Monthly Archives: December 2010

The World Beyond the Story

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

This post was originally written for Ella Drake’s blog. The Duke and the Pirate Queen is set in a fantasy world that’s based on all kinds of elements taken from our own world. Maxime’s duchy is a Mediterranean-esque land with … Continue reading →

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Writing Explicitly

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

This post was originally written for Kate Elliott’s blog. I think there are several keys to writing good explicit sex scenes. The first is to give up any pretense of hiding yourself. You can’t hide from the reader, and you … Continue reading →

Posted in erotica, writing, writing craft, writing process | 2 Comments

Siegfried Sassoon, “Together”

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Together Splashing along the boggy woods all day, And over brambled hedge and holding clay, I shall not think of him: But when the watery fields grow brown and dim, And hounds have lost their fox, and horses tire, I … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, “To Any Dead Officer”

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

To Any Dead Officer Well, how are things in Heaven? I wish you’d say, Because I’d like to know that you’re all right. Tell me, have you found everlasting day, Or been sucked in by everlasting night? For when I … Continue reading →

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“Satisfying Endings” Guest Post

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

It’s the end–I think–of my blog “tour” in celebration of this month’s launch of The Duke and The Pirate Queen. The last stop is Shelley Munro’s Blog where I’m talking about, appropriately, “Satisfying Endings.” Stop by and let me know … Continue reading →

Posted in promo, the duke, writing craft | 2 Comments

Pirate Appeal

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the appeal of pirates, particularly in romance novels. Pirates seem to hold a special place in the genre, at least among heroes, along with The Rake or The Highlander. My theory (I always … Continue reading →

Posted in genre, pirates | 4 Comments

“The Lotus Eaters” guest post

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

There’s a (new) excerpt from The Duke and the Pirate Queen posted at RT Book Reviews. There’s also a message from the author. Which is me. And I’m posting about “The Lotus Eaters” and The Duke and The Pirate Queen … Continue reading →

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Book Launch Picspam – The Duke & The Pirate Queen

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

My friend L. threw my book launch party for me; I had very little to do aside from buying beverages and helping to set up. Her 6 year old daughter Geeklet (not her real name!) drew me a picture of … Continue reading →

Posted in images, pirates, promo, the duke | 14 Comments

“Researching Asian Pirates” Guest Post

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

I’m visiting Jeannie Lin’s Blog today to chat about “Researching Asian Pirates,” which was a tricky thing to do since I’m only fluent in reading English. I’m still looking for additional sources for future projects. Please drop by and comment!

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Siegfried Sassoon, “Survivors”

Posted on December 12, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Survivors No doubt they’ll soon get well; the shock and strain Have caused their stammering, disconnected talk. Of course they’re ‘longing to go out again,’– These boys with old, scared faces, learning to walk. They’ll soon forget their haunted nights; … Continue reading →

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