Sharon Maria Bidwell

Check out my Book Trailer. Enjoy!

Licinius is an adamite-knave, an ancient but largely dishonourable profession. He doesn’t expect much from life and silently bemoans his existence, yet he does what he does to take care of his family. He certainly never expects to have his wish — to spend one good night with one good knight — fulfilled in the arresting form but strange and confusing personality of Crassius de Chartres. Overcome with lust (and love) at first sight, Licinius is willing and eager, especially when the knight insists, “Your pleasure is my pleasure.”

Licinius is about to experience an incredible knight, one that is going to leave him a quivering wreck come morning, caged in a way he never expected, and possibly vagrant. He must be mistaken because Crassius wouldn’t do anything to hurt him, would he? Will he finally understand the true meaning of the knight’s motto and share his idea of pleasure?

One good night with one good knight: is that really too much to ask?

Available February 5th from Changeling Press.

Granted, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but let’s face it, there are some pretty awful book covers out there and for some peculiar reason, a high proportion of poor art has perpetually appeared on romance books. I’m glad to report this trend is changing and, as with the content, the covers are starting to reflect the discerning audience, which is good news for writers and readers.

If you’ve not read a romance in a while, trust me, they have changed drastically. Perhaps I should blush to admit this, but aside from classic literature from authors such as Bronte or Austen — I think my first literary introduction to a romantic heroine was Jane Eyre — most young girls first have a taste of romance writing in the form of a Mills and Boon’s novel. At age fourteen or fifteen, this gave me a perverse view of romance and of what men expected of women. For those that love such books, I’m not knocking them. There are many good examples. I’m referring more to a sign of the times and of how things have changed from when I was a teenager. As a friend exclaimed recently there was never an erection in a Mills and Boon’s when she was young. While I am certain that despite our feminist backbones, many women would like a handsome man to sweep them off their feet, they are now just as likely to pick up a baseball bat, or gun, or sword, or high-power laser particle whangamado gadget, in defence of their man should the need arise. Heroines and their heroes now stand together (or hero with hero, and heroine with heroine or whatever combination you wish), as in an ideal world, love truly should conquer ‘all’. In love, both parties fall at the feet of the other. Equality is the key and even in surrender, both can remain equal.

This new era of romance crosses age, class-distinctions, social taboos, even universes, for it also crosses genres. If you like the animal in your man or woman, you are sure to find them in the form of vamps and shape-shifters, indeed ‘weres’ of every description. Whether you read sci-fi, fantasy, horror, or westerns, if you can think of it, there is likely to be a romance to suit your tastes. These stories now contain adventure, danger, excitement, and a soupcon of erotica.

What has this to do with the cover? From the writer’s point of view, it is largely one of promotion. People often ‘do’ judge a book by its cover. What caught my attention was during a recent author chat someone raised the question how do authors ‘choose’ their covers. The simple answer is that they don’t. In some cases, an author may even face having their beloved title changed. Sometimes this is understandable. There was a case of a publisher having two books with the same title and not wishing to confuse their readers, they asked the second writer to change it, but I have heard cases of publishers doing so without consulting their authors at all. The same applies to book covers. Some publishers will do their utmost to create something pleasing to both the author and the expected readership. Others… well, even with the best of intentions mistakes happen, and depending on the company’s policy the author may have no say, no comeback, not even see a preview of the work prior to publication.

Thankfully, many reputable publishers do consider their authors’ feelings and I am so far blessed. A poor cover is bad news for everyone. After all, the publisher wants a book to sell as much as the author does. For the most part, yes, a good cover can be a good indicator. However, if you do see a book with what you consider a bad cover, don’t make your decision solely on what your eye sees. I’ve discovered some treasures hiding under awful wrapping paper. I can only advise, quite literally, not to judge a book by its cover.

I’ve decided to clear out some of my old posts (from my website and myspace) but some posts like memories are worth keeping, so every Monday I’ll take a look back and if I find anything interesting I’ll repost with any additional comments I can think of.

So, this morning I had to ask myself if it was worth reposting the blurb to my very first published novel. I decided it was with a little clarification.

I signed up to myspace late October 2006. It’s difficult to believe it’s been that long because that also means that my first book with Loose-Id has been knocking around for four years and I’m still not finished with the series. With a bit of luck the third Swithin Spin will raise its head this year although currently I’m not sure with which publisher that will be.

I can still remember in 2004, I think it was, I sat there wondering ‘when’ was I going to have larger credit out there. I was reading quite a good self-help book at the time. I don’t usually read such things but this one was interesting. Mostly it told me things I already knew but it’s nice having your beliefs and feelings confirmed in some way. One particular chapter talked about not sitting around waiting for things to happen but ‘making’ them happen. I knew with writing there were two ways to go. You write what you like and hope to find a publisher or you look for a market, and write ‘for’ it. Most writers have more success that way and I’d done pretty well writing both ways but studying the short story market to match my stories to suit. I chose Loose-Id as a market and wrote a story for them…which flopped, big time. They totally rejected it for three reasons, two of which I agreed with and one which I did not…still don’t but that’s neither here nor there. The strange thing is I was wholly grateful for that rejection for two reasons.

Most importantly I learned a lot from their comments. I decided to see what was selling and return to the ‘drawing board’. Secondly, I was trying to write for genre I’d never attempted before and the likelihood of my story being ’snapped up’ first try would have been extraordinary. With so many vanity and unscrupulous press out there if LI had snapped up my first book I think I would have come to doubt my own ability. I wouldn’t have trusted them nearly so much and therefore trusted their good comments on my second submission attempt.

So there I was. I had decided to write for Loose-Id. Why Loose-Id? I liked the concept. I liked that although they published erotic romance many of their books were real stories, not just a poorly disguised series of events to loosely link a load of sex scenes. I had to get over the embarrassment of writing sex but told myself I would worry about that, about what my friends and family would think, when I came to it. Before that, I had to come up with a plot so decided to think up something they couldn’t reject.

I started to form my idea in June 2005. In fact I still have all my hand-scribbled notes, not only for that first book but for books two and three of the trilogy. I found them a couple of weeks ago and spent quite a few moments smiling. These notes on their own make no sense and some of the final scenes differ from those first images that flashed into my head but in that large envelope of messy, nonsensical notes I have my story. But all stories begin in your mind.

As long as there are writers there will always be readers who will ask ‘Where do you get your ideas?’ The answer is everywhere. Life. Playing the ‘What if’ game. Putting two seemingly disconnected events together:

The Swithin Chronicles 1: Uly’s Comet

Unleash the Comet… Feel the power…

Markis Shaver, the Swithin Prince, controls the power of the Comet, which may be the only thing that will act as a deterrent in a war between two vast monarchies – a war that could devastate the natural world and must therefore be avoided at any cost, even if that means killing the many to save the few. As if things weren’t bad enough, he may also have to rescue a princess and face a marriage of convenience and it doesn’t help that Markis is still in training and struggles to control the power when he calls it forth. At times, he also struggles to control his temper, which is quick to react where his feelings are concerned. The lessons, alas, do not seem to be working and he is running out of time.

His personal guard and best friend, Ryanac, disagrees with the old teachings and has always insisted that Markis should embrace love, both emotionally and physically, to control the Comet … but then again, he could be wrong.

When Markis leaves the palace one night to indulge in the luxury of a little solitude, he captures a young man and would-be thief. Out of boredom he decides to play a little game with the thief but little does he know that in time Uly will teach him a whole new lesson in desire … and love. But if he gives into love physically before he has full control, what will it mean for the world?

If Uly, a street thief, can teach a prince to let go of control, maybe love really can conquer all. Markis is afraid of the ride but maybe he should just unleash the comet and feel the power…

So where does a story like this come from:

I pictured a man sitting on a bench in open parkland and a thief about to steal his purse. At the time, I had no idea who the man was or why he sat there. I had no idea as to the identity of the thief. Later, I came across a name: Shavar, ‘Comet’ and suddenly I had the answers. This story nagged for me write it. I loved the world, characters, and story I created and lucky for me, so did the publishers over at Loose-Id…

Much of the UK is currently covered in a blanket of snow. The strange thing is people seem to be finding it harder to cope this year even in my surrounding streets but the strange thing is we had more snow here last year. I’ve just said on a myspace friend’s page that while I appreciate how difficult it is, I can’t help thinking some countries must be laughing at us. I remember visiting Canada and when they talked about the temperatures and conditions they have to face, it made me feel embarrassed. I love/hate snow but I suppose that goes for most of us but I guess it’s not the snow so much; it’s when it turns to solid ice.

A friend of mine in Devon is snowed in and she only has six inches of snow. Trouble is she lives at the top of a great big hill and no way can cars get in and out of there. She’d walk round another way and take a bus…but no buses are running so she can’t get to work. She has food until Sunday, so I guess will be trudging into town on foot, hoping they’ve got supplies. They’re apparently short of milk in the shops there because of people stocking up. I appreciate why people are doing this but it leaves nothing for anyone else. If it continues I guess shops may consider rationing. Other friends of ours close to London tried to go to one of the large supermarkets the other day only to discover it was closing. They tried another and got told the same thing: closing early owing to staff shortages…so is it any wonder people are stocking up when they ‘can’ get into a store?

I’m thinking if we’re in for this on a more regular basis then it’s time we started investing in some proper snow gear, proper ’snow boots’ for one thing. I used to have a pair of boots that you could have walked across a skating rink wearing and not slipped.

Last night I ‘belated’ remembered I have pair of biker’s boots. I’m going to try them out later and see if they fair better in the snow than my normal boots do. Dear Husband had to go out walking the other day and I made him wear a pair of my ear muffs (not that he was complaining) but at least I gave him the plain ones, not the fluffy animal print ones that I have.

And the thing is as I was discussing with a friend the other day, it used to be we cleared our own drives, paths, and pavement out front. We didn’t just sit there expecting local authorities to do it. I can definitely remember my grandfather doing it, so why is it that street upon street you see all the snow just left where it is? There’s a good reason for it over here in the UK. Apparently, people are afraid to touch the snow on the pavement because if you clear it and someone slips they can sue you. So they’d rather slip on an uncleared bit then? Seriously, get a grip (no pun intended). This world has gone mad.

However, according to article on the BBC this isn’t entirely as clear as people believe. Apparently, there is a ’slim’ chance of doing this regarding the pavement, but your own personal land including your drives or paths are your responsibility and if someone slips because you haven’t cleared them, you’re just as at risk of being sued. For the full article read here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8443745.stm

I would be concerned if the law stated we ‘had’ to clear the snow because of those who are perhaps unable to do so. I appreciate the article says ‘do the neighbourly’ thing and help but is there such a thing these days?

I had plans. I had a schedule. I have no idea what has happened to these ‘organised’ things. I think I had an attack of ‘life’ as in ‘life had other ideas’ or ‘life got in the way’. It happens to the best of us sometimes.

Thank you to those who have sent messages in the last few weeks asking me when they can expect another work out there. I know little more than you do. I have a publication date for early February for “A Good Knight” from Changeling Press but that’s the only planned work at present. Not from lack of trying. This is one of those times when hold-ups behind the scenes have thrown everything to wind. If the storm settles I’ll let you know as soon as I do.

One thing for all would-be writers and interested readers to note is that when you submit to a publisher there is a waiting time. Then there may be pre-contract edits, or edits after contract, and then proofing etc. It all takes time and you’re not the only writer in a queue. It doesn’t matter how well your last book did, it’s often first come, first serve and you have to be patient. I’m not the first writer to feel you can grow old while being so very patient but there’s nothing that can be done about it. Short answer is I’m still working ‘behind the scenes’ and dying to start something else.

Yes, I had a rather strange but possibly fabulous idea over Christmas for my next story and I want to start work on it…I just can’t. I can’t because I have a list of things that need my attention first. Ug. It’s so damn frustrating. If they ever perfect cloning technology I could do with another one of me. (That’s a joke. I don’t want another one of me although it might prove interesting for the husband.)

In the meantime, I’ve got around to joining facebook. Anyone on there do a search for Sharon Bidwell and say hi.

For some strange reason all through 2009 I kept writing 2008. Maybe I was trying to claw back a year of my life but I don’t think that’s the reason. I think so much has happened to me in the last couple of years I had simply lost track of time. When you’re young the older generations around you tell you that time speeds up the older you get. You turn away in disinterest for only time can teach you how right they are. Yep, time has sped up in recent years and only partly owing to the fact I’ve been so busy.

Well, I spent the Christmas holidays and New Year slowing down as much as possible. I read but didn’t write (although I did dream up a couple more story ideas and scribbled them down). I ate but not too much. I drank, not too much. I put my feet up. I visited family. I slipped and slid in snow that melted the very next day. I came home. I visited neighbours. I jumped around like a loony playing on a Wii console and was amazed it aged me younger than my years. I relaxed as much as I could on my birthday and welcomed the new year in with ambiguous feelings, probably because I really couldn’t get my head around that number of 2010. Yesterday (Sunday) I took the decorations down and wondered how it was possible I was doing so because it felt as if I’d just put them up. The poinsettia, which was a gift from a neighbour, is the only evidence of Christmas left.

Many of us in the UK also said goodbye to David Tennant as Doctor Who and try as I might I’m not entirely sure I can give the new Doctor a chance. He’s too young for me, which must prove my age. LOL. Jon Pertwee and to some extent Tom Baker were my doctors — and for those who understand the programme, each generation has their ‘own’ doctor. David Tennant gave the show a new lease of life that I doubt anyone else can, mostly usurping the doctors of my childhood. The final episode gave him a parting line that was eloquent for the actor and us as an audience. David loved playing the doctor and didn’t want to leave although it was his decision to do so but sometimes we have to leave good things behind to move forward to better ones. Likewise, most of the audience didn’t want him to go but gone he has and the thing to do is appreciate the good things while they are there. Tennant is one of my favourite people on TV and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what he does next. I’ve also got three hours of him in Hamlet to watch.

So, new year and that often means changes. I don’t usually make new year’s resolutions but this time I have. I have in mind what I want to do writing wise, holiday-wise…and the lovely experience of spending some quiet time with the one person most important to me in this world has made me determined to make more ‘home’ time, including time to get out for some walks, do some exercise, and sit down for a good home-cooked meal now and then. I do cook, almost every day, but I want to dig into my recipe books so every other Sunday it would be nice if it was a morning of freshly brewed coffee, some home-baked bread, or a nice dinner over a bottle of wine. We’ve been so busy in recent years, writing, working, moving, decorating, dealing with the unfortunate incidents life throws at you as well as some wonderful ones, we’ve forgotten what it’s like to do those things; the simple things. This is the year I want to remember.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Oh, and take a moment’s break to visit this month’s card at jacquie lawson. It did make me laugh so, as it’s simply so true:

Wishing you all happiness and peace,
Sharon x

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I also want to say whatever your religion, creed, sexuality, age, height, weight, eye colour…or anything else that someone could use to single you out, spare a thought for a moment for the things you have to be thankful for.

Yes, I’m serious. For many in some ways this has been a bad year. For some it’s been a terrible one. The truth is every year has its good and bad moments for everyone and all of us experience some years that are better for us than others. All we hear these days on the news is complaints regarding the recession. For those who have lost their jobs or their homes then I truly feel for them. Some lost their homes and even their lives this year right here in the UK owing to flooding. In some cases, these people cannot get insurance (or insurance worth having) through no fault of their own. They pick themselves up every time and struggle on while facing ruin.

Although 2010 will be a new year, January 1st is really just another day. Every day people face financial loss, financial ruin. They also face illnesses. They face the loss of loved ones. We’re all facing climate change no matter whether we believe it’s a natural occurrence or because humans have a detrimental impact on the environment. Most of what’s wrong with the world is owing to greed and selfish motivation. Yes, I do believe that. You can trace most everything back to greed. Even war is greed for land, greed for power, greed for dominance including a dominance of faith.

But I want to talk about the recession. We are most certainly in one. There are many reasons for this, too many to mention in a short blog. Some of that recession is down to debt, including personal debt. Many have survived for so long living on credit, not because they’re at fault but because it’s become a socially acceptable standard. I’m not insulting anyone. Just stop and think for a minute. Today’s society has certain expectations and often they are unrealistic ones. I’m remembering my grandparents. My mother’s parents raised three children. They were never able to afford to buy their own home. They both worked although my grandfather was the main breadwinner. They received no such thing as child benefit. In my grandparents’ day if you had children you looked after them without help unless it came from relatives. It was the parents’ job to feed and clothe their children. The state provided an education but the parents got their children to school and bought their school uniform sometimes at great personal cost and sacrifice.

They did the best they could and they did very well with very little. My mother and her siblings would not have dreamed of demanding a Christmas present, let alone something as expensive as a computer or game console as a given. They wouldn’t have expected anything and would have been grateful for whatever they received. They were happy to receive a single item, perhaps even a single item between them.

My grandmother washed her family’s clothes by hand. She rubbed clothes over a glass scrubbing board in a bowl of soapy water, rinsed, and then wrung it through a wringer, finally hanging it out on a line to dry. In bad weather lines of washing would hang from the ceiling of the kitchen. The kitchen was often the hub of the home. It was where the main fire was for they had no such thing as central heating. The rest of the house was cold. I remember my grandfather drawing patterns in the ice on the window telling me Jack Frost had been by. If they wanted a bath they heated water on the stove to use in a tin bath they would pull in front of the fire. The toilet was an outdoor affair where in winters far worse than we see today they would have to take precautions so that their backsides didn’t stick to the seat while they sat there. This ‘in’convenience was in the back yard. It wasn’t a garden. It was mostly a concrete yard with one fenced off area where my grandfather would grow vegetables. This wasn’t a hobby; it was a requirement because they couldn’t afford not to. My grandmother would make heartwarming stews with few provisions and yet I have this vivid memory of these stews, which always contained butter beans. I loved those beans.

I know, it sounds as if I’m two hundred years old and this is some Victorian melodrama but you would be wrong. I am talking less than 40 years ago and no, my grandparents weren’t poverty-stricken or peculiar. They were normal, hard-working people. They didn’t expect much in life because they’d never ‘had’ much in life. They never had the opportunity to go abroad and having a family holiday at the seaside was an untold luxury. We’re in a recession and while I’m not belittling the ill-effects anyone has experienced, I think it’s too easy to forget that so many do not know what true hardship is. It’s too easy to forget how quickly life has changed for most of us in a very short time. People complain when they don’t have more than one holiday in a year. Television? Some houses have one in every room. My grandparents never saw television until my uncle brought one home. Theirs was one of the first houses in the street to have one because of the job my uncle did. Even then, televisions were black and white and only three channels. They were incredibly expensive. Now they are throwaway items too easily chucked out not because they’re faulty but because everyone wants the latest in technology. Mobile phones? My grandparents didn’t even have a phone. They didn’t own a car. Even when there was a bus service if they could walk the distance, they did so because buses cost money and money could always be used elsewhere. In their day, they would have been mortified to buy anything on credit and yet nowadays credit has become a way of life. I’m happy to say I know people who prefer to teach their children that if they want something they cannot always have it immediately and need to save for it.

I’m not suggesting we should want to return to such times or even look back on them fondly but I do think we have a lot to learn by them, especially the younger generations. Too many of us have been too used to a life of plenty for so long we’ve forgotten how easily such things can be stripped away from any one of us. We’ve forgotten how to be grateful. We’ve forgotten how to recognise the truly important things in life and if nothing else that is what this time of year should be used for. We should spare the time to acknowledge what we are thankful for, or should be.

I’m very pleased to announce a story acceptance for a m/m alternative history with some humour tale of one good night with a very good knight. More sometime next year but ‘A Good Knight’ will be coming to Changeling.