REMEMBERING JANE...AND HER CONTINUING LEGACY

By Ashley Kath-Bilsky

The life of Jane Austen has, to a great extent, been cloaked in secrecy. Whatever the family's circumstances, her health struggles or personal heartbreaks, one cannot help but wonder if -- at the end of her mortal life -- Jane wanted to be remembered (or discussed) through her literary accomplishments. And, for the most part, that is how we best know Jane Austen.

Still, there are some glimpses into her past that help to formulate an image of Jane. Born on 16 December 1775, the second daughter of George and Cassandra Austen, Jane had six brothers and one older sister named after their mother.

Cassandra and Jane (very much like Elizabeth and Jane Bennett in Pride & Prejudice) were devoted sisters as well as best friends and confidantes. In fact, it can be said that no one more staunchly protected the future legacy of Jane's literary works and the privacy of her personal life than her beloved sister. Their bonds of loyalty and love were forged in childhood and continued even after Jane's untimely death at the age of forty-one. As little girls they both contracted typhus and almost died. And years later when Jane demonstrated an interest in writing, Cassandra as well as the entire Austen family encouraged her pursuit. What began as poems and plays to entertain the family evolved into the creation of literary classics that continue to be read by millions throughout the world.

Without question, to the 21st century world, Jane Austen has become such a respected, beloved, and iconic literary figure that her books are published in 47 different languages throughout the world. Films, merchandise, museums, and organizations such as the Jane Austen Society of North America have been created to continue to study and support the work of this author. Her image can now be seen on the £10 note in the United Kingdom. Most recently, a turquoise and gold ring belonging to Jane created a storm of controversy when it was sold at auction to American singer Kelly Clarkson (who wanted to bring her prize back to the United States). Immediately, the United Kingdom Culture Minister placed an export ban on the piece.

The Jane Austen House then went to work and initiated a fundraising campaign to try and buy back the ring to keep it in the United Kingdom. Their actions were understandable since the ring remains one of only three pieces of surviving jewelry documented to have belonged to Miss Austen. And like a true-blue devout Austen fan, Ms. Clarkson acquiesced to the museum's wishes and agreed to sell the ring back. Ms. Clarkson stated, "The ring is a beautiful national treasure and I am happy to know that so many Jane Austen fans will get to see it at Jane Austen's House Museum."

Obviously, there is a fascination about the woman herself, but from a literary viewpoint, what is it about Jane Austen that continues to captivate readers, and has generated such a devoted following? One could simply say her novels stand apart -- and continue to thrive today in the marketplace -- because of her literary voice, her remarkably descriptive narrative, the crafting of her plots, and the unique and diverse characters she created -- some of whom have become iconic quintessential heroes and heroines in the 21st century.

Yet above and beyond all of the above, for me (and I believe many others), the novels of Jane Austen contain an intrinsic element upon which her novels not only succeed but have become unforgettable. Jane Austen takes the reader by the hand through a time portal into her world. One does not read a Jane Austen novel; one becomes immersed in it.

Jane Austen remains the unparalleled voice of an era. She encapsulated through her writing not just the beauty and elegance of the Regency period, but also provided a rapier-edged honesty and insightful commentary on society itself.

She showed us the strictures and customs imposed by early 19th century society -- the dynamics of family regarding such issues as financial security, inheritance, the rights (or lack thereof) of women, scandal, and even the political and military climate of the time period.

Her undeniable firsthand perspective as a woman living in the Regency era became, in itself, a wondrous magnifying glass into a world her readers could both see and understand. This attention to detail continues to inspire writers of historical fiction, and kindles within their hearts the importance of research and accuracy regarding the time period in which their book is set. For authors whose work takes place in the Regency period, there is an added burden to maintain the Austen standards of excellence, accuracy, and integrity that readers of this period not only love, but know so well.

Yet, it is important to remember that Jane Austen was not writing a historical work of fiction. She wrote about the time in which she lived and did so with such an attention to detail that she provided future generations, including scholars, with a wondrous glimpse into the Regency period.

And what I have learned from Jane Austen is that whether one is an author of historical or contemporary fiction, there is an obligation to provide readers with accurate information and details when possible. To paint a vivid picture that pulls them into a book, and to incorporate facts in fiction that will sustain over time. Readers are savvy and intelligent, especially readers of Regency Romances. They know the period, and nothing will prompt a Regency reader to put down a book faster than inaccurate information about the time period they love.

The same reaction would apply to any work of fiction where the reader is pulled out of the story either because the plot is not feasible or the author failed to do proper research. For example, in a contemporary suspense thriller, the type of equipment and/or forensic testing utilized to investigate a crime scene or solve a crime must be accurate; the plot not far-fetched or unrealistic that the reader will be pulled out of the story.

As an avid reader, Jane Austen has always been someone whose work I not only love but greatly admire. There is intelligence, wit, and elegance to her writing, as well as an exemplary integrity to the crafting of her stories that remains timeless. As a writer, she is one of the authors who continues to inspire my love of historical fiction. She is the reason why my first book, The Sense of Honor, was set in the Regency period. Although I will not achieve the pinnacle of success as an author that she accomplished, I am so grateful for the contributions she made to literature, and the stellar example and quality of storytelling she provided to which I aspire.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my tribute to Jane Austen and her legacy. ~ AKB

A Sneak Peak at Chasing Air by DeLaine Roberts

Chasing Air

New Release October 21, 2013

 

 

Here's the blurb:

 

Accidentally marrying into the mob, Dr. Judith Bellonte Donati staged her death with the help of the FBI before the hired hit-man could finish the job. With a new name as Dr. Makenzie Holder and a new life, she struggles daily with the loss of connection with her family and the constant lurking of old ghosts from her past.

Gorgeous millionaire developer, Jonathan Bain offers her everything she wants in the way family, but his demanding demeanor is a reminder of the life she left behind.

Can Makenzie overlook her jaded past and give Jonathan a chance at redemption or will a chance encounter in the ER with Detective Ryler Buchanan bring about the love for a lifetime?

Chasing Air: A hot romance with a side of turbulence!

 

The Book Trailer

 

Chasing Air book trailer on YouTube

 

CHAPTER ONE 

“Mmm, hello, Dr. Holder speaking.” Makenzie spoke in a sleep deprived fog because of a busy night in the ER. She finally had a chance during a calm spell to go lie down for a few minutes and had drifted off quickly. Sleep had been a luxury the past week while she worked double shifts to cover for a colleague on vacation.

“Doc, Metro is rolling this way in full trauma code with a kid shot in the chest. I’ve notified the trauma team.” Veronica’s normally calm manner was full of anxiety.

“Thanks, Veronica. Please let Dr. Trynn know. He’ll be pissy when you wake him up because he just left an hour or so ago, but he’ll get over it.” She quickly hung up the phone, grabbed her hairbrush and pulled her hair into a ponytail.

The night had finally quieted down in this busy little hospital just north of Dallas. Accepting the position over nine months ago, she thought that the small size and location of the facility might make for less activity so she opted for the night shift, hoping for a little trauma excitement from time to time, but having no idea  it was going to be all night excitement almost every night. But truthfully, she loved it.

When she approached the trauma room, Makenzie hadn’t expected the scene that faced her. The paramedics unloaded a young female patient, a victim of a drive by shooting on the freeway. 

“Doc, large caliber gunshot wound to the upper left chest. She hasn’t breathed on her own since we arrived on scene,” the paramedic said. He continued to give Makenzie the report while they moved the girl to the trauma bed. Makenzie looked at the girl and her heart caught. Blonde hair, creamy skin and clear blue eyes was surrounded by medical equipment. So young and innocent, practically angelic.

“We coded her twice on the way in,” the paramedic continued to report.

The team worked with the girl for quite some time trying to stabilize her enough for surgery.

“Can I help you,” Veronica asked the woman.

“Yes, my daughter. She’s here somewhere.”

“Ma’am, who’s your daughter?”

“I don’t know where she is.”

“Yes, I see. What’s your daughter’s name? Maybe I can help.” Veronica held the woman’s hand in an effort to console her.

“Serena. Serena Turner. Is she here?”

“Yes ma’am, come with me. Dr. Holder will talk to you in a few minutes.”

Once Serena was stabilized, the team took her up to surgery, leaving Makenzie to finish up the paperwork. She stood in the trauma room making notes from the monitor strips. Deep in thought, she didn’t realize that someone was standing in the room.

“Are you Dr. Holder?” the gentleman asked.

Makenzie turned around to find a man and woman staring at her. “Yes, I am. How can I help you?”

“Serena is our daughter. Can you tell us how she is? They asked us to sign papers for surgery, but we want to know how she really is.”

 Somehow in the midst of everything, the parents wandered out of the private family waiting room and found Serena’s trauma room without being noticed. They were completely unaware that they were walking into a bloody and cluttered trauma room.

“I can understand that you both have a million questions and I...,” she tried to find her compassion through her anger at such a horrible act, but she was rudely cut off.

“Mr. and Mrs. Turner, I need to ask you a few questions about the car that carried the people doing the shooting,” he rudely interrupted Makenzie as she spoke to them about their daughter’s life, barely hanging in the balance.

“Please excuse us just one moment,” Makenzie uttered under her breath as she squeezed the mother’s hands. She turned to the officer and grabbed him by the shoulder.

“Officer, please come with me.” She escorted him and his partner to a tiny private room behind the admissions desk. The room was tight even for one person, three people made it more than uncomfortable.

Makenzie slammed the door and spoke in a low, but very controlled, angry tone. “The next time you interrupt me with my patient or a family, you’ll need to seek treatment for yourself. They’re more than likely going to say good-bye to their daughter tonight. Any questions you have for them are less important at the moment. My ER, my rules. And stay out of the way of patient care. Are we clear?”

Ryler noticed everything about her. She stood with her hands on her hips, her chest protruding forward and fire blazing from her dark eyes, aimed right at him. Even with her svelte frame, she postured towards him like a linebacker ready to rumble.

“Whoa Rye, looks like there’s a new sheriff in town and she has your number,” Detective Christopher Maxwell teased his partner, but then quickly lost his smile when Makenzie cut her eyes at him and he realized she wasn’t playing.

“Excuse me, there’s no room for humor here,” Makenzie barked.

“Chris, shut up. I’m truly sorry, Dr. Holder. We’re just trying to get an adequate description of the car. We have varying accounts from witnesses and I need a clear understanding of the car and shooter.” He stopped to raise his hands in an act of surrender. “It won’t happen again. And, it’s ‘detective.’ Detective Ryler Buchanan and my partner, Detective Chris Maxwell.”

He softly smiled as he extended his hand to Makenzie. She wanted nothing to do with him however, and quickly turned her back to him so that she could exit the tiny room. When she moved, she felt his breath close to her neck, causing her senses to alert. She got a whiff of his clean, masculine scent. It was more than she wanted to think about at that very moment.

Makenzie shook her head and left the room without looking at or speaking to the detectives again. She joined the family of the young girl, completely dismissing Ryler and his partner.

“Wow, Rye, she’s a total babe. Did you see the way she looked at you? That gal is smokin’ hot and she obviously works out. I bet she could kick your ass.”

Ryler used his elbow to nudge his partner, who was enjoying a laugh at his expense. “Dude, cut it out. She was right, we were outta line. Shit. I’ll be lucky if the family doesn’t report me to the department.” He paused, showing remorse for his actions. He pulled out a chair and removed his suit jacket. “Grab some coffee. I have a feeling it’s gonna be a long night.”

They helped themselves to stale coffee from the break room and continued working the case.

Dr. Horton returned to the family upstairs, waiting outside the surgery department. She found them huddled together and praying silently, awaiting any news of the young girl, Serena. When she approached them, Mrs. Turner stood and rushed her, anxiously anticipating her words. Her face wet with tears. Her eyes swollen. Quiet sobs came from the crowd that had now gathered to support this precious family.

“Mr. and Mrs. Turner, I don’t have any news at the moment. I just came to check on you both and ask if there was anything that I could do for you or get you while you wait. It may be awhile, would you like some coffee? Can I call someone for you?”

The parents nodded, their faces wrought with fear. Mrs. Turner gripped the Bible in her hands. Mr. Turner had his arm tightly around his wife’s waist, supporting her small frame.

Makenzie phoned the nurses in the ER, letting them know her location should they need her. She also inquired about the rude detectives and confirmed that they were still perched in her temporary office.

 

Just great, I’d like to go rest, but my lounge is occupied by Detective Knowitall, she thought to herself.

She decided to remain with the family, avoiding the detectives and their inquiring minds.

Why is it that police officers are always so sexy? she thought to herself. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of such thoughts. Those two were both gorgeous, but they reeked of trouble and the last thing she needed was a detective nosing around in her business. There were too many skeletons to keep hidden. But Detective Buchanan’s breath on her skin, his scent... it stirred something in her.

After several hours, Dr. Trynn came out to speak with the family. “Sweet Serena is holding on at the moment,” he said.

He didn’t make any unreal promises to them, but the next twenty-four hours would be telling. “Give the nurses a few minutes to get her settled, then you both should go in together to see her.” He hugged the parents in an act of compassion. He turned, “Dr. Holder, can you join me in a walk to the ER?”

“Sure, Dr. Trynn.”

“Makenzie, you’re settling well in the ER. The teams love you and have given you a great deal of praise over the last nine months. The board met recently and decided that we would like to make you an offer of Chief of Emergency Medicine. I was saving this conversation for Monday’s staff meeting, but since we’re both awake, we might as well discuss it, if you have the time?”

Makenzie looked up at Dr. Trynn and smiled. Finally, a Chief position and a place to call her own. No more temporary doctoring. “Phillip, I’m thrilled. It’s an amazing offer and I’d love to accept.” She shook his hand and started to walk away.

“Makenzie, there are a couple of things that I need to clear up, maybe you can answer a few questions I have for you. And don’t you have some questions for me?” His tone made her stop dead in her tracks. Questions? What questions would he have? The thought of him having questions made her heart race and her breath quicken. Geez, it was amazing that she could start sweating so quickly.

“Sure, I have a question. When will I see my million-dollar pay raise?” she asked in a tease. Her intent was to divert his questions if she could.

“Well, I can’t say that there’s a million-dollar package,” he smiled humbly, “but you’ll see an increase in your salary for sure. Your schedule will change as well with most weekends off, one of the luxuries of being the Chief ER Physician. I’ll have Lola in administration contact you regarding your faculty headshot. But I’m most curious about your resume’.” He paused and raised an eyebrow to Makenzie. “You were Chief Surgery Resident and had a successful Surgery Fellowship at Columbia. Why are you not exploring your obvious talents?”

Makenzie took a deep breath and paused to construct a convincing answer. “Phillip, things have happened in my life that triggered a desire to work in the ER. I love what I do and I get to set the patients up for a great surgeon like yourself. Besides, I get to work my shift and go home. I love truly being able to treat patients, not being on call and dealing with all the healthcare reform stuff.” She smiled and walked away, back to her private quarters in the ER.

Makenzie realized that she wouldn’t be able to keep curious minds away forever. Lead ER Physician was a great position, but it meant that they would put her picture and information on the hospital website. This meant unprotected exposure. “Shit, how do I get out of this one,” she mumbled to herself aloud.

After a few minutes of thought, she began to doubt her decision to accept. A great opportunity offered an even greater risk. Her shift would end soon and she decided to mull over the idea with a hot bath when she got home.

Her thoughts about the hot bath interrupted by someone opening her door. “Sorry to bother you, Mak, but can you please come speak with the detectives so they will get away from my desk?” Veronica asked with a prickly attitude. For a charge nurse, she was usually very restrained, but the detectives must’ve gotten on her nerves and too much in her way.

“Sure Veronica, I’m right behind you.” Mak walked to the control desk and found herself face to face with the sexy law man.

“Officer, hmm, sorry, Detective Buchanan, the patient made it through surgery, but she’s barely hanging on by life support. She’s in ICU and her parents are with her now.” Taking a note pad from the counter, she scribbled a phone number down and handed it to Detective Chris Maxwell, avoiding contact with Ryler completely. “If you call the ICU desk, they’ll ask if the family wants to speak with you. Is there anything else that I can do for you?” Makenzie made eye contact with Veronica, then David, one of the other nurses on duty sitting just to her right behind the desk. She could tell by Veronica’s demeanor that she had something to say and was patiently waiting her turn.

“No ma’am. We’ve pieced together a description of the car and shooter. There was another incident on Central Expressway just moments ago. Fortunately, no one was injured at that scene. We need to move on our end, but if you hear anything about Serena, please call us.” Ryler spoke softly and she appreciated the change in his demeanor. She noticed his bright blue eyes twinkled when he looked at her.

Ryler handed Makenzie his business card. He noticed that she studied the card, while he took a good long look at her. His curiosity about her peaked, but he chose to walk away quietly.

When the officers were clearly safely beyond hearing range, Makenzie turned to Veronica and David, but she was verbally accosted before she was able to speak.

“Whew, that man has the hots for you, Mak. I know for a fact that he’s single. Um, hmm, single and gorgeous.” Veronica snickered as she picked up a chart.

“You called me back down here so that he could see me again, didn’t you?” Makenzie asked her with bantering tone.

Veronica didn’t answer, she simply snickered.

David motioned for her to come close. “Mak, Ryler is a good guy. He’s had a hard life and sometimes he gets pushy trying to do his job, but he’s really good at it. He felt really bad about interrupting you with the Turner family. Don’t judge him too harshly, give him a chance.”

“Guys, I just met him. But for the record, I’m not available and not looking to be, so drop it. I don’t want to hear any more about it, if you don’t mind.” Makenzie raised her hand to silence the personal exchange. “Now, do you have any patients for me to see?” She took on a commanding posture.

“Yep, I’ve got a gentleman who needs stitches in his foot in room five,” David cocked a grin and handed Makenzie the chart.

“Seriously, who needs stitches in their foot at not even five o’clock in the morning?”

“Some dad stepping on his daughter’s tea set in the dark before his morning coffee,” David uttered under his breath as he accompanied Makenzie into the next room.

They both tried hard to stifle their laughs.

 

DeLaine Roberts, Best Selling Author

Chasing Air, Launching October 21, 2013

 

 

One lucky commenter will receive an advanced copy eBook of Chasing Air as soon as it's ready at Amazon.



 

 

 



 



INTERVIEW WITH GERI FOSTER

By Caroline Clemmons

Readers, please welcome my BFF and great author Geri Foster today. Instead of writing today's post, Geri is in the interview spot. Geri is a bundle of energy that puts the Energizer Bunny to shame, a great writer, and a loyal friend.

Geri Foster, Author

Caroline: Geri, I love hearing tales about your life, especially with your dad’s mom. Tell readers something about your growing up.

Geri: I grew up in a very small, close-knit town called Picher, Oklahoma. I was the baby with two older brothers until my mother surprised us all by having my sister when I was thirteen. We moved to Kansas for about five years, finally landing in Buffalo, New York when I met and married my navy husband. Together we had two kids, both grown now and out on their own. I pray every day it stays that way. LOL! Now I'm married to a wonderful man I've known for half my life and we share our life with our dog, Lola.

Caroline: You left out your grandmother and the story of her using a broom to chase the bull. ☺  Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Geri: Growing up I was rarely without a book. My family liked that because when it came to presents, they knew just what to buy. Learning to read was almost magical to me. It opened a different and kinder world than I lived in growing up.

I have always loved romance. There is nothing happier than ever-after.

Caroline: True, which is why we write as well as read romance. What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Geri: I’m pretty hyper, so I tend to crash and burn, put out the fire, and start all over again. I’m a chronic multi-tasker, and I love being in over my head…until, like I said, I crash and burn.

I find a nice glass of wine at the end of the day pretty much clears my head and puts me to sleep so I can wake up and start all over again.

Caroline: Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Geri: God blessed me with the best friends in the world, and I thank him every day for that. So my quote is: There is no problem that FRIENDS cannot confront, combat, plot against, ignore, make fun of, drown in chocolate sauce, or run over with a car!

Also: Life is Good!

Caroline: How long have you been writing?

Geri: I’ve been working at my craft for about fifteen years. I’ve been writing seriously for about five.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Geri: I’m one of those crazy people that can’t listen to anything when they write. If there is music, I want to sing or dance, if the TV is on, no matter what channel, I’ll stop and watch it. So, for me it’s being all alone with my laptop.

Caroline: I’m asking even though I know the answer: Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Geri: I Plot! I say that proudly because I write Action-Romantic Suspense. Without a plot it can get really scary. I need to know what’s going to happen and where I’m going. Also, it points out when and where I need to ratchet up the tension.

Caroline: Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Geri: No. For some unknown reason the inciting incident comes to me first in a story. It just pops up. Then I plot from there.

Caroline: Do you set daily writing goals?

Geri: I shoot for ten pages a day, but consider five pages a good day.

Caroline: What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Geri: Pure entertainment. I’m not a teacher, or a history buff or someone with a message. I do a lot of research because I have to keep my facts straight and know what I’m talking about, but I don’t try to educate anyone. I want my reader to feel my characters’ emotions, good and bad, and I want them to fear the goal won’t be reached, and I want them satisfied at the end. If I have that, then I’ve done a good job.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

Geri: To write more books. I even have three comedies I plan to put out there. J

Caroline: Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Geri: Right now I’m finishing up OUT OF THE NIGHT which is the third book in the Falcon Series. OUT OF THE DARK and OUT OF THE SHADOWS were just released.

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Geri: Write until you reach the end. Don’t start another book and don’t put it off, just finish the damn book.

Caroline: Tell us a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

Geri: I constantly talk to myself. I rarely read instructions. I’m into Feng-Shui

Caroline: What’s something about you that would surprise or shock readers?

Geri: I’d love to skydive…just once.

Caroline: Is your book a series?

Geri: My books are a series called Falcon Securities. It’s about ex-military and ex- intelligence officers who become agents for Frank Hamilton who owns Falcon. They work exclusively for the President of the United States and the DOD

Caroline: I know your books are available in both print and as ebooks. Where can readers find your books?

Geri: OUT OF THE DARK – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CB8GY9K

OUT OF THE SHADOWS – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CB4QY8U

OUT OF THE NIGHT - http://www.amazon.com//dp/B00F1F7Q9M/

Caroline: How can readers learn more about you?

Geri: FB: www.facebook.com/gerifoster1

Twitter: @gerifoster

Website: www.gerifoster.com

Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

Geri: I love hearing from my readers!

Geri Foster, Author

As long as she can remember, Geri Foster has been a lover of reading and the written words. In the seventh grade she wore out two library cards and had read every book in her age area of the library. After raising a family and saying good-bye to the corporate world, she tried her hand at writing.

To her surprise, she won a couple of contests, hooked up with a really great critique group and her writing career was well on its way. She spent several years studying her craft and developing her voice.

Action, intrigue, danger and sultry romance drew her like a magnet. That’s why she has no choice but to write action-romance suspense. While she reads every genre under the sun, she’s always been drawn to guns, bombs and fighting men. Secrecy and suspense move her to write edgy stories about daring and honorable heroes who manage against all odds to end up with their one true love.

Recipe For A Hero

Sleight of Heart 

How Characters Come Alive

How many of you grew up watching Westerns on television? I sure did! Well, the good ones came on after my bedtime, so I listened to most of them—Gunsmoke, Have Gun – Will Travel, Bonanza, Cheyenne (I love Clint Walker’s voice!  Okay, so I liked to look at him, too). But one show I did get to see was Maverick, and the lovable cardsharp played by James Garner, Bret Maverick, is one of the best bad boy charmers ever created. No one can top it, in my opinion.

Growing up on a dairy farm isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s a wonderful setting for a kid with an overactive imagination, especially fueled by the movies and television shows of the time. All my stories have sprung from this fertile ground, and I doubt the ideas will ever run dry. I hope not! As of now, I’d have to live to be about 450 to get all my story ideas written.

Even after all these years, Maverick’s easy charm and smiles in the face of danger has never left me—or a lot of us, judging from comments on my blog. So when the leading lady character came to me, a heroine based on my aunt Grace’s incredible math abilities, it hit me that she needed a bad boy charmer to loosen her up a bit (my heroine, not Aunt Grace—she was a hoot!). You know who that is!

Recipe for a hero: Take one Maverick, add in a little Remington Steele. Blend. Maybe throw in a little James Bond (shake, don’t stir), and mix in some of my dad’s unique brand of humor. Go off half-baked, and there you have it.

Along about the time Sleight of Heart was taking shape, I read George Devol’s Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi for another project. Not only is Devol’s book a great how-to for a thoroughbred gambler, it’s a fantastic character study—mostly because of what he doesn’t say. A lot of Burke O’Shaughnessy’s outlook on life came from that book.

So there you have it. Once the characters are solid and the situation is crazy enough, the author has to get out of the way and let the Muse go to work. Believe me, sometimes it’s quite a ride.

I’m planning a series of novellas in the High-Stakes Heroes series to follow up Sleight of Heart. The heroes are named and a few of the stories are solidifying in the mysterious corners of my mind, so watch for those in late 2014.

For more western historical romance, try my Hearts of Owyhee series. These books are all set in Owyhee [oh-WY-hee] County, Idaho Territory, in the mid 1880s. The county was named after some Hawaiian fur trappers were lost there, and never found, in the 1820s. Owyhee is the original anglicized spelling of Hawaii.

And whoever agrees with me that Clint Walker was the most handsome cowboy ever, and James Garner was the most charming gambler ever--okay, so you don't have to agree, but you better have good reason--you'll be entered to win a Kindle copy of any of my books.  Winner will be drawn Oct. 8th (because I'll be gone over the weekend--it's our wedding anniversary!).

WE ♥LOVE♥ READERS!

By Caroline Clemmons

Some author friends and I recently had an amazing experience. We launched a boxed set of nine book in a month long Facebook party. Yes, the event was time consuming and expensive, but also rewarding. Online, we met and made (we hope!) incredible reader friends.

What is indispensable to authors? READERS! And these readers let us pick their brains about what they like and don’t like. Fantastic, right?

The kind of reader we love!

Authors spend hour after hour alone at the computer with only the company of a dog or a cat and maybe some music. We do leave our writing caves occasionally in search of chocolate and a beverage. And  to shower, eat, and go to writers meetings. Most of the day and a lot of the night, though, each of us spends time only with the people in his or her head. These characters are real to us, and we hope our writing makes brings them to life for our readers. Is that sane? Probably not, but it makes for nice books. 

Me in my writing cave --
anyone have chocolate?

Promotion is usually a dirty word to authors. We resent the time away from our writing. So many times we have no idea if what we’re spending time and money on is what makes a difference in our sales. In the first place, growing up we were told bragging on ourselves, beating our own drum or tooting our horn was impolite. As authors, we have to pound the heck out of the drum and toot our horn as loud as we can to call attention to our books. Is anyone listening to us?

Hey, readers, please buy my book!

That’s why this launch party helped us. Readers told us what they wanted and what they didn’t want. We learned about book cover appeal. About plots and heroes and heroines. This was a treasure load of information.

One of the logos from our promotion event

From sales spikes, we saw what paid publicity affected sales and what didn’t. A lot didn’t, by the way. So, in the future, look for better books directed toward the readers who partied hearty with us in September.

♥WE LOVE YOU, READERS! ♥ 

Mmwahhh.

Romance Rockstars

The romance genre is a tricky one. It’s not quite as easy to categorize as, let’s say sci-fi or paranormal. It comes with an abundance of stigmatisms, assumptions, and clichés. Mentioning just one is the fine line between steam level among mainstream romance vs. erotica. Yes, I went there. The big ‘E’ word. The genre many people don’t like to talk about, and certainly don’t like to admit they read.

It may seem like a far off topic for me since I don’t write erotica. Shoot, I don’t even write steamy romance! But I do read, and I appreciate all storytelling (when done well). I believe in the ‘to each, her own’ literary philosophy.

This is why it astounds me the number of people who won’t admit they read, and actually enjoy, steam. Not only do they hide their own preferences, they are quick to judge anyone who would read such a book. I’ve come across this with not only erotica, but romance in general. The word sends some people running for the hills!



If this is the case, how is it that the romance genre made up 16.7% of the consumer market for the USA in 2012? That’s the largest percentage for any literary genre. Romance sales are estimated to be worth approximately $1.350 billion this year. [i]

*** Big shout out to our favorite romance experts for that little tidbit of information. *** 

Like I mentioned, I don’t write steam (yet). I write about love. I write about relationships, and whatever that might entail. However I choose to display that relationship varies and depends on the characters, the scene, and the way the story will be propelled forward from said scene. It’s not because I’m embarrassed or ashamed to write at a hotter level. I just haven’t reached a point where I find it to be the right option. I salute the amazing authors who do, and do it well. I am proud to say I have quite a few mentors in that area should I decide to take that route.

I suppose to sum up my semi-rant, I’d like to say thank you.

Chances are, if you’re reading a blog called “Smart Girls Read Romance”, you are not a closet reader. We appreciate ALL of our readers, but I’d like to give a special shout out to you and your dedication to reading what you love. You get it. You understand it’s not easy to do what we do. Words do not simply find their way into books while authors sit around with their fingers crossed making a wish, especially when it comes to those love scenes and the storylines that surround them.

Not a single one of us would amount to a hill of beans without you. So I’d like to thank you for reading our work, showing support with reviews and word of mouth, and encouraging us to move forward; to push ourselves to strive for new levels of excellence within our craft. You are very much appreciated and deserve many cupcakes.

[i] http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=580

My Workshops On Herbal Lore and the Inspiration Behind Them

Time out of mind, herbs were intimately known to people, used in every facet of their lives, and form a living connection to those who’ve gone before us. My fascination is largely prompted by my absorption with all things historic and the thrill of seeing, touching, tasting, and above all smelling the same plants known by the ancients. It's pure intoxication to rub fragrant leaves between my fingers and savor the scent while pondering the wealth of lore behind these plants. I incorporate this knowledge into my stories. 

"Where the yarrow grows there is one who knows." ~

My passion for Colonial America, particularly stirring tales of the frontier and the Shawnee Indians, is an early and abiding one. My English/Scots-Irish ancestors had interactions with this tribe, including family members taken captive. Intrigued with all things Celtic, much of my writing features these early Scot’s forebears who settled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and the surrounding mountains. You better believe they used herbs, both the knowledge gleaned from Native Americans and the lore brought with them from the Old World. In addition to American settings, I also write historical and time travel romances set in the British Isles, and herbs figure into these as well. For the purposes of my October Workshop with Celtic Heart Romance Writers I will focus on the herbs used in the British Isles. I can't hope to cover them all, but will make a dent in the plethora of sacred and medicinal plants, and give it the good old girl scout try. And I was one.

 "Faerie-folks are in old oaks." 

I also have a broader herbal lore workshop that includes Native American plants and will give that one in November for From the Heart Romance Writers.  Not that we can’t address any American plants in the Celtic workshop, because I am always open to questions. My intent is to inspire a deeper appreciation of these age-old plants and hope you will find ways to incorporate this knowledge in your writing.For more information on the October workshop and to register visit  Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

Homework is minimal to nonexistent. My suggestion (assuming you're an author) is to write a scene incorporating an herb or herbs at some point during the workshop and submit it to the group or to me personally for feedback as to the appropriateness of the usage. Or not. It's up to you, and you do not have to be a writer to join in. 

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance...and there is pansies, that's for thoughts." ~William Shakespeare, from Hamlet

Married to my high school sweetheart, I live on a farm in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley surrounded by children, grandchildren, and multiple animals. The beauty of the valley and the mountains are my inspiration.  Years ago, my long suffering mother and I grew and dried herbs for making wreaths and potpourri to sell in the fall. Any profits we accrued were swiftly overrun by my visits to the allergist whom I’ve seen regularly ever since.  Seems I developed every allergy latent within me by exposure to all these pollens. *Note, If you’re allergic to ragweed, avoid an herb called Sweet Annie and the Artemisia family. I’m still an avid gardener, though with shots, meds, and limits. Daughter Elise is my right hand, and a lot of small people are my new apprentices. 

"The fair maid who, the first of May

Goes to the fields at break of day
And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree ,

Will ever after handsome be ."

For more on me my blog is the happening place: http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/