Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Joan Kayse Brings the Coliseum to the Ship!
*Bosun fumbles onto the deck* What day is it? Wednesday?? But where did Monday and Tuesday go?! You'd never know I own several calendars. Enough about my cluster of a memory, today we are proud to present a Bandita making her debut walk across our haloed decks. (Yes, I typed that with a straight face.) Bringing you Romances the likes of which you will find nowhere else, I give you the phenom herself, Joan Kayse!
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History shows heroes like Damon in every time period
and so it was with ancient Rome. It’s not all gladiators (though Bran, hero of Barbarian’s
Soul, deals with the aftermath of such) but everyday
people, caught in intrigue, passion, societal walls that dare not be
breached. There are lives and loves to
explore and there was no better place than Rome.
Ahoy Bo’sun, Hellion, QC and all the other fearsome
pirates aboard this ship! Thanks for having me today!
I have a confession to make.
I’m in a long term relationship.
Ok, for all those who know me, whose mouths just
dropped open, calm yourselves. Many of
you have already met him, some of you have heard of him and the rest will, I
hope, rush to see who it is. The mystery man?
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Damon, my hero from THEPATRICIAN’S FORTUNE.
I fell in love with this irreverent, proud, soulful
and wounded man several years ago. I had NO idea he existed until I was half
way through chapter one of my first Roman historical, THE PATRICIAN. Yep, right
there less than 100 pages in, strolled ex-slave, Senatorial spy Damon Primax.
Many of us writers have had this experience. We’re
traveling along either well plotted out or by the seat of our pants when
something, or in this case some ONE, pops up and demands to be heard. This was
the case with Damon. He shows up just as Jared, his ex-master needs help
figuring out who has been stealing from him. He challenges his stoic friend
with his casual, blunt and sharp observations all of which he hides behind a
carefree façade that hides a deeper pain.
Damon’s modus
operandi is to hide his true feelings, bury the hurt and betrayal that has
marked most of his life. Sold as a child to pay his father’s gambling debts,
separated from his family, his spirit and pride challenged by servitude, his
determination to find his mother and sisters all drive him to purpose. His
needs come last and he works hard at convincing everyone, including himself,
that that’s just as he likes it.
Until Julia Manulus comes along. Now he’s out of his
league and out of his…pardon the modern term…comfort zone. He tries to convince
himself he acts only to keep her safe and find out vital information he needs
to clear his name. But all too soon he realizes she’s a greater danger to him
than any of his clandestine affairs.
Walls built round a heart prove not to be as sturdy
as he thought.
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History shows heroes like Damon in every time period
and so it was with ancient Rome. It’s not all gladiators (though Bran, hero of Barbarian’s
Soul, deals with the aftermath of such) but everyday
people, caught in intrigue, passion, societal walls that dare not be
breached. There are lives and loves to
explore and there was no better place than Rome.
So what about you? If you’re a writer, have you ever
had surprise characters stroll into your story? As readers, what secondary
character jumped out at you? What are your favorite types of heroes? A lucky
commenter will receive a copy of THE PATRICIAN and THE
PATRICIAN’S FORTUNE.
Now excuse me. Three children just showed up at Bran
the ex-gladiator’s door….and they aren’t selling Girl Scout cookies :0
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59 comments:
Welcome aboard, Joan!!
I have had a couple of surprise characters. This past story, the bad guy came forward. I wasn't planning there to be a "bad guy," but it seemed like I couldn't really avoid it. :(
This story, there's a girl named Kitty who can read minds. Her position wasn't a surprise, but some of her religious feelings were.
These stories sound wonderful! Thanks for coming by!
If anyone ever says, "I wish there were historicals out there that aren't just young debutantes floating around English ballrooms," I point out these books. We SO need this kind of fun variety in the world of Romance.
I often have characters just show up. With my first MS, I was about 100 pages in, writing an only child heroine, when her sister walked onto the page. So much for being an only child. And that sister happened to be a hard-edged alcoholic.
Totally didn't see that coming. Hope to write her story someday, but since her sister's story will likely remain under my bed, hers will take some finagling.
And now I want Girl Scout cookies.
Hi Marnee! Thanks for the welcome! I hear there are monkeys around though. Not flying ones I hope...I hate flying monkeys.
Her position came as a surprise? Wow! That's some hero LOL
Oh, boy, Joanie, does this ever happen to me! Sometimes I think I flail through the first book of any given trilogy I'm hatching just to get to the really interesting people who turn up halfway through.
And I am totally looking forward to Damon's story! I fell a little in love with him during the Patrician as well....
I do love a hero who is an ordinary guy rendered heroic by strength of character and circumstances. Congratulations on releasing another Roman hero's story, Joan.
Actually I have favorite heroes of many different types. I love the variety. So long as they are wholly human with integrity, intelligence, and preferably a sense of humor, I'm ready to fall in love.
Gosh, Terri. Not only a surprise character but one with a history! It would take a strong hero to deal with that!
LOL on the GS cookies. I am a total ADDICT for the Lemon Savannah Smiles! I even created a network of "dealers" for me while they were selling. Sigh...all gone now. S
Oh, and thanks for the recommends! I love story is a love story, is a love story IMHO....the different settings just adds dimension. And really? The Romans lived with Venus, the goddess of love. (THUNDER) Oh, and of course the Goddess Sangria.
Yes, I have secondary characters who stroll into my WIP and steal the spotlight. Lucifer is huge in doing that. What a ham. Besides secondary characters get all the best lines that main characters aren't allowed to say. *LOL*
Secondary characters in books? Julie Garwood's GUARDIAN ANGEL, when you meet her pirate uncle. *LOL* OMG, he's a character. And in Eloisa James' books, the Earl of Mayne was a secondary character long before he was a hero and he stole every scene he was in without trying.
Damon's the kind of hero I adore...the one who covers up his vulnerability with wit. *swoons*
Her hero showed up already, Joan. He's a cop. Bad girl looking for redemption in a small town. Good guy cop to the core. Could be interesting, if I ever get around to writing it.
Now I want cookies AND Sangria. LOL! But really? I skipped breakfast so I'd take anything right now. And I didn't get a single cookie this year. You mean they're not selling them anymore? I need to see if my contacts might still have some.
Did someone say Girl Scout Cookies? My favorite is Thin Mints. But since we are also discussing Roman heroes, I have to say Joan has two of the hottest in her stories. Great Post, Joan!!
My jaw did drop for just a second, then of course you spilled the beans about Damon? Who wouldn't want a hero like that?
I love all sorts of heroes, but particularly the ones who are really good at heart, not utterly terrible and then get "redeemed" by the heroine. They may have a dark side, but you can tell from the beginning that they want to help more than hurt.
My surprise guy was Jayden, who became one corner of the love triangle in my first book, A Ranger's Tale. I felt so bad for him by the end, he ended up starring in Serenya's Song. And by golly, if he hasn't made cameo appearances in the third book, Hearts in Exile.
I just hope he never comes to life, or he'll hunt me down and chop off my head for the abuse I've inflicted on him :)
I've already bought your first book, so here's hoping I win the second!! ~Mysti
Susan!!! (Waves madly)Damon is my kind of guy. I swear, his energy just about overwhelmed The Patrician in the early stages. I had to rein him in...tight....:D It's amazing what a Roman spy will do for a Thin Mint :D
I am so with you Janga! A sense of humor is a must....with just enough temper and fire to sweep you off your feet to a hot Roman bath where he feeds you.....ahem.....Samoas...and then...and then......
Hi Hellion! Oh, yes swoon indeed. Those nonchalant, devil may care guys? Pfft...perfect challenge for the right heroine to peel back the layers.
One of my favorite secondary characters was Adam Black in Karen Marie Moing's Highlander series. The Blackest Elf....yum...o
Hmmmm...Sangria and cookies? Not bad, not bad. Sven over in The Lair MIGHT be able to hook you up....with something interesting ;)
Permission to Come Aboard? *everyone looks as though newcomer has three heads* Okay. *Steps into the fray*
Wonderful blog y'all and hello pirates! Wonderful blog Terri and Joanie. Yes, I have had many characters step into the books unexpectedly, both male and female. I've had their own sexual tension threaten to eclipse that of the main characters, too. That's a pain in the fanny. They have a wonderful time romping through my head with their OWN books while I'm still trying to write the one they horned in on.
I threaten them with never getting their own story unless they settle down.
I'm mean like that.
Hey Mysti! Mysti is a local gal with a fabulous paranormal series! See, I like a redeemed hero because even those guys DO have a good heart...it's just buried real deep.
I also like the landscape guys outside my house right now...digging...digging....alas with their shirts ON...it's too cold here for anything else *pout*
Great post, Joan, and I say it's high time writers are looking to Rome for exciting stories. I love this period in history!
I'm always falling in love with my heroes. My husband is jealous! But I'm also intrigued by my villains because I love to make them the kind that you often like (or feel compassion for) in spite of their tragic flaws.
Joanie, you just came close to have a major Pirate run on your house.
Welcome Cassondra! That is mean. I'm afraid my characters would rebel and sabotage my current undertakings. LOL!
Welcome, Mysti! Love to see new faces hop aboard. Contrary to Ms. Cassondra's entrance, we're not that formal around here. Pick yourself a hottie and a hammock and swing a spell.
Wow, I'm thinking that this is the first time I've read of an historical set in the Roman period. I have to pick it up for that reason alone. LOL And having watched the mini-series ROME several years ago I have a good basis for my imagination!
Since 80-90% of the books I read are part of a series, I would say that I fall for a great many secondary characters. There always seems to be someone introduced in Book 1 that keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting with each subsequent release for his story to be told?! Hellie already mentioned Mayne from EJ's Essex sisters series, Wulf Bedwyn from Mary Balogh's Slightly series, Bobby Tom Denton from SEP's Chicago Stars series, Leo from the Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas - just to mention a few.
Cassondra! Another Bandita! Threatening the secondary characters? That works most of the time. I'll be darned if Damon didn't show back up later in THE PATRICIAN though he behaved himself that time... My biggest surprise were three CHILDREN who strolled in...literally...in the middle of a scene with the hero of Book 3 Barbarian's Soul. Kids?!!! He'd only been in Rome two years!!!! But darn if they haven't presented a vehicle to showcase this VERY wounded hero's heart.
Hey Jo! Hmmmm...falling for your villians? I've not done that with any of MINE but...reading JR Ward's latest? Assail who is nobody to trifle with cause he will rip your liver out...he's kind of getting to me....darn book ended before I could find out if he saved the day...and how many livers he took :0
Ahhhh..hammocks...Thanks Terri! Um...that monkey won't like claim it or anything will he???
(Looks around)
Irisheyes! You had me at Irish :D I LOVE Ireland and my next series will feature magical Irish warriors :D
BUT...yes please! Do come explore Rome through the eyes of my guys! I enjoyed ROME the series and right now am winding up the end of SPARTACUS...sigh..that's hard cause...yanno..the ending (pout)
Oops! My landscape guys are looking a bit wind burned...maybe I'll invite them in to get warm...um..year...that's it. Warm :D
No worries, Joan. The Undead Monkey has his own hammock. But he does like to throw things. You might want to practice your ducking skills.
What a rotten say for my Asus to be naughty! Welcome aboard! And belly up to the bar! Per Terrio's request I'm working on a sangria. And the visiting g Girl Scouts will supply the cookies! Visiting? Okay, we're holding them for ransoms
Secondary characters that demand to be heard? All over everything I write. The new series it's Norrington. Stiff assed naval officer who finds pirates annoying but useful...
Hi Joanie -
I've had this happen to me and it's one of the magical things I love about writing. My book, Redeeming the Rogue, was inspired by the character that appeared in the epilogue of the previous book. The epilogue! Before that moment I had planned an entirely different book for the series. But aren't those moments wonderful?
So glad that you're enjoying success with your historical set in Rome. We need more diverse settings than Regency England - LOL
Hey Joanie! Hey Terri! Hey Pirates!!
I ADORE Damon. I've devoured both these books and can't wait to read The Barbarian. Joan really brings not only the characters, but ancient Rome to life! LOVE them.
*And I've read the first Irish paranormal, too* (evil grin)
So, do characters ever come in and announce they deserve a story, too? All the freakin' time! My newest book that just came out, features a hunky Sheriff who popped into the previous book...okay, he didn't POP in...he rode up on a big ole Harley, complete with long hair, leather jacket, pierced ears and torn jeans, not to mention s**tkicker boots. :) Ahh...love Gage! (Course he had to cut the hair and loose the piercings to be Sheriff.) In his book? TWO guys are pushing for stories...see what goes around, comes around!
LOL Terri! I'm a nurse. I've ducked WAY more than anything a monkey could throw INCLUDING...what a monkey would throw! :0
Thanks Maureen! Um, Girl Scouts are underaged should THEY be at the bar mixing drinks???? Hey, as long as they add a Savannah Smiles cookie as garnish :D
"Stiff assed naval officer who finds pirates annoying but useful..."
Ahhhhhh...I like him already!!!!
WOW Donna! In the EPILOUGE??????
OMG...that...that...blows my mind, I....wait (peers out window) Dang, false alarm. Landscape guy just brushing off leaves....
Hi Suz! Thanks! I love Damon too!
Man....Gage sounds even HOTTER described like this. He can keep ONE piercing can't he...in...um,...a discreet place?
Scavenger hunt! First person who finds the piercing gets a free Sangria!
Leave it to Joanie (or Suzanne?!) to bring Prince Albert aboard. ;)
Joanie, congrats again on your new release. Whoo-hoo! You know I love spies.
Yes, I've had characters stroll into stories. When they do, I figure my subconscious is sending a message and I should pay attention. Griff walked into his living room in Renegade, and there stood Stefan, fully formed and worried for his closest friend.
I love reading series and trying to figure out which secondary characters might move to the front. If Georgette Heyer were writing today, would she mix her characters more, or keep them stand-alones?
Uhm...Gage is not a "Prince Albert" kind of guy!
Joanie implied it! What was I supposed to think?!
Nancy, I cannot WAIT to read Stefan's book.
Okay, you know what's scarier than the character trying to take over your story, or even taking a seat in your office to wait their turn?
How about one who pops into the backseat of your car and gives you their backstory as you drive?
That's why I keep a notebook with me on road trips, Suzanne. I've penned many scene ideas while sitting in a far off Wendy's parking lot.
But mine almost always wait until I'm almost asleep. Which is just cruel!
Hi Joan. Welcome!
Good to see some Roman romance for once.
I'm forever falling for the heroines in romance novels. You don't say very much about Julia here.
Is she a sophisticated temptress and conqueror of men's souls or the more homely 'girl next door' type? I need to know cus I treasure my soul! LOL
Is Damon a British slave?
Those Romans invaded my homeland! If Damon was captured by the Legions invading Britain then I hope Boudica gave them hell!
Guess I must read it to find out. LOL
Hi Joanie and congrats again on releasing those sexy Romans!
I worry when there aren't secondary characters strolling into stories! What's funny is when people ask about a secondary character I hadn't planned to do a story for.
Prince Albert????? With a piercing???? Either one, the short bald guy of modern times or the Vicki's main squeeze...um, not my kind of hero.
Hey Quantum! Nope, Damon was not from Britain. He is a Roman of the equestrian class sold into slavery by his debt ridden father.
My stories are set around 52 AD Rome though the heroine of THE PATRICIAN and her brother, the hero in Barbarian's Soul are from Hibernia aka Ireland! Though Rome never reached that far, the Irish of the day did trade with tribes from Britannia. In this case, a tribe called the Ileni who took them captive and sold them to Rome.
As to Julia. She a strong, determined Roman lady whose left in a precarious situation: Save her family when her father disappears and she is left without a male relative....a situation the villain plans to take advantage of...until Damon, whom she saves from execution, plays his part as husband.
I hope you do try them! They are pretty wonderful if I do say so myself :)
Hey Anna!
Speaking of hot heroes, Anna's first book with her hockey hunks will be out soon! Can't wait!
Talis, my dark elf character in my first novel, was initially just a secondary character who was destined to be killed off. Then he demanded a backstory; I got so attached to him that the thought of killing him depressed me. I'm thinking of giving him his own novel.
Certain overly manly alpha hero-types annoy me, but otherwise, I pretty much like any interesting hero.
Hmmm. I like your setting, especially since DH and I recently finished watching a season of Spartacus as well as the entire Rome series.
You learn many things when blogging....um, now I know there is a THIRD type of Prince Albert :0
I have to Lora Leigh to thank for that knowledge. O_o
Only one season of Spartacus P.???? Oh, man this is the fourth and final one. They had to do that prequel with Gannicus (I LOVE GANNICUS! Talk about your hot, secondary characters) when the original Spartacus Andy Whitfield became ill. Sadly, he succumbed to lymphoma :(
Welcome aboard, Joan!
I pants so I'm constantly running into surprise characters. I have to keep a notebook with names of characters in my writing and a brief description of them as they show up so I can keep it all straight.
Joan's in the house! Or...er...on the deck! I don't know if "haloed" decks are like "hallowed" decks, but Joan deserves a halo for bringing such wonderful characters - okay, heroes - to life and sharing them with us!
Joan, as a writer, I am always surprised by the characters who show up in my books. Not only the secondary ones, either. Often I think I know who the hero and heroine are, until I start writing them. Then they turn and scoff at my "plans" and proceed to do their own things. What can you do besides go with it at that point?
I do love secondary characters who walk into a book (whether mine or someone else's) and simply demand attention, though. One who makes you long to learn their whole story! I loved 'The Patrician' and can't wait to wade through my Kindle pile-up to read 'The Patrician's Fortune'!
Hey, that last comment wasn't from "unknown", it was from me! Stoopid Google account...
I was hoping Anonymous would come back and show herself. LOL! Welcome aboard, Caren!
QC/Sin! My sister in pantsing..
That sounds odd....
You're such a good girl though, writing things down. I am often maligned amongst my writing friends for failing to do so.....
LOL, thanks Posh! Er, Caren!
It does make things fun doesn't it? Ya have to wonder how an author like JR Ward or Sherri Kenyon manage it. The sheer volume of characters their series have? How many were walk on's so to speak?
Joanie, I'm so laughing about the surprise characters walking into the story. I just had that happen to me. Suddenly my book is going in a very different direction. Now what? Do I let it go? I think I have to. I do think this new character will give my heroine more motivation so she's staying!
(rubs hands together) Oh, yes....let her lead the way! Possibly to a new three book deal, yes?
I want to thank Terri and the whole crew for a wonderful visit and it was so great chatting with each of you! Please check back tomorrow for the announcement of the winner of copies of THE PATRICIAN and THE PATRICIAN'S FORTUNE!
Semper Fi Roma!
Thank you to Joanie and to everyone who stopped by and made the day so fun. I'm setting myself a reminder to post the winner tomorrow afternoon.
Let's hope it works better than the reminder I set to post this blog. LOL!
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