Men in Uniform

The forthcoming publication of my debut novel, Wait a Lonely Lifetime, with Avalon Books calls for some attention to the hero of this book:  U.S. Army officer, Eric E. Wasserman, who doesn’t feel comfortable in civilian clothes.

I admit, when I see a man in uniform, I look twice. I don’t know if this is a genetic anomaly or a primordial instinct but there is something about a human male impeccably dressed, starched, buttoned and tied that unleashes a basic response from me: instant & rarely unjustified trust, a sense of security and protection as well as a recognition of pride and courage.

Author Interview with Kaye Calkins

I was honored to have the opportunity to interview Kaye Calkins, author of Deverell’s Dilemma, an historical romance published by Avalon. I first met Kaye at ORA-Con in the summer of 2011 when Lia Brown, who was a speaker at the conference, eagerly introduced Kaye as one of Avalon’s newest authors. Kaye is also a resident of a neighboring town, so we are able to meet up once in a while at other Ozarks Romance Authors’ events. Welcome, Kaye!

Kaye, what prompted you to become a writer?

First let me say thank you for asking me to interview with the Avalon’s Authors’ blog. I was captured by the story of a tragic figure. Hunted by the police and a mob he escaped underground to live alone. Yes, it was The Phantom of the Opera. I’m not sure whether it was Gerard Butler or the enchanting music but I had to give that man a happy ending. It took me six months at my computer to create him a new life. Once I finished his story of 52,000 words, I proceeded to write about his son and the daughter of Raoul and Christine. That one was 42,000 words.

When did you start your first novel and how long did it take you to become published?
My first novel was written in 2005. That one and my second are still sitting in files on my shelf. I knew nothing about writing a book. I am still learning thanks to Ozarks Romance Author’s. I’ve read since a child, and made-up stories in my head but I never considered putting anything on paper. My third book was my first to be published. It came out this year with Avalon.

What part of writing do you find most satisfying?
I love it when my characters surprise me and say or do something I hadn’t planned.

What part do you find most difficult?
Portraying the emotions that make a character come to life.

What comes first for you? Characters? Story? Setting? Or something else entirely?
In my first and second book it was the characters. In Deverell’s Dilemma it was the time and the setting. I love reading historical novels, especially Georgette Heyer, so it was an easy choice for me. I love the customs, witty language and manners of the Regency period.

Tell us about Deverell’s Dilemma.
Deverell’s Dilemma is the story of a young man who, having had his love scorned once, finds it hard to trust women again. Then a beautiful young woman from his past comes back into his life. Here’s an excerpt:

He watched the bay careen down the lane, the rider out of control. He gave Lady a light touch, urging her to close the gap between them and the bay. When they were side by side Deverell reached out and grabbed the lad.
“Release the reins, I have you.” Deverell’s arm went around the boy’s slender waist.
“No,” the youth yelled as he was lifted from his horse. “Let go of me.”
Deverell reined in the mare with one hand and held on to the squirming figure perched in front of him.
“Sit still,” he ordered. “You’ll have us both on the ground.” Ungrateful imp.
“Let me down, you fool.”
Deverell relinquished his hold. The boy slid off in a heap on the dirt, moist from last night’s rain.
Deverell’s lips curved in a smile as he watched the boy shove his pant legs into his boots and pull his cap down around his ears.
“Of all the dim-witted, ramshackle things to do. Now, I’ll have to walk home.”
The rider looked up at Deverell, eyes flashing with anger.
“You’re welcome. I make a habit of chasing down runaways whose riders can’t restrain them.” The sarcastic rejoinder slid from Deverell’s tongue with ease.
“I was in perfect control. A hare startled the horse and he bolted, but I wasn’t in danger of falling off.” A frown creased his brow.
Deverell chortled at his bravado. “Come. I’ll give you a ride.” He held out his hand.
“Not on your life.” The slim lad thrust his hands behind his back.
“Don’t be obstinate. We may find your mount along the way.” The child was stubborn to a fault. Deverell saw a flash of recognition in the challenging look from the sea-green eyes. He’d never seen the lad before, must be someone’s groom or stable hand. “What is your name?”
“Al. . .Alex.”
“Let me give you a hand up, Alex.”
Deverell grasped the small hand and hoisted him onto the back of his horse. It was a soft hand for a groom. The faint scent of lavender floated on the air. A bend in the road revealed a large meadow with grasses bent heavy with moisture.
“There’s your horse feeding beside the lane. Now you won’t have to explain to your master why he came back without his rider.”
Alex gave a muffled snort and slipped off the side of the mare. He whistled to the bay. The stallion pricked his ears and turned toward the sound. “Come, Prince.”
The boy mounted the horse in one graceful move and set off through the meadow. Deverell watched them gallop across the field and leap a small stream. The lad’s cap flew from his head and floated down as the stallion’s hooves hit the ground.
Deverell broke into laughter. “I’ve been properly fooled.” He gazed at the auburn hair that covered the shoulders and flowed out behind the rider as she sped away.

What do you personally like most about this novel?
I like the characters and their interactions. Deverell’s and Alexandra’s families have been friends for years. Dev has two close friends Lucian, Alexi’s brother, and Stanhope. The three of them solve a murder and save Dev’s brother, Nat, from the hangman. I love the relationship between Nat and a street urchin named Henry. In fact I’ve written their story, Henrietta’s Hoax, and hope to have it published.

What other authors do you especially admire?
Some of my favorites are Anne Perry, Tasha Alexander, Victoria Holt, Deanna Rayburn and C.S. Harris.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Read, go to my weekly critique group, spend time with my husband Merle, or take short trips with friends.

Do you have a schedule for writing or do you squeeze it in when you can?
In the morning is good for me, but I also write in the evening. I’m not strict about a certain time, but I like to write everyday. I’m retired so my time is flexible.

What is the nicest thing that ever happened to you as an author?
I was at my critique group when I received ‘the call’ from Lia Brown. When I told them Avalon wanted to publish Deverell’s Dilemma they were so excited for me. I was numb with shock, but when I came out of it we celebrated with hugs and shouts of joy. It was great.

We all have dry times or times when it’s difficult to feel inspired. What refreshes you creatively?
Sometimes after a good night’s sleep I’ll wake up with the answer to a problem I’ve been trying to work out. But brainstorming with my critique group always gives me new ideas.

You can find Kaye’s book at http://amzn.to/x4EdBz and also visit her one her blog: http://kayecalkins.blogspot.com.

Thank you, Kaye, for visiting with me today and we wish you all the best as you continue your writing career!

MAMA'S DREAMIN' TINY TOES AND BABY CAKES!

In honor of my cycle 1 release, I’m posting a recipe from Dishing Up Romance, Book One in my Romancing the Chef's Toque series, to further whet your appetite. This is the sequel to Cupid’s Web, as you can see from the title of the recipe, Mama Pirelli's still plugging away to get Cassie married. And as always, she misinterprets something Cassie said. Bon Appetit!



MAMA’S DREAMIN’ TINY TOES AND BABY CAKES
MOLTEN LAVA CAKES

10 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
½ stick unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch chunks-extra
for greasing the ramekins
1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur
2 large whole eggs
2 egg yolks
5 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or whole vanilla bean,
split and scraped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder, finely ground
Whipped cream for topping, pre-made

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the chocolate block in half and chop into uniform pieces. Break the remaining 5 ounces into 1-inch squares and set aside for later. Using a pastry brush, grease the inside of four ramekins with melted butter.
Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler or use a microwave safe bowl at 50 percent power, estimating 1 minute per ounce as a guide. Check at 2-minute intervals to avoid burning. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the pieces of butter and using a wire whisk, blend until smooth. Add the liqueur and thoroughly incorporate. Set aside.
But don’t set the romance aside. You keep that heat on. Knowing Cassie wants to set up a nursery means she doesn’t dislike children—it means she’s open to the idea of having them herself—someday. Who cares if she claims she’s setting it up for her customers—we see right through that, don’t we?
For right now, though, we know subtly has never been one of your attributes, but before you take a bow with the collaborative efforts, don’t rush to the reception hall just yet. Secretly make the call and schedule something, but don’t announce it until later. These two kids need to make up and make out first. We know you’ve been waiting a long time, but your patience is imperative right now. One wrong move and it could push Cassie in the opposite direction, especially if she thinks this is what you want. You know how she is. Whatever you want, she wants just the opposite. Although we must admit, she’s giddy when she’s around him—all positive signs. Now, that being said, if things come to a standstill, forget what I said about slowing down—all bets are off and it’s full speed ahead, Lucy.
Yeah, we’re just as anxious as you to hear those tiny feet running down the hallway. It will happen. Of this we’re sure. And don’t forget, once they’re married, you have carte blanche to nudge all you want. She’ll just roll her eyes, but if you can get the husband on your side, and we know you can, she’ll have more than you hounding her.
Place the eggs, yolks, sugar, vanilla and instant coffee powder in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until the batter is thickened. Sift the flour over the mixture and blend. Now, add in the chocolate mixture and fold until mixed thoroughly and fill each ramekin within a ½ inch from the top.
Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15-minutes until puffed. Cool cakes for 5-minutes before plating, bottom side up and watch that chocolate center ooze out onto the plate.
Serve warm with whipped cream. Ahh, this cake is enough to reel in the future son-in-law and seal the deal. Isn’t this the best? The icing on the cake! You go, Mama! We’ve got your back on this one! Makes 4 servings.

ALONG FOR THE RIDE - Chapter Four

Here's the scoop: Several Avalon Authors have come together to write a novel for fun. Every author contributes one chapter. There is no pre-arranged plot; there are no rules except that we follow Avalon's guidelines of writing family-friendly material. If you missed the first three chapters or if you would like to refresh your memory, please click on "Avaloner Online Novel" in the column to the right.

Chapter Four

By Mary Hagen

“Uh, hello,” I gasped. It started to rain again. Rivulets of water squiggled down my face as I stared at the hulk standing in front of me, his green Gortex jacket highlighting his very green eyes, his broad shoulders, and his dark hair sticking out from his hood. “How did you get here?” I mean “Why are you here? I thought you’d been poisoned.”

“I wanted to thank you. You saved my life.”

“Oh. Were you really poisoned?” I had enough questions to keep the conversation on track for an hour. This was just the beginning.

He shrugged his shoulders not giving me an answer. The rain came down in sheets. The night lights were on and the air turned even chillier. Oh for Phoenix. I shivered involuntarily and pulled my soaked collar higher on my neck. By now, I could wring water from my jacket, and my new black high heels squished every time I moved my feet. To say I was miserable would be the understatement of the year.

“I have the ticket you put in my pocket,” I said. “Want to join me on a tour?” Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed Annie no longer paced in front of the restaurant and the entrance to the old city, but the mean dark looking man still walked back and forth, his face hidden by the hood of his jacket. By now I had lost my motivation to visit underground caverns. The old buried city rang with sinister connotations.