Marie Force's Blog, page 24
May 18, 2011
On Anniversaries and Milestones and Lessons Learned Along the Way
Today is the sixth anniversary of the first time I ever wrote THE END. I finished my first book, Treading Water, on May 18, 2005 with great fanfare and celebration. My family took me out to dinner, there were flowers from the hubby and excitement from my dad, who'd been after me to "write that book" for years at that point. Sadly, my mother, who had died nearly two years earlier, wasn't there to join in the fun, but I believed then—and I continue to believe today—that she's had a hand in all the wonderful things that have happened in the last six years. After all, she was the one who put a book in my hand every night before bed and said, "Read." And I read and read and read some more. Reading has always been my no. 1 hobby. Over 10 years as a Navy wife, my favorite books got moved more times than I could count, but parting with them was never an option. Nineteen years of marriage later, I still have them. One of my prized possessions is a first-edition copy of Love Story, which is one of those books you wish you could read again for the first time.
Since I loved to read and writing was the only thing I've ever been any good at, I suppose writing fiction was my destiny. Last week, I finished my 18th novel, and I'm happy to report it's still fun, although no. 18 was greeted with considerably less fanfare than no. 1 received. I believe it went something like this: "Congrats, Mom. That's awesome. What's for dinner?" :-)
I thought it would be fun today to recount a few of the lessons I've learned in the last six years.
Lesson No. 1: Nothing Ever Goes as Planned
When I finished Treading Water (still, in my humble opinion, the best book I've ever written), I was surprised to discover the romance fiction world had been invaded by vampires. They were everywhere in 2005-2006. Contemporary romance was a dying genre, and few agents or editors were taking on new contemporary authors. When I realized there was literally no market for my lovely book, I did what I was told not to do: I wrote two sequels. Those three books are still my favorites, and they are the ones my core group of readers still talk about all these years later. After six years and five published books (with three more coming soon), guess what? Treading Water is out on submission to publishers. Contemporary is making a big comeback. I've had a bit of success with my earlier books, and my ebooks have really taken off. The time is right for my most-loved book to have its moment. Whether or not it will sell is anyone's guess, but I remain optimistic. I have no doubt that my readers would go crazy over those three books, so keep your fingers crossed that an editor will, too. Getting back to the nothing goes as planned heading: I kept writing, and my seventh book became my debut, Line of Scrimmage. Go figure! (If you haven't read the story behind Treading Water and The House That Jack Built, check it out.)
Lesson No. 2: Writing May Be a Solitary Endeavor, But It Doesn't Have to be Lonely
I have made some of the best friends of my life within in the romance community (writers and readers), and they've made this perilous journey so much more fun and bearable than it would've been otherwise. I won't name names here, but you know who you are, and you know what you've done to prop me up, so I will just say thank you.
Lesson No. 3: The Publishing Business is a Marathon Not a Sprint
People ask me all the time what the secret is to getting published—and staying published. I give the same answer every time: you have to want it with every fiber of your being. Just like people who run marathons or climb mountains, an inner drive fuels writers to keep showing up every day, to keep putting butt in seat and fingers on keyboard when it would be so much easier to just say ENOUGH already. You can't ever give up. Years ago, when nothing was going the way I'd thought it would (see Lesson No. 1), I kept telling myself the only thing I knew for SURE was if I gave up it would never happen. It's as true today as it was six years ago.
Lesson No. 4: Don't be Afraid to Take Chances
I wanted to write this series, you see, featuring a DC cop and a U.S. Senator in every book. I wanted it to be a romance series with mystery and politics and an enduring love affair between two complex characters. I was told it couldn't be done. I was told that romance demands a new couple in the second and subsequent books. I was told to write it to formula. I didn't do what I was told, and my Fatal Series is the result. I could've given in and done it the way "they" wanted it done, but I wouldn't love writing that series quite as much if I hadn't done it my way. I was also told you shouldn't write the second book in a series before the first one sells. Twice now I have benefitted GREATLY from not listening to that advice. Write whatever is calling to you, and don't listen to people who tell you "it's just not done." Maybe it just hasn't been done YET. For five and a half of my first six years in publishing, self-publishing was a taboo. And then, seemingly overnight, it wasn't. I gave it a whirl, and it's been the BEST thing to ever happen to my career. Take chances. Sure, you might fail, but wow, if you succeed, it's so much sweeter because you took a risk. Those other books I wrote along the way? I worked on them constantly for years. Any time I learned something new or identified a bad habit, I went back and applied it to my earlier books. One of my favorite quotes is luck is the convergence of preparation and opportunity. When this new opportunity arose to deliver my books to readers, I was READY, and the response to those books has made me feel VERY lucky indeed.
Lesson No. 5: Trust Your Gut
If you sense that someone is feeding you a line of bull, they probably are. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a relationship you've worked years to attain with an agent, an editor, a critique partner or anyone else affiliated with the business isn't working, don't be afraid to speak up. You are your own best advocate, and it's true what they say that no one will ever love your book as much as you do. A writer friend of mine told me the other day that she loves how much I love my books. Well, hell yes, I love them. If I didn't love them you'd certainly never get to read them. I love all 18 of them. Some more than others for sure. I didn't always love the process of creating them, but I love the end result or they'd be under the bed where no one could ever see them. None of my books are under the bed, and I hope you'll get a chance to read them all someday.
Lesson No. 6: Listen to and Respect Your Readers
One of the things I've come to realize is that in the publishing pecking order, readers tend to fall pretty far down on the list. In MY world, they are no. 1. Everything I do is for my readers. Every ounce of work I put into a book is for one reason: because I will be asking my hard-earned readers to part with their hard-earned money, and I want them to come away entertained and moved in some way or another. Sometimes they leave happy. Other times they are mad with me (I love that just as much) and sometimes they've fallen a little bit in love with one of my characters (Nick Cappuano anyone?) If readers finish one of my books thinking and feeling SOMETHING, ANYTHING, then I've done my job. I have kept all of the emails I've received from satisfied readers, and I treasure every one of them. I know what my readers want from me because I talk to them often, via email, Facebook and Twitter, and I am listening.
Lesson No. 7: Protect the Work
Writing and storytelling are the most important parts of my "job." They come first and foremost, ahead of promotion, attending conferences, networking with other writers and fooling around online. Without words on the page, there's nothing to promote or sell or read. Protecting the work sometimes means living like a hobbit, saying no to social events that sound fun and forgoing the glass of wine that would make me so sleepy nothing else gets done that day. Protect the work. It's everything. But it's also important to know when it's just not happening on a given day and not trying to force it. That, too, protects the work.
Lesson No. 8: Keep Your Priorities Straight
I've had a great run as a writer. I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams with so many wonderful moments along the way. But writing is not my full-time job. I have one of those, and it gets all my attention every day before I write a word because it, too, has been one of the great blessings in my life. And before either of my two "jobs" come my two children, who are the most important people in my life. They are tied for No. 1 (and no, I do not have a favorite, contrary to what they might say), and they always come first. All I really care about is seeing them to successful adulthood (and hopefully getting a few grandchildren if they are feeling kind toward their mother). Anything else that might come my way via my books is frosting on an already very nice cake. My husband and kids have been my top supporters, my greatest champions and biggest fans. They come first. Period.
Lesson No. 9: I'm Doing Exactly What I Was Meant to Do
To everyone who has read my books, to friends and family who have encouraged and supported me over the last six years, to the first editor who said yes, to the publisher who took a chance on an unconventional romance series to the wonderful agent who has stuck with me through thick and thin, thank you. Because of you—all of you—I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do, and I'm loving every minute of it.
Since I loved to read and writing was the only thing I've ever been any good at, I suppose writing fiction was my destiny. Last week, I finished my 18th novel, and I'm happy to report it's still fun, although no. 18 was greeted with considerably less fanfare than no. 1 received. I believe it went something like this: "Congrats, Mom. That's awesome. What's for dinner?" :-)
I thought it would be fun today to recount a few of the lessons I've learned in the last six years.
Lesson No. 1: Nothing Ever Goes as Planned
When I finished Treading Water (still, in my humble opinion, the best book I've ever written), I was surprised to discover the romance fiction world had been invaded by vampires. They were everywhere in 2005-2006. Contemporary romance was a dying genre, and few agents or editors were taking on new contemporary authors. When I realized there was literally no market for my lovely book, I did what I was told not to do: I wrote two sequels. Those three books are still my favorites, and they are the ones my core group of readers still talk about all these years later. After six years and five published books (with three more coming soon), guess what? Treading Water is out on submission to publishers. Contemporary is making a big comeback. I've had a bit of success with my earlier books, and my ebooks have really taken off. The time is right for my most-loved book to have its moment. Whether or not it will sell is anyone's guess, but I remain optimistic. I have no doubt that my readers would go crazy over those three books, so keep your fingers crossed that an editor will, too. Getting back to the nothing goes as planned heading: I kept writing, and my seventh book became my debut, Line of Scrimmage. Go figure! (If you haven't read the story behind Treading Water and The House That Jack Built, check it out.)
Lesson No. 2: Writing May Be a Solitary Endeavor, But It Doesn't Have to be Lonely
I have made some of the best friends of my life within in the romance community (writers and readers), and they've made this perilous journey so much more fun and bearable than it would've been otherwise. I won't name names here, but you know who you are, and you know what you've done to prop me up, so I will just say thank you.
Lesson No. 3: The Publishing Business is a Marathon Not a Sprint
People ask me all the time what the secret is to getting published—and staying published. I give the same answer every time: you have to want it with every fiber of your being. Just like people who run marathons or climb mountains, an inner drive fuels writers to keep showing up every day, to keep putting butt in seat and fingers on keyboard when it would be so much easier to just say ENOUGH already. You can't ever give up. Years ago, when nothing was going the way I'd thought it would (see Lesson No. 1), I kept telling myself the only thing I knew for SURE was if I gave up it would never happen. It's as true today as it was six years ago.
Lesson No. 4: Don't be Afraid to Take Chances
I wanted to write this series, you see, featuring a DC cop and a U.S. Senator in every book. I wanted it to be a romance series with mystery and politics and an enduring love affair between two complex characters. I was told it couldn't be done. I was told that romance demands a new couple in the second and subsequent books. I was told to write it to formula. I didn't do what I was told, and my Fatal Series is the result. I could've given in and done it the way "they" wanted it done, but I wouldn't love writing that series quite as much if I hadn't done it my way. I was also told you shouldn't write the second book in a series before the first one sells. Twice now I have benefitted GREATLY from not listening to that advice. Write whatever is calling to you, and don't listen to people who tell you "it's just not done." Maybe it just hasn't been done YET. For five and a half of my first six years in publishing, self-publishing was a taboo. And then, seemingly overnight, it wasn't. I gave it a whirl, and it's been the BEST thing to ever happen to my career. Take chances. Sure, you might fail, but wow, if you succeed, it's so much sweeter because you took a risk. Those other books I wrote along the way? I worked on them constantly for years. Any time I learned something new or identified a bad habit, I went back and applied it to my earlier books. One of my favorite quotes is luck is the convergence of preparation and opportunity. When this new opportunity arose to deliver my books to readers, I was READY, and the response to those books has made me feel VERY lucky indeed.
Lesson No. 5: Trust Your Gut
If you sense that someone is feeding you a line of bull, they probably are. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a relationship you've worked years to attain with an agent, an editor, a critique partner or anyone else affiliated with the business isn't working, don't be afraid to speak up. You are your own best advocate, and it's true what they say that no one will ever love your book as much as you do. A writer friend of mine told me the other day that she loves how much I love my books. Well, hell yes, I love them. If I didn't love them you'd certainly never get to read them. I love all 18 of them. Some more than others for sure. I didn't always love the process of creating them, but I love the end result or they'd be under the bed where no one could ever see them. None of my books are under the bed, and I hope you'll get a chance to read them all someday.
Lesson No. 6: Listen to and Respect Your Readers
One of the things I've come to realize is that in the publishing pecking order, readers tend to fall pretty far down on the list. In MY world, they are no. 1. Everything I do is for my readers. Every ounce of work I put into a book is for one reason: because I will be asking my hard-earned readers to part with their hard-earned money, and I want them to come away entertained and moved in some way or another. Sometimes they leave happy. Other times they are mad with me (I love that just as much) and sometimes they've fallen a little bit in love with one of my characters (Nick Cappuano anyone?) If readers finish one of my books thinking and feeling SOMETHING, ANYTHING, then I've done my job. I have kept all of the emails I've received from satisfied readers, and I treasure every one of them. I know what my readers want from me because I talk to them often, via email, Facebook and Twitter, and I am listening.
Lesson No. 7: Protect the Work
Writing and storytelling are the most important parts of my "job." They come first and foremost, ahead of promotion, attending conferences, networking with other writers and fooling around online. Without words on the page, there's nothing to promote or sell or read. Protecting the work sometimes means living like a hobbit, saying no to social events that sound fun and forgoing the glass of wine that would make me so sleepy nothing else gets done that day. Protect the work. It's everything. But it's also important to know when it's just not happening on a given day and not trying to force it. That, too, protects the work.
Lesson No. 8: Keep Your Priorities Straight
I've had a great run as a writer. I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams with so many wonderful moments along the way. But writing is not my full-time job. I have one of those, and it gets all my attention every day before I write a word because it, too, has been one of the great blessings in my life. And before either of my two "jobs" come my two children, who are the most important people in my life. They are tied for No. 1 (and no, I do not have a favorite, contrary to what they might say), and they always come first. All I really care about is seeing them to successful adulthood (and hopefully getting a few grandchildren if they are feeling kind toward their mother). Anything else that might come my way via my books is frosting on an already very nice cake. My husband and kids have been my top supporters, my greatest champions and biggest fans. They come first. Period.
Lesson No. 9: I'm Doing Exactly What I Was Meant to Do
To everyone who has read my books, to friends and family who have encouraged and supported me over the last six years, to the first editor who said yes, to the publisher who took a chance on an unconventional romance series to the wonderful agent who has stuck with me through thick and thin, thank you. Because of you—all of you—I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do, and I'm loving every minute of it.
May 16, 2011
Upcoming Ads
Check out these ads running in upcoming issues of RT Book Reviews!
July:
August:
Aren't they pretty? :-)
July:
August:
Aren't they pretty? :-)
May 14, 2011
Giveaway: Audio Copy of Fatal Justice
Hi there,The good folks at Audible.com have given me a free audio book copy of Fatal Justice to give away to my reader friends. I'll be offering this giveaway until next Saturday, May 21, at noon EDT. Sometime before then, answer any of these three questions to be entered to win!
1. What's your favorite thing to do in Washington, D.C.?
2. If you've never been to Washington, what would be your first stop if you make it there?
3. What challenge or issue would you like to see Sam and Nick confront in the Fatal Series? (No promises the author will listen--LOL)
Go forth and comment to win!
Next Up on Book Club: Midnight's Wild Passion
London's most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge . . .The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister—now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas's vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe's unsuspecting daughter.
Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue—banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie—Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.
Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes . . .
Very excited to welcome my friend, Anna Campbell, to book club on Thursday, May 19. Don't miss this fun meeting in which yours truly will be handling the hosting duties. Look forward to visiting with Anna who will be joining us from her home Down Under!
May 12, 2011
Book Club: Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl
By: Shelly EstesLet me start off by saying I really, really enjoyed this book!!
Chloe Turner has been mislabeled a Bridezilla. Her fiance Thomas faked his own death by crashing his airplane and when caught, claimed he had to do it to get away from her. Her best friend Jenn decides what she needs is some time away at a tiny resort on White Rock Island that has no TVs, and limited cell phone & internet availability—so they can avoid the paparazzi that have been hounding Chloe since the news of Thomas' "death". Once they arrive at their getaway, two hunky guys take up residence next door. They are brothers Max & Elliott Sullivan. Both are handsome and sexy—Max in a greek god kind of way, and Elliott in a geeky kind of way. Max has a serious case of obsessive-compulsive disorder—he tries to protect everyone around him and make sure they are always safe. Not knowing Chloe's story, he thinks she is just a nice normal girl, but he can't help trying to protect her from a campfire and a diving expedition with an "amateur" dive instructor. When Chloe gets a look at Max in his diving suit – she mutters "Holy Ass Cheeks, Batman" and thinks he looks like a Greek statue with the ass of a Roman god.
Chloe soon realizes that Max has OCD issues, and gives him a hard time about it every chance she gets, but she also understands why he does it and tries to help him quit cold turkey. Chloe is eventually recognized by someone at the resort as the Bridezilla, and Max decides he just can't take care of her, even though he has a really hard time not getting involved. Chloe & Jenn escape back to the mainland, and the press continue to harass Chloe. Max just can't stay away from Chloe and comes to visit her at her apartment, (because he's not going there to "save" her, he's just going because they have a physical connection). The press quickly discover his identity and assume that he and Chloe are having a fling (which they are). When Max leaves Chloe again, because he just can't keep saving the damsel in distress, Chloe gets angry and throws garbage at the paparazzi because she blames them for Max not standing by and supporting her.
Chaos abounds as things come to head when Thomas is arrested for fraud & embezzlement, a romance buds between Jenn & Elliott and Chloe finds out about a betrayal by a former friend. Max & Chloe try to work things out by agreeing to a long distance romance, which only lasts for a couple of months because they just can't be apart.
This book is full of humor, odd personality quirks and a secondary romance between Elliott & Jenn. It was a quick easy read, with not a lot of angst to weigh it down.
Oriental salad
1 bag broccoli slaw (Walmart usually has near the fresh broccoli aisle)
1/2 C sunflower seeds
1/2 C sliced almonds
2 pkgs. beef ramen noodles
Mix together & break up ramen noodles
Dressing
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C oil
1/3 C apple cider vinegar
2 flavor packets from ramen noodles
Add dressing right before serving. Mix well!!
Italian Beef
If I use my standard crock pot, I use just ½ of the ingredients.
15 lb. beef cubed (cheapest cut-usually chuck roast)
2 large onions
2 garlic bulbs
10-11 pkgs. Zesty Italian dressing (to taste) (must use the zesty Italian!!_
2 C. water
Put all together and cook for 6-8 hours, mashing with potato masher as it cooks.
May 6, 2011
Next Up on Book Club: Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl
Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man-until her fiancé's plane crashed. And then she got the really bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famous bridezilla (a tag she most definitely does not deserve), Chloe escapes to a remote island to avoid the paparazzi. And right next door is a man who just might be the cure for Chloe's heartache....A magnet for wild, complicated women, Max Sullivan is relieved to have finally found someone "normal." Chloe is his girl-next-door fantasy come to life, and best of all, she gets him. With her, he can be himself, a treasure-hunting millionaire who desperately wants out of his sexy but reckless job. But when Chloe's notoriety catches up with them, will their torrid romance make it to the mainland?
Come to book club on Thursday, May 12, to discuss this super fun book. I read this a while ago and loved it. It was my first book by Victoria. I look forward to reading some of her others! See you Thursday!
May 5, 2011
Book Club: Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
By: Anne Woodall"OKLAHOMA, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains"—my home state and also home to the fabulously talented historical author, Laurel McKee (pen name for Regency romance writer Amanda McCabe), who I've just recently discovered. My new discovery has provided me with some excellent hours of reading pleasure and made me extra-glad I took the plunge into the historical romance genre. I'm so excited that a sister Okie is at the top of my list of favorite historical authors these days.
Laurel McKee's powerful and exceptionally well-written "Daughters of Erin" trilogy is set at the end of the 18th century during the Irish Rebellion. Ireland and its history have always fascinated me. If a book offers me an Irish love story as well, I'm generally convinced to definitely read the book.
Laurel brings Ireland and its troubled past, along with these well-defined characters, to life on the pages of her books. The Irish spirit is vividly captured, the political upheaval is well-defined and fascinating, and the romance is beautifully and sensually portrayed. Ms. McKee has an extraordinary ability to write a well-balanced historical romance. I can assure you that the romance is not overshadowed.
Her writing exudes her love of Ireland and the quality of her research stands front and center. The first two books are excellent.
Book 1 – "Countess of Scandal"
Book 2 – "Duchess of Sin"
Book 3 – "Lady of Seduction" (Release Date: June, 2011)
COUNTESS OF SCANDAL
Book 1
The "Daughters of Erin" series is a well-balanced blend of history and romance. "Countess of Scandal" introduces us to the three Blacknall sisters and their family.
This is the story of childhood friendship between Eliza, the oldest Blacknall sister, and Will, who lives nearby and a hero worthy of the title. Their friendship develops into so much more. But, as we know, there have to be trials and tribulations to overcome before the Happily Every After can occur. Eliza and Will are separated by opposing beliefs. Although Protestant, Eliza considers herself a true Irish woman and feels betrayed by Will when he goes off to serve the English Regiment.
Time passes, and seven years later, Will returns to Ireland to find Eliza is now a wealthy young widow living in Dublin. She is also, much to Will's dismay, very involved in the secret societies of the United Irishmen. Above all else, Will is determined to keep Eliza safe at all costs and not lose the love and trust they've rebuilt. This book is overflowing with passion: the passion of friendship, the passion between a young soldier and a rebellious young countess, passion for one's country and its people and causes, passion for the safety of family and, of course, the passion shared by these two young lovers. Eliza and Will's emotions for one another and their physical chemistry heat up the pages.
While telling Eliza and Will's breathtaking and memorable love story, McKee vividly describes the turbulent struggles that place enemies, family, friends, and lovers against one another in the political battle of the United Irish for their independence from England.
Believe me, Ms. McKee delivers an exquisitely wrapped package in "Countess of Scandal." Even the girls' sweet mother has her own romance.
"Duchess of Sin"
Book 2
"Duchess of Sin" continues the saga with Anna Blacknall, the middle sister, who is beautiful and mischievous, with a very strong-will. I loved her feisty and daring attitude. I especially enjoyed the "emerald-eyed Irishman" who she keeps encountering in places she should never be and tempting him beyond anything he's ever felt. Anna and Conlan's chemistry sets the pages on fire, their loyalties are tested, and danger surrounda them moment to moment. I must admit that "Duchess of Sin" was a slight favorite for me.
"Lady of Seduction"
Book 3
And the saga will soon continue with Caroline, the youngest Blacknall sister in the leading role. She's the "bookworm" and "wallflower" who enjoys finding a safe and quiet spot in a library. Caroline is happiest when she goes unnoticed. There's an arranged marriage being planned for her to an older widower with children who is safe and boring. Of course, we all know that things are not going to go smoothly and there has to be some changes made in this girl's life. And I can assure you that Caroline is in for the time of her life—because I've read the first two books!! I could tell you but that wouldn't be fair. You deserve the special hours of pleasure that reading these books will certainly bring about. The build-up from the first two books has me eagerly anticipating Caroline's story in what to date is absolutely one of my very favorite historical series and has found its way to my keeper shelves.
Wrap Up:
Laurel McKee's books make me sigh, put a smile on my face, bring tears to my eyes, and always leave me thoroughly satisfied while a bit sad, too, knowing I've arrived at the last page.
Without reservation, I recommend this series to one and all. And I salute Ms. McKee on her outstanding "Daughters of Erin" series .
An old Irish poem says:
Boxty on the griddle
Boxty in the pan,
If you can't make boxty,
You'll never get a man.
And a bit of Irish flavor for the taste buds:
Boxty (Irish Potato Griddle Cakes)
½ pound raw potato
½ pound cooked mashed potatoes
1 cup flour
Milk (as needed, see directions below)
1 egg
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
Grate raw potato and mix with cooked mashed potatoes. Add salt, pepper, onion and flour. Beat egg and add to mixture with just enough milk to make a thick batter that will drop from a spoon.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto hot griddle or frying pan. Cook over moderate heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Glazed Corned Beef
4-1/2 pounds corn beef, rinsed
1 cup water
1 cup apricot preserves
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoons soy sauce
1 – Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2 – Coat pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place corned beef in dish and add water. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 2 hours; drain liquid.
3 – In small bowl combine apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Spread mixture evenly over corned beef.
4 – Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 additional minutes, or until meat is tender, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
5 – Slice corned beef across grain and serve.
May 2, 2011
An Interview with My Friend Pamela Clare
It's launch day for Pamela Clare's new I-Team book, BREAKING POINT! First, a little about the book:Denver journalist Natalie Benoit and Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride find themselves captives of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Working together, they escape through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun. They fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both...
And now...on to the interview!
I've been waiting patiently (okay not so patiently) for the new I-Team book, Breaking Point. I read Extreme Exposure last November (my first book using the Kindle app on my I-Touch) and then I devoured the rest of the series. I am so excited for this new installment. Tell us what to expect in Breaking Point!
Breaking Point has everything the other I-Team books have had — only more of it. I've ratcheted up the suspense and danger by sending Natalie, the heroine, to Juárez, Mexico, which is currently the most dangerous place on earth outside a war zone to be a journalist. The stakes are higher in this story than in any of the others. It's life or death from Chapter 1 through to the climax of the story. Julian, Marc and Gabe each play big roles in the story, as does Joaquin, whom we come to know a bit better. I always wanted to write a book where the situation was so dire that all of the I-Team men had to fight side by side to protect the heroine.
With all the adrenaline and heart-pounding action comes a lot of sensuality between Natalie and the hero, Zach. I'm not sure who your fave I-Team hero is, Marie, but I think Zach will be giving him a run for his money. Zach is probably my most heroic hero, and I can't wait to share him with you in all his former Navy SEAL, chief deputy U.S. Marshal glory. Jed Hill, that abdominally gifted man on the cover of the book, was my mental model for Zach (which is how he ended up on the cover). So you can imagine how much I enjoyed writing Zach's scenes. Jed in the head. Yum.
In between it all, there's a serious storyline about Zach and Natalie and how they fall in love. Both of them have faced their share of grief. They find in each other the one person who truly understands, and their love not only saves their lives it also sets them free to live again.
That's 400 pages in a nutshell. Kind of a big nutshell.
I love that "Jed in the head." That's a good image to have in the head when writing. What was it about him that appealed to you and made him Zach?
Will it make me seem shallow if I say it was his a-ma-zing body? That's what it was. I saw a photo of him, bare-torsoed, with just boxing gloves over his shoulder, and I think my heart cracked a few ribs. Thunk! His face is beautiful, too. Put the two together, as Nature has so kindly done in his case, and he was perfect for a former Navy SEAL now "working the line" as a chief deputy U.S. marshal. Why? Well, because. I have it on expert authority (a former U.S. Marshal) that most DUSMs are not hot like Jed. In fact, the cover of my book make this particular former U.S. Marshal, a source for the book, want to return to the job. If that's what they look like these days, she said in an email, I'm coming out of retirement.
LOL--that's great! You're driving her right out of retirement to go looking for Jed! As a reporter, you must have a stable of experts to call on when researching your books. Can you tell us a little about your research process, and how much of BREAKING POINT is drawn from something you've experienced in your job?
Being a reporter certainly makes it easier to find sources if for no other reason than it's something I'm used to doing every day. But, yes, I have a lot of established contacts as well. The seed for this story was planted almost 10 years ago when I did an opinion piece on Las Muertas de Juárez—the murdered women of Juárez, Mexico. I was enraged to think that more than 400 women and teenage girls had been the victims of brutal sexual homicides, their bodies dumped in the desert. There are still about 1,000 missing women and girls, most of them trafficked or killed. It's appalling. Since then, of course, the situation in poor Juárez has gotten much worse. It is now the most dangerous place outside of a war zone to be a journalist. For that reason alone, I knew I had to send a fictional journalist there.
I had a lot of fun researching how people cross the border in secret. I did some research into the culture of narcotraficantes. I researched the flora, fauna and landscape of the Sonoran Desert. Then I picked a route for Zach and Natalie to take which meshed perfectly with other already established characters in the series. I had so much fun with that. It was like playing Oregon Trail or something, except it was Sonoran Manhunt.
What was so strange about writing this book was that terrible things were happening that were eerily echoed or foreshadowed in the story. I would write about someone being killed in a particularly grisly way — and then something very much like that would happen. I shared newslinks with my friend who were reading the story as I wrote it, and it gave us the eeriest feelings sometimes. I don't think I've ever written a book that so closely shadowed what's happening exactly at this moment.
Whoa, that's amazing. You must've been creeped out by all the coincidence! I love how you bring your work into your books. I know you've been in some scary situations as a reporter. Tell us about the tightest spot you've ever been in and how you brought that anxiety to your books.
Wow. Believe it or not, this is a tough question... Hmm. I've had a gun held on me twice. I fell of a mountain and had to self-rescue for a while before the chopper could reach me. That was serious and very painful. There was the time I drove into a coal mine while the drag line was running and tried to take photos before the armed security guards to get me. (I got away with it. Bwahaha!) But the tightest spot...
The tightest spot I've ever been in was probably when two men with switchblades broke into my house just after midnight one night. I was home alone with my then-9-month-old firstborn. I heard something outside our apartment—hushed voices. Then someone rattled the doorknob to the back door. I went to look and see if someone was there, but there wasn't. I turned and thought I saw two heads pass my kitchen window. I walked over there and they were gone. Then I called my ex to see if he had tried to come over and had perhaps forgotten his key. I woke him up; he'd been sound asleep in bed.
At that point, someone started beating on the front door and saying, "Open up! Open up!"
I still didn't get it that these guys were trying to attack me. I remember thinking that they must be a couple of kids playing a prank. But I decided to call 911 anyway, and that decision saved me from being gang-raped at knife point.
During the two minutes I was on the phone with 911 dispatch, the two men circled back around to the kitchen window and beat it in with the handles of their switchblades. I will never forget seeing their faces and seeing that they were HAPPY and turned on that I was afraid. I saw right their in their eyes exactly what they planned to do once they got ahold of me. They were really sure they had me cornered — and they did. They started in through the window, and I felt an urge to run, but my baby was asleep in the back. So I just clenched my fists and forced myself to stand there and NOT run. I didn't want them to know he was there.
They were all of about eight feet away from me by the time the police arrived. I saw two officers running full tilt toward my apartment. One of them shouted, "Knock it the fuck off, or we'll blow you away!" And then it was just chaos. By that point I was screaming like a total TSTL non-heroine. The attackers ran. One was caught not far from my apartment and taken into custody that night; the other stole a car and was arrested a week later in Wyoming. I lived in terror that entire week, afraid he'd come back for me.
The two men had raped another woman nine months earlier. Their perverted modus operandi was to try to make the woman afraid before they broke in—terrorize her and then break in and rape her. They managed to terrorize me, but they never touched me.
I had nightmares for years. I would find myself half-asleep reliving the break-in in the middle of the night. I jumped at every sound. When we ordered pizza and the delivery guy knocked on that same front door, I would come out of my skin. Loud noises, stress of any kind, anything startling—it would make me fall apart. I was eventually diagnosed with full-blown PTSD. This was a defining event in my life because I've had to fight like hell to come back from it.
A lot of my novels have characters who suffer from PTSD, and there's a reason for that. I know what it's like to feel like you simply can't get over something. And I absolutely know what terror is.
I hope some of that comes through in the books.
Incidentally, the attack scene in EXTREME EXPOSURE draws directly from this experience, though for Kara it was one guy with a gun and for me it was two guys with knives.
I dedicated HARD EVIDENCE to the two officers who saved me that night. We're still in contact. For them, that night was one of the best nights of their lives because they saved THREE lives—the investigator said rape was the least of what the two had planned—my life, my 9-month-old, and my not-yet-conceived son's life. For me, it was one of the worst nights of my life, but it could have been a helluva lot worse.
I own guns now. I sleep with a 12-gauge shot gun beside the bed, and I know how to use it.
Holy smokes! I'm glad I didn't read that before bed last night or I never would've slept. What an incredible—and frightening—story! I knew parts of EXTREME EXPOSURE were true life for you, but I had no idea just how close to true that story was. (And people, if you haven't read Extreme Exposure and the rest of the I-Team books, what are you waiting for??) Okay, taking a Xanax and getting back to our interview… You certainly know your readers are divided firmly into teams based on our favorite heroes: Reece, JULIAN, Marc, Gabe. If you could bring just one I-Team hero home for a wild night, who would you pick and why?
Is there any particular reason Julian's name is in all caps, Marie? Inquiring journalists notice that sort of obvious thing, you know...
God, I get asked again and again to make this choice, and it's really impossible. All of them would make fanastic lovers, so picking any one of them would guarantee a mind-blowing night of sex. They all resonate with me emotionally. They all care about the women in their lives. All of them would make me feel safe at night. (Believe it or not, I'm still a very light sleeper as a result of that break-in.) Hmmm. We're not including Zach here?
OK, I'll say Julian. But that's because Zach isn't there. And now I'm thinking I should have said Gabe. Or Marc. But for now, for just this moment, I'll say Julian. I think he would blow my mind.
All I can say is poor Reece (and you'll be hearing from our pal Aly, I'm sure!) LOL! On that note, thank you for the wonderful interview and insight into your motivation and research. I wish you'd had a little LESS real-life research. I wish you the best of luck with BREAKING POINT! Looking forward to your visit to book club later this month!
Pamela is giving away a signed copy of BREAKING POINT to one lucky winner today! Tell us which I-Team hero you wouldn't kick out of bed and why to be entered (ooooh, I love a good pun) to win!
Next Up on Book Club: Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
Blame my conference brain for not putting this up earlier!As children, Eliza Blacknall and William Denton ran wild over the fields of southern Ireland and swore they would be friends forever. Then fate took Will away to England, while Eliza stayed behind to become a proper Irish countess.
Years later, Will finally makes his way home-as an English soldier sent to crush the Irish uprising. When he spies the lovely Eliza, he is captivated by the passionate woman she has become. But Eliza's passions have led her to join the Irish rebel cause, and Will and Eliza now find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous conflict.
When Ireland explodes in bloody rebellion, Will's regiment is ordered to the front lines, and he is forced to choose between his duty to the English king and his love for Eliza and their Irish homeland.
Join us Thursday, May 5, for a discussion about this book!
April 28, 2011
July 18
The murder of two members of the Capitol Cleaning Service might've been just another homicide investigation—that is if one of them hadn't been romantically involved with a married senator from Arizona. Lt. Sam Holland and her team are plunged into another complex case that at first seems open and shut. But as Sam tugs on the threads of the investigation she uncovers a deep, dark Washington secret that threatens the careers of some of the government's highest-ranking officials. Racing to catch a killer before he can strike again, Sam and her fiancé, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, attempt to plan a wedding while her colleague Detective Tommy "Gonzo" Gonzales faces life-changing news.
July 18, 2011. Are you ready for some more Sam & Nick?
