My critique offering is now live. You can see it here. Hopefully someone will bid. I do promise to do a thorough critique.
The ARC for To Marry A Matchmaker is still open for bidding. I thank people from the bottom of my heart for bidding. Currently this book ranks as one of my faves. I am super proud of it.
There are all sorts of interesting lots. If you like the romance genre, you are bound to find something that suits. You can find the full listing here.
In other news:
I had a good chat with my editor about my current wip. It is all about stretching and making sure I fulfil the promise of the first few chapters. She has faith! It should get finished this week. Currently I have cornered the market on tissue...She does remind me of Jillian Michaels though -- she firmly believes that I am capable of MORE and she intends to get it. It is my story and I am supposed to make the most of it!
My airline tickets have arrived so I am all set for NYC and RWA conference. It is terribly exciting.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Operation Auction live
Operation Auction -- the effort by members of the Romance community to raise money for Fatin, a long time support of Romance who lost her husband in tragic circumstances is now live. There are a host of items to bid on including 1.A hardback copy of To Marry A Matchmaker (I will send it anywhere in the world) and 2. A Critique for a partial from me (this has not gone live. I presume this will be live tomorrow) Hopefully someone will bid...
Among other items are critiques by people like Brenda Chin, Leslie Wainger and agent Laura Bradford. You can see the full listing of live items here.
Among other items are critiques by people like Brenda Chin, Leslie Wainger and agent Laura Bradford. You can see the full listing of live items here.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
RIP Diana Wynne Jones
Diana Wynne Jones died today. I discovered her books in the late 1990s when she was re-released because of the Harry Potter craze. My eldest and I enjoyed her works very much before he moved into Terry Pratchett. My favourites tended to be things like the Dark Lord of Derkholm which is a send up of cliched Fantasyland. She also wrote Howl's Moving Castle which was turned into an animated film where Christain Bale voiced Howl and Hexwood which has complicated plot and involves a teenager who is not what she seems -- both books bear re-reading. I loved how her mind worked. The Homeward Bounders and Dogbody linger in my mind. Although sometimes, I had to wonder if she couldn't have gone deeper into her characters or maybe I just wanted to spend more time inthe worlds she created. My daughter preferred the Chrestomanci series. She knew how to create a world that totally drew you in. Plus she had this wonderful sense of humour. They couldn't be classifed as just one thing -- were they sci fi or fantasy? They often had elements of both. I suspect she drove the marketing bods insane!
When I first started writing, my editor Helen French learnt that I liked Fantasy and reccommended Tough Guide to Fantasyland. It was a singular lesson in cliche and thinking outside the box. If you are interested in the genre at all, it is worth a read...provided you can find it.
If you haven't discover DWJ, she is worth reading. Luckily with the authors, their work is their legacy and can be enjoyed by future generations.
When I first started writing, my editor Helen French learnt that I liked Fantasy and reccommended Tough Guide to Fantasyland. It was a singular lesson in cliche and thinking outside the box. If you are interested in the genre at all, it is worth a read...provided you can find it.
If you haven't discover DWJ, she is worth reading. Luckily with the authors, their work is their legacy and can be enjoyed by future generations.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Trying a another Jillian Michaels dvd
Belatedly I realised that Banish Fat Boost Metabolism was a companion dvd to No More Trouble Zones. So I have purchased No More Trouble Zones which is the sculpting or strengthening part of her programme.
6 week 6 pack targets the abs. BFBM is ALL cardio (and no weights) 30 Day shred is short (20 minutes) but combines all 3 for a killer workout. Anyway I can do things in a rotation now. 3 days per dvd and can schedule rest days as and when they crop up. If I have less time, I can do the 30 day Shred.
No More Trouble Zones involves weights. It is mainly concerned with arms, hips, bum and thighs. Being a Jillian Michaels dvd, it has a few killer moves. The Surrender is akin to torture. And I still do not like side plank lifts. She suggests using lighter weights, because well you are trying to shred and tone rather than build up bulk muscle. Plus your arms know about it. Have I mentioned the Surrender? I wanted to die!
By the end of the 55 minutes, I was sweating but not as much as BFBM or the level 2 6 week 6 pack. However everything also ached. One would think after doing these other dvds that I wouldn't have sore arms or legs...uh no. I suspect as I get used to the moves, I will be able to work harder and really push. Change happens when you really push hard. JilThis reshaping has not stopped. I am enjoying the after workout buzz too much.
My daughter found Woman in Fashion at the Lit and Phil -- it had been wrongly shelved. I happened to re-read Moore's exposition on waists. The cut of a dress can effect how big your waist appears by up to ten inches. The three governing principles are 1. contrast -- for example shoulder pads or in the case of the 19th century a bustle or flowing train will make your waist look slimmer. 2. trimmings and decoration to carry the eye away from the waist and help camouflage less than slender figures. 3. Delusive focus which works the best. Basically by means of folds and emphatic converging lines, the eye is drawn to the centre point where there will be a point, buckle or ornament which takes attention away from the width.
I have taken to wearing a belt with my jeans making sure that my shirt is tucked in and the folds go towards the centre. It does work to a certain extent. My husband suddenly -- oh you have really lost weight!
Moore's theory about shifting waistlines and loose flowing gowns is that it shows the status of mature women in society. The Regency period and the 1920s were particularly favourable to fashionable women above 30 and waist lines were not emphasized.
And finally she pointed that the correct under pinning does much to support a figure. The correctly fitted bra and corset (or in 2011 magic knickers) can make all the difference!
I note in the coverage of Liz Taylor's death, there are a few comments about how she knew the angles at which she should be photographed. A good camera angle can help as well. KNowing how to hold your body -- shoulders back, chest out, head up etc can make a difference.
But it does start with SWEAT and working at it.
6 week 6 pack targets the abs. BFBM is ALL cardio (and no weights) 30 Day shred is short (20 minutes) but combines all 3 for a killer workout. Anyway I can do things in a rotation now. 3 days per dvd and can schedule rest days as and when they crop up. If I have less time, I can do the 30 day Shred.
No More Trouble Zones involves weights. It is mainly concerned with arms, hips, bum and thighs. Being a Jillian Michaels dvd, it has a few killer moves. The Surrender is akin to torture. And I still do not like side plank lifts. She suggests using lighter weights, because well you are trying to shred and tone rather than build up bulk muscle. Plus your arms know about it. Have I mentioned the Surrender? I wanted to die!
By the end of the 55 minutes, I was sweating but not as much as BFBM or the level 2 6 week 6 pack. However everything also ached. One would think after doing these other dvds that I wouldn't have sore arms or legs...uh no. I suspect as I get used to the moves, I will be able to work harder and really push. Change happens when you really push hard. JilThis reshaping has not stopped. I am enjoying the after workout buzz too much.
My daughter found Woman in Fashion at the Lit and Phil -- it had been wrongly shelved. I happened to re-read Moore's exposition on waists. The cut of a dress can effect how big your waist appears by up to ten inches. The three governing principles are 1. contrast -- for example shoulder pads or in the case of the 19th century a bustle or flowing train will make your waist look slimmer. 2. trimmings and decoration to carry the eye away from the waist and help camouflage less than slender figures. 3. Delusive focus which works the best. Basically by means of folds and emphatic converging lines, the eye is drawn to the centre point where there will be a point, buckle or ornament which takes attention away from the width.
I have taken to wearing a belt with my jeans making sure that my shirt is tucked in and the folds go towards the centre. It does work to a certain extent. My husband suddenly -- oh you have really lost weight!
Moore's theory about shifting waistlines and loose flowing gowns is that it shows the status of mature women in society. The Regency period and the 1920s were particularly favourable to fashionable women above 30 and waist lines were not emphasized.
And finally she pointed that the correct under pinning does much to support a figure. The correctly fitted bra and corset (or in 2011 magic knickers) can make all the difference!
I note in the coverage of Liz Taylor's death, there are a few comments about how she knew the angles at which she should be photographed. A good camera angle can help as well. KNowing how to hold your body -- shoulders back, chest out, head up etc can make a difference.
But it does start with SWEAT and working at it.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Which figure? Betty Grable or Kate Moss?
After Evangeline's comments yesterday, I started looking at other Hollywood starlets vitals from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and came across a very interesting article in the Daily Mail from 2009. Basically it was comparing the average women's physique in 1949 when the pin up was Betty Grable (5' 4" 36-24-35), Diana Dors ( 38DD-26-36) to the 2009 woman when the model of the day was Kate Moss (5' 7" 32-21-32) or perhaps Victoria Beckham (5' 34-23-33). The 1949 woman was on average 5' 2" and 37B-27-37. The 2009 average woman (5' 4" 38C-34-40). Shoe size has also increased from a 3 to a 6.
On the face of it seems obvious. The silhouette in 1949 must have been easier for the average 1949 woman (or indeed today's woman) to obtain, particularly in regards to bust size.I can understand that for designers, it is easier to design pencil shapes, sacks and clothes that good on hangers -- particularly for the mass market. When you start putting in tucks, stays and pleats, fitting becomes difficult. Busts and their different shapes make life difficult.
But is it really?
The size of the waist has increased dramatically for the average woman but not for the unattainables. Victoria Beckham's waist is not as small as Marilyn Monroe's for example. But given the difference in heights etc, are we comparing apples to oranges?
First look at the difference in bust to waist ratio (ie waist divided by bust -- and here I am using the straight bust measurement, not adding the cup size). For example Betty Grable had a 0.66 ratio while Kate Moss has 0.71. Marilyn Monroe had a 0.62. Victoria Beckham has a 0.68. The average 1949 woman had 0.73, and 2009 had 0.89. So the difference in bust to waist ratio was 0.07 for the 1949 woman using Betty Grable as an unattainable. And the 2009 version comparing the average 2009 woman to Kate Moss shows a difference of 0.18. So yes, there is a disconnect but more because the average woman's bust to waist ratio has increased, rather than the unattainable changing significantly. Because bust to waist proportions have increased for the unattainables, it should in theory be easier to get that 2009 figure.
And the hip to waist ratio has increased for average woman. The average woman 2009 was 0.95 and 1949 was 0.73
For the unattainables, if you will, it has remained at about a constant 0.7, although Marilyn Monroe was an amazing 0.63. She had a tiny waist -- rather than large hips to her bust. In fact her hip to bust is about the same, as is Kate Moss's. As indeed was Miss Average 1949. Those stacked starlets such as Diana Dors (38 DD to 36) Jane Russell (38 D to 36) tended to be around the 1.05 range. Victoria Beckham is in the 1.03 range. Whereas Miss Average 2009 was 0.95 -- becoming more pear shaped.
So what I have learnt (other than it is fun to procrastinate as I have to put loads of emotion in my current scene?) -- basically if you want to look like you have a good figure, make sure your waist is about 0.7 of your hips and bust measurement. If your hips are slightly smaller than your bust, you looked stacked.
Also it is not your clothing size that matters, it is the ratio of your bust to your waist and waist to hips plus bust to hips. Start with your bust size and work to that.
A waist larger than 32" means you are more likely to have undiagonosed diabetes type II. There are reasons why focusing on your waist size makes sense.
Doing ab firming exercises does help to reduce your waist size. It is not easy though.
Obtaining a perfect figure is always harder than it look.
And I should have been a lot more appreciative of my figure in my early twenties, rather thar than focusing on losing that extra ten pounds or trying to fit into a smaller size.
On the face of it seems obvious. The silhouette in 1949 must have been easier for the average 1949 woman (or indeed today's woman) to obtain, particularly in regards to bust size.I can understand that for designers, it is easier to design pencil shapes, sacks and clothes that good on hangers -- particularly for the mass market. When you start putting in tucks, stays and pleats, fitting becomes difficult. Busts and their different shapes make life difficult.
But is it really?
The size of the waist has increased dramatically for the average woman but not for the unattainables. Victoria Beckham's waist is not as small as Marilyn Monroe's for example. But given the difference in heights etc, are we comparing apples to oranges?
First look at the difference in bust to waist ratio (ie waist divided by bust -- and here I am using the straight bust measurement, not adding the cup size). For example Betty Grable had a 0.66 ratio while Kate Moss has 0.71. Marilyn Monroe had a 0.62. Victoria Beckham has a 0.68. The average 1949 woman had 0.73, and 2009 had 0.89. So the difference in bust to waist ratio was 0.07 for the 1949 woman using Betty Grable as an unattainable. And the 2009 version comparing the average 2009 woman to Kate Moss shows a difference of 0.18. So yes, there is a disconnect but more because the average woman's bust to waist ratio has increased, rather than the unattainable changing significantly. Because bust to waist proportions have increased for the unattainables, it should in theory be easier to get that 2009 figure.
And the hip to waist ratio has increased for average woman. The average woman 2009 was 0.95 and 1949 was 0.73
For the unattainables, if you will, it has remained at about a constant 0.7, although Marilyn Monroe was an amazing 0.63. She had a tiny waist -- rather than large hips to her bust. In fact her hip to bust is about the same, as is Kate Moss's. As indeed was Miss Average 1949. Those stacked starlets such as Diana Dors (38 DD to 36) Jane Russell (38 D to 36) tended to be around the 1.05 range. Victoria Beckham is in the 1.03 range. Whereas Miss Average 2009 was 0.95 -- becoming more pear shaped.
So what I have learnt (other than it is fun to procrastinate as I have to put loads of emotion in my current scene?) -- basically if you want to look like you have a good figure, make sure your waist is about 0.7 of your hips and bust measurement. If your hips are slightly smaller than your bust, you looked stacked.
Also it is not your clothing size that matters, it is the ratio of your bust to your waist and waist to hips plus bust to hips. Start with your bust size and work to that.
A waist larger than 32" means you are more likely to have undiagonosed diabetes type II. There are reasons why focusing on your waist size makes sense.
Doing ab firming exercises does help to reduce your waist size. It is not easy though.
Obtaining a perfect figure is always harder than it look.
And I should have been a lot more appreciative of my figure in my early twenties, rather thar than focusing on losing that extra ten pounds or trying to fit into a smaller size.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Marilyn stats
There is a persistent rumour that Marilyn Monroe was a size 16. Or that she was just bigger than today's stars. As I got curious about sizes, I went looking.
Her statistics were height 5' 5" 1/2. Her bra size was a 36 D. According to the studio, she was 37 -23 -36 and according to her dressmaker she was 35 - 22 - 35. In other words, she had a near perfect body. It is not a today size 12 or 16, more like a 4 or a 6! But I can well imagine that she was a size 12 in 1950 sizes. She had an hourglass figure and was perfectly in proportion. Disgusting really.
And as I happen to like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, I became curious about her co-star who recently died -- Jane Russell. Howard Hughes made great play of the fact that he needed to engineer a special bra for her)
Jane Russell was a 38 D bra size (so much for needing a specially constructed bra) Her stats were 38 -25- 36. She was 5' 7".
Sometimes, though you just have to say that nature made them that way. (But I suspect it was not easy to keep it up) Sweating does help. As does not eating processed foods. Plus youth was on their side.
I bring these women up because when I was a teen, it was very much flat chested and slim boyish hips. This is not a body type I will ever get. And I know having an hourglass figure means you are often over looked in the clothes stakes. Being 5' 6" with a bust and a waist (even if it is currently larger than I'd like), it is good to find role models or people to shoot for.
It is all about finding appropriate bodies to aim for. Kate Moss, Kiera Knightley, and many others, I will never ever get that figure even if I starve myself. BUT I can do hourglass... If you look around, you can find them. It is about doing things with what you have got, rather than hankering after the unattainable. And just as an aide- memoire for anyone who also suffers from an hourglass:
Her statistics were height 5' 5" 1/2. Her bra size was a 36 D. According to the studio, she was 37 -23 -36 and according to her dressmaker she was 35 - 22 - 35. In other words, she had a near perfect body. It is not a today size 12 or 16, more like a 4 or a 6! But I can well imagine that she was a size 12 in 1950 sizes. She had an hourglass figure and was perfectly in proportion. Disgusting really.
And as I happen to like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, I became curious about her co-star who recently died -- Jane Russell. Howard Hughes made great play of the fact that he needed to engineer a special bra for her)
Jane Russell was a 38 D bra size (so much for needing a specially constructed bra) Her stats were 38 -25- 36. She was 5' 7".
Sometimes, though you just have to say that nature made them that way. (But I suspect it was not easy to keep it up) Sweating does help. As does not eating processed foods. Plus youth was on their side.
I bring these women up because when I was a teen, it was very much flat chested and slim boyish hips. This is not a body type I will ever get. And I know having an hourglass figure means you are often over looked in the clothes stakes. Being 5' 6" with a bust and a waist (even if it is currently larger than I'd like), it is good to find role models or people to shoot for.
It is all about finding appropriate bodies to aim for. Kate Moss, Kiera Knightley, and many others, I will never ever get that figure even if I starve myself. BUT I can do hourglass... If you look around, you can find them. It is about doing things with what you have got, rather than hankering after the unattainable. And just as an aide- memoire for anyone who also suffers from an hourglass:
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Weekly reshaping my writer's bottom line
It is really easy not to push harder. This is true of my writing as well as my working out. One thing I have learnt this week is to keep pushing. I can drive myself harder and not faint! I may dissolve in a puddle or be marinated by the time I am done but I don't die. Not even close!
In this weird sort of way, it is enjoyable. The pounds are not melting off but I can feel myself getting stronger.
My measurements continue to improve. Not as dramatically but slow and steady. I happened to look at the measurements in the Land's End catalogue and was surprised to discover that a UK 14 is now a US 10! Clothing sizes have definitely become bigger in the US. For example, I have a skirt from the early 80s with a Land's End size 14 label. It barely fits. If I went for a current size 14 US Lands End, it would be way too big. (I know this as some of the clothes I discarded were Lands End). I also looked at the measurements.
It is funny you get used to thinking of yourself as a certain size and then you realise that your perceptions were all wrong.
Anyway, it is all about what fits now. And I can understand why I might eventually be a US size 6 (UK 10)...which would be odd to say the least. The measurements for that size are: Bust -- 35, Waist 28 Hip 38. My current ones are B-- 38, w --29 1/2. hips 39. It is my target now. When I started back in August my measurements were bust 45, waist 39, hips 48. So I have come a long way but still have some ways to go.
With my writing, it is about pushing and not taking the easy route. My editor believes that I am capable of so much more. Funny that! It is about putting the emotion I feel down on the page rather than hugging it to my person.
The Girls Night In at the Wellwood pub went well. I am not sure if it was the large glasses of wine that were served, but after we had finished, the entire audience of about 17+ stuck around, chatting and buying books. I forgot my camera but Janet MacLeod Trotter had hers and promised some photos.
In this weird sort of way, it is enjoyable. The pounds are not melting off but I can feel myself getting stronger.
My measurements continue to improve. Not as dramatically but slow and steady. I happened to look at the measurements in the Land's End catalogue and was surprised to discover that a UK 14 is now a US 10! Clothing sizes have definitely become bigger in the US. For example, I have a skirt from the early 80s with a Land's End size 14 label. It barely fits. If I went for a current size 14 US Lands End, it would be way too big. (I know this as some of the clothes I discarded were Lands End). I also looked at the measurements.
It is funny you get used to thinking of yourself as a certain size and then you realise that your perceptions were all wrong.
Anyway, it is all about what fits now. And I can understand why I might eventually be a US size 6 (UK 10)...which would be odd to say the least. The measurements for that size are: Bust -- 35, Waist 28 Hip 38. My current ones are B-- 38, w --29 1/2. hips 39. It is my target now. When I started back in August my measurements were bust 45, waist 39, hips 48. So I have come a long way but still have some ways to go.
With my writing, it is about pushing and not taking the easy route. My editor believes that I am capable of so much more. Funny that! It is about putting the emotion I feel down on the page rather than hugging it to my person.
The Girls Night In at the Wellwood pub went well. I am not sure if it was the large glasses of wine that were served, but after we had finished, the entire audience of about 17+ stuck around, chatting and buying books. I forgot my camera but Janet MacLeod Trotter had hers and promised some photos.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
To Marry A Matchmaker
This is the book that is up for grabs on the Authors for Japan auction. There are 150 other lots so I have to hope someone will bid for this (and the critique).
The blurb reads:
The Matchmaker's Wager
Lady Henirietta Thorndike hides her lonely heart behind playing Cupid -- some might accuse her of interfering, but she prefers to think of it as improving other people's lives!
But Robert Montemorcy knows it has to stop -- his ward has just fled from a compromising situation in Lodnon, and the last thing she needs is to be embroiled in Henri's complusive matchmaking! He bets Henri that she won't be able to resist meddling...only to lose his own heart into the bargain!
From the front page teaser:
'I can stop any time I want,' Henrietta replied, her face taking on a muntinous expression as she crossed her arms over her full bosom, highlighting rather than detracting from her curves.
'Prove it.'
'What are you suggesting Mr Montemorcy?' Her carefully arranged curls shook with anger. 'I enjoy helping. People need me.'
At last. She'd walked straight into his trap. 'I am suggesting a wager to demonstrated that you are addicted to arranging others' love-lives and you have no sense of discipline in these matters. He watched her bridle at the words. He wondered if she knew how desirable she appeared when she was angry. Desirable but very much off-limits...
The first line -- as I happen to like it: Precise planning produced perfection.
It comes out as a paperback in July.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Authors for Japan
I'm participating in an auction to help raise money for the British Red Cross Tsunami Appeal -- Authors for Japan. A variety of items are on offer including a critique of a partial from me and a signed ARC of To Marry A Matchmaker (this is the one which comes out as a paperback in July 11). Hopefully some money can be raised and go to help the devasted region.
For many years until his death, my maternal grandfather lived in Japan and my step-grandmother still lives there. (She lives in Yokohama and apparently didn't feel a thing or realise what was going on until she watched the news!) So I have a great affection for the country. One of the big things when I was growing up was getting the Christmas presents from Japan. We used to have hide them from my grandmother but that is another story...But my goodness they were exciting! My sister knew all about Hello Kitty long before it ever appeared in the US and I had a big thing on the Japanese fairy tale books we were sent.
My cousin's wife is Japanese and does have relations in the affected area. Hopefully there will be a happy ending there. Prayers are always good.
And I know the Japanese people will come back strongly from this, but sometimes practical aid is needed.
For many years until his death, my maternal grandfather lived in Japan and my step-grandmother still lives there. (She lives in Yokohama and apparently didn't feel a thing or realise what was going on until she watched the news!) So I have a great affection for the country. One of the big things when I was growing up was getting the Christmas presents from Japan. We used to have hide them from my grandmother but that is another story...But my goodness they were exciting! My sister knew all about Hello Kitty long before it ever appeared in the US and I had a big thing on the Japanese fairy tale books we were sent.
My cousin's wife is Japanese and does have relations in the affected area. Hopefully there will be a happy ending there. Prayers are always good.
And I know the Japanese people will come back strongly from this, but sometimes practical aid is needed.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Beyond Her Book Bash and giveaway
I'm at Barbara Vey's 4th anniversary bash today! A signed copy of Breaking the Governess's Rules is up for grabs along with 6 e-readers and 68 other books from other historical and contemporary authors and assorted items. Please join in the fun and leave a comment.
My talk in Walker Library went well. A cozy group of dedicated Mills and Boon readers. One of the librarians also volunteers at the local theatre so they had costumes set up to illustrate my books. They had also done a display of my titles. All in all a very pleasant evening. (I do have photos and will get them up)
Monday night will see me in Amble with another Girls Night In. Then my speaking will be done for awhile.
My talk in Walker Library went well. A cozy group of dedicated Mills and Boon readers. One of the librarians also volunteers at the local theatre so they had costumes set up to illustrate my books. They had also done a display of my titles. All in all a very pleasant evening. (I do have photos and will get them up)
Monday night will see me in Amble with another Girls Night In. Then my speaking will be done for awhile.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Step up on reshaping and a writerly rule of thumb
First the rule of thumb: if your characters cry, the reader doesn't have to. The character is doing the work for the reader. If the character resists, the reader is more likely to cry and be emotionally connected. It makes perfect sense to me, but then I am ever likely to have my characters cry and I do try to remember not to as some readers find crying makes for water pots, but never knew the justification.
Have I said how much I love Characters & Viewpoints?
There is a lot packed into a little book.
This morning I moved up a level on the Jillian Michaels 6 week six pack abs dvd. I had thought that perhaps the dvd was more focused on strength and core than cardio. Umm no. Can I whisper -- plank moguls? Or jumping jack knifes? I am pleased I had 3 weeks at level 1. Even then I have learnt -- start with the beginner moves and work up. My heart rate was through the roof. This is cardio plus with a heavy emphasis on abs. I know I have already changed my shape with the first 3 weeks. I lost about an inch and a half from my waist.
I suspect it will continue. The workout is incredibly intense, insane but goodness me, I felt good after doing it. Sweat is good. Taking care of my body does not come easy. And every time, I carry a large bag of dog food (15 kg) I remember that I have lost more than that!
Now to get back to my wip and to get ready to give the first of my library talks this afternoon. It is wonderful that International Women's Day is being supported by Daniel Craig...It is the 100th celebration of the day.
Have I said how much I love Characters & Viewpoints?
There is a lot packed into a little book.
This morning I moved up a level on the Jillian Michaels 6 week six pack abs dvd. I had thought that perhaps the dvd was more focused on strength and core than cardio. Umm no. Can I whisper -- plank moguls? Or jumping jack knifes? I am pleased I had 3 weeks at level 1. Even then I have learnt -- start with the beginner moves and work up. My heart rate was through the roof. This is cardio plus with a heavy emphasis on abs. I know I have already changed my shape with the first 3 weeks. I lost about an inch and a half from my waist.
I suspect it will continue. The workout is incredibly intense, insane but goodness me, I felt good after doing it. Sweat is good. Taking care of my body does not come easy. And every time, I carry a large bag of dog food (15 kg) I remember that I have lost more than that!
Now to get back to my wip and to get ready to give the first of my library talks this afternoon. It is wonderful that International Women's Day is being supported by Daniel Craig...It is the 100th celebration of the day.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Hearts, Flowers and Power: The Romance Genre and Women
I am giving two library talks for International Women's Day. The theme of the day is enpowerment through education so I am going to talk about how the romance genre empowers women. I am also going to discuss my writing and how I do it.
They are on 8 March 2-4 Denton Burn Library and 10 March 6-8 Walker Library.
You can find out more info here.
They are on 8 March 2-4 Denton Burn Library and 10 March 6-8 Walker Library.
You can find out more info here.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Breaking the Governess's Rules published
At the RNA Northumberland meeting yesterday, romantic comedy novelist Abigail Bosanko kindly showed me Breakingthe Governess's Rules on her kindle. She had preordered it and as if by magic, it was on her kindle when she woke up on 1 March. As I don't have one (yet), it was lovely to see. Apparently a new feature will be actual page numbers rather than percent read. But for anyone who struggles with font size, I can see how an e-reader could be a real boon. Abigail adores hers and waxed lyrical.
Luckily she also adored Breaking the Governess's Rules. I always worry. Like Donna Alward, she wants Nella Blandish to have her own story. I was treated to reasons why and who should be looking after Nella when the time came for Nella to have her season. This is what happens when you have authors as friends.
Does anyone else feel this way about Nella? Should I write her story?
I should mention that there is Sophie to come in To Marry A Matchmaker...and I am actually fond of a certain secondary in my current wip.
Oh and there is an excerpt up at Unusual Historicals and I will be there on Sunday with two copies of Breaking the Governess's Rules to giveaway. It is leave a comment
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Back from uni visiting
Yesterday was my last university visit with my daughter. University of Birmingham this time. She needed to visit them all to get a deeper understanding of how the courses differed and what was on offer.
The campus is lovely. The sun shone. We arrived early and so I insisted on visiting one of the museums on campus -- The Barber Institute of Fine Art. Normally university museums yeild something interesting and this was no exception. For a small museum, the collection contains some remarkable works. My favourite was an Elizabeth LeBrun protrait. My daughter's favourite was a Renior. They had had Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, Money, Manet, Turner, Giansborough, Courbet etc. I also loved the protrait of Lady Martha Constance Hattie Onions Barber. who was the driving force behind the Institute.
It is now up to my daughter to decide where she wants to go and which course will be the best for her. Sometimes you have to go with your gut. And my gut might be different from my daughter's. Tis hard to be a parent.
Because the train journey was SO long, I did a lot of writing yesterday. It will be a small matter of typing up the spider scrawl and bleeding on the page. Deepening the emotions. It will get there.
The campus is lovely. The sun shone. We arrived early and so I insisted on visiting one of the museums on campus -- The Barber Institute of Fine Art. Normally university museums yeild something interesting and this was no exception. For a small museum, the collection contains some remarkable works. My favourite was an Elizabeth LeBrun protrait. My daughter's favourite was a Renior. They had had Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, Money, Manet, Turner, Giansborough, Courbet etc. I also loved the protrait of Lady Martha Constance Hattie Onions Barber. who was the driving force behind the Institute.
It is now up to my daughter to decide where she wants to go and which course will be the best for her. Sometimes you have to go with your gut. And my gut might be different from my daughter's. Tis hard to be a parent.
Because the train journey was SO long, I did a lot of writing yesterday. It will be a small matter of typing up the spider scrawl and bleeding on the page. Deepening the emotions. It will get there.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
My Viking trilogy published in French
I was very pleased to discover that Harlequin France are publishing all 3 of my Vikings in the next three months. The first one Captive du Viking is out this month and the others follow. They can either be order through the French Harlequin website or via Amazon. They have included a bonus book by Juliet Landon with the first book. I spent many years learning French in high school and at university so it always makes my day when one of my books is published in that language.
Captive du Viking
Captive et viking, Michelle Styles
793 après J.-C., Scandinavie. Plutôt mourir que se soumettre à l'emprise de Haakon Haroldson, le chef arrogant des barbares qui ont saccagé son existence ! Si Annis a dû renoncer à sa liberté lorsque Haakon a fait d'elle sa prisonnière, elle n'ira pas jusqu'à lui abandonner sa dignité : jamais elle ne sera son esclave ! Mais alors que, dans un élan de désespoir, elle envisage une impossible tentative d'évasion, le ténébreux Viking lui propose un marché qu'elle n'attendait pas : si elle accepte de devenir sa maîtresse, il l'affranchira de sa condition de captive pour l'élever au rang de concubine. Une offre scandaleuse... qui laisse Annis face à son destin.
À propos de l'auteur :
Intéressée par l'Histoire depuis son plus jeune âge, Michelles Styles nous fait découvrir sa passion grâce à des récits qui mêlent avec art véracité historique et souffle romanesque. Captive du viking est son quatrième roman publié dans la collection Les Historiques.
Captive et viking, Michelle Styles
793 après J.-C., Scandinavie. Plutôt mourir que se soumettre à l'emprise de Haakon Haroldson, le chef arrogant des barbares qui ont saccagé son existence ! Si Annis a dû renoncer à sa liberté lorsque Haakon a fait d'elle sa prisonnière, elle n'ira pas jusqu'à lui abandonner sa dignité : jamais elle ne sera son esclave ! Mais alors que, dans un élan de désespoir, elle envisage une impossible tentative d'évasion, le ténébreux Viking lui propose un marché qu'elle n'attendait pas : si elle accepte de devenir sa maîtresse, il l'affranchira de sa condition de captive pour l'élever au rang de concubine. Une offre scandaleuse... qui laisse Annis face à son destin.
À propos de l'auteur :
Intéressée par l'Histoire depuis son plus jeune âge, Michelles Styles nous fait découvrir sa passion grâce à des récits qui mêlent avec art véracité historique et souffle romanesque. Captive du viking est son quatrième roman publié dans la collection Les Historiques.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Update on reshaping
After about 2 weeks of doing the Jillian Michaels 6 Weeks Six Pack Flat Abs Fast, I can report that the reshaping continues. I was able to tighten my belt another notch yesterday. Considering two weeks after I started the Shred, I couldn't even reach the first notch, I take it as a huge positive.
I have started mixing it up with her Banish Fat Boost Metabolism which is pure cardio. Again Jillian is her usual motivating self. I suspect that No More Trouble Zones is mostly strengthening -- this might be a treat to myself later in the year. 6 weeks 6 Pack is mainly focused on abs. 6 week 6 pack takes 40 minutes whereas Banish Fat takes 50 minutes. I ended up dripping sweat after each. It is all about doing more each time. The post workout high is something to be savoured.
Since I started really thinking about mindless eating, and making sure that I sat down and had protien with each meal/snack, my weight has been decreasing. I am now seven pounds lighter than when I started the Jillian Michaels regime. That makes 32 lbs lighter than this summer. I still have more to go before I get within my Healthy Weight BMI but am now well within the Overweight rather than the Obese section. Small victories are worth celebrating. It is about me taking charge and responsibility for my body.
If my journey inspires anyone, I would recommend starting with the 30 Day Shred (beginner, level 1). It does not matter about your past, or how fit you were in... name the year, it matters about today and making positive starts. I am always happy to provide support. Let me know how you are doing.
If you haven't discovered The Healthy Writer blog -- it is also a useful place to lurk. I know Trish Milburn's posts on the Biggest Loser inspired me to buy The Shred as I knew about Jillian Michaels from her.
Accountability and keeping myself on track are part of the reason why I keep posting about my reshaping process.
With positives, I gained insight into my current wip at the weekend and think I have FINALLY figured out my hero's conflict and how the heroine is going to help him to grow. Always a positive. It is all about BLEEDING on the bloody page but this one is a weepie. Hopefully it will have people reaching for the handkerchiefs.
I have started mixing it up with her Banish Fat Boost Metabolism which is pure cardio. Again Jillian is her usual motivating self. I suspect that No More Trouble Zones is mostly strengthening -- this might be a treat to myself later in the year. 6 weeks 6 Pack is mainly focused on abs. 6 week 6 pack takes 40 minutes whereas Banish Fat takes 50 minutes. I ended up dripping sweat after each. It is all about doing more each time. The post workout high is something to be savoured.
Since I started really thinking about mindless eating, and making sure that I sat down and had protien with each meal/snack, my weight has been decreasing. I am now seven pounds lighter than when I started the Jillian Michaels regime. That makes 32 lbs lighter than this summer. I still have more to go before I get within my Healthy Weight BMI but am now well within the Overweight rather than the Obese section. Small victories are worth celebrating. It is about me taking charge and responsibility for my body.
If my journey inspires anyone, I would recommend starting with the 30 Day Shred (beginner, level 1). It does not matter about your past, or how fit you were in... name the year, it matters about today and making positive starts. I am always happy to provide support. Let me know how you are doing.
If you haven't discovered The Healthy Writer blog -- it is also a useful place to lurk. I know Trish Milburn's posts on the Biggest Loser inspired me to buy The Shred as I knew about Jillian Michaels from her.
Accountability and keeping myself on track are part of the reason why I keep posting about my reshaping process.
With positives, I gained insight into my current wip at the weekend and think I have FINALLY figured out my hero's conflict and how the heroine is going to help him to grow. Always a positive. It is all about BLEEDING on the bloody page but this one is a weepie. Hopefully it will have people reaching for the handkerchiefs.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Ebook uptake
One of the big questions that has plagued the publishing industry is how large is the ebook market? Will it consume the print market? Will it make bookstores unprofitable?
For example, since the early 1980s, people have predicted the death of the cheque book. The market size for the cheques (ie number of cheques written) is certainly smaller BUT it still exists. The fact that banks still produce cheques means that some company somewhere is making money printing the cheques.
When markets are in flux, lots of things happen. Winners and losers. People can be seduced by great rates of growth without really considering market size. This happened during the early days of the Internet when certain Internet start up ventures were given huge valuations. Bubbles and mania ensued. Some (such as Amazon) have gone on to great things, others have folded.
The rise of Internet bookbuying has had a profound effect on bricks and mortar stores. The economies of scale come into play. What other things drive people to bookstores? Bordedom during lunch? Hours to kill while waiting for children to complete activities? Nobody really knows what is going on and people's predictions keep being blown out of the water.
One of the best places to learn about such things (if you are interested) is Mike Shatzkin's blog. He did a great blog the other day about ebooks tipping points as well as one about the trouble with the industry saying that you *buy* an ebook (you don't, you are licensed to use one -- a problem IF the ebook provider suddenly goes under but that is a whole other concern). The ebook tipping point blog had my jaw on the floor. I knew they were expecting huge growth rates, but Sourcebooks (a small independent publisher who has recently gone into the romance genre in a big way) had 35% of its incoming dollars in January 11 from ebooks. The slides showing the growth are incredible. The BIG question is does this growth continue or was it an uptick because of Christmas presents. Ebook readers surpassed sales expectations at Christmas. Will people keep using them? And will others buy them at the same rate? How will that effect margins etc? Are more people moving towards buying all their books (print and electronic) online? Is browsing in a bookstore a dying activity? Or merely confined to certain places?
I am very grateful that my publisher Harlequin is ahead of the curve and determined to remain there.
The one thing that will not change is that ebooks like print books merely deliver the content. Authors create the content and ultimately that comes down to the author's imagination.
For example, since the early 1980s, people have predicted the death of the cheque book. The market size for the cheques (ie number of cheques written) is certainly smaller BUT it still exists. The fact that banks still produce cheques means that some company somewhere is making money printing the cheques.
When markets are in flux, lots of things happen. Winners and losers. People can be seduced by great rates of growth without really considering market size. This happened during the early days of the Internet when certain Internet start up ventures were given huge valuations. Bubbles and mania ensued. Some (such as Amazon) have gone on to great things, others have folded.
The rise of Internet bookbuying has had a profound effect on bricks and mortar stores. The economies of scale come into play. What other things drive people to bookstores? Bordedom during lunch? Hours to kill while waiting for children to complete activities? Nobody really knows what is going on and people's predictions keep being blown out of the water.
One of the best places to learn about such things (if you are interested) is Mike Shatzkin's blog. He did a great blog the other day about ebooks tipping points as well as one about the trouble with the industry saying that you *buy* an ebook (you don't, you are licensed to use one -- a problem IF the ebook provider suddenly goes under but that is a whole other concern). The ebook tipping point blog had my jaw on the floor. I knew they were expecting huge growth rates, but Sourcebooks (a small independent publisher who has recently gone into the romance genre in a big way) had 35% of its incoming dollars in January 11 from ebooks. The slides showing the growth are incredible. The BIG question is does this growth continue or was it an uptick because of Christmas presents. Ebook readers surpassed sales expectations at Christmas. Will people keep using them? And will others buy them at the same rate? How will that effect margins etc? Are more people moving towards buying all their books (print and electronic) online? Is browsing in a bookstore a dying activity? Or merely confined to certain places?
I am very grateful that my publisher Harlequin is ahead of the curve and determined to remain there.
The one thing that will not change is that ebooks like print books merely deliver the content. Authors create the content and ultimately that comes down to the author's imagination.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The editorial cat didn't like my post
Heathcliff decided my post on creating vivid detail was not worth it and deleted it. Suffice it to say -- vivid specific detail works better than vague and general. Little details bring the world into focus.Thankfully he did not delete my wip where I am adding more specific detail as my editor pointed out places where I had forgotten to.
My exercising goes well and I find I really enjoy doing the workouts. The latest Jillian Michaels I have -- 6 weeks six pack abs is harder than the Shred and I can see definite improvement. It is the SWEAT portion of my reshape.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dig deeper
You always have more to give. Dig deeper. These two statements are the theme of my recent workouts and it feeds into writing as well.
When writing it is not about going for the easy option or looking for the obvious solution. Sometimes it is but more often it is about digging deeper and going for the hidden motivation. Why else? What if? Why?
Yes, it is not easy. It isn't suppose to be. It is about creating something powerful.
When going deeper, look at the connections. How does one fear play out in their lives? Something major touches every part and influences habits and behaviours. Little details do count.
How can you give your characters' depth? How do the truamas influence them? How can you give an implied past and make everything that much bigger?
When you are writing, you can always go deeper. It is about squeezing that last drop of emotion out. And it does burn. And it is not easy but it is worthwhile.
When writing it is not about going for the easy option or looking for the obvious solution. Sometimes it is but more often it is about digging deeper and going for the hidden motivation. Why else? What if? Why?
Yes, it is not easy. It isn't suppose to be. It is about creating something powerful.
When going deeper, look at the connections. How does one fear play out in their lives? Something major touches every part and influences habits and behaviours. Little details do count.
How can you give your characters' depth? How do the truamas influence them? How can you give an implied past and make everything that much bigger?
When you are writing, you can always go deeper. It is about squeezing that last drop of emotion out. And it does burn. And it is not easy but it is worthwhile.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Take a moment
I've just completed day 2 of the Jillian Micheals 6 week 6 pack. I'm better at it today than I was yesterday but what she said during the cool down really struck home.
It is important to take a moment when you finish something and appreciate the accomplishment.
Your accomplishment might not seem a lot to someone else but it should mean a lot to you.
So for everyone who has submitted a manuscript recently, take a moment and think about the accomplishment. Think about the effort that it took to get it there. Savour it. It is worthwhile and time well spent. You did it.
Sure, next time your writing might be stronger (I always hope mine is!) but that doesn't take away from what you have accomplished.
Take that moment, savour it. Enjoy the buzz. Really focus on that. Then put it to one side and be prepared to WORK on making the next one even better.
When I am doing the workout, I am focused on making that workout the best it can be, pushing my muscles that little bit more. Doing that bit extra. I am not think about yesterday's workout. I am in the here and now.
So it is with writing. Focus on the here and now. You can do something about that.
Savour the moment when you finish a project but leave it behind when you go on to the next one.
It is important to take a moment when you finish something and appreciate the accomplishment.
Your accomplishment might not seem a lot to someone else but it should mean a lot to you.
So for everyone who has submitted a manuscript recently, take a moment and think about the accomplishment. Think about the effort that it took to get it there. Savour it. It is worthwhile and time well spent. You did it.
Sure, next time your writing might be stronger (I always hope mine is!) but that doesn't take away from what you have accomplished.
Take that moment, savour it. Enjoy the buzz. Really focus on that. Then put it to one side and be prepared to WORK on making the next one even better.
When I am doing the workout, I am focused on making that workout the best it can be, pushing my muscles that little bit more. Doing that bit extra. I am not think about yesterday's workout. I am in the here and now.
So it is with writing. Focus on the here and now. You can do something about that.
Savour the moment when you finish a project but leave it behind when you go on to the next one.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
30 days of The Shred completed
I have reached the end of my 30 Shred and so what happened?
* I went down a dress size and my stomach is flatter than it has been in YEARS!!!!!
* My energy levels have increased
* I love the buzz I get from completing the workout and find I actually crave it.
* I did not lose 20 lbs (about 3 lbs instead) BUT it didn't matter because it is all about how clothes fit and I went down a dress size. Note: I had been on a diet before starting the shred and had lost about 20 lbs with that so this might have contributed
* I gained enough confidence to go jeans shopping and ended up buying a pait of skinny jeans and jeggings in my new size ( UK 14/ US 12). They fit and my bum doesn't look big. I wore the jeggings in public yesterday.
* I read Jillian Michaels Winning by Losing which details her thoughts on self and science. The dvd gave me the sweat part! I have stopped mindlessly grazing and have started scheduling my snacks and making sure that I eat protein with every meal. I also have stopped going more that 4 hours between eating. This should help with the weight loss going forward.
* Personal triumphs for me were being able to do full travelling push ups, jumping lunges and rock star jumps. It was not easy! At times I felt like I was gargling my heart and wanted to die but seeing my fitness improve daily was fantastic.
At the weekend, I caught Losing It with Jillian on the Style Network. I now understand why she is the toughest trainer. And she is hugely motivational. As I watched the people struggle with the exercises -- I thought ah yes, I know how hard it is. I suspect that I shall continue to watch it as it is inspiring to see the transformation. Because she does work on self, it is also interesting to hear about other people's demons. (I am a writer after all!)
Where to next?
I bought Jillian Michael's 6 week Six Pack abs dvd for my birthday. Some of the reviews on Amazon said that they were pleased that they had done the 30 Day Shred first as it follows the same format BUT has more circuits. I like her *bootcamp* style (can't do dance moves me), her acknowledgement that yes it is tough, and her intense focus. I want to keep it up. There is more of me to lose. Plus given that my job is hands on keyboard, bottom in chair, I need something that makes me SWEAT
This is not a quick fix operation and I like the challenge, plus I like the mental sharpness. The fact that I can do the dvds in my house, with hand weights and a mat and don't have to think about driving to the gym is a bonus. Although I do have a rowing machine, I like doing things upstairs rather than in the basement. Plus I like the motivation that Jillian uses. Unerringly, she seems to say something that makes me continue and push myself. So I shall be making the time to do it daily. (There are 2 other Jillian dvds which I can get...)
As I know some people who read this blog (Kate H, Maisey Y, Biddy, Michelle W to out a few) have been inspired to start their own 30 shred, can I say -- stick with it. It is not easy but it is worth it. You will find your clothes start to fit better. If I can do it, so can you. You can make 20 minutes in your day for you. It is ALL about you, baby, and your journey.
Let me know how you are doing so that I can cheer you on. And don't forget to go to jeans shopping when you reach the end!
* I went down a dress size and my stomach is flatter than it has been in YEARS!!!!!
* My energy levels have increased
* I love the buzz I get from completing the workout and find I actually crave it.
* I did not lose 20 lbs (about 3 lbs instead) BUT it didn't matter because it is all about how clothes fit and I went down a dress size. Note: I had been on a diet before starting the shred and had lost about 20 lbs with that so this might have contributed
* I gained enough confidence to go jeans shopping and ended up buying a pait of skinny jeans and jeggings in my new size ( UK 14/ US 12). They fit and my bum doesn't look big. I wore the jeggings in public yesterday.
* I read Jillian Michaels Winning by Losing which details her thoughts on self and science. The dvd gave me the sweat part! I have stopped mindlessly grazing and have started scheduling my snacks and making sure that I eat protein with every meal. I also have stopped going more that 4 hours between eating. This should help with the weight loss going forward.
* Personal triumphs for me were being able to do full travelling push ups, jumping lunges and rock star jumps. It was not easy! At times I felt like I was gargling my heart and wanted to die but seeing my fitness improve daily was fantastic.
At the weekend, I caught Losing It with Jillian on the Style Network. I now understand why she is the toughest trainer. And she is hugely motivational. As I watched the people struggle with the exercises -- I thought ah yes, I know how hard it is. I suspect that I shall continue to watch it as it is inspiring to see the transformation. Because she does work on self, it is also interesting to hear about other people's demons. (I am a writer after all!)
Where to next?
I bought Jillian Michael's 6 week Six Pack abs dvd for my birthday. Some of the reviews on Amazon said that they were pleased that they had done the 30 Day Shred first as it follows the same format BUT has more circuits. I like her *bootcamp* style (can't do dance moves me), her acknowledgement that yes it is tough, and her intense focus. I want to keep it up. There is more of me to lose. Plus given that my job is hands on keyboard, bottom in chair, I need something that makes me SWEAT
This is not a quick fix operation and I like the challenge, plus I like the mental sharpness. The fact that I can do the dvds in my house, with hand weights and a mat and don't have to think about driving to the gym is a bonus. Although I do have a rowing machine, I like doing things upstairs rather than in the basement. Plus I like the motivation that Jillian uses. Unerringly, she seems to say something that makes me continue and push myself. So I shall be making the time to do it daily. (There are 2 other Jillian dvds which I can get...)
As I know some people who read this blog (Kate H, Maisey Y, Biddy, Michelle W to out a few) have been inspired to start their own 30 shred, can I say -- stick with it. It is not easy but it is worth it. You will find your clothes start to fit better. If I can do it, so can you. You can make 20 minutes in your day for you. It is ALL about you, baby, and your journey.
Let me know how you are doing so that I can cheer you on. And don't forget to go to jeans shopping when you reach the end!
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Lady Soldier is republished as an ebook
The Lady Solider came about because Kate Allan who was my critique partner had an idea that wouldn't let her go on bright November morning in 2003. She thought about it all the way to work and emailed me asking if we could cowrite this book together. I agreed as the subject matter was something very close to my heart. Ever since I read about Deborah Sampson in grade school, I had wanted to write something about a woman who pretends to be a man in order to serve as a soldier.
At that point in time, I had turned my back on romance and was trying to writ a Roman set thriller. Writing The Lady Soldier with Kate really reawakened my love of the genre and my determination to write historical romance. After writing the first draft of TLS, I wrote the first draft of The Gladiator's Honour.
TLS went through several incarnations (and rejections). And was eventually bought by Robert Hale and published in hardback in 2005. (On the day it was published originally I received my revisions for GH and became totally focused on building my career with HMB). Kate's path went in a different direction and among other things she is now a successful agent and publicist.
We reacquired the rights to TLS late last year as it went out of print. At the same time Kate had a launch party for her Polish set Regency. Jane Holland attended and bought a copy of The Lady Soldier. She stayed up all night reading it and asked if Embrace could publish it. Kate and I were delighted.
It is great to be part of the launch.
There are seven wonderful books and here's hoping that Embrace goes from the strength to strength.
Available wherever good ebooks are sold, including Amazon kindle.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Being inspired.
On Wednesday I took my daughter to Newcastle for a university visit. She is visiting everywhere where she had offers before she decides. We went on the train. I always get a thrill now as that particular railway has featured in a number of my books.
I also love walking around Newcastle as it has the largest collection of Regency/early Victorian buildings outside of London and Bath. It boasts of the first planned city and one of the oldest railway stations. Central Station is iconic as it was the first use of space in this fashion combining glass and steel. It is just that loads of other railway stations were based on it and so it now looks very samey but I always get a little thrill.
To fully appreciate Newcastle, you do need to look up rather than concentrating on ground level. On ground level, your eye is distracted by shops and shop windows. Looking upwards, you see the little bits that remain unchanged or the sweep of Grey Street or the statue of Earl Grey that towers over the main shopping district.
I hadn't been on Newcastle's campus for ages. They are doing loads of building work but the university has a good solid feel about the place. I had to laugh when one of the professors mentioned the royal seal of approval as one of Prince Andrew's daughters is currently attending the university. I wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing. LOL.
They did serve lunch and I found it relatively easy to be good and avoid certain things. It was about being picky, rather than mindless. So an improvement there. I also made sure I did the JM dvd before we left...
Upon returning home, I realised that I did need to add more emotion to my current chapter. My editor wants the emotion NOW, not when I turn in the revised full as the emotion can pull your characters in different directions. We are doing this one slightly differently in hopes of avoiding some of the problems that have plagued me recently. So the early stages take longer. But the trip made me inspired to bleed on the page which is always good...in the long run.
I also love walking around Newcastle as it has the largest collection of Regency/early Victorian buildings outside of London and Bath. It boasts of the first planned city and one of the oldest railway stations. Central Station is iconic as it was the first use of space in this fashion combining glass and steel. It is just that loads of other railway stations were based on it and so it now looks very samey but I always get a little thrill.
To fully appreciate Newcastle, you do need to look up rather than concentrating on ground level. On ground level, your eye is distracted by shops and shop windows. Looking upwards, you see the little bits that remain unchanged or the sweep of Grey Street or the statue of Earl Grey that towers over the main shopping district.
I hadn't been on Newcastle's campus for ages. They are doing loads of building work but the university has a good solid feel about the place. I had to laugh when one of the professors mentioned the royal seal of approval as one of Prince Andrew's daughters is currently attending the university. I wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing. LOL.
They did serve lunch and I found it relatively easy to be good and avoid certain things. It was about being picky, rather than mindless. So an improvement there. I also made sure I did the JM dvd before we left...
Upon returning home, I realised that I did need to add more emotion to my current chapter. My editor wants the emotion NOW, not when I turn in the revised full as the emotion can pull your characters in different directions. We are doing this one slightly differently in hopes of avoiding some of the problems that have plagued me recently. So the early stages take longer. But the trip made me inspired to bleed on the page which is always good...in the long run.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Winner of the Christina Phillips giveaway
Christina has drawn the name and it is --Caroline.
Caroline if you could email me with your postal address, I will forward it to Christina.
I drew Jena Lang from my part of the swap and have emailed the download off.
Caroline if you could email me with your postal address, I will forward it to Christina.
I drew Jena Lang from my part of the swap and have emailed the download off.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Confessions of a Mindless Grazer
One of my BIG problems with food is that I am a mindless grazer. Bad habit. I tend just get a handful of something because handfuls don't really count. Or not enough to matter. This is particularly true when I am working and the words are not coming. Of course handfuls count. And eating standing up doesn't burn more calories either.
Jillian Michaels makes the point in her book (and it is not rocket science) a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. It is simply a unit of measure. And even if something does not seem to have many calories per serving size, eat enough of them and your daily calorie count gets blown sky high.
She gives the example of a client of hers who used the spray I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. The client was going through a can a day. When she was challenged, the client exclaimed but the serving portion info says no calories. A can has 900 calories. A serving size was a quick spray. She was using a lot more!
It would be far better for me to schedule my snacks and to sit down to eat them.
She also is an advocate of metabolic typing for determining the type of diet you should follow. It turns out that I am a fast oxidizer or that I am insulin responsive. It means if I take niacin on an empty stomach, I get a bright red flush. (Been there, done it) Fast oxidizers from my reading around the subject are more likely to get type 2 diabetes. Glucose enters the blood stream more readily as it were. This is why going over to a diet which limits carbs to low GI carbs and makes sure I have protein at every meal works for me. It also means I should have scheduled snacks instead of mindless grazing. And make sure that I don't skip meals and that I eat every 4 hours.
The theory of oxidation also explains why not all diets work for every one. Know your oxidation rate in general terms and you can plan your diet better so you are less likely to fail. Slow oxidisers should have carbs at every meal and go for lighter proteins. Balanced oxidisers should go for -- a balance.
Everything kept within calorie limits.
And I am one of the UNLUCKY people who gain weight all over rather than putting it on my top half or my bottom. When you gain weight all over, it means even your feet can become fat! (Yes my shoes now fit better) In theory I am an hourglass shape. Knowing what shape you are helps. It means you can look at pictures of the appropriate stars. For example, Marilyn Monroe was pear shaped. People who are apple shaped can end up looking like Barbie or a Gibson Girl.
Hourglass I think is Betty Grable. at the ideal. People can look good no matter their basic shape is. But knowing your shape can help.
Two days of not mindlessly grazing and the weight is starting to drop off. Which is good. Not getting discouraged is important.
In other news:
My editor phoned yesterday. I should be doing a couple of library talks in March for International Women's Day. More details when I have them.
Jillian Michaels makes the point in her book (and it is not rocket science) a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. It is simply a unit of measure. And even if something does not seem to have many calories per serving size, eat enough of them and your daily calorie count gets blown sky high.
She gives the example of a client of hers who used the spray I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. The client was going through a can a day. When she was challenged, the client exclaimed but the serving portion info says no calories. A can has 900 calories. A serving size was a quick spray. She was using a lot more!
It would be far better for me to schedule my snacks and to sit down to eat them.
She also is an advocate of metabolic typing for determining the type of diet you should follow. It turns out that I am a fast oxidizer or that I am insulin responsive. It means if I take niacin on an empty stomach, I get a bright red flush. (Been there, done it) Fast oxidizers from my reading around the subject are more likely to get type 2 diabetes. Glucose enters the blood stream more readily as it were. This is why going over to a diet which limits carbs to low GI carbs and makes sure I have protein at every meal works for me. It also means I should have scheduled snacks instead of mindless grazing. And make sure that I don't skip meals and that I eat every 4 hours.
The theory of oxidation also explains why not all diets work for every one. Know your oxidation rate in general terms and you can plan your diet better so you are less likely to fail. Slow oxidisers should have carbs at every meal and go for lighter proteins. Balanced oxidisers should go for -- a balance.
Everything kept within calorie limits.
And I am one of the UNLUCKY people who gain weight all over rather than putting it on my top half or my bottom. When you gain weight all over, it means even your feet can become fat! (Yes my shoes now fit better) In theory I am an hourglass shape. Knowing what shape you are helps. It means you can look at pictures of the appropriate stars. For example, Marilyn Monroe was pear shaped. People who are apple shaped can end up looking like Barbie or a Gibson Girl.
Hourglass I think is Betty Grable. at the ideal. People can look good no matter their basic shape is. But knowing your shape can help.
Two days of not mindlessly grazing and the weight is starting to drop off. Which is good. Not getting discouraged is important.
In other news:
My editor phoned yesterday. I should be doing a couple of library talks in March for International Women's Day. More details when I have them.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Shredding and fitted blouses
Today is day 22 of The Shred and the scales are staying stubborn. However, my clothes are telling a different story all together.
Two Christmases ago, my husband gave me an expensive fitted blouse. The only trouble was that it didn't fit. I could not button it. It was in the size that I used to be. He had no reason to think my clothing size had changed but it had. And I kept thinking I would fit into it. Nothing doing. Yesterday I tried it on and it does fit. Barely and there is room for improvement but I was able to wear it to Mass without feeling like I had been squeezed into it. Rather that I am on upper range of a UK size 14 (US size 12). Considering I was on the upper limits of a UKsize 16 (US size 14) when I started this shred, I am well pleased. Do the Shred, lose a dress size in 3 weeks. I can handle that.
Inspired by The Shred, I have ordered Jillian Michaels' book -- Winning by Losing which details her diet plan. It should be here today. With Amazon's look inside feature, I decided it was worth spending some of my birthday money from the in laws on (and for under a fiver, the price was right). I also ordered the 6 week six pack dvd at the same time. My Mother in law was pleased to learn that I was spending the money on me for a change rather than on something practical.
I happen to like Ms Michaels' philosophy and the no nonsense way she approaches things. It is possible to sign up for a free daily newsleeter from her. At least the newsletter keeps me focussed. Her site costs $4 per week if you want access to more but I figure with the book and the dvds I am pretty well set.
Being able to regain clothes is a HUGE incentive to keep going. After the Shred, I have 6 weeks of 6 week six pack to look forward to. It is good to sweat!
My fitness is improving and I find I have more energy. I am also ignoring the jibes from my youngest. He is 15 and fit. I am 47 and definately an unfit matron type, The fact that I can do star jumps for the enitire 2nd 30 second interval in circuit 3 is something to be celebrated!
Two Christmases ago, my husband gave me an expensive fitted blouse. The only trouble was that it didn't fit. I could not button it. It was in the size that I used to be. He had no reason to think my clothing size had changed but it had. And I kept thinking I would fit into it. Nothing doing. Yesterday I tried it on and it does fit. Barely and there is room for improvement but I was able to wear it to Mass without feeling like I had been squeezed into it. Rather that I am on upper range of a UK size 14 (US size 12). Considering I was on the upper limits of a UKsize 16 (US size 14) when I started this shred, I am well pleased. Do the Shred, lose a dress size in 3 weeks. I can handle that.
I happen to like Ms Michaels' philosophy and the no nonsense way she approaches things. It is possible to sign up for a free daily newsleeter from her. At least the newsletter keeps me focussed. Her site costs $4 per week if you want access to more but I figure with the book and the dvds I am pretty well set.
Being able to regain clothes is a HUGE incentive to keep going. After the Shred, I have 6 weeks of 6 week six pack to look forward to. It is good to sweat!
My fitness is improving and I find I have more energy. I am also ignoring the jibes from my youngest. He is 15 and fit. I am 47 and definately an unfit matron type, The fact that I can do star jumps for the enitire 2nd 30 second interval in circuit 3 is something to be celebrated!
Friday, February 04, 2011
A new book by Donald Maass
As long time readers of this blog know, I do rate Donald Maass's books on writing. He does a regular column on Writer Unboxed. First Thursday of every month. This month, he did an post on depth of character. Nothing new or startling. He says the same thing over and over. Funny how often people nod their head and then ignore it. But you shouldn't. He knows what he is talking about. Orson Scott Card was writing much the same thing in the late 1980's. The craft of writing doesn't change but sometimes, the way it is explained can open new vistas.
He also has a new book coming out. The Breakout Novelist.(March 2011) It combines the best of his other books -- Writing The Break Out Novel, Fire Into Fiction and most importantly an updated version of The Career Novelist. The final section of the book looks at what it takes to be a novelist in today's world and how novelists can prosper. Does PR work for everyone? etc. I suspect even though I have the other books, it will be worth getting for the career advice. I know I learnt A LOT from the Career Novelist and can't wait to see what his updated one is like. My copies of Writing the Breakout Novel workbook and Fire into fiction are rather worn now.
I suspect because he has a new book out, he will be giving a workshop at the RWA Nationals this year. It will be good. Last year's was.
In other news: it is blowing a gale here and so I am writing, working on deepening my characterisation so that the reader can get the best read possible.
He also has a new book coming out. The Breakout Novelist.(March 2011) It combines the best of his other books -- Writing The Break Out Novel, Fire Into Fiction and most importantly an updated version of The Career Novelist. The final section of the book looks at what it takes to be a novelist in today's world and how novelists can prosper. Does PR work for everyone? etc. I suspect even though I have the other books, it will be worth getting for the career advice. I know I learnt A LOT from the Career Novelist and can't wait to see what his updated one is like. My copies of Writing the Breakout Novel workbook and Fire into fiction are rather worn now.
I suspect because he has a new book out, he will be giving a workshop at the RWA Nationals this year. It will be good. Last year's was.
In other news: it is blowing a gale here and so I am writing, working on deepening my characterisation so that the reader can get the best read possible.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Guest -- Christina Phillips with giveaway
Today, my blog is being taken over by Christina Philips ( I am Christina's). Christina and I go back to unpublished days and so I am delighted that she is here talking about her second Roman set book --Captive
Britannia, AD 50 – Sexy Warrior Heroes & Magical Druid Heroines
When Michelle and I realized we both had Roman set books releasing this month, we thought it would be fun to swap blogs for the day – so here I am, and thank you Michelle for having me!
I’ve always loved history and grew up in England surrounded by the rich heritage of our Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman influenced past. At school I loved nothing better than to write tragic stories that involved time travel to ancient Rome or the fascinating Pharaohs in Egypt, but it never occurred to me to write a historical romance with the aim of publication. At least, not until Maximus, the Roman centurion hero of my debut novel, Forbidden, stormed into my head late one night.
Even though I knew Romans, Druids and ancient Wales were all considered a hard sell in romance, I had to write the book (Maximus was very persuasive ) As Michelle can attest, I was thrilled when Berkley Heat offered me a two book contract!
Set during the first century AD, during the early years of the Roman occupation of Britain, my Forbidden series has sexy warrior heroes and magical Druid heroines.
Between a warrior and a princess comes an erotic passion as all-consuming as the hatred between their warring worlds…
In Forbidden, book 1 in the series, Maximus, a proud Roman centurion, discovers Carys spying on his bathing ritual and is instantly captivated. Who is this woman, and why hasn’t she been seen in any of the villages the Legion has vanquished?
Maximus has been charged by his Emperor to eliminate all Druids. And Carys, a Druid princess and acolyte of Cerridwen, Goddess of Wisdom, has sworn to rid her land of the barbarous invaders. Yet despite everything that conspires against them they are irresistibly drawn to each other.
Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man—the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…
Captive begins six months after Forbidden ends. The heroine, Morwyn, is not only recovering from the realization that the man she once loved brutally betrayed his own people, but has also turned her back on her Druidic heritage. She sets off to join the rebels fighting the Roman invaders but is ambushed and captured by a tough Gaul mercenary.
The hero, Bren, is haunted by his violent past and, far from being Morwyn’s bitterest enemy as she imagines, has been undercover in the Roman Legions for the last three years. The problem is he can’t tell Morwyn the truth, because the truth could get them both killed.
He was a master of seduction - but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most...
Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion - his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.
Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage - until he captures her heart as well as her body.
As Carys's loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus's people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.
Read Chapter One of Forbidden (Over 18s only, please!)
Romantic Times BOOK Review
"Set in the time of the Roman Empire, Phillips' wonderful story of the romance between a Roman soldier and a Celt is more than entertaining"
She is a prisoner of her sworn enemy - and her own desire...
Having lost her faith when Roman invaders destroyed life as she knew it, Morwyn took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. But before she can join up with the rebels, she's captured by a Gaul mercenary whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction... and make it harder to kill him.
Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. So when his own unit attacks and brutalizes a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can - by claiming her as his prisoner. But unlike his men, Bren would never take the woman by force, no matter how obviously she burns for his touch.
As they near Roman headquarters, Morwyn resolves to honor her vow of celibacy - but if the Gaul were to ravage her, could she be blamed for enjoying his body? With just a hint of seduction, sooner or later the Gaul will succumb to his exquisite captive...
Read Chapter One of Captive (Over 18s only, please!)
Romantic Times BOOK Review
“Phillips’ second in the Forbidden series is just as hot as its predecessor. Readers will be held Captive by the magic between Druid priestess Morwyn and Bren.”
I’d love to give away a copy of either Forbidden or Captive to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment, ask a question or let us know what you love about ancient or unusual historical romances!
The giveaway will stay open until 9 February.
Britannia, AD 50 – Sexy Warrior Heroes & Magical Druid HeroinesWhen Michelle and I realized we both had Roman set books releasing this month, we thought it would be fun to swap blogs for the day – so here I am, and thank you Michelle for having me!
I’ve always loved history and grew up in England surrounded by the rich heritage of our Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman influenced past. At school I loved nothing better than to write tragic stories that involved time travel to ancient Rome or the fascinating Pharaohs in Egypt, but it never occurred to me to write a historical romance with the aim of publication. At least, not until Maximus, the Roman centurion hero of my debut novel, Forbidden, stormed into my head late one night. Even though I knew Romans, Druids and ancient Wales were all considered a hard sell in romance, I had to write the book (Maximus was very persuasive ) As Michelle can attest, I was thrilled when Berkley Heat offered me a two book contract!
Set during the first century AD, during the early years of the Roman occupation of Britain, my Forbidden series has sexy warrior heroes and magical Druid heroines.
Between a warrior and a princess comes an erotic passion as all-consuming as the hatred between their warring worlds…
In Forbidden, book 1 in the series, Maximus, a proud Roman centurion, discovers Carys spying on his bathing ritual and is instantly captivated. Who is this woman, and why hasn’t she been seen in any of the villages the Legion has vanquished?
Maximus has been charged by his Emperor to eliminate all Druids. And Carys, a Druid princess and acolyte of Cerridwen, Goddess of Wisdom, has sworn to rid her land of the barbarous invaders. Yet despite everything that conspires against them they are irresistibly drawn to each other.
Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man—the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…
Captive begins six months after Forbidden ends. The heroine, Morwyn, is not only recovering from the realization that the man she once loved brutally betrayed his own people, but has also turned her back on her Druidic heritage. She sets off to join the rebels fighting the Roman invaders but is ambushed and captured by a tough Gaul mercenary.
The hero, Bren, is haunted by his violent past and, far from being Morwyn’s bitterest enemy as she imagines, has been undercover in the Roman Legions for the last three years. The problem is he can’t tell Morwyn the truth, because the truth could get them both killed.
He was a master of seduction - but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most...
Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion - his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.
Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage - until he captures her heart as well as her body.
As Carys's loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus's people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.
Read Chapter One of Forbidden (Over 18s only, please!)
Romantic Times BOOK Review
"Set in the time of the Roman Empire, Phillips' wonderful story of the romance between a Roman soldier and a Celt is more than entertaining"
She is a prisoner of her sworn enemy - and her own desire...
Having lost her faith when Roman invaders destroyed life as she knew it, Morwyn took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. But before she can join up with the rebels, she's captured by a Gaul mercenary whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction... and make it harder to kill him.
Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. So when his own unit attacks and brutalizes a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can - by claiming her as his prisoner. But unlike his men, Bren would never take the woman by force, no matter how obviously she burns for his touch.
As they near Roman headquarters, Morwyn resolves to honor her vow of celibacy - but if the Gaul were to ravage her, could she be blamed for enjoying his body? With just a hint of seduction, sooner or later the Gaul will succumb to his exquisite captive...
Read Chapter One of Captive (Over 18s only, please!)
Romantic Times BOOK Review
“Phillips’ second in the Forbidden series is just as hot as its predecessor. Readers will be held Captive by the magic between Druid priestess Morwyn and Bren.”
I’d love to give away a copy of either Forbidden or Captive to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment, ask a question or let us know what you love about ancient or unusual historical romances!
The giveaway will stay open until 9 February.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
The Perfect Concubine and Breaking The Governess's Rule are out today
Rome, 68 B.C.
Valeria's life is in the hands of Piso the Greek—the very man who had risen from a common sailor to wealthy ship owner following their doomed romance. He is the only man brave enough to sail the dangerous seas to Alexandria to reunite Valeria with her missing brother and restore her family's fortune. But Piso demands a high price for his help: Valeria must become his concubine and share his bed once more....
This is my first Undone and it is a Roman set. The hero Piso previously appeared in Sold & Seduced.
The Perfect Concubine is available for download from today in the US and the UK.
E-Harlequin is having a 14% off sale of ebooks in time for Valentine's Day.
Breaking the Governess's Rules is out at Mills and Boon today. It goes on general release in March.Mills & Boon has the first chapter to browse. Breaking the Governess's Rules will be out in Australia as part of a 3 in 1 with Diane Gaston and Ann Letherbridge in April (on the Australian site in March)
My newsletter will go out later today.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Halfway through the Shred
Halfway through my 30 Days and I have started to see results. Not so much with my weight but the way my clothes fit. Basically I can now comfortably fit into clothes that I wouldn't have dared to even try a few weeks ago. This includes a dress that my mother made for me last summer for the RWA conference. It kept getting stuck. Now it is loose, particularly around the waist. An interesting development is how much more comfortable my nice shoes are. When I say I gain weight all over, I didn't realise that mean my feet as well...My energy levels are also increasing. I know I am definitely stronger.
As it was my birthday last week and we went out to dinner on Saturday to friends who produce a good spread, I am not surprised my weight is steady. On Saturday, I wore The Dress that my mother made. Lots of compliments.
My appetite is more but I assume that is because I am exercising more. The thing to do is to remember to drink more water and to make sure that I know why I am eating. Has it been 3-4 hours since I last ate? If not then it is probably not hunger. What am I feeling when I want to eat? Eating is not always about hunger and there are a lot of other emotions involved.
It is the small successes that inspire and make you want to keep going. So much so that I ordered the next Jillian Micheals dvd -- 6 weeks to 6 pack abs which is supposed to be a step up from the Shred. I do like her attitude. And how when I am dying, she chirps with little bits of encouragement. Tough but with lots of heart.
So 15 more days of the Shred to go.
As it was my birthday last week and we went out to dinner on Saturday to friends who produce a good spread, I am not surprised my weight is steady. On Saturday, I wore The Dress that my mother made. Lots of compliments.
My appetite is more but I assume that is because I am exercising more. The thing to do is to remember to drink more water and to make sure that I know why I am eating. Has it been 3-4 hours since I last ate? If not then it is probably not hunger. What am I feeling when I want to eat? Eating is not always about hunger and there are a lot of other emotions involved.
It is the small successes that inspire and make you want to keep going. So much so that I ordered the next Jillian Micheals dvd -- 6 weeks to 6 pack abs which is supposed to be a step up from the Shred. I do like her attitude. And how when I am dying, she chirps with little bits of encouragement. Tough but with lots of heart.
So 15 more days of the Shred to go.
Friday, January 28, 2011
New clothes and dealing with backstory
First of all , day 10 of The Shred. I have hit level 3 and am able to wear a pair of pants that I could even get fastened a few months ago. The weight is holding steady but I assume muscle is heavier than fat. I know I am getting fitter but I still died when I did level 3. It will get there.
One of the interesting sections in Characters & Viewpoints is about how to handle backstory. Basically there are two ways -- the remembered past as a flashback, memory told, or quick reference. Which is mostly how authors handle backstory. Or the implied past -- expectation, habits and networks. An implied past can make the world seem like a much bigger place without even having to say what that past was. For example, Expectation: Jane threw herself on the ground and covered her head when she heard a car back fire, certain it was a gun shot.
Habit Every time Jane walked into a room, she instinctively checked for another exit, just in case she needed to get out quick.
Networks:
Jane thought she wouldn't know anyone at the concert but in the course of five minutes she saw three people from work, two from her daughter's playgroup and five or six people whose faces she recognised but couldn't say from where. This was a very bad sign.
It is easier to believe in characters if you think they have past, complete with connections to other people. Anyway, I found it intriguing and useful to be reminded of the various tools in a writer's tool box.
One of the interesting sections in Characters & Viewpoints is about how to handle backstory. Basically there are two ways -- the remembered past as a flashback, memory told, or quick reference. Which is mostly how authors handle backstory. Or the implied past -- expectation, habits and networks. An implied past can make the world seem like a much bigger place without even having to say what that past was. For example, Expectation: Jane threw herself on the ground and covered her head when she heard a car back fire, certain it was a gun shot.
Habit Every time Jane walked into a room, she instinctively checked for another exit, just in case she needed to get out quick.
Networks:
Jane thought she wouldn't know anyone at the concert but in the course of five minutes she saw three people from work, two from her daughter's playgroup and five or six people whose faces she recognised but couldn't say from where. This was a very bad sign.
It is easier to believe in characters if you think they have past, complete with connections to other people. Anyway, I found it intriguing and useful to be reminded of the various tools in a writer's tool box.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Goodreads giveaway for Breaking the Governess's Rules
My author copies for Breaking the Governess's Rules arrived yesterday. So...
In shredding news: I threw away pair of cords as they are now too big. My daughter was very pleased as she said they were pants only a mother could wear. I informed her I was a mother.
And yes, today is my birthday as well being Australia Day. I am another year older. It is ALWAYS good to hang another year on the line. Can't do anything about it, might as well enjoy it. Looking forward to what this year will bring.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
MICE and the author
As part of my attempts to improve, I have been reading, in particular over the weekend I read Orson Scott Card's Characters and Viewpoints. The book has been around since 1988 but I hadn't read it.
He uses the acronym MICE to explain about how various books are created but it struck me that MICE goes further -- to the heart of how an author gets her ideas and what interests her.
Ultimately you have to be good at everything. Without plot, there is no characters and without characters, there is no plot. Can you tell I get irritated by authors who claim that their work is entirely character driven or plot driven, particularly when they are writing commercial fiction? It is more complicated than that. It is a combination. Not one without the other. But ultimately it is the CHARACTERS that people remember and who linger. Characters who breathe life into a plot. But plot gives characters something to do.
How to get there:
Authors are either more Milieu, Idea, Character or Event (Premise) orientated. The end product is what counts so one is not better than the other. It is what intrigues the author and gives the impetus to her work.
Milieu or world building means that readers want to return time and again to the world the author creates. Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr are fantastic at world building. Jan Karon as well. Tolkien. CS Lewis. JK Rowling. In fact any author who writes a successful series where readers want to return has a real milieu strength. Build your world right, and readers will return time and again to experience that connection (even if perhaps the characters are not as well rounded or as fully dimensional.) They want to live in that world. Without proper world building, the story feels flat. Without knowing where it is set, you can't make a lot of choices about the character and how they will interact with people.
Idea means theme. What the story is about and the message the author wants to convey. Again without the idea, you can't know how you want a character to grow. Without the Idea you don't know how they will grow or why they should grow.
Character means the people who populate the story.Some authors are intrigue by a character and want to explore how they change. It is about getting inside someone's head and seeing what makes them tick. Readers remember characters. But a character needs to be more than a talking head.
Event means premise. Some authors are drawn to a certain premise or happening. A reunion story. A runaway bride. Why is this story going to happen at all? What is going to cause the characters to change? Without knowing the point of change, you don't have a story. What is the character going to do in the story and what do you want at the end? It is the essence of storytelling. The dictates of the premise helps to determine what sort of character you build. Without a story, the reader is reading an essay. Essays have their place but not in commercial fiction.Without a premise, you can't begin to ask about motivation.
Hopefully you can see choosing where to start is a bit like chicken or egg. Sometimes it is impossible to tell.
There is no right or wrong answer. It is merely where you start, and to have a 3-d character that readers will remember you have to use all the letters in MICE. But different authors start in different places and that just makes it interesting. But knowing where you like to start can help.
So what do you like to start with? Milieu, Idea, Character or Event.
Me? I suspect that I start with Event,closely followed by Milieu and then I start asking questions about Character. The Idea gets incorporated in later.
He uses the acronym MICE to explain about how various books are created but it struck me that MICE goes further -- to the heart of how an author gets her ideas and what interests her.
Ultimately you have to be good at everything. Without plot, there is no characters and without characters, there is no plot. Can you tell I get irritated by authors who claim that their work is entirely character driven or plot driven, particularly when they are writing commercial fiction? It is more complicated than that. It is a combination. Not one without the other. But ultimately it is the CHARACTERS that people remember and who linger. Characters who breathe life into a plot. But plot gives characters something to do.
How to get there:
Authors are either more Milieu, Idea, Character or Event (Premise) orientated. The end product is what counts so one is not better than the other. It is what intrigues the author and gives the impetus to her work.
Milieu or world building means that readers want to return time and again to the world the author creates. Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr are fantastic at world building. Jan Karon as well. Tolkien. CS Lewis. JK Rowling. In fact any author who writes a successful series where readers want to return has a real milieu strength. Build your world right, and readers will return time and again to experience that connection (even if perhaps the characters are not as well rounded or as fully dimensional.) They want to live in that world. Without proper world building, the story feels flat. Without knowing where it is set, you can't make a lot of choices about the character and how they will interact with people.
Idea means theme. What the story is about and the message the author wants to convey. Again without the idea, you can't know how you want a character to grow. Without the Idea you don't know how they will grow or why they should grow.
Character means the people who populate the story.Some authors are intrigue by a character and want to explore how they change. It is about getting inside someone's head and seeing what makes them tick. Readers remember characters. But a character needs to be more than a talking head.
Event means premise. Some authors are drawn to a certain premise or happening. A reunion story. A runaway bride. Why is this story going to happen at all? What is going to cause the characters to change? Without knowing the point of change, you don't have a story. What is the character going to do in the story and what do you want at the end? It is the essence of storytelling. The dictates of the premise helps to determine what sort of character you build. Without a story, the reader is reading an essay. Essays have their place but not in commercial fiction.Without a premise, you can't begin to ask about motivation.
Hopefully you can see choosing where to start is a bit like chicken or egg. Sometimes it is impossible to tell.
There is no right or wrong answer. It is merely where you start, and to have a 3-d character that readers will remember you have to use all the letters in MICE. But different authors start in different places and that just makes it interesting. But knowing where you like to start can help.
So what do you like to start with? Milieu, Idea, Character or Event.
Me? I suspect that I start with Event,closely followed by Milieu and then I start asking questions about Character. The Idea gets incorporated in later.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Jillian Micheals of the editorial world
I have decided that my editor is the Jillian Micheals of the editorial world -- very tough but with a lot of heart and absolutely 100 percent committed to making my stories absolutely the strongest possible. She pushes me and she certainly doesn't accept second best.
Before Christmas, she asked me to set aside the one I was currently working on. It just wasn't strong enough in its current form and in fact in her judgement, it was getting weaker. A hard decision for both of us. But I trust her judgement.
And after thinking a lot about it, I realised that among other things, it should have been the last book of a quartet rather than the first book of a duo. It may eventually get there. It may even be more single title than series. Loads of things needed to change and it just was not happening.
Did it hurt? Yes.
Was it the right decision? Yes. It is far far worse in the long term to put out something that is substandard.
I rather wait and get it right. That book has huge potential. I am just not ready to realise its potential yet (and I have 3 other books in the series to write first!)
And I toss this out so that people can realise being a published author doesn't mean that your books are always accepted. You are only as good as your last book. It happens -- far more often than people might think. The difference is what you do after a set back.
I am currently working on a new ms. Stand alone Regency The partial has been sent back twice. My editor thinks it can be strengthened. And she is right. (Among other things I had gone for a reactionary start -- emotional situation but the heroine was passive) She is utterly committed to making my work as strong as possible. I am very lucky to have her. I want it to be my best to date and my editor is certainly trying to get me there.
So when I have been doing my 30 day shred with Jillian Micheals dvd, I have been thinking about my editor and her determination to wring every last drop of emotion out of this story and to push me to do my best.
It isn't easy but the results will be worth it.
With my shred, I have moved up to level 2 and am busy dying. My clothes are getting looser though, so the results are starting to happen.
If someone is going to make big promises, they have to be tough and they have to be willing to see it through.
Have I said that I love my editor?
Before Christmas, she asked me to set aside the one I was currently working on. It just wasn't strong enough in its current form and in fact in her judgement, it was getting weaker. A hard decision for both of us. But I trust her judgement.
And after thinking a lot about it, I realised that among other things, it should have been the last book of a quartet rather than the first book of a duo. It may eventually get there. It may even be more single title than series. Loads of things needed to change and it just was not happening.
Did it hurt? Yes.
Was it the right decision? Yes. It is far far worse in the long term to put out something that is substandard.
I rather wait and get it right. That book has huge potential. I am just not ready to realise its potential yet (and I have 3 other books in the series to write first!)
And I toss this out so that people can realise being a published author doesn't mean that your books are always accepted. You are only as good as your last book. It happens -- far more often than people might think. The difference is what you do after a set back.
I am currently working on a new ms. Stand alone Regency The partial has been sent back twice. My editor thinks it can be strengthened. And she is right. (Among other things I had gone for a reactionary start -- emotional situation but the heroine was passive) She is utterly committed to making my work as strong as possible. I am very lucky to have her. I want it to be my best to date and my editor is certainly trying to get me there.
So when I have been doing my 30 day shred with Jillian Micheals dvd, I have been thinking about my editor and her determination to wring every last drop of emotion out of this story and to push me to do my best.
It isn't easy but the results will be worth it.
With my shred, I have moved up to level 2 and am busy dying. My clothes are getting looser though, so the results are starting to happen.
If someone is going to make big promises, they have to be tough and they have to be willing to see it through.
Have I said that I love my editor?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Shredding
I have decided that this year, I am really going to try to get a handle on my weight and fitness. It is a problem that a lot of writers face because it is really butt in chair and hands on keyboard. However, various instruments of torture such as the rowing machine are currently doubling as clothes horses, silent marks of shame. (Actually my youngest and my dh use the rowing machine and are constantly changing the settings). Plus I don't really like working out in the basement...
I do walk dogs but that is not really shifting the flab. The diet remains on going but again the flab stays. Plateauing is no fun. The only thing to do is to up my workouts. So I have purchased several fitness dvds.
First up -- Jillian Micheals 30 day shred. I figure I can do 30 days (I am on Day 2). It can't hurt. Level 1 just about killed me yesterday (to my surprise -- obviously dog walking is not doing as much as I had hoped!) However I will get better. The workouts are only 20 minutes long...or that is what it says. Pure torture lasts much longer.
With writing, I continue to go back to basics. Stimulus reaction units aka motivation reaction units or how you show feeling. Something happens, the characters reacts to it. The character can't react and then have something happen. If several somethings happen and the character does not react or react appropriately for the time and place, things feel off. It can be in your head and not on the page. But it is about wringing the last drop of emotion out. It is so easy to assume I know these things and realise that I have forgotten.
I do walk dogs but that is not really shifting the flab. The diet remains on going but again the flab stays. Plateauing is no fun. The only thing to do is to up my workouts. So I have purchased several fitness dvds.
First up -- Jillian Micheals 30 day shred. I figure I can do 30 days (I am on Day 2). It can't hurt. Level 1 just about killed me yesterday (to my surprise -- obviously dog walking is not doing as much as I had hoped!) However I will get better. The workouts are only 20 minutes long...or that is what it says. Pure torture lasts much longer.
With writing, I continue to go back to basics. Stimulus reaction units aka motivation reaction units or how you show feeling. Something happens, the characters reacts to it. The character can't react and then have something happen. If several somethings happen and the character does not react or react appropriately for the time and place, things feel off. It can be in your head and not on the page. But it is about wringing the last drop of emotion out. It is so easy to assume I know these things and realise that I have forgotten.
Friday, January 14, 2011
RWAustralia Flooded Communities Book Appeal
A friend let me know about this:
We've all seen the devastation the recent Queensland floods have wrought
and have wondered how we can help. We know that for many affected
families, books will not be high on their priorities list for some time
to come.
But...
We also know how valuable books can be in providing time out when
reality gets tough.
So…
With the aid of some wonderful volunteers, we've put together a Romance
Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal.
What we need?
FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre
books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.
Please send them to:
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland 4566
Australia
When to send them?
Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and
delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood
centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are
ready to receive them. We'll be liaising with councils, libraries
and schools to ensure this is done appropriately. Feel free to pop a
note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.
If you have a question about donations, email Jess Anastasi:
Jess@jessanastasi.com
If you work in a library / council / community centre / school in a
flood affected area, email Rachel Bailey: rachel@rachelbailey.com.au
And now for the extra detail...
I want to ask an extra favour of everyone on this list. If you feel
comfortable enough about it, and your publisher has some sort of
group/e-loop, please forward this on to them. In fact, forward it to
anywhere you think might be useful. Put it up on your blog or website,
talk about it on facebook and twitter. The more people who know, the
more books we're likely to get. We'll take donations from anywhere, so
long as people are willing to send those books!
If you have any questions, send me an email.
Thanks for your cooperation and support!
Jess Anastasi
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal Team
We've all seen the devastation the recent Queensland floods have wrought
and have wondered how we can help. We know that for many affected
families, books will not be high on their priorities list for some time
to come.
But...
We also know how valuable books can be in providing time out when
reality gets tough.
So…
With the aid of some wonderful volunteers, we've put together a Romance
Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal.
What we need?
FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre
books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.
Please send them to:
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland 4566
Australia
When to send them?
Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and
delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood
centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are
ready to receive them. We'll be liaising with councils, libraries
and schools to ensure this is done appropriately. Feel free to pop a
note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.
If you have a question about donations, email Jess Anastasi:
Jess@jessanastasi.com
If you work in a library / council / community centre / school in a
flood affected area, email Rachel Bailey: rachel@rachelbailey.com.au
And now for the extra detail...
I want to ask an extra favour of everyone on this list. If you feel
comfortable enough about it, and your publisher has some sort of
group/e-loop, please forward this on to them. In fact, forward it to
anywhere you think might be useful. Put it up on your blog or website,
talk about it on facebook and twitter. The more people who know, the
more books we're likely to get. We'll take donations from anywhere, so
long as people are willing to send those books!
If you have any questions, send me an email.
Thanks for your cooperation and support!
Jess Anastasi
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal Team
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sometimes it just has to be American
I have lived in the UK for over 22 years now but in that time I have remained consistent in my longing for a top loading washing machine. The vast majority of UK washing machine are front loading. It makes sense as most are in the kitchen, under cabinets. But front loading means smaller. It also means leaks (I know I have been there -- one memorable occasion I managed to flood the utility room). After the flooded utility room incident, I did buy a UK top loader...over the phone as the Internet was not that advanced. It duly arrived. A UK top loader is a slim line loader and the drum is turned on its side. It is not designed for heavy use. I wore out four drums before the warranty expired...So I went into my local John Lewis and had a long conversation with the staff where I learnt that all washing machines were not alike and that some are designed for light use. With three young children (at the time) and a husband who ran, I needed heavy duty. They did not stock an American top loader so I went with Miele. I had that Miele for 11 years, constantly on and running and never had to call out the washing repair man. This is opposed to becoming friends with the repair man over the other two washers... However over the last year, it was clear that my trusty machine was not working as well as it should. The time had come. My husband mentioned the top loader again as he always liked the washing machine at my mother's and the speed at which our laundry was done.
I was very pleased when I discovered John Lewis does sell American top loaders (the John Lewis Internet site is wonderful) and they sell Maytag. The Maytag advert about the lonely washing machine repair man has lived long in my memory. Maytag is a brand to trust.
Yesterday, it arrived. It is wonderful. It takes a much larger load than the old Miele. Laundry breeds in this house.
The delivery man said that he hoped I knew how to use it as he didn't have a clue! Umm they are very simple to use.
My youngest took one look and proclaimed it American and large. It is ironic how pleased I am to FINALLY have the sort of washing machine I grew up with.
I hope it lasts and that the old advert was right...
I was very pleased when I discovered John Lewis does sell American top loaders (the John Lewis Internet site is wonderful) and they sell Maytag. The Maytag advert about the lonely washing machine repair man has lived long in my memory. Maytag is a brand to trust.
Yesterday, it arrived. It is wonderful. It takes a much larger load than the old Miele. Laundry breeds in this house.
The delivery man said that he hoped I knew how to use it as he didn't have a clue! Umm they are very simple to use.
My youngest took one look and proclaimed it American and large. It is ironic how pleased I am to FINALLY have the sort of washing machine I grew up with.
I hope it lasts and that the old advert was right...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Suspension of disbelief
When you are reading fiction, you have to suspend your disbelief. You know the story isn't true, the situation isn't true and the characters have not really lived, not in the way that author protrays them BUT you willing suspend that disbelief and enter into the author's world. You want to be able to live there and be a part of it.
If the characters don't ring true, the reader is pulled out.
Reasons for being pulled out included less than likeable characters, protagonists acting ways repellant to reader and the reader can't get her head around it, gaps in motivations/reactions, viewpoint problems, not enough research, failure plant sop that the character comes across as inconsistent and so forth.
Yes, once again I am trying to get to grips with the problem of creating truly memorable characters. And my failings are many. It is about more than filling out a character sheet. It is making sure things are on the page and understanding the back story, making sure the characters reveal the right emotion for the right reason at the right time.
I am currently rereading Creating Characters -- How to Build Story People by Dwight Swain. Slowly but surely I am hoping to improve. Rather than reaching for a new how to book, I am going back to my library and seeing what I can learn or whatI missed the first time.
First rule of thumb -- love your characters as it does show.
If the characters don't ring true, the reader is pulled out.
Reasons for being pulled out included less than likeable characters, protagonists acting ways repellant to reader and the reader can't get her head around it, gaps in motivations/reactions, viewpoint problems, not enough research, failure plant sop that the character comes across as inconsistent and so forth.
Yes, once again I am trying to get to grips with the problem of creating truly memorable characters. And my failings are many. It is about more than filling out a character sheet. It is making sure things are on the page and understanding the back story, making sure the characters reveal the right emotion for the right reason at the right time.
I am currently rereading Creating Characters -- How to Build Story People by Dwight Swain. Slowly but surely I am hoping to improve. Rather than reaching for a new how to book, I am going back to my library and seeing what I can learn or whatI missed the first time.
First rule of thumb -- love your characters as it does show.
Monday, January 10, 2011
I am not a TIger Mother
Yesterday in the Sunday Times and today in the Times, there were articles about a Chinese Mother and how her methods of parenting. Basically Linda Chua has written a book entitled The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother which details how she hothoused her two daughters. She is only satisfied with the best and runs a very strict regime -- no playdates, no sleepovers, no drama productions, As are the only grade good enough and if you are taking an instrument, you practise. 3 hours per day. The parent has high expectations and does not settle for anything less
She details how she locked her 3 year old daughter out in the snow when she was defiant and how they do have screaming rows.
My children were appalled.
My daughter asked if I approved. My answer was that as I had not done those things to them, then I was unlikely to approve. The mere thought of the angst expended to force a child to practice for 3 hours day in and day out makes me want to lie down in a darkened room. There again I never wanted my children to be professional or play to a professional standard. The more time you practice, the better you will be but it needs to come from within. The desire must be inside the child. It is telling that when given the option at 13, the younger daughter immediately dropped her music in faovur of tennis.
While I do believe in parents developing their children's self-discipline, and like to think of myself as reasonably strict, life is far too short. I like celebrating achievements that matter to my children.
I loved the fact that my eldest had to discover the hard way that hard work does pay off. Not for a guitar piece but for his A levels. I think he is very proud of his accomplishments. I know I am. I also think the lesson he learnt will hold him in good stead for his adulthood.
I sincerely hope my daughter is putting in the hard work required as I believe she is capable of doing well on her A levels. I hope my youngest is doing the same with his GCSEs. But ultimately it is up to them and whether it matters to them.
Tough love is hard but there is a difference between tough love and sadistic parenting.
I make no apologies for being me and my sort of mother.
It is not a race but ultimately it is about creating indivdual who will be well balanced successful adults, no matter what life throws at them.
She details how she locked her 3 year old daughter out in the snow when she was defiant and how they do have screaming rows.
My children were appalled.
My daughter asked if I approved. My answer was that as I had not done those things to them, then I was unlikely to approve. The mere thought of the angst expended to force a child to practice for 3 hours day in and day out makes me want to lie down in a darkened room. There again I never wanted my children to be professional or play to a professional standard. The more time you practice, the better you will be but it needs to come from within. The desire must be inside the child. It is telling that when given the option at 13, the younger daughter immediately dropped her music in faovur of tennis.
While I do believe in parents developing their children's self-discipline, and like to think of myself as reasonably strict, life is far too short. I like celebrating achievements that matter to my children.
I loved the fact that my eldest had to discover the hard way that hard work does pay off. Not for a guitar piece but for his A levels. I think he is very proud of his accomplishments. I know I am. I also think the lesson he learnt will hold him in good stead for his adulthood.
I sincerely hope my daughter is putting in the hard work required as I believe she is capable of doing well on her A levels. I hope my youngest is doing the same with his GCSEs. But ultimately it is up to them and whether it matters to them.
Tough love is hard but there is a difference between tough love and sadistic parenting.
I make no apologies for being me and my sort of mother.
It is not a race but ultimately it is about creating indivdual who will be well balanced successful adults, no matter what life throws at them.
Friday, January 07, 2011
And more mice trouble
Thank goodness my traps work.
Mice have chewed the electrics in the kitchen, getting under the floorboards upstairs. The electircian held out the offending wires in silent accusation. All is now replaced...the kitchen lights work again and the traps set.
I hope the seven mice I have caught since new year are it. They are so destructive. We could have had a fire! Silly me to think that having vanquished them last year, that they woud not be back in the cold weather! Mice can squeeze in through the smallest of holes.
I do not mind mice outside as long as they don't attack my beehives etc. I do mind mice chewing wires in the house!
It is obvious that Mr Darcy and Heathcliff have decided that chasing mice is not as much fun as curling up in front of the fire!
One of my least favourite jobs is checking the mouse traps but someone has to do it. Particularly after reading the Bryson book.
Have you set a mouse trap today? Or do you prefer curling up in front of a fire?
Mice have chewed the electrics in the kitchen, getting under the floorboards upstairs. The electircian held out the offending wires in silent accusation. All is now replaced...the kitchen lights work again and the traps set.
I hope the seven mice I have caught since new year are it. They are so destructive. We could have had a fire! Silly me to think that having vanquished them last year, that they woud not be back in the cold weather! Mice can squeeze in through the smallest of holes.
I do not mind mice outside as long as they don't attack my beehives etc. I do mind mice chewing wires in the house!
One of my least favourite jobs is checking the mouse traps but someone has to do it. Particularly after reading the Bryson book.
Have you set a mouse trap today? Or do you prefer curling up in front of a fire?
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
The Perfect Concubine -- cover and blurb
Rome, 68 B.C.
Valeria’s life is in the hands of Piso the Greek—the very man who had risen from a common sailor to wealthy ship owner following their doomed romance. He is the only man brave enough to sail the dangerous seas to Alexandria to reunite Valeria with her missing brother and restore her family’s fortune. But Piso demands a high price for his help: Valeria must become his concubine and share his bed once more….
It is available for download in North America in February. I believe looking at the UK Historical Undones, it will go out there then. If it does well enough, they may stick it in a print anthology -- otherwise Undone is an online exclusive.
It is a short 15k read.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Return of the mice
After reading At Home -- A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson, I decided that perhaps the mouse traps ought to be dusted off and put down in the basement again. The result = 3 dead mice.
It is a matter of checking and re baiting but mice can get anywhere...and do.
At Home is a brilliant book full of lovely factoids. I had already read a lot of his research books and knew one or two things he quotes makes for a good story but not totally accurate. For example, the oft quoted story about schoolgirls being strapped to make their waists 13 inches in diameter. That is smaller than a mayonnaise jar and Dorothy Langley Moore back in the 1940s proved that it didn't happen. Her theory was that people exaggerated and that clever cuts can make things look small. She also had one of the largest collections of dresses from the period. When she did her book in the 1940s, she found that at times, she did have to take the waist in. Best guess for Judith Flanders was that the periodical where the story is taken from served as a cover for S& M bondage types. According to Flanders there are two types of letters in Beeton's periodical -- one sort deals with tight lacing, spanking etc and the other dealt with more normal aspects.
It should be remember that Scarlet OHara was created by a woman living in the 20th century and who never had her waist cinched or indeed knew people who were currently wearing a corset and crinoline.
It is a bit like saying that everyone wears 10 inch high heels today.
It is a matter of checking and re baiting but mice can get anywhere...and do.
At Home is a brilliant book full of lovely factoids. I had already read a lot of his research books and knew one or two things he quotes makes for a good story but not totally accurate. For example, the oft quoted story about schoolgirls being strapped to make their waists 13 inches in diameter. That is smaller than a mayonnaise jar and Dorothy Langley Moore back in the 1940s proved that it didn't happen. Her theory was that people exaggerated and that clever cuts can make things look small. She also had one of the largest collections of dresses from the period. When she did her book in the 1940s, she found that at times, she did have to take the waist in. Best guess for Judith Flanders was that the periodical where the story is taken from served as a cover for S& M bondage types. According to Flanders there are two types of letters in Beeton's periodical -- one sort deals with tight lacing, spanking etc and the other dealt with more normal aspects.
It should be remember that Scarlet OHara was created by a woman living in the 20th century and who never had her waist cinched or indeed knew people who were currently wearing a corset and crinoline.
It is a bit like saying that everyone wears 10 inch high heels today.
Monday, January 03, 2011
His Stand In Bride -- the final chapter
In which Anne and Jason reach their HEA (it is a romance after all), the final chapter of His Stand In Bride is up on eharlequin. The enitrety of the story is also up now in case people (Chris I am thinking of you!) want to read it in one go. It was written in one go and so it is how I have always read it.
Anyway, thank you to everyone who has read thus far and commented. I do appreciate it.
Last night I discovered Zen -- the adaptation of Michael Dibdin's Roman dectective novels -- has started on BBC 1. Absolutely must watch. Stunning visually. Rufus Sewall stars as the dectective. And Dibdin was a great crime novelist so the plots hold together. A fantastic way to start the New Year. The lack of spin/excitement about the series in the general media is surprising. Luckily I happened to realise what it was! Dibdin is one of my dh's favourite novelists. The tv series does not disappoint. (I assume it will go to the US in the autumn as part of Masterpiece Theatre's crime season)
Anyway, thank you to everyone who has read thus far and commented. I do appreciate it.
Last night I discovered Zen -- the adaptation of Michael Dibdin's Roman dectective novels -- has started on BBC 1. Absolutely must watch. Stunning visually. Rufus Sewall stars as the dectective. And Dibdin was a great crime novelist so the plots hold together. A fantastic way to start the New Year. The lack of spin/excitement about the series in the general media is surprising. Luckily I happened to realise what it was! Dibdin is one of my dh's favourite novelists. The tv series does not disappoint. (I assume it will go to the US in the autumn as part of Masterpiece Theatre's crime season)
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Breaking the Governess's Rules excerpted on Amazon
And I do love the colours chosen for the cover.
Happy New Year One and All!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Resolutions revisited
Right it is 31 Dec and I need to look at how well I did last year. The areas I looked at last year (surprise, surprise) are going to the ones I look at again:
1. Time management. My editor mentioned this one recently as well. So I do need to be more productive. I did learn about chunking my writing so this is good. But I do have a tendency to be scattered and I need to focus more on the things that earn me money when I am working. And when I am not working, I need to be there for my family. So certain things like some social networking is going to take a backseat for awhile.
2. Weight management -- my weight is finally going in the right direction. I discovered that eating starches do nothing for me. After the holidays, it is back to the diet and increasing the exercise. I liked throwing out fat pants! I would like to throw out more!
3. Improving my writing -- this is a mixed bag. I still get the same remarks from the editors...up the emotion, focus on the relationship, more sensuality etc. I also need to respect my process rather than going and searching for something new every time. I am talking to my editor in the new year and have several ideas on how I can proceed and what I want to write. Sometimes you do try things that don't quite work as well as they should. It is about understanding my writing and how I work. Working smarter rather than harder.
Currently I am suffering from a bad cold and some things are going by the by until I am well!
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
1. Time management. My editor mentioned this one recently as well. So I do need to be more productive. I did learn about chunking my writing so this is good. But I do have a tendency to be scattered and I need to focus more on the things that earn me money when I am working. And when I am not working, I need to be there for my family. So certain things like some social networking is going to take a backseat for awhile.
2. Weight management -- my weight is finally going in the right direction. I discovered that eating starches do nothing for me. After the holidays, it is back to the diet and increasing the exercise. I liked throwing out fat pants! I would like to throw out more!
3. Improving my writing -- this is a mixed bag. I still get the same remarks from the editors...up the emotion, focus on the relationship, more sensuality etc. I also need to respect my process rather than going and searching for something new every time. I am talking to my editor in the new year and have several ideas on how I can proceed and what I want to write. Sometimes you do try things that don't quite work as well as they should. It is about understanding my writing and how I work. Working smarter rather than harder.
Currently I am suffering from a bad cold and some things are going by the by until I am well!
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Chapter 7 His Stand In Bride
Chapter 7 of His Stand In Bride -- The seduction is up. You can read it here.
Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas. Mine was quiet but good. However, the annual ritual of someone is ill has struck and we have been laid low by a cold/flu thing. I blame my youngest.
Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas. Mine was quiet but good. However, the annual ritual of someone is ill has struck and we have been laid low by a cold/flu thing. I blame my youngest.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas to all
The Times published a series of Victorian jokes this morning including What you think about the woman with a past? Answer At Christmas, she is most likely to be won by a man with a present.
It raised a smile here.
I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and many thanks for reading my blog this year.
It raised a smile here.
I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and many thanks for reading my blog this year.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Contest winners
From the Historical advent calendar:
Samantha Leach wins the box of goodies
From my newsletter:
Amy Lam wins Breaking the Governess Rules.
My next newsletter goes out in the new year.
If any of the people I contacted about the mentor contest want to send their partial, I have a little bit of time. I think I am still waiting for 3 partials...
Samantha Leach wins the box of goodies
From my newsletter:
Amy Lam wins Breaking the Governess Rules.
My next newsletter goes out in the new year.
If any of the people I contacted about the mentor contest want to send their partial, I have a little bit of time. I think I am still waiting for 3 partials...
Monday, December 20, 2010
His Stand In Bride Ch 6 and my day for the HHA Advent Calendar
Chapter Six of His Stand In Bride can be read here. Anne and Jason have left the wedding breakfast but each has their own idea of how the marriage will go.
Today is also my day to the Harlequin Historical Advent Calendar. You can see the full instructions on my website. Email contest@michellestyles.co.uk with the answer to What book is Diana Clare reading at the start of A Question of Impropriety. It is the third and final volume of... You can read the excerpt here. The draw takes place on 22 December. All entries go forward to the grand prize draw of the kindle 3-g.
I sent my revised, revised full into my editor this morning. Fingers crossed that she loves the changes...
It snowed in the night and so I shall be digging out the car. Christmas is coming and last minute things need to be done.
Today is also my day to the Harlequin Historical Advent Calendar. You can see the full instructions on my website. Email contest@michellestyles.co.uk with the answer to What book is Diana Clare reading at the start of A Question of Impropriety. It is the third and final volume of... You can read the excerpt here. The draw takes place on 22 December. All entries go forward to the grand prize draw of the kindle 3-g.
I sent my revised, revised full into my editor this morning. Fingers crossed that she loves the changes...
It snowed in the night and so I shall be digging out the car. Christmas is coming and last minute things need to be done.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
From kittens to cats
Mr Darcy is sleeker and elgant than his fluffy brother. He is far more likely to boss the dogs about and has no hestiation about nicking food from either Tess or Hardy. I suspect the collies know the size of his claws. They are both the alpha males in the pack.I am currently working on my revisions and hoping that the book is getting better...It has to be...
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