Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Monday, March 24, 2014

Say Something!

I am working on a new novel, actually it's been in the works for a few years, but I finally feel it's almost ready.  Anyway, this weekend I was working through one of the hardest scenes in the book emotionally, and yes I'll admit I was a bit misty-eyed, when I heard a song.  This song embodies the essence of what one of the main characters is feeling at that moment and if I were to see it playing on the big screen, this is the song that would be playing in the background.  So I thought I would share the song, and as the novel moves along, I may give you a few more glimpses.

 

I actually found another version that gives a more powerful inference to my story with its visuals, however, the artists are amazing in both and the song is not only heartbreaking but beautiful.



So how does music influence your writing?  Do you have playlists to help your vision come to life, do you need music playing while you write, or does it help you identify with your characters on a deeper level?  I would love to know your thoughts on the subject.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

SLEEPING WITH THE CHARACTER!


Pardon the pun, but for lack of a more appropriate title, how else can I begin to describe the feeling of being utterly immersed within the world you have created.  Actually, for me as a writer, I know I am on the right track when my characters follow me around throughout the day. 

If you find yourself wondering what your character might be thinking at any given moment, or how they would handle or react to a particular situation, or just can’t keep from writing the next line of your novel in your head while driving to work, then you are truly sleeping with the character.

Actually, one of my favorite places to ponder the next move of my new character is when I first lay down in bed at night.  Also, many times when I first wake up, I will have the plot rolling through the fog in my mind and have found that if I jump up and jot those ideas down, they often become concrete notions to further develop my story.  And if you find yourself in the same situation, heed my advice, write it down before you brush your teeth, because it has a tendency to fade or take on new meaning if you don’t capture those vivid images before going about your daily routine.

I also find that the writing is much easier when you have this connection with your character.  The old adage, ‘out of sight out of mind’ fits while creating your next masterpiece.  If you are not thinking about your book and actively calling upon the characters to speak to you, they may very well remain silent.

So take time everyday to visit that quiet place in your mind where new worlds are created, lovers unite, and new friendships are formed, in an effort to keep your writing alive and well.  The creative process needs to be nourished, otherwise it will wither and die, making it more difficult than ever to finish your story or start a new one.

Does it sound like I am speaking from experience?  I will be the first to admit there are times which are harder than others to stay connected and focused on my work.  But when that spark ignites, I find my way back to the keyboard once again.

I can’t think of a more rewarding and satisfying pastime, whether it’s writing a paranormal, contemporary, historical, or regency romance.  For me, a key component for my interest is the romance.  My passion, however, lies with historical tales of Native American’s falling in love with their captives, and the prim and proper women in an English backdrop being tempted by the handsome men in their lives.

This brings me to my latest novel, Forbidden Kin, which was published in December of 2012, by Books To Go Now.  A regency romance, set in none other than England during the 1800’s, is a sensual tale of forbidden love, half-truths, and slight deception. 

Faithston Billows, orphaned and alone, is taken in by her uncle, Marston Wilmouth.  Learning of his death upon her arrival at Thrushright, she fears she has no where left to call home.  But she soon learns this will be her home and finds more there than she bargained for.

A surreptitious bequeathal in Marston’s will could change her future, but her strength is tested by trials of the heart, a love she cannot have, a man she does not love, and the woman who is devoted to her every need.

For more information about my work and upcoming projects, visit my blog T.M. Hobbs Blogspot.  You can also follow me on FaceBook TM Hobbs Forever, on Twitter Hobbsforever, at GoodReads T.M. Hobbs - Author, at Books To Go Now Books By T.M. Hobbs, and Amazon Author Pages Author T.M. Hobbs. 

Also, you can find my published works by clicking the covers located on the right hand side of my home page, or by using the links provided below.

Crystal Tears Forever 
Links:

            Amazon

            Barnes and Noble
            Google Play


Voice In The Forest
 
Links:


            Barnes and Noble

            Gypsy Shadow Publishing
            Kobo

Born Free

Links:


            Barnes and Noble

            Google Play
            OverDrive

Takoda

Links:


            Barnes and Noble

Soyala (Time of Winter) In My Soul

Links:

Forbidden Kin

 
Links:
Forbidden Kin will be available for free at Amazon March 10-11, and March 22, 2013.  I hope you will drop by Amazon, pick up a copy, and let me know what you think.

 

 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Free Today!

I wanted to spread the word that my latest novel, Forbidden Kin, is available at Amazon.com today and tomorrow for FREE!!  Please get your copy and let me know what you think.



 
 


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Summer Songs - Interview Series - Chris Karlsen!

This interview is well overdo.  I had the good fortune of visiting with Chris Karlsen toward the end of the summer and had planned for this to be my last Summer Songs - Interview Series with fellow writers, but then I had to have surgery and have been away from the computer for several months.  So without further adieu, let's get to know Chris Karlsen!

WELCOME CHRIS KARLSEN!








Tonia (T.M.):  I am back again with my Summer Songs Interview Series.  This week I would like for us to get to know Chris Karlsen, the author of two wonderful books, Heroes Live Forever and Journey In Time .  Chris, thank you for agreeing to answer some questions about yourself and your writing.  First, I would like to know what inspired you to write your first book in the Knights In Time series?

Chris:  Hi Tonia.  Thank you for inviting me to your blog.

As a young child, I remember seeing The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, the movie. I thought the premise about a woman who loves a ghost was wonderful, but the movie was so sad.  Later, in college, I saw it again and thought, if I ever got to write this story, I would make it very different and give the characters the ending I think they deserve.

Tonia (T.M.):  Have you been writing long?

Chris:  I have been writing for almost eight years.

Tonia (T.M.):  Would you say there is a particular author that motivated you to begin writing?

Chris:  There are several authors I find inspiring and who continue to inspire me. I love Mike Connolly, John Sandford, Julia Quinn, Julie Anne Long, Steve Berry, Bernard Cornwell and so many others.

Tonia (T.M.):  I had the opportunity a few months ago to read Heroes Live Forever.  I believe I told you I should have made notes during my journey with you through the book because there were so many wonderful things that touched me, as I read.  I felt a connection with your characters, Elinor, Basil, and Guy.  I often found myself torn between who was my favorite of the knights, and I think Guy won many times. *smile*  I am glad he got a chance to be in the spotlight, so to speak, in Journey In Time.  For you, did you have a favorite when writing and developing these characters? 

Chris:  My Knights in Time books are hero based stories. I loved my character, Basil, when I was writing him but my character, Guy, did continue to whisper in my ear, and he did make me smile all through Heroes. The third book in the series, which I am currently outlining is also hero based.

Tonia (T.M.):  I know from reading about you on your blog that you have lived in quite a few places, one of which was Paris.  Did your experiences, memories, or the scenery from where you lived play a role in the backdrop for your Knights In Time series although it is set in England?  Or was it your travels through Europe that added your vivid imagery in these books?

Chris:  Although, I have never lived in England, I have visited probably two dozen times and love it there. With their medieval history, I knew this series needed to be set there. I love Paris, but wanted these stories in England. I have a book from a different series coming out in winter, which is set in Turkey, another place I love and spent time.

Tonia (T.M):  I have not had the opportunity to start reading Journey In Time yet, I am sad to say.  However, I want you to know I am very excited to get started soon.  I have purchased a copy so I could carry it with me on my phone.  That being said, give me a hint at one of your favorite moments in this new book.



Chris:  I think one of my favorite moments in Journey In Time is when Shakira first rides into Elysian Fields, Guy's holding. Her shock and confusion and what she's experiencing I worked hard on and tried to go deep into what is going through her mind.

Tonia (T.M.):  I know you have hinted that there will be a third book in the series.  Have you given further thought to that idea?

Chris:  There is a third book in the series, I am calling, Knight Blindness, and the hero is a character from Journey In TimeIt is also time travel. I will be starting the first draft soon.


Tonia (T.M.):  Do you have other books that are not a part of the Knights In Time series?

Chris:  I have a romantic thriller called Golden Chariot, which will be out in winter. It is a nautical archaeology thriller set in Turkey and involves an American female archaeologist and a Turkish investigator along with artifact smugglers. I am finishing the first draft of the sequel to it right now.

Tonia (T.M.):  I have to ask, do you have time to read much in between projects?

Chris:  I always take time to read.  I have to read a lot for research, but late at night I take time to read for fun. I just finished Buried Prey and am now reading Scandalous Lovers.
Tonia (T.M.):  Thank you so much for participating in this little interview and for being a guest at my blog.  Would you like to offer advice or encouragement to anyone out there who is contemplating writing for the first time?

Chris:  My advice would be commit, truly commit to the craft. That means spending hours in front of the computer and knowing some days it comes easy and somedays you are happy to get three paragraphs. Study the craft, take workshops or read the books by some of the really good instructors. Be willing to make mistakes, edit out some of what you love, and don't let rejections keep you from continuing to write.

****************************************
Thank you so much Chris for letting us get to know more about you personally and your work.   I am sorry it took so long to get this posted.  I love your work, and am looking forward to reading  Journey In Time and your other works in the near future.

 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Introducing Takoda!

I am pleased to announce that Books To Go Now has just released my latest short story, Takoda.

Sara's world was shattered when her parents were brutally killed by savage Indians. She is taken in to live with her Aunt Helen and Uncle Charles, who raised her along with their own children, Mark, Ren, and John.

The family journeys to Wyoming, leaving their home in Montana behind in search of a better life new start. John, a handsome young man, finds himself attracted to Sara, but what he does not realize, is that his actions and displays of affection, will soon set in motion the events that will take Sara away from he and his family.

Takoda, a young Indian brave, takes Sara captive. His reasons may be selfish, but they prove to be the beginning of a new life for Sara, as their love is stronger than her memories and ghosts of her past.



Takoda

Takoda can be found at Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Barnes and Noble, and Android Market.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Thanks To Everyone In The UK!

It is hard to believe that 2011 is gone, and we have entered a new year.  I do want to take the opportunity to thank everyone in the UK for making my e-book, Born Free, among one of the top selling e-books at Amazon UK toward the end of 2011.

Check it out there or at Amazon!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Wow! Look What Happened While I Have Been Away!

So much has happened since my last post, but the most exciting thing is that I have a new e-book available from Gypsy Shadow Publishing. This is a sweet little fairytale romance that is sure to leave you wanting more. I hope to have a sequel to Voice of the Forest out later this year.




Voice of the Forest can also be found at these locations:


Monday, August 8, 2011

Fan Made Trailer - Wings Of Fate!

Last week I had the most wonderful surprise.  I knew a friend was reading Wings of Fate, but I had no idea what she was planning after she read my book.  This is what she made.


K also had some wonderful comments to make about Wings of Fate, which she posted on Twitter:


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Author D.V. Berkom Reviews Wings Of Fate!

"Wings of Fate by T.M. Hobbs is a sweet paranormal romance, a departure for me, as sweet romance runs outside of my normal reading habits. Always open to new experiences, and having read one of Hobbs' short stories and enjoyed it, I was eager to dive into this novel." ~D.V. Berkom

For the rest of the review visit:   Wings of Fate on Amazon.

D.V. Berkom is a very talented writer.  If you would like to read her work, look her up here:   D.V. Berkom on Amazon.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Born Free Review At Atlantic City Books Examiner!

Dawn Luedecke wrote a really nice review of Born Free for the Atlantic City Books Examiner.  The headline for the review reads, "T.M. Hobbs brings every woman's free spirit fantasy to life in 'Born Free.'" 

Here is an excerpt from the review:   "In ‘Born Free’, T.M. Hobbs writes about a fantasy every woman has had at least once in her life – taming the spirit of a care free motorcycle rider.  From the very beginning you can’t help but get sucked into the life of Clarity Myers. Waitress (and as we find out later in the story, owner) of a local diner in small town Arizona." ~Dawn

For the rest of the review, please visit Atlantic City Books Examiner.