Kimberly Burke

The Ugly Truth

2009-08-04T14:04:00.002-04:00

The Ugly Truth is anything but Ugly!

Truly one of the most entertaining movies this year, the ugly truth brings the realities of the differences between men and women to life.

Though Katherine Heigl plays the same character she always plays, a neurotic control freak, the humor is taken to a new level by the awkward situations she continually finds herself in. It is even hard to determine which is my favorite the vibrating panties or the saving her cat from the tree. Does anyone actually do that anymore?

Normally Gerard Butler alone would guarantee my willingness to cough up the ten bucks to go to the movies, he made the film well worth it. Instead of the normal rugged adventurer stereotype, he pulls off the vulgar and chauvinistic character with a flare of charm few could muster.

The movie provides a collection of one-liners sure to infiltrate everyday discussions, starting with "The Bean."

Definitely 5 stars in my book and a surprising 4 1/2 from the hubby.

2009-02-13T23:47:00.005-05:00

Cruising with Dodd

I recently returned from the Florida Romance Writers annual conference aptly named “Cruise with Your Muse” and for me was exactly that. We all dream of meeting our favorite author, after all don’t writers starts as readers. The only difference is a writer takes the craft to heart and makes it their own by composing stories and creating characters.

The Conferences Keynote speaker Cristina Dodd is one of the many authors that inspired me to try my hand at writing. I confess I was nervous to meet Dodd especially since the only other time I met an author I admired she was less than welcoming. Yet when I got a glimpse of Dodd’s genuine smile I suspected she was different. With every intention of not drooling over her like a rabid fan I approached her only to have my friend shove me forward and announce to my horror, “Here is your greatest fan.” I cringed expecting the recoil of surprise accompanied by the raised eyebrows but all I received was a blush. Dodd’s eyes sparked with interest and she asked which book was my favorite. We spent the next thirty minutes discussing her books and upcoming projects.

In addition to Dodd, the conference attracted an excellent selection of agent & editors: Adam Wilson editor at MIRA books, Kerry Donovan from NAL, Rose Hilliard from St. Martin’s Press, Jessica Berry from Resplendence publishing, Holly Root from Waxman Agency, Raelene Gorlinski with Ellora’s Cave, Rhonda Penders with the Wild Rose Press and Miriam Kriss from the Irene Goodman Literary Agency. The intimate and friendly atmosphere of the ship provided many opportunities to get to know them and learn about their current interests. Pitch appointments were plentiful and numerous requests for manuscripts and partials were received.

The selection of over twenty different workshops over the two days covered craft topics; Taxes, Brainstorming, Psychics and much more, some of the presenters were Toni Andrews, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Carolyn Williamson, Rhonda Pollero, Judi McCoy and many more. The book signing was a grand success on the main promenade where all the ships passengers could purchase novels and greet their favorite authors.

My favorite event was the Floridian Idol where anonymous writers submitted the first 2 pages of their manuscripts for review. Each entry was read aloud and the agents and editors commented on what appealed to them and what did not. Even though I was not brave enough to submit my work, I walked away with a clear understanding of what makes a good first two pages.

When all the Conference activities winded down for the day the Navigator of the Seas offered a variety of entertainments, karaoke in the Cosmopolitan lounge with Heather Graham, boogieing on one of the many dance floors, or a taking a chance with lady luck in the ships casino. Where else but a cruise could you get a slice of pizza at 3am without pulling out your wallet.

The final evening wrapped up with a phenomenal speech from Christina Dodd. Had I not loved her books I would still have loved her after a speech that equated showing your manuscript to an editor with pulling down your “big girl pants” for an inspection.

Until 2011, I will have to bide my time comforted with only this link to remember my favorite conference yet…

http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc23/alekaleki/FRWCRUISE/?action=view&current=2a9f9782.pbr

How Polti inspired me....

2009-02-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

One of the most common questions asked of any writer is the all famous:
What made you decide to write? With each writer it can be different, for most it is a love of reading.
But what makes some readers transition from a reader to a writer, something inevitable sparks the need to set pencil to paper or in this day and age fingers to keyboard.

As a romance reader it never occurred to me that I could write. Yet in college I was introduced to an incredible book written by George Polti titled: Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations. My oh so stuffy English professor pointed out that this was an all encompassing list of every plot of every book, movie or story ever written. Being the typically rebellious youth that I was, I set out to prove my professor wrong.

With a list in hand of every movie and book I had every read or watched, I was able to match each item on my list to one plot or another, at times multiple plots applied. Having failed in this analysis, I was not giving up after all what did that snooty professor with his overly eager red felt tipped pen know?
I developed plots of my own, opening up a new world of possibilities. I dreamed and envisioned the many variations of themes and what I did notice was all the themes were historical and romantic. I learned a vast amount about my own creativity and a love I never knew I was capable of. To this day I refer to my plot lists for inspiration.

Thank you to all of the overbearing professor out there who force student to think instead of skate by.

I have heard that a few people out there have increased the list since my long ago days in college. Can you come up with a plot not listed?
1. Supplication
2. Deliverance
3. Crime Pursued by Vengeance
4. Vengeance Taken for Kindred Upon Kindred
5. Pursuit
6 Disaster
7. Falling Prey to Cruelty or Misfortune
8. Revolt
9. Daring Enterprise
10. Abduction
11. The Enigma
12. Obtaining
13. Enmity of Kinsmen
14. Rivalry of Kinsmen
15. Murderous Adultery
16. Madness
17. Fatal Imprudence
18. Involuntary Crimes of Love
19. Slaying of a Kinsman Unrecognized
20. Self-Sacrifice for an Ideal
21. Self-Sacrifice for Kindred
22. All Sacrificed for Passion
23. Necessity of Sacrificing Loved Ones
24. Rivalry of Superior and Inferior
25. Adultery
26. Crimes of Love
27. Discovery of the Dishonor of a Loved One
28. Obstacles to Love
29. An Enemy Loved
30. Ambition
31. Conflict with a God
32. Mistaken Jealousy
33. Erroneous Judgment
34. Remorse
35. Recovery of a Lost One
36. Loss of Loved Ones

I recommend the book for more details on each plot.

New changes

2008-07-24T16:03:00.003-04:00

Thanks for stopping by...
On a personal note I just send out my Manuscript to Harlequin, cross your fingers for me, hopefully Pursued will meet with their approval. I will be posting an excerpt from the book next week.
Site wise I am sure you noticed some updates. I am constantly developing the site and should have some reviews and the dictionaries set up by next week. Stop by and share your thoughts with me.
I am off to an exculsive writing retreat next weekend and hope to come back with some retreat pointers to blog about.

Have a great weekend and keep reading & writing...

Site launch...

2008-06-25T10:52:00.008-04:00

Hello and welcome to my blog.

With my love of history I hope to provide an all encompassing site of interest and titillation. Blog updates will include topics such as:
Reviews of historical reference materials
The trials and tribulations of an aspiring writer
Slang terms from different time periods

Read on for further details...

Reviews of historical reference materials:
I am certain we have each experienced the misfortune of purchasing a book intended to increase our understanding of history, politics or society only to be disappointed by a deathly dull author, not enough detail or repetitive information that you read in 50 other books.
Each reference blog will include: a brief summary of book and nuggets of gold. I will also rate them on: value vs purchase price, enjoyability of read, and use as a historical reference tool.

Coming soon reviews:
Harris’s List of Convent Garden Ladies: Sex in the city in Georgian Britain: A best selling book in the 18th century, details the names and "specialities" of the capital’s prostitutes.

"Grandeur in Great Britain" by Charles Spencer, Current Earl of Spencer. Include pictures and information about Althorp which has been in the family for 500 years.

The Diary of a Country Parson: James Woodforde: In the time of the French Revolution and the American War of Independence, take a look into the like of a simple country parson.

Journals and Letters: Burney, Frances: covers the period of 1768 to 1839 and her opinions and view of the society around her.

The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines: excellent writing guide exploring the characteristic Hero's and Heroines, their interaction, and the combination potentials.

Trials and Tribulations of an Aspiring Writer:
Conferences Reviews, already blogged Romantic Times Review
Good Internet groups
Things we learn along the way

Slang terms from different time periods:
Current project is regency listings A & B
Future posts after regency will move on to medieval terminology

Come back and visit us soon and wish me luck I am sending off my WIP this week to Harlequin.

2008-04-28T14:09:00.006-04:00

Recently returned from Romantic Times, I must tell you I was unprepared in the extreme. As a Virgin attendee, yeah I was able to trot that term out one more time, the revelry and friendliness of others was fabulous.

Memorable moments:
Seeing someone get beat in the hotel bar with a cat o' nine tails and acappella karaoke in the bar.

Advice to other virgins:
GO FOR IT!!!! Go all the way! Spend the money, buy the costumes, you will NOT be the most outrageous person there and if you are WOW. Where else can you see Marilyn Monroe and Carmen Miranda the same night? Fairies with wings bigger than the wearer!
I admit I am a details person so all I could think of was how these people brought the wings in their suitcase.....the mystery was revealed later, they shipped the ahead. I would never have thought of that.

Workshops & Chats:
The Erotica POV workshop, we got off topic and discussed what words you can and can not use was interesting and started as a you should never use the C*** word or T*** word but by the end they were openly saying any and all terms as the one guy on the panel blushed furiously. Not to mention the off track topics we wandered into.
Loved the informal author chats, it really helped you connect with the authors.

Disappointing moment:
Meeting my idol... Now I am talking I have been reading her stuff for over 10 years. I am not a rabid fan who corners people in bars. I had no intention of seeking her out but she was on a panel at a workshop. After the workshop I went up and wanted to tell her how much her books meant to me and how inspiring they were....she totally blew me off. Sadly I was so insulted I will never purchase her books again.

Nicest Author:
It is a tie between Galean Foley and Kat Martin. They were both nice and genuine.

Finally I would like to give a shout out to my acapella karaoke partners.....lets print some lyrics out next time.....