WITH A PASSION FOR HISTORY
The Idea
I began writing my short story "Sundial" when I learned about The Wild Rose Press's "Through the Garden Gate" contest in May 2007. The premise was simple enough: a woman steps into the garden of a gorgeous cottage in Bury, England and is transported to another time. (The cottage wound up part of my cover and the other three winners.)
I chose to send my heroine, a 30-year-old Aussie named Amber, to 1958 Italy--images of Vespas the costumes in The Talented Mr. Ripley dancing in my head. Her hero? I had in mind a much younger man...or was he older? These time travels can be a hoot to plot.
For the story, I had in mind a particular twist, in that I couldn't think of a time travel romance in which the hero and heroine were both from other times. What would that be like, merging the perspectives of two different eras into a third, completely foreign environment?
I've always thought time travel to be, well, scary, and plotted "Sundial" from the perspective of people who were trapped. I thought of Kyle Reese in The Terminator, where he was resigned to never being able to go home. Would you learn to cope, or always hope to head home one day? So in essence, I made time itself the antagonist.
The Research
But how could the research for this one be anything less than fantastic? After several enjoyable hours on the Internet, I decided on Sorrento because of its beautiful scenery, seaside grandeur and exoticism.
I particularly studied the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, where Mark works and makes his deals, and took note of the gorgeous views and lush architecture. I consulted my husband for issues of soccer, and my Italian sister-in-law for all things having to do with the cultural and language. What fabulous resources I have in my own family! Then I went vintage gown window shopping and let the story fly on its own. Fantastic!
The Sale
I finished the manuscript shortly after returning from the 2007 RWA Nationals in Dallas, then entered it in the contest. Amid the hubbub of selling What a Scoundrel Wants, I'd nearly forgotten about the project, but I was thrilled when Anna D'Arclon of The Wild Rose Press notified me of my win. In January 2008, it became a #1 bestseller for The Wild Rose Press. What a great treat to have it so well received, my little Italian jaunt.
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Extras & Reviews
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December 18, 2007
The Wild Rose Press
Vintage Miniature
$3.00 (US)
Purchase Online
"Sundial is a wonderful exploration into the emotional effects of time travel. Mark is a vivid, raw, wonderfully real character. Five angels."
Kimber, Fallen Angels Reviews
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"...Well done and inventive and the very end is quite romantic."
Sandra Marlow, Historical Romance Club
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"It's a clever, spicy-sweet, and heart-breaking love story.... With its heated love scenes and a shattering, unexpected parting, Sundial will have you holding your breath...."
Margaret Marr, Nights & Weekends
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"Wow, what a great way to start off my new year's reading. I want to congratulate you on a wonderful, inventive plot. I thoroughly enjoyed Sundial and am looking forward to your upcoming release. B+"
Jayne, Dear Author
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"It's like Picasso does time-travel romance. I'll be looking for more from this author."
Alicia, The Good, the Bad and the Unread
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"I thoroughly enjoyed this touching, passionate time-travel story that blends mystery with love and genuine longing in a wonderfully original tale."
Dandelion, Long & Short Reviews
Bloghopping
Mar 08:
Interview on Fallen Angels
26 Feb 08:
Interview on Jennifer's Musings
31 Dec 07:
Interview on Write Questions
30 Dec 07:
Book release party on Unusual Historicals
Dec 08:
Interview on Night Owl Reviews