Rain Trueax's Blog, page 32

writing the sex scene

You're writing a romance or at least a book with romantic encounters. At some point the question of how physical will it get becomes an issue. It can be sweet and cozy or hot and torrid. Some writers choose to lead up to the big moment and then close the door on the reader. As a writer of a love story, what to do? How far to take it? Love scenes can be a total turnoff to some readers while others are disappointed if there aren't enough of them in the story.


For readers who are opposed to any detail at all, any sexuality would seem prurient, but to me it's not. Two people coming together in a physical way serves a very real purpose, but it can be challenging to write especially if the writer wants to avoid repeating her/himself. I mean let's face it, there is a de rigueur approach to it all and getting away from that to something unique takes some er uh research... soul searching... okay where it comes to me, being honest-- imagination.

I loved something I read some time back that one writer said her mother asked her, regarding her books, did she know about all the sex from experience? The writer said-- yes, and the time travel too. It's the perfect answer because reality is you don't have to shoot someone to be able to imagine what it would be like to then describe the act and emotional impact.

Once I know a sexual encounter will be there, as a writer, I consider it a serious concern that I present it in a good, healthy, vital way. I don't write about casual hook-ups mainly because the kind of characters I prefer don't do that. Generally speaking no romances do that. If you want casual hook-ups, head for chick lit.

When I write about a physical joining, I personally like to put in something about responsibility which means not only safe sex but understanding there is an emotional impact to such joinings. Nobody rapes anybody in my books and then calls it a romantic happening. My heroines don't say no when they mean yes. Mature sexual relationships should not be about playing power games. Sure there is a lot of immature sex out there. I don't need to have it in my books.

Once it is determined there is going to be a sex scene, then the question is how to write it in a way that won't bore readers with repetition and will make them feel good about what happened. For everything that happens in a book, it starts with the characters. What are their previous experiences? Their expectations? A good writer builds up the tension between these two as they come to know what they want but always there are reasons to delay it.

When I write such scenes, and most of my books have had them, I want the happening to seem inevitable to the reader by the time they get to it. I try to give the lovers a good experience as I think how might this really go down (pun intended). I don't like all the silly euphemisms that used to be the norm for romance books; so I stick to mostly descriptive phrases, but I also don't use pornographic terms because they don't make me comfortable even if in reality two lovers might say such things to each other.

So to write the scene, I put on some romantic music (something like Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini). I want these characters, who I always love in any of my books, to have a wonderful experience. Save the dysfunctional sex for therapy books or a novel of pain. Romances are about good coming together through all the obstacles. I also don't imply sex solves everything. It's part of a relationship but not all of it.

Writing it, I use just enough description to make clear what happens but not to the extent of going on and on. I've bought books by others where it might take twenty pages to describe one encounter. Reading such books, I skip the blow by blow (pun intended) but have counted how many pages. In one book, by a well-known author, if you had taken out those many detailed descriptions, you had a short story.

Some prefer no sex in a book that they read, but I like it. I like my characters to get a full experience of loving in all its aspects and part of that is learning how to please each other sexually. It often involves loosening up and becoming more open to their own bodies and emotional needs. Sometimes their coming together can be a lot of fun. It is a release for them, but, for me, it never comes easy to write. I want it to say all that is needed but not one word too many. I don't want to write anything I would have to apologize to anybody for having in that book.

I recently wrote a paranormal novella which I plan to bring out in February. And in it, although the couple did it, I didn't describe it because it seemed it'd get in the way of the main theme of the book. Each writer decides that for themselves. But one thing for readers who don't like the sex, they can skip it and come back for the pillow talk. Now that's where a lot of important things can get resolved... or not :)

author Peggy Henderson

Today's guest author is Peggy Henderson sharing information on her latest book release-- Ain't No Angel (Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series).



First a bit about Peggy:
I never thought I'd be a writer, much less publish a book some day. I always wanted to be a veterinarian. I guess life just had other plans for me. When my husband and I decided to start a family, vet school pretty much went out the window. I used to work with a vet who had three children while going through vet school. To this day, she is my hero. 

I live with my husband and two teenage sons in southern California. I have a Welsh pony and a miniature horse (down-sized from a barn of six horses). A crazy Labrador retriever who is a food vacuum, three cats, two parakeets, four bearded dragons (my compromise with my sons when they wanted a snake), and a small flock of chickens complete our menagerie of critters. I can’t imagine my life without my animals. My dream is to live in Montana some day.
Four years ago, I began writing a story that, for whatever reason, was stuck in my head for almost a year. I have been an avid romance reader for a long time, and the idea took hold to - why not? - write my own! What a simple idea, right?
It has been a long and difficult journey from my first sentence to a completed, and hopefully polished, manuscript. Today, I have a completed series of 5 books and a novella in what I called The Yellowstone Romance Series, two booksAin't No Angel  
Blurb:


Delaney Goodman has been running from her painful past all her life.  Dreams of working with horses have long been replaced with the reality of doing anything to make ends meet.  About to hit rock bottom, she accepts a stranger’s proposition, even if it sounds too good to be true. She figures she has nothing, not even her dignity, to lose.  She awakens in an unfamiliar setting - and century - and quickly discovers that she will need more than her charm to complete the task assigned to her.
On the surface, Tyler Monroe has everything going for him -  good looks, the respect of his friends and neighbors, and a thriving horse ranch.  However, his past holds deep wounds with thick emotional scars. When a brazen, beautiful woman arrives in town, Tyler makes an impulsive decision that will cause him to question everything he knows.  
Tyler is unlike any man Laney has ever met.  Laney is exactly the kind of woman Tyler wants to avoid. As the attraction between them grows, questions arise that stretch the boundaries of trust for both.  The secrets that threaten to tear them apart could be exactly what Tyler and Laney need to bring them together.
Excerpt: Laney stood, and glanced in the mirror again. She ran her hand along the contours of the corset. The stiff contraption gave her an unnatural hourglass shape.

“There’s no way I’m wearing this thing every day,” she mumbled, and searched for the hooks or ties that would loosen the corset from around her ribcage. She turned sideways and peered into the mirror over her shoulder. The lacings were at the back. She reached her hand over her shoulder, then under, trying to get to the strings.“Dammit. How am I supposed to get this thing off me?”
She turned in a circle, trying to see into the mirror while at the same time reach the lacings with her fingers. Laney growled loudly in frustration. She was tired, hungry, and she desperately needed to use the bathroom.
“I bet there isn’t even a bathroom,” she said out loud.
Exasperated, she moved away from the mirror. With a loud sigh, she let herself fall backwards onto the bed, sending up a small cloud of dust. Laney stared up at the ceiling. A loud knock sent her bolting upright again. Her eyes fell to the open door to her room. Tyler filled the frame, and their eyes met. His gaze traveled up and down her body, then he quickly turned his back to her.
“Thank God you’re here.” Laney scrambled from the bed and rushed to him from across the room.
“Eddie will have supper ready in about a half an hour.”
He stepped out into the hall, and Laney grabbed his arm before he had a chance to walk away.
 “Wait. I need your help, Tyler.”
Tyler’s muscles tensed underneath her hand, and he turned his head slightly to glance back at her.
“Please, I can’t undo this corset. Could you untie the lacing for me? I really need to change my clothes.” Laney peered up at him, and her mouth went dry. Tyler’s eyes roamed her face, every muscle along his jaw tense. For a split second, it seemed as if he was going to pull away from her and keep walking. She swallowed her apprehension.
You’re in the nineteenth century, Laney. People act differently here.Had her behavior earlier when she’d come on to him out in the yard been a mistake? Had she been wrong in her assumption that she needed to play the role of a prostitute? The reverend had specifically told her that she was required to keep Tyler satisfied. Had she misinterpreted what he meant? How was she supposed to do that and behave like a prim and proper nineteenth century wife at the same time? Come to think of it, Tyler was probably expecting a virgin bride.
“I . . . I really feel uncomfortable standing here in just my underclothes, Tyler. I’d appreciate your help so I can change.” Was that the right tactic to use? Laney held her breath, waiting for his response.
“Turn around,” Tyler said, his jaw still tense, and his words clipped. She quickly did as he asked, holding her hands up to her chest for good measure.
Tyler’s fingers grazed her back when he lifted her hair and laid the long strands over her shoulder. Her heart hammered in her chest, and a chill raced down her spine. Why did he affect her like this? There was something so sensual about his slow and gentle movement, something so unexpectedly tender that it brought tears to her eyes. She’d asked him to remove her corset and he quietly complied, without any lewd remark or stare, or even a hint that he wanted to undress her fully and take advantage of the situation.
Tyler worked the lacings loose as if he had plenty of practice with this sort of thing, and she breathed freely once the confining contraption fell away from her sides. She clutched the corset tightly to her chest, even though she still wore a chemise underneath. A breeze swept through the room from the open window, and although it wasn’t cold, goose bumps covered her arms.
Laney stood still. She leaned forward slightly and held her head down. She ground her teeth in frustration. The skin along either side of her spine tingled, anticipating, longing for his touch. Now that he’d loosened the confining corset, she imagined his palms sliding along her shoulder, his lips pressing against the back of her neck.
“That oughta do it,” he grumbled. “You’d better get dressed before you catch a chill.”Laney held her breath. She waited, then slowly turned.
“Thank you. I really appreciate . . .” Her voice trailed off. Tyler was already halfway down the hall, and headed for the front door.
**********************************************
Purchase links: AmazonBarnes and Noble iTunes
Peggy's blogFacebook
Follow Peggy on twitter: @ynpdreamer 

Charlene Raddon and from where books come

First let me thank Rain for hosting me. I am thrilled to be here.  Every author is asked enumerable times where they get their ideas for their stories. My entire writing career began with a dream. Not the dream of becoming a writer. I didn’t seriously consider doing that until sometime after I began my first novel. No, it was a dream that started me writing, a dream so vivid and compelling that I dragged out a portable typewriter (pre-computer days) and began to type.
 
            That first book, a time travel when no one was buying them, has sat in a box on a shelf for over twenty years. An editor told me that story was too unusual to sell as a first book and suggested I write a simpler romance, get it published, and after a few more books I might be able to sell the complex stories I love most. 
So I wrote about a woman who faked her own murder to escape an abusive marriage. She joined a wagon train for Oregon and hired a guide to pose as her brother. Naturally she and the guide fell in love. That book became a Golden Heart Finalist published by Kensington Books as Tender Touch.
My most successful paperback, Forever Mine, came from a visit to an Oregon lighthouse and saw a bridal photo of a keeper and his wife who were married there. Neither looked happy, but she appeared absolutely forlorn. I thought about what that area of the country would have been like in the waning days of the nineteenth century, what a chore it would have been simply to get to the lighthouse from the nearest town, nine miles away, when there were no roads. And Forever Minewas born.

              Taming Jenna is another story. My critique group and I were having lunch after a meeting and I said to one of the members I knew had a quirky sense of humor, to give me an idea for a new story. Without hesitation, she said, “Write about a woman who has to find a man and the only way she can identify him is by a scar on his bottom.” The result? —a lady Pinkerton who finds herself at odds with a bounty hunter after she pulls a gun on him and makes him drop his drawers. That was a fun story to write.             Ideas for novels come from many sources and what they are doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the writer is inspired by an idea that carries her through to the end of the tale and creates a vivid, compelling read. I like to believe this is what I’ve done in my books.             Please leave a comment and your contact information for a chance to win a copy of one of my back issue eBooks, winner’s choice.

 Charlene's latest release (don't miss trailer at the end of the blog) sounds like an interesting and fun read.
Taming Jenna


Blurb:


THE WRONG MAN   Deserted by her father at the tender age of seven, Jenna Leigh-Whittington had taught herself to ride, shoot, brawl…and steer clear of the opposite sex. But now, in a lonely Utah canyon, the Pinkerton agent has drawn her gun on a rugged stranger—only to discover that, far from the dangerous outlaw she’d been tracking, he is Branch McCauley, hired gun…and the most irresistible rascal ever to tempt and torment a woman!THE RIGHT WOMAN           If there’s one thing McCauley trusts less than a female, it’s a female who packs a six-gun. But what a woman! Vowing to bring the sensuous hellcat to heel, McCauley has no inkling that their passionate battle of wills has just begun. Taming Jenna will be the most seductive—and satisfying—job he’s ever taken on.

Excerpt:

Being in the last, and therefore the closest tub to the door, Branch shivered as cold air blowing down from the canyons rushed inside, along with the missing towel boy.A man shaving at the far end of the room, a towel wrapped around his loins, called for clean rinse water. The boy, wearing overalls and a mixed expression of fear and excitement, hurried to comply, leaving the door ajar. An older youth edged inside, wearing baggy trousers, an oversized coat, and a hat pulled low on his head. Branch's eyes narrowed. He detected something vaguely familiar about the youngster. Branch watched out of the side of his eye as the kid pushed the coat aside to reveal a gunbelt. Trembling fingers drew the pistol from its holster, and Branch nearly choked. A single-action .44 Starr.Branch's hands plunged below-water to cover himself. "Dammit, Eugenia, what in blue blazes are you doing in here?"Her eyes darted to him and her cheeks turned a healthy shade of pink, but her voice remained calm. "I'm doing what I came to Utah to do."The boy in overalls jogged to her side. "You gotta hurry, ma'am. I'll get fired, sure, if they figure out you're a woman."Too late; the eyes of every man in the room had zeroed in on her."What'd you call that boy? Eugenia?""That’s a girl's name.""By God, it is a girl!"Eugenia didn't bother to disguise her voice. She lifted the Starr so they could all see it. "Keep calm, gentlemen. And do, please, remain seated." Turning to the boy, she said, "Which one, Billy?"With eyes as round as donuts, Billy stared at the pistol in her hand. "Are you going to shoot him?""Not if he cooperates. Which one?"Branch stared as the boy pointed to the tub next to his. The Spaniard shrugged. "Ah, the Senoritas , they always manage to find me, no?""Turn around and stand up," Jenna ordered, the Starr aimed at the man's chest.He spoke in a low, smooth baritone. "Always happy to oblige a lady."The Spaniard rose out of the water like a golden sea god, water sluicing off his broad back and down over firm, round buttocks marred by a three-inch long scar."Sweet Jesus," Branch muttered.Black Jack Mendoza. Sloan's murderer!Branch surged to his feet, sloshing water over the sides of the tub. He ignored Eugenia's voice rising above the fury roaring in his brain. He couldn't ignore the shot she fired into the ceiling."Sit down, McCauley." Her fingernails raked his arm as she yanked him back from Mendoza. Hands raised as if to circle Mendoza's throat, Branch whirled to look at her. She jerked back in shock and fear at the rage contorting his face. Then she aimed the Starr at his chest and hollered again: "Sit down!""No, dammit, this bastard—""I'll put a hole in your best shooting arm, McCauley." He knew she could do it. She'd demonstrated her ability with the Starr well enough back in Echo Canyon. For one full minute they glared at each other: McCauley, his large hands fisted, his green eyes cold enough to freeze the hot water in which he stood; Eugenia, her stubborn chin thrust toward him, fire smoldering in her smoky blue eyes. Around them the silence became so intense that the hiss of the wood burning in the stove several feet away sounded like a geyser.Tersely, she asked Mendoza where he'd left his horse. Then she sent the boy after the animal. "Get dressed, Mendoza. You're coming with me.""With pleasure, Chiquita." He bowed. "Never have I known a woman more eager for my attention."Her apparent calm as her eyes slid back and forth between the two men, seemingly well accustomed to watching naked men dress, added fuel to the anger already roiling inside Branch."Listen to me, Eugenia—""You'll have to forgive me, McCauley Maybe we can have dinner another time...if you'll shave off that hideous beard. It makes you look like you ought to be on a wanted poster of your own."He took a deep breath, struggling for control. He had to make her understand. "You don't know what you're doing. I—""I know exactly what I'm doing and if you don't stop interfering, I'll have the boy tie you up and gag you. Now shut up. And sit down.""Eugenia—""Down!" Her bullet plowed through the water of his tub and drilled a hole in the side.McCauley dropped like a rock, soaking her with spray. A small fountain of water poured out through the bullet hole in the tub. McCauley had spent a lifetime learning to control his temper. He watched the water recede, exposing more and more of his nudity as it went, but he saw only his chance to see Mendoza pay for murdering Sloan going down the drain.
Taming Jenna available at Amazon

Trailer
 


Charlene Raddon likes to say that she began her fiction career in the third grade when she announced in Show & Tell that a baby sister she never had was killed by a black widow spider. She often penned stories featuring mistreated young girls whose mother accused of crimes her sister had actually committed. Those were mostly therapeutic exercises. 
Her first serious attempt at writing fiction came in 1980 when she woke from a vivid dream that compelled her to drag out a typewriter and begin writing. An early love for romance novels and the Wild West led her to choose the historical romance genre but she also writes contemporary romance. 
At present, she has five books published in paperback by Kensington Books (one under the pseudonym Rachel Summers), and the same five digitally published by Tirgearr Publishing.  Charlene Raddon is the award-winning author of five historical romance novels set in the American West and has been writing for over thirty years. Her books were published in paperback by Zebra Books, and are now being released as e-books by Tirgearr Publishing.

Find Charlene at: http://www.charleneraddon.comhttp//www.charleneraddon.blogspot.comhttp://www.twitter.com/CRaddonhttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1232154.Charlene_Raddonhttp://www.facebook.com/CharleneRaddon

Blind Achievement by Susan Horsnell

Susan Horsnell has released a sequel to her award winning book, Blind Acceptance which received a 4 1/2 star review and Crowned Heart Award from InD'tale Magazine, October 2013. In both romances, the underlying theme is that a handicap doesn't have to limit fully living life. I am happy she's here to tell readers about her newest work.


Book:  Blind Achievement
Blurb: Phillip Johnson has been blind since the age of six after sustaining a head injury in a wagon accident.Growing up on a ranch outside of Austin hasn't been easy for the young man but he has thrived with the loving help of his Step-Mother, Rachel, and the faithful support of his father, Luke.At 18 years old, he has made the decision to head to Macarthur to attend the Wyoming College for the Blind. He plans to study Civil Government Law and Political Economics.It is here that he meets Belinda and he falls deeply in love with her. Belinda hides a dark and dangerous secret. A ruthless man is obsessed with owning her. This threat has the power to ruin their relationship and put their lives in jeopardy. Can they overcome such obstacles and find happiness together?
Excerpt:


..........It had been a long day and he tapped his way back to his room. He was startled from his thoughts by an ear piercing scream. Coming to an abrupt stop he listened. Sounds of a scuffle and banging came from what he knew was a classroom ahead. He approached and threw open the door without hesitation.“What the hell? Get out!” a gruff voice bellowed.“Please help me.” A girl’s agonized plea tore at his heart.“What’s going on?” Phillip demanded to know.“None of your damned business, half-wit. Get out.” Phillip could not place the voice.“Let me go,” she screamed again.“Let the young lady go.” Phillip said angrily. “Come here to me Miss.”He could hear her struggling to get free.“I have asked you to let her go. I will not ask again.” Phillip loaded his voice with menace.The man guffawed. “Do you really think a blindy like you can stop me?”Phillip used the man’s voice to help him move closer.The girl took advantage of her captor being distracted and bit down hard on his arm. He yelped with pain, and she wrenched free of his grip and launched herself into Phillip’s arms. The air rushed from his lungs as she collided with his chest. He wrapped his arm protectively around her trembling body as she sobbed into his shirt. Phillip lifted his cane as a warning for the man not to approach. “I am taking her to speak with Mr Carver. I expect he will also want to speak with you.”The girl in his arms continued to tremble and sob.“Come with me. We’ll ensure this never happens again,” he told the girl gently.
Blind Achievement at Amazon now  Website/Blog: http://susanhorsnell.com.au/
Susan's Bio:I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Sydney in the 50's and 60's.

My parents are originally from the Newcastle-Under-Lyme area of England and came to Australia in 1952 as £10 poms. They came under a migration scheme to help Australia with workers.
My father was a Painter and Decorator and I was the eldest of five children.
I met my husband, Robert, in 1973 and we married in March 1974; we were both 18 years old. We have two wonderful sons, gorgeous daughters-in-law and five incredible grandchildren. We have been extremely blessed. I was a Nurse, a career that spanned more than 35 years. During my career I specialised in caring for people with Alzheimer’s type Dementia, an area that fascinates me despite how heartbreaking it can be. My dear father-in-law is unfortunately afflicted with this disease and now resides in a Nursing Home. In the not too distant future I am hoping to pen a novel incorporating some of the stories I have heard from these amazing people. Part of my career was with the blind and I also cared for severely disabled children for a while too. When I retired 4 years ago I decided it was time to get the stories out of my head and onto paper. From there I just hoped my stories were interesting and well written enough to attract readers. It is difficult being a new author now that anyone can publish a book. I can understand readers’ reticence to read Indie authors but hopefully they will give people like me a chance. I find as an avid reader, you can be pleasantly surprised most of the time. I can’t imagine sticking to just one or two authors and just because an author has a publisher doesn’t make them good. I have certainly read some terrible books which have been published by some of the largest companies. I do hope readers enjoy my books and would love them to leave reviews.

Susan Horsnell: http://susanhorsnell.com.au/
Western Romance Writer
http://susanhorsnell.com
Twitter: @susanhorsnell

guest author, Simone Beaudelaire

Author Simone Beaudelaire  is with us today to tell us a bit about her new book, High Plains Holiday ,  book 1 in a proposed series of 4 historical Western romances. The series is called Love on the High Plains.
 

 
Blurb: A small Western town receives an early Christmas present; a new pastor for the church. He’s young, handsome, and single. But to church organist Kristina Heitschmidt, Reverend Cody Williams is nothing but trouble. Especially as his first move is to attempt to take control of the music away from her. But Kristina is not about to give up her life’s work.

With Christmas fast approaching, it appears the two are at a stalemate. That is, until a sudden blizzard traps them together in the church overnight. Forced at last to deal with each other, they realize that the explosive feelings between them are really symptoms of an overwhelming passion that just might, if they can finally be honest, lead to the love of a lifetime.


I asked Simone to share with readers here why the book was written.
As for why the book was written, like many of my novels, this Western series is something I've been daydreaming about since I was a teen. I was an awkward, bookish child, and lots of kids picked on me. I developed these storylines and characters so I could escape from everyday life. Though to be honest, Cody and Kristina's story was not really part of that set, some of the other characters; Allison, Wesley, Lydia, and Sherriff Brody are old friends. This particular story sprang from a random conversation, and once I started thinking about it, I couldn't stop. I hooked it into my western trilogy and it fit just right.
I chose Garden City, KS because I used to live there. It's a unique place that is not well known, even now. But having lived there, I was able to describe the town, the surroundings, and some of the unique qualities. It really is Old West, by the way, being only about 45 miles from Dodge City (yes, THAT Dodge City). To this day, you can still see the ruts from where the wagon trains crossed the prairie.
What I hope my readers get from this book is a fresh look at the Old West, a bit of the warm Christmas fuzzies, and a gentle love story with just a bit of excitement and quite a lot of heat.
Excerpt:  The choir doesn’t want me anyway. They only want you. And, well, we can work together planning out the services. That will be easy now.”“Cody, do we really have to...”“Yes. I won’t have us gossiped about. Besides, you’re sitting in my lap in your underwear. That’s pretty thoroughly compromised, no matter how much of a gentleman I am.”She tried to escape but he held her tight. “Don’t go, Kristina. It’s too late, so we might as well enjoy it.”Her eyes widened.A prickling sensation of heat spread slowly up his neck onto his cheeks. “Not like that. I meant enjoy the warmth. I won’t take advantage of you. Relax, and let me hold you. Just think, darlin’, how convenient it will be, the two of us together. We can work on services whenever we want, and you’d have my backing and support for your music, your purpose, again. I promise I won’t meddle anymore. I’ll ask what you want instead of assuming. Is that okay, Kristina?”“So you’re proposing a marriage of convenience then?” Why did she sound so sad about that?“No. I’m proposing a marriage. The fact that it’s convenient is nice, but if we’re going to be together, it’ll be for real.”“Oh. Um, I don’t know how to do that.” He could almost feel her blush.“Neither do I,” he admitted, “but we’ll work it out. Now then, I would like something from you.”“What’s that?”In lieu of an answer, he took her shoulders in his hands and turned her to face him.“Cody, what?” was all she managed to say before his lips captured hers. He had noticed her lips before, when they first met. He’d thought them pretty then. Now, mashed under his, they were wonderful; soft, full and utterly delicious. He kissed her once, a hard, brief peck, and then raised his head. Even in the dim light of the flickering lamps, he could see her turquoise eyes, the pupils dilated with the dark and her own awakening desire.

High Plains Holiday  
Simone's links:
 Author Central:  http://www.amazon.com/Simone-Beaudela...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simone.beaudelaire.5

twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneBeaudelai

Website: (with my badly neglected blog is simonebeaudelaireauthor.weebly.com

to be or not to be

December, the month that involves so many family and religious activities, is a busy time filled with traditions, expectations and even disappointments. I am happy to use this blog through December as a place for writers of romances to share their work.

Old Tucson December 2012
I have my own books to tell readers more about, of course, with the new Tucson Moon which picks up a story begun in Arizona Sunset and a new romance that begins in the Christmas season-- Tucson 1886. And then my contemporary Christmas novella, A Montana Christmas (story picks up characters in From Here to There ), which if I don't have enough writers to take the three-a-week blogs I will likely discuss more. Time will tell on that.

I feel very loose about the schedule especially since I've been to the doctor to see why I am having facial pain again which started Thursday night but has been a factor in my life off and on for more than a few years. Generally I'd go in and get on an antibiotic but this time the doctor did sinus x-rays to rule out sinusitis. There are other possibilities-- none of which are good but time will tell. Little by little we will rule out this or that and probably figure it out. Smoke in our area is a factor in what brought it on as the forestry people burn their slash and we are in an air inversion... Not a good combo for someone like me who is very sensitive to wood smoke.


Anyway, starting with December 3rd, and Simone Beaudelaire, followed quickly by Susan Horsnell, I think readers here, if they aren't familiar with the romance genre will be surprised by the diversity with the romance genre. I know I am looking forward to more information on these writers' books and sometimes how they came to write them. Hope you enjoy the month as we move toward the end of another year.

Next year I will decide whether to bring my four Oregon historicals out as eBooks or paperbacks. This will be determined by whether there is a market for my kind of stories. If not, I may wait awhile and see if things change... or not. I think a person has to be flexible with marketing.

Tucson Moon Trailer

Tucson Moon is one of those books that nearly wrote itself which happens once in awhile for a writer. It helps when you are working with characters you created for an earlier book as I had in this case with Arizona Sunset.

Its trailer was even easier as the book was full of imagery from the characters and part of Arizona I love so much. It is officially out the 29th but turns out Amazon worked quickly and both the paperback Tucson Moon and Kindle Tucson Moon are available.

The story begins right before the Christmas holidays which makes it a perfect time to release it.

Discussing 'Tucson Moon'

When you write a book, pretty much any book, there are a lot of elements that go into deciding what is being included. Romances like 'Tucson Moon' are, of course, about falling in love and then working out what is possible for two people. A novel is about a lot more than that, especially an historic novel with a geographic setting. There will always be a lot of decisions as to what elements belong in the story.

To add to what goes into it, writing a book is not just about getting to a certain number of words but instead how many words and events are needed to truly tell this story and to get to where writer and reader feel it has come to a good conclusion.


Last week for Tucson Moon I did a video discussion, something for assorted reasons, that I hadn't been doing as much of recently. It goes into some of the elements that I felt belonged in this particular  book. It was a fun story to write and came together very rapidly beginning as soon as I got home from a trip to Tucson with writing beginning in January 2013 and a rough draft finished in about a month.

Then came editing. Editing and editing again to be sure my story was consistent. Writing isn't just about telling a story but about telling it well. That's where I hope I got with Tucson Moon available as eBook and paperback November 29th.

Tucson Moon

Writing is a lifestyle that is constantly evolving and filled with so many things going on that it's hard to stop and think where am I in all of that?

Currently looking at the paperbacks, as they come in as proofs, to determine if they are ready is one aspect even though I have yet to figure out what I can really do with them next. I won't order as many in the future but since we plan to be back in Tucson in January, stores there might be interested-- or not. See how wise I am in all of this!


Then there is readying promos for the book coming out on November 29th-- Tucson Moon. I love that story as it's about not only the couple falling in love, but picks up the characters from Arizona Sunset and brings them to 1886. It's about communities, the desert, relationships, holidays, metaphysics, family, and the impact of our choices on ourselves and others. It's another adult romance but maybe not quite as spicy as Arizona Sunset. I try with my stories to put sex into them where the sex is part of the story and needed. I don't pressure characters to have sex but let it happen when I believe it would occur.

I enjoyed the historic research that went into learning more about Arizona Territory and Tucson in the mid-1880s. A lot was going on. Three cities were vying to be Arizona's capitol. Becoming a state was years in the future. Tucson was going through a transition from sleepy pueblo to a real city thanks to the arrival of the railroad. The broader political spectrum in the growing nation impacted my hero as a United States Deputy Marshal. These men were very much involved in not only keeping the law but politics as United States Marshals were appointed in Washington D.C. and changed when the party in power changed (although mostly the Deputy Marshals stayed the same but with a new boss). I found a great book on the jobs of these frontier marshals which helped a lot.

Tucson Moon will come out as both Kindle and paperback. They have gone to offering a matte finish for the books which improved the covers immensely-- too bad they didn't do it before we had ordered 10 Arizona Sunsets with the shinier cover...

moon from our Tucson home
Meanwhile, although I was supposed to be getting back into the fourth Oregon historical, I had a dream... and the dream has led to so far 10,000 words on what will either be a novella or novelette depending on how many it takes to tell the story of that dream. The dream was amazing, came from seemingly out of nowhere and yet had connections to my own experiences. I liked it so much that I wanted to expand it into a book. Fleshing it out has been what I've been writing this last week-- as even a short story takes more details than a dream offers. So far I've been enjoying this development a lot.

And if you read my other blog, you know I lost my beloved four-year old cat to a terminal illness. We began to look for a kitten as we wanted our remaining 8 year-old cat not to be alone. Until July he lived in a house where he was one of three cats. We found (Craigslist) the new addition after some adventures in that arena. Raven is 6 months old, coal black with golden eyes like Blackie and is settling in with the two of them adjusting to each other.

So promoting, writing, and living a life. That's about it for now.

Excerpt from the soon to be released Tucson Moon:


Priscilla came back through the door. “Ben said he’s innocent,” she said without preamble.“Most men in a jail say that.”“I believe him. It sounds like a misunderstanding.”“Other than the broken arm, you mean?”“A man has to defend himself.”“Some people are more dangerous to defend yourself against than others.”“And that would be Mr. Presley, who had him work for him and then denied him pay.”“You know him?”“A lawyer if I recall in Phoenix.”“Exactly. And he had important friends in the court system. He didn’t take well to the injury.”“Which he deserved for cheating.” He suppressed the smile. She was quite the spitfire herself when she got started. He well recalled her many times of putting him down. He supposed he was about to experience yet another one of them.“Isn’t there anything I can do for him?” she asked.“I suppose if Judge Emerson blocked his move to Prescott… denied federal court jurisdiction, and levied a fine, possibly it might be the end of it on the federal side.” He knew he could get in trouble for saying any of that but it wasn’t as though he wanted Ben put in the federal prison system for what likely was unfairness. Worse would be if they decided he needed to be put into one of the mental hospitals that were warehouses not treatment centers.“You think he might do any of that?”“He got burned recently on a federal case. It’s possible.”“Well then I think I will find out about that,” Priscilla said with a wider smile. “So you won’t object if such a thing should come to pass.”“Not me.”If he hadn’t known better, he’d have taken those beautiful lips to have softened with a flirty smile and the look in her eyes saying things he knew weren’t meant for him other than possibly how she handled all men—wrapping them around her delicate little finger.“Well what about another idea of mine. Will you object to that?”“I am always cautious when I hear that kind of proposal without specifics. What kind of idea?”“Grace and I were on our way to lunch at the Palace. Will you join us?”He considered thoughtfully for a moment. “I wish I could but unfortunately I have processes and writs to serve.” And a warrant if Blake Johnson was home.“Ah more abuses of the law?” she asked with at teasing smile.“Depends on who is being served as to who gets abused.” With that teasing expression still on her face, he felt tempted to give her the kiss for which she seemed to be asking. Stupid thought as that’s one thing he knew he’d never be doing—kissing the beautiful Miss Wesley.“I will forgive you for not joining us,” she said, if you will come to dinner Friday night.”He knew part of having Grace at her home was to allow him gradual access to her life, but dinner at Priscilla’s home. That was a step beyond what he’d planned.“There is a catch, of course,” she said.He snorted. There usually was. He looked down at Grace who was looking from one of them to another. “You know what it is?” he asked his daughter. She shook her head.“So what is the catch?” he asked wondering if it meant he’d have to put up with Martin Matthews company for an evening.“James was supposed to go to the mountains and cut a Christmas tree but he’s got another bout of his lumbago. I hate to ask him to do it. Do you suppose you could? We’d decorate it then after dinner.”He’d seen Christmas trees but hadn’t ever cut one, or even thought of decorating one. With the holiday so close, he supposed he should have expected this, but he had not. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it. It would take half a day but he knew areas where the right size pine could most likely be found. Finally he nodded. “How tall?” He felt as though his fate was sealed.

There's a lot going on

Launching a new book in a little over a week and receiving the final paperback copies (after more than a couple of proofs) of the book that came before it, has been an interesting juxtaposition of energies. The funny part is, and this probably isn't unusual for writers, I have several other things going on at the same time to the point I don't quite know where to put my own energy.

We bought ten copies of the paperback in order to show it to independent bookstores with the original idea they might like to carry the books on consignment but also because several friends indicated they would like paper copies. I learned that this particular book will cost a friend $8.87 as we will sell to them at our cost for the book, shipping to us, and then mailing the book to the friend.

I was in shock of how much books mailings have gone up. I remember when the Post Office offered a really cheap rate for books-- it's still less than any other package but no way is it cheap as it was. And UPS is even worse. It'd make it a joke to mail it to someone with the idea of saving them money from Amazon's price.

Amazon (if the buyer had free shipping through Prime or enough orders), currently (as in today) has Arizona Sunset listed at $10.08 except we actually said it should retail at $11.95 which, as best I can tell, they have never ever sold it at. They say any bookstore would have to sell it at retail but they don't. Sound complicated yet?

I am not sure if bookstores could really sell it at $11.95 and have any profit; so they might not be possible and that's mostly due to shipping costs as the book itself only ran $5.07 but you can't leave out the shipping unless a person could pick them up where they are created. I am thinking shorter books may work better in the paperback as this is a long one which makes it more costly to buy and ship. Numbers we got numbers...

At the same time of trying to figure out how to promote that paperback, I am getting ready for its sequel (kind of), Tucson Moon. I did a video to discuss the new book but haven't posted that yet. If someone liked Arizona Sunset, I think they'd like Tucson Moon as it does carry on the lead characters who now become secondary. More coming on it during the next week which is a busy one.

Going along with that has been beginning writing on my fourth Oregon historical, none of which are out, but the new book is much on my mind as I get a better handle on its characters.

When I started to record the discussion of Tucson Moon, I realized I was actually starting a discussion of the book that will be called Love Waits-- and it does have to wait its turn. I stopped that discussion and made my mind go where it needed to be. Fortunately I had earlier created Tucson Moon's book trailer which will be out a few days ahead of the book. I am not sure if the paperback will be the same time-- as that depends on the first proof which is on its way as I write this.

Besides the approaching holidays, adding to my personal angst, my much beloved, youngest cat had to be put down due to a terminal illness. I wrote more about that in my other blog and won't do it here; but if you have had pets and understand the love we have for them, to have a sweet, young cat take ill so suddenly sucks out a lot of emotional energy in accepting it's happening and then dealing with it.

So Arizona Sunset paperback and Kindle available, (two other paperbacks soon follow), and coming November 29th, Tucson Moon where Cord O'Brian (that family is in several of my contemporary books-- Desert Inferno, Evening Star, and Bannister's Way) is the hero who is about to learn about the many faces of love.