Sunday 24 February 2013

Inspirations





 
Please click date button to view entire post.

Hi everyone,

Today I thought I would talk a little about inspirations. As a writer I am always amazed at what can trigger a story. It can be the smallest and most unexpected thing – a phrase, a place, a picture or even a piece of jewellery.

I also discovered that ideas will come at the most inopportune times – generally when I’m walking in the gardens (the only time I don’t carry a notebook) or in the shower (yep, no notebook there either) or of course in the moment you are about to fall asleep.

But sometimes the inspiration appears as soon as you come across a physical article. My time travel story, Until the Stars Burn Cold all started because I stumbled across an interesting silver ring. Whereas Capturing Bliss came into being because I had been reading an article on arranged marriages during the medieval period.

Of course, some ideas will come from the less tangible world of feelings. How you feel in that particular moment and what would a character do if she felt the very same way?

I drew upon memories to write my latest work. My mother was a dancer and I spent a lot of time as a child backstage in an atmospheric Victorian period theatre. Really, thinking back how could I not write a story about it? So for Dancing on Air, I have mixed memory with history and of course romance.

My newest work in progress was inspired by a picture. I was looking for some images to buy for a trailer when I came across a picture in Bigstock. It made me pause, stare and think. A traditional Celtic song spun around in my head and after a few minutes I not only had an idea but a plot line and a title. I had a fairytale. And yes, I bought the image... see above.



So how does inspiration strike you?
 

As always, thanks for dropping by.

Nicóle     xx

p.s.  Misrule’s Mistress has just received a lovely review from Satin Sheets Romance. The link is here if you would like to check it out. If you leave a comment at Satin Sheets Romance you could win a pdf copy of Misrule.


 

 Cinderela_in_red
 
 
Images - Bigstock & Gifgifs.com

Friday 15 February 2013

In Shadows


Hi everyone,
I'm over at In Shadows chatting  with the lovely Brynna about historical romance. I hope you will drop by and say hello. Leave a comment and you may win a pdf copy of Misrule's Mistress.
J
Do you like contemporary romance or are you like me, seduced by history? Do you have a favourite time period?
 
 
And now to other business -
A big thanks to everyone involved in the Heartbreaker Blog Hop and the MFRW's Firsts Hop. They were great fun and I really appreciated all the visits and comments!
 
Congratulations to my fabulous winners, April and Celina. Both won a pdf copy of Misrule's Mistress.
I do love a hop! Want a little fantasy and enchantment? The Fantasy Hop is coming in June.

 
 
Thanks for dropping by.

Nicóle    xx
www.nicolehurley-moore.com

Sunday 10 February 2013

Firsts Blog Hop


Hi everyone and welcome to the MFRW’s ‘Firsts Blog Hop’. This blog hop is celebrating, well... ‘firsts’. There is an old saying “That you always remember your first’, but I think in many ways this can apply to not only your love, but so many other things as well. It could mean nearly anything – from the first romance novel you read, or your first crush or even your first love.

So, I reflected on some of my ‘firsts’ and a hundred things ran through my mind... here’s just a few.

The first time I... saw Paris; fell in love; held my babies in my arms; said ‘yes’ to the right man; cooked a soufflé; rode a horse/ plane/ train/ elephant/ water buffalo; stayed in a castle; read historical fiction (thank you Ms. Seaton, I have had a crush on John of Gaunt ever since) or wrote a story.

Our lives are filled with ‘firsts’, some wonderful, others not so – but all uniquely ours.

And then of course there is the first kiss. They can be magical, exciting, unexpected or maybe even a little disappointing. There is the tingle of anticipation when you realise you are about to be kissed. And whether or not it ends up being the beginning of something special – you always remember it.

So what is one of your favourite ‘firsts’?

 

Top Hat modelled by Alannah
I’m giving away a pdf copy of my latest novella, Misrule’s Mistress. To be in the running please leave an answer & your email in the comment section at the very bottom of this post. I will select a winner on the 14th Feb using the top hat method (top hat pictured). Thank you so much for hopping by and I hope you discover some lovely new writers and great stories.

Nicóle  x



Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.

 

Ellette’s first kiss from Misrule’s Mistress.

 
“Is all well, Ellette?” Barric asked as he stepped into the room.

“Aye, tis nothing. The air of the hall was hot and noisy but my head is clear now,” Ellette said with a smile; but holding her breath she watched as Barric walked over to her. Gently his hands touched her face, his fingers moving in little circles over her temples. It was a kind gesture, one that was meant to soothe, but all Ellette could feel was a trail of fire. Her eyes widened as she raised her head and looked at him. Barric’s eyes warmed and he bent down and gently kissed her. His mouth was soft and warm and a thousand butterflies looped and fluttered in her stomach. His arms wound around her waist and pulled her closer. She could feel the hard planes of his chest as she pressed against him.  A slow, warmth began to burn and spread throughout Ellette’s body. The kiss deepened as Barric’s tongue slipped between her lips and Ellette was swept away by him... his scent and touch and the way it made her want to linger in  his arms.

She felt the pressure of his lips lessen and she kissed him back. Her arm reached behind his head in an attempt to stop him pulling away.


 

Thursday 7 February 2013

Heartbreaker Blog Hop

Please click date button to view entire post.

Hi everyone and welcome to the Heartbreaker Blog Hop. We’re filled up to kitty’s bow with fabulous authors and bloggers. I hope that on your hopping journey you discover great stories, new writers and snag a few prizes.

But this hop is all about heartbreakers. Those incorrigible men, who have come hither stares and are careless with women’s hearts. And whether it’s in real life or fiction they are and always have been a... temptation.

I have to admit I have a weakness for a Regency rake who is just crying out for the right woman to reform his ways. But it doesn’t seem to matter if he’s a knight with a less than shining armour or a modern day rogue, the heartbreaker is irresistible.

So, who is your favourite heartbreaker?

 

I’m giving away a pdf copy of my latest novella, Misrule’s Mistress to one hopper who answers my question and leaves their email. The comment button is located at the very end of this post.
 
My winner will be drawn on the 12th Feb by my usual top hat method (hat pictured below).
Top hat modelled by Alannah
 
But added to that, the wonderful Carrie Ann has put together three amazing major prizes.

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!

Please note that the 3rd prize is only available to U.S. residents. Sorry, but posting internationally would cost way too much.
                                                                      http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/
 
 


Nicóle  x
Misrule's Mistress

Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a celebration she’ll never forget.
 



Friday 1 February 2013

Coffee Time Romance & More Contest



Hi everyone,

This month I'm one of the featured contest authors at Coffee Time Romance and More.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/ContestPage.html


It's super easy to enter. All you have to do is answer three questions about my latest novella, Misrule's Mistress.

Hint - You'll find all the answers on my website. Just click on the cover of Misrule's Mistress in the 'My Books' section and you will discover the answers in the extract.

www.nicolehurley-moore.com


There's a great prize up for grabs and I hope you will drop by.


Nicóle  x
 
Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.