Wednesday, May 9, 2012

counting kisses

I'm counting kisses in book 2 of The Ballantyne Legacy;) I'll never forget the reader who said she never gives a book a high rating if there are less than 3 kisses in it! While I chuckled at the time, I've given it serious thought since. Sometimes kisses count...

I've always considered myself a historical fiction author, not a historical romance author. There is a difference. Romances almost always have the hero arrive early and then he and the heroine dance around till the end of the book. In plain ol' historical fiction, the "rules" are a bit more lax. Heroes can pretty much come in whenever they please and the book doesn't follow the traditional romance pattern. The emphasis is usually more on history. There are always exceptions of course. But woe to the romance writer who violates the rules - or the reader who picks up a book thinking it's a romance and gets more history instead!



This is the sweetest scene. Love the hesitancy between them - so true to life. Love that he's tender with her - and that she is somewhat sad when the kiss ends. Catch her longing look? His sudden confusion? Their silhouettes...the light behind them. Hear that violin? This is no peck on the cheek! Yet it's genuine and respectful and more. Hmmm... There's something about film that captures what few books can. This scene works on so many levels. At least for me...

I love writing such stuff:)

Are you more a historical romance reader or a historical fiction reader? Ever count kisses? 

64 comments:

  1. Sigh. Beautiful scene. So much nuance that is crucial here.

    I don't count kisses, but I'm disappointed if there are not several scenes that portray these intense nuances of the heart between a hero and heroine.

    As to historical vs. historical romance--Hmmmm. I like a blend of both, and if done well, the historical is not a boring retelling, and the romance is not trite and stiffly formulated.

    Do you think there is a bigger market for one vs the other?

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    1. Well said, Anne! Love the word "nuance." Kisses are truly intense nuances of the heart:) Like you, I'm always disappointed when these scenes are missing. They just add so much zing, depth, and more, moving the story along. Your insights into what historicals and romances should not be (boring retellings and trite and stiffly formulated) are ones I can really relate to. I've heard that romance rules as far as sales go though there are always exceptions. But right now romances are HUGE and continue to outsell any other genre, if my last bit of publishing news was right, and that goes for CBA and ABA. I don't know how bonnet books figure into this as they continue to be the top sellers for the CBA. I do like a good Amish tale with a strong romantic thread!

      Thanks so much for your comments, Anne. I hope your own writing is humming along - kisses and all!

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  2. I am a little bit of both I like Historical Romance, but I mostly read the love inspired historical fiction books. I love Historical fiction, it's always been my go to genre when I want something to read. I don't remember ever counting kisses in books.

    I like the underlying love stories in other genre that go a little slower the ones that seem to be a little more realistic.

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    1. Carissa, So interesting to read your thoughts. I'm crazy about LIH covers and am reading more of those when I can, plus they're so readily available at Wal-Mart (the selection is wonderful with a quick turnover). I remember you being a Lynn Austin fan and she's a classic example of historical fiction that's hard to beat! It's heartening to see we like more realistic stories that are not formulaic. I love out of the box stories myself.

      Now that you're out of school, am hoping you get lots of reading time! Wish I could join you for some KY sunshine:)

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  3. Aww... I'm a newly converted MERLIN fan and I loved that scene too! So sweet, that Gwen. I'm watching Season 3 and looking forward to Season 4 whenever it's released.

    That's a good way to spell out the difference between historicals and historical romance. I'm hoping my books will be categorized as historicals with romantic elements, rather than historical romances. That's how I think of them and what I meant them to be. And though I will read both I'm more drawn to historical fiction over historical romance, though I like there to be some romance even if it's not the main focus.

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    1. Lori, So glad you've jumped on the Merlin bandwagon! It's really a well done show and I see that it gets better and better with each episode. We are still laughing our heads off at Katrina, Uther's troll bride:) The show reminds me so much of the fairy tales I grew up on. We've finished the BBC's Robin Hood and really enjoyed that but its one flaw was the male-dominated cast (excepting Richard Armitage, of course!). I'm enjoying Merlin more as there is a much better balance with Morgana and Gwen, etc. Love Gaius. And Arthur, despite being a blonde, is growing on me:)

      I had the same hopes as you with my books and was a bit puzzled when I was dubbed a historical romance writer. Even in the Carols I always feel in the wrong category. I think your books are more sincerly historical than mine. And I can't wait to see your first cover!!

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    2. Whoops - pardon the typos! Early morning here...;)

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  4. I love reading historical fiction books but I do love historical romance as well. I can't say I have ever counted kisses before but I have definately re-read some of my favorite scences with kisses.

    I absolutely love the tv show Merlin. Arthur and Gwen are so sweet and I love seeing the romance build between them.

    By the way Laura~ have you read Kathleen Morgan's new book A Love Forbidden yet? I am only half way through but absolutely love it and don't want to put it down! I really enjoy reading about the indians and how they interact with whites and the conflict between them. I think you would enjoy it~ when you have a second look it up. I think you and Kathleen Morgan are two of my favorite authors! I can't wait to read your new series!!

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    1. Cassie, I HAVE been keeping my eye on that book:) Love the cover! I believe it's the second in Kathleen's new series? I did read the first. I've heard her Scottish historicals are also good. She's a fellow Revell author and the time period of this current series is very popular. Thanks so much for the recc - I'm sure it's on Kindle which is a quick fix!

      Glad you're a Merlin fan. You said something so important - seeing the romance between them build. So important for books as well as movies. One thing I've had a hard time with in writing fiction is making the interactions between a couple count - feel genuine and not rushed - all in 100 thousand words or less. Not easily done. Every scene must count - and we can't have couples falling in love without really knowing each other!!

      Hope you're having a great day there - with sunshine, to boot:)

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  5. I love that you're counting kisses, Laura. :-)) Such a post title, of course I had to click for more. ;)

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    1. Would make a great book title, huh, Casey;) Glad you clicked and came over!! I'm still thinking about that one post of yours... In a good way, of course!

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  6. Interesting topic. Personally, I greatly enjoy a solid historical fiction and if it includes a believable romance that is just a wonderful addition. I can't agree with counting kisses. For me that is putting more emphasis on the physical than the story line. I may stand alone here, but for me a very well written "romance" can be even more enthralling without a single kiss. I don't want to be able to guess how a book is going to end. Has anyone read Cathy Gohlke's "Promise Me This"? A spellbinder to the end. Thanks for an interesting discussion, Laura.

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    1. Mary, I have to agree with you. The older I get, the less physical attraction holds sway. It's all the other "stuff" that happens which is solid and real and enduring that matters to me. I think "near kisses" are just as powerful - a word or gesture or action can convey so much. I wonder if you've read any Lynn Austin books? She is a solid historical writer. And YES, I've downloaded Cathy's new book but have only read the first couple of chapters as I've been busy with endorsements. My friend, Julie Lessman, endorsed the book and said it is a spectacular read! Love the word "spellbinder." I'm sure Cathy Gohlke would, too! Bless you for your gracious words.

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    2. YES, Laura, I have read ALL of Lynn Austin's books. Thanks for asking. I greatly appreciate any books you and your "commenters" suggest.

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    3. Mary, I'm so glad:) I'm anxious to read Wonderland Creek as it's set in Kentucky. So many books! I think someone needs to invent an 8th day!

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    4. Laura, just when I thought I had a favorite Lynn Austin book "Wonderland Creek" was published!!!! Forgive my exclamation marks. I just about wear out that key on my keyboard, cell phone, whatever!!!! When our youngest son was working on his master's in English writing fiction & non-fiction, he called me one day to inform me an instructor just told them that a really good writer should NEVER have to use an exclamation mark!! Can't imagine why he thought of me when he heard that.

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    5. LOL, dear Mary ~ I am the exclamation mark queen;) I knew I liked you for many reasons, one of which is your liberal use of them!!! Love that your son has that English/writing background!!

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    6. Whew, I'm late here(!!!) ;-) I read the post right away, but didn't get a chance to comment. However when I saw this mention about "Promise Me This" I just had to say something. I would say it is one of 3 books I've downloaded for free on my Kindle (from CBD recommendations) that I could read over and over and over again (the other two being "Frontiersman's Daughter {no flattery here I promise :-} and one by Dee Henderson called "True Devotion"). Oh I can hardly wait for your new series, Mrs. Frantz, can I be a proofreader, pleeeeaaase!!! :-D Just kidding!

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    7. Janell, So glad you're here - and never too late, my friend:) I still field and answer comments on blog posts I wrote 2-3 years ago! So good to have another thumbs up for Gohlke's fine work. I have it on my Kindle, too, and have to make time for it. And thanks again for your kind words about TFD. If that download is what brought us together I feel blessed! Dee Henderson is supposed to be very good and I need to meet her through her books. I think she may have a new series coming out this fall after being quiet for a time (hope I'm getting this right as I sometimes get authors and books mixed up).

      And I had to chuckle at your proofreader comments - oh, don't I wish! Just last night before bed I picked up the pages of Love's Reckoning and read a random paragraph and found a repeat phrase on the same page! Now it's going to print...too late to change. As much as I go over the manuscript, it isn't perfect. Sigh. But as our pastor says, there's only one perfect book and even though it's perfect, it has many critics!

      Hope you and your family are doing well and ministry is fulfilling and full of His best blessings, Janell. Prayers with you all the way!!

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  7. Wow, that was a great kissing scene! Loved their expressions! You can really hear what they're thinking. And you're right -- movies/tv shows have an advantage over books (for one thing they're not limited to deep POV), but on the other hand, that deep POV gives books an advantage over movies/tv shows -- the reader becomes one of the characters. :-)

    I don't count kisses in the books I read, but I love it when they pop up! Spend some time perfecting those kissing sentences -- making me feel the kiss and the emotions of the characters -- and I am one happy camper. As a writer, I've found that it's hard to fit in a lot of kissing scenes when the hero and heroine are just starting to get to know each other. I'd rather my characters show me what'd they do rather than force a kissing count standard upon them. I'm all about the quality, not the quantity. :-)

    I enjoy both Historical Fiction and Historical Romance. I admit, I prefer Historical Romance and when the hero makes an appearance early on in the book, but I appreciate a good historical as well. One of my favorite historicals as a teen was "The Gates of Zion" by Bodie and Brock Thoene. There's some romance in there, but the focus of the book is the birth of Israel as a nation and the fighting that commenced between them and the Arabs.

    Bles you Laura for the book recommendations! I was thrilled to find out Susanna Kearsley wrote a time travel romance. They're my weakness. :-)

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    1. Gwen, You've nailed what I love about this video clip - the depth of their expressions. And you've made a great point about deep POV and the differences between books and film. Having the reader become one with the characters is something a book has over a movie, IMHO, though film-fanatics might not agree. WRITING a book is even better, because you really do live through those characters, or should. If that's not happening, abandon the book! It won't work for the reader either... I've had a few false starts that way.

      I prefer a slow build-up to a romance, too. It's just not satisfying to have hero and heroine meet and BAM - they kiss and don't really even know each other. Everything seems contrived and forced. Quality trumps quantity every time:) In real life and fiction! Slowly and finely done is much better...

      You're the second person who has told me about that Thoene series. Sally Bradley is the another reader/writer who ranks them as some of her best loved. I had them on order some time ago and haven't gotten to them yet. The history of Israel is fascinating to me and I'd love to go there. I'm sure the Bible and Christ would come alive to us in fresh ways if we did. Someday, perhaps!!

      And I'm so glad you like the look of Kearsley:) I finished The Rose Garden recently and it's a keeper. Love that setting and her historical hero. I'd not want to return to the present, either! But no spoilers here;)

      Bless you for being here.

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    2. Just wanted to say, you're a fantastic historical fiction writer, Laura. I really enjoyed the history in TFD. The fact that the hero didn't come into the story until the middle was actually refreshing -- for one thing it kept me from predicting the ending, and I loved the mystery. It was one of the things I loved best about Lael and Ian's story. :-)

      I don't know if I could choose a favorite of your books...Morrow and Red Shirt were so endearing -- I ate up the adventure and romance in CML. But Roxie and McLinn, they were such great characters! I think I was partial to them because Roxie was such a unique and strong heroine, and I got to know McLinn a little better than the other heros. But loved Morrow and Red Shirt, and Lael and Ian -- aack! I can't decide. :-)

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  8. Loved that scene! Somehow I can never WRITE good kissing scenes. Of course, like you, I consider myself more a writer of historical fiction than historical romance, but I always have at least one kiss in my books. I'd never thought of counting the number of kissing scenes in a book I was reading before!

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    1. Anne, I think you're a true blue historical fiction writer:) And your dear Frank is living proof! Another thing I loved about his character is that you chose a very common name, so true to that era. He became bigger than his name even though he was off-stage quite a bit - another hallmark of historicals. And I have to say, I've been thinking of your book especially lately as I found some old papers in a family trunk in which 3 of my granny's siblings died in the Spanish Flu epidemic. Very sad. Out of 10 children, my grandmother (she was about 7 at the time) and her father were the only family members that didn't fall ill but young as she was, she never forgot it, perhaps because her beloved older brother and sisters died.

      Anyway, kissing scenes are a challenge, I must agree:) But quite delicious when done right!

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  9. Ha! Counting kisses...now that is one thing I've never thought to do! I am, most definitely, a historical novel reader. I cant stand a book that is too formulaic because, well, I am a book snob ;) life isnt a formula. That said, I do like a happy (or at least good feeling) ending. There are too many sad things in the world for me to willfully go looking for made-up sadness!
    Currently I am plowing through the novels of Australia author Kate Morton. I love her work SO much. It is mysterious, complicated, usually taking place in an old English estate with lots of strange baggage :) I'm reading "The House at Riverton" now and it reminds me of Downton Abbey so much. You gotta read her stuff when you get a moment to yourself!

    I cant wait to meet your hero in the upcoming book. You've been awful quiet about this next group of characters. Any way I can weedle any hints out of you? hehehe....

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    1. Heather, You big tease!! First you dangle a great new author in front of us and then ask me an absolutely irrisistible questions (did I spell that right?!) about my upcoming characters;) I really am dying to talk about them, especially my 2 villains! But the strange thing is, I've just finished Ballantyne book 2 and am beginning book 3 - so those first characters, crazy as I am about them, feel a bit distant! They're actually quite elderly now in these next books, something that was quite interesting and challenging as I had to age them, completely new for me. I have a feeling one of my female leads will send you over the top:) How's that for a spoiler, my friend!!? Strangely enough, as unbelievable as she is, she really existed!

      A million thanks for the Kate Morton tip - I have some Aussie readers and so it rings a big bell. PLUS, my Russian cousin has recc her and really likes her, too. She is - lol - something of a book snob, too! Thanks so much for your great comments. You sure enliven my blog:)

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    2. Well, I'm looking forward to getting to see the book 1 characters grow old, because that's a luxury seldom given with good books! I can't believe you're already starting book 3-- you are so prolific, its amazing! You are a motivator if there ever was one! :)

      And you wont be sorry for picking up a Kate Morton book :) I read them completely out of order (second, then third, then first!) and each one was equally strong and captivating. Not a bad one in the bunch :) sort of like your books!

      Happy writing!~ Impatiently waiting for book 1! Especially after seeing that cover!

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    3. Heather, So hope you enjoy LR - I really enjoyed writing it. And I AM going to read a Kate book, thanks to you!

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    4. I've heard about Kate Morton. She's one more author I keep meaning to check out.

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  10. I wouldn't want to read a historical without any romance, but I prefer my romance "sweet". Even if there is only one kiss at the very end, there is a lot of emotion and sensuality to be explored between the first look, the first touch and finally the first kiss (and beyond). Sadly I think the subtleties of tender kisses are lost in many romances.

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    1. Charlotte, Beautifully written! You said that so well I found myself reading it again and again. A sweetness to a romance or kiss is paramount and often missing in books and especially movies today. Reminds me of Love's Reckoning when I just let my lead characters grow closer and closer and then came to about page 300 before they even touched one another - and it was oh so sweet! Probably because there was a lot of unspoken wooing going on beforehand in looks, gestures, etc. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments.

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  11. Oh, that was a great kissing scene! I definitely need to watch the other seasons of Merlin. You mentioned above about Merlin reminding you of fairy tales, have you watched Once Upon a Time on ABC? If not you NEED to, it's the BEST show ever.

    I like both historical fiction, and historical romance. I've never really counted the kissing scenes in a book, but that does sound like fun, lol. I do go back and read favorite scenes, and it seems those scenes often involve kissing.

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    1. Michelle, Oh, I've been hearing great things from Ruth at Booktalk&More and know it's a favorite of hers. Yours, too! Has to be good then:) I wonder if I can get online...will check that out. Or maybe order from Amazon once Merlin is done. There are so many ways to watch things now that I feel a bit outdated since I don't know. Am still trying to watch Gaskell's Wives and Daughters and such, plus would love to see Lark Rise to Candleford or whatever it's called! I find, since I am so driven during the day, that it's been very nice watching something fun in the evening. I even pick up a novel idea or two:)

      Hmmm, I reread those romantic scenes, too. And I rewrite them to death. Remember Lael and Ian's near kiss/miss in the cabin? "Lael lass, if I kiss you just once, I fear I cannot stop?" Well, he didn't say that at the beginnning. It took WORK! Somehow kissing in real-life is a whole lot easier than what happens on the page:) But I digress...

      So happy to see you here, you busy woman:)

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    2. Laura, Once Upon a Time is available on hulu right now. The pilot is available for free, but to watch most of the episodes you have to be a hulu plus subscriber. It's not out on DVD yet, the release date is Aug. 28.

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    3. Michelle, You're the best:) Thanks so much - off to investigate!!

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    4. If you end up watching it, let me know what you think. :)

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  12. I've been following your blog for a while, I found you searching through blogger. That said, I've since bought your books and just read The Frontiersman's Daughter and the Colonel's Lady in the last week and a half. I packed them up in a box and subsequently sent them to my sister in law as I have not stopped talking about them to her. I ordered Courting Morrow Little and can't wait to receive it. Your books are so rich, I truly enjoyed them!

    Now, on the subject of your kisses. . . I LOVE YOUR KISSES!!! (I'm not certain that came off right) Seriously, they are breathtaking without being. . . raunchy. You write those scenes in such great depiction that my breath is caught! It's funny because like I said I followed your blog long before I read your books and I even read your follow up blog of explaining the reason you didn't write a second book to The Frontiersman's Daughter. After I read it, I was so torn that although I respect she married the right man for her. . . I really wanted to see her with her Shawnee warrior. I personally blame you for this. :-) After the kiss at the falls and the dropping of her hair for him-3 times, it created an intimacy that I really wanted pursued! Ahhh for the dream that is created even beyond the pages of the book. . . :-)

    I really have enjoyed your books! Thanks again!

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    1. LOL! Sarah, You gave me a good chuckle. Let's hope my husand says the same!It's a JOY to meet you here:) And to know you've met Lael and Roxanna and are about to meet Morrow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. I'd love to hear what you think about Morrow's story when you finish. It might just ease some of your understandable angst over Captain Jack - or so I hope! I still get regular mail about him and readers asking me to write/finish/publish that sequel. It's so very tempting.

      Would you believe CJ, as I affectionately call him, wasn't even in the original manuscript. I added him later as a foil to Ian, a bit of a rival. Little did I know the trouble he'd cause! I just hated to write him out of the book... That said, I wrote Morrow's story with Jack in mind. Speaking of Jack, I have another Jack coming up for you! And he's a doozy!

      And thanks so much for your gracious words about those scenes being passionate without being raunchy. That's my intent - to show passion the way the Lord intended - a bold and blessed intoxication:) Kept within His parameters, of course...

      I'm so happy to find you're blogging - and that you're in Texas! Love my Texas reading friends!! I'm really thrilled you've commented and shared your thoughts. You bless me! Praying Morrow's story blesses you, too.

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    2. Oh, and a million thanks for sharing those books with your sis in law:) You're the best kind of reader!

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  13. Tough question Laura! I LOVE history ... and I LOVE romance ... so I think as to whether I prefer historical romance or historical fiction, depends on the author - or maybe my mood! However I think historical fiction done well helps to create the imagery of the period, which aids the romantic element and makes it more real. Which is what your books do, Laura! :)

    And Laura, I see you just mentioned that near kiss with Lael and Ian in the cabin ... now THAT is a scene that worked! There was more passion in that "miss" than any kiss I've ever read!

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    1. Hmmm, being blonde again - pls find my reply below!

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  14. Oh, it's so fun reminiscing about that miss/kiss in the cabin, Helen! Love your thoughts about it - "more passion in that "miss" than any kiss I've ever read." OH, bless you for that! So happy you think so. I remember going back and reading and rereading that over and over again as it was very real to me... Still miss those characters very much.

    I hope your own writing is going very well - I've really been enjoying your blog. The new series you're doing with Jess is great and giving lots of info about books to be read. I encourage others to go check it out for great reading reccs. Bless you for being here this morning ~ or maybe I should say tonight:)

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    1. So glad you've been enjoying our blog! And thank you so much for encouraging visitors :) It has been quite popular. At Gwen's request, Jess and I will be sharing our own "5 books that have impacted our lives" at some point too!

      My writing has not progressed further, I'm still recovering from our busy April. Also, mum has gone away this week so I'm truly a single mum at the moment :) BUT ... I have been polishing my first chapter, because I had this crazy idea to enter it into a comp - my first one!!! It's basically ready to go, I'm just letting Jess have a final re-read before I press the button. I hope the feedback from the judges isn't bad enough to put me off writing forever lol.

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    2. Looking forward to your and Jess's books when you post - I know they'll be full of reading ideas for the rest of us. And I'm thrilled you're entering a contest!! Your first one has to be special - prayers with you as Jess reviews and off it goes. I know how nerve-wracking that feels. Though I've not entered a contest, having editors is very similar and any feedback on your work hits your heart, good or ill. I hope the judge loves your story and you love their comments. You're off to a great start, getting your work out there and preparing yourself to hear back, etc. More than a few of my author friends netted contracts the contest route! Blessings on you and the work of your hands (and heart), my friend!

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  15. Most definitely historical romance! ;-) When I think "history" I automatically think "romance" for some reason... it's like they belong together. I love kisses in my books because, well... I ain't gettin' none in real life! lol ;-) So the more the better! I unashamedly admit I live through the heroines in books. Did you see the matter-of-fact-lift of my chin with that statement? Lol, this post is making me giddy ;-) However, while I've never counted the number of kisses in a book, I HAVE written down the page numbers that have the kissing scenes! :-))

    All this talk of kissing... *sigh* But I'd imagine a kiss is the sweetest when it's with the one God has created just for you. Something so right you feel it's power before your lips even, ahem, seal the deal ;-) I've never been kissed so, if I'm being honest, the thought of it both excites and terrifies me! Gosh, and sadly, I turn red very easily, I mean VERY easily, so I just hope when "the first kiss" finally does happen whoever he is doesn't pull away and think I'm having an allergic reaction or something...

    Laura, you made my day with this post. I thought that clip above was so sweet, thank you for sharing! Praying you have a beautiful weekend and again, Happy Mother's Day!

    Blessings,
    Amanda

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    1. Oh Amanda, I was so hoping you would stop by and see this spectacular kiss:) I knew you would appreciate all the little nuances (thanks for that lovely word, Anne) in this scene. And oh, do you have much to look forward to, blushes and all! You've described a godly kiss so very well. Nothing quite like that first one - I do remember mine. And no worries about allergic reactions - lol - we'll hope your first kiss is by moonlight;)

      LOVE that you write the page numbers down for those sweet scenes. And you've given me food for thought. I say I'm more a historical fiction writer but then I think of the historical fiction I've read - much of it very good - which has left me wanting more because the romance isn't front and center. So maybe I do lean toward historical romance as a reader. If it's done well and there's a good mix of history and romance.

      Amanda, I keep waiting for you to write a book!! I would love to see you write a romance, honestly:)

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    2. Forgot to mention - or maybe I've already mentioned in a previous post - the great series Casey Herringshaw is doing for June on romance/waiting/not compromising. I'm taking part, as well as Beth Vogt and some otherrs. You'll learn some surprisingly candid things from this author on my real-life romance and more;) It's a great series for June - the bride's month - and I can't wait till it goes live! Bless you for being here, Amanda:)

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  16. Oh, I love a yummy book kiss-or rather kisses-plural-are even better. Wink wink. Of course, some good old fashioned emotional intensity to go along with that goes a long way toward making said kisses even more special. I think it's interesting too when the H/h aren't ready to acknowledge verbally their feelings, but can't help but show it physically. Sigh...I may be in kissy kissy lala land the rest of the day after thinking on this topic. Can't wait to see what's coming up in the lip lock department when I finally get my hands on The Love's Reckoning. Is it September yet? :)

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    1. Sigh, I'll never master the reply button!! My comment is below, dear Christina...

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  17. YAY, Christina is here!! LOL - I'm with you about those plural kisses. I mean, kisses are like candy - who wants to stop with just one?! Oh yes, I so agree with you about the build up to that kiss (great descriptor "emotional intensity") and all that comes before in a look and gesture and more. Those "near misses" as I call them are just as satisfying as the ensuing kisses, or should be!

    In Love's Reckoning, I was near the end of the book and suddenly realized my H/h had had one fierce embrace/kiss after a loooooonnnnng courtship and then hardly another. So I worked another 2-3 in and found it much more satisfying. I hope you will, too. As far as that first kiss, it's a doozy - or so I think! Revell is good about sneaking books out the month before so it looks like you'll see it in August. OH MY! I don't quite feel ready for this baby...and yet I do.

    Bless you for your great comments. Always a joy sharing with you here:)

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  18. Well, you sure know how to ask tough questions! LOL! I love romantic historical fiction, doesn't have to be a straight romance. So I guess the answer is both. I do count kisses! Always. And almost kisses, too!

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    1. Carla, Love that you're a kiss counter, too;) I find that I really miss it if a book leaves them out or is lacking them. I must truly be a romantic at heart. It would be fun to see which historical romance author in the CBA has the most kisses in a single book!

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  19. Laura, your books are the best combination of history and romance. But what I love most is the setting you create in your books - I aspire to write my settings as well as you! I knew, even before finding your blog, that you deeply love your Kentucky roots - it's so evident in your stories.

    I love reading historical fiction. I want to walk away with an understanding of a time and place - but a good romance makes it all the better! My current WIP is definitely historical fiction - but it has romance, too. :) One scene in particular occurs during a violent Minnesota thunderstorm...

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    1. Oh, Gabrielle, I LOVE thunderstorms so you've said the magic words for me. There's something about a storm that is haunting and romantic:) And weather is a good way to highlight character emotions, too, in a scene. I use that quite a bit in my books. It's neat to know you're more a historical fiction writer but with strong romantic threads. Given your background and expertise with all things Lindbergh, it just fits!!

      And thanks so much for appreciating the setting in my stories. I've always hoped that my love for KY would come through. Your comments remind me of something Siri Mitchell said to me awhile ago after reading one of my books, that my setting is almost like another character. To me, that's a wonderful thing. I really miss it when a novel skims on setting and leaves you without a strong sense of place. But I also understand that in today's market, readers often want a book with a video-game type pace and pubs are pushing for less narrative and more dialogue. A sad reflection of our times and mindset, I feel, but that's my own personal reflection/preference. Anyway, hats off to rich settings in historicals!!

      BTW, I've not forgotten that you've wanted to subscribe here and can't. We're working on that and I should have it fixed pretty soon. But no spoilers;)

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    2. Thank you - a couple times a week I try to get over to your blog to see if you've posted and I keep wondering if there is a way to subscribe via email (I love email reminders). I'll be looking forward to it!!

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    3. Thanks so much for your patience, Gabrielle. I promise it will be rewarded soon:)

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  20. I've never counted kisses in a book before but sometimes the most romantic scenes are the ones that get your heart pounding even without lips touching! One of my all time favorite scenes is the scene in CML where Red shirt takes Morrow for a horseback ride up the mountain. Such a romantic scene and their lips never touched, my heart skipped several beats though! Also, their near miss in the barn was another heartbeat skipper! Laura, you are one of the few authors who has made my heart skip a beat with your writing! Such romantic scenes you portray! It's a true gift when a writer can make you feel what the heroine is feeling! So kisses aren't a biggie for me, if a book can get my heart racing without that many kisses then it gets a thumbs up from me! Though kisses are ok too lol:)

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    1. Oh Eva, You've given me a wonderful Mother's Day gift - remembering those kisses and misses in CML! And you might chuckle to learn that while writing this post, I talked about the very scenes you mention between Morrow and her man and then the post grew so long I deleted them, thinking no one would probably recall them anyway. So, heartfelt thanks for remembering them and saying something here! Oh, to relive those favorite romantic scenes - you make me want to grab my copy of CML and hunt them up and wallow in them again. Bless you, my friend:)

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  21. You know how to get people talking, Laura. Counting kisses. That's not something I've ever done, but I do want my characters to share at least one kiss before I write The End. It's not always easy sneaking kisses into my Shaker books since those Shakers frowned so on any hint of romance. But somehow romance always managed to sneak in the back door. LOL. I've had a much easier time putting in romantic scenes in my historicals that aren't Shaker novels for instance, Words Spoken True. In fact, that story was a little too romantic for some readers. Guess you can't please everybody all the time.

    I've always felt my books were more historical novels than historical romances, but they get called both. That's fine with me as long as readers are giving them a try. They have a country saying around here that you can call me anything as long as you call me for supper.

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  22. Ann, So good to see you here! I get giddy when you show up and have way too many typoes;) You're right about the Shaker angle in light of the fact they didn't marry - naturally they wouldn't encourage romance. A challenge for a writer, to be sure. But you've more than made up for it in Words Spoken True. It's not only my favorite cover of yours to date, it has some sizzing scenes (godly passion) that makes it my favorite of your books. I'm NOT one of those who feel it was too romantic. As if there could be such a thing in the CBA!

    All this reminds me of your first romance (at least I think it was your first) which I have on my shelf - A Forbidden Yearning. Now that's a Kentucky keeper book:) I ordered it before I'd even met you. That's true historical fiction with a romantic thread. I can still recall parts of it vividly though it's been about 4-5 years since reading it.

    And I'm with you - you can call me anything as long as you call me for supper! You're a keeper, dear Ann:)

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  23. Ann, So good to see you here! I never really thought about how hard it would be to write romance from a Shaker standpoint since they discouraged that very thing. But it makes for wonderful forbidden, Romeo and Juliet type love:) And I must admit that Words Spoken True is not only my favorite cover of yours but my favorite romance of yours! I do think that you're more of historical author. I even have your first (I think it was your first) historical novel - A Forbidden Yearning - here on my library shelf. It's a true KY historical. I read it 4-5 years ago and still recall some scenes vividly! You're right beside Janice Holt Giles and some of my other KY keepers!

    Andi I'm chuckling at your "call me anything as long as you call me for supper." Amen to that, especially when cornbread and fried yellow squash are involved;)!

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    1. LOL - pardon my typos above - where is my editor, Ann!?!

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    2. Typos? Were there typos? I only see those in my own posts. Actually that book, A Forbidden Yearning that I had titled A Kentucke Dream was my very first published novel. I'm thinking about revisiting the KY frontier for a book coming up. Thinking, not sure yet.

      Good luck with your signings this weekend.

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    3. Ann, Oh, I really hope you do a KY frontier book in future. There seems to be a gap now as I've moved to Pennsylvania!! Nobody is doing KY, at least for Revell... And I'd be the first in line, let me tell you!!

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