All I Now About Romance Novel Heroes I Learned from Flynn Rider

Had an excellent conference yesterday with the Ozark Romance Writer's in Springfield, Missouri. We got to hear from industry professionals on the state of publishing. Romance novelists Leah Michaels and Shannon K Butcher gave excellent presentations on suspense plotting and things that stump the best of us. I got to give a humorous presentation on heroes that all started because of Flynn Rider in the movie Tangled.

Half way through the movie he remarks, "I don't do back story." Well, I jotted down some of the events that happened during the movie and, viola, the pattern for hero-making.

A couple of my favorite points:
One favorite line occurred at the Snuggly Duckling when Rapunzel says, "Give me back my guy." It is a lovely analogy for that point in the romance novel when the heroine realizes she wants/needs the hero.

At another time, Flynn attempts to return the crown to his former comrades-in-arms. Rapunzel is concerned and says to the effect, "I was starting to think you ran off with the crown and left me." Of course, it's all part of the wicked Gothel's plan to get Rapunzel back and discredit Flynn, but the point is, that during the writing of a manuscript one might have them meet and conquer danger while keeping the larger danger, the dark moment, in the back ground and spring it on the reader at the end. And the more emotional turning point is that Rapunzel now has doubts about Flynn.

Tangled is a great pattern card for blocking out a hero for your next manuscript.

Copyright: Disney

Just Thinking About...David Gandy

Just a couple of great pics...he really is too beautiful for words.

ANOTHER LOVER, up for Book of the Week at LASR

Got news that ANOTHER LOVER is up for Book of the Week at LASR. Would love it if you could stop by and click for me at:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/index.htm

Thanks so much.

Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews for ANOTHER LOVER

Oh, wow! I just got an email from LASR/Whipped Cream that ANOTHER LOVER was given a 5 Cherry review! This is so awesome I had to share (translation: brag.) And with this rating, I will be up for Book of the Week! The voting will begin Saturday and I'm going to bug all my Blogger, Facebook and Twitter friends to check it out. I know there will be a ton of other great writers to choose from...so I'll say thank you now even if you aren't able to cast your vote for me.

Here's the link to the review:
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/search?q=eliza+lloyd

Dads

Okay, I have a thing for DADS who don't just play the part!

At the mall, at the pool - they are everywhere. But of course, being a romance writer I would NEVER dream of poaching. However, we can all agree that it is okay to look.

So let's look. How about that David Beckham? I've always had a thing for him. Not to worry, David Gandy has a firm grip on my ovaries. Becks is physical, competitive and caring. A photo of him with one of the kids is so adorable. Not the same way that a photo of him in his Armani's is adorable, but I digress. A topic for another blog.

Photos? Must have photos.

Oops, how did this get in here....

Why Loretta Chase Rocks.

Any one who has read my blog (or my JERR Interview here: http://elizalloyd.blogspot.com/2011/06/interview-at-just-erotic-romance.html ) knows that I dig Loretta Chase's historical novels. She is so clever.



So, I'm reading Silk is for Seduction. The premise is unique: a dressmaker who catches the eye of a Duke. Marcelline, the heroine, is lovely. A shark at heart, she also is very aware of what and who she is...and poor Clevedon can't help by fall for her by the page.

Another great read from Loretta and I would highly recommend for any reader who enjoys a witty historical romp.

Good news for David Gandy fans

David's new coffee table book from Dolce and Gabbana will be available from Amazon.com and, I assume, other outlets in September. Amazon shows a release date of September 27, 2011 but you can preorder with some substantial savings.

http://www.amazon.com/David-Gandy-Dolce-Gabbana-Howarth/dp/0847837521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1309631597&sr=8-1

This works for me since there isn't a D&G store nearby where, I think it was available starting last month.

Also, here is David's Vogue blogpost where he talks about the excitement of the event on release day. Yes, David you are all that!  ( I don't think he believed the crowds where there for him. )

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/david-gandy/2011/06/my-career-highlight#CommentList

And of course, what blog is complete with some David Gandy shots.