Diana Rubino Author

AUTHOR JOAN REEVES IS MY GUEST TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:44:00 +0000

WELCOME TO JOAN REEVES

I'm happy to present Joan Reeves. Joan is a best-selling Kindle author of romantic comedy who, in her first five months as an ebook author, sold over 120,000 ebooks. She also writes the popular blog SlingWords ( http://SlingWords.blogspot.com ). Her latest title is ROMEO AND JUDY ANNE.
Joan will be popping in today to answer questions. Meanwhile, here is her "Universal Truth."

A Universal Truth

by Joan Reeves

Rules are interesting little critters, aren't they? Quite often, I write about rules, and about the breaking of rules. However, there is one rule that I never break, and that rule involves truth.

First Rule of Writing

Many years ago, the first so-called rule of writing that I learned was what all published writers, editors, and agents advocate: "Write what you know."

I'm pretty sure all writers still hear this because I hear it when I pop into writers' conferences. I even say it when I teach workshops and classes and when I give advice to aspiring writers. This rule applies whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, an article for a periodical or a blog post.

Write what you know. Why? Because it gives authenticity to your words.

Now, people who don't write fiction think that writing what you know doesn't apply. After all, you're just making it up. I've heard many people tell me this so it must be true. Once, even my banker who was trying to write a nonfiction book told me that I had it so much easier because I was just making it up. So you don't have to know anything if you're just making it up. Right?

Universal Truth

Wrong! In fiction, writing what you know means not only getting the facts straight on your information plot but also finding the underlying universal truth–the emotional truth--that is as real for an American woman as it is for a French woman or a Japanese man or whomever. It's the honesty and recognizable emotional truth–recognized usually on a subconscious level--that makes fiction come to life. When done well, it's what will make an editor offer you a book publishing contract or an agent offer representation or a reader email you and say your book "spoke" to her/him.

One might even say that writing what you know--the emotions you feel when hurt, scared, angry, sad, or happy--is even more important in fiction because without that truth, your fiction will never succeed.

My Spin

Over the years, I've put my own spin on one aspect of the "write what you know" rule, that being the information plot of a story if we're talking fiction. If you've read some of my writing how-to articles or taken a class or seen me giving a presentation at a conference, you've probably heard me say it this way: Write what you know OR WANT TO KNOW.

I truly think if you are interested enough in a subject to do the necessary research AND if you have the ability to articulately express ideas then you can write on a variety of subjects without necessarily being an expert. Researching and writing about a subject are highly effective ways to self-education.

So don't be intimidated by not being an expert on a particular subject if it interests you enough to learn about it. Without realizing it, you'll become an expert. I know I have on any number of subjects that have fascinated me enough to land jobs writing about them when I was a freelance writer.

Information Plot

In fiction, this same willingness to research and explore will help you in creating your information plot. In case you've never really heard the term information plot before, just think of it as the reality your characters inhabit. Every character should be like real people who have jobs, hobbies, relationships, and environments.

Part of your information plot may revolve around airplanes if your hero is a pilot or an aircraft mechanic. You would give enough information about planes, aviation, maintenance, etc. to make the reader feel that the hero really does know what Bernoulli's Principle is and how it affects a plane in the air. The reader would come away with some new information that he never knew before. Imparting that information via your fiction is the information part.

In my work in progress OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER, my heroine is a history teacher who became interested in artisan cheese making. At the beginning of the book, she's demonstrating how to make homemade mozzarella. The reader should come away with the knowledge of how this is done. (Just in case the reader wants to try it for him/herself, I'm including the recipe. It's actually quite easy.) That and growing grapes for wine are part of the information plot of that story.

Emotional Truth

Then there's the most important truth of all--emotional truth. You can give characters hobbies, jobs, backgrounds, and all the other elements that create a "fictional person," but if you don't tap into emotional truth, your writing will never succeed. I'll warn you that tapping into the well of emotional truth that each of us carry inside can be painful.

If you're writing about a character who has lost a loved one, without consciously knowing it, you tap into your memories where something like that happened to you. Your emotions rise to the top. You remember how sad and depressed you felt. All of that give you the words you need to show your character feeling that loss and all the painful emotions that go with that.

When a reader reads your words, if you've done your job well, the reader recognizes those feelings because she's had an experience with loss–everyone, worldwide, knows that feeling. The underlying emotional truth connects you, wherever you are, with the reader wherever he may be, via a character in a book. The same is true if you're writing about love or desire or happiness. Everyone around the world knows those feelings.

You might be able to fake expert knowledge in an information plot. You can't ever fake emotional truth and get away with it, and that's a universal truth. Always.

The Keith Richards Autobiography

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:15:00 +0000

It's titled LIFE and now I have a new respect for Keith as the genius that he is.
He says this to musicians, but it's something all writers should remember:
"Already five years earlier, on Some Girls, we'd got "Miss You" out of it, which was one of the best disco records of all time. But Mick was chasing musical fashion. I had a lot of problems with him tryng to second-guess the audience. This is what they're into this year. Yeah, what about next year, pal? You just become one of the crowd. Let's just do it the way we've always done it, which is do we like it? Does it pass our test? When it comes down to it, Mick and I wrote our first song in a kitchen. That's as big as the world is. If we'd been thinking about how the public was going to react, we'd never have made a record."

RWA Nationals in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:23:00 +0000

Had a blast at Nationals! So good to see everyone! Worked registration & met one of my fav authors, Tess Gerritsen. Photo from the 48th fl. revolving restaurant atop the Marriott Marquis.

Reviews and Recipes on "A Book and a Dish"

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Check out great recipes and book reviews, including A NECESSARY END and my recipe for "Jeff Davis Pie" at:
http://marthaskitchenkorner.blogspot.com

HAUNTING PARANORMAL ROMANCE NOW ON SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:56:00 +0000

A NECESSARY END, centered around the plot to assassinate President Lincoln with a paranormal twist, is now on sale with Amazon.com.

ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN THE BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Mon, 23 May 2011 20:31:00 +0000

A NECESSARY END, MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE CENTERED ON JOHN WILKES BOOTH AND THE PLOT TO KILL PRESIDENT LINCOLN, WILL BE ON SALE JUNE 15. Meanwhile, I'm having a contest as announced on the back cover of the July ROMANTIC TIMES Magazine. Just Email me and tell me the three historical figures you most would have liked to meet, and indicate which book you would like to win: A NECESSARY END, A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE or ONE TOO MANY TIMES, and if you prefer print or PDF format. The first ten responders will receive the book of their choice. Email me at: Diana@DianaRubino.com diana@dianarubino.com. Happy reading!

Mount Vernon in the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:37:00 +0000

At my agent Jewelann's suggestion, I'm beginning my bio novel about Martha Washington, and visited Mount Vernon a few weeks ago to do research at their library. It was like Fort Knox--first you have to make an appointment with the historian, then announce your arrival at the gate; once inside, they confiscate your bags and hand you a pencil to write with. (but many historical society libraries go the confiscation route). No rubber gloves, though. The historian stacked a few mountains of books and papers before me, and I was in heaven for three hours! I'm looking forward to going back. I LOVE Mount Vernon & never tire of going there. My first trip there was at age 8 & I never forgot it.
When we toured the house, we stood at the doorway to the bedroom where George died, apparently of pneumonia, and I, of an 8-yr-old mind, asked the guide if it was still contageous!

Rave Review and Civil War Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Thank you, Martha, for a great review of A Necessary End, and here's a yummy Confederate recipe:

Jeff Davis Pie

1 c. brown or white sugar
2 tbsp. unbleached or all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. half and half
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. butter, melted
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

Ingredients for meringue:
4 egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. sugar

Combine sugar, flour and salt. Beat cream, egg yolks, and vanilla. Add to sugar mixture. Pour in melted butter. Spoon into unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with prepared meringue and brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Note: You can use whole eggs in the filling, and omit the meringue.

From COOKING FOR THE CAUSE, CONFEDERATE RECIPES, DOCUMENTED QUOTATIONS, COMMEMORATIVE RECIPES by Patricia B. Mitchell, Published 2003 by the author at the Sims-Mitchell House Bed & Breakfast, Chatham, VA 24531
434-432-0595
http://www.foodhistory.com/
E: answers@foodhistory.com
by Martha Cheves
A Book and a Dish
http://marthaskitchenkorner.blogspot.com/

Booth felt like going behind the saloon and blowing his brains out, so maybe getting it off his chest would help.
Here goes, then.
“The day after the election, I decided it was time to begin planning this capture plot we’d discussed in Montreal. So I went to Nettie Colburn Maynard, the Lincolns’ spiritualist, to get information on his whereabouts. Not for any other reason,” he emphasized sternly. “But during the very first visit, strange things started happening to me. She went into trance and conjured up what she believes is a spirit who’s been haunting me ever since, haunting me in the hotel room, backstage at the theater, everywhere. I’ve had this recurring dream where I’m in ancient times, Rome or some old place like that, everybody dressed in tunics, and they’re waiting for me so we can murder somebody. And in real life, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder, feeling someone behind me. It’s all very unnerving. Some days, I can barely get through.” He paused for a sip.
Sam hunched forward, anticipating every word.
Booth went on, "I began to think there was something to all the mumbo-jumbo. It even started to bother Alice. She feels cold drafts in the room and sees things moving about like I do. It’s not just me going loony. And now I’m convinced someone from the spirit world is after me to do this deed to Lincoln, and won’t leave me alone until I do."
This is John Wilkes Booth’s conversation with his childhood friend Samuel Arnold. Arnold, David E. Herold, Mary Surratt and a few other handpicked friends and acquaintances were all responsible for several failed attempts to kidnap President Abraham Lincoln. Most of their attempts were foiled by actress Alice Grey. Gray was solicited by Senator John Parker Hale to help protect the president by acting as a spy against Booth. What neither of them expected was for her to fall in love with Booth and even more unexpectedly was for Booth to fall in love with Gray. His love for her was so great that he asked her to marry him.
With all attempts to kidnap Lincoln failing, the surrender of Lee and the ending of the war, Gray knew Booth would give up his attempts allowing them to lead a normal life. But as history proves, that was simply not to be.
I’ve always had a fondness for certain eras of history, the 1800s being one. Reading the John Wilkes Booth story was like stepping back into time for me. A lot of what I read, I know from reading the history books to be declared as being true. I had read that Booth was an actor, that he was at one time engaged to Lucy Hale, the daughter of Senator Hale. Reading history books told me that Mrs. Lincoln was heavy into mediums and spiritualists in hopes of contacting her two deceased sons. And I may have even read somewhere that Booth kept a diary. So, the writing of A Necessary End was a pleasure in reading for me. I’ve always said that if the history novels written by John Jakes were to be made into history books, kids would enjoy history and learn more. I feel the same way about A Necessary End’s author Diana Rubino. She has made reading the history of this event enjoyable.
Now I leave you with one question. Did John Wilkes Booth really die in that burning Garrett tobacco barn or did he escape to live a ripe old age?

Interview on Blog Radio Show

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:46:00 +0000

I'll be doing an interview on Book Blogs Blog radio show on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. EST.
The site is: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literaryscribes/2011/03/12/diana-rubinoauthor

My Article in Spirited Women Launches New Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:01:00 +0000

I wrote an article for the "Spirited Women" blog, launching their new feature! Join and become a Spirited Woman!
http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/2011/02/tell-us-your-stories-she-stuck-with-it.html

Paranormal Romance Coming out on June 15

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:07:00 +0000

My paranormal romance, A NECESSARY END, set around John Wilkes Booth and the plot to assassinate President Lincoln, will be on sale June 15, published by Moongypsy Press. Our artist, Dawne Dominique, designed a fabulous cover. The back cover of the Romantic Times July issue will feature an ad, and a review will appear in that issue.
Let me know if you'd like a bookmark!

Trailer for A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE now on YouTube!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:33:00 +0000

Click on the link below to get to the A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE trailer. Many thanks to my good friend, producer Brian Porter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYkLAZUDKXA

Article About Small Presses vs. Big Houses in Cape Cod Women Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:37:00 +0000

Here is the actual link, but the article is below:

http://www.capewomenonline.com/Fall_2010/Fall_2010Articles/SmallPressHouses.html

Small Presses vs. the "Big Houses" – Something for Everybody by Diana Rubino

Writing for a small press can be a stepping stone to a career leap – or it can be your entire career. Since no author can plan on a best-selling career with a big house, pitching to the small presses can be your ticket to publication.

The small independent publishers are much more willing to take chances on new writers and cultivate their talents. Sure, their bottom line is important, as it is to any for-profit business, but they don't have the time constraints the big houses have.

This gives their editors the luxury of taking more time to work with authors, and spend much more one-on-one time with them on technical details such as point of view, character consistency, and basic grammatical and style issues.

Small presses also accept unagented material, so authors can avoid the Catch-22 of not being able to land an agent because they've not yet established a track record.

Most likely, your small press book will be POD (print on demand), which means copies will be printed only when a customer orders one. It's up to the author to visit her local bookstores, and some stores will order a few dozen copies, arrange for a signing, have posters designed and give your books a valuable promotional push.

Since small presses run on tight budgets, the author must take the necessary time and funds to finance most promotion; i.e., costs of designing a website and keeping it current, ads in magazines such as Romantic Times, business cards, bookmarks and other giveaways, travel expenses to various conventions, etc.

I always like to inspire aspiring authors by telling my unique story: I received my first publishing contract 18 years after writing my first novel.

I believe it was my ninth written novel that became my "first novel" (the first that got published) with British publisher Domhan Books. At the time I signed my first contract, it was the fastest-growing publisher in the U.S.

My five-year tenure there earned me many rave reviews and a Romantic Times Top Pick award. Unfortunately, the owner suffered health problems and could no longer actively run the company.

I never gave up on my dream of that "big house" contract, but continued submitting to more small presses, eventually landing contracts with Dreams Unlimited, Stardust Press, Eternal Press, the Wild Rose Press, and Moongypsy Press, where I'm now Acquisitions Editor.

The small houses have been very good to me. I've cultivated a following, and the ads I run in Romantic Times and their reviews have brought me sales that I'm happy with. My editor at The Wild Rose Press, Laura Hogg, is the best editor I've ever worked with, and we've become friends and critique partners. She makes my work sparkle.

There's a lot of talent out there in the small press world, and I advise any aspiring author to submit to them, because they offer great opportunities to start your writing career on the right path.

A few caveats to look out for are the vanity presses, which require that authors pay to have their books published. Some writers decide to go this route and self-publish. Of course, some of these books eventually become best sellers. But make sure you choose a royalty-paying publisher if you don't wish to go the self-published route.

Moongypsy Press accepts nearly all genres, and we consider unagented material. Our guidelines are on the website. We're open to new and established authors, and have a very talented staff of editors. We pay royalties based on net sales, and do not ask authors to pay any publishing expenses.

Small presses have always been around, but with the miracle of the internet, many more are thriving, and authors have the choice of a great variety of outlets for their work, something for every taste. Some publishers specialize in certain genres. You need to do your research to find the best fit for your work.

Now that the Kindle and e-book readers have come down in price and their sales are increasing, e-book sales are exploding. E-books have been around since the 1990s, but never before have they been so popular. Look around on a commuter train and you'll see many passengers absorbed in their e-book readers.

With the outlets that small presses have to offer, so many more writers than ever before can now share their talents with the world, a world that seems to be shrinking more and more every day!

Glowing Review of my Raunchy--er, Earthy Time Travel Comedy

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:54:00 +0000

Glowing review of One Too Many Times, my romantic comedy time travel set in Yorkshire, from The Romance Studio.

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/onetoomanytimerubino.htm

First Drafts Should be FUN!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:49:00 +0000

My favorite quote about first drafts:

“Let it be imperfect, messy, absurd, and insignificant. At the very beginning, the creative process requires lowered expectations, spiked with fun, in very tiny increments of time, in fractions of steps.”

My Agent's New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:02:00 +0000

My agent Jewelann Cone of the Cascade Literary Agency, http://www.cascadeliteraryagency.com/, has a new blog: http://www.cascadeliteraryagency.blogspot.com/.
I'll be blogging there on Tuesday, and plan to engage in lively chat about writing, history, and anything else that jumps up and hits me! Join in and say hi!

Play Word Play today at The Blood-Red Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:02:00 +0000

Play Word Play today at The Blood-Red Pencil. Today, use 'sleigh' 'slay' 'sleight' and 'slate' as many times as possible in a paragraph. Mine is below.
Leave an interactive comment at a blog which now has 900 followers - great for promo -
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2010/07/word-play-by-morgan-mandel.html
Short url: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Strange coincidence, because I’m including a true life murder mystery in my work in progress, my novel about Aaron Burr.
In 1800, a young man named Levi Weeks, the brother of one of New York City’s most successful builders, took his fiancé, Elma Sands, for a sleigh ride. She was never seen again. A few days later, a few boys found her body in a well located in today’s Soho. Levi was the accused. Through his brother’s connections, he hired the ‘dream team’ of the time as his defense lawyers—Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The jury deliberated for five minutes and acquitted Weeks. But did he actually slay her? And if so, why? Rumor had it that she was pregnant. Instead of facing the scandal in New York, Weeks fled south, to begin life with a clean slate.

"Book Swap Cafe" TV Show Appearance

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:27:00 +0000

I recently appeared on the Comcast Channel's Book Swap Cafe and will run it on YT, because I don't get the channel in my area!

New Release - Romantic Comedy, Fakin' It

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:41:00 +0000

My latest release, a romantic comedy titled Fakin' It, is now in paperback from The Wild Rose Press.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Romance Author Frances Stockton Guesting Today

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:53:00 +0000

Romance author Frances Stockton is my guest today. She just returned from the RT convention with lots of news to share. Please pop in all day and ask Frances any questions you may have.

Getting the Most of the Event

By Frances Stockton

Hello everyone!

I’m so excited to be a guest today on author Diana Rubino’s blog! Before I get things started, let me personally thank Diana for inviting me to participate in her blog. It’s fantastic, informative and a true honor. In coming weeks, Diana is going to be a guest on my blog, as well. Do keep a look out for updates and announcements regarding her featured post.

As to the subject matter, I chose the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. When I learned that I’d be posting, I thought about various subjects. As I’m an author of sensual Paranormal Romance for Ellora’s Cave Publishing and Cerridwen Press, I’d thought perhaps I’d tell you about my books. But to learn more, I hope you will consider checking out my website at http://www.francesstockton.com, to learn all the latest news, read excerpts and blurbs and reviews.

Instead, I chose the convention because, well, I was just there in Columbus, Ohio, and I had a fantastic time. If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend, whether you’re a reader, writer, bookseller, publisher or reviewer, there is something for everyone. During the day there are workshops for new and established authors, tracks designated for readers, booksellers and librarians, and many social opportunities. Personally, I attended workshops geared for where I am as a published author, and I came away with several pages of notes. The most hilarious workshop/panel that I attended was titled ‘Five Times a Night, Really?’ with authors Heather Graham, Kathy Love, Erin McCarthy, Barry Eisler and F. Paul Wilson. It gave an excellent point of view of love scenes from the male perspective and a woman’s, and frankly, it was spot on accurate and realistic, while still allowing for the romance we crave in our books.

Now, of course, when attending RT, expect a lot of parties, balls, and social opportunities. Each night, starting on Wednesday of the convention with Ellora’s Cave Publishing’s Fantasy Ball, there’s exactly that, a ball, featuring dancing, food, entertainment and recognition of the authors highlighted during the events. They are truly events! This year, EC is celebrating their 10th anniversary and the theme was ‘Paint the Town Red.’ Authors wore their favorite shades and splashes of red, red lights abounded, and the EC Cavemen walked the authors across the stage with book covers showcased on giant screens on the stage. Thank goodness for the models, or else we might trip. Good-natured, they gallantly guide us by the elbow, while looking splendid in suspenders and hats and bowties. On Thursday, the theme is the Fairy Ball. For 2010, the Fairy Court chose an elemental theme, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The court consisted of lovely and talented authors, including Bestselling Author Barry Eisler and many comical moments. There was a costume parade, a contest and plenty of dancing. Friday’s activities are capped off by the Vampire Ball. The costumes were incredible, with much imagination and fun given to the details. Cameras are always flashing as attendees get their first glimpses of what’s in store for the evening. Dorchester Publishing hosts the Saturday evening events, with a casual theme this year of ‘Prom Night’. There were attendees dressed as they might have done in the 70s and 80s, and current fashion, too. The dancing was awesome and memorable. But, of course, we were all celebrating the crowning of the newest Mr. Romance for 2010, Jamie Ungaro. Previous winners include Charles Paz, Chris Winters, Andrei Claude, John DeSalvo, Rodney Chapman, Jason Santiago, Rob Ashton and Mark Johnson. Many of them return year to year at RT, so next year, mark your calendars for Los Angeles 2011’s convention. I think it’ll be another great contest.

As to 2010, since it’s still fresh, let’s get to the meat of this post. RT is an awesome place to network and meet friends, industry professionals, readers, booksellers and so much more. To get the most of the event as an author, I recommend getting a spot on the RT swag table, where your promotional items are put on display. They are constantly being perused and there are some great items, too. On top of the pens and bookmarks, you can find mouse pads, mugs, temporary tattoos, candy, and my particular favorite this year, a laptop/computer screen cleaner. It works! There are also countless opportunities to give away books that you might have on your backlist or participate in a panel discussion featuring the genre or sub-genre that you write. Club RT, allows for readers, booksellers and librarians to sit down at a table with their favorite authors and simply talk. There are also two book fairs. These include the ebook/small press/comic expo, and the traditional mega huge author signings and appearances.

I didn’t have the chance to sign at the ebook expo last year, and had no idea what to expect. This year, I had two books available in ebook format, along with a trade paperback, so I signed at both. And you know what? They were awesome. Ellora’s Cave Publishing had beautiful cover flats for us to sign at the ebook expo, and many readers came by just to say hello. It wasn’t all about the sales, at least for me. It was about shaking hands and meeting people and seeing their faces when they saw the cover flats or read an excerpt available. I wish I had taken more giveaways, something I highly advise for 2011. The traditional book fair on Saturday was quite simply, packed! Of course, there were huge names signing that day. For a list, check out the Romantic Times Booklovers convention site or daily RT blog. Their updated and revamped website and blog debuted at the convention, and everything you need to know is there. But what was fun was watching the attendees and those who drove in to meet their favorite authors. What a rush it was to be part of it.

Again, if you haven’t attended RT in the past, I recommend that you consider it for 2011. Whether you are a fan of romance books, an author, bookseller or industry professional, there is really something for everyone. It is fun, a little tiring, yes, but fun! And when you’re laughing with a fan or a new friend on the dance floor, memories abound and the next time you see them, you can get a hug or handshake or a cup of java at the closest coffee shop. Not to mention the workshops, the parties, the panels, and the various opportunities to meet and greet some of the top bestselling authors in Romance, as well as authors and professionals from other genres such as Thrillers, Suspense, and Mystery. If you’re an aspiring author, there are tracks just for you, including appointments with editors and agents where you can pitch your manuscript. If you’re a reader or fan, consider 2011. You will not leave the convention without a suitcase full of books and autographs, but special note, take advantage of whatever postal delivery service is available at the convention site so that you can ship everything home. That, or take a second, empty, suitcase that you can fill with all the giveaways!

Next year, I sure hope to see you in Los Angeles at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention 2011. Planning has already begun, and it’s little wonder, Jo Carol Jones, and her tremendous crew, does a phenomenal job year to year. I’m so glad and honored that Diana invited me here today and allowed me to post about RT 2010. It was the topic on my mind, and now, of course, to anyone who reads and comments here, either about 2010’s RT, past RTs, or has a question about anything regarding the convention, your name will be placed into a drawing for an Amazon.com giftcard. I’ll check back throughout the day and I sure hope to hear from you. I’ll keep the contest open over the weekend and announce the winner Monday.

A special thank you to Diana, her readers, and everyone who checks out this post, it is my hope that you come away learning something new or interesting. To learn more about me or my books, check out http://www.francesstockton.com.

Sincerely posted,

Frances Stockton

Great Books on Goodreads

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:59:00 +0000

Check out Goodreads, created by Candace Clayton, for info on new books, including mine!
http://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?n=diana &e=diana@dianarubino.com&i=LTM2MDYzMTcwNDM6MzE3

4 Cups Review of my Comedy Time Travel from Coffee Time Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/

Rating: 4 cups
A comical frolic through five centuries of time, One Too Many Times is the journey of Richard and his king brothers (including King Edward IV) to the twenty-first century. Richard slips into the present with a protection spell gone awry just in time to land at a séance being held by a group trying to speak to his spirit.
Annie, a writer and historian, is breathless with surprise when she manages to not only raise Richard’s spirit but also her pulse when looking at his very real, very male body. Anyone can hold out for awhile against a charming man, but this man was the same king she has spent her life studying. How do you resist a little up-close research?
To set the history straight, the time traveling brothers sign on to a project to rewrite history, so to speak, by making a film about Richard as he truly was. But will he be that person again or choose to stay in the future with the lovely Annie and live a love that is timeless in the true sense of the phrase?
A richly written piece with flowing dialogue that shifts seamlessly from today to centuries ago, this story is multi-layered and well-formed. The blending of both historical fact and comedy makes this read fun and the spirited, bawdy humor of the Kings kept me smiling. Although the plotting and research were exceptional, the emotional depth could have been slightly more riveting but I found myself cheering the brothers and their ladyloves along. Full of imagination and unlimited possibility, this book touches on everything from UFO's to historical political maneuvering. And, if you can pluck the historical fact from fiction between giggling about the comical escapades, you even get to learn quite a bit about the time period.
Virginia
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Romance Author Hannah Howell is Future Guest Here

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:40:00 +0000

My friend and fellow romance author Hannah Howell will be guesting here soon; her blog address is:
http://hhowellauthor.blogspot.com/
Stay tuned!

Check Out Romance Author Hannah Howell's New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:26:00 +0000

Romance author and RWA New England Chapter member Hannah Howell has a new blog,
http://hhowellauthor.blogspot.com/
Check it out!

Discussion on Hamilton, Burr, and some other Colorful, Brilliant and Crabby Founding Fathers

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Rubino) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:33:00 +0000

I've been having a lively chat with historian Bob Johnson of Pennsylvania and sharing some of my insights that I've gleaned from studying our founding father
My knowledge of Tommy J (Thomas Jefferson) is rather limited, as he never captured my imagination as did my fav historical figures: Mozart, Richard III, and now Hamilton and Burr, but I do think TJ was rather hypocritical saying that all men are created equal as his slaves slaved away at M'cello.

Now that I've read everything I could get my hands on about Aaron, he definitely got a bum rap thru history. People hate him simply cos he killed AH, but don't know the backstory. AH busted his balls, to put it bluntly. It's only natural that Burr called him out, as barbaric as dueling is to us. I just read in a book yesterday that dueling was only for the upper classes; farmers, etc. never would have considered it. Well, la di da!
After a few years of researching AH and writing about him for a year, I got to know him pretty well, but have read so many conflicting reports about his character, I'm not sure even if I like him. But I do believe that he never speculated or embezzled Treasury funds, and since my book centers on his relationships with his wife and mistress Maria Reynolds I came to believe that his admitting adultery rather than let his enemies think he was ripping off the Treasury made him out to be of stronger character than the rest of them.
I just finished reading a few things about Sen. Wm. Maclay of PA, who's going in my Burr/Eliza book. What a character! He's worth a book of his own!