All About the Writing

Summer Lovin' and Wattpad

I've been intrigued about Wattpad for a while now, so today I joined, and I added the first chapter of my contemporary novella, Summer Lovin'. I plan to add the subsequent chapters a little at a time, probably every few days or so. I'm hoping new readers will find this story and have a chance to enjoy Mia and Luke and Hellboy.

Of course, if you don't want to read one chapter at a time, you can always get a free copy of the entire novella, at the links below.

And, good news for those of you who have said you wanted more of these characters. There just might be a couple new stories on the way. I can't say when exactly, because you know how my muse Endora gets when I try to pin her down to a specific date. So let's make her think she's in charge and I'll keep doing all the work. As usual!

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Summer Rerun: Magic of Historical Romance

I've been enchanted with historical romance since the first time I heard a story that began with "once upon a time". Those magical words started my love of romantic adventures set in faraway lands, filled with dashing heroes and clever heroines, and most importantly, happily-ever-afters.

From there I read books set in many historical time periods, but my favorite has always been the Regency era. It is filled with many fairy-tale aspects, from the elegant clothing to the magnificent carriages to the glamorous social events, and I've often wondered what it might be like to live during those fascinating times.

Now I will be the first to admit I am not willing, or able, to give up any of my modern conveniences, including coffee, indoor plumbing, or my laptop. Nor am I planning to relinquish my ability to vote, speaking my mind, or any of the other inalienable rights I have as a 21st century woman.

Still, I am torn between two centuries.

I love the instantaneous communication we have available today, from texting to Twitter to email. But I also love the clever language and sophisticated conversation of days gone by, as well as the hours that were devoted to face-to-face discourse. When it comes to people falling in love, the leisurely progression that starts with a glance, and continues with witty banter and wordplay -- well, it is so much more appealing than a simple "I <3 U".

Fortunately, historical romance makes it possible to blend the best of both eras.

We can power up our e-readers and fall instantly into a romantic story from long ago. Within seconds we can absorb the excitement of entering an ornate carriage, delicately arranging our muslin skirts so they aren't crushed while riding to the ball at Lord Rakington's townhouse. With a tap of the screen, we can vicariously experience the heroine's scandalous waltz with the dashing rogue hero, imagining ourselves in that heart-fluttering moment, wondering what else might happen on such an exquisite evening.

It's likely the historical world did not exist precisely the way it is portrayed in fiction, in much the same way that our modern-day existence is radically different than historians' predictions of the future. But reading these stories serves as a wonderful reminder that love and romance are a vital part of everyday life, no matter what that era's struggles might be. It also reminds us that each generation's hopes and dreams are focused on many of the same things that we cherish too.

For a few delightful hours at a time, we can be transported to another century, immerse ourselves in chivalry and romance and fairy-tale adventures, and then return to our daily lives with renewed optimism and faith in the future.

That is what I consider truly magical.

Summer Rerun: Aphrodite

I originally posted this Friday Friends interview on Valentine's Day, but Aphrodite didn't feel she got the attention she craved, er, deserved. So, in an effort to keep her appeased while I'm finishing up her next volume of magic and mayhem, I decided to re-run her post. . .

Without further ado, please welcome the lovely and talented Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, to Friday Friends!

Aphrodite: I think you should capitalize my title.

Donna: *rolls eyes* Like this? PITA.

Aphrodite: That is not as humorous as you believe.

Donna: Believe me, it is wicked funny. And I could use some humor after all the turmoil you've caused these characters. Which *I* have to fix, mind you.

Aphrodite: *arches brow* Really? YOU fix their love problems?

Donna: Well, in a manner of speaking. Okay, okay, I am merely the scribe. You, the Goddess of Love, are the one directing things.

Aphrodite: There, that wasn't so difficult, was it? *smiles serenely*

Donna: *glares* No, not at all. And don't bend my fingers back like that again. I can't scribe very well when I have twisted digits.

Aphrodite: *strolls to a chaise longue and reclines* Tell me more about my stories.

Donna: We have a chaise longue in here? How did--Never mind. Your stories. . . Well, in Lord Rakehell's Love, you were bored, and needed a diversion, so you decided to leave Mt. Olympus and go to Regency London, so you could play matchmaker. But you made things worse for the poor couple.

Aphrodite: *bristles* It's called "conflict", and "drama". And you call yourself a writer?

Donna: *mutters* And you call yourself a goddess of love?

Aphrodite: Careful. As a deity, I have incredible powers at my disposal.

Donna: I'm not exactly shaking in my flip flops here. My superpower involves the delete key.

Aphrodite: *waves hand airily* My fans want to know when this next book, Lord Wastrel, will be available.

Donna: The oracle said they hoped to have an answer any day now. Oh, and when you do that hand wave-y thing, you remind me of my muse, Endora. You two aren't related, are you? *bangs head on desk*

Aphrodite: I have no idea what you are talking about. Although I'm getting bored again--

Donna: Okay, no need for that. You cause enough mayhem as it is.

Aphrodite: *sits up and stares* Mayhem?

Donna: *wipes brow nervously* I meant magic, of course. You create magic everywhere you go. And speaking of going, isn't it about time? That you go? It's got to be a busy day for you.

Aphrodite: I gave Cupid a list, along with some new arrows. He's all a-quiver.

Donna: Hah! That's a good one. I'll admit, your visit has left me inspired, so while you're lounging, or longue-ing, or whatever it is you're doing there, I've got to get back to Lord Wastrel.  Here's his cover, in case you haven't seen it.

Aphrodite: *fans face* Oh my. That will certainly chase the boredom away. *looks around* Don't tell Ares I said anything. He won't let me stay if he thinks I'm bonding with the couples I'm helping.

Donna: Of course I won't say anything! As long as you don't lick--Hey!

Aphrodite: I thought there was chocolate on his face. *licks again* Sorry, I had to be sure.

Donna: *covers up Chapter 19* No way I can let her get near this one. . .