Blog Archives

Regency Romance Novel Travels: Author............Reads About It

7/23/2014

To check my novel sales, the publisher allows me access to an online area where the information is automatically updated. The site also shows my scheduled release dates and how many books are contracted. It's almost like having an in-home casino. I key in the magic password, and watch to see what the numbers are. Some days I win. Some days I don't.

In the area where the releases are listed, I can see the book name and the type of release. Digital, paperback, large print, etc. Each form gets a section of its own.

Last night, I noticed an extra section, and a new word. Italy. The novel is scheduled to be released in Italy. This information is subject to change, but still. Italy... Italy.

My characters are going to be speaking a foreign language. I'm almost jealous.

Milos In My Imagination

7/19/2014

This isn't near the harbor where the ship would have docked in Safe In The Earl's Arms--nor is it the white craggy cliffs. At least I don't think it is a picture of Melos. I have no idea where this shot was taken. But this is how I imagine a part of the island--the contrast of the sand and the sea--the blue and the darkness.

Diversions and Distractions

7/12/2014

So many visitors to my backyard lately that I've had trouble concentrating on writing. But, I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the different animals and birds that have been stopping by for a snack.

The Historical Novel Goes Out Into the World

7/9/2014

Now I have a book, and it's precious to me. I spent a long time working on it, and almost a lifetime wanting to hold my own novel in my hand.

First, I wanted to sign one. I had a special pen reserved--an old style calligraphy pen that I believed would help me write legibly since I can't always read my own writing.

So, I signed one. My first signature on my first book and to a friend who'd encouraged me when I felt the most discouraged. The ink bled.

I have to use a regular pen... Fine. I'll write slowly.

Next, I decided to hand-deliver a few books. The first place I intended to leave my novel, I arrived after my friend had closed her business for the day. The second place, she was on vacation. The third...nope.

Finally, I was able to catch my friend at her business. I stayed between her and the door and she was going to get that book.

It was worth it. Her smile was a big as mine.

Roadrunner Interrupts Historical Novel WIP

7/5/2014

I was concentrating on my latest Work In Progress, and was outside with my laptop when a roadrunner walked through the yard. Then, he flew onto a stack of firewood behind me.

If he was trying to read over my shoulder, he didn't succeed, because I immediately stopped working to watch him.

Reading My Historical Novel Hard Copy

7/2/2014

Seeing the first physical copy of my book was different than I'd expected. Opening the box of them was wonderful. But it felt a bit odd. For years, whenever I'd looked at a book I'd written it was in manuscript form. A file in my computer or words printed on 8 1/2" by 11" paper—usually ending up with editing notes written on it.

Now it's in book form. Copyright notice in my name. Bound pages. Cover. Just like every other book I'd read by—someone else. This stack of books didn't feel like my story.

Finally, I did what I always do when I get a new book. I picked it up and started reading. But this time I searched for specific parts. I looked for Chapter Twenty-four. It was fun to write. And when I saw the words rat face I remembered how I'd wondered whether the editor would leave those words in the story. She did.

Then the novel started to feel like my book. And now it was back in my hands. It's as if the characters have returned home, but they're standing on their own now.