Being focused on pushing forward to new and exciting story horizons, I don't like going back to revised old stories.
Usually.
But, as the blog post title says, never say never.
When a publisher put out a call and the submission guidelines specifically included previously published stories, I had two novels that fit the other specs. Well, after a few tweaks.
I've spent the past month or so revising them both. I was going to merely sub the revised versions, but liked them so much better, I published the new versions on Amazon and Smashwords. Once they go through the review process, Smashwords will release the updated version to its secondary affiliate sites such as Barnes and Noble, etc.
Fear not, I'm not going to be one of those authors stuck on their old stories, constantly updating the old with new versions. How many versions of one story can anyone read?
But I promise, these two are much better stories for the revisions.
That leaves only one more to finish. The Vitruvian Man trilogy of novellas (Cursed, Charmed and Claimed) will become one full-length novel. It's taken me forever because not only did life keep getting in the way, as so often happens, but the main character will undergo some major changes, and the story's going to go into more detail, as well. I'm hoping to finish that by the end of the year.
In the meanwhile, I hope you'll try the new and improved stories!
Surfacing is my contemporary fantasy, a 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist. The story follows a mermaid who meets and inspires a wannabe rock star. Set in Weeki Wachee Springs, home of the Weeki Wachee mermaids!
The fact they're both set in Florida is a happy coincidence. Or maybe Florida is a writer's muse? I did visit Ernest Hemingway's house while in Key West... maybe his ghost followed me home!
Angels, Sinners and Madmen is free starting today, and running through Sunday. I hope you'll grab a copy from Amazon. It would be a huge thrill to see this one in the bestseller list too.
Set in 1850s Key West, Florida, Angels, Sinners and Madmen brings to life the time of the wreckers - men who salvaged ships that wrecked along the reefs bordering the island. Some say the wreckers were only thieves, or worse, but my research didn't bear that out. Most were men of honor who valued human life over everything, and saved so many people from watery graves - in turbulent water, without benefit of oxygen tanks. They could hold their breath for up to six minutes! I found it so fascinating during a visit to the island, The story actually flashed through my head during a visit to the wrecker museum, and had to know more about the wreckers, so bought up every book I could find, and found great treasures of documents in the library. Although it took a few years to finally finish, the result was this novel.
Is it hot in here?
Today, the ladies at Author Roast and Toast are helping me celebrate its re-release! Yep, I'm being roasted at http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/. So come on over and join the beach party, complete with umbrella drinks, Key Lime pie and all the island goodies.
Reviewers called it “enchanting,” adding “I loved it and applaud Cate
for creating a time in the past that seems so real in this book.” Another said:
“You will fall in love these two characters along with the rest of Sam's
wrecker friends. Laughter, tragedy and heroism abound, so make sure you have
plenty of time when you start reading Angels, Sinners and Madmen, because you
will not want to put this gripping story down until you have read every single
word of it.”
And I'd love for you to read it, of course. :) When I visited Key West years ago, I was fascinated by the history of the wreckers, and couldn't wait to bring the setting to life in a novel. I hope you'll find it as intriguing as I did!
Next month, I'll re-release my historical set in 1850s Key West, Florida, called Angels, Sinners and Madmen. I've revised it, and hopefully improved it.
I spent a lot of time searching for the right cover images, and found two that contained the images I wanted and, I thought, would have the right feel. I then spent a lot of time trying to combine them, which turned out like this:
It had the right theme - the ship in a stormy sea, and the couple seeming to be overwhelmed by the waters. But even though I'd invested time and money in the cover, it didn't feel right to me.
So, back to Dreamstime I went. And I decided to change the cover to this:
This image conveys such yearning. I love it. It's much simpler, and cleaner. I thought about adding a tall ship on the horizon to indicate it's a historical, but I like that he's looking out at an empty sea. Though wreckers in 1850s Key West often searched the horizon for ships in distress, this image suggests he's not sure what -- or who -- he's looking for, but is determined to find it (or her?).
And yes, there's the beefcake aspect. :) But while that might (hopefully) attract a reader's eye, it's secondary to me.
What do you think? Any preference?
I'm shooting for August 31 as the re-release date.
Yep, it's November, and you know what that means. NaNoWriMo! This is my third year at it. I missed last year, but have participated twice before. In 2008, I finished a draft of a novel that would eventually become Angels, Sinners and Madmen. In 2009, I got some good writing time in, lol.
This year, it remains to be seen. I have way too much other stuff going on, but I'm hoping to get a good jump on book two of The Goddess Connection series, another paranormal to follow up on The Magic of Lavender.
So send me good wishes. In fact, send me chocolate! (Dark is delish...) I'll need the energy. :)
I learned of this notion last fall - that readers turn to page 99 in a book to see if it captures their interest. Author Ford Madox put forth the original idea, saying: "open the book to page ninety-nine and the quality of the whole will be revealed to you." You can read more info in the Guardian UK article.
Is that your practice? Do you believe in this idea?
I was surprised at some of the comments I found. Some readers allow a book up to 50 pages to engage them, and if it doesn't, they put it down. The next reader said the same, but after only 20-25 pages. The next said the first page. Finally, a reader said the first few sentences have to grab her.
Yikes. The pressure! :)
Sometime in the future, a web site will allow authors to post their own page 99. Until then, I decided to start a new blog series and post page 99 from my novels.
First up, Angels Sinners and Madmen, my historical romance from Freya's Bower. Set in 1850s Key West, it's an adventure about the wreckers, who salvaged cargo from ships that wrecked on the reefs beyond the island.
Page 99 opens a new chapter:
Chapter Eighteen Pounding on the door startled Sam from sleep. He jerked upward. The pounding in his head worsened. “Go away.” He fell back to the pillow. The door muffled Liam’s rough voice. “If you want to keep your job, you’ll get up now. Awake or no, we’ve work to do.” Muttering, he added, “If the sorry-assed lad can’t take his liquor, he shouldn’t drink.” Blinking, Sam sat up. His eyes felt drier than the Sahara; an unnamable ick lined his mouth. “Liam.” “What?” Rolling off the bed, he shuffled to the door. Outside, Liam sat on the doorstep, holding his head in his hands. Sam chuckled, but immediately stopped when it caused his head to almost burst. “I’m not the only one suffering.” “Aye, misery loves company. Let’s go.” Liam sat, unmoving. “I’m coming. Let me put on my boots.” He shuffled back to the bed, reaching for the spot on the floor where his boots usually sat. He found only empty air. Strange. He always set his boots exactly there, so he could find them no matter what condition he was in. When he bent further to look for them, the lightness in his head made him sway. Liam grumbled outside. “Hold on. I can’t find my boots. I don’t understand where….” Realization struck him. He hadn’t been the one to take off his boots. His memory of yesterday returned in bits. Livvie finding him at the beach. Helping him walk home, acting as his crutch. Sitting at his bedside. The last memory he had was of holding her hand, asking her to stay. Ah, hell. Had he really been so pathetic? Yet she had. A wave of renewal washed over him, refreshing Sam from the inside out. Clattering came from the doorway. Liam lurched against the door jamb. “What in the name of all that’s good and holy are ye doing just sitting there, grinning like a fool? Have ye lost yer mind?” “Not my mind. Perhaps another part of me.” To say any more to Liam was to invite ridicule. “And my boots.” “Are ye daft? They’re right there.” He pointed. Sam followed his finger. “Ah. So they are.” He bent to retrieve them, and his earlier nausea hardly registered. All he felt was Livvie’s touch, her brushing away his hair, soothing his brow. Liam set his fists at his hips. “If ye move any slower, we’ll arrive in time to go home.” “Patience is a virtue, Liam.” A virtue Liam did not possess. Sam loved to remind him anyway. “Virtue.” Liam spat the word. “Of the seven virtues, I’ve only Prudence and Fortitude left, my boy. I never claim more.” “And it’s balanced evenly by the seven sins. You’re only guilty of Lust and Gluttony. Perhaps an occasional Sloth, though it’s well earned.”
Long and Short Reviews said: "The intriguing title and the well-known author drew me to this book. With a mix of romance, tragedy and heroes, you have a recipe for a fine romance. Angels, Sinners and Madmen is fraught with death-defying scenes. The setting was finely described: Florida in the 1850's was a very different place to how it is now and it suited the plot. I recommend this book for the sheer originality of the tale, and for those who like HEA, they’re going to be kept guessing right to the last page." Read the full review here.
In her review of my historical, Angels, Sinners and Madmen, Lena from Happily Ever After Reviews said, in part: Angels, Sinners and Madmen by Cate Masters is definitely one that will get you intrigued in every chapter. I loved that you have Olivia who is definitely very intellectual and far more mature for her age. People in the 1800’s guard her well telling her what to do never giving her a chance to explore. I loved that Sam is definitely her other half, definitely the apple that tempts her to be free and follow her heart. Cate did a great job creating two people who are lost in the world, finding their way back in a way that will make you jump to see them together. There were some parts that got me so moved and the words Sam speaks to his love is heartbreaking. I loved it and applaud Cate for creating a time in the past that seems so real in this book. It was enchanting!
Wow, thanks so much Lena! I love your review too. :)
Here's a longer excerpt:
Inside the tall windows of Whelan’s Dry Goods Store hung sail cloth and rope. Anchors and other nautical necessities unfamiliar to Livvie occupied one side of the store. After wandering several aisles, she found the sewing items. One spool of white thread appeared thick enough to sew stitches in horse hide. While she examined it, a movement caught her eye and the back of her neck prickled. She glanced up to see Sam Langhorne stroll in. Walking toward her, his smile widened and his gaze wandered freely across her, sending heated pinpricks across her skin. He sauntered closer, his movements panther-like in their grace. “Good morning.” The prickles traveled down her neck down her spine, deepening along their inward path. She held the mending tape across her chest to hide her quickening breath. “Hello, Mr. Langhorne. What brings you here?” He stepped closer, his eyes bright. “Our schooner suffered a battering during the storm and is in need of repair. I’m charged with mending the sails and am in need of some strong thread.” His fingers closed around hers. “I see you have what I need.” Her voice failed her. “Pardon?” she whispered. “The thread.” His lips parted in a smile. “Are you mending sails today also?” Disappointment surprised her. “Mrs. Crowell sent me here for sewing thread.” He slipped the spool from her hand. From the table, he selected a smaller one and held it up. “I suspect she meant this type.” Warmth crawled up her neck. “I’m not much of a seamstress, Mr. Langhorne.” “You aren’t joining Mrs. Crowell’s sewing circle?” He clucked his tongue. “I thought women enjoyed passing the time that way.” His brown eyes sparkled. Stubble shadowed his jaw and chin, framing his mouth. She forced her gaze away when she found herself staring too long, wondering how his rough face would feel against hers. She pretended renewed interest in the threads. “I’ve little experience in that area.” He leaned an elbow on the table and looked up at her. “Ah. Your passels of servants took care of your sewing for you, eh? And here I was hoping you might come lend a hand.” Grinning in a teasing way, he searched her face with intense scrutiny, as if trying to divine the truth. She lifted her chin. “After my mother’s death, my father hired a housekeeper. I’m afraid I wasn’t an ideal charge. I spent more time with Sir Galahad than at home.” Never had she wanted to be one of the primping girls who practiced domestic skills in hopes of enticing a husband, or took more interest in their appearance than anything else. Now she felt deficient in womanly skills. Sam Langhorne made her feel moreso. Since their last encounter, she’d dreamed of practicing womanly skills on him. He pressed his lips tight. “Your own knight in shining armor?” So he knew of King Arthur. How, she wondered? “My horse, Mr. Langhorne.” Something tightened in her chest while he held her gaze, so she scanned the mending tapes and selected one, hoping he wouldn’t correct her. He straightened and stood closer than propriety allowed. “I see. You’re full of surprises.” His nearness warmed her skin. She stepped away and forced a light tone. “And you, as well. You’re a man of many talents, apparently–sewing, salvaging, sailing. Is there anything you can’t do?” “I’m sure there is. Nothing comes to mind.” His low voice rumbled like an approaching storm, one of searing lightning and drenching rains. Livvie had always been fascinated by such storms, and the thought of Sam tearing at her clothes like a gale made her shiver. She snorted. “A typical male affliction.” The newspaper tucked beneath his arm caught her eye. She tilted her head to read the banner. “Is that a Philadelphia newspaper?” He held it out for her to see. “Yes, my brother sends it to me now and again, thinking he’ll taunt me into coming home. His letter said this edition had an interesting article on the wrecking industry.” “You’re from Philadelphia?” She’d imagined him a farm boy, perhaps, from some obscure place providing no outlet for his energy. What else would propel a man to travel far from home and become a wrecker? His tone fell flat. “Born and raised there.” He inserted the newspaper in its resting place beneath his arm. “What made you come here?” Surely Philadelphia had entertainments similar to those in New York. Perhaps his occupation–maybe a blacksmith–didn’t allow time for social events. Judging by the abundant muscles on his lean frame, he’d worked hard all his life. He leaned in dangerously close. “Why don’t you let me walk you home, and we’ll continue our conversation?” His lips parted invitingly. No ready excuse came to mind to refuse him. Nor did she want to. Barking erupted outside. Straightening, he muttered, “Can’t stay out of trouble for one minute. Excuse me.” He strode to the entrance, yelling, “Barnaby!” The ruckus ceased. She waited for him to walk in again and aim his warm smile at her, but waited in vain. Feeling conspicuous, she pretended to examine other goods and moved toward the window. A few passersby walked the streets. Sam was not among them. Frustration coiled within her. Men were so easily led astray. Sam Langhorne appeared no exception. Perhaps she’d best not spend any more time with him. Seeing him only inspired more thoughts of him. Such unbidden thoughts confused her. He would only bring trouble, of that she felt certain. At the counter, she asked for stamps and paper. The man tallied the items and waited. After a moment, she realized she’d forgotten to inform him of the charge to the Crowell account and produced the signed list. He wrote in a ledger book and gave a curt nod. After noting the amount, she thanked him, put the items into her basket and moved to an empty space at the counter to affix the stamp to her letter. A hot breeze wafted through the open door. Reluctantly, she walked toward it. Another boring day at the Crowell home lay ahead. She stepped outside to take in the breeze. Sam leaned against the wall, his brow knit in reading. He glanced up, and the lines of care on his face erased. The glint of the sun gave his dark hair a sheen. At his feet, Barnaby lifted his head and wagged his tail, his open-mouthed pant a canine smile. “I thought you’d left.” Something effervesced deep inside her and bubbled up to entwine in her breath. Barnaby jumped to his feet and nuzzled against her. She crouched to scratch his face. “I said I’d walk you home. Did you forget so soon?” The breeze ruffled his white shirt and pressed it against his well-defined chest. “No, I….” Words escaped her, though his warm smile indicated they were unnecessary. Ducking his head, he pushed away from the wall and stood in front of her. “Shall we?” She rose. “Yes.” Uttering the sole word opened up a wild array of possibilities. She would have to use it more carefully in the future. He held her gaze in such a way, not looking away could imply yes without speaking the word. Yet she did not wish to look away.
Night Owl Reviews rated it 4.25 stars! Here's what Silvermage said: "Looking for a book with a smart and feisty heroine? That’s what you get in Angels, Sinners and Madmen. The hero Sam is cocky yet honest as well as strong and caring after you get to know him. The banter between Livvie and Sam creates sparks. Friendship moves to more as the story progresses. These two have a wonderful relationship that is tender yet exciting. The chemistry is all there. I enjoyed this story from the start to the finish."
Thanks so much, Silvermage! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Award-winning author Margaret Tanner gave it five stars on Amazon, saying: "This intriguing novel, brilliantly written by Cate Masters, is set in the 1850's in Key West and tells the story of the wreckers, men who salvage the cargo from sunken ships.
Wrecker, Sam Langhorne rescues aspiring author Livvie Collins from the sea when her ship flounders. They are instantly attracted to each other, yet fight the magnetic pull because Sam is hiding a secret, and Livvie is expected to marry a wealthy man of her own social standing.
For these two characters to get together seems well nigh impossible, but the author has skilfully drawn them together. Sam the brave wrecker who risks his life diving to the ocean floor during salvage operations. Livvie the aspiring novelist, who fights against the restraints of genteel society. You will be enthralled with these two characters along with the rest of Sam's wrecker friends and the ladies from the local tavern.
Laughter, tragedy and heroism abound, so make sure you have plenty of time when you start reading Angels, Sinners and Madmen, because you will not want to put this gripping story down until you have read every single word of it."
Coming from such an incredible historical writer as Margaret, the compliment seems double. Much appreciated, Margaret! And if you've never read one of Margaret's books, I recommend you do.
The first chapter of Angels Sinners and Madmen is on my web site, along with an excerpt. It's available from Freya's Bower, Amazon and other online book sites.
One of the most easily recognizable fare from the Keys is Key Lime Pie. Yum. The history of the pie has been lost to the ages. While some claim to have invented the dessert, most believe it originated in the late 1800s (after Angels Sinners and Madmen takes place, so I make no mention of it). Hard to say, though, since most people didn't begin to write down recipes until the early 1900s, according to the following web site. I'm fairly certain they didn't have prepared crusts then either. :)
Key Lime Pie 1 (9-inch) prepared Graham Cracker Pie Crust 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup key lime juice** 2 teaspoons finely grated zest from key limes 2 eggs, separated 1 egg, room temperature 4 tablespoons granulated sugar ** The recipe says if you can't find fresh key limes, Tahiti or Persian limes may be substituted as they are very similar in taste. You can also substitute the bottled key lime juice. The online recipe also includes instructions to prepare a graham cracker crust, which you should refrigerate until well chilled. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, key lime zest, and key lime juice. Add egg yolks and egg; stir until well blended. Pour into chilled graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; gradually fold in sugar. Spread meringue over key lime mixture, being careful to spread to edge of pastry to prevent shrinkage during baking. Check out my hints and tips on making a Perfect Meringue. Bake 20 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Makes 6 servings.
I thought Mojitos a modern drink until I came across the following web site, which includes another interesting history. Because of Key West's proximity to Cuba, wreckers often sailed there for supplies. Cubans not only perfected the cigar (like the antique logo above, which I thought was pretty cool), but supposedly also the mojito. Unless you believe another story that English pirate Sir Richard Drake first mixed the drink and later introduced it to Cubans. Either way, it makes a refreshing summertime cocktail, but also packs a punch. A favorite of Hemingway's, I'm sure if the walls of the bars in Key West could talk, they'd have quite a few tales to tell.
The Magnificent Mojito: History and Recipe 2 oz. light rum 1-2 oz. lime juice (depending on your taste) 2 tsp. superfine sugar (you can also use confectioner's sugar) 2-3 mint leaves club soda or seltzer water lime slice and mint sprigs for garnish Lightly muddle (that is, gently smash up) the mint and sugar with a splash of soda water in a mixing glass until the sugar is dissolved and you can smell the mint. Pour the lime juice into the glass, add the rum and pour into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Give it a few shakes and then strain into a collins glass. Top with soda water or seltzer water, garnish with a lime slice and a mint sprig. Serve.
If you've ever been to Key West, you'd have noticed them everywhere. The chickens. Walking across the street, hanging out at restaurants and bars as if they were Hemingway reincarnated.
In researching what islanders ate during 1856, the time in which Angels Sinners and Madmen takes place, one thing was clear - they made good work of the abundance of seafood.
Apparently conch shells were so plentiful, they ate the meat of the creature within, although it was apparently very tough, according to this recipe for Conch Chowder, handed down through generations. Key West residents transplanted from Bahama were called Conchs also.
Conch Chowder 3 onions, finely chopped 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained and cut up* 2 1/2 to 3 pounds conch meat, cleaned and ground** 2 potatoes, peeled and finely chopped 2 quarts water (approximately) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste * To easily prepare the tomatoes, use a sharp knife and cut the tomatoes while still in the can. ** Because conch meat is very tough, you must grind it using a meat grinder or food processor. In a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat, add onions, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes; cook until vegetables are soft. Reduce heat to low; add ground conch meat, potatoes, and enough water to make it soupy but not watery. Let simmer 1 hour. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve in individual soup bowls. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
I found several references to camperou, a favorite drink in the mid-1800s, but the best recipe I could find was rather vague: The favorite social drink is camperou, a compound of caracoa, eggs, Jamaica spirits and other ingredients.
Hm. 'Other ingredients' leaves it pretty wide open.
Today is the first in another new series of blog posts. Casting Call will show you who I had in mind while I wrote each story.
To celebrate yesterday's release of Angels Sinners and Madmen, I'll feature it first. The setting: Key West, Florida, in 1856. So imagine all the period costumes, and the basic rugged lifestyle of island life.
Olivia (Livvie) Collins sails from New York after her father's death. She's rebuffed the advances of her father's business partner, and wants to make a living as a writer. Her destination is New Orleans, where her brother Wendell lives with his wife Marianne and their two children. She knows her welcome at Wendell and Marianne's house will be limited, and they'll throw ball after ball to introduce her to New Orleans society. And to marry her off. Livvie wants no part of it.
So when her ship wrecks on the reefs near Key West, Florida, she's rescued by Sam Langhorne. The wreck claimed the lives of several shipmates, and Livvie's happy to be alive. And relieved for the delay. Key West society is nothing like New York. Here, people do as they wish, living free as can be. At first, she rebuffs Sam's flirting. Yes, he's handsome, but can someone who makes his living as a wrecker have any internal depth? She's surprised to learn he does. He reads newspapers to keep up with current affairs, and has a small library in his wrecker's shack. He has a sharp wit that speaks of at least some education. Despite herself, she's intrigued by him.
Kate Winslet is perfect for this part. She's gorgeous in a natural way. Intelligent, with a sweet temperament that can unleash a sharp tongue if provoked.
Sam Langhorne came to Key West to forget women. His fiancee Helen spent most of his money, then cheated on him and broke his heart, so he's callous about breaking any woman's heart. Glad to leave behind the shallow minds of Philadelphia and the law firm his father forced him into, he loves the cameraderie of the wreckers, the free and easy life. The challenge of pitting himself against the most terrible of storms to rescue shipwrecked passengers - and then profit from the salvaged cargo. He can be a bit surly and untrusting, especially of women, who lust after him because he's so handsome.
Ah, Hugh Jackman would be incredible as Sam Langhorne. Hugh's wide range of acting parts show he's up for the task of playing a wrecker too. And he's a perfect match for Kate as Livvie, I think.
The secondary cast were also very vivid to me. Liam Byrne, Sam's best mate, I imagined Geoffrey Rush very clearly in every scene. And Helena Bonham Carter was perfect as Millie, a local woman of ill repute.
I hope you've enjoyed this peek inside my head. On August 5, I'll give you a Casting Call preview of Follow the Stars Home, my Native American historical novel releasing with Eternal Press on August 7.
Today, Freya's Bower releases Angels Sinners and Madmen, my historical novel set in 1856 Key West, Florida. I like to refer to it as a historical adventure romance, because this story has so many great elements (which I will explore later in the new Story Elements series).
Tomorrow's debut of a new post series called Casting Call will give you a peek at who starred in the version playing inside my mind as I was writing Angels Sinners and Madmen.
Today's a day of celebration! *throws confetti and blows noisemaker* I've mentioned this many times, but Angels Sinners and Madmen burst to life in my head during a visit to Key West, particularly during a visit to the wrecker's museum. The incredible history of the wreckers intrigued me, and I wanted to bring their story to life. Because of the extensive research, the task seemed overwhelming, but I set my mind to writing the first draft during NaNoWriMo a few years ago. I'm really happy with the final result. I hope you will be too!
Here's the blurb: What happens in Key West, stays in Key West. Especially in 1856, when men outnumber women by ten to one. Wrecker Sam Langhorne came to Key West eight years earlier to forget his ruined engagement. When he rescues Livvie Collins from a watery grave, he’s swept away by her beauty and spirit. He’s sworn off love, but is soon captivated by Livvie’s wit–and her determination to remain single. The death of Livvie’s father leaves her no other option than to sail to New Orleans to live with her brother Wendell. Though she hopes to support herself by writing novels, she’s sure Wendell will try to soon marry her off, and is determined to experience life to its fullest before reaching New Orleans. Sam is handsome and attentive, constantly surprising her with his intelligence and his interest in current literature and happenings. She gives herself to him in a night of passion so she can know the true emotion at least once in her life. But can she save herself after she arrives in New Orleans?
Here's an excerpt:
Acutely aware of his presence beside her, she suspected he had the same effect on other females. “It sounds like your days are very full, Mr. Langhorne.” He halted, his gaze intense. “Will you never call me Sam? I may be older than you, but not so old to warrant such formality.” His sudden seriousness took her by surprise. Using his name implied an informality—a familiarity–she wasn’t quite ready to allow. Then again, he’d brought her up from the depths, his strong arms leaving an indelible impression on her skin, one she felt even now. How much more familiar could one get? “Sam.” He continued walking. “Thank you, Livvie.” He said it naturally, as though he’d called her that all her life. She glanced behind them, then ahead. “This is not a quicker route. In fact, I believe it will lengthen our walk.” These streets were new to her. The houses appeared larger, maintained better than those on Duval Street, at least at the end where the Crowells’ boarding house stood. His brows furrowed as he pressed his lips together. “Hmm. Is that a fact?” The stern look she tried to affect gave way to a smile. “So. Tell me about Philadelphia.” “It’s a bustling metropolis where small-minded people live.” His tone had a sharper edge, and he avoided her gaze. “City life doesn’t suit you?” Livvie’s curiosity got the better of her, one of her father’s chief complaints. “Not when I could be here instead. The choice between spending my days there, devising means to outwit others, or here, in the glorious sunshine, my life mine to live as I see fit–well, it was the easiest choice I’ve ever made.” “What do you mean, outwitting others? Were you a thief?” He laughed. “In a manner of speaking.” So willing to share certain parts of himself, so reticent to share others. What secrets, she wondered, did Samuel Langhorne hide? She scrutinized him. “You are a puzzle.” More likely a Pandora’s box, and the temptation to open it grew.
I hope you'll come by tomorrow for Casting Call!
Giveaway! Leave a comment on this post before August 1 to be in the running to win an ecopy of Angels Sinners and Madmen!
So in advance of tomorrow's release of my historical novel (which I like to call a historical adventure romance), I've posted the first chapter of Angels, Sinners and Madmen on my web site. While historicals may not be to everyone's liking, I hope the first chapter will entice people to want more. The trailer and excerpt are here.
On Wednesday, I'm also launching a new blog series called Casting Call - I hope you'll check it out. First up is Angels, Sinners and Madmen.
And tomorrow is my monthly post at Popculturedivas, a tribute to my much-maligned home state of New Jersey. I hope you'll pop over!
Today's blog stop is the next to last on my virtual tour! I hope you'll pop over to Paula's fun Phantom Paragrapher blog. I hope you'll come over and say hello!
The blog tour continues at Immortyl Revolution, where I wax nostalgic on the creative process. Are we creative types a little nutty? Hm. Could that be why it takes me so long to organize my book shelf? And why my characters seem more real than some people? :) Come share your views, and your process.
The post also contains links to a few videos of authors Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love) and Amy Tan (The Bonesetter's Daughter) discussing their own views on the creative process. A bit long but worth a look.
Tomorrow, I also have a fun interview at Sonnet O'Dell's blog, and a special guest here.
More blog stops today and tomorrow! Visit me today at Louise Wise's blog, where I'm spotlighting Angels Sinners and Madmen while waxing nostalgic about five things I've learned.
On Thursday, I'll have a special guest here, but I hope you'll pop over to Literary Magic for my interview there.
In the meanwhile, I hope you'll try the new and improved stories!
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