I have a busy week so this blog will go quiet for a day or two. First some news:I’m in a youtube ad for a FREE subscription toHidden Desires Romance Magazine. This will be my second magazine appearance. I can’t wait for the issue to come out in July. http://youtu.be/jMNHZHli2DU
Over on my satellite blog http://theancillarymuse.blogspot.com/ I’ll be participating in the Dirty Birdies Flock Hop that begins next Tuesday June 25th. I’ve never done that one before but I’ve learned that ranging far afield for different blog hops has a nice return for exposure, and I’m ever trying to be that shiny needle on top the enormous haystack of the publishing world. If you’re an author interested in participating, as of today that list is still open.http://www.dirtybirdiesauthors.com/dirty-birdies-flock-hop/
And just because I’m busy, that doesn’t mean my fingers haven’t been in a pie or two. Besides, there’s lots going on over at my other blog haunts:
Over at the Romance Books ’4′ You blog, we have a line-up of wonderful author interviews and posts this week. We also have publishers coming and well-known author guests sharing their experiences. (see below)
The Romance Reviews Sizzling Summer Reads month-long party is winding down. Though my part in the event has ended, I still have my offering up on my satellite blog. Follow a link there to lead to more on the The Romance Reviews site.http://calliopeswritingtablet.blogspot.com/
And of course, there will be more daily musings here on and off all week. Click the links section above to see what else is going on in the Rose Anderson world.
Another Sneak Peek from a Victorian, polyamorous love story –Loving Leonardo – The Quest
Setting the stage:Nicolas, Ellie and Luca discuss the artist’s methods as they pore over Leonardo da Vinci’s book looking for clues to love messages the artist left for his lover Salai. They realize some of Leonardo’s techniques work well outside the realm of art.
Knowing technique like I did, I explained how this process of layering wasn’t generally used among his contemporaries because it was time consuming, taking days to dry between applications. His system allowed him to create the illusion of depth and distance. As an artist in the truest sense of the gift, Leonardo approached painting and sculpture from the mathematical perspective of sacred geometry. This perfect symmetry was what drew the eye all these centuries later.
Though my gaze was drawn time and again to the sfumato on each page, we’d agreed, for the time being, to wait and unravel the mystery one page and one message at a time. My imagination devoured the explicit illustrations on each slowly-turned sheet. Luca’s eyes met mine over a particularly arousing scene. Returning to the script, he translated for us a most beautiful expression of love.
Were I blind, my ears would hear your breath and heartbeat. Were I deaf as well, my nose would find you by the warm scent of your skin. Were I deprived of sight and sound and scent, I’d seek your taste. Were I unable to see and hear and smell and taste, my hands would reach for you. Were I a husk of a man, my heart would know you.
Ever the minx, Ellie closed the book and set it, and our theories, aside. She went to her trunk and withdrew three silk scarves. These we tied around our heads like blindfolds. Feeling our way to the canopied bed, she drew the velvet curtains closed and we immersed ourselves in total darkness. Deprived of sight, we gave over to our other senses.
I could see why Leonardo blindfolded himself. Submerged in touch and sound, scent and taste, I understood why he sought this heightened sensitivity. Deprived of sight, it was as if I’d been handed a key to unlock my other senses. The dichotomy of experiencing Luca’s firm well-muscled body and Ellie’s soft slender curves in complete sightlessness thrilled me beyond comprehension. Their breathy sighs and gasps filled my ears. Even the small hairs on my skin were as whiskers on a cat with which to feel their bodies in the stygian night.
I maneuvered on and around my lovers. The lavender ghost of their soap mingled with their heady musk of desire, and I tasted the salt and clean sweat of exertion upon their skin. All of it: sound, taste, touch, and scent painted a picture in my imagination. They were two exquisite dreams made flesh, and I swear I saw the glow of their souls through my blind eyes. We praised one another’s perfection with an eye for detail that da Vinci himself would have surely applauded.
5-Stars “I was simply blown away. What a smart, intelligent read. In MHO, this book is definitely a keeper.”
What about this “Reader- interactive” business?
The main observer in this romantic tale is Nicolas Halstead, a man of means who has only recently come to discover profound truths about himself. It is through his perspective that we see and feel his Victorian world. An art historian by profession, Nicolas regularly compares life to art. Because of this, he leaves many references to artists and artworks scattered throughout the pages. These weren’t artworks randomly chosen off a list when I wrote the tale. They were carefully-considered art references placed to convey Nicolas’ thoughts, feelings, and impressions in a given moment. All art is emotion, and Nicolas wears his heart upon his sleeve. It isn’t necessary for the reader to look up each artist or artwork, though to see what Nicolas sees will certainly add color to the tale. I hope you enjoy.
Nicolas, Ellie, and Luca may return for other adventures. If you have thoughts or ideas where they might journey next, do drop me a line in comments (top left of the page). Where might an Art Historian, a Suffragette, and a Historian go? The Victorian world is wide open, and the sun never sets on the British Empire.
For author Mary Balogh. She’s written more than sixty novels and thirty novellas set predominantly in the Regency and Georgian era. Wow, just wow.http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com
And over on the RB4U websitehttp://romancebooks4us.com we’re having a June Contest and you can still play! It runs from June 2nd – midnight ETJune 26th .
To enter: Find the 20 pages that have a bride and groom couple. Make a list of the names of those pages (ex: Marianne Stephens, Liz Crowe, etc.) and send your list to: contests.rb4u@gmail.com. There are prizes listed there. NOTE: Snail mail prizes only shipped to US or Canadian addresses.
Tomorrow… I have no idea!
We’ll see what a cup of coffee can do to pull a magic rabbit out of my hat come Monday morning.
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Remember, The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads is a month-long event. My part is over, but there are still prizes to be had. Click on this banner.
How fun! My blog was nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. The nomination comes from fellow writer and soon-to-be author Vicki Thompson. Thank you Vicki. Here’s Vicki’s inspiring website. I found her site during the A to Z Challenge. http://the-view-outside.com
So to complete my end of things, I’ve already told 7 things about myself in yesterday’s post. (scroll down if you’d like to see) Now I’m supposed to nominate other blogs. I’ll have to put some thought on that. Most of the places I go are information spots, not personal blogs I’ve drawn inspiration from.
Though I generally don’t bookmark them (because my bookmark list is almost unnavigable), I do come across many author blogs and most of them are an inspiration just for the fact they’re clean-looking, visually appealing blogs. Does sharp-looking fall into that Very Inspiring category? I don’t know.
But I can offer three author’s personal blogs that I think fit the category. One, I always learn things from, the second for her tireless hospitality in hosting authors, myself included. And the third for helping to promote fellow authors with her book cover blog.
The first I mention here is author R. Ann Siracusa. I learn so many things on her blog, andI LOVE learning things. She writes detail-rich edgy thrillers that get your pulse up. http://rannsiracusa.com/
The third blog belongs to Shiela Stewart, who, as a multi-published author, not only writes all sorts of romantic fiction, she hosts the Book Cover Lover’s blog that supports others on the same path.http://bookcoverlovers.blogspot.ca/
And over on the RB4U websitehttp://romancebooks4us.com we’re having a June Contest. I’ve taken the info off the site: JUNE WEDDINGS CONTEST! Contest runs 2 June – midnight ET 26 June.
To enter:Find the 20 pages that have a bride and groom couple. Make a list of the names of those pages (ex: Marianne Stephens, Liz Crowe, etc.) and send your list to: contests.rb4u@gmail.com. There are prizes listed there. NOTE: Snail mail prizes only shipped to US or Canadian addresses.
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Three June blog hops ahead on the satellite blogs.
Remember, The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads is a month-long event.
My part is over, but there are still prizes to be had. Click on this banner.
Today I found myself, well not me, my blog, nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. How fun! The nomination comes from fellow writer and soon-to-rock-the-publishing-world-any-day-now, soon-to-be author Vicki Thompson who’s meeting with agents as I’m typing. Thank you so much Vicki. Break a leg ! Here’s Vicki’s inspiring website. I found her site during the A to Z Challenge and it’s now one of my haunts. http://the-view-outside.com
So as I’m pressed for time today, I’ll put my handful of nominations on tomorrow. Until then, here are 7 things about me that I’m suppose to divulge to go along with the award.
I enjoy the thrill of canoeing through white water rapids. These are what I consider to be reasonable rapids, not the kind where you ride the inflatable raft, hang on for dear life and wear a helmet so you don’t die. Though I’d like to try that sometime.
I’ve walked on fire three times. I’ll bet you’re thinking once would be enough! It was transcendent. There’s something about stepping beyond instinctual fear. No, I didn’t get burned and yes, I could have cooked a steak on the coals.
I’m Master Level Reiki trained.
To combat a crushing shyness, I took a DJ job in college. I enjoy all sorts of music but music of the British Isles and Appalachia are my particular favorites. I really don’t care for rap, winey country, and improv jazz but will give everything a fair hearing. My itunes now has 8683 songs loaded on it. Unfortunately they won’t all fit on the ipod
I’m a dead-eye shot with a rifle and used to take part in black powder shoots.
I’m a World drummer and regularly teach how-to drum classes. My collection of drums from all over the world takes up a lot of space. Many of my friends are fellow drummers and we gather to make music. We’ve considered making professional music CD’s but haven’t done this yet. The recordings we have made are really very good, if I do say so myself. It’s curious, but we’re so in sync when we play, we often stop at the same time without being prompted. It’s the sort of thing that makes you go wow.
I once had a pet rooster who weighed 48 lbs. No kidding. His name was Brutus.
And over on the RB4U websitehttp://romancebooks4us.com we’re having a June Contest. I’ve taken the info off the site: JUNE WEDDINGS CONTEST! Contest runs 2 June – midnight ET 26 June.
To enter:Find the 20 pages that have a bride and groom couple. Make a list of the names of those pages (ex: Marianne Stephens, Liz Crowe, etc.) and send your list to: contests.rb4u@gmail.com NOTE: Snail mail prizes only shipped to US or Canadian addresses. PRIZES: 1.Grand Prize: Bag of Books from RT2013 AND $50.00 gift card for Amazon/Barnes & Noble.2.E-book copy of winner’s choice from romance author, JC Szot.3.Two ebook copies of Profile of Evil (two winners) from romance author, Alexa Grace.4.E-book copy of Tail Of The Dragon from romance author, Sultry Summers.5.E-book set – Victorian mystery/erotic romance – Out of Hell and An Unspoken Betrayal from romance author, Denyse Bridger.6.E-book ARC of July release Gambling On A Heart from romance author, Sara Ellwood.7.E-book copy of Serephin, which kicked off Demon Chronicles series from romance author, Lacey Thorn.8.E-book copy of The Catalyst from romance author, Sandra K. Marshall.9.E-book copy of “Evernight Vol2″ from romance author, Johanna Rae.10.E-book copy of The Sin Factor from romance author, Sandy Loyd.11.E-book copy of the Enigma I & II special edition from romance author, Nephylim.12.$10.00 gift card for Secret Cravings/Sweet Cravings books from Secret Cravings Publishing.
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Three June blog hops ahead on the satellite blogs.
Remember, The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads is a month-long event.
My part is over, but there are still prizes to be had. Click on this banner.
Well, I dodged that weather bullet yesterday. My sympathies to those who were hit hard by the super storm and those who still get to face it as it chugs eastward. I live north of the city and we were under tornado watch all day long (with me fretting ALL day long). It was relatively mild by me, but the area south of Chicago got hammered. The local meteorologists are still trying to determine whether it was wind sheer or tornadoes that damaged several places in the state.
I woke to the Wednesday weather report warning of an odd set of components that were assembling to make a storm called a derecho.I had to look that one up. I learned a derecho is “a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms.” The most severe derechos are given the adjective “super.”
I have a weather radio that shouts weather updates at me interspersed with blaring warning tones just to be sure you’re still listening. If you’re not feeling anxious enough, try listening to that. They were saying things like: when the storm rolls in, there will be very little time to take cover, minutes only. Well, my husband, daughter, and son were all outside Wednesday and at least two of them would be vulnerable. When weather reports call for baseball-sized hail, I’d say that’s pretty extreme. Baseball sized?? For a visual I held an imaginary baseball in my hand. Good god. They were warning people to get their animals inside. No wonder. Baseball-sized hail could kill.
Here’s last year’s derecho.Notice the characteristic bow shapes.
Some wicked weather that. I found a fairly good explanation:
Yikes.
I remember talk of the greenhouse effect in 1970. I can’t help but wonder if people had taken that seriously then, how 43 years spent reducing our global environmental impact might have made a difference. Would deadly weather of the sort we deal with now be the rarity? A day doesn’t go by without drought, heatwaves, deep freezes, flooding, hurricanes, and assorted terrible weather making the news. I recall Hurricane Camile in 1969, and that was a rare deadly storm. We have so many now, we get 2/3rds through the alphabet naming them.
To believe there is no climate change is a preposterous assumption.
Worth reading about: The period in time known as The Little Ice Age. Youtube has the History Channel program.
And that’s happening on the blog. Over on the RB4U websitehttp://romancebooks4us.com we’re having a June Contest. I’ve taken the info off the site: JUNE WEDDINGS CONTEST! Contest runs 2 June – midnight ET 26 June.
To enter:Find the 20 pages that have a bride and groom couple. Make a list of the names of those pages (ex: Marianne Stephens, Liz Crowe, etc.) and send your list to: contests.rb4u@gmail.com NOTE: Snail mail prizes only shipped to US or Canadian addresses.
PRIZES: 1.Grand Prize: Bag of Books from RT2013 AND $50.00 gift card for Amazon/Barnes & Noble.2.E-book copy of winner’s choice from romance author, JC Szot.3.Two ebook copies of Profile of Evil (two winners) from romance author, Alexa Grace.4.E-book copy of Tail Of The Dragon from romance author, Sultry Summers.5.E-book set – Victorian mystery/erotic romance – Out of Hell and An Unspoken Betrayal from romance author, Denyse Bridger.6.E-book ARC of July release Gambling On A Heart from romance author, Sara Ellwood.7.E-book copy of Serephin, which kicked off Demon Chronicles series from romance author, Lacey Thorn.8.E-book copy of The Catalyst from romance author, Sandra K. Marshall.9.E-book copy of “Evernight Vol2″ from romance author, Johanna Rae.10.E-book copy of The Sin Factor from romance author, Sandy Loyd.11.E-book copy of the Enigma I & II special edition from romance author, Nephylim.12.$10.00 gift card for Secret Cravings/Sweet Cravings books from Secret Cravings Publishing.
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Three June blog hops ahead on the satellite blogs. I’ll post the details as they come.
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Remember, The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads is a month-long event.
My part is over, but there are still prizes to be had. Click on this banner.
I mentioned in yesterday’s post that just about every species has some sort of dance as part of courtship. You see it all across the animal kingdom. But humans dance too. We call it dating. If gets serious, we work out a way to keep it forever through forms of bonding – living together, commitment, marriage. My romances are all about this happy ever after dance.
So I did a little reading up on things we do in our courtship, those rituals we take for granted but whose origins go back to when we were first becoming human. There are interesting things like the correlation between male sweat and a woman’s reproductive cycles getting in sync with his higher testosterone days when she smells it. We give unconscious come-hither signals we don’t even know we make like licking our lips, swinging our leg, lust-dilated pupils and desire-warmed skin.
Then there’s the fact we possess scent-driven desire. We do, the mouth and nose are loaded with receptors for that very thing. Test yourself. Moisten your upper lip and sniff something. You just enhanced your sense of smell didn’t you? Moist lips catch scent and send it to the nose. That’s one of the reasons we kiss. There are hidden mating scents on a lover’s face. Today, it’s all about the kiss. Kissing fosters pair bonding and that ties it to survival of the species.
A good kiss, the kind that leaves you light-headed with longing, actually works on the brain the same way parachuting and bungee-jumping do. No kidding. The brain finds a good kiss every bit as exhilarating because it experiences a surge in chemicals, specifically the happy chemicals called dopamine, norepinephrine, and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters attach to pleasure receptors in the brain to create giddy feelings like euphoria and elation. And, because the brain gets high on these happy chemicals, kisses can be very addicting. Seriously addicting to people who are susceptible to other addictions like alcohol, gambling, or drugs.
Hmm…I like kisses. Wouldn’t you know, I just happen to like poker, blackjack, and shooting craps too. And that’s what I write romance.
Here’s a kiss that kisses my brain every time.
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Join us today at Romance Books ’4′ Us
for author Liz Crowe’s blog day. She’s talking about meanness in the book industry. It unfortunately exists. http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com
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I have a guest appearance over on The Four Seduced Muses blog today. http://www.fourseducedmuses.com I’m talking about the Doctrine of Signatures and foods as aphrodisiacs. Believe me, it’s mild compared to other sizzling topics that get posted there! Come see.
Two blog hops ahead on the satellite blogs. I’ll post the details as they come.
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Remember, The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads is a month-long event.
My part is over, but there are still prizes to be had. Click on this banner.
My husband and I went for a drive last night. No reason really, though we did end up at a store to pick up some groceries needed for the rest of the week. As best friends, we often look for moments to steal. Living in a rural area, we usually combine those spontaneous trips with a genuine need to go to town rather than burn the fuel twice. But I digress.
We came upon a red-winged blackbird in full fluffy display for his would-be mate. His wings were open, his feathers stood every which way. It’s hard to say if his dance interested her or not. I’m a creative person who lives by inspiration. So this morning with the air full of birdsong, that blackbird dance came to mind. There’s nothing to do but write about it!
Have you ever stopped to think about these dances? Just about every species has some sort of dance as part of courtship. Giraffes entwine their necks, tom turkeys puff themselves four times their size, turtles bump shells, elk bugle, etc. Humans dance too and my romances are all about the dance.
This behavior is referred to as biopsychosocial (bio-psycho-social) behavior — the reason animals and humans behave the way they do — the reason the behavior is had by the entire species. I thought I’d start the conversation today and add to it over the next few days. In the meantime, here’s a fascinating clip of the birds of paradise. They take the dance to fabulous and bizarre levels.
Two blog hops ahead on the satellite blogs. I’ll post the details as they come.
۞>>>>۞<<<<۞
Remember, The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads is a month-long event.
My part is over, but there are still prizes to be had. Click on this banner.
I have a busy week so this blog will go quiet for a day or two. First some news: I’m in a youtube ad for a FREE subscription to Hidden Desires Romance Magazine. This will be my second magazine appearance. I can’t wait for the issue to come out in July. http://youtu.be/jMNHZHli2DU
Over on my satellite blog
Join us today at Romance Books ’4′ Us
