Daydream Believer

Recently I drove down this country lane. I was on my way to somewhere I didn't particularly care to go, and I've got to admit--I was daydreaming. Thinking I might "dream" myself to a different destination, I suppose.

Anyhow, it isn't hard to imagine this road could lead anywhere, does it?

Hope the roads you travel today take you somewhere pleasant! Happy Friday!

Spanish Lies

Still in the same situation with my broken wrist, I am posting blurb and cover for
Spanish Lies, published by Whiskey Creek Press and available in print and e book.

Ciao! Margaret

Blurb – Spanish Lies

Ginny has a terrible secret buried inside her; it has the potential to ruin her life. She loves her son, and is still attracted to the man who broke her heart, if she goes to Spain she knows she will be putting all she holds dear in harms way…yet she feels she has to take the chance.
He was a man of fierce passion and she was a woman who has a terrible secret.

Published in e book and print form by
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
available from the publisher and from
www.amazon.com
www.fictionwise.com

The Recession and Writing

Just days ago I blogged about an upcoming conference. Yesterday it was canceled -- another casualty of the economic downturn. We see it everyehere -- our favorite shops and restaurants shuttering down.

Are there any bright spots? According to the news, the answer is yes. Romance novels are flying off the shelves at book stores. So here is my hope -- that the Larks will all experience a fabulous uptick in sales. And next year we'll all be able to afford our favorite writing conference. Sound good?

Forty Years Ago

I met him. We were both teenagers. I was spending the summer with my dad, he was spending the summer at his family's camp on China Lake. My dad's girlfriend lived in an upstairs apartment at his uncle's huge house across from that very camp. To earn extra money for the summer he was spending most of his days painting his uncle's house.

His name was Jack. Tall, handsome as sin and a soft spoken boy of eighteen. I was younger than him, but very mature for my age. I had the figure of a woman, my hair fell to my waist. I'll never forget the first time we saw each other. I was wading in China Lake, wearing my favorite blue and while polka dot dress. He was watching me from the bank, just standing there with his friend.

As soon as our eyes met I became infatuated with him. And I'm pretty sure it was reciprocated, considering we spent every free moment together the rest of that summer. My favorite time was when we would lay under a secluded tree after dark, staring up at the stars and just talking. It was one of those nights that he gave me my first kiss. A soft, exploring kind of kiss that revealed he was just as nervous as me.

When summer ended and I had to leave, I cried all the way to the airport, which was five hours away. Jack joined the navy soon after and we wrote back and forth for two years. We exchanged pictures, talked on the phone and he sent me gifts.

Then the letter every young person hates to receive, when someone you love or think you love reveals they've met someone and are getting married. I remember Jack saying he had a decision to make and he was afraid that no matter what he did, he would lose a good friend. I wasn't stupid, I knew what he was talking about. I have to be honest and say at the time that I told Jack I was happy for him. I wrote him one last letter and never heard from him again.

Why is it that one summer remains with me so vivid after all these years? I don't dwell on it, or Jack, but once in a while something will remind me of him. Or I'll have a dream and wake up with him on my mind. And worse, my cousin will call and tell me she's heard this or that about him. She's close to his family and has had occasions to visit with him and his wife and they email back and forth.

Over the years I've seen glimpses of him when I've gone home to visit and he just happens to be visiting his family at the same time. Then that summer comes back to haunt me with what was...what could have been. And that's silly.

So, what is it? Why are there times when I think about him that I feel so melancholy? My gosh, for the most part I've had a happy life. I went on and found my prince charming...twice:) Is it the loss of youth that bothers me? A time of innocence in a small town of days spent in the lake or down at the ice cream stand with friends? I wish I knew.

How many of you have something in your past that you can't seem to let go of?

Conference Coming Up

I went to a Wizard of Words Conference in 2008 and it was great. Here are the details of their next conference.

Registration Deadline - September 1, 2009

WOW Writers Conference in Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! Experience Las Vegas And attend the 2009 WOW Writers Conference - mixing pleasure with business. Nineteen dynamic workshops, keynotes, panels, luncheon and banquet.


JACK WHYTE, Scottish award-winning poet and historical fiction writer (residing in Canada), heads the cast of illustrious presenters at the 2009 WOW Writers Conference on October 16 & 17 at the Plaza Hotel/Casino downtown Las Vegas.

Among the workshop presenters and panels are the following publishers, marketers, agents, editors, authors, and film producer:

JOHN PAUL OWLES - Featured Publisher - Joshua Tree Publishing, Chicago
WILLIAM BERNHARDT - Author of the "Ben Kincaid" thrillers (20 novels) & founder of HAWK Publishing Group
JENIFFER THOMPSON - Web Marketing Guru - Los Angeles
PENNY SANSEVIERI - Internet Publicity Expert - Los Angeles
DAVID ROSENBERG - Award-winning political thriller writer - New York
PATRICIA BROOKS - Marketing Expert, Author and Publisher - Scottsdale
MORGAN ST. JAMES - Public Speaker and author of Silver Sisters Mystery series - Los Angeles
VIRGINIA NOSKY - Award-winning poet and novelist - Phoenix
CHANTELLE OSMAN - Film Producer/Agent/Attorney - Los Angeles
MARY SUE SEYMOUR - Literary Agent - New York
BRENDA HILL - Editor and award-winning novelist - Los Angeles
RICHARD SPRING - Publisher - Sly Fox Press, Las Vegas
DAVE PRICE - Publisher - Wishingstone Publishing, Las Vegas
REBECCA BUCKLEY - Author/Publisher - RJ Buckley Publishing, Queen Creek AZ
JACK WHYTE will also present a workshop on Friday - Oct 16

You may register and download the actual conference schedule of workshops on the Wizards of Words website - www.wizardsofwords.org. All Authors may display and sell books in the WOW Bookstore on the premises. Photographer will be on hand to update your professional head shots, if you’re so inclined.

Remember ... Deadline for registration is September 1, and only 150 attendees can be accommodated. So please hurry and beat the deadline, you don't want to miss this one!

By September 1 ... WOW Members $179, non-members $259
After September 1 ... WOW Members $219, non-members $299


Contact Information

Wizards of Words Writers Conference
Rebecca Buckley 480-316-4350
wizardsofwords@aol.com
www.wizardsofwords.org









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Eden's Child

I am still suffering from the inconvenience of a broken wrist so no proper blog today. However I thought I would revisit one of my older novels, published by Whiskey Creek Press, Eden's Child, which was a number 1 best seller.

I hope you enjoy the extract and if you are further inspired, check out the reviews on my website www.margaretblake.co.uk

They reached the creek and the bridge, and rested for a moment. The lights of Mandorah in the distance seemed an intrusion. Then there was a sudden stillness as if the earth held its breath. The frogs and crickets were momentarily silenced. Words came to her:

In such a night as this, when the sweet wind did gently kiss, And did they make no noise in such a night the trees.*

The words made her mad and reckless, pulsing the blood through her veins, like a river in flood. There was a demanding fluttering at her stomach, an ache throbbing at her very core. She reached out and her fingers tumbled down the soft suede of Nevis’ jacket till they found his hand. They looped through his rigid fingers until the full heat of her hand melted his own into movement. They stood, fastened together, linked in innocent intimacy.

He began to let his hand make love to hers, rubbing and pushing and probing her wrist, teasing her palm. He was practically breathless from the sensuality of such a touch, had to close her eyes and all the while her mind spilled out hot images of how that hand would feel if it probed and stroked her flesh elsewhere.

He’ll have to kiss me – he can’t touch me like this and not want to.

Her knees almost bucked at the thought of his mouth on hers – and then, at the same time the world began to breathe once more, the frogs croaking high and horribly, he let her hand go.

“Let’s get back,” he said, brutally in control. “It’s late.”

* Shakespeare – The Merchant of Venice

Cheers and as always HAPPY READING!

A New Review

Sometimes you have to wait for reviews but doesn't that make them all the sweeter. The Long and Short of It just reviewed my latest novel and concluded with "Men of Paradise is a topsy-turvy romance with quirky characters, a lot of laughs and with a dash of the heartwarming sprinkled around for good measure."

To read the entire review try this link: longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/.../men-of-paradise-by-kathleen-oconnor.html -

Interview with John Lindermuth

Welcome to John Lindermuth a best selling writer from the
Whiskey Creek Press stable:


Hi John welcome to Lark journals—your latest Whiskey Creek Press release is “Watch the Hour” could you tell us a little about it.

WTH is set in the turbulent 1870s in Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region when mine owners and their laborers, particularly the Irish, were in conflict over wages and working conditions. Ben Yeager, a coal company police officer, tries to walk the line between following orders and being fair to the workers whose lot he sees as little different than his own. Despite his efforts at fairness, his job makes him the enemy of the Irish. And that’s the crux of his troubles. For Ben is in love with an Irish girl.

Did you have to carry out a lot of research? How did you go about it?

I was born and raised in the region, so I had some familiarity with the history and I’ve read much about the period. I’m librarian of the county historical society where I assist others with research and genealogy. There was much material readily available to me.

I know you are a very prolific writer of thrillers. Which do you prefer writing, short stories or novels?

Short stories are challenging and I have written a good number. But I’m afraid I’m a bit long-winded in my tales and I like having a broader tapestry. I’d have to say the novel is my preferred playing field.

How did you start writing?

My Dad had a decent library and encouraged me to read. When I first started writing I wanted to emulate those I read and admired. Later I realized I was also influenced by my grandfather who retired early because of health problems. As the only grandson, I spent a lot of time with him, listening to his wealth of stories about earlier times, people he’d known and even some I’m sure he made up.

Tell us a little about you, John—what your hobbies are, etc.

When I’m not writing, reading or drawing I enjoy spending time with my children and my four grandsons. I also like walking, especially in the woods and mountains around home. And I spend a lot of my free time on genealogy.



What are you working on next?



I’ve just completed the fourth novel in the Sticks Hetrick series and submitted it to Whiskey Creek. One of several WIP now occupying my time involves a rural sheriff in the 1890s in Pennsylvania. One man has been stabbed and another has died of arsenic poisoning. The sheriff thinks there’s a connection between the two.

Thank you so much, John it has been great having you visit with us.

Summer Shopping

I like to shop. I come from a family of shoppers. My mother and I used to make a day of it with the highpoint being lunch at Burdines Department Stores. We didn't buy a lot -- often all we got was lunch. But it was the hunt that thrilled us. My mother always looked for fabulous shoes on sale. Since she had extremely narrow feet in a size that was hard to find, she was rarely successful but that never deterred us.

My sisters and I have carried on the family tradition. My two sisters live near each other and frequent the Bon Ton or Chistopher & Bank and shop the sales. It's harder for me because I don't live near any big stores so I sometimes shop the local thrift stores. Last week I went to a new one called Second Hand Rose with a couple friends. It was arranged like a high-end boutique and every thing you bought benefited a local charity. I got a beautiful designer summer sweater for six dollars and, of course, afterwards we went to lunch.

Spoiled Felines...What?

I used to scoff at animal lovers who pampered their pets and treated them like a valued family member. Well...they are valued family members. I mean, some of them can live close to twenty human years. Like cats. So, wouldn't it behoove you to give them the best possible life you can? They love us unconditionally. They greet us when we come home. They keep us company. Some warn us when trouble is coming.

All that said, yes, I've joined the ranks of spoiling my three little furry friends. I went out this past weekend and purchased one of those drinking fountains for them. It has a filter and the water is constantly running so it stays clean and cool. Kind of like having a running faucet on all the time, and they love it!

And I enjoyed watching them check it out with cat curiosity:)

Looking for Rain...

...so I'll have an excuse to stay inside and bake cookies. Bad weather is so easy to find most months of the year, but during the summer I wait for a gloomy day to brush off my recipes and pull out my mixing bowls.

Today I'll be baking one of my hubby's favorites. I thought these might go over big in your house, too!

Have a nice weekend!

Jam Tarts

1¼ cups unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 cups sifted flour
2 cups ground almonds
1/8 t. cinnamon
7 T. raspberry jam
confectioner’s sugar

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add flour, almonds and cinnamon.

Shape the dough into a ball
and refrigerate for one hour.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Roll the dough out and cut into circles.

Place on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes.
Cool.

Spread half of the rounds with jam. Place remaining rounds over jam to form “sandwiches” and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.
~

new post

I have exchanged days with Kathy this week. Tomorrow I am off on a train to the town of Blackburn. This is to take part in a radio interview on Lanacshire Radio. It is the station that covers our large county, and I am thrilled about it. I shall be talking to Sally Naden who is a very popular presenter. As well as talking about my books we will also be chatting about the dangers of sunbathing and skin cancer. Having been a sun worshipper and had a basal carcinoma removed from my eye, I guess I can serve as a warning to others.

It will be quite an adventure getting there. I love train travel, in fact like it better than any other form. So civilised - get a cup of coffee, read a book, watch the countryside speeding by and see lots of intresting things in people's back gardens! Lots of food here for a writer.

Well I would like to write more but on top of everything else, I fell while coming back from the gym. I broke my wrist but on the positive side, it was my left - and I am sporting a pink plaster, looking like the poor woman's Barbara Cartland!

Ciao

Great Review!

OMG...I just received a new review for "IT'S ALL IN THE JEANS" and it's fantastic! Below is a snippet but you can read the whole thing at: Seriously Reviewed. I think she liked it:)

Snippet:
So, let me start by saying I laughed my rear off, got lots of warm fussies, and could NOT put this book down until it was done! A totally funny, sexy story that will sizzle and smolder until you don't think you can take anymore.....but then surprise....you can :)

This was the first book I ever read by Ms Richards and am pleased to say it was not the last. I have since picked up a copy of The Cowboy Way. I won't spoil but rest assured I have a review for it waiting in the wings;)

Definitely will make a wonderful addition to your library. You don't want to miss this one :)
Posted by romancereader at 8:26 PM

CONTEST WINNER

Cate Masters was the winner of our guest blogger, Annette Snyder's contest. Congratulations Cate and thanks to all who participated.!

Flowers Everywhere!

Happy July 4th weekend!

Here on the farm, we've got lots of red, white and blue on display. With everything blooming like mad, we don't wait for holidays to celebrate. Enjoy!

Blurbs

There is a new review for Shadows of the Past at the hale authors blogspot -
www.haleauthors.blogspot.com Why I am mentioning this is that the reviewer
says I have given too much away in the blurb,although the review is positive about the novel.

It got me thinking and I have to admit that I am lousy at writing blurbs. I would rather write 20,000 words of a novel than one blurb. So what? I might hear you cry - so you don't do blurbs well, who cares? Well blurbs are pretty important. The cover attracts the eye, the hand strays to the book and what does the potential reader do? They read the blurb! The blurb is our advertisement, it has to be right.

Really, I think blurbs should be in the hands of the advertising or publicity departments at the publishers. After all these are the people who can write on a dime, so to speak. They know how to shrink something and yet still make it attractive.

So for me, a visit to the dentist or write a blurb? No contest...I will try the blurb but phew it was a close one!