Farida Mestek - a writer...

Charlotte E. English: Interview + GIVEAWAY

2012-01-23T12:50:00.007+02:00

Please, help me welcome Charlotte E. English for an interview at my blog today! Leave your comments and e-mails for a chance to win her two e-books: Draykon and Lokant (check the links for the blurbs). The giveaway is open until January 30, 2012.

How long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been scribbling things since I was a child. At school I always loved English classes the best, because I got to write things. I tended to get carried away and write a lot more than I was asked to. I don’t know if my teachers loved or hated that.

I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Like many little girls, I desperately wanted to be a ballerina when I was about seven years old. I must have been somewhere in my mid teenage years when it occurred to me that writing was something I could actively pursue in the long term, and that’s when I started writing a bit more seriously.

Do you remember your first writing attempts?

The very first ones? No. I can remember bits and pieces; I was awarded a sticker with a unicorn on it during primary school, for writing a poem about poverty. I regularly got praised (I think) for having a wild imagination, every time I produced something else far too long for class. I scribbled stuff at home.

My first remotely serious writing attempts, shall we say? I was seventeen, lonely, bored and unhappy and I decided to create a fantasy world. It kept me occupied for months, though most of that consisted of drawing maps (badly; I’m a rubbish artist). I eventually worked out a plot that I never wrote – though I never forgot it either, and parts of it made it into the first novel I completed, Draykon.

What genres have you been writing in? What other genres would you like to pursue?

So far I’ve been writing fantasy more or less exclusively. I like to mix that up with bits and pieces of the mystery genre, though, and elements of romance. I have written short stories in the historical fiction genre, and I’d love to do some novels someday. I’m a history buff with a particular fondness for the Regency period. The best thing to do, perhaps, would be to combine fantasy with the Regency; that can work surprisingly well. But all that is for the future.

What are the main themes of your latest book? What was it inspired by?

My most recent publication is Lokant, the second book in my Draykon Series. A major theme of this series is finding out who you really are, discovering your natural place in the world (and having the courage to pursue it). I think many of us feel the pressure of expectations and I admire those who aren’t ruled by such things. It takes a lot of courage to make your own way.

What goals do you set out to achieve when you start writing a new book?

At the moment I’m writing a series; I’m about a third of the way through the third Draykon book as I write this. So some of the goals are merely practical, like making sure it’s of a length to fit with the rest. A trickier problem is making sure this book is a worthy sequel to the previous two; it has to carry through all the themes and ideas I started with in Draykon #1, bring all the various questions and mysteries to satisfying conclusions and resolve character relationships. Lots going on.

Are you a fast or a slow writer? How long does it take you to write a book?

I’m a fast writer. I think I can say that. I usually write at a pace of 3000 words per day, which gets a first draft done within two months. Of course, editing takes up a number of extra weeks after that. But I’m writing in a world I’m familiar with, about characters that I know well. When I start a completely new book, I may be slower at it.

Do you ever base physical appearance of your characters on people you know, portraits or actors? Any examples or images that you'd like to share?

I haven’t done that so far, or at least not consciously. I’m lucky with my cover artist, though. She’s produced some fabulous portraits of my characters based on description and discussion.

Introduce the main characters from your latest book. Who are they? Let them speak for themselves. What would they like to say?

Llandry Sanfaer isn’t very good at speaking for herself because she’s young and terribly shy. She’s getting better at it though – and it isn’t her fate to be able to hide from the world forever.

Lady Evastany Glostrum, on the other hand, is quite used to speaking for herself, and for a lot of other people too. She’s the queen of her social world, her talents are stretched when she’s taken out of it.

As for Tren, if he’s going to speak he’ll make it into a joke. How does he maintain that youthful good humour, no matter what happens? I wish I could make a better job of it myself.

Thank you very much Charlotte for stopping by! I enjoyed reading your answers a great deal and I found that we share a lot in common as writers: the origins of our fantasy worlds, the themes of the books, the wish to combine fantasy and Regency together...

Thank you for reading about me and my writing. I love to hear from readers and fellow writers, you can always find me at my blog or on twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/Charlottenglish).

my writing journal, entry 4

2012-01-22T12:18:00.007+02:00

It was my Regency WIP week and I cheated: I didn't have time for writing this week and keeping in mind that I put down quite a lot of text in my notebook the last time I worked on it I didn't even bother writing anything new. I've been typing it down and expanding it a lot since yesterday and, unless I'm hit by a lazy spell today and I'm rather prone to them, I will write some more. I couldn't stop thinking about my Fantasy WIP and, because it is my own imaginary world rather than the borrowed one that of my Regency, I naturally feel myself much more at home there. I did find time to write a big piece of backstory for it! In other writing-related news, I received a 3-star review for "Lord Darlington's Fancy" where I'm once again accused of "the lack of passion"... Oh, well, another thing to work on this year!

Update: I did it! I finished Letter Fifteen! Wow, it only took me three months! *heavy sarcasm here* Also, in an unexpected fit of inspiration, I finally managed to write the outline of the whole thing, starting with Letter Sixteen and till the very *happy* end!

my writing journal, entry 3

2012-01-15T09:53:00.003+02:00

I've been under the influence of The Muse these past two weeks and I'm sure every writer knows what a blessing it is when you don't have to molest your brain in order to squeeze out just a few paragraphs each day. But her time is almost up and I expect that next week will be nothing but struggle. It's my Regency WIP week next and I'm happy to say that last week I finally managed to overcome my latest writer's block, which enabled me to move forward with the story. This week I've been working on my Fantasy WIP, that I started soon after NaNoWriMo (I failed to complete that but I learnt a lot along the way) and I'm already on Chapter Three and reasonably happy with what I've written so far. I'm a bit worried about the fact that I haven't outlined it on paper, but I know that if I start outlining it now, I will get stuck and then I won't be writing for another long while and I'd rather be writing, because I ADORE the feeling! Oh, and by the way, I've got two critique partners now!

My New Year Writing Resolutions

2012-01-03T08:14:00.002+02:00

1. to become a better writer in every way
2. to become more organized writing- and reading-wise
3. to complete my Regency WIP
4. to complete the first part of my Fantasy WIP
5. to find a literary agent

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!

2012-01-01T19:13:00.006+02:00

I want to wish you all the best of health, happiness and luck in 2012 and beyond!

And now, please, welcome Zooey the Dragon! I created her myself and wrote a very short story that, nevertheless, contains a number of interesting facts about her and her unusual parentage.

This is Zooey. She is very nice. She lives in the mountains of Crimea, because she likes the warm climate there. In good weather she likes to climb on top of the mountain and stay in the sun. She also likes swimming in the sea. She is very good at catching and eating fish. But sometimes she can eat humans who swim by. So be careful there!

As you can see Zooey is very pretty. The legend has it that her father was a rooster – a very handsome and arrogant one. He always made fun of everyone, because of how they looked, and was much disliked in the area.

One day he was admiring his reflection in the sea when he saw a dragon. It was a lady dragon and she stopped by to drink some water. The rooster wasn’t afraid of her. In fact, he started making fun of the dragon too! The dragon looked at him once. The rooster cackled loudly. Then the dragon opened her wide jaws and swallowed him in one gulp.

Some time later Zooey was born from one of the dragon’s eggs. She looked exactly like the rooster!

Jane Austen's Birthday Soiree Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-23T23:11:00.003+02:00

I greatly enjoyed our soiree so a huge thank you to Maria and Katherine for putting it all together! And a big thank you to those of you who stopped by and commented! I loved learning what you'd like to give Jane Austen for her birthday. And now...

LAURA HARTNESS

receives a hardback copy of "I was Jane Austen's best friend" by Cora Harrison!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Jane Austen's Birthday Soiree + GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-16T08:01:00.002+02:00

First of all I’d like to thank Maria Grazia and Katherine Cox for coming up with such an excellent way of celebrating Jane Austen’s birthday. And now…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JANE!!!
My life would be exceedingly dull without your books!

I was very young when I first discovered the wonderful world of Jane Austen’s novels – long before I discovered Jane Austen herself. Indeed, when I saw BBC’s “Pride and Prejudice” for the first time I had no idea that it was based on a book. I instantly fell in love with everything there: the characters and their language, the wit and the elegance, the costumes and the manners, the lovely views of the nature and the estates, humour and irony, comic and absurd and, yes, like I said – everything. However, it was not until I saw the mini-series again that my intimate acquaintance with Jane Austen really began (once I glimpsed her name on the screen and took it upon myself to learn all I could about her and her books).

I’ve been pondering what birthday present I’d like to give her. I don’t want it to be anything ordinary, you know. In any case, I think that there were only two things that Jane Austen truly needed: a lot more time and, of course, a decent portrait! I dare say the mystery and the absence of both added another significant layer of timelessness around her, because we’ll never know exactly what she died of or what she looked like and I find it all extremely vexing. Not to take her exact likeness! Upon my word, I am not at all satisfied with the existing sketches and portraits (that might or might not be Jane) and it doesn’t help that people who left accounts of her looks couldn’t agree on them. Therefore, if I could, I would employ the best artists of her time to paint at least half a dozen of her portraits.

In honour of Jane Austen's birthday I'm giving away a hardback copy of “I was Jane Austen's best friend” by Cora Harrison. I was lucky to win this very sweet and endearing book for younger readers with elements of Jane's real biography, some imaginary facts and people brought forth by the author as well as allusions to Jane's future works and what they might have been inspired by in a giveaway and the publisher sent me two copies, one of which I'm happy to pass on to one lucky commenter (don't forget to leave your e-mail!).

Thank you for stopping by! By the way, what would you like to give Jane for her birthday?

I was Jane Austen's best friend by Cora Harrison

When shy Jenny Cooper goes to stay with her cousin Jane Austen she knows nothing of the world of beautiful dresses, dances, secrets, gossip and romance that Jane inhabits. But Jane is already a sharp observer of the customs of courtship, and when Jenny falls utterly in love with the dashing Captain Thomas Williams, who better than Jane to help her win the heart of this most eligible of men?

And here's a list of many other participants and their wonderful posts and giveaways in The Jane Austen's Birthday Soiree. Have fun!

Sharon Lathan
Giveaway: Miss Darcy Falls in Love

Emily Snyder
Giveaway: Letters of Love & Deception

Laurel Ann Nattress
Giveaway: signed copy of Jane Austen Made Me Do It

C. Allyn Pierson
Giveaway: Mr Darcy Little Sister (open worldwide)

Cindy Jones
Giveaway: a signed copy of “My Jane Austen Summer” and a package of Lily Berry's Pink Rose Tea by Bingley's, Ltd.

Marilyn Brant
Giveaway: A canvas ACCORDING TO JANE tote bag and a pair of A SUMMER IN EUROPE luggage tags.

Prue Batten
Giveaway: Anna Elliot’s “Georgiana Darcy” (Kindle book)

Erin Blakemore
Giveaway: a set of Potter-Style Pride and Prejudice notecards

Blog: vvb32 reads
Giveaway: Jane Austen's Little Instruction Book (Charming Petites) By Jane Austen, Edited by Sophia Bedford-Pierce, Illustrated by Mullen & Katz, Introduction by Barbara Paulding

Karen Doornebos
Giveaway: 2 Jane Austen Candles and 2 signed DNMD books plus drink coasters and tea!

Regina Jeffers
Giveaway: An autographed copy of “Christmas at Pemberley“

Alyssa Goodnight
Giveaway: Jane Austen Action figure

Deb
Giveaway: JASNA 2012 calendars from the Wisconsin JASNA Region

Laura Hile, Susan Kaye, Pamela Aidan, and Barbara Cornthwaite

Giveaway:

One copy of Young Master Darcy: A Lesson in Honour by Pamela Aidan

One set of Frederick Wentworth, Captain (Books 1 and 2) by Susan Kaye

Two copies of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough a Course (Book 1) by Laura Hile

George Kinghtley, Gentleman (Books 1 and 2) by Barbara Cornthwaite.

Juliet Archer
Giveaway: a copy of “Persuade Me” and one of “The Importance of Being Emma”

Jane Greensmith
Giveaway: a copy of “Intimations of Austen”, and Sense & Sensibility (Marvel Illustrated)

Jenny Allworthy
Giveaway: a copy of Northanger Abbey DVD starring Felicity Jones and JJ Feild (The winner will choose region 1 or 2 DVD)

Sitio Jane Austen
Giveaway: Spanish edition of Sense and Sensibility for the 200th Anniversary + A DVD package with adaptations of Jane Austen. (It's only zone 2, but it's in Spanish and English ) + blu-ray of the BBC's Emma with Romola Garai

Kaitlin Saunders
Giveaway: “A Modern Day Persuasion”

Becky Rhodehouse
Giveaway: selection of Austenesque Reads

Patrice Sarath
Giveaway: A copy of The Unexpected Miss Bennet

Adriana Zardini
Giveaway: DVD - Sense and Sensibility (1995) - English/Portuguese subtitles

Jane Odiwe
Giveaway: a mug with one of Jane Odiwe’s illustrations and a copy of her “Mr Darcy’s Secret”

Courtney Webb
Giveaway: Noble Satyr by Lucinda Brant (Regency Romance)

Jennifer Becton
Giveaway: An ebook of the Personages of Pride and Prejudice Collection, which contains all of my Austenesque works: Charlotte Collins, Maria Lucas, and Caroline Bingley. The giveaway will be open internationally.

Vera Nazarian
Giveaway: a copy of Vera Nazarian’s gift hardcover edition of her inspirational calendar and diary, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Abigail Reynolds
Giveaway: a signed copy of “Mr. Darcy's Undoing”

AustenAuthors
Giveaway: Georgette Heyer's Regency World by Jennifer Kloester

Katherine Cox
Giveaway :$10 B&N Gift-card (US only)

Maria Grazia
Giveaway : A selection of Austenesque reads

my writing journal, entry 2

2011-12-14T13:14:00.005+02:00

This week I'm working on my YA novel/fantasy (loosely based on "Almendra: A Fairy-Tale"). I thought that I could arrange for some writing time every evening, but I come home so late and I'm usually so tired after work and all that this plan proved to be quite impossible to put into practice. That's why I've decided to write in the mornings, at least for an hour, starting with today and I'm happy to say that I've been able to resist all manner of distraction and make fine progress. By the way, I'm still seeking that critique partner!

seeking a critique partner(s); anyone seeking same?

2011-12-12T10:57:00.007+02:00

At the moment I'm working on a number of regencies and one YA novel/fantasy but I have no one to talk to about writing in general (any aspect of it really) and my writing in particular. I'd love to be able to share with other writers and assist in any way I can. If you are in search as well and wish to know more about what my idea of a critique partnership is please e-mail me at faridamestek@yahoo.com with critique partner in the subject line. Thank you!

I'm merging my blogs together and other updates

2011-12-10T14:45:00.004+02:00

I've decided to merge all of my current blogs (I've got four of them! Crazy, isn't it?) together into one. This one. I'll be changing the title too, because starting with January it'll be home not only to my regencies but also to my other books (e.g. Almendra: A Fairy-Tale) and writing in general (under the title of "my writing journal").

Well, that's it. Now I'm off to prepare my piece for JANE AUSTEN's BIRTHDAY SOIREE! Want to know more about it? Go HERE!

my writing journal, entry 1

2011-12-10T13:26:00.005+02:00

It's no fun getting a one star for your book. At least there were no words attached to it! I consider myself quite lucky on that score. In fact, I feel very philosophical about it :-)) Who knows? Maybe one star is all that it deserves...

NEW COVER for Margaret's Rematch!

2011-12-04T15:13:00.011+02:00

"Margaret's Rematch" has gone through a bit of editing (took me about a year that bit!) and acquired a new cover! I always loved the old cover but I adore the new one. Tell me what you think! Isn't it lovely?

Guest blog by Grace Elliot: Trivial Pursuits!

2011-11-27T19:40:00.005+02:00

Today I'm happy to welcome Grace Elliot at Regency Sketches. Welcome Grace!

Trivial Pursuits!

Anyone who has visited my blog will know that I’m fond of historical trivia. So when Farida kindly agreed to host me, I thought it would be fun to include a little such trivia here!

The theme of today’s historical trivia is art and artists. My second novel, “Eulogy’s Secret”, is set in Regency England and when our heroine, Eulogy Foster, falls on hard times she must find a way to earn a living - and becomes an artist’s model. In this excerpt, our hero the art dealer Jack Huntley, gazes at her portrait.

He [Huntley], or rather Chaucer, had come across the picture by chance. A few weeks earlier, to his amazement, rumors circulated in artistic circles that Tristan Farrell was painting again. Out of idle curiosity Huntley had dispatched his man to Red Lyon Square to investigate, only to have Chaucer return bright eyed and burbling on about a stunning portrait of a brown-eyed woman. It amused Huntley to instruct Chaucer to buy the painting, for an anonymous client of course, as an investment in the resurgence of a once great talent. But the moment Huntley saw the piece he knew he could not bear to part with it.

So here he stood, like a priest before an altar. Goosebumps raised on his arms as he gazed at the pale-skinned beauty with softly parted lips and enormous brown eyes, warm and alluring, staring out of the canvas as if taken by surprise. The swirling background of chocolate browns served to heighten the woman’s natural beauty. The piece was unfinished and yet utter perfection. Only an artist of great foresight would stop when he had, capturing the moment when a great artist discovers his muse. Huntley’s instincts had been correct. The model was Eulogy Foster, and the painting as divine as the woman it depicted.

So in line with our theme of historical trivia and with a tenuous link to artists, I thought to recall the story of the famous painter Whistler. American born artist, James Abbott Whistler (1834 - 1903) famed for paintings such as ‘Arrangement in Grey and Black, the Artist’s Mother’ (and yes, that picture in the first Mr. Bean movie!) was an animal lover. Whistler owned a tortoiseshell cat, but his favourite pet was his French poodle. One day the poodle was taken ill and in a panic Mr. Whistler sought the help, not of a veterinarian, but an eminent ENT surgeon.

Arriving at Whistler’s address, the distinguished doctor was horrified to find the patient was not human, but canine. Begrudgingly he examined the animal and prescribed a course of treatment.

But the next day the doctor sent Whistler an urgent summons. Thinking it was news concerning his favourite dog’s condition the artist dropped everything and hurried over. The doctor greeted Whistler warmly with the words: “Ah good morning Mr. Whistler, so good of you to call so promptly. I needed to see you urgently about repainting my front door.”

Don’t you just love the understatement?
Grace x

Eulogy’s Secret - a story of greed, prejudice and a stolen identity.

In the four weeks since her guardians’ death, Eulogy Foster has lost everything. Penniless and alone she seeks the help of her estranged brother, Lord Lucien Devlin. But Devlin throws Eulogy onto the streets and the mercy of a passing stranger, Jack Huntley. As Eulogy seeks the truth behind her birth, she is drawn into the world of art and artists, where her morals are challenged and all is deception.

Jack Huntley: bitter, cynical and betrayed in love. He believes women are devious, scheming, untrustworthy creatures - and when he rescues a naïve Miss from being raped, his life is about to change forever. As his attraction to Eulogy grows, caught in a deadlock with both denying their true feelings, events take a sinister turn as someone seeks to silence Eulogy….forever.

That's sounds very intriguing and exciting, doesn't it? Don't forget to get your copy for $2.99 at Amazon or Smashwords!

NaNoWriMo - third week, changes and reflections

2011-11-24T07:43:00.005+02:00

Another week, another beginning... of my novel. It's the third week into NaNoWriMo and I'm barely writing these days, mainly because the story I started writing is not the same story I've got at the moment and while I had spent years thinking about the former story I know precious little about the latter one. I'm thinking a lot about it now and today it starts all over again! I've decided to change the beginning. Again! How am I supposed to write a novel when I keep changing my mind as to how, when and where it starts and who are the other characters? At least, I'm pretty sure about my MC at the moment. Cross your fingers!

In the meantime, my latest book "Lord Darlington's Fancy" is finally out and you all have a chance to win a copy HERE. All you have to do is leave a comment and your e-mail. Easy, isn't it? Please, stop by! :-))

GIVEAWAY TIME: win an e-copy of my M/M Regency novella

2011-11-22T05:54:00.004+02:00

"Lord Darlington's Fancy" is finally here. It's controversial book in many ways and it was both easy and difficult to write. Here's the cover, the blurb and the short excerpt.

If you wish to win an e-copy of the novella, please stop by Keith Publications Blog and leave your comment and e-mail.

Colin Fairchild is appalled when his mother informs him that their wealthy neighbour Lady Darlington invited them to spend summer at Ramsgate with her ladyship and her ladyship’s son. Fairchild believes that Lady Darlington's friendship with his mother brought about the latter's ruin, but worse than that, Lord Darlington has taken a fancy to him and is quite determined to pursue him.

For Fairchild the very thought of being courted by a man is odious and unnatural and he is just as determined to reject the amorous advances of his lordship. However, when an imprudent action on his part puts his life and that of Lord Darlington at great risk and together they overcome the gravest of perils, Fairchild discovers that extraordinary circumstances can lead to unexpected results. But how serious are Lord Darlington's intentions? And how far will he go to get what he wants?

Chapter One (Excerpt)

Lady Darlington loved her son like she had never loved her husband. However, as that gentleman ceased to exist shortly into their marriage, the lack of warmth on his wife’s part was, quite naturally, attributed to her youth and inexperience. Having married Lord Darlington on account of his wealth and advanced age, Lady Darlington was but fifteen at the time and quite unaware, it appeared, that love was a part of the deal. She never remarried upon her husband’s death, despite many an offer, and, having acquired a solid and extensive knowledge of what love was upon giving birth to a handsome baby boy, was henceforth qualified to lavish her only son with its abundance.

Lady Darlington indulged his every whim and folly and was quite sanguine upon learning he preferred to pursue the intimate company of his own sex. In fact, she gave him free reign to exercise his preferences upon unsuspecting males of the neighborhood. To an extent, she even encouraged him to do so, arranging dinners, parties and all manner of outings, upon the understanding that he would be discreet.

But in the ardor of passion, Lord Darlington was not known for his circumspection and, while he remained constant in his preference of young men, he was by no means known for the constancy of his feelings to anyone in particular. But, considering a wide selection of attractive objects at his disposal, it is no wonder that his lordship’s fancy wandered from one object to another, in order to keep up with his straying eye.

It came as no surprise that, upon Lord Darlington’s return from the continent, a handsome young man by the name of Colin Fairchild, seventeen of age, who resided nearby, engaged the other man’s interests. The youth was appalled and scandalized at being thus distinguished by the most affluent person of their small parish, not to mention, a man! However, such unpromising view on the matter had little effect on Lord Darlington himself, who intended to court the lad despite his professed aversion to the whole thing.

a new blog post and a new book announcement

2011-11-18T12:15:00.004+02:00

I'm blogging about a bit of something English in Ukraine (where I live) and it's that time of the month again when I blog about the sport of fowling (shooting) in Regency England at English Historical Fiction Authors. So please stop by and check them out! Don't forget that it's a great place to read something interesting every day and win books in various giveaways every week!

AND FINALLY! My M/M Regency novella "Lord Darlington's Fancy" will be released on November 20 and I'll be doing a GIVEAWAY! So look out for the link!

NaNoWriMo - second week and ... impressions...

2011-11-15T08:32:00.004+02:00

Well, my second week wasn't as successful as my first. Not that I expected anything else. I'm exhausted both physically and mentally and I feel that I need some time off writing. It didn't help matters that half-way through the second week I found myself on the edge of a massive gaping hole in the plot that I knew not how to cover or cross. There seemed to be nothing to build the bridge from and for a few days I was in a very bad writing shape.

However, I kept on writing, squeezing out the requisite number of words, happy that I was still going but not sure where exactly I was going any more. Then, after two days of intense thinking about the problem at hand, everything became clear. It also became apparent that the story I was working on changed dramatically. In fact it was no longer the story I started writing, but it was the story I definitely wanted to finish writing.

Suddenly I learned the meaning behind three letters that haven't given me any rest ever since they entered my head about two years ago. I know what they stand for now (Hooray!) and I think I know where I want the story to go, however, I'm not so sure that I will handle another two weeks of writing under duress what with my day job , blog posts, books to read and life to live. I'm extremely tired and I don't know whether to go on or to take a break...

NaNoWriMo - first week and first impressions :-))

2011-11-07T10:03:00.006+02:00

I didn't plan on doing NaNo this year (I tried only once before and only ever wrote about 5000 words, though whether it was due to laziness or lack of time I don't remember), but on the 1st of November something took hold of me and told me that it would be a great opportunity to get my on and off going fantasy novel out. I thought that I had more than enough to go by. After all, I had been playing with different ideas and backstory for ages. Except that when I actually started writing I suddenly realized that ideas and backstory are not quite solid enough to support an actual story. It started falling apart in front of my eyes and I was devastated, because I've spent years thinking and dreaming about it.

However, despite the fact that it was a rather heavy blow, I didn't feel like giving up. I thought that I could as well give it my best shot. What do I have to lose? The first three days of intense writing were very difficult. I don't think I've ever written so much in so few days. But, gradually, the discipline settled in and I found myself making not only the required 1666 words a day but over 2000 without much effort but with never-ending zeal. I'm just writing, generating all possible and impossible ideas and having fun with them.

Of course, it's not exactly a novel at this point and it'll take a lot of work before I can call it one, but it 's the solid foundation that can, in due course, support a fully-fledged novel. It's full of talks, arguments and discussions that give me a lot of new material and a lot to think about. My MC has gone through half a dozen name changes already. Her companions have likewise changed. Some even disappeared. As for the place the story is taking place, it gives me the most trouble, because I can't find a suitable name to call it. I might have hit upon it at last today, but I might change my mind by the time the day is over. All in all, having overcome my original shock and misery, I'm quite happy with my progress so far and I hope that I'll be able to complete my first ever NaNoWriMo with 50,000 words or maybe even more :-))

Are you doing NaNo this year? What are your first impressions of the first week? Become my Writing Buddy! I'm farida mestek.

the change of writing plans due to NaNoWriMo

2011-11-03T10:59:00.007+02:00

Due to the fact that I decided (quite suddenly) to take part in NaNoWriMo this year in order to write (or at least attempt to) my fantasy novel, loosely based on "Almendra: A Fairy-Tale", I'm putting on hold all my Regency projects such as "The Unfortunate Story of Miss Storm" that I've been posting on-line and my current and greatly favoured epistolary WIP that you can learn all about by becoming my Beta Reader. Anyone?

indulging my inner witch and pumpkin :-))

2011-10-31T10:41:00.003+02:00

I'd like you all to meet Ethel Northbrook - a character without a story and (occasionally) my alter ego (if you visit this BLOG you'll know what I mean). Anyway, today my paper self is indulging in a bit of witch-and-pumpkin impersonation fun.

regency novella in letters: Letter Five

2011-10-20T11:18:00.004+03:00

London

My dearest Louisa,

I have been in the most dreadful and pathetic state these two centuries at least. So wretchedly ill and fatigued you have no idea. My hands are so weak and lifeless I can barely proceed with what I have set out to do this morning, however, I am determined, even if it wrenches the last of my strength out of my body and I shall spend the rest of the day lying on the sofa too enfeebled by exertion to move. I am sure I do not remember the last time I could sit upright or take up a pen to write to you and, while I have been thus unwell, all I could dwell upon was how ill you would think of me if I did not send you a reply. I was in agony over it, I can assure you, dreading that you might get it into your head that I have taken offence with your words and decided to spurn your advice and sympathy.

No, indeed! Nothing can be farther from the truth, I assure you. I was greatly diverted by your accounts of Mrs. Berry and Aunt Grey and, though I was awfully vexed at your thinking so very ill of the Captain at first, I could not remain angry with you for long, aware as I am that you only want what is best for me. To tell you the truth, I begin to think quite ill of him myself and I must confess that I have grown somewhat concerned about his intentions. I am sure that he is in love with me as much as ever, however, I have been stationed in this dreadful place for two months now without any idea when I should become his wife. Indeed, at times I begin to think that you have been in the right all along and that my dear Captain is not going to marry me after all.

No! No! I must not think so! Oh, I know I must not! I am being silly and I know precisely the reason why I have such monstrous thoughts polluting my mind. I have been too long without any amusements to occupy my time and thus I have grown stupid and forlorn. I am not used to spending all my days inside with no company and entertainment and I am sure that London – or at the very least that wretched part of it where we took up lodgings – does not at all agree with my spirits and constitution. I detest its putrid air that suffocates me whenever I look out of the window. I am convinced that it is no place for a simple country girl like me and I am certain that this is what has been causing my melancholy, loss of appetite, sickness and faintness. I have been growing rather ill and I have quite alarmed poor faithful Molls by a number of fainting fits that I have had this past fortnight.

She is afraid that I should pop off at any moment and she keeps saying that I should send for the doctor. However, when I brought this matter up before the Captain, he was adamant that I should not. He is talking about taking me to the country, where he is certain I shall regain my health and spirits in no time. He says that he has an estate somewhere in the North. I do wish he would spend more time with me, however, he is almost never around during the day and, when I am left alone in such a wretched state, I am plagued by a great deal of awful thoughts and suspicions. I begin to think that he does not love me and I wonder whether he ever loved me at all. Why did he ask me to elope with him and brought me to London, yet did not marry me as he had promised he would? What am I to do if he does not? What is happening to me? Why does he not let me see a doctor? I have been quite hysterical, crying my eyes out. Why! The paper is all damp and blotched now and I am sure you shall not understand a word of it.

Dear God! What have I done? Oh, Louisa! I think I am losing my mind! I wish you and my dear mama were here by my side! I do not think that I can stand it any more! I dare say I should go to the shops tomorrow or, perhaps, to the park or an exhibition and then, in the evening, to the theatre or the Opera. I shall speak with Captain as soon as he is back and if he truly loves me he shall not refuse me such a trifle. I do not know what else to tell you. In any case, I cannot proceed to write another line, because my head has grown heavy and I feel sick again. I shall not give orders to post the letter just yet, in case I have something by way of news for you, though, upon my word, I cannot imagine how it can be. I shall have my rest now.

Dear readers, do you have any feedback for me?

What is your opinion of Emily Storm? A silly thing, is she not?

Blogging: The Question Of What To Put On When You Go Shooting

2011-10-17T11:10:00.010+03:00

I'm blogging about what to put or not to put on when you go shooting at English Historical Fiction Authors blog today. In fact, I'm happy to be a part of this wonderful blog, because I learn there something new everyday. I just hope that my post is of some worth among all the other excellent, interesting and informative posts there. Plus, there's a BOOK GIVEAWAY every week! So be sure to check it all out regularly!

Happy Birthday To Me :-))

2011-10-16T09:45:00.004+03:00

"It sometimes happens that a woman is handsomer at twenty-nine than she was ten years before; and, generally speaking, if there has been neither ill-health nor anxiety, it is a time of life at which scarcely any charm is lost."

Jane Austen, Persuasion, Chapter I

I find this notion very fine and comforting and, though it cannot be attributed to me in its entirety - or, when I come to think of it, at all - I am in the mood for some self-indulgence today :-))

who wrote it? a quote about Jane Austen :-))

2011-10-15T08:15:00.001+03:00

"Well, wudga marry him for, then?" Mary Jane said.
"Oh, God! I don't know. He told me he loved Jane Austen. He told me her books meant a great deal to him. That's exactly what he said. I found out after we were married that he hadn't even read one of her books."

the change of posting schedule and a new page

2011-10-13T10:06:00.008+03:00

Due to the change in my day work schedule, I shall be henceforth posting "The Unfortunate Story of Miss Emily Storm" on Thursdays every fortnight.

Also, I have not heard the publication day for "Lord Darlington's Fancy" yet, but I thought I could give you a preview: an excerpt from Chapter One.

an exciting purchase: Miss Austen Regrets DVD

2011-10-06T08:22:00.006+03:00

Someone at my local music shop has been reading my mind. Otherwise how did they know that they should be stocking on BBC mini-dramas that I love so much? More than that, how did they know that I wanted to buy "Miss Austen Regrets"? I was quite sure that this particular film would never hit the shelves here in Odessa and it was only last Friday that I told mom that I should probably order it through the book shop. And then yesterday I went to my favourite music shop to buy another set of Hercule Poirot episodes (my weekly purchase) and, having made sure that "North and South" was still up there on the top shelf along with "Persuasion", "Emma" and "Sense and Sensibility" (among other DVDs of interest), I suddenly realized that I was staring at the DVD that I so desperately wanted to have and spoke of only last week! I'm quite sure that someone at this music shop is specifically catering to my taste. Well, let's hope that they have "Cranford" next!

regency novella in letters: Letter Four + promos

2011-10-05T20:50:00.005+03:00

Letter Four of "The Unfortunate Story of Miss Emily Storm" is finally here. Your feedback is much appreciated! Don't forget that you have a chance (until October 8) to win a copy of "Margaret's Rematch" at My Jane Austen Book Club - just leave your comment and your e-mail! I'm talking about Jane Austen and the challenge of writing Austenesque novels there. By the way, I'm also talking about Fanny Burney at Lesley-Anne McLeod's blog.

And now... Letter Four!

Thorrington

Oh Emily!

I must confess that your letters bring me nothing but pain and headaches these days. I am sure I do not know what is to become of you now. But all is lost. Quite lost! Mother and father know that you have eloped and they declare that you are ruined forever. Indeed, I imagine that the whole of Thorrington knows that by now and it is insupportable to walk along the High Street or enter any of the shops, because everyone is either staring you out of the countenance or pointing at you and whispering behind your back. Mrs. Berry was here again. She said that she was determined to set the record straight and prove that neither she nor her daughter had been ever mistaken as to the identity of one of the Storm girls, gadding about London all on her own. That's what she said, Emily, I swear to you! I believe I have never met anyone so meddlesome in all my life.

She was announced while we were still at breakfast – all but father who was away – with a letter in her hand and a look of triumph upon her red with excitement face. She appeared quite out of order and by the manner in which she was clutching her throat and patting her hair I assumed that she had been running all the way to our house. It was apparent that she had something of great import to communicate, but she was so much out of breath that she could only gasp and there was no getting at what it was that she wanted to say. Mother was greatly confused and asked her to join us and take some refreshment, which Mrs. Berry did with indecent alacrity. One would think that she is starving. But then everybody knows how awfully mean she is and I expect she does not have such fine breakfasts as we do.

Once she had regained her faculties, she addressed mother with a glaring look and, waving the letter in her face, informed her that she had written to her daughter and had this moment received her reply in which she confirmed that it was indeed you that she had seen in London. Moreover, she had a testimony of her daughter's maid Becky who had recognized your maid Molly and mother went very pale and nearly fainted, because she could no longer disregard the report that had been witnessed and confirmed by so many people and with so much authority. She was not equal to bear Mrs Berry's company any longer and departed the breakfast-parlour in great dudgeon. Thankfully Mrs. Berry took the hint and went away almost at once though not before she had delivered a long and extremely dull harangue to Julia and myself.

When she left, and you can depend upon it that she went to spread the news all over the place, I hurried off to mother's dressing-room and found her at her desk, scribbling away in great agitation. She could barely compose herself though and her hand was shaking so badly that I asked the maid to bring her a glass of wine to calm down her nerves. In the end I took it upon myself to write to Aunt Grey after mother's hysterical and halting dictation and urged by her in the most beseeching terms took it to the post myself. Julia stayed with her while I was away. I confess I welcomed the errand with all my heart for it provided me with an opportunity to leave the house and forgo the necessity to pretend that I was shocked and appalled at the news. If only you had seen our mother, Emily, I am sure you would have dearly repented causing her so much anxiety over your whereabouts and distress at having brought up such an ungrateful daughter. Yet I do not know that there is anything you can ever do to make amends for your thoughtless and perilous actions! Her heart is quite broken.

In the evening father came home and, sitting next to mother on the sofa, where she had been reclining half-faint after dinner, told her that he had heard some very strange rumours concerning your whereabouts. I know for a fact that mother wished to conceal the affair from father until she had any definite knowledge of it herself but realizing that all concealment was now impossible she broke down in tears and related to him what she had learned from Mrs. Berry. Father was naturally much struck by her communication and wished to proceed to Aunt Grey's immediately and demand an explanation. Dreading that he should leave her while the household was in the state of great calamity, mother did faint, which expedient effectively stopped father from quitting the room. While the maid was restoring mother to her senses, I told father that the letter of inquiry had already been posted and pleaded with him not to leave us now that mother was unwell.

The next few days dragged by in a very slow and sombre manner and if it had not been raining without cessation I should have been greatly vexed at being shut up at home. But father got it into his head that Julia and I should elope next and made us stay in the same room with either him or mother for company. I did not dare take up my pen and write to you, afraid as I was that they should discover our correspondence and at the very first occasion that I had of sneaking into my room, in order to change before dinner, I took your letter and burnt it, for I had overheard to my extreme horror and indignation, as I was departing the drawing-room, that they meant to search our bed-chambers and all our personal things that might conceal secret notes and gifts.

Can you imagine that instead of a letter from Aunt Grey, that we had been expecting, she arrived herself? She was as badly out of breath as Mrs. Berry and nearly faint with exhaustion, informing us with much gurgling and gulping, that she had been on the road without a stop, anxious as she was to be of assistance to mother and father at such a trying time as was now upon them. She confessed to be much mortified by such a scandal to have taken place at her school and, having assured mother and father that she would have kept a closer eye on you had she noticed anything at all suspicious in your conduct, presented them with the parting note that you had left. They keep reading it over and over again, in vain looking for clues as to the identity of the mystery man you eloped with.

I hope for your sake that your Captain has kept his word and married you by now, because if he has not, I do not know what is to become of you now that everyone is aware of your elopement. But the fact that he does not wish you to meet any of his friends and does not take you out is very suspicious and I should not be much surprised to learn that he has something dreadful to conceal. I do not know what else to tell you. I am in great confusion and trepidation: I wonder whether I should disclose to mother and father what I know, but how can I when I gave you my word that I would not? In any case, I do not think that I have the courage to do it, for I can quite imagine their reaction and with you away, I will be the one to be scolded and locked up. I am not yet certain how and when I shall have an opportunity to send this letter so it might take a while to reach you and I pray that when I next time receive your letter you shall sign it as Mrs. Twycross.

North and South last week, Cranford today

2011-10-02T17:10:00.004+03:00

For the first time ever I had an opportunity to watch both these mini-series on TV. The best thing about TV here is that you get to see the whole thing at once with short commercial breaks during which you can attend to certain small affairs. Last week it was "North and South" and I liked it very much. I've seen the DVD in a music shop the other week (funnily enough it had caught my eye just before I learned that it would be on) and I mean to purchase it as soon as I have such an opportunity. Of course, I want to read the book too, but there are so many books that I want to read that I wonder if I should lock myself up for ten years at least in order to accomplish it all, because my reading list is quite extensive and woefully disorganized. And today I watched "Cranford" and I absolutely loved it! I know that I have to read this book whatever it takes; no other books that I want to read and write (!!!) must stand in my way. I laughed and cried so much during the last five hours that I now have a severe headache, but it was so wonderful, funny and sad!

my guest blog about Jane Austen is up! + GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-10-01T18:19:00.003+03:00

I'm blogging about my love of Jane Austen and her novels at My Jane Austen Book Club today. Stop by and leave your comments for the chance to win "Margaret's Rematch" e-book!

my guest blog about Fanny Burney is up!

2011-09-30T18:05:00.001+03:00

Come and check my guest blog at Lesley-Anne McLeod's blog!

a delay in posting and an upcoming guest blog

2011-09-28T23:38:00.007+03:00

Wednesday has come and gone and I have failed to produce Letter Four of "The Unfortunate Story of Miss Emily Storm". Alas! I'll try to do so in the next few days, if anyone cares to know. By the way, I'll be guest blogging at Lesley Anne McLeod's blog this Friday, September 30. I'll be talking about Fanny Burney, her books and diaries and the enemy that we share. I hope you'll stop by!

regency novella in letters: Letter Three

2011-09-21T20:54:00.005+03:00

London

My dearest Louisa,

You know how much I love you but I must tell you quite honestly that you are the most ridiculous creature that I have ever met with in all my life. How droll you are! I am sure I was excessively diverted by your letter so much so that I desired to read it to the Captain and he was likewise much amused. He called you his favourite sister and asked me to pass you his best compliments and well wishes. However, dearest, your notions are quite appalling. How can you ask me to leave my dear Captain and return to that odious place my aunt calls school? Impossible! Captain Twycross and I are not married yet, to be sure, but it is only a matter of time. I am certain that the wait is almost over and I am not a bit afraid that mama and papa should find out about my elopement for I will be a married woman when they do. I do not care whether they should know now or later, however, I do believe that I should be the one to do the honour of introducing them to my excellent husband.

As for Aunt Grey, I naturally left her with a note, I propped it against the ink-stand on the small table in my room, where I explained that I was taking my leave of her for good as it is my intention to marry the man I love and that he does not care a fig how well I can read Greek or speak Latin and as for arithmetic I shall have so much money I won't have to count it at all. I thought that was good enough to assure her that I knew exactly what I was doing. I left it up to her to decide whether to tell mama or not, but, I expect, you are correct in your conjectures that she chose not to inform her, because she does not wish to expose herself to ridicule by acknowledging that the security at her school is quite non-existent. I am sure it was monstrously easy to dupe everyone into thinking that I was going to my room and then hurry softly down the stairs and slip through the front doors. My maid had left through the back door before that to make sure that the front gates were unlocked while my servant smuggled out my things. As for Captain Twycross, he was waiting for me in the coach around the corner.

At any rate, it does not signify now. I am sure that she or whoever she has sent to look for me shall never find me in London. How can they when I did not mention Captain's name and have not been using mine? I am currently living under an assumed name you have scolded me so dreadfully for picking and I mean to take your advice and change it as soon as ever I come up with something suitable. But you know how monstrously poor my memory is. I am sure I could not think of any other book or any other character but that of Miss Larolles, because I remember how much everyone teased me and called me by her name after I had agreed to read her lines to general approbation. It was no difficulty at all, I assure you, because I knew exactly what she was about. But the book itself! So monstrously dull and in as many as ten volumes! I do not know how anyone can stand reading something so odious and I constantly wonder at you and Julia for choosing to spend your time in such a tedious manner. Well, I imagine, Julia cannot help it for she is just as dull herself. But, as for you, Louisa – why – I am sure you can do better than that!

However, I believe you want to know all about my stay in London. Alas! I was looking forward to coming here with all my heart and it is quite broken into pieces, because as far as it goes I was met with much disappointment. London, I regret to inform you, is not what it is made out to be and, unless you have a large acquaintance to wait upon and to take you out, you cannot be seen anywhere without giving offence or being giving the snub. I am much vexed I assure you, because I was expecting some of our neighbours to be here by now, however, Captain tells me that it is a fox-hunting season and all the sportsmen are back in the country. I am sure I wish them at the devil with all my heart! As for Captain's acquaintances, of which he has many hereabout, he forebears taking me to meet them, because he believes I shall be appalled to find myself in their company. And now, if you please, you are telling me that Mrs. Berry's daughter had seen me! Why! I wish I had seen her too! Was it in Bond Street, do you think? I would be monstrously pleased to know the name of her mantua-maker – her gowns are always so very fine and stylish that I am sure hers must be French.

I was rolling on the floor with laughter when I imagined mama's fury upon discovering nothing of significance in my room! But, however, what a monstrous thing to do to someone who has secrets to keep! Well, I do not keep mine in my room, I am sure I am not such a simpleton. I carry them with me in my sewing-box and a good thing too, seeing as how I cannot trust anyone not to go through my things in my absence. I have it all here with me: notes and letters from Captain and all kinds of trinkets that he gave me and I am sure I should have died with ennui if I didn't have anything to divert myself with. Captain has ever so many affairs that I barely see him during the day and as I have no visitors to entertain and no calls to pay I have to stay on my own in this dreadful old house. I believe we stay in the most horrid part of the city there is. I wish we could have taken lodgings in Mayfair, you know, but Captain says that no one will think of looking for us here. I do not know what I would do if I did not have Molls with me – she is a funny girl, constantly prattling away, and awfully devoted to me.

But I do so wish you and mama were here with me at the moment for I cannot make up my mind what wedding clothes I want and what is the best place to order them at and when I told Captain of it he laughed and said that he could not possibly obtain the license before he should be certain that I have them ready. He told me that I should naturally purchase the best of everything, but I completely lost my head when I visited the shops, for there were so many of them and quite unlike anything we have at Thorrington: displaying goods of the finest quality in their windows and packed with fine ladies all dressed in the latest fashions. I felt like a country mouse I assure you: stupid and insignificant and dressed so poorly surrounded as I was by all that splendour! And then I could not make up my mind whether I wanted spotted or sprigged muslin and what colour and if I needed a new muff and what ribbons, gloves, hats, pelisse, stockings, shoes and whatnot! You must tell me if Mrs. Berry's daughter is still in London and where at for I mean to wait upon her if she is and entreat her to accompany me to Bond Street next time I have courage and presence of mind to venture there again.

funny mistakes one makes while writing

2011-09-20T11:30:00.003+03:00

What I meant to write: As full an account as I gave you in my last [letter]

What I actually wrote: As full an account as I gave you in my lust [which, while not without making sense, was completely out of context :D]

regency novella in letters: Letter Two

2011-09-14T12:22:00.002+03:00

Thorrington, 18-

Oh, Emily!

What have you done? What were you thinking when you eloped with the Captain? No, no! I do not know what I am saying! You did not think about mother and father and your sisters and how it would effect them; you did not even think about your own self and your reputation when your elopement should become a public knowledge! Oh, Emily! Wretched, wretched girl! I am in the state of utmost agitation, so much so that my hand is shaking terribly and, unless I compose myself, the words that I am putting down will be quite unintelligible, which will completely defeat my purpose, because I need you to read them clearly and carefully and heed them before all is lost. I am sending this letter by express in hopes that it reaches you before you can do any more damage.

Before I proceed with my admonitions and words of caution, I would like to tell you quite plainly that I find your conduct unfair in regards to your most beloved sister: you might not be the smartest of the lot, I grant you that, but I always believed that the prerogative to do mischief and commit indiscretions rested with the youngest sister. However, you have robbed me of my rightful chance to act stupid and, by appointing me as your confidant, put me in the offices of the eldest and the wisest of sisters: to keep your secret safe and provide you with council when necessary. I do not blame you for not trusting Julia, because I know how difficult it is to get along with her unless you are a novel in nine volumes, but I cannot help resenting my current situation.

I hope you duly appreciate how tricky it will be for me to post this and all subsequent letters under mother's watchful eye without her detection. But I am so angry with you at the moment that I have half a mind to leave it at that and ask you to stop writing to me altogether, especially under the name of Miss Larolles*! It was extremely thoughtless of you to adopt that name when everyone still remembers how well you read her lines! Please, choose carefully next time. I believe Miss Leeson* would do much better for the purpose of concealing your true identity, for no one who has been in your company once would believe you capable of containing your silence for five minutes together, let alone the whole evening.

I assure you I could not keep my countenance for the world when I recognized your hand and I would fain give you away, but a new book arrived for Julia with the post and it turned out to be a wrong book and such a commotion ensued you will not believe if I tell you. By the time Julia, mother and father settled down, I had already acquainted myself with the letter a few times, composed myself sufficiently to appear undisturbed by the shocking news it contained, so that your elopement remained a secret. Nevertheless, it was a very foolhardy thing to do and I hope that you will think better of it and return to the school while you still have a chance.

Aunt Grey has not yet informed parents that you managed to escape from under her very nose. I expect she is afraid to give the news after she had boasted of strict regulations and tight security at the school. I do hope that you left the poor woman with assurances of your well-being if not your destination. I think that the fact that she keeps your disappearance a secret is an indication that she sent someone to find and retrieve you. I may be mistaken, however, I do not know how she is going to explain to mother your absence at the school if it comes to light. But, while it is not a wide-spread knowledge, I would advice you to return to the school and forget all about the Captain.

I hope you realize that your current situation is extremely dangerous. Have you stopped to think what will happen if Captain Twycross does not choose to marry you in the end? If I were you, I would not trust him for the world. What security do you have other than his word and the ring that he gave you? And what can that signify in his case, anyway? No man of honour would seduce a young girl into elopement unless he had something to conceal. You speak of his low connections but what else do you know of him and his family? Where did he come from? Who are his friends? What are his prospects? Oh, Emily! I entreat you to come back to Aunt Grey! Forget about the Captain! Save yourself from ruin. Think about your family. Remember that our reputation is at stake. And, above all, do not roam the streets of London! What if someone sees you? I daresay someone has already seen you!

I hope that what I am about to tell you next will convince you to do as I tell you. My piece of news is very grave and I must urge you to take it to heart, repent and make the right decision. We had a small party yesterday. Nothing out of the ordinary, just for friends of the family, you know. Fitzroy, Perry and Morrice were also in attendance. In fact, Fitzroy and Perry got it into their heads that in your absence they should pay Julia and me all possible attention. Thus Fitzroy stayed by my side, Perry tried to please Julia despite her constant snubs and Morrice, who could not decide who to pay court, was going back and forth between the two of us all evening long. Mrs. Berry was also present and when we gathered for tea in the drawing-room she told mother the wildest story imaginable. At least that was what I thought at the time, because she said that her daughter had seen you in London!

Mother was deeply shocked to hear such a thing and, shaking her head, said, “Impossible! She must be mistaken. You see, Emily is now at school near York. My sister – Mrs. Grey – keeps a boarding school there and Emily is one of her students. I'm afraid we had to send her there, because she was so much trouble at home that we could no longer control her actions. She is such a featherbrained, silly creature that we have quite despaired of her. I always dreaded that she should elope with someone unless she was kept busy. But she is not like her younger sisters. Julia is always busy with a book and Louisa constantly practices at the pianoforte, but Emily was only ever good at flirting with young men. However, Mrs. Grey assured me that at her school Emily would be so much occupied with studies and other duties that no silly schemes would ever enter her head.”

However, despite mother's conviction to the contrary, Mrs. Berry's words gave birth to certain suspicions that would not leave her for the rest of the evening. I carefully studied her countenance and perceived that she was deeply concerned. She continued to tell Mrs. Berry about her fears in regards to your future and, now that I come to think of it, I remember that the name of your captain was mentioned in passing as a likely candidate to turn your head. But then they both agreed that every other girl was in love with him and that he did not favour anyone in particular, but other than that and the fact of his good looks they could hardly tell anything else about him. Surely, this should put you on your guard, Emily! He is a complete stranger in the neighbourhood and I am quite sure that his acquaintance with Captain Henry is of slight and insignificant nature.

As soon as the guests left, mother conducted a thorough search in your room and your many drawers, in particular, were put to the most vigorous investigation. But, satisfied that she did not find anything to suggest a secret love affair or anything of the kind, mother went to her room and was her usual serene self at breakfast, certain that you remained safely in Aunt Grey's care. Well, I do not begin to imagine her reaction when she finds out that Mrs. Berry's daughter was not mistaken and it was indeed you whom she saw in London. I daresay she will not learn it from me for I would not like to give her the news and betray your trust but I fear that if she hears any more accounts of the kind she will write to Mrs. Grey with inquiries.

I hope I have not wasted all this time and paper in vain, Emily. I have got nothing more to say at this point except to insist that you return and I want to believe that when you receive my letter, you will be at Aunt Grey's or, at the very least, on your way there.

books! books! books! and more books!

2011-09-09T10:04:00.013+03:00

I love books. I love buying and reading them and I have a particular fondness for second-hand books, because they smell of history. However, I am rather limited in my choice of books here in Odessa, because there are only two bookshops that sell English-language books and that more or less cater to my literary taste for 18th and 19th century fiction. Not to mention that my current financial situation doesn't allow me to buy all the books that I want even within such a limited range. But this summer I was lucky to chance upon "Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman for a very easy price. And, as I cannot resist a biography, yesterday I bought "Byron" by Elizabeth Longford for a price I could afford. I also purchased "Vicar of Wakefield" by Oliver Goldsmith from Penguin Classics - second-hand and cheap, with introduction and notes. I've read it before and I was glad to acquire this book in paperback for it's a must read for many Regency characters! And I also ordered Claire Harman's "Fanny Burney: A biography" to be delivered in November.

This summer I also decided to try another venue for acquiring books - contests and giveaways. I didn't have much hopes, because I always considered myself as a girl who never wins, but I've discovered that I, in fact, can win books! Thus, I won "I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend" by Cora Harrison in hardback that I loved! I also won "Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman" by Maria Hamilton in paperback that I am reading and loving. "Rules of Conduct" (an e-book) by Maggie Andersen - another Regency that I am yet to read. "Writer's Guide to Harry Potter" by S.P. Sipal - my fellow Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling fan. And today I've received a note from Debra Brown telling me that I won her book "The Companion of Lady Holmeshire" - just in time for my foray into Victorian England! I daresay I had an excellent haul this year and I can't wait to read them all! I also want to thank bloggers and writers who host giveaways! It's a great way to meet new people, read interesting interviews, learn about new books and have a chance to win one.

And a peeve of mine! I was very happy when Sourcebooks announced discounts on all Georgette Heyer's books. I wanted to buy at least ten. However, to my disappointment, most of the books (e-books!!!) were not available for purchase from Ukraine! I don't really understand it - why not? they are e-books for crying out loud! As this was the only opportunity I had to buy so many of her books, I was utterly crushed by such an unlucky turn. In the end, the only three books that I managed to buy were "Frederica" and "Convenient Marriage" by Georgette Heyer and "Georgette Heyer's Regency World" by Jennifer Kloester. Well, it's better than nothing!

regency novella in letters: Letter One

2011-09-07T18:42:00.006+03:00

Welcome to the first installment of my on-line Regency story in progress. Originally it was titled "Ruined Reputation and Other Misfortunes". However, I think about giving it another name - The Unfortunate Story of Miss Emily Storm. I hope that someone will find this story of interest. Please leave your comments, impressions, suggestions - all feedback is welcome! Thank you :-))

London, 18-

My dearest Louisa,

How do you like my new address? I am sure you shall be monstrously shocked when you read it. And yet, if you are not alone when you receive the letter, I must beg you to exert yourself and conceal both your knowledge and your agitation, for it is all quite a big secret. In fact, I am not supposed to tell anyone for the present, but how can I keep it from you, my dearest sister? I am all of a dither, I assure you, because mama and papa will be so very angry when they learn that I left school and eloped with Captain Twycross!

However, we are soon to be married and then they shall have no business to be cross with me, because he is quite rich, and it will be announced in the papers, and Julia and you will be out at only sixteen and fifteen! That's what mama said: “Once Emily is off the shelf, the both of you shall be out at the same time.” Just imagine! You shall dine abroad, attend parties, dance at the assemblies and have as many beaus as you wish. Of course, you are neither of you half so handsome as I am, but that does not signify anything, I assure you. Though, I imagine, you cannot expect to catch the eye and attach someone as dashing as my dear Captain. But I quite envy you the novelty of being out for the first time. However, I shall very soon become a wife and a mistress of my own household and I am sure I find the novelty of my situation extremely frightful. I am half mad with excitement at the very notion!

But, upon my word, I cannot imagine why mama insisted that I should attend Mrs. Grey's School in the first place. I do not think that just because Aunt Grey is her sister, she should have promised her that one of her girls would be a student there. It is a monstrously dull place and I am awfully happy that I am not setting foot there ever again. You have no idea how horrid it was! Aunt Grey was perfectly horrible, I assure you. She taught us Latin and Greek, made us read history, learn geography and do arithmetic! And that's only half of it. Well, I can do my stitches as well as the next person, but as to all of that other stuff, I am as stupid as a duck. I am sure I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing most of the time. At any rate, I always believed that out of the three of us, I was the handsomest, Julia the smartest, or else I do not know what she means by constantly keeping her nose in a book, and you, my dearest Louisa, the sweetest creature on earth! And I do not think that just because I am the eldest, I should be the cleverest. I declare I'm quite sick of the very notion.

Anyway, you must be monstrously curious to know how it all came about with the Captain, when I dropped not a hint to you! I am sure I have been talking about him these twenty ages at least, but so has every other girl who had ever set her eyes upon him, so I was not so obvious in my particular regard, because everybody was quite in love with him, you know. Excepting our old suitors for they naturally detested him and wished him at the devil. I am sure no one looked at them twice with him around. He is tall and handsome, broad-shouldered and dark-haired, with grey eyes and charming smile. His manner is gallant and his step is graceful and he wears a uniform and I am sure that there is no one who knows quite so many compliments as he does! His talk is so fine!

I met him at the very first assembly this summer. He came with Captain Henry and there was not a head that he did not turn his way. But I instantly perceived that he had singled me out among all the rest and that he desperately wished to dance with me. I was not surprised for anything. I was wearing my new pink muslin and you know how monstrously pretty I look in pink. But I was exceedingly vexed that I had already promised Fitzroy and Perry to dance with them and then, if you can believe it, Morrice would not quit my side unless I danced with him too! However, at last, after much nonsense and aggravation, I was going down the set with Captain and he was paying me the most ridiculous compliments ever. I am sure he was very much in love with me before the end of the evening.

I cannot remember now if I told you any of that, but, perhaps, I did not, because I was out so much and I had no time for writing and you were staying with Aunt Dockree. But Captain and I had to be very careful, you know, and there were times when we did not dance a single dance together in order to avoid detection. He was monstrously in love with me, but I confess I was extremely jealous when he would pay court to other women. However, I knew that he was doing it for my sake, because he did not want people to talk. He told me during our next encounter that I had quite bewitched him, but that he feared that my parents would forbid him from seeing me if his intentions towards me became obvious, because of his low connections, you know, but that he only ever imagined his life with me and so as not to be separated we had to conceal our affair.

When I told him that I was going back to school – I assure you I could not bear the very notion – he was devastated. It was such a blow to the both of us, but Captain was particularly effected and, as we were about to part for the night, he asked me with much feeling if we could correspond. I was monstrously happy that he had the idea, because I did not think I could stand it if I did not hear from him till the holidays. We got secretly engaged on the eve of my departure and I can assure you that it killed me not to share the news with you. I was dying to show you the ring that he had given me, but he had told me to have patience and I did not want to upset him.

My maid helped me manage our correspondence and keep it a secret from Mrs. Grey – you have no idea how meddlesome she can be! I was so sick of this place, I am sure I should have died of misery if I had not promised the Captain to write regularly. But last week he declared, with many pretty words and expressions, that he could no longer sustain the agony of separation and suggested that we should elope. He means to acquire a license and then I shall be Mrs. Twycross! I am monstrously excited and I mean to do all my shopping tomorrow. I do not know if I shall have another occasion to write to you before the event, however, I cannot wait to meet you at our parents' house as a married woman! But, hush! Do not tell anyone just yet!

announcement: a new Regency project on-line

2011-09-03T10:56:00.007+03:00

A few weeks ago I started working on yet another Regency in letters. I decided to post it on-line every Wednesday under a pen name. With that purpose in mind I created a separate blog, Twitter and e-mail accounts. However, this double kind of life is taking too much of my time and is definitely not my cup of tea. That's why I'm thinking about posting the story under my real name on my blog starting next week. I hope that you'll be stopping by to read and (hopefully) enjoy the story. And I also must absolutely urge you to leave your comments with impressions and suggestions for further improvement. Thank you!

Lord Darlington's Fancy: book cover and update

2011-08-29T12:24:00.009+03:00

That's right. This is the cover and the title of my long-suffering, non-traditional Regency-set novella that I had so much trouble with. It is another experiment of mine in the M/M genre, written shortly after "A Secret Arrangement", but being in the permanent state of rewrites, revision and editing for extremely long time. It is off to proofreaders now and I hope that it'll be out soon.

At the same time, I await the moment of its publication with certain amount of dread, because I'm sure that m/m romance lovers (should they read it) won't like the subject matter of this novella and I mean to go into hiding in case of any serious backlash. However, I'm not too worried, because my books are not universally read, so I might very well be spared.

But I want to explain myself. In each M/M story set in Regency era I'm trying to look at the relationship between two (or more) male characters from different angles and points of view. My first novella "A Secret Arrangement" was all about mutual attraction and romance, though I remember that some readers had certain issues with the romantic element there. In this respect "Lord Darlington's Fancy" is completely different. The main difference is that it's not a romance. Rather it is a story of courtship, resistance, dissipation, indulgence, danger and moral bankruptcy.

I've been working on this story for such a long time that I came up with several endings. My editor chose the final version, but my personal favourite is the second; I thought that it was very fitting.

writing, editing, struggling against apathy

2011-08-19T11:42:00.005+03:00

I've been busy writing these couple of weeks and I couldn't have been happier. I've written quite a lot, but now I can feel the slow-down and the apathy settling in. I blame Pottermore and my lack of welcome e-mail!!! However, I'll try to stay on track and preserve my writing pace. I just need to read something emotionally inspirational, because my writing is an inevitable by-product of my reading: it effects the way I write and makes me feel like a cow.

I've written about 7000 words of my current Regency WIP (by the way, my offer to beta read it still stands if anyone is interested), I've finished the next round of edits of the book that I used to hate but now kind of like. This time around it wasn't horrible at all and I think a lot depends on who you are working with. I was surprised how easy and quickly it went. In fact, I couldn't stop editing and I loved it and I fully credit my new editor and an on-line friend for my success.

A new heroine has visited me. I was surprised to make her acquaintance, because she comes from Victorian England! I've never cared much for Victorian England before, but I have to look into it now. I've outlined her story and it surprised me too, because a famous detective is involved! But I won't be venturing into Victorian England just yet, because I still have a great number of Regency England projects to deal with.

Beta reader for my Regency WIP? Anyone?

2011-08-13T20:37:00.006+03:00

I'm working on another traditional Regency-set novel. I've already written 18,000 words, but I don't know how long it'll be, because it's the first time that I'm writing without an outline. It's a novel in letters from the hero's point of view and I'm writing in, what I consider, an old-fashioned manner. Would anyone like to beta read it as I go along? I'd love to get some feedback, advice or critique.

another round of dreaded revision...

2011-08-12T22:31:00.007+03:00

I have another round of dreaded revision that I have to brave. If anyone here remembers my bitter rant about the book I hate, well, it's that very book and it's another, I think, sixth round of revision. I can't stop wondering why I've written the stupid thing in the first place. I revised it three times, before submitting it to a publisher, and I've already had three editors sending me their edits, two of them removing themselves from the project after the first round was completed. Hopefully, my current editor will stay and see it through till the end. I've even got a cover: bright and artistic. I wanted to change the title, but it was too late, because the cover was already done and my previous editor didn't let the art department know about possible changes, even though I sent her a long list of titles I wished her to consider :-( Oh well, I guess, I just have to do my best and make this book worth my while...

In other writing news, I've been happily working on my current Regency WIP and it was going really well. However, I might have to put it aside for now, until I'm done with revision.

writing again :-)

2011-08-03T19:02:00.004+03:00

I have suffered another prolong case of writer's block but today I finally managed to start and finish the next part of my current Regency-set WIP. I can't say that I'm particularly proud with myself, but I'm reasonably pleased that I've finally managed to overcome whatever it was that was keeping me from writing. Now I just have to keep up the good work and reach the point when my hero and heroine meet at last :-) I can't wait to write them together!

Guest Interview with Elaine Lowe!

2011-07-23T22:52:00.005+03:00

Hello Elaine! Welcome! How long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Hi Farida, thanks for having me here! I’ve been dabbling in creative writing since high school but I would say that I’ve been a writer with actual finished manuscripts for about seven years. I’ve always been a storyteller since I was a child, but getting it down on the page is the tricky part.

Do you remember your first writing attempts?

A lot of clichés and purple prose. Now, I try to avoid both of those like the plague. I try to be interesting, unique, and yet still speak to the true romantic.

What genres have you been writing in? What other genres would you like to pursue?

I’ve written mostly historical romance, but I’ve also written science fiction romance, paranormal and contemporary romance. I would definitely like to explore more paranormal and fantasy romance, because I love all the amazing places that a story can go.

What is the main theme of your latest book? What was it inspired by?

I think the theme of Magic Eights is how you can still discover new things about your mate, even if you’ve been married a long time. Of course, it’s particularly fun if those discoveries involve a lot of hot, sweaty fun. I was inspired to find an innovative way for a woman to experience the fun of having multiple partners, but still stay true to her one true love. It was a very exhilarating challenge!

What goals do you set out to achieve when you start writing a new book?

I try to improve upon previous books, I try to fix the mistakes in my writing style that I’ve noted, I try to have less “infodump” and more dialogue. I also try to fight against clichés and really do something innovative and interesting with the story.

Are you a fast or a slow writer? How long does it take you to write a book?

I often work in fits and starts. I have a very busy life, and I write when I can. I might churn out ten thousand words in two days, and then go a few weeks with only a couple hundred and a lot of editing. It can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to write a book, and I usually have two or three manuscripts I’m working on at any one time.

Do you ever base physical appearance of your characters on people you know, portraits or actors? Any examples or images that you'd like to share?

I usually try to avoid that. Often my characters are combinations of several people, or maybe a stranger I walk by on the street. Although a hot actor as much as the next gal, or would like to BE Christina Hendricks, I don’t usually have visuals with me when I work. But I am very very happy when the art department makes them come to life. My favourite covers are for Scandalous Profession, Lady Six Sky, and Enchant the Dawn.

Introduce the main characters from your latest book. Who are they? Let them speak for themselves. What would they like to say?

I love William and Susanna. They’ve been married for eight years, and celebrating their anniversary. They are comfortable, happy, parents to a great kid (who is visiting grandma), yet Susanna is almost embarrassed by how much she craves William, all the time. She makes a wish on a Magic Eight ball that she received from a magical friend, and she’s gifted with seven copies of her William, all ready to show her how much she still needs to learn about her man.

A character interview with William.
A character interview with Susanna.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to say hi!

Thank you, Elaine, for the interview!

Magic Eights

A casual wish by a frustratingly horny wife results in a most unexpected bit of magic…

Susanna walks into her kitchen to see two copies of her husband of eight years, William. When they both seduce her, she’s helpless to resist. Who would want to? When another copy walks in and makes love to her, and another, she ceases to ask why, only, how much can she take?

Seven copies, one original, and all of them want to push her to the very brink. Can she handle them all? Sinful satisfaction is the best anniversary present, and eight is Susanna’s lucky number.

You can learn more about Elaine Lowe and her books at her website!

Guest Interview with Linda Banche!

2011-07-05T10:06:00.004+03:00

Hello Linda! Welcome to Regency Sketches. How long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I've been a writer for about five or six years, after I went on my infamous romance reading binge. I went to the library twice a week. I took out romance after romance. I stayed up late to read, and I got up early to read some more. At such a rate, I tore through the books at my local library, the ones from the inter-library loans, and then . . . I ran out.

Panic! What to do?
"Why not write your own?" a voice inside me said.
"What, me write? I'm not creative."
My inner voice shrugged. (How does an inner voice shrug?) "You could try. What do you have to lose?"

My inner voice was right, so I made the attempt. Almost at once, I discovered how hard writing is. But did I stop? No, I'm persistent. That's French for "too stupid to quit". As you can see from the above exchange, wanting to be a writer never occurred to me. I never thought I was creative, but once I tried, I found I could think up stories.

Do you remember your first writing attempts?

I have everything sitting in folders on my computer. My ideas tend to be a little out of the ordinary, so I'm not going to toss them out. I do have some trouble expressing them (*g*), but my expressing has become easier the more I practice.

What genres have you been writing in? What other genres would you like to pursue?

I write Regency. Although I read related genres, I don't think I'd write anything else. Regency speaks to me the way nothing else does. The modern world began then, so the era is not completely alien, yet it's far enough in the past for some fantasy. And I do like a little fantasy in my romances.

What are the main themes of your latest book? What was it inspired by?

My latest novella, Gifts Gone Astray, is a governess story with a twist--it's about the tutor. And he could lose his job if he accepts a certain invitation from a lady he's interested in. The inspiration was a heated discussion in one of the yahoo loops I belong to about how you MUST write sex if you want to sell. Gifts Gone Astray is an exercise in how to write sex without writing sex. Figure that one out!

What goals do you set out to achieve when you start writing a new book?

Have it make some sense. I'm a pantser, so besides a general idea, I have no idea what's going to come out. The amazing part is, everything fits in the end.

Are you a fast or a slow writer? How long does it take you to write a book?

I'm slow. Very slow. I'm writing novellas (around 30,000 words) now, and they can take me upwards of three months apiece. Even now that I'm unemployed, the writing still takes forever. Gifts Gone Astray (about 30,000 words) took a year because of the job and the promo. My latest novella (25,000 words), which I'm about to submit, took three months.

Do you ever base physical appearance of your characters on people you know, portraits or actors? Any examples or images that you'd like to share?

No, I make up the descriptions. I found one image I like after I wrote the story. I love this picture. I use it for Richard, the hero of Lady of the Stars, but it also works for Stephen of Gifts Gone Astray.

Introduce the main characters from your latest book. Who are they? Let them speak for themselves. What would they like to say?

Greetings, all. I am Mrs. Anne Copely. I am so happy to be here at our annual family party. Especially since I met Mr. Stephen Fairfax, the new tutor for Uncle James's son.

How handsome Mr. Fairfax is. And not only is he attractive, intelligent and kind, but we are both teachers and like books! Since everyone, including the servants, receives a gift at this fete, I gave Mr. Fairfax a present.

Gracious, was I too forward? I hope not, since I disguised my action by giving several other servants gifts, too. I liked that book very much, and my late husband and I enjoyed it together. Will Mr. Fairfax see my special meaning?

I do so hope he likes the gift.

Good day. I am Mr. Stephen Fairfax, tutor to Lord Langley's son. The house is in an uproar because his lordship's family party has begun, but I cannot complain. One of the guests is the lovely widow, Mrs. Anne Copely.

Ah, Mrs. Copely. She is the most beautiful, intelligent, kind, gracious, indeed, the most glorious lady I have ever encountered. And she regards me with some favor, too. She has given me a gift as part of her family's party, but do I detect more in her present? I certainly hope so.

Now all I have to do is open the package…

Thank you very much Linda for the wonderful interview and the great character introduction!

Gifts Gone Astray

A gift is a wonderful surprise. Or maybe not.

At the Earl of Langley's family gathering, everyone receives a gift, including the servants. Tutor Stephen Fairfax expects a small token, but the present from family member Mrs. Anne Copley, the widow who has caught his eye, is a dream come true.

Until he opens it. What a gift! How did that demure lady acquire such a book? And she wants to "study" the positions in it with him? If he accepts her offer, tempting as it is, he could lose his job.

Anne has no idea why Mr. Fairfax is in such a flutter. Her present is a simple book of illustrations. The subject interests them both, and she would like nothing better than to examine the book--and Mr. Fairfax--more closely.

Learn more about Linda Banche and her books at her WEBSITE or her BLOG.

And do be sure to leave Linda your comments here!

I have a huge book problem :((

2011-06-21T11:00:00.003+03:00

I have a problem. A huge book problem. I wrote a book that I HATE. And I'm not talking about I'm-sick-to-death-of-this-book-how-many-revisions-and-edits-are-there-still-left-to-do. No, I'm talking about hating something [that you wrote] as a reader.

The thing is that I never wanted to write this book in the first place. When I first had the idea, I thought it very unlikely that I would work on it, because I didn't like the story nor did I like the characters. But it forced itself upon me in the most mystic of ways and, instead of writing something I truly wanted to write, I was working on this book for five months.

It was completed last March, but my feelings didn't change. I still disliked it immensely. But what do you do when you finish the book? You most likely submit it to a publisher. Though every day now I read more and more stories about how traditionally or semi-traditionally or whatever published authors are seeking independence and self-publish. It seems like more of a possibility and certainty these days, but a year ago I wasn't ready. I don't think I'm ready even now. I'd still like to have an agent and a traditional publisher and unless I try it and see how it works I won't know which I prefer.

Anyway, back to the lamentably hateful book that I had the imprudence to write. It was accepted by a publisher without a hitch. I was surprised when three publishers at once wanted it and I had to choose which one to work with. Well, I've had my doubts and concerns ever since, but I made the choice. And then I thought that I should give the book another go. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all, if three publishers wanted it? So I took back the manuscript (Such a grand word for so low a thing!) and started revising it. Naturally, revision took more time than the actual writing. But no love blossomed during that time either. It was a pain to write about the characters you didn't care a bit. It's quite masochistic, now I come to think of it, like I'm in a sick relationship I can't get out of. I'm compelled to remain where I am. But why?

It turned out to be a very troublesome book. Ha-ha. I've already had two editors. My first editor took a leave of absence after the first round of edits was complete due to health issues. I just hope it wasn't the book's fault! And even after my triple revision, it still demanded a great deal of editing.

I got the latest edits last night and I realized how much I HATE the damn thing. I don't know what to do. I feel like I don't have the strength to go through another round of edits. I'm sure the book is ill. I don't know what to tell the publisher. Should I take it back and lock it up? Or tear it into pieces and burn? Or simply delete all its files forever from my computer?

It's unlikely that I'll ever be even remotely fond of it and I wonder whether I should publish something that I hate. Of course, it's more than probable that others will like what I don't, because it's often enough the case. And I don't know if I'm ready to give up on it even if I hate it. I'm not a quitter by nature and I don't want to be defeated by my own bloody book! I battled f***ing breast cancer and didn't give up! How can I give up now?!!

I just need to take time and get back to it, right? But I'm working on a new book now, the book I've been meaning to start ever since I completed “Margaret's Rematch” and the book I absolutely love! I don't want to give up that either. I just don't know what to do.

If anyone wishes to give me an honest opinion, critique or advice, I'll gladly sent over the copy of The Book I Hate. I came close to calling it The Book of Doom, but I wouldn't want to doom anyone, so HATE it is...

In the meantime, fellow writers, have you ever experienced anything like that?

an exciting purchase: Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman

2011-06-12T12:04:00.006+03:00

Yesterday I decided to visit my two favourite bookshops in the whole of Odessa - where they actually have a nice - if not huge - range of books written in English language. Of course, I only meant to have a look, because the book prices nowadays are beyond what I can afford. Suddenly, I saw "Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman, standing merrily on the shelf. I took it in my arms, because I wanted to read this book for a while now, and asked the shop-assistant to tell me the price - just to know how much I'll have to save in order to buy it some day. However, the price that he named was so ridiculously low - 27 hrivnas! - that I couldn't believe it and thought that he was joking. He very earnestly assured me that he was not joking and that they were having a 50% sale at the shop at the moment. However, my mother counted that even with the sale, it's hard to imagine that a book such as this would cost so little. Anyway, I instantly grabbed it, paid for it and spent the whole day yesterday admiring the cover and wondering at my luck :)) Now I can't wait to read it! And, if only my reading list was not so extensive, I should have started right away.

Guest Interview with Laura Landon!

2011-06-06T13:22:00.004+03:00

Hi Laura! It's great to have you at Regency Sketches! Tell me, please, how long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I penned my first story nearly 18 years ago, in 1993, mostly to see if I could actually complete a story. I can’t tell you how surprised I was when I reached “The End”. I was so thrilled that I started another book, then another. I’ve been writing ever since.

Do you remember your first writing attempts?

Oh, yes. My first attempt at writing has long been destroyed. It was so bad I couldn’t risk it ever seeing the light of day. It would have made great blackmail material. My second attempt, however, seemed better. The third, better yet. Whoever wrote the saying “Practice Makes Perfect”, knew what they were talking about.

What genres have you been writing in? What other genres would you like to pursue?

I write historical romance. My stories all take place in the Victorian Era, usually around 1850-1860. I find it a fascinating time in history, and in England. Early in my writing, I tried my hand at writing contemporary romance, as well as a medieval or two, but I always came back to Victorian England. This is where my muses tell me I belong.

What are the main themes of your latest book? What was it inspired by?

I just finished the second book in my Brotherhood Series: WHEN LOVE IS ENOUGH is #1, WHERE LOYALTY LIES is #2, WHEN VALOR DIES is #3. This series revolves around a family nearly torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. In each of the three books, the love between my hero and heroine is truly tested, and proves what every romance reader already knows - that a true and lasting love can overcome incredible odds.

What goals do you set out to achieve when you start writing a new book?

I have one goal when starting a new book – To write the very best story I can, with characters the reader will come to love. If I can write a story a reader doesn’t want to see end, and the reader remembers after they finish, I’ve accomplished my goal.

Are you a fast or a slow writer? How long does it take you to write a book?

I’m a fairly fast writer. I write long historical, and can usually write the rough draft of my books in 2-3 months. Then, however, the “real” work begins – editing! That takes me another 3-4 months – or more.

Do you ever base physical appearance of your characters on people you know, portraits or actors? Any examples or images that you'd like to share?

Never. The men and women in my books are always more handsome and beautiful than anyone I know in real life. My characters – especially my heroes – are larger-than-life, and handsome beyond belief! If they’re going to live inside my head for 6 to 8 months, they HAVE to be!

Introduce the main characters from your latest book. Who are they? Let them speak for themselves. What would they like to say?

Farida, please, welcome Captain Austin Landwell and Miss Sarah Bentley, the hero and heroine from my latest historical romance, WHERE LOYALTY LIES.

“How do you do, Farida. My name is Captain Austin Landwell. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m so glad to be back in England. I spent two grueling years as an officer in Her Majesty’s army during the Crimean War. Then, after the war I was sent on special assignment to France, where I was arrested and accused of being a spy. It was while I was in prison that my life changed. Two brave soldiers were about to die. I had the power to save one – but not the other. The choice I made haunts me every day, and I pray I will be given the chance to make the family I destroyed whole again. Please, follow my journey in WHERE LOYALTY LIES and meet the woman whose love gave me a purpose to live.

Good day, Farida. My name is Miss Sarah Bentley, and I’m so pleased to be here. I am nearing thirty years, far past the age when I can expect to find a man who will want me as his wife. But my future is not as dismal as it could be. I was a companion and maid for two remarkable people. When they died, I was left to care for their infant son. I love him as if he were my own and will do everything in my power to keep him safe. If only I can protect him from Captain Austin Landwell, who intends to hand him over to a man who wants the babe dead. Please join me as I discover a love that is more powerful than my misbegotten loyalties.

It was a great pleasure to meet you! Thank you for stopping by and thank you Laura for your wonderful interview!

WHERE LOYALTY LIES

Captain Austin Landwell lives with nightmares that torture him every day. So, when he’s given the chance to redeem himself and make the family he destroyed whole again, nothing will stand in his way except... his love for a woman who has the power to breathe life back into a heart he thought was dead.

Sarah Bentley is determined to honor the promise she made her dying mistress - to protect her babe from a man who wants the child dead. But when Captain Landwell discovers her hideaway, her loyalty now becomes strangely divided. She must make a tortured decision that not only puts the child in danger, but threatens to destroy her heart as well.

Austin and Sarah must both decide where their loyalty lies and how deeply it is entrenched. If too deep, neither of them will ever uncover the love that is buried beneath.

Neither will discover that place WHERE LOYALTY LIES.

Please visit Laura Landon at her wonderful WEBSITE and learn more about her and her books!

a regency journal and a fairy-tale promo

2011-06-05T11:35:00.004+03:00

I have finally updated my "Public Journal of a Regency Gentlewoman". So stop by if you care for this sort of thing. And, by the by, my good Sirs and Ladies, may I recommend to your kind attention "Almendra: A Fairy-Tale" - a short fantasy novella about Almendra's journey to the Land of Men on her quest for love? Do be sure to get your copy HERE! Or visit The Upper Kingdom for all sorts of goodies!

The Deuce Is In Him by George Colman

2011-05-31T08:43:00.005+03:00

I am reading "Evelina" at the moment and while I must confess myself somewhat disappointed by what I've read so far, despite the fact that I've heard it so much praised by Samuel Johnson, Mrs. Thrale, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sheridan and many other people of great wit and understanding, I find the plays mentioned there much more entertaining.

One of them is "The Deuce Is In Him" that I had the pleasure of reading today. It is very short and quite hilarious. In fact, it is not so much a play but a farce in two acts by George Colman. It was first acted in Drury Lane Theatre on Friday, November 4, 1763. The story runs like this: a young man decides to put the feelings of his betrothed to the test by playing a wicked trick on her and she, when she learns of his abominable jest, turns the tables on him. You can find the whole text of "The Deuce Is In Him" HERE, though it appears that it was slightly tampered with in the end.

Guest Blog with Rowan Speedwell - Historical Research in the Age of Google

2011-05-23T15:33:00.003+03:00

The Internet has made research a lot easier than in years past—and anyone who’s ever spent hours, nay, days, buried in the basement of some university library paging through dusty bound volumes of post-WWII editions of Paris Soir magazine knows how difficult research can be—oh, right, that was me. Never mind. Yes, children, gather ‘round, and hear old Auntie Rowan tell you stories of the bad old days of things like “Books in Print,” and “The Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature,” and “The Encyclopedia Britannica”—ancient monsters in dimly-lit labyrinths that had to be tamed in order to find out what one wanted to know. Nowadays you sit at your keyboard typing along, and when you need to look up something, you hit Alt-Tab to take you to your browser (already set to Google, of course) and type in the term. A couple of hits later (of course you check three, just to make sure the facts are right) and you go back to typing, sure in your newfound knowledge that Goethe indeed published Faust in 1808, in plenty of time for your character to be reading it in English translation in 1810.

Except that it wasn’t. It was published in 1808, true (at least the first, most famous part), but it didn’t make it into English until 1821. You forgot to check that part.

Grammarian Tangent: And it’s not just obscure stuff like that that’s the real problem. It can be as minor as looking up the correct contraction of the word “continued.” Look up “con’t” and you’ll find several sites affirming that it is, yes, the contraction of “continued.”

Except that it isn’t. An apostrophe in a contraction is always used to take the place of missing letters—and there aren’t any between the “n” and the “t” in “continued.” Look. See for yourself. No missing letters—ergo, no apostrophe. The correct contractions for “continued” is “cont.” or, if you prefer, “cont’d,” where there actually are missing letters and the apostrophe is very much at home.

So the Internet may have made research easier—but it’s also made mistakes easier. There is SO MUCH information out there, that it’s easy to get lost in the wrong stuff while looking for the right stuff.

Let’s face it. We’re writers, not researchers (Thank God. I hate research) and spending time on the facts makes less time for the fiction. But sure as you’re born (and I assume you are born, and not hatched) you’re going to put some statement in your book and it’s going to turn out to be wrong, and some reviewer is going to point it out. In the middle of their review. Where everyone and his uncle can read it. Making you cry.

Been there. Done that. Have the T-shirt.

So what can we do?

First, know your sources. Whenever possible, use what’s called a primary source: that is, someone who actually witnessed the event, or is the original manuscript that contains the information. Here is where Google actually is your friend: Google Books has a lot of really old texts in its database, and you can find things like “A Week at Waterloo,” which was written by a woman who actually was in Brussels at the time of the battle. Project Gutenberg also has a lot of old out-of-print texts, but their database isn’t searchable; you have to know what book you’re looking for.

If your historical is more recent (say, within the last 100 years), check the online versions of the newspapers in the region where your event took place. A lot of newspapers archive their old editions. Some of the older, more established papers go back even further.

And maps. Maps are wonderful sources of information, particularly the old ones. I relied heavily on some reproduction maps of the battle lines of Waterloo for Kindred Hearts. Finding Zach wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t had my Google Earth views of Colorado to site the story.

If you can’t find a primary source, go with a reliable secondary source. That’s history books, encyclopedias, and, for contemporary issues, magazines. Books on the subject that aren’t eyewitness accounts, but have been researched using primary sources. You’re piggybacking on someone else’s work, but since they’ve already done it, why not? The Internet in these cases will be more of a guide, showing you where to find books you might not be able to read online, but might have to buy.

An excellent source of secondary materials is a pair of related publishers: Osprey Publishing and Shire Books. Osprey deals exclusively with military history. Shire Books deals with everything but. Disclaimer: I have not been paid to shill for them, but I do like their stuff and used them as a source for my latest opus. They both have blogs, too, which you can easily get lost in. (As if we needed more of that sort of thing…)

You can find secondary sources in the most unexpected places—for instance, Georgette Heyer used actual dispatches from Wellington and his commanders while researching The Spanish Bride and An Infamous Army. I have to admit that I used both those books for reference when setting out my timelines for Kindred Hearts. I of course dug up confirmation from primary sources wherever possible.

And last, but not least, Wikipedia and its ilk. I’ll admit it—I love Wikipedia. It’s easy to use, and has all sorts of fun links. Just remember that it’s pretty much made up by people like you and me, and if we don’t always have our facts straight, how can we expect anyone else to? On the other hand, these are great sites for jumping off points—find what you want to find out, then go digging for the real facts. Use the maps (and Google Maps, too) and the pictures and whatever else they post to give yourself a real feel for the period, then hunt down what you need to know.

Kindred Hearts took a year to write, in large part because of the hours of research that went into it—and I’m pretty familiar with that time period in general! But in the end, all the research in the world won’t make a good book. What will make a good book is character, pacing, plot, structure, and writing. Sometimes historical accuracy needs to be sacrificed on the altar of The Story. But more often than not, historical accuracy can be one of the pillars that holds the altar up. Just, if you do decide not to do your research, be prepared for someone to call you on it. Because they will!

Kindred Hearts from Dreamspinner Press

Charming rascal Tristan Northwood seems to have it all: an ancient name, a noble inheritance, a lovely wife, and a son he adores. Women love him, men admire him, and it seems there is nothing he can’t do, whether it’s seducing a society wife or winning a carriage race. Little does Society suspect that the name means nothing to him, the fortune is in his father’s controlling hands, and he has no interest in his wife except a very distant friendship. Society bores him, and he takes dares because he only feels alive when he’s dancing on the edge... until his wife’s brother comes home from the wars.

Decorated war hero Major Charles Mountjoy jerks Tris out of his despair by inspiring feelings of passion Tris had never suspected himself capable of. Almost as terrifying as those feelings for Charles are the signs Charles might return his affection—or, even worse, that Charles sees the man Tristan has been trying so valiantly to hide from the world.

a real place that inspired an important scene in "Margaret's Rematch"

2011-05-17T11:58:00.011+03:00

As I'm once again revising "Margaret's Rematch", I came across the scene that was inspired by a real place. I'm talking about the lake and the willows that later into the book became Margaret's favourite spot due to a memorable event that involved her and Mr. Westfield.

"The lake was slumbering in the shade of stripy willows, bending low as if looking into a mirror. Their long leafy branches were splayed on the surface and the flickering reflection of the sun gave it an impression of being encrusted with precious stones."

Margaret's Rematch, Chapter Eighteen

Fanny Burney's " Evelina" Group Read!

2011-05-10T10:06:00.006+03:00

The Duchess of Devonshire's Gossip Guide is announcing Fanny Burney's "Evelina" group read for June!

Guest Interview with Tinnean!

2011-05-09T10:26:00.014+03:00

Hello Tinnean! I'm glad that you could stop by. Let's begin, shall we? How long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I always wanted to be a writer. I can't think of anything better than entertaining people with what my characters get up to. Of course there were things that kept me from writing – raising a family, finding a way to pay for health insurance.

I've been writing on and off all my life. It was with the advent of our second computer though that I was able to do more than write longhand or type (yes, I used to use a typewriter, and not even an electric one!) then go back over it with a red pen to mark what needed to be deleted or moved to another place. I have to wonder how many people stopped writing because of that. Copy and paste makes life so much easier! And with that in mind, I started writing fanfic and posting it on the Net in '99.

Really? I used to write fanfics too. I still have about a dozen ideas left unwritten, but with my own writing on the go (and so little time to actually do it!) I wonder whether I should go back and write them too. Do you remember your first writing attempts?

Unfortunately, yes. *g* I decided to write an epic poem when I was in 3^rd grade, and from what I can remember, it was absolutely horrendous. Things were better in the 5^th grade, when I wrote about my cousin's new puppy. And then in 8^th grade I wrote my first fanfic, based on the novel Shane, which I loved so much I couldn't bear to see it end. (Shane, not the fic. *g*)

I remember reading “Shane” when I was in my first year at the university. I think it was the first book that I read in English, though it was adapted to our level at the time, and it was pretty hard but interesting. I used to quite like that period. What genres have you been writing in? What other genres would you like to pursue?

I've written contemporary, historical, spook vs. spy, scifi, m/m, m/f, f/f. I have an idea for m/f/m, and one day I'd like to write that. I'd also like to write something that's completely funny, but wasn't it Edmund Kean who said, "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."?

Boy, how right he was! What is the main theme of your latest book? What was it inspired by?

The main theme of Bless Us With Content is that not everyone is slated to go out into the world to have grand adventures. There are those who remain home to take care of their land and people, and in their own quiet ways, they're just as much heroes as those who go adventuring. I thought it would be intriguing to explore this. No great feats of derring do, just an ordinary man trying to keep his family's head above water. This was inspired in part by a story I read years ago in Reader's Digest, about the shepherd who didn't follow the Star. He stayed behind to guard the flocks.

I like stories like that. I too prefer to write about ordinary people who do what they have to do in order to survive. What goals do you set out to achieve when you start writing a new book?

Aside from finishing it? *g* What I hope to do is amuse, maybe educate a bit, bring a tear to the reader's eye, have them root for the hero and boo the villain, and ultimately have the readers sigh with pleasure at the conclusion and save the book to be read again.

I love your goals! Are you a fast or a slow writer? How long does it take you to write a book?

Slow. Very, very slow. I'm in awe of people who say they write 5k words in a day. There are times when the muse whispers sweetly in my ear and the words flow, and times when the fickle bitch (shhh, I didn't say that! *g*) turns up her nose and won't say a word to me. I started Bless Us With Content about 6 years ago (and it underwent quite a few title changes). I worked on other stories at the same time, and finished quite a few. One of the things that brought Bless Us to a screeching halt was that I put 'enter sex scene here.' Took me two additional years to get past that. However, there have been times when I've been able to zip through a short in a couple of days. The longest story I've written to date is 142k words, and took me 9 months to write. That's right, just like having a baby. *g*

:D I'm also a very slow writer. And the worst part is that I can't work on more than one project at a time! I tried but every time failed. Do you ever base physical appearance of your characters on people you know, portraits or actors? Any examples or images that you'd like to share?

Do you know, it's funny, but if I begin that way, it doesn't stay that way for long? As I mentioned, I started on the Net writing fanfic. The characters are handed to you: Richard Burgi and Garret Maggart as Jim Ellison and Blair Sandburg in The Sentinel.

Joe Flanigan and David Hewlett as John Sheppard and Rodney McKay in Stargate: Atlantis, etc.

For original fic, however, it's pretty much a crapshoot. I have a rough idea of what they look like, but it's rare if I find someone who matches that. I was doing calendars for my yahoo group, and a friend helped me find a picture that worked for a character I created for my story, Stick With Me, Kid. As for Bless Us With Content, Paul Richmond did a fantastic job depicting Ashton Laytham. Notice the ear piece of his spectacles? I'd always thought Ash was a brunet, but Paul drew him as a blond, and it was as if a light bulb went off: Yes, that is so Ash!

Introduce the main characters from your latest book. Who are they? Let them speak for themselves. What would they like to say?

A: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am Ashton Laytham, and this-

G: Sir Ashton.

A: Yes, Geo. *smiles at his lover * I've only had the title a short time, having inherited it from my uncle.

G: Your rotter of an uncle. The man used to beat you.

A: Which is something I'd like to forget. Now, as I was saying, this is Geo Stephenson. He bought up all Sir Eustace's vowels and intended to drive him to the sponging house, only Sir Eustace did us all the courtesy of dying of apoplexy.

G: Did anyone notice you stopped calling him Uncle after you realized how heavily indebted he left Fayerweather?

A: No, Geo.

G: Of course not. No one cared enough to notice.

A: Did you?

G: I beg your pardon?

A: And you would do well to. You were so busy protecting your heart from me-

G: With little success. I freely admit it.

A: Will you also admit you were quite ready to use those vowels to have your way with me?

G: But of course. That was my intent once I learned of Sir Eustace's passing. Are you blushing, Ashton?

A: *pretends not to hear that* Perhaps you might wish to tell our guests of how you came to have a limp?

G: A trifling run-in with Bedouins in the Levant.

A: You're too modest, sir.

G: Not in the least. And it spared me from having to offer for your horror of a cousin. She had the erroneous notion I'd be unable to perform my husbandly duty. Although of course she never said so, being a well-brought-up young lady.

A: I thought you found Arabella charming.

G: Not when she persisted in calling you Awful Ashton. She was lucky I didn't give her a hiding.

A: You're too much the gentleman.

G: Indeed. I can see our guests are anxious to hear about the Flame. Suppose you tell them about the Laytham talisman?

A: The Flame of Diabul was part of the first Lady Laytham's dowry. It was an exquisite ruby the size of the lady's fist, and within it was what appeared to be a flickering flame, hence the name. Legend had it that luck would ever remain at Fayerweather so long as the Flame stayed in our possession.

G: You speak of it in the past tense.

A: Unfortunately, it is no longer in my possession. It vanished shortly before the Hood brothers left. *turns to his guests* Aunt Cecily had them come live here after their mother died, when we were boys.

G: And they made your life a living hell. *smiles at the women* Pardon me, ladies.

A: I'm sure our guests have no wish to hear of my family's brangles. *turns to them* May I offer you tea? Aunt Cecily is paying a morning call on Miss Petrie and Miss Abigail Petrie, and so won't be able to join us. Of course, if you gentlemen prefer something a bit stronger, I have a very good sherry Sir Eustace brought back from France. Tea? In that case I'll ring for Colling. He's been butler here since Aunt Cecily arrived at Fayerweather as a bride. Ah, Colling. We'll be taking tea in the rose salon. Ladies, gentlemen, if you'll come this way?

G: I'll be along shortly, Ash. *waits until he's alone* He's a good man, although his family doesn't appreciate him. He's doing what he can to tow them from the River Tick. His dream was to start a stud. I'm going to see he's successful.

That was a delight! Thank you very much for this excellent introduction! I had the most wonderful time reading it. Thank you for stopping by and answering my questions. It was great!

Bless Us With Content

Ashton Laytham came to Fayerweather, his uncle's estate, as an orphan at the age of seven. Family and servants alike perceived Ashton as an unlovable child and shunned him; as an adult, the occasional illicit rendezvous aside, Ashton remains aloof and alone. When his uncle dies, yet more abuse falls upon Ashton's shoulders: the estate is bankrupt and Ashton must make good on his uncle's gaming debts.

With the family talisman stolen and the suspects fled, Ashton faces certain ruin until the arrival of Geo Stephenson, who holds all of Sir Laytham's IOUs. Geo proposes a solution: Ashton will accommodate him in his bed, thereby paying off the debt. Attracted to Geo in spite of himself and desperate for any human kindness, Ashton agrees... never expecting to lose his heart to a man who claims he will never give his.

You can learn more about Tinnean at: http://tinnean.livejournal.com/ or www.angelfire.com/fl5/tinnssinns . And you won't regret it!

Who is the boss: you or your muse?

2011-05-06T11:23:00.000+03:00

There was a time when I fooled myself into believing that I was the one in control of my writing, that I was immune to inspiration's dictatorship and that I was such a determined and hard-working person that I could write in the absence of both as long as I made up my mind to do it. It was all a matter of will and writer's block was just a joke. However, as my recent writing activity shows, I was simply deluded.

But now I clearly see the signs that tell me that my muse is back in town: my mind becomes a Babylon of ideas and the number of characters, crowding it, and dialogues and narratives, going on at the same time, is beyond overwhelming. I sleep only four hours at night and wake up at 5 a.m. sharp – due to my internal alarm clock going off – to start my frantic scribbling. I try to go back to sleep but to no avail. I become a ball that goes back and forth between the bed and the computer – I cannot stop writing.

So when today I woke up at 6 a.m. and, after checking my mail, went back to sleep without so much as looking at my latest writing project, I realized with sadness that my muse has left. And here comes the worst part for me as a writer: my short but extremely prolific writing periods turn into long weeks of depression and apathy. If I can't write – I can't be happy. And yet without my muse I might spend weeks and (shudder) even months working on a single paragraph.

And what about you, my fellow writers? Who is the boss: you or your muse?

Guest Blog with Elaine Cantrell!

2011-04-25T09:48:00.007+03:00

Time for Tea

Welcome Elaine!

Tea first arrived in England somewhere between 1652 and 1654. The price of tea was high, but people loved it, and it soon became so popular it was seen as the unofficial national drink of England.

The tradition of afternoon tea was first introduced by Anna the Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century. At that time, breakfast was served at nine or ten in the morning and dinner around three or four. Some people had a very light lunch, but two meals a day was the norm. By the time Anna came along, the dinner hour had gradually moved from three or four in the afternoon to seven or eight at night, so the duchess found she needed a little snack around four in the afternoon.

She had some tea and other refreshments sent to her room every day, a ritual she enjoyed so much that she invited her friends to join her, and the idea of the afternoon tea was born. Don’t be confused, though. There’s a difference between afternoon tea and high tea.

Afternoon tea was a nice little snack consisting of bread and butter, cakes, cookies, English trifle, dainty tea sandwiches, and of course tea. Scones with Devonshire cream and preserves were popular too.

High tea was eaten between five and six and was likely to be the main evening meal. Coffee and cocoa were also served at high tea although tea was still the most important drink. Earl Grey and Darjeeling were popular choices.

Earl Grey is a blend of Chinese and Indian teas and is scented with oil of Bergamont. Darjeeling is grown near the foothills of the Himalayas. It’s expensive and is often found in blends.

Good conversation became an important part of the tea ritual. Nothing unpleasant was ever discussed because everyone was supposed to relax and enjoy herself. The lady of the house would always sit at the head of the table and pour the tea. They used nice tablecloths and good china but seldom used flowers because their scent might compete with the scent of the food.

In the modern world tea parties are still popular. If you’d like to give a tea, here are a few suggestions:

1. Don’t be afraid to mix and match china if you don’t have a full set. It looks beautiful and is totally acceptable. Flea markets and thrift stores are good places to pick up china.

2. Use your nicest table linens. Layering makes a pretty table, maybe with a lace cloth on top.

3. Use your best silver and crystal. If you don’t have the real stuff, nice cut glass makes a good substitute for crystal, and today’s stainless flatware comes in many pretty patterns. You can also find plastic trays that look like cut glass. It looks nice to place a doily on the serving pieces before you put the food on them.

4. You can use edible flowers such as nasturtiums as garnishes.

5. A centerpiece is acceptable in the modern world, but not necessary as the tea pot, creamer, and sugar bowl will look beautiful in the place of honor. Lumps of sugar is preferred, but if you use them be sure to have a small pair of tongs for the guests to serve themselves.

6. Napkins folded into fancy shapes look nice. Always use fabric napkins.

7. It’s a neat touch to send elegant invitations to your guests.

8. Soft background music and candles create a nice ambiance, but the music shouldn’t be very loud.

9. In pretty weather it’s lovely to dine outside.

10. For each guest be sure you have a cup and saucer and a teaspoon, a dessert plate with a butter knife, and a fork and knife.

11. Think about using some pretty place cards.

What should you serve? Sandwiches and scones are a must, but after that just about anything goes. It depends on your personal preferences. My favorite recipes include Cream Cheese and Date Tea Sandwiches, Chicken Salad Croissants and Chocolate Delight.

Thank you, Elaine, for the lovely post!

A New Dream

What would you do if you lost it all?

After an auto accident destroys his pro-football career, Matt McCallum struggles to find a new dream for his life, but nothing engages him the way football did. After a stint in rehab, he takes a job managing a grocery store where he meets Violet Emerson.

Violet works in the bakery department, but her dreams carry her far beyond the doors of Chef’s Pantry. As soon as she can save the money, she plans to open a catering business. She thinks the new manager’s broad shoulders and blue eyes are simply divine.

Thrown together at work, Matt and Violet find a new, common dream for their lives, but just when happiness is in their grasp, a loose end from Matt’s past threatens to destroy their future.

Be sure to learn more about Elaine and her books at her Website or her Blog.

Guest Interview with Jean Hart Stewart!

2011-04-11T08:20:00.003+03:00

Hello Jean! You are the first guest blogger at Regency Sketches and I'm very happy to welcome you here! So tell me, how long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I've always written, but only seriously in the last eight years. And yes, I always wanted to be a writer. All through raising my children and a real estate career I was conscious of stories bouncing around in my head.

I can imagine! Do you remember your first writing attempts?

Can't say as I remember my first writing attempts since I wrote a novel when I was thirteen. Doubtless it was horrible. I do know I named the heroine Aurora and I thought I was brilliantly original.

We all have those moments, don't we? What genres have you been writing in? What other genres would you like to pursue?

I've written a lot in the paranormal romance genre. A series on Druids and a series on Mages. I've written two historicals and enjoyed doing them a lot. Two free reads on my site, one of them fairly modern and quite sexy. I purely love research, and although I did a lot for my Mage and Druid series, the historicals demanded really intense effort. I'd like to write more historicals in a different time period. Both of mine are set in the England of 1815.

My favourite time period at the moment :)) What are the main themes of your latest book? What was it inspired by?

Quest for Magic is the sequel to Quest for Love. Jonothan and Jason are two twins that have never been separated. In Quest for Love Jason goes off on his own to discover himself and eventually finds a most unexpected love. In Quest for Magic, Jono reacts very badly at the loss of his twin and becomes a notorious playboy. It all comes crashing in on him when he meets the girl he really loves, and she rejects him for his dissolute ways. Hayley is a beautiful actress and not about to take up with a Lothario. Obviously Magic was inspired by Love.

That sounds very interesting. What goals do you set out to achieve when you start writing a new book?

When I start a new book I hope very much to write a beautiful love story, with lots of suspense and characters who might somehow reflect my personal philosophy, that you touch every one you see with your attitude. A slight smile or frown at a stranger can do more than you think.

Are you a fast or a slow writer? How long does it take you to write a book?

I'm a fast writer, but it takes me a long time to edit and polish. I write three to four books a year.

Wow! I wish I was just as productive. But, alas! I'm full of ideas but I have never yet managed to write more than one book a year. Do you ever base physical appearance of your characters on people you know, portraits or actors? Any examples or images that you'd like to share?

I thoroughly admire my husband's integrity and modesty. I think a lot of him comes through in my heroes, even though when he reads some of the sex scenes he says "Where did you get THAT?" I adore Colin Firth and Richard Gere, and I'm sure some of the features are unconsciously copied.

Introduce the main characters from your latest book. Who are they? Let them speak for themselves. What would they like to say?

In For Love is New Juliet’s a poetess and mourning her dead cousin’s death in the Peninsular War. Christian has been wounded in the same battle and comes to offer his protection to Juliet. To his dismay, the very officer Paul suspects of being a traitor is sitting in her parlor. Attempting to expose Gullis as a spy brings out his cruelty and soon Julie and Christian find themselves trying to stop Gullis from getting money to Napoleon. The cost to themselves is almost disastrous.

Oooh, war heroes, love, danger and intrigue! I love this plot, Jean. Thank you very much for joining me today. I had a great time and you inspired me to be a bit quicker about my own writing :))

For Love Is New

Lord Christian Cherne leaves the army after being wounded. Obligated to offer his protection to Lady Juliet Sloan, he finds Captain Gullis sitting smirking in her parlor. Since Christian knows Gullis is cruel, and suspects him of being a spy, he is instantly alarmed.

Juliet tests them both and comes to treasure Christian. But being spurned elicits the sadistic side of Gullis. Soon Christian finds his whole world in danger. He must thwart Gullis' hatred of Juliet and also expose him as a spy for Napoleon. Juliet and Christian face a monster who's out to destroy them and their world.

Will love triumph over such malicious evil?

Be sure to learn more about Jean and her books at www.jeanhartstewart.com

some news of this and that

2011-04-10T19:18:00.005+03:00

I've started working on a new project and I can't tell you how excited I am! I haven't written anything new for a year. It was pretty tough at first with only about 200 words a day, but I've been scribbling away madly since yesterday and, boy, do I love the feeling! I don't know how long it'll last and I hope not to jinx it, but I intend to finish Chapter One today.

I've also started Fanny Burney Appreciation Blog and I'll remove all the posts that I made on her thither. I also invite those of you who would like to establish a closer acquaintance with Jane Austen's favourite author, learn about her life and read her works to join me there.

I think I wanted to tell you something else, but for the life of me I cannot remember what!

Oh! Once I pressed the 'Publish Post' button I remembered! Tomorrow I'm having a guest blogger at Regency Sketches - Jean Hart Stewart - who will speak about her writing and her newest historical romance "For Love Is New". So stop by!

By the way, I have two spots available for June: June 6 for a guest interview and June 20 for a guest blog.

I'm looking for guest bloggers! (Regency, Victorian, Edwardian eras)

2011-04-05T13:59:00.002+03:00

Is your novel set in Regency, Victorian or Edwardian England? Would you like to have a guest spot and talk about your latest book and its characters or share an interesting bit of information pertaining to one of these eras? Then go ahead and grab your guest spot right now!

For more information contact me at faridamestek@yahoo.com with a guest blog request in the Subject Line.

Margaret's Rematch for only $ 0.99!

2011-03-18T23:15:00.002+02:00

"Margaret's Rematch" is only $ 0.99 at Girlebooks!

What are you waiting for?

a rather flattering review for "A Secret Arrangement"

2011-03-08T10:58:00.003+02:00

Aredhel (Goodreads):

It really is a good book. Smooth writing and likable characters make it easy to like the story. The main problem I had with this book (in fact it's not really a problem) was it being too short. I would have liked to know more about the characters! Though for such a short story it has a rather complex plot and a few interesting twists, and so I think it speaks in favor of the author's skills.

writing news

2011-02-12T16:42:00.003+02:00

Apart from unfortunate health-related news, I have some good writing-related news: my fantasy story "Almendra, a fairy-tale" was published by Girlebooks! To learn more about "Almendra", I invite you to The Upper Kingdom.

a very short update

2011-02-04T19:31:00.001+02:00

For a few months now I’ve been living in a total nightmare: one of my worst fears ever came true and now I’m dealing with its horrific consequences. It became extremely difficult for me to stay focused on my writing what with seeing doctors, constant tests and surgeries. At present, I have to revise and edit two of my books – not to mention all the books that I want to write! – and, though it’s been already a week since I came back home from the hospital, I haven’t even started working on them. Thus my writing resolutions for February are:

1) To complete revision of “Margaret’s Rematch”

2) To start and complete revision of “Lady Darlington’s Son”

My Writing Resolutions for 2011

2011-01-01T15:47:00.002+02:00

1) Finish revising “Margaret’s Rematch” for print edition

2) Write a short companion piece for “Margaret’s Rematch”

3) Make up my mind on what project/s to work next (at the moment I am swaying between several Regencies and a three-book fantasy)

4) Complete at least one big and two smaller projects

5) Find an agent (I'm terrible at self-promotion)

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T19:02:00.003+02:00

It's hard to believe that another year is almost over and yet so it is. I wish this year came to a close as happily as it began, but for me and my family the last six months turned into a nightmare that I hope will remain behind in 2010. In fact, 2010 proved the second worst year of my life and I cannot wait to say my farewells to it and to all the problems that besieged me. Good-bye 2010! Fare well!

"A Secret Arrangement" is up for CAPA's at The Romance Studio!

2010-12-28T13:02:00.002+02:00

CAPA's or The Cupid and Psyche Awards are awards given by The Romance Studio for excellence in romantic and erotic fiction. And "A Secret Arrangement" is up in Historical romantic category!

Happy Birthday Jane Austen!

2010-12-16T08:08:00.002+02:00

Thank you for your wonderful novels!
Life would be exceedingly dull without them.

a new interview with me

2010-11-21T09:07:00.002+02:00

There is a short new interview with me at Raine Delight's Book Nook. Check it out!

another review for "A Secret Arrangement"!

2010-11-20T15:24:00.000+02:00

I've just found a new review for "A Secret Arrangement! at Ebook Addict!

2010-10-28T19:40:00.001+03:00

A Portrait of Jane Austen by David Cecil

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've just started reading this wonderful book! He writes so sweetly about Jane Austen's time and her way of life that I just want to be there... The images in the book are lovely!

It was a delightful read. Utterly charming and sweet. The portrayal of Jane, Cassandra and Fanny reminded me a great deal of them in "Miss Austen Regrets", which I'm thinking of watching now. I really liked it. I wish though that Jane would have lived 100 years! It pains me to read about her untimely departure...

View all my reviews

a lovely review for "A Secret Arrangement"!

2010-10-21T09:07:00.000+03:00

I've just come across a lovely review for "A Secret Arrangement" at The Romance Studio! Squee!

a new interview with me

2010-10-18T12:39:00.002+03:00

There is a new interview with me at Romancing-The-Book. A lucky commenter will get a free copy of "Margaret's Rematch"! There is also an excerpt from "A Secret Arrangement" and I'm mentioning an old project of mine that I have a strong wish to come back to... In fact, I've already decided that it deserves another chance at being seen.

2010-10-09T14:14:00.000+03:00

Charlotte Lucas

Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it.

Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 22

Marianne Dashwood

A woman of seven-and-twenty can never hope to feel or inspire affection again; and if her home be uncomfortable, or her fortune small, I can suppose that she might bring herself to submit to the offices of a nurse, for the sake of her provision and security of a wife.

Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 8

"Margaret's Rematch" is up for Book of the Week at LASR!

2010-10-02T18:35:00.002+03:00

If you read the book and liked it, please vote for it at Long and Short Romance Reviews!

an interview at Long and Short of It

2010-09-28T14:10:00.000+03:00

Here is the link to my new interview at LASR. Come and chat with me tomorrow at Long and Short Romance Yahoo group!

a great review for "Margaret's Rematch"

2010-09-28T12:35:00.001+03:00

I have just come across a great review for "Margaret's Rematch" at Long and Short Romance Reviews! Oh, it makes me so happy to know that someone likes my book!

the importance or the evil of reviews

2010-09-27T07:49:00.002+03:00

The reviews are only as important as readers make them, but as such are potentially dangerous for the book and the author. And yet I do not think that there are two people whose opinion of the same book would be quite the same. Unfortunately, it so often happens that the reader will pass the book or take it up based on the review, despite the fact that it is nothing more than a subjective account of one single person. I am occasionally following review sites and I never know whether to laugh or cry when I see two reviews of the same book: one review gives it five stars while the other two. As a reader - when I still trusted reviewers - I found reviews misleading and untrue; I would read a raving, five-star review only to buy the book and be disappointed. On the other hand, I would come across a negative review long after I have read the book, wondering if it was the same book, because the opinion expressed would be so different from my own. As an author I dread reviews and I would urge readers not to trust them implicitly. If there is a book you want to read - read it and form your own opinion.

2010-09-26T23:00:00.005+03:00

I have an itch. A writing itch. There are so many things that I want to write and I can't choose which one to concentrate on. The right course of action would be to concentrate on my WIP and then to move onto my next project that is begging to be written. But influenced as I am at the moment by "One Fifth Avenue" where blogging about one's life seems to be such an attention-grabbing and readership-growing thing, I decided that I want to recreate my writing journey, which is nothing short of pure masochism as it is but a long series of severe disappointments. But I was always found of journal-writing and though I could never keep it up for a long time - e.g. Public Journal of a Regency Gentlewoman - I can't help myself. I mean, who cares what I'm writing about, right? It's not like anyone is reading my blog , so what the heck? I love writing. I need writing. I will write whatever I want even if it is another journal that will make me sound worse than Moaning Myrtle and Bella Swan mixed together and that I will abandon in about a month. After all, writing is such a liberating exercise. Once I have it all out, I feel so peaceful, happy and content, as if I have finally reached the coveted top spot on the best-seller list. Now I just keep adding bits so that this post was as long as my previous one, because I like it when all my posts are of the same size. Crazy I know, but I always believed in the validity of shape against content debate, because for me shape is as important as content and if I don't like the shape I will be hard pressed to pay attention to the content long enough for it to grab me. Well, damn! Now it's longer...

2010-09-26T21:01:00.003+03:00

I'm a very slow writer. It takes me up to a year to write one book. My personal record was "A Secret Arrangement" that I completed in two months. One week of prolific writing is usually followed by weeks of solid writer's block and extreme apathy. At present it is intensified by a bug that has finally caught up with me as well as the fact that I am struggling with my current WIP. I have one more chapter to write and proofread the whole thing before re-submitting it to a publisher and yet it can take me another two weeks to get into the right mood to finish it off. I never meant to write this book and I disliked it from the first, but it forced itself upon me and there was nothing I could do about it. I hated the first and the second drafts and tried to make it better by launching another revision and though at times I was close to liking the plot and the characters it never quite won me over. Will the publisher like it? Will anyone else for that matter? I don't like it but that is no indicator: what I like is always the opposite of what the majority likes. I can only hope that it works the same way with what I dislike. I am in a very depressing state of mind right now and not even my favourite books, TV shows and foods help me much. Even my characters, who usually converge about me sprouting bits of dialogues and descriptions that I must include into their story, have dispersed.

short writing and reading update

2010-09-14T09:24:00.003+03:00

Well, the work on my current, long-suffering WIP is thankfully coming to an end. I have just one more chapter to rewrite. Hopefully, the publisher won't mind all the changes that I've made in the last... well, I don't even remember how many months.

I've been rereading "Sense and Sensibility" (second time this year!) and now I have a rather long list of things to research and to learn more about. Some of those things are quite obvious, but I find that I understand them better when I look up the information myself.

a new update: a writer's block, a black eye and an interview

2010-08-26T10:18:00.000+03:00

I suppose it's been a while since I last updated. Thankfully, I was busy revising - though it's more like re-writing - my current WIP most of the time. Unfortunately, I hit another writer's block some time ago and it coincided with my constant wish to sleep as well as a kind of depression. Everyone says that my body is simply recuperating from the terrible heat that we'd been having. Hopefully, it will be over soon, because I miss writing very much!

A totally random question: have you ever hit yourself accidentally? Last night as I was falling asleep I hit myself in the eye. I didn't think much of it, however, today it hurts so much I can barely blink! And my head hurts too:((

In other news I have a new interview out at Dawn's Reading Nook.

a short update on writing and general state of things

2010-08-11T08:34:00.003+03:00

Well, it's been a whole week since "A Secret Arrangement" was out and about making new friends and I am happy to say that there is at least one other person who likes Edward and Henry as much as I do.

Despite the horrible heat and a number of family calamities, I continue working on my current MSS and doing a fine job I should imagine. That is to say, I like this draft much better than the previous ones.

I'm thinking about cleaning up a bit here, deleting blog posts and stuff that I no longer have a use for.

An old story of mine that I abandoned after years of writing and rewriting has besieged me again and I am almost positive that I am going to give into its charms. However, I have so many Regency-related projects that I want to complete that I doubt whether I should attempt it.

"A Secret Arrangement" IS OUT!

2010-08-04T07:39:00.001+03:00

Well. This is it. This is the day. The release day of "A Secret Arrangement"!!! As always I am both excited (woohoo! it is finally out there!) and worried (oh, no! will the readers like it?) and at present very much heat-impaired to think properly about anything else. In the meantime, there are another ten chapters of ruthless revision waiting on me and (Yes!) new projects:))

Meet Henry Chadderton - part 4

2010-07-30T21:17:00.003+03:00

Mr. Hartley –

I'm afraid I have made quite an exhibition of myself the other day, frothing at the mouth with pique and calling for retribution. I was not myself, having consumed a large quantity of port that was made by the Devil himself. I was all aflame with passion and could not control the imaginings of my agitated mind. Therefore, I be you to forgive me for such an unbecoming display and forget whatever I might have said in the feverish agony that consumed me. You must not think that I am plotting against Henry and his plaything. I confess, I despise Montford with all my soul and I wish him nothing but ill. However, whatever ill might befall him it shall not come from me. You must believe me when I tell you that I am not the villain here. For it was not I who betrayed the most devoted and lasting of friendships. But how can I speak ill of my dear friend? How can I scheme and act against someone I consider a brother? I shall not be responsible for any blemishes that may ever darken Henry's good name. I shall not bear the blame for such treachery. I shall never turn my back on him and he will always be welcome in my home that I now share with my darling wife.

Meet Henry Chadderton - part 3

2010-07-29T12:12:00.002+03:00

Emma Montford –

Well, you shall certainly hear no encomiums from me on the subject of the illustrious Mr. Henry Chadderton. He is a commoner and a scoundrel and neither his money nor his fancy dress will change that. I was once duped by him like the rest of the world and I paid a high price of a broken heart and tears that would not dry. But I have long since availed myself of the knowledge of his true person and am thus at liberty to warn others against him, for I speak from experience rather than appearances. They say that he is a devil at cards and that he has no conscience. But his dueling skills, I've heard, are lacking and nowadays he has a weakness in the person of my brother Edward. It is beyond my comprehension in what manner he became the man's dearest friend, but I am certain that the only reason why Edward has become his friend at all was to aggravate me. He has always suffered from neglect and was always overlooked by all our friends and he must have envied my place in the family. Naturally, when Mr. Chadderton offered him his friendship, instead of refusing, he chose to accept it, knowing perfectly well how much his association with the only person who had ever snubbed me, would injure me.

Meet Henry Chadderton - part 2

2010-07-28T12:12:00.003+03:00

Eliza Grant –

We grew up together, Henry and I. Henry's father has been my guardian since I turned five and I love Henry as a brother. He is the most caring, funniest and absurd person that I know. Mr. Chadderton says that he is obstinate and headstrong and only ever does what he pleases and that it was a mistake to give him so much freedom as a youth and indulge his every whim for now he is quite ungoverned. But I think that Henry is a sensible man and as such one can rely on him and trust his judgment. I always do. When I was a child he gave me riding lessons and, when his father was away, taught me how to fish and shoot, for, I dare say, my accomplishments in the latter he would disapprove of. It is a pity that once I left school I was not allowed to stay at Spencer Lodge anymore, even though Henry said that I was the only woman who would ever set foot inside the house. But Mr. Chadderton believes that now when I am out it will be highly improper if we were to live under the same roof as we are not blood relations. I do not agree, but I cannot act against my dearest guardian's wishes. He has been as much a father to me as Henry a brother and I am determined to act in such a way as would leave him in no doubt of my deepest affection, gratitude and deference.

Meet Henry Chadderton - part 1

2010-07-27T10:22:00.000+03:00

Lady Sophia –

There is not a single woman, young and unattached, recently engaged or happily married these ten years, whose head has not been turned by the man. I declare his appearance always causes a stir in my drawing-room and all the young ladies inevitably flock towards the entrance in order to be the first to get a glimpse of his dashing person, while all the young men take a note of his carriage, his hairstyle and his attire so as to adopt them the next day. Well, I can hardly blame them. Henry Chadderton is vastly handsome, charming and witty, and his manners are excellent. He always smiles, pays compliments, tells anecdotes and dances every dance with a new partner. In fact, one hardly remembers that his father is a tradesman, for in all respects, but that of his birth, Henry Chadderton is a perfect gentleman. His fortune is large; he has several estates and the finest cottage that he inherited from his grandparents. I wish he would take one of my nieces off my hands for I have ever so many. It is a pity, though, that he prefers to spend so much time in the company of his gentlemen friends and, from what I gather, has no intention of taking a wife.

A Public Journal of a Regency Lady

2010-07-24T16:21:00.004+03:00

I was looking through my papers yesterday and came across several journals that I wrote at different times, somewhere between my first and last years at the university, as well as at the beginning of my teaching career. I was astonished by how depressing and whiny and generally Bella Swan-ish I sounded back then. I want to think that I am of a more cheerful disposition nowadays. As I have always been drawn to journal writing, I decided to start one again, but with that difference that I am going to write from the perspective of a regency lady. I'm doing it purely for fun and experimentation's sake, hoping that I have grown out of my emo person. I have already posted the first entry that you can check out at A Public Journal of a Regency Lady.

a rather long-ish update

2010-07-24T12:42:00.004+03:00

It's been another extremely hot and humid week in Odessa so that most of the time it was hard to think, let alone write anything. Still, I managed to have some writing done, even if on a small scale, which means that next week I'm going to introduce you to two new and two old characters who are going to talk about another main hero of “A Secret Arrangement” – Henry Chadderton.

It seems that now that I gave my minor characters a chance to speak their mind, they want to have their own stories told; thankfully they are modest in their wishes and don’t demand separate books each.

In other news I have had my hair cut. It was long, thick and wavy and now it is very short and curly so as not to give me grief in this heat. Also, I’ve been to the beach today for the first time this summer! It was very windy on the shore, but the water was unpleasantly warm and because of the waves gave an impression of being very dirty. I love the sea and the sea air is very good for my health, but so many people around rather spoil the effect. So now I'm trying to make mum go with me to the beach as early as 6 a.m.!

I hope you all have a nice weekend and the week ahead!
Until next time,
Farida

Meet Edward Montford - part 4

2010-07-22T11:31:00.000+03:00

Mr. Jude Hartley –

I'd rather cut my right hand off than speak of Montford. I loathe that son of a devil and I do not wish to hear his name or see his face as long as I live. I fear it is inevitable, considering our present circumstances, but if he is not a complete thickhead, he shall never cross my path again. Or else I shall expose him and Chadderton to the world. Let them both be hanged. This is the only justice that I can hope for now that my own bit of revenge did not work quite the way I expected it would. I dare say I was too much affected by the shocking turn of events to think properly of the consequences of my actions; and as I was struck by what I believed an excellent scheme, that would injure Montford exceedingly, I proceeded to act upon it with too much passion and too little sense not to suffer for my carelessness later. But though Edward Montford is too noble to expose me in turn – he does look the type to enjoy martyrdom – there is Chadderton who shall not hesitate to betray me again; and as I am not keen on the idea of public exposure and castigation I am bound to keep silence. But I swear on my life that I shall find other means by which to destroy the both of them.

Meet Edward Montford - part 3

2010-07-21T12:03:00.001+03:00

Emma Montford –

You might as well be scandalized by my report – all my friends are – but Edward is the worst brother on Earth. He cares nothing for me. Nothing. He is disobliging and disagreeable in the extreme and he is friends with the very person who treated me in the most injurious, disgraceful and disrespectful fashion. Which goes to show that Edward cares neither for his sister nor her honour. I wager you have never thought that shy, mild-tempered, harmless Edward should one day betray his own kin. Well, to find that he should continue to associate with Mr. Henry Chadderton at all was a shock. But to find that he should keep the man's company after the warning I had given him is beyond provoking. I simply cannot comprehend why he didn’t cut his acquaintance when it was no longer necessary to maintain it. But after everything that has passed between Chadderton and our family I cannot forgive Edward for associating with him of his own free will. How can one trust such a brother? How can one rely on him? Father should never have sent me with Edward to London for he didn’t have my interests at heart at all. And now I have every reason to believe that he set my father against my husband in the most infamous manner. Well, on his own head be it. I am certainly not going to put in a good word for him with papa or reconcile him with Charles when he decides to come back to his senses and his family.

Meet Edward Montford - part 2

2010-07-20T11:12:00.001+03:00

Charles Montford –

I must admit that I was wrong about Edward. Though, of course, not on all accounts. After all, just because he has recently assisted me with a delicate matter does not change the fact that he is no match for me. He is not a horseman or a gambler, he doesn't care for shooting, never tried boxing and I do not know but that he wants to remain a bachelor. He certainly has shown no interest in any young lady as of yet, even though I know for a fact that Lady Sophia was rather keen on the idea of a match between him and one of her nieces. But, perhaps, this is for the best as Edward is not of a sociable turn and would only embarrass his wife in society. He always preferred books and isolation and I think father encouraged him to exercise his fondness for both as it saved him from the necessity of spending our family’s considerably dried up funds on his formal education and worldly pleasures. But, I dare say, Edward has always been happy with his lot. At any rate, he has never complained. Not even when I chased him about the estate with my whip. Such fun I used to have. Well, he certainly hasn’t forgotten the taste of it. And if he ever gets any dangerous ideas, I will be there to beat them out of him.

Meet Edward Montford - part 1

2010-07-19T12:55:00.000+03:00

Sir Charles Montford –

It is not easy in my advanced age to reconsider my opinion, least of all learn that I have erred terribly throughout my entire life. But the last few months proved that I knew none of my children as well as I thought I did. Presently I am questioning myself whether I have been a good parent and a just father to them. Emma will have something to say on this head, I am sure, but after that infamous trick of hers I do not know what else she expected me to do. In any case, it is Edward and not she who has every reason to complain of the past abuse. And yet he never does. No, he continues a grateful, humble and loving son that I always had and never cared for. I have been most unfair towards him and always treated him with disdain and neglect. Charles, my eldest, was always a favourite with me and Edward, well, I do not think that I ever paid him any attention. But he is a good boy. A fine person. Of sound reason and affectionate heart. It was Edward's timely counsel and unfailing support that made it possible for me to endure Emma's betrayal and stop me from committing a grievous mistake.

coming soon: the characters from "A Secret Arrangement"

2010-07-18T10:40:00.006+03:00

As I have about a fortnight until the release of my Regency-set novella “A Secret Arrangement”, I decided to introduce you to its characters. Edward Montford and Henry Chadderton are the main characters of the story, but it is through the eyes of the secondary characters that you will see them. The coming week will be dedicated to Edward Montford and you will get a chance to hear from his father, older brother, twin sister and a few others. I hope you will enjoy the little tidbits related to their persons and the story.

writing woes and their solutions

2010-07-15T08:13:00.006+03:00

I am now revising my next novella, but I hit such a dreadful writer's block a few weeks ago that my writing pace was that of a snail. In order to somehow boost my writing, I wrote every new scene in a new document and kept changing computers. It helped a bit, though it made me feel like I was on a run. I suppose my muse felt the same way, because it decided to catch up with me at last and help me finish the chapter I've been literally scrubbing out of my head.

a new story coming out soon!

2010-07-14T07:09:00.004+03:00

I have just learnt the release date of my slightly less traditional Regency-set novella "A Secret Arrangement" - August 4! I am excited and worried and I can't believe that it is finally going to be available. It was accepted by Dreamspinner Press way back in October and was originally scheduled for February, but as the editing process hit a snag, it was later rescheduled for summer. I love Edward and Henry and I hope that those who buy the book will enjoy their company. In the next few weeks I will be posting short snippets of what people around Edward and Henry think about them.

new plot idea!

2010-06-29T08:14:00.003+03:00

I've got a new plot idea! You never quite know where they can come from, do you? This one appeared just as I was re-watching "La Viuda de Blanco" [para recuperar me Espanol] and there it was, all of a sudden. Now the question is what to do with my 'old' plot ideas if this new one decides to become my next project? It looks like it might.

short update

2010-06-02T16:36:00.013+03:00

I thought I should post a short update and tell you what's been going on. It has been a really busy and, occasionally, stressful time for me. First of all, I've got final edits for my soon-to-be released m/m Regency-set novella (very sweet and traditional) and I have been busy editing and proofreading it. Also, I signed a contract for my next m/m Regency-set novella that I had been revising one chapter a day until my perfect revision plan was disrupted by the arrival of the edits. I've also been working on some interviews and guest blogging ideas. But I haven't figured out what to guest blog about yet.

In non-writing news: I've become a total GLEEK :D

SQUEE! I've just come across a very nice review for "Margaret's Rematch"! You can check it out at: Tifferz Book Review. This is very exciting. It's so incredibly rewarding to know that someone read your book and actually enjoyed it!

on writing and that which kept me away from it

2010-05-03T23:07:00.000+03:00

Well, today is an important day – the first day that I indulged in some much needed writing since the release of “Margaret’s Rematch”. It has been a hectic, unsettling kind of month as I’ve been trying to learn the ropes of self-promotion and I didn’t feel like it was a good time for writing.

I must confess that I haven’t learned a heck of a lot and I rather deplore the necessity to spend so much of my time on-line, browsing for useful links, signing up for groups that look promising, getting through hundreds of messages a day and then deleting the lot when I could be writing instead.

I still don’t know what works, though I do know what doesn’t. I didn’t manage to get a single review yet, but I did land three interviews! The nearest one is on May 11 at Romance Reviews Today. I also bought a journal to keep my calendar constantly updated and not to look frantically for a scrap of paper where I’ve dotted something of importance.

But today, today – today I started writing again! It is a very serious undertaking and very ambitious too in that it is not something that would be deemed marketable by established publishing houses and thus rejected. It is, I believe, another sweet, slow-paced and old-fashioned romantic story set against the backdrop of Regency England. But that is not all! It is in first person and this person is male!

announcement

2010-04-20T07:38:00.000+03:00

I'm delighted to introduce a new bimonthly feature to my blog - Meet the Character. Each character from "Margaret's Rematch" will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings on what was and is going on in their lives. Additionally, I'll try to supply every character with an individual sketch of my own making.

"Margaret's Rematch" in a nutshell

2010-03-29T10:42:00.000+03:00

If you are looking for a romance peppered with heaving bosoms and throbbing manhoods, "Margaret’s Rematch" is not for you. However if a mature, quiet romance with an interesting psychological angle is more your style, read and enjoy. ~~ Joyce McDonald, Girlebooks.