The Pub
by Susan W on March 24th, 2009, 5:29pm
We thought the cafe might be a little too daytime and people would also like somewhere to discuss things afterhours and over a drink so here's you have it ... The Pub.
No suitably appropriate name for our place of socialising yet but feel free to let us know if you have a brainwave!
Envy
Ros --
I'm envious that you have read Bella's Disgrace!
I'm currently waiting for India to send me -- Emily's Innocence but she had problems with her author copies arriving.
Anyway, I am really enjoying the Balfours. Super fun.
Now I need to get my revisions done as I head out to theRWA National COnference at Orlando v early Tuesday morning.
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
In general, I am not a fan
In general, I am not a fan of Sheikh stories - the culture is so alien and I can't bear it when I don't know how to pronounce character's names. Â But I must admit that I completely loved Bella's Disgrace in the Balfour series, with a fabulous heroine who has no time for all the strict etiquette of the Sheikh's kingdom, and a deliciously handsome hero who learns how to let go a little bit.
The post is absolutely
The post is absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need! Also like to admire the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer! I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often.coach outlet|coach outlet store
Balfour Legacy
Is anyone else rading the Balfour Legacy? I love the covers, and am halfway through Kat's Pride. Mia's Scandal was devoured in an afternoon.
I love the King Thrushbeard type of set up (reverse Cinderella if you will) of Kat's Pride. The whole spoilt little rich girl is taught a lesson.
And good answer, Nancy.
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Does anyone have a take on
 Because they are exotic, alpha males? Because they are the quintessential tall, dark and handsome? If female readers relate to the heroines, the one woman that snares a man who can have any woman is a winner and we want to believe we are winners?
The sheikh fantasy
While doing research for my new book, I happened to read Harem Beyond the Word of the Veil. In the last chapter, the author looks at modern interpretations of the odalisque and states that the solitary odalisque rather than being part of a harem is a major fantasy of females. In other words, lots of women like the idea of being swept away by sheikh, or playing the role of a slave girl.
Does anyone have a take on why sheikhs are so popular?
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Claire
Welcome. I am thrilled at the number of academics interested in the romance genre as writing (and reading) for women primarily by women, That you are focussing on Mills & Boon is particularly interesting. I am in Toronto Canada, and we have a resident Ph.D student in our RWA (Romance Writers of America) chapter. She is doing a doctorate in Sociology and her dissertation on the romance genre. If you would like an introduction, let me know!
Best, Ann
Ann Lethbridge
http://www.annlethbridge.com
Wicked Rake, Defiant Mistress February 2010
Harlequin Historical
Finding my Avatar and my Friends!!
It would seem that the gremlins have given me back my Avatar and my friends!Â
Thank you Michelle - it's good to know that people still remember who I am ... well sort of!
My niece is at University in Glasgow ... I watch my sister agonising every time she leaves to go back!  I keep telling her it's okay ... such an adventure for them and they get a degree at the end of it!
Good to see everyone is still puttering away on their laptops!   Me too!  Â
Mavis
Tortured Heroes
Ahhh, I love this bit. I find a tortured hero so much more fascinating. The hidden past, with personal tragedies. I'm a sucker for it! And it's such fun to create a dramatic past, especially with historicals.
Perhaps reading Victoria Holt during my early teens has given me the perfect 'education' on troubled males...
 Steph
Steph
http://stephpatterson.wordpress.com/
http://historicalsreviewed.wordpress.com/
Digital Love story!
No I haven't been on that website yet, but I certainly will.
Thank you for the tip :)
Welcome Claire
How wonderful that you're doing your dissertation on M&B! Have you discovered the Teach Me Tonight blog http://teachmetonight.blogspot.com/Â It is where a number of academics who are researching the romance genre hang out. Laura Vivanco is particularly nice and has been a t the forefront of tryong to get M&B reappraised by the academic community.
Michelle S who has always enjoyed M&B, even when it was a forbidden treat.
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Digital love story!
Hi everyone,
This is my first ever post so you'll have to forgive me if I get carried away!
I'm writing my dissertation about Mills and Boon and I'm curious to hear other people's comments, particularly about the website.
Personally, I love the interactive and personal elements of this site. I think it's fantastic that after years of stigma attached to the Mills and Boon brand it has finally be reclaimed and rebranded by intelligent women who truly understand what they're all about and champion them.Â
I'm really excited by the whole thing and I'd love to hear any of your comments.. Good and bad.
Thanks so much
Claire
tortured v non tortured
It depends on the story. I do think it is possible to get an over tortured hero, but you don't want a perfect hero and there is usually something in his past to explain why he is the way he is.
There again passionate people feel passionately. And heroes should be passionate.
Michelle S who likes heroes.
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
I love the tortured heros
I love the tortured heros Donna creates. I've also seen some tortured heros in regencies, too. They really are one of my favorite types of hero.
Tortured Alphas
Ok, so I've only read 5 historicals but about 170 MB Moderns since the start of the year. In the historicals, none of the alphas had a tortured past. In the moderns however I think all bar a couple of alphas had some inner demon with which to contend.
I'm def in the non tortured past camp. Any other supporters out there?
Joanne
I am *SO* an Eric girl! He just is and doesn't have to say a word to have a whole conversation. Plus he's tall. Really tall. I love tall men.
I haven't seen last night's epi but I am anxiously awaiting seeing the new cast member who plays Alcide....which is like the TrueBlood version of Twilight's Jacob/Edward contest....
I never do a good job analyzing my alphas, but I would have to say my strength probably lies in "brooding". LOL. Usually there is a core of pain that they keep locked away from the world but the heroine breaches the walls... Protective is another trait that I'm big on, as well as a code of honour.
I'm afraid I haven't been following the World Cup at all! But I did find myself wondering if my fave BT Jamie Bamber got to take in any matches as he has been filming in South Africa...
Donna
Hired: The Italian's Bride in MEDITERRANEAN MEN & MARRIAGE, July 2010 UK
PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE, Romance UK October 2010
A Bride for Rocking H Ranch in CHRISTMAS WISHES & MISTLETOE KISSES, Nov 2010 UK
www.donnaalward.com
alphas and the world cup
The world cup = men in shorts. There are benefits...
With alphas, I discovered a long time ago that I needed to hear the voice so when looking for inspiration, I tend to go more for actors.
Top alpha inspiration for me (and subject to change)
1. Richard Armitage aka John Thornton North & South
2, Philip Glenister aka Gene Hunt
3. Christian Bale (the voice of Howl in Howls Moving Castle is what sold me)
4. Rupert Penry Jones aka A dam Carter Spooks
Top qualities:
1. integrity to their own personal code of honour
2. protective
3. strong and unafraid to make their own decision/path in life
4. leaders who have had their mettle tested.
5. pragmatic
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Benefits of the World Cup
Check out the players! I've already got serveral visions of how my next series of alphas will look.
My only regret is that my 'don't like pile' is only marginally smaller than my 'ugh, run a mile' pile and both of these tower over my 'has serious potential' pile.
Terribly superficial I know but such fun and I do actually like the game itself too!
Oh and you can keep the beers and largers, my tipple is a tub of hagen daas ice cream (a very large one).
Alpha males
What a perfect subject to while away the waiting times. :o)
My top 3 TV alpha's would have to be...
Gene hunt (UK version)
James Ford (aka Sawyer)
No.3.. hmmm.... will think on that one!
There's something about the way their wise cracking tough exteriors hide their honourable soft side that makes my knees knock. Humour is important too I think.
I love and adore alphas, yet I find myself unable to warm to sheik stories and I guess they must be up there as ultimate alpha's?
oohh...No.3 - have decided to include Eric, vampire sheriff of True Blood. Sexy and dangerous - perfect.Â
discussions
I was wondering if we could start a discussion about some topic that really had no right or wrong answer. Who is the best James Bond was quite good.
We could discuss parenting styles (always contentious but fun).
Or tips for surviving the World Cup.
Or... alpha males (and what about nice guy alphas v the remote kind?)
(can you tell that I'm in the midst of revisions and have a lack of ideas...)
But it would be great to get something going here. Lovely and friendly but with a difference of opinon. And something that everyone can discuss and be supportative about.
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Entering the Twilight zone
M --
How good of you to come back! And of course you still have friends here. I can never quite figure out what the friending thing does in any case!
It can feel like a twilight zone though.
Currently I am waiting for my son to call and inform me that he has safely made it to Heathrow as he is starting his year plus adventure today of going to US on an exchange programme. (I did the reverse about 1/4 of a century ago...) It is harder then sending him off to university but I am so pleased for him.
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
There and Not There .......
Oh dear ..... I know that I've not been here in a while, but came in this morning to catch up and things are not quite right!    It's telling my I've no friends (sob) ..... my avatar has disappeared (sob) ..... really strange!
M
Amazing young women
I hope you all enjoy this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfcKvevod3k&feature=youtu.be
Thrillers etc
I like thrillers and mysteries. LIke most voracious reader, I will read anything. My preferance tends to be romance.
 Have you tried Donna Leon who writes mysteries about Venice? Or Elizabeth Peters who created the marvellouw Amelia Peabody?
And of course the Intrigue line mixes both mystery and romance.
But I know what you mean about being surprised about Matt Damon playing Bourne. However, I did think he made the role his own.
MIchelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Ludlum
Was a huge fan reading everything he published with the Bourne Identity sitting at the top of my Best Book Ever list for a long time. Can't read him at all now and the Bourne films ruined the books for me forever. In my head, Bourne looked nothing like Matt Damon.
Was a long time ago but think I swapped to James Lee Burke, John Stanford, Crichton, Michael Conolly, Val McDermid and James Patterson as an alternative. (and to think I now read romantic fiction Lol)
Ah Jason Bourne
Now I do like the movies but when I was a teenager, I went through a Ludlum phase and really enjoyed the books that I read about Bourne. My one quibble was that the movies killed off his wife. Has anyone else read Ludlum?
One of the best exercises I have done for coming to grips with the sort of hero I admire was to write down one person I shall as a hero and why I admired them. I then tried to incorperate that reason into my ms, and to make it clear early on. M&B are not about the average man or the anti hero, they are about heroes who the reader should fall instantly in love with -- even if it takes the heroine a little longer...
MIchelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
 I LIKE Jason
 And it can't hurt that Matt Damon portrays Jason Bourne!
I'm glad to find a safe
I'm glad to find a safe haven! ~sips martini~
Now maybe I can really get to work on making this Greek in my mind come to life.Â
On thinking about Bourne.. there is a certain ~ruthlessness~ i admire. A tenacity that Bond doesn't need because he always has gadgets...
But i do so also LOVE Simon Templar...though he doesn't seem the type for a ~lasting~ romance.
Ready to start writing. Hoping to reach the stars...
P.S.
Re: confidence....the crows of doubt are banished from the pub. We have special bouncers to ensure it.Â
 The Pub is a crow-free zone! We are all brilliant.
D
Hired: The Italian's Bride in MEDITERRANEAN MEN & MARRIAGE, July 2010 UK
PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE, Romance UK October 2010
A Bride for Rocking H Ranch in CHRISTMAS WISHES & MISTLETOE KISSES, Nov 2010 UK
www.donnaalward.com
Jason Bourne
Ah, but Michelle knows what I am going to say...
 I LIKE Jason Bourne. More than Bond. Why? Because he's an everyday man who is extraordinary. He is a bit rough but oh so very capable and thinks on his feet.
I like him because he has more of a military feel than a spy feel and I like that. IN fact the dh and I were just looking at getting the Bourne trilogy for our new Blu-ray player. :-)
LOL
I just sent in revisions. I'll have a spiced rum and gingerale and Richard Armitage can serve it and bring a drinkie along for himself at the same time...
Donna
Hired: The Italian's Bride in MEDITERRANEAN MEN & MARRIAGE, July 2010 UK
PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE, Romance UK October 2010
A Bride for Rocking H Ranch in CHRISTMAS WISHES & MISTLETOE KISSES, Nov 2010 UK
www.donnaalward.com
Glamour and James Bond
I do agree that the glamour element of James Bond is one of the big draws. It is one of the draws of Modern as well. There is just a certain something about that touch of glam...
And confidence as a writer is so important. Every writer I know get attacks of the Crows of Doubt.
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Thanks
Thanks for the welcome Michelle W. ^^ I think that Jason Bourne is quite interesting but lacks sophistication. I love a man in a tux.
I must say though that I did enjoy the Bourne movies.
I personally would like to write for the Modern line, and it is probably a lot to do with my facination with the social style of James Bond. Spy intrigue isn't my thing, but the effortless oppulence of Casinos, aston martins and lovely villas have left a lasting impression!
 The hardest thing for me as a writer is confidence.But I think this community is a great place to just hang out!Â
Ready to start writing. Hoping to reach the stars...
welcome to a fellow James Bond fan
Sarah -- Welcome pull up a pew. Which one of the James Bone clones do you want your martini from? Or would you like a montage? The bartenders aim to please!
I'm quite happy to discuss James Bond.I think there is something about his basic integrity that appeals to many women. He has his code of conduct. Do you like Jason Bourne as well and what about Spooks?
Nancy -- Yes, I thought Made In Dagenham was the sort of film I'd really enjoy and so I hope it llives up to its biulling. My daughter and I are already panning on going in October.
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
James Bond
Hello, I'm quite new to this site and love this site as I find the advice really helpful. Anyway I was roaming around various forums, trying to get my bearings and found this forum talking about James Bond and got excitied. I'm a total fan to the point my Ebay name is 007 addict (sad but true). Sean Connery is my favourite followed, very closely, by Daniel Craig mainly because I think they act like the Bond in the original books. I sumitted my first full submission recently and my male character's appearance was made up from bits of several James Bonds. I did have fun!
 Made in Dagenham It
It sounds like my kind of movie! I wonder why my girls think I am a feminist?Â
 But I know I will enjoy it and so will they.Â
A James Bond for all moods
One of the great strengths of the JB franchise is the ability for the filmmakers to keep him up with the times. Keep Bond is of his time.
I knew you would chime with Pierce Brosnan, Michelle W. and he brought a certain something...
If I am remembering correctly, Ian Fleming thought Sean Connery was the epitome of James Bond.Â
I loved the docoumentary that Joanna Lumley did a few years about Ian Fleming. Apparently he was keen on little details so that the readers would be able to suspend their disbelief on the bigger stuff.
Anyway, to change the subject slightly has anyone else heard about the new rom com coming out in October -- Made in Dagenham. It is tipped to be a big hit on both sides of the Atlantic and is loosely based on the fight that the women who sewed the car interiors at the Ford plant had to get equal pay in 1968. Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson and Rosamund Pike, plus Daniel Mays from A2A star. It was made by the same folks who did Calendar Girls...
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/trailers/article7126696.ece
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
It's all Pierce Brosnan for
It's all Pierce Brosnan for me. Love him.Â
Welcome, Asha!
My husband is actually showing a James Bond film (Goldfinger) to our son tonight. There was a moment when he told a lady to say goodbye. He slapped her bottom and said it was "Man talk."
I can only imagine what would have happened if Pierce had tried that with Halle Berry. LOL!
 Can't you imagine a retro 007 with a modern day heroine, kind of like what Sandra Marton did with her recent Presents story Blackhawk's Redemption? Too funny.
Michelle Willingham
www.michellewillingham.com
Innocent in the Harem - Historical Undone - July 2010
The Accidental Princess - Mills and Boon Historical - November 2010
ah so no DC
I take it you are not a fan of Daniel Craig as James Bond then! Even when he is in apair tight shorts?
I do think Sean Connery did set the standard...but Daniel Craig was good eye candy.
And Roger Moore was great as The Saint Simon Templar.
Michelle S who has seen very Bond movie, plus read the original Bond books...
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
And
I might also add, that James Bond should NEVER be blonde.
Ready to start writing. Hoping to reach the stars...
There can only be one
Sean Connery of course!
Ready to start writing. Hoping to reach the stars...
Glad you found us, Asha
So which James Bond do you want to serve your strawberry martini? Enquiring minds want to know.
Welcome Asha, and the Pub is the place to chat about anything you want!
Michelle S who should be doing revisions.
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Pub in the Day?
Hi ladies, I'm Asha. New here, but we're all new at some point. Hoping to make this one of my constant haunts.
 I'll take a strawberry maritini. Shaken and stirred.
Ready to start writing. Hoping to reach the stars...
Janet, I agree with
Janet, I agree with Michelle. You're better to spend the story time uncovering how the hero deals with his past--does he deny it, cutting off his relationship with his father...which then makes him less reluctant to open up to anyone? The backstory is the jumping off point, but the real issue is--where is he emotionally right now? How does that change throughout the book? What incidents force him to address his emotional state and challenge him in a deeper way?
Good luck!
Michelle Willingham
www.michellewillingham.com
Innocent in the Harem - Historical Undone - July 2010
The Accidental Princess - Mills and Boon Historical - November 2010
Normal 0 And also how does
Normal
0
And also how does being with her help him to lay his demons to rest?
 Thanks Michelle -- that's the part I had in my mind as the most important, not him discovering why his father behaved as he did.Â
Making threads active
Janet --
Threads become active when people post on them. If you post on the writing thread, people will come. But because it is a small community, in some ways, it doesn't matter and we can keep to a few threads.
We proud, we few, we very willing to include others.
Right to answer your question:
Personally speaking I am not over fond of that backstory twist. It is used with enough frequency that I can think of five or six stories off the top of my head. Personally, unfortunately not all fathers are supportive of their children and some are bullies, mainly down to their own inadequacies. Sometimes fathers are harder on thier first born. Or whatever. Sometimes fathers can't begin to express their pride because the son has excelled in something that the parent can't understand. For example, if the hero was a fantastic cook, and his father only recognised prowess on the football pitch. No matter what the son did, the father would have trouble with it and the son would .have to cope. And if the son had lost his place at the football tryout because he'd become injured cooking, he might feel inadequate etc. even though he is a huge success in cooking.
The important thing though is how does the hero cope with it and how does it affect his relationship with the heroine. How does he show his emotions towards her? And if she is into sport, how does that make her the worst person for him. And also how does being with her help him to lay his demons to rest? A rapprochement with a parent can be good but it doesn't drive the romance.
Backstory is just backstory. It is the choices that the characters make in respect to the emotional relationship that is important. So the realsiation would need to come from his relationship with the heroine.
Does anyone else have thoughts?
Michelle S, still working away...
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Active charactesr v external solutions
I'm popping in here with a writing question because this thread and subcare seem to be the only two threads that are active!
A big thank you for anyone who can offer any thoughts on this...
I was talking about hero backstory with a writing friend and we were dicussing a possible hero who secretly feels unworthy of love because his father has always treated him badly, has no time for him, and the hero has never been able to earn his love.
The idea came up that as the resolution of this problem could come from the hero discovering that the man he always believed to be his father wasn't--that his mother had an affair, her husband knew the hero wasn't his child and because of this never bonded with him.and secretly resented him
Once the hero realises this, he no longer feels unworthy and is able to move out of his mind-set and allow himself to love
It seems a great resolution on the surface but I can't help feeling it means the situation is solved by something external--ie the information that's suddenly uncovered.
In a story situation like this, would it be better if hero had to work through his attitudes and gradually come to accept himself as he is (with the heropine's help) realise that he knows he's okay (whatever his father thinks) and gets over the problem that way?
And then maybe the revelation could come after that as an extra?Â
Or maybe the revelation alone would work and him taking action and uncovering the information counts as him having solved the problem himself?
Any thoughts would be great
Welcome Diane
Diane --
Hooray that you are here. Do please have a drink and stay awhile. Choose your favourite virtual bartender. There are a number hanging around...
I think they have FINALLY worked out the bugs.
I'm Michelle S. I write for the Historical line and am in the midst of revisions for my latest. You would think that I could learn from past mistakes...
Nancy-- glad you made it back in.
Right who is going to serve me a drink...hmmm this is a tough one...Do I go with an standby such as Philip Glenister (A2A or Richard Armitage (spooks/North & South) or do I choose a new one like Rupert Penry Jones (Spooks) or Tom Hardy (Wuthering Heights). Or does one step up a relay team? What does everyone else think?
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk
Drinks for Diane. Anyone
Drinks for Diane. Anyone that ventures in and makes it lately deserves a warm welcome!
new
hi there have i worked this out to comment. i'm new here.
diane
Showed up
Nancy --
Yes it showed up.
The gremlins would not let me be logged in until I posted several more test blogs.
It is all very irritating and enough to drive you to drink!
Michelle S
Mills & Boon Historical author
website: www.michellestyles.co.uk