Goodbye Nora Ephron

Today's newspaper sidebar (something I scan quickly...would rather get back to my writing) stopped me, cold. It simply said "Ephron, writer of 'When Harry Met Sally' dies."

I recognized the name. I recalled the 1989 movie. I read the entire article by Adam Berstein.

I had to read more about Nora, who shared a first name with one of my favorite romance writers. Seems she passed away at 71 after three Oscar nominations and a life spent 'in the movies'.

I did not realize she wrote screenplays for some of my favorite movies. Besides WHMS, there was 'Silkwood', You've Got Mail' (though I always hated the title), and 'Julie & Julia'.

She is called a rare combination of writer, director, and producer and her work will be missed.

Cut! That's a wrap, Nora Ephron

Nancy

Brainstorming with author Leanne Banks

One of the best things I learned from Leanne Banks about writing, whether its the first book, or your latest, is that it is "okay to write crap."

Leanne spoke at a recent Heart Of Carolina Romance Writers chapter meeting, here in Raleigh, NC, and I was impressed with her openness, ideas, and bubbly personality.

She forced us into small groups to think up conflicts. She said something like, "Think of what a person would rationally do in a situation, and have the character do it differently."

I think she has the right idea. Every story, especially my 'happy ever after' romances, need conflict...something that keeps my hero and shero apart (yeah, she said shero).

Thanks Leanne!

Nancy Lee Badger

Release Day for MY HONORABLE HIGHLANDER

It's here!
Blurb:

Bumbling present day herbalist, Haven MacKay, gets more than she bargains for when her love spell goes awry, is cast back in time, and meets her true love -- Laird Kirkwall Gunn.

                  

Kirk’s plans go slightly off course when he falls in love with a woman wandering through the Scottish Highlands. After all, he has pledged to marry another, from an enemy clan, in order to end a century-old feud.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/Knot6H

NOOK: http://bit.ly/K4TqzH

All Romance EBooks:   http://bit.ly/JmqjXJ

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/KxBBbT

ISBN 9781476417400

Nancy

Interview with Author Joanna Allred McKethan

  

Today I’m interviewing Joanna Allred McKethan. Her book,A Holiday Folly, is a mainstream gothic/romantic suspense and was released on December 17, 2011.

Welcome, Joanna. You and I have met and recently shared lunch at your North Carolina art studio. I cannot believe you teach students to paint and have time to write. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Holidays are always a bit stressed, but this holiday knocks “stress” off the charts to make it a holiday of dark foreboding. Sinclair, artist and daughter of the Wards with an empire who live in a hidden spot of the Sandhills of North Carolina, is invited back home and brings her current boyfriend with her. Tensions and events escalate in this hilly N.C. setting which brings together a senator, horse people, rich relatives from all over the U.S., and an ex-boyfriend invited by Sinclair’s mother. The holiday is the time for receiving bad news.

Many authors are basing their stories in North Carolina, and I am glad to see it. This state has the ocean beaches and mountains to the west. Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?  

A Holiday Folly is written in contemporary gothic genre, and it is, more or less, the home setting to which I return. One book may emphasize one aspect of gothic or another.

I know first hand that getting published can take years. Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?

No, but I had one single title finished (also a gothic) and another abandoned (a fantasy). And I made all the mistakes, for example getting people eager to see the novels I was working on before I had finished them, and then not being able to follow through.

Why have you become a published author? Besides the money, of course (LOL!)    

Largely due to the encouragement of my writer peers, and to Wendi Felter of Red Rose Publishing, who called my book “a perfect match for Red Rose Publishing.”

Do you have any rejection stories to share?

No—they’re all the same. Most of my rejections have been kind, however.

The dreaded form letter…been there, done that, but you kept at it (lucky for your readers!) Writing is a profession and my readers are curious to know what your writing routine is like.

I’m an artist, as well, and I have finally bought a downtown storefront for both my writing and my art-based business, and it is my dream come true. It is a haven for me, and the place I write every morning, when I am in the birthing-a-new-novel phase. I do creative writing at the beginning of the day usually. It just depends on where I am in the process. Some days I have to just sit, staring. I’ve even gotten my art students interested in writing or improving their writing.

How nice to get them involved! I have several family members I use as sounding boards. Now to the nitty-gritty after the sale question. What sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?

You, Nancy Lee Badger, are a fellow author I met at my local RWA chapter meeting. Also You and Betty Ann Harris are Red Rose Publishing’s published authors. I was plunged headlong into promoting before I was ready, and Nancy helps me sort out the different avenues, helped me set up twitter, etc.

Betty Ann has been a great help, I hear. Getting the word out is tough, but having you here today is just one step. On the plus side, having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?    

Seeing my title and a beautiful cover with my name under it!

Your cover is lovely. My three covers created by the artists on staff at Red Rose Publishing were also spot-on. You and I met at the local Romance Writers of America chapter, the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. We are nearly 130 strong. I had no idea there were so many authors in our area. Are you a member of any other writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

The Heart of Carolina Romance Writers is a wonderful group of local authors with large
Readerships. Romance Writers of America is one of the most super organizations in the world
for its unselfish fostering of new talent by mingling us beginners in and fostering the feeling of a humongous sisterhood. The North Carolina Writers Network have given me countless courses, all helpful. The Poetry Society of North Carolina and the Poetry Society of America are two wonderful groups.

My readers and fellow authors know I am a big advocate of the term pay it forward. Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 

You know, it’s hard for me to know how to encourage, but I know I wouldn’t ever give up. Maybe I should have long ago, but I didn’t. And I’m just dogged enough, and just ornery enough to ignore the nay-sayer’s and keep right on at it, so of course, that’s how I would encourage would-be authors. It’s not over until it’s entirely over and what else will you do with your time? Somebody else’s club duties? Busy work? Nah. Keep at it.

Wow! A woman after my own heart! What’s next for you?

1. I’m taking a break from marketing my first manuscript. It earned me my PRO status in RWA. It is titled A Deadly Provenance, and I am about to take everybody’s advice and do a little up-front renovation on the book.

2. I’m finishing my first Scottish Gothic, set in Scotland and N.C., Stone of Her Destiny. It has my family’s lineage in it and a preposterous scenario which come together in what I think is a really exciting entity.

As a reader of and writer of Scottish romance I am looking forward to your next book. Thanks for stopping by today. Here is more information about Joanna’s latest release A Holiday Folly, a gothic mainstream romance about a Southern gal, Sinclair. 

BOOK BLURB

Used to a rich life style amongst the powerful, Sinclair has chosen the creative (and not-so-privileged) life of an artist and chosen a red-headed geologist as the love of her life. Invited to the 20,000 sq. foot family house in the heart of the Sandhills in North Carolina for Christmas, the lovebirds have no idea of the evil that awaits them and others in the upscale Ward family.

Sinclair, the youngest daughter to four older brothers, finds she must navigate tricky personal waters when she returns. Her love, Allan, is more than she bargained for, and a commitment begins that she might not be ready for in this Gothic-tinged suspense.

EXCERPT  link

How can readers buy your book?

ISBN 978-1-4513-0130-1

Red RosePublishing    

Amazon  

All Romance E-Books  

Fictionwise  

A little more about the author

Joanna McKethan is a Southerner with a foot in the Old South and the New, a wife, mother, and grandmother who lived for nine years in Europe and returned from abroad to her country home in the south. She is an artist, a poet, a teacher, as well as an arts business owner. She has always wanted to paint and write, and has hidden her love for novels behind her paintings until recently. She has worked as an assistant editor, written feature stories, and published her poetry. Now her lifelong dream of publishing novels has begun. Her grown children visit her and one of her grandchildren blow bubbles with her on the lawn. Her "grand-cat," Buddy Number Two joins her and her husband on the deck which faces the woods. From there they see all manner of wildlife, including 8-10 deer at a time. You can sample her creativity at www.joriginals.net

Website:  http://joriginals.net
Twitter:   @JoMcKethan

Lady in White is another romance by Joanna A. McKethan.

It is a mainstream romance with gothic suspense. The heroine, Michaela paints a new life for herself when she eagerly accepts an offer of art exchange student in what was a Communist country only a few years before. An artist by craft and by nature, she wants to prove her talent in foreign waters. Her love of truth requires her to question everything and dig for answers.

In Estonia she meets and falls in love with Peeter, an art professor, government contractor, and a royal. He loves her desperately, admiring her staunch separations of black and white. She loves Peeter wholly, not realizing a secret shame drives him. How he deals with life is challenged by his new wife and her unwitting exposing of the past so that he must finally confront his and his father’s unpardonable sin. Michaela plows through danger, even her own. Any single move might redeem her—or kill her.

Lady in White Buy Link

INTERVIEW WITH DIVA JEFFERSON

Today I’m interviewing Diva Jefferson. Her book, To Love An Irishman is a historical romance with paranormal elements and was released on March 17^th, 2012.

I am so glad you stopped by, Diva. I have a few questions for my readers, so let’s start: Why have you become a published author?
Over ten years ago, I read my first romance novel. I believe it was A Rose In Winter by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I loved her writing style, the way her characters talked, and the details laden within the story. I loved mysterious heroes, and beautiful heroines who need their love in return. Five years later, an idea generated a story in my head and I wrote a novel.

Life gives us so much throughout the years. We have an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt to changes. Stories give us an opportunity to read someone else’s life. To see what they see, and experience what they experience. Sometimes they empower us.

My road to publication hit rock bottom after I wrote my first novel. Rejection after rejection kept pouring in, but I never gave up. So I tried self-publishing. Yes, it took more work, but my story was told to those who’d read it. I just wanted people to read it.

Last year, my new year’s resolution was to find a publisher or an agent. Of course, I took a pitch course and queried different editors. Soon all I needed to do was to wait. A few months later, I received a manuscript request, and then offered a contract in May. I continued an agent search, but realized I could do it alone. Now I am able to reach so many more readers and like before, I have another opportunity to share my story with everyone. This is why I’ve become a published author. I love sharing my stories!

Isn’t it wonderful when dreams comes true? Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?

The most rewarding thing about being a published author is not only reaching more readers, but I am able to provide my experience to help others reach their goals. Before, I could only guess what happens from query letter to contract and contract to publishing. Now I have so much more information to give!

I call that Paying It Forward. Helping another writer is something I try to accomplish as well. I found the most help within my local Romance Writers of America chapter. Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

I am a member of Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and the South Carolina Writer’s Workshop. SCWW is my local critique group, and without their ongoing guidance my rejection letters would’ve drained my confidence. With RWA and CHRW, I am able to connect with those who write in my genre, and I know if questions arise, there is always someone willing to help. It’s always good to have writers on your side. If you could join a group, you won’t regret it!

Now let’s talk about the gritty part of publishing a book. What sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?

I use Facebook and Twitter for most of my promo. I create book trailers, mention my books in new blogs, and constantly update all social networks with current book news.

Sounds time consuming and some writers find they have little time to write their next book. What’s next for you?

I am currently writing two novels. One is a sequel to my first self-published work, and the second is a Scottish romance taking place during the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

Glad to hear you have kept busy and, as my readers know, I have a soft-spot for all things Scottish! Cannot wait!

BOOK BLURB

She is left with an offer she cannot refuse...

Upon his death in 1823, English nobleman, Lord Peyton leaves his daughter Lady Aveline with two choices—stay single and inherit only a small farm in Ireland, where she might just be able to eke out a living, or get married and live in luxury, inheriting all his wealth and property. Fiercely independent, Aveline heads for Ireland only to run afoul of her father’s farm manager, the devastatingly handsome Ciaran O’'Devlin. Alone in a strange country, Aveline yearns for love and friendship, but Ciaran offers only criticism and disdain. Confused and angered by strange visions and her growing attraction to Ciaran, Aveline is determined to make the farm prosper—despite the insufferable Irishman.

He has a secret he cannot reveal...

Ciaran mistrusts Aveline’s intentions and refuses to admit that a willful, English woman now owns the farm that should have been his. Although he insists Aveline should go back to England, he cannot deny their budding passion. Yet, he knows—even if she doesn’t—that nothing will come of it. Not only can’t a poor Irishman marry an English noblewoman, but when Aveline learns of his past, she’ll want nothing more to do with him. Ciaran has always known that each decision carries a consequence, but it’s only when he stands to lose Aveline that he realizes what a heavy price his past decisions may have.

AUTHOR BIO

Diva Jefferson was born in sunny Orlando, FL. Later, she moved to South Carolina where she currently resides. She lives with her amazing cat named Muffin and her fiancé, Connor.

She has a colorful relationship with the romance genre. She’s been writing for over ten years and wouldn't trade it for the world. She is a member of the National Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and the South Carolina Writer's Workshop. She truly believes that life is a journey worth making.

EXCERPT LINK

HOW CAN MY READERS BUY YOUR BOOK?

Readers can go to

BLACK OPAL PUBLISHING

AMAZON

BARNES and NOBLE

You can find more information about Diva Jefferson and my
book, To Love An Irishman by visiting
my website, http://divajefferson.com
or my blog at http://diva-jefferson.blogspot.com.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/diva_jefferson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/divajefferson

Thanks so much to joining me today, Diva!

Nancyhttp://www.divajefferson.com/

MY FIRST WRITING AWARD!

I was thrilled to hear, last month, that my first self-published title, DRAGON IN THE MIST, was a finalist in its category in the Silken Sands Self-Published STARS contest.

A month of finger crossing and prayers while I continued to work on  my next manuscript came to the best conclusion I could have hoped for.

I WON!


I was even more surprised to get the photo of my prize from fellow-author Rashda Khan who graciously accepted the award for me at the Gulf Coast Romance Writers of America Chapter’s conference this past weekend.

Thanks, Rashda! (check out her website HOT CURRIES & COLD BEER )

DRAGON IN THE MIST was my first attempt to self-publish and I was happy to see a contest open only to self-published novels. How else can I get readers to see that my book is a fun-filled contemporary fantasy that happens to include the Loch Ness Monster and a present-day American geoligist?

Intrigued? Check out the book blurb at
Amazon,
Barnes & Noble,
or Smashwords only $.99

Nancy

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Even though there doesn't seem to be a drop of the Irish luck flowing through my veins (darn!), I want to wish all my Celtic Heart Romance Writer pals a great holiday. CHRW is an on-line chapter of Romance Writers of America and is for authors whose romantic fiction is set in/or deals with characters of Scotland, Ireland, or Wales.

Check them out at  http://www.celtichearts.org/authors.html

If you are already a paid member of RWA, please consider joining us!

Nancy