Guest Blog: Raven McAllan

So you hate me?

That’s your problem, not mine.

I accepted long ago, I wouldn’t please all of the people even some of the time. That I’d be happy to please even one of the people occasionally.

If that happens it’s a high five moment.

You see every author has a dilemma, write with integrity, and accept some readers will not be amused, or ditch the integrity and write to appease as many people as possible.
Neither are wrong, just different. Those five words are some of the hardest for a reader (and sadly often a writer) to acknowledge. Don’t grab the higher ground, (or spit the dummy out) accept it. Each and every one of us have different priorities, and we have to realize that some of those of others might not be the same as ours.

As an author I reckon the ‘my ideas are not yours’, is one of the hardest things to accept. After all we’ve sweated cobs over our baby. Seen it born, nurtured it helped it grow, and expand and finally sent it out into the world.  To then discover some people find it lacking is a hard thing to understand. But you know? For everyone who doesn’t understand your voice, your concept, your world, there’s someone who does.

The sad thing is sometimes you get a vitriolic review and you are really taken aback. Then you roll your shoulders and think, ‘one persons opinion’, just that. No more no less.

So if you don’t like Regency, great sex, feisty women, hot as hell men and a love story that sizzles, sorry. But if you read my books, that is ( I hope) what you get.

*****

Excerpt:

Flora Gilchrist bit her lip. Her heart was thumping loud enough to drown out the sound of the clock, and she had the hint of an incipient headache. Had she done the correct thing by turning to Molly Simpkins for help? If it hadn’t been for Tilly’s assistance she would have been stuck in an impossible situation. As it was, Flora didn’t think she’d have any course to follow other than the one set out for her. Nonetheless, she was going to do her best to make sure as much as possible went in her favor.

She glanced at the slender and bright-eyed lady in front of her. It was almost unbelievable that she hadn’t been born into the ton. Her dress, even though it was old and had streaks of dust over it, was of the highest quality, and the needlework perfect. Of course, Flora mused, as Molly was formerly a mantua maker, and perhaps still kept her hand in, her clothing would be so.

“Maybe we need to sit down again and you can tell me what you need?” Molly said, and waved toward a brocade-covered chair. “Would you like refreshments? It won’t take me a moment. As I said, my staff doesn’t arrive until the morrow, hence my grime. I couldn’t be inactive when I have so much to do. If I can be of service to you, believe me it will help me as well. I abhor idleness.”

Flora could understand that. She was of a like mind. Her decision made, she opened her cloak and threw it over the back of the chair before she sat down. “Wine if you have some, please. I’ve a feeling this next half hour isn’t going to be easy.”

Molly nodded but didn’t comment as she went to a sideboard and poured two glasses of a deep red wine into goblets. She passed one to Flora, who took a hasty sip.

*****

Miss Simpkins’ School. Where seduction’s the game, and success is the aim. Let your classes commence.

Ex mistress to an Earl, who better than Molly Simpkins to show Flora how to ensure she gets what she needs from her marriage?

Flora’s intended has an idea she doesn’t agree with. Angus thinks she should be happy to live at their Scottish estate while he spends his time in London. It may be the way of the ton, but it isn’t going to be Flora’s way. This is her chance to show Angus what he’d miss if he leaves her alone. There’s only one thing—she doesn’t know how.

Luckily Miss Simpkins does.

*****

AUTHOR Bio:

Raven lives in Scotland, along with her husband and their two cats—their children having flown the nest—surrounded by beautiful scenery, which inspires a lot of the settings in her books.

She is used to sharing her life with the occasional deer, red squirrel, and lost tourist, to say nothing of the scourge of Scotland—the midge.

Her very understanding, and long-suffering DH, is used to his questions unanswered, the dust bunnies greeting him as he walks through the door, and rescuing burned offerings from the Aga. (And passing her a glass of wine as she types furiously.)

Why  Raven?  EASY!

The Raven is the harbinger of change. My Raven was around a lot after I sent Wallflowers Don’t Wilt off to  Breathless Press. And then, I was offered a contract. Thanks Raven.

McAllan? EASY!

I live in Scotland. McAllan is a variation of the name of the BEST single malt in Scotland.

What else could I pick?

So O.K. It’s a pen name, but one with deep meaning for me. I hope you enjoy reading Raven’s books.

Why don’t you drop me a note and say Hi?

Looking forward to meeting you.

http://www.ravenmcallan.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/RavenMcAllan
http://www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/ravenmcallan
http://pinterest.com/ravensramblings/

*****

COMMENT TO WIN!

Raven is giving away the following as part of this tour:

• A $10 Breathless Press GC to one randomly drawn commenter
• 5 eBooks from Breathless Press (publisher’s choice) to one randomly drawn commenter
• 2 eBooks from Breathless Press (publisher’s choice) to one randomly drawn commenter

Make sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/11/virtual-book-tour-miss-simpkins-school.html