WIP Wednesday

February 18, 2009 WIP Wednesday

A while back I looked at one of those stunningly productive author’s website.  Her work-in-process list scrolled on with more than a dozen titles.

I thought what an amazing mind she must have to keep all those different story threads alive.

Now that I’ve been at this a bit longer, I’m thinking maybe she simply suffered from the better idea syndrome.  This frequently afflicts me.  Just recently, I was tidying up the last of the Christmas story, ready to set it on the shelf so I could rush off to work on another futuristic romance when what should wander into my already over-crowded brain, but a new thought about how my conflicted lovers resolved their issues.

So, I returned to the Christmas tale for another ten days.  Now, it really is resting, finally.  How disciplined are you?  Do you stick to your plan or improvise when inspiration strikes?

Teaser Tuesday

February 17, 2009 Teaser Tuesday

An unedited excerpt from Pirate Rules

She scanned the crowd with eager interest, hoping to catch another glimpse of the smoldering hottie.

Aware her odds of success decreased in direct ratio to the rogue’s hunk factor, she optimistically searched for her dream man anyway.

Why not try for the best?

But, screening of the bodies crowding the bar confirmed the bad news, no loose hunky pirate.

Everyone seemed paired off already. No one’s fault but hers for letting Smiley’s intimidation keep her from playing Treasure Hunt game earlier. Her rumbling stomach reminded her she missed out on the crab feed too.

A rapidly moving waitress disappeared into the crowd with a full tray of gaily-colored cocktails with lime wedges, cherries, and miniature umbrellas. The pretty drinks made Zara thirsty as well as hungry.

“What’s your pleasure, Miss?” the bartender asked with a friendly smile.

“What kind of drinks were in those hurricane glasses over there?” She waved toward the decorated cocktails.

“Those are Caribbean Cruises, Miss. They’re very popular with the ladies.”

Zara hesitated for a bare second. “I’ll have one of those, please.”
“Do you want to run a tab? Or…”

While she was considering her options, the smoldering hottie she noticed earlier wedged in next to her, claiming a previously nonexistent space. Then he gave her a thorough going over from her well-groomed hair to her cute sandals.

Apparently, she’d passed inspection because he tipped his head toward her in a brief nod of approval.

“Add it to my bill and bring us a plate of coconut shrimp too, and another Long John Silver, thanks, pal.” The intriguing pirate placed his order with an engagingly crooked grin.

“Thank you,” she said, swiveling toward her benefactor.

A seductive pair of dark eyes met hers, making the lively bar scene fade into oblivion. This close, the man intoxicated her senses.

He was so near a faint trace of bleach from his shirt mingled with scents of sandalwood and clean man.The heat emanating from all those hard muscles warmed her skin. She tried to swallow, but found her mouth suddenly too dry.

The bartender placed her pastel drink neatly in front of her and she leaned in for a fortifying sip.

Casually, she checked out the hunk through lowered lashes.
Like Smiley, the man with the sinful voice was dressed as a pirate. But on him, the costume worked.

Her smile spread a little wider with relief as she realized the costume meant he had to work for the cruise line. Maybe, he was one of the cooks, since she was positive she hadn’t seen him on deck. She would have remembered.

A good head taller than her lanky five eight frame, and much broader, he made her feel positively dainty a novel but pleasing experience. His open-necked white shirt framed a nicely rippled chest with a good sprinkling of curling black hair. Well-worn pants disappeared into supple leather boots. His waist was bound by a faded red silk wrap, complete with a wickedly authentic looking knife, tucked into the fabric. Dark curls swirled to his shoulders, providing the perfect frame for heartbreaker-eyes and the devil’s own mouth. At least one day’s growth of beard darkened his jaw. A rap-star sized diamond winked from his left ear.

“Razor Brinks,” he said, holding out a hand.

She accepted the offer to shake, darn near forgetting who she was as his warm grip engulfed her.“Zara Sterling,” she managed to say her name. Then, because her tongue was faster than her brain, she asked. “What kind of name is Razor Brinks?”

“Mine, Sweetheart,” he drawled, taking her hand and brushing a thrilling kiss across her knuckles, and then rubbing the spot that continued tingling long after his mouth had departed.

Music Monday

February 16, 2009 Music Monday

Bang Your Head

I love me some tortured heroes ….

Sunday funnies

February 15, 2009 Sunday funnies

HUSBANDS FOR SALE

A store that sells husbands has just opened in Dallas, TX, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates: You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch… you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman entered the Husband Store to find a husband… On the first floor the sign on the door read, Floor 1 -These men have jobs.

The second floor sign read, Floor 2 – These men have jobs and love kids.

The third floor sign read, Floor 3 – These men have jobs, love kids, and are extremely good looking. Wow, the shopper thought, but felt compelled to keep going.

On the fourth floor the sign read, Floor 4 – These men have jobs, love kids, are drop-dead good looking, and help with the housework.

“Oh, mercy me!” she said, “I can hardly stand it!”

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads, Floor 5 – These men have jobs, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor. The sign reads, Floor 6 – You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Please watch your step as you exit the building. Have a nice day!

A new wives store opened across the street.

The first floor has wives that love sex.

The second floor has wives that love sex and have money.

The third through sixth floors have never been visited.

Six-Pack Saturday

February 14, 2009 Six-Pack Saturday

This will sound hokey, but since it is Valentines Day I figure you handle some mushy stuff.

So, here are six things that say I love you–

1) Listening, really actively listening to you friend, your lover, your child, or whoever is important in your life

2) Touching, hugs, a handshake, a pat on the shoulder–love comes in lots of flavors don’t miss out on any of them

3) Talking, open your heart tell them why they’re special to you

4) Take care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat your veggies, drink water, exercise, clean and baby your body–you’re worth it.

5) Learn something new, taste something different, try something you’ve never done–go ahead what are you waiting for?

6) Love, reach out be the first to say it, love unconditionally, love unwisely, love yourself, and love well

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Fan Girl Friday

February 13, 2009 Fan Girl Friday

Last Friday, I posted about what makes stories work for me, (you can find the post here).

Danielle asked about my favorite books.  Over the years that list has grown and changed.  But, for the moment here it is–in no particular order, but starting with romance.

Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens

Book one of the Cynster Series (regency romance) and still my favorite.

Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson

Her first published work, a contemporary love story unlike any other.

Morning Glory, by LaVeryle  Spencer

Tortured souls, brave enough to overcome all odds for a love that was meant to be.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

A simply perfect historical romance.

The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer

Heyer didn’t write anything bad, but this one is very special.

The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne

A fresh voice, elegant prose, and sensual romance.

Anybody But You, by Jennifer Crusie

Yes, she has many more recent books even stories with plots by this one has Fred and I’m a sucker for bad dog.

To Have and To Hold by Patricia Gaffney

Historical romance with tortured characters and dangerous games-for me it was a given.

MacKenzie’s Mountain, by Linda Howard

IMHO the best thing she’s written so far.  A simply perfect contemporary romance.  Wolf MacKenzie is to-die-for but it is unlikely heroine Mary Elizabeth who really sells the story.

Texas Destiny by Lorraine Heath

The perfect western romance.  A nervous mail order bride arrives to marry the man she’s corresponded with, due to an accident his wounded barely civil brother is dispatched to meet her train… It’s a long trip back to the ranch.

Untouched by Anna Campbell

Yet another slant on the endlessly fascinating regency romance.  Tortured hero, determined heroine, vile relatives.  Great stuff.

Forever Blue, by Suzanne Brockmann

The whole tall dark and dangerous series was wonderful but the first three stand out in my mind and this one most of all.

Splendid, by Julia Quinn

Ms. Quinn’s first regency–more complicated and darker than her later work.

Annie’s Song by Catherine Anderson

One of those books that has always stayed with me.  Ms. Anderson’s heroes tend to be too good to be believed but her heroines….

Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster

Of all the enjoyable stories Ms. Foster has shared, this one holds it’s favorite status easily.

Flowers From The Storm, by Laura Kinsale

Another perfect regency romance.

Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught

Highstrung heroines and dark heroes, generous helpings of angst all around–a historical that has a permanent spot of affection.

The Dark Highlander, by Karen Marie Moning

The perfect blend of dark and tortured time travel.

The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

A thick book that opened new horizons with a love story spanning time itself.

Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs

An enchanting contemporary, a hero in hiding, a woman equal to healing him.

The Leopard Prince by  Elizabeth Hoyt

Forbidden love between a lady and commoner set in the regency era.

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

A near-future world where changlings, psys, and humans share an alternate reality.  Ms. Singh writes sensual and absorbing stories.

Everything by J.R. Ward, but start with Dark Lover….

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is the perfect answer for lovers of dark fantasy romance.  I simply pray she lives long and continues to write.

I’ll move on to thrillers, mysteries, and  general fiction next….

Tell me about your favorites…

Life in the secret garden

February 12, 2009 Life in the secret garden

The white hellabores are shyer and less enthusiastic about seeding, hence they tend to have most clumps with only a few blooms.  Naturally, they are my favorites.

There is something perverse about most gardeners we yearn for the elusive, or worse the impossible, specimens.

Are you sensible and happy with what is readily available? Or are you strivings for mythical perfection?

WIP Wednesday

February 11, 2009 WIP Wednesday

I have a question for all of my clever readers.  When crafting a deliciously  tortured protagonist’s  background, it’s common to have a defining incident in their past.

In my reading, it is even more common for the heroes to have accepted blame for tragedies they couldn’t possible have prevented.

Which brings me to my question, what if the story’s main character was truly at fault?  Let’s make this tougher, making their mistake fatal for another, innocent, person.   Does this make the hero fatally unsympathetic?

Teaser Tuesday

February 10, 2009 Teaser Tuesday

Unedited excerpt from Dalila’s Choice, coming in March from New Concepts Publishing.
Dalila roused from her artificially induced state of suspended animation, to her great relief, she felt no different than if she’d had a restful night’s sleep.

She’d been facing an honorable, but dull, life of service as a sentry for the Belle Amity compound, she’d been both thrilled and terrified to be chosen to make the perilous journey to Enyo.

Carrying out the critical mission for the sisterhood was a high honor.

Now, actually in orbit around the beautiful planet, she was as excited as a child before feast days. Studying the green and white orb, which was currently projected on her viewing screen, she was awed by its beauty and eager to discover its secrets.

After completing her mission, Goddess willing, and with a bit of luck, there would be time for her to explore the lush new world. Enyo was so very different from the barren expanses of Earth, where only the shelter of the compound provided a safe haven.

Switching to an alternate view, which showed the thermal heat patterns indicative of population density. She noted Enyo had only a few areas showing either signs of industrialization or human habitation. There was only one probable urban center. Most of the planet remained virgin territory.

She began charting a course for the outskirts of the densest population center, reasoning that it would contain the government officials she needed to meet in order to establish a working relationship and open negotiations.

Landing slightly away from the urban center would give her a chance to do some reconnaissance before actual contact with the dangerous men of Enyo.

By all accounts, warriors were not friendly or even peaceful. Mother Marian had held different views and she was indisputably wise. Still, none of the sisters had any recent knowledge of the patriarchal civilization and much could change over a few millennia.

Dalila vowed to keep an open mind and watch her back.

Straightening her spine, she reminded herself that she was disciple of the Belle Amity Sisterhood with much to offer another culture. Surely, even the if the warrior or Enyo were aggressive they would be intelligent enough to value the collective’s gifts.

“Artificial satellite approaching on our present course collision will occur in five minutes,” the ship’s computer announced in its calm mechanical voice.

“Correct course to widen gap,” she replied and smiled to herself at the confirmation she’d just received of intelligent life on the planet below. No doubt, she would soon be contacted to identify herself.

A ship-killing blast hit her small craft without warning.

So much for dealing with reasonable, rational, and intelligent men. Before she’d even picked herself up off the deck, the computer began droning on about system failures.

Alarms sounded, small electric fires sprang to life. There was hissing, sparking, and more smoke than was good for an oxygen breather made the cabin atmosphere increasingly hazardous.

Activating the fire suppressor system one-handed, Dalila frantically over-rode the course she’d plotted earlier, heading for the least populous area of the planet she could find.

Hastily, she strapped herself into her pilot’s seat as the ship entered Enyo’s atmosphere.

For a few moments, the shuttle tumbled wildly. She tried to correct the orientation with a light touch on the sluggish thruster engines.

With each attempt at halting the dangerous spinning, her tension increased until her hand trembled on the thruster control lever and sweat rolled down her spine.

When she’d finally managed to right the craft, a sigh of relief escaped.

Without the reinforced base deflecting the extreme heat of entry, the ship would’ve disintegrated prior to touch down. Even with the heat shields on, the outer skin reached dangerous temperatures.

The heat passed the structure’s tolerance level, setting off new alarms as the small vessel hurtled toward the planet’s surface with frightening speed.

The damaged thrusters slowed the craft marginally. Then they refused to respond no matter how she coaxed or pushed them. Dropping through the atmosphere at a stomach knotting velocity, the shuttle splashed down.

The liquid pressing against the shuttle’s viewers, confirmed the wet entry.

But, no amount of rationalizing could erase her fear of the sea. There was no telling how far she was from land. The height of the waves eliminated any view of the surrounding area.

The ships computer chanted, “Fatal error, immediate system restore required.” The warning sounded over and over again.

Music Monday

February 9, 2009 Music Monday

Hot N Cold

The video tickles me…. Besides, I like a heroine with attitude.