Sourcebooks Casablanca Romance Authors

E scapism – What’s Wrong with That? Some people see escapism as a bad thing. If you check the definition at dictionary.com, you find, “the avoidance of reality by absorption of the mind in entertainment or in an imaginative situation, activity, etc.” Interestingly, the word originated in the 1930-35 period. Which was the time of…? The Great Depression, right. When a lot of people were as depressed as the economy and had good reasons to want to escape. But does escaping through the imagination necessarily mean avoiding reality? Isn’t it just a little mental vacation, and not irresponsible at all? That’s what I think. So does acclaimed science fiction writer Neil Gaiman, who says, “…escapist fiction is just that: fiction that opens a door, shows the sunlight outside, gives you a place to go where you are in control, are with people you want to be with (and books are real places, make no mistake about that)” Gaiman adds that, “…more importantly, during your escape, books ...

Katharine Daltry, the heroine of my book The Marchington Scandal (just reissued), had enough of high society when she was younger. But she can’t resist the pleas of a country cousin who’s come up to town for the Season. Only how can she help? She has no influence over the society siren who has fascinated her cousin’s rustic husband. She does know someone who might, but he’s the last man on earth she’d ask – handsome, heartless Lord Stonenden. They’ve barely spoken since she refused his proposal five years ago. But when it’s family, you do what you have to do. Right? So Katharine sets out to separate young Tom Marchington from his sultry obsession. For his part, Stonenden finds the spectacle curiously fascinating. He no longer has any interest in Katharine, of course. Since she had the effrontery to reject him, he’s moved on to far more uncomplicated…endeavors. Yet somehow he can’t help but watch. Then he just has to give the campaign a small push. And fin...

The hero of my book The Bargain , which was re-released August 5, has five brothers. And he’s the son of a duke. The story was praised by The Romance Reader for “great wit [and] funny family relations.” Family relations…hmm. Why, I suddenly wondered, didn’t each of those brothers have a love story all his own? They certainly deserved them. Nathaniel, Viscount Hightower, the responsible eldest. Sebastian, the dashing cavalry major. Randolph, the ambitious churchman. Robert, the suave town beau. James, the naval officer, back from sailing the South Seas. Such different men; such intriguing possibilities. And so a new Regency series was born – The Duke’s Sons. I’m busily writing, and before too long, you’ll have a chance to find out the results of all the matchmaking done by Ariel, the heroine of The Bargain . I must say, I’m really enjoying the “funny family relations.” If you want to meet the Greshams, you can try The Bargain right now. ...

Oh, I used to love the alpha guys – like Robert Beaumaris in Georgette Heyer’s Arabella – the ones who are good at everything and know everything. And you’re riding in the carriage thinking you’ve risked it all on a crazy elopement, and then find out he’s actually taking you on a visit to his grandmother and all your agonizing problems have already been solved. (Wait, why don’t I like that?) I’ve created some alpha heroes in my time. But something happened to me along life’s way, and I shifted my allegiance to men like Freddy in Cotillion and Adam in The Civil Contract . These beta guys get things wrong, and they worry. They aren’t completely sure of themselves. In fact, they’re the opposite of arrogant; they don’t know how competent and charming they actually are. And when the heroine tells them, they’re often surprised. How endearing is that?  So, these days, I like writing about a hero who has a few problems, as well as the (eventual) willingness a...

Have you ever been to an auction or yard sale that offers “mystery boxes”? They’re officially called box lots and contain many different items combined into one package. The box lot method lets auction houses liquidate many miscellaneous items fast. I’ve always been fascinated by these surprise packages. There’s such potential. Who knows what might be in there? Maybe trash, maybe treasure. For example… A postcard-sized landscape painting bought as part of a box of trinkets costing $50 at auction was valued at almost $400,000. While rummaging through a box of kitchen gadgets she’d bought at a storage auction, a woman discovered several medals — including a Purple Heart — and discharge papers belonging to a World War II veteran. Another intrepid shopper bought a box of books from an estate auction for $1, and found a first edition signed copy of Mark Twain's Omnibus inside. One box procured at an auction contained a 177-year-old journal containing a church’s history fro...

A warm Casablanca welcome to author Jane Ashford, who is celebrating the release of her brand new Regency romance, THE BRIDE INSISTS! Tomorrow is the official publication date for The Bride Insists , my twentieth regency set historical romance. In honor of that event, I invite you to join me for high tea. I’ve set out my best china, the Haddon Hall . There are pots and pots of English Breakfast blend. Milk or lemon for you? We’re offering scones and iced teacakes and lots of those little crustless sandwiches, just like the ones served at The Ritz . Cheddar and chutney? Smoked salmon? For those who prefer something a bit stronger than tea, have no fear. We have Pimm’s Cups , with a slice of cucumber and a few blue borage blossoms. Just keep in mind – there’s gin in there! Hungrier guests are directed to the tray of scotch eggs , quite filling. So, does everybody have a cup or a glass and a plate of goodies? Splendid. Do have a seat. If we were all members of the hau...

Please welcome fellow Casa author Jane Ashford , author of ONCE AGAIN A BRIDE —in stores this month. We did an interview to keep things lively! 1. This is your first new book in over ten years! What’s it like to be back? JA: Lovely! The romance community is such a busy and exciting place these days, with so much information and conversation on the web and so many new types of stories. 2. Tell us a little bit about your newest book, Once Again a Bride. JA: It’s about a young woman, Charlotte, who gets a second chance at love. The first chance was a miserable failure. Her dying father pushed her into marriage with an acquaintance of his, wanting her to be safe when he was gone. But the despicable Henry Wylde only wanted Charlotte’s money to expand his antiquities collection. He treats Charlotte with contempt, and lets his servants do the same. When his death sets her free, Charlotte finds herself nearly penniless and, eventually, suspected of murder. Henr...

by Danielle Jackson Happy New Year! I know it’s been over a week, but doesn’t everything still feel shiny and new? I think so. Around this time a lot of people look back and reflect on the year past, but I like to look forward to the year ahead... Here are some things I think will be making a big impact in romance/publishing and book PR and marketing: Evolution of the Author/Reader Relationship: we saw quite a bit of this last year, but I think 2013 will continue to see changes between authors and readers. Many of you have heard it from me, but social media is now a must when thinking about promoting your books. Authors and Readers can connect instantly—be it through a fabulous email, a Twitter discussion about a book, or a snarky review. You should all know my social media mantra: THE INTERNET LASTS FOREVER! So think very carefully about your interactions and how you want to be perceived among readers. Romance in the Mainstream: The book I’m about to mention has ...