Jennifer Bray-Weber's Blog, page 97
August 21, 2012
MuseTracks – Link of the Week – Kickstarter
This week’s Link of the Week, I’m giving you a three-fer.
Kickstarter is a super cool “funding platform for creative project.” In other words, it is a site where creative minds, whether they are authors, designers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, etc. build a platform, set an “all-or-nothing” funding goal, and a project deadline. Friends and supporters back the project creator and in return reap rewards such as a copy of what is being made.
This leads me to the next link. On Kickstarter, there is a project called Love Between The Covers by Laurie Kahn. This is a feature-length documentary revealing “the remarkable global community of women who create, consume and love romance novels.”
Interested? There are only a few days left for this awesome project to hit its goal.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1...
To see part of the project in the works, check out these videos featuring some well-known romance authors.
http://popularromanceproject.org/cate...
August 20, 2012
MuseTracks Guest – Christi Barth – Lifting a Glass to my Characters
Today, Musetracks welcomes vocalist, wedding planner, and, oh yeah, contemporary romance writer, Christi Barth. Our sassy guest chats about back story, quirks, and cocktails.
Okay, got my mimosa in hand. Take it away, Christi!
Lifting A Glass To My Characters
You’re reading the title wondering how much of a lush I am, right? Well, I do enjoy a glass of wine or three. But this post is about a serious craft topic – backstory. We all start out with an idea, probably a whopping single sentence. Before trying to mold that into a 97,000 word book, the backstory magic has to happen. Sure, there are the basics, like how many siblings the hero has (which can directly relate to how many books you want to churn out into a series), his job, where he went to college, etc. Some people-not me, because I’m simply too lazy-write entire bios on each character, with vision boards and fancy charts. The amount of time spent creating a backstory can amp up your character’s depth.
I write funny contemporary romances, so my characters all have a few quirks. Not too many, of course, because I don’t want them to slide over that line towards annoying. But the way to add real depth is to find a single, signature ‘thing’. For some, it may be a sports team addiction. For others, the inability to sleep without a stuffed octopus (ooh, that’s good. I might use that some day). In my recent release Planning for Love, it comes down to the cocktail. My hero thinks he can figure people out just by learning their favorite cocktail.
“Tell me, Ms. Rhodes, what’s your favorite drink?” Ben pressed her head into the hollow below his collarbone, gently trailing his fingertips back and forth across the nape of her neck.
The answer required no thought whatsoever. Good thing, since her thoughts were centered on the flutters of sensation he raised, like dandelion seeds floating outward on a warm breeze. Bubbly and romantic, she named the first cocktail she’d legally ordered eight years ago and could never resist. “Kir royale.”
“No surprise there. It’s classy, old school and sweet. Just like you. See, you can tell a lot about a person by their drink.”
“Really? What’s yours?” she countered.
“Scotch. Johnnie Walker Green. I got hooked on their Pure Malt when I worked in London for a while. When they finally started selling it here as the Green label, I knew I could safely return to the States.”
Ivy pondered for a minute. “I’m not sure it gives me any great insight. Maybe that you like to travel?”
“You get a point for trying. What sets this scotch apart is the flavor. As a blend, it’s the sum of all its parts. The taste is creamy and complex, just like a woman.”
Her heart thudded a triple time beat. Ben oozed sensuality, his words spinning a web of desire. “Guess I should be careful before I ask about your favorite food. Our conversation might need to come with an R rating.”
That one tiny bit of time I spent figuring out what each of my characters like to drink revealed so much about their personalities. Seemingly trivial, in fact it exposed quite a bit. Not to mention, it gave me the perfect drink to celebrate with on release day!
So what do your characters drink, and what does it say about them?
Planning for Love Blurb:
Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes
and
anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott
request the pleasure of your company for
their disaster of a courtship
Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she’s not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she gets an offer to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn’t matter that the show’s videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.
Bennett Westcott can admit that he didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and, okay, great body—through the lens of a camera every day? He can’t be faulted for suggesting they have a little no-strings fun.
The more time Bennett and Ivy spend together, the more he realizes that Ivy isn’t the wedding-crazed bridezilla he’d imagined. But if he doesn’t trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?
Want more? Here’s another excerpt!
“I want to taste you, Ivy.” The scrape of his feet against the stones came to a halt. A gentle nudge with his forehead tipped her head back. Their eyes locked. “Why don’t we get a jump on the inevitable? Because I don’t want to wait another moment.”
Ivy had a split second to decide. Stick to her guns—and her professional ethics—and slip out of his arms? Or stay and lock lips with a super sexy man in the moonlight? Really, it was easiest to not decide at all. Her eyelids drifted shut as she waited for Ben to make his move. And waited. Nothing happened. She peeked out from beneath her lashes to see the merest hint of a smirk lifting the edges of Ben’s mouth. Her eyes flew open the rest of the way.
“What? What happened to the tasting and the moment?”
“The moment’s not right until you decide to commit to it. I promised earlier I wouldn’t steal any more kisses from you. Kissing is interactive. A two-way street. You’ve got to choose to slide behind the wheel and turn the key.”
Why did men turn everything in life into a car metaphor? Well, she could play along. Despite showing every sign of being something of a player, Ben had shown her, with that one little pause, that he also had bucket loads of integrity. No sane, single woman could turn down an honest to goodness gentleman. They were a rare breed, and she didn’t intend to waste this particular chance sighting. Time to seize the day…or at least what was left of the night.
“Oh, my motor’s fully revved. You’d better buckle your seatbelt, Mr. Westcott.”
Ivy tightened her grip around his neck and went up on her tiptoes to reach his mouth. The mouth she’d stared at off and on all day, remembering the firm albeit brief feel of his lips against hers. He wasn’t the only one who wanted a taste. She puckered up and planted a soft kiss. And then Ben quite expertly elbowed his way back into the driver’s seat.
His lips slanted hard across hers, instantly ratcheting the level of heat up from tender to full on sizzle. This was no getting-to-know-you smooch. Ben claimed her mouth with possessive pressure. His teeth nibbled open her lips, allowing his tongue to sweep inside. Her moan of pleasure was all the urging he needed to slide his hands down to not only cup her ass, but lift her off the ground.
Ivy’s world spun. Under the spell of the spring night, she’d yearned for nothing more than a touch, a quiet kiss. She’d wanted a sip of water to slake her lustful thirst. Instead, Ben’s kisses drowned her in a downpour of passion and heat. The arch of her foot curved around his calf, looking for something to ground her. Each stroke of his tongue ignited an array of sparks behind her closed eyes. He tore his mouth away but hovered his lips a breath away from hers. Eyes heavy lidded, he moved not at all, aside from the pounding of his heart thumping through his tuxedo shirt. Suddenly, she realized what he waited to hear.
“Okay, Ben. You’ve convinced me to have a drink with you.”
A hum of approval sounded low in his throat. He buried his face in the curve of her neck. And then from somewhere behind them, a short high gasp, and the unmistakable crash of glass breaking on the stone floor. Ben’s grip bobbled, but he didn’t drop her.
“Get your hands off my friend’s ass right now, or I’ll call in someone a lot bigger than me to make you.”
Christi’s Bio and Links:
Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance. Christi lives in Maryland with her husband.
Links:
Twitter Id: Christi_barth
Website link: http://www.christibarth.com
Blog link: http://christibarth.blogspot.com
Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/christibarth/
August 16, 2012
I’m Back! (You Lucky Dogs)
‘Why shouldn’t truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction, after all, has to make sense.’ Mark Twain
Good morning Muse Trackers!
I’ve been absent for a few months from the blog, but I’m back here with you today. Maybe it’s turning fifty or maybe it’s watching my kids slip away with each passing day- I simply decided to take the summer off to spend with them. My daughter has already left for her Junior year in college and is immersed in the world of sororities and my son just kissed me goodbye and drove off to school.
How odd that I’m not in the car with him.
So the lesson in all of this is to kiss your family, do nothing with them, do everything with them and enjoy all the precious moments that we’ve been given. The summer was far too short, but we did our best to pack a bunch in. We had a grand time taking a road trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico to visit my husband’s family. Normally the kids have their earphones jammed in their ears and the only conversation is between Peter and me. This trip was different. The first difference was the driver- my son did 90% of the drive. A 15 hr. trip was quite a chunk for a sixteen year old! Secondly, the only music playing was the satellite radio and instead of silence, we all talked the whole way there and the whole way back.
Sunrise somewhere between here and there. Something terrific about watching the world come awake in the car.
I’m not sure if we had more fun at our destination or the trip coming and going.
Now, before you think all I did was fun and games this summer, I’ll have you know I took an English Lit. class alongside my daughter. Well, I wasn’t actually signed up for the class, but it turned out to be such a massive amount of work, we both tackled the job! She had sixteen books, short stories, or movies to watch and analyze during the course. That part was alright. For each assignment, she had to write six essays- fully flushed out and structured like a mini paper. You do the math. (16 X 6=?)
The class was based on horror fiction and she chose it because she doesn’t watch or read a lot of horror and thought it would be interesting to see why it is so popular. Her first assignment was Stephen King’s, Carrie. This was a double- she had to read the book and watch the movie. Then came the essays…I knew we were in trouble when I didn’t even understand the questions, let alone be able to answer them! That’s when this course became a joint effort. Each essay took us anywhere from an hour to a couple of hours to research, write and create literary #$%#$#…uhmmm… baloney to suffice as an answer. The next assignment was about lesbian vampires followed by a story about dolls feeding on two old spinsters whom I’m still not sure were real. Wow, really?
Needless to say, she’s not very impressed with horror fiction after that.
Besides busting my writing chops on crazy essays, I also took time to re-decorate my bedroom. This is another creative outlet for me and I adore working with different colors and textures. After a crazy few years with life happening like a runaway train, I was so moved to completely change the room in my house that had always acted as a sanctuary for me.
Because of my love for color, I tend to gravitate to deep, saturated tones and it was time to lighten up. I used the colors of the beach as my inspiration and ran with it. For me, painting is as soul deep as writing, so I was a happy camper! Pale blues called Sea Salt and Silver Mist crept into my pallet as did a warm cream called Lotus Pod. ( I want to have the job of naming these colors.)
I hope each and every one of you took time to do things that made you happy this summer. Love your family, feed your soul, and be kind to yourself.
August 15, 2012
Hump Dak Kick Start – Morning Cup of Joe Edition
Song of the Day: Topless by Breaking Benjamin
Hump Day Kick Start – for your muse, a writing picture prompt, or just a visual treat.
Photo courtesy of Getty
Through loads of blood, sweat, and tears (imagine the photos I’m having to pass up!), I am bringing Hump Day Kick Start back. See…you didn’t have to wait long. Or endure dirty stick figure drawings.
So without further ado, give me your best impression of this couple.
Who are they? A couple whose relationship is fizzling? A one night stand in those awkward moments after waking? Tired international thieves on the run?
Tell me what’s going on. Did he ‘rise and shine’ with her and now is having ‘breakfast’? What’s he looking at out the window? What is she about to say to him? Maybe she’s leaving. But why and where to?
What’s on their minds? Is he dreaming of someone else? Is she wishing he’d get up and make the bed?
Have you stopped objectifying him yet?
Let me hear from you.
August 14, 2012
Link Of The Week
I’ve found a terrific site this week! Talk about a bonanza of information that’s suited for the new writer and more seasoned alike. Hope you enjoy exploring this wonderful resource.
Do yourself a favor and check it out now! You won’t be sorry.
August 8, 2012
Bucket Lists, Beaches, and a Billy Club
Song of the Day: Everything Zen by Bush
I’ve been spending a lot of time this summer doing something I really enjoy—hitting the beach. It’s a great time hanging out with family and friends, watching the kids, relaxing, recharging, and writing. Yes, writing! I get so inspired by the sun warm sea breeze and crashing waves.
On the drive down this weekend, I began to reflect on the things I’ve done in my life (it’s a long drive). Many things most people would never dream of doing, especially since there were usually consequences to answer for. (ah…good times, good times…) I also began to think about the things I’d still like to do, most of which do not have aforementioned consequences. Thus, my bucket list was born.
I might add that had I created a bucket list sooner, I would have already fulfilled most of it. But, oh, as we age, we realize we are not invincible and I would never again entertain the idea of skydiving. Now, I consider myself a go-getter. Don’t dare me to do something. I’ll likely do it. However, if you dare me to do something that might get me arrested, like ride the airport luggage carousel after a week long RWA conference (thanks Sarah), I’ll probably think twice. Besides, I was too tired. This time.
I’m a big believer in living for the moment (after chores are done, of course). So I thought if I share some of what’s on my bucket list, I’d own it and tick off more of my list.
Be a best-selling author – Well, duh!
Learn to surf – Cowabunga, dude!
Learn to scuba dive – how cool to swim a sunken ship wreck site!
Swim with dolphins – They call him Flipper, Flipper…
Ride in a gondola boat in Venice – So romantic
See Rome & Pompeii – A MUST before I die!
See the Eiffel tower at night – *le sigh*
Learn to drive a boat – Five passenger’s set sail that day for a 3 hour tour…
Drive in a demolition derby – Does this surprise you? I have plenty of real-world experience. Just ask my insurance agent.
Go to a masquerade ball – And look as hot as Kate Beckinsale in Van Helsing
Retire to a Caribbean island – This WILL happen!
Be nominated for a Rita award – I dream of this
You may notice a few of these have a central theme—water. The older I’ve become, the more I realize how much fun, relaxation, wonder, youthfulness, and peace I have when around the sea. It drives me more to accomplish my list all the more important.
Funny thing about my list. I was chatting about it with friends Saturday as we were puttering around the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway with the kids. When I mentioned learning to drive a boat, Captain Tracy insisted on giving me a captain’s quickie. Not that kind of quickie. Sheesh. He showed me how to work the throttle and steer his boat, the Billy Club, through the canals.
At first, I was nervous and ramrod stiff. I’ll reference my crack about the insurance agent as to why. I but started to get the hang of it. Soon, we were back at out destination and I was ready to relinquish the wheel. But Captain Tracy insisted I dock. WTF? I think the sun had gotten to him. Much to the surprise of everyone on land (the cringing and backing away didn’t help, guys), I did it! Okay, so Captain Tracy handled the throttle. But I steered it, damn it! And no insurance agent had to be called.
I’m adding another item to my bucket list. Buy a boat!
What’s on your bucket list? Let me hear from you!
August 6, 2012
MuseTracks Guest – Annabelle Weston – What Makes A Hot Western Hero
Today on MuseTracks, we are honored to host lady-about-town, western historical and erotic author, Annabelle Weston. She’s here to talk about what makes a hot western hero. Ooh…we like hot western heroes! And check out her sizzling Desert Heat series covers. Handle with care!
Take it away, Ms. Weston.
There is just something about a cowboy that gets me all hot and bothered! Since I write in multiple genres, there are specific things that need to go into making a hot western hero and I thought I’d share them with you today and of course a steamy excerpt from my new release, Scandalous Woman (Book Two in the Desert Heat series) 
~A Stetson hat of course. What is a cowboy without his hat (okay, he’s another hot hero…)
~Pants that hug him in all the right places.
~Manners—a western hero always has manners, even when he’s laying into someone.
~Concern for the heroine. He might not agree with her, but he’s always going to be concerned for her welfare. I’ll add in respect too.
~Control. He’s in control even when he’s not.
~He can ride a horse with ease, grace and utter sexiness.
~He knows how to take the breath from the heroine just from looking at her.
~He’ll let her think she’s getting her way, even when he’s getting exactly what he wants.
~A steady, sensual gaze that makes a heroine shiver.
~Muscles—a well sculpted body.
~The swagger.
~The drawl… oh the drawl…
Here’s a little bit of a steamy excerpt for you from Book Two in the Desert Heat series, Scandalous Woman… Jed is the new sheriff in town and he’s messing with Carly’s business—and her addiction to a certain “medicine.” But I have a feeling he’s the drug she really needs.
EXCERPT:
“Who do you think you are, Jed Poole?”
Jed straightened, his chair coming down hard. He was half afraid she’d whip out 
her little four-barrel derringer and shoot him. He flicked the last of his cheroot into the sand and stood. Something had put a burr under her collar and damn if he wasn’t about to get an earful.
“Something I can do for you?” he asked. He touched two fingers to the brim of his hat.
The light from the lantern inside the jailhouse shone in her eyes. He saw a gathering storm but also a flicker of pride. It was unexpected and something he would never discourage.
“You’re an interfering son of a bitch, Jed Poole.”
An old-timer and his wife passed by. The old coot tipped his hat but his wife kept facing straight ahead.
“Perhaps you’d like to say what you’ve come to say inside?” Jed asked. He nodded at the door of the jailhouse. He didn’t give a damn who saw them together but he didn’t want Carly’s grievance getting around town. No doubt his prisoners would be asleep by now.
She strutted through the open door. Jed pushed his hat back on his head and followed. As he closed the door, she rounded on him.
“The Lonesome is all I have, the only thing that has truly belonged to me.” She spat her words. “I have five women and an elderly barkeep who depend on me. I sure as hell won’t let them down.”
Jed took off his hat and tossed it on his desk. He wasn’t quite sure what had set her off but he didn’t let on that he was aggravated she meant to give him a dressing-down he didn’t deserve. In his experience, a woman under a full head of steam needed to say her piece without interruption.
She huffed, her breasts rising and falling with each breath. He ached to stroke her milky mounds, heft their weight, taste their heat.
“I intend to run my business without any interference. Of any kind.”
He stood his ground, waiting for her to come to the point.
“You had no cause to tell Ester to keep my medicine from me.”
“That’s not medicine,” he said.
She raised a fist and glared. Thankfully, she lowered her hand and looked away.
She seemed to have finished, run out of spite or just plain exhausted, he didn’t rightly know. Whatever the case may be, he couldn’t resist her. His mind went blank. All he could focus on were her heaving breasts, the lacy black corset, the scarlet plumpness of her lips and the promises she’d given him earlier in the day.
He took a step forward, closing the space between them. Heat simmered from her body, fanning out over his flesh. No use fighting the attraction. She entranced him. When she turned back to him, her eyes blazed, lips were pursed, her fiery temper at the boiling point. He lifted her chin and their mouths were inches apart.
She moved out of his reach, playing hard to get, he reckoned, but he snaked his hand around her tiny waist and hauled her up against him. Her breasts crushed to his chest. His hard, aching cock pressed to the hot inviting softness of her sex. He crushed her lips with his, swiping his tongue inside her mouth. She tasted of whiskey and sweet heaven.
ABOUT THE BOOK…
Scandalous Woman, Book two in the Desert Heat trilogy.
Carly Buchanan knows who and what she is. She’s the owner of the Lonesome Saloon, a bawdy place in the harsh West where any man can have his darkest desires fulfilled-for a price. But life at a saloon isn’t easy. After hearing too much one night, Carly is caught in the middle of a deadly dispute. Now no-accounts are shooting up the streets, good men are dying and no one will do a thing about it.
Until he comes to town . . .
Sheriff Jeddah Poole is lethally serious about cleaning up Tucson. But he can’t stop thinking of Carly’s bright eyes and passionate nature . . . or the way her lush curves feel pressed beneath him as he takes her again and again and again. In a town on the brink, caught in a divine passion they can’t escape, Jed and Carly have only each other to rely on. And only their love can help them survive.
Scandalous Woman (Book Two) BUY LINKS (available in ebook): Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Ellora’s Cave
Wicked Woman (Book One) BUY LINKS (available in ebook and print): Amazon ebook Amazon print / Barnes and Noble / Ellora’s Cave
Notorious Woman (Book Three) releasing this fall…
Tell me why you love cowboys and be entered for a chance to win a signed, print copy of Wicked Woman – the first book in the Desert Heat series.
August 3, 2012
Illuminating Blogger Award
Imagine how pleased and humbled I was to hear MuseTracks had been nominated for the Illuminating Blogger Award I was while away in Anaheim for the 2012 RWA conference. Many THANKS to the magnificent Melanie Macek of Feather Pens, Tartan Dreams for selecting Stacey and I. How awesome is that?
Here are da rules:
Visit the Blog who awarded you and thank them.
Tell everyone who nominated you, thank the blogger and include a link back to their site on your blog.
Share a random thing about yourself.
Select five or more nominees — and notify them on their blogs.
Put the award on your blog somewhere.
That brings me to some random thing about myself. How about I’m an energy drink junkie.
For the bloggers I’d like to nominate, drum roll, please…
Eliza Knight with History Undressed
Jeff Salter, FourFoxesOneHound
Suzan Harden, Wild, Wicked, & Wacky
Ella Quinn, Ella Quinn Author
Nina Cordoba, Nina’s Blog
I encourage you to check out each of these fine author’s blog. They are very different in content and I promise you, you’ll find gems in their posts.
Happy reading!
August 1, 2012
2012 RWA – The Evidence
Song of the Day: Home by Breaking Benjamin
I’m baaack. Wow! What a whirlwind week in Anaheim at the 2012 RWA conference. The meetings, workshops, volunteering, seminars, signings, cocktail parties, it was all so overwhelming. What better way to share my experiences than through evidence, er, I mean a few pictures.
Once I landed in California, I threw my luggage into my room, headed off to volunteer shlepping books for the literacy signing event, and then rewarded myself with a trip to Disneyland.
With The Golden Network president, Liz Selvig.
Got booted in the Golden Network chapter. That’s a good thing. It’s recognition for a first sale of a book to a publisher.
L to R – Kim, Beth, Anne, Darynda, Liz, Vivi, moi, and Sally
A passel of Rubies at the Golden Network retreat.
And who would you like me to sign this to?
I was a bundle of nerves at the Readers for Life Literacy Autographing. It was an amazing experience.
*swoon* And he’s every bit as hard-bodied as he looks. Just sayin’.
The one and only, Jimmy Thomas. Intelligent, kind, business savvy, and, oh yes, handsome. It was great to meet the man who has graced 3 of my novels.
L to R – Rita Henuber, Ruth Casie, Adrienne Giordano, guest of honor and Brenda Novak bid winner, Joyce Adams, Jeffe Kennedy, Julie Rowe, and myself
Breakfast with fellow Carina Press authors. It’s never too early to drink a mimosa.
Arrgh, matey. The sign says it all.
Harlequin PJ party.
Rubies on the floor. Rubies on the couch. Rubies on the bed. Rubies in the corners. The room was busting at the seams with Rubies!
It’s always a good time with my sisters in the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood.
It’s Carina Press cocktail hour!
Somehow, I managed to squeeze in another party.
Ahhh….OUCH!…Ahhh….
Boy. All those parties sure wipe a girl out.
Deelish!
Harlequin knows how to start a party off right.
Dancing girls Vivi, Anne Marie, and Rita. You go girls!
We danced the night away at the Harlequin party.
ACK! NORA ROBERTS!! Girl crush!
Some of you may not be surprised that I dragged Nora onto the dance floor. She’s a fabulous dancer!
L to R – Jaye Garland, Ruth Kenjura (my hotel roomie), Golden Heart nominee Jan Nash, and yours truly
What a way to end the conference than with some wonderful friends! Thanks for the memories!
July 31, 2012
Link of the Week – Ancient Undies
For those of you who read or write historical romance and fiction, or if you just 
find old stuff interesting, you might find this week’s link ‘revealing’.
Read about the 500 year old bra and panties recently discovered in an Austrian castle vault.
What do you think? Do you believe these are groundbreaking discovery? Or is this just sensationalism over ordinary clothing belonging to both men and women?
If these are legitimate women undergarments, the possibilities for authors writing in historical time periods just got more exciting. Either way, it’s fun to imagine.
