Posted on:
5/07/2010 10:16:00 AM
Please join me in welcoming fabulous historical author Amanda McCabe to the blog. Whether it's the height of Regency nobility or ice skating in Elizabethan England, from the bucolic English countryside to the splendor of Venetian waterways, Amanda's writing talent makes the period time and the place come alive with the wonderful people in her stories. In her own words then, she talks about the Muses in her newest trilogy from Harlequin and also about her own personal muses.
Amanda's giving away a copy of each of the three books in her trilogy. In addition, I will be giving away a tote bag and author goodies. PLEASE COMMENT BEFORE MIDNIGHT US PT on THURSDAY MAY 6. More details at the end of the blog.
When I first had the idea for my Muses of Mayfair series I was very excited! Ever since I was a kid I've been interested in archaeology, in ancient mythology and culture and all the wondrous things that can be learned from an old site that just looks like a pile of mud at first sight. (When I was about eight, I even set up an archaeological dig in our backyard, in search of Viking treasure. Our German shepherd was my very enthusiastic assistant. Unfortunately I dug up some newly-planted grass, which my dad is still unhappy about, and found not even a hint of buried Viking longship! But the dog found one of his lost Nylabones).
This is an interest that many in the Regency era shared, so I found kindred spirits in the three Chase sisters and their heroes. Calliope, Clio, and Thalia are the daughters of a famous scholar (hence their names!) and share his interests in antiquities, which lead them into all kinds of trouble—and into love. I was first inspired by a visit to the British Museum to see the "Elgin Marbles" and other classical sculptures, and then inspired again by a book I read about the destructive problems of the modern illegal antiquities trade (The Medici Conspiracy—you can find a whole list of sources I love on my website). I guess these were my first "muses" where these stories are concerned.
Muses take many forms, of course. At first I worried about naming these heroines after the Muses (see more about the real Muses here). What if I made those Muses mad and they deserted me??? What if they didn’t like the way their namesakes behaved? Luckily for me they decided to stick by me until The End.
My regular, everyday Muse is more fickle. I picture her as a cute little fairy with a sparkly lavender dress, pale green wings, and with curly red hair. She sits at the edge of my desk and waves her shining wand around, helping me create scenes. When she’s happy, the story flows and the words tumble out. The characters cooperate, and all is well. But sometimes she gets mad. Maybe she had a fight with her boyfriend or the grocery store is out of the new peach Greek yogurt. Then her eyes turn red and she breaks her wand in two and the story comes to a screeching halt! She’s very changeable, that Muse. I have to work very hard to keep her happy.
I also have a few Muse–type objects that have to be grouped just right around my desk before I start writing. You can see them in this picture—Jane Austen, Dorothy, Hello Kitty, and my Indian elephant Herman! (Herman was a gift from today’s blog hostess. He’s a good reminder that I have friends who wish my writing well. Plus he’s so pretty and sparkly.) I also like to have a pot of green tea and a supply of chocolates.
Muses also come in the form of photos of actors who resemble my characters (in my mind, at least), and it’s a huge help when I can find just the right inspiration. In my book from last Christmas The Winter Queen, my muse for the hero was Apolo Anton Ohno—and Anton Gustavson turned out to be my favorite hero of mine. I could see him so clearly, not just his looks but his personality. So if at all possible, find yourself a real-life Muse!
In the end, with my Muses of Mayfair books, the Muses helped me out by suggesting just the right locations for the characters. London and a Gothic castle in Yorkshire, Sicily, and Bath (which is full of Roman culture and remains!). They gave me 3 intelligent, intrepid heroines, 3 handsome, strong heroes, and 3 mysteries to throw them together. I had the most fun with the Chase sisters and their adventures!
What are your favorite Muses?
Amanda's giving away a copy of each of the three books in her trilogy. Two books will go to two commenters chosen at random. The grand prize winner will receive one book from Amanda AND a tote bag and author goodies from me. PLEASE COMMENT BEFORE MIDNIGHT US PT on THURSDAY MAY 6.
To buy Amanda McCabe's books, go here...
Posted on:
5/05/2010 12:47:00 AM
Posted on:
5/03/2010 03:00:00 PM
Posted on:
4/29/2010 01:47:00 PM
Thank you all for participating in the four-day LESSONS IN FRENCH by Laura Kinsale extravaganza. Thank you also to Laura Kinsale for responding to queries and comments and to Sourcebooks for underwriting the giveaway copies.
Without much further ado...
Madame Randomizer has chosen the FOUR WINNERS!!
Calila
Spav
Helen
Katherine/K. Hall
Congratulations to the four of you! Please send your mailing addresses to keira at keirasoleore dot com, and I'll forward them on to Sourcebooks. Thank you!
[Edited 2/9/10: Helen, just emailed me to say that she already has a copy of LIF. So I let Madame Randomizer draw another name.............Debb of hand.pecked, please send me your address.]
Posted on:
2/08/2010 01:06:00 PM
We're at Day Three of the LESSONS IN FRENCH giveaway. Today, Laura is chatting with us about her writing life and a silly, lightning round. Laura also has an exclusive peek into her current work-in-progress just for the readers of this blog.
KS: Laura, thanks for continuing on in our conversation. I come from the PNW, a land of tall trees and mists. So I completely identify with your need for open spaces and the sun. Do you walk a lot (daily?) in your land of mountains and sunshine?
LK: Yes, depending on the weather. I just [on Tuesday] got back from a short hike with Ventoux through the melting snow and increasing mud and slush. It's beautiful, but slippery!
KS: What's in the works for the next destination in your globe travels?
LK: I might go with my husband to northern Italy and Prague for our (insert significant number here) anniversary this year. But I'd better get crackin' on the plans if we are going to!
KS: What drew you to writing historical stories? Did the interest come up through your education or extra-curricular reading (under covers with a flashlight) during aforementioned Serious Educational Pursuits?
LK: Actually, I just happened to sell a historical manuscript first. I had started a couple of contemporaries. But I dropped them when I sold THE HIDDEN HEART and never regretted it. I really enjoy historical research, plus I don't have to keep up with current slang. ;)
KS: Would you consider writing a contemporary or in any of the other sub-genres of romance, or even a pure historical fiction story?
LK: I might consider writing a book about John of Gaunt. WOLF HALL made me think of it. I doubt I'll actually do it, though.
KS: Having gobbled up, er, very carefully read LESSONS IN FRENCH a few times, I'm dying waiting for an answer to this question: What's next for you? When?
LK: I have ideas. Some are gelling, some aren't.
KS: What about reprints of your past hurrahs?
LK: Most of my books, except the four that I did for Berkley, are in print or ebook form. By May, Sourcebooks will have re-issued THE HIDDEN HEART, UNCERTAIN MAGIC, MIDSUMMER MOON, SEIZE THE FIRE, and THE PRINCE OF MIDNIGHT. From Avon, THE SHADOW AND THE STAR and FLOWERS FROM THE STORM have never been out of print.
KS: And here's where I adopt a wheedling tone: How about one teeny exclusive tidbit about your current work-in-progress?
LK: How about this?
In January, 1825, the Bank of England held a gold reserve worth 17 million pounds.
By September, 1825, this reserve had dropped to 3 million pounds.
At the end of November, three country banking houses were the first to fall.
On the 12 of December, 1825, the crash which struck terror and alarm throughout London commenced...
History of the Bank of England, John Francis, 1862
KS: Thank you, thank you very much! And now, for the lightning round...
Favorite Color: sea green
Winter or Summer: winter
Spring or Fall: fall
Cactuses or Evergreens: hmmm, both
Favorite Dish (you've made): Sour Cream Enchiladas
Favorite Dish (you've eaten out): El Fenix bean and cheese nachos (notice a trend?)
Walks or Jogs or Hikes: Hikes
Favorite Word: concatenation
Knit or Sing: neither!
Favorite Movie: Shakespeare in Love
Mayonnaise or Mustard with your Fries: Mayo
Be Brilliant: Should you marry him? The next time he surprises you, notice whether it's for the better or the worse. If for the better, grab him. If for the worse, run.
KS: Laura, it's been a right pleasure having you here on this blog. Thank you for your time.
What do you readers think of the exclusive peek? What would your answers to the lightning round be?
Comment to be entered to win one of four copies of LESSONS IN FRENCH from publisher Sourcebooks.
In the comments to Tuesday's blog, Laura Kinsale asked a question of her readers: "What animal that I haven't used yet should be the mascot in my next book with an English setting?"
Posted on:
2/04/2010 02:05:00 AM
Today is Day Two of the LESSONS IN FRENCH giveaway. As mentioned in the comments section of yesterday's post, here are a few answers from Laura Kinsale about her animals.
Laura Kinsale, a huge welcome to my blog. This is quite an honor. I've been an admirer of your work for many years, but getting to know you on Twitter these past few weeks has been quite fun. Since you're doing a major blog tour and talking everywhere about your writing life and your books, I'm taking a different tack here, a glimpse into the person behind the scenes of those marvelous stories.
KS: When did you first fall in love with horses and riding? Who was your first pony? And do tell me more about Firedrake.
LK: Oh, wow, a question about horses. Nobody in my real life ever asks me about my riding, unless I happen to be paying them. OK, well, that's not quite true, as I have barn friends now, but it was [only me] for years and years—I'm the only horsey person in my family.
But I was so horse-crazy my parents were happy for me to have lessons. I think my first lesson was at the age of 6. They didn't put me on any pony! It was a horse, and I swear I still remember him—a big bay, and it was a looong way to look down.
I took lessons off and on up until my teen years, this and that barn, which isn't really a good way to learn. Then I went on to other things, but when I got my first job, as soon as I could figure out the money, I bought my first horse. This was around the same time I started writing.
I was "into" dressage and I had to board him nearly an hour away to get some (bad, in hindsight) dressage instruction. I used to think about my characters during that 2 hours a day back and forth in the car. They were my first two characters, Tess and Gryf, and they were so real to me they might as well have been sitting in the seat next to me.
OK, OK, I can feel myself starting to run on and get boring here. Sorry! Don't ask me about horses! [KS: Boring? No way. It's always interesting to read about the early influences in a writer's life. Carry on, please.]
What I love about riding, and dressage in particular, is that it is totally absorbing, both mentally and physically. When you are riding dressage, you do nothing but ride; you don't think about the guy who cut you off on the highway or your sales ranking on Amazon. You are paying attention to every step, every change in balance, the feel in the reins. Besides the occasional leap 15 feet across the arena, on a day like today when the snow on the roof is melting and coming off in sudden "sliders" that sound like a cannon going off against the metal walls.
It's good for a writer to do very physical things. I believe this more and more.
KS: Despite having ridden for so many, many years, did you find you had to do research on horses, riding techniques, equipment, etc. for your books?
LK: About the most fun I ever had was taking a course in carraige driving at Gleneagles, Scotland. It was just a blast, and quite different in certain ways from riding. (When on a horse, you are the pivot in the center. Driving a carriage, everything is out in front of you, a very very different feel.)
I drove a half-thoroughbred, half-Clydesdale mare. Her name was Folly. The instructor gave her name that lovely nothern British pronunciation: "foley." They said she didn't like to be ridden, but just she loved to pull a carriage.
By the end of the week I was doing courses between traffic cones. Carriage horses always wear blinkers up beside their eyes, so they don't spook at things in their peripheral vision. When Folly would come trotting through those cones, you could see her looking from side to side, as if to say, "Where next? What needle do we thread next? This is fun!"
And of course...Folly the mare gave her name to Folie in MY SWEET FOLLY, and then a number of years later Folly the heroine gifted the name on to my first Great Pyrenees dog, Miss Folly.
KS: Dogs are your other love. Have you always had a dog growing up? And why the Great Pyrenees? (Just because they're cuddly and cute?)
LK: No, I just longed for a dog growing up. I've had a series of dogs as an adult. My father originally got some Pyrs as livestock guardians for a flock of angora goats. [KS: Oh, so that part of Ventoux's bio is truth and not fabrication.] He ended up breeding one litter.
I had been thinking of getting another dog for awhile. I happened to be there the day they were born, and then again a few weeks later when I was the only person around in a huge rainstorm, I helped the mother save the puppies from a minor flood. I went down to check on her at the barn, and she was piling them up on a dirt mound surrounded by water. Together we got them under cover. I was a goner then.
And there is nothing on earth cuter than a Pyrenees pup. (For about 10 minutes—they grow VERY fast.) And they are not dogs for everyone. They are large and while generally kind-tempered, but can be dog aggressive—they are bred to guard against predators, after all—and they like to roam. So while I love the breed, I'm not an advocate for widespread ownership unless people educate themselves.
KS: Er, Ventoux channeling Walter Matthau? (Heh!) How did that come about?
LK: LOL. It's something about his eyes. Sometimes he just get this expression, sort of solemn and exasperated, like Oscar in The Odd Couple.
KS: I'm a bit, ahem, disappointed that there's nary a sign of a real bull or a hedgehog on your site or in your life. You write about Hubert so convincingly, I thought you had first-hand knowledge.
LK: I do have a bit of first-hand knowledge, but when I went home for Christmas, hoping to video some of my father's bulls, it turned out they'd just been sold. Now there are new ones, but the word is they are so young they wouldn't do for Hubert. They are Herefords anyway. Hubert is a Shorthorn. We must stick to accuracy!
KS: Laura, thank you very much for a stellar interview here. We'll continue with more questions tomorrow, including a lightning round.
Laura has kindly consented to respond to comments today, too. So keep your comments coming to be entered into the four-book drawing of LESSONS IN FRENCH.
Do you own dogs and/or horses? Have you always had a dog or a horse in your life? What about other pets? And if you don't own pets, do you think you will or not in the future?
And in the comments to yesterday's blog, Laura Kinsale asked a question of her readers: "What animal that I haven't used yet should be the mascot in my next book with an English setting?"
Posted on:
2/03/2010 09:24:00 AM
We have a WINNER!!
Thank you to Vanessa Kelly for a fun visit and for leading a lively discussion on tortured heroes and heroines.
Thank you also to everyone who visited. I love Vanessa's MASTERING THE MARQUESS so it's good to see others equally enthused about the book.
Without further ado, Vanessa's Ms. Random Selector has chosen a prize winner. It is...
KELLY KRYSTEN
Please send your snail mail details to keira (at) keirasoleore (dot) com, and I will make sure you get your fabulous prize!
{Illuminated Book Of Kells, Folio 292r, Gospel Of John, Circa 800}
Posted on:
5/21/2009 06:54:00 AM
Please join me in welcoming debut author Vanessa Kelly, the first guest to Cogitations and Meditations. Her MASTERING THE MARQUESS launched last month to great critical acclaim from reviewers and readers alike.
Vanessa, hello and welcome. It's a pleasure to have you guesting here.
MTM: THE STORY
What started you down the story path that led to MTM? Was it a single idea, something that struck you in your research, or a particular character?
My story began with research I did some years ago in graduate school. My dissertation topic was on women and madness in late 18th and early 19th century British writers. I was absolutely fascinated with the topic and spent all kinds of time studying medical documents of the period, and reading about early treatments for mental illness. Women, of course, were sometimes put away in asylums by their male relations, either because they were genuinely ill, or because someone just wanted to get rid of them. I thought that would make an interesting dramatic basis for a story. Plus, I really wanted to have a scene in a madhouse!
Names convey so much of a character's personality to the reader. Meredith's and Annabel's names fit them to a perfect T. How did you name them and the other people in your story?
I came up with names by reading through various county and church records. My heroine, Meredith, is a mature, serious person—a bit unusual—and I wanted her name to reflect that. Annabel is young and sweet, so I wanted a name that would convey those aspects of her character.
Did you hope your readers would identify with Meredith or with Silverton? As the author of the story, whom did you see yourself most in tune with?
I really wanted readers to identify with Meredith, who’s had a pretty hard life. She struggles to be a good person and take care of everyone, which I think is something many women can relate to.
What part of the story did you find hardest to write? And why?
The climax. It’s very action-oriented, and I had a bit of trouble with the physics of the fight scene. My husband had to help me with that.
While Silverton had a sure touch in romancing Meredith, did you find yourself trying to egg her on? "Go for it, gel," etc.
Absolutely! Sometimes I wondered how she could resist him. [KS: I wanted to tell her, I'd have him, if she didn't want him.]
I adored the last scene of the book. How did you decide to end the story there?
I’m so glad you liked it! I wanted to bring Meredith full circle—to bring her home. Originally, the ending was going to take place just a few days after the climax, but a friend suggested that it should take place several weeks later, when she has truly found her happiness and been restored to her rightful home. I wanted readers to share in that.
WRITER'S JOURNEY
What made you decide to be a writer?
I’ve been writing most of my life—first in university, then as a researcher and writer in the public sector. But I always loved to read fiction of all kinds. It just took me a while to realize that I wanted to write fiction instead of non-fiction. I also owe a real debt to Eloisa James. Her example as both a successful academic and a romance writer was a great inspiration. [KS: In the comments section, do tell us more about your scholarly life and your area of study?]
How/Why did you choose to become a romance writer?
I’ve loved reading romances since I was a teenager—they make me happy! [KS: Perfect reason to choose romance.] So when I decided to try my hand at fiction, it made sense to write the thing that I love so much.
What made you choose to write a Regency-set historical? Would you consider writing in other sub-genres and/or historical time periods?
I studied writers of the Regency era in grad school, and I just love the history and literature of the period. I’ve loved it ever since I read the novels Jane Austen in high school. And Georgette Heyer, of course!
How many manuscripts did you write before being published? Was MTM your first project?
MTM was my second project. My first book was a contemporary category that I wrote with my husband. It was competent but intensely mediocre. [KS: In the comments section, you've simply GOT to dish more details about this experience.]
Who would you say have been the most important people who mentored, adviced, and encouraged you in your publishing journey?
Starting out, I had wonderful advice from a friend who is an English professor and an editor. I also got great support from the members of my local RWA chapter, including Sharon Page and Opal Carew. And Julianne MacLean was really incredible to me—she critiqued my early manuscript and gave me a great deal of encouragement. [KS: That is what I love about Romancelandia. The authors are incredibly generous of their time and expertise.]
As a Canadian author, did you find it much more difficult that your American counterparts in bringing your work in front of agents and editors given that most of them are from NYC?
No, I really had no difficulties in that respect. There are some really good agents in Canada, too. My first agent was Canadian, and she was wonderful to me.
The Call Story.
I had gone out for a walk with my husband. When we returned home, there was a message on my voice mail from my agent, saying that it was very important that I call her. Unfortunately, she was out for most of the day, and I had to wait hours to talk to her. When I finally did get through to her, she put me on hold! Trust me, I was sweating bullets. Fortunately, she came back on a few minutes later and gave me the news that Kensington wanted to offer me a contract.
WHAT'S NEXT
Tell us about your next book. When is it being released?
My next book is called Sex and the Single Earl. [KS: How awesome is this title!] It's the story of Sophie Stanton and Simon, Earl of Trask, two characters introduced in Mastering the Marquess. These two have known each other for a long time, and they drive each other crazy. I had a great time writing this book. It's set entirely in Bath, and it was a lot of fun to work with that setting.
What are you currently working on?
I’m starting to work on another Regency-set historical, which will feature characters introduced in Sex and the Single Earl.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Dramedy or Thriller = Gray’s Anatomy
Carrot Sticks or Ben & Jerry's = I'm allergic to dairy.
Color Mauve or Taupe = Neither
Beach or Forest = I love the ocean.
Spicy or Mild = Italian
Cruise or Drive = Life is a highway!
Cashmere & Silk OR Cotton & Birkenstocks = Linen and sandals?
LaZBoy or Queen Anne Chair = Chaise lounge
Marathon or Triathlon = I'd have to get off the chaise lounge.
Alpha or Beta heroes? Heroines? = Alpha, alpha, alpha. Heroines—all kinds.
So over to you, readers. Are you into alpha, beta, or gamma heroes? What about the heroines? Are you a fan of the traditional Regencies? What is your chair of choice (or is it a four-seater sofa)?
One commenter will be chosen at random to win a prize of books and author goodies!
To find more about Vanessa Kelly's "Regency Romance That Sizzles", visit her on her on the web at www.vanessakellyauthor.com.
Posted on:
5/20/2009 12:48:00 AM
Mastering the Marquess is Vanessa Kelly's debut Regency historical set in 1815 London, available from Kensington on April 7, 2009.
"Mastering the Marquess is a first-class historical romance, dripping with sophisticated sensuality and passionate characterizations. A rare gem. Vanessa Kelly is an amazing talent who will capture the hearts of readers everywhere," declares Julianne Maclean.
I've read Meredith Burnley and the Marquess of Silverton's story twice now, and I agree wholeheartedly. Look for a review of Mastering the Marquess on Tuesday and a guest appearance by author Vanessa Kelly on Wednesday, May 20. Stop by to comment for a gift of awesomeness from me for one of the posters.
Until then...
Here's a tasty excerpt. Go here to order your copy today.
Posted on:
5/16/2009 11:39:00 AM
Romanistas, I have the unprecedented honor of hosting blogger extraordinaire Sarah Wendell of the Smart Bitches as my guest. Here we go...
One of the things we talk about in The Smart Bitch Book (aka Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches' Guide to Romance Novels) is that romance readers often shop by plot or plot trope, and for that reason we take a lot of crap from people who think we shop for our pornographic stimulation in specific, sugary-ruffled wrappers, and that romance is all the same (and whatever other stupid assumption about romance you can come up with).
Aside from all the pretentious prejudice, I definitely am attracted to specific plots. These are my top two:
1. The Smoldering Silent Hero. He has it BAD, and it shows in tiny, blink-and-you-miss-it ways. And if it's done right, it requires a re-read. And another. And omg, the smoldering.
2. "I don't want to like you, and I can't stop thinking about your hair." I talk about this one a lot — the hero or heroine who can't help being attracted to someone who drives them up a damn wall. If the bickering is funny and tight, the reading is right.
So — what's your favorite plot to revisit?
Posted on:
2/06/2009 11:29:00 AM
Early in September last year, Liz Beemis of Bemis Promotions presented a Websites 101 workshop to Seattle's Eastside RWA chapter. These are my notes from her talk.
As an author, your website should reflect your personal brand, state your logline, explain what you write, and convey your voice, tone, and image of your books.
For a professional and functional appearance, you want to be sure that
–your colors aren't timid
–the look is clean and uncluttered with easy to read text fonts
–the pages are at most 800 pixels wide
–menus are logical, consistent, and are text-based with hover text or image effects
–every page on the site should be accessible within two clicks via navigational buttons
–new, up-to-date content
–professional headshot(s)
–search capabilities on your website and blog. Google has free search tools that can be added
–all pages are consistent and look relatively alike (same background, same color scheme, same fonts, menu-layout, etc.)
–splash page may be different
–animations kept to a minimum
Find sites you love and you don't like and analyze why that is the case. In your analysis consider: content, theme, colors, fonts, images, overall design, menus, layout, and branding. This is to discern your personal taste. Some good examples are: Jenn Stark, Trish Millburn, Pat White, Toni Blake, and Karen Kendall.
A strong first page is essential and should have a "What's New" section and a "Dear Reader" section. For personal information, photos and blog convey a good sense of your personality. Other essential pages from the main nav bar are articles, links, contact, and media page. An example of a site logline is "Taking you where you want to go..." Book pages should give special insight into your books wth blurbs, excerpts, book trailers, upcoming books, and newsletter signup.
Be sure to register and own alternate domains to your main .com site, such as .net, .biz, .org, and different spellings of your name so that no one else can attempt to hijack your name, brand, and traffic. Registration on Go Daddy for $9. A good hosting service is Brinkster. Track and analyze traffic to your site and blog via Sitemeter.
Marketing your site
–on collective author sites
–via a group blog or guest-blogging
–co-promote with a buddy
–mailing lists and newsltters
–contests
–articles for your chapter newsletter
–book trailers
–Facebook, MySpace, or other social networking sites
–reader sites
–reader-author message boards
Book Trailers
–keep it short (Allison Brennan, KILLING FEAR)
–make the viewer feel something (Lisa Gardner, HIDE)
–make it memorable (Diana Holquist, THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE)
–make sure it selling your product (Meg Cabot)
–remember the medium (Karen Kendall, TAKE ME IF YOU CAN; Elizabeth Bemis, EDGE OF DECEPTION)
–think MOVIE trailer
–use a narrator if possible, narrate in audio, avoid words on a screen
–avoid dialogue, may be one line here and there
–don't use scenes from book; script separately
–avoid bad music
–use upto 36 different images from royalty-free images (like from iStockPhoto)
–making the viewer feel something makes the trailer go viral; scare them like hell
–put them on YouTube
Case Study – Ramona Richards
Before – www.ramonarichards.com
Analysis
–great content
–consistent menus/color/design
–book covers are the perfect size
–all books link to external sites
–great pictures
–site tells a story
–everything within two clicks
–Layout: too wide, doesn't speak to her personal brand, colors are timid, design feels choppy
–Home: doesn't feel like a front page (middle of the story)
–Writing: too much on one page, want to see logical groupings (articles/fiction) on separate pages
Excerpts should be with fictional books, not a separate menu item, one excerpt per page
After – www.bemispromotions.com/rr
Learning Resources
–BA, W3, Web Monkey
–HTML for the World Wide Web by Elizabeth Castro (ISBN 0321130073)
–HTML 4 for Dummies by Ed Tittel & Mary Burmeister (ISBN 0764589172)
Web Designers
Bemis Promotions, American Author, Author Bytes, Authors-online, Authors on the Web, Book a Design, Dream Forge Media, Etherweave, Glass Slipper Web Design, Romance and Friends, Romance Designs, Smart Author Sites, Wax Creative, Writerspace
"A shamocrat is someone who pretends to be possessed of wealth, influence, rank, or indeed any quality which is only conspicuous by its absence," according to John Farmer's Americanisms Old and New (1889).
Posted on:
1/12/2009 12:01:00 AM
Friends and Romansistas, I'm honored and thrilled to be letting you in on a secret.
Award-winning Regency chicklit author Janet Mullany will be guesting here in August to coincide with the release of her A Most Lamentable Comedy (AMLC). UK Publisher Little Black Dress calls it a "Racy Regency Read."
If you enjoyed Janet's The Rules of Gentility (TROG), then you're going to love this sort-of sequel to it. In AMLC, Janet continues her story in the same wickedly funny and wittily sexy style as TROG.
Mark your calendars and join Janet is what's guaranteed to be a humorous discussion. She's also giviing a copy of AMLC away to one of the commentators. In honor of my very first guest blogger, I'm giving away a book and some goodies to a second randomly chosen commentator. So visit early and comment often to win.
Posted on:
1/03/2009 09:38:00 PM
