With the tsunami following the Japan earthquake in the news so much the past few days, I realized that I would have NOOO idea what to do if I was somewhere when an earthquake hit.

I think I would get out of a building….right? I have no clue what I would do if I was in a car and the road started shaking. Anyone know?

I do know what to do in case of a tornado. I can spot a wall cloud. I know to get out of a car and into a ditch if driving down the road.

I was even in a tornado once a couple years ago. It wasn’t an especially strong one…although it did knock our front tree into our house and make the garage door on our metal building bow into a “‘v.” I was home alone with our dogs and cats (which I took down to the basement with me) until the tornado passed.

I’d like to hear your natural disaster stories…and if anyone can give me some earthquake advise, I’d really appreciate it!

My first novel was set during the reign of King Henry V – the early 1400s. Now, I know Medievals have gone out of style, but I used to enjoy them. (Still do, in fact!) What’s not to love about Julie Garwood’s The Prize. Or Judith McNaught’s A Kingdom of Dreams. Both of those books were an inspiration to me when I first started writing. Those knights were seriously tough dudes, but they had soft hearts for their lady loves. Sigh.

And then were Westerns. Rough and tumble cowboys who could only be tamed by the love of a good woman. And of course, they conquered the outlaws or bad ranchers who wanted to squash them. Jodi Thomas still writes them, but remember all those Jude Devereaux and Lorraine Heath westerns? I was sorry to see them disappear. Fortunately, we’ve got fellow Quills Jan and Cindy still writing them, although they’re not about the Old West, are they?

As far as historical romance goes, Regency seems to be it now. My last few books have been set in the regency era, but they’re not the old fashioned traditional Regency kind of books we used to read. Remember those? They were full of protocol and etiquette, but aside for the clever repartee, nothing much happened.

But all that has changed. My Regencies are just as adventuresome and sexy as my Medievals and Victorians. My current novel, Seducing the Governess, is set during the year after Waterloo with a hero who was wounded there. It’s a Beauty-and-the-Beast story, with the hero scarred for life in battle, and the heroine hardly noticing his scars. (Love that theme!)

Publishers are becoming a little more adventuresome with their new electronic publishing divisions. With e-publishing, there’s not a lot of risk to putting out books that haven’t sold well in paper format, right? So, once you’ve got your e-reader, I think you’ll be able to download all the Westerns, Medievals, Angel-Meets-Demon stories, Space Romances and anything else you can imagine.

 What do you think? Will you be happy to see “unsaleable” material available in electronic format? I’d like to know what you think of the “e” revolution that’s taking place. And I’m going to give one of you a good, old-fashioned copy of The Rogue Prince for sharing your thoughts with us today.

The fellow in the photo to the left is Walter Goggins. He plays a character by the name of Boyd Crowder on FX’s ‘Justified’. In season one we see Boyd go from a psycho with a rocket launcher to a  slightly-less-psycho with a Bible. Season two has Boyd as a much bigger character, and he almost – almost — steals the show from Deputy Raylan Givens (the lovely Timothy Olyphant).

The reason for this isn’t just Goggins’ ability as an actor, though he is amazing to watch. He’s one of those actors who has real presence. His hair seems to get higher with every scene, and he has this melodic, poetic cadence to his speech that makes me wish he’d do a monologue in every episode. He is a smart man born to an ignorant life. He is ridden by demons that make him ‘confused’ in his head. He is a man who was born to be bad struggling to be good. When a would-be criminal tries to get Boyd to join his gang — and everyone seems to think Boyd is up to his old ways again — Boyd grabs the man in a headlock and forces him to run along side Boyd’s pick up as he tears down the road. When he finally lets him go, the man collapses on the side of the road. Boyd stops, and waits to see if he’s all right. Only then does he move on. Next time he sees the guy, he apologizes. And the thing is — he means it.

Boyd Crowder wants to be a better man.

Now that you’ve read the above, is it any wonder I’m fascinated with this character? He is Raylan’s mirror — what Raylan would have become had he not joined the Marshall service and left Kentucky. He is an anti-hero. I’ve realized lately that the anti-hero is my favorite to read about, watch and write. That’s not to say I don’t love the character of Raylan, I do, because he too wants to be a good man, though sometimes it’s very easy for him to straddle that line. But I don’t root for Raylan the way I do for Boyd.I know Raylan will do the right thing, even if he doesn’t want to.

I think it might be all about the torment. Anti-heroes aren’t usually men — or women — caught between dark and light for no reason. These people have seen things, suffered. That’s the only way a true anti-hero works — at least one you want your audience to connect to. In the case of Boyd Crowder, he was raised in a family whose only vocation was crime. I think he might have had a mama who loved him, but his daddy was a big-bad, and his sons were disposable. In the finale of season one, we see just how abusive the old man is, when he takes out his ire (at Boyd’s destruction of a shipment of drugs) on Boyd’s ‘disciples’ in the woods. It’s an effective strike as Boyd takes the responsibility of his father’s actions onto his own shoulders.

Now that I’ve shared one of my personal favorite anti-heroes, I’d like to hear yours. They can be male or female, from TV, books or movies. I want to know who you love and why.

Its Mardi Gras, baby! And that means its time for some good eats at Chez Garbera and some good times. I’m planning an all day feast that starts this morning with King Cake–each year my kids and hubby try to be the one to get the piece with the plastic baby in it so they can be king or queen for the day and rule the house! Then its on to mini-muffaletta’s and tonight jambalya. But Mardi Gras isn’t just about eating, being catholic it also means the last hurrah before we begin 40 days of fasting and quiet reflection.

One year for lent my mom dared me to give up reading. To be fair I was 15 and rarely talked to anyone since I was always reading a book. I did it because it wasn’t just a dare, it was my mom asking and it was the longest 40 days of my life!

I have two questions for you all or should I say y’all today–what would be the hardest thing for you to give up for a short time? And, what kind of food would you bring to the last blow-out party before you gave it up?

Happy reading!
Kathy

Our medical practice moved into a fairly new office building last week.  It’s large and airy, boasts a tranquil view of a small man-made lake with fountain, and has great parking.  

There are several more perks to our new place with one slightly perplexing downside.  I’ve been told our address isn’t on any GPS system.

It isn’t as if this is a brand new building on a fairly new street.  Nope, it’s on a major thoroughfare and was built six or seven years ago.  There are other medical suites in the building, and I’ve been told by several of them, and by frustrated patients, that we aren’t on the “virtual” map.

Annoying?  Yes!  More so because people tend to tune me out or cut me off when I try to give directions to our new location because they have GPS and “can find it” without any problem. 

Not necessarily so.

I don’t have a navigation system in my car.  I still rely on maps, and mapquest on my iPhone, which usually does a good enough job.  Mapquest does show the location for our new suite, which makes me think if it’s there, it’s everywhere.  So maybe it’s just user error for many others who’ve had trouble finding us, glitches in their systems, or the new excuse for being late.

Are you a frequent user of GPS?  Any problems?  Do you pay attention when someone tries to give you directions to a new place?

Where’s Cindy this weekend? I’m at the RWA Board meeting in Austin Tx.

Once the meeting is over I plan on staying a couple of extra days to do some exploration of the area. I haven’t had time yet to look at what is around here…but I know there’s a lot to see.

I already know I’m going to enjoy it here. For one thing I can walk around here without a winter coat. I’m so tired of snow…that in itself that is HUGE. And there seems to be LOTS of great places to eat.

I’d be interested in knowing a vacation spot where you went that you really enjoyed. And…do you like books set in Texas?

A while back  I watched the movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, starting Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey. It’s about a couple who dates for two years, breaks up and ultimately employs a firm to erase all memories of their relationship.

It was fascinating to consider the concept and it got me thinking about past relationships with friends, family members and exes. Oh, and certain times in my life when I wasn’t at my most stellar.

After considering the good, the bad and the butt ugly, I don’t think I’d ever  completely wipe out memories of anyone I’ve encountered in my life. Maybe I’d forget some of the getups I wore in the ‘80s or some of the what-was-I-thinking hairstyles or some of life’s moore embarrassing moments. Although, I seem to be good at expelling those from my memory on my own since I know they happened, but I can’t quite remember… Anyway, if you can’t remember, did it really happen?

So, embarrassing moments, YES! But memories of people? Nope. I wouldn’t do away with a single memory of anyone I’ve ever met.

How about you? If given the opportunity, would you erase any memories from your past? I have a special prize for someone who posts.

It’s March–can you believe it?  Already?–and I decided it was time to take a look at the goals I set for myself in January.  I firmly believe in goals.  They’re motivating.  When written down, they seem like even more of a commitment, which makes me want to accomplish them all the more.

So far, I’ve been doing pretty well, although there’s plenty of room for improvement:

*  I’ve started walking again, for 40 minutes at a time, which is about how long it takes me to do my route on the local trail.  I walk 2-3 mornings a week (although I’d like to walk 4-5 days a week)

*  On the days I don’t walk, I do yoga exercises and stretching in my living room (although some days I’m lazy and skip the routine.  Shame!  Is it any kind of an excuse that my kitty thinks it’s play-time and jumps on me when I do my stretches?  Probably not.)

*  I’m keeping to a fairly regular writing routine (although I’d like to be producing more pages at each writing session, so I can finish my manuscript faster)

*  I’m drinking green tea for those healthful antioxidants most days (every day would be better)

*  I’m regularly taking my vitamins (some days I forget)

*  I’m spending time with my family during the week (although I’d love to find more family time)

*  I’m reading more than last year, and choosing Young Adult books (since I’d like to write one) as well as romances (although I’d like to read more.  Can I have more than 24 hours in a day?)

How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions?

It’s hard to believe March is here already. March is a big month for the Jaunties. Robyn DeHart has a new book out. If you saw her interview with Jaunty P. Quills yesterday, you’re sure to want to get your copy right away.

Our blog is also being featured at the end of the month at Ashley March’s March Madness, a celebration of historical romance readers and writers. Be sure to check out March Madness on these dates…

Monday, March 7: Robyn DeHart blogs
Monday, March 28: Shana Galen blogs and the Jaunties are featured

Robyn and Shana will be giving away copies of their books.
In addition to the recent releases, upcoming books, and ARCs given away by historical romance authors each day, historical romance readers will also have a chance at winning:
1. A bundle of 5 historical romances every Sunday.
2. 8 Victorian lady postcards
3. 8 “Do you know the way to Pemberley?” postcards
4. 8 “Well behaved women rarely make history” medieval postcards
5. A “Romance Reader & Proud of It” tote bag
6. Two secret prizes (to be announced during the month)
7. A Grand Prize package of historical romance books and a Victorian-styled lovebirds necklace

Aspiring historical romance writers also have a couple of things to be excited about:
1. Kris Kennedy’s agent, Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, has generously agreed to give away a partial critique to the writer she believes has the best 3-sentence written pitch. One of Kris Kennedy’s books will also be given away, as an example of the type of work Barbara loves.
2. Ashley March will provide a full critique of another aspiring historical writer’s completed novel.
There’s more, so be sure to check in for all the rules.

The Jaunties have some fun contests coming too, so don’t forget to check in with us every day. Tomorrow our own Catherine Kean is blogging.

Jaunty P. Quills: Hello! It’s me, Jaunty P. Quills, Porcupine Extraordinaire. Did you miss me? Never mind. Of course, you did! I missed you too. In fact, I cut my vacation short when I heard Robyn DeHart has a new book out and (pine cone roll, please)…it’s about me! Finally, my favorite Quill, Robyn (hear that, Kristan Not-My-Favorite Higgins?), has seen fit to immortalize me. I must say, this is long overdue.

Robyn: Jaunty, I hate to disappoint you, but you aren’t featured in my book.

Jaunty P. Quills: I don’t understand! I read on your website the book features an exciting adventure whereby two legend hunters search for a legendary beast. Darling, look no further. I am that legendary beast (wink, wink).

Robyn: Oh, I see what you’re thinking. But no, you’re not that legendary beast.

Jaunty P. Quills: If the book isn’t about moi, which I find very hard to believe—it’s okay to flatter me, Robyn—what is it about?

Robyn: I’m so glad you asked since that is why we’re doing this interview, to talk about my book. *clears throat* So Treasure Me is set in the Highlands of Scotland along the shores of Loch Ness and is the third in my Legend Hunters series. It’s about Graeme Langford, an English duke who feels more connected to his Scottish roots. He’s on a quest to find the legendary Stone of Destiny. Vanessa Pembrooke is a runaway bride fleeing England from her cheating fiancé and runs to Scotland to finally conduct some hands-on research as a paleontologist. When their paths cross we get lots of chemistry, a few actual explosions and a potentially deadly search for a lost treasure.

Jaunty P. Quills: So let me get this straight. The book isn’t about me?

Robyn: Jaunty! Have you even been to Scotland?

Jaunty P. Quills: I’m actually a little afraid of the Loch Ness monster. Once my Uncle Jolly visited the area near Loch Ness and was never seen again. I don’t mean to brag, but porcupines are rather tasty.

Robyn: I’m not exactly sure how to respond to that, Jaunty. If it makes you feel any better I’ve never had any porcupine, alligator, yes, but never once porcupine.

Jaunty P. Quills: Obviously this interview isn’t going as planned. And we all know who’s responsible for that…someone—ahem, Robyn Not-My-Favorite DeHart—didn’t send me an advance copy of the book.

Robyn: I was trying to save you from nightmares, Jaunty. After you read Seduce Me, you were so afraid of the Raven, you couldn’t sleep.

Jaunty P. Quills: I don’t know what you’re talking about. (whispering) He’s not in this one, is he?

Robyn: Well, yes, he is. He was such a great villain and already introduced into the Legend Hunter world so it seemed fitting to have him come after Graeme and Vanessa. And I should probably warn you, he’s deadlier than ever in this book.

Jaunty P. Quills: Robyn, you’re scaring me! Rather, you would be if I wasn’t so strong and heroic. I would make a great hero (right, Margo My-New-Favorite Maguire?).

Robyn: Okay, how about this, Jaunty. I’ll share a little sneak peek of the book to see if you like it. And for the rest of you, one lucky commenter today will win the entire Legend Hunters trilogy.

A hand clasped her wrist.
“Looking for something?”
In one quick movement she found herself flipped over the bed and upon her back, a large and heavy and very seductive husband atop her.
“I merely thought to—“
“To steal my treasure,” he said, his voice dark and full of sinful promise.
She shivered in response.
Desire coursed through her, making her focus on his every breath. Graeme’s arm tightened around her, pulling her into his body so that her bottom nestled snugly against his legs.
Hot breath slid across her neck and down her shoulder as he leaned closer. His well-muscled chest pressed to her back. Even without the benefit of seeing it in the movement, she knew what that chest looked like. Knew every sinewy line that traced the hard muscles of his abdomen.
He kissed her neck. One hot, moist kill that proved to be her complete undoing. She knew in that moment that she would not leave this bed tonight.

Robyn: Thank you, Jaunty, for an interesting interview. I can’t celebrate a release without giving away a book, so one lucky person will win autographed copies of the entire Legend Hunters series, that’s SEDUCE ME, DESIRE ME and TREASURE ME. Comment to win!