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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Welcome Collette Cameron

I want you to meet an author who I have the privilege of critiquing her work. She is an AWESOME writer!  Please meet Collette Cameron!

Collette, how long have you been writing?

I started writing my first romance novel, Highlander’s Hope, in February 2011.

Up to that time, I’d toyed with the idea of writing a book but never thought I’d write a romance. All that dialogue, and conflict,  and trying to keep points of view straight...ugh.

Now I love it!



What inspired you to write your first book?

The timing was right.

I work part-time as a substitute teacher, my children are all grown, and I’d always had a yearning to write a book. So, when a scene popped into my mind one day, I decided to see if I could create an entire story around it.

I did. It was a monstrosity at 156,000 words. Highlander’s Hope was cut to about 84,000.

Yes, I know... it was a bit wordy. Sigh.

Well, I can relate Collette, because I get wordy, too. lol  Do you relate to any of your characters? If so, why?

You know, I didn’t think, especially while in the middle of writing their stories, that I did. But I do.

I have a character I’m writing about right now that is very compassionate toward hurt or wounded people or animals, and he won’t tolerate any kind of teasing or bullying.  I really get my feathers ruffled if I see or hear that kind of stuff. Hubby would say it’s a bit more than my feathers getting ruffled.

I also wrote about  character whose family is very important to him. That’s true of me too.

In retrospect, there are parts of me in all my characters, and they also have traits and flaws of people I know and love.


I'm with you on that one - love my family! What book have you read too many times to count?

The Flame and the Flower by Katherine Woodiwiss.

It was one of the first romance novels I ever read. I fell in love with historical romance because of that book.

I even named my daughter, Brianna, after the heroine, Heather Brianna.

I absolutely LOVE Kathleen Woodiwiss. My very first romance was "A Rose In Winter". So Collette, who has inspired your writing?

My daughter is my biggest inspiration.


What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Not everybody is going to like my writing, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do about that. Write for the people that do like and appreciate it. Give those readers the very best story I can, and don’t worry about the naysayers.

Like a writer friend said once, “They don’t get a vote.”  I love that.

That's a great thing to remember! What have you found interesting while researching your stories?

Oh my gosh, there is so much!

I’ve loved looking into the etiquette and manners of the Regency period. And while digging for marriage laws, I found Scot’s Canon Law, which is how I got Ewan and Yvette wed without her realizing they were married.

Hmm, and there was a recent, rather interesting, discussion with my Regency critique group about historical terminology.

Teeheee...yes, I do remember that discussion, Collette. Now, tell us about your story, Highlander’s Hope, and give us a sneak peek of this book. I absolutely LOVE this cover...probably because I use these models on one of my stories.


 Here’s a blurb of Highlander’s Hope:

Regency propriety and Scot’s boldness clash in this historical suspense liberally dosed with humor.

She was the heiress determined to never marry.

Yvette Stapleton is wary of fortune hunting men and their false declarations of love. She’d rather become a spinster than imprisoned in the bonds of marriage. At first, she doesn’t recognize the dangerously handsome man who rescues her from assailants on London’s docks, but her reaction to Lord Sethwick’s kisses soon have her reconsidering her cynical views on matrimony.

He was the nobleman who vowed to make her his own. 

Not a day has gone by that Ewan McTavish, Lord Sethwick and Laird of Craiglocky, hasn’t dreamed of the beauty he danced with two years ago; he’s determined to win her heart. On a mission to stop a War Office traitor, he unwittingly draws Yvette into deadly international intrigue. To protect her, he exploits Scottish Canon law to declare her his lawful wife—without benefit of a ceremony.

Yvette is furious upon discovering the irregular marriage is legally binding, though she never said, “I do.”

                                                                             
Here’s an excerpt:

A sharp rap echoed at the door. Yvette breathed a sigh. Thank Goodness. Lord Sethwick wouldn’t have to answer the question after all. She raised her head and forced her gaze from the document in his hand.

He stared at her intently, then called, “Enter.”

“Lord Sethwick, please excuse the interruption,” a deep voice greeted. “‘Tis urgent I speak with you.”

Half-turning to look at the newcomer, Yvette could not contain her frightened gasp. She shot halfway out of her chair before Lord Sethwick’s hand snaked across the table and grasped hers, restraining her.

“Ewan!” In her panic, she addressed him by his given name.

“Miss Stapleton, Mrs. Pettigrove,  may I introduce my associate, Trenton Carmichael?” said Ewan. “You know him as Nigel Collingsworth.”

Yvette sat down so hard her bottom smacked the chair with a stinging thud. Despite the day’s promise to be quite warm, she shivered, chilled to the bone. Searching the viscount’s face she repeated, stunned, “Your associate? I don’t understand. He was chasing me yesterday.”

Mrs. Pettigrove’s gooseberry eyes were round as the moon watching the exchange. “Mr. Collings, er, Carmichael was chasing you, Miss Stapleton?”

No one responded to her probing.

Holding Yvette’s hand, Lord Sethwick explained, “He wasn’t chasing you. Trent was trying to protect you by catching the man who was chasing you.”

“A different man was also chasing you? Whatever for?” Mrs. Pettigrove sounded envious.

Everyone ignored her.

Mr. Carmichael addressed Yvette. “I regret frightening you yesterday. It wasn’t my intent.”

Another knock sounded.

“Come in.” Lord Sethwick was less gracious this time.

Yvette managed not to gawk at the two men who entered the chamber. At least she thought she did. Faith, what handsome men. They must be friends of Lord Sethwick’s. Nobility no doubt.

“Sethwick, you rogue, keeping the arrival of your lovely bride-to-be a secret,” teased a tall gentleman dressed in black from toe to top.


Connect with Collette:
http://collettecameron.com
http://blueroseromance.com
http://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor
http://twitter.com/Collette_Author.
She can be found on Goodreads, LinkedIn, and Google+ too. The links are on her webite.

Buy link for Highlander’s Hope:  http://amzn.com/B00CW1TTIO/

Collette Cameron, a Pacific Northwest native, was born and raised in a small town along the northern OregonCollette Cameron coast, which to this day, continues to remain one of her favorite retreats.  If you've ever lived near the ocean, you understand the irresistible, captivating draw of the sea! An enthusiast of times gone by, Collette currently writes Regency historical romance.
A lifelong resident of small towns, she's also been known to venture to parts of Europe. Her favorite destinations? England and France of course! There she can indulge her passion for exploring opulent manors and centuries old castles, in addition to scrutinizing anything even remotely related to the Georgian, Regency or Victorian eras!
Her Victorian farmhouse and profusion of gardens—English, butterfly, rock, and water— are all testaments to her ongoing love affair with flowers, lace, songbirds, birdhouses, rocks, and of course—teacups! Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette graduated summa cum laude from Oregon State University, has a Master's degree in teaching, and is member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde and Love Faith and Hope, Inc. 
Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, Cadbury Milk Chocolates, inspirational quotes, and scented candles; especially lavender and vanilla. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds complete her life quite nicely!
When she's not teaching or writing, Collette enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, or salmon fishing on the Columbia River.
She'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment on her Blue Rose Romance Blog page, or email her at: collettecameronromanceauthor@yahoo.com. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest too! See the links below.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Announcing...another release!

I'm so very excited to tell you about my newest release, "Waiting For You". This story was such a joy to write because even the twists and turns - and mystery - surprised me!  This book was published before under a different title, but since getting the book back from the publisher, I've added more scenes, and made the story even better!! And of course, I have an AWESOME book cover!!  And although this story isn't in print yet - give it a week and it will be!

So if you like ghost stories, if you like time-travel, and if you like humor and a great mystery..."Waiting For You" is a MUST have!


"Recommended Read!" by Anna Kathryn Lanier, Amazon reviewer

"I highly recommend this book, a wonderful timeless love story." by Mary Martinez, suspense author





When a beautiful woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he’s intrigued enough to consider her plea. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so taking on a client who insists she’s dead seems a good way to refresh his career. The more history he uncovers, the deeper he falls for the ghost. Abigail Carlisle believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily ever after happen when she’s already dead?





"A captivating tale of murder and love across time!" by Melissa Lynne Blue, historical romance author

"This tale had lots of twists and turns with a bit of ghostly humor." by Teri Rodeman, Goodreads reviewer


**excerpt**



She wrung her hands against her stomach. “Someone was in the room, but it was too dark to see. I asked who was there, but no one answered. I heard the clicking of a pistol. The last thing I remember was the pungent odor of the bullet’s powder as a fierce pain exploded in my head.” Her gloved fingers touched her temple. “After that, I remember standing beside my grave while people cried and threw flowers on my casket.”
Nick was mesmerized. Miss Carlisle was a great actress—and what an interesting story! If he hadn’t given up his private detective business years ago, he would love to invest his time in a case like this.
He tapped his forefinger on his chin. “Tell me, if somebody killed you, why does the newspaper say you committed suicide?”
“The murder weapon was found in my hand.”
“That makes sense, but tell me how am I supposed to discover who killed you if it happened all those years ago? I would think the person who killed you is more than likely dead by now.”
She lowered her gaze. “That is a good question, but finding my killer is the only way I can cross over. I suppose you would have to use your investigative skills to help me.”
Nick drummed his fingers on the desk and studied her as she once again sucked on her bottom lip, making it a raspberry color. In all his years practicing law, not one of his cases had sent excitement flowing through his veins, or made him feel so alive…until now. If he could take on this case and solve the nearly one-hundred-year-old murder, it would definitely boost his reputation.
Wait, what am I thinking? Even if he did solve her case who would believe him? Nick knew people would simply think he’d gone crazy like his mother. After all, Miss Carlisle was a ghost…wasn’t she?
He loosened his tie. After releasing the first button at his neck, he cleared his throat. “How about I start using my investigative skills now?” He pushed away from his desk and stood.
Her body stiffened, and she held his gaze.
“Tell me one more thing, Miss Carlisle. What if I were to touch you?” He reached his hand toward her face, stopping just a few inches away. “If you are a ghost, I wouldn’t be able to feel anything. Am I correct?”
She nodded but kept her eyes on his hand as she continued to nibble away at her bottom lip—more urgently now.
He hated to admit that he wanted to touch her more than anything, and not just to find out if she were a ghost. As she’d told her story, her eyes hinted of a great sadness, and he wanted to comfort her. And since she would never be his client, he saw no reason not to flirt with her.
Frowning, Nick stopped his thoughts. What if Travis and Steve were really behind this prank? Was this a test? Were they trying to see if he could withstand such a charming woman?
“What do you think will happen if I touch you, Miss Carlisle?”
She moved away from the window and to the edge of his desk where she sat. “I—I—don’t know. So far, nobody has been able to touch me.”
“Have people walked through you?”
“Yes, but I feel nothing, not even the whisper of a breeze.”
His hand was almost there, close to her cheek. He wanted to cup her face and sweep his thumb across her skin. His hand inched closer and her jaw tightened.

Buy from Amazon - click here


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Twin Falls, Idaho

It's funny to think I've never been to Twin Falls, Idaho, even though I only live a few hours away. But the past few days, my hubby and I were in Twin Falls with my daughter and grandchildren for our vacation. Twin Falls has the most beautiful waterfalls....but then I don't get out much so I haven't seen any others. However, from the ones I have seen - these are breathtaking!

So sit back and enjoy the pics!!




























Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Entertainment in Regency times

I have Ella Quinn on my blog today as my guest.  She is a rising star in the Regency Romance world!  Today she's going to take us back to Regency England...  Take it away, Ella!


As the hot dog days of summer are upon us, I searched for a post to write and decided to look at what the ton would do between the social seasons in London.

Before the Prince Regent, Prinny, built his pavilion in Brighton, the fashionable visited Bath, a resort known for its healing waters. Bath was much stodgier than London, but nevertheless, people of means flocked to the town. Yet, by August, the main source of entertainment were house parties. For those who did not have an estate, it was the means to enjoy country life, it was also a method by which marriage minded mamas could promote their single daughters, and for those not intent on marriage, a place to conduct affairs or compromise a young lady into marriage.

Ones host and hostess were responsible for gathering a convivial group of people. Some of marriageable age, others older. Equal numbers of men and women were desired. Entertainments for both genders were planned, for it wouldn’t do for a guest to complain about being bored. Unlike the house parties you may have seen on TV, ladies did not just sit around in the house. Trips to nearby historical sites would have been planned as well as picnics, horse rides, impromptu and planned balls, musicals, and possibly plays. It was important that young ladies were proficient on the pianoforte, or harp. They were also taught to sing, and men frequently joined a lady in a duet. Though it would have been scandalous for a lady to act in a public play, they were encouraged to take part in private ones. Ladies were also encouraged to learn archery and other outside games.

So now that you’ve ensured your guest are having a wonderful time, how does one get rid of them. Well, one enterprising hostess in Georgette Heyer’s book, False Colors, caused hers to flee by telling them that even though some had sore throats, she was sure there was not scarlet fever in the nearby village.

Alas, the only house party that occurs in The Temptation of Lady Serena is to protect her from the charms of Robert Beaumont.

Here is the blurb for The Temptation of Lady Serena.

Ella Quinn’s bachelors in The Marriage Game series are charming and cunning when it comes to the ways of love—until the right woman captures their unsuspecting hearts…


 

Custom-made gowns…nights at the theater…and a host of eligible bachelors. Accustomed to living a quiet life in the Scottish Borderlands, Lady Serena Weir has never had any of these luxuries. But when Serena’s brother demands she finally have a Season in London, she’s thrust into a glamorous world she’s only dreamed of…

Robert, Viscount Beaumont remembers all too well what it feels like to be in love. That is why he must keep his distance from Serena. He’s only felt his pulse stir the way it does now when he made the mistake of loving the wrong woman once before. Yet the more he strives to resist his feelings, the nearer he is to falling under Serena’s seductive spell…

 “Supported by a wonderful cast of characters, Quinn’s thoughtfully drawn lovers teach each other the value of love in this delicious Regency treat.” ~ New York Times Bestselling author Eileen Dreyer

 

EXCERPT

Traveling with his valet and groom, Robert hired a chaise and horses. They arrived in the quiet hôtel in Rue St. Honoré, not far from the British embassy, in the afternoon on the third day after he departed Calais. Leaving Henley to take care of the rooms, Robert strode quickly to the embassy. He was searching for the registry when he heard a familiar voice.

“Beaumont! What are you doing here?”

Robert turned to see an old friend from Oxford, Sir Walter Thrashridge. “I could ask the same about you. The last I heard you were in Portugal. Are you posted here now?”

“No, unfortunately, merely passing through to my new posting in Brussels. I’ve seen Evesham.”

Robert fought to keep his irritation at Marcus hidden. “I have come to join them. I was in Yorkshire when they made the decision to travel here. I understand it’s a rather large party. Who else came with them?”

Beaumont waited while Thrashridge thought.

“I remember now. Lord and Lady St. Eth, then a Lord and Lady Rutherford, St. Eth’s sister and other niece, Lady Serena. What a beautiful girl she is, made quite an impression at Lady Elisabeth’s ball t’other evening. In fact, Lady Evesham, Lady Rutherford, and Lady Serena were the principal attractions. Evesham and Rutherford took care to stay by their ladies. With all the expatriates and the Frenchies hovering around Lady Serena, there wasn’t any getting near her.”

Robert stopped himself from grinding his teeth. “Don’t happen to know Evesham’s direction, do you? I only know it is some house he bought.”

“I don’t, but the registry will have it. Are you going there now?”

“That is my intent.”

“Well, I’ll show you the way. There was something else I thought I should say to you.” Thrashridge rubbed his chin. After a moment he smiled. “I’ve got it now. I’m to wish you happy. Who is the young lady?”

“Lady Serena,” Robert said gruffly. And when I find her, I’m going to drag her to Yorkshire where she belongs.

Buy links:



 
 
Ella Quinn lived all over the United States, the Pacific, Canada, England and Europe before finally discovering the Caribbean. She lives in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands with her wonderful husband, three bossy cats and a loveable great dane. Ella loves when friends connect with her