Victoria Barbour's Blog, page 9

Romance Weekly: April 15, 2014

It's that time again. Thanks to all the Romance Weekly authors for making this a reason to blog. I haven't blogged this faithfully ever. The main reason why I do it is because I love these questions. :) So without further adieu, let's begin.

1. Who is your favourite character you've written, and why? 

Ohhhh. That's a hard one. I love Aunt Ida. Love her. She's a combination of so many strong elderly people I've had the privilege to know in my lifetime. But I think Asher is my favourite main character to date. When I imagined him while writing Against Her Rules he was going to be the bad guy. The one you cringe reading about. But a funny thing happened in that first scene, where he was lying naked on the bed totally wounded. Instead of coming off as a creep, I took pity on him. By the time he appeared in the next scene, I was giving him more story than I'd planned. And when that book was over, I knew that he'd get a book of his own. Oh, not the next book. He had some reforming to do first. But when Against Her Rules ended I knew just what kind of girl he'd end up falling for. Now that Asher has had his own book, I don't know what I'll do about him. He'll have cameos for sure. But maybe, just maybe, he and Grace will get a novella of their own at some point. (In case you're wondering, Asher is the same character from last week's post that I posted all those dreamy pictures of!)

2. Do you prefer to write your hero or heroine?

I have no preference, honestly. I enjoy all my characters. If I wasn't enjoying writing them, then that would be a sign to me that there was something wrong with them. Daphne from Hard As Ice had a moment where I was tempted to just toss her out. But a bit of story storming with my crit partner and we found out what my block was so I could move on. And I'm glad I kept her. She's awesome. :)

3. What are the three things you can't write without?

Hmmmm. There was a time when I thought I needed an environment to write. I needed coffee, or the sun or a certain chair. But honestly, now that writing is my career, my needs for writing are much more practical. 

My laptop or iPad: I wish I was a pen and paper writer, but I'm not. I'm a typing kinda gal. So without the tools, there's no writing happening.A babysitter: If there's no one around to watch the wee one, then there's no writing happening. Period. I'm eagerly awaiting the day when the sight of Mommy at the computer doesn't induce meltdowns. But we're not there yet. Focus: Sounds silly, doesn't it? But there are times when I have items one and two, and still don't produce a thing. Why? Because my mind isn't focused. I'm thinking about blogs, or the news, or the conversation happening at the table next to me. Until I can find my inner-focus, nothing happens. 

And there you have it. Another week, another insight, I suppose. Now hope on over and visit the delightful J.J. Devine and see how she answered this week's questions. And if you have the time, follow the whole blog hop (all 21 of us this week).

Romance Weekly: April 8, 2014

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn't you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all..... About our writing of course! Every week we'll answer questions and after you've enjoyed the blog on this site we'll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box

I wasn't going to blog this week because I'm so behind on updating my website with my new releases, but when I saw this week's questions I just had to do it. Thanks Joanne Guidoccio for these. 

1. Scenario: A Hollywood producer is interested in your book. Can you come up with an enticing log line? (Plot summary of 25 words or less?)

First of all, if a producer was interested in one of my books I'd need medical assistance to stop the palpitations. But once I could breathe again, here's what I'd say:  An International rock superstar lands in rural Newfoundland where a reluctant virgin and a 97-year-old fan help him come to grips with his true self. 

2. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in the movie version?

Interesting. Asher Corbin is a character who is in all of my novels to date. In the first book, his personality was more akin to Russell Brand. But over the series he's evolved. By the time we see him in 21st Century Rake he's a much better version of himself. In the novel, he's mistaken at one point for Ian Somerhalder. However, I think I'd prefer a Brit to play him. Perhaps we could have Ian, Kit Harington (Jon Snow from The Game of Thrones) and Jim Sturgess (loved him in Across the Universe) battle it out. And because everyone loves eye candy, let's look at all three!

Jim Sturgess. Pros for Asher: He can sing. 

Pros for Asher: This is who Grace thought Asher was for a moment. 

Pros for Asher: British and hot. But Grace is a geek, and there's no way she wouldn't recognize Jon Snow. Is there? 

Oh. Yea. Other characters. Grace. I think Olivia Wilde could do a good job on Grace. She could carry off the smart, wise-cracking side with a hint of plain Jane and also be believable as the object of Asher's desire, especially when she dresses up. Here's a couple of examples of how I see Grace's two-sides. 

Simple every day Grace. 

Grace all dressed up for the ball. 

3. Does the storyline of your novel compare with any films out there?

It would be a stretch. I suppose it's a bit of a Notting Hill vibe, with the celebrity and the normal, kind of bumbling commoner. But Hugh Grant recognized Julia Roberts' character from the get go. It takes Grace a while to figure out who Asher is. But at this point, Notthing Hill is the only movie that pops to mind. 

Thanks for some great questions this week. I had fun looking at cute boys. :) Now pop on over to Kim Handyside's blog and see the hotties she has posted. SPOILER! Michael Fassbender! Yum. Also, thanks for the promo for my book Kim. You're awesome! 

Romance Weekly: April 1, 2014

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn't you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all..... About our writing of course! Every week we'll answer questions and after you've enjoyed the blog on this site we'll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box

1. How do you find the appropriate setting for the story, or does it find you?

Everything I write is set in Newfoundland. It's my home. And I happen to think it's one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth. Right now my Heart's Ease series is set in a community that lives in my mind. When I created it, I was combining some of my favourite things about various communities I've seen. But I've also found a real life place that's pretty close to my vision. (I'm not gonna share! I want to buy a house there someday so I'm keeping it my secret oasis!) Of course, my characters find themselves in other places besides Heart's Ease. Miami plays a role in Hard as Ice. And St. John's is pretty prominent in Play Me. But my settings come from my heart. 

Ah yes. You might wonder sometimes why I write about Newfoundland when this is what it looks like here on April 1. I wish this was an April Fools joke. Alas, it is my reality. 

2. What is your support system for your writing? Family, friends, other writers?

I am blessed to have so many supportive people behind me. My husband is without a doubt my biggest supporter. Without him I wouldn't have been able to quit my job to focus on writing as a full-time career. It's because he believes in me. He reads everything I write.  And he helps me keep going. I'm also very lucky to have my family.  They might not always understand why I do what I do, but they have my back no matter what. Then there are all the friends that help me. My editor is one of my best friends. So is my cover designer. And I also have some dear friends who watch the wee one for me so I can write during the week. Then there are the other writers I know. I belong to an awesome group of local writers called the "Scribe Wenches" and they rock my world. My crit partner, the fabulous medieval Scottish romance author Kate Robbins, is a fellow wench. I call her the Queen Wench, since she's one of the founding members. I've also come to meet plenty of other authors online who help. A couple of groups I belong to online that need a shout out are "Chick Lit Goddesses", the "B.I.C.H.O.K" group, and our own merry band of Romance Weekly authors. 

3. What is the worst writing advice you've ever received and how did you deal with it?

I have to be honest. I haven't received any bad advice. I think there's merit in everything someone suggests. While I might not act on every little thing, there's normally something that I can think about. Boring answer. Sorry. But there it is. 

Now, get your clicking finger ready to take a tour around the Romance Weekly loop and see what all 24 of us had to say this week. You can start right here with Eden Ashe. :)

Romance Weekly: March 25, 2014

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn't you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all..... About our writing of course! Every week we'll answer questions and after you've enjoyed the blog on this site we'll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box

Annnnndddddd here we go again! Sorry I'm low on preambles these days. Busy days and nights. But I love answering these questions, and flipping through all the links to see how the rest of my fellow romance authors are answering. HINT: You should too!

1. How does your writing impact your inner life?

Writing keeps me sane and happy. I've always written something, even as a little girl. I feel that my writing lets me explore ideas and situations that I wouldn't normally encounter. And sometimes, my writing offers me a "do over" for some regrettable events in my life. I also feel that I'm much more engaging and witty on paper than in real life. It's funny because when I'm with a group of friends they'll often say "That's the best you can come up with? You're a writer." To which I think, yea. I'm a writer. Not an orator. It takes me a while to come up with the right words. 

2. How do you hope your books affect your readers?

The biggest compliment anyone can give me it to tell me that my novels made them laugh, and made them happy. I'm not out to write thought-provoking, debate worthy fiction. I want to create an escape for readers. To give them a mental break from serious thought and let them just have some moments of light-hearted escapism. I hope I succeed. 

3. Has anyone ever told you your book changed their life? If so, how?

Never. And to be truthful, I'm not sure if my books should make people change their lives. The romance I write about is the "fairy tale" scenario. Real life, real love, is messy. And complicated. And likely has a bit of heartache involved. My novels are more  charming than gut-wrenching. If anyone ever tells me that one of my books has changed their life, I'd love to know how. :)

BING! Another week, over and done. Be sure to pop over and visit LaNora Mangano and see what she had to say this week! 

Romance Weekly: March 18, 2014

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn't you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all..... About our writing of course! Every week we'll answer questions and after you've enjoyed the blog on this site we'll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box

Without any mucking around this week because I'm face and eyes into edits (three books releasing in three weeks time!) 

1. Who is your favourite author (other than yourself) in your genre, and why?

I enjoy so many romance authors that it's very hard to peg just one. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to answer this question, and then I asked myself, why do you write romance? Which author inspired you the most? The light came on. Without a doubt, it would be Julia Quinn. Her regencies are fun and witty, her romance is fresh and light, and absolutely charming, and her characters are people you would want to be friends with. For me, Julia's Bridgerton series exemplifies what a wonderful, compelling romantic series of novels should be. Plus, I hold an extra soft spot for Ms. Quinn because of my grandmother. Nan introduced me to Julia Quinn shortly before she passed away. We both loved What Happens in London and I dearly wish she had lived to read the rest of Julia Quinn's novels. They might even have replaced her favourite authors. 

2. What is your favourite book by them and why?

Easy. Ten Things I Love About You, which is the last book in her Bevelstoke series. This short series was just three books, and the final book in that series remains one of my favourite novels. You see, I have a weak spot for compelling secondary characters. And in What Happens in London we meet the charming and funny Sebastian Grey. "Ten Things I Love About You" not only tells Seb's story, but also holds a big reveal that's a very exciting treat for devoted fans of Quinn's regency world. (Which I won't spoil by telling you!) I think it's because of this book that I knew that my own charming modern-day rake, Asher Corbin, deserved his own novel.

3. What about their style inspires your writing?

I alluded to it about. I love the charming, witty dialogue of her characters. I love that they focus on the relationships of the characters, and the interactions of characters readers have already met. Her world building is incredible, to the point that other regency writers sometimes borrow from her world. I would love to think that I'm taking what I've learned from reading Julia Quinn's historical novels and bringing it into my contemporary romance world building and characters. 

Now, I'd love to stick around and write more, but editing waits for no writer. Or is it no deadline? Regardless, please pop on over and visit Carrie Elks and follow the links to see what all 18 of us Romance Weekly writers had to say this week. 

Attention lovers of Paranormal Romances!

Like your romances with a cast of fantasy characters? Vampires. Shifters. Werewolves. Witches. Fairies. If you like your romance with a rich cast of fantasy characters and elements, then here's your chance to pick up TEN novels for just .99 cents. 

Pick it up today before this awesome sale ends. Plus, you'll be helping out my fellow Scribe Wenches, J.E & M. Keep. I'd suggest reading "The Warlord's Concubine" first. But then again, I'm a little biased. 

Click here to go straight to their Amazon link! 

 

Romance Weekly: March 11, 2014

It's that time again! And don't forget to follow the link at the bottom of my post (and every author's post) so that you can see how we all answer these questions! 

1. When someone finds out you're an author, how do you handle the statement "I have a story you should write?"

That's actually happened to me a few times. I love it. :) I think everyone has a great story to tell, so my advice is always, put your thoughts to paper, and let me know if there's any way I can help you. I think if people feel passionately about a story, they should try and write it themselves first. Even if they don't think they are a writer, they'll be able to capture the essence. Then, if they want to proceed, find someone with stronger writing skills to help flush it out. 

2. Do you write what you read?

I read everything, so it's hard to answer that. Oddly enough, I don't read a lot of contemporary romances. But I read a lot of Newfoundland fiction, romance novels in general, and fantasy novels. I think my brand of contemporary has some elements from all the things I read. My favourite romances to read are Regency romances. Perhaps that why I haven't finished mine. I'm so intimidated by my favourite authors! 

3. People often mistake the lifestyle of a writer as glamourous. Give us the scoop. What about your lifestyle would shock your readers?

This question is awesome because I lead the most non-glamourous life known to man. Much of my writing is done in my car while the baby sleeps in the backseat, or stood at the kitchen counter while the baby tosses food around the place. As a full-time writer, full-time mom, something has to give, and in my case, it's housework. I seriously need a days notice before friends come by just so my hubby can help make sense of our chaos. I would love a house keeper. That's my dream. I know I'll have made it as a writer the day I can pay someone to clean our house. 

And there you have it. Another week of confessions. :) Now why not pop over and visit JJ Devine and see what's non-glamourous about her life. And for the record, her answer to question three could be another of mine. 

Birthday Giveaway for McKenzie Evans!

My author pal Jeanne McDonald had an awesome idea to celebrate the birthday of her character in "The Truth in Lies", McKenzie Evans. She's rounded up a bunch of authors, including yours truly, to not only share the event, but to give away a copy of our books. Be sure to enter the rafflecopter draw below. The more entries, the better your chance of winning! 

In celebration of McKenzie Evans' birthday: The Truth in Lies is on sale from March 11-13, 2014 for only $0.99 on Amazon






Summary  




Life is a sequence of choices. Some are deliberate, others are forced upon you. This was a lesson that McKenzie Evans knew all too well. After the miscarriage of her son, she made the hard decision to leave her absentee boyfriend and move in with her former college roommate, Olivia Hamilton. That’s when she was introduced to Andrew Wise, a brilliant attorney, working for his family’s law firm in Sarasota, Florida.

To McKenzie, Drew became her salvation. He had a way of understanding her when no one else could. The closer they became, the more McKenzie found herself falling in love with Drew. He was everything she ever dreamed of in a man, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly alive. There was only one problem. Drew was dating Olivia.

With the help of fate and circumstance, Drew and McKenzie journey down a path of unrequited love and denied feelings. In the end, they must make a choice between their hearts or their consciences. In this one decision they discover that there’s always a glimmer of truth to a lie, that there’s a fine line between love and friendship, and sometimes you have to risk everything to gain everything. 




Enter for your chance to win many great prizes!


a Rafflecopter giveaway





About the Author 




Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event. She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry. She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend. 




Her passions include a "mild" Starbucks addiction, music, reading, movies and romance. When she is not spending time with her family, she can be found writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. 




A proud Texan, she currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family. 




Contact Information 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email

Romance Weekly: March 4, 2014

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn't you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all..... About our writing of course! Every week we'll answer questions and after you've enjoyed the blog on this site we'll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box.

Here we go again! Thanks to Meggan Connors for this week's questions. 

Do you have a recurring theme in your work, either intentional or unintentional? What is it and why do you think you chose that theme?

If my books have a theme, it's totally unintentional. I'm wracking my brain right now trying to even think what it might be. Oh. How about fun? Yea. Falling in love can be fun. Sure, it's also full of lust, and self-doubt, and questions, and a little conflict. But without fun, what's the point? All of my characters recognize in each other something that just clicks. Something that makes them comfortable to be themselves, in all their odd ways. Something that makes it okay to laugh at one's self, and laugh in the moment. 

Do you carefully plot your stories, or do you plot as your write? Why do you think this particular ethos works for you?

Hahahahaha. I'm a total plot as I go gal. I learned my lesson with pre-plotting with my most recent draft of 21st Century Rake. In my head I had it all worked out. It was going to be a high concept book, and this would happen, and then this, and then this. Of course, what that did was keep me hijacked for about three months as I struggled to find my way through the book. The moment I stopped thinking about what was supposed to happen, and just followed my gut and let the characters tell their story, then everything just fell in to place. I wish I could make an outline, and then sit down and follow it to a T. But I can't. For me, each scene I write provides the inspiration for the next. If I go into a scene with expectations and my characters don't behave, I have to let them go. Sounds funny, I know. But sometimes I'm writing stuff and I'm surprising myself by what comes out. Let's just chalk that up to a scattered imagination that likes to think on its feet. 

Is there a particular genre (within Romance) that you could never write? Why?

I'll never say never. My only current rule (and rules are meant to be broken, right? Just ask Elsie Walsh!) is that my work needs to have a Newfoundland connection. That opens me up to all sorts of sub-genres. I think this is a deadly setting for a paranormal romance, and there's certainly enough material for an intriguing romantic suspense. As for historical romance, well, my languishing Regency novel is a sure sign that I have more in mind than just contemporary romances. I think I'd have a hard time writing erotica, just because I find my sex scenes the hardest to write. But that doesn't mean I'm ruling it out. Hopefully I have a long writing career ahead of me, so who knows what I'll try my hand at before all is said and done. 

And there you have it. Another week of quick entertainment for you. Now why not hop on over to Katie O'Connor's blog and see what she had to say to these same questions. See you next week! 

Romance Weekly: February 25, 2014

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn't you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all..... About our writing of course! Every week we'll answer questions and after you've enjoyed the blog on this site we'll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box.






What is your writing process like?

This is a pretty difficult question for a person who's a bit willy-nilly about how I write. Of course it starts with an idea, a very rough idea. I read about things that might be relevant to the book, I spend a lot of time thinking about scenes both before and after I've written them, and I always wait to be surprised by what my characters get up to on the page. 

From a day to day process of writing, it's much more planned. With a toddler in tow, when I can write depends a lot of when someone is willing to spend the day with him. I'm very lucky to have friends and family who love to take him off my hands for a while. One great thing is that he is now getting better at occupying himself, so that means I can stand at the kitchen counter and get some work in as well. Before having a child I thought I needed to "gear up" to write. I needed large chunks of time. I needed the right writing environment. Now I just write when I can. Oh, everyone is quiet? I'll write a paragraph. Oh, you're going to the supermarket honey? Take the baby. I'm going to write. 

Of course, this shift has been a bit difficult for me. I'm a start to finish writer. I like to set out to write a book and then a few weeks later have a draft done. I wrote the first draft of Play Me in a weekend about 12 years ago. I wrote Against Her Rules in 11 days. Hard as Ice. 2 months. And now, 21st Century Rake has taken 5. FIVE MONTHS! 

Still, I'm working to figure it all out. Here's hoping book 5 comes sooner!

Do you listen to music to enhance your writing?

I like background noise of all sorts when I'm writing. I think it stems back to my former work as a journalist. Newsrooms are busy places. Loud places. And yet, we have to produce with a tight deadline. I crave public places to write. Coffee shops, cafes, even our local museum. So when I'm writing at home, as I often do, I need music to fill the empty space. 

My choice in music depends on the scene. If it's a romantic scene, I want romantic music. I love going to Songza and just putting on a random playlist. In fact, that's where I get most of the music I listen to while writing. I find the mood I'm trying to capture in a scene, and find a playlist that suits. It's perfect for me. 

What two songs best describe your overall body of work?

This is a hard question, because there are songs that I've played over and over while working on particular books, but there's never an overlap. So I'm going to cheat, or perhaps take the easy way out, and just share the two songs that I've been playing a lot of lately while I finish 21st Century Rake. 

First, 2CELLOS version of With or Without You by U2. It's hauntingly romantic and has served me well with this story. 

And second, Sean McCann, formerly of Great Big Sea has a new album out. His song "Help Yourself" has really helped me figure out Asher in some scenes. 

And now that I'm done, why not pop over and visit awesome author Dani Jace and see how she answered these questions? 

See you next week!