Road-trip Inspiration

I recently returned home after an almost two-week road trip, filled with happy memories and loads of inspiration--there are just so many stories to tell, and so little time to tell them all! I'm a serious history buff--not to mention the fact that both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in history--so it doesn't take much to inspire me. Pretty much every history-filled place I visit leaves me desperate to write a book about said place. Is it just me, or do others experience this, too??

A few years ago I visited the North Carolina Outer Banks and Roanoke Island, and came away desperate to write a YA book about the mysterious disappearance of the original Roanoke settlers. My bookshelf is full of research books I bought and read, and I brainstormed ideas for quite a while. Unfortunately, I never got around to writing the book.

But this recent trip similarly inspired me. First up, Williamsburg, VA. I'd LOVE to write a Colonial America-set romance. Armed with a new knowledge of the streets, residences, and life in Colonial Williamsburg, I can totally picture a book set there.


Same with nearby Jamestown--I've always wanted to write a YA romance between an early settler and a Powhatan (in the vein of Pocahontas and John Smith--only with teenage protagonists). But after visiting Jamestown....I swear, it was like stepping back in time. I could hear the voices of characters just whispering in my head as I walked alongside the James River and through the shady woods where the Powhatan tribe lived.



Later on the trip, we spent a couple of days in Savannah, GA, which left me longing to write a Civil War era romance set in that moody and atmospheric southern city! And later, we toured the Antietam Battlefield, further fueling my musing about a Civil War set book.



It's amazing how a vacation can fuel my imagination, and how, whenever I'm visiting a historic site, the 'voices' come out to play in my head!

How about you? Any place you've visited that has inspired a book or just a story in your mind? Or made you want to write a book set there? Any historical site/place you've visited that has made you want to read a book set there?

*Photos from top to bottom: Sunken Lane at the Antietam Battlefield; Draped bed in the Governor's Palace, Williamsburg; Path alongside the James River, Jamestown; Dunker Church, Antietam Battlefield.

Wicked Wednesday!

It's been a while since we've done this, but it was always so much fun! So, this is for all the creative hussies out there.....

Eye candy and captions....
Here we go! CAUTION: Fans, ice, and additional undergarments could be required!!!!

Number One!



Number Two!


Number Three!


Number Four!


Special thanks goes to LIT lady and hussy, Amanda who sent me these 'pick me up' dudes last night while I was writing Sinful. Gotta love a writing bud like that!!!!

Happy Midsummer Everyone!

Just taking a short break to wish everyone a Happy Summer Solstice!
The LIT ladies are deep into life the past week-one of us enjoying a family vacay, the other two madly writing and trying to meet deadlines! Balance! Isnt that what we all strive for?
Just asked the question, "how do you nurture your creativity?"(on an author loop this was directed toward writers) but it does affect us all.
To me one of the most difficult tasks I had to learn (and I'm still learning) is the importance of balance between work and "play"--
When I was growing up, summer was a time of "total play"--whether that meant a long visit to my grandmother's house or a family road trip. It meant a seemingly endless stretch of long, hot days, dotted with lemonade stands, catching turtles in the creek, playing out a blanket in the backyard coloring for hours with that great box of crayons, or catching lightning bugs in your pj's--

The whole world was a wonderland of discovery and delight. Where you could play outside for hours in the heat and you didn't mind that you smelled like fresh mown grass and kid sweat;))
Now I'm grown, but the sense of discovery and wonder exists still as it always has if we take the time to notice-ask me if I believe in fairies, I'll tell you yes. Ask me if I believe that stones carry an aura of history and I'll say yes.

There is so much to learn, so much to discover. Despite being grown up-I hope you have a moment of absolute "kid" inside you today and that it makes you smile to know that that "inquisitive , creative child " is alive and well, still discovering the world and all its wonder!

From all of us here at the manor~Happy Solstice!

Amanda, Charlotte, Kristi & Lord C.M.

And the winner is.....

I wanted to get your attention ;))

Raneria!

Lucky lady! You win a pdf copy of Genella's romantically haunting " REMEMBER ME"
Just email Genella and she will hook you up!

genella_degrey@hotmail.com

Congratulations and our thanks once again to Genella for stopping at the manor for a visit!

Watch for more coming soon from this rising star!

Amanda M

Welcome Author Genella DeGrey to the Manor!

A little bit about Genella:
By day, Genella deGrey is an executive assistant to a Senior Vice President and a Vice President at a major motion picture studio, by night she is a romance author. She’s had stories rattling around in her head since high school, and has been writing off and on ever since. In her spare time (what spare time?) Genella enjoys reading historical romance, collecting healing crystal and stone jewelry and participating in historical reenactments.

In addition, she is a makeup artist for independent films and does occasional set dressing. Her favorite set dressing gig was with the Resort Enhancement Team where she refurbished,created, and displayed Christmas decorations for the Walt Disney Resort. She has worked for the resort in many capacities, both back stage and on stage, and for her, Disneyland will never lose its magic.

Genella also has a keen interest in the spiritual. She loves wandering around in graveyards and haunted places, the older the better. New Orleans is one of her favorite haunts,as is Tombstone, AZ.

Welcome to the manor, Genella! I have to say, you are one beautiful lady both inside and out!

How you were inspired to write this particular book?
We hear all the time about bad boys and tortured heroes - but there is something innately sexy to me about a man who dedicates his life to honor, goodness and humility. We find these types of men care about the environment and are conscious of every living thing in God's universe. They are good humans, hold manners in high regard and treat all others with a deep respect. And if he's smokin' hot, I'm a gonner and you may as well serve me to him on a platter. LOL

I found this Angel picture so long ago that I don't remember where I got it from - and if anyone knows who the artist is, please let me know. I'm sure they have many other works I'd gladly purchase. After the concept of Dacious fully fleshed himself out in my mind, this picture was one of my inspirations. :)

So, I had in my hand - or rather, head, my perfect man- strong, sensitive, perfection to look upon, humble - I knew he was the type to fall completely in love "come ruin or rapture" (to quote 'Shakespeare in Love.') He was going to need a very special soul mate to complete him. Thus, Gemmah Parker appeared and the rest of REMEMBER ME wound itself around the two.

Hum...I can defintely see why you'd be inspired!! LOL What's the most gratifying part of writing for you?
The most gratifying part of writing for me is creating a character that inspires and stays with readers. I aspire to write characters like Diana Gabaldon's Jamie Fraser from the OUTLANDER series, and Stephenie Meyer's Edward Cullen from TWILIGHT. If your heart went pitter-patter at the mention of these guys, raise your hand. Yup. Me too. ;)
And then there is this Thomas Rodin guy I seem to have developed a crush on lately. (Wink, wink, Amanda!)

Your check is in the mail, Genella,LOL, thanks! ;) What do you have coming up?
I am anticipating hearing from a few publishing houses who have some of my other stories - One in particular is about a client of REMEMBER ME's Gemmah, Valerie Hempstead, and her journey to Paris, France. It's a sexy historical romance entitled, 'The Art of Temptation' and it's about the opening of the Moulin Rouge.

What would you like to write that you haven't tried yet?
As far as writing something I haven't tried yet . . . Fantasy has been calling to me lately. The Fae wish to be heard! ;) I know the industry urges you to find that 'one thing' and stick with it - but I can't stick with one sub-sub-genre within historical romance. I'd get terribly board. If you look at my 'what's in the can' page on my website, you will see that I'm all over the place, historically speaking. They say to write what you know, and I know I have a deep interest in all things historical; when coupled with a yummy hero and a happily ever after, sign me up.

I understand that you have a spectacular review for "REMEMBER ME"? If I may quote a portion here?
"Genella deGrey has a gift for storytelling and I look forward to future tales from her. This is a treasure to anyone who needs a get-away read that has it all, romance with heat burning up the pages, a historical set in polite society, and even an angel or two."~PNR Reviews

Thats' an awesome review! Can you share the link so we can catch the rest of that wonderful review?

Sure, it's Paranormal Reviews

You also have a hauntingly beautiful boooktrailer! Can you tell us a bit about its creator?
I've been blessed in this life with the presence of many a talented person. Artists, actors, writers, singers . . . One of my friends, Jeff Mclane, who covers the gamut of gifts, made this trailer for me. If you wish to inquire about his book trailer services, you can find him on my MySpace page.

He is quite good! We loved that you were able to squeeze in a bit of time in your busy schedule for a visit and hope you'll come back again to the manor! Lord C.M. so loves it when we have guests! (particularly of the female variety) Is there someplace readers can contact you to find out more about your books?


I wish to thank the LIT gals for having me - and for fun, I'd like to give away a PDF of REMEMBER ME. Winner will be chosen by random from list of those leaving a comment. You can find out more about my books at my website! I love hearing from my readers! Genelladegrey.com

Sneak Peek at next weeks guest!

Our special guest at the manor next week just received her new booktrailer and it was so hauntingly beautiful that I thought we could enjoy it over the weekend!

Join us Tuesday when Genella DeGrey stops by the manor to talk to us about her fabulous new book, "Remember Me," and whats coming up for this talented lady!

And the Winner is.....

Hi guys!
Well, the marketing department at NAL have made their decision about the series title. I know I gave you till noon today to enter, but they were unamimous in their choice, and knew it wouldn't change.

I'd like to say that all the entries were great, and that when I get some promo stuff made up for Velvet Haven, I'd like to send everyone who made a suggestion a signed covered flat (if you want one) for all your hard work and creative juices!!!

So, without further ado, I announce the new name of the Annwyn Chronicles it's a variation of a suggestion. Immortals of Annwyn

The winner of the contest is flchen1!!!!!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!! Will you send me your name and address at sophie@sophierenwick.com
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and participated. I REALLY appreciated it!

And I thought I'd let you lovers of Lord Wallingford know that on my Charlotte Featherstone blog, I've been spreading little breadcrumbs about him and his book Sinful on the blog. I updated with a few little excerpts yesterday if you're interested.

Happy Friday everyone, and a good weekend ahead!!!!