Diane's Blog

Mondays you find me at Risky Regencies, musing about the era I love (and other things as well), but Thursdays, I'm here, "At Home," relaxed and mellow and ready to while away the time. You are graciously invited to call.

Heroines

September 2, 2010 – 9:58 am

Yipes, Thursday came fast this week!

As you know from my Risky Regencies blog about Story Ideas and my blog here about Hooks, I’m starting on a new book, Leo’s Story, connected to The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor.

1800-jumprope-pinup-Sophia-Western Story ideas and plots don’t always come easy to me (as I probably have mentioned before). It helps if I know the characters. Often they almost tell me what will happen. So far, I’ve figured out Leo. He’s going to be tortured and dissipated and in need of redemption. But I don’t yet know who my heroine will be. So I’m thinking a lot about heroines lately.

Other discussions of romance heroes and heroines usually say that the typical romance reader (a woman) wants to fall in love with the hero and wants to identify with the heroine. That certainly fits with what I want from a romance novel!

I want to think of the heroine as sort of an “ideal me.” Younger, prettier, braver, smarter, etc. But I don’t want her to be perfect, because then she’ll make me feel like a total slug in comparison. If she has flaws and weaknesses and makes mistakes, I want them to be ones I can understand and sympathize with. And as she overcomes them, it gives me an inkling that I can overcome my flaws, weaknesses and mistakes, too.

She can’t be too much like me, though. I’d like to think she’s not challenged with some of the problems I have. Like….she doesn’t have to lose 20 pounds, for example. I’m not fond of stories about overweight, not-very-attractive heroines who get the hero anyway–that’s just not my fantasy. My heroines don’t have to be classically beautiful, just more beautiful (and thinner) than me!

Heroines should be strong, smart and resourceful. I love a heroine who doesn’t stand by and let the hero rescue her; she participates in the rescue. I hate it when in old movies the hero and villain are in a horrible fight and the heroine just cowers in a corner. Get in there and help him, for pity’s sake!!

Heroines should be equal to the hero. I don’t necessarily mean in terms of status–I do love a Cinderella story–but the heroine should be equal to the hero in spirit and not willing to do as he says just becauses he dictates it. She should have a sense of herself as worthy, a healthy self-esteem.

The Secret in the Old Attic Sometimes I think my idea of a good heroine was honed by years of reading Nancy Drew, the old version. Nancy was always smart, resourceful and brave. She was never weak. In the Nancy Drew books Ned was secondary, but he did come through for her, like saving her from the quicksand. Does anyone else remember that scene? Ican’t even remember which book it was in, but, gosh, that scene made an impression on me!

I still haven’t decided who my heroine in Leo’s story will be, but I’m getting there.

What kind of heroines do you like the best? Do you have any pet peeves about heroines? Let’s talk about it!

Don’t forget my current blog contest. Comment between now and Sept 13 for a chance to win a copy of Wicked Regency Nights, the UK anthology that includes my Undone story, The Unlacing of Miss Leigh.

And if you are in or near the Northern Virginia area, this Saturday, Sept 4 at 1:00 pm, my daughter’s friend, Emma Rathbone, will be speaking about her debut novel, The Patterns of Paper Monster, at the Fairfax Barnes and Noble. I’m going to be there!

If you haven’t already, check out what’s new on my website- A new contest. A new excerpt from Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress. New reviews.

By Diane :: Posted in Miscellaneous :: Comments (23)

Risky Regencies Day

August 30, 2010 – 12:00 am

Ghost_Stories_December_1928 I’m telling a real Regency Ghost Story at Risky Regencies today.

Come by and say, “Hi!”

By Diane :: Posted in Miscellaneous :: Comments (1)

Tanks–for the memories

August 26, 2010 – 12:35 am

Last weekend my husband, our friend Virginia, and I went to Nokesville, VA, to the American Wartime Museum’s annual open house, located at “the Tank Farm.” The Tank Farm houses dozens of vintage and fully operational military armoured vehicles. Once a year in this open house, the tank collection is on display as well as a whole bunch of military reenactors, including some who really were in the theatre of war.

For part of my growing up years I lived on Army posts. My father was a U.S. Army colonel and I was used to seeing men in fatigues, green army jeeps and tanks, so visiting the Tank Farm was a nostalgic experience. My husband and Virginia are also “military brats” (alas, they are Navy, not Army), and my husband has seen every old war movie in existence. As you can imagine, we had a great time.

Diane and husband in front of a tank

Here’s a view of what the grounds looked like:

Tank Farm

British tank on the move

British Tank

And, lastly, a reenactor. This young lady is playing a member of the ATS, the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the branch of the military that British women joined. Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth joined the ATS. These women served everywhere that the men served and they did everything the men did except fire weapons. There are wonderful reminiscences of these ladies on this website.

ATS reenactor

The outfit she is wearing is a vintage uniform, actually worn by a member of the ATS. Everything is authentic except the shoes. Doesn’t she look fabulous? I think she could be a heroine in a WWII romance!

What museum or historical site have you visited lately?

Remember, a comment today automatically enters you in my contest. One commenter will be chosen at random on Sept 13 to win a signed copy of Wicked Regency Nights.

And also don’t forget, Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress should be appearing on your bookstore shelves this week! If you see it, let me know!

By Diane :: Posted in Life :: Comments (14)

Hooks!

August 19, 2010 – 2:29 am

BrideofPendorric_cover I’ve been thinking about Hooks. I don’t mean pirates! Or that hook the top of a dress, the one that is so hard to fasten. I mean those story conventions popular in Romance. You know, things like Secret Baby, Forbidden Love, Fish Out of Water. (or Woman in Jeopardy, a popular Victoria Holt plot)

When I first started writing and I was targeting the Harlequin and Silhouette contemporary lines, I had an interview with a Harlequin editor at one of my first romance conferences. She asked me, “What is your marketing hook?”

I didn’t have a clue what she meant.

I know now she was asking me what classic romance plot was I using.

Now, many years later I’ve learned to appreciate “hooks.” Hooks are classic because they have a timeless appeal. Because I’ve just turned in Book 3 of my Three Soldiers Series (a Reunion story) and need to start a new book, I’ve been thinking about hooks. Which one should I use in the next book?

One classic plot I’ve used before is Marriage of Convenience. In this plot, the hero and heroine must marry for some reason other than love. I’ve used this one in The Mysterious Miss M, The Wagering Widow, and Scandalizing the Ton. Scandalizing the Ton also has a Secret Baby plot. The Vanishing Viscountess has a Fish Out Of Water plot.

Help me make my choice of hooks for the next book. What are some of your favorite romance plots? Which ones do you think work best in Regency romance? (Here’s a great list to help you) Help me with my Hook!

I’m starting a new Diane’s Blog contest. The prize is a signed copy of Wicked Regency Nights, the UK anthology that includes my The Unlacing of Miss Leigh. Just comment between now and Sept 13 to enter. I’ll announce the winners on Sept 14.

And next Sunday Michelle Willingham and I going to be talking about our new September releases! (and giving away signed copies) on Risky Regencies. And on Monday, we’ll be dishing about Male on Monday at the Pink Heart Society.

Because…Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress is due in bookstores on (or before) Sept 1!

By Diane :: Posted in Regency, Writing :: Comments (18)

Peterloo at Risky Regencies

August 16, 2010 – 7:19 pm

Peterloo_Massacre I’m at Risky Regencies today talking about the anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.

See you back here on Thursday!

Diane

By Diane :: Posted in Miscellaneous :: Comments (1)

Patterns of Paper Monsters

August 12, 2010 – 12:23 am

At the RWA conference Harlequin presented to their authors the results of a survey which, among other nice things about romance readers, revealed that they are more likely than readers of other genres to read all kinds of books, not just romances. So, readers, here’s a brand new author for you to try, a very special one!

Rathbone_142x175 Her name is Emma Rathbone and her debut novel is out this week. The Patterns of Paper Monsters features Jacob, a sarcastic, irreverent, Holden Caufield-esque narrator, who is incarcerated in a juveline detention center in Northern Virginia.

Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly has to say:

”Rathbone’s extraordinary and imaginative command of language surprises at every turn, from a woman described as “a pile of a person who smells like someone’s weird house” to an air vent blowing “glacial wind swept up from prehistoric ice dunes.”

And The New Yorker is equally as glowing.

Emma’s book was selected to be one of Harvard Book Store’s Select Seventy.

I have a special reason for featuring Emma’s book. Emma is my daughter’s friend from high school. In fact, she patterns the juvenile detention center in the book after their high school. Emma has spent many an hour in this house. Countless sleepovers. I won’t embarrass her or my daughter by recounting their teenaged escapades (not the candle-making episode, nor the time they played hooky from religion classes. I won’t say a word).

As so often happens after high school, the two girls headed in different directions, though they were never entirely out-of-touch. Emma went on to earn a BA at NYU and a MFA at the University of VA and now THIS!

I can remember rewriting my first manuscript, taking out the steamy parts, so that Emma could read it. She was really the only one of that generation who was interested. Now I know why!

So it is a delight to share her success with all of you. I hope those of you who branch out into other genres give Emma’s The Patterns of Paper Monsters a try!

Read a newspaper article about Emma. And some blogs on the publisher site, Reagan Arthur Books.

Who have you known in that ordinary, growing up way, who went on to BIG THINGS? Tell us!

Are you one of the few who haven’t won a copy of Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady? I’m giving away a signed copy in the website contest. Check here.

By Diane :: Posted in Guest, Writing :: Comments (7)

Winner….finally

August 11, 2010 – 1:07 am

Lady Hamilton2 Finally I’m announcing a winner of a signed copy of Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady.

Congratulations, Kirsten!

I’ve sent you an email.

And, everyone, come back on Thursday when I’ll talk about a brand new author!

By Diane :: Posted in Contests :: Comments (6)

Risky Regencies Potpourri

August 9, 2010 – 1:55 am

I’m at Risky Regencies today, talking about a potpouri of things. Come say hi!

: Potpourri by Edwin Austin Abbey, 1899

Tomorrow I’ll announce the winner of a signed copy of Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady

By Diane :: Posted in Miscellaneous :: Comments (1)

RWA Highlights

August 5, 2010 – 9:29 am

I’m posting late today because I’m still recovering from the Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando. (Frankly, I lost track of the days!) There was so much to enjoy about the conference, but it is always exhausting. What I like best is seeing old friends, some whom I don’t see except at the conference.

L to R, Me, Deb Marlowe, Amanda McCabe/Laurel McKee

Here I am with my anthology mates from The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor. Both Amanda and Deb were RITA finalists for their novellas in the anthology. Sadly neither one of them won but I had the pleasure of seeing our bookcover flashed twice on a huge screen. We’re in the Grand Floridian Hotel where our editors took the Harlequin Historical authors to tea.

Part of the conference experience is attending workshops. I didn’t attend very many because authors are often busy with business meetings (in my case a lovely lunch with my editor and agent) and receptions.

Chat with Nora Roberts – Every year Nora’s workshop is an informal chat, where attendees may ask whatever questions they wish. Nora freely discussed her writing process, from researching to writing to polishing, but after each comment she’d say, “But that’s my process. You do what works for you. There’s no wrong way.” I loved that!

Pantsers, Plotters, and Plotsers – this workshop talked about three differences in approaching writing a book. Claudia Dain was the “pantser,” a writer who gets an idea, thinks up some characters and just starts writing, letting the plot evolve. Sabrina Jeffries was the “plotter,” who outlines the plot and characters in detail before starting the actual writing. Deb Marlowe (my friend above) is in between, a “plotser,” like me. In fact, she quoted me, which gave me great incentive to attend the workshop.

Writing the Novel That Sells: Getting Started – This workshop promised to show tips and tricks to “get your butt in the chair” and start writing. I thought I might learn some organizational skills and tips on how to better structure my time, but what I learned is that we all struggle to sit down and write. What delighted me about this workshop were the presenters. I always love to see Jane Porter, one of the first Mills & Boon authors who made me feel welcome, but Liza Palmer and Megan Crane (who also writes for Harlequin Presents as Caitlin Crews) were a surprise, because we were all writing for Warner Books years ago and I had not seen them since.

Another highlight is the Harlequin party, held this year at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The delight of the Harlequin Party is the sheer joy and celebration. A room full of women and a scattered few men dancing non-stop.

Front- Terri Brisbin and Deb Marlowe; Back- Michelle Styles and Michelle Willingham

And last of all is the Awards Ceremony. This year there was a banquet before the ceremony, which gave us even more time with friends. I sat with Washington Romance Writer friends and Michelle Monkou, RWA President and WRW member visited our table.

L to R, Lavinia Kent, Michelle Monkou, Kathryn Anderson, Candy Lyons

Nothing left to do but go home to kitty litter boxes and dishes, although I will say that my family held down the home front so well all I had to do was relax.

Here’s my question of the day (thinking of the Harlequin Party): When was the last time you danced?

(I’ve made the executive decision to extend my contest another week and I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday)

By Diane :: Posted in Writing :: Comments (22)

Still on the Road…

August 2, 2010 – 12:53 am

P1000372 My friend Julie and I are on the road back from RWA Orlando, but I did manage to post a blog at Risky Regencies. See some photos from the Regency party, the Beau Monde Soiree, and from other parts of the conference.

Tomorrow, if I am able to muster up the energy, I’ll post my newest blog contest winner, and Thursday I’ll be back here. I have about 500 miles to think up a topic!

(look at the new content on the website!)

By Diane :: Posted in Announcement :: Comments (1)