Wednesday Western- Honky Tonk Month

During June on Wednesdays I'll be showcasing a story by Wild Rose Press authors that was written as part of a contemporary western series. Here is what they were given to come up with a story.

Honky Tonk Hearts

Lonely hearts seem to gravitate to the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk. A few miles outside Amarillo off historical Route 66, the large wood-paneled structure boasts a large neon star with a single flashing steer riding away from it. Owner and bartender, Gus Rankin, has seen his share of the wandering souls cross his bar and dance floor over the years—he’d even like to think he helped a few find true love along the way.

www.thewildrosepress.com

Thank you Paty Jager for inviting me to share a little about Honky Tonk Man and why I wrote the story and for letting me visit on Western Wednesday!  Yee haw!

When Editor, Stacy Holmes, emailed and invited me to write for the series I was in the middle of another project and didn’t become intrigued until I took the time to consider the possibilities.  In the end, the image she painted of Gus Rankin, the owner of the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk won me over.  Every once in a while Gus sneaks back to his messy office, takes a break in the rickety, torn leather chair and props his feet on his desk as he smiles at the bulletin board filled with pictures from couples that have tossed aside their lonesome hearts to take a chance on love.

Blurb: He has rules for a reason.

Pool shooting, guitar playing, honky tonk singer, Jace Monroe, has a knack for hooking up with the wrong kind of women, rich ones who don't take him or his music seriously. So when he meets a down-to-earth, honey-haired waitress at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, he thinks his luck has finally changed.

Rules have never been her strong suit.

The last place Sunny Brooks wants to be is on her daddy's thriving ranch, but her mother needs her. To escape the constant concern for her mother's health and stay out of her father's overbearing presence, she spends most nights out at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk and eventually in the arms of Jace.

But when misconceptions come to light, the sweet music they make together might be silenced forever unless she can show her honky tonk man that some rules are meant to be broken.

  

Excerpt:

Finally, he cleared his throat and glanced down at his boots. “I don’t get involved with rich girls.”

“Pardon?” She blinked up, not quite believing what she thought she heard.

Swallowing hard, he looked away again, and then back, but at a spot somewhere over her shoulder. “I don’t go out with rich girls,” he repeated.

What was that supposed to mean?

“You have a lot of rules. No money, no rides, no rich girls.”

“I have my reasons.” His eyes met hers, deadpan.

“Are you serious?” She blinked again in disbelief.

No reply. Just a blank stare and slight twitch in his jaw.

She clutched her knees and leaned forward. “Well good for you.” Worn down from fretting over her mother and tired of his rigid rules, she stood, brushed the dust from the back of her jeans, and stormed off.

Why bother straightening him out about the state of her wealth—or rather lack of it—when he hadn’t even thought to ask first or consider her feelings before dumping her.

What surprised her when she climbed back into her truck and tore up the roadway was how much it hurt. She hadn’t known him long enough to feel this much pain. An invisible fist grabbed her heart and tightened until she had to gasp for a breath.

Tears stung her eyes. The bastard had broken her heart.

Visit my website for other books by Sylvie Kaye

Available at The Wild Rose Press

Available at Amazon Kindle

Available at B&N NOOK

Available at Lulu, Bookstrand, Powells

Special Guest- Linda Banche

Linda is a fellow Wild Rose Press Author who has a short story in the Love Letter Series.

The Fastest Travel in England, Two Hundred Years Ago

If you wanted to get somewhere fast in Regency England, you took the mail coach.

Charged with the timely delivery of the mail, the mail coaches provided their few passengers with a faster, less crowded and cleaner ride than private stagecoaches, although more expensive.

Britain's first mail delivery system, created in 1635, used mounted riders traveling between different "posts", where the postmaster collected his local mail and sent his own on. The system was slow, inefficient and highwaymen found the solitary riders easy targets.

By the late 1700's, Britain needed a better method. In 1784, John Palmer, a Bath theater owner, suggested employing coaches like the ones used to transport acting troupes. At first, the government ridiculed his idea. But with the blessing of the Prime Minister, William Pitt, Palmer funded an experimental run between Bristol and London. The trip took sixteen hours. The previous time was up to thirty-eight hours. Convinced, the government authorized more routes and rewarded Palmer with the office of Surveyor and Comptroller General of the Post Office.

The original coaches carried four inside passengers, a driver, and the Post Office guard, who rode outside in the back with the mail box. Later, the coach added three more outside passengers, one beside the driver and two behind him. Private contractors supplied the original coaches, but by the early 1800's the Post Office had acquired its own fleet of vehicles painted with a distinctive black and scarlet livery. Travel times were about 7-8 miles in summer, and 5-6 miles in winter, although as roads improved, rates improved to about ten miles per hour.

The primary requirement of the mail coach was speed. They almost always traveled at night when the roads were less crowded. They also had the right of way. When the guard blew his post horn to signal the mail coach's approach, other vehicles on the road had to move aside, turnpike toll takers had to let them pass through without stopping or pay a fine, and the mail had to be ready at the post stops. Sometimes the coach didn't stop at all and the guard would toss the mail off and grab the deliveries from the waiting postmaster.

Speed did not equate to comfort. Roads were rough and the coaches ran in all weathers, making travel unpleasant, especially for those riding outside. Passengers often had to disembark to lighten the load when the vehicle went up a steep hill. On the plus side, mail coach travel was safer than on private stagecoaches. The guard defended the mail with a blunderbuss and two pistols. As a result, mail coaches suffered fewer highwaymen attacks than private stagecoaches, although some did occur.

With its scarlet and black livery and the sound of the post horn ringing over the countryside, the mail coach reigned supreme until the advent of the railroads in the 1830's. The government shut down the last London mail coach route in 1846, although services continued in the countryside for a few more years.

In An Inheritance for the Birds, my Regency comedy novella, the hero travels from London to Somersetshire by mail coach. He sits outside all night and the coach passes through a summer downpour. By the time he reaches his destination and meets the heroine, he is not a happy camper. And then he encounters the birds…

BLURB:

Make the ducks happy and win an estate!

Mr. Christopher "Kit" Winnington can't believe the letter from his late great-aunt's solicitor. In order to inherit her estate, he must win a contest against her companion, Miss Angela Stratton. Whoever makes his great-aunt's pet ducks happy wins.

A contest: What a cork-brained idea. This Miss Stratton is probably a sly spinster who camouflaged her grasping nature from his good-natured relative. There is no way he will let the estate go to a usurper.

Angela never expected her former employer to name her in her will. Most likely, this Mr. Winnington is a trumped-up jackanapes who expects her to give up without a fight. Well, she is made of sterner stuff.

The ducks quack in avian bliss while Kit and Angela dance a duet of desire as they do their utmost to make the ducks--and themselves--happy.

EXCERPT:

Yawning, he shut the door behind him. Enough ducks and prickly ladies for one day. After dropping his satchel by the bed, he dragged off his clothes and draped them over the chair back. He dug a nightshirt from the valise and donned the garment before he blew out both candles.

Bates had already drawn back the bedclothes. The counterpane was soft under Kit's palm, and covered a featherbed. He grinned. By any chance, had they used the down from the pet ducks to stuff the mattress and pillows?

After tying the bed curtains back, he settled into the soft cocoon and laced his fingers behind his head. Tomorrow, he would have it out with Miss Stratton about the steward's residence, but that was tomorrow. He fluffed up his pillow and turned onto his side…

"QUACK!"

A bundle of flapping, squawking feathers exploded from the depths of the covers and attacked him. Throwing his arms over his head for protection, Kit fell out of bed. He scrambled to his feet and bolted for the door, the thrashing, quacking explosion battering him. A serrated knife edge scraped over his upper arm. "Ow!" Batting at the avian attacker with one hand, he groped for the latch with the other.

The door swung open. Miss Stratton, her candle flame flickering, dashed into the chamber. "Esmeralda, you stop that right now!"

The feathered windstorm quacked once more and, in a graceful arc, fluttered to the floor.

Kit lowered his arms and gave a mental groan. A duck. He should have known.

An Inheritance for the Birds, part of the Love Letters series, available from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, and other places ebooks are sold.

Thank you all,

Linda

Linda Banche
Welcome to My World of Historical Hilarity!
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Friday Fact- Soiled Dove Vacations

While reading the book Soiled Doves- Prostitution in the Early West I discovered that the "city" prostitutes would go on "vacation" in the summer time to the mountains where it was cooler and the sheep herders and cowboys were hanging out taking care of livestock in the upper regions.

Then while driving around the Steens Mountains in SE Oregon my husband and I came upon Happy Meadow in an area where sheep or cattle would have been summered. My imagination went to work and I came up with a short story that released this week with The Wild Rose Press in their Love Letters Series.

Schooling Miss Burke is a fun short read that I hope leaves a smile on your face when you finish. I enjoyed writing this story because of the inspiration and the characters.

Blurb for Schooling Miss Burke
A letter from home shatters politician Caleb Jamison's world, returning him to his empty family home and cattle ranch.

Hettie Burke's life takes a life-altering turn when she becomes the parent of her twin niece and nephew. Looking for work, she stumbles upon a covey of soiled doves on vacation and learns sometimes fate takes precedence over best-laid plans.

Excerpt:

“It’s late and I need to check on the children.” Hettie stepped away from the man, but he kept his grip on her elbow.

“Allow me to escort you to the wagon. I’d hate to have you trip again.” He stopped at the back wagon wheel. “Will you be here tomorrow?”

Her thoughts all jumbled together. She shouldn’t remain with these women, it wasn’t a good example for the children, but she was tired of traveling on her own. The company was welcome. And then the strange attraction she felt for this man…

“We should continue. I’m expected for a teaching job.”

“There isn’t a school open right now, it’s harvesting time. Stay a couple days.” He slid a hand down her arm. He raised her knuckles to his lips. His warm breath moistened the back of her hand as he kissed her. “I’d like to get to know you better.”

Tendrils of excitement swirled up her arm and warmed her chest. “I’ll think about it.” She withdrew her hand from his and turned to climb into the wagon.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.” His breath warmed the back of her neck and he disappeared.

Buy link: The Wild Rose Press

www.patyjager.net

Musings

I received word that my Free Read "Fireworks and Fancies" is available at The Wild Rose Press. I'd love to hear from you if you read it. It is a short story about the sister of the heroine in Doctor in Petticoats. Friday, I received my contract for Doctor in Petticoats, so will soon have edits to work on there along with edits for Spirit of the Mountain.

I'm working on a Christmas novella. I've included a cat. I've never had a cat other than a barn cat so this is a new level of throwing in something to learn about. Luckily I have many friends with cats who I can go to for some cat body language. LOL

Saturday, I attended an author event in Dayville, OR. Kelly and Eloise, the ladies who put it together did a great job! Enes Smith, Kristy St. Clair and Jill Williamson were the other authors present. We all gave a presentation and visited with the attendees. They were all a wonderful friendly group!

Friday Faves!

May 1st! Big things happening today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILD ROSE PRESS!!! It is the third birthday of my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. In honor of the occasion all the lines are blogging all day at Behind the Garden Gate. They are giving away a book an hour to people who comment. So head on over leave a comment and you could be chosen to win a book!

Today is the start of Brenda Novak's online Auction for Juvenile Diabetes. Hop over there and start bidding on items. Not only can you nab some good stuff, but if you are the person who places the most bids (you don't have to have the winning bid, just bid the most) you will receive a new HP computer from Brenda. And don't forget, I have a barbwire wreath on the list of donated items. I'd love for it to make at least $100 for the cause. And if you have the winning bid and prove to me you have read one of my books- I'll throw in something special along with the wreath.

Happenings

Last week I was notified that Outlaw in Petticoats was this month's read at an online e-book club. The person in charge for the e-bookclub also puts out a newsletter and she asked me if I'd like to do an interview for the newsletter. Well, heck yah! You know me,if I can do promotion without being in person, I love it! The other good news is being the read for this club boosted my sales and pushed me(last week) to #1 in historical book sales and #5 overall. I've received great reviews for Outlaw in Petticoats, and was worrying the book hadn't been hanging in the top ten for awhile. But those numbers are just for sales at the Wild Rose Press site. I won't know what it's been doing in other places until I get my quarterly report in the next couple of weeks.

Other news, If any or you are in the Spokane area, I'll be at the Inland Empire RWA conference on Saturday March 14th, both giving a workshop on characterization and at the book signing in the evening. I'd love to meet you! It's at the Hilton Garden Inn.

And this week, on my promo Wednesday we have Harlequin Love Spells author Terri Reed talking about her latest release. Terri is a wonderful author and person. I'll tell you more about Terri and I on Wednesday.

So how's your week shaping up? A lot on your plate or just enough to keep life interesting?

Wednesday Promo - several things

Today, I have some news from author Allison Knight.

My 2008 Medieval Romance, Heartsong has
been nominated for the best novel of the year by my Publisher,
Champagne Books, I'm also going to be signing "Heartsong" and
my 2007 Historical Western Romance along with three other romance authors on February 11th, at our local library. This is in celebration of Valentine's Day.

To add to the fun, my fourteenth book, A Treasure For Sara, a romantic romp through the Yukon just before the gold rush will be released in March.

And Lauri Robinson, is one of the The Wild Rose Press Sony eReader authors. So go to The Wild Rose Press Website and click on this icon and it will take you to the rules and all the other Wild Rose Press authors participating in this contest.

Wednesday Promo- Keena Kincaid

Today, please say hello to another Wild Rose Press author, Keena Kincaid. She's gong ot tell us a little about her latest release, Anam Cara.

Why do you write in this genre?

I love larger-than-life heroes, and this genre lends itself perfectly to men who are stronger, faster and more intense than the average male. What also interests me as a writer and a reader is how the hero struggles with the dark side of whatever extra “gift” he possesses. I find it boring when heroes are just superhuman. But if the gift is also a curse, i.e. makes them capable of great deeds, but also isolates or weakens them in some way, I’m hooked.

In ANAM CARA, I wanted the reader to understand the positive and negative aspects of Bran’s magical talents. A descendent of Druids, Bran may possess power, but much of the knowledge associated with it was lost in the millennium between the Roman invasion of England and my 12-century setting. He has little idea of how to use his magic except through trial and error. Primarily, he is a seer. On the surface, this is a good gift because Bran knows which lord will welcome him and which one will make him sleep in the rain. But what happens when he “sees” the lord murdered by his wife? Does Bran tell him? How could he break that news and not cast suspicion on himself? And what are the consequences if he says nothing and the lord is murdered?
This internal angst isn’t on par with Hamlet’s fatal flaw (I’m not writing tragedies, after all) but it does create wonderful conflict within my hero.

Additionally, by making my paranormals historical, I get to layer in societal biases and pressures that only make it more difficult for Bran to live in the “modern” world of medieval England. His ancient magic sets him apart from the world around him at the most basic level, religion, and increases his sense of isolation and need for secrecy.

Yes, more conflict and torture for my characters. I love it.

Bio:
Keena grew up on a farm slightly left of Nowhere, Ohio, where she made pets out of pigs, cows and a half-broke pony named Star. She learned to read by picking words out of an old history book of short stories about children: The Grecian slave boy. The girl from Pompeii. The English knight’s squire.

The stories stuck. She studied history in college and medieval history in graduate school. After honing her writing skills as a journalist, she switched to PR and fiction writing.

She inherited the family’s nomadic gene and has lived in Ohio, Indiana, New York, Missouri and North Carolina, with short stays in places from Colorado to the UK.

When not working or writing, Keena regales her niece and nephews with stories of quick-thinking ladies, mathematically challenged knights, and ill-mannered dragons that chew with their mouths open.

You can learn more about Keena at her website.

Thank you for being here today, Keena!

Friday Five- Good News

This has been a good week for news for not only myself but members of my Romance Writers of America chapter. So my Friday Five are good news items.

1) Karen Duvall, a chapter mate, placed 3rd in the PASIC Book of Your Heart contest. Her entry is also the manuscript she snagged an agent with.

2) Elisabeth Naughton, another chapter mate not only captured an agent and a three book deal this past year, but today announced her publisher, Dorchester offered her another contract on a two book deal. Her first book, Stolen Fury, an action adventure romance will be out December 30th.

3)I received a release date for the third Halsey brother book, Miner in Petticoats. It will be available in e-book and print June 12, 2009.

4)Outlaw in Petticoats is a contender for Best Western Romance at Love Western Romances. Beginning December 1st, if you've read the book and liked it, you need to go to here and vote for the book. If you haven't read it yet, you can purchase it from any bookstore or at The Wild Rose Press in e-book. If you purchase it in e-book form by December 14th, you are eligible to enter the contest at TWRP for the SONY eReader. You can find all the details at The Wild Rose Press home page.

5) I am blogging at Alisha Paige's blog today. She asked me some interesting question. I'd be honored if you hopped over there and checked it out.

The photo: Tink and I cruising on the John Deere. Yep, I think his tractor's sexy! LOL

Friday Five- thoughts of the week

I know lame- but as I kept running over this week in my head, I thought, this has been an awesome week even though I've not written as many words as I'd like.

So my list of five thoughts about this week.

1) I was on our local TV morning talk show on Tuesday. While I can't look at the monitor while I'm speaking while on camera, I do feel comfortable with the host and she makes me feel like a New York Times author with her confidence in my writing and her excitement for my writing.

2) I was also on a blog talk radio show on Tuesday night. I'd been apprehensive because of an hour long talk show I did earlier in the year. But this host had me call in early, we discussed how things would happen, and it was a lot of fun and something I will definitely do again. You can click here to listen to the inter view: Canned laughter and Coffee.

3)I stopped in to see if there was anything I needed to do for the book signing tonight at a new book store in my town. They were enthusiastic and said people had already been in asking about the signing. That made my day. I knew my best friend would be there for sure, but to have other people asking- is an elation that is hard to explain.

4) This week I hit the not so much saggy middle syndrome with my WIP but more the YIKES this story is hurdling to the end and I still have X number of pages I have to write! I instant messaged a critique partner and we hammered out another scene or two that makes sense and adds to the conflict. Trusted critique partners are invaluable!

5) My next contracted book with the Wild Rose Press, "Miner in Petticoats" was sent to a final reader to catch any typos and punctuation missed. She wrote to me and said, "I loved it!" I'm waiting to see what reviewers think because I have a character of another nationality and I gave her a heavy accent in the dialogue. But she wouldn't be who she is if I cut back on the accent- so to have my 'first' reader love it and not say anything about the dialogue- I'm busting buttons today.

So did something good happen to you this week? If so please share. I'd love to
hear.

Oh, and today is the release in print of "Outlaw in Petticoats"- hence the book signing tonight and tomorrow!

Wednesday Promo Day

Today. I'd like to welcome Wild Rose Press author Christine Phillips.

Paty, thanks for having me on your blog today! I'm thrilled to be here!

FORETASTE OF FOREVER is my debut release from the Scarlet Rose line of The Wild Rose Press. It's a dark erotic romance with paranormal elements about a heroine who is prepared to do anything to be with the man she loves, and an alpha hero who is so blinded by his sense of honor that he can't see his destiny when she is standing right in front of him.

BLURB

Elyesha, last surviving descendant of a line of powerful witches, finally finds the only man she's ever loved, the man who deserted her countless years before. But Ben is torn between desire and despair when Elyesha, his only love, eventually penetrates his protective retreat. He knows what she wants, but the price of their love is too high. At midnight, on the beach, a battle of wills and erotic seduction ensues as each confronts the other's darkest fears.

Bio

I moved to sunny Australia from the UK almost ten years ago with my very own hero and our three adorable children. Over the last few years as I’ve actively sought publication for the romances I love writing, I’ve tried my hand at category romance, chic lit, paranormal and now dark erotic romance. I discovered I absolutely adore writing hot romance after my CPs told me I should give it a try! My mantra is Never Say Never, because I will immediately go and do whatever I said I could never attempt!


FORETASTE OF FOREVER is a Scarlet Rosette published by The Wilder Roses at TWRP.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=651

You can find me at my website http://www.christinaphillips.com

Or check out what I’ve been up to lately at my blog http://christinaphillips.blogspot.com

I also have a MySpace page http://myspace.com/christinaphillips1 (come and friend me, I’d love to see you!)

Christine, thank you for hanging out here today. I wish you great success with your book!

Wednesday Promo- Jennette Green

Today, I'm featuring Jennette Green's medieval historical "The Commander" published at The Wild Rose Press.

Travel on a journey of romance into medieval Scotland...

Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince's battle-scarred Commander -- the man who ended King Thor's life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride...

Excerpt:

“Give me your blades,” The Commander growled down at her.
Fear pounded in Elwytha's chest, and she licked her dry lips. “You found no blades when you pawed through my clothes. The maid found none on my person. Perhaps that is because I have none.”
“I don’t trust you.”
She smiled. As well you shouldn’t. However, she said, “How can we have a marriage with no trust?”
“Come with me.” He forced her toward the door. “You will not return to this room.”
“But my clothes!”
“You will have new clothes. Clothes with no holes for pockets. Clothes that provide no access to the blade at your thigh.”
“Nonsense.” Unthinking, she struggled and then, to her consternation, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She cried out in fear and horrified humiliation. “Put me down!” She pounded on his broad back. “Put me down, you monstrous serf!”
He strode, silent, through the halls. She squeezed her eyes shut, unwilling to see the others witnessing her humiliation. “Put me down. Put me down at once!” she gasped. She bit her lip, trying to stop the weak tears of a woman, not a warrior. She sniffed and finally stopped struggling, and hung down his back. His belt about his jerkin was within reach. If only she could loose it, she could cinch it around his massive neck!
“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, voice muffled. Perhaps if she pretended submission he would return her to her feet. And if she found a dagger, she’d gladly plunge it through his heart.
“To my chambers.”
“Nay!” she gasped out, and struggled in earnest then. “I have decided you are unacceptable to me. You have none of the finer qualities I require in a husband!”

Bio:

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I wrote my first story over thirty years ago. Since then, I’ve written numerous stories and have had several articles published. My first love, however, is writing romance novels. I've written seven. I'm blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband, and three terrific children who put up with my crazy writing hours. When I'm not writing, I love reading, photography, making videos, and learning to create my own websites.

You can learn more about Jennette at her website: her blog: and you can purchase her book here: The Wild Rose Press

Wednesday Promo- not much

I've put out feelers that I'm looking for other authors to let me know when their stuff is coming out to promote on this blog on Wednesdays. So far I've had one person contact me and she wants to wait until her release dates, so you get the same old stuff about me.

I blogged on the RWA chapter blog on Monday- Yesterday I dropped off posters to the book store where I have my book signing on November 7th. I need to get posters to the other book store for the signing on the 8th.

The local writer's group- Central Oregon Writers Guild, is hosting their Fall Literary Harvest this Friday, October 17th in Redmond at the Comfort Suites. Local writers submitted work that was judged and ten people will be reading their work on Friday night.

Next Tuesday I'm blogging on the Cactus Rose blog. My topic is Cowboy Cussin'. I've been researching the topic looking for new and different ways for my heroes to express themselves. ;)

And don't forget you can get your name in the running for a SONY eReader from The Wild Rose Press if you purchase one of my books or one of the books of the long list of authors from the TWRP. Check out the website and click on the Win Me! on the home page to find out more.

Wednesday Promo

Today I'm promoting two authors who have very different styles, voices, and genres, but both write great characters and fun reads.

Lauri Robinson's fifth book, Shotgun Bride; Book one of the Quinter Brides will be out November 14th in ebook through The Wild Rose Press. If you haven't read any of Lauri's books you're in for a treat. Her historical western romances are fun, with quirky secondary characters, main chracters you want to cheer for, and a touch of intrigue. She writes sweet stories that capture your heart.

Elisabeth Naughton's debut novel will be out December 30th. Stolen Fury is the first book of a Romantic Suspense trilogy being published by Dorchester. Elisabeth's characters are snarky and the stories are edgy. Her stories make you hold on to the edge of your seat to not only find out the who did what, but to see if the hero and heroine really will have a happy ever after.




And lest you forgot. ;) The second book in my Halsey brother series, Outlaw in Petticoats will be out in print November 7th. This historical western romance has humor, unconditional love, and conniving outlaws.