Sally Britton's Blog, page 5

Illustrating Sir Isaac: Independent Artists

Engaging Sir Isaac has been a wonderful story, a magnificently fun one to write. After I completed the story, I was browsing through Facebook and found the page of an author who is also a supremely talented illustrator, Melanie Bateman.

I commissioned artwork from her at once. The above image is the moment when Sir Isaac Fox and Millicent Edgewood meet for the first time. She's come to spy on the baronet, not realizing the uppity groundsman is, in fact, Sir Isaac.  This one - oh, I adore this one! This is the scene in the churchyard. Spoiler: They're about to realize just how much they mean to each other.  Independent artists should support one another, wherever possible. This is my personal opinion. But I hold strong to it. There are so many people who are talented, producing artwork in a variety of mediums and genres, whose art is stolen, manipulated, under-appreciated, or people expect to get it for free. I've seen this in the writing world - I receive emails from people requesting I make my book free for them or suggested my prices (2.99-4.99) are "too much." When did we start devaluing the work of people's hearts and talents?

The above images were sketched, resketched, practiced, presented to me for my thoughts and input, and then finally inked. Effort went into these images. Talent, not sprung from the ground but laboriously improved upon over a long period of time, was employed here. 

​I love helping other indies by supporting the beautiful work that they do. 
Contact Melanie or
View Her Work on Instagram Here!
​
Click Here for Your Copy of Engaging Sir Isaac

Writing a Historical Western Romance

Empire Ranch, Arizona March 2018 Two years ago, I went searching for a beautiful place in Arizona to set my Western romances. I've wanted to write a Western for YEARS. I've started and stopped several stories based in old dusty towns, with blacksmiths, cowboys, boarding houses, saloons, the works. But no story ever captured my interest enough to really work through an entire plot.

Until this one. Let me tell you, I'm really excited to get this SERIES (yes, as in more than one book) out into the world. While I'm not ready to give EVERYTHING away, I would love to share a little about what's coming... I grew up watching Westerns with Hollywood legends such as John Wayne, Yul Brenner, and even all the cowboy musicals like Annie Get Your Gun, Calamity Jane, and the less-likely stories such as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 

My grandparents and mother fed me novels by Louis L'Amour, the classiest author and father of the modern western novel. I read Zane Gray, too. I also loved Johnston McCully's Zorro books. Then I hit up the Christian fiction genres with everything from Love Comes Softly to all the amazing books by Karen Witemeyer. Seriously. Read Short-Straw Bride and tell me you haven't fallen in love with the genre at least a little bit.

But Regency is my first love, so Regency is where I've stayed. Well. After two years of publishing, it's time to branch out a little.

I'm in the middle of writing my first book in a three-book series. Each book will focus on a different couple, all will be based in the same area in Arizona.

I prepared and researched for this series by doing several things. I checked out a HUGE stack of books from the local library in Sierra Vista, Arizona (lots of great stuff you can't find elsewhere), I've ordered and read books written by people who lived at the Empire Ranch and in Tombstone from 1870-1900, too. Then I went to the Empire Ranch and walked the grounds for several hours AFTER the official tour was over. It's an incredible location - you almost forget you're in Arizona. It's at a higher elevation, has LOTS of natural grasses and water, and it's so peaceful. 

​I'm not the only one who thought that ranch was a perfect setting...
Yup. I, too, felt like my childhood was a lie when I learned Oklahoma ! was filmed in the middle of Arizona. 

But there's more to my western romances than a bunch of cowboys and cactus. You see, I'm writing a Western/Victorian Romance! That's right. One of my main characters is fresh off the boat from England, and the Wild West isn't quite what he expected. 

I can't wait to share more, including a cover reveal, VERY soon.

If you want to make sure you stay up to date (because I forget about the blog from time to time) you should sign up for my weekly newsletter. That's the group that gets all the best information first. 

So until next time. ;-) Adios.

Cover Changes to Engaging Sir Isaac

Original Image from Arcangel Creative Stock Photography. Let's talk a little about cover design today. And I do mean a little. :-) Above you have the ORIGINAL image used to create the covering for Engaging Sir Isaac. Lovely, but not quite perfect. For one thing, her gown is so blue, and that does not suit the story or the look I wanted for this cover. I asked my designer to try other colors. We also changed the way the model faced. 

So then we had this First Cover Design version, which was uploaded to Amazon and used in my cover reveal. Absolutely lovely, but after a few MONTHS of staring at it, I realized I wanted something different. 

Below: The final design. We brought the image of the woman closer to the viewer, brightened up her hair and dress just a touch, and there you have it. The final cover design for Engaging Sir Isaac, which is available now for pre-order on Amazon.com. 

True as a Reader and as a Writer

I love this meme. This meme is both my reading and writing life. 

I wrote 2,400-something words on Sir Isaac's story tonight. I wish I could just get the whole thing out at once! But a girl has to sleep. :-) 

Coming soon: My 2019 Top 12 Kissing Books, Audiobook Sample, AND some serious fun. 2020 is going to be an incredible year. You're going to want to pay attention. ;-) 

2020 Reading Challenge: Sally Britton's List

This fantastic challenge was posted over at KJ's Book Nook (click here to see her post) and I decided I just had to join in! I actually read a LOT of books. But it's hard to keep up with which ones I've read. Since becoming an author, I'm often too busy to keep track of what I've read. So it looks like I've read NOTHING. But we're going to fix that in 2020. I'm going to read with a purpose, and KJ inspired me. So, here's my list for her 2020 Reading Challenge..... 1. A book you meant to read in 2019: Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves


2. A book that won an award in 2019: The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen 


3. A book published in 2020: A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch


4. A book you haven't read by an author you love: The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer


5. A book by a new to you author: As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner


6. A book with 400 pages or more: Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao


7. A book with 200 pages or less: The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer


8. A book with a beautiful cover: The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young


9. A book you've read but haven't reviewed: Among Sand and Sunrise by Stacy Henrie


10. A book set in a country you want to visit: Seeing Mary by Sarah Adams


11. A book with the letter "W" in the title: Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson


12. A book with recipes inside: Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack


13. A book you got for free: Curse and Consequence by Savannah Jezowski


14. A book that cost you more than $5: Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson


15. A book published in your birthday month: For the Lady of Lowena by Deborah M. Hathaway


16. A book with a three word title: Marrying Miss Milton by Ashtyn Newbold


17. A book that's been on your TBR list for 2+ years: Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


18. A book you love that never fails to make you smile: The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery


19. A book WITHOUT people on the cover: Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin


20. A book by an author's pen name: TBD  Graphic from KJ's Book Nook, Original Reading Challenge Posted HERE.

New Audiobook: The Captain and Miss Winter

You are going to love this one. I couldn't help but shiver, smile, sigh, and sit on the edge of my seat while I listened to the narration for the first time - and I wrote this one! :-) Make sure you give it a listen. It's a sweet, short read. Three hours, fifteen minutes. I think you'll enjoy it. My narrator is phenomenal, too! Get the Audiobook

A Regency Christmas Romance

​Just in case anyone wants to know what I’m working on... This hasn’t been edited, it’s just a DRAFT of what I’m writing this month, for National Novel Writing Month. This is the first scene of a Christmas story that is technically part of my Branches series, though it does not deal directly with the family members we all know and love. Does anyone remember Mr. Ellsworth from Courting the Vicar’s Daughter? He’s now Harry’s steward, and this is how his love story begins. Chapter 1, Scene 1

The shop bell at Carter’s Haberdashery jingled merrily, announcing Robert’s entrance to the shopkeeper and his assistant. Robert removed closed his umbrella before fully entering and dropped it in the small barrel near the door. Despite the mud-filled streets, Mr. Carter’s floor was as neat as ever, which made Robert hesitate to come fully inside.

“Ah, Mr. Ellsworth. Come in, come in.” Mr. Carter himself stood behind the counter, beaming at Robert. “Have you come for your gloves?”

“I have, Mr. Carter. Are they ready?” Robert came further in, keenly aware of the mud on the heels of his boots. Despite the cold drizzle, he had spent most of his morning walking from one end of the village to the other to see to matters of business for his employer.

A young man stuck his head out between the curtains separating the front of the shop from the back. “Is that Mr. Ellsworth?”

“Yes, Rowlins. Bring his gloves out, if you would.”

The haberdashery was also the local glove shop for gentlemen, and oftentimes the place for them to obtain other odds and ends that for which larger towns, such as London, would dedicate individual shops. Robert had been measured for new leather gloves the week before.

The apprentice hatter brought out the black leather gloves and handed them to Mr. Carter, but the older man shook his head. “No, Rollins. You did the work. You present them.”

Robert’s heart sank slightly, but he kept a cheerful smile upon his face. No use discouraging the lad. It wasn’t Rollins’s fault that Robert was no longer important enough to merit the attention of the master rather than the apprentice. A mere steward might accept the work of someone new to the trade while an established gentleman could expect more consideration from the proprietor.

The boy’s work, when Robert examined the gloves, looked well enough. When he put the gloves on, they fit snuggle and he could open and close his fingers without straining the seems. “Well done, Mr. Rollins.” He looked the young man directly in the eyes as he paid the sincere compliment. “They’re as fine a pair of gloves as I have ever worn before.”

The boy’s ears turned pink and he bowed slightly. “I am pleased to hear it, Mr. Ellsworth.” Robert paid the agreed-upon price, then added a few extra coins for the young man. He began to turn away from the counter when Mr. Carter cleared his throat.

“Mr. Ellsworth, I wonder if you might know, does Mr. Devon have need of our services before he goes to London for the Season?”

Robert maintained his cheerful demeanor. “I do not know, sir. Nothing in the house books indicates one way or the other if the family will make clothing purchases before leaving.” The question was far beneath his position, yet he well understood Carter’s desire to secure business before the wealthier members of the community left for the larger town and shops. He took up his umbrella from the barrel, flexed his hands in the new gloves, and stepped outside.

The rain had let up for the moment. Without knowing how long the sky would grant such a reprieve, Robert moved at a hurried pace down the lane. Since early December, the weather had been biting cold and wet. There were talks of flooding in other parts of the county and in London itself. The deluge was unusual for the season, and no one was prepared for it.

At least most crops were in. Mr. Devon’s lands were high enough that the water did not settle in his fields, the tenants’ cottages were newly built and free from leaks and drafts, which meant Robert had little to trouble his duties in relation to the weather.

A fat drop of rain fell past the tip of his nose, and another off the brim of his hat. Grumbling to himself about the state of the roads, Robert rushed to raise his umbrella before him and slid it open. A startled exclamation made him hastily hold the umbrella upward. “I beg your pardon—”

The apology died upon his lips when his eyes took in the woman before him, her large golden-brown eyes rendered larger by her surprise. One red-gloved hand rested over her chest, as though to calm her heart. Deep brown curls peeked out from beneath her emerald-green bonnet.

“Penny.” The childhood name fell from his lips like a sigh. “What are you doing here?”

Her eyes narrowed and her lips parted as though she wanted to correct the familiarity, but as swiftly the expression cleared, and her bright smile appeared.

“Robert, is that you? Oh, I cannot believe it.” She held out the same hand that had been pressed over her heart.

He took it in his own, a tingle dancing up his fingers as they came in contact with hers, despite both of them wearing gloves. He bowed over her hand. “It is wonderful to see you.” He straightened after she curtsied. “Whatever are you doing in Annesbury? I never thought to see you here again.”

Her gaze dropped to the ground. “My aunt has come to visit an old school friend. Since this is where my brothers and I spent our childhood, she invited us to come, too. We are staying with Mr. and Mrs. George Brody.” She peered up at him from beneath the brim of her bonnet. “I am glad to find you here. I did not know whether you were still in the neighborhood. I heard about your father’s passing. I am sorry for that, Robert.”

“Thank you.” Robert’s father had passed away in the spring, after fighting a long illness that had left him often confused and weak. His heart clenched at the memory of his father’s last days, of how hopeless and gray things had been. He cleared his throat and forced a smile upon his face. “How long will you visit?”

Penny accepted the change in topic gracefully, raising her head and presenting him with a brighter smile. “A fortnight. We will be here through January seventh.”

“Ah, all twelve days of Christmas.” Robert shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I will make a point of visiting. I imagine there are many in the neighborhood who will be happy to renew their acquaintance with you.”

“I doubt many remember me.” Her hand fluttered as though to brush away the idea of anyone having missed her. But Robert had missed her. He had thoughts of her hundreds of times, perhaps thousands, since she and her brothers had gone away to be raised by her aunt and uncle. He had often thought of writing, but never worked up the courage. What did a boy of seventeen have to write to a girl of fifteen? A girl who had lost her parents and her home?

To have her standing before him again, more beautiful than he remembered, made Robert’s heart swell up so that it nearly choked him.

A childhood affection should not affect him in such a way.

“I will be at the Earl of Annesbury’s famous Christmas ball tomorrow evening,” she admitted when he had been quiet too long.

Robert forced himself to speak, to keep his tone light. “Wonderful. My brother and I received invitations as well.” He ought to ask her to dance. Secure her hand for the supper dance, or a waltz, or an entire set. “We will see one another tomorrow evening, then.”

If she did not think him a dolt before, she certainly would after that.

A mischievous light kindled in her eyes, one he knew well from their childhood adventures together. We had better, Mr. Ellsworth. When we do, I expect you to ask me to dance, too.” She curtsied and he bowed instinctively, putting an end to their conversation.

A scent of cinnamon teased his nose as she walked around him, her pink lips curved upward as though she held a secret—she was probably laughing at him. Then she was gone, her deep green spencer cut in such a way to emphasize the pleasing curves of her form. He watched as she joined an older woman at the door of a shop, the two of them linking arms before they continued down the street.

Penny’s head started to turn, as though she would look over her shoulder at him, and Robert hastened to walk away before she caught him staring.

Penelope Clark had returned to the neighborhood, and she had changed from the trim, freckled girl of his acquaintance, a childhood playmate, to a woman grown. Yet he had known her the instant their eyes met, recognized the girl he had cherished and adored throughout their friendship.
​
At least he had never told her, never worked up the courage as a youth, to reveal to her the truth of his feelings. Robert’s hesitation on that point had saved him from humiliation. All for the best. The loss of her parents took Penny and her brothers away. The loss of his father forced him into employment as a steward, a position far beneath what Penny deserved.

(What do you think? Interested in where this one is going?)

Looking for UK Audiobook Lovers

Audible Gives Me Book Codes for My Books ...And then I find listeners who are willing to leave reviews if they enjoy the book. :-) US listeners I have by the dozens, but it's been more difficult to find people who use the UK Audible store to be part of my team. 

If you live in the UK, Australia, Canada, or get your books and merchandise through the Amazon/Audible UK store, and you like audiobooks, I NEED you. 

You can apply by clicking RIGHT HERE.

Easy-peasy. Feel free to pass this along to your UK-listening friends!

Playlist: Saving Miss Everly

Another playlist full of the music that helped me get my characters, setting, and the mood JUST right in my newest novel, Saving Miss Everly. I had so much fun putting this one together, and this playlist really was a life-saver.... Listen On Spotify Happy Now, by Zedd, Elley Duhe
Hope's song. She finally has what she wants. She's far away from all she's ever known. Yet she's still faced with problems, unpleasant moments, and then - a tragedy. Stranded upon an island. Will rescue come?

Secrets, by One Republic
Pretty obvious. Hope is full of secrets, pretending to be someone else, and she's keeping so much of herself hidden from the man who very well may be the other half of her soul.

In Love Again, by Colbie Caillat
Hope is starting to have feelings for Alejandro, but she's terrified of what it means to give her heart (her freedom?) into another person's care. 

Dark Runs Out, by Amy Stroup
This one reminds me of the scene in which there's a storm, necessitating that all the castaways huddle together in the darkness. During this frightening evening, Hope and Alejandro grow closer than ever. 

Heart's Content, by Brandi Carlile 
This is Alejandro's argument with himself, I think. What's the point of love when you're stuck where you are? What's the point of hoping for something he thinks he will never have again? 

Cough Syrup, by Young the Giant
This is Alejandro when Hope first meets him. He has no faith in rescue, no hope of being saved, and he's pretty much over the rules of Society. It amused me to hear the lyric "these fishes in the sea they're staring at me" when that's pretty much the only company he's had in over a year. Fish. The poor man is just so worn down. This song captures that feeling. 

Never Gonna Let You Down, by Colbie Caillat 
Hope's response to Alejandro: I'm going to help you find your hope, your happiness, your laughter. She makes a promise to herself, and so to him, to help him remember his faith and to look for reasons to find joy. 

Brighter Than the Sun, by Colbie Caillat 
Hope KNOWS. She knows, without a doubt, that she's in love. How did it happen this way? If she hadn't found Alejandro on the island, would they have met somewhere else? "Lighting strikes the heart," indeed. He's everything she needs, everything she wants, in the man who will possess her heart. 

Feels Like Home, by Chantal Kreviazuk 
This is Alejandro, falling deeply, and finding peace again. No matter what comes next, if he's with Hope, he's going to be all right. 

Thinking of You, by Greg Holden
After Hope leaves, this is the state of Alejandro's mind. She's gone and he aches for her, misses her, cannot believe he let her go. But his honor demanded it. He couldn't take her in his arms, couldn't take her home, because he doesn't know what's waiting for him. 

There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back, by Shawn Mendes
And here we are, at last. He adores her, he's going after her, he loves her spirit of adventure and will do anything, whatever it takes, to make Hope his bride. 

Love, by American Authors
Hope pines for Alejandro and starts making plans to get him back. Whatever it takes. She will go after him, if he won't come for her. She walks along the beach ever day, planning for the moment she will see him again. 

Touch the Sky, From "Brave," by Julie Fowlis
This is Hope's theme song. This is the spirit of adventure, of light and life, that sings in her heart every moment of every day. She cannot keep still. The wind lifts and carries her heart and she follows, happily and without reservation. She is free.

And the Birds Sing, by Tyrone Wells
This is more for the island than anything. Just before the fire. When things are looking better. The castaways are figuring things out, establishing a routine, doing better and better. And Alejandro is starting to relax, his eyes on a certain young lady. 

Out of My Soul, by Helen Jane Long
Instrumental. Alejandro, sailing across the sea to find his love. 

Dueles, by Jesse & Joy 
In Spanish, I adore this song. It was Alejandro's theme while I wrote their love story. It is about being broken, being in love, quitting, memories. It's everything he's feeling and how afraid he is to love, because first he has to have hope. 

Unexpected Love, by Matt Wertz
After they are together again. :-) They're lucky, they're blessed, they're together, and everything is finally wonderful. "Midnight, you're the moon/You're the tide int he ocean/Pulling me right into you." I adore those lyrics! 

I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You, by Tina Arena and Marc Anthony
Again. And again. And again. I listened to this song all by itself, on repeat, as I wrote out the summary of this novel. I love the movie, The Mask of Zorro, which is where  it comes from. The song has the right flavor, the right spirit, to these two. They've been on an adventure, found love, and the adventure of their lives is now ahead of them - the adventure of marriage and always, forevermore, being together. 

I hope you enjoy my song selection for this novel. Listen to it on Spotify right here.  Have you picked up your copy of
Saving Miss Everly yet?
Get it now, from Amazon! Pick Up Your Copy Affiliate Link

Updated: Sally's To-Do List

There is no rest for most writers. I keep myself especially busy because I want to get all these story ideas written down and shared with the world. My imagination spins and spins each story a dozen different ways before I ever write it down. Then there's all the stuff that goes along with a single published book: covers, marketing, audiobooks, edits, promotion, etc. It certainly keeps me busy. 

So here we are. Another book is about to release, another has been announced... I get this question all the time: What comes next? 
Right now, this is what's on my list of things to accomplish....

Release Audiobooks: Miss Devon's Choice, Discovering Grace, and His Unexpected Heiress
Produce Audiobooks: Courting the Vicar's Daughter, The Captain and Miss Winter, Saving Miss Everly
Finish Writing a Christmas Novella (Attached to The Branches series)
Write Isaac's Story, Engaging Sir Isaac
Write Regency Novella for February Release (More on that soon)
Work on Secret Historical Fiction Series

And everything else that goes on in-between! :-) Are you tired yet? I am....