A Duke for All Seasons~Chapter 7

Since January, I've had what I like to think of as a "play project" on my website. It's my free online novella A DUKE FOR ALL SEASONS. I went into this with a completely blank slate, thinking I'd add a chapter a month after input from readers about where the story should go.

I apologize for failing to add a new chapter in the month of July. I plead travel to visit family and working like a fiend to finish my current WIP. Guess my contractual obligations come first, but I take my promises to readers seriously too.

Readers have been giving me great suggestions for this story. I like the way Sebastian and Arabella are shaping up and I'm beginning to see a possible resolution for them in a few more chapters (I'm thinking there will be 11 or 12 in all.) Here's a link for the newest chapter.

There's a contest attached to the novella. If you make a plot suggestion, you're entered in the monthly drawing for a copy of STROKE OF GENIUS.

When I started the novella, my motivation was to give back to my current readers and offer new ones a chance to try my work without digging into their wallets. Since then, the value to me has been in the fascinating and sometimes very detailed suggestions from my readers. I always say a book is a conversation between the author and the reader. This is my chance to listen and I love it.

You've probably noticed that there is a cool new little gizmo at the bottom of this post. It allows you to post a link to this blog on your blog/facebook/twitter/ etc, or to send an email to a friend. I'd really appreciate it if you share that link with someone who enjoys reading romance. The more the merrier!

If you've been following the adventures of Sebastian and Bella, here's your chance to share what you think. Do you think "the Ice Duke" will ever thaw? How will Bella escape Fernand's control? Did you share the link with a friend?
Hope you enjoy A DUKE FOR ALL SEASONS.

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

Readers have been flocking to my website since the announcement of the Merry Christmas Ball Contest at the beginning of October. Thank you all for entering and signing up for my newsletter. I'll always send you something fun!

Today I'm thrilled to announce that we have a WINNER! Congratulations to Tonya of Taylor, Michigan! Your $100 B&N gift card is on its way!

To everyone else, may I offer a free read as a consolation gift? Click here for A Dragon Caern Christmas. It's Christmas Eve with the characters of PLEASURING THE PIRATE and VEXING THE VISCOUNT. Plus, a new contest is starting on my website today! (All my contests are exclusively for my newsletter subscribers--don't worry! no purchase necessary!--but be sure you click the confirmation email you receive when you sign up and add my newsletter to your list of trusted senders.)

When I researched A CHRISTMAS BALL, I ran into lots of fun facts about having a Regency Christmas. I revamped my website and tucked in 6 bonus pages about how the holiday was celebrated in 1822. For example, we start in on our Christmas around October (at least that's what retailers want us to do!) In the regency, celebrating Christmas ran from December 24th (and not a day sooner!) to Twelfth Night (the eve of Epiphany.)

I share about Regency decorating for the holidays, special foods, games, traditions, and all about the heart of the 12 days spent celebrating. Every time you see one of these Christmas balls on www.emilybryan.com, click on the image to find the special page. (Of course, you can always check my site map if you don't want spend time surfing for the hidden pages!)

And be sure to pop back here each day throughout December. I have lots of guests lined up so there'll be plenty of prizes and fun! If you're wondering what to get the romance readers in your life, may I suggest a signed copy of A CHRISTMAS BALL at 10% off?

I always put up my Christmas tree and all the trimmings on the day after Thanksgiving. How do you kick off the holiday season?