Interview with Gabi Stevens

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Gabi Stevens. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called AS YOU WISH Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

AS YOU WISH is the second title in my trilogy about fairy godmothers. Raised in a magical family, Reggie Scott has made a successful life for herself despite her lack of magical powers. She is content to live out her life as a Groundling until the outgoing fairy godmothers tell her she’s one of them. In the space of a few days, she faces a plot to overthrow the Arcani world, a new man in her life, and an entirely too enthusiastic mother. And she doesn’t know which will be the most difficult to deal with. Can Reggie balance trust, magic, and danger and still find the happiness she deserves?

AS YOU WISH is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

My editor and I wanted a title that reflects magic. Since fairy godmothers are all about wishes (although mine have little chance simply to grant them), we thought a phrase about wishing would be appropriate. So the first book in the series is THE WISH LIST, this second one is AS YOU WISH, and the third will be WISHFUL THINKING.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I have always loved a great paranormal story. Who doesn’t like to dream about having powers, making troubles disappear with the swish of a wand? Of course, having magic adds a whole new bag of troubles, which my characters have to face.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I wanted to write something a little bit different from the vampire and werewolf stories out there. They’re wonderful, but I started thinking along different lines, remembered my love of fairy tales, and violà.

What are your favorite paranormal research books or sites, and why?

I go to the masters, the Brothers Grimm. All kidding aside, the thing I like best about paranormal is that you can make up your own rules. So you can have vampires that sparkle in the sun, and ancient Mayan curses that explain why someone is a werewolf. Oh, sure some things you do have to look up, but the freedom is the most appealing aspect for me.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I have two special characters in AS YOU WISH, Tommy and Joy. They are Arcani (magical humans) but they have special needs. Tommy has Down syndrome and Joy is just Joy. I wanted to showcase a population in our own world that is often overlooked or underestimated. Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are capable of so much. And, yes, their achievements in the book are quite possible. I should know. I have a daughter with IDD. I have an author’s note in the back of the book that I hope everyone reads, and I have pledged ten percent of all my royalties from this novel to Best Buddies International, an organization that creates friendships for people with IDD and helps them in their communities. I would like to bring attention to Best Buddies™, a truly worthwhile organization. And, yes, my daughter participates in her local program.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and/or world affect your character development?

Characters jump into my head, and I start writing. As the story unfolds, more and more of their personalities are revealed to me. That means I have revisions when I finish, but the exploration and discovery are part of my process, and I love the surprises along the way.

How do you go about building your world if you use one? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

AS YOU WISH is set in San Diego. You bet I use maps for that, and Google Earth. I went to school in San Diego and my husband is from there. My magical world is part of the real world, so the Arcani have to learn to live among the Groundlings (non-magicals) and fit into the San Diego Community.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Too many to list all of them here, and after submitting a list I always remember more. But to name a few: Jodi Thomas, Lori Wilde, Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain, Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov, and so many, many more.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

Tough question. I like to get the word out as best as possible, so interviews and reviews I believe help. I also try to maintain a presence on the Internet at Facebook, Twitter, and my own blog (www.GabiStevens.blogspot.com). I love corresponding with readers, but I think the best promotion is to write a great book. I hope I’ve done that.

What do we have to look forward next?

WISHFUL THINKING is the next book in my trilogy and it will be released in March 2012.

Thanks, Gabi!

To celebrate her book release, Gabi is offering a free book of THE WISH LISH, book one in the series, to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at http://www.gabistevens.com/bio.html

Buy http://www.amazon.com/As-You-Wish-Gabi-Stevens/dp/0765365049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1303852026&sr=8-1

Bid On Me

Kim Watters here......

Come bid on me at Brenda Novak's Diabetes Auction this year.

I'm auctioning off a gift bag. Included in this tote bag is an autographed copy of On Wings of Love, a sterling silver and Marcasite necklace, a candle and candle holder, a heart paperweight, a picture frame, a mirror, a decorative charm, a pen and calendar.

http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2154316

Bid On Us

The Much Cheaper Than Therapy Blog girls, Carol, Kathryne, Kim & Tina are donating a $40 Barnes & Noble Gift Card at this years action! Check us out.

http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2149513

FOR WRITERS: How to Undress an Eighteenth Century Gentleman

I put together a simple cheat-sheet for writers about eighteenth century clothing, and I thought it might not only be a good guide for writers researching the era, but also a bit of fun for readers who love history (although you may want to note the changes I made because of the fantasy aspect of my world). So without further ado, here’s how you might go about undressing my hero, Giles Beaumont, from my upcoming release THE LADY OF THE STORM:

1. Shoes
First, let’s get Giles comfortable be removing his shoes or boots. Like the women, men wore heeled shoes similar to our modern day clogs where you slip your foot in, but mostly of black with large buckles. The toes started out square, and went round by 1740.
Pumps had low heels. I prefer my hero to wear boots, however, and many a military man wore them to a ball. I prefer the half jackboots, which ended below the knee in a turned-down top, made of leather. Heavy jackboots went above the knee, and light jackboots were cut in the back so a man could bend easier. Slippers were worn indoors, usually heelless leather.

2. Coat
Now we might want to remove Giles’s coat. The most common coat for a gentleman had no collar, a flared skirt-like pleated bottom, buttons and very wide buttonholes down the entire front and along the sleeves. The buttons could be made of gold, silver, brass, and other metals. The sleeves were wide and turned up into a large cuff, and short enough that the frills on his shirtsleeves peeked from beneath. The front had two large pockets about hip-high. The skirt of the coat was often stiffened with buckram (a stiff fabric) and whalebone so it flared out widely from the waist. The coat fell past the knees. It was usually only buttoned at the throat and/or waist, so the rest of the buttonholes were just for show.

The frock coat was first worn by the lower class, having a less rigid and more comfortable cut. The gentlemen then adopted the coat for sports, riding & casual dress. The frock coat had a collar and sometimes, a slit in the sleeves. But otherwise, it looked similar to the coat described above.

As always, the difference between a gentleman’s dress and the lower classes was in the material. Silk, satin, damask, gold & silver stuff, etc. for gentlemen; ticking, rough wool & leather for the lower class. And I should also note here that a gentleman’s wardrobe was lined.

3. Waistcoat
You will then be able to remove Giles’s waistcoat, and it looked very similar to the coat, with buttons down the front and a large pocket on each side. But the long sleeves and the back were often made of a thinner, cheaper material, since it didn’t show. And it was shorter than the outer coat, around mid-thigh. Waistcoats could also be laced up instead of buttoned, have decorative lining around the hem made of embroidery, lace or fringe. In THE LADY OF THE STORM, Giles prefers buttons, since they are easier to remove, and less fussy.

4. Breeches
Depending on your mood, you might want to remove Giles’s breeches next, which could be made of the same material as coats, but didn’t have to match. Start by unbuttoning the waistband’s three buttons (set close together), and about three more buttons below that to fully open the front. Breeches only went to just below the knees, so then you need to undo the knee buckles. During the first quarter of the century, stockings were pulled up over the knees of the breeches and rolled back down below them over garters (woven silk, ribbon, braid). But soon the breeches were buckled over the stockings below the knees. Giles prefers this method, so after you unbuckle his breeches, you may then remove:

5. Stockings
The stockings were generally white and made of cotton or silk. You could certainly use different/contrasting colors for a dandy.

6. Drawers
In THE LADY OF THE STORM, Giles Beaumont doesn’t often wear them (I have found no evidence that drawers were always worn), but if he happens to have them on, they have to be untied at the waist and knees, and were generally made of linen.

7. Neckcloth or Cravat
Untie the cloth from under his chin, where the ends were left to fall to about his upper mid-chest, then slowly ease it off from around his neck. Made of muslin, lawn or linen, the ends were decorated with lace or tasseled. Commoners may wear a handkerchief knotted about the neck. There was other neckwear, including a stock and solitaire.

8. Shirt
And finally, gratefully, you can unbutton Giles’s shirt. Ruffles at the front and sleeves, often edged in lace. The ruffles at the neck were often referred to as a jabot, when the cambric or lace edging was sewn to both opening sides. For commoner or casual wear: plain sleeves with a narrow band, which is usually what Giles wears. Generally made of fine white cotton or linen material, referred to as cambric. You could distinguish a gentleman by how clean his shirt was.

9. Other:
Men usually had short, close-cropped hair, because they wore a white wig, longer at the beginning of the century, and of varying styles throughout. Wigs could be several colors, but were often powdered white. Real hair could be dressed to resemble a wig, and hair was worn long if you didn’t have one (artisans & commoners). However, black wigs were often worn by the military. Some had long and short curls all over, curls just at the sides, braided down the back, tied back in a queue. Wigs could me made of human hair, horse or goat hair, and feathers. There was such a variety of wigs that an author can surely use her imagination with them! In THE LADY OF THE STORM the men wear wigs to imitate the elven lords’ lustrous long white hair, and use silver glitter to try to copy the sparkle. Since Giles has the original, he does not wear a wig, but will often wear battle braids at the sides.

The cocked, or three-cornered hat, usually made of black beaver felt, was worn indoors under the arm. It was often quite large, and could be decorated with ribbon, feathers, lace, etc. Men often wore nightcaps to keep their shaved heads warm, but the elven lords had a full head of hair to keep them comfy at night. In THE LADY OF THE STORM, Giles wears his hat outdoors, but carries it under his arm the rest of the time, and he certainly never decorates it.

Giles Beaumont dresses simply, but when at court, he might also carry or wear: leather gloves, a sword (the hilt protruded through a side vent of the coat—Giles always wears his enchanted sword, although fancier swords were worn at court), and after 1730, a cane as well. Pocket watches, a snuff or toothpick box, a lace-edged handkerchief.

For outerwear: open cloaks fastened at the neck & Greatcoats (a big frock coat with back vent for riding). Military men preferred the cloak, as did spies, and Giles was no exception.

References: Costume in Context/The Eighteenth Century by Jennifer Ruby ISBN 071345772, A History of Fashion in Costume/The Eighteenth Century by Anne Rooney 0816059489, Daily Life in Eighteenth Century England by Kirstin Olsen 0313299331, Handbook of English Costume in the 18th Century by C. Willett and Phillis Cunnington 0823801284.

And the winner is......

Congratulations LilMissMolly. You're the winner of Erin's book. Please contact Kim at kwatters21 (at) hotmail.com ( no spaces) to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from Tina LaVon and The Neurotic Writer!

No matter what your religious beliefs may be, we

hope you spent quality time with your loved ones today.

When we reach our final hour, I doubt many of us will

wish we took the time to write an additional book.

We are more likley to wish we spent more time

with those dear to our hearts.

I know I am striving for balance in my life.

We all need to remember, time is short,

so let's keep our priorities straight.

Here's wishing all of your days are wonderful!

Interview with Erin Quinn

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Erin Quinn. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

Thanks for having me here! I love your site and always get excited to be one of your guests.

I understand you have a new release out called Haunting Desire, Book 3 in the Mists of Ireland Series. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Haunting Desire is Shealy O’Leary and Tiarnan’s story. From the cover:

A woman lost in a nightmare

Shealy O’Leary thought the ancient Book of Fennore a myth until she and her father are sucked into the past—and into the cursed no-man’s land called Fennore. There Shealy learns that she has a rare power that their enemy seeks. Aided by the dangerous and compelling warrior, Tiarnan, Shealy must find her father and learn how to wield her gift to save those she loves or die in this waking nightmare...

A man desperate to regain his honor

After failing both his land and people, Tiarnan was damned to spend eternity in the black heart of Fennore. His only hope comes in the shape of a beautiful, frightened woman from the future. For she possesses a gift she is unaware of. A gift with the power to save ...or destroy them all.

A desire that drives their destiny

Together, Shealy and Tiarnan begin their perilous quest—a mission that draws them closer and closer together. And as the odds against them mount, so does their passion. The intensity of their bond electrifies the couple, their love powering Shealy’s gift and Tiarnan’s strength. But their newfound connection threatens to ruin them both—and bring to life a long ago prophecy of devastation and betrayal...

Haunting Desire is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Actually, I ran a contest on my blog for title suggestions and one of my readers chimed in with Haunting Desire. My editor loved it and thought it was perfect for the book. Giving my work a title has never been my gift, so I’m always grateful for the help.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love paranormal—always have, always will. When I was a young adult there weren’t the many choices of paranormal that there are now, so I had to look to Horror to fill that need. Now the choices are endless. I love the idea that normal, everyday people might have extraordinary powers and I’m fascinated by the idea that maybe time isn’t linear, maybe it’s fluid and changes to the past are simply things that were meant to be…..

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

It came to me naturally from the story arc of the series. While each book in the Mists of Ireland series are stand alone titles, they are part of an over-arching story that is reflected in each one.

What are your favorite paranormal research books or sites, and why?

I love the quirky “Encyclopedia’s of” books. Currently reading Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology, the Encyclopedia of Angels and the Encyclopedia of Spirits and Creatures. They give a quick, brief overview to help me find out what I want to research without slogging through tome’s of information.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

In Haunting Desire, it was Tiarnan. I’ve really tortured this character and he really deserved redemption. It was so satisfying watching him get it.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and/or world affect your character development?

For me the character emerges as I write him/her. They are products of their actions and words. I have a general sense of person when I start and I usually have an idea of where they come from, but sometimes it’s the words they speak that bring them to life for me.

How do you go about building your world if you use one? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

I use a little of all. A lot of my world is in my head, though. I see it like I’m watching a movie and I’m able to rewind and zoom when necessary.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Oh too many to list. I’m in awe of many writers.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

Ha. Writing them. Seriously, I’m not convinced that any promotion is effective. Unless it comes from top down (meaning the publisher is pushing the book) it’s all just a shot in the dark. Who knows if it’s hitting anyone?

What do we have to look forward next?

Haunting Embrace comes out October 4 and then….well, I’m still working on what I’ll do next.

Thanks, Erin!

To celebrate her book release, Erin is offering a free book of reader’s choice of Haunting Beauty or Haunting Warrior to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.
Erin Quinn (also known as Erin Grady) is an award winning author. Her books have been called “riveting,” “brilliantly plotted” and “beautifully written” and have won, placed or showed in the WILLA Award for Historical fiction, the Orange Rose, Golden Quill, Best Books, Book Buyers Best, and Award of Excellence. Book three in her Mists of Ireland series, HAUNTING DESIRE, will be in bookstores April 2011.

She lives in Arizona with her husband, two daughters and three dogs (all of whom have made debuts in her stories—the dogs, that is, not the husband and kids.) You can learn more at http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/

Check out author’s website at http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/

Buy http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/Order_Books.htm

Excerpt:

A gust of hot wind blew across the parking lot, chasing the echo of her dad's anger. The restaurant had been packed when they’d arrived and they’d had to park in the back, by the trash. Now the lot was dark and deserted. The burned-out streetlight over their car left shadows creeping across the heated tar and whispering sounds rasp­ing against the abruptly taut silence that followed.

Shealy wanted to tell him to calm down. She was twenty-four years old and didn’t need his permission, but an undefined feel­ing of threat prickled and poked at her. She opened her mouth to demand to know what these mysterious things he’d been protecting her from were, but an instinct as old as time silenced her and urged her toward the car. Pushing her to get out of the open.

“Let’s—”

“Shhhh,” he said. His eyes were wide, his expression frightened as he scanned the empty parking lot.

The air grated against them, lifting the hem of her skirt and blustering beneath it. It was hot—always hot in Arizona—but now that heat had weight and a dark, malevolent substance.

A trill of fear crept down her spine, but she didn’t know what had scared her, why she suddenly had a sense of déjà vu that clenched her tight and terrified her.

“Get to the car,” Donnell said, turning her and pulling her to the Toyota.

“What’s going on?”

A sound—like a hundred nails running down a chalkboard, like a thousand knives scraping china, like millions of screams that went on unending—ripped through the oppressive quiet. The blistering cacophony surrounded them, an invisible wall that herded them into shadow and gloom.

“Dad, what is that?” she asked, gripping his hand, feeling the tremors coursing through his body. That tangible evidence of his alarm escalated her own. Her dad had weakened with illness, but remained one of the bravest men she’d ever known.

He tried to pull her toward the car, but the air felt strangely gelatinous, a membrane holding them captive in the small space they filled. Beyond the unseen barrier, the everyday world faded until there was only dusky night alive with that terrible sound. Shealy clapped her hands over her ears and so did Donnell, both of them turning in place, searching for an exit. Seeking an explanation.

Beneath her feet the asphalt began to rumble and shake. Pieces of the parking lot cracked, spidering like a shattered windshield. Was it an earthquake? A car alarm joined the melee, as if in response to her panicked thoughts. She grasped at a perverse sense of com­fort the explanation brought. Earthquakes were real. Shadows that hemmed people in weren’t.

But even as she thought it the darkness to her left split down the middle, like a huge piece of velvet ripped in two. She heard the sound of it tearing, felt her breath seize in her chest as she watched the fissure grow. Felt again that unfathomable sense of déjà vu. Through the rent in the night, she saw a rock wall shooting straight up, perpendicular to the earth. At its base was a huge stone plateau and on it stood a man and teenage boy.

Mouth dry, Shealy saw the man suddenly look up, his golden brown eyes wide with shock. For an instant they stared at one another, Shealy and this man, and she felt the touch of that glance like she did the heat, the fear.

A queer sense of recognition staggered her.

There was no way she’d met this man before and then forgotten him. No possible way. He stood well over six feet, perhaps even six five. Tall and muscular, so perfectly sculpted the Greeks might have used him as the model of Atlas, holding the world on his shoulders. A wound seeped blood into the fabric of his open shirt and splat­tered the burnished skin of his tight massive chest and muscular abdomen, but he stood tall and strong. And those eyes . . . those incredible eyes . . .

Who was he? Where was he?

Inspirational Quote

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.”

Carl Jung

FOR WRITERS: How to Undress an Eighteenth Century Lady

I put together a simple cheat-sheet for writers about eighteenth century clothing, and I thought it might not only be a good guide for writers researching the era, but also a bit of fun for your readers who love history (although you may want to note the changes I made because of the fantasy aspect of my world). So without further ado, here’s how my hero, Giles Beaumont, might go about undressing my heroine, Lady Cecily Sutton, from my upcoming release, THE LADY OF THE STORM:

1. Gown

First, Giles might wish to remove Cecily’s gown, and this can consist of:

A mantua, which is a formal dress worn at court, and is similar to a huge robe wrapped in front, held together with a girdle (belt). A decorated stomacher (more about this below) will often show through the opening of the top.

A sacque dress, which is unfitted both front and back (not drawn in at the waist) and the back has pleated material that falls from the shoulders all the way to the floor. Again, a stomacher will show through the open-to-the-waist neckline.

The skirt bottom of either of the above dresses can be opened or closed, which means it can be split to show a different or matching colored petticoat beneath. The petticoat will be as elaborate as the skirt itself in material and construction.

A day dress, consisting of a bodice (top) and skirt. This was considered ‘undress’ wear by the wealthy, and adopted by the workingwoman for practical reasons. The dress had elbow length sleeves, a fitted shape for the bodice, and depending on the lady, could be made of several types of material. Linsey-woolsey as the cheapest, progressing to satin, silk or velvet for the most expensive. The jacket bodice was usually held in place with lacing or hook-and-eye closure down the front. The skirt, like the petticoat, was tied on by a drawstring, either behind or a tie at each side, and was closed (no split).

The riding habit was also two pieces: a skirt, worn with a coat similar to a man’s but darted along the sides, with a buttoned waistcoat beneath. Also to simulate the man’s dress, a cravat could be worn around the neck and a tricorne hat on the head. Although hoops were often worn under the skirt, I use a quilted petticoat to keep mounting and riding simple.

2. Stays

Now Giles may tackle her stays, which is a boned support wrap that is tightly laced in the back, which flattens the bosom and pushes it upward. Often tied to the front of the stays is the stomacher, another boned piece of cloth with a ‘v’ at the bottom, which can be heavily embroidered and decorated for show. The stomacher is also often attached to the bodice itself, instead of the stays, usually sewn in place. Cecily finds it simpler to wear a stomacher that is attached to the stays. There is also evidence that workingwomen wore stays that released by ties in the front as well, which makes sense to me, as they didn’t have maids to unlace their backs, which were tied in a sort of criss-cross fashion, which took determination to remove. Another interesting note about stays is that they weren’t what we consider underwear. They were often worn without any covering while women worked, and often peeked through the open front of a gown, especially if they were elaborately embroidered or decorated. As the centuries progressed, and stays became known as the corset, they then became primarily underclothing. Because of consistency throughout the ages, I don’t use this fact in my books, and stick with the chemise as our modern idea of historical underclothing.

3. Petticoat

Then Giles must untie the hoop-petticoat, via a drawstring about the waist. A hoop was a petticoat reinforced with (usually) whalebone, in circular layers from top to bottom, which held out a lady’s skirt. Several types of hoops were worn during the Georgian era, but in general, they started out in a round dome shape, then graduated to a ‘fan’, where the front and back of the top of the hoop was flattened, pushing out the hoops to the sides. The oblong hoop extended the distance to the sides, creating the extravagant shape worn by Marie Antoinette. These were also called ‘elbow hoops’, since some were high enough that a lady could actually rest her elbows on them. In lieu of hoops, usually for workingwomen, a lady could wear a quilted petticoat to help shape her dress. A fancy (unboned) petticoat could be worn over the supporting hoop-petticoat, specifically when the lady wore an open skirt. Other types of support were also worn, like false hips and cork rumps, but this is for the writer, not the historian, and I try to keep it simple. (Also, the skirt of a dress was commonly referred to as a petticoat, but this can be confusing to the modern reader (and me!), so I stick with the separate terms.)

4. Chemise

Finally, Giles can remove her chemise, a thin shift which reached to about the knees. A rich woman’s chemise could be made of fine linen, elaborately embroidered or laced, especially about the sleeves, where it often peeked out from under the gown’s sleeves. The neckline was sometimes loosened by a string that gathered it closed.

5. Shoes

If she hasn’t already, Lady Cecily can kick off her shoes at this point, which resemble our modern-day clogs, where you slip your foot in. Often made of material to match her skirts, they had heels and were usually buckled or tied over the toes. She could also wear slippers, and a workingwoman might wear thick leather ones. Boots were often worn for riding.

6. Stockings

Stockings were usually white or black, held up at the top by a ribbon (garter) tied just above the knees. Usually cotton, the middle class might wear worsted, a rich lady would wear silk.

7. Drawers

I can find no evidence that a Georgian lady wore any form of what we consider panties. Which is fabulous news for Giles Beaumont, who can skip all the above and just lift her skirts when passion overwhelms him.

8. Miscellaneous

Lady Cecily might also carry/wear:

A tucker (scarf) could be tucked into the top of the bodice of any dress for modesty’s sake. Hair was usually worn in a bun at the top in the back of the head, curls or waves of hair to frame the face. Ladies began to wear white wigs like the gentlemen, which later in the century grew to extreme heights, and were often decorated with feathers, jewels, birds, tiny hats, etc., especially for formal occasions or at court. In THE LADY OF THE STORM, the men wear wigs to imitate the elven lords’ lustrous long white hair, and use silver glitter to try to copy the sparkle. Since Giles has the original, he does not wear a wig, but will often wear battle braids at the sides.

Mobcaps were worn on the head indoors, a cap gathered in the front with ruffles at the sides, and often under hats, which varied from imitations of the men’s three cornered hat to straw hats. Pinners were worn as formal dress, caps usually made of lace, flat on the top of the head, with trailing ‘lappets’ down the sides (of the same material) that hung well past the shoulders.

Cecily may also carry/wear a drawstring purse, lace handkerchief, fan, muff, parasol, apron, umbrella and gloves (gloves were almost always worn). Aprons were not always used for practical purposes, but as an accessory to the dress, of sheer material embroidered or edged with lace.

For outerwear, she could wear a mantle, which is a long hooded cloak, often with a riding hood attached, a ‘caped hood’. A mantlet, which is a short cape. A scarf, wrapped around the shoulders. Again, the cloth varied based on wealth, but most were made of wool. Trim could be excessive, from fur to embroidery to gold piping.

This is a basic cheat-sheet for writers, and I kept simplicity in mind when putting this together. I used several references, but the primary ones are: Costume in Context/The Eighteenth Century by Jennifer Ruby ISBN 071345772, A History of Fashion in Costume/The Eighteenth Century by Anne Rooney 0816059489, Daily Life in Eighteenth Century England by Kirstin Olsen 0313299331, Handbook of English Costume in the 18^th Century by C. Willett and Phillis Cunnington 0823801284.

And the winner is......

Congratulations Mason. You're the winner of Linda's book. Please contact Kim at kwatters21 (at) hotmail.com (no spaces) to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

The Neurotic Writer and the Newest Conspiracy

The Neurotic Writer and the Newest Conspiracy

(Just for laughs)

Suzie Writer: "It's a conspiracy I tell you!"

Therapist: "What now?"

Suzie Writer: "I spent an hour typing up my blog post and I am suddenly unable to copy and paste it onto Blogger."

Therapist: "What's the consipracy?"

Suzie Writer: "Don't you see? Those New York Times Writers have formed an alliance to keep us struggling writers from joining their ranks."

Therapist: "And they corrupted Blogger?"

Suzie Writer: "Why not? OR maybe they hacked into it. OR maybe they heard how wonderful I am and they are only targeting me."

Therapist: "Do you really believe that?"

Suzie Writer: "Of course I think I'm wonderful. They teach self esteem in school these days."

Interview with Linda Wisdom

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Linda Wisdom. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.


I understand you have a new release out called Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Maggie is my latest witch. She’s part of the Hellions, a security guard that protects all supernaturals. She’s come up against underground club owner, Declan, who’s a half fire demon. She’d rather stay away from the sexy guy but it’s not going to happen when they’re both thrown together in their dreams and while awake. Maggie’s attracted to him, but she’s got a job to do. One where she’s meant to save the world due to an ancient Mayan curse involving a blood sacrifice and a psychotic demon who wants to rule. As if that’s not enough Maggie’s in charge of a snarky teenage girl who’s the target of the curse. But then Maggie isn’t a 700+ year young witch for nothing. You’ll also meet Elegance, “Elle” Maggie’s jewel encrusted black widow spider who’s looking for a spell to keep her lovers alive after sex, over caffeinated ferret messengers, and a Seer pavilion straight out of the 1960s.

Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Actually, my editor came up with the title. This book was originally titled The Best Hex Ever, but she decided she wanted to go with the demon hero.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I’ve always loved paranormal and fantasy and urban fantasy is just the frosting on the cake. I wrote my first paranormal book in the late 1980s and I wanted to write more, but it wasn’t easy to sell them then. I didn’t stop though and managed to get one out every few years. Now I’m doing what I truly love.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Maggie is my kick ass witch and I knew she’d need a guy who could handle her. Enter half fire demon Declan. I’ve always been fascinated with the Mayan culture and thought throwing an ancient Mayan/demon curse into the mix would be perfect. Not to stop there, I added a snarky teenager girl who gave Maggie a run for her money.

What are your favorite paranormal research books or sites, and why?

Yasmine Galenorn has written wonderful non-fiction books such as Embracing the Moon, Trancing the Witch’s Wheel and Totem Magic. There’s also books by Silver Ravenwolf that’s excellent.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

That’s not easy. I did enjoy writing the ferrets. All their names ended with ickie so Rickie, Ickie, you name it. They speak faster than the speed of light, manage to stuff entire scrolls in hidden pouches, and they’re mouthy.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and/or world affect your character development?

Scary thing is most of them pop into my head, so I see them in 3D inside my imagination. I work up character sheets with a history. Especially with the witches since they’ve been around so many years. If I feel I’m hitting a snag I do a quick interview or ask that character to vent. I don’t think research or the world affects my characters since they tend to fit very well.

How do you go about building your world if you use one? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

My world is the same one we see every day. The only difference is that there’s witches, vampires, and Weres out in the open and they have their own places where they feel more comfortable. For all you know, you could be out clubbing and end up dancing with a vampire or see a Were playing in a dog park.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

So many! Yasmine Galenorn, Kim Harrison, Jennifer Estep, D. D. Barant, Jeaniene Frost to name a few. What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book? I don’t know if there’s any one thing that’s most effective. I enjoy guest blogging and on line interviews because I get to ‘meet’ readers I ordinarily wouldn’t have a chance of meeting.

What do we have to look forward next?

My next witch book will be released in January 2012 with Lili the doctor, a demon considered a homicidal maniac, a cursed hospital, and a magickal plane called Inderman. You’ll also meet the cat who hangs out with Lili. Cleo, yes THAT Cleo who gives the term diva a whole new meaning. I’m also working on some young adult books, another urban fantasy, and since I’ve regained many of my backlist books I’m in the process of putting them up as ebooks.

Thanks, Linda!

To celebrate her book release,Linda is offering a free book of Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.) She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio. Linda Wisdom was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. She majored in Journalism in college then switched her major to Fashion Merchandising when she was told there was no future for her in fiction writing. She held a variety of positions ranging from retail sales to executive secretary in advertising and working for a personnel agency. Her career began when she sold her first two novels to Silhouette Romance on her wedding anniversary in 1979. Since then she has sold more than eighty novels and one novella to six publishers. Her books have appeared on various romance and mass market bestseller lists and nominated and winning a number of Romantic Times awards and two time Romance Writers of America Rita Award finalist. She lives with her husband, Barney, spoiled mini white Schnauzer, Syd, an equally spoiled parrot and Florence, her tortoise with attitude in Southern California. A number of Linda’s backlist books, including her Hex paranormal series, has been optioned for film and television.

Check out author’s website at http://www.lindawisdom.com/

Buy http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Are-Girls-Best-Friend/dp/1402254393/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300567901&sr=8-1.

Bootcamp for Novelists April Courses

LINDA'S COURSE April 22 to May 20 4P Strong Plots and Subplots Do you ever wonder what makes a good story great? Why we remember some stories and not others? In this workshop we examine layering and subplot development and their use in taking a story from okay to outstanding. FEE: $28 http://bootcampfornovelists.com/ CONNIE'S COURSE April 22 to May 20 4B Conflicts That Sizzle Without conflict there is no story. But what is conflict and how does it affect character and plot? It stems from the obstacles to the character's goal and from the consequences of character action. This course will focus on escalating obstacles and consequences until conflict sizzles on every page. FEE: $28 http://bootcampfornovelists.com/

New Contest Launched for THE LADY OF THE STORM

To celebrate the upcoming release of THE LADY OF THE STORM, I am offering a gorgeous genuine blue topaz raindrop necklace, which represents the magical power my heroine half-breed inherited from her elven lord father. See below for a photo and description of this magical prize. This first contest is all about spreading the word about the THE LADY OF THE STORM. To enter, just post the following blurb anywhere on the internet (Chatrooms, Forums, Blogs, Myspace, Amazon, B&N, Twitter, etc.) You may also copy and paste the cover, if you would like. Err, no inappropriate sites, please. If you don't own the site, please make sure it's okay to post the blurb. BLURB: Coming August 2011 THE LADY OF THE STORM A darkly delicious new fantasy world of sizzling romance amid the pageantry of Georgian England. http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/ Email the link to your blurb to: kathryne@kathrynekennedy.com with TLoTS CONTEST 1 in the subject line. A winner will be randomly chosen using RANDOM.ORG. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends June 30, 2011. You can enter as many times as you like to increase your odds of winning (Tweet about it every day!). Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. Odds of winning are determined by number of entrants. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Neurotic Writer and Contest Feedback

The Neurotic Writer and Contest Feedback

(The Neurotic Writer is a comic strip for writers.)

Therapist: “You look….angry.”

Suzie Writer: “You could say that.”

Therapist: “What happened this week?”

Suzie Writer: “My contest entry did NOT final.

I swear these judges wouldn’t know great writing

if it hit them with a good left hook.”

Therapist: “Did you receive feedback?”

Suzie Writer: “If you want to call it that. Judge

number 666 accused me of inappropriate head hopping.”

Therapist: “I’m confused. Did you write a science

fiction novel, or another version of The Exorcist?”

Suzie Writer: “Head hopping refers to point of view

changes within the story. Rule Number 482 says

No Head Hopping.”

Therapist: “Nora Roberts does it.”

Suzie Writer: “My point exactly. But then Rule

Number 1,976 is Just Because Nora Does It,

Doesn’t Not Mean You Can Get Away With It.”

Therapist: “Anything Else?”

Suzie Writer: “Rule Number 523 says WAS Is Not

Allowed.”

Therapist: “So no passive writing?”

Suzie Writer: “An no –ly words. In fact no adverbs,

adjectives, nouns, verbs….”

Therapist: “Perhaps you should skip contests.”

Suzie Writer: “And skip an opportunity to final and get

my manuscript in front of an agent? Of course not!

I will wear them down! Or find a way to slip subliminal

messages into the first three pages. In either case, as

God is my witness, I will not give up!”

Home Sweet Home Cover

Hi Everyone. Since I'm at RT having a boatload of fun and not able to man the blog today, I'm posting a sneak peak at my newest cover and blurb for Home Sweet Home. Beautiful, isn't it?

Somewhere to belong....

Finally ready to settle down, Abby Bancroft has just inherited a place to put down roots. But her hopes for a successful bed-and breakfast are placed on hold when she learns that her grandparents’ run-down inn is in serious need of TLC. So is Cole Preston, the handsome contractor who offers to help make her dream a reality. His past mistakes won’t let him consider settling in the close knit town. Yet as he and Abby work together to repair the house, they also begin to mend each other’s hearts. And they just may find that consulting their hearts is what creating a home is all about.

From Plot to Finish On-Line Class

April 18-29, 2011
MASTER CLASS: "From Plot to Finish"
by Laurie Schnebly Campbell
$55 at WriterUniv.com

Prerequisite: Must have completed Laurie's "Plotting Via Motivation" workshop.

A continuation of the Plotting-Via-Motivation process, this limited-enrollment group gets every member plotting a brand new book (with the PVM worksheets already on hand) from start to finish. No need to prepare a story idea, character bios or anything else, because you'll learn how to plot an entire book -- and actually have it ready to type -- by the end of this hands-on workshop. The two-week session will include:

* Defining the motivation of each main character
* Recapping your original 14-point worksheet
* Completing the new Plot Chart from beginning to end
* Distributing the highlight scenes through each segment
* Choosing an outline or a free-flowing format
* Setting up your book's unique structure for completion

Laurie always finishes a Plotting Via Motivation class wishing for the chance to see what happens to the wonderful stories begun there -- and wondering how long it'll take to see the finished books for sale. So she's excited about speeding the process along, and getting to watch while the plots and characters take on their full shape.

How Sweet It Is.....or Isn't RT Workshop

If you're going to be at RT in LA, please stop by and say hi. I'll also be doing the book signing on Saturday.


Date: Friday April 8, 2011 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm
Event Type: Writer Industry Workshop
Location: San Gariel C

Panelist(s): Harlequin Love Inspired
Jillian Hart Camy Tang Pamela Tracy Janet Tronstad Janet Tronstad
Kim Watters Cheryl Wyatt

“My job was to give them faith in their own voice.” (The King’s Speech, 2010)

From hearth and home to danger and rescue, join a panel of multi-pubbed Harlequin Love Inspired authors as they tell you not only how and why they chose to write for the inspirational market (or why it chose them), but also hear how the faith element makes the goal, motivation, and conflict in their stories even better.

FOR WRITERS: Organic Writing

I might be coining a term here, but ‘organic’ is the most accurate way I can describe my writing process. I start with my characters and a general idea of the plot, and the rest just kind of grows naturally. I know where I’m going, but not exactly how I’m going to get there. And for me, that’s the magical part of writing. I can explain better with an example, so I’ll use one from my fantasy romance book, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER. My heroine, Lady Cassandra Brydges, is leaving a ball after she has just arrived at Firehame palace and has no idea how to find her chambers. Being Lady Cassandra, she would notice an urchin stealing a bit of supper from the tables, and so I created Gwen to guide her. Now Gwen is a slave from the elven wars, and Cass would not be able to help feeling sorry for the girl, and wouldn’t it be just like Cass to elevate a slave to a servant? So Gwen became her maid, and then I realized that this would be the perfect way for Lady Cassandra to find out more about her husband, General Dominic Raikes, who grew up as a slave in Firehame palace. So they are off to the kitchens to find May, who is a friend of Gwen’s. With elven blood in their veins, each of the slave girls has to possess some type of magical power. So I gave Gwen the gift of ‘finding things’ (I just thought this would be fun), and May the gift of weaving anything that falls within her clever fingers (a reason for Cass to hire her to do her hair). And then the girls became a part of the plot, and their magical gifts grew useful accordingly. Gwen’s magic became useful when Cass was looking for Dominic, and Lady Cassandra realized that Gwen may be able to using her ‘finding’ magic with a map, once Gwen explained to Cass that she could see the aura of items to find them (and that grew from developing Gwen’s powers a bit more). And then it seemed logical that Gwen could also ‘find’ dreams. And since May could weave sunlight, it followed that she could weave dreams as well. And the girls had become so fond of Cass that they would surely do anything to protect their mistress, and so toward the end of the book, they used their magic to create a cloak of dreams to protect Lady Cassandra when the elven lord threatened her. I had no idea when I introduced Gwen that she would become so fundamental to the story. She was originally only a secondary character that would help Cass find her chambers. And so that’s why I call my writing process organic, because one thing grows from another and half the time I don’t know how the story or characters will develop. So for those of you who also write without a rigid outline, I can only advise you to trust yourself. Learn everything about the craft that you can, but only use what makes sense to your writing process. Water your garden with your imagination and watch it grow. I hope you found this peek into my writing process helpful, Kathryne

And the winner is.....

Congratulations Wendy. You're the winner of Josie's book. Please contact Kim at kwatters21 (at) hotmail.com (no spaces) to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

The Neurotic Writer and Creative Tax Writing

The Neurotic Writer and Creative Tax Writing

(The Neurotic Writer is a comic strip for writers.)

Therapist: "Would you mind putting down your notebook

so you can talk?"

Suzie Writer: “Can't. I'm behind on my taxes. I don't know

why people hate them so much; there are so many loopholes."

Therapist: “Oh? Like what?"

Suzie Writer: “I can claim all of my writing expenses.

I wrote about a heroine on a cruise so I could claim my entire trip.

Next year I am going on safari."

Therapist: “You'll probably want to get an accountant to

make sure all of your claims are legit."

Suzie Writer: “Everything is legit as long as I don't get audited

and even then I can cry my way through it."

Therapist: “It might be more difficult than that."

Suzie Writer: “I doubt it. Oh! I can't forget my new

bedroom set. I wrote about it in great detail so I can claim it."

Therapist: “Now that I am sure you can't claim.

At least not the full amount.”

Suzie Writer: “Sure I can. I even started my own charity

so I can donate funds to myself and claim the deduction."

Therapist: “Suzie, you really need professional tax assistance."

Suzie Writer: “Don't worry, Doc. I know what I'm doing."

Therapist: “Just do me one favor. When you're doing time,

don't mention my name to the prison psychiatrist."

Suzie Writer: “Anyone ever tell you its not attractive to

frown so much? You should get some of that anti-aging cream.

I wear it every day.”

Therapist: “Let me guess. You wrote about it so you can claim it on your taxes."

Interview with Josie Brown

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Josie. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called THE BABY PLANNER. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

It’s the story of a woman, Katie Johnson, who makes her living helping new and clueless, or overworked, moms prepare—physically and emotionally—for the births of their infants. Katie is a natural for this type of consulting work because she was previously a product safety advocate. She also desperately wants a child of her own, but her husband, Alex, has every excuse in the world as to why she shouldn’t get pregnant. He was married previously and has a ten-year-old son who lives in Europe with Alex’s ex, who refuses him custody.

THE BABY PLANNER is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

I’d never heard of this profession before. Then last year, while I was waiting in the reception office of my mammogram clinic, I picked up a parenting magazine and read about this woman who called herself a “baby planner.” Immediately I knew there was a wonderful story here! Women have babies for all sorts of reasons. And babies influence relationships in so many ways. In this book, you and Katie go on a journey together. Of course, it influences Katie’s take on mothering, parenting, and marriage in profound ways.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

This is my fourth novel. All of them are contemporary women’s stories. We live in such an exciting time. I love asking “What if…” and then creating a different twist on (to paraphrase Anthony Trollope) the way we live now

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I am the consummate plotter! I write out a one-line premise: what they call a log line in the film industry. Then expand that to a synopsis. From there, I create a three-act story, so that I know that the book’s plot keeps its momentum. My fans are very vocal that this is why they keep coming back. I’m very proud of the Publishers Weekly review on THE BABY PLANNER, because the reviewer SO got it, so I know my fans will be pleased as well.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

Yes! I pulled articles from all over the world, about baby planners (the concept seems to have started a few years ago, in England) and I gathered information from the websites of baby planners, too. In fact, I now have a directory of baby planners on my own site, http://www.josiebrown.com/

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I love my heroine, Katie. She is sharp yet vulnerable. Her husband, Alex, was fun to write because he is so flawed. Katie’s clients all have their own issues and vulnerabilities, and it was a blast coming with the fears that we all face when we realize the maturity needed to be a parent.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

The term “character” is apt, when applied to a book: those who live in it must have unique voices and personalities in order to make us fall in love with them and follow their stories to its conclusion. That said, in my books, every character has a purpose. Even when they move or are introduced as a group, my goal is to give them something you’ll remember them for, as well as a piece of the story that moves it forward. At any given point of the book, Katie’s connections with her various clients is funny, touching, and sad. In other words, lots of mama drama!

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

I love Margaret Mitchell, Edith Wharton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Martin Cruz Smith, Graham Greene, and John Le Carre. Truly, a mixed bag, but what they all have in common is an eloquence of voice and plots that never let up the momentum.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I’ve been blessed with all the baby planners who have reached out to me as soon as they learned about the book. In fact, they are hosting me for readings, all over the country, True to the book, these events are happening inside of baby boutiques. Lots of raffle prizes, and swag from great companies like Spiffies, EcoStoreUSA, BabyBumpers.com, and Sprout Organic Baby Food, which was co-founded by celebrity chef Tyler Florence. It’s the ultimate mom’s meet-up, but you don’t have to be a new mom—or for that matter, a mom—to join us. Everyone is invited, because I love meeting readers who are touched by my books. And if you show up, you automatically get enrolled in my contest for a $100 gift card to your favorite bookstore. Check out the events listings at http://www.babyplannernovel.com/

What do we have to look forward next?

I’m working on a historical saga, as well as a contemporary story about marriage and heartbreak, seen from the point of view of four women and a man. Both books have me in tears as eye write. It’s been a great experience.

Thanks, Josie!

You’re welcome! Can’t wait to meet you in person!

Me Either. See you at RT! (KW)

To celebrate her book release, Josie is offering a free book of The Baby Planner to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at www.JosieBrown.com

Buy at http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Planner-Josie-Brown/dp/1439197121/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301006218&sr=8-1