Villains

 

           How do you feel about multiple Points of View in novels? Do you like just the hero and heroine? Hero, heroine and villain? Scenes from every important character in the story?

The reason I ask: I just received comments from one of my critique partners for the latest chapter in my current work in progress and she suggested that I write a few scenes from the villain’s Point of View.  

              Villains, real and imagined, have been portrayed in print and film throughout history. Some were so evil, we dare not think of them. Some not so much. There was even a movie called The Villain, a western comedy with Kirk Douglas, Arnold Schwartzenegger and Ann-Margret…it was a hoot! That villain was funny!

            I have written from the villain’s POV before and enjoyed it. In Touch the Flame, the villain was a man obsessed with possessing a fabulous diamond that was both cursed and blessed…and he didn’t care who got in his way.  In A Treasure Worth Keeping, I wrote not from the villain’s POV, but from his henchman—Porkchop—a poor, misguided chap who reminded me of Smee from Peter Pan. He was terrified of his captain and ended up falling in love with the heroine….but I digress.

            A villain can be a great character, the perfect foil for what the hero and heroine are going through, perhaps even the reason they are thrown together in the first place. He can be portrayed in so many ways and if done right, we may even feel empathy for him (or her)…like Porkchop.

            But I hesitate. In my current work in progress, my villain is off-stage. We never see him commit a crime. We don’t know why he does what he does, either, but we suspect and we wonder. We see and feel the aftermath of the crime in the emotions the hero and heroine experience…and we know, in the end, justice will prevail so do I want to write scenes from this villain’s point of view and give him a chance to explain why he is the way he is?

            At this point, I’m not sure. What would you do? Is the villain’s point of view important to you?

As always, happy reading!

Marie

Crimson Romance Time After Time Bundled Set, Part 2

Still overjoyed being part of this awesome collection of historical romances. As promised, here is Part 2 of the bundled package called Time after Time from Crimson Romance.

Lady Broke by Rachel Donnelly

 East meets west when a high-principled Boston socialite teams up with a revenge driven bounty hunter to catch a gang of outlaws in the wilds of Nevada.

It’s tough being a witness when the last one turned up dead. But Christie Wallace is determined to bring the Everett gang to justice. Unfortunately, the law can’t protect her from pistol-toting outlaws or the intoxicating lure of a dangerous man. But, after escaping the suffocating prospects of an arranged marriage, she has no intention of allowing her heart to rule her head, even when temptation comes in the form of an incorrigible lawman named Nat Randall.

Dead or alive—it made no difference to Nat Randall. He’d tried to bring the Everett gang to trial once before, but the law let him down. It seems frontier justice is all he has left. But he didn’t count on protecting a bewitching Easterner whose courageous spirit challenges him as much as her beauty distracts. It’s not long before he’s torn between pursuing her or the outlaws.

A timeless, rollicking adventure of unlikely lovers, set in the Wild West.

Author Bio: Rachel Donnelly is an RWA Golden Heart and Golden Pen finalist. She lives in Canada with her husband, two children and one crazy cat. Learn more about her at http://author-racheldonnelly.blogspot.ca/, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

How To Wed An Earl by Ivory Lei

Having regained his fortune, Lucas, Earl of Ravenstone, has to marry in order to keep it. Luckily, he won’t have to search for a wife—he’s known her name since their marriage was arranged in their youth. To fulfill his duty, he travels far from London Society to claim a fiancée who would no doubt be thrilled at the prospect of finally being able to use his name and become his countess.

Penelope Maitland has already been using Lucas’s name—to fend off her stepfamily’s creditors. After wasting decades waiting for him, she reckons it’s only fair she gets something out of her long-standing betrothal before she hears Lucas has married someone else.

When they accidentally meet in a coaching inn, she finds herself fighting dangerous girlhood fantasies about marrying the man of her dreams who broke her heart with his apparent lack of interest. And Lucas finds that in order to keep his fortune, he will have to lose his heart to a woman who is tired of waiting for him.

Author Bio: Ivory was born in the Philippines and lives in Carlisle, United Kingdom, with her husband and their perpetually hungry canine. She’d love to hear from you. Contact her through www.ivorythewriter.wordpress.com or through her Twitter handle @ivory_lei.

 The Reluctant Debutante by Becky Lower

In 1855 New York, Ginger Fitzpatrick has absolutely no interest in taking part in the newest rage in America – the Cotillion Ball. Instead, Ginger would rather be rallying for women’s rights – at least until she meets her brother’s best friend from St. Louis, a dark mysterious man named Joseph Lafontaine, who ignites her passion and makes her question if love and marriage is such a ridiculous notion after all.

What she and the rest of New York’s high society don’t realize is that Joseph is half Ojibwa Indian, and therefore, totally unsuitable for marriage to a fine, cultured young lady.

In this Edith Wharton meets Julia Quinn tale, a young woman rebels against high society and opts for a life in which she creates her own set of rules.

Author Bio: Ever since submitting her first screenplay to Bonanza at age twelve, Becky Lower has had a love affair with the American west. Since personal time travel is out of the question, she pursues her passion by writing about it. Becky is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and lives in Oberlin, Ohio with her dog, Mary.

Love’s Destiny by Elizabeth Meyette

 When Emily Wentworth’s father dies at sea, her father’s friend—and Emily’s appointed guardian—Jonathon Brentwood arrives at her home in London to take her with him to the colonies. Emily, just 17, has decided that she is fully capable of taking care of herself and sets out to prove that to her new guardian.

Emily’s one chance to remain in London is to marry, but when the opportunity arises, she knows she would rather follow Jonathon across an ocean to a land in upheaval than to stay safely in London.

But Jonathon’s involvement in patriot activity against England disturbs—and threatens—Emily, a loyal subject of the king. The colonial rebellion is the backdrop for misunderstanding, fear, mistrust, and danger. Will love’s destiny ensure that Emily and Jonathon stay together, even in the face of death?

 Author Bio: Elizabeth Meyette’s love of books was ignited when her older sister read Goldilocks and the Three Bears to her. That passion grew into a career as an English teacher, media specialist, poet and author. She is fortunate to live in Michigan with her beloved husband, Richard, where they are inspired by their walks along the beautiful Great Lakes.

A Treasure Worth Keeping by Marie Patrick

Caralyn McCreigh has always believed in three things: that her father, Daniel, would never force her into marriage; she could have a story book romance with a man who sweeps her off her feet and a loving marriage like her parents share; and in the existence of the legendary lost treasure, Izzy’s Fortune. When Daniel tells her that her marriage has been arranged, all her beliefs are shattered and she does exactly as he hopes she will do – she embarks on a quest to find Izzy’s Fortune, believing Queen Isabella’s treasure will buy her out of a marriage she doesn’t want to a man she doesn’t know or love. And who better to help her than Captain Trey, the infamous treasure hunter?

Tristan Youngblood, Captain of the Adventurer and future Earl of Winterbourne, would much rather sail the oceans and search for lost treasure than settle down and take over the reins of the Winterbourne estates, but when he receives news that his future has been decided for him, he knows he has no choice. He has no qualms against marriage itself but having witnessed the misery of his parent’s union, he does not desire the same for himself but instead of rushing home to England to court the woman who is to become his wife, Tristan accepts Caralyn’s proposal and embarks on one last grand adventure to search for Izzy’s Fortune

Author Bio: Marie Patrick lives in beautiful, sunny Arizona with her husband and amazing fur-babies. She loves to hear from her readers. Find Marie Patrick at www.mariepatrick.com or email her at Akamariep@aol.com.

As always, happy reading!
Marie

The Writing Process

     If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years by joining a writer’s group, going to workshops and conferences, is that every author does things differently. I also learned that no one way is the right way and authors should go about the writing process in whatever way they are comfortable.

     Let’s take heroes and heroines, for example. There are authors who struggle over their names. Does the name convey everything about the hero and heroine the author wants it to? I understand this. You wouldn’t want to name your heroine something sweet and delicate (like Pansy) if she is a Tomboy. Or maybe you want to just so you can show her true personality. Same goes for the hero.
     What color eyes do they have? What color hair? Where did they grow up? Brothers and sisters or only child? Are the folks still alive or were they orphaned at an early age? What kind of clothes does she like to wear (and before you can answer this, you must know when your characters were born and if your novel is contemporary or historical)? Frilly and bedecked with bows and ribbons? Or sleek and professional?  
     I’ve known authors who use the Zodiac to help define their characters. I’ve known authors who interview their characters. Some authors create an entire storyboard, gathering pictures of what their characters look like and some authors….well, you get the picture. Each and every one of us is different and we use what works.
       I must be incredibly lucky or incredibly stupid (the jury is still out on that one), but I don’t struggle nearly as much. My heroes and heroines start talking to me—usually out of the blue, scaring me to death, but I’ve gotten used to that over the years. Sometimes they tell me their names—and it usually fits them perfectly—sometimes not—while they’re telling me their history and why I need to write their story. Once I’ve become comfortable with the voices in my head (no, please don’t commit me….I’ve heard that other writers hear voices in their heads and they’re perfectly sane), I may catch a glimpse of them—alone or together—out of the corner of my eye and I can see what they look like because you know, they don’t tell me while they’re talking to me (although I did clearly see Hugh Jackman for Tristan in A Treasure Worth Keeping and Tom Selleck for Austin in Angel in the Moonlight).
     So this is my method. Be it right or wrong, good or bad, it works for me.
      Who is your favorite hero or heroine?

As always, happy reading!

Marie

Procrastinating Again!

     I’ve done it again. Procrastinated and waited until the last minute to write this post….again, because I had difficulty finding a topic (I know! Can you believe that? Even my weekly trip to the grocery did not inspire me.) One would think this wouldn’t happen, but alas, it does.

     I could tell you that A Treasure Worth Keeping (which came out in ebook in December) is now in print — Whoooo-hooo!

     I could wax poetic about the weather here in beautiful sunny Phoenix. It’s been gorgeous, but we hit 100 degrees the other day and I admit, I was not quite ready for that. I love winter in the valley – summers not so much (by the time October comes and I get that first smell of briskness in the air, I feel a lot like a sun-dried, wilted flower).

     I could tell you that I hit the jackpot and picked up nine new books to read (that’s not counting what I’ve recently downloaded to my Kindle) – some from my favorite authors, others from authors I haven’t yet read but I’m sure will become favorites.

     I could tell you that I’m hooked on two new shows on television – one is Salem, about the witch trials which I’m finding very interesting….love the costumes. The other is Black Box.

     I could tell you that this past weekend, I became the “Shredding Queen”, filling bags and bags with old papers I’ve allowed to accumulate (I could have a parade – I have enough confetti now!).

     I could tell you that I’m working on two novels at the same time. One is a western (because I love my cowboys), the other is an adventure (yes, they’re both romances). And both are kicking my butt (I should be working on them right now, but again, I am procrastinating!)

     And that’s all right. After all, procrastination is the subject of this post but I think I’ve dragged my feet long enough….time to put my nose to the grindstone and get to it!

     So, what have you put off simply because, truthfully, you just didn’t want to do it? And how do you talk yourself out of procrastinating and getting on with it? 

As always, happy reading!

Marie

Interview with Marie Patrick and a Giveaway

Alexis: Today we have Historical Romance author and fellow Happily Ever After Thoughts blogger, Marie Patrick who has just released A Treasure Worth Keeping.

So Marie, what has been the best piece of advice you ever received for your writing career?

Marie: The best advice? Never give up. Ever.

Alexis: What was the funniest thing you did wrong when you first started writing?

Marie:  Oh my gosh….the biggest thing I did wrong as a new writer was head hop…not sure if that’s the funniest, but yeah, it was the biggest. I was quite talented though….I could head hop three times in one sentence! I don’t do that anymore….at least I don’t think I do!

Alexis: No, you don't. I checked :-) Do your pets help with your writing or distract?

Marie: Both! I have two dogs…rather big dogs…..for the most part, they stay on the futon behind me while I write, either sleeping or hanging on every word I say but when Schatzie gets it into her head she wants to play, well, it’s pretty hard to distract her from that. She’ll shove her toys (any toy) at me or toss it at me (believe it or not, she has good aim) or sweep her nose up under my hand so I’ll pet her. 

Alexis: What was your first writer’s conference?

Marie:  My first writer’s conference was Desert Dreams here in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, back in 2002. Meeting authors for the first time was such a pleasure….I admit, I was such a fan girl (still am and I still love to meet authors!).  The whole experience was wonderful….so many people generously sharing their knowledge. Oh my gosh! I learned so much and I am so grateful.

Alexis: Speaking of fellow writers, what do you think everyone should know about your critique partner?

Marie:  I have two critique partners (I know! I’m so lucky!) and they are both wonderful. Warm. Beautiful, inside and out. Thoughtful. Truthful. Absolutely brilliant and so supportive. 

Alexis: Wow. So what do you think everyone should know about your husband?

Marie: All my heroes are based on him. We’ve been together for a long time and he’s always supported my writing. He bought me my first electric typewriter way back in 1981. We were so young and just starting out and we really couldn’t afford it, but he believed in me….I used that typewriter for years!)

Alexis: Aw, that is so sweet. Of all the books you’ve written, which is your favorite character?

Marie: My favorite character? Well, one would assume it’s one of my heroes or heroines, but they’d be wrong. It’s actually Sarge, the dog from A Good Man For Katie. His traits and actions were actually a compilation of all the dogs I’ve loved and he was such fun to write.

Alexis: I absolutely loved Sarge and I'm a cat lover! Thank you so much for chatting with us today in addition to your regular posts here.

For a chance to win a copy of A Good Man for Katie, leave a comment for Marie below.

Excerpt from A Treasure Worth Keeping

Music, raucous laughter, and light spilled onto the street as soon as Tristan Youngblood, captain of the Adventurer, opened the door of the Salty Dog. He stood still for a moment and let the atmosphere of his favorite tavern in Charleston wash over him.     

The Adventurer’s crew filled the room with the exception of Coop, who stood watch aboard ship, and Jemmy, Tristan’s son, who was too young to join in the celebration. A more trustworthy, patient, experienced group of men he’d never find. He loved and respected them all, found comfort in their company, and trusted them with his life—and his secret. To the world, he was Captain Trey, treasure hunter. To those who shared his confidence, he was Tristan Youngblood, Lord Ravensley.

They had reason to celebrate this night, even if he did not. After months and months of searching, they’d found the legendary lost treasure of the Sierra Magdalena, a Spanish galleon savagely torn apart in a hurricane almost two hundred years ago off the coast of Hispaniola. Each and every one of them thought they had found heaven—or at least a little part of it.

Pockets bulging with pieces of gold, they turned, almost as one, and raised their tankards toward him. “Captain!”

“Tippy.” He signaled the tavern owner. “Drinks are on me.”

Loud cheers met his pronouncement as Tippy lined up clean tankards on the bar and proceeded to fill them one by one with thick, foamy ale.

Tristan accepted his crew’s slaps on the back and handshakes as he made his way through the crowded room to drop a small pouch of gold coins on the bar.

Graham Alcott, the Adventurer’s navigator as well as Tristan’s second in command and oldest friend, sat at a table in the corner, his arms around the two winsome barmaids perched on his knees. A cigar smoldered in the brass tray surrounded by the remains of a hearty meal.

Tristan grinned as he strode toward his friend. It never failed. No matter where in the world the Adventurer put into port, Graham found the loveliest, most willing ladies.

He cleared his throat. Graham took his eyes off the tantalizing bosoms presented to him and glanced up. His smile could have charmed the birds from the trees—or the drawers from even the most discerning young woman.

“Tristan,” Graham acknowledged as he nodded to the chair opposite him. “Sarah, my love, get the captain a glass of your finest rum.” He gave each girl a sound kiss on the cheek and a promise to meet them later, then he patted both behinds to usher them off his knees. With squeals and giggles, the women rushed to do his bidding.

Tristan dropped into the chair and stretched out his long, leather-booted legs, crossing them at the ankle. He grabbed a serrated knife and cut a piece of bread still warm from the oven, then slathered it with sweet, creamy butter and took a bite.

“Well?” Graham prodded as Sarah delivered two heavy-bottomed glasses and placed them on the table. Tristan grinned as Graham’s merry brown eyes followed the gentle sway of her hips.

“Well what?” Tristan replied after he swallowed.

“Don’t play games, Tristan.” Graham rested his elbows on the table. “I’ve known you too long. I was there when Tippy gave you the letter. I know the family seal when I see it. Was it your father? Is he here?”

            Tristan stared at the light amber brew in his glass as he chewed the last of his bread. “No, my father isn’t here. He sent his henchman, the honorable Theodore Gilchrist, Esquire. If we’d made port in Jamaica, I would have met Paul Farnsworth, another in my father’s employ. Apparently, Father has all my regular haunts covered. The earl was bound and determined to give me the news.” The information Mr. Gilchrist imparted made his stomach churn, made the bile rise in his throat, made him want to disregard convention and lose himself on the high seas. Brown eyes twinkling with curiosity, Graham sat up straighter. “What news?”

            Tristan pulled a half-smoked cigar from his vest pocket and used the candle on the table to light it. As he exhaled, blue-grey smoke swirled to the ceiling. “I have a little less than four months to put my affairs in order, go back to England and then—”

            “Then what?” Graham lifted his glass and took a long drink.

            “I am to be married.”

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About Marie

Marie Patrick has always had a love affair with words and books but it wasn’t until a trip to Arizona, where she now makes her home with her husband and two  furry, four-legged “girls”, that she became inspired to write about the sometimes desolate, yet beautiful west. Her inspiration doesn’t just come from the wild west though. It comes from history itself. She is fascinated with pirates and men in uniform and lawmen with shiny badges. When not writing or researching her favorite topics, she can usually be found curled up with a good book. 

www.mariepatrick.com

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Alexis: Don't forget for a chance to win A Good Man for Katie leave a comment below.