Decadent Decisions: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Just a few? Get a Clue!

I’ve been reading alot of blogs lately. I’ve read blogs on Voice, Point of View, Developing Unique Characters, The Importance of First Lines, Promotion, How to Write a Synopsis...you get the idea. Well, reading all these blogs got me thinking, what type of writing do I want to write?

Saying romance is not enough. I want to write more than just a romance novel, I want to write one that has suspense in it as well. I tend to combine my love of romance, with my love for mysteries. I grew up reading Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Victoria Holt, before I moved into Janet Dailey and a few of the other Harlequin novelists. I even thought I read something by Edna Ferber, but I could be wrong. Ohh, Barbara Cartland, was the other lady I read. I have often asked myself, how can I write romance, when I am the most unromantic person I know.

Just lucky I guess.

But back to the type of writing I want to do. While most writers are clamoring for 80K and 100K word counts, I realized full length manuscripts might not be my thing. No big. I prefer short stories. Lots going on in less than a hundred pages. I like that and editing is a breeze! Really love that! Oh did I mention you can write them quickly? My first short, which I submitted a couple of months ago, I wrote in about a week. I LOVED that. And I’ve written two more short stories, while I’m STILL working on edits for a full length manuscript.

What was I thinking?

Short stories are the way to go. Everywhere I look publishers are actively seeking short stories. That works for me. How much action and seduction can I pack into 30K words or less? I’m not quite sure, but I can’t wait to find out.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Writer's Life: TELL ME HOW YOU MET YOUR LOVE . . .

A Writer's Life: TELL ME HOW YOU MET YOUR LOVE . . .: "A. J. Nuest, Author Don't you love hearing a happily-ever-after story that's true? Welcome to our guest author, A. J. Nuest. Here'..."

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Love or Lore?

My hubby was looking at the window sill the other day his comment, “every picture of us together is from Valentine’s Day.” And without looking I know he’s right. Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day we go out, nor are those the only photos of us together, but our Valentine pictures are a traditional that goes back to our high school days. Our first picture together, me in a dress I made and my hubby, then boyfriend in a tux. Later Valentine Ball’s or dinners. Wherever there were photographers we took a picture. I like taking pictures with my husband, he is the ultimate Valentine. When I write about super romantic things, that is not something I’ve created. I am the most unromantic person in the world. My hubby treats me to these fabulous romantic dates that are so overwhelming I need a day to recover. Last year it was a dinner cruise and a night at the hotel.

I’ve been told this is the month for lovers. February is the month everyone tries to find someone for that special day. You know the day...Valentine’s Day. I did a little research, hey, I was curious. I wanted to know where this holiday came from. Was it something the florists, greeting cards, and candy makers produced or was it legit?

What I learned was St. Valentine Day is a combination of Christian and Roman rites. Okay, cool, but where did the name come from? One legend contends Roman Emperor Claudius II banned young soldiers from marriage. Valentine, a priest, thought the decree unjust and continued to marry young lovers in secret. Another legend says Valentine was imprisoned, fell in love with the jailor’s daughter, and sent her a letter signed ‘From your Valentine.’ (http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day)

Okay so that gives a little incite into the name, but what about the date? Some believe it’s either the death or burial of Valentine, or the pagan Lupercalla festival. The festival, beginning on Feb. 13 and ending Feb. 15, is a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus the Roman god of agriculture. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day)

The holiday has grown in popularity to become what it is today. Think about all those cards in elementary school and that one special card you saved for the boy or girl you were crushing on...or the Candygrams in Middle or High School.

How do you remember your Valentine’s Day?

Congratulations!!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on the SCP-Where in the World am I?

I loved the answers I received.

Yes, Bozo was from my hometown AND graduated from my high school. His name was Bob Bell. Mr. Bell received an Emmy for playing Bozo in 1970 and was inducted in the Clown Hall of Fame a year before he passed away.

December 30, 1936-February 1937 The Union staged a strike in the Fisher plant.

Every year in August, people from all over the world flock to downtown for the Crim Festival of Races.

And all of these lovely event occurred in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Just Michigan was acceptable as well. :-)

Using Randon.org I chose a winner from the correct responses. Congratulations Mel, you should have an email from me in your inbox.

The Pick-Up Wife

Leo Shepard has few regrets, but leaving his wife Symmone to pursue his career was a catastrophic mistake. Now that he’s achieved his every dream and is about to make partner at Greene and Banks Architects, he lacks one thing, a wife. But Leo doesn’t want just any wife, he wants the woman he left behind.

From the moment she laid eyes on Leo, Symmone knew she would have her happily ever after. The last thing she expected was a divorce and a broken heart. Devastated by the end of her marriage, she has no choice but to quit school and pick up the pieces of her life.

Working two jobs to support herself and her children, Symmone has little room in her life for romance and even less for her pulsating attraction to her ex-husband. When Leo strolls into the cafe where she works, bent on reconciliation, the chemistry between them is more powerful than ever. Yet she won't give in to his soft words and expensive gifts. More than just her heart is at stake, her children are, as well.

Blurb/Excerpt

Five days, three rules, and one sizzling seduction.

Delia has just three rules for dating. First, a man should never assume he’s the only one. Second, he must stick to his scheduled day and time. Third—and most important—no sex. Enforcing the rules has never been a problem until she meets the hottie from the pool.

Jace has only five days to make every moment count. The more time he spends with Delia, the more he realizes she may be The One. With the clock ticking, he realizes there is only one course of action left to take if he wants Delia’s heart. Can he convince Delia that rules are meant to be broken?