Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 61

Writing Tips - The Rules

We all enjoy a good romance, but what does a good romantic story aspire to do? I'd like to think the rules are very liberal, but there are two I always keep in mind when putting pen to paper.
#1 Create likable characters
Characters are the heart and soul of any romance novel. The reader needs to fall in love with them as they're falling in love with each other.
If the heroine is rude or crabby to the hero (or even to her friends), she isn't very likable. The same for the hero. It's hard to understand the attraction if they're not "likable." They've got to embody certain traits – honesty, sincerity, protectiveness, kindness, and a willingness to help others. They've got to be "good" people at heart.
#2 HEA
Readers expect a story that's hopeful, honest, and uplifting. If a romance doesn't do that, it isn't a romance. A romance story should leave a reader believing in Happily Ever After (HEA) or at least offer hope for HEA. If it doesn't, it's a mainstream fiction.
Enjoy the Holidays!
Question: Authors: Do you have any "rules" you'd like to add? What "rules" work for you?Readers:  What do you like to find in your romance? Would you consider Nicholas Sparks a "romantic" author, women's fiction, or mainstream romance? 

Reference: On Writing Romance, by Leigh Michaels, F&W Publications, ISBN: 978-1-58297-6983. 2007. 

Now Available in Print - The Hungarian

Now available in PRINT: The Hungarian


BLURB: Matthias harbors a dark secret, but when Katherine comes into his life he risks everything (including his secret) for her love.

You Gotta Read Reviews - You Need to Read, Lupa
I was so very happily surprised by this book. The characters are enchanting, the scenes are vividly written, and the story has a fantastic flow.


Happily Ever After Reviews,  5 Cups"This is an excellent book and I think fans of both the paranormal and historical romances will really, really enjoy it." 
Hope Chest Reviews - 4 HeartsOverall, The Hungarian was a pretty good read. Stephanie Burkhart is good at telling an interesting story that holds my attention.
Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts"I highly recommend The Hungarian, even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of The Hungarian is enough to win over anyone."
Reader's Favorites, 5 Stars"This book is extremely entertaining. The plot is sensual and romantic."
Coffee Time Romance, 3 Cups"Ms. Burkhart tells this tale in such a voice that we can practically feel the waves of emotions both characters are feeling coming off the pages."

BUY LINK: (AMAZON)
http://amzn.com/1612529852

Writing Tips: Hook, Line & Sold!

For me, a "hook" is that one sentence (or two, no more than) that sells your book to whoever you're talking to. (Some other marketing material may also refer to the "hook" as a "pitch")

Take yesterday for me. I went to get my hair cut and styled and brought my writing notebook. My stylist said, "Whatcha' doing?"

"Writing a book."

"What's it about?"

I've got 1 chance to tell her about my book and "hook" her in and grab her interest.

Now that's a challenge. You, the author, have 1 sentence (possibility 2) to "sell" your book to either a reader, an agent, a publisher, a representative at a book store whom you're trying to arrange a book signing.

Your hook better be pretty "snazzy" to grab that person's attention.

The pros? A 1 line sentence about your book is easy to remember and easy to draw on when people ask.

The challenge – your hook needs to be in an "active" voice, not a passive one. Active voice will grab that potential buyer, where a passive voice may make them snooze.

What's an active voice? Stay away from "was" "has been" and "to be" as verbs. When crafting your sentence use a thesaurus to give you "active" verb word choices. Stay away from "ly" adverbs. The stronger your verb, the less you need an "ly" adverb.

It usually takes me a good 20-30 minutes focused time to develop my hook.

When people (in person) ask, "Hey, what's your children's book, The Giving Meadow, about?"

I say: "It's about a caterpillar who travels through a meadow learning to share and care. Young children really enjoy the story.

I have a 99 cent short story called Journey of the Heart.

Here's my blurb: Can World War II veteran James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

I usually use that blurb when I'm on the Internet. If I'm in person, my hook is a lot more "conversational."

"Rachel's going to lose her winery, and only has one chance to save it – World War II vet James. Does he care enough to stick around?"

I usually try to end the "hook" with a question if I can – inviting the person to find out the answer by buying the book.

Question: Do you use hooks? How to come up with your hooks? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Smiles
Steph

My Pen Ran Out Ink - My 2012 NaNoWriMo Adventure

I hate feeling overwhelmed. I'm a writer, I love to write, but I've discovered it's not wise to over commit yourself. Last year I contracted 5 books. What was I thinking?

When National Novel Writing Month started creeping around the corner, I knew I had to commit to it. I'm down to 3 contracts, but even still, finding the time to write is challenging. This was my opportunity to catch up.

About two weeks out I started researching my project, Book 3 in the Moldavian Moon series, Sunrise Over Brasov. The paper flew. The ink spilled. Character bios. Thank goodness for Google images. I stocked up on pens, paper, French Roast Coffee and ink cartridges. I drew maps and outlined a plot. Come 1 NOV I was ready to write. My goal? 5 handwritten pages a day.

The challenge isn't actually the writing. Juliet, my muse, is fired up, has the strawberries stocked up, and is ready to go. It's finding THE TIME. Juliet will throw a hissy fit if I don't find THE TIME to write. I hate it when my muse gets mad at me.

November 1st came and I hit the paper writing. Words flowed like a rushing river onto the paper. The hero, Michael, re-kidnapped the heroine, Rosa, from the evil werewolf's fortress. I even fit in a day to meet with my NaNoWriMo buddy, Jenifer Ranieri at Panera.

Then my pen ran out of ink.
Juliet forced me to use a pencil.

My son, Joe, had a tumbling and trampoline class and his regular gymnastic class. Taxi service time.
Juliet made me take my laptop.

My son, Andrew, had basketball practice and Hip Hop Dance.
Juliet got mad when I told her I watching football on Sundays.

She pushed me toward the paper, whispered sweet nothings into my ear, promised me Lindor chocolates, and made me neglect my emails. I've got one account with over 700 emails.

THE TIME threatened to derail my progress, but Juliet kept me steady. My 6-year-old hid my thesaurus under couch because he wanted "Mommy" time, but Juliet found it.

I'm tired, weary, my fingers ache and I have a couple more gray hairs because I was stressed out to the max, but I did it. I'm a NaNoWriMo winner!


My treat? Lindor truffles and French Roast coffee from Starbucks. Actually, I'm hoping to give Jen Ranieri a buzz. Maybe we can go to lunch to celebrate if THE TIME lets me. He's a demanding beast right now.

The good news? I have over 50K on "Sunrise Over Brasov." There's more to write, but I'm pleased with the plot and characters. Now I can slow down and smell the roses.

The bad news?

I have to catch up on over 700 emails. Juliet tells me there's a button called delete. I'm not so sure.

For those who took the challenge and won, Juliet wants to invite you to a party. (Not at my house!) She's serving strawberries and chocolate.

For those who took the challenge and didn't quiet finish, Juliet says she's available for hire at a fee.

She's a taskmaster, just so you know.

I'd love to hear about your NaNoWriMo experience. Did you write with others in your region? What region do you come from? Give a shout out. Did you hang out at the coffee shop? Run out of ink, too? Share your word count and your story!
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD, a taxi service for her boys, and addicted to dark chocolate and strawberries. The first book in the Moldavian Moon series is "The Wolf's Torment." Can Mihai save his family from an evil werewolf that threatens to destroy their happiness?

Here's a sample from the opening of Sunrise Over Brasov:

Several gunshots and piercing screams forced Rosa from the comfort of her bed. Uncertainty knotted in her stomach. What was happening? Flinging off the covers, she rushed to the window and pushed aside the heavy drapes. The thunderous noise made her pulse erratic. 
Frost had collected on the thick windowpane. Outside, several gun muzzles flashed – or was it nistal root exploding? She couldn't be sure. Overhead, a waxing half moon appeared just over the Brasov skyline. Rose worried her lower lip. The battle continued, but who would attack the fortress? 


She glanced at the mechanical brass clock on the table next to the fireplace. Five-thirty in the morning. The logs in the fireplace smoldered, threatening to flame out. Sunrise would come soon. She approached the chair next to her bed and slid her robe over her shoulders, crossing her arms over her chest to keep warm. Should she determine if Clement needed help, or should she check on Rickard? This fighting might trigger a change in him.


The door flung open and a man stepped into her room. Who was he? The vaguely familiar scent of sandalwood and pine filled her senses. Her heartbeat spiked, but she held her ground and set her chin, determined not to show him an ounce of fear. 
There was no denying his masculinity. He was tall and his massive shoulders filled out the cloak he wore. Most of his facial features were enveloped by shadows, but she could make out his penetrating amber-hazel eyes through the darkness. A soft gasp escaped her. 


He raised his hand and lowered his hood. An inherent strength filled his profile. Confidence. Concern. Relief. 
Rosa's breath jammed in her throat. He looked familiar. He smelled familiar. 
"Rosa, it's Michael. Let's go."


"I'm not going anywhere with you."

Book Review for: In the Pleasure GrooveWritten by: John T...

Book Review for: In the Pleasure Groove
Written by: John Taylor
Dutton Publishing
ISBN: 978-0525-95800-0
Avail as: ebook & print (hardback)
3.5 Stars

Duran Duran was one of the biggest bands of the 1980's and bassist John Taylor gives readers and fans a peek at his musical influences, life in Duran Duran, and finding his own way. Expressive and poignant, John's story gets to the "heart" behind the man who continues to live a story we can all relate to.

John opens the novel with life in Birmingham, England with his parents. Growing up, he was just a boy in the neighborhood, but when teenage John meets Nick Rhodes, the backbone of Duran Duran is formed. John and Nick pursue their dreams and soon the "boys next door" are founding members of one of the 1980's biggest rock groups.

As John deals with fame, he comes to rely on fame's usual crutches, drugs and alcohol. His insights into the making of the first three Duran albums are a delightful treat for any fan.

At the height of Duranmania in the 1980's the boy next door seems unrecognizable, surrendering to the music and drugs. John's story also offers hope that one can look adversity in the eye and overcome. He shares his choices, good and bad, and he shows us the humanity behind the man and his music.

The book is easy to read and easy to relate to. Taylor talks about the height of Duranmania and the effects that fame had on him and his relationships. What I liked the most was his ability to relate a very human story behind the fame.

"In The Pleasure Groove" gives you John Taylor, his way, his perspective. His story is highly entertaining, connecting on that "raw gut" level, just like Duran Duran's music.

Cyber Monday - Four 99 cent stories for your Kindle

Hi all - just wanted to share some of my 99 cent stories which are a great bargain for this time of the year:


Christmas in Bayeux
Contemporary Christmas Romance
Mainstream love scene
Blurb: Can Noel help Aiden heal his wounded heart this Christmas season?

"Christmas in Bayeux" is the perfect short romance to enjoy during the holiday season or any time during the year, and I highly recommend it." – Diane Craver, Author, A Joyful Heart, Amazon Review

Buy Link:
AMAZON:
http://amzn.com/B005BTLSI8

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chris...

SMASHWORDS
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

SONY EREADER:
https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/ste...



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Christmas Romance
Spicy Romance
Blurb: Drake takes the biggest chance of his life on a bottle of wine. Can he crack the battlements that surround Lily's lonely heart?

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Review: The ending with the feast of candles is so romantic you'll want your own feast of candles with your sweetheart. Lovely story!




A Polish Heart
Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Sweet Heat Level
Blurb: Will Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 
Here's a link:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AS29AO



Journey of the Heart
Vintage Summer Romance
Sweet Heat Level
Blurb: Can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

The story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author. - Angel E

BUY LINK: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

Book Review for: Captured by the Highlander

Book Review for: Captured by the Highlander
Written by: Julianne MacLean
St. Martin's Press
Avail: ebook/print
5 Stars

MacLean leaves you breathless with "Captured by the Highlander." Duncan MacLean has a ruthless reputation as the "Butcher of the Highlands," but when he kidnaps Lady Amelia Templeton, she tests him on so many levels and dares to ruin the Butcher's reputation.

Set in Scotland in 1716, the story opens with Duncan's suspenseful kidnap of Amelia. He's looking for her betrothed, Colonial Richard Bennett, who is known for his brutality towards the Scots. Initially, Duncan, as the Butcher, just wants revenge, but he can't deny he's attracted to Amelia. She's headstrong, believes in her convictions, and dares to defy him.

Amelia breaks away from Duncan and seeks refuge from a squad of English soldiers. Unfortunately, they're drunk and act poorly. Duncan saves Amelia, and the incident challenges her to understand his motivations.

Duncan takes Amelia to Montcriffe where she discovers his true identity. Dare she give in to the passion Duncan evokes knowing the danger he faces if his secret is revealed?

MacLean's writing is easy to read and plunges the reader in a suspense filled opening. The action is perfectly paced, allowing the reader to catch their breath before racing forward again.

MacLean paints wonderful pictures with words allowing the reader to vividly see Duncan and Amelia's word in their mind.

The most rewarding part is the characterization. Despite Duncan's ruthless reputation, his motivations are clear to the reader. As a reader, I easily lost my heart to him. Amelia is feisty, challenging, and when evidence presents itself, willing to give Duncan a chance.

The story is sophisticated for romance readers with love scenes that capture the passion and sensually of the couple. MacLean will leave you breathless, wanting more tales of the Scottish highlands. "Captured by the Highlander" is a wonderful romantic escape on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I highly recommend this book.

Writing ideas - I Need a Hero

Prince Harry is currently serving in
Afghanistan
Our hero has a fine line to walk. The modern reader wants a man who is verbal, tender, and vulnerable, but not a wimp. Tall order, huh?

What makes a guy attractive?

Our hero has to convince the heroine - and the reader - that he's an attractive guy - inside and out. Add a dash of danger, a pinch of excitement, and a dose of sexy. It's just not enough to be good looking, he's got to treat those people around him with respect.

The Alpha Hero

He's assertive, dominant, and successful. (Sounds a little like Christen Grey, doesn't he?) He's the guy who owns the company and wants another one.

The Beta Charmer

This guy is playful and relaxed, caring and charming. He owns the company, but lets someone else run it.

A hero needs a convincing job.

He can own the company, be a police officer, fire fighter, or in the armed services. He can be a spy or an archeologist. He can even be a rock star or royalty. Whatever his profession, he's got to love what he does, act honorably, and treat those around him right.

Do you like a rich guy for a hero?

Do you like reading a romance where the hero is filthy stinking rich, or do you prefer to have him a more down-to-earth job?

The job has to fit the hero. It can't be trivial. It's got to be something he enjoys and excels in.

Qualities

What qualities do you want your hero to have? Heroism? Nobility? Honor? Integrity? What kind of job?

Question for you: Do you want a hero who is rich? Why or why not?

Reference: On Writing Romance, by Leigh Michaels, F&W Publications, ISBN: 978-1-58297-437-8, 2007

Thank you to all the Veterans out there

I just want to say thank you to all the Veterans out there for serving in your country's armed forces. I'm a Veteran myself, having served in the US ARMY between 1986-1997 as an MP (Military Police). I thought I'd share a little bit about my Army life with you all today.


Taken in Butzbach, 1990. This was at my dining-in at PLDC. (Primary Leadership Development) The guy in the picture is my husband. We met at PLDC and married in NOV 14 1991.



Taken in East Germany in 1988. I am wearing my Class "B" uniform. This is in East Berlin at Treptower Park.



In Fulda, Germany NOV 1989, right after the fall of the wall.



Taken in Kaspovar, Hungary in 1997.


Me in my Dress Blues, OCT 1997.


I went to Ft. McCellan, AL in JUL 1986 to attend my Basic & AIT Training. I finished in NOV 1986.


My Duty assignments:

Munster, Germany
295th MP Company, Romulus, NY
11th ACR, Fulda/Bad Hersfeld, Germany
NTC Ft. Irwin, CA
127th MP Co., Hanau, Germany
90 Day Deployment to Taszar,Hungary JUL-OCT 1997.

A Little About Veterans Day:

Veterans Day is an official United States holiday honoring armed service veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11th. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

In June 1954 Armistice was replaced with Veterans Day in the United States and it's been that way since.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans...


If you're a Veteran, feel free to share your branch service. Where have you been? When did you get out? Give a shout out to the military member in your family.

Most of all, feel free to thank a Veteran for their service. They really appreciate it.

My lastest book is a steampunk romance, A GENTLEMAN AND A ROGUE. You can find info for it here:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing....

Just Released! My steampunk romance: A Gentleman and a Rogue

BOOK 2 of "The Windsor Diaries" - "A Gentleman and A Rogue" is now on sale! It's the 2nd steampunk novel in this romance series.

Here's the Blurb:

Royals Edmund and Alice Windsor return to 2011 only to discover their world is now powered by gasoline and electricity - not compressed natural gas. Their attempts to persuade their grandmother, Queen Anne II, falls on deaf ears. Taking matters into their own hands, they enlist Jonas Byron's help and travel back to 1855 to set the time line right.

Now in Lincoln, Edmund is reunited with Lady Keira Russell, the love of his life, but if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Keira does not want to fall in love with him again. Jonas Byron has taken up with Keira's father to build a windmill, and Edmund's brother, Richard, the Guardian of the Time Machine, has followed Edmund to ensure Queen Victoria makes the right decision when choosing the fuel of the future. Edmund has a choice - make mischief to ensure time marches to the beat of the right drummer, or trust in Keira and her belief that Queen Victoria will make the right decision on her own. Will Edmund lost Keira for good if he makes the wrong choice?


ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
The song ended and Edmund grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the nearest hallway. At first, she wanted to protest; call out for her father and defy Edmund's wishes, but then reason kicked in. She wanted -- no, needed -- answers. And, she had plenty of questions.

They entered the main wing, and passed two rooms before Edmund opened a door and dragged her inside. Books littered the shelves. The library. A beam of light from a full moon shined through the window, casting Edmund's features in sharp, contrasting shadows. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. His eyes narrowed, giving his expression a dark, hard edge. He looked like a devil in this moment. She steeled her shoulders, ready to do battle with him.

Silence grew between them as they both set their postures. Damn Edmund. She wanted to kiss the devil senseless. Thankfully, she still had her wits.

"What are you doing with Jonas Byron?" Edmund's voice was cold and exact.

"Dancing." She surprised herself with the ease of her retort.

"Looked more like flirting to me."

"Jealous?"

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "No."

"You are a horrible liar."

"Keira, you can't trust him."

She placed her hands on her hips. "Curious, you're the second man tonight to tell me that."

"Grayson has your best interests at heart. You need to listen to him."

"He's been missing for four years." She paused, glaring at him. "Like you have. And I thought you weren't coming back."

"I'm here now, and I'm not leaving you again."

She tilted her head and laughed. Oh, yes, he'd leave her again, and she had no intention of letting her heart get broken.

Edmund lunged forward, placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her against the length of his hard, muscled body, trapping her arms between them so her hands rested on his chest. His emerald eyes flamed with desire. Her heart turned over in response. His unique scent, spice and currants, weakened her resolve. As her memories flooded through her mind, her lips ached for his.

"God, Keira, don't test me like this."


PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing....

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-w...

AMAZON (KINDLE:)
http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C