Conundrums and more Conundrums

So here I sit in my cold cold office, with fingers that feel like they are likely to break off as iciciles in the freezing weather if it gets any colder. I can hear the chorus of "Hop Into Bed!" running in my mind, but with kids about to go to school and more work including re-writes for the book calling, I know I will have to soldier on. Which leads me to the main reason for today's blog:

Sex, Sex and More Sex....(at least in a romance book or Sci-Fi if you are me.)

One thing I learnt while I was away is that some guys just don't get the whole romance aspect of a sci-fi romance. A friend of hubbys (who is a really nice guy, with a fabulous wife, both professionals who have known us for over 10 years and we consider them good close friends) settled down with my manuscript while we were away, flicking through the pages. Hubby had called it raunchy (in warning to him) to which I valiantly disputed it wasn't (well not by most of today's standards anyway.) Flick, flick, flicking through the pages he found the first of what my CP calls my intimate scenes. Uh huh, watching his face turn shades of red, but you know what? He kept reading. He had no clue I could write like that or even knew some of that information!

So I thought about it, the expectations people have about women who are WAMP's (White, Anglo-Saxon, Married & Professionals) and it occurrs to me, that for all our hard work at changing peoples perspectives of women and their needs, there is still a core (and a strong core at that) of people who believe that it is still Great Auntie Mary who never married who read these books for the titilation value. Now we know that the romance readership is varied and includes Men and Women of all ages, walks of life etc., From Accountants, Solicitors and even Barristers through to the lowliest cleaner...(not that I think they are lowly personally but you get my drift.) I am not sure how we overcome this except by coming out of the closet about our reading choices, what appeals to us and why we read these books.

For me, it is escape, sure I would be the first to agree to that, but also that instinctive need for closeness, romance and love. The concept of hope that seems to thread through a lot of the stories....and yes I get my HEA (Happy Ever After.) To be fair sometimes my HEA waits 3 or more books (bummer!) but I keep hanging out for it because I believe that I have invested emotion into those books - formed a bond with the characters, and I want to see them finally find that special man/woman/relationship. Yes! And I want to be challenged, either in seeking new worlds or just thinking about what is a reality for that cattle farmer down the road. (Not looking for much am I?)

So the next time you are in a bookstore, be loud and proud about your romance novel. Don't hide it in a brown paper bag. On the train, on Facebook or anywhere else you can think of, show off the book you are reading. It is only with a concerted effort that we can change the societal concept of romance readers and our expectations.

Okay, now back to my normal program.....Chloe Neill here I come :)

Happy Reading
Imogene Nix

Travelling with kids

How many times have we said travelling with kids is difficult? Well after 2 days on the road with two teenagers we finally got to Cairns. Arrgghh! With one talking non stop and one singing, it has been a trial. To say the least....but eventually we arrived :) *phew*

Today I listed to Christina Aguilera, Pink, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson....now it has been an interesting mix I have to say. The highs and lows have included some songs with a subtext that the kids don't even understand yet sang the words to, and it put me in mind of a book I have read not too long ago with a storyline that while good used terms that didn't fit with the overall time line of the series.

Anyway, it has been highlighting to me the need to write books with text in the correct complex and timelines. So as I start re reading my manuscript, it is something I will particularly be looking for, words used in incorrect context and inappropriate to the timeline. So wish me luck.

Regards
Imogene Nix

Here and Back Again`

Okay so my first manuscript is in the hands of another writer at the moment, and I have to say I am so nervous. I remember reading Dee Davis describe it a bit like sending your kid off to college, you know you have to let it spread its wings, but nevertheless you find it difficult to just say "Go!"

So instead of working on the second book, or even working on more rewrites - I am kinda waiting on her feedback anyway.....not that I am rushing anyone, but I guess it is a little bit of avoidance at the moment so I am on a reading binge... So far in the last week it has been Darkscape followed by My Immortal Assassin. (love that Carolyn Jewel). Anyway, so by my desk as I am typing this is 2 Susan Grant books - Your Planet or Mine? and Sureblood.... and of course I have a copy of the latest Carolyn Jewel book - My Dangerous Pleasure.

I keep looking at the manuscript though and thinking should I start on it? But you know what? I am going away for a week on Friday so I think I will throw it and my mulitcoloured gel pens into my laptop bag and take it with me. Apart from that there are 2 eroticas waiting to be read....life in a bookstore is great :)

Meanwhile, I will leave you with this thought:-

'No matter how good I might think it is, it is only as good as the next person who reads it'

Happy reading and writing
Imogene Nix

Welcome to My World

Here I am world...new to the fun parts of writing. I have finished my first manuscript....Starline and while it is currently in it's infancy I think it is fun!

Basic premise? Sorry I can't tell you that just yet, but what I can say it, my brain hurt continually until it was finished. Starline is the first book in a trilogy called the Warriors of the Elector series.

Now I have to say, the hardest parts of this book to write were thinking up words that might be used in the future....I wonder if the concept of marriage will still be around, or will we have moved on to other forms of formalised unions? The future intrigues me and so I have examined that within my story.

The hero is tough and uber sexy, and the heroine? Well actually she kinda reminds me a little of some of my personality traits and others I only wish I could have! lol.

Okay, so keep an eye out to see what more will be coming soon!

Wishing you a wonderful experience
Imogene Nix