Thursday, 10 March 2011

Still seeking that elusive publishing contract?


Are you still seeking a publisher, rather than go it alone as and Indie booky?

Where once it was a case of publishers holding the upperhand, and all wannabe writers fearing the powers that be. No longer is that so true, because if you're willing to shop around and check out the competition within the e-book/paperback world that exists - via the Internet - then the Cyber World of publishing is your proverbial oyster.

The biggest may not always be best is a good maxim to judge by. Think in terms of well-established e-publishers to that of relative newbies on the block. First off the well-established publisher already has a long list of inhouse authors, and its submission rates are going to be much higher. Now start thinking new means less resident/established authors, therefore more chances of getting a foot in the door. The other thing to look out for is quality of cover images already on their virtual bookshelves: the cover is the eye-catcher, the content needing to match it. 

So, with all that in mind you'll find an updated comprehensive list of e-publishers and paperback publishers in lower right hand column. Good luck!    



Wednesday, 2 March 2011

Super-Snooper Blogfest!


The lovely Alison is hosting this blogfest.


The task for me in this blogfest is to describe things belonging to whomever one chooses as the subject matter. The task for the reader to assess whom the person is and what he might be like personality wise and any given profession.

I've chosen a hero from one of my romance novels, and the rules for this blogfest (as I recall) doesn't state no pics!

So, I thought I would start with a pic of my hero's childhood home where he grew from boyhood to manhood, and where family tradition led him into a dangerous world in which he risked life and limb in the glory of seeking prestige and hero status: one entailing immense skill and that of horsemanship.



Born to wealth he nonetheless sought his own path in life and ventured into independent business interests, but as mentioned above, by way of family tradition he met with "His Nemesis"  - his life he believes changed thereafter for the better despite the loss of one he treasured above all others.

Nemesis!

Within his London based home vast equine portraits are displayed in a half arc following the path of marble and wrought iron staircase to second floor. The top portait is that of Xander, his greatest equine love and long since dead.  

Lusitano Stallion (Xander)

A man who thrives on danger this hero loves powerful cars, powerful horses and a fast and powerful life style, and not averse to powerfully attractive women. But always, always he remains wary of fast women looking for powerful trophy husbands.

Bentley Continental 


His favourite room in his London house is that of The Den.
Despite it's cosy snug appearance it's where he conducts business when not in various office buildings. It's where he keeps a safe, and where he often settles down with a book, a bottle of wine, or slums it whilst watching TV.       

The Den


When he's feeling really stressed and in need of relaxation or a physical workout does he venture to a gym in the basement?

Like hell he does, he just dives in and swims length after length! 



But one day, one day in this very pool a woman tilts the axis of his lonely if otherwise balanced world. Needless to say, he's smitten, thinks himself in control but she's not whom he thinks her to be and soon there's no way back from self-induced hell! ;)


Now for the final clue: these are part of what he loves doing most. By collating all the info here you should be able to uncover what he was and what he is now!


And, what do you reckon he's like as a person?  

Tomorrow I'll add two pics to this post showing what he was and what he is now! Check back to see if you were right . . .

Follow up day Allessandre revealed:


He's of aristocratic lineage and does have a ruthless streak in his business dealings, at the same time he rewards loyalty with same and of a philanthropic nature: gives a helping hand in setting up of own business with aim to own wealth.  He's fiercely protective of family, his own privacy, yet a social beast in that he's a team player.
El Cavaleiro





He was what many people might abhorr, but it was family tradition and at one time a social event: still is for many.  The Portuguese Bullfighter performs nothing less than that of equine dressage when taunting the bull from horseback, and of course it is intended the bull survive to fight another day. Nemesis, a much admired bull and old hand at being taunted, was a canny beast whom memorised every movement of Xander (horse) and finally sought revenge! Although Allessandre almost died, too, and later went back into the ring in the Spanish style of Matador with sword in hand to kill Nemesis, his admiration for the bull led to its retirement out to grass.


He is now a professional polo player and breeds polo ponies, Xander's offspring (mares & stallions) the source of a breed line sought by many of his ilk.


                                                                            

Monday, 28 February 2011

How weather can speak in novels and drive the plot forward!


Speaking Weather is the subject matter for discussion at Heroines with Hearts.

Why not pop over and join in the discussion. We're here.


Friday, 25 February 2011

Blogfests Galore - Get in on the Action!

A few days ago blogfests were thin on the ground - now look what's happened!

Whatever, it's time to party so get signing up and show us what you're made of as writers.

Cast your writing worries aside, let down your hair and have some fun. 



See side bar for list of blogfests.

Monday, 21 February 2011

Writing "Black Moments" = reader impact and emotional pull!




Writing Black Moments can test one's ability in making it feel real to a reader. Yet it's a golden opportunity to shock, and to set precedence for emotional pull and empathy toward the recipient of bad news. It may cause real tears, a sense of inner despair and, ultimately, reader need to know that something good will come out of what ever has happened.

This week we at Heroines' with Hearts are discussing Black Moments and why we need them in novels!  If you would like to join with us, you're welcome. Please go here.