November 18th, 2009 — Author Interviews, Dark Ages, G-I
Hello readers! I'm delighted to announce that Hellen Hollick has agreed to answer a few questions.
Keira: What inspired you to tell Arthur's legendary tale?
Hellen: I have never been very keen on the Medieval tales of Arthur which are set in the 12th - 13th Century, but when I discovered that if Arthur had existed he would have lived circa 450 - 500 AD I became interested. I researched the "facts" and the early legends of Arthur - and became hooked!
Keira: What is your favorite scene in the Kingmaking?
Hellen: Where Gwenhwyfar pledges her future unborn sons to the young Arthur when he is declared the next Pendragon.
Keira: What are some challenges in writing the Banner Trilogy?
Hellen: I wrote what turned out to be The Kingmaking and half of Pendragon's Banner before I was accepted by a mainstream publisher - before I knew I was any good as an author, so the hardest part was keeping going during those times when I wondered if I was wasting my time. I also found writing the third part, Shadow of the King, hard as I knew Arthur had to die at the end. It had taken about ten years to write the first two books, so Arthur was a very close friend by then. I felt like I was breaking off a long-term relationship!
Keira: How would Arthur define love? Gwenhwyfar? You?
Hellen:
Arthur: As honour and loyalty - though not fidelity. He was not faithful to Gwenhwyfar physically - but he never loved anyone else.
Gwenhwyfar: she was faithful but Arthur made her so angry at times - and tragic events sometimes overtook her feelings. Both of them would die for each other though.
Me? Love is without condition. Love is being loyal and understanding. Love is getting angry - but always forgiving.
I heard a wonderful quote once: Love is what is in the room at Christmas when everyone stops talking and you sit and listen.
Keira: Arthur has a bunch of affairs in the Kingmaking; what do you think makes a great (written) bedroom scene?
Hellen: Not going over the top. By all means be explicit where necessary - but not in every scene and not for pages and pages, a paragraph - or even a sentence is sometimes enough. My personal rule is: would I feel comfortable reading this aloud before a group of strangers? If the answer is no, it doesn't go in.
Keira: Outside of Arthur and Gwenhwyfar, who is your favorite character to write?
Hellen: Do you mean in the Trilogy? Oh Bedwyr without a doubt.
Outside the Trilogy - my pirate, Jesamiah Acorne (who funnily enough is very like Arthur!)
Keira: What is the worst character flaw in Arthur and Gwenhwyfar?
Hellen: Arthur's bloody-minded stubbornness - and Gwenhwyfar's hot temper.
Keira: What can we look forward to in Pendragon's Banner?
Hellen: The deepening of their relationship - and more tempestuous quarrels. Arthur is now King - and has his work cut out to stay King. I suggest you have a box of tissues (Kleenex? Is that the US term?) handy though!
Keira: What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
Hellen: An insight into what life was like in the Dark Ages - and that there is much, much more to the story of Arthur than the Medieval made-up tales of non-existant round tables, Holy Grails and knights in armour.
Keira: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Hellen: Only that I hope your readers enjoy my books - and perhaps fall in love with Arthur like I did, despite him being the rogue he is.
Keira: Thank you Hellen! You can learn more about Hellen and her writing at http://www.helenhollick.net/
Originally posted 2009-03-03 05:20:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 15th, 2009 — 3 Stars, G-I, Great Britain, Guest Reviews, Historical Romance, Victorian
By: Marcia, guest reviewer
Taking place in Victorian England, Beyond Innocence is about loyalty to family versus being true to one self.
Edward Burbrooke is horrified to learn that his brother, Freddie, has been discovered, in the bedroom, with a footman, at a house party. He loves his brother and feels responsible for his ‘fall from grace'. When they were both young, their father died and Edward, now being the Earl of Greystowe, sent his sensitive younger brother to Eton, thinking it would be good for him. He assumed that Freddie could protect himself from hazing by older bullies. Marriage to a good woman would cure him and protect him from horrible scandal.
Florence Farleigh is the daughter of a recently deceased country Vicar. She is very short of funds and has come to London to seek a husband. Florence appeals to her father's attorney, whom she has been told is very clever, to help her; unaware that Mr. Mowbry is also the earl's attorney.
Edward decides that Florence is perfect for Freddie and, with his Aunt Hyptia's help, strives to place them in close proximity. He does not plan to fall in love with her himself.
Emma Holly is a skillful writer treating her characters with kindness and sensitivity, but what makes this story really unique, are comic situations and erotic imagery that have a distinctly male point of view.
Rating: 3 Stars
If you would like to write a guest review for LRP, I would be happy to include you in this growing forum. It is the goal of LRP to share with readers recommendations, opinions, and reviews on romances. Your contribution would be greatly welcomed. Please see our guidelines for further information.
Originally posted 2008-11-19 16:15:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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August 20th, 2009 — A-C, Guest Blogger, Writing Tips
By Christine Clemetson, guest blogger
When creating characters, one technique for some authors is to do extensive character development before the actual writing of the story. Before beginning the story, the author knows why the characters act a certain way and how they would react in many different scenarios. For me, developing the characters for “A Daughter’s Promise” unfolded over the course of the story. Starting out, I knew the characters names, physical attributes, and I had a raw sketch of their personalities. But I waited until I was actually telling the story, and actually put them into the setting, to let their full character types emerge. This became a journey of incredible discovery!
One of the most honorable traits I discovered about the main character Serene is her loyalty. She is loyal to her family and loyal to the beliefs she was taught as a child. Since my story is set during WWII, Italy, I found in my research that it was hope that gave people the strength to endure this dark part of our history. When Serene is faced with an enemy soldier near death, she is forced to make a choice: to abandon her loyalty or save the man’s life. It’s an agonizing decision that changes the direction of her life and grows her character. Through Serene, I wanted the reader to experience how faith in one another can make us stronger and give us hope, even when we are faced with the worst. Through her character, I tried to paint how people felt about the war—things that didn’t come across in all the research books I read.
The hero, Miles Coulson, is an American soldier who survives a brutal attack. When he learns of Serene’s promise (I can’t give that one away!), he cannot comprehend how and why she is compelled to make certain choices, which ultimately becomes the central conflict of the story. As his character unfolds, he comes to understand how her loyalty in a war-torn environment is what helps them survive—and ultimately helps them find happiness.
They both knew Serene’s turn had come. She took in a deep breath and touched his arms in a stiff embrace. She hugged him the way she had rehearsed in her head over and over, the way a mother would hug her son going off to war.
“I don’t care who sees,” he said gruffly, pulling her closer. He pushed her chin up with his
fingertips, and bent his head to kiss her.
She took his lips, his body, all of him, into her heart for the last time. Feeling the rapid beating in his chest, she fought the urge to mold her most intimate part against his.
When their lips parted, his warm breath on her neck made her body shiver. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her face into his jacket. “I’m not ashamed about
what I said to you last night or what happened between us.” Her voice cracked. “It’s a sin, I know, but it was the most beautiful—”
“Ashamed? I don’t think I’ll ever have that kind of love again.”
Trembling, she stood back a little, clinging to her emotions with the delicacy of a spider web. “But you were right. We made the most logical decision.”
“Jesus, Serry. I want to tell you so bad that I—”
“You’re all set, then?” Sam said, coming back into the house.
Serene let go of Miles, letting her one finger intertwine with one of his pinky fingers. She couldn’t let him go.
Slowly, he released her and went to the door, putting one foot on the outside pavement before hesitating and turning back. His eyes were red, and she clutched the stair banister to keep from running to him. How much she loved him would be a secret
she’d take to the grave.
Carrying a bottle of whiskey, Marcus passed him at the door and gave him a friendly slap on the back. “I came to give you a goodbye, Coulson.”
Serene stood up straight and froze.
Miles jerked himself away. “Change of heart about me?”
His answer was Marcus’ deep kiss on Serene’s cheek and an arm around her waist. “I realized, Coulson, that I’m proud of her for taking the responsibility for you. I thought it was about time that I offered my apologies for the undiplomatic way I acted. We’re all in this for a cause, no? Why don’t we share a bottle to celebrate?”
“No, your change of heart doesn’t rub me the right way.” Miles offered an apologetic glance to Serene and then shifted his gaze back to Marcus. “You hurt her, and I’ll hurt you. You understand me?”
“Have a safe trip,” Marcus drawled.
Serene watched the driver help him in and her knees weakened. As the truck’s engine started, she braced herself against the wall.
“Don’t worry. Serene. Just think of this as a wedding present from me. No more worries about your American. He is well now and gone for good. Your only thanks is to marry me.”
She couldn’t hear him. Her throat ached and she made no effort to wipe the tears spilling freely from her eyes. She started for the door, but he grabbed her by the shoulders.
Buy: A Daughter's Promise
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June 2nd, 2009 — A-C, Alien, Another Planet/Dimension, Author Interviews, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Space
Everybody say hi and welcome Cheryl Brooks, author of the Cat Star Chronicles, to Love Romance Passion. Grab a cup of something hot and let's get down to business. Below is the interview:
Thank you so much Cheryl for sitting down to chat! How did you come up with the idea for the Cat Star Chronicles?
I'd been writing contemporary romances that utilized the boy-next-door theme and had also written a number of stories that were requested by friends, but my original intention when I began writing-about thirty years ago, now!-was to write a science fiction romance. Then I read an erotic sci-fi novel about a woman who had to pose as a slave to a dominant male, and because I've never been a fan of dominant alpha males, I thought it would be much more fun if the man was the slave instead of the woman! So I wrote a story about a tough, independent space trader named Jacinth in need of a man she can trust with her life to aid her in the quest to rescue her kidnapped sister. Toward that end she buys an alien slave, whom she dubs Cat, hoping to gain his loyalty by offering him freedom in exchange for his assistance. Part of the appeal of this hero was that, being a slave, he had nothing but his strength, intelligence, and sensual nature to offer a woman. It was my intention that he be the last of his kind, but to continue this as a series, I created a scenario where six Zetithian men were captured at the end of the war that destroyed their world and sold into slavery and each book in the series tells the story of how one of them found love.
Should readers start from the beginning of the series or do you feel that they can jump in any time?
I think any series works best by reading them in order, however, I've tried very hard to make each of my books able to stand alone, and, according to several reviews, I've succeeded.
What is your favorite book so far in the series? How many in total will there be?
It's difficult to choose because though all of my heroes are irresistible Zetithians, they all have very different personalities, as do my heroines. I let my imagination run wild in Slave
, but Warrior
was fun because most of the secondary characters were animals with whom the heroine could communicate telepathically-and they all had plenty of pithy comments to make about humans! In Rogue
, my piano-teacher heroine had two stunning Zetithian brothers to choose from and some really fun aliens as the supporting characters. Outcast
, being about a man who has lost all desire for women, is more of a tear-jerker than the others, and it is also the first to be written in third person which gave me a chance to get inside the hero's head for a change, something that I enjoyed very much. I've had a blast writing the last two books, Fugitive
and Hero, too, so I really can't pick one favorite.
As it now stands, there will be six in the series, and possibly a seventh.
How did Sourcebooks first hear of your book?
I first heard of Sourcebooks when the Romance Writer's Report listed them as a newly approved publisher. They were accepting both paranormal and erotic romances, so I submitted the manuscript for my erotic sci-fi novel, and promptly forgot about it until the editor called saying she wanted to read the rest of it. She loved it, but it was too short, so I added a few new scenes and the manuscript was then accepted.
What do you think is the biggest appeal of fantasy / sci-fi romance?
For me, the appeal is that it places few limits on my imagination, and I think that probably holds true for the readers, as well, because there are endless opportunities for surprises.
I know you're a nurse; how does that work when it comes to writing on schedule? What is your writing routine?
I work three twelve-hour night shifts a week, which varies from week to week, so there is no schedule! I'm just like anyone else: I have free time, but what I do with it is write, rather than watch television. After Slave came out, I was encouraged to try to write four books a year-and this year, there are three-but found that I simply couldn't do it and remain sane. As long as the nursing job is the one paying the bills, the books will have to be limited to two a year.
Most of my writing is done in the evening, with blogging and emails, etc, done during the day.
What was the hardest part of writing your series?
Remembering the small details about different alien species from book to book and just where in the galaxy each planet is located. I probably need to keep a notebook of characters and species and draw a map, but I haven't done it yet, so I have to keep copies of my books close by!
In your own words, what is love?
A deep, emotional, enduring attachment that makes you consider that person's wishes ahead of your own.
What is your favorite aspect of writing?
The creative outlet it provides. I'd go crazy without it!
What makes a great written bedroom scene?
One that makes you tingle all over and want to read it again and again! The specific components can vary, but if it doesn't involve the heart and soul, it's just sex.
How do you decide character names? Who's your favorite male and female lead so far?
My male characters have all had a connection to the "cat" theme. There was Cat in Slave, Leo in Warrior, and Tychar in Rogue, which is an alteration of the word tiger. Outcast has Lynx, and Fugitive has Manx, which are both types of cats. Trag (Hero) is short for Tragonathon, which is a combination of a friend's name and the words tiger and dragon.
My heroine's names are sometimes suggested by their occupation or their personality, or it can just be a name I happen to like. For the more alien names, I experiment. Sometimes I'll take a traditional human name and change the vowels. Other times I strike random letters on the keyboard and then go back and play around with it until it sounds right. I may change the spelling several times while I'm writing before I'm happy with it.
My favorite hero will always be Cat (Slave), because he was the one who started it all, and Bonnie (Outcast) is my favorite heroine because she had the patience and kindness to turn Lynx's life around, which I'm not sure I could have done.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
I love hearing from readers!
My email address is: cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com
Website: cherylbrooksonline.com
I also blog on Casablanca Authors, Wickedly Romantic, and Cheryl Brooks Erotic Blogspot.
Buy: Outcast (The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 4)
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April 8th, 2009 — 2.5 Stars, A-C, Africa, Book Review, Children, Dukes and Earls, Great Britain, Historical Romance, Pirate, Politician, Rogues and Rakehells, Widow or Widower
The Perfect Wife by Victoria Alexander follows not one but three couples on their journey to love. Luckily two are more peripheral and have overall less air time in the novel. The main couple is Sabrina Winfield and Nicholas, Earl of Wyldewood. The other couples are Sabrina and Nicholas’ offspring from their first marriage, and Sabrina’s friend with Nicholas’ sister.
Sabrina has for the last ten years a life of total propriety. She has been prim, poised, controlled, tame, and dull. She misses the adventure from her past—the intrigue, the thrill, and the illicit nature of her work. She could command the loyalty of men, change fortunes, and guide her own affairs. With her young daughter about to wed, Sabrina yearns keenly to let loose and be free of society’s demands. When she hears about her late husband’s last gamble and subsequent winnings, Sabrina ransacks her London home.
Having found the French letter with instructions to legendary gold buried in Egypt, Sabrina packs and sets off to reclaim herself and to change her fortune. Unfortunately, her daughter’s finance’s father seems to think it’s his business to keep her out of trouble. The annoying Earl of Wyldewood, a politician with a streak of rakish charm a mile long, is determined to unearth Sabrina’s secrets. She is terrified of revealing them, for her past could land her in prison. Under the guise of helping his son, Nicholas is following Sabrina to Egypt with the intention to protect her. However, if he were honest with himself, he would have followed her anyway for underneath her prim exterior, Nicholas suspects that Sabrina may just be the perfect wife.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Buy: The Perfect Wife
Originally posted 2008-12-08 07:47:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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