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

Happy Birthday TWRP from Faery Rose

A world of fantasy where romance includes mystical and mythical creatures of all realms.

Evening everyone, I’m Amanda Barnett—Senior Editor for the Faery Rose line. I love my work, our editors on this line and at TWRP and all of our authors! On this third year anniversary, I just want to say a quick thank you to all of our staff and author family!

Now, let me tell you what I want to see as prospective manuscripts for Faery. I want and if you will take a peek at the new line blurb on the main faery rose page, you will know what I’m talking about. I would love to see characters that leap off the pages, emotional conflict and sensuality that make me laugh and cry and want to just step inside the book.

Now, I would love to introduce you to our editors, I will go in alphabetical order so I don’t show any favoritism…lol. Yeah, they all know I love them. Claudia Fallon, Sarah Hansen, Corrine MacGregor, who has left to go to another line now, Kelly Schaub, Frances Sevilla and Zanoni Rose who is our on and off again editor. We have lost a few to other lines but a big shout out to everyone who helps us here at Faery. That includes you Jamie and your team at Hummingbirds!

I know my illustrious staff have their own ideas of what they want to see, so please take a peek and fire away with your questions.

And always write from the heart!

Amanda

There are a number of things that appeal to me in any type of story. For paranormal romance or any genre, I like to see humor and sub-plotting—not necessarily related topics, but things that appeal to me. I find stories that take themselves too seriously melodramatic and stuffy. Add some human fallacy and situational or sarcastic humor and I am much more likely to read on. While you’re at it, add some twists and some plot depth. I would rather not know exactly what is going to happen next, but I want to be on my toes the entire ride there. Surprise me, please!

Sarah Hansen

What we look for in Faery can be difficult to describe in such a broad category as “light paranormal.” My contracts are all over the map, so one is not representative of all. If you have a space epic or a ghost story, I’m your gal. Demons/angels/witches—I like those too. Situational humor makes my day. I’m primarily a scifi/fantasy reader. I have been critting/learning/working with romance writers since 2003, so I get the genre and the requirements for a TWRP book. I like smart, snarky heroines and strong heroes who can give as good as they get.

Kelly Schaub

Happy Birthday Wild Rose Press...

Q: What do you enjoy reading, personally?

A: I like emotionally compelling stories, whether they’re fantastic or reality based, and I like them spicy. I’m not saying graphic, necessarily. Although I don’t mind being drawn a picture, sexual tension is key. If I can read about a tortured hero or heroine who’s redeemed and saved by their soul mate, I don’t care if they’re from down the street, another world, or other plane of existence. Add action and a quick pace, and you’ve got me hooked.

Frances Sevilla

What I like to see, is a properly done & well-written manuscript and I agree with what the feely other editors wrote. I'm really pretty easy as far as actual stories go. Interesting characters & plot. A spin on an old idea would be cool.

Claudia Fallon

I like just about anything as long as the plot is compelling and the characters have depth. I'd like to see a new spin on an old idea. Give the characters some human flaws and failings, and get them working hard at overcoming them. Skip the clichés and fictional "trapdoor" escapes of plotting, no deus ex machina please! And you just might win me over if you throw in suspense, mystery and humor in your story too! Make me stay up late to read your submission!

Crimson Rose Birthday Bash

Welcome to the world of mystery and intrigue as we celebrate the third birthday of The Wild Rose Press.

During this Crimson Rose hour, you will need to be on the look-out for exploding cakes, poisoned drinks, extreme terrorists…doesn’t it make your heart pound? The really great part is all of these plots are imagined by the incredible authors we get to spend our days with. If you haven’t had a chance to look through the Crimson page lately, I really have to suggest you do. We cover everything from political conspiracy to military intrigue to witness protection to plain ole murder and so much more.

One of my greatest joys is receiving the new queries from authors to see just how far their imaginations take new plots. So, you ask, what do we look for in suspense? There are, of course, the important aspects all lines look for—a clean manuscript (as in run spell check and delete all “notes to self” before submitting J), well done point of view shifts, etc. Specifically in Crimson, though, we are looking for a fresh plot or an old plot twisted into something new. Keep us guessing as to where the story will end.

The heroes we are looking for are the strong, protective, take charge, caring, gentle, compassionate, passionate, tender, knock-your-socks-off, take-a-bullet-for-you kind of guys. The heroines are…well…us. They need to be able to walk beside the hero and be an equal partner when it comes right down to it. A woman who cries at the drop of the hat doesn’t really work but yet one who does cry and show emotion is equally important. The great part about Crimson though is the villain. This is the line where this character can flourish. The sky is the limit on where this character can go but it does have to be believable. All in all, though, we have seen some wonderful characters be introduced through Crimson Rose and can’t wait to open the new query that comes through.

Currently, we are looking for “Men in Uniform.” We are open for all submissions at this point and would love to see some new authors come through our portals. However, the Men in Uniform is a new submission call featuring all men in uniform. This can be any type of uniform from astronaut to military to dog catcher to fast food cashier to…well, wherever your imagination goes. Have fun and if you submit, just reference this in your cover letter.
Crimson Rose is open for all manuscript lengths and all levels of spice—from the very subtle to the hot. You can send us your manuscript through queryus@thewildrosepress.com and if you ever have any questions, you can email me at lori@thewildrosepress.com.

In getting back to the birthday party at hand, I want to lift up my congrats, along with all of them that have been going up today, to The Wild Rose Press, Rhonda and RJ. I started just after the initial opening and I have to say it has been a great ride. Thanks, Rhonda and RJ, for finding a blooming place for all of us and for giving the gardeners the tools to flourish. I have been blessed.

I have met a lot of wonderful people and had a great time. The staff here is a great bunch of people and I want to really thank the Crimson Rose staff in particular. Ally, Johanna, Julie, Laura, Mary and Michelle are wonderful editors (keep the manuscripts coming so I can keep them all busy J). Thank you also to the fabulous authors that each of us get to work with every day. What a thrill! In more ways than one!!

Okay, I don’t want to rain too much sentimentality and flood the garden or spread too much manure so I’ll leave it at that. Glad you could join the Crimson Rose party. Remember to check your drink before you settle down for the fun cuz you never know…

Lori Graham
Senior Editor
Crimson Rose

White Rose...where faith is the cornerstone of love three years running.

What can I say about White Rose? As much as I love historical romance (which is why I'm always grateful for my involvement in English Tea rose), my heart belongs to the Lord, and my greatest joy always comes in glorifiying Him in some small way. And, what better way to evangelize in a non-invasive way than to entertain a reader while they see the Christian struggle in a hero and heroine and see those imaginary people FROG (fully rely on God)? This is what White Rose is all about: Quality inspirational romance that celebrates human love and glorfies the God Who made us.

Most of you know that recently it became apparent that there was something we needed to do in order for us to grow White Rose even more than it had over time--we needed to sprout wings and fly to a new publishing house. We did that on March 1, 2009, and since that time, submissions have skyrocketed, and sales have escalated! I couldn't be happier. God is good. White Rose Publishing is still very much a part of the garden--we're just across the hedge and past the gazebo in our own little nook where angels circle all day long directing readers and authors to our new endeavor.

So, wanna know what's new at WRP? We're doing something special for members of our White Rose Readers' group--an exclusive free novella. Coming in the fall of 2009, Once Upon a Collar by Teri Wilson, will be released in weekly installments. You won't want to miss this fun romantic comedy, so join our readers' group (FREE, of course!), and you'll get this and other exclusive free reads.

Whenever Emilie Bonner meets a man, she can’t help but imagine what he would look like on top of a wedding cake. Since she spends most of her waking hours designing wedding cake toppers, it’s somewhat of an occupational hazard.

Somewhere along the way—perhaps after the first two hundred or so—hand-crafted bridegrooms, Emilie begins to doubt she’ll ever find her own happily-ever-after. Then, after a mysterious encounter with a woman who could be an angel, Emilie meets a handsome stranger at the dog park.

At first, it seems as though Matt, with his big dopey dog and irrepressible charm, is the Prince Charming she’s been waiting for.
Not only is he a sweetheart, but he’d look great on top of a wedding cake.

Soon, however, she discovers something about him that changes everything and leaves her wondering…does God believe in fairy tales?

Lunch Break

It's time for our staff to take a break. We'll be back at the top of the hour with White Rose. In the meantime...

I'm Lisa Dawn and I work in the marketing department here at the Wild Rose Press. I feel like giving away some goodies from the TWRP.

I have a booklights and bookthongs.

Inquiring minds want to know...

Do you relate more with the hero or heroine in a romance novel?

Gettings from the Old Lady Saloon! aka Last Rose of Summer

Best wishes to Wild Rose Press on their third birthday from the barkeeps at the Old Lady Saloon: Kathy Cottrell, Aly Ottomeier, and Maggie Johnson. Though we are a small line, we are mighty, and we welcome any and all guests who are interested in trying out a different type of hero and/or heroine.

Ally and Maggie couldn't be with us today; I promised I would speak for all of us when I say we welcome submissions, in particular for our sub-specialty story line--Chapter Two. These are mature [read: over forty] heroes or heroines who, because of events beyond their control, find themselves needing to reinvent themselves. These events, which occur in our society on a daily basis, could happen to anyone at any time. The recent economic slump has lead to--in Western New York state anyway--down-sizing of human resources, industries closing or drastically trimming back; natural or man-made disasters, death, and [heh heh] taxes. Along the journey of "finding themselves" on this second chapter, romance finds them!

No story better illustrates a Chapter Two submission than Kathleen O'Connor's Men of Paradise, a rosebud length story released this past week. With its gorgeous, eye-catching cover dead center on WRP's home page, this is the story of three men who for various reasons come to a gated community in Florida and there find romance. Kathy has created three hunks and three women equal to them. I loved this story from its inception, I know you will too!

So, when you're thinking about creating some real people facing real problems, think about a Chapter Two.
Peace,
Kathy Cottrell, Senior Editor, Last Rose of Summer

ETea...and no, I'm not talking Extra-terrestial

When I was asked if I would like to join the ETea team, I said, "Would I? Of course!" I love historical romance. There's something lyrical in period writing. Not only are historical time periods romantic (as long as you ignore the realities of poor hygiene and no indoor plumbing :) ), the language takes on a poetic lilt without being poetry. Whether it be the infused Scottish brogue of a Highlander or the proper phrasing of an English lord, the language draws us into a story and keeps us inthralled.

And not only the language...Gentlemen were chivalrous and women were ladies (except for those shrews who make for interesting secondary characters). The code of conduct for the historical periods lend themselves to great conflicts between men and women, and the costumes and decoration--well, just superb as a romantic backdrop.

So, what's your favourite time period? Regency? Elizabethan, Medieval, Middle Ages? As we celebrate TWRP's third year, what would you like to see us add to the ETea line-up?

Celebrating with the English Tea Rose Line

Join us as we cross the pond to hear from the editors who work on our non-American historical line... English Tea Rose.

From editor Diane Parkinson:

English Tea Rose, which actually encompasses other European countries, is a joy to work for with our great Senior Editor, Nicola Martinez. Since I started as an editor for ETR I’ve noticed the submissions we now receive are as skillful as any published by the big New York houses. Here we also give authors a chance to grow and improve their skills. Even our rejections teach and guide. It’s too bad all publishers aren’t as helpful.

I’d love to see more medieval and earlier era stories. But I welcome anything well-written. I appreciate an author who is willing to learn and improve as a writer and understands that head-hopping with point of view (POV) is a distraction to a romance—the next door neighbor (unless the villain) and family dog do not need a POV. I’m also a stickler for historical accuracy.

Keep up the stellar work, ETR.


And from editor Zanoni Rose:

The English Tea Rose line is the one I wanted to work on since historicals have always been my favorite subgenre of romance, especially the Regency or Regency-era historical. I'm a fangirl, first and foremost, before being an editor. I have a collection of books signed by my favorite authors and it thrills me to be able to say I edited the fantastic historicals I've worked on for The Wild Rose Press - meeting my new favorite authors as I work with them!

I enjoy working with my authors to make sure we are as accurate as possible for the time period of their stories - I'm a real stickler for catching anachronisms, especially in things like expressions used in dialogue or names of colors, for example. Did you know that 'mauve' wasn't used as a name for a color until 1859?

I've been so impressed with the caliber of work I see submitted to The Wild Rose Press. I look forward to reading more submissions that really focus on the developing romance, rather than on other plot elements. My advice to aspiring TWRP authors is to keep the romance first and keep on writing and submitting to The Wild Rose Press!

RJ and Cover Artists Hour

Was I crazy to throw the idea of opening a publishing company Rhonda’s way? Maybe a little, but after three years—wow, it amazes me how far we’ve come, and how much we’ve grown. We’ve had good days and bad, but overall it’s been a heck of ride so far, and I can’t even begin to imagine where we’ll be in another year, but I know it’ll be great (and maybe a little crazy).

The production department can be one very busy place, but I’ll be the first to say that the artists do more than their share of the work around here. I’m truly honored to work with such wonderful artists, and appreciate their hard work and beautiful renderings. Each artist brings their own style and ideas to the garden, yet they’ve managed to fit in so perfectly. They continue to surprise me with every new cover.
Thanks ladies, for all your hard work! You rock!

Now let’s make this a kickin’ new year!

~RJMorris

Here are a few words from one of our artists…

In March 2007, I made the best decision of my life. I joined The Wild Rose Press. At 35, I finally had the opportunity to combine the things I enjoyed most into an actual JOB--romance and editing/design. Two years, many manuscripts, and hundreds of covers later, I only regret that I don't have more time to dedicate to this amazing conglomeration of family, friends, artists, and writers.

I am a naughty member of the Scarlet Rose group, working as both an editor and designer. My design responsibilities also carry over to the Champagne, Black, and Cactus lines. As a Scarlet lady, my favorite covers pop with sexy bodies. But regardless of the line, covers should always sell the story to the reader--appropriate title (shorter the better) and vivid images that hook the reader (hefty collages just don't work for me).

The best thing an author can do is fill out their ms information sheet completely, provide a couple scenes from the book or images from one of our stock sites, and then trust the design staff to create the best cover to SELL their story. Authors often have a VERY SPECIFIC image in mind when it comes to their cover. But to be honest, the stock image sites just aren't crawling with half-naked auburn haired women with one green and one blue eye, embracing a blond, long-haired vampire dressed all in purple. The design staff WILL create an awesome cover--all authors have to do is trust that we know our job, understand the industry, and have a good feel for your story.
~Angela Anderson

Yellow Rose Corral Hour

With a subject title like that, I almost think Howdy Doody should be hosting LOL. But if you think the Yellow Rose is anything like the old black and white cowboy movies, you are going to be ecstatically surprised to find the hunky men in Stetsons that we’ve corralled into this line. The one thing we have kept is the heart of the cowboy tradition—strong men fighting for what they love—their lands, their families…and their women!

For readers, why not give yourself a birthday gift today and try out one of our books. Like all the lines, we’ve got everything from short to full length, from romantic comedy to heart-clenching action to heart-wrenching emotion. Everything a romance reader loves!

For writers, we’re open for submissions of any length and would love to hear from you. Never hesitate to drop me a note if you have any questions about the Yellow Rose line—I love talking about writing and especially cowboys! My email is always open at stacy@thewildrosepress.com.

You may just be surprised at what today’s contemporary cowboys have to offer so for this party, I’d love to hear what you think makes a cowboy. Come on, take a roll in the hay for an hour and tell me what you like about these hunky, Stetson wearing heroes.

The Scarlet Ladies Arrive to the celebration....

Scarlet Rose senior editor Diana Carlile couldn't be with us to celebrate today and asked if I'd post the Scarlet celebration blog on her behalf. Take it away, Scarlet Rose!

Hello from the Scarlet Rose editors—Trish Owens, Angela Anderson, Lori LeBonde, and Diana Carlile!

We're excited to celebrate TWRP's third anniversary. We've had a lot of really great titles released from the Wilder Roses this past year and thought we'd talk a little about what we'd like to see more of and what we wouldn't.

Diana: I get really excited when a new query comes in with a m/f/m menage a trois. I would love to see more of them. I am not, however, looking for f/m/f menages at this time. They don't sell that well. Must have something to do with the heroine sharing her man. :) I’m also partial to cowboys. Overall, I'd like to see authors push the edge, go places we haven't been, dig deeper and get dirtier.

Trish: I love to read all different genres of erotic romance, but my favorites are fantasy, science fiction, historicals, and contemporaries with a twist. I like conflict and emotion, and it doesn't need to be contrived or forced! Look to real life for your conflict, and you may find a gem of a story to write. Lastly, pay attention to grammar, typos, missing words, and punctuation problems. I've seen quite a few mistake-riddled manuscripts on my desk lately. Always submit your best.

Angela: I love to see new queries that are well written BDSM. I can't get enough of those STRONG alpha males. It really doesn't matter if it’s contemporary, futuristic, or historical, the stronger the male personality the hotter the story becomes. The Cougar series is a particular favorite...nothing better than a young hot male who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to demand it from an older woman. Mostly, I'd love to see our authors push the limits of their comfort zones—take a different approach to their writing and make it fresh.

Lori: Readers love stories with rich details pulled from how we live our lives today. When I read a story that incorporates text messaging, IMing, iTunes, web videos or online social networking—even TV’s reality shows—I know the author is writing to today’s audiences and her (or his) content will resonate with me and our readers. It’s all about believability. What would happen if the hero, for example, accidentally sends a HOT text message to the wrong woman – who turns out to be the right woman?!? And what about the American Idol-style reality/competition TV shows—what a great setting for a Cougar Club story. Yum, yum!

A little birdie said we needed more erotic historicals and interracial (African American men in particular), so I’m passing the hint along. And as always we are open to submissions in our Destination Pleasure and Cougar Club series.

Keeping the garden naughty,
The Scarlet Rose Editors

Happy Birthday from American Rose

It’s never been a secret that American Rose is one of my “pet” lines. It covers a period in history that fascinates me. I love reading about the brave men who helped build --and preserve --this country and the women who loved them and stood alongside them.

Look for an announcement in July about an upcoming series for American Rose (one that we hope will cross into Vintage Rose, as well) that celebrates American heroes—both male and female.

BTW hop on over to the American/Vintage Rose line blog to find out who the authors selected to participate in our upcoming Christmas anthology are! The link is here on the right hand side of the page.

Happy Birthday, TWRP!

Ideas for American Line Stories

This line is wide open for writers with a love of American history. We can be fairly certain that using the basis for romance writing that boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back can be found in most stories, even the short ones. All stories have goal, motivation, and conflict. So with that being said, all of you could write an American story. Yes, you can for all those screaming at the computer that you can’t. I always receive the same comment, but I don’t know anything about American history. Neither do I, --just kidding, Nicole.  An American Line story does not have to be a story dripping with historical facts to the point an author is doing information dump. An American Line story should have historical “flavor” with accuracy and language. Here are some names to look up to get an idea of a heroine upon whom you could base a story: Belle Boyd, Mary Ludwig Hays (aka Molly Pitcher), Deborah Sampson, Anna Warner Bailey, Sarah Emma Edmonds, Madam Loreta Velazquez, Dr. Mary Walker, Ginnie and Lottie Moon, Emmeline Piggott, Elizabeth Howland, Cathay Williams, Annie Etheridge, Lucy Brewer, Sarah Borginis, and Ellen May Tower. These women played a major part in many of the wars on American soil and constitute only part of the lives women played during their time period. You can also do a Google search for “women’s roles in American History” and find more interesting people. If you have an idea for a story and would like my opinion, you can email me at allisonbyers@thewildrosepress.com. (I’m sorry, but Sargeant-Major Delicious will not answer your email.) You can also post it on the blog, and I’ll get back to you either through the blog or by private email.

Don't forget to check out the new American and Vintage Rose Line Blog. You can find the link listed along the right hand side.

Happy Birthday from the American Rose Line

Welcome to the American Rose Hour. Oh-h-h! Wait a minute. I have to get this hoop skirt—ouch—rearranged in this chair. There, that’s better. There are some good things to say about hoop skirts; for instance, that large expanse of material hides my large expanse of …. Well, you know, ladies what it can hide. Sargeant-Major Delicious wanted to make an appearance, but I told him he would be too much of a distraction for me to type.
Happy Birthday, WRP!!!
My name is Allison Byers, and I am an editor for the American Line. I’m approaching my two year anniversary here at WRP and have enjoyed every moment, and I must say there has never been a dull moment. I’ve enjoyed working with all my authors.
The American Line covers The French and Indian war; Colonial America; the Revolutionary War; the war of 1812; the War Between the States; the Reconstruction era; the dawn of the new century and anything in between. These are the struggles at the heart of the American Rose story. And who doesn’t like a good romantic struggle every now and then.
The central romantic relationship is the key driving force, set against an historically accurate backdrop. These stories are for those who long for the courageous heroes and heroines who fought for their freedom and settled the new world; for gentle southern belles with spines of steel and the gallant gentlemen who sweep them away.
With all that in mind, I would like to tell you what my ideal submission would be. Let’s skip the routine manuscript format, since most of us have done that when we previously submitted or entered contests. I want to write about everything else. Or in other words: Allison’s Top Six Submission Ideals. (I would have had ten, but The Major interrupted me.)


1. I want a story that draws me in from the very beginning—that magical hook that is mentioned many times, but it’s true. Make me want to turn that page and find out what is going to happen.


2. A hero/heroine whom I care about. If your hero or heroine is in trouble, I want to care what happens. I especially dislike immature heroines, or wishy-washy heroes. Charlie Brown is great as a cartoon character, but not as a hero. I don’t like heroines who swoon-give her some fortitude and attitude.


3. Show me the story, don’t tell. If a character is mad, show me the anger. Did he slam the door, throw something across the room. I want to be able to feel that character’s emotion.


4. POV. For historicals, I prefer having two pov’s – the hero and heroine. In really long stories, I , personally, like reading from the villian’s pov.


5. Give me conflict. The conflict of the story should not be solvable in two pages or be one that can be solved by the two characters sitting down over a cup of coffee and hashing things out.. Each character must grow and change within the story.


6. Finally, have a clean manuscript. Please, proofread for those typos, misspelled words, and commonly misused words, i.e. there and their.




Well, that’s about it for the moment. I’ll be back in a few to give you some ideas for an American Story. Plus, I really need to stand up. I think this hoop is cutting off the circulation to my legs.