Fall Back

Time flies, or at least it seems to lately.  RomantiCon, the much anticipated first conference sponsored by my publisher, Ellora’s Cave, Inc., occurred almost a month ago.  An array of daily obstacles kept me from reporting about it right away.  Better late than never, I guess.  So much has already been said about the event in other blogs, I’ll confine myself to sharing a few of my favorite pictures.

 

Do you think I had fun?  I won’t be able to make it next year.  My son is getting married, so we’ll be having our own party in Las Vegas.  But I’ll be ready when 2011 rolls around. 

Last night I registered for the 2010 Romantic Times Convention in Columbus, Ohio.  This seems to be Ohio’s year.  In the next few weeks my hunt for the perfect red outfit and shoes will begin.  Hard to believe since I just packed away my animal print stuff from this past April’s jungle theme.  Somewhere between the holidays and the special shopping trips, I have to finish revising my fourth book, Palace of Dreams, and submit it to my editor.  Oh, and write the next issue of my newsletter, Hopeless Romantic.  I keep telling myself I can fit it all in.  My friend’s are equally as busy. It would have been helpful if I could have turned my clock back a few months instead of just one hour this past Sunday.  Where’s Einstein when you need him?

 

History Happening

While at RomantiCon I had my first experience as a conference presenter.  Three other authors, Tracy Cooper-Posey, Ruby Storm, Mary Ann Chulick and I served on the Researching and Writing Historical Fiction panel.  (Tracy and me below)

We had great information and covered a wide array of historical time periods in our books.  Obviously, lots to share.  The downside was we had to do it in 35 minutes which was cut to 25 minutes since we were the last session before all the authors were to set up for the big culminating book fair.  Still, we managed to pull off a decent program, considering we had no time to prepare and barely knew each other.  Best of all, we had an audience. 

The up side was that all our research didn’t go for naught.  Tracy Cooper-Posey set up a history portal on her website.  What’s a portal you ask? (I know I had to ask).  To really understand you’ll have to visit it.  It’s beautiful, easy to navigate and chock full of cool articles, hints on writing historical fiction and lists of fabulous resources.  You can find it at: 

http://www.tracycooperposey.com/historyportal.xhtml 

Authors, readers and history buffs will all find something useful and informative.  So check it out.  Then let me know what you think about it.  We’re hoping to expand on it, so comments are appreciated.

Awed by Alegria

Ever since I first saw them on TV I’ve wanted to see a live performance by Cirque de Soleil.  Last night that dream was fulfilled.  I attended the touring road show of Cirque de Soleil Alegria at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA.  The show, whose title means jubilation in Spanish, is a “baroque ode to the energy, grace and power of youth.”  To say it was fantastic is to use it in the form of fantastical.  The music and choreography and incredible timing of the performers as they seemingly defied the laws of physics was amazing and breathtaking as fire-dancers, contortionists, high-fliers and acrobats danced, leaped, flipped and flew across the stage.  It was almost dizzying at times to keep track of everything that was going on.  I loved every moment (most of which my sister and I spent sitting open-mouthed in awe). 

The circus as a form of entertainment had almost become extinct when Cirque de Soleil came onto the scene.  They revived the old, tired, worn-out version and turned it into a vital new art form by taking risks (figuratively and literally), by thinking outside the box and by not fearing being over the top with their performances.  All things we as writers could apply to our books.  If you’re starting to plot a new story, as I am, or have a stack of rejection letters on a current book, step back and take another look at your manuscript. Perhaps now is the time to jump out of your comfort zone.   Come at your plot, goals, motivations and conflicts from another angle.  Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to be a bit over the top.  Let your passion show.  Publishers are looking for the fresh and the new.  Take a tip from Cirque de Soleil and let your stories fly.  Alegria!

Countdown to RomantiCon

October 9^th to 11^th I’ll be attending RomantiCon in Ohio.  The event is the first conference sponsored by my publisher, Ellora’s Cave, Inc.  http://www.jasminejade.com/romanticon/)  I’ve been registered for nearly a year.  This week the countdown begins.  My promotional materials—excerpt brochures, book marks and pens are neatly packed and ready to go.  I’ve started pulling together the proper clothing for the three day extravaganza, including something special for the Psychic Soiree welcoming party.  Can you say granny dress?  Amazingly I have an original from the 70s that still fits.  Then of course there have to be cute, but professional outfits for Author Mania (2 half hour chat sessions with readers who are attending the conference) workshops and of course, the book fair and signing on Sunday.  I also have to prepare for my first workshop as a presenter.  I’m on the Researching and Writing Historical Fiction panel.  I’ll be the presenter wearing the medieval gown.  Since my medieval, Threads of Love, debuts in print, I’ve decided to go all out and dress the part for the signing which is directly after my session.  I think it’s called marketing.  It remains to be seen if it works.  I’m sure I’ll attract attention.  The big question is whether or not that attention will translate into book sales.  I’ll let you know. 

There are a lot of firsts associated with this conference—first time conference for my publisher, first time I’ve done a workshop at a conference, and my personal favorite, first time I get to meet my editor.  Helen hales from Australia. Up to now our contact has strictly been electronic.  She’s holding a special party for all her authors, another first, where we’ll be treated to two Australian culinary staples, Vegemite sandwiches and Tim Tams (a dessert cake that she refers to as ‘food of the gods’) 

I’ll be traveling with two other Ellora’s Cave authors, Kathy Kulig (www.kathykulig.com) and Cris Anson (www.crisanson.com) so packing is definitely a challenge.  I expect to have my suitcase on my lap for most of the trip.  Hmmm!  Three authors crammed into a car for six to seven hours.  Whatever will we find to talk about?

Blog Block

Ever hear of writer’s block—that painful syndrome when an author for some reason simply can’t find the words?  Most writers have probably had at least a passing acquaintance with the problem.  Well, now there is also Blog Block—the equally painful syndrome of having to write something scintillating on a daily or weekly basis.  With thousands of other bloggers to compete against for the public’s attention, it’s difficult to find something new and fresh to say. 

One solution I’ve read for breaking writer’s block (I’m assuming it also works for blog block) is to simply sit down and write.  Write anything—a list of to do’s, odd character names, e-mails, a letter to a friend.  You get the idea.  Supposedly the mere process of writing jiggles something in the creative side of the brain and helps you break through.  Since I’m struggling with blog block at this very moment, I’m going to put myself out there as a guinea pig and give it a try.

For months I’ve been hearing about Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series.  Some people seem to love the series.  Others that I know hate it.  So, I decided to make up my own mind.  After reading all four books, I can’t say I’m an avid fan, but the books engaged me and were very readable.  While I found the final conflict resolution in Breaking Dawn to be problematic, I definitely understand the allure of the series to the adolescent market. 

I followed up my reading by renting the movie which I thought remained fairly faithful in tone, character and important plot points to the book.  A bigger success than completing the entire series in less than two weeks was the fact that I conquered the DVD player, a fact that sent my husband into rapture since he’d been nagging me for years to learn how to operate the gadget. 

As for writing news, I’ve finished the first draft of my fourth book, an erotic futuristic romance, Palace of Dreams.  I’m well into revision hell at this point, but moving ahead.  Since this is my first foray into writing women’s erotica, I want to do it right, so I’m taking my time.  Another first is coming up soon.  I’ll be on the Researching and Writing panel at the Romanticon Conference in October.  I’ll be meeting my editor, for the first time as well, which just makes the entire event that much more fulfilling. 

Just a reminder, my newsletter, Helpless Romantic, can be found at groups.yahoo.com/group/Hopelessromanticnewsletter/  I’d love for you to take a look. 

Okay, all finished now.  The guinea pig survived the experiment.  Guess the trick really is to just keep writing.

Hopeless Romantic Arrives

The autumn equinox arrived today.  It’s officially fall, my second favorite time of the year.  To celebrate the change of season, I’m launching my quarterly e-newsletter, Hopeless Romantic.  In addition to book information and news there will be short articles of interest on a variety of topics, a sort of potpourri of everything romantic.  Each issue will also contain a tasty recipe.  Issues will be timed to arrive at the winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and autumn equinox.  Do you sense a pattern here?  To subscribe to my newsletter, go to:

 groups.yahoo.com/group/Hopelessromanticnewsletter/ 

In honor of my new adventure, I’ve decided to hold my first contest.  It’s simple and fun. The winner will receive an autographed copy of my medieval romance, Threads of Love and a lovely tapestry pillow made by moi.  Full details about the contest are in the newsletter.

 

    

 

 My life seems to be full of new adventures lately.  I will be a presenter at the Romanticon Conference in Ohio in October. (Another first and another reason to celebrate.)  Three other historical romance authors and I will be presenting a session on Researching and Writing Historical Fiction.  The days will be growing shorter after today, but like the night, my list of writing goals gets longer.  Life is good!

Here Comes the Bride: Part 2

The rain came—torrents of rain that turned my niece’s planned outdoor wedding site into a quagmire.  So, on to plan B (always have a plan B).  The rain continued, but it did little to dampen our spirits.  Tears were shed, but they were outweighed by the laugher.  The bride was beautiful.  The groom was handsome.  The ceremony was touching and joyous.  More tears.  More laughter.  Scrumptious food followed along with the usual dancing, cake-cutting, garter and bridal bouquet tossing traditions.  Before we knew it, the new couple was stepping into the limo that would whisk them off into their new life—a life far away from all of us.  One chapter has closed. A new one is about to begin.  In celebration, here’s a recipe you might enjoy at your next joyous occasion.

 Raspberry Champagne Punch

 2  pkg’s. frozen red raspberries in syrup, thawed

1/3 cup lemon juice from concentrate

½ cup sugar

1 bottle (750 ml) red or rose wine, chilled

1 qt. raspberry sherbet

1 bottle (750 ml) Champagne, chilled 

In a blender puree raspberries.  In a large punch bowl, combine

Puree, lemon juice, sugar and wine.   Stir until sugar dissolves.  Just before serving, scoop sherbet into punch bowl, add Champagne and stir gently. 

Pour into glass and lift high.  Here’s to endings and beginnings!

Sunrise-Sunset

Where did summer go?  Labor Day is here and I swear I just set up our deck for our big Memorial Day cookout.  I don’t seem to be the only one dismayed by summer’s sudden evaporation.  From the news caster on our local channel to the hosts on the Today show to almost everyone I’ve spoken to recently, they’re all asking the same question.  And then there’s my niece who’s getting married in a week.  I look at her and wonder where did all those years go?  When did the child become a woman?  As the song from Fiddler on the Roof goes: “Sun rise, sunset, swiftly flow the years.”  Time moves on, and like it or not, we get carried along for the ride.

As an author I need to show the passage of time during the course of my story.  There are several easy ways to convey these time shifts to the reader.  One way is to use words or phrases that denote movement in time such as, later that morning, the next day, as the weeks passed.  Another is to show the change of seasons as the story progresses or to follow the sun or the moon to indicate the course of a day or a month.  A cool website, www.timeanddate.com, allows authors to easily figure out sunrise or moonrise.After visiting the Star Trek exhibit at the Franklin Institute, I was pleased to discover that time travel is not actually prohibited by Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.  Maybe one day some savvy scientist will find a way to allow us to get back some of those swiftly flowing years.  Here’s hoping.

Writer’s Coffeehouse

I finally made it to one of the Writer’s Coffeehouse gatherings hosted by thriller author, Jonathan Maberry.  I’ve wanted to attend one of these since I took his marketing class last year.  I left feeling both exhilarated and depressed.  Talk about conflicting emotions.  The exhilaration stems from being in the same room with forty or so other authors, sharing ideas and experiences.  The air practically sizzles with creativity and passion for the craft and the business.  Nothing else in the world can beat it. 

The depression wells from the same source.  Whether you are published by a big traditional company like Jonathan, or a small press like me, self-published or trying to break in, the most important lesson to learn is that this is a serious business and definitely not for the faint of heart.  Fortunately, I learned that lesson a long time ago, but it’s still painful to be reminded that publishers are in the business for the money.  If they also happen to like books you should count it as a blessing.

 

Guess you better really love this writing gig if you’re going to get into it.  Being a bit crazy or a glutton for punishment appears to help too.  Guess I fall into the latter.  My temporary reality check not withstanding, this morning I headed directly to my computer to order pens, redesign my promotional brochure for two upcoming writer’s conferences and work on my blog.  And then it’s on to my work in progress which I plan to finish this week.   Can’t let that exhilaration go to waste.

Here Comes the Bride!

My son is engaged and my niece is getting married in September, so marriage and weddings are on my mind.  My son and his fiancée have yet to settle on a date or place, but for the first time in years I’m reading Bride’s Magazine, checking out wedding gowns, destination weddings and intimate B& B’s , not to mention the dreaded mother-of-the groom fashions.(more on that later.)

 My niece’s shower is less than a week away and since I’m one of the people in charge, I’ve been packing up antique tea cups, cut glass bowls and silver serving dishes and baking scones (3 varieties) to prepare for the big day.  By now you’ve no doubt figured out we’re planning a tea of some sort for her.  Along with my scones, there will be chilled peach soup (served in aforementioned tea cups), tea sandwiches, tiny pastries and a cake. And tea, of course, iced in this case because of the weather.

 Since I’m heavily involved in all this wedding tea stuff, I thought I’d share my favorite scone recipe with you.  They are easy to make and hold up well in the freezer.  Next time you want to impress your friends, you can thaw them, place them on a pretty plate and serve with some jam.  Oh, and a nice pot of hot tea.  Earl Grey anyone?

 Apricot Buttermilk Scones

Ingredients: 

2 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

11/2 tsp baking powder

1/2tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

6 TBS unsalted butter-chilled

½ cup buttermilk

1 large egg

11/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped apricots (other dried fruits may be substituted) 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt
2. Cut butter into chunks and scatter over flour mixture
3. Cut butter into flour until get coarse crumgs
4. In small bowl-mix buttermilk, egg & vanilla
5. Add liquid to crumbs and combine
6. Add chopped fruit and combine
7. Spray baking pan and drop dough on with TBS
8. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden at 350 degrees
9. Cool 5 minutes-slice, add jam or lemon curd and enjoy