Archive for August, 2010
Another take on Dorchester’s change of course
Perhaps you haven’t heard but Dorchester, a notable romance publisher, has decided this week to end print publication and go to ebooks exclusively.
Today I had a conversation with a twenty-something woman. She didn’t know about much about electronic books and how the industry is changing. I thought that interesting since she is in the younger generation.
I wonder if publishers will themselves begin to push readers into buying ereaders like IPad or Nook or Kindle. That’s something to think about!
If you want to read what a ebook writer has to say about this drop by JA Konrath’s blog. http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/08/beginning-of-end.html
The times they are a-changing!
The Bride and the Buccaneer wins Beacon
I wasn’t sure what I’d blog about this month, until I opened up my emails on Monday. There I found an announcement that I’d won the Historical category of the FCRW (First Coast Romance Writers) Beacon Award for my Regency era “road novel”, The Bride and the Buccaneer.
I must say, I’ve had worse Mondays.[g]
I had to spend a lot of time researching Bride but it was all worth it in the end. Even more so now with this lovely award. It helps keep me focused on the need to get my next manuscript done, and I’m already plotting the one after that. And frankly, the recognition from a Florida RWA chapter also feels very special.
If you’d like to read an excerpt and reviews of The Bride and the Buccaneer, you can visit my website.
The Right Heroine For the Job by Misty Evans
This month, PROOF OF LIFE, Super Agent Series, Book 3, is released in print. CIA Deputy Director Michael Stone is the hero. Some of you will remember Michael from OPERATION SHEBA, the first book in my Super Agent Series. He was involved in a love triangle with counterterrorism expert Julia Torrison and a rogue spy named Conrad Flynn. Conrad won Julia in the end and a lot of readers were upset Michael ended up alone. He’s such an awesome guy (totally based on my hubby) and his UNhappy ending in OPERATION SHEBA left me unhappy, too. I had to give him his own story and a fantastic heroine to match.
Dr. Brigit Kent is Michael’s new love interest in PROOF OF LIFE, Super Agent Series Book 3. She’s also his newest enemy. Writing a heroine who could grab Michael’s attention was challenging. Writing one that could keep him on his toes was extra tough. I was halfway through the first draft before I understood Brigit and all her secrets. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t focus. Her elusiveness drove me crazy, but in the end, it helped me keep Michael guessing about her as well. I had to give in and stop trying to figure her out while I was writing before I could uncover all her secrets. Luckily, it all worked and my editor loved how Brigit kept Michael and the reader guessing about her true identity and her past.
Knowing your characters backwards and forewords typically makes for the best storyline. Especially in a romance, where the characters must grow and change and come together in the end. Once in awhile, though, you get a character who refuses to divulge everything up front. That’s okay. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, give that character a chance. He or she just might surprise you and be the perfect hero or heroine for your story.
Misty Evans loves her heroes tough, her heroines tougher and her stories full of action and fun. Visit her at www.readmistyevans.com and chat with her on Twitter @readmistyevans .