February 2023 - Romance
Happy Heart Month!
Here we are with the second "R" word theme, and this was a no-brainer. Or we might say, using my Head and Heart theme, this one is All Heart.
(Thank you to artist Mary Helsaple for my beautiful cover art, and for the three watercolor hearts pictured here.)
Romance seems a rather obvious word with a well-understood definition. Or is it? The word might have more nuance than we thought. The first definition that follows is certainly familiar, but the others, not so much:
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a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love
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a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life
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a medieval tale dealing with a hero of chivalry, of the kind common in the Romance languages
In the world of book reading, 75 million Americans (mostly women) read at least one romance novel last year. Perhaps of more interest, 76 percent of these readers discussed the books with friends.
This is the part that interests me. Though writing my novels and novellas is mostly a solitary endeavor, once the words are on the page they become the subject of intriguing conversations with my editors. Yes, I take copious notes about grammar, word usage, character development and plot points. But the underlying themes, the choices being made, the experiences shared---these are the stuff of deep introspection as well as brave soul-baring.
These conversations expand the moment one of my books is published. I meet with book club members (in person and on-line) to discuss ideas, I receive interesting comments from reviewers and readers (like you!) I always come away richer, happier, and more fulfilled.
While Romance as a genre is huge and wonderful, for me it spilled over its originally tight restrictions into the larger genre of Women's Fiction quite some time ago. Even if the New York Times bestseller list doesn't yet acknowledge this larger category, readers do. Most of my readers are women, and we like to share---but only if the sharing is authentic.
Romance might sometimes be known for artifice and manipulation, strategies and tactics. But it's also known for some of life's most profound moments of recognition, courage, and possibility. You'll certainly find these qualities in my books, and that's because I've experienced or observed these elements in life.
Whatever romantic experiences, hopes, dreams and desires you may have, I hope they bring you joy and fulfillment. Happy February! And Happy Heart Month!
Next in Milford-Haven
The ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of my upcoming book Why Hearts Keep Secrets is currently being sent to reviewers. I'm thrilled that it has now received three wonderful professional reviews!
If you would like to read the advance copy and send me a review, let me know! MaraPurl@MaraPurl.com
Here are the excerpts from the Trade reviewers:
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“In Why Hearts Keep Secrets Purl has expertly interwoven her characters’ lives into a colorful, fascinating tapestry of mystery, romance, and suspense. The writing flows easily and the characters are compelling. . . . – ForeWord Reviews
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"Why Hearts Keep Secrets by Mara Purl is a compelling romance that draws readers into a world of mystery, suspense and intrigue. . . . an electrifying plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats . . . Readers will fall in love with Purl’s masterful plotline and stunning use of descriptive imagery. . . .” – Maincrest Media Reviews
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“I found this continuation of Mara Purl’s Milford-Haven series to be every bit as captivating and revealing as all the others . . . Another wonderful read.” – Linda Thompson, Host of The Authors Show.
New Award
Why Hearts Keep Secrets has a new pre-publication award. It won the Maincrest Media Award for Romance.
These awards are so encouraging to authors, who spend weeks, months, years in the solitary pursuit of writing. Grateful!
Next Next in Milford-Haven
Yes, I'm working on Novel #4, Whose Hearts Align. So much to find out! What happens with Meredith, Zack, Samantha, Jack, Sally and Tony?? It's about half written and in the chronology, follows immediately after Why Hearts Keep Secrets.
Meanwhile, there will be a "flash forward" that introduces the next-gen Milford-Havenites. This book is written and en route to my wonderful editor. Two possible release dates for this book: March 11th, which is World Dreams Day. But if my team can manage it, we'll release next September 29th, National Dreams Day.
With the Dreams in Milford-Haven is set in the near-future and has required some of my favorite and most engaging research, mostly centered on global warming and recycling issues. But while my characters, many of whom work in the sciences, wrangle with these to find solutions, they also wrestle with their own deepest desires. You'll meet Morgan Jones-Smith who . . . well, I better stop there. Spoiler alert! I promise to keep you posted! One huge clue, though, is the cover, featuring another beautiful watercolor by Mary Helsaple. The view is from inside artist Miranda Jones' studio, looking toward a rainbow arcing across the property that . . . well, you'll hear about that in Why Hearts Keep Secrets. Sorry to be a
tease! (Not.)
Black History Month
This is also Black History Month. What better time to celebrate African American romances?
Those of us who write women's fiction and/or romance like to support one another. It usually takes me a year to release a new book. What are my readers supposed to read in the mean time? I like to share books from fellow authors whose work I admire. You'll notice this during each of my book launch campaigns, when I post colleagues' book covers alongside my own. Among the authors I've recommended are Robyn Carr, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks, Celeste Ng, Susan Mallery, and Sherryl Woods.
This month, I'd like to recommend Celeste O. Norfleet. She's written more than thirty romances, most often published by Harlequin, and offers humor, problem-solving, and true romance.
Here's an interesting behind-the-scenes story. Authors often use pen names, and years ago, I had planned to write a series of romances using my middle name and my married name---Celeste Norfleet. However, that name was taken! She is now Celeste O. Norfleet and I've been considering for my pen name M. Celeste Norfleet. But I hate to cause confusion. Meanwhile, I hope you'll give her books a try.
One more recommendation in honor of this special month is a non-fiction book: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. Her theme is integrity and responsibility. Enjoy!
Update from Wales
Our wonderful literacy project in Wales has now been written! As you know, I funded a new project in Milford Haven, Wales, this past spring. (This is the original town after which my fictional one is named. Mine has a hyphen; the original does not.) I'm working with an outstanding team at the Milford Haven Museum, led by the remarkable Sue Davies.
Our students completed their segments about specific eras of local history. As I've worked through the editing provcess I've been SO impressed with their creativity, research, and depth of insight into human nature, no matter the era. Now the manuscript goes to our designer Rebecca, while Sue and I are work through the many details of publishing their work as a book, which will have both a U.K. and a U.S. edition.
I am thrilled and humbled to be able to work with our outstanding team, with school administrators and teachers, and with these promising students. I will keep you posted!
Upcoming Events
This promises to be a busy year! My 2023 Calendar at a glance:
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February, March - Launch of the Aspiring Authors Scholarship Mentoring program launches
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April - Why Hearts Keep Secrets book launch, Amazon & PR campaign & book signing, Morro Bay, California
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April 11th - SLO Nightwriters Presentation, San Luis Obispo, California
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April 13th - Why Hearts Keep Secrets launch on "No More Secrets Day"
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April 16th - Coalesce Bookstore, Morro Bay, California, Joint Book Performance & Signing with Anne R. Allen, Tony Piazza, Lida Sidaris
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May 5 - Why Hearts Keep Secrets "Secrets Book Tea" joint event, Mara Purl & Judith Briles in Colorado Springs
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May 7 - Why Hearts Keep Secrets - "Secrets Book Tea" joint event, Mara Purl & Judith Briles in Denver
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July 25th - Christmas in July launch of Whose Angel Key Ring
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September 16th - Colorado Authors Hall of Fame induction gala, Denver
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September 29th - Theatrical reading of "Becoming Julia Morgan", Cambria
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September 29th - With the Dreams in Milford-Haven launch on "World Dream Day"
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October 8th- Milford-Haven Lighthouse Party celebration, Central Coast
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October 29th - Why Hearts Keep Secrets & With the Dreams in Milford-Haven - "Secrets & Dreams Book Tea", Los Angeles
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December - Where Xmas Marks the Spot book launch
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January 2024 - With the Dreams in Milford-Haven book launch
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February 2024 - Publishing at Sea Cruise, Los Angeles to Mexico
Book Performance & Signing!
It's a book! It's a play! It's a signing! It's all three, actually, and it'll be featuring four Central Coast authors, and special guest performers.
The iconic Coalesce Bookstore is a long-established favorite among authors and readers in the Central Coast, and they've kindly invited us. Three fellow authors and I will be featuring scenes from our latest books, to be performed in dramatic readings. Fun!
Between us we have humor, romance, and plenty of mystery!
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What - Book Performance & Signing
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When - Sunday, April 16th at 1:00 PM
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Where - Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main Street, Morro Bay, CA. 93442
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Food - Delightful light refreshments shall be served
CO Authors Hall of Fame Gala
Here's a special date to put on your September calendar: September 16th, the next Induction Ceremony at the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame.
We induct new members every other year, and this sparkling, inspiring evening is not to be missed!
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What - Induction Ceremony & Gala, Colorado Authors Hall of Fame
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When - Saturday, September 16th
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Where - Hilton Doubletree at Denver Tech Center
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Tickets (Link) - Registration coming soon
Publishing at Sea
Oh, what a fantastic program this is! Even as we speak, the Publishing at Sea 2023 Cruise is just concluding in the Caribbean. Sound great? How about planning for next year?
The 2024 Cruise will be a different story. Quite different, actually, because it will be our first West Coast cruise! We will depart from my home city of Los Angeles, and cruise to the iconically beautiful ports of Mexico!
Aside from the fun, beauty and relaxation of cruising, what is Publishing at Sea all about? Your breakthrough. For authors, publishers, illustrators, editors, and anyone involved in the creation and marketing of books, this is your opportunity to attend dynamic sessions, work one-on-one with experts, and create the book you've been dreaming of away from distractions. Ask anyone who has been on a previous cruise with us. It works!
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What: Publishing at Sea Cruise
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When February 2 - 9, 2024
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Where: Port of Los Angeles
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Ports of Call: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlaan, & Puerto Vallarta
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Reserve now: Judith@Briles.com or 303-885-2207
My Heart is Grateful . . .
. . . for a busy and productive January, despite exceptionally cold weather!
It's been a good time to hunker down and write, write, write, and also to edit. The wonderful scenes from our students in Wales arrived, and it was a delight to shape them into the book we're working on. I'm so impressed with our students in the original Milford Haven!
I'm grateful for the Aspiring Authors Scholars and as the Mentoring Program director have tremendously enjoyed creating our syllabus. This month our scholars are completing their preliminary homework. Their first mentoring sessions begin in February. Exciting!
Meanwhile I'm working on four books at once! All but one are Milford-Haven novels and novellas. It's a wonderful challenge to see the saga expand and extend.
And I'm grateful to you, my readers and followers, who encourage and inspire me with your comments and with some of your new reviews, which I so greatly appreciate. Wherever you are, may this February bring you a fresh sense of romance, no matter how you define it.
As always, love and gratitude, from my heart to yours!
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