Saturday, December 19, 2020

Christmas Teaser. . .Who Doesn't Love a Holiday Romance? By Connie Vines #RR #RoundRobin


Welcome to my Blog!


Today is our December Round Robin Blog Hop. 

 Todays Topic: A story excerpt, flash fiction, or short story.

I have chosen an excerpt from my contemporary romantic suspense novel, "Brede" Book 2, Rodeo Romance Series.

Setting: Northern New Mexico, USA

Brede tried to focus on the things Kate did that reminded him of other city women, but he couldn't. Though he hated to admit it, He liked the way she made his coffee, and he liked the way she waited up for him. If he stayed out late in the lambing pens. He also liked the way she smiled at him. She had one of the most dazzling smiles he'd ever seen.

She poured two cups of coffee.

He reached for his cup at the same moment she reached for it. His fingers grazed the top of her hand.

She glanced up at him through her lashes, but she didn't move.

He studied her for a moment, taking in the serious set of her mouth. Touching wasn't such a good idea right now. 

"If you change your mind about going to town into the morning, I'll understand."

"I know. But I think it's for the best."

He inhaled the scent of her hair, floral and womanly.

She sighed when his arms went around her. She snuggled closer, coffee forgotten, telling herself that this was nothing more than a comfort hug between friends. She knew this wasn't the case. What she was feeling for Brede went far beyond the boundaries of friendship. She had no right to harbor those feelings, but she couldn't deny them either.

"You're welcome to stay at the ranch.--"

She placed her fingertips over his lips. "If someone is trying to kill me, I'm putting you and everyone else on this ranch in danger."

"That's the very reason you should stay."

She shook her head. The sweetness of his words, his generous offer of help, brought tears to her eyes. It would be so easy to stay, but that didn't make it right.

"If you're worried about the kiss..."

"No." she denied, too quickly. She was worried about how much she'd enjoyed his kiss, and how easy it would be to kiss him again.

He gave her one of his rare, heart-stopping smiles, and Kate wanted to clutch his shoulder for support. Instead, she pulled back to get a good look at him. "I'm a grown man," he reminded her. I can take care of myself and so can my men. No one is going to show up on this ranch and harm anyone."

He did look big, strong, and invincible. Still, fear clung to the edges of her mind. Whoever had hurt her didn't play by the rules. Brede might not like to admit it but the remoteness of this ranch would work in her attacker's favor. He had stalked her. That meant he could be outside watching them now. Waiting for an opportunity to strike again.

  Blurb

Trouble is something hard-edged rancher, Brede Kristensen, knows all about. A widower with rambunctious young daughter, a ranch to run and an ornery cook who has just run off, Brede doesn't need another problem. 

Beaten and left for dead, Amberlynn Maddox has no memory of her past.  Accepting Brede's offer as temporary ranch cook, the woman, now called Kate, discovers the sexy rancher with his protective nature and sizzling kisses has claimed her heart. 

When a madman discovers Amberlynn's hiding place, no one is safe from harm; not Brede, his young daughter--or Amberlynn herself!



Please stop by and visit the other wonderful authors participating in this month's Blog Hop:



Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Victoria Chatham http://victoriachatham.com

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Helena Fairfax http://helenafairfax.com/blog

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-29F

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://rhobincourtright.com



 Wishing all of my readers and visitors a blessed holiday season.


Connie


Saturday, November 21, 2020

My Favorite Blog Posts (Sharing is Caring) by Connie Vines #RR90

 This month’s topic: Review or recommend a book, a short story, or post on someone’s blog.


Wow! This is a difficult topic.  There are sooo many excellent books, short stories, online articles, and blog posts.

One of the blogs I follow is “The Eclectic Writer” by Janet Lane Walters.  Her blog is about writing and the things that effect a writer. About her books and those of others.

While I follow many other blog sites (everyone who is a member of our happy band of RR writers, of course), and fellow BWL author, Janet Lane Walters. Janet is always writing.  I don’t know if, or when, she sleeps. She posted 31 blog posts in October. That is a blog post EVERY day.  324 blog posts as of yesterday.  Wow!  Janet, like Diane Bator, are always interviewing authors and posting book reviews.  When I grow-up, I want to be just like them!

Well, I’m grown-up. . .and so far, I don’t seem been following their example. While Janet writes about “Meandering on Mondays” I really am meandering on Mondays—the garden, the pups training sessions, menu planning, taking photos of the red-tailed squirrel who steals my avocados.  

I’ve tried the early-to-bed-and-early-to-rise bit.   At 5:00 a.m. all I can manage to do is clutch my mug of coffee and wonder why it’s still dark outside.  So, I’ve decided that I am a nocturnal person. I do my best writing between 8:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.  (Yes, it’s dark outside during that time, too.)  I’m up by 7:30 a.m. and functional after a cup of coffee and 30 minutes of the morning news report.  




As for my favorite book, “The Author’s Checklist” by Elizabeth K. Kracht is my current recommended read.

Since I like to multi-task, I follow a video Story Time hour on Facebook by Lisa Salvary via the group: “Romance in Her Prime”.  Lisa reads (with character voices) or the author reads from a novel featuring heroines 34 years +.  If you miss the live broadcast, you can logon later to watch and listen.  This is free, fun, and new books are featured throughout the week. You just have to request to become a member.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInHerPrime/

I hope you enjoyed my blog post.

Remember to visit all the other members of our Round Robin Group to see what they are sharing!

Connie Vines


Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-282

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com




Saturday, October 17, 2020

What is your favorite book(s) of all time in your favorite genre(s)? By Connie Vines RR# 89

This month's Round Robin Topic:  What is your favorite book(s) of all time in your favorite genre(s)

This was a difficult topic for me...so many books, so many enjoyable reads.

Right now I seem to be reaching for cozy mysteries and fantasy fiction.  

It understandable that I would enjoy cozy fiction (no dead bodies or murder-in-progress).  My fantasy/paranormal fiction is also the non-violent type. 

That said, my favorite Romance/Paranormal novel is "Dracula" by Braun Stoker.

The tension, plot-twists, sense of time and place, and development and internal conflict of each character never seems dated.  The book is also a love story.  Which may do not realize during the first read of the novel.

My post is also late (sorry) because for some reason I thought today was Friday.  I have found the Pandemic and 'stay-safe' life style clusters the days together.

Now, cozy mysteries often have a romantic interest, the mystery with it's twists and turns is the focus of the story.

Favorite mysteries?  

The "Nancy Drew" series as a child. 

Nancy Drew Quotes

"Do act mysterious. It always keeps them coming back for more."

"Romance and detective work won't mix tonight!"

"I just know that any time I undertake a case, I'm apt to run into some kind of a trap."

"Read, read, read. That's all I can say."

"I promise to be as careful as a pussycat walking up a slippery roof."

"I don't promise to forget the mystery, but I know I'll have a marvelous time."

" I just can't help it!"




As an adult, the Tony Hillerman novels. Having traveled throughout the southwest and being involved in Native American education in the urban areas, I found the stories true to life.

Hillerman's writing style is not flash, but he can paint a landscape or thunderstorm. His use of the four corners geographic and cultural backdrop, is woven into the characters and the plot of each of his stories.

“Like all dry-country people, Leaphorn enjoyed rain—that rare, longed for, refreshing blessing that made the desert bloom and life possible.”

― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“The sky lightened now. Far ahead, they could see where the Pacific half of the blizzard had reached the Chuska range. Its cold, wet air met the dry, warmer air on the New Mexico side at the ridgeline. The collision produced a towering wall of white fog, which poured down the slopes like a silent slow-motion Niagara.”

― Tony Hillerman, The Fallen Man


What genre calls to you?

Do you have a favorite author?

A favorite, setting?

I believe as we experience life, out search for answers/truths will lead us along new path ways.

So, pick up a new genre novel or a find an author whose voice you haven't heard--yet.

Enjoy life and enjoy a new novel, too!

Happy Autumn!

Connie






Visit the authors in our blog fest:

Participant's List:

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-26c

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Monday, September 28, 2020

I'm At BWL Insider Author's Blog Today!

 https://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/


"What Do Bats Have to Do With Halloween?" 


**Remember only WILD ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS or Wildlife Vets are trained to 
to rehab bats, or any wild creature.

These little guys are cute.  My favorite place to observe bats is at the San Diego Zoo. 
Or, Carlsbad's Caverns.

However, I do not touch them. Or get too close.




I'm also sharing my pumpkin soup recipe, too.





Saturday, September 19, 2020

Intuitive and Subtle Themes in My Novels by Connie Vines RR#88, @connievines-author

 Most novels have an easily understood point to make to the reader, do your stories ever have more subtle or intuitive themes? 


Thank you Robin for this month's topic.

An easily understood theme.  This statement caused to me chuckle.

When I complete my novel/short-story/article, etc. the theme is easily understood.  Not so when I first sit down at the keyboard.

Even though I write with only a very basic outline (I've evolved or devolved into a panster in my writing process).

And, this process, involves a great deal of fumbling during the process:

1. Look for Your Character’s Theme

Theme is always rooted in character. Your characters, specifically your protagonist, will tell you what your theme is about. Even if you try to tack on another theme, what your story is really about is whatever is at the heart of your character’s internal struggle.

This means you can’t just dream up some wild and unexpected thematic premise and squirt it onto your story like Dijon mustard onto a hot dog bun. You have to start with what you’ve already got. Look at your character—who she/he is and what she//he wants—and look at what she’s/he's doing in the plot.

Now look harder.

Let’s say you’re me and you’re writing a time-travel story (which, it so happens, I am). It’s novella 3 of my Sassy and Fun Fantasy Series about a professor of ancient civilizations and her not-historically-inclined fiancee. While she's the one who finds herself in ancient Egypt, he's the one tasked with bringing her home in time for their wedding.  No superpowers or cell phones in this plot-line.  

On its surface, that’s a story about good versus the unknown/evil, with true-love thrown in as a side dish. No superpowers, cell phones, or time-traveling map.  Our main characters are in huge trouble.

So we dig deeper. We look at what specific struggles this character is facing.

What does he want?

Why does he want it?

What is he willing to selflessly sacrifice to get it?

What is he willing to selfishly sacrifice?

What will he gain and what will he lose by the story’s end?

How will he have changed?

When asking yourself these questions about your character, the right answers probably won’t be immediately evident. You’ll have to think about them. You’ll have to recognize and reject most of the obvious answers. In the process, you may find your conception of the character and plot evolving into something deeper right alongside your theme. Since it's ancient Egypt, it will be an intuitive theme.

2. What’s a General Question You Feel You’re Always Asking About Life?

Don’t stop at the “little” life questions right there in front of your face. Look up and look out. What are the big questions that it seems like you’re always asking in one way or another? Obviously, a novella or short-story won't have a multi-layered plot or a wide-cast-of-characters but there's always a purpose.

3. What’s a Virtue You Feel Is Undervalued?

If you’re writing a story with a Positive Change Arc and a happy ending, then your theme will probably focus on affirming a virtue—love, courage, justice, mercy, kindness, self-sacrifice. If this so, don’t just pick the obvious one—love for romance and courage for action. Instead, choose one that is important to you and that you feel is either undervalued in the world or underrepresented in fiction.

4. I believe Universal Truths Can’t be Unique.

 It’s the way a character wrestles with truth that touches a chord of recognition in the reader. The story feels both thin and heavy-handed when the theme is obvious. Which is not to say that the theme should be deliberately obscured–but that the individual character’s struggle with the theme is what matters most.  I find I often rely on my writer's intuition resulting in a subtle secondary theme.

 5. Translating into my Stories.

"Lynx" Rodeo Romance deals with several themes, one of which is a personal one.  The same is true of "Tanayia--Whisper upon the Water". I believe this is why these novels have received awards and reviews.  Tapping into personal experiences and memories/trauma ring 'true' to others. 

The heart never lies.



 


On the lighter-side:

These two were banished from my office, for all of  ten minutes, for wrestling.

Chanel (background) Gavin (foreground)



Visit these talented writers to see what stories they are sharing this month: 

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-22c

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com


Happy Reading,


Connie 






Friday, September 18, 2020

Please Bring Back Smokey the Bear by Connie Vines @California Forest Fires 2020 #SmokeytheBear

 https://www.smokeybear.com/en



I reside in Southern California about 35 miles from both the El Dorado Fire and the Bobcat Fire.

Yesterday the El Dorado Fire claimed the life of a Firefighter.  

The wildfire continues to burn in the San Bernardino National Forest, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes in mountain communities.

Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers.

Even if we are not in the evacuation area, the smoke, ash, and air quality is fearfully unhealthy.  Some are relying on medical grade-masks indoor their home.  Going outdoors is out of the question.

Here's what we know about the blaze so far today:

THE BASICS

Acreage: 21,678

Containment: 66%

Structures destroyed: 4 homes, 6 other structures

Structures damaged: 2 homes, 4 other structures

Residences evacuated: 3,467

Structures threatened: 26,031

Personnel: 1,351 firefighters

Deaths: one firefighter killed

Injuries: 12

CNN: El Dorado Fire


The Bobcat Fire continues to grow in the Angeles National Forest as the firefight enters its 13th day.

The blaze has been rapidly spreading north, prompting new evacuation orders and warnings for communities in the Angeles National Forest and foothills near the High Desert.

Here's what we know about the fire so far today.

THE BASICS

Acreage: 60,557 acres

Containment: 15%

Resources deployed: 1,300 firefighters


Bobcat Fire

Fires are also raging in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

Stay Safe.  

Please Remember: Fires become deadly in only a matter of moments!

Connie


Saturday, August 29, 2020

Joan Reeves: Review of Paradise Perfume! #Joan Reeves, #SlingWords

Joan Reeves: Review Paradise Perfume



Thanks Joan!

Please visit Joan's blog for FREE STUFF, Reviews, and more!  And, of course, to read her review!



Joan Reeves is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance. Her novels--Keeping Romance Alive...One Sexy Book at a Time--have been published in a half dozen languages, and her ebooks are available at most ebook sellers with audio book and print editions also available.


Monday, August 24, 2020

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner--No, an Amazon Gift Card! By Connie Vines #ContestWinner

J. Q. Rose, author at BWL Publishing, graciously invited me to guest blog about my current release.

https://www.jqrose.com/

I had a wonderful cyber time!  There was also drawing for a participation prize for visitors/commentators.



The winner is: Marsha from Texas.  Her Amazon e-gift card is on it's way.






Saturday, August 22, 2020

Making a Story Real for your Reader by Connie Vines #RR87 @connievines_author

 What elements do you include in your stories to
make a story seem and feel more realistic to the reader?

The challenge of every fiction writer or non-fiction writer creating a fictional story, is to craft a fictional story that is believable. This challenge is taken to new levels for writers of realistic fiction. These stories, which are woven around real events that have taken place, can be formed around memoirs, historical moments, and even horror stories if desired. It is just important to remember that realistic fiction doesn’t blend well with other fictional genres. It must stand on its own.

That’s why it’s important to know how to write realistic fiction in a way that can relate to the reader, be realistic, but not include fantasy elements that drive readers away. Here’s how I keep it real for my readers.

#1. Don’t go crazy with your characters. Most people in real-life don’t have crazy names, (though spelling names phonetically is the latest craze.)  If a parent wishes his/her child going though life 'spelling his/her name' that's their business.  However, i don't give my characters crazy names. Sometimes a guy named Joe, Jacob, or Chris is good enough for realistic fiction.

#2. Give your story a good structure. Realistic fiction needs to involve the characters in a comprehensive way. People like to see what happens to them because realistic fiction puts the reader into the character’s shoes.

#3. Create a good introduction. You want your readers in realistic fiction to begin developing relationships with the characters immediately. This will help to draw them into the story. Let the first couple of pages be the setting where your readers develop a dialogue. Then let the events of your story begin to unfold for your characters. This will lure the reader in so they don’t want to put the book down.

#4. Make sure your settings are realistic as well.

#5. Create conflicts that are part of the character dialogue. Even close friends are going to have conflicts from time to time. In realistic fiction, these conflicts must also have a touch of realism to them.

#6. Build to a solid climax. The most common error that is seen in proposed realistic fiction is that the entire story builds up to a climax at the very end of the story. Remember to have plot-points, dark moments, and mini-resolutions to subplots.

#7. Create a conclusion with a twist. Have you ever worked hard for something only to have something unexpected happen?  Sometimes the conclusion of a realistic story is predictable and that’s a wonderful thing. Readers love it when everything works out as it should. For some characters, life might throw them a bit of a twist.

By keeping things real, you create stories that will help readers relate to your characters in a very personal way. There is no better method to create a story that people won’t want to put down until they’ve finished it.

I don't wish to give too much away in my works in progress, or my published stories.
But here's are a few teasers and hints of what is to come in my novels:

Current (Limited Time) Release:

"Paradise Perfume" a short romance story which is part of a box-set, Last Chance Beach, Summer's End. "Fragrance and love cannot be hidden."  My teaser gives hint at the theme.

My blurb tells a bit more:  Tempest Javid returns to Last Chance Beach to begin a new life.
Sam is a single dad on vacation with his pre-teem daughter. He's worried his daughter may become too attached to her, but maybe he's the one whose heart is at risk.

"Gumbo Ya Ya" an anthology for women who like Cajun romance, is my next release.
Each story has a 'Cajun main character.  And, of course, food is also part of the realistic slant of each story.

Please stop by and see what each of these talented authors have to say about "making a story" real!

Happy Reading!

Connie


Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2020/08/22/elementary-my-dear-rhobin/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com


Last Chance Beach, Summer's End (14-new stories!)
Still 99cents:



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CV3GN3R/











Free!   Companion to Last Chance Beach:





https://www.amazon.com/Cocktails-Last-Chance-Beach-Reeves-ebook/dp/B08DR4K3YX/



Monday, August 3, 2020

Last Chance Beach, Summer's End and Cocktails @ Last Chance Beach by Connie Vines





Who doesn't love a day at the beach?

Sand between your toes, the briny scent of sea air, and the salt water taste on your lips--good times.

And the music and the beach reads.

This box-set is only 99cents at Amazon and the companion Cocktail at Last Chance Beach is FREE!

14 new romance stories by 14 Bestselling and Award winning authors.

My short-story is Perfume Paradise.  A Sweet Summer Romance.  My heroine, Tempest Javid, has returned to Last Chance Beach to begin a new life.  

Fragrance and love cannot be hidden. . .





Cocktails on Last Chance Beach, recipes & excerpts from #LastChanceBeach #SummersEnd,  is No.1 Best Seller/Top 100/Alcoholic Beverages. If U think Cocktails are good, wait till you read the 14 #Romance #ShortStories in our #boxset. #99cents #KU https://viewbook.at/LCB-Summers-End


Thursday, July 30, 2020

Free e-book! Cocktails on Last Chance Beach is FREE

Last Chance Beach, Summer's End, boxed-set, has 14 new romance stories
.
In Cocktail on Last Chance Beach you will be able to make these cocktails or mock-tails at home.

Each recipe has a tie-in to each writer's story.


Tempest and Sam spent a romantic evening at the Sands-on-the-Beach.  Don't you wonder what they were each drinking?

Take a sneak peek--if you haven't read my story, Perfume Paradise.  Or if you have read the story, Tempest's drink or mock-tail version, would help you beat the heat on a hot summer day!

Cocktails-Last-Chance-Beach/

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Character Development--Delving into the Unknown by Connie Vines #RR85 @connievines_autnor

How do you develop a character who is different

in personality from all the other characters you have developed, or from yourself?

This month's topic took a bit of reflection on my part. 

It seems each one of my characters is different in personality, goals, dreams, and motivation.  Of course, if it is a romance story/novel  the plot-line and the characters are focused on love and romance; a mystery focuses on the mystery and a search for clues; fantasy, the norms of this other-world.  However, I visualize each of my characters in his or her own right.  Therefore, each is different from any characters who have come before, or will come after.

While none of my characters are me.  The way I look at the world, my sense of humor, likes and dislikes are often part of a character's world.

I dislike turnips, vegan 'meat', the color orange, turtle-neck clothing, and wedged shoes.  It is doubtful any of my characters will wearing an orange turtle-neck sweater, pants, wedged shoes at an event while holding a plate filled with a vegan hamburger sliders and turnip-fries.

In my current release is part of the box-set: LAST CHANCE BEACH, Summer's End. 
In"Paradise Perfume" my heroine, Tempest Javid, owns a Perfumery and is a fragrance consultant.  I have a background in perfuming and my skills are her skills (and more highly developed than my own).  Tempest's personality and goals are hers and hers alone.

 I find the characters unfold as my story develops. 




This wasn't always the case.

Until recently, I wrote very detailed plot-lines, character sketches, etc.  For my story,  "Paradise Perfume" I have a very basic plot line: the simple W method and only physical details and notes about my characters.

I just sat at my computer and wrote.  Dialogue popped into my head (which is the usual for me), but the plot-line just unfolded.
I go back the next day, write, and find I thought of details to go back and add in: a bracelet to be worn, her favorite fragrance,
his past history, etc.  I guess I'm officially a 'panster' now.  I'm writing by the seat of my pants without a net to catch me!

Link to LAST CHANCE BEACH, Summer's End.
only 99cents on preorder!



My next release: Gumbo Ya Ya--an anthology for women who like Cajun romance, is an August release @ BWL publishing Inc.

Marrying of Murphy, is a fun, fast-paced story, Love Potion # 9,  (Persia Richmond is a perfumer who may have/ or may not have developed a Love Potion).  So one again, my perfuming skills are are a part of the plot-line!  A Slice of Scandal, a mini-TV cooking show murder/mystery, and The Pirate Ghost, a time-travel love story.




Publisher's Website/ Gumbo Ya Ya


See what these talented writers have to say about character development!

Connie


Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1Y4
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Charming and Likable Villains in my Novels by Connie Vines

Charming and Likable Villains in my novels/short stories.


Thank you Dr. Bob for this month's topic.

I must confess, most of my villains are villains in the true sense of the word and beyond redemption.  However, in my YA novels, my villains are 'tarnished'.  

Due to the subject matter for YA readers the bad-guy/gal in the story are 'tarnished'. Usually at one-point-in-time, they were good people.  Often with a life-time of good-works but for some reason he/she lost their way/purpose; or events of the past turned them into someone who is acting out of character/mentally ill.

Such is the case with Sister Enid, in Tanayia--Whisper upon the Water.
Sister Enid, at the start of her career made great improvement is the boarding schools for Native American children.  However, over the years she lost her compassion and her mind (all of which lies in her past--on explained due to spoilers).  

In my romance, Gothic, and other genre novels and stories, my villains are either purely evil (as in a paranormal or suspense), or tarnished.

Who do I consider a 'tarnished' or 'charming' villain?

In television series:

Lex Luthor of Smallville fame.

He had to be friends with Clark Kent. While evolving as a 'master criminal' to bring down Superman.

Hook of Once Upon A Time

Gone is the long-hair and bright pirate clothing we expect form this character.
Instead, he is dressed in mostly black attire with shorter hair, making him extremely clever and with behind the scene plans and schemes we don't usually is in Captain Hook. Just when you think he's turned into 'a good guy' he jumps right back to being the villain again.

Jim Moriarty of Sherlock

He's a genius criminal consultant, superior to Sherlock in every way.  In the end you think Sherlock wins but you're not close into the big picture. Moriarty still got what he wanted!

In novels:

Classic Literature

I have found that to character deemed the 'villain/evil person' in classic literature need to be 'given a second chance'.

Frankenstein's Monster (for heaven sake, look at this guy's backstory).

Long John Silver of Treasure Island fame.

Bertha Rochester of Jane Eyre fame.

Count Dracula of Bram Stoker's novel and of the 1992, Francis Ford Coppola movie fame.  There was also an excellent film were Dracula starts out as a hero.  In an effort to save him people and family, he knowingly because a vampire and is a hero in the end. Dracula Undead, 2014.  The perfect example of a heroic villain.

Do I believe that a villain can be portrayed as charming and likable?  Yes.

Will I have a charming and likable villain in one of my future novels?

Perhaps.  I do have a soft spot for 'vampire love-stories'.

Please visit these wonderful authors and see what they have to say!




Pre-Orders in July
















Sunday, June 21, 2020

There's a New Puppy in My House by Connie Vines

Frequently, well often, I post about my dog Chanel (a Toy Poodle/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-mix. 

Who as the years go by (she's 4 now), looks more and more like
a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel than she does a poodle.

Over the past several years I've meet looking for a second dog.
Not to large, because Chanel only weight 9 pounds and it fragile in bone structure.

20 years ago I had a rescue/abandoned greyhound, name Justine. We always say we love our current  pet the most.  But, Chanel and Justine are tied.  Justine was 16 when she passed away.  And if you love your pets like I do, they always visit you in your dreams.

Anyway.. . .  A greyhound was too much dog for me right now (no children at home with exercise/ change the dog up the street duty).  I was looking for a smallish dog.  Probably a male to change up our routine. And keep the Feral cats from looking down from the block wall ambush the birds at our birdbath and feeder.

I visited the three local shelters, watched the Pet-Harbor alerts and kept up-to-date on the rescue groups postings (I'm a member of 2).  With the Covid-19 stay-home alerts, everyone was adopting pets (which is a wonderful thing), leaving small dogs in short supply.

Two weeks ago, I was lucky (after 3-prior visits and no match-up) a Westie Terrier-mix was brought in as a stray.  He weighed 14 lbs and was a scruffy little lad.  Think: a white/matted Toto in "The Wizard of Oz". (Though Toto was a Carin Terrier).

I made a phone appointment.  Completed a second round of paperwork and meet the little guy.  He was like a larger, clumsy, version on Chanel.  So, Chanel and I came in later that afternoon for a meet and greet.

We were deemed a 'fit family unit'. I paid this adoption fee.  I also arranged to have him groomed the day before his surgery and boarded for the two days after.  (Since the puppy is a year old I knew he would be difficult to keep no-active in a home kennel).  Three days after his surgery he came home and it's like a miracle--he was completely potty trained.

Yay!

We are all still adjusting,  Gavin (who still doesn't realize he has a name) is pretty well behave.  He has the puppy lack of focus but always has a happy expression on his face.

Chanel doesn't understand why his has such uncouth behaviors.  He stole 2 of her favorite toys when he has a brand new blue Kong stuffed doggie.  He also ran up and down the hall wall.  Ignoring the 'No running in the house," from Mom.

Do you recall the Peanuts Comic strip?  Where Snoopy runs over Linus.

Chanel was standing in the hall way and then she was picking herself up.  She was fine, but
Mom was hyperventilating.

We have a new routine going,

It's just too bad everyone is shooting fireworks and upsetting him (and me, Chanel crawls up next to me and goes to sleep).

Gavin has a blue tartan collar and leash, as Westies are a Scottish breed.  He loves his dry kibble.
Even with his Elizabethan collar he stretches out in in his large kennel, in the master bed room, and sleeps through the night.

I'm writing a novella and completing and anthology right now.  My next novel will most likely have a dog, or perhaps two, in secondary roles.


Westie West Highland Terrier With Photograph by M Photo





August Release/July pre-sale



October Release





Friday, June 5, 2020

New Contests and June Book Trailer @RomanceGems by Connie Vines

The Red and White Osiria Rose Has Taken the Internet by StormIt's June!  The month of the roses and pearls.

It's also a new month at Romance Gems.  We have a new contest, more give-a-ways, and a new Book Trailer. Stop by and sign-up!

https://youtu.be/YdUSAw7iiiw




Thursday, June 4, 2020

Blogging about Perfuming at Romance Gems by Connie Vines



As you know. . .my next release from BWL Publishing is an anthology.  My anthology has 5 stories with 5 different leads and stories.  However, the tie-in is Cajun romance.  In story number 2, my heroine, Persia Richmond, is a perfumer.

As a former fragrance consultant, I enjoyed a mini-time-travel back to that part of my past, and share a few 'carefully guarded" industry secrets!

To learn more visit:

https://romancegems.blogspot.com/2020/05/romance-in-bloomthe-art-of-perfuming-by.html



What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course." -Marilyn ...


Phantom Of The Opera Perfume By Parlux Fragrances for Women ...

Yes, I wear this fragrance, too.  If you can still obtain a bottle--you will find the fragrance mystical and  haunting elusive..


June Romance Gems Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21df08a238/

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