C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 186

Does Reading Romance Novels Make You Dumber? by Leia Shaw

I read an extremely offensive and ignorant blog post recently by a man trashing romance novels, readers and writers. Even though I'd love to rant and rave about what a complete ass he was being, I will hold back. (Please someone hold me back!)

Okay, a little better with a glass of wine. So his main message was that romance authors know they are writing the equivalency of a children's book (not the content, obviously, but the quality) so we shouldn't be commended or receive praise for our books because they don't hold a candle to "true" literature. Whatever that means.

And that's not all. He goes on to criticize women who read romance novels as being childish for buying into these ridiculous notions of being swept off our feet by hunky men and carried away to an HEA in a distant sunset.

Now I probably shouldn't mention that this blogger writes fantasy and sci-fi, which someone with less morals than I would point out that he should've outgrown these ridiculous notions of magic, death rays, and aliens by now. I probably shouldn't add that his profile stating he "will work for pizza and root beer" isn't exactly intellectual genius. Hypocrisy anyone?

I think more wine is needed.

So, according to this blogger, reading romance is intellectually lazy because adults should only read to learn, not to be entertained. Sex has no place in books. Romance writers are inferior. The content in a romance novel is meaningless.

Personally, I think he's just jealous that Romance is the bestselling fiction genre.

Let's toss the conversation to you. Are you childish for reading romance novels? Can you feel your brain cells dying off one by one as you get swept away with the white knight on his noble steed? Let loose ladies (and men). I know you want to.

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Energy is building for everyone.  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

Dragons are roaring.  Their strength will give you strength too.  Rely on your good instincts.

Taurus

Elves love to dance, and it's time to started.  Adding a little lightness and laughter to your life will only help you.

Gemini

A vampire will cross you path and leave you some unexpected good luck.

Cancer

Gnomes like to enliven a home and make it more cozy.  Enjoy their influence.

Leo

Mermaids sing of the past and lost loves.  It's time to put the past behind you.  Clear sailing ahead.

Virgo

When a star falls, a new dream is born.  Make your wish.

Libra

Shapeshifters are adaptable.  Their flexibility gives them freedom.  Take note.

Scorpio

Temple cats find comfort in you.  So will others.  Let your light shine.  You have a lot to give to others.

Sagittarius

Werewolves are on the trail of a new adventure.  Enjoy.

Capricorn

A griffon will give you a gift.  Remember to be polite in your acceptance and thank them.

Aquarius

A fire sprite will light the way through a dark time.  It's the light that matters.

Pieces

Pixies have made a residence in your home.  They will bring your luck.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Behind the Door Marked "Tiger"

by C. Margery Kempe

A bunch of us writer folk got an unpleasant reminder of just how bad the publishing world can be. It's a long and horrifying story that's not without precedent in the fly-by-night world of digital publishing. Suffice to say, once bitten twice shy. I didn't have too much at risk and I've been through this kind of thing before (sadly) but it gets no less irritating. I feel bad for the new writers for whom this was their first publication: so much hope dashed by someone who held out the promise of a dream to them only to yank it away. It's the same with any business that goes awry, but there's so much of ourselves that we put into creative endeavours, it's difficult not to take it personally when we fail (even if our failure is failing to realise we're dealing with unscrupulous people.

Know the warning signs. Know your rights. Check sites like Writer Beware and Absolute Write Water Cooler. If your spider sense is tingling, there's probably a reason.

It's not worth having a publication if you're going to regret it the rest of your career. As much as you might be tempted by promises of a big splash, think about your career in terms of the long haul. For the majority of writers, that's what it will always be: a long slog. The fewer jerks you have to put up with over that time, the better.

I have a chronic inability to remember any quote correctly. Example? The title for this post came from a fave episode in Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy which always cracks me up and I invoke at any instance of byzantine bureaucracy. Of course I've always had it wrong: it's not a tiger. I think I might be mixing it up with a Monty Python sketch. In any case, here's the conversation between Arthur Dent and a planning official (thanks to Planet Claire):

"But Mr Dent, the plans have been available in the local planning office for the last nine months."

"Oh yes, well as soon as I heard I went straight round to see them, yesterday afternoon. You hadn't exactly gone out of your way to call attention to them, had you? I mean, like actually telling anybody or anything."

"But the plans were on display …"

"On display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them."

"That's the display department."

"With a flashlight."

"Ah, well the lights had probably gone."

"So had the stairs."

"But look, you found the notice didn't you?"

"Yes," said Arthur, "yes I did. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying 'Beware of the Leopard'."

So beware of the leopard — or the tiger! — and keep your eyes on the prize, because that prize can be quite wonderful — like a new life in Ireland! And visit Things We Forget for inspiration: you'll need it.

Filed under: Business, C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, erotic romance, Horror Stories, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, romance, Romance News, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Clash of the Titans by Gerri Brousseau

Tomorrow one of the most celebrated evens in the United States will take place.  The excitement has been building for weeks as the warriors vied for the right to meet a rival and battle in the arena while America watches.   This sounds like a battle in the grand Coliseum in Rome, but its not.  It's the Super Bowl.

Whether you are a sports fan or not, you could not escape at least knowing of this event.  The Super Bowl is generally the most viewed program on TV.  Why?  In addition to the promise of a good football game is the hype of the half-time show, which usually draws a big name entertainer.  This year, Madonna will be performing.  If that's not enough there are always the Super Bowl commercials.  Companies pay millions of dollars for the coveted commercial spot.  We look forward to seeing the Budweiser horses, the E-Trade babies and the Dorito commercials.  What will they come up with next and will they out do their commercials from last year? Who could forget the commercial of the child dressed as Darth Vader standing before his father's car as he attempts to start it with his mind, while the father presses the remote start from in the house?

Then there is the food!  At our house the spread is usually compromised of Buffalo wings, Nachos Grande, Crabbies, Potato Skins, Chips, Dips – the usual sports bar type food.  No weight loss at Super Bowl.

This year the New York Giants will clash with the New England Patriots.  Head to head these two teams will battle it out on the grid iron for the honor of a trophy (not to mention that Super Bowl ring).  Hopefully it will be a great game with funny commercials and an entertaining half-time show.  As I'm watching this year, I'm going to try to imagine what it must have been like to watch two gladiators clashing in battle in the Coliseum of Rome remembering for centuries how we have enjoyed watching these types of games.

Do you watch the Super Bowl?  Who will you cheer for?  What is your favorite part of the show, the game, the half-time or the commercials?  Or … if you skip the entire thing … what do you do on Super Bowl Sunday?

Filed under: romance

What A Writer Needs, Part 1

Lately I've been getting things in flashes.  Then this topic occurred to me.  First off, I have to say I'm writing from my perspective.  What I need may or may not be what another writer needs.  But I figure that a lot of writers out there might be helped by this.

Part 1 – The Support System (The Homefront)

Every writer needs people who cares about them no matter what.  It could be a supportive and loving family or if lacking that, it could be an eclectic collection of wonderful friends.  Those that love you and care about you are your emotional support.  You're probably wondering why you need this.

No matter how successful you become, there will be days when everything goes wrong.  It could be anything.  A bad review.  Your agent quits or worse dies.  Your editor leaves your publisher.   Your computer ate your book.   Oh, I can think of more but let's not.

This is when you turn to someone who loves you and cry on them or go have tea or go play golf.   Whatever you do with your loved ones, do it.  Release your inner anguish.   Those that care about you, stand by your side no matter what.  They cared  about you before you were "the author."   They are your balance that keeps life real for you.  Because when all is said and done, these are the people that make life worth living–family and friends.

If you don't have friends but would like them, join a community club.  Having activities outside of writing is healthy for you and inspiriational.   Listening to other views broadens your outlook on life and will influence your writing two.  Making new friends enriches you.

Look around you now and make a list of those in your support system.  I think you might be surprised to find how many people really care about you.  Making the list will bring this to your attentions and you'll feel better about everything.  Seriously now, sit down and make that list.  Frame it.  Put it where you will always see it.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, What A Writer Needs, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Groundhog Day by Gerri Brousseau

In the United States and Canada, February 2nd is the date Groundhog Day is celebrated.  Now that Wikipedia is back, I went to find out a little bit of info about this obscure holiday.  It seems folklore tells us if the day is cloudy the groundhog will burrow, signifying the end of winter.  If the day is sunny, the groundhog will see his shadow, become afraid, and pull back into his burrow thus indicating six more weeks of winter.

Some towns in the US go "hog" wild (pun totally intended) with celebration of this event.  In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges (I guess that's sort of like the Moose Lodge or Elks Club) celebrate with social events where food is served, speeches are made and one or more plays or skits are performed.  In one town only German is spoke at the event and anyone who speaks English must pay a fine in the form of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken.

Of course, we New Englanders are familiar with the largest Groundhog Celebration which receives worldwide attention when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his borrow.

This holiday began as a Pennsylvania German custom in southeastern and central PA in the 18th century, however, it bears similarities to the Pagan festival of Imbolic, the seasonal turning pointy of the Celtic calendar.  (No surprise there)

In the United States reference to Groundhog Day can be found in a diary entry dated February 4, 1841 where the celebration is referred to as Candlemas Day.  Looking into what Candlemas Day was, I discovered it is the celebration of the day the infant Jesus was presented at the temple.  I also discovered there is even reference to the tradition of Candlemas in Scotland.

Did you know that Connecticut has its very own furry predictor?  Being a resident of Connecticut, I was excited to discover "Chuckles" is the name of our Groundhog, who resides in Manchester.  He took up residence there in 2010 and for the past two years his predictions have been in agreement with his famous cousin from Punxsutawny.  It will be interesting to note if they are in agreement again this year.

Whether we take heed to the activities of these critters or not, be assured that Spring is just around the corner regardless of the fact that we have hardly even had a winter this year.

Do you follow the activities of the Groundhog, do you rely on The Farmer's Almanac or do you simply go with the flow?

Filed under: romance

A Month of Love

I can hardly believe it is February already. All I can say is that I hope 2012 doesn't fly by as fast as 2011—at least not without some productivity on my part. But speaking of February, it is most commonly known as the month of love, primarily due to St. Valentine's Day on the 14th.

For those of you who don't know much about Saint Valentine, it is said he was a holy priest in Rome during the reign of Claudius the Goth (Claudius II). He was caught marrying couples and aiding any Christians being persecuted under the Emperor. As a result he was condemned to death and executed on February 14 around the year 270. For this reason, February 14th is meant to celebrate his martyrdom and he is the Patron Saint of love (among other things).

This year, the celebratory day falls on a Tuesday and as usual, restaurants will probably hike up their prices, roll out standard menus and (not purposely) provide poor service. In addition to this, you've probably seen stores start to stalk up on heart shaped boxes of chocolates, stuffed teddy bears and candied roses and hearts. Talk about pressure if you are in any kind of relationship.

So what am I going on about? Truth is, I'm in love with love, which is why I write romance, but I don't buy into the one-day "hoo-haa" of it all. I think the whole month (at least) should be dedicated to love and if anything, we should be celebrating the moments that really matter throughout the entire year and not just trying to create a romantic moment on one specific day. That doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate your love on St. Valentine's Day, it means that it should be one of many days you celebrate.

And if you are single? Celebrate romance in general. Go out and buy a good book. Take a bubble bath or just plain relax any way you like. My husband and I will usually do pizza and wine. It keeps it simple, cozy and romantic. With a celebration of romance, maybe, just maybe, you'll be inspired to write your next great manuscript.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Characterization by Leia Shaw

Last May, I went to a local RWA writers conference and met the talented Kristan Higgins. She taught a workshop about characterization. I wish I kept the notes because it was not only very informative, but like most things she does…freakin' funny.

So I wanted to talk about characters and get some feedback from readers. It's something I'm passionate about. Characters are what make the book. The plot is secondary, the humor is secondary, and yes ladies, even the sex is secondary. Because what's the point if you're not connected to, or at least entertained by the characters? Whether it's one you want to root for, one you love, or one you love to hate.

But I strongly believe characters should be flawed. I like my characters to be as close to real as possible – minus all the fantasy elements (since I write paranormal) and the fact that they are all abnormally gorgeous ('cause you want some amount of escapism, right?). But in other ways, they should feel very real. That means multi-dimensional.

Let's talk about contradictions. I think everyone is a contradiction in some ways. For instance, I consider myself feminine though I hate make-up and prefer guy movies. My husband is considered shy but among close friends and family he can be very chatty. I'm spontaneous but I use a calendar. Can you think of a few? Again, the reason for this is because humans are multi-dimensional.

We also change. Sometimes through the course of a decade, sometimes a year, sometimes only a matter of days or weeks. Because of the nature of my books (and being a fantasy writer) my characters often change quickly because of the circumstances they are forced into. Isn't that true in real life? Has anyone had a life or death situation that changed them forever? I went rock climbing once and almost died and it shook my world. I wised up fast about safety and adventure. I also learned exactly what I was made of.

Now let's talk about conflict. How important is conflict in a book? Well, I'll let you answer in the comments, but to me it is vital. Wouldn't it be a dull book if the characters made perfect decisions in every situation? Or never made mistakes, never made a hurtful comment to someone they loved? Not only is that unrealistic, but it's pretty boring too.

I write a lot of conflict for my characters. Maybe I torture them just a smidge. There's one scene in my second book, Destiny United, where Marcelo calls the heroine, Erin, out on a character flaw of hers. She gets pissed, she gets sad, and she does something a little spiteful in the heat of the moment. Being hurt by someone we love (or at least respect) is a powerful thing. It makes us do and say stupid things because we are in such pain.

I believe characters should make mistakes – sometimes big ones. Why shouldn't they have to deal with pride, forgiveness, guilt, etc? We all do.

And I like intensity. I just do. I'm dramatic, passionate, and emotional. It's what I write and I'll never apologize for it. If there are negative things about my characters, I certainly hope there are an equal number (or more) of redeeming qualities. Sage, from my first book, is rough around the edges. She's sarcastic and has a bad temper. But she's smart. She's a survivor. And she's loyal once she trusts someone. Erin, from my second book, starts off needy and dependent because of an anxiety disorder. She goes through a massive transformation after being confronted with life or death situations. She may start off as a weak character, but she's also playful and witty and has a kind heart. Natalia, from my newest release, is cold-hearted and even cruel. But she's also fearless, devoted, and self-possessed. And once she opens up, there's a world of compassion inside her.

Bottom line: characters have weaknesses just like we do. They are multi-dimensional, like we all are.

So…those are a few things that are important to me in reading fiction and writing my books. What about you? What do you like to experience in fictional characters?

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

The wings of change are blowing, and not necessarily bringing snow.  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

The house gnomes are going out of their way to make your place very cozy.  Add a few things yourself.

Taurus

Goblins are careful with their money.  So should you be this week.

Gemini

Dragons are not all roar and fire.  They cherish friends.  Hangout with those closest to you.

Cancer

Never follow the fireflies in the woods.  They are often called ghostlights and can lead you down a false path.

Leo

A wrymling is a dragon who has not reached his or her potential.  You're still learning and growing in your field.

Virgo

Hell hounds have passed you by.  Your luck is holding.

Libra

A mermaid is singing your name, bringing good fortune your way.

Scorpio

Elves see in the dark.  Things will become clear, and you'll know your next step.

Sagittarius

Satyrs are dancing and invite you to the celebration.  Dance with exhuberance.  You've earned it.

Capricorn

A vampire will shed light on an issue.  You will be enlightened by an unexpected friend.

Aquarius

Werewolves have picked up the scent to good fortune.  Follow them.

Pieces

Shapeshifters shift for many reasons. Sometimes they change for the sheer fun of it.  It's time to bring more fun into your life.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Swan Prince

by C. Margery Kempe

I sent off the latest erotic romance fairy tale to my editor at Noble Romance. It's a modern take on Hans Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans, called simply "Swan Prince" — although the hero in question isn't actually a prince. It's set in London's Kensington Park — home of the Serpentine and of course, Peter Pan — but it was really inspired by all the swans in Galway. There's so many! They don't always want to pose as nicely as this one did for me. Some can be quite rude.

Galway has a lot of different birds. Every day in the square outside my townhouse the gulls and the rooks fight it out for prime territory in the park. Eyre Square has a lot of people passing through it day and night, many of whom leave behind their food and wrappers, which the birds scavenge through in hopes of finding something good. Wherever I walk in the city I see the little wagtails — cute wee birds! And of course I have feral pigeons who often sit on my sill and coo.

As I head out to Nimmo's pier and the walk along the bay, in addition to the swans there are a variety of gulls. Until my friend Wendy visited I didn't realise how many different kinds of gulls there were from the common and herring gulls to the Mediterranean and black-backed gulls. By the water's edge, too, I usually find the jackdaws and hooded crows. I'm still getting over mistaking all the rooks for crows — more common in the States, they're actually rare here. Rooks are everyone though. They have shaggier legs than carrion crows and their beaks are a bit different, too. The hooded crows are black and grey. I see them all the time on the beach, flying up and dropping mussels to break them open. I love corvids: they're so clever. My favourites of course are the magpies: one of the main characters in my forthcoming novel (under my given name) is a 300 year old magpie.

I'm envious because my sweetie has an owl near his house. It may be the escaped eagle owl that's sent local birdwatchers in Dundee into a tizzy. I hope it's still there when I get back to Scotland in a couple weeks. It would be so cool to see it!

Here's my dramatic rook picture. I'm using it as the lock screen image for my new iPad and continuing the tradition by naming it Rook. My MacBook is Jackdaw and my Android is Mobile Magpie. See more of my photos from my wanders in the Ireland album (although you might also want to check out the Dublin and Dundee albums).

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, erotic romance, fantasy romance, Kit Marlowe, mythology romance, Noble Romance