Reviews and Reviewers
Category: Writing and Poetry

As a writer I look forward to seeing reviews. Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm not so happy, sometimes I'm thrilled. And there's nothing I like more than a review site that delivers in a reasonable amount of time. What I dislike are reviewers who ask you to send them your book and you never see a review. I've had books at sites for over six months without a review. Is this standard? How annoying is that! I had hoped to have reviews out there close to the release date. Hah! These sites put all the books into a database and if yours gets picked by a reviewer, it gets reviewed. If not, it can sit there forever. Meanwhile books submittled LONG after you submitted yours are listed on their sites. This is (IMHO) disrespectful to the author who submitted at your request and is still waiting for results. I don't have to mention names. You sites know who you are. Books should be reviewed in the order in which they come in. That is the professional and respectful way to run a review site.

KUDOS to Coffeetime Romance. They get their reviews done within 6-8 weeks of receipt. So it seems to me, they do them as they come in, not by personal preferences. Very professional!! Rogues and Romance got theirs done quickly as well.... although their site is now gone so I'm not sure what happened there. They were very nice.

And that's my two cents on reviews. Like me or hate me, it's the truth.

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KnightStalker--1st Review, 5 Cups at Coffeetime!
Category: Writing and Poetry

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"People do stupid things."
Category: Blogging

Have you ever seen those old "Vantage" commercials that start out saying "People do stupid things"?  (I loved those commercials) Well, had the controller of my workplace had a video camera with him the other day, I'd be on one of them.

Where I work has their own post office. So I drove my car around the building and parked it just outside the post office where there's an ATM machine. My plan was to take out some money to get gas. So I parked my car, got out, looked up and saw the controller walking toward me (in the distance) on the sidewalk, and then I did something REALLY stupid, I failed to clear the curb with my foot, hit it and fell forward--all the way down. I caught myself and of course laughed for doing something so stupid. When the controller asked if I was okay, I said yes, that nothing was broken (except maybe my dignity). Not long later I discovered that I not only brush-burned my knee and tore my favorite black pants, I also broke (or very badly stoved) my big toe--which is now a lovely shade of purple. ARGH! So now I'm hobbling along for the holiday. I'm hoping it's much better for the week after next when I'm going to the beach. So yes, people do stupid things. And I'm no exception!

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Ann B. Keller reviews "Draegon’s Lair"
Current mood: excited
Category: Writing and Poetry

REVIEW by Ann B. Keller, author of Briggen

Draegon's Lair struck me on two levels. First, it is a wonderful historical romance, one of the best I've ever read - and I've been reading them for over 40 years. Ms. Ciletti plays the factions of good and evil off each other with the ease of an orchestra conductor. The plot has several delightful twists and turns and her character development is superb. Bastion, Draegon's evil twin brother, chills me to the core as he torments and abuses beautiful Alys both verbally and physically. Some heroes are so downright pure that they are virtually untouchable. Not so with Draegon. Although he is brave and honorable to a fault, Draegon's doubts and fears make him vulnerable and I bonded with him over the course of the novel.

Second, Ms. Ciletti has a great deal to say about surviving abusive relationships and how our own insecurities may cloak and hide us from the life we were born to live. Draegon is a prisoner of darkness and shadow, keeping the world at bay lest his true appearance be revealed. And yet, when he finally allows the hood to fall, he is surprised by what people really think about him. This is a lesson for us all. Well done, Ms. Ciletti! Well done.

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7-29-08 Contest Over. Congrats to Tara Woods!
Category: Writing and Poetry

In appreciation of my readers, I'm holding a contest.  The prize is a copy of my second book, KnightStalker in PDF, HTML or Trade Paperback. Your choice. And a marcasite bracelet. I'll post a picture later. Winner will be drawn from all correct entries.

All entries must be emailed to me by July 25, 2008. Winner will be posted no later than July 30 here and on my website.

Email to: lar_ici@hotmail.com 

Be sure to put "CONTEST ENTRY" in the subject line.

Okay, I've been told it's a lot of questions (I got carried away).  But seriously, 97% of them are simple. If you haven't yet read Draegon's Lair but intend to, it is only available at Amazon (trade paperback), Fictionwise (ebook), and at the Wings ePress website (best trade paperback price).

Thanks much and Good Luck to All!

Linda

CONTEST QUESTIONS:

Taken from "Draegon's Lair"

1. What nickname does Draegon give the heroine before he knows her true name?
2. What is Draegon's true name?
3. Who is Aimee?
4. What is the secret that Alys is guarding?
5. Why is Diminimis loyal to Draegon?
6. What Secret is Draegon and Diminimis guarding?
7. Why does Draegon hide his face?
8. What is the villian's name?
9. What nickname is he known by?
10. How many people does the villian kill?
11. Who protects Josef when the villian's men find him?
12. Where do they find Josef?
13. Where are the words "Draegon's Lair" inscribed?
14. What does the villian & hero share in common?
15. When the villian tries stabbing Alys, who takes the blade in her stead?
16. From what word does Diminimis get his name?
17. Who bought Draegon and at what age?
18. THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN DELETED.
19. What did Draegon see on Alys that angered him?
20. What is Alys wearing that could clothe her twice over?
21. The villian calls Alys's ladies maid what animal?
22. At the end of the book, what feast is being celebrated?
23. By what nickname do Draegon's people refer to him?
24. What manner of weather does Draegon find solace in?
25. What color is Draegon's horse?
26. What color is the favor Alys gives to Draegon?
27. What mythical animal is embroidered on the favor?
28. On what article of clothing does Alys and Draegon make love?
29. Who switches loyalties when the hero and villain come to odds?
30. When Alys first sees Draegon's face, what does she tell him she sees there?

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New Review for DRAEGON’S LAIR
Category: Writing and Poetry

At first I thought this was a negative review (because I'm such a perfectionist!). But after talking with an editor friend, and getting realistic, it really is a very good one. I will admit, the heroine does have a knack for getting into sticky situations, but she's strong and obstinate as well. So if knights in shining armor (or lord's in fine attire) rescuing strong heroines in impossible situations are what you like, then this one's for you.

ROMANCE READER AT HEART REVIEW

www.romancereaderatheart.com

THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

The first thing I have to say about DRAEGON'S LAIR and what stood out for me the most, is the wonderful medieval feel this story has. Thankfully, the dialogue is written more in tune with that time period than having them all speak today's English (i.e., "Pray, I know not your name," as opposed to "Pray, I don't know your name.") It really set the atmosphere of the book and kept me right smack in the middle of the time period I was supposed to be in. As to a quick summary, DRAEGON'S LAIR is about two physically and emotionally wounded souls, who, through a series of trials and tribulations, come to love and heal each other for their happily-ever-after.

Draegon has secluded himself away since the age of 10, kept his face covered and shown to no one, believing his veins flow with the blood of demons. He comes out only at night in the dark so that no one can uncover his secret, and during the day stays within the confines of his shadowy castle wearing a hood and cape. He's never known the touch of love or unconditional acceptance. Alys is wounded too, by a father who betrothed her to a villainous lord, Bastion, who then proceeds to whip, rape, and torture her both physically and emotionally, basically because he's not a nice guy and simply wants to. I have to say that as far as cruel, evil villains go, this guy takes the cake!

Okay, so this book is pretty standard fare in both plot and storyline. Nothing new to report on that front. But I enjoyed the two love stories it held between Draegon and Alys, and Alan and Leena, Bastion's right hand and Aly's maid servant. The confrontational scenes were good, especially in those involving Bastion, the secondary characters were all likeable, and speaking of Bastion, his character was evil enough to give me downright chills. My only criticism comes in the form of Alys, a woman who gets whipped, beaten, torn by thorns, falls down stairs, hits her head more than once, nearly dies from fever, slides down a cave and nearly drowns... Oy, I'm tired just writing all that—and there's more. It was all a little too much of that "damsel in distress mode" for me, and it had to be for her. Seriously, I would have enjoyed her character so much more if she hadn't been subjected to all that turmoil.

Other than that, DRAEGON'S LAIR was a book that I did enjoy, read fast, and that had a wonderfully tender love scene between Draegon and Alys near the end. Linda Ciletti shows she has a wonderful medieval writing voice, just perfect for telling tales of knights in shining armor coming to the aid of damsels in distress.

Nancy Davis

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RT 2008 Convention SPECIAL ATTENTION Barry Eisler, Lea, Ericka, Melissa, Rena, & Fred Williams
Category: Writing and Poetry

Hi to all.

I'm a little behind. So much to do, so little time. I know, I know, the convention was a month ago. Call me busy...call me slow...call me a procrastinator. But better late than never. (Have I used enough cliches yet?) :)

Just to say, I had a wonderful time at the RT 2008 Convention. Had three really great roommates and met a lot of really great people. It was fun hanging out with fellow authors, readers, publishers, and PR folks.

Rena Marks and Melissa Mahue. These two ladies (and authors) were such fun. I'm so glad we met. Ericka and Debbie, too. Couldn't have had better roommates. We all danced until our feet hurt, then we danced some more. We had too....we probably won't get a chance to do that again until the 2009 Convention, if we're all lucky enough to go.

The themed party costumes were wonderful. I've always been a big fan of dressing up and doing a little role playing. As authors, I think we all role play. After all, aren't we role playing when we write in our characters' points of view?  I think so.

April the 19th was especially fun. Some writer friends of mine who weren't at the conference but stopped by for the booksigning sang "happy birthday" to me from across the lobby. Can you say "embarrassment"?  I didn't get a birthday cake, but I did get a free CD from the Impalers, a musical group from New Orleans that played at the vampire ball. AND I was the lucky drawing winner of the pearl and cameo necklace. Ok.... I have to thank all the girls at my table who left and gave me their tickets. I couldn't have won without you. :) I think I should bring it to the next RT (if I can go) and we can all share wearing it. LOL

It was great to see Fabio up close and personal. He really is tall. And I absolutely enjoyed (and now crave) the chocolate covered strawberries and champagne we were served. Ahhh, the good life.When I die, that's the last taste I want on my lips.

My apologies to Lea, another great roomate. You were a wealth of information and we appreciated that.  I know I accidently did a couple of things that made you crazy. It was not my intent. Things like that just happen to me. :)

And Barry (Eisler), I'm glad you were flattered that Lea thought you were a cover model. It was great meeting you, even under such hilarious circumstances. Stay cool and I hope we meet again next year.

Fred Williams. You're the best. When Mark Johson refused to sit at our table like he was supposed to do, you came over and sat and we had a really nice dinner. I'm glad it was you and not Mark. You're a really genuine and fun guy.

I hope to get my photos developed soon. If anyone has any of me, please pass them along. That's one thing I don't have, pics of "me" at the conference. Gesh!!!

So...to end this blog, I just want to say, if anyone is considering going to the RT 2009 Convention, I strongly recommend it. Great fun, friendly people, parties, good food, informative classes, relaxed atmosphere, plenty of give aways, free books, book signings.....I could go on and on. Do come, we'd love to meet you. :)

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DRAEGON’S LAIR Wins "Golden Wings Award"
Category: Writing and Poetry

The Golden Wings Award is presented twice each year to the one book that the Senior Editor of the department feels best exemplifies wonderful story telling ability, great characterization, and exceptional writing skills. 

What a thrill to receive this award from Wings!!

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RT Convention 2008
Current mood: sneezy
Category: Writing and Poetry

RT Convention

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My Interview with Wings Press
Current mood: tired
Category: Writing and Poetry

Interview Linda Ciletti

By

Michael Murphy

Linda, congratulations on the release of your first Wings novel, Draegon’s Lair.

1. Draegon’s Lair has been described as a "stirring medieval Beauty and the Beast novel." How did Draegon’s Lair come about?

Draegon’s Lair is the book of my heart. I don’t know why. He’s such a tortured hero. And really, I can’t say how it came about. Some writers will think I’m strange for saying this and some will absolutely understand, but my characters always come to me first. I don’t create them. They just appear in my head and say "Hey, write my story." And I start writing. Then the movie starts playing in my thoughts and I write what I see. Of course, I always need to revise and tweak the plot later. So, to answer your question, Draegon just told me his story. Spooky, huh? I think that’s why I write in so many genres, because I don’t usually set out to create a story, I wait until they come to me.

2. You also write fantasy and historical time travel. What drew you to this genre?

For the fantasy I’m working on (okay… now I’m going to go against what I just said in question one) I did actually set out to try it and guess what, I hit a roadblock. Then I went to the Renaissance Faire where a musician (Cast in Bronze) was playing a carillion (bells) mixed with other music. I pulled out my pad and pen and the characters just bloomed. I wrote a complete outline of the story in one sitting. Amazing. The music really inspired the story. The hardest part of fantasy is creating another world. At least in this world, the basic rules are ingrained in us. I think what drew me to write a fantasy is just to try something I’ve never done. And I love all things mythical.

As far as time travels, I love the culture clash. Plus I love and am drawn to historical language and characters, so it’s a great way to write a contemporary and still have historical flavor.

3. What author has influenced you most as a writer?

None. That’s terrible to say but I don’t really have a favorite author that I "follow". I read books rather helter skelter. I’ve read several of Laura Kinsale’s books and really liked them. I loved For My Lady’s Heart and have two (I don’t know why two) copies on my keeper shelf. Some people I’ve talked to can’t read it because the medieval language is so strong, but that’s what I love about it. I don’t use that strong of a language because I don’t want to lose readers.

4. What’s the hardest part of being a writer?

After finding publication? :) As I work full time, Monday through Friday 8-4:30, the hardest part of being a writer for me is finding the time to write. I typically write in the evening, but have two problems with that: 1) once on a roll, I find it difficult to stop at a decent hour. I want to keep going even knowing I have to go to work in the morning and 2) keeping my weary eyes open. They tire after staring at a computer for too long.

5. What’s the most helpful book on the craft of writing you’ve ever read?

I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never read one. That sounds terrible but the more I try "learning" how to write, the more it stifles my writing. Most of what I’ve learned is through my critique group and the school of hard knocks. LOL I think it sinks in better when I learn through the school of hard knocks. Reading about "how to write" just fogs up my brain.

6. What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?

Persevere. Never give up your dream and be open to advice. Join a good critique group. They are a blessing.

7. You paint, play the guitar and are a published novelist. Any other creative ambitions?

Well, I used to paint and play guitar, but I haven’t had time for that lately. I made porcelain dolls for about 6 years, then the shop closed down. Before they closed, however, I managed to make doll replicas of the heroes and heroines of seven of my books. So maybe it was all leading to that. I plan to take my "book dolls" to signings--people love seeing them. Beyond that, no other creative ambitions. Yet!

8. Your next novel is a contemporary time travel work called KnightStalker. Tell us about this novel?

It involves a knight who comes to present day to track a serial killer knight. Michel, the good knight, takes on the task knowing he can never return to his own time, but he’s willing to make that sacrifice to stop the killings. It’s a romance, so naturally he meets the heroine and her young son early on, which puts them in danger. It’s a book of culture clash, love, loyalty, trust, and vengeance.

9. Do you have any other novels in the works?

Are you kidding! Of course. I’m rewriting a historical time travel called Dream of the Archer (inspired by a song by Heart). It was the 2^nd book I’d ever written and surprisingly a good story (with just a bit too much telling). So now that I write better than I did those many years ago, I’m revising. I hope to have it finished in the next month or two, then I can submit.

I’m also working on a fantasy romantica or fantasy romance (not sure which it is yet… it depends on what the characters decide to do) called Faerie Dust. It’s about a male faerie who feels compassion for a stolen human child, so he comes to the human world to find the changeling that was put in her place. He then returns to the faerie world with the changeling and the stolen girl’s mother. Naturally, there are a lot of obstacles in his way, including his own people. (Okay, that’s as far as I’ve gotten, but I have notes!)

I also have a finished contemporary that I need to submit and a straight historical and two contemporaries I need to finish. So much to do, so little time. My very first manuscript, a first draft of a paranormal contemporary, may never see the light of day again. But who knows, I may revise later. I hate leaving things unfinished.

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