Leanne Tyler

Season of Love Now Available

2011-10-12T09:57:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful fall surprise. I was notified that my 11.4.11 release Season of Love was available early at my publisher's website, but would not be available at Amazon.com until the original publication date. I'm delighted to know my readers can go ahead and get a copy ordered for their holiday reading.

Season of Love is a Christmas Time-Travel set in Charleston, SC. If you love the flare of the south and antebellum Charleston then I know you will enjoy reading Season of Love.

And the winner is.....

2011-08-11T08:31:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Karyn Good for winning the drawing for the tote of goodies!! And thanks to everyone who took the time to visit my little blog and to visit WildWomanKanes blog and make comments.

Leanne

Release Day!!

2011-08-10T08:20:00.003-04:00

It's release day and I'm all excited. It's Always Been You is available. I will be blogging here and over at http://tinyurl.com/4xell98 so be sure to drop by either of the blogs or my website today and make a comment or ask a question. I'll draw one lucky name for a tote bag of goodies give away.

Summer... where have you gone?

2011-07-27T08:04:00.002-04:00

I've spent this summer writing, remodeling, and working. But the weeks have flown by and it is almost time for my next release, IT'ALWAYS BEEN YOU, which is coming out in three weeks!! YEAH. I can't wait.

August will be a month of celebrating. LASR is marking their fourth anniversary and they are giving away some really cool prizes. Who wouldn't want a nook or a kindle free? And how about free gift cards??? Pretty nice in my opinion. And all you have to do is play a little scavenger hunt game. Visit a few author websites. Maybe participate in an author chat or two the weekend of Aug. 27 & 28th. Sounds like an easy way to win.

I hope you will join me and the other authors celebrating this month. I'll be hosting a one hour chat on Aug. 27th at 1 p.m. So please drop by and say hi.

I hope to see you there!

Special Guest, Lady Eliza Warren, Marchioness of Chamberly

2011-05-17T10:33:00.003-04:00

As promised, author Meta Mathews is back today and she has brought with her none other than Lady Eliza Warren, Marchioness of Chamberly from Lady Chamberly's Choices. I'd like to welcome you both, please make yourself comfortable, Lady Chamberly. We are honored you have graced us with your presence today. Since your journey has been long to get here I will not tire you with idle chit chat.

Where are you originally from, Lady Chamberly?
I grew up in England on the country estate of my father, the Earl of Greenley. When I was old enough to be presented, the family moved to London for the Season.

Can you tell us a little about Lady Chamberly's Choices?

It’s the story of how the Marquess of Chamberly and I met and eventually came to love each other. In the beginning, each of us had been deeply hurt by past experiences to the extent that we had vowed never to marry. Then we met under circumstances that caused each of us to think the worst of the other, but these same circumstances resulted in our feeling that we had to marry. Our story then revolved around our enforced marriage and how we learned to trust each other.

Forced marriage. That doesn't sound like you and the Duke started off on the right footing. What did you think of him when you first met?

I detested and feared him -- with good reason, I might add.

Interesting. What was your second thought?

I became aware on some level that he was not as evil as he was being portrayed.

It doesn't sound like this was love at first sight.

Far from it Each of us had been fed lies about the other, and our initial
impressions were much less than favorable. He wanted revenge, and I merely
wanted to hide myself in the country.

You've said your opinion changed of him. Can you tell us what you liked most about Lord Chamberly?

As I became better acquainted with him, I admired his sense of duty, his honor
and his loyalty.

Those are admirable qualities in a man. How would you further describe Lord Chamberly?

As a man who always tries to do what he thinks is right.

How do you suppose Lord Chamberly would describe you?

I'm sure he would describe me as stubborn. I hope he would also describe me as
caring, generous, and courageous.

What made you change your mind and decide to marry after vowing you would never do so?

I must admit that I felt a great deal of attraction for Lord Chamberly. After all, he’d made me experience feelings that were new to me and that I wanted to experience again. In addition, I realized that if I never married, I’d never have a family of my own or be completely fulfilled as a woman.

What is your biggest fear in life?

Losing control of my life and my future.

What do you do to relax?

I enjoy writing letters to my married sisters, reading and embroidery.

Do you have a favorite fictional character? If so, who and why?

I must admit that one of my favorite fictional characters is Emily in Mrs. Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho. I admire Emily’s resourcefulness and self-reliance. But I’m especially fond of two novels by an unidentified lady. They are entitled Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

I know Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice well. I enjoy those too.

Thank you Meta for bringing Lady Chamberly today and thank you Lady Chamberly for chatting with us. I have the lovely blurb and excerpt you brought with you to tease our readers. I hear your story was released on May 6th and is available at http://tinyurl.com/64ojxtk. It is also getting favorable reviews. I wish you both well.

BLURB: Lady Chamberly’s Choices by Meta Mathews

After the Marquess of Chamberly unknowingly participates in the sexual humiliation of Lady Eliza Warren, he feels honor bound to propose. But she wants nothing to do with him—or any other man for that matter. Her forced introduction to acts of a sexual nature convince her that she can never willingly give a man access to her body. Still, she can’t convince her body that it doesn’t still desire the marquess’ touch.

Determined to right the wrong he’s done to Lady Eliza, Chamberly agrees to marriage on her terms—in name only. He assures her that if anything physical happens between them, it will be by her choice. Fortunately, she tends to want him. The challenge is to keep her safe until she chooses to give in to her desires.

Excerpt of Lady Chamberly’s Choices

Eliza was to recall later that she’d been smiling that afternoon when the new footman interrupted her letter writing. She’d almost finished a missive to her older sister, Martha, who was married to Baron Preston and lived in Sussex. Martha always enjoyed stories involving the antics of their youngest sister, seven-year-old Abigail—who called herself Abby-gal because she thought that was her name.

So, Eliza had written, when Abby remembered she had imprisoned the kitten in Mama’s sewing basket, she ran back to the sitting room to release Boots and discovered the feline had entangled herself in several colors of thread, and in the process destroyed the order of Mama’s basket. Were it not for poor Abby’s condition, I believe Mama would have paddled her on the spot.

“Excuse me, my lady.”

Eliza jumped, not having heard the footman enter the drawing room. What was his name again? Mitchell? Marshall? Whatever it was, he moved too quietly for her taste. He stood practically at her elbow, and she hadn’t even heard him enter the room.

She suppressed a sigh, placed the quill back in its stand, and turned in her chair to face him. “Yes?”

“You have a message, my lady.” He grasped a folded sheet of paper in his hand but made no effort to hold it out to her. Instead, he merely stared at her. Eliza narrowed her eyes. His expression bordered on a sneer, but that made no sense. Footmen didn’t sneer, especially footmen who had been in the family’s employ for only two weeks. They were generally eager to please so they would not lose their position.

But this fellow continued to stare, and he certainly appeared to sneer. Eliza searched her memory and finally recalled his name.

“Thank you, Mayhew.” She nodded toward the paper he held. “May I have my message, please?”

He leaned forward to hand her the letter, then pulled back quickly as though to avoid her touch.

Irritated, Eliza turned her back on him and unfolded the paper. The writing was bold and black.

We have Abigail. If you want your feeble-minded little sister returned to you in one piece, you will follow the instructions in this letter carefully. Otherwise, your sister will disappear forever.

First, you will make an excuse to forego any activities that might have been planned for this evening and retire early.

At ten o’clock, you will make your way to the back door leading out into the garden. There you will be met by a man who goes by the name of Nate. Nate will escort you to a house where you will be the dinner guest of a man and whichever of his followers he chooses to invite.

You are to obey anything and everything Nate or one of your dinner partners tells you to do. If you follow instructions successfully, you will be returned to your home unharmed, and when you arrive home, you will find that your sister is safe in her bed.

Should you fail to obey or successfully follow instructions, your evening will be prolonged and your sister will be turned loose in one of the worst of London’s slums. Considering her limited mental capacities, I doubt she would live a long life, and certainly it would not be a happy one.

Her future is in your hands.

You can learn more about Meta Mathews and her stories at www.metamathews.com.

Upcoming Events

2011-05-11T09:51:00.002-04:00

We've taken a small break, but we will have a revisit from Meta Mathews next week. She will be talking about her new release and she tells me she has a suprise guest coming with her so be sure to check us out next week.

If you live in the Kingsport, TN area I'll be at the Spring for Downtown Kingsport on Saturday, May 14. I'll be at the Bubba's Book Swap booth next to Racks by the Tracks (yummy BBQ booth). So drop by and see me and the numerous other area authors like Jessie Verino, Karen Hall, Trista Ann Michaels to name a few.

Until next week, have a great day!!

Chatting with Historical Author Loretta Rogers

2011-04-19T07:57:00.004-04:00

I'm delighted to have with us today an author and someone I consider a friend ever since we were apart of the Through the Garden Gate series. We each won our category in the contest The Wild Rose Press did to build up their historical line. So welcome and I hope everyone enjoys this chat.

1. What made you decide to become a writer? I was a teacher for twenty-seven years. After retirement, I decided it was time to start practicing what I’d been teaching students to do. It didn’t take long to realize that teaching essay writing and creative writing was much different from creating a novel.

2. How long did it take you to get published? How did it happen? I wrote my first novel in 2003 and my second novel in 2005. Both were rejected. My novella, Isabelle and the Outlaw was published in 2007. The Wild Rose Press offered a contest for a 25K word novella with a certain theme. The prize was a publishing contract. Since winning, I’ve had three novels published with Avalon Books and two novellas and a novel published with The Wild Rose Press.

3. They say hind sight is 20/20. Looking back on your career as a published author, is there anything you’d do differently? I waited until I retired from teaching to write. In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t waited so long to begin my writing career.

4. What advice would you give to others pursuing a writing career? Good writers are avid readers, so not only read, but make writing a priority.

5. Will you share with us how you come up with your story ideas? As loony as it sounds, plot lines often come to me in dreams. Other times, a picture on a billboard might spur an idea, or a line from a song.

6. Do you belong to a writers group and/or critique group? I shy away from critique groups. My first experience with a critique group was horrible and almost killed my confidence to the point that I thought I wasn’t good enough to write. I do belong to RWA, Western Writers of America, and Florida Chapter Historical Novel Society.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years? I’m striving to get at least one of my novels written as a screenplay either for television (and wishfully) for the big screen.

8. Where can readers find you on the internet? I’d love for readers to visit my website: http://www.lorettacrogersbooks.com

9. Do you currently have anything you are working on? If so, do you feel comfortable telling us a little about it? I’m working on a historical western romance with paranormal elements. When a rancher’s wife is murdered and his young daughter kidnapped by an elusive band of renegades, the hero seeks help from a young woman with psychic powers.

10. What are your most recent releases? Where can readers get these? BANNON’S BRIDES, a historical western romance, can be purchased from: www.thewildrosepress.com; Amazon.com or B&N on-line store. It is available in both print and e-book. December 2011, SUPERSTITION TRAIL, a historical western will release from Avalon Books and will be available from the publisher’s website as well as B&N.com and Amazon.com.

Thank you, Loretta for taking this time to chat with us. I've enjoyed it and I hope others have as well.

Chatting with Erotic Historical Author Meta Mathews

2011-04-12T10:09:00.003-04:00

I'm excited to have with us today Meta Mathews. She's recently sold her first erotic romance to Ellora's Cave. Welcome Meta. We have a few questions we'd like to ask if you have the time to share with us.

What made you decide to become a writer?

Reading has always been one of my favorite activities, and my desire to write grew out of my pleasure in losing myself in worlds that someone else created. It was a desire to share in the creation of other worlds that led me to try my hand at writing.

2. How long did it take you to get published? How did it happen?

Actually, I’ve been published in other genres for a while but was just recently published in erotic romance. As a matter of fact, I’d always believed I couldn’t write erotic romance, but I enjoy a challenge, so when Ellora’s Cave started a new line in which sexual relations take place only between a married couple, I decided to write and submit to that new line. Lady Amberly’s Lessons was accepted but, interestingly, the publisher wanted it for the historical line called Legend rather than for the new line I’d written it for.

3. They say hind sight is 20/20. Looking back on your career as a published author, is there anything you’d do differently?

Heavens, yes! But that’s water under the bridge, as they say, and a recounting of my mistakes wouldn’t help aspiring writers. We all have to make our own mistakes and hopefully learn from them.

4. What advice would you give to others pursuing a writing career?

Join a writers group and study the craft and industry. If you want to write romance, I’d suggest joining Romance Writers of America. Then join one or more of the special interest chapters of RWA and subscribe to their email loops. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the industry from other writers who share their experiences on those loops.

5. Will you share with us how you come up with your story ideas?

Short answer: I don’t know. Long answer: I do a tremendous amount of mental plotting before I begin writing. Usually I start with a character and more often than not, it’s the hero rather than the heroine. But in either case, I then play around with scenarios in which the hero and heroine are in conflict, both internal and external. Once I have a vague idea of those elements, I start writing. Usually the hero’s and heroine’s characteristics and the plot itself develop as I write. Frequently, the changes that take place surprise even me, which is what I find most enjoyable about writing.

6. Do you belong to a writers group and/or critique group?

Yes, I belong to both and find them to be most helpful.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to have built up a substantial following of readers in five years. Lady Amberly’s Lessons has received excellent reviews, and I’m hoping to continue writing erotic romances that readers enjoy enough to continue buying my work.

8. Where can readers find you on the internet?

My website is www.metamathews.com, and readers can contact me from that website.

9. Do you currently have anything you are working on? If so, do you feel comfortable telling us a little about it?

I just signed a contract for another erotic romance set in the Regency period. The working title for this one is Lady Chamberly’s Choices. I’m very excited about it and am looking forward to getting a release date. I’ve also started work on another erotic romance that will have as its hero a secondary character from Lady Chamberly’s Choices. (See, I told you I usually begin with the hero.)

10. What are your most recent releases? Where can readers get these?

Lady Amberly’s Lessons, my only erotic romance release to date, is available as an electronic book both from Ellora’s Cave (http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8585-lady-amberlys-lessons.aspx) and from Amazon for the Kindle. I’ll be announcing news about my upcoming release on the blog on my website soon.

Thank you for chatting with us today, Meta. We hope you will come back again soon and tell us more about your upcoming releases.

Chatting with Historical Author Karen Hall

2011-04-05T09:33:00.003-04:00

Today I'm pleased to have with us historical author, Karen Hall, who has written wonderful stories for The Wild Rose Press and Books to Go Now. Thank you Karen for joining us and I hope you don't mind my asking you several questions.

1.What made you decide to become a writer?

I think I've always been a story-teller. I wrote stories and poetry growing up, and several years ago took a creative writing class but it wasn't until I joined SMRW(charter member)that I even thought of trying to take writing seriously. I will also admit, I had never read a romance until that time. I read lots of mysteries instead.

2. How long did it take you to get published? How did it happen?

Years. I spent at least five or six years writing before I worked up the nerve to start sending in submissions. My first success was with a Christmas short story for The Wild Rose Press entitled, The Zebra in the Manger. Since then, I've had two novels accepted by TWRP, Pursuing Love(December 2009)and the soon to be released, Lessons in Love, the second in a trilogy.

3. They say hindsight is 20/20. Looking back on your career as a published author is there anything you would do differently.

Yes, I would have taken it far more seriously, written and submitted more, if only that my mother(who died in 2005)could have lived to see this. She would have been tickled.

4.What advice would you give others pursing a writing career?

Join RWA. Even if you don't write romance, this is one of the few professional organizations that welcomes the unpublished. It will open up a universe of support. Also, form a critique chapter and meet regularly. Finally, write a minimum of four times a week. Life happens, and can slow your writing, but if you don't do it, no one can do it for you.

5.Will you share with others how you come up with your story ideas?

If I knew, I would. The characters arrive in my head and demand a story. So far, all my stories(published)are set in the late Victorian era, which gives me some definite parameters. Sometimes, I'll find a bit of trivial history and try to weave a story around it. And I tend to have a 'mystery' in my stories.

6. Do you belong to a writer's group and or a critique group.

I belong to RWA, Smoky Mountain Romance Writers, and two critique groups.

7.Where do you see yourself in five years.

Retired from my day job and writing full time. Of course, it would be great to do that from London or Paris, but I think I would go into withdrawal if I left East Tennessee.

8.Where can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a website (www.karenhallbooks.com) and a Facebook page, and my works can be found at Amazon and The Wild Rose Press(www.thewildrosepress.com). I also have a Christmas Short story with Books to Go Now.

9.Do you currently have anything you are working on? Do you mind telling us a little about it?

I have an new trilogy of short stories I'm loosely calling The Heroes and am revising a novel.

10.What are your most recent releases? Where can your readers get these.

Pursuing Love(12/09)can be purchased at Amazon and The Wild Rose Press. I'm hoping for a release date any day now for Lessons in Love. I also have two short stories, Zebra in a Manger from The Wild Rose Press and A Christmas Proposal from Books To Go Now.

Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us Karen. We hope you'll drop by again to chat more with us again soon.

Chatting with Author Donna Wright

2011-03-29T14:15:00.004-04:00

Today I'm please to have with us fellow author Donna Wright. Welcome, Donna and thank you for joining me here at my blog. I have a few questions I'd like to ask you if you don't mind me putting you in the hot seat for a few moments.

1. What made you decide to become a writer?

Writers get asked that all the time, and the truth is that we all have our own reasons. I just knew that every life should have a happy ending and I always-always wanted every story to have a romance. That’s how I got into the writing and especially the romance.

2. How long did it take you to get published? How did it happen?

Although I had been writing all my life, I joined RWA and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. That was in 1997. I got serious, started finishing things and entering contests. I entered a contest sponsored by SMRW and won. I then was requested, finished the book, and sold four Avalon books because of that.

3. They say hind sight is 20/20. Looking back on your career as a published author, is there anything you’d do differently?

I would write every second possible. Wish I was taking that advise even now.

4. What advice would you give to others pursuing a writing career?

Two things: Write and be careful. Epubs are now legit publishing as we all know, but know who you’re dealing with and walk into every contract with your eyes wide open.

5. Will you share with us how you come up with your story ideas?

I almost always start with a hero (a tv actor, movie actor, singer) and think: what can I get into with him? Stories evolve from there. I always also have the heroines in mind the same way, but start with the heroes.

6. Do you belong to a writers group and/or critique group?

Both. Mostly online critique, because I live outside of the metropolis, so to speak. But, I love my local RWA chapter.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I don’t plan ahead, I’m a panster!

8. Where can readers find you on the internet?

Donnawrightsbooks.com, look for me on Facebook, and my blog, the Romance Rag.

9. Do you currently have anything you are working on? If so, do you feel comfortable telling us a little about it?

I have a possible Intrigue I’m working on.

10. What are your most recent releases? Where can readers get these?

Go to donnawrightsbooks.com and you can find out from there.

Thanks again Donna for stopping by. I hope you will come again and tell us more indepth about your stories. Maybe bring a character or two along.

Until next time, keep writing and reading!

Let's step into the present.... for just a few moments

2011-03-22T15:56:00.003-04:00

Besides writing historical romance I also dabble with contemporary romances. I am pleased to present to my readers the cover art for my upcoming release It's Always Been You. The story is part of the much loved Class of 1985 series from the Last Rose of Summer Line of The Wild Rose Press. Having attended both my tenth and twentieth high school reunions I know what it is like to anticipate seeing former classmates again and reconnecting. If you've been there, done that and lived to tell about it then I know you will love reading It's Always Been You. At this time I do not have a release date, but that should be coming very soon. I will keep you posted.

It's Always Been You Blurb:

Retired Staff Sergeant Seth Roberts returns to Summerville to begin the next chapter of his life. To do that, he needs to find out why his girlfriend married another man more than twenty years ago while he served in the Persian Gulf. Their high school reunion is the perfect place to confront Elyse Jordan.

Determined to be a strong role model for her daughters, Professor of Feminist Theory Elyse Jordan never talks about the loss of her only love twenty years ago. Caring for her mother during cancer treatment brings Elyse back to Summerville, the one place she avoided after Seth’s death. When an invitation to her twenty-fifth reunion arrives, she decides to go and reconnect with lost friends. She never imagines she’ll come face-to-face with Seth instead.

Can Seth and Elyse find the thread of love that bound them together or will past tragedies and misunderstandings keep them apart?

To tease you until then, here's an excerpt:

“Hello, Elyse.” Seth waited until she finally raised her head at him. She didn’t look well. “Is it okay if we join you?”

She bit her lower lip, took several deep breaths, and slowly nodded. “I-I don’t understand. Wh-what are you doing here? I thought—”

“You thought what?” He kept his voice low as he took the empty chair beside her. Despite her pallor he found it difficult to take his eyes off of her. She looked amazing, better than he could have imagined after all these years.

“I was told ...” She took another deep breath, continued to toy with her napkin. “This doesn’t make sense ...” Her hand trembled when she covered her mouth; her green eyes went glossy with unshed tears.

“What doesn’t make sense?” He could tell she was pained by his presence and was determined to find out why. Her reaction to seeing him wasn’t what he’d anticipated. He’d been prepared for indifference, not distress.

She reached for her glass of water and took a long drink. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

“Can you say that again? The noise in here—”

Raising her voice several octaves, she enunciated each word for clarity. “Dead. You’re supposed to be dead.” People at nearby tables turned around to look at them.

“I can assure you I’m not.”

Release Date Planned for Season of Love

2011-03-06T17:23:00.002-05:00

At long last a release date for my upcoming full-length time-travel Season of Love is set for November 4, 2011. This is awesome news. So be sure to add the title to your holiday shopping list for next Christmas reading.

Antsy about Seceding... Virginia calls for a Peace Conference

2011-01-19T12:59:00.003-05:00

Seceding from the Union wasn't an easy task for the Southern States. It wasn't something they woke up one morning and decided to do. The politicians of the time took great steps in keeping the peace. Virginia even called for a Peace Conference. Here are a few facts that lead up to this.

January 7, 1861 Virginia calls a special session of its Assembly to consider convening a convention on the question of secession.

January 14, 1861 Virginia Assembly approves a convention to consider secession.

January 19, 1861 Virginia calls for a peace conference.

Washington Peace Convention - "old gentleman's convention" a last ditch effort to end the growing turmoil peaceably. Although 22 states did send representatives, the states of the Deep South, which were meeting at the Convention of Seceding States, refused to send delegates to the convention.

February 4, 1861 Elections in Virginia create a pro-Union secessionist convention

February 13, 1861 In Richmond, former President John Tyler and former Virginia governor Henry Wise lead the notables who meet for the first time as Virginia's secessionist convention.

April 3, 1861 A "test vote" in the Virginia convention shows a 2-1 margin against secession

April 4, 1861 Virginia's Secessionist Convention votes 80-45 against secession.

April 17, 1861 Virginia Secession Convention approves the wording of a referendum of secession and calls for a popular vote to approve it.

April 23, 1861 Virginia Secessionist Convention ratifies a temporary union with the Confederacy and accepts the Southern Constitution, subject to approval of the ordnance of secession

May 23, 1861 Virginia ratifies the Secessionist Convention referendum by a vote of 132,201 to 37,451

blueandgraytrail.com/event/Virginia_Secession_Convention

Catching up... after the snow .. more tidbits of Civil War history

2011-01-15T21:40:00.003-05:00

It has been a few days since I was able to post. We've had snow and ice and more snow in the last week. I also have had much to deal with at my "day" job and haven't had the chance to write. However, with the snow I was thinking how did they deal with it when it snowed during the Civil War? They couldn't very well call for a cease fire and go home until the weather improved. They kept on fighting.

I have been pointed toward a page on Facebook geared toward Civil War history. If you are interested check it out http://www.facebook.com/nytimescivilwar

Today in history....

1861 Albert Sidney Johnston assumes the command of the Department of the Pacific.

1862 Edward Stanton becomes the Secretary of War upon the resignation of Simon Cameron.

blueandgraytrail.com/date/January15

Why was the South Considered the Confederacy during the Civil War?

2011-01-07T08:30:00.003-05:00

I was thinking last night and I wondered why was the South the Confederacy and the North the Union during the Civil War. Why did each region take on these distinct labels. As I pondered this it was clear why the North was the Union. After all, the United States of America had come together to form a perfect union. The North was united. Easy enough. But what about the South?

I looked up the word Confederate and it can mean to be in a league, alliance or conspiracy. When the Southern States seceded from the Union they formed an alliance and because they were against the Union they were in a conspiracy together. Another definition of confederate is an accomplice, especially in a mischievous or criminal act. Because the Southern States were pulling apart from the Northern States it was viewed as a crime against the government. Thus their banning together was illegal.

Which states comprised the Confederacy? South Carolina (seceded Dec. 20, 1860), Mississippi (Jan. 9, 1861), Florida (Jan. 10, 1861), Alabama (Jan. 11, 1861), Georgia (Jan. 19, 1861), Louisiana (Jan. 26, 1861), Texas (Feb. 1, 1861) [Note: these seven states seceded before Lincoln took office on March 4, 1861], Virginia (April 17, 1861, but ratified by voters May 23, 1861), Arkansas (May 6, 1861), Tennessee (May 7, 1861, but ratified by voters June 8, 1861), North Carolina (May 20, 1861) [Note: the last four states seceded after the attack on Fort Sumter April 12, 1861 which began the Civil War and Lincoln called for troops on April 15, 1861.

The Confederate States of America existed from 1861-1865. Jefferson Davis was elected as their provisional President on February 18, 1861 and he served in this position until the end in 1865.

More Civil War history ~ January 5

2011-01-05T07:58:00.003-05:00

Did you know....

1860 Jefferson Davis, who became the President of the Confederacy, came out for the first time in favor of succession on this date.

1861 At the last minute General Winfield Scott substitutes The Star of the West, a New York based merchant marine vessel for the Brooklyn, a heavily armed and reinforced sloop ordered to sail to Fort Sumter to resupply the federal outpost. The Brooklyn, however, is to travel with the Star of the West.

1863 Following two days of off and on skirmishing around Jonesville, VA, Confederates surround the Union Force and take 200 prisoners after a pitched battle.

Tidbits provided by blueandgraytrail.com/date/January_5

Today, January 4, in Civil War History

2011-01-04T12:46:00.003-05:00

In honor of my birthday and my love for the Civil War period, I've decided to take a look at historical events that happened on January 4.

Did you know....

1854 Committee of Territories chairman Stephen Douglas reports the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

1858 A Second ratification vote is held for the Lecompton Constitution (pro-slavery constitution). The Free-staters reject it.

1861 Alabama troops seize an arsenal near Mobile.

1862 Stonewall Jackson takes Bath (now known as West Virginia)

1863 Major General McClernand begins to move up the Arkansas River towards Arkansas Post. He orders General Sherman to accompany him, but he had not received authorization for such a movement.

1863 Abraham Lincoln and Henry Halleck order Ulysses S. Grant to rescind General Order #11 (issued by Grant, this order instructed the expulsion of Jews in his military district of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. This order was part of a campaign against a black market in Southern Cotton which Grant thought was being run mostly by Jews and other "unprincipled" leaders)

1863 USS Quaker City along with USS Memphis seize the Mercury, a Confederate blockade runner from Charleston on its way to Nassau, Bahamas with turpentine and mail.

These were some interesting tidbits provided to us by the blueandgraytrail.com/date/january_4

Cultivating the Seed with Dialogue

2009-10-01T09:57:00.003-04:00

Step 2. Talk to me

Talking to another person can be very intimate in nature. For heroes and heroines speaking is an important tool that allows them to share thoughts and express feelings. Also, the sound of hearing another persons voice can be exciting, the timber of their voice can sometimes send shivers down your spine or make you feel warm all over. The sound of another voice can be lulling at times as well.

Planting the Seed to Romance

2009-09-14T12:21:00.002-04:00

Linda Howard did a workshop a few years back (okay almost 12 now I suppose) on the 12 steps to Intimacy. In the next several installments of this blog I'd like to explore those steps in relevance to Romance in Bloom.

Step 1: Eye Contact
Without seeing we may never notice that someone special who has walked into a crowded room, stumbled on the sidewalk, or even bumped their way into a crowded subway car causing that steaming cup of Starbucks to spill all over your favorite blouse. In fact, without our sight we'd miss a darn lot of what goes on in the world. But it takes a trained eye to really see what is going on in front of our noses sometimes.

Lucky for us readers we have authors out there who spend hours upon hours slaving over the computer keyboard making sure we see that first glance between the hero and heroine. Will it be a shy and timid look, or a bold and lusty 'I dare you to ignore me' glance? The possibilites are endless.

Making eye contact with another can be very intimate. Our eyes can be windows to our souls and exposing our feelings and emotions in the way we look or react to another human being or situation.

The sense of sight is a very useful tool How do you use it to your advantage as a writer? Do you notice how others use it when you are reading?

All Good Romances Take Time to Bloom

2009-09-08T09:51:00.004-04:00

Like all flowers a good romance takes time to bloom. There is much leg work that must be done by the author, as well as the honey bee who pollunates in the spring. A reader wouldn't get their feel or be as satisfied if the author didn't do the best job depicting the courtship between the characters that leads up to them becoming lovers.

I've been reading Regency Historicals lately and the authors of the books have been fabulous. I've leared a great deal from these authors even if I do write American Historicals. (Face it, there aren't that many American Historicals out there these days so you have to take what you can get. And I'm not complaining.) The description and detail given to scenes, the sexual tension between hero and heroine and the love scenes all culminate to make the books enjoyable reads. Sometimes these three elements mesh so well the reader can't put the book down.

And for those curious to know who I've been reading just shoot me an email. I'll be happy to share.

Budding Romance: Edward and Bella

2009-09-05T20:52:00.003-04:00

Today I watched Twilight again. I've lost count how many times I've actually watched the movie. I loved the Twilight series (I'm counting the days until Nov. 23 and New Moon hits the theater) and couldn't put the books down as I read them. The characters are so real. And to let you in on a little secret, I'd love nothing more than to go to one of the many Twilight Conventions being held around the US by I won't let myself indulge that much.

But this blog isn't about that. It's really about the budding romance between Bella and Edward. Sigh. Their romance is that of the forbidden nature. They both know they shouldn't get close, yet they can't stop their attraction for one another. Their desire to be together is so overpowering that nothing else matters. And isn't that what most of us in "real life" would like to have?

What is Romance in Bloom?

2009-09-04T14:27:00.003-04:00

To me Romance in Bloom is that first bud or spark of romance between a man and a woman, a boy and a girl. It's that bubbly feeling you get inside. The warmth you feel whenever you think about him. The flush you feel on your cheek and the silly grin on your face at seeing him again. It's the beginning of what could be the happiest days of your life.

I believe this is what draws romance readers to book after book. The yearning to experience this feeling over and over and over again. It can even be what keeps a reader turning page after page until they reach the last line of the best novel they've read until they pick up a new one.

So until the next one, keep reading faithful reader. Keep falling in love with each story, each tale, each irresitible new couple that is brought to life by your faviorite author or authoress.

A New Outlook...

2009-09-04T14:24:00.002-04:00

Today is the start of a new blog. I've had this account for two years without really knowing what to write. And then this morning, poof, like an ephiemy I knew what I was going to do. So sit back, buckle your seatbelts and get ready to read my ramblings.

Through the Garden Gate Anthology

2009-02-19T10:52:00.002-05:00

Wonderful news for all the historical readers. Later this year the four Through the Garden Gate stories will be published in paperback. So if you haven't read Victory's Gate, Sundial, Fairytale Bride or Isabelle and the Outlaw here is your chance to get all four in one volume.

Today, April 24 at Fallen Angel Review Chatters

2008-04-24T10:44:00.001-04:00

Come join the TWRP authors at Fallen Angel Review Chatters. Read awesome blurbs and excerpts that will make your TBR pile grow.

You won't be disappointed!
Leanne Tyler

Chatting at CK2SKwipsandKritiquesBookClub@yahoogroups.com today

2008-04-12T07:47:00.003-04:00

TWRP authors will be chatting at CK2SKwipsandKritiquesBookClub@yahoogroups.com today. I hope you will join us for a great time.

We'll also be chatting at Fallen Angel Chatters on Friday, April 25. I'll post a reminder about that closer to the date.

Have a great weekend!
Leanne Tyler

P.S. my website has been updated to show upcoming events and news

Author Interview at WeWriteRomance

2008-04-09T14:59:00.002-04:00

Great news! I'm the April Author Interview over at WeWriteRomance.com. The interview was taken in January so the details about Victory's Gate being on the best seller list and #9 on the paranormal list are not acurate anymore. Other great stories have come out since then and I've moved down the list. However, that doesn't mean Victory's Gate has stopped receiving praise.

http://www.wewriteromance.com/interviews/tyler-leanne-april2008.html

Leanne Tyler

Chatting today at Romance Bistro

2008-04-04T09:07:00.003-04:00

Today The Wild Rose Press Authors will be chatt at Romance Bistro

you can join in the chat by going to romance_bistro-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

I look forward to seeing you there!

Leanne Tyler

New ~ Booktrailer for Victory's Gate

2008-04-03T16:56:00.001-04:00

Victory's Gate Release Date!!

2007-12-07T09:17:00.000-05:00

Victory's Gate will be released on Wednesday, December 12.

www.thewildrosepress.com

Chatting at Joyfully Reviewed, Nov. 30

2007-11-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let all my readers know that I'll be chatting with other Wild Rose Press Authors from Noon until 10 p.m. over at Joyfully Reviewed. If you would like to get in on all the fun then hope over to Chatting_with_Joyfully_Reviewed@yahoogroups.com and subscribe.

See you there!

Leanne Tyler

Victory's Gate Coverart!!

2007-11-08T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hello! I'm Leanne Tyler and I'm a new Rose at TWRP. My novella won the American category of Through the Garden Gate contest. I think my cover art is gorgeous and I thank Nicola Martinez for providing it. Victory's Gate will be available from TWRP in December.

A short peak inside the cover of Victory's Gate:
Left standing at the altar, Victoria Hamill decides to spend her honeymoon trip in Bury, Lancashire alone. However, when she finds a hidden gateway in the garden she’s transported in time to war torn Antebellum Charleston, SC. Going against convention and her assumed families wishes, Tori nurses an injured Union Captain back to health and finds her heart nurtured as well. Unsure of how she’d gotten there or when she’d return to present day, Tori decides to live for the moment and follow her heart on this path to new love. But will she be able to let him go when the time comes?

New Website Design

2007-11-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

I have a new website design up. New photo too. So check it out.
www.leannetyler.com.

I'm waiting impatiently for cover art for my book to come out. Michelle Chambers has already gotten hers and it's gorgeous.

I've joined shoutlife.com so if you are on there be sure to look me up:
shoutlife.com/leannetyler

I'm also on myspace.com/leannetyler

Will post again soon,
Leanne Tyler

First Sale

2007-10-31T11:03:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a Halloween Memory. My first sale. Be watching for more news about Victory's Gate, a novella, to appear in the anthology THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE.