Catherine Bybee's Blog, page 29
December 5, 2011
The Joy of a Back List!
With the success of Wife by Wednesday I've had the joy of seeing my back list start selling again. Everything you hear about how an author with a back list and a runaway hit is very true. I've seen all of my time travels hit the time travel romance bestseller list on amazon for the last few weeks. Which is beyond awesome. Soul Mate, a short female werewolf story is in the top 1,000 in books and my reviews are growing.
And then there are what I call my 'sleeper' stories. Before the Moon Rises and Possessive are finally getting read... these are short stories but fun reads nonetheless. What I'm most happy with is seeing Embracing the Wolf have it's day. This is a little longer 'category length' paranormal romance that I think any 'mother' and lover of romance and werewolves will love. ETW has been out for quite some time but simply didn't see to many ereaders upon it's release. Now I'm selling more copies. And that my friends makes this author very happy.
So, what's with the picture for this brief blog you ask?
Duah! Eye Candy is a very important part of any Monday.
December 2, 2011
A lil' classic holiday eye candy
Christmas came early for me this year - Wife by Wednesday has made the #1 spot on Romance on Amazon and ha stayed there for over a week now. I've hit #2 on all of Amazon E-Books - and let me tell you something... it's fan-freaking-tastic to be here. I've had lots of wonderful reviews and feedback from readers. And yeah, the paycheck is gonna be nice when it comes. I never thought I'd see my name on the top of these lists.
Thanks to everyone who read Wife and who took a few minutes out of your day to tell me or Amazon or Goodreads your thoughts. I am hard at work on Carter and Eliza's story Married by Monday and hope to have it out there in a couple of months. So no worries there!
A print version of Wife by Wednesday will be available in a few days on Amazon. Trade Paperback for under 10 bucks. xoxo
Catherine
November 28, 2011
An Interview with Rachel Brimbel
Today I have a special guest, a twitter friend and fellow author, Rachel Brimbel. Welcome to my corner of the blogging world, Rachel. Let's get a little of the formalities out of the way.
Tell us a little about your self and the genre you write.
I live in South West England with my husband of 14 years, our two daughters (12 & 10) and mad black Labrador, Max. I have been writing seriously since 2005 and have six novels published. I write across the sub-genres of romance from straight contemporary, to Victorian historical to suspense and comedy. I like to keep it fresh, lol!I do too… such a bore writing the same genre day in and day out. Tell me, Rachel, what do you love about being a writer?Everything! I love the creating, getting those initial words on the page. Especially when it's flowing and I'm the characters' narrator and just writing what they tell me to write. I am also one of those annoying writers who relishes editing. Nothing better than having words already written and the opportunity to make them better.You had me until the editing thing. I try to edit as I go to minimize the pain of edits. What do you hate about being a writer?
If I had to choose, I would say the initial plotting. Come up against problems that take time to figure out. My solutions tend to come to me when I am lounging in the bath with a nice glass of wine. No hardship ;)Now you're talking my language. A glass of wine ets the words flowing.
If there was one thing about the industry you could change, what would it be?
I would change the perception of romance. People (especially the men in the industry) tend to see it as a lower form of writing than say, thrillers or literary writing. I don't agree. There are as many badly written thrillers and literary novels as there are romances. Romance runs through every story and movie – believe me.*shakes head* I hear ya. What do you like better, Twitter or Facebook? Why?I have my Twitter account linked to my Facebook so there isn't any difference to me. Any comment I make on Twitter (which is a lot!), automatically posts on my Facebook.
As far as I'm concerned Twitter is a great innovation that has not only re-connected lost family and friends but serves as a great promotion and social tool.
Twitter is the bomb, and facebook the mini blog. And the most important question ever... Do you roll your toilet paper over the roll or under the roll?
Under, lol! I've never been asked that before. Can you tell me the significance? Does that indicate my mental stability? : )I recently posted this question on a guest blog and had so many interesting answers I thought it needed to be a trademark question on my blog. And lets face it… it's a funny-ass question. Okay onto the details on your latest release and where we can find it.
Payingthe Piper is my latest release, available to buy now from Lyrical Press. It is a contemporary romance set against the backdrop of UK nightclubs and pubs. I loved writing this book! Here's the blurb:
Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father...who has a secret she will do anything to discover.
Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to a one-time 'job' for bad-man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace.
Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.
BUY LINK for Paying the Piper
I'm all about twitter and facebook, so can you be sure and add your handles and links here....
Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
Tell us a little about your self and the genre you write.
I live in South West England with my husband of 14 years, our two daughters (12 & 10) and mad black Labrador, Max. I have been writing seriously since 2005 and have six novels published. I write across the sub-genres of romance from straight contemporary, to Victorian historical to suspense and comedy. I like to keep it fresh, lol!I do too… such a bore writing the same genre day in and day out. Tell me, Rachel, what do you love about being a writer?Everything! I love the creating, getting those initial words on the page. Especially when it's flowing and I'm the characters' narrator and just writing what they tell me to write. I am also one of those annoying writers who relishes editing. Nothing better than having words already written and the opportunity to make them better.You had me until the editing thing. I try to edit as I go to minimize the pain of edits. What do you hate about being a writer?If I had to choose, I would say the initial plotting. Come up against problems that take time to figure out. My solutions tend to come to me when I am lounging in the bath with a nice glass of wine. No hardship ;)Now you're talking my language. A glass of wine ets the words flowing.
If there was one thing about the industry you could change, what would it be?
I would change the perception of romance. People (especially the men in the industry) tend to see it as a lower form of writing than say, thrillers or literary writing. I don't agree. There are as many badly written thrillers and literary novels as there are romances. Romance runs through every story and movie – believe me.*shakes head* I hear ya. What do you like better, Twitter or Facebook? Why?I have my Twitter account linked to my Facebook so there isn't any difference to me. Any comment I make on Twitter (which is a lot!), automatically posts on my Facebook.
As far as I'm concerned Twitter is a great innovation that has not only re-connected lost family and friends but serves as a great promotion and social tool.
Twitter is the bomb, and facebook the mini blog. And the most important question ever... Do you roll your toilet paper over the roll or under the roll?
Under, lol! I've never been asked that before. Can you tell me the significance? Does that indicate my mental stability? : )I recently posted this question on a guest blog and had so many interesting answers I thought it needed to be a trademark question on my blog. And lets face it… it's a funny-ass question. Okay onto the details on your latest release and where we can find it.
Payingthe Piper is my latest release, available to buy now from Lyrical Press. It is a contemporary romance set against the backdrop of UK nightclubs and pubs. I loved writing this book! Here's the blurb:
Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father...who has a secret she will do anything to discover.
Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to a one-time 'job' for bad-man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace. Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.
BUY LINK for Paying the Piper
I'm all about twitter and facebook, so can you be sure and add your handles and links here....
Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
November 24, 2011
A Turkey Tip
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. For those of you outside of the US, cook a bird, eat too much and try not to fight with family... yep, that's Thanksgiving.
Here is a Turkey Tip I thought you'd all enjoy.
I thought this sounded good!**
Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of
Popcorn as a stuffing ingredient -- imagine that!
When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for
People like me, who just are not sure how to tell when
Turkey is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out.
Give this a try.
1 - 15 lb. Turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is Good)
1 cup un-popped popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT IS
BEST)
Salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with
Melted butter, salt and pepper.
Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking
Pan making sure the neck end is toward the front of the
Oven, not the back.
After about 4 hours listen for the popping sounds.
When the turkey's BUTT blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the
Room,.... it's done.
And you thought I didn't cook!! *If you try this, don't blame me... it's a joke*
Here is a Turkey Tip I thought you'd all enjoy.
I thought this sounded good!**
Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of
Popcorn as a stuffing ingredient -- imagine that!
When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for
People like me, who just are not sure how to tell when
Turkey is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out.
Give this a try.
1 - 15 lb. Turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is Good)
1 cup un-popped popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT IS
BEST)
Salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with
Melted butter, salt and pepper.
Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking
Pan making sure the neck end is toward the front of the
Oven, not the back.
After about 4 hours listen for the popping sounds.
When the turkey's BUTT blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the
Room,.... it's done.
And you thought I didn't cook!! *If you try this, don't blame me... it's a joke*
November 23, 2011
I'm over at... giving away a....
I'm over at NYT Bestselling Author, Caridad Pinero's Blog today...Giving away a copy of Wife by Wednesday...
And
Daily Cheap Reads is profiling Wife by Wednesday with a steller review.
November 22, 2011
Amazing Indie Tips from Sky Purington
Today for Tuesday Tips I have the amazing Sky Purington. I have watched her time travel series dominate the charts this last month and I couldn't be happier for her. She is going to give us her tips on what has made her books so successful. To top that off, she'd giving away a couple of books to one lucky person. All ya got to do is comment below to enter the drawing.
Take it away Sky...
Hey All! It's wonderful to be here at Catherine's blog this week. She's such a talented author so I'm truly flattered to be invited. Thank you. What I'd love to chat about this visit is a topic many authors, both published and un-published have pondered. Should I self-publish?It's a hard and very personal decision. In my case, I've been with a wonderful publisher for years. The Wild Rose Press is top-notch and I would highly recommend publishing with them to anyone. In fact, my latest release, The Victorian Lure, was published through them on November 11th and I intend to publish more.
So why did I self-publish my MacLomain Series? Well, I wanted the world to read a newer version of this series. Brilliantly edited through my publisher originally, I knew that readers expected a different sort of writing style than what I'd produced in 2007. I had grown and changed with newer releases. I knew that it was time for a refresh.It's an unimaginable feeling when you stand at the threshold of self-publishing. I was both excited and petrified. There existed nothing between me and the reader but my words, my story. It's a raw and vulnerable sensation. Yet it's also a very gratifying feeling.
The MacLomain Series consists of one short story and three full length novels. The King's Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude), Fate's Monolith (The MacLomain Series- Book 1), Destiny's Denial (The MacLomain Series- Book 2), and Sylvan Mist (The MacLomain Series- Book 3). This romance time-travel series follows a medieval Scottish clan from its birth in ancient Ireland to medieval Scotland and its connection with colonial and present day America.The series has maintained top 10 in Time-Travel Romance and Fantasy/Futuristic Ghost for almost a month now. I wish I could dish out a magical reason why but I can't. I can tell you what I did first and foremost as an Indie writer. The most important thing… I provided quality content.What you publish should be your very best. After all, your readers deserve nothing less. You know how many hours you've put into your manuscript. You know how many critique partners have read over your work. You know how many have helped edit. You know what you're willing to sell to your readers. If you gave your all, your readers will know it and they will appreciate it.But… you can't please everyone.If you're going 'Indie' you're offering prices most likely unavailable to publishing houses so you had best be prepared for an expanded readership and an exposure level that invites added reviews. Some may be bad. I can't stress this enough… Internet Etiquette. If you receive bad reviews and want to respond, always be gracious. It's all about respect. You are, as an Indie writer, much more of a 'product' than you ever were before. If people don't like your work, don't get mad at them for it… but appreciate. Learn how to invite feedback and turn it around to the positive. What have I done to make my MacLomain Series successful?
Here are my top five rules of thumb…#1- I used my best marketing tool. My website. I pumped up my series at my website and provided easy-to-find links to purchase. Your top two tools? Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Make sure you're available on Smashwords as there are more downloadable formats.#2- Cover all your networking sites. Blog. Facebook. Twitter. Don't get wordy. Just pack a punch with your title for promo, that you're out there with new books and provide purchase links. Always refer readers back to your website where they will, of course, find all links to everything most important about you in cyberspace.#3- Take a 'you' night on the internet and TARGET your audience. I can't stress this enough. One night I took four hours and simply surfed out sites devoted to my genre, whether they were blog listings, website listings or random sites. You'd be amazed at how many sites exist on the net that would love to share links with you. Those that would love to list you for FREE. They're eager to make their place in the 'wild world of the internet.' I totally get it. Lord knows, I am too. Just be sure that you remember to 'pay it forward'. That means you link back or brag about them on one of your social networks. After all, we're all in it to succeed and to do so we need to help one another out. The next day I sold over 1,000 copies of my books. Time well spent.Coincidence? Maybe. I don't think so. Karma.#4- If you're an Indie author it's a good idea to learn everything about those who sell the most for you and how you can best utilize what they have to offer to 'get out there'. My thought is Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Love them. Worship them. They are not only your 'boss' in a sense but they're really great companies. Be a good person. Be a good seller. This refers back to Internet Etiquette which I really can't stress enough. If dealt with in a courteous fashion, these companies will bend over backwards for you. They're hard at work just like you and I. Treat them as such and they will treat you the same.A HUGE thank you to both Amazon and Barnes & Noble's rep's. You've been beyond wonderful.#5- I saved the best and most important for last. Take the time to hire yourself a good cover artist. Your cover WILL grab the reader's attention even before your blurb. Your cover marks your, "Get Ready, Get Set…. Go!!!" moment. Do it right.My short story and novels aren't sitting on top because of potential readers checking out the blurb. Nope. They saw the cover first, clicked through, and then learned more. A HUGE thank you to my cover artist, Tamra Westberry (www.tarawest.com.). You've been with me since the beginning and have never let me down. Your work is, indeed, proof in the pudding.I hope everyone enjoyed the post today. There's a ton more I could say but I think if you follow these basic guidelines as an Indie writer, you're off to a super start.Wishing you many, many sales! Sky
Purchase The MacLomain Series. .99 cents per title. Kindle and Nook
Visit Sky's Website ~ Sky's Blog ~ A Writer's Mind-
Sky's Character Blog ~ Paranormal/Syfy Romance-Deep, Dark and Delicious-
Facebook ~ Twitter @SkyPurington
Take it away Sky...
Hey All! It's wonderful to be here at Catherine's blog this week. She's such a talented author so I'm truly flattered to be invited. Thank you. What I'd love to chat about this visit is a topic many authors, both published and un-published have pondered. Should I self-publish?It's a hard and very personal decision. In my case, I've been with a wonderful publisher for years. The Wild Rose Press is top-notch and I would highly recommend publishing with them to anyone. In fact, my latest release, The Victorian Lure, was published through them on November 11th and I intend to publish more.
So why did I self-publish my MacLomain Series? Well, I wanted the world to read a newer version of this series. Brilliantly edited through my publisher originally, I knew that readers expected a different sort of writing style than what I'd produced in 2007. I had grown and changed with newer releases. I knew that it was time for a refresh.It's an unimaginable feeling when you stand at the threshold of self-publishing. I was both excited and petrified. There existed nothing between me and the reader but my words, my story. It's a raw and vulnerable sensation. Yet it's also a very gratifying feeling.
The MacLomain Series consists of one short story and three full length novels. The King's Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude), Fate's Monolith (The MacLomain Series- Book 1), Destiny's Denial (The MacLomain Series- Book 2), and Sylvan Mist (The MacLomain Series- Book 3). This romance time-travel series follows a medieval Scottish clan from its birth in ancient Ireland to medieval Scotland and its connection with colonial and present day America.The series has maintained top 10 in Time-Travel Romance and Fantasy/Futuristic Ghost for almost a month now. I wish I could dish out a magical reason why but I can't. I can tell you what I did first and foremost as an Indie writer. The most important thing… I provided quality content.What you publish should be your very best. After all, your readers deserve nothing less. You know how many hours you've put into your manuscript. You know how many critique partners have read over your work. You know how many have helped edit. You know what you're willing to sell to your readers. If you gave your all, your readers will know it and they will appreciate it.But… you can't please everyone.If you're going 'Indie' you're offering prices most likely unavailable to publishing houses so you had best be prepared for an expanded readership and an exposure level that invites added reviews. Some may be bad. I can't stress this enough… Internet Etiquette. If you receive bad reviews and want to respond, always be gracious. It's all about respect. You are, as an Indie writer, much more of a 'product' than you ever were before. If people don't like your work, don't get mad at them for it… but appreciate. Learn how to invite feedback and turn it around to the positive. What have I done to make my MacLomain Series successful?
Here are my top five rules of thumb…#1- I used my best marketing tool. My website. I pumped up my series at my website and provided easy-to-find links to purchase. Your top two tools? Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Make sure you're available on Smashwords as there are more downloadable formats.#2- Cover all your networking sites. Blog. Facebook. Twitter. Don't get wordy. Just pack a punch with your title for promo, that you're out there with new books and provide purchase links. Always refer readers back to your website where they will, of course, find all links to everything most important about you in cyberspace.#3- Take a 'you' night on the internet and TARGET your audience. I can't stress this enough. One night I took four hours and simply surfed out sites devoted to my genre, whether they were blog listings, website listings or random sites. You'd be amazed at how many sites exist on the net that would love to share links with you. Those that would love to list you for FREE. They're eager to make their place in the 'wild world of the internet.' I totally get it. Lord knows, I am too. Just be sure that you remember to 'pay it forward'. That means you link back or brag about them on one of your social networks. After all, we're all in it to succeed and to do so we need to help one another out. The next day I sold over 1,000 copies of my books. Time well spent.Coincidence? Maybe. I don't think so. Karma.#4- If you're an Indie author it's a good idea to learn everything about those who sell the most for you and how you can best utilize what they have to offer to 'get out there'. My thought is Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Love them. Worship them. They are not only your 'boss' in a sense but they're really great companies. Be a good person. Be a good seller. This refers back to Internet Etiquette which I really can't stress enough. If dealt with in a courteous fashion, these companies will bend over backwards for you. They're hard at work just like you and I. Treat them as such and they will treat you the same.A HUGE thank you to both Amazon and Barnes & Noble's rep's. You've been beyond wonderful.#5- I saved the best and most important for last. Take the time to hire yourself a good cover artist. Your cover WILL grab the reader's attention even before your blurb. Your cover marks your, "Get Ready, Get Set…. Go!!!" moment. Do it right.My short story and novels aren't sitting on top because of potential readers checking out the blurb. Nope. They saw the cover first, clicked through, and then learned more. A HUGE thank you to my cover artist, Tamra Westberry (www.tarawest.com.). You've been with me since the beginning and have never let me down. Your work is, indeed, proof in the pudding.I hope everyone enjoyed the post today. There's a ton more I could say but I think if you follow these basic guidelines as an Indie writer, you're off to a super start.Wishing you many, many sales! SkyPurchase The MacLomain Series. .99 cents per title. Kindle and Nook
Visit Sky's Website ~ Sky's Blog ~ A Writer's Mind-
Sky's Character Blog ~ Paranormal/Syfy Romance-Deep, Dark and Delicious-
Facebook ~ Twitter @SkyPurington
November 20, 2011
Time to Celebrate
This has been one of the most amazing weeks in my writing life. I clicked online and found Wife by Wednesday in the top #100 in contemporary romance last Friday. And in that same week I found Wife in the top #100 of all Kindle eBooks. And #4 on Amazon Contemporary Romance.
It's just crazy how Sam and Blake have taken off.
I am in the process of putting Wife in print - Isn't the whole cover lovely?
Did you notice the 'Book One' thing?
So thank you all, dear readers, who are making Wife by Wednesday such a wonderful success.
Want a lookie at Married by Monday?
Here is my Six Sentences for this Sunday ~ Unedited and RAW - Carter is waiting for Eliza to show up for a press conference, when she walks in the room he doesn't recognize her at first...
"Jay, what's going on, where's…" Carter's voice trailed off when Eliza lifted her eyes to meet his. His jaw dropped and his words dried up. Shock, admiration, and desire flashed in his eyes. "Eliza." Carter's voice was breathy. A wave of feminine power tugged at her pride as he stood there speechless. "Hey, Carter,"
November 19, 2011
Blog Tour with Rebecca Royce ~World Building ~
Today I have Rebecca Royce on tour with her new release, Embraced. Great cover, BTW ~ I asked her to talk to us about world building. Take it away, Rebecca.
World Building
When writing a book, like Embraced, World Building is actually a little bit complicated? Why, you might ask? Well because Embraced is a world that is now but not actually our now. Have I confused you?
Starting in the world of Eye Contact, I created a world where people with psychic abilities exist but are locked away in Institutions to keep the general public safe. This idea continues in Embraced.
So right away we have certain truths and certain things that are the same. There are still countries. They still exist. Laws in those countries are the same as they are today except for additional laws handling the Conditioned. The USA still has the Constitution but there are amendments excluding the Conditioned from The Bill of Rights.
There are still things like cell phone, Swiss Bank Accounts, fast cars, and restaurants. There are shopping malls. But there are also hidden societies helping to free the Conditioned and groups out to find them where they hide.
So, for me, creating Embraced wasn't so much about what was different as much as what was added. It had to work within the confines of now. If this was possible, if it could happen, then it had to work logically. Everything had to be the same except for what was an additional element.
I hope I've made sense and that you might like to spend some time getting to know the world I've made up. Or have I made it up? (wink-wink)
Buy Embraced
Website ~ Blog ~
November 17, 2011
Make Welcome Cari Quinn
Today I have the pleasure of bringing to you Cari Quinn. Her hot, erotic romances are loved by many including me. She's talking about a break from the normal hero we see in romance... and she's been kind enough to offer a free copy of one of her books from her backlist. Just read her post and answer the question at the end. Take it away, Cari.The Non-Traditional Hero part 2Thanks so much to Catherine for allowing me to blog with her today!I wrote a post a few weeks ago at Denise Agnew's blog (http://deniseagnew.com/blog/?p=1765) about non-traditional heroes and why I enjoy them. Today I'd like to discuss another aspect of that. As women, many of us have felt objectified at different times in our lives and I know I've rued the emphasis placed on physical attractiveness. Yet when you read most romance novels, the heroes are usually studly McStudlys with six pack abs and buns of steel. That's not to say there isn't ever any variation. Some of my heroes have worn glasses for example - because sexy is smart! - or they might have some other aspect to their looks they feel insecure about. But by and large, the expectation is for heroes to be sexy and virile because, well, it's fantasy right?
This past summer, I was plotting the novella I'm working on now and considered doing a hero with weight issues. I figured he could have a few extra pounds and still be sexy...heck, I've seen a lot of big guys who definitely work for me! But when I did an impromptu Twitter poll, almost everyone who responded didn't think an overweight hero would work in a traditional romance. Especially an erotic romance, which this book happens to be. While I tabled the idea for now, I haven't abandoned my idea of having a hero with weight issues...or maybe something else potentially disfiguring, like scars. And not small scars here and there that make a man look "edgy". I'm talking serious scarring from a major event. I like the idea of pushing the envelope and I'm going to keep doing it, one book at a time. I think there's a whole segment of the population that's not accurately represented in fiction and I'd like to explore that in some small way.
In my recent EC release, Hot Text, the hero's pretty average - which to me makes him kind of unusual too. He has a nice body and nice eyes, but he's not super ripped and he's not six-foot-five. He's an ordinary guy who's really good in bed (yeah, couldn't skimp there) and likes to swear a lot. And when he cares about someone, watch out. He'll do whatever it takes to protect them. Here's the buy link with blurb and excerpt if you're interested in checking it out: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9687-hot-text.aspx
How do you feel about perfect heroes, physically or otherwise? Would a hero with weight issues or scarring turn you off as a reader? I'll pick one random commenter to select their choice of an ebook from my backlist.
Visit Cari Quinn at www.cariquinn.com
Make Weclome Cari Quinn
Today I have the pleasure of bringing to you Cari Quinn. Her hot, erotic romances are loved by many including me. She's talking about a break from the normal hero we see in romance... and she's been kind enough to offer a free copy of one of her books from her backlist. Just read her post and answer the question at the end. Take it away, Cari. The Non-Traditional Hero part 2Thanks so much to Catherine for allowing me to blog with her today!I wrote a post a few weeks ago at Denise Agnew's blog (http://deniseagnew.com/blog/?p=1765) about non-traditional heroes and why I enjoy them. Today I'd like to discuss another aspect of that. As women, many of us have felt objectified at different times in our lives and I know I've rued the emphasis placed on physical attractiveness. Yet when you read most romance novels, the heroes are usually studly McStudlys with six pack abs and buns of steel. That's not to say there isn't ever any variation. Some of my heroes have worn glasses for example - because sexy is smart! - or they might have some other aspect to their looks they feel insecure about. But by and large, the expectation is for heroes to be sexy and virile because, well, it's fantasy right?
This past summer, I was plotting the novella I'm working on now and considered doing a hero with weight issues. I figured he could have a few extra pounds and still be sexy...heck, I've seen a lot of big guys who definitely work for me! But when I did an impromptu Twitter poll, almost everyone who responded didn't think an overweight hero would work in a traditional romance. Especially an erotic romance, which this book happens to be. While I tabled the idea for now, I haven't abandoned my idea of having a hero with weight issues...or maybe something else potentially disfiguring, like scars. And not small scars here and there that make a man look "edgy". I'm talking serious scarring from a major event. I like the idea of pushing the envelope and I'm going to keep doing it, one book at a time. I think there's a whole segment of the population that's not accurately represented in fiction and I'd like to explore that in some small way.
In my recent EC release, Hot Text, the hero's pretty average - which to me makes him kind of unusual too. He has a nice body and nice eyes, but he's not super ripped and he's not six-foot-five. He's an ordinary guy who's really good in bed (yeah, couldn't skimp there) and likes to swear a lot. And when he cares about someone, watch out. He'll do whatever it takes to protect them. Here's the buy link with blurb and excerpt if you're interested in checking it out: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9687-hot-text.aspx
How do you feel about perfect heroes, physically or otherwise? Would a hero with weight issues or scarring turn you off as a reader? I'll pick one random commenter to select their choice of an ebook from my backlist.
Visit Cari Quinn at www.cariquinn.com
