Darlene's Digest

Can I walk and think at the same time?

2012-01-31T16:17:00.000-05:00

I take a daily walk, four miles, 5-6 times a week weather permitting. This is Florida, after all, and one should take advantage of that. I don't wear any electronics while walking because this is valuable thinking time for me, and I often get plot breakthroughs while on the daily constitutional. In fact, today I tried to psych myself into coming up with some plot points for my WIP, [working title] The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby. So here's what I thought about on today's walk. Imagine you're inside my head:

1. I need to remind people to vote for Sea Change tomorrow 'cause it's the last day of the JABBIC Reader's Poll.
2. Hey, there's Steve the mail carrier. I wonder if he dropped off some neat catalogs?
3. I should eat some yogurt after the walk, while my metabolism is stoked. I can get more protein with Greek yogurt. It's unflavored and tastes like sour cream, which I love, but...I know, I'll sprinkle some of Dawn's homemade granola on top!
4. Drink a glass of water as soon as I get home.
5. Squirrel!
6. Did I give the dachshund her flea treatment?
7. Dang! I need to tweak a detail in Castaway Dreams. Thought I was finished with that for now.
8. I'd like to re-cast the movie A New Leaf. Instead of Elaine May and Walter Matthau, I'd cast Emma Stone and Matt Bomer.
9. That's an interesting color they're painting that house...
10. Drink more water
11. Jogger gets a 7. I miss the Army captain who used to jog past my house. He was definitely a 10.
12. So when I get my H&H to England in Secret Baby how does he keep her from--Squirrel!
13. Whew! It's warmer out here than I expected.

....and back home.

Please vote Sea Change for JABBIC Award!

2012-01-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

You can vote for Sea Change in the JABBIC (Judge a Book By Its Cover) competition. Through February 1, readers can vote by following this link and voting for Sea Change in the Historicals category. The art is by Trace Edward Zaber, and I love this cover with the very pretty privateer. Thank you for your support!

Burns Night

2012-01-25T13:50:00.001-05:00

Alex almost called her to return, but he trusted even Daphne Farnham could not find trouble just a few feet from where he stood. He took advantage of the water in the rock pool to wash himself, and thought about their current situation.

It was amazing how life could put things in perspective. After you have contemplated dying of thirst and exposure in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a tropical island, deserted or not, is a paradise by comparison. He and Miss Farnham appeared to be whole and relatively unscathed. There were birds here, and birds meant meat and eggs. He would build a fire. There was, most importantly, fresh water.

It could be much, much worse. Alex hummed a Rabbie Burns melody to himself as he scrubbed his arms at the edge of the pool.

--Castaway Dreams, WIP

Tonight is Burns Night, a celebration of the life and work of Scotland's Bard, Robert Burns. Burns is best known to Americans for penning "Auld Lang Syne", but his body of work encompasses much, much more.

Burns is also the favorite poet of the hero of Castaway Dreams, Scottish surgeon Alexander Murray. Tonight I'll toast Burns with Scotland's finest export. For this occasion I believe I'll pull out the dusty bottle of Scott's Selection (1964), the one I save for special evenings. The Bard of Scotland deserves only the best.

Boskone 49

2012-01-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

Once again I'm packing my bags with winter clothes for the annual trek to Boston, February 17-19. Here's my Boskone 49 Schedule:

Friday 18:00 - 19:00, Dressing the Parties--Regalia and Symbolism, Developing symbols and regalia in your worlds. Associations of colors, creatures. Displays of rank. Pilot patches. Japanese symbology and family. A lot of the systemization of heraldry is a very late development. Any hints from SCA experience? Has awareness of this increased from _Game of Thrones_?
Darlene Marshall (M), Leonid Korogodski, Walter H. Hunt, Ruth Sanderson

Friday 19:00 - 20:00, A Study of the Humours - Medieval Medicine--For thousands of years, learned doctors insisted that health and illness was governed by "the four humours" A look at how old ideas persisted and how they led to odd treatments like bleedings.
Laurie Mann (M), Elaine Isaak, Darlene Marshall, Kenneth Schneyer, James D. Macdonald

Saturday 11:30 - 12:00, Reading: Darlene Marshall
Saturday 15:00 - 16:00, Trends in Young Adult Literature--Has the paranormal gotten to the end of the line? Where is YA fiction going to now that Twilight and Harry Potter have wound down?
Darlene Marshall (M), Jack M. Haringa, Susan MacDonald, Leonid Korogodski, Jordan Hamessley

Sunday 10:00 - 11:00, Romantic Comedy in Science Fiction and Fantasy--What is romantic comedy? What are examples in science fiction and fantasy? Connie Willis says that the show _Primeval_ is a romcom...really?
Ellen Asher, Darlene Marshall, Toni L. P. Kelner

The "M" next to my name means I'm the moderator for that panel. Some of the program participants are folks I've shared the dais with in the past, others are new to me. I'm looking forward to this convention! Should be a lot of good panels and good discussions.

Modern Times, part 2

2012-01-16T11:36:00.001-05:00

I still enjoy writing personal letters and notes in longhand, with a fountain pen, preferably on Crane's stationary or Clairefontaine paper. When I'm writing a manuscript though, I love using a word processing program. One of my favorite functions is "Find & Replace". This morning I pulled my list of words I have a tendency to overuse while writing. I never worry about it in the first draft, but once I'm aware certain words are being repeated I make a note of them for later. Then I type them into "find" and see which ones are superfluous or are showing up too often. It would be possible, but more difficult, to do this with an inked or typewritten manuscript and I appreciate the functionality of modern writing tools.

I know writers who do their first draft in longhand, and others who still pound away at their ancient Royals or IBM Selectrics. Whatever works for an author is the right way, but when I'm writing it's all about living in the 21st Century.

Modern times

2012-01-15T09:48:00.001-05:00

My computer crashed this morning, but Windows fixed itself. Of course, my first panicked thought was, "Did I back up Castaway Dreams and [working title] The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby?" Then I remembered I now have automatic back-up that takes everything safely away to the cloud. I love living in modern times. I still back up to an external hard-drive once a week to be safe though, 'cause I'm a belt-and-suspenders kind of writer.

Somewhere in the recesses of my storage closet I have an old tape back-up system, and I have copies of my early books on floppies. I have no way to run those floppies, but that's tech for you.

There's a downside to all of this wonderful tech. Tomorrow I'm going out to replace my dishwasher. A repair that in the old days would have involved replacing a button now means you replace the entire electronic control panel for the machine, and that's not cost effective. I'm pretty sanguine about it. While it's an unexpected expense, my son calls this a "first world problem." If you remind yourself you have clean, safe water coming into your house, indoor plumbing and hot water on demand, it helps to keep things in perspective. In addition, I buy appliances from a local, family-owned business, so I have the tiny comfort of keeping some of my money in my community. Since there was no flooding involved when the dishwasher conked out, I'm also feeling that while the bread fell to the ground, at least it fell jelly-side up.

Frisky the Cornsnake

2012-01-12T20:37:00.001-05:00

“Snake!” she whispered, pointing with her shaking free handto a darkened corner of the cabin. Rand dropped his bag and fetched the lampand the broom. When he raised the lamp and peered into the corner, there was afaint susurrus—a sound like sand falling on the floor. He looked closer, setdown the lamp and broom and said, “C’mon outta there, fella.” He crouched downand waved his fingers in front of the snake, and when it coiled to leap hegrabbed it behind its head. The snake wrapped itself around his arm and gave ita good squeeze, but Rand didn’t let go of the snake’s head.
He straightened and turned to Julia, the snake clinging tohis arm, tongue darting in and out in agitation.

“This ain’t nothin’ but a corn snake, darlin’. He’s likelymore scared of you than you are of him.” He held the snake up, admiring thered, gold, and brown stripes and chevrons patterning the reptile’s body as thesnake squirmed in Rand’s grasp. “This is a frisky one too. Bet he could helpwith those rats in the corn field. C’mon, fella, let’s put you to work outback.”

Smuggler's Bride

Frisky the cornsnake has been a part of our lives for 20 years, but she's gone to a better place. No, not that big cornfield in the sky, but a middle school science class. Frisky is my eldest son's pet, and we've had her for 20 years. She's been my responsibility for the past 10 years because my son went to college, then life, and has neatly managed to avoid coming home in a car. And as he reminds me, everyone knows you can't take snakes on a plane.

So I put out the word that I've finally accepted the snake is not moving on with my son, and I'd like to find her a good home. I was particularly looking for a middle school environment. Elementary school children are too young, and high schools have more specialized classes, but middle school seemed just right. And so it was. Now Frisky is a much admired resident of Mr. Perez's science class at a middle school in Newberry, Florida. Frisky's a Florida native, which led to her cameo in Smuggler's Bride. You can read more about Florida's native wildlife, and how to cook some of it, in Smuggler's Bride. In the meantime, I'm going to miss Frisky (a little), but I'm glad she's found a good home.

Cleaning up a manuscript

2012-01-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

My readthrough of Castaway Dreams is going well, but it always worries me when I'm satisfied with my writing. I changed the font for this pass to catch any stray typos and it's amazing what a difference that makes. In fact, I once read that changing the font to Comic Sans is best for this task. I tried that, but it was too annoying and I switched to Arial instead (I write in Times Roman).

I also pared down a few sentences, and tweaked a couple scenes. Setting a manuscript aside for a few weeks, or a few months, helps bring a fresh perspective to it.

Another writer posted a picture of an unshaven, scruffy looking Colin Firth and I saved it to my "Castaway Dreams" file. When I fill out the artist information form for the cover, I think I'll say "This is what my hero, Alexander Murray, looks like." At least, that's how he looks in my mind.

It's 2012? Time for the Bicentennial!

2012-01-03T20:49:00.000-05:00

Yep, 2012 begins the commemoration of the War of 1812, a conflict of particular interest to me. As a fan of Regency romances I always felt a niggling sense of disloyalty cheering on all those RN heroes and those army gentlemen in their dashing red coats. After all, they were the enemy of the United States from 1812-1815 (I'm including the Battle of New Orleans). They burned Washington. They threatened Dolly Madison, for cryin' out loud! But it's hard to remember all of that when you're drooling over Ioan Gruffudd as Horatio Hornblower.

However, being a history geek, I am enjoying all the additional reading I'm doing right now in advance of the bicentennial. I was just reviewing a passage from If By Sea--The Forging of The American Navy from the Revoluton to the War of 1812 by George C. Daughan and ran across this pithy tidbit:

"South Carolina's Christopher Gadsden declared that he would 'as soon send a favorite virgin to a brothel, as a man to England to make a treaty."

When was the last time we heard something that juicy come out of Congress?

If you've got a yen to learn more about this conflict, particularly the naval engagements involving the US, write me! I love to share book suggestions. You might also enjoy Sea Change since it's the tale of an American privateer during the War of 1812 and what happens when he takes prisoner a young British surgeon who's not all "he" appears to be.

My 2012 novel

2012-01-02T11:19:00.000-05:00

My goal is to bring out a book every 12-18 months. I'm going to set aside [working title] The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby for a few days and review my finished manuscript for Castaway Dreams. I'm also thinking of titling it Beauty and the Brain, so feel free to chime in with your opinion.

Imagine Gilligan's Island with just The Professor and Ginger, or The Admirable Crichton with only Crichton and Lady Mary. Castaway Dreams is the tale of Alexander Murray (of Sea Change), retired RN surgeon and natural philosopher and Miss Daphne ("Daffy") Farnham, an heiress believed to have more hair than wit. There's also Miss Farnham's fluffy little lapdog, Pompom. They're shipwrecked on a desert island and have to pull together to survive. Here's a snippet:

“There was akitchen garden here, Doctor. It’s mostly gone wild now, but there are peas andcorn, beans, and I think those are pumpkins.”

“How do youknow that?”

“Hah! I am not as ignorant as you think I am!”

“You have noidea how ignorant I think you are, Miss Farnham.”

She lookedat him sharply, no doubt wondering if she’d been insulted. Then she simply looked smug.

“I am theone who explored and found us shelter. Ilocated the food and water. Perhaps Ishould be in charge, Dr. Murray, not you! After all, it was different when you were elderly. I was willing to listen to you then. Now, maybe you should listen to me.”

“Thatstatement is so ridiculous as to not deserve a response.”

“If we werein France, principles of equality and fraternity and liberty would apply.”

“If we werein France, I would send you to the guillotine. Might makes right, Miss Farnham.”

***

So my plan for 2012 is to whip Castaway Dreams into shape and submit it for publication. More on this as it develops.

2011--A Good Year

2011-12-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

It's interesting how much of what one perceives about whether a year is "good" or "bad" depends on one's personal circumstances, but that's only normal.

2011 was a good year for me, but I'll look globally as well. In 2011 we saw dictators toppled and baby-steps toward democracy in the Middle East. Young people and old channeled outrage at the status quo and began Occupying various cities. If nothing else, it raised the level of dialog over the current state of the economy, which I find to be a civic virtue. People need to become active and motivated to make change, whether it's at the ballot box or on the barricades.

Most of the troops are home from Iraq after a long, drawn out conflict. This is a very good thing indeed.

It was a good year for me personally and professionally. Sea Change was published to glowing reviews and some delightful fan letters. My backlist continues to do well. This was the year that I saw huge growth in ebook sales of my novels as more and more readers discover the ease and convenience of various ereaders (just a reminder--all my books come in a variety of formats, including Kindle). I have a completed manuscript for my next novel, Castaway Dreams, and I'm hard at work on my seventh novel, [working title] The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby (and yes, I can pretty much assure you that will not be the publication title, but it's fun saying it.). In addition, Sea Change is a 2011 CAPA nominee for historical romance.

I was a program participant at Boskone, a regional SF convention in Boston, and will be there again this year, I was also a program participant at the World SF Convention (Worldcon) in Reno, Nevada, and plan to attend Worldcon in Chicago (Chicon 7) and DSC (Deep South Con) this summer.

It was also a good year personally. We're enjoying fine health, my husband is golfing more and getting out of the office, we took some wonderful trips, and my adult sons are living close enough to each other to spend time together. One son got his master's degree from Harvard (I cannot say that often enough) and a great job, the other son received a fellowship to do a year of seminary study and is enjoying that.

My dachshund is hanging in there at 13 years, still rockin' the neighborhood on walkies.

No hurricanes attacked us. My camellias are blooming. Life is good.

Here's wishing you and yours all the best in 2012. May this coming year bring you much contentment, and great reading pleasure with a pirate novel or two.

Guest Blogging on Regency Florida

2011-12-27T10:37:00.001-05:00

I'm guest blogging over at "The Regency World of Author Lesley-Anne McLeod" on Dec. 30 (Friday). If you'd like to learn a bit about what was going on in Florida during the Regency period, drop on by.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T18:26:00.000-05:00

Just popping in to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here in Florida we don our festive tropical shirts rather than reindeer decorated sweaters, but the lights on the neighborhood houses still twinkle brightly even if there's no snow to reflect them.

Avoiding Fashion Disasters

2011-12-19T14:34:00.000-05:00

I worry about this in my writing, but not in real life. One of the best things about being a full time writer is working in a tropical shirt with flamingos, shorts and a pair of sandals.

When I'm writing though I want to make sure I have my wardrobe scenes correctly done. One of the things that distracted me from full enjoyment of the classic Lawrence Olivier, Greer Garson Pride and Prejudice was the dressing of the women in styles more suited to the 1840s than the beginning of the 19th C.: More Romantic than Classical. Interestingly, Wikipedia says that was a conscious decision on the part of the filmmakers, who wanted more elaborate costumes than those of Austen's era.

Today I was working on a piece where the heroine, who's traveling to England aboard a pirate ship in 1818, receives a pelisse from the captain because her clothing is too tropical in weight for the North Atlantic. Captain St. Armand has a touch of the metrosexual about him and knows his fashions. I consulted Cunnington's comprehensive guide on English women's dress in the 19th C. to keep it period accurate, though I may have taken a liberty or two since I needed to work the previously mentioned pink satin into it:

[working title] THE HOT PIRATE'S SECRET BABY

It was at the end of one of those lessons that Sails came looking for her. He was older than the other sailors, with a deep scar pitting his cheek and pulling up his eyelid, but nimble fingers and sinewy arms from years of wrestling canvas and hemp into shape.

“I have your jacket here, Miss. Captain St. Armand said to bring it to you as it’s blowin’ up stiff in the next day or two.”

He unwrapped a length of worn, but clean cotton in the late afternoon sun. Inside was a pelisse, longer than the jackets the men wore and bearing no resemblance to their utilitarian gear. It was sapphire silk brocade shot with gold threads, and lined with the pink satin. Golden buttons rimmed with seed pearls fastened the front, and the collar was deep.

Lydia stared at it, speechless. It was a garment fit for a princess, not a governess. Sails did not look at her as he pointed out the features.

“See, the brocade would have been scratchy up around your face and neck, so that’s why the captain gave me the beaver pelt to line it for you.”

“Beaver?” she asked dumbly. There was fur on the jacket, deep rich, brown fur. She put her hand out to stroke it, and it was kitten soft beneath her fingertips. It was the same fur as the captain’s pillow and it made her think of how that pillow must feel against bare skin.

“We got those pelts off of a Canadian who traded to us and saved himself a trip to England for his efforts.”

“Mr. Sails, it is lovely, but—“

“If you reject it, you will make poor Sails feel miserable,” said a low voice in her ear. “Look at how much effort he put into your jacket. That hideous cap, however, is completely wrong for this ensemble. You need a bonnet made in England, Miss Burke, something in plush to set this garment off.”

Lydia turned to look at St. Armand, but he was looking down at the fabric spread out for her view, the brocade glowing in the mellow light.

“The pink works well for a lining and if you had a fabric rose or two adorning your bonnet it would add to the appearance. But only if the roses are on the crown, far enough from your face not to make you look sallow.”

He leaned over and swooped up the garment, and while Lydia stood as still and dumb as a wooden puppet he took his jacket off of her and helped her slip her arms into the new pelisse, the satin sliding over the rough wool of her gray dress. Then he turned her toward him, raising the fur collar to frame her face.

“I approve, Sails. You’ve done a masterful job on Miss Burke’s gear.”

So when I pick up this scene tomorrow I've got my heroine in a garment that's going to point out to her, once again, how drab her life is without a pirate bringing a little color (and a touch of decadent luxury) into her existence.

Amber Quill Press authors chatting at Yahoo Groups

2011-12-08T08:30:00.001-05:00

All day Friday, December 9, Amber Quill Press authors will be chatting at Beth Wylde's group, posting excerpts, answering questions and doing giveaways. AQP publishes not only the best in historical romance (including all of my novels), but a wide range of digital and print editions featuring protagonists of all persuasions: M/F, M/M, F/F and more. There's erotica, mystery, romance, sf and fantasy to name a few of their genres. Stop on by, say "Hi!", ask questions of the authors and check out the contests.

"A Date Which Will Live in Infamy"

2011-12-07T08:29:00.001-05:00

Every American of my parents' generation could tell you where he or she was on December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor was seared into the collective consciousness.

My father was at Pearl. He was serving as a seaman, 2C aboard the USS West Virginia (picture below), had been there since November, 1940. He never talked much about his war experiences, though he somewhat casually mentioned swimming to safety from the sinking ship. He served in the Pacific, mostly aboard the USS Bennington after it was commissioned. He occasionally mentioned some of the places he saw, and told amusing stories of what happened when newbies crossed the equator for the first time and were inducted into the Court of King Neptune, a time-honored tradition sea tradition.

I knew he'd been awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in action, but I never knew he'd received a Bronze Star until his death. Sometimes he'd get out his bosun's pipe and do calls if we asked nicely.

During the War Dad came home and married his high school sweetheart in 1944, then returned to his ship. I have a picture of them across the hall from where I'm writing this, my mom lovely in yards of white satin, my dad tall and proud in his dress blues. After the war he came home, went to work, raised us after my mom died young, and would have been puzzled if I'd said he was a hero.

But he was a hero. So here's to all the heroes, men and women, who served in the war. It's been 70 years since Pearl Harbor, and many of them, like my father, are gone, but we haven't forgotten them.

2011-12-05T17:10:00.001-05:00

A crewman came in with a broken arm to be set, but the remaining injuries were minor ones, and the men's spirits were high. She learned the reason when Captain Fletcher came in, freshly washed and wearing a clean shirt. He looked good enough to lick, blast him.
"Doctor! You will not believe what that ship was hauling."
"Jewels? Gold?"
"Almost as good as! Ripe gold! Here, catch."
He tossed a sphere to her and she grabbed it one handed out of the air. It was a fruit, its nubby skin mottled but whole, the fragrance rising up to her nostrils even over the scent of blood and medicine.
"Oranges?"
"Casks and casks of oranges! This cargo will fetch a fortune in New York, Doctor."

--Sea Change

My little orange tree produced eight beautiful pieces of fruit this year. I'm so proud of it! It will yield more fruit as it gets larger, but there's nothing quite like eating a fresh orange off the tree, sunwarmed and sweet. It's especially nice this time of year because it's a reminder of when oranges were the crop Florida sent up by boat and train to the frozen north, and an orange in a Christmas stocking was a special treat for a boy or girl.

I hope your holidays are filled with fragrance and lusciousness, and maybe a Florida orange or two.

These are the times that try (our) souls...

2011-11-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

Does this sound familiar?

"The Congress have met in a bad temper...grumbling at everything in order to avert the responsibility which they have incurred in refusing to provide the solid foundation for revenue and relying on loans. They have suffered the specie to go out of the country, adopted a halfway system of taxation...and yet expect the war to be carried on with energy."

Could have been an analysis of the failure of the current Congress to act, but it was actually written in a letter to President Madison during the War of 1812. The only part I took out was about the establishment of a national bank, the rest of it was true then as now.

The material is from the excellent 1812--The Navy's War by George C. Daughan. I recommend the book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of why this war helped establish the United States as the strong country it is today, and is especially pertinent as we prepare to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, from 2012-2015.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:58:00.001-05:00

By request, here's the recipe for my Thanksgiving Pecan Cranberry bread. It's non-dairy and freezes well. It's also yummy.

PECAN CRANBERRY BREAD

Preheat oven to 350F, grease and flour a loaf pan

2 cups flour
1 Tbl. baking powder
1/2 tea. baking soda
1/2 tea. salt
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tea. ground cinnamon
1/4 tea. nutmeg
Optional: Hearty pinch each of ground ginger, cardamon, allspice, cloves
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1 egg, beaten
1 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/4 c. vegetable oil

Combine 1st 7 ingredients (and optional spices) in a large bowl. Stir in pecans and cranberries. Make a well in the center of mixture.

Combine egg, applesauce and oil; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.

Spoon mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until done. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove bread from pan and cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

May You Live in Interesting--and Healthy--Times

2011-11-21T20:00:00.001-05:00

I was watching Boardwalk Empire this week and knew based on a previous episode's foreshadowing that a character had infantile paralysis--polio. Polio was a constant fear in the lives of my parents growing up, and in their raising of us, up until the time that we stood in long lines at our schools to get doses of the oral vaccine. Imagine what that meant to our mothers. I can't. I can't imagine the fear of a summer where every crowd might carry disease, where going to the lake was a cause for fear of contagion. An elderly neighbor died recently, a gentleman who'd had polio as a child, recovered, but then in old age had a recurrence of the symptoms of weakness in his legs and other issues. It was a slice of 20th century life carried through into a 21st century age of medical advances.

When I was researching Sea Change and my next novel, [working title] Castaway Dreams, I studied medical practices and beliefs of the early 19th century. It gave me a renewed appreciation of the germ theory of disease, and clean running water, and antibiotics, and mosquito eradication programs to prevent yellow fever and malaria. We live in amazing times, but I also developed a great deal of respect for the doctors of the 19th century who did they best they could with the tools and knowledge they had.

I look forward to a day where we will have vaccines against cancer and cures for AIDS. During this week of Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to all of the hard working men and women who help to better our lives, and especially to those researchers of the past who ensured that I would never spend a summer fearing my children's exposure to polio.

There's more of Florida than you think

2011-11-14T09:04:00.001-05:00

I spent the weekend with friends at St. George Island in the Panhandle. While it was too cold for swimming (at least for us natives--I did see tourists in the water), I walked along the powdery-white sand and enjoyed amazing sunsets and star filled skies.

We traveled up on backroads through some of the state's most beautiful scenery, part of the trip taking us through Apalachicola National Forest and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This is the Florida so many tourists never see--the hardwood swamps and pine and oak forests, the rivers and springs, the salt marshes that support an amazing variety of wildlife. You can keep South Beach, this is my favorite part of the state! I love driving the backroads and stopping to stretch my legs in tiny towns like Sopchoppy and Carabelle and Fort White. Each one is unique and has its own history that makes it special and worth a detour from the interstate. Recently I was out with a friend, to whom I'd promised a drive in the convertible and lunch after she finished chemo. As I turned off on a back road she asked me if I knew where I was going.

"Not really," I said, "But that's one of the good things about living on a peninsula. I know if I drive for a while I'm either going to hit water or Georgia, and then I'll know where I am."

For the record, we didn't get lost and had a lovely lunch.

I also got to see a bit of downtown Apalachicola this weekend, a city I can now cross off my Florida "to do" list. Pensacola is still on the list, a city that was the capitol of West Florida and next to St. Augustine one of our richest historical sites. There's a lot of territory I haven't covered in my own back yard, and I may have to put the top down on the convertible and take a research road trip this winter.

Thank you

2011-11-11T08:19:00.001-05:00

Thank you. Thank you to my father, who was at Pearl Harbor, and my father-in-law, who was at Normandy Beach, and my brother who served in Viet Nam, and my other brothers who also served their country, and the neighbor boy who used to babysit for us and went to Iraq as a marine, and all the men and women who've served over our nation's history.

Thank you.

Happy Birthday, USMC!

2011-11-10T10:03:00.002-05:00

“I just want to keep you from trying anything suicidal. I seem to remember a cutter officer back in ’41 who walked into a tavern full of navy men in Key West, telling them they were nothing but ‘goatbuggering marines.’ It wasn’t the goat buggering that bothered them, they were sailors after all, but when you called them marines…”

--Smuggler's Bride

Unlike my characters in Smuggler's Bride, I've got nothing against the marines. I want to take a moment to wish the USMC a happy birthday as they mark 236 years of fighting for the United States from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. Thank you!

Stephen Decatur, Steampunk hero!

2011-11-03T13:21:00.001-05:00

During the War of 1812 US Naval hero Commodore Stephen Decatur was blockaded by the British and couldn't take his ships (including the frigate United States) out to sea. According to historian George C. Daughan (1812-The Navy's War), Decatur was captivated by steam engineer Robert Fulton's inventions and his writings on torpedoes and submarines. Fulton came to New London, CT where the Brits had Decatur bottled up, and wanted to try an invention he called an underwater cannon against the RN ships. Decatur was all for this, but the experiment never came off.

Attempts had been made previously to harass the British with a bomb in a boat, and a submarine similar to the Turtle used during the Revolutionary War. The Brits were offended by Decatur's use of "infernal machines" and threatened countermeasures if more attempts were made to destroy their vessels with exploding devices.

Decatur did eventually get back out to sea, but in January, 1815 he had to strike his colors when the USN President was severely damaged in a fight with HMS Endymion. The war had officially ended in December, but no one on this side of the Atlantic had yet gotten the word. Many Americans know the Battle of New Orleans was fought after the war ended, but there were plenty of other sorties which did not have to occur, a situation that became a plot point in Sea Change where a pivotal sea battle takes place in February, 1815.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

2011-10-28T11:42:00.000-05:00

No, really. No editor would let you get away with it. I'm reading the entertaining history 1812--The Navy's War by George C. Daughan and I come across this:

"Broke's task force...consisted of...the 64-gun battleship Africa (Captain John Bastard)...."

Fiction writers can sometimes get away with giving characters names that leap out at the reader, like Sabatini's Captain Peter Blood and Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter Death Wimsey, but I would never dare write a novel with Captain Bastard at the helm. "Captain Sinister", yes. After all, that's Morgan Roberts' nom de guerre. But Captain Bastard? Think of the poor men under his command. Maybe they cracked a smile or sniggered--once--before the floggings began until morale was restored.

"You think your captain's tough? Ours is a right Bastard!"

Anyway, I'll let y'all know if I run across more interesting tidbits.

Women at Sea

2011-10-27T16:07:00.000-05:00

I was asked about my research on cross-dressing women sailors during our Sizzling Book Club chat of Sea Change last night at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. It was co-sponsored by All Romance eBooks and we had a lot of fun, so I want to thank Sarah at Smart Bitches and the folks at All Romance for pulling it together. If you missed the chat, click on the link and you can replay it at your leisure.

First of all, I owe a debt to Suzanne Stark for her wonderful history, Female Tars. It is fascinating and entertaining. As I point out in the introduction to Sea Change, Stark says there were 20 known cases of women serving in the Royal Navy and Marines at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries. There were likely more whose identities were never discovered.

One of those women was the seaman known as "William Brown", a black woman who served for at least 12 years during the Napoleonic Wars. According to Stark, a London newspaper account of 1815 had this to say about Brown:

"Among the crew of the Queen Charlotte, 110 guns,...a female African...by the name of William Brown. [She] has served for some time as the captain of the foretop, highly to the satisfaction of the officers."

Being captain of the foretop was no small thing. She had to be agile, unafraid of heights, able to work in all weather, leading the other sailors in the crew. The topmen's job was one of the most dangerous aboard ship since they took in the sails high above while the deck pitched below them. It was especially hazardous during storms, and many topmen fell to their death.

After her sex was discovered, Brown re-entered the service aboard her old ship. A good topman was a treasure to a captain, regardless of sex. In 1816 Brown was transferred to the Bombay, and lost to history.

Other books readers may find interesting:

Women Sailors and Sailors' Women, an Untold Maritime History by David Cordingly.

She Captains--Heroines and Hellions of the Sea--Joan Druett

Hen Frigate--Joan Druett

Petticoat Whalers--Whaling Wives at Sea--Joan Druett

Flying Cloud--The True Story of America's Most Famous Sailing Ship and the Woman who Navigated Her--by David Shaw

2011-10-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

The Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and All Romance eBooks chat for Sea Change is this Wednesday, October 26 at 9 p.m. EDT. There will be a link at Smart Bitches. If you'd like to prep for the talk, you can follow the discussions of cross-dressing as a romance novel theme here.

In addition, Amber Quill Press is the featured publisher through October at All Romance, so all of my books there have a 25% rebate this month. You can buy Sea Change and stock up on the backlist as well.

Happy Birthday, USN!

2011-10-18T09:02:00.002-05:00

I wasn't online on October 13, but I wanted to give a belated birthday salute to the United States Navy. I've got some naval history in my own background. My late father was at Pearl Harbor on the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941, and went on to serve in the Pacific until after the end of the war, earning a Bronze Star and other commendations. I had the pleasure of researching some of the USN history for my novels, especially for Captain Sinister's Lady.

If you'd like to learn more about the early days of the USN, I highly recommend Ian Toll's excellent history, Six Frigates.

PBS and The War of 1812

2011-10-12T13:20:00.002-05:00

Just finished watching PBS' War of 1812. I thought it would be a mini-series, but it was just the one episode. After all, it was a short war. Nonetheless, they packed a whole war into that episode. Since I've always concentrated on the naval battles and what was happening in Florida, it was nice to learn more about what was happening along the Canadian border.

Oh, and for my Canadian friends? I now know Laura Secord is not famous for bringing chocolate to the wilderness. My mistake. Hey, go easy on me! I still know more Canadian history than 98% of my countrymen!

There was passing mention of the Baltimore privateers, but really, you can get a lot more background on them by reading Sea Change (and I wish you would). There is discussion of how The Star Spangled Banner rallied Americans, and that too is a plot point in Sea Change.

While the program itself isn't long, there are some lovely links at PBS.Org to give you more information on some of the issues mentioned in the War of 1812 documentary. I'm enjoying the additional information, and I'm glad my PBS contributions help support quality and informative programs like this one.

2011-10-09T12:23:00.003-05:00

The War of 1812, aka The 2nd War of American Independence, is coming to PBS. Check your local listings, our PBS station in N. Florida airs it Monday at 9 p.m.

Sea Change is set during this pivotal moment in American history. I enjoyed doing the research for this book because I learned so much, especially about the role American privateers played in winning victories for the young nation.

2011-10-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

Awesome giveaway at SBTB!

There is a "Holy Cow, what a pile of amazing!" giveaway at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books to celebrate the publication of Everything I Know About Love, I Learned From Romance Novels (hereafter known as #EIKAL).

EIKAL is by SmartBitch Sarah, and culls the wisdom of Romancelandia, including input from yours truly. But the giveaway! That's the big news! You win a massive basket with enough goodies to keep you reading on a desert island for months and months when you're not dealing with the adorable demands of Ramon, your cabana boy (Ramon not included. And you have to bring your own cabana). There are books (including The Bride and the Buccaneer), ereaders, special artwork and a SIGNED NORA ROBERTS BOBBLEHEAD!

I think my own head just exploded from it all.

Check out SBTB for details, follow the links, and if you're not already a fan of SB Sarah, you should be. After all, in addition to being a very funny and smart lady, she's hosting me for the October Sizzling Book Read of Sea Change at SBTB later this month.

2011-10-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

Hot news for cool times!

Sea Change is the October Sizzling Book Club pick at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books! They're also giving away a chance at print copies of Sea Change if you leave a comment on your favorite pirate romance. But wait, there's more! In partnership with All Romance ebooks, you can buy digital copies of Sea Change for 50% off after rebate! More details to follow, but enter now to win your own copy of Sea Change, and join us for the Sizzling Book Club discussion later this month.

2011-09-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

Naming characters is tough. I recall a reviewer complaining because of the similarity of names between Julius and Justin in Pirate's Price, so I've tried to be sensitive to it in subsequent novels.

When I typed in the name today of a heroine from a previous novel, I realized I'd best go back and change the heroine's name from my WIP, [working title] The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby, so I wouldn't confuse myself. Then the name I picked turned out to be similar to that of Daphne in my as-yet-unpublished Castaway Dreams. So I changed it again, and sounded it out to be sure it was alliterative and appropriate to time, place and class.

The new heroine from the WIP: Lydia Burke. I tried saying it aloud, looked at it in print, verified that I do not have any heroines whose names begin with "L", nor major secondary characters named Lydia, and it all works. Phew! Thank goodness for Find&Replace!

2011-09-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

By request, here's the recipe for persimmon cake. I'm waiting for my persimmons to get nice and ripe, and I may try adjusting the baking to 1 hr. at 350F since I'm using a newer oven than the last time I tried this.

Persimmon Cake

From Smuggler's Bride by Darlene Marshall

Preheat oven to 325F

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup margarine

2 eggs, beaten

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon allspice

1 cup persimmon pulp--approx. six small very ripe Florida persimmons

½ cup chopped pecans

To get persimmon pulp: Take very ripe persimmons, cut in half, scoop pulp out. Remove pithy seed area, pulse a few times in food processor.

1. cream sugar and margarine, add eggs, add dry ingredients, pulp and nuts.

2. pour mixture into standard loaf pan (grease and flour pan, if not nonstick model), bake 1.25 hours. Let cool ten minutes, remove from pan.

Freezes well.

2011-09-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

Crocks of preserves and pickled tomatoes, cucumbers, and relishes shone in the sun. Her persimmon cakes were added to the pile. While once Julia might have wondered who could consume so much food at one sitting, she’d seen the Crackers sit down to their victuals and knew the food would be little more than a memory by the time the day was done.

--SMUGGLER'S BRIDE

It's almost time for persimmon cake, so I'm off to the farmers market. You can read more about this tasty treat in Smuggler's Bride, and comment here if you want the recipe.

2011-09-14T12:20:00.000-05:00

He rummaged in his desk and pulled out a tattered newspaper, much folded and creased.
“My mother sent this to me with the letters, a newspaper from home. A Mr. Key wrote a poem about the battle, Doctor, titled ‘The Defence of Fort McHenry’. Look here–‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’. That’s America, Charley! I won’t ask you to drink to an American victory, but you won’t mind if I have a tot?”
David poured himself some rum while humming a tune. Charley listened, her head cocked to the side.
"I know that tune–I heard it in the inn where I waited to board the Lady Jane. It is ‘To Anacreon in Heaven’, is it not? I recall the people who attempted to navigate its melody often failed miserably.”
“Maybe it’s a song best attempted while drinking for the full effect. But I’m told it is now popular in Baltimore with lyrics based on Mr. Key’s poem–‘And the rockets’ red glare…’ .”
Charley snickered as his voice strained through the notes.
“That tune will never catch on, Captain.”

--SEA CHANGE

Charley was wrong. The tune and Mr. Keys' poem caught on, and today is the anniversary of the writing of The Star Spangled Banner.

2011-09-13T09:07:00.000-05:00

“But take heart, men, just as your countrymen did! America cannot be frightened into submission!” He waved a paper. “I have here the account of the battle of Baltimore and the glorious defense of Fort McHenry! The nation still stands strong, boys, and will never bow to tyrants! A cheer for the United States of America, and an extra ration of rum tonight for its gallant heroes!”

The men threw their hats into the air while cheering, “Huzzah for the United States!”

--SEA CHANGE

Today is the anniversary of the bombardment of Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. For over 25 hours British warships rained fire down on the American fort. Out of it came a renewed commitment to America's freedom, and a national anthem.

I may raise a glass myself tonight to honor our nation's gallant defenders, then and now.

2011-09-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

SEPTEMBER 11

This morning I realized I was doing the same thing as I did on that morning 10 years ago. I was walking the dog around the neighborhood on a glorious September day. In 2001 my neighbor came out of her house and said, "You'll want to turn on your TV when you get home. A plane crashed into the World Trade Center."

None of us will forget that moment. It is seared in our memories as much as President Kennedy's assassination was when I was a child, and Pearl Harbor was for my parents. There's not much I can say today that has not been said before, and said better by others. I can offer this: Ten years ago we were filled with horror over what we witnessed. But in the years since September 11, 2001, I have seen many wonderful things--children grown, graduations, weddings, births, a spirit of volunteerism, and a continuing belief that we are capable of making our country great, if each of us is committed to the ideals that are America.

September 11, 2011 is an anniversary, but it is also a starting point, a point a which we can take stock and ask ourselves what we can do to honor those whose lives were lost, and make America better tomorrow than it is today.

2011-09-05T08:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day!

     Amanda hummed to herself as she worked. It was wonderfully satisfying, doing what she loved, and she was confident of her product’s success. Judith and Sarah were telling their friends about the “marvelous creams, used in England for years by all the court ladies!” and Madame Bernard reported eager customers were inquiring as to the availability of Brooke’s products, responding to the discreet sign in the shop window.
     The soap equipment was ordered, and the initial contacts made with the vendors she would need to work with in Savannah. A city the size of St. Augustine would have access to olive and coconut oil, and enough waste fat from animal slaughtering for her to set up with local vendors there. If necessary, she could start out as the first Amanda started her soap business-trading the finished product for the fats used in households. She wrinkled her nose. Soapmaking was a smelly, messy, dangerous undertaking. Many of the fine ladies who used the finished product had no idea of what truly was involved in making each pretty little ball or bar.
     Amanda had modified a few of her closely guarded recipes to use the new techniques of the Frenchman Chevreul, and the results were encouraging, better product and cheaper to manufacture. As she filled her pots, she daydreamed about vast factories springing up across America, all making Brooke Soap for everyone.

--CAPTAIN SINISTER'S LADY

Today is Labor Day in the US, a day when we honor the hardworking women and men who keep our country prosperous, and if they're soapmakers like Amanda, clean and fragrant. Enjoy your holiday, pack up your white shoes, and take a moment to savor the end of summer while you pause from your labors with a good book or two.

2011-09-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

I'm putting together a basket to donate to the Lawton Chiles Gala, named for our late, great Florida governor, "Walkin' Lawton" Chiles. There's a silent auction and I thought this would work: a "Getaway in a Basket". It'll have two signed novels (Sea Change and The Bride and the Buccaneer), a scented candle, two gourmet chocolate bars and packets of bath salts. Here's the copy:

YOUR GETAWAY IN A BASKET

"After a hard day of campaigning for your US House seat or picketing the governor's mansion, you need a break. Turn off the phone, shut the door, and curl up with a nice, relaxing bath and a novel with pirates, privateers, romance, adventure, dashing heroes, daring heroines and a guaranteed happy ending, all from award-winning romance novelist Darlene Marshall."

So what do you think?

2011-08-25T09:12:00.000-05:00

When they were all assembled, he looked out over the assortment of Yankee privateers and their British doctor and said, “Men, I have news from home.”

He waited for the murmurs to die down.

“I received correspondence on St. Martin that I wish to share with you. Last August, while we were at sea fighting for the rights of sailors and free Americans, the British burned our nation’s capitol, Washington City.”

Now the mutters from the men were angry as they shifted their feet and looked at one another. The Americans had burned York in Canada, and Great Britain might be justified in saying it’s tit for tat to burn the Americans’ capitol, but Charley just scratched her ear and wisely refrained from pointing that out.

--SEA CHANGE

Today is the anniversary of the burning of Washington, DC and the White House in 1814. But I don't think we can blame the Brits for the earthquake.

2011-08-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

WORLDCON 2011 or "HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION"

Nearly 4,000 SF fans and pros from around the world gathered in Reno, Nevada this week for Renovation, the 69th World Science Fiction convention.

It was a blast. I had five days of hanging out with some of the best writers and most amazing fans in the world. I worked in Program Operations at the con, and enjoyed that as well. Much of our work was dealing with crises involving program items--panelists who don't show up, communications breakdowns regarding room set-ups--and I again appreciated just how many volunteer hours go into making a Worldcon happen.

I was also on the program at Worldcon. My first panel was on Thursday afternoon: "Tall Tales vs. History in Pirate Research". What a great discussion! The room was full of fans and my fellow panelists were Tim Powers (On Stranger Tides), Carrie Vaughn of "Kitty the werewolf" fame, A.C. Crispin, who wrote Jack Sparrow's backstory for Disney, and John G. Hemry, who writes "The Lost Fleet" military sf. We could easily have gone longer discussing all the books and characters we'd researched for our own work.

The evening was when parties really kick-off. There were bid parties for future Worldcons, thank-you parties by past Worldcons, private parties, weird parties and special interest group parties. Despite all that I was in decent shape for Friday's programming, my busiest day. As long as I remembered to drink water fairly constantly, I managed to avoid problem. It did feel though that the moisture was being sucked out of my Florida body every time I stepped into the arid desert heights of Reno.

Friday started with "The Continuing Popularity of Jane Austen". I was the moderator and my fellow panelists were Brenda W. Clough, Martha Wells, Ellen Asher and Madeleine E. Robbins. All of us shared a love of Austen and discussed how her work affected us as readers, editors and authors, and how her themes are still used today in works like "Bride and Prejudice" and "Clueless". I also learned about Raptor Red , which I haven't read, but I'm told it's Pride and Prejudice as told by velociraptors. Seriously. It is truly amazing what information you can pick up at Worldcon panels.

Friday afternoon I moderated "Elements of Romance in Speculative Fiction". That panel featured Sharon Shinn, Louise Marley, Christina York and Lois McMaster Bujold. I have to credit the Renovation Program staff with putting together panels that contained some of the best mixes of panelists I've ever seen, and I've been on Worldcon panels for over 10 years. This was another well attended session, with discussions that could easily have gone on another hour. Each of the panelists contributed to a discussion that was like a layer cake--we could all bring a different ingredient and keep it delicious.

I would have loved to stay and chat more with people afterward, but I had to dash over to the Children's Programming for "Pirates for Kids" with Carrie Vaughn and Tim Powers. James Bacon should get an award for putting together the childrens program schedule. It was so awesome we had adults coming into Program Ops and asking how they could get in to see panels on topics like "What Happens When Blood Flies?" by a spatter expert.

But it was kids only, as it should be in their special area. We weren't sure what we would find but thought we'd be talking to young readers, and were prepared to discuss our favorite pirate books. What we found instead was a mostly younger pre-literate crowd, so we rose to the occasion and talked about why pirates have parrots, what pirates eat (weevily bread was a huge hit), Muppet Treasure Island and similar topics. We tried to keep it simple, and no one burst out in tears (I was most worried about the panelists), so it was all good.

My final program item was Sunday, "Fashion Design for Memorable Pirates". Karen Dick, a costumer, and A.C. Crispin were sharing the dais with me for that. I learned quite a bit from Karen about what goes into making a costume, an area unfamiliar to me. We talked about pirates in the Western canon, and also Asian and Indian pirates in case people were looking for variety. Anne Crispin had to research pirate wardrobes for her Jack Sparrow book, and of course, fashion and clothing research is a huge part of my writing historical romances.

In between panels I joined friends for some fabulous suppers, went to a few other panels, mostly worked in Program Ops, and made time to check out the dealers' room and the art show. It was an exhausting five days, and I'm looking forward to being in Chicago next year for Chicon 7, the 70th World Science Fiction Convention.

2011-08-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Am I the last romance reader in the world who's bothered by constant head-hopping? I'm reading a novel now by a popular paranormal author (no, I'm not going to name her) and the abrupt POV shifts back-and-forth within a single page are giving me a headache! I'm willing to tolerate it from Nora Roberts when I read one of her books because she's Nora freakin' Roberts and she's that good, but the rest of you? Not that good. Yet.

Dorothy Dunnett's six book Lymond Chronicles are told from everyone's POV except the hero. We're only in his head for one sentence. And yet I defy anyone to read and enjoy those books without coming away feeling like you know the hero.

It takes effort to stay within a single POV for a scene, especially in a romance because you have two protagonists. I've written scenes where I switched POV midway through because I thought it was necessary for the story, and I've written scenes where I deliberately went back and made myself write it all in a single POV.

New writers should hone their craft and work at not head-hopping, and editors should raise the standards. Is that too much to ask?

2011-08-13T19:32:00.000-05:00

I'm sometimes asked about the "proper order" for reading my novels. I write all of them to be read as stand-alone books, but some of them are linked, so I'll post a little reading guide here:

Read The Bride and the Buccaneer before Captain Sinister's Lady. A younger Morgan Roberts, aka "Captain Sinister" is a secondary character in Bride.

Pirate's Price is set a generation before Smuggler's Bride. The heroine of Smuggler's Bride is the daughter of the H&H of Pirate's Price, and characters from that novel make appearances in Smuggler.

Right now Sea Change is fully a stand-alone novel, but I have an unpublished novel that features a secondary character from Sea Change as the hero. Stay tuned!

2011-08-09T14:59:00.001-05:00

My Renovation (Worldcon 2011) Schedule #renosf

Here's my final schedule for the 69th Worldcon, Renovation, August 17-21 in Reno, Nevada. If you're trying to decide whether or not to go, they also sell memberships at the door.

Where there's an (M) next to my name, I'm moderating that panel. If you're coming to the "Pirates for Kids" panel on Friday at 5 p.m., have pity--I'm going to have to sprint to make it there on time.[g]

Thu 16:00 - 17:00, Arrrggh! Tall Tales versus History in Pirate Research
Pirate fiction is a popular sub-genre. While grounded in history, research about pirates can be tricky. Records are erratic and often exaggerated. What are some of the more reliable resources? And what about when the truth about pirates is stranger than its fiction?
Carrie Vaughn (M), Darlene Marshall, Tim Powers, John G. Hemry, A. C. Crispin

Fri 11:00 - 12:00, The Continuing Popularity of Jane Austen
Jane Austen remains very popular, including among SF fans. Her books continue to be read, and they've spawned numerous movies as well as a number of spin off novels. The panel discusses Austen's continuing popularity.
Darlene Marshall (M), Brenda W. Clough, Ellen Asher, Madeleine E. Robins, Martha Wells

Fri 16:00 - 17:00, Elements of Romance in Speculative Fiction
Romantic stories focus on relationships and romantic love. Speculative fiction is often considered a
genre of ideas. What is the role of the romantic element in this genre of ideas? How does speculative fiction bring a fresh perspective to stories about emotion and relationships?
Darlene Marshall(M), Christina York, Lois McMaster Bujold, Sharon Shinn, Louise Marley

Fri 17:00 - 18:00, Pirates for Kids
Carrie Vaughn, Darlene Marshall, Tim Powers

Sun 12:00 - 13:00, Fashion Design for Memorable Pirates
One of the things that makes Jack Sparrow a particularly memorable pirate was his fashion sense. What are the essential elements of a good pirate costume? How to think beyond ruffled shirts and tri-corner hats.
Darlene Marshall(M), Karen Dick, Espana Sheriff, A. C. Crispin

2011-08-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

Watched the 2011 "Jane Eyre" movie tonight. I knew how it ended--I'd read the book. I still believe the BBC production with Timothy Dalton is the gold standard of Edward Rochesters (and I'd seen Orson Welles and George C. Scott do it), but Michael Fassbender wasn't bad.

And I confess, I have a soft spot for Sinjin Rivers. I always hoped his ship to India would get overrun by pirates led by a hot lady pirate who would take him prisoner and show him a good time. He needed it, poor lad.

2011-08-05T07:18:00.001-05:00

I had to cancel my book signing at Books Plus in Fernandina Beach this Sunday due to a family obligation. I'll post a notice when it's rescheduled, and I apologize if this inconveniences anyone.

2011-08-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

Watched "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935) on TCM tonight. I knew how it ended--I read the book. So many great performances in this film--Ronald Colman as Sidney Carton defined the tragic romantic hero. And I'd nearly forgotten Blanche Yurka's outstanding performance as Madame Dufarge.

Leonard Malkin gives it four out of four stars, and I have to agree. To say they don't make them like they used to is cliched, but there is validity to it.

By the way, SF fans, Fritz Leiber is one of the actors in this classic.

2011-08-02T10:32:00.001-05:00

A SNIPPET FROM "THE HOT PIRATE'S SECRET BABY"[WORKING TITLE]

Writing is going well this morning, the kind of morning where I feel like I made the right career choice after all. Since it's been a while, here's a snippet from my WIP. You're going to see it warts and all, and it shows part of my writing process. When I don't like a word or have doubts, I put it in brackets and move on.

It 1817 pirate Robert St. Armand is sailing from the Caribbean to England. Aboard the Prodigal Son is his young daughter Mathilde, age 8 or so. Robert realizes he needs some quality childcare, and happens to know Mathilde's former governess is aboard another vessel in these waters.

[Working Title) The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby

“I am contemplating murder at this moment, Captain St. Armand. Leave me alone to continue to St. Thomas!”

“That I cannot do, and I am done discussing this.”

She gasped as he hoisted her in his arms.

“I suggest you cease struggling and put your arms around my neck, Miss Burke, unless you fancy crashing to the deck or falling into the ocean.

She did as he instructed and he grabbed the line tossed to him by one of his men, then easily swung over to his ship. Now, there was a move calibrated to impress starched-up spinsters! Whether from fear or simply overcome at being in his arms—he had to assume the latter was the case—she clung to him for dear life. Even over the smell of the fishing boat Robert registered that the bundle of womanhood in his arms smelled clean. Like soap, not like the heavily scented whores and ladies he was used to having in his arms.

Clean was pleasant. Showed she wouldn’t instill slovenly habits in his daughter. He set Miss Burke on her feet where she wobbled for a moment and put her hand up to her scalp. Some of her pins had come loose and so had her hair, now flying about in the breeze.

Robert eased the pins into his coat pocket.

“Avast, ye scurvy dog! Strike your colors or I’ll…I’ll…what will I do, Mr. Turnbull?”

“Say, ‘I’ll scupper your ship and use your guts for garters, ye lily-livered—oh. Captain, sir!” Turnbull knuckled his forehead and said, “Um, I have to be off now, Mattie,” before scurrying below.

Mattie looked up then and spotted the governess. She ran over and Arabella Burke squatted down on the deck to open her arms to Mattie’s embrace.

“Miss Burke! Miss Burke! I am so happy to see you again!”

“I am happy to see you too, Mathilde. I missed you very much,” she said fiercely, hugging the child to her chest. Mattie drew back her head and looked at her.

“I am not Mathilde any more, Miss Burke. Now I’m Marauding Mattie, the terror of the West Indies!”

“Are you indeed, miss?” She said in a voice that might have left icicles on the rigging as she looked up at Marauding Mattie’s father, who devoutly wished he was somewhere else at the moment.

The governess stood, still holding Mathilde. If she were a dragon she’d be breathing flame protecting the child. Rather than make Robert angry, he found it gratifying she would champion the child’s welfare. Mathilde needed someone to watch her back because while there were few things in the world he was certain of, he knew most pirates did not die of old age in bed. At least, not their own beds.

“Mathilde, you know I said you needed a governess.”

“Papa did say that, Miss Burke. He said he would keelhaul me if I disobeyed his commands.”

“Wha—no, I did not say that!” He glanced around the deck for rescue. “Mr. Fuller! Is the cabin ready for Miss Burke?”

“Aye, Captain, and we’re almost done here.”

“Very good. Prepare to get underweigh. Miss Burke, may I escort you to the cabin you’ll be sharing with Mattie?”

Miss Burke set Mattie back on her feet and brushed down her garment before clasping her hands at her waist and taking a deep breath.

“I can see I will accomplish nothing by discussing my--” she looked down at the child who was watching her, “My situation, but we will talk this evening.”

“I am certain any evening spent in your company can be nothing but delightful, Miss Burke.”

[NOT QUITE RIGHT “I can say with equal certainty that you will be proven wrong, Captain St. Armand.”]

Robert kept his smile fixed on his face. Miss Burke thought she had the weather gage, but the day was not yet over. He did need a governess, but he was not about to stand down on his own ship. She was a servant, kidnapped to care for Mathilde. He was the captain and enjoyed all the privileges of that position. He flung open the door to Fuller’s cabin, then stopped still.

“My goodness,” Miss Burke said as she peered around his back. “This was not what I expected.”

Someone had raided the captain’s cabin while he was out, and carried off the booty. There were two bunks, narrow, but awash in embroidered and jewel-toned silk pillows of crimson, amber, sapphire, turquoise and emerald. A fine rug on the deck promised comfort to bare feet padding about during the night. He knew from experience how cozy, deep and luxurious the silken pile of that item felt, a gift from a grateful Turkish pasha.

The raiders had not carried off his deep mattress or the mirror fastened to the wall, or the rose satin coverlet, but it was a near thing. They had taken the ivory-inlaid chest, the brass lantern from Morocco, his dresser set in silver and for all he knew, his chamberpot with the King of Spain’s portrait on the bottom, a special gift from the Mexican rebels.

The cabin was cramped for two people, even if one was a little girl, but it looked much more inviting than when Mr. Fuller had occupied it. Miss Burke walked into it in a daze, looked around, and then turned and did the strangest thing. She smiled at him.

Robert blinked. He knew his smiles were devastating, but that was to be expected, given his charm, amazing good looks, fashion sense, savoir faire, and his practice sessions before his looking glass, but to find such [beauty] behind Miss Burke’s drab exterior…

“Most unexpected indeed,” he murmured.

“You told me the accommodations aboard your vessel would be finer, but really, Captain St. Armand, I never would have imagined this!”

She reached onto the bunk and picked up—dammit, those scrubs had taken his fur pillow!—his favorite pillow and caressed it with her slim hand. A ripple of pleasure crossed her face, quickly suppressed. It appeared the governess had a touch of the sensualist within her and he filed the information away in his mind, one more weapon he might use to his advantage.

He crossed his arms over his chest, one of his favorite poses.

“This is satisfactory then? You will be sharing the cabin with Mattie.”

“Mattie the Marauder?” she asked dryly. “Yes, I think the littlest pirate and I can be quite comfortable here.”

She looked about to say something else, but he forestalled her with a raised hand.

“I recognize that look. Before you ring a peal over my head, I’ll leave and spare myself. I really do not care to hear it. The men will bring you your gear. Get what you need for now, and the rest will be put in the hold to give you more room here. Supper is at [bells] and you and Mattie will join me, Miss Burke.”

“Is that an order?”

“When I say you will do something, you may take it as an order. It is safer that way.

He favored her with another smile, the one that sent his men scurrying for the relative safety of the rigging, but she just sniffed in a governessy fashion and said, “Send Mattie to me, Captain, and we will organize our cabin and discuss our schedule.”

###

2011-08-01T08:18:00.001-05:00

BOOK SIGNING IN FERNANDINA BEACH

Ahoy, Florida First Coast! I'll be signing books at Books Plus in delightful, historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Sunday, August 7 from 1-5 p.m. The bookstore is a cozy spot with coffee, wi-fi, gifts, and a children's corner for the littlest book fans. Of course, any day at the beach is wonderful, and you can explore this special area once known for being a haven to pirates and smugglers.

The Bride and the Buccaneer is partly set in Fernandina, so I'm really looking forward to returning to the town. Be sure to drop by and get a signed copy of one of my books for your summer beach reading.

2011-07-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

To the winners of the Goodreads Giveaway: Thank you for your patience while I was at the beach doing research (that's my story, and I'm sticking to it). Your signed copies of Sea Change are now in the mail winging their way to you!

2011-07-21T08:30:00.001-05:00

My Renovation (Worldcon 2011) Schedule

I've received my schedule, and they've got me on panels with some heavy hitters, including GoH Tim Powers. If I wasn't a highly professional author you'd be hearing my fangirl squeeing all over the place!

Where there's an (M) next to my name, I'm moderating that panel. You can still buy memberships to Renovation, August 17 in Reno, Nevada. Kudos to the Renovation Program staff for putting together such a great line-up of talent across the programming spectrum.

Thu 16:00 - 17:00, Arrrggh! Tall Tales versus History in Pirate Research

Pirate fiction is a popular sub-genre. While grounded in history, research about pirates can be tricky. Records are erratic and often exaggerated. What are some of the more reliable resources? And what about when the truth about pirates is stranger than its fiction?

Carrie Vaughn (M), Darlene Marshall, Tim Powers, John G. Hemry, A. C. Crispin

Fri 11:00 - 12:00, The Continuing Popularity of Jane Austen

Jane Austen remains very popular, including among SF fans. Her books continue to be read, and they've spawned numerous movies as well as a number of spin off novels. The panel discusses Austen's continuing popularity.

Darlene Marshall (M), Brenda W. Clough, Ellen Asher, Madeleine E. Robins, Martha Wells

Fri 16:00 - 17:00, Elements of Romance in Speculative Fiction

Romantic stories focus on relationships and romantic love. Speculative fiction is often considered a
genre of ideas. What is the role of the romantic element in this genre of ideas? How does speculative fiction bring a fresh perspective to stories about emotion and relationships?

Darlene Marshall(M), Christina York, Lois McMaster Bujold, Sharon Shinn, Louise Marley

Fri 17:00 - 18:00, Pirates for Kids

Carrie Vaughn, Darlene Marshall, Tim Powers

Sun 12:00 - 13:00, Fashion Design for Memorable Pirates

One of the things that makes Jack Sparrow a particularly memorable pirate was his fashion sense. What are the essential elements of a good pirate costume? How to think beyond ruffled shirts and tri-corner hats.

Darlene Marshall(M), Karen Dick, Espana Sheriff, A. C. Crispin

2011-07-18T10:26:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned, I'm at the beach while my husband attends his annual state conference. Poor guy, he's tied up in sessions all day while I get to do my work while looking out over a stormy Atlantic. I took one of the resort bikes today for a ride south along A1A. It was invigorating to be back on a bike, and when the rain blew in suddenly it was refreshing as well as invigorating. If it clears up this afternoon I may go for a dip in the ocean.

In the meantime, I'm aware the summer is winding down and I need to be hard at work on my next novel, so I'm hoping that this jaunt away from my normal distractions may stimulate some quality writing. It's worked in the past, and I'm going to put some real effort into it.

So later, gators. Hope your summer is going equally well.

2011-07-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the three Goodreads Giveaway winners! Your copies of Sea Change will be winging their way to you as soon as I return from the beach later this week. I'm researching my next book, which may be called Lifestyles of the Pirates of Palm Beach or Marauders and Mojitos or That Costs How Much? Hold on While I Dig Up My Treasure Chest.

Yep. Research. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

2011-07-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Today is Bastille Day, a lovely opportunity to salute the French by having a nice glass of wine, a bit of cheese and a baguette. In honor of the day I'm posting a snippet from my WIP, Castaway Dreams. If you've read Sea Change (and if you haven't, get yourself to your favorite bookseller and buy it!), then you know who Alexander Murray is. He's the hero of Castaway Dreams, and the villain is a pirate named Robert St. Armand. St. Armand has designs on the heroine as this conversation between St. Armand and the mate illustrates. So why this snippet on Bastille Day? St. Armand may--or may not--be a Frenchman:

CASTAWAY DREAMS

“‘Daffy Daphne’ was the topic of choice in many a club and drawing room, for you seldom see looks like that combined with money.”
“A lot of money?”
“Oh yes, enough to keep a man happy for many, many years. And what impressionable young woman is not in love with the idea of a bold buccaneer? A voyage across the ocean is just the opportunity I need to sway Miss Farnham to my side instead of Mr. Murray’s.”
St. Armand braced his arms alongside his mirror, looked into the glass and sighed with satisfaction.
“I am so damned pretty, Mr. Fuller. It is no contest at all. The girls at Madame Cornelia’s fight to spend the night with me. The boys at Ganymede’s Cup swoon over my face and form. Miss Farnham is no different and I will soon have her bedazzled. It is inevitable. It is fate. Her money and I were meant to be together.”
He smiled, admiring the teeth that were as white and shiny as ever.
“He says he’s her husband.”
“Murray?” St. Armand looked over his shoulder at his unsmiling mate and snickered at the thought of his competition. If one could even call Mr. Murray competition. Which one would not, because the concept was so ridiculous.
“Then she’ll make a lovely widow in need of comforting, won’t she? A ship at sea is a dangerous place, Mr. Fuller. People slip overboard, are struck by flying tackle, fall down into the hold, even swallow poison by accident. Terribly unsafe. I predict that if Miss Farnham is in fact Mrs. Murray, it will not be an issue by the time we dock.”

2011-07-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

Time is running out! Enter the Sea Change giveaway now!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

          Sea Change

          by Darlene Marshall

            Giveaway ends July 16, 2011.



            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.

      Enter to win

2011-07-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

I'm re-reading A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson. I've read it many times, but wanted to come back to it now because it's a plot device in my WIP [working title] The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby. In the WIP, the pirate captain hero reads aloud to his daughter from Johnson's history as a bedtime story, doing some judicious editing on the fly. The governess heroine is less than pleased with his choice of literature, but little Mathilde (who's taken on the pirate name of "Marauding Mattie") loves hearing about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, Blackbeard and the rest.

Johnson's book is the ur-book of pirate stories in the West, and much of our knowledge and images of pirates comes from him. The book is entertaining and lively. It doesn't hurt that "Captain Johnson" may in fact be Daniel Defoe, a man who knew how to write a rousing story! It still reads well after 300 years.

2011-07-08T14:44:00.001-05:00

I thought Conner Calling was a huge success. If you couldn't hear the show today, Hank will archive it after a few days and you'll be able to hear it on the web. We talked about changes in the book industry, historical romance, and I read a couple scenes (slightly edited) from Sea Change. The hour flew by! I hope we can do it again soon.

2011-06-30T10:23:00.002-05:00

INDEPENDENCE DAY

      Charley didn’t know anything about guns, but the sailors and Mr. Silas Stuart, the mate, seemed impressed with the speed of the “Cannies” at their stations. Naturally, they placed bets on whether the next shot would hit the barrel floating off the starboard bow.
      “They’re fast, but accuracy counts,” Stuart said. “Now, if you want to see real accuracy, watch the Americans. ‘Cousin Jonathan’ is so skinflint about outfitting ships I suspect the cost of each ball that doesn’t hit its mark is deducted from the sailors’ pay!”
      “Those Yankees will never be able to stand against our big Navy guns,” the cook said with a grin.

--Sea Change

The cook aboard the Lady Jane was wrong. The United States Navy was able to stand against the Royal Navy's guns in war, not once, but twice within 40 years. Each time, the young nation proved itself a force to be reckoned with.

We celebrate our hard-won independence this weekend as John Adams said we should: "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."

Have a safe and patriotic 4th of July! If you're looking for some appropriate reading, I recommend one of my favorite histories of the American Revolution.

2011-06-27T08:47:00.000-05:00

I've been invited back to Conner Calling, on Friday, July 8 from 1-2 p.m. EDT. We'll be talking about ebooks and ereaders, Sea Change, the business of writing, and whatever else Hank wants to discuss or the listeners phone-in/email-in and ask.

Remember, you can listen online from anywhere in the world via your computer. Just click on the link at the website.

2011-06-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

Book Signing in Fernandina!

Mark your calendars! I'll be signing books in Fernandina Beach, that Florida hotbed of pirate activity (seriously--read The Bride and the Buccaneer if you don't believe me) on Sunday, August 7 from 1-5 p.m. at Books Plus, 107 Centre St., Fernandina Beach. More on this as it develops.

2011-06-19T09:54:00.000-05:00

They turned their attention to dessert, and as they rose from the table Justin asked Julia to join him in his study.

He did not seat himself behind his desk, but instead perched on the edge, and watched her for a moment, a different silence from that used on [redacted for spoiler(g)]. Nonetheless, Julia's hands were clasped in her lap as she looked up at her father.

"Julia." He hesitated, and she braced herself for a long overdue lecture on her hoydenish ways.

"Julia. I am so thankful you are safe. If I live to be one hundred, I will never be able to express to you how much it meant to me to find you alive and unharmed in that cabin."

This was so far from what Julia expected that before she realized what was happening, tears were flowing down her cheeks. Her father pulled her into his sheltering embrace as she clutched his lapels and sobbed into his jacket.

"Oh, Papa, I was so afraid," she sniffled after soaking his shirtfront. "I was so afraid that you and Mama would be ashamed of me!"

"Here, blow," the earl said, pressing his handkerchief into her hand. "Ashamed of you? My darling girl, your welfare is my sole concern! And far from being ashamed of you, your mother and I admire your resourcefulness. Few young women would have dealt so well with your situation."

--SMUGGLER'S BRIDE

This is for all the understanding papas out there. Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-16T19:50:00.002-05:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

          Sea Change

          by Darlene Marshall

            Giveaway ends July 16, 2011.



            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.

      Enter to win

2011-06-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

The print edition of Sea Change is now available!

2011-06-14T07:18:00.000-05:00

“You underestimate the will of the American people, Doctor,” he poked his finger in the air for emphasis. “When you push us, we push back. Hard. John Bull cannot bully America into surrendering now any more than you could 40 years ago. Have you already forgotten the lesson of Fort McHenry?”

He rummaged in his desk and pulled out a tattered newspaper, much folded and creased.

“My mother sent this to me with the letters, a newspaper from home. A Mr. Key wrote a poem about the battle, Doctor, titled ‘The Defence of Fort McHenry’. Look here–‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’. That’s America, Charley!"

---SEA CHANGE

Today is Flag Day, the day we honor our nation's star spangled banner. If you've got a flag, fly it proudly!

2011-06-11T20:23:00.002-05:00

SEA CHANGE is now available in Kindle Editions, print to follow!

2011-06-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

SEA CHANGE now on sale! Amber Quill Press is offering special discounts this month on their already low ebook pricing. The Kindle and print editions are coming soon.

2011-06-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

It's true what they say about bike riding. You never forget how to fall off. Fortunately, I also remembered how to ride a cruiser since it had been over 20 years since I was on a bicycle.

We were in Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, Florida for a wedding this week. While my husband was golfing I borrowed a hotel bicycle and pedaled into historic downtown Fernandina. I'd been there before, driving up to do research for The Bride and the Buccaneer, but it's always fun to visit again. The ride was 4 miles there and back, and I'm pleased today that it all came back to me when I got on the bike though it took me a moment to remember to brake with the pedal rather than the non-existent handbrakes.

For those of you who have not yet read The Bride and the Buccaneer, Fernandina was a hotbed of piratical and smuggling activity, two themes near and dear to my heart. They celebrate their pirate tradition with school nicknames, pirate themed eateries and shops, and annual events. I also had the opportunity to drop in at Books Plus and arrange for a signing on July 10. I'll have more details on that later, along with news about Sea Change. Stay tuned!

2011-05-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

David nodded to the sailors, who picked up the inboard end of the platform and tilted it. The canvas slipped out smoothly from beneath the flag to fall into the ocean’s depths with the smallest of splashes, a faint ripple showing where their shipmate went to his final resting place.

“Dismissed!” Mr. Bryant told the men, who returned to their tasks, but Charley stood watching David, who was watching the men folding the flag. She asked him once if the privateers made a difference for America. [He said] "...we are not the Royal Navy with hundreds of years of ships at our beck and call. The United States is young, but we are strong because we put everything we have into the fight, especially at sea.”

--SEA CHANGE

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, the day when we remember the men and women who gave their full measure to defend our nation. I was privileged to tour the USS Constitution yesterday, and felt especially glad that I could see this iconic frigate on Memorial Day weekend. As it's been said, we live in the land of the free because of the brave.

2011-05-12T08:34:00.000-05:00

SEA CHANGE cover art! I like it. The artist got Davy Fletcher's eye color exactly right. And we have ISBNs, and soon, it'll be a book! (June, 2011)

978-1-61124-122-8 (Electronic)
978-1-61124-958-3 (Paperback)

2011-05-07T20:09:00.001-05:00

BLUEBERRY PIE

I was at the farmers' market this week and got carried away when I saw the lovely fresh blueberries. Once I got them home I realized I'd never eat them all, so I tried making a blueberry pie. It was a huge success and a couple people asked me for my recipe. The original recipe called for 3/4 c. sugar. I cut back to a scant 2/3 and next time I'll only use 1/2 c. because I like my fruit pies tart rather than overly sweet. Note the pie takes four cups blueberries in two parts

1 (9 ") pie crust, baked
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 c. water
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons orange liqueur (like Curacao)
3 cups fresh blueberries
Whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt and water. Mix well, then stir in 1 cup blueberries. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Reduce heat slightly and continue to stir and cook until mixture is very thick. Remove from heat.

2. Stir in butter or margarine, lemon juice and orange liqueur. Cool. Stir in remaining blueberries and chill one hour. Spoon into pie shell and continue to chill for at least two hours more. Serve.

Yummy! I can imagine Julia from Smuggler's Bride making a pie like this with fresh Florida blueberries.

2011-05-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

I'm back! Home from Israel, editing Sea Change, it's sad to leave but good to return. Remember I said I saw my books in Jerusalem? Here I am, holding Captain Sinister's Lady and Pirate's Price outside Gur Arieh Books, a store for new and used English books at 8 Yoel Solomon St. in Jerusalem

2011-04-18T02:15:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Jerusalem! It took me a moment to find the settings to change this to English since any Hebrew blogging I'd do would have been very short and likely incoherent.

I'm here on holiday and visiting my son. Last night I had an amazing experience. We went to supper at Tmol Shilshom, a bookstore cafe in Nahalat Shiva. That was lovely, but the amazing part was afterward when we strolled around the streets and my son, who is most definitely his mother's child, ducked into a used bookstore. He called out, "Ema! (Mom!) come here!"

So I go into the store, looking at all the English language bestsellers along with the Hebrew, French and Russian books there. He says, "No, come over here. Now, look at the shelf."

I did, and sitting there amongst the bestsellers were a used copy of Pirate's Price and one of Captain Sinister's Lady. I confess, I squeed with delight. The clerk, who spoke English, was thrilled to meet me (No, I'm not making that part up!) and I gave her my bookmark with the ISBN's for my other books. I'm planning on going back during the week with a camera to get photographic evidence. Now I can put on my resume I lectured at Harvard and my books are enjoyed by readers around the world--and I've got the proof!

I don't know if our next hotel will have free wifi, so if I don't blog again until I return to the US, I hope everyone has a lovely spring holiday (or autumn festival for my friends Down Under).

2011-04-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

SEA CHANGE by Darlene Marshall--Summer, 2011

David Fletcher needs a surgeon, stat! But when he captures a British merchantman in the Caribbean what he gets is Charley Alcott, an apprentice physician barely old enough to shave. Needs must, and Captain Fletcher takes the prisoner back aboard his ship with orders to do his best, or he'll be walking the plank.

Charley Alcott's limited medical skills are being put to the test in a life-or-death situation, Charley's life as well as the patient's. Even if Charley can save the captain's brother there will still be hell to pay--and maybe a plank to walk--when Captain Fletcher learns Charley is really Charlotte Alcott.

Historical Romance coming this summer from Amber Quill Press.
******

So there's the official announcement. I'd toyed with the idea of calling this one "The Privateer's Purloined Paramour", but wiser heads prevailed. Now I start the process of editing and revision, but this novel's been simmering for a while and I'm glad it's going to go to print. More details will follow as they're available.

2011-03-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

OperationAuction is a fundraiser for the family of a member of the romance community whose husband was murdered in a workplace shooting. The donated items are being auctioned, and you can bid on a signed copy of The Bride and the Buccaneer here

Loads of great items were donated, from signed books to critiques, and it's all for a good cause. Check it out and get your bids in while you can.

2011-03-23T07:24:00.000-05:00

Spot on parody of "Downton Abbey". Thanks to Heroes and Heartbreakers for the link.

2011-03-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

I love doing the research for my novels because sometimes I run across gems like this:

"The degree of commitment to Jacobitism has indeed become the Loch Ness Monster of eighteenth-century history. The true believers are convinced not only that it existed but that it was huge...they relate the equivalent of alleged sightings, out-of-focus photographs and sonic soundings."

From A Conscise History of Britain 1707-1975 by W.A. Speck

2011-03-16T12:41:00.002-05:00

Good meeting today at GAWN. I sold some books, met some fans, and enjoyed an excellent lunch and a motivational speaker. Now I need to restock for my next outing.

2011-03-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

My thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Hawaii, especially Kim at SOS Aloha, and with all the people in Japan affected by the earthquake.

2011-03-08T10:37:00.003-05:00

     Jack unclenched his jaw far enough to say, "You're taking my money and my horse? You are nothing but a common thief!"
     "Sir, I protest! You are nothing but a common thief. I am an uncommon thief!"
     He played the last card of a desperate hand.
     "You can't do this! You're just a little girl!"
     "Are you angry someone my size was able to overcome you? I did lie about one thing. I am twenty years old, not a girl of sixteen. Here is a final lesson then for you to think about this evening--because it looks like you will have a great deal of time to reflect on your sins--treachery wins out over size and muscle almost every time, Sir Highwayman."
     With that she mockingly saluted him, and without another word turned on her heel and left.
     He yelled impotently at her to return and untie him, but as he heard his faithless mare's bridle jingle off into the distance, he settled for cursing her and her kind all the way back to Mother Eve.

--The Bride and the Buccaneer

It's the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Take a moment to raise a glass, as I will later, to all the sisters who remembered the dictum that "Well behaved women seldom make history."

2011-03-06T14:41:00.002-05:00

"Early in their journey this morning they passed a burnt-out homestead, its brick chimney all that remained of a family’s dreams. Vines were already encroaching and moving in, but there had been a gardenia bush in bloom near what must have once been the front door, and Sophia paused to snip off a bloom. The lush fragrance filled her senses, but it was also a reminder of the dangers lurking in paradise."

--The Bride and the Buccaneer

Spring has arrived in North Florida, though I understand other parts of the country are still suffering. I'm sympathetic. We're not so far south that we don't see the seasons change, so we get that whiff of new beginnings each March, along with a ton of pollen dropping from on high.

I should, in fact, have wiped down all the horizontal surfaces on my porch today since I can't plop myself down without a cloud of yellow pollen poofing up. Instead I went out and repotted a couple of rose bushes because the roses are doing splendidly, thanks to our unusually cold winter. I also repotted a gardenia bush and rearranged the placement of my petunias, pansies, marigolds and other patio plants to allow them maximum sunshine to do their thing. The pansies will fade by May, but the petunias are going berserk with flowers and may do well through the summer.

I like to sit out on my back porch (when it's not covered in pollen) with my laptop this time of year, soaking in the atmosphere of new beginnings in N. Central Florida. There are dueling owls who go to work late afternoon trying to out-hoot each other, and the air is still soft and relatively dry and moderate. By July it's too hot to do much except eat breakfast and supper outside, but for now it's a delight. Guess I will have to clean that porch after all today so I can take advantage of it.

2011-02-25T14:09:00.001-05:00

BOSKONE 48 or "How I Spent My Winter Vacation"

I arrived in Boston a couple days before the convention to spend time with my son, who's in grad school in Cambridge. We had a lovely visit, even though my credit cards were smokin' and begging for mercy by the time I kissed him goodbye and headed to the Westin Waterfront. I didn't have any program items Friday afternoon so it was an opportunity for me to see some old friends, many of whom were working the convention, and get unpacked and ready for the festivities.

The weather in Boston through Friday had been more than tolerable--highs in the 60s, and lots of slush and melting ice. That all changed Friday night. We were walking back from supper and about four blocks from the hotel a storm hit us sideways. It was a combination of winds clocked at over 40 mph, driving sleet and hail. One of our party had her glasses knocked off and blown away, another was a petite woman nearly blown off her feet! We eventually made it safely back, and I got toweled off and dried out.

The main Friday night event was the con suite transformed into Fangtasia, the bar made famous in Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood books and HBO series. Charlaine was a special guest of honor at Boskone this year and this was a meet and greet event for her and her fans. It was followed by the traditional Art Show reception with glorious snacks and pastries. I made a relatively early evening of it, having learned to pace myself at cons once I reached a (ahem) certain age.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to interview Charlaine during the "Southern Vampire Mystery Woman" program. She was quite forthcoming with tidbits and stories about growing up in the Deep South, her varied series of mysteries and fantasy, how her own life enters into her writing and her plans for the future. A delightful interviewee and I enjoyed it immensely.

Saturday afternoon was my reading. I picked a passage from (Working Title) The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby. I've never read from a work where I'm only about 25K words into writing it, so it was a challenge but also an opportunity. Reading aloud gives me new perspective on my characters and how I'm developing them.

The rest of the day was spent attending some selected panels, cruising the Dealers' Room, chatting with friends and relaxing. We had another dinner excursion Saturday night and this time the weather was cold, but clear. I was glad I'd picked up a new winter coat while out shopping with my son earlier in the week. You just don't get the same selection or end of season sales in Florida.

Saturday night was time for bid parties from Texas and other future Worldcon contenders, as well as some time with friends having their own get-togethers. As usual I had the opportunity to sample some fine single malts and I will write up notes on them later.

Sunday was a full day of programming for me. My first panel was "The Spirit of the Place", which I moderated. The other panelists were Charlaine Harris, Alexander Jablokov and Margaret Ronald. Margaret sets her books in the Boston area and the Red Sox play a part. Alexander also sets his stories in New England and Charlaine and I talked about how the South influences our writing. We had some good audience questions as well and I believe the panel was a success.

My next program item was "Cads, Bounders, Seducers and Other Ladykillers" with Joshua B. Palmatier, Beth Bernobich, and Katherine Crighton. I didn't realize Katherine wrote the well-received debut novel Salt and Silver under a pen-name, There are some characters in science fiction and fantasy who fit the panel descriptions, and Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond of Crawford also came up in the mix as well as some Georgette Heyer and Loretta Chase heroes that I mentioned.

Finally, I had "SF & HF: Why Science Fiction and Historical Fiction Are the Same (Nearly) with Debra Doyle, Michael F. Flynn, Jo Walton, and Walter H. Hunt. Having that many strong personalities on the same panel can be tricky, but I think we managed it well without coming to blows or ignoring each other's POV. And that mix of writers can make for the most successful program items.

As always, kudos to the Boskone programming staff for putting together another lively and thought-provoking series of discussions. I'm looking forward to next year's Boskone, and I hope to see some of the fans and pros at Worldcon in Reno this year as well.

2011-02-22T14:10:00.001-05:00

“I’ve never been a husband, Mandy. Sharing someone’s life in this manner is all new for me.”
“You already know the most important things about being a husband, Morgan. You are protective of me, you provide for my welfare, and you love me. Judith told me of an old proverb: ‘Love is good. Love and noodles is better.’ And that is what there is to being husband and wife.”

---Captain Sinister's Lady

Happy 35th Anniversary to my dear husband, who still provides me with love and noodles.

2011-02-15T07:46:00.000-05:00

Pompom paused at the sight of a blue-tailed skink sunning itself on a rock, his entire body stiffening. The two humans watched the dog, who was totally focused on the lizard.
“If he was only a little larger, Pompom could hunt for us, Dr. Murray.”
Alexander started to say something snide about the animal, then stopped himself.
“Would he bring us a deer, do you think?”

Castaway Dreams c. 2011 (WIP)

The bichon in my WIP (work in progress) may not have been able to bring down a deer, but I once had a hound who could. I was pleased this morning to read the news about Westminster Dog Show and see that the Redbone Coonhound is now recognized in the competition. When I was growing up we lived for a time outside Naples, Florida near to the sawgrass and hunting country. One morning we awoke to find a dog on our doorstep, hungry, footsore, gun-shy and pregnant. We couldn't find an owner, and the dog adopted us. She was a huge Redbone hound and she was a delightful companion with a deep chest and a baying voice that you could feel in your bones when she'd give it full throat.

My current hound is a more economy-sized dachshund. I like the portability of the smaller breed, but she has the same attitude as the big dogs. In her heart she's a Redbone, and if she ever see any teeny-tiny deer in the neighborhood she'll show us what she can do. For now, she's content to hunt moles and mice, and does excellent work keeping the rodent population under control.

2011-02-14T08:03:00.000-05:00

"If you give me your heart, I can give you mine, and I will be as true to you as the needle to the pole, darlin'."--Smuggler's Bride

Today is Valentine's Day. It's a day to celebrate love and healthy relationships. Be sure to hug your sweetie, and if you don't currently have a human sweetie, maybe you can do something special like donate or help out at your local pet shelter. Love comes in all forms, and nothing says "I love you!" quite like wet doggy kisses or a cat purring in your lap.

2011-02-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

My Boskone 48 Schedule, Part Deux:
Here's the updated schedule with program item descriptions and moderators:

Saturday 12noon Southern Vampire Mystery Woman -- The Charlaine Harris Interview
Charlaine Harris
Darlene Marshall

She's the prize-winning, internationally best-selling author of almost thirty mystery novels. What's she doing at a science fiction convention? We suspect it starts with the day Charlaine Harris asked herself, "What kind of person would date a vampire?" and kept thinking until she had created Sookie Stackhouse. But we've got
plenty of other questions about the resulting Southern Vampire Mystery series (running on TV as the acclaimed /True Blood/ HBO series) -- as well as about her Harper Connelly "grave reader"
books, her 20-plus-years-in-the-making overnight success, and how she manages to write like the hilariously dark daughter of Anne Rice and Connie Willis.

Saturday 3:30pm Reading: Darlene Marshall (0.5 hrs)
Darlene Marshall

Sunday 10am The Spirit of the Place
Laird Barron
Charlaine Harris
Alexander Jablokov
Darlene Marshall (M)
Margaret Ronald
When scenery is so much a part of the fabric of the story that it almost becomes a character. Stories set in localized areas. What does it add to have such intimate settings?

Sunday 12noon Cads, Bounders, Seducers, and Other Ladykillers
Beth Bernobich (M)
Katherine Crighton
Darlene Marshall
Joshua B. Palmatier
Good guys are boring! (But is there any other kind in SF? Richard Seaton would wipe out a solar system rather than deliberately hurt a lady's heart.) Cads start out looking like Mr. Right, but end up
doing you wrong. From Dominic Flandry to Jason Stackhouse or Ivan Vorpatril, these rakes are often written to charm the reader as well as the heroine. Are they just a holdover from cheap pulp fiction? Could they exist in any future society with gender equality? If they're still fun to read about, why?

Sunday 1pm SF & HF -- Why Science Fiction and Historical Fiction Are the Same (Nearly)
Debra Doyle
Michael F. Flynn
Walter H. Hunt
Darlene Marshall
Jo Walton (M)
As next year's Boskone GoH, John Scalzi has stated the proposition, "It's just a question of whether you're reimagining the past or extrapolating the future." Let's identify some examples of both
genres that illuminate the point. Do they use the same speculative fiction writing muscles? Which form takes more research? How many SF fans also dig HF? Why?

As always, it sounds like a lively and interesting program whether you're on the program or in the audience. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

2011-02-07T10:05:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I learned what my heroine's dark secret is. Now that I know it (and it's not what the hero or I expected!) I'm back at work. I must say, this new information has made writing today much more fun. I wish she'd revealed this information to me sooner.

And if this all sounds a little like you should be calling the boys in white coats to take me away, don't worry. It's a writer thing. I see fake people, and they talk to me. Sometimes it takes a while before they really open up. But I'll have my revenge before I'm done, and then she'll learn what happens to characters who withhold information from me! Bwahahahahaha!

2011-02-02T08:59:00.003-05:00

My Boskone 48 Preliminary Schedule

Saturday12noon Southern Vampire Mystery Woman -- The Charlaine

Harris Interview

Charlaine Harris

Darlene Marshall

Sunday 10am The Spirit of the Place

Laird Barron

Charlaine Harris

Alexander Jablokov

Darlene Marshall

Margaret Ronald

Consider when scenery is so much a part of the fabric of the story

that it almost becomes a character. Discuss stories set in

localized areas, where the character of the area plays a role. What

does it add to have such intimate settings? Examples?

Sunday 12noon Cads, Bounders, Seducers, and Other Ladykillers

Beth Bernobich

Katherine Crighton

Darlene Marshall

Joshua B. Palmatier

Jane Yolen

Sunday 1pm SF & HF -- Why Science Fiction and Historical

Fiction Are the Same

(Nearly)

Debra Doyle

Michael F. Flynn

Esther Friesner

Walter H. Hunt

Darlene Marshall

Jo Walton

Memberships and hotel rooms for Boskone are still available.

2011-02-01T13:27:00.001-05:00

Dear Blizzard Sufferers,

I'm sitting on my back porch finishing my mint tea, watching a sulfur butterfly hover over the impatiens. The diva dachshund is stalking a lizard on the patio. It's 77F and sunny. I thought you'd want to know.

Much love,

Darlene

2011-01-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

   “I find that singing makes the time pass, Doctor. Not gloomy songs, but cheerful ones. Don’t you know any songs? Isn’t there some Scotsman named Brown, or Bowen who wrote some songs?”
    He stopped cleaning the fish and looked at her with an expression of deep pain.
    “Might you be referring to Rabbie Burns, the bard of Scotland?”
    Daphne thought about it for a moment.
    “That sounds right. He wrote a song about a red rose, and one about a hag.” Her brow scrunched. “Though why someone would want to write a song about a hag is beyond me.”
    Dr. Murray closed his eyes, then opened them and looked at her.
    “Not a hag, Miss Farnham, a haggis. A haggis is a dish enjoyed by the people of Scotland.”
    “Really? What is it?”
    Dr. Murray described, with loving detail, the inner workings of the mysterious haggis. Daphne looked at him, speechless for a long moment.
    “Dr. Murray, I would think raw fish a treat after that!”

--Castaway Dreams, (WIP) Darlene Marshall

Today is the birthday of Robert Burns, the bard of Scotland. I will forgo the haggis but raise a dram of Scotland's finest product (no, not haggis, that other product) tonight and toast the man who gave us so much wonderful poetry and music.

2011-01-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

Rand opened the cabin door and spied Julia up on the center of the table, skirt hiked up in her hand, a shapely pair of ankles distracting him from what she was saying.
"Snake!" she whispered, pointing with her shaking free hand to a darkened corner of the cabin.
Rand dropped his bag and fetched the lamp and the broom. When he raised the lamp and peered into the corner, there was a faint susurrus--a sound like sand falling on the floor. He looked closer, set down the lamp and broom and said, "C'mon outta there, fella." He crouched down and waved his fingers in front of the snake, and when it coiled to leap he grabbed it behind its head. The snake wrapped itself around his arm and gave it a good squeeze, but Rand didn't let go of the snake's head.
He straightened and turned to Julia, the snake clinging to his arm, tongue darting in and out in agitation.
"This ain't nothin' but a corn snake, darlin'. He's likely more scared of you than you are of him." He held the snake up, admiring the red, gold, and brown stripes and chevrons patterning the reptile's body as the snake squirmed in Rand's grasp. "This is a frisky one, too. Bet he could help with those rats in the corn field. C'mon, fella, let's put you to work out back."

--Smuggler's Bride, Darlene Marshall

I blogged about finding lizards in my house and some of you wrote me and said, "Euwwww! How can you live with lizards?"

In Florida, you learn that not all critters that live outdoors and sometimes come indoors are pests. I leave spiders alone, because they kill and eat other, more invasive insects. Same with the little lizards. Finding the lizards where I feared I would find mice put my mind at ease. Mice are detrimental--they chew up wiring and carry disease. Lizards eat insects and don't chew up wiring.

Then there are the snakes. Not all snakes 'round here are evil. Some, like the corn snakes (also known as rat snakes) eat rodents. Last week there was a beautiful black racer snake sunning itself in my backyard and I was glad to see it. They too love to snack on mice and rats.

I learned a great deal about Florida wildlife, including how to cook a possum, while writing Smuggler's Bride. I still describe it to people as my "Cracker novel" since it's set in the backwoods, and not along the coast or on the water like my other novels. I don't know if I'll ever write another ode to Florida quite like that book, but when I see a helpful snake in the backyard it reminds me of the fun I had researching Smuggler's Bride. It's also a good reminder to whack the woodpile before you fetch your firewood on these cold winter nights, because you just don't know what might have taken up residence out there when you weren't looking.

2011-01-18T17:42:00.000-05:00

The sun came out midway through my walk this afternoon, which was a delight, as was the walk itself. I worked out a couple sticky plot points for (working title) The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby, realized I needed a name change for one of the characters (thank you, "find & replace") and for the first time felt like I was into the rhythm of my newest work in progress.

I often get mental breakthroughs on my daily walk, but this was the first time the WIP and its plot was foremost in my mind. I can't force it. I've tried that and it doesn't work for me, but when I realize that it's happening and the creative brain synapses are firing, it's a good feeling. I returned to the work this afternoon with a renewed sense of commitment, and some excitement at seeing the characters taking shape.

2011-01-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Hotel booking is now open for Renovation 2011, Worldcon in Reno, Nevada. You can get more information here. See you in Reno!

Boskone 48

2011-01-07T11:22:00.000-05:00

Thinking about going to Boskone 48? The list of program participants is up (Yay! I made the cut!) and you can read an interview with Special Guest Charlaine Harris, here.

It takes a lot to get this Florida gal to fly up to Boston in February, but Boskone always delivers the goods. If you want to attend a regional science fiction and fantasy convention with great programming and hospitable hosts, this is the one.

I hope I'll see you there!

2011-01-07T10:30:00.001-05:00

My talk last night went well, and book sales showed my 2011 balance sheet in the black! Yeah, I know, it's only six days into the year, but it's the thought that counts. Ideally I'll have another book out before 2012 and that'll give the bottom line a boost.

2010-12-31T11:50:00.003-05:00

Goodbye to all that

2010 saw steady sales of The Bride and the Buccaneer, and winning the Beacon Award was the cherry on top. More people have been checking out my backlist as they load up their Kindles and Nooks. I finished Castaway Dreams and started writing (working title) The Hot Pirate's Secret Baby [alternate working title: The Naughty Pirate and the Very Strict Governess]. I went to Aussiecon4, toured Australia, saw friends and enjoyed myself immensely.

I expect to sell at least one book in 2011 and hope for more. I'm looking forward to attending Boskone, and Renovation (Wordcon 2011) and maybe Epicon. I'm doing a talk next week and my son will be in town, and I may be able to drag him along if I promise him dinner and drinks after.

Life is good. I hope your New Year's celebrations are safe, enjoyable, and that you begin a new year with all that you need even if it's not all that you want.

Now it's time to stir the black-eyed peas and greens and fire up the grill as I prepare for our Florida-style end of year supper. Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

Went to see The King's Speech last night. What an amazing movie. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were both astoundingly good in their roles, Firth in particular.

I'm often asked if I have Hollywood actors or actresses in mind when I'm envisioning my characters. The answer is generally "no", until I've finished the novel. For example, Firefly started airing after I'd written Smuggler's Bride, but as soon as I saw Nathan Fillion as Captain ~~Tightpants~~ Mal I knew who I'd cast as Rand Washburn, the hero of Smuggler's Bride. I'm still waiting for Hollywood to call.

Anyway, the exception to this is my recently finished manuscript, Castaway Dreams. As I was writing the character of my grizzled, world-weary British naval surgeon, Alexander Murray, I kept seeing Colin Firth in my mind's eye.

So now my job in 2011 (in addition to writing my next novel) is to get Castaway Dreams published, and wait for that call from Hollywood.

2010-12-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Boxing Day! No, I'm not celebrating it, but this is the day I would be giving my live-in servants their new uniforms, if I had such minions. I'm still hoping for Raul the Cabana Boy after I hit the bestseller list. I'd even get a cabana. And his uniform wouldn't have much fabric at all...Mmmmm...

Where was I? Oh yeah, it's the day after Christmas. If you were fortunate enough to receive a new Nook, Kindle, iPad or other device suitable for reading ebooks, now's the time to stock up on digital editions. Don't you need some relaxing reading now that the holidays are over? What could be better than a tale of naughty guys and gals in a nautical setting? All my editions are available in a variety of electronic formats to suit your needs. You can purchase them from the publisher (links at my website) or from your favorite bookseller, and kick-back with a good romantic tale!

Enjoy your Boxing Day, and have a happy and healthy New Year.

2010-12-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Outline or Organic? Kind of a "Paper or plastic?" question since different writers have different methods that work for them. I'm organic, or a "seat of the pants" writer. I spent yesterday morning trying to outline my new novel, and realized at lunchtime that I'd pretty much wasted a morning when I could have been writing.

I do find sometimes that if I pause midway through my first draft and then try to outline, that can work. I need to get some structure down on paper and look at it to determine where the plot holes are and how I'm going to reach that all important Happily Ever After (or at least, reasonably happy and optimistic about the future) ending.

We'll see. As usual, I've got a vague idea in my head of where I want to go with my naughty pirate hero and my stern and disapproving heroine, the plot moppet the hero isn't aware he fathered, the missing heir, the murder plot and so on and so on. I know though that eventually, if I just slog along, I'll get to the point where I can write "The End".

2010-12-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

I was at the monthly GAWN (Gainesville Area Women's Network) luncheon today where we heard more about our signature project, support of the Displaced Homemakers Program. DHP is funded through Florida's fees for marriage licenses and divorce filings--most appropriate for this group, because DHP helps women enter or get back into the workforce when they're middle-aged or older.

Interestingly, monies for DHP are down because the economy is down. People both marry and divorce less in tough economic times. Our group supports our local DHP with donations, job referrals, acting as employers in fake interviews to prepare the women for real job interviews and more. I'm glad to be a small part of the effort, and it was wonderful today to hear from two of the program's graduates talk about how having employment has made a difference in their lives.