Author Archives: Elena Greene

About Elena Greene

Elena Greene grew up reading anything she could lay her hands on, including her mother's Georgette Heyer novels. She also enjoyed writing but decided to pursue a more practical career in software engineering. Fate intervened when she was sent on a three year international assignment to England, where she was inspired to start writing romances set in the Regency. Her books have won the National Readers' Choice Award, the Desert Rose Golden Quill and the Colorado Romance Writers' Award of Excellence. Her Super Regency, LADY DEARING'S MASQUERADE, won RT Book Club's award for Best Regency Romance of 2005 and made the Kindle Top 100 list in 2011. When not writing, Elena enjoys swimming, cooking, meditation, playing the piano, volunteer work and craft projects. She lives in upstate New York with her two daughters and more yarn, wire and beads than she would like to admit.

Flash Sale for Charity!

Updated on December 9, 2016 by Elena Greene

Hello. Last week fellow Risky Gail posted about being busy with church lady activities. I’m in the same situation right now, getting ready for my congregation’s annual Holiday Art and Gift Sale. If I’d had time, I would have looked up what Regency ladies did for charity but frankly I don’t have the time. I’m sure some of them did get involved. I don’t imagine them creating crafts for sale, but I do remember reading about things like embroidering altar cloths and delivering baskets to the poor.

This year I am particularly glad to be helping. My Unitarian Universalist congregation has seen an influx of new members recently, not surprising as we strive to create a welcoming, nurturing space for all people and all sorts of families. So my work with the Children & Youth Programs committee and fundraising feels like a small but positive way to help.

Here are a few of the beaded snowflakes and other ornaments that I bring to the sale.

Over the last few years, I’ve also been invited to bring my paperbacks. This year, I’m also running a Flash e-book sale. All my ebooks will be priced at 99 cents through Monday, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and All Romance Ebooks. So if you haven’t tried one of them, you can get them at a bargain price and know that I will be donating my author share to my congregation. You can find links to all my books on my website, www.elenagreene.com or just go to your favorite online bookstore and type in my name.

I’m also looking forward to seeing what the other vendors are bringing. Last year I bought a lovely pendant made out of vintage buttons. This year I’m looking forward to getting some artisan soaps made by friends. Do you enjoy holiday bazaars like this and what are your favorite things to shop for?

Elena

Author Websites

Updated on November 11, 2016 by Elena Greene

I’m putting some serious thought into a long-needed upgrade to my rather lamentably home-made website, www.elenagreene.com and I’d love to have some input from readers.

Of course it is important to have a website that is uncluttered and easy to navigate. Although I personally don’t care to surf the web on my phone, but I know a lot of people do, so it’s also looking important to have a site that is mobile-friendly.

As for style, I’ve been looking through a lot of historical romance authors’ websites to get ideas of what might work for mine. One of my favorites is our own Risky Diane’s website at www.dianegaston.com. Here’s a screenshot. I think it’s elegant and has a romantic, historical feel without being too busy or flowery.

Some other website along these lines include: www.lorettachase.com and www.janmarieanello.com.

I also do happen to enjoy sites that have more imagery, including romantic couples and stately homes. Some examples: www.sarahmaclean.net and www.cynthiawrightauthor.com.

I’ve also noticed that some sites combine simple, elegant graphics with an author portrait. Examples: www.eloisajames.com and www.tessadare.com. I’d probably want to get a new headshot for this type of site, although that might be a good idea anyway.

So I’d love to hear what you think.

How often do you visit author websites?

Occasionally (a few times a year) (50%, 7 Votes)
Often (at least once a month) (36%, 5 Votes)
Rarely (14%, 2 Votes)
Never (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 14

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Where do you most often view author websites?

laptop or desktop computer (62%, 8 Votes)
tablet (31%, 4 Votes)
a mix (8%, 1 Votes)
mobile phone (0%, 0 Votes)
I don't visit author websites. (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 13

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What style of historical romance website do you most enjoy?

I don't care as long as I can find what I want (46%, 6 Votes)
Simple, elegant graphics (38%, 5 Votes)
Romantic images of people and scenery (8%, 1 Votes)
Other (please explain in comments) (8%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 13

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How do you feel about having the author's portrait on the main page?

I don't care one way or another. (46%, 6 Votes)
I like seeing the author's portrait on the main page. (38%, 5 Votes)
It's OK to just have the author portrait on the bio page. (15%, 2 Votes)
I'd rather not see the author portrait. (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 13

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Please feel free to comment on any of your answers and let me know if there’s anything else you think is important.
Thanks!
Elena

Regency Treasures in Worcester, MA

Updated on October 15, 2016 by Elena Greene

Last weekend, I enjoyed a visit to the Worcester Museum of Art. It’s not a huge museum like another favorite, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, but it has interesting collections, laid out and presented in a way that encourages conversation. My daughters and I had a lot of interesting discussions while going through the galleries at the leisurely pace we all enjoy.

This museum has an interesting collection of arms and armor, where this sword caught my eye. Labeled “Smallsword, about 1790”, it’s attributed to Josiah Wedgewood or possibly Matthew Boulton. I love jasperware and own a few modern pieces, and I’m always amazed to find it decorating unexpected items. In the MFA in Boston, there’s a pianoforte with jasperware medallions. Here, a sword.

Another treasure is this painting of “Mr. and Mrs. James Dunlop” by Sir Thomas Lawrence, who’s credited with painting portraits of some of our fictitious Regency characters as well as the real ones. The painting is dated 1825, which surprises me a little. Her dress seems earlier. Perhaps any costume experts here could weigh in? In any case, it’s a lovely image, something like I imagine our happy couples might look like.

I also love “The Banks of the Loire”, by Joseph Mallord Turner, exhibited in 1829. It has such a romantic feel!

I always feel inspired after visiting art museums. Has anyone else visited this one? What did you think? Do you have any favorite lesser-known gems like this one?

Elena

P.S. I now have a free sampler of my work, if you’d like to try before you buy. It’s available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and All Romance Ebooks.

Posted in Regency, Research | Tagged Joseph Mallord Turner, Josiah Wedgewood, Matthew Boulton, Thomas Lawrence, Worcester Museum of Art | 2 Replies

Coming back, slowly

Updated on August 11, 2016 by Elena Greene

Hello all! I’m sorry that I haven’t been around much of this year. Life has been more than ordinarily challenging–maybe I’ll share some of the story someday.

What I can tell right now is that once again I’m working on a comeback. I’ve some experience at this already, having made two creative recoveries in the past, and this time I am more strongly motivated than ever. Perhaps over the next few years, I’ll even surprise myself. I hope so!

One of the first steps I’ve taken was heading out to this year’s RWA conference in San Diego. I know about a month has passed, but you may still enjoy some pics from the Beau Monde (Regency special interest chapter) soiree. Here are some of the members, including me, posing in our Regency garb.

And here I am with Cara King, author of My Lady Gamester and past Risky, along with Sir Reginald Scott, the rakish cousin of author Regina Scott.

Some of us helped out with a video used as part of the RITA and Golden Heart ceremony. Here’s the video from Youtube. Check us out at about 15:15.

Since RWA, I have been starting work on several projects. More on that soon! And it’s nice to be back. 🙂
Elena

Posted in Regency, Writing | Tagged Beau Monde, RWA Nationals | 3 Replies

Almost back

Updated on May 13, 2016 by Elena Greene

Over a year ago, I wrote this post about needing to take time away from the writing to deal with personal issues. Louisa Cornell made the comment that not only did I need to refill the well, but that I might be needing to dig a whole new one. That isn’t a bad way to look at how I have spent this past year. I’m getting close and look forward to becoming a regular again here by some time this summer.

I did get the chance to meet with some local writer friends for our annual spring retreat, so I’ll leave you with this view of Taughannock Falls, which has become a sacred place to me.