Writers Across Time

Booksigning in AZ

2008-03-17T01:00:00.003-05:00

From the Sierra Vista Herald, March 16, 2008

Vicki Gaia of Tempe began writing historical romances and contemporary women’s fiction about five years ago.
Gaia, who is also an artist, was surprised to find she enjoyed writing as much as art and has since published six books.
Being a part of writers groups helped her learn how to get published while background as an artist prepared her for critiques of her work. “You have to have a thick skin and not take it personally,” she said.

Last Saturday Vicki Gaia and I spent time at a bookfair in Arizona selling and signing our books. As you can see, Vicki had quite a few of her books available. I was signing both of my inspirationals. I don't know how many books Vicki sold. I only sold a few, but the experience was fun. It was very interesting just talking to the people who stop by your table, even if they don't buy your book.

~~Denise

New Review for Broken Hero!!

2008-03-10T16:41:00.002-05:00

A great review for Broken Hero!

Broken Hero was a wonderfully sweet story. It pulled on my heartstrings and brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t have asked for more heart warming characters which you couldn’t help but suffer with and cheer for. If you are looking for a story that will make you feel deeply and leave with you with the truth that love conquers all, then you shouldn’t miss Broken Hero!

~Reviewed by Lynda from Simply Romance reviews.

Buy Broken Hero in ebook here

Have a great day, Anne.~

Tags: Broken+Hero, Anne+Whitfield, WWII, romance, fiction, ebook, historical+romance

Her Knight Of Seduction....in paperback!!

2008-03-07T13:06:00.001-05:00

It's not March 13th yet...but that's the day my Victorian comes out in paperback. WOO-HOOO!!! So, until then, I'm going to tease you with reviews, and an excerpt of my book. And, of course, the sexy cover!

5-Angels!! I thought Her Knight of Seduction was a compelling read. Megan and Edmund are delightful characters that make chemistry come alive with every turn of the page. Their banter, and mere eye contact, oozes throughout the book. Edmund’s voice alone grasps hold of the reader and holds tightly. They share emotions that practically spring off the pages and touch the reader. Phyllis Campbell pens a historical romance that is most satisfying. She draws her characters very well. They are believable and the storyline flows consistently. The secondary characters add that extra pizzazz to keep the story interesting. Even the mother has traits that can be felt and where this reader wanted to take hold of her and shake her hard. This is one stunning tale that is a winner! ~~ Fallen Angel Reviews / Linda L.

5-Books! "Her Knight of Seduction" is a historical romance set in England of the nineteenth century. This is a lively read, with wonderful, full-bodied characters. Must love give way to betrayal? Society, and the expectations of very upright British families, all hit just the right note here. From hiding in the bed chambers to very proper withdrawing-room conversations, this lively romance will keep you guessing (and hoping) to the end. ~~The Long and Short of It Reviews

5-Blue Ribbons!!! Phyllis Campbell knows how to pen an enchanting
tale that will leave you breathless and reading until all hours of the night. I laughed at the antics and bantering between these two lovely characters and my heart soared at the fairy tale ending. HER KNIGHT OF SEDUCTION will be staying on my keeper shelf. ~ Billie Jo / Romance Junkies

5-Hearts! Phyllis Campbell has certainly made a great contribution to the historical genre and will no doubt be a raising star among its already twinkling heaven. This reviewer strongly recommends all lovers of historical romance to get this book, sit back for a few hours and escape into a world of swishing skirts, rogues, gentlemen and saucy ladies. Reviewed by Valerie / Love Romances

Lady Megan Saxton will do anything—naughty if necessary—not to marry the drunken lord her grandmother selected. But when she thinks she’s trapped herself a duke, will a mistake in identity have her falling in love with the man who put her family in financial ruins?

Clever Scoundrel, Edmund Knight will stop at nothing to take back the deed to his goldmine that has been stolen. When his enemy’s daughter mistakes him for someone else, his plans change. Now he’s after her virginity.

**excerpt**

Every card Megan picked was a high card, and it surprised her to see four Aces in her hand. If what the duke told her about the game was correct, she had won. Lifting her chin in triumph, she smiled.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You, my dear, don’t have a face made for this sort of game.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“By the wide smile stretched across your tempting mouth, I assume you have an exemplary hand?”

She shrugged one shoulder. “How do you know this is not a deliberate attempt to mislead you?”

“No, I’m certain it isn’t.”

“Then do you call?”

He laid down five cards, all the same suit, numbered in order. “If you can beat a small straight, then you have me licked.” He laughed. “And the prospect of being licked sounds rather enjoyable at this moment.”

Megan’s heart thundered in her ears. He shouldn’t have suggested something so shocking. Now she imagined it, too, and it sounded very pleasing.

With shaky hands, she laid her cards on the table.

“I have four Aces and a five of clubs. I suppose that means I win.”

“Yes, you do.” He shrugged, the corner of his lips lifted in a cocky grin. “I’ll now have to forfeit something.”

By his creased forehead and shadowed gaze, he appeared deep in thought. She observed his meditations in keen interest, but his eyes revealed none of his innermost thoughts. Finally, he smiled, reached up and loosened his cravat. “It’s up to you. My cravat or a kiss.”

A cravat? What would she do with his cravat? Yet she knew what she would do with a kiss. She swallowed hard, deciding to let the teasing game play on.

“I will take your cravat.” She grinned and took the article of clothing handed to her, its silky smoothness still warm from his throat. She placed it on her lap, and his musky scent engulfed her, heating her that much more. He gathered the cards and shuffled again.

The next game went as before, and she held four Kings. Amazing. She was better at this game than she thought. It was time for him to forfeit, and he once again pondered on this, biting his bottom lip during the silence.

A grin tugged on his lips. “My waist-coat or a kiss?”

“Your waist-coat.”

With a nod, he smiled and shrugged out of the garment. She knew his game. He was purposely losing.

“Why are you forfeiting your clothing?” she asked in a mocking tone.

“As I see it, you have more need for it than I. Doubtful your riding habit is dry as of yet.”

Megan nodded.

Once the third hand was dealt, she held a royal flush. He’d tricked her! What other excuse could there be? She decided not to say anything, just to see where this led. As he unbuttoned his shirt, she caught a breath in her throat. This wasn’t good; or was it? She had vowed to seduce him, but now faced with disrobing a man in person, the thought made her feel a bit green—yet excitement bubbled inside her chest.

“Your Grace.” She lowered her eyes as her cheeks burned. “I’d rather you leave your shirt on.”

“But my lady, what would you have me forfeit? Are you ready for a kiss?”
“I...I don’t know, but—”

“Have you never seen a man without a shirt?”

Her face scorched with heat. “Once, I accidentally caught my father without a shirt.”

“I assure you, I’m built no differently.”

She dared to look up, and at that moment his shirt came off. Her mouth turned dry. He lied. He wasn’t a thing like her father. Her father would consider himself privileged to have even half the definition the Duke had sculpting his wide chest.

A maelstrom of sensations flooded her mind, and she found she couldn’t remove her gaze from his masculine body. His bronzed body glistened with hardened muscles sprinkled with a few soft hairs around his dark, tight nipples.

Inwardly, she moaned. She swept her tongue across her parched lips to moisten them before swallowing. It didn’t register in her mind that he held out the shirt for her to take until he stood and walked to her. She should have paid better attention.

The shirt dropped in her lap and his masculine scent of spice and leather surrounded her. Bending over, he placed his face very close to hers. Hesitantly, she met his heated stare.

“You know, my sweet lady, you shouldn’t look at a man with wide, curious eyes, and a gaze that devours his body. It might give him improper thoughts.”

Megan swallowed again, this time seeming harder than the last. “Please forgive me, but...you look nothing like...my father.”

He chuckled, tracing his finger along side her jaw before moving back to his chair. She breathed a little easier, but not much.

To purchase ebook at The Wild Rose Press

To purchase ebook at Fictionwise

AND IN YOU WANT PRINT...WAIT FOR MARCH 13TH!!!

~~Phyllis~~

Do You Kindle?

2008-03-05T18:25:00.001-05:00

I don't, at least not yet, but I have a feeling I'm falling in love...

I have to admit Amazon's Kindle does attract my attention. It's still a little expensive for me as yet, but I have it on my wish list and will keep an eye on the price, hoping that in a year or so it might go down. Don't tell me I'm wishful thinking, please, I couldn't bear it.

So anyway, I went to visit the Amazon Kindle page and found that Amazon have sold out of the little machine, which surpised me. I watched the little video and was very impressed with it's features, and Kindle was pushed up a bit higher on my wish list! :o)

I was even more impressed and surprised when I saw my historical WWII romance, Broken Hero, was available for Kindle. Does that make me no longer a Kindle virgin?

http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Hero/dp/B0014ZYUOM/

So if you do Kindle, drop me a line and let me know how you like it. I promise I'll not get too jealous.

hugs, Anne.~

Tags: Kindle, Anne+Whitfield, Broken+Hero, ebooks, Amazon

Vacationing in Atlanta

2008-03-05T08:15:00.004-05:00

Hiya,

I'm vacationing in Atlanta, GA. - exploring a new city. What I love best!

In three days, before my dh started his seminar, we visited: Civil War battlefield, Decateur, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Piedmont Park, Jimmy Carter Center, Library and museum, Coca-Cola, CNN and Centennial Park where Atlanta held the 1996 Olympics. The next few days I'm taking advantage of being outside my home environment to get some writing done. We're staying in Midtown, and walk every night to a new restaurant. Eating, the second best thing I love to do!

I've started a new story that is completely out of my comfort zone. First, I'm writing in First POV instead of my usual 3rd Person POV. Second, it's a Urban Fantasy and not a historical, although I'm using myth for my background in building this fantasy world. Research is research, and I find there is much information to gather! You can go to my blog and read about the Catholic hierarchy of angels which I'm using for my story: http://www.vgaia.blogspot.com/

I'm struggling with a name for my antagonist, a male Throne, one of god's avenging warriors. I've gone through so many angel names and I'm at a loss! It's not coming to me...so if any of you have suggestions, please comment!

Happy Reading,

Vicki
http://www.vickigaia.com/

Ramblings

2008-03-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

I started a new project this weekend. "That's news?" you say. Well, as a matter of fact, yes it is. Why? Because I've been playing at writing on a couple of other projects for almost a year now and neither of them has really kept my attention. So, when I woke up Saturday morning with a scene full-blown in my head, I immediately got up and got on the computer and wrote it. And, I've been adding to it every chance I get.

I'll admit, I haven't been this excited about something new in a very long time, so I'm hoping the momentum stays. Fortunately, after Wednesday I'll have more time to write so I, hopefully, won't let the enthusiasm wane.

At any rate, someday soon I hope to introduce you to Sarah and Max and their assorted "families". As soon as I figure out who they all are.

Stay tuned.

~Denise
http://denisesden.blogspot.com

Broken Hero out now in ebook!

2008-02-29T16:45:00.003-05:00

My WWII romance is now released in ebook!

Blurb
Audrey Pearson’s life changed dramatically when WWII broke out and her large home, Twelve Pines on the East Yorkshire coast, became a convalescence home for wounded soldiers. Her life is no longer lavish with entertainment, beautiful clothes and surrounded by a loving family. Soldiers, physically and mentally wounded now fill her home. The smell of disinfectant replaces her mother’s perfume and gone are the friends and acquaintances - instead nurses roam the hallways.
Captain Jake Harding, a doctor training in psychiatry arrives at Twelve Pines. Audrey immediately finds herself attracted to the Captain, but he is remote towards her. Puzzled by his cold behaviour, Audrey tries to learn more about the handsome Captain. He reveals that he’s lost a wife and baby in childbirth and refuses to ever remarry. However, despite this, Audrey believes she can change his mind and make him aware he doesn’t have to spend his life alone.
The ice around Jake’s heart begins to melt. For years he has rejected the possibility of finding love again because of the pain it caused him before, but the beautiful Audrey shows him her love and she needs someone to love her in return.
Could he honestly walk away from her, from the love that could be his?
Excerpt--
“Can we go for a walk down to the beach?” Lucy asked, flipping the bed sheet up and then pulling it down tight.
Audrey pushed a pillow into a clean pillowcase and sighed. “I don’t know if I can today. Val is having problems with one of the nurses, and—”
“They aren’t your responsibility. You do enough, we all do enough! Blasted army, blasted war.” Lucy gave the sheet a vicious tug. “I’m so tired of it. I want some fun.”
“Lucy—”
“Oh, I just remembered. I forgot to tell you yesterday that there’s a dance on in Brid this Saturday. You’ll come with me, won’t you? Please?”
“We don’t have enough petrol rations to get to Fraisthorpe, never mind Bridlington.”
Lucy grinned. “All sorted. Owen said he’ll drive us in the old cart.”
“The farm cart?” Audrey laughed. “You’ll not be fit to be seen after traveling in a cart.”
“We’ll sweep it out and put blankets in.” Shrugging, Lucy placed the thin green blanket on the end of the bed. “Do say yes, Aud. I’m desperate for a dance. You adore jitterbugging and you’re so good at it. I do hope there’ll be a few Americans in town, they dance so much better than English men.”
“Any man is preferable rather than dancing with other women, as we’ve had to do before.”
“Yes, but that was over a year ago. Now we have so many soldiers based in this area. I heard the Scottish lancers are in town or coming or something.” Lucy spun around. “Men everywhere. I can’t wait.”
“Well, I’ll see. If Valerie doesn’t need me, perhaps.”
Lucy squealed and jumped over the bed to hug and kiss her. A discreet cough separated them and they turned to find Captain Harding lounging in the doorway, smiling at them in his quiet manner. Audrey’s heart did a spin, as it always did whenever she heard or saw him. In the last week, she’d made sure never to be alone with the doctor, not wanting to give him the slightest reason to even think she saw him as anything other than an army doctor here to do a job.
She forced herself to act normal, sophisticated. “Captain Harding, can we be of help?”
His blue eyes held hers for a fraction longer before he straightened. “Yes, Miss Pearson. Sister Lewis was looking for you, as we believe we need another room for Lieutenant Nielson. Unfortunately his nightmares are keeping the rest of the men in his room awake. Is it possible to prepare another room?”
Audrey frowned, she too had heard the poor solider screaming at night, his cries for them to take cover echoed around the house. “Certainly, Captain Harding. Regrettably, my Father believes the rear parlor has some dampness, perhaps there’s a leak in the roof, and we need to fix that before the room is used again.”
“I see.” He rubbed his chin, frowning. “I’d prefer to keep Nielson in his room, as he’s familiar with it, and move the other two men out.”
“We could use Sister Lewis’ office and move everything in there into the drawing room. The office isn’t large but it’ll fit two beds in it.”
“But the officers use the drawing room, Audrey.” Lucy said.
“The officers will simply have to use the dining room and conservatory for their recreational pursuits.” Audrey stepped towards the door.
“Yes, I agree. Sounds like an excellent plan.” Captain Harding didn’t move to let her pass and she stopped to stare at him. “I was wondering Miss Pearson…”
Her mouth dried. “Yes?”
“I overheard you and your sister,” he shot a look at Lucy, “about your forthcoming dance and I was wondering—”
“Do you wish to go with us, Captain?” Lucy asked, her eyes bright. “And dance the jitterbug with Audrey? She’s ever so good.”
Audrey swallowed, knowing her cheeks flamed. A night of dancing with the handsome Captain? She felt light-headed at the thought.
He laughed softly. “I’m afraid not, Miss Pearson, but I do think it would be beneficial for some of the patients, if they could accompany you? A few of them are in desperate need of some semblance of normality. It helps their healing to remember and experience activities that are good fun and have no connection to war and death…”
“Oh yes!” Lucy clapped. “We never get enough men at these dances. Most of the time we have to dance with other women. What a brilliant idea, Captain.”
“Are-are they well enough to attend?” Audrey murmured, continually saddened by the fine men who were staying at Twelve Pines. They suffered such misery. A couple of officers, Johnson and Price, had changed dramatically since arriving and would happily chat and help around the house. There were others though that still kept apart and were quiet, refusing to discuss what they’d experienced.
“I would say three or four of them, yes. Not the men who arrived with me, obviously, but the others are ready for a little light entertainment. It’ll do them good before they return to the front.”
“They leave soon?” For some reason she couldn’t look at him, frightened, she supposed. Frightened he would see something in her face, the emotion she felt being near him. What a shame the good-looking doctor wasn’t coming with them. She could smell the subtle shaving cologne he wore, a mixture of sandalwood and something else she couldn’t name.
“Yes. Jamieson, Winthrop, Fielding and Battersby all leave a week on Friday. They’ve passed their assessments.”
She nodded and took a step, wanting to be gone from the room, from him and from the emotions warring in her. “I’ll go find Sister Lewis.”
“Miss Pearson?”
Side-by-side in the doorway they faced each other. Audrey’s head only reached his shoulder. She stared at the shining buttons on his uniform, not trusting herself to look up at him. “Yes, Captain?”
“On second thought, I think I might accompany the men to the dance.”
She glanced at him, her eyes wide and the difficulty to swallow occurred again. “Very well…”
“Just in case the men need me, of course,” he whispered.
Audrey’s skin tingled as though he had caressed her. “Of course…”

Buy the ebook of Broken Hero here-
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=735&zenid=6f9a68b05b69323373c112229f739547

Paperback available in April.

Regards, Anne.~
http://www.annewhitfield.com
Broken Hero, Her Shadowed Heart and Woodland Daughter, all released soon!

Digital Publishing Has Arrived.

2008-02-20T08:52:00.003-05:00

Digital publishing has hit the mass market. Borders announced its first new concept store featuring digital kiosks where you can download music AND books. Epublishing has arrived, and with a vengence. Amazon has Kindle and Borders has the Sony Ebook Reader.

Here is a portion of an article I read online
http://www.kioskmarketplace.com/article_na_19307.php

14 Feb 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — After more than 18 months of development and testing, Borders will unveil the first of its new concept stores when grand opening festivities kick off Feb. 22 at its new store in Ann Arbor, Mich., the company's hometown. The 28,900-square-foot concept store — the first of 14 the company expects to open nationwide this year — represents a significant enhancement over existing Borders stores inside and out and fulfills the company's mission to be a headquarters for knowledge and entertainment, officials said.

The first Borders Concept Store in the nation is located in Ann Arbor, Mich. According to a news release, one of the highlights of the new store is its Digital Center. Within the Digital Center there are multiple computer kiosks and stations dedicated to new services including music and book downloading as well as mixing and making custom CDs through "Borders Digital Music," which features millions of titles to choose from.

Pretty interesting, isn't it. Epublishing is now the wave of the future...although it's been around since the early 90's. I believe it's taken a new generation of computer savvy readers to embrace the technology and bring it forth. When I write at my local coffeeshop, I'm amazed at the number of 20+ and 30+ - somethings watching a movie on their iPod or PS2, reading their text messages on their tiny cell phone screen, reading the newspaper online. They are used to reading online and enjoy it as well as reading a print book. Everyone at the coffeehouse is plugged into their laptop, and connected to the Internet, and therefore, has access to the world.

It's exciting to witness this change.

Happy Reading!
Vicki
http://www.vickigaia.com

President's Day

2008-02-18T21:22:00.002-05:00

It's another holiday. Another day off. Another reason for the stores to have sales. Another reason to sit around and do nothing. One wonders why we have them.

I suspect Presidents Washington and Lincoln would find it amusing that their birthdays are cause for a holiday. I, of course, liked it best when we got BOTH days off, which did happen occasionally when I was in elementary school. (Yes, I'm THAT old!) Before the Monday Holiday bill of 1968, Washington's birthdate (Feb 22) was the official holiday, but the retail community was already hypeing the 10-day difference between Washington's and Lincoln's birthdates (Feb 12) and advertising "President's Day" sales.

Washington's birthday holiday was actually the first holiday for a famous person's birthday. Before then, the only days recognized as holidays were New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - all recognized in a bill that passed in 1870. Washington's birthday was added in the late 1870s. Interestingly enough, when the Monday Holiday Bill was being debated and Washington's birthday was being set on the 3rd Monday of February. No one seem to care that Feb 22 would NEVER fall on the third Monday. And the good representative from Illinois, who was given the job of shepherding the bill through the House Judiciary Committee, was content to "let sleeping dogs lie" as he knew that Lincoln's birthday stood a good chance of occasionally falling on that same 3rd Monday.

So, what do you do on President's Day? Is it a day off with just fun and games for you. Or, are you one of the millions of retail workers in this country who don't get the holiday because of all the "sales?" It is amazing that we don't really celebrate "holidays" anymore - at least not those that are historical in nature.

~~Denise

Book Signing with NICOLE JORDAN!

2008-02-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

Well, one of my dreams came true last week. I did a book signing with a BIG NY Times Best Selling Author of historicals....NICOLE JORDAN!!!

She is in my RWA Chapter, and what a great person she is to have a signing with. We were at Barnes & Noble last Saturday for a Valentine's Day signing. Besides us, there were three other authors. Of course Nicole had sold out of her books and she had to go out to her car to get another box of books. One day I hope to be able to do that at a signing.

I was disappointed in the Bookstore because they didn't have the proper signs for any of the authors, so pretty much we just looked like we were sitting at a book display table holding a pen with a bottle of water by our arm. Sheesh! But we still had a pretty good signing. Most of the authors sold almost all of their books.

Afterwards, as I was driving home, I was thinking over the afternoon and realized I'd always wanted to do a book signing with a big author. Then it reminded me of my very first book signing. It was during my RWA Conference, and our guest authors were Brenda Novak and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Of course Sherrilyn's fans packed the house, but it was very interesting to watch how her fans trickled down to the other author's tables. The sign on my table read: Marie Higgins aks Phyllis Campbell. I wondered why they even had my other name. After all it was Phyllis signing! But I sold quite a few books, and it wasn't until later when I discovered why. Apparently, Sherrilyn's fans read 'Higgins' and thought I was Mary Higgins Clark. hahahahah But hey...it helped me sell some books, right?

~Phyllis~

My Latest Historical

2008-02-14T10:46:00.002-05:00

I'm currently writing a new historical romance entitled ONCE A DREAMER. You might have heard of it before, but if you haven't, I'll refresh your memory. Champagne Books has a new continuity series, made up of six authors, and it's about the Orphan Train. The Orphan Train was a program used in the late 1800's and into the early 1900's where orphans from back east got on a train bound west for a new family, a better life. Sometimes they found it.

Sometimes they didn't.

Each girl in our series is a girl on the train, who've made a pact to meet up with each other again in 10 years time. And of course, they find love along the way. My particular book is set in Dodge City, KS and I'm having a blast. Why?

Because Doc Holliday is one of my secondary characters.

I've immersed myself in research, finding out more about the infamous man, and I'm not ashamed to say I watched Tombstone recently to get in the mood. Gotta love Val Kilmer. :)

It's been a fun experience. Doc was ruthless with his guns, it's true, but did you know he was also a very refined Southern gentleman? One of my crit partners asked me while reading a bit from my book if Doc would "really talk like that". The answer is - yes. Doc loved his mother deeply, but she died of TB when he was a young man. It is widely believed Doc contracted his TB from her. She taught him many things, especially how to be respectful to ladies and how to be a gentleman. She sent him to school to learn about music, fine art, and different languages.

This makes Doc Holliday even more interesting than some other notorious gunslingers. I believe he refined his gentlemanly qualities, and perhaps brought you down a peg or two while being the epitome of polite. And I think being polite while laying down the smack is definitely a skill to be learned.

But I also believe Doc had fun with his life. Sure, he was sickly, and usually numbed with whiskey (as people said he never got drunk no matter how much he drank), but I think Mr. Holliday enjoyed life. He knew he was eventually going to die. He'd watched his mother wither away--her fate was his. This is the reason he became careless with life itself. He became a gunfighter, in part, to die from a bullet rather than the painful, savage lung disease.

Poor Doc, however, his life didn't quite play out like that. He died in bed, barefoot, ravaged after all by his malady. Amazingly enough, he had the strength to laugh at that irony before he passed on.

I think I would have liked to have met Mr. Holliday. He's such a fascinating man. Moreso to me than Wyatt Earp or Jesse James or any other gunman from the Wild West. He was complicated, refined, and dangerous. I can only hope what I've written in my book has done him justice. I'd like to think that despite his darker side, Doc would want to see two people find love and maybe even help them in that regard.

One thing you can say for Mr. Holliday - he was loyal, and when he made a friend, he stuck by them, through thick or thin. But when he made an enemy, you best watch the heck out. Good thing my hero, Benjamin Sawyer, is someone he considers a friend. I'd hate for him to be on the receiving end of one of the fastest draws in the West! :)

~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

TIME

2008-02-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

And I'm not talking about traveling back in time in our minds to write about a different era in history, I'm thinking of MY TIME and how I can find it to write!

Sigh. There are times that I wish I wrote hard-core Science Fiction. Maybe I could then dream up a way to multiply time. Or, I could borrow from J.K. Rowling and use the time turner necklace Hermoine had to get all of her extra classwork done.

I've looked for TIME in the evenings after I get home from work -- too exhausted. I've tried to find TIME once the kids are in bed -- too distracted. I've even thought I found TIME by getting up at 5:00 am -- too dazed. Now and then I'd discover TIME during my lunch hour at work -- too short.

In the past, I envied those writers who didn't have full-time jobs outside the home. Certainly *they* had enough TIME to write. But, alas, the grass is not always greener. Turns out, they struggle to find it too. Whenever TIME appears, something else important sneaks in to fill it up. Even when I've found a few moments to myself, I find I need to work on something else: write on my blog, expand my promotion, answer emails, eat chocolate...

The lesson I'm learning the hard way as I follow this journey is the old cliche: time and tide wait for no man

TIME won't stand still. It won't open up a wide window in which I have nothing else to do. The laundry will always be there. The crumbs multiply by the hour. The kids want to be driven somewhere. The cat wants to be petted. The husband needs some attention. I need a shower.

No, my friends, we have to make TIME. And I don't mean in the Science Fiction sense. I mean in the multi-tasking and/or sacrificing sense. The laundry waits to be folded. The crumbs get eaten by the cat. The husband drives the kids. Sometimes I shower.

I'm figuring out ways to do more than one thing at a time. I've now mastered the art of working on my laptop while walking on the treadmill. Yes, folks, it can be done. While falling asleep, I write the next scene in my head. While watching TV with the hubby, I work on revisions or write new scenes during commercials. Are any of these ideal? Are they solid blocks of uninterrupted TIME? No. But they are enough to move me forward.

Perhaps a day will come when the children are grown, maids clean the house, and the husband pets the cat. Perhaps that life will give me more TIME to write. Then again, I'll always need that shower.

Rodeo Thoughts

2008-02-08T08:27:00.000-05:00

Do you like rodeos? I do - love everything about them. The horses, the cowboys, the boots, the tight Wrangler jeans, and the excitement too.

I love watching the cowgirls run flat out on their horses when they're doing the barrel competition. Using their knees to steer a 1200 pound animal is amazing. They're all so wonderful.

Then, of course, there's the men. The cowboys... sigh. I am so transparent, aren't I? Geez, you'd think I could at least contain the drool, but no, I turn into a blubbering idiot who stares.

I wrote one novella based around a rodeo called The Harder They Fall. It was part of a Christmas anthology with Lena Matthews and Maggie Casper published by Loose Id. It was a lot of fun to write.

:)

American Cowboy is having an amateur photo contest on their site. You need to go check out all the pictures and vote, but I thought I'd share my favorites.

This one is my favorite cowboy shot.

And this one with the little cowboy is absolutely precious.

Shout Out Loud

2008-02-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

In the state I live in, it's the primaries. Super Tuesday is upon us, and I woke up in anticipation of this day.

Voting Day is like a holiday for me. Every time I walk into a voting booth it reminds me what incredible freedoms we have as Americans. I want to shout out loud how fun this is - to be able to exercise this right every time we have a primary or election.

No matter if we're Democratic, Republican, or no party affliation, we have the right to our opinion and can vote how we please. Because, when you're in the voting booth, and it's just you and ballot, no one can tell you who to choose for your candidate.

So I hope all of you who are registered to vote, and it's a primary for your state, exercise this right today - and relish in the excitement like I do! Go...Vote...Shout Out Loud!

Happy Voting!

Vicki

http://www.vickigaia.com/

Broken Hero by Anne Whitfield

2008-02-05T00:38:00.001-05:00

My World War II romance novel, Broken Hero will be released shortly and I wanted to share the blurb and a small excerpt with you.

Blurb

Audrey Pearson’s life changed dramatically when WWII broke out and her large home, Twelve Pines on the East Yorkshire coast, became a convalescence home for wounded soldiers. Her life is no longer lavish with entertainment, beautiful clothes and surrounded by a loving family. Soldiers, physically and mentally wounded now fill her home. The smell of disinfectant replaces her mother’s perfume and gone are the friends and acquaintances - instead nurses roam the hallways.

Captain Jake Harding, a doctor training in psychiatry arrives at Twelve Pines. Audrey immediately finds herself attracted to the Captain, but he is remote towards her. Puzzled by his cold behaviour, Audrey tries to learn more about the handsome Captain. He reveals that he’s lost a wife and baby in childbirth and refuses to ever remarry. However, despite this, Audrey believes she can change his mind and make him aware he doesn’t have to spend his life alone.

The ice around Jake’s heart begins to melt. For years he has rejected the possibility of finding love again because of the pain it caused him before, but the beautiful Audrey shows him her love and she needs someone to love her in return.

Could he honestly walk away from her, from the love that could be his?

Excerpt:-

“Will you have a bowl, Captain Harding?” Price threw him the ball.
“No, I don’t think so.” Jake glanced at Audrey.
“Frightened I might hit you for six, Captain?” she teased.
He stood and juggled the ball from hand to hand, his gaze not leaving hers. “Not at all, Miss Pearson.”
Audrey swallowed, watching him walk to the bowlers mark. Her stomach twisted into knots at the challenge. After missing his first two balls, she realised he was very good at this game and was determined not to let her win this match between them. He had a steely look in his eyes, his expression grim.
She managed to hit his next delivery back over his head. Jake looked at her in surprise as the men whooped and clapped at the shot. “Run Colonel! Run!” she called.
“Someone get that ball,” Jake yelled, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration. He glared at Audrey as she came to his end of the wicket.
“Don’t take pity on me simply because I’m a woman, Captain.” She grinned at him and turned to stand at the side. “I’m stronger than you know.”
The ball was thrown back to him, he caught it and then paused to examine the stitching. “I don’t doubt that for a moment, Miss Pearson.”
Inside, Audrey smiled. She was getting to him, unsettling his ordered life. She wasn’t someone he could dismiss without another thought, she wouldn’t let him.

Coming soon in both ebook and paperback...

Regencies and Victorians

2008-02-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

How do you tell the difference between a Regency and a Victorian without checking the date?

I've been pondering this question since a cp once told me that my Victorian sounded like a Regency. OK, I thought, that's fair. After all, I started writing the book as a Regency, but once I developed the backstory, it became a Victorian. Then, when it was released, the first review of it called it a Regency. I just shook my head.

The Victorian period is quite different from the Regency. There's not quite as much excess and "over the top" displays of wealth. The Regency period was a time of Napoleon and the war, then celebration of it's end. It was the time of Almack's and the Marriage Mart. The Victorian period was characterized by change. The Industrial Revolution was ushered in during this time. People, including the nobility, were more cognizant of social issues: education, health care, working conditions, etc.

The problem is, unless you emphasize some of these differences, your Victorian DOES sound a lot like a Regency. Case in point: This weekend I read Leslie LaFoy's The Duke's Proposal. I loved it for two reasons - the plot was wonderful and Ian and Fiona were characters that were easy to identify with. For me, it was more Fiona than Ian, but having studied the time period, I also understood Ian's point of view. Watching these two dance around each other, go to balls and parties, and end up compromised so that they were expected to marry, was fun. But, about a third of the way into the book, I had to go back and check the date. Guess what? It was a Victorian!

And, despite my comment above about emphasizing the social issues - Ms. LaFoy's was health care and a woman's struggle because of her interest in medicine - it still read like a Regency to me.

The second reason I loved it was because I got a glimpse into how another author handled the situation of a member of the nobility who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and be something other than a self-indulgent member of the House of Lords. And, because my third Victorian also has a character like Ian in it. But, that's a post for another day.

So, what's a reader (or writer, for that matter) to do? I don't have an answer except to enjoy the ride and all the wonderful books out there. Whether Regency or Victorian, it's the story that counts after all.

Imagining my hero

2008-02-01T20:17:00.001-05:00

A week from tomorrow is my RWA Chapter meeting. We will be learning how to put images to our story through actual pictures. I've never done this before, but I've heard many authors do it. They have an actual picture of their characters which they use when they write their stories.

In my current WIP (work in progress), my hero has been cursed by a witch, and he turns into a wolf every time he lusts after a woman. Not like a werewolf, though. My story is historical paranormal and has a gothic feel to it. Lately, I've had one picture in mind for my hero - since I'm a HUGE Moonlight fan. Gotta love that Mick!

The only bad thing about this pic is that he doesn't look very historical.

Another picture comes to mind when I think of historical heroes. I've adored this one for years since I first watched "Ever After". Ahhhh...

Who is your favorite hero?

~Phyllis~

"I Have A Dream. . ."

2008-01-21T00:34:00.000-05:00

Today in the U.S. is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The day we celebrate the civil rights activist and his vision of racial equality and justice. And, while his legacy conjures up memories of confrontations between Black and White citizens, he was about so much more.

Students of history learn that throughout the centuries, people have yearned for many things. Whether they are slaves yearning to be free, women yearning to have a voice, peasants or serfs yearning for independence, or rulers yearning for peace, all people have dreams. Whether everyone's dreams ought to be fulfilled or not probably depends on the dream.

Some would say that Martin Luther King, Jr's dream was impossible. That racial tension is a fact of life and we should learn to deal with it. Others will say we are gaining on it. That opportunities have opened up and people are more accepting than they were in the past. Still, others might remind us that prejudice still exists - it has just shifted from the arena of race to other arenas.

History, however, shows that things do change. Two hundred years ago a woman might not have dared to think she should be anything other than a wife and mother. Two hundred years ago, Martin Luther King's ancestors were still slaves. If the strides gained by just women and blacks in the last two hundred years is not sufficient evidence of change, I'm not sure I know what is. That doesn't mean, however that there is no place else to go. History reminds us that as one group gains a measure of independence, another crops up that is disenfranchised or marginalized. And the cycle continues.

So, today, on the day we celebrate the pursuit of a dream, I leave you with a link to King's historic speech (I Have A Dream) and hope that you, too, have dreams - and are willing to pursue them.

~Denise

Dreaming BIG!

2008-01-18T12:23:00.001-05:00

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

We've heard this many times...especially if you're a romance writer. On Karen A Fox's website, she talks about the different publishers and what an author can expect to be paid in advance for our first book. I have three stories that I could get published right away, and two more that I have half-way written. So let's say I could sell five books this year. (remember, I'm dreaming big here!)

If I sold my historical Courting Disaster (still need to figure out another title!) to AVON, I would get an advance of $3,500.

If I sold my historical Spanish Eyes to Harlequin Historicals, I'd get an advance of $5,000.

If I sold my contemporary Down & Dirty to Silhouette Desire, I'd get an advance of $4,000.

If I sold my historical paranormal Night Secrets to TOR, I'd get an advance of $8,000.

And finally, if I geared one of my other stories for Harlequin American, I'd get an advance of $4,000.

NOW...what if I could sell all these books in ONE YEAR (yes, I'm still dreaming big)? I'd get $24,500 just in advances. Yes, that's very sweet, isn't it?

I know writing books isn't supposed to be all about how much money an author can make, but I've been with small presses for four years now, and I really would like to make money from my books since I really haven't so far.

So..will 2008 be my lucky year? We shall find out....

~Phyllis~

Ah, for the good old days?

2008-01-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wish I could go back to another time -- something with a slower pace; a more gentle feel; simpler technology.

But then I get a good dose of reality.

Case in point: my 9-year-old woke up this morning and proceeded to throw up everything she had in her stomach... and then some. :P Not a pleasant experience for either one of us. So off to the doctor, chuck-bucket in hand, and home again with strict guidelines on what she can or cannot have. And what to do if her tummy still doesn't settle.

A hundred years ago, what would have happened to this sweet little tomboy of mine? I shudder to think. Over the course of her young life, she's been hospitalized twice with dehydration. She's about average size for her age, but to me she seems so thin and reed-like. Fragile. Especially when she gets sick. Those were scary times for me as her mother, but at least I had that benefit of a hospital and doctor that knew what they were doing. I didn't have to care for her alone.

In retrospect, the present might not be such a bad place to live, after all. It depends on what you make of it, I think. Not to mention how you manage to unwind and slow yourself down -- even when you can't slow down the world.

Maybe a hundred or even fifty years from now, the world will look at our current forms of medicine and shudder. It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it? Perspective, discovery, attitude, and time....

No wonder they call it 'practicing' medicine. ;)

Ideas - it's a start

2008-01-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

I'm at an interesting place in my life. My slate is clean and I can begin fresh. I have no contracts looming, no edits to get in the way. I can begin a story from scratch...change genres if I so desire...go in a totally different direction. All of this is is GREAT, but also mind-boggling! I'm paralyzed with too many ideas.

Do you ever get this way? Indecision because of too many paths to take?

I have four story ideas dancing in my head. Like sugar plums, all plump, tempting and sweet. Now, I could gorge myself with all of them, or pick the very best one, but which one would taste the sweetest?

That's the hard part. I want to write what readers want...but that's the 'million dollar question' - what is reader's preference: paranormal, stories less than 60K words, vampires, werewolves stalking in the night, alpha males, nerds, suspense, inspirational, erotica, mystery, magic...

See what I mean. It's enough to freeze my fingers to the keyboard.

So I'll start with my four story ideas - write the first chapters - and hope one of the characters will whisper in my ear - "Tell my story, bonehead!"

Happy Reading
Vicki
http://www.vickigaia.com

Cover!

2008-01-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

Got my new cover for A TARNISHED HEART! This is the story that was SECRET INTENTIONS, but is now with a new publisher and will have a new life! YAY! The back of the corset you see on this cover is the image from my website/blog and so it's certainly a good step toward branding myself. Hopefully that image from now on will make readers think of sensual historicals by Leslie Dicken!

I'd love to hear any feedback you have!

Australian Romance Readers Convention

2008-01-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrate romance fiction at the inaugural Australian Romance Readers Convention. Meet your favourite authors, discuss your preferred sub-genres, buy books and party!

Planning has just started for the inaugural convention. To register your interest as a participant (readers and authors), sponsor or trade display please download the expression of interest form or email us at ARRC09@gmail.com
Your answers will help us to plan the best event possible. You can be added to the mailing list and we will keep you up to date with information on the convention or simply add ARRC Blog to your Favourites and come back to visit us frequently to read about the latest plans, news and to see blog updates!

http://www.australianromancereaders.blogspot.com:80/

Resolutions...to list or not to list.

2008-01-02T08:52:00.000-05:00

I've been absent from blogging for a while. Partly, because my 'reminders' were going into my delete box for some weird reason (hmm...is that Freudian?). Also, I'm terrible at keeping up with all my blogs. I could have listed 'be diligent in my blogging' as one of my resolutions for 2008, but why bother. After all these years, I know myself better...what I'll accomplish and what I won't.

This doesn't mean I bypass writing down my resolutions. I LOVE making a list for the upcoming year...lists are my passion, because without one, I'm hopeless at remembering my tasks.

The start of a new year means a new beginning for many of us. I have an annual dinner party, and invite my friends over for food and wine to mark the passage of time. After we had plenty of wine, and stuffed ourselves with roasted pork, potatoes, fresh applesauce and salad (not to mention the chocolate torte!), I gave everyone a piece of paper, envelope and pen. They were instructed to write a letter to themselves, of what they wanted to accomplish for the new year. After they were done, they stuffed their letter into their self addressed envelope. I tied the bundle of letters with colorful ribbons - to mark it special. They will be mailed at the end of next year. I believe my friends will be amazed when they read their letters and what they'd accomplished just by writing it down. [You can try this at home!]

I wish everyone a joyful 2008!

Happy Reading!

Vicki Gaia

http://www.vickigaia.com/

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

Just wondering...