jenmck

Oh Beef, I needed an explanation. But I googled Hayden and saw pictures. I totally get it now.

Wow! This is so difficult! Have so many characters I love. Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice), Agatha Troy (Ngaio Marsh books), Amelia Peabody (Elizabeth Peters books), Jessica Atrides (Dune Books by Frank Herbert). But I think I'd have to say that my favorite character of all times is Harriet Vane featured in Dorothy L. Sayers books "Strong Poison", "Have His Carcass", "Gaudy Night" (my favorite) and "Busman's Honeymoon". Even before I was an author, I loved how she managed to fight her way through being accused of murder, resisting Lord Peter's advances and then, falling in love with him. She's smart, strong and her romance with Lord Peter Whimsey is brilliant.

Well, the one I enjoyed writing the most was one called "Fires Of Passion". It's a romantic fantasy that was contracted but the book is currently homeless. I loved it because I was completely free to create whatever I wanted. Fantasy is difficult but fun to write. I enjoyed making up the rules my characters have to follow. In suspense or even science fiction, there is an element of "established rules" that characters and plot must follow. In "Fires Of Passion" those rules were out the window. I absolutely loved that. Now, whether I'm any good at it.....

Good question. I did, actually. Once I realized how the plot was going to turn in "Heart Of The Storm", I knew I was writing a sequel for one of the characters. I love sequels.

Mmmm. Isn't it funny? There are authors I love to read, but I'm not sure I'd want to hang out with. (Like Dorothy Parker). I did have thirteen authors I'd love to have a get together with and it wasn't difficult. 1. Steven Hockensmith. He's a new author and I think he's hilarious. I'd love to have dinner with him. 2. Dayna Hart. She's a fellow author who lives in Canada. We talk on the phone every day, but I've never met her face to face. I'd love to do that. 3. Ngaio Marsh. The choice seems to come down to Marsh, Agatha Christie or Dorothy L. Sayers. I would like them all. 4. Diana Krall. Not only do I love her music, but I think she'd be an interesting person. Anyone who can be married to Elvis Costello.....

This happens to me a lot. I tend to go with books I've read before several times that don't require too much of my brain. Sometimes all I can read is Calvin And Hobbes. Various reasons. Tired is one of them. Writing A LOT is another. There are times when I've gone on a writing binge and gotten a TON written and the idea of reading something just doesn't fly. Editing will do that too. I find myself reading and REWRITING great books!!! Right now, it's just overload. There's a lot going on and it's just easier to read Ngaio Marsh....again than to read Jared Diamond's dissertations on alphabet development.

I have a question for you readers out there. I write Erotic Romance under one name (Jennifer Leeland) and a little "sweeter" under Jennifer McKenzie. In other words, Jennifer McKenzie is stuff my mom can read. Jennifer Leeland? No way!!!! I'm curious to know does it make a difference when you find out an author you love (say Nora Roberts or Stephen King) writes something "different" (Example: Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb, Amanda Quick is Jane Anne Krantz). And does it make a difference if they write something you DON'T like? I love Amanda Quick (historical romance) but not her contemporary romance. I love Julie Garwood historicals but not her romantic suspense. I ADORE Elizabeth Peters but I wasn't too thrilled with Barbara Michaels. What's your take on that?

You sure know how to pin me down. Yes, I'll admit I did. I took pictures of holding it in my hand. I don't feel like I've "arrived" but it certainly felt like a step forward. Sometimes, I get conflicted about epublishing. I love it and I buy a lot of ebooks, but I also see the value (not to mention love the new book smell) of print books. Let's just say I'm not turning in my paperback Ngaio Marsh books in for it's ebook equivalent. And Michelle, you are not alone in that problem. I'm hoping they'll come up with better ebook readers than they have now. There are some that are portable, but the screens aren't very good yet. I think this technology will grow.

Oh this is a great question! And obviously one I've been thinking about. When I first started to write and submit my work, I didn't know what an electronic book was. Clueless, I bought my very first ebook because the author was a Diva and the book sounded to interesting to pass up. Besides, the price was so much lower! I've never looked back. I love ebooks for their price and lack of bookcase usage. I wasn't prepared for the reaction from my friends and family. Because I'd been involved in online activities, I made the assumption that everyone else knew about ebooks too. (Forgetting my own ignorance in the beginning. ) Sales in electronic books are dependent on WHERE they're published. Being listed on Fictionwise is a huge boost for sales. But starting out is tough when distribution is limited. I've said that networking is like dieting--you don't notice the results right away, but eventually it pays off. "Heart Of The Storm" is my first print book (not including an anthology with two other authors) and I won't know how much "better" those sales are until January. I do know that people who wouldn't buy my ebooks probably bought my print book, even thought "Heart Of The Storm" was significantly more expensive in that form. My opinion on this is evolving. Electronic books are going to be the "new thing", but they won't replace paper books. For one thing, ebook publishers are able to offer more offbeat subject matter-take bigger risks on new authors. Big publishers have to "play it safe" to make their money back because of the overhead and expenses. Epublishers will discover the new brilliant authors. I'm hoping for the day when epublishing is able to continue to offer quality to its readers. The problem is (and I know I'm going on and on) that fly by night epublishers are giving the industry as a whole a bad reputation. But quality trumps and places like Samhain publishing, Ellora's Cave and Liquid Silver Books will continue to offer great stuff. I know there is a bias. "I want to hold a book in my hand". True. But there are books I often put back on the shelf because it's too pricey. New authors don't stand a chance in that environment. But in epublishing, for less than $5, I can read a new author and not have broken my wallet. That way, if I hate it, I'm not out $10 (or even $15 for some books these days) Whew. Apparently, I had a lot to say.

Review for "A Different Tune" by L.K. Campbell When former paratrooper Scott Riley returns home from World War II, he has one aim--to meet the girl of his dreams, Cassie Wright. Cassie has been his pen pal, and his light at the end of the tunnel through most of his war experience. He goes to her hometown on the Gulf Coast of Florida with marriage on his mind only to find that she has other plans for her future. A talented pianist, Cassie has been accepted to the prestigious music conservatory in Jacksonville. Will she give up her dreams for Scott, or will he chase hers? I should have known this story would blow me away. After seeing excerpts from it for months, I finally broke down and bought it. I wasn't disappointed. Ms. Campbell brought characters from a bygone era to life and yanked me into a different world filled with innocence and gentle romance. It's been a long time since a book has touched me in quite this way. She avoided all the usual conflicts and resolves their feelings for each other fairly quickly in the story. But, as in real life, the conflicts they have externally keep them apart. The added emotion of Cassie's relationship with her mother just made it all the sweeter. My favorite scene is the confrontation between Scott and Cassie's mother which Ms. Campbell handled with finesse. Let me just say I got lost in this era and the characters. It's rare to find a historical set in this time and this author did it brilliantly. I'll be reviewing this on my blog but I wanted The Book Club Forum to get it first. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a romance with a sweet flavor. It's on Amazon Here Or check it out at L.K Campbell

Welcome to the Forum, June!!!! I hope to be able to check out your book.

Oh, I'm thinking about this. I have to narrow it down to two or three. The thing is they're nothing alike!!!! One is a mystery set in 1892 and another is a futuristic romance. *shakes head* I'm going to have a tough time narrowing the field.

Writing always seemed to be a dream but I never thought I'd be able to do it. I'd been told by my teachers that I had talent, but I was too "undisciplined" to learn the "rules" of grammar and language. I still struggle with the correct way to structure sentences and dialogue. My husband was the one who encouraged me to write my first manuscript. I may have continued to just talk about "someday" if he hadn't encouraged me. Now, I enjoy it so much that I can't imagine NOT doing it.

Sorry I missed this Kell. I've written Contemporary, Sci Fi, a fantasy (currently uncontracted) romantic suspense and paranormal. That pretty much leaves historical (nope) and chick lit (I don't think so). So, no not really (My sister lives in Madison, WI.) I do some research online, but a lot of the information I had for Alaska was from a fisherman I knew that was on a trawler out there. I've never been to Alaska which I HATE to admit. I actually had a Unalaska resident (a small town in Alaska) buy my book and said he'd "make sure I got it right":thud: I told him I didn't. I hope that answers your question.

It's a money decision. Believe it or not, erotic romance (which is difficult to define) sells VERY well. Publishers will go by sales. In Electronic books, erotic romance makes up a huge chunk of book sales. Even Harlequin Romances has begun a "Spice" line to fill the customer request for more explicit sex in romances. Honestly, I think it's possible to write a well written romance with NO sex scenes. Some of my favorite romances are closed door. Hallmark did an adaptation of "Love Comes Softly", a fabulous romance. Guess what? No sex. Great story. I think it's a mistake to cater to one part of the romance reading population. If a writer is a "sweet" writer, there's a market out there, no matter WHAT the numbers say.

1. Yes, I do get embarrassed. When my husband reads my stuff, it's a little nerve wracking. I usually squirm in my chair. And putting a book out is always sharing a little more of myself. Sometimes that's difficult because it can be shredded, rejected and criticized. 2. My husband and my best friend have been my biggest fans. My Mom and sisters have been happy I'm writing but it's weird for them to read a "romance" written by someone they know. It's easier to read love scenes written by a stranger. 3. I joke about the "crashing waves" euphemism, but I've used the "waves" one on occasion. Using any "metaphor" for sex is ALWAYS risky. But if you get too "graphic" that's also a problem. *shrugs* I figure my books have a least one or two snorts for somebody. I do avoid the "heaving bosoms" and gasping heroines. I think the word that gave me the worst problem was in Christine Feehan's book "Conspiracy Games" she used the word "cream" over and over and over again. ICK. I think the word "member" isn't one I like much. But the truth is, I run out of ways to say things. The trick is to stay within the mood of the story. If I'm in a historical and start using graphic description, the reader is pulled right out of the story. Or if I'm writing a contemporary and start getting restrained and flowery with my description of sex, again, pulls the reader out of the story. Does that make sense?

I actually had a book that was VERY dirty rejected for not being "hot enough". They commented that they wanted me to "push the envelope" and with that story I'd gone as far as I was willing to go. There is pressure out there to make stories "hotter". I try and keep a balance. I don't like closed door sex or too many euphemisms (crashing waves anyone?) so I've been lucky in my publishing experiences.

Oh I can relate to this so much. Yes, I had difficulties writing with the kids around. I usually don't have to. But I do edit my erotic scenes with my kids home and it's not always comfortable. Luckily, neither of my kids can read yet, so I don't have the "What's that word, Mama" happening yet. And about detailed sex scenes. My mom read Nora Roberts and she still didn't like the sex scenes in "Heart Of The Storm". But she loved the rest of it. I kept my Jennifer Leeland pen name completely separate for a year, but my mom doesn't go looking for me online. She knows I write "smut". For me, the sex scenes have to be what the characters would do. I don't write erotic romance to "sell". Most of the time, the way the character is determines the level of heat. And I don't believe in gratuitous sex. For me, a sex scene is about connecting two people in a meaningful way. If it's just sex, it won't have any impact for the reader or for me. Does that make sense?

*Waves* Hi Gyre! I'm so glad to be here. I think if I told you where my ideas came from, they'd sent the men in the white coats for me. Mostly, my ideas come in scenes with a character that talks to me. For example, I had one character who insisted on dog sledding. In Alaska in January. I thought he was crazy. Come to find out he was right on. It was a little freaky to google dog sledding and discover that January is the best month to dog sled in Alaska. Some ideas, like "Heart Of The Storm", begin with a true story. My husband was a drag fisherman for ten years and heard a story about a boat and it's five man crew that was "lost at sea". Five years later, one of those missing crew men was arrested for murder in Arizona. That premise started the story for "Heart Of The Storm". And yes, I do get stuck. A lot. Mostly, in the middle of it. It's usually because the story has gone "wrong" somewhere. It's kind of like knitting. If you "drop a stitch" somewhere, it can really mess up the whole thing. For me, it's usually a plot hole.

That's exactly how I am, Kell. I read books I like and that's that. To answer your question, I'm in epublishing and small press print. So far, the publishers have been VERY accommodating and I've had significant input. Usually, I fill out a cover art form and I have the opportunity to let the artist know exactly what I'd like. Sometimes (as in the case of "Heart Of The Storm") they have to go with a certain "style" of cover. Torrid is the erotic romance section of Whiskey Creek, so "hot and sexy" is necessary. In that, I don't have much choice. They send me a cover and I can make suggestions. I've heard in bigger publishing houses there is less author input on covers. I don't know if that's shallow. Publishers need to know if the cover art stops customer purchases. For example, Cobblestone Press discontinued a line that had a lot of fabulous stories but the covers killed the sales. It can really make a huge difference. My best friend is my rock and we've been through a lot together. She had just gotten out of ANOTHER nasty relationship and, at forty-three, wondered why she was still single. Then, there was "the Dans". Yep, three of them. Three men named Dan who hit on her, promised to call, or take her out and didn't. That was the last straw. We decided her Guardian Angel must be drunk. Thomas was created in that conversation. He's a Guardian Angel with a drinking problem who, when he gets sober, must "fix" the messes he's made through neglect. Of course, I believe we are all guided by a Power Greater Than Ourselves, but the books are not religious or preachy. I agree.

Okay, since no one is asking ME questions I want to ask one of YOU. This question has a story behind it. My sister read my book on the plane as she flew out from Wisconsin to California. Now, she was embarrassed by the "hot" cover for the book. My question is this. Does the cover influence you to buy or not to buy? In other words--Crappy cover=No way I'm buying THAT. Fab cover=I don't have the money but I NEED that book.

Um, because my character's motivation all comes out with the need to be "Really reliable and Really Useful" with a craving for Scooby snacks. Me=distracted

Mmmm good questions. I have days set aside for writing (usually in the morning when the kids are at school). I try to keep focused on writing and not get distracted. Which is VERY difficult. I LOVE to visit blogs and I find I have to leave my internet closed while I write. I need to be alone when I write. (It might be because I'm writing sex scenes on occasion. That's difficult with Thomas The Tank Engine or Scooby Doo in the background). I don't always need quiet and I often have music on. I see all my stories in scenes, which means I don't really "take notes". A really good scene will stick with me until I'm able to write it down. I've handwritten entire short stories when I was away from my computer however. I think my biggest flaw is being too distracted by "new and shiny" stories or blogs or the phone or the fly on the wall......

What kind of mystery are they? It's so hard to tell these days. I was so disappointed to read "Color Of Death" by Elizabeth Lowell ( romantic suspense) and find some REALLY gritty violence that kind of turned me off. What would you all say "The Visitor" is like? Dark, urban mystery? Suspense? Violent?

Children of the Corn