What kind of reader are you?

With the Oscar nominees being announced this week, I thought it would be interesting to talk about how you "judge" a book.

I'm in the middle of judging my allotted RITA books for the year and, as usual, have been really enjoying myself. For those of you unfamiliar with the RITA, it's the annual contest for published authors sponsored by the RWA. It is generally regarded as the most prestigious romance contest for published authors, i.e. the Oscars for romance books. The judging is by other published authors. You can judge any category as long as it's not one you are entered in. I always choose Regency, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary categories (you have to choose three), and end up with mostly historicals, which is great.

Around this time the loops are always full with RITA related posts--you can't discuss which books you are reading--and something someone made a comment on the loops stuck in my subconscious and popped up when I was reading last night. I can't remember her exact words, but it was basically along the lines of how critically she judged the books. I have a number of writer friends who regularly talk about how hard they are to impress. When they read, it's like they're a high school english teacher with a red pen in hand, LOL.

It reminded me of a review I came across recently. Believe me, I try to avoid Amazon reviews, but sometimes it's inevitable that I see something. Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing one of those wonderful one star reviews. Goes with the territory, I know, but it doesn't stop the sick to the stomach feeling (as usually happens when I see something like that), until I hit the "other reviews" link. I don't remember the exact numbers, but this particular reviewer had about fifteen reviews. Of those THIRTEEN were one star reviews. The "best" review she'd given: a three star. Wow. That's one tough cookie.

By comparison, I think I'm pretty easy to satisfy as a reader. I've been charting the books I've read for the past 5 years or so--strictly for my memory only--assigning a letter grade to each one. I have probably only a handful of D's and F's, a few DNF's, maybe 20-25% C's, and the rest B's and A's. I start out with the expectation that I'm going to enjoy the book (otherwise I wouldn't have picked it up) and usually those expectations are met. My test is one of enjoyment--if I enjoyed it, that's enough--even if there are "problems" I notice as a writer, it doesn't effect my judgment as a reader. For example, I can forgive a silly suspense plot if I LOVE the romance.

So what about you . . . what kind of reader are you? Do you read with a red pen in hand or are you the kind of teacher we all wanted in school: an "easy grader"? :)

Quick update:

I'm talking dream destinations over at Monica Burn's blog today. She and I were Golden Heart finalists together in 2005 (I think that's right). She has a HUGE blog event scheduled for the next month with lots of prizes, so you might want to check it out.

Hope you all had a nice long weekend!

I love you Karen Robards!

(Or: The Joys of Discovering a Backlist)

Karen Robards is one of the big romantic suspense stars in our industry. I've read a number of her books over the past few years and really enjoyed them. But it wasn't until recently that I learned she used to write historicals. That's when one of those great moments happens as a reader: I discovered her backlist. [Aside: this is where having a kindle is a great boon not only to an author but also to a reader. I downloaded about 10 of her books in a week.]

I think I've mentioned before that I've been reading romance off and on for more years than I want to claim. My earliest romance memories are of books like The Wolf and the Dove & Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss and Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. Catherine Coulter, Judith McNaught, Shirlee Busbey, Jude Deveraux and Johanna Lindsey were also early favorites of mine. I read romance off an on through college and a little less in law school, but I do remember reading Julie Garwood in the early 90s. From the list of author's above, you can see I was there to read most of the classics of our genre.

I'm sure this has had an impact on my writing. I love what has been called "old school" romance, and many readers and reviewers have picked up on this in their comments about my books. One of the things I love about old school romances is the emotional intensity and gut-clenching "black moments" (the disastrous point in the romance--usually about 3/4 of the way through the book when a relationship between the hero and heroine seems impossible).

Good black moments are hard to find in today's romances, in part, IMO, because it's harder to get away with some of the things "old school" romances used to get away with. By this I'm referring to many things, from story lines, to what would today be called asshole heroes, to the really really bad things that used to happen to characters, and to the fact that often the hero's POV wasn't often used, making him--and his thoughts--more of enigma. If the heroine couldn't be sure of the heroes feelings, neither could we.

I haven't gone back and read all my old favorites, but one of the problems I've found with some that I have is that they often don't quite hold up to my memories. I don't have the tolerance I used to for certain plot devices (from big misunderstandings, to "forced seduction", etc.).

So imagine my delight when I discovered an "old school" author who I'd somehow missed the first time around, but who's books have held up extremely well. She has some of the sexiest heroes I've come across in a long time--Alpha with a capital A. I must give credit to my friend and CP Jami Alden (who shares my love of old school) for pointing me in her direction. We sound like excited teenagers when we discuss these books, LOL, but I think the love and enthusiasm part of the magic. I love the romance genre, and when I find books like Karen Robards's, it reminds me of why.

So if you love old school romances, Alpha heroes, or just want a lesson in how an author can do a romance trope extremely well, here are some books I loved:

Forbidden Love: I know it's "wrong"--in this ward/guardian book the heroine is much younger than the hero--but God, I loved this book!

Loving Julia: Pygmallion done right. One of her most popular/well-loved books.

Dark Torment: Loved this one: Irish hero sent to Australia as a convict; heroine is daughter of his owner.

Scandalous: Read a while ago, but spinster sister saves family.

Desire in the Sun: slave hero with plantation owner daughter heroine

To Love a Woman: Not a historical, and sex might be on the edge at times for some, but loved this VERY alpha hero.

So what are the books you read that got you into the genre? Have you had an experience like mine, where you find a new author, and then gorge happily on their backlist?

A Very Happy New Years!

Looks like my celebrating isn't over. Just found out that THE RANGER hit the NY Times Bestseller list at #24! Double the thanks to all of you for helping to get it on there. I'm doing the happy dance and breaking out the champagne tonight. :) Whoo hoo!!!

Don't forget to come check out my interview with Ing over at her new blog today (Thursday).

UPDATE: I think I'm still in the holiday fog. I forgot to mention that I'll be on Borders True Romance today (Saturday) talking about THE RANGER (and the inspiration for the characters), if you want to stop by and say "hi."

A Huge Thank You!

I just wanted to thank you guys for all of your support and wonderful comments this past week. I know the time between Christmas and New Years is a busy one for everybody, so I truly appreciate the effort you guys made to pick up THE RANGER. You guys are the best. If you guys haven't checked out Laurie's review, you won't want to miss it here, and Ing is having a Monica McCarty week on her new blog, so check it out for some great giveaways!

Happy New Year!

The Ranger is Here!

Just in time for the New Year, THE RANGER hits the stores today! This is Arthur Campbell's story. Arthur was forced to leave the Highland Guard in book #1 (The Chief) and has been embedded in the English camp for a couple of years but is anxious to return to the fold. On his final mission for Bruce, however, he comes face to face with the one woman who can unmask him. As always I can't wait for you guys to tell me what you think.

Happy New Year to everyone!

And the winners are . . .

The TWO winners of this week's contest are Lynn Murphy Earl and Helga Marie! Congratulations you guys! Email me your choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders, along with the email address you would like me to send the gift certificate to, and I'll get it off to you ASAP.

Happy Holidays to you all. Thanks so much for stopping by to comment the past few weeks. I know it's a busy time. Only a few more days . . .

The Scent of a Man

Welcome to the last week of my giveaways leading up to the release of THE RANGER on December 28th. This week you have two times the chance to win. On Friday, I'll be using random.org to pick TWO winners from this week's comments. Each person will receive one $25 gift certificate from their choice of either Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders. Normal rules apply.

If you haven't seen the hilarious Old Spice commercial above, take a quick peek. It's a good starter for something that has been on my mind this past week. My husband bought some new aftershave lotion that had a pretty strong scent. It wasn't "bad" or anything, but it make me realize how much I don't like scents on men.

It's funny because I (like most romance authors) always write about how amazing my heroes smell (i.e. dark, spicy, wind, sea, forest, pine, sandalwood, myrtle, and the ubiquitous heather to name a few). It's kind of expected. Use the five senses we all hear in craft talks. But in reality I don't think I want to notice anything other than maybe the slight hint of soap. L'eau to Irish Spring, LOL.

I decided to go shopping for a new aftershave for my husband since he seems inclined to throw something on and couldn't find anything that I liked. To me they were all too strong and overpowering. You'll have to wait until after Christmas to hear what I decided to do. (He sometimes reads the blog).

What about you? Do you like scent on men? Do you have a favorite aftershave? Maybe I can be convinced . . .

And the winner is . . .

The winner of the $25 gift certificate for this week is [drumroll] Madhura! Congratulations!! Email me your choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders, along with the email address you would like me to send it to, and I'll get it off to you ASAP.

Thanks to everyone for commenting this week. Looking ahead to the FINAL week before THE RANGER, here's the hint: two times the fun. :)

Two Week Countdown!

Two weeks from today THE RANGER hits the stores. To celebrate the release of the third book in my new Highland Guard series, one lucky commenter of this week's blog will receive a $25 gift certificate from your choice of Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Borders.

I will use random.org to pick the winner on Friday. The same rules as normal apply (only one comment per person will count, must reply with a valid email by Sunday Dec. 19th, etc.).

I thought I was in such good shape this week. I did a lot of my shopping early and had some great ideas for the rest. So how did I end up running around all day yesterday to try to get some packages in the mail? Sigh. I also have a birthday coming up on Friday (43, yikes!), so it's a busy week.

Have you done all of your holiday shopping? Anything special you want this year? I'm hoping Santa brings me a new ski jacket (hint, hint, Dave). Or maybe you're taking a fun trip?

And the winner is . . .

Marla at Stolen Bon Bons!!!! Just send me your snail mail address at the email on my website (here) by Sunday night, and I'll pop the early copy of THE RANGER in the mail to you. Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks for the fabulous comments. You'll want to check back next week for another prize (hint: it might help with some of your holiday shopping :)).

Early Copy Alert!

One of the most exciting days in the publication process for me came last week when I opened a manilla envelope to find an early copy of THE RANGER. There's just something about pulling out that first copy and seeing it all bundled up in one beautiful package. I know I say this every time, but I really love this cover. Something about the soft greens and the horseman in the background (abs aren't too bad either, LOL).

Since THE RANGER is coming out right smack in the middle of the holiday break (Tuesday December 28th), I thought it might be fun to do a few special blog contests leading up to the release. So for the next few weeks I'll be posting a new contest at the beginning of the week and then choosing a winner on Friday. The first prize? You guessed it, an early copy of THE RANGER--signed if you want it.

Last night we brought home our Christmas tree, which the kids have pretty much taken over decorating. For my husband's and my first Christmas together, I bought the Reed and Barton annual Christmas bell ornament to mark the occasion. I liked it so much, I bought one the next year and a tradition was born. Some years I delayed a little too long and ended up having to hunt for the darn thing for days, but I've always managed to find one. Last night my daughter pointed out "we have too many bells," and I realized we have TWENTY of them! Wow. Hard to think we've been together that long.

So finding the annual Christmas bell has become one of our family traditions (along with baking Gingerbread Cookies :)). Have you started any new traditions in your family? What was your favorite holiday tradition growing up?

I'll pick a winner on Friday (using random.org) from the comments. Winners will have until Sunday to contact me with their email/snail mail addy. Only one comment will be counted from each person. All other typical rules apply. Can't wait for Arthur to find a good home!

The McCarty's European Vacation

We're not quite the Griswolds, but sometimes it feels close, LOL. Sorry for the radio silence around here, but I just got back from 10 rainless but cold days in London with the family. We had a great time, managing to fit in day trip's to York, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle.

I also toured Westminster Palace (better known as the Houses of Parliament) with my daughter. I've been to London 7 or 8 times, but it was the first time I'd managed to secure a ticket! The above photo is a plaque in the old Hall building (one of the two remaining buildings of the old medieval palace) marking where William Wallace stood trial! I had some serious shivers going.

Below are a couple photos of the Hall--it was truly magnificent. The most beautiful medieval hall I've ever seen. As Mel Brooks says, "It's good to be the King!"

As you can see they were getting ready to decorate the Christmas tree.

Every time I go to London my vow to live there some day gets a little stronger. I really regret not living there when I had a chance (i.e. before kids). I had an opportunity to do a semester abroad when I was at college, but I couldn't bear the idea of leaving all my friends. Sigh. Hindsight.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Anyone do any traveling? Have you ever wanted to live in a different country for a while?

Time Travel

I've always been fascinated with the idea of time travel. I think it probably stems from watching a couple movies when I was young (Somewhere in Time and Time after Time) and then--but of course--reading OUTLANDER in the early 90s. That book not only helped to foster my love of all things Scotland (particularly those strapping lads), but also started me on a quest for great time travel novels. One of my all time favorites is GREEN DARKNESS by Anya Seton. I still have a soft spot for Scottish historical time travels, I suppose they are technically the only "paranormal" books I regularly read. I took a break from romance reading in college and law school, but "rediscovered" my love of the genre thanks to Karen Marie Moning's early Highlander books. I also loved Michael Crichton's Timeline--both the book and the movie (hello Gerry).

I love the fantasy of thinking that I could actually go back in time and experience the history that I love reading about. If I could pick one time period to go back to, I think I would pick medieval Scotland (Braveheart/Robert the Bruce). I'd love to know what it was really like. But I'd only want to go back for a quick peek. I don't think I'd want to stay there too long. Life was pretty brutal, especially for women.

What about you . . . what time and place would you want to go to?

Sniffing Ski Season in the Air

With Saturday night's "fall back," it really feels like winter around here. Dark at 5 . . . yuck! Fittingly, it rained (poured actually) all day on Sunday and then today we had a nice cold snap. Was it only last Friday that I played golf?

I think I've mentioned before that I love golf. I've played off an on now for about 20 plus years, although with the exception of a few years early in my husband's baseball career (i.e. before children), I haven't really been able to play with enough regularity to get good. I'll have some great holes, and then some not so great ones. :) We've actually started to play quite a bit more the last year or two because our kids finally reached the point where they could play 18 holes decently. Talk about a whole new world opening up, a natural foursome!

With winter coming, golf will take a back seat to my other favorite activity: snow skiing. I've been skiing since I was five, and my kids have been on skis since they were 2. When my husband retired from baseball, he picked up the sport for the first time (which was hilarious (she says with an evil laugh)). Now the whole family can ski together. Unfortunately, we'll probably only get one big trip in this year because my son is going back for his second of three foot surgeries in January.

Golf and skiing are pretty much my main outdoor activities these days. One of the biggest changes for me over the past five years since I've sold is the pretty significant decrease in my physical activity. I had been playing quite a bit of tennis, worked out 3 times a week and walked most of the other days. Sadly, I haven't played tennis in a LONG time, I don't get out to walk, and I'm lucky to work out 2 days a week.

I should find the time to do more, but it doesn't seem to happen. My "goal" is to limit my writing time to school hours so I can be available when the kids get home. Taking time to up my activity level eats into those writing hours, and frankly it just seems to get harder and harder to get my butt out of the chair.

What do you guys like to do to keep active? Any fun sports that you are in to? Or, like me, do you find it hard enough to get all the other stuff done?

Better than Glee!

Sorry, Ing, I couldn't resist. :) This video has gone viral in SF. The cleverness of people on YouTube never ceases to amaze me. For those you wondering what my son's costume for Halloween is all about this video will give you an idea.

My mom found a picture of me as wonder woman so be on the look out for picture soon. :)

UPDATED: as promised here it is! I think I'm about 11, and that's my sister and brother with me. Hilarious, isn't it?

Trick or Treat!

Well I wanted to do this blog with plenty of "show and tell," but my Mom has been out of town and hasn't had a chance to go through the old pictures for me. So you'll just have to use your imagination . . .

With Halloween just around the corner, my kids are putting the final details on all their costumes. My daughter is going to be a Highland Dancer and my son is going to be Brian Wilson from the NLCS Champion Giants. If you guys don't know who he is, he's the guy with the black Bluto beard. :)

Since we're going to a Halloween party on Saturday night, I'm going to have to find something to dress up as, too. A couple years ago I dressed up as a "Scottish Soccer Hooligan." If you've ever seen the old SNL Mike Meyers skit, you know what I'm talking about.

When I was young, there were a few "standby" costumes that aren't so PC anymore. Anyone else remember dressing up as a Gypsy or a Hobo? Don't hear those much anymore, do you?

But I think my top three all time favorite Monica Halloween costumes are: Princess Leia when I was about 11, Wonder Woman when I was year or two older, and a Raiderette as a young teen. NOW don't you wish I had those pictures? LOL.

How about you...what were your favorite Halloween costumes when you were young?

So Whatcha Reading?

I finally decided to get with the rest of the world and read THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO when I was in Scotland. The traveling slowed me down for a while, but by time I hit around page 150 or so, I zoomed to the end. Really enjoyed it. I had a chance to watch the movie (foreign version) and it was great. Highly recommend, although be warned that there are some difficult parts to watch. If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about. I'd be interested to hear what you guys thought, if you've read it.

I also just finished reading a book I picked up at conference that I really enjoyed: Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF DESIRE. I love a good medieval and this one certainly qualifies. I've heard great things about the rest of the "All the King's Men" series as well and look forward to reading the other two.

I just read the first few pages of Maya Bank's latest, THE DARKEST HOUR, and it's already sucked me in. That's on the agenda for tonight. Might have to go to be early :)

Other than that I've been dabbling in this and that. What about you guys? Anything you've loved lately? Anything you're really looking forward to? (Other than a certain book in December, of course!)

Not Hero Material

I've been glued to the internet today, as I'm sure many of you have been, watching the amazing drama unfolding in Chile with the rescue of the 33 miners. Seeing that first guy emerge from the pod brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine what an ordeal these men must have gone through.

But I also fixated on another part of the story--the six (thanks for the correct number B.E.) rescuers who agreed to go DOWN in the tunnel to help prepare the miners for their journey to the surface. My reaction was immediate and visceral--no way would I do that!

It made me think again about what sets heroes like firefighters, police officers, and soldiers apart. They do those things that the rest of us can't imagine doing. I can't think of many things more terrifying than descending thousands of feet into a mine shaft. Have I ever mentioned my biggest primal fear? You guessed it: being buried alive.

I guess that means I'm not hero material, LOL. What about you . . . would you go down in that tube?

I'm back!

And except for a bad case of jet lag and the inevitable cold (why do I ALWAYS get sick when I travel?), I had an absolutely fabulous time.

It's hard to explain how exciting it is to see some of the places that I feel like I've come to know in my novels. Walking on the same ground as Bruce and his men did over seven hundred years ago and knowing that it hasn't changed much is pretty powerful and at times very moving. The above picture is a good example of this. That's me and Veronica at the Bruce stone which overlooks the battle site of Glen Trool (which you read about in THE HAWK). It was one of the two rain days that we had, but the weather only seemed to add to the experience--note those fingers of mist on the hill behind us. Pretty evocative. Here's a photo detailing the inscription on the stone.

I'm so fortunate to have found the world's greatest traveling companion. Being able to share these moments with someone who totally gets it makes it even more special. A large part of our itinerary was devoted to the Bruce sites and places that I will be writing about in my novels, but we also visited some extreme coastlines and Aberdeen which focus in Veronica's upcoming YA Vampire series and her Clan MacAlpin Scottish historical series. We joke that she's the Isaac to my Julie MacCoy, because I love all the planning and she just goes with the flow.

When she mentioned that she wanted to see some dramatic coastlines I knew exactly where we had to go: Northern Scotland. Not only did we visit Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of the mainland), but we also visited Cape Wrath--the northwestern tip of the mainland and undoubtedly one of the most remote places you can travel in Britain. We were one of 2,500 people a year who take the ferry ride and then a 30 minute (at time terrifying) minibus drive over some of the most desolate countryside you will ever see to reach the lighthouse and cliffs of Cape Wrath. Surprisingly "wrath" doesn't refer to the fury of the wind and waves that strike the coastline, but is an old Viking word for turning point. The area is used by the British SAS (special forces) to train and is often closed to the public--for good reason as they drop bombs in the area! That's Veronica, our travel guide Fiona, and me on the cliffside.

It's hard to capture the beauty of the place--or the danger--but this picture of some absolutely crazy (aka stupid) young tourist gives you an idea. I seriously thought the girl was going to fall off the cliff. If I'd been her mother I would have wrung her neck.

Anyway, I'll be posting many more pics from the trip over the next couple months on my website and flckr pages so be on the look out! Hope you all had a nice couple of weeks. Once I recover, it will be time for me to hit the keyboard again. Good news: three more Highland Guard novels will be on the way!