I attended high school/college during the late 60s-early 70s, when research depended solely on the quality of the library to which one had access. I passed many hours of my young life in San Diego, at its public and private (university) libraries. My instructors doggedly refused to allow any short cuts such as Cliff Notes, rather they insisted upon authentically documented research. I would look-up articles in a vast tome, fill out a chit of paper and hand it to an aged librarian, who disappeared into the bowels of the library. Then I waited, hoping one of those references would provide that special bit of color for my project. If not, well back to the drawing board, as they say.
My how times have changed! While writing my second novel, set in 1811, I wanted to use an actual playhouse of the era. With the click of a mouse and carefully worded queries (and that’s the crux, wording your question to achieve results) via Google, I discovered the Federal Street Theatre, located in downtown Boston of that time. Further clicks revealed local boarding houses, where it was likely such travelers/tradesmen would be housed. I then retrieved a readable map of historic Boston and was able to pinpoint one of these quaint ‘hotels’ a few blocks from the theatre. Wow, all of that in a matter of minutes (well, maybe nearer to an hour).
During this process I stumbled across a bonus, and the creative writer loves options. Odd as it seems, the Eastern United States was visited by a seismic event in 1811 and 1812 called The New Madrid Earthquake. Centered in Missouri, it was felt as far away as Boston. Although I manipulated the timing a bit (is that called creative license?) this offered the perfect distraction needed to evacuate the theatrical troop safely from the US before the War of 1812 erupted. It also added wonderful color to a romantic tryst between my two major characters! Did the earth move?
I have been an avid reader of historical romances from my early days in high school, having cut my teeth on one of the greats of the genre, Anya Seton. I attribute a great deal of knowledge, a love of English history and perhaps an inspiration to be a writer, from the remarkable detail of her books. I also doff my hat to a more recent inspiration: Patrick O’Brian. My father built sailboats and passed on his passion to me. Although when I began these novels, my knowledge was rudimentarily, by the time I finished the twenty-first book my education included a minutiae of maritime knowledge, including rigging, sails and masts, foods eaten and prepared aboard, weapons: from cannonades to muskets, and the differences between a sloop, a frigate and a xebec, just to name a few. This was entirely unplanned research, but what a fantastic journey!
My upcoming novel Magician’s Spell takes place aboard a 36-gun privateer during the early 1800s. Upon reading further books in the nautical genre by various well-known authors, I began to wonder what would happen if a woman were thrown into this masculine dominated world? Granted, at times gunner’s wives were aboard to look after younger midshipmen, and oft times a captain might travel with his wife, my intention, however, was to introduce a feminine interest who would not be relegated to being a mere passenger. Thus came about Johanna Cornehl, the independent daughter of a Lord Admiral of the Royal Navy. To introduce more explosives into the mix, her father was instrumental in court-martialing the captain of Magician, the ship on which she travels. The relationship arising between Lady Cornehl and Captain “Hal” Monroe provides the primary romantic theme, which develops amid plenty of adventure, including battles at sea, a frolic in the theatre, an imprudent affair, misguided obsessions, and a nasty bastard whose disappointed greed leads to kidnapping and ransom. This villain provides the impetus for a secondary plot exploit involving an American slave who escaped his abuse only to be rediscovered, much to her chagrin, during his quest for vengeance against Hal and Johanna.
There is a lot of juicy intrigue and action to keep readers interested. If you like historical novels with lots of action, I hope this brief peek will encourage you to download Magician’s Spell when it becomes available from Red Rose Publishing.
29 March 2009
Musings About Research, by Debra Denson
27 March 2009
Roses of Prose
What is that old line "... a rose, is a rose, is a rose..." now multiply that by five! Five Roses from Red Rose Publishing have joined together to captivate you with their collective thoughts in a new blog called "Roses of Prose".
Come and meet five talented authors as they discuss their lives, their loves, and their books. If you comment on our blog between March 30 and April 30, you might win a dozen red roses. Each day you comment is another contest entry.
I'm Lisa Lipkind Leibow. My rose is white with red edges. It signifies unity. When I craft a story, I strive to relate all literary elements into a harmonious whole. I write contemporary women's fiction with multi-cultural characters and elements of romance and historical fiction.
My debut novel, Double Out and Back is coming soon from Red Rose Publishing (mainstream fiction). Three women's lives are intricately intertwined, as Amelia Schwartz and Summer Curtis struggle with the complex dynamics of intrafamily embryo adoption, and Chandy Markum strives to make her patients' dreams a reality.
I'm Amber Leigh Williams, and my rose is vibrant orange. Orange roses represent desire and enthusiasm. Since I began my journey as an author, I sought never to write a story without the whole of my heart. It takes every ounce of wit, energy, and passion a writer possesses to bring a great story to life on the page. For me, the orange rose is a reminder never to give a story anything less than 100% of my devotion.
I write romance across the genres. My romantic adventure Fox & Hound about a pair of jewel thieves on a quest for payback is my debut novel with Red Rose Publishing. Romantic suspense Denied Origin takes an heiress on the run across the globe. Western romance novella Blackest Heart follows a famous actress home to Wayback, TX to find solace in the arms of a silent cowboy. The sequel, Bluest Heart, is coming soon. Contemporary romance A Summer's Hope is the first story in my hometown series about the lonely-hearted proprietress of Hanna's Inn on the Mobile Bay and the haunted man who comes to stay at Hanna's and changes her life forever.
Hi, I'm Laura Breck. I write sexy contemporary love stories, "Sensual romance where good girls tame bad boys in America's most glamorous cities." I chose a lavender rose because it represents love at first sight. My heroines are strong, accomplished women who allow themselves to succumb to only one weakness--a consuming blaze of desire whenever that strong, gorgeous man is in sight. My heroes are men who sense that this woman is different; they hear the voice in their head whispering, "She's the one." Of course, they both fight it; they're both too smart to believe in it, but love at first sight is inescapable.
My first novel to be published is scheduled for release late this summer from Red Rose Publishing. It's titled Las Vegas Strip. Mistaken for a blackmailer, socialite Valerie Kane will do anything to keep sexy Italian crime writer Antonio Daniato from publicly exposing her, and Antonio is very interested in seeing how far Valerie will go to protect her reputation.
Hi, I'm Kianna Alexander. While I may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, I can write a tall tale in a single sitting. Born and raised among the pine trees of North Carolina, I have always been a voracious reader. Cereal boxes, billboards, and other unconventional sources fed my unquenchable appetite for the written word. Soon, as I entered adolescence, I realized that I enjoy writing the words as much as I enjoy reading them.
First, I tried my hand at poetry, but upon discovering it to be both sappy and crappy, I moved on to plays. That was short lived, as I felt writing those darn stage directions both boring and maddening! Around the dawn of the 21st century, I decided to try prose. After writing that first short story, I never looked back.
I'm Nancy O'Berry, my rose is the yellow rose, which stands for loyalty and friendship. I write sensual contemporary and historical stories of the West. I enjoy weaving the tales of adventure and romance that made our country come alive.
I just released the first two books of my Sweetbrier Academy series; Having Faith and Holding on to Hope. Both are set in 1870's rough and tough Wyoming Territory. It takes a strong woman and an equally strong man to tame a land. That’s the way I look at my hero and heroine. I hope you'll come by soon and meet Faith, Hope, and Charity as they teach us about love and grasping for that gold ring on the merry -go- round of life.
We welcome you to Roses of Prose. Join us for our first month on our new blog and you might win a dozen red roses! Details are listed on www.rosesofprose.blogspot.com/ See you there!
26 March 2009
New Releases 26 March
Red Rose™ Publishing |
~ March 26, 2009 ~ New Releases (eBook) |
DEVIL'S EMBRACE by Victoria Chapman Erotic Romance: Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery What happens when a young woman falls in love with someone who is not what they seem? Jane’s life takes a mysterious turn when Nick Devilin moves into the loft above her apartment. He is gorgeous, seductive, and oh so helpful. And Jane needs help. The FBI suspects her boyfriend of being a serial killer, and the enemies at her place of work are trying to get her fired. But things are about to change. The boyfriend leaves town unexpectedly, and Jane’s enemies disappear in ingenious ways. Nick invites her to spend two weeks with him on Paradise Island, and she finds scalding passion in his arms. She also wins millions at a roulette table. Nick always knows the right numbers to bet, and the right buttons to push to make Jane feel loved. But is he the answer to Jane’s prayer, or her worst nightmare? And then there is Patrick Rogan, the handsome FBI Agent who wants to save Jane from herself. Will she turn to him for love, or choose Nick who could be Satan wearing a human body? This title was previously published. It has been revised and re-edited for Red Rose™ Publishing. Buy Now Read Excerpt |
EDUCATION OF SIMON LANE by Pat Cromwell Mainstream Romance: Contemporary, Interracial/Multicultural Simon Lane was the bad boy Lillian Rouilard always dreamed of. Rolling into Lilly’s life like a runaway train, she was thrilled by the ride but when it was all said and done, he'd left a mess that she could not make her way out of. Simon’s old man always said he would bring misery to anyone who loved him. He ignored his father’s words until Simon’s own cruel actions resulted in losing Lilly—the one bright light in his otherwise dismal existence. Thrown back together by chance, Lilly will either be healed of the pain he inflicted or be left just as broken as before. This time the choices Simon makes will be the hardest yet because added to the mix is Simon’s new fiancé Millicent who harbors a few secrets of her own. He undertakes a gamble he’s not even sure he is worthy to win. Was his father right all along? Would he ever learn? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
STRAY by Cassandra Gold Erotic Romance: Paranormal (Shifter), GLBT (m/m) J's life has been tough ever since his father disowned him for being gay, but when his abusive boyfriend kicks him out, things get even worse. While searching for a shelter to spend the night in, J is accosted by a strange man who needs a place to hide. Despite his fear, J agrees to take the man with him to a safe place. Will helping the stranger turn out to be yet another mistake, or will it lead him to happiness at last? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
MEANWHILE by Rorrey Lynch Mainstream Romance: Contemporary Eli and Simone had a love that was destined to fail. Loving Eli has left Simone with quashed hopes and lost dreams but also with timeless emotional truths . . . Buy Now Read Excerpt |
MURDER BY MISTAKE by J.K. Maze Mainstream Fiction: Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery A dead artist is stalking Mollie Fenwick. How inconvenient. Mollie's new life as a widow is turned upside down when she has a psychic vision of a murder being committed in her new apartment – and it comes true. She knows she should put her trust in Detective Bartholomew, but she'd not only have to admit to being psychic, she'd be under another man's control as she was with her husband. Using her artistic ability, and with the help of her aunt and a former special forces Native American, she tracks down the killer, which puts her in danger, and at odds with the hunky detective. When they finally work together, they search for the killer among a gang of thieves and also try to learn the secret of the dead artist. During their investigation, Mollie learns that keeping secrets can be deadly, and there's a big difference between caring and controlling. Buy Now Read Excerpt |
A ROOF FOR THE RAIN by Katrina Strauss
In a world with nothing left to lose, can one man find hope in another? It's the year 2031. The rain doesn't fall, while access to water is controlled by a ruthless few. In the midst of this harsh, barren world, Jacob has taken up his father's mantle as leader of the rebellion against the Water Lords. Loyalty and sacrifice have their place in Jacob's life, but there's little room for love. Gorgeous recruit Ethan at least meets Jacob's physical needs, but duty to their cause comes first. When a killer dust blizzard interrupts a scouting mission, memories of Jacob's painful past hit him full force. Will he find shelter from the storm in the form of Ethan's love? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
~ New Releases (Print) ~ |
Thanksgiving by Cassandra Gold Erotic Romance: Contemporary, GLBT (m/m), Holiday (Thanksgiving) ISBN: 978-1-60435-972-5 Price: $9.49 A vacation in Paradise, but is it? For fifteen years, slacker Teddy Christopher and straight-laced Parker Denton have been best friends, despite the numerous scrapes Teddy has gotten them in. When Teddy invites Parker to come with him on a working vacation to check out a resort his father is considering buying to add to the Fantasies chain, Parker doesn’t hesitate to go. Then an unexpected and unwelcome visitor from home arrives, and somehow Parker finds himself caught up in another one of Teddy’s wild schemes in order to get rid of her. Now Teddy’s acting strangely, Parker’s feeling things he shouldn’t be, and they’re both forced to play roles. Can their friendship survive this vacation? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
INFIDELITY by Debbie Gould Mainstream Romance: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense Melanie's marriage ended abruptly. And violently. In an act of self defense she ended her abusive husband's life and lost her unborn baby. Moving back home to Vermont , with the help of her brother and an old high school sweetheart, Melanie begins to heal. Someone, though, doesn't want Melanie to recover. They want her dead. Will she be stronger than the person who wants to end her life? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
24 March 2009
21 March 2009
Coming soon
Hello everyone,
I'm new to this so I hope that it comes out right. I just wanted to let everyone know that my first book Resemblance, is coming soon from Red Rose Publishing. The edits have been completed and I wanted to thank everyone at Red Rose Publishing, for making this a grand and exciting adventure and I'm sure that this is only the beginning. I wanted to also thank my editor Michelle Ellis, with her help and insight I understand more of what I'm doing with my writing. I'd also like to thank Nancy Donahue for doing such a great job with my cover art.
I'll post again as soon as I have the release date.
Remember, give love to receive love.
Yolanda Stokes
www.ylstokes.com
http://www.myspace.com/ylstokes
Late dinners???
Aloha RRP! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!!
Last night my sister and I went to one of our favorite local bar/restaurants. To our surprise there was a little girl with her mom sitting at the table next to us. Now before I say anything else, in our hometown it’s not normal for kids to be in a restaurant that late(11pm), in fact there are laws against it; the reason why we were surprised to see her there. She looked to be about 8-9 years old, and was sitting there crying and begging her mom to leave. What does her mother do? She makes fun of her crying. Granted I didn’t know the situation and why she would bring a child to a place where everyone is sitting around drinking (some heavily drinking). Still at the same time I felt the child’s distress, and of course I was outraged that this woman would make fun of her child like that.
But then I stopped to think. Maybe I was over reacting, and it’s not unusual for parents to do that. So this is where ya’ll come in, and I’ll love to hear what ya’ll think.
Is it normal to tag your children along when going out for late dinners?
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Aloha,
Dee
--
www.deeshore.net
www.dee-shore.blogspot.com
www.vintagemermaidgraphics.com
20 March 2009
Scenes From A Love Song: Ain't Gonna Lose You
by Shirin Dubbin
Hello All, I've just arrived at RRP and thought I’d kick off a new series, Scenes From A Love Song. It's where a few RRP authors will share quickies (as in super shorts) inspired by our favorite soundtracks for lovin'. Here goes the inaugural edition…
She put the song on repeat and turned up the volume until the melody merged with her heartbeat. Her mobile phone had grown hot in her hand. Pressing a random button she checked the number she’d stolen from her best friend’s address book. Oh good, fate hadn’t erased it just to mess with her. She checked it again. You couldn’t put much past fate.
And now for a sadistic choice: make the phone call and risk losing someone who’d become closer to her than blood or smash the phone against the nearest wall and risk hemorrhaging away a happy life.
Perhaps she was delusional and Tesla—that’s what she called her best friend’s brother—hadn’t felt the jolt of electricity pass through him the first time their hands met. Not in the same way she had. Maybe he couldn’t feel her presence in a room the way she could his. Perhaps their almost telepathic connection had escaped his awareness.
It was possible she’d flown over the cuckoo’s nest five miles back…but then she remembered the smile on his face whenever she caught him staring. The way he’d watched her from the corner of his eye when he proclaimed he’d be the last of his siblings to marry. He knew they were inexplicably bonded as well as she did. So why was the idiot about to propose to another woman?
The song began again and she hoped this time around she’d find the courage to dial. The memory of the one night they’d sat and talked reasserted itself. The look of wonder on their faces when they’d discovered they both loved watching Oz and basketball. Combined with the perfect harmony that hummed through her as they spoke of prom nights, the almond slant to her eyes and his need to protect those he loves.
That had been a few years ago. Although it was clear their attraction hadn’t diminished the few times they found themselves together—unless diminished meant elevate to levels that knocked innocent bystanders on their asses—neither had found the courage to push past their doubts into something beyond merely knowing.
She’d forced herself to forget. Moving on to date men who actually asked her out rather than sending their sister, her friend, to test the waters. She hadn’t known the question of their getting together had been a serious one. So, she’d laughed and cracked a joke. Rather scathing but funny. Who was she kidding? If there was ever a reaction born of fear it was the joke she’d made that night.
It took a year for her to realize how serious that question had been. Tesla released an album. Several of the songs recounting, almost verbatim, times they’d spent together and the conversation they’d had. Unfortunately, when she’d broached the topic her best friend hadn’t been willing to risk match making a second time. She hadn’t pushed it, not wanting her friend to think she was exploiting their relationship to get next to the famous big brother.
Now Tesla, her Tesla, was about to propose to another woman—and with an amazingly huge ring. Talk about your over compensating. The Girlfriend’s knuckles would scrape the ground once he put that Hope diamond stand-in on her finger. She had to save the Girlfriend’s pretty little hands didn’t she? Of course she did.
A deep breathe. She dialed before she could stop herself. He answered and she burst an aneurism…but recovered when he said her name.
“Hey, how did you--?”
He interrupted, wowing her.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you had my number,” she said.
A smile lit her face at his response. Her courage buoyed and she let him have it.
“Of course you’ve been thinking about me. You’re about to marry the wrong friggin’ woman.”
Omigawd. She was gonna die. Right there. Right then. Better if she did it before he cursed her out. But he didn’t.
“You knew that!” her voice shot up to octaves only dogs could hear. She adjusted to demure. “You knew that, huh? Somehow I knew you did.”
A second smile as she ‘clutched her pearls’ and answered before he could finish his question.
“Yeah, I can catch a flight tonight.”
The song began again. She’d totally forgotten to turn down the volume. He took notice.
“Huh? Oh, you like? It’s a great song. Ain’t Gonna Lose You by Brett Dennen.”
She could hear the smile in his reply. He was so right.
“Yeah, seriously apropos.”
Inspired by: Ain't Gonna Lose You by Brett Dennen
Hope you dug the first SFALS. If so look out for my urban fantasy romance, Keeper of the Way.
19 March 2009
Birthday Bash at Red Rose Publishing
Hello all, I'm just here to remind everyone today is my birthday and I'm having a birthday chat at Red Rose Publishing tonight at 8pm. There will be other RRP authors stopping by to say hi. I'll be doing a contest and the winner gets an autographed copy of Fan-Tasy.
So don't delay, stop by tonight and come and play!
Have a great day!
Oh BTW, I've blogged here at Brigit's World so stop by and get the head's up on where to look for ideas on the contest. Check this link...http://www.brigitsworld.blogspot.com
Plus tomorrow I'll be blogging at The Authors Virtual Blog Tour here's the link to that too. http://romanceblogtour.blogspot.com/
Hugs and Blessings,
Raven Starr
www.ravenstarr.com
17 March 2009
Looking at the bigger picture...
I’m often asked where do I come up with my stories. It amazes me that people think that is the hardest part of the whole writing process. I find story ideas in many things: commercials, news headlines, human interest stories, and dreams. I am one of those vivid dreamers who hear the sounds, see the color, and even feel the terror.
The idea for Sweetbrier Academy came while watching TV poker games. It brought images of all those old cowboy movies where they lifted the chips and let them fall. Every time I hear someone say the title, that sound comes to mind. So it wouldn’t have been much of a twist if we had a saloon girl being the prize. So we turned on the twist, what if these were high-end call girls. I know the south had them. SO I started looking. Oh, what a delicious basket I fell into. A Civil War General, General Butler was the commander of New Orleans. He despised the ladies of the evening who rode around in the afternoons with their trimmed poodles in open carriages. He went so far as to band the ladies from soliciting business this way and soon sent them packing.
So I moved my “ladies” to fictional Panther’s Landing and named them after qualities that are strived for, Faith, Hope, and Charity.
The name Sweetbrier Academy? Sweet for the ladies… Brier their business of pleasure is thorny and looked down upon….. Academy well the houses of prostitution in France were called Academies or Salons. So it’s not so much a school as it is training for women to give pleasure… with that said. View the video on you tube at this addy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp8vRW9sGKw&feature=channel_page
If you’d like to know more about my stories and other Red Rose Authors check back on the 27th of March when a four fine RED ROSE authors (and myself ) begin the launch of a new web blog. This bouquet of Red Roses will tell you a little more about themselves, upcoming books, and hopefully inspire you to great heights. As Wendi Felter says, “Red Rose authors write stories with a touch of Class,” and it’s our goal to continue this tradition.
Please visit my site at www.nancyoberry.com and find out about Red Rose's March Contest.
Buy a Green Book for Saint Patty's!
It's Saint Patty's day so buy a green book!!!! My fun loving romantic suspense, Dancing With Tad, is available in either print or ebook...either way it's about as green as you can get!
Something strange is going on in Grooster, Indiana. Nightly Satanic rituals in the park and the infusion of drugs into the community have everyone on edge. When Clancy Rogers tries to find out what’s going on she bumps up against a weird and wacky cast of characters, including a palm raping psychic, an irreverent reporterette with serious fashion hang-ups, and a local veterinarian who looks like he was dropped to Earth from the planet Zorgon and holds conversations with his patients on a regular basis. Add to this mix a guy who looks really hot in tight jeans and scuffed boots, but who unfortunately likes to follow all the rules Clancy keeps stomping on, and you have trouble in Grooster with a capital T…a…d!
**
Happy St Patrick's Day everybody!!!
16 March 2009
"How I Got Hooked!" by Spike Fremont
I met Cara in a chat room and we talked. It was cool. She suggested we write together, so we did. She suggested pickup lines as a jumping off point for fiction, and I was in. That was the genesis of our collaboration on “Pickup Lines from a Pickup Truck.”
We picked lines and developed stories around those lines. Then we traded stories and giggled. Then we picked new lines and wrote, traded and giggled. Ultimately, we had eight stories and Cara suggested that we should submit them. I was game; what did I have to lose?
Cara knew of Red Rose Publishing and suggested we submit our stories with them. I readily agreed. After many weeks of consideration, Red Rose Publishing agreed to publish them.
After we signed agreements, our stories were assigned to an editor. I was a new writer and the editing process was new to me. Having an editor suggest, gently, changes that would improve my stories, was a welcome experience. It was arduous but helpful, and I think the writing and stories were improved by the editor. I was reticent at first, since I have an M.A. in English, but an independent accounting of your work is always helpful.
Soon thereafter, those stories were published as “Pickup Lines from a Pickup Truck.” I was hooked. I developed a website, rudimentary at best, and started blogging. I wrote a short story, “A Slice of Life,” and submitted it. RedRosePublishing.com was kind enough to publish it. I had a great experience with my editor and cover artist.
My career and children make it difficult for me to support the books as much as I would like, but I am connected to RedRosePublishing.com. My books are available on Amazon, Diesel, Crescent, etc… and folks are reading my blog. While I am not famous, I enjoy being published and hearing from those that have read my stories. I have several other projects in various states of production, but I will always remember the first time I was published!
Spike Fremont
A Cursed Heart and Cowboy of the Night
Hi everyone,
Tambra Kendall and Keelia Greer here to tell you about my upcoming releases from Red Rose Publishing!
Keelia Greer (Sensual romance):
A Cursed Heart is coming March 26. Part of the Sanctuary Moon: First Howl anthology.
Blurb for A Cursed Heart:
Can a cursed wolf shifting warrior and a Druidess defeat deadly enemies and find eternal love?
Tambra Kendall (Ultra-sensual/erotic romance):
Cowboy of the Night, part of the Legends of Loving, Texas will be released March 26.
Blurb for Cowboy of the Night:
Morgan Remington is forced back in time by The Vampiric Council of Darkness. The Hunter, a vampire exterminator, follows Morgan intent on killing him. Adara Galbraith is from the future, sent to 1880’s Texas to stop The Hunter who hides a deadly secret. Adara and Morgan discover the passion of a lifetime, but will they live long enough to enjoy it?
I love to hear from my readers! Please let me know how you like these new stories.
Hugs,
Tambra Kendall/Keelia Greer
15 March 2009
Twitting like a Pro
I know I've been off scene for a while, but now I'm starting to get back into the swing of things. I’m really supposed to be blogging about the new book I've finished but Twitter is so freaking addicting. It’s like the updates in Yahoo Messenger and MySpace that I used on a constant basis. I actually like it. The best thing is that I like receiving the messages on my cell phone (I’m not THAT crazy. Of course I have unlimited messaging, I only play crazy on TV!). I really like Twitter, though I’ve only been using it for about an hour now. It’s really interesting. There are 2nd grade Kids using it and people using it in church!!!(No joke! It was on the news!!). I’m not going as far as to using it in church for the simple fact that I sit next to my mom and she likes to swat me if I even think about pulling out my cell. LOL. If you wanna have a look or to even try it out, you can take a look at my page www.twitter/ladyofgrac25 (Again, It’s really cool).
TTFN!!
Leah V.
Heartbeat
Magician's Spell Coming Soon
Hi all. I was contracted in November for my upcoming novel Magician's Spell, an historical action adventure set in the 1800s - Napoleon's Era. Below is an excerpt.
Harold Monroe balanced on the starboard railing poised in the moment, taking in the cloudless sky and the endless horizon. Leaping up he traveled the warm air until his body split the green water. He dove deeply and, upon reaching the dive’s nadir, rose back to the surface breaking the liquid barrier. Shaking the water from his eyes he looked back at Magician checking her for any unnoted damage. He swam in closer, took a few laps around the boat and then climbed aboard. Usually the reliable Maddox would be waiting for him with a towel, or robe. However, on this day the man was oddly missing and so were the garments Hal left at the rail. Under his breath he cursed his steward’s inefficiency; all he had left were his shoes. Stepping into them he walked across the deck, intent on his cabin.
It was at this moment Colette mounted the deck from below. Her fear was appeased by the apparent normal routine of the ship. As she scanned the horizon for another ship her gaze fell upon the captain, flagrante delicto. With a shriek Colette threw her apron up over her head and in backing down the ladder collided with her mistress. A similar yelp was elicited from Johanna when her hand was pinched under Colette’s shoe. Shaking her wounded fingers she leapt down and side-stepped out the girl’s path of retreat. In her haste, Collette missed her footing and fell ungracefully into a heap on the deck below. Quickly Johanna assessed the girl for any severe injuries, and found none. Returning to the ladder she ascended to an adequate height which would allow her own curiosity to be satisfied.
Raising her head slightly above the hatchway she had a fleeting glance of the commander as he retreated to his quarters. Before her impulsive reaction surfaced, she ducked below out of sight. Sitting on the riser she lost the battle at containing her mirth and her laughter spilled forth. It was Colette’s puling from below which sobered her amusement. Coaxing her up from the floor Johanna led her back to their cabin, then closing the door behind them she instructed Colette to be seated. Restraining the emotions desperate for expression she reexamined the girl’s limbs for cuts or sprains. Once she ascertained her first diagnosis was correct she looked up into the girl’s face. Pushing the hair away from her eyes she received the faintest grin. It needed only that commiseration for Johanna’s suppressed emotion to bubble forth, joined in kind by the maid.
Further down the passageway Dr. Emrys paused as he tended to his patient, listening in disbelieving silence at the most incongruent sound ever heard aboard a man-of-war: feminine giggles. Returning to his treatment he smiled approvingly, mentally noting to satisfy his curiosity at a later date.
“And how is Colette?” James asked Johanna looking up through his glasses he wore while preparing medications for his patients.
It was much later the same day and she had returned to a calmer, quieter sickbay to check on those in her care.
“As regards her health, her imagined fears, or her injured sense of modesty?”
James raised his eyebrows at the last. “Modesty?” He handed one of the treatments to her, indicating with a nod the patient in need.
“Oh, James, did you not hear.” She withdrew to the cot, mixed the potion in a small glass and assisted its administration. Pausing for a moment she confirmed the man’s comfort. Once satisfied she turned back to the doctor. “I know how fast news travels in a community as small as this. Surely, someone has told you what happened earlier – after the battle?”
“No, my dear. After breakfasting with the Captain I came down here directly to tend to these men.”
“Ah, my poor Colette. She was party to viewing Captain Monroe after he finished his swim today.”
James peered at her across his work, not understanding her insinuation.
Further explanation was gladly offered. “Have you seen how the captain swims?”
Realization dawned on the doctor’s face.
“Need I say more?”
“Unfortunate timing.” he said picturing the maid’s reaction to this austere officer walking naked across the deck. So far James had managed to maintain his propriety.
“He did have his shoes on.”
Grin met grin and, in deference to the captain, they both tried to stymie their amusement, but to no avail. Soon as Johanna freed her laughter, the doctor’s restraint was doomed. The sound of this joviality was greedily consumed by all within ear shot; a relief from the brutality of the ship’s earlier encounter; a welcomed contagion and remarkable remedy.
As a member of Magician’s crew Emrys had never, hitherto, succeeded in breaching the communication barrier between the officers and crew, and the inviolability of the doctor/patient relationship offered him no further insight into this inner sanctum. Yet comparatively, in the briefest of interactions with this body of men Johanna Cornehl had secured their trust. Through his association with her he was now allowed a unique personal glimpse into the lives of his messmates – men he had known for years, but never truly perceived until that moment.
Lying in the darkness of night, waiting for sleep the doctor’s thoughts were much occupied with Lady Cornehl. Undeniably she was versatile, her social skills polished, – and her beauty – arousing. Considering this paragon of womanhood James was confounded by her singular attention to him.
Throughout his acquaintance with Harold Monroe, and Timothy Ruhl, he was often witness to their inherent magnetism where women were concerned. Unlike his friends, James had capitulated any delusions held in that regard shortly after his first sophomoric attempts. He held no resentment in this divergence; he affirmed it as a rational conclusion any woman would reach upon comparison. Because his work and education satisfied, there was no need to seek further proof. Human interactive relationships were approached much the same as his experiments, offering the opportunity to observe and learn.
He trusted once Lady Cornehl was introduced to Harold Monroe, or Timothy Ruhl, he would once again, assume the role of researcher. The unique position which he now enjoyed with the lady threatened to negate his assertions. Tim’s attraction to the opposite sex was irrefutable, yet Johanna seemed unimpressed. As for Hal, well, she was certainly his match in wit, fire and obstinacy. However, it appeared the captain’s prejudice against her father, combined with his aversion to the imposed circumstances, defined his opinion of the lady. He disliked her and she reciprocated his opinion. At this point in the acquaintance neither showed an inclination to travel a different course. Could he presume on her distinct preference for his company? James drew his blankets close against the chill. Turning to his side he forfeited his musing in lieu of sleep. As the persistent sounds of the ship eased him into unconsciousness he smiled contentedly. Perhaps he had erred in his estimation of his charisma, after all.
Happy Birthday to all Pisces
Born under the water sign of Pisces, we're all creative and mystical. Great traits for writing winning romance!
14 March 2009
Introduction -- Rochelle Weber
Hi, I'm Rochelle Weber, a Red Rose author and my book, Rock Bound was published by Red Rose in November. I’ve just re-written the blurb and I have a new excerpt I’m hoping our marvelous Web Mistress will upload when she next works on the Red Rose site. So, I thought that I would use this opportunity to unveil my new blurb to the Red Rose crowd!
The future is a dangerous place for dreamers and idealists.
When a dictator takes over the United States, Annie Peterson attends a protest in Washington, DC, with Paul, her husband and soul mate. US troops fire into the crowd killing Paul. Jake Johnsrud, a virtual stranger, risks his life to save Annie’s. They are among the survivors who are sentenced to slavery on the Moon for their “crimes.”
Jake is forced to mine, while Annie is sentenced as a doxy to "service" the men. Jake fights increasing feelings of anger and jealousy as Annie struggles to perform her job, while she resists her increasing attraction to him. Along with their fellow inmates, they fight to survive on the lunar "rock" that is their prison.
Will the hardships of life in exile bring the two together? Or will Annie’s undying devotion to Paul be the final, insurmountable obstacle for her and Jake?
I fervently hope this new blurb will stimulate sales. All you have to do to buy Rock Bound is to go to http://tinyurl.com/buyrockbound.
Being an author isn’t just about writing a book; it’s about marketing as well. If I were good at marketing, I probably wouldn’t be writing. Well, OK. I’d still be writing anyway. Some of us have to write, or the voices of the characters in our heads will drive us crazy—especially if we walk around talking back to them.
I also edit for Red Rose and this new blurb was the result of a conversation I had with one of the authors I edit about sales. Mine weren’t as high as I’d hoped, so he went into my “buy page” and looked at the blurb and excerpt. Then he called me and told me that my old blurb was too factual and didn’t grab the reader’s emotions to draw them in. It always helps to have a second pair of eyes when you’re too close to the characters.
So, with our esteemed Publisher and Web Mistress’ permissions, I hope to change my buy-page soon. And meanwhile, I hope you’ll take a look at my updated websitehttp://www.rochelleweber.com.
Get Your Mind Right!!
Hello Red Rose fans! I'm here to drop a little of of info your way. Next Thursday is my birthday!! Yippee! At the RRP chat room, we'll be a March Birthday Bash! So, mark it down on your calendar on make sure you stop on over for the party. There will some fabulous authors from RRP, a contest or two and some great laughs to boot.
So, if you wanna party us the March babies of RRP come check us out. Even your a March baby too, swing by and tell us.
Don't let the party start without you. Jot down the info and come ring in our March birthday bash!!!
Come for the party, stay for the fun.
Hugs to all,
Raven Starr
www.redrosepublishing.com
www.ravenkstarr.com
13 March 2009
Something Pumping...New Marie Rochelle book
Something Pumping Blurb:
Plumber Cage Harrison didn’t have a clue that when he answered a plumbing problem at Nothing Too Old that he would meet her. She was everything and he meant everything he was looking for in a woman: Sexy, intelligent, beautiful and independent. He wanted to get to know her better, but would she be interested in dating a blue collar man like him?
Jaleena Falcon could barely keep herself from falling over the man that came to her rescue about her plumping problem. Lord, she didn’t think the world made hunks like him anymore. She couldn’t wait to get to know Cage better.
However, two things might prevent that from happening, her ex-con brother and Cage’s ex-girlfriend who doesn’t seem to be able to let him go.
Coming Soon from Marie Rochelle
To Blog or Not to Blog!
Gee I am not much of a blogger but I can honestly say Red Rose Publishing is coming on 2 years old, yeah that is a long time in Ebook World and Publishing.
While others are going slow we are slowly working our way up to have books in print.
My goal on that is 200 books in print aka paperback before the end of the year.
Can we at Red Rose Publishing make it? We are Red Rose Publishing and can do anything as we all work hard to make it happen.
Watch out for the contests we run every month on the website, as you could be one of the winners of an autographed print book or an ebook or even something else so watch out on our contests page.
Take care and have a great night!
Wendi
www.redroespublishing.com
Publishing with a touch of Class!
12 March 2009
Radio Dentata is coming to Red Rose Publishing!
That's right folks! SOon there will be a link to the Radio Dentata player on the RRP blog where you can hear our fine programming! Especially The UnNamed Romance Show which I host. AS a bonus, our wonderful owner has given me ten excerptsw with cover art forall of you lovelies. The excerpts will be read by my producer and recroded and played on my show over a few weeks!
You can check us out at my website: http://www.saschaillyvich.com
Click on "Radio Dentata" link :)
New Releases 12 March
Red Rose™ Publishing |
~ March 12, 2009 ~ New Releases (eBook) |
LAST CHANCE by Kathryn Edgar Mainstream Romance: Contemporary With the advancement to virtual worlds, can one really recreate themselves successfully through such a world? Does the individual retain anything from their real world when they merge with one? This explores a couple's journey of love, starting with a virtual world. Will the things they love about one another be strong enough to cross the virtual line into a reality? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
A TASTE OF ECSTASY by Zinnia Hope Erotic Romance: Contemporary Humor with heat, are you up to it? From a romance with Jack Frost to a star-lit rooftop to sex with an Elvis impersonator, A Touch of Ecstasy sizzles with hot sex, romance, happy endings, and even some unexpected humor. Buy Now Read Excerpt |
A WILD RISE TO PARADISE by Renee Michaels Erotic Romance: Historical/Period, Western, Menage (f/f/m) Intrepid lady gambler, Catharine 'Cat' Bennington's lucky streak has run out. Otis Harlow, the man who murdered her husband, has caught up with her. Rancher Jake Turner, is a widower, and has finally acknowledged that he needs to find a wife to be a mother his two young daughters. Needing a place to hide, Cat travels to Loving, Texas, pretending to be Jake'smail-order-bride. Otis, their common enemy, is hot on her heels. Jake insists they marry, so he can give her the protection of his name, but she refuses. She believes he couldn't satisfy her particular needs. He strikes a bargain with her, if he can fulfill all of her demands. She agrees, thinking he is too unsophisticated to suit her, besides as soon as the danger has passed she was leaving Loving. Little does she know Jake has a surprise or two in store for her. Buy Now Read Excerpt |
THE GOBLIN KING by Belita Renn Erotic Romance: Urban Fantasy, BDSM Will curiosity kill the cat or will she be purring in ecstasy? From a small village where she did all the work and everyone else is lazy, her world is dull wood buildings and dirt streets. When Alex wakes in a world of Goblins where everyone is busy, she is excited and eager to explore. Everyone is in fact goblins of all shapes and sizes as only King Crick is human in form. Everything is colorful and beautiful, even the kings skin changes colors. The Goblin King is busy ruling his kingdom, but he has summoned her to his world to be his Queen. He will gladly take time to rule and love her. Is He the Dom she has been longing for? And does he have a few tricks to keep her thoroughly satisfied? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
FAMILIAR: THE END OF ETERNITY by Annette Shelley Mainstream Romance: Paranormal (Shifter), Interracial/Multicultural Meow! Oh Wow! Is that what I thought it was? Daphne Van Ness recently graduated with her Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University and took a new job with the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. A self-professed cat hater, Daphne travels to Costa Rica to pick up a pair of rare birds when she runs over a cat on a desolate road and soon discovers this small house cat isn’t what he appears to be at all. Who is going to be purring when it turns out all is not as it seems? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN by Stephanie Williams Mainstream Romance: Contemporary, Interracial/Multicultural Who is going to fix who up with what? Alexis Harrison has bought the American Dream. She purchased a huge Colonial fixer-upper in a posh neighborhood. She’s now ready to have a house warming party. All she has to do is find the right person or persons to help her do all the hard work. No problem. She has met and hooked up with the local handyman, the sexy Tony Castellano. But when her house starts falling apart at the seams, so does she. But Tony is there ready to fix things—and not just the house. Tony Castellano, wants to be more than the local handyman to the sexy new neighbor Alexis Harrison. But he’s willing to fix her windows, her pipes and anything else that needs repair as long as he’s near her. But fate has come knocking. Now her house is a total wreak and she needs a place to stay. Now he can show her he can fix more than pipes. Will Tony heat up more than the water or will Alexis deep freeze him? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
~ New Releases (Print) ~ |
HAVING FAITH by Nancy O'Berry Mainstream Romance: Historical/Period, Western ISBN: 978-1-60435-966-4 Price: $8.99 Across the plains of 1870 Wyoming, an extraordinary house exist called Sweetbrier. Inside await lucious laides easy on the eye, schooled in all the graces, and bent on the pleasures of life. Come meet the Ladies of Sweetbrier. When a high stakes poker game offers the chance to win Faith's hand as their paramour, three players meet in the backroom. Drawn to Thaddeus Oakley, the construction foreman of the rail line, she must await the draw of the cards. Will Lady Luck smile upon Major Abrams, the spit and polish army officer who believes women are no more than a mark on the bedpost, Gregory Wilson the older executive from the railroad, or Thaddeus Oakley, the man of her dreams. Who will gain the ultimate prize of Having Faith? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
JUDGEMENT BY FIRE by Glenys O'Connell Mainstream Romance: Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary What happens when old sins demand redemption? Lauren, a love-shy wildlife artist and the two powerful men who love her are caught in a sinister triangle of deceit and betrayal when old sins demand redemption. What would you do if a madman is out to get you? Buy Now Read Excerpt |
04 March 2009
RRP Yahoo Chat Membership Drive
Come join us for the Red Rose Publishing Membership Drive. The 500th, 550th, and 600th member to join will win a grab bag of prizes offered by the RRP authors.
All you have to do is join and send a post telling us how you found out about the drive. The winners will be announced and prizes mailed out once the 600th member joins.
RRP Offered at More Places
Red Rose Publishing presents more ways to get at our content:
Print books are now available at Target.com, as well as Amazon.com. Also, our ebooks are now being carried by My Bookstore and More.
