When She Doesn’t Like It

If you are anything like me, you have your favorite authors. You read every book they publish. And when a friend asks me for a new author to try, I first find out what she likes and doesn’t like. Then, of course, I suggest some of my favorite authors based on her tastes. I’ve done this for years and my friends have always liked the authors I’ve suggested.

So imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of my friends wasn’t thrilled by my recent recommendation. She read a couple of the romances and liked them, but the author failed to impress. I was stunned. I’d never had this happen before. I had suggested authors to this friend before and she’d loved them. So what happened? Have I lost my touch, my critical ability, by sense of what she likes?

Have you ever had this happen? What do you think went wrong? I’m still trying to figure it out :-}

Alexis

The Fire Lord's Lover is out now!

I just have to share with you this release on a new book by a friend of mine that I know is going to be fantastic!

THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER, the first book in Kathryne Kennedy's new fantasy romance series, THE ELVEN LORDS, is now available wherever books are sold. This unique blend of historical, fantasy and romance has reviewers and readers taking notice:

"As darkly imaginative as Tolkien, as richly romantic as Heyer, Kennedy carves a new genre in romantic fiction."~Erin Quinn, author of Haunting Warrior

A Tolkien-esque world combined with an eighteenth-century historical romance produces a satisfying tale with twists you'll never expect. Excellent!"~NYT bestselling author Jennifer Ashley

"This enthralling story combines magic and realism as its excellent plot reaches out with great depth of emotion, heart-stopping action and characters easy to care about wrapped in a passionate love story. "~Romantic Times BOOKReviews

Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.

Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She's lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family-which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com .

Price $7.99 US

ISBN-10: 1402236522
ISBN-13: 978-1402236525
Format: Mass Market Paperback

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Now available: MY UNFAIR LADY~A Library Journal Editor's Pick!
*Starred* review from Publishers Weekly: "This romance goes against type in a wonderful way."

I’ve read everything else she’s ever written and can’t wait to get my copy. Hope you enjoy :-)

Alexis

What makes a hero?

Happy July 4th! It seems like the perfect week to talk about heroes as we celebrate America’s independence which couldn’t have been achieved without the courage of our ancestors, soldiers and statesman alike. There are everyday heroes that receive little notice and then there are those who are splashed across the internet for their great deeds. But we don't need the media to tell us who is heroic. So if we are reading a romance novel, what makes a hero?

One of my favorite authors asked her readers which of her heroes was their favorite. I immediately replied as I knew who I liked the best, despite having read at least a dozen of her romances. Afterwards, I started wondering why that particular hero stood out to me. He was, of course, the usual hunk with a lot of power who found the heroine fascinating, but there was one quality that truly took hold of my heart. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of the heroine and his community. No, of course he didn’t die, this is romance after all, but he did give up his freedom and by freedom I don’t mean bachelorhood!

But other readers of Jennifer Ashley had different choices for their favorite heroes which told me many specific virtues spoke to other people. I’m curious as to what makes a hero a favorite for you? Are there one or two qualities that really tip the scales toward having a favorite hero? Please share, my curiosity is driving me crazy :-)

Alexis

Why Do Women Read Romances?

The other day I was talking with a gentleman who is one of those distant relatives, the kind that is related by marriage twice removed or some such nonsense. I had a Johanna Lindsey novel in my hand as I had been devouring it and was quite taken aback when he asked me “Why do women read those things?”

It surprised me because it has been years and years since I’ve met someone with that attitude toward romances and I’m afraid I had become quite rusty in my response. My world consists of people who value romance novels and see the writers of such as almost heroes, or rather heroines. So this question caught me completely off guard. I stumbled through what I hope was a fitting reply, but realized I definitely need to update my arsenal for other people I may encounter who are ignorant of the beauty of romance novels.

If you have an idea for a good response, would you share? Maybe I could practice possible comebacks for that rare occasion when I run into a person who simply doesn’t get romance novels. All suggestions are welcome!

Alexis

Writing Fulltime Part II

First things first. I want to announce the winner of my May contest for commenting on my blog or signing up through my website. And the winner is . . . Jennifer Ashley. Jennifer won a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card. Congratulations, Jennifer!

I will have another contest again in July, so watch for it. For this week, I will continue my thoughts on becoming a fulltime writer.

Alone: I’ve decided that being a writer means being alone. It’s not like going to work where there are other employees, customers, vendors etc., constantly moving in and out of your space. When I open the computer up in the morning, I am alone. However, once I connect to the internet, I have a multitude of people to converse with, bounce ideas off, and work with. What is nice is I can control when I “talk” with others and when I need to be “alone.”

Now for me, I have another possible challenge with this. My husband is retired. Yup, home all day if he wants. Actually, my becoming a fulltime writer has cramped his space a little, but it’s working out well. He doesn’t insist I break for lunch. In fact, he generally puts my lunch next to my computer so I can eat as I write. But I always make time for him. Taking a break from the computer and the creation of exciting characters and events helps rejuvenate me. And taking a break with him is much better than stopping to do laundry :-)

Days: One aspect of writing fulltime that I did not expect was my obliviousness to what day it is. Monday or Saturday or a holiday, I find it’s all irrelevant. The new importance is on the number of days it takes to finish writing or revising. I’ve started putting the date on my daily “To-Do” List to help me keep track of the time passing, along with crossing out the days on the calendar, but it is still the date I have targeted for a submission to go out that motivates me.

I know some writers can work eight hours a day, five days a week and take their weekends off to be with family. I find myself using the weekends to catch up on the writing goals I wanted to accomplish during the week and didn’t. I may need to shorten my daily To-Do Lists because even writers need to take a break. Which brings me to another concern, how do I take a vacation? Right now, it’s not as critical to worry about because I’m not under deadline. But from other writers I’ve spoken to, this can be tricky. Any advice on how to go about setting aside vacation time? I would very much appreciate ideas. Do you have any thoughts?

The Change to Writing Fulltime – Part I

I thought I’d share a few thoughts on a recent transition in my life; basically, I’ve gone from writing part-time to writing full time. Writing romance is my passion and I now have the ability to pursue it fully. I’m so excited! Many multi-published authors write full time, but not many of us who are yet to be published have the opportunity to do so. On the surface, it seems like a dream come true, and it is, but I’ve found that there are pitfalls just waiting to trip me up.

For example, it is easy, when I have all day, to put off doing the final edits on a manuscript until later. Before I know it, later is 10:17pm at night and I haven’t started them. The more time I have, the less I seem to accomplish and vice versa. Have you ever heard the old saying, “If you need something done, give it to a busy person?” It’s true. This means that somehow I have to create pressure for myself. This can get a little tricky.

Deadlines: As an unpublished writer, I have no editor expecting revisions by a certain date or an agent calling to see how far along I am on my current work in progress (WIP). So I have to create my own pressure, my own stress. Luckily, I’ve had a number of requests lately so my deadlines, while they are arbitrary, are at least actual projects that need to be sent out. Otherwise, it’s easy to research, or read, or promote for hours and not get the writing or revising done that I know needs to happen.

Other great deadline makers are contests, calls for conference workshop proposals, and critique partners. Thanks to these, this month I’ve sent out two contest entries, one workshop proposal, and multiple chapters to various critique partners in addition to my submissions. I have succeeded in “creating pressure” at least for this month :-)

Structure: Here is an area that I’m still exploring. When I worked outside the house, the structure was determined for me. I had to be at work by a certain time, had to check email, make calls, and attend meetings. Then I was able to come home and have dinner. My writing came before or after the work day.

Now the writing is the work day and adjusting to the new schedule is not easy. I still find myself writing a lot at night as if the darkness triggers the habit. In the morning, it is easier to answer emails and do research on the web or update my website. But I’ve heard it’s best to write just before going to sleep and as soon as you wake up. I’d like my schedule to change, but haven’t quite figured it all out yet. So, if anyone has any ideas, I could certainly use them. If you have any tricks of the trade, I'd love to read them. Please, comment to share :-)

Alexis

P.S. Everyone who comments on my blog or contacts me through my website in the month of May is being entered into a drawing for a $10 Barnes & Noble card.

Taking on Twins by Cathy McDavid

What happens when a former military woman meets a laid back professional fisherman? Let’s just say it gets interesting as is proven in Cathy McDavid’s recent novel TAKING ON TWINS. This Harlequin American Romance is, by definition, pure summer fun.

Corinne Sweetwater, one of the Tucker family who owns the Bear Creek Ranch, has just come home from the military and is having a rough time adjusting to civilian life. She quickly discovers that running the Bear Creek kitchen like a platoon doesn’t work.

To make matters worse, Greg Pfitser, a professional fisherman and television star is hosting a large fishing tournament at the ranch. This is great for the Tucker family, but tough on Corrine who can’t seem to keep her employees on track. When a mangy dog and two five year-olds invade her kitchen, followed by their breathtakingly handsome father, she is not happy.

But Greg has his own problems, like the fact that he just discovered he’s the father of twin five-year-olds less than three months earlier. As he works on developing a relationship with his children, he must come to terms with his own childhood and plan a major tournament that is critical to the Ranch.

As Corrine and Greg develop feelings for each other, the twins get into mischief, and the dog doesn’t help. Add to that the pressures of two strenuous jobs and the twins’ Mom visiting, and this book delivers a great roller coaster ride that has you rooting for everyone.

With great characters anyone can relate to, it takes the reader on a journey over the emotional gambit that includes everything from irritation to embarrassment to pure joy. A great summer read about a fun summer getaway with a happy summer love story. What more can a reader ask for?

For more about Cathy McDavid and her American romances go to http://www.cathymcdavid.com/books.html

Alexis