WHAT'S CHANGING FOR YOU?

By Caroline Clemmons

Change is a constant. So many areas of our lives change rapidly. What's changing in your life? Do the changes bother you or do you accept them and move on?

CHANGES, CHANGES

Let me tell you about a change that impacts my writing: names of individuals. Our youngest daughter and a friend have a tongue-in-cheek contest going for whose family has the weirdest family names. I think our daughter is way ahead with the number of oddly-named ancestors.

When writing a historical novel I choose a name for a hero or heroine by checking our family history for that time—I usually set historical books from 1870-1885. In this way, I know the name was appropriate for the time. No Buffy or Bambi in that time period. Of course, Biblical names are always appropriate whether historical or contemporary. For contemporary names, I take the year the character would have been born and look online for popular names for that year.

What we have in our ancestry are some doozies. I use them for secondary characters, not the main ones. Some examples for unusual women’s names are Teletha, Parmelia (oops, I used that one in LONG WAY HOME), Venice, Theodosia, Tranquilla, Tetrine, and Vitura. For men, we have Guice, Hillyer, Vestal, Ovid, Lambeth, Montfort, and Versa. No, not Versa the car—this was a man. Our family uses normal names, too, but they’re not as much fun to discuss, are they?

One thing I’ve noticed is that some of the older names are being revived. Names like Aidan, Liam, Maeve, Nula, and other Scottish and Irish names. Since I love history, I'm pleased these are being preserved.

QUESTIONABLE CHANGE

An area of change that disturbs me is in English grammar and punctuation. (By the way, I refuse to give up the Oxford comma.) I saw an article on the trend toward no punctuation or capitalization. What? Why?

then my sentence would be like this and you wouldn’t know when the new one begins do you like this idea i don’t i think it is confusing and can result in misunderstandings you might even give up would you read an entire book in this form

Like the dismissal of cursive from schools and then it being reinstated, I suspect the lack of punctuation and capitals will be replaced by sanity and clarity. But that’s just me.

By the way, I have a new release. I know you aren't shocked that I want to tell you about a new book. Keep in mind this is hard for us introverted authors. Growing up we were told NOT to call attention to ourselves or brag about accomplishments. I ask you--how else can we sell our books?  

Widowed Charlotte Dunn struggles to save her ranch from a vicious neighbor.

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE is a sweet western historical that is part of the diverse The Golden Legacy Series. Please allow me to be immodest and admit I love this story for several reasons. One is that I’ve never before written an amnesia story. I enjoy including children and this has three. The way the hero and heroine act toward children gives a great deal of insight into his or her character. I had fun with a secondary character called Moose. I picture him looking like Sam Elliott, one of my favorite actors. One of my beta readers say him as Festus on "Gunsmoke". Ken Curtis, who played Festus, has a beautiful singing voice but who has a more mesmerizing speaking voice than Sam Elliott? Sigh. But I digress...

You can find CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE at the Universal Amazon link https://mybook.to/Bret  (hint, hint)

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE is available in e-book and in print. Also, it is in Kindle Unlimited. 

Here's the blurb:

A widow determined to save the family ranch…

A man who inherited cursed pirate gold…

They must combine efforts to defeat an evil man.

Bret Craig is a descendant of one of the crew of The Golden Fleece. Over a century ago the merchant ship had prevailed against pirates carrying a treasure of cursed Inca gold. The legacy promises retribution against anyone who misuses the treasure. Bret has heard the story all his life but he believes the tale is a myth and that he’s in no danger if he spends the money selfishly. Ignoring his sister’s warning, he sets out for a grand adventure heading west.

Widowed former mail-order bride Charlotte Dunn is in danger of losing the family ranch. She lost her husband to a rustler’s bullet when half the cattle were stolen and both ranch hands were killed. When she and her stepsons rescue a man who fell from his horse, they learn the man has amnesia. From his saddlebags, they determine his name is Bret Craig. Charlotte nurses Bret, manages the ranch, and cares for her three stepchildren she loves. No sooner does Bret regain his memory than they discover the remainder of the ranch’s herd has been rustled.

Bret re-evaluates his priorities in order to embrace the love blossoming between Charlotte and him. How will they save the ranch and recover the stolen cattle?

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Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun.

This month's topic is: Your book as a movie or TV series 

Most of us are watching A LOT of TV and movies as we social distance and stay safe at home. Tell me… Which of your books would you most like to see made into a movie or TV series? Lights, camera, action! Let’s talk!

“Though I’m noted as a historical writer, I’ve published five romantic suspense books. Falling for Frederick launched Montlake Book’s short-lived serials. I had envisioned it as the first book in the Stately Homes Murders, set in England with my grad-student researcher female sleuth, who stumbles on murders much like Jessica Fletcher. Of course she has help from her sexy Lord of the Manor. Alas, those Amazon serials flopped, and along with it, my romantic suspense career at Montlake. But I’d still love to see my Stately Homes Murders become a television series.” 
~ Cheryl Bolen

“My contemporary western series with Maddie James would be a good pick for a TV movie. So far, there are seven books in the series set at a ranch in western Montana. The Montana Ranchers series is about Brody, Callie, Mercer and Parker—the four siblings in the clan of James McKenna. As the characters and storylines grew, we added additional books to round out the series. We are currently spinning-off other series from the original one.” ~ Jan Scarbrough

“When I was asked this question my first response was Nora Roberts. Then I was sweetly corrected that we were talking about my books. After I chuckled at my mistake, I had to give it very little thought before sharing my thoughts on what book or series would I like to see on the screen.

“I'd love to see the Loudon Series come to life on screen.

“The McKenna family have survived a devastating loss and despite the heartache they move forward, learning to live life to the fullest and love with all their hearts.

“Through the tears and the smiles each book features a family member. I cheered for them as they each find their happily ever after. Isn't that what is so wonderful about watching a series or movie?” ~ Lucinda Race





“The book I wrote that I would love to see in a movie is Midnight Escape. It's action filled drama including the mafia, and a captain of a commercial crab fishing boat off the coast of Alaska in the Bering Sea.”
~ Constance Bretes

“I'd love to see my Eclipse Agents turned into a series. It's time travel, but with an off the books agency that monitors the timeline. It's a lot more Historical Romance, and a lot less Science Fiction. But I would love to see something like that. Highland Eclipse is the first one, and since it ties into my Magic of the Highlands series, it would be really fun to have some Scottish time travels.” ~ Laura Hunsaker

“It’s been far too long since TV has given us a good old-fashioned cowboy romance series. My Seven Brides for Seven Brothers series has something for everyone. Hunky cowboys, a cute western town and ranch, a bad guy wreaking havoc, action, adventure, mystery and hidden treasure, along with feisty, independent heroines who throw their lot in with their hero to make their town and their world a better place. Of course, each romance ends with a wedding.”
~ Kathleen Lawless

“I would love to see all my books as movies, although maybe the Storms of New England could be a miniseries. There are ten books (only 3 out so far) and it revolves around cousins who all grew up in a small town in New Hampshire. I have fallen deeply in love with this family. They have such a variety of personalities, but they all love and care for each other. I think my favorite parts of the 4 books I've written so far (#4 will be out later this summer) is when the guys get together and play basketball. It's their guy bonding time but also when they let slip any problems they are going through. Of course, the other guys make sure to give support back, all in the shape of good-natured razzing.” ~ Kari Lemor

“I ‘see’ most of my books play out as a movie while I am plotting and writing them, so this month’s question is near and dear to my heart. I would love to see my Match Made in Heaven series turned into a Netflix series. My pinterest pages are filled with boards denoting the actors and actresses I based my character’s physical descriptions on. The setting would be – of course – a small New Hampshire town, and the mood would be lighthearted and RomCom fun! And I’m having it written into my contract that I get to play Nanny Fee!” ~ Peggy Jaeger

“Funny enough, I don't plot or plan out my stories; I watch them unfold before me... just like a movie. This makes it hard to pick just one! But as much as I'd love to see the Welcome to Chance series as a television show, I'd even more love to see the quirky love story of The Two Tenleys as a movie. I even have the cast picked out! Blake Lively: Ten, Kristen Bell: Lee, Josh Duhamel: Nick, Ryan Reynolds: Kenny, Jeff Bridges: Charlie "The Hurricane" Harper. The rest are on my Pinterest board.” ~ Elsa Kurt

“I would choose Hidden Secrets, my just released, new romantic suspense. When Johnny carries Addison’s broken body to safety, and then becomes her protector, he stole my heart. I loved writing their story.” ~ Karen Kelley

"Lights! Camera! Action! Which one of my novels would make the perfect movie? Lynx, Rodeo Romance, Book 1"

“What woman doesn’t love a cowboy?” Lynx Maddox, had a dangerous reputation for taking chances.

Rachel Scott traveled the rodeo circuit with her famous father, until his death in the arena. She wants nothing to do with rodeo men.

Until she meets Lynx. Lynx removed his Stetson and ran his hand through his thick hair. His movement separated the edges of the cotton shirt, exposing the upper portion of his muscular chest. Rachel bit her lip to still a gasp; she knew her thoughts were written all over her expressive face.

Lynx looked at her before he hung his hat on a post and snapped closed the fastenings of his shirt. “Okay, Rachel, what comes next?” ~ Connie Vines

“As Peggy said above… I ‘see’ my books in my head as I write them. Quite like watching a movie with complete scenes. I would LOVE to see Haunting Highland House as a movie or TV mini-series! However, I’d be thrilled with an entire Time Traveler’s Journey TV series, including both books and the others to come. Spooky, romantic, suspenseful, with Victorian-era history. Did I mention there’s a haunted mansion? Also, since that mansion is based on a real historic property, perhaps a series would benefit the non-profit that restores and oversees it. Win-win!” ~ Kathryn Hills


Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

Thanks for joining us. Stay safe and be well!

~ The Romance Gems ~

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