A Rose By Any Other Name...Not.

     The Old Bard wrote in 'Romeo & Juliet,' '...a rose by any other name would smell as sweet...' Um, no - not so in my 'real' job of writing, producing news, and dealing with some television news anchors.
     Prolific musician, Don Henley, after his full-time gig with the Eagles wrote a song blasting the news business. While I'm not doing that (although I could, my employment puts beans & rice on the dinner table, and there is full reason to be critical for so many reasons!), there is a line in the song about the 'bubble-headed bleach blonde.' For the most part, I've loved those pale-headed anchors I've dealt with, but on the flip side, they've inadvertently given me some really great lines!
     To preface, I've been 'doing news,' either radio, TV or print, since I was 17--waaay back when AM radio still existed as a passable medium. My first job at my hometown station, when 'disc jockeys' or announcers (not 'air personalities') still smoked like fiends in the studio! I cut my teeth on running Milwaukee Brewer baseball feeds and worked my way up to doing news.
     My latest story, Known and Wanted, was born and takes place in my office--a television newsroom. It stemmed from a very short phone conversation very early one morning. The moment the story was conceived - when the 'cute' Sheriff on the other end of the phone said, "I'm just stepping out of the shower, Wendy." Cue brain exploding with (steamy) ideas!
     So. working in a newsroom, around 'pretty' people, yeah, I can see how Don Henley would use that phrase and mean it. Hey, sometimes we all make a faux pas when speaking, but usually it's not in front of how many thousands of people tuned into your broadcast, right?
     Some of these, ahem, gems, you'll find in Known and Wanted, others are still languishing in a document file some six pages long (10 point font, single space) just waiting to be used at another time. 
     So, here goes: 
     Anchor talking about Valentine's Day, "It's so touche' to get engaged on Valentine's Day." (Despite correcting her in her ear, she said the same wrong phrase three times!)
     Anchor discussing mountain climbers, "Isn't the tallest mountain in the world in Himalaysia?"
     A new sandwich shop in town has "...great Chewbacca bread."
     On getting a traffic ticket, "...the cop was hiding in the Courvoisier." (cul-de-sac)
     And, it's not just on the air folks, it's some of those who actually write the stories the anchors read...the producers. Some of the younger ones (well, younger than me--I'm the oldest in the newsroom and could be their grandmothers...please don't go there!), have no 'depth' when it comes to knowledge and words. For instance, in Known and Wanted, main character, Zoe, relays a story to her date about one of her coworkers reading a news release in which a man died during an act of 'auto eroticism.' The producer in the

The 'endangered' wonton

story and the one sitting next to me a my real job asks, "What was he doing with his car?" Only to be outdone by the same producer, after perusing court documents about a man charged with 'wanton endangerment of children' asking "Why are wontons endangered?"
     Um, did I mention, all these folks have some sort of degree in journalism? (Draw your own conclusions!)
     Don't get me wrong, I really like my job, but some days, writing romance full time and retirement can't come soon enough!
     So, dear friends, be looking for Known and Wanted from me and Decadent Publishing in the next month or so. And, a companion piece by my writing partner in crime, Deanna Wadsworth, Braving the Deep End. 
     Who knows what 'real life' experience will spawn the next book in my head. But, um, that might include running head long (physically) into singer Jon Secada--gotta find a way to make that happen!

     

     
  When not playing with the people in her head, Wendy has a full time job behind the scenes in television.  She lives with her cute chef husband and two fuzzy felines in the Great Lakes region of the Mid-West. 

And then there were five...

     Friday, September 6th -- another big day for me. My fifth story with Decadent Publishing will be released. As you can see by the banner, it's another 1NightStand story. Although, I would love someday to finish and release a full length novel, for some reason, these intense short stories seem to flow out of my head.

    FOR ME may hit a mark with some of you dear readers, especially if you're of the fuller-figure variety. I'll be honest, I've battled my weight and self-consciousness because of my weight, all my life. Sure, I was a size 8 for a year and a half --but it was a fairly unhappy, overly-obsessed- with-the-scale 18 months. I was a knock-out, but at what cost? I only wish I had the healthy attitude my character, Abby, does about her size. Thankfully, I have a husband, who like her date, Casey, accepts her as she is and more importantly who she is on the inside. Sure, it sounds very hokey and cliche, but his want of her, and their collective acceptance of beauty--inner and outer -- has been terribly maligned over the years. What are we teaching our children through the media's slanted, photo-shopped images of people?

     But, I didn't want to get too serious with this blog--rather PUSH a book! 

     Here's a little taste of what's between the (electronic) covers of FOR ME:

Welcome, Dr. Lewis.

I hope you are finding the Castillo Retreat relaxing and delightful. 1Night Stand takes into consideration both parties requests and appetites when designing their encounter.

Your date will arrive shortly. Please get comfortable by undressing and wearing the robe provided and relax on the massage table in the spa room. He expressed on his application that he has great hands. If you are accepting, he would like to begin the evening with a massage.

Despite knowing you’re a physician, your date is slightly self-conscious about his appearance, so by having you wear the blindfold provided, he’ll feel more comfortable. You may have some concern having one sense taken from you. I suggest you and your partner decide on a safe word. Should either of you feel uneasy at any time, with any action, use the agreed-upon word to stop the encounter.

Have a wonderful evening.

Madame Eve

“What the hell? He’s self-conscious? I’m the one bare-ass naked under nothing but a robe”

Staring at the envelope, she waited for the words to change even slightly. They didn’t. Dammit. With a grunt of irritation, she tossed the paperwork on the table and headed for the spa room.

He’s self-conscious. “Hmmm.” Disfigured from some accident, deformed at birth, marred by a bad case of adolescent acne? “Quit being so ridiculous, Abigail!”

She began to undress and caught a glimpse in the full-length mirror and sighed. She shouldn’t be disgusted—she had a beautiful, round figure, or so her mother told her all through high school, with well-defined arms and shoulders from her love of kayaking and canoeing. Hours in the medical center’s private pool helped as well. Regardless, an evil, self-destructive thought crossed her mind; He’ll wonder who delivered the cow then demand his money back.

Covering with the cozy bathrobe provided for her doused the notion. She lay down on her back on the towel-wrapped table and as directed, slipped the small blindfold over her eyes.

The world went dark. Not a frightening dark, but a deep, restful absence of light, a peaceful black.

Under the blindfold, she closed her eyes to the world. So quiet. She dozed, she had no idea how long, until the closing of the door brought her around.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Dr. Lewis. Or may I call you Abigail?”

“Abby is fine.” She turned her head, following the deep, satiny voice of a man. Quiet steps moved behind her head. He stopped. Fingering the knot of her robe, she tightened it, covering herself, hoping to ward off the odd sensation of him studying her shape.

The lonely spot between her legs pulsed when a heavy hand lit on her shoulder.

His breath fell warm and solicitous on her ear. “What would you like rubbed first?”

     With this story, a 'collaboration' of sorts with dear friend and fellow DP author Deanna Wadsworth, has come to an end. FOR ME is the sixth in the series of a half dozen DW and I have written with overlapping characters.

     And, how are all these books 'related,' well: the furry guy (John) BEAR IT ALL's cover is the brother of the lovely woman (Grace) on my THE ONE HE CHOSE. The cute blond (Martin) on Deanna's ACCIDENTALLY BEAUTIFUL is the concierge at a Castillo hotel where Grace stayed in her story. Martin is an old high school friend of the strapping, kilt-clad Scot (Ian) from HASTE YEAR BACK. The young lady (Bryn) on that same cover is neighbors with the t-shirted guy (Jason) THE BEST EVER, and he's the brother of the woman (Abby) on the cover of my FOR ME.

     (Deanna and I would be thrilled if you read them in order as they appear above. Despite getting a deep sense of the characters in each individual book, their on-going interaction gives even more understanding of their 'situations.')

     So, dear friends, thanks for reading. I hope you'll pick up and enjoy FOR ME!

When not playing with the people in her head, Wendy has a full time job behind the scenes in television, a part time job in radio and an even 'parter' time job trying to keep her house clean. She lives with her cute chef husband and three fuzzy felines in the Great Lakes region of the Mid-West. 

     

When Characters 'chat'!

Writers talk--a lot--to one another. For example, my pal Deanna Wadsworth and I. But would you believe our book characters talk to one another as well? They do!

So, today we have with us Ian McCallum and Martin Baird. Ian is the sexy Scottish male character in my latest release HASTE YE BACK and Martin is the unwitting hero of Deanna's ACCIDENTALLY BEAUTIFUL, the second super hot tropical romance by her in the 1Night Stand series she and I have been writing with overlapping characters.

Ian and Martin have agreed to sit down and dish about Madame Eve and her 1Night Stand service.

________________________________________________________________________
So Ian, Martin, tell us how you met?

IAN:Oh hell, we've been mates since we wore short pants! In primary school-- 2nd or 3rd level--that's 2nd or 3rd grade to you Yanks. So, what when we were 7 or 8? He was getting the snot knocked out of him on the playground...so I knocked the snot out of those knocking on him...

MARTIN: It was Ian and Martin everywhere we went after that. The best of pals, saw all the good shows at the cinema on Saturday afternoon. You should have seen this bloke with a rugby ball!

IAN: Aye, well, I wouldn't have been playing rugby if you hadn't done all my book reports for me.

MARTIN: It was the least I could do

Sounds like you two were the best of pals. Now, there's something something about a kiss between you two?

MARTIN: (laughing) Oh, I shall take full blame for that. I mean look at the bloke, can't blame a guy for trying, right?

IAN: Try, being the operative word

MARTIN: (nudging Ian) Took him a second to figure that out though, right?

IAN:I love the guy--but it's not something I readily admit anymore---not that I'm ashamed of you or anything Martin--it's just, well--we were young and curious...that's all...forgive me, but I don't even remember if it was good!

MARTIN: (slapping his arm) Don't know if I like being forgotten so readily, its a bloody good thing I've forgotten as well!

IAN: (laughing) I don't buy that!

Now how did you hear about 1NS?

MARTIN: I work for the Castillo Resorts and for the last several years I have been setting up fantasy suites and encounters for Madame Eve's customers. All of which I am happy to report, seem to still be going strong. I never thought that I would be on the lucky end of her matchmaking skills, but I'm damn grateful for it

IAN: I'd been through a pretty rough marriage and had been divorced about six months when I run into this guy and his partner in a pub. He's going on and on about this woman and this 'service,' and well, I figured what did I have to lose! Anyway, he and Garret sure did seem happy together.

MARTIN: Took more than his fair share of pints to convince him that Garret and I weren't talking rubbish.

IAN: That and they were buying the rounds

 Ian, what happened with your 1NS date?

IAN:During the date! Are you outta your mind?! I'd like to see this young lady again.

MARTIN: Oh, I am sure you will see her again!

IAN: Aye, I know in my heart, I will.

MARTIN: You see, there is a wee bit of the fae about Madame Eve. She knows what you need in a partner, even if you don't. Garret even tried to trick her when he was hiring her but it didn't work

How did he try to trick her?

MARTIN: Well, my Garret, he likes a particular type of chap. He likes to be... how shall we say? In charge?

IAN: Aye, do I wanna hear this?

MARTIN: I’ll keep it clean, ya old bastard. Well Garret didn’t tell Madame Eve, but she knew somehow what he wanted and she handpicked me for him. I didn't evenknow I was being set up, I just thought I was having a bit of luck and met an amazing guy on holiday. But I believe Madame Eve was waiting for Garret to come along because she knew we were meant to be together. Just like she knew that Bryn and Ian were supposed to meet.

Ian tell us about that?

IAN: All I can say is from the moment I met her my heart was full--like she had been with me in the past, through so many things, lives...now I can't wait to see her again!

_________________________________________________________________________
If you want to know all the juicy details that Martin and Ian are apparently too polite to share, you can read Martin and Garret's story in ACCIDENTALLY BEAUTIFUL, by Deanna Wadsworth and Ian and Bryn's tale in my book HASTE YE BACK.

Of course, if you want the full picture why not start at the beginning?
BEAR IT ALL--A 1Night Stand Story
by Deanna Wadsworth

Can desire overcome misunderstanding when these two men bear it all? Or will both men walk away from exactly what they need and desire?

THE ONE HE CHOSE--A 1Night Stand Story
by Wendy Burke

A year after losing her beloved husband, Grace Witzler learns he left a special surprise for her. A fabulous getaway in the beautiful Canadian Rockies that includes a date with a mystery man arranged through Madame Eve’s 1NightStand dating service. She’s shocked and intrigued…what was Ben thinking?

Grace’s date is charming, handsome and about to find out whether the woman of his dreams will return his affection. He’s waited forever, but he’s reading to risk it all on a 1NightStand.

Find Deanna and me on Facebook!

One lucky commenter will win a copy of BEAR IT ALL and THE ONE HE CHOSE so you can start at the beginning of this sexy series!! (If you already have them--well, we'll give you something else!)

Don't forget to leave a comment to win!

---Wendy

Six degrees of (character) separation!

 

You've heard the term 'six degrees of separation.' Basically, you're just six people away from knowing everyone on earth. You know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone who knows someone, who works--let's say--at Buckingham Palace, who knows someone and before you know it, you know the Queen of England!

It happens in writers' heads and with their characters as well. And, what happens when one or two characters know someone in one, two or three books by different authors?

Such is the case when I began writing for Decadent Publishing's 1NightStand line. My writing partner in crime, Deanna Wadsworth, (who has had immense success with her full-length works for DP), started talking about characters, where they come from, and what if they knew one another from one book to the next.

And, so, six 1NS stories were born--three from her and three from me, with overlapping characters. In the end, will they all know each other---maybe! 


For example, take following book covers:

If you haven't read either of these 1NS stories, you may not know that the man on far left and the woman on the far right are brother and sister! And if you read The One He Chose you find out a bit what happened with Travis from Bear It All.

But, it doesn't stop there:

 

You see the cute blond from Accidentally Beautiful was our heroine's concierge in The One He Chose. And, a dear friend of the strapping Scot on the cover of Haste Ye Back.

I don't want to give everything away, but a friend of Bryn's from HYB could be the main character in the next book which Deanna is penning. And, then--well a story about his sister which I will write.

And in the end---well---you guessed it, it'll all go back to the beginning and somehow, everyone will be connected.

It's been fun determining how people are connected, it'll be even more interesting once the stories are complete! (For you and us as well!)

Check back Tuesday for a little insight into two of these characters!

Wendy