Can Real Heroes Play the Accordion/Do the Polka? by Marianne Stephens

Can your hero play chess? Knit? Do the polka?

While all are worthwhile things to do...and I don't want to slight any man who does them!...I think these hobbies can add to a hero's macho facade and alpha male persona in romance books to gain a reader's attention. Real men can do anything, not just something that highlights a strong, physical physique.

In a story I've written, Operation Man Hunt, the hero finds out the heroine has asked a mutual friend about him in an effort to "catch" him by showing interest in his hobbies. Deciding to "turn the table" on her, he has the friend feed her misinformation. Two of his favorite things? Playing the accordion and dancing the polka.

In my book, "Strip Poker for Two" (by April Ash), hero Jason actually has played the tuba while in the angst years of teen crushes. He tried serenading the girl of his dreams, heroine Allison. His tuba playing expertise and stories are inserted in their story, and he gets one last embarrassing chance to play for a room full of guests...including the heroine.

 Allison realizes she'd been embarrassed by Jason's school-years attention, and the tuba serenades just made him more undesirable at the time. Memories of Jason's playing music just for her make him more endearing as their relationship heats up and the tuba songs don't seem quite so embarrassing.

 Do these hobbies make the heroes any less desirable? Can your heroes have these hobbies and still have you craving their passionate embraces?

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Photos: Flickr: Sandy Kemsley and Carsten Knoch photostreams.

Prologues and Epilogues by Marianne Stephens

I've often wondered if readers enjoy reading prologues and epilogues in romance books. As a reader, I like reading a prologue, especially if it sets up the story. Reading epilogues gives a future "look" into the hero and heroine's tale and takes me beyond the "Happily-Ever-After" ending so I can witness for myself just how their future unfolded.

In Streets of Dreams I used a prologue popped into my head as the best way to gain reader attention right away. The prologue is in the killer's point of view, and I hoped it would capture a reader's immediate attention.

Epilogues. I've written one in a nonfiction book (Luke: the Miracle Dog). After I finished my last chapter, I sensed a "need" to tell a little more about what happened in the future.

As I mentioned above, I like reading both prologues and epilogues. I like that glimpse into the past and future. A prologue can eliminate some "backstory" insertions in the book so can be helpful to the writer. Epilogues can be helpful for those writing a series...an author can use this technique to hint at the next series book and inspire curiosity and interest. Or, for single titles, it can just give the reader a "little something extra" about what happens after that final chapter.


What do you prefer? Do you enjoy reading/writing Prologues? Epilogues? Both? Neither?

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com 

Photos: Flickr: Tiago Ribeiro and Ryan Kendrick Smith's photostreams.

Hot Fun in the Summer Time from the RB4U Authors is now available!

The weather is heating up, but it’s not just the sun and the sand which will keep you hot.

This summer anthology (sweet to sizzling stories) brought to you by the authors of Romance Books 4 Us will bring temperatures to your eReader that will set unheard of heat records. Burn the tips of your fingers while you turn the pages.

Sultry temperatures. 

Passionate couples. 

Unbelievable desire.

This is your ticket to… Hot Fun in the Summer Time.

Available exclusively on Amazon for a limited time

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RRRZP2Q/

This set includes:

Just Tell Me What You Want by Tina Donahue

Her wishes will leave him breathless…

Second Chance at Love by Marianne Stephens

Brian and Liz have a second chance to make their passionate, undeniable attraction for each other grow hotter than the summer heat.

Curating Love by Cara Marsi

Along the hairpin turns of the Amalfi Coast, a sexy Italian man shows a conventional American woman a colorful world of excitement and sensuality.

Pleasure Quest by Tina Donahue

She’s into virtue, he’s not. On a pleasure asteroid, he’ll show her what paradise really is.

Building Up To Love by Joanne Jaytanie

For something to last a lifetime it must start with a strong foundation and build upward.

Nailed by Cindy Spencer Pape

When shy scientist Karen Sikorski meets up with her college crush,

Warner Beckett, sparks fly, but she knows the handsome contractor would never fall for a plain nerd like her. Warner, though, has other ideas.

Dare to Feel by Nicole Morgan

When Brett walks into Tracy’s section at Platinum, she is faced

with the one love that she was never able to forget or get over.

More Than Friends (Friends to Lovers Book 1) by Krista Ames

One lust-filled night may prove more than they both expected.

Ripped at the Seams by Deelylah Mullin

When you feel each stitch in your life unraveling, sometimes it’s

better to give in than to be ripped at the seams.

Cowgirls Don't Cry by Janice Seagraves

Will Gwen’s empathic gift soften her future father-in-law’s heart?

Firecracker by Desiree Holt

Two men, one woman, and explosive heat.

Available exclusively on Amazon 

for a limited time

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RRRZP2Q/

HUG Someone Today

 

 In this "politically correct"environment we see today, can you ever get tired of true, normal hugs?

Some people never hug...don't like that "close" contact. Others, like me, grew up in a family environment where we hugged all the time...relatives and friends alike.

Types of hugs:
1. The hello, friendly hug.
 A greeting besides just saying "Hello".

 

2. The "good job" hug.
Watch sports. Don't teammates sometimes hug each other after a particular good play or win?

3. The "everyone else hugged you so I better" hug.
The quick call hug. You're at a party/event/whatever. Someone you know enters and you watch as everyone greets this person with a hug. What do you do? You join in and follow the crowd so you don't appear to be "different".

4. The family hug.
Yeah, I got used to this very quickly as a child. If someone was family, you hugged. No brainer there. Big Italian families are "touchy/feely" people.

5. The comforting hug.
These are for times of sadness and a show of commiserating (I'm here, I understand" support.

6. The love hug.

Totally different that the others mentioned above. This one involves romance, love, passion, lust...you name it.         

 
Hug someone today...and be hugged in return!

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER TIME -New anthology: Release Date 25 June
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RRRZP2

 

 http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Photos: Flickr: kevindooley, lululemon athletica, Corie Howell, ashengrove, Cowboy Ben Alman, snre, and Sabrina Campagna's photostreams.

I Remember Mama by Marianne Stephens

I Remember Mama was the  title of an old TV show in the 50's. And yes, I know that Mother's Day has passed. But that doesn't stop people from remembering their mothers.

I miss my mother every single day. I find myself thinking, "What would mom think about this?"

Mom lived with us for 10 years. We created an apartment in our home for her. Things went well until Dementia took over. Suddenly I had a mother I didn't recognize; one who swore, couldn't remember anything.

With tons of guilty feelings, we put mom in a nursing home dedicated to helping those with dementia and Alzheimers She got great care, but I still felt guilty.

I can laugh now at some of the things she did as dementia took over:
Talking on the phone to a cousin - without a phone. I told her to hang up so we could talk.
Watching a Christmas parade outside her window...in summer while she looked at a parking lot.
Telling me "You lied to me. It's not April. Shut up and drive." I'd gone to get her for a home visit for Thanksgiving. We weren't even out of the parking lot. That was the last time I tried to bring her home. 
Telling me that my brother lived in the nursing home basement and was chasing the nurses. Boy, was she angry at him! And, his band played at the nursing home...and my then 3 year-old grandson sang with the band - in Italian.

It was sad to see her fade away. On my birthday in 2015, she held a stuffed bear wrapped in a blanket and called it her baby. I had to hold it so she would eat lunch.

There were lucid episodes, and I am grateful for those. She loved music and I'd dance with her when a band came and played songs from the 40's and 50's. 

After she passed away in Jan. 2016, my brother, sister, and I went through some of her things at my house. Tucked away in an envelope we found three letters....one for each of us. They all began the same:
"YOU WERE MY FAVORITE BECAUSE..."

These had been written long before dementia kicked in. How special she made each of us feel.
On her headstone at the cemetery, we wrote "Favorite Mother".

Yes, I remember mama for so many reasons!

What is your fondest memory of your mom/stepmom/godmother/any woman who helped raise you?

Marianne 

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Birthdays - It's Time to Start Counting Backwards! Marianne Stephens

My birthday is today! How did I get to be so old? Isn't it time to start counting backwards?

I think about where I am in my life today and wonder: HOW DID I GET HERE SO FAST? Where has the time gone?

I've done things I planned to do as I grew up. I became a teacher, married, and now have a family that includes grandsons. Being an author was a second career I only thought about after age 40. When all 4 of my kids were teenagers for three solid years in a row, I needed something, an outlet, just for me and to retain my sanity. 

I had always been an avid reader, from biographies to Shakespeare (took 4 or 5 Shakespeare courses in college) to romance. Once hooked on reading romances, I devoured as many as I could each week. 

As my kids' teenage years were about to drive me nuts, I thought about writing. I'd read so many romance books. Surely I could try writing one!

M first attempt garnered some interest in three agents. Although hopeful, I kept thinking that nothing would happen - I hadn't "paid my dues" yet. And, I was right. I learned from my first venture into romance writing that one element was sorely missing in my masterpiece. 

Dialogue. Most of my book contained narrative and little dialogue. How had I missed that concept after reading so many romance books?

It took 10 years to finally "get it right" and get published. I joined groups, listened, learned. And took a major bit of advice from a wonderful author, Carla Cassidy. She told me that I was writing episodes, not connecting chapters. 

After her sage advice and changes in my thinking/writing, I sold my first book.

Damn. If I could only go backwards in age and take this advice...and start my writing career earlier...who knows how many books I would have published by now?

Anyway, I'm a year older and will celebrate with a dinner out tonight. 

Wish me a Happy Birthday in a comment and you could win one of our April Romance Books '4' Us contest prizes.

PLUS:
I'm giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one person who leaves a comment for me by midnight 15 April.

NOTE: PLEASE put your email address in with your comment! 

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

photo: flickr: Nick Kenrick's photostream
 

Revenge IS Sweet! by Marianne Stephens

RAISE your hand if you've never considered a way to exact revenge and "get even" with someone. If your hand is up, you're either very forgetful, have a selective memory, going through a "senior moment". It's part of human nature to feel mad and want to even the score...even for a "saint" like me!

Dating, romance...and being dumped or used. All stuff we go through in the game of love. Initially, you feel hurt and are embarrassed by questions like "Where is ...?" asked by friends and family. You may make excuses, tell fibs, change the subject so you don't have to admit a breakup has occurred.

Most times, you go on and finally tell people your version of the story. Doesn't matter if it's exactly true, but its something you'll stick to and feel better about yourself for saying. You can analyze and justify it in your head, and that's how you cope.

More power to you. Getting rid of a loser, even one you thought you loved, is better than being with one. I'll now tell you my story of revenge against an ex-boyfriend, the first and only time I ever "got even".

If you believe that, I have a bridge in New York I'd like to sell to you!

I dated Ron in college for months. I knew he was on academic probation but he didn't seem to be able to pull up his grades. Ron finally got word that he'd flunk out if he didn't leave, so he quit school. We were to spend his last weekend at the college together before he headed home and either went into the military or found a job.

We had plans; lots of couples stuff to do starting on a Friday night. He called me an hour before coming over to my dorm to let me know that an "old ex-girlfriend" surprised him by coming from a nearby college to say goodbye so if I didn't mind, he'd see her that night and see me the next day.

What could I say? Annoyed but trying to be reasonable, I agreed. We'd have all day Saturday to spend together. And, we'd spend Sunday morning before his bus left since he had to vacate the dorm that day.

Saturday morning came. He called again. His "ex" was still there, and wouldn't leave until late that night. Would I mind waiting to see him until Sunday?

Hell, yes, I minded. I remained calm as wheels in my head started turning. Ron apparently was dumping me for his "ex" and I didn't matter to him. Crushed at first, anger swiftly took its place and the word "revenge" planted itself in my brain. I had to do something to "get even".

Once again...but this time through gritted teeth...I agreed to his suggestion. But I was already formulating a plan in my head, one that would get the message through to his "male-ego" brain. Maybe he'd take note and not pull this type of "dumping" act on another female.

His plan was to leave at 11:00am on Sunday. The bus only came twice on Sundays...11:00am and 11:00pm. We were to meet after church at 10:00am at a spot on campus we liked to go to for coffee. We'd then go back to his dorm and I'd help him carry his stuff up "the hill" and into town to the bus stop.

I never went to meet him. He called at 10:15 and I said I was on my way. He called again at 10:30 and I told him the same thing. His final call came at 10:45. It was too late for him to catch the morning bus, but now he'd spend the rest of Sunday with me and take the 11:00pm bus. Since he had to vacate the dorm at noon, he figured I'd let him leave his stuff in my dorm room and help him carry it to the bus stop that night.

Now was my turn. I knew I'd delayed him from taking the earlier bus. I knew he'd have to wait 12 hours for the next bus. I knew he'd have nowhere to store his things. With a nonchalant tone in my voice, I told him I would be busy the rest of the day but wished him a happy life and promptly hung up. I had visions of him lugging his stuff to the bus stop and sitting there all day...and that was my act of revenge. I had to quell the curious streak urging me to go "peek" and see if he waited there hopefully full of regret.

That's my version...and I'm sticking to it! So, what's your tale of revenge or "getting even"?



Marianne

http://www.mariannestephens.net
photo: Flickr: mohammedazix's photostream

Love or Romance? by Marianne Stephens

                                             HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
 The words Romance and Love seem to be interchanged for each other in "naming" books...but for me, they're two different types of stories.

I classify romance as the struggle to find love; that rocky road to happiness...with a happily-ever-after ending. Love stories can also be about falling in love; rocky road to get there...but can entail details not fit for romance stories.

Romance stories don't include married couples and cheating on your spouse. Somehow, people consider adultery "justifiable" and call having an affair a "love" event. Huh? Or, the hero or heroine have multiple partners throughout their coupled journey to "find" true love with each other. Sorry, I just don't get it!

I'm not talking about menage romances, which seem to have a big following. I'm talking about sneaking around and having sex with someone else, other than your "loved one/ones"...the main characters in the story.

Movies/Books to consider:
"The Bridges of Madison Country". Why would anyone consider this a romantic story/movie? Since when does a married woman having an affair become acceptable and turn into something other than what it is...total disregard for marriage vows and spouse. Okay. Maybe it's a "love" story, but I find nothing romantic or fun about it.

"Titanic": Great romantic scenes and the hero sacrifices himself to save the heroine. But, unhappy ending...a love story.

"Brokeback Mountain": Adultery. Doesn't matter if he cheats on his wife with another man...it's still cheating. Love story.

"Gone With the Wind": I wanted to strangle Scarlett throughout the book/movie. Nothing heroine-like, only selfish attitude. Rhett was a hero for finally leaving her. Love story, not romance.

"Casa Blanca": Oldie but goodie. Tear-jerker, unhappy ending. Love story.

"While You Were Sleeping". I love this movie. This is a romance. No one is married, and even though the heroine is faking an engagement to one brother who's lost his memory, she fights her attraction to the second brother...her true romance partner. And he fights the same attraction. Only after the truth is blurted out at the almost wedding do the hero and heroine face the truth and are free to love each other.

"Dirty Dancing": budding relationship, separation and sadness, but happy ending. Romance.

"Pretty Woman": magnetic pull of mutual attraction, rocky road leading to black moment, happy ending. Romance.

"Emma", "Pride and Prejudice", and the list goes on. Happy endings. No adultery. Romance stories.

The books we write as romance authors need that happily-ever-after to satisfy readers. I want it in a book I read and my books present it to readers. The outcome of any book or movie classifies it as romance or love story...and I see a definite dividing line between the two.

My opinions...and I bet others think differently. So, what about you? How do you differentiate between a Romance and Love story or movie?

http://www.mariannestephens.net
Photos: Flickr:AuntOwwee, Emily792872, and toephoto photostreams

Enter Writing Contests - Yes or No? by Marianne Stephens

 

Do contests help you as a writer? Are they frustrating? Is it necessary to enter contests to succeed?

I've entered my share of contests in the past, and have found most to be slightly helpful. Some were wonderful and gave some insight into my writing, both good and bad. But most have left me shaking my head and wondering why I wasted my time and money to enter.

Comments from contests should be well-written and logical. By what I receive, I shouldn't have to wonder whether or not the judge has been writing 2 days or 20 years. Guidance for judging should be given and understood. I expect some type of professionalism...and so should you.

I sent in a paranormal romance entry. One judge wrote she couldn't suspend disbelief. Huh? Why would you judge a paranormal if you can't "open" your mind to the unexplained? How could I find anything she said helpful...and there wasn't much she liked....so a low score was given.

Have I made changes after receiving credible comments? Absolutely. Would I enter contests again? No. I no longer enter contests.
Does winning a contest mean you'll get published? I know people who have won and are still waiting to publish. We have to remember that whoever is judging is giving their OWN opinion, and not necessarily that of a seasoned editor or agent...unless you get to that final round where editors and agents do a "final" judgment of entries.

As a judge, I cringe when I get something that has spelling/grammar errors, lots of POV changes, too much/little character/scene description. I once read an entry and by the time I'd read 30 pages, I still hadn't met the hero. Very little had been said about the heroine and there was a travelogue given describing Alaska.

I remember reading another entry where there were 8-10 people in a scene...and few dialogue tags. I had no idea who was talking with every comment made.

Do YOU enter contests? What do you think about them?

http://www.mariannestephens.net
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM RB4U!

We hope 2019 brings good luck, health, and fortune to you and yours! A glass of champagne and a side order of wonderful chocolates sounds great!

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

photo: Flickr: ori2uru's photostream

My Handy Helper for the Christmas Season by Marianne Stephens

The frenzy of holiday shopping keeps starting earlier each year. I like to try and get through Thanksgiving first before starting, but did get some gifts in early November. And, all the Christmas music started on the radio. Not to be outdone, Christmas movies on TV have been flooding the channels since the beginning of November. I love watching the movies!

What's on your wish list? Clothes, money, new electrical gadgets, money, car, money... Hmm. there's a pattern here. Of course, you'll want some wonderful romance books and have them on your wish list. If you're lucky, maybe Santa thinks you've been REALLY good this year.

I've done some of my Christmas shopping already. I honestly do a lot of shopping online. Still have more to go.

I can always use a couple of helping hands with my decorating, baking, etc.  this time of year. So, here's a photo of my Christmas helper. He's cleaning out the chimney so Santa can just drop down and bring all my gifts. My helper got all dressed up to "make the season bright"...and don't you just love his hat?

                     Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays! 

My Christmas story: Dear Santa…I Want A MAN For Christmas

 

Frustrated with untrustworthy men, Melissa orders a man doll. When delivery guy, Nick, shows up, she has second thoughts about how to satisfy her needs.

Story can be found in the following anthologies:
(In Naughty List Anthology)
Print version: Amazon  B&N
Ebook version: Amazon

(In Getting Naughty Anthology)
Ebook version: Amazon  

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Photo: www.rockshots.com

Thanksgiving is Better Than Sex?!?! by Marianne Stephens

  
How many of us think about sex when Thanksgiving rolls around? Aren't your days filled with menu planning, inviting dinner guests, food shopping, preparing some items ahead for "the big day", etc.?

I guess sex could be a great stress relief option, but who has time? Aren't you exhausted days before Thanksgiving, the day of (especially if you're feeding more than a small army of people), and for days after?

Some might even go so far as to say Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex...but, of course, that would never suit a romance reader or author! Men...those guys from "Mars"...might have a different opinion, however!

The following (minus some images and with a few modifications from me) comes from http://www.flowgo.com

TEN REASONS THANKSGIVING DINNER IS BETTER THAN SEX

10. You're sure to get at least one of your favorite dishes.

9. The turkey never suffers from modesty.

8. You can nibble before dinner even if Mom sees you.

7. You are expected to pass the dishes around.

6. There are always at least two kinds of desert, with or without whipped cream.

5. They give you the day off WITH pay to have dinner.

4. Thanksgiving dinner is a "sure" thing.

3. Seconds are encouraged. Take home, too!

2. You're expected to fall asleep after dinner. (for men)

And the number 1 reason why Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex:

1. You are EXPECTED to watch football BEFORE and AFTER dinner! (again, for men)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Marianne Stephens
photo: Flickr:Ellie's photostream

OUR GHOST, FRED by Marianne Stephens

In the 1990s, we lived in a large house to accommodate our family of six. Nothing unusual happened our first few years there, but then events started happening that convinced us we weren't living there ALONE. Below are some examples why I say this:

#1: Daughter number two had just finished drying her laundry. I told her to just dump it on her bed and she could fold/put away everything since we were about to have dinner. She dumped the laundry on the bed and brought the laundry basket down to our laundry room (next to our kitchen). All my other kids and husband were already sitting at the table.

After dinner, my daughter went up to her room and screamed. We all ran up to her room. On her bed were her clothes, all neatly folded. None of us had been in her room. She was scared, so slept in another daughter's room that night. We tried to joke about the incident...and hoped the "ghost" would fold ALL laundry from there on. No such luck.

My kids decided to name the "ghost"...and that's how "Fred" came into our lives.

#2: I always kept my phone book under the phone in the kitchen on a desk. But, one day, I couldn't find it. I checked all over the kitchen and then called my kids into the room. No one knew where it was. I sent them into all the other rooms of the house to look for my phone book while I continued, alone, to search the kitchen.

When the kids returned, they all said the same thing....they couldn't find it. At that time, I was standing in front of the desk. Daughter # one peeked to the side of me and pointed. When I turned around, there was the phone book, right under the phone. Once again we joked about it, and decided that Fred meant no harm...he just like to play tricks.

#3: We went on a week vacation to Florida. I had a college student, "Joe", come to the house each day to feed/water our bird and bring in the mail. The birdcage was on the kitchen counter and the mail was to be placed there, too.

When we returned, I called  "Joe" so her could come over and be paid. His mother answered the phone and said she'd come instead. I assumed "Joe" was not home. His mother told me that  on the third day of taking care of our house, he went inside and the birdcage and mail were  in the living room, not the kitchen. Freaking out, he went home and had his father search our house with him to make sure no one was there. They moved the birdcage and mail back into the kitchen. He wouldn't go into our house alone after that...either his mother or farther would come with him. 

And he wouldn't house-sit again.

#4: I was at the kitchen table, doing bills. On the counter was an old, portable black and white TV...the kind you had to turn the dial to change channels. It had a very distinct loud clicking sound as you turned the dial from one channel to another.

I was watching an old episode of "I Love Lucy" while paying the bills.  Suddenly I looked up at the TV and realized that "Lucy" wasn't on. Instead, on the TV was an episode of some court series. I first thought maybe the show had ended and I hadn't realized it. Then I looked at the clock and noticed that "Lucy" still had ten minutes left in the half hour episode.

I got up and went over to the TV. The dial was on a different channel, about five channels from where the "Lucy" show was. As I stated  before, changing the channels involved a loud click sound, and I'd heard nothing. I turned back to "Lucy", and said aloud, "Fred, you have to stop this stuff."

Other things continued to happen, but nothing sinister. I guess that's why we never felt really frightened.

My mother moved in with us after we moved from that house. She finally told me that if we had stayed in that house, she would not have lived with us. Over the years, she and my dad had witnessed some strange things whenever they visited. Mom was afraid of ghosts.

During the twelve years we lived there, we had two dogs at different times. Each dog did the same thing on a routine basis: they'd sit up and slowly move their heads from one side to the other as if watching someone walk across the room. We'd notice the dogs' movements but never saw anything ourselves.

Do I believe in ghosts? Maybe but I'd like to think of them as helpful or playful.

Do you believe in ghosts? Any ghostly encounters?

In the Naughty Phantasia Boxed Set , I have a paranormal story titled "Cupid's Curious Case":
 
Alan’s last job as Cupid 84 involves neighbor Amy and a special box of candy. Both secretly desire the other. Can they find true love?

For buy links, excerpts, blurbs, and reviews, go to:
http://naughtyliterati.com/naughty-phantasia/

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Images: 
christmas-graphics-plus.com, animation.dinamobomb.net, animationlibrary.com