Monthly Archives: February 2011

Swearing in The Duke and The Pirate Queen

This post was inspired by an essay on swearing in romance novels over at Alpha Heroes. I thought a lot about the way my characters in The Duke & the Pirate Queen would swear. The book is set in a … Continue reading

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My Recent DNFs

DNF is an abbreviation for “Did Not Finish.” I know my books have been DNFd by readers; lately, I’ve had a fair number of DNFs in my own reading. No, I am not going to name titles or authors! And … Continue reading

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Siegfried Sassoon, “Secret Music”

Secret Music I keep such music in my brain No din this side of death can quell; Glory exulting over pain, And beauty, garlanded in hell. My dreaming spirit will not heed The roar of guns that would destroy My … Continue reading

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Siegfried Sassoon, “Before the Battle”

Before the Battle Music of whispering trees Hushed by a broad-winged breeze Where shaken water gleams; And evening radiance falling With reedy bird-notes calling. O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams. I have no need to pray That … Continue reading

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Stories Available For Nook

I’ve made several more of my erotic short stories available electronically. These were all originally published under my Elspeth Potter pseudonym. The following are now available for the Nook: Poppet. Near-future science fiction. Female/male pairing. Sort of. Twisted Beauty, about … Continue reading

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The Birth of Characters

Tumperkin asked if I would blog about characterization. Having recently been inspired with a new project, I decided to set down my thoughts while I was still in the thick of creation. The way I form characters changes from project … Continue reading

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Thousands of Stories Are Waiting For You…

…in The Agony Column of the Times, 1800-1870, collected by Alice Clay, at the Internet Archive. If you were lacking in story ideas, you lack no more! Tuesday, November 10, 1850: E.R.C.—CONSENTS. Saturday, January 4, 1851: P.P.P. is implored, for … Continue reading

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Shades of Critique

I recently read a novel manuscript for an experienced novelist; this novelist has turned the manuscript in to the editor, but it’s not yet in its final version. That made me think about critiquing, and all the different shades of … Continue reading

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