Day Four – Today I boiled water on the stove in order to wash dishes. Unfortunately, I misjudged the temperature of the water, and scalded my hands. Still, Necessity is my master, and the cleaning must be done, lest I wish plague and pestilence to descend upon all in the household. Once the wash water had cooled enough to be drained into a bucket, I poured the remains into the garden, to nourish the fledgling sprouts. There is little left to waste, yet perhaps I might indulge in just a bit more of the stove-heated water for the luxury of washing my hair – a rare treat that I pray no one will blame me for craving. However, the ladies arriving later for their meeting might wish to partake of tea, in which case, my selfish indulgence may have to wait …

No, this is not an excerpt from my WIP or a snippet of research I stumbled across. This is a (largely) accurate account of last night in my house. Thanks to a water main break a few miles to the south early Saturday morning, over 100,000 homes were left without water (the County is pleased to report that that number is down to 15,000 homes without water as of Tuesday, but those of us among the 15,000 aren’t exactly cheering). And so, I’ve been learning the hard way what it’s like to live without running water.

It’s hard.

Not to whine, but it really is. You really don’t realize how much water you use, or how often you use it, until it’s gone. And it really helps put things into perspective – after all, there are dozens of countries in the world where people have never experienced the luxury of indoor plumbing. Some people have to hike 5 miles just to fill a 1-gallon jug of water to carry home for the day. I only have to drive down the street to the County’s emergency water distribution site.

Could you live on just 1-gallon of water a day? Keep in mind, it takes 1.5-2 gallons just to flush a toilet!

So I’m trying to keep things in perspective – after all, this should only last a few weeks at most. Meanwhile, I’m looking at this as a way to do a little first-hand research. As a writer of historical fiction, it’s important for me to understand the way my characters lived. As a servant, my heroine, Meg, would have had to pump water from an outdoor hand pump into buckets, then carry them by hand into the house. The water would then have to be heated on a wood, or even a coal stove (less likely, but still possible). Then the water would have to be carried, again by hand, to wherever it was needed in the manor – the cookstove, the bathing tubs in the bed chambers, to whatever rooms were being cleaned … Quite a lot of effort!

And then there was disposal. Out in the wilds of Northumberland, there wouldn’t have been any convenient wastewater plumbing to drain away dirtied water. Besides, to do so would be wasteful – “used” water could be used in the gardens, or for rinsing out chamber pots, or for dampening down dust in the main drive on hot, dry days.

And the early 19th century was considered a time of sophistication!

A lot of work went into the every day necessities that we tackle with just the twist of a knob. And while I still acknowledge that I have an infinitely more comfortable life without water than the people still suffering in Haiti and Chile do, I have gained a new appreciation for my Meg, and what every day was like for her (well, almost – I don’t have a vicious stepmother ready to lash out at me whenever I falter!).

Have you ever tried to do your research “first hand”? Was it successful? Did it give you new insight into your characters or your story?

Congratulations, Caity! You won the eBook copy of Gypsy Crystal. Please contact Lorrie Unites-Struiff at struiff@verizon.net to collect your prize.

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and commenting. :)

Arianna and Lorrie

As writers, we hear different types of advice all the time. The most common is “write what you know.”  But I know I’ve asked the question and many of you have probably done the same.   I’ve never been to the moon, to center of the Earth, to the 19th century, to a viking castle, to a vampire’s lair.   I’m an ordinary woman with an ordinary life.   Why would anyone want to read about what I know?

What exactly do I know?

When my students ask me this question about their own writing, I tell them they don’t have to tell the truth, the absolute truth, and nothing but the truth.  No one is asking them to swear an oath.  But they do need to be genuine.  It’s that connection to a story that makes it resonate, makes it connect, makes it memorable.

I do know what it means to be

lonely 

confused

exhilarated

breathless.

It’s hard to “open a vein” and let the truth show.   Someone might see inside our minds, our hearts and . . . know.

But when I write, I can’t help but include little pieces of myself.  My story is fiction.  My characters are not me.  Their experiences are different for each one of them.  But their emotions—the laughter, the tears, the love, the fears—are all mine.  My stories come from my heart.  It’s the way I’ve always written.  It’s the way I will always write.  I don’t know how to do it any other way.

What about you?

Do your stories come more from your heart or from your imagination?  As a reader, can you tell if a story is less “genuine” than another?  Does it matter to you as long as the story is good?

Today’s question of the week comes from another fellow Eternal Press author. Her novella, Gypsy Crystal, just released yesterday.

Blurb:

Everyone has secrets.

Homicide Detective Rita Moldova has a secret, a crystal amulet from her Roma bloodline that allows her to see the last image a victim had seen in their eyes before they died. Now, a ritual killer is terrorizing her town and the crystal’s magic has suddenly stopped doing its job.

FBI agent, Matt Boulet, is sent to lead the task force and gives the group strange orders. Worse, Rita senses he is holding back a deep, dark secret about the killer.

When she confronts her seer mother’s advice, she learns another secret about their clan that she finds impossible to swallow.
Rita swims through a whirlpool of confusion as the investigation continues. Can Rita deny the lore of the ancients? Can she deny her growing feelings for Matt Boulet?

Excerpt:

Before Rita had time to get her fingers on the gun, the man had shot out of the door, yanked her forward, and somehow shoved her headfirst onto the front seat. She skidded over the vinyl bench seat, her nose and cheek hitting hard, blocking her breath for a moment. Rita yelled; the door slammed shut. She scrambled to sit upright, gagging when she inhaled the dank, moldy scent of the interior. A metal object, hanging from the roof above the mirror, clunked heavy against her head. She swallowed the acrid taste in her throat.

The driver’s door opened and the man slipped inside. One corner of her mind wondered how he could have possibly run around the front of the van so fast.

Rita rubbed her bruised temple and twisted the door handle. It was stuck. She rammed her shoulder into the door. It didn’t budge. The window was up. Her purse with the gun lay on the sidewalk. She worked the lock button and slammed into the door again. The impact sent shock waves down her arm to her fingertips. Shit. The van was rigged. Rita looked at the serial killer, her heart banging against her ribs, her breathing short and shallow. Tapping the mic with frantic fingers, all she could do was pray.

The man grinned.

Sounds like a suspenseful read. Thanks for joining us for the question of the week, Lorrie.

Lorrie: A friend of mine invited me to this quaint restaurant to celebrate my birthday. A real treat happened to be in store for me. In one corner sat a gypsy fortuneteller.  Never having had my fortune told, I took advantage of the opportunity. I was so impressed with her words and predictions, I couldn’t get her out of my mind. It proved to be a fun and fascinating day.

My question for today is twofold; would you ever visit a fortuneteller to hear your future? If you have done so, what did she say that has come true?

PS: Lorrie is offering up a free copy of her book to one lucky commenter. I’ve just started reading the book and really love the premise. If you’d like more information or want to purchase the book, you can visit Eternal Press’s newly designed website: http://www.eternalpress.biz

Today we are welcoming debut author, Erica Ridley to the table. Her first book, TOO WICKED TO KISS, was released just this past Tuesday, on March 2. Here’s what people are saying about it:

“A skillful blend of Gothic mystery and steamy romance.” – Karen Rose

“A unique Gothic romance complete with murder, madness, and mayhem!” – Virginia Henley

“A wonderful debut. Gothic, with a really fabulous brooding hero.” – Eloisa James

 Welcome, Erica! We are happy to have you visit us today!

*Breaking News: TOO WICKED TO KISS has been selected as a March book clubpick for Barnes and Noble! Erica will be at the book club forum all month long, so please stop by to say hi or to talk about the book! Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/bOPvn4

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*Rumor has it something interesting happened on Tuesday?*

It’s true! =) March 2 is Dr. Seuss’s birthday–and who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? It’s also Read Across America Day , which is particularly timely in my case, since March 2, 2010 was also release day for my debut novel, Gothic historical Too Wicked To Kiss. I couldn’t be more excited!

*Congratulations! Tell us about TOO WICKED TO KISS.*

Miss Evangeline Pemberton can see the Future. Sometimes. The Past, too, although that tends to be less useful, as she can’t change what’s already happened. One might think the most irksome characteristic of her alleged “gift” is that said visions are followed by debilitating headaches. Or that they’ve got her running for her life. But no. By far the most vexing quirk is that these fantasies accompany all skin-to-skin contact. Which means she can’t touch anyone. Not even the tall, dark, and brooding recluse in her Present.

Gavin Lioncroft is a wealthy committed bachelor with nothing but time on his hands. Well, and blood. (But he’s not telling how that got there.) And an impromptu house party. (He hasn’t the slightest idea how that happened.) His very first night back in the bosom of High Society and the man he threatens to kill turns up dead. Good. The cad had it coming. But just because he’s dodged the hangman’s noose before, doesn’t mean Gavin will get away with murder again. And this time, there’s no fading into the shadows. The only chance of saving his neck is by risking his heart–to the one woman from whom he can hide nothing.

*What makes the hero and heroine perfect for each other?*

At first, Evangeline and Gavin are very lonely people, but for opposite reasons. Gavin sequesters himself away from Society in order to avoid human contact. Evangeline surrounds herself with people she wants to interact with… and can’t. When they are forced to reach out to each other, the process of connecting and learning to trust is what finally allows them to open their hearts up to love.

*Is your family proud to see your book in stores?*

I’m not sure proud is a strong enough word… My mother pre-ordered 22 copies for all of her friends! She’s been a fabulous evangelist for this book, as have all my friends. This has been a whirlwind week, and well worth the long wait to get here. I couldn’t be happier!

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HIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVE…

From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait.

TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE…

Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have murdered his parents. Initially, Gavin’s towering presence and brusque manner instill fear in Evangeline…until his rakish features and seductive attentions profoundly arouse her. But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?

TOO WICKED TO KISS

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*Get to know Erica at:*

Author Website: www.ericaridley.com

Book Bonus Features: www.2wicked2kiss.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EricaRidleyFans

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EricaRidley

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*How about you? Do you love Dr. Seuss? And had you ever heard of Read Across America Day?*

My fingers are on the keys, but I just can’t seem to make them click the start button. I can’t make my brain open my file. It’s been near a week since . . .

Yes, spots. No, it’s not from a migraine or anything of the like, and it’s not from the pinched nerve. It’s gerunds.

Yes, I said gerunds. Right! I so know what you mean. I mean it’s like crazy, right?

Exactly! What in the world are gerunds? The answer is way too complicated but I think it has something to do with non-finite verb forms (total foreign to me). I believe to answer that question you need a Degree in Science, or is that a Degree in Language Arts, it might even be a Doctrate in something or another.

Anyway, all I know is that I’m pretty sure I have one or two, or maybe a hundred. All right, who am I kidding? I probably have at least a thousand.

From what I could decipher a gerund is using a verb in noun form (as an ing). So, I suppose the safest bet is to go through and get rid of all words ending in ing, right? *Don’t you dare roll your eyes*

I’m sure you can see why I’m seeing spots, or ings. Actually I’m not really seeing the ings, if I were that would mean my manuscript has been opened, which it has not.

Am I the only writer in this world that is grammatically challenged?

Hi everyone, I know that I normally post the monthly Wednesday Weirdness post on the first Wednesday of the month but I’ve decided to do something a little different this month. I’m excited to have with us today one of my fellow Eternal Press authors. So lets give a warm welcome to Heather Kuehl, whose next Eternal Press release, PROMISES TO KEEP, comes out this upcoming Sunday. The cover art is gorgeous, isn’t it?  This one is going right on top of my TBR pile. Here’s a blurb:

Starlette is on a mission, and nothing will get in her way.

Starlette DeFore knows that her father is alive, even though her family buried him ten years ago. When a faerie confirms this she travels to Charleston, South Carolina to hunt down Sivad Night, the only person to have ever escaped from the hands of a powerful sorceress, the Dark Lady Dreashae. With help from a witch, Stalette travels into Verella, a fantasy realm filled with centaurs, dragons and magic. She is very close to finding her father, but first must defeat Dreashae.

Will Starlette, a mere mortal, have the strength needed to finish her quest and save her father?

Take it away, Heather :-)

KEEPING THE ROMANCE ALIVE

by:Heather Kuehl

I never thought that I’d have problems keeping romance in my marriage. After all, I write romance for a living. But after my son was born it became more and more difficult to keep that passion alive. I mean, after a day of cleaning the house, washing baby bottles, and changing messy diapers the last thing I wanted to do was get intimate.

I didn’t realize how much my relationship with my husband had changed until our son turned eight months old and was sleeping through the night (he still does, by the way. 6:30pm-7am and yes, I do know how lucky I am). After the little one went down for the night, we’d sit there struggling to find something to talk about. Finally we agreed that we were going to have to start over.

We started by writing little notes to each other. It felt very high school to be passing notes to each other during the day, but the simple words inside that folded piece of paper made me feel wonderful. Then he started texting me. Just little things, like how he loved me and what a great job I was doing with our son.

Lucky for us, our parents live within 10 minutes of us. Once, sometimes twice, a month we get them to watch the little man for the weekend. Time alone with no diapers, bottles, or messes was just want we needed. When we first started doing this we hardly got intimate, using the time instead to play card games, watch movies, or just hang out like we did before the little prince came along.

Before we knew it, the romance was back like it had never left. We felt like love-drunk teenagers. The things we did to jump start the passion in our marriage seemed so little, so insignificant, that sometimes it’s hard to believe that it did the trick.

We’re planning on expanding our family again soon, and are taking notes on what we do to keep our romance alive. We are always open to suggestions. So, what do you do to keep the passion alive?

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Thanks again for stopping by, Heather. If you’d like more information about Heather and her books, feel free to check out her other Eternal Press titles here or visit her blog.

So, you’re enjoying Nationals and your husband says to you…What should I do today?  You can tell him, “Go to the Lane Motor Museum.” He’ll thank you later.

This museum is a great place for car buffs.  But if you’re expecting your run of the mill cars, think again.  There are very few American made vehicles.  Mostly, it’s a showcase for cars from around the world.  You’ll see a car that can turn into  boat, a car so small that you’ll be amazed that it was actually intended for a regular sized human and even a race car or two.

Here are a couple pics of my favorites:

And tucked back in the corner of the outside garage I found this…just another great reason to visit the Lane Motor Museum!!

FYI: Here’s the location and contact information:

702 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 742-7445

And their web address:  www.lanemotormuseum.org

Next time on the blog I’ll be taking you to the Parthenon…it’s a really cool place!

Happy Tuesday!  Oh and did you know today is Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday??

My brain is a little hazed with sleep this morning, so I did something a little different. I asked my daughter to come up with today’s question. I’ll warn you, she’s a scify junkie. :)

Ufos or USOs? What if aliens came from the ocean and not from space? (I’ve been told by her, USOs aren’t an original idea, but I thought it was different). What if those aliens came from Atlantis? What if they were guardians to protect Atlantis from the humans discovering that it was actually the Garden of Eden?

Sounds like my what if plotting game, huh? You game? What questions come to your mind?

You know the drill. Did you accomplish the goals you set out for yourself this past week?

What are your goals for the first week of March? Yes, I said March. :)

First known for her brilliant and scintillating Victorian-era romances, Victoria Dahl has proven herself to be one of the future queens of the romance world by delving into the contemporary world of Tumble Creek, Colorado, where the men are smokin’ hot and their ladies keep them on their toes. With the final installment in this trilogy, Lead Me On, released in January, Kelly, in deference to her OCD tendencies, thought it might be appropriate to start where it all began for the ladies of Tumble Creek, with Talk Me Down. With highland vampires, new contemporary and historical series, and a New Year’s anthology all slated to appear this year, Ms. Dahl is clearly a talent to be reckoned with. For more information about her books, visit her website at http://www.victoriadahl.com.

Molly Jennings is good at her job, even if no one knows it. After all, what would people think if they knew that behind the girl-next-door facade is a red-blooded erotic fiction author? Not that the words have been flowing easily since a traumatic relationship sent her fleeing from the big city. A distraction and a bit of inspiration, both in the form of her hometown crush Ben, seem like just the ticket to get her creative juices flowing.

The name of the game for chief of police Ben Lawson has always been discretion, at least until his best friend’s little sister blows back into town. Despite that final embarrassing scene the last time they saw one another, Ben can’t help being intrigued by the mystery surrounding Molly’s life since she left Tumble Creek, just as he can’t resist the undeniable pull she has on his libido. But is it just hormones, or is he being drawn into something deeper that has the gossips sitting up and taking notice?

Before long, Molly derails Ben’s well-ordered life, and the two become embroiled in a steamy affair that keeps busy tongues wagging. But just when things seem to be as close to perfect as possible, the secrets, past and present, that lie between them threaten to destroy their budding relationship and send their very lives spiraling out of control.

Talk Me Down is a fun romp of a story, complete with a charming cast of characters that makes this reader want to relocate to this small town America – even if it means being snowed in for months at a time. Though the plot follows themes we’ve seen before, the delivery is fresh and captivating, and the true heart of the book is the journey of these two main characters to find the middle ground between secrets and circumspection, between fast paced city life and the slower pace of the gossip-fueled country. But in the end, Ben and Molly discover that, where love is concerned, all of those differences are nothing more than a whole lot of talk.

 Or maybe just a dozen. Does this picture inspire you?

As I drove home from work yesterday, I was listening to a couple of radio dj’s discussing a recent survey that had been done asking women what they really wanted in a man.  The results were a little surprising, and as the female dj pointed out, some of the women who took part in the survey said that some of their true preferences were ones they wouldn’t even admit to their friends.  To take a look at the results, check out this article.

Now for the questions:  What do you, or your heroine, look for in a man?  Does he need to be perfect, or maybe a little rough around the edges?  Does he need to have that softer, more emotional side, or does he need to be rough, tough, and totally cool in all situations?  Who has been your favorite hero to read or to write?  

Oh, and here’s a site for another list of what women want in a man.  The results are probably not as scientifically gathered as the first survey, but still appear to be fairly accurate.  Enjoy!

What (or whose) releases are you most looking forward to in 2010?  Are they new authors or auto-buy authors for you?  What about these new books makes you so excited?

So what did you accomplished last week with your writing?

And, what are your goals for next week?