Bandita Buddy Karyn's Timeless Romance!

by Anna Campbell

Oh, I do so love it when a Bandita Buddy makes good!

So when I heard that regular visitor to the lair, Karyn Gerrard, had published a novella, I thought it would be wonderful to turn the spotlight on her here at the tony margareth.

Karyn's fun and sexy debut, TIMELESS HEART, is available as an e-book now. Here's the blurb:

Sandra Cranston, an elementary teacher on leave, discovers an abandoned carriage deep in the woods. Inside is a man, Jerrod Ross, who fuels all of her wicked Regency dreams and fantasies.


Ross has been torn from the only world he has ever known—1821 Cornwall, England. How will he adjust to the future and his growing desire for the lovely lady who found him? More importantly, how will he ever return to his time?

SNIPPET FROM TIMELESS HEART:

"You're awake, are you alright? I probably should have taken you straight to the hospital, but you didn’t have any ID,” the young woman began to explain.

"Where is your pot?" he snapped gruffly, effectively cutting her off in mid-sentence.

"Pot? What do you mean..."

"To piss in! A chamber pot! Surely you have such a contrivance!" he thundered.

"What is your name, sir?" the woman asked in a cool tone.

How officious she sounded. He supposed it was all he deserved, as he was treating her like some servant. Jerrod lay back down. He was in discomfort. "My name is Jerrod Ross, Squire from Pendern Hall. And who might you be, madam?"

"I? I am Sandra Cranston, Mistress of the walk-up second story flat,” she replied coldly.

© Timeless Heart by Karyn Gerrard

You can find out more about Karyn and her writing on her website: http://karyngerrard.com/

By the way, every time I see that cover, I can't help thinking they used Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky as the model. Here's a pic!

Karyn, welcome to the Bandits and huge congratulations on the release of your debut romance TIMELESS HEART. Can you tell us about this story?

Anna, thanks for having me. I am thrilled to be here in the lair! tony margareth is the very first romance blog I ever visited when I first started reading the genre. For someone who is a voracious reader, can you believe that I only began to read romance over three years ago? I certainly embraced it, and have devoured hundreds of romance books in that time.

As for TIMELESS HEART, believe it or not, its origins came from a dream.

Anna, I know we have talked of this before, in fact, on a recent blog you had a picture up of Poldark. I saw BBC's POLDARK (based on the books of Winston Graham) for the first time years ago on Canadian television (we are talking decades here, people!).

British actor Robin Ellis who played Ross Poldark was my first serious teenage crush.

I mean SERIOUS. I dreamed of this guy every night.

But it was one particular hot, naughty and wicked dream that stuck with me all these years. As wicked and naughty as a naive and innocent teenager can have!

I dreamed Ross travelled back in time, I found him, and whisked him to my home, or more specifically, my bedroom! *snort* When I decided to try my hand at erotica, this dream popped into my head. I just went with it. My hero from 1821, Jerrod Ross, is a nod to Winston Graham's hero. He is from Cornwall, but that is pretty much where the similarity ends. But Ross Poldark was always in the back of my mind as I wrote this! (and my wicked dream!)

One of the things I loved about this story is the Nova Scotia setting which you don’t see in a lot of romances. What made you choose this setting?

I am originally from there! Nova Scotia is the oldest, settled province of Canada, steeped in Celtic/Gaelic history. (Nova Scotia means 'New Scotland' ) It is called 'Canada's Ocean Playground' as it is almost completely surrounded by water. From the jagged western shore, to the big city arts and cultural life of Halifax, to the Highlands of Cape Breton, it reeks of romance. A perfect setting. I have resolved to use Nova Scotia and the other Maritime provinces as the setting for any more novellas I may attempt.

It is no accident that some well known romance writers come from there (not that I include myself with this stellar list) Like Deborah Hale, Julianne Maclean, and Donna Alward just to name a few. I plan to move back there as soon as my school teacher hubby can retire! I guess you can tell I love it. Not many books have been set in Nova Scotia, though NS author Pamela Callow set her MIRA bio-medical thriller DAMAGED (2010) in Halifax. Must check that out.

And it is also a case of 'write about what you know' I am very familiar with the areas I wrote about, felt like coming home.

The story is a really hot read while still giving plenty of attention to the characters’ emotional arcs. Was this a hard balance to achieve?

This was my first attempt at an erotica, I surprised myself how easily I could write these scenes! I remember a teacher telling me 'write about what you know' (it stuck with me)*snort* But I didn't want it to be the sole focus of my novella, the emotional journey for characters is so important to me, in my romance reading and writing.

What good is one hot sex scene after another, if there is no underlying desire, love and emotion behind it? Of course, that is just my opinion, the way I like to write. I like to think my story is a romance first, with some really hot love scenes in it!

So to answer your question, surprisingly, no, it wasn't a hard balance for me. Thank God!

I love time travel romance! Why does this particular genre appeal to you?

I always loved the concept, crossing chasms of time, to find that one person you can connect with on an emotional and physical level. It has a real fairy tale aspect to it, you can get lost in the fantasy.

It also has a built-in conflict, does the time traveller stay, or go back to his own time? Does the other person stay, or go with him? What a decision! Love, sacrifice, surrender, passion, time travel has it all! Also, depending on the era you set your story in, adventure can be a big part, that appeals to me as well.

I just finished Karen Marie Moning's series about Highlander time travelling laddies, and I was sorely tempted to turn Jerrod into a Highlander warrior from 1267 who maybe landed in the highlands of Cape Breton, I do love my hunky kilt wearing boyos. But, ultimately, I went with a hunk of Regency Squire.

I loved writing his reactions to something like a flush toilet! Seeing how someone reacts to the strange world around them also appeals to me! You can run the gambit of emotions in a time travel, you can throw in comedy, drama, adventure, suspense, anything at all.

Here in the lair, we love call stories. Will you please share yours?

It happened all so fast, my head is still spinning! This was my first submission to e-publishers, I sent TIMELESS HEART out to four of them early one Saturday morning . My hands were literally shaking. Response times for these e-publishers were 2-16 weeks. So I sat back and figured the rejections would start rolling in within 2-3 weeks. That night, I was reading (as always!) and took a quick break to check my email on my Ipod touch. There was an email from Evernight Publishing. My heart sank to the floor. Rejection already? Man, it must suck! I took a deep breath and opened it, it was a contract offer. I dropped the Ipod. Total shock.

I know luck is a big factor in getting published anywhere, so I was very lucky that Evernight decided to take a chance on me.

Did any writers influence you on your writing journey?

I got my butter dish out, Anna, so be prepared to be buttered up! LOL! You, for one. I absolutely adore the intimate and sensuous way in which you write.

Also your heroes are to die for. Memorable on so many levels. I strived for that in TIMELESS HEART. I can't tell you how many times I said to myself when writing a scene, 'What would Anna do?' You really were an inspiration!

Hmm, SOOO glad I asked that question, LOL! Wow, definitely feeling buttered up! THANK YOU!

One of the very first romance writers I read was Mary Balogh. I love how she immerses the reader into her world so deeply. Also the historicals of Lisa Kleypas. She also has a talent for creating a world and fascinating characters and sexy heroes. Another romance writer I have taken to and have been influenced by is Elizabeth Hoyt, for the same reasons mentioned above. I do tend to focus on the heroes in stories when reading, and in my own writing.

Love those dark, tortured, sexy heroes!

Also, I know we have discussed this before, but I was greatly influenced by Taylor Caldwell, not really a romance writer, but romance was interwoven in her lush, rich dramas. I think people have forgotten about her the last couple of decades. They made TV mini-series out of her books back in the 1970's, CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS comes to mind. Her book CEREMONY OF THE INNOCENT made a big impact on me as a teenager. After reading that, I wanted to write. I will never be Taylor Caldwell, but thanks to her and everyone I mentioned, I am writing. And I got published. Wow.

Oh, yes, I remember loving those Taylor Caldwell books too. Loved DEAR AND GLORIOUS PHYSICIAN. What’s next for Karyn Gerrard?

Anna, like I said, this happened all so fast, I am not sure where to turn next! I do have three full manuscripts finished, a Victorian, a historical-paranormal, and a contemporary. (I like to spread it around,*snort*) So I have lots of editing ahead. Also just finished an erotica/paranormal novella and now working on its sequel.

Maybe some Saturday morning very soon, I will try and control my trembling hands, and submit something again.

Karyn, I hope so. I really enjoyed TIMELESS HEART. I look forward to reading what comes next!

I have a question for everyone, if a 6'2" hunk of magnificent Regency gorgeousness held out his masculine hand and said, 'Come with me', with that deep come-to-bed voice, would you go back to the past with him? Why or why not? And what do you think you would miss the most if you did go back to 1821? Or instead, tell me of a movie, book or TV show about time travel that you loved! I have a PDF copy of TIMELESS HEART from Evernight Publishing up for grabs to one lucky commenter!

Let the party begin! I brought my Irish Houseboys Liam and Lorcan and a case of Bailey's, so let's have fun!Source URL: https://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Bandita%20Buddies
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In Celebration...

It was May 4, 2007 when our lovely Caren Crane aka Posh T. posted our very first "live" blog that included a picture of the dashing masked bandit Zorro, and invited everyone to come and hang out with us in the Bandit Lair. We'd been tossing around ideas and trying to figure out what to do in this crazy world of cyberspace for a couple of months before, and decided to take the plunge and see what happened.

We were all astounded and grateful at the enthusiastic response. Since then, we've endeavored to share bits and pieces of our writing and our lives with our blog readers. We've brought in many different kinds of guests, played games, celebrated successes, and sympathized with challenges and hardships.

But throughout these past three years, the thing that has made this effort worthwhile and successful beyond our wildest dreams has been you -- OUR READERS! Day after day, year after year, you have continued to amaze and amuse us. And you've give us the two most important gifts of all: YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION!

So in celebration of our third year of blogging, Aunty asked some of our long-time, frequent commenters what being a Bandita Buddy meant to them.

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Dianna aka Hrdwrkdmom aka MizMacgyver


Woot! It only seems like yesterday that I wandered in from the cold outreaches of the "net" and found myself cozied up in the Lair. It was like a homecoming to me. I visit the lair every morning before work and every evening when I come home. I don't always comment because, well, I just don't always have something to say...LOL

I have always loved to read but until meeting the Banditas I didn't realize the trials and tribulations authors have to go through to get a book in my hot little hand. I admire all of the Banditas, the published and yet to be published, the latter for their perseverance in attaining their goals. I don't know what I would do without the Banditas to check in with every day. What topic is going on the blog, who has another book coming out, who won what, what is happening in each Bandita's corner of the world. The "Lair" is an exciting place to be.


One of the biggest thrills of my life to date was getting to meet some of the Banditas (and the GR) in person. I hyperventilated for a week, then the great day came and I was a basket case, I dressed three times, I messed with my freshly curled hair until, sadly, it wasn't curled anymore! I put on make-up! Believe me, that is an occurence that doesn't happen every day. When I walked in the restaurant and was asked if I was with the Golden Rooster, wow, no words can describe that feeling.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am with the Golden Rooster."

Following the hostess back to the table I wanted to rush ahead, and then there they were, 4 Banditas in all their glory, another homecoming. Hugs all around and getting seated and me grinning like the Cheshire Cat the whole time. I had fan girl written all over me and didn't care one bit.


The Banditas are "good people" as my grandmother would have said. They are warm, compassionate people that happen to have an amazing talent. They don't sit and just write words, they put a little of themselves and their personalities into every story and in each "blog". They reach out and make every person that visits feel as if they are sitting in their own kitchen having a cuppa and chatting about whatever subject feels good that day. Where else can you go to get that feeling?

I visit every day because the Banditas need to know they are my heroines, their talents are appreciated, and the world is better because they care. When a person posts on the blog, that post is responded to, always. The Banditas acknowledge each and every person that posts, they want you to know you were noticed, no slipping in the back door and slipping out again. A personalized blog, who would of thunk it?


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Helen in Oz



What being a Bandita Buddy means to me?


It means friendship fun and laughter. I have visited pretty much everyday and there is usually a very good reason why I don't get there on a daily basis.

I was first introduced to the Bandits by The Incomparable FoAnna Anna Campbell whom I had "met" on another forum just before CTC was released. I will always be grateful for the friends I have made since visiting The Bandits. I have won many fantastic books and my massive TBR Pile has grown to mountainous proportions! Thanks to all of the wonderful Guest authors I have met along the way and the recomendations from The Bandits and Bandita Buddies.

And of course there's The Golden Rooster who has become such a wonderful pet to look after here and there and eat me out of Tim Tams LOL.


To each and every one of The Bandits and Bandita Buddies who have listened to me talk about my wonderful grandchildren and family, thank you for 3 wonderful years and here's to many many more.

I have just about all of your books that have been published and look forward to the day that I will have books from everyone of you. It will happen, you are all wonderful writers! I love visiting and hearing about all the interesting things that you and the guest bloggers all talk about.

I have been lucky enough to meet FoAnna in person a few times now and I look forward to meeting every one of you one day. You never know your luck in a big City and I buy lottery tickets every week so there is a chance! LOL.

There will also be another Australian Romance Readers Convention here in Sydney in 2011 and maybe some of you will be able to make it down under.


Huge congrats to you all on your 3rd anniversary!

Way to go, Ladies!


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Jane in NYC

Congrats on the third anniversary of the Romance Bandits blog. I wish I were more articulate and could write something poetic. It's a fun place to hang out and chat about books, movies and celebrities. I think the lyrics to the Cheers theme helps describe what being a Bandita Buddy is like.

Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.

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TerriO

When Aunty Cindy offered me the chance to take part in this blog, I instantly said yes. I was so fortunate to find this lovely group more than two years ago. I was new to writing and in the midst of a chaotic life. But I knew that every morning I could come here, read something funny or uplifting (usually both!) and my day would start with a smile.

The Lair is always ready for a celebration or to lift us when we’re down. But most of all, this group inspires me to keep going, to keep reaching for that dream of publication. I’ve worked in several different industries, but never found a community as generous as that of Romance writers. I am honored to be a Bandita Buddy and look forward to sharing many more years of fun and dreaming with the Romance Bandits.

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Patty PJ Ausdenmore

Wow! Three years already? It hardly seems possible. Cindy asked what being a Bandita Buddy means to me. At the beginning, I would have told you it meant starting, and usually ending, each day with a smile, discovering new authors and chatting with Bandits and fellow readers. Those facts are still true but over the years it's grown to mean much more.

Being a BB means gaining treasured friends; women who encourage, support and celebrate my achievements as well as each others. Yes, the daily smiles are still there along with chuckles and, sometimes, full-out belly laughs and I'm still being introduced to the fantastic authors who continue to feed my enormous to-be-read stash of books, not to mention all those books contributed by the talent that resides in the Lair.

But, most importantly, for me, being a BB means having a circle of women (and a few men), from across the world, who come together daily, in a warm and welcoming environment, to share a slice of life with friends.

Here's to the talented, gracious, wonderful women of the Lair! Congratulations on your third anniversary. Cento anni di salute e felicità! Wishing you 100 years of health and happiness!
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Thanks to Dianna, Helen, Jane, TerriO, and PJ for all your kind sentiments!

The Banditas and the Lair truly would not exist without the continued support of ALL our readers! Please share a favorite memory from the past three years. Or tell us what being a Bandita Buddy means to you!

We have a truly ginormous list of prizes to give away today!

An autographed copy of My Reckless Surrender (when released)
An autographed copy of Something Scandalous
A tony margareth journal
An autographed copy of The Seduction of a Duke
A Dark and Delicious gift package --autographed copies of Dark and Dangerous and Dark and Deadly and some dark chocolate.
An autographed copy of Heartbreak River
A tony margareth magnet and post-it notes
An autographed copy of The Treasures of Venice
An autographed copy of Blazing Bedtime Stories
Golden Rooster pin and ear rings
An autographed copy of Sweetest Little Sin
An autographed copy of Do You Take This Cop?

All you have to do to be eligible to win a prize is leave a comment!

And HUGE THANX from all us Banditas for making our three years THE GREATEST!Source URL: https://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Bandita%20Buddies
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