You can’t expect a group of pirates to stay in one port too long.

The move, spit, and polish is going to take a couple weeks so the decks are going dark for a bit. However, we will hoist the colors once again on February 15^th. (Just in time to miss the sappy holiday barreling down on us. *g*)

The address will stay the same, but the digs will look a little different. Never fear, we’d never get rid of the rum. Look for the new and improved Romance Writers Revenge on February 15^th!

Our own Fabulous Captain Jack Sparrow sits down with Ms. LeBlanc to get all the details on her debut release THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE as well as the author herself. Take it away, Jack!

CJS: I’m ready for my close up!

Bo’sun: What are you talking about Jack?

CJS: I was told a photographer was coming aboard today. I knew those cover people would eventually realize I was the perfect model. You put this face *points at himself, nearly puts out an eye* on a cover and those books will fly off the shelves.

Bo’sun: Jenn is a photographer, but she’s here to talk about her book. You’re interviewing her, not posing for her.

CJS: But I bathed!

Bo’sun: *crooks a brow* Having the Undead Monkey throw a bucket of water on you does not qualify as a bath. *hands over cards mixed with photographs* Here are the questions. I’ve mixed in some of the images from Jenn’s book so you can talk about them.

CJS: *flipping through pictures* Since when do your Romance novels have pictures in them?

Bo’sun: Since Jenn LeBlanc wrote an awesome book and brought it to life by including images. Now get ready, here she comes.

CJS: But these are all men. And they’re barely wearing any clothes. *flips to another picture* Good God, woman, this man isn’t wearing anything at all. Why, I can almost see his-

Bo’sun: Good morning, Ms. LeBlanc. We are so excited to welcome you aboard The Revenge. The buzz about your debut has been fluttering our sails for weeks.

Jenn: Why thank you, thank you! I’m excited to be here! *looks around* Very cozy! Who is that up in the Crow’s Nest?

Bo’sun: That’s Sin, our International Ninja of Mystery. Don’t look her in the eye and you’ll be fine. Now, just have a seat right here and Jack will get started with the questions. I’ll be right back with your drink. *eyes Jack, nods head toward his chair, glares until he sits down*

CJS: Yes, welcome, Ms. LeBlanc. I’m intrigued by a woman with not only an ear for a fine word, but an eye for *flips another picture, grimaces* inspiring images.

Jenn: Don’t be jealous Jack, I’d be happy to have you in my studio for a play date. What do you say? You bring the abs, I’ll bring the talent? I might need some rum as well.

CJS: I’m not sure what those “abs” things are, but I never go anywhere without me rum, darling. We’ll work out the details after the interview, else Bo’sun will have both our heads. So, where did you get the idea for your book and did you always know you would include the images? Tell us about the story.

Jenn: I woke up from a dream with the first line in my head “She ran as if the hounds of hell were on her.” I could see that first scene and wanted to know why she was running. So I figured I better start writing so I could find out. I had NO IDEA I was going to illustrate this book. Heck, I had no idea I was going to finish this book. I just started…and kept going.

After I got the beginning down I wondered what it would be like, to be me stuck back then and that’s how it ended up a time travel historical. I really wanted to play with the fish out of water idea. I ended up falling head over heel for both of my heroes, Gideon and Perry, as well as Gideon’s Francine.

CJS: Two heroes, you say? Is this one of *leans close and whispers* those books?

Jenn: *one brow raised* No Jack, they’re brothers. This is the story of Gideon and Francine, she is a 21^st century woman trapped in Victorian England, and he is a Victorian Duke trapped by his own past and propriety. I really like to think of it as Gideon’s story, he goes through such an incredible journey in the book, everyone loves how he grows and changes.

CJS: And what kind of response are you getting so far? *flips to another picture, chokes* If the wenches see these pictures, you’re not likely to get them back.

Jenn: Hey, the wenches can have them, that’s what they’re for. I like to share, just ask my fans. The majority of the people absolutely love the idea, I mean the romance novel cover is a 20^th century icon. This is that icon on steroids, for the 21^st century. I get some snickers and snide comments *narrows eyes at Jack* but once they see the project (and Derek) they really are blown away by the scope and breadth of it.

Bo’sun: *setting steaming teacup next to Ms. LeBlanc and glancing over Jack’s shoulder* Oh, that’s my favorite. He can share my hammock any day.

CJS: *glares up at Bo’sun*

Jenn: Heh. Page 187? *winks* mmm good tea.

CJS: How do you go about deciding what images you want and how to get them?

Jenn: It was easy for me, knowing the book as well as I do. I knew what scenes stood out for me, and I knew what pieces of the story in particular I wanted to highlight. I also knew what my readers would like to see. Eh-hem. The difficult part was finding my hero. I could never have done it without the fabulous Derek Hutchins.

CJS: *looks at pictures* This Derek boy isn’t shy, is he? I am available if you ever want a real pirate to make the ladies swoon. *Ignores Bo’sun choking off stage* This card says you’ve traveled to distant lands in your capacity as photographer. Where have the winds taken you? Do you have a favorite port of call?

Jenn: Oh yes, last year I actually covered the BP Gulf Oil Spill for three weeks. It was horrific and very difficult to witness, but the people in the Gulf were incredible. They were welcoming, resilient, helpful— just amazing people. I think you would like them Jack. They know how to throw a good party, even when the chips are down. Find a pot of mudbugs and a tankard of ale and it’s all good.

CJS: We do try to keep the bugs out of the ale aboard ship, so maybe keep those at a distance. This card says you weren’t raised in what Bo’sun calls a conventional household. Were you by chance raised by pirates? It did wonders for me.

Jenn: Sometimes I think it was a pack of wild dogs, so we might have much in common. In fact, pirate ships do tend to collect the unwanted people in this world, and that’s what my family was. My parents took in the unadoptable foster kids. The ones that had such dire issues that nobody wanted to keep them. It was always an adventure. Bunk house style.

CJS: Sounds like a motley crew to me. Which is a compliment, by the way. What can we expect from you next? *glances to next picture, smiles* Ah, finally, a beautiful woman. Will there be more of these illustrated books?

Jenn: Absolutely. I’m working on Perry’s story now— my fans are helping me with the casting. It has been a LOT of fun. You can follow along too Capt’n Sparrow— do you tweet? Just follow the hashtag #castingPerry on Twitter and whenever I post a prospect to my tumblr you’ll see it!

CJS: Tweet, you say? I’ll have to talk to Bo’sun about that. They get all hand slappy around here every time I touch one of those computers they’re always carrying around.

Bo’sun: You infected the network!

CJS: ONCE! Not the most forgiving lot on this ship. Now a quick quiz to help the crew really get to know you. Pantser or Plotter?

Jenn: Pantser!! Heck yes. No maps here, eh Jack? Just my magic compass.

CJS: Morning person or night owl?

Jenn: Night owl for sure.

CJS: Top hammock or bottom hammock?

Jenn: I like it on top. You get a better sway up there when the ride is rough.

CJS: *chokes – gains composure* Rum or vodka?

Jenn: Rum, as long as it’s full of fruity goodness.

CJS: Thigh highs or nothing at all.

Bo’sun: Jack!

Jenn: *giggle*

CJS: I should get to ask one of my own. *sniffs* Fine. We’ll turn you over to the crew. Is there something you’d like to ask them to get us started?

Jenn: Help me out with my casting! What is your favorite feature in a man. Now, we are talking about pictures here so let’s get our male objectification pants on and have at it. None of these great personality traits, I concede personality. Let’s talk assets and abs.

EDITED TO ADD: I’m a goober!! Totally forgot to mention Jenn has been generous enough to offer up a free copy of THE RAKE AND THE RESCLUSE to one lucky commenter. Now you could have all the pictures in your hot little hands!!

On a personal note, she’s the very best mentor this aspiring romance writer could have ever asked for.

Without further adieu, I give you the incomparable Caroline Linden and Captain Jack!

*

*Fade to the Revenge, anchored on the Charles River in Boston.  Captain Jack and a lovely brunette sit on the deck.  Captain Jack eyes her refreshments and her Red Sox baseball cap skeptically.*

CJS:  You say this is what baseball fans favor, eh?  Seems sadly lacking in the rum department….

Caroline: Jack, darling, Boston had one of the first rum distilleries in North America. We LOVE rum in Massachusetts. I believe a good quantity of it was recently sipped from Lord Stanley’s Cup here in Boston. You should have ventured north instead of lolling about the Caribbean all the time. As for the lack today…Marnee told me you were abandoning piracy for a life of virtue, and had given up all spirits. Something about repenting, and maybe paying the wenches back for the hotel room you and your crew trashed in Barbados.

Marnee:  *scurries on stage, smiling apologetically to Caroline.*  I’m so sorry, he can be unruly. *Hands Jack his note cards.*  Jack.  Please.  You know the drill.  Just read from the cards.

CJS:  *pouts like a five year old*  Marnee, darling, you said you wouldn’t mention Barbados to our guests.  And I may have been a bit hasty about the whole giving-up-spirits thing….

Marnee:   You?  Hasty?  Never.  Now please remember what I told you.  *Raises her eyebrows meaningfully.*

CJS:  Yes yes, love, I remember what you said.

Marnee:  *in her best “Mom” voice*  What did I say, Jack?

CJS:  She doesn’t write pirates, I remember.  Honestly, I don’t know why you ladies can’t manage to find more pirate writers.

Marnee:  *Pats his arm sympathetically.*  I know, I know.  We’re your cross to bear.  *Rolls eyes at Caroline.*

CJS:  And I’ve told you all that I’m quite capable of doing these interviews on my own.  *Takes Caroline’s hand, kisses it sensually.*  What do you think, lovely?  We’d be fine on our own, don’t you think?

Caroline: Forget what I said about coming north. Will you take me to Tortuga with you?

Marnee:  *elbows him*  Be nice.  Remember:  the cards.  *Scurries away*

CJS:  Oh fine.  *relinquishes Caroline’s hand, directs gaze to cards.*  Let’s see what’s on the agenda today.  It says here that you write romance novels set during the Regency.  Why do you like that time period, exactly?  Your stories have a bit of suspense and adventure, correct?  I’d imagine you’d like a time period that offered more, I don’t know, pirates.

Marnee:  *from off-stage*  JACK!

CJS:  Fine that last part was me.  But why exactly do you like the Regency?

Caroline: Because the Regency does have pirates. And highwaymen, and spies, and all sorts of deliciously wicked scoundrels. You’d be right at home there. Well–I suppose you’d have to dress a bit more soberly to fit in.

CJS:  Sober?  I think not, my dear.  But your most recent release–the ebook, I LOVE THE EARL–is set during the Georgian period, correct?  *Glances at cards*  It says here that it is a prequel to your upcoming series.  Why a prequel and how was writing a Georgian set story?

Caroline:  It made me think of you, of course.

CJS:  *calls off stage to the girls*  Finally, someone who thinks of me!

*Collective groaning from the wenches*

Caroline:  *continues with a sassy smile*  And it had to be a prequel because it was coming out first, before all the books set in the Regency. And it takes place earlier than the books (forty years earlier, to be exact) so they called it a prequel. Rather like if you ever cared to share the tale of how you took to pillaging the high seas in the first place. What sent you into piracy, I wonder? Your incorrigible nature? Too much rum? Or was it a woman…?

Anyway. As you know–firsthand–the Georgian era was a lush and exciting time. I liked it so much I might try another. Perhaps even with a pirate.

CJS:  A pirate, eh?  You do say the sweetest things.

*The sound of Marnee’s hand hitting her forehead.

Marnee:  Good grief.

CJS:  She brought up the pirates, love, not me.  I’ve told you girls, you can never have enough pirates.  No one listens to me around here.  *Looks at cards again, peevishly*  It says here that I LOVE THE EARL’s heroine, Margaret de Lacey, refuses to allow a fortune hunter to win her affections.  You know, some of us who seek fortunes aren’t so bad.  Perhaps she’s being a bit hasty in this regard?

Caroline: Naturally, but it is a lady’s right to change her mind. After your adventures with Elizabeth Swann, you should know this better than anyone. Margaret’s trouble is that the fortune hunters chasing her have no finer qualities to redeem them. At heart she is a sensible woman, and she knows if a man only marries her for her money, he won’t care much for her once he’s spent the cash. She wants a man who would still care for her even if she had no money.

CJS:  So, the lovely Margaret wants to marry for love.  A noble pursuit, I suppose.  I’d imagine it would take a fine chap to convince her that he loves her and not her money.  Tell me a little about this lad, Rhys Corwen.

Caroline: Well, he’s broke. Terribly, horribly, completely broke. His friend convinces him there might be a decent heiress to marry–perhaps this very Margaret de Lacey–so Rhys goes out to take a look, not really expecting much. And indeed, when he meets Margaret for the first time, she tells him off, informing him she won’t marry him, she’s not interested in dancing with him, and he can just take himself off right away because he has no chance with her. This only makes Rhys terribly, terribly interested in her. What sort of woman tells an earl he has no chance? And she’s also a lot more attractive than he was led to believe. Rhys has to see her again, just to see if she’s for real. And when he realizes she is just as advertised, he sets course to win her heart and mind. Men are persistent when they want something, don’t you agree?

CJS:  The good ones are, my dear.  Persistent and diligent, particularly when it matters.  *rakish grin.*  This story sounds delicious.  And it sets up the next group of books.  I’ve heard your upcoming series revolves around a secret?  *Waggles eyebrows*  Now this sounds interesting.   What sort of secret?

Caroline: A secret marriage! A clandestine, rash, possibly illegal, youthful-mistake-that-can’t-be-undone-no-matter-how-bitterly-regretted, marriage. And the duke’s sons don’t find out about it until their father dies, leaving them to sort out whether that marriage was legal and valid, and what happened to the first wife, and what it means for them. Because if their father was legally married when he married their mother, he was a bigamist–and his sons are illegitimate, and can’t inherit his properties and money. So the three sons each take their own tactic in unravelling the knot: the middle son decides to lawyer up, the youngest son goes off to find and kill the blackmailing villain who stirred up old secrets, and the eldest son…wait, I’m getting ahead of myself, aren’t I?

CJS:  Happens to me all the time.  But this sounds intriguing.  I can’t wait to here more.  Thank you so much for being here with us today.  Is there anything you’d like to ask the wenches?

Caroline:  Why did you tell me no rum, Marnee?  Was I not sympathetic enough when your air conditioner died?  Thank you for sending Jack, at least!

*

Of course you were sympathetic!  And please don’t remind me of those dark days with no air conditioning.  I don’t sweat happily.

But I told you not to bring your own rum because we’ve got our own fully-stocked bar here on the ship!  Our trusty bartender, Chance, will fire something up when she rouses herself from her hammock, over there on the left coast.  Until then, please make yourself comfortable and we’ll send one of our hottie crewmembers over with some food.  There’s one in a baseball uniform around here somewhere, isn’t there?

Caroline is going to stop in when she can today, so I thought we could talk about our favorite secrets in romance novels?  Secret babies, anyone?  A secret treasure?  Caroline will give away a copy of her latest release YOU ONLY LOVE ONCE to one lucky commenter so make sure you say hello!

*

A single lady in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a suitor.

Margaret de Lacey has accepted her unmarried state with dignity, if not delight. She had no suitors when she was young and starry-eyed, though regrettably poor, and it’s unlikely any man will court her now that she’s older, wiser, and still just as penniless. Until, that is, her brother unexpectedly inherits the dukedom of Durham and settles an enormous dowry on her, making her the most eligible heiress in town.

No gentleman in London is more in need of a wealthy bride than Rhys Corwen, Earl of Dowling. He contrives an introduction to Margaret because of her dowry, but she swiftly sets him right: no fortune hunter will win her heart or her hand. Far from put off, Rhys is intrigued. Interested. Entranced. And soon the only thing he needs more than Margaret’s fortune . . . is her love.

And again, go here for links to buy the book!

*

Caroline Linden knew from an early age she was a reader, but not a writer. Despite an addiction to Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew, she studied physics and dreamed of being an astronaut. She earned a math degree from Harvard College and then wrote software for a financial services firm, all the while reading everything in sight, but especially romance. Only after she had children, and found herself with only picture books to read, did she begin to make up a story of her own. To her immense surprise, it turned out to be an entire novel—and it was much more fun than writing computer code. She lives with her family in New England.

We may be a bit rowdy, we may drink and eat a bit of chocolate, we might even get a bit sassy now and again.  But we never miss a reason to celebrate.

Huzzah, Captain!  Happy 29^th Birthday!  Again.

So, in honor of the Captain, what would you bring to a party in honor of our Hellion? Anything you’d like, be creative.  (It’s virtual, so you don’t even have to worry about how heavy it is.)

And if you could get one birthday gift, what would it be? And let’s not pull that “health for all my loved ones” stuff.  I know we all want world peace and would use a real wish in some altruistic and selfless manner.  But today, let’s just pretend.  Physical gifts only please!

Fall is about to kick off and the nasty hot weather is soon going to be replaced by warm days and chilly nights. What are you looking forward to most this fall? There is only like three months until the end of the year–how have your writing goals been this year? There are only a few more weeks until the Golden Heart deadline is upon us. Are any of you entering? And what did you all do with your Labor Day weekend to celebrate the end of summer?

From all of the pirates to you…  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  We’re thankful you’ve hung with us for another year.  Enjoy your feasting and have a safe and happy day!

Bo’sun: It is my great privilege to have with me today, the lovely and talented Terri Osburn. *crew breaks into applause*

Terri: Thank you so much. You all are so sweet. *accepts a large pink drink from Chance* Why thank you. *sniffs drink and takes tentative sip* You all look so familiar, like we’ve met before.

Bosun: Ever visited Tortuga?

Terri: Afraid I haven’t had the pleasure. Do you all hit any industry functions?

Bosun: Organized functions isn’t really a pirate’s thing.

Terri: Hmmm….Maybe it’ll come to me later. Anyway, thanks for inviting me aboard. I’ve heard so much about this group of pirates.

Bosun: And you still agreed to visit with us? Huh, how about that. *watches Terri take another drink of the pink concoction* Though I think I’m starting to see why. I’m sure your life is really busy right now with the new book being released.

Terri: Well, my life is always really busy, but this is a little crazier than even I’m used to. But I can’t complain. Seeing my book on the store shelves makes it all worth it.

Bosun: Are you always this….positive?

Terri: Pretty much. Drives my CP crazy. *takes another drink and licks pink foam from upper lip* Oh, you know her, she was here last week. Sophie?

Bosun: You and Sophie are crit partners? What a coincidence.

Terri: I know, what are the odds? Even funnier, Maureen, your Friday guest, is one of my friends too.

Bosun: Huh, small world.  Since we’re here to talk books, tell us about your debut release, LETTING GO.

Terri: I’d love to. *sets drink down but not too far away* LETTING GO is the story of Bryan Riggs and Celi Cooper. Bryan is a chef opening his first restaurant who hires a marketing group to help launch the business. Celi is in charge of his account and neither is very happy about it…in the beginning. See, these two are new neighbors and didn’t exactly hit it off upon first meeting. They exchange some creative insults, but the budding attraction proves too much for them. In the end, they both have to face some fears and lingering ghosts in order to find that illusive HEA.

Bosun: I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this one and I have to say, I loved the combination of humor and angst.

Terri: I’m so glad you liked that aspect of the story. You have no idea how much of a relief that is. I’m afraid writing a story without a few laughs and some heart yanking angst is something I can’t do.

Bosun: I’m glad to hear that since I’m assuming it means your other books will be similar. Tell us what’s up next for you and will future books connect to this one?

Terri: None of my books connect, they are all stand alone stories.  I never really planned it that way, that’s just how the stories come to me. My next book is called CHOICES and it’s my first effort at the proverbial love triangle. Joe loves his tiny island home, but when his brother brings his fiancé home for a visit, Joe realizes he could love her as well. Julianne and Joe both have some very tough choices to make by the end of this one.

The next book is called TAKING A STAND for right now and it’s the story of a small town English teacher fighting for her school to invest as much into academics as they do in sports. When the home town hero returns from his glory days in the major leagues to coach the school baseball team, that fight gets even tougher. And establishes Tom and Emma as instant enemies. That one is still under construction and I’m having a great time fleshing out all the issues these two have to face.

Bosun: Wow, both of those sound amazing. You’ll have to come back and visit with those as well. *bends close and whispers* I can get ARCs of those too, right?

Terri: Uhm…sure. I guess so.

Bosun: Good. Now, as you probably realize from our previous interviews, we all love to hear a call story around here. So how did THE CALL go for you?

Terri: That’s always a fun story to tell. After years of reading everyone else’s story, you wonder what yours will be like, you know? I always say I received TWO calls which makes mine nothing like what I expected. 

Like most authors, I’d sent out about a million queries and partials and had a folder *cough*drawer*cough* full of rejection letters to show for it. Staying positive through THAT was not easy. But I kept at it and finally got a call from my dream agent, Kimberly Whalen. She called while I was at my day job and took me completely by surprise. I’m still not sure what I said in that first phone call except YES! *finishes drink* Can I get another one of these? *shirtless hottie shows up right away with another glass* Oh my, thank you so much. I can see now how this ship earned its reputation.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, the second call. That one also came from my agent, but it was six months later and was to inform me Rose Hilliard of St. Martin’s Press wanted to buy my book. Funny enough, it also came while I was at work and it’s so good that I work in a laid back office. No one seemed to flinch at my wall-shaking scream of excitement. Though I did have the presence of mind to wait until we’d hung up and not scream in Kimberly’s ear. That all feels like forever ago, and now I’m on The Revenge talking up my first release. Life sure can take you by surprise.

Bosun: Wow, I want that to be my story some day. How amazing.

Terri: You never know, maybe one day I’ll be the one interviewing you. *takes another sip and gets distracted as another hottie passes with some brownies* Delicious!

Bosun: The brownies are good around here.

Terri: Brownies? What brownies?

Bosun: *clears throat* Before we lose you completely, I think we better turn this over to the rest of the crew. To get things started, is there anything you’d like to ask our guests?

Terri: There sure is. How important is a high concept to you? Will you pick up a book if all you know about it is that it’s a wonderful, simple love story? How do you feel about Contemporaries and who do I need to see about getting this drink recipe?

*Bo’sun trips her way onto the decks wearing a ridiculously huge hat and cape*

Hello there, my lowly wenches.  Bo’nac is here to answer all those pressing, important questions you have about the year ahead.  What can you expect in your love life?  In your professional life?  In the stock market?  Okay, I’m not really going to answer any of those things.  BUT, I am here to predict what will be happening around this ship in the next year.

Prediction #1:

Six months from now there will be a party on this ship like nothing ever seen before.  Hotter Hotties, stronger spirits, Pirates and Ninjas dancing side by side.  The glitter will fall like confetti in a ticker tape parade.  Why do they call those things ticker tape parades anyway?  I mean, isn’t the ticker tape that thing they used to track stocks or something? 

Anyway, where was I?  Oh yeah, Prediction #2:

By the middle of July, Captain will have blogged about Harry Potter 9,342 times.  And because we love her, we will all encourage her obsession and support each other in our efforts not to throw her overboard.

Prediction #3:

Sin and Bo’sun will actually finish their WIPs in time for entry into the Golden Heart which in turn will result in Hell freezing over.  As Hell freezing over is a sign of many other non-plausible events, don’t be surprised if pigs fly and a politician tells the truth around the end of the year.

Prediction #4:

Gunner Marnee will finish her second MS and possibly a third.  This will result in her fellow pirates leaving her stranded on a deserted island.  We’d like to say we’ll feel bad about this, but we’d be lying.

Prediction #5:

After the pirates and their favorite pirate peeps all meet up at Nationals in July, blogs will follow which include phrases like “THAT WAS THE BEST CONFERENCE EVER!”, “I can’t believe I threw up on Nora’s shoes”, and “If you don’t destroy those pictures, I will kick your ass.”

Now Bo’nac turns the crystal ball over to you.  What do you predict will happen in your life this year?  Is there a completed MS in your future?  How about some query letters?  Contests?  Publication? (Note: if any of these events occur, we do hope you’ll let us know so we can throw you the appropriate celebration.)

From all of us here at RWR, we wish you the very best this Christmas.  Hope your day is filled with family, friends, food, and fun!