Guest Author: Carla Capshaw

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Steeple Hill Love Inspired author Carla Capshaw as she celebrates the release of her latest historical romance, THE PROTECTOR, set in ancient Rome. THE PROTECTOR is the sequel to her double-RITA nominated debut, THE GLADIATOR, which we featured last year. RT Book Reviews gave THE PROTECTOR four stars and writes, "The Protector is a heartfelt love story. Fans of this era and of Rome will not be disappointed."

Former merchant turned slave and gladiator trainee, Quintus Ambustus will do almost anything to earn his freedom. Enslaved for his faith in Christ, he hopes someday to find a Christian woman to marry and share his life. A friend of Quintus's master, Adiona Leonia is one of wealthiest, most beautiful women in Rome. She has good reason to despise men and has vowed never to wed.

Although each of them is attracted to the other, they're determined to fight their feelings. But when an attacker threatens Adiona's life and Quintus is made her protector, neither can resist their fascination. As Adiona learns to trust, first Quintus, and then his God, Quintus learns the Lord's gifts sometimes come in the most unexpected packages and in ways he never dreamed possible.

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Your new book, THE PROTECTOR, is set in Rome, 81 AD. How much research did it take to be able to get a feel for that era in time?

I've always loved learning about ancient Rome. The people and art fascinate me. When I wrote THE GLADIATOR, the prequel to THE PROTECTOR, ancient Rome seemed a natural fit for me to use as a setting because I already knew something about it from previous studies. I went to Italy for three weeks, read up on specifics like the workings of the Coliseum and watched hours of History channel specials on the period.

Can you tell us little about THE PROTECTOR.

THE PROTECTOR is a sequel to my first published novel, THE GLADIATOR. The hero and heroine are Quintus and Adiona. Quintus is a Christian who was sentenced to death for his beliefs. While waiting for execution, he was sold to a slave trader, then to a gladiator school. He's trying to earn his freedom and return to his hometown to make sure his son, who died just before Quintus's trial, received a proper burial, since funeral rites were paramount to first century people. Adiona is a socialite, who hides a lifetime of pain behind a mask of indifference and a lot of attitude. She has good reasons to hate men and has sworn them off for good. Unfortunately for her, she can't shake her attraction to Quintus. Quintus is hugely attracted to Adiona, but doesn't want anything to do with her for reasons of his own.

When someone tries to assassinate Adiona, Quintus is made her bodyguard. Adiona has to leave Rome and Quintus accompanies her for protection. Away from the intrigues of Rome and the differences in their social status, they're finally able to learn the truth about one another and what's really important to each of them.

Your stories bring together people from vastly diverse worlds who seemingly will never find spiritual or emotional accord, much less romance. What is the impetus behind this approach? What do you hope to accomplish with your themes?

As a reader, I need big conflicts to keep me interested. The same with my writing. I figure if a story isn't interesting no one will get anything out of it, so I do my best to make it compelling from beginning to end.

You write about eras other than ancient Rome, specifically the Revolutionary War period. Will you be writing about other eras, as well?

I hope so! The best part of writing for me is getting to learn about other eras through research and travel to those locations. I'm always thinking up new plots to go along with whatever time I'm interested in at the moment. Right now, I'm working on the third and final story in my Roman series. Once I'm done, I plan to work on a new Victorian series I've been dreaming up.

What else would you like to say to your readers?

Just that I appreciate them and that I love to hear from them. They can reach me at Carla@carlacapshaw.com or visit my website to find my links to most of the social networks like Facebook and Goodreads.

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Would you like to win a signed copy of THE PROTECTOR? Just let us know! Leave a comment or question for Carla, and I'll draw a winner at random in one week. Void where prohibited. Best of luck, and good luck to Carla next week when the RITA awards are announced!

Weekly Announcements - 23 July 2010

Congratulations to Unusual Historicals reader E. D. Walker who just sold her paranormal historical, THE BEAUTY'S BEAST, to Noble Romance Publishing's Sweetheart Line. The story draws from fairy tale elements, as well as Marie de France's medieval lais, "Bisclavret." More details as they are announced.

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Jeannie Lin has the cover for her upcoming Harlequin Historicals Undone short story, "THE TAMING OF MEI LIN," which is set during the Tang Dynasty and linked to BUTTERFLY SWORDS. Click here to read more about it, including an excerpt.

When a corrupt local official wants to take Mei Lin as, not second, but third wife, she rebels and makes an outrageous declaration--she'll only marry a man if he can defeat her in a swordfight. She has managed to fend off the local thugs and village hopefuls, but then a tall, mysterious stranger comes into town...

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Next week is the RWA National Conference! You will find the following Unusual Historicals contributors in attendance: Zoe Archer, Lila DiPasqua, Blythe Gifford, Jeannie Lin, Carrie Lofty, Margaret Mallory, Isabel Roman, and Michelle Styles. Here are some workshops and events where you can find us:

Wednesday, July 28th, at the "Readers for Life" Booksigning: Blythe Gifford, Carrie Lofty, Margaret Mallory, and Michelle Styles.

Thursday, July 29th at 4:30: "The Tiny Art of Elevator Pitches: How to Craft Them and How to Use Them" with speaker Carrie Lofty. Learn techniques to creating an elevator pitch that is concise, effective, and memorable.

Friday, July 30th at 2:00: "Selling the Hard Sell" with speaker Jeannie Linn. An author who sold that hard-sell novel (BUTTERFLY SWORDS) discusses how she used marketing perspective to get from slush pile to sale.

Friday, July 30th at 3:15: "Beyond Britain: Writing, Selling and Promoting Unusual Historicals" with speakers Zoe Archer, Jade Lee, Carrie Lofty, Kevan Lyon, and Sherry Thomas. Join an agent and four authors who successfully sold books set in unusual times and places as they offer techniques and advice for those interested in writing unusual historicals.

Saturday, July 31st at 8:30AM: "Dress for Historical Success" with speakers Elisabeth Burke, Isobel Carr, Peg Herring, Coralie Jensen, Julia Justiss, Jade Lee, Jeannie Lin, Pam Nowak, and Judy Ridgley. Authors put in hundreds of hours researching the correct clothing styles for their stories. This fashion show features costumes from a variety of time periods and will educate attendees on how to achieve historical accuracy in costume.

Also make sure to stop in the publishers' signings for free books by many of our authors, and root for RITA-nominated contributors and former guests of Unusual Historicals: Carla Capshaw (Best First Book and Best Inspirational for THE GLADIATOR, set in ancient Rome), Margaret Mallory (Best Historical Romance for KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, set in medieval Wales), and Sherry Thomas (Best Historical Romance for NOT QUITE A HUSBAND, set in 1890s Kashmir). Best of luck, ladies!

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Join us Sunday when Steeple Hill Love Inspired author Carla Capshaw will be here to chat about her latest Roman-set inspirational romance, THE PROTECTOR. She'll be giving away a signed copy to one lucky commenter! Hope you join us then.

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We'll also draw the winner of Moira Rogers' A SAFE HARBOR, a paranormal romance set during the Great Depression. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.

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Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Hope Tarr, Frances Hunter, Donna Russo Morin and Liz Fichera will be our guests. Join us!

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Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...

Excerpt Thursday: Carla Capshaw

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Steeple Hill Love Inspired author Carla Capshaw as she celebrates the release of her latest historical romance, THE PROTECTOR, set in ancient Rome. THE PROTECTOR is the sequel to her double-RITA nominated debut, THE GLADIATOR, which we featured last year. RT Book Reviews gave THE PROTECTOR four stars and writes, "The Protector is a heartfelt love story. Fans of this era and of Rome will not be disappointed."

Carla will be here on Sunday to talk about her latest Roman-set romance and give away a signed copy. Hope you'll join us!

Former merchant turned slave and gladiator trainee, Quintus Ambustus will do almost anything to earn his freedom. Enslaved for his faith in Christ, he hopes someday to find a Christian woman to marry and share his life. A friend of Quintus's master, Adiona Leonia is one of wealthiest, most beautiful women in Rome. She has good reason to despise men and has vowed never to wed.

Although each of them is attracted to the other, they're determined to fight their feelings. But when an attacker threatens Adiona's life and Quintus is made her protector, neither can resist their fascination. As Adiona learns to trust, first Quintus, and then his God, Quintus learns the Lord's gifts sometimes come in the most unexpected packages and in ways he never dreamed possible.

***

Rome, 81 AD

"Have you lost your mind, Caros?" Incredulous, Adiona stared at her friend as though he'd grown two heads. The very idea of Quintus Ambustus acting as her bodyguard made her tremble.

"No, I'm sane enough." Caros crossed his arms over his broad chest and leaned against the marble desktop. Morning sunlight streamed through the office's east-facing windows and glinted off the jewel-toned tiles in the mosaic floor. "You need a strong, trustworthy leader for your guard if you mean to leave for Neopolis anytime soon."

"Quintus is capable for certain, but he despises me. What makes you think he'll agree to your plan?"

"He doesn't despise you." He ignored her snort of disbelief. "He's already agreed."

Her heart skipped a hopeful beat. "He has?"

"He wants to earn funds to buy his freedom. Your situation provides a perfect solution to that end."

"Yes, perfect," she said tightly, wounded by the knowledge that Quintus had to be bought in order to spend time with her. She tugged the leaf off of a potted plant, grateful Caros hadn't noticed the root of melancholy growing inside her. "Why force him to buy his freedom? You've released your other slaves and kept only volunteers since you became one of those Christians. Why not simply release him? You have no need of money."

"I've tried. He calls it charity and won't accept my offer. The two of you need each other." She cringed at the idea of needing anyone. Unlike most men, Caros wasn't stupid. He possessed hawk-like powers of observation. He was aware of how attracted she was to Quintus and just how much Quintus chafed at being within a mile of her. If she didn't know him better, she'd think her long time friend was making a cruel joke at her expense. "I thought when you wed Pelonia you'd grow tired of meddling in my affairs."

His smirk slid into a full grin. She gritted her teeth, vexed she seemed incapable of sparking the tiniest flame of irritation in him when his plans had left her capsized and floundering.

She moved to the window in need of air and something to focus on beside the conflicting mix of excitement, longing and fear that threatened to drive her mad.

Gladiators trained in the field below. She winced when she caught herself searching greedily for the tall Christian who tormented her thoughts by day and her dreams by night.

She twisted the end of her long braid with her fingers. The clack of wooden practice swords and the glint of sunlight on shields reminded her of the attack the previous evening. She closed her eyes, absorbing the loss of her men, men she barely knew and shared no bond with beyond that of master and slave. What if Quintus were her protector and she was attacked again? What if Quintus suffered the same deadly fate as Titus and her other guards?

She clutched her chest as a sudden rush of anguish robbed her of breath. She must keep him safe. How would she ever be able to live with herself if any harm came to him because of her?

"Adiona?" Caros asked.

"What?" Embarrassed by her overwrought reaction, she wrenched her eyes open and pretended interest in the gladiator practice.

"Are you well?"

"Of course," she whispered just as she spotted Quintus training with another gladiator in the center of the field.

Her traitorous heart leapt at the sight of him and his powerful movements mesmerized her. A voice of reason clamored in the back of her mind to leave the window before he saw her, but her feet seemed buried in the concrete floor.

Without warning, Quintus broke from the fight and glanced her way as though he her presence called to him from across the sand. He turned slowly toward the house. The sharp, angular cut of his jaw was locked tight, his full lips unsmiling. Sweat poured down his temples and the bronze column of his throat, soaking the front of his dark tunic. His muscled arms and legs seemed relaxed in their stillness, but the intensity in his gaze exposed the turbulent inner man that both frightened and fascinated her.

Guest Author: Anthea Lawson

Welcome to our weekly author spotlight on Unusual Historicals! Anthea Lawson is the pseudonym of a husband-wife writing team whose romances are set in the early-Victorian period and feature travel to exotic locales. Their first book, PASSIONATE, centered on a botanical expedition to Tunisia, and was nominated for a Best First Book RITA in 2009. Their November 3rd release, ALL HE DESIRES, returns to the Mediterranean for more romance and adventure.

Far from home and her noble relatives, Miss Caroline Huntington has been injured in a fall from her horse. Called to her side, Alex Trentham knows he must assist her, though he has not practiced as a physician for a long while. Just to see so lovely a woman in a state of undress is a hard test of his self-control. Caroline is all that is warm and feminine, beautiful and pure.

Brave to a fault, she does not flinch under his hands, and soon she is on the mend. Alex struggles to hide his feelings, knowing that his dark past shadows any hope of a future. But Caroline's radiant innocence is dangerous to a worldly man, and she seems achingly eager to experience all the pleasure he could show her...

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Your new release, ALL HE DESIRES, opens on the Isle of Crete. Tell us more!

The British were such travelers, and their empire spanned the globe. What were these people doing when they weren't going to balls and riding around Hyde park in carriages? They were off seeing the world. We picked Crete because it was rich in mythology, a site of major archaeological discoveries, and also because it had a sunny climate with sparkling oceans. We started the novel while on vacation (a five-day downpour on the Oregon coast), and the setting reflects our own wish for clear skies and warm sunshine. We also did a lot of research on the Mediterranean basin for our first book, so Crete was "on the map" so to speak.

Originally, we thought we'd have an archaeologist hero, but characters don't care what the author plans for them. They often have their own history and personality that the writer discovers as the story is unfolding. It turned out that our hero, Alex Trentham, is not an archaeologist; he is a handsome, passionate and most unwilling doctor with a mysterious past. We still have an archaeological dig, but it is not the focal-point in the story we had originally imagined.

Your first book, the RITA-nominated PASSIONATE, also featured an unusual setting: Tunisia. What draws you to these exotic locales?

The rain-drenched winters of the Pacific NW! Seriously, we take any chance to dive into research about warm, dry climes. The sound of the drizzle outside transmutes to rustling branches in an olive grove, glints of sunlight off the sea, the scent of oranges. For those who prefer London, much of PASSIONATE and half of ALL HE DESIRES is set firmly to the world of the ton. After all, we can't abandon the balls and teas entirely.

In addition to your interesting locales, you've chosen a less-usual time period. What draws you to the Victorian era?

It's a time of great change and energy, where the British were fanning out all across the globe as amateur scientists and observers as well as simply traveling for pleasure. There's an endless wealth of wonderful, exciting stories to be told against that backdrop.

What's one of the most unusual scenes in ALL HE DESIRES?

Definitely the love scene that's completely in the dark. No light at all. That was a fun challenge to write, and all the hotter for it. You'll have to read the book to find out why!

What are you working on now?

We're musicians as well as writers, and are having a great time with our new series which is set against the glittering backdrop of 19th century musical celebrity. Musical stars have been bad-boys in every era, and the 1800s are no exception. We are excited about the concept, and the first book is turning out to be everything we hoped and more.

Finally, tell us a little bit about writing together.

It's both satisfying and challenging and we'd have it no other way. Both of us bring our strengths and weaknesses to the process, and together we do better work then either of us could do alone. It's great to have your life-partner also be a creative partner, and when a new book comes out and readers respond positively to the story, our joy is even greater because it is a shared joy. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to create together in this way.

Thanks for having us here at Unusual Historicals! Please come visit us at our website, follow us on Twitter, and friend us on Facebook. ALL HE DESIRES hits the shelves November 3rd. Pick up a copy and let us know what you think!

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Reviews:

"This husband-and-wife team's second novel sweeps from the shores of Crete to the streets of London...readers will enjoy the characters and the beautiful descriptions in this nice tale." -- Romantic Times

"I find this to be a wonderful example of historical romance. Ms. Lawson tells a powerful love story and draws the reader in within the first chapter. This tale comes with a high recommendation from this reviewer." -- Coffee Time Romance

"This entertaining Victorian romance stars an intriguing lead male and an intrepid heroine...fans will enjoy Anthea Lawson's exciting mid nineteenth century tale, as Caroline and Alex make for a wonderful historical." -- Harriet Klausner

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Yay for Mediterranean adventure! If you'd like to secure your chance to win a copy, leave Anthea and Lawson a comment or question. I'll draw a winner of one signed book in one week. Void where prohibited. Good luck!

Excerpt Thursday: Anthea Lawson

Today on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Anthea Lawson as this RITA-nominated husband and wife team celebrate the November 3rd release of their newest exotic romance. In ALL HE DESIRES, a troubled English doctor, self-exiled on the Isle of Crete, meets the one woman who can bring him out of the shadows and into the light. Anthea and Lawson will be joining us on Sunday to discuss their latest release and give away a copy. I hope you'll join us!

Far from home and her noble relatives, Miss Caroline Huntington has been injured in a fall from her horse. Called to her side, Alex Trentham knows he must assist her, though he has not practiced as a physician for a long while. Just to see so lovely a woman in a state of undress is a hard test of his self-control. Caroline is all that is warm and feminine, beautiful and pure.

Brave to a fault, she does not flinch under his hands, and soon she is on the mend. Alex struggles to hide his feelings, knowing that his dark past shadows any hope of a future. But Caroline's radiant innocence is dangerous to a worldly man, and she seems achingly eager to experience all the pleasure he could show her...

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"This husband-and-wife team's second novel sweeps from the shores of Crete to the streets of London...readers will enjoy the characters and the beautiful descriptions in this nice tale." -- Romantic Times

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In this excerpt, Caroline Huntington has been thrown from her horse and is finally found after dark by her friend, Maggie, with help from an older Frenchman who has been living on the island.

Crete, 1848

"Thank you, Monsieur Legault," Maggie said. "Your assistance tonight has been invaluable. When Miss Huntington did not return from her ride..." Her breath caught on the words.

"There now. We foreigners must look after one another, is it not so? Though without the help of these good men we would not have found your friend."

"But we did. We did." Maggie supported Caroline, holding firmly to her uninjured arm. The flames reflected off Maggie's gold-rimmed spectacles. "When you had not returned by supper, I knew something was wrong. The owners of the villa directed me to Monsieur Legault, and he helped organize the search."

Caroline swallowed. "I'm so glad." She leaned against her friend and closed her eyes. How could she have been so thoughtless, so careless? She would make it up to Maggie, somehow.

"Ah," Monsieur Legault said. "Here is the cart. It will not be comfortable, but the aid we seek is not far."

Maggie led Caroline to where the rustic vehicle waited. "I would not think a village of this size boasted a doctor. How fortunate."

The Frenchman smiled, though there was something cautious in his expression. "We shall see. Come."

The cart rolled forward over the rough track, and it did not take long for Caroline to fall into a hazy, pain-filled daze. The night sky, the flaring torches, the jolting ride wove together into a disjointed tapestry. She did not realize they had halted in front of a cottage until Maggie coaxed her upright and helped her from the cart.

Monsieur Legault went to the door. He pounded, and pounded again until at last it was opened by a figure who remained in the shadows. Caroline blinked, her vision still blurred. A tall man, she thought.

"What do you want?" His voice was gruff.

"Mr. Trentham, we require your help." The Frenchman waved to where Caroline stood, supported by Maggie. "The mademoiselle is injured."

The man shook his head. "I cannot help you." He began to close the door, but Monsieur Legault set his foot in the jamb.

"I ask you not to be stubborn. She is hurt--she must be seen."

The shadow moved closer to the light. He was tall, his hair the color of night. The torchlight painted hollows under his cheekbones and cast his uncompromising nose in sharp relief. He did not look like a doctor, not with his creased clothing and untamed hair, a scowl making his face even more forbidding. When his gaze moved to her, Caroline felt it, a nearly physical sensation, like standing under a storm cloud just before the fury of wind and rain lashed down. She shivered.

He regarded her for several moments, measured by the rapid beat of her heart. His eyes seemed black in the flickering light. That intent gaze moved down to her dusty boots, then returned to her face.

At last he turned to the Frenchman. "The woman is on her feet. She looks well enough. Take her to Rethymno." He stepped back and made to close his door again.

"You must help us," Monsieur Legault said, a pleading note in his voice. "Rethymno is too far, and you know how little talent the doctor there has."

"Enough to care for an injured arm. Good night."

"Wait!" Maggie stepped forward, bringing Caroline with her. "You cannot refuse--you are English!"

"Oh?" He paused with one hand on the door frame, his lips twisted as though he had tasted something bitter. "I don't see that it signifies."

"Of course it does. This is Miss Caroline Huntington, the niece of the Earl of Twickenham. How can you consider yourself a gentleman if you turn her away?"

"Who says I consider myself a gentleman?"

Rita/Golden Heart and Historicals

As many of you may know, the board of the Romance Writers of America is currently debating changing its parameters for its premiere prizes -- the Golden Heart and the Rita. The consultation period with members lasts until 1 June, and you can find the email address on the RWA website.

One of the major changes is the move to judge historicals by time period instead of the long and short. The traditional Regency category is being axed.

At the moment, as it stands, there is a problem with the long and short categories as there is no definitive way in which the word count of a book can be quickly determined. Many things such as the heavy use of dialogue, the font size can all affect how long a book appears to be. In recent years, as the move to computer count has taken hold, the price of pulp paper has skyrocketed and publisher become aware of failing eyesight, there has been an overall decrease in word count. My own publisher, Harlequin Mills and Boon recently has decreased word count to 70 - 80 k. I understand that a number of the other mainstream houses are also looking at decreased word count as well. In other words, you are unlikely to see the 150k door stops that you used to.

The RWA board in its wisdom proposes two historicals -- one up to 1820 and the other 1790 - 1945. In doing so, they chose to ignore the advice of the sub committee for three non over lapping time periods -- up to 1790, 1790-1840 and 1840-1945. The major problem with the overlapping approach is that you are creating two classes of authors -- one who can chose which category to submit to, and ones who can't. there is the possibility that an author could chose not to compete against herself if she had two eligible books out in the overlap period. Whereas another would be forced to by the virtue of her chosen time period. In other words, there could easily be a perception of it not being fair.

The Georgian/Regency time period makes up about 50% of the total historical output. If you include Victorian, you are looking at closer to 75-80%. This is unlikely to change in the near term. Some might say divide into two then 1790-1840 and all the rest. However this does a disservice to the historical reader.

There can be a case made that three time periods are needed as the time periods give very different reads. The pre-1745 is very much warrior as hero. Medieval if you will. 1745-1830 is the Industrial revolution and its manners as best typified by Georgette Heyer. After 1830, you have a more modern age with railways etc and slightly different type of hero.

Alternatively, you could say that it should be divided on the basis of complexity. Some writers chose to keep their works tightly focused on the romance, and other s explore different themes and the romance becomes but one strand. The challenge here would be to come up with a workable definition, one that can be clearly understood by judges and submitting authors.

However, nothing can happen if RWA members do not comment on the proposals. So if you are a RWA member and have not yet commented, do so before it is too late. Unless RWA members take the time to write, the current overlapping proposals will stand.

Proposed Changes at RWA

RWA members have received or will be receiving proxy ballots, with voting to take place during the National Conference in July. The package includes proposed changes to the annual RITA and Golden Heart contests. For we writers of historical romances, the changes are profound.

First of all, the Board recommends that the Traditional Regency category be eliminated, "...since there are no longer any major publishers printing this type of book. Any short Regencies remaining can be entered into the new historical categories."

Previous contest years split historical entries into categories by word count, with "short" defined as fewer than 95K words and "long" defined as greater than 95K words. The Board recommends submissions now be entered by time period. The proposed categories are "Best Historical Romance to 1820" and "Best Historical Romance from 1790-1945."

Anyone with a book set between 1790-1820 will be playing odds-maker with regard to placement. Which to choose??

The year 1900 used to cap historical romance eligibility, thus the most radical change regarding these new categories is allowing for entries through the conclusion of World War II. Good news for our 20th gals!

"Rationale for changing historical categories: Again, the board wished to eliminate the word count problem. With numbers dwindling, we examined merging both short and long historical into one category but felt that the historical novel could grow in the future. We hoped to allow for the change in popularity of one time period over another by providing overlapping years. An author whose book spans many years should determine where the novel best fits."

Dwindling numbers?? *pout*

Please see your copy of Board Recommendations for full details.

So there you have it, the proposed changes as they impact our work. Members will have a chance to vote, either in person or by proxy, in July. What are your thoughts on these changes?? Do they belie structural differences between shorter, category-style historicals and longer, single-title works? Are they placing an undo emphasis on era rather than plot structure? Is the decision to give 1790-1820 "double billing" a means of splitting a popular era into two (roughly equal) piles or an unnecessary complication?

UPDATE: Have something to say? The RWA is soliciting its membership to speak out. You have until May 15th to voice your opinion. Write to gh_ritacomments AT rwanational DOT org