CONFESSION AND LIES WEDNESDAY!

We have two short confessions and lies today, both true stories both using pseudonyms to protect their privacy. Please leave a comment. Your feedback and opinions are always welcome.

As told to Jean by Susan:

When I was thirteen there were two boys in my life. One was Chris, my heartthrob, also my best friend’s boyfriend. The other was Luke. We hung around together every day after school. Luke liked me, but I only had eyes for Chris. Being a great friend, I never say anything about it to him.

Luke asked me out on a date, or our thirteen-year-old version of a date. I didn’t like him that way, so I lied and said my mother forbid me to go out on dates until I was fourteen. Surprise, surprise, Chris and my friend broke. Now I wanted to go out with him, but couldn’t because of my lie. You might say I deserved that and maybe I did. I waited for a year and then Chris and I went on to other people. But Luke stayed in my life.

I have a house on the beach I share with my family. Luke has a house there, too. Yes, I see him from time to time now that we are adults. He is married now and I am not. Do I wonder what would have happened if I gone out with him instead of lying? Sure I do. Hey, Luke, if you ever get divorced…I’m not thirteen anymore.

As told to Jean by Angela:

My boss who hired me for my first job in advertising where I wasn’t a secretary was a flamboyant, kind of crazy lady, brusque but nice to me. It wasn’t long though before I realized she was presenting my work as hers. I did a slow boil over this for months feeling helpless.

She was married to a sweet man but was having an affair with a guy at another agency. He was married, too. I wondered why she strayed given her adorable husband. I was single at the time. As time went on, I got madder and madder while I watched her present material I created to clients and keep me out of meetings. I’m not big on revenge these days, but then I was salivating for it. Opportunity presented itself when she went on vacation with her husband.

There was some industry party or other and her married boyfriend “Peter” was there. I was surprised to find “Peter” was as interested in playing around with me as with my boss. So I took him home with me. After a torrid few hours together, I understood why she was with him. He was quite a skilled lover.When she returned from vacation, I never told her I slept with “Peter” but enjoyed the satisfaction privately.

   

My boss eventually got fired because you can't go on hiding behind someone else's work forever and a year later, I went on to another agency. About five years after, I met “Peter” again at an industry function. I gave him a warm greeting and he was obviously embarrassed because he didn’t remember me. That blew me away! I couldn't  imagine not recognizing someone I had slept with. Perhaps the revenge I got on my boss was revisited on me in the end.

TOMORROW:  CAN A ROMANCE WRITER BECOME ANNIE OAKLEY?

Publisher: http://www.astraeapress.com

(multiple formats)

 Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Moonlit-Nights-Joachim-ebook/dp/B004MMEFMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301849536&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble:    http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sunny-Days-Moonlit-Nights/Jean-Joachim/e/2940012255570/?itm=1&USRI=sunny+days%2c+moonlit+nights

WHAT GOES INTO A GREAT HERO IN ROMANCE?

Today is the first day of my blog series on heroes. My first question is to the writers, do we write heroes the way we want them, see them, or do we write them to please our readers. I think the answer is both. 

Today I'll be posting writers writing about what they look for in their heroes, what is important to have in a hero and I'm expecting readers everywhere to tell us if we are right or wrong!

Since a hero is male, I's starting with a man's point of view first. Welcome Alex Sinclair, an excellent writer of erotica and erotic romance, gothic romance, action and adventure, paranormal romance, historical romance and suspense novels.

"Traits of a hero...?

A hero should be scared, uncertain, fragile and knows pain. I like my heroes to be slightly darker because they have lived through bad times and terrible events. They know the suffering others will feel if they don't step up. They put themselves in harms way without a moments hesitation, whilst inside a whirlwind of emotion and fears shows that externally they are brave, but internally they are just like every other person. This is what a hero is to me."

Follow Alex at his blog: http://sinclairbooks.blogspot.com or 
join his group at http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/45395.Sinclair_Books


Now for female perspective. To me, a great hero is a combination of what men are in real life and what they are not. A great hero is brave, kind, imperfect and always up for sex like men often are in real life and a good listener, unembarrassed by his woman's show of emotions and always available...like men sometimes are not in real life! Seriously, if my hero isn't sweet and good to his woman I won't like him and my readers won't like him. Handsome helps, though drop-dead gorgeous isn't necessary.


What about his physical characteristics? I try to mix it up with size, but often end up with tall. My heroes are blond or brunette. I've never had a red-headed hero, I'm embarrassed to say. 

I don't like to be too descriptive about him physically because I want the reader to envision him her own way, making him her hero. I find that hooks a reader into the story better, making it more emotional and compelling. 


What does he do for a living? So far my heroes have been college professors, deans, soldiers, scientists and I'm now writing about my first fireman, *sigh*! Even a college professor can keep his woman safe, which is a must for my heroes. If your hero can't keep you safe, then he doesn't qualify as a hero. 


What qualities do you look for in a fictional hero? What must he have to win your heart? Please leave your comments. We writers always want to know what our readers think.

Look for hero-talk here on Tuesdays. Tomorrow is Confessions and Lies Wednesday! 

 

http://www.astraeapress.com

(multiple formats)

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Moonlit-Nights-Joachim-ebook/dp/B004MMEFMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301849536&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble:    http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sunny-Days-Moonlit-Nights/Jean-Joachim/e/2940012255570/?itm=1&USRI=sunny+days%2c+moonlit+nights

Six Sentence Sunday from newest release "Sunny Days, Moonlit Nights"

She had been planning to leave Brad for the past three
months. Her suitcases were packed, but the time never seemed
right. After Stan’s visit, if she had any thoughts about staying, they
were gone. Her relationship with Brad had deteriorated beyond
repair and she had to leave…immediately before she had to face
another degrading situation like the one with Stan. She finished her
coffee and called for Harry.
“Would you please help me load up my car?”
“Right away, Miss,” he said.
Caroline led him into her bedroom to get two suitcases and
several small oil paintings.
“Harry…don’t put the luggage and things in the Bentley,” she
instructed.
“You’re not taking the Bentley?” he asked, raising his
eyebrows in surprise.
“No. Put everything in the Mazda,” she said, ready to be rid of the
trappings of wealth.
“Yes, Miss,” he said, picking up the two heavy suitcases.

Please leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Sharing with you a brand new four-star review just posted today at: http://onehundredromances.blogspot.com/2011/04/review-sunny-days-moonlit-nights.html?zx=e23699a97e552ee8

PREQUEL: The first installment of the prequel to "Sunny Days" is available below. Prequel installments will happen weekly. Happy Sunday!

Buy links:
http://www.astraeapress.com
Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Moonlit-Nights-Joachim-ebook/dp/B004MMEFMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301829377&sr=1-1
Barnes & Noble - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sunny-Days-Moonlit-Nights/Jean-Joachim/e/2940012255570/?itm=1&USRI=sunny+days%2c+moonlit+nights

COMING SOON: A series on "What makes a good hero?", with interviews and comments from many different writers.

Prequel to "Sunny Days, Moonnlit Nights"

Once a week, I will be posting excerpts of the prequel to "Sunny Days, Moonlit Nights", the story of Caroline Davis White before the book. The entire prequel will be played out on this blog. So please return to keep up with Caroline's story and you will find out how she ended up with Brad.



"A dance in Central Park for single people, perfect," Linda Davis told her daughter.
"Ma..."
"Not getting any younger and I want to be a grandma."
"I got my Masters two weeks ago, Ma. I'm not over the hill, yet," Caroline responded.
"Check it out, sweetheart. Make me happy."

Caroline sighed as she entered the Sheep Meadow, aglow with twinkly lights and live music. She took a glass of wine and wandered through the growing crowd, looking but not seeing the men and women. She missed her college friends. Still, her mother was pressuring her to find a man and she wanted to make her happy.

Caroline was lonely, too. She scanned the faces, hoping to find someone she knew. A tall dark-haired man with brown eyes came over to her and started talking. His name was Cary and soon she was dancing with him. As the fast song became a slow one, Cary drew her into his arms, holding her a little too close.

It felt good to be held by him. Caroline closed her eyes and let the warm summer breeze wash over her. After the music stopped, the band took a break. Cary got two glasses of wine and took Caroline's hand, leading her into the shadowy areas of the park. He sat down on the grass pulling her gently down next to him. Before she knew what was happening, he was kissing her.

At first the kiss was nice, but then it proceeded to get too passionate, too urgent. Caroline pulled away.
"Come back, beautiful thing," he said, reaching for her.
Caroline moved out of his reach and shook her head.
"I hardly know you."
"What better way to get acquainted."
"You're kidding, right?"
His eyes glistened in the moonlight and Caroline began to feel uncomfortable.
"Why do you think guys come to these crummy things?"
"To meet someone?"
"To get laid," he said.

Caroline got up and brushed off he skirt. Time to go home. Tucking her purse under her arm, she turned to him:
"Smooth, aren't you?"
"Just honest. You asked."
"Did I? Mistake. Goodnight."

When she got home and related her story to her mother, Linda got busy.
"We'll have to find a better place to find you a husband. Some place where the guys have a little class."
"Meaning they want to get laid but don't tell you after the first half hour?" Caroline replied.
"Cynic!"

Sitting at the window in her room, Caroline wondered what plan Linda would come up with. Her mother was a determined lady and marrying off her daughter had become her preoccupation. She drifted off to sleep wishing to find her Prince Charming soon so she could get on with her life.

http://www.astraeapress.com

CONFESSIONS AND LIES! TWO CONFESSIONS TODAY!

 GUEST CONFESSION FROM KAY SPRINGSTEEN

Kay Springsteen is an Astraea Press author:

I don't know about my biggest lie, but I will confess to the lie I told most often. When I was a kid, I had a stuffed pink rabbit. I know I got it one Easter from "The Easter Bunny," but I don't recall actually getting him. He's just in my awareness as always having been there, and since I remember things back to when I was age two...well, let's just say he was always there. His name was Flopsy, I assume named by one of my parents and likely my mom, who used to read me Beatrix Potter stories. Now, Flopsy went everywhere with me. I dressed him in doll clothes, a new outfit every day. He was my constant companion. So it only made sense, when I did something wrong, for Flopsy to take the rap.

Who changed Dad's alarm clock? Flopsy did it. Who put fingerprints all over the picture window? Flopsy did it. Who was bouncing on Mom and Dad's bed? Flopsy did it. Who played in the water and soaked the floor in front of the sink? Flopsy did it. Who broke the screen door? Flopsy....yeah you get it. Well, Flopsy has since gone on to greener Easter grass, and my parents have both left this earth as well. So I think it's safe to admit....Flopsy didn't do all those things....I did. Flopsy...wherever you are in stuffed animal heaven, old friend, thanks for being such a great sport and never telling who really did all those bad things things you got blamed for.


Kay Springsteen


Heartsight (currently available) purchases directly from the Astraea Press link generate a $2 per copy donation to the USO Wounded Warriors Program.
Lifeline Echoes, expected release date April 5, will have a similar donation in place for The American Red Cross
http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=2626233

CONFESSION OF A LIE TO MY SON:

One day I went into the room my twelve-year-old son shared with his eight-year-old brother and saw a Playboy centerfold taped on the wall. I almost passed out. My son, David, gave me a fish eye and when I asked him to take it down, he replied, "I can do what I want in my room".

I had visions of every fourth grade boy in the school begging my Stevie for a playdate so they could see this naked lady. Not to mention all the twelve-year-olds, soon to be David's best friends, coming around for a "viewing". My heart began to beat rapidly. After the boys became the most popular kids in school and boys were lined up outside our front door and down the block, the moms would become suspicious and want to know what's going on.

I had visions of 50 calls to children's services to report our underage porno parlor in David's bedroom. Newspaper headlines, TV cameras and foster care. My knees were growing weak. So I lied to my son. I told David the mothers of Stevie's friends would not allow their boys to come over and play if they knew about this busty naked lady on display on the wall. David didn't argue with me, he just took the picture down.

Only I knew the boys would NEVER tell their mothers about the picture! I breathed a sigh of relief David cared enough about his brother to put his stand for independence through Playboy on hold. This is a true story. If you have sons, be glad it's my story and not yours!



Find "Sunny Days, Moonlit Nights" for sale here:
http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=2626134
Also available on amazon.com and barnesand noble.com