Beth: Get Well Soon!

Sometimes life is rough! Beth Ellyn, one of our wonderful members, knows that first hand lately. She's had a major round of sickness this winter (here's to a way better spring!) So we'd like to cheer our friend up. As a Queen of Gifs, it seems there'd be no other way to do this than with a few of her favorite things.

Beth,

While we are sad that you have to fight through some health issues, we know that you'll soon be good as new because you are one tough cookie! Or as Amy says, you are like William Wallace: As Rugged as the Highlands.

To help speed up your road to recovery, your fellow Boarders wanted to remind you of the critical elements for recovery.

1. Rest

We know that rest is important when overcoming any type of illness. Put in a movie, pop some popcorn, and relax. Your movie suggestion comes to you from Jonathan: You love Disney. He loves Sci-Fi. This!

2. Mindset

A positive mindset is important to keep from going crazy during recovery. Staying indoors and resting can make it difficult to remain positive, especially with the beautiful spring days that have finally started to arrive. So, Leandra is sending you a few of her friends bearing gifts that you can place beside you to brighten your day.

3. Nutrition

That's right. Your body needs proper fuel to heal, so Steve wanted to make sure you were eating properly. IT'S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!  Peanut butter jelly, peanut butter jelly, peanut butter jelly and a baseball bat! 

Wait...what were we doing again?  Something about Beth?  Well, there's nothing she'd like better than a dancing banana.

4. Exercise 

Now that Steve has effectively infested our brains with that annoying song (but the dancing banana is cute, so all is forgiven), we will move on. Being the fitness nut that you are, we know you will want to get back to exercising as soon as possible. Since Carrie has now joined the ranks of crazy-workout-people, she wanted to remind you to not push yourself too fast too soon! Start off with something that provides a great workout with minimal exertion.

5. Faith

Finally, it's important to have faith. You need to believe that you will overcome all that ails you, so Kimberly sends you hope - from one Jewish girl to another.

So Beth, we know you've had a rough time, but fear not! As Brianna says, "We're all in this together!"

~Your fellow Boarders: Amy, Jonathan, Leandra, Steve, Carrie, Kimberly, Brianna

Sixth Month Shout-Out

A Post By Jonathan

As I was preparing my blog post for today, I decided to take a look at all our past posts to make sure I was writing something fresh and new. It was then that I came to an earth-shattering realization. Across the Board is six months old, meaning it's high time for a shout-out!

Our ensemble of writers have stuck to their promised posting schedule of Mondays and Thursdays (well, except for last Monday...), bringing quality content to our readers for over half a year. That's a long freakin' time people! If you ask me, that day off was well deserved...

Over this span we've seen Amy's hunky romance novel, A Highland Knight's Desire, get nominated for Kindle Scout (I'm still waiting for my royalties for that front cover photo, btw...), we've celebrated the launch of Carrie's most recent book release, Shattered Angel, we've been to 30 Rock with Beth's favorite inspiration, visited the Indiana Writer's Workshop with Leandra, been to Germany with yours truly, gotten vandalized with Steve, had a Writer's Ground Hog Day with Kimberly, and learned about One More Chapter Syndrome with our resident reader, Brianna.

I for one have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's posts and can't wait to see what the next six months bring. Dear readers, please join me in giving our bloggers a shout-out for all their hard work and dedication. Now, everyone, back to writing!

Design Your Own Covers or Not?

Hey everyone, I'm tossing up an idea here:

I took an online cover design class using Photoshop a few months ago, and since have been playing around with designing my own covers and marketing materials. Though doing marketing ads is fairly easy, I'm really nervous about taking the leap with covers, because I've always been a huge proponent of the importance of using a professional cover designer no matter what.

The first two covers in the picture below were designed by my fantastic cover artist. A Highland Knight's Desire was released last week by Amazon Kindle Scout, and Knight in Highland Armor in January. A Highland Knight to Remember on the right is a pro-forma cover I designed for a book due out at the end of May.

In comparing these three, which one pops the most? Is there too much man-skin in the third?

One big difference is that I made my name fit on one line because one of the criticisms I've had for my professionally designed covers is my name takes up too much of the picture:

I'd love to hear your honest opinion on what you like and don't like. Readers do judge a book by the cover, so it's not something to take lightly.

Do any of you design your own covers?

Do you have cover experiences to share? I'd love to hear them!

For a short time KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR is on sale for $0.99. Click here for the deal on Amazon!

~Amy

Time & Place: The Basics

Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland. Photo by Amy Jarecki

Obviously, every part of a novel unfolds within a concrete/physical environment of some kind—whether it’s under the sea, the supply room in an office building, or a World War II battlefield.

The way you bring your time period and setting to life—even if the time period and setting are more domestic and contemporary—informs so much of the novel. It helps the reader truly FEEL as though they’ve landed somewhere and are experiencing a world around the characters, one whose details have significance and are placed meaningfully on the page.

Often, though, writers take either a too bare bones or too lavish approach to setting. They either give us a quick inventory of what’s in a room (“A table sat in the center, on top of which was a crystal vase holding daffodils.”) or a too lavish travelogue of every detail from the clouds overhead, to the paint flaking on the columns, to the ants scurrying beneath the feet of the main character.

Often, too, they don’t challenge themselves to set their scenes in the most evocative environments, settling on those domestic arenas that are comfortable to them—the bedroom, the kitchen, the car, and so on.

That said, here are some questions to take you deeper:

·     Is this the most compelling time and/or location in which the scene can unfold?

·     What is unusual/special about this time and place?

·     What about time/place weighs on or buoys the scene’s viewpoint  character? (How does it either empower her or rob her of psychic strength?)

·      How does the viewpoint character’s interactions with the environment speak to her emotional state?

·     What concrete, singular/idiosyncratic details emerge via the viewpoint character’s perspective? In other words, what would only s/he notice?

·     If this setting is revisited several times throughout the novel, how is it viewed differently each time by the viewpoint character? How does her progression through the novel CHANGE her relationship with this place?

I know writers who think of setting as another character in their book. It's that important!

Write on Friends!

~Amy Jarecki

Author of Scottish Historical Romance

Most Recent Release: Knight in Highland Armor

My Book was Nominated for Kindle Scout

I was elated when at 10 p.m. on December 29th, I received an e-mail stating that my novel, A HIGHLAND KNIGHT'S DESIRE had been selected for the Kindle Scout Program. Have you heard of Amazon's Kindle Scout? The program is still in the early stages of development, but is fast becoming a fantastic way to break through the barriers of self-publishing.

I learned about it when Amazon sent me an e-mail announcing the program. I thought about entering for a while before I actually decided to give it a try, and then I thought, why not? Most of my sales are on Amazon, and since I released my first self-pubbed book a year ago, they have given me an opportunity to earn a living through self-publishing that I never thought would be possible. Why not put myself out there and see if I can get nominated? The worst that could happen would be an unsuccessful campaign, and I could turn around and self-publish the book myself.

So how does the program work? Amazon Kindle Scout website quotes: "Kindle Scout is reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books. It’s a place where readers help decide if a book gets published. Selected books will be published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, 50% eBook royalty rate, easy rights reversions and featured Amazon marketing."

Once you submit your book to Kindle Scout, Amazon owns the rights to it for 45 days regardless if you are nominated or not. They put up an excerpt, bio and questions for the author as well, but the author agrees not to publish the book until the 45 day period is up...unless it is selected for a publishing contract. If a contract is awarded, Amazon gains the rights to the e-book, audio book and e-foreign rights for five years. They in turn agree to promote the author's book on any and all platforms they choose. Astonishingly, the author retains the print rights. Read more about the program details here.

The Kindle Scout Program is open to the genres of Romance, Mystery & Thriller and Science Fiction/Fantasy.

During the 45 day period, the author notifies their friends and fans about the campaign and asks them to nominate their book. So, I dove in head first and asked people to help. I have to admit that I'm pretty active on social media. I posted a couple of Facebook notices and mentioned the program on Twitter a few times. I sent out an e-mail to my contacts and my newsletter followers, and posted it on my blog. I think I probably got the most nominations from Facebook--I did "boost" one of the posts, which helped (got me several new fans, too). Also, because I hold Facebook parties when I release a book, I have a pretty strong following there, and I have no doubt it helped.

Another point to remember: in the rules, Amazon makes the final decision as to whether they think a candidate's book will be a good fit for their program.

Once I was selected, I submitted my final manuscript, and it has now been approved by the Kindle Scout Team. I'm waiting for them to tell me when they plan to publish the book, after which I'll prepare the MS for print. I do have a phone call scheduled with a manager next week, because I had a few questions and they were kind enough to schedule a call.

Bottom line, I don't know where this will lead in the future, but having Amazon's muscle behind a new release can only help. I'm glad I bucked up and took the challenge!

You can check out my winning entry here. Or check out all the entries selected by Kindle Press here. While you're there, why not make a few nominations and help another author join the Kindle Scout program?

To learn more about my books, please visit my web site: www.amyjarecki.com

Other news: KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR was released on January 1st.

Grieving from the death of his wife, Lord Colin Campbell listens to the cries of his newborn son whilst penning a missive to the king. With no marriage prospects, Colin petitions his majesty for help in finding a stepmother. Never again will he fall in love—the death of a woman brings more pain than losing a whole contingent of men on the battlefield.

Feisty, quick tongued and smart, Margaret Robinson is delighted when her father receives a messenger from the king…until she discovers what news he brings. In a sennight, she will wed the notorious Black Knight—her life is about to end.

Tension builds during the wedding and deteriorates from there…until an accident draws them together. Just when their love begins to blossom, a dire request arrives from the Pope. Colin must join the Crusades at once.

Their fragile love is forced to withstand the seductions of hell—Margaret tempted by a scoundrel laird—Colin courted by Satan himself. Aye, the war for Christendom could very well ruin their dreams forever.

Write on Friends and I'll see you next time!

~Amy

Qualities of a Highland Hero

~ by Amy Jarecki

Many people have asked me how I came up with the tag line “Adventure Kissed by Romance”. That’s an easy question to answer…My first published novel was a Native American Adventure (Boy Man Chief). After writing that book, I decided to focus on romance, first contemporary and then Scottish historical. Also, early on in my writing career, I tried different genres and found I love writing action/adventure. The most prominent common thread in all my books is that they have adventure and steamy romance.

So, what’s my ideal Scottish Highland hero? Though they probably have much in common with heroes of other genres, here are the key redeeming qualities in my fifteenth and sixteenth century heroes:

1.     Total alpha male. These rugged warriors cannot afford to be passive. They have a duty to protect their clans and their women and nothing will stop them from doing so.

2.     Honor. The Scottish Highlander’s honor is his most treasured attribute, guiding his every decision. No one could ever strip away his honor.

3.     Respect and Chivalry. Both his honor and the code of chivalry ensure the Highlander will treat the heroine reverently, respect her virtue, and when in a crowd, he will make her feel as if she’s the only and most beautiful woman in the room.

4.     Ruggedly good looking. These Highland heroes are generally tall and sturdy, and definitely not pretty. With firm jaws, broad foreheads and intense eyes, there is no question who is in command when you enter their lair.

5.     Did I mention powerful? Their sturdy build and constant training tones their solid frames. A Highlander would be a good contender for Mr. Universe, though he’s not conceited about it. His muscular build is necessary for the protection of his clan.

6.     Well trained warrior. These men must be trained in the use of all weapons, and expertly wield a claymore, shoot arrows, and know how to handle a deadly dirk.

7.     A sense of humor. They don’t take themselves too seriously and know when to laugh at their own mistakes…but not always.

8.     Practiced lover. Any woman will swoon in their arms and consider herself completely ravished in the morning.

9.     Finally, my Highland heroes have a fervent passion for the heroine that drives them to the ragged edge of madness.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with rugged warrior, who only has eyes for you, would protect you with his life, and speaks with a deep, lilting Scottish burr? *swoons*

Amy's books:

Coming January 1, 

To celebrate the release of KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR, I'm running a GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN!!

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What's the Big Deal About Romance Novels?

Hi everyone. I'm Amy Jarecki, and I'm the romance writer and a member of this blog. I'm so happy to be here among other authors who write in many interesting genres. Today I thought I'd chat about writing romance. Sometimes people make a sour face when I say I write romance, but after they've read one, I hear comments like: "...gee, I never would have picked up this book, but I really enjoyed the story."

And that's the bottom line. It's still a story. A romance novel can be historical, contemporary, paranormal, young adult, fantasy, suspense, inspirational, and more. It's almost like it has all the genres sub-categorized under the major genre, ROMANCE.

And yes, romance is the largest selling genre out there. Avid readers of romance can devour a book a day, and they are ever-hungry for high quality stories. Though I have dabbled in contemporary romance, I've hit the benchmark of being Amazon's #1 bestseller in Scottish historical romance. And like all authors in this genre, it makes my skin crawl when someone says...."Historical romance? Oh. You write bodice rippers," as if I couldn't possibly write a real story.

Just like any historical novel, I do a ton of research and plotting before I start typing. And my novels always have a strong element of action/adventure. But I digress. What makes a romance? The Romance Writers of America will say: a love story with a satisfying ending (a HEA...happily ever after...or, in the case of NA or YA, happy for now). In addition, a love story will have strong elements of other genres, just like a straight historical novel by Wilbur Smith will undoubtedly have romance (though it might not have a HEA).

Not all romances are sizzling hot with steam emitting from their pages. There are different heat levels and a number of reviewers will use guidelines, such as:

1. Sweet
2. Sensual
3. Sizzling
4. Erotic Romance (has a main story other than the sex).
5. Erotica (well...you know...)

The other day I heard a romance author lecture about writing historical romance, and she said the hero and heroine must meet within the first five pages. I have to agree that's a pretty good rule...but I happen to break it all the time. I guess it depends on the other elements of the story that will determine when the H and H meet.

I've also read manuscripts from new authors that weren't romances at all (though they thought they were). So, if you're not sure, ask yourself if the love story is the most important part of the plot. If the answer is yes, then it's a good bet it's a romance.

Regardless of what genre you write, the most important thing is to do it!

~Write on!