Heroes And Other Hauntings

We've had such a breezy cool-warm sunny (well mostly) summer here in the Northeast. Did I mention I'm spending time in one of my favorite places? Rocky coastal cliffs edged with misty smoke-filled morning fog rising over a distant sea... And all that, yeah. Good setting.

Okay so this is not about the weather or a story setting, not really. As I sit on my rock contemplating the frothy ocean waves below me I find my thoughts circling around ideas about what makes a great hero. I'm reminded of a much loved (by me) hero I created a while back. His story is so different, sci-fi, yes but kind of with a 'new age type' flair and I never got it to the point of revision much less submission. Writing that story was an act of wild ride love for me as it came out fast and furious onto the page in a flash.

Now everyone knows I don't do panster well. My usual technique style is to edit as I go. But this story just jumped onto the page errors and all. We've all had stories like this and some authors even write this way all the time-- lucky writers. I can't do it usually. The editor in me is always there. Maybe too much. Yet I have mostly found a balance and can be creative too.

But back to my heroic hero. I honestly fell in love with the idea of him along this particular rocky coastline and his story unfolded like a dream. But I felt he and his story had too much light, not deep enough to be publishable (in the targets) and maybe I'd just keep him for myself.

Yet when my main crit partner at that time read it over, she commented on how dark his story was. I said, Really? Your kidding -- he's a healer filled with light, he's innocent and sweet. To which she promptly replied, hmmm, well I see a lot of hidden darkness here. She went on to explain her view and then said, I think it's very marketable... I thought about her comments and decided if ever I wanted to sub this, it needed work, more conflict. Not so much, she said back. But maybe you need to cut some of the conflict out and tie up the loose ends better. Really? I repeat.

Just goes to show how much my true subconscious took over as I wrote -- I thought I was writing a light ethereal story and here I was creating my usual mysterious darkly tinged hero! Well, maybe not the hero so much, but his story sure is a bit on the dark side!

That happened a couple of years ago. At the time I decided to shelf the story and my wonderful hero. I went on to work on writing and researching other stories, using methods I'd learned-- fleshing out characters, studying the plot, keeping back story down, and hooks everywhere-- oh and yes, editing, revising and rewriting everything constantly.

As I watch the waves crashing on the cliffs, my wonderful hero from long ago past haunts me. I still love him. And being here (a similar setting as his story) brings him back with a force so strong he won't leave me alone. Should I revive him again? Tell his story? Oh boy, it will be a ton of work. Even the grammar wasn't that good. But he calls out to me from the edge of the sea and maybe he needs to be heard.

...He touched her, knowing her pain, the terrible illness she suffered but kept hidden deep inside. He'd been blinded from seeing the truth because her presence knocked his sensing so far off kilter. He opened up the spectrum colors molding the flow of iridescent purples and golds around her, drawing her into his healing light...

How about you? Do you have a beloved character that you shelved but who keeps haunting you to tell his/her story?

Kaye

Sultry Summer Characters

So here we are, well into summer here in the states with July moving on fast. I love the summer months and wish I could draw them out, make them stay—long languid days and short steamy nights, sultry heat rising up from the earth and misty humid mornings when the sun burns off the fog a few hours after dawn. Blue skies with red orange sunrises and pink purple sunsets— sweaty wet bodies that chill down in the breezes of an evening shower.

What’s not to love? I set some of my stories in the sultry heat of summer and use it to mirror the sensual heat developing between my hero and heroine. This mirroring technique is fun to do. The weather can play an important role in a story. You can use it as a backdrop for the heated emotions playing out between characters. Here's an example I wrote this morning.

...Yearning spread through her hotter than the sweltering medieval morning. She closed her eyes taking in the rousing heat of him. When she looked up, the blue in his eyes darkened. His damp body brushed so near, his fingers touched her, grazing across her lips. A breath caught on its way to her throat...

I may love summer, but some people don’t like hot steamy days and prefer chilly stormy fall, or the warmth of a waking spring, even the frigid cold of winter.

What is you best time of year? Does it have anything to do with how you create your stories? Do you ever use weather as a setting for character emotion or other plot elements in your stories?

You could share an example from your own work with us.

Kaye

Just Thinkin'

Here is a few interesting ideas from Writing Is A Verb by Bill O'Hanlon.

Science fiction author Ray Bradbury wrote, in Zen in the Art of Writing, “... [if I were] asked to name the most important items in a writer’s make-up, the things that shape his material and rush him along the road to where he wants to go, I could only warn him to look to his zest, to see his gusto.”

How do you find or connect with the gusto and zest—also known as the juice—that will fuel your writing through the book creation and publishing process? By identifying and connecting with one or more writing energies.

Writing Energies

Positive Energies. Writers can be blissed (excited or passionate about their subjects or the writing process itself) or blessed (encouraged by someone who believes in them or their writing abilities, or just in the right place at the right time).

When these positive energies are released, they can fuel a book or a lifetime of writing. Blissed is the excited, passionate love or fascination for some activity or subject. Some writers just love to write.

Others are fascinated with the subject of their writing. Some are obsessed with or taken over by characters or the research they do for the book. Blessed is the energy released when someone encourages you in your writing life or believes in your promise as a writer.

Another way to be blessed is to be in the right place at the right time. Blessed is meeting an editor or an agent unexpectedly. You might see something, read something, or hear something that gives you inspiration for a book project.

Of course, you can do some things to make your own luck (as the saying goes, “I’m a great believer in luck. I find that the harder I work, the luckier I get”). Call it serendipity or being blessed or working hard to get luckier. When it happens, it can sometimes release the writer in you.

Negative Energies. Writing can be like photography: You can use the negative to develop. For many writers, the energies that drive their work come from a negative motivation—they are so upset, angry, or unhappy that they feel compelled to express those emotions through writing. Or they want to prove someone wrong, or right some injustice in the world through their writing.

So what do you think about Bill's ideas?

How do you find your own writing energy?

Kaye

Where'd She Go This Time...?

Is it really June 28th already? Oh goodness... (It seems to me like a day or two since Helen visited and dished out her prolific advice!)

Have I been away that long? Well yes, sorry to say. I do apologize. I’ve been way too busy with unrelated things. I could tell you but I don't think you want to know. I just didn’t make it here to visit all my friend’s blogs or even post on my own blog!

Now that’s just bad.

Those who know me know this disappearing act can happen at unexpected times in my life during the year. But the next time it sneaks up on me I promise I’ll try to let you know when I’ll be gone for more than a few days. With that said I’m back, mostly and I’m really looking forward to catching up with everyone.

Okay, yes, it is summer in this part of the world and many of us are a bit busy either with family vacations or other warm weather commitments and activities, heat waves included. So I know there will also be times when you are unavailable too. And for my friends on the other side-- I hope winter is treating you well.

I honestly don’t like leaving my friends hanging out asking, now where’d she go this time…? I will be here but maybe not quite as much as I usually am, at least for now.

With that said, it’s time to wish everyone a wonderful Summer. Or Winter if that’s the case. I hope you are having a fabulous time of it!

I’ll be back…

Check out Michelle Styles blog post for Sunday, June 28. It's filled with wonderful helpful information for us who write.

Kaye

Seizing The Moment

As promised, join me in welcoming my friend and special guest, Helen Hardt, bestselling author of erotica and other great romances as she shares a few of her sensory secrets with us.

Her latest published work, Outlaw And The Angel (not erotica) is part of the anthology, Lawmen and Outlaws.

Today she's talking about how we can make our love scenes sizzle using the senses. She's included some wonderful examples from her own work, which appear in the above anthology published by The Wild Rose Press Cactus Rose Line.

So Helen please share your method of Using Sensory Detail in Love Scenes with us!


Ever read a love scene that absolutely did not turn your crank?

I’m not talking solely about consummation scenes. A love scene, to me, is any scene where the hero and heroine are showing their love for one another (even if they aren’t aware they’re in love yet.) It can be a simple brush of a finger across a cheek. A first kiss (this is a big one.) Maybe third base. And of course, total consummation.

Back to the love scene that didn’t work for you. Why? Writing is subjective, and it could be that you just didn’t enjoy that particular author’s style, even if it was flawlessly written. That’s happened to me, and I’m sure it’s happened to most of you. But more often than not, when a love scene doesn’t do it for me, it lacks sensory detail.

Sensory detail is extremely important in romance writing. The reader wants to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel (and I’m not just talking sense of touch here, I mean inner feelings, as well) everything the hero and heroine do. These details immerse the reader into the character’s head and heart. When a reader becomes a character, you’ve done your job well.

Not to get too technical on you, but “sensory,” as defined, means “conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers.” As writers, we need to go beyond labeling feelings and emotion, even beyond describing them. We need to become our POV character, feel what he or she feels, see what he or she sees, etc. Then we translate those feelings – those nerve impulses – into words. When you master sensory detail, your love scenes will be urgent, in the moment, and very powerful.

Easier said than done, right? Actually, it’s not that difficult, and with a little practice, your love scenes will shine with new color and vibrancy. First, get a good Thesaurus. This is your best tool for sensory detail. Make sure you use lots of descriptive action verbs. No passive voice allowed! Keep adverbs to a minimum, but don’t be afraid to use them if they work for the scene. Adjectives are essential, especially for describing scents. While description is a good start, use other tools – action, dialogue, imagery, similes/metaphors, to name a few – to convey feelings through words.

When you create each love scene, ask yourself what each character is feeling. What does she see? Hear? Taste? Smell? What does she feel beneath her fingers? Against her body? What is she thinking? How is her body physically reacting to the hero? How is she emotionally reacting? Answer these questions, then work the answers into the scene in the most vivid way possible. Don’t forget your non-POV character. Work his senses into the scene through dialogue and actions.

Be careful not to overdo it. Sometimes a scene lends itself more to one sense than another. In my example below, you’ll see I only use the sense of smell once. I’ve written many other scenes where I focus more on that sense. Be true to your characters and your story, and the senses will fall into place.

Here’s the first kiss in my current release, The Outlaw’s Angel (and this is not erotic romance):

Looking into Naomi’s glaring eyes, Bobby lost all rational thought. He seized her upper arms, pulled her to him, and crushed his mouth to hers.

Her full red lips were as sweet as he’d imagined. He nibbled across the upper, then the lower, tasting the remnants of the raspberries she’d eaten with her supper. Sweet, tangy, and oh so perfect. He cherished each second of the kiss, knowing she’d break away at any time. Probably slap him across the face. It’d be no less than he deserved.

Instead, her arms wove around his neck, and she whispered against his mouth, her voice a sensual caress.

“Bobby.”

His name. How sweet the sound from her innocent lips. He was a goner now. His cock woke in his britches, and he pulled her against his arousal.

“Open, angel,” he said against her rosebud mouth. “Open your lips, and let me in.”

“I don’t know how...” She broke away, and spoke into his chin. At the same time her fingers entwined in his hair. “Bobby. This isn’t...proper.”

“To hell with proper, darlin’. Kiss me back. Please. I’m aching for you.” He found her mouth again and drank from her raspberry lips. “Open. Please.”

A soft sigh escaped her throat as she parted her lips, just a touch, and he slipped his tongue between them. Every nerve in his body screamed for him to thrust into her mouth, to mimic what he wanted to do with another part of his body. But he held himself in check. Likely, she’d never kissed a man before, and even if she had, she was otherwise untouched. As much as he wanted her, he didn’t want to scare her away.

But when the tip of her sweet tongue touched his, he shattered. He pulled her closer, and reached behind her with one hand and began plucking out those dratted hairpins. His other hand held her back at the waist, pulling her against the throbbing in his groin. Soon his fingers were tunneling through the thick sable waves; they were softer than he’d imagined, like fine oriental silk. A throaty groan rumbled from her chest, and like the waters through a damn breaking, he rushed forward, thrusting into her satiny mouth with urgent, yet tender, kisses. His tongue tangled with hers, and when she moaned again, he deepened the kiss, tasting every crevice of her soft, sweet mouth.

The kiss went on and on, and when she finally broke away, her breath came in rapid puffs against his cheek.

“Angel,” he whispered, “you’re so beautiful. So perfect.” He rained kisses across her cheek, her jaw line, to the tender spot below her earlobe. Her lavender fragrance ensnared him, and he inhaled deeply. Still she panted against him, and he waited for her to stop him, almost wanted her to stop him, because if he didn’t stop soon, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to.

“Bobby.” Desire thickened her voice.

His cock responded. How he longed to set it free from its constraints, to watch her wrap her ruby lips around it and pleasure him. Then he’d bury his face between her creamy thighs and return the favor, before plunging his hardness into her virgin depths.
But he couldn’t do this.

She was too good for the likes of him. To soil her would be to bastardize perfection. Once more, though. Just one more taste of those honeyed lips, and then he’d stop. He nibbled at her neck, breathing in her lavender essence, then trailed to her lips again.

“Naomi,” he said, and bent to touch his mouth to hers.

She gasped, but before he could thrust his tongue into her, she broke away from him, turned, and ran toward the creek.

Who’d he been trying to kid? If he’d tasted her again, he wouldn’t have been able to stop.

~~~~~~~

I did something different with this scene. The first kiss is in the hero’s point of view. That’s not the norm for me, but it allowed me to focus on different details.

Let’s take a look at the sensory detail:

First, the sense of sight. What is Bobby seeing during the kiss? Well, not a lot. Most people close their eyes when they kiss. But first, he sees Naomi’s glaring eyes. Later, he imagines her ruby lips, her creamy thighs. Using the sense of sight for images in the mind is a great way to bring it into a kiss.

Let’s move to smell. Mostly just her lavender fragrance.

How about hearing? Lots to work with there. The sound of his name from her innocent lips. Her soft sigh, her throaty groan. He hears desire thickening her voice. Can you hear it? I can.

Taste? This is a good one for kissing. Bobby tastes the remnants of the raspberries Naomi ate with her supper. It’s a sweet and tangy flavor. He refers to her lips as “honeyed.” Again, sweetness.

Last, but not least, the sense of touch, which includes inner feeling. This is the biggie, folks. Most of your sensory detail will come from this sense. What does your character feel as he’s caressing the other character? What does he feel inside, both physically and emotionally? Let’s look to Bobby:

First, he seizes her and crushes his mouth to hers. This shows more emotion that just saying he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her, doesn’t it? He cherishes the kiss, because he expects her to stop him. When Naomi whispers against his neck, her voice is a sensual caress. He gets an erection and pulls her against it. He tangles his hands in her silky hair, and it feels like soft Oriental silk. He feels her puffs of breath against his cheek. Inside, his body is screaming for him to thrust into her, to mimic the sex act. He knows she’s inexperienced, so he holds himself in check for as long as he can. Can you feel his need? His desire? His conscience gets to him, but just one more kiss, he thinks. When she flees, he knows the truth. He wouldn’t have been able to stop at one more kiss.

Can you feel the urgency? Not just for Bobby, but for Naomi as well? Her actions and words help impart her own emotions into the scene.

Thank you, Kaye, for having me at your blog! It’s always fun to visit you. I have a signed print copy of Lawmen and Outlaws, the anthology which contains The Outlaw’s Angel, to send to one lucky commenter. So comment away! I’ll be back throughout the day to answer questions.

Bio:

Helen Hardt is an attorney and stay-at-home mom turned award-winning romance author and freelance editor. She met her real-life hero in law school, and they live in Colorado with their two teenage sons. Helen writes contemporary, historical, paranormal, and erotic romance, and is currently contracted with The Wild Rose Press and Ellora’s Cave. Her non-writing interests include Harley rides with her husband, attending her sons’ sports and music performances, traveling, and Taekwondo (she’s a blackbelt.)

Visit Helen on her Website: http://www.helenhardt.com/

Or her Blog: http://helensheroes.blogspot.com/.

View From Another Point

"Take it back!" Linda screamed. Bill's anger hit a high level and she knew he didn't care about her. (Linda's POV) "No, I won't!" Bill yelled back. Linda hated him. He knew she wanted to hit him. (Bill's POV)

Oh, bad... How do these characters know what each is thinking? No, it's not about telepathy! Maybe not a great example but I think the 'point' is clear.

The other day author Dayana Knight talked a bit about POV on her blog and got some good responses. That in turn prompted me to seek out articles I may have on POV to share on my own blog.

From my first fiction story, I started collecting information on writing. So I searched my files but didn't find much on POV. I think that's because I didn't have a big problem with POV or the dreaded head-hop. I've never liked seeing blatant head hopping within the stories I read or write. But I did find one interesting idea for correcting POV and other habits that need work:

METHOD WRITING

Have you heard your POV transitions are rough? That your POV head hops or your characters lack depth. If you have, you can correct these problems with a little practice.

Consider the Method Acting process. The actor wills himself to become the character he’s playing. Some actors/actresses meticulously research their role prior to filming or a stage appearance. Renee Zelweger worked two weeks in a London office to train for her role in the movie "Bridget Jones’ Diary." She became a London office worker in order to play one on screen.

What’s the point of this information for a writer? While writing, the author must practice Method Writing and become the character. Whether telling the scene from the POV of the hero, heroine, or even the villain, an author must relate the scene's experiences from that character’s body and mind. Therefore, the author should record only those things the POV character experiences.

In my example Linda cannot know what Bill is thinking, she can only guess from his facial expression and his body language. And the same is true for Bill, of course.

Head Hopping: It's true Nora Roberts head hops, and wouldn't we all like to be another Nora? However, it's a mistake to think that because she does it, everyone else can too. We lesser mortals have to follow the rules, at least until we're famous enough to break them.

That means no more than one or two POV changes per scene, and the fewer changes the better. If you master Method Writing, you'll eliminate head hopping because you'll be immersed in the POV character and record events as if you had become that character. More importantly, because you are deeply in the character’s POV, you'll pull the reader into the story as well. That's the goal--to make the reader lose himself/herself in our stories.

Transitions: When you change points of view, make a smooth way for the reader with a signal. At the first of the paragraph in the new POV, use a pronoun or noun to indicate the new POV. Don't cause the reader to back up and reread a paragraph to see who is speaking or internalizing. That takes the reader out of the story. Many editors and publishers don't like head hopping, especially line-to-line hopping from one character's head (POV) to another.

That's not to say you can't write in multiple POV. Especially including the hero's as well as the heroine's POV. But do it either chapter by chapter or at least with a good transition leading from one character to the other and in a different scene.

Life Experience: This determines a character’s thoughts, dialogue, and actions. The same is true for an internal dialogue—the character’s impressions reflect these experiences. For instance, if your heroine bakes pastry and bread to sell and she meets a brown-eyed man, she may think his eyes are the color of cinnamon. On the other hand, a painter might think brown eyes are the color burnt umber.

Don’t forget to surround the character with the senses. What does the character see, feel, taste, hear, smell, sense, and perceive as reactions from the others in the scene? Immerse the reader in the character’s impressions, but don't dump them all in one paragraph. Slip them in subtly as the scene progresses.

And that leads to another point! Don't miss my guest blogger, Helen Hardt as she talks about sensory detail... Coming this week!

As always, your comments and ideas are welcome. What do you think about the subject of head hopping and POV?

Kaye

Persistance Pays...

Are writers groups truly useful in getting you published? Now that’s a good question. I do think groups can be extremely helpful especially if you are a newbie. While the bloom is still on, an aspiring pre-published writer needs to connect with others for support and encouragement. Learning together can be a big asset. To critique each other’s work not only helps the giver learn skills but also the receiver too. Then there are links to publishers, online writing workshop/classes and contact with others who write. Members can share a bunch of knowledge with each other. Some do form lasting friendships.

It all sounds wonderful. But as several more experienced writers have discussed recently, there is usually a downside as well. One of the biggest problems I’ve encountered with new writers groups is many aspirers don’t persist. After a while, they lose interest in writing. Their every day life gets in the way of publishing dreams. Or they just don’t want to put out the effort, endure all the rejections and continue the persistence it takes to get there. It could take several years depending on the market you target. Instant publication is not the norm.

Any one who has remotely touched on the business side of this industry knows well that marketing plays a key role in the life of a writer. Some don’t enjoy this side and may be discouraged by it.

Face it-- there are hundreds, even thousands of distractions out there to discourage us from reaching our goals. Not to mention ye ole writers block! The adage ‘persistence pays’ should become the song of all writers.

When bestselling and oft-quoted Joe Konrath said, “There is a word for a writer who never gives up— published.” He wasn’t kidding. The man knows. He claims to have amassed some 400 rejections before he got his first yes. Now that’s top notch persistence!

Many of my friends who visit here are already successfully published authors. But there is always a new crop waiting for sage advice. With that said, here are some questions to ponder:

What advice would you more experienced writers give a newbie? For the aspiring among us, what would you like to ask those who have been where you are now?

Kaye

Reviews And Old Clues

Remember the very first story we finally finished writing? Remember how elated we were? It was such a great feeling to see all those words forming a real story. But soon after, the eye opener came--we had to take a good hard look at those sacred words. And sometimes it just wasn't as pretty as we first thought. But we started to study and learn and figure it out. And our writing got better and better with practice.

As I looked back at what I've learned along the way about writing fiction, I came across this old article buried deep inside my “How to” file. It’s still a gem and a good review of a few basics, so I figured I'd share it here.

EDITOR FAY THOMPSON’S SELF-EDITING TIPS
– Questions you need to ask before submitting your story

1. Does your story have dramatic unity? Is something happening on each page?

2. Is it obvious what is at stake? Your characters must want something desperately. Have you made it clear what this something is?

3. Have you given enough information so readers can see what you see? Remember readers know only what you tell them.

4. Is your story all there? Does it take too long to get started and is your first line a hook?

5. In Point of View, do you bounce between viewpoints (head hop) until your reader is dizzy and confused? Stay in one POV as much a possible. If you must change character heads, separate POV by space breaks or chapter breaks. Do keep POV changes to a minimum within a chapter.

6. Have you varied the length of your sentences? Some long? Some short? Some medium length? Long paragraphs will have your reader yawning. Too many short sentences will jar his senses. This goes for paragraphs, too.

7. Do you say no to your characters, or do they get what they want without a struggle? The reader wants the characters to almost get their heart's desire, only to have it snatched away from them at the last minute.

8. Have characters' names tripped you up? Don't use similar sounding names. Avoid giving characters names beginning with the same letter. Names should "fit" the characters. Example: Mitzi doesn't sound like a high-society matron.

9. In dialogue, do your characters talk like real people? Don't let them make speeches to each other. Use character names in dialogue just enough to keep readers from being confused as to who is speaking.

10. Have you been guilty of "reader feeder” This is where one character feeds information to another? Or do you ramble on about how this or that came to be? It’s much better to give back story or necessary information in small doses throughout the story.

11. Check punctuation, grammar, format and spelling. Okay, this includes fixing passive voice and ridding out those annoying 'ly' adverbs (softly, quickly) and pesky helping verbs like 'was' and 'had' as much as possible. (ate instead of was eating, etc.)

12. Now the tough one: Is it boring? If someone else wrote this, would you want to keep reading? Have your critique partner go over it. Insist on a tough critique and don't take it personally when they do just that.

Okay, so we’ve heard, read and studied this before. This is tried and true stuff and a basic review can’t hurt us, right?

Write well all.

Kaye

Summer Is Here!

It’s hard to believe it is June already!

I’ve been thinking about my fiction writing goals for the summer and I’ve decided to review some important parts of writing a romance.

Those who know me also know I’m a journalist by trade and you might think it’s easy for me to write fiction. Not true. While I do have a good command of sentence structure and grammar, I’ve had to learn the craft of writing romance fiction, the same as everyone else.

To start, we all know creating romance is very different from mainstream writing. The love story has to come first. I’ve had to learn this, as well as how to plot, pace and write realistic dialogue. Not to mention being able to create believable characters.

I like adventure and multi sub-plots. Okay, so I enjoy making it hard on myself! But I get bored when reading or writing if there isn’t a lot going on in a story. For example, if I’m reading an historical, I want it to be historically accurate with the details or else I’ll put the book down. I also stop writing my own stories until I get the research and historical data down right.

I do write Sci-Fi too and can create my own worlds. But do you want to know something I discovered while working on Sci-Fi stories? I base most of my world building on my own experience with history, myth, culture, science and such. It’s still research! At least it is for me.

What do you think? How much do you invest in research? When is it enough?

Be sure to visit Dayana Knight today http://dayanaknight.blogspot.com/ and read what Eilidh MacKenzie, one of The Wild Rose Press Black Rose editors has to say about historical research.

Summer’s here... Let’s see how much we can accomplish!

Kaye

HELEN HARDT!

It's always a great day when Helen Hardt guest blogs with me. Today she's talking about her latest release from The Wild Rose Press. THAI'D UP is yet another Destination Pleasure romp through the land of erotic fun. Believe me she can write romance. Her Destinatin Pleasure stories are filled with sexy lust and love. She knows how to take us on a journey of passion and pleasure, so let's get on with it.

Over to you, Helen!

Kaye, thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog again! I always enjoy our visits. THAI’D UP is my third Destination Pleasure story over at The Wilder Side of The Wild Rose Press. You can go directly to THAI'D UP at this link:
The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb:

Visiting Bangkok to do an interview for her employer, Heidi Clarke is intrigued by the wild and raucous nightlife. When a handsome and engaging stranger, dressed as the Phantom of the Opera, offers to escort her into a BDSM club, she's too curious to refuse. As the man behind the mask introduces Heidi to new and exciting pleasures of the flesh, she can't help but wonder who he is. Or if she really wants to know.

Excerpt (PG):

He led her to one of the closed doors. “I can make all your fantasies come true, teerak.” He took her glass and set it on a small table against the wall. He set his own down as well and cupped her face in his hands. “Just tell me what you want. Anything.”

Anything? He couldn’t possibly be serious. She smiled, deciding to play with her Phantom a little. “What if I told you I wanted to make love on a Lear jet? At fifty thousand feet?”

“I’d charter one.”

Heidi scoffed. “Right.”

“I’m completely serious.” He dropped a hand to clasp one of hers, then led her fingers to the unmasked side of his face. His skin was smooth. And hot. “Tell me, my angel of music, what do you desire?” He turned his head slightly and brushed his lips over her palm. A simple whisper of contact caused a gush of fresh nectar from her pussy. Her skin prickled as he continued to rub his cheek into her hand. His other hand moved from her neck to open the door.

“I want to make your dreams come true, teerak,” he whispered, his breath a soft caress on her neck. “Just tell me what you want.”

“You,” she said, her voice a husky rasp. “I want you.”

“God, I was hoping you’d say that.” He crushed his lips to hers.

For a man who owned a BDSM club, he kissed with a gentle softness, nibbling across her upper lip, then her lower, tracing his tongue around her mouth, probing for entrance. With a soft sigh, she opened to him and let her tongue touch his. Her knees buckled at the sheer beauty of the kiss. Such pure emotion.

Her heart raced and little tingles traveled from her lips to every cell in her body, settling between her legs. He tasted of the wine they had shared, combined with a spicy musk flavor that was all him. All handsome stranger.

A stranger. She was kissing a stranger.

Frightened, she pulled away, but he held onto her. “No, please don’t make me stop.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want more Destination Pleasure from Helen Hardt? If you haven't read her other stories, here's what the reviewers are saying:

Praise for SEDUCED IN SEOUL:

There’s some great one sided conversations, hot eroticism, and a lot of fun in this book. It kept me smiling on every page! I highly recommend this as a fun interlude when you need a light-hearted romp through the pages of fiction in an exotic location. ~Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio

Praise for PASSION IN PARIS:

This story comprises all four levels, sweet, sensual, spicy and definitely hot, hot, hot... If you’re a Francophile as am I, you will appreciate the sprinkling of French words interspersed throughout the story. The author teaches you a bit of French in a way that does not distract from the story. You will fall in love with the characters and especially Blaise, ooh la la, and find yourself fantasizing about a trip to Paris. Make sure you visit the Tour Eiffel! ~Azalea, Whipped Cream Reviews

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There you have it. Read THAI'D UP and you won't be disappointed. It's sexy and sensual in the usual Helen Hardt style. Stay tuned for more enticing romance to come from this award winning author.

I'm always glad when Helen stops by. And there is a wonderful surprise coming soon. Helen will be here in June and she's promised to share some fantastic ideas about how to create sensory details in stories. I can't wait for this. So check back later for the date and time.

Visit Helen's Heroes for some of the sexiest men ever.

And check out Helen's Website for her latest news and releases.

Don't forget you can purchase and read THAI'D UP
at The Wild Rose Press now!

Thanks to all for stopping by. And as always, thanks to Helen.

Kaye

Heads Up Everyone...!!

Award winning romance author

HELEN HARDT

will be here tomorrow!!

That's Friday May 29

She'll talk about her latest already bestselling

erotic Scarlet release

THAI'D UP!

from the
The Wild Rose Press

Stop by to say hello and maybe

ask a question or two...

See you here!

How Much Is Too Much?

Tips From My Inner Editor

Do I need to be careful of yet another overdone cliché?

I’ve noticed that when something--words, situations, plots, etc. are used too much in too many books they become a cliché in the writing industry. If I study the markets and read the books that are published, I can see these cliché patterns.

When I first wrote the sex/love scenes in Knight of Dreams, I just wrote it the way I felt it. And my crit partners said I needed to add the characters names several more times throughout the passage. So I did. But was that the right thing to do? No, it wasn't.

Okay, so maybe this is an ongoing debate. But here's the way I see it as best when I'm reading a book or story.

When in deep POV, that is revealing story/character through a character’s head, don't repeat the character’s name over and over. Once you establish the name, then you don’t need to say it again and again. Everyone knows what this means from examples in your own writing. So just keep in mind that it can pull a reader out of the story and back to the realization that they are reading, rather than immersing them inside the story, which is the goal. This goes for all deep POV writing, but especially inside a sex/love scene. Just be careful and don’t use the character’s name every other sentence, or even paragraph, if you are in the same passage or scene.

And here’s another-- This I know, but I see it especially in new writers work. I call it the ‘Laundry List’ or the ‘Rambling Writer’ syndrome. You know this one. It’s when we give each nuance of detail of a room or a setting, and even over describe a character. Or write on and on about unimportant events.

Less is best.

It’s not necessary unless you are creating an unknown or alien world for your character. And you still need to use care when doing so. The purpose of description is to give the reader a sensory grounding in a scene and that is all. So be careful with overusing description.

I’m not big on expository passages though. I like my stories to get right to the point and keep on going. In fact, I’ve had to practice layering in more description and detail to my stories. However, I’ve seen other writers rambling on and on saying much more than is necessary for the scene. Grounding your reader is the key to all good fiction writing. And it just doesn’t happen if you overwrite.

I edit out overwritten passages and too much detailed description. And I try not to repeat my viewpoint character’s name too many times. As a reader, I already got it-- when the writer revealed the name of the character in the first sentence. Occasionally I'm sure it's okay, but I say let us be careful with overuse of names, even if it is debatable. Oh yeah, I did change my scene back to the way it was written originally.

Write Well All,

Kaye

WELCOME VIOLA ESTRELLA!

It is my pleasure to welcome my lovely guest today, Viola Estrella as she releases her newest story, ANGEL VINDICATED published by Cerridwen Press... a sexy urban fantasy written in frist person which is not an easy task for most writers. But this is a delightful story. Viola is truly a vixen at heart! You can sometimes find her at Colorado Vixens. So without any further rambling on my part here's Viola!

Thank you, Kaye, for letting me talk about ANGEL VINDAICATED on your blog! I’m honored to be here.

ANGEL VINDICATED
A sexy urban fantasy
Available now as an eBook from www.cerridwenpress.com

Abigail Angel is ready for the world to know her story. She's got nasty demons to keep in line, a best friend who confuses the hell out of her, and a half-demon who tempts her like no other. All the while, she's saving the human race from certain destruction. Sometimes all an Angel needs is a little vindication.

Come find out what sins Abby has avoided today.
Really. It's lonely being an Angel with a bad rep.

Excerpt:

“That was a mistake.” I sounded like a broken record.

His mouth quirked up to a grin as he traced my bottom lip with his thumb. “What? Our little tangle on the desktop? If I remember correctly you enjoyed every second of it.”

“I did not. Not in any way.” Liar, liar, pants on fire. “I was repulsed, actually. It was the worst experience of my life.”

He dropped his hands to his side. I hated that I missed the warmth of his touch.

“Repulsed?” he asked. “That’s a strong word. You’re not suggesting, then, that I forced myself on you, are you? The repulsive, evil half-breed that I am.”

“No but I—”

“You could’ve finished me off back then if it was that horrible an experience. I was waiting for it, you know. For you to come back in a blaze of regret and strike me down to Hell for eternity. But you didn’t. You avoided me instead.”

“I was humiliated.”

He opened his mouth to respond but shut it again and gave me a puzzled look. “How so?”

“I was there to give you a warning, Siméon. Then I was on top of your desk naked. That doesn’t happen to other Angels. Other Angels don’t let themselves get seduced by demons.”

“I’m half human.”

“They don’t get seduced by humans either.”

“Has it happened before? With other demons?”

“Of course not. I’m not a slut.” Ugh. That sounded a little too defensive.

He grinned. “How many humans?”

“Zero.”

“How many Angels?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“More than six?”

“No,” I said too quickly.

“More than five?”

“Why do you care?”

“Five then.” He tapped his finger on his chin. “So I’m one of five? That surprises me a little considering how easy it was to get you naked. Not that I’m complaining.”

“Actually, I’ve only been with three men, you jerk. Including you.” MOG help me. Why was I standing here arguing with a half-breed who could testify I was a true redhead?

“Did the other two enjoy you as much as I did?”

My mouth fell open in shock. “I-I’m not here to discuss my sex life. What is wrong with you?” Why did I ask? I already knew what was wrong with him. He was a fiend, a mongrel, Satan’s little helper, wreaking havoc wherever he went. I made a move for the doorknob but he held the door shut with one large hand.

“I apologize, Abigail.” He spoke softly in my ear with his front pressed against my back. “I only want to know more about you. You intrigue me. But I understand if my questions are too personal. I’ll try to behave.”

“What do you mean I intrigue you?” I had to ask. Yep, I was so hard up I was fishing for compliments from my enemy. How pathetic.

I felt his mouth brush against my shoulder as he inhaled. “Your smell is of an Angel but slightly different. Spicier, maybe. Your hair is the color of fire, wild, free and sensuous.” He collected my spiraled locks into a ponytail with his hand and then swept the tips of his fingers down the back of my neck. “And your skin is pale and delicate with…freckles. It’s imperfect but charming. No, more like enchanting. You enchant me, Abigail.” He said the last part as if he’d found the final piece to a puzzle and I sighed.

Heat rushed through my body as we remained motionless. I didn’t want to move, not being able to remember the last time a man had touched me so affectionately. With such desire. It was sinful, I knew, to lust for this half-breed, to want his touch and to crave his taste. It was wrong. So very wrong.

~~~~~

Please vote for your favorite ANGEL VINDICATED character at www.violaestrella.com or www.myspace.com/violaestrella!

Thanks for visiting, Viola! Everyone, go check out AV, you'll be glad you did because it's a great read. Also be sure to stop by Helen's Heroes today for a look at the two sensual heroes, Simeon and Judd from ANGEL VINDICATED... yes, a love triangle.

Kaye

Space Opera... Anyone?

Visit Coffee Time Romance now to join with Christina Phillips and Shelley Munro as they play host to the month of May's rollicking new Space Opera, Red Wolverton Howling. Register with CTR and you can contribute continuing chapters, paragraphs or scenes to this wacky and sexy Paranormal Space Opera along with Christina, Shelley and other writers.

So far, I've contributed several scenes/chapters. Read them when you visit. You can also add to the storyline. It's really just too much fun!

See you there.

Kaye

Foods Ye Olde Medieval Way

Medieval research can turn up interesting information.

Even though I'm not what you'd call a person who prepares foods or even likes to cook, sometimes my characters do. I do love my fruits and veggies, so here are a few fun facts about cooking and eating Medieval style vegetables.

Medieval feasts were not all bread, meat, and cheese. Fruits—and especially vegetables—were served as side dishes or were cooked with the meat. In fact, Medieval cooks didn't make the same distinction between fruits and vegetables that we do. We often find recipes that used apples in a stew or turnips in a sweet dessert.

Some of today's favorite vegetables were not yet introduced to Medieval Europe. These include potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and maize corn. However, people still had a great variety of vegetables to choose from in their gardens and public markets.

They undoubtedly ate more fruits and vegetables than we do now since meat was expensive and the landlords taxed grain and flour. Vegetables, on the other hand, were free, a gift of the earth, and any excess from the garden could be sold.

Seasonal vegetables: Some vegetables were only available while in season, so people looked forward to eating them. Asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green and yellow beans, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, fennel, some varieties of crookneck squash (which they called gourds), peas, melons, okra, and rapini were usually served raw, steamed, or boiled, but occasionally they were also deep fried or roasted.

Leafy vegetables: This group was available more often since they could be continuously harvested from Spring until winter. Green, white and red cabbage, sorrel, lettuce, chard, collards, dandelion, mustard greens, turnip greens, chichory, radiccio, endive, escarole, spinach, parsley, cilantro, and many other herbs were served raw in salads, boiled in soups, stewed, baked, sautéed, dipped in batter and fried, or pickled to be eaten later. They also ate flowers like violets, daylilies, waterlilies, borage, fruit blossoms, mallows, sweet peas, marigolds, angelica, and roses.

Root vegetables: Carrots, turnips, rutabagas (called swedes), radishes, beets, yams, and parsnips were highly favored vegetables because they were easy to grow and could be stored all winter. Root vegetables were prepared in a variety of ways; baked, fried, boiled, braised, sautéed, steamed or eaten raw. Onions, leeks, shallots, garlic, and chives formed another class of root vegetable prized for their flavors and storage properties. The leaves and flowers were also edible and could be dried for use all year long.

You've probably heard of buttered greens with leeks. Here's the way it would have been done in Medieval times. And in Ye Olde English no less!

[To mak buttered wortes tak good erbes and pik them and wesche them and shred them and boile them in watur put ther to clarified buttur a good quantite and when they be boiled salt them and let none otemele cum ther in then cutt whit bred thyn in dysshes and pour on the wort.-Noble Book of Cookery, Napier]

Now there's a recipe that's easy to understand!

Do you have any old historical recipes that you've ran across in your research? If so, why not share? Not withstanding Olde English, of course!

Kaye

Kirkin' o' the Tartans

~Scottish parade heralding the Kirkin'~

When you think of the word 'tartan' it might bring up images of ancient Highland warriors doing battle, or a sexy Highlander hero as depicted on the cover and in the pages of some of our historical romance novels.

The truth is, tartans and of course, kilts are still a big part of Scottish life. That little piece of plaid history is alive and well in today's Scottish culture. Being of Scottish descent, I had the privilege of attending a very special (and I might add serious) ceremony this past weekend called Kirkin' o' the Tartans.

Here are some interesting facts--

If you know your Scottish culture, you know that Scots have always displayed strong Christian convictions, ever since the year 563 AD -- when St. Columba, having discovered the tiny isle of Iona in Scotland succeeded in converting the previous pagan Scots to Christianity. The resulting Church soon became a primal piece in the fabric of day-to-day Scottish life.

Historically tartans have always played a major role in Scotland's culture. In the beginning, the various tartans of the Clansmen represented people of certain districts. In later years the tartans came to stand for all Scottish Clans, including their septs and families regardless of whatever name they bore, that tartans played significant roles in the Highlanders' dress codes and in their distinct battle uniforms is well documented.

As the English ultimately discovered, the tartan was central to the Scottish overall identity and purpose. Historians say that the Protestant Reformation in the 1500's finally culminated in the Proscription Act of 1746, when it became illegal to wear or even to display the tartan, much less play the bagpipes or sing Highland songs.

After the Battle of Culloden Moor in 1746, Scottish Clans were forbidden to wear the tartan, because it was a symbol of Scottish rebellion against England. The Scots would bring bits of their tartan to church specifically to secure God's blessing on their clan colors. Thus, the Kirkin' (means blessing) of the Tartans began.

In America, since 1954, the Kirkin' o' the Tartans as conceived by Dr. Peter Marshall has been held at Washington, D.C.'s historic National Cathedral. A Kirkin' may be held at any given time of the year; but most popular times are Spring (April) and St. Andrew's Day in November. Kirkin' services are held in churches all over the country, not in secret anymore.

At the heart of every Kirkin' o' the Tartans service is always the Presentation of the Tartans of the Clan, Regiment and/or Region, a constant symbol of the re-dedication of Scotsfolk everywhere to the service of their Heavenly Father, and their Heritage.

...On behalf of all Scots away from Scotland, and in the name of all the Scottish Clansfolk that are here represented, we present these Tartans before Almighty God in appreciation of our Heritage... (Prayer from Kirkin' o' The Tartans)

Okay, so this leads to another of those distinctively Scottish and certainly a more fun event, The Highland Games. But I'll save that for another post, since these are held in the summer. Look forward to some real kilt wearin' sword totin' bagpipe playin' guys... talk about heroes! Did I mention Highland dance too?

Kaye

It's The Hard That Makes It Great

E-D-I-T-A-N-D-R-E-V-I-S-E !

Those who know me also know I have a great deal of respect for bestselling author, Margaret Moore and her expertise on rewriting and revising. All you need do is visit her blog and you'll hear her talk about her latest writing project and the grueling editing process she goes through each and every time she writes a novel. I agree with her and spend a large amount of time in edits too. The true revision process is long and not quick or easy. No one said it would be a fast track to the big print publishing houses!

A while back, Margaret wrote an article for eharlequin.com writers and I've included it below. Here's to revising and editing the heck out of our work to make it the best it can be!

Do it yourself Editing by Margaret Moore

"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." — Stephen King

What sort of "hard work" is Stephen King talking about? There's the creating of characters and plot, and the writing of the first draft of your scenes — your original version of what your characters are going to say and do. But that's only the beginning.

After the first draft of a book or scene come the heavy lifting, the grunt work, the final shaping and polishing of the gem: editing your work to ensure that you have used the most appropriate words in the best order to create fascinating, believable characters in a dramatically interesting story.

There are three basic stages in my editing process. The first thing I do when I finish the first draft of the entire novel is to read it through completely, looking at what I've included in the story and the way I've organized the scenes. I'm focusing on the big picture; particularly, the development of the romance and overall pacing.

Have I organized the scenes so that the romance progresses as it should? Have I put the scenes in the order that best maximizes dramatic tension? Do I have any dead ends and "deadwood" — scenes or paragraphs that had a purpose when I first wrote them, but now contribute nothing to the overall story line and developing romance, and in fact, bog it down? Does a scene deepen the conflict between the hero and heroine, or within those characters? Have I shown the scene from the best point of view for maximum dramatic effect?

I input those changes and create another draft of the manuscript, which I read through again. Major alterations may still be made, but I'm less likely to move huge blocks of text. What I'm looking for here is to make sure my previous changes have led to improvements in pacing and tension, and the development of the romance. I check for consistency of mood and tone, and smooth transitions. The reader shouldn't be able to tell that I've moved a scene from one chapter to another, or shifted a chunk of dialogue. The story should flow easily, so that it reads as if I wrote it in one sitting.

I'm also checking the chapter endings to make sure each chapter concludes in a way that's going to encourage the reader to keep reading. (Tip o' the day: never ever end a chapter with a character going to sleep. Talk about encouraging a reader to do the same!)

Another step in the self-editing process is polishing the manuscript: checking for repetition of words and phrases, that details are consistent, dialogue is easy to follow and that I've avoided passive verbs wherever possible in favor of stronger action verbs.

This process isn't limited to the end of the editing process, however. I do this continually, every time I work on a scene. Does that mean that I've polished something that then gets cut? Unfortunately, yes. But the goal is to make my book the very best it can be, so if it's gotta go, it's gotta go.

Here are my basic rules for revising and editing:

Be ruthless. Nothing you write is sacred, ever.
When in doubt, cut it out. If it doesn't "feel" right, it probably isn't.
Never throw anything away. For every draft, I create a "dump" file. Everything I've deleted from a chapter goes there. You never know, you might need it. I seem to recall salvaging a line of prose from a dump file once. I also save every draft. Sometimes I realize that what I had originally written works better than the new version, so I go back and get the original. If you know you can retrieve the original work, cutting and changing isn't so painful.

Know your strengths and your weaknesses. Sorry, folks, but this is something you can really only learn by writing and having someone offer feedback, whether it's a critique partner or an editor. Once you have a handle on that, it will guide you through the editing process. If I have to cut, it's not going to be something that represents one of my strengths. If I know my weakness, that portion of the manuscript's going to be more scrutinized.

So, once I've done all that, I'm finished, right? Nope. Then my editor reads the book and, depending on her feedback, I start the whole process over again.

Writing isn't easy. Rewriting can be downright painful. But remember that line in A League of Their Own? "It's the hard that makes it great."

Or as Somerset Maugham once said, "Only a mediocre writer is always at his best."

All We Need Is Love...

Love is patient. Love is kind. And Love keeps you healthy, happy, and wrinkle-free...

As a romance writer, thinking about attraction and love is second nature. Here are a few true scientific research facts about our sexy world of Love.

Love is like chocolate. Love is a kind of chemical addiction, says Helen Fisher, Ph.D., an anthropologist at Rutgers University. Falling in love activates the pleasure centers of the brain and increases production of the feel-good chemical dopamine. She goes on to say that eating chocolate affects the same brain regions. So that's why it's hard to stop at one piece of chocolate!

Your nose knows he is the one. Did you just know he was the man for you? Thank your sense of smell. Researchers have found that women draw instinctively to the scent of men who are genetically different from them, which is a good thing. What draws you to one guy over another is his pheromones, unique chemical by-products of hormone production.

It is better to be hitched than rich. What makes people happiest? A solid marriage ranks highest on the smile scale. According to a Dartmouth study, having a good marriage is equal to the satisfaction gained from earning an extra $100,000 a year. So you really can be rich in love.

Hugs have a biological benefit. They reduce heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones; boost the immune systems of the hugger and the one getting the hug.

And my all time favorite:

Love is a wonder drug. No, really -- here's more good news about physical intimacy. During a sensual encounter, your body pumps out 200 percent more endorphins (those feel-good chemicals responsible for a runner's high), according to a recent Johns Hopkins University study. Other research has found that physical intimacy relieves headaches and zaps mild depression instantly. One study even showed it was 10 times more effective than Valium at giving people a calm, contented feeling.

No wonder we like to write about HEA and love, love, love. It makes us feel so darn good!

What about you? Do you agree with the scientists? And do you have anything else to add?

Kaye

WELCOME HELEN HARDT!

This is the special day I get to welcome my good friend,
Helen Hardt as guest blogger! She's launching her second very hot Scarlet Rose erotica at The Wild Rose Press right now, today!

Helen is one of the best hot writers I've read, in fact I never miss her stories because I know she won't disappoint. So without rambling on too much, I'll let Helen tell you about herself and her new PASSION IN PARIS. And as promised, right along with the gorgeous sexy cover for her latest erotica is her gorgeous sexy hunky inspiration!

Take it away, Helen...

Hello everyone! First of all, a big thank you to Kaye for having me. Release day is always exciting. This is actually only my second release, but I have lots more coming.

Today, of course, is about PASSION IN PARIS, which is available at The Wild Rose Press, www.wilderroses.com

The idea sprung from a photo of a sexy Frenchman. (That's him beside my cover!) I love the Destination Pleasure series at The Wild Rose Press. I had just finished Seduced in Seoul, and I wanted to write another. Enter Raine and Blaise and the Eiffel Tower.

Blurb:
Attempting to overcome her fear of heights by visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower, Raine never expects to end up in the arms of a gorgeous Frenchman. But after fainting in the tower’s elevator, that’s where she awakens. Blaise is young, charming, and hot, so why, Raine wonders, is he attracted to her? And why does she have the strange feeling she’s seen him somewhere before?

I’m running a contest to celebrate the release of Passion in Paris. Email me at helenhardt@gmail.com and tell me Raine’s real name. You can find it hidden on my blog. Don’t post it in a comment and give it away, LOL. The contest will close at midnight EST next Friday, April 17. I’ll draw a name, and the winner will receive a Barnes and Noble gift card. And I’ll throw in something extra special if you can tell me why she doesn’t use her real name. For that one, you’ll have to read the story.

Thanks again for letting me visit today, Kaye! And here’s a PG excerpt from PASSION IN PARIS:

Raine struggled to clear her vision. If he was as handsome as his voice suggested, she definitely wanted a better look. She widened her eyes and scanned his face.

“Oh, God.” Her heart thudded against her sternum.

He sat across from her on a black lacquer coffee table. A few days’ worth of golden stubble dusted his chiseled jaw line, and his long nose turned up just a touch at the tip, which, for some reason foreign to Raine, was incredibly sexy. High cheekbones, full lips, an adorable dimple in his chin. And eyes. Deep set and slightly slanted, they sparkled like lapis lazuli fringed with a nutmeg curtain of lashes.

But as spectacular as his eyes were, they paled in comparison to the flowing mane of gold that fell over his broad shoulders. She wanted to touch it, let it slide between her fingers like strands of silk. But that would be insane. He was a stranger. He had cared for her, taken her from the tower when she couldn’t help herself, but still, he was a stranger.

“What is it?” He searched her face. “Are you all right?”

“Huh?” Damn, his hair was beautiful.

“You said, ‘oh, God.’ Is something the matter?”

Uh, yeah. I said “Oh, God” because you’re the most amazing creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“I just...” Raine cleared her throat. “Water. Please.”

“Yes. Of course. I should have thought. You’re American. You don’t want wine.”

“I’ve nothing against wine. But right now, I need water.”

“I will get it.”

Blaise rose from his seat on the coffee table and strode out of the room. His firm ass encased in jeans drew Raine’s gaze. Every part of him was good looking. And...familiar? Where had she seen him before? The elevator? But she didn’t remember his face from the elevator...

Helen Hardt is an attorney and stay-at-home mom turned romance author and freelance editor. She met her real-life hero in law school, and they live in Colorado with their two teenage sons. Helen writes contemporary, historical, paranormal, and erotic romance. Her first two releases, Seduced in Seoul and Passion in Paris, are available at www.wilderroses.com. The Outlaw’s Angel, part of a western historical anthology, Lawmen and Outlaws, releases June 5 at www.thewildrosepress.com. Blood Wolf, an award-winning dark paranormal, will be out in October, and her first Ellora’s Cave release, Slow and Wet, comes in November. Her non-writing interests include Harley rides with her husband, attending her sons’ sports and music performances, traveling, and Taekwondo (she’s a blackbelt.)

Visit Helen at her website:

www.helenhardt.com
Or her blog:
www.helensheroes.blogspot.com

This story sounds sensually fantastic! And thanks Helen for being here and sharing this sexy new story with us! You can pick up your copy of PASSION IN PARIS right now at The Wild Rose Press. Let is know what you think, and be sure to enter Helen's contest-- details above. Oh yes, and there is a special sale-- you can get this fabulous book for only $.99. Who could pass up a deal like that? And by the way, the gorgeous hunk in the photo is sexy Frenchman, Emmanuel Delcour! (like I said, a hero to die for!)

Kaye

Passion and more...

Join me Friday April 10th

Yes, that's tomorrow!

as I welcome the fabulous

HELEN HARDT

She's launching her second release

PASSION IN PARIS

from The Wild Rose Press

Don't miss Helen's hunky hero who is

the inspriation for this story!

Be still my heart...

This one is really to die for!

Nutshells And Knights

Balian, my inspiration!

I'm really not resting this week! I've been deep in edits and I did post on Lindsay's Romantics today. It does not seem like April has moved into week two already, does it? Alas, it's almost been an entire week since April 1st!

I hope everyone who wanted to do it, sent in a Nocturne Bite pitch. If not, get to it. Today, April 6th at midnight NY time is the deadline.

Speaking of blurbs, lest we forget The Knight Agency Nutshell contest for a three-sentence blurb with a deadline of April 20th. I have a blurb, though I don't know if I’ll keep it. I found it a bit hard trying to fit my entire novel into three sentences, but TKA did say authors could use 150 words. At first I thought, I can't use that many words, make run on sentences and expect anyone to care, can I? And how am I supposed to write a good blurb in only three sentences?

So, I worked on it one afternoon. Since I do write blurbs fairly well, and this is good practice, I did get a working blurb going. I had to pack a lot of story in just three sentences so it is wordy. Will I keep it? Maybe not. The editor in me tends to change things quite frequently!

How about you? Do you have trouble fitting your entire story -- especially if it's a novel like mine -- into a very short blurb? Do you think a three sentence blurb can get an agent's attention?

Note: Here's a piece of information that really brings this three sentence blurb pitch into perspective.

"A blurb is two to three sentences highlighting the main concept only. Basically, it's a logline or elevator pitch."

Does everyone know about this elevator pitch? I don't think I really understood it until Nancy O'berry pointed it out to me!

Kaye

Bitten Anyone?

It's April 1st! Today is really when spring actually arrives for me. So in honor of this day, I'm posting about a contest. I know several who visit here are entering this one, and this information came directly from Silhouette Nocturne, so we know it is exactly right! For those who don't already know this, here it is.

April 6th is the deadline for submitting your blurb for the Silhouette Nocturne Bites online editor pitch. Full details about the pitch session can be found at eHarlequin Community.

While preparing your story/pitch, don’t forgot to read the Bite Writing Guidelines and this “Learn to Write” article on short stories from eHarlequin.com.

Plus, here are a few tips from editor Ann Leslie Tuttle about what she’s looking for in a Nocturne Bite story:

TONE:

These are dark romances about characters realizing their love while they face and overcome larger-than-life death threating situations. It’s high drama and, as the conflict escalates, so do the emotional tension and sensuality. Unfortunately, some of the recent submissions I’ve rejected have been too light in tone and more reminiscent of paranormal chick lit by bestselling writers like Mary Janice Davidson. Last Wolf Watching by Rhyannon Byrd or Scions: Insurrection by Patrice Michelle are great examples of the type of editorial we’re seeking.

PLOTTING:

Just as the word “bites” implies, these are short paranormal romances for the busy reader. But they still need to pack the full flavor of a Nocturne. Within the space of 10,000 to 15,000 words, writers face what seems to me a daunting challenge of setting up a special world, introducing readers to their protagonists, and outlining both the emotional and external conflicts. By the novella’s conclusion, the skilled writer has tied up all the loose ends and made sure there is sufficient basis for the protagonists to realize their love. And she’s certainly won my admiration in the process! Reunion romances can work well since the protagonists have a past. And for paranormals, the sense that the heroine is the hero’s destined mate and/or the strength of the attraction they feel can make the declaration of love at the end highly believable.

CHARACTERIZATION:

The Nocturne Bites hero reminds me of a Medieval Warrior. He’s pure Alpha and, although he can be demanding, arrogant and mysterious, he’s commanding, worthy of respect and impossible to resist. The Bites heroine is strong but she possesses a certain vulnerability. And, although she may have special powers that actually make her more powerful than the hero, it’s the hero who helps her recognize and accept her abilities. Both characters should be well developed and sympathetic to readers.

SENSUALITY:

These romances can be highly sensual, but the story should not be all about their lovemaking and short on actual plotting and character development.

PACING:

Because these stories are action-packed and mission oriented, there is not much room for much extensive scene setting, introspection or interaction with secondary characters. The opening will ideally hurl the reader right into the heart of the story and take her on a whirlwind ride until she reaches the breathtaking conclusion in which the protagonists confess their love and the threat they are facing is overcome. It’s important that the writing not become episodic as the author tries to make too many leaps to move the story forward.

POINT OF VIEW:

Lastly, these novellas should provide both the hero and heroine’s POV. However, you might watch that it doesn’t become too formulaic with each chapter ping-ponging between the hero and heroine’s POV. And, just to make an obvious point, their POV should ring true to their character and his/her experiences.

Well, there it is. I hope this helps all those thinking about, or targeting Nocturne. And remember, even if you don't win the pitch contest, you can still submit your short story to Nocturne Bites! One more thing-- it is highly recommend that you read and study several Nocturne novels as well as the already published online Bites before attempting to write in this very specialized field.

Have a wonderful April 1st Day!

Kaye

WELCOME LINDSAY TOWNSEND

The perfect prison is in his arms...

In the year 1066, England struggles against Norman invaders and two strangers cross paths on a pilgrimage fraught with peril - only to discover a love worth any danger.

Battle-weary knight Marc de Sens has never encountered a woman like Sunniva of Wereford: beautiful, brilliant, and miles above the curs who call themselves her kin. Alas, she is promised to another and Marc's obligation is to his three orphaned nieces. But when Sunniva's circumstances suddenly change, Marc learns the truth about her "betrothal".

A rough-hewn knight so gentle with children intrigues Sunniva, who never knew a kind word or caring touch from any man until Marc rescued her from the grimmest of fates. When her loutish father and brothers are killed, Sunniva is finally free, but her troubles are far from over. Although Marc has appointed himself her protector, he has a dark secret - as well as an uncanny ability to disarm her completely...

What you have just read is the intriguing blurb from Lindsay Townsend's latest historical romance novel

A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE

I'm so pleased my good friend and fellow romance author, Lindsay Townsend is here today. She has several books published, but as I've said before, my favorites are her 11th century medieval historical romances. Not that her others books aren't wonderful too. She's promised to share her secret of what she expects from her heroes. And she'll talk about her latest book.

Take it away Lindsay...

Hi, Kaye! Thank you so much for having me here on your romance blog! Today I'm talking about heroes and a bit about my upcoming historical romance, A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE, published by Kensington Zebra in early April.

Here, for starters, are ten things I expect of the hero in my historical romances:

1. To protect those weaker than himself.

2. To respect the heroine, if not from their first meeting, then quickly.

3. To be able to share his feelings. If men in the caves 35,000 years ago could paint wonderful, emotionally charged pictures, any subsequent male should be able to express himself emotionally and be emotionally available.

4. To be an excellent kisser - or a fast learner!

5. To have a past where he has made mistakes, regretted them and grown, without being a pouter.

6. To ride well and look good on a horse.

7. To care for others as well as the heroine.

8. To withhold from spitting on the floor, picking his nose, scratching himself or looking for fleas.

9. To make love with tenderness and consideration.

10. To be thinking of a future where he and the heroine are happily together in old age. Looks, the way he dresses, the way he styles his hair, are not important. The odd bath now and then is useful. A few practical skills other than wielding a sword or axe are also handy. He should be generous and a thoughtful gift-giver. Why not? Again, if Neanderthals buried their dead with flowers, cared for their elderly and infirm and played music, which they did, I think my heroes should be able to do the same.

Here is a scene from A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE, where the hero Marc acts as a hero should and rescues the heroine, Sunniva.

"Rot in hell and back!" Marc bawled, bringing his sword round in a close, lethal arc that raised sparks on the bastard's belt buckle and rent a bloody welt across his chest.
"No sanctuary here - you are dead!"

He stamped on the jerking creature and raised his sword, aiming for the heart, when a low moan beside him had him tumbling to his knees to guard her. At the same instant, her two attackers crawled away, stumbling through the door and out.

Marc let them go. Dropping his sword, he gathered Sunniva into his arms, whispering over and over in Breton, "You are alive. Safe. Safe, my angel. Safe."

He had been so afraid she was harmed that having her trembling but whole beneath his hands was overwhelming. Tears stormed into his eyes, swiftly followed by rage.

Where was her father? Her brothers? Where were the useless escorts, meant to protect?

"Hush, hush," he crooned, rocking her back and forth as he struggled to keep his own grief and anger in check.

He dared not look at her too closely while he had tears in his eyes and looked so unmanned, but the warrior's sense in him told him she was not fatally hurt in the flesh. He could smell no blood or sickness on her and though she shook, she did not grimace or writhe in pain.

The injury to herself, however: her integrity, trust, humor, spirit - Marc furiously blinked away the moisture in his eyes as he prayed that Sunniva would soon recover and forget.

"King Christ, ruler of heaven, let her not be afflicted by night terrors, as my poor Isabella is. Let her know peace."

He should be raising the alarm, since none of the other fools of the pilgrim party seemed to have realized yet that anything was amiss. He should be returning to his own three. In a breath, his memory went back to the fire that had carried off his elder brother Roland and his wife: on that dreadful night he had cradled his niece Alde in his arms, even as he was now clutching Sunniva; he remembered how his and Alde's tears had mingled as they clung to each other.

Sunniva did not cling. She was still too stunned to do anything save take great gasping breaths and shiver. There was a dark, welling bruise on the left side of her cheek and her eye was puckering, threatening to close altogether. Tears had streamed down her face; he saw them glistening near her nose and quivering lips. Such a red, soft mouth.

"Do you hurt anywhere else?" he asked softly, relieved when she shook her head. Longing to wipe away her tears, he held her close.

I love your hero expectations. Number 8 is so funny-- no spitting, scratching, picking nose and looking for fleas-- we should all base our historical heroes on this list. And I love the excerpt, Lindsay. It's so touching. It makes me want to go out, buy this book and fall in love with your hero, Marc! Oh yes, and let's not forget about the cover-- it's fantastic and so sexy!

Thanks again, Kaye, for hosting me today!

Best wishes,

Lindsay Townsend

You can visit Lindsay at:

Her Blog: Lindsay's Bookchat

Her Website: Lindsay Townsend

Her other Blog: Lindsay's Romantics

Be sure to pick up your copy of her latest book, A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE in bookstores this April, or visit Kensington online now.

Kaye

The Winners Are...

First, I'd like to say *Thanks* to everyone for stopping by my blog this month. I know it's been hectic because I've had several visiting authors and so close together! But I'm glad there are lots of releases in the Spring because I get to host my friends and their latest books.

Now it's time to reveal the winners of the contest held by Caridad Pineiro. The prizes are a SINS OF THE FLESH t-shirt and copy of her book, SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD.

Are you ready? Drum roll please....

The winners from the comments and by random drawing are:

CARI QUINN

and

JAMIESON WOLF

Congratulations to you both! Please Email Me and I'll tell you how to claim your prize.

On Monday, March 30, don’t forget to stop by and visit with my friend, Historical Romance Author, Lindsay Townsend. She'll share some fascinating ideas about what she expects from her heroes. Her latest release from Kensington Books,

A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE, will hit the bookshelves on April 1st.

See everyone on Monday!

Kaye

WELCOME JA KONRATH

Please welcome my guest, Joe Konrath. I feel honored that he decided to visit this blog on his tour. He's the author who doles out sage wisdom and keeps us on our toes with his well known blog, A Newbie's Guide To Publishing. Today he'll talk about the different aspects of a sex scene and how he incorporated this into his upcoming release through the view of his villain, a woman named Alex. Then in his own unique style, and almost in it's entirety he'll give us a rare sneak peek into this sex scene from CHERRY BOMB.

This is going to be good, so take it away, Joe!

My name is Joe Konrath. Under JA Konrath, I write a thriller series about Chicago Homicide cop Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels. All of the books have drink titles. The sixth, CHERRY BOMB comes out in July. Under the name Jack Kilborn, I write horror novels. My next book, AFRAID, comes out March 31. It's pretty scary.

Now, the Jack Daniels books aren't for the weak of heart, either. Though they have a lot of humor, there are also some scary parts. In the new one, there are also some sexy parts, and previously this month I posted a sex scene on romance author, Beth Ciotta's blog.

This is a different sort of sex scene from CHERRY BOMB. The villain in the book, a woman named Alex, is a serial killer. Half of her face is badly scarred, and she's pretty angry about that. There have been hundreds of books featuring men as sexual predators. I thought it would be interesting, and fair, if I made a woman a sexual predator.

Here, Alex kidnaps a man she used to date, because she wants sex. She's been in jail a long time and information (the man, Lance, has access to something she needs to take her revenge on my hero, Jack Daniels.)

Besides the obvious role-reversal in this excerpt, my goal was three-fold. First, I wanted to establish Alex as a woman in control, who gets whatever she wants, by whatever means necessary. Second, I wanted to show she's a stone-cold psycho. Third, Jack has a sex scene later in the book, and I wanted to show how different they are, accentuating the contrasts between good and bad.

Alex is very bad. We've all had to endure countless books where the women were treated like sex objects. Here's one where the men are.

(Graphic Excerpt!)

Alex holds the Cheetah stun gun against Lance’s stomach long enough to drop him to his knees. Before he can recover, she hits him in the temple with the meat of her palm, hard enough to jerk his head to the side. He collapses.

She drags Lance into the hotel room, locks the door behind her, and muscles him over to the bed. He’s heavy, cumbersome, but she lifts with her legs and jerks him onto the mattress. He begins to moan, so she juices him with the stun gun again, causing his limbs to twitch and contract. She holds it there for a few seconds, and when she kills the power he’s limp and a line of drool is running down his chin.

It takes a few seconds to start the roll of duct tape, but when she does she uses a long strip to bind his left wrist to the leg of the bed. The other limbs follow suit, until he’s spread-eagled and immobilized.

Using the utility knife, she starts at his cuff of jeans and slices the fabric upward to his belt line, careful not to nick his skin. Then she does the other leg. Then his shirt, until all he has on are his shoes, socks, and Duff Beer boxer shorts. Alex tosses the knife aside, and tears off the shorts with her hands, feeling the excitement build, feeling herself get wet.

It isn’t necessary for Lance to be naked. Alex could have gotten what she wanted just by unzipping his fly. But she likes seeing men naked. Especially good-looking men. It’s been a long time.

Since being out of prison, no one has stepped up to the plate. One came close, until he got a good look at her face and sarcastically demanded she wear two bags over her head, “In case one fell off.” She left him in a Chicago bar with two teeth in his mouth and a broken pelvis.

But things are definitely looking up. Alex runs her fingernails through Lance’s chest hair, then pinches his nipples. He stirs, glassy eyes focusing, and calls her by a name he knew her by.

“Hi, Lance. It’s been a long time.”

Lance tries to move, sees he’s taped to the bed.

“What’s going on?”

“Shh.” Alex puts a fingertip to his lips. “No talking, or I’ll gag you. I need a few things from you, Lance. First, I need you to fuck me. Hard. Then, I need to know where your EOD Lieut lives, where he keeps his van, and what kind of toys you boys have in there.”

“What the hell are you—”

Alex grabs his ear, jerks his head to the side.

“I said no talking.”

He looks terrified, which is a terrific turn-on. Alex wants to kiss him, but doesn’t want to risk being bitten, or worse, rebuffed. Instead she runs her teeth across his neck and nibbles her way down his body, across his chest, to his belly button. He tastes good, like a man, tangy and hot. Alex grabs him, feels that he’s responding even though he’s frightened. This pleases her; she won’t have to use the Viagra she stole from the coffee shop guy.

She moves her head down, holding his cock in both hands, running her tongue up along the side of the shaft. A thought hits her: Will I be able to function normally? Half of her face muscles are gone. But when she takes him in her mouth he offers no objections to her technique. And as she lowers her head further, opening her throat, Lance’s hips begin to pump.

Alex matches his thrusts for several strokes, then releases him, both of them breathing heavy. She’s hot, hot and wet, and she wants to climb on and impale herself. But they had done this dance, many times, in the past. And though Lance may have gotten better since those days, Alex doesn’t want to have to rely on his staying power. She reaches for the nightstand, tears open the bag of rubber bands, and winds a fat one around the base of his dick.

Lance makes a noise of protest, and Alex gives the rubber band a snap, shutting him up.

She straddles him, guides him into her, and moves down slowly, deliciously, until she’s filled. Hands on his chest, she begins to raise and lower her hips. Easy at first. No need to rush. At the bottom of each stroke she presses into him, grinding her hips, which makes her gasp with pleasure each time.

Alex wants to draw it out, to tease herself. But it’s been too long and the rhythm becomes involuntary, unstoppable. She pushes into him, harder, faster, and all too quickly the first spike of orgasm seizes her, building into a large peak that forces a cry, and then spreading to envelope her entire body like a shock wave, prompting a throaty scream that makes her feel whole again.

Alex doesn’t stop at one. Or two. Or four. She goes at him from many positions, and he’s so into it that by the second hour he’s begging her to undo the rubber band, to let him come. Alex promises she will, and as she rides his face and his probing tongue works her into a frenzy she orgasms a fifth time and almost considers keeping her promise. Instead, Alex climbs off the bed, heart hammering and legs shaky, and gives him a gentle pat on the cheek.

“Jesus, I really needed that.”

“What about me, babe?” Lance looks so desperate, so pathetic. He wants her, even though she’s a hideous freak.

“Consider it payback for all the times when you got yours and I didn’t get mine. Now it’s time to move on to the second part of the evening. If you tell me what I need to know, I promise I won’t kill your wife and family. Hell, you may even live through this, if Jack is fast enough.”

Lance stares at her, his face a snapshot of confusion. Alex goes to the nightstand. She flicks on the butane torch, adjusts it to a blue flame, and gives him a quick, two-second taste on his thigh. Lance howls.

Sex is a terrific way to learn about a character, and the type of person they are. By its very nature, sex is a private, revealing, and vulnerable act. There are four sex scenes in Cherry Bomb, in between the funny stuff and the scary stuff, and as a writer I had a lot of fun using sex to propel the story, enhance characters, and hopefully increase a few heart rates.

Hope to see you guys at Romantic Times in April. I'm hoping to read the infamous toe-sucking scene from AFRAID, my horror novel. It seems to freak out a lot of people.

In the meantime, you can read excerpts from my books on my Website and check out my Blog to keep up with my latest news.

Thank you, Joe, for stopping by on your blog tour. It's been great having you here!

Kaye