Do you enjoy erotic historical romance? Do you enjoy books set during World War II? France? If so, my novella, A Day in April, 1944, is now available FREE at All Romance ebooks! Be forewarned ~ it’s a very steamy read. If erotica is not your cup of tea, it probably isn’t for you ~ if it is ~ enjoy. Would love to hear from readers!
Tag Archives: france
Self Publishing ~ Taking the Plunge
My contract with eXcessica had ended. What to do with, A Day in April, 1944? Instead of shopping it around, (I don’t think there are very many publishers out there right now interested in works that have been published already, plus, I didn’t want to have to wait for possibly months to get a response that may or may not be favorable) ~ I decided to try and publish it myself and see what happens. This little novella, A Day in April, 1944, received great reviews but wasn’t selling very well…I’m hoping the reasons had more to do with the fact that the storyline isn’t really in line with what they sold, and perhaps the cover art didn’t really grab readers? (Maybe not, but it makes me feel better to believe this faulty logic:-)?
Where to start? I definitely wanted to get it up on Amazon, All Romance ebooks, and maybe Siren-Bookstrand. First things first ~ I needed a new, attention grabbing cover…In comes Elaina Lee of For the Muse Designs, a fellow author and traveler on the All Romantic Suspense Blog tour (quite talented she is), and an amazing cover artist! After sharing my vision, and trusting to her artistic talents, she created a cover worthy of the story. Don’t you think? Thanks, Elaina!
Now that I had the cover I’d envisioned, it was time to get to work and figure out how to do the technical work involved with making it accessible to readers. I’m no techie…I use my mac to write and blog and tweet…but don’t really know about the other stuff that tends to make my eyes glaze over! Not good! I had an MS word file in hand, but no knowledge about how to convert it into those files necessary for e-readers to access my story:-(. I suppose with much effort I could teach myself, but to be honest, I just don’t have it in me to learn all the intricacies of doing so.
So, who came to my rescue this time? The wonderful folks on the Kindleboards! A wonderful supportive group over there:-). I learned about Scrivener, a program that would quickly and easily compile my file:-) so that I could upload it to Amazon. I downloaded a trial version (which I plan on purchasing), not only for the ease of use regarding the conversion, but for all that it can do for a writer like me…(Post-it notes, lost notes, good ideas strewn about.) Scrivener has so many wonderful features that will help me to organize my work! There is still so much I need to learn about it, but I’m sold.
This is not to say that the process was not without some tense moments…but with help from the Kindleboards folk, (click to read thread), and a bit of luck, somehow I uploaded the file(s) successfully to Amazon and ARe. (I think!) I know some of you are thinking, “What is she talking about”? Or, “She doesn’t know what she’s talking about!” I can assure you that both statements are true:-) I won’t go into the technical details and the minor problems I had. I will say that I did it ~ but I’m not really sure how…I may use the services of an ebook conversion site, (recommendations on Kindleboards and ARe), because I haven’t converted all my files to all the possible formats available and I’m not sure if I want to try:-).
I don’t want to give you the impression that everything is perfect! It’s not. Right now, on Amazon, if an author search is performed, A Day in April, 1944 doesn’t appear. If you search for the title it’s okay. Well, this isn’t very conducive to sales if readers can’t find the book by searching the author…I’m working on that particular issue:-) All Romance ebooks is wonderful. There is no waiting period. As soon as you upload your book, it goes live. (You do have to wait for your account to be approved, though ~ fairly quick, around 24 hours.) So what to price the book? At this point, I want to attract new readers so I’m offering the title for $0.99. I can always raise it later if I wish.
That’s it for now. We’ll see how it goes:-). Whew, I’m exhausted! But, if you’re considered self-publishing some of your backtitles or new works, I’m here to tell you that if I can do it, so can you:-).
At Marie-Nicole Ryan’s place
I’m visiting Samhain and Wild Rose Press author Marie-Nicole Ryan…Come in out of the cold and say hi!
Night Owl Reviews A Day in April, 1944
Another review for A Day in April 1944 arrived ~ a gift for the new year ~ thanks Vee! Here’s an excerpt:
“A Day in April 1944 is a short story chronologically one day (and night). The sex is hot and the character development good. It’s an enjoyable, quick erotic read.”
The full review can be read here. For more lengthy reviews, please visit the pages of Literary Nymphs, Fallen Angel Reviews, and Dark Diva Reviews, where A Day in April 1944 garnered 5 star reviews and recommended read status at all three sites!
Hopefully, reviews for Second Chances will be forthcoming:-). Still waiting for word on a submission while working on a new novella. Good luck to all the writers out there. Nothing feels as good as completing a work, getting it out there, then starting on something new. It’s a long road, but one that must be traveled. If you write, you know that it can’t be any other way.
More Incredible Books and Amazing Authors
Well it’s that time again. Since my last post on this subject I’ve read more and remembered more titles that stood out in my memory as books of note. I’ve just finished, The Road Home, by Rose Tremain. It was in my TBR pile and did not disappoint. Tremain is truly one of my favorite authors. Although the characters suffer through the trials and tribulations of life, remarkably, all of her work leaves me with an uplifted feeling. (See my previous post on other titles I’ve read by her.) I have just received, via interlibrary loan, an earlier work by her, Letter to Sister Benedicta. I’m curious to see how her writing style has developed. I’ve no doubt that she was just as amazing then as she is now. Something to look forward to ~ her latest, Trespass! According to the product description on Amazon, the story takes place in southern France and is “an electrifying novel about disputed territory, sibling love, and devastating revenge…” Unfortunately, it won’t be available in the States until October. I may have to go to the U.K. site and attempt to order it there. She’s that good…
Another favorite author, Sandra Gulland, is working on a new novel! Not exactly certain when it will be out but according to her blog, (which is quite interesting and also provides helpful tips for writers), it will take place in 17th century France. Ah…one of my favorite time periods to read about. So looking forward to the release! Writing fiction is challenging enough, but to write historical fiction must be doubly so. She recently returned from a research trip to France. Aside from the intellectual stimulation of the research, I’d find the travel aspect particularly rewarding. I’m certain she was probably busy with all it entailed but I hope she also set aside some time to enjoy her stay.
Again, in no particular order, more good books! Corelli’s Mandolin, by Louis de Bernieres, is set on a Greek island during the Nazi Occupation. Yes, there is a movie based on the book, but I haven’t seen it. (I always think the books are much better than the movies.) The Last Troubadour: Song of Montsegur, by Derek Armstrong. The story takes place in 13th century France and centers on the Inquisition and the Cathar “heresy”. Despite the subject matter, it is an entertaining read filled with rich characters who you won’t soon forget. I’d like to see more fiction by this very talented author, and the sequel, The Last Quest: Song of Monsegur, back in print!
Also check out: The Country Life, by Rachel Cusk, Palace Walk, by Naguib Mahfouz (the first in a trilogy taking place in Cairo), My Name is Red, and Snow, by Orhan Pamuk, a great Turkish writer. I’m getting sleepy! Stop by again for more good reads.
A Snippet of Love and Romance
As a writer of both erotica and romance, I thought I’d provide you with an excerpt of my romance novel, Second Chances, published by Bookstrand. Somewhat sweet, somewhat sensual, it is the story of three women, ranging in age from 18 to 50+, who get a second chance at life and love! The novel takes place in the U.S. and France, from a small town in the South to NYC, and from Paris to Carcassonne. In fact, the photo of the fortress currently on the header of my blog was taken in Carcassonne, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was one of the many places I visited on my honeymoon:-)…along with my beloved city of Paris. Just like the women in my novel, I found love when I least expected to;-). Second Chances is now available both digitally and in print. I hope to have some updates for you regarding a few other projects I’m working on. Hope you enjoy!
Excerpt:
Always an early riser, Jeanne rose with the sun, regardless of the time her head hit the pillow. At exactly five, her eyes popped open. Just as well. There was plenty to do. She donned her bathing cap and swimsuit, and before six had completed ten laps in the pool. Harry had given her a difficult time about installing it, but she knew if she could convince him it would be good for business the pool would be hers.
The only form of exercise that didn’t bore her, swimming sculpted her fifty-four year old body. The result was a sleek and toned look—all the incentive she needed to jump in each morning at exactly five fifteen. All thoughts drifted from her mind as her body took over, her breathing rhythmic and the movement of her arms and legs, synchronized.
* * * *
Gwen stood near the bedroom window and watched Jeanne complete lap after lap. Why, the older woman was in better shape than she was. She examined herself in the mirror and frowned, turning away. No wonder Jay left me for another woman. Look at me! Lumpy clusters of cellulite formed pockets around her thighs, and her muscle tone reminded her of one big bowl of Jell-O.
Admittedly, she had allowed all those society luncheons to go straight to her hips and thighs. Her sallow complexion gave no indication that summer had arrived. After throwing on a robe, she plopped onto the side of the bed and felt the tears coming on. A knock at the door constructed the only barrier between her composure and another crying jag.
“Gwen, are you awake?” whispered Delia. The wind chime effect of her voice surprised Gwen each time she heard it. She rose and opened the door. There stood Delia. The freshness of youth belied the effects of the festivities of the night before. Oh, to be young again.
“Hey, what do you say we go for a swim? I know it’s early, but I just love the water and I figured you could use a swim.”
“You noticed, huh?”
“Noticed what, Gwen?”
“That I need to drop a few pounds, that I need some exercise, that I’m overweight, and just not what I used to be?”
“Well, no, that’s not exactly what I meant, Gwen. You look fine to me. I just wanted some company. But, hey, if that’s how you really feel, then it can’t hurt to join me, can it?”
Gwen found herself at a loss for words. I suppose she’s right, she thought. Before she could respond, Delia interrupted.
“Larry never appreciated my opinions, but I was never one to hold back on them. I tell it like it is most times, Gwen. Now I’m going to throw on a T-shirt and shorts and I’ll meet you down there.”
Delia was already in the pool when she arrived downstairs. Jeanne, in the kitchen preparing breakfast, hummed to herself.
“Go on, Gwen. Go for a swim with the girl. She could use some company. Seems to me she’s had a hard life for a child so young.” Jeanne made a clucking sound with her tongue and shook her head. “I don’t know what the world is coming to. God only knows where her mother and father are, but I tell you, if she were mine, she wouldn’t be running around almost getting herself killed.”
“You’re right, Jeanne. She can use the company, and I can use the exercise, so off I go. But look, let’s talk later. I don’t know what Delia has in mind as far as where she’s headed, but I can’t see dropping her off on some street corner and leaving her in the hands of who or whatever is out there. She’s got a good head on her little shoulders, and you know I’ve grown quite fond of her in this short time.” Gwen knew that she couldn’t allow Delia to put her life at risk on the streets again. “Funny, though, here I am giving advice and I don’t even know where I’m going!”
“Oh, you’ll find your way, dear. You’re young and attractive. Why, you have your entire life ahead of you,” said Jeanne, sorting through a colander filled with blueberries.
“Do you really think so?”
“Have you ever looked at yourself?” Jeanne wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist and turned to Gwen. “You probably don’t even realize how lovely you are.”
Gwen’s eyes grew moist. “Thanks, Jeanne. I really needed to hear that. Now I’d better get out there before I change my mind.” She wrapped her towel around her waist and snatched a blueberry from the sorted and washed batch. Smiling at Jeanne, she made her way down to the pool.
Delia floated on her back then broke into a leisurely backstroke when she arrived. “Come on in,” she shouted, “the water’s fine!” At home in the water, she slid under then emerged. Hair slicked back and glistening in the sun, her smile revealed even white teeth.
“Okay, Miss Mermaid, give me a moment, won’t you?” Gwen shed the towel that covered the shorts and tank top she’d hurriedly stuffed into her small luggage bag. Delia giggled and continued gliding across the sparkling surface of the water. She slipped into the pool and began the process of becoming reacquainted with the water. Never comfortable in water, it took her a few moments to get her bearings. I must have drowned in a past life, she thought as she tried to coordinate the movement of her arms and legs in addition to trying to breathe without inhaling water. She’d do okay in a swimming pool with a lifeguard nearby, but if she happened to go overboard on a cruise or sailboat in a real body of water, she’d be a goner. It wasn’t long until those swimming lessons she’d hated as a girl came back to her with each stroke.
She counted the laps in her head and decided that six would be enough for today. She lost her concentration when she detected what she thought was a muffled scream. Gwen lifted her head above the water in time to see Delia dragged—kicking and screaming—toward an old Chevy by a giant of a man.
Coffee Time Romance Feature Author Contests
Are you interested in free books, gift cards, and other great prizes? Visit the Coffee Time Romance Feature Author Contests page and enter to win:-) If you can answer just a few simple questions regarding my book, Second Chances, you could win $25.00 in Strandbucks for use at Siren-Bookstrand, publisher of Second Chances.
Christine D’Abo, Stacey Espino, Candy Caine, Teal Ceagh, and Sandra Sookoo are also offering great prizes…along with many others. Grab a cup of coffee, (or a glass of wine), and head on over ~ the contests close at the end of May.
Other good news ~ Second Chances is also available in paperback on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I have to admit, it’s a wonderful feeling to hold a copy in my hands:-).
Here’s the blurb for Second Chances:
Chance encounters bring together three women from very different walks of life and with little in common—except for the desire to obtain a second chance at life…and perhaps even love.
A mysterious birthday gift, a husband’s devastating deception, and a secret past during World War II send the women on an unforgettable journey to France that will change their lives forever. Will Delia, the young runaway, find the father she never knew, a father who knows nothing of her existence? Will one impulsive night change Gwen, a soon-to-be-divorcee’s, life forever? Can Jeanne, a French war bride, face her past and rekindle a romance with a lost love? When Delia disappears, the answers to these questions must wait.
I’d love to hear some feedback from readers. If you decide to take a chance on Second Chances, I hope you enjoy it! It’s also available in ebook format.
Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read!
I’ve just discovered that my novella, A Day in April, 1944 has garnered another 5 star (angel) review and Recommended Read status at Fallen Angel Reviews! Thank you so much, Merrylee! I can’t tell you how pleased I am.
Here is a snippet from the review:
Ms. Grey did a wonderful job of capturing the true feel of war and its effects on the lives of the people swept up in its brutality and deprivation. She conveyed so much emotion in such a short number of pages, along with an almost reverent respect for those who prevailed over the hardships of World War II. And what a beautiful ending! If it doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, then you don’t have a heart. Reading A Day in April 1944 is a truly rewarding experience. Don’t miss it.
To read the entire review, click here
Now I’ve simply got to get back to work…I’ve been procrastinating lately…I can’t think of any better motivation to write and edit a few pieces I’ve been working on.
Books I’m reading in print and on my Kindle
Ever since my husband’s Kindle arrived, I’ve not been able to download a single title for him. The historical fiction by the authors he most enjoys reading are not yet available on Kindle. (I think I’ll post a list of those titles—if the man in your life enjoys American historical fiction you’ll have some recommendations for him.) So…I’ve taken it upon myself to not let the Kindle sit idle. This is my first experience reading books in digital format and I rather like it. However, at this point, I don’t think I can entirely give up the tactile pleasure of print books. I like paging back through what I’ve read if something is unclear. Although I know I can do that on Kindle, it just isn’t the same. There are advantages and disadvantages to each format. When I travel, the Kindle will definitely come in handy. I am paranoid about dropping my Kindle (oops, I mean my husband’s Kindle)…that wouldn’t be good!
I will continue reading traditional print books because I can’t stay away from libraries and bookstores. One of my favorite leisure activities is to browse the stacks searching for exciting books—borrowed, used, or new, it doesn’t matter to me. I have also been an Amazon customer for some time and won’t be giving up virtually browsing their shelves either. I do like to have print copies of books by my favorite authors, reference works as well…but I am cutting back because I want to conserve resources and I’m running out of space!
I’ve decided to use the Kindle to explore the works of many new and talented small press and Indie authors. Authors whose work is primarily available in ebook format, just like moi. So while I’m reading a traditional book, I’ll also be reading a digital book. Want to know what I’ve been reading?
Let’s talk print first—I’m reading a book that was in my TBR pile – Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese. So far it is amazingly good. I love books that transport me to exotic locales but which also promise a great story. I can’t put it down!
And now for books I’ve read on my Kindle…I’ve recently finished, Angel and the Lawman by Barbara W. Starmer, (published by Bookstrand). The story takes place in the Old West and is full of plot twists and turns. The fast paced action filled storyline is driven by a spirited woman called Angel who was given the moniker by the handsome and mysterious Marshall, James Black. Of course there’s romance! Check it out! If you like western romances with strong heroines and dashing heroes, you won’t be disappointed!
Right now, in digital format, I’m reading, Secrets Volume 11 published by Red Sage. It contains novellas by Angela Knight, Jess Michaels, Kimberly Dean, and Jennifer Probost. I’ve just finished Ancient Pleasures by Jess Michaels and enjoyed it immensely! The story was captivating and sensual. I can’t wait to read more by her—also looking forward to checking out the other authors in this anthology.
I’m also reading Princess Robin, by Dana Taylor. According to the blurb on Amazon, “Princess Robin presents delightful twists to the beloved Sherwood tale.” So far, it does just that! The writing is fantastic and the book entertaining and amusing. Princess Robin has a great storyline and the author is very talented. I hope more readers will find out about her work.
Last but not least, in my digital TBR pile is, Finding Margo, by Susanne O’Leary. Of course it takes place in France…According to the blurb, Margo walks out on her husband in the middle of a roadway and into the French countryside. Is it any wonder I couldn’t resist since both of my books, A Day in April, 1944, and Second Chances take place in France? I’ve only read the first few pages but am looking forward to getting into it.
If you’re a reader looking for some good titles on Kindle, I suggest checking out the Kindle Boards. There are several great authors there whose work I’m looking forward to reading. The boards also cover anything Kindle related and then some. If you’re an author, it’s a warm supportive place to connect with other authors and let readers know about your work.
Bye for now…must get back to my reading…and writing!
Inspiration for A Day in April, 1944
Perhaps inspiration is not the correct word. I certainly wasn’t inspired by what I’d seen. Saddened, sickened, and shocked are words that immediately come to mind. I’ll never forget the stop we made to a small village in the Limousin region of the southwest of France. There was no need for the SILENCE sign posted at the entrance to the village.
What was special about Oradour-sur-Glane? Perhaps special is not the correct word, infamous comes to mind. I imagine that before the war it had been a thriving little village with a doctor, a seamstress, a few grocers and teachers and bakers—all the occupations required to sustain a place that a small group of approximately 662 called home. That was before the 2nd Waffen SS Panzer Division Das Reich’s 1st Battalion arrived on June 10, 1944. On that day, 642 inhabitants of Oradour-sur-Glane, (197 men, 240 women and 205 children) were massacred. The men were shot and burned—the women and children herded into a church and burned alive. The old village of Oradour-sur-Glane remains as the Waffen SS left it—a memorial to the lives lost there.
Although we may never really know why this village was targeted, many believe it was in retaliation for the acts of sabotage the Maquis (French Freedom Fighters) perpetrated on the Nazis or for the capture of a German Commander of the SS on the previous day. The bravery of the men and women of the Maquis, (there were several female members of the French Resistance), left a lasting impression upon me. From sabotaging German supply lines to harboring members of the Allied Forces, life was perilous and could end suddenly.
I could not stop thinking about the place and began to wonder what life must have been like in war torn France. What would it have been like to be a member of the Resistance, to risk not only your life, but the lives of the men, women and children of the place you called home? It was then that Lisette came to life for me. I later imagined Oradour-sur-Glane as being similar to the village where Lisette, a character in A Day in April, 1944 might have resided.
Visiting Normandy and the beaches where the Allied Forces landed, and where countless young American soldiers lost their lives, evoked powerful emotions. I could only picture the rough seas and the men, who were recently boys, going to meet their fate. What were they thinking on the way to the landing? Most likely they thought of their loved ones and whether they’d ever see them again. It was then that Jack came to life for me.
Fortunately, for Lisette and Jack there is a happy ending—but that is only because I wanted it that way.
