QUESTION: Genres- What two do you think mix together best?
Since I write romance - romance/mystery and romance/paranormal (mostly ghosts) I have to say those two mix very well together.
Mine are romance with mystery undertones or paranormal undertones. The main part of the story is the romance.
I also write contemorary romance. I enjoy mixing the two genres. So I guess I'd have to say those are the two that mix together best.
On the other hand, I know authors who write romance fantasy and although I've not read them, I'd have to say they're probably a pretty good mix too.
Going away from the romance genre - I've heard of scifi/mystery and fantasy/mystery. I think well done any of them can be the best mix. There's no limit to genres that mix together well if the writer can create them.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Review for Stranger on the Shore
from Romance Junkies
Stranger on the Shore
Author: Roseanne Dowell
Publisher: Muse It Up Publishing
Release Date: March 2011
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4
Format: EBOOK
Author Jordan Blake values her privacy. She lives alone at her home along Lake Erie. When an unexpected storm occurs she finds herself securing her outside furniture. Looking out at the sea she finds herself drawn to what looks to be a body.
Jordan rushes to the figure and sure enough it is a man’s body. Thankfully, he is alive, but he is unconscious. She manages to drag him to her house to care for him. In the back of her mind she knows that she could be endangering herself by inviting a stranger into her home.
The stranger awakens feelings Jordan thought long dead. Having suffered abuse from her ex-husband, she never thought it possible to have feelings for another man. The two find themselves waiting out the storm. Their close quarters have both of them experiencing feelings they never anticipated. Will they throw caution to the wind and give into their intense attraction?
STRANGER ON THE SHORE is one fast moving novel. From the beginning you will be caught up in all of the drama that unfolds in a fast pace right before your eyes. I was highly impressed with Roseanne Dowell’s writing style. She exhibits talents of a writer who knows how to write with a level of undertone suspense. I highly anticipate her next novel.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/contemporary/Stranger_on_the_Shore.shtml
Stranger on the Shore
Author: Roseanne Dowell
Publisher: Muse It Up Publishing
Release Date: March 2011
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4
Format: EBOOK
Jordan rushes to the figure and sure enough it is a man’s body. Thankfully, he is alive, but he is unconscious. She manages to drag him to her house to care for him. In the back of her mind she knows that she could be endangering herself by inviting a stranger into her home.
The stranger awakens feelings Jordan thought long dead. Having suffered abuse from her ex-husband, she never thought it possible to have feelings for another man. The two find themselves waiting out the storm. Their close quarters have both of them experiencing feelings they never anticipated. Will they throw caution to the wind and give into their intense attraction?
STRANGER ON THE SHORE is one fast moving novel. From the beginning you will be caught up in all of the drama that unfolds in a fast pace right before your eyes. I was highly impressed with Roseanne Dowell’s writing style. She exhibits talents of a writer who knows how to write with a level of undertone suspense. I highly anticipate her next novel.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/contemporary/Stranger_on_the_Shore.shtml
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
When : Always March 29th
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners. These individuals spend countless hours nurturing and growing their young enterprises. The workload demands, and lack of a hired staff, often translates into long and late hours, and many missed family and personal events. But, all in all, they love what they do. After all, they are their own boss.
New businesses have always been a vital, yet not fully appreciated, part of the U.S. economy. On they retail side, they bring different and unique products to the marketplace. They provide stellar and personal service support. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person. And unlike big national chains, they know their products. They are outstanding performers in niche markets. In manufacturing, they create many new concepts and ideas, making them creators of new products.
Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day by showing your support....shop their stores today, and everyday.
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Origin of "National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day":
According to the son of the "mom and pop" this day was created for:
" This holiday was created to honor the business that my parents started on 3/29/39 in Everett , MA —a hat shop called Ruth’s. It later developed into a woman’s specialty clothing store and moved to Medford , MA , increasing in size to 10,000 square feet with over $2 million dollars revenue until it closed in 1997."
Rick Segel, Poinciana, FL 34759
Reprinted from: http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/mpboday.htm
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners. These individuals spend countless hours nurturing and growing their young enterprises. The workload demands, and lack of a hired staff, often translates into long and late hours, and many missed family and personal events. But, all in all, they love what they do. After all, they are their own boss.
New businesses have always been a vital, yet not fully appreciated, part of the U.S. economy. On they retail side, they bring different and unique products to the marketplace. They provide stellar and personal service support. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person. And unlike big national chains, they know their products. They are outstanding performers in niche markets. In manufacturing, they create many new concepts and ideas, making them creators of new products.
Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day by showing your support....shop their stores today, and everyday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin of "National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day":
According to the son of the "mom and pop" this day was created for:
" This holiday was created to honor the business that my parents started on 3/29/39 in Everett , MA —a hat shop called Ruth’s. It later developed into a woman’s specialty clothing store and moved to Medford , MA , increasing in size to 10,000 square feet with over $2 million dollars revenue until it closed in 1997."
Rick Segel, Poinciana, FL 34759
Reprinted from: http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/mpboday.htm
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday
Another six from my book, Double the Trouble. But first a little background on the book.
Kate Wesley left Twinsburg, Ohio five years ago after her fiancé jilted her. Now she’s back, happy and content with her single life. She doesn’t need men to fulfill her dreams, she has her florist shop.
Widower, Mark Westfield wasn’t interested in women. He had five-year old twins to raise, and they took all his time and energy. But Kate sparked something in him he hadn’t expected to feel again.
Adam Shaffer left Kate two days before the wedding. Left a note and took off to Las Vegas. Biggest mistake of his life. But now they were both back, and he aimed to win Kate back.
My six:
“The least you could do is give me a chance to explain. Not that I’m sure I could. I’m not sure, even now, why I took off. Cold feet, I guess.”
Kate trembled at his touch. A spark of something familiar tumbled in her stomach.
Widower, Mark Westfield wasn’t interested in women. He had five-year old twins to raise, and they took all his time and energy. But Kate sparked something in him he hadn’t expected to feel again.
Adam Shaffer left Kate two days before the wedding. Left a note and took off to Las Vegas. Biggest mistake of his life. But now they were both back, and he aimed to win Kate back.
My six:
“The least you could do is give me a chance to explain. Not that I’m sure I could. I’m not sure, even now, why I took off. Cold feet, I guess.”
Kate trembled at his touch. A spark of something familiar tumbled in her stomach.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Another Great Review
suspektme (Saturday, 26 March 2011)
Rating:
What an entertaining time I had reading this book! I read it almost straight through and only put it down briefly due to a routine day-to-day errand.
Soon I was back in this author’s fantasy and I can say, Stranger on the Shore exemplifies the assertion of this author’s ability to entertain. As much as the story portrayed the myriad of emotion and depth of characters, the time reading it flew by way too fast. Thank you, Ms. Dowell. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape for an afternoon.rn
Friday, March 25, 2011
Latest Review for Stranger on the Shore
Jordan Blake is in a bit of a dilemma. Should she save a complete stranger on her shore or let him die in a raging storm? This strong, stubborn woman must make the decision that could change her life. I enjoyed the powerful word pictures Ms. Dowell painted of raging storms and passion. I raced through the short story because I had to discover the outcome. Easy and captivating read.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Characters- Are the names of your characters in your novels important? What about the titles?
Characters names are very important. Usually they name themselves. In fact, recently, I tried to change the name of one of my characters. I even took a survey of names she thought might be appropriate - and let me tell you, she didn't have many choices. When the vote was finished, I tried to change her name and nope, she absolutely refused to change it. So what could I do? I changed it back and she's very happy about it.
That's not to say all characters are that stubborn. I had to change both hero and heroine's name on one of my other novels. Once I found the right combination, they were very cooperative and the name change was done.
To me, charachters names have to fit. Seriously, think about names for a minute. Let's take Candy - do you see her as tough, serious-minded with a man's job? I don't. I see her as a sexy, sultry woman that all the men drool over. That's not to say she can't be serious. In fact, it might be kind of interesting to write a story with her just the opposite as her name. But you'd have to make her believable to your readers. I just can't picture her as a cop or fire fighter.
It's funny how we picture people with certain names. What I might see as a pampered rich girl, others may see as a sweet, innocent needing protection. I think a lot has to do with our life experiences. Where we grew up and how. Not to mention who we knew or know with the same name.
When I had my first child and told my inlaws what we were going to name her, my mother in law wasn't overly thrilled. She knew a girl by that name growing up and didn't like her. I stuck with the name and my mother in law learned to love her.
Funny how things like that stick in your mind.
I have a difficult times with titles. Often they don't come to me until I write the last sentence. Once in the while they'll hit me right from the beginning, but that's not as often.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY
Today, March 22nd is National Goof Off Day
Celebrate by relaxing and enjoying the day. You can do anything and everything, except what you're supposed to do. Play some golf, or video games all day. Or spend extra time surfing the internet. Maybe you'd rather go window shopping or do nothing but curl up and read a book or maybe watch some TV. or maybe you want to just sit around and do absolutely nothing -That's if you won't get in trouble at work or school of course. You don't want to take the chance of getting fired.
A few years ago, a survey was performed to identify the most popular activity for goofing off. The top activity was playing video games. Who conducted the survey? Ninetendo.......no surprise. It kinda makes you wonder just who might have had the brainstorm to create this day......hmmmm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin of National Goof Off Day:
The origin of this day is unknown. We do suspect it was created by some hard working individual who finally got fed up of always doing what he( or she) was supposed to do. Most likely, they finally lost it, and took a day to just goof off. How do we know it wasn't created by someone who is always goofing off? Because they would have created Goof Off week, or month, or......
copied from http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/goofoffday.htm
Important Note: In our extensive research, we could find no information
A few years ago, a survey was performed to identify the most popular activity for goofing off. The top activity was playing video games. Who conducted the survey? Ninetendo.......no surprise. It kinda makes you wonder just who might have had the brainstorm to create this day......hmmmm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin of National Goof Off Day:
The origin of this day is unknown. We do suspect it was created by some hard working individual who finally got fed up of always doing what he( or she) was supposed to do. Most likely, they finally lost it, and took a day to just goof off. How do we know it wasn't created by someone who is always goofing off? Because they would have created Goof Off week, or month, or......
copied from http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/goofoffday.htm
Important Note: In our extensive research, we could find no information
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My six sentences are from Double the Trouble which will be released from MuseItUp Publishing in May. http://tinyurl.com/6kx5mzd
“I’m tired. Is there anything else?”
“Kate, I...”
Uncertainty showed on his face. Good, he should look uncertain. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone?
Friday, March 18, 2011
I'M BEING ROASTED
Join me today, March 18th at Author Roast and Toast to welcome Spring. We're going to have a feast and Oliver will be serving us. http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse
Than the happiest day of your past.
May the roof above us never fall in.
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.
May there be a generation of children
On the children of your children.
May you live to be a hundred years,
With one extra year to repent!
May the Lord keep you in His hand
And never close His fist too tight.
May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
Walls for the wind,
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire -
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire!
May God be with you and bless you,
May you see your children's children,
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And heaven is overflowing.
May peace and plenty be the first
To lift the latch to your door,
And happiness be guided to your home
By the candle of Christmas.
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Welcome, Chastity Bush
Thank you so much for being here, Chastity.
I write a little bit of everything. I have one contemporary coming out with Muse In the near future, along with a historical/western from another company. But my main genre is paranormal romance. It is my absolute favorite.
2: Very versatile. So tell, me Chastity, how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing professionally for about three years now, but I’ve always written short stories and poems.
3: That’s how I started out too. What do you like the most and least about writing?
The freedom. Writing gives you the freedom to create any kind of world you want. It also allows me to have time with my family that I wouldn’t ordinarily have with a different job.
4: That is fun, isn’t it? Making things up is great. What do you do for fun and relaxation when not writing?
Hang out with my family.
My husband and kids keep me on my toes. We go fishing and play on the four-wheeler. We also watch movies together and just spend time together.
5: Oh that does sound like fun. I’d love to get a four-wheeler. How about reading, which authors do you like to read?
I love Kresley Cole, Lynsay Sands, and Hannah Howell. They’re my top three favorite authors.
6: I must admit, I’ve never read them. Okay tell me, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
I’ve been told that I come off very serious. But the truth is, I’m not. I love to laugh and have a good time. If I come off as stuffy or overly serious, I don’t mean to.
7: Wow, I don’t get that image from Face Book or the Muse gab room. All right, tell me about your current novel, where I can find it?
Passions Bite is my latest release. It is a short story about a demon that stumbles upon a suicidal vampire and decides to try his hand at rescuing her and helping her become a ‘decent’ vampire.
It’s full of love and romance. It’s also the first short story I’ve ever written.
8: That’s interesting, a suicidal vampire. I love romance. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Read and research.
Reading keeps your imagination sharp and be sure to research who you’re querying or submitting to. Unfortunately, not every publishing house has your best interest at heart.
9: That’s one of my best pieces of advice also. I’ve heard that accounts for a lot of rejections if you don’t study the market. Okay, here’s an interesting question. Do you base your characters on real-life people?
Never. I always do my absolute best to create my characters from scratch. Yes, I might say, “Okay, I want him to have Johnny Depp’s smile, and Gerard Butler’s physique.” But I keep their personality original.
10: Good idea to keep them separate. Tell us, how did you come up with the idea for this book?
I’ve never written a story about a demon before and wanted to try my hand at it. It seems like they’re always the bad guys, so I decided to try my hand at it. And I’m glad I did. I love the demon’s I created.
11: Sounds like an interesting story. So what are you currently working on?
I have three or four manuscripts I’ve been working on for a while, but just yesterday out of nowhere I got the idea for an entirely new series I’ve aptly named, The Fallen Angel Series. It’s about a woman, Killian, who after dying became a warrior angel who wants desperately to live once again.
But the only way to do that is to fall to earth and defeat, but not kill, The Destroyer. If she does, she’ll earn any one of the countless souls The Destroyer has harvested over the millennia, including an immortal one.
But the only way she can be allowed to come back to earth is if she takes on the duty of guarding Chase Crawford, a mercenary who’s in desperate need of saving.
Now, not only does Killian have to find, face, and defeat the destroyer in order to stay on Earth, she has to do it while fighting her feelings for the one she’s vowed to protect.
12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I love getting fan mail.
Hearing that someone likes my writing is one of the most amazing things to hear. I love my readers.
13. I think all writers love getting fan mail. One last question, where can we find you? Website? Blog?
Readers can find and reach me anytime at: chastitybush@yahoo.com,
http://chastitybush.webs.com
http://chastitybush.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/chastitybush and http://www.twitter.com/chastitybush
Warning: This story may contain material not suited for readers under the age of 18, including graphic sex, language and violence.
Blurb:
When demon Derek Blain and his partner, Max, are sent to hunt down a vampire notorious for killing for fun, the last thing Derek expects to find is a vampire set on killing herself. Even worse, he feels a duty to save her. But there’s something about the beautiful woman who looks so tormented that pulls at his very soul.
Turned against her will and forced to kill, Caroline Montgomery has decided the only way to end her torment, and save the lives of innocent people, is to take her own. Only the pleading of a handsome stranger changes her mind. Now, Caroline is learning how to live without killing and, thanks to sexy Derek Blaine, is loving every minute of it!
When Caroline discovers the rogue Derek is hunting is her maker, she decides to help bring the monster down, whether Derek likes it or not.
But what neither of them knows is that the rogue vampire has set his sights on her for his mate…and he’s coming after her.
Can Derek take down the murderous rogue, and claim Caroline as his own before it is too late?
Excerpt:
“It’s been two weeks. I should be able to do this by now.”
Groaning, Derek walked to where Caroline stood. “It takes time,” he said again for what felt like the millionth time over the last two weeks.
He and Max were doing their best to teach Caroline how to defend herself but,
much to their surprise, Caroline wouldn’t fight.
“I have to learn this.” She sighed, leaning against the heavy bag swinging from Derek's basement ceiling.
I have to be ready…
“I know you don’t want to hurt anyone.” Derek placed a hand on her
bare shoulder, the warmth of her dampened skin sent blood racing to his groin. Stifling a groan, he continued, “But this is important.”
Derek's mind ran in circles. How could he get her to actually attack, which is
what she would have to do, if Christian wanted her as a mate and came after her?
She would have to fight him, or risk Christian teleporting her to an unknown
destination.
After only two weeks, he couldn’t imagine losing Caroline. Gazing at her from beneath his lashes, Derek admired her delicate beauty; something he never thought could be found in a vampire. Her sassy smile etched itself in his memory, her sweet scent lingered upon his skin. Her sass always amazed him and at times shocked him, but he couldn’t imagine her without it.
The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted her, needed her.
“Where’s Max?”
Snapping back to reality, he answered, “Went to the grocery store. He should be back in just a bit and you two can spar. Until then, I’ll take his place.”
Coming to stand before her, Derek smiled as she took a step back.
She looked so delectable in her tight black shorts and pink t-shirt that hugged her pert breasts perfectly. He would have to thank Max for his choice in clothing.
“Now, come at me.”
Caroline blinked. “What do you mean, ‘come at me’?”
Groaning, Derek replied, “I mean, come at me. Attack me.”
Perching her hands on her hips she cocked a brow. “Now why on earth would I do that?”
This time Derek cocked a brow. “You have to learn to fight.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that but I don’t plan on attacking anybody. Shouldn’t you be attacking me?”
“What?” Derek breathed with exasperation.
“You know, so I can learn to defend myself?”
“Is this really happening?” Derek asked with irritation, waving his hands in the air.
No wonder Max has found a reason to shirk helping teach her to fight these last
few days.
Laughing, Derek took another step toward her. No matter how annoying she was, he found it impossible to stay irritated.
“Okay.” He relented. “I’m going to come at you. I want you to do the move
Max showed you yesterday. Do you remember it?”
Nodding, she smiled. “Yes.”
Against his better judgment, Derek charged forward.
In an instant, just as he expected, they both toppled to the floor.
Clutching Caroline to his chest, Derek turned to take the brunt of the fall.
“I thought you said you remembered the move,” he said.
“You’re bigger than Max.”
Taking a deep breath, Derek suppressed a shiver at the feel of her soft body lying atop his.
His control strung tight, he fought his rising need. Sliding his hand over her shoulder, he smiled.
Breathless, she murmured, “Are you going to let me go?”
Shaking his head, he tightened his arm around her waist.
Author: Chastity Bush
Editor: Lea Schizas
Line Editor: Greta Gunselman
Cover Artist: Delilah K. Stephans
Word Count: 14,524
Pages: 57
ISBN: 978-1-926931-41-8
Price: $2.50
Monday, March 14, 2011
Review of Stranger on the Shore
Posted on Amazon
Quick and Entertaining Read, March 13, 2011
By Ginger Simpson "mizging" (Tennessee) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Stranger on the Shore (Kindle Edition)
Since getting my Kindle, I've become an avid reader of shorter works and Roseanne Dowell's latest release was my most recent purchase. The story reminds me of fantasy most women experience at one time in life. Imagine finding an unconscious, handsome stranger on the lake shore near the house where you're seeking solace and quiet to work on your novel. Despite some misgivings, you can't leave him outside in the cold with a storm approaching, so you haul him inside, remove his wet clothing, and take the time to admire his amazing physique. Emotions you thought long gone are stirred by this mystery man, but unfortunately, he awakens with amnesia and can't dispel any of your fears. Have you helped a serial killer get into your house? Writing fiction is awesome, because you can take the story any direction you want, and Ms. Dowell does that in an entertaining and satisfying way. If you need to have a fantasy fulfilled, then this is the read for you.
Quick and Entertaining Read, March 13, 2011
By Ginger Simpson "mizging" (Tennessee) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Stranger on the Shore (Kindle Edition)
Since getting my Kindle, I've become an avid reader of shorter works and Roseanne Dowell's latest release was my most recent purchase. The story reminds me of fantasy most women experience at one time in life. Imagine finding an unconscious, handsome stranger on the lake shore near the house where you're seeking solace and quiet to work on your novel. Despite some misgivings, you can't leave him outside in the cold with a storm approaching, so you haul him inside, remove his wet clothing, and take the time to admire his amazing physique. Emotions you thought long gone are stirred by this mystery man, but unfortunately, he awakens with amnesia and can't dispel any of your fears. Have you helped a serial killer get into your house? Writing fiction is awesome, because you can take the story any direction you want, and Ms. Dowell does that in an entertaining and satisfying way. If you need to have a fantasy fulfilled, then this is the read for you.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday
Blurb:
Two men and two murders complicate life for Kate Wesley. When the twin sister of one of the murder victims comes to town, life gets real interesting.
Six Sentences
Kate grabbed on to her desk and lowered herself into the chair. Her stomach turned summersaults, and suddenly all the anger of the past five years boiled up inside her. In a matter of seconds Kate experienced every emotion known to man. Love, anger, hate, even fear. It took every ounce of self control not to lash out at him.
Someone once said there was a thin line between love and hate.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Welcome, John B. Rosenman
Thank you so much for being here. John B. Rosenman
1. What genre do you write?
A. My favorite genre is science fiction because it contains and transcends all the other genres and forms of fiction. Science fiction is the most speculatively rich genre, which is why it’s also called speculative fiction. I also like fantasy, science-fantasy, dark fantasy, and the absurd because they free my imagination from reality while at the same time, still binding me to it. “More Stately Mansions,” my first book with MuseItUp Publishing, is cosmic science fiction. I grew up during (or shortly after) the Golden Age of Science Fiction, and I like big, mind-stretching concepts that fill the reader with awe and wonder concerning the potential of the universe.
2. How long have you been writing?
A. A long time, since I was a kid and did cartoon strips with crayon instead of short stories. I’ve been writing for publication – or trying to get published – for about fifty years, since I was about nineteen or twenty.
3. That's very interesting. I love cartoon strips. So tell me, John, what do you like the most and least about writing?
A. Good question! Two things I like most about writing are (1) the wonderful creative feel I have when it’s going well, when the narrative just flows, and (2) when people actually like what I write enough to buy it or when readers write to tell me they like it. Both of these experiences involve a personal validation that you’re not just deluding yourself by writing, but do indeed have a calling. Of course, if I sell a novel for ten million dollars, that might be the best experience of all.
Here’s two things about writing I DON’T like. The first is rejection, which can get old and discouraging awfully fast. The second is when I’m not writing, have no inspiration, and don’t know when my next writing project is coming from. Enough said.
4. I can relate. I too, love the creativity of writing. Surely you don't write all the time, what do you do for fun and relaxation when not writing?
A. I like to play doubles tennis for three or four hours in the hot sun. Bang bang bang and then sit down with my buddies between games and trash-talk. I also like to read fiction and watch TV. “Law & Order” and the tennis channel especially.
5. I love Law and Order. Which authors do you like to read?
A. In no particular order, Octavia Butler, Orson Scott Card, Robert McCammon, Greg Iles, Ray Bradbury, Roger Zelazny, etc. Lately I’ve discovered Lisa Gardner’s detective thrillers.
6. So, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
A. That I’m a nice, interesting guy and a good person. Also, I’m a good friend and have a pretty fruitful imagination that sometimes runs in dangerous channels.
7. Dangerous, huh. LOL Tell me about your current novel, where can I find it?
A. I have two stories and three science-fiction novels coming out from MuseItUp Publishing. I better mention the most recent novel I’ve had published. A Senseless Act of Beauty is a great, sprawling African SF novel, just published by Crossroad Press. You can find it on Amazon and various places, including the publisher’s website at http://store.crossroadpress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=101_59/
As I mentioned, I’m a child of the Golden Age of Science Fiction, of movies like The Forbidden Planet, and I like to put every single far-fetched, mind-stretching concept in my fiction. A Senseless Act of Beauty, all 115,000 words of it, does that more fully than any novel I’ve written. It’s got what I feel are BIG concepts, such as two hundred worlds sending a fleet of ships to repeat history—that is, do what the Europeans did in colonizing Africa. The planet Viridis is a New Africa, so desirable for its resources that other worlds seek to conquer and colonize it. Can Aaron Okonkwo, the hero, discover his ancient Nigerian warrior heritage and find a way against overwhelming odds to save Viridis?
You want sex? Alien sex? Science fiction can open erotic doors like no other genre. On Viridis, Aaron discovers delectable, irresistible green alien females of bewitching beauty. One of them, Nightsong, sets her cap for Aaron. However, there’s a deadly trap in her desire, a horrible secret. Want to know what is? Check the book out.
My first novel with MuseItUp Publishing is Dark Wizard, due out in May. It’s paranormal romance by way of The Wizard of Oz and involves an extraterrestrial invasion. Jean-Pierre Tetreault is rather interesting. He can revive the dead, lift cars as if they were toys, and has complete amnesia regarding his past life. In the beginning of the novel, he brings a five-year-old girl, who’s just been killed by a hit and run driver, back to life.
8. Wow, sounds exciting. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
A. It helps to read a lot of fiction of all kinds, both good and bad. They should read critically and interactively. Read the masters, both from the past and today. Keep current. If you write SF, remember to study science and astronomy.
Also important: find a good critic, an intelligent reader willing to read your stuff and
embrace them, value their help and guidance. Then write, write, write, revise, revise, revise. Be persistent, be strong, and be dedicated. Never give up and never stop trying to improve.
Above all, perhaps, remember it’s what you write that’s important, not you or your sensitive ego. Your most important obligation is to make what you write as good as you can. Think of it as a religion if necessary.
9. Great advice. Do you base your characters on real-life people?
A. My first published novel, The Best Laugh Last, cost me two jobs because the place I worked at and some of the people were adapted for the novel. You can find it on my website at http://johnrosenman.com/ However, usually my characters are drawn broadly from my life experiences and reflect certain themes or attributes that are important to me. For example, Dax Rigby, War Correspondent involves an idealistic, truth-seeking young hero. He’s more of an amalgam of such guys I’ve known. In addition, he’s an embodiment of a neo-Christian savior, the messiah of a futuristic religion I made up. I don’t recall deriving it from anywhere except my imagination.
10. How did you come up with the idea for “More Stately Mansions”?”
A. The answer is from the title, “More Stately Mansions,” which comes from one of my father’s favorite poems, “The Chambered Nautilus” by Oliver Wendell Holmes. The chambered nautilus is a mollusk that builds larger and larger chambers inside its shell or body. Symbolically, the process represents transcendence, becoming greater and greater spiritually than you were before. To quote from the poem
“Build thee more stately mansions,
O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past!'”
My book comes from the first two lines. What if an alien planet offered a possibility for visitors to build “more stately mansions” for their souls? Would that be a good thing, or a terrifying one? If you read the story, I think you’ll find it’s both.
11. Intersting concept. What are you currently working on?
A. I’m currently revising two science fiction novels which MuseItUp has accepted: Dark Wizard and Dax Rigby, War Correspondent. Revision, I believe, is a crucial part of the creation process. It’s one thing to write a book; it’s another to make it as good as you can, to come as close as possible to its ultimate potential. Fortunately, MuseItUp offers great editors.
12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
A. Hmm. Well, I’m an English professor at Norfolk State University where I designed and teach a course in how to write science fiction and fantasy. I suppose I might mention that most of my novels involve a similar theme: the hero goes to a distant world and has amazing adventures. How amazing are they? Just as amazing as I can make them.
13. Okay, one last question. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?
A. My website is http://johnrosenman.com/ If you check the “Media Room,” you’ll find a book trailer, a radio interview, a podcast, and other goodies
ONLINE INTERVIEWS
1. Working Writers
http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2009/08/18/interview-john-b-rosenman/
2. MILSCFI.com
http://www.milscifi.com/files/inter-JBR-BS.htm
3. AllBooks Review (Interview and Review of Beyond Those Distant Stars)
http://www.allbookreviews.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1246
FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE, PHOTOBUCKET AND OTHER SITES:
1. https://twitter.com/Writerman1#
2. http://s631.photobucket.com/albums/uu31/jrosenman/
3. http://www.myspace.com/291520102
4. http://www.Storytellersunplugged.com/ [Until recently, I published a monthly blog on writing on the 13th.]
5. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1164323809&ref=profile
6. http://www.indiebound.org/users/prof
7. http://thescifigenrereview.blogspot.com/search?q=John+Rosenman [Blog on Alien Sex]
DROP BY AND SAY HELLO!
1. What genre do you write?
A. My favorite genre is science fiction because it contains and transcends all the other genres and forms of fiction. Science fiction is the most speculatively rich genre, which is why it’s also called speculative fiction. I also like fantasy, science-fantasy, dark fantasy, and the absurd because they free my imagination from reality while at the same time, still binding me to it. “More Stately Mansions,” my first book with MuseItUp Publishing, is cosmic science fiction. I grew up during (or shortly after) the Golden Age of Science Fiction, and I like big, mind-stretching concepts that fill the reader with awe and wonder concerning the potential of the universe.
2. How long have you been writing?
3. That's very interesting. I love cartoon strips. So tell me, John, what do you like the most and least about writing?
A. Good question! Two things I like most about writing are (1) the wonderful creative feel I have when it’s going well, when the narrative just flows, and (2) when people actually like what I write enough to buy it or when readers write to tell me they like it. Both of these experiences involve a personal validation that you’re not just deluding yourself by writing, but do indeed have a calling. Of course, if I sell a novel for ten million dollars, that might be the best experience of all.
Here’s two things about writing I DON’T like. The first is rejection, which can get old and discouraging awfully fast. The second is when I’m not writing, have no inspiration, and don’t know when my next writing project is coming from. Enough said.
4. I can relate. I too, love the creativity of writing. Surely you don't write all the time, what do you do for fun and relaxation when not writing?
A. I like to play doubles tennis for three or four hours in the hot sun. Bang bang bang and then sit down with my buddies between games and trash-talk. I also like to read fiction and watch TV. “Law & Order” and the tennis channel especially.
5. I love Law and Order. Which authors do you like to read?
A. In no particular order, Octavia Butler, Orson Scott Card, Robert McCammon, Greg Iles, Ray Bradbury, Roger Zelazny, etc. Lately I’ve discovered Lisa Gardner’s detective thrillers.
6. So, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
A. That I’m a nice, interesting guy and a good person. Also, I’m a good friend and have a pretty fruitful imagination that sometimes runs in dangerous channels.
7. Dangerous, huh. LOL Tell me about your current novel, where can I find it?
A. I have two stories and three science-fiction novels coming out from MuseItUp Publishing. I better mention the most recent novel I’ve had published. A Senseless Act of Beauty is a great, sprawling African SF novel, just published by Crossroad Press. You can find it on Amazon and various places, including the publisher’s website at http://store.crossroadpress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=101_59/
As I mentioned, I’m a child of the Golden Age of Science Fiction, of movies like The Forbidden Planet, and I like to put every single far-fetched, mind-stretching concept in my fiction. A Senseless Act of Beauty, all 115,000 words of it, does that more fully than any novel I’ve written. It’s got what I feel are BIG concepts, such as two hundred worlds sending a fleet of ships to repeat history—that is, do what the Europeans did in colonizing Africa. The planet Viridis is a New Africa, so desirable for its resources that other worlds seek to conquer and colonize it. Can Aaron Okonkwo, the hero, discover his ancient Nigerian warrior heritage and find a way against overwhelming odds to save Viridis?
You want sex? Alien sex? Science fiction can open erotic doors like no other genre. On Viridis, Aaron discovers delectable, irresistible green alien females of bewitching beauty. One of them, Nightsong, sets her cap for Aaron. However, there’s a deadly trap in her desire, a horrible secret. Want to know what is? Check the book out.
My first novel with MuseItUp Publishing is Dark Wizard, due out in May. It’s paranormal romance by way of The Wizard of Oz and involves an extraterrestrial invasion. Jean-Pierre Tetreault is rather interesting. He can revive the dead, lift cars as if they were toys, and has complete amnesia regarding his past life. In the beginning of the novel, he brings a five-year-old girl, who’s just been killed by a hit and run driver, back to life.
8. Wow, sounds exciting. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
A. It helps to read a lot of fiction of all kinds, both good and bad. They should read critically and interactively. Read the masters, both from the past and today. Keep current. If you write SF, remember to study science and astronomy.
Also important: find a good critic, an intelligent reader willing to read your stuff and
embrace them, value their help and guidance. Then write, write, write, revise, revise, revise. Be persistent, be strong, and be dedicated. Never give up and never stop trying to improve.
Above all, perhaps, remember it’s what you write that’s important, not you or your sensitive ego. Your most important obligation is to make what you write as good as you can. Think of it as a religion if necessary.
9. Great advice. Do you base your characters on real-life people?
A. My first published novel, The Best Laugh Last, cost me two jobs because the place I worked at and some of the people were adapted for the novel. You can find it on my website at http://johnrosenman.com/ However, usually my characters are drawn broadly from my life experiences and reflect certain themes or attributes that are important to me. For example, Dax Rigby, War Correspondent involves an idealistic, truth-seeking young hero. He’s more of an amalgam of such guys I’ve known. In addition, he’s an embodiment of a neo-Christian savior, the messiah of a futuristic religion I made up. I don’t recall deriving it from anywhere except my imagination.
10. How did you come up with the idea for “More Stately Mansions”?”
A. The answer is from the title, “More Stately Mansions,” which comes from one of my father’s favorite poems, “The Chambered Nautilus” by Oliver Wendell Holmes. The chambered nautilus is a mollusk that builds larger and larger chambers inside its shell or body. Symbolically, the process represents transcendence, becoming greater and greater spiritually than you were before. To quote from the poem
“Build thee more stately mansions,
O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past!'”
My book comes from the first two lines. What if an alien planet offered a possibility for visitors to build “more stately mansions” for their souls? Would that be a good thing, or a terrifying one? If you read the story, I think you’ll find it’s both.
11. Intersting concept. What are you currently working on?
A. I’m currently revising two science fiction novels which MuseItUp has accepted: Dark Wizard and Dax Rigby, War Correspondent. Revision, I believe, is a crucial part of the creation process. It’s one thing to write a book; it’s another to make it as good as you can, to come as close as possible to its ultimate potential. Fortunately, MuseItUp offers great editors.
12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
A. Hmm. Well, I’m an English professor at Norfolk State University where I designed and teach a course in how to write science fiction and fantasy. I suppose I might mention that most of my novels involve a similar theme: the hero goes to a distant world and has amazing adventures. How amazing are they? Just as amazing as I can make them.
13. Okay, one last question. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?
A. My website is http://johnrosenman.com/ If you check the “Media Room,” you’ll find a book trailer, a radio interview, a podcast, and other goodies
ONLINE INTERVIEWS
1. Working Writers
http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2009/08/18/interview-john-b-rosenman/
2. MILSCFI.com
http://www.milscifi.com/files/inter-JBR-BS.htm
3. AllBooks Review (Interview and Review of Beyond Those Distant Stars)
http://www.allbookreviews.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1246
FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE, PHOTOBUCKET AND OTHER SITES:
1. https://twitter.com/Writerman1#
2. http://s631.photobucket.com/albums/uu31/jrosenman/
3. http://www.myspace.com/291520102
4. http://www.Storytellersunplugged.com/ [Until recently, I published a monthly blog on writing on the 13th.]
5. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1164323809&ref=profile
6. http://www.indiebound.org/users/prof
7. http://thescifigenrereview.blogspot.com/search?q=John+Rosenman [Blog on Alien Sex]
DROP BY AND SAY HELLO!
10 Ways to be a Total Cliche on St. Patrick’s Day
Listen up, lads and lassies! St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, and if you want to celebrate the holiday the right way, you'll need to dress up and act the part of a true Irishman or lady. That means wearing green regalia, drinking green beer and speaking with a wee Irish accent all while attending a St. Patty's Day parade and doing an Irish jig at the pub. If you're up for the challenge, here are 10 ways to be a total cliché on St. Patrick's Day:
1. Wear Green: Wearing green is the standard dress for St. Patrick's Day in America, even if the color is considered unlucky in Ireland. To truly embrace your inner Leprechaun, go for a completely green getup and top it off with a shamrock headband or green, sparkly top hat.
2. Pinch Anyone Who's Not Wearing Green: To truly be cliché on St. Patty's Day, you should pinch anyone and everyone who's not wearing green. Who cares if they're complete strangers or two feet taller than you – pinch away!
4. Wear a "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" Pin: You can find these cliché pins at just about any store around St. Patty's. But just because your pin says "Kiss me, I'm Irish" doesn't mean you'll get that lucky.
5. Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage: It doesn't get much more Irish (or cliché) than having corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. You can order the dish at your favorite Irish pub, or better yet, make it at home.
6. Attend a St. Patrick's Day Parade: It doesn't matter if the St. Patty's Day parade is in Chicago, Tallahassee or Butte, Montana – you have to be there! And while you're attending the parade, you might as well try to march in the parade or sneak on to one of the floats, because that's never been done before.
7. Say "Top o' the Mornin' to Ya!": Get your St. Patty's Day off to a roaring start with an Irish coffee and saying the cliché line "Top o' the Mornin' to Ya" to anyone and everyone you encounter. To master this old saying and others, you'll need to practice your Irish accent again and again.
8. Pretend You're a Leprechaun: If you're already dressed like a leprechaun, why not act like one too? You can talk about your hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, making shoes for a living and how "they're always after me Lucky Charms!"
9. Do an Irish Jig: Once you've slammed a couple of Irish Car Bombs and Jameson shots, you might be tempted to break out an Irish jig to impress your muckers. Just watch where you leap and high kick because no St. Patty's Day should be spent in the hospital.
Reposted with permission from: College Crunch (http://www.collegecrunch.org/style/10-ways-to-be-a-total-cliche-on-st-patricks-day/)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Something Different
Okay, I talk about writing all the time, which is natural since I'm a writer. Today, I'm going to do something a little different. I'm going to talk about one of my hobbies - quilting.
I started quilting years ago. Actually, my daughter got me started. The very first quilt I made, I drew the pattern pieces onto the fabric and cut them out with scissors. Needless to say, it wasn't my best effort. But, hey, it was my first attempt.
One of my other favorite things to do when I’m not writing is embroidery. I’ve found a way to combine the two. First, I made baby quilts for my nieces. White on white, I machine embroidered them with the darning stitch so I had control. They turned out so nice, but I really love to hand embroidery. That’s when I discovered red-work. During a quilting shop-hop, one of the stores highlighted red-work. For those of you who don’t know what red-work is – it’s embroidery done in all red floss. Just the outline of the picture, not filled in like other embroidery patterns.
That’s when I decided to make a baby quilt for each of my grandchildren – for their first born. I started out with coloring books for designs. I traced the images onto 12x12 squares of muslin. After I finished embroidering the squares I cut sashing and sewed them together. For the backing I used various fabrics, not nursery print. None of the quilts have nursery fabric in them at all. I’ve used patterns from animals to Winnie the Pooh.
Eventually, I found transfer books and started using them for designs. I looked everywhere for baby designs. Thirteen of them are finished, but I now have 14 grandchildren, that’s a lot of baby quilts. Most of the quilts are done in red work, but several are done with various colors, too.
I finally finished them about a year ago. It took about a couple of years to do all the squares. Since then, I also made quilts for my niece’s - the cows at the top of this blog for one of my neice's and another neice had twins, so I made kittens and bunnies. She had a girl and boy, andI thought the bunnies would be good for him.
Last year, I gave my first grandchild’s quilt to my oldest granddaughter, whose baby boy was born in June – my first great grandchild. Last August, my fourteenth grandchild was born, another boy. I have the perfect quilt pattern for him. Puppies. I can hardly wait to start it. Although it’s going to be many years before he’ll need it. I’ve marked each quilt with the name of the grandchild they’re supposed to go to in case I’m not around to give it to them. My daughters have been instructed to pass them out.
Then I found out about the neat tools they have - cutting mat, rulers, and more importantly rotary cutters. I also learned an easy way to cut those cute diamond shapes patterns. Wow, was I impressed. Of course since then, I've found various other rulers and guides to aid in the quilt making process, like the quarter inch foot for the sewing machine. Good grief, who could have guessed at all the accessories. They even have tiny irons to get into corners.
But, I'm off the subject here. So, there I was, like everything I do, throwing myself into the quilt making process. I think I've made just about every pattern there is, except the wedding ring pattern. I've never been brave enough to tackle that one.
One of my other favorite things to do when I’m not writing is embroidery. I’ve found a way to combine the two. First, I made baby quilts for my nieces. White on white, I machine embroidered them with the darning stitch so I had control. They turned out so nice, but I really love to hand embroidery. That’s when I discovered red-work. During a quilting shop-hop, one of the stores highlighted red-work. For those of you who don’t know what red-work is – it’s embroidery done in all red floss. Just the outline of the picture, not filled in like other embroidery patterns.
Anyway, I fell in love with it. Every year I make something for Christmas (often a Santa) for my six children and give it to them on Thanksgiving. I found a Santa pattern and did it all in red-work, framed it and gave it to them.
I finally finished them about a year ago. It took about a couple of years to do all the squares. Since then, I also made quilts for my niece’s - the cows at the top of this blog for one of my neice's and another neice had twins, so I made kittens and bunnies. She had a girl and boy, andI thought the bunnies would be good for him.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Welcome, Marie Higgins
1: Thank you so much for being here, Marie Higgins.
First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?
MH: I began writing clear back in junior high which was many moons ago. Back then I enjoyed writing short stories, but they were humorous. Even the early years in my marriage I wrote skits for my community which were performed and judged. I won awards for “Funniest” and “Best Written”. And wouldn’t you know…all these stories had a touch of romance.
2: That's a long time. Skits sounds like fun. So what inspired you to write?
MH: I wish I knew what inspired me in the early years. I know when I played Barbies with my sister, we made up stories even then. After I was married and had children was when I started having dreams. It was like I was watching a movie in my head. One day after I’d watched a romance movie only to have it end badly, I had a dream that led me to write my very first romance novel. From that point on the voices started in my head, and ideas came out of nowhere. I couldn’t write fast enough. It’s still like that now. So many stories…so little time.
3: I know what you mean. There's never enough time in a day. Tell me, what do you like the most and least about writing?
MH: What I like most is entering into my own little fantasy world. I can get out of the problems of life if only for a few hours and go to a place where people are falling in love. Then, I love when other people read my stories and fall in love just like I did.
What I like least…having to wait. I’m NOT a patient person. I want my book out NOW! lol Recently, I contracted with an agent, and as happy as that makes me, I want things now. I have to stop and remind myself I’m not the only author in the world. hahaha
4: I think that's what I like least also. Like you, I'm not very patient and grow less so with age. Okay, so what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?
MH: What? When I’m not writing? But I’m always writing! Actually, that’s not far from the truth. I work ten hour days at my day job (and I’m on the computer) then I come home and write until bedtime. On the weekends (I get three day weekends) I write like mad. So maybe once in a while I’ll stop to watch a movie with the hubby or to visit with my daughters and grandkids.
5: I love visiting with my grandkids, too. Which authors do you like to read?
MH: There isn’t enough room on this blog to list all my favorite authors. lol But my favorite authors of all time are; Kathleen Woodiwiss (she is the real reason I fell in love with romance novels), Judith McNaught, LaVryle Spencer, Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, and Julia Quinn.
6: Oh those are some that I enjoy also. It's hard to answer that question. All right, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
MH: That when you read my stories, I am predictable because... When you read my stories you ARE going to get a happily-ever-after every time. You ARE going to get action. You ARE going to laugh. And…you ARE going to find lots of twists and turns.
7: Sounds like fun. Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it and your website/blog.
MH: My newest release is titled, Hearts Through Time. This book will be at any bookstore. If it’s not there, the store can order it. My books are at Costco and Walmart, too. Or, if you’d rather do online shopping, you can order them through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. My website / blog is - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/
Here is the blurb:
When a woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he thinks he has lost his mind. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so he doesn’t need any more fireworks as he rebuilds his life. Still, he is intrigued by Abigail Carlisle’s plea, and he needs clients, even if this one insists she’s dead. The more secrets Nick uncovers, the deeper he falls for the beautiful ghost. Abigail believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily-ever-after happen when she’s already dead? The more time she spends with him, the more real she becomes, until Nick can finally touch her. In a strange turn of events, Nick is suddenly whisked back to 1912, two weeks before Abby’s murder, but she doesn’t remember him. When he attempts to win her over so he can save her from a tragic destiny, Abby thinks Nick is courting her for her inheritance. But even if he can rescue her and make her trust him again, how can two people from different centuries be together?
8: I can't wait to read it. I love a good ghost story, especially romantic ones. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
MH: Yes, I do! It’s a tough world out there. We all go through rejections no matter what we do. But if you love writing, NEVER GIVE UP!! If you love to write, learn all you can about the craft. Take online classes or get with critique groups. And write because you love it, not because you have to.
9: Good advice. I tell people, I can't NOT write. I think it's in my blood. Okay, do you base your characters on real-life people?
MH: ROFL! If I did, you’d think I had a lot of hot-looking, hunky, sweet and romantic guy friends, right? heehee But the answer is no. I don’t base my characters on real-life people.
10: So then, where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?
MH: Ideas come from everywhere. With this book, I knew paranormals were hot, and I wanted to write a paranormal—but I didn’t want to write another vampire or werewolf. So what’s the next best thing? A ghost! Yet, I didn’t want a scary ghost. Not when I love to be funny. So I just started figuring out what I wanted. One thing led to the next, and soon a mystery ghost story was created.
11: I don't write about werewolves or vampires either. Tell us, what are you currently working on?
MH: Currently I’m just getting some stories ready for my agent to start pitching. After that, I’ll start writing the next book in the series for some of these stories. The Inspy my agent will be pitching first is A Walk In Heaven. Hero has two brothers who are just itching for their own stories! One of the sweet stories I’ve given my agent is a Colonial, Release My Heart. There are a few characters in this story that wouldn’t mind having their own. The same with the Regency, The Sweetest Kiss. Hero has two brothers… Yeah, you get the idea.
12. One last question, is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
MH: Pretty much, my life is an open book. lol I love making new friends and hearing from readers. You can find me on Facebook (Marie Higgins) or contact me on my blog - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/
Thanks Roseanne for this great opportunity!
~Marie~
MH: I began writing clear back in junior high which was many moons ago. Back then I enjoyed writing short stories, but they were humorous. Even the early years in my marriage I wrote skits for my community which were performed and judged. I won awards for “Funniest” and “Best Written”. And wouldn’t you know…all these stories had a touch of romance.
2: That's a long time. Skits sounds like fun. So what inspired you to write?
MH: I wish I knew what inspired me in the early years. I know when I played Barbies with my sister, we made up stories even then. After I was married and had children was when I started having dreams. It was like I was watching a movie in my head. One day after I’d watched a romance movie only to have it end badly, I had a dream that led me to write my very first romance novel. From that point on the voices started in my head, and ideas came out of nowhere. I couldn’t write fast enough. It’s still like that now. So many stories…so little time.
3: I know what you mean. There's never enough time in a day. Tell me, what do you like the most and least about writing?
MH: What I like most is entering into my own little fantasy world. I can get out of the problems of life if only for a few hours and go to a place where people are falling in love. Then, I love when other people read my stories and fall in love just like I did.
What I like least…having to wait. I’m NOT a patient person. I want my book out NOW! lol Recently, I contracted with an agent, and as happy as that makes me, I want things now. I have to stop and remind myself I’m not the only author in the world. hahaha
4: I think that's what I like least also. Like you, I'm not very patient and grow less so with age. Okay, so what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?
MH: What? When I’m not writing? But I’m always writing! Actually, that’s not far from the truth. I work ten hour days at my day job (and I’m on the computer) then I come home and write until bedtime. On the weekends (I get three day weekends) I write like mad. So maybe once in a while I’ll stop to watch a movie with the hubby or to visit with my daughters and grandkids.
5: I love visiting with my grandkids, too. Which authors do you like to read?
MH: There isn’t enough room on this blog to list all my favorite authors. lol But my favorite authors of all time are; Kathleen Woodiwiss (she is the real reason I fell in love with romance novels), Judith McNaught, LaVryle Spencer, Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, and Julia Quinn.
6: Oh those are some that I enjoy also. It's hard to answer that question. All right, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
MH: That when you read my stories, I am predictable because... When you read my stories you ARE going to get a happily-ever-after every time. You ARE going to get action. You ARE going to laugh. And…you ARE going to find lots of twists and turns.
7: Sounds like fun. Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it and your website/blog.
MH: My newest release is titled, Hearts Through Time. This book will be at any bookstore. If it’s not there, the store can order it. My books are at Costco and Walmart, too. Or, if you’d rather do online shopping, you can order them through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. My website / blog is - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/
Here is the blurb:
When a woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he thinks he has lost his mind. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so he doesn’t need any more fireworks as he rebuilds his life. Still, he is intrigued by Abigail Carlisle’s plea, and he needs clients, even if this one insists she’s dead. The more secrets Nick uncovers, the deeper he falls for the beautiful ghost. Abigail believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily-ever-after happen when she’s already dead? The more time she spends with him, the more real she becomes, until Nick can finally touch her. In a strange turn of events, Nick is suddenly whisked back to 1912, two weeks before Abby’s murder, but she doesn’t remember him. When he attempts to win her over so he can save her from a tragic destiny, Abby thinks Nick is courting her for her inheritance. But even if he can rescue her and make her trust him again, how can two people from different centuries be together?
8: I can't wait to read it. I love a good ghost story, especially romantic ones. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
MH: Yes, I do! It’s a tough world out there. We all go through rejections no matter what we do. But if you love writing, NEVER GIVE UP!! If you love to write, learn all you can about the craft. Take online classes or get with critique groups. And write because you love it, not because you have to.
9: Good advice. I tell people, I can't NOT write. I think it's in my blood. Okay, do you base your characters on real-life people?
MH: ROFL! If I did, you’d think I had a lot of hot-looking, hunky, sweet and romantic guy friends, right? heehee But the answer is no. I don’t base my characters on real-life people.
10: So then, where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?
MH: Ideas come from everywhere. With this book, I knew paranormals were hot, and I wanted to write a paranormal—but I didn’t want to write another vampire or werewolf. So what’s the next best thing? A ghost! Yet, I didn’t want a scary ghost. Not when I love to be funny. So I just started figuring out what I wanted. One thing led to the next, and soon a mystery ghost story was created.
11: I don't write about werewolves or vampires either. Tell us, what are you currently working on?
MH: Currently I’m just getting some stories ready for my agent to start pitching. After that, I’ll start writing the next book in the series for some of these stories. The Inspy my agent will be pitching first is A Walk In Heaven. Hero has two brothers who are just itching for their own stories! One of the sweet stories I’ve given my agent is a Colonial, Release My Heart. There are a few characters in this story that wouldn’t mind having their own. The same with the Regency, The Sweetest Kiss. Hero has two brothers… Yeah, you get the idea.
12. One last question, is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
MH: Pretty much, my life is an open book. lol I love making new friends and hearing from readers. You can find me on Facebook (Marie Higgins) or contact me on my blog - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/
Thanks Roseanne for this great opportunity!
~Marie~
St. Patrick's Day Contest
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we’re hosting a contest.
*Objective*
Scattered throughout the bookstore:
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/
you’ll find 25 four-leaf clovers. HINT: Found in books already released.
Find all 25 four-leaf clovers, and you win $25.00
*RULES*:
Contest begins March 8 and ends March 14
The names of those who find all 25 titles will go into a draw for the $25.00 prize to be announced March 18, 2011.
You must have Paypal to participate...no exception. Winnings will be sent via Paypal.
Send the titles to:
publisher AT museituppublishing DOT com
Within the body of the email, give me your name to post on our website if you are the winner. Don’t forget to name all 25 titles in your email to qualify. On the subject heading place: St. Patrick's Day Contest
In the event no one finds all 25 four-leaf clovers, the person who discovers the most will win a dollar per four-leaf clover.
Now stop reading...go find the clovers.
Anyone associated with MuseItUp Publishing (authors and staff) is prohibited from entering.
Monday, March 7, 2011
And the Winner Is"
Drum Roll Please!
I'm pleased to announce the winner of Stranger on the Shore is: Laura Palumbo. Congratulations!
A copy of Stranger on the Shore is on its way to her email as we speak.
Congratulations, and thank you to all who entered. I hope you have better luck next time. Check back often to see when I'm having another contest.
National Crown Roast of Pork Day
March 7th is designated National Crown Roast of Pork Day
No one seems to know the origin of this day.
I read that no one found the creator, or the origin of this day, but there are blogs poking fun about it. I've also heard there are Ecards to help celebrate this day, but I haven't personally checked them out.
There's no congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday
From my recently released book, Stranger on the Shore available at MuseItUp Pulishing http://tinyurl.com/4zbzgtk
He stopped, pulled away, looked at her, his eyes questioning. “We have to talk, Jordan.”
She turned away, ignoring him. He turned her to face him.
“What’s there to say?” Candlelight flickered in his eyes.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Another chance to win!
Here it is!
Another Chance to win a copy of Stranger on the Shore
.
Send an email with Contest in the subject line to:
rodow62 at yahoo dot com
Winner will be announced Monday, March 7th. Tell your friends.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Welcome J.Q. Rose
Thank you so much for being here, J Q Rose.
1: What genre do you write?
My book, Sunshine Boulevard, is a mystery/ horror with humor. I enjoy reading mysteries and trying to figure out the who-dun-it before the end of the book. Sometimes I do, but I love the stories with a great
surprise at the end. I hope my readers don’t see the end coming in my story.
2: How long have you been writing?
Actually professionally writing, that is where I earn some cash from writing, I began freelance writing in 1995. But I have been writing stories and poems since I was in second grade.
3: What do you like the most and least about writing?
I like writing when the ideas and words just flow off the keyboard and actually make sense…I dislike composing query letters and submitting to publishers only to receive rejections of my writing. I know by revising the letters or story, I improve it before sending it out again. So in some ways, a rejection can help, but the sting is still there when I first receive the note or, worse than that, a form letter….
4: What do you do for fun and relaxation when not writing?
I am almost addicted to Facebook. I hate to admit that, but it is fun connecting with family and friends. I also enjoy photography and of course, reading. I may be one of the few who actually admit I relax watching American Idol and Biggest Loser. I am on Facebook at J Q Rose.
5: Which authors do you like to read?
Currently I am reading fiction writers Julie Hyzy, Janet Evanovich, Susan Wittig Albert, and Jan Karon.
6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, so the one thing I want people to know about me is that I have the best kids and the smartest and cutest grandkids ever!! Yes, really!! LOL…
7: Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it?
Sunshine Boulevard is a mystery/light horror novella from Muse It Up Publishing. The story takes place in a Florida retirement community, Citrus Ridge Senior Golf and Resort Community. Some one or some thing is killing the senior residents on Sunshine Boulevard. Jim Hart, co-captain of the community’s volunteer first responders, is drawn into the investigation of the mysterious deaths. His friends are keeping shocking secrets which are revealed as a result of one of these inexplicable deaths. The story is a fun, quick, entertaining read. You can find the e-book at Muse It Up Publishing Bookstore http:/ tinyurl.com/2c53noz / amazon.com and bn.com and major e-book stores online.
8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Probably what they have heard a million times…Don’t give up. Keep writing. The more you write the better you get.
9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?
Indeed! We have traveled throughout Florida for many winters and have met some real characters. I usually take a trait of one person and mix it up with other personalities to come out with a very interesting character for my stories.
10: How did you come up with the idea for this book?
The idea came from our experiences living in Florida retirement communities like Citrus Ridge and living the boomer lifestyle.
11: What are you currently working on?
I am writing another mystery, but a romantic element in this one. I have a non-fiction book for middle grade girls completed, but no publisher yet, and an idea for a non-fiction story for girls. I also present a workshop on writing life stories and am always researching to find more information for the participants.
12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
My husband gardens twelve months out of the year, so we have fresh vegetables in the kitchen every day. I love experimenting with recipes for garden veggies. I blog about vegetable gardening at The Garden for Eatin’ http://www.thegardenforeatin.blogspot.com
Thank you for hosting me, Roseanne. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story with you and your readers.
13. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?
MIU Author’s Page http://tinyurl.com/24mefbj
Blog http://www.jqroseauthor.blogspot.com
Website http://www.jqrose.webs.com
Sunshine Boulevard MIU Bookstore http:/ tinyurl.com/2c53noz /
You Tube Book Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ttwC03EkcE
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Work in progress Wednesday
Here's a little more from my Work in progress.
Meghan's footsteps echoed in the empty hall. She’d never been in the school when it was empty before. The strong odor of wax and other cleaning products prickled her nostrils. She remembered that smell. It lingered through the first few days of school. Smelled clean.
She found the office and stopped outside, took a deep breath and held it. Here goes nothing. Mr. Mac must be new in town. It wasn’t a name she remembered. So what’s the worse he could say? She let out her breath and hurried inside the secretary’s office, before she lost her nerve. A man stood with his back to her, unpacking a box of books.
“Excuse me. I’m looking for Mr. Mac.”
“I’m Mr. Mac.” He turned toward her.
Meghan’s breath caught in her throat. “Patrick!” The word flew out of her mouth, before she could stop it. The love of her life stood in front of her. He was even more good looking and sexier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs turned to jelly, and she grabbed the desk to steady herself.
Patrick smiled at her. That easy smile she remembered from long ago. The smile she used to love. It lit up his eyes.
“Little Meghan Shelby. Not so little anymore I see.”
Heat rose to her face as Patrick looked her up and down, apparently taking in every inch of her. He remembered her. After all this time he knew who she was. She couldn’t believe it.
“Uh, um...” Oh crap now wasn’t the time to get tongue tied. “You’re the principal here?” Lord, could she work for him. See him every day?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
And the Winner Is:
The winner of Stranger on the Shore is: Jennifer Labelle. A copy of my book is on its way to her. I hope she enjoys it.
Thank you all for entering.
I'll be running another contest in about a week. Check back and enter again.
Roseanne
Hello, Ginger Simpson
Hi and welcome to my blog tour. My first stop is here at my good friend, Roseanne Dowell’s site, and I’m so thankful she invited me to kick off a tour that is going to feature as many of my books as I can cram into the dates I’ve booked. How fitting is it that I share some information about my first novel with you.
Prairie Peace, my debut historical romance, released by Wings Press in 2003 was my first attempt at writing a book. I’d always loved writing silly poems and Christmas letters, but on this particular day, while I had borrowed a laptop from work to complete a project, I met a young pioneer woman who had a story to tell. You see, my characters have open access to my mind, and these days I have a full house. Cecile Palmer was so anxious to tell me all about the striking young man she “fell” for…and I do mean fell, and as she relayed her life story, I typed like a mad woman because I couldn’t wait to see how her story ended.
As we authors learn things over the years, we go back and read our previous releases and groan. “If only I’d known then,” we say. Luckily, there are some publishers who believe in giving a book a second chance at life. Eternal Press allowed me to re-work Cecile’s story, correcting the novice mistakes and making it a much smoother read. So, I acquired my rights and sold the story for a second time. Cecile told a story, but I added the elements to SHOW the reader the novel.
Blurb: Cecile Palmer marries a handsome drifter after only a chance meeting. He sweeps
her away to his “dream” home on the prairie where she finds herself pregnant,
abandoned miles from civilization, and facing the fear that her beloved husband is
not coming back. Will Lone Eagle, the wounded Sioux Indian, become her rescuer or her executioner?
Four Stars from The Romantic Times Magazine - Five Roses from Love Romances - Five Flames
from the Word Museum. 2003 CAPA and Golden Rose Nominee And these are from the original version.
Excerpt:
They passed the lake at the foot of the rise, with water so inviting Cecile wished for a
swim, and just beyond, the thick stand of trees Walt had talked of so many times. Her
heart fluttered with excitement. They were finally home.
The team’s shoulder muscles bulged with effort to get the loaded wagon to the crest of the hill. Once there, Walt reined the horses. “Well, here we are.” His gaze was trained on the buildings below.
Cecile blinked her eyes in disbelief. This couldn’t be it. There was no house, just a
deserted shack with a terribly rundown barn. It had to be a mistake. She waited for Walt to put an end to his joke. He didn’t, just snapped the reins and set the wagon in motion,
stopping in front of the ugliest structure Cecile had ever seen.
She sat frozen to the wagon seat and looked around. Prairie grass had grown up to the
doorway, and in place of glass windows there were only shutters barely hanging on to the aging wood of what Walt called a house. The previous owner had added on a makeshift porch that looked as though it might be unsafe. Her mind spun, remembering his description of his purchase. There were rolling hills in the distance, trees, and they did pass a small lake on the way in, but this couldn’t possibly be what he’d been so exited about. Tears burned the back of her eyes.
Walt jumped off the wagon and reached to help her down. He looked so happy, she hoped her disappointment didn‘t show. She fixed a smile on her face and leaned over into his waiting arms.
Despite her attempt at feigned pleasure, he must have detected something amiss.
“What’s the matter, Cece? We’re home. Isn’t it a beautiful place?”
He turned in a complete circle to marvel at his new land. Cecile forced herself to nod,
trying to remain strong. She swallowed and fought the frown tugging at her lips. Yes, the
surrounding land was beautiful, but where was the house he promised? This couldn’t be
where he expected her to live.
Walt chattered away, but she only heard the part where he insisted on waiting to unload
the wagon until they tidied up a bit. He put his arm around her and stood silently admiring his new empire.
“We’ll sleep in the barn until the house is ready. It isn’t quite livable yet,” he announced.
The barn? A strong wind would be its demise. She stifled a hysterical chuckle at his
suggestion that the barn was more suitable than the house, but sobered quickly when it
occurred to her that getting the house into shape would be her responsibility. She hadn’t
thought about that until this very minute.
She glanced around again, trying to find something positive. More tears stung her eyes
but she fought hard to hold them back. Walt was too busy gabbing about being home and gushing about the grandness of the place to notice her brushing away the wetness that trickled down her cheek.
Her mother’s familiar voice rang in Cecile’s ears. “Be the best wife you can be.” She took a deep breath and sighed, then, forcing one foot in front of the other, she walked toward the ramshackle cabin. She whispered a little prayer. “Please God, keep me from anymore surprises.”
***********************************************************************************************
Thanks for stopping by today and please join me tomorrow when I’ll talk about White Heart, Lakota Spirit at Sue Perkins’ blog, http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com . In the meantime, you can find Prairie Peace available at http://www.eternalpress.biz or if you have a Kindle, you can find the Kindle version along with prin
t on Amazon.com. Nook? Try Barnes and Noble.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
How does it feel to have a book published?
One would think it was the first book I sold, but it wasn’t. My first book came out in 2006, and I’ve had several books published since then with other publishers. And I’ve had other books accepted by Muse. So why the excitement?
I don’t think it makes any difference how many books you’ve sold. Each book is like your child. Seriously, writers spend hours, months, and sometimes years writing their stories. The characters become a part of our lives. We live with them 24/7 for as long as it takes to write the story. Then we start submitting. We never totally let go.
So, when Muse accepted Stranger on the Shore, I was excited. The first thing I received was my cover art. Delilah Stephens, our cover artist, designed an amazing cover. Then we began the editing process. My editor, Lea Schizas was brilliant. She pointed out areas where I told instead of showed the story, became repetitive-I tend to do that when I want to emphasize something-and asked me to change sentences or remove them entirely – all to make the story better. Fortunately, there weren’t a lot of edits, and we completed the process fairly quick. Then it went off to line edits. My line editor, Penny Ehrenkranz inserted commas when necessary and fine-tuned the manuscript to get it ready for publishing. Sometimes, she suggested a word change or asked for clarification on a sentence. Once that process was finished it went back to the publisher for formatting and walla, my book was born. Then the galleys came.I went over those and fine tuned the book further. Each step brought it closer to publication.Seeing it put together thrilled me beyond comprehension. It was like a child opening a gift at Christmas and discovering he got exactly what he asked for.
The whole procedure from beginning to end actually took several years, so you can see how involved and complex the whole process was and why the release date is so exhilarating. I couldn't wait to tell my friends and family it was here. Finally everyone could read it. If I could have, I would have shouted it from the housetops. But blogging, emailing, facebooking and writing to my groups will have to suffice.
Stranger on the Shore is about author, Jordan Blake when she rescues an unconscious stranger on her shore during a Lake Effect Snowstorm. After pushing, pulling, and rolling the man from the shore, Jordan gets him into her house. Soaked, freezing and exhausted, she manages to undress the man and stuffs him into her ex-husband’s too short robe.
For all Jordan knows he might be a serial killer. Finding herself strangely attracted to the man, Jordan locks herself in her office to avoid him. After all she has a book to finish and a deadline to meet. Not that she gets any work done. The stranger keeps intruding on her thoughts.
Stranger on the Shore is available from Muse It Up Publishing at: http://tinyurl.com/4q96vtn
http://tinyurl.com/4zbzgtk
If you want to learn more about me and my books, check out my website: http://www.roseannedowell.com/
For a chance to win a copy of Stranger on the Shore, email me with Contest in the subject line at rodow62@yahoo.com
Excerpt from Stranger on the Shore
“Come on.” Jordan grabbed his hand and tried to pull him to his feet. He fell back and passed out again. “Oh great, just what I need.”
She lifted his head and tried to bring him around. Raindrops fell and quickly turned into a torrential downpour. She flinched as lightning streaked across the sky. Thunder boomed. God, she hated storms.
“Come on, wake up. Darn it all, why me? Why’d you wash up on my shoreline?” Jordan rolled his limp form over and over, stopping often to catch her breath. Unsure where the strength came from, she pushed his large body across the sand toward her house.
“Okay now.” With her hands under his arms, Jordan took a deep breath, and pulled with all her might. Somehow she managed to drag him up the step onto the deck. The wind whipped long strands of blond hair into her face. Freezing rain pellets pounded her, stinging her arms even through her shirt. Just a little more. Fighting the wind and gasping for breath, she pushed him through the door into the great room and fell into a heap on top of him.
After catching her breath, she sighed and rolled him across the floor toward the fireplace.
“That’s as far as you go, Bud.” Exhausted, cold, and soaked, Jordan couldn’t believe she had moved this large hunk all the way from the rocks into her house. Sitting down next to him, she shivered and brushed the water from his face and looked at him. No blood, thank goodness. A few bruises on his face, nothing serious. Where had he come from, how long had he been in the cold water... She hadn’t seen a boat, but the familiar brown vest and boots told her he had been on a fishing trip. Pretty dumb if you asked her.
Probably a tourist. At least she hoped so. Shoot, for all she knew he could be a killer. She shuddered at the thought, got up and hurried to get towels and blankets. Jordan removed his clothes and dried him off, avoiding the sight of his naked body. For a moment she stared at his long muscular legs and tanned burly chest. She swallowed hard. Heat flared deep within and stirred a yearning in her.
Pushing her feelings aside, she dressed him in a robe left over from Derek, pushing and pulling his body to get his arms into the sleeves, and couldn’t resist smiling at the too short robe. Derek was only five foot-ten, this guy was well over six feet. After covering him with blankets and putting a pillow under his head, Jordan went to change into dry clothes of her own.
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