Friday, May 1, 2009

Happy 3rd Birthday, TWRP!

...from all of us in the deepest, darkest corner of the garden.

Imagine an ebony scape cast silvery beneath a hunter's moon. Silhouettes dance in deep shadow. A lone howl pierces the stillness of the night. Rapture and lust beat within the heart of a lone woman who finds herself in the clutches of the most alluring man she has ever met.

Yes, you've entered the dark fantasy of Black Rose.

Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Callie Lynn Wolfe, Senior editor. I joined TWRP in its first year and cannot believe two and a half years have whizzed by already. I love my job, the company, my staff, and all the wonderfully imaginative authors we gain daily in our little corner.

Black Rose for those who may not be familiar with this line is the home of sensual vamp, sexy weres, and just about any other dark seductive creature you can image. We do love lusty, hot stories but also like the lighter weres, vamp, demon, etc.

Now for a few words from my staff:

Lill Farrell
Lill's Personal Pet Peeves
Run of the mill vampires- you know the kind, they hate garlic sauce on their pizza, won't cross running water (or stand in a hot steamy shower with the heroine), sleep in coffins in a crypt (not even on satin sheets) and talk with Eastern European accents. On the same note are werewolves who howl at the moon, rip their shirts to shreds and leave piles of hair on the couch.

This leads me to what I would like to see
Shifters of a different sort, don't be bound by the idea of werewolves. There are many different animals out there, be unique, take that leap beyond the norm. Darker stories, that delve into the paranormal instead of just hitting the edges, dig deeper, push the boundaries and raise the bar. Readers (including me) want to be taken to places they haven't visited before. I want to be sucked into the pages and forget my surroundings. Create worlds that are so three dimensional that I can reach out and touch them. Immerse your characters into these settings, turn up the emotion, fire up the passion, bring on the darkness.

Write with passion, infuse your stories with emotion and with imagery.

Amanda Barnett

Hi everyone. I'm Amanda Barnett and I have the wonderful honor of being an editor on the Black Rose line. I love what I do and love my authors, present and future.
I love edgy characters, emotion driven plots and sensuality in a manuscript whether it is a vamp or were! Grab me from the first line or two, keep me wanting to read moreand I am happier than an editor with chocolates.


Some thoughts on Vampires, Myths or Truth.

So many authors have many ideas on whether or not vampires or real. I know there are a lot of things in the world, some I truly don't want to know about, and there are always some rumors, myths, etc that support the existence of all types of creatures. Whether or not, our fanged heroes or heroines are facts or creations of an author's vivid imagination, I think we can all agree, this type of character, fascinates us all.

I've read stories of monsters who did not want to be redeemed, vamps who want their souls back and your ordinary fanged variety who prefer to live and let live. What I want to see in the heroes I read about is simply they have the characteristics that make a hero. Give me a long-haired, been burned vamp who is softened by love and I'm putty in an author's hands. I want to experience the emotions of how the I don't need anyone in my life vamp realizes that the only thing important in life, mortal or immortal, is love.

I would love to know your thoughts on what you think make a hero a hero, whether they are fanged or clawed.

Eilidh Mackenzie

On Scottish culture and history...getting the facts right.

As a Scot working in romance publishing, I frequently cringe at the descriptions of Scottish people and history. Subs come over my desk asserting that all of Scotland’s strong young men were killed in the battles with the English. Well, that was true 260 years ago, but a generation later, there was a whole new crop of strong young men.
I’ve lost count of the historical or time travel stories, whose hero, six or seven hundred years ago, is the stereotypical kilted Highlander, the noble underdog, struggling against oppression by the English. Actually, when the Scots weren’t cattle raiding and pillaging their own Highland and Lowland neighbors , they made outright invasions of English territory. The English perpetrated horrific retaliations, but if you bang on a beehive, you gotta expect to be stung.
And they didn’t wear kilts back then! In fact, when the modern kilt became popular in the nineteenth century, it was a fashion statement stimulated by Queen Victoria’s romance with the Highlands. By the time Highlanders fought in kilts, they were fighting for the English, in the British army.
Okay, I’ve calmed down a bit now. I must admit that, of course, Highlanders wore a form of the kilt centuries ago and yes, they fought against the English, but probably not as much as they fought amongst themselves. The original kilt—the belted plaid—showed up around 1600. It was a vast plaid blanket, maybe five feet wide and up to twenty feet long. The wearer scrunched it by handfuls up the middle of the length and belted the bundle around his waist. The plaid fell below the waist to about the knee, and the top half was draped and pinned about the torso.
Sounds awkward, but this was actually a practical garment in the gales, rain, and snow of the Highlands. The naturally dyed colors blended with the heather and gorse of the mountains, so your rival clansmen didn’t catch you stealing their cattle, and the layers of wool kept some warmth trapped against the body. Scratchy, yes, but a linen shirt under the plaid made it comfortable. At night, you could wrap the plaid around yourself, and a friend, if you were lucky, for a cosy sleeping bag.
What does all this have to do with romance novels? Those Highland warriors make superb alpha male heroes. I would dearly love to see manuscripts showing the realities of Highland life, instead of the softened, cartoonish, pretend Scots that never existed. Two excellent resources for learning about the Scotland that actually was are The Emperor’s New Kilt: The Two Secret Histories of Scotland, by Jan-Andrew Henderson, and How the Scots Invented the Modern World, by Arthur Herman.
Proud, me? Actually, I’m much prouder now since I read that last book. We’re amazing people; it’s mind-boggling!
Here’s tae us; wha’s like us?
Damn few, and they’re a’ deid.
(a Scottish toast)
Eilidh MacKenzie
Black Rose Editor


Rene Stephens

Rene couldn't be with us tonight, but here's hoping we'll have a surprise visit before the hour is gone.

Please feel free to shoot us over questions and comments. We look forward to hearing from you.

Callie


60 comments:

Catherine Bybee said...

Hi, Callie...
I feel like I've been here all day. Why the scarlets had to crawl out of bed early is beyond me... LOL.

Kelly McCrady said...

Eilidh,

I'm editing a Faery right now starring a Pictish hero and a Scotti heroine--and nary a kilt in sight--set in the time when Romans abandoned Britania to the Saxons. You might like that one when it comes out. :-)

Kelly Schaub, Faery Ed.

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Callie, waving to everyone and blowing birthday wishes! I love black rose! The vamps and weres are so awesome to read about!

Amanda

Eilidh said...

I love the sound of your Faery, Kelly! I'm going to want to read it when it comes out. It sounds like your author did her research. I love that.

And I have been here all day. Can't keep the eyelids propped open any longer. I'll have to catch up on the rest of the posts in the morning. Good night, all, and happy birthday to us!

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Bless your heart, Catherine! Maybe you could have an early night! Or at least celebrate your birthday!

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

I love kilts!!!!! I set a book in a time frame I thought would work because I wanted the kilts but found out they did not come into existence until later. Bummer!!!!

Amanda

Callie Lynn said...

Hey, Cathie!
LOL I'm actually having a Girl's weekend, just me, Bea(my sheltie girl), and my sista.

No men allowed! Tomorrow we're heading out to the inlet and beach and God's knows what else we can get knee-deep into. Woo Hoo!

Callie

danie88 said...

hello callie,

vamps and weres are my all time favorite types of paranormals! i just added a few to my wishlist :)

Rene said...

I'm here...I'm here. Been a crazy, crazy day but at last, my reports are on their way and I can take a breath. Wanted to stop by and say hello. Couldn't completely miss the birthday party.

Catherine Bybee said...

LOL... Amanda, I signed 3 contracts with TWRP in 4 weeks. Scarlet, Faery and Black. So I'm excited to be here. Although I asked Lori LeBonde why the Scarlets..the wilder ladies, had the early hour, then realized that the racy roses probably have night lives..lol.

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Night Eilidh! Get some rest! You deserve it!

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Callie, I hope your weekend is great!

Amanda

Catherine Bybee said...

Kilts are awesome. I have them on my blog all the time.

My werewolves don't wear kilts. Although that is an idea...
What do ya think, Callie? lol

Rene said...

So, don't you just love the dark side of romance?? Okay, so I'm a bit biased. I've been an editor here on the Black Rose staff since 2007 and love it, love it, love it. Give me a good vamp or werewolf or shifter any day! Of course, the only thing that makes it better is a great romance thrown in. It's the best of both worlds.

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Danie! I know what you mean, so many good books, so little time to read...lol.

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Rene! It's fun isn't it? I love parties!

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Wow, Catherine, that is awesome! Way to go woman!

Amanda

Rene said...

Congrats on the contracts Catherine! Yes, I do indeed love parties Amanda especially when the rest of the day was so stressful. This is a nice way to wrap it up.

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

I'm sorry about your day, Rene! I hope it gets better soon!

Amanda

Catherine Bybee said...

What is awesome about this all day blog is that for those who couldn't make it, they can still come in and see what everyone was yacking about. A chat doesn't offer that. Not to mention you can keep up with the posts this way.

Don't ya think, Callie? Oh, you're with the girls... Hows the wine? lol

Anonymous said...

Ok ladies, who cannot love sexy werewolves and mysterious vampires?? I know I am infatuated with them!

This birthday bash has been a blast! My fiance thinks I am crazy lol..

Rene said...

It's all good now. Once I finally got everything to balance and the reports emailed on their way, everything was all better. It usually doesn't take me close to 8 hours to complete the reports, but it just turned out to be one of those days. Now I'm ready to party! :-)

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Ashley, I agree, those characters rock! So glad you could make it here!

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Rene,

So glad it is better now. You got your party hat on?

Amanda

Catherine Bybee said...

Thanks Rene and Amanda.
It was an awesome Fall!

Rene said...

Right on - Ashley! Don't worry hubby thinks I'm crazy too but funny thing, he now watches vampire movies with me and even likes shows like Moonlight! He's come a long way since he said "I do."

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

You are so welcome, Catherine!

Amanda

Rene said...

Oh yes...I'm all dressed up for the party. I worked from home today so I'm in my very best camo cargo pants and lovely AC/DC T-shirt. Looking party pretty...LOL

Catherine Bybee said...

I do love my dark paranormal on the spicy side. Black Swan was an awesome read!

How about you guys... Do you like your darks - really dark and sexy?

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Cool! I'm in my gown and slippers, just chilling...lol.

Amanda

Rene said...

Yes Catherine. I personally like my darks very dark and very sexy. Something about that combination just gives me chills...in a good way.

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Yes, when it come to vamps, I do want it dark and sensual!!!!

Amanda

Catherine Bybee said...

Borderline Scarlet. Deep POV's. Yep, I'm hooked.

Catherine Bybee said...

Okay ladies... I'm going to go have my birthday calories now. Complete with a couple of sour apple martinis, some blackened salmon... garlic bread... cheese cake...
Then we're hitting the mall, oh, baby get the credit card ready... mama needs a new pair of something.

I've had an great time today Roses. Lets make the 4th year of TWRP better than the others!

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Go and have fun, Catherine! Happy Birthday again!

Amanda

Anonymous said...

Hey! About missed my time slot! I am just loving Black Rose—ask anyone, especially our very own WRP authors who attended the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference this past month. A shout out to our formidable leader, Callie Lynn, who has sent me some wonderfully dark, edgy manuscripts to cut my elongated teeth on. =)
Happy Birthday, TWRP! So happy to be here amongst the best staff and authors in the bizz. You all rock!
Joelle Walker, Black Rose editor

Rene said...

Oh my, you are making me soooo hungry. It's dinner time in my neck of the woods and I think I hear the kitchen calling me! Except, I really want to go with Catherine. Blackened Salmon, ohhhh yes

Rene said...

Hi Joelle!

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

hey Joelle,

Couldn't have a party without you! You rock, woman!

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Callie, before I forget, please forgive me for posting with my SE hat on. It was all I could do to get a password I could remember and a pic for the Faery rose blog.


Amanda

Rene said...

Hey Callie -- have a great ladies weekend! Enjoyed chatting with everyone tonight but now I'm off to dinner myself. Nothing quite as yummy as Catherine's birthday dinner but it is Friday night so it's all good. Party on ladies!
Rene Stephens

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Have a good dinner, Rene!

Amanda

Crystal-Rain Love said...

Whoo-hoo! Time for Black Rose! I love DARK paranormal.

M.Flagg said...

Hi Callie Lynn. Wow! What a birthday bash! So many great posts all day. This Black Rose wishes you and the other editors a very Happy Birthday with a song in her heart. Enjoy the celebration of success and party on!

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Crystal! Good to see you again!

Amanda

Silver James said...

Happy Birthday, Black Roses! Ya'll rock!

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Evening M.Flagg,

So glad to meet another Black Rose line author!

Amanda

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Silver,

Happy Birthday to you and all our TWRP family!

Amanda

Silver James said...

*waves to Joelle* Glad to see you tonight, Joelle!

Anonymous said...

Joelle here. Don't ask why I'm signing in as Anonymous...'cause I don't know. Y'know, fellow editors and authors, I mentioned to Callie what I would like to see land on my desk is a 'slice-of-life,' really dark, horror romance. Think King's "It" where the evil clown's sole purpose in reuniting the childhood friends is to destroy the budding relationship between two of the characters. Make sense? You know—take the ordinary, add horror and a great romance with seemingly unsurmountable obstacles. Any ideas, authors?

Anonymous said...

Hey Silver! Glad to see you, lady!
Some party, huh?

Joelle

Callie Lynn said...

Joelle! Rene! Welcome!

I'm so glad you two made it!

Let's see. I've been stuffing my face with a wonderful steak and salad dinner sista made, LOL Now I must catch up with you all.

No kilts on weres? Not true. One of the Got Wolf winners is a Scottish were. Very hot! You will have to check him out. Blood Wolf by Helen Hardt. Which brings us to kilts. Hmmm... don't think I'd turn away a hottie in a kilt, LOL

Did someone say it is Catherine's birthday as well??? Happy Birthday, Girl!

Hey Amanda and E! How the ^&** are ya:)

Hi, Danie! I know how you feel, the hotter the better which brings me to the spice level in Black. All I can say is we are just this side of Wild Scarlet Rose, we're smokin' but we have a lighter side as well.

Joelle, I am so happy to have you here in Black with me. You are a wonderful asset to my dark goddesses. So glad you were able to pop in and join us.

Amanda, no problem! Switching personas can be annoying:)

Mickey! Thanks for popping in. How's Retribution doing, Woman? That is one hot vamp hero there.


Yes, Catherine. Black Swan is awesome as well. Linda Nightingale is a talented author.

Hello and welcome, Crystal! Thanks for joining.

Geez, I hope I haven't missed anyone. I will announce the winner shortly. I'm running just a tad behind. LOL

Best to all,

And a very Happy Birthday TWRP!

Callie Lynne

Amanda Barnett Freelance Editor said...

Hi Callie, looking forward to seeing our winner! Glad dinner was great!

Hugs to all and niters!

Amanda

Silver James said...

Joelle, how do you feel about Nephilim?

Susan Macatee said...

Hi, Callie! After selling my very first story to TWRP in the Black Rose line last year, I'm thrilled to have a new one coming out! Love those vamps!!

Happy birthday, TWRP!

Callie Lynn said...

Hey Susan! Hi! Thanks for stopping in and congrats on your second Black release. As you know, we've got a toe in production as we speak.

Callie

Callie Lynn said...

Congratulations, Danie! Please contact Lisa Dawn at lisadawn@thewildrosepress.com for your choice of Black title.

Thank you all for joining us here.

Now I'm off to get wild and crazy for the weekend.

Later!

Callie Lynn

danie88 said...

woohoo! how cool! where do i pick out a title from... just off the website?

Callie Lynn said...

Contact Lisa, Danie. LOL She'll guide you.

Congratulations, again:)

Callie

Amber Leigh Williams said...

Great opening scene! Really had me going. Ah...I love dark paranormals. In fact, I read so many of them I had to try my hand at writing them. I'm on my second novel in a five-part series and loving every moment of the story development.