December 19th, 2009 — Author Interviews, D-F
Hey there! Look who's here! Meet Mary Margret Daughtridge! Mary Margret is a romance author who's current SEALed Series about "Hard men...soft hearts" is making a splash. She's joined us today for an author interview and I couldn't be happier to have her. To keep things easy Mary Margret Daughtridge will henceforth be referred to as MMD!
Keira: It's obvious that the hunky men who comprise the Navy SEALs inspired SEALed with a Promise
, but why focus on SEALs versus say men from other armed forces?
MMD: Honest and truly, the choice of SEALs was serendipitous. I didn't know at the time that I was starting a series-if I had I might have chosen a group which would be a little easier to research-like Green Berets who train at Ft. Bragg, only ninety miles from here. I just needed someone in the military whose job made extreme demands on his time. That would be a SEAL. Everything about them is extreme.
Keira: I read in the back of the book the acknowledgment blurb and it talked about several of the people who let you pick their brains in the name of research. How does one go about finding and then approaching these people for assistance?
MMD: Years ago when I worked as a family advocate, I used to brag I could find out the answer to any question in six phone calls or less. The same principle applies. I just go in a direction that seems promising and keep asking people who do they know who would know. SEALs are a relatively small group. One can lead to another, especially since I have demonstrated that I'm not a groupie, I don't want to know any secrets, I'm not nuts-okay, not dangerously nuts-and I won't misuse their time.
Keira: What was the hardest part of writing SEALed with a Promise?
MMD: The fact that Caleb had chosen such a hard path. I understand that a desire for revenge can be a healthy response to powerlessness, but I don't really like revenge plots, and I resisted writing it. Still, I loved Caleb. The fact that his great strength had made him so vulnerable grabbed my heart. It was often emotionally difficult to let the story unfold because I wanted to protect him from himself.
The above makes it sound like the book is heavy or dark. It isn't, but SEALed With A Promise was emotional for me to write. I cried. A lot.
Keira: Caleb and his Brad Pitt lips - is there an inspirational photo to go along with this fabulous hero? I would love to see! How about Emmie?
MMD: LOL. Caleb looks a little like Matthew McConaughey, and radiates the same laidback charm, but a little rougher and a little colder, at least on the surface. Try this one:
Emmie? I don't know. It's more a look of intelligent innocence than any particular features. A young Teri Garr would come closest I think. Traylor Howard, who plays Natalie Teeger on Monk, has some of the same look.
Keira: What do you think makes Caleb a heroic character and hero to swoon over?
MMD: I hate to admit this, but...I don't know. LOL. All I know is, I write characters I love, and to me that means writing characters-both men and women-who are full of heart. I think there is no sanity without humor, so they have a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at themselves. They need generosity and the capacity to put another's needs before their own. Finally they need to be human. That means they get it wrong sometimes. They mess up. They have blind spots. And sometimes they are led astray, not by their faults, but by their virtues.
Keira: How do you define love?
MMD: The definition I'm always working from as I craft the relationships between hero and heroine is I love the person I am when I'm with you. I believe love heals and allows us to show ourselves, and others, our best, while making space for the fact that we are human.
While I enjoy a fantasy fairytale romance, I have a strong resistance to writing them myself. My intention is to craft a relationship which really would work. And that means neither party gets "fixed" by the relationship, and yet the relationship creates a safe space in which each can grow.
I don't think any intelligent reader believes Caleb and Emmie will live happily ever after, but I do hope readers will see that a good strong foundation of respect, appreciation, and fun has been established from which Caleb and Emmie can continue to grow in love.
Keira: How do you decide on the character names (for Caleb and Emmie especially)?
Names are important. They summarize a character's history. Caleb's nickname, Do-Lord, popped into my mind the same instant he did, and I knew that it was given to him at the start of his SEAL career-a mark of his acceptance into a special group, but also a name he hid much his true self behind.
But I didn't know what his real name was for quite a while. I thought he needed a Biblical name and played around with Jesse, but it just didn't' work. One day another writer mentioned Caleb. I looked up the Biblical story and realized Caleb was an Israelite spy sent by Moses to spy on the Promised Land to determine if it could be captured.
It was perfect because Caleb was determined to use his covert skills to spy on Senator Calhoun, and Caleb's mother (who named him) would have considered Calhoun's life to be the Promised Land.
The Biblical Caleb is often designated as "the spy who told the truth," which adds a layer of irony to my Caleb right up to the moment when he decides to tell the truth, knowing the truth will destroy his relationship with Emmie.
Emmie needed a name that put her solidly outside the mainstream. Her full name is Emelina Theodora. Her missionary parents had waited for children so long that they considered her birth a miracle. They named her for a grandmother, Emelina, and added Theodora which means "gift of God."
But despite her brains, she needed a name that showed that those who knew her best valued her and held her in affection. Thus the pet name of Emmie.
Keira: Why did you decide to write romance or "mush" as some people are inclined to think (wink)?
MMD: I believe in the message of romance. Oh not happily ever after-that isn't possible, of course. But the structure of romance always carries the message that good people working together can overcome adversity, and find valuable qualities in themselves and others. I happen to believe that this message is true, and we need stories that keep us going in the dark times.
Another reason is that romance of all the genres is the most psychological. In the romance genre I have the freedom to explore character at some depth.
Your wink is referring to some of the SEALs who have helped me in my research. They tease me about writing mush. I teased them back by having Caleb, a voracious reader, read romance novels while in Afghanistan-because he's already read all the techno-thrillers, and the romance novels are all that are left.
SEALed With a Kiss garnered a lot of praise, but the praise that meant the most to me was "Mary Margret understands the human condition-and makes you feel good about it." That was written by a retired SEAL who has become a dear friend, JC Roat.
Keira: What do you think is the greatest creative risk you've taken?
MMD: Deciding to cast a SEAL as a feel-good-romance hero. Until my books, the SEALs were always the leads in romantic suspense-a subgenre I thoroughly enjoy in the hands of Suzanne Brockmann and others, but I didn't want to write it. I knew my books would confound some people's expectations.
There are people who don't get it. Occasionally, I'm criticized for not idealizing my characters, especially the SEALs-the suggestion being that I am disrespecting them. The truth is, I respect them too much to portray them as little tin gods, shiny but hollow. SEALs' extraordinary qualities seem more amazing to me because they exist in thoroughly human, fallible, vulnerable creatures-not Superman.
I'm very fortunate that Deb Werksman at Sourcebooks was willing to take a chance on a "novel" concept. (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.)
Keira: What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
MMD: First of all, I write entertainment fiction, and make no apology for it. Making people happy for a few hours and leaving them feeling good is honorable work. Anytime I've done that, I'm happy.
If readers gain an appreciation of the fact that people-even wonderful people-aren't perfect, and that very often their greatest strengths are also their greatest shortcomings, then maybe they will have more compassion for others. And for themselves.
Keira: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
MMD: Just my thanks. You offered some great, insightful questions which I thoroughly enjoyed discussing.
I love hearing from readers. They can contact me through my website http://marymargretdaughtridge.com.
Well you heard Mary Margret! Go visit her site! Thanks for joining us today it's been a blast! Don't miss SEALed with a Kiss
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Originally posted 2009-04-11 05:50:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 11th, 2009 — 3 Stars, Book Review, Great Britain, J-L, Jane Austen, Regency, Virgin Hero, Virgin Heroine
What I love most about this book is the research and language used to express the time period. Lathan’s diction is vastly superb – I had to look one or two words up. (Romance novels have all the credit when it comes to my 750 verbal SAT score from way back when.) The way she writes is very mellow, you’re not putting the book down feeling more anxious than when you started. This is an excellent novel to curl up with before drifting off to sleep. Who doesn't love to dream of Mr. Darcy?
I am as much a fan of Pride and Prejudice as Lathan is, especially the 2005 movie rendition. I could not picture her version of Darcy and Elizabeth as Matthew and Keira after a few chapters, but I could see them in Jane’s original portrayal. Elizabeth is sometimes silly, seeming younger than she should, but I found it understandable if you remembered how young she actually was and the fact that Pemberley and its surroundings are all new to her. Her silliness does not reach at any point Lydia’s level of stupidity… more like Jane’s silliness when it came to Bingley during the hardships of their courtship. Little problems are solved quickly and easily if both Darcy and Lizzy open up to each other.
Darcy and Elizabeth are effusive in their declarations of love. I applaud Lathan for writing Darcy as a virgin hero. It's hard to imagine him as experienced even with his deep passions, because he held himself apart from society and saw their superficial actions as crude and undignified (both in Austen's novel I feel and expressly in Lathan's continuation.) He seems like the man who would wait for the right woman. He is by no means asexual as you'll find when you read this novel. They make love like bunnies, but the sex is never vulgar or overly detailed after their initial honeymoon weekend. In fact, the whole saga is about exploring Darcy and Elizabeth’s love for each other starting from the end of Austen’s telling.
What does marriage look like on the other side of ‘I do’ and happily ever after? Lathan unfolds their story slowly, taking her time, showing nights spent whispering secrets, days traumatizing Darcy’s valet, and Elizabeth’s struggles and successes in filing the role as Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Rating: 3 Stars
Originally posted 2009-03-10 05:23:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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March 9th, 2009 — Guest Blogger, J-L, Jane Austen, Regency
by Sharon Lathan, guest blogger and author of the Darcy Saga
It is such a thrill to be spending today on Love Romance Passion. Keira has been so gracious in allowing me two whole days (our fun interview will post on Thursday!) to hijack her website and talk about my debut novel, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One. Today I am going to chat a bit about the limitless infatuation with Austen.
Why are people so interested in continuing Austen's books?
It is a great question, but I do not think there is a single answer. I imagine the motivations for writing a sequel or variation or behind-the-scenes or modern spin vary widely from person to person. A cynic would likely say it is merely the greed to cash in on a fad while exploiting a classic piece of literature. Maybe in a few cases, but I truly do not think this is the norm.
I recently wrote a guest blog for Diary of an Eccentric entitled, "Ignorance is Bliss." In it I talked about how I entered the realm of Austen fan fiction (JAFF) largely unaware of just how huge the genre was. I knew of a few online communities and had read enough JAFF to know what I wanted to say and that the reception would be good, but I did not know of the massive collection of books being published. At first it was daunting. But then I realized that the wealth of competition and rabid interest only proved why I had begun writing in the first place: People love Jane Austen and they can never have enough.
So I suppose if I had to come up with a single, simple answer to Keira's question it would be love. Perhaps we feel a bit cheated in Miss Austen being taken from the world so young. We mourn what we presume may have been a dozen more novels if she could only have lived another twenty years or been more prolific while alive. Her perpetual popularity for what is in truth a mere handful of novels is proof of her brilliance. Her stories are the ultimate tales of romance and true love, written with beauty and wit, and set in a world that utterly captivates. They worm into our very souls so that we are satisfied momentarily but left hungering for more. The numerous dramatic adaptations, those both silly and seriously wrought, are further evidence of this devotion. Everyone who reads Jane Austen is touched by something unique within the layers of her stories. They are romantic, yes, but also so much more. Each person is affected to some degree and for a few of us it becomes an obsession to keep that emotion alive.
Thus, I call it "love." But love of what, precisely? Well, again, I think it varies. For me, I was struck by the sheer romantic elements, the glory of a love story conveyed so phenomenally, as well as the history. For someone else it may be the culture of the day, the society that these Regency folks inhabited. Another may be captivated by the witty repartee and crazy misconceptions, taking that into extreme places as they toss bizarre stumbling blocks in the way. Then there are the really creative writers who dream up crazy time travel stuff just to see how these characters will react in wild situations! It is all good, in my opinion, as it points back to the source material with reverence and appreciation.
And the latter is the crux, isn't it? If it is largely love that motivates a writer or producer, then isn't that a good thing? Even if the inducement is plain materialism, people are being entertained (something we need in our depressing world) and hearing of Jane Austen in the process!
As for me, I only wish to carry on the joy of a beautiful love story between two amazingly written characters. I could have created my own lovers to write about - hundreds of authors do just that marvelously well - and I would have written it much the same way. Instead I am overjoyed that my inspiration was Lizzy and Darcy, because then I can continue to live with them as I desired to when the last page was turned and the movie screen faded to black. Furthermore, I can give to those hungery Austen-lovers another offering that may just be precisely what they wanted. I consider that a tremendous honor.
For more information on my saga and how I was inspired, come to my website: www.darcysaga.net. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One is available now!
Keira: Thank you so much for joining us today Sharon, feel free to hijiack LRP anytime! It's been a real pleasure! I can't wait to read the next books in your Saga!
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January 1st, 2009 — Contests, Covers, Highlander, Warrior
I was hoping to have an example cover to share with everyone like I had with the Pirate contest - but my friend who owns a kilt is being a little shy at the moment. Perhaps if you leave some encouragement he'd be more inclined to don it and show of his legs!
About:
This contest runs from January 1st, 2009 to January 30th, 2009. Winners will be the entry with the most unique user comments on their blog post detailing their novel cover. Additional votes will be acquired in a Twitter poll on the 30th and the winner will be announced on the 31st of January. Good luck! I can't wait to see what creative things you do!
Prize:
$10 gift card to Amazon. Go ahead and buy yourself a kilted warrior or three. I hear their swords are mightier in bed than they are out of bed!
Rules of Entry:
Each contest is considered fresh. This means previous winners are welcome to join in all the fun again if they so choose.
1. The guy in your photo must be someone you know. Don't bother submitting Patrick Dempseys in mini-kilts or Mel Gibsons in war paint. I've seen these warriors in action - I want fresh meat!
2. You must do your own photo editing. It is on your honor as a Highlander!
3. He must be bare-chested. Show those bulging pectoral muscles and rippling abs!
4. In addition, we should see plaid (or a kilt) somewhere in the cover. Bonus points for bagpipes, tattoos, swords, castles, and lochs.
5. The image should be: 468 pixels wide by 420 pixels tall.
6. Must include a name for your novel, like mine was entitled Her Highlander. We're a superstitious lot, Highlanders, and a sword without a name will not slay many men in battle.
7. Tell us your Highlander story behind the photo. A hearty mug of ale goes great with a boastful tale. We want Glory and Happily Ever Afters in the making.
8. Submit to the wee lass, Keira at reviewromancenovel@yahoo.com
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October 30th, 2008 — Contests, Covers, Fabio Search, Historical Romance, Pirate, Pirate, Seas
Ahoy! Pay attention ye scurvy scum!
There be treasure in them there hills!
As I have been discussing potential cuties for gracing the cover of romance novels, romance novel covers have been on my mind. No surprise there. Grin.
The other night I was talking with my pirate friend here on skype and superstitiously snapped his photo while mid chat. Twenty minutes play time in photoshop and I created this - my very own pirate cover, billowy white shirt and all. The quality of my image is based on the quality of the other person's webcam. Your entry does not need to be super sharp, it can be blurry too. 72 dpi is more than enough.
Argh, and now it be yer turn. I want to see yer pirates!
Prize:
$10 gift card to Amazon to buy yourself some pirate loving of your choice. Buy used and get more than one pirate lover. (Ye kno' terms like prepare t' be boarded lass and full ramming speed get you all ho' and bothered under th' covers. We pirates are like that.)
Rules of Entry:
1. The guy in your photo must be someone you know. Ye can't be about submitting a celebrity, aye, I no' want to be seeing any of them Jack Sparrows!
2. You must do your own photo editing as that be the pirate code.
3. He must wear a white shirt. Got to have that white shirt, the more billowy the better.
4. The image should be: 468 pixels wide by 420 pixels tall.
5. Must include a name for your novel, like mine was entitled the Pensive Pirate. We're a superstitious lot, pirates, and a ship without a name be a bad omen.
6. Optional: Discuss your pirate plot and novel or reasoning behind photo. We pirates like to boast and nothing beats a grand tale.
7. Submit to the fine lass, Keira at reviewromancenovel@yahoo.com
All entries will be uploaded in a post the day following their submission. Winner will be selected by getting the most comments in favor of their image and contacted by email. A poll might be included based on how many submissions are received. In that case the winner will be decided solely on vote percentage and the comments will be all in good fun dissecting the photos. If a poll is used voting will take place in the 24 hours following the deadline date.
Submission deadline: November 30th, 2008.
Can you think of a better way to be grateful in November then to win some pirate booty and view a plethora of guys in white shirts?
Voting, if done, will take place December 1st, 2008 and end midnight California time. All comments must be submitted by this time too if a poll is not used. The sooner you send in your entry the more chances you'll have to get comments!
And now it is time to walk the plank ye landlubbers and get to hopping!
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