Valerie Parv: Boldly writing what you haven’t written before

For me, the joy of writing is in trying to do something different with every new book. In Birthright, I combine the appeal of romance with the wonder of science fiction which has fascinated me since my teens. I grew up with Star Trek, never thinking that I would count its creator, Gene Roddenberry, as a mentor. Or that I’d meet Neil Armstrong not long after the moon landing. It’s hardly surprising that my passions have finally come together.

The setting is my island kingdom of Carramer where I’ve previously set a dozen romances. This time it’s Atai province, home to Carramer’s first people whose mystical culture I’ve long wanted to explore. Atai is hosting the launch of a private space shuttle which may have a terrifying secret agenda. My heroine, indigenous acting governor, Shana Akers, has to learn to trust launch director and resident genius, Adam Desai, as well as two mysterious VIPs whose talents defy all logic. I came to love these characters so much that I’m writing a follow-on novel, Earthbound, with a final chapter, Homeworld, planned.

Whether it’s Doctor Who, James Bond or Adam Desai, when characters come to life in your mind, magic happens. As a writer, I love watching them overcome the challenges I set. As a reader I’m hoping the writer is kind to my virtual heroes. 

How do you feel about your favorites? Do you ‘peek’ to ensure they make it to the end of the book? Love to know your thoughts.  Leave a comment for a chance to win an authorgraphed kindle copy of Birthright !

Valerie Parv


International best-selling author, Valerie Parv, has sold more than twenty-nine million copies of her books which have been widely translated, including into manga, and are now available as ebooks. Valerie is the first Australian writer to receive a Pioneer Award from RT Book Reviews, New York, for her contributions to the field of romance writing. She also proudly serves as an Australia Day Ambassador. Living not far from Australia's capital city, Canberra, she loves nothing better than stretching her writing wings. Valerie has written over 50 novels, 24 non-fiction titles, dozens of short stories in major magazines, and has a movie script currently in pre-production. Not known for her sporting prowess, she finds it extraordinary being featured in the sports pages of her local newspaper when her team wins at indoor bowls. Birthright is published by Corvallis Press, USA, 2012.

WEB http://www.valerieparv.com/birthright.html
TWITTER@valerieparv 
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/valerie.parv
BLOG www.valerieparv.wordpress.com

***Valerie's winner is Eli Yanti!  Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and mailing address!***

A Christmas tree full of memories by Michelle Styles

It is ten more days until Christmas and the Christmas season is truly in the swing. Carols are blazing from the radio.  Shops are full of festive cheer. The Christmas Radio Times is out giving details of the UK Christmas programming . The buying of the Christmas edition of the Radio Times has become a huge tradition in the Styles household. My husband always says that some year he will get to read it without the cover being ripped. Some things about Christmas remain the same. And it is easy to get jaded.

 For me though this time of year is full of memory. Remembering the good times. Being thankful that the bad times have passed or sometimes just thankful I survived to breathe again. It is one of the reasons I love this season because I do get a chance visit old memories and reconnect with old friends.

Yesterday my daughter came home from university and we decorated the tree. We always get a real tree because  I love the scent.  But the designer trees with this season colours  are not for me. Instead each year, I unpack my ornaments and put them up. I always change my lights every three years because a friend lost her entire front room to a blaze when she had a faulty light string.

Over the years I have amassed a load of ornaments. Each has a story to tell. There are the wooden ornaments my sister and I painted when she was six and I was twelve. The crewel work Mary and baby Jesus I did when I was 17 and taking  the train to school. The hummingbird ornament which once had a lot of feathers and was truly glorious but has long been the target of cat attack and keeps being found in odd places. There are a few remaining silver and gold spray painted from walnuts from when the children were little and I decided to have a crafty Christmas. The late night party duck from my sister in honour of various ducks that refused to go bed and drove me insane.  I could go on and on. It takes awhile to put up the tree because each memory needs to be unpacked and unwrapped.

When we were done, my daughter asked if I knew that she would be taking her ornaments when she sets up her house  because she wants a tree just like this. I said I knew but didn’t mind. I take it as a honour that she wants to have the sort of tree I have – one made of memories.

If you want to see more Christmas trees from various authors. Cheryl St John is having a Christmas tree tour on her blog. There is even the Harlequin Mills and Boon editor's tree there.

Wishing you a wonderful festive season full of memories which will light your life for many years to come.

Michelle Styles writes warm, witty and intimate historical romance in a wide variety of time periods for Harlequin Historical. Her latest Hattie WIlkinson Meets Her Match was publish in November and her nex An Idel Husband? will be published in April 13. You can learn more on her website www.michellestyles.co.uk

Nicola E. Sheridan: Not-so-perfect girls.

Ever read about heroine who is a little awkward? Socially inept or has alopecia? Perhaps she's a math nerd or is just a good old plain jane?

I am a massive fan of the not-so-perfect heroine in romance novels. They bring a depth of reality to what is often labeled a superficial genre. I love it when a heroine wobbles on her high heels, has stretch marks, wears comfy bras and couldn't find a matching set of underwear to save her life. As a reader and an ordinary-kind-of-girl myself, I find this completely relatable, and it really makes me like the character.

Now, I'm not saying I can't appreciate a kick-ass heroine who doesn't chafe in tight leather, or a perfect princess whose french manicure is never chipped - I do, its just the ordinary girl getting the guy really does it for me as a reader, and as a writer.

As an author, I get a buzz out of making my heroines a little quirky, because it makes them so much more real (not to mention entertaining) for myself when writing them. However, I think care needs to be taken with this kind of girl. Let's face it no body likes soggy lettuce in a salad -  and an excessively not-so-perfect heroine, just like bad lettuce, can quickly ruin a perfectly good dish!

Have you read any really good 'not-so-perfect' heroines lately? Leave a comment and a name, and you'll be in the running to win an e-copy of the entire 3 book "Magic Series".

Nicola E. Sheridan is a West Australian author who writes paranormal romance; quirky stories of Genies, mythology and romance. The final in the Magic Series, "Magical Redemption" was published in November 2012.

Http://www.nicolasheridan.com

@NicolaESheridan

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicola-E-Sheridan/106589346095281

Sharon Ashwood: Happy and Howling Holidays!

Yes, it’s that time of year, when we have to check names off the naughty and nice list—and when it comes time to find presents for our supernatural friends, it gets all the harder to find just the right gift. Etiquette is everything. One doesn’t rush out and buy Vlad a garlic press or suggest hot rollers for the werewolf in your life.

But what happens when Santa Claws reciprocates and brings you a gift?  And what if that present is an adorable hellhound puppy?  Regifting just isn’t an option, and refusal might just be the difference between being a dinner guest and—well, you get the picture.

Don’t despair. Yes, generally, hellhounds are considered hard to adopt. The glowing red eyes tend to put some people off, especially families with small children. However, the breed has many hidden charms. Here are five excellent reasons to consider accepting that hellhound with a big smile on your face:

1.      Hellhounds have well-developed mechanical abilities.  He can fix the car and chase it.

2.      They love being physically active, and will help you get in shape, too. There are potential problems with some sports, however.  The tennis courts, with all those flying and bouncing balls, can confuse his instincts. If you want your partner to actually hit the ball with a racquet, take someone else.

3.      The hellhound male looks even better in denim and leather than fur. The ones doing the drooling will be every female for blocks around.

4.      They’re faithful, loyal, and always know when you’re feeling down. Plus, you actually CAN send him to obedience class.

5.      Who else will bring you his leash, plus some naughty suggestions on how to use it?

So, if you find a canine surprise under the tree, you might just want to count your blessings. Or get your jingle on. Just imagine a hot guy with all the protective loyalty of a devoted canine, add a dash of demon wickedness, and you’ve got the picture. For a closer look, check out Frostbound: the Dark Forgotten. 

Every dog might have his day, but the hellhound guards the night . .

As a snowstorm locks down the city, more than the roads are getting iced. Someone's beheaded the wrong girl, and vampire-on-the-lam Talia Rostova thinks it was meant to be her. Now she's the prime suspect in her own botched murder—and the prisoner of her smoking-hot neighbor.

Lore is a hellhound, bred to serve and protect, so he's not freeing Talia until he's sure that she's the prey and not the hunter. You'd think a beautiful woman in his bedroom would be a good thing, but trouble-prone Talia has run afoul of someone more sinister than your average lunatic killer. An ancient Undead is wreaking vengeance on the city—and on her—and Lore will have to go far beyond a stake to put him back in his grave . . .

READ AN EXCERPT

WATCH THE VIDEO

Visit my website at www.SharonAshwood.com to see the whole series!

Faith Hunter: Writers Are Always Writing

Hi. I’m Faith Hunter, writer of the Jane Yellowrock series. Jane is a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts vampires when they go full-on predator and start draining humans.

My talk today is about what I like to do when I’m not writing. Not that I am ever not writing, because, there’s always something going on in the back of my brain, some dialogue, plot resolution, something. Seriously. It’s a bit like having an evil twin inside, urging you to hurt, maim, torture, and kill people—er—characters. Yeah. Not real people. Assuming that writers’ characters are not real. Which they are. Totally. Or mine are. Jane is alive and breathing inside my head, ticked off today. She had a bad night when Leo Pellissier, the master of the city of New Orleans … Wait. That’s a subject for the next book—Blood Trade, out in April 2012. See? Most writers have a hard time turning it off. But I think I better stop this subject and get onto today’s subject—things I like to do when I am not writing.

I like orchids, bones, stones, making jewelry, and tea. Today’s offering, still steeping, is raspberry honey, a new flavored black, and the smell alone is making me lust for the first sip—like a first kiss, you know? The anticipation is wonderful!

Jane likes tea, so this is both lust and research. And we are back to that little nugget of truth. Writers are always writing.

Check out my work at www.faithhunter.net

Faith

THE WINTER WIFE Is a-go-go!!!

by Anna Campbell

I'm a sucker for a Christmas romance. Are you?

This month, I'm launching my first Christmas romance, THE WINTER WIFE, as an e-novella (available from all good e-booksellers). 

If you're a devotee of the MAMMOTH anthologies, many things about THE WINTER WIFE may strike you as familiar. It's actually an extended version of my story "Upon a Midnight Clear" which appeared in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF REGENCY ROMANCE in 2010.

UAMC was my first reunion story and the characters haunted me long after I sent it in to the editor. The MAMMOTH books limit stories to no more than 13,000 words and I've always wanted the chance to give Sebastian, Earl of Kinvarra, and Alicia, his headstrong countess, a bit more room to breathe.

Not only that, it struck me fairly quickly that I'd missed an obvious chance to do my longed-for Christmas romance. I mean, come on, the title comes from a Christmas carol and our lovers meet unexpectedly in the middle of a snowstorm in Yorkshire. Transferring the date to Christmas Eve instead of some unspecified night in December seemed a no-brainer - at least in hindsight.

Then suddenly there were opportunities for indie publishing the story in digital format. My chance had finally arrived for a second bite at Sebastian and Alicia's relationship - much as they get on this snowy Christmas Eve! 

So THE WINTER WIFE: A CHRISTMAS NOVELLA was born. Here is the blurb:

Will a chance meeting on Christmas Eve… 

Alicia Sinclair, Countess of Kinvarra,cannot believe that fate has been so cruel as to strand her on the snowy Yorkshire moors with her estranged husband as her only hope of rescue. During their rare encounters,the arrogant earl and his countess act like hostile strangers. Now that Alicia has fallen into Kinvarra’s power, will he seek revenge for her desertion? Or does the dark, passionate man she once adored have entirely different plans for his headstrong wife? 

..deliver a second chance at love? 

Sebastian Sinclair, Earl of Kinvarra, has spent ten wretched years regretting the mistakes he made with his young bride,but after long separation, the barriers between them are insurmountable. Until an unexpected encounter one stormy night makes him wonder if the barriers of mistrust and thwarted desire are so insurmountable after all. When winter weather traps Sebastian and his proud, lovely wife in an isolated inn, could the earl and his headstrong countess have a Christmas miracle in store?

You can read an excerpt of THE WINTER WIFE on my website: http://annacampbell.info/books.html

Here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Wife-Christmas-Novella-ebook/dp/B00AFYH7A2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355118660&sr=1-1&keywords=the+winter+wife

Or you can buy it on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/262852

This is my last column here for the year. I want to thank Lee for hosting Tote Bags 'n' Blogs and everyone who swung by to read my pieces and especially to all the lovely people who have left comments. I've thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and I look forward to more next year.

So do you have a favorite Christmas romance? There's a download of THE WINTER WIFE up for grabs to someone who comments today. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Tastes of the season—by Kandy Shepherd

Let’s state right up front that I love the festive season. I’m not that “bah humbug” kind of person. I love the celebrations; the fun; the bling; carols and corny songs;  the giving of presents (and, let’s be honest, the receiving of them!); and the getting-together-with-loved-ones. And I like the food. Not just the actual eating, but even more so the sharing of food with family and friends.

I enjoy the traditional ham and turkey and roast beef type feast (which many people of European background insist on Down Under, even in the sweltering heat). I also appreciate the casual barbecue and seafood outdoor meals that make more sense in this climate.Celebrating with the extended family is is great, when each person brings their speciality—(heaven help us if we don’t show up with my husband’s marmalade-glazed ham!)

I enjoy setting our festive table with favorite table linen and accessories I've collected over the years

I also have a soft spot for the “waifs and strays” type Christmas dinners when we make sure no-one we know eats alone. And sometimes it’s fun to let someone else do the cooking. One Christmas, when I was living in London years ago, a group of us went out to a posh hotel for lunch. It was wonderful—and no dishes to wash—but my family thought it wasn’t quite the same. (And no leftovers to enjoy for days afterward!) We've never done it since.

My wonderful writer's group has a Christmas meeting, where each member brings a dish--these were some of the awesome desserts we shared this year 

For eight years I was editor-in-chief of a Christmas magazine put out by one of Australia’s major supermarkets and I have a collection of fabulous recipes that I love to cook at this time of year. Included on the list for this year: a fruit cake with pineapple; a choc-mint frozen ice-cream dessert; salted caramels for gifts.

Last year, my little niece and I made Christmas cupcakes--we're hoping to do the same this year

Note the absence of savoury dishes. Christmas dinner is my husband’s domain. I’m allowed to assist with puddings and desserts but basically it’s his show. He chooses the menu, he shops for it, he cooks it. You won’t hear complaints from me—he does an amazing job and I’m the first to shower him with compliments. I’m looking forward to it already!

What about you? Wherever and however you celebrate the festive season, do you have a favorite dish that you just have to have? Or a family custom? Who does the cooking in your house? I’d love to hear it!

I wish you all a happy, peaceful celebration with lots of time to read good books!

Kandy Shepherd writes fun, feel-good fiction. Her books The Castaway Bride, Something About Joe, Love is a Four-Legged Word and Home Is Where the Bark Is—don’t include a Christmas story among them—she intends to write one for next year!

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

A gift for my readers...

This month is very special for me. December 2012 is the 20th anniversary of the publication of my first book by Harlequin Mills and Boon, An Image of You.

Sadly, I don't have an online version of that first book to give away to mark the occasion - Harlequin haven't yet issued it as a digital book and won't release it so that I can do it myself.

The good news is that  I have just republished another "vintage"Liz Fielding -  OLD DESIRES- and as a gift to all my readers, I'm giving it away free this week (from 9th-13th December) at Amazon.

I've linked to Amazon US, but you'll find it on whichever Amazon you use - US, UK, France, Germany... the list goes on. (Sorry Nook, Kobo and Sony users - but I'll do a voucher when it goes online at other stores in February.)

To give you a little more incentive to click and download, here's a little taste.

Holly closed her eyes in an effort to blot out the desire in his eyes, not quite trusting it, but knowing that it was far too late for her to fight the echoing response he must all too clearly see in hers. Knowing that she was helpless to resist.

He took her face between his hands, tilting her face upwards cradling it in his long fingers until she could bear it no longer. ‘Please…’ The word, barely more than a sigh, escaped her lips, but whether she was begging for release or capture she scarcely knew. Until he kissed her and by then it was too late.

Fill you boots, tell your friends - it's a party!

Happy holidays!

With gratitude for all the support, friendship and fun -

Liz xxx

An Unintentional Christmas Book: the backstory :: Anne McAllister

Once upon a time I was writing a Christmas book for Harlequin Presents/Mills & Boon for whom I have been writing nigh on 27 years.  This was not the first Christmas book I had written for them, but it was one I had been looking forward to writing for quite a while.

It had to do with an elder brother of one of my Savas heroes – and he was a hard-nosed, hard-edged bah humbug sort of hero. He needed serious shaping up, and I was looking forward to it. So was my heroine.

My publisher, however, suddenly had other ideas.  They thought it was a long time until Christmas (indeed it was – 16 months) and so, they said, why didn’t I write another book in the meantime?

Red flags should have waved. Frantically.

But these were young editors inexperienced in the ways my creative brain works – or doesn’t.  But if they didn’t know better, at least I should have. 

I didn’t.  Or if I did, my “sure, why not?” gene over-rode my good sense.

I thought long and hard over this notion for about five days and said, “Okay, I think I can come up with another story.” 

And I did. I liked the characters, Alexandros, and Daisy.  I liked the idea that she was a matchmaker and he needed a match.  Not her, of course! Daisy was determined about that.  She and Alex had a history – and part of that history he knew nothing about. 

So Alex and Daisy and I began our merry journey to the happy ending at Christmas in New York.

It was, let me tell you, fraught with potholes as big as Crater Lake and roads as rough as tracks through the wilderness. It was not an easy slog.  It was made harder by my discovery several chapters into the book that really I had a long book plot that I was trying to stuff into a short book.

It wouldn’t stuff. I had to go back to page 1 and rework the whole thing.

And then there was page 123 beyond which I could not seem to get.  Weeks passed. Months passed.  Editors emailed, at first solicitously, and then, I suspect, a bit frantically.  How was the book? they asked. How were Alex and Daisy?  Were they getting on with it?  Were they moving?  Were they at least breathing?

They were. And they were also being re-re-re-re-written. Far more than I wanted. Far more than THEY wanted. But when it’s right, it’s right -- and when it isn’t, it needs work. Alex and Daisy got a lot of work.

Finally in late winter, I realized that if I was lucky they were going to be an unintentional Christmas book.  If I finished when I expected, they would reach their happy ending in time for a December pub date. And so . . they became a Christmas book, too.

I love them as a Christmas book. 

Only two things I’m sad about: the scheduling snafu which eliminated some of the books for North America when The Powers That Be re-jigged the schedule means that Alex and Daisy’s story, now called Breaking the Greek’s Rules, will not be a paperback in North America. It’s out in UK now and, presumably will be elsewhere some Christmas (maybe even this one).  But if you’re in North America (or anywhere else) and want to read it you need to check out Bookdepository which ships the UK edition world-wide postage free; and I feel a bit bad about the fact that my original Christmas  book is still languishing in a file on my computer where I left it.  But maybe it will surface again in time for another Christmas down the road.

I dare hope. 

In the meantime I’m trying not to make the work in progress next year’s Christmas book. One thing I’m fairly certain of:  no editor is going to ask me to jump books mid-stream again.  I think we’ve all learned our lesson where that’s concerned.

Check out an excerpt to Breaking the Greek’s Rules on my website.  Disregard this cover. In spite of what you see here, it really is a Christmas book. I promise.

 

 

Skating image by Gabriel Rodríguez, Sevilla, Spain ([1]) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Scorching Heat; it must be Christmas! by Fiona Lowe

I am just back from my first foray to the shops for Christmas. Usually, I start in November but this year I was on a nine day bike ride (300+ miles!!/591km) and I have come back to discover I usually do a LOT of preparation during that last week of November.

My key to Christmas shopping is two-fold. 1. On-line shop as much as you can. 2.If I need to go to the mall I go early ; in by 9AM and out by 11AM. As The Lad (18 year old son) and I walked out of the mall today, we walked into a wall of heat. Ah, it must be Christmas.

My husband and Boy Wonder (14) made an early trip and bought the Christmas tree because tomorrow they will all be wilted after today's scorcher of 102F. The house smells of pine and again, I know it must be getting close to Christmas.

I've shared three phone calls and five text messages with my sister so far today...again, another sign Christmas is coming!

I also have a Christmas novel out! Newborn Baby For Christmas which is a modern take on the original Christmas story. It's lots of fun...there is a family reunion (census), no room at the inn, three wise men and a virgin birth ;-) It's got it all and it's set in Australia so a heap of Aussie Christmas traditions are thrown in there as well. Please do check out the link because 'Down Under' our Christmas is a little different from friends who live in the northern hemisphere and I've described them along with some recipes!

Of course, I PINE for my northern hemisphere Christmases where all the traditions made made sense. I wrote about them in my Rita winning novel, Boomerang Bride, which is coming out in trade paperback in the USA on December 18th! just in time for Christmas :-) It's on sale right now at Amazon.

Also, talking recipes, the wonderful folk at Carina Press  who published Boomerang Bride have put together a holiday recipe book and it's free HERE as a pdf so Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy festive season and I hope you get to spend time with the people you wish to spend time with!

Please take care, travel safely, hug the ones you love, spare a thought for those less fortunate and I hope your stockings are overflowing with great books!
Fiona xxx

CJ Carmichael - What Child Is This?

What would you do if a child in need showed up on your doorstep on Christmas Eve? Say she was around five years old. Dirty. Underdressed for the snow swirling outside. Would you invite her inside?

I guess you would. But what then?

Call the authorities? Or give her a meal and a warm bath? And if you did the latter, what would you think if you noticed her body was covered in bruises?

This is the terrible situation that Amy Gold, kindergarten teacher of Bandit Creek Montana finds herself facing in The Gift—A short Christmas novella I wrote last year. When I was thinking of an idea for a classic Christmas tale, I knew I wanted it to focus on a child who needed a special sort of angel in her life. Someone who would offer more than just a phone call to social services.

I believe lots of us think about children in need at this time of year. I volunteer for a charity that provides gift baskets to families where the mom is struggling with breast cancer while also facing financial difficulties. Wings of Hope, in Calgary, is my way of opening my door to a child in need at Christmas time.  And I’m sure all of you have your own way of helping others, to the extent that you can.

I’d love to give away a kindle or kobo copy of The Gift to 5 random respondents. Please just tell me which of the following covers appeals to you more. The brown cover was the original for this story. The blue-ish one is the revamped cover for this season.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

CJ

DeAnna Cameron - Love Christmas traditions? Thank the Victorians

I know I'm not alone when I say the holidays are my favorite time of year. There's so much to love: the scent of fir trees and cinnamon in the air, the Christmas carols on the radio,  the cheerful gatherings of friends and family.

For me, the connection between many Christmas traditions and the Victorian era makes it especially sweet.

In historical romance, the Regency era often takes precedence. But there's something about the Victorian era that captivates me. It was such an exciting time. Industry and innovation were changing the world in remarkable ways. Machines were revolutionizing work on the farm and at home, as well as spawning factories that would transform the work force.

I love the exuberance and the optimism that came with all the new inventions. What I don't like so well were the pervasive social restrictions on women, but I believe there were feisty females who thrived even under those trying circumstances. I've written about a few of them in my novels, THE BELLY DANCER and DANCING AT THE CHANCE.

And when it comes to Christmas, the Victorians set the standard. According to Historic-UK.com, it was during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901) that Britons, and subsequently Americans, first discovered Santa Claus, received time off work to celebrate, hung Christmas stockings and sent Christmas cards.

Queen Victoria also popularized the Christmas tree, which had been a mostly German tradition and much loved by the Queen's German husband, Prince Albert.

Decorating the Christmas tree is the tradition I love best because each ornament is like a crucible of memories. I love taking my time unwrapping them, and then placing them in just the perfect spot on the tree. And it's always a tradition in our house to add a new ornament to the collection each year, one that reflects a special moment like our wedding day or the birth of our daughter. I love knowing that all these memories are close as we celebrate this wonderful time of year.

Do you have a favorite tradition, too? I'd love to hear about it. Please share it in the comments section.

DeAnna Cameron is a history buff,  bustle lover, and author of two romantic historicals set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras: THE BELLY DANCER and DANCING AT THE CHANCE. Learn more at www.deannacameron.com.

Katharine Britton: The Buttercup Principle: Where is the line between fiction and non-fiction?

The first question people generally ask me about my novel, HER SISTER'S SHADOW, is, "Do you have sisters?" I don't. The story is not autobiographical. It is fictional. Some elements in the story, however, are not.

My mother had sisters and lived in a big house overlooking Sandy Cove on Boston's South Shore. This served as the inspiration for my novel. The rest of the story I culled from my imagination. Or so I believed. (Authors of fiction often hear from readers, "That exact thing happened to me." Or, "The new house in the empty lot? That's mine!" as one of my readers told me. Both the house and empty lot I thought I had made up.)

Much of what fiction writers imagine begins with observation and investigation. If I don't remember what a yacht club looks like inside, I go look at one. Then I change details to accommodate my story. Like most writers, I carry a notebook in which I jot down unusual outfits, novel settings, and off-beat ideas or exchanges. All are non-fiction, right? But, if I put that odd outfit on someone else; relocate the street, beach house, or meadow; attribute the comment to a fictional character, do they then become fiction?

"Lie like an eye-witness," I read somewhere and now pass along to the students in my memoir classes. I tell them that it is okay to make up certain details, even dialogue, so long as the author stays true to the "facts," i.e., the events as she remembers them. One of my students was writing about a childhood summer at her grandfather's farm. There was a calf on the farm. Emboldened by my message, she wrote, "I think her name was Buttercup." In fact, she did not remember the calf's name. Did that matter? Not to me. As long as her grandfather had a farm and on that farm there was a calf, giving the calf a name only increased my enjoyment and allowed me to form an even clearer mental image. Thus was born "The Buttercup Principle."

But I sometimes wonder how many Buttercup moments a book of non-fiction can have before it should be classified as fiction? And how much of one's fiction has to be "made up" to qualify as fiction?

Where do you think the line should fall between fiction and non-fiction? And why does it matter?

Leave a comment for a chance to win one of three signed copies of Her Sister’s Shadow. 

Katharine

***Katharine's winners are Cathy Shouse, Na and Chrisbails!  Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and mailing address!***

How do you wrap an ebook? And Advent Calendar Day 2

I’ve been writing for a long time. My very first ever short story was written way back when – when I was at school  - and I was active in the Girl  Guides. I went in for my ‘Writer’ badge’  back then – I passed the test and got to sew the badge on my uniform sleeve. (I don’t think there is such a badge any more which is a pity.) Some month’s later I wrote another story – the title was Ghosts odf The Past – and I sent that up to  Guide magazine.  It was about a girl who went into an old deserted house and thought she had seen some ghosts who haunted it but they turned out to be a group from the local amateur drama group who were practising their current production, dressed in historical costumes. To my delight they published it in the magazine  and made it my first ever published piece of work.   That was the start of a long career as a writer – 2013 will see my 61^st new title (A Throne For The Taking)  published in June, 29 years  after my very first book The Chalk Line was published by Mills & Boon.  

One of the most interesting developments in my  long career has been the arrival – and huge success  - of ebooks and the way that now so many books are sold in this form.  I have a kindle and I love it. I can carry so many books around with me, with no trouble,  and I don’t have to worry about storage. But sometimes I do miss the reality of a ‘real’ book . I think I feel this now, with Christmas  coming close  and so many  family and friends asking ‘what would you like for Christmas ‘   or me asking the same question in reverse.  There are so many books I’d love to have to read, but not all of them are likely to ne ‘keepers’   the sort I’d like to have actual copies on my bookshelves.  My husband, friends have kindles too and I would love to gift them books – but how do you wrap an ebook? (I have to admit that on Christmas day a large proportion of the books under our tree are book-shaped. That’s because they are books – and that rectangular shape is so easy to wrap!).

Then there are the books that I’ve read recently  - and  would love to share with friends I now will love them.  There was  Pushing the Limits that I talked about last month, I know my son’s fiancée will enjoy that. Or  One Breath Away  a book that I know would grip my sister as it did me – but neither of these people have ebook readers  so I’d need to buy them a print copy so they could read it.

And then there are my own ‘oldies’ – the books I wrote  that  were published  ten or more years ago  and that have now been reissued as  part of the Harlequin  Treasury or Mills & Boon Vintage – I know several  people who would love to have copies of these to add to or even complete their Kate Walker collections but again the ebook form is tricky to give as a surprise  or even to put in a Christmas stocking!  I suppose I could give them a ‘voucher’ – ‘I promise to give you a copy of The Groom’s Revenge or Hers For a Night . . .'  But it isn’t quite the same is it?

So what do you do?  Do you  buy and wrap a print edition of  a book you know someone wants – or  download it for them on Christmas morning?  And if there’s something you want to read – would you rather have the Kindle edition – or a gift-wrapped  parcel  under the tree on Christmas morning?

Or perhaps there are  books that you don’t mind having two copies of – one as an ebook for convenience and one in print form for the pleasure of owning  the ‘real’ book?  I confess that I have some of those too – a complete collection of Dorothy Dunnett (her books are so bug they weigh a ton so reading is much   easier on my kindle) or Mary Stewart  where my print copies are treasured first editions.

If you’ve  visited my personal blog recently, you’ll  have seen that  from December 1^st I’m running my annual Advent Calendar giveaway – it’s a way of getting to know my lovely readers better. Every day I ask a question,  one for you to answer  in the comments section – and each day there is a special prize book give away – and old book or a newer one, a collection   . . .

Yesterday the prize on my blog was the 3 in 1 Collection Mediterranean  Tycoons – that’s still open if you want a chance to win.   And today’s prize is the 2008 title Bedded By The Greek Billionaire –

Taken for passion. . . or ruthless retribution?

As a naïve teenager, Jessica Marshall fell achingly in love with a gorgeous Greek – Angelos Rousakis.

But her clumsy attempt at attracting his attention cost Angelos everything.

Seven years later, Angelos Rousakis is back. Hard and powerful, he intends to claim what is his – and that includes Jessica. However the once innocent girl now pretends that she feels nothing for him. . . which only inflames his passion for her further. . .

As Jessica falls for the sexy billionaire all over again, she cannot be sure - Is he back for passion . . . or retribution?

This book was a Romantic Times Top Pick.

 So just tell me how you’ll be buying/reading books this Christmas and your name will go into the prize draw for Charlie the Maine  Coon to pick a winner (that's him at the top of this post getting ready to pick some winners  - when he's opened his own Advent Calendar for today!)  and you’re in with a chance of winning an extra Christmas gift from me.

Good luck!  - And come back and visit my blog everyday until Christmas Eve to have another chance at the Advent Calendar prizes. There will be a new one on offer every day!

And the winner is  - MARTHA!  Martha please email me - kate AT kate-walker dot com with your postal address and I'll put your copy of Bedded By The Greek Billionaire in the mail to you.
Everyone who didn't win - don't forget that the Advent Calendar giveaway continues over on my personal blog  from now until December 24th, with lots of books to give away.

Christmas Shopping - Yes, It's that time already!

Christmas at the Galeries LaFayette, Paris

Sh. In case you hadn't realised, it's that time of year again. The time when people warn you helpfully how close it is to Christmas and you start to panic about what to get everyone. I have an easy answer to that - books! But still, the pressure is on to come up with the perfect gift, whether home made or bought.

So, knowing what a stressful time it is I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite Christmas shopping places - only recently discovered because, frankly, they aren't located too close to where I live. I don't usually shop here but they made me smile, despite the crowds, and I hope they make you smile too.

Outside the Galeries LaFayette in Paris

I'm sharing two department store experiences. First up is the Galeries LaFayette in Paris. Multiple, multiple floors of outlets selling everything to diamonds and designer handbags to gourmet snacks and clothes. It had the most enormous Christmas tree I'd ever seen indoors and probably more people than I'd ever seen indoors in one place. As for the pavement out the front - it was packed with people and we just got swept along with the crowd.

It's not the place for a little bargain, but for window shopping or drooling (discreetly of course). It's fabulous. Above it all is a beautifully coloured glass dome ceiling which is elegant and amazing. The huge space even seemed to absorb the constant hum of desperate Christmas shoppers. So if you want elegance, this one does it in style. It's on any tourist list of places to see in Paris and easy to get to.

My other department store treat was KaDeWe - a similarly enormous store in Berlin. In fact I'm told it's the biggest store in Europe, though I haven't checked that fact. I wouldn't be surprised. I went for a browse and what a treat. Again, it had the most wonderful luxury items - the sort of things that don't even feature in the town where I live. The jewellery and fashion sections were amazing but if you just stopped there you'd miss a lot.

Christmas for the discerning dog? KaDeWe, Berlin

I was lucky enough to visit when I wasn't in a panic to find last minute gifts, so I had time to notice some of the quirkier bits and pieces. How about these lederhosen (leather shorts held up by a bib and braces), embroidered with edelweiss? I'm sure that would make some pooch happy. And the beautiful porcelain dog bowls were amazing too. I knew the Germans loved their dogs but this put things in a whole new light!

And of course there were gifts for people as well. These designer art pieces were eye-catching and fun and unlike anything I'd ever seen before. The whole display of crazy animals just made me smile. I love the crocodile at the front of the photo, with his mouth open wide.

For someone who has everything

Strangely, despite all the temptations, it was the top floor we lingered in. The top floor is the food court. It had every delicacy you could imagine, through meats and cheeses and wines to...well, you name it. We got lost several times on that floor alone, and I wished I'd had a lot more room in my luggage so I could indulge.

Perhaps the best thing about upmarket department store shopping (even if it's window shopping), is relaxing in the on-premises coffee shop to rest the feet. KaDeWe was no exception. We passed up the chance for oysters and seafood. Instead we chose from the coffee and cake selection. Even that took us fifteen minutes of careful browsing!

Finishing with afternoon tea

Here's an example of what was on offer - raspberry crumble pie and fantastic coffee. I'm not sure if you can see it, but the fresh raspberry on top of the pie had edible gold leaf on top - just to make the eating experience more of an experience! Not your average coffee shop, that's for sure.

Back home again and I doubt I'll be buying things like these on my Christmas shopping excursions. My aim will be to think carefully, write a list or two and try to do my shopping quickly and methodically, avoiding the crowds. I wonder if I'll manage it? I know that if anyone were to offer me coffee and cake as good as these along the way, I'd be only too happy to indulge.

How about you? Are you looking forward to Christmas shopping? Do you get a buzz out of finding the right gift? Or is it all too hard? Will you shop at a department store or somewhere smaller or maybe even make your own gifts this year? Do you have a favourite place you like to shop?


In the spirit of Christmas cheer, I will give away a signed copy of my latest book DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY to someone who leaves a comment. If you leave a post, drop by again tomorrow to see if you've won.


And if you're still wondering what to buy people for Christmas - how about a romance? 'Defying Her Desert Duty' is available now from The Book Depository (with free postage), or for new year reading there's 'Captive in the Spotlight' (this link is to the North American version, out in February, as it includes an extra full length story 'Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife' for free). To find out more about either book, drop by Annie's website for more detail and some tantalising excerpts.