Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 66

Welcome Guest Author - Angela Britnell

STEPH: What's the plot for "It's Complicated?"

ANGELA: Charles 'Black Ash' Ashton temporarily abandons his jet-setting lifestyle and retreats to his uncles' home in rural Cornwall to avoid being blamed for a multi-million pound poker scam. He's instantly attracted to quiet, elegant math teacher Emily Worthing and decides a fun flirtation will fit the bill perfectly. But after a disastrous affair cost Emily her heart and prestigious job another sweet-talking charmer is the last man she should be interested in. They'll have to navigate their way through a slew of family problems, past loves, and the way life has shaped them to reach their own Happy Ever After.

STEPH: Where did you find the inspiration for the story?

ANGELA: Honestly, Steph, I wrote this a while ago and the first inspirations are lost in the mists of time! Having said that the main setting for 'It's Complicated' is Cornwall, where I grew up, which is beautiful and intriguing enough to inspire any writer. I'm always intrigued by couples who don't conventionally match and enjoy exploring the issues which hold them back from living a more complete, loving life.

STEPH: How do the hero and heroine meet?

ANGELA: Ash and Emily meet at his uncle's New Year's Day party, and sparks sizzle. Bored in the small village Ash is game for a temporary flirtation but Emily has sworn off good-looking charming men so he starts to play the game of his life to win the ultimate prize of love.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story?

ANGELA: The cover is a picture of Trerice Manor, a National Trust property in Cornwall, England. It was my inspiration for Folkham Manor, Ash's family home which is under threat in the story.

STEPH: What genre is "It's Complicated," and why do you like to write in that genre?

ANGELA: 'It's Complicated' is a contemporary romance. Real people - their challenges, motives and what they really want from life interest me far more than vampires, werewolves and alternate galaxies.

STEPH: How long have you been writing?

ANGELA: I've been writing just over ten years since I took a creative writing class at my local recreation center mainly to have a night out away from my three noisy boys! I got hooked and the rest as they say is history.

STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?

ANGELA: Definitely a pantser. I've tried to write outlines before but met with a conspicuous lack of success. Every time I go to another workshop lauding the benefits of plotting I have another go but soon quietly abandon the effort. I've decided that my first draft is my way of discovering the story.

STEPH: Do you prefer to read ebooks or print books?

ANGELA: Both these days. I've always been a voracious reader and when e-readers started to become popular I swore I'd remain faithful to printed books. Of course then I saw a friend's Kindle and was intrigued and on my next birthday, having dropped many hints, my dear husband bought one complete with a pretty pink cover. That began my flirtation with e-books and I enjoy juggling both loves! I particularly enjoy my Kindle for traveling, especially on my frequent long transatlantic flights back to England. Another bonus is that with middle-aged eyes being able to adjust the font size saves having to wear my hated bifocals!

STEPH: Who's your favorite author?

ANGELA: It's hard to pick one as it depends what I'm in the mood for reading. I love Joanna Trollope's women's fiction and no-one tells a good romance story like Nora Roberts. I'm also a fan of a good mystery and would have to place PD James and Elizabeth George at the top of that list.

STEPH: Fun Question: What's your favorite children's book?

ANGELA: I'd say 'Goodnight Moon' brings back the happiest memories of tucking three sweet little boys into bed - of course that was after another long grueling day in the battlefield of motherhood and I might just have loved the book because it meant I'd finally be able to sit down and read undisturbed!

Enjoy this excerpt from "It's Complicated:"

Ash nearly changed his mind multiple times before he ever walked across the road. Stood on her doorstep, rocking on his heels, he almost turned and fled. Don't be a moron. It's one date. Nothing more and nothing less. He pressed the doorbell twice and stepped back, not wanting to seem all set to pounce.

The door opened and Emily stared at him in obvious shock. Her gaze skidded down over him and it was all he could do not to laugh. Ash was pretty certain her surprise came from seeing his camel hair coat, the neck draped with an exotic scarlet scarf almost covering a soft blue shirt. Emily plastered on a smile.

"Goodness, breaking out tonight aren't we? Are you sure the black clothes police won't come after you?"

He shrugged. "I've never liked to be predictable."

"I can believe that."

Ash checked out every curve of her body and nodded in appreciation. "You're one to talk. Nice dress."

"Thank you."

Emily reached for the black wool coat she'd put ready on the arm of the sofa. The irony of its color wasn't lost on him, but he held his tongue. He reached the coat first and picked it up, holding it open. She stepped closer and slipped her arms inside. Ash pressed his fingers against the bare skin of her neck and smoothed the fabric into place. She shivered against his hand and a rush of heat flushed her skin. Ash stepped around her and very slowly buttoned her into the coat.

"Okay, let's go." Emily pulled away and picked up her handbag.

He waited outside the door while she locked up then slipped his arm through hers. They walked down the road together in silence for a few minutes.

"By the way, you'll be stared at and we'll be talked about. Everyone's known me forever and they've all heard about you." She half-joked as the pub came in sight.
Ash heard the unspoken warning. Behave or I'll have lots of protectors. He didn't blame her. If she knew him better she'd be even more cautious.

Contact details as follows:

author@angelabritnellromance.com
www.angelabritnellromance.com
www.facebook.com/angelabritnell
www.twitter.com/angelabritnell


Angela Britnell
'Opposites Attract' available now from www.desertbreezepublishing.com
www.angelabritnellromance.com
www.twitter.com/angelabritnell
www.facebook.com/angelabritnell

Writing Tips for aspiring authors - Character Traits for the Romantic Heroine

She's gutsy, clever, and stands up for what she believes. She's the romantic heroine. She the perfect "girl" for the hero, so I thought I'd talk a little about what character traits which makes our heroines special.

For a modern reader, a romantic heroine must embody three things: an ability to connect with the reader, strength, and she must deserve the hero.

Connect with Readers:

What makes her sympathetic?

How does she deal with sorrow and loss? Does she fall apart or put on a brave façade?
How does she deal with loneliness?
Does she have a sense of humor. Laughter is one trait everyone finds appealing. Who doesn't enjoy a good laugh?

Strength:


I try to draw on the following qualities:

I like a smart, clever heroine who can figure things out for herself.
I like her to have some inner strength. When it gets tough, I want to her to be able to look her problems right in the eyes despite the challenges she faces.
I like her a little gutsy and brave. I'd like her to be willing to take chances.

Deserving the Hero:

Does she have a like mindset as him?
Does she embody the inner nobility he does?
Does she do the right despite the temptation to lie, cheat, and steal?
Does she hold firm to her values like he does his?

QUESTION: As an author, what traits do you weave into your heroines? As a reader, what kind of heroine appeals to you?

Stephanie's latest release is "Feast of Candles," a spicy contemporary romance. When Drake steps into Lily's lonely world, he's determined to win over her heart, but is she willing to let him in?

EXCERPT:


She placed her hands on his chest, aware of his strength and warmth. Over the past week, she'd become comfortable in his embrace. "The van leaves at eight from the winery and we'll arrive at the hospital around ten. We'll set up and meet with the children at twelve. After passing out the gifts, we'll share a dinner with them and then we're done around four."

"Sounds like a busy day."

"Have you ever been to San Francisco?" "My plane landed there, but I didn't linger." "I'll show you the sights, then."

"Do we have a place to stay?"

"My penthouse. I have a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge."

"Is there anything you don't own?" Amusement danced in his eyes.

She placed a finger to her cheek. "Give me a minute. I'll think of something."

5 Stars, Amazon Reviews, Loves Romance
The ending with the feast of candles is so romantic you'll want your own. Lovely Story.

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

Good Looking Man Monday

Hi all, thought I'd get the week off to the right start with a good looking guy. Here he is:


Here's got a sly smile, doesn't he? So what's he thinking? Share your thoughts!
Smiles
Steph

PS... Who is our good looking man and what role have you enjoyed him in on TV?

6 Sentence Sunday - Feast of Candles - Spicy Contemporary Romance

I thought I'd share six sentences from one of my latest releases, Feast of Candles. This is a spicy contemporary romance set in Napa Valley, CA. Off we go...

His lips brushed against hers, then gently covered her mouth. Lily welcomed him, his spicy scent sending her senses reeling. She placed her hands on his chest and moaned when his lips left hers, blazing kisses over her jaw, and searing a path of pleasure over her neck.

"So sweet," he whispered. His hands left a trail of heat from her waist to her breasts.

***

Hope you enjoy the story.
Smiles
Steph

Congrats to Kayla Harrison! 2012 Gold in US Women's Judo

Just thought I'd like the Olympics Inspire me this week:



Kyla Harrison has the heart of a champion. It's performances like this which inspire me. She played with heart and it showed.

So far, I'm enjoying all the Olympics. My favs: Gymnastics, Rowing is cool. Volleyball is fun - Team and Beach. Sychronized Diving is Amazing. And swimming keeps me riveted to the TV.


So what does the Olympics have in common with writing? For me, I think it comes back to having the heart of a champion. You've got to keep writing to keep your writing muscles tone and firm. You're always looking for inspiration, the next story, doing your research.

I'd love to hear your thoughts - And don't forget to tell me what your favorite Olympic summers you're enjoying this year.

Smiles
Steph

California Thursday - Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge

Set against the bay area of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge has been declared one of the modern wonders of the world by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The Bridge itself spans the bay between San Francisco and Marin County. Ferry service began as early as the 1820's and grew to a daily occurrence. In San Francisco, you'd catch the ferry at the Hyde St. Pier and it took you to Sausalito in Marin County. The journey took 20 minutes and cost $1.00 per vehicle. (Those were the days, huh?)


In 1916, a call was put out to entertain practical designs for the bridge. Joseph Strauss, an engineer, jumped on board and his designs were given serious consideration.

Joseph Strauss didn't do it alone – several engineers and designers offered their input, including Leon Moisseiff, Irving Morrow and Charles Ellis. Strauss was the chief engineer in charge of the overall design and construction.


Show Me The Money

In 1928, the Golden Gate Highway District was given authority to finance the bridge.

In 1929 Wall Street crashed. The district couldn't raise the funds it needed so it asked for $30 million in bonds and got it. The budget for the bridge at the time was $27 million.

So bought $30 million dollars worth of bonds? Amadeo Giannini founder of the Bank of America (in San Francisco) bought the ENTIRE issue in 1932 to help the local economy. (Bank of America – go figure! Nowadays I wonder.)


Time to Crack The Nut

The construction started in January 1933. The Golden Gate Bridge can truly say it was made in America. The steel came from New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and was shipped to California via the Panama Canal.

NOTE: In April 2012, Jack Balestreri died. He was the last living original construction work on the bridge.



Half Way to Hell Club

A net was placed under the bridge during construction – for safety reasons, of course. With a 245 foot drop from the deck of the bridge to the water, 19 men were saved by landing in the net, thus becoming members of the Half Way to Hell club.

The bridge opened in May 1937. The span is 4,200 feet. It's #9 in the world today. It's painted "international" orange.


More Money Issues

The last of the construction bonds was paid off in 1971. The actual principal paid on the bond was 35 million. The interest? 39 million. The interest was paid with the tolls collected from the bridge.

Don't Jump

The deck of the bridge is 245 feet over the water if you jump. It takes 4 seconds to reach the water. Your speed? 75 mph/120 kph. Jumpers die from impact trauma on contact with the water. The few that survive will drown or die of hypothermia. Only 26 people have survived a jump.




It's Windy

The bridge shut down due to wind speeds between 69-75 mph on 3 occasions: Once in 1951, 1982 and 1983.

We're Not Finished with the Money Issues

The bridge is undergoing a seismic retrofit which is due to be completed this year. It's needed because of a possible failure of the support on the 320 foot arch over Ft. Point should an earthquake strike. The cost? $392 million.

Interesting Fast Facts:

The closest off the shelf paint to the gate's color is available from Sherwin Williams. It's Fireweed.

The Golden Gate Strait is the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

It's illegal to scatter the ashes of a loved one from the bridge.

Famous Bridge Movies:
2011 Rise of the Planet of the Apes
2009 Star Trek
2006 X-Men, The Last Stand.
1994 Interview with the Vampire
1978 Superman
1941 The Maltese Falcon.

References:
http://goldengatebridge.org/research/...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_G...

Photos taken from:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gol...


Stephanie's Latest story is Journey of the Heart: a sweet vintage romance set in Sonoma, CA, near San Francisco.

JOURNEY OF THE HEART


Blurb: Can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

4, 5 Star Reviews on Amazon
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

Excerpt: 
"Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart. 

"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases. 

"A job."

He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"

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

Monday Inspiration - Good looking Man Monday

Sigh...I love these eyes.


That said I have one question for you: Is our good looking man a hero or a villian? What gives you that vibe?

Love to hear your thoughts.

Stephanie's latest book is a spicy contemporary romance: "Feast of Candles."

Blurb: Drake takes the biggest chance of his life on a bottle of wine. Can he break through Lily's battlements that surround her heart?

Here's a link:http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Six Sentence Sunday - Feast of Candles

I thought I'd share six sentences from one of my latest releases, Feast of Candles. This is a spicy contemporary romance set in Napa Valley, CA. Off we go...

*****


He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pulse quickened even as a sense of caution flooded through her. She opened her eyes and placed her hand over his, while placing her other hand over his chest to stop him from drawing closer.
Despite her attraction, she wasn't quite ready to allow a kiss.

He stared into her eyes, keeping his hand on her waist. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She hesitated. "Everything. You..." her voice trailed off.


BUY LINK:http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Welcome Guest Author - Jordan Bollinger

STEPH: What's the plot for "Leap of Faith?"

JORDAN: The basic plot for 'Duty with Honor-Leap of Faith' is an old one: Woman meets man; she runs and he pursues; and after a series of misunderstandings and mishaps, they become a couple. Book One introduces the characters, and sets up the premise for the series.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind the main story?

JORDAN: My inspiration for the initial story was anger--well, frustration. I was taking a writing class, and the assignment was to write a story about a twenty-year-old girl, who falls in love. Well, I was on the backside of forty-five and nearing the end of an twenty-five year marriage. Something in me just snapped. Why is love only for the young. Didn't older ladies deserve passion and romance? Didn't I deserve passion and romance. I never did finish that class. Instead, I was off and running on writing the story of what I wanted in my life.

STEPH: How do the heroine and hero meet?

JORDAN: My heroine's brother talks her into meeting him in New York City, and springs his friend on her as a blind date.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story?

JORDAN: Well, hopefully, the cover art not only catches the readers' eye, but tells them that this isn't a love story for sissies. And, that this heroine isn't a shrinking violet, but a take charge kind of girl.

STEPH: 5. What genre is Leap of Faith, and why do you like to write that genre?

JORDAN: 'Leap of Faith', like all the 'Duty with Honor' series, is a Suspense Romance. After all, what's life, even romance, without a little danger and intrigue?

STEPH: How long have you been writing?

JORDAN: I toyed with the idea of writing all my life. Unfortunately, I'm a bit OCDC, which meant I never got very far. I mean, seriously, how many times can you restart page one because of typos. And then came the home computer. I can instantly correct mistakes. So, if you have any complaints about me writing, please address them to Bill Gates.

STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?

JORDAN: I am, what we call, a 'Plotster' -- a hybrid of both. I generally start out with a basic plot idea--I know I'm going to go from Point A to Point F, but I don't always know how I'm getting there; or what Points B, C, D, and E will involve. I also believe that if you have realistic characters, they'll tell you what it is they want to do. I sometimes refer to this as anarchy, but it works for me.

STEPH: Do you prefer to read ebooks or print books?

JORDAN: I'm now about six months into my Kindle Fire, and I'm developing a relationship with it, and I don't mind reading from it. The problem is I do my main reading in the pool--clearly a 'No Kindle Zone'. The good news is that now that I'm older, it seems that the water is too cold or the weather too hot, so I'm spending less time in the pool.

STEPH: Who is your favorite author?

JORDAN: My favorite author…? Hmm, the truth is I do like Dickens and Jane Austen; but I also am a tremendous fan of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie for mysteries; and E. F. Benson for light and fluffy social satires. And then there's Edgar Allen Poe, and Philippa Gregory, and… Well, you get the idea.

STEPH: What's your favorite children's book?

JORDAN:I'm not sure if this counts as a 'children's book', but I've come to truly admire the Harry Potter series. (And I wasn't an immediate fan, either.) Not only did J. K. Rowling achieve the impossible in getting a generation to not only read, but drag their parents out in the middle of the night to plunk down $30 for the latest book as soon as it was released; but she wastes nothing. Study her plot line - nothing is just there. The simplest thing, seemingly 'thrown away' in Book One, will be a vital plot point further on. I also recently downloaded the complete series of Oz books on the kindle, and I'm hoping they're as good as I remember. But, that remains to be seen.

*****
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT FROM LEAP OF FAITH:

Weaving between people, he led her to the Oak Room. There, at the far end of the bar, she saw the most handsome man she’d ever seen—and knew, without a doubt, this was the guy.

He was tall and dark, looking like a slick, glossy ad for Giorgio Armani evening wear in some stylish Manhattan magazine. He leaned against the back of one of the leather upholstered barrel bar stools, engrossed in conversation with an attractive blonde. He must have been watching for them though, because he gave the woman a final smile and sauntered towards them.

Beth watched him, mesmerized by his smooth, cat-like movements. He was everything her brother had said, and more. Damn him! Damn them both!

He had a rectangular face, with a narrow, straight nose. His eyebrows were level, except for a little slant at the outside edges. His evening clothes fit him perfectly and his ebony hair had just the hint of a wave. He stopped and stood grinning before her, the picture of ease and grace.

She straightened her shoulders and pursed her lips, ready to disapprove. Then she looked up into the lapis blue lakes of his eyes.

Richard popped forward to make introduction, but she couldn’t stop staring into the depths of those eyes. “Elizabeth, this is my good friend, Andrew Oliver. Andrew, this is my sister, Elizabeth Bennett.

She extended her hand, expecting him to shake it. Instead, he brought her gloved fingers to his lips and in a voice as soft as sable said, “Miss Bennett, how delightful, permit me to be your Mr. Darcy for this evening,” he said, but kept hold of her hand.

“You’re an unusual man, Mr. Oliver, to have read Jane Austen,” she replied in a flat monotone as she extracted her hand from his grip.

“I like to think so, but please call me Andrew—or perhaps even Drew.” He led them to a plush booth, but as they sat down he turned and sprinted back to the bar.

He probably went to get that woman’s phone number. She tossed her wrap on the seat beside her. It slipped off the slick leather and floated to the floor. She swooped down to retrieve it with a scowl, wondering if she could beg off with a feigned headache.

However when she sat upright, she found him standing before her, bearing a florist’s box.

“I’m sorry. I’d left this at the bar.” He opened it as he spoke, “I bought you gardenias. I could say I chose them because I didn’t know what you’d be wearing...”
he grinned wide and continued, “but the truth is I like them—their fragrance.”

She smiled, in spite of herself, as she looked at them and said with an appreciative sigh, “Thank you. I love gardenias.”

“Let me help you.” He lifted the creamy white blossoms from the box. The heady scent permeated their immediate surroundings. He must have taken her silence for consent, for he adroitly placed and pinned them at just the right place on her left shoulder.

“Thank you,” she said in a brittle voice. She hoped it conveyed her opinion he had much too much practice at such niceties. She added, “You do that quite well.”

Determined as she was to be cool and aloof, she was finding it difficult. Between his ‘GQ’ good looks, suave manners and familiarity with Jane Austen, she had to admit—much to her chagrin—he was intriguing.

Sharing my Book Review for "Deal with the Devil" with Gerald Costlow

Book Review for: Deal with the Devil
Written by: Gerald Costlow
Publishing by Rebecca J. Vickery
ISBN: 978-1476033082
Avail: ebook only
5 Stars

"A Sweet Entertaining Story."

Costlow pens an entertaining, sweet romance with this paranormal short. Seth and Jolene are in love. Does the deal their fathers made years ago with the devil threaten their future?

Set in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1920's, Chad Morgan and Jeb Smith have a deal with the devil to provide him with moonshine. When Chad finds religion, he stops making the homemade brew. When Mr. Scratch shows up to collect his due, will Jeb and Chad's children have their happiness "snatched" from them?

Costlow's writing is clever and witty. I really enjoyed his writing style and found myself chuckling at how Seth, Jolene, and their fathers danced around the devil. The descriptions never lingered, but let the reader easily picture the setting.

The characters were interesting. Each had their own individual quirks. Seth may be poor, but he's got courage to spare. Jolene knows her mind. What I enjoyed most was the undercurrent of sweet emotion behind all the characters actions.

I read "Deal with the Devil" in one setting. The romance is sweet with Seth and Jolene sharing a kiss or two. I highly recommend this delightful romp through the Appalachia.

Gerald would like to give away 3 copies of his story today. All you have to do is leave a comment along with your email. If Gerald selects you, he'll send you a Smashwords coupon for the book.

Question: Remember the song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia?" Who is the band who plays it? Where were you the first time you heard it?

You find Gerald's book at:

AMAZON:
http://amzn.com/B008EDNATS

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deal-...?
ean=2940044680494

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