The Captain's Coincidence #MarchMadnessSale

The Captain's Coincidence
#MarchMadnessSale
$2.99 thru March 31

Decorated war hero, Captain Richard Gaines has given up his commission in the Royal Navy. He stalks the docks seeking relief from the nightmares of Trafalgar. One night, he happens upon a woman who captures his attention, and his heart. In a series of random coincidences, Richard is compelled toward Mrs. Wood, just as circumstantial evidence suggests that Mr. Wood may be a seditionist.

Returning to England after a decade away, Amanda Wood is on a mission to save herself and her daughter from the prison of her marriage. Meeting the Captain seems heaven sent when he reveals an acquaintance with her only friend and brings an invitation for a visit – and a chance to escape. Her joy is short-lived when her husband insists on going with her.

The situation takes a grievous turn when Amanda’s husband kidnaps their daughter. Richard must save her, but to do that he must engage the enemy at sea. And it appears Amanda’s husband may be a nefarious pirate. With limited armaments and a damaged vessel, Richard knows he has only one chance to rescue the little girl.

When the battle is over, to the victor, go the spoils. Yet, Richard must overcome his tormented past, in order to begin a future with the woman he loves. However, Amanda holds a secret that could destroy that very same future.

The Captain's Coincidence is the Third Book in the Reluctant Grooms Series.  However, this was the first one I finished in the original trilogy. (I published this fourth even though it's technically third.)

I love the story of Richard and Amanda. You can't choose who you love, whether they're married or not. It's fate, kismet, whatever you want to call it, but sometimes when two people meet, it's like BAM! Soulmate!

Now, I could empathize with Amanda's situation in 1810, and a man like Richard doesn't come around everyday to rescue damsels in distress. But, Amanda was married to a man she had come to despise. A man who might be a spy! But how could she escape?

I did a lot of research for this book. A LOT. A boat load, but I think it was totally worth it in the end. I had a couple of male friends read it, and they said the battle scenes were wicked cool. They didn't know I had it in me.

Captain Viscount Richard Gaines

Captain Viscount Richard Gaines was a hero at Trafalgar, in sick bay with Lord Nelson when he died. Richard finds he can no longer command, and is placed as Captain of the Marine Police for the docks in Wapping. However, Robert Carlton, the new Duke of Cantin needs Richard's help and will pay him handsomely. Even though Richard is fighting the fear of sailing that plagues him, he agrees to captain Robert's vessel, if only to drive away the memory of the woman who pierced the cold armor of his heart.

Amanda Wood

Serendipity takes a hand and tosses the star-crossed lovers together and apart, with enough twists and turns for a roller-coaster thrill ride. Richard will do anything to keep Amanda and her daughter safe. Amanda cannot leave her husband.

High seas battles between pirates and His Majesty's Royal Navy, intrigue, espionage, and spies from America, kidnapping...as Providence brings Richard and Amanda together one last time, can they finally put away the past and look toward the future? Or will Amanda's last secret keep them apart forever?

Barthomelew Wood,
Amanda's husband

Westerly Manor, Tiverton

Admiral Rupert Gaines,
Admiral of the White,
Admiral of the Fleet

Lady Bunny Churchill Gaines,
Lady Olivia's cousin

Two very important people in the story
even though they have very minor roles.








And this is the story of THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE
On Sale thru March 31.
$2.99

 Amazon

Smashwords

#MarchMadnessSale

Anne Gallagher (c) 2019

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

Historical Research -- Army and Navy England 1810

During the Reluctant Grooms Series, I had several characters in the Navy, as well as in the Army. I spent hundreds of hours doing research--most of it never used in any of my books. It's the necessary evil to writing good historical fiction. I know more about the Peninsular war fought in Spain and Portugal than I ever really intended.

I've put together a basic list of the different officers from the two branches of service in England in 1810



Navy                                                               Army

Admiral of the Fleet                                          Marshall/Field Marshall
Admiral                                                             General
   White
   Red
   Blue                                                                Brigadier General
Commodore (Ret. Capt.)                                   Brigadier
Captain /                                                             Colonel
Master and Commander                                    Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Commander                                     Major/Commandant
Lieutenant                                                         Captain
Sub-Lieutenant                                                  Lieutenant
Ensign                                                               2nd Lieutenant
Midshipman                                                      Officer Cadet
***                                                                     ***
Warrant Officer                                                 Sergeant Major
Petty Officer  
Yeoman                                                             Sergeant
Leading Seaman                                                Corporal
Seaman                                                               Private

Lieutenant in His Majesty's Royal Navy

You'll notice there are three distinct Admiral's position for the Navy:

Admiral of the Fleet is the Commander in Chief. His command ships always fly the White Flag. They are traditionally first in the line of defense with the Fleet. They are the largest and most heavily powered Ship of the Line. They are called the Admiral of the White.

The Admiral of the Red is the second line of defense on the ocean.
The Admiral of the Blue is the third line.

The Captain of a vessel is not always the Master and Commander, but he should be. A Master and Commander knows everything there is to know about the ocean they travel on. Maps and stars are their best friends. He is the Master of the ship (as it were and knows how to do every job on it) and the Commander of his men. (Very important for dealing with personality disorder. Can you imagine living on a floating city for months at a time? I think not.)

It is striking to read accounts how the Royal British Navy dominated the oceans during that time
period. They had a superior battle plan and superior ships. Ports on every continent, (barring the Poles) and trade with the East.

Foot Soldier

The Army arrived in India (as early as 1682) to protect The East India Company against the sitting Rajahs. Toward the 1750's and into the early 1800's, the Army was an integral part in the trade from the East. A lot of people made a lot of money.

Officers in both the Navy and the Army, usually bought their way into a commission. Second and third sons of noble houses made up most of the officer positions. However, if you were considered a good leader, you would be promoted within the ranks.

Both the Navy and Army had certain "other" occupations that I learned. In no particular order, function, or ranking-- a basic list of gentlemen's jobs within the service.

Navy                                                  Army

Boatswain (Bo'sun)                                Hussar
Coxswain                                            
Yeoman of
  Powder Room                                      Foot Soldier (infantry)                
 Surgeon                                                 Home Guard
Master Gunner                                            Calvary
Master of the Sheets                                     Dragoons
Master of the Sails                                            Royals (King's Own
First Mate                                                           Queen's Own,
(all of the above)                                                 Prince's Own)
Second Mate
(all of the above)


I confess, I do know more about the Navy rather than the Army. In THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE I wanted Richard Gaines to be an authentic hero. I watched Russell Crowe in Master and Commander Far Side of the Universe a lot while I wrote that book. It's mind-blowing to realize over 400 men lived on boats like that for months at a time.

I took a virtual tour of the U.S.S. Constitution, to get some ideas on how big a Ship of the Line actually was. I also spent a lot of time emailing a sailing aficionado on the other side of the world. I researched gun powder, how to load a canon, different types of canon shot, how to sail. I do know the basics of sailing, however, these are huge vessels sailing in huge waters. It really is a whole other world entirely. I think the research was well worth it.

Doing research should never be boring. I love watching period films and are always eager to see new adaptations of old classics. I get a feel for the clothing, accents, and affectations of the characters especially if the film is a true historical drama. I've been known to take notes.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Peninsular_War_Map_
"Peninsular War Map 1808–14" 
by Derivative work: Marcus British Relief Map of Spain.

I think it's important for a writer to understand as much as they can about the period they're writing in, otherwise they look foolish. I like to be able to point at a few of my reviews that say I knew the Regency era. I'm glad they wrote that. I'm very proud of all the research that I do.

I've always loved maps and find them extremely important in every aspect of historical fiction. I don't think you can write historical without some kind of map. If only to give you a point of reference, and a working timeline. Your hero really can't come home from the Battle of Prussia unless you know it's already been fought.






Very soon, I'll begin another phase into the research I need for the Army. Henry Wade is going to be an interesting character.

For those of you who write -- Do you do a lot of research, do you wing-it, or are you somewhere in the middle?

For those of you who read -- Do you appreciate a writer who's done the research, or do you tend to skip over those parts of the book?

Anne Gallagher (c) 2015

Pinterest as a Writing Tool

Yes, I'm on Pinterest. I have several boards, as a matter of fact, if you haven't been to my page, you'll see that I have all of my books as boards -- who I think my characters could be, and recently I've added where they live. And a few miscellaneous boards that I've been adding to as I go along. 

Some of my friends say they were disappointed they looked at the characters BEFORE they read my books, they didn't picture the characters quite that way, and others have said my "people" were spot on. I guess it's up to you whether you look or not.

However, what I've found is that Pinterest is an outlet for me that allows my left brain (right brain? I get them mixed up lol) to be creative artfully. Allow me to explain -- when I write, I stare at a blank white page, and type in black font. No color, no shape, no soul, as it were. Whereas on Pinterest, I get to "play" with art in all forms, design my boards, use my imagination to the best of its ability.

I don't use it often, mainly when I find pictures that go along with my stories. I don't go to Pinterest and spend hours and hours searching for things. I don't generally "pin" other peoples pictures to my boards (unless I find one that really speaks to me, like my new Heroes Board. But quite honestly, that was a one time thing.) I suppose if I were more technologically minded, I would pin everything I see, but I haven't quite figured out how to do it.

Before I found Pinterest, I had all my characters on my blog in posts. But if you missed a post, then you would miss the characters and then have to search for them. Now, they're all there in one place with one click.  

I showed my page to the secretary at school the other day and she was very impressed. She said, "Oh, this is fabulous, now I can click on the link as I'm reading the book and see who you're writing about. It's like a movie without the cinema." Yeah, something like that.

Here's the link  http://www.pinterest.com/regencyanne/   (If you click on it, it will take you there directly)

Tell me - Do you use Pinterest? 

Anne Gallagher (c) 2014

Release Date, Pre-Orders, and Cover Copy for The Captain's Coincidence

Well, here we are. Isn't she beautiful? I happened to do a mock up cover last week, and boy howdy what a difference a professional cover makes. The original painting is actually a self-portrait -- Sarah Miriam Peale. I'm still in awe over that. I can't even draw a straight line never mind my own face.

Anyway, I'm thinking my release date will be the Ides of March. March 15. It's a significant date in the story, so I thought it was appropriate.

As I also mentioned once before, I'm going to offer pre-orders for this book. Alas, only on Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo, and Smashwords. (Amazon does not allow pre-orders from indie authors -- shame on them.) So look for it soon.

And here's the cover copy...

Decorated war hero, Captain Richard Gaines has given up his commission in the Royal Navy. He stalks the docks at night seeking relief from the nightmares of Trafalgar. One night, he happens upon a woman who captures his attention, and his heart. In a series of random coincidences, Richard is compelled toward Mrs. Wood, just as circumstantial evidence suggests that Mr. Wood may be involved in sedition.

Returning to England after a decade away, Amanda Wood is on a mission to save herself and her daughter from the prison of her marriage. Meeting the Captain seems heaven sent when he reveals an acquaintance with her only friend and brings an invitation for a visit – and a chance to escape. Her joy is short-lived though, when her husband insists on going with her.

The situation takes a grievous turn when Amanda’s husband kidnaps their daughter. Richard must save her, but to do that he must engage the enemy at sea. And it appears Amanda’s husband may be a nefarious pirate. With limited armaments and a damaged vessel, Richard knows he has only one chance to rescue the little girl.

When the battle is over, to the victor, go the spoils. Yet, Richard must overcome his tormented past, in order to begin a future with the woman he loves. However, Amanda holds a secret that could destroy that very same future.

*****

Anne Gallagher (c) 2014

The Captain's Coincidence is Finished

Good Morning. Yay! It's done, it's finished. I wrote THE END on Valentine's Day at 12.23 pm. Yay!

I'm letting it sit over the weekend. Marinate a little. I'll give it a complete read-through tomorrow. And then it's off to the critique partners. I'm hoping to be able to publish by the first of March. If all comes back okay.

I'm also going to try something different with this novel. I'm going to offer it as a pre-order on a select few vendors. (Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, B&N) I don't know if it will make a difference to anyone, but I thought I'd try it.



I'm heading straight into LADY OLIVIA'S UNDOING another novella. This will be one of the prequels to THE SEDUCTION OF MR. SUMMERVILLE. The other prequel, THE LADY'S SECRET I'm hoping to have finished before Easter break. (Okay, knowing me, Memorial Day Weekend.)




And I think that's it. I'm catching up on every day life right now.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you next week.

Oh, and the covers are just mock-ups I did for my designer. She's the one with all the talent.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2014

Historical Research -- Travel Time

In writing any kind of historical, I cannot stress the amount of research necessary to make it believable. No, some people don't really care when the Battle of Hastings occurred or who sat in Parliament on the day Prince George took his seat as Regent, but for those of they who have studied such things and find a mistake in a novel, it rankles.

Writing THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE nearly brought me to my knees on some pages. Not only did I need to learn about ships (and crew and sailing), I also needed to learn how long it takes to travel (on both land and sea, by horse, by carriage, by ship) distances (both nautical and land -- big difference) and meteorology. You cannot sail a ship without wind.

Now, I have my trusty map of England always by my side as I write. My current formula to get anywhere in the country is 25 miles per hour on horseback. However, that's a hard ride for the animal, probably at a full gallop for the duration, which is why you always read about "changing horses".

Needless to say, whenever one of my characters needs to go somewhere, I adjust my ratio accordingly. Four coach horses travel faster than two, but there is the added time of changing the horses. (A coach and four can usually travel up to 75 miles in the course of a day -- with the caveat it's dry weather and good roads and not loaded with unnecessary luggage. Also if you were not apprehended by a highwayman, or broke an axle or wheel and didn't die when the carriage flipped over.)

In working on COINCIDENCE, I had to figure out how to sail around the country (from London to Liverpool), which is a lot harder than you might think. First we have to decide on the ship, its size, how many sails, the crew to work the sails, wind speed, wave height, and weather conditions. Fun stuff that. For the longest time, I couldn't make my timeline work because it was taking too long to get from one place to another. I finally realized that ships sail at night. They don't stop in port to sleep. (duh)

Here is my quick formula for ships -- each sail x 6 men. (This particular vessel is a 74 gun Ship of the Line, with main sails, top sails, and gallant sails, not to mention the sails over the bow and stern.) For each "side" of the sail, between 6-9 men worked the lines and rigging of these massive ships. So in rough estimates this ship would need 108 crew for the sails alone. And that was only one "watch" (shift of work = 4 hours). However, most sailors worked two watches and then had two off. Needless to say, there were over 300 men on board to work the sails alone. You might think that's a lot, but it's really not when you consider that so many men died during battle.

Another miscalculation on my part was to figure out where the shipping lanes would be. You can't just sail willy-nilly through the Channel, you need a plan. England relied on America for cotton, not to mention sugar and molasses from the West Indies. As well as trade from all over the world. Mail packets came and went. And let's not forget the Royal Navy had 3 different ports they used, as well as patrolled the waters of the English Channel out to the Atlantic. Needless to say there are a lot of ports in England and certain cargo only went to certain places. And then there were the ships sailing from one place in England to another. Upcountry goods and services tended to be shipped to London rather than hauled over land by horse -- coal, hay, grain, cotton goods. It was cheaper in the long run. However, no matter where the goods were going, the captains still needed to be aware of the shipping lanes. (When ships meet and must pass each other in opposite directions they do so port side to port side. Just FYI.)

And let's not forget about rocks, shoals, sand bars, little islands, and other things that you could crash into. Traveling by sea was just as dangerous as traveling by coach. Sometimes more so as the weather played a major factor in all things nautical. Dangerous roads could stop a coach. What are you going to do in the middle of the ocean when you're struck by lightning? There's no place to hide.

To travel in Regency England I liken it to a long road trip. Where now it would take a few hours traveling by car, back then it would take days, or sometimes weeks depending on how far you were going.

Here are a few of my estimates

By Coach (with good roads and fine weather)

London to Manchester = 5 - 7 days
London to Edinburgh, Scotland = 10 - 14 days
London to Plymouth = 1 day

By Ship

London to Liverpool = 3 - 4 days
London to Boston/New York = 6 weeks
Falmouth to Boston/New York (mail packet only) = 4 weeks

Now of course, these are just estimates, and one could never really know how long it would take unless one were there. Barring any more tedious research and mitigating factors, this is what I'm sticking to.

Tell me -- Back then, would you rather have traveled by coach or by ship? (And yes, I realize neither was convenient unless you were wealthy.)

Anne Gallagher (c) 2014

Excerpt -- THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE

Richard left Robert and headed to St. John’s Wood to his friend Davingdale’s home. Davingdale and William had begun trading business at Tattersall’s and housed their animals at Davingdale’s estate, Merrit

Captain Richard Gaines

Manor. Richard thought to leave Morpheus there while on his journey.

            Richard found Davingdale in the barn. “What ho, Thomas?”

            Thomas Merrit, Earl of Davingdale, labored in a stall mucking manure. He straightened and leaned against his pitchfork. “Richard, what brings you to my humble abode? Have you finally come to your senses and allowed us the privilege of Morpheus’ stud services?”

            Richard smiled. “Of a sort. I must away and have no desire to keep Morpheus in the mews. If he has a care to impregnate your mares whilst here, I’m sure there is nothing I could do to stop him.”

Thomas Merritt,
 Earl of Davingdale

            

Thomas leaned his fork against the wall and came out of the stall. “Where are you headed?”

            “Runcorn to pick up cargo for Robert. He’s invested in a cotton mill in Manchester and has piece goods he wishes to London.” Richard followed Davingdale to the small office at the back of the barn.

            “I do not understand,” Thomas said. He proffered a well-worn chair to Richard and then sat in the other. “If you are traveling to Runcorn, surely you shall need a decent mount.”

            “I am traveling by ship, Thomas. Robert has asked me to captain his vessel, the Lady Joanna.”

     “This is a surprise. I thought you had sworn off the sea.”

            Richard grinned. “You have not seen the Joanna. I do not think a landlubber like yourself could appreciate her.” Richard rubbed his hands together. “I fear I feel like a lover with my first virgin.” His strong, positive feelings about this new enterprise surprised him.

            “Well, I must say old man, if a pretty new ship is all it will take to put a smile on your face, then have at her. I declare, in all the years I’ve known you, I have never seen you thus.”

            Richard laughed. “And you may very well never again. A virgin vessel is something that only comes around once in a lifetime. I could not refuse.” But there was so much more to this trip than just the sailing aspect. He would find Amanda Wood.

            “Thomas?” a voice called from the depths of the barn.

            “Back here.”

            William Smith, Earl of Westerly, now the newly titled Duke of Caymore stepped into the office. “Richard? I thought that was your  Brabant in the field. What are you doing here?”

            “He is begging us to house Morpheus while he travels to Runcorn for Robert,” Thomas said.

William Smith,
Earl of Westerly

            “Runcorn? What the devil has my cousin going in Runcorn of all places?” William leaned against the door casing.

            “Cotton stuffs from Manchester,” Richard said. “He’s invested in a mill up there and needs someone to captain his ketch.”

            “Ketch?”

            As Richard explained what the late Duke of Cantin had done for his wife, William let out a low whistle.

            “And now, Robert wants to use it to ship his piece goods to London,” Richard finished.

            “And you are going to captain her.” William looked at his friend.

            “He’s as giddy as a goat with his first virgin,” Thomas said.

            Richard laughed. “Your use of the metaphor is highly entertaining.” He looked at William. “Yes, I am as giddy as a goat. However, there is another, rather serious reason for me to embark on the trip.” He lowered his voice. “I met a woman.”

            William whistled again. “First a return to the sea and now a woman. What is to become of you?”

            “I do not know. I cannot explain it. I only know she is in Manchester and I must find her.”

            “Find her?” Thomas asked. “Is she lost?”

            “Of a sort. She is married…”

            “Married? Are you daft?” William asked. “What are you doing chasing after a married woman?”

            “It is not like that,” Richard said. “I met her in front of the Lamb and Lion one night. Her despicable husband left her alone on the street to deal with the trunks and sleeping child after he departed the hired hack. We spoke very briefly, but it seems the woman is a witch. She’s cast a spell over me and I cannot seem to get her out of my mind. Therefore, I will travel to Manchester to find her and break the spell.”

            Thomas and William exchanged glances.

            “Does this sorceress have a name?” Thomas asked.

            “Amanda Wood.”

            “What did you say?” William asked.

            “Amanda Wood,” Richard repeated.

            “I heard you the first time.” William raked a hand through his hair. “I think there may be something to your spell-weaving after all. Penny has just received a letter from her long-time friend Amanda Wood who has just returned from…”

            “America,” Richard said. William and Penny’s wedding had been where he had heard Amanda Wood’s name mentioned. Lady Pen was saddened that her friend could not attend. Lady Pen must have been the person that Amanda wished to see in London.

            “Yes, America.” William shook his head. “Penny is overset that we remained in Trilling. Mrs. Wood was only in London a day before she headed to Manchester. Penny begged me to take her up country. It seems Mr. Wood is somewhat of a cad and Pen fears for her friend’s well-being. She wishes to reassure herself her worries are groundless.” He stared at Richard.

            “Truthfully, Will, that is also one of the reasons I am taking on this job for Robert. In only the span of three seconds, I could see Mrs. Wood was afraid of the man. There is more than enough room on the Lady Joanna if you should like to travel with me.”

            William put up his hand. “Do not put the notion into Penny’s head. As much as an adventure as this might be, we were on our way to Westerly to continue our honeymoon. One I do not wish to share with you or Mrs. Wood.”

            “Westerly?” Richard asked.

            “Yes, the estate my grandparents left to Ellis and me. Formerly known as Easterly, but as Ellis gave it to us as a wedding gift, I decided to change its name to Westerly.”

            “Why do you not change it to Caymore? Better suits your title.”

            “The title is only mine until I have a son. I have no wish to be a duke. To get back to the other matter, I dare say when Penny finds you will be sailing to Runcorn, I’m sure she will ask you to take Mrs. Wood a letter or two. Would you care to stop at Caymore House? She would be most distressed if you do not.”

            Richard nodded. “Of course. One would not wish to have Lady Pen angry.”

            Thomas laughed. “No. Especially not at us.” The three men were great friends of longstanding.

            “Very well,” Richard said. “I must away to the Seamen’s home for my crew and then I shall stop at Caymore House.” He shook Thomas’ hand. “And if your mares refuse Morpheus, do not say I did not warn you. His reputation precedes him.”

            Thomas smiled. “I’m sure there will be a contented filly in the meadow before too long.”

Hocus Pocus Focus

Between the holidays and the volunteer position I have for my daughter's school, the last couple of months have been crazy nuts. As you know, during this time I've also been trying to finish THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE. Believe me, I learned my lesson and I will remember this for next holiday season and schedule myself accordingly.

During Thanksgiving week (which we had vacation) I literally chained myself to the computer. I think I mentioned that. I was trying to finish the book by Christmas. It didn't work.

During the holiday break (19 days) I did the same thing. I practically blew my family off on Christmas Day because I received my critique partner's critiques on Christmas Eve and I wanted to work on the story while her changes were still ringing in my head.

One of the things my "critter" said, was that the book was all about Richard.
Richard and Robert
Richard and the pirate
Richard and his crew
Richard and the boat

There was really nothing written about Amanda. Two very short chapters and maybe an inserted scene into one of Richard's chapters. And then my Critter asked "Where is the chapter between Penny and Amanda? Aren't they friends? Isn't that who Amanda wanted to see from the beginning of the book?"

Duh. Talk about a face palm. Because my focus had been entirely on Richard, I pushed Amanda out of the story almost completely. And you can't have a romance if you don't have two people. So for the last two weeks, I've been working only on the chapters between Amanda and Penny. I finished them a couple of days ago and sent them off to my #1 Critter. Guess what...she loved them. Totally loved them. Aside from a few minor word changes, they're good to go.

While writing the book, I noticed I hadn't written much on Amanda. I kept putting it off, focusing on the research (which by the way, was a BEAR), and trying to keep my pirate stories straight. A lot of twisting and turning there. I assumed I would just get to her when I did. I wasn't worried, okay, maybe a little nervous. I needed to tell Amanda's story and I didn't know where to put it. Thankfully my Critter is an amazing writer herself and when she asked me about Penny, it all clicked.

Now, I'm going to tell you a secret about writers. We generally can't write our characters (men, women, vampires, yetis, aliens alike) unless we take a little piece of ourselves and insert it into that character. And this piece doesn't have to be much, but it has to be there. My trouble with Amanda was that I had no idea which part of me I wanted to give her.

Richard had already had my commanding presence. (ha, get it. When I worked in the restaurants, I was in command. He's Captain on a ship. Get it. Never mind.) However, I had no idea what to give Amanda. And that's why she's been so blocked for me. Once I realized Amanda and Penny were going to have "girl talk" and Amanda poured out her soul, BAM, there it was. That little piece of me she needed to give her "character". (If that makes any sense. Well, it does, but that needs to be another blog post.)

I also have to tell you, that while my focus was entirely on Penny and Amanda, I wrote about 2000 words a day. Which for a working professional writer should be a piece of cake. However, the last few months, my words counts were in the hundreds per day. (That itself is so discouraging. When you either don't have the time to focus, or just can't focus because of the events of the day, writing feels like a ball and chain.) I also have to say, that within these chapters, editing was a piece of cake. Not so many corrections, just a few word choices I had to change.

So, I guess I've found my focus once again on this book. With 8 years behind me, Richard and Amanda's story is finally being told. I really really really want to finish this by the end of January. If nothing else gets in my way, I think I will.

If you'd like to read the first chapter, you can go to Amazon or Smashwords and grab a copy of  A HUSBAND FOR MISS TRENT. At the back of that book, is the first chapter. (Give it a couple of weeks for Sony, Apple, Kobo)

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.

Anne Gallagher (c) 2014

Intimate Portrait -- Captain Richard Gaines

As we approach the release of THE CAPTAIN'S COINCIDENCE, I thought now would probably be a good time for his Intimate Portrait. I know who Richard is, but you might not.

Richard

Captain Richard Gaines is one of my most endearing heroes. Well, I like him anyway. However, Richard is also one of my most troubled heroes. He's suffering from mental battle scars.(In doing my research I found Trafalgar was the bloodiest sea battle in the Campaign with over 20,000 men, and 52 ships lost - however not one ship was British.) He's filled with angst and anxiety, sleep deprived, depressed, PTSD, can't find anything to snap him out of it. Until he meets Amanda.

Amanda

Problem is, Amanda's married. Yes, she is. To a despicable man, the most villainous villain I have ever created. (Worse even than Thomas Entin-Hicks from MASQUERADE.) Amanda was also best friends with Penny when they were children, so that's part of the plot line. 

When I first began to write Richard's story 10 years ago, I think (looking back on the manuscript now) he was actually my prototype for Ellis (Marquess of Haverlane LADY'S FATE). You know, that strong silent type, feels inwardly, doesn't say much. However, in  rewriting this book, I'm going to give Richard "more".  I'm not sure what the more is at this point, but he won't be too much like Ellis when I'm done.

After Trafalgar, Richard resigned his commission. I know, that's really not done but he did. (It's my book after all.) Since then, he's become somewhat of a detective. Not so much a Bow Street Runner, more like Columbo. He has bodyguards to let out for visiting dignitaries and such, and is often hired to find missing or stolen objects that no one else can seem to find. And because he's rich and has impeccable connections, (His father is cousin to the Earl of Brumbley, Winsbarren's father -- which is how Richard met William through Winsbarren as Winsbarren and William went to school together -- follow that logic if you dare) he's often invited to balls and parties. 

However, he doesn't go to be sociable, he only attends to keep his ear to the gossip. Which is why he's such a good detective. After he helped save Penny (MASQUERADE) Lady Olivia took a liking to him. He's quite possibly the only man in London who isn't afraid of her -- only her matchmaking schemes. 

Amanda's husband

In this story, Amanda has come back to England with her husband who's interested in the cotton mills. (He's a Southerner, with a cotton plantation and slaves, which is how he made his fortune, among other ways.)

Richard meets Amanda briefly one night in London and falls in love with her at first sight. Unfortunately, she's on her way to Manchester to view the cotton mills with her husband. Richard thinks she's a witch and woven a spell over him as he just can't forget about her.


As I started rewriting this novel, I found Richard had more than his fair share of coincidences. Hence the new title. It's been a twisty-turny road to get this novel finished. I had to chuck all my previous research and start from scratch, which has led to more research. And in trying to get it finished quickly, I missed two very important scenes that my lovely critique partners were more than happy to point out to me.

However, we're almost there. Just a couple more chapters and I think we can publish by the end of January. At least that's what I tell myself.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great week!

Anne Gallagher (c) 2013