tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42334952108521356112012-02-15T14:35:28.999ZFrancine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.comBlogger1371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-80404001489739705722012-02-07T16:13:00.000Z2012-02-07T17:29:53.649Z

Read about the characters, see the book trailer video here.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-62262257646053330262012-02-04T19:09:00.002Z2012-02-04T10:49:18.146Z

Today and Tomorrow are the days for Happy Tagging! Reminder: don't forget to sign in at Amazon before you start tagging... Also: if you haven't linked to your own blog in the first instance you'll lose out on the chance of making more friends along the way. Remember Aussies and Kiwis are online first, Brits second, and our American friends are tailing, so drop back in for any links that aren't

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-33857993165666062302011-12-29T14:40:00.003Z2012-01-02T12:12:29.666Z

I know this is a cheating double up re-post but 3 comments! Sheesh... Believe it, you need a brand image even if you're with a publisher!!! Colour co-ordination on blogs will help in creating image and your author persona as well. Blue implies cold, red hot, pastel shades can appear bland to the eye unless a theme i.e., romantic, historical, other. Chick-Lit on the other hand needs to be sparky,

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-63729145131132768272011-12-14T16:05:00.009Z2011-12-15T19:44:18.769Z

Thanks to D. L. Hammons: Nicole, Lydia and Katie for co-hosting... This old post is entered for the Deja Vu blogfest and doubling up for Romantic Friday Writers' Challenge "Sparkle". If you're a Brit you'll know all about the Pantomime Season - when men dress up as Dames and Women take on the role of Principal boys. Yep, we Brits have real crazy traditions. The thing with a Panto, is that

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-82969375002039399092011-12-11T10:34:00.000Z2011-12-11T10:34:36.740Z

This sexy smart dude is up for Free on Amazon. Amazon

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-20174494368464514272011-12-02T16:00:00.008Z2011-12-13T16:00:15.123Z

OK folks, imagine that cottage is called Fenemore Cottage and, that it's the year 1820. I know, I know, I'm cheating this week with a snippet from opening chapter of latest historical novella, which is a Regency Murder Mystery. But honestly if I hadn't posted this I wouldn't have posted at all. I've been so busy preparing manuscripts for paperback production even thoughts about Christmas have

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-7951940235111526362011-11-17T10:26:00.000Z2011-11-17T10:09:00.752Z

Come on folks, admit it, we've been missing the many blogfests that used to occur with regularity, and now the Lovely D.L. Hammons, Nicole, Lydia and Katie are share-hosting with a brilliant fest. The title says it all, but go check out the details to be sure you've got the gen on what is expected of the Deja Vu blogfest. Go here for details and sign-up There's no need to leave a comment. This

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-8980293433756846352011-11-15T20:29:00.000Z2011-11-15T22:51:56.733Z

Sometimes little gems come along, and this little novella is one of those gems one feels proud to own! When Greek myth blends with Welsh legend more than mere magic causes a heart to flutter, and the title "Dancing with Fate" is a teaser in itself.         Dancing with fate is a delightful mixture of Greek myth and Welsh legends. A fantasy romance it is, true enough, yet it captures and

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-88391174802844421502011-11-11T08:54:00.002Z2011-11-11T09:21:39.308Z

Through ages past we danced our life from seed to journey’s end. WE shimmied in carpets green and gold and watched through rainbow arches. WE flounced in drifts of blue and white, oft spied beneath some wooded bough. Yet, no other it would seem as wild in dance and blaze of glory.  Why then that WE, the chosen symbol of death, of grieving, and remembrance? A rippling breeze, a howling

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-45293541856366492682011-11-02T20:20:00.002Z2011-11-02T20:27:33.754Z

Je t’aime  (French) Te amo (Spanish)Ti amo  (Italian). The beauty of writing romance, is that one can have a French, Spanish, Italian or other foreign hero. And what better than to slip in a little love talk and convey mood of foreign lilt in the hero’s voice. It’s incredibly easy to present interpretation for reader comfort, bearing in mind a reader may not be fluent in particular chosen lingo

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-76899730184950771242011-11-01T20:33:00.000Z2011-11-01T20:33:56.033Z

This is a really short post because the solution to "How to Get Your Kindle Book Noticed on Amazon" is unbelievably simple! You know your genre, you know what other books are out there on Amazon's Kindle store. 1) Once you've published your book to Amazon go search out a best-selling author and their latest best-selling book: in your chosen genre, of course, two if you feel inclined. 2)

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Each week Romantic Friday Writers hold a themed challenge for romance writers. This week, because it's Hallowe'en coming up, this challenge is open to all! So why not kick the dusts of time, look through the mirror at what's beyond and let your imagination take flight.   The remit is to post up a flash-fiction piece or a poem and max 400 word count. It's a tough thing to do but it's a great way

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-44586919434712659632011-10-14T10:06:00.000+01:002011-10-14T10:51:23.326+01:00

Purple Emperor Butterfly This beautiful butterfly brings love to the fore in my latest historical novella. Believe it, although a moment of bliss occurs things are about to go awry...  Please note this novella is not yet available on Kindle. When it is I will post details on my profile blog:  404 words: slaps hand for being over 400 max - MPA She leaned further forward, better to see its wings

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-83580809555597575232011-10-10T12:48:00.000+01:002011-10-10T16:28:23.699+01:00

If you don't know already, Roland D. Yeoman's is having a book launch with fabulous free gifts on offer. You will not believe what he has lined up as the top prize: bet you wish you had one! Despite all the books he's written and already published via Kindle at Amazon, it is Victor and Alice' passionate love affair that he's chosen for a blogsplash. You see, R's really a secret romantic at heart,

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-66899194962425616192011-10-06T21:43:00.000+01:002011-10-07T08:25:47.782+01:00

Today I’ve chosen a snippet from a previously published contemporary romantic thriller, one I’m seriously thinking of putting out on Kindle and as a paperback at Amazon!     Brief: it’s early afternoon, and Mac (an American secret agent) is on a mission, and Cassie (English businesswoman) his prey for reasons relating to US National Security. They’re lounging on a lawn in an English country

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-87330020229682188002011-10-03T10:24:00.001+01:002011-10-19T21:34:04.435+01:00

So, what is a Star Guide? See below in bio -  What does a "star guide" do in her spare time? Answer: she pens thrilling Sci-Fi novelettes. In her own words...    About M. Pax: Inspiring the words I write, I spend my summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where I live with the husband unit and two loving cats. I write speculative fiction mostly and have

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-74522527375192545412011-09-29T22:59:00.000+01:002011-09-29T23:05:21.735+01:00

Romantic Friday Writers hold weekly challenges. The base line being whatever the theme (named and prompts given) we can post up snippets from novels, ongoing WIPs, write a piece of Flash-Ficton or poetry. My contribution this week is a Flash-Fiction piece.  Maximum word count is 400. The Prompt: "Fearful Heart."    382 words: MPA. Jack had said he would be back before dawn, but a storm had

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-76539501438210380012011-09-24T08:22:00.000+01:002011-09-24T08:45:06.871+01:00

This challenge is a tough call because oscitate is not a word I'd heard before. Oscitation, yes: as in noun formal. In the event of oscitate's absence from the Oxford English dictionary I sought it from within Collins Concise Dictionary: again absent. So, when did oscitate become a word? I'm guessing it's an American usage! Needless to say I kept thinking of oscillate... But, in the spirit of any

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-38556782047562880362011-09-22T22:16:00.000+01:002011-09-22T22:57:28.090+01:00

This week's theme Blue Moon struck a nostalgic note! Hence I snatched this snippet from a modern historical I've had kicking its heels in a cupboard. It's set in 1964 twenty years after a wartime incident that changed the life of one woman in a shocking way, and left an American Army Air Corp pilot thinking he'd been dumped. It's a heart-wrenching re-union love story, in more ways than one.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-16041870011909598682011-09-18T16:16:00.000+01:002011-09-18T17:13:14.871+01:00

Gotcha!  No, this post isn't about winning an Oscar, but I do have one question:   Apparently MGM art director Cedric Gibbons designed the statuette of a naked knight standing on a reel of film gripping a crusader’s sword, but why?   Anyhoo, to more realistic awards, lovely awards bestowed by lovely people such as Diane over at The Patient Dreamer   To say I'm thrilled to receive this is

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-87138215413640229442011-09-16T08:13:00.000+01:002011-09-16T08:13:31.685+01:00

This week I've selected a snippet from a previously published novel: paired down to fit within word count of 400 max. Brief: An awful lot of drama, angst and stark realisation between a bride and groom has preceded this snip, and things are not going according to plan for the big day. There is so much more to this piece, what with the bride's mum convinced the wedding is definitely off and

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-65756180231719807722011-09-13T22:15:00.000+01:002011-09-13T22:15:57.481+01:00

Wawies.com - Glitters A fancy dress book launch party. What could be better than that.  And, our gracious host Marilyn Monroe aka Talli Roland is handing out virtual bubbly at this very mo. Excuse me while I reach for a champers flute and wish her all the luck in the world with Watching Willow Watts.   So, who did I come as?If I could magic myself into Keira Knightley I'd be a very happy

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-62572759211975174532011-09-09T08:10:00.000+01:002011-09-10T14:14:20.203+01:00

The image below is The Savoy, London. This Flash-Fiction piece is written first-person POV, not a POV I normally indulge. 394 words: MPA. This was ridiculous. A lunch date with a stranger, and someone who had the audacity to send roses by florist first thing in the morning with card. Albeit invitation to lunch, then sends a car to pick up his date, swish maybe, but what sort of man does

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-86210324402283836422011-09-05T19:39:00.000+01:002011-09-05T20:18:18.784+01:00

If you're here looking for Lady Gwen's Judge & Jury Blogest, it's directly below this Challenge. Here we go with the first challenge set by Rachael Harrie.  Mine's a contemporary piece! The door swung open, as though beckoning her to greet the morn. Raw scent of man replaced by salty air drifted through her cliff-top cottage. He was gone, but he’d be back. They always came back if she wanted

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-32859912692599073362011-09-05T13:39:00.000+01:002011-09-05T13:39:49.468+01:00

This blogfest is hosted by the lovely Lady Gwen. For this blogfest I've snatched two snippets from my latest historical romance novella:The Highwayman's Mistress. As you will gather there's a highwayman on the loose, and while Diamonta has it in mind Francois - her beloved -  might be a highwayman, doubt suddenly enters play! So, who do you think might be the robbing culprit who very nearly

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-56490223360103861362011-09-01T20:33:00.000+01:002011-09-02T15:39:23.483+01:00

For this challenge I've selected a snippet from my latest historical novella: "The Highwayman's Mistress". Brief: Richard Courtenay Viscount Somerton, gallant as heroes come, has agreed to see Miss Diamonta Whitaker, safely delivered to the Palace of Versailles. Half French by birth and daughter of a once French countess, Diamonta has more than one reason for accepting a gracious invite to

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-68520342854960134912011-09-01T10:55:00.000+01:002011-09-01T14:13:33.204+01:00

Are you happy about your book's sales figures on Amazon? Did you self-publish or did you clinch a publisher contract? Either way, Amazon sales can cause your heart to blip for two reasons: great or lousy sales figures.  I'm amazed my historical novella is selling so well as it is with so few reviews. It is, after all, only a novella. No one in the blogosphere has made mention of it so I'm

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-65642258156152195642011-08-31T07:23:00.000+01:002011-08-31T14:28:16.709+01:00

This blogfest is kindly hosted by the lovely Teralyn Pilgrim  And, here is my entry for Design a Book Cover Blogfest.  The title says it all, and this historical novella is due for release early September on Kindle.  :)  The RFW motif bottom left of cover relates to a challenge group for romance writers: Romantic Friday Writers. To see other participants, and to vote for favourite go here.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-68384376123954559092011-08-28T15:44:00.000+01:002011-08-30T22:29:06.236+01:00

Here's your chance to play with creative software packages! Create a Book Cover and enter it in the lovely Teralyn Pilgrim's blogfest. Then vote for your favourite cover image! Blogfest day: 31st August ------------------- Now we have a fun Judge & Jury blogfest hosted by the lovely Lady Gwen. The Jury are suspects, too! September 5 -10th

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-68828274950167004942011-08-18T21:48:00.000+01:002011-08-18T22:12:07.013+01:00

395 words: MCA. Beth bit her lip. She’d worked so hard for this, and had fought against the male fraternity and carried the weight of their scorn on her shoulder at ever turn, at every jump. All the hoops had burned ever brighter as the weeks, months and a year passed in solid training. But, she could do this. He could do it, too. She watched him closely, every muscle powering on the pressure

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-45854161612817405822011-08-14T11:15:00.000+01:002011-08-16T09:34:04.920+01:00

Book Reviews: I have few excuses for not having posted these long ago, other than too much time spent on social media outlets and not enough getting down to business! ;)  All are available via Amazon and other outlets! ©©© No. 1 - Historical:   “A Dead Man’s Debt” by Grace Elliot.   Set in 1780, Ranulph Lord Charing, is the ideal hero. Tending arrogant, a man of means with a mistress to boot,

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-24728140076776190052011-08-12T08:27:00.000+01:002011-08-12T16:59:30.674+01:00

For this week's theme "Confused" I've snatched a snippet from my present WIP, a historical novella set in the period of the French Revolution.   Brief:  Half French by birth, Diamonta Whitaker, long-since returned from trip to France, has it in mind for a return visit. After all, she's received a letter from dear friend Angelica De Boviere, a lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette Queen of France.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-9848662344605823572011-08-05T08:19:00.000+01:002011-08-05T12:52:18.091+01:00

In case you're visiting and haven't heard about Romantic Friday Writers, and you happen to be a romance author, take a peek at RFW because you may feel your missing out on a fun thing to do. RFW hold a weekly challenge (post Friday) which equates to weekly blogfest! Each week we have a set theme (as above) to write to: max word count 400 You can post a snippet from latest novel (released), from

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-76094426520045658382011-08-01T08:30:00.000+01:002011-08-01T08:30:42.376+01:00

This blogfest is kindly hosted by the lovely Madeleine. I'm not sure that all of the listed below have been made into both movies and TV series, but most have. The selection itself is a small proportion of novels that I've read and have been made into movies. But, they are novels that made a profound impact upon me, one way and another, and when made into movies they didn't always reach my

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-5273816650775438082011-07-29T07:42:00.000+01:002011-07-29T20:16:20.316+01:00

My contribution to this week's challenge for Romantic Friday Writers is a snippet from my historical English Civil War novel, the one a lot of bloggers' went wild about during a blogfest last year.  Brief: Although Morton and Anna once loved each other Civil War tore them apart, and a recent tragedy has led to uneasy truce between them. While the new lord and master at Axebury Hall endeavours

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-33807355743980500272011-07-23T11:48:00.000+01:002011-07-23T21:00:17.063+01:00

I'm so cheating with this post.  It's not only Saturday evening, but this is a re-posted piece. I know, it's terribly wicked, but why write the same thing over again?  Oh, and it's Sunday tomorrow and I may be up late in the morning, plus on Sunday's we tend to have a leisurely breakfast. ;) For this blogfest we're supposed to name our first "Adult" book read, but I can't do that without saying

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-57530616474824738402011-07-22T08:23:00.000+01:002011-07-22T21:23:43.165+01:00

My entry for this challenge is a snippet from a modern historical set 18 yrs post WWII. Brief: American pilot officer once stationed at an airfield in the Cotswold Hills, Oxfordshire, UK, has returned, and memories haunt his every step.    He steered the car toward the village, until now the locale quite alien. The road seemed a lot wider than he’d remembered, plus a few modern houses

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-30666508783632076832011-07-18T09:37:00.000+01:002011-07-18T10:25:37.328+01:00

This is the very substance of Summer's blogfest! As it says in my profile: A painting, wind whispering through trees, droplet of rain, snowflake on eyelashes: all can stir my imagination! But, portraits remain the greatest inspiration to my writing of romance novels. The following pic an example, and end result a novel that is to be published Stateside and due for release July 2012 - The

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-57135520724327313602011-07-15T07:05:00.000+01:002011-07-15T21:56:04.169+01:00

If you're here looking for Shelly's poetry blogfest, it's the post below! Romantic Friday Writers set a new themed challenge every week, and romance writers who love to stretch their writing muscles take up the challenge for a Friday post. Sometimes the cameos presented by members of RFW are real tear-jerkers, sometimes light-hearted, at other times dark and dangerous!  What might their offerings

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-37414373983945493682011-07-11T09:56:00.000+01:002011-07-12T20:13:00.295+01:00

Shelly Brown is host to this wonderful mind-teasing poetry (whatever) blogfest!  Vampire Dreams In still of night and breathless fear, I hear my pounding heart; A shiver… stilled in the gloom, clouds skitter past a silver moon Oh snowy owl swooping past, and moon to light thy path, How soon will he come, the deed to be done? Power of attraction no dismiss, pure agony and ecstasy of

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-59621234119046145722011-07-10T00:07:00.000+01:002011-07-10T21:46:19.137+01:00

Hosted by Six Sunday. The following 6 are from my Historical Novella set 1808: England. Although this novella may seem sweet, think veiled deception! It's really very risque. Her Favoured Captain. A tentative smile creased his face and something stirred within her as it never had before, and out of her depth, floundering in his honesty, words flowed from the heart. “Fondness has been far from

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-63394488730542706432011-07-08T09:28:00.000+01:002011-07-08T16:15:28.945+01:00

For this, the 9th RFW Challenge "Forgiven", I settled down to write this last night at nine o'clock and finished it at nine-forty-five. You'll get the gist of it, I feel sure. The whole cameo is conducted via cell-phones. Characters: Tess is Amy's sister, and a colleague of Max: both doctors. Amy is Max' wife. Max is absent. Sonia is Max secretary. The unknown girl a nurse. “Max just isn’t the

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-52365514979347896662011-07-05T11:49:00.000+01:002011-07-05T11:49:11.479+01:00

Right then folks: how to celebrate having signed a publishing contract for "The Billionaire's Dilemma: Twin Mistresses"? Does anyone remember reading a snippet (blogfest) in which "Lost" a lion cub featured? Well, this is the novel and it's scheduled for release July 2012. Naturally, by the time the hero meets "Lost" she's nine-months old and all muscle, but, being as he's an ex-cavaleiro (

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-106869365996437702011-07-01T08:58:00.000+01:002011-07-02T14:47:43.767+01:00

Even though I dreamed up the theme "Lies" I found it quite hard to come up with a piece that had any romantic elements. "Lies" is a tough one, because there might be hurt along the way even if romance the end result, and this is the opening to a romance novella.  When would life again be simple?        Damn it, he just couldn’t erase the image of her leaning on the top rail of the paddock; her

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-18811328826311914072011-06-24T06:10:00.000+01:002011-06-24T07:41:43.343+01:00

If you're here looking for my entry to the MC blogfest, it's directly below the RFW Challenge! For the RFW Challenge No. 7, I’ve snatched a snippet from my historical novella ‘Her Favoured Captain’. Brief: Emerald, distraught, has rushed down to the creek and to someone she hardly knows but has come to trust, implicitly! But things are not as she has expected . . . Why had her buccaneer

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-67146766225999142082011-06-18T14:10:00.000+01:002011-06-18T16:09:49.739+01:00

What were we all saying a little while back, where did all the blogfests go?Well, here are two blogfests worth supporting: Firstly Elizabeth Mueller is hosting MC blogfest June 24th. This is all about interviewing your main character.  Secondly Heroines with Hearts are hosting a 100 follower blogfest July 24th.This is a simple little blogfest, in which you name your first adult book read. 

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-62391612352324807222011-06-16T23:55:00.000+01:002011-06-16T23:55:43.744+01:00

OK, this week's theme is Up Up & Away. This piece written tonight is dedicated to the RAF Red Arrows Air Display Team.A touch of romance added, of course! Cell-phone to ear, the kettle steaming, and a cup of coffee next on her main agenda, Maggie exclaimed, “You are joking?”        “No,” came the reply. Mac sounded exasperated in extreme. “Dave said, to tell you to get down here as soon as you

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-63016614341262353952011-06-10T07:17:00.000+01:002011-06-10T07:17:08.753+01:00

I'm cheating this week with snippet from previously published novel of mine. It's a mainstream romantic suspense in which Cassie is reflecting on the loss of her husband. Assassinated by a bomb placed under a car (nine months previous), he'd asked her a question, and she'd promised to reveal her answer at dinner that evening. He died not knowing her answer and, she witnessed his macabre death.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-30643292309694812772011-06-06T07:21:00.000+01:002011-06-06T07:25:55.554+01:00

First blogfest in a long while and hosted by Alex J. C.   This is merely a quick fun blogfest in which participants list three games they love playing: here's mine! There's nothing more hilarious than a game of charades! It's pure entertainment value if enough are playing it, especially when everyone's feeling a little merry at a party, brain-fuddled and incapable of stopping onset of giggles

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-63218866113244839862011-06-02T23:12:00.000+01:002011-06-02T23:21:12.017+01:00

For anyone dropping by and has yet to hear of Romantic Friday Writers, well, it's a fun-time Internet based romance writer club. Each week themed challenges are set, and members post up a piece of poetry, a snippet from WIP,  or write a piece especially for the challenge. The maximum word count is always 400. Believe me, it's tough keeping within the word count. For this week's theme the added

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-82996863858818383602011-06-01T21:34:00.000+01:002011-06-02T19:19:49.191+01:00

Yep, it's a historical! I have to say that now I've completed my novella, it was tough writing it. The word count alone proved restrictive in its own right, for where I would have let prose flow and flourish in flood of emotions and character angst for a 90,000 -100,000 + word count, I continually found myself having to cut to the bone and tighten per scene as though writing a script for one

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-20982808157939227142011-05-30T11:25:00.000+01:002011-05-30T11:27:20.380+01:00

I'm over at Heroines' with Hearts today.  The topic this week: Emotional Stress in romance novels and how characters handle it. Do you as a reader want to see characters put through romantic hell? Come on over and tell us what you think, and tell us whether you're cruel to your characters!

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-13475288317830196482011-05-27T09:04:00.000+01:002011-05-30T19:51:59.895+01:00

Masquerade! Mrs. Vandervelt’s palatial mansion and floodlit garden as always, perfect for a masked fancy dress ball. To see couples strolling through the tropical gardens, or perched on the low wall of vast circular fountain, a sight to behold yet heart-wrenching. On the terrace below her, women in glorious gowns chatting and laughing with male escorts, all beneath string of balconies

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Ssshh. Hello, hello and no, you aren’t in the wrong place. This is indeed Francine’s blog, but she is graciously letting me – Wendy Tyler Ryan - take over her blog for the day. She may regret this tomorrow! Do you think she’ll mind if I re-decorate while she’s gone? I just want to hang up one little picture. I think she’ll like it. What do you think? → → → → → → → Some of you may already know

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-62991538543969651392011-05-22T20:20:00.000+01:002011-05-22T22:15:55.374+01:00

The lovely Talei tagged me, and there are 7 things for this tag: here they are . . . 1. Do you think you're hot? Ans: Yeah, when gunning for someone who’s just pushed their luck! ;) 2. Upload a picture or wallpaper you're using at the moment.   3. When was the last time you ate chicken meat? Ans: Blue moon past.  More a beef person is moi: blood on the knife. 4. The song you listened to

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-86382896022829596342011-05-20T07:45:00.000+01:002011-05-21T09:26:58.596+01:00

Romantic Friday Writers! My entry today is from the same novella as last week - "Her Favoured Captain" - LOST the theme. I swear, on my honour, it's from a romance novel. :o  * * *She crept close to the closed library doors, his words as clear as if she in the very room with him. “You cannot be serious,” he said, in the manner she had come to dread over the past two years. “We agreed terms,

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-15202627721197131302011-05-16T08:36:00.000+01:002011-05-16T12:21:48.650+01:00

So, what is writer voice? How to recognise it! Have you got it, already? Answer: It's your writer fingerprint! There's a lot of myth associated with and regards to interpretation of writer voice. Want to know more and get into a discussion about this, then pop over to HWH, grab a cup of coffee and let's talk writer voice!

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-17790104252479831412011-05-14T09:37:00.000+01:002011-05-14T16:59:40.894+01:00

If you're here looking for Romantic Friday Writers challenge it's below this blogfest post.   This blogfest is hosted by The Red Angel in celebration of 100 followers. As the title suggests the subject matter inanimate theme!  I’d been sitting there for 50yrs: same porch, same house and same view. New folks and new kids moved in and out a half dozen times, and the garden rearranged as many if

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-71028189416379773842011-05-13T19:27:00.000+01:002011-05-13T21:23:10.769+01:00

For this week's challenge the theme is "Dire Moment". Brief: mine is the opening to a historical novel. Unfortunately, at 400 words the hero has yet to step centre stage!  How could his stable be empty? She rushed across to a stable lad, straw and dung already pitched to wheelbarrow. “Where is Tobias?” His face flushed pink, and before she could question him further two shots echoed across the

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-88184499579302034732011-05-06T10:56:00.000+01:002011-05-06T10:56:20.731+01:00

The above banner represents a new platform for romance writers! We will be sending advertising blurb to Lit Agents and publishers. We aim for online blog club in which members will post up to 400 words for Friday/weekend viewing. Content may well be from a recent WIP, from a book newly published (yes pubbed authors welcome, if not I'd be banned from contributing to club posts), poetry etc. To

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-3060507976471201672011-05-02T21:25:00.000+01:002011-05-02T21:37:22.251+01:00

Thanks go to  Laura for this hotty!   I really do appreciate every blog award bestowed, and in my side bar you'll see a link to Award Page, where there are awards up for grabs and lots of Qs & As as answered by moi for differing awards.    For this award I have to pass it on to five other bloggers. Pass on the love, so to speak,  or in this case, pass the heat!I hate this bit because it means

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-10419533547812814162011-05-02T09:05:00.000+01:002011-05-02T20:20:52.527+01:00

Tapestry of words! The discussion this week at Heroines' with Hearts: moving a story forward within descriptive prose regarding characters' physical appearance via POV. Please feel free to join with us in discussion at above linked url!

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-76829843762838436212011-04-22T20:59:00.000+01:002011-04-22T21:18:04.855+01:00

Posting this a day early: got a lot on tomorrow (Sat). The Hating Game by Talli Roland. Book Blurb: When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy. After all, what can go wrong with

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-77823258949463529502011-04-15T08:46:00.000+01:002011-04-15T09:02:51.911+01:00

Neat this, having a blogfest within the A-Z Challenge! Good for Wendy Tyler Ryan for celebrating her blog anniversary on April 15th. For this blogfest we have to write a short piece, take it from existing novel, or from WIP. The "challenge" to include the following words: mist(y), mambo, moon, musk(y), mongrel, myth. Mine is from a romance novel written 2010, set in the Bahamas. Brief: in this

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-13855163698293017062011-04-13T10:50:00.000+01:002011-04-13T14:29:49.403+01:00

If I knew who painted this I'd gladly put up a credit to the artist! But I don't, and can't, but this image so easily represents a mythical person related to Great Britain, and of more kings who actually existed.  Isn't it strange how almost everyone in the Western world and ex-colonial states have heard or read of the myth surrounding King Arthur. Was he ever a king? Did he ever exist? And, with

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-48989122303056302202011-04-07T09:38:00.000+01:002011-04-07T20:19:23.767+01:00

Fact or fiction, either way, almost every little girl has at one time or another dreamed of seeing a fairy. So, how did a Victorian photographer achieve this photographic image? It stunned people at the time it was taken. Cute, ain't it? I really posted today to say, although I've quit the A-Z challenge, I'm still visiting blogs as and when.It really had to be a case of priorities: my WIP

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-28421279222042784942011-04-05T09:34:00.000+01:002011-04-13T09:22:20.455+01:00

Today is a special treat for fans of Daniel Day Lewis: the Last of the Mohicans one of my favourite movies!      The movie was based on the novel "Last of the Mohicans": A Narrative of 1757 written by James Fenimore Cooper. It was first published in February 1826 - the second book of the "Leatherstocking Tales" pentalogy and the best known. The Pathfinder was published 14 years later in 1840: the

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-15133231252775425972011-04-04T09:29:00.000+01:002011-04-04T13:32:10.659+01:00

Most Americans will be familiar with bonkbuster novels written by Jackie Collins, in which she pokes fun at Hollywood's glitterati, tweaks their sparkly bits and mocks their lifestyles. Whereas, here in the UK, the queen of bonkbuster novels is Jilly Cooper, who shreds the honesty and credibility of the upper-classes (toffs) and mocks the nouveau riche, albeit in a jolly hockey sticks kind of way

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-72298466235162753902011-04-02T09:27:00.000+01:002011-04-02T10:47:06.770+01:00

If you’ve never read an H. E. Bates novel, you’ve missed some of the best novel writing ever. Born 16th May 1905, Bates loved writing but life got in the way, until a young girl in a red lined cloak getting out of a carriage at a station inspired the writing of Love for Lydia: a truly sweet story. After many rejections from publishers, he finally cracked it with The Two Sisters, The Seekers,

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-7577750998452288982011-04-01T08:09:00.000+01:002011-04-13T09:24:10.736+01:00

My A-Z will feature first letter of a literary-minded person's name: or not, as may be the case with Z.  First off nostalgic image of 1930’s English steam train: bear with me, it has purpose! Allen Lane, director of Bodley Head (publisher) - after a weekend visit to Agatha Christie - found himself on the platform at Exeter railway station (Devon) . He fancied something to read on his journey

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-46439619218599544642011-03-26T15:07:00.000Z2011-03-26T15:46:11.286Z

I really want to apologise to fellow bloggers who've followed my blog for months, some for over a year or more, and who must have thought I'd deserted them, but in truth, for the last month I've been unable to follow/comment on blogs due to illness. At the moment, fingers-crossed, I'm back! Also, I've been seriously lax lately on thanking in public for awards bestowed upon moi: here goes! First

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-23219252705962838222011-03-25T10:00:00.000Z2011-03-25T10:00:44.910Z

Yeah, yeah - like I'm ready; Like I've been in training these last weeks;Like I've pre-dated auto-posts;Like I'm on top of this challenge;Like hell I am . . .  I'm on the fence thinking what the hell;Who's the upcoming April Fool here?Why did I volunteer to be a Jack . . .Well, I'm in now and no going back;So off-the cuff it'll be, and a literary theme to boot! 

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-68211998287668070872011-03-15T11:44:00.000Z2011-03-28T20:14:27.602+01:00

If you're here looking for my entry in the Broken Hearts Blogfest: it's here. This blogfest is hosted by the lovely Hart Johnson (Watery Tart). As the Title suggests one has the opportunity to kill off somebody at will - in a literary sense!  Below is a snippet taken from a romantic thriller, one in which terrible heartbreak and worse to come will haunt the MCs every waking and sleeping hour:

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-14352744368249397852011-03-13T13:29:00.000Z2011-03-13T13:29:40.360Z

This blogfest is kindly hosted by the lovely Dawn Embers. The task of this blogfest is to convey the essence of a broken heart! Mine is a snippet from a historical in which the hero reveals inner thoughts.  As he saddled up alongside his men, he could not deny he had hoped for something more than tentative friendship from Anna. Their time together nothing short of torture for him, and her

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-87282684952630444242011-03-10T16:19:00.000Z2011-03-10T16:28:28.784Z

Are you still seeking a publisher, rather than go it alone as and Indie booky? Where once it was a case of publishers holding the upperhand, and all wannabe writers fearing the powers that be. No longer is that so true, because if you're willing to shop around and check out the competition within the e-book/paperback world that exists - via the Internet - then the Cyber World of publishing is

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-91157466509081937132011-03-02T10:03:00.000Z2011-03-03T10:05:42.844Z

The lovely Alison is hosting this blogfest. The task for me in this blogfest is to describe things belonging to whomever one chooses as the subject matter. The task for the reader to assess whom the person is and what he might be like personality wise and any given profession. I've chosen a hero from one of my romance novels, and the rules for this blogfest (as I recall) doesn't state no pics!

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-18771761618090360252011-02-28T09:37:00.000Z2011-02-28T09:37:28.438Z

Speaking Weather is the subject matter for discussion at Heroines with Hearts. Why not pop over and join in the discussion. We're here.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-89518794420727388312011-02-25T11:09:00.000Z2011-02-25T11:09:54.310Z

A few days ago blogfests were thin on the ground - now look what's happened! Whatever, it's time to party so get signing up and show us what you're made of as writers. Cast your writing worries aside, let down your hair and have some fun.  See side bar for list of blogfests.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-79539270919115368372011-02-21T11:33:00.000Z2011-02-21T11:33:07.577Z

 Writing Black Moments can test one's ability in making it feel real to a reader. Yet it's a golden opportunity to shock, and to set precedence for emotional pull and empathy toward the recipient of bad news. It may cause real tears, a sense of inner despair and, ultimately, reader need to know that something good will come out of what ever has happened. This week we at Heroines' with Hearts

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-61883247122288944102011-02-15T21:26:00.000Z2011-02-15T21:26:26.981Z

This Blogfest is kindly hosted by the lovely Nicole Ducleroir, and I'm posting it up early because I have serious "editor" revisions to be getting on with tomorrow! I promise I will get around to everyone entered in this blogfest, but bear with me if it's a couple of days down the line.    1) What is your favorite word?  = Velvet (encompasses so many sensual aspects in various forms) 2)

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-30152183501482596442011-02-14T12:03:00.000Z2011-02-14T12:21:02.619Z

If you're here looking for my contribution to Steph's blogfest it's here. To see how this hero says "I love you", go here. 

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-42305731013300616552011-02-10T10:43:00.000Z2011-04-13T12:26:03.511+01:00

Book Blurb: Blogfest entry at bottom of page. Karma may be a bitch, but sometimes she knows what she’s doing. When author Lexi Marshall’s perfectly fabulous life of designer clothes, nights on the town with her sexy boyfriend, and a successful writing career literally go up in flames, she must take on Karma and fight to gain control over her life. Lexi believes her cliché-filled novels are the

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-59877891327254827902011-02-07T15:27:00.000Z2011-02-07T15:27:53.318Z

Sometimes the above is easier said than achieved. It's too easy to write away and not think about  a) environment surrounding our characters. b) how best to convey what they're feeling.c) describe what they're seeing. And, then there's the how might they express themselves  in relation to all the above? Utilising the senses within our writing is topic of conversation at Heroines' with Hearts,

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-21017452908746291672011-02-03T12:26:00.000Z2011-02-03T15:12:20.246Z

Book Blurb! When a hooded man steps in front of her car, Missie is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where she encounters monsters and mythical creatures. Unbeknown to her, the playing of her flute casts magical powers to heal, destroy and to empower. Within the lands of Gil-Lael she's romanced by a prince and hunted by the villain. Will she find her way home? Does she want to?

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-46938847697275980962011-02-01T12:22:00.000Z2011-02-01T12:22:56.016Z

So, is your WIP in crisis and spinning toward sense of chaos? Does it read like something from the pages of history combined with 21st century slant? That's fine if you're writing a historical fantasy incorporating time portal to other/parallel/para-normal world:  depicted below. If you're writing contemporary novels do you use specific authors from differing countries (within your chosen

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-92175045723728518442011-01-27T23:22:00.000Z2011-01-29T14:07:22.311Z

This blogfest is kindly hosted by Dominic at Writes of Passage  and, I'm in this purely for the fun of blogfesting (addicted to the damn things) not in hope of a prize. Brief: the following snippet is taken from one of my Romantic Thrillers! ‘You shouldn’t have worn Chanel No 5, Sweetheart.’ The game was at end, Mac’s tone less than friendly. She steeled herself to face him, stepped forward CD

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-29116313977694361832011-01-25T22:16:00.000Z2011-01-26T09:32:49.137Z

So, what does this once prolific writer have in common with "Hunk of the Month Richard Armitage"  - as seen in sidebar? If you're a fan of Richard A's you'll know he has a gorgeous voice! Now, be honest ladies what does a voice like his do for you? Well, let me tell you he's the narrator of Georgette Heyer Audio books. Don't tell me that hasn't tempted your palate. And, you can read what he had

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-84285489510131079282011-01-21T10:01:00.000Z2011-01-21T16:34:21.008Z

Tessa's hosting this party blogfest: Happy Birthday Tessa. The Mystery of the Missing Pink Fairy Crown Cakes. ‘Oh my giddy aunt,’ exclaimed Sybil, upon entry to the kitchen. ‘They’re gone.’ Hearing her mother’s forlorn outburst, Fiona rushed in. ‘Where are the fairy crown cakes?’ Silence hung heavy for a moment. Mother and daughter eyes locked. ‘Who, who would steal pink cup cakes?’

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-22097034807717890142011-01-18T12:42:00.000Z2011-01-18T17:04:37.732Z

  Shalleem is very kindly hosting this blogfest, which is: How do you process your writing! Basically, are you a Pantser or Plotter?  Less haste more speed, as the saying goes. Spot the mistake: above! As this blogfest is all about exposure of how one sets about writing a novel – whether plotter or pantser - I’d say I’m neither. That said I do resort to copious notes in A4 notebook, for both

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-59389656759341239152011-01-10T15:13:00.000Z2011-01-11T16:43:01.858Z

I'm over at Heroines' with Hearts today: every Monday from now on. This week we're discussing transition of timelines within novels. Also, for anyone with a book coming out April onwards 2011, we have a Friday Friends day. A Friday Friend has the opportunity to tell us a little about their book, and what inspired them to write it. If you would like to be a Friday Friend e-mail me: it's on my

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-42102254709781206532011-01-08T10:37:00.000Z2011-01-08T11:36:25.065Z

E. Elle is hosting this blogfest, and I'm happy to play along in stretching the old imagination! So, ever the intrepid here's my contribution. * * * Why, why had I agreed to enter into a reality TV show – mad or what? Dream Wannabe Scriptwriter Challenge & Reality TV Show. Write an episode for the Sharpe series. The headline caught my eye, (Wow! Working with Sean Bean- it don't get better

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-30035137217987848232011-01-07T11:08:00.000Z2011-01-07T11:08:22.736Z

Wanna know why I'm wearing the fashionable new-look crinckle Dunce Hat? Go here Oh, nearly forgot: SEX!!!!!!!! Ah, that fatal word. The word that conjurs different things for different people. Sex scenes in literature: like 'em or loathe 'em?   Some are great, some are diabolical, some are so hilarious one wonders where and with whom the author lost their virginity. Anyhoo, look out for my

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-69669337882537633712011-01-04T22:07:00.000Z2011-01-04T22:18:43.568Z

This blogfest is kindly hosted by Summer, and it's her birthday today 5th Jan 2011. The rules for this blogfest as follows: 1)Pick one ending sentence from last years stories, your favorite one that you wrote. (Only one, and yes it has to be an ending sentence) 2) Write one brand new starting sentence for a story you have been thinking about, or something off the top of your head. But it

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-63025057839813788882011-01-01T11:27:00.000Z2011-01-01T11:27:42.346Z

This eye-candy blogfest is kindy hosted by Vicki Rocho. This pic always brings a smile to my face!Meet "Jumbo" my youngest daughter's first pony.  Note he barely reaches the window's sill: absolutely 100% bombproof and never flinched when trucks passed him by even though he was no taller than the wheels! He was adored by everyone who met him. To see other participants' go here.

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-11317494261135085492010-12-30T12:16:00.000Z2010-12-30T12:16:09.742Z

Here's to health and happiness! A toast to the New Year! Peace and joy to all of us! Prosperity and cheer! Years come and go, some bad, some good. New years provide the space, Each to fill with what one would, Windows onto grace. Years come and go, yet still we toast Each one, for each one seems As though it were a new-found coast, Rich with hope and dreams. May all your writing dreams come

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-2240786664391300032010-12-19T17:38:00.000Z2010-12-20T12:40:14.969Z

To all my blogging buddies  Have a great time over the holiday period See You All in the New Year. XAlso it's Jen & Melissa's blogfest: so bit of a rushed job is this contribution. Please do help yourself: Peach Sour & Mince pie 4cl Vineyard peach liqueur2cl lemon juice10cl orange juiceMix in cocktail shaker with two ice cubes.Serve!   Christmas Trimmings: I do natural - items gathered from the

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-65949817443552336252010-12-17T22:55:00.000Z2010-12-27T19:59:40.558Z

This one is hosted by moi purely for seasonal fun. I'm posting it early (Friday night) because it's snowing heavy and our telephone cables could be down tomorrow. So bear with me if I don't show on your blogs for a few days! If you're a Brit you'll know all about the Pantomime Season - when men dress up as Dames and Women take on the role of Principal boys. Yep, we Brits have real crazy

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-85253927443228228182010-12-12T22:12:00.000Z2010-12-13T23:30:00.831Z

This blogfest is kindly hosted by Christine DanekBrief:  this birthday scene is snatched from my novel "Unbidden Billionaire Legacy" air of sadness prevailing. Tara’s boss is having a bad moment  – suffering terminal illness and knowing his time is almost up he hoped Tara might have extended a little TLC of a sexual nature in his direction. She in turn understands his sense of insecurity and

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-22357365722299221582010-12-11T09:21:00.000Z2010-12-11T10:18:40.217Z

This blogfest is kindly hosted by Marieke I had planned a love in the snow scene, but how about we escape the chill of a Northern Hemisphere Midwinter and go South?! I've snatched this snippet from a novel written earlier this year, and of course relates to a romantic engagement at African Safari lodge. How timely, in consideration of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement whilst on a

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4233495210852135611.post-24857348683637533232010-12-10T12:33:00.000Z2010-12-10T12:48:14.951Z

This is a really quick post this morning re above title! Over a month ago I wrote a short story for Tessa's blogontest blogfest: it was meant as a fun read and featured a scary creature stalking a youth while on his way home from the pub. The story seeded and stemmed from a rather large black cat I'd spotted lounging at the bottom of our paddock. It leapt up and jumped across the ditch and

Francine Howarth: UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02326542867876257042noreply@blogger.com6