Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 72

Self Editing Tips: Understanding "beats"

It's been said writing for publication can be defined as "10% writing and 90% editing." Writing is easy, but self-editing is a challenge all by itself. Today, I thought I'd talk about "beats," what they are and when to use them effectively as you go back through editing your story.

A beat is that tidbit of action laced through a scene. Beats are usually used with dialogue. Examples of Beats: heads nodding, worrying or nipping at the lower lip, gazing out the window and fisting the hands. Those are examples of external beats. A short interior monologue would be an example of an internal beat. Using a beat allows for a couple of things:

#1 varies the pace of the dialogue
#2 ties the dialogue to the setting and characters
#3 allows for small bits of imagery - keep in mind: Use only small bits. Too much description can be condescending to the reader.
#4 beats anchor your story to reality

How many beats do you need? That depends on the ebb and flow your dialogue. If you're writing a high tension scene it's best to use a minimum amount of beats. If you're in a less tense scene, you might want more beats.
Remember: use "fresh" beats. No two people walk across a room the same way. People watch. You get some good ideas from that. Pay attention to beats that you read. You can learn a lot from reading.

Reference: Self-Editing for Fiction Writer by Renni Brown and Dave King, Harper Resource, 2nd Edition, 2004, 279 pages.

Weight Loss Week #2 - 8-14 JAN

I had my weigh-in on Tuesday and the boys were in school. My weight loss was 1.6 pounds so I can't complain. It's a nice start. At the meeting, we talked about planning and how planning can lead to success.

I have to admit, planning can be a challenge for me. I usually go day-by-day, but the group leader wanted us to think a week out. While I think that's ideal, it's not practical with all I have going on.

I do manage a good day-by-day plan. This week I've treated myself to beef fajitas, chicken marsala, and baked ziti with chicken sausage. I've also taken a couple of 45 minutes walks around the neighborhood. My husband, who is counting points with me lost 6 points. I'm proud of him.

Oh, did I tell you I joined the weight loss challenge at work. We "weigh" out 22-24 March. 1st place is $975. 2nd place is $400 something and 3rd place is $275.

Now, if I can through the weekend… I'm doing homemade pizza.
How was your week?

Smiles
Steph

Weight Loss Week #1 - 2-7 JAN 2012

Ah, weight loss! I think it's one of the most popular new year's resolutions. It's so popular, it's practically cliché, but this year, I'm dedicating "me" time for weight loss.

To that end, I went back to Weight Watchers on 2 Jan – and I brought my boys, Andrew, 9, and Joe, 5, to the meeting. Yes, I didn't really have a choice. I don't have a dedicated babysitter so they had to go. Besides, I shuffle them to dance class, appointments, etc., it's about time they let me have some "me" time.

Quite honestly, here's why I think my previous attempts at weight loss come up short: I'm always doing for others. (i.e., my boys and various other commitments) and not allowing myself enough time for what I want.

So, this year, to "fix" that, I built in the opportunity for "me" time. Mind you, I didn't ask for a lot – just enough to get about 40 minutes of exercise in and enough time to plan my meals.

My boys did good at the meeting. They sat quietly, but toward the end, Joe wiggled a lot. It was a good refresher. My daily goals: eat fruits and veggies, drink water, eat fiber & protein, take a vitamin, drink some milk and exercise. I'm a big walker so I hope to get a couple of 5K's in this year.

To accomplish my goals I need to pre-plan meals with my points in mind. I get 26 daily points. Do-able. I need to lay off the carbs and carbonation.

Now I know there are multiple ways to lose weight, but I chose to use Weight Watchers. If you've got a tip you'd like to share or you want to offer some encouragement, I'd love to hear it. The weight loss journey isn't easy and will take patience, but friends make it bearable.

Just Released - Twilight Over Moldavia, Moldavian Moon Book 2, paranormal/witch romance

4 Stars, Vijaya Schartz, author
In this novel full of danger and intrigue, sexy scenes, and unspeakable secrets, the werewolves are the villains, and oh how dangerous they are, and unwashed, and uncivilized. The kind of villains you love to hate.

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSAhxv...

BLURB:
Romanian unification is on the horizon. Prince Stefan Sigmaringen travels to Ploiesti, Carpathia. He's to be promised in marriage to the Crown Princes Caroline, a spirited young lady who prefers riding horses and archery to embroidery and dancing.

Despite Stefan's initial apprehension, he discovers that his intended is a pleasant surprise with a caring heart. He also learns a strange man named Timon has an unnatural interest in him.

Two years later, Stefan and Caroline are officially engaged. To Stefan's horror he overhears his mother confessing to a dangerous secret – she cursed him in order to conceive him and Stefan owes his body to Timon. There is a condition to overcome the curse, but Stefan will have to draw on all his courage and inner strength to confront the werewolf who desires to posses his soul. Stefan feels it isn't fair to fall in love with Caroline with a foul enchantment hanging over his head. Dare Caroline break the blood bonds of the curse with her love?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

She nipped at her lower lip, and the energy between them surged. He tilted his head and drew her close, their mouths awkwardly skirting each other. Her breath, warm and hinting of apricots from the wine she had sipped earlier, ghosted over his cheek. Their lips brushed, and his pulse spiked. Gently, he continued to kiss her with hesitant exploration. She was the first woman he had ever kissed, and her lips were everything he had expected -- and more.

He placed his hands on her waist and tugged her close, pressing her against the length of his body. She put her hands on his shoulders and trailed her fingers along the nape of his neck.

Stefan groaned and increased the intensity of the kiss. Fueled by their mutual desire, his manhood grew hard. He hadn't known that feeling before. He could lose his head to it.

He broke off the kiss and drew in a breath. Confusion pooled in Caroline's expression.

"No." He paused. "I don't think we should go too fast."

"All right."

"Alina, I don't think it's wise for us to discuss Viktor," Stefan's mother said, her proximity startling him. Nervous energy spiked through him at her tone.

He placed his finger over his lips, and Caroline nodded. He furrowed his brow and gestured for her to hide behind the rose bushes near the bench with him. She did so.

His mother's and Lady Alina's footsteps echoed along the walking path.

"Viktor put all of this in motion," Lady Alina said.

Stefan's mother exhaled. "No, I did," she said, her voice heavy with regret. "I made a poor decision."

"He took advantage of you in a moment of deep pain. You were mourning the death of your son, Hadrian."

"I should have been more guarded."

"Viktor was a cunning wolf. We all thought he could be trusted."

Their footsteps stopped. Stefan prayed they couldn't hear his pounding heartbeat.

"The curse will come to fruition soon," Alina said.

BUY LINKS:

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Moldavian-Moon-...

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

Happy New Year! 2012 Resolutions

Well, 2011 has come and gone and its time to start a New Year with a fresh face.

Did you make any resolutions for 2011? You know, I hate to say it, but I don't think I did. I tend to set goals. Goals seem obtainable to me. Resolutions imply a firm commitment to your personal objective and I always feel like a loser when I come up short.

What makes people talk about resolutions at the beginning of the New Year? I think for the most part, people are in a reflective mood when one year ends and another begins. We naturally look to the past, evaluate where we are in life and set new resolutions/commitments/goals for the future.

I can't honestly say how long New Years resolutions have been going on. My Internet research suggests the Romans began the tradition in 153 BC when they established "Janus" the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrance at the start of their calendar. Janus became a symbol of resolutions for the Romans. They looked for forgiveness from their enemies and exchanged gifts. The gifts were simple, branches or coins with Janus' face on them.


Nowadays, for those making resolutions, the motivation behind them is self-improvement. These can include: weight loss, eat better, exercise more, quit smoking, reduce stress, take a trip, volunteer to help others, and there are many more.

This year I intend to commit to weight loss. I don't want to say "I resolve" because I'm afraid I'll fail, but I'll call it a goal. This goal is going to take patience, planning, and time. Losing weight doesn't come easy or quickly. I've also noticed it's a wee bit harder over 40 as well, but I want to be healthy, especially for the boys so losing about 30-40 pounds is a goal I want to achieve.

I'm kindling the fire of the plan as I write. I'm joining the weight loss challenge at work, heading back to weight watchers, and planning meals as well as exercise time.

Okay, I'm pooped thinking about it. This is going to take a serious commitment on my part. Yikes. Sounds a like resolution to me.

Mind you, I have good intentions. In fact, my husband's along for the ride and I've got the boys to cheer me on, but I know it's not going to be easy.

Do you make resolutions? Why or why not? Share thoughts for success, or if resolutions and goal setting isn't your thing, share your thoughts and reflections for 2012.

Inspiration flows from the exchange of ideas.
Smiles
Steph

Stephs Top 10 "Anything Goes" list for 2011

Well, it's that time of the year when people look back and reflect on the old before ringing in the new. Everyone has a list. Even David Letterman. So I thought I'd share my top 10 anything goes list for 2011 with you. Mind you, the "loose" thread that holds my list together is the theme of entertainment.

My list is broad in scope, but I hope you'll find it fun. – Oh and #11 and #12 are honorable mentions!



#12 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Movie
I just saw this movie the other day and I LOVED it. Now, I haven't read the book, so the movie has motivated me to read the book. David Fincher's opening is classic Fincher – the music right off the bat stirs the restless anxiety of the soul, setting the mood and tone of the movie. The casting was excellent. I'm anxious to explore Lisbeth's world.

#11 – After Midnight by Sarah Grimm
I absolutely adore how Sarah tells a story. "After Midnight" is a taunt contemporary romance that will have the reader aching for Isabeau to find comfort and love in Noah's arms.

#10 – Lady Gaga
Okay, I'm a Monster, I admit it. I love a good beat and Gaga has it. Yes, she's eclectic and down right strange at times, but she's no dummy and makes a ton more money than me. Hey, "Telephone" is the one song me and boys can all sing together. You go, GaGa.

#9 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Movie

This movie was a most adapt conclusion to a fabulous movie franchise. It captured the flavor of the book in several ways by staying honest to the characters and the emotions they go through. Daniel Radcliffe's "Harry Potter" embodied determination, inner strength, and courage, all positive traits that I hope resonate with my boys.



#8 – The Count's Lair by Stephanie Burkhart
In 2011, this is the one book I wrote that I hold close to my heart. It's a paranormal romance set in 1901 Budapest, Hungary. Anton's had a tough life, compounded by the fact he's a werewolf. He yearns to earn Amelia's love, but can she believe his secret? The Count's Lair was a Silver Award Winner in the Reader's Favorite 2011 Competition in the Romance Sci-Fi/Fantasy category. It was also nominated for the Book of the Week with Long and Short Reviews and earned 5 Hearts from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews.

#7 – Kindle Fire
I'm a Kindle fan, so I had to get the Fire when it came out and I'm not disappointed. I love the color screen and how the book covers are vividly displayed. I love playing Angry Birds on my Fire. I've downloaded a couple of kids' shows to keep my boys occupied in the car. I've got apps, books, and shows on my Fire. I really don't need anything else.

#6 – Priceless Deception by Jennifer Ann Coffeen
This is a regency romance. Madeline and Colin ooze with sexual tension as they try to find the French Blue Diamond. Coffeen's writing is sharp and witty, making this a delightful read.

#5 – Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen
This is a historical romance set in England at the end of the Napoleonic wars. The Smythes are spies, but don't discover the other is a spy until they're called to a meeting. As they compete for a job, they try to get one up on the other and that completive spirit rekindles the romance their marriage was lacking. I'm a fan of Galen's writing and she doesn't disappoint with this offering.

#4 – The Arrival of Lily Curtis by Rachel Brimble
This is a historical romance set in the 1890's England. Andrew feels cornered into getting married, as does noblewoman Lily. She manages to escape – to Andrew's home and finds a job as a maid. Can love blossom despite the expectations of the age? Brimble's writing flows like a smooth glass of wine, sweet, yet sinful. Andrew and Lily possess a combustible chemistry that will leave the reader turning the pages.

#3 – Derek Hough and Anna Trebunskaya dance the Paso Doble on Dancing with the Stars

I love this show. The dancers have inspired my own boys to get out and take lessons. Derek and Anna gave this Paso a life of its own that made for a heart pounding routine.



# Mark Ballas and Chelsea Kane dance the Viennese Waltz

Yes, I admit, the Viennese Waltz elements were "light" in this dance, but the routine had me and my boys riveted to the TV Screen. An inspiring performance that was creative and full of imagination. Breathtaking.



#1 – Game of Thrones



What I loved about this series was the characterization. There are so many different characters from Daenerys to Tyrion that you just feel for them. And who could forget the Lannisters – the clan you love to hate? The casting was "spot on" and the settings so vivid, they bring the pages of the book to life. Another thing I appreciated was how true to the book the TV show was. Peter Dinklage who plays "Tyrion" won an Emmy for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series." The Series was nominated for an Emmy for "Best Drama Series," and "Main Title Design."

What's on your top ten anything goes list for 2011?

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment about your 2011 favorites and I'll pick one winner out of the hat to receive a copy of my latest release, "The Faberge Secret."
Smiles
Steph

Welcome Guest Author - Rosalie Lario

So What Do You Get a Demon for Christmas?


December...it's the time of year when the first snowfalls begin to cover the ground (unless, like me, you live in sunny ole Florida), when houses are decorated to bursting with lights, and when people are in a festive, giving mood. So that got me to thinking, what on earth would you get a demon for Christmas?

First off, the demons in my DEMONS OF INFERNUM series aren't evil creatures from Hell, but a race of beings who've come to Earth from another dimension. They don't celebrate Christmas where they're from, but they aren't against the holiday. More like mystified by it. A holiday centered around a baby in a manger and a fat guy who breaks into other peoples' houses to leave them gifts? Weird...but they can adapt.

So what do you get for a demon with little understanding of the meaning behind the holiday?

• A book detailing the history behind Christmas: If it doesn't get read, it can always serve as a drink coaster. ☺

• Liquor: Ah yes, the reason for that aforementioned coaster! Demons have a faster metabolism than humans, so they can put down a lot more alcohol. And who doesn't need a swig or 10 during the holidays?

• A dagger with a wicked blade: Because my demon boys always seem to get into trouble. Yeah, guns are easier and work from farther away, but the only surefire way to kill another demon or Otherworld species is by beheading. So yeah, make sure that blade is really sharp.

• A collection of T-shirts with smartass sayings: Okay, it's not for every demon, but Taeg, one of the half demon brothers in my series, can't get enough of them. Among some of his favorites? (1) Real Men Don't Follow Directions; (2) Why Do Today What You Can Put off Until Tomorrow?; and (3) Awesome in Bed...I Can Sleep for Hours.

Here's a little more about my latest release in the DEMONS OF INFERNUM series, Touch of the Angel (Book 3):

Blurb:

After months of no work, interdimensional bounty hunter Ronin Meyers jumps at the chance to locate an incubus who's using succubi as murder weapons. Faced with deportation to hellish Infernum if he fails, Ronin will stop at nothing to take out the incubus and anyone else involved. Even the beautiful succubus who stole his heart—and nearly his life—during the most mind-blowing hour of his existence.

Night after night, Amara and her fellow succubi are forced to extract special abilities from the strongest Otherworlders for their psychotic master's growing collection. When the gorgeous angel-demon hybrid she believed to be dead captures her, Amara is both stunned and elated.

But the happily ever after Amara's dreamed about will have to wait. Before she and Ronin can find salvation, they must bring down the madman hellbent on destroying everything—and everyone—they love. And Ronin and Amara are at the top of his list…
Find out more at http://www.entangledpublishing.com/to... or at my website www.rosalielario.com.
So what about you; do you have a Christmas gift recommendation (for a demon or otherwise☺)?

The 12 Days of Christmas

Who doesn't enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas? It's one of our favorite carols of the seasons. Have you ever wondered about its orgins? I thought I'd share some interesting tidbits with you.

The song was first published in England in 1780, but there's strong textual evidence that suggest it is much older and had French roots.

In fact 3 French versions of the song are known. if you take "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" literally, the only type of partridge that perches in pear trees with any frequency is the red-legged partridge - found in France. This partidge was not successfuly introducted into England until 1770.

The song was brought to the US in 1910 by Emily Brown, who was a teacher in Milwaukee, VI. She heard the song in England and needed a song for her Christmas pagent.

Modern folklore implies the song was used as a "catechism song" for the Catholics in England between 1558-1829 when Catholicism was frowned upon.

The 1984 cost of the 12 days of Christmas? $12,623.10.

There are minor variants of the song:
** Calling Birds for colly birds
**Golden rings for Gold Rings.

Currently, English composer Frederic Austin arranged the standard version. The copyright was registered in 1909 and is still active by its owners.

On a more religious note, the 12 days of Christmas usually start on Christmas and last until the Feast of the Epiphany on the 6th of January in most Christian religions. However, I've noticed in our "rush" to enjoy Christmas, a lot of groups - for example, my work, celebrate the 12 days before Christmas. Do you celebrate the 12 days before? What do you do?

Share your thoughts on the 12 Days of Christmas. GIVEAWAY. Leave a post with a comment about the 12 days or Your Family Christmas traditions and I'll pick a person to receive a decorative cloth christmas tree made by my friend, Lori Powell.

My latest release is "The Faberge Secret." It's a contemporary romantic suspense Christmas story, about 40K. BLURB: When Elise Goodwin buys a rare Faberge Egg, can Dimitri keep her safe from his rival, Gustav Kelch who will do anything to take the egg from her.


REVIEWS:
5 STARS, Celia Yeary, Author
You will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced tale of danger, a mystery, and a satisfying conclusion.Elise and Dimitri make sparks fly!

Sue Perkins, Author
The Faberge Secret exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth reading more than once. What more can I say? It is such a good book.

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujO...

BLURB:
Elise Goodwin finds herself faced with danger when she learns the Faberge egg she's bought belongs to a Russian mogul, Dimitri Romanov, but is Dimitri playing a game with Elise's heart to get his heirloom back?

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

She bit her lower lip. If she didn't take a chance now, would her life be filled with what- ifs and regrets? Yes, John had hurt her, but she was still alive. Dare she believe in romance again?

Dimitri paused next to her room, beside the door.

"If you have the time..." she began, knowing it was now or never. "And if you don't have to go back to Russia right away, I'd be honored to have you share Christmas with my family."

"I'd be happy to." His gaze was as soft as a caress. He reached out and tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. Then slowly, he curved his hand around the nape of her neck and moved closer so there was no space between them.

Their lips skirted each other's, teasing, tempting... until Dimitri's mouth finally captured hers in a drugging kiss.

His lips were firm and persuasive. He smelled of soap and sandalwood. Something intense flared within her, and she fisted her hands around the lapels of his coat. Her body betrayed her desire. His erection pressed against her thigh.

All of a sudden, an all-crushing fear consumed her. He was hard for her. It was too soon, too fast. She broke the kiss and pushed him away.

"Elise--" Dimitri began.
"Umph!"


Elise's heart jumped. She swung around and looked at the door.


It stood ajar.


"Lucy!" Elise forgot all about Dimitri's kiss and rushed inside with him right behind her.

Concern spiked within her the second she saw Lucy.


Her friend's hands and feet were tied to a chair, and a gag was in her mouth. The room had been trashed. Their suitcases had been turned over; their clothes and books tossed haphazardly about.

Fear knotted inside Elise. She rushed to the chair and took off Lucy's gag. Dimitri untied the knots at Lucy's feet, concern for her friend evident in his eyes. Elise was thrilled that Dimitri had helped her with no hesitation or reservations.

"What happened?" Elise asked. "Who did this?"

"They were looking for the egg," Lucy said. She glanced at Dimitri, but instead of her earlier resistance to him, gratefulness filled her gaze.

Dimitri froze and glanced up, his stare drilling into Elise. "Egg? A Faberge egg?"

Elise loosened one of the ropes around Lucy's hand and looked at Dimitri, perplexed. "What do you know about Faberge eggs?"

He muttered something in Russian, finished untying the knot around Lucy's other ankle, and stood, straightening his shoulders.
"That's what I lost. What I've been looking for -- my Faberge egg."

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Faberge-Sec...

B&N NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-f...?
ean=2940013874596&itm=1&usri=the+faberge+secret

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

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

Welcome Guest Author - Ginger Simpson

I wish I had a photo of a favorite Christmas to place here, but my family was never big on photographs...in fact, they weren't big on anything except just being a family. It saddens me that as I grow older, my childhood memories become dimmer and dimmer. When I try to share them with my younger sister, we have distinctly different recollections. She was nine when I married and moved away. Her childhood is vastly different than mine.

My favorite Christmas song has always been, "Ill be Home For Christmas." I cry whenever I hear it because it brings back memories of all the GOOD years I still cling to. Unfortunately, Christmas has changed. My grandparents and father are gone, people have their own children and new family rituals, and rifts in the family have caused discourse among some of us...and I must say I scratch my head over what happened, but it doesn't change the fact that going home to share a Christmas with everyone will never happen again. In a time when spirits should soar, I find myself strangely sad and my special Christmas song really prompts tears for all that is lost.

Gladly, I have Spencer in my life. He'll be the reason that I continue to create new and happy memories so hopefully when reaches adulthood he can look back and remember his "Nee Nee" as someone who holds a part of his heart forever, the way my grandmother is always with me. I'll always remember my father, and how he prompted the opening of the first gift on Christmas eve. "Just one," he always said, and we ended up in a flurry of wrapping paper and boxes until every gift was revealed. There wasn't a lot, but we never felt deprived. If I could have one wish, it would be to capture moments like those again just once. Since I can't, I'll just cherish what memories this song conjures up.

"I'll be Home Video:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HOHO9...



Oh, and a few years ago, my mother asked me to write a story for her as her Christmas gift. I was greatly touched, since I'd really never thought anyone in my family supported me as an author. After giving much thought to life, what she'd been through in losing my Dad, her parents, and how much she loved her grandsons, I came up with Virginia's Miracle. The short holiday story is offered through Eternal Press, and here's a snippet:

Virginia Collins fears her life is almost over. The one thing that still brings her joy is spending time with her young grandson, Davey. It's Christmas, and despite trying to view the holiday through a child's anxious eyes, Virginia still feels empty, alone and can't find her spirit. So many loved ones have passed, the yuletide is forever changed... until she receives a special Christmas Eve message.


You can find Ginger at:
http://www.gingersimpson.com
http://mizging.blogspot.com
http://cowboykisses.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/mizging
http://amazon.com/author/gingersimpson

Welcome Guest Author Sharon Donovan

SHARON: Thank you for having me on your blog today, Steph! It's a pleasure to be here. I'd like to offer a prize. My story SNOW ANGEL is one of the stories in the Winter Anthology for Whimsical Publications. It's a sweet Christmas inspirational starring Oliver. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Now about Charade of Hearts, a romantic suspense which stars Oliver as a detective.

STEPH: Sharon, it's great to have you here today. I don't know much about Charade of Hearts. What's it about?

SHARON: It's a romantic suspense about piracy on the high sea. Here's a blurb.
While scuba diving off the coast of Diamond Head with her diving partner on a quest to find a family heirloom, underwater photographer Dominique St. John witnesses his brutal murder and photographs it, ensnaring her in a deadly jewel ring. And when the investigating officer turns out to be her partner's identical twin, a man she knew nothing about, her life becomes a Charade of Hearts.

Welcome to the world of greed, intrigue, deception and murder. And at its core is a blue diamond worth millions.

As honest as his twin was corrupt, Honolulu Homicide Detective Oliver Carvalho must convince Dominique that her diving partner and best friend was a crook. In a race against time, Oliver must rescue Dominique from a ruthless killer. But his biggest challenge proves to be mending a broken heart torn by betrayal that can only be redeemed by love.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind the story?

SHARON: A blue diamond worth millions! Last November, the Crimson Line of The Wild Rose Press challenged authors to write a story for the Jewel of the Night Series. The story could be set anywhere in the world and could be in any time frame. The parameters had to include Romance Suspense Danger and Intrigue. Most importantly, each story had to evolve around a blue diamond. I like to write about a subject worth exploring.

Ship wrecks, underwater photography, piracy and scuba diving were among these subjects. I challenged myself to string those elements into a romantic suspense packed with sexual tension starring Oliver!

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

SHARON: There was a deadline, leaving no time for procrastinating! By time I came up with the setting, storyline and created compelling characters to play the hero, heroine and villain, the clock was ticking. Add to that a ton of research and I was burning the midnight oil many a night! To answer your question, about three months, making the deadline by the skin of my teeth. Smile.

STEPH: How did you come with the title, "Charade of Hearts?"

SHARON: A woman's heart strings are being pulled in totally opposite directions by two men that just happen to be twins. One has hurt her deeply and the other wants to mend her broken heart. Who's fooling who in this Charade of Hearts?

STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research for the story?

SHARON: Yes, but I'm a research fanatic! I'm border-line compulsive when it comes to research. I'm very meticulous on detail and precision. Scuba diving has always fascinated me. From the time I was quite young, I watched documentaries about it on the Discovery channel. For Charade, I read countless magazine articles on diving, air tanks, wet suits, sights and sounds in the seabed, underwater photography, sharks and other sea predators. I was amazed that blood is green under water. Tiger sharks, I learned, are man eating sharks and stalk the Hawaiian waters. Contraire to popular belief, most sharks do not attack people, but all sharks have radar when it comes to smelling blood. It draws them in like bees to honey. Yes, JAWS fans, there is a deadly shark attack in Charade.

I really got caught up in researching shipwreck piracy. European trade began with East Africa in the fifteenth century when Portuguese explorers discovered the Cape of Good Hope. Thousands of ships made their way to Asia, crossing the Indian Ocean and wrecking off the coast of Mozambique, making it a pirate's haunt for sunken treasures.

During the Ming Dynasty, Mozambique was part of the East Indies run. Fleets of ships crossed the coast of Africa, using Mozambique as a trade post. With poor navigation back then, countless ships carting precious cargo sunk to the bottom of the Indian Ocean, taking the precious jewels to their watery graves. The quality of the gems would have been worth a mint, and if discovered by scuba looters today, would be a million dollar market.

Based on this research, I created a deadly jewel ring that looted ship wrecks in the Mozambique Channel and Pacific Ocean.

STEPH: How important is the setting to the story? Have you ever been to Hawaii?

SHARON: Very important. The setting is the first thing I think of when writing a story. Once it's set, everything else falls into place. I was fortunate enough to have visited Hawaii, bringing my story to life with first hand knowledge. The island is breathtakingly beautiful, a wild and majestic landscape brimming with miles of sugar-white sands, exotic tropics and water so blue it steals your breath. Diamond Head shrouds the entire island like a fortress, making it both beckoning and foreboding. The contrast against the water is mystical, ebony on true blue.

STEPH: What's your writing space like?

SHARON: I collect ceramic masks. They shroud my computer and inspire me to write. Among my favorites are The Crying Mime with jeweled tears, The Veiled Lady and The Jolly Jester. I keep a feather pen with violet ink at the ready for signing contracts.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

SHARON: No, those things are a mystery to me. Since the loss of my vision, I read books in audio format.

STEPH: How long have you been writing?

SHARON: Again, since the loss of my vision. Prior to that, painting was my passion. Needing to channel my creative muse, I began painting pictures with words.

STEPH: What's your favorite holiday? Why.

SHARON: Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year!

SHARON'S BIO:
Sharon Donovan lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her family. Prior to the loss of her vision, she was a legal secretary for the Court of Common Pleas where she prepared cases for judges in Domestic Relations. Painting was her passion. When she could no longer paint, she began attending creative writing classes and memoir workshops. After a long and winding road, a new dream arose. Today, instead of painting her pictures on canvas, Sharon paints her pictures with words.
Sharon writes stories of inspiration and suspense. She has certificates in business and medical transcription. Echo of a Raven, a narrative non-fiction about her struggles with diabetic retinopathy, received a CTRR award for outstanding writing, and The Claddagh Ring is a 2009 CAPA nominee for best inspirational of the year. Mask of the Betrayer was voted book of the week at LASR and its video by Triad Productions was a second place winner at You Gotta Read. Other books by Sharon Donovan are Touched by an Angel, Lasting Love, Her Biggest Fan and Charade of Hearts. You can visit Sharon at
www.sharonadonovan.comm

Charade of Hearts is a romantic suspense set in tropical Hawaii. It is one of the mysteries in the Jewel of the Night series for the crimson line of The Wild Rose Press. This book features Oliver, the sexy cyber butler on my blog as well as on the author roast.



Here's a teaser:

While scuba diving off the coast of Diamond Head with her diving partner on a quest to find a family heirloom, underwater photographer Dominique St. John witnesses his brutal murder and photographs it, ensnaring her in a deadly jewel ring. And when the investigating officer turns out to be her partner's identical twin, a man she knew nothing about, her life becomes a Charade of Hearts.

Welcome to the world of greed, intrigue, deception and murder. And at its core is a blue diamond worth millions.

As honest as his twin was corrupt, Honolulu Homicide Detective Oliver Carvalho must convince Dominique that her diving partner and best friend was a crook. In a race against time, Oliver must rescue Dominique from a ruthless killer. But his biggest challenge proves to be mending a broken heart torn by betrayal that can only be redeemed by love.

Steamy excerpt

With an abrupt bang, the line went dead. Dominique sat staring at the phone cord dangling in mid air, polarized. She felt the tremor from deep in her gut, rising high in her chest and through her throat. Her mouth was wide open but nothing came out. But when she heard a sharp wrap at the door, she erupted like a quaking volcano and let loose with a piercing wail that rattled the chandelier.

"Dominique, open up. It's the police, Detective Oliver Carvalho. Let me in."

Racing to the door, hands trembling as her fingers fumbled to undo the dead bolt, she flung the door open and thrust herself in the detective's arms. Her voice came out in jumbled fragments. "He…the attacker…" she jabbed her forefinger over her shoulder toward the bedroom phone where the receiver dangled. "Said he'd call back…twenty four hours. Wants them, diamond and camera. Feed me to the sharks if I call the cops." Her voice broke, tears streaming down her face and onto Oliver's shirt collar. "He knows my name…saw me take pictures…he's…"

"Easy," Oliver's muscular arms draped around her waist. Then he walked her backward to the bedroom, giving her a gentle shove onto the bed. Then he snatched up the receiver from the rug, clapped it to his ear. Lips puckered, he slammed it back into the cradle and stared at her.

His fiery gaze was scorching hot. A slow heat burned in her belly as his eyes rake her long, slender neck, stopping to linger on her exposed cleavage. Then lower still to her bare legs where the cherry red silk robe rode high on her upper thighs. Then that penetrating gaze seared into hers. His words came out, laced with enough heat to have her quaking at full throttle.
"Tell me what he said, word for word."

Dominique licked her lips, reached for her cocktail. The ice cubes had melted and beads of moisture had seeped onto the teakwood night stand. She took a sip. "He told me he knew I had the diamond and he knew I took pictures. He said I had twenty-four hours to hand them over, that he'd be in touch. He said no cops…or…" her voice broke off, lips quivering. "He threatened to feed me to the sharks, said they were hungry. He said Roberto, he called him lover boy, just wet their appetite for dessert."

The detective nodded, prodding her to go on. "What else?"

"Nothing, the line went dead. Then you knocked at the door. I thought it was him, the caller. I thought he came to…"

Detective Carvalho waved off what she was about to say. "I went to the Honolulu Clinic this morning because I had more questions. They informed me you'd been discharged and had been transported by taxi to this hotel."

Dominique stared at the detective, mute. His eyes were identical to Roberto's. It was disarming. How could she possibly accept the fact this man standing less than a foot away from her with desire burning in his eyes wasn't Roberto? She couldn't. Her mind refused to accept it. She had to send the signal to her brain because her heart sure wasn't getting the message. But when his scorching gaze raked her body, evoking feelings in her Roberto never had, her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to reach for him, coil herself in his strong embrace, feel his heart beat with hers. And she wanted him to rip off her sexy lingerie and devour every inch of her body. She bit her lip, mortified. How could she be thinking about sex at a time like this? And why was Roberto's twin brother stirring her blood to liquid heat with his burning gaze? Not once had Roberto evoked such feelings in her. She reached for her drink with such swiftness, she felt her silky lingerie slither past her shoulder and down her arm. And then

Charade of Hearts
Oliver's story!
AVAILABLE NOW!
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/chara...

REVIEWS

Charade of Hearts is every bit the adventure the wonderfully suitable cover suggests!
Dominique St. John and her partner, the utterly wonderful Roberto, set off to photograph
a shipwreck, but also to locate a very specific treasure. They are not far from the
stunningly beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. For long moments at the start, we are distracted with the "wild and exotic beauty…of…majestic mountains … pristine beaches…butterfly and reef fish…" and even the contrast
of light at the horizon. Then Roberto is murdered.

It's a shocking event; and perhaps a spoiler to mention here, but that event happens
early and seems the true start of this dramatic, suspenseful tale. Roberto was targeted,
through the very eyes of the man who ordered it: the Dragon. We see and understand just that hint more than Dominique does, and so sense the growing danger she faces.

The beauty of the backdrop for this tale is so well described, fans of
Hawaii will be thrilled to read, and those who aren't, will be fans by the time they finish.
Descriptions are truly almost poetically enchanting, often in sharpcontrast to the
actual activity in any scene.

READ FULL REVIEW
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

BUY
Charade of Hearts

Oliver's story!
AVAILABLE NOW!
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/chara...

Sharon Donovan
Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith

My website
www.sharonadonovan.com
sharonad@comcast.net


Sign up for Sharon's newsletter
http://www.sharonadonovan.com/index.h...

Follow me on Twitter
http://twitter.com/SharonADonovan


Amazon page
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...-