 Thursday, August 31, 2006 When did I first start writing? Rissa -- Your story is so amazing, I hestitate to follow. But here's the scoop: I've loved writing since I started composing poetry in the third grade. I've always seen the humor in things, so my writing was often funny. For the Latin Club in the 6th grade, I got in trouble for writing a risque musical for the club to perform, featuring songs like Cleopatra's big solo, "Body For Sale or Rent," sung to Roger Miller's "Trailer For Sale or Rent." The Latin teacher sent a note home to my parents. ;-( I would often watch TV shows and think of how I would have written them if I were the screenwriter. Usually, I rewrote the shows in my head to include LOTS more kissyface scenes! Around that time, I also wrote the producer of the original Star Trek series to tell him he really should include a pre-teenager in the cast. I still have the very nice "Thanks, but no thanks" reply I received. ;-) As an adult, I have worked as an advertising copywriter and marketing consultant, so I was able to use some of my creative talents when penning shoe ads or beer commercials. A move from Washington, D.C. to Ohio 7 years ago was the impetus to try my hand at writing romantic fiction. And I'm hooked! -- Marcia James 
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 As I grew, Grandma was forever telling me I could be anything I wanted. Do anything I wanted Well, I was completely blind until I was twenty-two. Most of the things I wanted to do I was told, I couldn’t. Police officer. Fire fighter. A spy. Astronaut. Mercy, how I wanted to explore the heavens. And now I’m exploring, living every career I ever wanted too! I started college while I was blind, but when I gained sight I had to learn to “look”. No easy task. Took years to adjust then I had to work hard to keep my sight. I continued my education. Explored all the fields I was interested in. Creative writing kept sucking me in. Professors and teachers one after another would tell me…I had a good voice and a great imagination. I should try writing. I thought they were all just being nice. But the idea had been firmly planted. Why couldn’t I write I asked myself? I loved it. The characters were there whispering their tales. Had been in my mind for as long as I could recall. I had spent my whole life spinning “what if’s” in my mind. Giving books and movies new endings. This is when I knew I wanted to be a storyteller. started off writing children’s stories and quickly moved on to romance. I also cut my teeth on fan fiction. In fan fiction I not only explored characterization, I made some fantastic friends! A very special person named Lo encouraged me to explore with my muse off loop. And here I am! Also, I shall always remember Ann Peach telling me I could write and tell a good story, and all I had to do was master the craft of storytelling. I’m still learning. But it was 9/11 that taught me to follow my dream. We only have today there are no promises made we can reach for what is in our hearts and minds tomorrow. 9/11 is when I started seriously writing. I love my career and I’m so glad my dh and friends supported me in getting here. I’m tagging the other CP bloggers! When did you first start writing? Until later~ Rissa
Monday, August 28, 2006 As hard, though, as it had been to send my husband off to war in 1968, it was unbearably hard to send my oldest son to the first Gulf War. He was a combat medic and I knew he would be among the first to go into Iraq. It was a terror I would not wish on any woman. Agony is fearing for your child's safety. On the night he came home, I went to my knees beside my bed and thanked God for his safe return. I pray for the safe return of all our men and women. Only someone who has known the uncertainty of waiting can truly understand what their loved ones are going through. Charlee www.windlegends.org
Sunday, August 27, 2006 ~ Lise When Your Husband’s At War.... My husband has been to war three times--and I experienced each departure differently. The first was the Gulf War and we were still dating. He'd had it in his mind we would marry. Having already been through one terrible marriage, there was nothing further from my mind. But when he left, he gave me a package to put under my bed and told me not to look at it. Having been a military brat and having had my father serve in Vietnam, I respected his wishes. I put it underneath my bed and didn't think about it again. Meanwhile, I kept busy. Being in the 82nd Airborne, Tom had been one of the first in the fray and near the front. While he was gone, my energy level peaked, I kept alert to all news of the war, and the letters were many although the receipt and sending were sporadic (remember this was 1990). Then, communication was difficult. He was in the desert. I never heard his voice, never was able to instant message or email. His absence hit me hard, sharpened my focus on our relationship. One lonely night, I finally realize that I loved him. He had been the best thing that came into my otherwise dark life. Then one night, about 1:30 in the morning, I got a call from a total stranger. Groggy from interrupted sleep, I answered, "Hello?" He said he was a short wave radio operator and he had a call from a guy named Tom Fuller. Would I accept? I shot straight up. "Yes, yes, yes!" Then he advised me to say "over" after I finished speaking, that the signal was from ship to shore and they needed to flip switches down the line. Then he put Tom on. I could barely understand what he said but I knew the sound of his voice. It was heaven. The amateur radioman who'd helped finally interpreted for me, said Tom wanted to know if I still wanted to do it in June. I knew what he meant. He was asking me to marry him. I yelled--"Yes, yes, yes!!!! Then the poor radioman reminded me -- I needed to say "over". "OVER!" I shouted. Then I heard Tom's laugh. It was magic and I'll never forget that moment. Then, before his return, he asked me to bring the 'package' I had so meticulously forgotten and was shocked that I hadn't looked at it. When he opened it, he got on bended knee and asked me officially to marry him. At some point in his absence, I knew there was no turning back. I said yes and to this day have never regretted it. The next two times Tom went to war was after 9-11. His first tour was in 2002 in Afghanistan with the 19th Special Forces group. And he's there now, with the 20th Special Forces group. No, he's not in the field. I'm grateful for that, as well as the facilities that allow us to communicate more often and more easily. This takes time, but it's amazing how much you get to know each other, how refocused one gets when you only write, are away for a while from your spouse, and are reminded of why they are so wonderful to you. Having a husband like mine is like having desert everyday. Sometimes, you have it so often that sometimes you forget what a pleasure it is. Him being away, especially in a volatile situation, keeps this in the forefront of my mind. But constantly, you are also reminded how fleeting this could be. One of the men in his unit was killed in an ambush this spring. His wife put a thank you note in the currently family newsletter for the outpouring of support everyone gave her and talked about her feelings as men in Class A's came to her door to tell her the news. She spoke of how wonderful and selfless he was, how, as the Colonel of the unit stated, he was a 'quiet professional'. How she was proud to be his wife. And of missing him. I understand. My heart and tears are with her. Even still, there are the things to be jubiliant for. In today's paper they ran the story of an Iraqi boy brought over by one of the soldiers. The 13-year old turned over insurgent information and one of the insurgents was his father. These men were making the kids fight. He didn't want to and had the courage to come forward. I believe he saved many Americans and Iraqis with this act but it got the rest of his family killed. The sergeant had succeeded in bringing him over here for good. I see the picture of the boy in the paper. He could be my 14-year old son. I think about these things as I write. This is an incredible world we live in. And in truth, it has never been safe. Safety is an illusion. Life, like the petals of the rose, is fleeting--yet the rose will bloom in all its glory. There's one thing I've discovered from all my experiences with being a woman who serves on the homefront--life is to be lived, not waited for with hands folded with worries or with fear. I used to have a bookmark with this quote. The paper finally wore out but my memory of it has not--"Ships in the harbor are safe, but that is not what ships were made for." They say courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to do what is needed despite it. I know it's hard to wait. Being patient is not a typical American virtue. And I know each situation with a family member deployed is different. But I can share what I've learned. 1. Be brave. Take charge. Be afraid, have concern for your loved one--but don't let it stop you from living. They are there doing their job. They wouldn't want you to stop living while they serve. They don't want you dying because they might. They love you. No matter the politics, they do this so you can live in a country they love. 2. Don't let others fears be yours. Nothing used to irk me more than when someone well-meaning would come up to me and say--"Oh, I'm so sorry he's gone," acting like he would die. I would tell them, my husband isn't there to die. He's there to do a job. Your job is to make sure we put the right people in office ensure his talents are used the way they should be. Of course, I would smile when I said this. 3. Get busy. Let your frenetic energy flow. Don't sit idly looking at the news. One, it's depressing. Two, you aren't doing yourself, your family or your spouse any good. Instead, do something productive. Channel your worry and energy into something that will give you a return in good feelings. Do some volunteer work, join the church choir, do some project on your house, be out and about--engage in life. 4. Communicate with your spouse as often as you can. They don't have to be all sexy letters, although I know the guys appreciate it greatly. And be honest -- if things are wrong at the house, tell them. When things are right, tell them that as well. Write even when you aren't getting something back for whatever reason. You will feel better about it. And that's what matters now. All things are in your hands. You can do this. 5. Empower yourself. You CAN do this. There's this saying that's supposed to be a joke -- when the guys leave, they press a button and everything goes wrong. When they come back, they press it again and things are restored. Personally, I've not found it funny but it certainly is profound. I hate to think of the things that have gone wrong this year, including the death of my mother which he couldn't come home for. However, when these things happen, refer to #4. You don't have to be graphic, but tell him how you feel. And you don't have to be mean. Yes, he has things going on, you may want to hold back some things, but he needs to know where you are at and he needs to tell you where he's at. 6. War changes people. Expect this. Plan for it. Use your support groups as much as you need but don't let it be intrusive when you need some space to yourself. The military now has Family Readiness Groups (FRG's) which have some fabulous information. Remember, you will have changed too. Which is why communication is so important. Still, when he comes back it will be like having sex with a stranger. Make it exciting. 7. Worry is part of the package. Bonding with others in your situation can help make it bearable. But at some point you realize you have to put it in God's hands -- no matter what can happen. Yes, the worst may occur. He may not come home. Men in Class A's may come to your door. Or he may come home damaged. Trust in yourself, in a greater being, that you will be empowered to deal with all of this. There are no guarantees in life. Make your life count. You're spouse certainly will be. 8. Finally, be proud. Of yourself and of your soldier. You are making sacrifices no others are. You are to be commended for your part. One last note, I've come to realize that even though you may be your spouse's best friend, the guys at least, will not be willing to speak about their war experiences. At first, this hurt me, but then I realized my husband was only trying to protect me. Your spouse may never tell you everything. Don't take it personally. It's just part of the male genetic makeup. However, it could affect their behavior, and if this is the case, seek help. That's it for now. Thanks for listening. And for those serving on the homefront, my prayers are with you. ~ Lise Fuller -- "On Danger's Edge", Cerridwen Press, 12/05 ~ 4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times -- "Cutting Loose", Cerridwen Press, 2/06
Signing FUN Hi! First post. I’m Paige Cuccaro author of QUEEN OF HEARTS. But I’m also an Ellora’s Cave author and yesterday several of the EC authors got together for a signing in Englewood Ohio.  (Front L to R: Anya Bast, JC Wilder, Paige Cuccaro {back L-R} Tom & Brenda [EC drivers] Marianne [Owner] and Charlotte Boyett-Compo) Charlee mentioned it a couple days ago. **Waving** (Hey Charlee!)  Figured it out yesterday at the signing (4 months later). Yeah. Having a signing with books (stock) you’ve already signed is kind of like wrapping a present when you already know what’s inside. ::sigh::  It was fun though. JC Wilder was there and Anya Bast and of course Charlee. We talked and laughed. I got to meet Charlee’s husband (funny guy—creepy reaper).  I did have to continually explain that, yes, my book was released months ago and since then TWO more books in the series have come out. But I also got to reconnect with some readers who had come in April and “LOVED” (tee-hee) my book and were happy to hear about my latest release through Cerridwen, QUEEN OF HEARTS. So it turned out to be a pretty good day when all was said and done. I’ll be posting more pic’s from the day on my site. Hopefully soon. Take care all! ~Paige :)
Friday, August 25, 2006 My first book, a comic romantic suspense titled AT HER COMMAND, was released by Cerridwen yesterday. It mines the humorous and sexy possibilities when several federal and local law enforcement agencies unknowingly put operatives undercover at the same D.C. sex club. I hope you'll check it out on my Web site, www.MarciaJames.net. The heroine of my work-in-progress is a sex therapist, and she "writes" a sex advice column on my Web site. If you have any serious or tongue-in-cheek questions you'd like her to answer, please send them in! I look forward to blogging and meeting all of you in cyberspace or in real life! -- Marcia ;-) "Hot, Humorous Romances" www.MarciaJames.net
Thursday, August 24, 2006 If you live near the Dayton, Ohio area, drop by and see me at New & Olde Pages Bookstore 860 Union Blvd, Englewood, OH this Saturday from 12:00-3:00 PM. I will be there signing my print releases: Desire's Sirocco, Longing's Levant, Rapture's Etesian, and Passion's Mistral! I'm looking forward to meeing you and word is The Prime Reaper will be there in costume to greet you, too! Also on hand will be Kate Steele, Gail Faulkner, Paige Cuccaro, J.C. Wilder/Dominique Adair, Anya Bast, and Mandy M. Roth. Come on over and join us!!! May the Wind be always at your back, Charlee WindLegends: The Official Homepage of Charlotte Boyett-Compo www.windlegends.org
Inspiring the Muse Currently reading: THE TAO OF WRITING by Ralph L. Wahlstrom (Imagine. Create. Flow) and THE JOURNEY FROM THE CENTER OF THE PAGE, Jeff Davis (Yoga Philosophies and Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing) - Linda HEAVEN AND LACE, coming August 31 from Cerridwen Press http://www.lindableser.com
What romance left a big impression? Mine is Johanna Lindsey's CAPTIVE BRIDE. My mom gave me that book back when I was in college, saying it was one of the best books she'd ever read. And do I ever agree. Something about the dark handsome alpha male sweeping the heroine away to his desert tent to seduce her night after night. *sigh* I had read teen romances (remember the Sunfire historical line just for teens in the 80's?), but CAPTIVE BRIDE was my first grown up, filled with unleashed passion, romance novel. So what about you all? ANy romance out there still leave you sighing and dreaming of that knight in shining armor?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 Also, don't forget my contest running through until August 30th to enter a draing to win a copy of "Pride & Prejudice" starring Colin Firth on DVD. All you have to do is join my newsleter (Announcement only, about 1-2 emails a month) at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mariebellevaux/join Okay, now that the self promo bit is through, I wanted to share a few books I came aross that are very helpful for writing the Regency era historial novel.  WHAT JANE AUSTEN ATE AND CHARLES DICKENS KNEWFrom Fox Hunting to Whist--the Facts of Daily Life in 19th Century England Daniel Pool If you got a question about practically anything about the daily life in the Regency era, this will answer you, or lead you to find the answer. I have this by my computer at all times when writing Regency.  EVERYDAY LIFE IN REGENCY AND VICTORIAN ENGLANDKristine Hughes Older book but still a worthwhile reference to the period. HOW TO WRITE AND MARKET THE REGENCY ROMANCE Gayle Buck ISBN: 0962942308 The Marketing part is a bit outdated, but the writing section is fabulous. It gives clear explanations of how to address a Viscount, Duke, etc. It is a wonderful book, if you can find it. It is out of print, and some used book stores sell it at a high price. It is a thin book, so I wouldn't spend much more than $10-$15 on it.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006 Hundred Dollar Bill is my Historical Romantic Suspense Plus Novel just released today at Cerridwen Press. It is truly the story of my heart, the first book I ever wrote, before I knew anything about writing the 'right way' or to 'the rules'. I just wrote the book I wanted to read. Sherry Morris http://www.sherrydeemorris.com
Linda Bleser's Readers Loop http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bleser_milanofans/ Come join the fun! - Linda Bleser / L.B. Milano www.lindableser.com / www.lbmilano.com
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