13 Historical Romances

13 Classic Historical Romance Novels

It’s a day early, but I’m trying to figure out the Thursday Thirteen meme. I love what Robin and Diana have done with it on their blogs, so here’s my first try:

Back in the day, when historical romances ruled the genre, I saved my favorites on a keeper shelf. Here they are, in no particular order. These are the novels I loved, the ones I studied, the ones that made me want to write historical romance. They still give me a warm fuzzy feeling when I see their covers. If you can get hold of them, fall in love–all over again!

1.    Beast — Judith Ivory

2.    A Fire in the Heart — Katherine Sutcliffe

3.    Caught in the Act –   Betina Krahn

4.    The Shadow and the Star –  Laura Kinsale

5.    Heart of the West — Penelope Williamson

6.    Love’s Illusion — Katherine Sutcliffe

7.    The Taming — Jude Deveraux

8.    Silver Splendor — Barbara Dawson Smith

9.    Sweet Summer Storm — Amy Elizabeth Saunders

10.  No Sweeter Heaven — Katherine Kingsley

11.  Crimson Obsession — Deana James

12.  Midnight Lace — Elizabeth Kary

13.  Gilded Splendor — Elizabeth Parker   (You know I had to include this one!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Memorial Day

 

Girls’ Night Out

  One of the pleasures of being a woman is having a Girls’ Night Out. Last evening was just such an occasion. Three of us. Mary, Irene, and I. In Irene’s lovely country home. Lots of talk, lots of laughs.

We began by sipping wine on the deck. The Nebraska view was marvelous — horses (including two new foals) frolicking in a lush green pasture, the deepening dusk, the moon scuttling in and out of clouds. We talked about everything–men, the “rule of love” (when you think you can’t have someone, your antennae prick up and the person suddenly seems particularly enticing), the endearing behavior of pets, a frustrating incident with an exploded rhubarb pie, fears and hopes for the future, on and on.

Then we munched popcorn while watching Edward Norton in THE ILLUSIONIST. I hadn’t seen this, and I loved it. Sex and magic in turn-of-the-century Vienna. 

It’s so wonderful to connect with friends and a night out – women only. Girlfriends, I recommend it for whatever ails you.     

Still Sick

  I can’t believe how long this cold has hung on. I just can’t seem to shake it. Now I’m getting huge amounts of phlegm — coughing and sneezing. I’m just taking care of myself and working through my daily tasks in a gentle way.

A bright spot was last night’s season finale of 24. Many plot threads were tied up with neat bows. “Pouty” is pregnant. The vice-president seems to be learning from his mistakes. Josh was rescued.

The best thing was Jack Bauer’s final scene with Audrey. Even though she couldn’t hear him, he quietly told her ”I love you with all my heart. I always will.” Then he left alone to look over the empty ocean. His feelings were all reflected in his face:  “What next? Where in the hell do I go from here?” In that rough and tumble action/adventure show, the characterization scenes are really special. 

Bond — Stephanie Bond

   People are starting to put this on their blogs, and the excitement is building! Nebraska Romance Writers will be hosting its 5th Annual Conference on October 26-27, 2007, and you’re all invited! See the details by clicking on “NE Romance Writers” in my Favorite Sites at the left. We’re excited because Stephanie Bond will be the guest speaker.

SB writes sexy mysteries for Mira, humorous romantic suspense novels for Avon/HarperCollins, and romantic comedies for Harlequin Books. She is best known for writing steamy books that make readers laugh out loud.

Since 1997, Stephanie has published over 40 books, had an excerpt featured in Cosmopolitan magazine and is achieving great reviews for her latest release, BODY MOVERS:2 for the price of 1.

Ms. Bond has reached the Waldenbooks Top Ten Best Selling Title List numerous times and has earned many industry awards since leaving her career in systems engineering to write full time. 

En Avant!

  “En Avant!” was Tennessee Williams’ personal mantra, meaning “Onward!” So I’ll apply it to myself. I’ve been whining about having my book rejected by Ellora’s Cave.  My first inclination was to put it away and sulk, but everybody (even Dh) is telling me to submit it to other online houses. So I guess I need to do that.

I’ve recently realized I need to toe a fine line in the future — if I can. Here’s the question: Is it possible to enjoy writing, while not torturing oneself about the outcome? Do you know? Anybody? Bueller?

Because I keep coming back to something the wise Melissa said in her blog: she’s just happier when she’s writing. I have to admit — so am I.

I can’t remember who said it, but here’s a good thought about it all:

“One can put oneself in the posture to be struck by lightning, but lightning may never strike. Meanwhile, eagerly and without bitterness, one goes on working.”

Sunday and Tennessee

  OK, time to suck it up and get back into my blogging! I haven’t been doing much lately, except delving into Tennessee Williams. It all began when Turner Classic Movies replayed A Streetcar Named Desire, and I remembered how much I love his plays — Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Night of the Iguana, The Rose Tattoo, etc. But I didn’t know anything about the man himself.

I read a biography, and then another one, and ended up reading five of them, plus his Memoirs! He was a fascinating, brilliant genius. His strong points were characterization and a poetic way of phrasing things. Of course he had an unhappy childhood, and he put all of it into his plays.

I especially enjoyed learning about his work ethic. It’s said he was a compulsive writer. Every day, he wrote from daybreak until noon on an Olivetti portable typewriter. In the afternoon, he went swimming to keep himself in shape. At night, he partied and went “cruising” for homosexual partners. He was also a compulsive traveler, never staying in any one place for very long.

He wrote with no success, embroiled in poverty, from the age of 12 to 32. Then his life changed overnight when Glass Menagerie burst onto the scene with luminous success on Broadway.

I don’t quite know why, but the man has captured all my attention lately. Maybe it’s because, throughout my life, I’ve found myself thinking in some of his phrases. Thoughts like these are just so true:

“little silver slipper of a moon”

“I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.”

“Rise and shine!” – *mumble*  “I’ll rise, but I won’t shine.”

“Present these papers, along with a bottle of aspirin.”

“Stellllllaaaaaaa!”   

April Progress

   “April is the cruelest month. . . “  Or, at least it seemed like it. I didn’t make much progress. My weight loss stalled, so the less said about that, the better.

My book got rejected by Ellora’s Cave, even though I had rewritten and resubmitted. It was still too short and still didn’t have enough sex. However, they said I’m “a talented writer,” and they “strongly encouraged me to submit other work.”

I applied for a full-time job, but they hired from within the company.

I was sick for two weeks, but feel much better now. 

All in all, you could say I got burnt out in April, so I’ve been lying low to recover my energy and spirits. I do apologize for letting down my blogger friends, and I’ll do better during May.