tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7282990893535415112024-01-06T21:28:10.543-05:00Austen NightsA home for the writings of author Heather Lynn Rigaud.Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-90272852185685710632011-11-08T09:06:00.004-05:002011-11-08T09:13:52.588-05:00Exciting News: I am Number Five!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BFUPIv3ECyVV131OTn5Jm2fk4nMR5vXCY-snqZvodn4ph53IVFBHIgUxuzEzhQQMfwGqtx86RUlcPzuN1ykUMyiZLLsLaT2TJLNo9Xz4lq9DaiQYRJZzM8PjX-x8iDKXa7deWbB_yf6B/s1600/logo_trans.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BFUPIv3ECyVV131OTn5Jm2fk4nMR5vXCY-snqZvodn4ph53IVFBHIgUxuzEzhQQMfwGqtx86RUlcPzuN1ykUMyiZLLsLaT2TJLNo9Xz4lq9DaiQYRJZzM8PjX-x8iDKXa7deWbB_yf6B/s1600/logo_trans.png" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKswErMVfD3rY2mQ-pGWynQ_WaA8ga9dkHM_9CNMC2bl3bHiaxu88iInyIkcBt9tp3VuDi5DuXN0dwGOvaq7Tzp-C2CTK5rC6dZOVZ52JlD-xeDs5eTFjT9ezu1fkD-rZQS6nSExQhpzc/s1600/bblogo_2011.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKswErMVfD3rY2mQ-pGWynQ_WaA8ga9dkHM_9CNMC2bl3bHiaxu88iInyIkcBt9tp3VuDi5DuXN0dwGOvaq7Tzp-C2CTK5rC6dZOVZ52JlD-xeDs5eTFjT9ezu1fkD-rZQS6nSExQhpzc/s1600/bblogo_2011.png" /></a><br />
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Publishers Weekly has just released it's list of <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2011/romance#book/book-5" target="_blank">Top Books of 2011</a> and guess what's #5 in the Romance catagory? You guessed it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5y1DB3-GSp-LXtdb4wjariVGznRnPH9HvHZto8S9kBLPU1GT6WfYu_y6cRNMw9PrcDmSMjln5ja04uqOhOWoYfvb9SPKCtolJsnmP7TJwkspcFWPNcM7bXhjwZo1RsWLNT2IuoAGPIdT/s1600/darcyrockstar-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5y1DB3-GSp-LXtdb4wjariVGznRnPH9HvHZto8S9kBLPU1GT6WfYu_y6cRNMw9PrcDmSMjln5ja04uqOhOWoYfvb9SPKCtolJsnmP7TJwkspcFWPNcM7bXhjwZo1RsWLNT2IuoAGPIdT/s320/darcyrockstar-300.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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ME! I am so proud and delighted! What a list! Mary Balogh, Geralyn Dawson! If you don't recognize the names these are very famous, very important, very successful Romance writers. And I'm on the short list with them! Woo-hoo!<br />
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I have to admit I am currently very motivated to work on my next book.Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-21018199798120156202011-10-26T12:56:00.000-04:002011-10-26T12:56:41.779-04:00Back to Work!I know, it's been awhile. Truth is, I took a little break after my delightful (but exhausting) Blog Tour for Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star. It's been an amazing thing- publishing my first book. I've met so many wonderful people and have been so thrilled and touched by all the great reviews readers have writen and shared.<br />
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I feel it's an excellent time to be a writer-the online community is so supportive and informative. I feel truly blessed.<br />
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But, it's time to get to it, so the first order of the day is blogging. I wanted to mention that I recently discovered the Stephanie Plum books. (I know, I know, I just hadn't gotten too them) So far I've read 4 (not in order) and have really enjoyed them. And I realized that the characters in those book can be used to perfectly describe my cats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJJPUYgKUuiw7LkykFyBiM6pUvwb1SHhxqbeLofC_3guXsQiR2acQXwBQJs9jHLF3JM18QRn2lYeCYPk6sexvyIO-yoJhbRo5lO49_Qh9Hw2P78Jox9hRSZOgTyQfjeL0HgEijJWxy520/s1600/Hobbes+couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJJPUYgKUuiw7LkykFyBiM6pUvwb1SHhxqbeLofC_3guXsQiR2acQXwBQJs9jHLF3JM18QRn2lYeCYPk6sexvyIO-yoJhbRo5lO49_Qh9Hw2P78Jox9hRSZOgTyQfjeL0HgEijJWxy520/s320/Hobbes+couch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Honey, I am the police."<br />
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</tbody></table>Hobbes is Morelli. He's protective, he's always where you can find him, he's a lover. He'll fight and hunt all day and all night, frequently getting beat up in the process. He's got that 'I'm a cop' thing down, even to the cop eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD9sDrlspXah94jHI32ZBLrRqNeixOnpeNxwhvcwKMjMeNKRywl0fp5sLsNV8TeBNiQe7oHVMKXFtx_SsYK6czrRbILpq0Bmc5e64bGV27kYMWQXnm-gG-f79rL6tOe3CZEwhzY9JppfK/s1600/cowcat+stoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD9sDrlspXah94jHI32ZBLrRqNeixOnpeNxwhvcwKMjMeNKRywl0fp5sLsNV8TeBNiQe7oHVMKXFtx_SsYK6czrRbILpq0Bmc5e64bGV27kYMWQXnm-gG-f79rL6tOe3CZEwhzY9JppfK/s320/cowcat+stoop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Babe."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CowCat is Ranger. While he's the same size and shape as Hobbes, he's totally different in personality. CowCat is <i>never</i> where you expect him to be. He drifts in and out at any random moment. He has several other homes, and he doesn't seem to want to settle down in any of them. He's also more threatening than Hobbes, but less violent: CowCat will whap at people who annoy him, but I've never seen him hunt or even get into a serious fight. (Wreasling with Hobbes doesn't count)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JtnrmQU_iIrkpHN38tATuhKYU52RanG-KKDZuvbfTilSYFKbyiwrmdpFvvW8cv5JASrqLBYcLk8TBuTiPi9t1e6T_jPanjNW7b5G4GSH6Lb4HoVErwViOUdjFgTy_-iE9-fqUo4BYmBt/s1600/Photo+on+2011-09-20+at+12.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JtnrmQU_iIrkpHN38tATuhKYU52RanG-KKDZuvbfTilSYFKbyiwrmdpFvvW8cv5JASrqLBYcLk8TBuTiPi9t1e6T_jPanjNW7b5G4GSH6Lb4HoVErwViOUdjFgTy_-iE9-fqUo4BYmBt/s320/Photo+on+2011-09-20+at+12.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hunh"</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>And then, there's Miss Irene, who makes a good Lula, other than her size. (She's tiny) She's very fancy looking, she talks (a lot) and when push comes to shove, she's a complete whimp. But she wants to be in the middle of the action and has something to say about everything. (She's a bit dopey too) Plus, her attack of choice is sitting on people.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">So, that's my life in a fun, short, picture-filled page. I hope you're all doing well, and will comment to tell me what literary characters your pets resemble.</div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-44362127930077390372011-08-31T13:19:00.000-04:002011-08-31T13:19:35.591-04:00T- 5 Days!Well, ready or not here we go! Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star is launching in less than a week.<br />
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The good news is my blog tour is going well. I'm so looking forward to being on Austenprose tomorrow with Laurel Ann. And I've been getting more blogs asking to interview/review me. It's wonderful and exciting and terrifing all at once.<br />
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The not good news is Irene really had her way with me. I lost power on Sunday morning and just got it back today. (Wednesday) I still don't have cable/phone/internet and won't until September 9th. Thank goodness for Starbucks and smartphones. It's not pretty, but I'm coping.<br />
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My first blog review came in at <a href="http://hangingwithbells.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-fitzwilliam-darcy-rock-star-by.html?zx=192c76fe2489a0f5">Hanging with Bells</a>. 3.5 out of 5 bells, which is pretty good. Of course, I love my story and want everyone else to love it, but I'll take what I can get.<br />
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That's all I can think of right now. I hope you'll all join me at Austenprose tomorrow!Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-66175511749993032702011-08-24T08:34:00.000-04:002011-08-24T08:34:20.701-04:00So close!I have to say I'm going a little nuts with the waiting for FDRS to come out. Just under 2 weeks now. Luckily, I have a huge amount of writing for my blog tour to do. It keeps me busy.<br />
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I hope you will visit my blog tour stops and leave comments for me. So far, the most popular question has been "Why Rockstars?"<br />
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Here are the blog dates:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>1<sup>st</sup> – Austenprose <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>2nd—Book Girl of Mur-y-Castel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>5th—Royal Reviews</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>6th—Urban Girl Reader</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>7th—Melissa’s Book Picks</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>8th—Mary Jacobs</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>9th—Austenesque Reviews</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>10th—Arleigh Johnson</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>12th—One Literature Nut</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>14th—Luxury Reading</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>15th—Vampire Kiss</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>16th—Drey’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Library</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>20th—Pam van Hylckama Vlieg</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>21st—</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>FRESH FICTION</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>21st--Diary of an Eccentric</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>22nd—Sosaloha</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>23rd—Hanging with Bells</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>26th—Reviews by Molly</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>28th—Love Romance Passion</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>29th—Savvy Verse & Wit</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Cambria;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, I'm going to be doing a lot of writing. :D It should keep me from googling my book obsessively, right?</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-83343023655344422112011-08-18T00:04:00.003-04:002011-08-18T00:39:15.579-04:00Slurry Meets Jane Austen<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WELCOME to all our friends taking part in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Austenesque Extravaganza! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">I've been enjoying all the fun and I hope you have too. Here's my offering:</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Slurry Meets Jane Austen</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From MTV News, I'm Kurt Loder.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As the release of their new biography, <b>Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star</b> draws near, MTV News has asked the members of Long Borne Suffering and Slurry to give their opinions on the work which inspired it- Jane Austen's <b>Pride & Prejudice</b>. We wanted to know how they see themselves compared to the characters in the original work. Lets check out what they had to say.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Jane Bennet, LBS:</i> Personally, I felt very close to my namesake. P&P Jane certainly had a different life from mine, but she is a very kind and good natured person. While I may not go riding in carriages, I can certainly relate to the struggle between what you want to do, and what you're supposed to do.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Elizabeth Bennet, LBS:</i> I wanted to knock their heads together. I mean, it was obvious to both Darcy and Lizzy that they were in love at Lambton, but did they do anything about it? Of course not! No, <i>that </i>wouldn't be <i>proper</i>. And what was the deal with Jane waiting and hoping that Bingley would come back? My sister would have had him flat on his back within 10 minutes. (Laughs) She's not afraid to express herself.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Charlotte Lucas LBS:</i> (Laughing) I end up with Collins? Seriously? (Laughs some more) And he's a minister? Like I can see that. (Richard Fitzwilliam joins in, also laughing) <i>Bwaaaaaakkkkkk! Ba-wak-bock-bock! </i> That's your chickens, Char. I'm going to remember that next time you give me any grief- it's either me or the chickens! (both laugh so hard they are unable to continue.)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Charles Bingley, Slurry: </i>Well, it's a famous book, right? And it's very well written. But it's kinda long. Honestly, I didn't finish all of it. But Jane said we end up together, so that's what counts, right?</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Caroline Bingley, tour manager: </i>In Jane Austen's day, women were very limited in their opportunities. Making a good match was their career in many cases, as well as setting up their family members of equally good matches. As such, Austen needed villains and I guess my characters was one of them. I can see why the book version of Caroline would be so mercenary- Mr. Darcy was quite a prize, but at the same time, I think she was a very lonely person at heart. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Fitzwilliam Darcy, Slurry: </i>Love stories are probably the oldest stories there are, and certainly the theme of two people who don't like each other later falling in love is also very old. But there is something about Austen's work that makes it timeless and endearing. Her characters feel very modern and real. The emotions they express are recognizable in ourselves. And her language is amazing. She precisely expresses what is happening, without ever telling too much or spoon-feeding the reader. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've been told I'm a 'Darcy-type', whatever that means, and certainly we share some physical characteristics, as well as our family circumstances. But I see the historical Darcy as being more certain of his place in society. I guess one of the benefits of having such a strict culture is that everyone would have an established place. Our society is much more mobil, which has its pros and cons, but it does allow for much more freedom of expression. That is something I'm very grateful for.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Question: Do you think the book will be a success?</i> I certainly hope so. Slurry has become something that is much bigger than it's parts, and so far the public has been eager for anything we've produced, so on that note, I feel pretty confident. But in another way, I feel it is already a success: Elizabeth and I are happy together and we're able to follow all our dreams. I can't think of anything more successful than that.</span></div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-64099155266615510992011-08-09T13:01:00.000-04:002011-08-09T13:01:48.173-04:00A War ReportSo far, War has been going very well. Our new shower is wonderful and I can't express how nice a hot shower is first thing in the morning. Most of our folks have arrived, with a new lady due today and another couple due tomorrow. The camp is working, with lots of the great food we've become known for.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, my husband & I went to the opening ceremony, where all the Kings and Queens gather and declare war. It was hot and the sun's glare was harsh, but it was worth it to see all the armies marching in. It was followed by a tournement in which 10 ledgendary champions fought. Those men were incredibly inspiring. These were men who formed the SCA and made it what it is today. I felt as if I were watching history being made and yes, I cried.<br />
<br />
I'm in town today to catch up with the real world and do some work. Book launches wait for no man or war. When I get back to camp, I'm going to support one of my friends as she teaches a new class, and then tonight we're going to be out partying in the bog!Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-78297614308672366912011-07-28T13:39:00.000-04:002011-07-28T13:39:08.430-04:00I'm leaving!So, every day the release of FDRS gets closer and every day I get a little more freaked. Reviews are starting to come in and I can see I'm going to have to follow Abigail Reynold's advice and NOT READ THEM. They will just make me crazy.<br />
<br />
So, luckily I have something to keep me busy- VACATION!!! I'm leaving tomorrow night for 2 weeks of fun and sun. I take the same vacation every year, which might seem boring, but it's actually kinda comforting. Anyone who's read my work knows what it is, but I'm going to not go into it right now, because I plan on blogging about it at Austen Authors.<br />
<br />
But I will talk about what I've been doing besides working on FDRS, which is sewing. Due to the fact that I am insane, I go on a vacation that requires handmade clothes. Further proof of my condition is evidenced by the fact that I know only bring my own nuclear family (me, Michel & my 2 sons) but I also bring my sisters and their families. Which makes for a great vacation ... and a lot of sewing.<br />
<br />
This year I've made:<br />
8 mens tunics<br />
10 womans tunics<br />
6 pairs of pants<br />
3 hoods<br />
4 cloaks<br />
1 shirt<br />
2 dresses<br />
2 skirts<br />
and 10 baby/child tunics.<br />
<br />
Is it any wonder I wasn't online much in this month? The good news is the sewing is over, everything is packed, tonight it gets loaded into the van, and tomorrow we leave!!!<br />
<br />
But don't worry- I'm bringing my laptop and will stay in touch- after all, I've got a book coming out in a month.Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-78999642489280686482011-07-18T10:24:00.000-04:002011-07-18T10:24:34.884-04:00I've got a review!<a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4022-5781-0">Publisher's Weekly likes my book!</a><br />
<br />
I'm amazed and delighted!Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-24166803747794060912011-07-08T16:46:00.000-04:002011-07-08T16:46:26.661-04:00OMG!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've got a Book coming out in two months!!!!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
I've got to get on the stick, as it were. Please, please, please, if you really want to know more about me, friend me on facebook. (Heather Lynn Rigaud) I friend everyone who asks.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, let's look at a book cover:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJrgpMTPLYJgGxyFBmMFgPLQSp0aHECCxOQSk0Ku7gGQ3VzoCrsWxA09ovickW-E6_hnnnFHyWuTi7Fhdj01X2GeDK5mevzhGqTnwjBtuPUbwJUixrP7kfzRowXFST7lt03FDHPA0wYFW/s1600/DarcyRockStar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJrgpMTPLYJgGxyFBmMFgPLQSp0aHECCxOQSk0Ku7gGQ3VzoCrsWxA09ovickW-E6_hnnnFHyWuTi7Fhdj01X2GeDK5mevzhGqTnwjBtuPUbwJUixrP7kfzRowXFST7lt03FDHPA0wYFW/s400/DarcyRockStar.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br />
(It's my blog, I can make it as big as I want)<br />
<br />
Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star will be coming out in all the E formats. I know they aren't up on the web yet, but they will be available!<br />
<br />
So excited!Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-23855130054667006562011-02-14T12:46:00.001-05:002011-02-14T12:49:33.877-05:00Valentine's Day TreatThere's something new and fun coming via Austen Authors, but until it's ready, I wanted to share this here. It's a free standing short story for Valentine's Day. It's a little spicy at the end, just so you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">V-1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Heather Lynn</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">February 14, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam Ryan Darcy was not a happy man. The Gods, fate or just dumb bad luck had conspired against him and he was defeated.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His beautiful wife of only two months, Elizabeth Anne Bennet Darcy lay beside him in their bed, warm, soft and breathing softly. Sex with her had been, as always, magnificent. She was a goddess and he loved her so dearly that words were useless in describing it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But now their time together was over. Darcy had to get up, and leave her and he wanted to cry. Of course, he didn't, but he couldn't control his rage at his inability to change what he must do. He felt impotent, and it was eating him up inside. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam Electric's main construction complex was located in Canton, Ohio. It employed over twenty thousand employees at the five factories in the complex. At 4:00 am the previous morning, a fire had broken out in the main plant. Before it was all over, the plant was destroyed and two others were heavily damaged.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And so, on this, the first Valentine's Day of his married life, Fitzwilliam was leaving his beloved to fly to across three states to be there. He had his duties, and duty always came first. He felt like he was going to throw-up. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part of him knew he was being childish. He was a grown man after all, and responsibilities were a part of life. He knew he would have many more Valentine's Days to share with Elizabeth, but somehow he couldn't overcome the bitterness of it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The truth of the matter was that this was his first real Valentine's Day, period. He had been in relationships before, but they had never worked out for very long, and somehow he had never been with anyone on February 14. It was his V-1.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now he was with the most wonderful person in the world and he wanted to celebrate every minute of it. But instead he was going to burned out buildings and a hotel, while Elizabeth stayed in Boston, organizing the relief efforts from the Fitzwilliam Trust and the Pemberley Foundation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He had made such plans! They were to fly to his island in the West Indies. Everything was in readiness- the cruise, the beach, the fireworks! He was so looking forward to surprising her, pleasing her. No one enjoyed things like Elizabeth and he was anticipating sharing her delight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He sighed in disappointment. He let Elizabeth draw him into her arms, and he took all the comfort he could find with her, until she gently announced that they had to get going. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Quietly they bathed and dressed, following their normal routine, just another day. When he came out of his dressing room, impeccable in his gray suit and blue tie she stopped him. "This is for you," she smiled as she pinned a red rosebud to his lapel. "Remember I love you."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He kissed her slowly and thoroughly. "I will make it up to you," he promised.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I know. I'm looking forward to it." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hand in hand they entered the breakfast room. On his plate was vivid red envelope. He picked it up and raised an eyebrow in inquiry. Elizabeth gave him her 'innocent' look which he knew from experience was actually an admission of guilt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He opened the envelope and pulled out an honest-to-God Valentine, complete with roses and lace. He smiled at her, then read the inscription:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote> My Darling Fitzwilliam,</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote> How can I tell you how much you mean to me? You have made my life a sweet dream of perfection. I love you so much. Your touch is the last thing I feel before I sleep and the first thing that wakes me in the morning. I need you to know how my heart races every time you walk in the room, how I get giddy when you look at me, how I sleep in perfect bliss feeling you beside me. You have brought me such complete happiness in such as short time, I'm sure I will never be able to make it up to you, but I'll do my best by loving you till I die.</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote> Love you madly,</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote> Elizabeth</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This time he did tear up as he walked to her and crushed her to him. "My love, my sweet love," he murmured to her. "Thank you, I will treasure this forever." He kissed her lips, then her forehead, then pressed her to him again. "I love you." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a few moments they slowly released each other enough to sit. They ate their breakfast while holding hands, a skill they had developed during their courtship. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"When is your meeting?" he asked. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Eleven. Call me if you can before that, so I can get some idea of what's going on from the ground." she answered professionally. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam Darcy had followed his heart when he married. He was pleasantly surprised to discover his heart had chosen a woman who was not only kind, witty, and beautiful, but also one who had a great business sense. Elizabeth had taken the reins of the Darcy family charities and had run with them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I will. I should land at nine am central time and I'm being taken straight to the complex." He stopped to sip his coffee. "You can expect a call around ten-thirty. Is there anything particular you will need to know?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth checked the leather bound notebook beside her plate, which matched the one beside him. "Hm, I think I've got all the basics: Number of employees affected, payroll, stuff like that." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When they were informed of the disaster, two decisions came easily to the executive couple. One: they would rebuild the plant and two; they would continue to pay their employees until the plant reopened. The first decision was expected, the second would take the business world by surprise. He didn't care- this was FE, the company Fitzwilliam's grandfather had founded. They would support it to their last penny. The Darcys knew too many families depended on them and they could not let those people down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It would be expensive, and that's where Elizabeth came in. The Darcy family fortune would support the payroll until it was able to maintain itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I really need you to get some kind of feel on how long the rebuild will take and let me know if there's anything unexpected," she grinned, "which I expect there will be."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Okay, the press conference is scheduled for noon. Expect the phone to start ringing off the hook then."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I'll be ready." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a few more minutes Fitzwilliam rose, "I gotta go. I love you." He kissed her tenderly, and then hurried out to his limo. Elizabeth sat a moment more thinking, then left to go to the Darcy building.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">****</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth knew Fitwilliam had been planning for Valentine's Day, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight that greeted her when she entered her office. For a moment, she though she had somehow been teleported to a florist's. More flowers than she could count covered every surface. "Oh!" she gasped.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Like it?" her secretary, Catherine Morland, asked. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth shook her head in amazement. The scent of all the blossoms filled the room and she took a long moment to enjoy the beauty of it all. Then she turned to Catherine and asked, "Any idea where I should start?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Try the desk," Catherine pointed to a small envelope.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth read:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<blockquote>My darling,</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote>How do I love you? Let me try and count the ways.</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote>F</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth then spent a full 35 minutes reading the cards on each arrangement. When she was done she had 73 cards in his handwriting, each saying something like: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">'I love your generous heart.'</div><div class="MsoNormal">'I love the way you dance.' </div><div class="MsoNormal">'I love your hair.'</div><div class="MsoNormal">'I love the taste of you.'</div><div class="MsoNormal">'I love your snore.'</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth and Catherine laughed over the last one. Elizabeth then picked out three arrangements to stay and ordered the rest to be arranged throughout the building and picked up the phone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Well?" His deep voice was filled with mirth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"You are crazy, you know that?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Did you like it?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"I love it, but you're still crazy." She laughed. "How long did it take you to write out all these cards?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She could her him smile on the phone, "Not too long. It was actually kind of fun and I'm glad I got to give you this at least."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I don't snore, by the way." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Of course not, my love. But I love it anyway. Its cute."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth shook her head. "I love you, you nut. Anymore surprises I should be one the lookout for?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"That would be telling. I love you, no matter what."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"No matter what," she responded and hung up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam hung up the phone and reviewed his notes. The private jet was quiet as it soared though the air. He was ready for the meeting, but he wasn't sure if he was ready for the destruction. His first position had been at FE, first as assistant operations manager, then as general manager of the complex. From there, he went on to Pemberley, his father's hugely successful computer firm. Then everything changed- his father died and suddenly he was in charge of it all. It had been awhile since he had been out to the FE plant, but it still held a certain fondness for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was going to be hard, but he had to do it. He was going to comfort the workers, provide hope for the future and most important to him, find out how this had happened.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">****</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth watched the man she loved on the television. Fitzwilliam was announcing the plans for FE and, as expected, the phones had started ringing. He was still wearing the rose she had given him. He looked calm and professional; the business leader everyone knew, but Elizabeth could see the sadness in his eyes. This was one of the few days when it was no fun to be Will Darcy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth's own press conference was scheduled for one o'clock. She wouldn't be giving out much by way of new information; she would primarily be repeating Fitzwilliam's promise to support the workers and answering questions. However, she knew it would be well attended. She was Elizabeth Darcy, media darling. The press from the Wall Street Journal to the Ladies Home Journal had gobbled up her fairy princess story whole. Luckily for her, she had a rock to support and shield her. Fitzwilliam had made sure she was never unprepared and never in over her head. He and his pack of attack lawyers had set the boundaries for the press and they weren't foolish enough to cross that line.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A few minutes later there was a knock on her door. At her response a waiter entered, carrying a covered tray. He removed the cover and revealed a plate of sushi, a rosebud and a phone. As she picked it up the phone rang. "Hello?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Hi beautiful. " </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Will, what are you doing?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Lunch with my wife, of course," he paused. "At least I hope its lunch. You do have your favorite food in front of you, don't you darling?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, its lovely. Thank you."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I miss you." Elizabeth could hear the hurt in his voice. "Did you see the press conference? What did you think?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I think the head of FE is a real hottie who can park his shoes under my bed anytime." Elizabeth's heart rose as she heard him laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Well, who knows, you might get lucky someday."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Woo-hoo! You were great. Very reassuring, very professional."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"How did your meeting go?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Oh," Elizabeth tried to talk around a piece of tuna. "It was fine. No problems." She briefly covered what she was going to say at one, making note of his suggestions. Finally she said, "I'm done. I got to get ready for my close-up." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I know. Thanks for lunch."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Oh, thank you. I have to say, despite everything, this is the best Valentine's Day I've ever had."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Silence. "Liz?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Yes, love?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I really miss you." Her heart broke at the loneliness in his voice. More than anything she wished she could be there to hold him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I miss you too. I love you." She tried to reassure him. "I'll see you soon, sweetheart." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Not soon enough. Good luck with the press. I'll call you later."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"No matter what."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"No matter what. Love you Liz."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She turned off the phone and thought, her fingers slowly drumming on her desk; then Elizabeth moved. She grabbed Catherine as she exited her office and started giving instructions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">****</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Are we all ready?" Elizabeth asked as she left the set. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Mostly," Catherine replied as they walked swiftly to the parking garage, "The car's waiting for you, your luggage is in the car."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Did you get everything?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Yes, the plane is ready, but there's a problem. Logan doesn't want to let it go."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth sighed. Ever since 9/11 Logan International Airport had a huge chip on its shoulder, if that was possible for an airport. Private planes like hers suffered the worst. "What are the alternatives? Any airline flights that will get me there?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Catherine shook her head. "The next flight isn't until 4:00, it has a stop-over in Newark and you wouldn't get there until 7:40."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth decided to give Catherine a raise. "Get me Logan on the phone." Elizabeth was still getting used to her role as the 'Mistress of Pemberley,' but she had studied the master enough to know what too do. Catherine handed her a phone, "Hello, this is Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">***</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam was tired and sick at heart as exited his limo. The hotel was the best in town and he had the whole top floor to himself. He had been made as comfortable as possible, but he would happily have given it up for a room at the Hotel Six if he could have Elizabeth with him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The manager stopped him in the lobby. "Your messages sir." Fitzwilliam took the papers and looked at them without reading them. "Have you dinned sir?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Food? "No, I'll have something sent to my room, thanks." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Very good, sir."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam made his way to the elevator. He leaned against the wall as the doors closed. The damage had been bad, but it could have been worse. Plants Three & Five would reopen on Monday. Plants Two & Four should be open in a month. Plant One was a complete loss, but would be rebuilt in 8 months. Luckily plant Five was large enough that they could temporarily move some of the product lines there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He still had no clue how the fire had started and how it had spread so quickly. Heads were going to roll when he had the answers- and he was going to get the answers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sighing he loosened his tie, then paused as the elevator doors opened and reveled a small, chocolate shell on a tiny plate in front of him. Puzzled he looked down the hall and saw a trail of chocolates leading to his door. Shrugging he picked up the chocolate and popped it in mouth as he followed the path.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the door was taped a note:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <i>Close your eyes and come in.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam's heart was pounding. That was Elizabeth's handwriting! Stunned, he didn't know what to think, so he simply followed the directions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As he entered the room, a pair of soft hands grabbed his arms. "Keep your eyes closed," a low voice directed him as he was guided further into the suite. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Okay, you can open them."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam opened his eyes. The best sight in the world greeted him: Elizabeth. She was wearing a short, black silk robe. He took her into his arms and held her tight, in case this was some kind of dream that would vanish. Her kiss convinced him she was real. "Darling! How did you get here?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She beamed, "I borrowed Richard's plane. Happy?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He kissed her long and hard. She eagerly responded. "I'm so happy, I can't tell you! It's so good to see you." He pulled her close and rubbed his forehead against hers. "I needed you, baby."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth kissed him, playing with his tongue, and then sucking his lower lip. "Lets get these clothes off. You need a bath."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam became aware that he was in a bathroom. The lights were dimmed and there was candles burning. There was a huge sunken tub in the corner filled with bubbles. Elizabeth was quickly undressing him and he happily cooperated. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Soon he was sinking into the hot, foamy water. He was surprised to notice he was alone. "Liz?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She quickly returned holding a pair of large glasses containing something red. "Strawberry margaritas!" she exclaimed as she handed him the glass. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I don't like strawberry drinks," he said archly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I know, but its Valentine's Day. Red? You know?" She frowned prettily, "just drink it." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He did as he was bid and found he enjoyed it more than he expected. "Are you coming in?" He asked.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth grinned, "Nope. I'm going to wash you." She knelt beside the tub and held up a natural sponge. Gently she turned him away and started washing his back. She shushed him when he tried to ask her more questions. "Hush, now. Just relax and enjoy."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam had to admit he was enjoying it. Elizabeth was massaging his shoulders and the drink was having an effect as well. When she turned him around to wash his front, Will played at catching her mouth with his own. She in turn retaliated by gently pinching his nipples. Laugher bubbled freely out of both of them until Elizabeth almost fell into the tub. She quickly made a retreat out of range and pronounced him clean. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Will put on the black silk robe she had left for him and entered the bedroom. More candles and a room service tray awaited him. Elizabeth was stretched out on the bed, her robe showing just enough to capture his imagination.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Come and lay down, you must be hungry." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His eyes followed her long, shapely legs up to the whisper of silk wrapped around her middle. They caressed her full curves and her pale skin contrasting with the black of the robe and bedspread. <i>Hungry? Hell yes!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He lay beside her and pulled her close. His hands stroked her back, then slid down over her ass, as he passionately kissed her. He paused a moment as he discovered she wasn't wearing any panties, then he redoubled his attack with increased vigor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When dizziness finally overcame him, Elizabeth pushed him down on the bed and sat up. "Whoa, tiger. What's the rush?" she teased as she brought up the tray. "Close your eyes."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He did as she commanded and was rewarded with the sweet flesh of mangos being feed to him. He savored the fruit, which was followed by kiwis, strawberries, and grapes. After awhile he sat up and began feeding her as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When the fruit was gone, she pulled the next plate of cheese and crackers closer. Together they ate. "I hope you don't mind finger food, " Liz said shyly. "I didn't think you would want anything formal."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Are you kidding?" He gave her the eyebrow. "This is perfect, just like you." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Good. I wanted to make this special," she breathed. "Want something to drink?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Water would be great." He took the glass from her. "What's next?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She gave him a wicked grin. Will felt himself harden from it. "Take off your robe and lay down, on your tummy."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She straddled him, and then he felt warm oil on his back. A moan escaped his mouth has she started massaging him. Starting at the top, she carefully found each knot in his muscles and rubbed them away. Will thought he would fall asleep until he noticed her hands had traveled to his butt, which she was now giving her careful attention. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All the tension, which had ebbed away, flowed back into him and he was suddenly hard and throbbing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He rolled over and kissed Elizabeth, his tongue expressing to her his urgent need. "Don't you want desert?" Elizabeth laughed has she found herself flat on the bed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">***</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the things she loved doing was finding her husband's breaking point, and pushing it. Fitzwilliam could only take so much stimulation, and then he went wild. Elizabeth didn't abuse this trait by using it too often, but she had to admit it was very exciting to her to have her normally cool, professional, controlled man lose it and fuck her like a wild animal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Oh!" she exclaimed as she felt her hips drawn up so she was on her hands and knees. With a rush Fitzwilliam entered her and she abandoned herself to him, knowing he would take her to climax with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a good thing that they had the hotel floor to themselves. Otherwise the other guests might have been concerned by the sounds coming from their suite. The noises rose to a fevered pitch, and then ended in a wail of satisfaction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the bed Fitzwilliam gathered Elizabeth into his arms and pillowed her head on his shoulder. When their breathing returned to normal he kissed her and asked, "You said something about dessert?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth threw her head back and laughed. Then she pulled over a large bowl of chocolate mousse. "I thought we could share," she said saucily. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">***</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitzwilliam pulled his wife close. Love washed over him as he felt her gently place a kiss on his temple. "Thank you, Lizzy. I needed this." He turned to look in her eyes, as he brushed some stray mousse from her hair. "This was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth snuggled up and smiled sleepily. "You're welcome, my love. Now hold me close and let me sleep in my favorite place."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the darkness Fitzwilliam reviewed his evening, carefully remembering every detail. He would cherish those memories for the rest of his life. His last thought before sleep claimed him was the realization that he had a new favorite holiday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">End</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-88460962854485226252011-02-02T10:49:00.001-05:002011-02-02T10:53:52.571-05:00Workin'Wear the heck are my headphones? I believe one of my sons has them.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I need them because I'm cranking here and I need my tunes. Sadly, my computer's speakers are not up to the challenge, so headphones it is. Plus, headphones have the added advantage of blocking out some of the distractions that keep me from my work.<br />
<br />
And what work is that? Well, I'll tell you. I'm re-writing <b>Longborne and Pemberley Go To War</b>. I love this story, with all it's flaws, but I' determined to make it better. I'm changing some of the communication issues to make it more up to date, and then there are the sisters.<br />
<br />
Jane Bennet and Caroline Bingley both need a make over. Poor Jane always speaks with an English accent (she even did in Slurry- just amazing, when you think about it) and very 'regency'-ish. I'm going to try and modernize her. Caroline was never much of a threat, and I want to fix that.<br />
<br />
A friend argued that in P&P Caroline was never much of a threat, but I disagree. She almost ruined Jane & Charles, and she could have made Elizabeth's life really difficult, if she had recognized Lizzy as the rival for Darcy that she was. Poor Caroline couldn't conceive of Lizzy being anywhere close to her sphere, and dropped the ball there, and so mine will too, but I want her to be less of a cartoon.<br />
<br />
So, question for you readers: Should I post the story here? It's already going up on AHA and Bloom & Quill, and I don't want to ruffle feathers, but if someone would like to read it here, please let me know and it shall be done.<br />
<br />
Hope you are all staying warm and dry. I'm SO ready for Spring.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You don't believe in God<br />
I don't believe in luck<br />
They don't believe in us<br />
But I believe we're the enemy!<br />
<br />
Destroya<br />
My Chemical Romance<br />
Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous KilljoysHeather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-39722854448557950022011-01-27T10:22:00.000-05:002011-01-27T10:22:52.022-05:00Writing is a strange professionIt is. It's part make-believe. It's part confession. It's art. It's science. It's a mis-mash of skills and talents what you wouldn't immediately think of.<br />
<br />
And on top of that, like so many things, it looks easy until you try it.<br />
<br />
When I tell people that I have a book coming out, some people come back with, "I've always wanted to write a book." My answer is always 'You should try it!'<br />
<br />
It's an answer that fits many different situations. There are some people who have wonderful books inside of themselves, and sometimes encouragement is what they need. On the other hand, there are people who think writing is simple, until they stare at a blank screen (or page). And finally, there are people who have no trouble starting really good stories, but can't for the life of them end them. My mantra on this is 'land the plane'.<br />
<br />
And I'm not alone in this observation. There was plenty of people who've been burned, who won't even read 'works-in-progress' on fan fiction pages because too many really good starts that never finish.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking about writing because I'm deep in the writing trenches right now. <b>Longborne & Pemberley Go To War</b>, my first novel, is in the process of a major update/re-write. And it's going really well. (Crossing my fingers and knocking on wood) I don't want to jinx myself, but the words are flowing and I have a very good feeling about this.<br />
<br />
And you'll be able to read it! I'll be posting, probably starting next week, at <a href="http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?">AHA</a> and <a href="http://www.bloomandquill.com/index.php">B&Q</a>. I hope you will join me, and leave plenty of comments.Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-39943386637341431872011-01-19T17:59:00.000-05:002011-01-19T17:59:17.762-05:00It's for research, really!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Okay, I've got to fess up. I've become totally addicted to (sob) a video game. Yes, I'm appalled too. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's Dragon Age Origins, which is a D&D fantasy thing, where you are a hero working with a small group of companions to save the kingdom from an oncoming horde of demons. Sounds pretty standard, but a couple of things make this interesting. It's really well done. The plots leave some freedom for you to choose what you're going to do and you have to face the consequences of those choices. The writing is really strong and it picks a theme an doesn't let go no matter what. The theme is 'Victory through sacrifice', and man, they don't skimp on the pain.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the part that's really got me sucked in (and it's not just me) is the Paladin character, Alistair, who's with you from the start. He's funny, he's vulnerable, he's got a noble heart (in more ways than one) and you can have a romance with him. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Read that last part again. Yup. This isn't your Daddy's D&D game. If you play your cards right, he'll fall in love with you. I have to admit some tender feelings on my part. But he's no push over. If you say or do the wrong things, he'll leave you high & dry. No romance for you. I know this because my first character completely struck out with him by making a joke when he was being all 'tender'. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My second character succeeded and we're 'playing though' if you know what I mean. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And it's not just me. There are <a href="http://shannon.users.sonic.net/blog/?p=1223">essays</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=176011852877">Facebook fan clubs</a>. He's become quite the sensation. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, it's not all just fantasy sex with a bunch of cute pixels. As a writer, I'm thinking about what makes him so attractive to women? (And it's just women. Men unanimously find him annoying and whiney) What the key to his attraction? How can I use that in my writing?</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, one thing is he's got the brave and strong thing down. The man can wield a sword like nobody's business and he's totally fearless in battle. But he's not just a thick-necked slayer of beasts. He's very funny, and he's shy. You would think a man who can run down an ogre twice his height wouldn't blush when it comes to talking about sex, but he does. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He was raised in a monastery, so he's a virgin, and that explains some of the shyness, but really, he's just such a little boy lost, its ridiculous. Plus, he *needs* you. He has some good reasons for not wanting to be a leader, and he's perfectly okay with you giving the orders. Which, really just proves that this is a fantasy. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think there is probably more to his appeal, but I've got to do some more research. ;-) What about you? Have you ever fallen for a video game character?</span></div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-74003923010057908682011-01-19T14:29:00.000-05:002011-01-19T14:29:04.236-05:00COVERS!!!!Yeah Baby!!! That's my book, with my name on it!!! Woot!<br />
<br />
Over at Sourcebooks there is a poll going on over the cover art for my book.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/publicity/1623-cover-vote-fitzwilliam-darcy-rock-star.html">Check it out!</a><br />
<br />
I don't know why he's wearing a shirt, but Woot!!!Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-37858172133142746682011-01-12T11:11:00.000-05:002011-01-12T11:11:52.845-05:00Greetings from Snow Central<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hey there. We're having a snow day here. There's about a foot of the white stuff on the ground, and more is expected. My beautiful sons are off of school and even my husband called in, and we're all home together.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You might think, on a day like this, with the beautiful snow falling, and the house warm and cosy, it's be highly conducive to writing. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And you'd be so, so very wrong. Really, blogging is about all I can manage right now. I've discovered or maybe re-discovered that I need privacy for writing. Too many distractions and the magic ain't happening. In a crisis, deadline-y situation, I can do edits as long as I'm tucked into a corner and have my headphones, but real, creative writing? not so much. I still need to train my family that when I'm writing, it might look like I'm just fooling around on the internet, but really, I'm working, so Stop. Bugging. Me.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Speaking of deadlines and edits, I got a line from Sourcebooks that they're happy with my edits for Slurry and we're into typesetting. YAY! That means my goal for this week is to write up a pitch for L&PGTW and get that in. (I know that was my goal for last week, but, well, stuff happens)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, I can be serious here, or I can be funny. If I'm really good, I'll be both.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yesterday was my mom's birthday. She died three years ago, and of course, I miss her a whole lot. This week's been all about life and death for me. I've been having very depressing dreams where I have to get my final messages to my children. (Son1: get a girlfriend, Son2: Learn to write an essay) I'm just feeling very mortal. There is a local man who's gone missing, prompting a massive effort from the community to find him, but its been two weeks, and things are not looking too good. One of my cousins has a son who received an organ transplant 6 years ago today; the same type of organ transplant that failed and was the immediate cause of my mother's death. Lots of little things that on their own wouldn't mean too much, but taken together seem overwhelming. It's all very wearying and I have to accept that I'm doing a bit of grieving today, and that's alright. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This all ties into my writing in that in the last decade of my life, my mom's failing health meant that her main form of recreation was romance novels. She loved them. She was go to the used bookstore and buy them by the shopping bag full. And while mom was always proud of what her children did, she did seem to be particularly proud of my books. She found them on the internet by herself (which for mom was huge. She wasn't exactly computer friendly) and printed them out and read everything. She would also share them with anyone she thought would enjoy them, which one one level is very sweet, and on another level is really embarrassing. It's a truly special moment when you discover your mom's been sharing your sexually explicit writings with her church ladies. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yeah.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, I think I'm not going to be too hard on myself today. I'll do some laundry and play some Dragon Age (greatest time suck ever!) and the pitch will keep until tomorrow, when I'm alone and can think. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm sorry this blog entry isn't very light or funny, but in it's defence, it's very real. Thanks for reading and stay warm.</span></div><div><br />
</div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-31071339907393225302011-01-05T07:28:00.000-05:002011-01-05T07:28:12.119-05:00Happy New Year!!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I wanted to wish everyone a Very Happy New year. I had an excellent week off with the family, during which time I completed my next (and hopefully last?) set of edits for Slurry. If all goes well, it will go into typesetting next week for publication in September. My little book! I'm so proud.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I also had a great brainstorming session yesterday on my next book, Longbourne & Pemberley Go to War. You know that title will be changed. I like to amuse myself by thinking about what it might get changed too: Sir Fitzwilliam Darcy, Knight, or maybe or Mr. Darcy goes to War (which would be so wrong) or Fitzwilliam Darcy: Lizzy's boy-toy?</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So many possibilities.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are not many advantages to getting up at 5:45 each morning to get my high school students-sons up. Not many at all. But this morning I got to enjoy one, shining brightly in the South-East, I spied Venus this morning. I found it inspirational.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Have a great week, my friends!</span></div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-90653168303095078292010-12-22T09:02:00.000-05:002010-12-22T09:02:54.088-05:00Happiest of Holidays(I'm sorry I've been such a bad blogger. I promise to try and post more, even if I posts aren't amazing works of writing)<br />
<br />
I want to wish you all the Happiest of Holidays. Merry Christmas, Blessed Solstice, and may the New Year bring joy and prosperity to all!<br />
<br />
I've been a madwoman getting everything together for the holidays: gift shopping, cookie baking, concert attending, as well as being Super-wife & -mother. But I feel I'm doing my job well. The boys are happy, the husband's as happy as he can be (poor man really wishes he was independently wealthy) and the home is homey.<br />
<br />
My wonderful editor has come back to me with more cuts for Slurry. Some of them are negligible, but at least one is going to hurt. *sigh* While it's a wonderful thing to be a published author, you pay for that joy in the editing process.<br />
<br />
It will make the book better (keep repeating that) and <u>I want Slurry to be the best book it can be</u>. And hopefully the pain of editing will pass quickly.<br />
<br />
(The great thing about a blog is you can go on and on about yourself, and it's okay)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm pleased to report that my favorite gift of the Holidays (so far) is an amazing handmade knitting bowl. It's a fabulous work of art that's also functional. I love it. The potter is an on-line friend who's work is in an number of increasingly important museums. which is totally cool, but even if she wasn't almost famous, I'd still love this bowl.<br />
<br />
If you want some custom, useful art, her web page is here. I highly recommend her mugs, which are custom made to your requests. An excellent gift. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kogijiki">Kogi's custom clay!</a><br />
<br />
Happy Holidays! May the coming light overcome all our darkness's.Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-42257971366665190922010-10-27T15:37:00.002-04:002010-10-27T15:37:30.753-04:00Shortie from Editing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Okay, I know it's tacky to comment on your own writing, but I really love the headline: <i>Fitzwilliam Darcy and Black Lizzy- A Match made in Hell! </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">And the work continues. </span></span>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-24214617085531523642010-10-27T09:31:00.001-04:002010-10-27T09:37:08.500-04:00Richard's MusicWhat do Creed:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><object height="295" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: url(http://www.blogger.com/img/video_object.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block;" width="480"></object></span><br />
<br />
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-fyNgHdmLI)<br />
(Whoa, looking at that video again, was that freakily like Katrina or what? Even to the<br />
stinkin school bus! Holy cats!)<br />
<br />
Godsmack:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><object height="344" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/9SSUQxGjZZ4/hqdefault.jpg); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block;" width="425"></object></span><br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SSUQxGjZZ4<br />
<br />
And Audioslave:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><object height="295" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/7QU1nvuxaMA/hqdefault.jpg); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block;" width="480"></object></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QU1nvuxaMA<br />
<br />
have in common? (Goodness knows, it's not religion!) They're all what I think of as 'Richard's Music". Dark gritty lyrics & vocals, Short, repeatative phrases. The percusion, while not being solo material, is important and strong. This is what Richard's spirit sounds like to me.<br />
<br />
And there's a reason why I'm listening to it this morning.<br />
<br />
More later.Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-66853216250075074292010-10-25T08:10:00.001-04:002010-10-25T08:18:11.462-04:00Shhhhhhh! Serious writing going on here!(And if you believe that, I've got a bridge for sale)<br />
<br />
Can I tell you secret? Sure I can. It's my blog, I can do whatever I want! It's this: MSWord has been running on my computer for the past full week. Maybe longer.<br />
<br />
Okay. I know. As secrets go, that's pretty weak-sauce. But its a major change for me. MSWord is a processor hog and it slows everything down. I usually have it turned off, unless I'm working on something. And yes, that's the key: I'm working on something.<br />
<br />
I'm working on my final draft of Fitzwilliam Darcy- Rock Star! It's due next Monday. I'm excited, and it turns, giddey and nauseous. But it's all good.<br />
<br />
The biggest change my dear readers who've read it before will notice is the songs. I couldn't expect Sourcebooks to buy the rights to all those songs, and I couldn't in good conscienous ask those artists to sell their songs for my work. (Just picture that for a moment- go ahead) So I wrote new songs for the book. It was hard, but I'm pleased with how they turned out.<br />
<br />
And I have a list of all the 'official' Slurry songs in the front of the book, so you can still use the orginal soundtrack.<br />
<br />
That's what I'm doing. It's very crazy, and fun at the same time.<br />
<br />
Love you all!Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-16869825430902428752010-09-29T09:50:00.001-04:002010-09-29T09:53:48.861-04:00Um, Seriously?<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So, I watched <b>Mansfield Park</b> last night. This was the 2008 version with Billie Piper. I have to disclose that I've never read Mansfield Park (it's the only Austen novel that I've not read) or seen any of the other movies. I've been warned by friends I trust that I probably wouldn't enjoy the book. I do plan on reading it, and I do own a copy of it, I've just never had the self-control to do so. (I'm really bad about skipping dentist appointments too.)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">But I was familiar with the basic plot: poor cousin goes to live with rich cousins. Finds them largely depraved. Gets rewarded for virtue in the end.<br />
<br />
Now, I have to be fair and admit that I'm not sure Billie Piper was the right choice to play Fanny Price. I've seen Billie in all the Doctor Who's she was in (which were a lot) and I'm acquainted with her work. I think she's very talented. But it's a real, REAL stretch to believe that she's supposed to 'blend in the with background'. I know they can do miracles with make-up, but they didn't in this movie. She's shiney and blonde all the way though, and no, I just don't buy that Edmond, or anyone for that matter, 'overlooked' her.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/01/26/ba_mansfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/01/26/ba_mansfield.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">But ignoring that very real flaw, it's a really hard plot to get behind. Boring girl wins the love of boring boy, after he finds the interesting girl is just too interesting for him. Mary Crawford's crime? Not wanting to get hosed for her brother's fooling around. Oh my, how horrid. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Also, I have close friends who adopted their niece, under similar circumstances as Fanny and the Bertram's and the idea of the adopted girl and their son marrying is really, really wrong. I know social standards were different then, but no, I'm just not buying this. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And I point I've learned that the movie ignored is that Fanny was also religious to the point of being judgmental. Oh, lovely.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It's all so repelling that I'd almost believe that this is Austen doing a really deep social satire that we're just not getting. To compare Elizabeth Bennet to Fanny Price, it's difficult to believe they came from the same author. But then I remember Elinor Dashwood, and I have to believe it is the same writer. Elinor is just too severe for my tastes, and I end up rooting for Marianne, just because I feel sorry for her.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Anyway, Fanny Price, Mansfield Park, Billie Piper, what do you all think?</div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-91661980789274327672010-09-18T11:49:00.000-04:002010-09-18T11:49:27.116-04:00Undressing Darcy<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Sarah Michele Gellar sometimes talks about how it was for her to be starting mid-season with a show called '<u>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</u>', and having to talk about it with people. And the looks she got.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I sometimes feel like that. I mention that I've got a book coming out, and people ask, "What's it about?" Usually I'm in a non-chatting place, and I say, "Oh, it's a romance" and try and dismiss it as soon as possible. Because I'm a wimp like that.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Other times I explain, "It's a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice." That usually goes over well. Most people have at least heard of Pride & Prejudice. "In which Mr. Darcy is a rockstar." Aaaaannnnddd that's usually where I lose them. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>Mr Darcy? A Rockstar???</i> (Sometimes there is pearl-clutching at this point) Most people are too polite to tell me what they think of this idea, but they're faces express it fairly well.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And I get it, there are a lot of crazy fan fictions out there. And much of it is not very good. Plus it's <b>Jane Friggin' Austen!</b> Arguably the greatest English novelist of all time. It's Mr. Darcy, beloved of the ages, that I'm undressing and putting into highly irregular positions! What gall! What cheek! Excuse me while I go and clutch my pearls.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So you can see why I sometimes wimp out when describing my book. It's a romance. Find it in the romance section. Next question. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">But just as Sarah Michele was vindicated when Buffy turned into the monster hit it became, so does Slurry do quiet well when people just read it. I frequently getting notes from people who say something like: <i>I've never read modern JAFF before, but your story changed that! I didn't think I'd enjoy it, but I did!</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">These kind of notes make me very happy. :D Because although it is taking Darcy and Elizabeth to a very different kind of place, I worked very hard to have it still be <i>Darcy</i> and <i>Elizabeth</i>. I read though P&P so many times while planning and then writing Slurry so that I'd be getting the same characters. One of the things I'd do is at every plot point, is I'd study what was going on emotionally for each character. What was Darcy feeling here? What was motivating Elizabeth at this time? </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This was very important to me, because like any Austen Author, I wanted to stay with my favorite couple. I just wanted to put them in new clothes. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I want to thank everyone who read my post today at <a href="http://www.austenauthors.com/">AustenAuthors</a>. It's all brand new and a bit scary too me, but everyone's support has been fantastic! </div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-88308148304237044742010-09-14T08:25:00.001-04:002010-09-15T10:19:47.999-04:00Let's do a test.I'm getting ready for my big introductory post at AustenAuthors. No pressure, it just has to be light and engaging and make people who have never heard of me want to read my book. (HL quietly throws-up in the corner) Also, I have to figure out how to post this at the appopriate time.<br />
<br />
Hmmm, technology. Okay I can do this. How hard can it be? ... Don't answer that.<br />
<br />
So, I'm going to do a little test here, to see if I've got this delayed posting thing down. (Cross your fingers)<br />
<br />
Okay, one more question- why does my blog think it's 5:20 in the morning?Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-52594375206216057482010-09-09T22:26:00.000-04:002010-09-09T22:26:17.348-04:00Rushing towards publication!So, this week's been a little nuts. On Monday we had the launch of our wonderful new blog, <a href="http://www.austenauthors.com/">AustenAuthors</a>, which has already been getting lots of positive notice. On Wednesday, I had the school year begin for my two beloved sons.<br />
<br />
On top of all that, I had my first phone conference with my editor, Deb Werksman. She had some great news for me, including the information that <b><i>Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rockstar! will be coming out in September of 2011!</i> </b>I'm so excited.<br />
<br />
After the chat with Deb, I got an email from the art department at Sourcebooks, who wanted some information for the art for the cover of the book. Specifically, they asked for :<br />
<blockquote>Physical descriptions of the hero and heroine: Eye and hair color, complexion, build, age, costume, or anything else significant to the story such as scars, <i>tattoos</i>)</blockquote><br />
I believe I can supply that! :DHeather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728299089353541511.post-20452658657856472962010-09-05T16:31:00.000-04:002010-09-06T15:27:16.477-04:00New Beginnings!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">I</span></span>n New York where I live, School is just starting this week. The weather is (finally) cooling down and Fall is definitely on it's way. The lazy days of Summer are over and it's time to get back to work. I'm looking forward to my boys going back to school and having some quiet time to do some writing.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">One of the new beginnings that I'm especially excited about is the new <b><a href="http://www.austenauthors.com/">Austen Authors</a></b> blog. This is a blog for writers of professionally published writers of Jane Austen fiction. It will be a chance for the lovers of JAFF to find some new stories, as well as get to know the writers a little better. I'm going to be posting on September 18th, with a 'take no prisoners' post about <b>Sex and Jane Austen. </b>It's one of my favorite topics. (Wink)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I hope you will al visit the new blog. There's going to be give-aways every week, with lots of great prizes and fun games. In the meantime, if you have thoughts you want to share about Sex and JA, please post in the comments. Hope your new beginnings are going well!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">HL</div>Heather Lynn Rigaudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05992269681028133292noreply@blogger.com0