What a wonderful way to celebrate a milestone! I'd love to head to Paris and meet up with a hunky guy! Don't you love the cover too? Imogene is visiting and sharing her insights with us as well as giving away an ebook copy of one of her books! Winner's choice!! The Plan or A Bar in Paris! Enter below!
Themes in Romance - This Romance Writers Perspective.
When I sat down to write A Bar In Paris, I honestly had no idea where the story was going. After all, I'm a "pantster"... I don't have elaborate plots worked out in my head. I let the story flow.
The only thing I knew, when I started, was that Davina and Johnathon had a long rocky road ahead of them. One filled with all sorts of foibles and miss steps.
A Bar In Paris hinges on the whole concept that people take from interactions what they understand, based on their own personal experiences. If you ring up your best friend and tell them that some guy you've met is "fine" chances are, because you have a long history of association they will understand "fine" to mean the same thing.
But what happens if these two people, about to become lovers, come from totally different worlds? Have different understandings? For Davina, much of her attitudes towards relationships and males is coloured by her previous experiences.
For Johnathon, living a "normal" life isn't really an option. Not as we know it. So the weekend in Paris is about "flying under the radar."
Romance writers use a range of different concepts to tell their tales - from running away from danger through to vampires needing to hide from the sunlight. We accept, as readers, that these are the norms that allow the stories to be. I've relied on the fact that she's an Australian who just happens to work in London and a background that scarred her. He, on the other hand hides and/or conceals who he really is by not talking about his past, thus allowing us to investigate her hurts before finding the resolution in the story.
Now many would say "Oh no one with any skill would rely on these trite themes." And they would be wrong. Very very wrong. When I did a quick look for conceal/deceit themes, the names Susan Donovan, Diana Palmer and Jill Shalvis all jumped out at me. Likewise with alter perception/second chances I ended up with Helen Bianchin, Danielle Steele and Linda Howard.
There are many many themes (or tropes) that writers can use, but at the end of the day it's not the use of these themes that governs whether the story works, but rather how well they have used them.
Here's a short list (and by no means comprehensive):
· Abduction Love
· Beast and Beauty
· Shame
· Grand Romantic Gesture
· Literally Falling In Love
· Love Transcends Space And Time
· Must Not Die a Virgin
· Runaway Bride
· Train-Station Goodbye
So the next time you read a romance, think about what themes/tropes the author has used to tell their tale.
Thanks for having me over to visit!
Imogene Nix
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Bio
Imogene is the author of many books, including A Bar In Paris, Hesparia's Tears, among a host of other titles.
Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores.
She is dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, and has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads and the odd Romantic Suspense.
She lives in Rural Queensland where she happily raises 2 daughters, lots of chickens a couple of cats and her super pup Teddy. When she isn’t writing or reading, she’s hanging out with her husband, acting like a techno-geek or cooking and making wine.
Links—where to find Imogene Nix:
Facebook Twitter Goodreads Google+ Blog Hotter Than Hades Website
When I sat down to write A Bar In Paris, I honestly had no idea where the story was going. After all, I'm a "pantster"... I don't have elaborate plots worked out in my head. I let the story flow.
The only thing I knew, when I started, was that Davina and Johnathon had a long rocky road ahead of them. One filled with all sorts of foibles and miss steps.
A Bar In Paris hinges on the whole concept that people take from interactions what they understand, based on their own personal experiences. If you ring up your best friend and tell them that some guy you've met is "fine" chances are, because you have a long history of association they will understand "fine" to mean the same thing.
But what happens if these two people, about to become lovers, come from totally different worlds? Have different understandings? For Davina, much of her attitudes towards relationships and males is coloured by her previous experiences.
For Johnathon, living a "normal" life isn't really an option. Not as we know it. So the weekend in Paris is about "flying under the radar."
Romance writers use a range of different concepts to tell their tales - from running away from danger through to vampires needing to hide from the sunlight. We accept, as readers, that these are the norms that allow the stories to be. I've relied on the fact that she's an Australian who just happens to work in London and a background that scarred her. He, on the other hand hides and/or conceals who he really is by not talking about his past, thus allowing us to investigate her hurts before finding the resolution in the story.
Now many would say "Oh no one with any skill would rely on these trite themes." And they would be wrong. Very very wrong. When I did a quick look for conceal/deceit themes, the names Susan Donovan, Diana Palmer and Jill Shalvis all jumped out at me. Likewise with alter perception/second chances I ended up with Helen Bianchin, Danielle Steele and Linda Howard.
There are many many themes (or tropes) that writers can use, but at the end of the day it's not the use of these themes that governs whether the story works, but rather how well they have used them.
Here's a short list (and by no means comprehensive):
· Abduction Love
· Beast and Beauty
· Shame
· Grand Romantic Gesture
· Literally Falling In Love
· Love Transcends Space And Time
· Must Not Die a Virgin
· Runaway Bride
· Train-Station Goodbye
So the next time you read a romance, think about what themes/tropes the author has used to tell their tale.
Thanks for having me over to visit!
Imogene Nix
<<code for you tube trailer>> [<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/5bTT5c040j8?version=3&hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/5bTT5c040j8?version=3&hl=en_GB" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>]
Bio
Imogene is the author of many books, including A Bar In Paris, Hesparia's Tears, among a host of other titles.
Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores.
She is dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, and has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads and the odd Romantic Suspense.
She lives in Rural Queensland where she happily raises 2 daughters, lots of chickens a couple of cats and her super pup Teddy. When she isn’t writing or reading, she’s hanging out with her husband, acting like a techno-geek or cooking and making wine.
Links—where to find Imogene Nix:
Facebook Twitter Goodreads Google+ Blog Hotter Than Hades Website
A Bar in Paris by Imogene Nix
Blurb
Ever considered a naughty weekend? A “Hook-Up” with no strings?
What does a woman do when she’s turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that’s what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.
Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?
But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. But how does one weekend become a lifetime? And how does a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?
Excerpt
The waiter smiled and I sighed. “Time to go.” As I started to rise, gripping my bag in my hand, the bell above the door rang and I watched with interest as the sexiest man I’d ever seen entered. The cool blonde on his arm was scowling and he pried his fingers from her arm then walked away. For a moment, she wobbled on her stilettos before she sneered in her super chic French way only they can pull off and stalked out the door. It slammed so hard the panes of glass shuddered.
The man scowled, but to be honest, it didn’t hurt at all. He was tall and well built. Blond hair with gray eyes.
My mind screamed that this man that could probably satisfy my needs. He didn’t appear even slightly inebriated and he was obviously single now, if that little carry-on was to go by. Perhaps this was my chance? I smoothed down my black dress, making sure my cleavage was just peeking out, then I sucked in a deep, deep breath and stood, hoping to catch his eyes.
I watched the man stalk to the bar and order in perfect English-accented French. “Une bière, s’il vous plait.”
My toes curled at his voice and the waiter hurried to do his bidding. Mr. Sexy’s voice was cultured and deep. I like voices, particularly men’s voices. They can make me go gooey at the knees, and this one warmed my insides to the consistency of thick, warm honey. And I knew he was the one I wanted to be with all night long.
The server handed over a bottle of beer and a glass, but Mr. Sexy looked at the bottle, grimaced, and then took a long pull.
The other men at the bar started talking in low voices, putting aside newspapers. They paid their money and left.
I didn’t want to think it was because of the dangerous aura surrounding the man. It was, after all, three in the morning. No, there had to be something else. But I was sure it wasn’t the time to ask these questions.
The small bar was quiet now as I was waiting alone with the mystery man. The waiter disappeared to the back. Obviously, with only two patrons left, he could do other things. I sucked in my confidence, folded it around me like a coat, and approached the man.
“Hi. Mind if I join you?”
He grinned and gestured to the seat beside him. I slipped onto the small stool, perched uncertainly. Then I wiggled my bum a little, thrust out my chest, and gave him my very best come-on smile.
“Looking for a hook up, are you?” His voice caused a curl of heat to gather deep inside me.
I nodded slowly. Better to be honest from the start, I thought. I didn’t have time to say a word. The next thing I knew, he had me thrust against the bar, his lips on mine and his tongue halfway down my throat. But man, what a tongue it was.
He played me like a violin until he lifted his head, casting a wicked smile in my direction. “Your hotel or mine?”
“Umm, yours.” Right now, I felt the rosy glow of arousal roaring through me. Sexy and quick to catch on. Yep, I was sure this guy was a winner.
“You’re not from around here, are you?”
I shook my head. “No.”
Buy Link: Beachwalk Press
About the Author:
Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).
Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.
In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.
She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.
Author Links: Site Facebook Blog Twitter
Giveaway:
Imogene is giving away to two lucky winners a choice of a digital copy of A Bar in Paris or The Plan.
Blurb
Ever considered a naughty weekend? A “Hook-Up” with no strings?
What does a woman do when she’s turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that’s what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.
Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?
But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. But how does one weekend become a lifetime? And how does a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?
Excerpt
The waiter smiled and I sighed. “Time to go.” As I started to rise, gripping my bag in my hand, the bell above the door rang and I watched with interest as the sexiest man I’d ever seen entered. The cool blonde on his arm was scowling and he pried his fingers from her arm then walked away. For a moment, she wobbled on her stilettos before she sneered in her super chic French way only they can pull off and stalked out the door. It slammed so hard the panes of glass shuddered.
The man scowled, but to be honest, it didn’t hurt at all. He was tall and well built. Blond hair with gray eyes.
My mind screamed that this man that could probably satisfy my needs. He didn’t appear even slightly inebriated and he was obviously single now, if that little carry-on was to go by. Perhaps this was my chance? I smoothed down my black dress, making sure my cleavage was just peeking out, then I sucked in a deep, deep breath and stood, hoping to catch his eyes.
I watched the man stalk to the bar and order in perfect English-accented French. “Une bière, s’il vous plait.”
My toes curled at his voice and the waiter hurried to do his bidding. Mr. Sexy’s voice was cultured and deep. I like voices, particularly men’s voices. They can make me go gooey at the knees, and this one warmed my insides to the consistency of thick, warm honey. And I knew he was the one I wanted to be with all night long.
The server handed over a bottle of beer and a glass, but Mr. Sexy looked at the bottle, grimaced, and then took a long pull.
The other men at the bar started talking in low voices, putting aside newspapers. They paid their money and left.
I didn’t want to think it was because of the dangerous aura surrounding the man. It was, after all, three in the morning. No, there had to be something else. But I was sure it wasn’t the time to ask these questions.
The small bar was quiet now as I was waiting alone with the mystery man. The waiter disappeared to the back. Obviously, with only two patrons left, he could do other things. I sucked in my confidence, folded it around me like a coat, and approached the man.
“Hi. Mind if I join you?”
He grinned and gestured to the seat beside him. I slipped onto the small stool, perched uncertainly. Then I wiggled my bum a little, thrust out my chest, and gave him my very best come-on smile.
“Looking for a hook up, are you?” His voice caused a curl of heat to gather deep inside me.
I nodded slowly. Better to be honest from the start, I thought. I didn’t have time to say a word. The next thing I knew, he had me thrust against the bar, his lips on mine and his tongue halfway down my throat. But man, what a tongue it was.
He played me like a violin until he lifted his head, casting a wicked smile in my direction. “Your hotel or mine?”
“Umm, yours.” Right now, I felt the rosy glow of arousal roaring through me. Sexy and quick to catch on. Yep, I was sure this guy was a winner.
“You’re not from around here, are you?”
I shook my head. “No.”
Buy Link: Beachwalk Press
About the Author:
Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).
Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.
In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.
She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.
Author Links: Site Facebook Blog Twitter
Giveaway:
Imogene is giving away to two lucky winners a choice of a digital copy of A Bar in Paris or The Plan.
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