Hey everyone!

Aspen Mountain Press’ fourth anniversary is coming up in July and we’ve got lots of presents for you, the AMP loyal reader.

Have you been looking for historical fiction and traditional Regency romances? Well, Aurora Regency and Aurora Regency Historicals is the e-publisher for you.  We’re bringing high quality historical novels and novellas to you in the convenience of electronic formats! And on July 23, we’re offering you a sneak peek into the line and the fabulous books we are offering there.

The first Aurora Regency release is Compromising Prudence, by Marguerite Butler. A wonderful madcap Regency in the grand traditions of Georgette Heyer, Compromising Prudence is the first book of her Regency series.

Prudence Wemberly is desperate. Her reputation has been damaged by a cowardly suitor and her overbearing father will disown her when he finds out about it.  She musters her courage and flees to the house of the most notorious courtesan in London.  If she’s ruined, why not become a courtesan herself and have a little fun for a change?  It sounds like a reasonable idea—after she has her third glass of sherry.

Charles Hatterly only wants to pursue his passion for ornithology, but his family expects him to marry and manage the family estates.  He needs to find a well-behaved girl who will be content to marry him—and then leave him alone. 

For a gentleman scientist in need of a wife and a ruined miss in need of a future, there is an obvious solution.  If Prudence and Charles can make it to the altar despite their meddling families, unscrupulous rakes and the brewing scandal that has the ton talking, they just might find more than they bargained for.  Can true love bloom amid the catastrophes that arise from compromising Prudence?

The second Aurora Regency release is The Dangerous Duke, by Arabella Sheraton. If you love the lovely, delicate heroines of Barbara Cartland and the Byronic hero, you’ll really enjoy this amazing return to the emotional oceans of serious Regency romance.

When the beautiful but impoverished Fenella Hawke takes up the position of Companion to the elderly Dowager Duchess of Wyndlesham, she is unprepared for the hostile attitude of the current Duke. The handsome and arrogant Devlin Deverel suspects Fenella has secrets to hide. From the moment they meet, Devlin and Fenella experience an overpowering and frightening attraction.

They try to fight their growing arousal, but find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. However, when Lady Penelope Vane, Devlin’s extremely jealous mistress, discovers that Devlin’s attentions are wandering, she sets in motion a ruthless plot to discredit Fenella, with the help of her ally, the rakish Sir Marcus Solesby.

The first Aurora Regency Historicals release is The Pursuit by Kimberly Nee. A sweeping story set as the first book of a grand family saga in early America, The Pursuit takes the reader into the involved and sensual realms of historical fictions–reminiscent of both Stephanie Laurens and John Jakes in scope.

Born into privilege, Katherine Bainbridge never thought the day would come when she would be happy to find work as a maid. But having fled London to avoid being tried, convicted and hanged for murder, she will take whatever work she can get, even if the offer comes from the most beautiful man she has ever seen.

Garrett McKenzie needs to staff his new home, but when he sees Katherine, the position that comes to mind does not involve mops and buckets. Determined to woo his lovely new maid into his bed, he will do whatever necessary to keep her there.

But when Katherine’s past comes back to haunt her, Garrett will do whatever he has to in order to prove to her that she can trust him with her life, as well as with her love.

I’ve been very excited working with these three talented authors–and even more excited about other authors who will be coming on board the Aurora imprints as the year progresses. Our grand launch is slated for October 15, 2010–with another traditional Regency romance from Marguerite Butler–Becoming Mr. Brooking–and an incredible surprise for our readers as well.

I am delighted and thrilled to announce Author Jennifer Horsman, the popular and beloved writer of Crimson Rapture and A Kiss In The Night, has signed with Aurora Regency and will reissue her popular and beloved novels from the 1980s and 1990s in e-publishing formats. Ms. Horsman, who published with Kensington/Zebra and Avon, is not only a pleasure to work with but an absolute doll to know. Her first reissue, Magic Embrace, will be released upon our grand launch on October 15, followed by A Kiss In The Night in November. We will release one of Ms. Horsman’s novels every 4-6 weeks, bringing her fans the comfort of these familiar and revered books to meet the convenience and ease of the e-reader, the i-pad, and the computer.

So keep an eye on Aurora Regency and Aurora Regency Historicals! Now only are we bringing you the writers of the future in historical romance but we’re reacquainting you with the pillars of the genre–one book at a time! In the coming weeks, we’ll have introductory interviews with the new AR/ARH authors, guest blogs, blurbs, excerpts and all sorts of fun. On July 15th, the Aurora authors and I have taken over the Love Romances and More e-cafe all day, where we’ll be discussing the new imprint and giving away lots of great things.

 And happy fourth anniversary from Aspen Mountain Press!  Stay tuned to this blog for more details on other presents we’re giving out for our anniversary–presents for YOU. 

The attendees at this year’s Romantic Times Booklovers convention held in the convention center of Columbus, Ohio were treated to some beautiful covers on some of our Aspen Mountain Press stories.

An 8 foot long display featured Bride of Death by Celina Summers and Cover Me by L.B. Gregg.

Celina wasn’t content with the 1 foot square space allocated by RT for placing promotional items (although, the apportionment of the space was well done and kept things organized on the tables), so she built up.  Great idea Celina!

Look for more innovative displays for next year’s Romantic Times Convention held at the Bonaventure in L.A.

I’m writing this from the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus, Ohio where the Romantic Book Times convention is going on. 

After a tiring travel day Tuesday, the RT Convention started off with several emotional, heart felt tributes to editor Kate Duffey. 

AMP author, Celina Summers finaled in a comepetition that could garner her manuscript a review by an agent with the possibility of representation.  You go girl!

A beautiful poster featuring the covers for Bride of Death by Celina Summers and Cover Me by L.B. Gregg adorn a large column in the 2nd floor bar that nearly everyone has to pass through to get into the main convention area.

Authors ZA Maxfield, Celina Summers, Laura Baumbach, Helen Hardt, Sam Cheever, Lizzie T. Leaf, Lucynda Storey, and Cynthia Vespia have all represented Aspen Mountain Press at this event and have been a delight to hang out with.

Finally, I am tickled beyond belief that a stranger felt comfortable approaching Cynthia, Celina and I (later joined by Laura) in asking us how to make the most of his RT experience.  The stranger, is no longer a stranger but a friend who introduced  us to two more of his friends.  We are thrilled to have added to our list of compadres Brett Battles, Robert Gregory Browne and James Scott Bell.  They’ve shared with us their zany sense of humor and a little bit about the world of thriller writing.

 We are already making plans to be at RT next year where it will be held at the Westin Bonaventure in L.A.

So many of us are pushed for time these days.  Families demand our attention as do our civic commitments.  We get up early trying to get one extra thing done.  We stay up late trying to finish just one more thing from our ever-extending to-do list.

We need more time we groan.  And it’s true, we do need more time.  But…how much time do we manage to waste in a day?

The first thing you need to know is when is your most productive time of the day?  Early morning? Mid afternoon?  Late at night when even the mice are sleeping?

Second, limit the number of items on your ‘to-do’ list to four or five of the most CRITICAL items.  If you absolutely MUST pay your utility bill or be shut off, that becomes a critical item.  Forwarding on the latest Maxine cartoon is not. Read the rest of this entry »

Mythos 1: Bride of Death has been released by Aspen Mountain Press!  This is the first book in my Mythos series, a collection of Greco-Roman myths retold with a modern narrative voice.  I remain true to the original classical sources, which means reinjecting these stories with the original sensual context of the stories.  Most mythologies are of a sexual nature, and despite centuries of vanilla-izing still have those erotic overtones.  The story behind Bride of Death is the myth of Hades, the god of the Underworld, and his wife, Persephone, the personification of the spring maiden.  The story of their relationship was meant to explain the changing of the seasons–while the spring maiden is on earth with her mother, the world thrives and bears fruit.  But, when she is in the Underworld with her husband, winter descends upon the planet as Demeter grieves for her daughter.  Persephone is an early personification of sexual power–in the end, her allure is intense enough to bring Death himself to his knees.

You can pick up a copy of Mythos 1: Bride of Death at http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/bride-of-death/prod_304.html.  You can read an excerpt of the story either on that page or on my website Shoot The Muse! 

Synopsis:When the mischievous god of love targets Hades, the god of death falls hopelessly in love with the spring maiden Persephone, the one immortal most ill-suited for his dark domain. Her mother Demeter will never allow the Lord of the Underworld to court her beloved daughter. The king of the gods proposes an unconventional solution: Hades may kidnap Persephone and take her to the Underworld to woo her. If Persephone agrees to marry Hades, Zeus will support the match.

But neither god has reckoned on Demeter’s inconsolable grief at the loss of her daughter.  If Persephone is not returned to her, the goddess has vowed to destroy all life. Can Hades win Persephone’s heart before her mother discovers who has taken her? Or will Persephone make her own wishes known as the intended bride of death? Even in the world of immortals, time is not on Hades’ side.

Aspen Mountain Press will launch its new Aurora Regency imprint on July 21, 2010!  Aurora Regency at Aspen Mountain Press is a line devoted to Regency romance. Traditional Regency romances, as exemplified by Georgette Heyer’s work, are first and foremost historical fiction about a very specific (and short) era.  So what are we looking for? Hopefully, this will answer any questions you might have about Aurora Regency’s guidelines.

1)      We expect historical accuracy. This includes language, clothing, customs, etiquette, events and places.  Your book should have rich detail, the appropriate language and slang and an understanding of life in Regency England or, if set outside of England, according to the customs of the country.  That includes behavior appropriate to a character’s life, position and social situation. (For example: divorce was notan option in Regency England so no new divorcées gallivanting at Almack’s in competition with the Season’s loveliest debutantes.)  Historical accuracy will be a consideration in the acceptance of manuscripts and an integral part of the editing process. If your manuscript has several historical errors, you may be asked to revise and resubmit.

2)      We hope for novel plotlines or exciting new twists on old themes. We are open to paranormal or Gothic themes as long as these elements do not compromise the Regency romance genre. So if your impoverished but well-born governess falls in love with the lord of the manor that’s fine. Just make it interesting.

3)      We expect romance—oh, loads of it!  Every kind of hero is fair game in a Regency romance and our heroines should be head over heels in love with them.  But remember—this is a Regency romance.  Spice is okay; jalapeno salsa is not.   In an era were even the smallest infractions would lead to social ruin, well brought up young heroines were virgins on the wedding night. {However, if your Regency is about a member of the demimonde (a courtesan) and is erotic in nature, please indicate this in your query letter.} And, naturally, a HEA is the conclusion of choice.

4)      Great dialogue. In the Regency romance, conversation is well-crafted and engaging. Half of the process of falling in love occurs when the hero and heroine engage in a battle of wits.  Repartee is an art form; conversation is seduction. Anachronistic sayings or language are strongly discouraged.

5)      Society.  Society rules these characters’ lives.  The Season is capitalized for a reason.  As Jane Austen said in Pride and Prejudice, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Society dictates that universal truth, and in a Regency romance Society is where the bridal hunt is carried out.  It can be London or Bath or Brighton or even a simple country parsonage involved in county society—but society (either capitalized or not) is as big a character as any human being.

6)      Fun.  Above all, Regency romances are fun—both to read and to write.  The more adventures your madcap heroine has, the better.  Paranormal Regencies are acceptable as are the more intricate Regency murder mysteries. Even the darker side of the Regency world is fun.

So, do you think your Regency romance fits the bill? Then submit to us!  The Aurora Regency line is published by Aspen Mountain Press, a royalty-paying e-publishing company.  We do not charge fees for set up or charge for editing your story once it has been accepted for publication. Our contracts request rights to the contracted work, including digital and print formats as we will provide some of our titles in print later this year.

Aurora Regency is looking for well-researched Regency romances between 35,000 and 70,000 words, although we will bend on the upper word limit if the story merits it.  Please submit exactly and only the following if you wish your manuscript to receive serious consideration:A query letter in the body of an email with:

Your legal name, pseudonym if applicable and contact email.

Working Title

Manuscript Length

General story description in two paragraphs

Writing Credentials

Include the first chapter (or first twenty pages, whichever is shorter) embedded in the body of the email. We will not open attachments. If we like what we see, we will request the rest of the manuscript. 

If this is a simultaneous submission, please inform us of this in your query letter.  We will consider only COMPLETED manuscripts.  Aspen Mountain Press does not accept proposals from writers unknown to us. Aurora Regency at Aspen Mountain Press will open for submissions on February 15, 2010. Please send all questions and submissions to AuroraRegency@gmail.com.  We accept ONLY e-submissions.  Initial response times are anticipated to be no longer than 2 weeks. 

If you love gay romances with shapeshifters and a healthy dose of thriller, you will be sure to enjoy this week’s release by Emily Veinglory.  Kerry is a werewolf and Bern is a vampire and the two are on the run, seemingly from everybody.  A strange situation for two men employed by the local police agency.

Bern is a quiet sort of man who works as a receptionist at a police station.  He is legally registered as a vampire.  Not so, Kerry, a born werewolf, who is keeping his paranormal status quiet.  But when a murder takes place, Kerry knows that he’ll be suspect number one.  The victim was attacked by a wolf.

Prejuidice takes shape in all sorts of forms and this time it is between humans and ‘otherkin’; and between the ‘born’ not ‘made’ groups of paranormals.  Kerry and Bern have trouble all around them and it’s going to take a lot for an unasumming vampire to step up and keep Kerry safe.

Visit Aspen Mountain Press today and pick up a copy of Blue Murder.

At the end of January I attended Digital Book World in New York City.  The two day event was interesting. The first day was spent doing a lot of hand-holding for print publishers and talking about price-fixing (I’m pretty sure that is illegal according to anti-trust laws, but my history is rusty) and the Apple iPad.  There was even a speech about how publishers could save money on shipping by using another company’s product and procedure…that had absolutley nothing to do with digital books or digital publishing.

The real treat, for me, came on day two.  I listened to Raelene Gorlinsky tell the audience how Ellora’s Cave made $5 million dollars selling just eBooks within a few years of their opening (Ellora’s Cave is TEN this year); and that they’ve been around as long as they have been selling eBooks.  There was literally a corporate gasp from the tables near where I sat and then a stunned sort of silence.

Publishing has changed.  This isn’t new news.  In the ancient days, books, the few there were had to be copied by hand.  This made them highly valuable to the owner and costly as well.  Then along came Guttenberg.  Books came down in price.  Then came Luther and others like him who had the radical idea that books should be in your home language.  The Industrial Revolution automated the publishing material.  Costs dropped again. Read the rest of this entry »

Congratulations, you got your first book contract and now the publisher wants you to go out and talk about your book. Where do you go? What do you do if you are a new author just starting out and don’t have an advance?

I found myself in this position a few years ago and discovered innovative ways to get my name out there. I looked for free places to go to chat with readers, introduce myself and “pimp” my book. I also talked to established authors on marketing ideas and made up a ton of free promo items at home off my computer like bookmarks, post cards and other items to send to review places/conventions as promotional items to get readers interested in my work.  

Blogs are great, yahoo loops, interviews, spotlights, a professional looking website and more all help get your name out to the readers. I try to do a blog spotlight a month and a few interviews or chats a week if possible. I go on loops and start asking reader questions, use my signature line with links for readers to go to.  I just started using Twitter, which I’v heard helps readers get to know you better.

It doesn’t have to cost a ton of money for you as a beginner author to get your name out there. All you need is perseverance and a little ingenuity to make your name known.

~*~*~*~

Raine Delight is the author of the Devon Falls series now available at Aspen Mountain Press

Our business is selling e-Books.

Sometimes selling e-Books isn’t as easy as the media and others would like us to believe.  Despite the fact that nearly two million new e-readers were sold by the end of 2009, a lot of people you might talk to on the street, in your place of worship, at work have not heard of them.

Many people are just now hearing about these portable devices thanks to commercials showcasing the Sony reader and the Nook from Barnes and Noble. 

But how will these new clients look for content for their readers?

That is where you, the author, need to think about the content of your story.

There are loads of products available via the web on how to promote your writing, but a good three quarters or more are dedicated to non-fiction writing.  So how can you take that information and apply it to your fiction work? Read the rest of this entry »