Love Scene; Love Them Or Hate Them?

Cursor.. Cursor…

Who loves a good love scene?

I do too, but lately while reading, I find myself flipping pages and skipping over them. Why?

And why are there books on my shelves that will fall open to the love scenes?
I pass over some love scenes and devour others because of the characters. It’s that simple. The author made me love the characters. While reading the stories I became invested in their lives and their dreams. I would refer to them by name instead of the heroine and hero when telling others about the story. I wanted the woman to find the man of her dreams because, damn, she deserved a good man. And I want the man to realize she was the piece of his heart he’d been searching for all his life. I wanted the perfect-for-each-other couple to come together as one. (excuse the pun)

The thing about love scenes, when the author has written remarkably real characters and has me totally invested, I don’t need the total physical description of mating for me to enjoy the story. A scene leading up to a hungry first kiss with the door closing shortly afterwards will leave me just as satisfied. In fact, leaving the details of the physical connection to my own imagination is sometimes much better. I hate slot A into slot B writing.

So what is your opinion— What makes a good love scene for you? And do you prefer the door to remain open?

Friday Friend Cynthia Justlin

Today, I welcome my fellow Ruby-Slippered sister, Cynthia Justlin who just published her novel 'HER OWN BEST ENEMY'. I'm in the middle of reading this story and it is very good. Please welcome her as she shares what she learned about writing romantic suspense from watching 'Romanicng The Stone'.


I write action adventure romantic suspense. A dangerous quest, insurmountable obstacles, lots of gunfire, explosions, and overwhelming raging hormones. It’s my thing, and has been ever since I first watched ‘Romancing the Stone’. I recently had the fun of catching it again on AMC. So I bring you my Romancing the Stone words of wisdom:


Everything I wanted to know about writing Romantic Suspense I learned from “Romancing the Stone”:



10. The shinier the treasure, the better. Who wasn’t enamored of El Corazon? I would’ve tromped through jungles and done battle with snakes to get my hands on that shiny, ginormous emerald too.



9. When in doubt, throw in some crocodiles. Seriously, without the crocodiles, Joan and Jack never would’ve made it out of Colombia alive.



8. A villain with a private army, is a man with a lot of guns. Even if he doesn’t have very good aim. Just how many rounds of ammo did Colonel Zolo’s men go through? And yet, Jack and Joan manage to come out with barely a scratch every time.




7. It always pays to have a drug lord in your pocket who reads romance novels. “Joan Wilder? The Joan Wilder?” I admit, that’s my favorite line. And the way Juan helps them escape is just priceless. And very, very handy.



6. Danger unleashes the feisty heroine hidden inside those old lady clothes. One of my favorite parts of this movie is the way Joan is transformed from this lonely, repressed woman to this fiery, adventurous creature. You can see it in the way her hair starts out in a severe bun, but is loose and luxurious by the end.



5. Only a real hero can pull off an all white outfit. Okay, so I really don’t find Michael Douglas at all sexy in this movie, but the white get-up he wears during their ‘dinner date’ cracks me up every time.



4. Dancing is a sure-fire way for the hero to get into the heroine’s panties. I don’t know how well this one works in real life, but make a hero and heroine do the samba, and they’ll be tearing up the sheets in no time.



3. A cocky hero is never altruistic. Jack couldn’t wait to get his hands on the map and that treasure. If you really want to see the sparks fly, give your hero an ulterior motive.



2. Pit your characters against each other and give them tough choices. I love when Jack and Joan end up on opposite sides of the river (she with the map, he with the emerald). You just have to keep watching to find out whether Jack’s going to take the emerald and skip town, or make good on his promise to Joan.



1. Not every story needs a sequel. Know when to stop. Can we say ‘Jewel of the Nile’ anyone? *shudder*


What movie has inspired your writing? Or, if you aren't a writer, what movie never gets old for you?

Who Will Die In Six Weeks?

Cursor...

I woke up this morning and realized it's only six weeks until 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL' is released by the Wild Rose Press on June 15, 2011. Like 'EVIL'S WITNESS', the idea for this story is based on an actual experience. Imagine my surprise and fear when I learned I was this close (holding my fingers up a fraction of an inch apart)to Russina Mafia connections. Seriously, I was nervous, but at the same time I was already plotting out this story.

Over the next weeks, I'm going to tell you a little more about the story and share excerpts. I hope you'll stop by and check them out. And, on June 15, 2011, I'm going to throw a cyber party here. You're invited and so our your friends, so please spread the word. I'll have plenty of cyber-bubbly and chocolate. I'll also be giving away prizes to those who comment. More about that later, as June 15, 2011 gets closer. Now let me share the blurb for 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL' and my new trailer. I hope you enjoy.

Blurb:

Senior loan officer GINA RIZZO becomes a pawn between two predators rivaling for the head of a Russian mafia family. One wants her gone. The other wants her alive. When Gina is framed for the murder of her boss by a mafia hit-man, her only hope to stay out of jail is to accept the help of the man who broke her heart years ago. Staring death down is easier for Marine Cole Hanson than facing the woman who stole his soul and then betrayed him. However, when Cole sees Gina in handcuffs, old feelings flare and even though he doesn’t trust her with his heart, he willingly steps up as her alibi. Gina’s life is threatened and staying alive while hunting down a murder becomes their objective. Can they learn to trust each other again? And if they do, will their rekindled love be their demise?

'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL'

Not A Stitch

A good percentage of romance novels have scenes where the character’s clothes are ripped off in a passionate rush. You’ve read them. You’ve pictured them in your mind. One shoe kicked off here. Another left behind there. Jackets and blouses tossed over the banister. Skirt and jeans left mid-stairway. A bra dangling from the hall sconce. Rumpled boxers and panties at the bedside. You get the picture.

As an author, how many times have you written in a fever toward the ultimate moment only to realize you didn’t dress the characters to begin with? Jill and Jack were walking and talking or even horseback riding through the scene a’ natural.

You might think this blog is only about dressing your characters—it’s not. Read on.
I’m sure everyone reading this blog has read a book that stayed with them for years? One so rich that it was truly unforgettable for them? Great writing has details woven into the story in such a way that they’re not intrusive but still nudge the reader’s memories, bringing the story and characters to life, and engaging the reader.

Visual details are usually the first particulars integrated into our writing. We give our characters faces, hair and eye color, physical descriptions, and clothing. We layer in setting details. When adding visual detail, our hero becomes not just a strapping man, but a strong man who has been injured and walks with a limp. A room is not just four blank walls, but is shown to be a small, oblong room with peeling green paint and cracked ceiling tiles. Visual details should be specific and serve a purpose. A ship is a dinky, luxury liner or aircraft carrier. All are different. All tell something about the story and our characters.

Auditory details are the next most common elements used in writing. Sounds remind us of personal memories, creating images in our minds. Recalling the sound of waves crashing against jagged breakers, reminds me of one of my own favorite vacations. Children giggling brings back the memories of my own children at a younger age plotting against me. A character’s word choice or the cadence of their dialogue is another way to add detail.

Touch leads us to investigate the world around us. Through touch we learn the texture, shape, and size of things. By describing familiar tactile sensations, we encourage our readers to put themselves in the place of the characters, like wiping away of a tear or brushing of lips across a cheek.

The sense of smell is commonly overlooked in writing. It is the one sense most closely linked to memory, because the receptors in the brain responsible for processing smells are close to the area of the brain responsible for the storage of memory. Scents trigger thoughts and emotions.

Taste is also a sense that is forgotten by novice writers. Taste (sweet, sour, bitter or sour) jars a reader’s memory and allows them to recall people, feelings and places associated with the taste. Midnight Martini’s now remind me of my niece’s wedding and how beautiful it was, and how in love the young couple looked, and the way my husband held me close while dancing. Taste is a powerful tool and definitely should not be forgotten.

The more we cause our readers to draw on their memories the more memorable our stories will be.

I’ve heard the five senses should be on every page. Do you think that is possible?

Draggers With Dessert

Monday March 7, 2011

Cursor...

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would you pick?

I was asked this question recently in an interview and I choose an undercover female agent. Okay, the picture isn't of a female, but the hard abs got your attention. Okay, back to the question. Why would I want to dine with a female? Because I love and write romantic suspense novels and one day I’ll write a story with a spy as my heroine. I’d love to know how she really ticks, not just what I assume from watching movies or sitcoms or reading novels.

I’m really curious how anyone can give up their life, walk away from family and friends, and put themselves at risk, living with danger every second. The thought of not talking to my best friend, who is my dear husband BTW, whenever I want, or not being able to be there when a family member or friend desperately needs me makes me say, “No. I don’t think the job is for me.” Holidays would either kill me or I’d blow my cover for sure.

What about children? I know not every woman wants children, but what if she did? So many questions come to my mind concerning that subject.

I also wonder what their long term goals are, or dreams. We all picture ourselves in that far off future to some degree. We’re retired, enjoying activities that we put on hold for decades and just spending our Golden Years as we want, without looking over our shoulders for someone who might recognize us and drag us in for interrogation.

I’m sure as they were growing up, they didn’t think, I want to be a spy one day. Or did they?

I wondered about their schooling and training. How are they paid? Do they get vacation days? And if so, what name do they use?

I have a thousand questions I’d love to have answered, and more would probably surface in my tiny brain before we’d ordered our chocolate mousse. (We are women so chocolate would be involved.)


So, if you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?

Friday Friend Melissa Ohnoutka

Today, I’m so excited to welcome my good friend Melissa Ohnoutka who just published her debut novel Faithful Deceptions. Melissa and I met a number of years ago during a Margie Lawson class and the rest is friendship history. You’re going to love her, and I’m sure anxious to hear more about her journey and Faithful Deceptions. Grab a glass of champagne, welcome her and remember to leave a comment. Melissa is giving away a prize.

Melissa, Can you tell my readers a little about yourself? I know you love camping and hosting sleepovers for your children’s friends. How do you find time to write?

First, thanks for having me! I can't believe how long it's been since Margie's class. This first one is a great question. Time is the one thing I wish I could manage better. I'm not very organized and seem to be happiest when I've got several things going on at once. The writing comes in spurts. I'll have two good weeks of great productivity where everything falls into place and then nothing. I think this is why I love participating in NANOWRIMO. (National Novel Writing Month) It helps me realize that even with birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping, I can find the time needed to write if I just focus. And the writing without rules and worrying about editing is so awesome!

BLURP for Faithful Deceptions:

Money dictates the rules of this game and the victim could be anybody— regardless of sex, age, or race.

When high-end antiques dealer, Hailey Devlin, discovers her business partner's boyfriend has bankrupted their company, she sets out to expose the thief. Unknown to Hailey, her target is involved in a brutal trafficking ring where human lives are sold off to the highest bidder and she fits the next customer's order perfectly. She awakens to a world she can't remember. An alluring man claims to be her husband-a man who seems both to want and reject her. Is this amnesia or something much more sinister?


ICE Agent Patrick Roark jumped at the chance to put his training to the test on an elite human trafficking squad of Homeland Security. Undercover as the bodyguard to the ring leader, and key suspect in a murder case, proves more than he bargained for. Masterminding a clever deception, he's determined to keep the next victim safe—even if the high-stakes operation costs him everything-including his heart. Can they survive a killer's wrath? And if they do, will the lies be too damaging for their love to endure?

AJ: Faithful Deceptions sounds like an intriguing romantic suspense. Can you tell us more about the story? What inspired it? And are there any story elements based on real life experiences?

Inspiration…let's see. This book is actually my third romantic suspense. I was working on another story when a miniseries on Lifetime called "Human Trafficking" aired back in 2005, starring Mira Sorvino and Donald Sutherland. Something clicked on in my brain as I watched the movie. I sat down when it was over to write out a quick outline of the story bouncing around in my head. Once I started, I couldn't stop. The other story was put on hold until I finished Faithful Deceptions. And to answer the second part of the question: Thank goodness there are no real life experiences to draw on with this one. LOL


AJ: Did you have to do special research for the story?

I researched a lot about the human trafficking, mainly for my own knowledge on the subject. I don't go into great detail about it in the book. It's a horrifying reality.

AJ: What do you love about your heroine and hero?

I feel like my heroine and hero are really well matched in this story. They both have a lot to learn about dealing with their guilt and anger, and more importantly forgiveness. I enjoyed watching their characters develop over the span of the story.

AJ: Will we see another story from you soon? And can you give us a hint of what it’s about?

Yes, I'm working on edits for my next release right now. Target of Betrayal is the first book I completed and I'm hoping to have it ready for this summer. I believe this is the one you helped me on during Margie's class.  Here's a short blurb:
Kathleen Landon thought her life would finally get back to normal after the bizarre death of her husband. But a "chance" meeting with an old boyfriend throws her and her family on a dangerous and emotional journey full of secrets and betrayal. Her husband's death wasn't an accident, but an attempt to cover up a horrendous crime spree being operated by a traitor inside the FBI. Now she and her children are running from a cold-blooded killer. Can she trust the U.S. Marshal sworn to protect them. Or is he using her as bait to capture her husband's killer?

AJ: Would you share an excerpt of Faithful Deceptions?

Sure.

Excerpt from Faithful Deceptions

“Hailey. Open your eyes, sweetheart.”

A burning sensation ripped through her insides. Where am I? Why is it so dark?

Precious seconds passed as she tried the simple action of just swallowing. Why couldn’t' she move, speak?

And oh, the pain.

No matter how hard she tried, Hailey's efforts to focus and lift her eyelids fell short. It felt as if she was being pulled though an opening much too small. Jagged pieces, pointed, razor sharp, scraping and cutting at her tender flesh as she tried to regain consciousness.
>

Oh, no. What’s happening to me?

Death’s icy fingers laced around her heart as the empty void expanded further and tormented her soul. A part of her wanted to quit, to give in and find the peace she knew was just beyond her reach. But somewhere, somewhere deep within, the will to live grew stronger. Wouldn't let her cross over.

“Hailey?”

In the deep recesses of her mind, a glimmer of hope flickered. Someone was calling her name. She could hear them, sense their presence. But they sounded so far away. Their voice drifted in and out, the way the ocean flows beyond all boundaries of time and space on a solitary seashore.

Oh, dear God. Why couldn't she think straight?

I’m here. I can hear you. Alarm spread over her as she tried to lift a finger to alert them she was still alive. Not one tiny muscle even flinched. She may be able to hear them, but the person made no indication they knew of her receptiveness.

This isn’t happening, she thought, feeling her chest rise and fall with rapid repetitions. Don’t panic. Not yet.

Focus already. Just focus.

AJ: And where can we find you on the web? And can you share buy links for Faithful Deceptions?
Right now "Faithful Deceptions" is available at

Amazon http://tinyurl.com/68z7olw

Barnes & Noble - http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=faithful+deceptions&page=index&prod=univ&choice=allproducts&query=faithful+deceptions&flag=False&ugrp=2

The print copy will be out soon as well.



You can find me at:

www.melissaohnoutka.com
www.everybodyneedsalittleromance.com on Mondays
http://melissaohnoutka.blogspot.com/

Thanks again for having me, AJ! It's been great fun! I'm giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate Saturday morning for one lucky commenter! So please leave your name and email address when you comment so I can get it to you if your name is drawn.

Best wishes to all,
Melissa

Don't Do It!

Cursor... Cursor..

After watching the faces at the Oscars last night, I pondered this question. Did you ever wonder why your dreams come true for someone else?

Watching them walk away with everything you’ve worked towards can suck the life and creavity out of you, make you lose vision of who you are, and change the course of your life. But what if you both shared the same dream? Do you compare yourself to that person and wonder why them and not you? Do you resent them for their success?

Don’t do it! We all have paths to follow, and each journey is littered with obstacles and pit stops to negotiate. My path might mirror yours for a while, but then branch off in a different direction. Or, I might need to take a break while you continue on. Then again, one of us could meet someone who speeds us like lightening toward our goal.

Whatever the reason, we can’t and shouldn’t compare ourselves. I am who I am and I’m on my path, and you are who you are and on your own journey. What is important is that we believe in ourselves, never stop dreaming, and never stop working toward making our dreams come true.

www.autumnjordon.com

Obsessed By Wildfire is 1

Cursor. If you've visited my blog before, you know I always start with cursor. It's my trigger to get things started. If this is your first visit, welcome. I hope you enjoy my post.

This week I'm celebrating both Valentine's Day and Obsessed By Wildfire's one year anniversary by sharing a spicy excerpt and awarding one lucky winner an e-copy of Obsessed By Wildfire. All you need to do is leave a comment and answer this question; Do Isobel and Warner fall in love? The winner will be announced on Friday evening 5 pm EST, just in time for the weekend. GRIN So have some cyber-champagne and enjoy!

I hope the excerpt warms up your Valentine's Day. (Disclaimer: The excerpt is spicy)

Obsessed By Wildfire

Coming up on her ranch, Isobel slapped the turn signal down and maneuvered her truck and horse van through the gate to her driveway. The house lights, set on timers for ten o’clock, clicked on as she pulled up to the barn.

Yup, that’s what she’d do after she fed Lizzy. She’d invite Warner into the house and have her way with him. One night of hot, sweaty sex and she’d be completely over the guy.

As she turned off the ignition, Isobel looked out her side mirror again and saw Warner unfold from his car. He swaggered toward her, tucking his shirttail into his tight jeans, chin held high, shoulders squared, purpose in his eyes. Reminded her of a proud lion about to make his move. He had something on his mind as well.

She unsnapped her seatbelt the moment Warner opened her door. On a light breeze, his musk rolled over her, arousing her, playing with her senses.

He looked around the grounds. “You’ve got a nice place here. Yellow barn and all.”

“Don’t start.” Isobel remained seated. Perched on the seat of a four by four, she still had to look up at him. “The place needs a lot of work. I inherited it from my grandmother last year.”

“Then you don’t live with your parents?”

The muscular cords of his left arm stretched as he held the door frame. The space between them grew steamy. “No. Why would you think I live with my parents?”

“I don’t know. Big ranch. Beautiful tiny woman.”

“I’m not beaut—”

“Yes, you are and you know it.”

Under the cab light and Warner’s gaze, Isobel’s cheeks and heart warmed. The Yankee wasn’t throwing her a line. He actually thought she was beautiful.

“So we’re alone?” His gaze drifted, first to her lips and then lower, making every nerve in her body zing.

“No one within miles.” She dropped her demure gaze to his crotch and her body tightened. Yeah, he wanted her. There was the hard evidence. Evidence that made Isobel wonder if one night would be enough to satisfy her desires. “Should I be nervous?”

“Are you?”

She licked the want from her lips. Definitely a long weekend would be needed to take care of her itch. “No.”

Lizzy whinnied.

“I should get her out of the trailer.”

“I make you nervous.”

“No you don’t.”

“Liar.” Warner grabbed her and spun her around on the seat, stepping in between her legs. “What do you think you’re doing?” His strong forearms flexed under her palms while his hands cupped her face. The rough pads of Warner’s thumbs brushed her cheekbones. He leaned into the cab and softly said, “Exactly what you want me to do.”

His mouth covered hers, tenderly at first, but a building urgency was not far behind. Hot desire rushed through Isobel’s veins and pooled between her legs.

Wanting to feel all of him, Isobel ran her hands up his arms, over his broad shoulders and to his back, pulling him closer. She melted against Warner, crushing her breasts against his chest. His thigh spread her legs while their kiss deepened.

Lizzy whinnied again. This time louder. The horse’s hoofs pounded the trailer floor. The motion rocked Issy against Warner and she moaned. With her hands on his shoulders, breathless, Isobel pushed back and licked Warner’s taste from her lips. “I’ve got to take care of her. It’ll only take me a few minutes and then we can continue this in the house.”

“Are you sure?”

“If you don’t finish what you’ve started, I might burst into flames.”**** Can't wait to read more you can buy Obsessed By Wildfire here OBW or at Amazon and if you're selected as my winner, you can request the file be sent to a friend.

Happy Valentine's Day. AJ

Cabin Fever 101

Cursor… Cursor…

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away and it seems everyone is talking about it. Well, I’m not going to.

Let’s talk Cabin Fever 101 instead.

Those of you who know me, know I love winter. I love everything about it, except for the short daylight hours and ice on highways. I can handle snow without problems. But this year, I’m anxious for spring to pop. I guess maybe I’m getting a touch of cabin fever.


I’ve come up with a few things that make me feel better.

1)Get outside when you can. Shovel, walk or just play in the snow. It’s amazing how making and throwing a snowball can make you feel. You’ll bring back memories you’ve buried and get a little exercise in the process.

2)Shut off the TV and put on some music. Turn it up and dance.

3)Exercise and stretch in the sunlight. You’ll break a sweat like it’s a summer day.

4)Grab a cookbook and make one of those recipes that you always say you don’t have time to make. Practice a dish you’ll take to those summer picnics and get a WOW. Once you do this, you’ll do it again.

5)There is always a home project that needs to be done and we always say if I had the time to do this I would. Like clean out the closets. Now is the time. Get ready for the spring outfits.

6)Plan your garden and order your seedlings.

7)Plant some seeds or bulbs in pots. I’m doing cuttings off of impatient s I brought in last fall and planting herbs. I love the smell and taste of fresh basil and oregano. Spring will be yours in a few weeks.


8)Detail your car. Yup. Salt is bad for a car. Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re saying it’ll only get dirty again. Sure it will but one layer is easier to clean off than two or three.

9)Take a calendar and mark down projects that need to be done throughout the year. If you noticed a draft near a window, put it on the calendar to caulk the window as soon as the weather allows.

10)Clean up your golf clubs, and carefully putt in a safe area of your house. Check the pressure in your basketball and dribble. Practice your tennis swing off the garage wall. If there is a will, there is a way.

To combat cabin fever we need to get up off our butts and move. Get the blood circulating. Get our mind that has been hibernating thinking, and enjoy and use the time of year.

So my question today is how do you combat the anxiety of cabin fever?

Why Are you Waiting?

Cursor… Cursor…

Why are you waiting?

Life can change in the passing of a second.

If there is something you truly long to do, why are you waiting? For a better time?

Here is an old adage. There is no time like the present. It’s so true.

Here’s another. Time waits for no man. Also true.

Are you waiting because of financial reasons?

Understandable, but do you have a plan and are you taking steps to do the thing that your heart longs to do?

If yes, great. If not, why not?

Could it be because want you thought you wanted more than anything else in the world really isn’t want you desire? Recognizing that is important because to know your real desire you must clear away all the fluff clouding your vision.

Answer this question. If tomorrow was your day of passing and you looked back on your life, how would you complete this sentence? If only I had__________.

Did you answer without thought?

Only you can know your heart.

So why are you waiting?

Mystery or Suspense

When I began to write romantic suspense, I tossed out several reams of paper. Why? Because no matter how I tried I couldn’t keep my villain hidden. He kept voicing his POV and writing his own chapters. I nearly ripped my hair out by the roots fighting with him to stay silent. Then I read a wonderful book, How To Write Killer Fiction by Carolyn Wheat. Ms.Wheat set me straight and confirmed what my villain was telling me all along.

Is there a Who-dun-it in suspense? Of course there is. It’s when the villain will be revealed that makes the two different, among a few other elements. In a mystery, an act of violence begins the story, but most times the action is set off stage. The reader is invited into the dilemma and introduced to an already seasoned hero who solves the crime logically and through scientific methods. There is a small circle of suspects, clues and red herrings. Information is withheld from the reader and the said reader is kept in the dark two steps behind. The hero grows very little during the story. The story is all about who killed X? The villain is not exposed until the last scene and the end result for the reader is an intellectual satisfaction.

A suspense novel starts on even keel, showing the everyday life our hero or heroine. Then BAM a nightmare occurs. The hero and/or heroine are not necessarily seasonedinvestigators. This is where your character arc comes in to play. The hero and/or heroine will grow throughout the story.


Excerpt from Evil’s Witness:
Stephanie masked her sigh of exertion while lifting the Coleman cooler she’d borrowed for their trip. She lugged the container to her old SUV. She knew how her son felt. She wished she had the money to take them away on exciting excursions like their friends had this summer. To places like Disney World, but she couldn’t even afford a day trip to Hershey Park, America’s chocolate capital. Em’s special diet, because of her allergies, took up a third of her take-home pay. After paying the mortgage, utilities, car insurance and miscellaneous expenses, she was lucky to save a few dollars a week.

She chewed on her bottom lip. Hopefully, next week Bobby and his friends would be off on new adventures, their summer vacations a distant memory.
The howl of a diesel engine jerked Stephanie from her musing. The squeal of brakes, crushing metal and shattering glass made her spin around.

Other basics of a suspense: All action is on stage. The protagonists’ world expansions. There are surprises. The villain can be revealed to the reader immediately and he or she can have a POV.
Yeah! This made my villain happy.
Information is given to the reader but withheld from the heroes. In other words, we know what could happen if the wrong path is taken by our hero or heroine. The reader sits on the edge of her seat, screaming at the heroine and hero not to go there.

Excerpt from Evil’s Witness:

“I don’t want to kill no kids, Victor.” Mac danced in place ready to dodge Victor’s wrath.
“You will do as I say,” Victor snapped.
She looked at the dead driver. His lifeless stare pleaded to her for justice.
“Don’t trust her,” Sheriff Morse ordered, turning his gun on her.
Stephanie refused to flinch under Morse’s scrutiny.
Gene moved in front of her. “Frank, what the hell are you doing? You’ve known
Stephanie all her life.”
“There is too much at stake, Gene. She saw me kill that guy. I’m not going to jail.” Morse’s tongue skimmed his lips. “Why the hell are you trying to protect her anyway? You two have been fightin’ like junkyard dogs for years. You complain every day she’s milking you dry. This is your chance to be rid of your mistakes.”
“Steph was never a mistake to me,” Gene’s voice rose in response. Then it softened. “I was hers.”
Tears threatened to blur her vision and she blinked them away. She squeezed Gene’s arm and glanced at her ex-husband’s profile. He remained focused.
“Touching,” Victor said. “But, sorry, no. They must die here.”
The suspense story is all about the hero or heroine prevailing. Emotional satisfaction is what the reader gets from a suspense novel. And since I write romantic suspense, ever lasting love must also be found.
Excerpt from Evil’s Witness:
After a week, her touch was familiar. His heart melted. He grabbed her hand, holding her in place as he turned and smiled down on her. Her nipples pushed against her white T-shirt. He gently brushed a knuckle across one peak. “No. It was hell without you.”
“Mmmm. Same here.” She pulled back and lifted his arm around her, curling into him. Looking out over the lake, she sighed. “I could stay here forever, if you’d let me.”
“I wish we could.” He gathered her closer and kissed the top of her head. “But eventually Bobby and Em would have to go to school.”
“I could home school.” Her chuckle was strained.
He felt her pain. He smiled while his heart wrenched. He would like nothing more than to forget about the world and stay here with her and the kids. But they couldn’t. “Sooner or later Ben will call. We’ll have to go back.”
“I know.”
Steph moved away. A cold void took her place.
She drifted to the other porch column. Leaning against it, she folded her arms across her chest. Her lips pressed together as if she was forming the right words behind them. “I know I said that our time together here was going to be enough to last me a lifetime, but—” Tears brimmed her lids. “I was wrong. A lifetime won’t be enough.”
John stepped toward her. “I don’t know what—”
“I know, you don’t know how we can be together. So, Ben will call. We’ll go back, and I’ll identify Victor. You’ll toss him in jail and throw away the key. You’ll drive off in pursuit of the next bad guy and me…Well, I’ll go home and wonder where you are. Wonder if what I felt was love.”
The woman knew how to make a guy feel like a heel.
John pulled her into his arms. She buried her head in his chest and cried softly against him. He kissed her head and smoothed her hair. “Steph, I didn’t think I’d ever love again,” he whispered softly, cupping her chin and tilting her face up until she looked at him. “Like a bomb, you dropped into my life. Every defense I’d put up to protect myself from ever being hurt again came tumbling down. You opened up my heart. As much as you don’t want to live without me, I don’t want to live without you. I love you.”
He kissed her gently. Her arms wrapped around him and held on. “Somehow, we’ll figure this out. I promise.”


Visit www.autumnjordon.com for more info on Evil's Witness and my other books.

ENJOY!

Welcome 2011

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had an awesome holiday. Mine was good despite having a sinus infection between Christmas and New Years. Looking on the bright side, I got some much needed rest, read a book, watched several new movies and actually lost a few pounds instead of gaining them.

So have you made your New Year's resoluations? I haven't. I'm giving them some thought and hope to narrow them down this week. I made 8 out of 10 goals last year, which I'm really excited about. At the end of 2011, I would to say I've made all my goals. In fact, I'd like to say I surpassed them, so I'm going to take a few more days to think about them and how I'll approach achieving them.

Planning on how to achieve them is important. Do you know how daunting it sounds to say I'm going to write a book this year? But if you say, I'm going to write a book this year and this is how I plan to do it, in steps, fifty pages a month. It doesn't sound so intimidating, does it? Fifty pages is doable, right? I think so.

So take a moment or two and make a plan to make the goals you're setting.

Have a great day and stop back. Besides reading my notes, you can connect with some great authors on my Friday Friends posts. I have wonderful guests lined up starting this Friday, January 7th with Cara Marsi. You will love her. I promise. WINK.

Merry Christmas

Cursor...

As the holiday draws near, activites are picking up around the home. I'll be spending the next week enjoying my family and friends, but before I do, I wanted to take a moment and wish all my cyber-friends a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.



(((HUGS)))
AJ

It's Okay

Cursor..

I know quite a few writers stress out around the holidays. Obligations tend to suck up our time even more so then the other days and our writing moments are usally one of the things we feel we need to put aside. I've learned after many years that my writing doesn't only occurr while typing words on this keyboard. I'm always thinking about my plot, my characters motivations or actions, and about their conversations. I can do this while I'm baking, cooking or cleaning the bathrooms. I can always find a second to jot myself a note which I can come back to.

Don't stress. Enjoy your family and friends. Remember, "Home is where the story begins."

I'm going to take a few days to enjoy my life. I hope you do too. Have a wonderful holiday and remember to take a moment to give thanks for those who surround you, support you and for the talent you've been given.

Blessings.




Join me on Friday Nov. 26 at the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood, http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/ , where I'll be asking a Black Friday question.

Beware. Be safe. Evil Lurks!

Cursor… Cursor..

I decided to post this blog this week because next week, with the holiday, we all will be too busy to sit and read anything. Also, I’d like to reach as many friends and friends of friends before they head out the door and become victims, so please pass my blog link on.

Holiday shopping is dangerous. Humming classic tunes, we head to the stores with visions of the perfect Norman Rockwell holiday fogging our minds. The malls are busier than any other time of the year, and as we juggle packages while seeking the next ideal gift for little Bobby or Susie, predators lurk near. Your purse or wallet is his target. The packages you carry are his prey. You are about to become his victim, IF you don’t do something to protect yourself from the holiday nightmare.


1) Keep a list of your credit card numbers and contact phone numbers at home.

2) Dress comfortably.

3) Do not wear expensive jewelry.

4) Never go shopping by yourself. If you do, walk with other shoppers to and from the store or ask a security guard to walk you to your vehicle.


5) Avoid shopping at night if at all possible.

6) If you can’t park near an entrance, consider parking near the roadway entering the store. Thieves do not like to have an audience when committing their crime. Also search out well lit areas. Familiarize yourself with the area you’ve parked.

7) Strip your car. Put all CD, sunglasses, loose change anything of any value out of view.

8) Hide your GPS and garage door opener from view, or better yet leave them at home. A thief can easily break a window take these items and wait to follow you home. Only to rob you later.

9) Do not use your keychain control to lock your doors. Techno savvy thieves could pick up on the frequency and unlock your car.

10) Avoid revolving doors. Predators can grab your purse as entering and make a clean get-a-way before you can emerge.

11) Men carry your wallets in your front pocket and woman carry your purse close to your body with the flap turned toward you. When walking with someone, carry the purse between you. Consider using a fanny pack. Only carry the necessary cash and or one credit card. Leave check book and other credit cards at home.

12) Do not flash large amounts of cash.


13) Watch while your credit card is receipt is filled out and that your credit card is only swiped once. Also request any carbons. Keep receipts in your pocket, not in your bags. Make sure you get your credit card back.

14) Never lay your purchases down.

15) Avoid using restrooms where there are long, dim, hallways.

16) Do not use arcades or video stores as babysitters for children of any age. Predators are waiting.

17) Make regular trips to your car so that you’re not over burden.

18) Save your most expensive purchases for last. Go straight home. Do not stop afterwards for lunch or dinner.

19) Do not carry big packages that obstruct your view.

20) Have your keys in your hand when exiting the store. Walk with authority. Check backseat and under car. Lock door immediately.

21) Be aware of approaching strangers. Con artists may try various methods to distract you.

22) Stow your purchases in the trunk. Never in the backseat. Remember a thief doesn’t care if you have to replace your car window.

23) If you see what looks to be a parking ticket under your wiper, ignore it and pull away. Check it at another location.

24) Never go home if you think you’re being followed. Go to a busy, well-lit safe place.

25) Even though you have a zillion things on your mind, stay alert, don’t be the easy target. Remember for whom you went shopping. You, not the gifts, are what is important to them.
Have a wonderful holiday.


If you have another tip or experience relating to a scary experience, please share.

I Think I Can. I Really Do.

The end of the year is right there in front of me. December sits at the bottom right hand corner of the November calendar with the holidays marked in vivid red.
New Year’s Eve among them—the date most of us set goals for the coming year.
Last December, I sat ten goals for myself. While I achieved many of them, (Woohoo), I still have a few that I really want to accomplish before the clock ticks down on the year. Can I do it? Maybe.

But even if I don’t make the all the goals, or just miss the target, like loose another ten pounds or finish the book, it’s alright. I might lose five more pounds or only need to write the ending, and hey, I’ll take it.

The thing about goals, while it’s the carrot dangling out that is the big prize we need to remember the journey toward the reward is more important. We’re striving to change bad habits, or overcome demons, or just make ourselves and the world a better place. It’s hard work and nothing is accomplished over night. The journey has to be rewarding, otherwise the goal will never be achieved.

I worked on all my goals throughout 2010. Ten of them. I’m happy that I kept them in the forefront of my mind and achieved six of them. I made time for my friends and family-the benefits have been wonderful. I tightened my belt and ask myself ‘Do I really need this before making purchases’. Doing so has helped keep our expenses under control during a year where watched two sons marry. I cleaned out a good portion of my house and got rid a dumpster of clutter. I don’t miss I thing. I also finished and submitted my next book, which lead to a contract. All this was accomplished in baby steps which I practiced every day. I’m close to achieving two others, but last two… Well, I’m not giving up, but I’m going to enjoy myself while trying, and if I make them, ‘Yeah!’ , and if I don’t, ‘Yeah! I took steps toward the prize.’

Come December 30th , 2010, when I make my goals for 2011, those two goals will be tweaked and on the top of my list.

It’s never too late to start working toward your goal. Enjoy the journey!

What Makes A Hero HOT!

Hey. It's Friday and today I welcome Wilder Rose author Becca Dale. Wilder Rose means hot, folks and Becca has a new holiday themed release out today. Congrats, Becca.

Becca is doing somrthing different today which really gives us insight into her characters. Read on.


What makes a hero hot? A good friend of mine loves the polished type. You know the man who looks like a CEO even on vacation? Nope, that doesn’t do it for me, but when I’m with her, I find that I notice those guys more. I look for them so I can offer a “check him out.” Personally, I want the guy who is a little rough around the edges, one you can be proud of in public but is rarely refined behind the bedroom door. Because my taste and that of the women I know are so divergent, a question has bounced around in my head a great deal lately. I worried that perhaps my characters had become too much alike, that my taste had overpowered the men and women of my stories. The general standard claims there is someone for everyone, but if they all became alike, my guys might not be broad enough to attract readers. In the end, an online friend suggested I ask the women involved – my heroines and my readers. So here are my most recent heroines’ perspectives on their guys. I would love to hear from readers as well so please leave a comment.

Today’s Panel Judges and Their Heroes:


Jess – Surrender at Sea (Forty-two-year-old bodyguard whose first husband was an abusive and manipulative jerk.) Sean (Twenty-eight-year-old game designer who sees the fun in a situation more often than not.)



Kya/Hannah – Kya’s King (An impressionable but tough girl/shifter who wants to be a
vet and longs for a family that wants her no matter what.) Ja (A soldier to the end driven by honor and the need to protect his clan no matter the cost to individual happiness.)




Jenica—Jingle all the Way Twenty-something, single mother whose ex left because he needed more: more excitement, more freedom, more people, just more than Jenica and
their small town could offer.) Burk (International businessman born and raised throughout Europe and the Americas. Smooth on the exterior – a man with everything and nothing at once.

Lily—Untamable [Available Jan. 2011] (Red haired spitfire as fiery as her hair implies but only for the boy she once loved and the man he has become). Thor/Thunder (Ex bronco rider who raises rodeo stock, rugged and defensive as the horses he trains.)
****

Becca—All right ladies, let’s begin by talking about what you look for in a guy – personality wise. Who wants to go first?Jess – I will. When it comes to men I like a little control. I bent to the will of my ex-husband for too many years. I have no intention of ever doing that again.

Kya—Yes, but there is a certain security in a man who takes charge. I can appreciate a guy with the strength to tell me no as long as he’s willing to listen to my side.

Lily—I think that’s the key, Kya. He has to be willing to listen and to share. People love Thor but he doesn’t show real emotion around others. I think he’s been told how great he is by so many women that he doesn’t believe it so he plays his own cards pretty close to his chest. That’s my only problem with him. No matter how big of a stubborn mule he can be, he needs to bend on occasion and reveal what he’s thinking if he expects me to be vulnerable to him.

Jenica—Right. He can push me but he needs to recognize my limits. There’s nothing wrong with a little manhandling as long as he isn’t a jerk like Jess’s ex was.

Kya—That sounds like a dangerous philosophy, Jenica. Define manhandling.

Jenica—Wow, I don’t even know how to answer that in a public forum. Uhm, you know the kind of guy who will make sure he has your full attention at all times even if it takes an occasional love tap to do it.

Jess –Love tap my a—my butt. No guy better put a rough hand on me again unless he wants to find himself on his back with my knee to his jugular.

Lily—I don’t think Jenica meant abusive, Jess. She’s just saying that sometimes a man has to do something that breaks through a woman’s defenses. Thor tied me up to get my attention, but in reality the situation opened his eyes more than mine.

Jess –Bull. No matter the situation, no man should use his strength against a woman just because he can. You girls are too young to recognize that fact. Men can be jerks more often than not and I think—

Kya—Not every situation is black and white, Jess. Don’t try to make Jenica feel bad because she sees things differently than you do.

Lily—Exactly, sometimes what is on the surface of a man doesn’t reflect the full truth. I don’t think any of us can judge.

Jess –Seriously, I hope my daughter isn’t this naive. You girls—

Becca—Whoa, people. I see you all have different opinions on personality. How about we shift gears and focus for a moment on the physical. Can you describe the perfect guy?

Kya— Ja’s big. Broad and muscular with well developed muscles. He had dark hair and unusual green eyes that make me forget why I’m mad at him no matter how much he ticks me off. Whether he is in feline or human form he exudes a raw almost feral power that turns me on. I know he would give his life for me, but if I push him too hard, that need to control every situation could break loose and overwhelm us both. It’s like all this delicious, protective, yet somewhat violent, strength simmers just beneath the stoic soldier’s façade, and I can’t wait to turn it loose. (blushing) Does that make sense? I am turned on by the idea that he might not be able to hold back even though I know he will.

Lily—(laughing) Thor couldn’t be more different. He has dark hair but that is about the only similarity. He’s tall but not overpowering and his muscles are lean and long, a working man’s strength. He’s also arrogant as all get out and it shows in the way he walks and even his stance. He has no problem laughing and demanding his way through life, but for me he is just so damned masculine. I think I love his hands the most. They’re strong and calloused but almost magical when he touches me. Maybe because when he does reach for me, I have his full attention. The whole world narrows to him and me when I am in his arms and I forget every reason why I should push him away. There is something incredible about having a social man like Thor tune out everyone one and everything beyond me with a sensual caress.

Jenica—Yeah, I know what you mean. I can’t resist Burk’s touch either. Not that he’s much l like your Thor beyond the lean muscles part. He has golden hair and a shadow beard, but he dresses like a city boy. Like Ja his eyes are killer except they’re this weird piercing blue that remind me of a wolf for some reason. It is his voice that really gets me though. I’ve lived in Keaton, ND my entire life. Everyone sounds the same-and no we do not talk like the people on Fargo though a few of the old timers come close. Burk has a bit of a British accent that mellows everything he says and makes me crazy. Is that physical? (grins self-consciously) I’m not sure if sound counts as physical, but it is so much a part of him, and it does such lovely things to me that I have to include it. What about you, Jess? You’re awfully quiet.

Jess – (shifts uncomfortably and studies the rest of the group) I’m almost embarrassed to describe Sean. Not that he isn’t insanely hot, more that he is so damned young. He should probably be with someone like you girls, but for some reason he likes me and that is part of his draw. He has this wild sun-bleached hair that gives him a California rich-boy image. Like Thor, he has a casual confidence about him that reflects in his stance and his sexy smile. That smile is what does it for me. It’s like trying to resist an adorable puppy. (grinning) He would hate that reference but he would turn it so I had to admit how much I want to pet him every second he’s in reach. Physically he’s a big man, not your typical computer geek, but he would never use his strength against me. Not that I would put up with it if he did, but I love knowing that he won’t ever try. Still when he holds me close and I can feel his hard body, I must admit I melt far easier than I should.

Becca—Well, I guess that answers my question, ladies. Physically my heroes seem to run the gamut though I see they tend to be tall. Huh? I wonder why that is. Personally, I like a man to be close to my height so I can look him in the eye. There is nothing grosser than snuggling in a man’s arms and finding your face pressed to his belly. Darling hubby is only about six inches taller than me and I am short. None of their personalities seem much alike either which is good. I would still like to know what kind of man catches readers’ attention and if it is different in real life versus the fantasy of a romance novel. Please share.

You can contact Becca at:
Email: authorbecca@yahoo.com

http://beccadale.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1230421314#!/pages/Author-Becca-Dale/127093937346285

http://tinyurl.com/37llplj

True Love

Cursor, Cursor..

Do you love to write?

I do, and write about just about anything. Leaves floating to the ground like a flurry of angels feathers. Family dogs romping and growling playfully in the afternoon sun. Mom shutting off her internet service the weeks I’m to stay with her.

Writers write. It’s as simple as that. They have to. It’s in their blood to create images, characters and stories using well chosen words.

If I go more than a few days without jotting down or tapping out passages, I feel listless. Almost like I’ve been physically restrained and need to move and accomplish something. Today is that day.

For the past five days, I’ve been MIA from my keyboard due to my son’s wedding. It was an awesome day.

The groom’s men dressed at my home and looked as if they’d just walked off a 1940’s movie set in their formal attire.
A bright sun peeked now and then from behind its mask of gray clouds. Trees of gold and crimson waved with the sudden gusts as if gesturing to friends.

My son showed he has a bit of a romantic in him by writing his new bride a note on the bulletin board in the room where she would wait to her turn to enter the church. The message, which I will not share with the world—it’s theirs, brought tears of happiness to her eyes and a smile to my lips.

The ceremony was simple and tastefully done. Afterwards, bubbles of joy surrounded the bride and groom before lifting prayers
for a long blessed marriage for the couple to the heavens.

The day is now a memory. One I will draw on when writing about true love.

Friday's Friend Caroline Clemmons

Due to techo difficulties inside my own head (wedding stuff fogging), I'm late getting this blog up. I apologize to Caroline. She is a dear on-line friend and has the most beautiful cover I've ever seen for her new release Texan's Irish Bride. I hope she forgives me.

I asked her a bunch of questions and well, she answered them all. Great gal. Please help me in welcoming Caroline Clemmons.



1) You recently had a new release. Could you tell us a little about it?



Thank you so much for asking. THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE is a September 2010 release from The Wild Rose Press. Set in 1885 Texas, the hero is rancher Dallas McClintock. He has spent years working toward building his reputation as breeder and trainer of the best horses around. He believes neighbors are finally accepting him and he's earning their respect for his talent with horse. Just when things look great, he is trapped into marrying Cenora Rose O'Neill. She and her family travel with a band of Irish Travelers, thought they are somewhat outsiders. When they were turned off their land in Ireland, they had nowhere to go and fell in with the Travelers. Cenora's Da is a champion talker, plays musical instruments, but has no other skills--none that would support his family. Dallas ends up taking Cenora and her eccentric family to his ranch.



2) Did you have to do any special research for the novel?

Yes, I did a lot of research on the Irish Travelers. Looking into this group was fascinating, but I didn't need all I learned for the book. Still, research grounded me in the culture and helped me make the book more authentic--at least, I think so. I also made a trip through Bandera, Medina, and Lost Maples State Natural Area. All of those are in Texas and near where this fictional ranch and town are set. Researching Irish superstitions and blessings was fun. I learned some of my grandmother's superstitions are Irish. Although she said she was not superstitious, she was. So am I. My husband and I made a couple of trips to Ireland, which inspired me to have an Irish heroine. In fact, this is my second Irish heroine. Can't let all that research go to waste, can I? My family stayed at the Mayan Dude Ranch at Bandera, Texas for a few days when our daughters were small--7 and 10. That inspired a love for that area of Texas. I loved everything about researching this book. I hope readers will love it as well.



3) Why do you write in the genre you do?

I write in those genres I enjoy reading--historical, contemporary, and paranormal. It would be difficult to write in a genre which I didn't enjoy reading, don't you agree? I love history, especially Texas history from 1870 to 1900. I read other periods, but that time is what I enjoy writing. The first time travels I read were by Kathleen Kane, and I fell in love with the idea of a person thrust out of his or her time into another. You start off with built in conflict. I also enjoy contemporary books, so I write those, too. All of my books are set in Texas, even though some have portions in another place.



4) What was the hardest scene to write?

I suppose the sex scene when they arrive at Dallas' home was hardest. I wanted it to be fresh instead of the same old, same old. I really worked on it and I hope it comes across as credible and enticing.



5) What was your favorite scene to write?



I think the ones with the heroine's father. He was a fun character--all blather, but he truly loved his family and tried his best to protect them. He had a blessing for everything and never used one word when a hundred would do. Such fun!



6) You have an amazing backlist. Would you like to tell us a little about it?

Thanks for asking. My first book was BE MY GUEST, which I sold to Kensington in 1998 for their short-lived Precious Gems line. My next sales were THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE and THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND, which were released in 2003 by Kensington. A novella, HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, was in the bridal anthology GOING TO THE CHAPEL in 2004. In 2009, I participated in a Civil War anthology with some friends, NORTHERN ROSES AND SOUTHERN BELLES, and my novella was LONG WAY HOME. This year OUT OF THE BLUE, a paranormal time travel, and this western historical, THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE, were released. Release date for my next book, HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME, has not yet been announced.

7) What do you consider your strengths, in terms of writing?

I think characterization is my strength. I love my characters, and they become real to me while I write. I've been told I make them come alive on the page, and I hope that's true.

8) What do you consider your weakness and what strategies do you use to overcome it?



Writing sex scenes is my downfall. Since my character become alive for me, I feel as if I'm intruding on my characters. Plus, there are only so many ways to insert Tab A into Slot B. I'd really prefer to just close the bedroom door.



9) What is the best writing advice you’ve received?



Never give up.



10) What is the worst advice you’ve heard, to you or an author?

I know of someone whose writing I loved but whose critique partner told her she kept making the same mistakes and should just quit writing. Unfortunately, she has.



11) What kind of books do you read?



I read historical, contemporary, and paranormal romances as well as mysteries. What I read depends on what mood I'm in. I never read books that end badly--at least not if I know it before the end. I want books with happy endings. If I wanted to be depressed, I'd watch the news. For me, reading is relaxation. A book may stay with me mentally for a long time, but that would be because I loved the characters. I re-read favorite books to see again how the author worked magic with her words.



12) How do you spend your down time?

With family, reading, with friends, travel with my husband, browsing antique malls and estate sales, and family history/genealogy. I had already completed and published a book on my mother's family and one on my mother-in-law for her family. My brother and I are compiling a book on our father's family and it's taken a lot of our time. We hope to finish the book and send it to the printer this year! Genealogy is like crack cocaine--once you start, you can't quit. There's always one more couple, one more record, one more thing to discover.



13) Are you a goal setter?

Yes, but that doesn't mean I'm a goal finisher.



14) What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

I suppose hiking through ruins in the Desert Southwest. Although, I drove on the Autobahn in Germany, which turned out to be much easier than weaving through some of the very narrow streets in older parts of the towns.



15) What advice would you like to offer to aspiring authors?

Persevere. Hone your craft. Fine good critique partners who will offer constructive criticism and who will encourage you in your writing. Remember what Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never give up." Don't let anyone steal your dream!



16) How can readers contact you?

My email is caroline@carolineclemmons.com

Blogs: http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com

http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com on the 20th

http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com on the 7th

http://www.incurablediseaseofwriting.com on the 11th

Website: www.carolineclemmons.com

Facebook Fan Page

Goodreads

Twitter as CarolinClemmons with no E in Caroline



17) Do you have a writer’s cave or are you able to write anywhere anytime?

I prefer to hibernate in my pink cave. It used to be my youngest daughter's room. She decorated it with romantic prints one year for my birthday. It's a pleasant room and I enjoy spending time there. All my research books are there, my CD player, my PC, and a good desk chair. I do have a laptop and use it when I'm traveling.



18) Conferences: What advice can you offer to author’s attending them?

Conferences are a great way to network and learn new craft and business tips. I've been to RWA Nationals and always loved it, but I have to say I've really received more benefit from small conferences. With fewer people at a more intimate conference, I think I've been able to make more friends and learn more. Dreamin' In Dallas ia my favorite, but San Antonio RWA chapter's, NOLAStars, and the two in Houston are very good. Yellow Rose RWA has had some great small conferences, too. I urge writers--especially pre-pubbed or recently pubbed--to attend as many of the small conferences as possible. Usually the speakers are great plus I was able to meet people informally. Wherever you live, there will be conferences in your area. It's best to spend the night at least one night if you can afford it and make time in your schedule. So many things go on after the actual seminars--like dinner, sitting around talking--that you miss out if you don't stay overnight in the hotel.



19) Write the book of your heart. What does that mean to you?

Not writing to trends, but writing what I really want to write. At the present time, I'm working on another time travel, but there are western historicals and contemporary stories I plan to write asap. If your heart isn't in the book's premise, you won't do your best work. I used to be a featured columnist and reporter for a newspaper. I can give you however many inches you want for a newspaper pretty darn quick. A book is different. Unless the author cares about the premise and the characters, he or she will not do his or her best work.



20) What is your most valued writer’s memory and why?



I suppose it's a photo of my mom holding THE MOST UNSUITABLE BRIDE. She was so proud of me. She's just beaming in the photo she asked me to take. It's a terrible photo because she'd just had a really bad fall and split her mouth and lip so badly she required plastic surgery in the emergency room. She didn't care that her lip wasn't completely healed, she wanted a photo with my book. The heroine of that book, Pearl, came from a tiny kernel of a story my grandmother told about a girl in her town who quit school because the kids made fun of her. I decided Pearl needed a happy ending, so I wrote the book. She gets her happy ending all right, with a handsome husband who eventually cherishes her. Of course it takes a while for him to figure out he can't order Pearl around like a servant, and to realize he loves her. Lots of fun making him suffer.

Bio for Caroline Clemmons

As long as I can remember, I've made up adventures. Okay, I admit the early creative stories featured me riding the range with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and saving the West. What a disappointment to learn that Roy was exclusively committed to Dale! Eventually, my best friend from across the street and I decided to become better detectives than Nancy Drew. We drove our parents and neighbors crazy sticking our pert little noses where they didn't belong. About that time I started writing down my adventures, but mostly I was a reader. Not until I read Nora Roberts' early novels did I decide to create my own romance manuscripts. My road to publishing was a lot slower than Nora's was. No surprise there! I still read Nora's books—as well as those of countless other authors—but now I write full time. Unless life interferes, that is.

My Hero and I live one a small acreage in the ranching and horse country of North Central Texas. Our two daughters are grown, and supportive of my writing. Living with Hero and me now are Webster, our sweet black Shih Tzu, and our two shorthaired cats: Sebastian, a black and white tuxedo who thinks he's our watchcat; and Bailey Erin, a shy apricot tabby. When I'm not writing, I love spending time with family, reading, traveling with Hero, browsing antique malls, and digging into family history and genealogy. Writing about strong heroes and heroines who overcome amazing obstacles to forge a meaningful life together is my passion.

The Plain People

Be not forgetful to enterain strangers: for therby some have enterained angles unawares.

Herbrews 13:2

Yesterday, my husband and I visited Lancaster County, PA. For those of you who don’t know, the county is known as the land of the plain people, the Amish. While on the early morning drive through Myerstown, Reistville and Lititz, we saw the people of the Amish faith hard at work in their fields, doing household chores and on their way to market or school. Looking over one valley, we saw dozens of silos reaching toward the blue and not a electical pole or wire insight.


Even though we don't live far away, it’s been almost seven years since we last walked through the small village of Intercourse. While many of the shops hugging the main intersection in town have become somewhat commercialized with items other than Amish wares, there are still many stores where you can find the real deal. You just have walk a little further down the streets.

The old country store houses beautiful quilts, wall quilts, which I drooled over. We scoured cookbooks and DH drooled over the Pennsylvania canned goods. We stocked up on a few items, like hot horse-radished mustard, beets and chow chow. In the bookstore next store (Yes. I couldn’t help myself and my DH couldn’t stop me) I bought Beverly Lewis’s THE SECRET. I wanted to read the story before, but there was something about buying the book in the area of which it is written. I can’t wait to get started. (FYI: I have no intention of writting this genre. I'm going to enjoy the book as a reader. Now if I could meet her and have her sign the book.)

My Hubby led me by the hand out of the wood making shop. It had beautiful furniture and wood items which would go perfectly in our home. He didn't buy my plea, but maybe he got some Christmas gift ideas. YEAH!


After checking out all the stores in the buzzing little town, we headed to Bird In Hand, just west on Route 340 where we spent hours in the country store there. I found items, I haven’t seen in years. I brought a few kitchen items home to use making the Amish recipes.

Since it was 94°, unusual for this time of year, we enjoyed large cones of Turkey Hill ice cream, which is made locally. We watched a few Amish children scooting on their scooter bikes, carrying groceries in the baskets in front. I listened to my DH as he spoke Pennsylvania Dutch to a gentleman. We’re both of German decent and even though I can’t speak the language, remarkably I can understand some of it. I do throw papa down the stairs his hat a few times a year. ANd we make out the light often.

Also, in Bird In Hand, DH got his prize for the day, a homemade shoo-fly pie. It was 94 degrees, I did mentioned that right? I was not going home and bake.


It was a very long day, but one we will remember. We hope to repeat our visit in cooler temps later this fall.

Here is a recipe my DH mother used to make their family as a boy. I hope you enjoy, as we do now.


Rival Soup:

8 cups of milk
2 Tlb of butter
Heat to simmer
1 1/3 cup flour
1 egg
3 Tlb of butter
1 ½ teas of salt
Mix together and whip batter smooth
Pour batter through a colander into simmering milk. Turn heat down. Cook slowly for about 3 minutes . Add salt, pepper and parsley.
Soup should be eaten immediately after cooking.



AUGUST FOLLOWER WINNER is Paigeray23. Yeah, Pagie. Please eamil me at autumnjordon@yahoo.com.

SEPTEMBER CONTEST: I've got something different in store for my September follower giveway--a beautiful Autumn scarf. It's really lovely. So remember to follow and comment.