. Assuming we would have resold them, of course.

We also love home tours. You know, the Victorian homes or revitalized area tours. Waxahachie, Texas is a town south of Dallas known for its Gingerbread Trail each spring and a similar one in November. Darling 2 and I were at one of the spring tours when we spotted one of our favorite signs, "Moving Sale." We stopped and I had just paid for a lovely folding Oriental screen I wanted. Darling 2 was still shopping when a policeman showed up and asked the homeowner for her permit. Oops. She didn't have one. He said, "Everyone will have to put everything down. I have to close this sale." The homeowner, who was moving to another state the following week, begged and pleaded. Since I had already paid, I did not feel inclined to leave my purchase. Darling 2 and I picked up the screen and hoofed it to my car a block away. That screen is heavy, let me assure you, but we made very good time and slid that baby into the car with no delay. When we drove back by the home, everyone was leaving--except the policeman. Poor lady. Not only was her sale closed down and her profits quashed, she probably had to pay a fine. For our part, my daughter and I still laugh about what a weird sight we must have made, jogging with a folded screen on our shoulders.

Darling 2 collects pottery and Darling 1 collects Stanley hand planes. I collect nativity sets, angels, and odds and ends. Hero collects electronics, tools, and fishing gear. Each of us reads so we're always happy to find a garage sale with lots of books at a bargain. We are all pack rats, so it's no wonder our basement is filled with "stuff."  We figure as long as we have the room, there's no harm. We don't have other expensive habits, so we'll continue collecting our favorites. 

What do you collect? Do you shop garage and estate sales?

OUT OF THE BLUE Excerpt--Caution R rating

Let me set up this excerpt for you. Deirdre Dougherty has traveled from 1845 Ireland to our time. She is staying with Blossom Hunter, mother of the hero Brendan Hunter. Blossom owns a health food store and Deirdre works there. When two frightening murderers try to kidnap Deirdre--all the while detailing their plans for her before they kill her--she vows that the first man to touch her will be the man she loves, Brendan. He arrives just in time to help the store employees save her, then takes her to his mother's home to recover. Deirdre is determined that she will know Brendan's lovemaking now.

_______________

She pulled his shirt loose from his slacks. “I know you’re an honorable man who doesn’t dally with women like me, but I must insist on this.”

“There are no other women like you.” He took a step back. “Deirdre, stop and think what you’re asking. It’s not a small thing.”

She took his hand and pulled him toward his room. “I’ve thought of nothing else since you saved me.” She offered him a slow smile, throwing her untried powers of seduction into it, feeble as her wiles might be. “In fact, I’ve thought of it since the day I came here.” They were in his room and she locked the door behind them.

He chuckled. “You mean after you learned I’m not really a demon?”

She stopped when they reached his bed. “Mmm, I’m not so sure you aren’t. You must be a wizard at least, else how did you enchant me with your spell?” She unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands against his skin.

He caught her wrists. “Deirdre, you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s no going back from this once we’ve been together. Some things can’t be undone.”

“I may not know exactly how this works, but sure and I’m a quick learner. Everyone says so.” She shoved him hard and he fell backward on the bed. While the surprise was still on her side, she pounced beside him. “Is this the way?” She leaned down and kissed him.

His lips were sweet as honey cakes. His arms slid around her and he returned her kiss. When she parted her mouth for him, he rolled so he was over her, never taking his lips from hers.

She realized he knew a lot about lovemaking. At first it annoyed her to think of him like this with other women. But she decided it best that one of them knew how to proceed. Understanding how coupling worked was not the same as experience.

His hands caressed her and before she knew it, she was out of her blouse and the confining bra. He kissed along her jaw, then to her neck and then—Blessed Saints!—he kissed her breast. She moaned with pleasure as he pulled the peak into his mouth and suckled. Heat built in her private place and she felt moisture gather there.

Heaven could be no more glorious than this moment. Or so she thought. Then he slid his hand between her legs and slowly up to where her thighs met. When his finger dipped inside her, she gasped.

His finger moved in and out with the same timing as his tongue against her peaked nipple. Heat inside her flamed hotter and hotter until she feared she’d melt. As if by their own free will, her hips moved to meet his delving finger. Great power gathered in her, threatening to burst free. She feared she might expire from the passion. Instead, the ecstasy inside her exploded and showered her with a million stars.

She cried, “Sweet mercy, Brendan, I never knew.” Then she melted against the pillow and sheets.

He raised his head to meet her gaze. His eyes were dark with passion, his face flushed with desire. “Are you ready for more?”

“More. Yes, more.” Deirdre said.

Brendan gathered his willpower and made one more try. “Honey, we haven’t...gone too far to stop now. Any more and I won’t be able to—“

She placed her fingers on his mouth. “Please, Brendan. Even if you don’t care for me as a lover and never want me again, let me have this now.”

How could he resist that plea? Especially when she asked what he desperately needed. “You know I care for you.” He tugged his belt loose and kicked off his jeans and shoes. His cock was rock hard and tented his briefs.

She gasped. “Oh, my.”

He figured she’d be scared off and braced himself for her change of mind. Lord, he didn’t think he could bear it if she did halt their lovemaking.

______________________

Leave a comment to enter my drawing for a book or other prizes. Signing on as a follower counts as a second entry. If you're already a follower, mention that in your comment. Be sure to leave your email address in the comment. Good luck.

On my website, you can find a humorous short story as a free read.as well as excepts of my current novels.  http://www.carolineclemmons.com/

Our Modern Conveniences--Which Do You Like Most?

I was thinking today about our modern conveniences and which I would most hate to do without. No doubt about a choice: a modern bathroom. I could live without the spa tub, but shudder to think of life without a toilet and shower and the air-conditioned rooms they're in.

In OUT OF THE BLUE, heroine Deirdre Dougherty travels from 1845 to our time. Her hostess Blossom Hunter has to teach her to use the toilet, shower, hair dryer, lotion, deodorant--you get the idea. Imagine what it would be like to be transported from an 1845 Irish two-room cottage to a luxurious modern lakeside home. Talk about culture shock!

That reminds me of a trip we took several years ago. Hero, Darling 2, my mother, and I went to Tennessee where my mom was born and lived until she was six. While there, we took a side trip to visit Hero's second and third cousins in Nashville and near Lebanon. They were lovely, gracious people. Please don't think I'm being critical when I tell this story.

We left my mom in Nashville with our hostess and drove out to Lebanon to see where Hero's great grandfather settled. The house was gone, but the smokehouse he had built still stood. The lady who inherited the property lived in a new home (relatively--built in the 1960's) built for her by her children. The cousin who showed us the way there told us there was no bathroom in the house. I thought great, Darling 2 has never used an outhouse, so this is her chance. LOL Wrong. When we asked about the facilities, the resident, Lily, told us "behind the big oak tree back of the house." Darling 2 and I looked but couldn't find an outhouse. We went back inside to ask for more directions. Lily told us there was no outhouse, we were just to squat behing a big tree!

Lily was in her 70's and had just had open-heart surgery. We couldn't imagine her using the great outdoors in all kinds of weather. She told us that when it was cold or rainy, she used the vacant chicken house. Now I don't want to give you the impression that Lily had just fallen off the turnip truck. She was a gracious, intelligent person. It turns out the limestone is so thick in that area, that a septic tank is a major expense and engineering problem. Her children pooled their resources to build her a new home, but didn't have the cash for the septic tank. So, she didn't have indoor plumbing other than a cistern to gather rainwater. She drew her drinking water from the well outside her home. What a hard life! This lady had borne thirteen children and raised eleven of them. Two had died as infants. No toilet, no hot water heater, no dishwasher, no washing machine, no dryer. Lord love a duck, I felt like a wimp compared to her!

Don't you wonder what new things will come along in the next twenty years? Probably in fifty years people will think we were quite primitive.  What's the one thing you would hate most to do without?

Release Day for OUT OF THE BLUE!

It's finally here, my long awaited release day for my paranormal time travel romance, OUT OF THE BLUE, from The Wild Rose Press. The buy link is http://www.thewildrosepress.com/, hint, hint. This is my first full-length romance with The Wild Rose Press, and I have to say that working with them has been a pleasure. They are very professional, yet also author friendly. Nicola Martinez designed the cover which fits so well with the story. You can see the cliffs of Ireland at the top and the Texas landscape at the bottom. Coins play a part in the story, too.  The heroine has long black hair, so the cover also depicts her correctly.  Working with editor Kelly Schaub was also a pleasure. Kelly knows her stuff, but is always gentle with constructive criticism.
I was part of an award winning Civil War anthology last year, NORTHERN ROSES AND SOUTHERN BELLES, with five friends. What a lovely experience that was. Editor Allison Byers was very nice to work with.

It's refreshing to have a cover that reflects the story. Not all do, you know. I've heard friends complain that the cover in no way is like the story or the  hero or the heroine. And the worst cover ever was the one I had for THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND. That was a great book, in my opinion, but the useless cover shot down sales. What a tragedyl. Ah, but I digressed.

I invite you to join me today as Mary Ricksen, Sharon Donovan, and Hywela Lyn treat me to a release party at their author roast and toast blog. Comment there to enter a drawing for a free download of the book. Come join the fun for a virtual margarita. Then, head on over to Kelly McCrady's site for another release announcement for OUT OF THE BLUE.   It's a fun day and I hope you'll join me in celebrating. Whoo hooo!

Evolving as a Writer, Evolving as a Reader

June and July are the Summer Reading Trail 2010. I hope you like to read--obviously you do or you wouldn't be here reading this blog. I'm also giving prizes throughout the Trail, so stick around. One comment is an entry and a follow is a second entry.

As long as I can remember I've loved books. My dad taught me to read when I was very young. I think he tired of reading the funnies and comic books. I bugged him to keep up with my favoites--Bugs Bunny, Superman, etc. Once I learned, I read whatever was handy. My mom was not a book enthusiast until later in life. She was unable to attend school for the entire year due to helping on her parents' farm, so she didn't do well in school. Besides, until she was middle aged, she thought too much reading was bad for the eyes. Then her sister insisted she read a book, and she was hooked. She rued having missed so many years of pleasure before then..

I used to haunt the library. Even after I was an adult, I made runs to the library on my lunch hour or on the way to the bus stop to load up on novels. I read on the bus all the way to and from work. I never tired of reading. I still don't! But now I buy most of my books. I reread favorites and pass the rest on to friends.

Once I began writing in earnest, I attended workshops and conferences. Not only did this change the way I write, but--here's what surprised me--it made a substantial change in the way I read. Now I noticed when authors broke the rules. How did they manage this and still continue securing contracts? Why couldn't I break the rules, too? Why were they published and I wasn't?

In the first place, well known authors have earned the right to break those rules. They've worked until they've built up a fan base whose readership guarantees their future sales. Secondly, perhaps a few of those same writers who are now successful would never be offered the first contract in today's tough publishing atmosphere. Isn't that thought a kick in the head? You know which authors I mean, I'm sure. Long, flowery descriptions to open the book. Anachronisms and faulty research in historical novels. Slow pacing. Paragraphs that last a page or more. Yawn.

Generally speaking, we are currently consumers with short attention spans. We want to get to the meat of the story fast. Short phrases interspersed to give us the weather and mood when necessary, but no long descriptions of the weather or the room. We want the hero and heroine to meet early in the book (or movie. How do you suppose Sleepless In Seattle sold as a screenplay? Wouldn't it be a shame if it hadn't?). Quick action, lots of dialogue, no long paragraphs without a break. No sentences that take three or four lines on the page.

My critique partner and friend Jeanmarie Hamilton and I often talk about writing trends. She writes historicals and erotica; I write sweet contemporaries, and sensual historicals and paranormals. Both of us write romance. We are constantly noticing new trends and puzzling over them and how to incorporate them into our writing. As the King of Siam said in The King and I, "It's a puzzlement."

This doesn't mean that I don't like older novels. I do! I love Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Marjorie Allingham, and others of the Golden Age. I can't read some of the older writers--those with heroines Too Stupid To Live. You know the ones I mean. The heroine is wearing a white nightgown and hears a noise. She takes her candle/lantern/flashlight to investigate, even though she knows there's a killer on the loose. Writers call her TSTL--Too Stupid To Live. My friend Sandy Crowley once wrote herself into a corner with her heroine facing killers in an alley. She said, "I just left her there for a day. I figured I'd created someone TSTL."

Since writing has evolved, writers' techniques must also evolve or they'll be left behind. I have to write fast so I'll have time to blog and comment on other blogs and go on Facebook and Tweet on Twitter and go to writer's meetings and speak to community groups. Good grief, no wonder I'm tired. That's why Hero brings me an occasional soda or tea, snack, or meal so I can hibernate in my nice, pink cave and keep writing my heart out and trying to please readers. What a guy!

The whole idea of this is that readers' tastes change, too. How has your taste in books changed in the last decade? Do you still read the same authors you read ten years ago?

Guest Interview with Cindy Jacks and May Prize Winner

Before I introduce today's guest, let me announce L_Hogg@comcast.net is the May prize winner. Laura, send me an email at caroline@carolineclemmons.com and tell me your snail mail address. The prize consists of a steampunk pocket watch necklace, a Bath and Body Works gift basket, and a couple of other things. Thanks to each of you who commented on a post. Dawn, if you'll send me your email, I have a runner's up prize for you. Secondly, I want to welcome you to the first day of my participation in the 2010 Summer Reading Trail.

Now that that's out of the way, I'm pleased to welcome Cindy Jacks, who's stopping by on her whirlwind Virtual Book Tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Cindy will share information about her writing and her new book ALL THE GOOD MEN. Prior to becoming a writer of romantic and erotic fiction, Cindy was a 'jacks' of all trades. Besides obtaining a BFA in sculpture, interning as a pastry-chef, and learning the art of furniture restoration, she worked for ten years in the corporate arena, but now happily spends her days as a full time author. Her first published work--"The Point of Distraction Series"--was inspired by a collection of short stories she wrote to entertain her best friend. Since then she's explored her inner bad girl and penchant for love stories by producing books full of humor and packed with real emotion. When not chained to her laptop, she enjoys belly dancing, international cooking, and making jewelry. She and her family call the Washington, DC area home.

Welcome, Cindy.

Thanks so much for having me here today to launch my virtual book tour! I can't wait to dive into these questions.

Before we get to the questions, let me say that is one hunky guy on the cover of your book! Congratulations on such a great cover.

Thanks. As you can imagine, I'm thrilled with the cover!

Give readers an idea of your creative process. Do you plot, do a lot of research, do characterization charts? Or, are you a seat-of-the-pants writer?

My creative process involves a lot of obsessing. When I'm writing a novel, I think about it 24/7. I dream about it. Sometimes the characters wake me up at obscene times of the night to talk to me. So, I'm definitely a plotter. I have to know where I'm going with a book or 'the voices' keep annoying me, lol. That being said, once I'm knee deep in my plot outline, I'm flexible. I'll change the action to match the characters as they evolve or as new ideas come to me.

What fuels your muse? I don't mean just chocolate--LOL--but the ideas. What inspires you?

I take inspiration from the people around me. Friends, family, long-term acquaintances—everyone has a story to share. I love listening to people's life experience and learning from it. Many of my characters have a basis in real people. I think this process adds richness and depth to the story.

Oh, I agree! Do you listen to music as you write? Do you require silence or can you write anywhere?

While I'm more efficient when I write without distractions, I have a very low tolerance for absolute quiet, lol. I'm very much about being in the thick of things so I really can write anywhere, but if I can force myself to shut off the internet, barricade myself in the bedroom, and resist the urge to join whatever frivolity my son is engaged in, I get more words written in a shorter amount of time. I do, however, need to listen to music when I write. Music is another thing that inspires me. My mood is very much affected by it so I keep genre appropriate playlists handy to keep me in the correct frame of mind while I write. For romance, I listen to Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr. For action sequences, Korn or Limp Bizkit does the job. And for super hot sex scenes, it's a specific song that gets my blood pumping, “Sadeness, Part 1,” by Enigma.

Do you use a laptop or a desktop. Where do you write?

My laptop is an extension of my body these days. I feel like I'm missing a limb without it! And judging from my butt print on the far right end of the couch in the living room, I've taken up residence there. It's the most comfortable spot in the house for me. You know, close proximity to the kitchen and the TV.

What are some of the books you reread or have on your keeper shelf? Who are some of your favorite authors?

Chick lit is one of my favorite genres. Bridget Jones's Diary was life changing for me in my late twenties. I felt suddenly like my fears and insecurities were normal. Watermelon helped me feel understood after I had my son as well. Sex and the City gave me a sense of empowerment. So, Helen Fielding, Marian Keyes, and Candance Bushnell are among my faves.

I also love Agatha Christie. I became a fan in high school because I chose Evil Under the Sun for a book report. After that I was hooked. Christie is one of the authors who inspired me to become a writer as is Margaret Atwood. Again, The Handmaiden's Tale was life changing for me. I read it at sixteen and began to ask all sorts of questions about sexual politics. Yep, Atwood brought out the burgeoning feminist in me.

Is there any advice you'd like to give pre-published authors?

Surround yourself with people who know more about the publishing industry than you do and other writers whose style you envy. And then be open to their advice (that's the hard part!) No act of creation happens in a vacuum. The more you collaborate and pass your work by those who can give you valuable feedback—both positive and negative—the more you'll grow. I think, in our society, we have this 'myth of the lone genius,' like an artist has to create something all by him/herself to be great. That really is crap, lol. And I mean that in a good way. Once you abandon that idea, writing isn't such a lonely process. I assure you, every novel you've ever read has been worked over by beta-readers, pre-editors, editors, and proofreaders. Though the vision may be yours, the polish comes from your support team.

Excellent advice, Cindy. Tell us anything else you'd like to share.

I'd just like to say that I know first-hand how tough times are for many people right now. My life-partner went through a layoff and a career-change because his trade evaporated with housing market. It was a rough road getting back to the point that we had a little extra 'fun money.' Those lean days, I think, shaped my attitude toward my writing. My goal, as an author, is to give my readers the best story I can produce. If I can help someone relieve the stress of a hard day or provide escape into another world, even for just a few hours, I feel like I've done my job well. It's in this spirit that I offer All the Good Men to the public. And I always love feedback from readers so please feel free to drop me a line!

Cindy, tell us a little about ALL THE GOOD MEN. Can you share a blurb with us.

Happy to..

Book Title: ALL THE GOOD MEN from Moongypsy Press.



Tagline: Good things come in forty-something firefighter packages...

Blurb:


Dahlia is sure the hackneyed platitude is true: After a certain age, all the good men are married or gay. She feels her thirty-eight years put her well past that 'certain age.' Her best friend and her sisters dare her to put her fate where her mouth is. The terms of the challenge? During the month of October, she has to end her five-year-long man fast and go on dates with men of their choosing. Oh, and she also has to go out with anyone else who asks.

As the date disasters pile up, the vindication almost makes the torturous evenings bearable for Dahlia. But a handsome new neighbor, Jackson Carmichael, moves in, changing the rules of the game. Retired after twenty-six years as a pro firefighter in Boston, he volunteers with the local fire department, coaches a youth hockey team, and appears for all the world to be the perfect man. He just might throw a wrench into Dahlia's plan to die lonely and single...that is if she doesn't scare him away first.

I can tell this book is filled with humor as well as romance. Can you give us an excerpt?

Here's a PG excerpt of ALL THE GOOD MEN.

Skipper's, McGrady's, the Dew Drop Inn. Dahlia didn’t find her father at any of his regular hangouts. As a last ditch effort, she drove home, hoping to find him there. No such luck.



She called Beck. “Hi, it’s Dahlia. I haven’t found him, but if for some reason he turns up at the VFW, please give me a call.”


“Will do, ma’am. Again, I can’t tell you how sorry I am he got away from me.”


“No, no. It’s not your fault. I felt like I should’ve stayed home with him, but with all the orders at work—” The doorbell interrupted her thoughts. “Beck, there’s someone here. I’ll call you back.”


As she clamped the cell phone shut its hinge snarled in a lock of hair. Dahlia tugged at the accursed thing as she trotted to the front door. When she opened it, Dahlia abandoned her efforts to disentangle the phone. There stood her father, soaking wet, draped against the shoulder of a man she’d never seen before.


“Hi.” The stranger flashed an apologetic smile. “Does he belong to you? I feel like I've seen him pruning the hedges out front.”


She squeezed her eyes shut. Perhaps if she blocked out the image of her piss-drunk father long enough, he might disappear. Opening one eye she found she’d had no such luck.


“Yes, I’m so sorry. Where did he wind up, Mr…?”


“Carmichael. Jackson Carmichael. I found him floating in my koi pond.”


“Oh, good Lord. I’m really sorry. We’ll pay for any damages.” Dahlia reached for her dad, but Jackson scooped up the old man using a fireman’s carry.


“Not to worry. I’m just glad I found him when I did. Is it okay to set him on the couch?”


“Please. I’ll get some towels.” She hurried from the room if only to hide her flaming embarrassment. Upon return, she made a vain attempt to blot up the water that pooled around the passed out lump she usually called Dad.


“Thank you, Mr. Carmichael. I can’t apologize enough. Daddy’s a bit of a handful.”


“No apology necessary, but may I…?” He reached out a hand.


“Of course.” Dahlia thrust a dry towel at him.


“No, no. I meant—” Jackson made a gentle twist and tug that freed the forgotten cell phone from her hair. “There you go.”


“Christ almighty. Lovely first impression I’ve made,” she said and shoved the phone in her pocket.


“Nah, no biggie.” He stripped off his shirt and dried himself. “I meant to come by to introduce myself a couple days ago, but I’ve been swamped trying to get settled.”


Though a half naked man in her living room—and a rather physically fit one at that—was a rare occurrence, Dahlia did her best to avert her eyes. “I’m sure Daddy and I have made you want to run for the hills.”


“Not at all, Ms…?”


“Foster, but please, anyone who finds my father in his fishpond can call me Dahli.”


“A pleasure,” he said and handed her the towel. “Thanks.”


“Would you like something to drink?”


“I’d love something, but I have to get back. Rain check?”


“Sure. Come by anytime.” But I won’t hold my breath...not that I blame you, she added silently. Dahlia walked him to the front door, thanking him again. After closing the door behind Mr. Carmichael, she plodded into the living room to check on her father.


“Daddy,” she said to deaf ears and sank into the loveseat. “What am I going to do with you?”

Cindy, this book sounds like one for the keeper shelf. I can hardly wait to read the whole book. Thanks for stopping by to share it with us.

Caroline, thank you so much for having me. It's been fun.

Cindy will be giving away a signed copy of ALL THE GOOD MEN and a branded "Fiction For The Bad Girl In Every Woman" book bag for one randomly drawn lucky winner. To enter, please visit each day's tour stop listed below and comment.on Cindy's post. A winner will be drawn at the conclusion of her tour and the winner notified. (Please make sure you include your email address with your comment.)

June 2: Diary of a Literary Goddess


June 3: The Amber Scott Project

June 4: Alisha Paige

June 7: Love Romance Passion

June 8: The Book Junkie's Bookshelf

June 9: Book Junkie

June 10: Roxanne's Realm

June 11: You Gotta Read Guest

June 14: Whipped Cream Reviews Guest Blog

June 15: Romancing the Pen

June 16: Marianne Arkins

June 17: Authors by Authors

June 18: The Epic Rat

June 21: Romance Alley

June 22: Jacqueline Paige

June 23: The Cozy Page

June 24: Amber Skyze

June 25: The Life (and lies) of an inanimate flying object

You can learn more about Cindy Jacks and her books from her website