Giveaway Winner - The Splintered Oak!

The giveaway for my Crusades short story The Splintered Oak closed last night, and the winner is....

Raechel

I'll be contacting you via e-mail with information on your prize.

Thanks!

GIVEAWAY - The Splintered Oak: A Short Story of the First Crusade

To make a long story short...The Splintered Oak: A Short Story of the First Crusade is now available on Amazon. (Keep reading to find out more about the giveaway....)

It's rather amazing how quickly the publishing process can work when only e-books are involved. Yesterday, I sent the manuscript off to my proof reader. Her kids have been spending their summer at the pool, which gives her a lot of reading time. She sped through the story and gave me her edits this morning. I made changes and then uploaded the book to Amazon around 9:30am. Shortly after lunch time, a quick search revealed that The Splintered Oak is now a published work.

This short story is a tale I really wanted to put into my First Crusade novel, Road from the West, but since that book focuses on the southern branch of the Crusade, and this story comes from the northern branch, try as I might, I couldn't jimmy it in. It works very well as a standalone short story, however, and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

Here, without any more ado, is the cover and the blurb.

A Tale of Danger, Duplicity, Cunning, and Conviction 

Archbishop Rothard would like nothing more than to find out which of his three clerks is spying for the Holy Roman Emperor, but when a crowd of Crusaders come clamoring to kill the Jews of Mainz, he must set his own plans aside and make the difficult decision of which side to take....

I would like to give away a copy of this new release to one of my blog readers! I am offering winner's choice of a Kindle copy or a PDF if the winner is from the US, or a PDF if the winner is international.

Please comment on this post with your e-mail address to enter the giveaway. The giveaway will end Friday, July 11, at midnight PST.

Thanks for reading!

Castles, Customs, and Kings: Goodreads Giveaway

Where have I been for the last three weeks? (Or is it the last eight months?) Reading history essays for an anthology that Madison Street Publishing is putting out next month.

One more week till the final proofreading deadline for Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors. Then it will go back to the book designer for finishing touches and be released on September 23. This is the longest book we've published so far at Madison Street Publishing, well over 500 pages. It's also been a challenging project, coordinating text edits from 50+ authors.

But despite the challenges--or perhaps because of them--this book is shaping up to be one of the most exciting items in our catalog. The cover is beautiful, the essays are a history-lover's dream, and if you don't treat yourself to an early Christmas present on September 23...well, let's just say you will be missing out. :-)

We're running a giveaway of two copies of the book on Goodreads for the month leading up to the release. Feel free to enter and spread the word!

 
 

    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 

   

       
   

   

     

          Castles, Customs, and Kings
     
     

          by Debra  Brown
     

     

         
            Giveaway ends September 23, 2013.
         
         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         
     
   
   

      Enter to win

Hearts through History Giveaway WINNER

And the winner of a paperback copy of I Serve for the Hearts through History giveaway is...

Linda Brower

Congrats, Linda! I'll be e-mailing you to get your shipping information.

Thanks to everyone who commented and participated in the blog hop, and thanks especially to Maria Grace for organizing it. Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Edward III and His Sweetheart Philippa: Hearts through History Blog H-O-P

All next week I'm participating in the Valentine’s Hearts Through History Blog Hop! Hop from site to site and enjoy lovey-dovey anecdotes from history to celebrate Valentine's Day. Each stop is also offering a giveaway, so be sure to click over to the rest of the sites through the links at the end of this post.

The story I want to share with you is about Edward III and his wife Philippa. Edward III was one of England's most martial kings, famous for initiating the Hundred Years' War with France. But he had a softer side too, and that side was reserved for his wife Philippa.

Edward married Philippa of Hainault when he was just sixteen years old. She was just fourteen. The marriage was arranged by Edward's mother Isabella who wanted to secure an alliance with Hainault, a county near Flanders on the continent. But although it was an arranged marriage, that does not preclude romance--out of all the available daughters of the count, Edward specifically requested that Philippa be the one for him.

Edward and Philippa had a very felicitous marriage which produced thirteen children--enough sons to later cause the inheritance problems which led to the Wars of the Roses. Edward is reputed to have been faithful to his wife until near to the end. (He took a mistress while his wife was terminally ill with dropsy, or a similar disease).

Froissart, a historian who served in Queen Philippa's court, records this story about Edward and Philippa during the siege of Calais. The year was 1348. The city had just capitulated after a year-long siege. And Edward was hopping mad that he had wasted twelve whole months trying to subdue it. He decided, at first, that he would offer the town no terms--meaning, that the citizens would likely be put to the sword. When his nobles remonstrated with him, begging him to be a merciful conqueror, he ameliorated his demands to this: that six of the leading citizens come out of the city and kneel before him with halters around their necks. Edward's nobles pleaded for mercy again, but this time he would not budge. He would have his revenge on the city of Calais--those six burghers would pay the price for their city's obstinacy. Froissart writes:

The king looked cruelly on them, for greatly he hated the people of Calais for the great damages and displeasures they had done him on the sea before. Then he commanded their heads to be stricken off: then every man entreated the king for mercy, but he would hear no man in that behalf….  

Then the queen, being great with child, kneeled down and sore weeping said: “Ah, gentle sir, since I passed the sea in great peril, I have desired nothing of you; therefore now I humbly require you in the honour of the Son of the Virgin Mary and for the love of me that ye will take mercy of these six burgesses.”  

The king beheld the queen and stood still in a study a space, and then said: “Ah dame, I would ye had been as now in some other place; ye make such request to me that I cannot deny you. Wherefore I give them to you, to do your pleasure with them.”

This story is perhaps not the usual one that comes to mind when you think of a lovey-dovey historical anecdote, but what shows greater love than this--that a king, unused to being crossed, would give up his revenge for the sake of the love that he bore to his wife? That, my friends, is a love story worth telling. 

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And now, one lucky person will win a copy of my book I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince. Edward, Black Prince of Wales, was one of those thirteen children that Philippa bore to Edward III. He crossed the Channel with his father to wage war against France, and he was there that fateful day at Calais when his mother entreated his father's clemency. A tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor--leave a comment on this post and fill out the form below to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
* * * * *

Don't forget to visit the other sites in the Hearts through History Blog Hop!

1. Random Bits of Fascination (Maria Grace)
2. Pillings Writing Corner (David Pilling)
3. Sally Smith O’Rourke
4. Darcyholic Diversions (Barbara Tiller Cole)
5. Faith, Hope and Cherry Tea
6. Rosanne Lortz
7. Sharon Lathan
8. Debra Brown
9. Heyerwood   (Lauren Gilbert)
10. Regina Jeffers
11. Ginger Myrick
12. Anna Belfrage
13. Fall in love with history (Grace Elliot)
14. Nancy Bilyeau
15. Wendy Dunn
16. E.M. Powell
17. Georgie Lee
18. The Riddle of Writing (Deborah Swift)
19. Outtakes from a Historical Novelist (Kim Rendfeld)
20. The heart of romance (Sherry Gloag)
21. A day in the life of patootie (Lori Crane)
22. Karen Aminadra
23. Dunhaven Place (Heidi Ashworth)
24. Stephanie Renee dos Santos

A Grim and Bloody Time: The Fourteenth Century World of I Serve

Today I have a guest post up at Fly High about the fourteenth century setting of my first book, I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince.

It was a grim time—one of the greatest disasters imaginable overtook the Western world, with nearly half the European population perishing in the Black Plague. It was a bloody time—France and England became locked in the interminable struggle known as the Hundred Years’ War, with the Scots, the Spaniards, and the Germans participating intermittently. 

But despite these harsh realities, the fourteenth century was also a seminal time—an era of change, courage, and determination.... (read more)

Maria over at Fly High is also doing a giveaway of I Serve. It's a paperback copy available internationally, and the entry deadline is September 10. Head on over there if you'd like to win a tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor.

Kindle or Paperback: Two Ways to get I Serve FREE This Week

A tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor.... Monday and Tuesday (April 30 & May 1) I am running a free promotional of I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince on Kindle. Head on over to Amazon to get your free copy today.

E-books aren't your cup of tea? I am also offering one paperback in a giveaway over at the English Historical Fiction Authors blog. Head over there and enter by commenting with your e-mail address. (Available internationally.)

The End of the Road

The flavor of today is bittersweet. On the one hand, Road from the West received an excellent review from The True Book Addict who called it a "well-researched and captivating account." Yesterday, the same blog offered a giveaway of my book and featured a guest post I'd written titled, "Modern Perceptions of the Crusades." What could be more exciting for an author?

On the other hand, today marks the close of the Road from the West blog tour with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, and I'm a little sad to see it end. It's been a fabulous month and a half traveling the blogosphere with reviews, giveaways, guest posts, and author interviews, stopping at around 25 of the best book blogs out there. Amy Bruno, from HFVBT, has been the consummate professional in organizing this blog tour, keeping me apprised of every detail and making sure books are mailed, interview questions are answered, and reviews are posted on time. If you are a historical novelist looking for a publicity outlet, I strongly recommend HFVBT.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the bloggers who participated in my book tour! The help that you give to authors is invaluable as we reach out to find an audience for our work. I've greatly benefitted from both your criticisms and your accolades, and I've discovered some new favorite blogs that I'll definitely be visiting now and again.

The Owl Bookmark Blog - Interview and Giveaway

Today, as part of my virtual book tour, I am being interviewed over at The Owl Bookmark Blog where I get to answer questions like, "What was the easiest part of writing Road from the West?" and, "What do you have planned to write next?" Rumor has it there's also a giveaway in full swing, so if you still want to win a copy of Road from the West, head on over there to enter.

Bippity Boppity Book - Review and Giveaway

Today Road from the West is being reviewed over at Bippity Boppity Book. This is a blog I love to stop by quite often, and it is also the host of the Chivalrous Deeds: Historical Fiction Challenge which I am participating in this year. Head on over there to participate in the giveaway or to read the rest of this review:

As someone who has never read a thing about the First Crusade, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.... I liked the main character Tancred because it is clear that even though he was raised by his Uncle, their ideologies are completely different and Tancred proves himself time and again throughout the Crusade that his Uncle’s way is not the only way.  Also as a former Soldier I liked that Tancred was all about what was best for his Soldiers and able to swallow his pride for their benefit....

Peeking between the Pages - Review and Giveaway

Today's stop on the virtual book tour is over at Peeking between the Pages. Head on over there for a giveaway and to read the rest of this review of Road from the West:

The author’s writing is very descriptive and really brought to life this time period for me. What I enjoyed most about this novel is that it wasn’t only about battles and blood and guts. It was actually about the people – the soldiers and what they were thinking and planning. Yes there were battles but I came away from this novel caring about some of the characters like Tancred and Alexandra.  From the beginning of the story I felt drawn to Tancred and his family and it made me want to read more.

Just One More Paragraph - Guest Post and Giveaway

On Monday, Just One More Paragraph gave a very favorable review of Road from the West, and today I have a guest post and giveaway at the same blog. Movies and history are the topic, and the title is "The Crusades and the Silver Screen." Head on over there to see my opinion of period pieces like Orlando Bloom's Kingdom of Heaven and Nicolas Cage's Season of the Witch.

A Bookish Affair - Review and Giveaway

Today Road from the West finds itself at A Bookish Affair for a review and another giveaway! Head on over there and enter to win a copy and see the rest of this review:

One of the things that I liked about this book is that although it takes place during a war, there isn't a lot of time spent on the battles themselves. The book covers more of the behind the scenes of what's going on. It talks more about what people were thinking as they marched towards the unknown.... Bottom line: This was a great adventure story with an interesting perspective.

Broken Teepee - Guest Post and Giveaway

Broken Teepee, one blog that did a very nice review of Road from the West last week, is today featuring a Guest Post by yours truly and a giveaway. Head on over there to learn about "The Rise of the Knights Templar" or to enter for a free copy of Road from the West.

Author Interview and Giveaway - Unabridged Chick

Today as part of the blog tour for Road from the West, Unabridged Chick is featuring an author interview and a giveaway. Head on over for another chance to win a copy of my new release, or to hear the answers to exciting questions like, "What was the plot of your very first piece of fiction?".

From the TBR Pile - Guest Post and Giveaway

Today on the Road from the West blog tour, I have a guest post and (another!) giveaway at From the TBR Pile. The guest post is titled "Falling in Love with Historical Fiction," and it talks about how I came to adore this genre. You can head on over there to read it and enter for another chance to win your own copy of Road from the West.

The Maiden's Court - Guest Post and Giveaway

Today The Maiden's Court, one of the historical fiction blogs on my Road from the West book tour, is featuring a guest post by me titled "Why the First Crusade?" Click on over there if you're interested in knowing why I picked this subject to write on.

The Maiden's Court is also hosting a giveaway for one copy of Road from the West--visit her site and enter to win!

Road from the West ARC Giveaway - WINNER!

The Road from the West Advanced Reading Copy giveaway ended yesterday. Thank you everyone who entered and shared about the giveaway! Random.org selected number "49" for us, and the winner is....

* * * Elijah Tuuri * * *

Congratulations, Elijah! You'll be getting the Road from the West ARC three weeks before its release date on September 2.

Thanks for participating, everyone!

Desultory Remarks III

There are quite a few exciting tidbits in the publicity front. Yesterday I had a featured interview on the Kindle Author blog discussing I Serve and my journey as a writer. You can read the interview here and learn fascinating things like "how I develop my characters" and "which authors have inspired me."

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Goodreads is currently running a giveaway of FOUR Advanced Reading Copies of Road from the West. 

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Road from the West

by Rosanne E. Lortz

Giveaway ends August 15, 2011.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

And if the odds for the Goodreads giveaway are too daunting, the giveaway for one ARC from this blog is still running until August 8. Click here to fill out the form and enter.

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I mailed out dozens of Advanced Review Copies a week and a half ago, and it's fun to see ARC's arriving in the Mailbox Monday posts by several HF book bloggers. I'm looking forward to the Road from the West Blog Tour, put together by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and running from September 2 to October 20. There are twenty-six blogs participating with reviews, interviews, and guest posts--which reminds me, I have seven guest posts to write up for the tour and less than seven weeks to do it in. I better get working on those....

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Cynthia Robertson has an excellent post against "The Cult of the Short Sentence" on her blog. Some writers feel that any sentence with more than ten or twelve words is too complex for the modern reader and must be broken into smaller sentences, but Cynthia feels otherwise and provides example after example of powerful prose using extended clauses, creative punctuation, and multiple conjunctions, including one excerpt from Hemingway that lasts 424 words before reaching a full stop.  

Road from the West - ARC Giveaway!

ROAD FROM THE WEST: BOOK I OF THE CHRONICLES OF TANCRED


A tale of Courage, Conquest, Intrigue, and Honor. 

You've heard of the Knights Templar, you've heard of Richard the Lionheart—now learn the story that started it all with the adventures of the First Crusade. 

Haunted by guilt from the past and nightmares of the future, a young Norman named Tancred takes the cross and vows to be the first to free Jerusalem from the infidels. As he journeys to the Holy Land, he braves vast deserts, mortal famine, and the ever-present ambushes of the enemy Turks—but the greatest danger of all is deciding which of the Crusader lords to trust. A mysterious seer prophesies that Tancred will find great love and great sorrow on his journey, but the second seems intent on claiming him before he can find the first. Intrigues and passions grow as every battle brings the Crusaders one step closer to Jerusalem. Not all are destined to survive the perilous road from the West.

It's less than a month and a half till Road from the West: Book I of the Chronicles of Tancred releases on September 2. I have been busy getting all the Advanced Reading Copies out to reviewers for the Road from the West blog tour. Yes, they get to read it early--and so can you if you win this giveaway! I have one ARC left over which I am delighted to offer to the winner of this challenge.

• 1 entry - Fill out the form below with your name and e-mail address
• 3 additional entries - Be a follower of this blog and mention this on the form
• 5 additional entries - Share this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. and provide a link on the form