Have you read a scary romance? (I’m not talking dark romance, because I wouldn’t know where to start to do that. I write clean/sweet/closed door historical romances, after all). In the spirit of the season, can we include gothic romances as scary romance? I think we must.
Last year in October, I accepted a challenge and wrote a short romance story with moody, misty, otherworldly elements. I had the best time writing it. It’s titled The Gypsy Witch. It is available in the Free Romance Reads section of this site.
If you missed it last year, I hope you enjoy it now.
I’m late to the game, but I wanted to try again to capture the shivers and atmosphere of the season. I’ve been thinking for weeks and have met a block–until today when I was watching the solar eclipse.
Thoughts of watching the sky, and all those who have done so through the ages, led to thoughts of the Equinoxes and Solstices, and in this autumn season led to thoughts of Samhain (pronounces Sah-wn). And Halloween led to All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
Suddenly Joane, a very minor character in The Masks We Wear, needs to sneak out on the eve of Samhain to have an adventure.
I found a little inspiration image:
Now, I can’t wait to start writing. (Just a little break from my regular writing).
Watch in the next few days form my second annual autumn/harvest/halloween story.
For years I thought I could write a book, and that someday I would. Off and on through the years, I thought about it, even wrote down a few ideas.
Then, I turned fifty. That was a shock!
Fifty year old me. It scared me a little to realize so much time had passed.
I realized that if I kept telling myself that “someday” I would and not actually doing something about it, chances were good I would find myself at seventy still saying, “Someday I will write a book.” So I buckled down and wrote a book. It was a fantasy novel, and it wasn’t very good, but I finished it. I learned so much from the writing. I was so proud of myself. And then I “archived” that book. Maybe in the future I’ll revive it and fix it, but for now, it’s hidden away.
Then Covid and quarantine happened. I spent a lot of time reading and thinking.
One day, I thought, “I could actually have something to show at the end of this crazy time if I start now.” I rethought my genre and started writing. I found my voice in romance–historical romance. I wrote a book. I don’t want to brag, but this one was good. Others who read it liked it enough to encourage me. So I put it through editing and published it. I wrote another, and another, (I’m working on my eighth book). I have found a new life.
During Covid, I became an author.
But marketing? I didn’t think about that. The authoring update comes now. Now that I have a series of books published, I have finally taken the time to read, research, listen to podcasts, and talk to other authors about how to find and get my work into the hands of more readers. Some methods are just not going to work for me, but I can write more.
So, this is my new plan: For every series, I will write a prequel and give it away free. For every book I write, I will also write a bonus scene or story so my readers have a little something extra after they read the novel.
This means that in addition to getting my new series ready to publish, I am going back and writing a prequel to my Illusions series. (That series begins with The Secrets We Keep).
The prequel (Under a Honeyed Moon) is almost complete, and I love Evie and Cam’s story. I can’t wait for you to read it!
I also now have all but one bonus story/scene for each of the five books in the Illusions series.
And I’m writing the prequel, some call it a freequel, to my new Love and Honor Series. (Book one is An Honorable Man).
When the prequel is complete (A Match for Minna or Minna and the Miser, which do you think is better?) Either way, when it’s finished I’ll publish the first book (shown below), which is ready and waiting.
Book One in the Love and Honor Series
Book three of the Love and Honor Series is a third of the way written. (I know. You’re asking, where is book two? Well, I’m still thinking about it).
Anyway, this is just to tell you that I have been writing and have a lot of new romance for you. I’m excited to move forward, and I’m really excited to share more love stories with you.
When an author, in any genre, writes a first draft, it often starts with messy, half-formed ideas, and the outcome needs a lot of work. To write that draft with an audience is terrifying, but that’s what I’m doing?
I’m not only writing this regency romance in front of an audience, I’m writing it according to feedback and suggestions from that audience. Week by week, I read comments from those who listen to the previous week’s story. Then I’m writing the next section for your listening pleasure.
Every weekend, I upload a video where I read the week’s writing. I am anxious, not knowing beforehand exactly where we’ll go. But I am also excited. I’m challenged, and I am learning new things, improving my craft, and talking with my readers. It’s scary fun.
So, welcome to my new writing adventure. Join me on YouTube at Gigi Lynn for romance. I’ve put up two “episodes” so far. Listen and tell me what you think should happen next.
Recently I played a game. I asked followers on social media to choose the romance trope of my next novel. (You chose unrequited love).
I began writing right away, even though I’m working on another Romance, Under a Honeyed Moon, as well. Yes, it is a challenge to write two novels concurrently, but I’m excited about it.
I had so much fun talking with you about possible tropes that I want to try something new. I will read the first part of this novel on my new YouTube channel:
Gigi Lynn for romance
As I contemplated this kind of collaboration, I decided it would be best–and fun too–to tell the story through letters. An epistolary novel. Corinna, who is a minor character in An Honorable Man, is writing to her best friend, Honora (Nora). She is also writing to a gentleman in Paris about some research he has done. Now, you must know, a lady does not correspond with a man to whom she is not engaged. Corinna circumvents this convention by using her brother’s name. After all, the gentleman is in Paris. He will never find out.
If you are interested, I will read the entire novel as I go along. Through the process, we can discuss it. I would love your input–your ideas about what should happen next. We could write this novel together. (I’ll start reading the end of this week and post every week or two. If there’s enough interest, I’ll keep posting until we have our Happily Every After.
Inspiration image via Dall i
We can discuss the development of the novel on the site. I added a discussion board to the menu at the top of the page. Additionally, I do have a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gigi.lynn8
So, who is in for the adventure of writing a new novel with me? I can’t wait!
P.S. An Honorable Man is at the editor. I plan to release this sweet regency romance in March. Get ready to curl up by the fire and join impoverished Lady Ballantyne (Cecily) and wealthy common man, Mr. Hatton as they help each other right into love. (If you’d like to be an ARC reader, I will send a sign-up form in my next love note (newsletter).
My new romance novel, Under a Honeyed Moon is almost finished! It has Cinderella and Forced Marriage Tropes and is so, so fun. Lord Camden (Cam) and Lady Evelyn (Evie) are a delight. I hope to have it ready for an April/May release.
A new regency romance for you to read, An Honorable Man is with the editor! After that, it will spend a couple of weeks with ARC readers. ARC readers, as you probably know, receive a free copy of the novel with the understanding that they will read it in a timely manner and leave an honest review, for me on Amazon and Goodreads.
I plan to release this regency romance novel to the public in February.
Let me share the back of the book Blurb with you:
Beginning of blurb– Nobility and Honor are not always the same . . . Lady Cecily Ballantyne is beautiful, refined, and . . . days away from being evicted. How can an impoverished, noble widow support her five-year-old daughter?
Mr. Nyles J. Hatton is successful, wealthy, and . . . common. He wants the impossible—to move into the exclusive sphere of the nobility.
But when Mr. Hatton overhears Lady Cecily ask a titled gentleman for help finding work, he proposes a better idea, the perfect bargain. Lady Ballantyne will transform Mr. Hatton so he can move among the ton, and he will provide a safe home for her and her daughter and position for which she is uniquely suited.
But what if she finds his rough honesty tempting? What if he finds her graceful courage irresistible? And who is it that threatens Cecily, determined to stop both her and Mr. Hatton from entering into society? –End of Blurb
What do you think? Are you ready to settle in with Cecily as she “makes over” Mr. Hatton?
You probably have never heard of Nanowrimo, but for the last few years, I’ve been wanting to try it. Nanowrimo stands for National Novel Writing Month. This world-wide event is held every November–Yes, I’m sorry to say, it is in November.
When an author or aspiring author signs up for Nanowrimo, they accept the challenge to begin a new novel on November 1, and try to write 50,000 words by the end of the month. The idea is that by the end of the month, you will have finished a short novel. Think of it–a new romance novel in one month!
I want to tell you about my month long experience. First, let me say, I did not cheat. I planned start a brand new novel that has been percolating in the back of my mind for the last few months. The main character of this first in a new series is Angelica, or Angel as her family calls her, so I’ll use Angel as the working title for now.
Though I didn’t cheat, I also didn’t follow the rules exactly. I just could not begin Angel before I finished An Honorable Man. So, I spent the first 5-6 days finishing the last 11,000 words of this novel. I love it so much, I had a hard time moving on. I just wanted to go back and start editing so I can get it into your hands as soon as possible. But I held strong and kept writing.
So, even though I didn’t begin with the new work on November 1, I planned to write a whole new work in November. I would just start on the 6th. Then, the night before I started Angel, I had this idea for a romance novella. It came into my mind almost fully formed in terms of plotting and characters. I made a sudden departure from my plan and started writing a totally new romance novella.
This is Lady Evelyn’s story. It has some Cinderella elements and then turns into a forced marriage trope. The working title is Honeyed Moon. I worked through the bulk of the month telling the story of Evie and Cam (Lord Camden). I get chills when I think of this novella, which I do believe I will add to in editing. I think it needs to be a full length novel.
So, there I am on Thanksgiving day, surrounded by my family (all 37 of them). I’ve finished for former Work In Progress (An Honorable Man). I’ve finished the surprise Novella (Honeyed Moon). But I am still 5000 words shy of the 50,000 word mark.
So, after my family left, I went back to the original plan and began my new series with Angel and Ramsay’s story. I’m four chapters into that story.
Three novels in various stages in one month. I’m astounded, and tired. Mostly, I am so excited to bring these romances to you. In a perfect world, you’ll have one in January, one in March, and one in May/June. Cross your fingers for me. I’m working furiously.
Let’s Bring Back the Look (you know the one), the Gentle Touch, the Sweet Awareness?
Now, I really love a good kissing scene. Who doesn’t? But sometimes I feel cheated when a book or movie rushes right to that kiss and even hurries on past the kiss without giving me time to appreciate the romantic journey.
Does anyone else feel like we’ve left some sweet, important, fulfilling, delightful steps in romance behind?
A meeting of eyes, sigh! The brush of a hand, maybe even accidentally, oh my heart. (Who doesn’t love Mr. Darcy’s hand clench after helping Lizzie into her carriage?) Such small things, except they’re not. These too are the essence of romance.
And these things aren’t just for the meet cute or start of a new relationship. These are some of the signs of continuing love. This is one way that we nurture our relationships.
Do you remember the first time a love interest looked at you with special attention? Touched you? Held your hand? Put his/her arm around you? I hope you felt that thrill. I hope you still do. And I hope that in addition to the kissing scene, you love to read, or view, the simple steps in the dance of love.
So, hold hands, give a hug–and hold on for longer. Think about a feel those little, gentle touches. Don’t miss out on these lovely, simple, treasured Romantic gestures.
It’s a dark, stormy night, and the students at The Phoenix House are telling stories around the fire. A sudden knock at the door starts a series of events that ends in murder.
The Novella is called Veiled In Mist, and it’s free this weekend, October 7-9, 2022.
Free October 7-9
I didn’t start out to write a Halloween story, but this book book ended up being part locked-room mystery, part adventure, but as always mostly romance. And it’s a perfect October read.
I admit, of all of my books so far, this has the most darkness. The girls in the school have experienced abuse in the past. (So a little trigger warning). When they hear about the return of their tormenter, each girl has to make a choice.
Lady Helen is smart, poised, a totally admirable character. She has a strong social conscience. The only problem is that her family has been disgraced. She’s hiding away from society. Helen wants to to be part of positive changes.
The Reverend David Jones, newly appointed Vicar is the perfect match for Helen, if only she’ll allow him to get close enough to get that romance moving. But he’s determined, we might even say stubborn.
When Helen is accused of murder, they have one day to prove her innocence and to discover the power of love.
Now that the Illusions series is complete, I have lowered the price of book one, The Secrets We Keep to .99 cents.
Click on the Buy Here Button
For the cost of a candy bar, you can have hours of enjoyment. Or you could splurge and buy both the book and the candy bar.
This is the first romance book I ever wrote. I still love it. I love Liza’s impulsive desire to save her father and Robert. It still tickles me the trouble she gets in, but her determination is so admirable.
And Robert, just home from the war, he’s trying to rekindle a romance with his neighbor and long-time friend. Why won’t she respond in a predictable way?
I hope you enjoy this Regency, Napoleonic war era Romance. (Please leave a review so others can find this delightful clean read).
Is it possible? If you’ve read a scary romance (story, novella, or novel), please tell me the title/author, especially if it was a good story.
My local library has a yearly scary story contest. The only rule is that the piece has to be eight pages or less.
I didn’t plan to write a scary story; it’s not really in my wheelhouse, but my all my fellow writers in my writer’s group were talking about it. Many of them write fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and horror-genres that lend themselves to a little scary. But someone suggested I try a gothic romance. I haven’t been able to forget about it since. Now I have four ideas, so I’m taking a little break from my latest novel and writing a few short stories. The only problem is I’m not sure I will be able to keep any of them to less than eight pages. So watch for a gothic story from me here on the site in October.
And, I’d love to read your scary story. If you’d like, I’ll post it here. Embrace the season with me and let’s all challenge ourselves to try something new!
