Where does #MFRWauthor Brenda Whiteside @BrendaWhitesid2 get her Story Ideas?

MFRW Author Brenda Whiteside talks about where her story ideas come from.
Convinced she was born to be an artist, Brenda never took her love of writing seriously…until sometime after college, after marrying a man doing a stint in the army, and after the birth of her son, she found more satisfaction filling a blank page with words than an empty canvas with color.

Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Currently, they split their time between the prairie in Northern Arizona and the RV life. At home or in the RV, she spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love entangled with suspense.

My stories are character driven. Many of the characters who populate my novels are inspired by the people who populate my life, past and present. More often than not, a trait, an event, or something as simple as a comment from someone I know will be the springboard for a story.

I’ve always loved to make up stories and write. If how I fared in school was any indication, I was meant to be a writer. But for reasons I can’t remember, I wanted to be an artist. My painting talents were decent, and I received accolades in art classes, too. As an adult, I finally came to enjoy writing more after taking a creative writing course.

I didn’t choose to write romance. Romance chose me. My goal was to write stories of human relationships. What I found was the strongest and most complicated of all is the relationship of love. Choose any genre and a story of romance can be woven into the novel.

Over the years, my stories have progressed from being closely derived from my own life to total fiction. But always there are facets of my own personality that leak into my writing. It could be as simple as a character having my love of flavored coffee to their heritage being part Native American. I always use settings where I have lived or enjoyed lengthy visits.

A Legacy of Love and Murder is set in Austria. I’ve spent time in Austria and have a very good Austrian friend who lives in the area I use in the book. This is the third book in the series and the second book to deal with searching out ancestral connections. Lacy Dahl, from book one, is traveling with her daughter, August. Inheriting an Austrian Castle is an Alpine fairytale for August, until someone begins killing the heirs.

A Legacy of Love and Murder

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In Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, August
Myer arrives to find he’s died suspiciously. As one of the heirs, her life is in danger, turning this fairytale Alpine adventure into a nightmare of unexplained accidents, neo-Nazi threats, and murder.

Inspector Tobias Wolf splits his time between his profession and fighting the spread of neo-Nazism. But when the beautiful, intriguing American crosses his path during a murder investigation, ensuring her safety challenges his priorities…and his heart.

When August learns the handsome inspector’s involvement with a major female Nazi is more than he’s admitted, and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. The outcome could be the death of both of them.

On #Thursday13 #MFRW Author Diana Rubino tells us what she does For Love and Loyalty

#MFRW Author Diana Rubino’s passion for history and travel has taken her to every locale of her stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, and New York. Her urban fantasy romance, FAKIN’ IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband Chris. In her spare time, Diana bicycles, golfs, plays her piano and devours books of any genre.


                                        FOR LOVE AND LOYALTY 

Genre Time Travel Romance
Publisher The Wild Rose Press 
 Blurb 
 England, 1476: A wizard’s charm sweeps Richard, Duke of Gloucester, far, far away.

England, 2012: The Richard III Society’s annual séance doesn’t go quite as planned.

Julianna Hammond believes their mysterious visitor really is Richard. As a loyal Ricardian, she feels obligated to educate him on past and present. In dismay Richard learns of his destiny in a certain battle, and his depiction in a certain play. Julianna and he wonder: can history be rewritten? Back in the Middle Ages, Richard’s brothers King Edward and George Plantagenet are determined to find him--wherever he is--with the help of a little magic conjured up by a wizard. Since the wizard can’t say no to money or a lady, Edward-infatuated Elizabeth Woodville isn’t far behind them.

Changing one’s destiny is complicated. So is falling in love. When the two collide, three brothers, three women, and history will never be the same. 

Buy link  Amazon.com

 13 Things That Inspired me to write FOR LOVE AND LOYALTY
1. Picturing Richard III in modern times blow drying his hair
2. The Richard III Society
3. Middleham Castle, Yorkshire
4. Blackadder (historical British sitcom)
5. The concept of time travel
6. Séances
7. Our modern conveniences such as zippers, computers, cars
8. Richard III
9. Richard’s brother King Edward IV
10. Richard’s other brother George, Duke of Clarence
11. The Three Stooges
12. Jackie Gleason and Art Carney in The Honeymooners
13. The discovery of Richard III’s remains in a Leicester car park
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Feel Tempted by a Kiss on #Thursday13 by #MFRWAuthor Anna Durand

#MFRWauthor Anna Durand Tempted by a Kiss

Anna Durand is an award-winning writer, a freelance librarian, and an audiobook addict. She specializes in steamy romances--paranormal, contemporary, and historical--featuring spunky heroines and hunky heroes. As a member of Romance Writers of America, she volunteers for its chapters to give back to the romance community. In her previous life as a librarian, she haunted the stacks of public libraries but never met any hot vampires hunting for magical books.

                Tempted by a Kiss
Genre contemporary, erotic
Publisher The Wild Rose Press 
Blurb

 Mel Thompson just dumped her cheating ex after two years together. Now she's determined to understand the allure of casual sex by having a steamy fling of her own at a notoriously raunchy underground club. When her best friend, Adam Caras, catches on to her plan, he makes a surprising offer to derail her. If she wants a hot fling, he'll give it to her.

Who better than Adam, renowned lady-killer, to demonstrate the erotic pleasures of a one night stand? Sex could ruin their friendship, but after a soul-searing kiss, Mel fears one night may never be enough.


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13 Fantastic Songs that Inspire My Writing

I love music, always have. Back in college, I earned two degrees in music (before I got a master's in library science) and I still love to sing and, of course, crank up the music while I'm writing. When I'm gearing up to write, you may find me dancing in my chair and singing along with my favorite songs. Some of them get me energized, some get me in the right mood for a particular scene, but all of them play a vital role in fueling my writing engine.

Even if I stopped writing (yeah right, that's gonna happen!), I'd still listen to these songs over and over, never tiring of them. I'll admit that, on occasion, I even put a song on repeat to hear it three or four times in a row. Here's my list of my 13 favorite songs, that also happen to inspire my writing.

    "Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic. The energy and driving beat of this song can get my brain in gear faster than just about any other song.

    "Sweeter" by Gavin DeGraw. Ditto for this one. More energy with a driving beat, plus fun lyrics that get me singing along every single time.

    "No More Rain" by Kylie Minogue. This song is a bit mellower, but still energizing. I feel good every time I listen to this one!

   "Turntable" by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. This sexy song has clever lyrics I love, plus it's a great tune to listen to while writing a hot-and-heavy love scene.

    "Underestimated" by Jennifer Paige. The ultimate break-up song from a woman who's not taking any guff. Plus, its energy and infectious chorus wake me up whenever I'm suffering from the just-woke-up blues.

     "Only One" by Katharine McPhee. I loved this song the first time I heard it and find myself listening to it just about every day. The song reminds me of my heroine Mel, from Tempted by a Kiss, who might've posed the same challenge to her cheating ex.

     "Like Sugar" by Matchbox Twenty. I love Rob Thomas's music, whether he's flying solo or with the band. I often turn this song up while writing a first kiss scene.

  "State of Grace" by Taylor Swift. A sweet, romantic song about finding real love and how it's never easy.

   "Mr. Mysterious" by Vanessa Amorosi. Most Americans have likely never heard of Vanessa Amorosi, but I love her music. Hazardous is her best album ever and this song from it provided a spark of inspiration for my story Tempted by a Kiss.

   "Everything" by Lifehouse. I've adored this song since I first heard it on the TV series Smallville. This may be the most romantic song ever; definitely in the top 10!

   "Walking on Mars" by Kelly Sweet. Her second album is even better than her first, and I wish it had gotten released in this country. This song epitomizes the concept of being yourself no matter what other people think. Like most of my fictional heroines, I'm a bit strange, so I can relate.

  "You Set Fire to My Life" by Tina Arena. Another singer most Americans haven't heard of, this Australian artist continues to produce terrific albums. This song, from her latest album Reset, works great as inspiration for those final scenes where hero and heroine come back together, forever this time.

  "Rumour Has It" by Adele. Not only is this song written by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, but it's sung by the incomparable Adele. 'Nuff said.

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#MFRWauthor Louise Lyndon on Love and Betrayal on #Thursday13

MFRW Author Louise Lyndon teaches us about Love and Betrayal on #Thursday13
Louise grew up in country Victoria, Australia, before moving to England, where for sixteen years she soaked up the vibrancy of London and the medieval history of England. She has since returned to Australia and now lives in Melbourne.

In 2013, Louise won first prize in the historical romance category of the Crested Butte Sandy Writing Contest for her story, The Promise, which has since been retitled and is now known as, Of Love & Vengeance.

When not writing, Louise can be found covered in mud, crawling under barbed wire and hoisting herself over twelve foot walls!

Of Love and Betrayal
Historical Romance
The Wild Rose Press

Aveline de Bondeville is on the run. Determined to keep out of the hands of the cruel Raimbaut de Blois she will do whatever it takes to stay alive. And so when she finds herself in the company of Troy de Gysborne she must quickly decide if she can trust him. But can she confess to murder knowing it would mean her certain death?

Troy de Gysborne did the unthinkable; he tore the bonds of brotherhood and left a path of destruction in his wake. And now Troy must face those he betrayed, including the father who long ago renounced him. But to confess to the crime he committed will cost him everything. Including Aveline. But can he remain silent if it means losing the woman he loves?

Buy link: Amazon.com
13 Short paragraphs from Of Love and Betrayal

1. The fine hairs on her arms stood on end. Her knees shook. Her belly tightened. And when a twig snapped from somewhere behind, she shoved a fist into her mouth to keep from crying out.

2. Conversation ceased as he entered the darkened, smoke-filled room. He ignored the curious looks as he stood in the center of the room with an unconscious woman in his arms. “Does this girl belong to anyone?”
3. Aveline’s eyes flickered open, and she quickly closed them again as the harsh bright firelight burned her eyes. There was a foul taste in her dry mouth, and her head ached. It felt as if someone had whacked the side of her skull with a rock.
4. The yells of men and the high-pitched squeal of a woman echoed through the inn. And when Aveline heard the loud, booming bellow, “Tear the place down!” she erupted into full body tremors. She fought down a primal scream and clutched her throat.

5. They stood toe to toe. Their breath, white on the frosty air, plumed around them like puffs of smoke. But Aveline would not back away. She would not let yet another man intimidate or control her.

6. The fine hairs at the nape of her neck stood on end as Troy’s beard rasped against the tender spot just beneath her ear. She leaned forward in the saddle in an attempt to put some distance between them. She did not like how she reacted to him.

7, Aveline rubbed the heel of her palm across her chest. Was she attempting to wipe away her guilt? For she was on the crag of betraying the very man who, despite knowing the risks, was prepared to help her when no one else would.
8. He did not take his eyes from her as she dipped a corner of the cloth into the water. His eyes narrowed and darkened as she came forward and stood between his legs. She faltered, unnerved by the way he looked at her.

9, The bond of brotherhood had long been broken and could not be mended. At least, not completely. Too much had happened. And what had happened could never be forgotten. Or forgiven.
10. Aveline’s hand shook as she placed it over her heart. She was suddenly breathless. Her limbs light. Was the fluttering in her belly that of happiness? When was the last time she’d allowed herself to feel such a thing? When was the last time she had reason to?
11. Troy took the rest of the stairs three at a time. Without ceremony he pushed open the door and Aveline shot to her feet. Father Alfonse stood in the center of the room, his Book clasped firmly against his chest. Aveline’s face was as red as the embers in the hearth.

12. His voice trailed off as she took his large hand in hers. She turned it over and used the pad of her finger to lightly trace the deep grooves of the palm of his hand. When his fingers entwined with hers, she looked up. A slight flush stained his freshly shaved cheeks. His eyes darkened and narrowed.
13. Without taking her eyes from him, Aveline eased herself from the bed and tiptoed across the room. He glanced over his shoulder, and her breath caught in the back of her throat. Her lips parted, her hands moistened. A mild pain spread across her heart.

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Deadly Alpha on #Thursday13 @Brenda_Sparks #MFRWauthor

#MFRW Author Brenda Sparks and her Deadly Alpha on #Thursday13

Born in Virginia, Brenda Sparks now resides in the Sunshine State. Balancing her professional commitment to the local school district with her writing is challenging at times, but writing suspenseful paranormal romances is a passion that won’t be denied. Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure. Brenda loves to connect with readers. Please visit her online or stop by her website to say hi. www.brenda-sparks.com

 Deadly Alpha  (The Alpha Council Chronicles Book 2)

                        Paranormal Romance

                         The Wild Rose Press

 

Blurb

 Hot sex. No regrets. Vampire Marcus Botticelli has spent his life playing the role of the fun-loving playboy. Unfortunately that lifestyle came to an abrupt end for Marcus when his life was turned upside down by his sire. Now in a new city, a new home, he hopes to make a fresh start.

Set on some big changes in her own life, Christina Prescott’s plans are sidetracked when she meets the rich and powerful Marcus. As the nurse mends the Alpha’s broken heart, he isn’t the only one who needs healing when a depraved darkness seeps into their lives.

As passion burns between the two, evil works to smother the flame of love and separate the heartmates for its own gain. With his heartmate missing, Marcus fears his claim to everlasting love will be destroyed and he will be damned to a life of insanity without Christina.

Buy link  http://ow.ly/Rqmm8

13 Reasons I love Halloween:

1) candy

2) costume parties

3) jack-o-lanterns

4) scary decorations

5) horror themed amusement parks

6) pranks

7) witches

8) trick-or-treating

9) horror movies on TV

10) children and pets in costumes

11) monsters

12) the feeling of chills going up my spine

13) And last but definitely not least, the thing I love most about Halloween is the vampires, of course. Why else would I write about them? ;)

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