Tracy Grant

Definitely sounds like there's a novel in there!

That makes sense. But I did attempt not to have the jealousy be too overpowering - and one review commented that it was refreshing the story didn't play too much into jealous rivalry.

I love themes for the chats! I can't always find an overarcing theme, but I try!

Oh wow! There are some great books on bookshelves in hotels and hair salons and places like that. Also being an au pair in Greece sounds like great fodder for another book...

Love the theme of the chat!

That sounds like a really interesting book!

I had the same thought!

I haven't read that but keep meaning to!

It's a great movie!

Hi! I'm finishing a draft too - it's exciting - and can seem to go on forever!

That's definitely a good place to start! Sometimes I'll build a character by playing against what seems obvious for their profession though.

Yes! And I often have to write a character to explore the flaws.

I hadn't even thought of that but that definitely would be a challenge of scifi!

Those are both great ways to weave in backstory!

I usually do the same - and usually to move back to what I have in mind, I have to backtrack and change the character.

Yes!

That totally sounds like a novel!

Have you seen Gigi? There's a scene where the heroine's courtesan great-aunt is showing her her jewels - her life savings essentially.

Fairly far into my series the hero's prior love interest shows up. The heroine wouldn't be human if she didn't feel twinges of jealousy. But I tried to play against obvious tropes. (And they end up becoming friends).

That is such a good point! My series MC has led a very unconventional life though she is masquerading as more conventional. She forms friendships with women from a much more domestic background.

Those are both very intriguing!

Very powerful set up!

Can't believe your oldest is 9! And the book sounds very fun!

Hi! Impressed with your multi-tasking. Also we are volunteering at a reproductive rights luncheon Friday - your book seems very apropos!

M: Talia, the heroine of my main series. T: Mélanie Rannoch, ht heroine of my series. But I do really enjoy writing about real historical women in the series, notably Dorothée Talleyrant, Tsarina Elisabeth of Russia, and Hortense Bonaparte. #momswritersclub

T: Eliza Bennet - relatable. And smart. Beatrice - witty, relatable, and smart. Kate Wyler - tough, relatable, and smart. #momswritersclub

M: Eliza Bennet,stubborn in the best way possible. Amari Peters, incredibly intelligent & observant. Hero, a lot of things are decided for her & we are left to speculate. Beatrice, she makes sure her opinion is heard. Cimorene, runs away from her royal life to work for dragon. #momswritersclub

T: that they are complex and not solely focused on domestic issues (which can especially tricky in historicals). #momswritersclub

M: I have to admit I work w/an extremely limited cast of characters so the female relationships are mostly between the two love interests. I'm actually not sure if I've written female relationships that are just friends & not family or romantic. #momswritersclub

T: very - especially when it comes to sorting out who she is beyond being a spy and how she feels about staying her marriage.Imperial Scandal has a thread about Mélanie Rannoch and Cordelia Davenport, who have betrayed their husbands in different ways bonding during Waterloo. #momswritersclub