Catch My Interview

Hi everyone,

The author Marina Neary interviewed me on her blog this week.

Check out our short Q&A session here: http://ctcommie.blogspot.com/2015/03/new-trends-in-romance-publishing.html

What is Romance?

Is romance the dinners, flowers, and small gifts you receive from your special someone or is it something more?

The definition of romance from www.urbandictionary.com:

Romance: True romance is doing something special or unexpected for someone you love, even though you don't have to. Romance isn't a greeting card, it isn't Valentine's Day, it isn't a box of chocolates, and it certainly isn't a dozen roses (unless you like that sort of thing). Real romance is not what modern society had been taught to think it is. Real romance isn't manufactured. It is completely individual. Romance is for showing the person you love that you're thinking about them. It shouldn't feel forced. There are no limits to romance; it can be shown by a handwritten note, by going for a walk, or even by making someone a sandwich. Romance is something simple and sweet that reminds your partner why they fell in love with you in the first place.

From www.merriam-webster.com:

Romance: to have or try to have a romantic relationship with (someone)

               : to give special attention to (someone) in order to get something that you want from that person

               : to talk about something in a way that makes it seem better than it really is

              

From www.dictionary.reference.com:

Romance: a romantic spirit, sentiment, emotion, or desire.

               : romantic character or quality

               : a romantic affair or experience; a love affair.  

   It appears Merriam-Webster believes romance is material things and fantasy. Do you believe that definition or are you in the group that believes romance is the feeling behind those material things?

   I’ve gathered some opinions from several people. A few authors, editors and readers shared their ideas of romance.

   Let’s see what everyone had to say and decide if their opinions are so different from one another.

Opinions: 

1. Romance is a complex word. It can be used in so many ways, but it's one of those words that never seems to be used negatively. There is a lot of emotion in that word. If you point at two people and say, "They're in love," it doesn't have as much impact or draw as much interest as if you were to say, "They're having a romance."

   That one word represents so much, love, respect, attraction, passion and many other things. It's more than just a word. I would rather spend a romantic getaway with a woman instead of just going away with someone I love. I've heard people ask couples who have been married for a long time if there is still romance in their lives. Of course they love each other, but is there romance? It's one of those words I could write thousands of words about. ~ Robert (Author)

2. Romance to me…that first spark of something familiar attracting that special someone, the excitement of it, but then also getting to know that person. Seeing what clicks and what may need work, but also compromising to make not only that person happy and feel loved but to have that person want to do the same for you. It’s about the journey individuals take to becoming more, something greater than what they started out as. Sometimes this journey lasts a lifetime, sometimes a very short period, but I like to believe we all learn something from our time spent with that someone else.  ~ Steph (Editor)

3. To me romance is the perfect blending of physical and emotional chemistry. Something we all have experienced at one time or another. Often, the heat burns out quickly, but in true romance, the emotional and intellectual chemistry is strong enough to pull the couple through trying times and tests to their commitment. The physical chemistry is the glue that bonds the couple together, making the perfect blend that we know as romance.

   That's why I write and what I have experienced at various times in my life. When everything comes together, it's heady—like the greatest high no drug can duplicate. Even if it burns out quickly, for the time that it was skyrocketing, that memory stays with your forever.  ~ Jean (Author)

4. Thank you for including me, Ariana. I'm the old fashioned type of romantic, I believe in calling her on the phone, no texts messages, holding doors open, sending her little love notes, bringing her flowers; the whole nine yards. I also believe in getting to know her. What her likes and dislikes are and supporting her however I can.

   True romance is when two people can't live without each other, and still respect each other's boundaries. You give each other the space they require and accept them for who and what they are, and they you. ~Bob (Author) 

5. My opinion on Romance: I believe every relationship should have romance in it. Romance keeps the passion alive between the people involved. It shows the other person in the relationship how much you care and how much you feel for them. Romance will make a person's heart beat faster, their breathing come faster and it will make them feel loved and cherished. Romance is a wonderful thing to have in a relationship. ~ Chastity (Reader) 

6. The struggle toward the happy ending. The chemistry between the main characters. I know we all love a happy ending, but I love it when they have to work for it. When it's not always rainbows and sunshine, but the fight to get their happily ever after. A fight to get their forever kind of love. To fight for the love they have for each other. That's what the definition of romance is in my eyes. ~Katie (Reader)

   So, are people’s opinions really that different? The people describing their ideas of romance may word things differently, but the romance they describe is the same—an emotional connection that surpasses any physical attachment.

   I have heard stories of people who believe receiving things from significant others occasionally is their idea of romance. Maybe that is romance to them, but to the people who helped with this blog, and to me, romance isn’t material objects. The romance lies in the meaning behind those gifts, especially when they are “just because.”

   What is romance to you? 

Part 2 with Arnold Greenberg (J.E. Wiseman)

Hello everyone, here is the second half of Arnold's question and answer session.

1. Who inspired you to write?  

                

No one inspired me to write. I received no encouragement or support from my parents or teachers. The word inspired means, “in spirited.” What does it mean to be “inspired? Where do poems and stories come from? I wonder if I was born to be a writer because it became what I found myself naturally doing. Inspiration to me is a mysterious force that compels me to write poetry and stories. I feel blessed. It's what I do.

2.  What’s your dream vacation spot?

                

I have always wanted to live on a Greek Island and several years ago was able to take a three week workshop on Spetes where we wrote every day and studied the Odyssey.  I'm also drawn to Costa Rica.

3.   Where did the inspiration for your latest book come from?

                

My last book, “The Blue Guitar” was inspired by the Orpheus-Eurydice legend. I was also fascinated by how Orrin, the central character is drawn to the blue guitar he accidently sees in the window of a music store. He finds himself wanting to learn how to play it.  It was an incident that changed his life and I am fascinated by how things happen and often wonder--is it random or destiny? It reminds me of how I started writing. Anyway, I wanted to tell a contemporary version of the Orpheus legend and explore how a sudden decision becomes his life's passion.

               

I just finished writing a novella titled, “The Drifter” but it's not published yet.  It's like a “road movie” with the two central characters, who are lovers, on the run and meeting  lots of fascinating characters. The female character, Carla is wanting to escape her repressive environment and takes off with a drifter.

4.  Have you always written romance or do you have other genres published as well?

                

I started writing romance stories several years ago and now have thirteen books under the name J.E. Wiseman. I know most romance writers and readers are women, but I like writing about relationships from the male and female point of view. What is more important than love and sex and I like exploring interesting and complex relationships. I also have several books published under my real name, Arnold Greenberg. I have a trilogy based on the Atlantis legend. Again, I can't explain what inspired me to write about Atlantis. I started doing a lot of research and wrote each of the novels for my children. “Twins of Atlantis” was written for my twin sons when they were nine. I wrote a chapter every morning then read it to them that night at bed time. “Daughters of Atlas” was written for my daughter and “Children of the Dream” was written for my oldest son. I wrote a novel called “Spam” about a man who turns his suburban property into a small farm which outrages his neighbors who want lawns. I have a novel about the Quakers and the American Revolution title, “Revolution and the Journal of Joshua Johnson—A Ghost Story.” I have a collection of nine short stories title, “Rainbows End” and have finished the first draft of a novel titled “Chaordia—A Novel of Transformation.” I'm eager to get to work on refining that book. The word Chaordia is a combination of the words chaos and order. It's about climate change and suggests the Phoenix rising out of the ashes. All of my Arnold Greenberg e-books are available on Amazon.

5.  What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

                

Laughs. Now that's a good question. My favorite flavor ice cream is Mint Chocolate, but I also like Vanilla Fudge.

I'd like to thank Arnold Greenberg for taking the time to chat with us, and wish him much success. I hope you'll enjoy his work.

Available today at:  Secret Cravings Publishing

The Blue Guitar is a contemporary love story based on the Orpheus-Eurydice legend and tells how Orrin, a shy janitor in an office building, has a crush on Emily, a personal assistant in a law firm. He knows if she could hear his music, she would fall in love with him. 

Orrin discovered the blue guitar in a music store when he was twelve and was mysteriously drawn to it and was taught to play classical guitar by the man who made it and knew Orrin was meant to have it. 

One night, Emily comes to the cafe where Orrin plays background music and she is captivated by the beauty of his playing. He now has the love of his life, but his happiness is suddenly taken when Emily is hit by a drunk driver. While she is in a coma, he plays his guitar, hoping to bring her out with his music, but is forced to stop because of the disturbance he is creating. When he returns, she is gone from his life. 

Though broken hearted,the poignant story ends with Orrin playing his beautiful music that inspires others to fall in love and brings the possibility of a new love to his life. 

Welcome author Arnold Greenberg, who also writes under the pseudonym J.E. Wiseman

The wonderful author Arnold Greenberg (J.E. Wiseman) has agreed to give us a little peek into who he is and some of the things he enjoys. The picture posted here is where Arnold spends his time writing. I don't know about you, but I would love to have such a beautiful, secluded spot to put pen to paper.

Now I'll let Arnold tell you a little bit about himself.

1. When did you realize you wanted to be an   

author?

              

I grew up in a house without books and remember my parents never read to me; however, for some reason, I started writing poetry when I was nine and liked trying to express myself. I started writing stories when I was about thirteen. I found myself writing a lot of poetry and then one day when I was twenty-one realized I must be a poet.  It just came to me and I decided if I'm a poet, I want to be a master. So I studied the craft of poetry by reading a lot and practicing different forms. It's a mystery to me how I became a writer when there was nothing in my growing up to influence me. I just suddenly found myself wanting to write poetry and stories.  

2. What was the last movie you watched, and did you enjoy it?

I love movies. The last movie I watched was Woody Allen's “Annie Hall.”  I hadn't seen it in years and thoroughly enjoyed it. I mostly watch foreign movies and enjoy the slower, more detailed way they tell a story. It's interesting, when I'm writing a story I feel like I'm watching a movie.  

3. How do you get your story ideas? Do you people watch or do the ideas come to you at odd times?   

             

I do people watch and often wonder what their story is, but most of my ideas just pop into my head and unfold. I just start writing with little or no idea where I am going or what's going to happen. It's a fascinating process. The characters and story take on a life of their own. Once I have the first draft of the book, I go back and edit, refine, develop and it goes through several drafts. It's hard work. I'm glad I have a wonderful editor who helps enhance my writing.

4. What do you like to read in your free time? Your genre only or do your tastes vary?

              

I love reading The New Yorker.  It comes weekly and is filled with great articles and often a good short story. I love reading biographies and just finished a wonderful biography about Albert Einstein. I like doing research for my books. 

5. How do you eat your popcorn, buttered to the hilt or plain?

I don't butter my popcorn. I like spicy food and usually use Tabasco sauce on my popcorn. Sometimes I sprinkle a little salt or garlic powder on it.

There are more questions and answers to come, stay tuned for more about Arnold Greenberg (J.E. Wiseman). While you're waiting please check out his book Max and Rosie available at:

Secret Cravings Publishing

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

This is a wonderful story about love, loss, and finding love again.

For thirty-seven years, Max has been a devoted, loving husband. When Rosie is dying of Alzheimer's, he has been her primary caregiver until he agrees to his daughter Leah's insistence that they hire a live-in nurse. Robin is not only a competent nurse, she is also beautiful and sexy and Max finds himself increasingly desiring her and feeling guilty. He doesn't want to betray his marriage vows. Robin also finds herself falling in love with Max, but she is also resisting letting anything happen. Even though, Rosie no longer recognizes Max, he remains devoted to her, even though he desires Robin. When she dies, Robin's job as a nurse is over. He is dreading her leaving.  While Max is watching her reluctantly packing, he doesn't know how to prevent the inevitable until something amazing happens that changes both of their lives. 

        

Farmers' Markets

I went to a wonderful farmers' market yesterday in a neighboring town. There were so many homemade products and home grown fruit and vegetables, along with several booths of farm raised beef and pork.  I'd forgotten how much I loved going to the farmers markets until yesterday.

Unfortunately, it was not the place to be for someone trying to stick to a diet. I brought home some vegetables and fruit, but the majority of my purchases were baked goods. Lemon and Raspberry muffins with crumb topping, a peach pie, a blackberry cream scone and let's not forget the chocolate creamed raw honey. I dislike honey, but the lady running the booth had samples. My curiosity got the better of me and I was forced to try it. It was a unique taste and, yes, I broke down and bought some. 

If you've never been to a farmers' market, please find one close to you and take a little time to explore. You never know what you'll find or what will make you change your mind on the things you like and don't like. 

Excerpt from Face to Face

FACE TO FACE
By Ariana Gaynor
Copyright © 2014
Excerpt

   “Dan, you need to move your hand.”
   He pawed at her as soon as they got around the corner of the building, into the shadows. “Stop it, Dan. Go home. This isn’t happening, not tonight, not ever. Am I being clear enough for you?”
   She heard people leaving the bar next-door and hoped the interruption would make Dan give up. Apparently, he wasn’t bothered by the possibility of being caught assaulting someone. He continued to push her, trying to get under her jacket.
   “You don’t mean that, doll. We clicked, didn’t we? We just need some privacy to get to know each other better.”
   She pushed at him, trying to shove him away. “Knock it off, you asshole. I said no, and that’s what I meant.”
   “Hey, buddy, the lady said no. Back off!”
   The deep voice booming from behind Dan was all too familiar. Oh shit! Just the person I didn’t want to run into. Jess had to think fast, she had to find a way to get out of the situation unseen.
   “Mind your own business!”
   “The lady said no, you need to move on, or I’ll make you move on.”
   “Buddy, you need to leave us alone. We don’t need you butting in where you aren’t wanted.”
   “I think we need to let the lady decide what she wants. Ma’am, now’s the time to leave if you’re going to.”
   Ash walked toward them, and Dan dropped his hold. Jess took advantage of Ash’s interference and backed a few steps deeper into the shadows—hoping Ash couldn’t see her.
   Keeping her voice a little gruff, she hoped he wouldn’t realize who she was. “Thanks, mister.” She took off for her car as fast as she could without running. She had to get away in case
   Ash walked to the back of the lot to make sure she got to her car, which is something she knew he would do.
   Ash’s voice carried across the parking lot. “You better get out of here, before someone calls the cops. Don’t try to follow her either. I’ll be waiting for you to leave.”
   “I’m going, asshole. The bitch isn’t worth my time anyway.” Dan stormed off to his car, gunned the motor as he started the engine then quickly tore out of the lot.
   Jess tried to get her hands to still so she could get the key in the ignition of her vehicle. They weren’t cooperating. “Shit, come on, get yourself together. If he sees you, tonight is only going to get worse.” Talking to herself seemed to work. She slid the key into the slot, turned it smoothly, and the motor started immediately.   With a quick look in her mirrors, she put the car in reverse.
   Bam! The sudden stop confused her at first. Looking into her rearview mirror again, she saw the rear end of a truck illuminated in the red glare of her taillights. “Where did he come from?” There hadn’t been anyone behind her when she put her car in gear.
   “Perfect!” She dropped her head to the steering wheel. “This is just wonderful. What else can go wrong?”
   Tap, tap, tap. “Ma’am, are you okay?”
   Oh my God, there is what else can go wrong

Is Your Story Bloated?

Does the information and detail in your story move the plot along? If not your story is likely bloated.

The detail should be relevant to your characters and plot. Your readers don’t need or want two pages of description on what your characters are wearing and how the décor is cluttered groupings of antiques.

The readers don’t need to know the bus driver in your book is named George, that he’s married to Lois, and she is his first and only true love. None of that information moves your story along. He’s just the bus driver that takes your character from one side of the city to the other.

Slip vital information in throughout your story. You want to keep the pace flowing smoothly, don’t let it stagnate with large chunks of detail shoved in the beginning or middle of your story. Make sure the information you do include provides the readers with an idea of time and location, and furthers your character growth and the plot.