Stella Marie Alden

Why write a Medieval Romance?

Published by stella on January 11, 2016

StellaMarieAlden posts about her first Medieval Romance and how she dreamed up the idea.

People often ask me, where did the idea for your first romance come from? Why Medieval?

I wasn’t yet published but had attempted a contemporary romance as well as a paranormal. This was my third novel.

I’d just finished reading a regency-era romance novel. It was excellent except for the one thing that made me mad. Our hero, a duke, moaned and groaned throughout the whole book. His internal dialog was completely feminine in nature. That was it. I would write a hero, who never, ever, ever whined. He would be all macho male, yet have a deep soft spot for his wife.

I woke up the next morning, with an interesting ‘what if’. What if my hero was born before the concept of romantic love was so deeply ingrained into the culture. How would the couple talk about their feelings? What language would they use to convey their growing attraction? How far back in time would I need to go?

I decided to place my story in the high Medieval ages, before the plague. With just a little research, and having just returned from my first trip to Italy, I knew there was a mini-renaisance in Europe, just before the plague. And lastly, I wanted a relative time of peace. I chose, the late thirteenth century, in England.

What about the heroine? Honestly? She’s a lot like me; damaged from previous life events, yet never willing to be victim to her past. She’s an eternal optomist with a bright spirit and faith that cannot be put out. At times, I wish I could be more like her.

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StellaMarieAlden’s New Year’s Resolutions

StellaMarieAlden’s New Year’s Resolutions

Published by stella on January 7, 2016

Putting Medieval Romances aside for a moment.

I usually make my goals in the summertime, but maybe this year, I will do it with the resolutionary crowd. (That’s what we call them at the gym. A term reserved for the Jan, Feb, folks who are gone by March.)

I already exercise six hours a week, eat healthy, and have a attitude of gratitude. I get up at 5:30 AM, seven days a week, and write for at least two solid hours a day, (more on the weekend.)

I dream big. I love fully. I am grateful for all God’s graces.

I have a roof over my head, enough to eat, and enough to pay my bills. I have a growing retirement account so I can write all day long…some day.

Last year, I wrote two books. This year I would like to write three.

Last year I learned how to post on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. This year I would like to share more of that social media knowledge and help other authors be successful.

Last year, I wrote my first two books, and they were Amazon Bestsellers. This year, I would like to double my sales.

This year I would like to hold my tongue when it would tear down, and teach it to be more encouraging.

This year, I would like to take one political issue, such as gun control, and take a stand, and make a difference, even if it’s only minuscule.

Next year, at this time, I will sigh, and smile, and know I did my best to be more.

US: http://ow.ly/WjTXG
CA: http://ow.ly/WjU15
UK: http://ow.ly/WjU58

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Changed by Italy

Changed by Italy

Published by stella on January 5, 2016

As I return from my third trip to Italy, and my fourth trip overseas, I am filled with wonder. How can this happened yet again? I look in the mirror and it seems incongruous that the same face stares back.

Like a balloon that has been filled with air and then deflated, I am stretched and changed. I’m filled with sights and sounds of another age. I walked along Medieval paths and touched the slits in the walls from which arrows flew.

I stood in the square where traitors were burned at the stake. As I hiked up the narrow village paths, I ducked, hoping the over-ripe persimmons, known as cachi, would not fall upon my head.

I passed the old church wine cellar gate on the way to the castle where knights once held their ground.

We lit an ancient fireplace and cooked fish over the embers of beechwood; the best, I am told, for cooking.

I drank new wine from Uncle Tio, was fed by Luisa, and laughed with Fulvio, Stefano and the rest as we shared Christmas and the New Year. I stuffed myself on Panettone and drank cappucinno. I fell in love with my daughter Sarah’s extended family.

Truly, I am blessed beyond measure and I am not the same.

I have wonderful new ideas for my next set of Medieval Novels. Stop by occasionally and I will share!

For now, I hope you will enjoy a Romance in Medieval England. Choose one or both!

US: http://ow.ly/WjTXG
CA: http://ow.ly/WjU15
UK: http://ow.ly/WjU58

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New Year’s In Rome

Published by stella on December 31, 2015

Hi All,
Leaving beautiful Soriano nel Cimino today and going back to Rome for the New Year! I have many beautiful pictures and dreams of knights and heroines to bring home with me. The ghosts of these people walk the streets and night and call to me to write their love stories!

My First Books Are here:
Please enjoy!

How To Marry Your Wife

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Christmas Week in Italy – part Two

Published by stella on December 27, 2015

The view above is from the lounge of my hotel room. I just took a walk in the small market, bought a capello rosa and went to the Supermarcato. My husband, Rich, has the sniffles so we may take it easy today.

I learned about the history of this village, where an old woman warned the villagers of an approaching army. In my mind’s eye? It was a beautiful young woman, dressed as her grandmother. And so the imagination takes off.

If you want to read my first two books, here are the links:

US: Stella Marie Alden

Canada: Stella Marie Alden

UK: http://ow.ly/WltB

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Christmas in Italy

Published by stella on December 22, 2015

If you’d suggested, a few years ago, that I’d be spending Christmas, 2015 in a medieval village in Italy, I would’ve laughed my arse off. But it’s true. Tomorrow, my husband and I take off for Rome, and then to the lovely village of Soriano, just north of Rome, where we will spend some time with my daughter and her boyfriend’s family.

I am so excited, not only to see her, but to learn even more about our medieval past. It becomes so real when you walk into churches that were built in the thirteenth century.
I am sure there’s an Italian Medieval trilogy coming soon. I will be taking notes.

I will add more to this post from Italy.
Right now, I am sitting at home, mostly packed, and thinking about our journey.

I also have my ‘Learn Italian’ phone app, and am brushing up on my skills.

Buon Natale!

Felice Anno Nuovo!

While you wait, here are the links to my book!
US: Stella Marie Alden

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A New Interview With Myself

Published by stella on December 14, 2015

Hey! Where’re you going? I thought we were going to blog for a moment?

I’ve got a Zumba class in 15 minutes. Sorry. I hate interviews. Have I mentioned that?

Zumba? Really? I mean you’re getting on in years. I hope you take it easy…

Hell no. I take it to the max. I got calories to burn. I sit at a desk all day long.

What other workouts do you do?

I exercise at least six times a week. One step class, three Zumba classes, and two yoga classes. Listen, I really need to go…

That seems like a lot. When do you find time to write?

I get up at 5:30 seven days a week and write for at least two hours.

How impressive. How do you force yourself to do that?

Huh? Force? I’ve heard other people say what ‘hard work’ writing is. It’s not like that for me. What is hard, is to STOP writing. I wish I could write all day and all night.

I see you’ve published two medieval romances. Is there a particular reason you chose that genre?

Ha. ‘How to Train Your Knight’ was the first to get noticed by a publisher and my best at that time. I have a couple contemporary novels and a paranormal story just waiting for me to go back and get them ready for print. I wish I had more time…

Did you always want to be a writer?

Uh… no…. Honestly? For the longest time, I didn’t think beyond saving for my kids’ college, paying my bills, and getting a good night’s sleep. Being able to write is a recent discovery. I learned I can paint watercolors, as well. I sold a few in a gallery. And I learned to tile, and ah, code, manage a software project… I think as we get older, our capacity to learn increases. Don’t you?

Hmmm. Most would disagree.

You really are a Debbie Downer. Got a case of the Mondays? You get one more question. As I said, I have a workout.

What advice would you give new writers?

First of all? Do you love it? If not, find something else to do. If yes, then write every spare minute you have and then, if you are serious? Get some professional feedback and get better at your art. Then write some more and get more feedback, and write some more and get your work out there. And dream big and get published and write some more.

Sorry self. I gotta go. We can talk later.

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MY GOOD FRIEND CHANTEL SEABROOK!!!

Published by stella on December 10, 2015

Sale Blitz Blog Tour

Chasing Payne

By: Chantel Seabrook

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Lion shapeshifter, Agent
Chase Payne, doesn’t have time for distractions — especially the kind that
involve his best friend’s younger sister. He has a job to do: leading his team
of Therian agents to fight against those who would expose their kind to the
world.

Lora Oliver wants to be a
Therian agent, but secrets from her past have damaged the bond between her
human and animal natures, and threaten to destroy everything she’s worked so
hard for, along with the people she loves.

Lora struggles to retain control and keep her secrets buried, while Chase
denies what he feels for Lora. And then, one kiss changes everything.

Chase paced the room for several moments before sitting on
the edge of the desk with his arms crossed over his powerful chest.
“You’re ready to risk your life?”

He wasn’t trying to hide his disapproval, and Lora felt her
own irritation mounting. “I don’t have a death wish if that’s what you’re
asking.”

His gaze locked on her, watching her with a silent intensity
that was more than unnerving. It was downright intimidating.

“I’ll be honest—I don’t like this.” He uncrossed
his arms and gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles whitening. “There
are other jobs within the agency that don’t pose any risk.”

Was he freaking serious? So it was all right for him to risk
his life, but not her? Bullshit! She wouldn’t let Chase Payne bully her into
leaving. She’d worked too hard over the past year to get where she was.

“If you don’t want to be my supervisor, I can ask Jacob
to reassign me.”

“No.” A snarl resonated from his chest. A dominant
sound, meant to intimidate.

Damn him. The man reeked of scare tactics. He wouldn’t win.
She wouldn’t let him. Did he really think she would back down that easily?
She’d grown up in a houseful of alpha males, all fighting for control.

“I graduated top in my class. I’m more than qualified
to—”

He moved so quickly that she barely had time to react.
Placing his hands on the arms of her chair, he leaned over her, blue eyes
blazing, his face inches from her own. “To what?”

She swallowed hard and bit her lip. His hot breath tickled
her cheek, and his male scent surrounded her like a musky cocoon, turning her
insides to mush.

To her horror, a small whimper escaped her lips.

A hard smile played across his mouth, his gaze cool and
calculating. “Tell me, Lora, what are you qualified to do?”

Arrogance.

Power.

Pure male confidence.

His eyes remained locked on hers, daring her to challenge
him. Her animal stalked, paced, rumbling to get out, clouding her mind with
dark, dangerous desire. He was so close, his mouth tempting her, drawing her—

Without thinking, she grabbed his collar, yanked him down to
her level and drew his mouth towards her own. Her lips brushed against his, and
he went still.

Oh god, what was she doing? She knew she should stop, but
something primal pushed her forward. She dragged her tongue across his lips and
felt the tiniest shudder rip through his body.

His tongue swept against hers and for a mouth-watering
moment, he returned her kiss, setting fire to her senses. Years of dreaming
about Chase Payne hadn’t prepared her for the electrifying sensation that
coursed through her body.

A groan reverberated in his throat, low and deep, a sexual
sound that left her panting for more. Lust rippled through her body, invading
her senses. He tasted sweet, with a mix of tanginess and just a hint of spice.
She couldn’t stop even if she wanted to. Her animal growled, wanting more,
needing more.

He broke the connection with a sudden jerk backwards. His
eyes wide, dark with desire and something akin to fear. “What the
hell?”

A hint of satisfaction rolled through her. For the first
time in her life, she felt like she had the upper hand. She looked up at him
and smirked. “I’m qualified in more areas than you know.”

FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED/99 CENTS LIMITED TIME ONLY!

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Chantel Seabrook currently resides in London, Ontario, with
her husband and two daughters. She is passionate about writing and enjoys
reading fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fi_ction. Chantel has a
four-year Anthropology degree from Western

University

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Stella channels the past?

Published by stella on December 8, 2015

The weirdest thing happened this morning and I just have to share it.

For those of you that don’t know me, I’m generally considered an extremely level-headed woman, I know well the difference between making things up and reality.

So that is why I am FREAKING OUT!

The heroine in my third book is entirely fictional and is supposed to be the only living survivor of King Magnus, the last of the Norse rulers on the Isle of Man. In my story, the King of Scotland, who conquered the Manx, decides to put her on the throne, as an effort to win the goodwill of the people. I made up a haughty female to be able to spar with the alpha knight I have in mind.

This morning, while doing some research on the ‘Isle of Man,’ I found an obscure reference to another, written by a scholar at Western Michigan University. In it, I read that there actually was a queen on the isle of Man in the same decade in which I am writing! She was the closest living heir to the last king of Man,

I had no idea.

SHIVERS.

http://www.medievalists.net/2012/09/16/viking-women-in-the-isle-of-man/

http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1057&context=hilltopreview

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Pinterest for Dummies

Published by stella on December 6, 2015

Having trouble getting started with Pinterest? I did, too! But now I have over 80 boards to share other novels and promote my own!

A few months ago, I made a Pinterest account. I created a couple of boards. I pinned my cover art into those boards. Then I got stuck.

I looked at other author’s profiles and they had tens of book boards. I clicked on a few. Some said, “Feel free to pin.”

Huh? Feel free to pin. HOW? Who owns this board? How do I get that lovely “plus” sign and EDIT tag? Gosh darn it. I searched the web and they all assumed I knew the basics. I shouted. I screamed. I asked…. but I must be a little slow, because I just didn’t get it.

Then, like a genie streaming out of a bottle, one day I figured out how to ask if I could join as a pinner to someone else’s board.

If you don’t have a Pinterest account, you can start here.

Using your email, create a login and password. You might want to click on business, if you are a professional .
Instead of choosing one of the home feeds presented, type in ‘books’ or ‘novels’. Choose five or more feeds to follow from that result.
Get the Pinterest button
Confirm your email address

Now it is time to make a board…

Do so again.
Click on Edit Profile and fill in the form.
Create three empty boards. This is quite easy, There is an icon in the middle of the page. One board should be the title of your novel. One should be ‘Books To Promote’ and one should be your Author name.
Click on the red pin again. You should see your blank boards. Click on it. You can paste one pin from anyplace you like. You can always delete it. You can search for me, Stella Marie Alden, if you like.
Pin one pin to your board. Now you will see an “add a pin” box. You can click on that, and use it to pin your cover art from your hard drive or someplace on the web. ALWAYS fill in the website to your BUY-LINK in the edit pin section.

Get familiar with this process and make a few personal boards. But this isn’t really helping to sell your novel. To do that you must connect with readers, but how?

You can use my board as a test.

Type ‘BOOKS, A PLACE TO PROMOTE’ in your search window.
Click on Boards
Click on the board for Stella Marie Alden
Click on the little white box on the upper left with a plus sign plus a number.
Click on the creator. (me)
Next to the follow/unfollow button there is a gear. Click it. That is where you can message me and ask for an invite.

The polite and well-mannered Pinterest pinner, would invite me to pin to their board. To do that, go back to your pubic board, click on the red invite, and paste my name into the invite form, to the left of the word, invite.

This technique will generally work on boards that say, “Feel free to pin.”

I sure hope this helps!! Stay tuned and I will add some images. Did this help you? Leave a comment and let me know!

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