Big Day

Today is the day that the winner of the fifth and final American Title contest will be revealed at the Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Orlando.

To find out what the other contestants are up to now that the contest is over, check out
http://www.magicalmusings.com

Welcome American Title V Finalist ~ Michelle Lauren

SK ~ Welcome to Title Magic, Michelle. Thanks for joining us today, and major congratulations on being a finalist in the Romantic Times’ American Title V contest, sponsored by Dorchester Publishing. That is a huge accomplishment.
To start out, why don’t you give us a blurb about yourself and tell us where you hail from?

ML ~ My name is Michelle Lauren. I'm a former editor, a current freelance writer and a certified workaholic. Although I love traveling, I’m a Southern gal at heart and my favorite place is my home state of Virginia. I enjoy incorporating the natural beauty of its landscape into my stories.

SK ~ Oh, I know what you mean about incorporating the beauty of a landscape into your story. And, I once had an opportunity to drive through part of Virginia. It is a beautiful scenic state.
But now, for the good stuff. What is the title of your finaling manuscript? And what sub-genre is it?

ML ~ HOW TO TAME A HARPY is an urban fantasy.

SK ~ Oh, I think I’m in love with your story already. The Title is definitely titillating for a paranormal junkie like me. And urban fantasy...wow, all the possibilities. Can you give us a quick 100 words or so blurb about the story?

ML ~ Welcome to Poseidon, Virginia, where things that go bump in the night come to play and where passion and danger collide.
Siren Jones is no stranger to trouble. As a harpy, her unpredictable powers often land her in trouble. When she is implicated in the death of a high-profile ex, she turns to an unlikely protector whose touch sparks her passion but whose past threatens to destroy them both.
Genetically-enhanced human Daniel Smith is a creature of the shadows, considered an outcast by humans and supernatural creatures alike. Jaded by past betrayals, he's sworn off love. But when Siren seeks his protection, he cannot deny their attraction. With time running out, can they catch the real killer before he strikes again?

SK ~ Poseidon, perfect for a Harpy! Passion and danger colliding, just my cup-of-reading tea. And I have a yen for those genetically-enhanced heroes, I have to tell you...*inserting a pause to fan myself here* ...
Michelle, do you have a website?

ML ~ My main site is www.michellelaurenbooks.com. I also blog at The Naughty Girls Next Door ( http://thenaughtygirlsnextdoor.blogspot.com )

SK ~ Michelle, oh my, the ‘naughty girls’. I’ll have to check that blog out.
What kind of books do you like to read? And, who are your auto-buy authors?

ML ~ Sadly, I haven't had much time for pleasure reading lately. When I do get free time, I have very eclectic tastes. Some of my favorite authors by genre are:

Multicultural and contemporary romance: Francis Ray, Emma Petersen and Shelli Stevens
Urban fantasy/paranormal: Minx Malone, Loribelle Hunt, Sunny and Kate Douglas
Futuristic: Crystal Jordan
Historical: Beverly Jenkins, Amanda Quick and Sarah McCarty

SK ~ Hmmm, we have a lot of fave authors in common. And, sadly, I’m rowing in the same boat of too busy, right now. But, tell me, what was your biggest inspiration for HOW TO TAME A HARPY? Everyone wants to know. I know, I do!

ML ~ I'm a huge fan of comics and fairy tales. How to Tame a Harpy allowed me to combine the elements I loved from both — fantastical, somewhat dark elements and lots of action with romance and universal themes of love conquering all — into one story.

SK ~ Michelle, I’m so excited about your story. Blending or fusing all those elements together makes for the best romance novels, IMHO. What is it you like most and admire about your heroine?

ML ~ Siren is a survivor. She has been through a lot of drama (getting accused of murder definitely puts a girl through the ringer!) but refuses to accept defeat. She is a creative problem solver and is not afraid to break a few rules to get her way. Although she has suffered a lot of heartbreak, Siren is willing to risk her heart for the right guy. I find that courage endearing.

SK ~ Siren, I adore your heroine’s name. Does she have an alluring singing voice...oops, never mind. That’s for the readers to find out...eventually, right?
As a reader, courage is one thing I’m very partial to in a heroine.
Now.. *my heart is tripping enthusiastically here* ...Michelle, tell us what it is you like most and admire about your hero?

ML ~ Daniel is a gamma hero: dangerous, a bit jaded and extremely loyal and protective of those he loves. He doesn’t back down from challenges. He is willing to risk anything to protect Siren—and to win her heart. Plus, he’s gorgeous. :D

SK ~ *Le sigh*...a man who willing to protect his woman, no matter what. Now, that’s a hero my heart can fall for, anytime and anywhere. Give us some more info about your story, Michelle. What is the major conflict?

ML ~ The plot revolves around a series of murders that implicate Siren, whose trigger-happy temper and super powers make her the obvious suspect. How to Tame a Harpy has action, suspense, an ongoing mystery and lots of passion as Siren and Daniel join forces to clear her name.

SK ~ Okay, I have to read your story now. For one thing, I love it when the heroine and the hero come together, and ‘join forces’. To me, that’s best kind of romance.
So, we’re at the close of the interview. One more question, Michelle. Who is your muse?

ML ~ The Red Queen. She can be a bit of a nag and tends to pick apart my plots, but she has an excellent eye for details and plot lines. I can always count on her to nudge me out of a writing slump. I wouldn't have gotten this far without her. So R.Q., I love ya, girl!

SK ~ I might have to ask my Muse to take some lessons from your ‘Red Queen’...lol! Thank you, for being with us today, Michelle, and for sharing your entry, HOW TO TAME A HARPY with us. Tons o’ luck...and, maybe, Siren could sing a little song in all those voters’ ears...with, you know, that special magical invitation to vote for her, for Daniel, and for their love story.

Note: Tomorrow our own, magical Mel, will interview our own, enchanting Evonne, on her American Title V entry. Don’t miss this one! Or any of the finalists’ interviews. And, remember, voting for the first round begins on November 10.

Dream-big kisses from the Kougar...

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~

Title Magic Welcomes ATV Finalist, Edie Ramer!

Happy Monday!

Today marks the start of our much anticipated American Title V (ATV) interviews. As most of you may already know, the American Title Contest is sponsored by Dorchester Publishing and Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine. This will be the fifth year the contest has been running. This year there are only eight finalists versus the usual ten, and the categories have been left open to encompass all categories of romance fiction. For a complete list of the eight American Title V finalists, you can go to the RT blog September archives by clicking HERE. Scroll down until you see September 5, 2008. It’s the second to last blog entry.

As former American Title finalists ourselves, we want to show our support for the current ATV finalists by hosting interviews of them here at Title Magic. Here is the schedule of interviews for this week.

>> Monday (today): Mai interviews Edie Ramer
>> Tuesday: Helen interviews Qaey Williams
>> Wednesday: Lexie interviews Tamara Hughes
>> Thursday: Trish interviews Barbara Longley

The remainder of the ATV finalists interviews will be posted next week – just in time for voting for the first round of the contest which begins the following Monday, November 10th. Round 1 voting will be on the First Line. Please visit often this week and next to get to know your fellow ATV finalists.

Now, without further ado, let’s get these interviews started! Please join me in welcoming American Title V finalist, Edie Ramer, to Title Magic. Edie’s finaling manuscript is titled DEAD PEOPLE. Her short stories have been published in National magazines and she is also co-creator of an inspirational website for writers, www.writeattitude.net.

MT: Thanks for joining us here at TM, Edie, and congratulations on the ATV final! Can you tell us where you’re from?

ER: First I want to thank Mai and the other American Title IV finalists for having us. Mai, you’ve been a huge help to me, right from the beginning when I emailed you about the cover letter. :) Now, back to the question. I live in southeastern Wisconsin. Right now everyone has their Halloween decorations out and leaves of all colors are covering the lawns. It’s beautiful.

MT: I hear the weather’s been rather warm up there for this time of year. What category does your finaling manuscript, DEAD PEOPLE, fall under?

ER: It was warm, but not today! Like I said, it’s nearing Halloween, time for DEAD PEOPLE to come out and beg for candy. (That’s awful, but I couldn’t resist.) DEAD PEOPLE is a light paranormal.

MT: Can you give us a quick 100 words or so blurb about the story?

ER: When Cassie Taylor talks, ghosts listen. She wants to heal their souls so they can leave earth. Brooding songwriter Luke Rivers wants to give his newly found daughter a normal home, but he discovers his new house in small town Wisconsin is haunted by a ghost with an attitude. His ghost whisperer has an attitude too – even before someone tries to kill her. So why does he have the hots for her? And why does she lust after him? He wants conventional. She wants acceptance. No wonder she thinks men are hard and DEAD PEOPLE are easy.

MT: That sounds like a great story. Very fun and with just the right touch of kickass attitude. What was your reaction when you first found out you finaled?

ER: When I found out I’d finaled, I felt pure happiness. I wanted it so badly -- or something else wonderful. Though I didn’t expect it, I hoped for it. To me, the American Title is the romance writer’s version of American Idol. Getting a request for the full was the “You’re going to Hollywood!” call. Getting the news that I was a finalist was moving into the top ten. Only in this case, the top eight. That’s even better!

MT: This is better than the “You’re going to Hollywood” stage. You passed that when they requested the full. This is the Top 10 – or in this case, Top 8!! Do you have a website?

ER: Absolutely! www.edieramer.com. I hope people will check it out and visit my blog. I also belong to the Magical Musings group blog, www.magicalmusings.com, and the American Title V group blog, www.loveconquers.wordpress.com. And I’m a new convert to Facebook! www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=747112424. I need friends, so look me up and friend me. :)

MT: I’m a new convert to Facebook too, and love it! Not only is it a great marketing tool, but you get to meet new people who are interested in what you write and strengthen relationships and friendships you already have. What kind of books do you like to read?

ER: I feel like Sarah Palin, saying “I read them all.” I read everything from mystery to YA, and especially romance in all the genres. I read non-fiction too. Right now I’m reading a book on life between lives.

MT: I’ll refrain from making any kind of comments regarding Sarah Palin, lol. The life between lives concept sounds interesting. Who are your auto-buy authors?

ER: I can put names down here! My auto buys are Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jennifer Crusie, Amy Knupp, Jan Kenny, and many more. I recently ordered Karin Tabke’s HAVE YOURSELF A NAUGHTY LITTLE SANTA and Liz Kreger’s PROMISE FOR TOMORROW. I have Cynthia Eden’s MIDNIGHT SINS on pre-order. I’m looking forward to buying Helen Scott Taylor’s THE MAGIC KNOT in February.

MT: Sounds like your average reader then. :) What is it you like most and admire about the heroine in DEAD PEOPLE?

ER: I admire Cassie’s bravery, the way she goes on with her life and doesn’t feel sorry for herself, despite her unloving childhood. No self-pity allowed. And she hasn’t allowed her childhood to harden her heart – against dead people. Live people ... well, that’s another story. I also like her snarky tongue. In real life I’d love to have her as my friend.

MT: She sounds like an interesting person, and a strong character. What is you like most and admire about the hero in DEAD PEOPLE?

ER: My songwriter hero, Luke, was the only child of a free-living and loving parent. He didn’t know his father, and his childhood was unstable. He wants to do a better job for his newly found eleven-year-old daughter. He wants to do the right thing. I love that about him. Plus he writes really good songs.

MT: Who wouldn’t love a man who loves music and is dedicated to his child? Can you tell us more about the conflict in your story, DEAD PEOPLE?

ER: It would be easy to say the major conflict was finding the person who killed the woman who’s haunting Luke’s house. But the major conflict is Cassie’s and Luke’s gaping wounds. They’ve been used and abused. Neither of them believes in happily ever after. Neither of them trusts that another person will love them without reserve, without wanting anything except to be loved by them in return. Even Luke’s daughter has been hurt by her drug-addicted mother. Although there is humor in DEAD PEOPLE (there is! Really, there is!), their lives haven’t been easy. In one way or another, they’re all damaged.

MT: So it’s a character-driven book, versus a plot-driven book. I’ve always found that most romances are character-driven. It enamors the reader more to the book, in my opinion. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

ER: I agree with your so much about characters! It’s the people that linger with me after I’ve read a really good book. I recently took a right brain/left brain test and I came out in the middle, leaning toward the right brain. That’s how my plotting is too. I know the basics about my characters (subject to change). I know the premise, their GMC, their primal needs (I got “primal needs” from Blake Snyder’s SAVE THE CAT!), an idea of the ending, and a few things that will happen along the way. That’s usually it. As I write I get insights and revelations. It keeps the story interesting for me. If I’m surprising and delighting myself, I hope I’m doing the same thing for the reader.
MT: Well, we can safely say that you’ve done the same thing for the editors at Dorchester! What do you like to do when you're not writing?

ER: I read books. The local librarians know me well. I watch favorite TV shows. (Is anyone else drooling over the lead actor in The Mentalist?) I spend time with my family. I walk my dog and pet my cat. I did a research road trip the other day with a friend, and had a blast – and a great lunch at a Turkish restaurant. I’m addicted to my email and spend too much times on blogs. I’m a serial dieter, and one day I will finally lose those last five pounds.

MT: You and me both, Edie!

Thank you so much for taking time out today to join us here at Title Magic. It was a pleasure learning more about you and hearing about Cassie and Luke. Best of luck with DEAD PEOPLE in the contest!

ER: Thanks, Mai! You and the other American Title IV finalists are awesome for doing this!

If you want to learn more about Edie and her writing, you can find her at:
www.edieramer.com
www.magicalmusings.com
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=747112424

Stay tuned tomorrow for our next American Title V finalist!

American Title V

It's almost that time of year again.

In the next few weeks Dorchester Publishing and Romantic Times magazine will be announcing the names of the ten unpublished writers who will be finalists in the fifth American Title contest.

Those ten will embark on a crazy journey that will end in April next year, at the Romantic Times Booklovers convention in Orlando, when the winner, and brand new Dorchester author, will be revealed.

The contest is all about votes, and every single one counts.

To help the fun along Title Magic is hoping to interview the finalists when voting begins.

Stay with us for the brand new contest roller coaster.

Hitting the Road

I'm almost packed. In a few hours the hubby and I will take to the highway in our little Metro en route to Pittsburgh for my very first Romantic Times convention. Between the social events, the writing workshops, and the (squee!) huge book fair, I know we'll have a fantastic time! But what I'm looking forward to more than any of the events, is having the opportunity to meet, face to face, some of the wonderful people I've been talking to online since ATIV began last fall. ATIV finalists and fellow Title Magicians Helen, Trish, Holli, and Evonne will be there, as will ATIII winner Jenny Gardiner, ATIII finalist Judi Fennell, and lots of other American Title alumni.

Are you going, too? If so, let us know so we can say howdy!

If you're not going, never fear. Most of us Magicians are arriving with cameras and notebooks in hand and will blog about the fun, so TM readers'll get bonus content in between the week's regular posts.

All right. Time to stick the elf ears and the monkey slippers in my duffel bag and hit the road. See y'all on the flip side!

The Magic of Awards

Welcome, Title Magicians. Welcome, one and all. Anna Campbell has graciously returned to blog with us once again. This 'lady' and author is on a terrific roll, a magic carpet ride of awards and recognition. Of course, what is most important is how much readers adore her novels, the enchanted play of her pen or her fingers on the keyboard.

It’s Awards Season Again!

By Anna Campbell

www.annacampbell.info

The first quarter of every year seems to be chockablock full of awards for movies, books, music, TV shows, etc, etc. It makes sense, I suppose – when else would you pick the best of 2007 except at the start of 2008? Of course, there’s the biggies like the Oscars and the Golden Globes – sadly, a bit of a fizzer this year. Then there’s a myriad of popular vote and reviewers and peer choice awards. A girl could get confused by all the glitter!
Recently I was lucky enough to win a couple of awards in Michelle Buonfiglio’s Lifetime TV Romance: B(u)y the Book Hottest Romance Books of 2007.

To my delight, my first book CLAIMING THE COURTESAN was chosen not only as best debut of last year but also as book of the year. Happy dancing and squeals of excitement down in Australia, as you can imagine. When Savanna congratulated me and invited me onto Title Magic to talk about the award, I jumped at the chance. Great to see you again, Title Magicians! Thanks for having me back!
Romancelandia is brimming with awards. There’s the big daddy of them all, the RITA which Romance Writers of America present at their conference. Although it seems rather odd to call Rita a Daddy! There’s the RWA Golden Heart, the most prestigious prize for an unpublished romance writer and often a major step towards a publishing contract. Many review sites run readers or reviewers choice awards – All About Romance’s annual reader poll - http://www.likesbooks.com/home.html springs to mind.

Romantic Times have their annual Reviewers Choice Awards (would it sound like boasting if I said the CLAIMING THE COURTESAN has been nominated as Best First Historical there? It’s lovely knowing my debut book has been singled out like this!). RT announce these at a gala event during their convention which sadly, because I live so far away, I won’t be able to attend. Sigh.
RT’s American Title Awards have become a fixture on the calendar and offer the ultimate prize of a publishing contract, not to mention priceless experience in promotion. Of course, the Title Magic girls know more than anyone else about AT as their entries were chosen as the best of the best in the fourth contest. Congratulations again! I know it sounds banal, but really you’re all winners.
So do awards have any influence on whether you’ll buy a book or not? What’s your favorite award show (I’ve got to say I love the Golden Globes!)? And if you won an Oscar, who would you thank?
And the award goes to…

P.S. As one of the finalists I have it on the best witchy authority, the American Title IV winner is hard at work helping to create her cover art. Hopefully she'll share with us as soon as possible. Blowing award kisses...Savanna

March Madness and Magic

Red Lioness Magic – with the release of my first e-novel, a perfect description for the month of March for me. And we have a winner, a new Dorchester author. American Title IV has been decided, the readers' choice to be announced in Romantic Times magazine. Congratulations to both finalists. Opportunity is blowing your way, fast and ferocious as a March wind.
Okay, okay, I confess. Heaving an enormous sigh, I cross my arms over my heaving bosom (insert your favorite bodice ripper heroine here)...okay, this picture, the God of War from Xena, Warrior Princess – and this blog is a gift to myself, not a picture of a hero from one of my novels.
I’m an Aries, and soon good ole’ Sol will leave the dreaming-creative sign of Pisces, to shine it’s radiance in the pioneering-innovative sign of Aries, ruled by Mars energy. Think of the Spring Equinox as the portal. Yep, the sun will explode on top of my natal sun, or where the sun was at the time of my birth. So, why wouldn’t I, being a red-blooded, ‘Mars Red’ woman, be hankerin’ over that smoldering hunk o’ fiery lust and love, the God of War – the Greek Ares or the Roman Mars. Or, better yet, the actor, Kevin Tod Smith, tragically no longer with us (March 16, 1963–February 15, 2002).
Hmmm...March 16...the month of March being named after the Roman god, Mars...a bit of cosmic coincidence? I dare think not. More like the Fates wove those gold and silver threads in a destiny realized, a depiction of the god Ares for modern times. A gift for the modern TV audience. For those of us starving, soul-desperate for more than the god technology has become in our world. Yes, a gift from the grand cosmos.
But...confession time again, most bad boys don’t do it for me, but then, neither do most ‘good guys’. Just a few bad boys light my passionate fires, spin me to wildfire, then blaze me up to wanton breathlessness. And that’s quite enough to get a gal into real serious up-in-smoke trouble (all confessions deleted here).
Trouble, yep. Thank the goddesses and gods, this is only a picture. March madness is upon me. No, not basketball. Unless, I was star-blinked onto Mt. Olympus, and found myself suddenly engaged in court-dribbling, battle-of-the-sexes combat with that very bad boy in black leather pictured above.
Talk about and swoon over power, power as an aphrodisiac. The power of a god is pure sexual ambrosia.
Yet, like Xena, my fantasy attraction was also a love-hate breathlessness. There was just something about Ares, the god of war, that held me utterly desire-entranced at times, something ‘that did it’. Dark and dangerous, the ability to scorch a woman to such desire, the top of Mr. Olympus would be as nothing in comparison. And...the desire to love a man-god who obviously needed real love, the bad boy redeemed – in fierce conflict with my hatred, a savage hate for the god’s careless arrogant brutality against mere mortals, against humanity.
So, in the end, like Xena, I would be saying ‘no’, more than ‘yes’ to this gorgeous god of war – the love of humanity triumphant in my heart as it was for Xena, Warrior Princess.
So, would you succumb to the god of war? As Xena was tempted, as I was tempted...?
Draxen Z of the Venture, my hero in Red Lioness Tamed, is not the dark god of war, unless he fights to save his woman, or his family. Yep, he possesses that irresistible, take-charge charm and he’s enough of a ‘bad boy’ to captivate the heroine, despite herself and her fate-ridiculous predicament.
Available from Liquid Silver Books.


In contrast to the dark brutal rule of Ares over the mortal realm, Baron Zaggry Dhio Vettura, my hero in All Shades of Blue Paradise, is golden cougar in his fierce-ruling nature, as he battles the court intrigues designed to gain ultimate power in the Realm, and ruin him by destroying his heart.
Available March 10 from Siren Publishing.

Heroes, sometimes you can’t live with them, or without them? Hey! When is Heroes returning? To TV fantasy land?

Lunar Eclipse Magic

I had planned to blog only about the magic of our lunar eclipse last night, when Mother Earth separates Lunabelle (my pet name for the moon) from Sol's light. And thus, we earthlings are separated from the bright light enchantment of Diana for a short time. For those astrologically inclined, during this eclipse the sun moves into the dreamy water sign of Pisces while the moon shines her full silvery beauty in the virgin earth sign of Virgo.
In the bone-chill cold, at about nine-thirty, I watched the spectacular and hypnotic lunar eclipse. The heavens were a deep black. The planet, Saturn, and the star, Regulus – and another snow-brilliant white star in the constellation of Leo – formed a triangle to the north side of the moon. So entrancing was this picture, so beautiful was the moon in her finery of radiant red-gold, her veil of transparent smoke, I remained outside far longer than I anticipated, freezing my you know what off...and every moment worth it.
Plans change, as if tapped by a magic wand, however. Yep, an over-the-moon surprise arrived in my e-mail! Upon this day of the lunar eclipse. My fantasy romance e-novel, All Shades of Blue Paradise, coming from Siren Publishing, has been given a release date. March 10, is the lucky day. Okay, it has to be lucky since St. Patrick’s wearin’-of-the-green, shamrock day is just around the corner.
Indeed, the happy, happy dance on cloud nine beneath the dark eclipse of the moon, then beneath Luna’s brilliant luminosity, ensues. Ahhh, perhaps, Sparkles and the other fairies will join me in the glade or behind the barn. Does my golden unicorn await the gaiety? Are the St. Pats’ leprechauns lurking?
Enough...enough! Of such word-sorcery and gushing-spillage. And more about the opportunity of the lunar eclipse.
From my research this is a time to gaze at our personal situation in the world with a realistic eye, then use the tools of Earth to make changes. Or simply make some practical improvements in your life. For example, your home – what would you alter to have it suit you, your particular preferences? A new bookshelf? New writer’s furnishings? Or perhaps, find new ways to organize which will assist you in writing that best-selling romance novel.
Any new works-in-progress being penned out there? Share a small working blurb with us. And if you have a question we can help with, just ask.
'Shamanic Astronomer' AJ McGettigan writes for all of us on the public domain of the Coast-toCoastam.com website:
The darkened Full Moon with Saturn highlights an opportunity for those willing to take stock of their true situation and act accordingly. Saturn is still roughly trine with Pluto— an arrangement which promotes regeneration and renewal for all conditions ripe for change. Additional details are available at ncrising.com.
From the darkness
Rings a tone of new potentials
Karma need not bring fear
When seen with attentive eyes
Old shapes take new form
New choices and new strength
Emerge in opportunity’s light
Lunar Eclipse Magic...yep, the synchronicity is obvious as the full white-shimmer moon above. Since my fantasy aristocratic realm, World of the Blue Pearl Moon, is the series title for All Shades of Blue Paradise. How truly moon magical is that?
Blurb: [Erotic Paranormal Romance]
Beneath the blue pearl moon, Lady Sheridan's fiance, Baron Zaggry, broke her heart into unbearable pieces. Ten years later, she becomes his love slave. Baron Zaggry never discovered why his Sher broke their engagement. Now, he has ten years worth of denied pleasures to enjoy her however he chooses.
For wonderful love scenes, each one with it’s special brand of magic, click on over to Romantic Times. Heart-savor the final two entries of Helen and Trish in the American Title IV contest. Then vote for your fave!
This is the big one. Winner takes all, the whole publishing contract enchilada with Dorchester Publishing.

The Magic of Horse Valentines

MY VALENTINE

In my grade-school days, and until I was fifteen, I had a shy streak a mile wide. There were a few exceptions to this rule -- when I was being a tomboy and playing sports with the boys. Or, if I was fascinated with a subject in school (often), I'd forget to be shy and come out of myself for a bit. The other exception, if my Aries temper was triggered by bullies (not often).

So, you may wonder at this point, what the heck does that have to do with 'the magic of horse valentines'? In third grade (1958), I had this incredibly marvelous teacher who noticed how much I loved horses. Okay, it was probably all the doodling I did of horses on my papers, the books I chose to read and however I could include horses into my assignments. She brought my love of horses to the attention of the other kids. And guess what! The magic happened.

Through fifth grade I received horse valentines. From the most cheesy -- Whoa! Will you be my valentine? -- to the elaborate and expensive, a Hallmark Rocking Horse complete with red yarn that you 'sewed' around him. There were palominos and painted ponies with red-cheeked cowgirls -- Yippee! Be my valentine. Eager cowboys covered in freckles astride their stick ponies were stuffed into my box (oops, freudian slip...too many sexy cowboy covers). Their cowboy hats too big, with rope in hand, they tossed the loop around 'If I rope you, partner, will you be my valentine?'

Being in love with valentines already -- it was love at first sight I tell you! My heart went pitty-pat euphoric at the very sight of red and pink lacy hearts. Hummm...let me think, was my passion to read and write romances already showing at that tender age?

Do ya think?

My dad helped me make my first valentine's day box out of the requisite shoe box with red and white tissue paper, of course. Later we graduated to red foil and fancier hearts. One year he wrapped the shoe box entirely in aluminum foil, then we placed on pink, white and red heart doilies. Yep, it was an original. And I loved it.

And oh, in those childhood years, did I ever treasure each and every horse valentine. Did I ever cherish that one magical day of candy hearts, of putting my valentines into every classmate's fancifully decorated red, white and pink box -- I swear I felt like the good fairy tripping about, despite not having Tinkerbelle's fragile wings or Glinda's wand, that ever-beautiful good witch of Oz.

And no, the magic wasn't because I received my precious horse valentines, but because it meant the kids and their parents cared enough to give them to me. Shy little, mostly invisible me, who never did get the 'hang' of how to fit into grade school society.

Caring and kindness, yep, that was the real magic of my horse valentines.

Valentines are offered as true gifts of the heart to those we love. Just as my romance novels are gifts of love written from my heart. Often horses star in my stories, racing against the wind, competing in equine sports game I create for their world. As dressage is a sport derived from training horses for war, the Braverth in All Shades of Blue Paradise is an ancient battle-sport for horses.

Yes, horses forever live in my heart, how could I not include them?

The question: How have valentines magically made a difference in your life, in your writing?

With Valentine's day just around the corner...yes, romance lovers all, the love scene entries for the American Title IV are just around the corner. Two finalists remain, and this will be your chance to decide on your heart-tingly favorite.

And! On February 12, Tuesday, Jenny Gardiner, author of Sleeping With Ward Cleaver and last year's winner of the American Title III, will be our guest blogger on Title Magic. I'm feeling tingly with anticipation. Jenny is warm and witty and wonderfully dynamic. Plus just downright inspiring.

Vote!

Last day to vote for your fave dialogue scene. Guaranteed more fun than the Superbowl!