I recently spent a creatively-charged weekend with a good friend/fellow writer. We brainstormed our current writing projects. We discussed what we’re reading, new and old favorites. We talked about books. All weekend. It rocked!

Awhile back I did a booksigning and Q&A with a romance readers group. They asked me about my writing process. They applauded my stories, my characters, and told me what they’d like to see from me in the future. We discussed favorite authors, current trends, our likes and dislikes. We talked books. All night. What fun!

Last spring I attended the Romantic Times Convention. I flew in early to spend a couple of extra days with a group of cherished friends/writers. We spent a good portion of our time hanging out in the Atrium bar—central meeting place for the week. We gossiped. We laughed. We shared and celebrated good news. We lamented past or current set-backs. We talked books. What can I say? Awesome!

Connecting on-line with readers and writers, people who share your enthusiasm for the romance genre (or literature in general) is a welcome and amazing option. But, for me, connecting live and in-person is the ultimate rush.

I rode a wave of inspiration for a good two weeks after that weekend retreat with my friend. I can say the same for that readers’ group and RT. I cherish any opportunity to meet up in-person with readers and/or writers.

With a writer, you can ramble on about pacing, plotting, and characterization for hours and their eyes won’t glaze over. Brainstorming becomes an energized game. If you’re lucky, and I always am, ideas spark and burn long after the session is over.

My skin tingles when I speak with someone who’s reading the same book/series as me. “Could you believe when so-and-so did you-know-what?” Which leads into an enthusiastic discussion about characters you both know and love.

Do you enjoy ‘live’ discussions? Do you belong to a reading club? A critique group? Do you attend conferences or retreats? Do ever steal away for lunch with a friend and talk books? How do you get that live charge?

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In their own quiet way, writers are brave creatures. They face challenges daily. One wrong decision could break their bank account, a contract or, horrors, their career. Is this agent right for me? Should I invest in a full-color ad? Should I fight my editor on a specific revision request? One of the most angst-ridden choices could be: Do I follow my muse and write in X-sub-genre when I’m multi-published in another sub-genre? Do I take a leap of faith that readers will follow no matter where I go?

Sometimes it’s not even a muse who nudges an author into a new world, but a publisher. “Yes, we know you’re established in historicals, but romantic suspense is hot and that’s what we want.” The author wonders/worries if readers will take a leap of faith and crossover. Obviously, the publisher is counting on just that. Hopefully, said author has a true desire to explore this new genre. There’s nothing worse than forcing what doesn’t come naturally. The creator suffers as does the art.

As a reader, I have followed many of my favorite authors into a new world. When Catherine Coulter and Julie Garwood made the leap from historical to contemporary, I jumped too. Did I enjoy these stories? Yes. I find that, although the era is different, the tone is similar. Personally, that’s what I’m most drawn to—an author’s voice. Do I wish they’d throw me a historical every now and then? Yes! I’m greedy. I want it all.

As a writer, I want it all too. Although, I’m multi-published in contemporary romance, I’m also inspired to write historical westerns—Lasso the Moon comes out in 2006. This past year another idea sparked and refused to die. Suddenly, I just had to explore a first-person contemporary series, leaning toward women’s fiction with strong romantic elements. I opted to follow my muse, to take the leap of faith that readers will crossover, not once, but twice. Fortunately, I have an agent who supports my vision. She recently sold two more of my westerns to Medallion Press, and the first-person contemporary series to HQN. I look at it this way. I’m not switching genres, I’m expanding my horizons. The eras are different, but my voice, the tone, is the same. Most importantly, the writing will be honest and passionate because it’s what I’m personally driven to do. Do I wonder if fans will crossover? Do I worry that they’ll feel cheated of their first love—my more traditional contemporaries? Yes. Do I think that writing in multiple sub-genres is a wise business choice? I’m not sure. But I do believe that it is wise to write from the heart, not for the market. The creator will flourish as will the art.

Readers, how do you feel about authors who write in multiple sub-genres? Will you take a leap of faith and follow where they go?

Writers, do you follow or fight your muse? Have you taken a leap of faith and survived?
Let’s talk!

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Have you seen them? They range from suspenseful to humorous. They intrigue and entertain. They’re anywhere from thirty-seconds to ten-minutes long. Author M.J. Rose has one. So do Heather Graham and Christine Feehan. Vicki Hinze invested in one to promote her upcoming Silhouette Bombshell release “Body Double”. They’re movie trailers for books and they’re hot!

I saw my first ‘book trailer’ in 2004 at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, a special preview of the teaser for Heather Graham’s “Dead On The Dance Floor”. Just like with a movie trailer, this short film clip teased viewers with dramatic aspects of the story, making you yearn for the whole enchilada. Actors and a talented production team brought Ms. Graham’s characters (and story) to life. Circle of Seven (COS) Productions, originators of the concept of Book Trailers, engineered this specific project and caught my avid interest. As an author, I’m always looking for new and unique ways to promote my books. Trailers are definitely unique.

COS Productions launched their innovative business in 2000, producing trailers, teasers and mini-teasers for authors such as Heather Graham, Christine Feehan, Douglas Clegg, Lisa Kleypas, and Winnie Griggs to name a few. Since then, other production companies have jumped on this keen marketing concept. M.J. Rose utilized VidLit to promote her latest release “The Halo Effect”. Vicki Hinze joined with Writers-In-Motion. As it happens, Sheila Clover, Executive Director of COS Productions, recently commented on my personal blog regarding a post about this new marketing craze. I immediately contacted her with a couple of burning questions. I mean they’re cool and everything, but are they effective? Sheila graciously supplied this information knowing I wanted to share it with all of you here at RTB.

BETH: Where do you (or your clients) presently ’show’ these trailers?

SHEILA: Trailers are shown on the COS site. They are also shown on the author’s site. They play on television and in movie theaters. They have played online for Waldenbooks and soon will play in-store at various locations. They are also available to be shown online for public libraries if the author wants that. Some authors will have CDRoms or DVDs made to send to their sales team at their publishing house. CD Roms are not expensive to make and they can be mailed easily. Sales teams, fan give-a-ways and gifts to bookstore owners are a great idea!

BETH: What plans do you have for the future…. or what do you think the future holds for unique promotions such as book trailers?

SHEILA: We’ve started seeing more interest from bookstores and hope to be playing in-store in major markets everywhere. Television continues to be a possibility as we make deals with stations for inexpensive airtime. We’ve got an agreement with a major movie theater chain and have started playing our videos in movie theaters. This is a place where people WANT to see these! In October we’ll play Douglas Clegg’s commercial in New York City 1680 times in October/November and it will cost less than $2000. Whether you have a budget of $500 or $5000 we have something for everyone.

Are you intrigued? I am. Not just with the book trailers themselves, but with the future possibilities. Hop on over to www.cosproductions.com and check out some of their projects. What do you think? If you walked into a bookstore and saw a book trailer playing on a flat screen in the romance section, would it inspire you to consider that novel? What about if you saw one in the movie theater? Would it make an impression? It’s certainly more entertaining than a print ad. By the way, in my google search, I came across trailers for genres other than romantic fiction. Graphic novels, hardcore suspense… Something tells me this isn’t a passing fad. Instead, I think this marketing venue (like music videos) will evolve and explode. What are your thoughts on book trailers?

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My nine-year-old niece recently made some adoring comments regarding my duel careers as a professional entertainer and published author. I smiled and responded, “It’s not all that glamorous.”

Her eyes rounded. “I think it is. Don’t you know how lucky you are?”

“I didn’t mean to imply I’m not fortunate,” I back-peddled, fearing I sounded ungracious when I was only being honest. Honestly, I love my life, with its marvelous highs and sometimes heart-crunching lows. I just don’t think it’s all that glamorous. Then again, I’m looking at my life from behind the scenes. My niece views my chosen careers through the eyes of a fan.

She focuses on how I dress in cool clothes and sing and dance on stage, how people watch and applaud. I obsess about lack of rehearsal time, inferior monitor systems, and my advancing age in a youth-centered industry.

She marvels that my books are at Borders, my latest release made the cover of Affaire de Coeur, and that my picture’s in this month’s Romantic Times BOOKclub. I worry about impending promotional mailings, outstanding contracts, upcoming reviews, and the research I need to do for my work-in-progress.

My niece isn’t privy to the rehearsals and rewrites, auditions, submissions, rejections, and politics. She only sees the end result. The performance. The novel. The awards and accolades. My name has been on marquees and book covers. My face is in magazines and all over the Internet. In her eyes, I’m a star. And the life of a star is glamorous.

I put myself in my niece’s shoes and instantly saw her point. Before I knew the ins and outs of entertainment and publishing, I thought the lives of the people who dwelled in these worlds were indeed charmed. The less I knew about a favorite celebrity the more I was intrigued. I admired their work, so I admired them as people. Authors were particularly fascinating to me because I knew next to nothing about their private lives. I considered myself fortunate if the publisher printed a head shot and a short bio on the book jacket. Lucky if a trade magazine ran a lifestyle article on my favorite scribe. Before the Internet, there was an aura of mystery and glamour surrounding authors.

Now we have websites and blogs.

Many authors (myself included) are quite forthcoming about the details of their lives. You don’t have to wonder what I do with my days… I tell you. Although, I don’t air extremely personal matters—not my style—I’ve seen others do so. Many (myself included) make it clear that publishing is a tough business, and often treat readers to an inside gritty look at our process. So much for the aura of mystery and glamour.

My niece’s innocent comments about fame had me spinning the pros and cons of authors participating heavily at message boards or maintaining candid blogs. Are authors in danger of overexposure or alienating fans by airing their personal views on sex, religion or politics? It happens in entertainment all the time. I know people who burned out on the ‘Bennifer’ media frenzy and therefore avoid any movie starring Affleck or Lopez. I have relatives who now boycott a jazz legend that they loved and supported for years because he recently voiced political views that differ from their own. Tom Cruise’s popularity has taken a bit of a hit since he spouted his views on psychiatry and antidepressants during an interview with NBC ‘Today Show’ host Matt Lauer. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and, in this country, free to share their views. But is it always smart PR? Many people find it difficult to separate an artist’s work from the artist. If you don’t like an artist because he/she has offended you in some way, you are less likely to support that artist’s work. I don’t care how talented they are. It’s human nature.

I can’t get this topic off of my mind—thank you, niece—so I decided to ask the readers here at RTB. Have you ever been so turned off by an author’s personal views that you refuse to buy their books? What intrigues you most? An author who teases you with tidbits of their life? Or an author who bares all? Are authors, like Hollywood celebrities, risking overexposure and alienation?

“It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and then they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved.” –W. Somerset Maugham

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I’m not a shopaholic, but I confess I have a weakness for shoes and purses. Can’t own enough of them. When I saw a colorful purse emblazoned with the slogan ‘Nice Girls Finish First’, it fell into the ‘must have’ category. You know—want, need, MUST HAVE! That slogan made me smile. It made me pump my fist in the air and shout, “Go, nice girls!” Why? Because I’m a nice girl, and, believe it or not, I’ve achieved some pretty amazing accomplishments in my life, including realizing my publishing dream and snagging my real-life hero, by remaining true to my nice girl self.

These days, kick-ass heroines are all the rage—strong women with attitude. Not just in romantic fiction, but everywhere. It’s hip to have a snarky edge. It’s fashionable to stand fearless in the presence of danger. Ms. Popular is the confident heroine who kicks evil-doer ass.

Don’t get me wrong. I like reading books that feature kick-ass heroines. I even wrote one. She’s featured in my latest release and I had a blast living in her lethal high-heels for an adventurous few months. But typically I like to read stories that feature women like me. Polite women. Shy women. Women who never think of that witty comeback until it’s too late to be effective. Women who don’t know how to change a flat tire, but try. I don’t need a man to survive, but I surely like having my man around. The thought of him rushing to rescue me from the bad guys makes my romantic heart flutter.

There. I said it. I’m seduced by the idea of a man defending my honor and guarding my safety. It’s chivalrous and, yes, darnit, sexy! I’m unfashionably old-fashioned. Can I defend my own honor? Extract myself from a dicey situation? Yes. I can and I have. Nice girl does not equal weak girl. Nice girls can, and do, finish first.

Thankfully there are authors out there who still celebrate this kind of heroine. Julie Garwood is a prime example. I could name several other authors who feature nice-girl heroines, as those are the books that make up the bulk of my ‘keeper’ shelves, but just now I’ll focus on my newest discovery: Rexanne Becnel. I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of ‘Old Boyfriends’, a Harlequin NEXT, set for release August 2005. This story features three heroines, two of whom I’d describe as ‘nice girls’. They suffer the same or similar insecurities, fears, and physical limitations as me. I could totally identify with these women who struggled to overcome emotional and physical issues. I cheered as they pursued true happiness and love through inner strength and perseverance.

That’s the thing about us nice girls. We may look like pushovers, but we’re not. We possess a fierce inner strength. We don’t slice and dice our opponents with sharp words—until they attack a friend or family member, or otherwise push us to our emotional limit, and then WATCH OUT. If a villain attacks, we may not possess a gun or martial arts training, but we’ll find a way to defend ourselves and loved ones, even if it means beaning the bad guy with a frying pan. Like I said: Nice girl does not equal weak girl.

That said, many of us go out of our way to avoid confrontation, and that includes publicly admitting that we indulge in the occasional rescue fantasy. So I figured I’d pipe up for the quiet few (or many). I, for one, will never tire of the Cinderella story, as long as it’s told in a fresh, compelling way. Bring on the social misfits, the damsels in distress. Give me a gallant knight or a chivalrous Navy Seal. The thrill factor for me in these slightly out-of-fashion tales is when the kitten transforms into the lioness. When, to the alpha hero’s horror, the heroine aids in her own escape by outwitting the villain with words or that deadly frying pan. Go, woman, go! I want a heroine I can relate to, a heroine to root for. A heroine who surprises the hell out of everybody in a crisis situation. These women exist and they’re every bit as admirable as Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Sidney Bristow of ‘Alias’.

I’m on the lookout for a new purse with a new slogan. Nice girls kick butt too!

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Is your TBR pile out of control? Too many books, too little time? My local bookseller and I recently lamented this problem. She mentioned an alternative I had all but forgotten. Audio books. She listens to recorded, preferably unabridged, versions of her favorite romance authors’ stories on her hour commute to and from work.

Now I know audio books exist. Eons ago, I rented a cassette of a Julie Garwood book from my library and listened to it, as my bookseller does, while driving to and fro. I remember enjoying the experience, but it’s not something I kept up with. Maybe it’s because the library had a limited selection of audio books, or because I had to go out of my way to pick it up and return it. More likely, it’s because, if I have a choice, I’d rather read a book than listen to one. That said, my TBR pile is out of control. Though there are stories I’m dying to devour, more than ever, I have less time to read. Inspired by my bookseller, I decided to research audio books.

Apparently, I live in the dark ages. I had no idea that audio books are the fastest growing segment in the publishing industry. Audio books are available on cassette, CD, and can also be downloaded onto your computer or MP3 player. Most conventional libraries offer audio books, but selections are often limited. Internet companies such as audible.com, booksontape.com, and recordedbooks.com offer thousands of titles for purchase or rental. I found the rental aspect intriguing, although from an author’s standpoint, this can’t be good for sales. Or can it? (Another topic to explore.)

Recorded Books Unlimited handles audio book rentals much like Netflix handles film (DVD) rentals. For a monthly fee, you can rent as many audio books as you wish, although you can only have a total of three in your possession at a time. You make your selections on-line and they mail the CD to you as well as a pre-stamped envelope in which to return. Pretty enticing if you’re really into audio books.

Again, I’d rather read than listen, but I do see the allure. You can enjoy the recorded version of an old favorite or the latest release while you’re walking, exercising at the gym, running errands or driving to work. And what about during tasks like laundry and ironing or hobbies such as gardening and painting?

According to industry and news reports, book sales in this country are down. I find this disturbing for many reasons. Perhaps that’s why I was so jazzed to learn about the popularity of audio books. Though people are reading less, they’re still engrossed with the magic of storytelling. They’re still allowing authors, and their characters, to carry them away to a fictional world with words. Though not my medium of choice, I have to consider the power of audio books.

Where do you stand on audio books? Do you love them? Hate them? How do you see them fitting into the future of publishing?

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I’m an ageless romantic trapped in a forty-something year old body. Yes, I inhale stories of first love, young love, Generation-X love. But every now and then I get the itch to read about women my own age or thereabouts. Women with grown children, or almost grown children or no children. Women who never married, or married and lost a husband to an accident, illness or another woman. Women convinced they’re doomed to spend the rest of their lives alone, or think that they prefer to because they’re bitter or . . . happy. Women who meet the most unlikely man at the most unexpected time and BAM!—fall in love . . . again.

On the reading front, I got a real kick out Jennifer Crusie’s “Fast Women”, a story that featured a slightly older hero and heroine. I could totally relate. Hollywood offered up a couple of recent film favorites. “Under The Tuscan Sun” and “Something’s Gotta Give” both toyed with the older woman/younger man angle. The latter proved that falling in love can be just as exciting and HOT in your sixties as it was in your twenties. Somehow, I found that inspiring, not to mention heartwarming.

On a whim, I searched the Internet for “older heroines of romance”. As far as trends go, older heroines seem to be getting a second chance/life.

In July, Harlequin is launching NEXT. According to eharlequin.com these books “…feature women facing a wide variety of life stages: from that first baby at 45 to the first date after divorce or widowhood; from that first day of college – accompanied by your freshman daughter! – to dealing with three generations living in the same house.” However in these novels “…romance is a piece of the pie, rather than the whole one.” Okay. I’ve been warned. These won’t be traditional romances, but at least I’ll get a hint of romance, right? I’ll definitely check these out.

My search for older heroines continued. I came upon Hen Lit and Mommy Lit. Almost every major publisher offered some form of mature Chick Lit. I scanned titles and blurbs. “Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons” by Lorna Ladvick. The title cracked me up, but I didn’t see mention of romance in the blurb. “Julie and Romeo” by Jeanne Ray. Cute title. Definite romance mentioned. “Flip-Flopped” by Jill Smolinski. One reviewer said, “…if you are of an age to have any lingering romantic memories about Davy Jones of the Monkees, you will love it.” Raising hand. That would be me.

All right. I’m intrigued. But . . . okay, I’ll admit it. I don’t read Chick Lit. I’ve never tried Hen Lit or Mommy Lit. Even if the blurbs mention a romance, are these books going to feature heroes and heroines as I know and love them? Am I going to get my thigh-sweating sexual tension? I know I’m not guaranteed my happily-ever-after.

What’s a HEA addicted middle-aged woman to do? Firstly, I can start by asking fellow romance readers for recommendations. Have you read a good romance lately featuring an older heroine? Do tell. Secondly, I can broaden my horizons and give Hen Lit a whirl.

So, where do you stand on older heroines, and heroes for that matter, and the publishing industry’s current offerings?

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I don’t watch soap operas. I used to. Avidly. I knew every character. Who they slept with, pined for, or vowed to see in hell. I understood their individual plights as well as the interconnecting relationships. I was/am in awe of the writers who juggle several sub-plots, weaving them into a one-hour adventure. To be continued the next day.

I’ve noticed a similar trend in romantic fiction. (Speaking single-title here since that’s what I primarily read.) Multiple heroes and heroines. Multiple love stories. Interconnecting relationships and sub-plots weaving into one adventure. And, if part of a series, to be continued in the next book.

Pulp Soap Opera.

Mostly, I’m hooked. In ‘Fast Women’, Jennifer Crusie wooed me with Gabe and Nell, and Suze and Riley, and heck for a nano-second, Nell and Suze! I also got a kick out of Jase and Lu, and Chloe. Oh, and poor Margie and that bastard Jack. Crusie introduced a lot of characters, but each one had a distinct personality and strong purpose to the overall story. The large cast and multiple points of view didn’t detract from the central romance. They enhanced.

Another example of stellar ensemble writing is Suzanne Brockmann’s ‘Out Of Control’. I found the romance between Molly and Jones as intriguing as the romance between the primary hero and heroine, Ken and Savannah. Then there were the sub-plots involving Jules, Max, Alyssa, and Sam—recurring characters of the series. All of the characters and storylines meshed beautifully into one compelling book.

Multiple love stories are not restricted to contemporaries. I recently read Lisa Kleypas’s ‘Again the Magic’, set in England, mid 1800s. I was equally fascinated with the central and secondary romances. Why? Because Livia and Shaw were as complex and interesting as Aline and John.

There it is, the key element, in my opinion, to writing satisfying romantic fiction involving sub-plots and multiple points-of-view. The secondary characters need to be as interesting as the primary hero and heroine. If you want me to root for these people, if you don’t want me to skim, then make me care. Deliver rich, well-rounded characters. If they’re nasty, I want to know why. If they’re traumatized or intent on saving the world, provide a little insight please.

Although I’m mostly hooked on ‘big’ romance, there is the occasional miss. I recently read a book that featured four evolving romances and a boatload of recurring characters. I felt cheated because I didn’t get to spend enough time with any one of the couples. Just when things heated up, the story cut to another personal drama. In addition, several minor characters were no more than cardboard cutouts. They did not enhance. They detracted.

I’m not casting stones. I just wrote my own pulp soap opera, and it wasn’t easy. Hats off to writers who do it, and do it well. As far as trends go, multiple love stories seem to be the current rage. Are you hooked?

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My name is Beth Ciotta and I’m a textbook goody-two-shoes. I don’t break rules because I always get caught. I say no to drugs. I don’t smoke and I don’t swear. I’m addicted to happily-ever-afters. I’m partial to alpha-males and waif or spunky-kid heroines.

But that’s me.

If my books were populated solely with characters like ‘me’ they’d be darned boring, definitely unrealistic. My friends and associates are colorful people. Real people. People who have vices, quirks and faults. People involved in straight relationships, alternative relationships, and no relationships. People, men and women, whose conversations are peppered liberally with the “F” word. Did I just push some buttons?

I grew up in small-town, Indiana. Men tempered their language around women. Women, at least the ones I grew up with, never said the ‘F’ word. Then I moved to a more urban area of New Jersey. Talk about culture shock. At first I was offended by the excessive swearing, now I’m numb to it. Mostly. It depends on who’s doing the swearing. I feel the same way about characters in film or novels.

I’ve already established that I’m a goody-two-shoes. Yet I’m a fan of several HBO series—all graphic. Let’s talk ‘Six Feet Under’. Quirky and clever. Great characters. The language is often vulgar. It didn’t bother me at first. Most of these characters were edgy and young. They live in a big city. I totally bought that they would talk this way. The writer lost me in the episode where he had the conservative mother say F***. It didn’t ring true. It turned me off and made me conscious of how many times that word was uttered per episode. I stopped counting once at twenty and I wasn’t even midway through the program. It wasn’t the word that offended me, but the overuse…misuse.

Do I sound like a prude? I’m not. I adore Suzanne Brockmann’s Navy Seal single-title series. Those stories are filled with raw language. It doesn’t faze me. The author is being true to her characters. Those people in those situations would absolutely talk like that. To me, it’s not offensive, it’s real life.

When researching and creating my own contemporary trilogy, I paid special attention to the characters’ roots and influences. As a result there is swearing, when appropriate. Smoking and drinking, when appropriate. If you’re turned off by alternative relationships, beware I have recurring gay characters. Not because it’s trendy or shocking. Nor was I trying to make a statement. But because it was appropriate to my fictional world. It’s not my intention to offend anyone, but I am passionate about delivering a heartfelt story with genuine characters. Sometimes I’m gritty, sometimes I’m sweet. Hopefully, I’m always real.

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