Welcome to this month's edition  

In this issue:

1. Castle of the Month –  Like all castles from 12th century, stories of ghosts and weird sounds are a plenty. Dragsholm castle, Denmark, with its own dark and ghastly history is no exception and comes complete with three ghosts.

2. Book Review -   A Fire Burns Deep by The Romance Studio  

3. Travel Tips - Travel Europe by Gina G Jones

4. Author Profile –  Meshella Mullins

5. News from the Romance Industry –   An Interview with DCL Author Tiva Wallon

6. Readers Corner –  Our Journey to the UK's West Country by Kim Lowe

7. Monthly competition - Win a copy of Castle in Spain by Kate Hofman

8. Next Month's issue
 

 

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  1. Castle of the Month  
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Dragsholm Castle, Denmark     

Dragsholm castle, Sealand, is one of Denmark’s best known haunted castles and was constructed during the 12th century by Bishop of Roskilde. When the castle was finally completed it became home to royalty and nobles alike.

Like all castles from this period, stories of ghosts and weird sounds are a plenty. Dragsholm with its own dark and ghastly history is no exception and comes complete with three ghosts.

The first of these is the Grey Lady who is reputedly said to be that of a maiden employed with in the castle. She was struck down by a toothache which left her in great pain. The maiden distressed and troubled, sort help and eventually the toothache was cured.

It is said that after her death, she returns the castle each night to make sure that everything is in order as a sign of thanks to those that helped cure her pain.

The second of our ghosts, The White Lady and the most tragic of the three, is a story about young love. It involves a young girl (a daughter of one of the Dragsholm castles former owners) who for her sins fell in love with a worker at the castle. Due to their birthrights, she of noble birth and he a commoner, had to keep their lover for each other a secret from her father. This went on for some time until one day the girl’s father found out about the whole affair.

He went into a violent rage and ordered his servants to lock his daughter away and imprison her within the walls of the castle.

During the early part of the 20th century workers were tearing down some old walls for a new toilet complex. To their horror they came across a small recess in one of the walls which contained a small skeleton wearing a white dress.

Her young child like sprit has been seen roaming the corridors of the castle.

Our last ghost is that of the Earl of Bothwell, who was held prisoner inside Dragsholm castle for 5 years during the 1500’s. It was said that imprisonment turned the Earl mad and he died still imprisoned in 1578.

The Earl has been seen riding into the courtyard of the castle with his horse and carriage with many visitors claiming to have heard the horses hoof beats upon the cobbled yard.

In recent years a group of parapsychologists from America undertook some investigative work into the so called activities within the castles walls. Their findings had shown that in some areas of the castle that there were extreme amounts of radio and electrical activity.

During 1937, the castle came into the ownership of the Bottger family who have since converted it into a hotel.

 

 

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     2.    Book Review
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A Fire Burns Deep by Kate Hofman  

This book was such a sweet story of two young people who were cheated out of five years of their lives by his mother. Unfortunately, the lies she told her son, Brent Houghton, were just minor actions she would attempt. However, when she told Brent that his long-time girlfriend, Lara Cameron, was having an affair with her best friend, Ted Westwood, Brent was livid and cancelled the wedding. Nothing Lara tried would change his mind. She didn’t even get to tell him she was pregnant.

After he had time to get over his madness, he wanted to talk to her. However, his mother told him that she had married Ted and moved away. Brent’s personal assistant was also determined to keep Brent for her and refused to pass personal mail to him when Lara’s attorney wrote to tell him he had a son. Four years and eight months later, when he had a conversation with her best friend and attorney, he found out that she was still living in Ocean Breeze, Florida and had not married Ted.

The chemistry between Lara and Brent was instantaneous and explosive. Ms. Kate Hofman has written sensual scenarios which should come with high-powered fans. The couple was still in love after all this time. Even though they agreed to marry for the sake of their son, Chris, the two were, obviously seriously attracted to each other. Ms. Hofman has created her main characters to be so polite that it bordered on unbelievable. Even the son’s manner of talking to them was super sticky sweet. The manner of referring to each other and their family was always ‘my darling,’ ‘my love,’ and such. That was definitely not bad, but unique.

The couple’s continued stressful problems were well-developed by the author. The problems surfaced often and quickly. However, no matter how difficult the crisis, they were all polite at all times. And I was certainly not expecting the ending to be as it was. It was quite unencumbered with problems at the end. It’s a great book to make you feel good about life. I recommend it to all who love happily ever after.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio

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                                              3.   Travel Tips  
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Travel Europe by Gina G Jones 

One of the best ways to get a worldly view in a short amount of the time is to travel Europe. Europe has a rich multicultural history that books often leave out. This is your chance to gain insight into some of the most interesting areas of human history as you travel Europe. Each country has its own unique history of different ethnic groups just waiting for you to explore.

Scandinavia is made up of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. While Danish, Finish, Icelandic, Norwegians and Swedes make the majority. The Sami people of the far north are a small minority group. Their traditional clothing is a rich array of colors with beautiful patterns interwoven into the cloth. When you travel Europe you get a chance to see the lifestyle very few know about. Be sure to bring a thick coat and hat because the far north of Scandinavia is cold year round.

As you travel Europe to enrich yourself, a stop in Spain to eat Catalans, a mixture of delicious red peppers, eggplant and zucchini makes you enjoy the spice of life. Spain is the birthplace of the intoxicating flamingo, a dance with its roots in many pots. Don't be afraid to give the dance a try as there are plenty of dancers willing to help a novice.

A little discussed ethnic group that is disappearing is the Sorb of Germany. As you travel Europe, you will see signs in English, French, Spanish, Germany but also Basque, Sorbian and Catalans. It may be difficult to read the signs in these less commonly spoken languages but in tourist areas, the signs are printed in two languages. For example, in Sorbs area the signs are also printed in German.

Bretons don't live in Britain but in Brittany France. The Bretons are in danger of disappearing as an extinct ethnic group. One reason why it is important to travel Europe is to get a chance to see these ethnic groups before their rich culture disappear forever. The Bretons in particular have played an important role in world history and have built beautiful castles.

When you travel Europe, you take not only a vacation but also an opportunity to see into the lives of others such as English, Dutch, Polish, Czech, Bretons, Roma, Sami and many others. It is important to travel Europe today not tomorrow, because an important part of Europe is vanishing. In the next few years, the remaining Sorbs and Bretons will be fully integrated and a chance to see their rich culture will be gone forever.

So, have a look at Europe before the cream disappears. Know more about Europe from Eurail and take a visit to the place soon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gina_G_Jones

 

                                

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                                              4. Author Profile  
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Meshella Mullins

 

I was at the beach six years ago telling my friend one of my stories and she urged me to begin writing, and then and there I decided to follow my dreams. I love to write spellbinding novels that sweeps my readers away taking them on a sensual adventures filled with perilous mysteries, and heart stopping passion in another place and time.

I love anything that has to do with the ocean, mountains, nature, animals, and Native American culture. I come from a mixed heritage of Cherokee, Choctaw, Irish, Scottish and Jewish, and was raised and still reside in Alabama. My greatest love in life are my two children who I adore. I love to write and feel my stories are an incredible gift that I get to share. Never give up on your dreams…because dreams do come true.
 

 

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                                   5.  Romance Industry News  
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An Interview with DCL Author Tiva Wallon

 

If you weren't an author what would you be doing now?

 CAMPING OR WHITE WATER RAFTING OR EXPLORING NATURE IN ALL HER GLORY.

 How do you prepare for writing a novel?

I JUST SIT DOWN IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER AND LET THE JUICES FLOW.

 Where do you draw the inspiration from for your characters, they way they behave and act etc?

 I HAVE A VERY VIVID IMAGINATION AND CAN CREATE A STORY FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY SITUATION. 

 Who has been the greatest influence on your life and why?

MY MOM BECAUSE SHE'S ALL THAT AND STILL IS!

 What was the turning point in your life that guided you to becoming a author?

ONE DAY WHILE I WAS SITTING AT MY IN LAWS HOUSE AN IDEA HIT ME AND I STARTED WRITING. IT TOOK 25 YEARS TO BUILD UP THE COURAGE TO ACTUALLY SUBMIT SOMETHING.

 Is there a moment in your life that if you had a chance to do again you would and why?

 NO, EVERYTHING THING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. THE THINGS IN MY LIFE WERE LESSONS THAT MADE ME THE PERSON I AM TODAY.

 Tell us something about yourself that is not that widely known that won't embarrass you?  We wont laugh, promise!

 WAY BACK...WAY...WAY BACK I USED TO ARREST PEOPLE FOR SHOP LIFTING. MY YOUNGEST WAS 16 AND MY OLDEST WAS 85 AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HER NAME.

 What is your ideal romantic moment?

 EXPLORING NATURE WITH MY HUBBY.

 If you had a chance to take someone special to any holiday destination in the world, where would it be and why?

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO MONTANA AND EXPLORE THE BEAUTY. COLORADO TO RIDE THE RAPIDS TOO!

 Do you have any tips for aspiring authors who maybe looking at breaking into the romance industry?

NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER BECAUSE IF ONE PUBLISHER TELLS YOU NO, ANOTHER WILL TELL YOU YES. AND LEARN TO ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.

 If you where to cook a romantic dinner for that special loved one what would it be and also can we have the recipe?

PROBABLY A TENDER FILET, BAKED POTATOES COOKED OVER AN OPEN FIRE, FRESH VEGGIES OR SWEET CORN. I'M WORKING ON A RECIPE BOOK WHICH WILL BE RELEASED LATE THIS YEAR.

 Are you a romantic at heart and do you have silk sheets for that special evening?

I'M A ROMANTIC AT HEART BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY SILK SHEETS ANY MORE.

 We would like to thank Tiva for taking the time out of her busy schedule 

 

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                                         6.  Readers Corner 
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Our Journey to the UK's West Country by Lim Lowe

     Chris and I just returned from a two week trip to the UK's West Country, including Wales, Devon, and Cornwall. We flew on Continental from Newark to Bristol to avoid the London airports. This email may be a little long, but we found very quirky places ... and learned much of Britain's 2000 year history!

We spent the first four days at a farm B&B outside Newport, Wales.

We intended to eat our first dinner in Cardiff, but our hostess warned us that Bruce Springsteen was playing in the Millennium Stadium, so traffic would be difficult. Instead, we walked around Newport and found St Woolos (the first of many Norman churches scattered across the southwest).

Newport was a little run down, but should be cleaned up for the Ryder Cup in September 2010 at the Celtic Manor Resort. The resort rises above the M4 on a magnificent volcanic rock and slopes into Caerleon - a picturesque village that began as a Roman Fortress. We purchased a three day pass from CADW - the guardian of historic monuments: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/

Caerleon is the site of the 50-acre Roman legionary fortress of Isca, the permanent base of the Second Augustan Legion in Britain from 75 AD. The amphitheater is considered the best preserved in the UK. Many of the Normal castles in the area were built upon Isca outposts.

We toured three castles preserved by the 3rd Marques of Bute (considered to be the wealthiest man in the world during the 19th Century from his coal profits). Caerphilly Castle started as a Norman keep, became the largest English castle in Wales, and now has its own leaning tower (reminding me of Pisa). After the English Civil War, it fell into disrepair until the 3rd Marques of Bute began preservation work in the 19th century. Lord Bute also rebuilt Castell Coch and Cardiff Castles, previous Roman forts and Normal keeps. The Bute family gave Castell Coch to CADW and Cardiff Castle to the City of Cardiff: http://www.cardiffcastle.com/. 


We visited seven CADW sites in the Monmouth valley - Tintern Abbey that was dismantled by Henry VIII and six castles that began as Norman keeps, evolved into English fortresses against the Welsh uprisings, but were destroyed in the English Civil War: Chepstow Castle, Monmouth Castle, Skenfirth Castle, Grossmont Castle, White Castle, and Raglan Castle. In Monmouth, we discovered the Lord Nelson Museum established by Lady Llangattock (mother of Charles Rolls of Rolls Royce fame). She admired Lord Nelson and procured many of his personal items, including his letters to Lady Hamilton. We learned that Lord Nelson visited Monmouth on a Wye river cruise in 1803 (many English aristocrats visited rural Britain in lieu of the Grand Tour as Napoleon was reeking havoc on the Continent).

The town includes statutes of Lord Nelson, Charles Rolls, and King Henry V, who was born in Monmouth Castle.

Chris played the Roman Roads course at the Celtic Manor Resort while I toured the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), including Hay-on-Wye: http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/.  It was a sleepy village until Richard Booth bought the castle ruins and established a book store. Other book stores followed and the village soon achieved international fame as the largest collection of second hand books I was in HOG HEAVEN!!!! Read Richard's bio to learn about his quirky publicity stunts: http://www.richardbooth.demon.co.uk/. 

On my way back to Newport, I stopped by another CADW property, Tretower Court and Castle.
It is unique with a Norman keep (in the sheep pasture) and a medieval manor house (with great mountain views).

Before we crossed the Severn River back to England, we stopped by Caerwent - a village built within the original Roman town walls and around the ruins of the Roman temple. Nearby is Caldicot Castle, still intact with a Norman keep and medieval buildings: http://www.castlewales.com/caldicot.html.

We drove south to our farm B&B on the Devon/Cornwall border. We stopped in Kenn - a village south of Exeter. My great-mother lived in Kenn with her 7 siblings in a two bedroom cottage. We ate lunch at the Ley Arms, established in 1245. We also visited St Andrews Parish Church, where we found a Berlin crew filming the church for a Rosamunde Pilcher movie adaptation. We then drove across Dartmoor (mystical setting for Hound of the Baskervilles) to Bovey Castle: http://www.boveycastle.com/.  The castle began as an Edwardian hotel for the Great Western Railroad. The moor view was breathtaking ... and the grand salon was elegant!

Our farm B&B was situated on the Tamar River, designated as a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We didn't have an alarm clock, but didn't need one with the roosters, chickens, duck and geese waking us every morning! We visited the manor homes owned by the National Trust, www.nationaltrust.org.uk:

- Saltram House, Georgian House and film location of Sense and Sensibility, with a special exhibition titled "Curious Curves”, featuring the history of the corset;

- Killerton Estate, Georgian House with costume collection - did you know that Queen Victoria was 4' 9'' tall with a 42" waist?

- Buckland Abbey: Given to Lord Grenville by Henry VIII, then purchased by Sir Walter Drake, it is a medieval house on the edge of Dartmoor.

- Cotehele, Medieval House maintained to the time period; the great hall has a fascinating display of antique weapons and a peak hole for the lord's servant to spy on guests during banquets.

- Lanhydrock, Victorian House with 50 furnished rooms. The Long Gallery is full of historic paintings, antique books, and ceiling plaster decorated with Biblical scenes.

We also visited the crumbing castles of English Heritage http://www.english-heritage.org.uk, including:

- Dartmouth Castle, a strategic fort built by Henry VIII (and near the Naval College)

- Totnes Castle, a Normal keep transformed in the Medieval castle to
protect trade on the River Dart.

- Berry Pomeroy Castle, a Medieval home purchased by the Seymour family as their fortune increased with Jane's marriage to King Henry VIII, but abandoned when the family fell out of favor (no doubt their rise and fall will be featured in next year's Tudors episodes on Showtime.)

- Okehamtpon Castle, hunting lodge perched on a Norman motte over looking Dartmoor, it was abandoned when the Earl of Devon lost his head to Henry VIII

- Lydford Castle, a Normal keep that became a Medieval prison.

- Launceston Castle, a Norman keep that became the capital of Cornwall and established the Duchy of Cornwall as income for the King's heir.

- Restmoral Castle, another Norman keep that replaced Launceston Castle as Cornwall's capital and most magnificent, Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur on the Cornish coast. The now ruined castle was built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall (son of John II and Henry III). in the 13th century. Richard claimed that he was a descendent of King Arthur and built his castle on Roman ruins as a means to win over the Cornish people.

On the way back from Tintagel Castle, we stopped by the Jamaica Inn on the Bodmin Moor, http://www.jamaicainn.co.uk/.  The Jamaica Inn is the 18th century coaching house that inspired Daphne Du Maurier's novel of the same name. The Jamaica Inn features a pub, B&B, and Smugglers' Museum with a Daphne Du Maurier room, including her desk and other memorabilia. The RWA chapter, Kiss of Death, sponsors a contest named for Dame Du Maurier.

Jennifer St. Giles has won several "Daphne Awards", so I presented her signed book, Mistress of Trevelyan, to the Jamaica Inn (pictures to follow on our website). We also found several standing stones on Bodmin Moor - even more bleak than Dartmoor.

Chris golfed at the Launceston Golf Course, Exeter Golf Course, and Tavistock Golf Course (with Dartmoor ponies grazing on the 16th green).

My cousin arranged the golf dates with her friends and neighbors. Her friend in Launceston invited us back to her house where she whipped up the best scones after playing 18 holes. Perhaps she inherited the talent - her mother worked for Sir Winston Churchill at Chartwell House!

We toured Exeter (Medieval Cathedral and Roman Walls) and Plymouth (Elizabethan Barbican and Mayflower Steps). Most interesting was St Andrew's Cathedral in Plymouth, whose walls only survived the WWII bombing. The cathedral displayed a picture of Lady Astor in the naive one day after the destruction ... and she was instrumental in rebuilding the cathedral and city. Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, was an American who became the first women to be seated in the House of Commons. She was elected to the position vacated by her husband when he assumed his father's title. There is a famous exchange between Winston Churchill and Lady Astor when they were both staying at Blenheim. The two politicians had been at each other's throat all weekend when Lady Astor said, " Winston, if I were your wife I'd put poison in your coffee." Whereupon Winston said, "Nancy, if I were your husband I'd drink it."

On our return flight, we stayed near the Bristol Airport in the Cadbury House Hotel - a modern hotel attached to a Ivy covered Victorian mansion.

It was a pleasant end to our West Country visit. I encourage you to visit the beauty and mystery of the West Country, too!

Kim Lowe

Fort Meade, Maryland

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     7.  Monthly Competition  
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Win a copy of Castle in Spain by Kate Hofman

To win a copy of Castle in Spain by Kate Hofman all you need to do is just answer this simple question: 

 What is Conde Antonio's full title?

Hint have a peak at the excerpt from the book.

Send you answers to competition@thedarkcastlelords.com and you can enter as many times as you like.

P.S. Don't forget to include your name

 The winner will be chosen at random on September 30 and will be announced in next months newsletter.

Congratulations to Deidre Durance who was last months winner

 

 

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     8.  Next Month's Issue  
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1. Castle of the Month –  Silves Castle stands majestically on a hill overlooking the town of Silves in the Algarve region of Portugal.

2. Book Review - Mr Teddy Bear by Tiva Wallon

3. Travel Tips -  Romantic Travel Destinations By Nicole Nicholas

4. Author Profile –  Susan Blexrud

5. News from the Romance Industry –  Interview with Novelist/Screenwriter Scott Harper

6. Readers Corner –

7. Monthly competition - Win a copy of Crusader by Jennifer Muller

 

***Editors Note***

7th Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest, sponsored by IdeaWeaverSoftware.com

FundsforWriters and its annual sponsor IdeaWeaver, creator of writing and creativity software, announce the 7th Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest. THEME: 'The Best Advice I Ever Had.' As is the FundsforWriters trademark, applicants enter with or without an entry fee, their choice. Prize monies range from $10 to $200.  Limit 750 words. Deadline October 31, 2008.

 www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm Direct any questions to Hope Clark at hope@fundsforwriters.com

 Author Appearances & Book Signings:

C.H. Admirand

September

 

13 ~ Saturday – Borders Books & Music, Middletown, NY ~ 1-4pm

20 ~ Saturday – Borders Books & Music, Scranton, PA ~ 1-4pm

 

October

 

4 ~ Saturday – Collingswood , NJ Bookfestival ~ 9am-5pm

8 ~ Wednesday – Chat  with Pines Lake Women’s Club, Wayne, NJ ~ 7-8pm

25 ~ Saturday – NJ Romance Writer’s Conference Book Fair, Woodbridge, NJ ~ 4-6pm

26 ~ Sunday – NJ Romance Writer’s Bookseller’s Luncheon, Woodbridge, NJ~  11am- 12pm

 

If you have a joke, story or tale you want to share with our readers then please send it in