Wednesday, November 7, 2012

An Interview With Galen Rose!



Hi Galen!  I’m so happy to have you visiting with us today!  Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few quick questions.  Let’s get right to it:

Can you tell us what your work space looks like?
Hi, Robyn!  Right now, my workspace is a mess. I’m not sure what happened because last week it was clear. Can I blame my cats?


Sure!  *smile*  What do you think are the best and worst parts of being a writer for you?
The best part is seeing people reading your work. Having them tell you how much they enjoyed it and ask when the next book is coming out.

The worst part for me, is the promo. I don’t enjoy it and find it tends to get in the way of writing.


Yes, I’m learning that the marketing side of things isn’t nearly as much fun as the writing!  Do you have a specific writing style?
I like writing in first person. I know it is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially in romance, but I feel I can get inside the head of the main characters that way.

 
That’s so unusual!  Makes me want to read your book even more!  Please tell us how you came up with the title for  A Place to Rest My Heart.
For most of the time while writing A Place to Rest My Heart, the title was ‘Laney’s Law’. But at the end that title made it sound more like a western theme.  I had to think about what my main character wanted most in life, and that was a place for her to truly allow herself to love and trust someone.


Where do you get your ideas?
I watch people all the time. Then I throw in what-if scenarios and go from there. The idea for A Place to Rest My Heart just popped into my head on a long drive and then would not leave my head, so I had to write it down. At the time I had no idea a novel was being born.


Do you read much?  If so, what book are you reading now and what rating would you give it?
Lately, I have been reading a lot of Carla Neggers books and Catherine Coulter. They are both five-star writers and I really enjoy their characters.

 
Are there any new authors that have garnered your interest?
Nikkie Locke, I really enjoyed Unbound and can’t wait for more.


What are you working on now?  Can you share a little of it here?
I am working on two projects right now. One is a left-at-the-altar adventure in Maui and the other is set in Washington about a woman who has not left her house in years and the man who helps her take that first step to love.

 
They both sound like something worth exploring! Do you ever experience writer's block?  What do you do to overcome?
Writer’s block is my arch-enemy, and it is a sneaky one too. To overcome it, I make myself step away from the project and do something that requires some manual labor. And if that doesn’t work, I head to the beach and take a long walk.

 
One last question, Galen:  What advice do you have to help other authors improve their writing?
Take advantage of all that RWA has to offer with writing classes, read your genre and don’t hesitate to work with a critique partner.

 
I know readers will want to find you and your book, A Place to Rest My Heart.  Can you leave us information on that?


Facebook:  http://www.galenrose.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/galnrose/

 

To order A Place to Rest My Heart:




  

Thanks again for spending time with us, Galen.  Good luck with your new projects and with your marketing! 


To our readers, what project are YOU currently working on?  Can you share a little of it here?  Or if you’ve read Galen’s book, tell us what you thought of it, please.  Thanks!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Romance Novel Love vs. Real Life Love


     - Photo coutesy of  Gregory Jordan-

What’s the difference between real love and romance-story love?

I’ve been thinking lately.  I like to write romance novels.  But I’d much rather live out my own life than the lives of my characters, as much as I enjoy ‘visiting’ their times.  A sweeping, life-altering romance is exhausting, to tell the truth. 

What’s wonderful is when the romance turns comfortable.  The fire still burns, as hot as ever at times, but it doesn’t have to be tended every moment.  You don’t have to worry about the tedious little things that trouble you when the romance is new.

Does he love me? Yes or No?  Up or Down? Left or Right?

He loves me.  I know it.  If we get into a serious discussion, I don’t have to worry he will slam out the door and leave for good.  He’s mine.  Forever.  That’s a remarkable feeling.  Even when I put on a couple of pounds and start to feel the effects of gravity, I know that he’ll be there. 

Can I say what’s on my mind?

With a new romance, you tiptoe.  When my husband and I were first married, I would get upset and hold things in.  He convinced me it was better for our marriage to express what I felt right when the situation occurred instead of letting things fester.  Now we solve issues right away, and stay happier.  Note: We are always careful to use loving words, and we never scream or blame -- but keeping the air clear is a big help.

But romance-books make it seem so appealing!

That’s because they are created by writers!  Who write about idealized situations.  The perfect scenario --which never exists in real life.  If you’re looking for romance-book love, you’ll probably be disappointed.  And/or exhausted.  *smile*

Here’s to real love – and Happily Ever After!
 
 
For today's offering,  I thought it fitting that I share a love poem (written in honor of our 20 years together):

 
~ A Love Story ~
 
 
On this day...but even more-
Every day of our double-score -
Written sweet on vellum page
A love to last for endless age

Light and delicate, even strokes
Prove we're blessed beyond average folks
Sweeping lines and lilting phrase
Captures our romantic days

The tale continues, and evermore
It's you I'll love, excite, adore
The page grows long, the ink still runs
Our simple story just begun

My Prince, I thought, when we first met
But then I hardly knew you yet
My Prince and more, you've proved to be
You've made a Princess out of me
 
by robyn corum
2/13/2012


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Leave a comment and tell me what's YOUR favorite thing about romance-novel love! 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Various and Sundry


Doing a new dance…?

    Where has the time gone?!  I stay so busy these days…and I’m sure you can relate.  The world is spinning faster, don’t you think?  Or is it only me that stays a bit left of center and off-balanced?

     I’m diligently working on the marketing portion of Melinda Heads West and churning out at least one thousand words a day for my new book, ‘Ama.‘  I’m keeping my nose to the grindstone/keyboard/internet.  *smile* But, in doing so, I’m finding the most remarkable things!  And of course, I want to share!  Let me give you a brief run down on some of the goodies I’ve discovered:

The Page 99 Test – “One Page of a Book.  One Moment to Grab You”

     You’ll find Page 99 at:  http://page99test.com/index.php   A free site, it’s been created to let authors post a sample of their book for the reading audience -- page 99, to be exact.  The randomness is what makes it so brilliant and so fun.  Readers get  true, inside, look at a book! 

     I highly recommend it for readers and authors!

The Food Timeline -FAQs: 19th century American foodways

    You’ll find this at:  http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpioneer.html#popularbrands

     It’s a site devoted to food!  A timeline of what was eaten and how it was prepared, from chuck wagons to Victorian dining.  Whether you’re just flipping through or doing research for a project, this website delights and entertains.

The NANOWRIMO – November is National Novel Writing Month!

     Do you have a great idea for a novel, but have been putting off the writing of it?  Well, Nanowrimo may be just for you!  http://www.nanowrimo.org/    It’s when writers of all genres get together to work on completing those manuscripts – in one month!  The goal is 50,000 words in one month, or an average of 1500-1600 words a day.  Can you do it?  Sure you can!  And the prizes and rewards are awesome!  Check it out!

 
A special shout out to Ashlyn Mathews for the author interview this week! 

     And thanks to all of you for dropping by.  Please visit my other tabs for lots of extra cool stuff! And remember that I add stuff almost daily!  Have a great week!

 
     Today’s offering is a poem I wrote a little while back when I was having one of THOSE days.  I’d like to share it with you.  Hope you enjoy! 

 

Keep On Keeping On

 It's one of those hazy days
It's one of those hazy days
When no one seems to care
Things are going wrong
And lots of tempers flare

You need to take a break
You need someone to call
But you haven't got the time
And you're up against the wall

Remember these few words
Say them nice and slow
"Hey! Hang in there, girl ~
'cause you're a dynamo!"

No matter what the odds
You can pull it through...
Remember that there's folks
Who still believe in you!

You're stronger than you think,
And braver than you know,
And somewhere deep inside
You've got that inner glow!

So keep that fight alive ~
You're never quite alone...
You'll always win the day
So keep on keeping on!

 
                                                            - by robyn corum
9/1/2012

 

 God bless !!  Til next time,   robyn