Kimberly Killion | Curse it!

Let's talk about Expletives.

"God's Hooks"
'''Ods toes"
"Piss 'n nettles"
"Christ-all-bleeding-mighty!"

Little curses and habitual ticks can bring a character to life. As an author writing in the Medieval time period, I chose the above expletives for my debut book, HER ONE DESIRE. Let's start with the first one: GOD'S HOOKS: Derived from the hooks (or nails) used to fasten Christ to the cross. This particular expletive later evolved into "Gadzooks". Many of these "God's"expressions were reduced to 'od's or odds as in "'ods toes".

Of course, part of the fun is making up expletives. I used 'Piss 'n nettles' for one of the secondary characters in HER ONE DESIRE. I tossed words around for days trying to fit 'John' with the perfect expression. Not only does a character tend to use a favorite expression, but also favorite sayings, like: "Are ye wowf, man?" Simply from the way it's written, the reader might be able to guess its meaning. 'Wowf' was Scottish slang used to describe someone who might be insane, crazy, mentally ill or deranged.

Along with researching forms of speech, I often mull over a character's nervous tick before I ever start a book. (Sometimes for days at a time) I like to know as much as possible about a character before I write that first line. The heroine, Lady Lizbeth Ives, in HER ONE DESIRE is a bit skittish.(You would be, too, if you were the daughter to the Lord High Executioner.)'Lizzy' twists her sleeves and counts when she is nervous or afraid which adds to the humor of the book as well as the tension. In turn, a more3-dimensional character has been created.

Another bit of research I truly enjoy is coming up with creative words for particular body parts. While you might be able to guess what a pillicock is or maybe even a set of cullions, can you guess what a nock is? Or how about a twanger or tewel? I'll give away a signed copy of HER ONE DESIRE to the person who can reveal the answer at my -

ONE DAY ONLY BLOG CONTEST -

Since I'm in a celebratory mood, I'll be picking two more commenter's names at random to win a copy of HER ONE DESIRE. Thanks for joining me today! Now, tell me what's the most memorable expletive you can recall ever reading? Or, if you're an author, what curse words did you use for your characters?

If you would like to know a wee bit more about HER ONE DESIRE, here is the back cover blurb:

Astride a stolen horse, encircled by the shackled arms of Broderick Maxwell, a Scottish spy escaping certain death in the Tower of London, Lizbeth Ivesrides to the north, hidden by the merciful darkness. By stealth and by cunning, the daughter of the Lord High Executioner has undone her father's cruel work, compelled to save the innocent man with her. There is no turning back-they are bound as one in his iron chains. Consumed by mortal fear, driven by passion, they disappear into the night.

A single raven follows them. Is it an omen? Or only the first of those who would capture them? They must ride on. If captured, they will face death together. But if they reach Scotland, he will claim her for his own. forever.

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Happy July!
Kimberly Killion

Cynitha Eden | Getting Lost In A Book

I love to get lost in a good book. Love to let the hours slip away as I become drawn into a great read. I love to laugh and cry and have my husband look at me like I’m crazy. Oh, yeah, sometimes getting lost in a book can be a wonderful thing.

When I’m reading—I want to get so drawn into a story that I consider myself lost. But, when I’m writing a book, well, getting lost can have a whole new meaning for me…

I’m finishing up work on my latest novel, part of my "Midnight" paranormal series for Kensington Brava. And I have to say—I think I’ve gotten lost in this book—but not necessarily lost in the good way. You see, all of my free time is consumed by this book. I’m so deeply into my demon story that all my energy is consumed by the tale. So that means the rest of my life is getting a bit lost, too.

I walked into my dining room earlier and wondered when all of the lights in the chandelier (there are twelve of them) had stopped working. Surely not all at once. This had to be a gradual thing—and I missed it.

I looked in the closet and realized there were no clean clothes to be found—but the pile of dirty laundry is large enough to eat me now.

I’ve got phone messages from friends that are over a week old—and calling them with an apology that I was lost might not cut it.

Sigh. Getting lost in a book—sometimes, it’s so easy to do.

So tell me, have you gotten lost in a good book lately? Or, if you’re a writer, too—has your own story pulled you in so deeply that your family has written you off as being lost?

Cynthia Eden
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/
HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT—Available now from Kensington Brava
"Wicked Ways" in WHEN HE WAS BAD—Available now from Kensington Brava
Believe in monsters. They believe in you.