Blurbage

One of the more terrifying steps on this publishing journey has been, for me, having other writers read my work.  I think most of us want our work to be appreciated--even valued--by our peers, so when any other writer (published or unpublished) writes or tweets me that they like one of my books, I get this special glow that can last for days.  But asking someone to read--with a mind to blurb--my books is as much of a cliff jump as querying agents and submitting to editors were.

I'm not sure why.  I am honored--thrilled--to be asked to blurb a book, and I've just been devastated the times I had to refuse for whatever reason.  And so far 99.99% of all the authors I've ever met have been enthusiastic, thoughtful, considerate and encouraging.  So why am I afraid to reach out to them?

Because I'm asking them to put their credibility on the line, as well.  I'm asking them to put their faith in me, and to put their readers' with in me, too.  That's a huge thing to ask.  And a privilege to receive.

So it is with great joy (and even greater gratitude) that I can announce that BRAZEN has received these responses from two of my absolute favorite authors.

Donna Cooner, author of SKINNY and the upcoming CAN'T LOOK AWAY has this to say:

"Longshore has written an exquisite story of falling in love for the first time amidst the chaos of Henry VIII’s court.  BRAZEN will captivate readers with history and heart."

And Robin LaFevers, author of GRAVE MERCY, DARK TRIUMPH and the upcoming MORTAL HEART, said:


"BRAZEN is historical fiction at its best--crisp and elegantly written while delivering a powerful emotional punch. I adored this book and readers cannot help but be pulled into Mary Howard's world and feel the web of the Tudor court's conflicting loyalties tighten around her as she struggles to have some control over her own life. Her ultimate triumph is palpable and had me cheering in my seat! A must read for fans of historical fiction or anyone who has ever struggled to find the courage to defy others' expectation or society's conventions."

It's enough to make an author swoon. :)





Stay tuned the week of April 7th for a chance to win an advance reader copy of BRAZEN for yourself!

Follow Friday -- Historical Fiction Edition

Before I got an agent, before GILT sold, I can't tell you how many times I heard "Historicals don't sell."  Or how many agents and editors I heard at conferences tell the room, "Just don't send me any historical fiction."

It can be a little discouraging, I tell you.

But I had to write what I write.  I love the process.  Digging deep into the history to find as many facts as I can, the puzzle pieces from which I can build a picture.  But it's like the picture is merely a pencil drawing (and often an unfinished one at that) and it's up to me to fill in the color and life.  I love it.

And others do, too.  Apparently there are several agents and editors out there who didn't get the memo about historical fiction.  Or maybe, just maybe, times are changing.

SCARLET by A.C. Gaughen debuted on Valentine's Day.  It's a retelling of the Robin Hood legend, but steeped in the history of the period.  I loved it, and blogged about it over on the YA Muses.

I'm currently reading GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers and wow.  Just wow.  Gorgeous history, fascinating characters, awesome premise.  And a truly kick-butt heroine.  Love.

I'm dying to read THE WICKED AND THE JUST by J. Anderson Coats.  It's set in Medieval Wales and knowing Coats, is full of wicked quips and unfortunate situations.  Plus it's been getting starred reviews.  Do I really have to wait a month?

And later this year, expect to VENOM by Fiona Paul.  Gorgeous gowns, enigmatic masks and a mystery.  Lush and full of visual detail from Renaissance Venice.

Any historical novels you're looking forward to this year?  That you've read already and can't wait to read more?