Goodreads Giveaway...

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/20432

Five copies of Bound to the Barbarian are available.   You have until February 18th to express an interest!

Happy New Year to everyone!

I like when the new year comes and gives us all a new beginning. We start anew and the year seems full of possibilities.

For Harlequin Historical authors, we'll be starting new books. At this point, the books could be about anything in any time period. So I ask you:

1. What time period would you like to see most in 2012? Regency? Medieval? Ancient Rome? Old China? Or something new and different, like WWI?

2. What story line would you like? Marriage of convenience? Beauty and the Beast? Cinderella? Secret Baby? Or do you like a treasure hunt?

3. What kind of hero? Noble or not? Alpha or Beta? Blond or Dark-haired?

4. What kind of heroine? Poor or Noble? Bookish or Horse-mad? Vicar's daughter or Vicar's illegitimate daughter?

5. Where set? British Isles? Australia? American West? France? North Africa?

6. Level of sensuality. Hot? Not-so-hot? Sweet?

Here's your chance to tell us what you want!!! 

Since my latest Undone, The Unrepentant Rake, is out this month, it's positively de rigueur for me to blog about it here. (And anyone who comments has a chance to win a free download. Just letting you know up front.)

My unofficial title for this story is The Romance of the Toe Bone, because a holy relic, the toe bone of St. Davnet, is instrumental in bringing about the happy ending. (It was my muse's idea, and I do what she tells me.) St. Davnet was an Irish saint of the 6th or 7th Century, and little is known about her. She is a patron saint of the mentally ill and women in danger, and (according to one site I can't find anymore) family harmony as well. What is more important to family harmony than true love, I asked myself, and a story was born. In spite of my muse's enthusiasm, I didn't think my editor would accept this story, even though she asked for revisions and didn't complain that the toe bone was too weird. I sent in the revised version and put the story out of my mind.

Shortly afterward, I went to Ireland for the first time and spent a day in Dublin. I visited the National Museum of Ireland, which has a superb collection of prehistoric gold items, Celtic metalwork, Viking artifacts, jewelry, and so on...including an ornamental pilgrim's staff said to have belonged to St. Davnet. I oohed and aahed about all the amazing stuff there. I wanted to stay forever, but nature got in the way and we had to go eat.

I guess when I put the story out of my mind, I put the staff out, too. A few days later, when I was well out of reach of Dublin with no chance of returning, my editor accepted the story. Of course, that's when I remembered the staff. I'd totally forgotten to look for it in the museum!

Duh! I'm going back to Ireland, and this time I won't forget.

Anyway, to give you a better idea what the story is about (lest you think it's littered with toe bones and such), it's the sequel to The Wanton Governess, which came out last year. The brother of the hero was an annoying rake who insisted on having his own story. My muse relented, but she pitted him against a governess with plans of her own and a holy relic. Guess who won?

Beatrix March chose to be a governess rather than let an overbearing husband rule her. Even though she never intends to marry, it doesn't mean she can't enjoy a man's...company -- especially one as tempting as notorious rake Simon Carling.

 

Little does she know that this rake is in the mood to wed...and when Simon wants something, he will go to outrageous lengths to get it! 

 
Comments welcome! Don't forget -- I have a download to give away. :)

Harlequin Historical Authors Holiday Winners Final List

Congratulations to Melissa from Texas who is our Grand Prize winner of a Kindle Fire!

Our thanks to everyone who participated in our second Harlequin Historical Authors Holiday Giveaway. It was a terrific way for us to enter in to the Holiday Spirit.

If you see your name below and you haven't had contact, consult that day's author. The calendar will bring you to each author's page.

Final Winners List:

November 29 – Michelle Willingham --- Winner: Felicity S from UK
November 30 – Elizabeth Rolls --- Winner: Nina C from Ireland
December 1 – Charlene Sands --- Winner: Lorraine C
December 2 – Diane Gaston --- Winners: Dec 2 Adele from UK; Dec 23 Beichyl from FL
December 3 – Annie Burrows --- Winner: Jennifer from Puerto Rico
December 5 – Elaine Golden --- Winners: Patti P; Ebony M; Shelley B; Ubah K; Brooklynshoebabe; Karen G; Kim; May P; Victoria D; Laura M; Michelle B
December 6 – Barbara Monajem --- Winner: Dec 2 Amy K; Dec 23 Jessica S
December 7 – Michelle Styles --- Winner: Elizabeth and Venetia
December 8 – Deborah Hale --- Winner: Michelle B
December 9 – Marguerite Kaye --- Winners: Annie from NY; Tammy from WV
December 10 – Lynna Banning --- Winner: Carol from FL
December 12 – Carol Townend --- Winners: Charlotte M from UK; Jean S; Grandmareads
December 13 – Blythe Gifford --- Winner: Margaret from FL
December 14 – Julia Justiss --- Winner: Angeles W from FL
December 15 – Terri Brisbin --- Winner: Rakisha W
December 16 – Ann Lethbridge --- Winner: Vonda R
December 17 – Bronwyn Scott --- Winner: Louisa Cornell
December 19 – Sarah Mallory --- Winner: Samantha L from CA
December 20 – Kate Bridges --- Winners: Carrie B from MN, Jennifer W from GA, Lisa W
December 21 – Amanda McCabe --- Winner: Elena G
December 22 – Jeannie Lin --- Winners: Marjorie, Bessamy, and Annie
December 23 – Grand Prize Drawing --- Melissa from TX

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy New Year. Happy Holidays!

The Harlequin Historical Authors 

A Christmas Carol

Holiday books and movies are one of the delights of the holiday season. This year I've caught two versions of A Christmas Carol, not quite Regency, but close enough for this Historical Author.

I just watched Scrooge (1970) with Albert Finney, the musical version of A Christmas Carol, which I quite enjoyed for the singing and dancing. I especially like the song "Thank You Very Much," but Finney is just not the Scrooge of my imagination. 

Another version of A Christmas Carol playing on TV this season is the 1984 version, featuring George C. Scott, who is a very effective Scrooge. I watched this one back to back with Scrooge and liked that the dialogue was the same in places. I haven't read A Christmas Carol for many years, but am guessing I was hearing Dickens' words. 

Neither of these versions are as gratifying to me as the 1951 movie starring Alistair Sim. This black and white version is how I think of A Christmas Carol, probably because this is the version I watched as a child. 

I have not seen the Jim Carrey version. Or the Patrick Stewart version. But I do enjoy the Bill Murray version even though it takes place in modern times.

My favorite, though, is also not historical. It is the Vanessa Williams version, A Diva's Christmas Carol. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it is from a woman's point of view. I just love the ending of this movie!

The Internet Database lists 47 titles adapted from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, including A Barbie Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and A Smurfs Christmas Carol. 

Which version is your favorite?

Don't forget...the Harlequin Historical Authors Holiday Giveaway continues, but only for today, tomorrow and Thursday,  three more chances for daily prizes. On Dec 23 we'll randomly pick the winner of the grand prize--a Kindle Fire. Use the calendar here to catch up on any missed days to give yourself the best chance of winning. 

And be sure to read this year's Harlequin Historical anthologies, Snowflakes and Stetsons, Gift-Wrapped Governess, and Coming Home for Christmas, as well as our other Christmas books. 

Happy Holidays to all of you!!!

Harlequin Historical Authors Holiday Winners

Each Friday we will post a list of the winners, first names, last initial, and location, if known.

If you see your name and you haven't had contact, consult that day's author. The calendar will bring you to each author's page.

November 29 – Michelle Willingham --- Winner: Felicity S from UK
November 30 – Elizabeth Rolls --- Winner: Nina C from Ireland
December 1 – Charlene Sands --- Winner: Lorraine C
December 2 – Diane Gaston --- Winners: Dec 2 Adele from UK; Dec 23 TBA
December 3 – Annie Burrows --- Winner: Jennifer from Puerto Rico
December 5 – Elaine Golden --- Winners: Patti P; Ebony M; Shelley B; Ubah K; Brooklynshoebabe; Karen G; Kim; May P; Victoria D; Laura M; Michelle B
December 6 – Barbara Monajem --- Winner: Dec 2 Amy K; Dec 23 TBA
December 7 – Michelle Styles --- Winner: TBA
December 8 – Deborah Hale --- Winner: Michelle B
December 9 – Marguerite Kaye --- Winners: Annie from NY; Tammy from WV
December 10 – Lynna Banning --- Winner: Carol from Florida
December 12 – Carol Townend --- Winners: Charlotte M from UK; Jean S; Grandmareads
December 13 – Blythe Gifford --- Winner: Margaret from FL
December 14 – Julia Justiss
December 15 – Terri Brisbin
December 16 – Ann Lethbridge
December 17 – Bronwyn Scott
December 19 – Sarah Mallory
December 20 – Kate Bridges
December 21 – Amanda McCabe
December 22 – Jeannie Lin
December 23 – Grand Prize Drawing

Harlequin Historical Authors Holiday Winners

Each Friday we will post a list of the winners, first names, last initial, and location, if known.

If you see your name and you haven't had contact, consult that day's author. The calendar will bring you to each author's page.

November 29 – Michelle Willingham Winner Felicity S from UK
November 30 – Elizabeth Rolls Winner Nina C from Ireland
December 1 – Charlene Sands Winner Lorraine C
December 2 – Diane Gaston Winner Dec 2 Adele from UK

Winner Dec 23 TBA
December 3 – Annie Burrows Winner Jennifer from Puerto Rico
December 5 – Elaine Golden Winner TBA

December 6 – Barbara Monajem Winner Dec 2 Amy K; Winner Dec 23 TBA
December 7 – Michelle Styles Winner TBA

December 8 – Deborah Hale Winner TBA
December 9 – Marguerite Kaye Winner TBA
December 10 – Lynna Banning
December 12 – Carol Townend
December 13 – Blythe Gifford
December 14 – Julia Justiss
December 15 – Terri Brisbin
December 16 – Ann Lethbridge
December 17 – Bronwyn Scott
December 19 – Sarah Mallory
December 20 – Kate Bridges
December 21 – Amanda McCabe
December 22 – Jeannie Lin
December 23 – Grand Prize Drawing

Harlequin Historical Holiday Giveway...

Starting today, the Harlequin Historical Authors are hosting an on-line giveaway, as we did last year. There will be daily prizes and a chance to win a Grand Prize of a Kindle/Kindle Fire - the actual prize depends on your location. The button below takes you through to the live Calendar and the rules.   Today, it is Michelle Willingham's day.  Click on the button below to find out more...



Participating Authors

November 29 - Michelle Willingham
November 30 - Elizabeth Rolls
December 1 - Charlene Sands
December 2 - Diane Gaston
December 3 - Annie Burrows
December 5 - Elaine Golden
December 6 - Barbara Monajem
December 7 - Michelle Styles
December 8 - Deborah Hale
December 9 - Marguerite Kaye
December 10 - Lynna Banning
December 12 - Carol Townend
December 13 - Blythe Gifford
December 14 - Julia Justiss
December 15 - Terri Brisbin
December 16 - Ann Lethbridge
December 17 - Bronwyn Scott
December 19 - Sarah Mallory
December 20 - Kate Bridges
December 21 - Amanda McCabe
December 22 - Jeannie Lin
December 23 - Grand Prize Drawing!

Gratitude and Connections

Earlier this month, I was at an annual writers’ retreat, a highlight of my year. While there are always new attendees, many of us have been sharing this week at this place for several years. One of the cherished rituals is the “drawing of the cards,” in which Luna author Robin Owens offers us a deck of Cheryl Richardson Self-Care cards so we can choose one, or more, as a theme for the week.
I always close my eyes and draw, letting the Muse make my selection. The cards I got this year: Gratitude and Connection.
This is the month for Gratitude, of course, but the second card made me think specifically about all the connections for which I am thankful.

First, and foremost, my connection with readers. For each of you who has, or will, read my books, I am extremely grateful. I sincerely hope that something in the stories speaks to you and that in reading, you’ll be led closer to your own Happy Ending.
Second, my connections to other writers. Writing is a solitary business. Most days, I sit alone with the keyboard, flashing curser, and my doubts. This annual week on the beach sharing space with fellow travelers gives me hope and courage. (And assures me that I’m not the only one who lives in alternate worlds on a daily basis.) Harlequin Historical author Terri Brisbin was also there and we had a great visit, comparing notes on writing.
Third, my connection to history. If I did not write history, I would still read it. And if I did not write history, I don’t know what I would write. History inspires me, intrigues me, ignites my curiosity. Truth is, I don’t get any ideas that are NOT historical. In my stories, I can walk around in history, live vicariously, and convey the humanity that unites us across the centuries. And if I spark a reader to explore further based on one of my stories, nothing could be better.
Finally, I am grateful for my connection to the Muse, the mystery that all writers confront. Steven Pressfield, screenwriter, novelist, and non-fiction writer, says he prays to the Muse each day before beginning work. Any writer knows that, solitary a calling as we have, we are never really alone, at least, if we are lucky.
We have many, many connections to be grateful for.
How about you? What connections are you grateful for during this season of giving thanks?
p.s. Coming a week from today: the Second Annual Harlequin Historical Holiday Giveaway! More than three weeks of fun and prizes, including a Grand Prize Kindle Fire. Check back for details!

Regency Toys

In the book I'm writing now, there is a scene set in Hamley's Toy Shop, the original one in High Holborn, London. So I've been researching Regency toys today. Dolls and tin soldiers and spinning tops and sets of skittles--as many toys available in the Regency as I can find.

Which reminded me of a game I photographed at a museum in Nottingham in 2005. Dated 1819, it was a game called "Changeable Ladies" published by R. Ackermann in London.

The game consisted of cards which can be put together to create different ladies' faces. The images on the cards were similar to the faces on Ackermann fashion prints of the period.

I could well imagine a little girl in the Regency spending hours putting the cards together in various ways, creating new faces with new eyes, noses, mouths, and clothing. Then when she was called to her dinner, I could see her carefully putting the cards away in their little wooden box.

When I was a little girl, I loved drawing fashionable ladies or playing with paper dolls. I also loved puzzles, so I'm sure I would have adored the Changeable Ladies.

Did you play with paper dolls when you were a child? Did (or do) you like puzzles? What was your favorite toy?

Keep watching this space and your Harlequin Historical authors' websites. We have another exciting Holiday contest coming up very soon. A terrific Grand Prize and lots of other prizes, a prize every day!

In the meantime you can always enter my website contest, going on right now, but hurry! Today is the last day for the first giveaway in my contest.

Strawberry Hill Gothic...

Horace Walpole had his summer villa built between 1748 and 1790. Here, his love of the medieval is made manifest in every wall and window. The picture below shows you the house - or should it be castle? - as you approach it from the road.

I love the turret, it has a Norman look to it.

Above is what is called the 'Prior's Garden' complete with gothic arches. Stawberry Hill has recently been restored so you can see much of the building as Horace Walpole might have expected it to be seen. Walpole wanted visitors to Strawberry Hill to have a theatrical experience and the mood shifts dramatically as the tour progresses. Walpole's fascination with the medieval can be seen at every turn. Here, a heraldic beast masquerades as a newel post on the stairs...

The ceiling of the library is rich with pictures of knights and heraldic devices...

And below is the most splendid room of all, the Gallery. The design for the ceiling is taken from a side aisle in Westminster Abbey, and the restoration team have restored it using real gold leaf. Wool and silk damask wallcoverings have been specially made to match the originals.

Strawberry Hill is exactly as you might imagine a small palace to be. But it is not just somewhere to enjoy looking at gothic revival. Horace Walpole was so inspired by his 'castle' that he wrote what has come to be seen as the first gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto. He said that the novel was 'an attempt to blend the ancient and the modern.' A description which seems to fit the house too.

Do you like the idea of a medieval romance that blends both the ancient and the modern? How much history do you like? Do you prefer your romances to be solidly grounded in history? And how do you feel about time-shift novels?

The Invisible TBR Pile

In the battle between e-readers and physical books, I’m firmly in both camps. I read both, avidly. That means I have any number of books waiting on my Kindle, as well as stacks on my bedroom (and living room and office) floor.
I’ve discovered, however, that a TBR category on my e-reader is not the same thing as a TBR pile on my nightstand.
One advantage of e-readers is that the books don’t clutter your living space. Limited shelf space is no longer a constraint for the collection! This also turns out to be a disadvantage. Books piled on the floor are stumbled over regularly. Books stacked on my nightstand snag my eye daily. The beautiful covers are like little ads and each exposure nudges me closer to page one.
The shelf on my e-reader is very different. The files do not clamor for attention. They wait patiently for me to rediscover them, even as I add more and more files to the folder. The “shelf” will never need to be weeded out to accept more books. It is, in one sense, an infinitely deep well and I can no longer see to the bottom. As a result, I fear, I have many wonderful books awaiting me that I have, simply, forgotten about.
As with my physical shelves, I have started, and abandoned, more than one organizational scheme. But moving files into folders is no less time consuming than rearranging physical shelves and somehow less rewarding, so there is now little organization to my e-reader files at all. Alphabetical? By author? By date of download? And though the reader does sync across devices, the samples don’t. And some files are “archived” and not downloaded unless I ask for them. As a result, I may stumble across a book on my phone reader that doesn’t surface so quickly on my main reader. And what’s on my PC looks entirely different.
I guess, perhaps, they aren’t so different from my physical shelves after all. The misplaced title, the double shelved rows hiding a different collection behind the first – these are parallel to the discovery that awaits, some day, when I go through my e-files seeking the next thing to read.
How about you? Do you have a TBR file on your e-reader? Do you go searching regularly? Have you ever stumbled across a book you’d forgotten you had?