C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 169

Guest Visit: Charlene Raddon

I’m pleased to have my fellow Tirgearr author, Charlene Raddon as a guest today.

What inspired Forever Mine?

Forever Mine was inspired by a photograph of a lighthouse keeper and his bride on display at the Cape Meares, Oregon lighthouse.

What started you writing romance?

A dream I knew had to be in a book.

How did you develop your craft?

Writing, rewriting and more rewriting, classes,conferences, how-to-books, critique groups.

What makes a great heroine?

A woman all women can see a bit of themselves in.

What’s sexy?

Tenderness.

What makes you laugh?

Amusing antics of my cat or strangers in a mall food court.

Do you ever incorporate real people/events into your stories?

Yes.

How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

Easily, except when I have a deadline and my husband wants to go camping.

What’s the most common mistake people make about you?

They see me as intimidating. Actually, I’m just shy.

What ambitions do you have ahead of you?

To accomplish as much as I can, travel, and write books until the day I die.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Always remember that tomorrow is another day and a new start.

If money were no object, what would be your ideal vacation?

Going anywhere that struck my fancy and staying as long as I wished.

What’s next for you?

Reworking the first book I every wrote that hasn’t been published.

http://www.charleneraddon.com

https://twitter.com/CRaddon

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1232154.Charlene_Raddon/blog

http://www.facebook.com/CharleneRaddon?ref=hl

http://www.charleneraddon.blogspot.com

Excerpt:

Cape Meares, Oregon 1891

To Bartholomew Noon the unceasing rumble of the sea and the melancholy cry of

gulls were the very embodiment of his loneliness. Constant. Never ending. But loneliness

was not the cause of the heavy sense of foreboding that had come over him on awakening

that morning. A warning he knew better than to ignore.

In the hope of escaping the gloomy cloud hanging over him, he had hiked the

steep trail down to the beach where a man could be alone. Here on the driftwood littered

strand, he could be himself. No one to placate. No one from whom he must hide his

innermost feelings in order to keep from being manipulated or tormented. Here, he could

ponder his unwonted presentiment without interruption.

Out where the water deepened, a wave of translucent jade crested, curled in upon

itself, then broke in a boiling froth that tossed and fumed until its force ebbed. Indolently,

it crept toward him until the foam-tipped water encircled his boots, as if to embrace

him in empathy and compassion, before being sucked back into the gray Pacific Ocean,

stealing the sand from under him as it went.

A derisive snort erupted from deep inside Bartholomew’s chest as he shrugged

off his imaginings. The sea neither embraced nor understood him. What it did do, a few

grains at a time, was erode away the land, the same way life with Hester was eroding

away his soul.

The sky darkened from gray to black as a storm drew near. Fog, pushed by the

wind herding the storm inland, had already obliterated the headland to the south where

Hester and the lighthouse awaited him. The air grew more chill. Soon the rain would

begin. Resolutely, he thrust his icy fingers into his coat pockets and turned his back on

his beloved sea. It was time to see to his responsibilities.

The thick February mist formed droplets on his lashes and the tip of his sturdy

nose. Under his keeper’s cap, his damp sable hair formed a mass of loose curls.

“Come on, Harlequin,” he called to a puffin feeding in the shallow water, “time to

go.”

The stubby bird scooped up a last mouthful of tiny mole crabs in its garish orange

and red beak and waddled out of the surf toward the man, every bit as though it had

understood the human command. Awkwardly, it flapped its raven wings, flying barely

high enough to reach the man’s broad shoulder, but it seemed content there. Bartholomew

patted the sleek snowy feathers of its breast as he climbed the bluff that rose above

the strand. The wing Bartholomew had mended was nearly as strong as ever. Any day

now the bird would rejoin its own kind on the seastacks off the Oregon coast, leaving

Bartholomew more alone than ever.

Evergreens draped in moss crowded close around him as he made his way up the

trail, and added to the gloom of the foggy morn. Tree trunks, misshapened by ferns that

rooted in every gnarl, appeared like phantoms in the drifting mist, writhing and moaning

in the rising wind. It was when the track ran close enough to the cliff to offer a last view

of the sea that Bartholomew saw the ship.

One second the vessel was there, the next it was gone. The fog congealed to the

consistency of Hester’s sausage gravy and laid every bit as heavily upon the sea as the

gravy did in Bartholomew’s stomach. His dark eyes strained to penetrate the ghostly

vapor. If he was right, Pyramid Rock lay directly across the vessel’s course.

Like a too-tight seam, the fog split apart. In the resultant window, he spotted the

ship, heading straight for the hidden rock.

He screamed for the vessel to veer sharply portside, knowing in the more

reasonable portion of his brain that he was much too far away to be heard.

The rising wind hurtled the ship closer to its destruction, as easily as a stone cast

from a sling. To Bartholomew the scene played out in painful, slow motion, grating on

his nerves like wood beneath a rasp. People were on that ship, people who would die. He

wanted to rage at the heavens for allowing such tragedy.

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Kit Marlowe

What Is This Writer Doing When You’re Not Watching?

Oh, my!   So much!

In just one night, I went into a virtual world and helped a friend become a dragon. 

That same night, I was reviewing a fantasy story that was sent in to the magazine where I am an Associate Editor.  I’m trying to decide how much I love it.  If I love it, it goes on to the Fiction Editor and if he loves it, it goes on to the Editor-in-Chief.   If she loves it, she sends that author a contract.  So far I am loving what I’m reading.

And in addition, I am working on a new book with a brand new vampire.  I have to find a street map of a certain Southern town, I’m not telling which… it’s part of the fun.

All of this in just one night.  I am always writing.  I am always being the editor.  And when no one is looking I fly through a virtual world as a dragon.

I love all the bits and pieces of my life.  Whether I’m Grandma telling a story to baby Penelope or working on the code of a website or sitting in the doctor’s office for a checkup and reading a magazine about an awful disease.  Every part of my life has become magical, amazing, exciting, and different every day… an adventure.

Maybe it’s time to look at your bits and pieces of your life.  What makes it fun?  Strange?  Weird?  Different?  What adventure are you on?  What parts amaze you?

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

 

 

 

 

Filed under: A Lesson in Love, Helping Other Writers, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampires, Warrior women, What A Writer Needs, Writer's Life

What do writers read? By Marian Lanouette

I’ve often pondered this question. You see, I read everything. Right now I’m reading RC Bonitz’s A Blanket for Her Heart. It is a heartwarming story.  I’m also reading a new author to me, Freya North. Her novel Pillow Talk is great. At first, I had a difficult time with some phrases. You see she wrote in England’s English and some of the terms and spelling were new to me. Once I acclimated myself to the terms, it was an easy read and a wonderful romance. I also read Jessica Andersen’s latest Bear Claw Creek Crime Lab series book, Bear Claw Lawman. I couldn’t put it down.

Other books I have fit in over the summer, that is in between my writing are Kristan Higgins’ Somebody to Love. I just loved Parker. Richard Castle’ short stories, A Raging Storm and Brewing Storm. And let’s not forget one of my all-time thriller/suspense writers, Karin Slaughter (great name for a thriller writer, isn’t it?). She scared me again with Criminal.  I almost missed another of my favorites, Karen Rose’s No One Left to Tell, a nail biter for sure. An unusual book, The Mole People by Jennifer Toth is to say the least, fascinating. It’s all about the people who actually live in the tunnels under New York City.

At the beginning of the summer, I read Kathy Bennett’s A Deadly Blessing. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Kathy, a retired LA Cop, knows her subject and it comes through loud and clear in her books. I highly recommend this author along with all the ones above.

I love reading at beach, which is where I read most of these books and many more. Some have kept me up all night until I reached the last page.

These are a few authors who are releasing books in July, August and September, moi included. Look for Gerri Brousseau’s A Pirates Ransom in August, Casey Watt’s The Undead Space Initiative released in July of 2012. And of course in September my all-time favorite J.D Robb’s latest Eve Dallas book Delusion in Death.  It’s so exciting to have my book released the same month that J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is releasing one.

Oh, if I must, also in September—tada—my debut novel, If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery. You’ll find all the books listed here entertaining and there’s something for everyone’s palate. Happy Reading!

Please share what you’re reading this summer.

Filed under: romance

Olympic Games 2012 by Gerri Brousseau

The Olympic Games 2012 – London, England. Wow! From July 27th through August 12th the best athletes from around the world will meet in London to vie for a gold medal. After we were wowed by the opening ceremony at last Olympic games in China, it will be interesting to see what London has in store for us. I love to watch the teams from the different countries march into the arena, proudly waving their flags and wearing their colorful uniforms.

I saw on TV that Sir Paul McCartney will sing. I wonder if Madonna will too? Where’s Sir Elton John in all this? I heard the Rolling Stones feel they will not be ready to perform. What? Seriously? They have been singing together for over 50 years. They’ll be singing together six months after they’re dead! Guys, if you ain’t ready by now, you ain’t never gunna be! For the love of God, what’s up with that?

The events span from archery and diving to equestrian and beach volley ball. I saw on TV that Prince Harry already has tickets to attend the women’s volley ball event. Prince Harry is so much fun. I love that he can really be himself and do enjoy watching him enjoy his life.  I did see that the Royal Couple will attend (how could they not). We all love William and Kate, but they certainly are not as much fun to watch as Harry. I wonder what color the Queen will wear and I’m looking forward to seeing her hat.

I wonder if the games will stop at 4:00 for tea. Hey, it’s London … it could happen!

For those of us not lucky enough to travel to London and attend the actual games, I wonder how many of you will be watching? Which events are your favorites? And will Michael Phelps swim away with all the medals in swimming?

Filed under: romance

My Condolences, Colorado

So I know we were supposed to do Websites, Part 3 this week but I’m taking a break from the scheduled blog to send my condolences to the victims and families of this past week’s mass shooting in Colorado. I will continue with websites next week.

As a Virginia Tech alumni, I’m unfortunately no stranger to mass shootings and the emotions that go along with them. I love the university but also admit that April 16, 2007 changed my perception of the safe, booming college town which is Blacksburg.

July 20, 2012 will forever change the lives of not only the victims and the families of those victims, but also the residents of Aurora, Colorado. They’ve clearly had their safety breached and it may take a long while to gain some sense of comfort back.

I don’t know what was going through James Holmes’ mind and I don’t know if I’d understand it even if I found out what he was thinking. One lesson life has taught me is that we are all different and no matter how hard some of us try, we may not be able to “stand in another person’s shoes.” I imagine if Mr. Holmes had been able to stand in his victims’ or their families’ shoes, he might not have proceeded to plan out and implement such a tragic act. At least, that is what I, as a human, would like to believe about someone in my species.

For those of you in Aurora, for those of you who’ve lost family members or friends, for those of you who have spent the last few days watching TV and reading articles and feeling your heart clench for all those involved, I send my thoughts and prayers to you.

Filed under: Emotions, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Writers Block Sucks by Leia Shaw

I haven’t written anything more than a few blog posts – most of which were recycled – and some facebook statuses in over two months.

Why, you ask.

Because of writers block.

So writers block is a real thing, you wonder. And it plagues even you?

‘Tis true.

But you’ve written five books in two years! you exclaim.

Yes, thank you for pointing that out. *rolling eyes* You’re not very helpful, you know.

I’m just trying to make a point, you say. If you’re not careful, you could descend into madness and start having conversations with yourself in perfectly innocent blog posts.

*pause*

Nah, that’ll never happen.

So how does a writer beat writer’s block, you ask. It’s common enough, right? Everyone has their moments.

I’m sure there are marvelous techniques you can google to help inspire and motivate your little minds. Listening to music, making a storyboard, dancing naked around a stack of books, praying to the writing gods, banging your head against the table over and over until your forehead starts taking on a curved shape with little ridges on one side. Those are all excellent ideas!

But this post isn’t about you. It’s about me. And I tried every one of those and all it got me was a concussion and some strange looks from the neighbors. Sidenote: if you go the naked dancing route, it’s probably just as effective to do it indoors with the curtains shut.

You couldn’t pay me to write to something good right now. You could be like, Leia, I will give you a thousand dollars cash right, in singles, you could go all Magic Mike at the local strip joint, just imagine how long you can ogle the goods with one thousand dollar bills, if you write a compelling post about…we’ll keep it easy…puppies. And I wouldn’t be able to get past the first sentence, “puppies are compelling.”

To be even more dramatic, you could put a gun to my head and order me to write something , anything, and I’d end up rambling about how I can’t write anything even with a gun to my head.

You’re so dramatic, Leia, you say. You can’t possibly know what you’d do in those circumstances.

I can. I bribed the creepy guy down the street to point a gun at my head while I write this post. His name is Jim. Say hi, Jim. How did you think I could write this in the first place?

So is all hope lost, you ask with tears in your eyes. You’ll never write again?

Probably. And thank you for your tears. I shall bottle them and keep them as a momento from my writing days.

*Holds paper to my wrist* Goodbye, cruel world!

 

 

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I’m not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.  In many ways, so are you.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Ghouls hold grudges.  Steal clear of arguments and keep your head low.

Taurus

Gnomes are highly organized.  Take time this week to organize your life and then reward yourself when you’re done.

Gemini

Minotaurs can be rude.  Ignore them.  Shine your attention on those close to you and have fun.

Cancer

Shapeshifters are very creative alone.  Now is the time to create without abandon.

Leo

Werewolves are howling about your achievements.  Now is the time to show off at the job.

Virgo

Elves know out to spruce up.  Take a hint and get a new hairstyle.  Splurge on a power outfit.

Libra

Hobbits know a little pastry can be a pick me up.  Take some to a friend whose been down.

Scorpio

Pixies know how to relax.  Get a massage.  Take a walk.  Soak in a hot tub.

Sagittarius

Hobbits can be adventurous.  Try something brand new this week.

Capricorn

A dragon gives you its strength.  Be daring and have fun in all your ventures.

Aquarius

Goblins are great at saving money.  This is not your time to splurge.  Save now.

Pieces

Nymphs invite you to a dance.  Wear flowers in your hair.  Give flowers to others.  Enjoy yourself.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

The Magic Pencil

by C. Margery Kempe

Here’s my new cover for Swan Prince. Isn’t it pretty? Another fairytale, as if you couldn’t tell, eh? More about it soon — it comes out in August.

Recently I was a guest over at Women Writers, Women Books where I wrote about inspiration and finding your voice as a writer:

Casting the Writer’s Spell

In my creative writing courses, I wave my magic pencil over my students and declare them to be writers—at least for the duration of the semester. After that, I say, it’s up to them to take over the spell. They generally giggle and roll their eyes (they’re college students after all), but I think it gives many of them license to believe it. The magic pencil has surprising power.

What does it take to call yourself a writer? As a child, I wrote stories and transformed them into books, because I knew that’s where stories belonged. I wrote for my friends, and I wrote a novel in high school as well. I knew writing was what I was always meant to do, but early on I somehow got the message that it was “no way to make a living,” and therefore, not a career option.

In too many cultures now, the arts are treated as disposable luxuries, instead of the essential activities that they are. I grew up in a place where the schools were producing better autoworkers for tomorrow; there was not a great deal of interest in cultivating the arts, unless you could somehow turn them into filthy lucre. Generally we were taught to dream small and feel satisfied if we reached those mundane heights: a secure job, a nice suburban house, and a happy marriage…

Read the rest at their site and leave comments if you like.

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Emotions, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Sending Love to Aurora, Colorado

I could never imagine what the families of the dead and injuried are going through.  I can only send you love!  I do know millions of Americans are thinking about you and holding you in their hearts.  You are not alone.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley

Share Your Paragraph by Marian Lanouette

It’s that time again. Find page one hundred fifty-five (155) and go to paragraph five (5) and share with us your story.

I don’t know about you, but I look forward to the third Friday of the month, for this very reason. Here’s mind in one of my current WIPs, a romantic suspense.

Loss of Power

P. 155 pa. 5

“No thanks, Joe got me one,” Cathy answered.

“He did.  Well thanks Joe, but I’ll buy my wife’s drinks if you don’t mind,” annoyed he headed to the bar.

“Alrighty then, that went well,” Joe aka Tim said, then added, “He really is an ass, isn’t he?”

“Oh, leave him alone, Joe. I don’t need the two of you bunking heads now,” Cathy closed her eyes and enjoyed the sun. Why was Ed so wound up?

When Ed got back Joe wasn’t there, Cathy noted the improvement in his mood. “Hey, where did your friend go?”

“He wasn’t my friend.  He just sat down to socialize.  You didn’t have to be so rude Ed,” she said.

“Oh yes, I did. That guy was trying to pick you up.”

Thanks to all who participate. Next week, I blog about our covers. Please join me again and share your thoughts and ideas. Did you LOVE your cover? Did you have any input into your cover? Was the process what you expected?

Filed under: romance