Elizabeth Boyle's Blog, page 26

May 5, 2012

Inspiration: Picturing Your Story

I am in love with Pinterest. Yeah, I know. So is everyone else. But if you are like me, and have always loved collages, and images and pictures to inspire you for whatever it is that you love to create–whether it is decorating, crafting, cooking, and yes, writing, Pinterest is so perfect for collecting the pictures you love and that you love for inspiration.


Take this one for example:


I absolutely loved this gown! A Regency fashion print from 1810, published in Ackermann’s Repository Series 1, Vol 4, the July Issue. Not only was it right dead on for the year of my book, but this would have been quite the height of fashion and daring–which I wanted, if only to get my rather reticent, and unlikely heroine to step out of her shell.


But the print also works to put all kinds of details into the scene–how Tabitha’s ankles would be showing–Scandalous!! The Van Dyke lace around the neck. And the slashings in the front that would let the interior show. I changed the gown to blue to match my heroine’s eyes. And to give the gown even more meaning, it was actually Tabitha’s best friend, Daphne who chose the gown for her–in secret and away from the stringent eyes of Tabitha’s strict guardians. Immediately the gown in this print added all that much more to the scenes. Which is exactly what picture inspiration should do.


I’ve used photos for inspiration since I was a kid. I’m notorious for ripping photos out of magazines–in the doctor’s office, from my mom’s house and my own are shreds when I am done with them. Pics of gardens, house interiors, recipes, knitting patterns, sweater pics, clothes, whatever I find interesting.

And then they go into folders, of notebooks, or pinned to the wall.


Oh, Pinterest where have you been all my life?!


My friend Jane Porter, writes with an entire notebook of pictures to inspire each scene. She collects photos of all her characters–and then goes the extra mile to find as many pictures of those models, movie star or person, who inspires that character. She has them in every mood, nuance and angle, so she can continue to pull from them the bits of inspiration that help round out a scene. Check out her Pinterest boards–they are amazing.


Q. How do you use pictures to inspire? I’d love to know where you find your pictures and how you use them.


P.S. And if you want to see some of the pictures and prints and places that helped inspire Along Came a Duke, here is the link to my Pinterest page.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on May 05, 2012 01:17

May 3, 2012

Five Things about Lena Diaz

Lena Diaz is a fellow Avon author and the wonderful part of being published at Avon is that the books are so diverse. I love my historicals, but occassionally a little suspense is good for the soul. So therefore, let me introduce, Lena Diaz:


1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Lele, pronounced ‘Lee Lee’. My oldest sister called me that and still does sometimes. No rhyme or reason behind it, just a nickname that was a play off my first name. I always liked it and thought it was cute.


2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? Gatlinburg, Tennessee. My husband surprised me on our 15th wedding anniversary with a trip to Gatlinburg. We stayed in a chalet that clung to the side of the Smoky Mountain foothills. We sat in the hot tub on the deck, looking out over the mountains. And we took all kinds of day trips through the Smoky Mountain National Park, hiking and seeing wildlife and beautiful waterfalls. The highlight was hiking up to Clingman’s Dome where you can see for miles in every direction. We went back a few years later with our extended family, about twenty of us, and rented a three-story cabin. Went horseback riding and hiking. The highlight of that second trip was whitewater rafting. I love Gatlinburg and highly recommend it, both as a romantic getaway and as a great place for family fun!


3. What is the very first romance book that you read? It’s impossible for me to remember the very first one, but I know one of the earliest ones I read was The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I can still picture the hero, Brandon Birmingham, his tall, muscular, handsome profile standing on the deck of his ship as he took his new bride home from England to America. I could feel the heroine’s sorrow as her beloved homeland slipped beyond the horizon, and her fear of her uncertain future in a strange new land. Several of Woodiwiss’s books became my favorites and sit proudly on my bookshelf to this day, including A Rose in Winter and Ashes in the Wind. Kathleen Woodiwiss was an incredible author who paved the way for so many authors after her. She was the true queen of romance, one of the original Avon ladies.


4. If you could time travel, what time period would you most like to visit? Medieval Scotland, the highlands, during the reign of King John in England. I think that was the late 1100’s, maybe even 1200. That was the time of Julie Garwood’s novel Ransom, one of my all-time favorite historicals. I’d love to go back to that time and see the Highland Laird’s and see firsthand the power-struggles between the British and Scottish people. Of course, I’d want to be invisible on my trip, so I’d be safe. It was a hard, violent time and although I’d love to visit, I wouldn’t want to live there. I enjoy my modern day luxuries of soap, showers, medicines, etc. far too much to actually want to live in medieval times. But, really, who could resist seeing all those Scottish highlanders in their kilts and speaking with those sexy brogues?


5. What are your top three favorite movies? This is where I have to admit that I’m a total movie fanatic. I love romantic comedies and action flicks. My top three favorites probably change depending on my mood, but off the top of my head right now, I’d say Armegeddon (love the Aerosmith soundtrack, and Bruce Willis of course), Notting Hill, While you Were Sleeping, and I have to throw a fourth one in here – Ever After. Oh, and I loved Kate & Leopold, and A Knight’s Tale….and…okay, have to stop myself. Needless to say, I love movies!


To learn more about Lena Diaz and her suspense novels, including her latest, Simon Says Die, please visit her website, www.LenaDiaz.com.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on May 03, 2012 01:01

April 26, 2012

Five More Things About Stefanie Sloane

So yes, Stephanie has dropped by here before, but some people bear repeating. ‘Sides, she’s awful nice. Plus, her 2011 book, Devil in Disguise has garnered a double nominations in the RWA RITA awards for Best First Book and Best Regency Historical Romance. I have to smile at this, because I got that double nod myself with my first book. It’s like we are twins who were separated at birth. LOL.


Plus, she sent me a picture of Thor to insert in the blog. Just saying . . .


1. Did you have a nickname growing up?

Mad Dog Stefano. Seriously. There was a boxer in the early 70s nicknamed Mad Dog. And then there was me. It was nearly impossible to tell us apart. Except that one was a big, beefy boxer and the other a small, mouthy toddler. Other than that? Total twins, right down to the hair-trigger temper and the nasty right hook.


2. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Oh, definitely Thor. He’s not just a superhero, he’s a god. And, well, he looks like this:


Dibs.


3. If you were not writing, what job would you have? Professional dancer featured on Dancing with the Stars. Not that I actually know how to ballroom dance. But I would love to learn! Only problem: cannot abide fake tans. But I’m sure we could figure something out.


4. Most embarrassing song on your iPod. I’m a firm believer in the idea that no music is embarrassing. I love everything from pop to alternative, country to classical, and all points in between. But if I lost my iPod and a stranger came across it, here are the songs that would have them laughing in five minutes flat:



ABBA, Dancing Queen

Beastie Boys, Sure Shot

Destiny’s Child, Bootylicious

Presidents of the United States, Love Everybody

5. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring.



Sunscreen! (A certain someone would have never let me hear the end of it if this item were forgotten.)

A lifetime supply of guacamole. And chips This really only counts as one item since guacamole without chips is a sad, sad situation.

My iPod, loaded with every song ever recorded. By every artist. In every genre. Whew, I think that covers it.

My Kindle, loaded with every book ever written. By every author. In every genre. Huh. I feel like I’ve heard this somewhere before.

My family. They’re crazy, but I love them. Wait, how long am I stuck on this island? Hmmmm…


Besides being a double RITA nominee, which is huge bragging rights, Stefanie Sloane also has a new book out, The Saint Who Stole My Heart which is garnering all kinds of buzz. Read all about it on her website.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 26, 2012 01:01

April 24, 2012

Autographed Books

Just a quick note to let those of you who live in far flung (and probably some not-so-far-flung) that I never seem to visit, the bookstore, Turn the Page, where I will be signing this Friday is also having a virtual signing–which means, if you order one of my books from them, I’ll sign it and they will then send it on to you. A wonderful idea for a gift for Mother’s Day perhaps, or just getting a copy for yourself.


And there are plenty of authors to chose from, including Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Robyn Carr, Cathy Maxwell, Amanda Brice, Leigh Duncan, Alma Katsu, Lavinia Kent, Mindy Klasky, Alethea Kontis, Kieran Kramer, Allison Leotta, Pamela Palmer, Hope Ramsay, Alix Rickloff, Christine Trent.


The signing is an embarrassment of riches, so why not take advantage of it and check out what books are available over at Turn the Page. But order before Friday!


Oh, and if you live in the area, the signing is this Friday, from 11-2ish. But you will want to get there early, as they had out tickets for entry and when the tickets are gone, then no one else will be let in. Also, no outside books. Sorry about that! But if you can come, I would love to meet you!

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 24, 2012 06:22

April 19, 2012

Five Things About Mary Jo Putney

I read Mary Jo Putney long before I met her. I had one of those fan-girl moments when I finally did get to meet her. After all, here was the author of The Rake! And it was with great joy that I discovered that besides being a fabulous writer, she was also a gracious and lovely lady. So it is with great joy that I share with you Five Things About Mary Jo Putney.


1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? It’s hard to beat the Virgin Islands–turquoise waters and silver sand and jagged volcanic islands scattered in all directions. We’ve stayed in the British Virgins again and again. Paradise. But there are so many other beautiful/romantic places! New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, Tuscany, the Dalmatian Coast….I’ll stop now.



2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do?
Usually I collapse and sleep for a while, because I’m always frantic and bang up against (or over!) a deadline. Then the Mayhem Consultant will take me to a really nice B&B for a quiet getaway. When I finished No Longer a Gentleman, we want to a lovely place right on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and could look out from the balcony and see freighters and tugs and other boats go by. Very relaxing!



3. What new authors have you recently added to your TBR pile? Sophia Page, a new pseudonym for Harlequin author Sophia Weston.  As Sophia Page, she wrote a wonderful book that came out a few months ago called To Marry a Prince, which was a smart, funny story about a commoner girl marrying the Prince of Wales. Not Kate and William, but it did give entertaining insights into what such a romance would be like. I think she has another book coming, and I’m looking forward to it.


4. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Wolverine from the X-Men, but ONLY if played by Hugh Jackman!


5. If you were not writing, what job would you have? I was a graphic designer for many years, but the business had computerized so much I’m no longer hireable. In fact, I’m pretty much unemployable at anything but writing. If I had to find a new career–I like houses. Maybe real estate. Except that I’m not great with contracts and would probably make terrible mistakes and become unemployed again really rapidly.



Mary Jo’s classic 5 star and RITA winning book, The Rake, with its alcoholic hero was recently reissued!!! Huzzah!! No Longer a Gentleman, the fourth in her Lost Lords series, will be released April 24th and received a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly! Learn more about Mary Jo and her wonderful Regency books at http://www.maryjoputney.com/.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 19, 2012 01:16

April 17, 2012

Friends

As you know, I like to add my friends to the blog whenever possible. Because, well, quite frankly, I adore the friends I have, even the ones who are long distance acquaintances that I barely know. I meet so many people from far flung corners, but some people you meet and you just know they would be your new BFF if only they didn’t live so darn far away.


Jane Porter and her lovely smile!


And the romance genre is filled with these kind and generous women. I’ve been stewing this morning about all the things I need to get done before I venture off to Maryland next week–finalizing my speech, rounding out the workshops I’ll be giving, a big booksigning, coming up with what to pack, finishing the draft of my book, boring business stuff that sucks my time and energy. But mostly finishing the draft of my book–which is nearly there but dragging its heels. Okay, the author is dragging her heels, and I have just been grumpy and cranky about all of it.


Then out of the blue I got the kindest, most generous email from Pamela Palmer offering her welcome to WRW retreat I am attending and asking if there is anything I wanted to know about it. I barely know Pamela, but she just pegged out on the potential BFF scale. And then I remember the beautiful week I just spent with Jane Porter and her beautiful family in Hawaii. What was the first thing we did? Book swapped good reads! (A Georgette Heyer for a Caroline Linden.)


A rainbow discovered with friends.


But it was a terrific week, now filled with happy memories of the boys playing on the beach together, the big dinner we had on the patio for Matthew’s birthday, Jane’s generosity and gorgeous smile–even when she was coming off a hellish deadline. The rainbow we spotted over the distance mountains as we all sat down on the beach and listened to the wedding music from the party next door.


Thank you to all my friends who make my life richer and more meaningful. And thank you to all who read my books and are friends in that love of adventure and reading. You take away my grumpies.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 17, 2012 10:31

April 9, 2012

Spring Break Madness

With it being Spring Break in lots of places–and in the coming weeks, I decided a little Spring Madness was in order. So Brazen Angel is now up on Nook and Kindle for the incredible price of .99! Now this isn't going to last forever. Probably until I come to my senses, so if you've wanted to try out the Brazen series, here is your chance.


Brazen Angel


And because, quite frankly, it is sunny here in Seattle, I am going to leap outside and frolic in the sunshine a bit, I'm keeping this short instead of droning on like I usually do.


But first I need to post last week's winner and she is: Diane D, or otherwise known as @englishmeadows over on Twitter. Diane, contact me with your mailing address and I'll get your package to you.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 09, 2012 01:27

April 5, 2012

Five Things about Miranda Neville

I envy Miranda Neville. She grew up in England and lives in Vermont. I always think of both places as deeply romantic and very cool to be from. And it turns out, she's a nice person as well and great writer. May I introduce you to, Miranda Neville:


1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Yes, but there's no way I'm going to tell anyone what it is.


2. If you could choose any 3 people in history to meet, who would they be?



Shakespeare, because I think he must have been a very entertaining and amusing man as well as the greatest writer that ever lived. I'm particularly fond of his comedies and I'd love to ask him how he wrote such appealing female characters. (Especially since they were played by boys on the stage!)
Mozart, because I can't imagine anything more glorious than having him play his compositions to me after dinner.
Oscar Wilde, because he was the wittiest man ever. Also, from what I've read he was an amazingly kind and sweet man beneath his posturing.

3. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you've ever been? I'll have to go with Venice. I'll never forget arriving on the water bus at St. Mark's Square. It's the only place I've ever been that made me cry when I saw it, just from the its sheer breathtaking beauty.


EB: Personally I think your cover is one of the most romantic I've ever seen!


4. Where do you go for inspiration when the creativity well is running a little dry? That's a very interesting question. In the short term, when I'm stuck on a scene, I take a long walk in the country and always feel refreshed. In general, I find reading non-fiction helps, both historical works and contemporary memoirs and biography. Learning about the way real people have tackled problems gives me perspective on my fictional historical characters.


5. What is the very first romance book that you read? Pride and Prejudice, probably. And I know the first Georgette Heyer I read, in my early teens, was Powder and Patch. The first "modern" romance I read was a Catherine Coulter but I'm afraid I can't remember which one.


Miranda's brand new release, Confessions from an Arranged Marriage is her long awaited story of Minerva Montrose and the Marquis of Blakeney. Find out more about Miranda and her books at MirandaNeville.com.


Have any questions for Miranda? Or even perhaps share what was the first romance you read?

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 05, 2012 01:04

April 2, 2012

A Short Story about A Short Story

Several years ago I was asked to be part of a Regency anthology — could I write a story that was under 10,000 words? Sure, I said, without thinking much about it. 10,000 words, eh? That would be simple.


Thus said the woman who always writes long.


Writing a full love story, in 10,000 words or less, is not easy. In fact, it is a true challenge to an author used to having the roomy wide open spaces of 90,000+ words to introduce characters, establish conflict, introduce a plot that will entice readers to follow the hero and heroine along on their adventure and, like the hero and heroine, fall in love along the way.


No, 10,000 words requires you jump right into the story, into that snapshot of a moment, when two people fall in love and find their soul mate. In other words, love at first sight. Which is why I used that most perfect of love at first sight plots, Cinderella, as the framework for my short story, Cynders & Ashe.


I also had only about 10 free days to write the story, while I was between contracts and novel commitments.


So I planned accordingly–taking notes about the story when they occurred to me, mapping out the characters much the same way, so that when I sat down one Sunday evening, I had a file of information to organize. I also used this story as my first attempt to use writing software–in my case, Scrivener. I organized my story into the software folders–using the plot note cards to designate each and every scene, compiling my character sketches so I had all my players lined up like a cast in a play.


Then when Monday morning rolled around, I sat down to write.


But in this case, I didn't start at the beginning, I wrote whatever scene appealed to me at the moment. In the mood for a masquerade? I wrote the ball scenes. Feeling a little morose about my future, I wrote about the heroine's life as a lowly seamstress. The story unfolded quickly before my eyes and I found myself, like the characters in the story, enfolded right into the action. At the end of 10 days, I had it. 33 pages of passion, love and a satisfying romance. Okay, so I did run a little over 10,000 words. But then again, I always do.


Eventually the story was published in The Mammoth Book of Regency Romances, and now I am pleased to offer it as single story for a digital download. Check it out on Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, and coming soon to iBooks.


(And of course, I had to use Earthly Charms for the cover design–isn't this the most stunning cover you have ever seen?)


So, do you like short stories or novellas? If not, why? I'm about to start work on another novella and would love to hear reader's thoughts on these stories.


Comment below to be entered in this week's blog drawing.


The Rules:


1) Leave a comment below and let me know which of the covers or books you love:


and/or


2) Tweet the following: Enter to win a signed book by #JuliaQuinn & an arc of @elizboyle's Along Came a Duke at http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=2189 #contest


Do both and you are entered twice! I'll give you all until midnight, PDT, Saturday, April 7th to get your entries in.


Make sure to check back here Monday, April 9th to find out if you won. You'll have a week to claim your prize.


Last week's winner is: TinaM, who was poster #23 and made her comment on March 26, 2012 at 2:07 PM. Tina, contact me with your address and I will send you your prize. You have a week to claim it.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on April 02, 2012 01:04

March 29, 2012

Five Things about Kate Noble

I have met Kate–like most of my writing friends–online. Via blogs and Twitter and Facebook, but the real test of an author is how you like their stories. Hers are great. So if you haven't met her before, here are Five Things About Kate Noble.


1. Did you have a nickname growing up? I had several. Katie, being the simplest, and longest lasting. Goldilocks and Buckwheat perhaps the more interesting.


2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? When the deadline is bearing down on me, and I can see the finish line in the distance, I will go buy a bottle of cheap champagne. Then, whenever I open the fridge, there it is, staring at me, reminding me I should be writing. As soon as I type 'The End', whether it be 11AM or 2AM, I'll pop that baby open and pour myself a glass.


3. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Well, I suppose I'm going to have to say the Hulk, simply because my wonderful boyfriend has written a couple of Hulk and She-Hulk comics for Marvel. But, if I wasn't being a loyal girlfriend, I would likely choose Captain America. There's just something about a good old-fashioned corn-fed American guy with nice manners and a strong moral center that happens to be a genetically enhanced super soldier, you know?


4. If you were not writing, what job would you have? When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Disney animator. In fact, I studied TV and Film production in college, so I would likely be behind a camera somewhere. Although secretly, I would love to be a pottery-making/world-travelling/soul-singing/polylingual/race car-driving lifestyle guru. Do you know of any job openings in that field?


5. Most embarrassing song on your iPod. Clay Aiken's version of Bridge Over Troubled Water. No contest.


6. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring. I'm going to assume this island is populated by a 5 star hotel and resort, yes? (EB: Yeah, sure. It has a resort and electricity, wink) If so, here's my list:



The Boyfriend.

The Credit Cards.

A significant portion of the TBR pile.

Contact lenses.

My smart phone. Not only is it a GPS for when we get lost, but I have a sad Angry Birds addiction.

Everything else I can buy, right?


EB: Let's hope so. Because when the smart phone runs out of power, and the Angry Birds are gone and you can't listen to Clay Aiken, girlfriend, you're in trouble.


Kate has two stories releasing next Tuesday: the full length novel, If I Fall, available in print and ebook, and a special e-novella, The Dress of the Season. To learn more about Kate and her wonderful historical romances, visit www.katenoble.com.


©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.


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Published on March 29, 2012 01:01