Saturday, September 10, 2016

Working on the Next Book

I've come to the conclusion that summer is way too short. Either that, or I need a permanent vacation to accomplish all the writing I need to do in a year.

Three summers ago, I was on vacation in Narragansett, Rhode Island with my daughter and mother. I completed the first draft of three novellas and started on the next to last novel of the Reluctant Grooms.

Two summers ago, I wrote and published the final book in the Reluctant Grooms series.





Last summer, I completed the first draft of four novellas and three short stories to go along with the beginning of a detective series I just couldn't get out of my head and if I didn't write it down I would regret it for the rest of my life. (I'm still working on this.)





This summer, I completed a novel I started four years ago--the first in the new Regency romance series--Ladies of Dunbury. I began on July 5th and wrote The End on August 6th. I published early because my editor didn't really have any comments about the manuscript other than my usage of the wrong apostrophe nearly drove her to madness.



I have now begun the process of writing the next book in the Ladies of Dunbury Series.


Lady Faith Curtiss, daughter of the late Duke of Trowbridge, understands the responsibility of a title. However, it doesn’t seem to matter much anymore. Impoverished since her mother’s death, she and her sisters have come to live with their other cousins, all of them orphans and dependent upon their uncle, Henry Wade, the Marquess of Dunbury whose only aim is to marry them off as quickly as possible.

When Faith meets the new curate of the parish, her heart is seized. Peter Williams is all that is good and kind in a man. He is also brilliant, handsome, and has made it known he is waiting until her eighteenth birthday to ask for her hand.

However, her uncle is looking in another direction for Faith—the Earl-next-door—who is amenable to the idea of marrying into the Marquisate. Faith rejects the idea of taking her rightful place in Society, just for propriety’s sake, but the Earl is nearly perfect.

While Faith vacillates on the Earl’s proposal, it seems the new housekeeper at the parsonage also has her eye on the new curate and with her title the only thing standing in the way of true love, Faith is torn between marrying for the money, or fighting for her heart’s desire. 


Unfortunately,  my writing schedule is in flux. Not good, but I'm working on my time management skills. I hope to have the book finished by Thanksgiving and published by Christmas.

I'll try and keep up with this blog as it warrants, but honestly, I'd rather write than blog. If you don't want to miss a post, you can always sign up to receive them in your inbox. Look on the right hand column to where it says "Subscribe to my posts via email".>>>>>>>>

I tend to post my word counts on Twitter (once I start writing) @gallagher_anne
So if you'd like to keep up with where I am on the book, you can check in there.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll see you when I do.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, August 28, 2016

The Captain's Coincidence is FREE for a Short Time

I decided to set THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE and LADY CADORET'S LONGING to FREE across all channels, because, well, I can.

Richard is one of my all-time favorite characters. He goes through so much angst before he finally admits he's in love with Amanda. And even thought the book was a bear to write (nautical adventure involving the high seas) it's gotten very nice reviews. (So, I guess I did a good job.)

I also set LADY CADORET'S LONGING to FREE because that is the least read of all my novellas. And I don't know why. I think it's a nice story. Yes, it should be longer (as most of my novellas should be -- according to my reviews), but it's not. Perhaps we'll find Daniel and Dorcas in my new series Ladies of Dunbury.

Here is some link love if you'd like to get them before they're not
free anymore. (Hover over the grey links and click. It will take you to the page directly.)


itunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/anne-gallagher/id485660383?mt=11

Kobo
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=Anne%20Gallagher&fcsearchfield=Author

Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnneGallagher

Barnes&Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-captains-coincidence-anne-gallagher/1118908138?ean=2940046587098

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Gallagher/e/B005S5TCL0/
(As of this writing the books have not been set to free yet. It usually takes a couple of days for the bots to catch up with the other channels.)

And let's not forget a little shameless promotion for the latest in my repertoire--
REGRETS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The first novel in the latest series Ladies of Dunbury
on sale for a limited time for $2.99



Happy Reading!

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Regrets and Responsibilities is Published

Quick post today. Just wanted to let you know REGRETS AND RESPONSIBILITIES is out early. You can find it at your preferred e-tailer. (I hope. itunes is notoriously slow.)



School starts this week. I've already finished the first three chapters of the second book in the series and hope to have that out by Thanksgiving.

Happy Reading.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, August 14, 2016

My New Characters Are On Pinterest

Quick post today. If you'd like to see the cast of characters I've chosen for the first book in my new series The Ladies of Dunbury can hop through on the link to Pinterest.

REGRETS and RESPONSIBILITIES.




Thanks,
Anne


Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Fudging History

Coming September 1
When I began writing the first book of the Reluctant Grooms Series over  a decade ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I only knew I loved the genre of Regency romance. It took a few years for me to become a "working author" and in doing so, I realized there was a lot more research involved than I ever could imagine.

But that's what history is for. To teach us the lessons of the past. The internet is to keep those lessons alive and I think, relevant. Not everything is true, of course, but for those history buffs who keep the old ways within our grasp, we can easily click and compare different sources for accuracy. I love the internet. It is SO MUCH better than going to the library and used book stores.

Henry Wade,
Marquess of Dunbury
I like to think of myself as a Regency era romance writer first, in the style of Jane Austen  (rather than Georgette Heyer), and secondly as a teller of historical fiction. I like to weave the major political players of the time in with the mix -- the Napoleonic Wars are absolutely rife with political intrigue and high drama. So far I believe I have done a pretty good job of it. I'm not perfect and sometimes I will "fudge" the truth about how I see history. As a writer, its' my job to discover what makes us human, what emotions drive us, and how we react in certain situations.

For example, my portrayal of the Prince Regent is of a lonely wounded man, his life a shambles because of past mistakes and present circumstances. On the outside, history portrays him as a drunken, debauched, spender of money, who built lavish architecture and surrounded himself with only the best money could buy -- the people's money. Nobody liked him. Not even his father, the King.

I chose to look deeper into what made George turn out in such a way. It seems he had to
Hugh Bonneville as
Prince George in
This Charming Man
release the love of his life, a divorced Catholic, who was fourteen years older than him. Maria Fitzherbert. The Pope refused to recognize the union, as well as the King, and Parliament, and made George give her up. Needless to say, George went absolutely nuts.

I would have too. He wasn't king then. His father still held the throne and seemed to be in very good health. Why could he not marry the woman he loved? So he did, but then things got ugly and George was forced to let her go. (Can you even imagine it?)

And so, with Maria's departure, I have given His Royal Highness a reason to be drunk and debauched. And depressed. And when he meets with Haverlane in THE LADY'S FATE, he says, "Do not let anyone let you stand in the way of love."

In REGRETS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, I tug at history a little differently. Henry Wade, Marquess of Dunbury is responsible for 6 nieces, assorted servants, and the various demands of his position in Parliament. But he's broke, and he doesn't want anyone to find out, so he mortgages the farm, (literally), to have a little bankroll before he begins his new life.
Stephen Carlton,
Duke of Cantin

His best friend, Stephen Carlton, tells him he's got a job offer for him. Parliament wants him to be the new Minister of London Security.

There was not a Minister of London Security in the Cabinet in 1808 in England. I created it. As a  Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Army, I also allowed Henry to be in several key locations during the siege of Portugal. He and Arthur Wellesley (who later became the Duke of Wellington) had been chasing the bad buys all over Denmark. Henry also saw some of the uprising in India. He had been a soldier all of his adult life.

Sir Graham Moore,
by Thomas Lawrence
So, for him to return as decorated war hero, naturally some of his friends would rally to find him a decent living. Parliament agreed, and they set Henry up in a new career. His job description, as such, was to unite the individual police forces within the city of London to coalesce into a unified police force.

Bow Street Runners
Horse Guards
Marine Patrol
Dockside Patrols

Um, this did actually happen, but not until 1839.

However, I write, Timeless Romance with Modern Day Dilemmas

I think it fitting that Henry has a somewhat unique situation on his hands. He has all these challenges coming at him from every direction -- six nieces, a very demanding job, the lure of an old lover, the prospect of a new one, and to top it all off, I gave Henry PTSD. I've called it Soldier's Nerves. In the Civil War they called it Soldier's Heart. Or Homesickness Disease. In the story, I've allowed the good Doctor Blakestock to explain it to Henry.

So, there you have it. How I've fudged history in my latest Regency romance novel.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016


Sunday, July 31, 2016

The New Book is Almost Finished

It has been almost four months since I've last posted. To make a long story short, my ex-husband fell off my roof cleaning the gutters and broke both of his feet March 9. He's been sleeping in my kitchen in a hospital bed for the last three months. ( Thankfully, my kitchen is huge.) Naturally, being the made-for-tv nurse that I am, I had to take care of him. But now, he's walking around, and I've been back to writing since July 4th weekend.

And guess what? The first book in the Ladies of Dunbury series is almost finished. 87,213 words so far. The end is almost in sight.

I know I've been talking about this for almost four years, but for those of you who are new to the blog or have simply forgotten what this is all about, here's a general recap.

Henry Wade, if you remember, made his appearance in LADY OLIVIA'S UNDOING in the Reluctant Grooms series. He and Olivia were in love when they were younger and not permitted to marry. Henry lost a duel to Reginald Leighton and his punishment was to leave the country so he joined the Army. Thirty-five years later he returns.

And that's where the story begins. The Ladies of Dunbury series starts in 1807 when Henry returns from the wars. Right from the get-go, Henry's life is not what he expects. 

The governess bears a striking resemblance to Olivia. And Olivia is not who expected her to be. His nieces are charming, impeccable creatures who only wish to buy new clothes and fall in love. But the men they love are commoners. Not acceptable for someone in Henry's position.

Henry is indefatigable and nothing gets him down. Even when suffering from bouts of Solder's Nerves and relapsing malaria. Even when he's falling in love with the governess and doesn't realize it. Even when people try to kill him. Henry Wade realizes there is nothing more important than his family and he will do anything to protect them.

So there you have it. The new book. 


In this story, (as well as the others) you'll see where I've woven in characters from the other series, most notably Robert Carlton (THE DUKE'S DIVORCE) and Richard Gaines (THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE). And as I move forward with the new series, you'll read more of the old character's backstory and what leads them into the Reluctant Grooms.




Anyway, that's where I am and what I have been doing. I'm planning to release the new book on September 1. 

Here's the cover.



After nearly forty years in the Army, Henry Wade, the Marquess of Dunbury, finally returns to London to officially claim his father’s title, hopefully to reunite with his long lost love, and to exact revenge on the man who ruined his life. Add six orphaned nieces into the mix, and suddenly, Henry’s life is upside down. Marrying them off seems like a fine plan, but finding suitable husbands for them is an impossible task.

They all wish to marry for love.



Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, April 10, 2016

The Reluctant Grooms Series is Now Available Everywhere*

I recently published three separate volumes of The Reluctant Grooms Series on Amazon.




They are now available everywhere else.

Here are the links to the retailers

Kobo

Smashwords

Amazon

NOOK (US only)

itunes

*Coming Soon to Google Play, Bookmate, Prestigio Plaza, IBS, and 24Symbols.


*****

In other news, I am still playing nursemaid. My ex is camped out in the den in a hospital bed. He fell off the roof cleaning the gutters and broke the heel in his left foot. He needs surgery. Grievous injury indeed.

I am not writing. I am doing the yard work that my ex was supposed to do. I caught Poison Ivy last week. All over my legs and forearms. Not fun.

I am also Spring Cleaning. Something my house sorely needs.  As soon as the weather breaks and I can put my plants outside I plan to start ripping up more carpet. This time it's the upper stairs and hallway, and the back bedroom. I would honestly rather live on plywood than carpet. (Until I install the new wood floors.)

I'm hoping that once things settle down I'll be able to find a cohesive schedule and return to the business at hand -- writing. It is my "real" job after all.

I will keep you updated as I can.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, March 13, 2016

In the Loop

Wondering if I could use that particular jargon in my Regency romance novel, I looked it up online. Seems there are several theories of where the phrase originated. One has to do with WWII aviators. One to 1960's computers. Along that same vein, another theory to NASA and the space flights. Another has two electromagnets buried along a line of current in 1890. The word loop is originally used in cloth making.

In the loop means to be kept abreast of the current situation.

1) I found three lines I wanted to use in my second Regency title. I know that probably doesn't mean much to you all, but I can build a whole story around those lines. Which is exactly how I began my first ever Regency romance THE LADY'S MASQUERADE.

2) I am releasing my contemporary romantic women's fiction under Anne Gallagher. They should be out to all retailers by the end of March.












I really like both of these books. I wrote A REASON TO STAY nine years ago. It was an experiment in the five-act structure. MR. CHARMING started off as magazine articles about three years ago. It took me this long to figure out a plot to go with it. There are several recurring themes in both books. I have two more planned in that series.

3) The man who lives with my daughter and me had an unfortunate accident last Wednesday. My full-time occupation is now nurse, not writer. His injuries are so grievous, I fear it will be sometime before I get back to any kind of writing.

Therefore, this blog will be on hiatus.  I do not think I will be back until autumn.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Book Bundles on Amazon

I don't know why I haven't mentioned this before--I thought I had-- The Reluctant Grooms Series is currently for sale as a 3 bundle set on Amazon.



 Each bundle is $3.99 for a limited time. They're also available on Kindle Unlimited until March 22.  You can get them here. 

Each bundle follows the series in order.

After March 22, they will be available through all other retailers so, if you're a member of KU, I'd get them while I can. They won't be back there.


Anne Gallagher (c) 2016



Sunday, January 31, 2016

When All Hope Is Lost Paperback is Published

Shame on me. I uploaded all the other books to paperback last summer and never got around to finishing the job. Well, I did it this week, and after reviewing and approving the proof, I can proudly say, The Reluctant Grooms series is complete.





Lady Olivia is a woman bereft—she’s lost the man she loved, her home of nearly forty years, and her title. Never one to back down from a fight, this time she walks away. There’s nothing left for her in London. She plans to live out the rest of her solitary life at a quaint little estate near Brighton.


Until the unthinkable happens and the man of her dreams walks through her front door.

*****

I loved writing that book. I loved getting into the mind of John David Quiggins. I loved researching and writing about how he rescued the Princesses from Spain. I made it very difficult, but Quiggins is a tough guy. And when he gets back, he has a little espionage of his own.

I received a review from a woman who said she liked reading about middle-aged people in love. I liked writing about Olivia's heartbreak. She accepted two proposals on the same night. And even though she loved both of them, she ended up alone. She got what she deserved.  For awhile. I couldn't let her go on without a happy ending.

So, the paperback is out at Amazon US and Amazon UK and my page on CreateSpace. Just click on the links. (No affiliate earnings.)

*****
I'm working with a box supplier to have a true "boxed set." The complete Reluctant Grooms series in paperback in a box. It would make a lovely gift to your favorite Regency romance reader. I'll let you know when I have the information.

*****

I've been doing some photo hunting to find pictures of the new characters. Once I have them all together, I'll start creating storyboards on Pinterest. Hoping by next weekend.

*****

I cannot tell you when the new book will be out. I've been working on it for nearly two years. But believe it or not, it's not that easy to write. There's a lot of backstory that needs to be figured out, Henry's, the girls, Catherine, even the servants. And then I have to somehow interweave some characters from the Reluctant Grooms into the mix as well. I could just as easily write stand-alone novels, but I like the challenge. Sorry it's taking me so long to get to it.

Thanks for reading.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Excerpt Ladies of Dunbury -- Henry

Henry
     Stephen Carlton, the Duke of Cantin, had always been Henry’s best friend. Through long years at Eton, and then Cambridge, to the night Stephen was his second in the duel with Reginald Leighton over Olivia. Throughout the decades of Henry’s absence, Stephen’s quarterly correspondence kept Henry abreast of news with stories of home and their wretched acquaintance as Stephen liked to call them.
     At Cantin House, Edwards, the butler, showed Henry to the library. “The Marquess of Dunbury, Your Grace,” Edwards intoned.
     Stephen rose from his chair. “Good God, Henry, I never thought to see the day.” He walked around the desk and enveloped Henry in a great hug. “When they told me you were on your way home, I could scarce believe it. The indefatigable Henry Wade, finally returning from the wars.”
     Henry smiled. “Yes, here I am. Home at last. How’ve you been, old man?” Henry walked across the room as if he’d done it a thousand times before, and flung himself into a chair by the window.
      “Very well.” Stephen walked to the side table and poured two glasses of brandy. “The house is quiet with the children grown and married.” He handed Henry a g
lass. “Except for Robert.”
    Henry glanced at the glass Stephen offered. “Stephen, it is barely ten o’clock in the morning.”
Stepehen
     Stephen winked. “Yes, but somewhere it is half past four.” He raised his glass. “To you, Henry Wade, for coming home in one piece.”
     Henry slugged the brandy. He’d love to spend the afternoon drinking with Stephen catching up, but he would refuse any more. He didn’t wish to be addle-pated in front of the girls later on.
      Stephen sat in the opposite chair. “So what are you doing? When did you get in? Where are you staying? Out at the manor?”
     “We, my secretary and I, arrived last night around eleven. We attempted to sneak into the Hall, but the girls had decided to reside there whilst cleaning it for my homecoming. Gave them and the housekeeper a hell of a scare.”
     Stephen smiled. “Where are they now?”
“I sent them to the Manor. I’m going to reside in London. I do not think it is in any of our best interests for me to reside with them. Honestly, I would rather face the French with a battalion of untrained lads than live with the girls.”
     Stephen bellowed with laughter. “Nonsense, the ladies are all very charming creatures. My Joanna cannot seem to say enough about them. Especially to Robbie.”
     Henry smiled. “Oh, does she have any one in particular she wishes him to marry?”
     “I think any of them would do, although Mercy is her particular favorite. Robbie claims he does not wish to marry. A broken engagement when he was younger has sworn him off the fairer sex. A shame too. I would like to see the heir before I am in my dotage.”
     Henry smiled. “If he’s anything like you, Stephen, perhaps Robert needs to find himself in a compromising position.”
    “You may be right.” Stephen leaned back in his chair. “Unfortunately, he’s too smart to be compromised. Believe me, a few have tried.”
    Henry placed the empty glass on the side table and leaned forward in his chair. “The Marquisate is drained, Stephen. I need to find some fast funds.”
     Stephen furrowed his brows. “What do you mean? I thought your nieces brought money with them.”
      “Yes, so did I. Brinkley told me the right of it. They have been living off the Marquisate. The girls have nothing. I have twenty thousand, but will need five times that amount if I am to make something of them.” He leaned back into the chair and grunted. “The great hero returns.”
     “What about the house in Essex? Surely, you could sell that if needs be.”
     “Highly unlikely. It was a festering sinkhole when I was a lad. It has probably crumbled into the ground by now.”
      Stephen snorted. “Doubtful. I heard your groomsman made tremendous repairs when the girls were there this last summer.”
      Henry rose from his chair, stood in front of the windows, and looked out to the garden. “Who is this damn groom I hear so much about? He seems to own more than one occupation at Dunbury.”
    “He does.” Stephen cocked his head. “You’re lucky to have him. He takes good care of your estate.”
     “And of my nieces? Which one of the girls do you think he wants to marry?” Could he marry one of them off to a stable-man?
     Stephen shook his head. “None as far as I know. I’ve never heard a word about him other than to extol the virtue of his brute strength and home maintenance mastery.” Stephen raised his empty glass.      “Another?”
     “No,” Henry said. “I need to ride out to the manor.”
     Stephen rose from the chair and walked to the tantalus.
     “Who is Lady Gantry?” Henry asked.
     “Have you met her yet?” Stephen asked.
     “No. She is away to her sister Mary.”
     Stephen rolled his eyes. “Could never abide that woman. Always sniffling, complaining of an ague. Lady Gantry on the other hand, is quite the thing. An odd combination of mysterious refinement. She is cousin to both Olivia and I from our mother’s side. Bit of a bluestocking. Married a Captain on his way to Bombay to secure the unrest in ‘88. Said he would send for her.” Stephen shook his head. “He was killed a short time later. In the years since, Lady Gantry has acted as governess for several families. They say she has a knack for marrying them off.”
     “Then why hasn’t she done so for my brood.”
     “Henry, are you daft? You should have remained home when poor Harold died.”
     Henry held up his hand. “Yes, Stephen, I know, but I cannot erase the past. What else do you know about her…Lady Gantry? What is her first name?”
     “Catherine. Catherine Churchill Gantry. She is part of the Churchill-Spencer clan, younger than the rest of us, and still keeps some acquaintance with friends amongst Society. Although, I have never seen her in my sphere at parties. I must say, she is ever charming, and quite fine-looking for an old thing. I have met her on several occasions when Joanna has her at-homes. Catherine Gantry has the girls well in hand, each one turned out beautifully. You should thank her. She’s done a wonderful job.”
     Henry cleared his throat. “I heard Olivia placed her there.”
    Stephen raised a brow. “Since Caymore’s death, Olivia has been a frequent visitor to Dunbury Manor. When Harold died, she took a fancy to Mercy, felt badly for her. And rightly so now with your sisters’ gone and the other girls at the Manor. It is my understanding the girls needed a governess.”
     Henry shrugged. “I suppose.”
     “Well, ‘tis no matter now. Once the girls have made their come-out, you should have no trouble marrying them off.”
     “Yes, my solicitor said as much, which brings me to my current state of affairs. Stephen, are there any solid investments I could make quickly?”
     “How quick?” Stephen asked.
     “A few months. Six on the outside. It is November. I presume the girls are looking forward to next Season. Gowns, shoes, petticoats, and whatever else they need. They have been told to practice economy for years. Now that I am returned, I think they believe they will now have everything they ever wished for. How am I to tell them there is barely anything for their dowries? My sisters both made pathetic matches, and my brother could not even think to add his own daughter to his will.  What am I going to do?”
     Stephen took a sip from his fresh brandy. “Let me make you a loan.”
     “Absolutely not. ‘Tis the surest way to ruin our friendship.”
     “Henry, I will insist,” Stephen said.
      “And I must refuse. I will think of something. However, there is one thing you can do for me.”
      “Anything,” Stephen said.
      “Would you have a horse I could borrow for a few weeks? My own is residing in Plymouth until he gains his land legs back. I’m afraid the sea voyage took its toll.”
     “Of course.” Stephen strode to the door. “Edwards!” he yelled. “He will take you down to the mews.”
      Henry held out his hand. “Thank you, my friend.”
      Stephen shook it. “I’m glad you’re home.”
     “Yes, as am I.”
     Henry left with Edwards and went to the mews. Stephen certainly had a fine stable; something he hoped to acquire. Someday.
      After saddling his mount, Henry rode down Brook Street to Grand, taking a left on St. James. Dunbury Hall stood behind a few pretty trees and an iron gate. A hired hackney sat in front of his house, the boot open.
       Henry rode to the back of the house and left the horse in the garden. Once inside, he found Stone in the kitchen copying across two different pieces of paper. “Who is here?”
     “Here?” Stone asked.
     “Yes, the carriage out front?”
      “Oh, ‘tis Lady Gantry, sir. She is upstairs clearing out your bedchamber.”
Henry strode through the dining room to the foyer. Loud thumps from the second floor had him running up the stairs two at a time. At the end of the hall, the doors to the master’s bedchamber stood open. Two trunks sat in the hall.
Catherine now
      Movement from behind the door—a swish of lavender. Thump. Thump. An old man heaved a trunk across the floor. He looked as if he would fall over.
      “Wait,” Henry cried. “Leave it. I will attend the trunk.”
      The lady in the lavender gown stepped from behind the door. “And you are?”
       Henry sucked in a breath. Olivia! Could it be? No, the woman’s eyes were green. Olivia’s were brown. Yet the similarity was remarkable—as if she were the older version of the Olivia he had left
Olivia then
so long ago. “Henry Wade. Marquess of Dunbury.”
       Her eyes widened. She held out her hand instead of curtseying. “Catherine Gantry. I am the ladies’ governess.” She stood tall and proud and her eyes never wavered from his. She also had not smiled.
      Henry shook her hand. Stephen was right. She was beautiful for an old thing—could be no more than forty. She looked down at her hand still wrapped in his.
      Henry dropped her hand and took a step back. “I have heard nothing but the kindest words spoken of you.”
      “Thank you, my lord.” The left side of her lips twitched upward.
     Her voice reminded him of the desert—breathy, scratchy, steamy. He needed to focus. “The girls are at the Manor.”
      “Yes, Gray informed me. And that you were returned.” She waved her hand around the room. “Please forgive the chaos. I had not expected you so early.”
      Henry glanced at the empty armoire to the filled trunks. “You certainly have a lot of gowns, Lady Gantry. Tell me, do you have the girls gadding about like Mayflies?”
      She appraised him with a haughty stare. “My lord, the ladies and I do not gad about. The gowns from the armoire belong to them. I was using this room for storage, as the manor has no extra closets. Now that you are returned, and will obviously reside here, I am packing them up.” She flounced toward the bed. Shawls, pelisses, and capes, lay draped over the coverlet.
      “What are these things?”
       “Part of the girls’ trousseau.”
       “Where did you get them? Brinkley told me there is no money.”
       “They are reworked gowns I received from friends. The girls know they are here, are fully aware of what I’m doing.” She placed her hands on her hips.
       “I see.”
        She wrinkled her nose. “No, my lord, I’m afraid you do not. As their governess, I expected some form of communication over the course of the last several years for the girls’ direction. I had hoped you would have at least given me a portion of the household money to ensure the girls are properly attired when we do step out. I’ve spoken with Mr. Brinkley on several occasions—I know how dire the straits are. Still I hoped.”
         Lady Gantry eyed him like a second field captain awaiting the command to engage in mortal combat with a sworn enemy. And it looked as though he was that enemy. Unfortunately, Catherine Gantry knew more about his finances than he liked.
       But Lord, she was beautiful. Honey-colored hair hung down her back in a lush braid. Two small tendrils curled at her temples. Deep green eyes, the color of English ivy, stared at him through long lashes. Damn, if she didn’t remind him of Olivia. He noticed the lace at her collar wore thin. And the ribbon around her hem.
       “Perhaps you would like …” he began.
       “My lord, could you not have spared leaving Mrs. Partridge? How am I to have anything finished before nightfall with only Gray to help me?” Her tone demanded an explanation.

       Spoiled wench! Feisty, and in a fine fettle. “Forgive me, Lady Gantry.” Henry wanted to bow mockingly at her outrage. “I had no idea you were to arrive today from your sister Mary’s. I am on my way to the Manor now. I will return Mrs. Partridge with all due haste.” Fine looking Catherine Gantry might be, but with the attitude of a termagant. Henry would stay as far away from her as possible.



All Rights Reserved
Anne Gallagher (c) 2016 
Shore Road Publishing

Sunday, January 10, 2016

As a Writer...

I thought about how long it's been since I've written a Regency romance. I wondered what exactly it was that kept holding me back. I mean, I had outlined the complete story arc nearly two years before. I had three editions of covers for the series, as well as character outlines, maps, intriguing plots and my pictures file completely full of who I wanted those characters to be.

You see, I haven't been sitting idly by. I have been working on the series.
However, I haven't wanted to write it.
I finally figured out why.

Writing From Experience

Writers examine their own experiences to find the emotions that appear on the page. At least, this writer does. Joy, pain, delight, sorrow, candor, grief, happiness, greed, empathy, sincerity, love, hate, It's a roller-coaster I'm not sure I want to ride again.

I jokingly say to my friends that if I don't cry at least once when I write the book, it won't be any good. They look at me as if I'm insane. I figure, if what I'm reading gets to me on that kind of emotional level, then it's a good book. Someone else in this wide world of readers might like it too.

However, I'm afraid of being locked in that world of coquettish giggling and first glances across a crowded room--of being hurt, lied to, and rung through veritable washer. We've all done it--identified with some aspect of a character's dilemma. Problem is, I'm living through it right along with the heroine.

Writing From An Outline

 The series itself is set of eight stories- not all with a finite ending. The series will also coincide and overlap The Reluctant Grooms series during the last four books. It is a HUGE commitment and I'm feeling a lot of pressure (mostly my own) that I've bit off more than I can chew. Dedicating one's self to series writing is a lot of work. Especially when I already know the ending. I have a hard time saying good-bye to my characters.

A little about the series arc. In the Ladies of Dunbury series, we meet Henry for the first time. And his nieces. Over the course of the books, several relationships start, and as each one ends, one of the ladies finds her true happiness. Henry and Catherine begin their relationship in the first book, and Catherine and Henry conclude their relationship in the last book. See that little twist with the words I just did there? And in between, the girls get to have their flings.

I really like the idea of this series. It's the undertaking that stymies me. I don't know where to start. Sure, at the beginning is usually the best place, but I'm not feeling the love there yet. The first ten chapters of the first book, are Henry setting up his houses and getting his life back together from being away from London and home for almost thirty-five years. He's a little shell-shocked to say the least. On top of that he has six impoverished nieces he must provide for, including dowries. Henry is not having any fun. I finding it kind of boring and a lot of backstory that I can weed in later. (I love my critique partner for teaching me this trick.)

However, Henry's back story is important and sets everything up for the end of the series, especially when he finally meets up with Olivia again. So I'm wondering whether or not to write Mercy as the beginning main character and leave Henry out of it. As a writer, I'm second guessing my decisions on the opening, where to start. I don't want to bore anyone, but yet, I think Henry is important to the overall series. I guess we'll figure it out as we write along.

I'm going to start pinning the books and characters on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/regencyAnne. Of course, they may change as time goes on. (I changed poor Davingdale's picture four times before I found the "true" Davingdale.)

Next week, I'll post an excerpt. You can decide whether it's boring or not.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2016

Sunday, January 3, 2016

A New Year -- A New Series

Well, I recently went through all my blog posts to see if I could find any mention of the new series. Here is the first post. http://annegallagherwriter.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-have-new-series.html  And the only other accounting was a small blurb on this post.
http://annegallagherwriter.blogspot.com/2015/05/im-back-writing-new-series.html

So, all I can say is WOW. I thought of this idea over two years ago. Unfortunately, other creative endeavors have gotten in my way and I haven't really been able to write more than a handful of words since last May.

I'm sure you're all wondering what it's about and who's in it. Well, it's about Henry Wade, 6th Marquess of Dunbury after thirty-odd years in the Army. He made his appearance in LADY OLIVIA'S UNDOING as Lady Olivia's lost love. We find out that Henry lost a duel to Reginald Leighton to win Olivia's hand, and instead of killing him, Reginald made him leave the country. Olivia never got over him. I'll spare you the details of what happens when Henry and Olivia meet up again.

This new series begins in 1807, three years prior to THE LADY'S MASQUERADE, the first book in The Reluctant Grooms series, where we first encounter Lady Olivia.

Henry Wade, Marquess of Dunbury
Henry Wade, a Lieutenant Colonel is His Majesty's Army, has finally come home after serving King and Country for thirty-four years. What he finds at Dunbury Manor are his six nieces all of whom have lost their parents. They are of "handsome countenance, beautiful manners, well versed in etiquette and deportment, and will make some lucky swain a wonderful wife." Henry's problem is that they're all poor as church mice. Yes, Henry does have some little money, but that was his to retire on and pen his memoirs.


 Henry's best friend is Steven Carlton, the Duke of Cantin. (Robert's deceased father in THE DUKE'S
Steven Carlton, Duke of Cantin
DIVORCE.) Steven is still very much alive in the Dunbury series (for a few years anyway), and we get a glimpse into Robert's past.

King George is still on the throne and the country is in the hands of the Duke of Portland. Lots of political intrigue and drama I have yet to research. It should be interesting. The Slave Trade Act has been successful, yet Catholic Emancipation has not.

Catherine Gantry
Henry's nieces are in the charge of Lady Catherine Gantry, a mysterious forty-something woman whose late husband left her without funds, so she became a governess to the wealthy beauties on the marriage mart. She is cousin to Steven and Olivia, a member of the Spencer-Churchill clan. Olivia was the one who placed Catherine at Dunbury Manor when it became clear the Dunbury ladies needed supervision.

Lady Gantry is a bit of an enigma to Henry. When he first encounters her, he believes she is Olivia all grown up. His attraction to her is brief when he finds she is a termagant with the temper of a virago.

The ladies, on the other hand, are quite delightful, and Henry enjoys his time getting to know each of his nieces before he marries them off.



Lady Mercy Wade -- Daughter of Harold Wade, the 5th Marquess of Dunbury. Harold's wife died in childbirth along with the heir to the Marquisate, when Mercy was a child. Mercy is the eldest of the six girls and is 20 when Henry arrives home. She is the only niece Henry has ever met.








Faith
Charity
Hope
 













Lady Faith, Lady Hope, Lady Charity -- Daughters of the late Duke and Duchess of Trowbridge. Esme, the Duchess of Trowbridge was Henry's eldest sister. Her death is the reason Henry has finally come home.

Patience
Prudence

Lady Patience, and Lady Prudence -- Daughters of the Earl and Countess of March. who are presumed drowned in an accident at sea. Elspeth was Henry's second eldest sister.




Each girl has their own distinctive personality and their own idea of what love is. They are also known for wearing certain colors (which will reflect in the covers of the books).

Penny
They are friends with Penny (THE LADY'S MASQUERADE) Arabella and Arianna (THE SEDUCTION OF MR. SUMMERVILLE) Dorcas (LADY CADORET'S LONGING), Rosamund (THE EARL'S ENGAGEMENT) and Violet (THE LADY'S FATE).



Dorcas
Rosamund


Arabella


Arianna


VIolet

These are a few of the men who fall in love with the ladies. Only three have a name, and of course I'm always on the hunt for new love interests. We'll see who I come up with.











 So, there you have it. The new series -- I'm calling it THE LADIES OF DUNBURY. I'm not sure what each of the individual novels will be called. I think I've used up all the Duke's Earl's and Lady's.
I'm opting for Shakespeare or Jane Austen depending on what I can cull from the tomes of the past. I hope you'll join me as I hope to keep up with this blog better than I have been.
Anne Gallagher (c) 2016