Website has been updated, and the “I Do!” anthology has now it’s own site as well

12 January, 2009 at 6:08 pm (books, charity, pscl, website, writing) (, , , , , , )

I’ve updated my website, added a few bits here and a few there and hope it’s now easier to navigate. I’ve put up links to various “freebies” – free reading material and excerpts from my upcoming books. All this and more can be found here:

EMMA’S PORT OF REGISTRY

The “I Do!” anthology has now its own website as well, courtesy Chris Smith. Information on the purpose, the authors – and there are excerpts as well.

I DO! YES! REALLY!

The e-book version of “I Do!” is available already, the print edition should follow on 21 January. I’ll keep you posted.

Permalink Leave a Comment

“I Do!” anthology is available for sale now, and it includes one of my stories.

3 January, 2009 at 1:54 am (books, charity, pscl, writing) (, , , , , , , , , )

The “I Do!” anthology
is now available for sale at
All Romance eBooks!

Two people of legal age who are in love with each other have the right to get married if they wish to do so, period. As far as I’m concerned, any person and organisation who fights love in this world full of hate is a danger to the public.

That’s why I support this fantastic project, which gave those of us who can’t protest “on location” against hare-brained propositions like California’s No. 8 the chance to support those who take a stand. And you can be supportive, too, and get a book full of great stories in return. That’s what I call an excellent deal!

The following authors have donated stories to the “I DO!” anthology in support of Lambda Legal Fund, which will receive all profits from the anthology. Printing and distribution costs have been kindly donated by MLR Press.

Tracey Pennington, Alex Beecroft, Charlie Cochrane, Clare London, Storm Grant, Lisabet Sarai, Sharon Maria Bidwell, Jeanne Barrack, Marquesate, Z.A Maxfield, P.A Brown, Allison Wonderland, Erastes, Zoe Nichols and Cassidy Ryan, Emma Collingwood (hey! That’s me!), Mallory Path, Jerry L. Wheeler, Moondancer Drake, Fiona Glass, Lee Rowan.

The story I’ve contributed is called “Semi-detached”, and set in modern London, it features characters from my upcoming book “The Purser, the Surgeon, the Captain and his Lieutenant”. Is gay marriage a matter of  equality, commitment or home improvement? Thomas comes to the conclusion that it’s all about knocking down walls.

“Semi-detached” features James, Thomas and Sebastian, the characters from “The Purser, the Surgeon, the Captain and his Lieutenant”. The story is set in modern London, and here’s a short excerpt:

“The working class has arrived,” Sebastian announced, “looking cranky as usual, but he bought beer. Good man.”
Upon noticing Thomas’ black eye and split lip, Sebastian arched an eyebrow.
“The proletariat’s been struggling. What happened, mate?”

“I Do!” offers something for everybody, from sweet to hot and funny to touching. Order the e-book now, or wait for the print edition which should be out by the end of January (the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!) – or hey, why not just buy BOTH?

For more information, including of one-line blurbs for the stories, please visit the “I Do!” page on my website, or check out this entry in Alex Beecroft ’s LJ. She got this whole thing moving.

Please feel free to link, forward, spread and herald to whoever and wherever you feel it makes sense. All profits go to Lambda, we’re not keeping anything for ourselves.

Permalink Leave a Comment

My short story is finished! And some links…

11 December, 2008 at 10:34 am (books, meta, pscl, writing) (, , , , , )

Permalink Leave a Comment

A new community – mine!

5 November, 2008 at 10:57 pm (blackwood, book reviews, books, colin wood, jackdaw, meta, promotion, pscl, radiant boy, review, writing) (, , , )

WordPress is not very discussion-friendly – if anything, the format represents an oversized soapbox for people who like to hold monologues.

But that’s over now! Well, almost. I created my own community, and you are cordially invited to join, lurk on or ignore

[info]p_s_c_l

What you can expect to read there are excerpts, short stories and drabbles, the odd review (it happens), art etc. There will also be some posts about my research on naval history and 18th century Britain in general, articles I’ve written and so on and so forth. What I expect in return is honesty. Look, I know some folks are touchy when it comes to their work, and I understand it, but if you think I’ve goofed it up and wrote nonsense, tell me. The cult of nice is not for me.

I write Age of Sail adventure with paranormal elements and gay romance. Don’t give me that look, my stories are good. Not my fault if there are prejudices towards certain genres. Give it a try, you might like it. It’s a bit like Marmite.

Permalink Leave a Comment

Meta: “The Kick-Ass Heroine Just Left The Ship” – do we hate women and sugar-coat history?

28 October, 2008 at 10:01 pm (macaronis, meta, writing) (, , )

I’ve written an article for the wonderful Macaronis:

“The Kick-Ass Heroine Just Left The Ship” – do we hate women and sugar-coat history?

To them, romance is icky. It’s not intellectual. It’s written by women wearing fedoras and read by women with no career or too much time at hand. Romance is the equivalent to stepping barefoot on a slug.

My evil socialist feminist thoughts on historical gay romance, let me show you them…

Permalink Leave a Comment

New Yahoo Group “Speak Its Name” – Grand Opening!

27 October, 2008 at 8:13 pm (books, macaronis, promotion, writing) (, , , )

Erastes has put this in words so beautifully; I simply quote and add that I’ll be there too, would love to see you ’round and LET’S HAVE FUN!

* * *

It is with great pleasure that The Macaronis, purveyors of fine historical romance out of the closet, announce the grand opening of `Speak Its Name’ chat group

To be located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpeakItsN, this is a group for the enjoyment, discussion, and promotion of GLBT Historical Romance fiction. Discerning adults are most welcome to join us.

There will be a splendid inaugural celebration on Friday 31st October, where a dazzling array of authors – Lee Rowan, Alex Beecroft, Charlie Cochrane, Erastes, Mark Probst, Emma Collingwood and Margaret Leigh, to name but a few – will be on hand to ply you with wit, wisdom and goodies. Your attendance is most warmly anticipated. R.S.V.P.

By which we mean: Friday 31st October sees the grand opening of the Speak Its Name Yahoo group, for the enjoyment, discussion, and promotion of Gay Historical Romance fiction. Come and join The Macaronis for the celebrations – there’ll be authors, goodies and fun galore.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpeakItsName

* * *
You can already register now, though the group will not officially open its doors before Friday. Don’t be late to the party! :-)

Permalink Leave a Comment

Freebie-Story: “MANCO” or THE FINANCIAL CRISIS EXPLAINED BY SEBASTIAN QUINN, PURSER

13 October, 2008 at 10:44 pm (books, promotion, pscl, website, writing) (, , , , )

Read a short story featuring the characters from my upcoming book “The Purser, The Surgeon, The Captain And His Lieutenant”. The story itself won’t be included in the book, but here it is, available online for free. Though set in the 18th century, it’s very up-to-date…

Author: Emma Collingwood
Rating: PG
Genre: Original
Characters: Captain James Denningham, Purser Sebastian Quinn
Warnings: none
Feedback: Sure! Keep it coming, good or bad!
Summary: Sebastian Quinn takes artistic liberties with the mess book of HMS Selkie.

“MANCO” or THE FINANCIAL CRISIS EXPLAINED BY SEBASTIAN QUINN, PURSER

Have fun!

Permalink Leave a Comment

Reminder: Charity Auction Ends Today!

6 October, 2008 at 3:06 pm (books, charity, radiant boy, writing) (, , , , , , , , , , , , )

The charity auction on ebay for the Morpeth Lions Club Flood Fund will end today. There’s still time to place your bids! Many thanks to all those who have supported the auction.

Read the rest of this entry »

Permalink Leave a Comment

Auction starts! Handwritten story by Emma Collingwood, illustration by Amandine de Villeneuve!

26 September, 2008 at 9:24 pm (books, charity, radiant boy, writing) (, , , )

Today’s the 260th birthday of Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood. What better date to start a charity auction that will hopefully raise a bit of money for the Morpeth Lions Club Flood Fund? Morpeth was, after all, the place where he spent some of his happiest days. And we’re geeks. :)

You have now the chance to bid on two unique items.

OUR WEBSITE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CHARITY

AUCTION I: ORIGINAL GEORGIAN ROYAL NAVY GHOST STORY BY EMMA COLLINGWOOD

Be the first person to read “Last Service”, one of four Georgian Royal Navy Ghost Stories from the upcoming book by Emma Collingwood! Not a printout, mind you – the tale comes handwritten (in ink, of course!) on 18th century-style, handmade, heavy cream-coloured paper (courtesy Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing). The paper alone has a value of ~ £ 30.00.

“Last Service”, set aboard HMS Victory, honours the tradition of the classic 18th and 19th century ghost stories as well as the memory of the men who served on her.

AUCTION II: ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION BY AMANDINE DE VILLENEUVE

The drawing shows Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood and his dog “Bounce”. The technique is “ink and wash”; umbra-coloured, waterproof ink on heavy, cream-coloured handmade paper (60% cotton, 40% flax, ages well). This is the original illustration to go with “Last Service”.

Many people in Morpeth have to rebuild their lives from scratch. Every bit helps, so please, do spread the word, post a link to either the website or this entry here in communities where it fits, herald the news, shout it from the roof and/or the fighting top. Thank you so much in advance for your support!

With the festive season just around the corner, this is a wonderful chance to get a very special present for that Age of Sail aficionado in your life. :)

Permalink Leave a Comment

Writing. Means: BY HAND. Ouch.

23 September, 2008 at 8:17 pm (charity, radiant boy, writing) (, , )

My respect for medieval monks and those of you who write their books by hand first before typing the final version on the computer has reached an unmeasurable level. I just finished “Last Service”, the story I’ll put up for auction for the Morpeth Flood Fund, and though it’s a short story, I feel as if I’d written a 100′000 words novel. Now I’m scouting the kitchen for chocolate; I deserve it.

I’m very happy with the outcome, though – writing with quill and ink on handmade paper adds a new perspective to the writing experience. As goofy as it might sound, it’s almost sensual.

THAT’S WHAT THE HANDWRITTEN STORY LOOKS LIKE

That’s the official auction information site, btw., so feel free to forward it and pass it on. Some fabulous news: Mlle Amandine de Villeneuve will donate her original illustration for the story, so there will be two auctions!

I’m very nervous – I wonder how that auction will go. The charity auction for the Christmas presents will be on in October. So much to do, so little time…

Permalink Leave a Comment

Next page »