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Lilly Gayle Romance

Lilly Gayle Romance

Category Archives: Blog Tour

Lady Gilchrest speaks with Lilly Gayle

14 Tuesday Jun 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Blog Tour, historical romance, romance, romance novels, romance writer, Slightly Tarnished, The Wild Rose Press, TWRP, writer, writing

≈ 14 Comments

Today’s blogpost is going to be fun! Or maybe just a bit whacky. At any rate, I’ve joined a blog chain and each participant has agreed to let one of their characters inteview them. Yep, I’m going to be interviewed by an imaginary person. And she’s not even from this century! But here goes…

Nikki invited me to sit down. She was an American like me, and newly wed to a British Earl. The former Nicole Keller was now a countess, and rumor had it the marriage was one of convieneice. But she seemed happy.

I sat in a beautiful but uncomfortable rosewood and gold upholstered parlor chair. Nikki addjusted her wide skirts and sat across from me in a matching chair. She leaned forward, her curly brown hair falling over her shoulder as she met my gaze. “I heard you recently celebrated your annivesary. Which one?”

“Our thirty-first. We celebrated June 7.”

“May I offer my felicitations?” Her voice was unnaturally cultered, the slight inclination of her chin stilted, as if she wasn’t used to the regid posture or the formal speach.

I cracked a smile. “Thanks. And congratulations on your recent marriage.”

A smile brightened her face as well. “Thank you. Do you have any children?”

“I have two beautiful daughters. My youngest lives at home while attending her last year of college.” I didn’t say she was currently enrolled in UNC’s School of Radiation Therapy or that she worked part-time as a radiologic technologist. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen wouldn’t even discover x-rays until November 1895.

“She’s attending college? Oh my! That’s so…adventurous.” Envy colored Nikki’s face. “I have no formal education beyond the school room. But I learned much, sailing on my father’s ship as a young girl. What of your oldest?”

 “She’s married and living in Germany. Her husband is in the army, and she works for the army.” Again, I kept my secrets. My daughter worked for the MWR, the army’s version of parks and recreation. Her husband was an airtraffic controller. But in Nikki’s time, airplanes didn’t exist.
A frown wrinkled Nikki’s brow. “But America isn’t at war with Germany.”

Hmm. I hadn’t thought about that. I thought she’d have questions about my daughter’s job. There were only so many acceptable jobs a women could have in her time. I shrugged.

“It must be difficult,” she added after a moment of awkward silence. “My mother and I travelled together to England. In fact, she lives with Chad…I mean, Lord Gilchrest and me. But your daughter lives so far away, and overseas mail take so dreadfully long.”

But email and texting were instant. And there was always Skype and the telephone. Both my daughter and I had Vonage so there was no long distance charges. Besides, my husband and I had just visited my dauther and her husband in April. It was our second visit since her marriage in December 2006. And this time, we took a side trip to Amsterdam. But I didn’t say anything. I simply lowered my head to hide a smile.

Nikki cleared her throat. “Germany isn’t so very far from England. Perhaps you could sail there before heading home?” she suggested.

I hid another smile. “Perhaps.”

“I understand you’re from North Carolina.”

I nodded. “I live in north central North Carolina.”

Her golden brown eyes brightened. “Have you ever been to Portsmouth Village? I grew up there on the island.”

I hesitated, not sure how to answer. Nikki left the island in 1857. I was there in 2006.  “Yes…”

Her face glowed with excitement. “It’s wonderful. Isn’t it? I love it here at Lands End, but I miss North Carolina and would love to show Lord Gilchrest where I grew up. It’s been over a year since I left. Has it changed much, do you think?”

What could I say? My husband and I visited Portsmouth Island when I was doing research so I could revise Slightly Tarnished, my historical romance about Nikki and her husband, Chad. But the Portsmouth Island I’d seen was nothing like the home she remembered.

Portsmouth Village was once the largest settlement on the Outer Banks and a major shipping center until the hurricane of 1846 cut a deeper inlet through Hatteras. After Ocracoke Inlet began to shoal, Portsmouth and nearby Shell Castle Island became lightering stations. During Nikki’s time, tall ships dropped anchor off shore and slave labor transferred the cargo to and from lighter, shallower draft boats for the journey out to sea or back to the wharf and further inland to other ports.

By 1860, the population of Portsmouth had grown to 685 residents. But after North Carolina succeeded from the union in 1861, many of those residents fled for the mainland to avoid the Union Army as it marched across the Outer Banks. Many never returned and eventually, the shipping industry shifted north and the village began to die.
                                                                              
Fishing replaced shipping for the islanders that remained and in 1894, the U.S. Life-Saving Service was established on the island. It played a vital role in the community for 50 years. But by 1956, only 17 residents remained on the island.

Eventually, the isolation became too much, and in 1971, the last two residents moved to the mainland.

The island is now a state park and visiting is like stepping back in time. Some of the houses remain and a church still stands as does the school and post office. But the mosqitos and flies will eat you alive. I wondered how people managed in Nikki’s time. But I couldn’t ask. She thought I was a woman from her own time who wrote sensation novels.
I cleared my throat. “It’s been a couple of years since I visited. I’m sure the place has changed.”

“Oh, I doubt it’s changed much,” she said with a laugh. “The people of Portsmouth Island live simple lives and don’t cotten to change.”

“I know you miss your home, but don’t you like it here–in Land’s End with your husband?” I know longer knew who was interviewing whom. I’d written Nikki’s story to have a happy ending, but things had happened. Terrible things. So, was she really happy? I needed to know.

She smiled as if hiding a great secret. “I hated London. But Gilchrest has it’s own private beach. And except for it being a castle, it reminds me of home. So yes. I’m happy. I love it here.”

I sighed with relief, knowing she was happy with her life and her husband because I’d written  her that way.

Slightly Tarnished, my first published historical is now available from the publisher: The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=176_138&products_id=4516

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Slightly-Tarnished-Lilly-Gayle/dp/1601549237/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308007635&sr=8-1
and Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/slightly-tarnished-lilly-gayle/1031415856?ean=2940012929167&itm=2&usri=lilly%2bgayle

If you enjoyed this interview, please check out the other particiapting authors in the chain to see which characters interview them.

 Here’s a list  of participants in order of their participation and estimated dates:

6/6: Aimee Laine : http://www.aimeelaine.com/blog
6/8: Lyla Dune : http://lyladune.com/blog.html
6/10: Carol Strickland : http://carolastrickland.blogspot.com/
6/12: Amy Corwin : http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
6/14: Lilly Gayle : http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/
6/16: Rebekkah Niles : http://juturnafaerthing.blogspot.com/
6/18: Laura Browning : http://www.laurabrowningbooks.blogspot.com/
6/20: Andris Bear : http://andrisbear.wordpress.com/
6/22: Marcia Colette : http://marciacolette.wordpress.com/
6/24: Nancy Badger : http://www.nancylennea-inlove.blogspot.com
6/26: Sarah Mäkelä : http://blog.sarahmakela.com
6/28: Jennifer Harrington : http://www.romanceadventures.blogspot.com/
6/30: Scott Berger : http://romanticadventurestories.wordpress.com/

Fool for Romance Contest Winner.

11 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by lillygayle in blog contest, Blog Tour, prize winner, The Wild Rose Press

≈ Comments Off on Fool for Romance Contest Winner.

And The Winner Is … Oh my goodness, I so meant to have the winners announced sooner. Thank you so much for your patience as I rounded up all the finalists’ info and got the pot ready. 🙂 Now, without further ado … the Grand Prize Winner of the Kindle and awesome prize package containing the below-mentioned gifts from each participating author is ……
KAY VANARSDALE

You can read the rest of the post at http://www.crystalrainlove.com/foolforromance.htm

Congratulations, Kay. And thanks to everyone who participated.

And the finalist is…

26 Saturday Mar 2011

Posted by lillygayle in blog contest, Blog Tour, blog winner, Lilly Gayle, prizes, The Wild Rose Press

≈ 2 Comments

Everyone who weighed in on the Soulmate Debate was entered into the drawing for the Fool for Romance contest. From those who commented, I chose Jennifer aka Jenny Lowery as the finalist. I sent Jennifer’s name and contact info to Crystal Raine, blog coordinator for the tour. At the end of the tour (3/31) Crystal will draw the name of the grand prize winner and runner up prizes. I’ll post those names here when I know who the winners are.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and good luck with the drawing, Jenny!

Lilly

And the winners are…

26 Saturday Feb 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Blog Tour, prize winner, The Wild Rose Press, Wilder Roses Blog tour winner

≈ 3 Comments

 The Wilder Roses Valentine’s Month Blog Tour is over. And the winner of our Week 4 post is none other than Rebecca Booth. She won a $15 and $20 TWRP gift card, And our grand prize winner is:
Maria Yerton, who won a $15 and $25 TWRP gift card and a Bath and Body Works gift set.

Congratulations to all our winners on the tour and thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to visit and/or left a comment. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Developing Unique Characters

23 Wednesday Feb 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Blog Tour, love stories, prizes, romance, The Wild Rose Press

≈ 22 Comments

Welcome to the fourth and final week of The Wilder Roses’ Valentine’s Month Blog Tour!
Rules and blogs to visit for your chance to win either the $40 weekly prize or the $50 grand prize are
listed at the end of the blog. So, read on and comment on as many blogs along the tour as possible!

Today, my blog tour guest is TWRP author Jennifer Jakes.

After trying several careers—everything from a beautician to a dump truck driver—Jennifer finally returned to her first love, writing. Maybe it was all those Clint Eastwood movies she watched growing up, but in her opinion, there is no better read than a steamy western historical.

Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, two elderly horses, two spoiled cats and two hyper dogs.

During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.

And what’s Jennifer’s take on developing unique characters? I’ll let her tell you.

Jennifer- Things I Don’t Believe In:
Leprechauns. Nope.

Easter Bunny. Sorry.
Tooth Fairy. Uh-uh.

Unique Characters. Not gonna happen.

What?! You’re thinking I’ve been in the liquor cabinet again, huh? You’re headed into town to buy tar and feathers? LOL

Wait. Wait. Hear me out. While I don’t believe there are any unique characters left to create, I do believe as authors, we can pick from the 8 main archetypes and create unique situations. There are several books written that break down common archetypes, but my favorite–and the one I’ve found most helpful–is THE COMPLETE WRITER’S GUIDE TO HEROES AND HEROINES by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders. This book not only breaks down each archetype but gives examples of what would happen if Hero type A meets Heroine type B – but it does this with each of the 8 Hero and 8 Heroine types. It also gives examples using movies and TV, then lists occupations certain archetypes might hold. ( I highly recommend this book as a research tool. Plus it’s just really interesting!)

So have I piqued your interest in exploring archetypes?

Jennifer Jakes’ latest release, Rafe’s Redemption recently got a 5 heart review from Sizzling Hot  Reviews http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/

Blrub:

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn’t need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe’s conscience won’t let him leave another innocent’s virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.

She wanted freedom, not a lover.

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn’t about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.

But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

Excerpt:
****
Maggie wanted freedom, not a lover…
 
Oh, Lord. He was going to kiss her. She shouldn’t want this. She was confused enough.
Respectable women didn’t kiss men they barely knew, certainly not men who made them have wild,exotic dreams.

It was crazy. He was making her want crazy things. Making her not give a damn about her reputation
or her virginity. Or her long-awaited freedom. All she could think about was that dream, and the way
his sinful mouth had felt. The table was only a step away, and honey was just as sweet as peach juice…

She swallowed hard and looked up into his hooded eyes.

“Maggie,” he groaned. “Don’t be scared. I’d never hurt you.”

Her mouth parted to object, but firm lips covered hers, hungry, demanding. She gasped, shocked at his hunger, but even more at the illicit response coursing through her. An aching heat unfurled low in her stomach, pulsed between her legs. Oh, yes. It started just like in the dream.

He deepened the kiss, coaxed her lips with his warm tongue. Long, languid strokes teased the inside of her mouth, encouraging, tempting before he pulled back to nibble the corners of her lips.

Oh, God. Is this what all kisses felt like? Hot, lethargic? Melting her like molasses over warm bread?
“Kiss me, Maggie,” he breathed.

You can find Jennifer at: http://www.jenniferjakes.com/
http://www.authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @erotichistory
and Facebook: Jennifer Jakes

Rafe’s Redemption can be pre-ordered at http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=810

Blog Tour participants and blog links-
The final week of the month-long blog tour. Commenters this week are up for a weekly prize worth $40 and/or a Grand Prize worth over $50! Topic this week – Developing Unique Characters.
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/
Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.blogger.com/goog_675512504
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meeting THE One

16 Wednesday Feb 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Blog Tour, Lilly Gayle, prizes, romance, Samhain Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, Wilder Roses Blog tour winner

≈ 10 Comments

 Welcome to week three of the Valentine Month Blog Tour.
Today’s topic is: Meeting Your Significant Other. The prize is $30 in gift certificates and a chance to win the grand prize worth $50.
To enter, simply visit the blogs on the tour and leave a comment.

Today’s blog interary:

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

And I have author Lynne Roberts with me here today. So, Lynne, how did you meet your guy?

Soccer.
Yup, that’s where it started. My youngest daughter wanted to play soccer, so I signed her up through the school, bought the uniform and took her to the first practice. The coach was this nice looking, soft spoken man who seemed good with the kids. 

As the weeks went by, I grew to really admire the coach. Not only was he one of those people who love kids, they love him. I found myself going to soccer practice early. I told myself just to take advantage of the quiet…. But you know the coach also came a little early.

Sometimes we didn’t talk much. He set up cones or played with my daughter until the other kids arrived, but I always felt more relaxed around him. I started looking forward to seeing him because of the peace that came with it.

Then one day, as I was walking past the parking lot on the way home, he turned on his car and classical music filled the air. I whipped my head around and stared at him as though really seeing him for the first time. I thought that there was a man I really could have fallen for.

I was not looking for a relationship. I’d decided a year prior that I was quite happy with my kids and my characters.

So eventually I admitted I had a crush. I figured it was a harmless crush because he couldn’t possibly be interested in me. I was pretty sure he was younger by at least 5 years.
 Then we ended up at a birthday party together. You know when you write or read about chemistry… when two people feel like there is a magnet drawing them together…? Yeah that. Big time. Proof positive any place can be romantic, even Chuck E Cheese.
 So, to make a long story short and not bore you. There came a reason, a soccer related reason of course, why he should call. Okay, yes, it was an excuse. We started talking on the phone daily and that magnet thing only intensified. Guess what? He’d had a crush on me the entire season, but figured I was out of his league…LOL Honestly, I don’t even have a league.

Then he asked if I’d maybe want to get coffee with him (I’ve since learned, he doesn’t drink coffee, but y’all know I do… and so does he.)
 This is the part where I say yes, right? Nope.
 I decided to be honest. I explained to him the reasons I don’t date. I have five kids who are my life. We agreed we couldn’t approach this casually, like adults without children, because our children had been hurt by past relationships that didn’t work. Butterflies, chemistry and a genuine admiration wouldn’t be enough if we weren’t compatible. Hence: The not date.
 You know all the ugly things about yourself that your partner doesn’t find out until at least the 6th date…6 months… maybe 6 years in? Yup, we sat down on a park bench and laid them all out on the table. That’s the night I really met him. You know what? I think that’s the night I fell in love with him too. *sigh* and still going strong.

Lynne Roberts writes romance and erotic romance. Her latest release, Creative License, is available from Samhain Publishing at: http://goo.gl/EJrTz
Blurb for Creative License

Loose ends have a way of tripping you up…

Years ago, a law school graduation weekend in Vegas had been part of Lily MacPherson’s plan. Waking up next to a naked Adonis with a ring on her finger was not. After a quick annulment, she relegated Caleb Anderson to her late-night fantasies—and very short list of mistakes—until his voice on the other end of the phone asks a favor that could shake the foundations of her neat and tidy future.

Caleb is still haunted by Lily’s horrified expression that morning in Vegas. At least it had made it easy to set her free…except they aren’t. The papers were never filed. And when the nosy patroness who could launch his painting career insists on meeting his “wife”, does he confess, or call Lily? He calls Lily.

When she steps off the plane, Caleb’s determination to play tour guide disappears in the San Francisco fog. Lily thought she could keep up the pretense for one weekend, cut the last tie to her past, and move on. But their chemistry still pops and sizzles, finally exploding into passion at Caleb’s studio.

It’s everything they remember…but so is the yawning chasm of differences that, in the end, could once again drive them apart.
________________________________________

Product Warnings:
Contains balmy ocean breezes, coffee as seduction, the creative use of melted chocolate, and naughty shower lovin’ that gives new meanings to the term “shower head.”
________________________________________

Except:

The computer screen blurred. Lily blinked to refocus her tired eyes on the deposition and sighed in relief when the phone rang. She loved her job, loved working for a law firm, but staring at a computer screen for hours took its toll.

Blowing a strand of dark hair out of her eyes, she reached over a stack of law books. “McPherson.” Lily glanced at the clock as her stomach rumbled. She’d worked through lunch again. Damn.

The other end of the line was silent for so long, she thought the caller had changed his or her mind. “Hello?”

“Yes, hi.”

The rich, masculine voice sent chills down her spine and knotted her stomach. Eyes closed, she gripped the phone so hard it hurt. Even after all these years, she knew that voice. “Caleb?”

A low, sexy chuckle rumbled through the line. “You remember me.”

Oh shit, why was he calling her now? Memories of the most erotic night of her life flashed through her mind. Lily opened her eyes, reminding herself the most embarrassing morning of her life had followed. “How did you get this number? Never mind.”

Despite the deep breath, the receiver trembled in her hand. “Can I do something for you?”

An intake of breath and then a pause. “We have a slight problem.”

Lily’s stomach churned acid. None of their problems had been small, not for the twelve hours and twenty-two minutes they’d been married. “Yes?”

Caleb cleared his throat. “It seems the annulment didn’t go through.”

“Oh, shit.” I’m in a bad movie. This has got to be a joke. She leaned against the back of her chair. “What do you mean it didn’t go through?”

“We’re still married, sweetie. The annulment was never processed.”

________________________________________

Lynne Roberts is a romance and erotic romance writer. She wrote her first story out of frustration at the age of 11 because Gone with the Wind just couldn’t end with Rhett and Scarlett not together.

She’s a hopeless romantic and a sucker for a happily ever after.

She’s been writing professionally since 2005 and, after reading some very talented authors, attempted her first erotic romance in 2009.

A hopeless coffee-addict, when she’s not writing, editing or on Twitter—which isn’t often—you can find her in the garden, reading or with her five children. Sometimes all of the above.

Lynne currently lives in sunny California. You can learn more about her on her website and blog. She’d love to hear from you.

http://lynneroberts.net/

http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Happy Valentine’s Day

14 Monday Feb 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Blog Tour, love stories, prizes, romance, Valentine's Day

≈ Comments Off on Happy Valentine’s Day

Today is Valentine’s Day. A day for showing those we love how much we care. My husband got his gift on Saturday night. Since his birthday was yesterday, the 13th, my youngest daughter and I celebrated with him on Saturday night. We gave him his gifts–birthday and Valentine’s Day–and then went to Maggiano’s for supper. Since my oldest daughter lives in Germany with her husband, an air traffic controller stationed at Grafenwoehr, it was just the three of us. But we had a lovely time and a fabulous meal.

The winner of week two’s prize of  $25 in gift certificates is Sherry Cahill. Sherry’s name, along with other blog posters, will be entered into the drawing for the grand prize–$50 in gift certificates and a surprise gift.

And this Wednesday, on week three of The Valentine’s Month Blog Tour, I’m going to be on Jill James’ blog telling readers how I met my Johnny. And author Lynne Roberts will be visiting here. So stay tuned for a day filled with romantic stories as the Month-long blog tour continues with the new topic: Meeting Your Significant Other.

Come meet some fantastic Wild Rose Press authors and leave a comment for a chance to win this week’s prizes worth $30 or be entered into the Grand Prize drawing worth over $50!

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com//Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com//Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com//
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.blogger.com/goog_1137538561
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://lindakage.blogspot.com//
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/

Before signing out for the day, I’d like to share one of the sexiest songs ever sung. Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYSsR3C1cm0&feature=player_embedded#at=81

What Inspires Creative Ideas

09 Wednesday Feb 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Amy Corwin, Blog Tour, contest, historical romance, paranormal, paranormal romace, romance, The Wild Rose Press

≈ 10 Comments

Welcome to week two of the Valentine’s Month Blog tour. Visit as many of the eleven blogs as you can, leave a comment, and you’re automatically entered in a chance to win weekly prizes and a grand prize worth over $50.

Blog participants are:
Linda Kage- http://lindakage.blogspot.com/, Amie Louellen- http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/,Caroline Clemmons- http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/, Jennifer Jakes- http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/AJ Nuest- http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/, Lynne Roberts- http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/, Maeve Greyson-http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/ ,Amy Corwin- http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/, Jill James- http://www.jilljameswrites.com/, Kat Duncan- http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Today, my guest is Amy Corwin, rose expert, critique partner extraordinaire, and award winning author of Regency romance, paranormal romance, and cozy mysteries.
So, Amy where do you get those intriquing ideas for your novels?
 
It’s so hard to figure out where a creative idea comes from. Most of the time, I have no idea “what made me think of that?” However, I would have no creative ideas at all if not for the creativity of others. Books, movies, magazines, and even paintings have inspired me. Even my gardening. In fact, that’s probably the best illustration of how the seed for a novel can come from an unlikely but still creative source.

Several years ago, after sweating and swearing over Hybrid Tea roses, I decided there had to be some roses that weren’t so fussy and that even I could grow. I wanted to get away from all the sprays, too, as I was afraid of what they were doing to the animals, insects, and birds thriving in my garden. So I started researching and found classes of roses that not only didn’t need spraying, but often resented the use of chemicals: Old Garden Roses.

The history of roses and rose hybridization absolutely fascinated me, particularly since I was able to find some of the varieties folks grew in the past, like Shakespeare’s Musk Rose (a specimen of which I’m now growing in my garden to disguise my somewhat inelegant chicken coop behind the house). That research revealed the unexpected information that even in the height of the Napoleonic wars, Josephine got permission to transport roses and invite English nurserymen to France to help her build the rose garden at Malmaison. Then I read the tidbit that they had terrible trouble with thieves coming at night to dig up the roses and sell them.

This led directly to my first historical novel, “Smuggled Rose”, where Margaret smuggles roses from France for her own garden in England. After all, if thieves were stealing the bushes from Malmaison, they had to be selling them somewhere, right? It seemed inevitable that a few would wind up back in England. In “The Necklace”, Oriana grows roses when she’s not trying to keep tabs on her adventurous uncle and his dangerous-appearing friends, and in a novel I’m working on right now, “The Deadliest Rose”, a murderer uses sprays of roses to indicate who his next victim will be.

In “The Bricklayer’s Helper” the heroine, Sam, doesn’t grow roses, but she sure becomes familiar with their uses when her aunt insists on turning Sam into a true lady. For centuries, roses were indispensible in the preparation of both cosmetics, food and even medicine, and Sam uses rose water to clean and soften her skin as many Regency ladies did.

So this one hobby turned into a near-obsession that resulted in at least four novels. And who knows, it may eventually lead to a few more!

Blurb and Excerpt for The Bricklayer’s Helper


What would you do if you were a young girl, orphaned during the early years of the 19th century?
 When Sarah finds herself orphaned after a suspicious fire burns down her home with her family trapped inside, all she remembers is the warning to “run and hide,” and hide she does. She cuts her hair and dons the garb of a young boy, hoping to survive on her own. In this disguise, she’s obtains a job as a bricklayer’s helper and remains safe for thirteen years.

Unfortunately, in London, a man recognizes her and arranges a meeting, only to be murdered before they can speak. Desperate that she may be vulnerable, Sarah hires an inquiry agent from the Second Sons Inquiry Agency.

However, the inquiry agent, William Trenchard, is far too attractive for Sarah’s peace of mind. In her experience, handsome men can rarely do more than fumble their way beneath a lady’s skirt, but she fears he may be her last chance.
 Unfortunately, her decision may prove to be dangerous to both their hearts…if not downright fatal.
Buy Link: : http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-bricklayers-helper-p-4156.html


Trailer for The Bricklayer’s Helper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owJnpB6J2BA

Excerpt:
In this scene, Sarah has pushed William a little too far and she’s about to get everything she deserves…and then some.

“Get back into bed, or I’ll put you there.”

Her eyes turned silver as she studied him, her head cocked to one side. “If you think you can, I recommend you try.”

“I don’t foresee any difficulties,” he said, striding toward her. After all the stabbing and head-bashing, he thought she’d have enough sense to stay abed.

Obviously, he was wrong.

He deliberately came to a stop mere inches from her, hoping to discomfort her at least half as much as she had discomforted him since their first meeting.

She stared at him, her chin thrust out at a mutinous angle. Although she blinked a few times, she didn’t back away.

He glowered.

Her eyes blinked more rapidly.

So he did the only thing he could think of that would put the fear of God into her soul.

He leaned nearer and kissed her.
—

Thank you for having me here, Lilly. I certainly appreciate it!

Amy Corwin

Amy also has an awesome paranormal romance that’s now available from TWRP

Vampire Protector
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/vampire-protector-p-4309.html

A frightened woman must unlock her memories if she’s to survive the deadly company of her Vampire Protector…

An anonymous note forces Gwen on a mission to discover an ancient family secret that may be hidden in her long abandoned childhood home. When she asks her attractive neighbor, John, to accompany her, she’s not expecting much, except possibly help if she falls through any rotten floors.
Unfortunately, that’s just her first mistake.
John is a vampire, and her house is not exactly empty. Secrets—and the dead—won’t always stay buried, and John’s extraordinary strength and determination may be all that can withstand what awaits them in the shadows…

Trailer for Vampire Protector: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmyCorwin#p/a/u/1/dQeKIFCVg3c

Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and has been writing for the last ten years and managing a career as an enterprise systems administrator in the computer industry. She writes Regencies/historicals, mysteries, and contemporary paranormals. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.


Amy’s books include the Regency, SMUGGLED ROSE; three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE, and her first paranormal, VAMPIRE PROTECTOR.


Website: http://www.amycorwin.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/Bio

Not Another Blog Tour!

28 Friday Jan 2011

Posted by lillygayle in Amy Corwin, Blog Tour, Caroline Clemmons, February, historical romance, Lilly Gayle, love stories, paranromal romance, prizes, romances, The Wild Rose Press

≈ 1 Comment

Yes! I’m participating in another blog tour and this one is all about the romance. After all, next week is February, the month of love. So, join me and ten other TWRP authors for a blog tour of themes about romance and writing. Meet some TWRP authors and learn about their books and their personalities. There’s also eleven chances each week to win a prize, so visit all the blogs to increase your chances of winning. And all you have to do for a chance to win is post a comment on the blogs. The more you post, the greater your chances of winning the weekly prize.

There will also be a grand prize at the end of the tour worth over $50! So come on and check us out starting next Wednesday, February 2 as we talk about the significance of first lines.

One February 9, we’ll discuss where creative ideas come from. February 16, it gets personal as we talk about how we met our significant other. And lastly, on February,23, we’re talking aout how to develop unique characters. Hmm. I’m going to have to think about this one myself. lol~

For a list of blog hosts and participating authors as well as a list of prizes, please visit http://thewildrosepress.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-month-blog-tour_28.html

Looking forward to a month of fun and romance! So, come on. Join us!

Christmas Traditions

15 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by lillygayle in Blog Tour, Christmas, Maya Blake, prizes, romance, The Wild Rose Press

≈ 13 Comments

Today is the last week of The Wilder Roses Blog tour. Leave me a comment today about the man of your dreams or your favorite holiday traditions for a chance to win The Man of My Dreams candle from Celebrating Homes.
So, what’s your favorite tradition?
Christmas dinner. Grandma’s special cookies. Reading The Christmas Story. Decorating on a certain day. Everyone has a Christmas tradition, even if those traditions change over the years the way my family’s have. (You can check out my Christmas traditions at http://plparker.blogspot.com/ . It’s part of the Wilder Roses Christmas Blog Tour.)
Today Maya Blake, author of Hostage to Love is sharing her Christmas traditions.
So, Maya, tell us something about yourself and your favorite holiday traditions.

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Hi, I’m Maya Blake, I’m a thirty-something romance writer whose life-long dream of writing finally came true last year when my debut novel was published by The Wild Rose Press. I’m the fourth of five siblings and I live in Kent, England with my husband and two (sometimes, lol) adorable kids.

I don’t have a Christmas tradition at my house, per se, but definitely the one thing I look forward to once lunch is out of the way is opening presents, and who doesn’t? But before we get down to this momentous task, we have a little pre-present opening “thing” we always do. First, we get out the mince pies (which goes in the oven after the turkey comes out) and the mulled wine. For my buddies across the Atlantic who’ve never heard of mince pies, here’s a link http://www.yourcounty.co.uk/recipes/mincepies.html of the ingredients that goes into a yummy mince pie (and no, it has no meat in it ). The teetotallers in my house go for tea, but I always make sure I’m nice and toasty with a glass of warm mulled wine on standby.
My husband tends to do the honours in dishing out the pies, usually served with lashings of rich cream. There’s nothing like digging into a warm mince pie with a roaring fire going and everyone full and happy from a lovely lunch.
It is only after the pies and wine are eaten and drank that we open our Christmas presents. The children get their presents first, naturally. Then it’s Grandma’s turn. I tend to open mine last, because more often than not, I know what I’m going to receive – my family aren’t very good at keeping secrets *sigh*.
Finally, the older ones succumb to a well-earned nap in front of the TV clutching whatever present they’ve received that year and wake in time (if they can) for the Queen’s Speech!
What’s your favourite holiday tradition?
Maya Blake is Crimson Rose author of Hostage to Love, available from The Wild Rose press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/hostage-to-love-p-1277.html 
and Amazon: http://goo.gl/POGwd

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Blurb –
Crushed by betrayal, Belle Winkworth-Jones flees the shambles of her short-lived marriage, only to be kidnapped by a vicious rebel soldier determined to keep her for himself. Nick Andreakos mounts a ruthless rescue to save the wife who walked away from him, even though he’s resentful Belle could dismiss their marriage so easily.
On Althea, their private Greek island where Belle recuperates, passion ignites, taking hold with relentless force. But in the shadows, danger lurks. The rebel soldier is determined to recapture Belle.
Can Belle and Nick set aside their differences in time to fight this threat and save their love, or will it be too late…?

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Excerpt
Belle jerked awake as a loud blast ripped through the cave, her eyes unprepared for the blinding, strobe flashes of light that lit up the dark cavern a second later. Squinting, she saw the flashes continue intermittently for several seconds, then stop. She lurched from her position propped up against the wall and wondered for a moment if she was still dreaming.
The screams from a few feet away told her she wasn’t.
She’d stayed awake long after the rebel leader retired behind his curtain, unable to sleep for fear he might vent his anger on Father Tom. 
She’d also contemplated what she would do after nature ran its course. She’d bought them three days, four at the most. What would happen after that? Could she willingly to let the loathsome man touch her for the sake of keeping one or all of them alive? And what guarantee did she have that he wouldn’t harm Father Tom?
The idea that perhaps they could overpower two of the soldiers, steal their weapons and make a run for it, she immediately discarded as foolish, and dangerous. She’d slumped, dejected, against the wall of the cave. That’s when she must’ve fallen asleep.
Dizzy and momentarily blinded by the flashes, she jumped as Edda screamed again. What was happening? Had the rebel leader decided they weren’t worth keeping and blasted the cave, burying them alive? Curiously though, the walls of the cave remained intact. She blinked a few times to dispel the blindness. Nothing happened.
A staccato burst of muffled gunfire sounded close by. But the gunfire was inside the cave, not outside. Which meant the rebels were still inside. Something brushed against her and she bit back a scream.
‘It’s all right lass, it’s me,’ Father Tom whispered close to her. ‘I told yer we’d be rescued today.’
Rescued! Why hadn’t she thought of that? Her spirits soared. Then plummeted.
Who would rescue them? Only Liz knew where she was, and she knew her friend wouldn’t give up her whereabouts lightly. Besides, she wasn’t due to make her weekly phone call to her best friend until Monday, so she wouldn’t guess Belle might be in trouble until after she failed to make the call. As for Father Tom, having lived and run the mission in Nawaka for the last seventeen years, he wouldn’t be missed back in his native Scotland. The same went for Edda and Hendrik, who’d been travelling around Africa for the past two years. As for the Nawakan government, it had enough on its plate with its fight to prevent the gold and diamond mines from being looted to mount rescue operations of kidnapped foreigners.
So rescue was not an option.
The only other conclusion she could reach was that another rebel faction had caught wind of Captain Mwana’s bounty and intended to claim them. It wasn’t unheard of for one rebel group to seize another’s hostages if they could profit from it. Sometimes rebels within the same group rose up against each other. Was that what was happening here? Had Mwana’s subordinates staged a coup against him?
If so, they had to take advantage of the gunfight.
‘Father, I don’t think we’re being rescued, but I still think we should make a run for it. This may be our only chance.’ God, she prayed she was right.
He gave a nervous chuckle. ‘I’m with you, lass, but unfortunately, these old eyes cannot see a thing at the moment. I think I’m blind.’
She stopped herself from telling him she suffered the same ailment, although she could just about make out shadowy images in her periphery. ‘It’s all right Father. Just hold onto my hand and I’ll guide you. Keep your head down. Hendrik, Edda, are you okay?’
‘Yes,’ Hendrik responded.
She took a deep breath and edged forward, her hand clamped around Father Tom’s. They’d travelled only a few feet when a bullet slapped the cave wall beside her. Small rocks struck her cheek and she cried out. Fear strangling her, she crouched down, eyes shut, beside Father Tom.
‘We have to keep moving,’ Hendrik urged from behind her.
She opened her eyes and thankfully, most of her vision had been restored. But what little she saw stilled her heart. Since whoever was attacking the rebels was doing so from outside the cave whilst the guerrillas defended themselves from inside, there’d be no way to escape without being caught in the crossfire.
Another bullet whizzed past her and struck a lantern on the far side of the cave, igniting it. A huge plume of acrid smoke bellowed up towards the craggy ceiling of the cave.
Their situation had just worsened a hundred-fold.
She knew they only had a matter of minutes to live. Because if the bullets didn’t get them, the smoke and fire would. There was enough bedding, ammunition and lamps to set the place ablaze in seconds.
Just then the gunfire ceased.
‘Come on,’ she whispered desperately to Father Tom. She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the entrance of the cave, trying not to let the sight of the bloodied bodies disturb her. She focused on the discarded guns instead. If they could arm themselves, they’d increase their chances considerably.
But as she reached for the nearest rifle, she heard the crunch of feet approaching.
Another burst of gunfire. Then silence.
Through the smoky light she saw a figure, tall and male, enter the cave, followed by two more. In silence, the men advanced towards them. Belle’s throat closed up, fear completely seizing her. She turned to Father Tom. Her hand gripped his and she tried to shield him with her body.
Someone crouched behind her. She squeezed her eyes shut.
This is it. This is it.
‘Hello, Tinkerbelle,’ a deep voice purred in her ear.
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