Movies

Those of you who know me, who follow this blog or any blogs I’ve been a guest on, know I love movies. Action movies, romantic comedies, adventures, mysteries, musicals, fantasies, slice-of-life. Anything with a satisfying ending. I like movies better than books. Is that heresy for an author? Unlike books, I can share movies with my husband. He’s not a reader like I am. While he reads my books (out of loyalty), fiction is not his thing. But an enjoyment of movies is something we share.

If I have a choice, I’d rather see a movie at the theater. In the dark, on a wide-screen, with surround sound. For a couple of hours, I can be anywhere and anyone. Which is a lot like reading, isn’t it? If Hubs and I really like a movie, or missed it at the theater, we’ll buy the DVD. Some movies I’ll watch over and over. Hubs, not so much. I have sort of tunnel vision when I watch a movie. I concentrate on the main character and miss subtle things going on off to the sides. So re-watching a movie helps me see what I’ve missed. I had to watch Inception three times before I got it all and even then I wondered if I really did.

I love the “behind the scenes” feature of movies. Most of the time. When they tell/show too much of how something was done, it spoils the illusion. But learning why a film was made, what convinced the producer/director/actor to do that movie enhances it for me.

While plot and character are as important in a film as they are in a book, movies have something books don’t. Music. What an enrichment the music makes to a film. Can you imagine an Indiana Jones movie without John Williams’ soundtrack? Or Jaws?

With my enjoyment of movies, I’m sure you know what I watched last night. The Oscars. What fun to see the Bond films honored. Fifty years! Having seen Skyfall at the theater and on the DVD, I was so happy to see Adele win for the theme. It’s always exciting to see the people who worked on films we saw be rewarded by their peers. There were disappointments when actors I wanted to win didn’t. Surprises when others won. Clips from movies I hadn’t seen made me want to go to the theater or find out if it was available on DVD.

As much as we enjoy going to the movies, it’s rare that we’ve seen the film that won Best Picture. That happened last night. For me, that was the surprise of the night. After we saw Argo, back in October, I wrote on Facebook that even though I knew the ending the movie kept me on the edge of my seat. Would they escape or be captured. Well done. Too bad its director (Ben Affleck) wasn’t even nominated.

Were there any surprises/disappointments for you?

Sneak Peek Sunday - Switched

This is a first for me. I'm participating in "Sneak Peek Sunday" where authors post six paragraphs from their work.  Here is a sneak peek at my first book in the Switched series. Jessie has just been beamed aboard a starship. As you can tell from the excerpt, she doesn't believe.

 

     The captain glanced at the pedestal monitor then did the quickest double-take in history. “By the Seven Moons of Tarsus. Wait here.” He strode toward the opening.

     “Not on your life, buddy.” Jessie raced after him, her gait awkward due to only one shoe. The low hum seemed a little louder as they walked down a long, gray-carpeted hall that curved to the right. People, dressed in a variety of costumes, passed them. All nodded with respect to her companion. They gave her odd looks.

     “So, big guy, what is this? A Trekkie convention or something? Whoa.” She swiveled around to gawk at a green-skinned, eight-foot tall character passing by. “Who did that guy’s make-up? I can’t get over the costumes here. No wonder the ceilings are so high. They’d have to be to—”

     Still gawking over her shoulder, she ran right smack into the Captain who must have stopped and turned around. His strong arms encircled her, steadying her against his hard, muscular chest.

     “Sorry.” Her face flamed at being held by this superb specimen of manhood. Those spectacular silver eyes seemed to sear her soul. A tremor rippled through her. Her breath caught in her throat. Geez, I need to get out more. Maybe I should take up Mrs. C. on her matchmaking.

     The Captain abruptly released her. He looked almost as discombobulated as she felt by their close encounter. He tapped the keypad on his wrist and a portion of the wall parted. She was about to ask how they concealed the doors when she was stunned by the large room. Eyes wide, she followed him in.

Switched is available at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords

Click here to read excerpts from other authors.

River of Love by Rosanne Bittner

About River of Love {Book 3 ~ Savage Destiny Series}

Zeke Monroe will do anything to protect his Abbie and make sure she is happy, which is why he opts to settle into ranching and build his Abbie-girl a home of her own where they can begin raising a family on the plains of Colorado along the Arkansas River.  But the encroachment of white settlers and its affect on Zeke’s Cheyenne brothers begins to threaten his and his family’s safety, and the paradise he and Abbie find is short-lived.  Still, nothing can kill the devotion these two share toward each other, and it’s love that holds them together through heartbreaking adversity outside their private world.

Excerpt

“Come back to bed, Zeke,” Abbie told him softly.  “You know how I hate storms.  Come and hold me.”

The rain started pelting the roof then, and he came back beside her.  Both were naked, for that was the way they always slept.  … She pulled the buffalo robe over them, snuggling close to him, finding perfect shelter from the storm that frightened her.  She was afraid of nothing when Zeke was beside her.  He was like a rock, indestructible, strong, hard, never afraid.  She lifted her face to his.  Then his lips covered hers and she had no defense against the way he had of enticing her, as if his manliness and his touch were not enough. …
  
River of Love is available on Amazon (Book is exclusive to Amazon)

About Rosanne Bittner

I've been writing for nearly thirty years and to date have had 57 novels published, all about the American West of the 1800's and Native Americans. I write romance, but not the typical bodice-ripping adventures. My stories are deep love stories, often family sagas told as a series. It is the hero and heroine's love that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of settling America's western frontiers. I absolutely love the Rockies, the Tetons, the Sierras, and the wide-open plains, prairies and desert land west of the Mississippi. In my books, I strive to tell the truth about the settling of the West and how it affected our American Indians, as well as the gritty depth of what our brave pioneers suffered in their search for free land and a better life.

I am a member of the Nebraska and Oklahoma Historical Societies, my local southwest Michigan historical society, Women Writing the West, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (treasurer) and the national RWA, and a local charity group called the Coloma Lioness Club. I help run a family business and love doing things with my three young grandsons. If you visit my web site atwww.rosannebittner.com, where all my titles are listed as well as a page that lists all my many writing awards; or you can visit me on Facebook. At either site you will learn news of new books to come as well as reprints of many of my past titles soon to be published in trade paperback and as e-books! I also have an author site at Amazon.com.

 Rosanne's Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Meet Jessica Subject

I’m happy to welcome author Jessica Subject here today. I met Jessica through a very supportive online group called Authors Helping Authors and Jess is extremely supportive.

Hi, Jessica, welcome. Please tell us about yourself.

Thank so much for having me on your blog today, Diane! I’m Jessica Subject, and I write contemporary and science fiction romance ranging from sweet to erotica. Some of my stories contain clones, or a sexy alien or two, and are set on Earth, in space, and on far-away planets.

When I’m not writing, reading, or doing dreaded housework, I like to get out and walk. Fast. But I may just slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

I live in Ontario, Canada, with my husband and two energetic children. And I LOVE to hear from my readers.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote my first romance story in grade seven, called It Starts With A Kiss, and I published many newsletter for my youth group, and work. But, it wasn’t until I was on maternity leave with my second child that I actually considered having my work published on a much bigger scale.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It varies depending on what other writing and promo items I have on my to-do list. I can write a short story, and have it ready to submit in two weeks. But if I have other things going on, such as new releases, it could take a couple months to finish.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I get my ideas from everyday life. Sometimes something someone says can spark an idea. Other times, it could be a news article I’ve read somewhere. I never have a problem finding ideas. I just have a problem with finding the time to turn them all into stories.

I know that feeling. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my family, read, get outside and walk fast. I love hiking, too, but I don’t get a chance to do that as often.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 12 published stories, 1 print book, which is a collection of 5 of my stories, and 1 story that is contracted, but not released yet. I also have a series of six novels that needs to be rewritten before I publish them. Plus, I’m working on three stories right now with many more ideas on my to-write list.

My favorite? That’s so hard to choose. They each hold a special place in my heart. My two latest releases, Accidental Romance, and Made For Her were so much fun to write. And it seems with every new story, I try something different.

What is the best part of writing for you?

Forgetting about all of the stresses of everyday life, and losing myself in the story. It’s the same thing when I’m reading a book, too.

I totally agree. Where do you start when writing? Research, plotting, outline, or...?

When an idea pops into my head, I’ll write things down and play with it for a couple of days. Then I write down a rough outline. If I need to do any research for the beginning of the story, I’ll do that, too, before I start writing. Most of my research happens throughout the story, though.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I think it really depends on what type of story you’re looking for. If you want a sweet story, I’d recommend Accidental Romance. For erotic romance, Made For Her, and if you want erotica, then Alien Lover.

What two authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

Two? That’s a hard question. My list of books I own that I haven’t read yet contains over 1,000 stories. Most of them are ebooks. I also read stories from my critique partners, DL Jackson, Layna Pimentel, Rebecca Royce, and Zee Monodee. Sorry, but I just can’t narrow it down to two.

Tell us about your latest book.

Accidental Romance is part of the new The Challenge series at Decadent Publishing. Here’s a little bit more about the series:

Challenge: A test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.

In every life, there are challenges, boulders in the flowing stream of existence. From the physical, to the psychological or emotional, nobody is immune. No one gets through life intact, but the challenge is not to avoid damage, but to work through, past or around the things that make life so difficult.

We all know people who do this—live fulfilling lives in spite of the difficulties they are forced to deal with.

The Challenge series is about characters who do just this—and the people who love them. Challenge is a romance series with a twist. The “challenge” takes a central role in the characters’ romance.

And here’s the blurb for Accidental Romance:

At twenty-two, Leanne Declan has graduated from college and hopes to take over the family farm until a tragic accident changes her life forever. Unable to do the simplest everyday chores, she must depend on her family and friends as she learns to face life’s challenges. But when her fears threaten to destroy her future, can an unexpected love be strong enough to help her dreams come true?

Excerpt:

     A million needles pierced her wrist. She had to get away from the fire. Leanne flicked open her eyes, screaming, longing for the agony to stop.

     White walls surrounded her. Machines beeped. Taking in the new scenery, she closed her mouth, the pain forgotten. Bags filled with clear liquids as well as blood hung from a metal pole. She followed the tubes from the bags into her left hand. Was that where the burn came from? She glanced at the other arm, the end of which was wrapped in thick bandages. The image of spinning blades and her mangled flesh flashed before her eyes. She screamed again, tears falling down her cheeks. This can’t be happening.

     Bodies rushed into the room, many in scrubs. With her vision blurred, she didn’t recognize anyone. All strangers. She was in the foreign place by herself. A nightmare. Has to be.

     “Shh, calm down, sweetie. You’ll be okay.”

     A familiar voice. She glanced to her other side to see her mom standing beside her, her eyes glassy. She held her hand, but Leanne couldn’t feel it, only the throbbing which had returned to her other one, the one that was…gone? She groaned, turning on her side, and pulled her knees up to her chest.

     “Mom, is it really…?”

     She brushed her fingers over her forehead. “Don’t worry about it right now. You need to rest.”

     “It hurts so bad.”

     “I know.” Her mother stroked her face again. “But the nurses will help it go away.”

     “Leanne,” one of the nurses hovering around her said. “I want you to take deep breaths and count backward from ten.”

     “Ten.” She sucked in air and cried out in agony.

     Between clenched teeth, she continued. Anything to stop the pain. “Nine.”

     Ice traveled through her veins. “Eight.”

     The throbbing slowly ebbed away. Seven.

     Darkness swept over her and pulled her down with it.

Accidental Romance is available from:

Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble | more

Bio:

Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

Readers can find Jessica at:

Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

Thanks, Jessica, for being here today. I always enjoy learning more about my friends.

No Shortcuts

My original plan for today’s blog was to redirect you to Misty Simon’s blog where I’m visiting. Then I went to the Mid-Michigan RWA chapter meeting on Saturday. The program given by my friend, Nancy Gideon, was worth driving through snow squalls and a white-out. Nancy’s speech made such an impression I wanted to share my take on it with you.

There are no shortcuts. Beginning writers need to take the process one step at a time. Learn the craft, develop the skills, don’t rush. I wish someone had said that when I was starting out. Maybe they did and I wasn’t listening. My problem was rushing the process. An editor said they wanted to see a manuscript and I rushed it off before it was ready.

While Nancy's speech was directed to writers, isn’t this true of more than just writing a book? What about losing weight? Never mind it took how many years to pile on the pounds. We want it gone now. There are no shortcuts. We have to change our lifestyle—how we eat, what we eat, our activity level. It’s a slow process. The same with learning an athletic skill or playing an instrument. We have to learn and develop the skill. And practice, practice, practice. We can’t rush the process.

That is so contrary to the mentality of our times. We want it all and we want it now. Maybe what we need to do is develop patience first. It is easier to be patient with others than it is to be patient with ourselves. Take recovering from surgery. There’s a good reason post-operative directions include what not to do. We’re in such a hurry to get better we can do more damage than good.

Besides impressing on her listeners to take things one step at a time, Nancy reminded us to enjoy the journey. Take the time to look back at how far we’ve come. Again, I was reminded of recovering from surgery. When I had my knee replaced, within hours of surgery the nurse made me walk. From the bed to the door and back was an accomplishment. Next time out into the hall; then down the hall to the next room; then to the nurses’ station. Each time a little farther. The nurse’s “good job” made the pain and exhaustion worth it. Maybe we need to tell ourselves “good job” as we take time to see what we’ve accomplished whether it’s writing, learning to golf or play the piano, or losing weight. Celebrate the little steps.

And remember, there are no shortcuts.

Now, if you’re so inclined, hop on over to Misty Simon’s blog. She had some unusual questions for me.