The SPECIAL EDITION for the CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE medieval romantic series is out! I must be getting famous!
Find it here: http://amzn.com/B0091HX7EE
This new release includes the first three novels in the series, PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE, PAGAN QUEEN, and SEDUCING SIGEFROI... and all at a super-friendly price!
I am delighted. Whether you love the series, or you haven't read any of the books yet, this is a treat, and a bargain. I'm glad Books We Love decided to make it easy for my loyal readers. And with Book 4, LADY OF LUXEMBOURG, coming out next season, this is the perfect timing.
If you are not familiar with this medieval romantic fantasy series, here is the theme:
From history shrouded in myths, emerges a family of immortal Celtic Ladies, who roam the medieval world in search of salvation from a curse. For centuries, imbued with hereditary gifts, they hide their deadly secret... but if the Church ever suspects what they really are, they will be hunted, tortured, and burned at the stake.
You may also visit my website to enter a contest to win Book 4 when it comes out. Click on CONTEST at the upper right on my website (link below). Good luck!
Hope you enjoy the read, like many already did.
Also visit my website for other series, genres, and titles.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Friday, August 24, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Going crazy with history - by Vijaya Schartz
What is an author to do when historians of the period do not agree? What could be more frustrating than the main expert on this particular place and time saying: "and here history gets rather confusing" Really? My hero is in a dungeon, suffering from malnutrition, and I can’t even know in which or whose castle along the Marne River he is detained?
That’s what I’m up against with my work in progress: LADY OF LUXEMBOURG, to be published late this year. And that’s what I get for dealing with historical figures. Of course it wouldn’t be a problem if I didn’t care so much about historical accuracy. But as an author, I want to be as believable as I can be. I want the good people of Luxembourg, if they happen to pick up this novel, to feel that I did a good job of portraying Sigefroi, their national hero and founding father.
Don’t worry, though, I won’t spoil the story for you. It’s just that sometimes, when dealing with early medieval history, research becomes very difficult. And don’t get me started about Wikipedia or other online sources... Of course, the legends are easier to handle and provide much fodder for all kinds of neat details that make the story intriguing.
But enough venting. Back to writing. Hope you are enjoying the series. The rewards of writing it outweigh the frustrations.
In the meantime, you can read the first three books in the CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE series:
PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE:
PAGAN QUEEN:
http://amzn.com/B007Z8F7IA
SEDUCING SIGEFROI:
http://amzn.com/B008LW18EG
Have a wonderful summer.
Vijaya Schartz, Romance with a Kick
Twitter: @vijayaschartz
Labels:
Elinas,
Foundation of Luxembourg,
Historical romance,
history,
Luxembourg,
medieval fantasy,
medieval legends,
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scotland,
Sigefroi
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Where Do Writing Ideas Come From--Especially for a Circus Romance?
Readers ask me where I get ideas for stories. Ideas come from everywhere, and often at times when I least expect them--from newspaper and magazine articles, dreams, personal experiences, books, and movies--and so forth. Yet from that germ of an idea my characters have sprung to life, fought their “dragons,” and won the battle!
Okay, now for an example. One day back when I first started writing, I read a magazine article about a circus family who performed as trapeze artists. The son who’d been interviewed for the article said he was always careful not to make friends with teens “on the outside” because soon the circus would move on and he might never see that friend again. What a perfect conflict between an everyday teen gal and a guy who is committed to travel and perform with the circus! I decided. I told my critique group, “I think I can do this!” So I started researching the realities of circus life, trapeze artists, and circus veterinary medicine. Then I began writing and rewriting. Several months later Merry Christmas, Marcie was born. Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from Silhouette’s YA editor only three days after I’d submitted the manuscript. I nearly jumped for joy when she offered me a contract!
Reviews for SUMMER MAGIC
"This breezy romance follows Lisa Prentice, a veterinarian assistant, as she begins her new job traveling with the Jessell and Stern Circus. She is interested in continuing the care of an Arabian horse named Ebony that she helped to save while the circus was on a layover in New York. Of course, she has other reasons for "running away with the circus". Her fiance', a prominent lawyer, has recently dumped her for another attorney. Lisa wants to heal by concentrating on her career. Enter Michael Figaro, the star aerialist with the circus and the son of the circus owner. Immediately, there are sparks between the two. However, Michael also has a jealous twin, a trapeze artist named Claudette, and Rita, the pretty aerialist who would like his attention. When Claudette begins to fall in the ring, Michael begins to spend more time with Rita, training her for Claudette's position. Will romance blossom between the two, or will his love for Lisa prevail?
This book is an example of the perfect romance. I enjoyed Ms. Voeller's ability to switch between the point of views of Lisa and Michael. I felt I knew all the characters very well. There were a few side plots beyond Lisa and Michael's romance, and I found that they only enhanced the feeling of the story. This is a great story to read in one sitting and spend a few hours swept away in the magic of the circus." Bethany Payne, Round Table Reviews
Readers ask me where I get ideas for stories. Ideas come from everywhere, and often at times when I least expect them--from newspaper and magazine articles, dreams, personal experiences, books, and movies--and so forth. Yet from that germ of an idea my characters have sprung to life, fought their “dragons,” and won the battle!
Okay, now for an example. One day back when I first started writing, I read a magazine article about a circus family who performed as trapeze artists. The son who’d been interviewed for the article said he was always careful not to make friends with teens “on the outside” because soon the circus would move on and he might never see that friend again. What a perfect conflict between an everyday teen gal and a guy who is committed to travel and perform with the circus! I decided. I told my critique group, “I think I can do this!” So I started researching the realities of circus life, trapeze artists, and circus veterinary medicine. Then I began writing and rewriting. Several months later Merry Christmas, Marcie was born. Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from Silhouette’s YA editor only three days after I’d submitted the manuscript. I nearly jumped for joy when she offered me a contract!
After Merry Christmas, Marcie was published, a spin-off evolved--Summer Magic. Now an
older Marcie has emerged (I changed her name to Lisa), plus the central
conflict has taken on on a slightly different twist. Lisa,
now a certified veterinarian assistant, accepts a job to work for the
circus vet whom we met in the first story. Although she realizes the
earlier assistants had lasted only a short time because the vet was so
difficult to please, Lisa is willing to take on the challenge. She
needs money to pay off medical bills following a serious snowboarding
accident. Soon, however, Lisa questions her ability to pass her
probation, especially as one calamity with the circus animals follows
another. Even Michael, the
dashing trapeze artist whom she’s strongly attracted to, expresses his
doubts, which disheartens her further. Still worse, Michael will not
follow her if she leaves. Recently, he’d given up circus life to work on "the outside" and was totally miserable. He knew he had to get back to the circus, no matter what. Again a barrier looms between Lisa and Michael: she,
the “townie” who will always most likely end up on the outside again,
and he, the devoted circus performer who will always stay.
Blurb for SUMMER MAGIC
When her fiance calls off their engagement, veterinarian assistant Lisa
Prentice joins the circus in hopes of escaping the everyday grind. But
life under the big top isn't quite what she expected. None of the
veterinarian's former assistants managed to please their short-tempered
boss, and Lisa fears that her days are numbered, too. Michael Figaro, a
dashing young trapeze artist, is also caution about whether Lisa can
stay, and because of that, he tries to keep his distance. Still, Lisa
finds herself overwhelmingly attracted to him. Although Michael is the
aerialist, it is Lisa who is flying on an emotional high wire. What
happened to her safety net? Will their love survive?
"This breezy romance follows Lisa Prentice, a veterinarian assistant, as she begins her new job traveling with the Jessell and Stern Circus. She is interested in continuing the care of an Arabian horse named Ebony that she helped to save while the circus was on a layover in New York. Of course, she has other reasons for "running away with the circus". Her fiance', a prominent lawyer, has recently dumped her for another attorney. Lisa wants to heal by concentrating on her career. Enter Michael Figaro, the star aerialist with the circus and the son of the circus owner. Immediately, there are sparks between the two. However, Michael also has a jealous twin, a trapeze artist named Claudette, and Rita, the pretty aerialist who would like his attention. When Claudette begins to fall in the ring, Michael begins to spend more time with Rita, training her for Claudette's position. Will romance blossom between the two, or will his love for Lisa prevail?
This book is an example of the perfect romance. I enjoyed Ms. Voeller's ability to switch between the point of views of Lisa and Michael. I felt I knew all the characters very well. There were a few side plots beyond Lisa and Michael's romance, and I found that they only enhanced the feeling of the story. This is a great story to read in one sitting and spend a few hours swept away in the magic of the circus." Bethany Payne, Round Table Reviews
Friday, August 10, 2012
Night Secrets by Shirley Martin
Fear
and betrayal threaten the kingdom of Avador. Keriam, a princess with
supernatural powers, must save her father from assassination. But can she trust
Roric, or is he part of the plot?
Roric loved once and lost. He wants to put his past behind him and love Princess Keriam, but he fears she is a witch. And witchcraft is forbidden in the kingdom. If found guilty, she will be burned at the stake. Not even her father could save her.
Reviews:
"Night Secrets" is a wonderful fantasy filled with magic, human kindness and evil...If you enjoy good versus evil fantasy, this one must be on your to be read list." Chere, Paranormal Romance Reviews
"Passionate, exciting, gripping and romantic, Night Secrets is as impossible to put down as it is to forget."
Julie
Bonello, eCataRomance
by
Shirley Martin
Chapter One
A slight tug released Keriam’s soul from her body. She floated to the ceiling, amazed as always that she could look down at herself in bed. With a certainty born of past experience, she knew this was no dream. Ever since her mother’s death two years ago, preternatural powers had evolved within her, and she often wondered why. Was it her mother’s way of watching over her from the Otherworld? These night journeys were even more recent and something she must learn to control, if only she knew how.
She drifted through the bedchamber walls, then once outside, flew over the maples and oaks that bordered the royal domain of Emain Macha, approaching the open countryside. Heading north, she traveled over the many farmsteads nestled in small groupings with their wattle-and-daub houses, the herds of longhorn sheep dotting the open fields. Here and there a hillfort guarded the country. Although it was deepest night, everything looked clear and luminous.
Maintaining her leisurely flight, Keriam
approached the capital city of Moytura, its shops and stores closed, its many
taverns and inns dimly-lit but alive with noise and laughter.
A heavy mist swirled around her, the night
air cool and damp. She headed westward to the Plain of Sorrows, a vast land
preceded by a meadow and transected by the winding Nantosuelta River. Through
the fog, she drifted down among the thick clusters of oak trees lining the
riverbank and smiled at the fairies who slumbered in the branches. To her
heightened hearing, the rippling water of the Nantosuelata echoed like a
waterfall.
The sound of hoofbeats jolted her. As quickly as her spirit form would allow, she took refuge within an earthberry bush, afraid someone might see her, even in the dim light.
The sound of hoofbeats jolted her. As quickly as her spirit form would allow, she took refuge within an earthberry bush, afraid someone might see her, even in the dim light.
Two men gathered by the river, their
voices audible as they secured their horses to tree branches. Focusing her gaze
in the hazy light, she recognized them as officers in her father's army,
although she didn't know their names. What were they doing here at this late
night hour? One bald and the other blond, they wore simple tunics and short
boots.
"Gamal just returned from a mission," the bald one said. "He should arrive shortly."
"Gamal just returned from a mission," the bald one said. "He should arrive shortly."
Was that Major Roric Gamal, her father's
courier?
Aimless talk ensued for several minutes, army gossip and tales of female exploits.
Aimless talk ensued for several minutes, army gossip and tales of female exploits.
They became silent when Roric Gamal rode
up, an officer she'd seen at the palace many times. He dismounted and looped
his horse's halter around a tree branch, then approached the others. Younger
and taller than the other two, his gait was steady and confident, like one accustomed
to authority.
"Where's General Balor?" Gamal asked. "He should be present." His clipped accent told her he came from one of the southern provinces, Mag Aurfolaig, perhaps.
"Where's General Balor?" Gamal asked. "He should be present." His clipped accent told her he came from one of the southern provinces, Mag Aurfolaig, perhaps.
"Couldn't come," the bald
officer explained. "The general sent me to represent him."
"Very well," the newcomer said, his baritone voice clear and resonant. "Let's get this business over with, so we can return to our quarters before dawn." Gamal raised his booted foot onto a tree stump and leaned forward, resting his hands on his knee, and lowered his voice. "No dissension now! We have already agreed we must kill him."
Kill whom? Keriam’s spirit body turned cold. Merciful Goddess, these men are plotting murder!
"Very well," the newcomer said, his baritone voice clear and resonant. "Let's get this business over with, so we can return to our quarters before dawn." Gamal raised his booted foot onto a tree stump and leaned forward, resting his hands on his knee, and lowered his voice. "No dissension now! We have already agreed we must kill him."
Kill whom? Keriam’s spirit body turned cold. Merciful Goddess, these men are plotting murder!
The
bald man stepped forward, shaking his fist. "Do it and get it over
with!"
"Think before you speak, Dothan! We must proceed with caution." Roric paused. "First, we must bribe a few government officials. Blackmail others. That will take time. The Lug Festival would be the best opportunity for killing him,” he said, looking at the other two. “Don’t you agree?” Receiving affirmative replies, he continued. “Gives us months to plan. And all the crowds there will make it easier for the assassin to disappear among the people and escape.”
"Think before you speak, Dothan! We must proceed with caution." Roric paused. "First, we must bribe a few government officials. Blackmail others. That will take time. The Lug Festival would be the best opportunity for killing him,” he said, looking at the other two. “Don’t you agree?” Receiving affirmative replies, he continued. “Gives us months to plan. And all the crowds there will make it easier for the assassin to disappear among the people and escape.”
The
Lug Festival, only four moonphases away. Keriam drew back, pressing her hand to
her mouth, then gasped when her hand passed through her face.
Roric
Gamal recaptured her attention. "We know the king intends to invite King
Barzad of Elegia to Avador soon to discuss forming an alliance between the two
countries. Last thing we need. If we can keep Avador weak, we should have no
trouble gaining control of the realm." He set his foot on the ground and
drew himself up to his full height. "But if Avador forms an alliance with
Elegia, there go our plans. We must kill the king!"
Keriam sank to the ground. Her father! They were talking about killing her father! Goddess, no! They must not get away with this evil.
"Agreed," the blonde man said. "But how do we accomplish this assassination? Remember, General Balor has the final word. Anything we decide must have his approval. Got to have the army behind us."
"Of course," Roric said. "Now, I've given the plan much thought. Here's how we'll proceed . . ."
Keriam sank to the ground. Her father! They were talking about killing her father! Goddess, no! They must not get away with this evil.
"Agreed," the blonde man said. "But how do we accomplish this assassination? Remember, General Balor has the final word. Anything we decide must have his approval. Got to have the army behind us."
"Of course," Roric said. "Now, I've given the plan much thought. Here's how we'll proceed . . ."
The
warble of a bird alarmed Keriam, daybreak graying the trees.
A tug pulled her spirit back. No, not now! She must discover more of their plan.
Within a heartbeat, Keriam found herself falling into her body, as if from a great height. She lay stunned, unsure where she was. At last recognizing her surroundings, she wanted to weep, so afraid for her father, her mind awhirl with panic. Somehow, she must discover details of the plot and warn him.
No one knew of her spirit travels, but what if someone found out? She'd be accused of witchcraft, a practice forbidden in the kingdom. And no one was aware of her other mental powers, of her ability to discern a person's past or see into the future by touching that person. Unfortunately, this talent often didn't work when she needed it most. By the Goddess, why couldn't she see into her father's future?
A tug pulled her spirit back. No, not now! She must discover more of their plan.
Within a heartbeat, Keriam found herself falling into her body, as if from a great height. She lay stunned, unsure where she was. At last recognizing her surroundings, she wanted to weep, so afraid for her father, her mind awhirl with panic. Somehow, she must discover details of the plot and warn him.
No one knew of her spirit travels, but what if someone found out? She'd be accused of witchcraft, a practice forbidden in the kingdom. And no one was aware of her other mental powers, of her ability to discern a person's past or see into the future by touching that person. Unfortunately, this talent often didn't work when she needed it most. By the Goddess, why couldn't she see into her father's future?
As
she heard her maid in the next room, a new fear crashed through her. What if
Maudina found out about her nightly trips? Superstitious girl that she was,
would her maid report her to the druids? Keriam prayed she wouldn't, hoping she
could count on the maid's loyalty. Like all the servants at the palace, Maudina
received a sufficient wage, and well-paid servants were more trustworthy than
poorly-paid ones. Surely that fact would ensure the maid's faithfulness?
The
druids held great power in the kingdom, and religion ruled the lives of all of
the country's inhabitants. Keriam closed her eyes, imagining her punishment
should she be reported to these wise men. If found guilty, she'd be burned at
the stake as a witch. Not even her father could save her, assuming he was still
alive to try. Keriam said a silent prayer to Talmora, the Earth-Mother Goddess,
to keep her father safe. Shifting her position, she thought hard. She must warn
her father of the plot against his life without revealing her means of
discovery. Would he believe her? He had to. She pushed her woolen bedcovers
aside and slid out of bed, tired and groggy but determined.
No one must ever learn how truly different she was.
No one must ever learn how truly different she was.
__._,_.___
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
THE HYPNOGOGIC TIME by Shirley Martin
There
is a time between wakefulness and sleep that is known as the hypnogogic time.
It is a creative time; some call it the genius state. Did you ever find that an
idea came to you, something you've pondered for a while, just as you were
falling off to sleep, or just as you were waking up?
No doubt, you think you'll remember it for later, but do you? Most likely, you'll forget the concept and probably forget that you ever had it.
It's a good idea to have a pen and tablet or a hand-held tape recorder near your bed. Then when you get an idea, you'll have a record of it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Born
near Pittsburgh, Shirley Martin attended the University of Pittsburgh. After
graduating from "Pitt", she taught school for one year, then obtained
a position as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. Based in Miami,
she met her future husband there. After raising three sons, she devoted
her time to writing, something she had always wanted to do.
With
a vivid imagination and a love of storytelling, Shirley has always enjoyed
writing. Her first published novel, "Destined to Love" reflects her
familiarity with western Pennsylvania, where she hails from, and her love of
romance writing. From this historical romance, she blossomed out to other
romance genres. "One More Tomorrow" is a vampire romance, one her
publisher dubbed "a sizzling seller". With several fantasy novels and
novellas, her writing should appeal to just about every reader of
romance. Her books have been sold at Amazon and most major book stores and
have garnered great reviews.
A
widow, Shirley lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her two cats.
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