What I'm...

Recommendations needed: Romance trilogy or series featuring the same couple

May 29, 2014 by ReeseRyan

I’m working on a historical romance set during the Harlem Renaissance. My original idea was to write a series featuring three different couples. To be honest, I’m still strongly inclined to follow through with that plan.

However, I’m exploring the possibility of going deeper into the story of how these two characters get together. To accomplish that, I considered revealing their love story over a series of three novellas. So, I’d like to read a few romance trilogies or series that feature a single couple and that are done especially well.

Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series has been recommended by several people, so I’m putting it at the top of my list. What other series would you recommend and why?

Also, I’d love to hear your opinion on this type of series.

Do you like this deeper exploration of a love story? Or does it drive you crazy and you’d rather have the romance wrapped up in a single novel?

Saying Good-bye to How I Met Your Mother #HIMYMFarewell

March 31, 2014 by ReeseRyan

Today I’m over at Sulia’s Romance Chanel, where I blog five days each week, saying good-bye to the long-running sitcom, How I Met Your Mother.

I’m a late-comer to the show. I only started watching it a few years ago. Thanks to syndication I was able to catch up pretty quickly and it soon became my favorite sitcom.

There are so many episodes of the show that make me break out into laughter when I think about them:

The Pineapple Incident

Spoiler Alert

Swarley

The Stinsons

Dowisetrepla

Intervention

How I Met Everyone Else

The cast that created the characters we’ve come to consider as friends said a lovely good-bye and thank you to their fans. Check out the good-bye video below.

If you’re a fan of the show, who is your favorite character? Which episodes make the list of your favorites?

#HIMYMFarewell

5 Ways Introverts Can Succeed Without Forcing Themselves to Become Extroverts

November 15, 2013 by ReeseRyan

You probably won’t find this shocking, but I’m a bona fide introvert.

Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Many writers are. The quiet, solitary nature of writing appeals to introverts.

I have often referred to myself as an introvert masquerading as an extrovert. The feeling that, as an introvert, I must conform to a more extroverted personality in order to succeed, is a belief that many introverts hold.

Yet, it simply isn’t true.

As introverts, we have strengths which we can leverage. We need to recognize this and stop feeling guilty and apologetic about our natural temperament.

Recently, I’ve seen some pretty awesome info online about introverts. There was this enlightening, thoughtful post that dispels ten myths about introverts. For instance, we don’t dislike people and don’t always want to be alone. However, we draw our energy from within and need some quiet downtime to recharge our batteries. When we’re not allowed that–or are made to feel guilty about it–we can turn into a Ms. Cranky Pants of a magnitude you never, ever want to witness.

Trust me on that.

On the other hand, give us a little fair warning about a social event and some time to recharge before and after the event, and we can be the life of the party. You won’t be able to shut me us up.

Then there was this awesomesauce post on Buzz Feed about 27 Problems Only Introverts understand, which is hilarious, mostly because it’s also quite true.

Today I finally got a chance to watch a video by the funny, insightful and always inspiring, Marie Forleo, over on MarieTV. Networking for Introverts with Susan Cain. I love Marie’s videos! She shares information, encouragement and resources that help entrepreneurs make money and live a life they love. The advice and observations she shares are usually applicable to creative professionals, too.

Susan Cain is the author of the award-winning book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. This video discussion between Susan and Marie highlights five fantastic tips to help introverts cope in a world where they seldom feel appreciated. Not to mention the comfort that comes from knowing you aren’t alone (or an anti-social freak). The video is lengthy at a little over 20 minutes. However, it’s well worth it for introverts and the people who love them, but who don’t always get them.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What challenges have you faced either being an introvert or in dealing with people who are? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Photo of Susan Cain courtesy of the American Library Association. Some rights reserved.

The Jane Austen Collection Goes Digital…and For Less Than a Buck

June 15, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Jane Austen Collection

You probably already know I’m a huge Jane Austen fan and that her character Elizabeth Bennet has taken the position as my unofficial muse. A year or two ago I bought a fancy, collector’s edition of Austen’s seven major novels. It is still wrapped in the plastic. It seems too pretty to actually use…so I haven’t. Then there is the little matter of my reading preference having shifted to e-books on my beloved Kindle Fire HD. So what’s a girl to do when she wants to read Jane Austen? Buy the Jane Austen Collection for less than a buck.

I snagged a copy right away. Even at the normal price–$1.99–it’s an absolute deal. The collection includes Austen’s major works, minor works, early works, unfinished work, and letters. The TBR list is growing rather long as titles jostle for space on my Kindle. But I hope to get a chance to dive into The Jane Austen Collection soon.

What is your favorite classic novel? Do you own a physical copy? Is it sacrilege to read a classic novel on a digital reader? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

For more information about the Jane Austen Collection, see below:

Published by Doma Publishing

Follow @DomaPublishing

Interview w/ THE IMPACT OF YOU Author Kendall Ryan

June 8, 2013 by ReeseRyan

One of the things I am constantly impressed with is the generosity of fellow members of the writing community. The competition to get our books noticed grows tougher as an increasing number of books hit virtual bookshelves each day. This phenomenon is both a pro and con of the ongoing self-publishing/digital publishing revolution.

You’d think that writers would become territorial, stake their claim, and sabotage fellow writers. Well, it happens. But such instances are quite rare. Instead the majority of writers are willing to reach down and extend aspiring and new writers a hand. They share their knowledge, wisdom, and hard-learned strategies. And they often do so without expecting a thing in return.

The explosion of digital and social media has also shortened the space between authors and their readers. Some authors don’t like this change. The majority have embraced it. This is particularly true of indie authors.

Rising indie author Kendall Ryan embodies both concepts. I met Kendall online after I posted a glowing tweet about her book Make Me Yours which I absolutely adored. This led to an interview which I did for All Things Girl and then a second interview for The Contemporary Romance Café that went live today.

The success Kendall is experiencing is no lucky break or happy coincidence. The woman has a serious work ethic that would put lots of corporate workers (and CEOs) to shame. She generously shares her knowledge and experience as an indie author in these interviews. Kendall is also graciously connects with her fans. Any author can learn a lot from what she has to say.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for a chat with Kendall Ryan.

Why I Write Smart, Strong Heroines with a Side of Family Drama

June 4, 2013 by ReeseRyan

As writers, 99.9% of us are also avid readers. Each of us has favorite authors whose work inspires us and in some way influences our own writing.

There are several authors I’m quite fond of. Judy Blume, Pearl Cleage, Jane Green, and Benilde Little to name a few. But my very favorite author is Jane Austen–primarily because of my deep and abiding love for Pride and Prejudice with its heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.

This month we’re discussing our favorite literary characters over at the Contemporary Romance Café. Today I’m chatting about my two favorite heroines and the impact those stories have had on the novels I write and the characters who populate them.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win a print copy of one the books in guest author M. Malone’s The Alexanders series.

Photo credit: Still from A&E’s miniseries Pride and Prejudice.

In-depth Interview with Indie Author M. Malone

June 1, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Outside of writing fiction, one of the things I enjoy most is doing author interviews. First, there’s the excitement of getting to know authors whose work and accomplishments I personally admire. Then there is the thrill of introducing readers to an author they might not have read otherwise. As a reader I’m interested in their characters, stories, and what inspired them. As a novelist I sit as a student at the feet of masters, hoping to glean some knowledge that I can use in my own work and career. My recent interview with Minx Malone is no exception.

As an author of contemporary romance featuring multicultural characters that don’t quite fit into the typical “check here” box, I’m a huge fan of Minx Malone. Recently I had a chance to get the skinny on her current contemporary romance series–The Alexanders–and a chance to ask this hugely successful indie author about the inspiration for her stories and why going indie was right for her. She also gave us a glimpse into what she has planned for the future, and her writing process.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for an in-depth chat over coffee with indie publishing rock star, M. Malone.

Y is for Yellow

April 29, 2013 by ReeseRyan

I can’t believe how long ago it was when I first heard the song “Yellow” by Coldplay. I liked the song, but wasn’t exactly sold on the group. But by the time their next album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, came out I purchased it and was a hardcore Coldplay fan. (Well, not as hardcore as my neighbor. It’s the only album he listens to apparently. Ever.)

Recently I took advantage of my Amazon Prime account and watched Coldplay Live 2012. So now, of course, I’m obsessed with the idea of flying to a European country to watch the group perform live, and darnit, I really want one of the glowing bracelets. Like really.

Who are your favorite bands? Which musicians are on your To Be Seen list?

X is for X Factor (that unidentifiable trait that makes someone truly special)

April 27, 2013 by ReeseRyan

You already know I love storytelling, books, movies, music, and singer/songwriters. But I’m also quite fond of dancing. (Said with a jazz hands finger flourish like the lady in the State Farm/Aaron Rodgers commercial here.)

I’ve always fancied myself a crazy good dancer with mad skills. (I also refer to myself in my head as Princess and imagine that I have minions who wait upon me. But the two aren’t related. Or, are they?)

So, the other day it had gotten too late to go for a walk and I was determined to get my thirty minutes of exercise in. Rather than go to the community gym, I opted to pull out the Kindle Fire HD, slip on the Bluetooth headset and dance my way to fitness.

I turned on JT’s 20/20 Experience and started dancing. And dancing. And dancing some more. Before I realized it, thirty minutes turned into an hour. My knees didn’t much appreciate the pivots, turns, and imagined ballerina moves. But the rest of me felt exhilarated, every muscle singing (or groaning), thanking me for not giving into the comfy couch or my not-so-comfy computer chair.

The next day I told my young adult son, Chef Boy RD, that I was going to dance again. He–who had tried his valiant best to videotape my AWESOME moves from around the corner the previous day–rubbed his hands together and smiled with glee.

“This is gonna get tons of hits on YouTube.”

Of course, I did what any other mother would do. I reminded him that he’d have to find somewhere else to live if it did. He then proceeded to mimic my dance moves from the day before in something that looked less crazy good and instead was just…crazy. (Imagine a hip-hop dance contest consisting only of people who normally move around with walkers. Yeah…it looked something like that.)

The next day my husband–GQ Jones–commended me for working out after he ~~flaked on me~~ was too tired to go walking with me the previous night.

“I worked out for an hour,” I said proudly.

He smiled at me the way people often do right before they pat you on your head…when you’re five. “Babe, you were dancing for like six hours. You danced through two basketball games. And every time I came into the room you were doing the same move. But it’s good you worked out. I’m proud of you.”

So perhaps I don’t have have mad dance kills; instead I’ve gone slightly mad. Whatever. They’re kind of the same. And at least I worked out.

Maybe I don’t have the X Factor, that unknown, truly amazing thing. At least not where my dancing is concerned. But Marquese Scott, a brilliant dancer who’s been featured in iRobot, Peugeot, and One Coke ® commercials, and on Ellen definitely does. One of his dance videos is posted below. You can view more dance videos and commercials on his YouTube channel here.

What writers, musicians, actors, or dancers have that X Factor? How would you define what makes them so special?

Photo above is a still from the State Farm commercial on YouTube. Visit link above.

W is for The Words (The Movie)

April 26, 2013 by ReeseRyan

The Words is a complex, layered tale. A story within a story within a story. I admit that the ending left me confused with more questions than answers. Still, I enjoyed the ride just the same.

Bradley Cooper plays Rory a writer who is struggling to make his mark in the literary world. He’s newly married, in debt to his father who has been supporting his habit as a writer, and forced to take a corporate job. When his wife, Dora, played by Zoe Saldana, buys him a lovely, old leather satchel during their honeymoon in Paris, he discovers a manuscript inside. It’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever read and he decides to type the entire story, in the hopes that it will inspire his own work. When Dora discovers the manuscript on his computer and mistakes it for his work, Rory doesn’t have the courage to tell her the truth. It is the first false step down a rocky path of lies and deception.

This is one of those films people seem to love or hate. Some critics have proclaimed it ambitious or preachy. But I loved it, and I thought Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Irons, Ben Barnes, Nora Arnezeder were quite brilliant. I found the third storyline with Dennis Quaid and Olivia Wilde distracting and confusing. However, I loved the first two threads enough to overlook the third.

Did you see The Words? If so, what did you think of it? Do you like books and movies that incorporate clever, ambitious story elements as this one does? If so, which one is your favorite?

Publicity photo from The Words.