Writing Workshops Online

Is your Christmas cash burning a hole in your pocket? Do you plan to make a New Year’s resolution to become a better writer? If so, check out the classes I have coming up at Writers Online Workshops:

Accelerated Fundamentals of Fiction Writing: starts March 11. Develop effective creative writing techniques, believable characters and compelling plots that can be applied to any long or short fiction form.

Advanced Novel Writing Workshop: starts January 14. Continue working on your novel manuscript with help and critiques from a published novelist, and the encouragement and feedback of your peers.

Essentials of Romance Writing: starts December 31. Learn what sets romance writing apart from other types of fiction including the hero and heroine, sexual tension, plot and conventions of the genre.

Focus on the Novel: starts February 25. Work with a published novelist to develop an idea suitable for a novel, develop a working outline for your novel, and write and revise the opening chapters.

Write Great Fiction: Description & Setting: starts Dec. 31. Learn how striking, yet credible, description is formed—and what such description allows you to accomplish in your own work.

For more information or to register, click on this link: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/faculty.aspx . Scroll down to my name and click on the course(s) you’re interested in. Hope to see you there!

Liz

Dazzling Dialogue Workshop

Is your dialogue deadly dull? Do your characters open their mouths and put your readers to sleep?

If your dialogue could use a little dazzle, check out Writing Great Fiction: Dialogue, offered by Writers Online Workshops.

http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=writing-effective-dialogue

I'm teaching the section starting November 19. The course runs for 6 weeks, and will give you lectures, reading assignments, writing assignments, and group critiques. Soon, you'll be the dialogue king!

Hope to see you there.

Liz

New Workshop at AllWriters' Workplace & Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AllWriters’ Workplace & Workshop brings two more instructors on board!
WAUKESHA – Into a studio already overflowing with creative talent, two more instructors are finding their way. Authors Elizabeth Delisi and Karlyn Thayer are joining the online faculty at AllWriters’ Workplace & Workshop!

ELIZABETH DELISI will be teaching an online course on using Tarot Cards to enhance your writing. Elizabeth has wanted to be a writer since she was in first grade, and probably would have written in the womb if she could have convinced her mother to swallow a pencil. But life hasn't always gone the way she planned, and on her road to publication she worked as a motel maid, waitress, secretary, administrative aide, substitute teacher, and newspaper reporter. Elizabeth's novels include a Fatal Fortune, first in the Lottie Baldwin paranormal mystery series; Lady Of The Two Lands, a time-travel romance; and Since All Is Passing, a suspense. She's written contemporary and paranormal romance novellas for One Touch Beyond; Enchanted Holidays; Holiday Hearts; Holiday Hearts 2; and Cupid’s Capers, and has also published two short story collections, Mirror Images and Penumbra. In addition to her writing, Elizabeth edits for several small publishers and individuals, and besides teaching for AllWriters’, she teaches for Writer's Digest. She's taught at Barnes & Noble online, and for various RWA chapters. Elizabeth lives in New Hampshire.

KARLYN THAYER will be teaching a how-to class in writing the romance and a refresher course in grammar. Karlyn has had numerous romance stories published, along with a few literary-type tales. One story was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her work has been published in the literary journal of Ball State University and many more magazines. When not writing, Karlyn takes care of seven former race horses, along with dogs and cats. Karlyn is a member of Toastmasters International and is known for presenting humorous talks. "I try to include a little humor in everything I do. I think the world needs more humor. Sometimes we have to work to find the funny side of situations, but doing so is worth the time and effort if we can bring laughter to our own lives and the lives of others. Yikes, I just realized this paragraph is way too serious!"

AllWriters’ Workplace and Workshop offers on-site and online writing courses in all genres and abilities of creative writing, as well as coaching, editing, and marketing services. A schedule of classes and registration is available online at http://www.allwriters.org or you can call 262-446-0284.

Two Exciting Writing Courses

I'm teaching two exciting writing courses, starting this month.

ESSENTIALS OF MYSTERY WRITING

Do you love reading a good mystery? Have you always wanted to write one? During the Essentials of Mystery Writing workshop, you’ll have the choice of creating a brand new mystery story from scratch or working with a story you already have in progress.

In this course you will:

* Learn how to construct a compelling mystery plot
* Develop fascinating characters
* Plant clues
* Keep your readers turning the pages, eager to find out what will happen next

Course Structure

The workshop will consist of six one-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment to be submitted to the instructor for private review. In addition, work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and be encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises. (1.2 CEUs)

For more info or to sign up, go here: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=essentials-of-mystery-writing


ESSENTIALS OF ROMANCE WRITING

Do you yearn to write a romantic story? If so, you need to know what sets romance writing apart from other types of fiction. This course explores why romance is the same, yet different. Some essential components of romance are unique to the genre, while some romance requirements are identical to those of any good fiction story. Neither Stephen King nor Tom Clancy could sit down and write a romance unless he first familiarized himself with the specific factors that create a successful romance. This workshop will help you to understand those specific factors that make up the specialized world of romantic fiction.

In this course you will:

* Learn how the hero of an action novel differs from the hero of a romantic novel
* Master the tricky business of putting your hero and heroine together and keeping them together-yet-apart until the story's close
* Create the sexual tension that will have your readers turning the pages late into the night
* Discover conventions must be followed and what rules can be broken for readers to embrace your work

Course Structure

The workshop will consist of six one-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment to be submitted to the instructor for private review. In addition, work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and be encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises. (1.2 CEUs)

For more info or to sign up, go here: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=essentials-of-romance-writing


And for those of you who read all the way down here, use this code to get a 10% discount: ED9A

Hope to see you there!

Liz

10% Discount on Writing Workshop

10% Discount on Writing Workshop

In case you've been waiting to take a writing workshop when the price comes down and you can get a good deal, your time is here.

Use coupon code ED9A when you register, and you can take 10% off any 2009 writing workshop at Writers Online Workshops, the online writing school of Writer's Digest magazine.

Here's the upcoming workshop I'm teaching:

Essentials of Romance Writing, July 23 - September 2, 2009
Description: Do you yearn to write a romantic story? If so, you need to know what sets romance writing apart from other types of fiction. This course explores why romance is the same, yet different. Some essential components of romance are unique to the genre, while some romance requirements are identical to those of any good fiction story. Neither Stephen King nor Tom Clancy could sit down and write a romance unless he first familiarized himself with the specific factors that create a successful romance. This workshop will help you to understand those specific factors that make up the specialized world of romantic fiction.

In this course you will:

* Learn how the hero of an action novel differs from the hero of a romantic novel
* Master the tricky business of putting your hero and heroine together and keeping them together-yet-apart until the story's close
* Create the sexual tension that will have your readers turning the pages late into the night
* Discover conventions must be followed and what rules can be broken for readers to embrace your work

The workshop will consist of six one-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment to be submitted to the instructor for private review. In addition, work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and be encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises.

For more information, or to register, go here: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=essentials-of-romance-writing

~~~~~~~~

Hope to see you there!

Liz

Guest Blogging

Hey, everyone, just a quick note to let you know I'm guest-blogging this week at Star-Crossed Romance:

http://star-crossedromance.blogspot.com/2009/05/guest-elizabeth-delisi.html

I've posted an article on how to use your words to enhance the atmosphere and mood of your story. And if you post a comment, you might be a lucky winner of a free e-copy of my suspense novel, SINCE ALL IS PASSING. Check it out!

Developing Your Story With Tarot

PERMISSION TO FORWARD


Looking for a new way to breathe life into your outlining process, your plots, your characters? If so, have we got a class for you! Registration is now open for the Southern Tier Authors of Romance (STAR) April On-line Workshop: I PREDICT A NEW STORY IN YOUR FUTURE: Developing Your Story with the Tarot, with Elizabeth Delisi.

Elizabeth Delisi, a.k.a. Madame Liz, will teach you how to use the ancient art of the Tarot to develop stories, plots and subplots, heroes, heroines and villains. And more! You’ll learn the history of the Tarot, how to choose a deck, how to read the cards, and how to use those readings to develop and improve your writing.

THE INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Delisi’s novels include: Fatal Fortune, first in the Lottie Baldwin paranormal mystery series; Lady of the Two Lands, a time-travel romance, and Since all is Passing, a suspense. She’s written contemporary and paranormal romance novellas for One Touch Beyond, Enchanted Holidays, Holiday Hearts, Holiday Hearts 2, and Cupid’s Capers, and has two short story collections, Mirror Images and Penumbra. In addition, she edits for several small publishers and individuals, and teaches on-line writing course for Writer’s Digest. Visit Elizabeth’s web site at: www.elizabethdelisi.com. Registration begins March 1, and runs through April 1, 2009.

THE CLASS: The class will run from April 2 – 30, and will consist of a mix of lectures, exercises and discussions that will be conducted via a private Yahoo Groups listserv. All writers are welcome. If you know how to send e-mail, then you’ve mastered all of the technical skills you need to participate in our workshops. You will be automatically enrolled in the workshop’s listserv just before the class beings. All of the messages posted by the instructor and other students will be delivered directly to your inbox, although you may also view them from the Yahoo website.

THE COST: $20 for RWA members; $25 for non-members.

TO REGISTER: To register, send a check or Money Order in U.S. Dollars, made out to STAR On-Line Workshop, and mail to: Carol A. Henry, STAR On-line Workshop Coordinator, 90 Dry Brook Road, Willseyville, NY 13864. Alternatively, if you have a PayPal account, you can pay by going to http://www.PayPal.com. Select the “send money” button, enter the amount due, and STAR’s email address for payment: starpay@gmail.com. Then send your registration information to Carol at: carolhenry@frontiernet.net).

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: name, address, phone number, email address, RWA#

NEED MORE INFORMATION: Visit STAR’s website at: www.STARRWA.ORG, or contact Carol at carolhenry@frontiernet.net.

10% Discount on Writing Workshops

10% Discount on Writing Workshops

In case you've been biding your time, waiting to take a writing workshop when the price comes down and you can get a good deal, your time has come.

Use coupon code ED9A when you register, and you can take 10% off any 2009 writing workshop at Writers Online Workshops, the online writing school of Writer's Digest.

Here are the upcoming workshops I'm teaching:

Essentials of Romance Writing, April 9 - May 20, 2009
Description: Do you yearn to write a romantic story? If so, you need to know what sets romance writing apart from other types of fiction. This course explores why romance is the same, yet different. Some essential components of romance are unique to the genre, while some romance requirements are identical to those of any good fiction story. Neither Stephen King nor Tom Clancy could sit down and write a romance unless he first familiarized himself with the specific factors that create a successful romance. This workshop will help you to understand those specific factors that make up the specialized world of romantic fiction.

In this course you will:

* Learn how the hero of an action novel differs from the hero of a romantic novel
* Master the tricky business of putting your hero and heroine together and keeping them together-yet-apart until the story's close
* Create the sexual tension that will have your readers turning the pages late into the night
* Discover conventions must be followed and what rules can be broken for readers to embrace your work

The workshop will consist of six one-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment to be submitted to the instructor for private review. In addition, work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and be encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises.


Essentials of Mystery Writing, April 23 - June 3, 2009
Description: Do you love reading a good mystery? Have you always wanted to write one? During the Essentials of Mystery Writing workshop, you’ll have the choice of creating a brand new mystery story from scratch or working with a story you already have in progress.

In this course you will:

* Learn how to construct a compelling mystery plot
* Develop fascinating characters
* Plant clues
* Keep your readers turning the pages, eager to find out what will happen next

The workshop will consist of six one-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment to be submitted to the instructor for private review. In addition, work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and be encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises.


Writing the Novel Proposal, April 23 - July 29, 2009
Description: Congratulations! For months, maybe years, you've worked diligently to craft well-rounded characters, map out every plot point and intricate sub-plot. You've researched your setting and made sure every detail is accurate. You've written and revised and revised some more and now—finally—your novel is finished. After you've taken a well-deserved break and toasted your accomplishment, it's time to find a home for your masterpiece. But just how, exactly, do you go about finding an agent or editor, and—even more important—getting one of them to say "yes"? If your goal is commercial publication, you need to know how to approach the market the way successful novelists do—with a professionally presented novel proposal.

At the conclusion of this workshop you will have developed a proposal package to submit to agents or editors—including query/cover letter and synopsis. You will also revise and polish the opening chapters of your novel (up to 12,000 words) with your instructor's feedback. In addition, you'll identify appropriate potential editors and agents to send your proposal when you're finished.

This workshop will consist of seven two-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment specifically related to your novel, which will be submitted to the instructor for private review at the end of the first week of the session. During the second week of each session, work will be posted for group critique. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and group critique sessions, and encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing exercises. (2.8 CEUs)

Please note: This workshop is ONLY for students with completed novel manuscripts; it is specifically intended to help you market your finished novel with the goal of commercial publication.

For more information, or to register, go here: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=writing-the-novel-proposal

~~~~~~~~

Hope to see you in one or all!

Liz

Guest Blogger Cindy Green

Please help me welcome today's special guest blogger, Cindy Green. Cindy is an author who writes in several genres, so she definitely has something for everyone. I've asked Cindy a few questions and I think you'll enjoy reading her answers. Take it away, Cindy!

Q: Welcome to The World According to Liz. First, can you tell us a little about you and your books?

Hi Liz! Well, I was born in California and moved almost four years ago to North Carolina. I’ve been married for 14 years and have two boys. Previous to my writing career, I was a middle school teacher. I taught just about every subject with degrees in both history and education. I am now a stay at home mom and a homeschooler. I write in several genres: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romantic Suspense, Fantasy and Historical. I love to read them—love to write them. To date I have ten book titles of varying lengths from three different publishers. In my spare time, (ha) I love reading, photography, scrapbooking, Period Dramas, and spending time with family.

My most recent releases have been historicals. I have a steamy little historical western called The Heart Never Lies from Champagne Books. I’m new to this genre and I just had so much fun with it. Long and Short Reviews called it, "An Exceptional Read." And You Gotta Read Reviews gave it a "Need to Read" rating: Cindy K. Green was able to give us human emotion, love, lust, and adventure in a very well written novella. It's hard to imagine that in 28 very short pages The Heart Never Lies had it all.

Here is the blurb: When ranch hand Beau Tucker announces his intent to leave the Double C for California, Kit McCauley tells herself, "Good riddance." Unfortunately her heart isn’t quite in agreement with her head. Perhaps she’ll just have one more talk with the handsome cowboy before he disappears out of her life forever.

Temperatures rise as their interlude is interrupted by an injured horse thief who shoots at Beau and kidnaps Kit. Will Beau be in time to save her or did the ruffian’s bullet ring true, bringing his young life to an end and forever keeping their revelations unsaid?

You can get a copy at Champagne Books and Fictionwise for just $1.00. Read an excerpt on my website: Cindy Green.

Dilemma of the Heart was my second release this year and it is also a historical. This time it’s a sweet historical taking place in post-Civil War Philadelphia. I loved writing this story. I have a degree in history and have done special research on this time period, so I’d always wanted to write a historical set at this time. Dilemma is the story of loss and making a decision that could affect the rest of your life. It is poignant, moving and yes, I threw in some sass as well. There is a full-length sequel in the works.

Here is the blurb:

Cassandra Huddleston has a dilemma. Her heart still resides with her sweetheart, Frederick Adair, reported as killed in action at the close of the Civil War. Now she has a new suitor, Emerson Bryce, powerful, attractive, and dominant; he usually gets what he wants. Cassandra must decide if she can forget the man of her heart and learn to love the man offering her a future.

As she struggles with her feelings, Cassandra is faced with the possibility that Frederick’s death might have been greatly exaggerated. If that is true, will Emerson be willing to let her go?

It’s available now at The Wild Rose Press. Read an excerpt on my website.


Q: When did you first start writing, and what inspired you?

I feel as if I’ve always been writing ever since I was a young girl. In fact, I used to write fun little stories for my younger brothers and sisters. (I’m the oldest of five.) I have a folder full of great stories I started throughout my junior high and teen years. In college, I was a history major and so my focus shifted to my non-fiction writing. In fact, I actually won some awards for my historical scholarship. Then I started teaching and there was no time for writing. When we moved to NC and I became a stay at home mom with a baby and a 2nd grader, I decided I needed something more. I started to write again and within the first year, I had a book contract.


Q: Do you have any writing rituals?

Not really. I have a loud and busy household, so I have to work through the noise. I have to take whatever moments of time I have to write a little. In a perfect world, I sit at my desk with some inspiring music playing and write for several hours straight. But that doesn’t happen often.


Q: What's your writing schedule like?

When I’m on schedule, I write 2 nights a week without interruption (thanks to my hubby), a few hours on the weekend and whenever I can throughout the day. My mornings are busy with the boys, schooling, and household chores. In the afternoons, I try to get them set up with a project, reading, or a movie and I get a little writing done.


Q: What books are you reading right now for pleasure?

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell (classic) This is favorite of mine. I try to read several classics a year.

Wizard of EarthSea (fantasy) by Ursula K. Le Guin

Masked by Moonlight (Historical Inspirational romance) by Allie Pleiter


Q: Who's your favorite author and why?

Without a doubt—Jane Austen. She’s been a favorite since I first read Pride and Prejudice as a twelve year old girl. Through the years I’ve come to appreciate and love her writing. Miss Austen had a special gift, a talent if you will, not just in writing but in knowing people. Think about it. Here is this prim and proper (though some would argue this point) Regency-era woman, unmarried, and coming from the middle of the social pool—and she has this uncanny ability to write the most terrific characters. She wrote characters to hate, laugh at, and fall in love with. Some of the other greats of classic literature also had this remarkable ability—Dickens, for instance, and Shakespeare. Think of their casts of characters that once read, will never be forgotten.

My favorite book from Austen is actually Persuasion. This is a second-chance love story, which is my very favorite kind. Throughout the entire book, these two characters are still in love with each other and the tension continues to build and build that they should be together. It is so romantic when the hero, Captain Wentworth, writes a letter to his lady love, Anne Elliot. “I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever.” It just gives me chills every time.


Q: What historical figure is your hero or heroine?

I love John and Abigail Adams. First of all, they were just a terrific couple. Both smart and caring for each other and the nation. Their letters to each other over the years are just heartwarming. They truly were in love, and they sacrificed so much for their country. They suffered great separations from each other, but always remained faithful. They were great patriots. Abigail should have been in Congress. Seriously! They were perfectly matched for each other. Abigail was John’s helpmate in so many ways at a time when he (and this nation) really needed one. A great pair and an inspiration to us all.


Q: What's your idea of a perfect man?

Oh Lord! Does one exist?? LOL! I love a Gamma man. Forget those overbearing Alphas and give me a Gamma. I love a man who can laugh and make me laugh. I love a smart, intelligent man, too. Put those two together and I’m lost. The great thing about a Gamma is that he can be sensitive and strong. He can exhibit the good characteristics of the Alpha and the Beta. I love a thoughtful man. One who surprises me on my birthday. Who brings me flowers for no other reason than "just because." A man who knows I need a break from the kids and sends me off on a girl’s night with my sisters. And honestly, that really is my husband. You gotta love him.


Q: What's your image of an ideal date with your perfect man?

Dinner at an expensive, dark and quiet restaurant. I love to dress up once in awhile. Then, off to the theater to see a show. Musical theater is my favorite, but I like the ballet, too. Afterward, some dessert and a walk outside with lots of time to talk and relax. Then, back to a bed and breakfast for the night.


Q: Can you give us a hint of what story you're working on next?

I am working on the sequel to Dilemma of the Heart. It’s called Emancipation of the Heart. I took the antagonist from Dilemma and made him the hero in the sequel. He was more the misunderstood type more than the dastardly villain. Though, he is all Alpha male for sure. This one is set entirely in Philadelphia in 1865 and I had to recreate the whole social set of that era. It really does feel like a Victorian-era novel.


Q: And finally, is there anything else you'd like to tell my blog readers?

Come by my website: Cindy Green to read more about me and my books. I also blog at Cindy's Musings. Join my newsletter. Not only will you get my news and an opportunity to join into subscriber-only contests, but I send out book recommendations and I have a quarterly Free Read serial story called "Valentine’s Challenge." In fact, if you send me an e-mail right now at newsletters@cindykgreen.com, I will send you all three parts of the story, along with the most recent newsletter.

Thanks for having me today!

Cindy

It's Tax Time!

Important free info available from my friend Julian Block. I hope you'll take advantage of sending for his free PDF file of tax info! There's tons of material in there to benefit writers and small business owners.

Liz

Does dealing with taxes strike terror into your heart--like being faced with calculus, which you never understood, or being asked to run in a marathon? Free help for taxophobes is available from Julian Block, a nationally recognized attorney and member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. He wrote the chapter on "Taxes and Deductions" for "The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing" and has been cited as “a leading tax professional” (New York Times), "an accomplished writer on taxes," (Wall Street Journal) and “an authority on tax planning” (Financial Planning Magazine).

E-mail julianblock@yahoo.com to request a complimentary PDF file. The file contains newspaper and magazine articles that offer clear, concise, uncomplicated and immediately useful advice on tax strategies. Learn what to do now to sidestep pitfalls and take advantage of frequently missed, perfectly legal opportunities that can save many thousands of dollars.

Julian Block is an attorney and syndicated columnist based in Larchmont, NY. He is a member of the New York Financial Writers Association and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. His books include “The Home Seller’s Guide To Tax Savings”; “Year Round Tax Savings”; “Travel And Moving Expenses;” “Tax Tips For Small Businesses: Savvy Ways For Writers, Photographers, Artists And Other Freelancers To Trim Taxes To The Legal Minimum;” and “Marriage And Divorce: Savvy Ways For Persons Marrying, Married Or Divorcing To Trim Their Taxes To The Legal Minimum.” For information about his books, visit www.julianblocktaxexpert.com.

Finding Jesus

I just couldn't resist sharing this:


more animals

It gave me such a huge laugh! Who knew? ;-)

Guest Blogger Emily Bryan

Please help me welcome my guest blogger today, Emily Bryan, author of "Vexing the Viscount." If you want to learn a little about the historical background to her story, read on...you'll love it. And one lucky commenter will win a copy of "Vexing the Viscount"...so be sure to check it out below.

Liz

The South Sea Stock Swindle


VEXING THE VISCOUNT by Emily Bryan


Move over, Madoff! Long before that Wall Street hustler took his customers for a “ponzi” ride, there was the South Sea Stock Swindle. I like to use real historical events in my back stories, so that total economic collapse in Georgian England is part of the back story for my upcoming VEXING THE VISCOUNT.

When I ran across the South Sea debacle in my research, I knew I could use it to set up some basic conflicts in my story. Money is one of the most divisive things on earth. All I had to do was put my hero and heroine on opposite sides of the stock crash.

I wanted to use Daisy Drake, one of the orphans from PLEASURING THE PIRATE as my heroine. And because we know her as a child, I decided it would be fun if she also knew the hero as a child. Turns out Lucian Beaumont and his father visited Daisy’s family in the summer of 1720. Lord Montford tried to convince Daisy’s uncle to invest his newly discovered pirate’s gold in the South Sea Company. Daisy’s uncle refuses. Loudly. The South Sea Company intended to trade in slaves to the emerging South American nations and Gabriel Drake will not invest a cent in a slaver. Lucian’s father storms out and Daisy isn’t even able to say goodbye to the dark eyed boy who stole her heart.

When the South Sea Company crumbles and Lucian’s father is ruined, he holds a deep-seated grudge against all things Drake. Fast forward to 1731. Lucian is trying to restore his family’s fortune. He has discovered some Roman ruins on his father’s estate and hopes to follow the clues to an ancient Roman payroll that went astray. Daisy is a Latin whiz and would love to help him, but his father’s resentment makes it hard for Lucian to accept her. So by night, she masquerades as the French courtesan, Blanche La Tour, with an offer to help in the excavation. By day, Daisy plays the bespectacled Rowena Clavenhook to keep Lucian’s father from realizing he has a Drake on his property.

Playing at being a courtesan is playing with fire and Daisy is in real danger of being burned. Lucian is attracted to both Daisy and Blanche and suspicious of the similarities between them. How far will she go to prove that she’s a “woman of pleasure”? And if he gets involved with Daisy, how will he explain to his father that he’s smitten by Gabriel Drake’s niece?

So many of the nobility were caught by the South Sea scheme. Even Sir Isaac Newton lost 20,000 pounds! If you’d like to learn more about the South Sea Stock Swindle, please visit my blog here. When our market was circling the bowl, I shared about this Georgian financial disaster. It helps to keep in mind that everything is cyclical and besides, as Daisy and Lucian learn, love is much more important than money.

I’ll be awarding a signed copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT to one lucky commenter. Just post a comment or question today or tomorrow (Jan. 10 or 11) and first thing Monday morning, I’ll pick the winner! I look forward to hearing from YOU! Be sure to check back to see if your name is drawn.

Emily

Writing Workshop

The "How to Be Your Own Editor" Workshop is coming up on Monday, January 12.

WRDF's Online Workshop, The Tipping Point, Presents:

Bungee Jumping for Writers, or How to Be Your Own Editor

Editing for most writers is like diving off a bridge head-first with a large rubber band attached to their ankles…not a pretty sight.. Join Elizabeth Delisi as she shows you a less hazardous approach to self-editing.

In this three-day workshop, Elizabeth will cover seven areas that plague most writers.

Dialogue Dos and Don'ts
Flashbacks: How and When to Use Them
Jean's Jeans: The Difference between Possessives and Plurals
Which or That?
Do Your Chapter Endings Keep the Reader Reading?
Should the Author be a Know-It-All: Choosing Your POV
Trim (the Excess Words From) Your Prose

Join us for this terrific workshop:

Date: January 12-14

Price: WRDF Members $5.00

Non-Members $12.00

(Psst! Hint: WRDF membership is free. Go here to sign up: http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/ )

There are still a few spots left, but they're going fast, so reserve your spot now!

Paypal Available

To register or for more info, contact Lynda at thetippingpoint@lyndacoker.com

Be there or be square!

Liz

Writing Resolution of 2009

It's that time of year again, when everyone makes resolutions for the New Year. I used to always vow to eat right, exercise, and lose weight. But it never seemed to happen, and I'd only end up depressed. So I've given up on those resolutions. ;-) Actually, if I'd just do the darn exercise, the other two would be fine as I eat fairly healthily. But I've yet to find an exercise I like...other than knitting, which I'm not sure counts. I tried to talk my husband into getting one of those Wii game systems, along with a "Dancing With The Stars" game, figuring that would be wonderful exercise that I'd actually enjoy. But so far, it hasn't materialized and I think Santa's not bringing it. Bummer.

So I've decided that at least I can make a writing resolution. I didn't get much writing done this year, thanks to a heavy teaching schedule, moderate editing schedule, and the aforementioned aversion to exercise. (Did I mention that making myself write is hard work? And if it's hard work, it must be exercise? See paragraph one for why this resolution doesn't work.) However, I think a writing resolution might work if it's done the right way.

This year, I went to several "write-ins" for NaNoWriMo. While I didn't reach the goal of 50,000 words, still, most of the writing I got done during the year was at those write-ins. A couple of women I met at write-ins and I have gotten together several times since to do our own version of write-ins, and it's been fun and inspirational. So my new resolution for 2009 is that I'll try to stick with a schedule of at least one or two write-ins per month where I'll actually get some writing done!

And to further that end, I'm branching out into not just one, but two new pen names, to write stories for Ellora's Cave and Amber Quill Press's Heat line. So if you see something by Lila Duprés at Ellora's Cave, or something by Liselle Divine at Amber Quill...hey, that's me! Just writing away, trying to keep my resolution.

What are your resolutions for the new year? Here's hoping you keep them!