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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Click here to sign-up for our newsletter lists and toss your name into the hat to win a 12-e-book romance package!

 

This giveaway runs until September 30, 2020 Only one entry per person, please! Three (3) winners will be chosen on October 1, 2020

 

Sign up to receive the email newsletter lists for all the authors below. Each author sends periodic updates of new releases, sales, book discounts, free ebooks, and more... Be the first to get all the news and the scoops on these authors! (Newsletter will start delivery in October.) Maddie James ~ Jan Scarbrough Kathleen Lawless ~ Kara O'Neal Lucinda Race ~ Kari Lemor Marcia King-Gamble ~ Liz Flaherty Caroline Clemmons ~ Joan Reeves Nancy Fraser Read more here! https://mailchi.mp/maddiejames/gems-newsletter-builder Have a wonderful rest of September. I’ll see you in October. Keep reading romance! We'll keep writing.

 

Once Upon a Cowboy @MaddieJames #RomanceGems

Once upon a time there was a teacher, and one hot August summer, she and her teacher friend went off to a conference in the cool Colorado mountains. The conference was great--what they saw of it, anyway. The trail ride they skipped the afternoon sessions for was a lot more exciting.

You see, there were cowboys.

And this teacher, even though she'd not ridden a horse since she was a kid, made the commitment for a four-hour trail ride into the Colorado mountains--two hours up and two hours back. All was well heading up the mountainside, the scenery was great, the horse was a dream, the cowboys were... well, cowboys.

Coming down the mountain, however, was a different story. The teacher had a difficult time handling her horse on the downward slopes, crossing a little stream, and keeping up with the other horses. She mixed up her signals to her mount. When she thought she was telling the horse to slow down, she was really telling the horse to back up. Consequently, they lost their space in the horse line. So, the horse galloped. And the teacher held on for dear life. And when the teacher was finally finished with this nightmare, she could only think of one thing--

At least there were cowboys.

Now, this story does have a happily-ever-after ending. You see, the teacher turned her adventure into a book. The opening scene--probably elaborated upon a bit--mimicked the teacher's chaotic ride down the mountain. She sold that book--her first published novel--and then the teacher wasn't a teacher any longer. She was a romance author who wrote about cowboys (and other things).

True story. I swear. I have the book covers to prove it! The original book is on the left, the revised/rebranded and re-authored book, is on the right!

Now, twenty-some years later, the sequel to this first cowboy book, is finally written. 

Readers have been asking for Mack and Jillie's story for years. Years! But other stories and different cowboys got in the way. Until now. 

The Cowboy's Secret Baby releases August 25, and I (Maddie James / the teacher) am ready to share it with the world! Here's the blurb: 

She’s the maid of honor. He’s the best man. 

Both are keeping secrets from the other.

The long-requested sequel to Maddie James’ first published novel, Roses & Rawhide is now available!

Readers wanted to know...
What happened to Jillie and Mack’s relationship at the end of Roses & Rawhide?
Why did Jillie go back to Kentucky?
Will they get back together?
What’s their story?

While Kim Martin and Thad Winchester find their happily-ever-after in Roses & Rawhide, their best friends, Jillie Abernathy and Mack Montgomery, end their sleeping-bag-sharing relationship during the rugged, two-week pack trip into the Colorado San Juan mountains.

But when Kim and Thad host their wedding at Thad’s Colorado ranch a few months later, Mack and Jillie must come face-to-face with reality—and with each other. She’s the maid of honor. He’s the best man. Both are harboring secrets—secrets that could break a potential future relationship if they both avoid telling the truth.

Can they reveal those secrets to each other? And if so, can they get past the withheld truths to plan a future together?

PREORDER TODAY!

DON'T FORGET! A NEW BOX SET AND A FREE COCKTAILS BOOK!

Some of the Romance Gems have teamed together to release a new box set with all-new summer beach stories, and their favorite summer cocktail recipe in a free book! See the details below!

GET THE $0.99 BOX SET! | GRAB YOUR FREE COCKTAILS BOOK!  

And last, I'd love it if you would comment below to win our monthly giveaway prize. Details are here.

COMMENT & WIN QUESTION: My chaotic ride down the mountain on the trail horse was not my most glamorous moment of all time. In fact, it was quite embarrassing. What's your most embarrassing moment? Comment below & (maybe) win!

****

Maddie James writes romance – but don’t try to pin her down to one genre. From edgy suspense to flirty contemporary romance to darker erotic titles, she writes to silence the people in her head. Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense.” Learn more at www.maddiejames.com.

"All Great Writers Begin with a Good Leather Binder and a Respectable Title" by Connie Vines

 I’m opening my blog post with a quote from the Hollywood cinema.

"All great writers begin with a good leather binder and a respectable title," Johnny Depp (speaking as J.M. Berrie) said to Peter in the film "Finding Neverland".

When I teach workshops, or am a guest speaker at local literary events, I am asked, "Have you ever met a real-life character?

I often 'freelance' when I am working on a novel for better insight into a character, to learn a particular skill or obtain inside knowledge (slang, general impressions, etc.) that only someone living that life-style would know.  Sometimes all it takes is a conversation with the owner of a small-town Nebraska cafe.  I praised her Cheese, Corn, and Beer Chowder, and I’m ushered into her kitchen where a family recipe is divulged, or local gossip is shared.

 Facilitating a workshop for Native American students, the skills and secrets of working as a stunt person movies and action shows are divulged.  (I also was able to land my first ‘knock-out punch!) While on fund-raising committee, I was seated beside a woman who completed a humanitarian visit to Romania.  It was wonderful to learn of the great strides in recovery the country has made (Dr. Kathleen Kinley was my inspiration for Sister Kathleen in “Tanayia—Whisper upon the Water”.

Living in SoCal, and due to the nature of my work, I encounter actors, writers, public speakers, and others involved in the entertainment industry.  However, the person who was 'bigger than life' was not someone involved in the entertainment industry.  This person is someone who provided inspiration for the Lynx Maddox, the hero in the first book of my Rodeo Romance Series, titled “Lynx”.

I wasn’t attending a rodeo, when I met my inspiration for my rodeo bull-riding cowboy.

Trained by the “House of Versailles” at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA, I was employed as an 'appointment only' fragrance consultant at perfumery.  I was setting up for my next consultation: Ph wand, atomizers, testers arranged by fragrance families, fresh cotton balls, soothing instrumental music.

Enter: one cowboy.

From outward appearances he was of average height, a bit on the lean side and well-toned, dark-haired, green-eyed, early-to-mid thirties; just an average man.  However, there was an unmistakable 'aura' of energy when he entered the room.  His drawl resonated; his expressions were intense (but not threatening): a lifted eyebrow, a smile pulling teasing the corner of his mouth.  After a couple of minutes, I discovered he wasn't average at all--I'm not talking about wealth, personal fashion sense, or anything tangible--he just claimed all your attention my simply occupying space.  I found this completely amazing. I have since dubbed this the ‘charisma gene’—actors, politicians, musicians, and those in the healing professions, often have this charisma. 

The walls of the shop displayed hand-blown art-glass, atomizers, vases, and antique art deco pieces.  Crystal reflecting in the mirrored walls, catching the rainbow of colors of the art-glass.
This was a world a cowboy didn’t frequent.  A world a cowboy would avoid. 

Yet, this cowboy smiled, selected a delicate purse atomizer, a bottle of Eau de parfum Chanel No. 5 and a custom gift wrap.

Confident. Certain. A personality like force of nature.

This is my real-life character who inspired Lynx Maddox.

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Connie Vines

SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE AND OTHER TROPES @kathleenlawless #romancegems

I really love discussing popular romance tropes with readers and other authors.  Trends come and go over the years, but there are at least a dozen or two that never seem to go out of style, and it is always interesting to see how authors take these timeless favorites and put a fresh spin on them. 

If you list some of your favorite tropes in the comment portion or in our readers and writer’s group I’ll share them in a future blog, just for fun.

Romance Gems authors and readers.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/332592250930075

One trope that never seems to fall out of favor is the ‘Second Chance’.  This is where the hero and heroine had a relationship years ago that didn’t work out for various reasons.  When they meet again tension and conflicts escalate due to their past, rife with hurt, distrust and betrayal. 

Throwing in a child one or the other didn’t know about always ups the stakes.  I'll never forget one book where it was the mother who didn’t know about the child and returned to town when he was a teen.  Did I ever admire that particular author’s skill in pulling that one off.

There are no secret babies in any of the books in my upcoming historical series, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, but Brody’s Bride does open with the hero and heroine meeting again for the first time in ten years. 

To whet your appetite for the series and introduce you to the main players I have penned a short story called Before the Brides.  This story won’t be offered for sale but is available for free download to anyone who signs up for my monthly Reader News where I tell you about special fan pricing, free books and other good stuff. 

http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

And if you haven’t already enjoyed Callie’s Honor, today is the last day of the St. Patrick's Day weekend .99 sale. Grab yours here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JIJ3EPM\ 

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S!!!

And don’t forget our Luck O The Irish contest, on all month.  Enter as many times as you like.  Share the luck with our Tell A Friend contest.   https://romancegems.blogspot.com/2019/03/luck-o-irish-march-giveaway-by.htm   
      

Wearin' the Green @kathleenlawless #romancegems

       

My family originally hailed from Ireland in the 1880’s.  They landed on the east coast of Canada and eventually migrated as far west as they could go.  I guess the ocean was in their blood, as it is in mine.  Dad is turning ninety this year, and years ago started a tradition of buying me a card each year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  As you can see, I have amassed quite a collection, which I proudly display each year.  I get a little emotional when I think, one year, there will no longer be a card in the mail from him.

Dad was always a big fan of my writing and Callie’s Honor is his favorite of my stories.  He doesn’t really know what Bookbub is, but he was excited to hear they will be featuring his favorite book on sale for .99 the day before St. Patrick’s Day.  Sounds like a good omen, wouldn’t you say?  Here’s an excerpt.

Rafe angled Callie's chair around till they faced each other
and he had one knee on either side of her. "You don't
trust me, Callie. Now just why exactly is that?"

Callie averted her gaze.

   His free hand snaked between them. Thumb and

fore- finger pinched her chin, turning her face back around to
his. "I expect an honest answer now."

Eyes steely, chin thrust forward, Callie met his gaze.

Her skin burned every place Rafe held her; "I don't trust
any man."

She expected him to release her like a hot rock.

Instead, he took his time about it. Slowly his fingers
uncurled from around her wrist. Slower yet the fingers
imprisoning her face gentled, till their touch bordered on
a caress. "Why's that?"

     Feeling her hands tremble slightly, she knotted them
in her lap, away from his gaze. "Never met a man yet who
gave me any reason to trust him. Including my pa and my
older brother."

     "I see." Rafe sat back in his chair and crossed his arms
over his chest. "In that case, apology accepted." He
extended his right hand toward her, leaving Callie little
choice but to slide her hand inside his. She was conscious
of the warmth of his skin, the callused, leathery feel of his
palm and fingertips. The sensations chased clear up her
arm in the most unsettling of ways.

He didn't let her go right away. Instead, he raised her
hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on the spot where he'd
removed the sliver. Then he did something that caught
Callie totally off guard. He guided her wounded thumb
slowly to outline the contour of his lips, bottom and top.   

 Callie felt as if melted wax spilled through her limbs in
a heated rush. Opening his lips, he pulled

her thumb just inside the hot moist cavity of his mouth and

gave a slow gentle suck that she felt clear down to her toes.

"Since you don't trust me, anyway," Rafe said, his
breath touching her forehead like steam rising from hot
water. "I guess it won't make much difference if I kiss
you."

"Don't." The word barely escaped from the tightened
muscles of her throat.

With one finger beneath her chin he tilted her face up
toward his. "Any woman smells this good, she needs kissing
if only as a thank you from the lucky man close
enough to notice. "

Callie trembled clear down inside her boots as he lowered
his head to hers.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JIJ3EPM

In the meantime, I am working hard on a new American Historical Romance series, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  Hot off the press is the prequel, Before The Brides, free when you sign up for my reader list to receive alerts about fan pricing, new releases, and free promos.  http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

If you’re already on my list, don’t worry, you will receive an alert telling you how to download your very own copy.

In the meantime, don’t forget to enter our Luck O the Irish draw for your chance at some really great prizes.  Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and may your beer be as green as the money in your pocket.    

https://romancegems.blogspot.com/2019/03/luck-o-irish-march-giveaway-by.htm