Rose Rating: Four Roses
Category: Uncategorized
It’s Time for Peach Schnapps and Drag Queens
If I’m reposting this article, then it means I just published a novel.
Very few things are guaranteed in the life of a writer. But one thing is for sure for me – I finish what I start. I don’t get tired halfway through a writing project and give up. When I start a novel, I will finish it. And that’s a big deal. Whatever happens to the book after that really isn’t under my control no matter how hard I work to market it to readers and hope for good reviews.
I once spoke to another writer who had a bottle of champagne chilling to only be opened on the day of her traditionally-published book launch. She didn’t even have an agent yet, let alone a publishing deal. It’s a nice idea to have the bubbly ready for when your book gets traditionally published…but what if that day never comes?
This kind of thing reminds me of Erma Bombeck’s essay entitled “If I had my life to live over”. One particular line always stuck with me for some reason. It was [if I had my life to live over] “I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.”
The point is – what are you waiting for?
As they say, tomorrow is promised to no one.
Well, today I published a novel. It’s time to celebrate. Now. Not when some agent or publisher or editor tells me it’s okay to celebrate. Not when I get a positive review from a reader. Not when I sell a bunch of copies. NOW.
And what if you wait until the book launch to celebrate and it’s not everything you thought it would be? If you think publishing a book means you’re no longer a struggling writer, you’re gonna be sorely disappointed. (reality check – – most published authors still have day jobs). I’m a big believer in celebrating every victory you can because they can be very few and far between in the writer life.
Instead of champagne, my drink of choice for writerly victories is peach schnapps. The main character in my debut novel drinks straight shots of peach schnapps, and now so do I. It’s funny. I’d never even tasted the stuff until Henry started drinking it…
Anyway, I keep a bottle of schnapps on hand only for special writing-related events. I drink a shot whenever I finish novel draft, get an especially good review of my book, or receive any other kind of good writing news.
I even have a special schnapps-only shot glass I made at a do-it-yourself pottery store…
(UPDATE on my Schnapps shot glass. It fell down the garbage disposal and got ground to pieces. I had always considered it my “good luck” shotglass, so that was not a good omen for my writing. Not gonna lie. I cried when that happened. Then my darling husband got me a new shotglass with my name engraved on one side and my publishing company name (Wannabe Pride) engraved on the other. Now the glass represents not only my writing business, but the love and support of my family. )
I find I really like the smell of peaches now because it smells like good news.
Another goofy tradition of mine is that every few months I like to settle down with a drink (okay, many drinks…) And watch one of my favorite movies – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – – – just for funsies. It occurred to me that I also tend to publish a novel every few months, so I decided to put the two traditions together.
So now when I publish a novel, I like to settle in with my drink(s) and watch the movie. (Another family update to this article – my awesome daughter now joins me in my celebratory tradition!!) There’s even a scene where the queens say ”chuggers!” and take a shot, which is the perfect time to break out the schnapps. Priscilla is a really funny, feelgood type of movie (even more so when you’ve been drinking…), so it’s always such a fun way to celebrate finishing a novel. It’s important to me to take a little time to just be happy about finishing the book, because the next step is to send it out into the world. Maybe people will love it, and I will be filled with joy. Maybe people will hate it, and my heart will be broken. I just never know.
Here’s what I do know: I wanted to write a novel. So I did.
And I published it today.
Bring on the schnapps.
-
Linda Fausnet
Romance Readers! Help the Innocent Victims of CockyGate
Hello Fellow Romance Addicts!
As you may be aware, there has been a terrible storm brewing in the Romance community of late.
An author named Faleena Hopkins has obtained a trademark of the word “Cocky” (additional litigation is still pending, and it is possible that the trademark will be rescinded).
This has had a horrible impact on many authors as they are being forced to pull their books (losing their ranking etc) and change their titles, covers, series names, and the like.
Ms. Hopkins has been unduly harsh in her efforts to enforce her trademark, resorting to leaving one-star reviews on other authors’ books (I have heard) and sending threatening letters to authors (this has happened for sure).
I am heartbroken at seeing what her malicious actions have done to other writers, and I’m dismayed to see her sales continue to climb despite her despicable behavior.
However, we are not helpless.
I am heartened at the Indie Community’s ability to band together in a spirit of generosity.
#ThisIsHowYouIndie has been trending on Social Media, as authors are recommending each other’s books and asking readers to do this same.
Here’s how YOU can help:
Give your favorite authors a shoutout on Social Media, using #ThisIsHowYouIndie and spread the love. Tell everyone what books you recommend.
You can help some of the authors directly by buying their books. Some of those books can be found HERE.
I am positively overwhelmed by the kindness of spirit I have seen displayed of late, from Romance Writers of America who are fighting for our rights, to the attorneys who have offered their services for free, to the cover artist who offered her services free of charge.
Love and kindness will conquer hate.
In the end, it always does.
Thank you so much for your support.
Lots of love,
Linda Fausnet
Cover Reveal – Meant to Be Broken
Release Date – July 2, 2018
Synopsis:
Rayne Davidson is perfectly happy fading into the background. Her mama’s antics garner enough attention in their small Southern town for the both of them, but when Rayne catches the eye of all-star quarterback, Preston Howard, she’s enamored with the possibilities. Too bad Preston doesn’t make her heart thump—his brother does.
Gage Howard doesn’t mind the town’s stares because he doesn’t get them. Growing up in his older brother’s shadow, Gage shrugs off the endless parade of girls Preston brings home—until Rayne.
But there are unwritten rules that shouldn’t be broken, like cheating on your boyfriend or betraying your brother. Rayne and Gage deny their growing attraction, neither willing to hurt Preston—until the town finds out.
They think overcoming the gossip will be the hardest obstacle.
They’re wrong.
Rayne’s mama has a secret, and its revelation could divide the town, the families, and the new couple.
Can love endure if it’s all built on a lie?
PREORDER LINK
AUTHOR WEBSITE
Join Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Email List HERE.
The Maiden’s Defender – A Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Book Review
Rose Rating – Five Roses
Title: The Maiden’s Defender
Author: E. Elizabeth Watson
Genre: Medieval Romance
Synopsis:
Training men to be ruthless soldiers is a skill at which Highlander Teàrlach MacGregor excels. He can kill three men with nothing but a sword and a couple of daggers. After he rescues a ward of the king, the beautiful Lady Madeline Crawford, the fierce warrior begins to yearn for a cottage of his own in the Highlands, with the sweet, delicate Madeline as the mother of his bairns.
Madeline begins to see a side of Teàrlach that nobody else has witnessed. The strong silent Highlander takes her to her first fair, teaches her to read, and bestows upon her a passionate kiss—her very first. But Madeline is informed that she is betrothed to another with the blessing of the king, making her and Teàrlach’s love forbidden.
Teàrlach, the famed fighter, vows to make Madeline his even if that means bringing down her corrupt warden, and Madeline knows that she must defy the king if she hopes to claim her Highlander.
What I Loved About this Book:
This was the first time I can remember reading a Medieval Romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It features my favorite romance novel guy – a swoon-worthy protective hero. Who doesn’t love a sexy highlander?
Madeline is an uneducated yet smart and strong heroine. She started out as fairly meek and with good reason. Her father was a brute who oppressed her horribly and refused to let her learn to read. She was illiterate through no fault of her own, but she was also inquisitive and highly intelligent.
The hero, Tearlach, recognizes and admires her intelligence. He even teaches her to read. How swoon-worthy is that??
Madeline certainly came into her own at the end, which I really loved. Naturally, women were supposed to be meek and mild in that time period, but Madeline proved she was no shrinking violet when it came to choosing her own destiny.
Sexual Content: Lots of sensuality and some actual sex.
Overall: I enjoyed this sweeping romance from beginning to end and would highly recommend it!
Related links:
AMAZON
AUTHOR WEBSITE
A Taste of Wonderland – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Book Review
Title: A Taste of Wonderland
Author: Allison West
Genre: Age-Play Romance
Synopsis:
Alice Hall is a thirty-two-year-old writer at The Daily Chronicle. When Mr. White pays a visit to her boss and insists she visit Wonderland on assignment, Alice believes it to be a cruel joke. She soon discovers that Wonderland is nothing like what she read about as a child. The owner of the Queen of Tarts invites Alice inside, feeding her delightful sweets in hopes that Alice’s article will focus on her pastry shop. It is not only dessert that the owner of the Queen of Tarts feeds her but also stories of Baylor, the owner of the local pastry competitor, The Mad Batter. He may be hot and single, but he also has a reputation for having a secret club catering to special “Littles” hidden within town.
Will Alice be able to get an invitation to the secretive club and find the story that she desires to write? Despite the dangers, she is determined to satisfy her curiosity. Will her investigative skills be enough to keep her out of trouble, or will she find her bottom bared?
What I Liked About this Book:
This was quite a different read for me. Don’t be fooled by the innocent-looking cover. This is an age-play romance (something I have never heard of), and involves role-playing romance between “littles” and their “papas”. Though this was decidedly not my cup of tea, it was a well-written story with intriguing characters and a good story. This was also a spanking romance (which I have heard of but have never read before). Alice is a reporter in search of story, and gets more than she bargained for when she visits the town of Wonderland. She discovers that the owner of the Mad Batter bakery shop owns a secret sex club where adults can live out their fantasies of either being little, being both pampered and punished, or being a Papa or Mama, and remain in control at all times. If you’re in the mood for something highly imaginative, and perhaps slightly out of your comfort zone, you might want give this one a try!
What Could Have Been Better: This was a well-written story, but definitely not my kind of thing. Still, I’m I gave it a try!
Sexual Content: And how.
Overall: This was a fairy Tale with a helluva twist!
Related Links:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
iBOOKS
KOBO
Call It Chemistry – Romance Novel Addicts Book Review
RNAA Rose Rating – Four Roses
Title: Call It Chemistry: A Golden Grove Series Small Town Sweet Romance
Author: D.J. Van Oss
Genre: Small Town / Sweet Romance
Synopsis:
Is it ever too late for a second chance?
Kate Brady never thought she’d set foot in her hometown again. After all, Golden Grove was the scene of the biggest embarrassment of her life, back when she was “Katie Braces,” the high-school art nerd. But if she’s going to climb the corporate ladder at her demanding Chicago design firm, she has to take on a re-branding job for Nitrovex, the big (and boring) chemical plant on the outskirts of her Iowa hometown. And to do that, she’s going to need the help of her old next-door-neighbor, Peter Clark, the cute guy she’s never really gotten over.
Before he lost his dad, Peter Clark had planned on a prestigious career as a chemical engineer doing cutting-edge science. Now here he is, still stuck in his small hometown, teaching chemistry at his old high school. The last thing he expected was seeing his childhood crush, Katie, back in Golden Grove. But when one trip turns into multiple visits, he wonders if this is a chance to heal old wounds – and maybe more.
Will Kate be able to get the job done while enduring all of these heart-thumping distractions from Peter? And will Peter take a chance on finding love with the girl he once let get away?
What I Loved About this Book:
The plot involved actual chemistry, which I thought was rather clever. Katie and Peter were engaging characters with fully-developed stories and backstories. Former friends and nearly high school sweethearts, the two connect years later when Katie returns to her hometown on business. Peter is a high school chemistry teacher and is the perfect person to help Kate with her important advertising account for the town’s chemical company. The side characters were engaging, too, if slightly pushy and annoying. Then again, haven’t we had pushy and annoying neighbors and other characters in our lives??
What Could Have Been Better:
I found the plot engaging and enjoyable to read, but this was one of those books where the central plot was set up in the beginning without much new information being introduced. Perhaps it could have benefited with a little more conflict or maybe some new developments being scattered throughout.
Sexual Content: None. The book is billed as a clean romance, and delivers on that promise.
Overall: A clever, engaging story about romantic and actual chemistry.
Related links:
Author website
Join the email list for Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous and get a FREE romance novel.
I HATE William Faulkner
Okay, so this article is book-related, but not romance-related. This was one of my most popular posts from my old writing-related site, and I couldn’t help but want to share it here. It’s as true today as it was when I first wrote it.
Buckle up – it’s rant time…
I (STILL) HATE WILLIAM FAULKNER
As an English major, I had to take an entire class on William Faulkner. I hated him then and I hate him now. Before taking this class I had read some of his short stories, which were halfway normal. Nothing to write home about but nothing to get all up in arms about either.
Then I was introduced to his novels. It wasn’t long before I started referring to him as the Dark Leader of Literature. I wore all black clothes and listened to the Darth Vader theme music on the way to class (I really did. It was like my own inside joke and helped me get through the misery).
I really really hated him.
If you’ve never read any of his books…you’re luckier than I am! Haha, I kid.
No I don’t. I wish I’d never heard of the guy… Anywho, in case you had nicer teachers than I did and you were never subjected to his work, Faulkner’s novels are written in some kind of wacky, stream-of-consciousness, incomprehensible way that lots of people think is brilliant but I think it just reads like old Willy was sniffing glue. Half the time you can’t figure out who the hell is talking and you can’t decipher what they are prattling on about.
Seriously, reading his books is like trying to solve a math problem. Not exactly fun to cozy up with in bed with a cup of tea. I was too busy throwing the book at the wall and shaking my fist at the sky (when I should have been shaking it at the ground. At least that’s where he should have ended up after putting me through a whole semester of torture.)
It just annoys me when people go on and on about how brilliant Faulkner is and about how his wonderful books are a superb commentary on the South and all that. I’m sure there’s some brilliance in there SOMEWHERE, but I’m too busy trying to figure out what the hell is going on. It’s hard to lose yourself in a story when you can’t even tell which character is talking and you find yourself fantasizing about setting the book on fire and slowly watching it burn….
I confess it’s been eighteen years since I took that class. I’m older, wiser, and have written five novels and ten screenplays as of this writing (Fun Fact: William Faulkner was a failed screenwriter. Hahahahha! Sorry…back to the blog…) I’ve read a lot and written a lot since then. Perhaps I should go back and read some of his work as a mature adult to see if my opinion has changed.
Yeah. Not gonna happen.
If I’m not getting graded and I don’t have to write a paper on it, I’m not going near Faulkner’s books.
On the plus side, Faulkner’s dead so he can’t write any more books!
Sorry, that was mean. But I’m okay with it.
If you wanna talk classic literature, this guy is way more my speed.
“My books are water; those of the great geniuses is wine. Everybody drinks water.” – Mark Twain
Well said.
Suck it, Faulkner.
-
Linda Fausnet
P.S. I wrote this article several years ago and I am happy to state that nothing has changed. I STILL hate William Faulkner, and have enjoyed my Faulkner-free years with much verve and gusto.
I was in Barnes and Noble a few years ago and, just for funsies, I took a look in the fiction section to see where my books might end up should I ever get traditionally published. Looking under the FAU fiction section, it dawned on me that my books would be smack dab right next to my good buddy Faulkner.
As a self-pubbed author, my work isn’t exactly on the shelves of Barnes and Noble. However, my debut novel *is* on the library shelves:
I get a huge kick out of the fact that my rainbow-colored novel about gay equality, QUEEN HENRY, is nestled snugly next to Faulkner’s “classic” novel, THE SOUND AND THE FURY.
I don’t know if Faulkner is chuckling or rolling in his grave, but this sure made me smile…
Spinning Time – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Recommended Read
This was a truly engaging read with engrossing characters and several sweet romances. It is a standalone novel, which was very refreshing. This was different from what I normally read, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. Terrific, engaging writing and a clever story.
The book is available on AMAZON
Visit the author’s WEBSITE
Protector by Michelle Horst – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Recommended Read
This was a terrific story, but NOT for the faint of heart. Personally, I’m used to reading much lighter fare but I decided to give this a try. Not gonna lie…I almost quit on this book as the beginning is pretty violent and very depressing (some readers love that, so who I am I to judge?) I’m glad I hung on and stuck with it, because this turned out to be a terrific, page-turningly good read. There of moments of violence and sadness, but also romance and hope. Overall, a great read.
Find the book HERE.