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RUBY DEBUT RELEASE: Pirate’s Proposal
 Posted by Liz Talley Jan 19 2012, 1:27 am in 1700s, Bahamas, Caribbean, cursed doll..., female pirate captain, gold, gypsy, pirate romance, rogue hero, treasure
First, let’s start with the really cool idea you and a group of writers had for a connected series. Tell us about the scrimshaw doll and how Pirate’s Proposal ties in… “Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll” is a book series of romance novellas about a doll with a gypsy curse. The stories chronologically begin in 1719, with my book Pirate’s Proposal and continues on through modern day. Since this is a group project and Calisa Rhose’s novel Home was released first, the stories are not released in any certain order. Eventually the doll will end up in Oklahoma. Following is the letter explaining how the doll appears in my book: Dear Captain Santini, My heart is heavy at the news you sent that illness robbed my dear daughter of her life. That you are alive yourself means you were a good husband, and for this I am grateful.
The magic happened on the eve of Antonia’s wedding to you. I asked our gypsy witch to place a spell on my daughter that any person who betrayed her would suffer. I asked this because I had learned that my dear departed Rosa, my beloved wife, had been unfaithful to me, and I wished most of all for my daughter to never suffer the pain of betrayal. The gypsy witch made a mistake, though. Antonia was sleeping with her doll that night, something the witch did not notice until after she cast the spell. Worried that the doll absorbed the spell, she recast it and added a caveat that true love would break the spell. Regardless, care should be taken that the doll is not harmed because, from the things you’ve mentioned, it does seem the doll did absorb the spell. Since your darling Gina has the doll now, you might want to renew the spell for her protection, although who knows if this is necessary. But as it seems to have served you in good stead, it can do no harm, given the dangerous business you’re in, where one never knows who is friend or foe. My fondest wish is to see my granddaughter before I die. Kind regards, Enzo Conti And so the legend of the scrimshaw doll begins . . . 1. First, that’s a darn fascinating letter and I love the way the doll is woven throughout a series of books. I also love the way the books aren’t necessarily tied to a particular area and time period. So tell us about scrimshaw, how you came up with the idea. Remember you asked…<insert evil laugh> Scrimshaw–if you don’t know, and I didn’t know at first–is something that has been carved or engraved out of whalebone or walrus tusks. And the creation of the “Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll” series is a collaborative effort by writers from the Oklahoma Romance Writers. Interesting, you say, since I’m a Texan, why OKRWA? A long time ago in a galaxy…oh, wait, that’s my Star Wars geekiness coming out. But at times, it does feel like a galaxy away. Way back when I was DARA president (talking almost 20 years ago here, yikes), I met the OKRWA president Cheryl Anne Porter at an RWA Regional conference. Immediately we bonded and it wasn’t just because she was president of a group who called themselves the Outlaws (Outlaws! How cool is that, especially for a suspense writer—almost cool enough to make me move to OK!) When she went on about what a wonderful group of writers the Outlaws were, I wanted to join. But for me: life happened. Writing stopped, although Cheryl and I stayed in contact. And then tragedy, not long after I had my sixth child, cancer won a battle with Cheryl. I decided when I got back to writing I would join OKRWA, even though Cheryl had moved to Florida and lived there several years before she died. (There has been a scholarship set up in her name for writers, you can read about it here: http://www.cherylanneporter.com/ As soon as I could I became an Outlaw! Next enter the brilliant OKRWA writer Alicia Dean. She had an idea for OKRWA writers to write a series to showcase the talent of the group as well as highlight the state of Oklahoma. She also had a tentative go ahead from her publisher The Wild Rose Press for the series if she could get it going (a few times she had to pull out her six-shooters to keep us ornery Outlaws in line! Just kidding, she’s a sweetheart.) It wasn’t long after the 09 Golden Heart® finals, and I had collected a long string of rejections (being a GH finalist, I learned, gets you rejected MUCH faster), and I was a little directionless. This project sounded like fun! As we were tossing about ideas for something to connect each book in the series, enter Sharon Sala with the idea to make the connection an object, maybe a doll. A doll sounded great we agreed! Next up, Mel Odom (yes, there are many talented writers in OKRWA) suggested we make the doll a scrimshaw doll. After that, each of us involved in the project chose a Rose line to write for. And when it looked as if my idea was the earliest chronologically, my book had to be the one that tells how Rosa, the gypsy scrimshaw doll was created. And thus…a series is born. 2. I know you like dancing around suspense, with the occasional dead body falling into your work, but why pirates? Is it the danger…or the romance? Both! Is there romance without danger? No? Is that just my experience then? Seriously, every time you offer your heart to someone there’s danger of getting hurt. And how much more with a pirate, who usually carries a very sharp sword and can slash your heart… Ah, but those romantic pirate heroes wouldn’t do that, would they? They’d turn their swords on anyone trying to harm their lady love. Now, that’s romantic! (yes, I have a violent streak, sorry) I’m old enough to remember reading many pirate romances, but I’d forgotten the appeal until I saw Pirates of the Caribbean. Truthfully, how many story ideas did that movie inspire? I’m no different. Had a brilliant idea for a fantasy pirate story, which turned out to be much harder in execution, probably because no one was gonna die <insert another evil laugh>. But since I had the research books, (I adore research books), I volunteered for the English Tea Rose line if it could be a pirate story…good way to make those books tax deductible, right? Pirates and the 1700s, by the way, are quite outside my historical comfort zone as I write historical romances set in 1800s Texas. (yes, with dead bodies from six-shooters and arrows and knives…) But it was fun getting outside my comfort zone. And practicing the sword-fighting scenes…well, honestly, I’m sure it was hilarious if anyone had been watching me wave my youngest son’s plastic sword around! Elizabeth Swan, I am not! Fortunately my hero and heroine are both more adept at sword play.
Who is thinking I’m gonna say Captain Sparrow, raise your hand? Nope, slap that hand down. I went all ga-ga over Will Turner, what a romance hero! Determined, driven, devoted, honorable, hot…um, lost my train of thought. Oh, loyal. Very loyal to those he loves. I like that in a guy. I like loyal a lot. So it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if you imagined my pirate captain, Captain Charles the Charmer, looking a bit like Will Turner with a beard. My heroine has an Italian gypsy bloodline, so of course she’s beautiful, voluptuous, with a thick mane of dark wavy hair…and a pirate captain herself. With a bigger ship than Captain Charles, incidentally. And then, what do you know, after Pirate’s Proposal is written and on submission, I saw POTC 4 and the female pirate Angelica Teach could step right into my heroine, Captain Gina Santini’s boots. That was a little spooky, honestly. 4. So what’s up next in the series? Actually, I have the idea for a sequel if I can figure out when to write it—suddenly my writing schedule got quite busy, more on that in later posts—speaking of busy, with your recent 8 book sale, yay, can I talk time management with you? Also, I would have to work the doll into the story—that was the challenging part for most of us, I think, and sent many of the series writers back to the plotting table a few times. At this time, my story, Pirate’s Proposal, which is about a pirate alliance that leads to love and a gypsy curse that threatens everything is out, and so is Calisa Rhose’s book, Home. Home, the first book released in the series, is a heartwarming story about a returned Vietnam vet and is garnering some wonderful reviews. Annie’s Attic by Callie Hutton will be released May 2012, The Color of Betrayal by Kathy Wheeler and Thicker Than Water by Alicia Dean are both in production and don’t have release dates yet. And we have several other writers in various stages of the submission project so we’re rolling right ahead! We’re also getting a blog going, where you can learn more about our books, our characters, the doll, and the release dates. Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll You can find out more about Diana Layne and her books, sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media here. Thanks so much, Diana, for sharing your journey and your love of pirates with us. I can’t wait to get my hands on this treasure…I would have said booty, but it didn’t sound quite right. LOL. So by all means, readers, share your thoughts on pirates, the really cool idea of the scrimshaw doll or just leave Diana a hearty note of congrats on her accomplishment. And TWO lucky commenters will win a digital copy of Pirate’s Proposal!
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Si, I refer to the doll you mentioned. The doll was not designed to keep my daughter Antonia healthy or physically safe, as you thought. I did not make the doll for any magical purpose; I only made her to offer comfort to my young Antonia when she tragically lost her mother.
3. Tell us a little about your characters….are they modeled after anyone in particular? What do you love the most about each of them?
Ahoy there, Diana and Liz!
Hearty congratulations on the release of Pirates Proposal, Di! Loved the story of how your linked series came to be. I also loved that you practised your sword-fighting scenes before writing them. Pure genius.
Thanks, Vanessa! It was definitely exciting planning the series, and each story is unique and entertaining, including Pirate’s Proposal, of course!
My son thought the sword fights were fun(ny), lol.
Congratulations on your release, Diana! The doll idea sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it.
I love the idea of a publisher letting authors link all these stories across huge spans of time. I haven’t read Pirate’s Proposal yet, but I’ve read Diana’s writing. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to the read, too
Thanks, Liz!
Thanks, Sophie! And thanks for getting up early to sprint with me in the Winter Writing Festival! I look forward to reading The Selkie Spell too!
Waving hi from Kansas! That is one of the single coolest ideas I’ve ever heard. How fun! I am all about pirates, and historicals, and finally have a Kindle
so I downloaded your story this morning. I’m going to use it as my “reward” when I finished my writing goals each day.
I’ll be sure and visit your blog. Congratulations!
Isn’t the kindle great? Isn’t satisfaction. And i like the way you’re using it for reward. Probably a lot better than chocolate… which I often use. My thighs tell that tale.
Ah, Gillian, that is so sweet of you to use Pirate’s Proposal as a reward. I’ve done that myself a time or two–I hope it’s a good reward for you. Thank you!
Shiver me timbers this sounds like a good read! Another book to the TBR list inside my Kindle.
Many congratulations.
Thanks, Hope! I know, my Kindle TBR stack is toppling! One day I will read them all, I will. Pirate’s Proposal, however, is a fast read, a little over 100 pages, so you can probably finish reading while waiting in the grocery line.
Me, too! I keep thinking the Rubies got to slow down so I can catch up. But then I really think about that thought, and wonder what’s wrong with me. Keep piling them up, ladies!
Congratulations, Diana! I do love me a good series of connected tales, and this one sounds dynamic! No kindle, though, so be sure to let us know when it’s available in print.
Hi, Gwynlyn! The Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll stories are of varying lengths, but all are under 65,000 words, which is the length where The Wild Rose Press will consider making a hard copy. However! There are free Kindle reading apps so you can read on a variety of smarter technology, including your computer. (I will totally understand if you grumble that you’re on your computer too much already, lol) I put the link to those Kindle apps on my suspense page. I’m not sure, but I think B&N might have some apps too, my Kindle was a gift so I know more about them.
They say that each reader filters a story through their own experiences and sensibilities. I’ve long found dolls quite…menacing…so a doll that might be bespelled is right in my wacked-out wheelhouse.
Congratulations, Diana! Many more to come.
Hi, Tammy! I know, some of my daughter’s dolls are kinda creepy! And in researching antique dolls to get ideas for our dolls…some of those dolls were downright scary looking! Thanks for the congratulations!
Congrats, Di! Super happy for you. Wishing you smooth sailing.
Kelly, you are always so funny (re: smooth sailing), love your writing! (having said that I think I forgot to leave you a review, hangs head. will do it soon!) Thanks bunches!
Congrats, Diana!!!!! Thrilled for you, Ruby Sis. And the series sounds just fascinating. Right up my alley. Here’s wishing you happy sails and sales.
You and Kelly, wit supreme! Thanks so much, sister!
GIVEAWAY: By the way, Ruby sis Liz and I ran into some issues with the blog post, and we forgot to put that I am giving away two copies of Pirate’s Proposal–heck, I might even decide to give away more, I like giving away books! Since Liz is away from her desk, I am going to attempt to fix the post but if it crashes, well, you know who to blame…eep. I think I need a strong shot of milk to steady my nerves…oh, out of milk, darn it…
Diana,
What a wonderful, entertaining blog post. I love how you condensed the details of our creation of the series to where we stand now. It has been a super, super fun project. I am SO proud of all my little Outlaw chicks and their success.
I knew we had some talent in our group, but I didn’t realize just how much.
FYI to all of you, Diana’s story is fantastic! I would highly recommend everyone check it out. (I don’t need to be in the drawing, by the way.)
Best of luck with your story and the sequel, Diana.
So glad you came by. It must be exciting to be part of a fun idea like the scrimshaw doll
Thanks, Alicia! It WAS/IS a lot of fun!
Whew, got it fixed without crashing! Three commenters will win a copy–spread the word to your friends!
Yay! Glad you got it tweaked. Sorry I couldn’t do it. I’ve been running all day. And those pics – you would think I was cursed. Wait a sec. You don’t think this has to do with the scrimshaw doll? LOL.
Happy you got the message out about the giveaway!
Fantastic interview, Diana. I love the project as well. I, myself, am currently working on a second Scrimshaw Doll story. My first, The Color of Betrayal, as Diana mentioned, does not have release date. I expect sometime in the summer. Logline: Luke would risk a broken nose for love.
Thanks for the plugs, Diana.
Kathy
Kathy! I didn’t know you were working on a sequel as well, how cool is that!!! It is just so much fun, isn’t it? Can’t wait until you get your release date for The Color of Betrayal!
Diana! I love the premise and the letter pulls the reader right in! This is a must read. How exciting for you. Congratulations and many sales!
Thanks for stopping by, Jerrie! Can’t wait to read your upcoming single title Green Eyed Doll for TWRP. Do you have a release date?
Gongratulations, Diana, on a great interview, and terrific book! ‘Pirate’s Proposal’ was my first pirate read, and I absolutley loved it.
Haha, that would be: Congratulations, NOT Gongratulations! Forgive my Arrrrful spelling!
Haha, many times my fingers type something all on their own! Thanks, Anna! And your first pirate romance? I’m honored! They used to abound in historical romances, I so loved them. Ruby Sis Jennifer Bray-Weber writes pirate historicals as well, you might check out some of her books!
Aw…thanks for the shout-out, Diana! I raise my cup of rum to ya!
Hey Outlaws! I’m so thrilled for you Di!!! This is a great story folks! (Don’t enter me in the drawing) I loved working with you all and Di, you gave me the hardest crits of all. Hanging participles? Who knew? Thank you!
HOME- What could a gypsy and a Vietnam vet have in common? Find out today! Btw- my gypsy, Poppy Tippen, is one of the last direct descendants of Gina, Diane’s gypsy.
Congrats and wishes for MANY sales, Di!
Hanging participles, did I do that? Yikes, lol. Loved reading Home, such an emotion-packed story, and I love Poppy! Thanks for stopping by!
Di, that is such a fascinating story about how the Scrimshaw Dolls series came to be! I love a good high-seas adventure, so I’m off to go pick this one up.
Congrats on your release! I’m so thrilled for you!
Thanks, Cynthia! So happy you stopped by!
I can’t WAIT to read Pirate’s Proposal, Diana! You know how much I love pirates.
But if I hadn’t before the excerpt of the letter would have surely done me in.
Congratulations, Ruby Sis. I couldn’t be happier for you! Here’s to many happy sales!
Jenn!
Thanks for stopping by Jenn, sister-matey, er, matey-sister…hm, well, whatever! Raising a pint to you, as well!
What a brilliant idea! The entire series sounds great. I’ve loved pirates for over 30 years. And I’m Italian. Your book has everything I love!
I sincerely wish you good luck with sales.
ach, I coulda sworn I hit reply–well, your answer is below!
Hi, Jannine, thanks for stopping by. If I remember right, I believe you helped me with some Italian things on another book a few years ago, the book that actually ended up being my Golden Heart final…I used a different name back then. I have another book with Italians in it out now as well; my indie-pub The Good Daughter. I have a thing for Italians, myself. Italian soccer (calcio) players are my weakness, ooh la la, lol!
Congratulations on the release, Diana! I love a good pirate yarn. Wishing you tons of success with it!
Thanks, Vivi! You’ve been an inspiration to me with your success!
Oh, Oh, Oh, there’s pictures in the post now, thanks Ruby Sis Elisa! Getting those other two pictures in was too challenging for me and Ruby sis Liz!
Diana! How amazing. What a great plot. (can you hear me squeeing?) So very happy for you. Wishing you many, many sales.
LOVE the cover.
are you sure you’re not squeeing over Orlando? LOL. Thanks, it was great fun writing!
Ooh, wow! Love the history behind this series…and I lurve pirate stories, so I can’t wait to read this! Congratulations, and here’s to many sales.
Thanks, Tina for stopping by and the well-wishes!
What a great idea for a series. It’s fun having that connection throughout the stories. Best of luck with sales!
Thanks Jannine, it was/is great fun working with the wild okie outlaws and with TWRP!
Hi Diana,
Congratulations from a fellow TWRP author on your release. Ooh, who couldn’t fall in love with a swashbuckling pirate? Love the premise, and that letter was very poignant certainly grabbed my interest.
Cheers
Margaret
ah, but is dear old grandad all that he seems?
Thanks, sister Rose for the congrats!
Hurray! Sorry to be late to the party, but I’m super-excited about this book coming out! I’ll be downloading to my Kindle as soon as I catch my breath today.
I LOVE the idea of the woman pirate with the bigger ship…..can’t wait to read!!!
thanks for all your help, Elisa! Sit down, put your feet up (of course the second I do that, I pass out, lol). Pirate’s Proposal will be there when you’re rested! (yeah, I liked that she had a bigger ship, too, smile.)
Great interview, Diana. It was definitely a lot of fun to be involved in the project. Best of luck with your book.
Hi, Callie, can’t wait until Annie’s Attic is out! Thanks for stopping by!
AND THE THREE WINNERS ARE: (numbers picked by random.org)
Elisa Beatty
Jerrie Alexander
Tina Joyce Beckett
Congratulations, ladies!
(This is Elisa Beatty): thanks Diana, but I’ve already bought my copy!!!
Pass along the largesse to another lucky winner!
Fantastic interview!!! I am so proud to be a part of this project, readers should know that many of us are currently unpublished. This series is such an opportunity. “Captain’s Proposal” is a wonderful and action filled novella. I loved it.
Thanks for stopping by, Winona. Best of luck with your scrimshaw doll story!
Since Elisa has already bought Pirate’s Proposal (thank you!) back to random.org and her replacement winner is Jannine Corti Peska!
As a series writer myself, I know how fun they can be. Your pirate book sounds great! I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks, Ilona, I hope you enjoy it! I checked your site, another Rose! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing this story with us. I’ve always wondered how all of those connections in a series were made. This sounds like a fabulous way to showcase soem really fabulous Oklahoma authors.
And as a fellow Star Wars Geek, I’m all about a long time ago…
thanks for stopping by Debra!