Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time of year that we reflect on the past year and give thanks for everything we've been blessed with.

I'm thankful for my two awesome kids, who are wonderful about knowing when mommy is stressed over a deadline and being very understanding about it. One day I'm going to get those kids to Disney:) They deserve it.

I'm thankful for my mom, dad and sister, who are very supportive of my dreams and encourage me to continue. Who help me with my kids on my weekends, so I can go to my day job, and don't give me any fuss when I have to miss a Sunday dinner because a deadline is close and I'm not anywhere near being finished. 

I'm thankful for my totally awesome critique partners, who didn't blink an eye last month when I was posting chapters like crazy as I wrote the second book of my paranormal series. They jumped right in and was there every step of the way, offering me encouragement when I was totally panic-stricken that I wasn't going to finish. I love these ladies. They've helped me become the writer I am, and I'll never forget that.

I'm thankful for Entangled Publishing for taking a chance on me, and making me feel like my dreams are truly within my grasp.

And last but certainly not least, I'm extremely thankful for my roommates. Without them the last two years would've been impossible to get through. We have each others backs at all time. If one of us has something happen, the others step up to pitch in and help. It might not be the most conventional living situation, it's crowded at times, and constantly chaotic, but I wouldn't change it. It's a safety net a lot of newly single parents don't have and I'm extremely grateful that I have it. One day we'll all be back on our feet, ready to go our separate ways, but this time will never be forgotten, and will always hold treasured memories for both me and my kids.

Abby

Heroines with Fire

Hello, everyone, please welcome our special guest today, Eliza Knight, as she talks about creating worthy heroines for those hot, strong heroes. She is generously giving away an ebook copy of one of her books to one commenter! To be entered, please leave a comment and your email address so we can contact you. Thanks!
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Heroines with Fire
By Eliza Knight

I tend to spend a lot of time talking about how I love hawt heroes :-) And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that is there?

But today I wanted to talk about my heroines. The truth is, we have to love the heroines too, right? She has to be worthy of our hero in order for us to not hate her when they fall in love. Considering that at least half the book will be in her head, we’ll have to want to be there.

I like my heroines to be clever, fiery and kick-a**. I want them to be able to make decisions, take care of themselves if they have too—but still be able to lean on the hero. They have to have issues which they learn to overcome.  They aren’t perfect, because none of us are, and I hate a perfect heroine!

What goes into creating a heroine? I’ll give ya the breakdown of how I start…

~Physical: Hair, eyes, height, body-shape, distinguishing marks

~Personality: Strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, fears

~GMC: Goals, Motivation, Internal Conflict and External Conflict (this includes backstory)

~Skills: What are her skills? All of my heroines are good at something.

 

Once I have all that figured out, I start writing so I can see her come alive on the page and in my mind. Seeing her in action is the best way to make sure I’ve developed her well, that she is a strong character, not lackluster.

What makes a heroine strong? A “real” personality, one we can relate to and root for. “Real” fears and weaknesses. When I say real, I mean that they make sense to the story, that the reader isn’t wondering why the heck that’s in there. For example, if my heroine had a fear of being taken, but nothing substantiated that, then why would she be fearful of it? I want her to have realistic goals for the story, and I want her skills to prove useful.

Skills you say? Aye, indeed, she must be able to do something.

Skills rap-sheet…

Arbella from THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD: Arbella can knock a man out with her knife-hand strike. She’s also a good cook.

knife-hand strike

Aliah from THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST: Aliah can understand Gaelic, is skilled with a bow and arrow—and she soon learns she’s also skilled with sewing a man up.

Sorcha from HIGHLANDER BRAWN: Sorcha is skilled at knife-throwing, which she didn’t realize would actually land her a husband she doesn’t want…

Myra from THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY (releasing 12/15): Myra is skilled at being invisible, which stems from her fear of capture. She can also fashion a spear if needed.

What do you look for in a heroine? Leave a comment for your chance to win an ecopy of either Book One or Two of Eliza’s Stolen Bride Series (THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD, THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST) & a copy of Eliza’s short novella HIGHLANDER BRAWN.

THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST (Book Two: The Stolen Bride Series)

What is a Highlander to do when he falls for the daughter of his enemy?

Highland warrior, Blane Sutherland, has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor—and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.

And what is a lady to do when she cannot trust her heart?

Aliah is skeptical of the English noble who has come to take her to her father and sister in Scotland, but she pushes her doubts aside. Without word in months, she must make certain her family is safe, then she can return to England to join the convent to which she has sworn to pledge her life. But then her escort reveals his true self—he’s a Highlander and his kisses are more seductive than the sweetest of wines.

Surrender never tasted so sweet…

Read it! Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. To learn more about Eliza’s books visit her at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor 
Twitter: @ElizaKnight

Wedded Bliss

I'm doing a drive-by post since I'm recovering from having the second part of my reconstruction surgery earlier this week. I'm hanging in there, but I might be juuuuust a little loopy on pain meds... :)

 

Even so, I wanted to stop in and let you know about an anthology I'm in along with The Queen of Steam, Jaid Black, Sky Robinson, Dena Garson and Kelli Scott. Each of the novellas included in Wedded Bliss have one thing in common -- all of the hero and heroines are married before any hanky-panky happens. This is the first print anthology for Ellora's Cave's Branded series, where no sex before marriage is key. But after the "I do's" are said? It's game on!

My novella, Getting Naughty, is the second story in the book. Here's the blurb and a link to an excerpt. You can find Wedded Bliss now at Ellora's Cave and other retailers.

BTW, isn't the cover gorgeous?

Getting Naughy Blurb:

Tara North is tired of her husband’s workaholic tendencies, tired of not being a priority. And very tired of the lack of action in their bedroom. So she sits in the company parking lot, impatiently waiting for his coworkers to vacate the building. Why? To seduce her husband, of course.

Tara’s going to get their sex life back on the fast track to Blissville. As she strips for him, Tara issues a challenge—how many times can Jared make her come before the cleaning crew reaches his office?

There’s only one way to find out. It’s time for Jared to really get to work.

 

Click here for a sexy excerpt!

 

Enjoy!

 

Kristin

www.kristindaniels.com

www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels

http://twitter.com/kristin_daniels

 

 

 

Everything Old is New Again...Yippee!

 We had a touch of snow down our way recently, and, although it melted right away, it reminded me that December is almost here, which reminded me that it will be six years ago on 12/6 that my first purely erotica piece was published. It was my first foray into getting published in the genre, and I've continued to write in the area ever since. As the seasons change, though, and the continuation of life comes full circle, so does a writer's career, and mine has done just that recently.

Over the last few months, I've requested and gotten the rights back to most of my books. I have plans for each of them, whether it be placing them with another publisher or trying to produce them myself, and I am really, really excited to get the chance to work with them again. It feels like getting a first contract on each book all over again, which is really sort of cool. I mean, who expects to feel the ecstasy of a first kiss more than once?

It also sort of feels like a rebirth, because I'll be going through each book and editing it, updating it and, in some cases, putting in what I had to take out. For example, one editor I had, who left the company soon after my book was published, raved about my "romantic comedy" and then proceeded to have me remove anything remotely amusing in it. All that's going back in, even though trying to figure how much and what I revised is going to be somewhat of a tough task after all these years.

I also have some new stories I will be combining with some of the older ones in collections, and a couple of never-before-seen pieces that need a chance to leave the literary nest that is my computer hard drive. I still have two books and a story in an anthology available--Second Nature, Seducing Gracie, and Going Somewhere (Firestorm Anthology)--until the others debut all shiny and renewed.

I just wanted to share my endeavor with readers because I've been getting inquiries about my next book, but also because you've have been incredibly supportive and wonderful about my books though the years. I can't thank you enough...or can I? Should I have a special promotion for the anniversary of my writing career in December? Hmmm, that's a thought. What kind of promo do you like the best? Any ideas? Please do share!

Starting Book Three

So after taking a week and a half away from writing, my brain and body feels refreshed and ready to tackle book three. I have a sick baby at home today with a stomach bug. I'm not sure how much writing I will get done with her here, but even if I only get a few words down at least I've finally started. I won't have to write this one as quickly as I did Liam's story. With the holidays right around the corner, it's going to pretty much impossible to get that kind of word count again. Thanksgiving is next week, and the kids are out of school for three days and then it's just a couple of weeks until Christmas where they are out for almost two weeks.

Kids and writing just don't go hand in hand anymore.

Anyway this book should be a little easier to write. I hope. Liam's book was so dark (and exhausting). A lost love romance with a lot of heartache, and a conflict that kept them a part all the way to the bitter end. Britton's is the polar opposite. An enemy-to-lovers romance. My heroine is a badass homicide detective who doesn't back down from my hero's (a street cop) taunting mouth. In fact, she gives just as good as she receives. The banter between these two during Liam's story was simply fun, and I'm looking forward to more.

Here's to a healthy word count!!!
Abby

Stirling Castle, Scotland, Part 2: The Palace & Stirling Heads

The Palace and the Queen Anne Garden

Stirling Castle is a royal castle that stands high on a volcanic crag over the plains below. In the past, this site was one of the most strategic locations in Scotland. It was said that to hold Stirling was to hold Scotland. Because of this, it was attacked fairly often and was the focus of the important battles of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and Bannockburn in 1314. From the 1100s, Stirling was one of the favorite homes for kings and queens in Scotland. It includes an interesting group of buildings which were built in the 1500s for the Stewart court. In the 1600s after the king decided to live elsewhere, Stirling was converted into a garrisoned fortress for soldiers.

Detailed carvings on the exterior of the Palace

 Stirling has been described as ‘a huge brooch clasping the Highlands and Lowlands together.’ It overlooks Stirling Bridge, and hundreds of years ago, controlled who was allowed to cross the River Forth. The castle played a key role in the Wars of Independence and was extremely damaged. It was rebuilt several times and this is why only the later buildings survive above the ground.

View from the French Spur where several cannons sit. Stirling Bridge, River Forth, and the Wallace Monument.

A pepper-pot sentry box

We had to duck to enter the low door of the pepper-pot sentry box. 

View from one of the arrow slits in the Forework

The Forework, the Palace and the walls of the French Spur

 The beech tree seen above is over 200 years old.

The King's Old Building

 Shown above is the Inner Close and the King's Old Building which dates to 1496 and housed the royal apartments of King James IV.

1538-42 James V had this building, the Palace, built for himself and his French queen, Mary of Guise. He wanted to send a message to the world: that he was a wise and virtuous ruler. The king decorated the outside of the palace with over 250 sculptures designed to proclaim the peace, prosperity and justice of his reign.

 The upper floor of the Palace is where the Stirling Heads Gallery is located. It is like a museum and a great place to learn about courtly life during the 1500s. Below are some quotes from the posted information.

 “1539 James V commissions a series of carved timber portraits – the Stirling Heads – to decorate the palace ceilings. The Stirling Heads visually presented James V credentials and demonstrated his right to rule.”

"‘Virtue and good actions… good training and… an array of family portraits,’ these were the qualities of a Christian prince in the 1500s. Making and exchanging portraits was an important part of political strategy. Portraits were given to seal political alliances and formed part of the negotiations of marriage contracts."

 King Henry VIII of England celebrated his geneology in a similar way to James V. But whereas Henry VIII could point to only two generations. James V could claim a long and unbroken family line going back to Robert II, the first of the Stewart monarchs.

Over a period of ten years Historic Scotland, together with other experts, has undertaken detailed research into the Stirling Heads, the sculptures and the palace. What you see today is the result of careful analysis by historicans, archaeologists and conservators to reveal some of the meaning behind James V’s elaborate design for his palace. The knowledge has enhanced our understanding and helped establish the designs used to recreate the rooms and ceiling of the palace.

Experts used tree-ring dating technique known as ‘dendrochronology’ to analyse the oak from which the Stirling Heads are carved. They discovered that the timber was grown in Poland and felled in 1539 before being brought here to be carved.

State-of-the-art 3D laser scanning recorded every detail of a Head. Painstaking analysis has shown that the Heads were originally painted. Although the carvings have lost most of their decoration some tiny paint fragments still survive. From studying these, experts have discovered a little about how the paint was originally applied, helping to build up a picture of the likely original colour scheme in the palace.

These Stirling Heads were designed to reinforce James V’s credentials by aligning him with other powerful men. Two of them probably represent his ancestors, while the others depict men of power and influence. By Displaying his friends in high places, the king affirms that he, like them, is one of the most powerful leaders in Europe.

The more ancient and unbroken the line of royal ancestors to which a king could lay claim, the less likely that his authority could be disputed. Portraits were a valuable way of demonstrating this inheritance.

One of the Heads may depict Charles V (1500 – 58) who was Holy Roman Emperor and heir to four of Europe’s leading dynasties. Throughout James V’s lifetime, Scotland was caught in an ever-shifting balance of power between France, England and the Holy Roman Empire. By including Charles V in the Heads, James made it clear that he was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the most powerful ruler in Europe.

In 1777, the enormous weight of the Stirling Heads caused part of the ceiling in the King’s Inner Hall to collapse. This drawing, from 1817, is the earliest attempt to suggest how the ceiling may have originally looked.

Now, the King's Inner Hall has been redone and restored to what is believed to be its original freshly-painted condition, including the heads on the ceiling. You can compare the original Jester to the redone, painted jester above.

James V stands on the north-east corner of the Palace. (Below) This sculpture is supported by a square column decorated with a floral motif. He stands beside the classical gods Saturn and Venus and looks down on visitors. Saturn and Venus symbolize peace and plenty. The art and architecture was influenced by the palaces of France and ancient Rome.

I hope you enjoyed this visit to the Palace at Stirling Castle. I have more photos to show of the restored interior of the Palace next time.
Thanks!
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

P. S. James V's grandson, James VI & I is a secondary character in my novel, My Wild Highlander!

Lady Angelique Drummagan, a half-Scottish, half-French countess, has suffered much pain and betrayal in her past. She wants nothing to do with the sensual Scottish warrior that the king has ordered her to marry because the rogue could never be a faithful husband, but she has little choice in the matter. Dangerous, greedy enemies threaten her from all sides and she's in dire need of his protection.

Sir Lachlan MacGrath, known as Seducer of the Highlands, possesses a charming wickedness and canny wit which has earned him much popularity. After the king decrees that he wed the fiery hellion, Lachlan discovers there is one woman who can resist him--Angelique. Can he break through her icy façade and melt her heart, or will the dark secrets lurking in her past not only cost them their future together, but their very lives?

I've recently received some wonderful new reader reviews at Amazon!

A. Will: "What is it about the bad boys that women desire? The second book in Vonda Sinclair's Highland Adventure series proves to be a phenomenal read! ...I am amazed at Ms. Sinclair's ability to weave such a beautiful storyline that it enveloped me into the world of 17th Century Scotland. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more from her."

Teresa G.: "What an amazing book. The author is truly talented and I love 

her work." 

M. Rutherford: "This story was just so gosh darned fun!"

Say Thank You

I know we're all so busy. We have jobs and families and homes and all the other things life throws at us. And on most days we can carry on with all those things in our life without worrying about more than getting someplace on time or forgetting to pick up the milk.

If you didn't do it yesterday, and you know, even if you did, say Thank You to a veteran. If those brave individuals weren't willing to put their lives on the line for us, we might be worrying about a whole lot more.

Natasha
Silken Canvas - coming Dec 25th
www.natashamoore.com