Georgie Lee

Mask of the Gladiator is Now Available!!!

2012-01-30T07:07:00.000-08:00

Mask of the Gladiator is now available! Please check it out on the Carina Press website.

You know you can't resist the excitement of ancient Rome!

Mark Your Calendars!

2012-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I'm starting this year with a bang. January 31st, my novella Mask of the Gladiator will be released from Carina Press. February is filled with a number of speaking events at local San Diego County libraries. If you are in the San Diego area on any of the dates below, please stop by and say "Hi!" In the meantime, have a great January!

Rancho San Diego Library - Friday February 10 at 11am

Santee Library - Tuesday February 21 at 6pm

La Mesa Library - Saturday February 25 at 1pm

Mistletoe Madness Winner

2011-12-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Melissa Haggerty! You are the winner of Rock 'n' Roll Reunion from the Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop. I will email you a copy of the novella. Thank you to everyone who participated in both blog hops. I hope you all have a very merry New Year!

Virtual Advent Blog Hop

2011-12-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone. It's almost Christmas and hopefully all your presents are purchased, wrapped and under the tree, and your menu for Christmas Day is set. Now you can relax, sit back and watch the Christmas tree lights twinkle, enjoy some hot cocoa and maybe even curl up with a movie or two.

For me, it isn't the Christmas season until I watch A Charlie Brown Christmas but I also have some other favorites that are a little off the beaten path. I've compiled a short list of these films, some of which you might remember from your childhood. I hope you enjoy the list and find a new favorite to add to your holiday collection. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. My sister and I used to watch this every year, so I was very excited when she told me it is streaming on Netflix. It is a heartwarming story with all the adorable muppets you expect from Jim Henson.

The Muppet Christmas Carol. I assure you, not every movie on this list will have muppets in it but I do love this version of Dickens. It stays pretty true to the novel but with a lot of cute characters and sight gags.

A Christmas in Connecticut. The 1945 Barbara Stanwyck version is a great, classic Hollywood holiday film. The plot is fun, the dialogue witty and the chemistry between the hero and heroine sparkles.

The Bishops Wife. This 1947 classic stars Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young. Cary Grant is spectacular as usual as an angel who comes to help an Episcopal Bishop remember the important things in life.

A Tale of Two Cities. The 1935 version with Ronald Colman is excellent. Now, I realize it isn't a strictly Christmas movie and it can be a bit heavy at times, but some of the story does take place at Christmas. Ronald Coleman's portrayal of Sydney Carton is very moving and well worth watching.

'Tis the Season

2011-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I am participating in two holiday blog hops this December. The first is the Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop and Giveaway. Join me starting on December 16th for a chance to win a copy of my novella Rock 'n' Roll Reunion. Just leave a comment for a chance to win!

Then join me on December 23rd for my post on the Virtual Advent Tour. Look for my post on December 23rd.

And don't forget to follow the Romancing A Christmas Past story written by me and a talented group of Carina Press historical authors. RT Book Reviews Blog is following it, are you?

http://romancingthepast.blogspot.com/

Romancing A Christmas Past Mentioned on RT Book Reviews Blog

2011-12-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

The lovely ladies of the Romancing the Past blog, which includes me, are writing a magical Christmas story for readers and offering a chance to win fabulous books. The event is called Romancing a Christmas Past and is filled with mystery, plot twists and fun.

RT Book Reviews mentioned us on their blog. Please check out the post then head over to Romancing the Past to read the story and join in on the fun!

http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/four-historical-romance-authors-co-write-holiday-tale

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

The tree is up, the lighted reindeer are on the lawn and it is 38 degrees out with a frost warning this morning. Welcome to a Southern California winter! I don't care if people who are knee-deep in snow are laughing at me, I am running for my heavy jacket. Do you think it is safe to let the dog outside?

Despite being bundled up inside, I have a lot of exciting things happening this month. I'm participating in 3 different blog events and an author interview. So grab a cup of hot chocolate, sit back and have some fun!

All Roads Lead to Rome

2011-11-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

Ta-da! Here it is, the cover for Mask of the Gladiator, my ancient Rome novella coming from Carina Press in January 2012. I love this cover and I hope you do too.

A Little Legal Luck is a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick!

2011-11-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Night Owl Reviews has named my contemporarya novella, A Little Legal Luck, a top pick.
Click here to read the review!

Romancing the Books Recommends A Little Legal Luck

2011-11-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the review!

The First Social Network

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental telegraph. The completion of the line marked the first time in history people could communicate and information could be transmitted instantly over thousands of miles. It changed the way the world did business and how people interacted with each other. The first "chat rooms" sprang up between different telegraph offices while people forged friendships, fell in love and got married "on-line". Criminals who'd hopped the first train out of town could now be caught by wiring the police at the next stop. The way the stock market worked changed as brokers, investors and bankers all had access to real time market updates. News that used to take weeks to make it's way across country was now available as fast a telegraph operators could tap it out. So, if you're near a computer this week or updating your Facebook page, take a moment to stop and think about the pioneers who created the first social network.

All For One!

2011-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

The Three Muskateers opens this weekend and, after the week I've had, I really need some fun escapism. Also, with British hunks Ray Stevenson and Matthew MacFadyen swinging their swords, it will be a hard film to resist. In fact, there are many period pieces I've sat through simply to watch my favorite beefcake. Some were good, some were not but I still watched them. I even own some of the stinkers (can we say King Arthur with Clive Owen?) and I am not alone. At a recent get-together with friends, we all trilled off our favorite less than Masterpiece Theatre quality favorites. So, don't be afraid of those questionable period films sitting in your collection. Admit you love the costumes, the dishy hunks and the lavish settings, slap them in the DVD player and have some fun!

Channeling Better Homes & Gardens

2011-10-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Me and crafts do not mix. Creativeness does run in my family, but it managed to gallop right past me and hit my sister. I can write and that's about where it ends. However, despite my shortcomings, every once in a while I can channel Martha Stewart, or in this case, Better Homes and Gardens.

My sister recently got married and, as the matron of honor, I threw her a bridal shower. Since it was an October wedding, I decided to go with a Halloween theme. Not a scary, zombie laden bash but a tasteful hint of Halloween. I had an image in my mind of what I wanted but, as usual, no idea how to implement it. Thankfully, the October issue of Better Homes & Gardens happened to arrive with these pictures!!!

In the print edition of the magazine, the punch bowl picture shows the black tablecloth with the white cheesecloth laid over it. The on-line version didn't have it so, you'll have to take my word for it.

Armed with my magazine, I set out to create a similar table for my party. I already have a lot of Halloween decorations, so I pulled the boxes out of the basement, bought the few things I was missing and ta-da!

Please excuse the arm in the picture. In all the excitement of setting up that morning, I almost forgot to take a picture. I remembered as everyone finished helping themselves to wraps and mimosas. I had orginially planned to use my silver and white china and my fancy silverware but an hour before the party my dishwasher died. I'm not a big fan of doing dishes so I decided to go with paper plates instead. I created a similar table for presents but completely forgot to take a picture. I blame the mimosas.

OK, I admit, it doesn't look like much but for me, this is a big accomplishment. Add into the mix games, prizes, presents and more mimosas and a good time was had by all!

A New Novel for Arthur Conan Doyle Fans!

2011-09-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Sherlock Holmes author's first novel will be published for the first time. Read the article below to see how even a famous author can have his manuscript lost in the mail. He had to rewrite the story from memory. Doesn't it make you want to back up your novel now?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15054089

A Little Legal Luck is now available!

2011-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

My contemporary romance novella, A Little Legal Luck is now available from The Wild Rose Press.

On St. Patrick’s Day, the last thing paralegal Lisa Brennan needs is another lawyer in her life, but when handsome attorney Daniel Wilson shows he’s a sweetheart in an industry of sharks, she’s intrigued. Daniel is impressed by the pretty paralegal and her desire to succeed despite a bad job, but with the pressure of running his own firm, does he have time for a relationship? Thrown together in the jury pool, Lisa must overcome her prejudices about attorneys to trust Daniel and get lucky in love.

Good new for Miss Marple fans!

2011-08-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

A long lost short story featuring Miss Marple was recently rediscovered by a devoted fan. The entire story can be read by following the link below. Agatha Christie fans, I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2030590/Miss-Marples-mystery-Jealously-passion-murder--Lost-50-years-seen-time.html

Attention Historical Romance Authors and History Buffs!

2011-08-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Historical romance authors and history lovers, do you want to read old ship's logs while contributing to science? Check out Old Weather at Oxford University and help everyone learn something from the past.

http://www.oldweather.org/

Fictional Lands - What's your favorite?

2011-08-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Cool-story.com put together a list of the ten best fictional lands. Here's the link to the list. http://www.cool-story.com/story/208/Fantasy-Worlds-In-Literature/
Do you agree or disagree? What favorite land of yours did they miss? I think Hogwarts should have been included.

Something old, something new...

2011-08-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

I love this story about a bride wearing her great-great-grandmothers' 1884 wedding dress. The classic styles never go out of date.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2022477/Bride-old-sorted-weds-127-year-old-dress-worn-great-great-grandmother.html

I'm guessing there aren't many dresses from the 1970s and 80s taking a second trip down the aisle. But maybe I'm wrong. After all, who can resist these looks?

Historical Authors Will Love This!

2011-08-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

Google Maps Medieval Edition. Oxford has a map dating from the 14th century that is being converted into a searchable document. Will there be street view? I think it would be fun to compare ye olde England to the modern one.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2022354/Ye-Olde-Google-Mappe-Researchers-make-searchable-online-version-oldest-surviving-map-Britain.html

Romancing the Past

2011-07-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm over at the Romancing the Past blog with my first post discussing the fun and frustration of researching obscure history. The blog is run by a wonderful group of Carina Press historical authors and I will be posting on the 14th of each month. Please stop by and leave a comment.

My Free Thursday Short Story

2011-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

My short story, Dog Beach, is today's free Thursday short story on the Avalon Author's Blog. Please swing by and check it out. http://avalonauthors.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-thursday-story-dog-beach-by.html

Gone with the Wind turns 75!

2011-06-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

I couldn't let June pass without celebrating the 75th anniversary of one of my favorite novels of all time. Gone With the Wind turns 75 this month. I have a birthday too, but thankfully, it isn't my 75th (I'm not telling which one it is). NPR has done a series of stories on the famous novel and for those of you who aren't already steeped in the trivia like I am, they are excellent reads. So, pull on your hooped skirts, sip a mint julep and give a damn because, after all, tomorrow is another day!

http://www.npr.org/2011/06/30/137476187/margaret-mitchells-gone-with-the-wind-turns-75

Carina Press Free Read Week

2011-06-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's FREE BOOK WEEK at Carina Press!!!

Starting on June 20th, every weekday, all week, Carina, who is publishing my novella of ancient Rome in January 2012, is offering a spectacular title for free download. And when they say free, they mean ACTUALLY free. Not "sorta free", or "free with a $50 purchase" free, but actually, totally, no strings attached FREE! So, get thee to Carina press to download a free book every day! Here are the books being offered, and the links and promo codes for your free download:

Monday's FREE BOOK is:
The Debutante's Dilemma by Elyse Mady
Just type in the promo code DEBUTANTEFREE at checkout
http://ebooks.carinapress.com/ContentDetails.htm?ID=50C0978A-DAC7-44E7-B627-C26A\
520471C0

Tuesday's FREE BOOK is:
Demon's Fall by Karalynn Lee
Just type in the promo code DEMONFREE at checkout
http://ebooks.carinapress.com/ContentDetails.htm?ID=1E5A3A07-9BC7-4449-9B8F-377C\
21E2F664

Wednesday's FREE BOOK is:
The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale by Christine Bell
Just type in the promo code TWISTEDFREE at checkout
http://ebooks.carinapress.com/ContentDetails.htm?ID=D79D7CD6-1BAA-4D2E-AE65-FF0E\
42F79BE7

Thursday's FREE BOOK is:
Blue Galaxy by Diane Dooley
Just type in the promo code GALAXYFREE at checkout
http://ebooks.carinapress.com/ContentDetails.htm?ID=827CC21D-6F33-437A-977B-B0F2\
91B70367

Friday's FREE BOOK is:
Friendly Fire by Megan Hart
Just type in the promo code FRIENDLYFREE at checkout
http://ebooks.carinapress.com/ContentDetails.htm?ID=E1466469-DB0C-404F-A0AA-3491\
BB9E9B14

Labor Relations Now Available!

2011-02-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

In Hollywood, Lion Studios and the Movie Actors Guild are locked in a bitter arbitration that could change the landscape of the film industry. Sarah Steele, the beautiful and accomplished labor attorney for MAG, is on one side of the table. Jake Rappaport, the young and handsome head of Labor Relations at Lion Studios, is on the other. Their attraction is an instant and powerful one, but a romantic relationship could ruin both of their careers and place the arbitration in jeopardy.

As news gathers of suspected sparks between them, Jake and Sarah become increasingly wary of the vulnerability of their careers. Can Sarah and Jake resolve their romantic conflict of interest, and learn to believe in love and the sacrifices necessary to make it possible?

Check it out at http://www.avalonbooks.com/catblogcr/1091-labor-relations

Rock 'n' Roll Reunion Now Available!

2011-01-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

My sweet contemporary romance, Rock 'n' Roll Reunion is now available from

Ellora's Cave Blush.

Please stop by their website and check it out.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8998-rock-n-roll-reunion.aspx

What happens when your high school crush suddenly reappears, conjuring up a pack of bad memories more embarrassing than your old perm? If you’re Cindy, you put the past behind you, prop up your courage and take a chance on love.

The cover for Labor Relations!

2010-11-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the great cover for my new novel Labor Relations coming out in February 2011 from

Avalon Books!

I also sold a novella, Rock 'n' Roll Reunion to Cerridwen Press.

Pumpkin Envy, Part Two.

2010-10-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins, especially the ones grown by professionals, are usually pretty hardy if you don't carve them. One year, I had a couple that lasted well into December. I only threw them out because they clashed with my Christmas decorations.

After failing to grow even one pumpkin this year, I bought three. They've been sitting quietly in the kitchen, waiting for the big carving day. Then this morning, I move them. Two of the three bottoms were squishy.

I live on a hill. There is a big rock near the bottom. Pumpkins will be chunked. Vengeance will be mine.

Thanks, but you shouldn't have.

2010-10-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

A fellow author and I were chatting this weekend about classic books. Together, we hit on a number of "classics" that well, just shouldn't have been written, or shouldn't be considered classics. For her, it was Daniel Deronda. For me, it was Silas Marner and we both felt that Tess of the D'Urbervilles was just a whiny wimp who should have simply kept her mouth shut.

I realize that English majors everywhere are gasping in amazement at my ignorance and insisting that I didn't comprehend the masterful imagery and symbolism etc. Perhaps they are right. I wasn't an English major but I am an avid reader and, classics or not, these books just didn't do it for me. Feel free to agree or disagree or even mention one of your least favorite classics. Who knows, maybe someone else feels the same way you do.

Pumpkins, leave them to the professionals.

2010-10-11T09:35:00.001-07:00

I confess, I have pumpkin envy. A neighbor has a big, fat heavy squash on his vine while my poor, sad little pumpkin vines are barely clinging to life. When I put the seeds in the ground last May, I had visions of at least one small orange prize to put on my dining room table. Alas, I had to buy my pumpkins at the store.

Pumpkins makes me think of fall and fall makes me realize how lucky I am to live in the modern era. Judging by all my attempts at gardening this year, it is a good thing I don't have to depend on my fall harvest for food. I would starve to death. So, this Halloween, I will enjoy the fruits of some othe person's labor, that someone being the pumpkin patch people and Hershey Chocolates.

A Mitford Garage Sale

2010-10-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Duke of Devonshire is cleaning out his attic and it's all up for grabs. Now, this is a yard sale I would love to attend. Read the story here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1316264/Duke-Devonshires-2-5m-Chatsworth-car-boot-sale-including-racy-decorations.html

Speaking of the Devonshires, I've been reading a lot about the Mitfords lately. It started with The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate. I enjoyed both books and while I'm waiting for the library to get Don't Tell Alfred, I checked out The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell. It is a great book, well researched and enjoyable to read. However, instead of increasing my like of the Mitfords, it left me with a certain sense of disgust for the majority of the sisters. With the exception of Pam and Deborah, the current Duchess of Devonshire, none of the sisters come off a likable human beings, especially Decca, Diane and Unity and to a lesser extent Nancy. This isn't because Ms. Lovell portrayed them poorly but because they led such shameful, lives and did such nasty things, that there was no way to get around the taint. After all, when Hitler is one of your best friends or a witness at your wedding, nothing you or anyone does afterwards is going to make you look good.

So there's my two-cents worth on the Mitfords and, yes, despite the above, I'd gladly splash out for some trinket straight from the old Duke's attic. In Southern California, we just don't have such interesting garage sales. Sure, Torri Spelling once held a garage sale at her place but it just isn't the same thing.

If he wasn't already dead, he'd probably die of shame.

2010-08-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article on how the people of Pompeii died when Mt. Vesuvius erupted.

http://http//www.globalpost.com/dispatch/italy/100804/pompeii-vesuvius-history

After thousands of years, Pliny the Younger's account of the Pompeians' death was finally proved wrong through scientific experiments using human and animal bones. This brought to mind a recent read of mine titled "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach. It is an interesting account of what happens to the bodies or body parts of people who donate their bodies to science. But I digress...

The Pompeii article is an interesting look at how science helps us understand history and the way people lived and died in the ancient world. It is also remarkable for pointing out the fate of one poor soul who happened to be in the latrine when the volcano erupted. Not only is the latrine the last place on earth anyone wants to spend their final moments, but it's terrible to think that this man will go down in history for dying, like Elvis, in the bathroom. Somewhere, an angel is weeping.

If you like history and iPods...

2010-08-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've been a big fan of podcasts for quite some time, especially those having to do with history.
Some very good ones I want to give kudos to are The History of Rome, Russian Rulers Podcast, 12 Byzantine Emperors and Norman Centuries. These podcasts are presented by people who love the topics and want to share their love of history with a wide audience. If you own an iPod and you love history, check these out. I think you'll enjoy them too.

Congrats to all the winners!

2010-05-08T16:44:00.001-07:00

My poem, The Ruins of Chaccoben came in 2nd place in the Friends of the Rancho San Diego Library Annual Poetry Contest. Congratulations to everyone who won! I've posted the poem below. If you like it and want to read more of my poetry, please visit my website http://www.georgie-lee.com/

The Ruins of Chocchoben

Maya, a level above the sea,
we fall from the ship through your thick air,
winding our way over stones and bones
that won't stand for anything
except bats hiding in creeping trees,
waiting for night.

The sun crosses silently over your zenith,
stealing
day
after
day
from your pyramids,
fading the bright pigments of your myths,
its blazing eye seeing you more clearly
than the trowels and brushes
prying under the skin
of your former glory.

They even have better mud than we do.

2009-09-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

I've posted a few blogs about the British finding great stuff in their attics while I only have mothballs in mine. Now, to add insult to injury, even their mud yields better stuff than any of the mud I live near.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1210855/Mud-glorious-mud-From-hoards-silver-prisoners-ball-chain--scavengers-finding-treasures-riverbanks.html

The most I've ever uncovered in the mud is an arrowhead and I felt darn lucky to find it. Of course the arrowhead yielding mud was in Virginia and I live in California. If I lived back east in an old city like Boston, I'd probably have some artifact-worthy mud. Out here in the west, the mud is just too new. There isn't even any gold left in it. Some people have all the luck.

They'll never forget the name William Weston!

2009-09-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Then again, maybe not. It appears not everyone who sailed to the New World gained prominent mention in the history books. Instead, some of them got lost in the National Archives.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1209470/Revealed-Letter-Henry-VII-prove-Englishman-sailed-North-America-1499.html

Can you imagine being lost in obscurity all because of a clerical mistake? OK, so it isn't just some alphabetically challenged clerk's fault. Had William actually found something, he might have gained Christopher Columbus fame. Then again maybe he did, only everyone is looking in the wrong file.

Speaking of travellers, I'm reading a great book on lady travellers titled No Place for a Lady: Tales of Adventurous Women Travelers by Barbara Hodgson. The book profiles courageous women adventurers who travelled to some pretty inhospitable parts of the globe back when women didn't travel to inhospitable parts of the globe. It's a great read, especially for those looking for story ideas.

Breaking news on Robin Hood

2009-03-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

Besides Queen Victoria's knickers, it's amazing what historians find stashed away in old closets and libraries. Unfortunately, I know all the old horrors residing in my closet and all the familiar tomes decorating my bookshelf. As a result, I have to amuse myself with the fascinating finds in other peoples' libraries and closets. The most recent find comes from a manuscript in Eton's library with a little tidbit about every one's favorite outlaw, Robin Hood.

Check it out.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1161809/Discovered-The-13th-Century-manuscript-shows-Robin-Hood-Merry-Men-werent-popular-all.html

He was really a big teddy bear.

2009-03-11T10:04:00.001-07:00

A recently released letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn reveals the softer side of the king.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1145429/Henry-VIII-reveals-softer-seen-gushing-love-letter-Anne-Boleyn.html

Perhaps he was simply a misunderstood monarch looking for love and affection in all the wrong places. Or maybe he had bad taste in women, advisers, dukes and assorted other hangers-on. More than likely he was just your run of the mill, spoiled monarch. Whatever it was that made him tick, you can't deny he is still a fascinating character who gave rise to an interesting and tumultuous era. However, as much as I love to read about the Tudors, I'm glad I didn't live back then.

I recently read Alison Weir's The Children of Henry VIII. It's a great book but what I found

most fascinating was the portrait of Lady Jane Grey. This poor young girl, more than anyone else, makes me very glad I did not live in Tudor times. Here was an intelligent, well-educated young woman who wanted nothing more than to live a simple life. However, her parents threw her under the cart not once but twice in their bid to gain power and the throne of England. By the time Jane's execution day arrived, she was eager to move onto a better world.

With parents like Jane's, who needs enemies?

Let them eat raisins.

2008-11-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

The Daily Mail UK ran an interesting article on Lord Nelson today. In addition to providing a brief look into Lord Nelson's command strategy, the article offers a few tidbits of historical research for all history writers.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1089269/Lovingly-restored-Lord-Admiral-Nelsons-letter-reveals-raisins-helped-win-Battle-Trafalgar.html

Who knew raisins were so important to history.

A great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.

2008-11-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

I love history. However, I'm very glad I live in the age of modern medicine and dentistry. Check out this Daily Mail article about Thomas Berdmore's treatise on dentistry from 1770.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1087032/Youll-need-strong-pair-crooked-pliers-The-18th-century-dentists-guide-brilliant-smile.html

Eeeewwwww.

ENYA

2008-11-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

I am a rabid Enya fan, so you can imagine my excitement at the release of her new CD And Winter Came.

I had the good fortune to meet her once seven years ago. It was after her appearance on the Larry King Live show. I happened to work in the CNN building and the alley between the building and the parking structure was where the autograph hounds always hung out. Most nights I ignored them and went to my car. On this particular night, I happened to ask who they were waiting for. When they said "Enya" I almost came unglued with excitement. For fear of missing her, I didn't dare run to my car and get my CD for her to sign. Instead I waited, a blank page in my Dayrunner ready. Out she came and for the first time in my life I was so star struck, I could barely put a sentence together.

The framed autograph still hangs in my office at home.

Spooky Regency

2008-10-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

In honor of Halloween, I've been enjoying some ghostly podcasts this week. One I've enjoyed is Hollow Hill. For those of you interseted in the more haunted side of Regency and Victorian England, check out this post at the Haunted Hill blog.

http://www.hollowhill.com/uk/bath1.htm

Who knows, one of these English ghosts just might inspire a story.

You paid how much for what?

2008-10-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

People all over the globe are frantically snatching up Queen Victoria's undergarments for less than bargain basement prices. If you missed out on the bloomers or the chemise from the last auction, never fear. People are frantically scouring their attics for VR's unmentionables to toss on the auction block. Click on the Daily Mail link below to satisfy your curiosity and learn a few fun facts about Victorian stockings.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1044263/Victorias-secret-Covered-Queens-stockings-revealed-loft.html

Just think, if you ever achieve greatness, that ratty old bra you lounge around the house in could be worth thousands.

Love Is In the Air - Cerritos Library Authors Tea

2008-09-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I participated in the Cerritos Library Authors Tea. It was a wonderful experience. The Cerritos Library is a magnificent complex and if you get the chance to stop by or to participate in one of their future author events, I strongly suggest you do.

I was one of five authors speaking about writing and publishing for an audience of over 60 guests from the Friends of the Cerritos Library. We enjoyed tea, sandwiches, dessert and a lively discussion of romance novels and the romance industry.

It was a great event and I want to thank the Friends of Cerritos Library for allowing me to participate.

Free Short Story 9/18/2008

2008-09-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday everyone!

My short story, "Romance By the Books" is this week's Thrifty Thursday read at www.longandshortreviews.com.

Stop by the web site and down load it for free.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/ArchiveStory/080918-RomanceByTheBooks-GL.htm

Guest Blogging at Rose Marie Worlf Tomorrow 9/9/08

2008-09-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Please stop by Rose Marie Wolf's blog tomorrow. I will be guest blogging about Lady's Wager and the writing process. I look forward to reading your comments!

LADY'S WAGER now available through Target.com and Amazon.com

2008-08-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Click on the following links to purchase LADY'S WAGER!

Target.com

Amazon.com

Cerridwen Press

It was a dark and stormy night...

2008-08-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

The annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest just announced their winner. The purpose of the contest, sponsored by San Jose State University, is to award the best bad opening to an imaginary novel. Not only is it a great creative writing exercise but it is also an excellent reminder of the importance of an opening line.

Click here to read the wining entry and the runners up.

The purpose of any opening line is to hook the reader. However, hooks cannot be forced, nor can they be randomly added to the beginning or end of a chapter. A hook that does not seem logical will only frustrate a reader instead of catching their attention. Hooks must develop out of the story and seem as much a natural part of the content as a "he said." It's an interesting skill to learn, especially in today's competitive writing market when an opening line may make the difference between being published and not being published.

A Little Reminder for Writers

2008-07-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine gave me this poem. It's a good reminder, especially for writers, of why we need to break out of our comfort zone and try new things. This applies to writing, marketing and even living life. If we continue to stick with the same old stories, marketing plans and routines, we won't achieve success. However, if we try something new, we might achieve a great deal more than we realized.

In an effort to break out of my rut, I'm writing a longer novel and a short story that is very different than what I normally write. It's not easy but I'm enjoying the challenge. Hopefully, I will also enjoy the rewards.

THE COMFORT ZONE
Author Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork where really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone good-bye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile;
Success is there for you!

Fallen Angels Review gives LADY'S WAGER four angels!

2008-07-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Kimber at Fallen Angels Reviews says "Lady's Wager is a delightful traditional Regency romance."
Click here to read the review.

LADY'S WAGER now available in print!

2008-07-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

Lady's Wager, my traditional Regency romance, is now available in print.
Please visit
Cerridwen Press
or my website
www.georgie-lee.com
or click on the book cover icon on the left of my blog homepage
for more information and to purchase Lady's Wager.

Location, Location, Location

2008-07-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the fun of reading comes from matching the right book to the right location. It's difficult to sit at the beach and read Dostoyevsky while a small bench in the corner of a garden practically demands Jane Austen. A calm, soothing story is a must for standing in line at the DMV while something more meaty can be consumed while sipping your latte at the coffee house.

Certain books also lend themselves to certain times in life. I read Sweet Valley High and anything by V.C. Andrews during summer camp. Jean M. Auel and romance novels were popular in high school, mostly for the racy content. College was a mix of classics, poetry and more romance novels. After college, I found Jane Austen and became hooked. I also enjoyed biographies and historical novels. Although Sweet Valley High and V.C. Andrews went the way of the big 1980s hair, many of my other reading tastes have remained. Like the music of the 1990s, I'm still hooked on the genres I enjoyed during and right after college. At least my reading habits, unlike flannel and grunge, won't go out of style.

A follow up to "The not so modern beginings of the modern age" post.

2008-06-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

In my "The not so modern beginnings of the modern age" post, I mentioned that my sister was trying to locate a sample of the herb asefetida. My 89 year old grandmother believes it was a miracle cure-all during her childhood. According to grandma, the herb was mixed with corn syrup and given as a tonic to children. Schoolchildren all over the United States were forced to wear bags of the herb around their necks in order to ward off disease.

My sister succeeded in obtaining a sample of the herb and all I can say is that a washed up whale carcasses rotting in the sun must smell better than this stuff. Imagine the smell of fennel gone terribly, terribly wrong and you will only have a vague sense of this herb's odor. Not only does it smell horrible but it is capable of defying three plastic ziplock bags and it lingers. No wonder people thought it was a cure all. My guess is that no one would get within 100 feet of anyone wearing an asefitda bag making it difficult to spread germs.

Thank goodness for the invention of liquid hand sanitizer.

Another trip back in time.

2008-06-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I attended the Victorian Ladies Society Annual June Tea with my mother and sister.
We dressed in our finest Victorian outfits, raised our pinkies and indulged in scones, finger sandwiches and petite fours.

The guest speaker was a Victorian costume expert who brought a number of fine samples of original Victorian dresses. She explained the shift in styles, from post-Regency higher waistlines to the late Victorian emphasis on the bustle. It was an interesting look at how fashion changed over the sixty-years of Queen Victoria's reign. It also made me long for the days of the bustle when a large rear end was prized by women of fashion.

Our own outfits were more Edwardian than Victorian because it's easier to put together an Edwardian outfit at the Salvation Army than it is to find suitable Victorian pieces. Thank goodness for the frills and lace of 1980s blouses. While our attire may not have been period, it did invoke the flavor of a bygone era.

Well, maybe not that particular era, but you get the idea.

Joyfully Reviewed Reviews "Lady's Wager"

2008-06-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tori at Joyfully Reviewed says "I really enjoyed the story."
Click here to read the review.

Another iPod Passion

2008-06-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the discovery of podcasts, I'm like a kid in the iTunes store. Podcasts are informative, entertaining and most importantly free. The number of topics covered are amazing. You can learn French, download a walking tour of the Louvre or indulge in just about any lecture on any subject you can imagine. As a history buff, I can't get enough of the history downloads available.

Podcasts are even helping me with my research. One of my currents works in progress is set in Colonial Williamsburg. Amazingly enough, Colonial Williamsburg has posted a number of podcasts on subject ranging from food, to clothing to colonial culture.

If you're a writer and you haven't checked out the variety of podcasts available, I suggest you do. If you know about any other sites offering free history podcasts, I'd love to know about them.

When you care enough to burn the photos.

2008-05-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was amusing myself with a little antiquing. In the back of one crowded store near the used book section, I found a stack of old photographs from the 1950s. The photos weren't your usual photography studio samples. These were family photos as evidenced by the same young boy appearing in many of the photos, sometimes with family members, sometimes without. The boy appeared to be between 7 - 10 years old. Since the 1950s weren't that long ago, it is reasonable to assume that the kid grew up and is still kicking around somewhere. If poor Uncle Bob has passed away, did no one care or was there no one left to care? Or, was his family so glad to be rid of him that they sold everything lock, stock and barrel? Since it is too depressing to think that this man died alone and uncared for, I like to think he was just such an annoying old coot that his family couldn't get rid of all traces of him fast enough.

No matter what the explanation, the idea of someone's childhood moldering in the back of an antique store isn't appealing. Its bad enough walking around those stores and seeing things from my childhood, such as rotary phones and Star Wars toys, for sale.

In an effort to avoid becoming someone's antique, I've since given all possible next of kin express instructions to burn, not sell my photos should they ever be in the unfortunate position of owning them. If you are even remotely related to me, you will soon receive your letter and a packet of matches.

Gimme a little Guy of Gisborne

2008-05-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Normally, I love just about everything on BBC America. However, I can't get in to Robin Hood. Robin Hood looks like a juvenile delinquent hoodie and there are too many holes in the plot for me to suspend disbelief.

However, after having seen the preview for this past Saturday's episode, I knew I had to watch. Richard Armitage shirtless. Need I say more? It was worth spending an hour of my life watching the weakest dramatic conflict I've ever encountered just to see RA without a shirt. That and the accent, I just love listening to his accent.

Speaking of weak dramatic conflict, the Robin Hood episode helps emphasize the importance of conflict in a story. Robin Hood movies work because the conflict between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham is focused. Each character has a goal that is in direct conflict with the other's goal. The pursuit of their goals drives the story and therefore the conflict.

The problem with drawing the Robin Hood story out over a number of episodes is that it weakens the conflict. Conflict has to be character driven, not contrived simply to move the plot from point A to point B. Watching Saturday's episode, it was obvious that the conflict no longer stems from the characters' goals but is artificially forced in order to continue the series. After an hour, all I wanted was for Robin Hood to shoot the Sheriff or vice versa, anything to put the poor conflict out of its misery.

Lap dogs do not like laptops but they can be inspiring.

2008-05-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

One advantage to owning a small dog is the ability to pick him up as needed for cuddling, for safety or for bad behavior. The disadvantage is the dog’s ability to crawl into my lap and wedge himself between me and my laptop. It’s difficult to type when my terrier is nudging my hand in an attempt to get my attention. At times my terrier might prevent me from typing. At other times he's an excellent source of inspiration. This lesson can be applied to all of life's distractions.

It's a constant struggle to balance the demands of life with the need to write. Grocery stores, cars, dentists, family, bills and sleep all conspire to keep us away from the keyboard. However, what conspires against us can also inspire us. In the midsts of each of these distraction, instead of lamenting the loss of typing time think "What if...?". I like to keep a pad of paper and pen in my purse in case of a "What if...?" moment.

Just think of the possibilities. What if a woman went to the hunky dentist's office? What if I came up with a story while sitting in the dog dermatologist's waiting room (yes, there are dog dermatologists, I've taken my terrier to one)? What if I unplugged the internet so I could eliminate at least one distraction?

OK, "What if...?" can go too far but you get the idea.

I've been tagged.

2008-05-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth tagged me. Now my mission is to write 6 quirky things about me. Below are my own little oddities.

1) I don't like the feel of felt. It gives me the creeps.

2) I have to separate my M&Ms into color groups before I eat them. This also applies to Skittles and any other multi-colored candies.

3) I order burgers the way Sally from When Harry Met Sally orders burgers. Sometimes this method of ordering applies to other menu choices but I try to restrict it to burgers.

4) In communal kitchens, when I tear a paper towel off the role it has to come off clean. For some reason it bothers me to the point of distraction when the towel rips or someone with wet hands has touched the whole role.

5) Pencils have to be sharp and of a certain length. I may write with a dull pencil but I hate when they're short. It throws the weight off.

6) Bell peppers. I can't stand the sight, taste or especially the smell of them.

Thinking about quirks makes me think about characterization. Giving a character a little quirk helps bring the character to life and make them feel more real. Try and think of Darth Vader without thinking about his weird breathing. Or Fred Fenster's mumbling in The Usual Suspects. I read an interview where Benicio Del Toro explained how he made his character hard to understand in order to turn what was a bland character into something more memorable. Quirks make characters memorable.

Quirks can also help us develop a character by making us think about what in their past resulted in the odd behavior. Quirks can also play a role in the conflict. How will the hero react to the heroine's quirk of vice versa? Will it create conflict or bring them closer together? In the case of a serious quirk, can the H/H overcome it in order to do what's necessary to save another character or pursue their love? The possibilities are endless.

The not so modern beginings of the modern age.

2008-05-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

The first two decades of the twentieth century marked the beginning of the modern era. Many of the things we think of as distinctly modern, including cars, xrays and blood transfusion, came into wide use at some point during these two decades. Though it was a hundred years ago, many of us had, or were privileged to know, grandparents and great-grandparents who vividly remembered those days. These close family members provide us with a strong link to that era that often lulls us into believing that it wasn't that long ago. After all, Grandpa didn't tell stories about the Regency but he had quite a few about the 1918 influenza epidemic.

We wouldn't be where we are today without the innovations of that generation. However, it is interesting to see how some of the old habits stubbornly refused to be left behind as we entered the modern age. For example, the belief in miasma as an agent of infection was alive and well during the 1918 influenza plague. Folk remedies such as asefetida bags were often hung around children's necks to ward off the bad air. My mother remembers her grandmother regularly employing these bags during her early childhood in the late 1940s. Out of curiosity, my sister is trying to locate a sample of asefetida. It seems the repugnant herb, like the miasma theory, has retired from public life, though it does enjoy some popularity in the spice drawer.

So 2004

2008-04-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm no technophobe. I love digital cameras, I've played with the iPhone, I enjoy iTunes, I use my cell phone and I'm addicted to the internet, but the mp3 player craze had passed me by.

Until this weekend.

Thanks to my sister, I am now the proud owner of an mp3 player. I loaded up the player and went to town. Yes, all the music I love is on this little device, making me realize that I need some new music.

I wonder at what age we stop discovering new music and start sticking to the old favorites. As we get older, most of us continue to discover new TV shows, authors and recipes. However, the music we discovered as teenagers and young adults seems to be the music we stick to in later years. Just think of the CDs in your parents' CD player and you'll understand what I'm saying.

I wonder why we cling to music? Maybe it's comforting? Maybe we're lazy? Maybe the stuff on the radio really is that bad? I think I'll cruise the download new music section as I ponder the question.

Mysteries of the universe.

2008-04-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

After a few years, my personal computers tend to suffer from keyboard fatigue. I rubbed the "s" off the keyboard of my last laptop because I do control-S to save. The left shift key on my current laptop has ceased to function. However, the keyboard I have at work has absolutely no problems whatsoever. Despite my being on it 8 hours a day and inadvertently dropping bits of crackers, microwave popcorn and water all over it for the last three years, it continues to operate trouble free. Can someone please explain this to me? I know it has nothing to do with my office computer being industrial grade.

Perhaps it's just one of those unexplainable things in the universe, like the success of Baywatch or Clamato. I mean, who in heavens name thought clam juice and tomato juice would make a marketable drink?

I saw something nasty in the woodshed. It was a lack of elegance.

2008-04-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

Cold Comfort Farm was on Encore a few nights ago. I love this movie and it is one of the few films where I liked the movie better than the book. I was only able to catch the beginning of the film because my DH wasn't interested in watching yet another of my Polly prissy pants movies. However, the first fifteen minutes were enough to have me yearning for a little elegance.

In a day and age when it seems as though everyone is in a race to the bottom, elegance has become a lost art. Elegance still exists in some places, such as high tea or a charitable group's luncheon, but it isn't a part of our everyday lives. It makes me want to bring a little elegance into my daily life, to skip jeans in favor of a smart suit, to write using a fancy pen instead of the free one from the bank. It also makes me want to hire a butler to serve me food on a silver platter, but sometimes you have to start small. Can someone please hand me my faux tortoise shell letter opener? I'm in the mood to compose a letter. Remember those?

Night Owl Romance gives LADY'S WAGER 4 Hearts!

2008-04-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Please stop by Night Owl Romance to read Melinda's spectacular review of Lady's Wager.

Mythic Plotting

2008-04-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed classical mythology, especially ancient Egyptian mythology and the works of Joseph Campbell. The archetypes speak to me as they have to millions of people throughout the centuries. Myths and mythic images have inspired many of my stories, poems and characters.

The Writer's Journey was one of the first writing books I read. Given my mythological bent, the idea of crafting a story along the lines of the hero's journey appeals to me. I've tried other methods but I always find myself coming back to Vogler's. The plotting techniques help me use universally recognized story elements to craft both simple and complex stories that appeal to a wide range of people.

Another writing book that appeals to my mythological side is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The book offers some great writing techniques for inspiring the muse. Her method of daily journaling help keep writer's block at bay while forcing me to make time every day for writing.

Cue the music...

2008-04-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Leaving my office last Friday night, I was excited to see a billboard for Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull right outside the building. Driving up Highland Blvd. on the way home, another large, building-sized add for the film brightened my drab commute. There are only a few films that get me excited and this is one of them. What's not to love about Indian Jones? Despite his age, Harrison Ford is still hot and the films are great matinée movies with an old Hollywood feel. The music alone gives me chills and perfectly captures the spirit of the character. I saw all three of the other films in the theatre and I will be there opening weekend for this one.

I only hope it isn't as disappointing as Star Wars the Phantom Menace.

I went to a 3 am showing of Star War Episode I and after the initial rush of hearing the familiar Star Wars music, I was sorely disappointed when it became apparent that Jar Jar Binks was here to stay. To this day, I still wish I'd stayed in bed. It was almost as bad as the Star Wars Holiday Special but at least the holiday special was so bad it was funny. A few years ago when the second film came out, a friend of mine invited me to a midnight showing. He had special tickets, I didn't have to work the next day and the theatre was only two miles from my house. Despite all those the conveniences, I still passed.

Hopefully, the movie making powers that be won't let this installment of Indian Jones suck.
I don't know if I can take the utter failure of two cinematic icons in one lifetime.

Sometimes I enjoy a little melodrama.

2008-04-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

I've been home sick this week. As a result, I've been able to watch all four hours of The Way We Live Now, a BBC adaptation of the Victorian novel by Anthony Trollope. If you love Matthew McFayden as the handsome Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, you'll love him as the good for nothing Felix in this historic melodrama. The mini-series also stars David Suchet and Shirley Henderson. Unlike some Victorian melodramas, this one isn't over the top. Bad things happen to people but mostly because they bring it on themselves. Good does triumph over bad but not in a sugar coated way. I can't say the same about Daniel Deronda, another Victorian melodrama that I watched a few weeks ago. It had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. Sometimes there is such a thing as over doing it.

Cheap and easy blog.

2008-03-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

I wish I could come up with something witty for today, but I can't. Instead of witty, I've decided to go with beefcake. So pull up a chair and enjoy this little Whitman's Sampler of beefcake flavors.

We have...

a little smoldering Roman delight,

or perhaps you prefer a little smoldering Elizabethan delight.

I personally enjoy some "it should have won an Academy Award for costume design" delight.

How about a more modern budgie smuggler?

Or do you prefer a little more dressing on your beefcake?

Maybe a little cheese with your beefcake?

Just to get the bad taste out of your mouth, here is the final beefcake for today.

All the flavor, none of the calories.

An interesting formula.

2008-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

My to be read list is getting out of hand. As a result, if a book doesn't grab me, I'll abandon it and move on to another. A co-worker of mine told me about an interesting formula for figuring out how many pages a person should read before deciding to give up. Subtract your age from 100 and that number is the number of pages you have to read in order to give the book a chance. In my case, I should read 67 pages before I decide whether or not to discard a novel.

I like this formula because, in a way, it takes into account age and experience. The older you are, therefore the wiser, the less time you have to spend on a novel that may not suit your tastes. However, if you're a teenager, you have to read quite a number of pages before sticking your nose up at the story.

Someday, I will torture my kids with stuff like this.

Wednesday Poetry Fun

2008-03-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore, 
There is society, where none intrudes, 
By the deep sea, and music in its roar: 
I love not man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal 
From all I may be, or have been before, 
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.


This passage from Byron's Childe Harold is one of my favorites.
In it, Byron expresses the human desire for both solitude and a connection to
something much larger than ourselves. Growing up in Southern California,
I've spent countless hours at the beach and this poem captures many of the same
feelings I've experienced while watching the never ending waves roll in.

But I'm getting too deep for a Wednesday.

For all of Byron's deep thoughts, other parts of his work illustrate just how
much a creature of the Regency he really was. Below is a passage from Don Juan.
It's much less spiritual, more nasty perhaps, especially in keeping with male
attitudes towards women at the time.

Some take a love, some take drams or prayers,  
Some mind their household, others dissipation, 
Some run away, and but exchange their cares,  
Losing the advantage of a virtuous station;
Few changes e'er can better their affairs, 
Theirs being an unnatural situation,
From the dull palace to the dirty hovel:
Some play the devil, and then write a novel.

Do we see something of Caroline Lamb
in the last line?

A Trip Down the Dibley Memory Lane

2008-03-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I watched the series finale of The Vicar of Dibley last night. It was one of my favorite shows ten years ago, before BBC America, when PBS was the only place to see British sitcoms. The Vicar of Dibley is very well-written, combining Dawn French's comic timing with some very offbeat but lovable characters. If you haven't seen the series, I highly suggest catching a few episodes.

Of course, I can't discus the series finale without mentioning Richard Armitage. I didn't think he could get any more handsome or sexy than Mr. Thornton in North and South. Boy, was I wrong. Watching him last night, I swooned over his very sweet suitor. I might just have to start watching Robin Hood.

Artists Add Ten Pounds

2008-03-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

I think some of our current fascination with youth and beauty stems from a ready access to images of ourselves. Mirrors of polished metal have been around since ancient times. Metal-backed glass mirrors have been around since the middle ages but they were expensive items of the rich until the 19th century when manufacturing techniques improved. However, as we all know, the image in the mirror never quite matches the one on film.

Before Kodak launched the Brownie camera in 1900, the vast majority of people throughout history have not had ready access to pictures of themselves. I think the invention of the photograph radically changed how we view ourselves. At no time in history have we been able to instantaneously see ourselves from every angle, scrutinizing our looks, the size of our bodies or ruining the mental image of ourselves. Only just a few years ago we had to wait until the film was developed before we realized how many bad pictures of us were now printed for posterity. Don’t even get me started on home video cameras. Now we have digital cameras with screens, many of which contain a slimming mode. Sucking it in may be a thing of the past.

Which makes me to wonder what people thought when they saw a drawing or painting of themselves. Did people look at their portraits and exclaim, “Is that what I really look like?!” Did they turn to their spouse and say “that silhouette makes me look fat” ? I know some artists improved the features of their paying subjects, but did this really help the sitter? One wonders how many tense moments there were when everyone else saw the painting and had to pretend it was an accurate likeness. Can you imagine the awkward silence?

Things I learned on the way to the Regency.

2008-02-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Researching Lady's Wager revealed some interesting facts about the Regency, especially in regards to medicine. Here are a few of my favorite discoveries.

- Nitrous Oxide - Discovered in 1775 by Joseph Priestley and used by Dr. Humphry Davy in the late 1700s and early 1800s to get high. Dr. Davy suggested its use as an aid to surgery but no one picked up on the idea until the 1840s.

- Maternity Hospitals - They've been around longer than you think. Lying-in hospitals as they were originally known, began to appear in London in the mid-seventeenth century. The Queen Charlotte Maternity Hospital began its life in the early seventeenth century as the General Lying-In Hospital. It was renamed the Queen Charlotte Maternity Hospital in 1813 in honor of the Queen's generous patronage.

- Surgeons - By the Regency, improvements in surgical techniques and practices increased the reputation of surgeons. No longer viewed a simply barber butchers, they became a part of the established medical system, receiving and contributing to formal medical education.

- Antiseptics - Dr. Davy joins us again, this time as one of many scientists working to define the newly discovered iodine. Although people understood that vinegar, wine and thyme could stop wounds from becoming infected, the lack of germ theory prevented the widespread use of antiseptics until the late nineteenth century.

After discovering the above, I am once again very thankful for modern medicine.

Some Tuesday Poetry Fun

2008-02-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

I once was a maid, tho' I cannot tell when

And still my delight is in proper young men:

Some one of a troop of dragoons was my daddie,

No wonder I'm fond of a sodger laddie...

- Air
Robert Burns

North & South

2008-02-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristie J. and the Ramblings on Romance, Etc. blog I've become a big fan of North and South. What I really enjoyed about the movie, beside watching Richard Armitage for four hours, was the depth of his character Mr. Thornton. In the beginning, Mr. Thornton appears to be the typical brooding Victorian hero. However, as the story develops, more aspects of his character are revealed and he grows and changes in very surprising ways. Richard Armitage plays Mr. Thornton with such a depth of masculine emotion that it's difficult not to be moved. I don't want to give anything away, but there were a couple of scenes that had me sitting up and yelling "Oh my God!" at the TV.

Daniela Denby-Ashe is very good as Margaret Hale. I almost didn't realize that she is also the ditsy daughter from BBC's My Family and it's great to see her in a serious role.

I highly recommend North and South to anyone looking for a new favorite film to add to their collection.

Peggy is the Winner!

2008-02-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Peggy's name was drawn for the free copy of Lady's Wager. Peggy, please email me at georgie.lee@sbcglobal.net with your email address.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog yesterday and left comments and to everyone who participated in the Coffee Time Romance chat.

Passionate Art - Comment for a Chance to Win!

2008-02-14T20:36:00.001-08:00

I come from a family of painters. My mother and sister are painters and I married a painter. Art is in my blood and though I can’t paint to save my life, it only seems natural to use my knowledge and appreciation of art in my writing.

Paintings are integral to the plot of Lady’s Wager. Charlotte and Edward, the heroine and hero, are both art enthusiasts and their love of art encourages their growing passion for each other. At different times in the story, the works of Thomas Gainsborough and the lesser-known John Smibert bring Charlotte and Edward together in unique and surprising ways. The paintings provide backstory, character motivation and even an element of suspense. It was fun to research these artists and to weave their works into the love story of Lady’s Wager.

What passions or interests bring you closer to the one you love? Everyone who comments today, February 15, 2008, will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of Lady’s Wager. So share your passions. I can’t wait to read about them.

Also, be sure to visit Coffee Time Romance today for the Cerridwen Press Author Day. I'll be in the Latte Lounge with other great Cerridwen Press authors posting about Lady's Wager and many other topics.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

Love's Philosophy -
Percy Bysshe Shelley

The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean;
The winds of heaven mix forever,
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one another's being mingle;--
Why not I with thine?

See! the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower would be forgiven,
If it disdained it's brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;--
What are all these kissings worth,

If thou kiss not me?

Do you feel accomplished? Well, do you?

2008-02-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

"No one can be really esteemed accomplished, who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved." Pride and Prejudice

Let's see how I measure up.

Music - My ability to play the piano was never very good and has only diminished with time.

Singing - You don't want to hear me sing.

Drawing- I can't draw. My sister and mother are artist but the talent missed me.

Dance - I took tap dance as a child. Does that count?

Modern Languages - I took French in high school. It still gives me nightmares.

Something in my air - I prefer Happy by Clinique :-)

I think I'll stop while I'm ahead. No, I would not deserve the title "accomplished" if I suddenly found myself in Regency England. However, by modern standard I can hold my own with the best of them. What about you? Would you rather be accomplished in the Regency sense or are you happy with your more modern accomplishments?

Coffee Time Romance Reviews "Lady's Wager"

2008-02-11T12:41:00.001-08:00

Coffee Time Romance gives Lady's Wager 4 cups. Click here to read the review.

Also, please join me on Friday, February 15th at Coffee Time Romance for the Cerridwen Press author day. I will have a special contest that day and one lucky person will win a copy of Lady's Wager. More details to come.

Inspired by Jane Austen

2008-02-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

I'm currently reading Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence, a non-fiction account of Jane Austen’s life and the elements in her background and family that shaped this remarkable woman and author. The book offers an interesting look into Jane Austen's life while painting a realistic picture of life in Georgian and Regency England. Despite the manners and elegance or these eras, they were very harsh time periods, especially for widows and children without money. However, these difficulties gave rise to a great deal of strength and resilience. I'm only a couple of chapters into the book and already I’m inspired by the spirit and fortitude of the women in Jane Austen's family. For example, orphaned Phila Austen, Jane Austen's aunt, was penniless with little more to look forward too than a career as a Milner in sketchy Covenant Garden. Instead of accepting fate, she made the brave decision to travel to India and create a new life for herself.

Stories like Phila’s remind us that only by rising to the challenges of life instead of avoiding them, can we hope to achieve success. This is an excellent lesson for writers since the writing and publishing process is full of challenges. Jane herself must have learned this lesson from both her own life and the lives of her remarkable female relatives and I’m glad she did. Where would we be if she had given up? Imagine a world without Mr. Darcy, a world without Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility. So when the going gets tough and you think of giving up, rise to the challenge, you never know what greatness awaits you.

Attention all Art Professors and Art Teachers!

2008-02-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

My sister's first book, Studies in Art: Institutions, Form, Materials, and Meaning by Ashley V. Blalock was just published by Kendall-Hunt!

It is a college-level art appreciation text that stresses the construction of art institutions (art education, museums, art history) as well as fundamental concepts of art. Also included is a section describing the materials of art-making ranging from the traditional to more recent developments such as installation and sound art.

The book features images of some famous works of art (Fallingwater, Mona Lisa, etc) as well as her own illustrations of key concepts. She is using this book as the basis for her art appreciation course at California State University San Bernardino.

Click here to find out more or visit her website at www.blalockart.com. Ashley is a fiber artists who creates unique crochet art and handmade crochet and knitting needles.

If you are an art teacher or art professor, you will love this book.

2008-02-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to welcome Amanda Elyot to my blog. Amanda's novel, ALL FOR LOVE: The Scandalous Life and Times of Royal Mistress Mary Robinson is now available at Amazon, BN.com and your local bookstore.

At the age of fifteen, Mary Robinson was married off to an unfaithful wastrel. During the next seven years, her spellbinding talent, beauty, and drive would lead her from the denigration of debtors’ prison to the London stages, where a star was born. With the heart of a poet and face of an angel she was sold as society’s darling. Though dubbed “the priestess of taste” for her dashing style, her unabashed exploits made her the queen of scandal, envied by women worldwide, and desired by every man within reach.

From Mary Robinson’s shocking affair with the Prince of Wales and the fortuitous liaisons that titillated the country, to heartbreaking betrayals and a restless pursuit of true romance, this breathtaking novel paints a vivid portrait of a woman who changed history by doing as she pleased—for money, for fame, for pleasure, and above all—for love.

Amanda Elyot is a pen name of Leslie Carroll, a multi-published author of contemporary women's fiction. She is an Ivy-League graduate, a professional actress, and currently resides in New York City with her husband Scott. ALL FOR LOVE is Amanda's fourth historical novel.

Welcome Amanda. Tell me about ALL FOR LOVE: The Scandalous Life and Times of Royal Mistress Mary Robinson. What inspired this book?

In 2006, when I moved from Crown to NAL for my historical fiction after they bought TOO GREAT A LADY: The Notorious, Glorious Life of Emma, Lady Hamilton (released in Feb, 2007), I pitched a number of story ideas to my editor. I’d had this idea of creating a niche for myself by writing about a certain type of woman, rather than limiting myself to a specific historical era. Notorious Redheads was essentially the subject, one I had inadvertently begun to explore with my first historical fiction novel, THE MEMOIRS OF HELEN OF TROY (Crown, 2005). Emma Hamilton was, of course, also a redhead with a scandalous life story. On my proposal to NAL for future feisty redheads to write about, was a relatively lengthy précis about Mary Robinson. Interestingly (to me, anyway) was the fact that three biographies of Mary Robinson were published within about a year and half of each other in 2004/2005, which were a big hit in Mary’s native country, England. Beautiful, talented Mary Robinson, with her life that precariously seesawed from glamour and celebrity to debt and despair, seemed to be the perfect subject for historical fiction.

How long did it take to write ALL FOR LOVE? Did you find Mary's story easy or difficult to write?

I started writing the novel on spec, after I finished TOO GREAT A LADY, because I felt Mary’s story was bursting to be told, and I had about 80 pages of the manuscript when my editor asked to see the first 30 or so pages. So, quite a bit of it was written by the time I actually received the contract. Mary’s life was so interesting that one challenge was choosing what to keep and what to jettison, since my editor had more or less given me the parameters of a page count. At the time I was also writing a contemporary women’s fiction novel for Avon Trade (CHOOSING SOPHIE, under my real name, Leslie Carroll, which just came out on Jan. 22 of this year). I find it very hard to split my focus between writing two genres simultaneously. And in this case, because both books were coming out almost at the same time, it meant that all the revisions and copyedits and galleys were showing up back-to-back as well.

During your research, did you discover any facts about Mary's life that surprised you?

A surprising historical fact that I discovered along the way is that Mary, who had Quaker sensibilities and was very anti-slavery, wrote parliamentary speeches for her longtime lover, Banastre Tarleton, an MP for Liverpool whose family had made its wealth through the slave trade with the West Indies. If you saw the recent film, AMAZING GRACE, although the filmmakers made several factual errors in creating the character of Tarleton (played by Ciaran Hinds), it’s true that he was one of the chief antagonists of William Wilberforce and an outspoken enemy of the abolitionist movement. Knowing that Mary had written the speeches that vociferously endorse what she personally found repellent, was a fascinating, and rather moving, discovery. Chilling, even. It makes my title, ALL FOR LOVE, even more resonant. She must have really loved him to be able to set aside her own strong convictions. As the author, I found it to be the only way I could justify her actions. But it really happened, and I suppose there are many of us who have sacrificed our convictions from time to time (even if we felt guilty or angry about it) to support the man we loved.

Writing about famous historical people requires a great deal of research. Tell us about your research and some of your favorite sources.

In the case of ALL FOR LOVE I had a number of excellent biographies to go to, not just of Mary, but of Tarleton, too; and for TOO GREAT A LADY, I probably read 35 books on Emma, Nelson, Sir William Hamilton, Charles Greville, and their era, including a lot of primary source material, especially their letters. However, for general research sources, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online subscription), though somewhat pricy for Americans, is an incredible treasure trove of well-researched academic biography—far more trustworthy than the often-inaccurate hodgepodge you find in Wikipedia entries.

For my novels set in the Georgian and Regency eras, there’s a treasure trove of information for novelists who belong to Romance Writers of America, available through the beaumonde site. The members themselves are a brain-trust of invaluable arcane, and their website has several links to other sources. Additional favorites include The Georgian Index (http://www.georgianindex.net); romance novelist and costume maven Candace Hern’s website (http://www.candicehern.com/collections/index.htm); and the Republic of Pemberley (http://www.pemberley.com).

You enjoy reading about and exploring the subject of royal mistresses, as do I. What attracts you to this particular subject?

I love sex. What else can I say?  Joking aside, I’ve always been drawn to the beautiful, “bad” girls of any era, those who survived and thrived by their wits and their brains and their bodies and were unashamed of doing so. I write historical fiction, which is different from historical romance, in that my central characters are fictionalized representations of people who actually lived. And royal mistresses were real women who often managed to pull themselves out of a squalid existence or a loveless marriage and, at least for a brief shining moment in their lives, achieved ecstasy—materially and sexually. They’re the real-life Cinderella stories. But midnight always arrives for these women, and the denouement isn’t always pretty. Not all readers are prepared for that, especially the breed of romance reader that demands a happily-ever-after in every story. Any historical fiction writer with integrity will not monkey around with the facts by twisting them so that they fulfill some sort of “contract” made with genre fiction readers.

The fact that the women I write about struggled, rose, and fell, that they often reinvented themselves (several times, in some cases) in order to survive, is, for me another factor that makes their stories even more compelling—not only what they were fighting for, but what they were up against. I am always amazed by what they went through—and it really happened! Of course my author’s imagination fills in the gaps, imagines what might have transpired during an incident that actually did take place (that’s why it’s called historical fiction), but I am drawn to these women because the facts of their lives are so remarkable, “stranger than fiction” in a way, that they make perfect subjects for novels.

And of course if you think about it, EVERYONE who lived during that era is dead now. So I want to say to readers who seem surprised (or “betrayed”) that my heroines die (not during the narrative of the book, but the circumstances of the rest of their lives, post-narrative, are discussed in an Author’s Note)—Get over it!

You love history as much as I do. What is it about certain time periods that appeals to you and draws you to research and write about that particular era?

I adore the eighteenth century, and the Age of Enlightenment, although one discovery I made in researching ALL FOR LOVE, was that the tenets of the Enlightenment didn’t embrace women, or apply to them. They were cut out of the picture. I am drawn to the colorful bawdiness of the Georgian era. I also love the Restoration for the same reason, and Renaissance Venice, both of which I intend to explore as the years go on. For all three of these eras, I’m also drawn to the clothes (if it would look good on my body, then I could have lived in the period; we’re talking low décolletage, a certain silhouette of sleeve, and tightly corseted torsos with nipped-in waists). Long, curled hair and big hats work for me, too!  Oh—I’m talking about the women. Men look great in tight breeches and tall boots, as long as they’ve been going easy on the beer and roast beef. Jesting aside, I am drawn to the eras I write in because they produced a number of outspoken women who were unafraid to be themselves.

Another thing that draws me to the eras I enjoy depicting is that they chart a morphing of sexual mores from a more licentious era toward a more prudish one, and my heroines tend to have been born during a feistier, lustier era and have to learn how to behave (or not) as time goes on in a world where the pendulum is swinging toward a conservative way of determining what sort of conduct is acceptable from a woman.

Tell us how you began your writing career and what drew you to writing?

I always enjoyed writing when I was in school. And I have, or had, professional writers on both sides of my family. Being able to express yourself verbally was much prized in my family. And I was one of those little girls who loved to imagine herself somewhere else (my early literary heroines were Dorothy and Alice). But I became a professional actress instead, although I did have a couple of survival jobs in journalism. And I had adapted a few literary works, from the page to the stage, for a non-profit theatre company I founded. I started writing fiction in the summer of 1998, when I lamented to a friend that I wanted to get paid [well] to write. At the time I was just beginning another job in journalism that paid so little that I had two other survival jobs at the same time. My friend suggested I consider writing romance novels (he thought my personality and sensibilities were suited to it). So I took his advice and started writing. But, I confess I’d never read any romance novels, so I had no inkling that it was a genre, like science fiction, or mystery or thriller. I just thought a romance novel had a love story in it and a happy ending. But somehow, by writing the story I wanted to tell, clueless that there even were any rules, let alone how to write according to them, I got an agent in 1999 and my first contract in 2001. I began writing contemporary women’s fiction, variously pigeonholed from time to time as “contemporary romance” and “chick-lit.” I received my first historical fiction contract in 2004 and my first historical novel was published in November, 2005.

What career challenges did you have to overcome on your journey to becoming a multi-published author?

At the beginning of my career, I was working three day-jobs, so it was hard to find time to seriously pursue it, but I persevered because I really wanted to make it. Living in Manhattan is very, very expensive. And until last year, I was single so I had no one to help share the expenses. Ultimately, I got it down to one survival job, but I was working full-time for the first five years of my career. I worked about 17 hours a day, no exaggeration, spending every spare moment on my writing career when I wasn’t at work (and sometimes when I was!) Also, the publishing business is a fickle one. There have been years when I did very well, and other years when I despaired about how I was going to make it without having to slip backward and get another survival job. And after I left my last survival job in June, 2003, I promised myself I would never get another day job. I would be a full-time writer come hell or high water.

Tell us about your writing schedule. Did you accomplish your goal of writing full-time?

I do write full-time now, but I’m a newlywed, and I promised myself when we first became a couple, that I would make sure that no matter how busy my writing schedule got, my husband and I would share quality time every day, eat dinner together, enjoy weekend activities, etc.. He is phenomenally supportive and understanding, especially when I’m on crazy short deadlines, which is all the more reason for me to step away from the computer when he’s home in the evenings and devote the time to having fun with him. I’m a multi-tasker, though, so I can be sitting on the couch watching TV with him and also be reading research material and taking notes on it. Besides, if I could manage to write four novels (that got published—and a couple more full manuscripts that never saw the light of day) while I was working full-time, I can find time to enjoy my marriage as well as my career.

What are you working on now?

I’m in the process of putting together a proposal (background material and sample chapters) for my next historical fiction contract. It’s a different era than what I’ve been writing in, and a different structure as well; nonlinear and primarily in third person narrative. But the novel is based on the life of another scandalous redhead!

In addition to promoting this winter’s two releases, ALL FOR LOVE and CHOOSING SOPHIE, I also recently submitted the revised manuscript for my first foray into historical non-fiction, and I expect the copyedited manuscript to show up in the mail any day now. Written under my real name, Leslie Carroll, It’s called ROYAL AFFAIRS: A Lusty Romp Through the Extramarital Adventures that Rocked the British Monarchy, and it will be released by NAL on June 3.

History as we wish it could be.

2008-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

I love history but I also love modern medicine, microwaves and the ability to buy what I eat instead of growing it. Luckily, modern life allows history buffs like me to enjoy a taste of history through movies. Since I'm obsessed with period pieces, I'll watch any movie with a costume and an accent. As a result, I've seen some great movies, some terrible movies and some that are just great fun. Below is a sampling of the good, the bad and the just fun to watch. This list only represents a small portion of the movies I love. So feel free to post your own favorites. I'm always on the lookout for another flick to add to my list.

There is something decadent about watching Dangerous Liaisons. The costumes are rich, the story is intriguing and the characters are down right evil. It's wicked fun and a lot less calories than chocolate.

Who can resist the scene in Dangerous Beauty when Veronica's mother instructs Veronica on the art of pleasing a man? The story is a little trite at times but the chemistry between Veronia and Marco is sizzling and Venice provides the perfect backdrop for their complicated love.

How sexy is Rupert Everett in An Ideal Husband? This film combines all the pithy dialogs one expects from Oscar Wilde with excellent actors and lush costumes.

As much as I enjoy King Arthur, I'll be the first to admit it isn't a great film. However, I can't resist Clive Owen and Ioan Gruffadd in Roman costume.
Also, the soundtrack is amazing.

Vanity Fair is gorgeous and it's fun watching Rebbecca scheme her way up the social ladder. Also, James Purfoy is really sexy in his uniform. However, the period detail isn't perfect and neither is Reese Witherspoon's accent. I've read William Makepeace Thackery's novel and the movie is a good adaptation of the lengthy tome.

Please Join Me Wednesday, January 30th at Leslie Carroll's Blog

2008-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 30th, Leslie Carroll will post her interview with me on The Lady Novelist blog
http://www.leslie-carroll.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and comment. We'll discuss me, my writing and my traditional Regency romance, "Lady's Wager", available now from Cerridwen Press
http://www.cerridwenpress.com/BookList_cotillion.asp?Category=RomReg

I look forward to hearing from you.

The Man, The Suit, The Regency

2008-01-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

There is something sexy about Regency men's clothing. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that during the Regency men dressed in a very muted and understated way. For the first time in history, male dress began to resemble what we know today as the suit. Gone were the wigs and velvet of earlier centuries. In their place appeared clothing that allowed the man and not his satin to shine. I enjoy the clothing of other periods. John Malcovich and Keanue Reeve are very sexy in their brocade in Dangerous Liasons, but nothing can compare to the dark jackets, the crisp white shirts of the Regency. In honor of this landmark change in clothing, I offer some great examples of men in Regency attire. Enjoy!

Cairn Terrier and the Art of Writing Detail

2008-01-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Write what you know. You've heard it a thousand times but I'd like to remind everyone to write the details you know. Details help the reader connect to the characters while bringing the world of the story to life and many details are drawn from our own life experience. For example, I may not know what it is like to sail across the Atlantic in 1803, but I do know what it's like to be seasick. I can use my experiences with seasickness to create realistic scenes.

A realistic detail I enjoy adding to my stories is the relationship between a dog and its owner. In Lady's Wager, I created the canine character of Minnie who is the female version of Wiggins, my beloved, my semi-bald Cairn Terrier mix.

Drawing on my experiences with Wiggins, I created a realistic dog character who added additional layers to the story. Another fictional Cairn Terrier who accomplishes this is Toto. Toto is, according to many scholars, an extension of Dorothy's subconscious.

Minnie serves this same purpose in many scenes of Lady's Wager. For example, the only male character Minnie likes is Edward, suggesting to both Charlotte and the reader that Edward is Charlotte's true love. I've spoken to many dog lovers who've had similar canine intuition experiences. It happened to me when I first brought my husband home to meet my parents and their killer Yorkie didn't try and chew his ankles off.

So, think about your life and the things you enjoy and use them in your story. You never know where your subconscious Cairn Terrier might take you.

An Evening with Jane Austen

2008-01-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, my Mr. Darcy and I, accompanied by my parents, attended the Society for Manners and Merriment's annual Jane Austen Evening ball. This was our first experience with English country dancing and we really enjoyed it. Donning our empire waist dresses and period military outfits, we quickly joined in the spirit of the evening. At the beginning, we didn't know the steps but by the third dance we had the hang of it and by the end of the evening we chasséd and cast down with ease. I now understand why dancing instructors were hired to drill the dances into young ladies and gentlemen. The moves can be elaborate and if they aren't second nature, it's difficult to maintain a conversation and maintain the correct dance steps at the same time. Maintaining a conversation is important because the constant changing and hand turns makes it easy to meet a number of people within a single dance. Heaven forbid a Regency lady concentrate on the dance steps and miss the opportunity to converse with a very eligible Viscount. Since dances can last between fifteen minutes to a half hour, there is ample time for young Regency gentlemen and ladies to become acquainted.

Experiencing Regency period costume, or very close approximations, was exciting. Many costumes were incredibly detailed and captured the look and feel of the era. Men dressed in cravats or elaborate military costumes and a number of women looked as though they'd stepped straight out of Sense and Sensibility. Dancing in a somewhat period costume, I understand how dance may have influenced styles. Flat slippers are a must to prevent a young lady from tripping during a lively move, while a shorter dress keeps the dancer and her partner from stepping on her hem. Even in a modern room with air conditioning, it was hot and a fan proved a very necessary accessory. I've heard it said that the Regency is one of the few eras where women enjoyed more comfortable clothing than men. After last night, I believe this. The many layers involved in Regency men's fashion proved quite oppressive in the hot ballroom. Wool coats over a vest over a shirt with a high collar and a cravat left many gentlemen "glistening" profusely after the end of the first set.

It was a thrill to be in a room full of people who appreciate the Regency as much as I do. Oohs and aahs met the caller when she announced we were dancing Mutual Love, Jane and Mr. Bingley's first dance in the A&E Pride and Prejudice. The last dance I participated in was Auretti's Dutch Skipper, and I quickly recognized the music from the first ball scene in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. Anyone with a love of the Regency period should attend a Jane Austen Ball. It is a great way to share your Regency obsession and enjoy an evening of elegance.

One Mr. Darcy Is Never Enough

2008-01-11T12:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday's London Daily Mail ran an article on Dominic Cooper, the latest handsome actor to portray Mr. Darcy. Click here to read the article.

What is it about Mr. Darcy that captures our imagination? For starters he is rich, handsome, dedicated to those he loves, rich, handsome, a faithful friend, a take charge kind of man, honorable and in case I failed to mention it, rich and handsome.

Until modern times, many women obtained a manor house and money by marrying some buck-toothed, alcoholic imbecile. As a result, the timeless fantasy of obtaining the title and the manor house without having to blow out the candles and think of Britain on the wedding night is quite strong. Mr. Darcy is one personification of this fantasy. Created during a time when many women needed to believe that marriage for love was possible, he is a character worthy of fantasies. After all, who wants reality?
Reality fills the pages of Sex with the Queen, the companion book to Sex with Kings by Eleanor Herman (an excellent book I heartily recommend). After reading true stories of princesses sacrificing their happiness on the altar of duty, I'm ready to cheer when the fictional Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins. I also pity poor Charlotte but I'm quickly distracted with thoughts of Mr. Darcy. He represents our desire to see true love prevail and if true love happens to come with Pemberly, who are we to question it?

I'm Appearing On The Reader's Round Table Blog Talk Radio Show on January 11, 2008

2008-01-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

I will be on

The Reader's Round Table with Melissa Alvarez aka Ariana Dupre

on Friday January 11, 2008 from 11:30 am - 12 pm.
Please stop by and listen at
http://blogtalkradio.com/MelissaAlvarez

And call in with questions to 347-215-8473.

Melissa's show is a great way to learn about new authors and to discuss your passion for romance novels.

"Lady's Wager " Receives Three Stars from Ecataromance.com!

2008-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Read the review!
http://www.ecataromance.com/index.php?p=317

My Interview on Risky Regencies Tuesday 1/8/2008

2008-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

Please stop by the Risky Regencies blog Tuesday 1/8/2008 and check out the mini interview with me about Lady's Wager. Cara King is posting the interview as part of her Tuesday blog. http://riskyregencies.blogspot.com/

A Proposal

2008-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Royal marriages, or their refusal to marry, have helped shape the history of Western civilization. However, before there can be a marriage, there must be a proposal. We know the stories of the flattering portrait sent to a foreign court and the negotiations over a dowry before a princess traveled abroad to meet her fate. But what about history’s more unique proposals?

A unique marriage proposal is at the heart of Lady's Wager and the proposal forces the hero and heroine to face and overcome their own prejudices and fears about love. In honor of the release of Lady’s Wager, I'd like to highlight a few of history's more unique proposals and their effect on history.

- In Rome, Emperor Octavian fell in love with and proposed to Livia while she was six months pregnant with her husband's child. She wasted not time obtaining a divorce and becoming empress. Three months after her marriage to Augustus, Livia gave birth to a son whose grandson became Emperor Claudius. Claudius was responsible for the first major expansion of the Roman Empire since the reign of Augustus.

- Pharaoh Thutmose IV was eager to establish an alliance with the Mitanni. He petitioned the Mitanni king six time to send him a wife. The Mitanni king finally relented and sent him Mutemwiya who some scholars believe was the grandmother of the heretic Pharaoh Akhenaten. History failed to record what Mutemwiya thought of the proposal or of going to Egypt.

- Queen Elizabeth I rejected a marriage proposal from King Philip II of Spain. Her rejection and the subsequent wound to Philip's pride played a part in his discussion to declare war on Britain and to launch the ill-fated Armada. He also didn't like English pirates or Protestantism but I think the excuse of his wounded pride is slightly more interesting.

- King George VI, while he was still the spare, was turned down four times by Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. He was stunned when, on his fifth try, she finally accepted. The couple went on to rule Britain during the dark days of WWII and to produce Queen Elizabeth II.

The above proposals may not be perfect or romantic but they are interesting. Take the quiz below and discover your perfect proposal or, for those of you who are already married, how close your actual proposal came to your dream proposal. My poll result came pretty close to the real thing.

Your Ideal Marriage Proposal Is

After dinner at your favorite restaurant, at the spot where you first kissed.

What's Your Ideal Marriage Proposal?

Lady's Wager Now Available from Cerridwen Press

2008-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Lady's Wager is finally for sale! Please visit http://www.cerridwenpress.com/ and help me live the dream!

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

2007-12-26T18:03:00.001-08:00

I'm a extra 50% off queen, a connoisseur of clearance racks, a rabid half price enthusiast. I enjoy after Christmas shopping almost as much as Christmas shopping itself. I love hunting down a bargain, especially if it is an additional 40% off the clearance price. This is the time of year when I purchase ornaments, wrapping paper, bows, Christmas lights and holiday shirts for next year. Next Christmas I'll open my storage boxes and surprise myself with everything I purchased and then put away this year.

The after Christmas sales are only matched by the January and September end of season sales. In January, jackets, sweaters and pants are drastically reduced despite the cold weather. Last year, on one of the coldest nights on record in LA, I walked into a Target and purchased leather gloves with Thinsulate for the clearance price of $2. Bikinis were full price. In September, I bought shorts off the clearance rack as temperatures soared. Jackets were full price. Who can explain such wonders.

You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover

2007-12-19T12:44:00.001-08:00

You can't judge a book by it's title either. I'm an avid reader of non-fiction history and, with the exception of a few authors like Alison Weir, I pick my books based on the cover and the title. As a result, I have a 50-50 chance of reading something really good or reading a boring doctoral thesis marketed as a juicy read.

Examples:

Sex with Kings by Elanor Herman - A great book and exactly what the title implies. History told in a gossipy style with an entertaining tone and a quick pace. I'm currently reading the companion book Sex with the Queen.

The Death of Kings; Royal Deaths in Medieval England by Michale Evan, MD - Promising title, boring book. Considering the number of Medieval English kings who met really interesting ends (do we really believe William II died in a hunting "accident"?) this book could have been quite a read. However, it turned out to be a thesis disguised by a snappy title and dry as toast.

The Story of England by Christopher Hibbert - Sounds dry but the book presents facts in a lively way and is very accessible for any non-history buff who needs a quick overview of British history. My husband read it before our trip to England and he really enjoyed it. The books treats kings the way In Touch treats celebrities and isn't afraid to tell you why Edward II was introduced to the wrong end of a red hot poker.

How to Do It: Guides to Good Living for Renaissance Italians by Rudolph M. Bell - A wee bit dry for such an interesting title. Not as dry as The Death of Kings but not as exciting or lively as Sex with Kings.

A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich - The title sounds dry but the book is great. A good mix of facts and scholarly work about birth, marriage and sex in Colonial America.

If anyone has any suggestions for great history books or titles to avoid, please let me know.

It's begining to look a lot like goody baskets.

2007-12-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season when my office is flooded with baskets full of cheeses that don't need to be refrigerated, gourmet chocolates we've never heard of and tea biscuits. You can practically hear the stampede when everyone receives the email announcing a basket has arrived and is ready for perusing.

It's also the time of year to eat the things you don't eat the rest of the year. For me, the once a year treats include eggnog, port wine cheese balls and those round cookies coated with powdered sugar ( pictured above). My husband likes Ferrero Rocher, Hickory Farms beef sticks and something called Chutter. We are currently hunting down said Chutter which teases us by appearing in Google searches only to disappear when we click on the page. Rumor has it that Hickory Farms doesn't make it anymore.

Like the goody basket, these treats have become as synonymous with the season as Santa, candy canes and Christmas lights. It's why I can't buy Christmas tree Peeps. Peeps mean Easter and you can't simply cross holiday treats like that.

The ghost of Christmas past.

2007-12-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

I love old movies, especially old Christmas movies like "A Christmas in Connecticut." However, I have never been a fan of "It's A Wonderful Life". It all goes back to Christmas 1989. I was a sophomore in high school and everyone, including my parents, my aunt, my sister and most of my friends, had a nasty cold.

Everyone, except me.

It was like having Christmas in a pest house. Everyone was sick and anyone who wasn't refused to come over to celebrate.

After a sniffling round of opening presents, everyone went back to bed and I spent Christmas watching TV. "It's a Wonderful Life" was on all day on almost every channel. I watched the movie and wondered afterwards what I was missing. I have to admit I also feel that way about "A Christmas Story" but that is another blog entry. It wasn't a high school girl's disregard for the past that caused my dislike. I'd been an avid old movie fan since childhood thanks to the Tom Hatten Saturday Afternoon Movie show on channel 5.

Perhaps one of these days, when the memory of the most boring Christmas ever is finally a very, very, very dim one, I will try watching it again. In the meantime, I think I'll enjoy a little "Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Miracle on 34th Street".

Feel free to agree or disagree.

What's in your wardrobe?

2007-12-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

Unlike the following people, there is nothing of real value or interest in my wardrobe, my attic or the crawl space beneath my house. It's one of the downsides to living in Southern California; there isn't enough history to allow the average person to find items of significant historical interest beneath the floorboards. The only claim to fame my house has is that the drummer of a well-known 1980's hair band that shall not be named once lived here. Every once in a while we receive some of his mail but I'd rather have one of the following:

a painting by Caravaggio,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=411248&in_page_id=1811

a sketch by Michelangelo,
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8TC63CG0&show_article=1

or a first edition book by Chaucer.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=441046&in_page_id=1770