ONCE UPON A TIME...

 
      Once Upon a Time there was this girl named Delilah (yes, this is about me).  She grew up feeling as if she had been born in the wrong era.  She never quite fit in with all the other children who were obsessed with dolls, video games and television.  She found herself drawn to historical clothing, swords (real ones), boys who could yield said swords (no, not THOSE swords), and boys who could fall upon their knees for their lady when she needed it most. Her father, who was a single parent, encouraged her reading and her most curious obsession with days of old, thus sparking her crazy imagination to a dangerous boiling point.
      And then...her father remarried.  Delilah quickly discovered her stepmother made Cinderella's stepmother look like Mother Theresa.  The woman, as it turns out years later, was manic depressive and wasn't diagnosed until after nine years of giving Delilah hell.
      Throughout those nine years, Delilah's need to escape her real life and fall into an era that seemed so much more magical propelled her into looking for the ultimate fairy tale. Historical romance offered that fairy tale but it was never enough given Delilah had read every single historical romance there was to read in the library.  So she started writing and threw herself into a world she could control like God (bwahaha).  It was a beautiful, sweeping world she hasn't been able to leave ever since.

      Okay...so that was the gussied up version of why I started writing historical romance.  But if there is one thing I have learned about writers it is this: we all write for a reason.  As Hemingway once said when asked what makes for a great writer, he said, "An Unhappy Childhood."  And there's a truth to that.  Something emotionally throws us into wanting to share our heartaches and joys and I have had my share of both.
      I am obsessed with history and have been for the longest time.  In particular, my fascination is for those things that were never discussed in history class.  Like what sort of contraception did women use in the 1800's?  Did they really have to be barefoot and pregnant or were there women who shook their fist at men who thought they should be barefoot and pregnant?  And what about dildos?  How long have those suckers been around?  Surely, it's not a recent invention? 
      Needless to say, these questions led to the creation of my Sex Throughout History blog, A BIT O'MUSLIN  This fascination also led to the creation of stories to reflect a history that is overlooked by society due to its scandalous nature and for the most part untold in historical romance (due to its scandalous nature).  Historical romance has been sanitized for the longest time, trying to erase REAL history and just how scandalous it was.  

      As an example, venereal disease is not really a subject usually touched on in historical romance novels. In ONCE UPON A SCANDAL, my February 2011 release, the heroine’s father is dying from syphilis. It’s not pretty and it’s utterly heartbreaking. Because we’re dealing with romance novels, many people don’t want to see the ugly side of the reality most of these women (and men) faced.  But what I've learned from my own hardships and the love I have found in my incredible husband is this: you can't understand what a happily ever after is or appreciate true love if you don't understand hardship.  And that is why I introduce my characters to the reality of life so that when love crosses their path they are swept away into a world they not only appreciate but madly love.
      That said, don't think my writing is all about overcoming depression, lol.  I have a tendency to never take myself seriously and so you'll find that even with me touching on dark subjects, I will make you spit your drink out through your nostrils in laughter.  Because that's the best way to survive life.  Laughing even when things are most dire...

Delilah Marvelle's Blog, A Bit O'Muslin

Writing Across Genres

The Pluses and Minuses of Mixing It Up

Publishing is going through a huge change right now. While print books are still in the majority, Ebooks are on the rise and I recently read that the reason print books are actually growing is because of Independent and Self-Publishing (not the big six traditional publishers). Another big change is that Borders is closing – the plus is that the smaller independent book stores are seeing resurgence in business. My experience (the minus) is that these smaller stores do not carry the variety and depth of romance titles that my local Borders did.

What does publishing have to do with mixing genres? Mainly it has to do with where in the book store your novel can be found. When I go to a book store, I go to the ‘romance’ section, wander the aisles, looking at covers, titles and author names – picking up one here and there to read the back cover blurb and most often leaving with 3 – 6 new books to read – some from favorite authors but also at least one from a new or debut author. I know exactly where to look for the books I want to buy.

But the more you mix or blend genres the more challenging it is for the store owner to know where to place your book and the more challenging it is for a reader to find you.

It is very exciting to let one’s imagination run free, to create characters, worlds, scenarios, conflicts and resolutions, to have your fingers fly over the keyboard, your thoughts becoming real on the screen before you.

But, if your readers can’t find you? – that’s a huge minus.

What do you think about all the changes going on right now in the publishing industry?

How do you find books to read?

© Judith Ashley, 2011. All rights reserved.

I’ve Been Caught Cheating!

By Amber Scott © 2011

I’ve tried to hide it. To deny it. I kept up an alternate identity to keep my secret from the reading world. I even tried really, really hard to stop. Six months ago I finally gave up. I came out as a I’m a genre jumper. 

Yep. I write in more than one genre.

Moreover, I have not one, but three different paranormal worlds going, each with its own set of rules. I’ve given up trying to pick just one.

I just can’t!

I love them all too, too much.  I love the blood addicted vampires and winged seekers in “Fierce Dawn” just as much as the medieval Ireland Druid magic and evil fae of “Irish Moon.” Then there’s my Stupid Cupid series begun with “Play Fling” which tracks the lessons of a seriously challenged matchmaker. What magic

I’m loving most depends on where my muse has taken me.

I know what you’re thinking-- Uh-oh. That’s a no-no, right? Or, man, this chick gets around, right?

Yeah. Have I mentioned all the stand alone contemporaries in there, too? Eek! I do. I get around.

In the beginning of my career, I read a book by a famous agent who advised against indulging one’s muse by writing in more than one genre until a career has been established. The rule was, pick one and stick it out for five to ten books.

I tried to. I really did. But my muse just wouldn’t work that way. Ignoring the itch of adventuring into a new world stemmed my creativity and my progress. I tried separating out my paranormals under a different pen name at first. But then my paranormal worlds themselves differed drastically, too. It came down to either splitting off into yet another personality or going the therapeutic route.

I decided to simply write all my sub-genres under one name.

The truth is I don’t know if readers will mind. I do know that it feels right. I know that my books have a common theme no matter what magical or modern setting they arise from. Love can transform you. In each book, I get to see just how much.

As a reader, I love variety. I love my Shiver wolves as much as my Eclipse wolves. I love my regencies as much as my highlanders. I love my aliens right alongside my comic heroines. It never feels like infidelity.

I’m happy to say, writing ‘around’ no longer does, either. Yes, I’m easy. But I promise you this: No matter where I take you, it will be one hot, addictive adventure.

In fact, this weekend, all of my titles are in the IBC’s Indie Book Blowout promotion priced at just 99 cents for your buying pleasure. Over 100 titles are on sales. All genres! A Kindle & $100 in gift card giveaways, too.

Bringing the Past to Life

Born to Yorkshire parents, Anne Whitfield loves history and the beauty of England. She is a keen genealogist and one of her greatest loves, apart from her family, is creating exciting fiction characters. Anne lives in Australia with her family. Her website is http://www.annewhitfield.com

Being a descendant from Yorkshire parents, my historical romances are mostly set in the cities of Yorkshire, England. Some of the places in Yorkshire where I have set my books are York, Gargrave, Hebden Bridge and Leeds, in West Yorkshire.   Leeds is only 9 miles from my  parent's hometown of Wakefield. In order to make the settings historically accurate, I have studied the history of Leeds.

There is a belief that tribes roamed the area in Roman times and it became more populated in the Anglo-Saxon period when it was called Loidis.

During the middle ages Leeds started to become a famous wool-making centre. With the substantial River Aire flowing through town and trade links to the sea via the River Humber, Leeds continued to grow and the cloth trade grew with it.  In 1730 Leeds was described as one of the 'largest and most flourishing towns in the country'. Its expansion continued into the Victorian age. 

Progress brought the building of industries such as weaving mills, sugar refineries, brick making and potteries. With the building and opening of the canals which linked Leeds to other major towns such as Liverpool, another sea port, the town grew rapidly. By 1841 the population of Leeds was eighty-eight thousand.

My latest historical release, The House of Women, is set in Leeds during the Victorian Era. Please enjoy the blurb and excerpt that follow. I've included a Traditional Yorkshire Pudding recipe. Growing up, we had Yorkshire Pudding every Sunday as part of a full roast lamb dinner. :)

BLURB for The House of Women

Leeds,1870. Lonely and brokenhearted, Grace Woodruff fights for her sisters’ rights to happiness while sacrificing any chance for her own.

 
The eldest of seven daughters, Grace is the core of strength around which the unhappy members of the Woodruff family revolve. As her disenchanted mother withdraws to her rooms, Grace must act as a buffer between her violent, ambitious father and the sisters who depend upon her. Rejected by her first love and facing a spinster’s future, she struggles to hold the broken family together through her father’s infidelity, one sister’s alcoholism, and another’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy by an unsuitable match.

Caring for an illegitimate half-brother affords Grace an escape, though short-lived. Forced home by illness and burdened with dwindling finances, Grace faces fresh anguish –and murder– when her first love returns to wreck havoc in her life.  All is not lost, however. In the midst of tragedy, the fires of her heart are rekindled by another. Will the possibility of true love lead Grace to relinquish her responsibilities in the house of women and embrace her own right to happiness?

The House of Women is available in paperback and ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all good bookstores.

YouTube video 

TO READ AN EXCERPT, CLICK ON  THE READ MORE BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST (AFTER THE RECIPE.)

Traditional Yorkshire Pudding Recipe

(we had Yorkshire puddings every Sunday when I was growing up to accompany a full roast lamb dinner)

Equipment and preparation: You will need a solid roasting tin measuring 28x23cm/11x9in.

Ingredients

• 175g/6oz plain flour
• 2 eggs
• 175ml/6fl oz milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• 110ml/4fl oz water
• 2 tbsp beef dripping
• salt and freshly milled black pepper

Preparation method

1.     Pre-heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7.

2.     Begin by placing a sieve over a large mixing bowl, then sift the flour in, holding the sieve up high to give the flour a good airing as it goes down into the bowl. Now, with the back of a tablespoon, make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Add the salt and pepper.

3.     Now measure the milk and water into a measuring jug. Then begin to whisk the eggs wth an electric whisk and as you beat them the flour around the edges will be slowly incorporated. When the mixture becomes stiff simply add the milk and water mixture gradually, keeping the whisk going. Stop and scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula so that any lumps can be pushed down into the batter, then whisk again till all is smooth. Now the batter is ready for use and although it's been rumoured that batter left to stand is better, I have found no foundation for this - so just make it whenever is convenient.

4.     To cook the Yorkshire pudding, remove the meat from the oven (or if it's not ready place it on a lower shelf) and turn the oven up to the above temperature. Spoon two tablespoons of beef fat into the roasting tin and allow it to pre-heat in the oven. When the oven is up to temperature remove the tin, using an oven glove, and place it over direct heat (turned to medium). Then, when the fat begins to shimmer and smoke a little, pour in the batter. Tip it evenly all round and then place the tin on a high shelf in the oven and cook the Yorkshire pudding for 40 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Serve it cut into squares presto pronto.

Delilah Marvelle - Cracking The Promotion Code

I have learned quite a bit about promotion since first being published in 2008.  I’ve learned that cracking the promotion code is like trying to find a flea in a haystack.  There simply isn’t any one thing that will guarantee that you will reach your readers.  BUT…I will say this.  If you do nothing to promote yourself, rest assured you won’t get any buzz at all. 

If I can give you four BIG pieces of advice in best promoting yourself, here it is:

1.)  Brand yourself.   You are selling your writing.  You are not selling your dogs, your cats, or your children.  Remember that when you decide to blog.  Most writers make the mistake of creating a blog that serves no purpose but entertaining a select few.  It’s an amazing opportunity that is lost.  Think bigger.  How can you reach more people?  How can you reach people who don’t even know who the hell you are?  An example of how to step outside of the box is what I did with my own blog:A Bit O’Muslin (www.DelilahMarvelle.blogspot.com)  I created a blog on Sex Throughout History which I post to every first of the month.   Why only once a month?  Because that way, I don’t get burned out and neither to my readers.  I want an ongoing relationship without being in their face every day. 
I get several thousand hits a month and I will say that most of the traffic is rather random.  People who Google “The History of the Dildo” will discover that I am actually #1 in the Google search engine.  It took a bit of time to establish myself as number one in the dildo search, lol, but I assure you, it’s strategic.  I’ve had quite a few people who accidentally came across my blog who started not only following me but were curious enough to pick up my books.   My blog reflects my writing, not my life.

2.) Make use of Social Media to do MORE than promote yourself.  Whether you do Twitter or Facebook or whatever other Social Media poison you choose, remember to use it for more than promotion.  Get to know your readers.  Get to know reviewers.  Follow them and converse with them without being annoying.  And only pimp yourself when necessary.  People know when you’re selling and when you’re being genuine.  Be genuine at all times.  Not just some of the time.  

3.) Forget the pens, the mugs and those endless trinkets you buy to pimp yourself.  Here’s what I noticed when going to events and what readers (not writers) pick up.  They pick up signed bookmarks, excerpt booklets and books.  Which makes sense.  They want your writing.  Not your pens.  So put your writing INTO the hands of your readers by doing excerpt booklets or handing out free copies of your books.  Sure, it costs more in the long run, but think about it.  Books will never be thrown in the trash and will make its way around.  Can you say the same for a pen or some of the other promo?  Even bookmarks will eventually find their way into the trash...sadly. And though the excerpt booklet may not last long, if they picked it up, they will most likely READ the chapter booklet.  Which gives you a better chance of getting a sale than any pen.

4.)  Write the best damn book you can.  Your writing is really the ONLY thing you can control in this crazy business.  A good book will continue to find its audience with or without promotion.  Word of mouth, after all, is the greatest promotion of all.

Little Things Make a Big Difference

Here’s a list of some small things that help get me through my Writer’s Day (in no particular order).      

• -       Coffee

• -       Hug

• -       To-do list

• -       Changing work locations:  office, lap desk in living room, patio table, coffee shop

• -       My favorite ‘Mistress of the Messy Desk’ rainbow-striped mug

• -       A blog-reading break

• -       Petting my wonder dog, Penny Lane

• -       Black Warrior pencils (they don’t break)

• -       Fat pens

• -       Visits from my impossible-to-ignore cat, Mr. Naughty Pants

• -       Water bottle

• -       A walk

• -       Notebooks with fun covers

• -       Interacting with someone for a few minutes

• -       Chocolate (No, I’m not immune!)

What are three small things that make a difference in your writer’s life?